Before I post about the CBS guys rankings of the top five at each position, let's catch up on some random links from around the web today.
First off I picked up this link from USA today through the Footballoutsiders...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-07-02-salaries_N.htm
This article pertains to who makes the most money in the NFL (this year). Remember, they way bonuses work, these numbers are slightly skewed. That is to say, Peyton already got paid a chunk of money for his play this season. Not all of that counts. Note that Reggie Wayne is the 10th best paid player in the league this year. The Colts had the highest total payroll in the league last year. Money well spent (Cory Simon excepted). The top four highest paid Colts were Wayne, Harrison, Simon and Manning.
Oh yeah, Tom Brady is 6th overall, while Manning is in the 30s. Use that little stat to tell Pat fans to suck it when they bring up salary cap crap in relation to the Manning/Brady debate. Pat fans claimed Brady was so altruistic by signing a team friendly contract, while Manning was a dog for signing a huge one. Unfortunately, their facts are wrong. Here's a year by year comparison of their cap numbers in millions of $ since both signed their big contract extensions after the 2003 season (rounded slightly for my ease):
2004 2005 2006
Manning 8.3 8.4 10.5
Brady 5 8.4 13.8
These numbers were obtained following links from the above article.
Next on the web, a hilarious question from a Jags fan about whether or not the Jags are cursed because they whipped up on Dan Marino in their last game...No buddy, your team sucks because of lousy ownership and and awesome duo that happens to reside in your division.
http://jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=6124
Also on ESPN's fairly insipid "Who's Now?" showdown, #18 beat some chick in the first round. If you care to follow it and keep Peyton advancing...I guess that's cool. Or something
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/sportsnation/whosnow
Matt Mosely's Hashmarks blog listed the Colts as #2 in his preseason powerpoll. No need to guess who he put at #1.
http://myespn.go.com/profile/hashmarks?lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos2
Michael Silver got skewerd for his insane rankings collumn. Today's piece was entirely dedicated to hate mail. Check out this nice comment from an Irsay fan:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/michael_silver/07/06/mailbag/5.html
Finally, I'll even give a little love to Coldhardfootballfacts.com for their kind words about 18 to 88(.com.) Maybe I should link to FreeOscar (.com) too...
http://coldhardfootballfacts.com/Article.php?Page=1489
Enjoy. More on the CBS stuff to come
Friday, July 6, 2007
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Why we have the Colts
Once again, I have to beg everyone to check out the footballoutsiders.com. They posted an article on one of the worst teams of all time-the 1981 Baltimore Colts. Wow. What a total train wreck. If you want to know the ins and outs of why the Colts went to Indy and why people go and piss on the grave of Bob Irsay, you must read this article. If you ever wondered exactly why John Elway refused to sign with the Horse, you must read this article. If you love drunken buffoonery as much as we do, you must read this article. From drunken exploits, insane management, bad players, and a gutless coach, the '81 Colts had it all.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2007/07/05/ramblings/too-deep-zone/5217/
My favorite passage reads:
Naturally, the Colts won the one game they probably should have lost, a sloppy 23-21 affair marked by numerous penalties and turnovers. The Colts offensive line played well, Dickey and McMillian had great games, and Glasgow recorded a drive-killing interception that appears to be the team’s only clutch defensive play of the season. But the few fans who saw the game — “Office Christmas parties would draw more people,” Ken Denlinger quipped in the Washington Post about a crowd estimated in the 18,000 range — probably weren’t dazzled by heroics. Instead, they were amazed at a 46-yard Colts field goal attempt into a stiff wind; the ball barely reached the end zone. They were bewildered by a Jones third-down scramble that ended when the quarterback went into his slide just after the down marker … the wrong down marker, because Jones was still eight yards shy of a first down.
You can't make stuff like that up.
Listen, I've said it before, but if you want the same old blather you can check out SI or ESPN.com. Both have some decent analysts and others (Michael Silver) who have no clue what's going on. But if you really love football and want to know more about it, you have to make a habit of reading the footballoutsiders. They are consistently great. The only problem is that (unlike me) they are smart enough not to post constantly in the summer because let's face, there isn't really that much to say.
One of the hidden stories of the Colts is the maturation of Jim Irsay. Many people forget his disastrous tenure as GM of the Colts in the late '80s. As GM, Jimmy Irsay LOVED to trade draft picks for players (ie Fredd Young for 2 first round picks); this strategy almost always fails. One of the few good things Bob Irsay did was make his son learn all aspects of the game. Jim is a smart enough man to realize that he was a terrible GM, so as his father's health worsened, Jim was smart enough to back the hiring of real, solid football men (perhaps some of the same men who had abused him so royally when he was a GM-remember the third team involved in the Dickerson trade? That's right, the Bill Polian led Buffalo Bills) to run the club. Jim knew what he did well and what he didn't. His father was never bright enough to realize that. This article provides much context for the last 30 years of franchise history. It hits the nail on the head; when the old man got sick, the team started to win. That's a sad but true fact. Bob Irsay was not a good man and was a terrible owner. I don't know if Jim is as good a man as they say, but he certainly is a first class owner. We are lucky to have him.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2007/07/05/ramblings/too-deep-zone/5217/
My favorite passage reads:
Naturally, the Colts won the one game they probably should have lost, a sloppy 23-21 affair marked by numerous penalties and turnovers. The Colts offensive line played well, Dickey and McMillian had great games, and Glasgow recorded a drive-killing interception that appears to be the team’s only clutch defensive play of the season. But the few fans who saw the game — “Office Christmas parties would draw more people,” Ken Denlinger quipped in the Washington Post about a crowd estimated in the 18,000 range — probably weren’t dazzled by heroics. Instead, they were amazed at a 46-yard Colts field goal attempt into a stiff wind; the ball barely reached the end zone. They were bewildered by a Jones third-down scramble that ended when the quarterback went into his slide just after the down marker … the wrong down marker, because Jones was still eight yards shy of a first down.
You can't make stuff like that up.
Listen, I've said it before, but if you want the same old blather you can check out SI or ESPN.com. Both have some decent analysts and others (Michael Silver) who have no clue what's going on. But if you really love football and want to know more about it, you have to make a habit of reading the footballoutsiders. They are consistently great. The only problem is that (unlike me) they are smart enough not to post constantly in the summer because let's face, there isn't really that much to say.
One of the hidden stories of the Colts is the maturation of Jim Irsay. Many people forget his disastrous tenure as GM of the Colts in the late '80s. As GM, Jimmy Irsay LOVED to trade draft picks for players (ie Fredd Young for 2 first round picks); this strategy almost always fails. One of the few good things Bob Irsay did was make his son learn all aspects of the game. Jim is a smart enough man to realize that he was a terrible GM, so as his father's health worsened, Jim was smart enough to back the hiring of real, solid football men (perhaps some of the same men who had abused him so royally when he was a GM-remember the third team involved in the Dickerson trade? That's right, the Bill Polian led Buffalo Bills) to run the club. Jim knew what he did well and what he didn't. His father was never bright enough to realize that. This article provides much context for the last 30 years of franchise history. It hits the nail on the head; when the old man got sick, the team started to win. That's a sad but true fact. Bob Irsay was not a good man and was a terrible owner. I don't know if Jim is as good a man as they say, but he certainly is a first class owner. We are lucky to have him.
Most indispensible?
Seriously, this shouldn't even be difficult. Jeffery Chadia ranked Larry Johnson first in the question of which player would be the most indispensable to his team winning. A running back? Really? This league has taught us that any RB can be replaced. It's the most overrated position in the NFL. Chadia then went on to say that Tom-tom was 'more indispensable' than #18. Listen, without turning this into the whole 'who's better' question (because that's not really the issue here), let's ask this question...
Could a team with an average QB and average offensive personnel make the playoffs with a top 3 defense? (Baltimore Ravens anyone?)
Could a team with average QB and great offensive personnel make the playoffs with the league's worst run defense and a middle of the road D in overall ranking? That sounds like a team that tops out at 8-8 at best. If they are lucky.
The answer to question 1 is clearly YES. Happens all the time. The answer to two? Not likely. I heard Colin Cowherd say last week that what Brady has done is INCREDIBLE given his lack of WR talent. Chadia makes a similar argument in this article. "Brady produced his most impressive individual season in 2006". How is that Jeffery? His stats were identical to several of his other seasons. And guess what? Now that he has 'great' WRs this year...he's going to put up the exact same season he did last year. NE's game is ball control and score just enough to win. Brady is a fine qb, but the Pats do not DEPEND on him to win. They might win fewer games with a different QB, but the difference wouldn't be nearly as dramatic as some would have you believe.
What part of what he did was incredible Colin? Throwing for 3700 yards? Nope. Not incredible. Consistently NOT being in the top 10 in QB rating? Again, not incredible. Winning Super Bowls? Nope, hate to tell you that winning the Super Bowl with average WRs is NOT an incredible feat. Winning the Super Bowl with a crap defense IS an incredible feat, but Tommy Boy has never had to do that one. I hate sounded like a broken record on this, because I do respect Brady, I just don't think he's in the same sentence with Manning. No player this side of John freaking Elway could carry a club like Manning does.
Chadia is clearly out to lunch since he put Vick at #7. There's is precious little evidence that the Falcons will have any success at all with Vick, much less without him.
Oh by the way, here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeff&id=2926319
Demond Sanders' Comments: Well put. People will look back on this 2006 Colts team and wonder how they won the Super Bowl. Heck I'm wondering that right now. We've gotten used to witnessing broken records amazing comebacks, and complete offensive dominance. The 2006 regular season, however, will be remembered for crushing road defeats against divisional opponents and an amazingly bad defense. And by the way: The Colts won 12 games. Brady had a defense that did not give up points. Peyton's D was the football equivalent of a flour sifter. I repeat: the Colts won 12 games. Think about the Broncos and Jets games that would have been certain losses with any other QB.
To further cement the point: We think of the 1999 Rams when we think of teams that managed to win the Super Bowl on the strength of the offense. From wikipedia: The 1999 Rams' defense did not get as much attention as the offense, but it was still extremely strong, leading the league in fewest rushing yards allowed (1,189) and fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (4), while giving up just 242 points. Overall, the defense ranked 4th in the league in fewest total yards allowed (5,056).
Could a team with an average QB and average offensive personnel make the playoffs with a top 3 defense? (Baltimore Ravens anyone?)
Could a team with average QB and great offensive personnel make the playoffs with the league's worst run defense and a middle of the road D in overall ranking? That sounds like a team that tops out at 8-8 at best. If they are lucky.
The answer to question 1 is clearly YES. Happens all the time. The answer to two? Not likely. I heard Colin Cowherd say last week that what Brady has done is INCREDIBLE given his lack of WR talent. Chadia makes a similar argument in this article. "Brady produced his most impressive individual season in 2006". How is that Jeffery? His stats were identical to several of his other seasons. And guess what? Now that he has 'great' WRs this year...he's going to put up the exact same season he did last year. NE's game is ball control and score just enough to win. Brady is a fine qb, but the Pats do not DEPEND on him to win. They might win fewer games with a different QB, but the difference wouldn't be nearly as dramatic as some would have you believe.
What part of what he did was incredible Colin? Throwing for 3700 yards? Nope. Not incredible. Consistently NOT being in the top 10 in QB rating? Again, not incredible. Winning Super Bowls? Nope, hate to tell you that winning the Super Bowl with average WRs is NOT an incredible feat. Winning the Super Bowl with a crap defense IS an incredible feat, but Tommy Boy has never had to do that one. I hate sounded like a broken record on this, because I do respect Brady, I just don't think he's in the same sentence with Manning. No player this side of John freaking Elway could carry a club like Manning does.
Chadia is clearly out to lunch since he put Vick at #7. There's is precious little evidence that the Falcons will have any success at all with Vick, much less without him.
Oh by the way, here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeff&id=2926319
Demond Sanders' Comments: Well put. People will look back on this 2006 Colts team and wonder how they won the Super Bowl. Heck I'm wondering that right now. We've gotten used to witnessing broken records amazing comebacks, and complete offensive dominance. The 2006 regular season, however, will be remembered for crushing road defeats against divisional opponents and an amazingly bad defense. And by the way: The Colts won 12 games. Brady had a defense that did not give up points. Peyton's D was the football equivalent of a flour sifter. I repeat: the Colts won 12 games. Think about the Broncos and Jets games that would have been certain losses with any other QB.
To further cement the point: We think of the 1999 Rams when we think of teams that managed to win the Super Bowl on the strength of the offense. From wikipedia: The 1999 Rams' defense did not get as much attention as the offense, but it was still extremely strong, leading the league in fewest rushing yards allowed (1,189) and fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (4), while giving up just 242 points. Overall, the defense ranked 4th in the league in fewest total yards allowed (5,056).
All time great numbers
Well, it shouldn't be a surprise who we would vote for. SI recently ranked the greatest athletes to wear each number ranging from 1-99 in all sports. At first I didn't have time to review the whole list, but I did check out 18 and 88. Peyton was named the best to wear #18
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/gallery.numbers.part1/content.20.html
Marvin came in as the runner up at #88, behind Alan Page. Bummer, but obviously a tough guy to argue with. I also enjoyed Pete Rose at #14 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/gallery.numbers.part1/content.16.html
Reggie Miller came in as the runner up at #31 to Greg Maddux. Larry Bird was the runner up to Kareem at 33. Isaiah Thomas was runner up at 11.
As a rule we don't recognize the Baltimore Colts because they don't recognize Indy, but just for kicks we'll mention that Johnny U came in first at 19. Marshal Faulk was #28, but the pic was of him in a Rams jersey, so no link from us.
Johnny Bench was runner up to Joe Dimaggio at #5. Tony Siragusa was the runner up for #98.
And finally, on behalf of my adopted country, I strenuously object to Pele over Maradona at 10.
For those of you who don't know who Maradona is, let's just say (and I'm not joking even a little) that his nickname in Argentina is "Dios".
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/gallery.numbers.part1/content.20.html
Marvin came in as the runner up at #88, behind Alan Page. Bummer, but obviously a tough guy to argue with. I also enjoyed Pete Rose at #14 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/gallery.numbers.part1/content.16.html
Reggie Miller came in as the runner up at #31 to Greg Maddux. Larry Bird was the runner up to Kareem at 33. Isaiah Thomas was runner up at 11.
As a rule we don't recognize the Baltimore Colts because they don't recognize Indy, but just for kicks we'll mention that Johnny U came in first at 19. Marshal Faulk was #28, but the pic was of him in a Rams jersey, so no link from us.
Johnny Bench was runner up to Joe Dimaggio at #5. Tony Siragusa was the runner up for #98.
And finally, on behalf of my adopted country, I strenuously object to Pele over Maradona at 10.
For those of you who don't know who Maradona is, let's just say (and I'm not joking even a little) that his nickname in Argentina is "Dios".
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Dom asked to sit
I hate seeing this kind of story, but it's reality. Dom Rhodes has been suspended by the league for a quarter of the season for violating the substance abuse policy. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070704/SPORTS0303/707040462/1100/SPORTS03
This is actually a quite different situation than the other suspensions we've been seeing around the league this year. The league's substance abuse program has a long standing process. By rule, this isn't Dom's first offense. In all likelihood it is only tangentially related to the traffic issue the Star article mentioned, and possibly has nothing to do with it. In other words, Dom had some kind of run in with the league while a Colt, but first offenses are not revealed.
According to the policy (http://www.bootlegsports.com/cgi-bin/bs4_content.cgi?id=3612), suspension can't occur until a third offense. In other words, Dom has a lot of other issues going on than just this DWI (pleaded down to reckless driving).
Personally, for Dom, I hope he can get himself cleaned up. For the team, this goes to show perhaps one more reason why they didn't pursue resigning him.
This is actually a quite different situation than the other suspensions we've been seeing around the league this year. The league's substance abuse program has a long standing process. By rule, this isn't Dom's first offense. In all likelihood it is only tangentially related to the traffic issue the Star article mentioned, and possibly has nothing to do with it. In other words, Dom had some kind of run in with the league while a Colt, but first offenses are not revealed.
According to the policy (http://www.bootlegsports.com/cgi-bin/bs4_content.cgi?id=3612), suspension can't occur until a third offense. In other words, Dom has a lot of other issues going on than just this DWI (pleaded down to reckless driving).
Personally, for Dom, I hope he can get himself cleaned up. For the team, this goes to show perhaps one more reason why they didn't pursue resigning him.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Interaction
Let's catch up with the thoughts and opinions of Colts nation:
Talking about the ESPY's BlueG said:
a little late on this comment -- but what about Marvin's TD catch vs the Pats for an ESPY? Best play? I mean, come on! That was phenomenal focus and control.
Hey, thanks for bringing that play up. Truth is, it had slipped my mind. I record all Colts game to my hard drive for editing and analysis. The week before that game, roofers had poured hot tar over my directv cable and I recorded 3 hours of black screen without knowing it. I only got to see that game once (when it was live), and had managed to forget that catch, but crap, it was amazing. I think 4 of the 5 ESPY nominations in that category were legit (Chavez's catch was the greatest I've ever seen), but a motor cycle jump? Really? That's just lousy X-game cross promotion. Blech.
coltsfanawalt worried about the Colts really getting the deal done with Freeney
Please tell me there is no other possibility. I've been under the impression that it was just a matter of time, but we were definitely signing him long term. Polian wouldn't mess this up, would he?
As I responded at the time, I really do think it will happen. We'll find out soon, but remember, Polian is old school and might just play hard ball. Nothing would surprise me. Should the team shaft Freeney, I will go on record as calling it a MAJOR mistake. I think letting all the other free agents walk was brilliant, but this team needs Freeney on the field and in the locker room.
He also chipped in with this gem about the Einstein who didn't like our ESPYs take:
This comment was about as intelligible as a Bill Belichick interview. Perhaps it was the madman himself. Regardless, it's not a flattering representation of a Pats fan, is it?
Very strong man. Geeze, how classic was that 'interview' he gave after the AFC Championship? He mumbled about 12 incoherent words. He reminds me of Moe from the Simpson's just a bit. Must be his face or his voice or something. Brady can be Homer. Viniteri is Barney, who used to be a disciple of Moe's before cleaning up his act and getting straight. (although in subsequent seasons I think Barney became a drunk again, so I don't know what exactly that means.
Talking about the ESPY's BlueG said:
a little late on this comment -- but what about Marvin's TD catch vs the Pats for an ESPY? Best play? I mean, come on! That was phenomenal focus and control.
Hey, thanks for bringing that play up. Truth is, it had slipped my mind. I record all Colts game to my hard drive for editing and analysis. The week before that game, roofers had poured hot tar over my directv cable and I recorded 3 hours of black screen without knowing it. I only got to see that game once (when it was live), and had managed to forget that catch, but crap, it was amazing. I think 4 of the 5 ESPY nominations in that category were legit (Chavez's catch was the greatest I've ever seen), but a motor cycle jump? Really? That's just lousy X-game cross promotion. Blech.
coltsfanawalt worried about the Colts really getting the deal done with Freeney
Please tell me there is no other possibility. I've been under the impression that it was just a matter of time, but we were definitely signing him long term. Polian wouldn't mess this up, would he?
As I responded at the time, I really do think it will happen. We'll find out soon, but remember, Polian is old school and might just play hard ball. Nothing would surprise me. Should the team shaft Freeney, I will go on record as calling it a MAJOR mistake. I think letting all the other free agents walk was brilliant, but this team needs Freeney on the field and in the locker room.
He also chipped in with this gem about the Einstein who didn't like our ESPYs take:
This comment was about as intelligible as a Bill Belichick interview. Perhaps it was the madman himself. Regardless, it's not a flattering representation of a Pats fan, is it?
Very strong man. Geeze, how classic was that 'interview' he gave after the AFC Championship? He mumbled about 12 incoherent words. He reminds me of Moe from the Simpson's just a bit. Must be his face or his voice or something. Brady can be Homer. Viniteri is Barney, who used to be a disciple of Moe's before cleaning up his act and getting straight. (although in subsequent seasons I think Barney became a drunk again, so I don't know what exactly that means.
Tank Johnson-poster boy
NFL commish Roger Goodell's new crack down on thuggery off the field in the NFL has been largely lauded by the press and fans alike. The NFLPA, far and away the weakest union in pro sports, just got some ammunition to fight back. Tank Johnson, gun lover extraordinaire was released by the Bears last week after a run in with cops. Johnson's a thug! Off with his head!
Let's be clear: he was driving 40 in a 25 at 3 am. He had been drinking but was not drunk. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070703/SPORTS0303/707030366/1100/SPORTS03
Raise your hand if you've never done that. (cue crickets chirping awkwardly)
Listen, spare me the arguments about impaired driving. Personally, I don't drink, but legal limits are there for a reason and he was under them. In this instance, he's guilty of DWB (driving while Black). 40 in a 25? And he lost his job? The problem with policies that are too hard line on player behavior is that most NFL players are black. The live in nice neighborhoods patrolled by white cops looking for guys that seem out of place. Run-ins are inevitable.
I'm pro-cop in general, but I'm not naive. I'm not excusing guys like Adam Jones for their behavior, and I'm not saying it was the cops fault that 10+ times he's been questioned. I am saying that there are circumstances under which the most clean cut, straight laced, hyper intelligent, rich young black man can have his reputation ruined and his livelihood put at risk by an overzealous young officer (and just maybe even a little racist even if only subconsciously).
Someone is going to sign Tank Johnson and soon. Now that he's not guilty of DWI, the public relations hit will be minimal. Eventually, someone much less questionable than Tank Johnson will get bit by this new wave of 'clean up Dodge', and it will result in a major lawsuit, a huge black eye for the NFL, and a serious decrease in the power and credibility of the commissioner.
Let's be clear: he was driving 40 in a 25 at 3 am. He had been drinking but was not drunk. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070703/SPORTS0303/707030366/1100/SPORTS03
Raise your hand if you've never done that. (cue crickets chirping awkwardly)
Listen, spare me the arguments about impaired driving. Personally, I don't drink, but legal limits are there for a reason and he was under them. In this instance, he's guilty of DWB (driving while Black). 40 in a 25? And he lost his job? The problem with policies that are too hard line on player behavior is that most NFL players are black. The live in nice neighborhoods patrolled by white cops looking for guys that seem out of place. Run-ins are inevitable.
I'm pro-cop in general, but I'm not naive. I'm not excusing guys like Adam Jones for their behavior, and I'm not saying it was the cops fault that 10+ times he's been questioned. I am saying that there are circumstances under which the most clean cut, straight laced, hyper intelligent, rich young black man can have his reputation ruined and his livelihood put at risk by an overzealous young officer (and just maybe even a little racist even if only subconsciously).
Someone is going to sign Tank Johnson and soon. Now that he's not guilty of DWI, the public relations hit will be minimal. Eventually, someone much less questionable than Tank Johnson will get bit by this new wave of 'clean up Dodge', and it will result in a major lawsuit, a huge black eye for the NFL, and a serious decrease in the power and credibility of the commissioner.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Is Michael Silver totally insane?
SI's Michael Silver has never been one of my favorite writers, but today he threw down a major league "Whaaaaaa.....?" After apparently smoking crack for a couple of hours, Mr. Silver decided to publish a list ranking the NFL owners from 1-32.
Not surprisingly, he ranked the Patriots Bob Kraft first. Silver loves all things Patriots, and clearly, Kraft is a top if not the top owner in the NFL. The problem starts once we scroll down to try and find the Colts Jimmy Irsay. He turned the Colts into a winner, kept them in Indianapolis, got the new stadium done, and busted his hump to try and bring the Super Bowl to Indy. Plus, he's a freaking cool guy. So he has to be top 5 right? Let's see...
#2-Jerry Jones-Ok whatever, he's super rich, has 3 rings, billion dollar stadium that he's paying for himself...no argument (even if he is kind of an ass)
#3-Jerry Richardson of the Panthers-consistent winner in an area where they have to build tradition from scratch; he'll get no real argument from me.
Here's where it gets weird:
#4 The Glazers in Tampa-What? These guys have RUINED this franchise. They inherited a Super Bowl caliber squad from the previous regime, along with a new stadium built on Tony Dungy's back (who they unceremoniously dismissed upon taking control). Now, the franchise is a joke. They are KILLING the Bucs. Terrible, Terrible, terrible. Silver's own writeup on them reads like an argument why they SHOULDN'T be top 20. Lousy job Silver.
#5 Daniel Snyder-Ha. Ha ha. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHA. Silver says he just wants to win too badly. Well, congrats Dano, you are bad at winning. Silver...WTF?
#6 Jeffery Lurie Eagles-Great owner, turned the team around. Totally legit.
#7 Bob McNair Texans-Here's where I caught on to the fact that Silver's just yanking our chain. He really put this guy in the top 10
Silver gives away the real reason he likes McNair (right after ripping him for being too cheap/stupid to draft Reggie Bush and Vince Young-who though I think he sucks, was a perfect fit as the hometown boy); McNair runs a 'media friendly organization'. Silver you sycophant. Ugh. Guys like you are the reason blogs were invented.
#8 Wayne Huizenga, Dolphins-Good Lord, man. PLEASE MAKE IT STOP! What, did he just draw these names out of a hat? Again, Silver spends the entire blurb just ripping him. Worst. Column. Ever.
#9 Dan Rooney-aaaaaah, 9 spots in and we finally get to the gold standard of NFL owners. Should be number one. He's the one everyone else should model themselves after.
#10 Pat Bowlen Broncos-Always has teams in the hunt. Easily a top 10 guy.
and finally we get Jimmy in at #11. Silver spends most of the article gushing on him, before noting (and I quote), "I could complain about the franchise's Draconian approach to media relations," First off, you just tipped your hand, Berkley boy. Now we know what you had in mind when you ranked these guys. Secondly, by saying that you would complain...YOU'RE COMPLAINING. geeze. Moron.
My list of the top 10 would look like this:
Rooney, Kraft, Jones, Irsay, Richardson, Lurie, Allen (Seattle), Bisciotti (Ravens), Bowlen, Green Bay Packers Inc (just because it's awesome).
One thing I did like about this piece was Silver KILLING the Jags owner:
"Last year the man I nicknamed Whine Weaver couldn't crack the bottom eight, but he gets more annoying by the week. First and foremost, he fought to put an expansion franchise in a lightweight town, yet he can't stop crying about his status as a small-market owner and demands revenue-sharing as though it were his birthright. Weaver also, as one owner says, "constantly denies his team is for sale when everyone knows full well it is."
Oh man, if there is a more unintentionally hilarious franchise out there than the Jholes, I don't know what it could possibly be.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The one downside...
Monday, July 2nd marks the day I move out of my apartment here in Buenos Aires, in preparation to return the States soon. The one thing from this apartment I will really miss is my DirecTV. Because neither the NFL nor MLB are popular here, I get great deals on packages that are really expensive in the States. For MLB, I pay 20 pesos a month ($6) and get 4 random MLB games a day, plus a 'live look-in' station. For the NFL I get the Sunday Ticket (All the regular season Sunday games) for 50 pesos a season.
That's right. While most of you have to pay hundreds of dollars a year for the Sunday Ticket, I get it in Argentina for about $18 a season. Doesn't offset having to miss the parade and rally in the Dome, but it was a nice consolation. I will definitely miss it this season. Although, when I'm watching the Horse live on Monday Night in J-holeville, I'm sure I'll be glad I'm back home.
clarification: Home is NOT Jacksonville (see the attatched comments). Home in this context means the USA, and NOT Jacksonville. I cannot stress this point enough.
Demond Sanders' Comments: Ah, daily life in the bustling metropolis of Jacksonville. Sounds about as exciting as sleeping with your socks on.
That's right. While most of you have to pay hundreds of dollars a year for the Sunday Ticket, I get it in Argentina for about $18 a season. Doesn't offset having to miss the parade and rally in the Dome, but it was a nice consolation. I will definitely miss it this season. Although, when I'm watching the Horse live on Monday Night in J-holeville, I'm sure I'll be glad I'm back home.
clarification: Home is NOT Jacksonville (see the attatched comments). Home in this context means the USA, and NOT Jacksonville. I cannot stress this point enough.
Demond Sanders' Comments: Ah, daily life in the bustling metropolis of Jacksonville. Sounds about as exciting as sleeping with your socks on.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Judging Freeney
Clark Judge of CBSsportsline.com weighs in on the necessity for the Colts to sign Dwight Freeney.
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10239978
Not much new in this story, but I did note today that Len Pasquareli pegged the Colts at about 3+ million under the cap (before signing rookies). Now, those numbers are rarely official, but it does give us all an idea of how important it is to get Freeney signed to a long term deal that can give the team just a tad more wiggle room. There is an undercurrent among some Colts fans to question Freeney's value due to his reduced number of sacks. Don't forget that the Colts faced 509 passing plays in 2005. In 2006, they only faced 415. That's nearly a 20% drop in sacking opportunities. It would have been nearly impossible for Freeney to post the same sack totals. I don't think he declined, I just think teams changed their game plans to account for him and also took into account that the Colts had horrible linebacking play (yeah, I mean you Gilbert). That is what makes him so valuable. Teams change what they do to avoid him. I look for Freeney to post double digit sacks again this year, and quiet his critics.
Take note as well that Freeney made several signs of good faith to the franchise. He's a locker room leader, and don't fool yourself that other players aren't watching how this plays out. If Polian tries to screw Freeney, it will hurt the Colts in the locker room and their rep around the league. If he ponies up and pays him, it maintains positive cred with the players. Faulk and Edge, who are influential, have complained about Polian's tactics before, but not signing Freeney to a long term deal after essentially promising him that they would AND after he did and said all the right things could haunt the team in future negotiations. The franchise tag doesn't sound like a bad deal to me and you, but players HATE it. Keeping guys off of it calms the locker room storms. Let's hope this deal gets done.
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10239978
Not much new in this story, but I did note today that Len Pasquareli pegged the Colts at about 3+ million under the cap (before signing rookies). Now, those numbers are rarely official, but it does give us all an idea of how important it is to get Freeney signed to a long term deal that can give the team just a tad more wiggle room. There is an undercurrent among some Colts fans to question Freeney's value due to his reduced number of sacks. Don't forget that the Colts faced 509 passing plays in 2005. In 2006, they only faced 415. That's nearly a 20% drop in sacking opportunities. It would have been nearly impossible for Freeney to post the same sack totals. I don't think he declined, I just think teams changed their game plans to account for him and also took into account that the Colts had horrible linebacking play (yeah, I mean you Gilbert). That is what makes him so valuable. Teams change what they do to avoid him. I look for Freeney to post double digit sacks again this year, and quiet his critics.
Take note as well that Freeney made several signs of good faith to the franchise. He's a locker room leader, and don't fool yourself that other players aren't watching how this plays out. If Polian tries to screw Freeney, it will hurt the Colts in the locker room and their rep around the league. If he ponies up and pays him, it maintains positive cred with the players. Faulk and Edge, who are influential, have complained about Polian's tactics before, but not signing Freeney to a long term deal after essentially promising him that they would AND after he did and said all the right things could haunt the team in future negotiations. The franchise tag doesn't sound like a bad deal to me and you, but players HATE it. Keeping guys off of it calms the locker room storms. Let's hope this deal gets done.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Everyone's favorite fantasy QB
We here at 18to88.com do play fantasy football, but we try not to take it too seriously. Why? In fantasy baseball, your favorite team can win even if a guy goes 4-4 against them. Even if they lose, it's just one loss out of 162. In FF, a good day by an opposing RB can KILL your real team. And every loss counts big. Therefore, we play, but try to be reasonable about it. For those of you who love the game and have ESPN insider, check out this great article by ESPN's Eric Karabell about #18...
http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/2007draftkit/story?id=2917356&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233
http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/2007draftkit/story?id=2917356&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The NBA has fallen so far in Indy that...
A sports blog run by two big Pacer fans can't barely even find the time to comment on Jermaine O'Neal possibly getting traded. I like JO, always have. I kind of hope he doesn't get dealt, just because I doubt they can get equal value. Lamar Odem and Andrew Bynum? Really? Alright, both just seem like guys to me. The Pacers are loaded with 'guys'. Don't think this deal would energize the fan base at all.
Doesn't pump me up, that's for sure.
Demond Sanders' Comments: This is even less inspiring: They considered this trade to free up CAP SPACE. Is there anything less sexy than that? But that's life in the crappy world of guaranteed contracts. JO's huge contract is a preventing the Pacers from getting younger and better. I say if Larry & Donnie can find a way to get rid of Jamal Tinsley in the process OR get a top 15 draft pick then I'm for it. Maybe that's why the Pacers and Celts appear to have backed out of the deal. Or maybe Boston realized it didn't want JO.
Doesn't pump me up, that's for sure.
Demond Sanders' Comments: This is even less inspiring: They considered this trade to free up CAP SPACE. Is there anything less sexy than that? But that's life in the crappy world of guaranteed contracts. JO's huge contract is a preventing the Pacers from getting younger and better. I say if Larry & Donnie can find a way to get rid of Jamal Tinsley in the process OR get a top 15 draft pick then I'm for it. Maybe that's why the Pacers and Celts appear to have backed out of the deal. Or maybe Boston realized it didn't want JO.
Monday, June 25, 2007
All your base are belong to us
Apparently a Pats fan, quite possibly the Japanese programmer responsible for this piece of excellence, took exception to our claim that Pretty boy Tom was up for "Best Female athlete" in the ESPYS. We at 18to88.com always try to provide equal time to our dissenters. The comment is still available, but for ease of use, we are re-posting it here:
"Anonymous said...
They are not so beasts Tom Brady IS NOT what you say that little seriousness"
Well, I'll be jiggered. I guess he put us straight didn't he? I really don't even know how to begin to respond to this. It's a first, 18to88 has been rendered speechless. Congrats.
Is there a Pats fan out there who wants to take credit for lighting up the IQ meter with this? Come on, Sports Guy....I know it was you!
Demond Sanders' Comments: Well, as for me, I voted for the Colts and Manning for every single ESPY they were up for. Because, in my humble opinion, they ARE so beasts.
"Anonymous said...
They are not so beasts Tom Brady IS NOT what you say that little seriousness"
Well, I'll be jiggered. I guess he put us straight didn't he? I really don't even know how to begin to respond to this. It's a first, 18to88 has been rendered speechless. Congrats.
Is there a Pats fan out there who wants to take credit for lighting up the IQ meter with this? Come on, Sports Guy....I know it was you!
Demond Sanders' Comments: Well, as for me, I voted for the Colts and Manning for every single ESPY they were up for. Because, in my humble opinion, they ARE so beasts.
FO diagrams a Colts play
Folks, footballoutsiders.com is the best football site around. I know I say it about once a week, but if you really want to know what's going on in the game in depth, they offer just about the most thorough and unbiased analysis around. Check out this article explaining the Empty Double Slants route the Colts ran against the Titans in the second game last year. Marvin bobbled the ball and it was picked off, but the play worked as it was drawn up. Great stuff.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2007/06/25/ramblings/strategy-minicamps/5192/
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2007/06/25/ramblings/strategy-minicamps/5192/
Jr. comes home
The scene in Seattle was electric this weekend as Jr. came back for the first time since demanding a trade early this decade. ESPN's Jim Caple summed it up nicely here: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/070625_griffey&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233
I love Jr. I have always loved Jr. As a Reds fan, he made the Mariners my second favorite team. I was glad to see him respond so warmly to the crowd. You could tell he really wanted to do something big for them. He got a hit in all three games so no one was totally left out. His second HR yesterday was beautiful.
Whenever Jr. is discussed, we mention the injuries and what could have been. Let's stop for a second to note that he is about to pass Frank Robinson for 6th on the HR list. He has a fairly strong shot of passing Willie Mays at 660. He will likely finish higher on the HR list than everyone not named Bonds, Aaron and Ruth. That's pretty freaking amazing for a guy who was hurt as much as he was. I think most Reds fans love him, but there have always been a few who don't get it. There are some guys who want to say, "He always gets hurt! He doesn't hustle!". Not realizing that every time he got hurt in Cincy it was while hustling, and the management has asked him to take it easy. He's not a young man anymore.
He's the only squeaky clean slugger of his generation. Let's thank him for that. All in all, he's still Jr., and still one of my all time favorite baseball players.
I love Jr. I have always loved Jr. As a Reds fan, he made the Mariners my second favorite team. I was glad to see him respond so warmly to the crowd. You could tell he really wanted to do something big for them. He got a hit in all three games so no one was totally left out. His second HR yesterday was beautiful.
Whenever Jr. is discussed, we mention the injuries and what could have been. Let's stop for a second to note that he is about to pass Frank Robinson for 6th on the HR list. He has a fairly strong shot of passing Willie Mays at 660. He will likely finish higher on the HR list than everyone not named Bonds, Aaron and Ruth. That's pretty freaking amazing for a guy who was hurt as much as he was. I think most Reds fans love him, but there have always been a few who don't get it. There are some guys who want to say, "He always gets hurt! He doesn't hustle!". Not realizing that every time he got hurt in Cincy it was while hustling, and the management has asked him to take it easy. He's not a young man anymore.
He's the only squeaky clean slugger of his generation. Let's thank him for that. All in all, he's still Jr., and still one of my all time favorite baseball players.
ESPY's=ugh
But at least the Colts are up for many of them! I think stuff like this is totally masturbatory for the sports world, but whatever. If you care, you can vote for the Horse in the following categories:
http://espn.go.com/espy2007/index.html#/vote/
Best Game (Colts 38 Pats 34)
Best Male Athlete (Peyton)
Best Female Athlete (Tom Brady)
Best Team
Best Moment (Dungy vs Smith in the Super Bowl)
Best Championship Performance (Peyton in LXI)
Best NFL Player (#18)
Best Coach (Tony Dungy)
If you were so inclined you could also vote for Bob Knight for best record breaking performance. We are not so inclined.
http://espn.go.com/espy2007/index.html#/vote/
Best Game (Colts 38 Pats 34)
Best Male Athlete (Peyton)
Best Female Athlete (Tom Brady)
Best Team
Best Moment (Dungy vs Smith in the Super Bowl)
Best Championship Performance (Peyton in LXI)
Best NFL Player (#18)
Best Coach (Tony Dungy)
If you were so inclined you could also vote for Bob Knight for best record breaking performance. We are not so inclined.
Rerunning a classic
If you have read 18to88 for any length of time, you know how we feel about the guys at coldhardfootballfacts.com. We don't like the style (or lack there of), their biases, the odd way the pick and chose which stats to use and which to reject, or their steadfast belief that one specific brand of football is better than another. Mostly we dislike their shabby and totally unfair treatment of Manning over the years. They once ran a recap of all Manning's playoff games and claimed it was a 'fact' that he had choked in them. They conveniently left off his brilliant games, and omitted details like Vandy missing FGs, dropped TD passes, and Jim Mora's coaching. They just acted like the rest of the media, did no analysis and blamed Manning. Today however, they reran the article that made my year. They day they had to admit that all their 'facts' were wrong, and they had just been spouting the same stupid opinions that Terry Bradshaw and a million talking heads were blathering about because they were too lazy look at what was really happening:
http://coldhardfootballfacts.com/Article.php?Page=1291
Read, enjoy, and delight with us.
Demond Sanders' Comments: Beauty. I especially like the part where the Colts became the only team in NFL history to beat the top three teams in scoring defense in the playoffs.
http://coldhardfootballfacts.com/Article.php?Page=1291
Read, enjoy, and delight with us.
Demond Sanders' Comments: Beauty. I especially like the part where the Colts became the only team in NFL history to beat the top three teams in scoring defense in the playoffs.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
The City's best?
The AOL fan blog network has announced their results for the top 5 athletes currently playing in Indianapolis:
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/06/20/citys-best-indianapolis-top-five-athletes
There is a lot right and a lot wrong with this article. Zombie Bob coming in at number 2 is quite sweet and very insightful. However, who in their right mind would have put Mike Dunleavy on that list even as a joke? What about Dallas Clark or Joe Addai? Or for that matter how about Michael Andretti, Danica Patrick, or Jeff Gordon? I'd bet you money any one of those three would have been more popular than AJ Graves.
How can you do a list about Indy and leave off race car drivers?
Demond Sanders' Comments: Nice call on the drivers. Based upon their criteria some of their choices make ZERO sense. AJ Graves wouldn't be recognized locally or nationally, and I can't imagine anyone in Indy picking him as their favorite athlete. Try shaving once in awhile. Eric Gordon, as much as I love him, wouldn't stand up to those criteria either (he might come this November though). Jermaine is highly recognizable on all levels, but he is not well liked locally of late.
All of the World Champion Indianapolis Colts are legit, of course. Heck, you could almost make the list entirely of Colts. My own list would go something like this: 1)Manning 2)Harrison 3)The Zombie Sanders 4)Reggie Wayne 5)Freeney 6)Dallas Clark 7)Addai 8)Robert Mathis 9)Tarik Glenn 10)Mr. Clutch
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/06/20/citys-best-indianapolis-top-five-athletes
There is a lot right and a lot wrong with this article. Zombie Bob coming in at number 2 is quite sweet and very insightful. However, who in their right mind would have put Mike Dunleavy on that list even as a joke? What about Dallas Clark or Joe Addai? Or for that matter how about Michael Andretti, Danica Patrick, or Jeff Gordon? I'd bet you money any one of those three would have been more popular than AJ Graves.
How can you do a list about Indy and leave off race car drivers?
Demond Sanders' Comments: Nice call on the drivers. Based upon their criteria some of their choices make ZERO sense. AJ Graves wouldn't be recognized locally or nationally, and I can't imagine anyone in Indy picking him as their favorite athlete. Try shaving once in awhile. Eric Gordon, as much as I love him, wouldn't stand up to those criteria either (he might come this November though). Jermaine is highly recognizable on all levels, but he is not well liked locally of late.
All of the World Champion Indianapolis Colts are legit, of course. Heck, you could almost make the list entirely of Colts. My own list would go something like this: 1)Manning 2)Harrison 3)The Zombie Sanders 4)Reggie Wayne 5)Freeney 6)Dallas Clark 7)Addai 8)Robert Mathis 9)Tarik Glenn 10)Mr. Clutch
A hearty welcome to MyColts.net
The Colts have added a social networking site for fans. It's a place to meet other Colts fans, blog, interact and generally be positive about all things blue and white. 18to88.com hopes it goes well. Check it out at: Mycolts.net
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