Ok, I have to say that I am getting a little tired of this subject being brought up week after week after week. Not because I want people to accept the fact that head shots are a part of the game, because they aren't. Just as Don Cherry has said over and over, there is a fundamental lack of respect for the health and well-being of the other players on the ice that wasn't this bad back in the rough and tumble 70s and 80s!
What I want to know is how much of this is enough to make the league take action? I mean, this problem has gone back for a while. Marty McSorely , Todd Bertuzzi, Chris Simon. And now we have even more, it seems like every single week! Just now we have another one where Marc Savard ends up getting carted off on a stretcher. . Worst part of this is that there wasn't even a penalty called on this play. How can we possibly have that happen here?!
Suspensions are only a part of what needs to happen with this sort of hit. This sort of hit has no place in the game! I am totally with Don Cherry with his explanation of why things have gone downhill with this. With the fight instigator penalty in play, it makes it impossible for any type of policing. If you knew that you had to fight the other team's biggest and toughest guy if you took a cheap shot on one of these players, would you really do it? Probably not! But now, with the fight instigator penalty, that makes this impossible, because if the tough guy comes after the other guy, they get the fighting major, and extra 2 minutes, and a game misconduct. That changes the game.
So what is there to do? Outrage of this will only do so much. We can all sit back and say that these are gutless cheap shots that have no place in the game until the end of time, but that isn't going to stop it from happening. 5 game suspensions won't stop this from happening. When will the NHL, and Colin Campbell specifically, take a stand and do more than just say that this has to stop. We can get rid of the fight instigator penalty, and allow players to police each other again. Ban those types of hits entirely and impose HEAVY suspensions on players that make this kind of hit, with the potential of lifetime bans on players who are repeat offenders. This is one of the only ways that I can think of to stop this from happening. If the respect for the other player's health isn't there, at least they may be stopped with concern for their own career. That way, they would have nobody to blame but themselves once they are taken out of the league.
The bottom line in all of this is that every time things like this happen, it puts the NHL in the news for the wrong reason, and people are more turned off from what is an amazing game because of the actions of a few thugs who can't control themselves. We all need to work together to get this sort of thing out of the game. Come on Colin Campbell, Gary Bettman, you're the people who set the standards. DO MORE THAN JUST TALK!!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Free Agency!
Day or so late, I realize, but it's all good. It is free agency time in the NFL, with a special new twist to go along with it! There isn't going to be a salary cap to stop teams from trying to buy everybody they possibly can! This could be interesting.
Now, we have seen from a few teams, most recently the Washington Redskins, the danger in spending too much on free agency. Yeah, you get Albert Haynesworth, thought to be the most dominant DT and that he would remain this dominant for about another 8-10 years, but then he gets a smoking hot 100 million dollar contract. It's weird, but look at his production the next year, way down. Yes, injury didn't help him, but still. What is it with NFL players not putting out their best effort once they get paid?
Anywho, we'll get to see how Julius Peppers handles this now that he has landed with Da Bears! That is a great get for the Bears, though I don't anticipate that Peppers will be playing all 6 years of that contract that he got.
The Lions seem to have gone nutty over another wide receiver, but not because they drafted this one. They gave Nate Burleson, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks a 5 year, $25 Million contract, with $11 Million in guaranteed money, to a guy who had 63 catches last year. That seem excessive to anybody else? I mean, yeah, he was on the lowly Seahawks, but who's to say that the lowly Lions will get him any more catches than that?
The Ravens nailed down Anquan Boldin in an amazing trade. They got Boldin and a 5th round pick in exchange for a 3rd and 4th round draft pick this year. I bet Flacco had to change his pants after he heard that news. Now the Ravens definitely have a legit passing threat.
Questions still remaining. Where will Brandon Marshall land? What over aged player will take a pay cut to try and go to the Pats? Will the Saints really let their ball hawk Sharper get away? Will Brett Favre retire, force the Vikes to find another solution, and then try and unretire again? Who's going to decide that they can make TO a team player this time? All these questions, AND MORE, still to be decided!
Now, we have seen from a few teams, most recently the Washington Redskins, the danger in spending too much on free agency. Yeah, you get Albert Haynesworth, thought to be the most dominant DT and that he would remain this dominant for about another 8-10 years, but then he gets a smoking hot 100 million dollar contract. It's weird, but look at his production the next year, way down. Yes, injury didn't help him, but still. What is it with NFL players not putting out their best effort once they get paid?
Anywho, we'll get to see how Julius Peppers handles this now that he has landed with Da Bears! That is a great get for the Bears, though I don't anticipate that Peppers will be playing all 6 years of that contract that he got.
The Lions seem to have gone nutty over another wide receiver, but not because they drafted this one. They gave Nate Burleson, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks a 5 year, $25 Million contract, with $11 Million in guaranteed money, to a guy who had 63 catches last year. That seem excessive to anybody else? I mean, yeah, he was on the lowly Seahawks, but who's to say that the lowly Lions will get him any more catches than that?
The Ravens nailed down Anquan Boldin in an amazing trade. They got Boldin and a 5th round pick in exchange for a 3rd and 4th round draft pick this year. I bet Flacco had to change his pants after he heard that news. Now the Ravens definitely have a legit passing threat.
Questions still remaining. Where will Brandon Marshall land? What over aged player will take a pay cut to try and go to the Pats? Will the Saints really let their ball hawk Sharper get away? Will Brett Favre retire, force the Vikes to find another solution, and then try and unretire again? Who's going to decide that they can make TO a team player this time? All these questions, AND MORE, still to be decided!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Gold Medal Game!!!
What an Olympics we have had! And who could have guessed that we would be in for the gold medal game that we are being given in the Men's Ice Hockey tournament. Now, everybody knows that the women's hockey tournament will almost always come down to the US vs. Canada, but I don't think anybody predicted that on the men's side.
The USA seriously benefited from their underdog persona that they brought into the olympics. As far as everybody is concerned, right now, they are over achieving. Not only did they beat Finland to get into the Gold medal game, they embarrassed them. Canada was in control for all but the last 5 minutes of the game against Slovakia, when they decided to be the Colorado Avs for the last bit of the game, and allow their opponent to make it close before holding on for the win. So what kind of a gold medal game are we going to have?
I think that it is safe to say that we are going to continue to see Luongo in the net for Canada, and just as easy to say that we will see Ryan Miller for the US. Canada seems to have broken out of their goal scoring drought, after blasting Russia in the quarter finals. Canada owned the shots on goal against the US in the first round, but the US got a few early ones that just stunned Canada, and never really allowed them to get going. I think we are pretty safe in thinking that a goal 40 seconds into the game probably won't happen this time around. Canada has learned their lesson, in my opinion. They know that they have to come to play against this USA team, and I think we can all agree that if the team that embarrassed Russia comes into this Gold medal game, then the US could be in a lot of trouble.
The US has already proven that they can beat Canada, and I doubt that we will see a formula too much different than the first time. We can all count on this game to be physical, fast, and exciting.
All in all, I think that Canada is going to prevail in a close game, and the country will go absolutely nuts. I give it to Canada by a score of 6-4.
The USA seriously benefited from their underdog persona that they brought into the olympics. As far as everybody is concerned, right now, they are over achieving. Not only did they beat Finland to get into the Gold medal game, they embarrassed them. Canada was in control for all but the last 5 minutes of the game against Slovakia, when they decided to be the Colorado Avs for the last bit of the game, and allow their opponent to make it close before holding on for the win. So what kind of a gold medal game are we going to have?
I think that it is safe to say that we are going to continue to see Luongo in the net for Canada, and just as easy to say that we will see Ryan Miller for the US. Canada seems to have broken out of their goal scoring drought, after blasting Russia in the quarter finals. Canada owned the shots on goal against the US in the first round, but the US got a few early ones that just stunned Canada, and never really allowed them to get going. I think we are pretty safe in thinking that a goal 40 seconds into the game probably won't happen this time around. Canada has learned their lesson, in my opinion. They know that they have to come to play against this USA team, and I think we can all agree that if the team that embarrassed Russia comes into this Gold medal game, then the US could be in a lot of trouble.
The US has already proven that they can beat Canada, and I doubt that we will see a formula too much different than the first time. We can all count on this game to be physical, fast, and exciting.
All in all, I think that Canada is going to prevail in a close game, and the country will go absolutely nuts. I give it to Canada by a score of 6-4.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Big day for the Americans!!!
The 2010 Olympics have already had some amazing ups, and some very agonizing downs. The big down came before the games even started with the Georgian luge competitor who died after a crash on what is known as the world's fastest luge track.
We've had 18 goals in one game by the Canadian Women's Hockey team, and some great men's games as well.
Today was, by far, the biggest day that the Americans have had, to date, in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 3 big events, and 3 gold medals.
Shaun White won the men's smowboarding half-pipe, again. No real surprise there, he's pretty much always the favorite in that particular event. Congrats to him, although I do have one silly thing with him. Shaun White doesn't want to be called the Flying Tomato anymore. He's suggested that people call him "The Animal". A silly thing to take him to task for, but come on Shaun!!! You can't choose your own nickname!!!
Shani Davis became the first person to ever win back to back gold medals in the 1000 meter distance in speed skating. Shani Davis always seems to be in the news for bad reasons. Not that he goes out drinking and beating people up or anything, but he just always seems to be quoted as making really snarky comments about people and about the US Olympic committee. Still, you can't argue with his results. He clearly has a fantastic work ethic, and has proven, yet again, that he is the best in the world at the 1000 m. Chad Hendricks also won the Bronze in this event. So congrats to him!
Third, and probably the most reported on before the games, was Lindsey Vonn. How would her injury hold up? Would the weather delay mess things up? Simple answer. Nope! Not only did she overcome her injury and the weather, she became the first US Woman to EVER win the Women's downhill event. Just an amazing performance after all of the hype.
A huge congratulations to all Olympic performers, but a special congratulations to the record setting American Gold Medalists today. GO TEAM USA!
We've had 18 goals in one game by the Canadian Women's Hockey team, and some great men's games as well.
Today was, by far, the biggest day that the Americans have had, to date, in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 3 big events, and 3 gold medals.
Shaun White won the men's smowboarding half-pipe, again. No real surprise there, he's pretty much always the favorite in that particular event. Congrats to him, although I do have one silly thing with him. Shaun White doesn't want to be called the Flying Tomato anymore. He's suggested that people call him "The Animal". A silly thing to take him to task for, but come on Shaun!!! You can't choose your own nickname!!!
Shani Davis became the first person to ever win back to back gold medals in the 1000 meter distance in speed skating. Shani Davis always seems to be in the news for bad reasons. Not that he goes out drinking and beating people up or anything, but he just always seems to be quoted as making really snarky comments about people and about the US Olympic committee. Still, you can't argue with his results. He clearly has a fantastic work ethic, and has proven, yet again, that he is the best in the world at the 1000 m. Chad Hendricks also won the Bronze in this event. So congrats to him!
Third, and probably the most reported on before the games, was Lindsey Vonn. How would her injury hold up? Would the weather delay mess things up? Simple answer. Nope! Not only did she overcome her injury and the weather, she became the first US Woman to EVER win the Women's downhill event. Just an amazing performance after all of the hype.
A huge congratulations to all Olympic performers, but a special congratulations to the record setting American Gold Medalists today. GO TEAM USA!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Winter Olympics! 2010!
Ever since I was a little kid, I always remember getting incredibly excited for the Olympics. I'm about to turn 28, and I still feel the same kind of excitement. I remember watching the 2008 summer games, just a little bit back, watching the US Men's 4 x 100 Meter freestyle relay team have a magical anchor leg to win the gold medal. My wife and I both jumping up and down and shouting at the TV to GO GO GO!! I remember being a kid and pretending that I was a speed skater flying around my living room while my parents laughed at me. And I remember having a monster crush on Kristi Yamaguchi.
I think we can all agree that there is just something special about the Olympic games. During the rest of the year, people could care less about figure skating, or cross country skiing, or curling. But when the Olympics come around, suddenly everybody knows something about each event. I'm sure that national pride has a lot to do with it, but there is a little bit more as well, I think.
The Olympics is still one of the last pure sporting events left. True, recently the summer games have had issues with doping scandals, but even those have been less and less this last time around. And we know that there always seem to be some kind of judging issue to come up in the figure skating competition, but still, there is something incorruptible about the Olympics. Something pure. Something that people all around the world see, and recognize every other year. A time when honoring your country and respecting your competition is celebrate more than the next big signing bonus or possible work stoppage. A time when bitter enemies can shake hands at the end of a match, or race, and each side can forget about the hate bred between them. For 2 weeks, at each Olympic games, we see peacefulness. We see the world the way that it aught to be.
For all the scandals that come and go, for all the corruption and greed that may prevail, the Olympics, summer or winter, remain good and pure. Success and failure is measured differently. People fulfill their dreams just by being able to compete, and a medal is just icing on an already amazing piece of cake. I cannot wait for the start of these games, and I cannot wait to see the ICE HOCKEY Tournament! Go Canada!
What events will you be watching?
I think we can all agree that there is just something special about the Olympic games. During the rest of the year, people could care less about figure skating, or cross country skiing, or curling. But when the Olympics come around, suddenly everybody knows something about each event. I'm sure that national pride has a lot to do with it, but there is a little bit more as well, I think.
The Olympics is still one of the last pure sporting events left. True, recently the summer games have had issues with doping scandals, but even those have been less and less this last time around. And we know that there always seem to be some kind of judging issue to come up in the figure skating competition, but still, there is something incorruptible about the Olympics. Something pure. Something that people all around the world see, and recognize every other year. A time when honoring your country and respecting your competition is celebrate more than the next big signing bonus or possible work stoppage. A time when bitter enemies can shake hands at the end of a match, or race, and each side can forget about the hate bred between them. For 2 weeks, at each Olympic games, we see peacefulness. We see the world the way that it aught to be.
For all the scandals that come and go, for all the corruption and greed that may prevail, the Olympics, summer or winter, remain good and pure. Success and failure is measured differently. People fulfill their dreams just by being able to compete, and a medal is just icing on an already amazing piece of cake. I cannot wait for the start of these games, and I cannot wait to see the ICE HOCKEY Tournament! Go Canada!
What events will you be watching?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
WHO DAT?!
Firstly, and most obviously, congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for winning their first ever Super Bowl, on their first ever trip there. What a season, and what a way they managed to silence critics, and always just go about things in their way.
I have to say, this was such an amazing game, I can hardly believe it. Just a bunch of moments where you had to sit back and literally rub your eyes because you can't believe what you just saw. I was completely and utterly stunned by that onside kick at the start of the second half. And I have never seen a scrum for a loose football like that, ever! Where people were pulled out and then went back in 2 or 3 times because they knew what was at stake. Just an astonishing game.
One cannot say enough about what Sean Peyton and Drew Brees have done for that team. This is a team that, not very long ago, was once again being referred to as the Aint's. Then you get Drew Brees, you draft Reggie Bush, you get a hell of a coach in there, make some great signings and look what you have. It is truly astonishing.
As for the Colts, there is no need to worry about them. They will be back just like they always are next year. And I want to comment on another thing about the Colts. They have shown, again, that they are still one of the classiest teams in the league, especially Peyton Manning and Jim Caldwell. I mean, both of them said it exactly how it was. Knew what happened, told it like it happened, made no excuses, and gave every single bit of credit to the team that won. I credit Manning and Caldwell for showing the kind of class that all people who play any sport should aspire to. Unlike other players and coaches who, coincidentally enough, have gone through similar things in the last few years, and just seem to want to sit in the locker room and sulk instead of speaking to anybody. (coughing noises) **brady** **Bellichick** excuse me, I feel a bit of a cold coming on. I'll have to take something for that.
Once again, we have had an amazing Super Bowl. A new team is crowned champion. Another season has ended. And now we await free agency and the draft. I look forward to all of that, and will work to continue to provide fun sports insight. Congrats, once again, to the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl 44 champions.
I have to say, this was such an amazing game, I can hardly believe it. Just a bunch of moments where you had to sit back and literally rub your eyes because you can't believe what you just saw. I was completely and utterly stunned by that onside kick at the start of the second half. And I have never seen a scrum for a loose football like that, ever! Where people were pulled out and then went back in 2 or 3 times because they knew what was at stake. Just an astonishing game.
One cannot say enough about what Sean Peyton and Drew Brees have done for that team. This is a team that, not very long ago, was once again being referred to as the Aint's. Then you get Drew Brees, you draft Reggie Bush, you get a hell of a coach in there, make some great signings and look what you have. It is truly astonishing.
As for the Colts, there is no need to worry about them. They will be back just like they always are next year. And I want to comment on another thing about the Colts. They have shown, again, that they are still one of the classiest teams in the league, especially Peyton Manning and Jim Caldwell. I mean, both of them said it exactly how it was. Knew what happened, told it like it happened, made no excuses, and gave every single bit of credit to the team that won. I credit Manning and Caldwell for showing the kind of class that all people who play any sport should aspire to. Unlike other players and coaches who, coincidentally enough, have gone through similar things in the last few years, and just seem to want to sit in the locker room and sulk instead of speaking to anybody. (coughing noises) **brady** **Bellichick** excuse me, I feel a bit of a cold coming on. I'll have to take something for that.
Once again, we have had an amazing Super Bowl. A new team is crowned champion. Another season has ended. And now we await free agency and the draft. I look forward to all of that, and will work to continue to provide fun sports insight. Congrats, once again, to the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl 44 champions.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Super Bowl Sunday!!
It is upon us, ladies and gentleman. One of the greatest American traditions that really actually does manage to bring everybody in the country together around a single event. Everybody can agree that the Super Bowl is today's definition of excellence in sports. And we know that this year's Super Bowl is going to be quite the show.
#1 Saints vs. #1 Colts.
How can you possibly pick a winner in a game like this? Both teams are so immensely talented that it seems like the scoring will never stop! So how do you choose a winner in this kind of a game? Well, I'll give it a try.
Offenses, we know that both offenses are pretty much unstoppable. Both offenses are incredibly deep and give opposing defenses troubles because how do you focus on just one person? Brees has 5 receivers that he will throw to all over the place, and a running back who might as well be a wide receiver. Manning is just Manning. He has 3 great receivers, and when he can't find one of them, probably the best receiving tight end in the game today. If there is an offensive advantage to be gained here, it goes to the Saints in that New Orleans has a better running game than the Colts do.
The other thing, in regards to the offense, is that both of these offenses have shown that whenever they are down in a game, and it doesn't ever seem to matter by how much, both of them are capable of coming back. So even if one team does seem to have control for a bit, there is no saying when the other team will suddenly turn it on and take control back.
Defenses are roughly comparable. Although the injury to Dwight Freeney may be the biggest thing leading up to this Super Bowl. He may still play, but the way things are described with him, he may have to play through a considerable amount of pain which could make him much less effective. Both defenses are pretty strong in the secondary, and are very opportunistic. Again, if there is a team who has a defensive advantage, I have to say that it is the Saints. Starting with the injury to Freeney, this makes the Colts front 4 less dangerous. Obviously, they aren't worthless with Mathis up there, but now the Saints can really focus more on Mathis. Secondly, the Colts run game. The Colts ranked dead last in the league in rush yards per game. Obviously, Peyton Manning pretty much makes up for this, but, it does make their team rather one dimensional. For all the talk about their amazing pass game, the Saints were 6th in the league for rushing yards per game.
Time for my pick. I must state, straight off, that the biggest winner of this game is going to be the fans. We are in for what could easily one of the best games ever played. The biggest surprise of this one would be if one team comes out and completely destroys the other. I can see either team winning this one. I'm a fan of both teams. Peyton Manning is a great player and professional. The same can be said for Drew Brees. The nation is pulling for the Saints, and many of the "experts" have picked the Colts. It's really hard for me to say one over the other, but every single time I play it over in my head, there is just something in this that makes me think that the Saints are going to win this one. So that's my pick. I'm taking the Saints.
Score:
Saints 38 - Indy 33
Let me know your picks, and enjoy what should be one hell of a game!
#1 Saints vs. #1 Colts.
How can you possibly pick a winner in a game like this? Both teams are so immensely talented that it seems like the scoring will never stop! So how do you choose a winner in this kind of a game? Well, I'll give it a try.
Offenses, we know that both offenses are pretty much unstoppable. Both offenses are incredibly deep and give opposing defenses troubles because how do you focus on just one person? Brees has 5 receivers that he will throw to all over the place, and a running back who might as well be a wide receiver. Manning is just Manning. He has 3 great receivers, and when he can't find one of them, probably the best receiving tight end in the game today. If there is an offensive advantage to be gained here, it goes to the Saints in that New Orleans has a better running game than the Colts do.
The other thing, in regards to the offense, is that both of these offenses have shown that whenever they are down in a game, and it doesn't ever seem to matter by how much, both of them are capable of coming back. So even if one team does seem to have control for a bit, there is no saying when the other team will suddenly turn it on and take control back.
Defenses are roughly comparable. Although the injury to Dwight Freeney may be the biggest thing leading up to this Super Bowl. He may still play, but the way things are described with him, he may have to play through a considerable amount of pain which could make him much less effective. Both defenses are pretty strong in the secondary, and are very opportunistic. Again, if there is a team who has a defensive advantage, I have to say that it is the Saints. Starting with the injury to Freeney, this makes the Colts front 4 less dangerous. Obviously, they aren't worthless with Mathis up there, but now the Saints can really focus more on Mathis. Secondly, the Colts run game. The Colts ranked dead last in the league in rush yards per game. Obviously, Peyton Manning pretty much makes up for this, but, it does make their team rather one dimensional. For all the talk about their amazing pass game, the Saints were 6th in the league for rushing yards per game.
Time for my pick. I must state, straight off, that the biggest winner of this game is going to be the fans. We are in for what could easily one of the best games ever played. The biggest surprise of this one would be if one team comes out and completely destroys the other. I can see either team winning this one. I'm a fan of both teams. Peyton Manning is a great player and professional. The same can be said for Drew Brees. The nation is pulling for the Saints, and many of the "experts" have picked the Colts. It's really hard for me to say one over the other, but every single time I play it over in my head, there is just something in this that makes me think that the Saints are going to win this one. So that's my pick. I'm taking the Saints.
Score:
Saints 38 - Indy 33
Let me know your picks, and enjoy what should be one hell of a game!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Pro Bowl or Side Show
Man, the NFL isn't really doing itself any favors here. For years and years, the pro-bowl has always been held after the Super Bowl, and out in Hawaii. And even then, there were still a whole bunch of people talking about the irrelevance of the Pro-Bowl. It did, at least, seem like players actually wanted to go to that one though, and who can blame them? Hawaii is still Hawaii.
Yet this year's "experiment" by Roger Goodell seems to have lit a fire underneath a few people, and cause many other people to simply not care. Every year there are people who don't accept their invitation which seemingly defeats the whole purpose in general, but there were always some big stars, such as Peyton Manning, who never missed a chance to play in the Pro-Bowl. But this year, we're clearly missing out. The fact that it is before the Super Bowl this year is a giant mistake. Simply because we know that the people who are playing in the Super Bowl aren't going to play in the Pro-Bowl because they don't want to risk getting inured! No Manning, no Brees, no Freeney. Between the Colts and Saints, there are 14 people who will not be playing simply because they are going to be in the Super Bowl. There are many others that are saying they won't be coming because of injury, but there are a lot of them, like Tom Brady, who just make a regular habit out of not coming, as the proceedings are "beneath them".
There are larger questions Pro-Bowl. Why is it that people in the NFL find it so easy to turn down their invitation to their All-Star game? What solutions are there to try and ensure that they do come? Well, firstly, the scheduling of the game, mostly for this year, needs to be fixed. Put it back where it was. I know that a lot of people say that having it after the season is silly, especially when the NBA, MLB, and NHL all have their all-star games in the middle of the season; however, I understand the placement of the NFL game. The NFL only plays 17 weeks, through about 4 months (for the regular season). Hard to determine who is all-pro in only 8 weeks of football. Plus, if we really wanted to guarantee that the best players from each team WON'T show up, then put it in the middle of the season. I know I wouldn't want my best players to possibly get injured and miss time because of an all-star game. So I say keep it in Hawaii, and keep it after the Super Bowl.
Then there is the question of attendance. How do we keep the NFL stars coming to the game. Well, I know for a fact that the NHL had a few issues with this for a little bit, but I think they've managed to more or less solve it. There was an example where Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk didn't want to come because he was hurt. He didn't show up at all, citing injury, and ended up being suspended for 2 games. Well, Sidney Crosby was also hurt during that time period, as well. Couldn't play in the game, but still came to the event, went through the media blitz, went to the parties, made the appearances, did the whole 9 yards, just didn't play. He was not suspended. Now by this point in the season, most of the players can't be suspended, and suspending a player who is missing it because he wants to not get hurt for the Super Bowl is silly, but there are ways that the league could still solve this. Have it carry over to next year, maybe. Impose a fine on the player and/or the club. Things along those lines. I'm not going to say dock the team a draft pick because that is excessive. But still, there needs to be something to ensure that they are there. If they're injured and can't play, fine, but still have them come and do the media events. Seriously, how injured to you think Tom Brady is? Just an bruised ego from being so mediocre this year? He isn't exactly in Welker's shoes.
Those are just a couple of possible solutions to a whole myriad of issues surronding the Pro-Bowl. I know that there are a few people, this year, who have been calling for the game to be eliminated as a whole. I don't see that as a solution, and I don't think it should happen, though I do wonder what would happen if they just didn't have a Pro-Bowl one year. Might be interesting to see. At any rate, I'm interested to hear any other solutions that people may have for this problem. So post away!
Yet this year's "experiment" by Roger Goodell seems to have lit a fire underneath a few people, and cause many other people to simply not care. Every year there are people who don't accept their invitation which seemingly defeats the whole purpose in general, but there were always some big stars, such as Peyton Manning, who never missed a chance to play in the Pro-Bowl. But this year, we're clearly missing out. The fact that it is before the Super Bowl this year is a giant mistake. Simply because we know that the people who are playing in the Super Bowl aren't going to play in the Pro-Bowl because they don't want to risk getting inured! No Manning, no Brees, no Freeney. Between the Colts and Saints, there are 14 people who will not be playing simply because they are going to be in the Super Bowl. There are many others that are saying they won't be coming because of injury, but there are a lot of them, like Tom Brady, who just make a regular habit out of not coming, as the proceedings are "beneath them".
There are larger questions Pro-Bowl. Why is it that people in the NFL find it so easy to turn down their invitation to their All-Star game? What solutions are there to try and ensure that they do come? Well, firstly, the scheduling of the game, mostly for this year, needs to be fixed. Put it back where it was. I know that a lot of people say that having it after the season is silly, especially when the NBA, MLB, and NHL all have their all-star games in the middle of the season; however, I understand the placement of the NFL game. The NFL only plays 17 weeks, through about 4 months (for the regular season). Hard to determine who is all-pro in only 8 weeks of football. Plus, if we really wanted to guarantee that the best players from each team WON'T show up, then put it in the middle of the season. I know I wouldn't want my best players to possibly get injured and miss time because of an all-star game. So I say keep it in Hawaii, and keep it after the Super Bowl.
Then there is the question of attendance. How do we keep the NFL stars coming to the game. Well, I know for a fact that the NHL had a few issues with this for a little bit, but I think they've managed to more or less solve it. There was an example where Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk didn't want to come because he was hurt. He didn't show up at all, citing injury, and ended up being suspended for 2 games. Well, Sidney Crosby was also hurt during that time period, as well. Couldn't play in the game, but still came to the event, went through the media blitz, went to the parties, made the appearances, did the whole 9 yards, just didn't play. He was not suspended. Now by this point in the season, most of the players can't be suspended, and suspending a player who is missing it because he wants to not get hurt for the Super Bowl is silly, but there are ways that the league could still solve this. Have it carry over to next year, maybe. Impose a fine on the player and/or the club. Things along those lines. I'm not going to say dock the team a draft pick because that is excessive. But still, there needs to be something to ensure that they are there. If they're injured and can't play, fine, but still have them come and do the media events. Seriously, how injured to you think Tom Brady is? Just an bruised ego from being so mediocre this year? He isn't exactly in Welker's shoes.
Those are just a couple of possible solutions to a whole myriad of issues surronding the Pro-Bowl. I know that there are a few people, this year, who have been calling for the game to be eliminated as a whole. I don't see that as a solution, and I don't think it should happen, though I do wonder what would happen if they just didn't have a Pro-Bowl one year. Might be interesting to see. At any rate, I'm interested to hear any other solutions that people may have for this problem. So post away!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Favre Watch....again?
Well, now that the Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs, we can all start the speculation that has been driving so many people absolutely insane. Will Brett Favre finally retire?! Or will we he put another team through the whole, well golly I sure would still like to play one more year! If you could just give me a shot!
Well, here's my opinion on the whole matter. Retire, Brett. Please, retire. This constant waffling between retirement and playing again has definitely tarnished your legacy. Sure, that Sears commercial was really funny, but do you realize that that is exactly how people view you now? They don't view you as the guy who can make any throw, they don't view you as the gun slinger, they don't see the 3 MVPs or the super bowl ring. They see the old guy that doesn't want to admit that his time has come. The whole concept is a joke to people now. I wouldn't be surprised if there were odds being put on this in Vegas.
Brett has already said that he likely won't play again (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Favre-I-m-highly-unlikely-to-play-again-Sure;_ylt=AjoSLuV3ibmMErKdDYzd3ntDubYF?urn=nfl,215612) according to yahoo sports, but come on, haven't we heard all of this before? You know the best way for Favre to prove that he isn't going to play again, to just disappear and not let the whole media circus happen as it always does. That might show people that he actually is done with football. The other thing that we might all do to help the matter along is, and I realize the irony of the statement as I say it, to just shut up about it. The longer that we continue to make a huge fuss over whether or not he should stay or go, the more he is back in the public eye. And he absolutely loves the public eye. So let's just all stop talking about it!
Once again, it is a damn shame that the career of one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the game of football is no longer really remembered for his career and all the greatness that he brought to the game. Instead, he is to be remembered as the great waffler. Hopefully, we can all just put it to rest. Now, as of this moment, I am going to stop talking about Brett Favre. I would greatly appreciate it if everybody would join me. Congrats on one last push Brett.
Well, here's my opinion on the whole matter. Retire, Brett. Please, retire. This constant waffling between retirement and playing again has definitely tarnished your legacy. Sure, that Sears commercial was really funny, but do you realize that that is exactly how people view you now? They don't view you as the guy who can make any throw, they don't view you as the gun slinger, they don't see the 3 MVPs or the super bowl ring. They see the old guy that doesn't want to admit that his time has come. The whole concept is a joke to people now. I wouldn't be surprised if there were odds being put on this in Vegas.
Brett has already said that he likely won't play again (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Favre-I-m-highly-unlikely-to-play-again-Sure;_ylt=AjoSLuV3ibmMErKdDYzd3ntDubYF?urn=nfl,215612) according to yahoo sports, but come on, haven't we heard all of this before? You know the best way for Favre to prove that he isn't going to play again, to just disappear and not let the whole media circus happen as it always does. That might show people that he actually is done with football. The other thing that we might all do to help the matter along is, and I realize the irony of the statement as I say it, to just shut up about it. The longer that we continue to make a huge fuss over whether or not he should stay or go, the more he is back in the public eye. And he absolutely loves the public eye. So let's just all stop talking about it!
Once again, it is a damn shame that the career of one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the game of football is no longer really remembered for his career and all the greatness that he brought to the game. Instead, he is to be remembered as the great waffler. Hopefully, we can all just put it to rest. Now, as of this moment, I am going to stop talking about Brett Favre. I would greatly appreciate it if everybody would join me. Congrats on one last push Brett.
Monday, January 25, 2010
What a Weekend!!
Quite an unbelievable 2 games that we saw this weekend. We saw the Jets get up on the Colts pretty early, but, as they have done all year long, the Colts adjusted and came back. Manning showed why he is the MVP of the league, yet again, and we can all finally shut up about the Colts not being able to win in the playoffs. They already proved that they could when they won the Super Bowl just a couple years back. Give them some love when they deserve it everybody! Kudos to the Jets, as well. Though they were unable to do it for the whole game, they did have Manning and the Colts on their heels for a bit. A big up and down season that they've had, but Sanchez played very well, especially for a rookie. He kept his composure and didn't let the moment frighten him. He played well, and the Jets will be in good shape with him going forward.
That was an amazing game between the Vikings and the Saints. A lot can be said about things in the game, you can question the calls in the overtime, but the bottom line is that Minnesota let that game get away. They turned the ball over 5 times in that game, and AP acted as if the ball had just been freshly waxed with how he was fumbling. The be all end all of this is that you should not hear a single one of the Vikings complain about the calls that were made because they didn't make the plays necessary to avoid ever being put in that situation to begin with. Fumbles, bad passes that led to interceptions, they allowed the Saints to stick around when the Vikes probably could have won by 2 touchdowns. Plus, if you have your back to the ball and play the receiver fully, you will get called for pass interference 10 times out of 10. You have to be playing the ball. Then, you can't expect them to overturn that spot. A hell of a job by Pierre Thomas for holding on to that ball. How did he manage to not have that pop out? Unbelievable. Unflappable Saints.
Now we begin to approach Super Sunday. Two #1 seeds in the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl XXVIII (28) when the Cowboys beat the Bills for the second time in a row. These two teams aren't just #1 seeds, but they are clearly the best 2 teams in the league this year. So nice when you actually get to see the 2 best have a knock down drag out for the championship (See BCS, it can be done without computers!). Plus, we have the 2 best quarterbacks ready to duke it out in one of the most epic shootouts in Super Bowl history! I'm very excited! I haven't been this excited for a Super Bowl since the G-men beat the Patriots and kept them from going undefeated, although that was after the game not before it. Any way it turns out, and I will put my picks up just before the end of next week, it will be one hell of a game! Congrats to the Colts for again winning the AFC for the 2nd time in 4 years. And a huge congrats to the New Orleans Saints for making the first trip to the Super Bowl in the history of their franchise. It has been well earned!
That was an amazing game between the Vikings and the Saints. A lot can be said about things in the game, you can question the calls in the overtime, but the bottom line is that Minnesota let that game get away. They turned the ball over 5 times in that game, and AP acted as if the ball had just been freshly waxed with how he was fumbling. The be all end all of this is that you should not hear a single one of the Vikings complain about the calls that were made because they didn't make the plays necessary to avoid ever being put in that situation to begin with. Fumbles, bad passes that led to interceptions, they allowed the Saints to stick around when the Vikes probably could have won by 2 touchdowns. Plus, if you have your back to the ball and play the receiver fully, you will get called for pass interference 10 times out of 10. You have to be playing the ball. Then, you can't expect them to overturn that spot. A hell of a job by Pierre Thomas for holding on to that ball. How did he manage to not have that pop out? Unbelievable. Unflappable Saints.
Now we begin to approach Super Sunday. Two #1 seeds in the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl XXVIII (28) when the Cowboys beat the Bills for the second time in a row. These two teams aren't just #1 seeds, but they are clearly the best 2 teams in the league this year. So nice when you actually get to see the 2 best have a knock down drag out for the championship (See BCS, it can be done without computers!). Plus, we have the 2 best quarterbacks ready to duke it out in one of the most epic shootouts in Super Bowl history! I'm very excited! I haven't been this excited for a Super Bowl since the G-men beat the Patriots and kept them from going undefeated, although that was after the game not before it. Any way it turns out, and I will put my picks up just before the end of next week, it will be one hell of a game! Congrats to the Colts for again winning the AFC for the 2nd time in 4 years. And a huge congrats to the New Orleans Saints for making the first trip to the Super Bowl in the history of their franchise. It has been well earned!
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