Wednesday, June 23, 2010
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
I've been following the World Cup pretty rabidly... waking up early before work to watch games. Sneakily following matches on my computer at work, scheduling my lunch break to catch as much of the action as I can on the TV in the kitchen. So this morning I got ready early so I could watch the first half of USA - Algeria before I left for work. Then I listened to the first few minutes of the second half in my car on the way to my job, then watched the game on the TV in the kitchen there before I had to be at my post at 8:30. At that point I was following the action in a chat room on my phone because our network was down today. But as the time disappeared from the game I grew disheartened. Before I could believe it 90 minutes were in the book, the score was still tied after numerous chances and what appeared to be a legit goal taken away for the second straight game, and the US was going to be eliminated. I was already plotting how I wouldn't care about the rest of the World Cup because the refs had screwed the US and soccer was just a giant waste because superior teams could be held back. It wasn't fair! There's a reason all us smart Americans ignore this stupid game most of the time. I was going to be depressed and looking at the negative side of everything for at least the next couple of hours if not the whole day. And then one word appeared in lower case letters in the chat box of the webcast I'd been forced to resort to...
"score"
Here's what went through my head in the next 1.4 seconds:
Yes! Wait... I'm not hearing anything from the people watching the game on TV in the kitchen... maybe it was England scoring again since they were simulchatting both games. No - it was the commenter from the US game. Please tell me it wasn't Algeria scoring. I'm gonna leave my post for a couple seconds and run to the TV...
Yes! The shouting came from the kitchen as I made my way there... but last time this happened a ref took away the winning goal on a phantom call... the 1 is up on the board -- they are replaying it -- YES!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!!
That was a remarkable turnaround in emotion. From unbelieving, angry dismay to complete exaltation... just a giant sigh of relief. And now I feel better about myself and the world around me. I guess in this case it's nationalistic pride -- but I don't think I've ever met someone from Algeria or Slovenia -- so it's not like they were gonna rub my face in it. (I'm sure both countries inhabitants are just masters of smack talk though). So why does it make such a difference to me?
I connect my fortunes to teams from Detroit because that's the geographical region I grew up in, but I don't live there anymore -- so it's not really "home" but maybe its still providing an emotional connection to "home." Which I suppose would explain my allegiance to teams like the Buffalo Bills and Penn State. Even though I didn't live there, my parents were from those regions and rooted for those teams -- so by rooting for them, I felt emotionally connected to my parents.
Is it that simple? Sports just give me an outlet to share emotions with family and friends? So even if the U.S. had lost shouldn't that have been ok too? It would've given me the chance to express disappointment and frustration with those I care about. But perhaps I feel an excess of those negative feelings in my everyday life. So by spending time and energy connecting to teams that win, I substitute their success for the lack of my own success? That's a bit depressing... Oh well. I'm gonna shut that part of my brain down for now and watch the replay of today's game on ESPN. U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Crazy grades the first quarter of the NFL Season
AFC EAST:
Winners: The Jets taking a young rookie quarterback and winning their first three games was pretty amazing. Perhaps even better is how completely the entire team has bought into the brash bravado of Rex Ryan. If there was anyone on the team that didn't buy into his hiring before, they seem to all be on board now. And even having lost to the Dolphins Monday night, any Jets fan would take being atop the division even if it did mean only 3-2.
Losers: After a tough loss to the Patriots in week 1, and then crushing Tampa Bay in week 2, the Buffalo Bills have looked awful of late. I actually had some higher hopes for the Bills, thinking Lee Evans and TO would actually be able to work well together to move the offense, and I also thought the defense was improving. But the loss to Cleveland (who I think is one of the worst teams in the league) solidifies how pathetic they are right now.
Surprise: The biggest 'surprise' to me is the Patriots being 3-2 at this point. This is not anything Pats fans have to worry about. New England will be fine-Brady will eventually be Brady again, they'll put up points, they'll play good defense-they'll be fine. Keep in mind that the Patriots being on your schedule is STILL one of those 'circle' games (games that other teams circle before the season as a big game), and their two losses this season have been very emotional games for both of the winning teams (NY Jets and Denver). So, while a 3-2 record for the Patriots is surprising, I don't think it's indicative of who they are as a team.
NFC EAST:
Winners: Clearly, the New York Giants are the class of the NFC. I almost wanted to put them into the surprise category because the receiving corps has really surprised and impressed me. Steve Smith and Mario Manningham are playing very well with 57 receptions and 7 touchdowns between the two. It seems the only question for the Giants going into the season has found two answers.
Losers: Even though they are sitting at 2-3, I think the Washington Redskins have looked pretty awful so far this season. Jason Campbell is still in limbo between solid NFL starter and permanent backup quarterback. This team has too much talent to not play better than they do.
Surprise: The biggest surprise of the young season in the NFC East is that the Eagles offense didn't really miss a beat when All-Pro quarterback Donovan McNabb was out for a couple of weeks with a rib injury. Is the fact that the offense could still be so effective an endorsement of Kevin Kolb, or is it an indication of how potent the Eagles offense has now become? Regardless, the Eagles are rolling over teams right now.
AFC NORTH:
Winners: I think any team that can claim wins against the Steelers and the Ravens is the winner so far in this division: that team is the Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer is returning to form and a defense which has been suspect in recent seasons has solidified... the emergence of Antwan Odam as a legitimate pass rusher (8 sacks so far) has helped the front seven and the secondary has been aided by the acquisition of Roy Williams. All a lot of teams need to learn how to win those close games, and with three of their victories by 3 points a piece, it seems the Bengals have finally figured out how to win.
Losers: The Cleveland Browns are terrible.
Surprise: When I sat in Lambeau field and watched the Cincinnati Bengals dismantle my Packers, I thought it was just the ineptitude of my Packers. But the win this week against the Ravens, and their spot at the top of the AFC North, shows that this team is for real. Cedric Benson looks well on his way to winning Comeback-Player-of-The-Year... as he has more yards at this point in the season than Adrian Peterson.
NFC NORTH:
Winners: While most people thought they would be good, I don't think anyone had the Minnesota Vikings at 5-0 through five games. And, if they did, I bet they thought Adrian Peterson would have way more than 481 yards and Favre would have less than 1,000. But Favre, for yet another time in his career, has turned a crappy receiving corps into a serviceable one. The defense is again proving how good it is... this team seems to have no major flaws.
Losers: As much as it pains me to say this, the most pathetic showing in the NFC North so far this season has been my Green Bay Packers. A 'pressure' defense that can't get pressure? A bunch of deep-threat receivers who can't go deep because the quarterback is too busy getting killed? The Packers have looked pathetic on offense, and have been fortunate enough to create some turnovers on defense. Where is the team that destroyed its preseason opponents? All I know is that Mark Tauscher better be ready to play, because that offensive line has been... (wait for it)... OFFENSIVE!
Surprise: Despite having no wide receivers to speak of, and losing their All-Pro middle linebacker for the season, the Chicago Bears are sitting at 3-1. Jay Cutler may be one of those special quarterbacks who can make terrible wide receivers into pro-bowlers. Or maybe not. Regardless, he has this team believing in him and the Bears look like they're gaining momentum as the season has progressed.
AFC SOUTH:
Winners: Clearly the Colts are the best in the AFC South. Peyton Manning is playing out of his mind right now and Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie are playing very well for the injured Anthony Gonzalez and the cut Marvin Harrison. Unless the rest of the league figures out a way to slow Manning down, the Colts are going to compile a lot of victories this season.
Losers: While this is also one of the bigger surprises in the league, the Tennessee Titans being 0-5 at this point in the season completely astounds. I can understand but can't entirely agree with the outcry for Vince Young... whether or not I feel he's a good quarterback is irrelevant--being 0-5 with a 36 year old starting quarterback, it's probably time for the Titans to see what the future holds in VY.
Surprise: While I could see the Titans being here, I'm going to say that the continued mediocrity of the Houston Texans is my big surprise here. The Texans have all the pieces: a good quarterback, an amazing Wide Receiver in Andre Johnson, a good running game, an emerging defensive line (thanks to Mario Williams), fantastic young linebackers like Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans... but here they are again at 2-3 staring another 8-8 season in the face. We all keep waiting for the Texans to get over the hump, but it doesn't look like this is the season either.
NFC SOUTH:
Winners: The New Orleans Saints are looking great so far this season. Drew Brees continues to defy all logic for the size of an effective NFL Quarterback and challenges passing records. I can say I certainly didn't see this coming, I haven't watched much of the Saints so far this season, so I have no idea how good they are or can be.
Losers: While I will admit, the Tampa Bay Bucs being 0-5 is pretty bad, but the Carolina Panthers have WAY more talent than the Bucs, yet are 1-3. Perhaps the worst off season move was the extension of Jake Delhomme... who looked absolutely awful against Arizona last season in the playoffs. I thought at the time that he was done in Carolina, but, instead they extended his contract and didn't bring anyone in to challenge him. This would be an "I told you so" moment, had I actually committed what I was thinking at the time down to paper. Or told anyone who I could now gloat to.
Surprise: Honestly I'm surprised by both the Saints being this good, and the Panthers being this bad. Can't anyone, for the love of God, win this division two years in a row? What is it about the NFC South that dictates a good team one year should be a terrible team the next?
AFC WEST:
Winners: With a 5-0 record, the Broncos are definitely the winner so far in the AFC West. That defense which was a complete sieve last season has sured themselves this season, allowing only 26 points through the first 4 games. And after watching the Denver/NE game, I think that Knowshon Morano is much better than advertised. I was very impressed by his vision and power. And Brandon Marshall is one of the most talented young receivers I've seen in a very long time.
Losers: Both the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs are awful. They are horrible teams.
Surprise: While I almost want to put the Chargers being a mediocre 2-2 here, the surprise in the AFC West is without a doubt the 5-0 Denver Broncos. While I, myself, figured they'd go 3-0 (just look at the schedule), I had them at 3-2 at this point. And did anyone think the Brandon Marshall situation would end in anything but disaster? Is Josh McDaniels a genius? or have they been lucky? What the hell is the "wild horses"? I guess the rest of the season will tell us.
NFC WEST:
Winners: The San Francisco Pants Droppers are playing very well, despite only a 3-2 record. Patrick Willis may be the next great linebacker and Frank Gore's talent cannot be denied. It'd be nice if he didn't get injured so much, but Gore is a beast. Even though they might be the best in the NFC West, they got absolutely destroyed by Atlanta this weekend. What happened there? Perhaps this is only a good team compared to the rest in the division?
Losers: Anyone who roots for a team in the NFC West.
Surprise: The defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals are 2-3 and have, so far, not looked very good. I thought, after last year's playoffs, that Larry Fitzgerald was ready to be THE best wide receiver in the league... but so-far he has disappointed, ranking third on the team in receptions. Where is the explosive offense and the ball-hawking defense we saw in the post-season last year? I don't count them out yet, as they really made their push last season near the end, but I thought the momentum gained by almost winning the Super Bowl would have carried over a bit more.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
C'est La Vie say the old folks...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
L'affaire McNair
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
How to fall in love... with a mediocre baseball team
Two Questions, One Answer..
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Best Post Ever
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Magic-s-Pietrus-to-ditch-Kobe-endorsed-shoes-for?urn=nba,167799
Read the article. Read the comments. You don't have far to go -- it's number 7.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
On Building Around An Icon
If there is one thing that the Cavaliers/Magic series has taught us, it's that the Cavaliers haven't surrounded LeBron with the correct talents. Or much talent. Even after all the roster changes since LeBron got there, he's still forced to do everything, for the most part, himself. Yes, at the end of the game you want the ball in the hands of the league's MVP... but it's the rest of the game where LeBron needs more help.
So what do I think will help LeBron? Let's take a look at the roster and find out:
Backcourt: The knock on the Cavs for LeBron's first few years was that they had no one who could hit an outside shot. They have more than answered that problem... with Mo Williams, Delonte West, Daniel Gibson, Pavlovic, and-to some extent-Wally Szczerbiak. The problem here is that all these players are the same--they are all spot-up three-point shooters. Williams may be the only one who can get his own shot... but that's really not the point. The point is that none of these players are POINT GUARDS. They have no true ball-handler/facilitator on the roster. They have shooting guards... who they give the ball to on occation. But LeBron needs someone who can really handle the ball so that he can post up or run off screens and get open shots. The Cavs have no one who can take the pressure of bringing the ball up the court from LeBron. Even Jordan had Pippen who could bring the ball up and facilitate the offense. Now I'm not saying that these players are bad... I've actually been impressed by West, particularly that he can post up smaller guards and not only get shots, but quality shots from the post. The point here is that LeBron needs someone who can take some of the pressure of constant ball-handling off of him. Someone in the Deron Williams/Chris Paul mold. You know who would be perfect? Either Alston or Jameer Nelson, depending on who the Magic decide to keep next year (how great would it be to reunite Nelson and West in the backcourt?).
Additionally, I would like to see the Cavs get a Bruce Bowen-like defensive specialist guard with some size who can guard players like Kobe or Melo so that LeBron doesn't have to for 4-quarters.
Forwards: As much crap as I give Anderson Varejao, he is the kind of player LeBron needs around him--high energy, tons of effort, rebounding, flopping, all that good stuff. However, Varejao is NOT the type of player you want STARTING for you. Off the bench? He's perfect... giving energy and good minutes. But he is NOT a STARTER. LeBron needs a PF who can get the ball down on the block and make things happen with his back to the basket. The Cavs NEED a post presence. I understand wanting to stay out of LeBron's way on his way to the basket... but imagine if LeBron had someone offensively talented enough on his team that people actually doubled someone who isn't him! I thought Joe Smith could have been this guy... but apparently there isn't a whole lot of gas left in that tank. I know they'll never get Gasol or Garnett or Duncan... but that is the kind of player LeBron needs to help him with some low-post scoring. How about trading for the Clipper's Al Thornton? He might actually be expendable in LA, especially since the Clips are about to get Blake "I want to see his parents, I hope they show them on the telecast, oh good they did" Griffin.
Center: LeBron doesn't need any scoring help here if he can get himself some scoring at the 4. So all James needs from this position is a defensive-minded, rebounding specialist. Kind of like-oh I don't know-Ben Wallace. It's unfortunate that Wallace's skills have deminished so much in the past few years... because he would be a perfect compliment to James on my revamped Cavs team. If they can get a younger version of Wallace, all the pieces would be in place.
It doesn't seem like a lot, but these changes will turn the Cavs from a very good team, into a dynasty. And, yes, they already have a lot of pieces in place... but I am talking about them NEEDING 3 starters. That IS kind of a lot, particularly since you've been trying to build around LeBron for 5 seasons. The more I think about it, the more patetic I think the Cavs roster moves have been... and they have failed LeBron to surround him with the right people. If LeBron decides to leave, I hope he can find a team that will make a better effort to get the right people in place to give him the championship(s) he deserves.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The mystery of Kobe
Friday, May 8, 2009
Mannywood... the reaction
There's nothing quite like a positive steroids test to bring out the hyper self-righteousness of sportswriters.
Does that mean that taking steroids is a good thing? Of course not. But the implication that somehow Manny Ramirez was Earth's greatest hero and the new hope of the game before last Thursday is profound revisionist history. He was a man largely reviled in New England for forcing his way out of the lineup of the defending World Series champion by allegedly being a malingerer. A man whose team placed him on irrevocable waivers after being within a few outs of a World Series in 2003.
When sportswriters are angered, one must get out of the way, because quite frankly, you might be killed by the torrent of acidic venom. Bill Plaschke wrote that Manny should be "fired," others writing about how he's destroyed the Dodgers' season, and other equally histrionic protestations. But the real issue is this:
No one suspected it. And they didn't expect it because they assumed Manny was too stupid to keep up a steroid program.
The anger over steroids from sports writers primarily, I suspect, comes from having not suspected anything in the summer of 98. Everyone was so taken by the story of McGwire and Sosa, of the surly giant man with his adorably chubby son and the effusive enthusiasm of this wonderfully fun Dominican, that they didn't actually think about what might be happening to the record book. They also hated Bonds anyway, and notice that whenever Bonds' pursuit of records and connections to steroids were played up, his seemingly evil nature was always brought up as well. A-Rod's admission, it seemed, brought a similar reaction, because A-Rod's character was already under assault.
Essentially, sports writers are loyal to the story, including stories they've created themselves. Anything that destroys that ready-made story, that's the violation.