It's been awhile since I've posted. I've been busy with work but it's time to write again. A topic that is near and dear to me is the St. Louis Blues. The team got off to a great start. They were unbeaten at home until late November. They were beating teams like Chicago and Pittsburgh and energizing the Scottrade Center with physcial play and a scrappy style that was really connecting with the fans. However, over the last few weeks the team has headed downhill.
There is good and bad to see in the Blues' semi-demise. The bad thing is that the team has done it as a team. They are failing at just about every aspect of the game. They are not getting timely goals. They are not playing good defense and having solid marking in their zone. They are not getting the quality of goaltending they need on a consistant basis based on the rest of the team's play either. While this sounds quite horrifying to Blues fans, and it is discouraging, there is a bright side.
The silver lining is that their mistakes are not those of an absolutely bad team. Instead of having a team that absolutely can not score, Blues fans need to realize that their team is merely struggling. One good streak can turn it all around. Instead of having a horrendous defensive team, the Blues merely need to clean up some mistakes that will come with the youth of players like Erik Johnson, Alex Pietrangelo and the other young core. Instead of having goaltenders who were shaky at best or ran hot and cold period to period, the Blues' goaltending is merely going through a streak of bad luck. The bottom line is all of this is correctable. Hope is not lost.
From my own perspective, as a fan who bleeds blue, the disappointing thing is that two players have taken the scoring with them as they headed to the Injured Reserve list. David Perron and T.J. Oshie are highly talented players, with great motivation to play hard just about every shift. They are deserving of being fan favorites due to their skill and heart. Yet, there is other talent on this team. It was known heading into the season that this would not be an offensive juggernaut, but not only has the scoring lagged without these two stars, the offensive style itself has hit a standstill. Repeatedly during broadcasts and postgame comments we are told that coach Davis Payne is telling his team to get to the middle and take shots from high percentage scoring areas. However, the Blues seem tentative and indecisive. Trying to cycle around too much. Waiting too many extra seconds to make that pass that could have led to a scoring opportunity and instead getting intercepted or passing to a covered man.
There is still hope. A couple days off now gives the Blues some needed practice time. This team has to gel at the core so that when players come up from the Perioa Rivermen, it is easier to integrate them into a whole as opposed to another piece of an unfinished puzzle. Much of sports boils down to talent and luck. The Blues are not untalented and have hit a rough patch of luck. Much like their baseball counterparts, the Cardinals, the Blues have not found the complete package that they had early in the year. They may score, but not get good D or goaltending. They might play better on the backside but get shutout or only score one. But in the end, anyone willing to blame Jaroslav Halak is a fool.
No, Halak has not played up to his capabilities, but he is a solid goaltender that will back this team when they need it the most. Every netminder hits a patch where the goals just seem to slip through that crack that you thought was well covered. But the quality ones rebound. Halak will do so. He is only in his mid twenties. There are still tweaks to be made to Halak's game. Heck, even superstars like Brodeur and Roy needed coaching from time to time. The biggest difference, I feel, from this goalie to the previous problems the Blues have had is this. In the past the Blues goaltending has cost them victories. Right now, Halak and to an extent Conklin, simply aren't winning the games for St. Louis. That is what they must do. Until the time comes when Perron and Polak return, Halak must start to win games for this team. He is more than capable of that. He led a Montreal team through the playoffs when they probably should have been swept in the first round if you look solely at the talent.
What the Blues need right now is a win. Not even a streak. Just a win. Much the same way that the long win streak and good start at the beginning of the year gave them a cushion for when the tough times came, the Blues need a few W's so that they do not dig themselves a hole that would need a gigantic run back to the playoffs. Nevertheless, I still see hope. I believe in this team. Pieces still need to be added in the years to come, but they have the core of a good team. Take heart St. Louis fans. The clouds in the sky are only the changing weather and not the precursor of doom for this hockey season.
Random Thoughts
- I was very disappointed in the NHL Network crew on their NHL On The Fly show following David Perron's concussion. While they changed their tune later, it was ridiculous that they accused Perron of faking the injury to get a longer powerplay. Clearly they are eating their words now as David has not played since that game.
- In addition to my disappointment that a country smaller than Connecticut won the 2022 World Cup instead of the U.S., I was quite taken aback by P.T.I.'s discussion of the matter. Mr. Kornheiser and Wilbon argued that it is no big deal that America did not get awarded the World Cup because soccer is "a distant 5th place" in terms of interest in this country. Not only does this argument come from old men who still emrace dead sports such as horse racing and boxing, but it is as foolish as someone making the argument that the U.S. should not care to ever host an Olympics again because sports like figure skating or swimming aren't the number one sports here either. The '94 World Cup was a spectacular event. If they would have gotten their heads out of a certain dark and perhaps smelly place, perhaps they could have taken notice.
- Just a random thought from the fan side of me...I hope Oklahoma crushes Nebraska in the Big 12 championship. I have no love for the Sooners, but to send the arrogant 'Husker fans to the Big 10 licking their wounds would be justice in my opinion. The only thing worse than the Cornhuskers winning in their final season would be Mizzou winning it ever.
- Not a big fan of the NAHL scheduling. As a broadcaster, it is hard to keep a flow going when there are long gaps between home games and such a gap is approaching. The games I call this weekend will be the final ones until January 7th I believe. A month of doing nothing stinks. At least there will be good company for Christmas as I will spend it with my girlfriend and family.
Hopefully this will not be the last post that I write before the holidays, as I would like to get back into the habit of writting. But if it is, then I wish you all a very safe holiday season, a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And as always remember that it may just be an opinion...but I'm right.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Expansion fiasco
With all the talk of possible NCAA conference expansion, I figured I'd chime in. To put it bluntly I think this is a mistake. First off the NCAA has created this problem themselves by instituting the rule that conferences must have 12 or more teams to have a conference championship game in football. As long as you have 10 teams then I see no reason there could not be a championship game anyway. I make no accusation that forming so called super-conferences would be the destruction of college football, but I do think it would only be a money grab and serve no real purpose to the institutions that join these mega conferences other than more funding in a never ending arms race.
First off, the pilaging of other conferences seems just that. Theft. The idea that a conference such as the Big 10 can just go into other established conferences and make offers to their teams just seems wrong to me. Yet, I suppose it's that way in business. No loyalty. I can understand going to smaller conferences and making these sorts of offers. It would even make sense to look into some of those schools. But the fact that this idea is only about football is even more astounding. With the exception of a school like Missouri, which to be honest has little football pedigree other than a few reasonably decent seasons the past few years, all of the schools in question for Big 10 expansion are football schools.
Secondly, nobody can agree as to where it would all end if anything were to happen. Some people think the Big 10 would be happy if only Notre Dame came within their fold. How does this make sense? Why not grab all the teams they could. Take every single team that's been mentioned. Get the super ratings power in Notre Dame. Expand the network into the deep midwest by poaching Nebraska, secure midwestern media hotspots of St. Louis and K.C. by enticing Missouri (who has felt slighted by the Big 12 ever since the conference's inception), move into the New York market by grabbing Rutgers. It's all about making money off the Big Ten Network so why would stopping at Notre Dame make sense?
Ah, but then the dominoes fall. The Big 12, having lost two of it's biggest pieces from the north division would have to look west for help. Either make a grab for TCU and perhaps Colorado State or form a mega-conference with the Pac-10 and it's California money. The SEC then makes a push to keep it's football powerhouse status by offering a spot to Florida State and/or Miami. Perhaps conferences completely disappear? The ACC could be swallowed whole by the SEC with the crumbs going to other conferences. Maybe the Big East is destroyed or forced to join forces with Conference USA to keep its vital signs alive. The Mountain West could be absorbed into the Big12/Pac-10. There seems to be no stopping that train and nobody seems to be all that bothered.
There just seems to be so much wrong with these super conferences. How can you really decide a conference champion if the conferences get so big that there might not be enough games to even play everyone in your own division? What about rivalries? Yes games could still be scheduled for non-con, but wouldn't a Missouri-Kansas matchup with no Big 12 importance lose a little luster? What about Michigan-Ohio State? Is it fair to have them play every single year just to keep their rivalry when you could have as many as 14 other teams in the conference? What becomes of the leftovers? When the Big 12 was formed, all the teams from the Southwest Conference were taken, except for Arkansas, which got a pretty good deal in joining the SEC. The chatter as it is leaves so many teams out in the cold that it almost seems these mega conferences would be perfectly fine with the destruction of some of these programs since they would have no where to go.
In the end, I agree that something is probably going to happen. I don't like it at all and I see no benefit to it. It's not the same as holding onto the 64 team basketball tournament. For that you can argue that it hasn't had much tradition and is progress. With this, there is no benefit to everyone involved.
- LeBron James: Where will he go? I still wonder what all the hubub is about. So much is being made about King James' inability to win the big one so far. Michael Jordan did not win right away and he had to overcome plenty of adversity before he did. Plus, in Cleveland, LeBron really has no real #2. People can make the case of Antwain Jameson or Mo Williams all they want. Magic had Kareem and vice versa. Bird had McHale. Thomas had Dumars. Russel had a pretty stacked Celtics squad all the time. Jordan had Pippen. The point is that Lebron doesn't have those. He has talented players, but Mo Williams or Varejao or Big Z or Shaq at the end of his career is not comparable to Pippen or Dumars or McHale.
With that said, most people still wonder if he'll go. Being a Chicago Bulls fan, I love the fact that my team is mentioned as a front runner to get one of the best players in the league. But I am a loyalist both to my teams and in the belief that some players should stay in one place. Michael Jordan is and forever shall be a Bull, no matter how many Wizards jerseys may be in a warehouse somewhere. Magic was only a Laker. Bird was only a Celtic. To be honest I think James should only be a Cavalier.
If he goes then where makes the most sense is the next question. Most think New York. No offense, but that's dumb (which means it'll happen). The Knicks are horrid. Even if you get James and Bosh together that team is a mid seed in the playoffs. Going to New York would be about nothing but money and the lifestyle. Next up is Chicago. I agree with ESPN's Bob Ryan that this makes the most basketball sense. I heard on the radio that Chicago doesn't make sense because Cleveland is a better team and the Bulls were the 8 seed. Take LeBron off the Cavs and they don't even make the playoffs. Put Lebron on a team with Rose, Deng, Noah and the slew of other talent the Bulls have and you have a great team. Lebron gives the Bulls power and that's what they don't have. The Bulls need a center, but LeBron gives them the strength even if not the height. The question I have is whether Rose is the next Iverson and could take the back seat role. The Heat are mentioned as well. This would be a power tandem of James and Wade. Better idea than the Knicks and Cavs, but again, can two mega stars co-exist outside of a national team setting?
Ultimately, I think LeBron statys or goes to the Knicks. The Cavs allow him to build his own legacy even if he doesn't win the big one. New York is, like I said, for the lifestyle. He'll never win there either but it won't be looked down upon so much as it is in dreary Cleveland, where they haven't won anything since the 60's.
Random Thoughts:
- What's up with the Eastern Conference in the NHL? Not only would the St. Louis Blues have been a playoff shoe-in in that conference, but the 7 and 8 seeds make the conference finals? What an interesting juxtaposition to have the 1 vs. 2 in the west and 7 vs. 8 in the east.
- The World Cup is a little less than a month away and I'm getting a little excited. I was disappointed that the US roster did not include Charlie Davies, especially after hearing that it seems his european club had a lot to do with it by misinforming the US team. Good to see Edson Buddle get a chance after his hot start in the MLS though.
- It's going to be a long, but hopefully interesting offseason for the St. Louis Blues. Many questions. Will the team go after offense or defense in the free agent market? I personally hope offense, since there are plenty of good defenseman in the system like Ian Cole, Alex Pietrangelo and Jonas Junland. Will the team just re-sign Chris Mason or try to trade for a hopeful upgrade or sign someone. To be honest I'm a little tired of Mason. When he's on, he's really on but when he's not there are just too many back breaking soft goals. The best options, unfortunately, would require a trade. I see Carey Price of Tim Thomas as the best options. I haven't heard any solid rumors on Thomas, but I can't see Boston holding onto two starting goaltenders now that they seem to have shifted the job to Raask. Only time will tell.
That about wraps it up for this post. Remember these are just my own thoughts and it's just my opinion...but I'm right.
First off, the pilaging of other conferences seems just that. Theft. The idea that a conference such as the Big 10 can just go into other established conferences and make offers to their teams just seems wrong to me. Yet, I suppose it's that way in business. No loyalty. I can understand going to smaller conferences and making these sorts of offers. It would even make sense to look into some of those schools. But the fact that this idea is only about football is even more astounding. With the exception of a school like Missouri, which to be honest has little football pedigree other than a few reasonably decent seasons the past few years, all of the schools in question for Big 10 expansion are football schools.
Secondly, nobody can agree as to where it would all end if anything were to happen. Some people think the Big 10 would be happy if only Notre Dame came within their fold. How does this make sense? Why not grab all the teams they could. Take every single team that's been mentioned. Get the super ratings power in Notre Dame. Expand the network into the deep midwest by poaching Nebraska, secure midwestern media hotspots of St. Louis and K.C. by enticing Missouri (who has felt slighted by the Big 12 ever since the conference's inception), move into the New York market by grabbing Rutgers. It's all about making money off the Big Ten Network so why would stopping at Notre Dame make sense?
Ah, but then the dominoes fall. The Big 12, having lost two of it's biggest pieces from the north division would have to look west for help. Either make a grab for TCU and perhaps Colorado State or form a mega-conference with the Pac-10 and it's California money. The SEC then makes a push to keep it's football powerhouse status by offering a spot to Florida State and/or Miami. Perhaps conferences completely disappear? The ACC could be swallowed whole by the SEC with the crumbs going to other conferences. Maybe the Big East is destroyed or forced to join forces with Conference USA to keep its vital signs alive. The Mountain West could be absorbed into the Big12/Pac-10. There seems to be no stopping that train and nobody seems to be all that bothered.
There just seems to be so much wrong with these super conferences. How can you really decide a conference champion if the conferences get so big that there might not be enough games to even play everyone in your own division? What about rivalries? Yes games could still be scheduled for non-con, but wouldn't a Missouri-Kansas matchup with no Big 12 importance lose a little luster? What about Michigan-Ohio State? Is it fair to have them play every single year just to keep their rivalry when you could have as many as 14 other teams in the conference? What becomes of the leftovers? When the Big 12 was formed, all the teams from the Southwest Conference were taken, except for Arkansas, which got a pretty good deal in joining the SEC. The chatter as it is leaves so many teams out in the cold that it almost seems these mega conferences would be perfectly fine with the destruction of some of these programs since they would have no where to go.
In the end, I agree that something is probably going to happen. I don't like it at all and I see no benefit to it. It's not the same as holding onto the 64 team basketball tournament. For that you can argue that it hasn't had much tradition and is progress. With this, there is no benefit to everyone involved.
- LeBron James: Where will he go? I still wonder what all the hubub is about. So much is being made about King James' inability to win the big one so far. Michael Jordan did not win right away and he had to overcome plenty of adversity before he did. Plus, in Cleveland, LeBron really has no real #2. People can make the case of Antwain Jameson or Mo Williams all they want. Magic had Kareem and vice versa. Bird had McHale. Thomas had Dumars. Russel had a pretty stacked Celtics squad all the time. Jordan had Pippen. The point is that Lebron doesn't have those. He has talented players, but Mo Williams or Varejao or Big Z or Shaq at the end of his career is not comparable to Pippen or Dumars or McHale.
With that said, most people still wonder if he'll go. Being a Chicago Bulls fan, I love the fact that my team is mentioned as a front runner to get one of the best players in the league. But I am a loyalist both to my teams and in the belief that some players should stay in one place. Michael Jordan is and forever shall be a Bull, no matter how many Wizards jerseys may be in a warehouse somewhere. Magic was only a Laker. Bird was only a Celtic. To be honest I think James should only be a Cavalier.
If he goes then where makes the most sense is the next question. Most think New York. No offense, but that's dumb (which means it'll happen). The Knicks are horrid. Even if you get James and Bosh together that team is a mid seed in the playoffs. Going to New York would be about nothing but money and the lifestyle. Next up is Chicago. I agree with ESPN's Bob Ryan that this makes the most basketball sense. I heard on the radio that Chicago doesn't make sense because Cleveland is a better team and the Bulls were the 8 seed. Take LeBron off the Cavs and they don't even make the playoffs. Put Lebron on a team with Rose, Deng, Noah and the slew of other talent the Bulls have and you have a great team. Lebron gives the Bulls power and that's what they don't have. The Bulls need a center, but LeBron gives them the strength even if not the height. The question I have is whether Rose is the next Iverson and could take the back seat role. The Heat are mentioned as well. This would be a power tandem of James and Wade. Better idea than the Knicks and Cavs, but again, can two mega stars co-exist outside of a national team setting?
Ultimately, I think LeBron statys or goes to the Knicks. The Cavs allow him to build his own legacy even if he doesn't win the big one. New York is, like I said, for the lifestyle. He'll never win there either but it won't be looked down upon so much as it is in dreary Cleveland, where they haven't won anything since the 60's.
Random Thoughts:
- What's up with the Eastern Conference in the NHL? Not only would the St. Louis Blues have been a playoff shoe-in in that conference, but the 7 and 8 seeds make the conference finals? What an interesting juxtaposition to have the 1 vs. 2 in the west and 7 vs. 8 in the east.
- The World Cup is a little less than a month away and I'm getting a little excited. I was disappointed that the US roster did not include Charlie Davies, especially after hearing that it seems his european club had a lot to do with it by misinforming the US team. Good to see Edson Buddle get a chance after his hot start in the MLS though.
- It's going to be a long, but hopefully interesting offseason for the St. Louis Blues. Many questions. Will the team go after offense or defense in the free agent market? I personally hope offense, since there are plenty of good defenseman in the system like Ian Cole, Alex Pietrangelo and Jonas Junland. Will the team just re-sign Chris Mason or try to trade for a hopeful upgrade or sign someone. To be honest I'm a little tired of Mason. When he's on, he's really on but when he's not there are just too many back breaking soft goals. The best options, unfortunately, would require a trade. I see Carey Price of Tim Thomas as the best options. I haven't heard any solid rumors on Thomas, but I can't see Boston holding onto two starting goaltenders now that they seem to have shifted the job to Raask. Only time will tell.
That about wraps it up for this post. Remember these are just my own thoughts and it's just my opinion...but I'm right.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
An entire post of random thoughts
I would like to start off this blog by giving a sincere and heartfelt congratulations to both the Texas Tornado and St. Louis Bandits of the NAHL. They had one of, if not the best series of the first round of the division playoffs. The Tornado gave the defending champion Bandits all they could handle and more. Texas won the first two games of the series in St. Louis. Then the Bandits stole back two games in Texas, including game four's triple overtime winner, and then St. Louis won another overtime thriller at the Hardees Iceplex in game 5. Jordan Bourgonje scored with 12 seconds left to tie it up and then Grant Gettinger scored with 9:22 left in OT to win it and advance to the division finals. The Tornado goaltender, Dan Sullivan, was definitely the top star of the series. He kept his team in every game despite being badly outshot in just about every contest. It was a privilege to call that game and I'll have highlight videos posted down at the bottom.
- On to the Rams. I have another blog about my opinion on who the team should draft, but I have resigned myself to the idea that St. Louis will probably draft a quarterback and that man will most likely be Sam Bradford. While this is what will likely happen I still say that it is a mistake. I still don't see the smarts in drafting an injury prone, shotgun system quarterback who isn't very mobile. The Rams offensive line, even when semi-decent, has been bad enough to cost us two good to elite quarterbacks. Kurt Warner got injured and shellshocked from too many hits as a St. Louis Ram. Marc Bulger looked like a zombie he got hit so much and developed happy feet, which signaled his end in this town. Now the brains behind the scenes think it wise to bring in someone who has repeated shoulder problems from being hit and someone who isn't any more mobile than Bulger was and put him behind the same offensive line. Also there isn't anyone for him to throw to. I'm sorry, but when the team's best receivers are an undersized, too-highly drafted Avery and a practice squad castoff from out east, then I highly doubt this team's offensive output will improve with a combination of AJ Feely and Sam Bradford.
- The St. Louis Blues officially made Davis Payne their full time headcoach. This is a good idea to me. I don't know who all is out there, but as a fan I saw enough improvement under Payne to give him a full season to show what he can do with this team. Also, with the retirement of GM Larry Pleau, new GM Doug Armstrong has an ideal situation with the team keeping Payne. As suggested to me by a friend, Armstrong either looks good by Payne keep his job and having the team succeed under him or if the team falters again he can say that he wasn't fully the GM yet and can bring in his own coach next season. Personally, I think Payne will succeed. Whether or not he's the coach to bring a Cup to the Lou, I don't know. Yet, he can identify with the younger players easier and there needs to be more of them on the team next year.
The Blues need to add either a top line scorer or solid veteran defenseman with enough left in the tank that they don't have cement in their skates. Goaltending has to be addressed as well. Chris Mason is a quality goalie but too inconsistent. If someone is out there to be picked up that would be an improvement, then the Blues should jump on that. All that said, regardless of roster moves, this team has to just simply improve and eliminate their mistakes. Even after Payne was brought in as coach, the club often did many of the same mistakes as when Andy Murray was coach. To me that says that coaching was not the only problem. Only time will tell and for this writer, September can't get here quickly enough. At least there is the World Cup in July to tide me over.
- Although my Blues are not involved, I will be interested to see how the NHL playoffs unfold. Lots of questions. Can the Coyotes hold home-ice advantage or will Detroit keep up their hot play since the end of the Olympics? Will Washington finally use all that talent to get to the finals or will they falter again? Can Ryan Miller carry the Sabers the way he did Team USA?
From a personal standpoint, I hope the answer to all of those is yes. I want Detroit gone in the opening round. I want Washington to make it to the Conference Finals at the very least if not the NHL finals. A matchup against Pittsburgh would be great for TV, but it would benefit the league just as much to have Ovechkin in the finals as Sidney Crosby. Plus Sid the Kid just rubbed me the wrong way after the Canadians defeated USA. Also, I would love to see an Ovechkin vs. Miller conference final but I'm not sure if Buffalo has the scoring to make it that far. We will see.
That'll pretty much wrap it up for this post. Again, check out the highlights of game 5 between the Bandits and Tornado at the bottom. Just remember, it's just my opinion...but I'm right.
- On to the Rams. I have another blog about my opinion on who the team should draft, but I have resigned myself to the idea that St. Louis will probably draft a quarterback and that man will most likely be Sam Bradford. While this is what will likely happen I still say that it is a mistake. I still don't see the smarts in drafting an injury prone, shotgun system quarterback who isn't very mobile. The Rams offensive line, even when semi-decent, has been bad enough to cost us two good to elite quarterbacks. Kurt Warner got injured and shellshocked from too many hits as a St. Louis Ram. Marc Bulger looked like a zombie he got hit so much and developed happy feet, which signaled his end in this town. Now the brains behind the scenes think it wise to bring in someone who has repeated shoulder problems from being hit and someone who isn't any more mobile than Bulger was and put him behind the same offensive line. Also there isn't anyone for him to throw to. I'm sorry, but when the team's best receivers are an undersized, too-highly drafted Avery and a practice squad castoff from out east, then I highly doubt this team's offensive output will improve with a combination of AJ Feely and Sam Bradford.
- The St. Louis Blues officially made Davis Payne their full time headcoach. This is a good idea to me. I don't know who all is out there, but as a fan I saw enough improvement under Payne to give him a full season to show what he can do with this team. Also, with the retirement of GM Larry Pleau, new GM Doug Armstrong has an ideal situation with the team keeping Payne. As suggested to me by a friend, Armstrong either looks good by Payne keep his job and having the team succeed under him or if the team falters again he can say that he wasn't fully the GM yet and can bring in his own coach next season. Personally, I think Payne will succeed. Whether or not he's the coach to bring a Cup to the Lou, I don't know. Yet, he can identify with the younger players easier and there needs to be more of them on the team next year.
The Blues need to add either a top line scorer or solid veteran defenseman with enough left in the tank that they don't have cement in their skates. Goaltending has to be addressed as well. Chris Mason is a quality goalie but too inconsistent. If someone is out there to be picked up that would be an improvement, then the Blues should jump on that. All that said, regardless of roster moves, this team has to just simply improve and eliminate their mistakes. Even after Payne was brought in as coach, the club often did many of the same mistakes as when Andy Murray was coach. To me that says that coaching was not the only problem. Only time will tell and for this writer, September can't get here quickly enough. At least there is the World Cup in July to tide me over.
- Although my Blues are not involved, I will be interested to see how the NHL playoffs unfold. Lots of questions. Can the Coyotes hold home-ice advantage or will Detroit keep up their hot play since the end of the Olympics? Will Washington finally use all that talent to get to the finals or will they falter again? Can Ryan Miller carry the Sabers the way he did Team USA?
From a personal standpoint, I hope the answer to all of those is yes. I want Detroit gone in the opening round. I want Washington to make it to the Conference Finals at the very least if not the NHL finals. A matchup against Pittsburgh would be great for TV, but it would benefit the league just as much to have Ovechkin in the finals as Sidney Crosby. Plus Sid the Kid just rubbed me the wrong way after the Canadians defeated USA. Also, I would love to see an Ovechkin vs. Miller conference final but I'm not sure if Buffalo has the scoring to make it that far. We will see.
That'll pretty much wrap it up for this post. Again, check out the highlights of game 5 between the Bandits and Tornado at the bottom. Just remember, it's just my opinion...but I'm right.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Rams, please make the right pick
As we inch closer to the NFL draft in April, I begin to wonder if my family and myself are the only sane ones. Or perhaps we're the crazy ones. With a few exceptions, it seems that there are lots of people being suckered into the idea that the St. Louis Rams drafting Sam Bradford is a good thing. I could not disagree more. I have nothing wrong with Bradford as a person or even as a quarterback. He has a pretty good arm and is an accurate quarterback. He seems like a decent person. Yet, being a Kansas alumni and fan, I have seen his play at Oklahoma. He is a predominantly shotgun quarterback. He has become injury prone despite playing behind one of the better offensive lines in the Big 12 conference. And I have yet to hear a really good, convincing argument for making him the number one pick. The weak arguments that have been made are that the Rams passed up on QB's the last couple years, so we can't pass on Bradford. He's the top QB of this class. And of all things, one person even suggested that it's better to draft Bradford because QB's sell more jerseys than a defensive tackle would.
This is about wins and loses. Bradford will not be the difference between the Rams going 1-15 again or not. I have not heard any rumors of drafting or picking up any free agent receivers. Who exactly is he going to throw to that will make him look any better than Marc Bulger? (Who honestly could have been a great QB if we had kept some offensive weapons and given him good protection.) How does it make sense to draft a QB only based on the fact he's the best QB in a weak class and because the team passed on QB's the last couple years? That was under different management, who may have made a mistake. This new management group needs to start over by not making iffy picks. And on the shotgun issue, Bradford is going to spend a lot of time getting used to being under center. Yes, he wasn't a pure shotgun quarterback but he was in that formation a good 80% of his plays I'd wager.
He just isn't worth the number one pick. Several analysts have said as much, but still fall back on the fact that the Rams need a quarterback. There are several players that the team could pick up via free agency. The Rams could even pick up a solid QB in the second round and groom him. I've also heard that Bradford might be picked because he would come cheaper than Ndamukong Suh. How does this make sense? Any agent worth their salt will make sure their guy gets first pick money, whether he was projected to get picked that high or not.
In my opinion, Suh is a sure pick. He's one of the most dominant defensive players that has come along in decades. He can anchor your defense for the next 10-12 years. Bradford is a questionable pick who has just as much of a chance, if not more, to be a bust as he does to become a franchise quarterback. This is honestly the most worried and irritated I have ever been about pre-draft talk. I am usually the kind of person that would like certain people picked but trusts that the people who really scout this know what they are doing. Yet everything I read about the St. Louis Rams potential picks points to a waste of a draft. The positions that I see this team needing the most are defense, receivers and possibly a solid backup for Steven Jackson. Yet what do I see projected for the Rams first two picks? A quarterback and a tight end. The Rams just picked up another tight end via free agency for goodness sake. And that's to go along with the plethora of TE's they've drafted recently. Manumaleuna, Byrd, Klopfenstein to name a few.
Then another thing that angers me is the Bernie Miklasz article about this very subject. He made the point that the team is in limbo with the current ownership, the Rosenblooms, looking to get out and the potential buyer not being able to be confirmed until after the draft. If I was Mr. Shahid Kahn, I would be telling the management how I felt in regards to this draft and suggest that if the team looks to go cheap that I might pull my offer off the table. I apologize to anyone who reads this who feels the other way. I don't usually see things so one sided or go off like a fan calling into a sportstalk show, but this is just one of those issues that I can't see the opposing view. It makes so much sense to take Suh. People always say, take the best player not always the need. Suh is head and shoulders the best player.
Ok...breathe. In...out...in...out. Alrighty, time for my usual random thoughts.
- This weekend is going to be a big one for the St. Louis Bandits. The team is four points back of division leading Topeka. I am really geared up for this game. Almost to the point that it seems odd since I'm not the one playing.
- Am I the only one getting antsy with this little layoff the Blues have? I know they'll have a couple games in hand, but I just don't like the fact that other teams are able to add to their point totals and the Blues are idle in their playoff push.
- Why is it that people who like hockey and soccer can't find a prominent place within the media? ESPN's Steve Levy and John Buccigross on the hockey side and perhaps Bob Ley for soccer are the only ones that come to mind. I grow tired of these other fools trying to talk about these sports when they know nothing about them. I love the show Pardon the Interruption, but I find it ridiculous when they talk about boxing and horse racing like they still matter (simply because THEY like those), but make fun of actual sports like hockey and soccer.
- Lastly, can I please, please, please get hired to broadcast full time? People who know me know that I am self deprecating, perhaps to a fault, and not overly boastful unless in a joking manner. Yet I keep hearing play-by-play men who I know that I am or can be better than. And these people are working at high levels. I just don't get it.
Anyway, sorry this blog turned into more of a rant than I usually do. Until next time, just remember that it's only my opinion...but I'm right.
This is about wins and loses. Bradford will not be the difference between the Rams going 1-15 again or not. I have not heard any rumors of drafting or picking up any free agent receivers. Who exactly is he going to throw to that will make him look any better than Marc Bulger? (Who honestly could have been a great QB if we had kept some offensive weapons and given him good protection.) How does it make sense to draft a QB only based on the fact he's the best QB in a weak class and because the team passed on QB's the last couple years? That was under different management, who may have made a mistake. This new management group needs to start over by not making iffy picks. And on the shotgun issue, Bradford is going to spend a lot of time getting used to being under center. Yes, he wasn't a pure shotgun quarterback but he was in that formation a good 80% of his plays I'd wager.
He just isn't worth the number one pick. Several analysts have said as much, but still fall back on the fact that the Rams need a quarterback. There are several players that the team could pick up via free agency. The Rams could even pick up a solid QB in the second round and groom him. I've also heard that Bradford might be picked because he would come cheaper than Ndamukong Suh. How does this make sense? Any agent worth their salt will make sure their guy gets first pick money, whether he was projected to get picked that high or not.
In my opinion, Suh is a sure pick. He's one of the most dominant defensive players that has come along in decades. He can anchor your defense for the next 10-12 years. Bradford is a questionable pick who has just as much of a chance, if not more, to be a bust as he does to become a franchise quarterback. This is honestly the most worried and irritated I have ever been about pre-draft talk. I am usually the kind of person that would like certain people picked but trusts that the people who really scout this know what they are doing. Yet everything I read about the St. Louis Rams potential picks points to a waste of a draft. The positions that I see this team needing the most are defense, receivers and possibly a solid backup for Steven Jackson. Yet what do I see projected for the Rams first two picks? A quarterback and a tight end. The Rams just picked up another tight end via free agency for goodness sake. And that's to go along with the plethora of TE's they've drafted recently. Manumaleuna, Byrd, Klopfenstein to name a few.
Then another thing that angers me is the Bernie Miklasz article about this very subject. He made the point that the team is in limbo with the current ownership, the Rosenblooms, looking to get out and the potential buyer not being able to be confirmed until after the draft. If I was Mr. Shahid Kahn, I would be telling the management how I felt in regards to this draft and suggest that if the team looks to go cheap that I might pull my offer off the table. I apologize to anyone who reads this who feels the other way. I don't usually see things so one sided or go off like a fan calling into a sportstalk show, but this is just one of those issues that I can't see the opposing view. It makes so much sense to take Suh. People always say, take the best player not always the need. Suh is head and shoulders the best player.
Ok...breathe. In...out...in...out. Alrighty, time for my usual random thoughts.
- This weekend is going to be a big one for the St. Louis Bandits. The team is four points back of division leading Topeka. I am really geared up for this game. Almost to the point that it seems odd since I'm not the one playing.
- Am I the only one getting antsy with this little layoff the Blues have? I know they'll have a couple games in hand, but I just don't like the fact that other teams are able to add to their point totals and the Blues are idle in their playoff push.
- Why is it that people who like hockey and soccer can't find a prominent place within the media? ESPN's Steve Levy and John Buccigross on the hockey side and perhaps Bob Ley for soccer are the only ones that come to mind. I grow tired of these other fools trying to talk about these sports when they know nothing about them. I love the show Pardon the Interruption, but I find it ridiculous when they talk about boxing and horse racing like they still matter (simply because THEY like those), but make fun of actual sports like hockey and soccer.
- Lastly, can I please, please, please get hired to broadcast full time? People who know me know that I am self deprecating, perhaps to a fault, and not overly boastful unless in a joking manner. Yet I keep hearing play-by-play men who I know that I am or can be better than. And these people are working at high levels. I just don't get it.
Anyway, sorry this blog turned into more of a rant than I usually do. Until next time, just remember that it's only my opinion...but I'm right.
Monday, February 22, 2010
What a night
The subject heading says it all. Sunday, February 21st was one of the most enjoyable nights I've had in quite some time. First off, I went to the WWE's Elimination Chamber PPV and it was one of if not the best live wrestling event I've been to since my friend Ben Huelsing and I were able to get first row tickets to a Raw back in January of 2000. A little more on that in a bit. But after returning home from a great night of wrestling and the usual intriguing, amusing and thought provoking conversation with my friend Mike Daoud I was lucky enough to avoid being told or seeing who had won the U.S.A./Canada hockey game. Little did I know I was to witness, although a few hours later, one of the best hockey games I have ever seen on television. (Live games have their own category) So, this blog will be separated into two categories. One about hockey and one about wrestling. Each will have my usual random thoughts afterward.
The way the U.S. team played, overall, reminds me of what I've seen and read about the Miracle on Ice 1980 men's hockey team. The United States played with heart and passion and enthusiasm. They played with speed but control. They played with aggressiveness but not reckless abandon. They were outmatched in many aspects of the game and still finished the contest victorious. While a game played between two teams made up of 100% NHL players is not even close to the significance of that contest thirty years ago in Lake Placid between a group of college kids who knocked off a veteran Soviet team that had years if not decades of experience as a team, the similarities remain. Canada, like the Soviets, is expected to win. They have the most skill, the best players, the best goaltending, the most pressure (those red jerseys also). The U.S. is young, not expected to do much other than hope for a medal, they're scrappy (they also have some Johnsons, a Brooks and a Suter). Stretches to be sure, but comparisons nevertheless.
In the end it came down to the Americans doing everything they needed to do and minimizing mistakes. The red, white and blue got spectacular goaltending, to say the least, out of Ryan Miller. The guy turned aside 42 of 45 shots with a good 20-30 of those being quality scoring opportunities. The stars and stripes continues to get scoring from players they were not necessarily looking to for goals. Defenseman Brian Rafalski added to his goal total by putting two more in the back of the net along with Chris Drury, Jaime Langenbrunner and Ryan Kesler. Just a fantastic hockey game despite the heartbreak that I'm sure it gave to our friends north of the border. It was the kind of hockey game that I wish any and all doubters about hockey's excitement would have watched and still argued that it isn't a great sport.
- David Backes continues to impress. He added an assist tonight and was just a beast in front of the net and along the boards. Let's hope he doesn't wear down and keeps this up in a blue uniform of a different sort.
- EJ looks good too, though he's disappeared a few times as well. One good spot out of the Canada game was he was taking those open shots on the powerplay. Another good sign if he carries that into the stretch run for the Blues.
- What the heck was up with Scott Niedermayer? He pretty much slung one of the American players into the boards WELL after the horn sounded to end the period. I thought it deserved a penalty but nothing given out.
- I don't buy into this blaming Martin Brodeur kick that many Canadians are on. No, that was not the top form Brodeur. Yes he came out to play the puck way too much. Maybe I'm viewing this through red, white and blue colored glasses, but I just didn't see the game being put squarely on his shoulders. I'm a goalie at heart and have been known to make excuses but in my own opinion, I don't think Roberto Luongo or Marc-Andre Fleury make a difference in that game.
All that said, I'll go in reverse a little bit and discuss the Elimination Chamber event as well. A standing ovation to the WWE writers and all the wrestlers who performed last night. This event renewed my excitement for pro wrestling as it was getting quite stale and predictable. And while there was a degree of predictability to the event, it was still full of good wrestling, good mic work, surprises and things that lived up to expectations even though you may have known it was coming.
They surprised us all by opening the night with one of two Elimination Chamber matches. The surprises continued when Batista came down to take the WWE title off John Cena who had just defeated TripleH with a submission. The night progressed with a surprisingly entertaining Intercontinental Championship match between Drew McIntyre and a very agile Kane. Then a women's match that was actually entertaining until they blew the ending. William Regal came out and did his thing, making us all laugh even though he was making fun of us and then Edge came out and speared him for the crowd pop. After that was a solid match between my buddy Mike and Josh Layton...I mean between MVP and the Miz. The ending of that was eh, but I'll give it a pass. Then came the final Elimination Chamber match for the World title.
This match had a lot to live up to, given that they started off with the other chamber match and it did not disappoint. The biggest shock of the night came during the Undertaker's entrance. The Deadman came out to his usual pyro, but as he stopped at the top of the ramp a flashpot accidentally went off and he was engulfed in a flame ball. His coat caught on fire and he had to quickly strip it off and run towards the ring. Ever the consummate professional, he went on with the match, merely pouring water on himself to treat the burns. I will say that he was pissed both before and after the match and it really threw off his character for the entrance. However, the event ended in spectacular fashion as Shawn Michaels came out from under the ring, popped through the chamber floor, superkicked Taker and stood over him after Chris Jericho won the belt. It was the kind of show that at least partially reminded me of what wrestling was like back in the late 90's and early 00's.
- CM Punk continued to build his character as a heel and one who is fantastic on the mic. Straight edge all the way.
- I will begrudgingly admit that I don't despise Sheamus as much as I did previously. There Mike, I said it. Although the guy still has no offense other than punches and a big boot, he did perform quite well in the chamber.
- I was pleasantly surprised that the WWE left some of the lower card guys in their matches for awhile. John Morrison, Ted Dibiase, Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio (yes, I do think of Rey as a lower card guy) were all given their time to shine and really add to the matches with some big spots.
- I'm really excited about where the storyline possibilities will lead heading into Wrestlemania. The possible destruction of Legacy is interesting. Edge vs. Jericho would be great. Cena vs. Batista will have a lot of good storyline buildup. The match could be...watchable. Will there be a Vince vs Brett Hart match?
- The HBK moment was still awesome even though Layton texted Mike and told us he saw Michaels get under the ring.
- I seem to be the only one, but I'm still worried about Taker vs. HBK 2. I loved seeing Michaels hit sweet chin music on Taker but I just hope they have something really different planned for their match. A replay of last year's 'Mania, though entertaining, just doesn't seem like it would be worth the effort.
- Chris Jericho is the man. I got to meet him on Saturday night and he comes across as a really nice guy. I was glad he got to win the title and set up a Wrestlemania main event singles match (hopefully) even though he is currently a heel.
Well that's all for now as I should be in bed. Overall, it was a great night but remember. It may be an opinion...but I'm right.
The way the U.S. team played, overall, reminds me of what I've seen and read about the Miracle on Ice 1980 men's hockey team. The United States played with heart and passion and enthusiasm. They played with speed but control. They played with aggressiveness but not reckless abandon. They were outmatched in many aspects of the game and still finished the contest victorious. While a game played between two teams made up of 100% NHL players is not even close to the significance of that contest thirty years ago in Lake Placid between a group of college kids who knocked off a veteran Soviet team that had years if not decades of experience as a team, the similarities remain. Canada, like the Soviets, is expected to win. They have the most skill, the best players, the best goaltending, the most pressure (those red jerseys also). The U.S. is young, not expected to do much other than hope for a medal, they're scrappy (they also have some Johnsons, a Brooks and a Suter). Stretches to be sure, but comparisons nevertheless.
In the end it came down to the Americans doing everything they needed to do and minimizing mistakes. The red, white and blue got spectacular goaltending, to say the least, out of Ryan Miller. The guy turned aside 42 of 45 shots with a good 20-30 of those being quality scoring opportunities. The stars and stripes continues to get scoring from players they were not necessarily looking to for goals. Defenseman Brian Rafalski added to his goal total by putting two more in the back of the net along with Chris Drury, Jaime Langenbrunner and Ryan Kesler. Just a fantastic hockey game despite the heartbreak that I'm sure it gave to our friends north of the border. It was the kind of hockey game that I wish any and all doubters about hockey's excitement would have watched and still argued that it isn't a great sport.
- David Backes continues to impress. He added an assist tonight and was just a beast in front of the net and along the boards. Let's hope he doesn't wear down and keeps this up in a blue uniform of a different sort.
- EJ looks good too, though he's disappeared a few times as well. One good spot out of the Canada game was he was taking those open shots on the powerplay. Another good sign if he carries that into the stretch run for the Blues.
- What the heck was up with Scott Niedermayer? He pretty much slung one of the American players into the boards WELL after the horn sounded to end the period. I thought it deserved a penalty but nothing given out.
- I don't buy into this blaming Martin Brodeur kick that many Canadians are on. No, that was not the top form Brodeur. Yes he came out to play the puck way too much. Maybe I'm viewing this through red, white and blue colored glasses, but I just didn't see the game being put squarely on his shoulders. I'm a goalie at heart and have been known to make excuses but in my own opinion, I don't think Roberto Luongo or Marc-Andre Fleury make a difference in that game.
All that said, I'll go in reverse a little bit and discuss the Elimination Chamber event as well. A standing ovation to the WWE writers and all the wrestlers who performed last night. This event renewed my excitement for pro wrestling as it was getting quite stale and predictable. And while there was a degree of predictability to the event, it was still full of good wrestling, good mic work, surprises and things that lived up to expectations even though you may have known it was coming.
They surprised us all by opening the night with one of two Elimination Chamber matches. The surprises continued when Batista came down to take the WWE title off John Cena who had just defeated TripleH with a submission. The night progressed with a surprisingly entertaining Intercontinental Championship match between Drew McIntyre and a very agile Kane. Then a women's match that was actually entertaining until they blew the ending. William Regal came out and did his thing, making us all laugh even though he was making fun of us and then Edge came out and speared him for the crowd pop. After that was a solid match between my buddy Mike and Josh Layton...I mean between MVP and the Miz. The ending of that was eh, but I'll give it a pass. Then came the final Elimination Chamber match for the World title.
This match had a lot to live up to, given that they started off with the other chamber match and it did not disappoint. The biggest shock of the night came during the Undertaker's entrance. The Deadman came out to his usual pyro, but as he stopped at the top of the ramp a flashpot accidentally went off and he was engulfed in a flame ball. His coat caught on fire and he had to quickly strip it off and run towards the ring. Ever the consummate professional, he went on with the match, merely pouring water on himself to treat the burns. I will say that he was pissed both before and after the match and it really threw off his character for the entrance. However, the event ended in spectacular fashion as Shawn Michaels came out from under the ring, popped through the chamber floor, superkicked Taker and stood over him after Chris Jericho won the belt. It was the kind of show that at least partially reminded me of what wrestling was like back in the late 90's and early 00's.
- CM Punk continued to build his character as a heel and one who is fantastic on the mic. Straight edge all the way.
- I will begrudgingly admit that I don't despise Sheamus as much as I did previously. There Mike, I said it. Although the guy still has no offense other than punches and a big boot, he did perform quite well in the chamber.
- I was pleasantly surprised that the WWE left some of the lower card guys in their matches for awhile. John Morrison, Ted Dibiase, Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio (yes, I do think of Rey as a lower card guy) were all given their time to shine and really add to the matches with some big spots.
- I'm really excited about where the storyline possibilities will lead heading into Wrestlemania. The possible destruction of Legacy is interesting. Edge vs. Jericho would be great. Cena vs. Batista will have a lot of good storyline buildup. The match could be...watchable. Will there be a Vince vs Brett Hart match?
- The HBK moment was still awesome even though Layton texted Mike and told us he saw Michaels get under the ring.
- I seem to be the only one, but I'm still worried about Taker vs. HBK 2. I loved seeing Michaels hit sweet chin music on Taker but I just hope they have something really different planned for their match. A replay of last year's 'Mania, though entertaining, just doesn't seem like it would be worth the effort.
- Chris Jericho is the man. I got to meet him on Saturday night and he comes across as a really nice guy. I was glad he got to win the title and set up a Wrestlemania main event singles match (hopefully) even though he is currently a heel.
Well that's all for now as I should be in bed. Overall, it was a great night but remember. It may be an opinion...but I'm right.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
USA men's hockey in trouble?
We'll log this one under finding something to complain about since the USA is 2-0 through two games and has won by a 9-2 margin over those two games. But this team has me worried. Their two performances so far, though decisive wins, seem underwhelming some how. I knew heading into the tournament that this was a team talented enough to win gold and inexperienced enough to come back with no medals, but their play has been slightly disconcerting at times. There have been too many miscues and needless risks taken against inferior opponents. The Swiss team was rougher than I had expected, but then they did upset the Canadians in the last Olympics and have several NHLers on their roster. The Norwegians on the other hand have only one active NHL player a couple former ones and fill out their roster with guys who either play in Sweden or have regular jobs at home. Team USA made them look like a reasonable threat through two periods of play. Norway had several odd man rushes, which could have been goals if not for reasonably solid goaltending by Ryan Miller. Team USA then gave up a shorthanded goal. The red, white and blue got a 6-1 victory. So in the end you have to ask how much you can really complain? I just get the feeling that if those mistakes aren't taken care of in the next day or two that the contest we've all waited for between Canada and the US could well be a beatdown instead of an Olympic classic. We will have to see. Canada plays a tougher opponent in the Swiss tonight and USA has a couple days to scout and practice. I will always root for the Americans and go into the game thinking we will win, but the effort will have to be taken to the next level very soon by the stars and stripes.
Random thoughts:
- Despite my misgivings with the US men's team overall, I have been impressed with the play of David Backes. He's been physical, played with a lot of smarts and shown the skill that many believe he's had but hasn't quite lived up to in NHL play. As a Blues fan I can only hope that he continues these offensive ways once the Olympics are over.
- Can someone please tell Pierre McGuire and Ed Olczyc to shut up. I cannot say that the American defenseman played a flawless game. They did pinch up from the blue line and join the attack a bit too often, but every couple minutes I have to suffer through McGuire ranting on about "I just don't get it. Can you explain it Edzo? The US will get smoked if they do this against better teams like Canada." Go broadcast on TSN if you're that disillusioned by the Americans' play.
- On a related note, both of those guys along with several color announcers in various sports make me wonder if I'd make it in TV broadcasting. It seems that the play-by-play man has become little more than a setup man for these "star" analysts who never shut up. I miss the days of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement or Ken Wilson and Joe Micheletti. The play-by-play man was allowed to paint the picture and then the analyst would chime in during stoppages or during key moments.
- What a night for US Olympians last night. Gold medals for Lindsey Vonn on her bad shin, Shaun White and Shani Davis and a silver for Julia Mancuso. Very exciting to watch. A big example of why I enjoy watching these events every couple years.
- What was with all those crashes on the women's downhill course for skiing? I don't usually care for the French, but you had to feel bad for their skier who fell a mere four strides out of the gate. Another example of why I'd never make it as an Olympic athlete. To train four years and have it all come to a crashing halt seems too much.
- USA curling has been embarrassing to watch. Their captain, John Shuster, has blown victories in four straight contests after coming into these games proclaiming that he thrives off of the pressure. I know the US team didn't have huge expectations, but to have been in control of at least three of those four contests makes it very disappointing that the guy couldn't make his shots.
There's a few other things on my mind, but those are issues that will be around for a bit so I'll discuss those later. Ciao for now and remember: It's just my opinion...but I'm right.
-
Random thoughts:
- Despite my misgivings with the US men's team overall, I have been impressed with the play of David Backes. He's been physical, played with a lot of smarts and shown the skill that many believe he's had but hasn't quite lived up to in NHL play. As a Blues fan I can only hope that he continues these offensive ways once the Olympics are over.
- Can someone please tell Pierre McGuire and Ed Olczyc to shut up. I cannot say that the American defenseman played a flawless game. They did pinch up from the blue line and join the attack a bit too often, but every couple minutes I have to suffer through McGuire ranting on about "I just don't get it. Can you explain it Edzo? The US will get smoked if they do this against better teams like Canada." Go broadcast on TSN if you're that disillusioned by the Americans' play.
- On a related note, both of those guys along with several color announcers in various sports make me wonder if I'd make it in TV broadcasting. It seems that the play-by-play man has become little more than a setup man for these "star" analysts who never shut up. I miss the days of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement or Ken Wilson and Joe Micheletti. The play-by-play man was allowed to paint the picture and then the analyst would chime in during stoppages or during key moments.
- What a night for US Olympians last night. Gold medals for Lindsey Vonn on her bad shin, Shaun White and Shani Davis and a silver for Julia Mancuso. Very exciting to watch. A big example of why I enjoy watching these events every couple years.
- What was with all those crashes on the women's downhill course for skiing? I don't usually care for the French, but you had to feel bad for their skier who fell a mere four strides out of the gate. Another example of why I'd never make it as an Olympic athlete. To train four years and have it all come to a crashing halt seems too much.
- USA curling has been embarrassing to watch. Their captain, John Shuster, has blown victories in four straight contests after coming into these games proclaiming that he thrives off of the pressure. I know the US team didn't have huge expectations, but to have been in control of at least three of those four contests makes it very disappointing that the guy couldn't make his shots.
There's a few other things on my mind, but those are issues that will be around for a bit so I'll discuss those later. Ciao for now and remember: It's just my opinion...but I'm right.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
Thoughts on the Superbowl and random football notes.
Let me open this blog by saying a heartfelt congratulations to the New Orleans Saints. The city of New Orleans deserves a positive after so much negativity happening to it. With that said, I found the game itself to be rather anti-climactic. I had a feeling going into the game that we would not see the shootout that so many "pundits" predicted. Perhaps my opinion is tainted because I was rooting for the Colts, but I was rooting for the Cardinals the year before and still found that game very entertaining. I thought the Colts looked like they had no heart. They came out and scored the first ten points and looked like they would dominate. But then the Saints came out and played with a bold style with gutsy calls and the Colts played with no enthusiasm. Whether it's Manning's fault or the coaching staff, I don't see why they did three straight run plays at the end of the first half. And nobody can convince me that field position had to do with it. The Colts had driven the length of the field earlier, tying the Super Bowl record for longest scoring drive, but chose to play it safe and it ended up costing them. The Colts had several dropped passes that really cost them.
That being said, the Saints made the best of their opportunities. Yet all I hear is how great Drew Brees was. If not for the Colts' mistake on that pick six, then Brees' game is no better than Manning's. It would amount to nothing but lots of yards with little to show for it. Another thing that irks me is the amount of fools who say that the Colts not playing out all 16 regular season games may have played a factor in it. That is the most idiotic thing I've heard outside of my former place of work. Indianapolis won two playoff games over tough, defensive opponents in the Ravens and Jets. I can't believe that anyone would say that maybe they might have had more momentum if they'd played out their last two or three games. They made the Super Bowl for cryin' out loud. You can make that argument if they lose their first playoff game, but c'mon.
But enough of my rant on the Super Bowl. The Saints won. That's that. Now for a few random thoughts:
- I may be the only person in America who didn't think last night's halftime show with The Who was that bad. No, they don't sound the same as they used to but Townshend is at least 66 years old and Daltrey can't be far behind. Plus it was LIVE. I think too many people have gotten accustomed to lip synced performances because that's pretty much what a lot of live shows sound like. It's not the perfect smooth sound that you get from a studio recording. That's why I've never understood why rappers tour. They sound horrible live.
- I thought many of the commercials this year were funny, such as the Doritos ones and the Snickers one with Betty White and Abe Vigoda, but overall I was underwhelmed with the commercials as a whole. Too many spots for local ads and too many ads where you were just left thinking "umm...ok." I did enjoy the Brett Favre spot where he is still waffling on retirement in 2020. Nice that he can poke fun at himself.
- Following up on the Brett Favre thing, maybe I'm alone but I've gone to the side that I want Favre in the game. I was rooting for him to make it to the Super Bowl even though he played for the Viking and my second favorite team is the Bears (behind the Rams of course). I will admit that I got tired of the constant coverage and ESPN having Rachel Nichols camped out on his lawn, but isn't that really the media's fault instead of him? Doesn't the man have a right to change his mind just like any other man in any other profession? It's not his fault that the sports media wants answers right away. I acknowledge that he brought some of it on himself after the tearfilled pressers, but the media causes their own problems as well when they bombard Favre with questions about retirement the second he steps off the field after a game in which he was one step away from a Super Bowl and in which he possibly cost his team with an INT. We look back on coaches retiring and wonder if it was too soon, ala Dick Vermeil leaving the Rams or Cowher leaving the Steelers. Why is it we expect Favre, an emotional person, to give an answer that quick and then have to stick to it?
- The Rams have the first pick in this April's draft. And now they're going to blow it. There's rumblings in the local media as well as from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that if he's healthy the Rams may use the top pick on Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. This would be a mistake of epic proportions. First off I don't believe the guy will be a franchise quarterback, but that's just one man's opinion. The facts are that the Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Our line has cost us two of the best quarterbacks in St. Louis history. You give the Rams a top flight O-line and Kurt Warner never has to leave. You find a solid O-line after his departure and there is nothing wrong with Marc Bulger. But due to injuries caused by a lack of blocking we have lost those QB's. Now, with that same blocking they want to draft a QB who already has a history of shoulder problems? Also Bradford is a shotgun, spread system quarterback. He has no veteran on the roster to mentor him and will have to learn a completely new system and how to consistantly take a snap from under center. Someone made the comment on sports radio that Bradford will sell more jerseys than Suh. Wow, what a reason to draft someone. Suh is a dominant force. Granted he hasn't played against offensive linemen with the same consistant size as in the NFL but he's got the work ethic and motor to be a roadblock for years to come. The Rams have a problem stopping the run. How is this an issue? Bradford is not a top pick even if healthy and the Rams have bigger problems than just quarterback, which can be plugged for a year or two. Draft defense first. Plain and simple.
- Speaking of the draft, it won't happen but it would be sweet if the Rams or Bears drafted Dezmon Briscoe or Kerry Meier. Both teams need receivers and both players are solid.
That being said, the Saints made the best of their opportunities. Yet all I hear is how great Drew Brees was. If not for the Colts' mistake on that pick six, then Brees' game is no better than Manning's. It would amount to nothing but lots of yards with little to show for it. Another thing that irks me is the amount of fools who say that the Colts not playing out all 16 regular season games may have played a factor in it. That is the most idiotic thing I've heard outside of my former place of work. Indianapolis won two playoff games over tough, defensive opponents in the Ravens and Jets. I can't believe that anyone would say that maybe they might have had more momentum if they'd played out their last two or three games. They made the Super Bowl for cryin' out loud. You can make that argument if they lose their first playoff game, but c'mon.
But enough of my rant on the Super Bowl. The Saints won. That's that. Now for a few random thoughts:
- I may be the only person in America who didn't think last night's halftime show with The Who was that bad. No, they don't sound the same as they used to but Townshend is at least 66 years old and Daltrey can't be far behind. Plus it was LIVE. I think too many people have gotten accustomed to lip synced performances because that's pretty much what a lot of live shows sound like. It's not the perfect smooth sound that you get from a studio recording. That's why I've never understood why rappers tour. They sound horrible live.
- I thought many of the commercials this year were funny, such as the Doritos ones and the Snickers one with Betty White and Abe Vigoda, but overall I was underwhelmed with the commercials as a whole. Too many spots for local ads and too many ads where you were just left thinking "umm...ok." I did enjoy the Brett Favre spot where he is still waffling on retirement in 2020. Nice that he can poke fun at himself.
- Following up on the Brett Favre thing, maybe I'm alone but I've gone to the side that I want Favre in the game. I was rooting for him to make it to the Super Bowl even though he played for the Viking and my second favorite team is the Bears (behind the Rams of course). I will admit that I got tired of the constant coverage and ESPN having Rachel Nichols camped out on his lawn, but isn't that really the media's fault instead of him? Doesn't the man have a right to change his mind just like any other man in any other profession? It's not his fault that the sports media wants answers right away. I acknowledge that he brought some of it on himself after the tearfilled pressers, but the media causes their own problems as well when they bombard Favre with questions about retirement the second he steps off the field after a game in which he was one step away from a Super Bowl and in which he possibly cost his team with an INT. We look back on coaches retiring and wonder if it was too soon, ala Dick Vermeil leaving the Rams or Cowher leaving the Steelers. Why is it we expect Favre, an emotional person, to give an answer that quick and then have to stick to it?
- The Rams have the first pick in this April's draft. And now they're going to blow it. There's rumblings in the local media as well as from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that if he's healthy the Rams may use the top pick on Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. This would be a mistake of epic proportions. First off I don't believe the guy will be a franchise quarterback, but that's just one man's opinion. The facts are that the Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Our line has cost us two of the best quarterbacks in St. Louis history. You give the Rams a top flight O-line and Kurt Warner never has to leave. You find a solid O-line after his departure and there is nothing wrong with Marc Bulger. But due to injuries caused by a lack of blocking we have lost those QB's. Now, with that same blocking they want to draft a QB who already has a history of shoulder problems? Also Bradford is a shotgun, spread system quarterback. He has no veteran on the roster to mentor him and will have to learn a completely new system and how to consistantly take a snap from under center. Someone made the comment on sports radio that Bradford will sell more jerseys than Suh. Wow, what a reason to draft someone. Suh is a dominant force. Granted he hasn't played against offensive linemen with the same consistant size as in the NFL but he's got the work ethic and motor to be a roadblock for years to come. The Rams have a problem stopping the run. How is this an issue? Bradford is not a top pick even if healthy and the Rams have bigger problems than just quarterback, which can be plugged for a year or two. Draft defense first. Plain and simple.
- Speaking of the draft, it won't happen but it would be sweet if the Rams or Bears drafted Dezmon Briscoe or Kerry Meier. Both teams need receivers and both players are solid.
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