Here's my Fantasy Football Team for 2008-2009:
QB Donovan McNabb
WR Reggie Brown
WR Torry Holt
RB LaDainian Tomlinson (1st pick)
RB Laurence Maroney
TE Chris Cooley
WR/RB Justin Fargas
K Adam Vinatieri
DEF Seattle
Bench: Chester Taylor, Darren McFadden, Reggie Williams, Philip Rivers, Anthony Gonzalez
Monday, September 1, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Lightning Bolt
If you had a chance to see Usain Bolt of Jamaica win the gold medal in the 100m and the 200m sprint events, then I'm certain that you would agree that his performance was amazing. I'm not an expert when it comes to sprinting, but I can safely say that Bolt was clearly much faster than any of his closest competitors. In fact, during the qualifying events, Bolt was actually jogging while other sprinters appeared to be struggling. So, it's pretty clear that Bolt is the fastest sprinter in the world and deserves to be given credit for his achievements.
Even so, the International Olympics Committee was not amazed, nor were they amused, by Bolt's post-race behavior. The president of the IOC, Jacque Rogge said, "That's not the way we perceive being a champion," making reference to some of the gestures Bolt made following his victories as well as Bolt's behavior toward other athletes after the race. Granted, Bolt's behavior was showy and somewhat immature; he definitely could've been more respectful toward the other sprinters by at least offering a handshake; and he didn't win as quietly and as gracefully as the IOC expects of Olympic-class athletes--but that doesn't alter the fact that Usain Bolt is the best sprinter in the world. In fact, he's the best sprinter in the history of the modern Olympics, and now his name is being mentioned alongside such legendary athletes as Carl Lewis and Jesse Owens.
I understand that certain celebrations are viewed as unsophisticated amidst the backdrop of such a high-class venue as the Olympics, but Usain Bolt pounding his chest and dancing around draped in the Jamaican flag are actually far-removed from the over-the-top antics performed by NFL wide receivers on an almost-weekly basis. NFL WRs make a bigger deal of scoring 6 points--- via Sharpie markers, cell phones, hall of fame jackets, etc.---than Usain Bolt made of breaking two world records, breaking two Olympic records, and winning two Olympic gold medals. So, if anything, Bolt's celebration was quite subdued considering the extent of his accomplishments.
Considering Bolt's size and speed, I can't help but wonder if any NFL teams have given serious consideration to offering him a contract for the 2008 season. Oddly enough, I'm not the only one who's thought of this. Check out the following article: "Could Olympic Sprinter Bolt to the NFL?"
Even so, the International Olympics Committee was not amazed, nor were they amused, by Bolt's post-race behavior. The president of the IOC, Jacque Rogge said, "That's not the way we perceive being a champion," making reference to some of the gestures Bolt made following his victories as well as Bolt's behavior toward other athletes after the race. Granted, Bolt's behavior was showy and somewhat immature; he definitely could've been more respectful toward the other sprinters by at least offering a handshake; and he didn't win as quietly and as gracefully as the IOC expects of Olympic-class athletes--but that doesn't alter the fact that Usain Bolt is the best sprinter in the world. In fact, he's the best sprinter in the history of the modern Olympics, and now his name is being mentioned alongside such legendary athletes as Carl Lewis and Jesse Owens.
I understand that certain celebrations are viewed as unsophisticated amidst the backdrop of such a high-class venue as the Olympics, but Usain Bolt pounding his chest and dancing around draped in the Jamaican flag are actually far-removed from the over-the-top antics performed by NFL wide receivers on an almost-weekly basis. NFL WRs make a bigger deal of scoring 6 points--- via Sharpie markers, cell phones, hall of fame jackets, etc.---than Usain Bolt made of breaking two world records, breaking two Olympic records, and winning two Olympic gold medals. So, if anything, Bolt's celebration was quite subdued considering the extent of his accomplishments.
Considering Bolt's size and speed, I can't help but wonder if any NFL teams have given serious consideration to offering him a contract for the 2008 season. Oddly enough, I'm not the only one who's thought of this. Check out the following article: "Could Olympic Sprinter Bolt to the NFL?"
Kevin Curtis
Kevin Curtis, one of the Eagles' most productive WRs during the 2007 season, underwent sports hernia surgery today, removing him from active duty for an undetermined amount of games. Read more about it HERE.
Although Eagles coaches expect Curtis to return at some point during the regular season, I tend to disagree with that prediction. I understand that all injuries are unique cases, but let's not forget that Donovan McNabb's sports hernia caused him to miss most of the 2005 season. Even when he came back in September 2006, there was talk of his condition being "tentative" because he was "still recovering." So, even though there's a chance that Kevin Curtis will be healed by November, I think he'll find it difficult to return this season.
Having said that, I think the Eagles should seriously consider picking up a receiver from another team. Yes, the Eagles have a very talented WR in the person of Reggie Brown, but he's been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Even if he recovers quickly, there's a chance that the injury will nag him for months. The Eagles also have Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis, but they're not top-level receivers; they're average at best. In fact, Lewis only had 13 receptions for the entire 2007 season, and Baskett only had 16. There's also DeSean Jackson, who definitely has lots of talent, but he's still unproven in the NFL. The fact is: None of these players will intimidate opposing defenders like, say, a Randy Moss or a Terrell Owens--and, regardless of their frequent comments and antics, Moss and Owens represent the level of talent that the Eagles need to become serious contenders in the NFL.
I would argue that the Eagles should trade for Anquan Boldin from Arizona, but I doubt that the Cardinals will trade him-- because they have to play the Eagles on November 27. As of now, the Eagles have limited options, mainly because most of the top-quality free agents have already been scooped up by their own teams-- e.g. Moss in New England. The last time I checked, Peerless Price was still available, but he's a big question mark. He only played four games last season and six games in 2005. In 2006, he played all sixteen games, which is definitely encouraging, but the inconsistency is a concern.
So, I guess we'll see what happens over the next few weeks. Hopefully the Eagles will come up with a game plan for the WR position.
Although Eagles coaches expect Curtis to return at some point during the regular season, I tend to disagree with that prediction. I understand that all injuries are unique cases, but let's not forget that Donovan McNabb's sports hernia caused him to miss most of the 2005 season. Even when he came back in September 2006, there was talk of his condition being "tentative" because he was "still recovering." So, even though there's a chance that Kevin Curtis will be healed by November, I think he'll find it difficult to return this season.
Having said that, I think the Eagles should seriously consider picking up a receiver from another team. Yes, the Eagles have a very talented WR in the person of Reggie Brown, but he's been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Even if he recovers quickly, there's a chance that the injury will nag him for months. The Eagles also have Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis, but they're not top-level receivers; they're average at best. In fact, Lewis only had 13 receptions for the entire 2007 season, and Baskett only had 16. There's also DeSean Jackson, who definitely has lots of talent, but he's still unproven in the NFL. The fact is: None of these players will intimidate opposing defenders like, say, a Randy Moss or a Terrell Owens--and, regardless of their frequent comments and antics, Moss and Owens represent the level of talent that the Eagles need to become serious contenders in the NFL.
I would argue that the Eagles should trade for Anquan Boldin from Arizona, but I doubt that the Cardinals will trade him-- because they have to play the Eagles on November 27. As of now, the Eagles have limited options, mainly because most of the top-quality free agents have already been scooped up by their own teams-- e.g. Moss in New England. The last time I checked, Peerless Price was still available, but he's a big question mark. He only played four games last season and six games in 2005. In 2006, he played all sixteen games, which is definitely encouraging, but the inconsistency is a concern.
So, I guess we'll see what happens over the next few weeks. Hopefully the Eagles will come up with a game plan for the WR position.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Unruly Jets Fans
Here's an interesting article about measures being taken to curb the behavior of unruly Jets fans at Giants Stadium: NFL on Fox.
THE PROBLEM
Unruly fans are ruining game-day for everyone else.
THE SOLUTION
Giants Stadium now has a policy limiting tailgating time from seven hours to five hours.
ANALYSIS
Although allowing thousands of fans to arrive seven hours prior to the start of the game may lead to a certain level of unruly behavior, I don't believe it's the actual source of the problem. To find the source we have to dig more deeply into the behaviors that are taking place-- i.e. drinking to the point of intoxication, yelling obscenities, giving lewd gestures, tormenting visiting fans, and harassing women. Clearly these behaviors need to be curtailed, but they're not a direct result of tailgating; they're a direct result of a severe lack of responsibility and respect on the parts of far too many football fans. Granted, limiting the time allotted to tailgating might prevent some of the problematic behaviors, but it's not going to teach people how to act in a responsible and respectful manner.
THE PROBLEM
Unruly fans are ruining game-day for everyone else.
THE SOLUTION
Giants Stadium now has a policy limiting tailgating time from seven hours to five hours.
ANALYSIS
Although allowing thousands of fans to arrive seven hours prior to the start of the game may lead to a certain level of unruly behavior, I don't believe it's the actual source of the problem. To find the source we have to dig more deeply into the behaviors that are taking place-- i.e. drinking to the point of intoxication, yelling obscenities, giving lewd gestures, tormenting visiting fans, and harassing women. Clearly these behaviors need to be curtailed, but they're not a direct result of tailgating; they're a direct result of a severe lack of responsibility and respect on the parts of far too many football fans. Granted, limiting the time allotted to tailgating might prevent some of the problematic behaviors, but it's not going to teach people how to act in a responsible and respectful manner.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Philadelphia Eagles Videos
Here are some amazing videos of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brian Dawkins
Brian Westbrook
Donovan McNabb
Other AMAZING Philadelphia Eagles videos include:
The Miracle at the Meadowlands (Herman Edwards)
The Miracle at the Meadowlands III (Brian Westbrook)
Fourth and 26 (Eagles vs. Packers)
Sheldon Brown vs. Reggie Bush
I'd like to discuss a particular video clip, one that's a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the fact that the Eagles made a nice defensive play, but I felt bad for Reggie Bush when all was said and done. He was totally blindsided by this hit. Even though hard hits are part of the game, I'm emphatically opposed to celebrating and glorifying hits which leave players injured. The game isn't about hurting people; it's about winning through superior skill, strength, and speed--and the truth of the matter is that hits like this, especially if they result in a serious injury, make the game more barbaric than necessary. Check out the following news story, and you might understand my position on this issue: KEVIN EVERETT.
On a lighter note, here's an interesting video of Terrell Owens, who: (1) is an excellent wide receiver regardless of his tendency to alienate other players; (2) should've stayed on the Eagles and worked out the issues with McNabb; and (3) needs to calm down about Tony Romo getting criticized by the media.
Brian Dawkins
Brian Westbrook
Donovan McNabb
Other AMAZING Philadelphia Eagles videos include:
The Miracle at the Meadowlands (Herman Edwards)
The Miracle at the Meadowlands III (Brian Westbrook)
Fourth and 26 (Eagles vs. Packers)
Sheldon Brown vs. Reggie Bush
I'd like to discuss a particular video clip, one that's a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the fact that the Eagles made a nice defensive play, but I felt bad for Reggie Bush when all was said and done. He was totally blindsided by this hit. Even though hard hits are part of the game, I'm emphatically opposed to celebrating and glorifying hits which leave players injured. The game isn't about hurting people; it's about winning through superior skill, strength, and speed--and the truth of the matter is that hits like this, especially if they result in a serious injury, make the game more barbaric than necessary. Check out the following news story, and you might understand my position on this issue: KEVIN EVERETT.
On a lighter note, here's an interesting video of Terrell Owens, who: (1) is an excellent wide receiver regardless of his tendency to alienate other players; (2) should've stayed on the Eagles and worked out the issues with McNabb; and (3) needs to calm down about Tony Romo getting criticized by the media.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Brett "The Jet" Favre
BRETT FAVRE.
He's the iron man of the National Football League, with more consecutive starts than any quarterback in history (253 in the regular season; 275 including the playoffs). He holds the NFL records for the most career touchdown passes (442), most career passing yards (61,655), and most career pass completions (5,377). His teammates respect him as a strong leader; his opponents admire him as a fierce competitor. He's commanded respect throughout the NFL for almost twenty years, most of them spent as a Green Bay Packer.
Now, he's a New York Jet.
Regardless of the anticlimatic nature of the whole situation, the Jets made out like bandits in this deal. Instead of having to choose between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens, they get a three-time NFL MVP and one of the most talented QBs in history. Throw in a couple of quality receivers such as Coles and Cotchery, plus RB Thomas Jones, and you get a fairly decent offense. The Packers, on the other hand, are left to roll the dice with the team's future by giving the starting job to Aaron Rogers, who has yet to prove himself in the NFL. So, high marks to the Jets for making the most out of this situation.
Another aspect of this issue that I'd like to focus on is the Packers' seemingly adversarial stance against Favre following his announcement to come out of retirement. At times, their words and actions have seemed punitive, as though they want to punish Favre for changing his mind about playing in the NFL. Even so, I can understand why they would be upset. At the end of the 2007 season, Favre's coaches tried to talk him into staying in the NFL, but that didn't stop Favre from retiring, despite everyone's attempts to convince him otherwise. Then Favre was outspoken during interviews, talking about being "mentally tired" and not being able to meet expectations during the 2007 season. There were also insinuations from other players and commentators that Favre no longer had the passion to play. So, I can understand why the Green Bay front office would have a sour taste in their mouths following Favre's comments.
When Brett Favre made his retirement announcement in March 2008, he felt that it was the right and honorable thing to do for himself and for his family. Now, after five months of retirement, Favre has had a change of heart. Yes--Favre changed his mind--and I think the change had everything to do with the fact that football is in Brett Favre's blood. Although I can't be 100% certain, I believe that Favre had no intention of causing controversy for the Green Bay Packers or for Aaron Rogers; he just wanted to play football again. So, I think it's quite admirable that the Jets stepped up and gave Favre another chance to play.
When all is said and done, this situation will probably end up being no-harm, no-foul for the players and the organizations. Brett Favre will play football again and earn millions; the Jets will get a quality QB; the Packers will feel satisfied that they stood their ground; Aaron Rogers will be given a valuable opportunity to show his true value to the team; and Chad Pennington will be given more chances down the road. Unfortunately, the real victims of controversies like this are the fans, because after the dust settles--not only in this trade but in others--their favorite players get shuffled like a deck of cards, and the problem is, there's no telling if the new players will end up being Aces or just Deuces in disguise.
# # #
By the way, check out my original blog at the following link: CONTROLLED CHAOS.
He's the iron man of the National Football League, with more consecutive starts than any quarterback in history (253 in the regular season; 275 including the playoffs). He holds the NFL records for the most career touchdown passes (442), most career passing yards (61,655), and most career pass completions (5,377). His teammates respect him as a strong leader; his opponents admire him as a fierce competitor. He's commanded respect throughout the NFL for almost twenty years, most of them spent as a Green Bay Packer.
Now, he's a New York Jet.
Regardless of the anticlimatic nature of the whole situation, the Jets made out like bandits in this deal. Instead of having to choose between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens, they get a three-time NFL MVP and one of the most talented QBs in history. Throw in a couple of quality receivers such as Coles and Cotchery, plus RB Thomas Jones, and you get a fairly decent offense. The Packers, on the other hand, are left to roll the dice with the team's future by giving the starting job to Aaron Rogers, who has yet to prove himself in the NFL. So, high marks to the Jets for making the most out of this situation.
Another aspect of this issue that I'd like to focus on is the Packers' seemingly adversarial stance against Favre following his announcement to come out of retirement. At times, their words and actions have seemed punitive, as though they want to punish Favre for changing his mind about playing in the NFL. Even so, I can understand why they would be upset. At the end of the 2007 season, Favre's coaches tried to talk him into staying in the NFL, but that didn't stop Favre from retiring, despite everyone's attempts to convince him otherwise. Then Favre was outspoken during interviews, talking about being "mentally tired" and not being able to meet expectations during the 2007 season. There were also insinuations from other players and commentators that Favre no longer had the passion to play. So, I can understand why the Green Bay front office would have a sour taste in their mouths following Favre's comments.
When Brett Favre made his retirement announcement in March 2008, he felt that it was the right and honorable thing to do for himself and for his family. Now, after five months of retirement, Favre has had a change of heart. Yes--Favre changed his mind--and I think the change had everything to do with the fact that football is in Brett Favre's blood. Although I can't be 100% certain, I believe that Favre had no intention of causing controversy for the Green Bay Packers or for Aaron Rogers; he just wanted to play football again. So, I think it's quite admirable that the Jets stepped up and gave Favre another chance to play.
When all is said and done, this situation will probably end up being no-harm, no-foul for the players and the organizations. Brett Favre will play football again and earn millions; the Jets will get a quality QB; the Packers will feel satisfied that they stood their ground; Aaron Rogers will be given a valuable opportunity to show his true value to the team; and Chad Pennington will be given more chances down the road. Unfortunately, the real victims of controversies like this are the fans, because after the dust settles--not only in this trade but in others--their favorite players get shuffled like a deck of cards, and the problem is, there's no telling if the new players will end up being Aces or just Deuces in disguise.
# # #
By the way, check out my original blog at the following link: CONTROLLED CHAOS.
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