Today’s NFL ticket calls for two grudge matches in the making. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the San Diego Chargers in the late game and the Philadelphia Eagles land a third installment against New York at Giants Stadium.
I am looking forward to the feature matchups because I am a fan of Pittsburgh and New York. I want both to meet in Tampa for the Superbowl on February 1st. Is it wishful thinking to have both home teams advance to the conference championships games next weekend? Perhaps.
Take a look at Pittsburgh. Their quarterback is on the mend after suffering another concussion two weeks ago. Nobody expects him to ride the bench this afternoon, but how healthy is he? The Steelers need a strong offensive line to protect Ben or the Chargers will administer an authentic annexation. The line play for Pittsburgh is the team’s evident weakness. No matter how much the defense contains the Chargers and Phillip Rivers’ arm, the Steelers have to hold on to the ball long enough to compete. They have the home field advantage, and I am sure the weather in the Steel City does not favor the visiting warm weather team. As long as Mike Tomlin’s offense can carry the load, Pittsburgh should win this game. They are the better team despite the talent on San Diego. The Steelers beat the Chargers in a memorable 11-10 game earlier in the season. The game was close, but the Steelers were able to hold the ball longer, and that seemed to be the real difference. Say what you want about the momentum and charging Chargers. They were hot last week in putting Peyton’s Colts to shame. San Diego’s defense deserves a lot of credit for being able to stop the Indy attack. However, the Colts are not the Steelers. They have a lackluster running game. The Steelers are more effective rushing if Willie Parker sees touches. I think he will with the forecast and the fact Ben has been somewhat unstable. Rivers is a scary quarterback when he starts to throw downfield and he is very capable of the long-sustained drives. Long drives are what the Steelers should focus on for themselves in order to prevail. I think this game will be close in the first half. The Chargers may even hold a steady lead. But the Steelers will win this one handedly after all is said and done. They will be Superbowl bound again.
As for the showdown at the Meadowlands in the snow covered blue seats, it will be a battle. No if, ands or buts, this game will be a three point victory for one of the NFC teams. I am just unsure which one. I am rooting hard for Big Blue, but the Eagles make me nervous. I think they are the only team stopping New York from earning a second Superbowl appearance. Donovan McNab is a veteran and will come to play. New York seems to be concentrating solely on stopping Brian Westbrook. Westbrook is a big time runner when given room to pace downfield. Justin Tuck and Antonio Pierce have to be on their game and not allow Westbrook to gain yards. The Giants are not playing well when stopping third down attempts on defense as of late. Tom Coughlin’s team must improve quickly if they hope to make this a game. McNab can scramble out of the pocket and has the protection to find receivers. Defensively, Philadelphia ranks among the league’s best. Eli Manning I believe will have a big game. Brandon Jacobs running the ball is crucial, but no more than Manning passing effectively. If Manning can manage the game like rookie, Joe Flacco, did for Baltimore yesterday, the Giants have the upper-hand. If, however, he makes mistakes and shows the carelessness Jake Delhomme displayed last night, the Eagles will win a close one. Westbrook is not the Giants’ only concern. They need to remember the Eagles have other ways to beat teams and will be looking to put points on the board from the defense. I want to say the Giants will win but I can’t say for sure. I am pretty confident this won’t be a blowout either way though.
Parting points: “I’m the king of wishful thinking”.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
G.U.T.S. & Gladiators
Two of my favorite semi-sports related shows as a child were Nickelodeon’s GUTS and American Gladiators. Both programs provided physical engagements in enthralling, exaggerated and emphatic exercise. GUTS showcased kids individually challenging one another in a variety of obstacle-course like situations. The American Gladiators were a group of faux superhero athletes with creative names like Nitro and Thunder. Gladiators competed against real people who hoped to beat the actors at their own game.
I remember coming home from school and propping myself in front of the television, tuning into Nickelodeon. The network had the best game shows back in the 90’s. GUTS was my favorite because I loved obstacle courses. In gym, whenever we had to do the obstacle course, I was in 7th heaven. As an athlete, I loved the idea of different events set up. The same could be said for when our school held “Field Days”. I usually won at least two events in the categories I entered each year. Enough tooting my own horn though. What made GUTS an awesome show was the simple concept. The events varied each show, but it always ended in the same fashion, with the climbing of the gigantic wall/crag. The winner would stand holding his or her trophy in the end. I admired the winner and secretly pictured myself wearing one of those strange outfits.
American Gladiators aired on the USA network, usually during the day. I have memories of sick days and snow days staying at home watching back-to-back-to-back episodes. It never got old to me. If I was home ill from school, my mother would make me a slushy to sip as I stretched in an unstylish manner on her bed. I’d watch wondrously and the contestants collided in rolling oval globes or threw objects from behind walls as objects were being thrown at them. Multi-tasking was important for all competing. My favorite part of the show was the climatic finish, where once again, there was an obstacle course. It began with running up a treadmill track and ended with gambling on which “door” to run through. A Gladiator was behind one of the doors and was the last heap before the finish line. On snow days, all the kids in the house would gather gazing at the gigantic Gladiators on the TV. We all had our favorites and rooted with proud, piping pleasure.
It would be great to see these shows again. I know they tried to revive the American Gladiators and GUTS can now be seen on the Old School Nick Network. My innuendo is there should be more sports type TV shows. I would tune in to watch real people try to play sports. The human element is often lost when we watch professional athletes play their games. It is sometimes nice to see everyday people compete against each other and challenge themselves to accomplish simple goals.
Parting points: I get to catch two of my teams in actions tonight. The Devils play the Kings out on the ice in L.A. and the Knicks face off against the Rockets on the court.
Song of the day: Mariah Carey’s “Emotions”.
I remember coming home from school and propping myself in front of the television, tuning into Nickelodeon. The network had the best game shows back in the 90’s. GUTS was my favorite because I loved obstacle courses. In gym, whenever we had to do the obstacle course, I was in 7th heaven. As an athlete, I loved the idea of different events set up. The same could be said for when our school held “Field Days”. I usually won at least two events in the categories I entered each year. Enough tooting my own horn though. What made GUTS an awesome show was the simple concept. The events varied each show, but it always ended in the same fashion, with the climbing of the gigantic wall/crag. The winner would stand holding his or her trophy in the end. I admired the winner and secretly pictured myself wearing one of those strange outfits.
American Gladiators aired on the USA network, usually during the day. I have memories of sick days and snow days staying at home watching back-to-back-to-back episodes. It never got old to me. If I was home ill from school, my mother would make me a slushy to sip as I stretched in an unstylish manner on her bed. I’d watch wondrously and the contestants collided in rolling oval globes or threw objects from behind walls as objects were being thrown at them. Multi-tasking was important for all competing. My favorite part of the show was the climatic finish, where once again, there was an obstacle course. It began with running up a treadmill track and ended with gambling on which “door” to run through. A Gladiator was behind one of the doors and was the last heap before the finish line. On snow days, all the kids in the house would gather gazing at the gigantic Gladiators on the TV. We all had our favorites and rooted with proud, piping pleasure.
It would be great to see these shows again. I know they tried to revive the American Gladiators and GUTS can now be seen on the Old School Nick Network. My innuendo is there should be more sports type TV shows. I would tune in to watch real people try to play sports. The human element is often lost when we watch professional athletes play their games. It is sometimes nice to see everyday people compete against each other and challenge themselves to accomplish simple goals.
Parting points: I get to catch two of my teams in actions tonight. The Devils play the Kings out on the ice in L.A. and the Knicks face off against the Rockets on the court.
Song of the day: Mariah Carey’s “Emotions”.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday Take Twos
We’re officially one week into the New Year. I’ve decided to begin a weekly sports round-up column. Each Thursday, I will recap the week’s top stories and infiltrate my intake and opinions on the sporting news.
The Giants-eagles hype is where I will start this week. Sunday’s playoff game leads off because the game has incredible intrigue. What more can be said about the impending rivalry showdown? The 1pm kickoff is sure to create enough juice to stir up both teams’ cities, and then some. Fans with tickets to this beastly battle between the Birds and the Blue are guaranteed a gem. I pray nobody gets hurt if Philadelphia fans snagged or scalped tickets on their way to New York.
The Eagles arrive literally flying sky high after mauling Minnesota. Brian Westbrook roughed up the Vikings defense with his breakaway scurries and scuttles stinging the secondary. Minnesota’s post-season hopes were killed and spoiled thanks to the speedster last week. Donovan McNab arrives as an aspiring, rejuvenated quarterback to the Meadowlands. Six weeks from being a benched bum, number five has the Eagles soaring. They earned the sixth seed by roughing up Dallas in their final regular season contest. Philadelphia has looked better and better each week since the benching of their quarterback. Defensive coordinator, Jimmie Johnson, knows how to handle the ground game, as proven last week against league leader rusher, Adrian Petersen.
The Giants were stuffed and stifled December 7th when they last lashed it out with the birds. Big Blue, however, played that day without Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs returns Sunday, albeit less than 100 percent, in what could be the difference in the rubber game. The Eagles are being given a ton of credit for a team that looked all but finished two months ago. I think the game will live up to the hype it’s receiving, but the Giants are the more powerful and smarter football team.
This week, the college football season wrapped up the bowl games with some mediocre melees and some sound skirmishes. The Rose Bowl was a predictable USC rout of Penn State, while the Fiesta surprisingly satisfied. Utah finished with a perfect record. The malcontent Utes made their avowal as the country’s top dog, although nobody seems to care. People were more concerned about expressing displeasure with the fact Florida and Oklahoma were not facing USC for the title game. Tonight is the aforementioned BCS championship. I predict a Gator win and am taking a gamble Tim Tebow will outplay Heisman winner, Sam Bradford. I can see the Sooner Sam sporting a Detroit Lions jersey next year by being the number one selection in April’s draft. Speaking of the draft, Chris Wells of Ohio State finally made up his mind to forego his senior year for the NFL. Good for “Beanie”. Two other standout collegians are headed to the pros as well. Quarterback, Matthew Stafford and running back, Knoeshawn Moreno from Georgia are leaving the game early and will be ripe for NFL scout picking. Both are top ten picks and Stafford may be the best quarterback available.
Eric Mangini must be an impressive interview. I was shocked to read he was hired a week after the Jet firing. Back to the Browns he goes, where he will inherit a promising Notre Dame alum in Brady Quinn. Mangini and former Browns coach, Romeo Crennel, are both Bill Belichik protégés. I don’t really see how Eric is going to make Cleveland a playoff contender, but I guess anything is possible. With the right staff, the Browns can put together a nice season I am sure.
It was nice to see Bill Cowher turn down the Jets offer to become head coach. Cowher showed his dignity by politely declining the opportunity and I think that was the right decision. Mike Shanahan seems to me to be the best fit for New York, but won’t happen either.
The Boston Celtics suddenly can’t find the chemistry that had them rolling in the beginning of the NBA season. They were virtually unstoppable. Now they are reeling, losing to the Knicks of all teams. Those same Knicks were demoralized by an overwrought Thunder team with a grand total of three wins. The inordinate amount of wins Boston was compiling was soon to dwindle down, but I cannot figure out where they went wrong so suddenly.
The Giants-eagles hype is where I will start this week. Sunday’s playoff game leads off because the game has incredible intrigue. What more can be said about the impending rivalry showdown? The 1pm kickoff is sure to create enough juice to stir up both teams’ cities, and then some. Fans with tickets to this beastly battle between the Birds and the Blue are guaranteed a gem. I pray nobody gets hurt if Philadelphia fans snagged or scalped tickets on their way to New York.
The Eagles arrive literally flying sky high after mauling Minnesota. Brian Westbrook roughed up the Vikings defense with his breakaway scurries and scuttles stinging the secondary. Minnesota’s post-season hopes were killed and spoiled thanks to the speedster last week. Donovan McNab arrives as an aspiring, rejuvenated quarterback to the Meadowlands. Six weeks from being a benched bum, number five has the Eagles soaring. They earned the sixth seed by roughing up Dallas in their final regular season contest. Philadelphia has looked better and better each week since the benching of their quarterback. Defensive coordinator, Jimmie Johnson, knows how to handle the ground game, as proven last week against league leader rusher, Adrian Petersen.
The Giants were stuffed and stifled December 7th when they last lashed it out with the birds. Big Blue, however, played that day without Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs returns Sunday, albeit less than 100 percent, in what could be the difference in the rubber game. The Eagles are being given a ton of credit for a team that looked all but finished two months ago. I think the game will live up to the hype it’s receiving, but the Giants are the more powerful and smarter football team.
This week, the college football season wrapped up the bowl games with some mediocre melees and some sound skirmishes. The Rose Bowl was a predictable USC rout of Penn State, while the Fiesta surprisingly satisfied. Utah finished with a perfect record. The malcontent Utes made their avowal as the country’s top dog, although nobody seems to care. People were more concerned about expressing displeasure with the fact Florida and Oklahoma were not facing USC for the title game. Tonight is the aforementioned BCS championship. I predict a Gator win and am taking a gamble Tim Tebow will outplay Heisman winner, Sam Bradford. I can see the Sooner Sam sporting a Detroit Lions jersey next year by being the number one selection in April’s draft. Speaking of the draft, Chris Wells of Ohio State finally made up his mind to forego his senior year for the NFL. Good for “Beanie”. Two other standout collegians are headed to the pros as well. Quarterback, Matthew Stafford and running back, Knoeshawn Moreno from Georgia are leaving the game early and will be ripe for NFL scout picking. Both are top ten picks and Stafford may be the best quarterback available.
Eric Mangini must be an impressive interview. I was shocked to read he was hired a week after the Jet firing. Back to the Browns he goes, where he will inherit a promising Notre Dame alum in Brady Quinn. Mangini and former Browns coach, Romeo Crennel, are both Bill Belichik protégés. I don’t really see how Eric is going to make Cleveland a playoff contender, but I guess anything is possible. With the right staff, the Browns can put together a nice season I am sure.
It was nice to see Bill Cowher turn down the Jets offer to become head coach. Cowher showed his dignity by politely declining the opportunity and I think that was the right decision. Mike Shanahan seems to me to be the best fit for New York, but won’t happen either.
The Boston Celtics suddenly can’t find the chemistry that had them rolling in the beginning of the NBA season. They were virtually unstoppable. Now they are reeling, losing to the Knicks of all teams. Those same Knicks were demoralized by an overwrought Thunder team with a grand total of three wins. The inordinate amount of wins Boston was compiling was soon to dwindle down, but I cannot figure out where they went wrong so suddenly.
Parting points: Looking for some “adventure”? Try reading “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, watching the underrated 80’s flick, “Adventures in Babysitting” or listening to R.E.M.’s “New Adventures in Hi-Fi” CD.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Perturbed Petulance
Colt, Cosby Coolly Cover Cap & Claim Championship
Dominant defense defines and dictates drives in championship football teams. The 2009 Fiesta foes, Texas and Ohio State, had their signature snubs starting the game. Texas was supposed to play in the BCS title game. Ohio State was supposed to be offered a non-BCS bid and ousted from the higher ranks. However the two commenced to clash last night, it was a respectable game all around.
The first half figures featured the OSU defense blitzing half the time. Facing the best defense all season, the Longhorns were forced to mix up their offensive plays. One final Buckeye blitz with 16 ticks creeping off the clock corralled the Columbus invitees. On the final drive, Texas quarterback, Colt McCoy, delivered the deciding blow. An open Quan Cosby snared a 26-yard bullet to seal a surprising 24-21 Texas toppling. Cosby finished his final college game with 171 yards, 14 receptions and two scores. McCoy passed for just under 200 yards in the first quarter but his number three Longhorns were still trailing 6-3 at the half. I give the Buckeye tremendous kudos for their containment of Colt. It’s too bad they were on the losing end and beaten on the final drive. Texas head coach, Mack Brown, adjusted his game plan just in time.
It was a bit of Buckeye bliss in the first half, with Chris “Beanie” Wells breaking loose accordingly. Wells ran for 106 yards to lead all rushers. He left the game early and was not factored much into the second half. I doubt it would have made a big difference. OSU was still able to fend off the high-octane offense from Texas. They were held to their lowest point total all year.
The quarterbacking for 10-3 Ohio State was flawless. Todd Boeckman was handed the ball to start the game and he and Terrell Pryor alternated snaps in the second half. Neither were picked off and combined for 176 total yards. The senior Boeckman completed 5 of 11 passes, including a 5 yard touchdown to the rookie, Pryor, with 7:26 remaining in the game. The 80-yard drive failed to produce a 2-point conversion, but the Buckeye running game bounced back and answered the call on their next possession. Dan “Boom” Herron, replacing Wells, rushed for 15 yards and another six points. Another failed 2 point attempt ensued however. It was encouraging to see Ohio State make a comeback and punter A.J. Trapasso was terrific. His four punts were all pinned inside the 20 yard line. OSU wideout, Brian Robiskie was efficient with 116 receiving yards. Safety, Anderson Russell, caught a lob from McCoy in the game’s only interception.
The Buckeyes could not stop McCoy’s Longhorns with one minute left. They held the offense to 24 points but it wasn’t enough. McCoy really stepped up to earn his second place Heismann Trophy finish. He stamped his name in Texas lore as the Buckeyes vanished on fourth down. Texas vehemently and vigorously vaulted to victory after converting.
Cosby and Texas receiver, Jordan Shipley, were the difference for the Longhorns offensively. Shipley’s 82 yards on kick returns gave him an average of 20.5 for the Bowl. He amassed 78 receiving yards and 10 catches. Cosby’s last 11 yards were the ones offering an obtrusive overturning.
McCoy had an instant impact in the second half when he scored on a rushing touchdown. I think it shifted momentum the Texas way. The way McCoy caught Malcom Jenkins snoozing was a game changer. Jenkins missed and misread McCoy, ultimately miffed in the end.
Texas was 3 of 4 on 4th downs and 35% on 3rd. Each team endured three sacks for close to the same amount of yards lost. Penalties were more of a problem for the Longhorns (8 for 83 yards) than the Bucks (7 for 67 yards). But the Buckeyes were affected emphatically by penalties. Thaddeus Gibson’s two roughing-the-passer penalties were unacceptable punishments. The time of possession for each team was practically even. OSU held the ball for 30:13 to Texas’ 29:47. Perhaps these stats are indicative of the game’s closeness.
So Ohio State loses its 3rd straight BCS bowl. I wonder if they have overstayed their welcome now. I am sure the hopes of scarlet and gray backers were lifted when it appeared James Kirkendoll’s 4th and 3 spot was short of the first down. It looked as though team Tressel had Texas’ number and the Big 10 could put to rest some of this season’s naysayers. There were some missed opportunities for both teams. When McCoy was picked off near the end of the second quarter, Texas missed the chance to at least score a field goal. The teams would have headed into the locker rooms tied 6-6.
Football is a game of hit or miss sometimes. Even though the Bucks hit their spots most of the time last night, the few misses were too much to overcome.
Parting points: Welcome to the Yankees #25.
Dominant defense defines and dictates drives in championship football teams. The 2009 Fiesta foes, Texas and Ohio State, had their signature snubs starting the game. Texas was supposed to play in the BCS title game. Ohio State was supposed to be offered a non-BCS bid and ousted from the higher ranks. However the two commenced to clash last night, it was a respectable game all around.
The first half figures featured the OSU defense blitzing half the time. Facing the best defense all season, the Longhorns were forced to mix up their offensive plays. One final Buckeye blitz with 16 ticks creeping off the clock corralled the Columbus invitees. On the final drive, Texas quarterback, Colt McCoy, delivered the deciding blow. An open Quan Cosby snared a 26-yard bullet to seal a surprising 24-21 Texas toppling. Cosby finished his final college game with 171 yards, 14 receptions and two scores. McCoy passed for just under 200 yards in the first quarter but his number three Longhorns were still trailing 6-3 at the half. I give the Buckeye tremendous kudos for their containment of Colt. It’s too bad they were on the losing end and beaten on the final drive. Texas head coach, Mack Brown, adjusted his game plan just in time.
It was a bit of Buckeye bliss in the first half, with Chris “Beanie” Wells breaking loose accordingly. Wells ran for 106 yards to lead all rushers. He left the game early and was not factored much into the second half. I doubt it would have made a big difference. OSU was still able to fend off the high-octane offense from Texas. They were held to their lowest point total all year.
The quarterbacking for 10-3 Ohio State was flawless. Todd Boeckman was handed the ball to start the game and he and Terrell Pryor alternated snaps in the second half. Neither were picked off and combined for 176 total yards. The senior Boeckman completed 5 of 11 passes, including a 5 yard touchdown to the rookie, Pryor, with 7:26 remaining in the game. The 80-yard drive failed to produce a 2-point conversion, but the Buckeye running game bounced back and answered the call on their next possession. Dan “Boom” Herron, replacing Wells, rushed for 15 yards and another six points. Another failed 2 point attempt ensued however. It was encouraging to see Ohio State make a comeback and punter A.J. Trapasso was terrific. His four punts were all pinned inside the 20 yard line. OSU wideout, Brian Robiskie was efficient with 116 receiving yards. Safety, Anderson Russell, caught a lob from McCoy in the game’s only interception.
The Buckeyes could not stop McCoy’s Longhorns with one minute left. They held the offense to 24 points but it wasn’t enough. McCoy really stepped up to earn his second place Heismann Trophy finish. He stamped his name in Texas lore as the Buckeyes vanished on fourth down. Texas vehemently and vigorously vaulted to victory after converting.
Cosby and Texas receiver, Jordan Shipley, were the difference for the Longhorns offensively. Shipley’s 82 yards on kick returns gave him an average of 20.5 for the Bowl. He amassed 78 receiving yards and 10 catches. Cosby’s last 11 yards were the ones offering an obtrusive overturning.
McCoy had an instant impact in the second half when he scored on a rushing touchdown. I think it shifted momentum the Texas way. The way McCoy caught Malcom Jenkins snoozing was a game changer. Jenkins missed and misread McCoy, ultimately miffed in the end.
Texas was 3 of 4 on 4th downs and 35% on 3rd. Each team endured three sacks for close to the same amount of yards lost. Penalties were more of a problem for the Longhorns (8 for 83 yards) than the Bucks (7 for 67 yards). But the Buckeyes were affected emphatically by penalties. Thaddeus Gibson’s two roughing-the-passer penalties were unacceptable punishments. The time of possession for each team was practically even. OSU held the ball for 30:13 to Texas’ 29:47. Perhaps these stats are indicative of the game’s closeness.
So Ohio State loses its 3rd straight BCS bowl. I wonder if they have overstayed their welcome now. I am sure the hopes of scarlet and gray backers were lifted when it appeared James Kirkendoll’s 4th and 3 spot was short of the first down. It looked as though team Tressel had Texas’ number and the Big 10 could put to rest some of this season’s naysayers. There were some missed opportunities for both teams. When McCoy was picked off near the end of the second quarter, Texas missed the chance to at least score a field goal. The teams would have headed into the locker rooms tied 6-6.
Football is a game of hit or miss sometimes. Even though the Bucks hit their spots most of the time last night, the few misses were too much to overcome.
Parting points: Welcome to the Yankees #25.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Indoor Insanity
I am having a bad case of cabin fever already this month. New Year’s Eve we had a snowstorm in New York and it’s been way too cold and windy to go out and about anywhere. Times like these make me long for hazy summer afternoons, seated poolside with a book tanning in the sun. I miss walking and wandering the meandering mazes of my town’s lengthy lanes. Trail riding and street biking seem to gnaw at me as I look outside and watch flurries galore pile up. I really need to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, but since the cold has me locked up inside, I decided to write about indoor sports.
The NHL started a tradition not long ago of playing an outdoor hockey game on the first of the year. The game was played at Wrigley Field between the Blackhawks and Red Wings this year. Most fans enjoy the climate and rawness of the annual competition. It makes me wonder why more games aren’t scheduled outdoors. People probably would not want to endure the temperatures and conditions I am sure. But sports are meant to be played outside in my opinion. Arena league football and NFL games played in domed stadiums do not have the same appeal as their outdoor counterparts. I especially think playing baseball inside has a negative affect. If I wanted to go to a sauna, I’d drive to the local health club. I wouldn’t buy a ticket to a summer ball game and sit inside eating my hot dog. Baseball has to be an outdoor affair. The smell of fresh grass and sounds of the game are meant for open air. Football in the middle of November and December outdoors adds to the roughness and toughness of the sport’s physical nature. Some of the most memorable games in NFL history were played in snow, ice, and subzero temperatures. Why else would there be proud franchises in Buffalo, New York and Green Bay, Wisconsin?
Tennis is a sport I definitely cannot stand swinging and sliding inside. It’s hard enough to see because of the poor lighting but when you start to sweat, it just sticks to you in an indoor venue. I could do without the wind outside, but some say that’s part of the game. Much like the winds in football, tennis winds can be both an advantage and disadvantage. Learning to serve with a glaring sun, hit an overhead in wacky winds and use the spacious sideline alleys is actually fun. I always hated playing tournaments in high school and college because it meant having to suffer through a monotonous indoor match. I would much rather see the outdoors and capture a true tennis playing experience in the crisp Fall air.
Many sports are just more suitable for indoors, such as basketball and racquetball. It’s very hard to play both outdoors, although not impossible. Basketball outside doesn’t feature squeaky sneakers or bleacher cheers. Chained basketball hoops are not as good as real indoor nets with backboards. But it is intriguing to catch a pickup game on a concrete court outside. Nothing against hot, stuffy gymnasiums, but again, being outside participating in sports really is better. I never played racquetball outdoors, but the game is meant to be an indoor sport. It’s probably the one sport I do not mind being played in a box. Being in the box beckons boredom on most occasions, but not in racquetball.
I understand games like the Superbowl need to be inside in a warm weather city due to all the publicity and money involved. You simply cannot have a rainout or Superbowl postponed due to snow. But it would be awesome for once if the Superbowl were played in Giants Stadium or Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Imagine the fans bundled up in parks, mittens and scarves. Imagine the players sipping hot cocoa on the sidelines instead of Gatorade.
For the record, swimming, soccer and lacrosse are all better outside. And, hitting and fielding softballs indoors is about as sad as it gets.
I think my cabin fever is starting to wear off. I want to be out riding my bike right now. Stationary indoor bicycles are worthwhile exercise machines, but actually moving and seeing different scenes is more appealing.
Parting points: Thank goodness for football Sundays. Time to tune into the second installment of this weekend’s playoffs. I am 0-2 so far. Yesterday I was surprised by both winning teams.
The NHL started a tradition not long ago of playing an outdoor hockey game on the first of the year. The game was played at Wrigley Field between the Blackhawks and Red Wings this year. Most fans enjoy the climate and rawness of the annual competition. It makes me wonder why more games aren’t scheduled outdoors. People probably would not want to endure the temperatures and conditions I am sure. But sports are meant to be played outside in my opinion. Arena league football and NFL games played in domed stadiums do not have the same appeal as their outdoor counterparts. I especially think playing baseball inside has a negative affect. If I wanted to go to a sauna, I’d drive to the local health club. I wouldn’t buy a ticket to a summer ball game and sit inside eating my hot dog. Baseball has to be an outdoor affair. The smell of fresh grass and sounds of the game are meant for open air. Football in the middle of November and December outdoors adds to the roughness and toughness of the sport’s physical nature. Some of the most memorable games in NFL history were played in snow, ice, and subzero temperatures. Why else would there be proud franchises in Buffalo, New York and Green Bay, Wisconsin?
Tennis is a sport I definitely cannot stand swinging and sliding inside. It’s hard enough to see because of the poor lighting but when you start to sweat, it just sticks to you in an indoor venue. I could do without the wind outside, but some say that’s part of the game. Much like the winds in football, tennis winds can be both an advantage and disadvantage. Learning to serve with a glaring sun, hit an overhead in wacky winds and use the spacious sideline alleys is actually fun. I always hated playing tournaments in high school and college because it meant having to suffer through a monotonous indoor match. I would much rather see the outdoors and capture a true tennis playing experience in the crisp Fall air.
Many sports are just more suitable for indoors, such as basketball and racquetball. It’s very hard to play both outdoors, although not impossible. Basketball outside doesn’t feature squeaky sneakers or bleacher cheers. Chained basketball hoops are not as good as real indoor nets with backboards. But it is intriguing to catch a pickup game on a concrete court outside. Nothing against hot, stuffy gymnasiums, but again, being outside participating in sports really is better. I never played racquetball outdoors, but the game is meant to be an indoor sport. It’s probably the one sport I do not mind being played in a box. Being in the box beckons boredom on most occasions, but not in racquetball.
I understand games like the Superbowl need to be inside in a warm weather city due to all the publicity and money involved. You simply cannot have a rainout or Superbowl postponed due to snow. But it would be awesome for once if the Superbowl were played in Giants Stadium or Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Imagine the fans bundled up in parks, mittens and scarves. Imagine the players sipping hot cocoa on the sidelines instead of Gatorade.
For the record, swimming, soccer and lacrosse are all better outside. And, hitting and fielding softballs indoors is about as sad as it gets.
I think my cabin fever is starting to wear off. I want to be out riding my bike right now. Stationary indoor bicycles are worthwhile exercise machines, but actually moving and seeing different scenes is more appealing.
Parting points: Thank goodness for football Sundays. Time to tune into the second installment of this weekend’s playoffs. I am 0-2 so far. Yesterday I was surprised by both winning teams.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Fiesta Flashback
It was January 3, 2003…
Maurice Hall, wearing the white #28 Buckeye jersey, stood ready to receive the kickoff to the Fiesta Bowl in Sun Devil Stadium. Quarterback, Craig Krenzel, took the huddle at his 15 yard line after an opening penalty. The senior handed the football off to star running back, Maurice Clarett, number 13. On second down, Krenzel scrambled for a gain before being tackled by a Miami defenseman. Jim Tressel shouted plays from the sideline as Krenzel was pressured by a strong defense. The Hurricane secondary covered OSU effectively enough to enable Craig to throw the ball away. The Buckeyes defense yielded to the punting unit after a three and out.
At the 20 yard line, Miami began their quest for the title. Will Smith knocked Miami quarterback, Ken Dorsey, to the turf. Sack number one. On second down, OSU forced another loss of yards and the Canes quickly faced a third and long situation. The Tempe, Arizona crowd just started to get into the national championship game. Scarlet and gray clad fans stood waving their arms against green, orange and white flashes of cheers. Simultaneous screams erupted from the stands. 11:39 into the game and finally a first down. It was from Miami but the Hurricanes failed to score on the first drive either. They did succeed on special teams as the Buckeyes were pinned on their own one yard line to start drive number two. Another three and out for the Ohio State offense. Back to the punt and back to the huddle for Ken Dorsey’s Hurricanes. Always patient in the pocket, Dorsey finds Kellen Winslow, Jr. with plenty of time wide open on second down. The Buckeye tackles continue to consume Dorsey though and sack him again. Miami takes a time out for the second time in the first quarter. Head Coach for Miami, Larry Coker, couldn’t communicate with his quarterback. The timeout proved worthwhile for Miami because Dorsey hooked up with the speedy Roscoe Parrish on a perfectly executed route. Five plays for 52 yards.
I figured immediately this game had “Hurricane hammering” written all over it when former Redskin, the late Sean Taylor, athletically picked off Krenzel on a deflection to his receiver. Oh, how wrong I was! The 2003 Fiesta Bowl turned out to be the best college football game I’ve ever seen. The game was loaded with suspense, excitement and a nerve-racking back and forth overtime, never before matched thriller. Future NFL stars were everyone in this game, from freshmen Nick Mangold and AJ Hawk, Mike Nugent, Will Smith, Chris Gamble and Michael Doss for OSU. On the Miami side, Willis McGahee, Kellen Winslow, Jr., Sean Taylor, Roscoe Parrish and Andre Johnson manned the sidelines. I was a sophomore in college that winter and had just been named Sports Editor for the newspaper. I remember I couldn’t wait to pin up photos of the Ohio State championship team on the wall behind my editor’s desk. I wanted to write all about how the game was won and what heart the Buckeyes showed. The spectacular defense held Miami in check all day and they made enough plays offensively to turn it into a win. I remember I liked Ohio State but after they defeated Miami that year, I fell in love. I didn’t think my passion could run as deep for a team as it had for my beloved Yankees. But, I was wrong. Today I am a true Ohio State Buckeye fan. I live and die with this football team. Six years later, the Buckeyes are returning to the Fiesta Bowl to face a Texas team many argue should be playing in the BCS Title game. Not many are giving my Bucks a chance. I will believe in them and cheer them on no matter what the game’s outcome. That January 3rd game meant something to me and I never forgot. I just had to pull out my old DVD of it and watch it again and again. The players get older and move on but winning the way they did in 2003…that never gets old.
Parting points: This is my 80th post. Just thought that was significant for some reason.
Maurice Hall, wearing the white #28 Buckeye jersey, stood ready to receive the kickoff to the Fiesta Bowl in Sun Devil Stadium. Quarterback, Craig Krenzel, took the huddle at his 15 yard line after an opening penalty. The senior handed the football off to star running back, Maurice Clarett, number 13. On second down, Krenzel scrambled for a gain before being tackled by a Miami defenseman. Jim Tressel shouted plays from the sideline as Krenzel was pressured by a strong defense. The Hurricane secondary covered OSU effectively enough to enable Craig to throw the ball away. The Buckeyes defense yielded to the punting unit after a three and out.
At the 20 yard line, Miami began their quest for the title. Will Smith knocked Miami quarterback, Ken Dorsey, to the turf. Sack number one. On second down, OSU forced another loss of yards and the Canes quickly faced a third and long situation. The Tempe, Arizona crowd just started to get into the national championship game. Scarlet and gray clad fans stood waving their arms against green, orange and white flashes of cheers. Simultaneous screams erupted from the stands. 11:39 into the game and finally a first down. It was from Miami but the Hurricanes failed to score on the first drive either. They did succeed on special teams as the Buckeyes were pinned on their own one yard line to start drive number two. Another three and out for the Ohio State offense. Back to the punt and back to the huddle for Ken Dorsey’s Hurricanes. Always patient in the pocket, Dorsey finds Kellen Winslow, Jr. with plenty of time wide open on second down. The Buckeye tackles continue to consume Dorsey though and sack him again. Miami takes a time out for the second time in the first quarter. Head Coach for Miami, Larry Coker, couldn’t communicate with his quarterback. The timeout proved worthwhile for Miami because Dorsey hooked up with the speedy Roscoe Parrish on a perfectly executed route. Five plays for 52 yards.
I figured immediately this game had “Hurricane hammering” written all over it when former Redskin, the late Sean Taylor, athletically picked off Krenzel on a deflection to his receiver. Oh, how wrong I was! The 2003 Fiesta Bowl turned out to be the best college football game I’ve ever seen. The game was loaded with suspense, excitement and a nerve-racking back and forth overtime, never before matched thriller. Future NFL stars were everyone in this game, from freshmen Nick Mangold and AJ Hawk, Mike Nugent, Will Smith, Chris Gamble and Michael Doss for OSU. On the Miami side, Willis McGahee, Kellen Winslow, Jr., Sean Taylor, Roscoe Parrish and Andre Johnson manned the sidelines. I was a sophomore in college that winter and had just been named Sports Editor for the newspaper. I remember I couldn’t wait to pin up photos of the Ohio State championship team on the wall behind my editor’s desk. I wanted to write all about how the game was won and what heart the Buckeyes showed. The spectacular defense held Miami in check all day and they made enough plays offensively to turn it into a win. I remember I liked Ohio State but after they defeated Miami that year, I fell in love. I didn’t think my passion could run as deep for a team as it had for my beloved Yankees. But, I was wrong. Today I am a true Ohio State Buckeye fan. I live and die with this football team. Six years later, the Buckeyes are returning to the Fiesta Bowl to face a Texas team many argue should be playing in the BCS Title game. Not many are giving my Bucks a chance. I will believe in them and cheer them on no matter what the game’s outcome. That January 3rd game meant something to me and I never forgot. I just had to pull out my old DVD of it and watch it again and again. The players get older and move on but winning the way they did in 2003…that never gets old.
Parting points: This is my 80th post. Just thought that was significant for some reason.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wildcard Weekend
Four playoff football games are scheduled for this weekend in what is known as “Wildcard Weekend”. I think for the first time in history all four road teams are favored. Being a home underdog in the playoffs is sometimes an advantage. The games should be close and the conditions competitive. Here are my humble hunches:
Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens
Both teams enter the weekend on the upside, having clinched a post-season seed during the NFL’s final week. The Dolphins host the visiting birds because they won the AFC East. Baltimore comes to Miami as a strong wildcard team with a rookie quarterback and head coach. Led by a glowing defense and hardcore secondary, the Ravens are not an easy out. The Delaware quarterback, Joe Flacco, manages a good game for a first year starter. Ray Lewis is the team leader on defense and if the Baltimore defense blitzes Chad Pennington with any success, Miami won’t be reaching the end zone very often. However, I am still picking the Dolphins to win. I like what I saw all season for Tony Sparano’s underrated offense. Ted Ginn, Jr. has come into his own finally and with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams splitting time in the backfield, the Dolphins are capable of sneaking out a win. They have found ways to be victorious all year long. Speaking of Long, the first overall draft pick, Jake Long, has been quiet this season. I would love to see something from him during the post-season. Pennington is the comeback player of the year and the Dolphins have all the momentum in the world right now. I think that counts for a lot more than people think. Chad will use his wildcat formation to confuse the Ravens. Give the Ravens credit though. No one expected Flacco to step up and lead this team into the playoffs. The game will be tight nonetheless.
Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers
The two AFC foes always play each other hard. For some reason, Peyton Manning has a difficult time against San Diego. The Chargers are the hosts because they won their division, but this is not the same team from years’ past. Clearly, San Diego has underachieved all year. The team suffered perhaps more injuries than any other in the league. They still managed to clinch the division after demolishing Denver last week in what probably cost Mike Shanahan his job. Quarterback Phillip Rivers is a stand-out player for the bolts. Because of his consistent and careful play, the Chargers redeemed themselves during the second half. Rivers will have to be lights-out again this weekend for his team to have a chance to advance. You could argue San Diego is the hottest team going into the playoffs if it wasn’t for their nine-straight winning opponent, the Colts. Indianapolis has experience at quarterback and head coach. Tony Dungy knows how to win road playoff games and you better believe Peyton Manning does as well. Manning will probably win the MVP of the league this year. I think the Colts are too strong defensively to allow the Chargers a win. San Diego’s secondary is their weakest spot and the Colts have receivers to exploit the hole. Look for a convincing Colts win. If the Colts win, they head to Pittsburgh in which will be one of the games I am most looking forward to.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings
If this game was being played in Philadelphia, I wouldn’t give the Vikings any chance. I am giving them half a chance only because the game is in mighty Minnesota. The Vikings are lucky to be in the playoffs. They lack a primetime quarterback and have virtually no offensive line or deep threats. They do have a top-ranked rush defense led by the injured lineman, Pat Williams. Adrian Petersen is the gifted running back and if Minnesota has a prayer against the Eagles defense, they need him to run, run, run. Petersen has fumbled five times in the last four games for Minnesota, so keeping a tight grip is crucial against the league’s fourth best rush defense. The conditions will probably favor the Vikings running game but Philadelphia has an equally stellar runner in Brian Westbrook. If Westbrook is good to go, Donovan McNabb will use him. McNabb does have some better than average receivers and he will use them to set up the run. The Eagles are well-coached by Andy Reid and Jimmie Johnson. The advantage for both teams is familiarity. The teams know each other pretty well. McNabb is an all-star and will outshine Tavaris Jackson behind center. The Vikings’ Bernard Berrian is legitimate and being at home will pump up the mediocre Minnesota offense. I can’t see the Vikings escaping with a win, especially because they have no deep threats. Nothing gives me the impression they are a playoff team. Last week, they struggled against a Giants team fielding mostly backups. The Vikings finished 2008 with a better overall record (10-6) but the Eagles are the better team.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals
When a veteran quarterback and one of the best receiving teams host a stranger to the post-season, you would tend to favor the former. The 9-7 Cardinals are the division winners and hosts to the offensive rookie of the year, Matt Ryan, and the Falcons. The Falcons overachieved and have come out of nowhere to be a contender this playoff season. Kurt Warner is the experienced veteran leader of Arizona but the Cardinals are not playing well as of late. If the trend continues, Arizona will not win. Ryan comes into his first post-season with nothing to lose. Playing at Arizona in the first round is his best bet in winning at all in the playoffs. Arizona poses an unthreatening defense. He will have time to throw and the Falcons can run the ball well. Atlanta will need a prepared plan for the Arizona offense. The Falcons’ secondary is key to winning the games because of the incredible Fitzgerald, Breaston and Boldin. The Falcons are a proven team when it comes to stopping teams in the red zone. I’ve been surprised Michael Turner has had the season of his life. He ran for close to 1,700 during the regular season. With Turner, the Falcons can manufacturer the points necessary to defeat Arizona in probably another very close contest. The Cardinals will make more mistakes and that is the prime reason for a Falcon flourishing.
Parting Points: Surprised to like this song: “Ulysses” by Franz Ferdinand
Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens
Both teams enter the weekend on the upside, having clinched a post-season seed during the NFL’s final week. The Dolphins host the visiting birds because they won the AFC East. Baltimore comes to Miami as a strong wildcard team with a rookie quarterback and head coach. Led by a glowing defense and hardcore secondary, the Ravens are not an easy out. The Delaware quarterback, Joe Flacco, manages a good game for a first year starter. Ray Lewis is the team leader on defense and if the Baltimore defense blitzes Chad Pennington with any success, Miami won’t be reaching the end zone very often. However, I am still picking the Dolphins to win. I like what I saw all season for Tony Sparano’s underrated offense. Ted Ginn, Jr. has come into his own finally and with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams splitting time in the backfield, the Dolphins are capable of sneaking out a win. They have found ways to be victorious all year long. Speaking of Long, the first overall draft pick, Jake Long, has been quiet this season. I would love to see something from him during the post-season. Pennington is the comeback player of the year and the Dolphins have all the momentum in the world right now. I think that counts for a lot more than people think. Chad will use his wildcat formation to confuse the Ravens. Give the Ravens credit though. No one expected Flacco to step up and lead this team into the playoffs. The game will be tight nonetheless.
Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers
The two AFC foes always play each other hard. For some reason, Peyton Manning has a difficult time against San Diego. The Chargers are the hosts because they won their division, but this is not the same team from years’ past. Clearly, San Diego has underachieved all year. The team suffered perhaps more injuries than any other in the league. They still managed to clinch the division after demolishing Denver last week in what probably cost Mike Shanahan his job. Quarterback Phillip Rivers is a stand-out player for the bolts. Because of his consistent and careful play, the Chargers redeemed themselves during the second half. Rivers will have to be lights-out again this weekend for his team to have a chance to advance. You could argue San Diego is the hottest team going into the playoffs if it wasn’t for their nine-straight winning opponent, the Colts. Indianapolis has experience at quarterback and head coach. Tony Dungy knows how to win road playoff games and you better believe Peyton Manning does as well. Manning will probably win the MVP of the league this year. I think the Colts are too strong defensively to allow the Chargers a win. San Diego’s secondary is their weakest spot and the Colts have receivers to exploit the hole. Look for a convincing Colts win. If the Colts win, they head to Pittsburgh in which will be one of the games I am most looking forward to.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings
If this game was being played in Philadelphia, I wouldn’t give the Vikings any chance. I am giving them half a chance only because the game is in mighty Minnesota. The Vikings are lucky to be in the playoffs. They lack a primetime quarterback and have virtually no offensive line or deep threats. They do have a top-ranked rush defense led by the injured lineman, Pat Williams. Adrian Petersen is the gifted running back and if Minnesota has a prayer against the Eagles defense, they need him to run, run, run. Petersen has fumbled five times in the last four games for Minnesota, so keeping a tight grip is crucial against the league’s fourth best rush defense. The conditions will probably favor the Vikings running game but Philadelphia has an equally stellar runner in Brian Westbrook. If Westbrook is good to go, Donovan McNabb will use him. McNabb does have some better than average receivers and he will use them to set up the run. The Eagles are well-coached by Andy Reid and Jimmie Johnson. The advantage for both teams is familiarity. The teams know each other pretty well. McNabb is an all-star and will outshine Tavaris Jackson behind center. The Vikings’ Bernard Berrian is legitimate and being at home will pump up the mediocre Minnesota offense. I can’t see the Vikings escaping with a win, especially because they have no deep threats. Nothing gives me the impression they are a playoff team. Last week, they struggled against a Giants team fielding mostly backups. The Vikings finished 2008 with a better overall record (10-6) but the Eagles are the better team.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals
When a veteran quarterback and one of the best receiving teams host a stranger to the post-season, you would tend to favor the former. The 9-7 Cardinals are the division winners and hosts to the offensive rookie of the year, Matt Ryan, and the Falcons. The Falcons overachieved and have come out of nowhere to be a contender this playoff season. Kurt Warner is the experienced veteran leader of Arizona but the Cardinals are not playing well as of late. If the trend continues, Arizona will not win. Ryan comes into his first post-season with nothing to lose. Playing at Arizona in the first round is his best bet in winning at all in the playoffs. Arizona poses an unthreatening defense. He will have time to throw and the Falcons can run the ball well. Atlanta will need a prepared plan for the Arizona offense. The Falcons’ secondary is key to winning the games because of the incredible Fitzgerald, Breaston and Boldin. The Falcons are a proven team when it comes to stopping teams in the red zone. I’ve been surprised Michael Turner has had the season of his life. He ran for close to 1,700 during the regular season. With Turner, the Falcons can manufacturer the points necessary to defeat Arizona in probably another very close contest. The Cardinals will make more mistakes and that is the prime reason for a Falcon flourishing.
Parting Points: Surprised to like this song: “Ulysses” by Franz Ferdinand
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