Dear Bob,
Thank you so much for reminding me. A day after a historic inauguration and affirmation that this is the greatest country known to man, one that provides unlimited opportunity for all; your article in the Globe today made sure that our original sin stiil hangs on us. The sin that only the martyrdom of the white male liberal and his resurrection in the halcyon days of the 60's have we been spared from Judgement Day. The sacrifice you made Bob, you and your grey haired aging hipster friends to make sure that we must never forget that black people are first and foremost Black.
Being born in 1977 Bob all I knew was Bill Cosby and the couple of black kids I was friends with in school as an examples of black Americans. Problem was, I was ignorant to the fact that there was a difference. People like you educated me man. Ignorant as I was I just thought they were kids like me and Bill Cosby was an actor like Ted Danson. Stupidly I thought the only difference was that they and I, being Italian and Greek, did not need as much sun screen at the YMCA pool in Peabody as some of the other kids with red and blonde hair.
But the baby boomers saved me Bob. The baby boomers saved me from ever forgetting that there was a difference. Through the 80s we almost forgot. But when one of your own, a pot smoking, Free Love loving, True Beleiver became President in 1992 we were educated on how awful we had been. He taught us that there was no way that we could look past their color and just treat them as equals; pushing quotas, affirmative action and hate crimes. And as a testament to his, and other liberals, commitment to discourse on the issue, he encouraged an almost zealous penchant for decrying Speech as Hateful at every turn.
That beautiful discourse and what we are allowed to say comes through so perfectly in your piece. Free Non Hate Racial Speech is almost dictionary definined on your appluase of the NBA for its commitment to a color blind society that is truly post racial. In being one of the most skewed demographical percentage in its hiring practices it takes the 6% of the population that is black males and makes them 90% of the employes in that facet of the company. Where a bigoted person would use color blindness to state that only if the NBA was 6% black, 67% white, and 15% hispanic as they do in such insignificant areas such as police, fire or senator and Supreme Court positions, the NBA gets it right by making white males inferior, black males superior and show us finally the greatest example of racial progress and color blindness that America has ever seen: The black dominated workforce.
In George Orwells 1984 there is a passage that we all agree with:War is Peace, Freedom is slavery, Ignorance is strength. To add to that passage: Racism is colorblindness, to wit, only through obsessing on race can we truly be color blind.
And it takes men like you Bob to put is in the situation we are in now. To remind us that truly only an NBA type country, black superiortiy, white infeiority can be the end-game. The only true levling of the playing field.
And you did it the way you children of the 60's did. Born to men who won WW2, you knew you could do it better than that generation. You shunned the big name papers and gave up your salary to the little people. You sold your home in your beautiful town and traded it for a family in Dorchester in the name of diversity. You realize that your pay check is justified by nothing. You know that in life sports is the playground and obviously not worth as much as teachers and police and firefighters. So you've given your share to the community and allowed for your pulpit to be that of the people. Free to all. You baby boomers, the teenagers of the late 60's did not give up your morals, your view on life. You never would wear suits, drive that fancy car, be a part of that facist corporate structure.
"Does this mean we are now post-racial?" you ask in your article. No so fast, thanks to people like you Bob. Thank God you are there, to remind us that to get to being color blind we must first and foremost realize that we are defined by our color.
Thank You;
Big Brother
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Finally.
Finally.
Since 2004 baseball has pretty much been dead. Sure as a Red Sox fan I celebrated in 2007 after the sweep of Colorado's Triple A Affiliate but something was missing. The next day I went about my business, saw the parade on TV, bought my Papelbon jersey etc...
But I don't think my heart rate ever went above 4.
I loved the Cleveland series in '07, don't get me wrong, but I didn't hate Cleveland. I always love beating the Angels, as they did this year, but they are just Pittsburgh Steeler-esque "The Best Team Lost" paper champions.
(sidenote1: Where was all the "The best team lost today" garbage when the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl? I mean the classless, pond scum Patriots lead by their disrespectful scumbag of a coach surely would have at least risen to the level of a John Lackey or Jerome Bettis, no?)
(sidenote 2: I cannot wait until they lose to the Chargers this weekend.)
But I don't hate Cleveland, I don't hate the Angels.
I only hate one team. The only one that matters.
Yesterday standing in front of the cameras with his big dumb 200 million dollar smile Mark Teixiera conjured up the most bittersweet of emotions. Was I pissed, yup. Did I love it? yup.
Darth Vader rebuilt the Death Star. The machines have sent back another Terminator, Moriarty has devised another devious plan.
The Yeankees are back.
And nothing makes this Red Sox fan happier.
Since 2004 baseball has pretty much been dead. Sure as a Red Sox fan I celebrated in 2007 after the sweep of Colorado's Triple A Affiliate but something was missing. The next day I went about my business, saw the parade on TV, bought my Papelbon jersey etc...
But I don't think my heart rate ever went above 4.
I loved the Cleveland series in '07, don't get me wrong, but I didn't hate Cleveland. I always love beating the Angels, as they did this year, but they are just Pittsburgh Steeler-esque "The Best Team Lost" paper champions.
(sidenote1: Where was all the "The best team lost today" garbage when the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl? I mean the classless, pond scum Patriots lead by their disrespectful scumbag of a coach surely would have at least risen to the level of a John Lackey or Jerome Bettis, no?)
(sidenote 2: I cannot wait until they lose to the Chargers this weekend.)
But I don't hate Cleveland, I don't hate the Angels.
I only hate one team. The only one that matters.
Yesterday standing in front of the cameras with his big dumb 200 million dollar smile Mark Teixiera conjured up the most bittersweet of emotions. Was I pissed, yup. Did I love it? yup.
Darth Vader rebuilt the Death Star. The machines have sent back another Terminator, Moriarty has devised another devious plan.
The Yeankees are back.
And nothing makes this Red Sox fan happier.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Manny Part II
Checkmate
Theres only one move.
You know what it is.
He's sitting out there. Looming. Waiting for the impossible to happen.
It could happen. Nothing is ever over when its just business. It can be worked out. Parameters, stipulations. Its the perfect storm.
The Red Sox have to go get Manny Ramirez.
Its insanity, its so far out of the realm that no one wants to even say it out loud, but the Yankees just signed the second best bat on the market for the highest dollars out there.
Manny at 20 mil per year for 3 years...
We were ready to do it for 2 if he hadn't opened his big mouth.
Now truth be told its almost a done deal that Manny is going to the Dodgers,its just how much Boras can bluff them into paying. But if Boras is truly the master he realizes that an enormous market just opened back up with the Yankees grabbing Teixiera, and the best part is, Manny has already played in it before.
If John Henry is truly the businessman I think he is, he realizes value when he sees it. He was trumped by Cashman this time. His move of pulling out on Thursday night was tremendous and it almost worked, tipping Boras' hand when it looked like he held all the cards.
But Boras still had one up his sleeve. The deck was loaded and Henry didn't even know it.
Now Henry is backed into a corner with only one possible shot at a win.
The contract could have clauses in it. Incentives for games played, incentives for MVP performances, "good citizen" clauses where if he makes it through a season without a benching for "good cause" triggers another 500,000.
Sure he's a pain in the ass. Sure he pushes 70 year old guys and may be a closet racist (remember "white devils"? Not enough to call him a bigot? Okay, he's a "brown devil". Yeah, pretty bad) but he can hit, he can hit better than anyone i've ever seen.
Make no mistake about it, Mark Teixiera cannot hold Manny Ramirez' hair net when it comes to putting a wooden bat on a cowksin ball. He can hit, yes, he cannot hit like Manny. Manny can hit anyone, at any time, ever. What he does when the heat is on is even more amazing. Need a hit to keep you alive against the best closer in baseball? Manny steps up and lets K Rod know that he, not anyone else, is a bad man.
Make no mistake about it. I cannot personally stand Manny Ramirez. I accepted his stupidty and immaturity and complete lack of class for 6 years because the man could hit. When he shoved Jack McCormick the 70 year old ex-police officer and veteran he lost me. It was a disgusting display from a disgusting person. And when he quit on the team my digust dug in even further, but there are two things that allow me to cheer for him to put on a Red Sox uniform again:
1. Everyone screws up. Sincere regret and an illustration that ways have changed go a long way.
2. Why punish myself because he's a jackass?
The guy acts like a jerk and we are shortchanged even further? Wouldnt the ultimate punishment be to come back, hat in hand, and have to play here again, admitting that the "insulting" and "disrespectful" 20 million per year by the "white devils" was actually his market value?
I can think of no bigger masterstroke to trump the Yankees except for the impending image of Hank Steinbrenner driving to Washington in his Prius asking President Obama to bail out the Yankees.
Don't do it Barry, I see you with that White Sox hat on
Theres only one move.
You know what it is.
He's sitting out there. Looming. Waiting for the impossible to happen.
It could happen. Nothing is ever over when its just business. It can be worked out. Parameters, stipulations. Its the perfect storm.
The Red Sox have to go get Manny Ramirez.
Its insanity, its so far out of the realm that no one wants to even say it out loud, but the Yankees just signed the second best bat on the market for the highest dollars out there.
Manny at 20 mil per year for 3 years...
We were ready to do it for 2 if he hadn't opened his big mouth.
Now truth be told its almost a done deal that Manny is going to the Dodgers,its just how much Boras can bluff them into paying. But if Boras is truly the master he realizes that an enormous market just opened back up with the Yankees grabbing Teixiera, and the best part is, Manny has already played in it before.
If John Henry is truly the businessman I think he is, he realizes value when he sees it. He was trumped by Cashman this time. His move of pulling out on Thursday night was tremendous and it almost worked, tipping Boras' hand when it looked like he held all the cards.
But Boras still had one up his sleeve. The deck was loaded and Henry didn't even know it.
Now Henry is backed into a corner with only one possible shot at a win.
The contract could have clauses in it. Incentives for games played, incentives for MVP performances, "good citizen" clauses where if he makes it through a season without a benching for "good cause" triggers another 500,000.
Sure he's a pain in the ass. Sure he pushes 70 year old guys and may be a closet racist (remember "white devils"? Not enough to call him a bigot? Okay, he's a "brown devil". Yeah, pretty bad) but he can hit, he can hit better than anyone i've ever seen.
Make no mistake about it, Mark Teixiera cannot hold Manny Ramirez' hair net when it comes to putting a wooden bat on a cowksin ball. He can hit, yes, he cannot hit like Manny. Manny can hit anyone, at any time, ever. What he does when the heat is on is even more amazing. Need a hit to keep you alive against the best closer in baseball? Manny steps up and lets K Rod know that he, not anyone else, is a bad man.
Make no mistake about it. I cannot personally stand Manny Ramirez. I accepted his stupidty and immaturity and complete lack of class for 6 years because the man could hit. When he shoved Jack McCormick the 70 year old ex-police officer and veteran he lost me. It was a disgusting display from a disgusting person. And when he quit on the team my digust dug in even further, but there are two things that allow me to cheer for him to put on a Red Sox uniform again:
1. Everyone screws up. Sincere regret and an illustration that ways have changed go a long way.
2. Why punish myself because he's a jackass?
The guy acts like a jerk and we are shortchanged even further? Wouldnt the ultimate punishment be to come back, hat in hand, and have to play here again, admitting that the "insulting" and "disrespectful" 20 million per year by the "white devils" was actually his market value?
I can think of no bigger masterstroke to trump the Yankees except for the impending image of Hank Steinbrenner driving to Washington in his Prius asking President Obama to bail out the Yankees.
Don't do it Barry, I see you with that White Sox hat on
Monday, November 10, 2008
Fantasy Monday
Rob Legrow is still a moolie who can't figure out the Internet, so his words follow:
Little bit more serious tone to this one.
I am not proud that Barack Obama won the Presidency. I do not think that there is any pride in electing a socialist who believes in redistribution of wealth and whose closest spiritual advisor is a racist, anti-semite who speaks more vile and venom than Nathan Bedford Forrest could have dreamed of, just because he is black. I would think it was great to elect a president who is Klan member just because he is white.
That said I hope he does a terrific job. I hope the country flourishes and I can come here four years from now and say "I have never been so happy to be wrong."
This is the same feeling that you have when one of your top fantasy players is going against your real life team. That is happening today with Marshawn Lynch who is going against my Patriots today. I think he goes off. I think he runs for 120 and two scores. I think that the Patriots Defense cannot stop big running backs and never could. I still remember Priest Holmes ripping them up in Week 6 of 2002.
But I will never be so happy to be wrong.
On to the picks:
1. Maurice Jones Drew @ Detroit.
That is all.
2 David Garrard.@ Detroit
Ditto.
3. Lynch
Tedy Bruschi, Ellis Hobbs, Deltha O Neal should not be playing professional football right now.
4. Greg Camarillo
I flat love this guy. The poor man's Wes Welker. Who was the poor man's Troy Brown until he got the most powerful mustache this side of Selleck circa '87.
5. Jacksonvilles Defense.
Yes. The Raiders are starting Daunte Culpepper. This is a gift from Jesus Christ himself that I get to laugh at this guy again. It was truly amazing watching Carney Hands for the 10 years previous. I know he can iive up to my image of him.
6. Tim Hightower
2008 for "Ryan Grant"
7.Anyone in the Texans passing game.
Sage Rosenschaub is the prototype Great at fantasy, stinks in real life. Although thats usually reversed, Rosenfells pulls it off. Man throws and throws and throws and then throws some more, usually at least one too many.
Sit down!
1. Donnie Avery
No chance the Rams do anything.
2. Steelers WRs
No Ben. No chance.
3. Detroits Defense
Not that you were considering it.
4. Chris Johnson/ Lendale White
Chicago is going to come out flying.
5. Matt Forte
Jeff Fisher spent oceans of time trying to figure out who could hurt him more: Matt Forte or Rex Grossman
Until next week we will be pondering Obama's progressive taxes and handout society that is coming. Want to go to work, want to suceed in America?
Little bit more serious tone to this one.
I am not proud that Barack Obama won the Presidency. I do not think that there is any pride in electing a socialist who believes in redistribution of wealth and whose closest spiritual advisor is a racist, anti-semite who speaks more vile and venom than Nathan Bedford Forrest could have dreamed of, just because he is black. I would think it was great to elect a president who is Klan member just because he is white.
That said I hope he does a terrific job. I hope the country flourishes and I can come here four years from now and say "I have never been so happy to be wrong."
This is the same feeling that you have when one of your top fantasy players is going against your real life team. That is happening today with Marshawn Lynch who is going against my Patriots today. I think he goes off. I think he runs for 120 and two scores. I think that the Patriots Defense cannot stop big running backs and never could. I still remember Priest Holmes ripping them up in Week 6 of 2002.
But I will never be so happy to be wrong.
On to the picks:
1. Maurice Jones Drew @ Detroit.
That is all.
2 David Garrard.@ Detroit
Ditto.
3. Lynch
Tedy Bruschi, Ellis Hobbs, Deltha O Neal should not be playing professional football right now.
4. Greg Camarillo
I flat love this guy. The poor man's Wes Welker. Who was the poor man's Troy Brown until he got the most powerful mustache this side of Selleck circa '87.
5. Jacksonvilles Defense.
Yes. The Raiders are starting Daunte Culpepper. This is a gift from Jesus Christ himself that I get to laugh at this guy again. It was truly amazing watching Carney Hands for the 10 years previous. I know he can iive up to my image of him.
6. Tim Hightower
2008 for "Ryan Grant"
7.Anyone in the Texans passing game.
Sage Rosenschaub is the prototype Great at fantasy, stinks in real life. Although thats usually reversed, Rosenfells pulls it off. Man throws and throws and throws and then throws some more, usually at least one too many.
Sit down!
1. Donnie Avery
No chance the Rams do anything.
2. Steelers WRs
No Ben. No chance.
3. Detroits Defense
Not that you were considering it.
4. Chris Johnson/ Lendale White
Chicago is going to come out flying.
5. Matt Forte
Jeff Fisher spent oceans of time trying to figure out who could hurt him more: Matt Forte or Rex Grossman
Until next week we will be pondering Obama's progressive taxes and handout society that is coming. Want to go to work, want to suceed in America?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Whadda We Got
Rob Legrow is too busy readying his Romney-Palin '12 signs to learn how to post to a blog, so his words follow:
Brady Quinn
Ready for this?
This is like Aaron Rodgers without the controversy but with an even better offense. Edwards, Winslow, Stallworth(?), Jamal Lewis will make this easy for him. He's sat back, waited, watched and learned and now he has Denver's defense to throw at. Clevland makes a run at the playoffs, a possible 7-1 over the next 8 gamess.
Tim Hightower-
This is like Part II of MBIII and the spin-off of Aaron Rodgers/Brady Quinn.
Get enough stupid Hollywood administration references? No? Go read Matthew Berry, he loves that shit.
Kurt Warner is still nasty.
Adrian Peterson is ready to establish that he is the best back in football.
Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels should combine to form one quarterback, like in Seinfeld when George and Jerry team up to become one boyfriend or the "Raybert" episode in Everybody Loves Raymond.
Sage Schuab.
Matt Rosenfels.
Matt Rosenschaub.
Sage Rosenschaub
Incense and Peppermints.
Doest matter, Andre Johnson is still the best all around receiver in football not named Roddy White.
Matt Ryan is for real. The best thing to come out of BC since Fred Smerlas.
Before this season Matt Cassel last played a real live football game in high school. This cannot be overemphasized. The man shows up straight out of Best of Times and is Kurt Russelling his way to wins.
In all seriousness, he hit Gaffney PERFECT. In stride, beautiful pass and the drop was inexcusable. Normally I won't do this: "If he did this and he did that then this would have happened.", but I think we all can agree that that Gaffney throw HAS to be caught. So check his numbers if you give Gaffney that catch:
26/34 250 yards 1TD
Nice and efficient. 8 wasted passes. With the ground game getting healthy, this team could be okay.
Oh wait, they have THE WORST CORNERBACKS IN FOOTBALL.
I will say however that this is the first time I have ever seen someone get better before my eyes since Brady. People wonder what Bellichick saw in this kid and how he found Brady, it was his ability to learn, his intelligence, his read progression, his footwork, his poise and most importantly his coachability. In short, having the knowledge to know that he doesnt know everything.
Your All Star Sleeper Team for Week 9
QB - Quinn
RB- Hightower
RB -Forte
WR- Berrian
WR- Camarillo
TE- Visanthe Shiancoe
DEF- Miami
K - Elam
Brady Quinn
Ready for this?
This is like Aaron Rodgers without the controversy but with an even better offense. Edwards, Winslow, Stallworth(?), Jamal Lewis will make this easy for him. He's sat back, waited, watched and learned and now he has Denver's defense to throw at. Clevland makes a run at the playoffs, a possible 7-1 over the next 8 gamess.
Tim Hightower-
This is like Part II of MBIII and the spin-off of Aaron Rodgers/Brady Quinn.
Get enough stupid Hollywood administration references? No? Go read Matthew Berry, he loves that shit.
Kurt Warner is still nasty.
Adrian Peterson is ready to establish that he is the best back in football.
Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels should combine to form one quarterback, like in Seinfeld when George and Jerry team up to become one boyfriend or the "Raybert" episode in Everybody Loves Raymond.
Sage Schuab.
Matt Rosenfels.
Matt Rosenschaub.
Sage Rosenschaub
Incense and Peppermints.
Doest matter, Andre Johnson is still the best all around receiver in football not named Roddy White.
Matt Ryan is for real. The best thing to come out of BC since Fred Smerlas.
Before this season Matt Cassel last played a real live football game in high school. This cannot be overemphasized. The man shows up straight out of Best of Times and is Kurt Russelling his way to wins.
In all seriousness, he hit Gaffney PERFECT. In stride, beautiful pass and the drop was inexcusable. Normally I won't do this: "If he did this and he did that then this would have happened.", but I think we all can agree that that Gaffney throw HAS to be caught. So check his numbers if you give Gaffney that catch:
26/34 250 yards 1TD
Nice and efficient. 8 wasted passes. With the ground game getting healthy, this team could be okay.
Oh wait, they have THE WORST CORNERBACKS IN FOOTBALL.
I will say however that this is the first time I have ever seen someone get better before my eyes since Brady. People wonder what Bellichick saw in this kid and how he found Brady, it was his ability to learn, his intelligence, his read progression, his footwork, his poise and most importantly his coachability. In short, having the knowledge to know that he doesnt know everything.
Your All Star Sleeper Team for Week 9
QB - Quinn
RB- Hightower
RB -Forte
WR- Berrian
WR- Camarillo
TE- Visanthe Shiancoe
DEF- Miami
K - Elam
Friday, October 31, 2008
All right, all right, ALL RIGHT
Rob Legrow's apparently Dazed & Confused, and can't figure out technology, so his words follow mine:
Channel my innner Wooderson here.
No opener, lets get into it!
1. Ernie G's please stand up!
Earnest Graham is going to flat go off this week. A horrendous Kansas City defense, no Warrick Dunn etc.. etc.. sometimes these things need no more explanation.
I like to think of Ernie G's are Ryan G's Good Twin. That Ryan Grant is the evil one. The one that stinks. How can you not love the guy? He played fullback for an entire half three games ago. And Little Mouth Dunn said it was one of the most unselfish things he's ever seen. Although he also said he'd "never do Cat Fancy again" and lets see if he can keep that promise.
Graham pops for 120 and 2 scores. Catches 3 passes for 25 more yards. Flat monster this week.
2. (Insert QB Playing Bears This Week)
Kyle Orton
'Nuff said.
3. Dallas Clark
Pats secondary is horrendous and Manning has to throw to someone. Clark has been his most valuable receiver this year and Rodeny is out. Merriweather can only do so much.
This guy is really dictionary definition boom or bust. I had him last yera for a bit, he sucked I picked up Ben Watson, he was then awesome. Ben Watson for six weeks was okay and then we learned that in some cultures Ben Watson is loosely translated into "Vernon Davis".
4. Roddy White.
AKA the best player ever.
5. Everyone offensive player on Miami, Brandon Marshall, Jay Cutler. Miami Defense.
Cutler is going to throw throw throw. 24 hours we never close.
Pennington is going to dink and dunk.
Brown and Williams will power around.
Offensive showdown.
Thing is, I am going to pick Denver to win, but I don't know why. I think Miami has the better defense, I dont think Denver's ground game is what it once was and I think Miami's offense is perfect to pick this team apart.
Its Miami man.
6. Lamont Jordan
Perfect matchup for him to come off the injury list. The Colts can stop no one. Especially not a bruiser like Jordan. Plus Bellichick knows the only way to minimize the effect of that Clown College he has in the secondary is to keep it on the ground and kill clock. Pound pound pound.
No thank you
1. Anyone on Baltimore or Cleveland.
This is a 13-10 special.
2. Chad Ocho Cinco
a Must Sit now.
3. Ryan Grant.
One year wonder.
4. Calvin Johnson.
Think of it as a character builder Calvin. Teams will love you for it in free agency.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Not-Quite-Halfway Point
Rob Legrow's crusade against technology continues, as his blogging skills approach the same level of the Olson Twins weight-gaining regimen.
Therefore, his words start here:
Patriot Reign II?
The Patriots are at worst a .500 team. If they go .500 over the next 8 games, they are 9-7. I figured they would be around 10-6 when Brady went out but after watching the debacle in SD I was hoping they'd win just 6 games. The offense is getting its rythm back. Are they top echelon? No. But are they a playoff team? Sure. Why not. In 2008? Nothing is certain but death, taxes and Roddy White.
7-0 and counting..
Tennesee has a very good defense and a capable offense. I say capable because Kerry Collins is still Kerry Collins. (Side note: The resurgence of Collins QBs the past couple of years, Pride of Walpole Todd Collins and Kerry Collins; please please tell me Phil is coming out with another album.) Tennesee capitalizes on soft front seven's when they are offense and has the luxury with Courtland Finnegan to focus eight guys on the ground game and dare bad quarterbacks to beat them.
Bob Sanders being out really didnt matter for Tennesee last night, Collins isnt that type of QB. He's a dink and dunk player, Sanders would have been nuetralized in his assignment and having to stay true to coverage lest the Tight Ends or Fullbacks take them apart. Collins is not a shot at the end zone type guy anymore, even though he always had a gun for an arm back in the day. But thats not his role right now, he's all dink and dunks. Collins is accurate and poised (i know, i'm amazed myself) but he simply doesnt have the recievers. You throw a team against the Titans that can stuff run and they will be in some trouble. ,In fact they are very reminciscent of that '99 Giants team Collins took to the Super Bowl with Tiki and Ron Dayne being played by Chris Johnson and Lendale White. However, like that team they will have trouble with a bruising defense such as the Ravens. Funny you should mention that Rob as they did just that this year in Week 5 when they needed a late drive by Collins to beat Baltimore. Look for Jacksonville to take them out at home on November 16th. GB this week also could provide a scare if Rodgers plays and the Pack realizes that Brandon Jackson is their top back.
They take on the iron the next 5 weeks so the dreams of undefeated may last one more week but not much more.
Worst in First -
The AFC West is a legitimate disgrace. I don't know who is coming out of that mess. The first few games it looked like the Bronco's were worldbeaters, then they reverted back to the Brian Griese years. San Diego smokes NE and then looks like Clown University out there. I vote no on The Raiders and the Chiefs are the worst professional football team I have ever seen.
So who are the top teams right now?
Tennesee obviously
Carolina- I know they are paper tigers almost every year but when they put it together they can play. Also, they 6-1 and just now getting their O Line back.
Tampa Bay - Again, its a wierd season. Suffocating defense, solid ground game. Good team concept over there with high quality guys like Dunn and Graham. If they could get rid of Jigsaw Garcia they'd be Kool and The Gang.
Pittsburgh- Almost a completely intact team from last year, possibly the top QB in the league right now even counting that poor performance last week. Holmes suspension hurts though.
Jacksonville -- MJD gets going and they are dangerous.
Houston - Falling in love with this team. Raw defense, nasty offense, Slaton is becoming a presence.
NYGiants - lot of injuries, lot of turmoil, just how they seem to like it. I still don't believe in Eli Manning, he did everything he could to throw that Super Bowl. Ugh God. It still hurts.
NE Pats - This week against Indy will show something. Yes, they are AWFUL at the cornerback position. I would venture to say that the only corner worse than Delta O Neal is Ellis Hobbs. I can't imagine tossing in two guys from the practice squad could look any more inept. The good news is that the D Line looks strong and Merriweather and Sanders could turn into solid safeties if they are allowed to stop having to play third cornerback.
Matt Cassell is getting the offense, he's vibing with his receivers, as evident from the touch on the TD ball he threw to Faulk last week. Look for Terrance Wheatley to get some time at CB and this team to start picking up steam.
Houston - Kind of falling in love with this team. They would be the best team in the AFC North and West and possibly the East. That AFC South is brutal though.
Therefore, his words start here:
Patriot Reign II?
The Patriots are at worst a .500 team. If they go .500 over the next 8 games, they are 9-7. I figured they would be around 10-6 when Brady went out but after watching the debacle in SD I was hoping they'd win just 6 games. The offense is getting its rythm back. Are they top echelon? No. But are they a playoff team? Sure. Why not. In 2008? Nothing is certain but death, taxes and Roddy White.
7-0 and counting..
Tennesee has a very good defense and a capable offense. I say capable because Kerry Collins is still Kerry Collins. (Side note: The resurgence of Collins QBs the past couple of years, Pride of Walpole Todd Collins and Kerry Collins; please please tell me Phil is coming out with another album.) Tennesee capitalizes on soft front seven's when they are offense and has the luxury with Courtland Finnegan to focus eight guys on the ground game and dare bad quarterbacks to beat them.
Bob Sanders being out really didnt matter for Tennesee last night, Collins isnt that type of QB. He's a dink and dunk player, Sanders would have been nuetralized in his assignment and having to stay true to coverage lest the Tight Ends or Fullbacks take them apart. Collins is not a shot at the end zone type guy anymore, even though he always had a gun for an arm back in the day. But thats not his role right now, he's all dink and dunks. Collins is accurate and poised (i know, i'm amazed myself) but he simply doesnt have the recievers. You throw a team against the Titans that can stuff run and they will be in some trouble. ,In fact they are very reminciscent of that '99 Giants team Collins took to the Super Bowl with Tiki and Ron Dayne being played by Chris Johnson and Lendale White. However, like that team they will have trouble with a bruising defense such as the Ravens. Funny you should mention that Rob as they did just that this year in Week 5 when they needed a late drive by Collins to beat Baltimore. Look for Jacksonville to take them out at home on November 16th. GB this week also could provide a scare if Rodgers plays and the Pack realizes that Brandon Jackson is their top back.
They take on the iron the next 5 weeks so the dreams of undefeated may last one more week but not much more.
Worst in First -
The AFC West is a legitimate disgrace. I don't know who is coming out of that mess. The first few games it looked like the Bronco's were worldbeaters, then they reverted back to the Brian Griese years. San Diego smokes NE and then looks like Clown University out there. I vote no on The Raiders and the Chiefs are the worst professional football team I have ever seen.
So who are the top teams right now?
Tennesee obviously
Carolina- I know they are paper tigers almost every year but when they put it together they can play. Also, they 6-1 and just now getting their O Line back.
Tampa Bay - Again, its a wierd season. Suffocating defense, solid ground game. Good team concept over there with high quality guys like Dunn and Graham. If they could get rid of Jigsaw Garcia they'd be Kool and The Gang.
Pittsburgh- Almost a completely intact team from last year, possibly the top QB in the league right now even counting that poor performance last week. Holmes suspension hurts though.
Jacksonville -- MJD gets going and they are dangerous.
Houston - Falling in love with this team. Raw defense, nasty offense, Slaton is becoming a presence.
NYGiants - lot of injuries, lot of turmoil, just how they seem to like it. I still don't believe in Eli Manning, he did everything he could to throw that Super Bowl. Ugh God. It still hurts.
NE Pats - This week against Indy will show something. Yes, they are AWFUL at the cornerback position. I would venture to say that the only corner worse than Delta O Neal is Ellis Hobbs. I can't imagine tossing in two guys from the practice squad could look any more inept. The good news is that the D Line looks strong and Merriweather and Sanders could turn into solid safeties if they are allowed to stop having to play third cornerback.
Matt Cassell is getting the offense, he's vibing with his receivers, as evident from the touch on the TD ball he threw to Faulk last week. Look for Terrance Wheatley to get some time at CB and this team to start picking up steam.
Houston - Kind of falling in love with this team. They would be the best team in the AFC North and West and possibly the East. That AFC South is brutal though.
Monday, October 27, 2008
What We Have Learned
Rob Legrow, who is to technology what Ted Stevens is to ethics, still can't figure out how to post to a blog, so his words start here:
Well with a game to go tonight that might tell us a whole lot we'll recap this weekends action.
Donnie Avery is for real. Deep threat extraordinare.
Matt Cassell is coming along. Shocking that right now there are only about 8 or 9 starting QBs I'd take in front of him. That means Matt Cassell is a Top 10 QB. Yes. That is correct. A man who had not started a game since high school 8 weeks ago is now a top ten NFL QB. Look at the league, who would you rather have?
Peyton
Brees
Rivers
Schaub
Cutler
Warner
Don't give me Favre, he isn't a quarterback, he's a football thrower. He is going to cost them big time down there in the Meadowlands and its going to be when it counts.
I would say outside of those 6 its a toss up. Kerry Collins? David Garrard? Jason Campbell? Matt Ryan? I don't see the seperation between them and Cassell and if anything I would say that his play has markedly improved the past two weeks while theres has been stagnant at best. Jeff Garcia? No thanks.
So Cassell keeps improving, keeps getting better. He is starting to get a real feel for Moss and Welker. The ground game if Morris can get back within two weeks has a nice little pop with he and Ben Jarvis Green Ellis Watson Hobbs Bellichick or BeeGee for short hitting those holes.
And in a league where Kerry Collins is helming the best team in the league? Anything is possible.
The biggest Patriots question is: How can they get CB help? Merriweather and Sanders look good back there but O'Neal and Hobbs are brutal. Don't forget that this has been thier Achilles Heel for 4 years now or since the departure of Ty Law. The lack of being able to give safety help on the run and instead having to always roll coverage has allowed for Tight Ends in this league and speed rushers to go OFF, especially with the suddenly slow footed OLB situation and the rapid decline of Tedy Bruschi.
Drew Brees is nasty, Phillip Rivers is equally raw and I guarantee he and Cutler make the AFC West quite fun for a few years with a legitimate rivalry. Bottom line: I dont think these guys like each other.
Houston is back on track.
Starting a team, first Wide Reciever I take is Roddy White. R.A.W.
Then Andre Johnson.
I do not however take Plaxico Burress.
I still think Cleveland would be far better served to start Brady Quinn right now.
Also, the Soldier has run his course. I'd bench him.
Only possible thing that could have saved Vernon Davis from being the black Ryan Leaf just happened.
You can pick up Mewelde Moore now.
Well with a game to go tonight that might tell us a whole lot we'll recap this weekends action.
Donnie Avery is for real. Deep threat extraordinare.
Matt Cassell is coming along. Shocking that right now there are only about 8 or 9 starting QBs I'd take in front of him. That means Matt Cassell is a Top 10 QB. Yes. That is correct. A man who had not started a game since high school 8 weeks ago is now a top ten NFL QB. Look at the league, who would you rather have?
Peyton
Brees
Rivers
Schaub
Cutler
Warner
Don't give me Favre, he isn't a quarterback, he's a football thrower. He is going to cost them big time down there in the Meadowlands and its going to be when it counts.
I would say outside of those 6 its a toss up. Kerry Collins? David Garrard? Jason Campbell? Matt Ryan? I don't see the seperation between them and Cassell and if anything I would say that his play has markedly improved the past two weeks while theres has been stagnant at best. Jeff Garcia? No thanks.
So Cassell keeps improving, keeps getting better. He is starting to get a real feel for Moss and Welker. The ground game if Morris can get back within two weeks has a nice little pop with he and Ben Jarvis Green Ellis Watson Hobbs Bellichick or BeeGee for short hitting those holes.
And in a league where Kerry Collins is helming the best team in the league? Anything is possible.
The biggest Patriots question is: How can they get CB help? Merriweather and Sanders look good back there but O'Neal and Hobbs are brutal. Don't forget that this has been thier Achilles Heel for 4 years now or since the departure of Ty Law. The lack of being able to give safety help on the run and instead having to always roll coverage has allowed for Tight Ends in this league and speed rushers to go OFF, especially with the suddenly slow footed OLB situation and the rapid decline of Tedy Bruschi.
Drew Brees is nasty, Phillip Rivers is equally raw and I guarantee he and Cutler make the AFC West quite fun for a few years with a legitimate rivalry. Bottom line: I dont think these guys like each other.
Houston is back on track.
Starting a team, first Wide Reciever I take is Roddy White. R.A.W.
Then Andre Johnson.
I do not however take Plaxico Burress.
I still think Cleveland would be far better served to start Brady Quinn right now.
Also, the Soldier has run his course. I'd bench him.
Only possible thing that could have saved Vernon Davis from being the black Ryan Leaf just happened.
You can pick up Mewelde Moore now.
Fantasy Waiver Wire
The technologically decrepit Rob Legrow, who is apparently the Hal Gill of computer users, is back with another fantasy column.
His words start here:
Breakouts:
At this point in the season the cream has risen to the top. The injuries have taken their toll. No Tomlinson is not someone you can count on. No McFadden will not be this year's Adrian Peterson. Yes you can get rid of your Bengals.
Tom Brady really is not coming back.
But at this point the one week frauds are exposed, what was that TE's name? Dante Rosario? Wasnt she on Lost? But the real breakouts are coming through.
Normally they are more plentiful in the WR category. RBs typically have one outstanding breaout a year. Two is an extreme rareity. (See Ryan Grant/Earnest Graham) But WRs there are usually no less than five guys throughout the year you can grab. The Coston's, Furrey's, Wes Welker's etc.. You pick up two of these guys and you can deal either of your top two rated WRs for a stud RB or QB.
This is why every year even though theres screaming about the death of the RB-RB fantasy draft system its still the best way to go for 99% of owners. (There are the 1% who are just damn good at predicting and can draft Best Available every round and fill in the blanks later. Lot of balls on that owner. My impression of that guy, who we'll call Grapefruits In His Underwear, at the draft:
Commish: Okay Grapefruits in your underwear, your up with the NO. 3 overall pick
Grapefruits (GF): "Ah I'll take Manning"
All: "Too early for a QB"
Grapefruits leans back and smiles.
One Round Later...
Commish: Okay Grapefruits, you're up..
GF: "TO."
ALL: "No RBs? NO RBS?!?!?!"
GF: "My Teams on the floor"
The crowd goes crazy like its the opening home game for Hickory High. Southern people spew vitriol usually reserved only for dentistry and anti-incest protestors. Liberals use hate speech only reserved for George Bush, Jesus and anyone who thinks 1% different than they do.
Grapefruit's taps his head with his Master Sheet, leans back, smiles and channels his inner Hackman.
Wide Recievers:
Josh Morgan - No. 1 WR in a Martz offense. There's 80% of the job application. Not to mention the kid has speed, hands and is pretty much a physical clone of Torry Holt
Because of Nolan's firing, Martz is high man on the totem pole, regardless of what title Singletary has. Until the Head Coach has a full season under his belt he's not going to have a huge say in the offense and if you'll recall Ol' Number 50 was more of a defensive guy .
Martz will stick with his the Greatest Frauds on Turf offense for the rest of the season and truthfully there is no better system for fantasy QB and WR; for winning games however, well who gives a shit about that?
er
Donnie Avery:
Avery is a player. He's a little undersized but he's all ballplayer. And the man is just flat FAST. I mean world class speed. Guy threw around an unofficial 4.35 at the combine. Ony knock on him is a little bit of Alligator Arms and he's unpolished. But Holt is the superior route runner and the over the middle threat. Avery is a home run hitter who is going to sneak up on some defenses the rest of the year. If Jackson is banged up Linehan will throw and throw a lot. That just means more and more targets. He has the tools, he has the talent. It's Miller Time
RB-
This is the week typically that your breakout RB for this year...well...breaks out.
Lot of forecasts on Ben Jarvis Green Ellis Hobbs Watson Brady and I like him, but I also love Maurice Morris from Seattle. He's healthy and the pass game is wrecked. Someone has to get plays called for them. Please forget Julius Jones; the guy is a paper tiger. He's like the Steelers from 96-2004. (Yay you won a title because you played Seattle. Really super. Never did a thing against Bellichick. Guess the best team just kept losing over and over again huh? Losers.)
Also, get ready for Brady Quinn this week. He'll come in in the third quarter down 20 points and lead them back to either winning or coming really close.
His words start here:
Breakouts:
At this point in the season the cream has risen to the top. The injuries have taken their toll. No Tomlinson is not someone you can count on. No McFadden will not be this year's Adrian Peterson. Yes you can get rid of your Bengals.
Tom Brady really is not coming back.
But at this point the one week frauds are exposed, what was that TE's name? Dante Rosario? Wasnt she on Lost? But the real breakouts are coming through.
Normally they are more plentiful in the WR category. RBs typically have one outstanding breaout a year. Two is an extreme rareity. (See Ryan Grant/Earnest Graham) But WRs there are usually no less than five guys throughout the year you can grab. The Coston's, Furrey's, Wes Welker's etc.. You pick up two of these guys and you can deal either of your top two rated WRs for a stud RB or QB.
This is why every year even though theres screaming about the death of the RB-RB fantasy draft system its still the best way to go for 99% of owners. (There are the 1% who are just damn good at predicting and can draft Best Available every round and fill in the blanks later. Lot of balls on that owner. My impression of that guy, who we'll call Grapefruits In His Underwear, at the draft:
Commish: Okay Grapefruits in your underwear, your up with the NO. 3 overall pick
Grapefruits (GF): "Ah I'll take Manning"
All: "Too early for a QB"
Grapefruits leans back and smiles.
One Round Later...
Commish: Okay Grapefruits, you're up..
GF: "TO."
ALL: "No RBs? NO RBS?!?!?!"
GF: "My Teams on the floor"
The crowd goes crazy like its the opening home game for Hickory High. Southern people spew vitriol usually reserved only for dentistry and anti-incest protestors. Liberals use hate speech only reserved for George Bush, Jesus and anyone who thinks 1% different than they do.
Grapefruit's taps his head with his Master Sheet, leans back, smiles and channels his inner Hackman.
Wide Recievers:
Josh Morgan - No. 1 WR in a Martz offense. There's 80% of the job application. Not to mention the kid has speed, hands and is pretty much a physical clone of Torry Holt
Because of Nolan's firing, Martz is high man on the totem pole, regardless of what title Singletary has. Until the Head Coach has a full season under his belt he's not going to have a huge say in the offense and if you'll recall Ol' Number 50 was more of a defensive guy .
Martz will stick with his the Greatest Frauds on Turf offense for the rest of the season and truthfully there is no better system for fantasy QB and WR; for winning games however, well who gives a shit about that?
er
Donnie Avery:
Avery is a player. He's a little undersized but he's all ballplayer. And the man is just flat FAST. I mean world class speed. Guy threw around an unofficial 4.35 at the combine. Ony knock on him is a little bit of Alligator Arms and he's unpolished. But Holt is the superior route runner and the over the middle threat. Avery is a home run hitter who is going to sneak up on some defenses the rest of the year. If Jackson is banged up Linehan will throw and throw a lot. That just means more and more targets. He has the tools, he has the talent. It's Miller Time
RB-
This is the week typically that your breakout RB for this year...well...breaks out.
Lot of forecasts on Ben Jarvis Green Ellis Hobbs Watson Brady and I like him, but I also love Maurice Morris from Seattle. He's healthy and the pass game is wrecked. Someone has to get plays called for them. Please forget Julius Jones; the guy is a paper tiger. He's like the Steelers from 96-2004. (Yay you won a title because you played Seattle. Really super. Never did a thing against Bellichick. Guess the best team just kept losing over and over again huh? Losers.)
Also, get ready for Brady Quinn this week. He'll come in in the third quarter down 20 points and lead them back to either winning or coming really close.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Dallas Blowboys
What the fuck is happening with the Blowboys, er, Cowboys?
All I heard was that Dallas was the Super Bowl favorites, that they would probably cruise through the NFC, and that Tony Romo was so dreamy!
So what happened?
1st, any team coached by a man that looks like this is doomed:
Things Anus Phillips (he is Bum's son, right?) appears to be doing:
A. Contemplating punting with :17 left down 3 points
B. Deciding whether or not the burrito he ate for lunch was a good idea
C. Shitting said burrito into his pants
I mean, this is the man you entrust to use his brainpower to get to the Super Bowl?
Then you have your quarterback. Tony Romo, and no, I wont call him homo - do homos bang this?
Anyways, Romo isn't a terrible QB or anything, but he's not the special talent that others make him out to be. He's not a Brady or Manning, and his level is probably more Brad Johnson (yes, irony for the win). Johnson was good enough to win a Super Bowl, but with a fantastic defense supporting him against Oakland and their Committment to Excrement.
Don't even get me started on Terribly Overexposed. I wont question his physical toughness (the man could have won Super Bowl MVP on a broken leg had the Eagles won it), but the clownshoes act has worn painfully thin. Ditch him, let Patrick Crayton be your #1, and kill the soap opera shit.
Then again, how do you not have soap opera shit when Jerry Jones is around? The man is looking dangerously like Joan Rivers these days and has about as much football sense. 1st, 3rd, and 6th round picks do not equal Roy Fucking Williams (Not to be confused with Roy Fuck I'm Out For The Year Williams). Some say he's outsmarting himself, but a monkey throwing his own shit against the wall outsmarts himself also.
So, I leave you with a message of peace and love:
All I heard was that Dallas was the Super Bowl favorites, that they would probably cruise through the NFC, and that Tony Romo was so dreamy!
So what happened?
1st, any team coached by a man that looks like this is doomed:
Things Anus Phillips (he is Bum's son, right?) appears to be doing:
A. Contemplating punting with :17 left down 3 points
B. Deciding whether or not the burrito he ate for lunch was a good idea
C. Shitting said burrito into his pants
I mean, this is the man you entrust to use his brainpower to get to the Super Bowl?
Then you have your quarterback. Tony Romo, and no, I wont call him homo - do homos bang this?
Anyways, Romo isn't a terrible QB or anything, but he's not the special talent that others make him out to be. He's not a Brady or Manning, and his level is probably more Brad Johnson (yes, irony for the win). Johnson was good enough to win a Super Bowl, but with a fantastic defense supporting him against Oakland and their Committment to Excrement.
Don't even get me started on Terribly Overexposed. I wont question his physical toughness (the man could have won Super Bowl MVP on a broken leg had the Eagles won it), but the clownshoes act has worn painfully thin. Ditch him, let Patrick Crayton be your #1, and kill the soap opera shit.
Then again, how do you not have soap opera shit when Jerry Jones is around? The man is looking dangerously like Joan Rivers these days and has about as much football sense. 1st, 3rd, and 6th round picks do not equal Roy Fucking Williams (Not to be confused with Roy Fuck I'm Out For The Year Williams). Some say he's outsmarting himself, but a monkey throwing his own shit against the wall outsmarts himself also.
So, I leave you with a message of peace and love:
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Flesh For Fantasy
Since Rob LeGrow is a flamer that can't figure out how to log in and post his own shit, I have to do it for him.
Dumbass.
Anyways. his words:
And...we're Back!
Moss, McGahee, Grant are all good to go, great Week 7 performances and now ready to tear it up for the rest of the season.
Uh.
Maybe not.
Football is not really that fickle of a game. It could be a few very good defenses that were underrated at the beginning of the year stuff a great Running Back or maybe the schedule for the first 3 weeks are defenses that can afford double coverage on a normally outstanding Wideout. Those are called Buy Low opportunities.
But other than that, good players, in thieir prime, produce. There are no prolonged slumps or down years. There are tangible reasons as to why guys are good and guys are bad. This is not like baseball where a slump is just "Just not seeing it" or a hot steak is "Its as big as a beachball right now"
Partly because you don't have the luxury of letting the game come to you, lest a 300 pound man knock your face off.
Tony Gonzalez is on the worst professional football team I have ever seen. He is STILL putting up decent numbers. On that team, yeah he's probably about 60% of what he could be. But no one's walking around going "I just don't know whats wrong with Tony G's this year"
However, when people are making excuses and everyone is in the same situation as they were the year before, its probably because the party's over. Ladanian Tomlinson, go sit next to Shaun Alexander. Derek Anderson, stop looking your shoulder, just give Brady Quinn the ball.
Lets hit the spotlights:
RANDY MOSS
Randy Moss is having a bad year because Matt Cassell is not very good. Sure he's shown flashes here and there and has proven, if nothing else, to be a serviceable backup. But do not mistake last nights effort as Cassell having arrived. The situation is not stable. It is Shannahan-esque in causing people to pull their hair out.
Pass on Randy. I dealt him for Andre Johnson three weeks ago when both were floundering and have not looked back. Moss is still Moss, quite possibly the second best reciever ever to play but Johnson was injury free (fingers crossed) and was in the exact same situation he did the year before when he flourished. Moss? 9/7/08. We will never forget.
WILLIS MCGAHEE
Opposing coach:
"THink we should worry about McGahee or Flacco?"
Pass on Willis.
RYAN GRANT
More situational upheaval; hwever, Aaron Rodgers looks legit. Teams shut down the run and Rodgers can beat you by himself. Gutsy and correct move by Green Bay.
Problem is Grant looks slow. Just flat out plodding and with 0 chance of breaking one. (Although Breakaway Speed is in situational upheaval itself after what I watched Lendale White do on Sunday. Comment from the crowd in The Barn as we were watching the replay of Lendale's race to glory : "Romeo Crennel plays for the Titans?")
He fumbles too much and he's not getting goal line touches. His two "breakout" games coming right before he faces Tennesee, Minn, Chicago and New Orleans. Four of the best defenses against the run in the league. Not to mention the fact that he has a case of fumble-itis which assures that he is the 4th overall roster option at best on the goal line.
So what to do with Grant? He's a flier after Week 12, RB3 or a flex against a team that has poor corners and has to give all types of secondary help.
If you have him, sell high now, he's not doing anything for the next four weeks.
If you want him, wait until after the New Orleans game and grab him as a playoff reserve. He is still the starting RB on a team with a solid offense and a very good quarterback. Even then its got to be highway robbery to make sense.
STEPHEN JACKSON
Stephen Jackson on the other hand is for real. Hopefully you hopped on two weeks ago but now its probably too late as at this point he's a little OVERvalued. However, if you can still grab him, especially for my top 3 overrated right now:
1. Romo
2. LdT
3. TO
Then pull the trigger. Remember, the Rams O line is still a disgrace and thats still Jim Haslett over there. The man in good conscience entrusted a team with loads of talent to Aaron Brooks.
Yippie Kay Yay.
Dumbass.
Anyways. his words:
And...we're Back!
Moss, McGahee, Grant are all good to go, great Week 7 performances and now ready to tear it up for the rest of the season.
Uh.
Maybe not.
Football is not really that fickle of a game. It could be a few very good defenses that were underrated at the beginning of the year stuff a great Running Back or maybe the schedule for the first 3 weeks are defenses that can afford double coverage on a normally outstanding Wideout. Those are called Buy Low opportunities.
But other than that, good players, in thieir prime, produce. There are no prolonged slumps or down years. There are tangible reasons as to why guys are good and guys are bad. This is not like baseball where a slump is just "Just not seeing it" or a hot steak is "Its as big as a beachball right now"
Partly because you don't have the luxury of letting the game come to you, lest a 300 pound man knock your face off.
Tony Gonzalez is on the worst professional football team I have ever seen. He is STILL putting up decent numbers. On that team, yeah he's probably about 60% of what he could be. But no one's walking around going "I just don't know whats wrong with Tony G's this year"
However, when people are making excuses and everyone is in the same situation as they were the year before, its probably because the party's over. Ladanian Tomlinson, go sit next to Shaun Alexander. Derek Anderson, stop looking your shoulder, just give Brady Quinn the ball.
Lets hit the spotlights:
RANDY MOSS
Randy Moss is having a bad year because Matt Cassell is not very good. Sure he's shown flashes here and there and has proven, if nothing else, to be a serviceable backup. But do not mistake last nights effort as Cassell having arrived. The situation is not stable. It is Shannahan-esque in causing people to pull their hair out.
Pass on Randy. I dealt him for Andre Johnson three weeks ago when both were floundering and have not looked back. Moss is still Moss, quite possibly the second best reciever ever to play but Johnson was injury free (fingers crossed) and was in the exact same situation he did the year before when he flourished. Moss? 9/7/08. We will never forget.
WILLIS MCGAHEE
Opposing coach:
"THink we should worry about McGahee or Flacco?"
Pass on Willis.
RYAN GRANT
More situational upheaval; hwever, Aaron Rodgers looks legit. Teams shut down the run and Rodgers can beat you by himself. Gutsy and correct move by Green Bay.
Problem is Grant looks slow. Just flat out plodding and with 0 chance of breaking one. (Although Breakaway Speed is in situational upheaval itself after what I watched Lendale White do on Sunday. Comment from the crowd in The Barn as we were watching the replay of Lendale's race to glory : "Romeo Crennel plays for the Titans?")
He fumbles too much and he's not getting goal line touches. His two "breakout" games coming right before he faces Tennesee, Minn, Chicago and New Orleans. Four of the best defenses against the run in the league. Not to mention the fact that he has a case of fumble-itis which assures that he is the 4th overall roster option at best on the goal line.
So what to do with Grant? He's a flier after Week 12, RB3 or a flex against a team that has poor corners and has to give all types of secondary help.
If you have him, sell high now, he's not doing anything for the next four weeks.
If you want him, wait until after the New Orleans game and grab him as a playoff reserve. He is still the starting RB on a team with a solid offense and a very good quarterback. Even then its got to be highway robbery to make sense.
STEPHEN JACKSON
Stephen Jackson on the other hand is for real. Hopefully you hopped on two weeks ago but now its probably too late as at this point he's a little OVERvalued. However, if you can still grab him, especially for my top 3 overrated right now:
1. Romo
2. LdT
3. TO
Then pull the trigger. Remember, the Rams O line is still a disgrace and thats still Jim Haslett over there. The man in good conscience entrusted a team with loads of talent to Aaron Brooks.
Yippie Kay Yay.
I'm Not Even Going To Bother Anymore
Don't ask me to try to figure out the Pats - there's no point.
Or the AFC.
Gambling on the AFC this year is right up there with gambling on spring training games - JUST SAY NO.
And oh yes, we're going to give this one more go-round. Hopefully I can find time to stick with it.
Or the AFC.
Gambling on the AFC this year is right up there with gambling on spring training games - JUST SAY NO.
And oh yes, we're going to give this one more go-round. Hopefully I can find time to stick with it.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Judgment Day Review
Yeah, it's wrestling, fuck off.
Just as rigged as the Tim Donaghy Error anyways.
The review is in the style of those down on the excellent Wrestling Observer site by Dave Meltzer.
Thumbs mostly up
Best Match: Jericho vs HBK
Worst Match: Cena vs JBL
Cena vs JBL: Cena's more or less the hometown boy, but man, not even he can salvage JBL these days. Seemed like the match could be summed up thusly: stomp, kick, rest hold, rest hold, kick, kick, elbow, elbow, elbow, rest hold, FU and done. Total crap and JBL is really an anchor at this point. His promos are pretty good but he couldn't outwrestle Khali. (OK, that's a lie).
Kane & CM Punk vs John Morrison & The Miz: With Kane having the ECW title and CM Punk having the MITB shot, you knew M&M were going to retain, but at least it was a good match. By the way, even though it's mostly camera tricks, Morrison's entrance is still perfect, especially for a heel.
Jericho vs HBK: Shawn Michaels is one of the most professional wrestlers in the business. Great moves, great storytelling, and he had a pretty good dance partner in Jericho. Shame it was a non-title match, why was this the case? The ending was smooth and the post-match handshake was a nice touch.
Mickie James vs Beth Phoenix vs Melina: All three are decent wrestlers, but Beth Phoenix is a cut above any other woman in the company. She executes well, and holy shit, look at the strength she showed with the double backbreaker. Honestly thought that Melina was going to just lay down for Mickie to screw Beth, but that DDT was HARD.
Undertaker vs Edge: Another classic in this classic series, but as soon as the match was over you knew something was up. This thing has to end with Vickie Guerrero getting locked in the gogoplata, right?
Jeff Hardy vs MVP: This was a great match before anything happened, just by virtue of not being Big Show vs Mark Henry. What's up with Hardy getting pummeled in every match only to have it end with a quick Whisper In The Wind? Decent match nonetheless.
HHH vs Randy Orton: Match dragged in spots, but it wasn't terrible or anything. Didn't seem like the cage itself was incorporated enough, and was surprised by the lack of color, but a pretty good end to a decent PPV.
Overall grade: B
Just as rigged as the Tim Donaghy Error anyways.
The review is in the style of those down on the excellent Wrestling Observer site by Dave Meltzer.
Thumbs mostly up
Best Match: Jericho vs HBK
Worst Match: Cena vs JBL
Cena vs JBL: Cena's more or less the hometown boy, but man, not even he can salvage JBL these days. Seemed like the match could be summed up thusly: stomp, kick, rest hold, rest hold, kick, kick, elbow, elbow, elbow, rest hold, FU and done. Total crap and JBL is really an anchor at this point. His promos are pretty good but he couldn't outwrestle Khali. (OK, that's a lie).
Kane & CM Punk vs John Morrison & The Miz: With Kane having the ECW title and CM Punk having the MITB shot, you knew M&M were going to retain, but at least it was a good match. By the way, even though it's mostly camera tricks, Morrison's entrance is still perfect, especially for a heel.
Jericho vs HBK: Shawn Michaels is one of the most professional wrestlers in the business. Great moves, great storytelling, and he had a pretty good dance partner in Jericho. Shame it was a non-title match, why was this the case? The ending was smooth and the post-match handshake was a nice touch.
Mickie James vs Beth Phoenix vs Melina: All three are decent wrestlers, but Beth Phoenix is a cut above any other woman in the company. She executes well, and holy shit, look at the strength she showed with the double backbreaker. Honestly thought that Melina was going to just lay down for Mickie to screw Beth, but that DDT was HARD.
Undertaker vs Edge: Another classic in this classic series, but as soon as the match was over you knew something was up. This thing has to end with Vickie Guerrero getting locked in the gogoplata, right?
Jeff Hardy vs MVP: This was a great match before anything happened, just by virtue of not being Big Show vs Mark Henry. What's up with Hardy getting pummeled in every match only to have it end with a quick Whisper In The Wind? Decent match nonetheless.
HHH vs Randy Orton: Match dragged in spots, but it wasn't terrible or anything. Didn't seem like the cage itself was incorporated enough, and was surprised by the lack of color, but a pretty good end to a decent PPV.
Overall grade: B
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wait, it's Justin Morneau vs JBL at Judgment Day?
Has anyone ever seen John Cena & Justin Morneau in the same place at the same time?
Just so freaky...
Just so freaky...
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sign Me, Or I'll Sue You
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, Sign me.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, Sign me.
Well, I’m the home run king,
I never took a thing.
My career ain’t over, I’m still the best,
I’ve got the fearsomest swing.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, well…
Why di’n’t I sign in April?
Why ain’t I signed in May?
The only reason is owners are saying,
“Bonds, go away!”
I told the grand jury that I’m full pure drug free.
But owners have launched some wild conspiracy.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
I wanna play ball.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, Sign me.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, Sign me.
Now Mike Piazza’s not hot,
And Sammy Sosa got caught,
And Roger Clemens, well we all know
What every teenaged girl’s got.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you.
I wanna play ball.
Why di’n’t I sign in April?
Why ain’t I signed in May?
The only reason is owners are saying,
“Bonds, go away!”
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you.
I wanna play ball.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, Sign me.
Well, I’m the home run king,
I never took a thing.
My career ain’t over, I’m still the best,
I’ve got the fearsomest swing.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, well…
Why di’n’t I sign in April?
Why ain’t I signed in May?
The only reason is owners are saying,
“Bonds, go away!”
I told the grand jury that I’m full pure drug free.
But owners have launched some wild conspiracy.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
I wanna play ball.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, Sign me.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you, Sign me.
Now Mike Piazza’s not hot,
And Sammy Sosa got caught,
And Roger Clemens, well we all know
What every teenaged girl’s got.
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you.
I wanna play ball.
Why di’n’t I sign in April?
Why ain’t I signed in May?
The only reason is owners are saying,
“Bonds, go away!”
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you,
Sign me, or I’ll sue you.
I wanna play ball.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
For Whom The Lobel Tolls
For the past umpteen years, Patriots 5th Quarter has been as anticipated as the games themselves. I mean, who else didn't want to see how hammered the legendary Bob Lobel would be? I swear the man swilled vodka like it was Poland Springs while watching the games, and you got Unfiltered Bob when the cameras started rolling at the end of the game.
Of course, I'd take a hammered Bob Lobel over most any sports anchor alive.
This makes the decision by WBZ TV to release Lobel that much more incomprehensible. For generations of Boston sports fans, he, along with Mike Lynch at WCVB, was one of the true 11 pm news heavyweights in town, and he did it in the "toy department".
MFTM Contributor Bobby told me a story about how one of his first sports memories was of Lobel going bananas over the 1980 USA hockey team beating the Soviets, and how he became a sports fan that very day. I'm sure many of us share the same type of story, and to see him booted out because he makes a little more money than the almighty budget allows is a shame.
There are certain civic institutions that should be allowed to go out on their own terms. Bob Lobel was one, and WBZ has lost at least one viewer because of it.
Boycott WBZ News - they believe in dollars above sense.
Of course, I'd take a hammered Bob Lobel over most any sports anchor alive.
This makes the decision by WBZ TV to release Lobel that much more incomprehensible. For generations of Boston sports fans, he, along with Mike Lynch at WCVB, was one of the true 11 pm news heavyweights in town, and he did it in the "toy department".
MFTM Contributor Bobby told me a story about how one of his first sports memories was of Lobel going bananas over the 1980 USA hockey team beating the Soviets, and how he became a sports fan that very day. I'm sure many of us share the same type of story, and to see him booted out because he makes a little more money than the almighty budget allows is a shame.
There are certain civic institutions that should be allowed to go out on their own terms. Bob Lobel was one, and WBZ has lost at least one viewer because of it.
Boycott WBZ News - they believe in dollars above sense.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
You can't make this stuff up
Actual random note from the Houston-St. Louis recap:
"Astros 2B Kaz Matsui, who is recovering from surgery to repair an anal fissure"
Was he teammates with Kaz Tadano at one point?
"Astros 2B Kaz Matsui, who is recovering from surgery to repair an anal fissure"
Was he teammates with Kaz Tadano at one point?
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