It is New Year's Eve, and tonight I'm gonna party like its 1999. No, not because I like Prince, various shades of purple, or am afraid of Y2K. The reason is that the Redskins are the NFC East champions for the first time since 1999! Last night's beatdown of the hated Dallas Cowboys was a thing of beauty. I have never seen rookies have such a big impact on changing the culture of a team as I have this season.
Yes, all the credit should go to RG3, Alfred Morris, Kai Forbath and the players. Why, you ask, am I still not thrilled with the coaching staff? Well... Really, it is still all Kyle Shanahan. I am amazed the entire DC area didn't hear me when the Skins were passing on 3rd down with less than 6 minutes left in the game. I am a big fan of clock management, when done correctly. Kyle Shanahan still doesn't get that. I find it crazy that a man can be called a genius when his schemes have failed for two seasons, and only when a paradigm-shifting QB and rookie class comes in does it succeed. Perhaps, then, it was the players that came together and willed this team to an NFC East title. I like to think it was.
But, enough about the problems this team still may have. Instead, let us praise the players that shined in this winning season. The rookies are wonderful. RG3 is a superstar and a Pro Bowler. Alfred Morris has the record for most rushing yards by a Redskin. Kai Forbath rarely missed a kick, which is more than we have been able to say for the past few seasons. Their play even improved some of the veterans. Trent Williams (somehow) became a Pro Bowl left tackle! Logan Paulsen not only developed into a solid pass-catching tight end, but was also an integral part of the blocking scheme. Santana Moss looked rejuvenated. Pierre Garcon, when healthy, gave the team the big play threat it needed.
On the defensive side of the ball, not enough can be said about London Fletcher. He is a god among men. If he isn't a Hall of Fame linebacker, then I don't know what is. He has led his team in tackles for 14 seasons. He has a Super Bowl ring. He has never missed a game. He is the smartest player in football, great character guy, and an unquestioned leader. This oft-injured, fairly porous defense would not have come together without him.
So, celebrate for a week, DC. We have the NFC East title. And maybe we can break our bad streak against the Seahawks on Sunday. HAIL!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
A Weekend Recap: 12-9-12
Here is a quick look at the weekend that was in sports:
- Navy beat Army for the 11th straight season. Unfortunately, instead of concentrating on Navy's joy, all CBS did was show Army's QB, Trent Steelman, breaking down on the sidelines after his team fumbled away a win. I felt bad for the kid. The broadcasters felt bad. And yet the producers insisted on keeping the camera on him. At some point, we have to remember that college football players are just kids, like we all were. They should not have to endure the same type of media scrutiny and coverage that the pros do. Show Tom Brady emotional on the sideline after a game. That's fine. He has chosen to make himself a public figure and his play made him a superstar. Steelman is a kid whose football career ended that day, and will now go off and defend all of us. The least we could have done is shown a little class and let him cry in peace. Shame on you, CBS, and shame on us for letting it get this bad.
- The Redskins beat the Ravens, with Kirk Cousins throwing the game tying TD pass. Go figure. RG3 hurt his knee, but it should be fine (according to reports).
- Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning are in a 2-man battle for Comeback Player of the Year. They are also the leaders for the MVP. This is crazy. I give it to Manning just because he already led his team to a division title, but I think splitting both awards wouldn't be a bad idea.
- Johnny Manziel won the Heisman. He wasn't my pick. I would have voted for Manti Te'o. Honestly, if the best defensive player in football, who led the #1 team in the country to the title game after overcoming huge personal losses mid-season, AND happened to go to Notre Dame (ergo having the massive fanbase and exposure) can't win the Heisman, it really should just be an offensive award. No pure defender will win it if Te'o didn't with his resume and reputation.
- Syracuse is going bowling! This isn't really big news, since we knew a few weeks ago. The real news is that we will be playing West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl. For those unfamiliar with the rivalry, we have played WVU every year since 1955. Last season, we destroyed them on national TV, and then they went to the Big XII. Everyone thought the rivalry was done. Not so fast my friend! Yankee Stadium, December 29th, the Steinbrenner Trophy is up for grabs. The only shame is that the Schwartzwalder Trophy, which Cuse and WVU have been playing for since 1993, will not be at the game. Orange coach Doug Marrone said Cuse will keep it out of respect for the bowl game. Of course, I only say its a shame if we were to win the bowl game. If we lose, screw it, we get to keep the Schwartz! You want it? Schedule us!
- The Rays and Royals pulled off a huge trade tonight. KC is sending some of its best prospects to Tampa for James Shields and Wade Davis. I have no idea if this will help KC at all, because they still don't have great hitting and have to play in the same division as the Tigers and White Sox, but it is great for the Rays. They were shopping Shields and Davis anyway. Now, they get some very highly ranked prospects. They keep rebuilding. You have to think that, at some point, they will be back in the World Series. Hopefully after the Nationals win. Speaking of my team...
- The Nationals signed Dan Haren to a one-year deal. I love this move. They didn't have to trade anyone away for Shields, and get a pitcher who (when healthy) is just as good. Haren is a 3-time All Star who would be a #2 on any other team. For us, he is our #4 or 5, depending on how well Ross Detwiler does in a full season. The only move left for the Nationals, after trading for Denard Span to solidify the outfield and give us a true leadoff man, is to solve the issue at first base. Do we re-sign LaRoche? Do we trade Morse? I wish we could keep everyone, of course. Just bring me that title, Nats!
- There is still no hockey. There will not be hockey this year. Just accept it. There is no incentive for the players to cave because they can make just as much money playing in Russia or Europe. The owners, in my mind, don't understand this. It is a shame, of course, because what is my spring without the Caps getting my hopes up only to choke in Game 7 of Round 2 in the playoffs?
- There is still the NBA. To be honest, I haven't been following it much because the Wizards are awful (though they beat the Heat) and because football is still going on. I understand the Lakers aren't doing well, but the Knicks are. It is December, so we shouldn't make any huge conclusions yet. I just know that the most interesting story in the NBA is about a team changing its name...
- The New Orleans Pelicans? Really? Ok, let's be real for a second. In a fair world, the New Orleans team would be able to buy back the name Jazz from Utah. Utah doesn't have any jazz. Hell, I don't even think they are allowed to play music in Utah! I imagine the entire state is like the town from Footloose. So, New Orleans gets to be the Jazz. Charlotte could decide if they got "Hornets" back or stayed the Bobcats. Then, the question would be what to name Utah's NBA team. My answer? The Hornets! Stay with me now. Utah is (apparently) The Beehive State. Doesn't it make sense that they would be called the Hornets? Ignore the Bobcats, and just do a straight up name switch between New Orleans and Utah. Everyone wins! David Stern is retiring right? Let me be the new commish. I will get this done.
- Manny Pacquiao got knocked the f- out on Saturday night. With 1 second left in Round 6, Juan Manuel Marquez connected with a strong right that dropped the (former) best fighter in the world. He went down hard. He ended up being fine, but Marquez made a huge statement by knocking Pac-man out. If you can find the highlights of the fight somewhere, do so. It was fun.
That's all I got tonight. Enjoy your week!
- Navy beat Army for the 11th straight season. Unfortunately, instead of concentrating on Navy's joy, all CBS did was show Army's QB, Trent Steelman, breaking down on the sidelines after his team fumbled away a win. I felt bad for the kid. The broadcasters felt bad. And yet the producers insisted on keeping the camera on him. At some point, we have to remember that college football players are just kids, like we all were. They should not have to endure the same type of media scrutiny and coverage that the pros do. Show Tom Brady emotional on the sideline after a game. That's fine. He has chosen to make himself a public figure and his play made him a superstar. Steelman is a kid whose football career ended that day, and will now go off and defend all of us. The least we could have done is shown a little class and let him cry in peace. Shame on you, CBS, and shame on us for letting it get this bad.
- The Redskins beat the Ravens, with Kirk Cousins throwing the game tying TD pass. Go figure. RG3 hurt his knee, but it should be fine (according to reports).
- Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning are in a 2-man battle for Comeback Player of the Year. They are also the leaders for the MVP. This is crazy. I give it to Manning just because he already led his team to a division title, but I think splitting both awards wouldn't be a bad idea.
- Johnny Manziel won the Heisman. He wasn't my pick. I would have voted for Manti Te'o. Honestly, if the best defensive player in football, who led the #1 team in the country to the title game after overcoming huge personal losses mid-season, AND happened to go to Notre Dame (ergo having the massive fanbase and exposure) can't win the Heisman, it really should just be an offensive award. No pure defender will win it if Te'o didn't with his resume and reputation.
- Syracuse is going bowling! This isn't really big news, since we knew a few weeks ago. The real news is that we will be playing West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl. For those unfamiliar with the rivalry, we have played WVU every year since 1955. Last season, we destroyed them on national TV, and then they went to the Big XII. Everyone thought the rivalry was done. Not so fast my friend! Yankee Stadium, December 29th, the Steinbrenner Trophy is up for grabs. The only shame is that the Schwartzwalder Trophy, which Cuse and WVU have been playing for since 1993, will not be at the game. Orange coach Doug Marrone said Cuse will keep it out of respect for the bowl game. Of course, I only say its a shame if we were to win the bowl game. If we lose, screw it, we get to keep the Schwartz! You want it? Schedule us!
- The Rays and Royals pulled off a huge trade tonight. KC is sending some of its best prospects to Tampa for James Shields and Wade Davis. I have no idea if this will help KC at all, because they still don't have great hitting and have to play in the same division as the Tigers and White Sox, but it is great for the Rays. They were shopping Shields and Davis anyway. Now, they get some very highly ranked prospects. They keep rebuilding. You have to think that, at some point, they will be back in the World Series. Hopefully after the Nationals win. Speaking of my team...
- The Nationals signed Dan Haren to a one-year deal. I love this move. They didn't have to trade anyone away for Shields, and get a pitcher who (when healthy) is just as good. Haren is a 3-time All Star who would be a #2 on any other team. For us, he is our #4 or 5, depending on how well Ross Detwiler does in a full season. The only move left for the Nationals, after trading for Denard Span to solidify the outfield and give us a true leadoff man, is to solve the issue at first base. Do we re-sign LaRoche? Do we trade Morse? I wish we could keep everyone, of course. Just bring me that title, Nats!
- There is still no hockey. There will not be hockey this year. Just accept it. There is no incentive for the players to cave because they can make just as much money playing in Russia or Europe. The owners, in my mind, don't understand this. It is a shame, of course, because what is my spring without the Caps getting my hopes up only to choke in Game 7 of Round 2 in the playoffs?
- There is still the NBA. To be honest, I haven't been following it much because the Wizards are awful (though they beat the Heat) and because football is still going on. I understand the Lakers aren't doing well, but the Knicks are. It is December, so we shouldn't make any huge conclusions yet. I just know that the most interesting story in the NBA is about a team changing its name...
- The New Orleans Pelicans? Really? Ok, let's be real for a second. In a fair world, the New Orleans team would be able to buy back the name Jazz from Utah. Utah doesn't have any jazz. Hell, I don't even think they are allowed to play music in Utah! I imagine the entire state is like the town from Footloose. So, New Orleans gets to be the Jazz. Charlotte could decide if they got "Hornets" back or stayed the Bobcats. Then, the question would be what to name Utah's NBA team. My answer? The Hornets! Stay with me now. Utah is (apparently) The Beehive State. Doesn't it make sense that they would be called the Hornets? Ignore the Bobcats, and just do a straight up name switch between New Orleans and Utah. Everyone wins! David Stern is retiring right? Let me be the new commish. I will get this done.
- Manny Pacquiao got knocked the f- out on Saturday night. With 1 second left in Round 6, Juan Manuel Marquez connected with a strong right that dropped the (former) best fighter in the world. He went down hard. He ended up being fine, but Marquez made a huge statement by knocking Pac-man out. If you can find the highlights of the fight somewhere, do so. It was fun.
That's all I got tonight. Enjoy your week!
Monday, November 26, 2012
NCAA Conference Draft
So, with all of the recent realignment news in the NCAA (Maryland and Rutgers to the Big 10 (14), rumors of possibly Louisville, UCONN and Cincy to the ACC, or Flroida State and Clemson to the SEC or Big 10, etc...) my favorite basketball coach had a fun idea. Sure, Jim Boeheim said the idea in the middle of a rant about teams moving conferences and never being satisfied, but he had a dandy of a notion. He said (jokingly) that there should just be a few conferences that draft schools. I, being a fan of all things related to sports drafts, LOVE THIS IDEA! It would solve all the pain of your team leaving its conference because of football TV money and media markets. The NCAA doesn't really care about traditional rivalries anymore anyway. What, is Maryland/Iowa the next Michigan/Ohio State? I think not. So, I present to you my grand vision for the 1st ever NCAA Conference Draft!
Some explanation of the system first. Everyone seems to think that 4 16-team conferences is the way to go. It isn't. Let's face it, this entire thing is driven by football, not basketball. 64 isn't a magic number in the BCS era like it is in March Madness. Also, 64 just isn't round and certain enough. No, we have to go to 80. We will have 5 16-team conferences. They, I'm sure, will be given fun names later. For now, we will call them by their region. Hypothetically, and just for the sake of my explanation, let's say that the conference headquarters are located in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and LA, and those are the markets that they would like to control. This explains why each region is mainly full of regional schools. We have the North-East, South-East, Mid-West, South (sounds better than Mid South) and West conferences. These are their conferences for football and basketball. There is no independence allowed for a school. You have to be within a conference to play games against them (this also means no more scheduling FCS schools, SEC). For basketball, schools from other conferences would be allowed to play for the tournament as they are now. We, much like the schools, are concentrating mainly on football. Football money, football influence, football viewers.
The draft will have 16 rounds. The draft order was selected via a blind random lottery by my friend Andrew Fertig, who does not care about college sports and was therefore my Ernst & Young, guaranteeing no cheating or bias in the draft lottery selection. The results of the lottery are as followed:
1. Mid-West
2. West
3. North-East
4. South-East
5. South
This is not a snake draft. It will work like the NFL or NBA's. So, without further explanation, let's see Round 1!
1. Mid-West: Notre Dame
2. West: Oregon
3. North-East: Ohio State
4. South-East: Florida
5. South: Texas
No huge surprises here. Notre Dame, whether you like it or not, is the most important NCAA football school in terms of money, influence, fan base and brand name. The Mid-West is ecstatic that they got the #1 pick and are the conference that the Irish finally call home. Oregon is the pick in the West. Why not USC, you ask? Simple: Nike. Nike's money makes Oregon the more important school. The NE-ers are crushed that they lost Notre Dame, knowing they were the perfect fit for the NY market, so they rush to get a hold of Ohio State, setting a wide footprint already. SE chooses the Gators because of their brand importance and history in all sports, and because of Tim Tebow. The South gets its first pick in the Longhorns.
Round 2
1. MW- Michigan
2. W- USC
3. NE- Florida State
4. SE- Alabama
5. S- LSU
The NE figures it can wait a while to get its local schools, so it takes the 2nd biggest draw in the sunshine state. MW gets a traditional Notre Dame rival and Midwest favorite in Michigan. The W keeps USC. Bama and LSU are now in different conferences.
Round 3
1. MW- Oklahoma
2. W- UCLA
3. NE- Kentucky
4. SE- Texas A&M
5. S- Miami
Only surprise is Kentucky, which the NE takes for basketball, and to get a foot in a southern state. Crafty people up there.
Round 4
1. MW- Nebraska
2. W- Stanford
3. NE- Penn State
4. SE- Georgia
5. S- Oklahoma State
Sure, Penn State is in trouble right now. But they still have a rabid and loyal fan base, and fit into the Northeast profile. Every other conference makes smart picks.
Round 5
1. MW- Michigan State
2. W- Texas Tech
3. NE- Maryland
4. SE- Tennessee
5. S- South Carolina
Maryland? What? It is the same argument as Oregon. Maryland is now Under Armour University. Can't pass up all that money. Why do you think they are in the B1G now? The W extends its reach into Texas, while the others beef up on traditional schools.
It goes on for 11 more rounds. I could explain each pick, but I actually have things to do, so here is a quick summary for each with some notes on their picks after.
The Mid-West Conference
Notre Dame
Michigan
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Michigan State
Kansas
Wisconsin
Indiana
Illinois
Kansas State
Missouri
Rutgers
Iowa
Minnesota
Cincinnati
Boston College
The MW picks up Rutgers and BC late to extend their reach into the East. They lock up Illinois so they can protect Chicago. It is a solid representation, for the most part, of the big football programs in the middle of the country.
The West Conference
Oregon
USC
UCLA
Stanford
Texas Tech
BYU
Arizona State
Washington
Colorado
Boise State
Utah
Cal
Oregon State
Washington State
Air Force
Fresno State
The West has a stranglehold on its region. 11 of the former Pac-12 schools add Boise State, BYU, Air Force, Texas Tech and Fresno State. It makes sense.
The North-East Conference
Ohio State
Florida State
Kentucky
Penn State
Maryland
UNC
West Virginia
Louisville
Purdue
Syracuse
Northwestern
UVA
UConn
Navy
Pitt
Army
The NE may be the best basketball conference, with enough football clout to warrant respect. They didn't stick to the North East, but they knew they couldn't and remain on the same level. They add Army and Navy because they instantly have built in fan bases and a nationally broadcast game in December. They get Northwestern to attempt to take some viewers away in Chicago. And, again, Under Armour.
The South-East Conference
Florida
Alabama
Texas A&M
Georgia
Tennessee
Auburn
Clemson
Virginia Tech
Duke
NC State
Mississippi State
Vanderbilt
USF
UCF
Temple
East Carolina
Again, very strong regionally, with a wide footprint and fan base. Stretching from Florida to Texas and back up to Pennsylvania, the South East has representation in every important football state in its region.
The South Conference
Texas
LSU
Miami
Oklahoma State
South Carolina
Arizona
Ole Miss
Arkansas
Georgia Tech
Baylor
San Diego State
Nevada
TCU
Houston
Southern Miss
Tulsa
The bottom of the country is well represented in the South Conference. From traditional powers like their first 3 picks, to upstarts like their last 6, the conference stretches from Florida to California while avoiding all those Yankees that just don't get why football is so important. They also get to play their championship game at Jerry Jones' palace, since (after all) he is an Arkansas alum.
There you go! That is what the future of NCAA football could, and perhaps should, be. No more rumors about who is going where. You have to stay in the conference into which you were drafted. Maybe, every 15 years or so, there is a new draft. I imagine that the results would be fairly similar. What do we end up with? Conference aligned on regions, for the most part. That is nice. However, we lose timeless rivalries, gain many hours of travel for supposed student-athletes, and someone may feel bad if they were picked last or not picked at all. But hey, no more realignment.
Maybe conferences really aren't the answer. Maybe the best thing to do is have every school be independent, so they can play numerous rivals every year. You wouldn't have to worry about your team being 11-1 but missing out on a conference title game because your kicker is a bum. You could just worry about winning every game in front of you. And if you make it to a big bowl game, you get to keep all the money for yourself! One National Title could pay for your entire athletic department for years! That really sounds like a good solution, doesn't it? But wait... That is what Notre Dame does.... Maybe they are smarter than you think.
Some explanation of the system first. Everyone seems to think that 4 16-team conferences is the way to go. It isn't. Let's face it, this entire thing is driven by football, not basketball. 64 isn't a magic number in the BCS era like it is in March Madness. Also, 64 just isn't round and certain enough. No, we have to go to 80. We will have 5 16-team conferences. They, I'm sure, will be given fun names later. For now, we will call them by their region. Hypothetically, and just for the sake of my explanation, let's say that the conference headquarters are located in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and LA, and those are the markets that they would like to control. This explains why each region is mainly full of regional schools. We have the North-East, South-East, Mid-West, South (sounds better than Mid South) and West conferences. These are their conferences for football and basketball. There is no independence allowed for a school. You have to be within a conference to play games against them (this also means no more scheduling FCS schools, SEC). For basketball, schools from other conferences would be allowed to play for the tournament as they are now. We, much like the schools, are concentrating mainly on football. Football money, football influence, football viewers.
The draft will have 16 rounds. The draft order was selected via a blind random lottery by my friend Andrew Fertig, who does not care about college sports and was therefore my Ernst & Young, guaranteeing no cheating or bias in the draft lottery selection. The results of the lottery are as followed:
1. Mid-West
2. West
3. North-East
4. South-East
5. South
This is not a snake draft. It will work like the NFL or NBA's. So, without further explanation, let's see Round 1!
1. Mid-West: Notre Dame
2. West: Oregon
3. North-East: Ohio State
4. South-East: Florida
5. South: Texas
No huge surprises here. Notre Dame, whether you like it or not, is the most important NCAA football school in terms of money, influence, fan base and brand name. The Mid-West is ecstatic that they got the #1 pick and are the conference that the Irish finally call home. Oregon is the pick in the West. Why not USC, you ask? Simple: Nike. Nike's money makes Oregon the more important school. The NE-ers are crushed that they lost Notre Dame, knowing they were the perfect fit for the NY market, so they rush to get a hold of Ohio State, setting a wide footprint already. SE chooses the Gators because of their brand importance and history in all sports, and because of Tim Tebow. The South gets its first pick in the Longhorns.
Round 2
1. MW- Michigan
2. W- USC
3. NE- Florida State
4. SE- Alabama
5. S- LSU
The NE figures it can wait a while to get its local schools, so it takes the 2nd biggest draw in the sunshine state. MW gets a traditional Notre Dame rival and Midwest favorite in Michigan. The W keeps USC. Bama and LSU are now in different conferences.
Round 3
1. MW- Oklahoma
2. W- UCLA
3. NE- Kentucky
4. SE- Texas A&M
5. S- Miami
Only surprise is Kentucky, which the NE takes for basketball, and to get a foot in a southern state. Crafty people up there.
Round 4
1. MW- Nebraska
2. W- Stanford
3. NE- Penn State
4. SE- Georgia
5. S- Oklahoma State
Sure, Penn State is in trouble right now. But they still have a rabid and loyal fan base, and fit into the Northeast profile. Every other conference makes smart picks.
Round 5
1. MW- Michigan State
2. W- Texas Tech
3. NE- Maryland
4. SE- Tennessee
5. S- South Carolina
Maryland? What? It is the same argument as Oregon. Maryland is now Under Armour University. Can't pass up all that money. Why do you think they are in the B1G now? The W extends its reach into Texas, while the others beef up on traditional schools.
It goes on for 11 more rounds. I could explain each pick, but I actually have things to do, so here is a quick summary for each with some notes on their picks after.
The Mid-West Conference
Notre Dame
Michigan
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Michigan State
Kansas
Wisconsin
Indiana
Illinois
Kansas State
Missouri
Rutgers
Iowa
Minnesota
Cincinnati
Boston College
The MW picks up Rutgers and BC late to extend their reach into the East. They lock up Illinois so they can protect Chicago. It is a solid representation, for the most part, of the big football programs in the middle of the country.
The West Conference
Oregon
USC
UCLA
Stanford
Texas Tech
BYU
Arizona State
Washington
Colorado
Boise State
Utah
Cal
Oregon State
Washington State
Air Force
Fresno State
The West has a stranglehold on its region. 11 of the former Pac-12 schools add Boise State, BYU, Air Force, Texas Tech and Fresno State. It makes sense.
The North-East Conference
Ohio State
Florida State
Kentucky
Penn State
Maryland
UNC
West Virginia
Louisville
Purdue
Syracuse
Northwestern
UVA
UConn
Navy
Pitt
Army
The NE may be the best basketball conference, with enough football clout to warrant respect. They didn't stick to the North East, but they knew they couldn't and remain on the same level. They add Army and Navy because they instantly have built in fan bases and a nationally broadcast game in December. They get Northwestern to attempt to take some viewers away in Chicago. And, again, Under Armour.
The South-East Conference
Florida
Alabama
Texas A&M
Georgia
Tennessee
Auburn
Clemson
Virginia Tech
Duke
NC State
Mississippi State
Vanderbilt
USF
UCF
Temple
East Carolina
Again, very strong regionally, with a wide footprint and fan base. Stretching from Florida to Texas and back up to Pennsylvania, the South East has representation in every important football state in its region.
The South Conference
Texas
LSU
Miami
Oklahoma State
South Carolina
Arizona
Ole Miss
Arkansas
Georgia Tech
Baylor
San Diego State
Nevada
TCU
Houston
Southern Miss
Tulsa
The bottom of the country is well represented in the South Conference. From traditional powers like their first 3 picks, to upstarts like their last 6, the conference stretches from Florida to California while avoiding all those Yankees that just don't get why football is so important. They also get to play their championship game at Jerry Jones' palace, since (after all) he is an Arkansas alum.
There you go! That is what the future of NCAA football could, and perhaps should, be. No more rumors about who is going where. You have to stay in the conference into which you were drafted. Maybe, every 15 years or so, there is a new draft. I imagine that the results would be fairly similar. What do we end up with? Conference aligned on regions, for the most part. That is nice. However, we lose timeless rivalries, gain many hours of travel for supposed student-athletes, and someone may feel bad if they were picked last or not picked at all. But hey, no more realignment.
Maybe conferences really aren't the answer. Maybe the best thing to do is have every school be independent, so they can play numerous rivals every year. You wouldn't have to worry about your team being 11-1 but missing out on a conference title game because your kicker is a bum. You could just worry about winning every game in front of you. And if you make it to a big bowl game, you get to keep all the money for yourself! One National Title could pay for your entire athletic department for years! That really sounds like a good solution, doesn't it? But wait... That is what Notre Dame does.... Maybe they are smarter than you think.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Bama's Back A Week Later
It isn't fair. It seemed like a done deal. All teams had to do was win out against opponents they could beat easily. It didn't happen, and a familiar Crimson face is staring back at us. Why is Alabama back in the BCS title hunt? What happened to KState and Oregon?
Alabama beat Western Carolina (nice bye week in November, huh?) and then got to sit back and watch the #1 and 2 teams in the country choke away the title game. Kansas State was taken to the woodshed by Baylor. It may have been understandable if RG3 was still on campus, but he is here in DC. It didn't matter. Colin Klein looked lost, Baylor dominated every aspect of the game, and came away with a win over the #1 team in the land. Klein also lost the Heisman with that game.
Oregon and its unstoppable offense was... stopped. Stanford showed up big time, led by its redshirt freshman Kevin Hogan (a proud graduate of Gonzaga College High School. Go Eagles). They knew exactly how to beat the Ducks, and executed their gameplan perfectly. The biggest moment of the game, however, may have come when DeAnthony Thomas failed to make a key block that would have let quarterback Marcus Mariota score on what ended up being a 77 yard run. Instead of an early knockout touchdown, the Ducks turned the ball over on downs and swung the momentum to the Cardinal.
Now, we are left with the possibility of Notre Dame vs Alabama. The ratings for the game would be amazing, so I know that the NCAA and BCS folks are salivating over it. But there is still so much more football to be played. The Irish need to beat a USC team coming off of an embarrassing loss to UCLA. Alabama still has the Iron Bowl against a hapless Auburn team, and of course the SEC title game. If Notre Dame wins, they punch their ticket to the big game. Unfortunately for all of us, it looks like they will end up playing a team from the SEC.
Alabama beat Western Carolina (nice bye week in November, huh?) and then got to sit back and watch the #1 and 2 teams in the country choke away the title game. Kansas State was taken to the woodshed by Baylor. It may have been understandable if RG3 was still on campus, but he is here in DC. It didn't matter. Colin Klein looked lost, Baylor dominated every aspect of the game, and came away with a win over the #1 team in the land. Klein also lost the Heisman with that game.
Oregon and its unstoppable offense was... stopped. Stanford showed up big time, led by its redshirt freshman Kevin Hogan (a proud graduate of Gonzaga College High School. Go Eagles). They knew exactly how to beat the Ducks, and executed their gameplan perfectly. The biggest moment of the game, however, may have come when DeAnthony Thomas failed to make a key block that would have let quarterback Marcus Mariota score on what ended up being a 77 yard run. Instead of an early knockout touchdown, the Ducks turned the ball over on downs and swung the momentum to the Cardinal.
Now, we are left with the possibility of Notre Dame vs Alabama. The ratings for the game would be amazing, so I know that the NCAA and BCS folks are salivating over it. But there is still so much more football to be played. The Irish need to beat a USC team coming off of an embarrassing loss to UCLA. Alabama still has the Iron Bowl against a hapless Auburn team, and of course the SEC title game. If Notre Dame wins, they punch their ticket to the big game. Unfortunately for all of us, it looks like they will end up playing a team from the SEC.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Goodbye Bama? Here's Hoping
It actually happened. Alabama lost to an SEC opponent not named LSU. Those pesky Aggies of Texas A&M led from start to finish against the #1 team in the country and favorite to repeat as national champions, winning 29-24 in Tuscaloosa. I honestly never thought it would happen in the regular season. Alabama has looked pretty unbeatable most of the season. After last week's comeback against LSU, it seemed like the team was destined for back to back BCS glory. Instead? The newbies to the SEC, led by a freshman QB named Johnny Manziel who just threw his hat back into the Heisman race, managed to beat up the bully in their own schoolyard.
This isn't just a big win for the Aggies, their fans, and my three cousins who went/go to Texas A&M. This is a win for the soul of college football. To be honest, I was getting bored with the sport I loved. The SEC winning every year was awful. The BCS Championship Game last season was unwatchable. With so many other great games in bowl season (Remember that Luck-vs-Weeden Fiesta Bowl? Or Michigan State's 3OT win in the Outback Bowl?), the title game was a snooze-fest. The prospect of NOT having Alabama, a team that has dominated college football for half a decade, is music to the ears of any fans outside of the SEC.
Now, the only problem is that the season isn't over yet. The three remaining unbeaten teams, Kansas State, Oregon and Notre Dame need to remain undefeated. If any two of them run the season without a loss, then we will get the first BCS title game without SEC representation since 2006. That game was Texas vs USC, and may be the best BCS title game ever (if not one of the best bowl games ever). I love the idea of Oregon's high powered offense taking on Heisman front-runner Colin Klein. I think that a Klein vs Ta'o matchup would be a fantastic storyline. I think the prospect of Notre Dame's insane defense taking on the video game offense of Oregon would be amazing. One of these needs to happen. But there is still time for someone to trip up and let Alabama back in the door.
So, tonight, before you go to bed, whisper a small prayer to the football gods. Ask them, for Christmas this year even, to keep the SEC out of the BCS title game. If that ends up happening, it will be for the good of every college football fan in the country.... that doesn't wear Crimson.
This isn't just a big win for the Aggies, their fans, and my three cousins who went/go to Texas A&M. This is a win for the soul of college football. To be honest, I was getting bored with the sport I loved. The SEC winning every year was awful. The BCS Championship Game last season was unwatchable. With so many other great games in bowl season (Remember that Luck-vs-Weeden Fiesta Bowl? Or Michigan State's 3OT win in the Outback Bowl?), the title game was a snooze-fest. The prospect of NOT having Alabama, a team that has dominated college football for half a decade, is music to the ears of any fans outside of the SEC.
Now, the only problem is that the season isn't over yet. The three remaining unbeaten teams, Kansas State, Oregon and Notre Dame need to remain undefeated. If any two of them run the season without a loss, then we will get the first BCS title game without SEC representation since 2006. That game was Texas vs USC, and may be the best BCS title game ever (if not one of the best bowl games ever). I love the idea of Oregon's high powered offense taking on Heisman front-runner Colin Klein. I think that a Klein vs Ta'o matchup would be a fantastic storyline. I think the prospect of Notre Dame's insane defense taking on the video game offense of Oregon would be amazing. One of these needs to happen. But there is still time for someone to trip up and let Alabama back in the door.
So, tonight, before you go to bed, whisper a small prayer to the football gods. Ask them, for Christmas this year even, to keep the SEC out of the BCS title game. If that ends up happening, it will be for the good of every college football fan in the country.... that doesn't wear Crimson.
Busy Busy Busy
Hello to you, my wonderful readers.
I just wanted to apologize for not writing that much the past few weeks. See, I got a new job and have been busy. I promise I will find time to write more as I get back in the flow of working a 9-5. Look for a new column at some point this weekend.
Cheers!
JFLAN
I just wanted to apologize for not writing that much the past few weeks. See, I got a new job and have been busy. I promise I will find time to write more as I get back in the flow of working a 9-5. Look for a new column at some point this weekend.
Cheers!
JFLAN
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Andrew Luck's Big Day
Andrew Luck has been as good as advertised so far. You may remember my last post was about him and RG3's wonderful season so far. Well, Mr. Luck has pulled ahead of the new Skins QB in the rookie of the year voting for me. Luck managed to throw for an NFL rookie record 433 yards and two touchdowns leading the Colts to a victory over the Miami Dolphins. He truly has become a leader and "field general". While I have seen some of the other rookie QBs miss a few throws by a mile, I have yet to see that with Luck. Has he been perfect? No. But for a rookie, who had the hope of a fanbase thrust upon him, and following arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, he has been spectacular. Because of his play, the Colts (who were completely dismal last year) are 5-3 and currently hold a Wild Card.
Believed the hype. The Dolphins defense is not that bad, and he made them look like the Redskins (another blog for another time). The Colts aren't winning because they are lucky. It's because they have Luck.
Believed the hype. The Dolphins defense is not that bad, and he made them look like the Redskins (another blog for another time). The Colts aren't winning because they are lucky. It's because they have Luck.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Luck and RG3: A New NFL Buddy Comedy
Five rookie quarterbacks started this season's opener in the NFL. All five of them have at least one win. In fact, only Brandon Weeden has less than 3 wins, and that may be because he is on the Cleveland Browns, a team going through ownership/front office change, and the team's personnel have suffered because of it. Still, they have been competitive in all their games. Russell Wilson and Ryan Tannehill have their teams performing well, though those two have not been the best part of their team so far. Tannehill is enjoying the resurgence of the Miami running game, while Wilson has been helped out by arguably the best defense in football. But really, the two QBs that will forever be linked from this draft are Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck.
RG3 may be the most exciting player in football. He has electrified the DC area, which was in sore need of a pick-me-up after the National's collapse. It is a shame that he can't also play in the secondary, because he is faster than any of the Skins' corners and probably can cover better as well. Still, he has given Skins fans hope, which was severely lacking in the recent past.
Andrew Luck, while not as flashy as RG3, has done a stellar job of righting the ship in Indianapolis. He has put up some big numbers so far, and can even run for touchdowns too (when was the last time Peyton ran for one over 3 yards, eh?). Not to mention that he has done all of this with a team that was awful last year, and whose coach is in treatment for leukemia. His effort so far has made the Colts very respectable. Just ask the Packers.
It is amazing for the league that both of these quarterbacks are blossoming into young stars. Manning, Brees, and Brady are getting up there in years. We still have Aaron Rodgers and Eli, of course, but this league needs star quarterbacks to sell jerseys and create buzz. I don't know if there is a better choice of men than Luck and RG3. Both are highly intelligent, highly talented, very articulate, charming, and personable. They are huge stars in the making. The media loves them. The fans love them. Their teams love them. Everyone is happy. It is nice when everyone is happy.
RG3 may be the most exciting player in football. He has electrified the DC area, which was in sore need of a pick-me-up after the National's collapse. It is a shame that he can't also play in the secondary, because he is faster than any of the Skins' corners and probably can cover better as well. Still, he has given Skins fans hope, which was severely lacking in the recent past.
Andrew Luck, while not as flashy as RG3, has done a stellar job of righting the ship in Indianapolis. He has put up some big numbers so far, and can even run for touchdowns too (when was the last time Peyton ran for one over 3 yards, eh?). Not to mention that he has done all of this with a team that was awful last year, and whose coach is in treatment for leukemia. His effort so far has made the Colts very respectable. Just ask the Packers.
It is amazing for the league that both of these quarterbacks are blossoming into young stars. Manning, Brees, and Brady are getting up there in years. We still have Aaron Rodgers and Eli, of course, but this league needs star quarterbacks to sell jerseys and create buzz. I don't know if there is a better choice of men than Luck and RG3. Both are highly intelligent, highly talented, very articulate, charming, and personable. They are huge stars in the making. The media loves them. The fans love them. Their teams love them. Everyone is happy. It is nice when everyone is happy.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Page View Counter Problem
Well, it seems my page view number has reset. No idea why. I am not happy about it. Having recently hit 10,000, I was looking forward to seeing my number grow. Hey, blogspot, fix this!
JFLANland MLB Awards Spectacular!
Well, the MLB regular season is over. And, for me at least, the playoffs are over because my Nats lost in amazingly heartbreaking fashion. It hurt a lot, I won't lie. But, we were still far better than most thought, and the division champs, so I'll live. Anyway, now that the regular season is over, it is awards time! So, here are the first annual JFLANland MLB Awards! A quick explanation- I am not giving out the Cy Young Award for Best Pitcher. Why? Because Cy Young is not the best pitcher of all time. Walter Johnson is. So, my award is called the Walter Johnson Award.
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Detroit Tigers
Yes. Miggy. Not Trout. Sorry. Sabremetric seamheads would hate me if I had a say in the actual awards. I am a fan of history. Miggy became the first Triple Crown winner since 1967. That means something to me. Add in the fact that he carried his team to the playoffs in September, played out of position all year, and... WON THE TRIPLE CROWN! Sorry Trout, not for you. It it an eternal question- are you that valuable when your team misses the playoffs? Well, Alfonso Soriano had the first 40-40-40-20 season in MLB history, and finished 6th in the voting. So, no MVP for Trout. Oh, and just wait, it is going to get worse for the Angels' golden boy...
AL Walter Johnson: Fernando Rodney, RP, Tampa Bay Rays
Another surprise, I suppose, but his numbers do not lie. 48 saves, 9.56 K/9 innings, 5.07 K/BB ratio, .167 opponents batting average, and an absolutely insane 0.60 ERA, which is 0.01 lower than the previous record for lowest reliever ERA held by Dennis Eckersly. I know relievers aren't the popular pick for the Cy Young, but no other pitcher in the AL had such a historic season. That is a good reason to "shoot the moon"
AL Rookie of the Year: The Oakland Athletics Pitching Staff, Derrick Norris, and Yoenis Cespedes
Ok, I know Mike Trout will obviously win this, as well he should. But these are my awards, so I am going to give them to who I want. So, I am going to give the award to rookies from Mike Trout's division who made sure their team finished ahead of Mike Trout's. The point of baseball is to win, folks, not finish 3rd. Tommy Milone, Jarrod Parker, AJ Griffin, and Dan Straily carried the Oakland A's to the AL West title. They were almost 20 games back of the Texas Rangers in the middle of the year. Brandon McCarthey was injured. Bartolo Colon was suspended. Instead of folding, these rookies took a hold on the team's rotation and guided them to the playoffs. It was an absolutely improbable season. Then, two rookie position players helped the team down the stretch as well. Derek Norris (along with Milone, Brad Peacock and AJ Cole) were part of the trade that sent Gio Gonzalez from Oakland to DC. He started 53 games at catcher, and almost every game once Kurt Suzuki was also traded to DC in early August. He provided a consistent battery-mate with the young pitching staff, and had a number of huge clutch hits in their drive to the postseason. Cespedes is a legit ROY candidate on his own. .292, 23 HR, 82 RBI are very impressive numbers. He battles some injuries, but was there when it mattered for the AL West Champions.
AL Manager of the Year: Buck Showalter, Baltimore Orioles
I think this is a no-brainer. The O's should have been terrible. Like, 70 wins or so. Instead, they brought the AL East race down to the last days of the season, and took the Yankees to Game 5 of the ALDS. Since Buck took over, the O's are a completely different team. Not even Peter Angelos' dismal ownership could stop him from willing this team into contention. That alone makes him an easy winner. Bob Melvin of the A's is a close 2nd.
NL MVP: Buster Posey, C, San Francisco Giants
Batting champ, division winner, probably comeback player of the year, arguably the best catcher in the game... It is very difficult to argue against Posey. You can argue for some others, sure. But I don't think I can be convinced of someone that has impressed me more than Posey.
NL Walter Johnson: Gio Gonzalez, SP, Washington Nationals
I am biased, I will admit this. He is my pitcher on my team. He got none of the press because of Strasburg, but guided the Nationals to an improbable 98-win season and a division title. He won't win the Cy Young because RA Dickey's numbers are slightly better, and he is the "better story". Again, I don't think awards should go to 4th place teams, because the point of baseball is to win. We ignore wins in modern baseball voting, so it seems. It is odd, because the only number Cy Young has over Walter Johnson is Wins. Interesting... Well, I don't ignore wins. 21-8, 2.89 ERA, 207 K's, .206 opponents batting average, 9.4 K/9, and that is without a gimmick pitch like the knuckleball. He won't win the Cy Young, but he did win the Warren Spahn Award for best Lefty. And now, he has the JFLANland Walter Johnson Award.
NL Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper, CF, Washington Nationals
Again, I am biased, but I think I will agree with the world at large on this one. This would have been a lot closer if Todd Frazier didn't have a horrible September, or if Bryce Harper didn't have an amazing September. It will still be close between Bryce and Wade Miley of the Diamondbacks, but I think you have to give it to the every day player over a pitcher when it is close. As it was, Bryce ended up being the spark that the Nationals needed. He was called up in late April and proved that he belonged in the big leagues right away. He had the most pressure of any rookie this season, and lived up to it. Furthermore, he did this all as a teenager (Happy 20th Birthday, Bryce!), and as a catcher playing center field. He played with more fire, passion and hustle than anyone in the majors all year. I don't think you can argue against him winning the award. Question him winning? That's a clown question, bro...
NL Manager of the Year: Davey Johnson, Washington Nationals
Again, biased. Again, he is going to win. The Washington Nationals won 98 games and the NL East. Do I really need to say more? Give him the award, and a hug!
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Detroit Tigers
Yes. Miggy. Not Trout. Sorry. Sabremetric seamheads would hate me if I had a say in the actual awards. I am a fan of history. Miggy became the first Triple Crown winner since 1967. That means something to me. Add in the fact that he carried his team to the playoffs in September, played out of position all year, and... WON THE TRIPLE CROWN! Sorry Trout, not for you. It it an eternal question- are you that valuable when your team misses the playoffs? Well, Alfonso Soriano had the first 40-40-40-20 season in MLB history, and finished 6th in the voting. So, no MVP for Trout. Oh, and just wait, it is going to get worse for the Angels' golden boy...
AL Walter Johnson: Fernando Rodney, RP, Tampa Bay Rays
Another surprise, I suppose, but his numbers do not lie. 48 saves, 9.56 K/9 innings, 5.07 K/BB ratio, .167 opponents batting average, and an absolutely insane 0.60 ERA, which is 0.01 lower than the previous record for lowest reliever ERA held by Dennis Eckersly. I know relievers aren't the popular pick for the Cy Young, but no other pitcher in the AL had such a historic season. That is a good reason to "shoot the moon"
AL Rookie of the Year: The Oakland Athletics Pitching Staff, Derrick Norris, and Yoenis Cespedes
Ok, I know Mike Trout will obviously win this, as well he should. But these are my awards, so I am going to give them to who I want. So, I am going to give the award to rookies from Mike Trout's division who made sure their team finished ahead of Mike Trout's. The point of baseball is to win, folks, not finish 3rd. Tommy Milone, Jarrod Parker, AJ Griffin, and Dan Straily carried the Oakland A's to the AL West title. They were almost 20 games back of the Texas Rangers in the middle of the year. Brandon McCarthey was injured. Bartolo Colon was suspended. Instead of folding, these rookies took a hold on the team's rotation and guided them to the playoffs. It was an absolutely improbable season. Then, two rookie position players helped the team down the stretch as well. Derek Norris (along with Milone, Brad Peacock and AJ Cole) were part of the trade that sent Gio Gonzalez from Oakland to DC. He started 53 games at catcher, and almost every game once Kurt Suzuki was also traded to DC in early August. He provided a consistent battery-mate with the young pitching staff, and had a number of huge clutch hits in their drive to the postseason. Cespedes is a legit ROY candidate on his own. .292, 23 HR, 82 RBI are very impressive numbers. He battles some injuries, but was there when it mattered for the AL West Champions.
AL Manager of the Year: Buck Showalter, Baltimore Orioles
I think this is a no-brainer. The O's should have been terrible. Like, 70 wins or so. Instead, they brought the AL East race down to the last days of the season, and took the Yankees to Game 5 of the ALDS. Since Buck took over, the O's are a completely different team. Not even Peter Angelos' dismal ownership could stop him from willing this team into contention. That alone makes him an easy winner. Bob Melvin of the A's is a close 2nd.
NL MVP: Buster Posey, C, San Francisco Giants
Batting champ, division winner, probably comeback player of the year, arguably the best catcher in the game... It is very difficult to argue against Posey. You can argue for some others, sure. But I don't think I can be convinced of someone that has impressed me more than Posey.
NL Walter Johnson: Gio Gonzalez, SP, Washington Nationals
I am biased, I will admit this. He is my pitcher on my team. He got none of the press because of Strasburg, but guided the Nationals to an improbable 98-win season and a division title. He won't win the Cy Young because RA Dickey's numbers are slightly better, and he is the "better story". Again, I don't think awards should go to 4th place teams, because the point of baseball is to win. We ignore wins in modern baseball voting, so it seems. It is odd, because the only number Cy Young has over Walter Johnson is Wins. Interesting... Well, I don't ignore wins. 21-8, 2.89 ERA, 207 K's, .206 opponents batting average, 9.4 K/9, and that is without a gimmick pitch like the knuckleball. He won't win the Cy Young, but he did win the Warren Spahn Award for best Lefty. And now, he has the JFLANland Walter Johnson Award.
NL Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper, CF, Washington Nationals
Again, I am biased, but I think I will agree with the world at large on this one. This would have been a lot closer if Todd Frazier didn't have a horrible September, or if Bryce Harper didn't have an amazing September. It will still be close between Bryce and Wade Miley of the Diamondbacks, but I think you have to give it to the every day player over a pitcher when it is close. As it was, Bryce ended up being the spark that the Nationals needed. He was called up in late April and proved that he belonged in the big leagues right away. He had the most pressure of any rookie this season, and lived up to it. Furthermore, he did this all as a teenager (Happy 20th Birthday, Bryce!), and as a catcher playing center field. He played with more fire, passion and hustle than anyone in the majors all year. I don't think you can argue against him winning the award. Question him winning? That's a clown question, bro...
NL Manager of the Year: Davey Johnson, Washington Nationals
Again, biased. Again, he is going to win. The Washington Nationals won 98 games and the NL East. Do I really need to say more? Give him the award, and a hug!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
A Love Letter to My Washington Nationals
Dear Washington Nationals,
Thank you. It hasn't been easy for me these past few years. I went to school in central New York, surrounded by Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Phillies fans. I didn't have a team I could call my own. Sure, I grew up an Orioles fan. Cal Ripken Jr will always be my favorite player. I still love the O's as my 2nd favorite team. But I am from Virginia. I went to middle and high school in Washington, DC. I hang out in DC. DC is my city. It's my home. So, that magical day when the Expos moved to town and got renamed the Nationals was a great moment in my life. I have been one of their biggest supporters since. My friends and I would buy $5 tickets and sit in centerfield of RFK, usually among the only people in the upper deck, and watch the likes of Brad Wilkerson, Junior Spivey and John Patterson lose a ton of games. But it didn't matter because we finally had OUR TEAM.
We suffered through the incompetence of Jim Bowden and being owned by Major League Baseball. We saw Alfonso Soriano have one of the greatest seasons in history and not finish in the top 5 of MVP voting (I mean seriously. He became the first 40-40-40 player in history, and had 20 OF assists, and he finished 6th?! Good lord). We felt sorry for Ryan Zimmerman, a star on a sub-standard team for years. But we went. We cheered. We were there every step of the way. We rejoiced when the Lerner's bought the team and hired Mike Rizzo. We will always remember where we were when Zim hit that walkoff home run on Opening Night at Nats Park. We saw what was coming when we drafted Stras and Bryce. We got glimpses of excellence when Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa turned their first double play. It got to the point where my brother and I decided we needed to go to more games, so we bought season tickets. We went on a roller-coaster relationship with Werth and LaRoche, from wondering why we signed them to loving their leadership. We went crazy when Morse went Beast Mode last year, making us forget all about the scrub we traded for him (thank you, Ryan Langerhans). And then there was this season...
It was amazing. No one thought we would be this good. We were a year away. Morse and Drew Storen were hurt. Zim got hurt in the season. Wilson Ramos was kidnapped in the offseason, then tore his ACL. But it didn't matter. We came out and were in 1st place almost the entire year. In late April, Bryce Harper came up and proved that he deserved the hype. Stras and Gio Gonzalez anchored the best rotation in baseball. Davey Johnson did a masterful job managing the club, and it all culminated on a rainy Monday night in October, when the Nats clinched the NL East. I was there. I went crazy. It was the best feeling I have had related to sports since Syracuse won the 2003 National Championship. One of my teams actually won something. We then went out the next 2 days and made sure that the Phillies didn't have a winning season. We clinched the best record in baseball. Hell, Teddy even won the Presidents' Race! The smile cannot be wiped off my face.
Sure, now that we are in the playoffs, I want more. But no matter what happens in the postseason, this was a huge success for baseball in Washington. Rizzo and his crew have built a team that looks like it can compete for the division title (if not the NL title) for years to come. We will get to see playoff baseball for the first time since FDR was in office. I don't even mind the new fans because it is building up the fanbase across the DC area. Natitude is at an all-time high.
So, thank you, my beloved Washington Nationals. Thank you for making this true diehard fan's year with our division title. I can't wait until Opening Day next year, when we get to raise that NL East Champions banner. Here's hoping that it isn't the only banner we are raising. Go Nats!
Love,
JFLAN
Thank you. It hasn't been easy for me these past few years. I went to school in central New York, surrounded by Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Phillies fans. I didn't have a team I could call my own. Sure, I grew up an Orioles fan. Cal Ripken Jr will always be my favorite player. I still love the O's as my 2nd favorite team. But I am from Virginia. I went to middle and high school in Washington, DC. I hang out in DC. DC is my city. It's my home. So, that magical day when the Expos moved to town and got renamed the Nationals was a great moment in my life. I have been one of their biggest supporters since. My friends and I would buy $5 tickets and sit in centerfield of RFK, usually among the only people in the upper deck, and watch the likes of Brad Wilkerson, Junior Spivey and John Patterson lose a ton of games. But it didn't matter because we finally had OUR TEAM.
We suffered through the incompetence of Jim Bowden and being owned by Major League Baseball. We saw Alfonso Soriano have one of the greatest seasons in history and not finish in the top 5 of MVP voting (I mean seriously. He became the first 40-40-40 player in history, and had 20 OF assists, and he finished 6th?! Good lord). We felt sorry for Ryan Zimmerman, a star on a sub-standard team for years. But we went. We cheered. We were there every step of the way. We rejoiced when the Lerner's bought the team and hired Mike Rizzo. We will always remember where we were when Zim hit that walkoff home run on Opening Night at Nats Park. We saw what was coming when we drafted Stras and Bryce. We got glimpses of excellence when Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa turned their first double play. It got to the point where my brother and I decided we needed to go to more games, so we bought season tickets. We went on a roller-coaster relationship with Werth and LaRoche, from wondering why we signed them to loving their leadership. We went crazy when Morse went Beast Mode last year, making us forget all about the scrub we traded for him (thank you, Ryan Langerhans). And then there was this season...
It was amazing. No one thought we would be this good. We were a year away. Morse and Drew Storen were hurt. Zim got hurt in the season. Wilson Ramos was kidnapped in the offseason, then tore his ACL. But it didn't matter. We came out and were in 1st place almost the entire year. In late April, Bryce Harper came up and proved that he deserved the hype. Stras and Gio Gonzalez anchored the best rotation in baseball. Davey Johnson did a masterful job managing the club, and it all culminated on a rainy Monday night in October, when the Nats clinched the NL East. I was there. I went crazy. It was the best feeling I have had related to sports since Syracuse won the 2003 National Championship. One of my teams actually won something. We then went out the next 2 days and made sure that the Phillies didn't have a winning season. We clinched the best record in baseball. Hell, Teddy even won the Presidents' Race! The smile cannot be wiped off my face.
Sure, now that we are in the playoffs, I want more. But no matter what happens in the postseason, this was a huge success for baseball in Washington. Rizzo and his crew have built a team that looks like it can compete for the division title (if not the NL title) for years to come. We will get to see playoff baseball for the first time since FDR was in office. I don't even mind the new fans because it is building up the fanbase across the DC area. Natitude is at an all-time high.
So, thank you, my beloved Washington Nationals. Thank you for making this true diehard fan's year with our division title. I can't wait until Opening Day next year, when we get to raise that NL East Champions banner. Here's hoping that it isn't the only banner we are raising. Go Nats!
Love,
JFLAN
Monday, September 24, 2012
Torrey Smith: Courage and Sports
I know what it is like to lose a loved one very suddenly. My father passed unexpectedly from a heart attack two years ago. One night, he was there. The next morning, he was gone. I really wasn't able to do anything constructive for a few days. I was just numb. This is why I was so amazingly impressed with what Ravens wide receivers Torrey Smith did last night on Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots.
Smith's younger brother, Tevin Jones, died after a motorcycle accident at 2 am Sunday morning. Smith, who was unsure up until game time if he would play, not only took the field but had one of the best games of his career- 6 receptions, 127 yards, 2 TDs. It was one of the most awe-inspiring performances I have ever seen not just in football, but in sports in general. Many people remember Brett Favre playing the Monday Night Football game the day after his father passed away following a heart attack. Favre went out and passed for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns. It may be the most heralded performance of Favre's career. That is the type of game Torrey Smith had.
There really isn't any kind of overstatement or hyperbole that can be applied to what Torrey Smith had to do. Sports writers/commentators/bloggers often overuse the word courage in regards to the games they cover. In this case, it is applicable. Smith's performance was courageous. Obviously, he wasn't the only reason why the Ravens were able to win. Ray Rice and Joe Flacco had huge games. The Ravens defense came up with big stops when it mattered most. Some Patriots fans may say the replacement officials had a huge hand in it as well, but the bad calls went both ways. Yet in a game with so many huge storylines and stars coming in, Torrey Smith's courage in the face of amazing grief was the biggest story after.
Torrey will go through some hard times in the next few weeks. Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. To be honest, I don't think it is something you ever get over. Their absence is something that can never be filled. It is just something you have to get used to, and Torrey will be able to do that. Torrey will go on playing football, and being a huge weapon for the Ravens offense. He not only has the support of his family, but of his team, Ravens fans, and sports fans everywhere.
I try not to mix religion with sports (or really with anything). But I couldn't help thinking last night, as Justin Tucker's kick sailed just over (and inside) the imaginary upright, that Tevin had a little hand in keeping that kick good. His older brother's inspiring and courageous performance certainly would have put a smile on his face.
Smith's younger brother, Tevin Jones, died after a motorcycle accident at 2 am Sunday morning. Smith, who was unsure up until game time if he would play, not only took the field but had one of the best games of his career- 6 receptions, 127 yards, 2 TDs. It was one of the most awe-inspiring performances I have ever seen not just in football, but in sports in general. Many people remember Brett Favre playing the Monday Night Football game the day after his father passed away following a heart attack. Favre went out and passed for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns. It may be the most heralded performance of Favre's career. That is the type of game Torrey Smith had.
There really isn't any kind of overstatement or hyperbole that can be applied to what Torrey Smith had to do. Sports writers/commentators/bloggers often overuse the word courage in regards to the games they cover. In this case, it is applicable. Smith's performance was courageous. Obviously, he wasn't the only reason why the Ravens were able to win. Ray Rice and Joe Flacco had huge games. The Ravens defense came up with big stops when it mattered most. Some Patriots fans may say the replacement officials had a huge hand in it as well, but the bad calls went both ways. Yet in a game with so many huge storylines and stars coming in, Torrey Smith's courage in the face of amazing grief was the biggest story after.
Torrey will go through some hard times in the next few weeks. Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. To be honest, I don't think it is something you ever get over. Their absence is something that can never be filled. It is just something you have to get used to, and Torrey will be able to do that. Torrey will go on playing football, and being a huge weapon for the Ravens offense. He not only has the support of his family, but of his team, Ravens fans, and sports fans everywhere.
I try not to mix religion with sports (or really with anything). But I couldn't help thinking last night, as Justin Tucker's kick sailed just over (and inside) the imaginary upright, that Tevin had a little hand in keeping that kick good. His older brother's inspiring and courageous performance certainly would have put a smile on his face.
10,000 Views
This blog recently passed 10,000 views. Honestly, when I started writing a few years ago, I thought it would hjust be a way for me to write down all of my sports musings and rants. I didn't think anyone would care about them, let alone read them. So, thank you for taking the time to read, skim, browse, or whatever. I really do appreciate it. If you have any requests for a column or thought for a story, let me know through a comment or on twitter @JFLANland.
Cheers,
JFLAN
Cheers,
JFLAN
Thursday, September 6, 2012
5 Things I Learned From NFL's Opening Night
Here are the 5 things that I learned watching the Cowboys take down the Giants last night in the NFL Season Opener.
1. The replacement referees are still a step below the real ones. Last night, they did a fairly good job. Hell, I was rooting for them not to screw up. But that is the problem- We shouldn't even be thinking about the refs, we should be concentrating on the football. Every time there was a flag, the first thing you thought about was the refs making the call, not the player that committed the penalty. I expect more than a few blown calls from around the League this Sunday.
2. The Giants and Cowboys seem to always deliver entertaining games. You could say this about any rivalry. Being a Redskins fan, I would have liked to see the Cowboys lose, but it really doesn't matter yet. It is Week 1. It was a fun game. Not going to crown the Cowboys or forget about the Giants after a game.
3. Last year, Victor Cruz was a huge breakout start as a #3 wide receiver. Kevin Ogletree's game last night makes you wonder if he can be that guy this season. Dez Bryant will get the most coverage, but Ogletree could be the most valuable receiver on the Cowboys. Cruz, meanwhile, dropped at least 4 easy catches last night that could have changed the outcome of the game. Too early to worry? Maybe. But keep an eye on his performance.
4. David Wilson had a fumbling problem at Virginia Tech and, at least by Giants standards, he has a fumbling problem in the pros. Last night, he put the ball on the turf and lost it. That one lost fumble matched the total lost fumbles by both Brandon Jacobs (0) and Ahmad Bradshaw (1) all of last season. The Giants need Wilson as their change of pace back from Bradshaw, so he needs to learn how to hold onto the rock.
5. Football is back. Like I said, it was an enjoyable game. Rarely is there a game that isn't fun, because America loves football. It was a great way to start the season. Sunday will be that first day to sit in front of the TV (and your computer to follow fantasy scores), and take in everything that is the NFL. That is the best thing to learn each year- The NFL is back for another season.
1. The replacement referees are still a step below the real ones. Last night, they did a fairly good job. Hell, I was rooting for them not to screw up. But that is the problem- We shouldn't even be thinking about the refs, we should be concentrating on the football. Every time there was a flag, the first thing you thought about was the refs making the call, not the player that committed the penalty. I expect more than a few blown calls from around the League this Sunday.
2. The Giants and Cowboys seem to always deliver entertaining games. You could say this about any rivalry. Being a Redskins fan, I would have liked to see the Cowboys lose, but it really doesn't matter yet. It is Week 1. It was a fun game. Not going to crown the Cowboys or forget about the Giants after a game.
3. Last year, Victor Cruz was a huge breakout start as a #3 wide receiver. Kevin Ogletree's game last night makes you wonder if he can be that guy this season. Dez Bryant will get the most coverage, but Ogletree could be the most valuable receiver on the Cowboys. Cruz, meanwhile, dropped at least 4 easy catches last night that could have changed the outcome of the game. Too early to worry? Maybe. But keep an eye on his performance.
4. David Wilson had a fumbling problem at Virginia Tech and, at least by Giants standards, he has a fumbling problem in the pros. Last night, he put the ball on the turf and lost it. That one lost fumble matched the total lost fumbles by both Brandon Jacobs (0) and Ahmad Bradshaw (1) all of last season. The Giants need Wilson as their change of pace back from Bradshaw, so he needs to learn how to hold onto the rock.
5. Football is back. Like I said, it was an enjoyable game. Rarely is there a game that isn't fun, because America loves football. It was a great way to start the season. Sunday will be that first day to sit in front of the TV (and your computer to follow fantasy scores), and take in everything that is the NFL. That is the best thing to learn each year- The NFL is back for another season.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
JFLANland NFL Preview: Super Bowl Pick
I have written up my NFL Previews for both the NFC and AFC. Here are the teams I have in the playoffs, by seed:
NFC
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Chicago Bears
6. New Orleans Saints
AFC
1. Houston Texans
2. New England Patriots
3. Denver Broncos
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Buffalo Bills
My pick for the NFC Champion is the Green Bay Packers. I just think that they have too much offense not to succeed, and Aaron Rodgers probably hates the way last season ended.
In the AFC, I am picking the Denver Broncos. Call me crazy, but I think there could be some magic in the marriage of Peyton Manning and John Elway. Remember, this was a team that won a playoff game without a real QB. Imagine what they can do with one.
And my pick to win Super Bowl XLVII: The Denver Broncos. I know, it is a stretch, and I am probably wrong. But the season hasn't started yet, so I can't be wrong yet. I just have that feeling that Peyton can win anywhere. He'll win his 2nd Super Bowl in New Orleans, with the entire city behind him.
Enjoy the season, folks!
NFC
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Chicago Bears
6. New Orleans Saints
AFC
1. Houston Texans
2. New England Patriots
3. Denver Broncos
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Buffalo Bills
My pick for the NFC Champion is the Green Bay Packers. I just think that they have too much offense not to succeed, and Aaron Rodgers probably hates the way last season ended.
In the AFC, I am picking the Denver Broncos. Call me crazy, but I think there could be some magic in the marriage of Peyton Manning and John Elway. Remember, this was a team that won a playoff game without a real QB. Imagine what they can do with one.
And my pick to win Super Bowl XLVII: The Denver Broncos. I know, it is a stretch, and I am probably wrong. But the season hasn't started yet, so I can't be wrong yet. I just have that feeling that Peyton can win anywhere. He'll win his 2nd Super Bowl in New Orleans, with the entire city behind him.
Enjoy the season, folks!
JFLANland NFL Preview: AFC
We've already looked at the NFC, so now it is time to preview the AFC.
AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots
2. Buffalo Bills
3. Miami Dolphins
4. New York Jets
The Patriots are the class of the division, as they have been every year of this Millenium. However, the Buffalo Bills are quietly catching up with them. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have a rookie QB and no receivers, and the Jets have two QBs and an angry receiver. We'll leave them at the bottom. (Actual sentence said by one of my best friends, who is a Jets fan: I wish the Jets would be contracted so that I didn't have to root for them anymore." I think a lot of people in NY feel that way.)
Star to Watch: Mario Williams. Can he earn the big contract with the Bills? Can he stay healthy?
Rookie to Watch: Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Patriots. He will help their pass rush a ton. And no, I am not picking him just because he went to my alma mater, Syracuse. He is that good.
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cincinnati Benglas
4. Cleveland Browns
Poor Cleveland. They just don't stand a chance. I like the Ravens in this division because they still have the best offensive player in Ray Rice, and the best defensive leader in Ray Lewis. Couple that with the Steelers' transition to a new offensive scheme and O-Line issues in a division packed with good defenses, and Baltimore gets the nod. Cincinnati could surprise us all and win the division, but I am not ready to pick them yet. Need to see a 2nd year of success with Andy Dalton and AJ Green at the helm.
Star to Watch: Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Is this their last season? How long will Reed's beard get? How many amazing speeches will Lewis give?
Rookie to Watch: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Bengals. The former Rutgers star can catch anything, and should see a lot of single coverage with AJ Green occupying the double teams.
AFC SOUTH
1. Houston Texans
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
This seems to be a cake walk for the Texans. The rest of the division is in rebuilding mode or complete wreck mode (thanks Jags). If they stay healthy, the Texans will clinch the division by Week 12. Jake Locker is taking over the team in Nashville, but he has an extremely difficult out of division schedule for a first year starter, featuring the AFC EAST and the NFC North. They could start out 0-4 after facing the Patriots, Chargers, Lions and Texans. Andrew Luck will do just fine, and will make sure the Colts win at least 3 games. The Jaguars will probably be the worst team in football, so let the Matt Barkley countdown begin!
Star to Watch: Dwight Freeney. The Colts new 3-4 scheme moves the All-Pro defensive end to outside linebacker. Will he be asked to cover and not just rush the QB? Will it hurt his game?
Rookie to Watch: Justin Blackmon, WR, Jaguars. I have never liked taking Big XII wideouts because they don't become superstars (Michael Crabtree isn't that good, Dez Bryant has character/injury issues, for example). Blackmon already has two DUI arrests, and now has no real QB to throw to him.
AFC WEST
1. Denver Broncos
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Oakland Raiders
This division race is based entirely on the performance of Peyton Manning. I think he will be great. Maybe not 5 time MVP great, but certainly Top 5 or 10 QB great, which is enough to win this division. He has good receivers, a solid running game, and a talented defense to back him up. San Diego needs to show it can shrug off the early season struggles they have had under Norv Turner. KC and Oakland enter with a ton of questions at almost every position.
Star to Watch: Peyton Manning. The biggest star in the NFL is back, but is he the same?
Rookie to Watch: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, Chargers. I actually have a beer bet going with Baltimore blogger I Hate JJ Redick on who will have a better season, Ingram (from his alma mater of South Carolina) or Chandler Jones (from my alma mater, Syracuse). They both should do well, but will Ingram be able to get to Peyton Manning before he gets rid of the ball?
My AFC Playoff Picks (ranked 1-6, 1 being the best record, 5 and 6 being the Wild Cards):
1. Houston Texans
2. New England Patriots
3. Denver Broncos
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Buffalo Bills
Just missed: Chargers, Bengals, Titans
My Super Bowl picks are in my next post.
AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots
2. Buffalo Bills
3. Miami Dolphins
4. New York Jets
The Patriots are the class of the division, as they have been every year of this Millenium. However, the Buffalo Bills are quietly catching up with them. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have a rookie QB and no receivers, and the Jets have two QBs and an angry receiver. We'll leave them at the bottom. (Actual sentence said by one of my best friends, who is a Jets fan: I wish the Jets would be contracted so that I didn't have to root for them anymore." I think a lot of people in NY feel that way.)
Star to Watch: Mario Williams. Can he earn the big contract with the Bills? Can he stay healthy?
Rookie to Watch: Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Patriots. He will help their pass rush a ton. And no, I am not picking him just because he went to my alma mater, Syracuse. He is that good.
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cincinnati Benglas
4. Cleveland Browns
Poor Cleveland. They just don't stand a chance. I like the Ravens in this division because they still have the best offensive player in Ray Rice, and the best defensive leader in Ray Lewis. Couple that with the Steelers' transition to a new offensive scheme and O-Line issues in a division packed with good defenses, and Baltimore gets the nod. Cincinnati could surprise us all and win the division, but I am not ready to pick them yet. Need to see a 2nd year of success with Andy Dalton and AJ Green at the helm.
Star to Watch: Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Is this their last season? How long will Reed's beard get? How many amazing speeches will Lewis give?
Rookie to Watch: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Bengals. The former Rutgers star can catch anything, and should see a lot of single coverage with AJ Green occupying the double teams.
AFC SOUTH
1. Houston Texans
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
This seems to be a cake walk for the Texans. The rest of the division is in rebuilding mode or complete wreck mode (thanks Jags). If they stay healthy, the Texans will clinch the division by Week 12. Jake Locker is taking over the team in Nashville, but he has an extremely difficult out of division schedule for a first year starter, featuring the AFC EAST and the NFC North. They could start out 0-4 after facing the Patriots, Chargers, Lions and Texans. Andrew Luck will do just fine, and will make sure the Colts win at least 3 games. The Jaguars will probably be the worst team in football, so let the Matt Barkley countdown begin!
Star to Watch: Dwight Freeney. The Colts new 3-4 scheme moves the All-Pro defensive end to outside linebacker. Will he be asked to cover and not just rush the QB? Will it hurt his game?
Rookie to Watch: Justin Blackmon, WR, Jaguars. I have never liked taking Big XII wideouts because they don't become superstars (Michael Crabtree isn't that good, Dez Bryant has character/injury issues, for example). Blackmon already has two DUI arrests, and now has no real QB to throw to him.
AFC WEST
1. Denver Broncos
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Oakland Raiders
This division race is based entirely on the performance of Peyton Manning. I think he will be great. Maybe not 5 time MVP great, but certainly Top 5 or 10 QB great, which is enough to win this division. He has good receivers, a solid running game, and a talented defense to back him up. San Diego needs to show it can shrug off the early season struggles they have had under Norv Turner. KC and Oakland enter with a ton of questions at almost every position.
Star to Watch: Peyton Manning. The biggest star in the NFL is back, but is he the same?
Rookie to Watch: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, Chargers. I actually have a beer bet going with Baltimore blogger I Hate JJ Redick on who will have a better season, Ingram (from his alma mater of South Carolina) or Chandler Jones (from my alma mater, Syracuse). They both should do well, but will Ingram be able to get to Peyton Manning before he gets rid of the ball?
My AFC Playoff Picks (ranked 1-6, 1 being the best record, 5 and 6 being the Wild Cards):
1. Houston Texans
2. New England Patriots
3. Denver Broncos
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Buffalo Bills
Just missed: Chargers, Bengals, Titans
My Super Bowl picks are in my next post.
JFLANland NFL Preview: NFC
Hello and welcome to the JFLANland NFL Preview for the 2012-2013 season. Football starts tomorrow with the Cowboys taking on the defending Super Bowl champion New York Football Giants. This weekend is like Christmas for those of us who love football, and I figured it would be wise of me to make my predictions for the year. We start in the NFC.
NFC EAST
1. New York Giants
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Washington Redskins
I think that the Giants will be able to ride their win through this season and take the NFC East crown. Every team in the division has problems, so a team that knows how to win and can not only throw the ball but also get to the other teams' QBs like the Giants do can do well. I think the Cowboys will be in the running for a Wild Card spot, and the Eagles will be hurt when Vick gets hurt. However, I think Nick Foles will perform very well as a substitute, which means the Eagles will have a decision to make about Vick's contract in the offseason. The Redskins are rebuilding. I'll give them anywhere from 6-8 wins, but more likely 6. RG3 will do fine, but it may not be enough to let Mike Shanahan get another season as the Skins' head coach.
Star to Watch: Tony Romo. Does he have to win a division title to justify still being the starting QB in Dallas?
Rookie to Watch: Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins. Mike Shanahan can make almost anyone into a 1,000-yard back. It could be Morris' turn.
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Chicago Bears
3. Detroit Lions
4. Minnesota Vikings
I think this is the 2nd easiest call for who will be the best and worst teams in a division in the NFC. We know the Packers are amazing, led by the amazing Aaron Rodgers and their powerful offense. We know the Vikings just don't have the talent to compete in one of the hardest divisions in football. The question is how well the Bears and Lions will do. I love that Jay Cutler finally has real receivers in Chicago in the form of Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery. However, their defense is another year older, and we don't know Brian Urlacher's health situation. The Lions, meanwhile, won the offseason award for most run-ins with the law. Will they be able to concentrate on football now that the season has started?
Star to Watch: Adrian Peterson. How does he bounce back from his knee injury?
Rookie to Watch: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears. He is big, strong, and quick for is massive frame. Think a faster Antonio Gates. He could be huge for Jay Cutler.
NFC SOUTH
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I don't think any of these teams will be terrible. This is a very difficult division to pick. I am going with the Falcons because the Saints suspensions have to hurt them at some point, even though they still have Drew Brees and that offense. Atlanta has weapons that are almost as good (better at WR with Roddy White and Julio Jones), and it is time for Matt Ryan to take the next step. Cam Newton and Josh Freeman will look to have their teams back in contention for many games, but defensive issues and O-line questions may haunt both teams.
Star to Watch: The 3-headed RB in Carolina. DeAngelo Williams, Johnathan Stewart and now Mike Tolbert. Will they be able to create 1 solid rushing attack for the Panthers?
Rookie to Watch: Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers. He has taken the starting job from LaGarrette Blount, and is a better all around back. He is one of my big projected fantasy players as well.
NFC WEST
1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. St. Louis Rams
This is the easiest 1st and 4th place pick in the NFC. The 49ers owned the division last year, and only added offensive talent to their roster that is stacked with Patrick Willis and that defense. The Rams are in the first year under a new coach, and while I love Jeff Fisher, I don't think he will turn them around in one year. Seattle and Arizona need to sort out their QB issues if they want to compete with 49ers.
Star to Watch: Randy Moss. What does one of the all-time greats have left in the tank for the 49ers?
Rookie to Watch: Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks. Pete Carrol is giving the kid a chance to begin the season. How long can he hold on, knowing that the high priced Matt Flynn is ready to go behind him?
My NFC Playoff Picks (ranked 1-6, 1 being the best record, 5 and 6 being the Wild Cards):
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Chicago Bears
6. New Orleans Saints
Just missed: Lions, Cowboys, Panthers.
NFC EAST
1. New York Giants
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Washington Redskins
I think that the Giants will be able to ride their win through this season and take the NFC East crown. Every team in the division has problems, so a team that knows how to win and can not only throw the ball but also get to the other teams' QBs like the Giants do can do well. I think the Cowboys will be in the running for a Wild Card spot, and the Eagles will be hurt when Vick gets hurt. However, I think Nick Foles will perform very well as a substitute, which means the Eagles will have a decision to make about Vick's contract in the offseason. The Redskins are rebuilding. I'll give them anywhere from 6-8 wins, but more likely 6. RG3 will do fine, but it may not be enough to let Mike Shanahan get another season as the Skins' head coach.
Star to Watch: Tony Romo. Does he have to win a division title to justify still being the starting QB in Dallas?
Rookie to Watch: Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins. Mike Shanahan can make almost anyone into a 1,000-yard back. It could be Morris' turn.
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Chicago Bears
3. Detroit Lions
4. Minnesota Vikings
I think this is the 2nd easiest call for who will be the best and worst teams in a division in the NFC. We know the Packers are amazing, led by the amazing Aaron Rodgers and their powerful offense. We know the Vikings just don't have the talent to compete in one of the hardest divisions in football. The question is how well the Bears and Lions will do. I love that Jay Cutler finally has real receivers in Chicago in the form of Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery. However, their defense is another year older, and we don't know Brian Urlacher's health situation. The Lions, meanwhile, won the offseason award for most run-ins with the law. Will they be able to concentrate on football now that the season has started?
Star to Watch: Adrian Peterson. How does he bounce back from his knee injury?
Rookie to Watch: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears. He is big, strong, and quick for is massive frame. Think a faster Antonio Gates. He could be huge for Jay Cutler.
NFC SOUTH
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I don't think any of these teams will be terrible. This is a very difficult division to pick. I am going with the Falcons because the Saints suspensions have to hurt them at some point, even though they still have Drew Brees and that offense. Atlanta has weapons that are almost as good (better at WR with Roddy White and Julio Jones), and it is time for Matt Ryan to take the next step. Cam Newton and Josh Freeman will look to have their teams back in contention for many games, but defensive issues and O-line questions may haunt both teams.
Star to Watch: The 3-headed RB in Carolina. DeAngelo Williams, Johnathan Stewart and now Mike Tolbert. Will they be able to create 1 solid rushing attack for the Panthers?
Rookie to Watch: Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers. He has taken the starting job from LaGarrette Blount, and is a better all around back. He is one of my big projected fantasy players as well.
NFC WEST
1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. St. Louis Rams
This is the easiest 1st and 4th place pick in the NFC. The 49ers owned the division last year, and only added offensive talent to their roster that is stacked with Patrick Willis and that defense. The Rams are in the first year under a new coach, and while I love Jeff Fisher, I don't think he will turn them around in one year. Seattle and Arizona need to sort out their QB issues if they want to compete with 49ers.
Star to Watch: Randy Moss. What does one of the all-time greats have left in the tank for the 49ers?
Rookie to Watch: Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks. Pete Carrol is giving the kid a chance to begin the season. How long can he hold on, knowing that the high priced Matt Flynn is ready to go behind him?
My NFC Playoff Picks (ranked 1-6, 1 being the best record, 5 and 6 being the Wild Cards):
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Chicago Bears
6. New Orleans Saints
Just missed: Lions, Cowboys, Panthers.
Monday, August 27, 2012
The JFLANland Fantasy Football Post!
Its the most wonderful time of the year. Football is back! In a little over a week, the season will kick off, and that means that your fantasy roster has to be set by then. Here is a look at the players I love for fantasy, and those that I am not so hot on. (Note: I am not revealing all of my secrets, since I haven't drafted my team yet...)
Thumbs Up
- The top tier QBs. Rodgers, Brady, and Brees are all going to be amazing as they are every year. I also think that both Mannings, Cam Newton and Matt Stafford (if healthy) will be just fine.
- Ray Rice is always a good choice, especially in PPR leagues. Same goes for Foster and McCoy. Everyone knows this. Megatron is the man for WRs, but that's no surprise either. Roddy White and Larry Fitzgerald are with him every year.
- Some mid-level guys that can have huge years? First, the receivers. Pierre Garcon, first of all. He already has great chemistry with RG3. Julio Jones may be the #2 wideout on Atlanta, but he has #1 ability, especially with Roddy White taking the best cornerbacks each game. Hakeem Nicks may not have the game-breaking speed of Victor Cruz, but he can catch anything and will be Eli's best friend if he can stay healthy. Eric Decker could be the fantasy steal of the season, especially if everything Peyton Manning says about him is true. Another one is Brandon LaFell, who has all but locked up a starting receiver spot in Carolina.
- The running backs are important in every league, PPR or not. Darren Sproles, Doug Martin, Steve Ridley, David Wilson, Donald Brown, Willis McGahee and Cedric Benson are good picks for a 2nd RB.
- Never underestimate chemistry. Coby Fleener could end up being Andrew Luck's best friend in the NFL, just like he was at Stanford. He is the biggest tight end sleeper in the league.
- 5 rookie QBs will be starting the season this year. Everyone knows RG3 and Andrew Luck's pedigree and talent, but Russel Wilson could surprise some people in Seattle. He is a proven winner with athletic ability to make plays with his feet and arm. I wouldn't start him, but he is a good choice at backup.
Thumbs Down
- Anyone who has held out this season, especially Maurice Jones-Drew and Mike Wallace, simply because they may not play or be ready for the year.
- Mike Vick. He gets hurt too often and too easily. I expect Nick Foles to start at least 3 games for the Eagles this season.
- Ryan Matthews. He is already hurt, as he has been every year in his career.
- Any Jets offensive player. Have you seen their offense? And Tebow won't help it at all.
- Any Lions running back. They are all hurt, it seems. I have no idea who the starter is supposed to be. Kevin Smith, Mike LeShoure, you, me- I have no clue.
- Ryan Tannehill may have the talent to be a good QB down the road for the Dolphins. He is even in the same system as he was at Texas A&M. But aside from Reggie Bush, he has no weapons around him. The same can be said of Brandon Weeden. Try not to get in a position where you need one of these two to start a game for you.
- Big XII Receivers have always underwhelmed me, Wes Welker being the exception. I'd stay clear of Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree and Justin Blackmon. They were great in college, but their attitude and immaturity just doesn't translate to NFL Stardom in today's environment.
Enjoy your draft.
Thumbs Up
- The top tier QBs. Rodgers, Brady, and Brees are all going to be amazing as they are every year. I also think that both Mannings, Cam Newton and Matt Stafford (if healthy) will be just fine.
- Ray Rice is always a good choice, especially in PPR leagues. Same goes for Foster and McCoy. Everyone knows this. Megatron is the man for WRs, but that's no surprise either. Roddy White and Larry Fitzgerald are with him every year.
- Some mid-level guys that can have huge years? First, the receivers. Pierre Garcon, first of all. He already has great chemistry with RG3. Julio Jones may be the #2 wideout on Atlanta, but he has #1 ability, especially with Roddy White taking the best cornerbacks each game. Hakeem Nicks may not have the game-breaking speed of Victor Cruz, but he can catch anything and will be Eli's best friend if he can stay healthy. Eric Decker could be the fantasy steal of the season, especially if everything Peyton Manning says about him is true. Another one is Brandon LaFell, who has all but locked up a starting receiver spot in Carolina.
- The running backs are important in every league, PPR or not. Darren Sproles, Doug Martin, Steve Ridley, David Wilson, Donald Brown, Willis McGahee and Cedric Benson are good picks for a 2nd RB.
- Never underestimate chemistry. Coby Fleener could end up being Andrew Luck's best friend in the NFL, just like he was at Stanford. He is the biggest tight end sleeper in the league.
- 5 rookie QBs will be starting the season this year. Everyone knows RG3 and Andrew Luck's pedigree and talent, but Russel Wilson could surprise some people in Seattle. He is a proven winner with athletic ability to make plays with his feet and arm. I wouldn't start him, but he is a good choice at backup.
Thumbs Down
- Anyone who has held out this season, especially Maurice Jones-Drew and Mike Wallace, simply because they may not play or be ready for the year.
- Mike Vick. He gets hurt too often and too easily. I expect Nick Foles to start at least 3 games for the Eagles this season.
- Ryan Matthews. He is already hurt, as he has been every year in his career.
- Any Jets offensive player. Have you seen their offense? And Tebow won't help it at all.
- Any Lions running back. They are all hurt, it seems. I have no idea who the starter is supposed to be. Kevin Smith, Mike LeShoure, you, me- I have no clue.
- Ryan Tannehill may have the talent to be a good QB down the road for the Dolphins. He is even in the same system as he was at Texas A&M. But aside from Reggie Bush, he has no weapons around him. The same can be said of Brandon Weeden. Try not to get in a position where you need one of these two to start a game for you.
- Big XII Receivers have always underwhelmed me, Wes Welker being the exception. I'd stay clear of Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree and Justin Blackmon. They were great in college, but their attitude and immaturity just doesn't translate to NFL Stardom in today's environment.
Enjoy your draft.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Ten New Rules for Baseball Fans
I go to a ton of baseball games. The more I go, the more I realize that there are things that just annoy me about some fans. Sure, there are the things that spread across every ballpark, like people walking in the aisles during gameplay which should be outlawed. But I have come up with a list of things that are fairly specific to particular fanbases, or at least deal with particular fans. So, without further adieu, here is my list of Ten New Rules for Baseball Fans:
1. If you are not a Cubs fan seeing a game at Wrigley Field, you do not get to "throw the ball back". I have never caught a foul ball, much less a home run. This is a Chicago thing that some other fans have tried to adopt as their own. Even TV commercials now have an ad where a Dodgers fan throws a ball back. Not so fast my friend! The Cubs own this one, and they should be the only ones allowed to do it, as long as it happens at their own park. If they are on the road? Suck it up, your pitcher just gave up a dinger. Give the ball to a kid.
2. Braves fans are no longer aloud to do "The Chop". I am sure you are aware of what this is, a fun (and fairly offensive/ politically incorrect) cheer where you pretend you are a Native American, do a war chant and move your arm like it is a tomahawk. Not only is it annoying, but it isn't even your gimmick! It belongs to Florida State and no one else. The only reason the Braves started doing The Chop was because they signed FSU alum Deion Sanders to play with them, and he brought the cheer with him. Sorry Atlanta, but you are no longer allowed to use it.
3. Baltimore Orioles fans are only allowed to scream "O!" during the National Anthem at Camden Yards. I am not a big fan of screaming anything during the anthem. I don't like when Caps fans scream "Red" in the Verizon Center. I think it is disrespectful to our country and our song. But, since you feel like you have to do that instead of singing along in honor of our great land, keep it to yourselves at home games. This is an especially bad problem for me, a Nationals fan and season ticket holder, because most of us grew up a fan of the Orioles. Still, at every game, some drunk fool screams "O" even though they are 40 miles south of the Inner Harbor.
4. No more cheering injuries. You can faciciously call for an injury while an outfielder is making an eay play, but to revel in someone else getting hurt is not a good thing. I know I am guilty of this, and I am trying to change. I also know that Phillies fans love cheering the demise of anyone else, but I won't limit it to them. We are better than this, sports fans.
5. No one should do The Wave. Ever. Especially not if your team is losing, but that falls under "EVER".
6. There should no longer be cheering about how a third team sucks in a game between two other teams. For example, If you are at Fenway Park, seeing the Red Soxs play the Tigers, the chant of "Yankees Suck" should not be resonating off the Green Monster. Concentrate on the game at hand. Especially if you are a Soxs fan this year, because you are probably losing.
7. A guest submission from my friend Robbie- "Mets fans shouldn't be allowed to get their hopes up." I'm sorry, but it is funny. By the way, here is a nice rant by Mike Francesa about those Mets.
8. One closer to home for me- Nationals fans have to stop putting up with Teddy losing the Presidents' Race. It has gone on way too long, it isn't funny anymore, and it is COMPLETELY HISTORICALLY INNACURATE! I don't know if there is a perennial loser in the Periogi or Sausage races, but they have no basis in history. They are racing food.
9. No more streaking or running on the field. Again, we are better than that... At least I think we should be better than that.
10. Finally, a two-parter: First, remove your cap and sing the National Anthem. It shows pride in our country. Second, if at some point during the game, your team honors the military or troops that have come home, or those who have been wounded, or something like that, stand up and applaud. These men and women have given their time, their devotion, and in many cases their lives so that we can sit in a ballpark and watch grown men play a boy's sport. The very least we can do is show them our appreciation and support.
1. If you are not a Cubs fan seeing a game at Wrigley Field, you do not get to "throw the ball back". I have never caught a foul ball, much less a home run. This is a Chicago thing that some other fans have tried to adopt as their own. Even TV commercials now have an ad where a Dodgers fan throws a ball back. Not so fast my friend! The Cubs own this one, and they should be the only ones allowed to do it, as long as it happens at their own park. If they are on the road? Suck it up, your pitcher just gave up a dinger. Give the ball to a kid.
2. Braves fans are no longer aloud to do "The Chop". I am sure you are aware of what this is, a fun (and fairly offensive/ politically incorrect) cheer where you pretend you are a Native American, do a war chant and move your arm like it is a tomahawk. Not only is it annoying, but it isn't even your gimmick! It belongs to Florida State and no one else. The only reason the Braves started doing The Chop was because they signed FSU alum Deion Sanders to play with them, and he brought the cheer with him. Sorry Atlanta, but you are no longer allowed to use it.
3. Baltimore Orioles fans are only allowed to scream "O!" during the National Anthem at Camden Yards. I am not a big fan of screaming anything during the anthem. I don't like when Caps fans scream "Red" in the Verizon Center. I think it is disrespectful to our country and our song. But, since you feel like you have to do that instead of singing along in honor of our great land, keep it to yourselves at home games. This is an especially bad problem for me, a Nationals fan and season ticket holder, because most of us grew up a fan of the Orioles. Still, at every game, some drunk fool screams "O" even though they are 40 miles south of the Inner Harbor.
4. No more cheering injuries. You can faciciously call for an injury while an outfielder is making an eay play, but to revel in someone else getting hurt is not a good thing. I know I am guilty of this, and I am trying to change. I also know that Phillies fans love cheering the demise of anyone else, but I won't limit it to them. We are better than this, sports fans.
5. No one should do The Wave. Ever. Especially not if your team is losing, but that falls under "EVER".
6. There should no longer be cheering about how a third team sucks in a game between two other teams. For example, If you are at Fenway Park, seeing the Red Soxs play the Tigers, the chant of "Yankees Suck" should not be resonating off the Green Monster. Concentrate on the game at hand. Especially if you are a Soxs fan this year, because you are probably losing.
7. A guest submission from my friend Robbie- "Mets fans shouldn't be allowed to get their hopes up." I'm sorry, but it is funny. By the way, here is a nice rant by Mike Francesa about those Mets.
8. One closer to home for me- Nationals fans have to stop putting up with Teddy losing the Presidents' Race. It has gone on way too long, it isn't funny anymore, and it is COMPLETELY HISTORICALLY INNACURATE! I don't know if there is a perennial loser in the Periogi or Sausage races, but they have no basis in history. They are racing food.
9. No more streaking or running on the field. Again, we are better than that... At least I think we should be better than that.
10. Finally, a two-parter: First, remove your cap and sing the National Anthem. It shows pride in our country. Second, if at some point during the game, your team honors the military or troops that have come home, or those who have been wounded, or something like that, stand up and applaud. These men and women have given their time, their devotion, and in many cases their lives so that we can sit in a ballpark and watch grown men play a boy's sport. The very least we can do is show them our appreciation and support.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Silly Steroids
Today, Bartolo Colon was suspended 50 games for Performance Enhancing Drugs, commonly known as PEDs. This is just another announcement in baseball's war against steroids. Last week, Melky Cabrera was suspended 50 games for testing positive for high levels of testosterone, which is of course a side effect of PEDs, just like Colon. Last offseason, Ryan Braun failed a PED test, but was able to get out of his suspension due to a technicality. Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Canseco, Palmiero, Clemens, ARod, Pettite, Big Papi- All roided up, all on PEDs.
While I know that not every person suspended for PEDs is a superstar (Marlon Byrd and Guillermo Mota, for example), it seems like a good deal of them are. Sure, Colon is way past his prime, but won a Cy Young back in the day. Melky was a solid player who had a huge comeback year last year without failing a test, so why did he have to illegal enhancements to push his performance higher? That big list of past players and superstars, all on some kind of substance that did more to hurt their legacy than help their performance. What is the point?
I give you Ryan Braun. Braun won the NL MVP last season, then the news came out that he failed a drug test. They said he should get stripped of the award. He was facing a 50 games suspension. His name was being besmirched. He appealed, and managed to get his suspension overturned because the sample collection agents failed to follow protocol, apparently. Clearly, he is playing clean this year because he can't risk a 2nd offense, knowing he couldn't pull the wool over MLB's eyes again. And what is he doing this year? He is having an amazing season. Entering today's game, he was batting .305 with 33 home runs and 85 RBI. He made the All Star Team, and should be in discussion for the NL MVP again. All of this without the PEDs. He has the talent to be great without drugs.
It seems nonsensical that people would do it when they are healthy and talented. Barry Bonds was already a Hall of Fame player by the time he signed with the Giants. Same with ARod. Same with Clemens. These guys obviously have the talent to be great without PEDs, yet something about their ego or their delusional self-image made them turn to steroids. Bonds couldn't handle that McGwire and Sosa were getting all the attention in their big Home Run Derby Summer. ARod claimed that it was the culture of baseball that made him do it, instead of relying on his own ability. The more I think about it all, the less sense it makes.
Sure, not everyone can be a Hall of Fame player like they may want to be. But if you are really good and have a solid 20 year career in baseball, why do you want to jeopardize your legacy just for a few extra dingers each year, or faster return from injury? It isn't like steroids only have a positive effect. They are terrible for the heart and longterm abuse can have horrible consequences. I simply don't understand why anyone would still use steroids if they have the talent to stay in the majors without them. Colon hasn't been amazing the past few years, but has still found a team to take a chance on him, and still collects big paychecks. He didn't need PEDs to help him. He just needed to go out and pitch.
While I know that not every person suspended for PEDs is a superstar (Marlon Byrd and Guillermo Mota, for example), it seems like a good deal of them are. Sure, Colon is way past his prime, but won a Cy Young back in the day. Melky was a solid player who had a huge comeback year last year without failing a test, so why did he have to illegal enhancements to push his performance higher? That big list of past players and superstars, all on some kind of substance that did more to hurt their legacy than help their performance. What is the point?
I give you Ryan Braun. Braun won the NL MVP last season, then the news came out that he failed a drug test. They said he should get stripped of the award. He was facing a 50 games suspension. His name was being besmirched. He appealed, and managed to get his suspension overturned because the sample collection agents failed to follow protocol, apparently. Clearly, he is playing clean this year because he can't risk a 2nd offense, knowing he couldn't pull the wool over MLB's eyes again. And what is he doing this year? He is having an amazing season. Entering today's game, he was batting .305 with 33 home runs and 85 RBI. He made the All Star Team, and should be in discussion for the NL MVP again. All of this without the PEDs. He has the talent to be great without drugs.
It seems nonsensical that people would do it when they are healthy and talented. Barry Bonds was already a Hall of Fame player by the time he signed with the Giants. Same with ARod. Same with Clemens. These guys obviously have the talent to be great without PEDs, yet something about their ego or their delusional self-image made them turn to steroids. Bonds couldn't handle that McGwire and Sosa were getting all the attention in their big Home Run Derby Summer. ARod claimed that it was the culture of baseball that made him do it, instead of relying on his own ability. The more I think about it all, the less sense it makes.
Sure, not everyone can be a Hall of Fame player like they may want to be. But if you are really good and have a solid 20 year career in baseball, why do you want to jeopardize your legacy just for a few extra dingers each year, or faster return from injury? It isn't like steroids only have a positive effect. They are terrible for the heart and longterm abuse can have horrible consequences. I simply don't understand why anyone would still use steroids if they have the talent to stay in the majors without them. Colon hasn't been amazing the past few years, but has still found a team to take a chance on him, and still collects big paychecks. He didn't need PEDs to help him. He just needed to go out and pitch.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
RIP Laptop
A quick reason for my lack of updates this week- My laptop, which I have had since my freshman year at Syracuse in 2004, has pretty much decided to kick the bucket this past weekend. I turned it off to give it a rest, and it decided it didn't want to load Windows anymore. So, until I get my new one (thinking Mac), my blog updates might not come as frequently. However, I will still be tweeting all the time, so follow me @JFLANland. Hope you are enjoying the Olympics, baseball entering the home stretch, and preseason NFL action.
- JFLAN
- JFLAN
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Ladies' Fortnight
It has been Ladies' Week at the Summer Olympics. The women of Team USA are completely owning the games. Swimming, gymnastics, cycling, volleyball, basketball, synchronized diving, shooting; It has been amazing. Truly stunning.
First, the swimmers have been on another planet. Missy Franklin is the new breakout star and America's sweetheart. Dana Vollmer set a world record. Allison Schmitt has owned the freestyle and guided the US to a relay win. Gold is the color of choice for these young women, and they are wearing a lot of it. There are even more events on the way, and new stars can be made in the span of minutes. Who will be the next swimmer to step up?
The darlings of the Olympics so far could very well be the Fab Five- The US Women's Gymastics team. To say women's is almost unfair, because these young ladies aren't adults yet. However, they were able to dominate the Team competition and win gold for the first time since Kerri Strugg, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes and the Magnificent 7 in 1996. Then Gaby Douglas aka The Flying Squirrel went out and won the All-Around. All this and they still have the individual events left.
Kristin Armstrong came out of retirement to defend her Gold in the Women's Individual Time Trial cycling, and won in front of her husband and son. Kim Rhode set a world record for shooting, and became the first US competitor to medal in 5 straight Olympics. The syncho-dive team of Kelci Bryant and Abigail Johnston won silver in the 3m springboard, which is just as good as gold in a sport dominated by the Chinese.
And it doesn't stop there. The women's 8 won gold in rowing. Kayla Harrison became the first American to win Gold in Judo. Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh Jennings lost their first set of their Olympic careers, but nevertheless are still undefeated heading into the elimination round. The US soccer team (which qualified for the Games, unlike their male counterparts) remains undefeated, as does the women's basketball squad. All of this even before track and field begins!
Meanwhile, the stars on the men's side have, at times, been underwhelming. Phelps has his record 19th medal (and counting) right now, but he was out-touched in the 200 fly and didn't medal in the 400 IM. Lochte has hardly been the Phelps 2.0 that he was hyped to be. The most successful male swimmers are the lesser known guys who are winning upset Golds, like Nathan Adrian and Matt Grevers. The male gymnasts? Aside from All Around bronze medalist Danell Leyva, choking dogs! Basketball is still cruising, as they should, but soccer didn't make the Olympics.
The male US athletes should feel lucky that this is an athletic battle between countries and not a battle of the sexes.
If it was, the women would be close to knocking the men out.
First, the swimmers have been on another planet. Missy Franklin is the new breakout star and America's sweetheart. Dana Vollmer set a world record. Allison Schmitt has owned the freestyle and guided the US to a relay win. Gold is the color of choice for these young women, and they are wearing a lot of it. There are even more events on the way, and new stars can be made in the span of minutes. Who will be the next swimmer to step up?
The darlings of the Olympics so far could very well be the Fab Five- The US Women's Gymastics team. To say women's is almost unfair, because these young ladies aren't adults yet. However, they were able to dominate the Team competition and win gold for the first time since Kerri Strugg, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes and the Magnificent 7 in 1996. Then Gaby Douglas aka The Flying Squirrel went out and won the All-Around. All this and they still have the individual events left.
Kristin Armstrong came out of retirement to defend her Gold in the Women's Individual Time Trial cycling, and won in front of her husband and son. Kim Rhode set a world record for shooting, and became the first US competitor to medal in 5 straight Olympics. The syncho-dive team of Kelci Bryant and Abigail Johnston won silver in the 3m springboard, which is just as good as gold in a sport dominated by the Chinese.
And it doesn't stop there. The women's 8 won gold in rowing. Kayla Harrison became the first American to win Gold in Judo. Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh Jennings lost their first set of their Olympic careers, but nevertheless are still undefeated heading into the elimination round. The US soccer team (which qualified for the Games, unlike their male counterparts) remains undefeated, as does the women's basketball squad. All of this even before track and field begins!
Meanwhile, the stars on the men's side have, at times, been underwhelming. Phelps has his record 19th medal (and counting) right now, but he was out-touched in the 200 fly and didn't medal in the 400 IM. Lochte has hardly been the Phelps 2.0 that he was hyped to be. The most successful male swimmers are the lesser known guys who are winning upset Golds, like Nathan Adrian and Matt Grevers. The male gymnasts? Aside from All Around bronze medalist Danell Leyva, choking dogs! Basketball is still cruising, as they should, but soccer didn't make the Olympics.
The male US athletes should feel lucky that this is an athletic battle between countries and not a battle of the sexes.
If it was, the women would be close to knocking the men out.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Why Phelps Isn't The Best Summer Olympian Ever
I am a sports fan. I love sports. I am fairly obsessed with sports. I would love to make a living discussing sports.
In addition to loving sports, I also love history. I have a Masters in American History from George Mason University (Go Patriots!). When these two passions come together, it normally makes me very happy. Not today though. Here's why.
ESPN came out today with its list of the 30 Greatest Summer Olympians of All Time. They seem to only include Americans in the list, but I digress. Guess who is Number 1? That's right, Michael Phelps. Hooray Phelps! He can swim! He is a mer-man and has won a ton of gold medals. He really is a phenom in the pool. There is no denying that.
He isn't the best Summer Olympian of all time.
He isn't.
I'm serious.
Stop seething and listen to me.
Michael Phelps has won all of his races. He got his 8 Golds thanks to a teammate owning the final leg of a relay. It was like he won more medals than most of the other countries in the Olympics. He has beaten Lotche. He has beaten Thorpe. He has lived up to the hype and the expectations. But there is one foe that he has never had to face: Adolf Hitler.
Jesse Owens is, without question, the Greatest Summer Olympian of All Time. He went into Germany in 1936 for the Berlin Olympics and changed the world. He, in the mind of the Nazi leaders and Nazi propagandists, was an inferior species of human; an ape who could not compete at the same level as their Aryan athletes. Owens marched into the stadium overseen by the personification of evil with an entire country looking down on him. All Owens did in the face of hate and racism was win 4 Gold Medals- the 100 meter, 200 meter, 4x100 meter relay, and the long jump.
He struck a blow to the psyche of the Nazi party and its leader, while showing the world that hate and prejudice based on skin color was completely unjustified. The true shame of the entire situation is that Owens experienced the same hate upon arriving back in the United States. He didn't get a trip to the White House. He has to ride in the freight elevator at the Waldorf-Astoria up to a reception in his honor. Still, his legacy has endured. He is one of the few athletes you will ever see in a history textbook, because his performance at the 1936 Games were that impressive. What does Phelps have that can compare to that?
Phelps, along with all those medals, has a DWI conviction, and likes weed almost as much as he loves Subway sandwiches.
So excuse me for pointing out that he isn't the greatest. He can be the most dominant. He can be the most decorated. But I will choose an American Hero who exemplified true greatness as my #1. Jesse Owens is the Greatest Summer Olympian of All Time.
In addition to loving sports, I also love history. I have a Masters in American History from George Mason University (Go Patriots!). When these two passions come together, it normally makes me very happy. Not today though. Here's why.
ESPN came out today with its list of the 30 Greatest Summer Olympians of All Time. They seem to only include Americans in the list, but I digress. Guess who is Number 1? That's right, Michael Phelps. Hooray Phelps! He can swim! He is a mer-man and has won a ton of gold medals. He really is a phenom in the pool. There is no denying that.
He isn't the best Summer Olympian of all time.
He isn't.
I'm serious.
Stop seething and listen to me.
Michael Phelps has won all of his races. He got his 8 Golds thanks to a teammate owning the final leg of a relay. It was like he won more medals than most of the other countries in the Olympics. He has beaten Lotche. He has beaten Thorpe. He has lived up to the hype and the expectations. But there is one foe that he has never had to face: Adolf Hitler.
Jesse Owens is, without question, the Greatest Summer Olympian of All Time. He went into Germany in 1936 for the Berlin Olympics and changed the world. He, in the mind of the Nazi leaders and Nazi propagandists, was an inferior species of human; an ape who could not compete at the same level as their Aryan athletes. Owens marched into the stadium overseen by the personification of evil with an entire country looking down on him. All Owens did in the face of hate and racism was win 4 Gold Medals- the 100 meter, 200 meter, 4x100 meter relay, and the long jump.
He struck a blow to the psyche of the Nazi party and its leader, while showing the world that hate and prejudice based on skin color was completely unjustified. The true shame of the entire situation is that Owens experienced the same hate upon arriving back in the United States. He didn't get a trip to the White House. He has to ride in the freight elevator at the Waldorf-Astoria up to a reception in his honor. Still, his legacy has endured. He is one of the few athletes you will ever see in a history textbook, because his performance at the 1936 Games were that impressive. What does Phelps have that can compare to that?
Phelps, along with all those medals, has a DWI conviction, and likes weed almost as much as he loves Subway sandwiches.
So excuse me for pointing out that he isn't the greatest. He can be the most dominant. He can be the most decorated. But I will choose an American Hero who exemplified true greatness as my #1. Jesse Owens is the Greatest Summer Olympian of All Time.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Obligatory Penn State Punishment Post
Alright, everybody is still talking. All they are doing right now on ESPN is talking about Penn State. The national news led with talking about Penn State. People are praising the NCAA and applauding them for leveling unprecedented penalties on an out-of control program that committed unprecedented crimes. People are still defending JoePa and being outraged that their once proud coach's legacy has been tarnished, and that Penn State will suffer greatly in football over the next decade. The NCAA has been kind of a joke with punishment, a goofball deputy cop that hasn't stopped any of the real problems associated with college football. Hell, just ask the Paterno family. They have been talking to anyone that will listen, saying this entire situation is unfair.
But I am positive any argument you have about how the NCAA overstepped their power or whatever: 1- doesn't matter cause the new president signed a consent form, meaning that if any rich trustee or alum feels like suing and taking this to court, he or she is just wasting his money and time; and 2- can be immediately shouted down by the phrase "They knowingly covered up sexual abuse of children". Barney Fife saw some real criminals, was given an uzi and some RPGs, and unloaded the clip.
The NCAA needed to act. The school needed to bite the bullet and take it. They needed to be punished and they knew it. In the long run, this is good for Penn State. While Joe Paterno was the most powerful and revered figure in Pennsylvania history behind William Penn and Benjamin Franklin, the fact is that he and his "superiors" (I use that in quotes because we know who actually ran that program) did nothing to stop heinous acts by Jerry Sandusky, and went so far as to cover them up to preserve the reputation of Paterno and his program. The university, an excellent ACADEMIC INSTITUTION (in case what we forgot what a university actually is), needed to distance itself from these men and the culture of indifference over justice in which they actively took part.
The school will still be an excellent public university. The other sports will still get a chance to play. Hell, the football team gets to play for the next four years, which considering the offered alternative of a death penalty should make all those who love whiting out Beaver Stadium thrilled. So, if those who insist on shouting how unfair the NCAA was to do this to their beloved football team actually stepped back and put the punishment in context, they wouldn't be upset.
I tend to agree with those that said they got off fairly easily. I think the NCAA could have not only given them the death penalty, but forced the entire program out of the NCAA for a period of time. This would then mean that the school would have to apply for readmission in order to being playing again. The Big Ten (12) could have voted them out of the conference, leaving them as an independent without any conference revenue, which would have an amazingly difficult time negotiating an independent TV deal coming off of such a public and terrible scandal. Again, the fans should be thanking the NCAA for leniency.
Now, more specifically, let us look at the legacy of Joe Paterno. As I said, he covered up abominable acts by his friend for the good of his name and his program. Were he still alive, there is no doubt in my mind that the former coach would be facing serious criminal charges. I am aware that, in his life, he also did some wonderful things. He donated money, he helped the men that played for him gain a valuable education. But the acquiescence and indifference of a good man towards such an abhorrent crime over repeated occurrences is more than enough to overshadow any good that man did.
The statue needed to come down. His name needs to come off of buildings. If it didn't, it would just be a constant reminder of what Paterno and his associates did. It would be shown on TV before every game. They would have to address it every Saturday afternoon until it came down. Now, they can begin to move on. Bill O'Brian can recruit those diehard kids that have wanted to come to Penn State all their lives. They can begin a new tradition of excellence both on and off the field. It will take a while, obviously. It should take a while after what happened. The 10 years of athletic ineptitude that could follow these punishments is only a small beginning in healing the years of torment, torture and shame which the victims of Jerry Sandusky have had to live through.
The punishment is fair. The punishment was right. The punishment of Penn State was necessary.
But I am positive any argument you have about how the NCAA overstepped their power or whatever: 1- doesn't matter cause the new president signed a consent form, meaning that if any rich trustee or alum feels like suing and taking this to court, he or she is just wasting his money and time; and 2- can be immediately shouted down by the phrase "They knowingly covered up sexual abuse of children". Barney Fife saw some real criminals, was given an uzi and some RPGs, and unloaded the clip.
The NCAA needed to act. The school needed to bite the bullet and take it. They needed to be punished and they knew it. In the long run, this is good for Penn State. While Joe Paterno was the most powerful and revered figure in Pennsylvania history behind William Penn and Benjamin Franklin, the fact is that he and his "superiors" (I use that in quotes because we know who actually ran that program) did nothing to stop heinous acts by Jerry Sandusky, and went so far as to cover them up to preserve the reputation of Paterno and his program. The university, an excellent ACADEMIC INSTITUTION (in case what we forgot what a university actually is), needed to distance itself from these men and the culture of indifference over justice in which they actively took part.
The school will still be an excellent public university. The other sports will still get a chance to play. Hell, the football team gets to play for the next four years, which considering the offered alternative of a death penalty should make all those who love whiting out Beaver Stadium thrilled. So, if those who insist on shouting how unfair the NCAA was to do this to their beloved football team actually stepped back and put the punishment in context, they wouldn't be upset.
I tend to agree with those that said they got off fairly easily. I think the NCAA could have not only given them the death penalty, but forced the entire program out of the NCAA for a period of time. This would then mean that the school would have to apply for readmission in order to being playing again. The Big Ten (12) could have voted them out of the conference, leaving them as an independent without any conference revenue, which would have an amazingly difficult time negotiating an independent TV deal coming off of such a public and terrible scandal. Again, the fans should be thanking the NCAA for leniency.
Now, more specifically, let us look at the legacy of Joe Paterno. As I said, he covered up abominable acts by his friend for the good of his name and his program. Were he still alive, there is no doubt in my mind that the former coach would be facing serious criminal charges. I am aware that, in his life, he also did some wonderful things. He donated money, he helped the men that played for him gain a valuable education. But the acquiescence and indifference of a good man towards such an abhorrent crime over repeated occurrences is more than enough to overshadow any good that man did.
The statue needed to come down. His name needs to come off of buildings. If it didn't, it would just be a constant reminder of what Paterno and his associates did. It would be shown on TV before every game. They would have to address it every Saturday afternoon until it came down. Now, they can begin to move on. Bill O'Brian can recruit those diehard kids that have wanted to come to Penn State all their lives. They can begin a new tradition of excellence both on and off the field. It will take a while, obviously. It should take a while after what happened. The 10 years of athletic ineptitude that could follow these punishments is only a small beginning in healing the years of torment, torture and shame which the victims of Jerry Sandusky have had to live through.
The punishment is fair. The punishment was right. The punishment of Penn State was necessary.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Ernie Els- Good for You
Back in 1997, when Ernie Els won the US Open, my brother and I (for reasons unknown) decided that the best way to congratulate Ernie Els after a big win was a sincere "Good for you". It isn't because we disliked him, but more than we didn't love him. This was the beginning of the prime Tiger Woods years. Really, it was good for anyone to beat him. But you thought it would be some equally enthralling foe. Instead, in this instance, it was Ernie. It was just that Els just kind of seemed like a normal, nice guy. Fairly quiet, easy-going, nothing outlandish about him. A nice South African boy who just went out there and played great golf.
Really, this may be the reason why we love him, especially these days. The world of golf is either dominated by Tiger's comeback, Phil's bipolar play, Rory McIlroy not living up to his post-win hype, and no truly amazing player on tour anymore. A genuinely nice, consistent person is refreshing. I am sure there are plenty of golfers that are great guys. It is just that Ernie handled himself so well today that it is hard not to like him after this win.
First, he went out and had a solid final round 68, finishing at 7-under and hanging in the clubhouse. He had a nice day. Then, Adam Scott, up 4 with 4 holes left, bogeyed out. His Van De Velde-ian collapse allowed Els back in the tournament. So, as Scott lined up for a par put that would force a playoff, Els took to the practice green to stay warm. When that putt went left of the hole, Els became the 8th man ever to win majors in three different decades.
The class Els showed extended beyond the course, however. Upon receiving the Claret Jug, Els' first words were of consolation to his friend Scott. "I feel for Adam Scott, he is a great friend of mine, and we both wanted to win very badly. I really feel for him, but it is the nature of the beast. It was my time for some reason."
As if that wasn't enough, Ernie then gave a special shout-out to a special friend of his: "I've got to thank, obviously, first of all, you know, President Mandela, who's been such a great influence in our country. We have been truly blessed to have a man like President Mandela take us through a very difficult time in our country. And everybody now, we can see the success of the country, now, and it's only because of President Mandela."
He went on to thank Mandela more, and even joked he would offer the 94-year old peace icon and former South African President a drink from the jug. Not a bad way to celebrate. A classy golfer, and a classy man, enjoying his moment in a fun, kind, nice way, while showing appreciation for things bigger than golf. We like that. And it is why we like Ernie.
So congratulations, Ernie Els. Good for you.
Really, this may be the reason why we love him, especially these days. The world of golf is either dominated by Tiger's comeback, Phil's bipolar play, Rory McIlroy not living up to his post-win hype, and no truly amazing player on tour anymore. A genuinely nice, consistent person is refreshing. I am sure there are plenty of golfers that are great guys. It is just that Ernie handled himself so well today that it is hard not to like him after this win.
First, he went out and had a solid final round 68, finishing at 7-under and hanging in the clubhouse. He had a nice day. Then, Adam Scott, up 4 with 4 holes left, bogeyed out. His Van De Velde-ian collapse allowed Els back in the tournament. So, as Scott lined up for a par put that would force a playoff, Els took to the practice green to stay warm. When that putt went left of the hole, Els became the 8th man ever to win majors in three different decades.
The class Els showed extended beyond the course, however. Upon receiving the Claret Jug, Els' first words were of consolation to his friend Scott. "I feel for Adam Scott, he is a great friend of mine, and we both wanted to win very badly. I really feel for him, but it is the nature of the beast. It was my time for some reason."
As if that wasn't enough, Ernie then gave a special shout-out to a special friend of his: "I've got to thank, obviously, first of all, you know, President Mandela, who's been such a great influence in our country. We have been truly blessed to have a man like President Mandela take us through a very difficult time in our country. And everybody now, we can see the success of the country, now, and it's only because of President Mandela."
He went on to thank Mandela more, and even joked he would offer the 94-year old peace icon and former South African President a drink from the jug. Not a bad way to celebrate. A classy golfer, and a classy man, enjoying his moment in a fun, kind, nice way, while showing appreciation for things bigger than golf. We like that. And it is why we like Ernie.
So congratulations, Ernie Els. Good for you.
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