It's been a month since I've posted, and I have no valid reason as to why. Many things have occurred that I should've written on, namely free agency in the NFL. It seems as if all of these moves and trades have occurred at once.
I really don't know what the Bears' strategy is this offseason. They seem to want to make their team worse, not better. Their quarterback (I'm not sure if he's even worthy of that title) is absolutely dreadful and not to be trusted, no matter how minor the situation. So, ostensibly to improve their offense, they're letting their vastly underrated running back go to the Jets in return for a second round draft pick. They're really hurting themselves with this, I think. They get an early second rounder for a 1200-yard rusher? Do the Bears really believe that Cedric Benson will get the job done? He's never lived up to his potential, not that I thought he was all that special at Texas. Good job to the Jets though. This will turn out really well for them. Who knew replacing Curtis Martin would be so easy?
Another problem the Monsters of the Midway must deal with is Lance Briggs. Is he ever happy? We've never really gotten along, but that's another story. He claims he will do "everything in his power to keep from playing" for Chicago. I am no NFL expert, but it seems once you are deemed a franchise player, that decision is really out of your hands. Just more unneeded drama for the defending NFC champs.
Other signings from around the league: Ahman Green to the Texans for nearly $6 million a year? Who is making these decisions in Houston? I like Green because I am a Packers fan, but he is not worth that kind of money, and I don't believe he will last four more years. They decide not to take Reggie Bush in last year's draft, much to my and New Orleans' relief after all, and now they think Green and one of my personal favorites and LSU alum, Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) who was hurt all last season, will be more productive. The Raiders may be the worst team, but the Texans are most doomed.
I love my Patriots signing Adalius Thomas. When the Ravens didn't franchise him, I was giddy with excitement hoping that one of my teams might be in the mix. I believe Thomas is a brilliant linebacker, not just a product of Baltimore's system, who will really strengthen New England's defense. It's just good to know that Belichick realizes this team is not invincible and is trying to improve. I like the signing of receiver Wes Welker too. I'm fully convinced that it doesn't matter who Tom Brady's throwing to because he will undoubtedly make them better.
Finally, the 49ers are my surprise pick for next season. They've signed cornerback Nate Clements, the second best in the league behind Asante Samuel, in my opinion. (I don't even want to hear about Champ Bailey. His best years are behind him.) And today, they've reportedly signed Pats linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. I'm not sure yet about Ashley Lelie, but it can't hurt, right? I really do think they can do some damage next year. Alex Smith is only going to get better, Frank Gore is already a beast, and all these new additions really put them in good position.
There are some bad decisions being made out there in Tennessee. (Props to Denver for that, though.) I despise the Titans so much that I refuse to even share. They're really hurting themselves, which is my dream, but I still refuse to speak of them.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007
Reign in the Rain
So, what's happening in the sports world? Oh, right. Super Bowl XLI was last night.
In case you're living in a cave, the Colts beat the Bears 29-17. (I predicted a score of 31-17 Colts, by the way.)
I will start off saying I am neither a Colts fan nor a Bears fan. My two favorite teams are the Patriots and Saints, so I certainly was not happy with these participants. Despite all this, I was hoping the Colts would win. My younger sister is a crazy, obsessive Peyton Manning fan. We've yet to figure out why, but she refers to him as "Handsome Man," even though she understands he certainly does not fit that description. So, I'm happy for her that her team, who she's been with for several years, won the big one, although I'll never live it down. (See above statement regarding my Patriots fandom.)
As far as the MVP goes, while I understand giving it to Peyton, he wouldn't have been my first choice for the award. I personally would've chosen Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes as co-MVPs. Now, I am an LSU girl through and through, so maybe my bias for Addai is coming through, but I truly do not believe the Colts could've gotten to this game, much less won it, without their vastly underrated running back tandem.
I am thrilled for Tony Dungy because I cannot think of a better person to reach this highest level. He is a wonderful man who truly does everything in his life with the utmost dignity. Since he is the first African-American coach to win the Super Bowl, he is forever a representative of that community, and no one could argue with that.
Now, onto the non-winners, the NFC Champion Bears, I really don't know what to say about them. I don't know what their defensive game plan coming into this game was. If it was to just hang back and never pressure Manning, then they greatly succeeded. My dad always says that any quarterback given time to sit back and throw it will destroy you. When the opposing quarterback is arguably one of the best to ever play, there is no excuse not to blitz and get on him every single time. If I were a Bears fan, I would be livid. I know Lovie Smith is a defensive minded coach, so I don't know if it was mainly him or defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, but somebody made some bad decisions. (If the Cowboys are really that interested in Rivera as their head coach, they might want to do some rethinking.)
Coming into the game people were questioning whether Rex Grossman was the worst Super Bowl-participating quarterback ever. I must admit, he mostly took the criticism well, especially since he's been known to divulge too much information at times. That being said, he has to be the worst ever to play in the big game. ESPN's Michael Smith argues that Rex is the game's MVP in that he helped the Colts win. I'm inclined to agree.
Overall, the first Super Bowl to be played in the rain was a decent game, a very sloppy game (eight turnovers, three by the winners), but enjoyable nonetheless. I was fairly disappointed with the commercials though. I enjoyed a few, including Budweiser's "Rock, Paper, Scissors" one. I believe my favorite of the night was one I've heard no one mention. I'm pretty sure it was just for the NFL, and it showed fans of teams not from Indianapolis and Chicago, how devoted they are, not wanting the season to end, saying "It's hard to say goodbye." I thought it was great, and then the ending hit me at my core. It showed my beloved Brett Favre and then said, "For some, it's even harder." I was on the phone with my mom at the time and she wasn't paying attention, so I had to tell her about it. I described the first part fine, but when I mentioned Favre, my voice was breaking too much for me to speak.
Most of the time I talk of the great #4, I find it hard to speak. Friday afternoon, he announced he is returning next season. I was going to write a blog about it, but I didn't think I could compose myself enough to write. I've loved him for years, and the day he does decide to hang it up, will be one of the saddest of my life. I can't make anyone understand how I feel, but no one will ever be able to replace Brett Favre to me.
I'll end this by saying that it's been ten years since my favorite Super Bowl ever, Super Bowl XXXI where, in the SuperDome, Favre's Packers beat Drew Bledsoe's Patriots 35-21. I was only eight at the time, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I was wearing my Packers shirt, sitting in my Packers chair, watching with my dad in our den. That was the day I fell in love all over again with Favre, Desmond Howard, Antonio Freeman, and the late, great Reggie White. No Super Bowl will ever top that one for me. No Super Bowl will ever come close. No team will ever compare with my Packers.
Congratulations Colts fans and everyone in Indianapolis. There is nothing like watching your precious team win the Super Bowl. To all Bears fans and everyone in Chicago, I have been on your side too. Losing is never any fun.
Winning a championship is the best. Losing a championship, the next best.
In case you're living in a cave, the Colts beat the Bears 29-17. (I predicted a score of 31-17 Colts, by the way.)
I will start off saying I am neither a Colts fan nor a Bears fan. My two favorite teams are the Patriots and Saints, so I certainly was not happy with these participants. Despite all this, I was hoping the Colts would win. My younger sister is a crazy, obsessive Peyton Manning fan. We've yet to figure out why, but she refers to him as "Handsome Man," even though she understands he certainly does not fit that description. So, I'm happy for her that her team, who she's been with for several years, won the big one, although I'll never live it down. (See above statement regarding my Patriots fandom.)
As far as the MVP goes, while I understand giving it to Peyton, he wouldn't have been my first choice for the award. I personally would've chosen Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes as co-MVPs. Now, I am an LSU girl through and through, so maybe my bias for Addai is coming through, but I truly do not believe the Colts could've gotten to this game, much less won it, without their vastly underrated running back tandem.
I am thrilled for Tony Dungy because I cannot think of a better person to reach this highest level. He is a wonderful man who truly does everything in his life with the utmost dignity. Since he is the first African-American coach to win the Super Bowl, he is forever a representative of that community, and no one could argue with that.
Now, onto the non-winners, the NFC Champion Bears, I really don't know what to say about them. I don't know what their defensive game plan coming into this game was. If it was to just hang back and never pressure Manning, then they greatly succeeded. My dad always says that any quarterback given time to sit back and throw it will destroy you. When the opposing quarterback is arguably one of the best to ever play, there is no excuse not to blitz and get on him every single time. If I were a Bears fan, I would be livid. I know Lovie Smith is a defensive minded coach, so I don't know if it was mainly him or defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, but somebody made some bad decisions. (If the Cowboys are really that interested in Rivera as their head coach, they might want to do some rethinking.)
Coming into the game people were questioning whether Rex Grossman was the worst Super Bowl-participating quarterback ever. I must admit, he mostly took the criticism well, especially since he's been known to divulge too much information at times. That being said, he has to be the worst ever to play in the big game. ESPN's Michael Smith argues that Rex is the game's MVP in that he helped the Colts win. I'm inclined to agree.
Overall, the first Super Bowl to be played in the rain was a decent game, a very sloppy game (eight turnovers, three by the winners), but enjoyable nonetheless. I was fairly disappointed with the commercials though. I enjoyed a few, including Budweiser's "Rock, Paper, Scissors" one. I believe my favorite of the night was one I've heard no one mention. I'm pretty sure it was just for the NFL, and it showed fans of teams not from Indianapolis and Chicago, how devoted they are, not wanting the season to end, saying "It's hard to say goodbye." I thought it was great, and then the ending hit me at my core. It showed my beloved Brett Favre and then said, "For some, it's even harder." I was on the phone with my mom at the time and she wasn't paying attention, so I had to tell her about it. I described the first part fine, but when I mentioned Favre, my voice was breaking too much for me to speak.
Most of the time I talk of the great #4, I find it hard to speak. Friday afternoon, he announced he is returning next season. I was going to write a blog about it, but I didn't think I could compose myself enough to write. I've loved him for years, and the day he does decide to hang it up, will be one of the saddest of my life. I can't make anyone understand how I feel, but no one will ever be able to replace Brett Favre to me.
I'll end this by saying that it's been ten years since my favorite Super Bowl ever, Super Bowl XXXI where, in the SuperDome, Favre's Packers beat Drew Bledsoe's Patriots 35-21. I was only eight at the time, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I was wearing my Packers shirt, sitting in my Packers chair, watching with my dad in our den. That was the day I fell in love all over again with Favre, Desmond Howard, Antonio Freeman, and the late, great Reggie White. No Super Bowl will ever top that one for me. No Super Bowl will ever come close. No team will ever compare with my Packers.
Congratulations Colts fans and everyone in Indianapolis. There is nothing like watching your precious team win the Super Bowl. To all Bears fans and everyone in Chicago, I have been on your side too. Losing is never any fun.
Winning a championship is the best. Losing a championship, the next best.
Monday, January 29, 2007
No One Cares
In news that may only infuriate me, Curt Schilling announced that he will not retire after this year and pitch again in 2008. Once again, another instance that Schilling feels he needs to let everyone in on all of his thoughts and decisions. No matter what is going on, baseball or not, he always seems to chime in, causing all of us to enter a state of confusion.
I have hated Curt Schilling for many years for many reasons. Whether it's his choice of teams or political parties, we share nothing in common. I hated him with the Phillies, with the Diamondbacks, and, by far the most, with the Red Sox. I hate that he has intense hatred of my beloved Yankees, yet an obsession with Yankee legend, Lou Gehrig. He named his son Gehrig, which is fine, but now that kid must suffer with the name "Gehrig Schilling" forever, not to mention being the devil's spawn himslef, but I digress. While I applaud his efforts and raising money in the fight against ALS, are video games really the best way to do that?
Also, to further anger me, he said that after his contract is up, if he doesn't play for the Red Sox, he'll play for another team (Really?), but he will never play for the Yankees. It is as if he is trying to make me have an aneurysm. Why is he telling us this? He makes his disdain for the Bronx Bombers quite clear, so no one would think they were an option. Besides, like we would take him anyway. I cannot think of anyone I would like on my team less than Curt Schilling. Well, maybe one. (I'm looking at you, Bonds.)
Anyway, I just needed to vent. During football season my hatred of Vince Young consumes me, but since, I can see America's pastime on the horizon, the Schilling-abhorrence is rising up.
I have hated Curt Schilling for many years for many reasons. Whether it's his choice of teams or political parties, we share nothing in common. I hated him with the Phillies, with the Diamondbacks, and, by far the most, with the Red Sox. I hate that he has intense hatred of my beloved Yankees, yet an obsession with Yankee legend, Lou Gehrig. He named his son Gehrig, which is fine, but now that kid must suffer with the name "Gehrig Schilling" forever, not to mention being the devil's spawn himslef, but I digress. While I applaud his efforts and raising money in the fight against ALS, are video games really the best way to do that?
Also, to further anger me, he said that after his contract is up, if he doesn't play for the Red Sox, he'll play for another team (Really?), but he will never play for the Yankees. It is as if he is trying to make me have an aneurysm. Why is he telling us this? He makes his disdain for the Bronx Bombers quite clear, so no one would think they were an option. Besides, like we would take him anyway. I cannot think of anyone I would like on my team less than Curt Schilling. Well, maybe one. (I'm looking at you, Bonds.)
Anyway, I just needed to vent. During football season my hatred of Vince Young consumes me, but since, I can see America's pastime on the horizon, the Schilling-abhorrence is rising up.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Of Golden Statuettes
The Oscar nominations were announced today. I am by no means a film buff, but I do enjoy watching movies and have a few favorite actors and actresses that I will defend at all costs. I do watch the Golden Globes and Oscars every year, and just like with my sports teams, I always have favorites. This year's nominations had some surprises, as always. Most notably, the fact that Dreamgirls, which leads all films with eight nods, was snubbed in the Best Picture category.
Even though - if the Globes are any indication - this means that the insufferable Babel will likely take home the prize, I must say that I am happy about this. I don't like the actors in Dreamgirls, if you can even call them that, the premise is not Oscar-worthy, and I certainly do not want to spend two hours listening to people ruining perfectly good songs with their insane, contrived vocalizations.
I understand it is a musical, but when the leading contender for Supporting Actor is a comedian best known for portraying fat families in not one, but two movies, and the apparent Supporting Actress shoo-in is a castoff from American Idol (whom I felt was none too good on that show), that's not saying much for the film or the film industry.
My personal choice for Best Picture is The Departed. Overall, I am not a huge fan of mob movies, but this was one of the best films I've ever seen. I was first intrigued by the cast and went in thinking it would be good because how can a Scorsese film with Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, and Mark Wahlberg not be brilliant. I was, however, surprised how much I loved it personally and not just because it was so well-crafted. (The only downside, in my own crazy opinion, was that in some of the scenes, a picture of the Red Sox 2004 World Series victory could be seen on the wall. I've tried to forget that moment ever happened. Other than that, it was cinema at its best.) I am disappointed that it received no acting noms other than Wahlberg for Supporting Actor. Leo is thankfully nominated for Blood Diamond, but his performance, really all of the performances, in The Departed are certainly Oscar-worthy.
Since Scorsese won the Globe for Best Director, hopefully he'll end his drought and finally win the Oscar. Then again, he won for another favorite of mine, The Aviator, and then was defeated at the Academy Awards. I sincerely hope Clint Eastwood does not win. I understand he's great, but enough is enough. And, I certainly don't think Letters from Iwo Jima is better than The Departed. I just don't see how a legend like Scorsese walks away empty-handed year after year.
Anyway, I'm quite looking forward to the Academy Awards. Nothing ever goes my way, but hopefully this year will be different.
Even though - if the Globes are any indication - this means that the insufferable Babel will likely take home the prize, I must say that I am happy about this. I don't like the actors in Dreamgirls, if you can even call them that, the premise is not Oscar-worthy, and I certainly do not want to spend two hours listening to people ruining perfectly good songs with their insane, contrived vocalizations.
I understand it is a musical, but when the leading contender for Supporting Actor is a comedian best known for portraying fat families in not one, but two movies, and the apparent Supporting Actress shoo-in is a castoff from American Idol (whom I felt was none too good on that show), that's not saying much for the film or the film industry.
My personal choice for Best Picture is The Departed. Overall, I am not a huge fan of mob movies, but this was one of the best films I've ever seen. I was first intrigued by the cast and went in thinking it would be good because how can a Scorsese film with Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, and Mark Wahlberg not be brilliant. I was, however, surprised how much I loved it personally and not just because it was so well-crafted. (The only downside, in my own crazy opinion, was that in some of the scenes, a picture of the Red Sox 2004 World Series victory could be seen on the wall. I've tried to forget that moment ever happened. Other than that, it was cinema at its best.) I am disappointed that it received no acting noms other than Wahlberg for Supporting Actor. Leo is thankfully nominated for Blood Diamond, but his performance, really all of the performances, in The Departed are certainly Oscar-worthy.
Since Scorsese won the Globe for Best Director, hopefully he'll end his drought and finally win the Oscar. Then again, he won for another favorite of mine, The Aviator, and then was defeated at the Academy Awards. I sincerely hope Clint Eastwood does not win. I understand he's great, but enough is enough. And, I certainly don't think Letters from Iwo Jima is better than The Departed. I just don't see how a legend like Scorsese walks away empty-handed year after year.
Anyway, I'm quite looking forward to the Academy Awards. Nothing ever goes my way, but hopefully this year will be different.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Monday Afternoon Quarterback
I tried to post a blog once before, but as soon as I was done, it somehow disappeared. I'm apprehensive, but I am trying again. I am watching ESPN right now, as usual, and the news is that Bill Parcells is retiring, and therefore resigning from his post as the Dallas Cowboys coach.
I am not a Cowboys fan, and Parcells has never been my favorite person, but I am quite surprised by this decision. Supposedly, he had been telling those around him that he was returning and planning trips to college Senior Bowls, usually not signs of retirement.
It's hard not to think that Terrell Owens has something to do with this. I don't think it was the deciding factor, but it had to have played a role. Both of their personalities are too strong, so it's not shocking they didn't become the best of friends. Then again, can anyone become the best of anything with T.O.? Why do teams keep giving him chances? Is there any other player in the history of sports that seemingly controls his team because of his narcissism? I say no.
Back to the coaching vacancy that Dallas now faces, I have no clue as to who would want to go to that situation involving Owens. I can't imagine anyone, no matter how much they want to coach, openly welcoming T.O. as a player. I'm hearing Bum's son, Wade Phillips, because he is "a Texas person," whatever that means. Apparently, one only makes a good coach if he's from the team's area. Every year there are so many coaching vacancies, and I just wonder whether there are enough talented coaches to fill these NFL positions. It seems like any semi-talented assistant, coordinator, or college coach is automatically put into consideration.
Even though the situation is less than ideal, the Cowboys still have that "America's Team" aura and mystique. Coaching them is still a dream job, and I don't feel an unknown assistant will be good enough. It's a glamour position, therefore, a big name coach is probably what they're after. But, what do I know?
Not that I want Dallas to improve in any way, but I think an offensive coach would be best to develop Tony Romo into the great quarterback some people seem to think he can become. (I say he's average, at best, but then, I'm a diehard Bledsoe fan, so mine is not the most objective opinion.)
I've had enough of the Tuna talk, so I'll give my opinions on yesterday's Conference Championships. Things did not go my way at all. As I said before, I love Drew Bledsoe and became a Patriots fan when he was there, and I have continued my fandom through today's Brady-Belichick dynasty. And, being from Louisiana, I love the Saints, even though it hasn't always been the best team to root for.
I have more to say about the NFC Championship between the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. Bears 39, Saints 14. One or two things go differently for the Saints and they're heading to Miami. I will admit that the Bears vastly outplayed them, but the Saints really killed themselves with the turnovers. With Chicago's defense playing as well as it was, New Orleans needed a perfect game to prevail. Despite their poor performance, the Saints have nothing to be ashamed of. Their season was one for the ages, an incredible feat to come from 3-13 last year to the NFC Championship. I live in Baton Rouge, so I feel fairly close to New Orleans, and no city could be more grateful to their team. One of the headlines to the Times-Picayune today was, "Thank You, Boys." Even though this loss stings, the 2006 Saints are forever winners.
The AFC Championship Game was really an instant classic, (Don Banks agrees) as it seems games between the Patriots and Colts usually are. On an ironic side note, the score, 38-34, was the same as when the two met in the 2003 AFC Championship Game, although with a different winner. My sister is a huge Colts and Peyton Manning fan, so a part of me is happy for her. I was so upset about the outcome (especially since I begged Tom Brady not to end this game with an interception, and not two minutes later, he did), but I watched the postgame press conferences on ESPN, and it's really tough not to like Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. I'm happy for them, and hopefully Peyton gets the ring that's always eluded him.
My final thought on the upcoming Super Bowl: Did anyone ever think that Rex Grossman would be quarterbacking a team to the big game?
I am not a Cowboys fan, and Parcells has never been my favorite person, but I am quite surprised by this decision. Supposedly, he had been telling those around him that he was returning and planning trips to college Senior Bowls, usually not signs of retirement.
It's hard not to think that Terrell Owens has something to do with this. I don't think it was the deciding factor, but it had to have played a role. Both of their personalities are too strong, so it's not shocking they didn't become the best of friends. Then again, can anyone become the best of anything with T.O.? Why do teams keep giving him chances? Is there any other player in the history of sports that seemingly controls his team because of his narcissism? I say no.
Back to the coaching vacancy that Dallas now faces, I have no clue as to who would want to go to that situation involving Owens. I can't imagine anyone, no matter how much they want to coach, openly welcoming T.O. as a player. I'm hearing Bum's son, Wade Phillips, because he is "a Texas person," whatever that means. Apparently, one only makes a good coach if he's from the team's area. Every year there are so many coaching vacancies, and I just wonder whether there are enough talented coaches to fill these NFL positions. It seems like any semi-talented assistant, coordinator, or college coach is automatically put into consideration.
Even though the situation is less than ideal, the Cowboys still have that "America's Team" aura and mystique. Coaching them is still a dream job, and I don't feel an unknown assistant will be good enough. It's a glamour position, therefore, a big name coach is probably what they're after. But, what do I know?
Not that I want Dallas to improve in any way, but I think an offensive coach would be best to develop Tony Romo into the great quarterback some people seem to think he can become. (I say he's average, at best, but then, I'm a diehard Bledsoe fan, so mine is not the most objective opinion.)
I've had enough of the Tuna talk, so I'll give my opinions on yesterday's Conference Championships. Things did not go my way at all. As I said before, I love Drew Bledsoe and became a Patriots fan when he was there, and I have continued my fandom through today's Brady-Belichick dynasty. And, being from Louisiana, I love the Saints, even though it hasn't always been the best team to root for.
I have more to say about the NFC Championship between the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. Bears 39, Saints 14. One or two things go differently for the Saints and they're heading to Miami. I will admit that the Bears vastly outplayed them, but the Saints really killed themselves with the turnovers. With Chicago's defense playing as well as it was, New Orleans needed a perfect game to prevail. Despite their poor performance, the Saints have nothing to be ashamed of. Their season was one for the ages, an incredible feat to come from 3-13 last year to the NFC Championship. I live in Baton Rouge, so I feel fairly close to New Orleans, and no city could be more grateful to their team. One of the headlines to the Times-Picayune today was, "Thank You, Boys." Even though this loss stings, the 2006 Saints are forever winners.
The AFC Championship Game was really an instant classic, (Don Banks agrees) as it seems games between the Patriots and Colts usually are. On an ironic side note, the score, 38-34, was the same as when the two met in the 2003 AFC Championship Game, although with a different winner. My sister is a huge Colts and Peyton Manning fan, so a part of me is happy for her. I was so upset about the outcome (especially since I begged Tom Brady not to end this game with an interception, and not two minutes later, he did), but I watched the postgame press conferences on ESPN, and it's really tough not to like Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. I'm happy for them, and hopefully Peyton gets the ring that's always eluded him.
My final thought on the upcoming Super Bowl: Did anyone ever think that Rex Grossman would be quarterbacking a team to the big game?
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