08.27.08
Posted in Football at 12:26 pm by tim
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman visited five doctors around the country to get their opinion on whether he should play this season or get knee surgery for his two torn ligaments. In the end, he ignored all of them.
Despite every doctor telling him the exact same thing (you need surgery), Merriman has chosen to play in 2008 and risk a career-ending injury. That’s what you call looking for a doctor to tell you what you want to hear. He should’ve kept trying. Maybe the sixth doctor would’ve told him he had the knee of a superhero.
This is why I don’t see doctors. I don’t want to know what’s wrong with me. But Merriman made that mistake, so he might as well listen to their advice. His decision doesn’t seem smart to me. The risk is too great for a guy who’s only played a few NFL seasons. Granted, the Chargers are legit Super Bowl contenders this year, but Merriman needs to think about his long-term future. There’s no guarantee San Diego wins it all, and no guarantee that Merriman will even be effective with two torn ligaments in the same knee.
“I’m going to play,” Merriman texted the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I’ll deal with it when it’s time to get surgery.”
When who says it’s time to get surgery? You? Because some of the best doctors in the country have already told you that time is now.
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08.20.08
Posted in Football, Terrell Owens, Tony Romo at 6:44 pm by tim
This is part I (Roman Numerals used to symbolize importance) of a XVI-part series in which Tim and Zuri, beloved football fans, argue who has the biggest cajones and wits to win the Super Bowl. Whoever picks the correct Super Bowl winner gets to keep their dignity. With the first overall pick, Tim selects the Dallas Cowboys.
This competition is over!! Did I pick them just because I’m a biased fan? No no no. Well yes, but come on, if I’m not going to pick the Cowboys this year when am I going to pick them? Dallas has the fewest obstacles to overcome of any team, and the best chance to win it all. They had a legitimate shot last year and should be better in 2008.
The Cowboys haven’t lost much; special teams ace Keith Davis is the biggest loss. Other than that, some assistant coaches are gone, a tight end (Anthony Fasano) that dropped a possible touchdown pass in the playoff loss to the Giants, and a decent linebacker (Akin Ayodele).
That linebacker has been replaced by a better one in Zach Thomas, who already seems like he could lead the team in tackles this season. Pac…Adam Jones is on his way to being reinstated and adding depth to a secondary that hasn’t had it in years. First round pick Mike Jenkins will also add to that. Plus, Roy Williams has taken the number 38 that he used in college, so he might start hitting people again.
Offensively, the loss of Terry Glenn and Julius Jones is going to help the team, it’s addition by subtraction. True, there are question marks about the depth of the receivers, but not being distracted by whether or not Glenn was coming back and when, should be a good thing. They’ve also drafted RB Felix Jones who’s made some plays already in the preseason. Julius can go run two yards at a time for Seattle.
Tony Romo has another year of experience under his belt, T.O. is healthy, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is back, Marion Barber is finally starting, Wade Phillips is keeping everyone in a good mood, Jerry Jones is making the world go round, and I haven’t felt better about the Cowboys chances since 1995.
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08.12.08
Posted in Culture, Football at 6:00 pm by tim
The Detroit Lions crew had to eject a fan from practice the other day for yelling at Roy Williams. Mike Lazzara, 42, is apparently of the opinion that Roy could try harder.
“I didn’t use any profanity to him,” Lazzara said. “I wanted just to be constructive and tell the guy, ‘You know, I’m not making $20 million a season.’ The guy takes plays off. You guys look at the tape.”
Trying to be constructive?! I love that he says look at the tape like he’s got each game from the endzone angle at home and he reviews them and takes notes.
Heckling your own team (I’ll assume) is permitted in certain situations, but if there’s one thing I can’t allow it’s guys that think they’re legitimate coaches in the bleachers.
Here’s my favorite part though: Lazzara yelled at rookie running back Jerome Felton to pick up his feet during a drill. I’m all for freedom of speech, but his should be stripped away. If we could have freedom of speech, excluding fans trying to coach, I’d be happy. At least it’s reassuring to know that the other Lions fans booed Lazzara and cheered for their star receiver when the two got into it.
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Posted in Football at 5:14 pm by tim
After setting a new Miami Dolphins record for field goal percentage last season (91 percent, 21 of 23), kicker Jay Feely was congratulated by being kicked off the team. The cut may have surprised some, but not Feely.
“I definitely never felt wanted there,” Feely said. “I knew if young guys did well it was inevitable. They’re looking to get younger and cheaper.”
Never felt wanted? You’re a kicker, Jay. You probably shouldn’t. Unless your kicks are winning conference championships and Super Bowls, I wouldn’t think most kickers would feel wanted. It’s more of a “just don’t screw up” type of relationship.
I think Feely’s got a case; it was a bit ridiculous to release him after a season like that. How bad could he have been in training camp? Still, it’s funny to me to hear a kicker talk like he’s a real player. I’m still waiting for the first kicker to demand a trade, or holdout of camp until he gets a better contract.
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08.08.08
Posted in Football at 8:30 am by tim
Finally, the Brett Favre offseason saga is over. Until January anyway, maybe sooner. It’s not going to be long before a reporter asks Favre whether he’s planning to play next year or retire…again. And his answer will be the same as it’s been for the past five years. “I’ll know by training camp.”
First off, I sincerely hope Favre is horribly embarrassed over this whole situation. If anyone was a lock to finish their career with “their” team, it was him. No team, or town, has ever treated any player like more of a God. I mean, they were prepared to pay him $20 mil to stay retired and protect his legacy as a Packer. He’s the only Hall of Fame player to ever waffle, or flip-flop, or change his mind to the point of being kicked off the team. His indecisiveness is the only reason he’s not with Green Bay, ready to contend for a Super Bowl. He’s actually turned some Packers fans against him. Unbelievable.
Favre loses because (a) he looks like an idiot, (b) has arguably tarnished his legacy, and (c) he doesn’t go to a contender. Not even close. The Jets were 4-12 last year and you can mark them down for two losses to the Patriots this year, who will win the division well ahead of the rest of the AFC East.
On the surface, it seems like a good deal for the Jets. They at least become relevant and competitive, they’ll sell plenty of #4 jerseys and they lose a draft pick that they probably would’ve wasted anyway. But trading for Favre only makes sense if he’s the last piece of the puzzle - Tampa Bay, Minnesota, or maybe Baltimore or Chicago. New York needs to be finding their quarterback of the future, and they’ve just cost themselves a year or two of doing that. Don’t expect Favre to help any of your young QBs. Do expect him to make the Jets better temporarily, while not accomplishing anything that’s worth the time wasted.
The only winner in this situation is the Packers, in my mind. By getting rid of Favre, they’ve shown that he’s not bigger than the franchise. They’ve also gained a draft pick, and given themselves a chance to move on with 35-year-old rookie Aaron Rodgers.
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08.04.08
Posted in Football, Tony Romo at 12:52 pm by tim
While most experts agree that there’s really nothing Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo needs to improve on, the man himself is not satisfied. Over the offseason, Romo has worked on throwing the ball from unusual positions, and now Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reports that he’s trying to break the habit of moving forward in the pocket on seven-step drops.
Not bouncing a few steps forward will allow him to be protected in the pocket a split second longer, perhaps giving him the ability to shatter NFL records? I wouldn’t rule it out. Romo broke Cowboys single season records in passing yards (4,211), completions (335) and touchdown passes (36) last year. I fully expect him to double those numbers in 2008, leading the Cowboys and my fantasy football team to championships.
But seriously, his attitude toward improving each tiny weakness he can find has put him in a great position to succeed in the NFL.
“Probably every year for the last 10 years, I’ve looked at my game and tried to get better in the offseason,'’ Romo said. “There’s a reason I was able to get to this level and win this job, and I think that has a lot to do with it. You look at yourself from a realistic standpoint and say: I know I can do this better, or that better. And you work on it. In this case, for me, it helps because it’s just another way for the game to slow down.'’
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08.02.08
Posted in Oakland Raiders, Football at 11:05 am by addisport
ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Oakland Raiders’ Al Davis had to talk Javon Walker out of retiring because of he was struggling in training camp. He even offered to return his $11 million signing bonus.
This dude’s head is messed up.
Earlier this year, he got jacked on the Las Vegas strip, was beaten and left unconscious. On New Year’s day 2007, his best friend and teammate Darrent Williams was killed in a hail of bullets in his arms. There’s a lot going on in right now in his life and I’m sure he’s not sure how to handle it all.
To be young, black, rich and famous is almost like having a target painted on his back. He was attacked because of it and now he’s doubting himself on the football field, something which can ruin the career of any pro athlete. Confidence is a must.
Right now, Davis is being the good man he should be by talking him out of making a rushed decision. Walker, like every other NFL player, loves football. I’m sure of it. It takes a great love to make the sacrifices needed to make it to the league. To give that up because of bumps in the road is an ill-advised pill for an ailment not yet diagnosed.
I hope he gets the comfort and support he needs in the Raiders locker room. Sometimes, the sport itself can be the healing factor for folks.
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07.25.08
Posted in Oakland Raiders, Football at 10:25 am by addisport
I don’t know. Ask Lamont Jordan, who has been released by his employer even though he’s due $4.7 million this upcoming season with a total hit on the salary cap of $6.1 million.
It looks like the reigns of the team have been handed to first round pick Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas. But don’t take your eyes off the ball. Jordan, imho, is still an elite back. He grabbed 549 yards last season as a part-time running back. In 2005, when he was playing full-time, he gained 1,025 yards and scored nine touchdowns. No lie. He also caught 70 balls for 563 yards, making him a dynamic force on my fantasy squad that year.
I’d also like to add, he hasn’t been given much of a chance since. But let’s keep our eyes on the prize. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, a player can’t be locked out of their team’s training facility simply because a certain owner, doesn’t want him. The classic example is of course Steve McNair being locked out of the Tennesse Titans’ training facility. That ended with McNair winning a grievance against the team and then being traded to the Baltimore Ravens.
I can see Al Davis going down the same road. Can’t you?
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07.23.08
Posted in Football at 3:34 pm by tim
At least I hope he was joking. According to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, Eagles quarterback
Donovan McNabb believes Philadelphia is the team to beat - not just in the NFC East, but in the NFC. It strikes me as strange, considering they finished in last place in the division with an 8-8 record, and have done almost nothing to improve over the offseason.
“A lot of people have picked us to win the NFC and rightfully so,” he said. “It’s not that hard to see the type of team we have. You don’t
win NFC championships or the NFC on paper. You put it out on the field. Our team hasn’t changed that much where we can’t win the NFC again.”
I don’t think Eagles fans count, Donovan. I haven’t heard a single person pick them to win the NFC, and they should lose their job if they do. The biggest problem with the Eagles is the same as it’s been - they don’t have any receivers. I’ll never understand why they continue to think the Greg Browns, Hank Basketts and Freddie Mitchells of the world can get the job done at a championship level. I’m a big DeSean Jackson fan (2nd round pick), but how much can you rely on a rookie?
I remember Eagles players saying last year the road to the NFC East title went through Philadelphia. Even though that road had a carpool lane, McNabb thinks that’s the case again this year. Nevermind that the NFC East might be the toughest in the league and includes the 13-3 Cowboys, the defending champion Giants and the 9-7 and improved Redskins.
“We beat the Cowboys last year, and we should have beaten them in the first game,” McNabb explained. “The Redskins, we should have beaten them the first time. The Giants, we should have beaten them both times. It’s not just teams in our division; it’s the NFC, period. I feel like we can compete with all of them. If you ask those teams, they’ll tell you the same, that we have the type of team you have to look out for. “
And I should be sleeping on a mattress stuffed with $100s. As Bill Parcells says, you are what you are.
The Cowboys beat the Eagles 38-17 in the first game, and it wasn’t even that close. Philly’s final touchdown came when the Dallas starters had already begun packing up their belongings and heading toward the bus. Why should they have won that game, exactly?
I’m no expert on the other games he mentioned, but my research tells me that in the Redskins loss, the Eagles used their final drive of the game to score their fourth field goal and make it an 20-12 final. Then there’s a 16-3 loss to the Giants, and a 16-13 loss to the Giants, the only close game.
I’ll give him one thing: you do have to look out for the Eagles. They’re one of the best-coached, best-run teams in the league, and will make you pay if you don’t bring your A game. But unless they find a way to add some major talent in the next month, the Eagles can start planning for the 2009 draft.
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07.17.08
Posted in Football at 8:38 pm by addisport
This is the time of year when I go from being Mr. Friendly to the not-so welcome loan shark. And at the same time, I’m being hounded to join some league or another, to complete the 16-field requirement for a friend’s ultimate fantasy football league in which every single transaction and thought has a fee to it.
Right now, I’m in two leagues and I’m waffling on a third. One is a free (something I demand I do every year) and the other two are paid for leagues, with the fees ranging from $25 to $100. I run the $25 league — yes, I am keeping it cheap for my friends and I with “journalism money” to work with.
Then there is my coworker’s league (ad rep I might add) and it’s $100 to enter, including a fee for every transaction and trade you can think of (maybe that too). Anyways, he’s hounding me to join up to complete his uber cool league and then we can make some real money … or lose a lot of this monopoly currency he thinks I have.
I’m not sure if I fully understand the reasoning behind charging people for every transaction — to put a greater emphasis on the draft?!?!? Isn’t fantasy all about making the managerial decisions you want at the time you want, so long as some idiot is willing to trade? I wouldn’t give that up like my birthright to the Rockefeller fortune.
This year is going to be juicier than others. Not only is there the general excitement of the newbies, rookies and free agents, but I’ve got an inkling that a certain number of returning stars and championship caliber teams have something to prove…. eh hum … New England.
Here’s a quick look at each division:
NFC East: Why is there no one giving the N.Y. Giants, defending Superbowl champions, this division? I’ll tell you why: Because the Cowboys look like they can kick their ass any day of the week and when they did lose last year they looked like they were uncharacteristically off. The hope is that the ‘Boys will figure it out and next time play accordingly. They still have more talent, and the Giants now have less. Everyone is else is hogwash.
AFC East: This is the most lopsided division in football. I should end this entry with just Patriots. Sorta reminds me of the scene in Fun with Dick and Jane, as Jim Carrey finds out he’s being indicted, he runs around and out of the house yelling, “INDICTED …. INDICTED…. INDIIIIIIICTED!!!” The Dolphins, Jets and Bills could just scream Patriots for two whole weeks of the year and no one would think them crazy.
NFC West: This is the weakest division of the NFL. It has been now for more than three years. Every time we think it’s getting better, it gets worse. The only thing more depressing than the revamped Arizona Cardinals and fledgling St. Louis Rams is (no surprise) the San Francisco 49ers, who continue to be the laughing stock of pro football in their can’t-pass, can’t-run offensive quagmire.
Luckily, things are turning around for each division team, in a sense that they will be more than competitive. This is also the one division that is more wide open than any other, although I see Seattle pulling ranks sooner rather than later. Keep your eyes on who is behind center for the red and gold. It could determine a lot.
AFC West: I wonder, every night before I go to sleep, can LaDanian Tomlinson do it by himself? Matter-of-fact, he might have to because the San Diego Chargers aren’t going to get any more help on offense and they aren’t going to be the running team they should be. But even then, I still think the bolts have an upper hand over the Chiefs and Raiders easily. The Broncos may be more competition than is expected, but the division is still the Chargers to lose. And it all falls on the knees of Mr. Tomlinson.
NFC North: Brett Favre … BRETT FAVRE… FAVRRREEEE!!!
AFC North: I thought the Baltimore Ravens could’ve beaten the New England Patriots last season if it weren’t for some very favorable calls for the Pats. On the other hand, that doesn’t mean they are a top to bottom better team than the Bengals or Steelers. The Bengals have bungled their 2005 success and Marvin Lewis may find himself on the hot seat (sorry, not the Budweiser one). This all while the Steelers continue to be the solid force and rock in the division. I shouldn’t disregard Cleveland either but they always find a way to screw things up, whether it be with a timely injury or an interestingly ridiculous draft choice. This one is in the tank for the Steelers though — hands down.
NFC South: Goodbye Michael Vick and hello Matt Ryan, alleged savior of the Atlanta Falcons and the salary cap … errr … the economy. With $30 million guaranteed, I almost feel like Ryan should be able to snap the ball to himself and toss the football 90 yards while dodging Julius Peppers and Mario Williams and serving ice cream cones to little kids in the stands. Sadly, he won’t make a dent in this division.
If anything, the NFC South is owned by Tampa Bay Buccanneers who will be fending off an erratic New Orleans team (they’re always up and down). Jon Gruden seems to always pull out the best football team from nothing. This year should be no different.
AFC South: Marvin Harrison will come back with a vengence. I see it in his eyes. When he like was half way accused of shooting a guy, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “that must be all that pent up rage after losing to the Patriots.” A fully healed Harrison is the equalizer in the entire AFC, but it also puts Peyton Manning and the boys right back in the division lead. Watch for David Garrard to be killer though as the Jags remain a threat. I’ll give Houston a couple of more years before I take them seriously.
Why is it that the Tennessee Titans don’t deserve any credit? One name: Vince Young. I don’t trust him. He hasn’t adjusted well and I’m still waiting for him to have some real faith in his teammates. Here’s hoping for him to learn to pass first, run second.
More NFL coverage coming, with specific profiles on Hot teams. That’s right, the Dolphins get no space on this blog. Holla.
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