[Monday's late Edition]
My Football Diary
Dear Diary...
Welcome to another addition of My Football Diary, filled with everything me that is football. I'm not your typical bowl of soup, my taste for the sport is robust and filled with great flavor, if I say so myself. Nevermind that I said it.
The game moves me, because it is filled with raw emotion and extreme intensity. The NFL game is not one that you can relax and enjoy, you don't wait your turn, and you can't take your time to find your groove. This is a game that when you show up, you had better be ready to play at the word go.
This season I managed to catch quite a few Saints games and it never fails, when Drew Brees get the team fired-up before kick-off, the hairs on the back on my neck stand tall. I love that shit!
Watching Ray Lewis get crazy just reminds me of how some of these players are on the borderline of insane, playing in an arena of organized chaos. I can only imagine the where there level of emotion must exist. Actually I can't, but I can respect the fact that remaining calm and level headed sometimes takes a back seat.
I think the next time a columnist (hint, hint Fox Sports) or sportstalk show host (hint hint Fox Sports radio) wants to take jabs at players like T.O. or Anquan Boldin for letting their emotion get the better of them on the field, they should try strapping on a helmet and lining up across from Albert Haynesworth or Ray Lewis.
If you ask me, the media likes to stir the hornets' nest as long as they can or until they get stung.
Welcome to another addition of My Football Diary, filled with everything me that is football. I'm not your typical bowl of soup, my taste for the sport is robust and filled with great flavor, if I say so myself. Nevermind that I said it.
The game moves me, because it is filled with raw emotion and extreme intensity. The NFL game is not one that you can relax and enjoy, you don't wait your turn, and you can't take your time to find your groove. This is a game that when you show up, you had better be ready to play at the word go.
This season I managed to catch quite a few Saints games and it never fails, when Drew Brees get the team fired-up before kick-off, the hairs on the back on my neck stand tall. I love that shit!
Watching Ray Lewis get crazy just reminds me of how some of these players are on the borderline of insane, playing in an arena of organized chaos. I can only imagine the where there level of emotion must exist. Actually I can't, but I can respect the fact that remaining calm and level headed sometimes takes a back seat.
I think the next time a columnist (hint, hint Fox Sports) or sportstalk show host (hint hint Fox Sports radio) wants to take jabs at players like T.O. or Anquan Boldin for letting their emotion get the better of them on the field, they should try strapping on a helmet and lining up across from Albert Haynesworth or Ray Lewis.
If you ask me, the media likes to stir the hornets' nest as long as they can or until they get stung.
This Week in football...
Ward is set on playing...
It may be too early to really know for certain, but unless there is snow on the field Super Bowl Sunday, I'd have to say the chances for Hines Ward playing are pretty good. The team is playing it cautious, keeping him on the sideline this past week to rest and rehab.
One of the leagues toughest receivers, I just can't imagine him sitting out this spectacle. Ward plays with the true-grit of not just a talented wide receiver, but a hard-nose football player. He has not practiced all week and may not much this week, but this is likely to allow the injury to rest and heal for the big game.
This season Ward has earned himself quite a reputation of not just a tough guy on the field, but a bit of a hard hitter with some of his tenacious blocks. His style of play has also warranted some attention from opposing defenses looking to return the favor.
Ward is set on playing...
It may be too early to really know for certain, but unless there is snow on the field Super Bowl Sunday, I'd have to say the chances for Hines Ward playing are pretty good. The team is playing it cautious, keeping him on the sideline this past week to rest and rehab.
One of the leagues toughest receivers, I just can't imagine him sitting out this spectacle. Ward plays with the true-grit of not just a talented wide receiver, but a hard-nose football player. He has not practiced all week and may not much this week, but this is likely to allow the injury to rest and heal for the big game.
This season Ward has earned himself quite a reputation of not just a tough guy on the field, but a bit of a hard hitter with some of his tenacious blocks. His style of play has also warranted some attention from opposing defenses looking to return the favor.
In 13-post season appearances, he has 74 receptions for 1,021-yards, and eight touchdowns. Ward has yet to score in the post season this year, but his presence, attitude, and fire that he brings will be needed for the Steelers to complete their championship run.
There is no question that Ward is a physical receiver and that the Steelers will need his clutch play on Sunday. When Ward plays, the Steelers are 9-4 in the post season.
Why is Romo catching so much heat?...
I understand, it's all about winning and in the end, quarterbacks are not just judged by wins, but big wins. What I find confusing, it seems that Romo has suddenly been ushered into the same breath of quarterbacks such as Manning, Favre, and Brady.
When did this happen?
Tony Romo barely has a career to speak, since when did expectations get to be so high?
Romo first broke ground as the Cowboys starter in 2006. That season he only started ten games. While he is a mature (so to speak) 28-years of age, his career level is that of a 3rd year starter, yet everywhere and everyone you ask speak of him like he's a 10-year vet.
The Cowboy's quarterback has only started 39 games, which is just two more than Jay Cutler (37 games). Sure, their two teams are quite different and while few thought the Broncos were very good no one expected Cutler to carry the team.
Granted that this past season there were a lot of expectations in Dallas and many warranted, but it seems very unfair to pin a lot of the teams short fallings on the shoulders of Romo. If you look over the team's 2008 season, you can find plenty of fault to go around.
I have been listening to the talk shows and reading online websites, calling out Romo. If this guy had the same pedigree as a Peyton Manning or came on to the scene like a Tom Brady, I could see all the criticism. I won't make excuses for his personal debacles at season's end the last two seasons, but the team's losses do not fall squarely on Romo's shoulders.
There is no question that Ward is a physical receiver and that the Steelers will need his clutch play on Sunday. When Ward plays, the Steelers are 9-4 in the post season.
Why is Romo catching so much heat?...
I understand, it's all about winning and in the end, quarterbacks are not just judged by wins, but big wins. What I find confusing, it seems that Romo has suddenly been ushered into the same breath of quarterbacks such as Manning, Favre, and Brady.
When did this happen?
Tony Romo barely has a career to speak, since when did expectations get to be so high?
Romo first broke ground as the Cowboys starter in 2006. That season he only started ten games. While he is a mature (so to speak) 28-years of age, his career level is that of a 3rd year starter, yet everywhere and everyone you ask speak of him like he's a 10-year vet.
The Cowboy's quarterback has only started 39 games, which is just two more than Jay Cutler (37 games). Sure, their two teams are quite different and while few thought the Broncos were very good no one expected Cutler to carry the team.
Granted that this past season there were a lot of expectations in Dallas and many warranted, but it seems very unfair to pin a lot of the teams short fallings on the shoulders of Romo. If you look over the team's 2008 season, you can find plenty of fault to go around.
I have been listening to the talk shows and reading online websites, calling out Romo. If this guy had the same pedigree as a Peyton Manning or came on to the scene like a Tom Brady, I could see all the criticism. I won't make excuses for his personal debacles at season's end the last two seasons, but the team's losses do not fall squarely on Romo's shoulders.
Sure the Cowboy's quarterback has not been great in clutch just YET, but he's only played in less than a handful of meaningful games. Sure performing in the clutch is a big measure, but two things that can't be overlooked; one Romo is a player, his statistics alone prove that and two, no one player can wins or losses.
The problems that lie ahead for the Cowboys are not with their quarterback or his leadership. While Romo is 28 and the team's quarterback
In six games this past season Romo tossed three touchdowns and passed for over 300-yards in six games. He finished the 2008 season with 26 touchdowns and over 3,400-yards passing. There is no question that Romo is one of the leagues best passers, with experience he'll learn to be one of its' best finishers.
Warner: Hall of Fame?...
It is so funny to listen to sports talk radio these days and hear their opinions on football topics, such as teams, coaches, and of course players. While I respect the opinion of quite many, I can not help but laugh, when I think that anyone can even debate the subject of whether or not Kurt Warner is a Hall-of-Famer.
Just take a close look at Warner's credentials; a two-time MVP award winner, a Super Bowl MVP, and an 8-2 record in the post season. Only the Packer-great Bart Starr and Tom Brady (a Canton shoe-in) have been better in the post season. It's worth noting that Warner could very well be a three-time MVP award winner. His 30 touchdowns this season with 4,583-yards passing and leading the Cardinals to their first NFC Division title are definitely worthy.
In 10 post season contests this guy has been amongst the best, throwing 23 touchdowns and passing for 2,991-yards (299.1-yards per game). Warner also has a career 97.3 passer rating which ranks 2nd only to Hall-of-Famer Bart Starr.
Although Warner has not had what would be described as a long distinguished career (yet), what he has done the past two seasons in Arizona, 57 touchdowns and 8,000-yards should alone warrant notice and when you add-in his previous accolades while in St.Louis, he's definitely deserving of consideration.
Warner is an 11-year veteran and has started in 101 games. In his career he is ranked second in highest completion percentage career and led the league for three consecutive seasons from 1999-2001. And while many may think that Warner has not compiled enough longevity to considered a HOF candidate, they would be wrong.
When you compare Warner's statistical numbers (182-Tds, 28,591-yards) to quarterbacks like Joe Namath (173-Tds, 27,663-yards), Bob Griese (192-Tds, 25,092), Bart Starr (152-Tds, 24,718-yards), and Troy Aikman (165-Tds, 32,942-yards), his clearly stand up to trial. While he shares a common denominator of being a Super Bowl winner with all the aforementioned, he is the only two-time MVP.
The problems that lie ahead for the Cowboys are not with their quarterback or his leadership. While Romo is 28 and the team's quarterback
In six games this past season Romo tossed three touchdowns and passed for over 300-yards in six games. He finished the 2008 season with 26 touchdowns and over 3,400-yards passing. There is no question that Romo is one of the leagues best passers, with experience he'll learn to be one of its' best finishers.
Warner: Hall of Fame?...
It is so funny to listen to sports talk radio these days and hear their opinions on football topics, such as teams, coaches, and of course players. While I respect the opinion of quite many, I can not help but laugh, when I think that anyone can even debate the subject of whether or not Kurt Warner is a Hall-of-Famer.
Just take a close look at Warner's credentials; a two-time MVP award winner, a Super Bowl MVP, and an 8-2 record in the post season. Only the Packer-great Bart Starr and Tom Brady (a Canton shoe-in) have been better in the post season. It's worth noting that Warner could very well be a three-time MVP award winner. His 30 touchdowns this season with 4,583-yards passing and leading the Cardinals to their first NFC Division title are definitely worthy.
In 10 post season contests this guy has been amongst the best, throwing 23 touchdowns and passing for 2,991-yards (299.1-yards per game). Warner also has a career 97.3 passer rating which ranks 2nd only to Hall-of-Famer Bart Starr.
Although Warner has not had what would be described as a long distinguished career (yet), what he has done the past two seasons in Arizona, 57 touchdowns and 8,000-yards should alone warrant notice and when you add-in his previous accolades while in St.Louis, he's definitely deserving of consideration.
Warner is an 11-year veteran and has started in 101 games. In his career he is ranked second in highest completion percentage career and led the league for three consecutive seasons from 1999-2001. And while many may think that Warner has not compiled enough longevity to considered a HOF candidate, they would be wrong.
When you compare Warner's statistical numbers (182-Tds, 28,591-yards) to quarterbacks like Joe Namath (173-Tds, 27,663-yards), Bob Griese (192-Tds, 25,092), Bart Starr (152-Tds, 24,718-yards), and Troy Aikman (165-Tds, 32,942-yards), his clearly stand up to trial. While he shares a common denominator of being a Super Bowl winner with all the aforementioned, he is the only two-time MVP.
Warner has proven he has greatness within him and again this year football fans are being treated to something special. The Arizona quarterback has already brought one franchise out of the doldrums of football mediocrity to the penthouse of the NFL elite. This Sunday football fans of every generation could be witness to something beyond special watching history repeat itself all over again.
Whether this latest magical tale of football mystique has a happy ending for our friend Mr. Warner, it would be very difficult to argue his journey could and should land him on the doorstep of the prestigious hall in Canton.
After all that has been said and all that Kurt has done, could you argue that he is just deserving of a nomination? I hardly think so and probably the most compelling factor to consider to date, at 37-years of age, he's not done!
Whether this latest magical tale of football mystique has a happy ending for our friend Mr. Warner, it would be very difficult to argue his journey could and should land him on the doorstep of the prestigious hall in Canton.
After all that has been said and all that Kurt has done, could you argue that he is just deserving of a nomination? I hardly think so and probably the most compelling factor to consider to date, at 37-years of age, he's not done!
My Fantasy Football Notebook:
When the 2008 season had come to a close, it was pretty evident who was this year's biggest fantasy stud (by the numbers). While the numbers are obviously important in determining value, consistency plays a big part in the consideration as well. After carefully breaking down the numbers and careful evaluation of this years biggest playmakers, as many may have suspected the New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees receives my vote.
My 2008 Fantasy Football Player of the Year (FFPOY)
[NFL.com fantasy scoring]
1. Drew Brees (NO)...the Saints quarterback was not just good this season, he was nearly record setting, becoming only the second quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 5,000-yards. Brees completed an outstanding season throwing over 30 touchdowns, while connecting on 65.0% of his passes. During his 2008 campaign, the Saints passer threw for over 300-yards in 10 games, which included two games for over 400-yards. Brees tossed at least three touchdowns in six contests, while completing at least 30 passes in five of his starts. He also led all quarterbacks with 66 pass plays of 20-yards or more, including 16 of 40-yards or more. In the end Brees was head and shoulders above the rest of the competition finishing the season with 413 completions, for 5,069-yards, 30 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 96.2. (363 fantasy points scored / 22.6-fpts per game)
My 2008 Fantasy Football Player of the Year (FFPOY)
[NFL.com fantasy scoring]
1. Drew Brees (NO)...the Saints quarterback was not just good this season, he was nearly record setting, becoming only the second quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 5,000-yards. Brees completed an outstanding season throwing over 30 touchdowns, while connecting on 65.0% of his passes. During his 2008 campaign, the Saints passer threw for over 300-yards in 10 games, which included two games for over 400-yards. Brees tossed at least three touchdowns in six contests, while completing at least 30 passes in five of his starts. He also led all quarterbacks with 66 pass plays of 20-yards or more, including 16 of 40-yards or more. In the end Brees was head and shoulders above the rest of the competition finishing the season with 413 completions, for 5,069-yards, 30 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 96.2. (363 fantasy points scored / 22.6-fpts per game)
2. Philip Rivers (SD)...the Chargers quarterback certainly enjoyed his best season as an NFL professional completing over 65.0% of his passes and finishing the 2008 season with a 105.5 passer rating to lead the league. His 34 touchdown passes shared the league lead and his 4,009-yards passing ranked 5th in the league. While his numbers were not prolific fantasy type numbers, his 11 interceptions ranked lowest amongst the leagues top eight passing yardage leaders. Rivers played very well in 2008 (although he was robbed of a Pro Bowl selection) and without question was the mainstay that carried the Chargers into the post season. Rivers finished the season completing 312 passes for 4,009-yards making him my 2008 runner-up. (316 fantasy points scored / 19.75-fpts per game)
3. Kurt Warner (Ari)...the Cardinals quarterback is currently on a spectacular run that has his team on the threshold of greatness and he on the doorsteps of football immortality. In 2007 Warner finish his season strong as the starting quarterback and when the 2008 season opened he picked up where he left off. Throughout the 2008 cause, Warner was one of the teams biggest reasons for its' success. Warner passed for 4,500-yards and threw 30 touchdowns to lead the Cards to their first NFC West title. Warner scored 17 or more fantasy points in 11 of his 16 starts this past season earning him the nod as our number three selection and more than likely make him a top fantasy draft pick in most formats. (315 fantasy points scored / 19.68-fpts per game)
4. Peyton Manning (Ind)...what fantasy poll or leaderboard would be complete if it did not include the Colts future hall-of-famer? Manning to do not start his 2008 campaign in typical fashion scoring over 20 fantasy points just once in his first six starts. One of his greatest assets has been his consistency throughout his career. After his slow start, Manning went on a roll averaging 20 fantasy points the rest of the way, despite posting just a single point in Week 13. Manning finished the season with 4,312-yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 94.7 to earn his third NFL MVP award. His numbers will also likely earn him a top selection in most 2009 fantasy drafts. (293 fantasy points scored / 18.3-fpts per game)
5. DeAngelo Williams (Car)...while Williams was quite impressive in 2008, enough to earn my top five selection, he may have also been the biggest surprise in 2008. When the season opened many experts anticipated that Williams would start, but that he would likely lose carries and production to his counterpart, rookie running back Jonathan Stewart. Such was not the case as Williams had a big year for fantasy owners scoring 18 times on the ground and adding another two receiving. DeAngelo completed his season as one of the leagues best backs with over 1,500-yards rushing and 20 total touchdowns. Four times in 2008 Williams scored over 30 fantasy points in a single game, making him an attractive 2009 running back option for the fantasy world. ( 272 fantasy points scored / 17.0-fpts per game)
3. Kurt Warner (Ari)...the Cardinals quarterback is currently on a spectacular run that has his team on the threshold of greatness and he on the doorsteps of football immortality. In 2007 Warner finish his season strong as the starting quarterback and when the 2008 season opened he picked up where he left off. Throughout the 2008 cause, Warner was one of the teams biggest reasons for its' success. Warner passed for 4,500-yards and threw 30 touchdowns to lead the Cards to their first NFC West title. Warner scored 17 or more fantasy points in 11 of his 16 starts this past season earning him the nod as our number three selection and more than likely make him a top fantasy draft pick in most formats. (315 fantasy points scored / 19.68-fpts per game)
4. Peyton Manning (Ind)...what fantasy poll or leaderboard would be complete if it did not include the Colts future hall-of-famer? Manning to do not start his 2008 campaign in typical fashion scoring over 20 fantasy points just once in his first six starts. One of his greatest assets has been his consistency throughout his career. After his slow start, Manning went on a roll averaging 20 fantasy points the rest of the way, despite posting just a single point in Week 13. Manning finished the season with 4,312-yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 94.7 to earn his third NFL MVP award. His numbers will also likely earn him a top selection in most 2009 fantasy drafts. (293 fantasy points scored / 18.3-fpts per game)
5. DeAngelo Williams (Car)...while Williams was quite impressive in 2008, enough to earn my top five selection, he may have also been the biggest surprise in 2008. When the season opened many experts anticipated that Williams would start, but that he would likely lose carries and production to his counterpart, rookie running back Jonathan Stewart. Such was not the case as Williams had a big year for fantasy owners scoring 18 times on the ground and adding another two receiving. DeAngelo completed his season as one of the leagues best backs with over 1,500-yards rushing and 20 total touchdowns. Four times in 2008 Williams scored over 30 fantasy points in a single game, making him an attractive 2009 running back option for the fantasy world. ( 272 fantasy points scored / 17.0-fpts per game)
Notable mentions:
The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was a solid fantasy play with his rising stock after finishing this past season with 12 receiving touchdowns and 1,431-yards receiving. His 210 fantasy points ranked him as the top receiving option in 2008. His spectacular run in the post season will undoubtedly make the top selected wideout in most 2009 fantasy drafts.
The Falcons running back Michael Turner emerged from the shadow of the San Diego's future hall-of-famer and arrived in Atlanta to become one of the leagues premiere runners. Turner finished the season with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,699-yards rushing guaranteed to make him a top running back selection in the 2009 fantasy draft.
By David G. Ortega
The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was a solid fantasy play with his rising stock after finishing this past season with 12 receiving touchdowns and 1,431-yards receiving. His 210 fantasy points ranked him as the top receiving option in 2008. His spectacular run in the post season will undoubtedly make the top selected wideout in most 2009 fantasy drafts.
The Falcons running back Michael Turner emerged from the shadow of the San Diego's future hall-of-famer and arrived in Atlanta to become one of the leagues premiere runners. Turner finished the season with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,699-yards rushing guaranteed to make him a top running back selection in the 2009 fantasy draft.
By David G. Ortega
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4 comments:
If you ask me, the media likes to stir the hornets' nest as long as they can or until they get stung.
HEY, i resemble that remark LMAO!
Of course we do, it's our job doll!
Of course it is...and don't think for a minute I don't appreciate the exceptional job you do!
;o)
..and btw Chick, thanks for luv. I appreciate all of your comments and feedback too!
LMAO! david, you crack me up, in a good way :)
i love the work you do on your blog as well! YOU keep up the solid work!
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