As we get closer to the end of preseason, and thank god for that, it comes time for rosters to be trimmed and time for coaches and players to get ready for another long NFL season. Before I continue with that, I do want to express my disappointment in GM Mike Holmgren. I understand Holmgren likes to do things his way and have total control. He's always been that way during his career. But the way he has treated Hall Of Fame running back Jim Brown is offensive and just disrespectful. Brown has been the face of the Cleveland Browns organization for some time now. Even when he passes on he will be the first person and topic discussed anytime The Cleveland Browns are brought up. Holmgren removed Brown from the advisor position to Owner Randy Lerner and issued an ultimatum which defines his role in plain terms, to show your face, sign autographs, be a mascot for The Cleveland Browns and Holmgren controls it all. Holmgren also had the nerve to want him to be present with him come time for the Ring of Honor ceremony that will be held this year. As Jim Brown said it, "one monkey don't stop the show" and "I emphatically do not need validation from any man". I applaud this decision and agree with Mr. Brown completely. As men we have control over what our legacy will be and what type of person we want to be. No one is perfect and never will be, but it you are a stand up person, respectful, do your job to the best of your abilities, and stand firm in your beliefs, especially of self, there is no award, no Hall, or Ring of Honor that will validate a man more that.
Moving forward, I do not understand the out burst made by Matt Leinart. As a former first round pick who was projected to be the future of the Arizona Cardinals organization, he has not been all that was expected of him. He has not proven himself to be a starter in this league. So much, the Cards are still begging Kurt Warner to come out of retirement to play quarterback again. He has shown no quarterback awareness, no ability to be precise in his reads, and definitely does not have the X factor the be a great NFL quarterback.
His argument of not being demoted is, his play speaks for itself. To some degree he has a point. His Qb rating is 110.3, he is 19 of 23 for 161 yards a touchdown and no interceptions. The key stat though, he's been sacked 4 times. Derek Anderson has attempted 53 passes and only been sacked once. Whether Leinart wants to believe that or not, that makes a huge difference during games with an attempt to sack ratio like that.
He also brought up that it must be something not "football related" that got him demoted. No, it's pretty much all football related. As he said himself, his play speaks for itself, and it hasn't been very good. Along with that, it's preseason, of course in position battles coaches want to see all the players they are considering, especially if it's to be a starter in that position. But in typical USC fashion, he thinks he is entitled to the job. He might consider the fact he's been a back up his entire career.
To be honest, he is what I thought he was, a great college quarterback. He has not shown me anything other than that. Until he does that's all he will be. So stop crying Matt. Don't pull the "coach doesn't like me" card as to why you got demoted. Here's a dose of reality, maybe, just maybe, you suck. Sorry bro.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
More or Less
I woke up this morning with a numb arm and neck stiffness. As usual I did my normal warm up to get the blood flowing so my body can somewhat function close to normal. From the years of pounding I've taken in the glamorous yet not so glamorous game of football, I have nerve problems stemming from neck and shoulder issues. Now don't get me wrong I am definitely not complaining, I love football and that's what I signed up for. There are many players who face these same ailments and more everyday. Knowing this, the big money NFL owners still want to add two more games to an already long and grueling season. I have thought about this issue since it became a topic, and I see no other reason to do it but to enhance the almighty dollars they have already.
Following the owners meeting Commissioner Goodell expressed a great amount of support to start an 18 game season. Followed by another statement that the league is looking for ways to increase revenues. Seriously ? The owners need more money ? And of course, it's at the players expense. When will the owners realize they need the players just as much as the players need them ? Yes, they provide many things for players in the NFL. Financial security, able to play a sport we love in front of thousands of supporters, incentives, benefits, etc. We are thankful for that, and are grateful. However, do they truly realize the impact it has on our lives ? The impact on our family lives, being away from our children, outside drama and distractions, being targeted and possibly taken advantage of by people. And let's not forget the impact it has on our bodies. Although we train a certain way, it's to prevent injury and minimize the amount of stress our bodies take from week to week. Long term damage is even worse. Concussions affect our mental capacities. From memory loss, to deteriorating motor skills, and many athletes are dying from Lou Gehrig disease because of the toxic proteins that form from brain trauma. Soreness, numbness, bad joint function and the list goes on. The average life expectancy of a normal person is 77 years old. For an NFL player it's 55, that's more than 20 years taken away. That's 20 plus years a player doesn't get to spend with his wife and kids. Heavier guys like lineman only live to be 50 -52 years old. So tell me, what two extra games would truly do for the NFL, besides take an extra 2-3 years per season off players lives and cause the possibility for more injuries.
This would also cause more labor issues. Already there is talk of a potential strike. This will cause even more problems considering there is no agreement in place. The players union is already fighting to retain fair revenue sharing, benefits, and more. This does nothing but create more of a problem for both sides. And a strike is not where the NFL wants to go with this. It looks bad for one, two it affects the players as far as pay, and three it affects the owners pockets too. Sure, they could find second and third tier players to fill in, but will as many people who come to see Andre Johnson come to see Jim from the Galleria ? I'm gonna guess, probably not. To me that would be like going to the Miss Universe Pageant expecting to see the most beautiful, most fit, the highest quality women each country has to offer but instead I get Aretha Franklin, Roseanne Barr, and Rosie O'donnell. I could only hope they bypass the swimsuit competition. Either that or I'm bringing my own stash of Pepto. The point, is that the owners will lose money fast, from concessions, television contracts, and advertisement. Then everyone is right back at square. one.
Sorry owners, but the players are what makes the NFL what it is. Fans come out to see their favorite players and teams, not average or third tier players or businessmen sitting in boxes sipping 50-year-old scotch talking about numbers or how big their yacht's are. Adding two meaningless games isn't gonna take their revenue to any substantial increase. The owners should really consider this and be fair. If they are really concerned about the player's health and livelihood as they say, then it's a no brainer. The schedule is fine, the divisions are equal in number and balance. There are more than enough injuries happening daily than need be. Even with the Collective Bargaining Agreement still being negotiated, fans are still very excited about the NFL. I'm sure most of these owners are golfers, they should take the same approach one would take when being coached on their swing. Less, is more.
Following the owners meeting Commissioner Goodell expressed a great amount of support to start an 18 game season. Followed by another statement that the league is looking for ways to increase revenues. Seriously ? The owners need more money ? And of course, it's at the players expense. When will the owners realize they need the players just as much as the players need them ? Yes, they provide many things for players in the NFL. Financial security, able to play a sport we love in front of thousands of supporters, incentives, benefits, etc. We are thankful for that, and are grateful. However, do they truly realize the impact it has on our lives ? The impact on our family lives, being away from our children, outside drama and distractions, being targeted and possibly taken advantage of by people. And let's not forget the impact it has on our bodies. Although we train a certain way, it's to prevent injury and minimize the amount of stress our bodies take from week to week. Long term damage is even worse. Concussions affect our mental capacities. From memory loss, to deteriorating motor skills, and many athletes are dying from Lou Gehrig disease because of the toxic proteins that form from brain trauma. Soreness, numbness, bad joint function and the list goes on. The average life expectancy of a normal person is 77 years old. For an NFL player it's 55, that's more than 20 years taken away. That's 20 plus years a player doesn't get to spend with his wife and kids. Heavier guys like lineman only live to be 50 -52 years old. So tell me, what two extra games would truly do for the NFL, besides take an extra 2-3 years per season off players lives and cause the possibility for more injuries.
This would also cause more labor issues. Already there is talk of a potential strike. This will cause even more problems considering there is no agreement in place. The players union is already fighting to retain fair revenue sharing, benefits, and more. This does nothing but create more of a problem for both sides. And a strike is not where the NFL wants to go with this. It looks bad for one, two it affects the players as far as pay, and three it affects the owners pockets too. Sure, they could find second and third tier players to fill in, but will as many people who come to see Andre Johnson come to see Jim from the Galleria ? I'm gonna guess, probably not. To me that would be like going to the Miss Universe Pageant expecting to see the most beautiful, most fit, the highest quality women each country has to offer but instead I get Aretha Franklin, Roseanne Barr, and Rosie O'donnell. I could only hope they bypass the swimsuit competition. Either that or I'm bringing my own stash of Pepto. The point, is that the owners will lose money fast, from concessions, television contracts, and advertisement. Then everyone is right back at square. one.
Sorry owners, but the players are what makes the NFL what it is. Fans come out to see their favorite players and teams, not average or third tier players or businessmen sitting in boxes sipping 50-year-old scotch talking about numbers or how big their yacht's are. Adding two meaningless games isn't gonna take their revenue to any substantial increase. The owners should really consider this and be fair. If they are really concerned about the player's health and livelihood as they say, then it's a no brainer. The schedule is fine, the divisions are equal in number and balance. There are more than enough injuries happening daily than need be. Even with the Collective Bargaining Agreement still being negotiated, fans are still very excited about the NFL. I'm sure most of these owners are golfers, they should take the same approach one would take when being coached on their swing. Less, is more.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Blinded ?
On a normal hot day in Houston, I sit in my office and stare at the slight bit of humidity in the air. Which leaves me a bit puzzled. How is there a slight film in the air although the sun is out and only a few clouds in the sky ? Why can't the sun just burn off whatever it is in the air ? I am just as confused about the Houston Texans and what the decision-making process is there. I am befuddled by personnel decisions mostly. I do not understand what it is they see or don't see. There are obvious needs for this team and they have not been addressed. And it doesn't look like they will be any time soon.
The Houston Texans organization is very good. They have a pretty good reputation, a respectable and generous owner, and seem to have guys with "character" on the team. But Is this the reason for their mediocrity ? Is being a "goody too shoes' hurting the Texans ? I think so, and if chances aren't taken this will turn out to be an average team and organization. On the offensive side of the ball I think they are pretty set. Schaub has developed into a very good QB, they have in my opinion the best WR in the game in Andre Johnson. Owen Daniels is one of the top tight ends in the game, even coming off of an injury. The offensive line is good but not great and the running back situation has become better with Foster developing. I still think they need a real #2 wide out to help Andre. Kevin Walters is decent but he is more of a third WR than a #2, and David Anderson is definitely a third or fourth wide out at this point.
Here is where I am puzzled. The linebackers are the strength of this defense. Cushing is suspended the first four games, and that will hurt. The defensive line and the secondary are for sure the weak spots. Mario Williams has had up and down years, has been injured quite often, and has not been the dominating force as projected. He is the only real threat on the defensive line. Antonio Smith was signed from Arizona, but he has not lived up to the money he received. After that there is a huge drop off. The secondary is young, very young. Kareem Jackson is a rookie and Quinn is a second year player. Eugene Wilson has the most experience back there. The Texans did nothing to improve these areas of the team. Even teams that have been winning of a consistent basis still go out and find more players to elevate their team. Sure they drafted Jackson in the first round, but after that what's left ? Plus, he is facing a learning curve himself. They have no real depth and no real experience overall. Failing to address these areas could be the key to why the Texans finish 9-7 again. Yep, just as I predicted last year.
You have to take some chances in this or any other business. If McNair is wanting to win now as he says, then he has to go out and get players to improve this team. Even if they have checkered pasts, as strong as the organization is, the change of environment might help ! Don't just settle for what you have because the players here now are stand up guys. Last I checked morals don't win football games, football players win football games. Look at the Redskins for example. Haynesworth has been a pain in the u know what, but when he is right he is a dominant player and Shanahan knows that. So hell yea they are going to keep him.
The Texans have this philosophy of building through the draft. That's fine and dandy, but who is going to teach these young players how to play ? Eventually they learn on their own, but that's after years of trial and error. How do they know if what they are learning fits the way they play ? Every player has a certain style, and they have to implement that style into the defense in order to be successful. It's also up to the coaches to know what kind of player they have and know how to design and call the defense around them. Aaron Glenn and I were able to play both zone and man to man coverage. Coaches could leave us out on the island and not worry about us. Do you think that gave us an advantage ? I would think so. That's why an experienced player is always needed . Coaches can say what they what in the film room, but when on the field it's totally different. Considering how fast things happen, learning from someone who has been there is a huge advantage than just solely watching film.
In my opinion this is where the Texans are failing. No real experience and no real play makers or game changers in certain positions. They will always be a .500 team unless this changes. They have just enough to get by at this point. However, they will soon be left behind because everyone else around them is improving. And as the sun eventually will burn off the slight film in the air, I'm sure the Texans will come to the realization that certain changes have to be made and addressed. Difference is, the sun has time and it's hand is not be forced. The Texans are on a much tighter time-table and a solar storm is sure to hit if things don't change.
The Houston Texans organization is very good. They have a pretty good reputation, a respectable and generous owner, and seem to have guys with "character" on the team. But Is this the reason for their mediocrity ? Is being a "goody too shoes' hurting the Texans ? I think so, and if chances aren't taken this will turn out to be an average team and organization. On the offensive side of the ball I think they are pretty set. Schaub has developed into a very good QB, they have in my opinion the best WR in the game in Andre Johnson. Owen Daniels is one of the top tight ends in the game, even coming off of an injury. The offensive line is good but not great and the running back situation has become better with Foster developing. I still think they need a real #2 wide out to help Andre. Kevin Walters is decent but he is more of a third WR than a #2, and David Anderson is definitely a third or fourth wide out at this point.
Here is where I am puzzled. The linebackers are the strength of this defense. Cushing is suspended the first four games, and that will hurt. The defensive line and the secondary are for sure the weak spots. Mario Williams has had up and down years, has been injured quite often, and has not been the dominating force as projected. He is the only real threat on the defensive line. Antonio Smith was signed from Arizona, but he has not lived up to the money he received. After that there is a huge drop off. The secondary is young, very young. Kareem Jackson is a rookie and Quinn is a second year player. Eugene Wilson has the most experience back there. The Texans did nothing to improve these areas of the team. Even teams that have been winning of a consistent basis still go out and find more players to elevate their team. Sure they drafted Jackson in the first round, but after that what's left ? Plus, he is facing a learning curve himself. They have no real depth and no real experience overall. Failing to address these areas could be the key to why the Texans finish 9-7 again. Yep, just as I predicted last year.
You have to take some chances in this or any other business. If McNair is wanting to win now as he says, then he has to go out and get players to improve this team. Even if they have checkered pasts, as strong as the organization is, the change of environment might help ! Don't just settle for what you have because the players here now are stand up guys. Last I checked morals don't win football games, football players win football games. Look at the Redskins for example. Haynesworth has been a pain in the u know what, but when he is right he is a dominant player and Shanahan knows that. So hell yea they are going to keep him.
The Texans have this philosophy of building through the draft. That's fine and dandy, but who is going to teach these young players how to play ? Eventually they learn on their own, but that's after years of trial and error. How do they know if what they are learning fits the way they play ? Every player has a certain style, and they have to implement that style into the defense in order to be successful. It's also up to the coaches to know what kind of player they have and know how to design and call the defense around them. Aaron Glenn and I were able to play both zone and man to man coverage. Coaches could leave us out on the island and not worry about us. Do you think that gave us an advantage ? I would think so. That's why an experienced player is always needed . Coaches can say what they what in the film room, but when on the field it's totally different. Considering how fast things happen, learning from someone who has been there is a huge advantage than just solely watching film.
In my opinion this is where the Texans are failing. No real experience and no real play makers or game changers in certain positions. They will always be a .500 team unless this changes. They have just enough to get by at this point. However, they will soon be left behind because everyone else around them is improving. And as the sun eventually will burn off the slight film in the air, I'm sure the Texans will come to the realization that certain changes have to be made and addressed. Difference is, the sun has time and it's hand is not be forced. The Texans are on a much tighter time-table and a solar storm is sure to hit if things don't change.
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