1. The Indianapolis Colts have conflicting motivations. - The way the Colts have played over the last two weeks makes no sense to me. Two weeks ago they decided 16-0 was not as important as the Super Bowl and that resting their starters was more important than beating the Jets. We all know what happened. They rested their starters after halftime, lost the game to the Jets, and in the process pulled out the wrapping paper and bows for the Bengals to finish giving the Jets a playoff berth. This shows that the Colts obviously didn't want their starters to get hurt.
Well, if that is the case, why did they, in the first quarter of their game against the Bills (in the snow mind you), throw screen passes to Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark on 10 of 11 consecutive plays? Why was Peyton Manning in the game (again, in the snow) throwing these passes? Because they wanted to get Wayne and Clark 100 receptions each for the season. Yup, 16-0 and going down in the history books is not important, but making sure Wayne and Clark hit some escalator clauses in their contracts was a goal they wanted to reach. What would have happened if Manning had gotten drilled on one of those throws? What if Wayne had blown out his knee (ahem, Wes Welker) on one of those catches? Truthfully, if one of those things had happened I would think the Colts got exactly what they deserved.
2. The Redskins might have gotten it right this time...might have. - It seems the Redskins read my earlier blog about how to run an NFL franchise. (If you need a refresher, have no fear, here it is.) Well, they read most of it anyway. They have hired Bruce Allen as their GM. Great move. They have given Mike Shanahan their head coaching job. Great move. Shanahan is an incredible coach, especially on offense. He is also bringing his son Kyle over from the Houston Texans to run the offense in Washington. Houston was no. 3 in the league in offense in 2008. This year they were no. 4 overall and no. 1 in passing offense. Great move. The only hiccup is giving Mike Shanahan the final say in personnel decisions. He has shown that he doesn't have the ability to do that, especially on defense. If Dan Snyder can stay out of Allen's and Shanahan's hair, and if Shananhan doesn't make defensive decisions, then I think the 'Skins might be on to something.
3. Los Angeles might be getting an NFL team. - And I think they should get one. There is a real estate group in L.A. that is trying to lure an NFL franchise to the city. (You can read the story at CBS Sports here.) Majestic Realty Co.'s top targets are the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars, and I think the Jags should really consider the move. They play in a small market and in a stadium they can't fill. They had multiple games blacked out this year. Obviously the fans in Jacksonville don't or can't support the team. L.A. is the second largest media market in the country. If nothing else, the team would generate a lot more revenue, which is never a bad thing.
4. Boom Roasted Sports may have been in the building for Gilbert Arenas' last home game as a Wizard. - The NBA suspended Arenas indefinitely today, a move that was a long time coming but probably accelerated because of his antics last night in Philadelphia. Jemele Hill wrote a great article on espn.com's Page 2 in which she said Arenas should be suspended and the Wizards should use the morals clause to void his contract. (That might not be so easy, but they should try.) I'm not going to really get into what happened because this story has been reported on ad nauseum, but I think Hill is right and it looks like the NBA and Wizards are headed that direction.
Showing posts with label Things I've Learned. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things I've Learned. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Things I've Learned - Special Road Trip Edition
Boom Roasted Sports went on the road to our nation's capital last night and took in the Washington Wizards epic showdown with the San Antonio Spurs. (Portions of that first sentence are sarcastic.)
Here are two things I learned while at the game...
1. The Wizards antics towards the opposing team on their big screen are bush league. - During the pre-game introductions they showed each Spur on the screen along with a bad stat, like "Tim Duncan - leads the team with 3.0 turnovers per game." Or, "Keith Bogans - only three blocks all season." Also, during the goofy "Kiss Cam" that all teams do, after going through the fans, they put up Roger Mason Jr. and George Hill, as if they should kiss each other. Are all of these things funny? Sure, if you're a Wizards fan. Is it a little bush league? Absolutely. I don't think I've ever seen something like that at a professional sporting event. It's something you'd expect to see at a minor league baseball game. Big time professional teams don't do things like that, except the Mets.
2. Gilbert Arenas is a selfish prick. - First he pulls a gun on a teammate so doesn't have to pay a gambling debt. I guess $111 million only goes so far. And then I watched him play live. He doesn't pass unless he absolutely has to. To make things worse, last night he was running point, so he brought the ball up the court on most possessions. He was looking to shoot first, shoot second, dribble third, shoot fourth, and finally, pass fifth. By the end of the game all of the Wizards fans sitting around us were angry because Dave and I were getting creative with the ways we were saying that all he does is "shoot."
Here are two things I learned while at the game...
1. The Wizards antics towards the opposing team on their big screen are bush league. - During the pre-game introductions they showed each Spur on the screen along with a bad stat, like "Tim Duncan - leads the team with 3.0 turnovers per game." Or, "Keith Bogans - only three blocks all season." Also, during the goofy "Kiss Cam" that all teams do, after going through the fans, they put up Roger Mason Jr. and George Hill, as if they should kiss each other. Are all of these things funny? Sure, if you're a Wizards fan. Is it a little bush league? Absolutely. I don't think I've ever seen something like that at a professional sporting event. It's something you'd expect to see at a minor league baseball game. Big time professional teams don't do things like that, except the Mets.
2. Gilbert Arenas is a selfish prick. - First he pulls a gun on a teammate so doesn't have to pay a gambling debt. I guess $111 million only goes so far. And then I watched him play live. He doesn't pass unless he absolutely has to. To make things worse, last night he was running point, so he brought the ball up the court on most possessions. He was looking to shoot first, shoot second, dribble third, shoot fourth, and finally, pass fifth. By the end of the game all of the Wizards fans sitting around us were angry because Dave and I were getting creative with the ways we were saying that all he does is "shoot."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A Thing I've Learned Recently, 12/30/09
I don't have that many things, just one big thing.
Here it is...Everything else aside, Jim Zorn is not fit to coach in the NFL because he can't motivate his team. See - the last two games. In an ideal world, my ideal world at least, an NFL head coach would not do anything else but lead the team. His job would be to motivate and provide direction. He would not also be an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator. He would not also be the general manager.
In my ideal world an organization would be run like this: The owner would buy the team and then sit in the plush box, hire smart football people, and write checks (like Bob Craft). The GM worries about contracts and the salary cap and, along with the head coach, evaluates talent (like Ernie Accorsi). The head coach's primary job is to lead and motivate (like Bill Cowher).
Zorn, over the last two games, showed that he cannot motivate the Redskins. In both games the Redskins were playing at home, in primetime, against a division opponent, with a chance to make it very hard for said opponent to make the playoffs. For God's sakes, I could have gotten that locker room fired up.
And they lost these games by a combined 62-12 score, including a 17-0 shutout to their hated rival, the Cowboys.
How does that even happen? Most NFL players are highly competitive and want to win, just because. Just because there is a game. Just because there is an opponent. Just because at the end of the day some is going to win. Yes, there are some players there to collect a check, but most are competitive, inside and outside of football.
At the professional level, in all sports, not just football, success is mostly determined by what happens between the ears. It is about knowing what you have to do, making smart decisions, and being confident. There is very little variation in the athletic ability of all of these players. Peyton Manning is not a better athlete than Jason Campbell, physically, but he has played in the same system since entering the league, so he knows how to do what he needs to do, and he has done for so long it's reactionary. He also knows the game inside and out. He also has a swagger. He thinks he is the best player on the field all the time. That is what you want, a team with 53 guys who think they are the best. Who get mad when they get beat. Who think they are better than anyone lined up across from them.
It is very rare to see a player have a physical gift that allows them to be dominant on the field because no one can match them. Think Barry Sanders' elusiveness, Reggie White's strength, Drew Brees' accuracy. (I think Chris Johnson's speed deserves to be on this list. When he turns the corner he is uncatchable...literally.) That is why the intangibles, as they are called, are so important.
So, in conclusion, Zorn stinks. I guess everyone knew that already, but to me this is the main reason why. He should go be a quarterbacks coach or an OC somewhere next year.
Here it is...Everything else aside, Jim Zorn is not fit to coach in the NFL because he can't motivate his team. See - the last two games. In an ideal world, my ideal world at least, an NFL head coach would not do anything else but lead the team. His job would be to motivate and provide direction. He would not also be an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator. He would not also be the general manager.
In my ideal world an organization would be run like this: The owner would buy the team and then sit in the plush box, hire smart football people, and write checks (like Bob Craft). The GM worries about contracts and the salary cap and, along with the head coach, evaluates talent (like Ernie Accorsi). The head coach's primary job is to lead and motivate (like Bill Cowher).
Zorn, over the last two games, showed that he cannot motivate the Redskins. In both games the Redskins were playing at home, in primetime, against a division opponent, with a chance to make it very hard for said opponent to make the playoffs. For God's sakes, I could have gotten that locker room fired up.
And they lost these games by a combined 62-12 score, including a 17-0 shutout to their hated rival, the Cowboys.
How does that even happen? Most NFL players are highly competitive and want to win, just because. Just because there is a game. Just because there is an opponent. Just because at the end of the day some is going to win. Yes, there are some players there to collect a check, but most are competitive, inside and outside of football.
At the professional level, in all sports, not just football, success is mostly determined by what happens between the ears. It is about knowing what you have to do, making smart decisions, and being confident. There is very little variation in the athletic ability of all of these players. Peyton Manning is not a better athlete than Jason Campbell, physically, but he has played in the same system since entering the league, so he knows how to do what he needs to do, and he has done for so long it's reactionary. He also knows the game inside and out. He also has a swagger. He thinks he is the best player on the field all the time. That is what you want, a team with 53 guys who think they are the best. Who get mad when they get beat. Who think they are better than anyone lined up across from them.
It is very rare to see a player have a physical gift that allows them to be dominant on the field because no one can match them. Think Barry Sanders' elusiveness, Reggie White's strength, Drew Brees' accuracy. (I think Chris Johnson's speed deserves to be on this list. When he turns the corner he is uncatchable...literally.) That is why the intangibles, as they are called, are so important.
So, in conclusion, Zorn stinks. I guess everyone knew that already, but to me this is the main reason why. He should go be a quarterbacks coach or an OC somewhere next year.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Things I've Learned Recently
I'm sick today but was still able to learn a thing or two...
Roy Williams needs to stop making guarantees. - Does Dallas have a chance to beat the Saints this weekend? Yes. Is it a must win for Dallas? Absolutely. But Roy Williams needs to watch it. The Saints are undefeated and have already said they are playing for 16-0. They didn't need this extra motivation. Didn't this guy once guarantee the Lions would win 10 games in a season? I don't think the Lions won ten games during his tenure with the team.
Oregon State has a pair, as well as the rest of the best of the PAC-10. - No cupcakes for them next year. Oregon State has agreed to play BCS-busters and college football darlings Boise State and Texas Christian next season. In fact, they are going to open against TCU in the new Jerry Jones shrine, otherwise known as Cowboys Stadium. This is something the good teams in the PAC-10 do more than any other conference. They agree to play real schools, not the UC-Santa Cruz Banana Slugs or Roast Beef State. This will be good for Oregon State and good for the schools they are playing. It lends legitimacy to Boise State's and TCU's schedule.
The Oakland Raiders quarterback situation is bad.- Really bad. We all know JaMarcus Russell is a huge bust and probably won't be back next year. (He is due $15M in salary and bonuses if he plays next season. There's no way the Raiders pay that.) Bruce "The Plumber" Gradkowski is injured and won't play this week. This Sunday the Raiders are going to start Charlie Frye at quarterback. Remember him? In 2007 he "won" the quarterback "battle" in Cleveland over Derek Anderson and rookie Brady Quinn. He started the first regular season game and was pulled in less time than it takes Greg Oden to suffer a season-ending knee injury. The Raiders have also just signed J.P. Losman to "bolster" their quarterbacking corps. Losman was most recently seen leading the Rancho Cucamonga Snake Charmers to a United Football League title. (Actually, it was the Las Vegas Locomotives. But who knew that...other than me?)
And last, not a thing a I learned, but a bit of wild speculation. A bold prediction you won't get anywhere else. - Jim Fassel might be on his way to the Raiders. He is currently the head coach of the Rancho Cuca...I mean Las Vegas Locomotives. His championship QB just signed with Oakland. The Raiders special teams coach? A guy named John Fassel. Yup, Jim's son. I'm not saying he's a lock to go, but there sure are some familiar faces.
Roy Williams needs to stop making guarantees. - Does Dallas have a chance to beat the Saints this weekend? Yes. Is it a must win for Dallas? Absolutely. But Roy Williams needs to watch it. The Saints are undefeated and have already said they are playing for 16-0. They didn't need this extra motivation. Didn't this guy once guarantee the Lions would win 10 games in a season? I don't think the Lions won ten games during his tenure with the team.
Oregon State has a pair, as well as the rest of the best of the PAC-10. - No cupcakes for them next year. Oregon State has agreed to play BCS-busters and college football darlings Boise State and Texas Christian next season. In fact, they are going to open against TCU in the new Jerry Jones shrine, otherwise known as Cowboys Stadium. This is something the good teams in the PAC-10 do more than any other conference. They agree to play real schools, not the UC-Santa Cruz Banana Slugs or Roast Beef State. This will be good for Oregon State and good for the schools they are playing. It lends legitimacy to Boise State's and TCU's schedule.
The Oakland Raiders quarterback situation is bad.- Really bad. We all know JaMarcus Russell is a huge bust and probably won't be back next year. (He is due $15M in salary and bonuses if he plays next season. There's no way the Raiders pay that.) Bruce "The Plumber" Gradkowski is injured and won't play this week. This Sunday the Raiders are going to start Charlie Frye at quarterback. Remember him? In 2007 he "won" the quarterback "battle" in Cleveland over Derek Anderson and rookie Brady Quinn. He started the first regular season game and was pulled in less time than it takes Greg Oden to suffer a season-ending knee injury. The Raiders have also just signed J.P. Losman to "bolster" their quarterbacking corps. Losman was most recently seen leading the Rancho Cucamonga Snake Charmers to a United Football League title. (Actually, it was the Las Vegas Locomotives. But who knew that...other than me?)
And last, not a thing a I learned, but a bit of wild speculation. A bold prediction you won't get anywhere else. - Jim Fassel might be on his way to the Raiders. He is currently the head coach of the Rancho Cuca...I mean Las Vegas Locomotives. His championship QB just signed with Oakland. The Raiders special teams coach? A guy named John Fassel. Yup, Jim's son. I'm not saying he's a lock to go, but there sure are some familiar faces.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Things I've Learned Recently, 10-28-09
1. This World Series is painful for lots of fans - See: Cleveland Indians fans. The angle of the depressed Mets fan has been beaten to death, but what about those poor Indians fans? Imagine you're an Indians fan who has been in a coma for the last two years. Just before you went under the Indians won the Central Division title. You start coming to this week and from another room you hear snippets of sports broadcast. You hear "Cliff Lee" and "C.C. Sabathia" and "World Series" and start to get really excited. Then you find out they are the game one starters for the Phils and Yanks. Too bad. And then you find out the Indians have fallen so far that they just hired Manny Acta, a guy fired by the Nationals, as their manager. Being a Mets fan ain't so bad now is it. See also - Boston Red Sox fans.
2. Sam Bradford made the right decision - This one is simple. He wasn't going to play at Oklahoma beyond this season. He's right to have the shoulder surgery and prepare for the NFL.
3. Reports of parity in the NFL have been REALLY exaggerated. - See this week's scores. Thirteen games. Eleven decided by ten points or more. Six by at least 28 points. Never has the league gone this late into the season and had three undefeated teams like this year. And the teams at the bottom of the league are historically bad. Speaking of historically bad...
4. The Oakland Raiders quit on the field. - I have never seen a team quit so early in a game. The Jets scored and the Raiders packed it in. It's probably because they have no leadership. JaMarcus Russell sucks. He didn't do anything to help the team on the field on Sunday, and then after the game he didn't take any of the blame. An NFL quarterback has to exude confidence. He has to be able to stand there and with only a look convey that he is the man. He needs to take the field saying I'm Drew "Mutha fuckin'" Brees. That entails taking blame and passing on credit. Russell could take a lesson from guys like Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and even young guys like Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and Mark Sanchez.
5. TCU is going to bust up the BCS - Sorry Boise State. Thanks for playing Cincinnati. It TCU wins out they will beat Utah, currently ranked 16th in the BCS. They have a huge win over BYU. They have also beaten Clemson and UVA, two wins that didn't look like much at the time, but are starting to look much better to the computers.
2. Sam Bradford made the right decision - This one is simple. He wasn't going to play at Oklahoma beyond this season. He's right to have the shoulder surgery and prepare for the NFL.
3. Reports of parity in the NFL have been REALLY exaggerated. - See this week's scores. Thirteen games. Eleven decided by ten points or more. Six by at least 28 points. Never has the league gone this late into the season and had three undefeated teams like this year. And the teams at the bottom of the league are historically bad. Speaking of historically bad...
4. The Oakland Raiders quit on the field. - I have never seen a team quit so early in a game. The Jets scored and the Raiders packed it in. It's probably because they have no leadership. JaMarcus Russell sucks. He didn't do anything to help the team on the field on Sunday, and then after the game he didn't take any of the blame. An NFL quarterback has to exude confidence. He has to be able to stand there and with only a look convey that he is the man. He needs to take the field saying I'm Drew "Mutha fuckin'" Brees. That entails taking blame and passing on credit. Russell could take a lesson from guys like Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and even young guys like Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and Mark Sanchez.
5. TCU is going to bust up the BCS - Sorry Boise State. Thanks for playing Cincinnati. It TCU wins out they will beat Utah, currently ranked 16th in the BCS. They have a huge win over BYU. They have also beaten Clemson and UVA, two wins that didn't look like much at the time, but are starting to look much better to the computers.
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