With rookie quarterbacks leading their respective teams, Christian Ponder and the Minnesota Vikings defeated Cam Netwon and the Carolina Panthers. 24-21.
I wanted to see for myself but I had little doubt. Cam Newton's for real.
So is Christian Ponder. He shows great poise. Neither quarterback in that game plays like a rookie.
Two starts for Ponder, two 90 yard drives. Two 90 yard drives that the Vikings had to have.
Like Devin Hester, Carolina receiver Steve Smith needs to retire. The Vikings have never been able to handle him.
Again, Adrian Peterson is a beast. If he had any thing close to decent blocking, 2000 yards would be a breeze. Way too many defensive players regularly greet him in the backfield. It was nice to see Peterson catch five passes. He's often been criticized for his receiving ability. I've never understood criticizing a player for something that he is never asked to do. Peterson in open spaces is deadly.
Again, Jared Allen is a beast. Another sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery. He's everywhere this year. Now, he's a daddy. Congratulations on baby girl Brenly. Allen's found peace in his life and now he's ripping apart offenses.
How does St. Louis defeat New Orleans? Without Sam Bradford to boot.
The Houston Texans are in the conversation for best in the AFC, in the league too. Arian Foster's an interesting cat. He's also an outstanding back. The Texans are more than surviving without receiver Andre Johnson for a while and defensive end Mario Williams for the season. When Johnson comes back they'll give everyone problems. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is proving once again that he's a better defensive coach than head coach.
The Ravens performance last week and the Saints performance this week prove again that nothing in the NFL is a given. Each week is a mystery. It keeps things interesting but it really does a number on our sanity.
Nice time for the Vikings to have a bye. I hope that they can find an offensive line and safeties during their week off. 10-6 baby!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Game Day Bits
The Vikings are in the land of Mrs. Flicker's birth. Happy times then. Happy times now in Charlotte.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton worked out together during the lockout. Their respective competitiveness drove those workouts and each other. Now they battle on the football field. For real this time.
Panthers receiver Steve Smith loves playing the Vikings. The first time he touched the football in the NFL he took it to the end zone on a kick return. A couple years after that, Smith completely destroyed Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot. I've never seen one player so thoroughly embarrass another player for an entire game. Smoot was never who he said he was after that. Smith is a monster against the Vikings. Let's hope that he's a bit more timid this day before Halloween.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is an idiot. It's his team. He can hire any available coach he wants. Its just wrong to pursue a new coach while he still has one. Tony Sparano is currently the Dolphins coach. You wouldn't know it by the actions of Ross. He pursued Jim Harbaugh last January. He's apparently pursuing Bill Cowher and possibly Jon Gruden now. Just zero class. I guess when your rich no one else matters.
De La Salle High School in Concord, CA is a machine. They haven't lost to a bay area team since papa Bush's Administration.
In watching the Vanderbilt-Arkansas game it was difficult to tell which team was the #10 team in the nation. Vanderbilt should have won a game that they lost by 3. They have a quarterback in Jordan Rodgers. A quarterback that happens to be the little brother of a Green Bay Packers quarterback. Little brother looks good. He even threw a back shoulder pass that would make big brother smile. A handful of Commodores will be in the NFL. The team that does it right in the SEC is now playing right. Its fun to see.
Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is sure fun to watch. Smart guy. Fantastic football player.
Go Vikings!!!
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton worked out together during the lockout. Their respective competitiveness drove those workouts and each other. Now they battle on the football field. For real this time.
Panthers receiver Steve Smith loves playing the Vikings. The first time he touched the football in the NFL he took it to the end zone on a kick return. A couple years after that, Smith completely destroyed Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot. I've never seen one player so thoroughly embarrass another player for an entire game. Smoot was never who he said he was after that. Smith is a monster against the Vikings. Let's hope that he's a bit more timid this day before Halloween.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is an idiot. It's his team. He can hire any available coach he wants. Its just wrong to pursue a new coach while he still has one. Tony Sparano is currently the Dolphins coach. You wouldn't know it by the actions of Ross. He pursued Jim Harbaugh last January. He's apparently pursuing Bill Cowher and possibly Jon Gruden now. Just zero class. I guess when your rich no one else matters.
De La Salle High School in Concord, CA is a machine. They haven't lost to a bay area team since papa Bush's Administration.
In watching the Vanderbilt-Arkansas game it was difficult to tell which team was the #10 team in the nation. Vanderbilt should have won a game that they lost by 3. They have a quarterback in Jordan Rodgers. A quarterback that happens to be the little brother of a Green Bay Packers quarterback. Little brother looks good. He even threw a back shoulder pass that would make big brother smile. A handful of Commodores will be in the NFL. The team that does it right in the SEC is now playing right. Its fun to see.
Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is sure fun to watch. Smart guy. Fantastic football player.
Go Vikings!!!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Injury Concerns
In the process of trying to get things right there will usually be some mistakes along the way. The NFL is trying to make football more safe. As a violent game, the football field was never intended to be a safe place. Still, the league tries. So often though the powers that be seem to be going about making football safe in a questionable manner.
Head injuries top the list of concerns. It should. If the league was truly as concerned as they say they are, they'd have independent concussion specialists on the sideline of games. The league training staffs are more than competent. This wouldn't be an indictment of them in anyway. There's just no room for error with head injuries. They have to get it right. In recent weeks, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best continued to play in games despite suspected concussions. Best's situation is especially troubling as he suffered a severe concussion while at Cal. Even more seriously, San Diego Chargers guard Kris Dielman continued playing despite suffering an obvious concussion this past weekend. Everyone but the team seem to know. The Chargers being down to five lineman kept him in the lineup. That night Dielman suffered a seizure on the plane ride home. Something isn't working and adding an independent concussion specialist can only help. The league has continued to decline this option.
Another issue is one that bothered me throughout the ridiculous lockout. Injured players should have had access to the team doctors and training staff during the lockout. Their injuries were prior to the lockout and on company time. All that time I kept thinking about how then Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper essentially ended his career trying to rehab his knee on his own. Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley has the lost the remainder of his season. It was due to a lingering injury that could have been avoided with proper observation during the offseason. Every team probably has a at least one player whose rehab was severely hindered. It just wasn't right to lockout the injuries as well as the players.
From indecisive officiating to indecisive tackling there are so many issues hindering the play on the field as the league muddles its way through the safety of the game. The league really needs to get it together and they need to get it right. Right now they are just blindly throwing darts to determine the next pet project. Usually fines. They can't seem to think of any other route to safety. Common sense will be the answer to most of the issues. Insuring the safe handling of head injuries with an extra expert on the scene just seems like a no-brainer. At least it would be a step in the right direction.
Head injuries top the list of concerns. It should. If the league was truly as concerned as they say they are, they'd have independent concussion specialists on the sideline of games. The league training staffs are more than competent. This wouldn't be an indictment of them in anyway. There's just no room for error with head injuries. They have to get it right. In recent weeks, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best continued to play in games despite suspected concussions. Best's situation is especially troubling as he suffered a severe concussion while at Cal. Even more seriously, San Diego Chargers guard Kris Dielman continued playing despite suffering an obvious concussion this past weekend. Everyone but the team seem to know. The Chargers being down to five lineman kept him in the lineup. That night Dielman suffered a seizure on the plane ride home. Something isn't working and adding an independent concussion specialist can only help. The league has continued to decline this option.
Another issue is one that bothered me throughout the ridiculous lockout. Injured players should have had access to the team doctors and training staff during the lockout. Their injuries were prior to the lockout and on company time. All that time I kept thinking about how then Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper essentially ended his career trying to rehab his knee on his own. Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley has the lost the remainder of his season. It was due to a lingering injury that could have been avoided with proper observation during the offseason. Every team probably has a at least one player whose rehab was severely hindered. It just wasn't right to lockout the injuries as well as the players.
From indecisive officiating to indecisive tackling there are so many issues hindering the play on the field as the league muddles its way through the safety of the game. The league really needs to get it together and they need to get it right. Right now they are just blindly throwing darts to determine the next pet project. Usually fines. They can't seem to think of any other route to safety. Common sense will be the answer to most of the issues. Insuring the safe handling of head injuries with an extra expert on the scene just seems like a no-brainer. At least it would be a step in the right direction.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Where's the Drama?
I really don't understand the great need of some media hacks to manufacture drama. There's more than enough naturally occurring drama running around. Why create more? There's no need to drag some innocent kid down to their level just to satisfy a desire for attention. Stanford University quarterback Andrew Luck has done nothing the last three years other than be an excellent student and a fantastic football player. With apparently nothing better to do, many in the media are speculating that Luck will try to manipulate the NFL Draft to possibly avoid any teams that he doesn't like. Much like the Mannings in 2004 tried to convince the San Diego Chargers not to draft Eli Manning. In 1983, former Stanford star John Elway used the threat of playing baseball to force the Baltimore Colts to trade his rights. Andrew Luck's father, Oliver, played quarterback in the NFL and has remained involved in the game. He's currently the Athletic Director at his alma mater, West Virginia. Now the football playing family connection to the Mannings is enough to convince these media geniuses that Luck has to be planning similar shenanigans. The Stanford connection with John Elway only guarantees the assumption. Add in that Andrew Luck has the leverage of another year of eligibility. You have your manufactured drama.
Despite the fact that the Luck's have said nothing to indicate any intention of doing any of this, the rumor is gaining steam. Just let the kid go to school and play football. He deserves at least that. In following Andrew Luck for the past few years, I've seen absolutely nothing remotely close to a kid that would disrupt things for his own benefit. I would actually expect the complete opposite. He's not a selfish person or player. His school and team will always come first. I just don't get it. Why tarnish the kid's reputation for the sake of a little drama. We have more relevant football things to deal with right now. Like the actual football season. The media certainly has better targets. The media certainly has some real, homegrown drama at the ready. Terrell Owens is out there. He's holding his own tryout and no one came. The media should dance around that.
Despite the fact that the Luck's have said nothing to indicate any intention of doing any of this, the rumor is gaining steam. Just let the kid go to school and play football. He deserves at least that. In following Andrew Luck for the past few years, I've seen absolutely nothing remotely close to a kid that would disrupt things for his own benefit. I would actually expect the complete opposite. He's not a selfish person or player. His school and team will always come first. I just don't get it. Why tarnish the kid's reputation for the sake of a little drama. We have more relevant football things to deal with right now. Like the actual football season. The media certainly has better targets. The media certainly has some real, homegrown drama at the ready. Terrell Owens is out there. He's holding his own tryout and no one came. The media should dance around that.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Throwback Thursday: What About Weeb?
It sounds wrong to consider a Hall of Famer unappreciated. Their presence in Canton is a decent indication of appreciation. Its just that I have always felt that Wilbur "Weeb" Ewbank is often overlooked when people consider the great coaches in league history. Don Shula, Bill Walsh, Vince Lombardi and Bill Belichick are always mentioned. From an earlier era, George Halas, Paul Brown and Curly Lambeau always enter the conversation. What about Weeb?
Weeb Ewbank was a college teammate of Paul Brown at Miami University in Ohio. A few year later they reunited as coaches at Great Lakes Naval Station during World War II. It wouldn't be the last time. After the war Ewbank became the backfield coach at Brown University. His quarterback there was Joe Paterno. In 1949, Ewbank went from Brown to the Browns. Knowing coaching talent when he saw it, Paul Brown brought his former teammate to Cleveland. In 1952, Brown recommended Ewbank to Baltimore Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom. As head coach of the Colts, Ewbank took a team in complete disarray and systematically built a champion. He would do the same thing a decade later with the New York Jets. With both teams, Ewbank quickly got hold of a dynamic quarterback. In Baltimore he had John Unitas. In New York he had Joe Namath. Ewbank built teams that could move the ball with the run or the pass. He built teams with solid defenses.
Weeb Ewbank built and coached teams that won championships. He did it once then turned around and did it again with a different team. Not only did he win three titles, two with the Colts and one with the Jets, he was the winning coach in two of the most significant championship games in league history. The 1958 Championship Game against the New York Giants started football's explosion in popularity. Many consider it the greatest game ever played. The New York Jets upset of the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III changed NFL perceptions. AFL teams could compete. The NFL was not alone in the football world. Its remarkable that Weeb Ewbank was a central figure in both iconic games. He's the only coach to win a title with two different teams. He's the only coach to win an NFL title and an AFL title. Weeb Ewbank was one of the best. Next time people discuss the best coaches in league history, be sure to ask "What about Weeb?"
Weeb Ewbank was a college teammate of Paul Brown at Miami University in Ohio. A few year later they reunited as coaches at Great Lakes Naval Station during World War II. It wouldn't be the last time. After the war Ewbank became the backfield coach at Brown University. His quarterback there was Joe Paterno. In 1949, Ewbank went from Brown to the Browns. Knowing coaching talent when he saw it, Paul Brown brought his former teammate to Cleveland. In 1952, Brown recommended Ewbank to Baltimore Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom. As head coach of the Colts, Ewbank took a team in complete disarray and systematically built a champion. He would do the same thing a decade later with the New York Jets. With both teams, Ewbank quickly got hold of a dynamic quarterback. In Baltimore he had John Unitas. In New York he had Joe Namath. Ewbank built teams that could move the ball with the run or the pass. He built teams with solid defenses.
Weeb Ewbank built and coached teams that won championships. He did it once then turned around and did it again with a different team. Not only did he win three titles, two with the Colts and one with the Jets, he was the winning coach in two of the most significant championship games in league history. The 1958 Championship Game against the New York Giants started football's explosion in popularity. Many consider it the greatest game ever played. The New York Jets upset of the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III changed NFL perceptions. AFL teams could compete. The NFL was not alone in the football world. Its remarkable that Weeb Ewbank was a central figure in both iconic games. He's the only coach to win a title with two different teams. He's the only coach to win an NFL title and an AFL title. Weeb Ewbank was one of the best. Next time people discuss the best coaches in league history, be sure to ask "What about Weeb?"
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Hope
Its wrong to anoint Christian Ponder as the Minnesota Vikings savior. Its too early. One start doesn't make a career. Ten starts don't make a career either. If Ponder did nothing else in his first start, he gave Vikings fans hope.
Christian Ponder has a spark. A game awareness. His cerebral grasp of football inspires thoughts of Drew Brees. That's aiming high. If Ponder reaches his potential, I can see Brees-like abilities. A more mobile Brees. I'd take that. At worst, I see a more accurate Jake Plummer. Right now, Christian Ponder is a rookie quarterback with one start under his belt. One thing is certain, Ponder will put in the work. His effort, drive and desire is high. That and his exciting debut inspires hope.
The Vikings have had a 20-year parade of old quarterbacks. Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, Jeff George, Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte, Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb all called Minnesota home late in their careers. Granted Cunningham and Favre each had one fantastic year that ended oh so nearly in a Super Bowl. There were a few hopeful years when Daunte Culpepper looked like a keeper, but he lost his mind rather than rehabbing a knee injury. A revolving door of senior quarterbacks never inspired hope. Christian Ponder inspires hope.
Christian Ponder has a spark. A game awareness. His cerebral grasp of football inspires thoughts of Drew Brees. That's aiming high. If Ponder reaches his potential, I can see Brees-like abilities. A more mobile Brees. I'd take that. At worst, I see a more accurate Jake Plummer. Right now, Christian Ponder is a rookie quarterback with one start under his belt. One thing is certain, Ponder will put in the work. His effort, drive and desire is high. That and his exciting debut inspires hope.
The Vikings have had a 20-year parade of old quarterbacks. Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, Jeff George, Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte, Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb all called Minnesota home late in their careers. Granted Cunningham and Favre each had one fantastic year that ended oh so nearly in a Super Bowl. There were a few hopeful years when Daunte Culpepper looked like a keeper, but he lost his mind rather than rehabbing a knee injury. A revolving door of senior quarterbacks never inspired hope. Christian Ponder inspires hope.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Greats
I can't believe what I'm hearing when I hear Minnesota Vikings fans suggest trading Adrian Peterson. It seems too many fans are raised on fantasy football these days. I've even heard some of the media talking heads suggest the same ridiculous move. The Vikings need more players like Adrian Peterson. Football needs more players like Adrian Peterson. Vikings fans should appreciate him rather than suggesting trading him.
As a football fan I enjoy seeing the singular talents. The type of players that don't come along very often. We had two in the Vikings-Packers game this past Sunday with Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson. Rodgers just did what he does so well. Peterson quietly racked up 175 yards. Both players frequently have games in which they seem to be playing a whole other game. On a whole other plane.
I feel blessed to have seen players like Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor, Mike Haynes and Joe Montana in my lifetime. Ronnie Lott, Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders and Jack Ham. Anthony Munoz, Art Shell, Randall McDaniel and Bruce Matthews. Mean Joe Greene, Alan Page and Willie Brown. Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Emmitt Smith and the incredible Jerry Rice.
So many great players have thrilled us, brought us off our seats. Many all time greats are playing now. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Darrelle Revis, Larry Fitzgerald, Joe Thomas and Drew Brees. Charles Woodson, Andre Johnson, Haloti Ngata and Tom Brady. I hope that Peyton Manning comes back whole and soon. Rodgers and Peterson.
There are so many fantastic football players. Some are truly great. Many say that running backs are easily replaced. A talent like Adrian Peterson can never be replaced.
As a football fan I enjoy seeing the singular talents. The type of players that don't come along very often. We had two in the Vikings-Packers game this past Sunday with Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson. Rodgers just did what he does so well. Peterson quietly racked up 175 yards. Both players frequently have games in which they seem to be playing a whole other game. On a whole other plane.
I feel blessed to have seen players like Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor, Mike Haynes and Joe Montana in my lifetime. Ronnie Lott, Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders and Jack Ham. Anthony Munoz, Art Shell, Randall McDaniel and Bruce Matthews. Mean Joe Greene, Alan Page and Willie Brown. Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Emmitt Smith and the incredible Jerry Rice.
So many great players have thrilled us, brought us off our seats. Many all time greats are playing now. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Darrelle Revis, Larry Fitzgerald, Joe Thomas and Drew Brees. Charles Woodson, Andre Johnson, Haloti Ngata and Tom Brady. I hope that Peyton Manning comes back whole and soon. Rodgers and Peterson.
There are so many fantastic football players. Some are truly great. Many say that running backs are easily replaced. A talent like Adrian Peterson can never be replaced.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Pondering Week 7
In hindsight, Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier goes for it on 4th and 10 late in the game against the Green Bay Packers. Instead the Vikings punt and can't stop the Packers from running out the clock.
33-27 Packers.
Christian Ponder opened his career as the Vikings starter with a 72-yard pass and run to Michael Jenkins. The game loss detracts from the good things that Ponder did. Highlighted by a 93-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, Ponder made it a game when the Packers could have taken it over. He put some fear in the Packers. He put some life in the Vikings.
The Vikings have themselves a quarterback.
Jared Allen is on fire. 11.5 sacks through seven games. He got one of his favorites, Aaron Rodgers, twice yesterday.
Adrian Peterson is a beast.
Percy Harvin needs to get his ribs healthy. His game breaking ability has to be on the field. Outside of Peterson and Harvin I doubt that any Vikings offensive player truly frightens opponents. Another could be rookie tight end Kyle Rudolph. I just don't understand his lack of playing time.
His 79-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings was a nicely wrapped gift, but Aaron Rodgers is playing as well as any quarterback that I've ever seen. Its a blast to watch him throw the ball. Yesterday wasn't really one of them.
If I had a lobotomy and became a Packers fan, I'd question every carry that Ryan Grant gets over James Starks. As a Vikings fan, I applaud every carry that Ryan Grant gets over James Starks.
Charles Woodson is feasting on rookie quarterbacks. He brought Cam Newton down to earth a few weeks ago. He gave Christian Ponder a few lessons yesterday with two interceptions. It didn't stop Ponder from going after Woodson on his fourth quarter touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins.
Tim Tebow should have to earn this amount of hype. No player has ever done so little to get so much.
I know the NFL loves money and expansion, but the games in London are ridiculous. I've never thought it a great idea to take a home game away from the fans that make the NFL. They only get eight.
Introducing Jay Cutler to the British could keep the NFL from ever returning.
Despite a ton of salary cap space, Tampa Bay went frugal this past abbreviated offseason. They only signed a punter. When you watch Michael Koenen kick the ball you understand.
Congratulations to former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman on his induction into the team's Ring of Honor. Doleman's 150.5 sacks is fourth most in league history. For most elite pass rushers, sacks often come in bunches. They get in a groove and the quarterback suffers. Doleman had something like that one Christmas Eve against the Cincinnati Bengals. Facing one of the greatest tackles of all time in Anthony Munoz, Doleman took over the game. I've seen fantastic pass rushers like Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor and Bruce Smith dominate games. Doleman turned Munoz into a speed bump. It may have been the greatest sequence of plays I've ever seen from a pass rusher. Congratulations Chris Doleman. Canton is next.
Next week is bad news for the Panthers.
33-27 Packers.
Christian Ponder opened his career as the Vikings starter with a 72-yard pass and run to Michael Jenkins. The game loss detracts from the good things that Ponder did. Highlighted by a 93-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, Ponder made it a game when the Packers could have taken it over. He put some fear in the Packers. He put some life in the Vikings.
The Vikings have themselves a quarterback.
Jared Allen is on fire. 11.5 sacks through seven games. He got one of his favorites, Aaron Rodgers, twice yesterday.
Adrian Peterson is a beast.
Percy Harvin needs to get his ribs healthy. His game breaking ability has to be on the field. Outside of Peterson and Harvin I doubt that any Vikings offensive player truly frightens opponents. Another could be rookie tight end Kyle Rudolph. I just don't understand his lack of playing time.
His 79-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings was a nicely wrapped gift, but Aaron Rodgers is playing as well as any quarterback that I've ever seen. Its a blast to watch him throw the ball. Yesterday wasn't really one of them.
If I had a lobotomy and became a Packers fan, I'd question every carry that Ryan Grant gets over James Starks. As a Vikings fan, I applaud every carry that Ryan Grant gets over James Starks.
Charles Woodson is feasting on rookie quarterbacks. He brought Cam Newton down to earth a few weeks ago. He gave Christian Ponder a few lessons yesterday with two interceptions. It didn't stop Ponder from going after Woodson on his fourth quarter touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins.
Tim Tebow should have to earn this amount of hype. No player has ever done so little to get so much.
I know the NFL loves money and expansion, but the games in London are ridiculous. I've never thought it a great idea to take a home game away from the fans that make the NFL. They only get eight.
Introducing Jay Cutler to the British could keep the NFL from ever returning.
Despite a ton of salary cap space, Tampa Bay went frugal this past abbreviated offseason. They only signed a punter. When you watch Michael Koenen kick the ball you understand.
Congratulations to former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman on his induction into the team's Ring of Honor. Doleman's 150.5 sacks is fourth most in league history. For most elite pass rushers, sacks often come in bunches. They get in a groove and the quarterback suffers. Doleman had something like that one Christmas Eve against the Cincinnati Bengals. Facing one of the greatest tackles of all time in Anthony Munoz, Doleman took over the game. I've seen fantastic pass rushers like Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor and Bruce Smith dominate games. Doleman turned Munoz into a speed bump. It may have been the greatest sequence of plays I've ever seen from a pass rusher. Congratulations Chris Doleman. Canton is next.
Next week is bad news for the Panthers.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Game Day Bits
The Flea Flicker is 250 posts old today. I thank my exquisite wife for getting me started. Mrs. Flicker is a keeper. Her support is all I need. I'm just getting started.
So is Christian Ponder. The way this season is going Ponder could be the enduring highlight of the Minnesota Vikings 2011 season. Outside of Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen and Brian Robison few Vikings have come out to play this year. Ponder could change all of that. For a team just past its fiftieth birthday, its remarkable that the Vikings have selected only three quarterbacks in the first round of the NFL Draft. Tommy Kramer, Daunte Culpepper and now Ponder are it. Here's hoping that the Vikings are set at quarterback for a long time.
For most of the past decade Cal has been the only San Francisco bay area team to find any sort of consistent success. Stanford, the 49ers and the Raiders have all left a great deal to be desired. This year is the opposite. Cal has as many losses as the other three combined. After taking apart Utah last night, Cal's season is not lost. They should be favorites in each game until they meet Stanford in the Big Game. Even with the almighty Andrew Luck anything can happen in that game. Its nice to see the rise in the quality of football in the bay area. I just wish that Cal had a better grip on that bus.
Speaking of bay area football, the early '80s sure were a treat. From 1980-84, the Raiders and 49ers won four of the five Super Bowls. The 49ers were just getting started. The Raiders were coming to an end. Together they dominated that time.
Cal receiver Keenan Allen is a very interesting player. Each time I see him play I see a brighter future. He's only half way through his sophomore season and few teams can stop him. Oregon and USC sure couldn't. He has great hands and great running skills after the catch. Running back running skills. This ability sometimes leads to sloppy hands. His ability to run with the ball can lead to him being too eager to do so. Some scouts may criticize his lack of elite speed. Like Jerry Rice, Allen plays faster than he'll ever time. Excellent, unique football player. Keenan Allen will be in the NFL in, hopefully, 2.5 years.
More and more overshadowed by Keenan Allen, fellow receiver Marvin Jones is an excellent football player in his own right. Together they make up one of the best receiving tandems in college football. Jones also has an NFL future. I think that he's a better player than former Bear and first round pick Sean Dawkins. Jones has been one of my favorite Cal players since he stepped on campus. Great football player. Great kid.
Its been tremendous watching his Golden Bear career.
Vikings-Packers today. I prefer 10AM starts but any time is a great time for this fantastic rivalry.
So is Christian Ponder. The way this season is going Ponder could be the enduring highlight of the Minnesota Vikings 2011 season. Outside of Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen and Brian Robison few Vikings have come out to play this year. Ponder could change all of that. For a team just past its fiftieth birthday, its remarkable that the Vikings have selected only three quarterbacks in the first round of the NFL Draft. Tommy Kramer, Daunte Culpepper and now Ponder are it. Here's hoping that the Vikings are set at quarterback for a long time.
For most of the past decade Cal has been the only San Francisco bay area team to find any sort of consistent success. Stanford, the 49ers and the Raiders have all left a great deal to be desired. This year is the opposite. Cal has as many losses as the other three combined. After taking apart Utah last night, Cal's season is not lost. They should be favorites in each game until they meet Stanford in the Big Game. Even with the almighty Andrew Luck anything can happen in that game. Its nice to see the rise in the quality of football in the bay area. I just wish that Cal had a better grip on that bus.
Speaking of bay area football, the early '80s sure were a treat. From 1980-84, the Raiders and 49ers won four of the five Super Bowls. The 49ers were just getting started. The Raiders were coming to an end. Together they dominated that time.
Cal receiver Keenan Allen is a very interesting player. Each time I see him play I see a brighter future. He's only half way through his sophomore season and few teams can stop him. Oregon and USC sure couldn't. He has great hands and great running skills after the catch. Running back running skills. This ability sometimes leads to sloppy hands. His ability to run with the ball can lead to him being too eager to do so. Some scouts may criticize his lack of elite speed. Like Jerry Rice, Allen plays faster than he'll ever time. Excellent, unique football player. Keenan Allen will be in the NFL in, hopefully, 2.5 years.
More and more overshadowed by Keenan Allen, fellow receiver Marvin Jones is an excellent football player in his own right. Together they make up one of the best receiving tandems in college football. Jones also has an NFL future. I think that he's a better player than former Bear and first round pick Sean Dawkins. Jones has been one of my favorite Cal players since he stepped on campus. Great football player. Great kid.
Its been tremendous watching his Golden Bear career.
Vikings-Packers today. I prefer 10AM starts but any time is a great time for this fantastic rivalry.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Life Saver
On trade deadline day, the big news was the Oakland Raiders coughing up potentially two first round draft picks to the Cincinnati Bengals for quarterback Carson Palmer. All other news and trades were lost in the shadows. There was another trade that may have an even greater impact.
The Detroit Lions were desperate for an impact runner in case Jahvid Best is sidelined for a while with a concussion. The Lions traded Jerome Harrison to the Philadelphia Eagles for Ronnie Brown. After every trade the players take a physical exam with their new teams. This trade was voided a day later when the Eagles exam of Harrison revealed a brain tumor. Fortunately, the tumor is considered treatable and not life-threatening. Treatable or not, its horrifying to even hear mention of a brain tumor. Its the worst possible news. Who knows when or if the tumor would have been found without this trade and physical. This trade may have saved his life. Its a good news, bad news situation. With the early diagnosis and treatable nature its mostly good. We wish the best for Jerome Harrison.
The Detroit Lions were desperate for an impact runner in case Jahvid Best is sidelined for a while with a concussion. The Lions traded Jerome Harrison to the Philadelphia Eagles for Ronnie Brown. After every trade the players take a physical exam with their new teams. This trade was voided a day later when the Eagles exam of Harrison revealed a brain tumor. Fortunately, the tumor is considered treatable and not life-threatening. Treatable or not, its horrifying to even hear mention of a brain tumor. Its the worst possible news. Who knows when or if the tumor would have been found without this trade and physical. This trade may have saved his life. Its a good news, bad news situation. With the early diagnosis and treatable nature its mostly good. We wish the best for Jerome Harrison.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Another "A Football Life"
I highly recommend the series "A Football Life" showing on NFL Network. Everything touched by NFL Films is absolute class. "A Football Life" is no different. So its fitting that the most recent episode profiled Ed Sabol. As the founder and heart of NFL Films since the the early '60s. Sabol has done as much as anyone in the presentation of professional football. Everything that we have seen of the NFL in the last half century has been touched by Ed Sabol and his son Steve. The NFL shot past baseball in popularity and never stopped, never looked back. That growth was greatly enhanced by the skills of the Sabols. They did everything right. Most people perfect their craft in part by learning from their mistakes. The Sabols perfected their craft by making each success better than the last. Everything that they did was golden. From the voice of John Facenda to the music of Sam Spence, nothing was done half way or ignored. Its just remarkable what Ed Sabol created and loved. I can think of no other organization, company or person that never failed to do things right. Consistent perfection is elusive but NFL Films is as close as it gets.
Ed Sabol, his son and his little company are a real treat. So is "A Football Life." The Flea Flicker says "check it out."
Ed Sabol, his son and his little company are a real treat. So is "A Football Life." The Flea Flicker says "check it out."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Throwback Thursday: Communication Innovation
Most football fans have seen a quarterback head to the sideline after an offensive series to look at what appears to be a photo album. Its most often seen after an interception or a failed third down. The camera just loves to follow the poor quarterback after failure. The photos are of the defensive alignment just before the snap. They help reveal what the defense is doing based upon the offensive formation and situation. Presnap reads are important and sometimes the quarterback needs to make sure that he saw everything. Everything happens so fast on the field. The photos help slow it down. The reverse is also done. Teams will review photos of the opponent's offense to aid the defense.
With today's technology its amazing how quickly these snapshots can get from the source to the photo albums. By the time Peyton Manning has made it to the bench the album is ready. It didn't always work like that. In the 1950s, The New York Giants were on the cutting edge of relaying this information to the sideline. Surprisingly, owner Wellington Mara was involved. Owners typically aren't much help on gameday. Mara and one of the assistant coaches would be up in the press box with a Polaroid camera. If the Giants were on offense, they would take a picture of the defensive alignment against their offensive formation. They would put that photo in a sock with a rock in it and throw it out of the press box onto the sideline, where the Giants had somebody assigned to retrieve it. The offensive coaches and players would use it to better understand where the defense was lining up and to formulate an attack. Eventually other teams started using variations of this methods. Some involving a weighted photo on a zip line.
It may seem cute and primitive now, but the "photo in a sock" was quite the innovation in the '50s. It helped set the Giants apart. From 1956-63 the Giants made it to six championship games. Talent and coaches Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry certainly helped make New York an elite team, but that success was enhanced by communicating with a sock.
With today's technology its amazing how quickly these snapshots can get from the source to the photo albums. By the time Peyton Manning has made it to the bench the album is ready. It didn't always work like that. In the 1950s, The New York Giants were on the cutting edge of relaying this information to the sideline. Surprisingly, owner Wellington Mara was involved. Owners typically aren't much help on gameday. Mara and one of the assistant coaches would be up in the press box with a Polaroid camera. If the Giants were on offense, they would take a picture of the defensive alignment against their offensive formation. They would put that photo in a sock with a rock in it and throw it out of the press box onto the sideline, where the Giants had somebody assigned to retrieve it. The offensive coaches and players would use it to better understand where the defense was lining up and to formulate an attack. Eventually other teams started using variations of this methods. Some involving a weighted photo on a zip line.
It may seem cute and primitive now, but the "photo in a sock" was quite the innovation in the '50s. It helped set the Giants apart. From 1956-63 the Giants made it to six championship games. Talent and coaches Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry certainly helped make New York an elite team, but that success was enhanced by communicating with a sock.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Its Ponder Time
The Minnesota Vikings will be starting rookie Christian Ponder at quarterback against the defending champion Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Nice team to start your career against. In hindsight this is probably a move that should have been made against the San Diego Chargers in week 1. Who knew that Donovan McNabb would bounce so many passes to wide open receivers. I really think that Ponder can get passes to the receivers without a bounce. On Sunday, I saw Ponder complete slant passes to receivers in stride. Brett Favre did that a few times in 2009. It was refreshing to see again. In a bleak season, Christian Ponder may provide a spark.
In other quarterback news, the Oakland Raiders got Carson Palmer for a 2012 first rounder and a conditional 2013 second rounder. Without Jason Campbell, a promising Raiders team needed to make a move. This is a good one. Palmer has some experience with coach Hue Jackson so it could be a quick transition. Palmer is a very good quarterback. Despite losing their starting quarterback the Raiders may have just become a better team. The Raiders will be taking a vacation in the next draft. They make their first pick in round 5.
In Vikings stadium news, it looks like governor Mark Dayton is calling a special session to address the stadium financing issue. Threats of the Vikings moving as soon as next year are being tossed about and not by the team. The league is doing it. The people of Minnesota should be very concerned. This is real. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is doing the team and the public no favors in their reporting. They want a stadium, but they want it in Minneapolis. They own the land that would likely be part of a stadium project in the city. That's not reporting. They need to concentrate on reporting the news not manufacturing it.
In other quarterback news, the Oakland Raiders got Carson Palmer for a 2012 first rounder and a conditional 2013 second rounder. Without Jason Campbell, a promising Raiders team needed to make a move. This is a good one. Palmer has some experience with coach Hue Jackson so it could be a quick transition. Palmer is a very good quarterback. Despite losing their starting quarterback the Raiders may have just become a better team. The Raiders will be taking a vacation in the next draft. They make their first pick in round 5.
In Vikings stadium news, it looks like governor Mark Dayton is calling a special session to address the stadium financing issue. Threats of the Vikings moving as soon as next year are being tossed about and not by the team. The league is doing it. The people of Minnesota should be very concerned. This is real. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is doing the team and the public no favors in their reporting. They want a stadium, but they want it in Minneapolis. They own the land that would likely be part of a stadium project in the city. That's not reporting. They need to concentrate on reporting the news not manufacturing it.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Stadium Crunchtime
This week the Minnesota Vikings are involved in stadium meetings with league officials and state and local politicians. The team is approaching the two minute warning of this stupid game. It should not have gotten this far. It should already be done. The Vikings lease with the Metrodome is up at the end of this season. They will be free agents. A team without a home.
If all goes the Vikings way in these meetings, the governor will call for a special session of the state legislature and hopefully there will be a vote on the financing of $300 million of the estimated $1.1 billion project. Arden Hills and Ramsey County have already offered up $350 million. With the Vikings putting up the remaining $400+ million. An amount that will likely exceed 500 million when all is done. The Vikings contribution would be the third largest team contribution in league history. The only amount currently up in the air is that of the state. The special session makes or breaks the whole deal. The state will decide whether the team stays or leaves. Its remarkable that it has come to this. Its remarkable that there's even a debate. The Twins back into a stadium while the Vikings wait. Its ridiculous.
This has to get done.
If all goes the Vikings way in these meetings, the governor will call for a special session of the state legislature and hopefully there will be a vote on the financing of $300 million of the estimated $1.1 billion project. Arden Hills and Ramsey County have already offered up $350 million. With the Vikings putting up the remaining $400+ million. An amount that will likely exceed 500 million when all is done. The Vikings contribution would be the third largest team contribution in league history. The only amount currently up in the air is that of the state. The special session makes or breaks the whole deal. The state will decide whether the team stays or leaves. Its remarkable that it has come to this. Its remarkable that there's even a debate. The Twins back into a stadium while the Vikings wait. Its ridiculous.
This has to get done.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Weak 6
Any Minnesota Vikings loss is always a very sad affair. A loss to the Chicago Bears bothers me more than most. Very sad.
If there has ever been a Vikings killer, it is definitely Devin Hester. He's brought a bunch of kicks back against the Vikings. He also does it at the most hurtful of times. It happened again last night. Early in the second half the Vikings had just scored a touchdown following a Jared Allen sack and fumble recovery. They had some momentum. They had some life. Hester took it right away by taking the kickoff for a touchdown. Scary, scary player. Its time for him to retire.
Not much good happened in the game, but it was good to see Christian Ponder get some playing time. It was a little odd that Donovan McNabb was replaced after having his best passing day as a Viking. Which isn't really saying a lot. Ponder didn't seem rattled by his first NFL action. The Bears knew that he was throwing every down so they were coming after him. He handled the pressure well. He made some great throws. Showed poise and good timing. Showed good mobility. He can make plays with his feet and his arm. It was disappointing that he had two decent drives end on fourth down completions just short of the first down. I'd like to see him start the rest of the season.
Brian Urlacher looks far too much like Uncle Fester for his own good.
Very nice win for the 49ers. They won in spite of nearly 100 penalties. Some stupid. Some manufactured. The officials were far from fair. The 49ers are fortunate it didn't derail an otherwise strong game.
Speaking of officials. They are making a mess of the rulebook. No one knows what a catch is anymore.
The Lions are strutting far more than a team new to success should.
The encounter between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz at the end of the game was far too similar to a couple of pissy little kids.
Lions tackle Jeff Backus is going to get Matthew Stafford killed. Jared Allen toyed with him a few weeks ago. Justin Smith simply ran over him a few times, especially late in the game. For a 5-1 team this is a huge concern going forward.
Yesterday was the most productive game that I've seen from 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree. He's still something of a puzzle to me. He doesn't seem to have strong football instincts. Like he hasn't been playing football for long. At Texas Tech, he seemed much more natural. I wonder if football has always come so easy for him that he doesn't really know what to do when things get tough. He was able to dominate in college. The NFL is a much different beast.
I've long wondered about Packers linebacker AJ Hawk's place in human evolution. I've suspected that it is a little before the missing link. He's proving that it may be much earlier than that.
Talk about a coach getting into the game. Saints coach Sean Payton breaks his tibia and tears the MCL in his knee when his own tight end rolls into him on the sideline.
Next week is bad news for the Green Bay Packers!
If there has ever been a Vikings killer, it is definitely Devin Hester. He's brought a bunch of kicks back against the Vikings. He also does it at the most hurtful of times. It happened again last night. Early in the second half the Vikings had just scored a touchdown following a Jared Allen sack and fumble recovery. They had some momentum. They had some life. Hester took it right away by taking the kickoff for a touchdown. Scary, scary player. Its time for him to retire.
Not much good happened in the game, but it was good to see Christian Ponder get some playing time. It was a little odd that Donovan McNabb was replaced after having his best passing day as a Viking. Which isn't really saying a lot. Ponder didn't seem rattled by his first NFL action. The Bears knew that he was throwing every down so they were coming after him. He handled the pressure well. He made some great throws. Showed poise and good timing. Showed good mobility. He can make plays with his feet and his arm. It was disappointing that he had two decent drives end on fourth down completions just short of the first down. I'd like to see him start the rest of the season.
Brian Urlacher looks far too much like Uncle Fester for his own good.
Very nice win for the 49ers. They won in spite of nearly 100 penalties. Some stupid. Some manufactured. The officials were far from fair. The 49ers are fortunate it didn't derail an otherwise strong game.
Speaking of officials. They are making a mess of the rulebook. No one knows what a catch is anymore.
The Lions are strutting far more than a team new to success should.
The encounter between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz at the end of the game was far too similar to a couple of pissy little kids.
Lions tackle Jeff Backus is going to get Matthew Stafford killed. Jared Allen toyed with him a few weeks ago. Justin Smith simply ran over him a few times, especially late in the game. For a 5-1 team this is a huge concern going forward.
Yesterday was the most productive game that I've seen from 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree. He's still something of a puzzle to me. He doesn't seem to have strong football instincts. Like he hasn't been playing football for long. At Texas Tech, he seemed much more natural. I wonder if football has always come so easy for him that he doesn't really know what to do when things get tough. He was able to dominate in college. The NFL is a much different beast.
I've long wondered about Packers linebacker AJ Hawk's place in human evolution. I've suspected that it is a little before the missing link. He's proving that it may be much earlier than that.
Talk about a coach getting into the game. Saints coach Sean Payton breaks his tibia and tears the MCL in his knee when his own tight end rolls into him on the sideline.
Next week is bad news for the Green Bay Packers!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Game Day Nuggets
I know that everyone is eager to see the Minnesota Vikings in prime time tonight. Me too. I'm so used to watching the Vikings play in an early game that I may be a little lost this morning. I'll just try to sample the morning fare. The Lions-49ers headline, with Falcons-Panthers and Giants-Bills looking pretty tasty too.
Percy Harvin received the game ball for his game against the Carduinals last week. It was for his blocking. Much of Adrian Peterson's yardage came from Harvin's downfield blocking. Most receivers complain about not getting the ball. Harvin just plays football. Its refreshing.
I've heard somewhere that if you have nothing good to say maybe it best you say nothing at all. I really think that Dallas Cowboys center Phil Costa should have said nothing at all this past week. Leading up to today's game against the New England Patriots this genius decided to poke at defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Perhaps rivaled only by the Baltimore Ravens Haloti Ngata in size and strength, Wilfork is a 350-lb terror. He's a beast. He can take over a game when he's in the most pleasant of moods. If he's built up a little bit of anger, it could turn bad for Costa in a hurry. The last time we saw the Cowboys center he was having all kinds of problems with the snap count. The center really needs to know the snap count. He would have done himself, Tony Romo and the entire Cowboys organization a huge favor by practicing instead of talking.
Nearly as stupid as Costa is the verbal sparring between Santonio Holmes and Brandon Moore. Stupid mainly because both play for the Jets and they are doing it largely through the media. The receiver Holmes claims that the team's problems are the result of the offensive line. The guard Moore says that Holmes needs to shut the hell up. Why anything is discussed through the media is beyond me.
One of my favorite recent Cal players is current Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte. He entered Cal as a corner even starting as a freshman. He was switched to safety his senior year. He looked like he'd been there his entire life. His chances at a pro career changed from marginal as a corner to solid as a safety. As a rookie, Conte looks like he's getting his first start tonight against the Vikings. The Bears are benching both safeties. Chris Harris for being beaten repeatedly. Brandon Merriweather for being an idiot. Good luck to Chris Conte all weeks but this week and week 17.
I hate to do this, but congratulations to the Leland Stanford Junior University Cardinal on their school record fourteenth consecutive win. They better enjoy all these wins because it comes crashing down in the Big Game.
Percy Harvin received the game ball for his game against the Carduinals last week. It was for his blocking. Much of Adrian Peterson's yardage came from Harvin's downfield blocking. Most receivers complain about not getting the ball. Harvin just plays football. Its refreshing.
I've heard somewhere that if you have nothing good to say maybe it best you say nothing at all. I really think that Dallas Cowboys center Phil Costa should have said nothing at all this past week. Leading up to today's game against the New England Patriots this genius decided to poke at defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Perhaps rivaled only by the Baltimore Ravens Haloti Ngata in size and strength, Wilfork is a 350-lb terror. He's a beast. He can take over a game when he's in the most pleasant of moods. If he's built up a little bit of anger, it could turn bad for Costa in a hurry. The last time we saw the Cowboys center he was having all kinds of problems with the snap count. The center really needs to know the snap count. He would have done himself, Tony Romo and the entire Cowboys organization a huge favor by practicing instead of talking.
Nearly as stupid as Costa is the verbal sparring between Santonio Holmes and Brandon Moore. Stupid mainly because both play for the Jets and they are doing it largely through the media. The receiver Holmes claims that the team's problems are the result of the offensive line. The guard Moore says that Holmes needs to shut the hell up. Why anything is discussed through the media is beyond me.
One of my favorite recent Cal players is current Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte. He entered Cal as a corner even starting as a freshman. He was switched to safety his senior year. He looked like he'd been there his entire life. His chances at a pro career changed from marginal as a corner to solid as a safety. As a rookie, Conte looks like he's getting his first start tonight against the Vikings. The Bears are benching both safeties. Chris Harris for being beaten repeatedly. Brandon Merriweather for being an idiot. Good luck to Chris Conte all weeks but this week and week 17.
I hate to do this, but congratulations to the Leland Stanford Junior University Cardinal on their school record fourteenth consecutive win. They better enjoy all these wins because it comes crashing down in the Big Game.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Not Like the Others
One of the more interesting college football teams is one of the least successful. I've long admired the fight in the Vanderbilt University Commodores as they battle their way through the Southeastern Conference. It was nice to see Sports Illustrated give them some love recently. Seeing the optimistic enthusiasm of new coach James Franklin is refreshing and reassuring. Since 1987, Vanderbilt is the only SEC school not to be found guilty of a major NCAA violation in football. Every year Vanderbilt does it right in a league that regularly does it wrong.
I'd always assumed that shipping and rail magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt played some role in the origins of the school. He did provide the initial endowment. I never would have guessed that they would pluck his nickname of Commodore as well. The benefactor passed with no knowledge that his school would use his name. Vanderbilt, the school, had some football success in the first half of the 20th century. In December 1932, Vanderbilt had finished it's 18th straight winning season. That same month, the Southern Conference split, and roughly half of it ended up in the SEC. Vanderbilt has been a member ever since. They remained competitive into the 1950s, but have faced athletic challenges ever since. They did win a recent NCAA Championship in Women's Bowling. In football, they have not had a winning conference mark since 1982. Vanderbilt reluctantly accepts athletic shortcomings in the shadow of academic excellence. The school is 17th in US News and World Reports recent college rankings. Coach Franklin has his challenges in improving attitudes and talent. His recruiting has been outstanding by Vanderbilt standards. The Commodores have the 35th best 2012 class. There is a lot of Division I talent overlooked by the majority of the colleges. They often exceed the production of the supposed 5-star recruits. Some of the overlooked might jump at the chance to play in the SEC. Show the Alabamas, the Floridas, the LSUs what they missed. If Vanderbilt can get enough players like Corey Chavous, Jay Cutler and Earl Bennett at the same time they can do more than just compete. Vanderbilt is not a lost cause in the college football world. If coach Franklin can sustain a winning attitude, the talent level will rise. Vanderbilt can show that the right way can still win in the NCAA.
I'd always assumed that shipping and rail magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt played some role in the origins of the school. He did provide the initial endowment. I never would have guessed that they would pluck his nickname of Commodore as well. The benefactor passed with no knowledge that his school would use his name. Vanderbilt, the school, had some football success in the first half of the 20th century. In December 1932, Vanderbilt had finished it's 18th straight winning season. That same month, the Southern Conference split, and roughly half of it ended up in the SEC. Vanderbilt has been a member ever since. They remained competitive into the 1950s, but have faced athletic challenges ever since. They did win a recent NCAA Championship in Women's Bowling. In football, they have not had a winning conference mark since 1982. Vanderbilt reluctantly accepts athletic shortcomings in the shadow of academic excellence. The school is 17th in US News and World Reports recent college rankings. Coach Franklin has his challenges in improving attitudes and talent. His recruiting has been outstanding by Vanderbilt standards. The Commodores have the 35th best 2012 class. There is a lot of Division I talent overlooked by the majority of the colleges. They often exceed the production of the supposed 5-star recruits. Some of the overlooked might jump at the chance to play in the SEC. Show the Alabamas, the Floridas, the LSUs what they missed. If Vanderbilt can get enough players like Corey Chavous, Jay Cutler and Earl Bennett at the same time they can do more than just compete. Vanderbilt is not a lost cause in the college football world. If coach Franklin can sustain a winning attitude, the talent level will rise. Vanderbilt can show that the right way can still win in the NCAA.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Aaron Rodgers and Pondering
I sure enjoy listening to Aaron Rodgers. He's achieved insane success in only three years as a starter for the Green Bay Packers, yet he's remained so grounded and humble. It's very refreshing these days. When he was recently chatting with Rich Eisen he was even showing his Butte College colors. He's still that kid form Chico, CA. Rodgers shines with everything good about football and the NFL. Why does it have to be with the Green Bay Packers?
The success of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers makes every Minnesota Vikings fan sick. There's the obvious in the recent addition to the Packers' trophy case. There's the less obvious in the Vikings quarterback issues since 2004. Rodgers would have looked splendid in purple right about now. The Vikings 2005 Draft was an absolute disaster. Not only did the Packers luck into Rodgers but the Vikings drafted Troy Williamson and Erasmus James in the first round. Rodgers was available at each selection. Not only are Williamson and James no longer in the league some may argue that they never should have been. Certainly not as first round picks. Daunte Culpepper had a fantastic season in 2004. One of the greatest statistical passing seasons ever. QB wasn't a need then, but Culpepper was gone by 2006 so it soon was. It's sad and wrong to look back like that but I do. It's a shame.
On his podcast, Rich Eisen kept trying to prod Rodgers into talking trash about the then upcoming Chicago Bears game. The best that Rodgers would do was say that he enjoyed competing against Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. Juicy stuff. Rodgers doesn't play the trash talking game. He has too much respect for his opponents and the game. The only person that he would criticize was his own teammate, linebacker Clay Matthews. The two have a little northern California-southern California rivalry going. Matthews' long hair and Hollywood attitude creates a too easy target for Rodgers. That's about the extent of Rodgers' trash talking.
Rodgers has excellent physical skills, accuracy, timing, mobility. His smarts may be what separates him from the rest. Of course all that comes from his time at Cal. Beyond his poise, understanding of the system and defenses, Rodgers understands the "why" behind the plays. It's easy enough to memorize a playbook. It's something so much more when a quarterback understands why a play is called, why the pass routes are run, why there is a particular blocking scheme. Being able to understand the plays in this manner gives Rodgers the ability to play more freely, more naturally. This ability brings to mind Vikings rookie QB Christian Ponder. He sought this same understanding of the Florida State playbook. Most players, QBs too, simply learn the playbook. They don't entirely understand the playbook. Ponder also spent a great deal of time with the defensive players to better understand the nuts and bolts of that side of the ball. Ponder is a smart guy and a smart football player. This aspect of Ponder has me very excited about the Vikings' future. I can see some Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees in his cerebral approach to the game. He's got some nice quarterbacking skills too. Whether he can harness all these skills and perform on the field like Rodgers and Brees is the real question.
Aaron Rodgers is still improving on his game. That's scary. He has taken great advantage of his opportunity. Based on his performance at Cal, I had no doubts that he would succeed in the NFL. I hope that Christian Ponder can follow a similar path once he gets his chance. I certainly wouldn't mind a Super Bowl by his third year. I've waited nearly forty.
The success of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers makes every Minnesota Vikings fan sick. There's the obvious in the recent addition to the Packers' trophy case. There's the less obvious in the Vikings quarterback issues since 2004. Rodgers would have looked splendid in purple right about now. The Vikings 2005 Draft was an absolute disaster. Not only did the Packers luck into Rodgers but the Vikings drafted Troy Williamson and Erasmus James in the first round. Rodgers was available at each selection. Not only are Williamson and James no longer in the league some may argue that they never should have been. Certainly not as first round picks. Daunte Culpepper had a fantastic season in 2004. One of the greatest statistical passing seasons ever. QB wasn't a need then, but Culpepper was gone by 2006 so it soon was. It's sad and wrong to look back like that but I do. It's a shame.
On his podcast, Rich Eisen kept trying to prod Rodgers into talking trash about the then upcoming Chicago Bears game. The best that Rodgers would do was say that he enjoyed competing against Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. Juicy stuff. Rodgers doesn't play the trash talking game. He has too much respect for his opponents and the game. The only person that he would criticize was his own teammate, linebacker Clay Matthews. The two have a little northern California-southern California rivalry going. Matthews' long hair and Hollywood attitude creates a too easy target for Rodgers. That's about the extent of Rodgers' trash talking.
Rodgers has excellent physical skills, accuracy, timing, mobility. His smarts may be what separates him from the rest. Of course all that comes from his time at Cal. Beyond his poise, understanding of the system and defenses, Rodgers understands the "why" behind the plays. It's easy enough to memorize a playbook. It's something so much more when a quarterback understands why a play is called, why the pass routes are run, why there is a particular blocking scheme. Being able to understand the plays in this manner gives Rodgers the ability to play more freely, more naturally. This ability brings to mind Vikings rookie QB Christian Ponder. He sought this same understanding of the Florida State playbook. Most players, QBs too, simply learn the playbook. They don't entirely understand the playbook. Ponder also spent a great deal of time with the defensive players to better understand the nuts and bolts of that side of the ball. Ponder is a smart guy and a smart football player. This aspect of Ponder has me very excited about the Vikings' future. I can see some Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees in his cerebral approach to the game. He's got some nice quarterbacking skills too. Whether he can harness all these skills and perform on the field like Rodgers and Brees is the real question.
Aaron Rodgers is still improving on his game. That's scary. He has taken great advantage of his opportunity. Based on his performance at Cal, I had no doubts that he would succeed in the NFL. I hope that Christian Ponder can follow a similar path once he gets his chance. I certainly wouldn't mind a Super Bowl by his third year. I've waited nearly forty.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Throwback Thursday: When the Lions and 49ers Last Mattered
This weekend the San Francisco 49ers will visit the Detroit Lions. The teams have a combined 9-1 record. At this time last year they were 1-9. It's been such a long time since the 49ers and Lions have played a meaningful game. In honor of this titanic clash I'd like to throw it back to the last time. December 22, 1957.
In 1957 the Lions and 49ers tied for the Western Conference championship with 8-4 records. On December 22, 1957 they would meet in a playoff game. The winner would face the Cleveland Browns for the NFL Championship. Played at the 49ers' Kezar Stadium this playoff game was one of two very different halves. Through the solid play of quarterback Y.A. Tittle and his three touchdown passes the 49ers held a 24-7 half time lead. Their biggest mistake of the game was made at halftime. They celebrated. During the intermission, the Lions players could overhear the celebrating 49ers in the neighboring locker room. Not only did the 49ers celebrate a bit early, the team started printing tickets for the championship game against the Browns. There were still thirty minutes of fired up Detroit Lions waiting for them. The second half didn't start the Lions way when Hugh McElhenny took off on the first San Francisco possession for a spectacular 71-yard run to the Detroit seven-yard line. In probably the key development of the game, the Lions held the 49ers to a field goal. The 49ers did nothing the rest of the game. The Lions defense repeatedly took the ball back from the 49ers and the offense took over. Behind the solid play of runningback Tom Tracy, the Lions started to score. They took the lead, 28-27, less than a minute into the fourth quarter. A late field goal made the final score 31-27. Despite what the 49ers tickets said the Lions would be playing the Browns for the NFL Championship.
Detroit would go on to destroy Cleveland by a 59-14 score. This was their third championship of the decade. Considering how weak Detroit has been for so long, its striking how dominant they were throughout the '50s. Winning titles in 1952, '53 and '57. My father used to tell me that if the 49ers had waited another thirty minutes to celebrate, they likely would have won their first title 24 years earlier.
In 1957 the Lions and 49ers tied for the Western Conference championship with 8-4 records. On December 22, 1957 they would meet in a playoff game. The winner would face the Cleveland Browns for the NFL Championship. Played at the 49ers' Kezar Stadium this playoff game was one of two very different halves. Through the solid play of quarterback Y.A. Tittle and his three touchdown passes the 49ers held a 24-7 half time lead. Their biggest mistake of the game was made at halftime. They celebrated. During the intermission, the Lions players could overhear the celebrating 49ers in the neighboring locker room. Not only did the 49ers celebrate a bit early, the team started printing tickets for the championship game against the Browns. There were still thirty minutes of fired up Detroit Lions waiting for them. The second half didn't start the Lions way when Hugh McElhenny took off on the first San Francisco possession for a spectacular 71-yard run to the Detroit seven-yard line. In probably the key development of the game, the Lions held the 49ers to a field goal. The 49ers did nothing the rest of the game. The Lions defense repeatedly took the ball back from the 49ers and the offense took over. Behind the solid play of runningback Tom Tracy, the Lions started to score. They took the lead, 28-27, less than a minute into the fourth quarter. A late field goal made the final score 31-27. Despite what the 49ers tickets said the Lions would be playing the Browns for the NFL Championship.
Detroit would go on to destroy Cleveland by a 59-14 score. This was their third championship of the decade. Considering how weak Detroit has been for so long, its striking how dominant they were throughout the '50s. Winning titles in 1952, '53 and '57. My father used to tell me that if the 49ers had waited another thirty minutes to celebrate, they likely would have won their first title 24 years earlier.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Misguided Media
For the past eight months I've been amused by the media blindly speaking of the Minnesota Vikings defensive end situation. Despite signing Brian Robison to contract extension in February the supposed experts kept insisting that the team had a hole opposite Jared Allen. Ray Edwards was clearly not coming back. The team simply must fill the hole created by Edwards' eventual departure. So they had to draft a defensive end, probably with their first round pick. The majority of the mock drafts had the Vikings drafting Cameron Jordan, JJ Watt, Ryan Kerrigan, etc. at #12. Of course mock drafts mean little. Even the NFL Network talking heads were all over the Vikings need for a defensive end. There was no end to it. I kept laughing to myself assuming that the media might wake up and notice that the Vikings had signed Brian Robison. It's clear that the team has plans for him. The Vikings were happily replacing Edwards with Robison. Even beyond that Everson Griffin showed promise as a rookie last year. Defensive end was not a team need.
Brian Robison has played very well whenever given a chance since he was drafted in 2007. When he is in the game positive things happen for the Vikings. His engine never stops. I've been hoping for a lineup that regularly includes Jared Allen and Brian Robison since 2008. Two players that absolutely will not stop. Ray Edwards is a fine football player, but he often seems to require motivation. He'd coast for a few plays, even a few games. Then he'd make some plays just so that we won't forget about him. His lack of regular effort was always annoying. Despite his talent he will not be missed. Now he's the Falcons problem. Many questioned whether Robison could be an every down player. They questioned whether he had the size to withstand every down pounding. I've never understood why some people just assume that a person can't do something. Robison has excelled every time that he's been on the football field. He's done nothing to indicate that he can't take the pounding. The contract extension is a pretty good indication that the Minnesota Vikings believe that Robison can handle it.
Fast forward to the Arizona game this past weekend. Allen and Robison each picked up a couple of sacks. They terrorized the Cardinals quarterbacks the entire game. Through five games they have been outstanding. Especially since defensive tackle Kevin Williams returned to the lineup in week 3.
ESPN writer Kevin Seifert focuses on the NFC North. He wrote for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune before that. He supposedly knows the Minnesota Vikings very well. After Sunday's game he wrote of how surprised he was of Robison's performance. I just had to laugh.
Brian Robison has played very well whenever given a chance since he was drafted in 2007. When he is in the game positive things happen for the Vikings. His engine never stops. I've been hoping for a lineup that regularly includes Jared Allen and Brian Robison since 2008. Two players that absolutely will not stop. Ray Edwards is a fine football player, but he often seems to require motivation. He'd coast for a few plays, even a few games. Then he'd make some plays just so that we won't forget about him. His lack of regular effort was always annoying. Despite his talent he will not be missed. Now he's the Falcons problem. Many questioned whether Robison could be an every down player. They questioned whether he had the size to withstand every down pounding. I've never understood why some people just assume that a person can't do something. Robison has excelled every time that he's been on the football field. He's done nothing to indicate that he can't take the pounding. The contract extension is a pretty good indication that the Minnesota Vikings believe that Robison can handle it.
Fast forward to the Arizona game this past weekend. Allen and Robison each picked up a couple of sacks. They terrorized the Cardinals quarterbacks the entire game. Through five games they have been outstanding. Especially since defensive tackle Kevin Williams returned to the lineup in week 3.
ESPN writer Kevin Seifert focuses on the NFC North. He wrote for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune before that. He supposedly knows the Minnesota Vikings very well. After Sunday's game he wrote of how surprised he was of Robison's performance. I just had to laugh.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
New League Order
Recent strong teams such as the Packers, Ravens, Patriots, Saints and Chargers have gotten off to a fine start to this 2011 season. No surprise there. The Steelers have had some issues but their demolition of the Titans has them sitting nicely at 3-2. It's some of the other teams that have started fast that are the real surprise.
The Lions, Bills and 49ers are playing some of the best football in the league. If not for some late game mistakes against the Cowboys, the 49ers would be undefeated. Those three are not alone. The Raiders, Texans and Bengals have long been at the top of the NFL Draft and bottom of the standings. The Texans have been showing signs of life for a few years but have never made the playoffs. All of these teams are at the top of their respective divisions so far this season. A lot can change but their futures look nice.
In this era of league parity, its not unusual to see a team or two make a sudden jump in on field success. Sometimes a team catches a wave of momentum that carries it through the season. Sometimes a new coach ignites some winning. Sometimes its the accumulation of top draft picks finally coming of age and producing on the field. The Lions certainly qualify here. Sometimes its just blind luck. Rarely do so many teams make this sudden jump to competitive football. The Lions and Bills look to be for real. Detroit has been improving rapidly over the past couple of years. They are built to stick around for a while. Buffalo's emergence is more of a surprise. Both show what strong quarterback play can do for you. Same with the 49ers. Quarterback may still be a question for the team but Alex Smith has played efficiently well. Could this be the Alex Smith that the 49ers saw in the 2005 Draft? Jim Harbaugh is a QB-friendly coach. If anyone can unlock any hidden skills at the position, it is Harbaugh. Next weeks Lions vs 49ers game should be a great one. Its been a while since anyone could say that about those two playing.
All of these teams are finally making the right decisions after years of mistakes. For some the right decision may have been finally getting the right coach. For others its finally getting strong leadership and play at quarterback. Whatever the reason its fun to have some new blood at the top of the standings.
The Lions, Bills and 49ers are playing some of the best football in the league. If not for some late game mistakes against the Cowboys, the 49ers would be undefeated. Those three are not alone. The Raiders, Texans and Bengals have long been at the top of the NFL Draft and bottom of the standings. The Texans have been showing signs of life for a few years but have never made the playoffs. All of these teams are at the top of their respective divisions so far this season. A lot can change but their futures look nice.
In this era of league parity, its not unusual to see a team or two make a sudden jump in on field success. Sometimes a team catches a wave of momentum that carries it through the season. Sometimes a new coach ignites some winning. Sometimes its the accumulation of top draft picks finally coming of age and producing on the field. The Lions certainly qualify here. Sometimes its just blind luck. Rarely do so many teams make this sudden jump to competitive football. The Lions and Bills look to be for real. Detroit has been improving rapidly over the past couple of years. They are built to stick around for a while. Buffalo's emergence is more of a surprise. Both show what strong quarterback play can do for you. Same with the 49ers. Quarterback may still be a question for the team but Alex Smith has played efficiently well. Could this be the Alex Smith that the 49ers saw in the 2005 Draft? Jim Harbaugh is a QB-friendly coach. If anyone can unlock any hidden skills at the position, it is Harbaugh. Next weeks Lions vs 49ers game should be a great one. Its been a while since anyone could say that about those two playing.
All of these teams are finally making the right decisions after years of mistakes. For some the right decision may have been finally getting the right coach. For others its finally getting strong leadership and play at quarterback. Whatever the reason its fun to have some new blood at the top of the standings.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Finally
It should have happened a month ago against San Diego, but the Minnesota Vikings finally got win #1. Thanks to the defense and Adrian Peterson the Vikings defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-10. It's mighty nice to have a win. With Chicago, Green Bay and Carolina coming the next three weeks. All are must wins before their week nine bye. Every game after that is also a must win. Just wins, baby!
Jared Allen and Brian Robison have been dynamite coming off the edge. The Vikings don't miss Ray Edwards at all. Allen is playing the best of his excellent career and is on pace for 27 sacks.
The Vikings safeties have been mostly brutal since the '80s and Joey Browner. It was nice to see better than decent play from Husain Abdullah and Jamarca Sanford. One game has already ended with a loss partly due to a dropped interception late in a game. Sanford secured two yesterday that killed any comeback hopes by the Cardinals.
Adrian Peterson is a beast.
Donovan McNabb has been horrible. The Vikings won yesterday in spite of him. He has to get it together. together. I'd much rather see Christian Ponder bounce passes to wide open receivers.
I feel blessed each time I see Larry Fitzgerald catch a football. It's beautiful. Best hands since Cris Carter.
The end of the Giants-Seahawks game showed the impact of a little five-yard penalty. In the last two minutes the Giants had a first and goal from about the five-yard line. They trailed the Seahawks 29-25, but they controlled the game. They could run or pass. A five-yard procedure penalty on the Giants changed everything. They had to pass. The Seahawks got a fortunate bounce and intercepted the ball. The return went for a TD and the game was over.
I really think that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a strong team. For some reason the San Francisco 49ers demolition of Tampa Bay didn't surprise me at all. The 49ers are fortunate to be in a weak division, but they are a very tough team. Jim Harbaugh has quickly joined his brother, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, among the best young coaches in the league.
You can sure see who loves to play football on interception returns.
The NFL doesn't quite feel right without Al Davis.
Jared Allen and Brian Robison have been dynamite coming off the edge. The Vikings don't miss Ray Edwards at all. Allen is playing the best of his excellent career and is on pace for 27 sacks.
The Vikings safeties have been mostly brutal since the '80s and Joey Browner. It was nice to see better than decent play from Husain Abdullah and Jamarca Sanford. One game has already ended with a loss partly due to a dropped interception late in a game. Sanford secured two yesterday that killed any comeback hopes by the Cardinals.
Adrian Peterson is a beast.
Donovan McNabb has been horrible. The Vikings won yesterday in spite of him. He has to get it together. together. I'd much rather see Christian Ponder bounce passes to wide open receivers.
I feel blessed each time I see Larry Fitzgerald catch a football. It's beautiful. Best hands since Cris Carter.
The end of the Giants-Seahawks game showed the impact of a little five-yard penalty. In the last two minutes the Giants had a first and goal from about the five-yard line. They trailed the Seahawks 29-25, but they controlled the game. They could run or pass. A five-yard procedure penalty on the Giants changed everything. They had to pass. The Seahawks got a fortunate bounce and intercepted the ball. The return went for a TD and the game was over.
I really think that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a strong team. For some reason the San Francisco 49ers demolition of Tampa Bay didn't surprise me at all. The 49ers are fortunate to be in a weak division, but they are a very tough team. Jim Harbaugh has quickly joined his brother, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, among the best young coaches in the league.
You can sure see who loves to play football on interception returns.
The NFL doesn't quite feel right without Al Davis.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Suck for Luck
He should try to win every game. He's got to believe in his heart that he should win every game. If you don't believe in your heart that you're playing to win, you should be in another business.
-Vince Lombardi
"Suck for Luck" is a pathetic grassroots movement for fans of NFL teams that have not started the 2011 season all that well. These supposed fans want their teams to continue to fail to enhance their chances of drafting Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. I don't get it. One year the fans dread the prospect of their team losing a game. The next year they get upset when their team wins a game. Losing so that you can draft a player that may or may not do a thing in the league is a recipe for disaster. The draft shouldn't even be a thought until a team plays their last game. Andrew Luck will most likely be a fantastic player in the league. Jamarcus Russell was supposed to be a fantastic player in the league. Oakland Raider fans were once ecstatic with his selection. It seems shocking now but there was a debate in 1998 over the pro potential of Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. Even though Manning won that debate in Indianapolis most felt that San Diego got a nice consolation in Ryan Leaf. Luck is more like Manning than Russell or Leaf. But the draft is still a crapshoot at best. No player is worth dumping a season. It's not worth the risk. Coaches sometimes get only one shot at a head job. Losing on purpose is a good way to end that one shot. An NFL playing career is far too brief to toss away even one season. If the people that are actually on the field have little to gain from giving up, why would the fans even give it a thought. As a fan, I can't even imagine hoping for my team to lose. I can't even imagine ever again cheering for a team that gives up on a season.
There are Vikings fans that seriously believe that the future of the team rests on being in position to draft Andrew Luck. With Luck, the Vikings will win Super Bowls. There are far too many great quarterbacks that have never won a championship to toss out this thought. Great teams win championships. Great quarterbacks do not guarantee a thing. With Luck, the Vikings will get that new stadium. Insuring their continued presence in Minnesota. I don't think that a team that looks to lose deserves a stadium. A fan that hopes for losses should probably find something better to do. I'm really at a loss to understand how losing benefits anybody. The Vikings, or any team, would lose far more than a game if they went into them with anything but honest intentions. Everybody has to trust what takes place on the field. Giving up is never an option. Andrew Luck probably wouldn't even want to join a team that treats the games so lightly.
-Vince Lombardi
"Suck for Luck" is a pathetic grassroots movement for fans of NFL teams that have not started the 2011 season all that well. These supposed fans want their teams to continue to fail to enhance their chances of drafting Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. I don't get it. One year the fans dread the prospect of their team losing a game. The next year they get upset when their team wins a game. Losing so that you can draft a player that may or may not do a thing in the league is a recipe for disaster. The draft shouldn't even be a thought until a team plays their last game. Andrew Luck will most likely be a fantastic player in the league. Jamarcus Russell was supposed to be a fantastic player in the league. Oakland Raider fans were once ecstatic with his selection. It seems shocking now but there was a debate in 1998 over the pro potential of Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. Even though Manning won that debate in Indianapolis most felt that San Diego got a nice consolation in Ryan Leaf. Luck is more like Manning than Russell or Leaf. But the draft is still a crapshoot at best. No player is worth dumping a season. It's not worth the risk. Coaches sometimes get only one shot at a head job. Losing on purpose is a good way to end that one shot. An NFL playing career is far too brief to toss away even one season. If the people that are actually on the field have little to gain from giving up, why would the fans even give it a thought. As a fan, I can't even imagine hoping for my team to lose. I can't even imagine ever again cheering for a team that gives up on a season.
There are Vikings fans that seriously believe that the future of the team rests on being in position to draft Andrew Luck. With Luck, the Vikings will win Super Bowls. There are far too many great quarterbacks that have never won a championship to toss out this thought. Great teams win championships. Great quarterbacks do not guarantee a thing. With Luck, the Vikings will get that new stadium. Insuring their continued presence in Minnesota. I don't think that a team that looks to lose deserves a stadium. A fan that hopes for losses should probably find something better to do. I'm really at a loss to understand how losing benefits anybody. The Vikings, or any team, would lose far more than a game if they went into them with anything but honest intentions. Everybody has to trust what takes place on the field. Giving up is never an option. Andrew Luck probably wouldn't even want to join a team that treats the games so lightly.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
RIP Al Davis
I've always thought that Martin Short would be perfect to play Al Davis in a movie.
Al Davis passed this morning. Few people in the history of the NFL have done more. Love him or hate him, the game is better as a result of his presence in it. Perhaps more than anything else, Al Davis encouraged diversity long before the NFL said they should. Tom Flores, Art Shell and Amy Trask are all examples of Davis having no agenda beyond quality. He'll be missed. It's fitting that in his last days his Oakland Raiders were again showing some life.
Al Davis presented a record nine individuals for induction into the Professional Football Hall of Fame. There was even a Charger in the group. Receiver Lance Alworth may have been the greatest player in the history of the American Football League. Davis coached him for only one year. That one year certainly made a difference as Alworth chose Davis to present him. Raiders greats Jim Otto, George Blanda, Willie Brown, Gene Upshaw, Fred Biletnikoff, Art Shell, Ted Hendricks and John Madden all chose Al Davis to present them for this great honor. This may be the greatest testament to Davis' impact. Al Davis, in turn, chose John Madden to present him for induction in 1992. Considered by many to be difficult to coach for, Davis and Madden seem to have gotten along just fine.
The one Hall of Famer that got away is Marcus Allen. It's the relationship between Allen and Davis that's the greatest mystery to me. Davis would always claim that a Raider is a Raider for life. Nothing that I have ever heard or seen of Marcus Allen strikes me as anything remotely close to the cancer that Davis claims. Their relationship makes little sense. I wish that it could have been mended.
George Halas, Paul Brown and Al Davis were the only NFL owners to truly understand the game. Together, the three have spanned the entire life of the league. There is a void now.
RIP Al Davis
Al Davis passed this morning. Few people in the history of the NFL have done more. Love him or hate him, the game is better as a result of his presence in it. Perhaps more than anything else, Al Davis encouraged diversity long before the NFL said they should. Tom Flores, Art Shell and Amy Trask are all examples of Davis having no agenda beyond quality. He'll be missed. It's fitting that in his last days his Oakland Raiders were again showing some life.
Al Davis presented a record nine individuals for induction into the Professional Football Hall of Fame. There was even a Charger in the group. Receiver Lance Alworth may have been the greatest player in the history of the American Football League. Davis coached him for only one year. That one year certainly made a difference as Alworth chose Davis to present him. Raiders greats Jim Otto, George Blanda, Willie Brown, Gene Upshaw, Fred Biletnikoff, Art Shell, Ted Hendricks and John Madden all chose Al Davis to present them for this great honor. This may be the greatest testament to Davis' impact. Al Davis, in turn, chose John Madden to present him for induction in 1992. Considered by many to be difficult to coach for, Davis and Madden seem to have gotten along just fine.
The one Hall of Famer that got away is Marcus Allen. It's the relationship between Allen and Davis that's the greatest mystery to me. Davis would always claim that a Raider is a Raider for life. Nothing that I have ever heard or seen of Marcus Allen strikes me as anything remotely close to the cancer that Davis claims. Their relationship makes little sense. I wish that it could have been mended.
George Halas, Paul Brown and Al Davis were the only NFL owners to truly understand the game. Together, the three have spanned the entire life of the league. There is a void now.
RIP Al Davis
Friday, October 7, 2011
Vikings at Play
I've always enjoyed hearing or seeing evidence of professional football players being, well, human. Hearing of interests and activities away from the football field. It helps them become real people beyond the characters that they play on Sundays. Former, unfortunately, Vikings receiver Sidney Rice excelled at everything he attempted. He's one of those. Bowling, pool, video games, everything. He and Adrian Peterson quickly bonded when they entered the league together in 2007. Peterson could never beat Rice at Madden. It killed Rice when Peterson finally won on a last second touchdown pass to, of course, Sidney Rice.
Linebacker Chad Greenway has Wii tennis battles with defensive end Jared Allen. Like Peterson with Rice, Greenway has great difficulty with Allen. Greenway's Novak Djokovic just can't get past Allen's Andy Roddick. Allen claims that he never practices but few believe him. Greenway experiences similar defeats at home. His wife, Jennifer, is extremely competitive and often dominates her husband at ping pong.
Locker rooms around the NFL pass the time with games of all sorts. Video games, card games, etc. When guard Steve Hutchinson joined the Vikings, in 2006, he and center Matt Birk became obsessed with cribbage. When Birk left for the Ravens, John Sullivan replaced him on the field and as Hutchinson's comrade in games. Crossword puzzles replaced cribbage as their game of choice. Hutchinson can be a difficult person from about July to January. He's a grumpy sort. During the offseason he's all smiles and cannonballs in the lake. Sullivan and Greenway are roommates on the road. Hutchinson will walk into their room, sit down, work on some crossword puzzles with his pal and leave. Never smiles or says a word. It's expected that Chris Kluwe is a whiz at crossword puzzles but he's too weird and busy with Warcraft and his band Tripping Iccarus. He's a bright guy but he's a punter. He's a bit off. He does paint his Warcraft figurines in the locker room. Something rarely seen in the NFL.
The TV program "Vikings Weekly" has recently started profiling players and their dogs. This was an excellent and enjoyable addition. Sullivan has rescued a rottweiler. Rookie tight end Kyle Rudolph added an adorable bulldog puppy to his home. As an avid hunter, long snapper Cullen Loeffler has a labrador retriever. I can't wait to see what's next. Heard it might be a golden doodle.
It's just interesting to catch a glimpse of the lives of the Vikings. I enjoy seeing the human side. They are no longer the grunt robots from the football field. Knowing the person inside the helmet can help to better appreciate them when they win and to better understand them when they lose.
Linebacker Chad Greenway has Wii tennis battles with defensive end Jared Allen. Like Peterson with Rice, Greenway has great difficulty with Allen. Greenway's Novak Djokovic just can't get past Allen's Andy Roddick. Allen claims that he never practices but few believe him. Greenway experiences similar defeats at home. His wife, Jennifer, is extremely competitive and often dominates her husband at ping pong.
Locker rooms around the NFL pass the time with games of all sorts. Video games, card games, etc. When guard Steve Hutchinson joined the Vikings, in 2006, he and center Matt Birk became obsessed with cribbage. When Birk left for the Ravens, John Sullivan replaced him on the field and as Hutchinson's comrade in games. Crossword puzzles replaced cribbage as their game of choice. Hutchinson can be a difficult person from about July to January. He's a grumpy sort. During the offseason he's all smiles and cannonballs in the lake. Sullivan and Greenway are roommates on the road. Hutchinson will walk into their room, sit down, work on some crossword puzzles with his pal and leave. Never smiles or says a word. It's expected that Chris Kluwe is a whiz at crossword puzzles but he's too weird and busy with Warcraft and his band Tripping Iccarus. He's a bright guy but he's a punter. He's a bit off. He does paint his Warcraft figurines in the locker room. Something rarely seen in the NFL.
The TV program "Vikings Weekly" has recently started profiling players and their dogs. This was an excellent and enjoyable addition. Sullivan has rescued a rottweiler. Rookie tight end Kyle Rudolph added an adorable bulldog puppy to his home. As an avid hunter, long snapper Cullen Loeffler has a labrador retriever. I can't wait to see what's next. Heard it might be a golden doodle.
It's just interesting to catch a glimpse of the lives of the Vikings. I enjoy seeing the human side. They are no longer the grunt robots from the football field. Knowing the person inside the helmet can help to better appreciate them when they win and to better understand them when they lose.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Throwback Thursday: Enrico Fermi and Amos Alonzo Stagg
The University of Chicago has long been one of the finest academic institutions in the nation. In the early years of the twentieth century, the University of Chicago routinely fielded one of the strongest football teams in the nation. Enrico Fermi and Amos Alonzo Stagg are two of the greatest figures in their respective fields. For Fermi that would be nuclear physics. For Stagg that would be football. Surprisingly, they both did their greatest work at the same place.
Stagg, along with Walter Camp, Pop Warner and Knute Rockne, was one of the most influential figures in football's early years. The University of Chicago was a founding member of what is now the Big 10 conference. Stagg led Chicago to two national titles and seven conference championships. The schools field was named for him. None of that mattered when University President Robert Hutchins pushed academics at the expense of athletics. He got rid of Stagg and abolished football in 1939. Stagg Field was empty. So, it naturally became the site of the first nuclear reaction. On December 2, 1942 about forty people watched Enrico Fermi set off the first nuclear chain reaction under the west stands of the abandoned stadium.
About a decade later, football returned to the site of Stagg's victories and Fermi's landmark achievement. The Chicago Cardinals of the NFL thought that the abandoned Stagg Field would make for a fine site for practice much to the surprise of kicker/end Pat Summerall. Upon noticing that the stands were covered with tar paper and scattered smokestacks, he asked fullback Johnny Olszewski about the oddities.
"He gave me a look and told me that the atomic bomb had been developed in the stadium. During World War II, the University of Chicago football team had been disbanded so that chemists could work here on the production of a controlled and self-maintaining nuclear chain reaction using uranium. I was too shocked to reply or do anything but reel from the knowledge that a nuclear weapon had been developed right where we were tossing a pigskin around as casually as kids."
Perhaps that nuclear power explains the Cardinals strong years at the end of the '40s, including their '47 NFL title. Nothing else does.
Stagg, along with Walter Camp, Pop Warner and Knute Rockne, was one of the most influential figures in football's early years. The University of Chicago was a founding member of what is now the Big 10 conference. Stagg led Chicago to two national titles and seven conference championships. The schools field was named for him. None of that mattered when University President Robert Hutchins pushed academics at the expense of athletics. He got rid of Stagg and abolished football in 1939. Stagg Field was empty. So, it naturally became the site of the first nuclear reaction. On December 2, 1942 about forty people watched Enrico Fermi set off the first nuclear chain reaction under the west stands of the abandoned stadium.
About a decade later, football returned to the site of Stagg's victories and Fermi's landmark achievement. The Chicago Cardinals of the NFL thought that the abandoned Stagg Field would make for a fine site for practice much to the surprise of kicker/end Pat Summerall. Upon noticing that the stands were covered with tar paper and scattered smokestacks, he asked fullback Johnny Olszewski about the oddities.
"He gave me a look and told me that the atomic bomb had been developed in the stadium. During World War II, the University of Chicago football team had been disbanded so that chemists could work here on the production of a controlled and self-maintaining nuclear chain reaction using uranium. I was too shocked to reply or do anything but reel from the knowledge that a nuclear weapon had been developed right where we were tossing a pigskin around as casually as kids."
Perhaps that nuclear power explains the Cardinals strong years at the end of the '40s, including their '47 NFL title. Nothing else does.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Lions Bandwagon
Despite becoming a greater obstacle for the Minnesota Vikings, it's nice to see an improved Detroit Lions team. I've always hated seeing one sad sack team at the bottom of the standings every year. It's not good for football. The Lions cellar life was insured by the idiocy of Matt Millen. He killed that team like few ever have. It's shocking that he still has a job in football. Leave it to ESPN to see to that. The Lions have rebounded but the rush to anoint them as the next great team is just a bit premature.
General manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz have done an amazing job of turning the Lions around. They wasted no time in doing so. The only stumbles came from the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Outside of that, Mayhew and Schwartz have led a strong climb to 4-0. The best tests of the team will be their battles with Green Bay in the second half of the season. That's a long wait for the two teams to play. In that time Detroit has some work to do. It's difficult to criticize an undefeated team, but the Lions could easily be 1-3 right now. Josh Freeman had a chance to complete a comeback in week one. If Tampa Bay does anything in the first half of that game, Detroit loses. Week two, the Lions destroy the Chiefs. It's the last two weeks against the Vikings and Cowboys that should most concern the Lions. Detroit was taken apart in the first half in both games. The Vikings and Cowboys then did all that they could to help out their opponent in the second half. Good teams create opportunities. They then take advantage of those opportunities. The Lions did both, but they aren't always going to face such generous teams. The Lions have one of the most lethal combinations in the league in Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson. To continue their success they need others to step up. Against good teams in big games, an elite receiver can be taken away. Extra coverage on Johnson and especially pressure on Stafford can negate a single threat. The Vikings sacked Stafford five times. Defensive end Jared Allen destroyed Jeff Backus. The line has proven to be suspect. The Lions have to protect Stafford. Any future success depends on him. The Lions have weapons in receivers Nate Burleson and Titus Young, tight end Brandon Pettigrew and runningback Jahvid Best. They need to step up. Right now they might be relying too much on Johnson.
The Lions defensive line can be terrifying. Right now, they might be covering some issues in the secondary. There's talent back there with safety Louis Delmas and corner Chris Houston so they should improve going forward.
It's nice to see the Lions roaring back. It's been a while. Outside of a couple strong seasons, they haven't really been a factor since the '50s. That's a decent absence. They are 4-0, but I think that it's a shaky 4-0. We'll know more when they play teams like the Packers, Saints, Falcons and Chargers. Even the Bears this week on Monday Night will show better the potential of the Detroit Lions.
General manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz have done an amazing job of turning the Lions around. They wasted no time in doing so. The only stumbles came from the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Outside of that, Mayhew and Schwartz have led a strong climb to 4-0. The best tests of the team will be their battles with Green Bay in the second half of the season. That's a long wait for the two teams to play. In that time Detroit has some work to do. It's difficult to criticize an undefeated team, but the Lions could easily be 1-3 right now. Josh Freeman had a chance to complete a comeback in week one. If Tampa Bay does anything in the first half of that game, Detroit loses. Week two, the Lions destroy the Chiefs. It's the last two weeks against the Vikings and Cowboys that should most concern the Lions. Detroit was taken apart in the first half in both games. The Vikings and Cowboys then did all that they could to help out their opponent in the second half. Good teams create opportunities. They then take advantage of those opportunities. The Lions did both, but they aren't always going to face such generous teams. The Lions have one of the most lethal combinations in the league in Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson. To continue their success they need others to step up. Against good teams in big games, an elite receiver can be taken away. Extra coverage on Johnson and especially pressure on Stafford can negate a single threat. The Vikings sacked Stafford five times. Defensive end Jared Allen destroyed Jeff Backus. The line has proven to be suspect. The Lions have to protect Stafford. Any future success depends on him. The Lions have weapons in receivers Nate Burleson and Titus Young, tight end Brandon Pettigrew and runningback Jahvid Best. They need to step up. Right now they might be relying too much on Johnson.
The Lions defensive line can be terrifying. Right now, they might be covering some issues in the secondary. There's talent back there with safety Louis Delmas and corner Chris Houston so they should improve going forward.
It's nice to see the Lions roaring back. It's been a while. Outside of a couple strong seasons, they haven't really been a factor since the '50s. That's a decent absence. They are 4-0, but I think that it's a shaky 4-0. We'll know more when they play teams like the Packers, Saints, Falcons and Chargers. Even the Bears this week on Monday Night will show better the potential of the Detroit Lions.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
RG3
Stanford's Andrew Luck gets all of the attention among college quarterbacks. Deservedly so, he's a fantastic football player. One of the best quarterbacks that I've seen in college. He often looks like a professional QB playing amongst a bunch of kids. After Luck, you'll likely hear some squeaks about Landry Jones, Brandon Weeden, Darron Thomas and for some reason Matt Barkley. Baylor's Robert Griffin III is the best college QB not named Luck, and few know of him. Playing at Baylor can do that. Of little note for so long, Baylor is hanging around the college rankings this year. TCU has been the best team in Texas for a few years now. Baylor knocked them off that pedestal the first week. Griffin has been the catalyst for the rise since he set foot on campus. In one of the most amazing stats that I've ever seen, Griffin had thrown more touchdowns (13) than incompletions (12) through the first three games. He's thrown no interceptions in his 82 attempts. It's shocking now that Baylor was the only school to recruit Griffin as a QB. Football players like Griffin and Cam Newton may finally show college coaches that tremendous athletes can actually play QB at a high level.
Griffin is so much more than a fantastic QB. He graduated, in three years, from Baylor last December with a degree in Political Science. He's working on his Master's with aspirations of attending law school. With little time, he volunteers for five charities. Last October, the former choirboy (literally) even found time to get engaged to his girlfriend, Baylor grad Rebecca Liddicoat, belting out an original ballad in a meticulously planned surprise ceremony. There's little Robert Griifin III can't do. The next Olympics are a possibility. In the spring of 2008, having graduated a semester early from high school, the 17-year old Griffin arrived at Baylor and promptly became a Big-12 champion, NCAA All-America and Olympic Trials semifinalist in the 400-meter hurdles.
RGIII seems to have been created in a laboratory. His unbelievable natural skills gives him a football future that only a few can dream. Luck entered college ready made for the NFL. Griffin may not be as refined as Luck but has improved each year and is poised to attack the NFL. The Stanford standout is no longer alone.
Griffin is so much more than a fantastic QB. He graduated, in three years, from Baylor last December with a degree in Political Science. He's working on his Master's with aspirations of attending law school. With little time, he volunteers for five charities. Last October, the former choirboy (literally) even found time to get engaged to his girlfriend, Baylor grad Rebecca Liddicoat, belting out an original ballad in a meticulously planned surprise ceremony. There's little Robert Griifin III can't do. The next Olympics are a possibility. In the spring of 2008, having graduated a semester early from high school, the 17-year old Griffin arrived at Baylor and promptly became a Big-12 champion, NCAA All-America and Olympic Trials semifinalist in the 400-meter hurdles.
RGIII seems to have been created in a laboratory. His unbelievable natural skills gives him a football future that only a few can dream. Luck entered college ready made for the NFL. Griffin may not be as refined as Luck but has improved each year and is poised to attack the NFL. The Stanford standout is no longer alone.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Oh My
Oh and four is never fun.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb must be on notice about now. The inability to convert on third downs, especially in the second half, is on him. High passes, passes in the dirt are just killing drives. Penalties, stupid penalties, aren't helping. Wiping out decent plays. When a team is struggling to string together positive plays, they can't afford to have any called back. Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe and Kyle Rudolph made enough plays yesterday that you'd think that the offense would be more efficient. Poor passes or penalties followed each decent play negating the good. Despite the consistent offensive failures, the Vikings had a chance. They got to the Kansas City 41 with two minutes to play. But four straight incompletions from McNabb clinched four straight losses.
Certainly not free from blame, the Vikings defense played well enough to win. Holding the Chiefs to field goals kept the score down. The only touchdown came when corner Cedric Griffen slipped to open up Dwayne Bowe.
Vikings fans that think the team should tank the season to secure Andrew Luck are out of their minds.
Aaron Rodgers sure throws a perty pass.
I switched to the end of the Saints-Jaguars game after the Vikings disappointment. In great position to drain time from the clock just before the two minute warning, the Saints were throwing the ball. Each incomplete pass gave the Jaguars hope. It just seemed like adding points was more important than clinching the win to Sean Payton.
Calvin Johnson is a beast.
I think that I'm faster than Kyle Orton.
The Lions have had an impressive start to the season, but not every team they face will aid them in the second half like the Vikings and the Cowboys have the last two weeks.
Cam Newton has brought out a brand new Steve Smith.
Through nearly 4 weeks, this is, without a doubt, the worst officiating that I have ever seen. If the league can suspend and fine players for stupid shit, they should be able to suspend and fine the officials. I realize that the officials have to be beyond reproach. To effectively achieve that they need to right far more often than they are.
The Eagles are dreamin' right now.
Next week is bad news for the Cardinals!
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb must be on notice about now. The inability to convert on third downs, especially in the second half, is on him. High passes, passes in the dirt are just killing drives. Penalties, stupid penalties, aren't helping. Wiping out decent plays. When a team is struggling to string together positive plays, they can't afford to have any called back. Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe and Kyle Rudolph made enough plays yesterday that you'd think that the offense would be more efficient. Poor passes or penalties followed each decent play negating the good. Despite the consistent offensive failures, the Vikings had a chance. They got to the Kansas City 41 with two minutes to play. But four straight incompletions from McNabb clinched four straight losses.
Certainly not free from blame, the Vikings defense played well enough to win. Holding the Chiefs to field goals kept the score down. The only touchdown came when corner Cedric Griffen slipped to open up Dwayne Bowe.
Vikings fans that think the team should tank the season to secure Andrew Luck are out of their minds.
Aaron Rodgers sure throws a perty pass.
I switched to the end of the Saints-Jaguars game after the Vikings disappointment. In great position to drain time from the clock just before the two minute warning, the Saints were throwing the ball. Each incomplete pass gave the Jaguars hope. It just seemed like adding points was more important than clinching the win to Sean Payton.
Calvin Johnson is a beast.
I think that I'm faster than Kyle Orton.
The Lions have had an impressive start to the season, but not every team they face will aid them in the second half like the Vikings and the Cowboys have the last two weeks.
Cam Newton has brought out a brand new Steve Smith.
Through nearly 4 weeks, this is, without a doubt, the worst officiating that I have ever seen. If the league can suspend and fine players for stupid shit, they should be able to suspend and fine the officials. I realize that the officials have to be beyond reproach. To effectively achieve that they need to right far more often than they are.
The Eagles are dreamin' right now.
Next week is bad news for the Cardinals!
Newton Shines
It's not competing. I don't like that word, competing. You don't go into the game to compete. You go into each game to win.
-Cam Newton
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton is making an early impact. I'm not sure if some people are waiting for him to fail, as if the first two weeks were a mirage. If they are, they might be waiting a while. Based on a handful of his games at Auburn, how he handled controversy in college and out, and how he handled the pre- and post- draft business of the NFL, I figured that he would be ready for the professional games. The size and speed of the defenses wasn't going to be too much for him. I figured that he could pretty much handle anything on a football field. My only hesitation with Cam Newton is a potential "me first and always" attitude. I hope that I'm wrong because I kinda like the way that he plays football.
Some of his critics questioned his intelligence. They certainly did before the draft and maybe some still do. It's unfortunate that he came across a bit slow during an ESPN session with Jon Gruden. He was asked to call out a play from college. I don't think that Auburn's play calling worked like that. They would hold up numbered cards on the sideline and Newton would relay that number in the huddle, or all the players would get the play number from the card. At least that's the way it looked to me. Just saying "thirty-six" sounds a bit pathetic compared to the excessive language of Gruden's west coast offense. I really like Gruden as a coach and as an announcer, but he did Newton no favors in the way that he handled the situation. When he got hold of the Panthers playbook, Newton showed that he could learn it, quickly. He's a bright football player. Whether he's in the class of Manning, Rodgers, Brady and Brees is a whole other story. It's Newton's football smarts that will allow him to succeed where Vince Young failed.
I still have some reservations about Newton's ultimate success. A handful of games is little evidence. His unbelievable athletic ability and grasp of the Panthers playbook make for a high ceiling. He's still quick to blame a receiver for a bad route when a play goes wrong. He should see his teammates in a better light. They will succeed or fail together. His maturity and team work will put him over the top or bury him.
-Cam Newton
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton is making an early impact. I'm not sure if some people are waiting for him to fail, as if the first two weeks were a mirage. If they are, they might be waiting a while. Based on a handful of his games at Auburn, how he handled controversy in college and out, and how he handled the pre- and post- draft business of the NFL, I figured that he would be ready for the professional games. The size and speed of the defenses wasn't going to be too much for him. I figured that he could pretty much handle anything on a football field. My only hesitation with Cam Newton is a potential "me first and always" attitude. I hope that I'm wrong because I kinda like the way that he plays football.
Some of his critics questioned his intelligence. They certainly did before the draft and maybe some still do. It's unfortunate that he came across a bit slow during an ESPN session with Jon Gruden. He was asked to call out a play from college. I don't think that Auburn's play calling worked like that. They would hold up numbered cards on the sideline and Newton would relay that number in the huddle, or all the players would get the play number from the card. At least that's the way it looked to me. Just saying "thirty-six" sounds a bit pathetic compared to the excessive language of Gruden's west coast offense. I really like Gruden as a coach and as an announcer, but he did Newton no favors in the way that he handled the situation. When he got hold of the Panthers playbook, Newton showed that he could learn it, quickly. He's a bright football player. Whether he's in the class of Manning, Rodgers, Brady and Brees is a whole other story. It's Newton's football smarts that will allow him to succeed where Vince Young failed.
I still have some reservations about Newton's ultimate success. A handful of games is little evidence. His unbelievable athletic ability and grasp of the Panthers playbook make for a high ceiling. He's still quick to blame a receiver for a bad route when a play goes wrong. He should see his teammates in a better light. They will succeed or fail together. His maturity and team work will put him over the top or bury him.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Red, Black?, Wave
One of my most memorable college football experiences was being one of about 110,000 in Michigan Stadium for a Michigan-Penn St. game. Where you might find about a dozen knowledgeable football fans at a typical Cal game you find about 110,000 at a typical Michigan game. It's amazing how the football IQ rises as you move east. So does the interest. Today, Nebraska visits Wisconsin for their first conference game as a member of the Big-10. There will be more fans than seats. Madison is expecting about 30,000 Corhusker fans to envelope Camp Randall Stadium. I recall Cal games that were witnessed by 30,000 total. Wisconsin spokesman Brian Lucas said the school had 404 season tickets for sale and that 67 of them were bought by people with Nebraska addresses. Each buyer was limited to four tickets. It appears that some Cornhusker fans bought Badger season tickets to insure seeing this one game. Amazing. It really is a big game. Wisconsin is #7. Nebraska is #8. To the respective fans of these two teams every game is a big game. Seeing as both teams wear red, Cornhusker fans will wear black.
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