Incredible list of players born in this little community within Palm Beach County.
Population. Belle Glade 16,624, Pahokee 6598. 23222pop.
28 players-14 from each city.
The problem with comparing this area to the Monroe Area and Shreveport overall.
1. The Palm Beach County would qualify as an hour, but the population is over 1 million. They have too many people to compete overall.
These cities are special in Football but only had 1 other player in the NBA or MLB.
The total is 29 players.
Monroe is at 52 Total. 36 NFL 10 NBA and 6 MLB players within the city of 53000.
Football wise these two Florida teams are amazing. Overall, Monroe is crazy.
Mississipi data coming and it is ridiculous.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Independence Bowl
I am still in shock about the evolution of this bowl game.
Tonight ended the conference tie-in with the SEC and Big 12. What a great
13 years.
Next year we will get the ACC and Mountain West. It is not the SEC vs Big 12, but better than I could have ever imagined.
(This year it would have been North Carolina vs BYU.)
Memories:
My first game was the the first Indy Bowl on Dec 13, 1976.
Robert and I sat in the South West Corner with no people anywhere around us and watched McNeese State Beat Tulsa in the last minute.
Biggest Shocker:
Notre Dame played LSU in Shreveport. I still cannot believe this happened.
My favorite game was the La Tech vs Maryland 34-34 tie.
My most memorable night was the Snow Bowl with Mississippi State and A&M. I had 2 tickets to the game, but I was on the par 3 golf course with Rusty playing under the lights in a snow storm, we were the only ones on the course. (Who else is stupid enough?) The other players and employees were all drinking at the 19th hole,and they left us alone to track the golf ball bounces in the snow.
It was such an experience that I blew off the game and watched the 2nd half on TV.
8-2 SEC over Big 12 Teams during contract. 9-2 overall vs each other.
The Indy Bowl always had a higher pick in the Big 12 than the SEC.
Tonight ended the conference tie-in with the SEC and Big 12. What a great
13 years.
Next year we will get the ACC and Mountain West. It is not the SEC vs Big 12, but better than I could have ever imagined.
(This year it would have been North Carolina vs BYU.)
Memories:
My first game was the the first Indy Bowl on Dec 13, 1976.
Robert and I sat in the South West Corner with no people anywhere around us and watched McNeese State Beat Tulsa in the last minute.
Biggest Shocker:
Notre Dame played LSU in Shreveport. I still cannot believe this happened.
My favorite game was the La Tech vs Maryland 34-34 tie.
My most memorable night was the Snow Bowl with Mississippi State and A&M. I had 2 tickets to the game, but I was on the par 3 golf course with Rusty playing under the lights in a snow storm, we were the only ones on the course. (Who else is stupid enough?) The other players and employees were all drinking at the 19th hole,and they left us alone to track the golf ball bounces in the snow.
It was such an experience that I blew off the game and watched the 2nd half on TV.
8-2 SEC over Big 12 Teams during contract. 9-2 overall vs each other.
The Indy Bowl always had a higher pick in the Big 12 than the SEC.
Friday, December 25, 2009
SB predictor. Does Defense Win
After a conversation with Jody and discussing the theory that "Defense always wins" in football.
I decided to test the data with the past 12 Super Bowls.
(This is only to predict the SB winner, not who will go to the game.)
I looked at:
Total Offenses, Defenses, Points scored and allowed, Differential of each, Ranking in each category vs each other based on regular season stats.
Higher ranked Defense in yards allowed. 6 of 12 winners.
Higher ranked Offensive yards 5 of 12 winners
Higher ranked in Offensive pts per game 6 of 12 winners
Higher ranked in fewest points allowed per game 8 of 12 winners.
Point Differential Points scored Points allowed. 9 of 12 winners.
Fewest Points allowed is the number 1 indicator.
This again brings up the Patiocheats and the filming of other teams signals.
They were the exception two the 3 times in point differential. The Rams win, and then a loss to the Giants after the NFL made them stop cheating.
The other exception was the Colts-Bears game.
A bit misleading with the Bears only scoring 26 offensive TD's all year.
The Colts scored 51 TD's that year, 19 rushing. The Colts defense was weak but Grossman and the Bears were horrible on offense.
If I had the time, I would check another 10years. But..
My guess would be that Defense is more important than Offense, but only in points allowed, the bend don't break theory.
It appears that point differential (points allowed vs points scored.)
Kind of seems obvious when you think about it.
j
I decided to test the data with the past 12 Super Bowls.
(This is only to predict the SB winner, not who will go to the game.)
I looked at:
Total Offenses, Defenses, Points scored and allowed, Differential of each, Ranking in each category vs each other based on regular season stats.
Higher ranked Defense in yards allowed. 6 of 12 winners.
Higher ranked Offensive yards 5 of 12 winners
Higher ranked in Offensive pts per game 6 of 12 winners
Higher ranked in fewest points allowed per game 8 of 12 winners.
Point Differential Points scored Points allowed. 9 of 12 winners.
Fewest Points allowed is the number 1 indicator.
This again brings up the Patiocheats and the filming of other teams signals.
They were the exception two the 3 times in point differential. The Rams win, and then a loss to the Giants after the NFL made them stop cheating.
The other exception was the Colts-Bears game.
A bit misleading with the Bears only scoring 26 offensive TD's all year.
The Colts scored 51 TD's that year, 19 rushing. The Colts defense was weak but Grossman and the Bears were horrible on offense.
If I had the time, I would check another 10years. But..
My guess would be that Defense is more important than Offense, but only in points allowed, the bend don't break theory.
It appears that point differential (points allowed vs points scored.)
Kind of seems obvious when you think about it.
j
Dallas Offense without TO.
14 games seems to be enough data to draw a conclusion.
Points per game
2007-28.4
2008-22.6
2009-22.9
Total Offense
2007-365.7
2008-344.5
2009-394.5
Passing
2007-256.5 on 33.2 attempts 36tds 19int
2008-236.8 on 34.2 attempts 29tds 20int
2009-264.8 on 34.1 attempts 23tds 7int
Rushing
2007-109.1 4.2 avg 14tds.
2008-107.7 4.3 avg 12tds.
2009-129.8 4.9 avg 12tds 14games.
Overall, the 2009 offense is better on paper.
The lack of points is significantly different, especially in the 2007 TO passing game.
But, the 2007 team started falling apart in scoring during the last 3 games of 2007.
They had 3 td's during last 3 games plus the 2nd half debacle in the playoffs. They scored less than 24 points that year all in the last 4 games including the Giants game.
Garrett's first offense was potent until Jimmy Johnson and the Eagles found the secret. I hope Garrett figures it out before the Eagles come town.
TO doesn't appear to be a primary factor in not Dallas not scoring.
j
Points per game
2007-28.4
2008-22.6
2009-22.9
Total Offense
2007-365.7
2008-344.5
2009-394.5
Passing
2007-256.5 on 33.2 attempts 36tds 19int
2008-236.8 on 34.2 attempts 29tds 20int
2009-264.8 on 34.1 attempts 23tds 7int
Rushing
2007-109.1 4.2 avg 14tds.
2008-107.7 4.3 avg 12tds.
2009-129.8 4.9 avg 12tds 14games.
Overall, the 2009 offense is better on paper.
The lack of points is significantly different, especially in the 2007 TO passing game.
But, the 2007 team started falling apart in scoring during the last 3 games of 2007.
They had 3 td's during last 3 games plus the 2nd half debacle in the playoffs. They scored less than 24 points that year all in the last 4 games including the Giants game.
Garrett's first offense was potent until Jimmy Johnson and the Eagles found the secret. I hope Garrett figures it out before the Eagles come town.
TO doesn't appear to be a primary factor in not Dallas not scoring.
j
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Otto Graham
My top QB in History.
This is prior to the Passing Craze so I will rate the others later, but none of them will surpass him as number 1, they can only be 1A.
10 years as a Pro QB.
He played in the championship game every year that he was the QB.
7-3 record in title games.
Overall Record. NFL 78.5% winning record. 82% overall.
Even though the NFL doesn't recognize the AAFC passing numbers he still
ranks at the top of Yards per attempt in NFL history. (Previous Blog post)
-The Browns won the first title when the leagues combined in 1950.
They lost to the Rams in 1951 and the Detroit Lions 2 times 52 and 53.
He then won in 1954 and 55 and retired.
The 4 championships they won prior to the NFL.
They teams they beat in the last two title games SF 49ers, Buffalo Bills.
His actually yards per attempt in his career is 9.0 not the 8.6 listed in the NFL records.
Records
12-2
12-1-1
15-0
9-1-2
12-2
11-2
8-5
11-2
10-3
10-2
10-2-1
Totals
100-20-4 82%
NFL Record
62-16-1 78%
Playoff Record
9-3 75%
NFL Playoff Record
4-3 57%
J
This is prior to the Passing Craze so I will rate the others later, but none of them will surpass him as number 1, they can only be 1A.
10 years as a Pro QB.
He played in the championship game every year that he was the QB.
7-3 record in title games.
Overall Record. NFL 78.5% winning record. 82% overall.
Even though the NFL doesn't recognize the AAFC passing numbers he still
ranks at the top of Yards per attempt in NFL history. (Previous Blog post)
-The Browns won the first title when the leagues combined in 1950.
They lost to the Rams in 1951 and the Detroit Lions 2 times 52 and 53.
He then won in 1954 and 55 and retired.
The 4 championships they won prior to the NFL.
They teams they beat in the last two title games SF 49ers, Buffalo Bills.
His actually yards per attempt in his career is 9.0 not the 8.6 listed in the NFL records.
Records
12-2
12-1-1
15-0
9-1-2
12-2
11-2
8-5
11-2
10-3
10-2
10-2-1
Totals
100-20-4 82%
NFL Record
62-16-1 78%
Playoff Record
9-3 75%
NFL Playoff Record
4-3 57%
J
While I am on RB's. Read previous post first.
Only 5 running backs with over 10,000 yards rushing have a per carry average over 4.6 or higher.
1. Jim Brown 5.2
2. Barry Sanders 5.0
3. OJ Simpson 4.7
4. Tiki Barber 4.7
5. Fred Taylor 4.7
Portis-4.6 needs about 300 yards to get in the club.
Joe Perry avgd 5.0 1948-60 for SF, totaled 9723, 25th all time and was leader until Brown and Simpson passed him. He is the only player listed prior to Brown in 1957.
Only 3 in top 25 have averaged less than 4 yards a carry
Eddie George 3.6
John Riggins 3.9
Jerome Bettis 3.9
Bettis is number 5 in total rushing yards and Curtis Martin is 4th with 4.0 yds per carry. What a shame, that the are ahead of the greats in anything.
The increase in games and carries has hurt career yards as a indicator of greatness. Perry, Simpson and Brown are the only people in the top 25 to have a carry prior to 1972 and OJ started in 69.
-
The Greats.
Brown and Sanders.
A comparison of Brown and Sanders when they had the same amount of carriers.
Brown 12312 yds 5.2, Barry 11725 4.9,- Receiving Brown 2499-Sanders 2327
TDs-Brown 126. Sanders. 91. YDs per game rushing Brown 104.4. Sanders 99.8.
Jim Brown also threw 3 td's.
Brown had a fumble problem. 57 compared to Sanders 41.
Sanders is the best I ever watched. Hopefully history will remember Brown as the best.
j
1. Jim Brown 5.2
2. Barry Sanders 5.0
3. OJ Simpson 4.7
4. Tiki Barber 4.7
5. Fred Taylor 4.7
Portis-4.6 needs about 300 yards to get in the club.
Joe Perry avgd 5.0 1948-60 for SF, totaled 9723, 25th all time and was leader until Brown and Simpson passed him. He is the only player listed prior to Brown in 1957.
Only 3 in top 25 have averaged less than 4 yards a carry
Eddie George 3.6
John Riggins 3.9
Jerome Bettis 3.9
Bettis is number 5 in total rushing yards and Curtis Martin is 4th with 4.0 yds per carry. What a shame, that the are ahead of the greats in anything.
The increase in games and carries has hurt career yards as a indicator of greatness. Perry, Simpson and Brown are the only people in the top 25 to have a carry prior to 1972 and OJ started in 69.
-
The Greats.
Brown and Sanders.
A comparison of Brown and Sanders when they had the same amount of carriers.
Brown 12312 yds 5.2, Barry 11725 4.9,- Receiving Brown 2499-Sanders 2327
TDs-Brown 126. Sanders. 91. YDs per game rushing Brown 104.4. Sanders 99.8.
Jim Brown also threw 3 td's.
Brown had a fumble problem. 57 compared to Sanders 41.
Sanders is the best I ever watched. Hopefully history will remember Brown as the best.
j
Player of the decade at different positions. RB.
You know what I think about Manning at QB. So lets hit the skilled positions.
The Decade limitation hampered some great ones by retirement half way through.
How to judge it was my biggest question.
Time Played? Yards? Yards per attempt? Combination with Rushing and Passing?
I decided minimum of 6 years to qualify.
The yards of each whether combined or not gave some winners.
LT was the run away winner as expected.
2001-present-151 TD's 3rd alltime 24 behind Emmitt, 139 games, 12,430 yds 4.3per attempt, receiving 3934, 7.5. Combo 16364.
Who is second? I was a little surprised and became aware of the injuries that stopped some great players.
You study it, my choices are below.
. Steven Jackson 2004-pres 6644yds, 4.3, rcvng 2287, 8.1, combo 8931
. Fred Taylor- 2000-pres 9517yds, 4.55, rcvg 1874, 7.67 combo 11391
. Marshal Faulk-2000-05 5578 yd, 4.6, rcvg 3023 7.55, combo 8601
. Priest Holmes- 2001-07, 6070yds, 4.4, rcvg 2377, 9.6, combo 8444
. Jerome Bettis- 2000-05 5199 yds, 3.8, rcvng 374, 7.65 combo 5573.
. Curtis Martin- 2000-05 7551 yds, 4.1, rcvg 1815, 6.3 combo 9366
. Edgerrin James-2001-pres 8984yds, 3.9, rcvg 2184, 7.14 combo 11168
. Clinton Portis-2002-pres 9699yds, 4.5, rcvg 1953, 8.1 combo 11659
. Ricky William-2000-pres 7942yds, 4.0, rcvg 453, 7.8 combo 8395
. Duece McCallister-2001-08 6096 yds, 4.3, rcvg 1720, 7.4 combo 7816
. Tiki Barber-2000-2006, 9514yds, 4.84, rcvg 3927, 8.94 combo 13441
.Shaun Alexander 2000-08, 9453 yds, 4.3, rcvg 1520, 7.1, combo 10973
.Warrick Dunn-2000-08, 8347 yds, 4.2, rcvg 2944, 8.1, combo 11291
.Brian Westbrook-2002-pre, 5946yd, 4.6, rcvg 3765 12.3, combo 9711
.Jamal Lewis 2000-pres, 10607yds, 4.2, rcvg 1879, 8.5 combo 12486
I guess my disgust with Barber and his comments slanted my view of how great he played. 4.8 yds per carry in 110 games. His career was 15632(1997-06), but unlike LT he was still going strong and could have passed LT in yds. During the same time period from 01-06 LT had about 1000 more yards from scrimmage.
My rankings with TD's and birth place. (3 of the 5 on I-20 corridor through the South.)
1. LT 151 TD's- Rosebud, TX
2. Barber- 58 TD's-Roanoke, VA
3. Portis-78 TD's-Laurel,MS
4. Taylor-59 TD's-Pahokee,FL
5. Lewis-62 TD's-Atlanta , GA
I rated Taylor and Portis ahead of Lewis because of games played: I was trying to rate talent not opportunities. Games Played.Taylor 119, Portis 108, Lewis 131.
Maybe I am wrong here since Lewis missed 2001 with an ACL injury.
j
The Decade limitation hampered some great ones by retirement half way through.
How to judge it was my biggest question.
Time Played? Yards? Yards per attempt? Combination with Rushing and Passing?
I decided minimum of 6 years to qualify.
The yards of each whether combined or not gave some winners.
LT was the run away winner as expected.
2001-present-151 TD's 3rd alltime 24 behind Emmitt, 139 games, 12,430 yds 4.3per attempt, receiving 3934, 7.5. Combo 16364.
Who is second? I was a little surprised and became aware of the injuries that stopped some great players.
You study it, my choices are below.
. Steven Jackson 2004-pres 6644yds, 4.3, rcvng 2287, 8.1, combo 8931
. Fred Taylor- 2000-pres 9517yds, 4.55, rcvg 1874, 7.67 combo 11391
. Marshal Faulk-2000-05 5578 yd, 4.6, rcvg 3023 7.55, combo 8601
. Priest Holmes- 2001-07, 6070yds, 4.4, rcvg 2377, 9.6, combo 8444
. Jerome Bettis- 2000-05 5199 yds, 3.8, rcvng 374, 7.65 combo 5573.
. Curtis Martin- 2000-05 7551 yds, 4.1, rcvg 1815, 6.3 combo 9366
. Edgerrin James-2001-pres 8984yds, 3.9, rcvg 2184, 7.14 combo 11168
. Clinton Portis-2002-pres 9699yds, 4.5, rcvg 1953, 8.1 combo 11659
. Ricky William-2000-pres 7942yds, 4.0, rcvg 453, 7.8 combo 8395
. Duece McCallister-2001-08 6096 yds, 4.3, rcvg 1720, 7.4 combo 7816
. Tiki Barber-2000-2006, 9514yds, 4.84, rcvg 3927, 8.94 combo 13441
.Shaun Alexander 2000-08, 9453 yds, 4.3, rcvg 1520, 7.1, combo 10973
.Warrick Dunn-2000-08, 8347 yds, 4.2, rcvg 2944, 8.1, combo 11291
.Brian Westbrook-2002-pre, 5946yd, 4.6, rcvg 3765 12.3, combo 9711
.Jamal Lewis 2000-pres, 10607yds, 4.2, rcvg 1879, 8.5 combo 12486
I guess my disgust with Barber and his comments slanted my view of how great he played. 4.8 yds per carry in 110 games. His career was 15632(1997-06), but unlike LT he was still going strong and could have passed LT in yds. During the same time period from 01-06 LT had about 1000 more yards from scrimmage.
My rankings with TD's and birth place. (3 of the 5 on I-20 corridor through the South.)
1. LT 151 TD's- Rosebud, TX
2. Barber- 58 TD's-Roanoke, VA
3. Portis-78 TD's-Laurel,MS
4. Taylor-59 TD's-Pahokee,FL
5. Lewis-62 TD's-Atlanta , GA
I rated Taylor and Portis ahead of Lewis because of games played: I was trying to rate talent not opportunities. Games Played.Taylor 119, Portis 108, Lewis 131.
Maybe I am wrong here since Lewis missed 2001 with an ACL injury.
j
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Mayweather/Pacquaio
I heard Teddy Atlas on the ride in today talking about the fight; if it happens. He said historically when these huge match-ups happen between fighters from different weight classes many times the smaller man wins because he is more skilled. However he thinks that Mayweather is just as fast, just as smart, just as saavy as Pacquaio, and is the bigger man also, and will win.
S
S
Horns B-Ball
I guess this week must qualify as the best in Horns basketball history other than the final 4 year. I watched the Michigan St. game. Wow, does he have some talent! Barnes isn't flashy, but he's slowly getting them to a true elite level. I saw that the only commit he has for next year is 5-star. This team is loaded; they could be a real contender except I don't trust teams with young point guards, and they are turnover prone.
S
S
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
All-Decade Team
Here is Rick Gosselin's all-decade team. You'll love him for picking Manning but hate him for Belichick.
I received my ballot for the 2000 all-decade team from the Pro Football Hall of Fame last weekend.
When I’m asked to select any sort of all-star team, I prefer 22 players who can actually line up and play a game at their positions of choice.
So I always pick weak- and strong-side ends, weak- and strong-side outside linebackers and free and strong safeties on defense. I also pick a right and left offensive tackle on offense plus a halfback and a fullback.
The Hall of Fame wants us to select a total of 53 players: 2 QBs, 4 RBs, 1 FB, 4 WRs, 2 TEs, 4 OTs, 4 guards, 2 centers, 4 DE, 4 DTs, 6 LBs, 4 CBs, 4 safeties, 2 kickers, 2 punters, 2 KR and 2 PR. That’s a lot of fluff.
What matters to me on this ballot are the players whom I believe excelled over all others at their positions this decade. So I’m going to give you my starting 22 plus my choices at kicker, punter, kick returner, special teamer, head coach, assistant coach and executive of the year. The Hall of Fame does not include a special teamer, assistant coach or executive on the ballot.
So here goes:
Quarterback: Peyton Manning. Three NFL MVPs, three NFL passing titles, a Super Bowl championship. Manning would be my choice for Player of the Decade, regardless of position.
Halfback: LaDainian Tomlinson. Eight consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons this decade propelled Tomlinson’s into the NFL’s all-time Top 10. He won two rushing titles, an NFL MVP award and his 151 touchdowns topped the decade.
Fullback: Mike Alstott. I’m a sucker for the three-dimensional Jim Taylor-type fullbacks who can run, catch and block. Alstott was the last of an era.
Wide receivers: Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt. Harrison caught more passes (906) than any receiver this decade and Holt gained more yards (12,571). They also topped the decade with seven Pro Bowls apiece. Randy Moss and Terrell Owens were the squeakiest wheels of the decade -- but Harrison and Holt quietly went about their business and neither took any seasons off on their teammates.
Tight end: Tony Gonzalez. The only tight end to lead the NFL in receiving this decade (2004), Gonzalez caught more passes (826) than either Moss or Owens. He’s the NFL’s all-time leading receiver at his position.
Left tackle: Jonathan Ogden. The Ravens drafted Ogden with the fourth overall choice in 1996 and he gave them 11 Pro Bowls in 12 seasons, including eight this decade. He became the prototype at his position.
Right tackle: Willie Anderson. Left and right tackle are two different positions -- the right side is the power side, the left side finesse. Just about every year two left tackles go to the Pro Bowl because that’s the glory side. It’s harder to attract any attention on the sluggo side but Anderson did so with the once-lowly Bengals. He garnered four Pro Bowl appearances (peers) and three All-Pro selections (writers).
Guards: Alan Faneca, Will Shields.Tackles historically are the pass blockers and guards the run blockers. Faneca spent the bulk of the decade with the Steelers and Shields with the Chiefs. The Steelers finished in the Top 10 in rushing in seven of Faneca’s eight seasons with them this decade, and the Chiefs finished in the Top 10 in five of Shields’ seven seasons. Shields was the focal point of a line that helped Priest Holmes win rushing and scoring titles. Faneca started more Pro Bowls than any offensive player at any position this decade -- eight. Shields was next with six.
Center: Kevin Mawae. Emmitt Smith once told me the center was his first read and a key piece in a successful rushing attack. Mawae was the hub of a blocking front that allowed Curtis Martin to win a rushing title with the Jets in 2004. Now Mawae has helped put Chris Johnson in position to win a rushing crown at Tennessee this season.
Weakside end: Jason Taylor. The only player in the decade to collect 100 sacks. He led the NFL in 2002 with 18 ½ sacks and has 111 this decade. Taylor was voted to six Pro Bowls, tops among defensive ends.
Strongside end: Michael Strahan. Set the NFL record for sacks in a single season with 22 ½ in 2001. Strahan’s 94 ½ sacks in the decade are tops among strongside pass rushers. He also was a mainstay in three Top 10 run defenses this decade.
Defensive tackles: La’Roi Glover, Richard Seymour. Glover was the only defensive tackle to lead the NFL in sacks this decade (17 in 2000). He was voted to start more Pro Bowls (5) than any other tackle this decade. Seymour went to five Pro Bowls, one fewer than Glover, and won three Super Bowl rings.
Weakside linebacker: Derrick Brooks. A complete linebacker in the Jack Ham mold. Rush, tackle, cover -- whatever you need, Brooks delivered. He’s one of only four players in NFL history voted to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls. He was selected the NFL Man of the Year in 2000 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2002.
Middle linebacker Ray Lewis. The Ravens finished in the Top 10 in defense eight times from 2000-08. The one season they missed was 2002 when Lewis himself missed 11 games with a hamstring injury. The physical and emotional leader of the Ravens, Lewis went to six Pro Bowls and was voted to start four of them, tops at his position this decade.
Linebacker: Keith Brooking. Opened seasons this decade at five different linebacker spots -- weak and middle in a 4-3 and strong and both inside spots in a 3-4. Despite Brooking’s “Where’s Waldo” existence, only four linebackers went to more Pro Bowls than his five this decade -- Brooks on the outside and Lewis, Brian Urlacher and Zach Thomas on the inside. Brooking finished the 2000 season on injured reserve with a sprained foot, then strung together nine consecutive 100-tackle seasons. I’d line him up at the strong side on my team -- and make him a captain.
Cornerbacks: Champ Bailey, Ronde Barber. Bailey topped all cornerbacks this decade with 40 interceptions and was voted to eight Pro Bowls, including seven as a starter. That topped all defenders, regardless of position. That’s respect. Barber went to a runnerup five Pro Bowls at corner and intercepted 33 passes. Bailey was the epitome of a shutdown corner, Barber the epitome of a zone corner. Barber scored 13 touchdowns this decade on interceptions (8), fumbles (4) and blocked kicks (1).
Strong safety: Ed Reed. The most complete defensive player of the decade. He started four seasons apiece at free and strong safety and scored 13 touchdowns on interceptions (7), fumble returns (2), blocked kick returns (3) and punt returns (1). He intercepted a decade runnerup 46 passes and also blocked four punts.
Free safety: Darren Sharper. His 57 interceptions were tops in the decade. Sharper returned nine of them for scores. He had nine-interception seasons for both Green Bay and Minnesota and has eight for New Orleans in 2009.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri. Two game-winning field goals in the closing seconds of Super Bowls stamped Vinatieri as one of the NFL’s greatest clutch kickers of all-time. And don’t forget that 45-yard field goal he drilled in a blizzard against the Raiders in the 2001 playoffs.
Punter: Shane Lechler. His four Pro Bowls and three NFL punting crowns are both tops for the decade. Only punter in history with two single-season net averages over 40 yards.
KR: Devin Hester. The NFL has never seen a return specialist like Hester in that two-year window from 2006-07. Counting playoffs, he scored 13 touchdowns and had two others nullified by penalty. Hester returned seven punts, five kickoffs and one missed field goal for scores.
Special teamer: Larry Izzo. The Bill Bates of this decade, Izzo was voted a team captain eight times, went to three Pro Bowls and collected 200 tackles in the kicking game.
Coach: Bill Belichick. Won a decade-best 111 games and three Super Bowls with the Patriots. Belichick had the foresight to draft Tom Brady in the sixth round in 2000 and carry him as the team’s fourth quarterback in his rookie season. New England was the only team to keep four quarterbacks that year.
Assistant coach: Dick LeBeau. His defenses finished in the Top 10 eight of the last nine seasons with three different teams -- Cincinnati, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. LeBeau coordinated the NFL’s No. 1 defense three times in the last five seasons and won two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers with two different head coaches.
Executive: Bill Polian. Drafted Peyton Manning, hired Tony Dungy and built an Indianapolis team primarily through the draft that won a record 115 games in a single decade.
S
I received my ballot for the 2000 all-decade team from the Pro Football Hall of Fame last weekend.
When I’m asked to select any sort of all-star team, I prefer 22 players who can actually line up and play a game at their positions of choice.
So I always pick weak- and strong-side ends, weak- and strong-side outside linebackers and free and strong safeties on defense. I also pick a right and left offensive tackle on offense plus a halfback and a fullback.
The Hall of Fame wants us to select a total of 53 players: 2 QBs, 4 RBs, 1 FB, 4 WRs, 2 TEs, 4 OTs, 4 guards, 2 centers, 4 DE, 4 DTs, 6 LBs, 4 CBs, 4 safeties, 2 kickers, 2 punters, 2 KR and 2 PR. That’s a lot of fluff.
What matters to me on this ballot are the players whom I believe excelled over all others at their positions this decade. So I’m going to give you my starting 22 plus my choices at kicker, punter, kick returner, special teamer, head coach, assistant coach and executive of the year. The Hall of Fame does not include a special teamer, assistant coach or executive on the ballot.
So here goes:
Quarterback: Peyton Manning. Three NFL MVPs, three NFL passing titles, a Super Bowl championship. Manning would be my choice for Player of the Decade, regardless of position.
Halfback: LaDainian Tomlinson. Eight consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons this decade propelled Tomlinson’s into the NFL’s all-time Top 10. He won two rushing titles, an NFL MVP award and his 151 touchdowns topped the decade.
Fullback: Mike Alstott. I’m a sucker for the three-dimensional Jim Taylor-type fullbacks who can run, catch and block. Alstott was the last of an era.
Wide receivers: Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt. Harrison caught more passes (906) than any receiver this decade and Holt gained more yards (12,571). They also topped the decade with seven Pro Bowls apiece. Randy Moss and Terrell Owens were the squeakiest wheels of the decade -- but Harrison and Holt quietly went about their business and neither took any seasons off on their teammates.
Tight end: Tony Gonzalez. The only tight end to lead the NFL in receiving this decade (2004), Gonzalez caught more passes (826) than either Moss or Owens. He’s the NFL’s all-time leading receiver at his position.
Left tackle: Jonathan Ogden. The Ravens drafted Ogden with the fourth overall choice in 1996 and he gave them 11 Pro Bowls in 12 seasons, including eight this decade. He became the prototype at his position.
Right tackle: Willie Anderson. Left and right tackle are two different positions -- the right side is the power side, the left side finesse. Just about every year two left tackles go to the Pro Bowl because that’s the glory side. It’s harder to attract any attention on the sluggo side but Anderson did so with the once-lowly Bengals. He garnered four Pro Bowl appearances (peers) and three All-Pro selections (writers).
Guards: Alan Faneca, Will Shields.Tackles historically are the pass blockers and guards the run blockers. Faneca spent the bulk of the decade with the Steelers and Shields with the Chiefs. The Steelers finished in the Top 10 in rushing in seven of Faneca’s eight seasons with them this decade, and the Chiefs finished in the Top 10 in five of Shields’ seven seasons. Shields was the focal point of a line that helped Priest Holmes win rushing and scoring titles. Faneca started more Pro Bowls than any offensive player at any position this decade -- eight. Shields was next with six.
Center: Kevin Mawae. Emmitt Smith once told me the center was his first read and a key piece in a successful rushing attack. Mawae was the hub of a blocking front that allowed Curtis Martin to win a rushing title with the Jets in 2004. Now Mawae has helped put Chris Johnson in position to win a rushing crown at Tennessee this season.
Weakside end: Jason Taylor. The only player in the decade to collect 100 sacks. He led the NFL in 2002 with 18 ½ sacks and has 111 this decade. Taylor was voted to six Pro Bowls, tops among defensive ends.
Strongside end: Michael Strahan. Set the NFL record for sacks in a single season with 22 ½ in 2001. Strahan’s 94 ½ sacks in the decade are tops among strongside pass rushers. He also was a mainstay in three Top 10 run defenses this decade.
Defensive tackles: La’Roi Glover, Richard Seymour. Glover was the only defensive tackle to lead the NFL in sacks this decade (17 in 2000). He was voted to start more Pro Bowls (5) than any other tackle this decade. Seymour went to five Pro Bowls, one fewer than Glover, and won three Super Bowl rings.
Weakside linebacker: Derrick Brooks. A complete linebacker in the Jack Ham mold. Rush, tackle, cover -- whatever you need, Brooks delivered. He’s one of only four players in NFL history voted to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls. He was selected the NFL Man of the Year in 2000 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2002.
Middle linebacker Ray Lewis. The Ravens finished in the Top 10 in defense eight times from 2000-08. The one season they missed was 2002 when Lewis himself missed 11 games with a hamstring injury. The physical and emotional leader of the Ravens, Lewis went to six Pro Bowls and was voted to start four of them, tops at his position this decade.
Linebacker: Keith Brooking. Opened seasons this decade at five different linebacker spots -- weak and middle in a 4-3 and strong and both inside spots in a 3-4. Despite Brooking’s “Where’s Waldo” existence, only four linebackers went to more Pro Bowls than his five this decade -- Brooks on the outside and Lewis, Brian Urlacher and Zach Thomas on the inside. Brooking finished the 2000 season on injured reserve with a sprained foot, then strung together nine consecutive 100-tackle seasons. I’d line him up at the strong side on my team -- and make him a captain.
Cornerbacks: Champ Bailey, Ronde Barber. Bailey topped all cornerbacks this decade with 40 interceptions and was voted to eight Pro Bowls, including seven as a starter. That topped all defenders, regardless of position. That’s respect. Barber went to a runnerup five Pro Bowls at corner and intercepted 33 passes. Bailey was the epitome of a shutdown corner, Barber the epitome of a zone corner. Barber scored 13 touchdowns this decade on interceptions (8), fumbles (4) and blocked kicks (1).
Strong safety: Ed Reed. The most complete defensive player of the decade. He started four seasons apiece at free and strong safety and scored 13 touchdowns on interceptions (7), fumble returns (2), blocked kick returns (3) and punt returns (1). He intercepted a decade runnerup 46 passes and also blocked four punts.
Free safety: Darren Sharper. His 57 interceptions were tops in the decade. Sharper returned nine of them for scores. He had nine-interception seasons for both Green Bay and Minnesota and has eight for New Orleans in 2009.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri. Two game-winning field goals in the closing seconds of Super Bowls stamped Vinatieri as one of the NFL’s greatest clutch kickers of all-time. And don’t forget that 45-yard field goal he drilled in a blizzard against the Raiders in the 2001 playoffs.
Punter: Shane Lechler. His four Pro Bowls and three NFL punting crowns are both tops for the decade. Only punter in history with two single-season net averages over 40 yards.
KR: Devin Hester. The NFL has never seen a return specialist like Hester in that two-year window from 2006-07. Counting playoffs, he scored 13 touchdowns and had two others nullified by penalty. Hester returned seven punts, five kickoffs and one missed field goal for scores.
Special teamer: Larry Izzo. The Bill Bates of this decade, Izzo was voted a team captain eight times, went to three Pro Bowls and collected 200 tackles in the kicking game.
Coach: Bill Belichick. Won a decade-best 111 games and three Super Bowls with the Patriots. Belichick had the foresight to draft Tom Brady in the sixth round in 2000 and carry him as the team’s fourth quarterback in his rookie season. New England was the only team to keep four quarterbacks that year.
Assistant coach: Dick LeBeau. His defenses finished in the Top 10 eight of the last nine seasons with three different teams -- Cincinnati, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. LeBeau coordinated the NFL’s No. 1 defense three times in the last five seasons and won two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers with two different head coaches.
Executive: Bill Polian. Drafted Peyton Manning, hired Tony Dungy and built an Indianapolis team primarily through the draft that won a record 115 games in a single decade.
S
Monday, December 21, 2009
Greatest Athletes in the World?
I was listening to a well know radio announcer comparing the Memphis Job to Florida and Georgia as maybe the best athletes to be found.
I questioned his comment and decided to investigate.
My overall findings: Memphis is a great area for athletes.
But as we expected they are not in the same league as the Shreveport-Monroe Corridor along I-20.
(Drive time 2:15 minutes Shreveport to Ms border. 1hour 30 minutes Shreveport to Monroe.)
To Qualify the Players were born in these areas.
(I almost did Mississippi on the I-20 corridor, I have a feeling it would surpass Memphis)
Overview:
Population-Tn.6,214,000 La 4,410,000
Memphis 700000k
I-20 corridor-appox 600,000 people. Shreveport Metro 370k, Monroe 170k. I threw is some more in the area to close the percentages.
First. I decided to start with basketball, thinking it would give Memphis the best shot at competing with the athletes on the I-20 corridor of La. A mistake Tennessee is a baseball state.
NBA
TN Totals 69 Memphis 29
La Totals 93 38 players on I-20 corridor - Monroe 24 Sheveport 14
NFL
TN 361 Memphis 114
La 765 I-20- 231 players. 98 Monroe- 133 Shreveport
MLB
TN 266 40 Memphis.
LA 228 75 in N. La - 26 Monroe- 49 in Shreveport.
Summary:
Tennesse- 696 pro athletes. Memphis 183
Louisiana- 1086 Pros- I-20 drive 344pros - (Monroe 148, Shreveport 196)
I have included players within an hour and fifteen minutes north and south of the I-20.
The point: I have yet to find a more dense population of pro athletes anywhere to match the Monroe area in per capita athletes.
Everyone knows about the NFL players out of N. La, but the basketball list with players born within 100 miles of each other in rural N.La is crazy.
Bill Russell,
Elvin Hayes,
Willis Reed,
Karl Malone,
Robert Parish
Joe Dumars
***Clyde Drexler and Bob Pettit completed the list of top 50 nba players of all time born in Louisiana.
One day I will complete the list on the I-20 corridor from East Texas to Alabama. The debate of the where the greatest athletes in the world per capita are located, will be put to bed forever.
J
I questioned his comment and decided to investigate.
My overall findings: Memphis is a great area for athletes.
But as we expected they are not in the same league as the Shreveport-Monroe Corridor along I-20.
(Drive time 2:15 minutes Shreveport to Ms border. 1hour 30 minutes Shreveport to Monroe.)
To Qualify the Players were born in these areas.
(I almost did Mississippi on the I-20 corridor, I have a feeling it would surpass Memphis)
Overview:
Population-Tn.6,214,000 La 4,410,000
Memphis 700000k
I-20 corridor-appox 600,000 people. Shreveport Metro 370k, Monroe 170k. I threw is some more in the area to close the percentages.
First. I decided to start with basketball, thinking it would give Memphis the best shot at competing with the athletes on the I-20 corridor of La. A mistake Tennessee is a baseball state.
NBA
TN Totals 69 Memphis 29
La Totals 93 38 players on I-20 corridor - Monroe 24 Sheveport 14
NFL
TN 361 Memphis 114
La 765 I-20- 231 players. 98 Monroe- 133 Shreveport
MLB
TN 266 40 Memphis.
LA 228 75 in N. La - 26 Monroe- 49 in Shreveport.
Summary:
Tennesse- 696 pro athletes. Memphis 183
Louisiana- 1086 Pros- I-20 drive 344pros - (Monroe 148, Shreveport 196)
I have included players within an hour and fifteen minutes north and south of the I-20.
The point: I have yet to find a more dense population of pro athletes anywhere to match the Monroe area in per capita athletes.
Everyone knows about the NFL players out of N. La, but the basketball list with players born within 100 miles of each other in rural N.La is crazy.
Bill Russell,
Elvin Hayes,
Willis Reed,
Karl Malone,
Robert Parish
Joe Dumars
***Clyde Drexler and Bob Pettit completed the list of top 50 nba players of all time born in Louisiana.
One day I will complete the list on the I-20 corridor from East Texas to Alabama. The debate of the where the greatest athletes in the world per capita are located, will be put to bed forever.
J
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The QB competition Romo Brees
Romo: Isn't it funny to hear people talk about how special Romo played last night.
If you check the numbers, he has had many more games like last night, than the catastrophe's he is famous for. His numbers in 2009 are like his career numbers with two exceptions.
1. Sacks-He is getting sacked much more this year.
2. Int are down to 1.5% of attempt from a career number around 3.0%.
Moral of the story, he is truly not trying the miracle pass as often now and thus the increase in sacks.
For the record his career QB rating 95.6 is ahead of Brady 93.2, Big Ben91.6, Brees91.7,Favre 86.3,and Warner93.7. Manning at 98.47.
Brees:
I love how he gets the ball off so quickly. The Saints O line was having serious problems with Wade's D. Brees is definitely not used to be rushed to that extent. As a matter of fact, his passes became off line when his esacape route was lateral and not forward. Ratlif pushing the pocket into a collapse in the middle may have been more important than anyone expected.
On a another usless thought, I see Brees had the birthmark removed from his face.
When I first saw the wound on his cheek, I did not put it together.
If you check the numbers, he has had many more games like last night, than the catastrophe's he is famous for. His numbers in 2009 are like his career numbers with two exceptions.
1. Sacks-He is getting sacked much more this year.
2. Int are down to 1.5% of attempt from a career number around 3.0%.
Moral of the story, he is truly not trying the miracle pass as often now and thus the increase in sacks.
For the record his career QB rating 95.6 is ahead of Brady 93.2, Big Ben91.6, Brees91.7,Favre 86.3,and Warner93.7. Manning at 98.47.
Brees:
I love how he gets the ball off so quickly. The Saints O line was having serious problems with Wade's D. Brees is definitely not used to be rushed to that extent. As a matter of fact, his passes became off line when his esacape route was lateral and not forward. Ratlif pushing the pocket into a collapse in the middle may have been more important than anyone expected.
On a another usless thought, I see Brees had the birthmark removed from his face.
When I first saw the wound on his cheek, I did not put it together.
Cowboys-Saints.
It was a significant change to not see the Cowboys out coached.
They were prepared for most changes the Saints threw at them on Offense and Defense.
With the exception of Roy Williams, Penalties and Nick Folk's meltdowns were the only time the Saints slowed the Cowboys. In the past, Williams has blitzed Romo into submission. An excuse or reason: the saints had some important players out of the game.
Wade also had the defense ready and they were tackling better than normal.
I realize that the Saints were a bit overly excited coming into this game.
(I base this on the comments made by Bree's, Archie and Sharper, stating that they have circled this game when the schedule was released. It was the most expensive ticket in Saints history.) This should make the first playoff game more natural for the New Orleans teams. With the exception of the Boy's, I hope they win the Super Bowl.
j
They were prepared for most changes the Saints threw at them on Offense and Defense.
With the exception of Roy Williams, Penalties and Nick Folk's meltdowns were the only time the Saints slowed the Cowboys. In the past, Williams has blitzed Romo into submission. An excuse or reason: the saints had some important players out of the game.
Wade also had the defense ready and they were tackling better than normal.
I realize that the Saints were a bit overly excited coming into this game.
(I base this on the comments made by Bree's, Archie and Sharper, stating that they have circled this game when the schedule was released. It was the most expensive ticket in Saints history.) This should make the first playoff game more natural for the New Orleans teams. With the exception of the Boy's, I hope they win the Super Bowl.
j
Saturday, December 19, 2009
1st Half Cowboys-Saints.
I still think the Saints will pull away, but the talent difference is not strong enough in the Saints favor to be 19-0 and the Boys at 9-7. As a matter of fact I would lean toward Cowboys in talent.
Coaching truly does matter.
Why is Folk still on this team? I hope it doesn't kill Dallas in the 2nd half.
Coaching truly does matter.
Why is Folk still on this team? I hope it doesn't kill Dallas in the 2nd half.
Bowl Game Pick'em- Sign up and pick for fun
I have created a group called SL Bowl Games and added your pick set, SL Bowl Games. Your group ID# is 40456 and your password is: special lines
Yahoo.com
Fantasy Sports.
Group Name-SL Bowl Games
Password=Special Lines.
http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/bowl/308051
Yahoo.com
Fantasy Sports.
Group Name-SL Bowl Games
Password=Special Lines.
http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/bowl/308051
BB Signees for 2011
I finally had a chance to watch Harrison Barnes on TV yesterday.
6'8" kid from Iowa commited to UNC.
He handles the ball much better than I expected. I cannot give him the dominate tag for next year because I do not see the next level quickness to make him a Durant, but he has long arms and shoots a ton of leaners. This usually translates into a big time scorer if he is quick enough to get some space.
I also saw the other no.1 player in the land. Commit to Ohio St.
Jared Sullinger, same size but heavier, another player that shots while leaning in all different directions. He basically beat the Nevada Prep school ranked no.1.
He seems a little slow with his first step and is a bit soft in the muscle department.
6'8" kid from Iowa commited to UNC.
He handles the ball much better than I expected. I cannot give him the dominate tag for next year because I do not see the next level quickness to make him a Durant, but he has long arms and shoots a ton of leaners. This usually translates into a big time scorer if he is quick enough to get some space.
I also saw the other no.1 player in the land. Commit to Ohio St.
Jared Sullinger, same size but heavier, another player that shots while leaning in all different directions. He basically beat the Nevada Prep school ranked no.1.
He seems a little slow with his first step and is a bit soft in the muscle department.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Cowboys Doom?
I know I have been pessimistic about the Boy's since Day 1.
It hit home today while listening to Broaddus on Gallaway and Company.
I respect his breakdown of the games and he was pretty confident that the boy's were outmatched in this game. He discussed Garrett's style of not going all out during a game and trying to control the tempo by not going vertical. The breakdown of the secondary is even worse, he feels the Hamlin and Ball are definite weakness.
A recipe for a blow out.
His prediction 42-20.
I wonder what he would think of my finesse teams against the Cowboys?
It hit home today while listening to Broaddus on Gallaway and Company.
I respect his breakdown of the games and he was pretty confident that the boy's were outmatched in this game. He discussed Garrett's style of not going all out during a game and trying to control the tempo by not going vertical. The breakdown of the secondary is even worse, he feels the Hamlin and Ball are definite weakness.
A recipe for a blow out.
His prediction 42-20.
I wonder what he would think of my finesse teams against the Cowboys?
Airline Basketball Broadcast
If you want to listen to some Airline High Basketball coached by Chris White.
http://www.meridix.com/archive.php?liveid=AirlineHighSchool
The next game is set for Dec 22.
Broadcast by Donnie Martin, son of a 1981 Grad.
http://www.meridix.com/archive.php?liveid=AirlineHighSchool
The next game is set for Dec 22.
Broadcast by Donnie Martin, son of a 1981 Grad.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A way to judge Great QB's?
We always talked about this stat being the best indicator of a QB.
TOP 15 ALL-TIME PASSING YPA LEADERS
--------Player ...(Years)... .. Yards ...(*YPA*) (Title Games) (Titles)
1* Otto Graham ....1950-55 .....13499 ----(8.63) (6 -----------3)
2* Sid Luckman ....1939-50 ....14686 ----(8.42) (5 ------------4)
3* Norm Van Brocklin (1949-60) .23611 ---(8.16) (5 ------------2)
4 Tony Romo (2004-2009) ........14136 ----(8.1) (0 ------------0)
5 Kurt Warner 1998-2009 ........31772 -----(8) (3 ------------1)
6* Steve Young 1985-99 ...........33124 ---(7.98) (1----------- 1)
8 Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2009). 18320 ----(7.9) (2---------2)
7 Ed Brown (1954-65) ...........15600 ----(7.85) (1 ----------0)
8* Bart Starr (1956-71) ............24718 -----(7.849) (6------- 5)
9 Bob Berry (1965-75) ..............9197 ------(7.84) (0------- 0)
10 Peyton Manning (1998-06) ......41626 ------(7.81) (1------- 1)
11* Johnny Unitas (1956-73) ......40239 -------(7.76) (4------ 3)
12 Earl Morrall (1956-76) ........20809 --------(7.74) ( 3*---- 2*)
13* Len Dawson (1957-75)......... 28711 --------(7.68) (2------ 1)
14* Roger Staubach (1969-79)------- 22700 -------( 7.67) (4------ 2)
15* Dan Fouts (1973-87) ------------43040 --------(7.68) ( 0------ 0)
* Hall of Fame 9
Rivers is strong at 7.8, I found this after I finished, he has over 14000 yards and
should have been right behind Manning.
Numbers suggest, Manning, Warner, Big Ben are sure fire Hall of Famer's with the titles and Yards per attempt.
This also suggest that Romo may not be as appreciated as he should be.
For the Saints brethren Bree's is at 7.4 career, but at 7.9 with Saint Payton.
Montana 7.5, Marino 7.4, Elway 7.1, Bradshaw 7.2,Aikman 7.0, McNabb 6.9, Fran T 7.3
TOP 15 ALL-TIME PASSING YPA LEADERS
--------Player ...(Years)... .. Yards ...(*YPA*) (Title Games) (Titles)
1* Otto Graham ....1950-55 .....13499 ----(8.63) (6 -----------3)
2* Sid Luckman ....1939-50 ....14686 ----(8.42) (5 ------------4)
3* Norm Van Brocklin (1949-60) .23611 ---(8.16) (5 ------------2)
4 Tony Romo (2004-2009) ........14136 ----(8.1) (0 ------------0)
5 Kurt Warner 1998-2009 ........31772 -----(8) (3 ------------1)
6* Steve Young 1985-99 ...........33124 ---(7.98) (1----------- 1)
8 Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2009). 18320 ----(7.9) (2---------2)
7 Ed Brown (1954-65) ...........15600 ----(7.85) (1 ----------0)
8* Bart Starr (1956-71) ............24718 -----(7.849) (6------- 5)
9 Bob Berry (1965-75) ..............9197 ------(7.84) (0------- 0)
10 Peyton Manning (1998-06) ......41626 ------(7.81) (1------- 1)
11* Johnny Unitas (1956-73) ......40239 -------(7.76) (4------ 3)
12 Earl Morrall (1956-76) ........20809 --------(7.74) ( 3*---- 2*)
13* Len Dawson (1957-75)......... 28711 --------(7.68) (2------ 1)
14* Roger Staubach (1969-79)------- 22700 -------( 7.67) (4------ 2)
15* Dan Fouts (1973-87) ------------43040 --------(7.68) ( 0------ 0)
* Hall of Fame 9
Rivers is strong at 7.8, I found this after I finished, he has over 14000 yards and
should have been right behind Manning.
Numbers suggest, Manning, Warner, Big Ben are sure fire Hall of Famer's with the titles and Yards per attempt.
This also suggest that Romo may not be as appreciated as he should be.
For the Saints brethren Bree's is at 7.4 career, but at 7.9 with Saint Payton.
Montana 7.5, Marino 7.4, Elway 7.1, Bradshaw 7.2,Aikman 7.0, McNabb 6.9, Fran T 7.3
Manning Brady Stats
It is confusing to look at but you get the idea for my reasoning on previous post.
-
Year Team G Att Comp Pct Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int Int% Sck SckY Rate
2009 NE 13 490 320 65.3 37.7 3830 7.8 294.6 23 11 2.2 15 82 95.4
2007 NE 16 578 398 68.9 36.1 4806 8.3 300.4 50 8 1.4 21 128 117.2
2006 NE 16 516 319 61.8 32.2 3529 6.8 220.6 24 12 2.3 26 175 87.9
2005 NE 16 530 334 63 33.1 4110 7.8 256.9 26 14 2.6 26 188 92.3
2004 NE 16 474 288 60.8 29.6 3692 7.8 230.8 28 14 3 26 162 92.6
2003 NE 16 527 317 60.2 32.9 3620 6.9 226.2 23 12 2.3 32 219 85.9
2002 NE 16 601 373 62.1 37.6 3764 6.3 235.2 28 14 2.3 31 190 85.7
2001 NE 15 413 264 63.9 27.5 2843 6.9 189.5 18 12 2.9 41 216 86.5
Avg NE 124 516 63.25 33. 3774 7.3 244.2 27 12 2.4 27 170 92.93
Totals 4143 2621 63.3 32.9 30276 7.3 240.3 220 97 2.3 218 1360 93.2
Year Team G Att Comp Pct Att/G -Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int Int% S SckY Rate
2009 IN 13 502 342 68.1 38.6 3905 -7.8 300.4 29 14 2.8 10 74 98.9
2008 IN 16 555 371 66.8 34.7 4002 -7.2 250.1 27 12 2.2 14 86 95
2007 IN 16 515 337 65.4 32.2 4040 -7.8 252.5 31 14 2.7 21 124 98
2006 IN 16 557 362 65 34.8 4397 -7.9 274.8 31 9 1.6 14 86 101
2005 IN 16 453 305 67.3 28.3 3747 -8.3 234.2 28 10 2.2 17 81 104.1
2004 IN 16 497 336 67.6 31.1 4557 -9.2 284.8 49 10 2 13 101 121.1
2003 IN 16 566 379 67 35.4 4267 -7.5 266.7 29 10 1.8 18 107 99
2002 IN 16 591 392 66.3 36.9 4200 -7.1 262.5 27 19 3.2 23 145 88.8
2001 IN 16 547 343 62.7 34.2 4131 -7.6 258.2 26 23 4.2 29 232 84.1
2000 IN 16 571 357 62.5 35.7 4413 -7.7 275.8 33 15 2.6 20 131 94.7
Totals 157 535 65.87 34 41659 -7.81 266 310 136 2.53 17.9 116.7 98.47
AVG 4165.9 yrd per yr
It is really not close. Brady is borderline great but he if you hate Romo, hate Brady.
-
Year Team G Att Comp Pct Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int Int% Sck SckY Rate
2009 NE 13 490 320 65.3 37.7 3830 7.8 294.6 23 11 2.2 15 82 95.4
2007 NE 16 578 398 68.9 36.1 4806 8.3 300.4 50 8 1.4 21 128 117.2
2006 NE 16 516 319 61.8 32.2 3529 6.8 220.6 24 12 2.3 26 175 87.9
2005 NE 16 530 334 63 33.1 4110 7.8 256.9 26 14 2.6 26 188 92.3
2004 NE 16 474 288 60.8 29.6 3692 7.8 230.8 28 14 3 26 162 92.6
2003 NE 16 527 317 60.2 32.9 3620 6.9 226.2 23 12 2.3 32 219 85.9
2002 NE 16 601 373 62.1 37.6 3764 6.3 235.2 28 14 2.3 31 190 85.7
2001 NE 15 413 264 63.9 27.5 2843 6.9 189.5 18 12 2.9 41 216 86.5
Avg NE 124 516 63.25 33. 3774 7.3 244.2 27 12 2.4 27 170 92.93
Totals 4143 2621 63.3 32.9 30276 7.3 240.3 220 97 2.3 218 1360 93.2
Year Team G Att Comp Pct Att/G -Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int Int% S SckY Rate
2009 IN 13 502 342 68.1 38.6 3905 -7.8 300.4 29 14 2.8 10 74 98.9
2008 IN 16 555 371 66.8 34.7 4002 -7.2 250.1 27 12 2.2 14 86 95
2007 IN 16 515 337 65.4 32.2 4040 -7.8 252.5 31 14 2.7 21 124 98
2006 IN 16 557 362 65 34.8 4397 -7.9 274.8 31 9 1.6 14 86 101
2005 IN 16 453 305 67.3 28.3 3747 -8.3 234.2 28 10 2.2 17 81 104.1
2004 IN 16 497 336 67.6 31.1 4557 -9.2 284.8 49 10 2 13 101 121.1
2003 IN 16 566 379 67 35.4 4267 -7.5 266.7 29 10 1.8 18 107 99
2002 IN 16 591 392 66.3 36.9 4200 -7.1 262.5 27 19 3.2 23 145 88.8
2001 IN 16 547 343 62.7 34.2 4131 -7.6 258.2 26 23 4.2 29 232 84.1
2000 IN 16 571 357 62.5 35.7 4413 -7.7 275.8 33 15 2.6 20 131 94.7
Totals 157 535 65.87 34 41659 -7.81 266 310 136 2.53 17.9 116.7 98.47
AVG 4165.9 yrd per yr
It is really not close. Brady is borderline great but he if you hate Romo, hate Brady.
Athlete of the Decade
With Tiger winning AP athlete of the decade, I thought I would pay homage to his excellence.
1. He won 1/3 of the events he entered.
2. $81,547,410 won in decade
3. 12 Majors only(14 in career.) Nobody in history has more than 11 except Jack at 18 he won 8 in 70's.
4. 64 tournaments around the world. 56 with the big boys.
Second in the voting was Armstrong
He doesn't get anything from me other than than he should not be on this list.
6 titles and a lot of denials and saying it wasn't his blood that was tested.
Third Federer
1. Won 81% of matches in Grand Slams during decade. 61 tournaments since 2003.
2. All time money winner, just during decade.
3. 15 Grand Slams All time record, during decade.
4. Record at the past 26 Grand Slam events is 159-11, a .935 winning percentage
Phelps was Forth.
1. 14 gold medals is ridiculous. Historically this is insane. 16 total medals.
2. 37 World Records.
Brady Fifth.
Are you kidding me?
This made me pull the Manning vs Brady data.
With injuries Brady has played 8 Manning 10. Jacksonville game not included.
Decade Stats. I will give Brady some wins when he didnt play.
Manng: Wins 114 41659yd %65.87 TD 310 Int 136 QB rating 98.47
Brady: Wins 110 30276yd %63.25 TD 220 Int 97 QB rating 92.93
^Manning attempts 19 more passes a year during this time.
Brady is 14-2 in playoffs, Manning 7-7. After hearing the Cowboys talk about how disconcerting it was hearing San Diego call out their defenses last week, you get an understanding for how the cheating in New England contributed to the 3 superbowls.
I would vote Federer No.1, 2. Phelps 3. Woods on athlete of the decade.
They were all amazing.
The AP vote has been Americanized.
1. He won 1/3 of the events he entered.
2. $81,547,410 won in decade
3. 12 Majors only(14 in career.) Nobody in history has more than 11 except Jack at 18 he won 8 in 70's.
4. 64 tournaments around the world. 56 with the big boys.
Second in the voting was Armstrong
He doesn't get anything from me other than than he should not be on this list.
6 titles and a lot of denials and saying it wasn't his blood that was tested.
Third Federer
1. Won 81% of matches in Grand Slams during decade. 61 tournaments since 2003.
2. All time money winner, just during decade.
3. 15 Grand Slams All time record, during decade.
4. Record at the past 26 Grand Slam events is 159-11, a .935 winning percentage
Phelps was Forth.
1. 14 gold medals is ridiculous. Historically this is insane. 16 total medals.
2. 37 World Records.
Brady Fifth.
Are you kidding me?
This made me pull the Manning vs Brady data.
With injuries Brady has played 8 Manning 10. Jacksonville game not included.
Decade Stats. I will give Brady some wins when he didnt play.
Manng: Wins 114 41659yd %65.87 TD 310 Int 136 QB rating 98.47
Brady: Wins 110 30276yd %63.25 TD 220 Int 97 QB rating 92.93
^Manning attempts 19 more passes a year during this time.
Brady is 14-2 in playoffs, Manning 7-7. After hearing the Cowboys talk about how disconcerting it was hearing San Diego call out their defenses last week, you get an understanding for how the cheating in New England contributed to the 3 superbowls.
I would vote Federer No.1, 2. Phelps 3. Woods on athlete of the decade.
They were all amazing.
The AP vote has been Americanized.
A friends top 10 events at LSU this decade.
We often hear people brag about certain schools fans and the amount of pride they take in a teams success. I have a friend that spends a lot of emotion and time following LSU.
He sent me a note with the top 10 events he witnessed during the decade for LSU.
I hope he doesn't mind me sharing.
============================
His note:
--
This is hard. Top ten LSU athletic events I have seen in last decade are...
1) LSU vs Texas game 2 CWS. When Colby jumped in my arms when DJ hit that double is a memory I will never forget.
2) 03 NC game. When John and I looked at each other and said, what do we do now. We just won the NC.
3) 4) 5) The 10 games I saw in 07. It was a magical ride that I will never forget. Va Tech beat down, Fla, Auburn. SC flip over the head.
6) 07 SEC champ game when the little Tenn fan kid cried when we beat them and then watching Pitt beat WV at the hotel afterwards.
7) LSU vs Texas game 3 CWS. I was so tired but a victory lap in Omaha is second to none.
8) 02 Sugar Bowl vs Illinois. ILL-----INI. Illinois fan making John very mad in the elevator.
9) 1st OT game in Tiger Stadium in 2000 over Tenn, We lost my father in law.
10) 07 NC game. Just because it was a NC game and my wife's first one. Not that special of a game after all the games that year.
==================
Notes like this make me question my decision to always say that I prefer to watch games on the television.
It truly was a golden era at LSU and Staten was a lucky man.
He sent me a note with the top 10 events he witnessed during the decade for LSU.
I hope he doesn't mind me sharing.
============================
His note:
--
This is hard. Top ten LSU athletic events I have seen in last decade are...
1) LSU vs Texas game 2 CWS. When Colby jumped in my arms when DJ hit that double is a memory I will never forget.
2) 03 NC game. When John and I looked at each other and said, what do we do now. We just won the NC.
3) 4) 5) The 10 games I saw in 07. It was a magical ride that I will never forget. Va Tech beat down, Fla, Auburn. SC flip over the head.
6) 07 SEC champ game when the little Tenn fan kid cried when we beat them and then watching Pitt beat WV at the hotel afterwards.
7) LSU vs Texas game 3 CWS. I was so tired but a victory lap in Omaha is second to none.
8) 02 Sugar Bowl vs Illinois. ILL-----INI. Illinois fan making John very mad in the elevator.
9) 1st OT game in Tiger Stadium in 2000 over Tenn, We lost my father in law.
10) 07 NC game. Just because it was a NC game and my wife's first one. Not that special of a game after all the games that year.
==================
Notes like this make me question my decision to always say that I prefer to watch games on the television.
It truly was a golden era at LSU and Staten was a lucky man.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Colts 3
From Gosselin today. Can you imagine how great it would be to have a stable front office with a never-wavering philosophy on how to draft, how to coach, how to game plan, etc.? Read below. Gosselin obviously admires the Colt organization tremendously....
The shutdown cornerback no longer exists in today's NFL.
The rules don't allow cornerbacks to get close enough to the receivers to shut anyone down any more. Defenders are allowed only one contact with a receiver and it must come within five yards of the line of scrimmage.
Even the best corners — the Champ Baileys, Charles Woodsons and Asante Samuels — allow completions and the occasional touchdown. When NFL-caliber receivers are allowed to run free, they are going to create space.
Even the best corners like Denver's Champ Bailey allow completions and the occasional touchdown because of receiver rules.
The Indianapolis Colts have long been ahead of the curve in their approach to pass defense. Playing the Cover Two scheme that Tony Dungy brought with him from Tampa Bay in 2002, the Colts give up yardage. They rank 20th in the NFL in pass defense this season.
But the premise of the Cover Two is to deny the big play. Do not allow receivers behind you. Keep the ball in front of you. So offenses can complete passes as the Colts sit in their zone coverages. Quarterbacks have a completion percentage of 64.3 against Indianapolis this season.
Cornerbacks are evaluated by the NFL based on coverage ability. But the Colts also place a premium on tackling ability. They want cornerbacks who can close on the ball, attack the receiver and deliver him to the turf.
That's the reason Indianapolis drafted Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden. Both have size and a willingness to strike. Jackson goes 6-0, 196 and Hayden 6-0, 195.
The Colts also looked beyond the lack of size of Jerraud Powers (5-9, 188) last April, taking him in the third round in part because he was stout in run support at Auburn. Powers fit the Colts profile at cornerback.
So did Jacob Lacey, whom Indianapolis signed as a college free agent after the draft. He had 186 career tackles at Oklahoma State despite playing at a wispy 177 pounds.
Brandon Marshall caught an NFL record 21 passes against the Colts last Sunday for 200 yards — but he averaged less than 10 yards per catch. Thirteen of his catches covered fewer than 10 yards and seven went for five yards or less.
When Marshall caught a pass Sunday, he was tackled. There were no big plays to be had — no turning a seven-yard catch upfield into a 70-yard touchdown. That's why the Colts were able to withstand Marshall's onslaught and claim a 28-16 victory over the Broncos.
Indianapolis also limited Pro Bowl wideouts Larry Fitzgerald to 10.9 yards on nine catches and Andre Johnson to 10.3 on 10 catches this season. That's how the Colts play pass defense — if you catch it, they will tackle you. The play ends at the reception.
"Tackling is important," Colts general manager Bill Polian said of his defensive backfield, "and we're pretty good at it."
Jackson has been on injured reserve since October and Hayden has missed seven games this season with a knee injury. Despite the extended absences of their two starting corners, the Colts are still allowing an average of only 6.3 yards per pass attempt — fifth best in the NFL. Lacey leads all NFL cornerbacks with 69 tackles and Powers also ranks in the Top 10 with 66.
The Colts also have allowed only 13 touchdown passes this season, third fewest in the league. Good pass coverage goes a long way in the NFL. So does good tackling.
S
The shutdown cornerback no longer exists in today's NFL.
The rules don't allow cornerbacks to get close enough to the receivers to shut anyone down any more. Defenders are allowed only one contact with a receiver and it must come within five yards of the line of scrimmage.
Even the best corners — the Champ Baileys, Charles Woodsons and Asante Samuels — allow completions and the occasional touchdown. When NFL-caliber receivers are allowed to run free, they are going to create space.
Even the best corners like Denver's Champ Bailey allow completions and the occasional touchdown because of receiver rules.
The Indianapolis Colts have long been ahead of the curve in their approach to pass defense. Playing the Cover Two scheme that Tony Dungy brought with him from Tampa Bay in 2002, the Colts give up yardage. They rank 20th in the NFL in pass defense this season.
But the premise of the Cover Two is to deny the big play. Do not allow receivers behind you. Keep the ball in front of you. So offenses can complete passes as the Colts sit in their zone coverages. Quarterbacks have a completion percentage of 64.3 against Indianapolis this season.
Cornerbacks are evaluated by the NFL based on coverage ability. But the Colts also place a premium on tackling ability. They want cornerbacks who can close on the ball, attack the receiver and deliver him to the turf.
That's the reason Indianapolis drafted Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden. Both have size and a willingness to strike. Jackson goes 6-0, 196 and Hayden 6-0, 195.
The Colts also looked beyond the lack of size of Jerraud Powers (5-9, 188) last April, taking him in the third round in part because he was stout in run support at Auburn. Powers fit the Colts profile at cornerback.
So did Jacob Lacey, whom Indianapolis signed as a college free agent after the draft. He had 186 career tackles at Oklahoma State despite playing at a wispy 177 pounds.
Brandon Marshall caught an NFL record 21 passes against the Colts last Sunday for 200 yards — but he averaged less than 10 yards per catch. Thirteen of his catches covered fewer than 10 yards and seven went for five yards or less.
When Marshall caught a pass Sunday, he was tackled. There were no big plays to be had — no turning a seven-yard catch upfield into a 70-yard touchdown. That's why the Colts were able to withstand Marshall's onslaught and claim a 28-16 victory over the Broncos.
Indianapolis also limited Pro Bowl wideouts Larry Fitzgerald to 10.9 yards on nine catches and Andre Johnson to 10.3 on 10 catches this season. That's how the Colts play pass defense — if you catch it, they will tackle you. The play ends at the reception.
"Tackling is important," Colts general manager Bill Polian said of his defensive backfield, "and we're pretty good at it."
Jackson has been on injured reserve since October and Hayden has missed seven games this season with a knee injury. Despite the extended absences of their two starting corners, the Colts are still allowing an average of only 6.3 yards per pass attempt — fifth best in the NFL. Lacey leads all NFL cornerbacks with 69 tackles and Powers also ranks in the Top 10 with 66.
The Colts also have allowed only 13 touchdown passes this season, third fewest in the league. Good pass coverage goes a long way in the NFL. So does good tackling.
S
Recruiting
A real quick look at recruiting at this stage of the season. Here are the programs with the most 4+ star commits at this point:
TX - 16
FL - 13 (incl 2 5-stars)
GA - 12
TN - 12
AL - 11
Penn St - 11
LSU - 10
OK - 10
Ohio St and USC have 8 so far
Most of the 5-stars have yet to commit
Kiffin is definately making noise
Mack has turned the table on Stoops in TX
TX - 16
FL - 13 (incl 2 5-stars)
GA - 12
TN - 12
AL - 11
Penn St - 11
LSU - 10
OK - 10
Ohio St and USC have 8 so far
Most of the 5-stars have yet to commit
Kiffin is definately making noise
Mack has turned the table on Stoops in TX
Playoff Bracket
Alabama (1) vs. BYU (16) Texas (2) vs. Va Tech (15)
Ga Tech (8) vs. C Mich (9) Oregon (7) vs. E Carolina (10)
Ohio St (5) vs. Iowa (12) Boise St. (6) vs. Florida (11)
TCU (4) vs. Penn St (13) Cincinnati (3) vs. LSU (14)
Ga Tech (8) vs. C Mich (9) Oregon (7) vs. E Carolina (10)
Ohio St (5) vs. Iowa (12) Boise St. (6) vs. Florida (11)
TCU (4) vs. Penn St (13) Cincinnati (3) vs. LSU (14)
A little draft research for today.......
From 1989 thru 1992, just 4 years, Dallas drafted into the organization: Aikman, Johnston, Stepnoski, Tolbert, Emmitt, Maryland, Harper, Dixon Edwards, Erik Williams, Lett, Larry Brown, Kevin Smith, Robert Jones, Jimmy Smith, Darren Woodson. Practically an entire starting lineup on both sides of the ball with lots of pro-bowlers.
Then from 1994 thru 2001, 8 drafts, they only produced the following real contributors: Larry Allen, Randall Godfrey, Coakley, Ellis, Flozell, Nguyen. That's less than 1 solid starter per year. Easy to see why we completely fell apart during those years.
Since 2002, 7 drafts, it's been hit or miss, but there has been significant improvement: Roy Williams, Gurode, Newman, Witten, James, Crayton, Ware, Spears, Barber, Canty, Ratliff, Hatcher, Spencer, Folk, Fasano, Felix J., Jenkins, Bennett, Choice, Scandrick, plus the free agent signing of Romo.
2008 shapes up great, but we still pay for big misses in early rounds like James Marten, Doug Free, Carpenter, Skyler Green, Jacob Rogers, Al Johnson. But I think most teams have those. We seem to be at least competent now and maybe better than that.
S
From 1989 thru 1992, just 4 years, Dallas drafted into the organization: Aikman, Johnston, Stepnoski, Tolbert, Emmitt, Maryland, Harper, Dixon Edwards, Erik Williams, Lett, Larry Brown, Kevin Smith, Robert Jones, Jimmy Smith, Darren Woodson. Practically an entire starting lineup on both sides of the ball with lots of pro-bowlers.
Then from 1994 thru 2001, 8 drafts, they only produced the following real contributors: Larry Allen, Randall Godfrey, Coakley, Ellis, Flozell, Nguyen. That's less than 1 solid starter per year. Easy to see why we completely fell apart during those years.
Since 2002, 7 drafts, it's been hit or miss, but there has been significant improvement: Roy Williams, Gurode, Newman, Witten, James, Crayton, Ware, Spears, Barber, Canty, Ratliff, Hatcher, Spencer, Folk, Fasano, Felix J., Jenkins, Bennett, Choice, Scandrick, plus the free agent signing of Romo.
2008 shapes up great, but we still pay for big misses in early rounds like James Marten, Doug Free, Carpenter, Skyler Green, Jacob Rogers, Al Johnson. But I think most teams have those. We seem to be at least competent now and maybe better than that.
S
Tiger's Doctor and the FBI
Most people know what I think of Tiger and his unusual growth during his rise to dominance. Whispers were out on the web about the sudden muscle bulk and growth from a lanky 150lb super athlete to a 200lb person that shortened his swing and increased his power.
His father once commented on it being normal to grow that much. He referenced another swoosh athlete that is another babe hound and Tig's friend as an example.
(Funny thing, I also thought that this superstar was juiced after the quickness left his game.
S, you used to get mad when I would bring him up with Marion Jones, Dykstra, Clemens, Bonds, Sosa,Armstrong and every Olympic Sprinter. You called me jaded, I believe.)
Today's Story
Tiger's Canadian Doctor is being investigated by FBI for performance enhancing drugs.
Go Figure, No ties to directly link Tiger and any PED use.
How many times do we need to see the smoke before we believe there is a fire. He supposedly to have treated Tiger 4 times this year with blood spinning.
This treatment could have been done with a local doctor and is not legal.
Throw in the pictures of a passed out Woods in the middle of the road due to alleged pills and drinks and you have a interesting story about a guy willing to take some substances and do anything.
I always worry about the workout junkies that exercise multiple times a day and especially when they never let anyone see the workout routine or work with them while they add the initial bulk. Medical doctors say that the body needs some way to recover, and the juice and HGH helps the healing and build mass while allowing continuous workouts.
What if I throw in that prior to the drug testing on tour, Tiger admitted that he was taking pre test to make sure his legal supplements would not fail. It pays to have money and a good chemist. He also missed his own tournament after committing.
If you doubt me, check it out for yourself. Also remember, the PGA like the NFL has no blood testing which is the only way to find the substances.
For the record, Joint failure due to ligament and tendons losing elasticity is a sign of PED use.
Here is his supposed workout from a 2007 article.
High-Rep Weight Training: This program features higher reps (often 25 to 50) and submaximal weights, rather than the sets of 6-12 reps with heavier weights favored by bodybuilders and others trying to add size. "We're working for balance, control, endurance, and speed," says Kleven.
Funny that this workout is to avoid size. 30-50lbs is not what it used to be.
What is the truth?
I do not know, but I wish they would legalize HGH and let the general public have access to these wonder drugs.
j
His father once commented on it being normal to grow that much. He referenced another swoosh athlete that is another babe hound and Tig's friend as an example.
(Funny thing, I also thought that this superstar was juiced after the quickness left his game.
S, you used to get mad when I would bring him up with Marion Jones, Dykstra, Clemens, Bonds, Sosa,Armstrong and every Olympic Sprinter. You called me jaded, I believe.)
Today's Story
Tiger's Canadian Doctor is being investigated by FBI for performance enhancing drugs.
Go Figure, No ties to directly link Tiger and any PED use.
How many times do we need to see the smoke before we believe there is a fire. He supposedly to have treated Tiger 4 times this year with blood spinning.
This treatment could have been done with a local doctor and is not legal.
Throw in the pictures of a passed out Woods in the middle of the road due to alleged pills and drinks and you have a interesting story about a guy willing to take some substances and do anything.
I always worry about the workout junkies that exercise multiple times a day and especially when they never let anyone see the workout routine or work with them while they add the initial bulk. Medical doctors say that the body needs some way to recover, and the juice and HGH helps the healing and build mass while allowing continuous workouts.
What if I throw in that prior to the drug testing on tour, Tiger admitted that he was taking pre test to make sure his legal supplements would not fail. It pays to have money and a good chemist. He also missed his own tournament after committing.
If you doubt me, check it out for yourself. Also remember, the PGA like the NFL has no blood testing which is the only way to find the substances.
For the record, Joint failure due to ligament and tendons losing elasticity is a sign of PED use.
Here is his supposed workout from a 2007 article.
High-Rep Weight Training: This program features higher reps (often 25 to 50) and submaximal weights, rather than the sets of 6-12 reps with heavier weights favored by bodybuilders and others trying to add size. "We're working for balance, control, endurance, and speed," says Kleven.
Funny that this workout is to avoid size. 30-50lbs is not what it used to be.
What is the truth?
I do not know, but I wish they would legalize HGH and let the general public have access to these wonder drugs.
j
Monday, December 14, 2009
Letter to Cowlishaw
Sent this to Tim Cowlishaw this week:
Tim, first-time writer, but long-time reader. As a massive college football fan I've read your columns over the past few years defending the BCS with bewilderment. I wonder if the editors at your paper asked you to take this position on the BCS just for the sake of fostering a good argument? Anyway, the thing about your position is that you seem to throw out the window the very premise for any sporting event or league in existence. What is the object (outside of surviving economically)? The object is to win. The object is to find out who the best is. The object is to crown a legitimate champion. Division 1 college football is about the only significant sporting event or league that refuses to do so. Instead they give us a fake champion and ask us to believe it.
The NFL, the NBA, World Cup Soccer, MLB, college baseball, all other levels of college football, high school football, swimming, track, even competitive cheerleading (thrown in for my daughter), even NASCAR; they all have something in place to crown a legitimate champion via direct competition with each other. But not Div 1 college football. Here we bumble about, whine about protecting tradition, fret over the regular season, and end up with beauty contests rather than champions.
Now, I don't have the time or inclination to study all the economics. But I have no doubt that the revenue generated from a college football playoff would be huge enough to figure out the specifics. It would be so big it would make the Final Four look like a summer rec league. When I even think about it I get excited, but then I come back to earth knowing it won't happen. Instead we get some 17 "winners" who get to close their year with a win because we certainly wouldn't want anyone's feelings hurt. The best sport of them all, and no real champion, year after year. Just a bunch of computers and voters deciding it for us. That is not legitimate. It's a joke. Everyone else can figure it out, but not these lame leaders of college football.
Here's the deal: 10 automatic bids, the 6 current BCS conference champs plus the MAC, WAC, Mtn West, & Conf USA. Six at-large bids. The 6 at-large teams cannot be seeded higher than 11th. So, FL could not lose the SEC and still get a 2 seed. The conf championships have to matter. Takes 4 wins to garner a championship. That would be a championship well earned. The quarterfinal games could be the current 'major' bowls, the opening round games the next 8 biggest bowls, while the semi's would be at one site, like the Final Four. The rest of those ridiculous bowls could continue their games before the playoffs begin. It blows my mind to think how big it would be, and how much fun.
Again, every other sport on the planet has figured out how to crown a real champion. Don't tell me Div 1 college football can't do it, and don't tell me they don't need to. All of the issues that exist: academics, revenue sharing, tradition, etc. can be figured out if these leaders would just sit down and do it. TX high school teams have to play 16 games to win state. They survive academically. So do the 1-AA football players. If the Rose Bowl folks won't play ball, leave them behind. Once the playoffs actually start, believe me people will be so excited they will forget tradition in a hurry. This is not rocket science, these things can be figured out. I've never know of anything with a bigger upside that is just being left on the table. Get on board Tim!
Tomorrow I'll post my 16-team bracket.
S
Tim, first-time writer, but long-time reader. As a massive college football fan I've read your columns over the past few years defending the BCS with bewilderment. I wonder if the editors at your paper asked you to take this position on the BCS just for the sake of fostering a good argument? Anyway, the thing about your position is that you seem to throw out the window the very premise for any sporting event or league in existence. What is the object (outside of surviving economically)? The object is to win. The object is to find out who the best is. The object is to crown a legitimate champion. Division 1 college football is about the only significant sporting event or league that refuses to do so. Instead they give us a fake champion and ask us to believe it.
The NFL, the NBA, World Cup Soccer, MLB, college baseball, all other levels of college football, high school football, swimming, track, even competitive cheerleading (thrown in for my daughter), even NASCAR; they all have something in place to crown a legitimate champion via direct competition with each other. But not Div 1 college football. Here we bumble about, whine about protecting tradition, fret over the regular season, and end up with beauty contests rather than champions.
Now, I don't have the time or inclination to study all the economics. But I have no doubt that the revenue generated from a college football playoff would be huge enough to figure out the specifics. It would be so big it would make the Final Four look like a summer rec league. When I even think about it I get excited, but then I come back to earth knowing it won't happen. Instead we get some 17 "winners" who get to close their year with a win because we certainly wouldn't want anyone's feelings hurt. The best sport of them all, and no real champion, year after year. Just a bunch of computers and voters deciding it for us. That is not legitimate. It's a joke. Everyone else can figure it out, but not these lame leaders of college football.
Here's the deal: 10 automatic bids, the 6 current BCS conference champs plus the MAC, WAC, Mtn West, & Conf USA. Six at-large bids. The 6 at-large teams cannot be seeded higher than 11th. So, FL could not lose the SEC and still get a 2 seed. The conf championships have to matter. Takes 4 wins to garner a championship. That would be a championship well earned. The quarterfinal games could be the current 'major' bowls, the opening round games the next 8 biggest bowls, while the semi's would be at one site, like the Final Four. The rest of those ridiculous bowls could continue their games before the playoffs begin. It blows my mind to think how big it would be, and how much fun.
Again, every other sport on the planet has figured out how to crown a real champion. Don't tell me Div 1 college football can't do it, and don't tell me they don't need to. All of the issues that exist: academics, revenue sharing, tradition, etc. can be figured out if these leaders would just sit down and do it. TX high school teams have to play 16 games to win state. They survive academically. So do the 1-AA football players. If the Rose Bowl folks won't play ball, leave them behind. Once the playoffs actually start, believe me people will be so excited they will forget tradition in a hurry. This is not rocket science, these things can be figured out. I've never know of anything with a bigger upside that is just being left on the table. Get on board Tim!
Tomorrow I'll post my 16-team bracket.
S
Ware
I see that Ware is considering playing on Saturday night.
I hope he misses the game, he seems to truly be a special person and player.
--
S,
I am waiting you to comment on the Heisman choices.
j
I hope he misses the game, he seems to truly be a special person and player.
--
S,
I am waiting you to comment on the Heisman choices.
j
An Email from Jonathan
I thought I would include an opinion from a friend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Da Boys need more help than I thought. JJ needs- New Big Uglies, New
Coach, New OC and since the Coach is DC as well one of those.
4th and a foot, the line gets *no* push and Chargers players said they
knew Barber was not there to be a blocking back. They were ready! 4 runs in
a row and Barber can not get in- try something else on 3rd or 4th.
10 points is not enough to win. SD was not great. In todays game no team has
a dominating defense.
This is only one example of Garrett's ineptitude- he may develop but he
really needs some seasoning first- too much, too early.
*If you get outsmarted by HC Norv Turner it is time to return to a lesser
role.
*Hire a disciplinarian.
2) Payton took a big chance on the fake FG. I would not have done it. I have
told you he has total confidence in the offense and this shows it. It bites
him at times (look at 4 th down conversions) I hope is it does not in the
playoffs.
3) Saban- I heard and interview with Lane Kiffin on Fox radio, prior to the
SEC championship. He said AL had better coaching and FL had the talent. I
thought - good observation. After the interview the commentator said he said
that because of his "feud" with Meyer. Looks like little Lane was right.
The game shows how good Saban really is. Talent is better at FL. Meyer is a
very good coach-- Saban just schooled him. I predict Mack will be greatly
overmatched. All this time to prepare, Macks coordinators were trained by
Saban. It will be rough seeing AL the next several years. Maybe Saban will
get bored again and move on!
-I also agree on the rivalry we could have in the SEC over the next several
years. Maybe LSU can jump in the mix every other year or so.
4) LA HS ball- flashback to years past- Neville, Evangel, and Hayneville.
All previous powerhouses
5) Al Davis and his kids- JJ and Little Dan. JJ is the most like- He has won
in the past. Little Dan is the kid who buys all the new toys only to find
out 2/3rd are junk.
- However, Bud Adams takes the cake. He has done it this year. His family
should make sure he does not enter another game or talk on another
microphone.
6) Love the blog.
7) I still feel sorry for the Browns fans. I may start feeling sorry for the
Boys fans, but not yet-- not enough suffering.
8) Bengals- everyone thought the cancer was 85 but look at TJ in Seattle, he
may be too much like Tiki Barber. What happened to him anyway?
9) Randy Moss- He gave up in the Pats game, yesterday was nothing new. It
is a shame- He is still the best WR talent I have ever seen. It is nice
seeing the Pats struggle though
10) NFC playoffs - Eagles talent is starting to show up. Packers- starting
to play. Vikings and Cards. It may be a rough January for a Saints fan, but
at least we will be at the dance this year as compared to the previous 2.
==============================
Thanks JXC.
J
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Da Boys need more help than I thought. JJ needs- New Big Uglies, New
Coach, New OC and since the Coach is DC as well one of those.
4th and a foot, the line gets *no* push and Chargers players said they
knew Barber was not there to be a blocking back. They were ready! 4 runs in
a row and Barber can not get in- try something else on 3rd or 4th.
10 points is not enough to win. SD was not great. In todays game no team has
a dominating defense.
This is only one example of Garrett's ineptitude- he may develop but he
really needs some seasoning first- too much, too early.
*If you get outsmarted by HC Norv Turner it is time to return to a lesser
role.
*Hire a disciplinarian.
2) Payton took a big chance on the fake FG. I would not have done it. I have
told you he has total confidence in the offense and this shows it. It bites
him at times (look at 4 th down conversions) I hope is it does not in the
playoffs.
3) Saban- I heard and interview with Lane Kiffin on Fox radio, prior to the
SEC championship. He said AL had better coaching and FL had the talent. I
thought - good observation. After the interview the commentator said he said
that because of his "feud" with Meyer. Looks like little Lane was right.
The game shows how good Saban really is. Talent is better at FL. Meyer is a
very good coach-- Saban just schooled him. I predict Mack will be greatly
overmatched. All this time to prepare, Macks coordinators were trained by
Saban. It will be rough seeing AL the next several years. Maybe Saban will
get bored again and move on!
-I also agree on the rivalry we could have in the SEC over the next several
years. Maybe LSU can jump in the mix every other year or so.
4) LA HS ball- flashback to years past- Neville, Evangel, and Hayneville.
All previous powerhouses
5) Al Davis and his kids- JJ and Little Dan. JJ is the most like- He has won
in the past. Little Dan is the kid who buys all the new toys only to find
out 2/3rd are junk.
- However, Bud Adams takes the cake. He has done it this year. His family
should make sure he does not enter another game or talk on another
microphone.
6) Love the blog.
7) I still feel sorry for the Browns fans. I may start feeling sorry for the
Boys fans, but not yet-- not enough suffering.
8) Bengals- everyone thought the cancer was 85 but look at TJ in Seattle, he
may be too much like Tiki Barber. What happened to him anyway?
9) Randy Moss- He gave up in the Pats game, yesterday was nothing new. It
is a shame- He is still the best WR talent I have ever seen. It is nice
seeing the Pats struggle though
10) NFC playoffs - Eagles talent is starting to show up. Packers- starting
to play. Vikings and Cards. It may be a rough January for a Saints fan, but
at least we will be at the dance this year as compared to the previous 2.
==============================
Thanks JXC.
J
Cowboys - Saints week.
This week may get ugly for America's Team.
The obvious question, someone told me that the sign of a good coach is winning when you play teams with the same talent and sometimes with inferior talent?
Facts: (Larry Brown on the post game show reminded me of 1 win this year.)
Dallas has beaten 1 team with a winning record this year. Philly.
3 teams last year. Philly, Green Bay and Tampa Bay. 4 if we count last years 13th week to the Giants.
**Notice they only beat West Coast offenses and Eli. Physical Teams that are average beat the cowboys. Payton and the Saints are a more of a Martz/Walsh mix; so the vertical side of the passing game will be the key.
Wade's Defense:
Dallas are next to last in Take Aways on Defense.
They have are 6th in points allowed, but that maybe because the other teams know they win without an all out passing attack because of an inept ability to points on the board.
Garrett Offense:
Red Jesus is proving to have a problem with play calling the red zone.
Dallas is 3rd in total offense but 13th in points.
Maybe after watching Norv and Payton on back to back weeks,
Garrett will learn that sometimes tricking someone is better than telling the players to execute better.
Should I even mention Nick Folk? The first day of competition with the rookie.
Folk 2 for 4. Bueller 1 for 4. Geez.
Saints will win.
My head will hurt.
j
The obvious question, someone told me that the sign of a good coach is winning when you play teams with the same talent and sometimes with inferior talent?
Facts: (Larry Brown on the post game show reminded me of 1 win this year.)
Dallas has beaten 1 team with a winning record this year. Philly.
3 teams last year. Philly, Green Bay and Tampa Bay. 4 if we count last years 13th week to the Giants.
**Notice they only beat West Coast offenses and Eli. Physical Teams that are average beat the cowboys. Payton and the Saints are a more of a Martz/Walsh mix; so the vertical side of the passing game will be the key.
Wade's Defense:
Dallas are next to last in Take Aways on Defense.
They have are 6th in points allowed, but that maybe because the other teams know they win without an all out passing attack because of an inept ability to points on the board.
Garrett Offense:
Red Jesus is proving to have a problem with play calling the red zone.
Dallas is 3rd in total offense but 13th in points.
Maybe after watching Norv and Payton on back to back weeks,
Garrett will learn that sometimes tricking someone is better than telling the players to execute better.
Should I even mention Nick Folk? The first day of competition with the rookie.
Folk 2 for 4. Bueller 1 for 4. Geez.
Saints will win.
My head will hurt.
j
Sunday, December 13, 2009
LA High School Champions
Interesting weekend for the State Finals.
1 Haynesville-15th title 19-12 over two time defending champ South Plaquemines
2.Evangel-12th title 18-13 over John Curtis.
3.Notre Dame out of Crowley - 14-7
4.Neville- At least 5th title 31-15 over Franklinton.
5.West Monroe-7th title. 30-0 over Rummel.
A bit different outcome this year with North La winning 4 of 5. N LA has dominated the big classification since the 80's but it is rare that 4 teams win. After watching the games and reviewing the box scores, the best teams really did win.
My biggest surprise was the athletic advantage Evangel had over John Curtis.
The score was closer than the play on the field. ECA had too many miscues with the kicking game and drops. JC could not move the ball, but they are so well coached they are always a threat. If they play 5 times ECA blows them out at least once.
Same thing with Haynesville, I lost track of how many times they were inside the 20 and did not score. Why can no team in North La kick a xtra point or field goal.
The Evangel and Haynesville games were close with late scores and both of the losing teams had a chance to win with last ditch efforts.
Neville was the biggest game time suprise in how easily they stopped Franklinton. I knew that Neville could score in bunches, but they were just stronger up front than Franklinton on the D Line.
West Monroe and Rummel were even until the 2nd quarter and West Monroe took over.
My guess is that between the 2nd quarter and the final 5 minutes in the game West Monroe out gained Rummel 230 to 45 in yardage. Rummel had 1 turnover and 1 more penalty. West Monroe had too much quickness at the skill positions and too much talent on Defense. They did not get close to scoring until Shows put the young kids in.
The teams that dominated field position and time of control won.
I along with everyone else in the state would like to see a round robin
of Evangel, Neville and West Monroe.
j
1 Haynesville-15th title 19-12 over two time defending champ South Plaquemines
2.Evangel-12th title 18-13 over John Curtis.
3.Notre Dame out of Crowley - 14-7
4.Neville- At least 5th title 31-15 over Franklinton.
5.West Monroe-7th title. 30-0 over Rummel.
A bit different outcome this year with North La winning 4 of 5. N LA has dominated the big classification since the 80's but it is rare that 4 teams win. After watching the games and reviewing the box scores, the best teams really did win.
My biggest surprise was the athletic advantage Evangel had over John Curtis.
The score was closer than the play on the field. ECA had too many miscues with the kicking game and drops. JC could not move the ball, but they are so well coached they are always a threat. If they play 5 times ECA blows them out at least once.
Same thing with Haynesville, I lost track of how many times they were inside the 20 and did not score. Why can no team in North La kick a xtra point or field goal.
The Evangel and Haynesville games were close with late scores and both of the losing teams had a chance to win with last ditch efforts.
Neville was the biggest game time suprise in how easily they stopped Franklinton. I knew that Neville could score in bunches, but they were just stronger up front than Franklinton on the D Line.
West Monroe and Rummel were even until the 2nd quarter and West Monroe took over.
My guess is that between the 2nd quarter and the final 5 minutes in the game West Monroe out gained Rummel 230 to 45 in yardage. Rummel had 1 turnover and 1 more penalty. West Monroe had too much quickness at the skill positions and too much talent on Defense. They did not get close to scoring until Shows put the young kids in.
The teams that dominated field position and time of control won.
I along with everyone else in the state would like to see a round robin
of Evangel, Neville and West Monroe.
j
Friday, December 11, 2009
Kelly
I think Notre Dame picked a fine coach in Kelly.
I hope he is a little more successful, not a lot, than his recent predecessors.
Not good enough to win big, but good enough to get them beat in bowl games.
I like coaches that are smart and win, but the big winners are the great recruiters.
His past at Central Michigan and Cincy leave some room for doubt. Dantonoi built Cincy before Kelly arrived to a 3 loss team and it hasn't translated to wins at Michigan State.
But on the other hand, Meyer did it after Bowling Green and Utah.
Urban was 22-2 at Utah after they had hovered around 7-4 or 6-5 for years.
Kelly took over a 9-3 team at Cincy and went 10-3.
He has never beat a top 25 team that wasn't in the Big East.
j
I hope he is a little more successful, not a lot, than his recent predecessors.
Not good enough to win big, but good enough to get them beat in bowl games.
I like coaches that are smart and win, but the big winners are the great recruiters.
His past at Central Michigan and Cincy leave some room for doubt. Dantonoi built Cincy before Kelly arrived to a 3 loss team and it hasn't translated to wins at Michigan State.
But on the other hand, Meyer did it after Bowling Green and Utah.
Urban was 22-2 at Utah after they had hovered around 7-4 or 6-5 for years.
Kelly took over a 9-3 team at Cincy and went 10-3.
He has never beat a top 25 team that wasn't in the Big East.
j
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Right to Know?
I currently have about 10 choices every day to choose from when it comes to sports radio. I love it, and at the same time I realize that I'm feeding the monster. Appalled is the only word I can think of to describe my feelings about the out of control frenzy to report the private lives of our sports icons. Yesterday I could not avoid being told that Tiger Woods' mom-in-law was rushed to the ER. Can you step back and realize how utterly sick that is? Today on mad dog they were opining that Woods would have to take off several months because the press will make life so miserable for him that he can't possibly appear in these tournaments.
I've heard several shows tell me that because these athletes make a living based on the public "buying" their product, we have a right to know everything about them. Everything. If they don't want to give up their privacy, they need to find another profession! We've got young people buying that crap and growing up thinking they have the "right to know". What a ridiculous line of thought! I'm almost ashamed to watch or listen to sports shows knowing I'm feeding that. Tiger Woods owes us nothing. He performs, we watch, we appreciate, we love or hate. He is still a person. What good or terrible things go on in his house is none of our business. I hope your son doesn't grow up believing these sleazeball reporters that he has a right to know.
S
I've heard several shows tell me that because these athletes make a living based on the public "buying" their product, we have a right to know everything about them. Everything. If they don't want to give up their privacy, they need to find another profession! We've got young people buying that crap and growing up thinking they have the "right to know". What a ridiculous line of thought! I'm almost ashamed to watch or listen to sports shows knowing I'm feeding that. Tiger Woods owes us nothing. He performs, we watch, we appreciate, we love or hate. He is still a person. What good or terrible things go on in his house is none of our business. I hope your son doesn't grow up believing these sleazeball reporters that he has a right to know.
S
Wall & Co.
I watched them again last night against Uconn. If you're the rest of America, be very afraid of Calipari. Can he stay clean? If so, domination is sure to come. I have absolutely no doubt that he will reside in the top 5 until such time as he gets in trouble or jumps back to the NBA for more ridiculous dollars. The tough thing for him is, like Saban, there is no pleasing KY fans unless they are accumulating rings at a regular clip. How long can you live like that?
S
S
Heisman Cont..
As for my definition of a Heisman candidate.
First you are right this is a really tough year to separate the people.
With the thought of "Outstanding Player" first.
(To me this encompasses more than stats and I believe that was the original intent.)
This brings Tebow to a level that the others can only dream about.
I do believe he is by far the most important player to his team among the nominees.
Tebow has done more for College Football than anyone since Staubach.
First the stats reflective of the teams they play on.
Texas is the only pass happy team in the group. The other teams had more yard rushing than passing.
% of offense.
Tebow-57%
McCoy-69%
Gerhart-36%
Ingram-32%
Suh - 12 sacks on a good defense. But I cannot give it to a Defensive Lineman unless his is bigger than the game. I am still unsure if he is better than Cody due to the Big 12 offenses lack of power up front.
% of TD's
Gerhart-36%
Ingram- 34%
McCoy-32.6%
Tebow-31%
The really interesting point is that Fla had more TD's than the other teams by far.
Fla 101-TX 92-Al 44-Stnf 50.
Tebow really did lead his team to more scores than anyone else against better defenses. Nebraska and Tx are good for the Big 12, but the Ala and Fla defenses are a different level of athlete. Check out the common opponents for Neb and Ala.
I still vote Tebow.
I hope McCoy wins, but I would vote Gerhart over Ingram.
Suh is good, but I agree with you his impact is less than the QB's.
First you are right this is a really tough year to separate the people.
With the thought of "Outstanding Player" first.
(To me this encompasses more than stats and I believe that was the original intent.)
This brings Tebow to a level that the others can only dream about.
I do believe he is by far the most important player to his team among the nominees.
Tebow has done more for College Football than anyone since Staubach.
First the stats reflective of the teams they play on.
Texas is the only pass happy team in the group. The other teams had more yard rushing than passing.
% of offense.
Tebow-57%
McCoy-69%
Gerhart-36%
Ingram-32%
Suh - 12 sacks on a good defense. But I cannot give it to a Defensive Lineman unless his is bigger than the game. I am still unsure if he is better than Cody due to the Big 12 offenses lack of power up front.
% of TD's
Gerhart-36%
Ingram- 34%
McCoy-32.6%
Tebow-31%
The really interesting point is that Fla had more TD's than the other teams by far.
Fla 101-TX 92-Al 44-Stnf 50.
Tebow really did lead his team to more scores than anyone else against better defenses. Nebraska and Tx are good for the Big 12, but the Ala and Fla defenses are a different level of athlete. Check out the common opponents for Neb and Ala.
I still vote Tebow.
I hope McCoy wins, but I would vote Gerhart over Ingram.
Suh is good, but I agree with you his impact is less than the QB's.
Meyer/Saban II
I am in total agreement with you on the opportunity for the SEC to see
something great. It has truly been rare to have this type of situation.
With your thoughts and history in mind..........
I will start with the most recent and move on.
The requirements-Annual game and National Championships on the line frequently.
Bowden-Johnson Too Short? 5 years. Ericson had 7 years.
Switzer-Osborne
Sherrill-Paterno
Hayes-Schembechler
Parseghian-McKay
Yost-Rockne
Stoops-Brown truly is a good comparison. Give them credit, they have earned it.
Some like Bryant, Royal had no equal that they played yearly.
something great. It has truly been rare to have this type of situation.
With your thoughts and history in mind..........
I will start with the most recent and move on.
The requirements-Annual game and National Championships on the line frequently.
Bowden-Johnson Too Short? 5 years. Ericson had 7 years.
Switzer-Osborne
Sherrill-Paterno
Hayes-Schembechler
Parseghian-McKay
Yost-Rockne
Stoops-Brown truly is a good comparison. Give them credit, they have earned it.
Some like Bryant, Royal had no equal that they played yearly.
Colt's Part 2
Good article, I wish I would have read the paper that day.
Put this with the SI article on his ability to manage the games and Manning
is moving to the top of my QB list.
Manning has truly been and incredible thing to witness during this run.
He is the one constant through out the entire streak.
They have made the playoffs every year since 2002. They were 13-3 in 1999.
Dungy came in 2002.
The truly disappointing point during this entire discussion!
The Patriots cheated the Colts out of two playoff games and won 3 Super Bowls to claim team of the decade. When the NFL brass think back on history, I hope they put the asterisk on the bust for Belicheat and Brady.
j
Put this with the SI article on his ability to manage the games and Manning
is moving to the top of my QB list.
Manning has truly been and incredible thing to witness during this run.
He is the one constant through out the entire streak.
They have made the playoffs every year since 2002. They were 13-3 in 1999.
Dungy came in 2002.
The truly disappointing point during this entire discussion!
The Patriots cheated the Colts out of two playoff games and won 3 Super Bowls to claim team of the decade. When the NFL brass think back on history, I hope they put the asterisk on the bust for Belicheat and Brady.
j
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Colts
From Rick Gosselin’s column this week. With one more win the Colts will become the winningest team from any decade, with 114. Of course they still have 4 games left in the decade. They could also surpass the 70’s Cowboys record for winning % in any decade. Dallas had 72.9%, the Colts are at 72.4%. SF had the most wins in both the 80’s and 90’s. Manning has QB’d every one of the Colts’ 113 wins this decade, and has established decade records for wins, completions, yards, and TD’s. The Colts have amazingly had 7 consecutive 12-win seasons with Manning at the helm.
00’s Colts 113-43 72.4%
90’s Niners 113-47 70.6%
00’s Pats 109-47 69.8%
70’s ‘Boys 105-39 72.9%
70’s Miami 104-39-1 72.5%
80’s Niners 104-47 68.7%
S
00’s Colts 113-43 72.4%
90’s Niners 113-47 70.6%
00’s Pats 109-47 69.8%
70’s ‘Boys 105-39 72.9%
70’s Miami 104-39-1 72.5%
80’s Niners 104-47 68.7%
S
Meyer/Saban
I don’t know if people appreciate what is taking place here. I think Meyer/Saban could go down as one of the greatest coaching match-ups in one conference in history. Depending on whether either of them bolt for another challenge. With the trend in college football toward the coaches being the “rock stars” of the sport, we have two of the most dynamic, intense, talented, and strong-willed coaches staring at each other across the 2 divisions, with the possibility of annual championship showdowns. I’m just salivating over it. Now that Saban has joined the battle for real with similar talent and could most likely tie Meyer for Nat’l Championships in a few weeks, it’s just going to be epic to see them compete over players and try to outwit each other. It should bring out the very best in them and we get to enjoy it. Neither of them will rest while they worry about the other getting the upper hand. It will be awesome! It’s a whole other level from Brown/Stoops.
S
S
Heisman
I would enjoy seeing your definition of a Heisman winner or contender, or how you would evaluate players if you had a vote. The award goes to “the most outstanding college football player in America”. What’s unfortunate is that so many voters go only by stats or what they see on highlight shows, or what they read. If you watch any football two players really stand out and dominate the action when they’re on the field. Tebow and Suh. With a lack of weapons on offense, Tebow willed FL to 12 wins in a row. Suh terrorizes every offense he plays against and to me was the most physically impressive player I saw all season. I would go with Tebow because the QB influences the game more. But if there was ever a time to give it to a defensive player, this is the one.
Amazing how the award has fallen on hard times in terms of quality. The jury is obviously out on Tebow and Bradford. But, going back you find Carson Palmer in ’02, then you have to go back to Charles Woodson and Ricky Williams in ’97 and ’98 (Woodson has proven it in the pros). Starting with Andre Ware in ’89 the talent has been scarce in terms of the Heisman winners. Hard to remember the heyday when between ’76 and ’88 we had Dorsett, Campbell, Sims, Allen, Walker, Jackson, Brown, and Sanders all in there.
S
Amazing how the award has fallen on hard times in terms of quality. The jury is obviously out on Tebow and Bradford. But, going back you find Carson Palmer in ’02, then you have to go back to Charles Woodson and Ricky Williams in ’97 and ’98 (Woodson has proven it in the pros). Starting with Andre Ware in ’89 the talent has been scarce in terms of the Heisman winners. Hard to remember the heyday when between ’76 and ’88 we had Dorsett, Campbell, Sims, Allen, Walker, Jackson, Brown, and Sanders all in there.
S
Bama/Texas
I don’t know that I’ve ever been more disappointed after a team I pulled for won a game as I was after the Longhorn debacle Saturday. They should be humbled and even embarrassed. Even after this many days I would have to say that depending on how they play against Bama, I may abandon my growing fan status that I’ve experienced over the past 3-4 years. They had no answer for what Nebraska did to them and didn’t even seem interested in finding one. Just hoped the ‘husker ineptitude on offense would serve to squeek out the win. I can’t pull for a team that soft and weak-willed.
We’ll see how they fare in January, but I can’t see ole Nick getting outcoached in this one and he certainly has the tougher, more physical team. The run defense will be the key for TX; I think they had the top ranked run defense in the country. If AL can run on them, they don’t have much chance. On the other side, I’d be seriously concerned that AL will knock McCoy out of the game. He’s in for some knocks. The only chance I see for the ‘horns is they have to hit some big plays. Similar to what TN did against FL St. a few years back. They’ll have to pop some long ones to stay in it.
S
We’ll see how they fare in January, but I can’t see ole Nick getting outcoached in this one and he certainly has the tougher, more physical team. The run defense will be the key for TX; I think they had the top ranked run defense in the country. If AL can run on them, they don’t have much chance. On the other side, I’d be seriously concerned that AL will knock McCoy out of the game. He’s in for some knocks. The only chance I see for the ‘horns is they have to hit some big plays. Similar to what TN did against FL St. a few years back. They’ll have to pop some long ones to stay in it.
S
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
HS playoffs and South Panola
South Panola won another state championship in Mississippi.
6 of last 7 and 8th overall.
103 wins and 2 losses during that span. Dominace.
John Curtis and Evangel battle in the dome on Friday night.
JC has 23 cahmpionships and Evangel 10.
Haynesville goes for their 15th as an underdog.
West Monroe goes for number 6 and is ranked 14 in the nation.
Abilene and Katy appear to be on a collision course in Texas.
Denison and Aledo seem to be the best chance for DFW in the larger schools.
6 of last 7 and 8th overall.
103 wins and 2 losses during that span. Dominace.
John Curtis and Evangel battle in the dome on Friday night.
JC has 23 cahmpionships and Evangel 10.
Haynesville goes for their 15th as an underdog.
West Monroe goes for number 6 and is ranked 14 in the nation.
Abilene and Katy appear to be on a collision course in Texas.
Denison and Aledo seem to be the best chance for DFW in the larger schools.
Bama vs Texas
I am happy with these teams being in the NC game.
I thought I could pull for Florida before the game, but when I saw the uniforms I realized that the I just cannot pull against Bama unless LSU has something to gain.
Appears to me (and everyone else outside of Texas,) that Saban's crew is
too big and aggressive for what the Horns. If they struggle with Nebraska's line and scheme, 202 yards total, it could be a long night for the Texas pride.
I do believe that Texas has a chance if they get ahead in the first quarter by more than 7 points. Surviving the physical beating they get will be interesting to watch.
Texas is used to having better athletes than the other Big 12 teams and making 4th quarter comebacks. How will they feel when they are slower and weaker than the competition.
My guess: 31-20 the Tide Rolls for a 13th "claimed" national title.
I thought I could pull for Florida before the game, but when I saw the uniforms I realized that the I just cannot pull against Bama unless LSU has something to gain.
Appears to me (and everyone else outside of Texas,) that Saban's crew is
too big and aggressive for what the Horns. If they struggle with Nebraska's line and scheme, 202 yards total, it could be a long night for the Texas pride.
I do believe that Texas has a chance if they get ahead in the first quarter by more than 7 points. Surviving the physical beating they get will be interesting to watch.
Texas is used to having better athletes than the other Big 12 teams and making 4th quarter comebacks. How will they feel when they are slower and weaker than the competition.
My guess: 31-20 the Tide Rolls for a 13th "claimed" national title.
Kentucky and the Freshman
Watching Kentucky play is just fun, all pressure- all of the time.
The freshmen that Calipari brought in are just ridiculous. This team is every bit as good as the Memphis team that missed free throws to lose the National Championship.
Freshman.
Wall 6'4 is 18ppg, 8 assist, 4 rebounds 2.5 steals. His weakness is shooting less than 30% from 3 but nobody in college can handle him in the open court.
Cousins at 6'11 is at 16ppg, 8rb, 2.6 blocks.
Bledsoe 6'1 10ppg, 50% 3pt,
Wall has won my respect, if there is a better Freshman than him in the last 5 years I haven't seen him play. He is much more diverse on offense than Rose and Beasley.
He is what OJ Mayo was supposed to be. He is a demon in the open court and frequently passes up a contested layup to hit a man on the outside for a 3pt shot.
His defense on the ball is also better than average and appears to have a wingspan around 6'8.
Throw in Patterson and we have an interesting matchup for everyone.
In March this will be a death march for some good teams.
The freshmen that Calipari brought in are just ridiculous. This team is every bit as good as the Memphis team that missed free throws to lose the National Championship.
Freshman.
Wall 6'4 is 18ppg, 8 assist, 4 rebounds 2.5 steals. His weakness is shooting less than 30% from 3 but nobody in college can handle him in the open court.
Cousins at 6'11 is at 16ppg, 8rb, 2.6 blocks.
Bledsoe 6'1 10ppg, 50% 3pt,
Wall has won my respect, if there is a better Freshman than him in the last 5 years I haven't seen him play. He is much more diverse on offense than Rose and Beasley.
He is what OJ Mayo was supposed to be. He is a demon in the open court and frequently passes up a contested layup to hit a man on the outside for a 3pt shot.
His defense on the ball is also better than average and appears to have a wingspan around 6'8.
Throw in Patterson and we have an interesting matchup for everyone.
In March this will be a death march for some good teams.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Radio Talk follow up.
It is funny that you wrote this, Buck and I were discussing radio in Lake Charles at lunch. He listens to Patrick daily. I have had trouble putting up with the arrogance since about the end of his 3rd year at Espn.
He does have great guest, but he does a little too much complaining about the everyday man when making excuses for his athlete friends.
I think Patrick picked up some of Olberman's god syndrome in their love fest.
Buck mentioned that Van Pelt was too slick also. I agree.
Tirico is just, well over the top in his worship. I wonder if he dreams about Eldrick Woods and what excuse he can make for being knocked out on at the scene of a minor accident.
Rivals and Bill King are a something that I enjoy.
I agree with you and wish he would stop taking any call in guest.
The interviews he has with the local media and national organizations is my favorite.
Gallowy is a little to much show and less substance than I like.
But, I do have my favorites segments that I listen to each week.
Mon at 5p with Steve Dennis. Tuesday 525 with Broddus, Wed and Thur during football can have Herbstriet and Mortenson.
I really miss the old school football firing line with Luska and the old historical media guys.
I also like Moseley when they talk football, but the jokes about peoples appearance, weight and religious backgrounds make me want to puke.
I even like The Coop on all sports, not just the Mavs.
As a positive, I think it is much better with the new guy Ian. He seems to get much better interviews and is not hung on BIG 12 hyperbole while giving credit to ACC, Pac 10 and the SEC. It is funny to here them talk about their love for the Saints.
My favorite shows on Fox are always include Chris Landry. College or NFL it is the most informative show. It is also why I like Broddus on Galloway. It figures that they are both from Louisiana.
I also try to record Kipper on ESPN when he is on Saturdays.
I miss Mike Fisher being on the radio in Dallas, he was more receptive to the idea that the player wasn't what you saw on prepared interviews.
My recorder on XM makes traveling and golf more enjoyable. Even though the other golfers probably get tired of my Cowboy shows on the course.
I know I misspelled some of the names above, but I was too lazy to look it up.
j
He does have great guest, but he does a little too much complaining about the everyday man when making excuses for his athlete friends.
I think Patrick picked up some of Olberman's god syndrome in their love fest.
Buck mentioned that Van Pelt was too slick also. I agree.
Tirico is just, well over the top in his worship. I wonder if he dreams about Eldrick Woods and what excuse he can make for being knocked out on at the scene of a minor accident.
Rivals and Bill King are a something that I enjoy.
I agree with you and wish he would stop taking any call in guest.
The interviews he has with the local media and national organizations is my favorite.
Gallowy is a little to much show and less substance than I like.
But, I do have my favorites segments that I listen to each week.
Mon at 5p with Steve Dennis. Tuesday 525 with Broddus, Wed and Thur during football can have Herbstriet and Mortenson.
I really miss the old school football firing line with Luska and the old historical media guys.
I also like Moseley when they talk football, but the jokes about peoples appearance, weight and religious backgrounds make me want to puke.
I even like The Coop on all sports, not just the Mavs.
As a positive, I think it is much better with the new guy Ian. He seems to get much better interviews and is not hung on BIG 12 hyperbole while giving credit to ACC, Pac 10 and the SEC. It is funny to here them talk about their love for the Saints.
My favorite shows on Fox are always include Chris Landry. College or NFL it is the most informative show. It is also why I like Broddus on Galloway. It figures that they are both from Louisiana.
I also try to record Kipper on ESPN when he is on Saturdays.
I miss Mike Fisher being on the radio in Dallas, he was more receptive to the idea that the player wasn't what you saw on prepared interviews.
My recorder on XM makes traveling and golf more enjoyable. Even though the other golfers probably get tired of my Cowboy shows on the course.
I know I misspelled some of the names above, but I was too lazy to look it up.
j
Radio Talk
Just some thoughts on radio personalities/shows. I've come to really like Doug Gotlieb. He is prepared, witty, down to earth, and what he says makes sense to me. I enjoy Mike & Mike because of the span of their show and the experts they routinely have on. I'm sick of Galloway and rarely listen anymore. The down home act has just worn thin with me. I still love to catch Dan Patrick when I can. He's slick, but somehow stays just under the too-slick line for me. Rivals is awesome, but I'm getting a little tired of the repeat callers like the blowhard in Ohio, Terry. Sometimes I really like the Brando show, but he can sometimes get off on subjects like gambling and lose me. I like his angles though. He is thoughtful and brings some interesting non-traditional views. The NFL network on Sirius is just not very good to me at all. The people doing their shows are incredibly boring and they think too much of themselves. I fill in the spaces with Mad Dog and find some of their stuff OK. All in all, I'm pretty content and can fill my drive time with good stuff most of the time.
S
S
The Cane Fields of FL
The towns of Belle Glade & Pahokee boast a combined population of 25k and change. The 2 schools have a combined enrollment of about 1,700, which is about the size of one graduating class at Allen High. They have put 48 players in the NFL since 1970. Since then together they have won at least 11 state titles. Some recent names include Santonio Holmes, Fred Taylor, & Anquan Boldin. The two teams currently have 17 players with Div 1 offers. That is just sick.
S
S
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Florida State against National Champions
87- Miami 1 pt. loss...went for 2.
88- Miami - ND won the majority of the polls.
89- Miami - Won.
90- Miami
91- Miami - wide right
92- Miami lost to bama- wide right2.
93- National Champs. Nebraska. wide left.
96- Florida- beat loss. loss in rematch.
98- Tennesse
99-National Champs - Oklahoma.
00-Oklahoma
Record against National Champions during 14 years stretch.
4-8
They were definitely part of the decision.
88- Miami - ND won the majority of the polls.
89- Miami - Won.
90- Miami
91- Miami - wide right
92- Miami lost to bama- wide right2.
93- National Champs. Nebraska. wide left.
96- Florida- beat loss. loss in rematch.
98- Tennesse
99-National Champs - Oklahoma.
00-Oklahoma
Record against National Champions during 14 years stretch.
4-8
They were definitely part of the decision.
Bobby Bowden Comments
We need a memorial to Bowden.
I do not have time to explain the great job he did.
As a start, I think it was the biggest change I have witnessed in College Football.
I vividly remember the change after 1976, the scheduling and visiting all fo the SEC schools.
Florida State prior to 76 was as close to a Baylor or Rice as any other schools I can think of in regard to location, talent in the area, with no great history.
For 30 years, not only did he remind me of my uncle in his mannerism's, but he was quick witted, funny, ingenious in play calling. He had no fear when calling a game, I wish I knew how many times he went for 2 pts or on 4th down.
The Histoical Truth:
It started with the 1987 FSU team finishing at 11-1, which started a streak of 14 consecutive seasons with 10 victories or more.
The Seminoles finished in the top 5 of the final Associated Press Top 25 poll every season from 1987 to 2000. 27 straight bowls....
Prior to Bowden 51% winning 157-136-14.
AB- 309-91-4- 72%
Florida State played against a national champion 12 times during that 14 year span.
Record- 4 wins- 8 losses.
How Great is this fact?
Two points of reference:
Point 1. The Pete Carroll and USC love fest during the 21st century vs Bowden at FSU.
Carroll's second year at USC they went 11-2.
This continued for a great 7 year streak of 10wins and top 5's.
Now USC's streak is over and Bowden's dynasty should be appreciated even more.
Point 2: Joe Pa has never won 10 games more than 2 years in a row and numerous missed bowl opportunities while playing in the inferior talent of the Northeast.
It was fun and Bowden should be mentioned with the Bear and Bud.
J
I do not have time to explain the great job he did.
As a start, I think it was the biggest change I have witnessed in College Football.
I vividly remember the change after 1976, the scheduling and visiting all fo the SEC schools.
Florida State prior to 76 was as close to a Baylor or Rice as any other schools I can think of in regard to location, talent in the area, with no great history.
For 30 years, not only did he remind me of my uncle in his mannerism's, but he was quick witted, funny, ingenious in play calling. He had no fear when calling a game, I wish I knew how many times he went for 2 pts or on 4th down.
The Histoical Truth:
It started with the 1987 FSU team finishing at 11-1, which started a streak of 14 consecutive seasons with 10 victories or more.
The Seminoles finished in the top 5 of the final Associated Press Top 25 poll every season from 1987 to 2000. 27 straight bowls....
Prior to Bowden 51% winning 157-136-14.
AB- 309-91-4- 72%
Florida State played against a national champion 12 times during that 14 year span.
Record- 4 wins- 8 losses.
How Great is this fact?
Two points of reference:
Point 1. The Pete Carroll and USC love fest during the 21st century vs Bowden at FSU.
Carroll's second year at USC they went 11-2.
This continued for a great 7 year streak of 10wins and top 5's.
Now USC's streak is over and Bowden's dynasty should be appreciated even more.
Point 2: Joe Pa has never won 10 games more than 2 years in a row and numerous missed bowl opportunities while playing in the inferior talent of the Northeast.
It was fun and Bowden should be mentioned with the Bear and Bud.
J
Best team in the NFL. Saints?
Only 1 team is in the top 5 in all categories of offense.
Saints 5th in Rushing - The top 4 all have losing record.
4th in Passing but 1st in yards per play 9.1
1st in Scoring 37
1st in Yards
1st in yds per play 6.6
15th in Defense- 20 Pt per game.
1st in point differential. 17per game. Pats were 20 pts when they were caught cheating.
My thoughts- Payton is special and with a little luck my prediction of 2 Super Bowls will hold up.
He is Martz with more control, a Coryell in the making with his offense that makes the defenses cover wr's with single coverage. It is funny listening to people give the wr's, rb's, and qb credit and never mention the incredible mismatches the coach has set up. No team gets more one on one coverage than Payton.
Time will tell if he can be a Landry, Walsh or Gibbs: meaning do it with different players while establishing great defenses and top offenses at the same time.
As a bearing of the past the 49ers and Cowboys were the only teams with top 5 rushing and passing during the early 90's.
Pretty good company for the Saints.
j
Saints 5th in Rushing - The top 4 all have losing record.
4th in Passing but 1st in yards per play 9.1
1st in Scoring 37
1st in Yards
1st in yds per play 6.6
15th in Defense- 20 Pt per game.
1st in point differential. 17per game. Pats were 20 pts when they were caught cheating.
My thoughts- Payton is special and with a little luck my prediction of 2 Super Bowls will hold up.
He is Martz with more control, a Coryell in the making with his offense that makes the defenses cover wr's with single coverage. It is funny listening to people give the wr's, rb's, and qb credit and never mention the incredible mismatches the coach has set up. No team gets more one on one coverage than Payton.
Time will tell if he can be a Landry, Walsh or Gibbs: meaning do it with different players while establishing great defenses and top offenses at the same time.
As a bearing of the past the 49ers and Cowboys were the only teams with top 5 rushing and passing during the early 90's.
Pretty good company for the Saints.
j
Big Ben
As you know, I have not been a big Ben fan since I saw his first interview.
When you combine his delusions of superiority with his inaccuracy and arrogance and I have good reason for some dislike.
I will have to side with Ben on his decision to admit to headaches prior to the game. The fact that Hines Ward came out publicly questioning his decision and people at ESPN are reporting that 50% of the locker room doubt the qb is ridiculous.
I have liked Ward in the past, but this holier than though from winning a SB is getting out of hand.
j
When you combine his delusions of superiority with his inaccuracy and arrogance and I have good reason for some dislike.
I will have to side with Ben on his decision to admit to headaches prior to the game. The fact that Hines Ward came out publicly questioning his decision and people at ESPN are reporting that 50% of the locker room doubt the qb is ridiculous.
I have liked Ward in the past, but this holier than though from winning a SB is getting out of hand.
j
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