[Sunday's Weekly Edition]
My Football Diary
Dear Diary...
Welcome to my world. It's not enough that I watch every game I can or that there isn't a major sport today that I don't find of some interest, but I also have the burning desire and need to not only talk about sports but also write about it too.
All week long I listen to Dan Patrick in the morning or I am watching Sportscenter on ESPN. If it's news, I am catching it somewhere and I never seem to run short of thought or reaction.
So every week I am going to be writing my "weekly recap" of numerous topics and subjects that I have seen, read, heard, or watched on T.V. and of course offering my take, spin, and opinion.
It's my new thing.
This Week in football...
T.O. is the Talk of the Town Again...
It's just so funny to me how this guy is always the center of attention, even when he's not trying. So now that the Cowboys are out of the playoffs and considered a major disappointment this season, someone has to be the fall guy, right?
Maybe it's just me, but could it be that Jerry Jones just doesn't like to appear wrong in the face of the media. If there is a fall guy, why wouldn't it be the head coach Wade Phillips?
Since he has been a head coach Phillips has not won anything. Last season was the first time Phillips had coached any team to a first place finished and his team was an inherited team from former head coach Bill Parcells. Phillips also has a career post season record of 0-4.
T.O. may be at times considered a cancer for some of his antics and actions, but it was not a cancer that destroyed the Cowboys this past season.
It was not T.O. that signed a Pacman Jones during the off season after he had been suspended for one year. Owens, also did not allow Jones to return with the team after he was suspended a second time for four games this season. Let me see, did T.O. trade for and sign wide receiver Roy Williams to a ridiculous contract? And lastly, it was not T.O. who chose Wade Phillips as the successor to Parcells to coach Dallas.
Now the word going around the networks and news is that the Cowboys may be thinking of releasing Owens, as if that is all that is needed to fix this dysfunctional franchise.
The Cowboys certainly aren't right at the moment, but the answers don't lie with the release of T.O. The superstar receiver is an outstanding talent that comes with a lot of baggage. Sure he is outspoken and can be a distraction, but in Texas they like them big. His absence won't correct things in Big D.
If the Cowboys are going to fix this situation, they should start at the top. How bout that Jerry?
Maybe it's just me, but could it be that Jerry Jones just doesn't like to appear wrong in the face of the media. If there is a fall guy, why wouldn't it be the head coach Wade Phillips?
Since he has been a head coach Phillips has not won anything. Last season was the first time Phillips had coached any team to a first place finished and his team was an inherited team from former head coach Bill Parcells. Phillips also has a career post season record of 0-4.
T.O. may be at times considered a cancer for some of his antics and actions, but it was not a cancer that destroyed the Cowboys this past season.
It was not T.O. that signed a Pacman Jones during the off season after he had been suspended for one year. Owens, also did not allow Jones to return with the team after he was suspended a second time for four games this season. Let me see, did T.O. trade for and sign wide receiver Roy Williams to a ridiculous contract? And lastly, it was not T.O. who chose Wade Phillips as the successor to Parcells to coach Dallas.
Now the word going around the networks and news is that the Cowboys may be thinking of releasing Owens, as if that is all that is needed to fix this dysfunctional franchise.
The Cowboys certainly aren't right at the moment, but the answers don't lie with the release of T.O. The superstar receiver is an outstanding talent that comes with a lot of baggage. Sure he is outspoken and can be a distraction, but in Texas they like them big. His absence won't correct things in Big D.
If the Cowboys are going to fix this situation, they should start at the top. How bout that Jerry?
Jeff Fischer: A Class Act...
I was listening to some sports talk on the radio and the Titan's head coach Jeff Fischer was being interviewed. This came only days after the his team had lost to the Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Late in the fourth quarter of the game, there was a critical moment where the referees missed a call against the Ravens. Now had the call been made, it may not have changed the outcome of the game, but listening to the interview you could sense that the interviewer wanted to Fischer to admit that.
The fact of the matter, is mistakes are made and it's part of the game. Unfortunate or not teams, players, and coaches have to learn to live with it, but the media for some reason never wants to allow anyone to get past it. They are always re-spinning and dragging it around, probably because for them it sells. To tell the truth, it probably does.
Nonetheless, as I was listening to the interview, Fischer never wavered in his opinion and genuine feeling on the subject. He put it best when he answered that it's the "human element" part of the game. He admitted too, that it's sometimes tough to live with, but he would prefer to not lose the human element.
While some could side with the radio host and tear apart the league refs and place blame on them for the game's outcome, Fischer did not. Good for him. Jeff Fischer proved once again why he is a class act in my book.
Denver: Too Many Changes...
When you are a big fan of a particular team, sure you opinion can be a little obscured. I wasn't too keen of the Shanahan firing a couple of weeks ago, but I certainly didn't expect the Bowlen to bring in another offensive mind. So the jury is still out with this hire.
Now that the franchise has made a commitment to Josh McDaniels, I have to wonder what direction this team will take. Already I have read that McDaniels intends to change things and his hire of Rick Dennison as his offensive coordinator was an unexpected to change.
So much for keeping the offensive system and staff in tact.
I have to question the hire of Nolan for the defense. This has clearly been the sore spot of the franchise the last several season and certainly the ever changing faces at the coordinator position would have been the clearest indication. Is Nolan the right guy to fix, what others could not?
I have not followed Nolan's career too closely and didn't even realize that he had coached for the Bronco's once before. He has an extensive resume as a defensive coordinator and certainly appears to be qualified for the job. I have to wonder, where he has been, if he's ever faced such a situation with an inept defense requiring such a major overhaul?
2009 will prove to be a big year in Denver with so much change.
What I would consider the biggest concern is quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates. With McDaniels in calling the plays, it will be his offense to run. What happens to Bates? I have not heard anything lately, but retaining him as part of the staff should be a priority for Bowlen and McDaniels.
Change is sometimes good, but too many changes can be dangerous. That's my take anyway.
The Coaching Carousel.....
To recent memory, or long term for that matter I can't remember a time when there have been so many coaching changes. There may have been a time when more head coaches were hired during one season or stretch of time, but I am talking about all the hire, coordinators included.
It seems everyday, someone is getting fired and a new name is hired. The recent signings include Steve Spagnuolo (head coach) to the Rams, Eric Mangini (head coach) to the Browns, Josh McDaniels (head coach) to the Broncos, and Jim Schwartz (head coach) to the Lions.
Aside from the head coach hirings, there have also been many coordinators moved from one team to another.
Firings this season include Shanahan in Denver, Mangini in New York, Crennel in Cleveland, and Gruden in Tampa. With all these moves going on it will be interesting to see the changes that will surely take place with all the affected teams.
My thoughts, change is sometimes a good thing, but it can also be a sign of desperation. Teams should exercise more patience and spend more time evaluating all areas of deficiencies.
But of course it's easy to understand the temptation to makeover and hope for immediate success, especially when you've seen what Tony Sparano did in Miami, Mike Smith in Atlanta, and John Harbaugh of Baltimore.
So which teams will be the next Dolphins and Falcons?
Peppers wants OUT...
Now that the franchise has made a commitment to Josh McDaniels, I have to wonder what direction this team will take. Already I have read that McDaniels intends to change things and his hire of Rick Dennison as his offensive coordinator was an unexpected to change.
So much for keeping the offensive system and staff in tact.
I have to question the hire of Nolan for the defense. This has clearly been the sore spot of the franchise the last several season and certainly the ever changing faces at the coordinator position would have been the clearest indication. Is Nolan the right guy to fix, what others could not?
I have not followed Nolan's career too closely and didn't even realize that he had coached for the Bronco's once before. He has an extensive resume as a defensive coordinator and certainly appears to be qualified for the job. I have to wonder, where he has been, if he's ever faced such a situation with an inept defense requiring such a major overhaul?
2009 will prove to be a big year in Denver with so much change.
What I would consider the biggest concern is quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates. With McDaniels in calling the plays, it will be his offense to run. What happens to Bates? I have not heard anything lately, but retaining him as part of the staff should be a priority for Bowlen and McDaniels.
Change is sometimes good, but too many changes can be dangerous. That's my take anyway.
The Coaching Carousel.....
To recent memory, or long term for that matter I can't remember a time when there have been so many coaching changes. There may have been a time when more head coaches were hired during one season or stretch of time, but I am talking about all the hire, coordinators included.
It seems everyday, someone is getting fired and a new name is hired. The recent signings include Steve Spagnuolo (head coach) to the Rams, Eric Mangini (head coach) to the Browns, Josh McDaniels (head coach) to the Broncos, and Jim Schwartz (head coach) to the Lions.
Aside from the head coach hirings, there have also been many coordinators moved from one team to another.
Firings this season include Shanahan in Denver, Mangini in New York, Crennel in Cleveland, and Gruden in Tampa. With all these moves going on it will be interesting to see the changes that will surely take place with all the affected teams.
My thoughts, change is sometimes a good thing, but it can also be a sign of desperation. Teams should exercise more patience and spend more time evaluating all areas of deficiencies.
But of course it's easy to understand the temptation to makeover and hope for immediate success, especially when you've seen what Tony Sparano did in Miami, Mike Smith in Atlanta, and John Harbaugh of Baltimore.
So which teams will be the next Dolphins and Falcons?
Peppers wants OUT...
When the news broke, as surprising as it was to hear Peppers wants out, I can't really say that it is a surprise. Today's athlete is much in demand and can also be very demanding.
There's no question if the Panthers choose to place the Franchise tag on the defensive end and ship him out, there will likely be many offers.
An interesting thought. If Peppers is up for trade, what teams will come calling?
I could see both the Rams and the Broncos making bids. These are two teams that had poor defenses last season and could use someone of his caliber to give the defense a boost. Other teams needing improvement on the defensive side of the ball that could be in the big money spending mix, the Saints, Chargers, and always the Redskins.
This is one story that we'll have to wait some time for it's outcome, but how it finishes will certainly be interesting.
Boldin set to Play...
There's no question if the Panthers choose to place the Franchise tag on the defensive end and ship him out, there will likely be many offers.
An interesting thought. If Peppers is up for trade, what teams will come calling?
I could see both the Rams and the Broncos making bids. These are two teams that had poor defenses last season and could use someone of his caliber to give the defense a boost. Other teams needing improvement on the defensive side of the ball that could be in the big money spending mix, the Saints, Chargers, and always the Redskins.
This is one story that we'll have to wait some time for it's outcome, but how it finishes will certainly be interesting.
Boldin set to Play...
I was surprised last week when Boldin did not suit up for the divisional round against the Panthers. There was no guarantee that the Cards would survive the trip to Carolina.
If he had been better than 50-50 last week, I see him at least suiting up and giving it a look. The fact that he did not even suit up indicated to me, there was no way he could go.
This Sunday Boldin will play, but I have my doubts as to his health for the game. Again, this is a do or die win situation. Boldin understands if the Cards lose there is no next week.
If he's less than 100%, but can give it a try, he's playing.
Now I haven't heard much from the Cardinals camp and Boldin did practice however limited. I think Boldin plays today, but I just don't see him making a huge difference or having a big impact.
That's my take anyway.
The Sunday Matchups.....
If he had been better than 50-50 last week, I see him at least suiting up and giving it a look. The fact that he did not even suit up indicated to me, there was no way he could go.
This Sunday Boldin will play, but I have my doubts as to his health for the game. Again, this is a do or die win situation. Boldin understands if the Cards lose there is no next week.
If he's less than 100%, but can give it a try, he's playing.
Now I haven't heard much from the Cardinals camp and Boldin did practice however limited. I think Boldin plays today, but I just don't see him making a huge difference or having a big impact.
That's my take anyway.
The Sunday Matchups.....
I am not big on making predictions, but with just two games to review, why not?
In the NFC matchup, Jimmy Johnson's defense proved to be too much for the Cardinal's offense to handle. I suspect, the Eagles defense will come with more sophisticated blitzes and stunts to pressure and move Warner out of the pocket.
When these two teams met earlier, the difference was 28 points. The Eagles had too many weapons, McNabb, Westbrook, and Dawkins. As well as Arizona has played recently, I don't see them making up that difference.
Prediction; Eagles 34 Cardinals 24.
In the AFC matchup this will undoubtedly be an ugly affair. The first two battles between the Steelers and Ravens were close, so I don't expect anything other than that this time around.
Last week against the Chargers, Parker and the gang ran well and Big Ben was sharp. They have will less success against the Ravens on Sunday, but should have enough offense to put a few points on the board.
On the other side, this is the biggest game for rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and there's no doubt that the Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will pull out all the stops to make the rook feel welcomed.
The Raven's defense struggled with the run last week and was fortunate that running back Chris Johnson exited early during the divisional round. This time around they could have problems with Parker, especially if he can get into open spaces.
Prediction; Steelers 24, Ravens 16.
By David G. Ortega
In the NFC matchup, Jimmy Johnson's defense proved to be too much for the Cardinal's offense to handle. I suspect, the Eagles defense will come with more sophisticated blitzes and stunts to pressure and move Warner out of the pocket.
When these two teams met earlier, the difference was 28 points. The Eagles had too many weapons, McNabb, Westbrook, and Dawkins. As well as Arizona has played recently, I don't see them making up that difference.
Prediction; Eagles 34 Cardinals 24.
In the AFC matchup this will undoubtedly be an ugly affair. The first two battles between the Steelers and Ravens were close, so I don't expect anything other than that this time around.
Last week against the Chargers, Parker and the gang ran well and Big Ben was sharp. They have will less success against the Ravens on Sunday, but should have enough offense to put a few points on the board.
On the other side, this is the biggest game for rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and there's no doubt that the Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will pull out all the stops to make the rook feel welcomed.
The Raven's defense struggled with the run last week and was fortunate that running back Chris Johnson exited early during the divisional round. This time around they could have problems with Parker, especially if he can get into open spaces.
Prediction; Steelers 24, Ravens 16.
By David G. Ortega
1 comment:
shame Bmore lost, i like them as a team unit! shame about willis too, hopefully he's gonna be ok!
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