Can you say "pathetic?"
The Redskins were, more or less, awful last night. Their offense scored six points on two field goals. The Cowboys, though, were awfulER. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a pathetic display. If I ran the world, I'd keep Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, Felix Jones, DeMarcus Ware, Mike Jenkins, and probably Keith Brooking (for leadership and energy). I'd trade everyone else for some players who seem interested in playing football.
But you wanna know the FIRST thing I'd do? Fire Alex Barron. I'd have fired him before he took his pads off. In fact, if I ran the world I'd have fired him early on in the game, and then the Cowboys would have won the game. Dallas had plenty of problems in this game, but make no mistake: Alex Barron was the most disgraceful excuse for a football player I think I've ever seen in my life.
I'd also like to point out how inept Jason Garrett seems to be at his job. He had one very good season. He was awarded with the highest salary of any assistant coach in the game. And since 2007? He's been mediocre at best. Downright awful at times.
What a frustrating opener for a Cowboys fan.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The predictions you've been waiting for...
I wrote this post on Friday night, but I forgot to post it until now. I'm only telling you this so that you know I had all this done before the season started (I know, the season started on Thursday, but my picks were all made on Wednesday... anyway, you just have to trust me, I guess).
My wife and I were having a fun NFL discussion during a recent long road trip, and we decided to make some predictions for the upcoming season, and then come up with a way to determine who "wins" (the contest being to be the most accurate in your predictions), and we came up with a prize for the winner.
We each had to predict the winners of all 8 NFL divisions, all 4 wildcard playoff teams, the 2 conference champions, and the Super Bowl champion (and its MVP). Here are my picks, along with my reasoning (and let's keep in mind that I am NOT an expert, and I'll obviously have a lot more to say about some choices than others):
AFC North: Ravens
The Ravens are a heck of a football team. Joe Flacco seems to be the real deal at quarterback. I made this pick largely based on looking at the rest of the division and asking myself, "who else?" The Bengals fizzled toward the end of last season, and I don't think T.O. is going to boost them into perennial playoff-hood. The Steelers ought to be pretty good, but you can read about them below in my wildcard selection.
AFC South: Colts
This one goes pretty much without saying. It's Peyton Manning, and the other three teams are the Titans, the Jaguars, and the Texans. 'Nuff said, right?
AFC East: Patriots
The Jets are the trendy pick right now. Everyone loves Darelle Revis, Mark Sanchez, and pretty much everything Rex Ryan does. They did end up being quite the success story last season, so it makes sense. Still, my money's on Tom Brady.
AFC West: Chargers
Chargers win here by default. I actually think all of the other teams in the West have improved since last year, but they'd all have to make quite the jump, and I don't see it happening.
AFC Wildcards: Steelers & Texans
Big Ben's 4-game suspension won't be costly enough to keep the Steelers out of the playoffs. And, as for the Texans, I think they finally make it over the .500ish hump and put themselves in the playoffs. They've got a very good quarterback, and from what I hear, this Arian Foster guy could be something special.
NFC North: Packers
On Mike & Mike this morning I heard them say that Miami is still not over losing Dan Marino. Here in Denver we're still not over losing John Elway. But in Green Bay, Brett Favre is long gone. Not because he wasn't good, but because he was replaced right away with a very good quarterback who's only getting better. This was a tough pick (over Minnesota), but I think it's the right one.
NFC South: Saints
This was another tough pick (and if I'd made these predictions after their Thursday night debut against the Vikings I probably would've gone with Atlanta here). Even though they're the reigning Super Bowl champs, something about the Saints last season seemed very fluky to me. Don't get me wrong, they have an elite quarterback and a great coach, and plenty of other weapons on both sides of the ball. I just, for some reason, think that putting it all together for another season won't quite happen. They'll obviously be contenders for their division, though.
NFC East: Cowboys
Do me a favor. Scroll up and look at the title and subtitle of this blog. That's why I picked Dallas. Well, that and because I think they're the most promising team in the East. The Giants are an enigma. Washington, even if they improve by 4 games over last season (an incredible leap), they'll be 8-8 (and I'm just not sure McNabb and Shanahan are enough to make them good overnight). And the Eagles are another question mark because we can't be sure how Kevin Kolb will perform over a whole season. I dunno, it just seems like the 'Boys have the fewest weak spots by far.
NFC West: 49ers
Though the '9ers ought to be fairly decent, they'll be division winners because of the lack of competition in the West.
NFC Wildcards: Falcons & Giants
I like Matt Ryan, and I like where the Falcons have come in the last couple of years. They could win their division, but even if they don't, I think they'll make the playoffs. May even win a postseason game or two. The Giants, while sort of mysterious as I mentioned above, should still be pretty good. Much of these picks rest on one chance I'm taking though, which I ought to discuss now.
*A word on my choice not to put Minnesota in the playoffs: The Vikings are my second-favorite team, and I'll remain a huge Brett Favre fan forever. My decision here was based on ONE concern, and if I turn out to be wrong about it, everything changes. That concern is Brett Favre's health. I think that it is likely that the wear of the season on a 41-year old will be enough to make him miss a chunk of games at some point. If I'm right about that, the Vikings just aren't quite a playoff team. If I'm wrong about that, they could certainly win their division, the NFC, and even the Super Bowl. Last year I was unsure that Favre would be able to succeed for the whole season, and I was dead wrong. This year I'm unsure enough to pick against the Vikings (even though I'll be cheering for them every step of the way). We'll see if I'm dead wrong again. After all, this guy's an absolute force of nature.
AFC Champion: Colts
Yep, I picked them to repeat as AFC champs. I just don't see another team beating them out for it.
NFC Champion: Packers
Maybe I'm an Aaron Rodgers bandwagon jumper and I need to cool it a little bit. But I like the Pack this year.
Super Bowl Champion: Packers
I think Aaron Rodgers wins Super Bowl MVP and Peyton Manning loses his second Super Bowl in as many years. Weird prediction? Perhaps.
My wife and I were having a fun NFL discussion during a recent long road trip, and we decided to make some predictions for the upcoming season, and then come up with a way to determine who "wins" (the contest being to be the most accurate in your predictions), and we came up with a prize for the winner.
We each had to predict the winners of all 8 NFL divisions, all 4 wildcard playoff teams, the 2 conference champions, and the Super Bowl champion (and its MVP). Here are my picks, along with my reasoning (and let's keep in mind that I am NOT an expert, and I'll obviously have a lot more to say about some choices than others):
AFC North: Ravens
The Ravens are a heck of a football team. Joe Flacco seems to be the real deal at quarterback. I made this pick largely based on looking at the rest of the division and asking myself, "who else?" The Bengals fizzled toward the end of last season, and I don't think T.O. is going to boost them into perennial playoff-hood. The Steelers ought to be pretty good, but you can read about them below in my wildcard selection.
AFC South: Colts
This one goes pretty much without saying. It's Peyton Manning, and the other three teams are the Titans, the Jaguars, and the Texans. 'Nuff said, right?
AFC East: Patriots
The Jets are the trendy pick right now. Everyone loves Darelle Revis, Mark Sanchez, and pretty much everything Rex Ryan does. They did end up being quite the success story last season, so it makes sense. Still, my money's on Tom Brady.
AFC West: Chargers
Chargers win here by default. I actually think all of the other teams in the West have improved since last year, but they'd all have to make quite the jump, and I don't see it happening.
AFC Wildcards: Steelers & Texans
Big Ben's 4-game suspension won't be costly enough to keep the Steelers out of the playoffs. And, as for the Texans, I think they finally make it over the .500ish hump and put themselves in the playoffs. They've got a very good quarterback, and from what I hear, this Arian Foster guy could be something special.
NFC North: Packers
On Mike & Mike this morning I heard them say that Miami is still not over losing Dan Marino. Here in Denver we're still not over losing John Elway. But in Green Bay, Brett Favre is long gone. Not because he wasn't good, but because he was replaced right away with a very good quarterback who's only getting better. This was a tough pick (over Minnesota), but I think it's the right one.
NFC South: Saints
This was another tough pick (and if I'd made these predictions after their Thursday night debut against the Vikings I probably would've gone with Atlanta here). Even though they're the reigning Super Bowl champs, something about the Saints last season seemed very fluky to me. Don't get me wrong, they have an elite quarterback and a great coach, and plenty of other weapons on both sides of the ball. I just, for some reason, think that putting it all together for another season won't quite happen. They'll obviously be contenders for their division, though.
NFC East: Cowboys
Do me a favor. Scroll up and look at the title and subtitle of this blog. That's why I picked Dallas. Well, that and because I think they're the most promising team in the East. The Giants are an enigma. Washington, even if they improve by 4 games over last season (an incredible leap), they'll be 8-8 (and I'm just not sure McNabb and Shanahan are enough to make them good overnight). And the Eagles are another question mark because we can't be sure how Kevin Kolb will perform over a whole season. I dunno, it just seems like the 'Boys have the fewest weak spots by far.
NFC West: 49ers
Though the '9ers ought to be fairly decent, they'll be division winners because of the lack of competition in the West.
NFC Wildcards: Falcons & Giants
I like Matt Ryan, and I like where the Falcons have come in the last couple of years. They could win their division, but even if they don't, I think they'll make the playoffs. May even win a postseason game or two. The Giants, while sort of mysterious as I mentioned above, should still be pretty good. Much of these picks rest on one chance I'm taking though, which I ought to discuss now.
*A word on my choice not to put Minnesota in the playoffs: The Vikings are my second-favorite team, and I'll remain a huge Brett Favre fan forever. My decision here was based on ONE concern, and if I turn out to be wrong about it, everything changes. That concern is Brett Favre's health. I think that it is likely that the wear of the season on a 41-year old will be enough to make him miss a chunk of games at some point. If I'm right about that, the Vikings just aren't quite a playoff team. If I'm wrong about that, they could certainly win their division, the NFC, and even the Super Bowl. Last year I was unsure that Favre would be able to succeed for the whole season, and I was dead wrong. This year I'm unsure enough to pick against the Vikings (even though I'll be cheering for them every step of the way). We'll see if I'm dead wrong again. After all, this guy's an absolute force of nature.
AFC Champion: Colts
Yep, I picked them to repeat as AFC champs. I just don't see another team beating them out for it.
NFC Champion: Packers
Maybe I'm an Aaron Rodgers bandwagon jumper and I need to cool it a little bit. But I like the Pack this year.
Super Bowl Champion: Packers
I think Aaron Rodgers wins Super Bowl MVP and Peyton Manning loses his second Super Bowl in as many years. Weird prediction? Perhaps.
Friday, September 10, 2010
ESPN: You can do better.
"Bill Belichick said there is no other quarterback he'd rather have than Tom Brady"
That was an ESPN headline I just read. I don't know about you, but that seems like a pretty stupid story to me coming from the self-proclaimed (and accurately so) "World-Wide Leader in Sports."
I LOVE ESPN (it looks like I was yelling that sentence, but the word "love" is the only part of it that you wouldn't ordinarily expect to be capitalized). I love almost everything they do, but c'mon. Tom Brady is one of only four quarterbacks in the history of the sport to have three Super Bowl rings. He is without a doubt one of the best QBs not just of his era but of all time. His statistics are off the charts, and today he is signing the largest per-year contract any NFL player has ever EVER had. Doesn't the above headline pretty much go without saying? To me it'd be like a headline that reads, "Rahm Emanuel said there is no other president he'd rather have than Barack Obama." What other intriguing top stories do you have, ESPN? Is Sean Payton happy with Drew Brees? PLEASE LET US KNOW!!
Alright, sorry for the sarcasm. I just figured I need to get back into the habit of some regular writing on this blog. The season, after all, has already begun! Expect another post from me within the next 48 hours on some of my beginning-of-the-season thoughts. Thanks for your loyalty (both of you).
That was an ESPN headline I just read. I don't know about you, but that seems like a pretty stupid story to me coming from the self-proclaimed (and accurately so) "World-Wide Leader in Sports."
I LOVE ESPN (it looks like I was yelling that sentence, but the word "love" is the only part of it that you wouldn't ordinarily expect to be capitalized). I love almost everything they do, but c'mon. Tom Brady is one of only four quarterbacks in the history of the sport to have three Super Bowl rings. He is without a doubt one of the best QBs not just of his era but of all time. His statistics are off the charts, and today he is signing the largest per-year contract any NFL player has ever EVER had. Doesn't the above headline pretty much go without saying? To me it'd be like a headline that reads, "Rahm Emanuel said there is no other president he'd rather have than Barack Obama." What other intriguing top stories do you have, ESPN? Is Sean Payton happy with Drew Brees? PLEASE LET US KNOW!!
Alright, sorry for the sarcasm. I just figured I need to get back into the habit of some regular writing on this blog. The season, after all, has already begun! Expect another post from me within the next 48 hours on some of my beginning-of-the-season thoughts. Thanks for your loyalty (both of you).
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A guess
I'm absolutely not an expert (it takes no qualifications at all to set up a blog and write about a team or a sport). Nevertheless, I have a few initial impressions about the upcoming NFL season. Since I'm terrified about looking bad and being wrong, I'm going to play my cards close to my chest for now. I won't make a lot of predictions, but I will say this:
The three best teams in the NFC this season will be the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys (in no particular order).
Part of me thinks it won't even be close.
Maybe you'll get some more out of me over the next couple of weeks, prior to the beginning of the regular season.
The three best teams in the NFC this season will be the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys (in no particular order).
Part of me thinks it won't even be close.
Maybe you'll get some more out of me over the next couple of weeks, prior to the beginning of the regular season.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Favre Fever!
Can we just be clear about one thing? Bret Favre did not retire and then un-retire this offseason, so to everyone who writes for sports magazines, tv shows, and websites, please STOP with the "...again" talk when we're discussing this issue. It's not retirement when someone sends a text message to friends. In fact, the only reports I ever heard about these mysterious text messages was that it said, "This is it." That's not retirement. Retirement is what Favre did before last season, and the one before where he scheduled a press conference and clearly told the world he was done.
Anyway, that's my rant. It's ridiculous.
I feel like I'm the only one left on the planet (who's not a die-hard through and through Vikings fan) who really likes Bret Favre. Everyone else thinks he's only in it for the money (a complete joke), he's a prima donna (but they can't quite define that), and he's ruining his legacy (I still can't stop laughing about that one).
To everyone spouting this nonsense I just have to ask, Have you ever watched this guy play football in your life? Have you ever heard him give an interview to the press? Do you honestly think he's been insincere in his two retirements? You really think he was holding out this season for more money? And his legacy? I'm willing to bet that Favre couldn't give a rodent's posterior about his so-called legacy. He plays because he loves football. He plays the game with more passion and heart than anyone I've ever seen. He's 40 years old and he plays like a 6-year old who's just learning how much fun the sport is.
Regarding the legacy talk, look at his numbers. Favre is easily one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. That's not going to change because someone says, "Yeah, but he was kind of a jerk to the Packers that one time." C'mon. Drop it already.
I grew up watching Favre and his Packers give my Cowboys all they could handle. I was never a fan of his team, but I find it impossible not to enjoy watching the man play. I'm glad he's coming back because he's fantastic to watch. I'd love it if he played until he was 80, because I'm not sure there will be another player in my lifetime who plays with his intensity and passion.
Anyway, that's my rant. It's ridiculous.
I feel like I'm the only one left on the planet (who's not a die-hard through and through Vikings fan) who really likes Bret Favre. Everyone else thinks he's only in it for the money (a complete joke), he's a prima donna (but they can't quite define that), and he's ruining his legacy (I still can't stop laughing about that one).
To everyone spouting this nonsense I just have to ask, Have you ever watched this guy play football in your life? Have you ever heard him give an interview to the press? Do you honestly think he's been insincere in his two retirements? You really think he was holding out this season for more money? And his legacy? I'm willing to bet that Favre couldn't give a rodent's posterior about his so-called legacy. He plays because he loves football. He plays the game with more passion and heart than anyone I've ever seen. He's 40 years old and he plays like a 6-year old who's just learning how much fun the sport is.
Regarding the legacy talk, look at his numbers. Favre is easily one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. That's not going to change because someone says, "Yeah, but he was kind of a jerk to the Packers that one time." C'mon. Drop it already.
I grew up watching Favre and his Packers give my Cowboys all they could handle. I was never a fan of his team, but I find it impossible not to enjoy watching the man play. I'm glad he's coming back because he's fantastic to watch. I'd love it if he played until he was 80, because I'm not sure there will be another player in my lifetime who plays with his intensity and passion.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Favre Saga
It's being reported that Brett Favre has decided to retire... again.
We obviously have reason to be skeptical about this, but I just want to say one thing at this point: If it's true and Favre really does retire for good, everyone who was optimistic about the Vikings this year will be disappointed. There is no way that Minnesota can match last year's NFC title game appearance with Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels at the helm. My prediction would be that they won't even make the playoffs (they certainly won't beat Green Bay for the division championship without Favre, so they'd have to be a wildcard, and that would be quite difficult).
I like the Vikings, but I don't see them having a very successful year without Favre. He was too good, and the so-called backups that Brad Childress laughingly has in place are too bad.
Your thoughts? Am I wrong about Jackson and/or Rosenfels?
We obviously have reason to be skeptical about this, but I just want to say one thing at this point: If it's true and Favre really does retire for good, everyone who was optimistic about the Vikings this year will be disappointed. There is no way that Minnesota can match last year's NFC title game appearance with Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels at the helm. My prediction would be that they won't even make the playoffs (they certainly won't beat Green Bay for the division championship without Favre, so they'd have to be a wildcard, and that would be quite difficult).
I like the Vikings, but I don't see them having a very successful year without Favre. He was too good, and the so-called backups that Brad Childress laughingly has in place are too bad.
Your thoughts? Am I wrong about Jackson and/or Rosenfels?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Dez Bryant
It's been awhile. Sorry about that.
It's common for first-round picks who are expected to be superstars to "hold out" when training camps start as they try to work out the most lucrative deals they possibly can before finally signing with the team who drafted them. I always have a bitter taste in my mouth toward players like that.
The Cowboys drafted wide receiver Dez Bryant in the first round, and he's been fairly hyped-up. But instead of holding out, he's signing a contract this afternoon prior to the start of training camp tomorrow.
According to Jean-Jacques Taylor Bryant said, "This was my call. I told [agent] Eugene that I wanted to be in camp on time. I just want to play football. I told him to make it happen. I wasn't even all caught up with the money because this is just my first contract."
When asked about whether he was going to be a starter he said, "Don't get me wrong, I would love to start, but I don't care about it. I just want to earn my playing time and do whatever it takes to help this team."
Those are all the right answers from a first-round pick. Just thought I'd share.
It's common for first-round picks who are expected to be superstars to "hold out" when training camps start as they try to work out the most lucrative deals they possibly can before finally signing with the team who drafted them. I always have a bitter taste in my mouth toward players like that.
The Cowboys drafted wide receiver Dez Bryant in the first round, and he's been fairly hyped-up. But instead of holding out, he's signing a contract this afternoon prior to the start of training camp tomorrow.
According to Jean-Jacques Taylor Bryant said, "This was my call. I told [agent] Eugene that I wanted to be in camp on time. I just want to play football. I told him to make it happen. I wasn't even all caught up with the money because this is just my first contract."
When asked about whether he was going to be a starter he said, "Don't get me wrong, I would love to start, but I don't care about it. I just want to earn my playing time and do whatever it takes to help this team."
Those are all the right answers from a first-round pick. Just thought I'd share.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)