The Titans used a 1st round pick on LenDale White and he responded by ballooning up like a puffer fish. Obviously, he isn't keeping himself in peak shape, which is shameful for a professional athlete. He's averaging a meager 3.5 ypc AND is fumbling too much. I don't know what I'd do if I was in the Titans' position. But, I would definitely think about cutting White because his weight shows that he isn't committed to being his best to help out the team.
Speaking of cutting things, can we stop calling TO right before the kicker is attempting a FG? The Broncos called one to screw with Rod Bironas just before halftime. Bironas missed the one that didn't count, then nailed the one that did count. Mike Shanahan cost his team 3 points (assuming Bironas wasn't affected by the calling of the timeout, which I can't be sure of). Maybe he'll think twice before he wastes more of everyone's time the next time there's a FG attempt against his team late in a half.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
A Compromise to Fix College Football
If you were giving a college calculus exam, would it make sense for the first question to be 1 + 1 = ______ ? Obviously not, students shouldn't need a warm-up ... or at least shouldn't get credit for a warm-up. Then, why did WVU feel like scheduling Western Michigan for the first game of the year? I'm not picking on the Mountaineers, the Kansas Jayhawks took it to an extreme by racking up 1/3 of the total points by feasting on Central Michigan, SE LA, Toledo and FIU!
So, the first item on my agenda is to rid college football of crappy non-conference games between David and Goliath. While App. State beating Michigan happens, so does OU throttling Utah State and North Texas. There aren't enough slots on the schedule to waste dates on meaningless contests. I would like to implement some sort of revenue sharing plan to adjust for teams not being able to offer themselves up as sacrificial lambs in order to get a big (relatively) pay day. I think the big schools will still be ok.
The 2nd order of business is to move conference games up in the schedule. The season should open with conference games. Those are the games that are set in stone ... you always have OU v. Texas, Michigan v. Ohio State, Florida v. Georgia, etc. The first 7 games for teams in the Big East will be against the other 7. The ACC, SEC, and Big 12 will spend 8 weeks playing their division and half of the other. The Pac-10 can take 9 weeks so everyone can play everyone else. And, the Big 10 can do whatever the heck they want to do. The ACC, SEC, and Big 12 can keep their championship games, the difference is that they will come before the end of the season, so the teams that aren't playing in those games can start their non-conference schedule during the championship weekend.
Why play conference games first? Putting them first serves to weed out contenders from pretenders. Nebraska was expected to contend for the Big 12 North lead ... how'd that work out? Florida wasn't quite as good as was expected and Miami, ND, Wisconsin and Michigan were all overrated, to varying degrees. At the end of conference play, you can create preliminary ranking for all the teams based on prior performance of conferences and the play of teams during conference play.
What happens in non-conference play? The remaining part of the regular season consists of match-ups arranged by some sort of selection committee. Based on the rankings at the end of conference play, the first round of games will be assigned. Scores will be processed and a second round will be spit out. So, essentially, it's a playoff during the regular season. The thing is, we're replacing crappy games with potential classics and one loss doesn't destroy you. After a total of 13 games (they currently play 12 and have a potential for 13 if you qualify for a conference title game), the regular season will end and rankings will determine the teams that will play in the national title game.
This system preserves the bowl games. We aren't adding a bunch of games. What we are doing is improving the ability of comparing across conferences and determining who actually is the best team in college football. No system is perfect, but this is WAY better than the current system, where it is actually bad to play in a good conference, as long as the conference is good enough.
So, the first item on my agenda is to rid college football of crappy non-conference games between David and Goliath. While App. State beating Michigan happens, so does OU throttling Utah State and North Texas. There aren't enough slots on the schedule to waste dates on meaningless contests. I would like to implement some sort of revenue sharing plan to adjust for teams not being able to offer themselves up as sacrificial lambs in order to get a big (relatively) pay day. I think the big schools will still be ok.
The 2nd order of business is to move conference games up in the schedule. The season should open with conference games. Those are the games that are set in stone ... you always have OU v. Texas, Michigan v. Ohio State, Florida v. Georgia, etc. The first 7 games for teams in the Big East will be against the other 7. The ACC, SEC, and Big 12 will spend 8 weeks playing their division and half of the other. The Pac-10 can take 9 weeks so everyone can play everyone else. And, the Big 10 can do whatever the heck they want to do. The ACC, SEC, and Big 12 can keep their championship games, the difference is that they will come before the end of the season, so the teams that aren't playing in those games can start their non-conference schedule during the championship weekend.
Why play conference games first? Putting them first serves to weed out contenders from pretenders. Nebraska was expected to contend for the Big 12 North lead ... how'd that work out? Florida wasn't quite as good as was expected and Miami, ND, Wisconsin and Michigan were all overrated, to varying degrees. At the end of conference play, you can create preliminary ranking for all the teams based on prior performance of conferences and the play of teams during conference play.
What happens in non-conference play? The remaining part of the regular season consists of match-ups arranged by some sort of selection committee. Based on the rankings at the end of conference play, the first round of games will be assigned. Scores will be processed and a second round will be spit out. So, essentially, it's a playoff during the regular season. The thing is, we're replacing crappy games with potential classics and one loss doesn't destroy you. After a total of 13 games (they currently play 12 and have a potential for 13 if you qualify for a conference title game), the regular season will end and rankings will determine the teams that will play in the national title game.
This system preserves the bowl games. We aren't adding a bunch of games. What we are doing is improving the ability of comparing across conferences and determining who actually is the best team in college football. No system is perfect, but this is WAY better than the current system, where it is actually bad to play in a good conference, as long as the conference is good enough.
Oklahoma vs. Oregon
The AP voters should be ashamed of themselves. While both OU and UO lost conference road games in the last few days (Oregon played at Arizona on Thursday and Oklahoma lost at Texas Tech on Saturday), the prognosis for the rest of the season is quite different.
Oregon has been robbed of a potentially great season by injuries, to WR's, their back-up RB, and, now, QB Dennis Dixon. Oregon isn't the same team that rolled Michigan in the Big House. The Ducks aren't even the same team that beat a reeling USC team at home. With Brady Leaf at QB, the Oregon Ducks aren't a top 10 team and they shouldn't be rated as such. Dixon is gone for the year, so the Ducks need to be re-evaluated based on the current reality, not solely on past performance.
Oklahoma's loss at Tech was aided by an early-game injury to QB Sam Bradford. Unlike Dixon, Bradford will be back controlling the reins of the OU offense in the near future. It's not unreasonable to speculate that if Bradford hadn't suffered a concussion, the OU offense would have been able to put up enough points to eek one out in Lubbock. Bradford should be back for the game against Oklahoma State and would be available, presumably, for the Big 12 title game (if OU beats OSU) and a bowl game. Thus, it goes without saying (although I will say it) that Oklahoma is the better team going forward (better than UO without Dixon, Johnson, Colvin, and Paysinger).
Why did AP voters put Oregon ahead of Oklahoma? I have no idea. It doesn't make sense. But, really, it doesn't matter because neither team is likely to figure into the national title picture at this point ... but it does draw attention to obvious flaws in the current system ... which is just another reason we need to change the current system.
Oregon has been robbed of a potentially great season by injuries, to WR's, their back-up RB, and, now, QB Dennis Dixon. Oregon isn't the same team that rolled Michigan in the Big House. The Ducks aren't even the same team that beat a reeling USC team at home. With Brady Leaf at QB, the Oregon Ducks aren't a top 10 team and they shouldn't be rated as such. Dixon is gone for the year, so the Ducks need to be re-evaluated based on the current reality, not solely on past performance.
Oklahoma's loss at Tech was aided by an early-game injury to QB Sam Bradford. Unlike Dixon, Bradford will be back controlling the reins of the OU offense in the near future. It's not unreasonable to speculate that if Bradford hadn't suffered a concussion, the OU offense would have been able to put up enough points to eek one out in Lubbock. Bradford should be back for the game against Oklahoma State and would be available, presumably, for the Big 12 title game (if OU beats OSU) and a bowl game. Thus, it goes without saying (although I will say it) that Oklahoma is the better team going forward (better than UO without Dixon, Johnson, Colvin, and Paysinger).
Why did AP voters put Oregon ahead of Oklahoma? I have no idea. It doesn't make sense. But, really, it doesn't matter because neither team is likely to figure into the national title picture at this point ... but it does draw attention to obvious flaws in the current system ... which is just another reason we need to change the current system.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Why Lowell?
The Yankees like to steal players from the Red Sox, for obvious reasons, but I don't think pursuing Lowell is a smart move for the Yanks. While the Red Sox want to bring Lowell back as a 3rd baseman, where his defense is usually a plus, the Yankees are looking at Lowell as a first baseman. Can't the Yankees find a better hitter to man 1B?
Mike Lowell is a decent player who got hot at the right time. But, you always have to be a little bit wary of guys who exceed expectations in a walk year. I have a friend who kept Lowell in a keeper fantasy league before he went in the tank as a Florida Marlin. So ... buyer beware if the Yankees are going to pony up for a big-money deal over four years (it will probably take more years to get Lowell to relocate from Boston to NY ... how'd that work out when pursuing Johnny Damon?).
Mike Lowell posted career highs in batting average and on-base percentage this season. Prior to this year, he'd never hit .300 and his high for OBP was 0.365 and his 2nd highest OBP was just .350. Lowell is good for 20-25 HR's, but he's already 33 years old. It's hard to see him building on this year and becoming a .330, 35, 140 guy consistently, which is what the Yankees should be looking for if they are going to spend a lot of money on someone to play 1B.
But, having said all that, I guess I'm not against the Yankees overpaying for Mike Lowell. It's always fun to see the Yankees spend tons of money and come up short at crunch time.
Mike Lowell is a decent player who got hot at the right time. But, you always have to be a little bit wary of guys who exceed expectations in a walk year. I have a friend who kept Lowell in a keeper fantasy league before he went in the tank as a Florida Marlin. So ... buyer beware if the Yankees are going to pony up for a big-money deal over four years (it will probably take more years to get Lowell to relocate from Boston to NY ... how'd that work out when pursuing Johnny Damon?).
Mike Lowell posted career highs in batting average and on-base percentage this season. Prior to this year, he'd never hit .300 and his high for OBP was 0.365 and his 2nd highest OBP was just .350. Lowell is good for 20-25 HR's, but he's already 33 years old. It's hard to see him building on this year and becoming a .330, 35, 140 guy consistently, which is what the Yankees should be looking for if they are going to spend a lot of money on someone to play 1B.
But, having said all that, I guess I'm not against the Yankees overpaying for Mike Lowell. It's always fun to see the Yankees spend tons of money and come up short at crunch time.
Apology?
Phil Jackson's "apology" was even more distasteful than his original remarks. The league's lack of reaction is an absolute joke ... although so was the league not reprimanding the officials who violated rules related to gambling. If my cushy job prevented me from gambling ... I'm pretty sure I'd go out of my way to avoid gambling. But, I wouldn't go on TV and apologize to Texans and horses after the Brokeback quote, either. What do Texans have to do with it?
All Day
I'm not going to bash Al Harris for diving at Adrian Peterson's knee on Sunday. I don't think too many people are going to vociferously bash Al Harris for making a legal hit. But, it is an unfortunate play and it would be nice if the league discouraged dangerous hits on its star running backs and wide receivers a little more, and shifted some of the emphasis away from the overly coddled QB's.
In the game between the Steelers and Browns, Troy Polamolu dove in and upended Jamal Lewis. While Harris is a CB, Polamolu is a safety. Polamolu is supposed to be able to come up in run support and bring the lumber. Hit Jamal Lewis in the chest and knock him backwards ... don't give for his ankles and knees.
Al Harris made a legal hit. But, if the league wants to protect its stars, it should look further than just the QB's. There's a reason why you can't cut a guy that's engaged. There's a reason for not allowing crack backs below the waste. There's a reason clipping is a 15-yard penalty. Any love out there for ball carriers, or should we continue to rely on unwritten rules of conduct?
And, while I'm on the subject of illegal hits, why doesn't the NFL up the ante a little bit? Maybe, if $100K was the fine for hitting flagrantly drilling a defenseless WR in the head, the safeties would adjust their actions a little more quickly than when they only have to pony up $10-15K per offense. Perhaps, if a DE knew he'd have to give up the equivalent of a new Ferrari, he'd think twice before laying out Peyton Manning. If we can prevent the flagrant offenses, maybe we could loosen up the rules so that an errant hand nicking a QB's helmet wouldn't need to be a personal foul as a "blow to the head."
In the game between the Steelers and Browns, Troy Polamolu dove in and upended Jamal Lewis. While Harris is a CB, Polamolu is a safety. Polamolu is supposed to be able to come up in run support and bring the lumber. Hit Jamal Lewis in the chest and knock him backwards ... don't give for his ankles and knees.
Al Harris made a legal hit. But, if the league wants to protect its stars, it should look further than just the QB's. There's a reason why you can't cut a guy that's engaged. There's a reason for not allowing crack backs below the waste. There's a reason clipping is a 15-yard penalty. Any love out there for ball carriers, or should we continue to rely on unwritten rules of conduct?
And, while I'm on the subject of illegal hits, why doesn't the NFL up the ante a little bit? Maybe, if $100K was the fine for hitting flagrantly drilling a defenseless WR in the head, the safeties would adjust their actions a little more quickly than when they only have to pony up $10-15K per offense. Perhaps, if a DE knew he'd have to give up the equivalent of a new Ferrari, he'd think twice before laying out Peyton Manning. If we can prevent the flagrant offenses, maybe we could loosen up the rules so that an errant hand nicking a QB's helmet wouldn't need to be a personal foul as a "blow to the head."
Brokeback Quote
Was Phil Jackson looking to be suspended when he offered up "We call this a 'Brokeback Mountain' game, because there's so much penetration and kickouts." as his analysis of his Lakers' loss to the Spurs? I hope so, because that's the only logical explanation I can offer up for him uttering such absurd remarks.
But, all the league is offering up is that the remarks were in poor taste. No, the remarks were disgusting, vulgar and (I don't know what the PC term is) anti-gay. Anyone who knows me knows I'm all for a good play on words, but there are certain things you shouldn't say, especially when there is a large media contingent listening. And, while I didn't see Brokeback Mountain, and it had yet to be filmed and distributed during my playing days, I really don't see the direct connection to that particular movie.
Phil Jackson should be fined and suspended. I'm sure the NBA has homosexual fans and Jackson's comments were a direct slap in the face. His comments probably adversely affected more people than the "Malace at the Palace" of the Denver v. New York brawl at the Garden. David Stern needs to step up and say that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
But, all the league is offering up is that the remarks were in poor taste. No, the remarks were disgusting, vulgar and (I don't know what the PC term is) anti-gay. Anyone who knows me knows I'm all for a good play on words, but there are certain things you shouldn't say, especially when there is a large media contingent listening. And, while I didn't see Brokeback Mountain, and it had yet to be filmed and distributed during my playing days, I really don't see the direct connection to that particular movie.
Phil Jackson should be fined and suspended. I'm sure the NBA has homosexual fans and Jackson's comments were a direct slap in the face. His comments probably adversely affected more people than the "Malace at the Palace" of the Denver v. New York brawl at the Garden. David Stern needs to step up and say that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Hooray Boston
The Boston Red Sox just won the World Series. The New England Patriots are undefeated. Boston College climbed to #2 in the BCS. The New England Revolution is in the MLS Cup final. And, the Boston Celtics are 4-0 and off to their best start in years.
But, let's curb the enthusiasm. The Red Sox won the World Series. And, while the Pats are regarded as the best team in the NFL, they aren't the defending Super Bowl Champions. The Colts won the Super Bowl last year and might have defeated the Pats last Sunday if they had a healthy WR corps (it's also possible that Marvin Harrison wouldn't have made a difference).
Boston College is one of the best teams in the worst of the big six college football conferences (the ACC) and just lost to Florida State after eeking one out against Virginia Tech. And, Matt Ryan's Heisman chances went in the toilet the same time the Eagles' national title hopes did ... on the interception return for a TD by FSU.
The Revolution may very well win the MLS Cup. Or, maybe they won't. But, the only reason I know they are playing for the cup is because of the Boston connection. An MLS Cup win is a minor victory at best.
Now, we're down to basketball and hockey. While the Celtics are 4-0, the Boston Bruins are pretty mediocre.
When baseball season comes around next year, it's possible that the Red Sox and Pats will be champs, with the Celts in control of the East. But, for the mean time, let's relax a bit and quit toasting Boston as the championship hog it really isn't ... yet.
But, let's curb the enthusiasm. The Red Sox won the World Series. And, while the Pats are regarded as the best team in the NFL, they aren't the defending Super Bowl Champions. The Colts won the Super Bowl last year and might have defeated the Pats last Sunday if they had a healthy WR corps (it's also possible that Marvin Harrison wouldn't have made a difference).
Boston College is one of the best teams in the worst of the big six college football conferences (the ACC) and just lost to Florida State after eeking one out against Virginia Tech. And, Matt Ryan's Heisman chances went in the toilet the same time the Eagles' national title hopes did ... on the interception return for a TD by FSU.
The Revolution may very well win the MLS Cup. Or, maybe they won't. But, the only reason I know they are playing for the cup is because of the Boston connection. An MLS Cup win is a minor victory at best.
Now, we're down to basketball and hockey. While the Celtics are 4-0, the Boston Bruins are pretty mediocre.
When baseball season comes around next year, it's possible that the Red Sox and Pats will be champs, with the Celts in control of the East. But, for the mean time, let's relax a bit and quit toasting Boston as the championship hog it really isn't ... yet.
Minne Mistake?
Talking heads are in an uproar over Troy Williamson being docked financially for missing a game to be with his family and attend his grandmother's funeral. While the Vikings could have handled it differently, I don't think they should be blasted for the action. Troy Williamson wasn't cut. He knew the consequences of his actions and he's going to be ok. He took unpaid leave. That's what happens to people when they want to take off time from work and don't have leave (Sundays are pretty much mandatory during the regular season for football players). Williamson could have scheduled family matters around his job commitment. It's just one of those things. Perhaps, it could have been handled in a different fashion, but I don't think it's that big a deal ... and Minnesota shouldn't be getting hammered for it.
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