Dear readers (all nine of you),
My wife and I have been on a whirlwind of a holiday vacation since December 21st and this is literally the first time I've been able to sit down and put it all on paper. Err...keyboard. Err...you know what I mean. I would give you all an apology, albeit an empty one, that would be a little bit like winning a trophy for finishing in last place. I guess you can't really measure your stress/frustration level in the game of life when you're a.) trying to start a sports blog from scratch b.) taking 12 hours of classes this semester c.) working part-time in an industry that you never knew existed until 5 months ago, and d.) newly married since June 2009.
So, when a vacation presents itself....you seize the day my friends. That's exactly what I did. No blog. No school. No work. No wife....wait a second, she's still here. Well 3 for 4 isn't bad.
Over the past few weeks, my life has been oddly fulfilled. Maybe being married has some perks that I wasn't aware of. For instance, you get to celebrate multiple Christmases. We celebrated Christmas with her family in Houston first, then hustled up to Mabank for a quick Nichols family Christmas. I understand that it may start out being a perk and may eventually end up a nightmare, but Christmas 2009 was outstanding in my book. (The PS3, EOS Rebel, The Hangover DVD, and other goodies were just icing on the cake!)
To make a long story short, I'm still on vacation. Consider this my version of checking in. Or out...whichever makes more sense to you. I'll return to my normal weekly blog after the BCS National Championship game on January 8th. My plan is to be the Vince Young of sports bloggers. Promising start....everything goes haywire for few weeks....then reels off seven straight wins out of nowhere. As my good friend Khayam would say, "I'll understand quantum physics 'fore I understand the NFL."
Have a happy New Year!
JNick
P.S. - Send me your New Year's resolutions. I'd like to know what everyone is planning for 2010.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Diggler and His Snarling Face
Initially this post was going to be geared towards my NFL picks for the day, but yesterday, my buddy Tyler had some tickets to last night's Mavs/Bobcats game. I know what you're thinking. The Bobcats? Yes, those Bobcats.
Let me explain. I really wanted to watch the Mavs live this year, especially after their key off-season acquisitions of Tim Thomas, Drew Gooden, and Roddy Beaubois. No I didn't. Yes I did. No I didn't. Actually, the mere thought of watching Tim Thomas and Drew Gooden on the same team, and taking a chance of seeing two of the most underachieving players in NBA history taking the court together, had not even entered my mind all season. What the hell, right?
Man, I'm glad I went to that game.
As always, the AA center was rocking the usual 106.1 KISS FM hip-hop jams before the game and occasionally catered to the middle aged crowd by sprinkling in some Tom Petty, Aerosmith, and some Stones. I'm still amazed at how easily accessible the arena is from I-35 and how painless it is park and get in and out of the game. The other Dallas owner should take a page out of Mark Cuban's book. There's a reason the Mavs have sold out their last 350+ games and have won over 50 games in each of the past 9 seasons.
The final quarter and overtime couldn't have been more entertaining. Mr. Diggler (Dirk Nowitzki) overshadowed any sort of black cloud that loomed over Dallas last night. He led the Mavs with 36 points and the go-ahead face snarling, fade-away jumper with 1.7 seconds left in OT.
What made this victory even sweeter was the look on Stephen Jackson's face after Dirk hit the game winning shot. Jackson has to be the second most disliked player in the NBA behind Ron Artest. Mavericks fans reserve a spot at the front of the line for the chance to inflict pain on this man at all costs. (Detroit fans could claim first, but they're worried more about the economy these days)
In 2006-07, the Mavs flirted with the best record in NBA history and were believed by many to be one of the greatest teams ever. That memorable season for the Mavs just happened to be wedged between two of the worst sports scenarios of all-time.
Scenario #1, June 2006: Dallas was fortunate enough to play it's way through a 7 game series against San Antonio and a 6 game series against Phoenix in order to make the franchise's first ever NBA Finals appearance. The Mavs jumped out to a quick 2-0 series lead with convincing victories over Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat. To make a long story short and to keep me from chucking my wireless mouse across the room, Wade went on to take 73 free-throws in the final four games of the series to capture the title for the Heat. (I'm gonna have to side with Tim Donaghy here.)
Scenario #2, June 2007: Following their run at history, the Mavericks, for one night, took their foot off the gas and rested their starters before the playoffs. This proved to be one of the biggest blunders in sports history as the Mavericks were defeated in the first round of the playoffs and became the butt of many NBA jokes for the second straight year.
I'm not sure if the Mavs head coach, Avery Johnson, did it out of respect for his mentor and former coach, Don Nelson, or if he was just giving his starters a night off to regain their legs. This much I do know, it wasn't the final game of the regular season, it was the second to last game. The Mavs actually played their starters in the final game of the season and that's what makes this weird. Did the Mavericks want to face off in the first round of the playoffs against their former head coach and his erratic style of play, which happened to beat them 3 out of 4 times during that particular regular season? OR....did the NBA arrange this series? I would argue the latter based on the TV ratings for that series (3.77 million viewers for Game 7).
Anyway, this brings me to my point. Stephen Jackson and his thug attitude during that 2007 playoff series were so polarizing to Dallas fans that he immediately was cast into the same breath as Leon Lett, Roy Tarpley, Jim Jackson, and any Washington Redskins player. So last night was a great way to get back at Stephen Jackson and his shenanigans (note: Jackson scored 28 points and every time he made a shot, the crowed just hissed. I loved it.).
Tim Thomas and Drew Gooden combined for 15 min of playing time. Whew.
NFL Picks are below!
Week 14 - NFL Picks
Week 14 - NFL Picks:
Indy -7 over Den and OVER 43.5
Cincy +7 but lose to Min and UNDER 42.5
NYJ -4 over TB and OVER 36.5
Buf -2 over KC and UNDER 38
Chi +4 over GB and OVER 41.5
NO -10.5 over ATL and OVER 50
Det +14 but lose to BAL and UNDER 40
MIA +4 over Jax and OVER 43
NE -13 over CAR and OVER 43.5
SEA +7 over HOU and UNDER 44.5
STL +13 but lose to TEN and UNDER 41
OAK +1 over WAS and OVER 37.5
DAL -3 over SD and OVER 48.5
NYG +1.5 over PHI and UNDER 43.5
ARI -4 over SF and OVER 44.5
Last week's record - crappy
Overall record - above crappy
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Heisman Trophy Jinx?
The following exchange was taken from a future conversation at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York on, or around the night of December 11, 2009:
(Silence in the room...)
Trophy Presenter: Let me ask you guys again, which one of you really, and I mean REALLY, wants to win this year's Heisman Trophy?
(...more silence)
Tim Tebow: Here we go again. You know, this is the third time that I've been invited to this crappy event and I just wish you guys would leave me alone. I've sacrificed enough already. Friday nights are game nights for my bible study, and tonight I'm missing Settlers of Catan. Plus, I could really use this time to work on my throwing mechanics and try to impress the NFL scouts with another heroic performance in a bowl game.
Mark Ingram: What's with this dark room? Why are all the doors locked?
Ndamakong Suh: Look, I didn't come all the way from Nebraska to be involved in some crazy head game. I came to win what's rightfully mine.
Toby Gerhart: Wait, I thought members of the media voted for the winner?
T.P.: Mr. Gerhart, you surprise me. I certainly would have pegged you as a historian of the game, especially coming from Stanford, a program with such academic tradition. Gentlemen, all of you must realize the profound risk you're taking by accepting or declining this prestigious award. Over the past 20 years, many of the game's greatest players have come before you, in this very room, and decided their own fates. This is far from a game, as Mr. Suh would have you believe, it's your future.
Colt McCoy (shocked): Jeez, you guys were serious last year. Bradford had me convinced this was all just a hoax and he accepted the award because he's claustrophobic and has bladder control problems when he's locked in a dark room, or maybe that only happens in the huddle. Darn it Suh, why'd you have to hit me so many times last week?
T.P.: As you all know, Sam Bradford was the gracious recipient of the trophy last year and surprised us all when he chose to stay in school for another year of "seasoning". Shortly after the ceremony, we cautioned Mr. Bradford about the, um...side effects of winning our coveted award. He refused to listen to the voice of reason that encouraged him to enter the NFL draft and become financially secure before any forces that the trophy may exert could affect him negatively.
McCoy: You're telling me that the trophy was responsible for Sam's injury?
T.P.: Not completely. It was Mr. Bradford's fate. He watched his entire offensive line leave for the NFL and/or graduate and it was he, himself, who decided to carry the hopes and dreams of an entire state on his "shoulders". Sadly, that was such a tremendous amount of pressure that, in the end, his shoulder just couldn't withstand.
Tebow: Why didn't anything happen to me the past two seasons, after becoming the first sophomore ever to win the Heisman?
T.P.: Tim, sometimes the trophy waits to unleash it's powers until a player begins his career in the NFL.
Gerhart: So, are you saying that there's a guarantee that something bad will happen to whoever accepts the Heisman Trophy?
T.P.: Gentlemen, the numbers don't lie. Success in the NFL has eluded even the best of college players over the past 20 years. Let me give you some examples: Andre Ware, Ty Detmer, Gino Torretta, Charlie Ward, Rashan Salaam, Danny Wuerffel, Ron Dayne, Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Jason White, Matt Leinart, and Troy Smith...
Gerhart: If my Stanford math is accurate, that's 12 out of the last 20 and it doesn't even include Bradford and Tebow.
T.P.: That's right. Even in the rare case in which the Heisman trophy winner had moderate success in the NFL, the trophy showed no mercy. Ricky Williams tested positive for marijuana and took a year off to smoke drugs and learn the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine. Eddie George performed particularly well for a Heisman winner, but his Titans came up one yard short in Super Bowl XXXIV. Another winner, Carson Palmer, led the Bengals to an 11-5 record and a division title in only his second season as starter. He then suffered a career threatening knee injury on his first ever pass attempt in the playoffs. Shall I keep going?
Suh: What about Charles Woodson, the last defensive player to win the Heisman?
T.P.: Charles had experienced great success in both his college and pro careers, but as you may have already guessed, the Heisman curse struck again at the most unfortunate of times. Woodson's sack and forced fumble on Tom Brady in the snow covered 2002 AFC Divisional playoff game appeared to have propelled the Raiders to a surefire victory. After a long review of the play, the referees ruled in favor of the Patriots and Mr. Brady, claiming his arm was moving forward at the time of the fumble. Vinatieri nails a 23 yarder for the victory.
(All four seniors stare at Mark Ingram)
to be continued...
(Silence in the room...)
Trophy Presenter: Let me ask you guys again, which one of you really, and I mean REALLY, wants to win this year's Heisman Trophy?
(...more silence)
Tim Tebow: Here we go again. You know, this is the third time that I've been invited to this crappy event and I just wish you guys would leave me alone. I've sacrificed enough already. Friday nights are game nights for my bible study, and tonight I'm missing Settlers of Catan. Plus, I could really use this time to work on my throwing mechanics and try to impress the NFL scouts with another heroic performance in a bowl game.
Mark Ingram: What's with this dark room? Why are all the doors locked?
Ndamakong Suh: Look, I didn't come all the way from Nebraska to be involved in some crazy head game. I came to win what's rightfully mine.
Toby Gerhart: Wait, I thought members of the media voted for the winner?
T.P.: Mr. Gerhart, you surprise me. I certainly would have pegged you as a historian of the game, especially coming from Stanford, a program with such academic tradition. Gentlemen, all of you must realize the profound risk you're taking by accepting or declining this prestigious award. Over the past 20 years, many of the game's greatest players have come before you, in this very room, and decided their own fates. This is far from a game, as Mr. Suh would have you believe, it's your future.
Colt McCoy (shocked): Jeez, you guys were serious last year. Bradford had me convinced this was all just a hoax and he accepted the award because he's claustrophobic and has bladder control problems when he's locked in a dark room, or maybe that only happens in the huddle. Darn it Suh, why'd you have to hit me so many times last week?
T.P.: As you all know, Sam Bradford was the gracious recipient of the trophy last year and surprised us all when he chose to stay in school for another year of "seasoning". Shortly after the ceremony, we cautioned Mr. Bradford about the, um...side effects of winning our coveted award. He refused to listen to the voice of reason that encouraged him to enter the NFL draft and become financially secure before any forces that the trophy may exert could affect him negatively.
McCoy: You're telling me that the trophy was responsible for Sam's injury?
T.P.: Not completely. It was Mr. Bradford's fate. He watched his entire offensive line leave for the NFL and/or graduate and it was he, himself, who decided to carry the hopes and dreams of an entire state on his "shoulders". Sadly, that was such a tremendous amount of pressure that, in the end, his shoulder just couldn't withstand.
Tebow: Why didn't anything happen to me the past two seasons, after becoming the first sophomore ever to win the Heisman?
T.P.: Tim, sometimes the trophy waits to unleash it's powers until a player begins his career in the NFL.
Gerhart: So, are you saying that there's a guarantee that something bad will happen to whoever accepts the Heisman Trophy?
T.P.: Gentlemen, the numbers don't lie. Success in the NFL has eluded even the best of college players over the past 20 years. Let me give you some examples: Andre Ware, Ty Detmer, Gino Torretta, Charlie Ward, Rashan Salaam, Danny Wuerffel, Ron Dayne, Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Jason White, Matt Leinart, and Troy Smith...
Gerhart: If my Stanford math is accurate, that's 12 out of the last 20 and it doesn't even include Bradford and Tebow.
T.P.: That's right. Even in the rare case in which the Heisman trophy winner had moderate success in the NFL, the trophy showed no mercy. Ricky Williams tested positive for marijuana and took a year off to smoke drugs and learn the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine. Eddie George performed particularly well for a Heisman winner, but his Titans came up one yard short in Super Bowl XXXIV. Another winner, Carson Palmer, led the Bengals to an 11-5 record and a division title in only his second season as starter. He then suffered a career threatening knee injury on his first ever pass attempt in the playoffs. Shall I keep going?
Suh: What about Charles Woodson, the last defensive player to win the Heisman?
T.P.: Charles had experienced great success in both his college and pro careers, but as you may have already guessed, the Heisman curse struck again at the most unfortunate of times. Woodson's sack and forced fumble on Tom Brady in the snow covered 2002 AFC Divisional playoff game appeared to have propelled the Raiders to a surefire victory. After a long review of the play, the referees ruled in favor of the Patriots and Mr. Brady, claiming his arm was moving forward at the time of the fumble. Vinatieri nails a 23 yarder for the victory.
Tebow: Look guys, don't let this clown scare you. Those are all just strange coincidences that happen to involve Heisman Trophy winners. Take it from me, the trophy has given me many blessings over the past two years and I don't expect any of that to change.
McCoy: But Tim, what if you get drafted by the Browns?
Gerhart: Or even worse, Colt...the Raiders? Holy smokes. You can count me out.
Tebow: Yeah, I don't really want to chance that whole Raiders thing. I'm gonna leave this one up to the man upstairs. I'm out.
McCoy: We fought hard all season long and I want to win the national championship this year. I'm out.
Suh: The only rule the NFL is going to make that involves my name will be because I tore off some quarterback's head. I'm out.
McCoy: But Tim, what if you get drafted by the Browns?
Gerhart: Or even worse, Colt...the Raiders? Holy smokes. You can count me out.
Tebow: Yeah, I don't really want to chance that whole Raiders thing. I'm gonna leave this one up to the man upstairs. I'm out.
McCoy: We fought hard all season long and I want to win the national championship this year. I'm out.
Suh: The only rule the NFL is going to make that involves my name will be because I tore off some quarterback's head. I'm out.
(All four seniors stare at Mark Ingram)
to be continued...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
NFL - Week 13 Picks
NFL Week 13 Picks
Den (-6.5) @ KC O/U 39
Denver had a long week to prepare for this abysmal Kansas City squad. I like Josh McDaniels against Jeff Haley in a match up of Super Bowl Offensive Coordinators. The funny thing about this game is that both coaches are trying to build their team around the defense. Pick: Den by 13 and UNDER
Oak (+15) @ Pit O/U 37
Ben R. is coming back this week and should be well rested after his controversial "concussion" in Week 11. Here's what kills me about the Steelers. For a team that's known for being so tough and physical, they always seem to have a key player sit out for their games against the Ravens. Jerome Bettis was notorious for it and recently it's been Ben R. and Willie Parker. I'm glad Hines Ward had the guts to call him out...even if it was in the wrong context. He's probably sick of playing the Ravens too, but he's always been out there. Pick: Pit by 10 and UNDER
Hou (-1.5) @ Jax O/U 47
Houston's season was lost in the last two weeks. It was a snowball effect that started with the loss of their All-Pro TE, Owen Daniels. I look for the snowball to continue to build up as Coach Gary Kubiak starts packing his bags. Pick: Jax by 7 and OVER
Ten (+7) @ Ind O/U 46
This game is so bizarre for so many different reasons. If this had been in Week 7, their records would've been like this: Ten (0-6) @ Ind (6-0). Now, Tennessee is riding a 5 game win streak into Indy, who looks poised to remain undefeated. Guess when Tennessee started winning again? When Jeff Fisher pulled his famous Peyton Manning jersey stunt at the Tony Dungy charity event....Pick: Ten by a late FG and UNDER
Phi (-5) @ Atl O/U 43.5
Matt Ryan's turf toe may scare everyone else, but I'm a firm believer in Atlanta's journeyman back-up quarterback, Chris Redmond. It reminds me of when Steve Buerlein guided the Cowboys to the playoffs in the mid-90's. I also think this McNabb/Vick charade in Philly has just about worn everyone out. During their games, Vick is seen pouting away on the bench as McNabb seems to pull out victories without much help on offense. Both guys will probably be out of Philly at the end of yet another disappointing season. Pick: Atl by 4 and OVER
Det (+13.5) @ Cin O/U 42
I don't even want to get into the reasons why this game is so uninteresting. Pick: Cin by 7 and UNDER
NO (-10) @ Wash O/U 47
This game will get national attention for about 5 minutes. Washington will appear to have everything going their way for three quarters of the game, and Drew Brees will lead his Saints team on a late game scoring barrage to pull off the victory and keep their undefeated season alive. Pick: NO by 7 and UNDER
TB (+4) @ Car O/U 40
I'll take the underdog against Carolina any day of the week. Pick: Car by 3 and OVER
Stl (+9) @ Chi O/U 41
Can Jay Cutler pull himself together for a solid game this week? For his sake, I sure hope so. He doesn't want Urlacher to call him any more names this week. Pick: Chi by 17 and OVER
NE (-5) @ Mia O/U 46
I love New England in this game. Every bounce would have to go Miami's way in order for them to win this game. The chances of that happening are about 5 to 1...this is the NFL you know. Pick: NE by 14 and OVER
SD (-14) @ Cle O/U 42.5
San Diego is just playing their butts off on offense this year. Cleveland would rather not even put their offense on the field. Pick: SD by 17 and OVER
SF (-1) @ Sea O/U 41/5
Not interested....too far away. Pick: SF by 3 and UNDER
Dal (-1) @NYG O/U 45.5
Tony Romo's accuracy will be the question in this game. It's already a huge concern for the Cowboys and playing in the swirling winds at Giants Stadium doesn't help the matter. If we can see Miles Austin's pearly whites at least 3 times, then it will be a good day. Pick: Dal by 4 and UNDER
Min (-1.5) @ Ari O/U 48.5
The Vikings roll against frat boy, Matt Leinart. Pick: Min by 20 and UNDER
Bal (+3.5) @ GB O/U 43
Is it cold in Green Bay this early in December? With all of this talk about global warming and the polar ice caps melting, I'm not so sure. If it's cold, I like the Ravens. If it's chilly, I like the Ravens. If it's abnormally warm, I like the Ravens. Pick: Ravens by 3 and OVER
Den (-6.5) @ KC O/U 39
Denver had a long week to prepare for this abysmal Kansas City squad. I like Josh McDaniels against Jeff Haley in a match up of Super Bowl Offensive Coordinators. The funny thing about this game is that both coaches are trying to build their team around the defense. Pick: Den by 13 and UNDER
Oak (+15) @ Pit O/U 37
Ben R. is coming back this week and should be well rested after his controversial "concussion" in Week 11. Here's what kills me about the Steelers. For a team that's known for being so tough and physical, they always seem to have a key player sit out for their games against the Ravens. Jerome Bettis was notorious for it and recently it's been Ben R. and Willie Parker. I'm glad Hines Ward had the guts to call him out...even if it was in the wrong context. He's probably sick of playing the Ravens too, but he's always been out there. Pick: Pit by 10 and UNDER
Hou (-1.5) @ Jax O/U 47
Houston's season was lost in the last two weeks. It was a snowball effect that started with the loss of their All-Pro TE, Owen Daniels. I look for the snowball to continue to build up as Coach Gary Kubiak starts packing his bags. Pick: Jax by 7 and OVER
Ten (+7) @ Ind O/U 46
This game is so bizarre for so many different reasons. If this had been in Week 7, their records would've been like this: Ten (0-6) @ Ind (6-0). Now, Tennessee is riding a 5 game win streak into Indy, who looks poised to remain undefeated. Guess when Tennessee started winning again? When Jeff Fisher pulled his famous Peyton Manning jersey stunt at the Tony Dungy charity event....Pick: Ten by a late FG and UNDER
Phi (-5) @ Atl O/U 43.5
Matt Ryan's turf toe may scare everyone else, but I'm a firm believer in Atlanta's journeyman back-up quarterback, Chris Redmond. It reminds me of when Steve Buerlein guided the Cowboys to the playoffs in the mid-90's. I also think this McNabb/Vick charade in Philly has just about worn everyone out. During their games, Vick is seen pouting away on the bench as McNabb seems to pull out victories without much help on offense. Both guys will probably be out of Philly at the end of yet another disappointing season. Pick: Atl by 4 and OVER
Det (+13.5) @ Cin O/U 42
I don't even want to get into the reasons why this game is so uninteresting. Pick: Cin by 7 and UNDER
NO (-10) @ Wash O/U 47
This game will get national attention for about 5 minutes. Washington will appear to have everything going their way for three quarters of the game, and Drew Brees will lead his Saints team on a late game scoring barrage to pull off the victory and keep their undefeated season alive. Pick: NO by 7 and UNDER
TB (+4) @ Car O/U 40
I'll take the underdog against Carolina any day of the week. Pick: Car by 3 and OVER
Stl (+9) @ Chi O/U 41
Can Jay Cutler pull himself together for a solid game this week? For his sake, I sure hope so. He doesn't want Urlacher to call him any more names this week. Pick: Chi by 17 and OVER
NE (-5) @ Mia O/U 46
I love New England in this game. Every bounce would have to go Miami's way in order for them to win this game. The chances of that happening are about 5 to 1...this is the NFL you know. Pick: NE by 14 and OVER
SD (-14) @ Cle O/U 42.5
San Diego is just playing their butts off on offense this year. Cleveland would rather not even put their offense on the field. Pick: SD by 17 and OVER
SF (-1) @ Sea O/U 41/5
Not interested....too far away. Pick: SF by 3 and UNDER
Dal (-1) @NYG O/U 45.5
Tony Romo's accuracy will be the question in this game. It's already a huge concern for the Cowboys and playing in the swirling winds at Giants Stadium doesn't help the matter. If we can see Miles Austin's pearly whites at least 3 times, then it will be a good day. Pick: Dal by 4 and UNDER
Min (-1.5) @ Ari O/U 48.5
The Vikings roll against frat boy, Matt Leinart. Pick: Min by 20 and UNDER
Bal (+3.5) @ GB O/U 43
Is it cold in Green Bay this early in December? With all of this talk about global warming and the polar ice caps melting, I'm not so sure. If it's cold, I like the Ravens. If it's chilly, I like the Ravens. If it's abnormally warm, I like the Ravens. Pick: Ravens by 3 and OVER
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Old School
Call me boring. Call me a antiquated. Call me old school. Whenever I watch college football these days, it makes me cringe every time I see a "dual threat" quarterback, a 6'7" point guard, or better yet, a 6'4" 230lb safety. My problem isn't with the athlete that I'm watching. They're hardly to blame for using their athletic gifts.
The blame lies solely on the shoulders of the college and high school coaches who misguide their student-athletes. Are these coaches doing their due diligence or are they just trying to be progressive in their respective sports at the expense of their athletes?
Naturally, every sports fan will fire back at me with shots like "what's wrong with being progressive?" or "Isn't a dual threat QB a good thing?". My response is that there's nothing wrong with being progressive and yes, a dual threat QB is a great thing...when they happen to be a pocket passer with wheels and can score in the double digits of a Wonderlic test and by being progressive, it actually means improving an already functional system.
Let me ask you this: Can you name more than one dual threat QB to win a Super Bowl or a National Championship? There are three names that come to mind: Former Texas QB, Vince Young in 2005, current University Florida QB, Tim Tebow, and former 49er great, Steve Young, have been the most successful dual threat quarterbacks in football. Tebow and Vince Young have electrified fans with their play-making ability and carried their respective teams to NCAA titles. Steve Young didn't exactly electrify with his feet as much as he did with his laser-guided left arm, but he did rack up 4,239 career rushing yards.
Now, let me ask you this: How many athletic quarterbacks were highly regarded in college, but failed to win championships, and were high draft picks in the NFL and yet again, failed to win Super Bowls? I can name at least eight: Michael Vick (1st Overall Pick), Donovan McNabb (2nd Overall), Alex Smith (1st Overall), Charlie Ward (played in the NBA), Eric Crouch (Played 1 season as WR in the NFL), Randall Cunningham (2nd Round), Kordell Stewart (Played WR/RB/QB/P in the NFL), and Steve McNair (lost in the Super Bowl).
Suppose you were a coach and a statistician came up to you with a breakdown of the previous two paragraphs that looked like this -
Probability that your "dual threat" quarterback will win an NCAA championship - 1/20 (There have been four to six that have ever done this by my count, and Eric Crouch is a stretch)
Probability that your "athletic" quarterback will win a Super Bowl in the NFL - 1/43 (only one Super Bowl win by Steve Young)
No coach in their right mind would set up their own players for failure in their future professions for the sake of padding their own coaching resume, right? One would like to think so, but then there's Urban Meyer. He's at the head of the class when it comes to coaching quarterbacks with "upside" that eventually crumble in the NFL. Meyer's list includes the aforementioned Tebow, Josh Harris, Chris Leak, and Alex Smith. Each were utilized in his "progressive" spread offense that has won Meyer two national championships, two Mountain West Conference championships, and two Southeastern Conference championships. (Honorable mention for the coach who's most likely to kill a quarterback's chances in the NFL would have to be Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech - Michael Vick, Marcus Vick, Bryan Randall, and Tyrod Taylor to name a few)
Not surprisingly, Meyer's version of the spread has produced some of the most prolific individual rushing and passing seasons by a college quarterback in the history of college football. This is great for Meyer and even better for his quarterbacks...while they're still in school anyways. What is surprising is the lack of translation those numbers have when it comes to the NFL.
Meyer's spread offense demands athleticism and a strong arm. His quarterbacks rely on the scheme and their instincts. The occasional Cover 2 read or blitz read is needed, but for the most part, the plays are designed so well that it doesn't matter what defense they're facing. This may win his quarterbacks a Heisman Trophy or two, but it does them no justice when it comes to preparation for the NFL. My fear is that as long as sports fans and the media are obsessed with statistics, Meyer will always be judged as one of the best coaches in our era and continue to ruin the professional-potential of his quarterbacks.
The very thought of college football turning into nothing more than a high scoring track meet doesn't interest me one bit. There's a reason why track-and-field is only televised once every four years and that the Arena Football League quit for a season to "reorganize". I'll take a 20-17 chess match of field position, defensive adjustments, and a handful of play-action passes any day of the week. The day college football returns to it's glory of decades past, I'll consider myself a fan.
Side Note: While writing this, I was watching the SEC Championship game between Florida and Alabama. Here's what I came away with about Tebow and Alabama's pocket-passer, Greg McElroy:
Check back tomorrow for my NFL picks!
The blame lies solely on the shoulders of the college and high school coaches who misguide their student-athletes. Are these coaches doing their due diligence or are they just trying to be progressive in their respective sports at the expense of their athletes?
Naturally, every sports fan will fire back at me with shots like "what's wrong with being progressive?" or "Isn't a dual threat QB a good thing?". My response is that there's nothing wrong with being progressive and yes, a dual threat QB is a great thing...when they happen to be a pocket passer with wheels and can score in the double digits of a Wonderlic test and by being progressive, it actually means improving an already functional system.
Let me ask you this: Can you name more than one dual threat QB to win a Super Bowl or a National Championship? There are three names that come to mind: Former Texas QB, Vince Young in 2005, current University Florida QB, Tim Tebow, and former 49er great, Steve Young, have been the most successful dual threat quarterbacks in football. Tebow and Vince Young have electrified fans with their play-making ability and carried their respective teams to NCAA titles. Steve Young didn't exactly electrify with his feet as much as he did with his laser-guided left arm, but he did rack up 4,239 career rushing yards.
Now, let me ask you this: How many athletic quarterbacks were highly regarded in college, but failed to win championships, and were high draft picks in the NFL and yet again, failed to win Super Bowls? I can name at least eight: Michael Vick (1st Overall Pick), Donovan McNabb (2nd Overall), Alex Smith (1st Overall), Charlie Ward (played in the NBA), Eric Crouch (Played 1 season as WR in the NFL), Randall Cunningham (2nd Round), Kordell Stewart (Played WR/RB/QB/P in the NFL), and Steve McNair (lost in the Super Bowl).
Suppose you were a coach and a statistician came up to you with a breakdown of the previous two paragraphs that looked like this -
Probability that your "dual threat" quarterback will win an NCAA championship - 1/20 (There have been four to six that have ever done this by my count, and Eric Crouch is a stretch)
Probability that your "athletic" quarterback will win a Super Bowl in the NFL - 1/43 (only one Super Bowl win by Steve Young)
No coach in their right mind would set up their own players for failure in their future professions for the sake of padding their own coaching resume, right? One would like to think so, but then there's Urban Meyer. He's at the head of the class when it comes to coaching quarterbacks with "upside" that eventually crumble in the NFL. Meyer's list includes the aforementioned Tebow, Josh Harris, Chris Leak, and Alex Smith. Each were utilized in his "progressive" spread offense that has won Meyer two national championships, two Mountain West Conference championships, and two Southeastern Conference championships. (Honorable mention for the coach who's most likely to kill a quarterback's chances in the NFL would have to be Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech - Michael Vick, Marcus Vick, Bryan Randall, and Tyrod Taylor to name a few)
Not surprisingly, Meyer's version of the spread has produced some of the most prolific individual rushing and passing seasons by a college quarterback in the history of college football. This is great for Meyer and even better for his quarterbacks...while they're still in school anyways. What is surprising is the lack of translation those numbers have when it comes to the NFL.
Meyer's spread offense demands athleticism and a strong arm. His quarterbacks rely on the scheme and their instincts. The occasional Cover 2 read or blitz read is needed, but for the most part, the plays are designed so well that it doesn't matter what defense they're facing. This may win his quarterbacks a Heisman Trophy or two, but it does them no justice when it comes to preparation for the NFL. My fear is that as long as sports fans and the media are obsessed with statistics, Meyer will always be judged as one of the best coaches in our era and continue to ruin the professional-potential of his quarterbacks.
The very thought of college football turning into nothing more than a high scoring track meet doesn't interest me one bit. There's a reason why track-and-field is only televised once every four years and that the Arena Football League quit for a season to "reorganize". I'll take a 20-17 chess match of field position, defensive adjustments, and a handful of play-action passes any day of the week. The day college football returns to it's glory of decades past, I'll consider myself a fan.
Side Note: While writing this, I was watching the SEC Championship game between Florida and Alabama. Here's what I came away with about Tebow and Alabama's pocket-passer, Greg McElroy:
- Perhaps this was Tebow's only game of his career against an NFL type defense...he didn't look comfortable at all. He still holds the football too low during his drop backs and his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired.
- Greg McElroy (Southlake Carroll HS, Texas), looked like Joe Montana in this game. He made every subtle play that a pocket-passer is expected to make to lead his team to a victory. His decision making was sharp and the execution of his throws was phenomenal.
Check back tomorrow for my NFL picks!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
There's a game on tonight??
The first thing that I want to talk about this week is how embarrassed I am with last week’s picks. I could go on and on about all of the games that should have gone one way, but went the other. However, let’s start with some positives.
In just my second week of NFL picks, I’ve already established that I’m money picking the games straight up. I’m currently picking games at a 75% clip and in the past two weeks I’ve nailed four huge upsets and was on the verge of a fifth until the Eagles scored 11 unanswered points in the fourth quarter against the Redskins. This is what I love about the NFL, the unpredictable nature of the beast. The thing that bothers me is this: I can’t remember a single season in which we’ve had this many great teams (Colts, Saints, Vikes, Cowboys, Pats, Chargers), even more bottom feeders (Lions, Browns, Rams, Bucs, Bills, Raiders, Redskins, Chiefs), more questionable coaching decisions, and less season ending injuries. The first and last part of the previous sentence is encouraging, but the other two parts are just terrifying. Where do those cellar dwellers go after this season? What can they possibly do to become relevant again? Is there anyone coming out of next April’s draft that can turn a franchise around? Sorry, the A.D.D. was kicking in there. Back to the picks…
Thursday Night - NFL Pick
NYJ (-3) @ Buf O/U 37
First, I would wager that 80% of America doesn’t have a clue about this game being televised tonight. This would be the game of the week if it were in Week 2 or 3, but Rex Ryan’s emotional breakdown, Mark Sanchez’s seven INTs in the past three games, and T.O.’s sub-par 3 TDs in the first 11 games of the season have given this game the same kind of buildup as the Lions/Browns matchup from Week 11. That game just so happened to be one of the most entertaining games of the season. I look for a similar pattern in tonight’s game. Buffalo’s defense will outscore New York’s offense and defense. Pick: Buf by 4 and OVER
Even after last week’s mediocre performance, I’m still profitable against the spread at 55%. I'm not so profitable when it comes to the Over/Under, my prognosticating abilities are shaky at best. My picks are a Shaq Free-Throwesque 44%. Here’s a breakdown of the past two weeks of football foresight:
Week 11 vs. spread: 10-6
Week 12 vs. spread: 7-8-1
Total: 17-14-1
Week 11 straight up: 14-2
Week 12 straight up: 10-6
Total: 24-8
Week 11 O/U: 8-8
Week 12 O/U: 6-10
Total: 14-18
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