Archive for January, 2007
“Dear Peyton”
We’ve been waiting for the guy known as “Dr. H” to release his Super Bowl edition of his Peyton Manning videos. Well, it’s out, and I gotta say, he really doesn’t disappoint. In my opinion, this is his best work yet, although for some reason Dr. H reminds me of Napolean Dynamite during this video. Anyway, here it is:
[youtube]wXy9t9v9LzY&eurl=[/youtube]
I have no idea how he figured out all this personal information on many of the Bears players. Also, I love the part where he says they’ll just kick it out of bounds to defend Devin Hester….”the 35 yard line, how’s that sound!?” Simply classic.
Previous Work From Dr. H
Damn if feels good to have Peyton
3 commentsSuper Bowl Preview (Tuesday)
Ok, I will not begin my first actual installment of an attempt at a Super Bowl Preview. Basically, I’m going to give you a preview each day for the rest of the week, through Saturday. Each day will contain a theme. That’s 5 previews if you’re counting. I’m going to leave out the normal stuff like this being Peyton Manning’s first Super Bowl, or the 2 black coaches thing and try to focus on tiny Super Bowl nuggets that are important to me.
It’s funny, when I use the word nuggets, it makes me think of my dog, Apollo. Apollo is generally a good dog, but I have to leave him at home alone during the day. He hates his cage, so I set him free in my garage. If you’ve been visiting my site for some time, you’ve seen webcasts from my garage and know that it is all done up with sports stuff, carpet, pool table, etc. Well, every day that I leave Apollo in the garage, no matter how many times I have taken him outside, he feels inclined to leave what I call Apollo Nuggets all over the floor. I will not bestow you with a picture of Apollo’s steaming nuggets, but I do feel the need to post a Pre-Super Bowl Photo of my dog:
Apollo can not speak, but I am almost certain that he is pulling for the Colts.
Ok, now, onto the Tuesday Preview.
Today’s theme is going to be venue. As I’m sure you know, this years game is being played in Miami, Florida. This marks the 9th Super Bowl to be played in Miami. The first 5 were played in the Orange Bowl (Old Dolphins Stadium). All the others were played in the same venue, just under a different name. First it was called Joe Robbie Stadium, then Pro Players Stadium, and now Dolphins Stadium. I know, totally meaningless, who cares? I’m going somewhere with this, I promise.
Quite a few memorable NFL moments have gone down in Miami Super Bowls-
The Green Bay Packers put a stamp on their dynasty by defeating the Oakland Raiders, 33-14 in Super Bowl II, in 1968.
In 1969, in Super Bowl III Joe Namath and the Jets came through on Namath’s guarantee and defeated the heavily favored Colts, 16-7.
The Colts one and only Super Bowl win came in Miami, Super Bowl V, in 1971, as the Baltimore Colts beat Dallas 16-13 in what was called the “blooper bowl”.
Dallas and Pittsburgh played both of their classic 70’s matchups (Super Bowls V and X) in 1976 and 1979 in Miami. Pittsburgh won 21-17 and 35-31.
Joe Montana led a last minute drive, hitting John Taylor for the winning score in Super Bowl XXIII with less than a minute to play in 1989. The 49ers won 20-16.
Steve Young threw a Super Bowl record 6 TD passes as the 49ers dismantled the San Diego Chargers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX, in 1995.
The most recent Super Bowl played in Miami was the last game John Elway played, as the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 34-19, in Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999.
So, as you can see, Miami is a venue with a great deal of history attached to it. In fact, Miami holds a bit of personal history for myself as well. I was able to attend Super Bowl XXIII in 1989. My Uncle obtained 2 tickets and invited me to go along with him. I was a 16 year old kid going to the Super Bowl. Our tickets for that game were $100. We drove all the way to Miami, from North Carolina. Here is what I can tell you about that Super Bowl, and Miami.
One of the first things we did was enjoy Miami’s sprawling beaches. As you can see, they were crawling with scantily clad young women. In all seriousness, I am not sure why this photo was taken other than the extremely short-shorts I was wearing. I do recall seeing my first ever real live bare breast on Miami Beach. Not sure why we didn’t photograph that.
We enjoyed luxurious hotel accommodations, complete with cool “beachy” lamps and bedspreads, and a very modern kitchen. Seriously, the hotel was fine for the time. I’m not sure what exactly was going on with me “fashion wise” during this period of my life. I didn’t seem to care too much, but at least I was representing N.C. State, even as a kid. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
People dressed differently in the late 80’s
Funny dressers included myself. Check out those tight jeans, big hat, and glasses. Also, I had some elaborate camera case for some cheesy camera. Is it me, or were my feet way to big for my body?
Ok, if I had to do a ranking of favorite moments during our trip they would go: 4. Hearing Tone Loc’s “Wild Thing” played 40 times consecutively on a radio station. 3. Seeing my first bare breast on the beach. 2. Montana to Taylor, 38 seconds to play. 1. The girl on the right. As a 16 year old kid I had never been near boobs like that. No, that jughead hat and “Cobra” sunglasses did not impede my vision.
I remember it was VERY hot and humid, and we arrived in the stadium as soon as the gates opened.
It’s a shame every kid can’t get a chance to watch Joe Montana play.
As for the game, it of course was a classic. Montana led the Niners on a late TD drive to earn Bill Walsh his 3rd (and last) Super Bowl. I’ll never forget it. Some notes on Miami:
Obviously, it is hot and humid in Miami. Sunday is actually looking pretty good weather wise, a high near 80, 20 percent chance of rain, and partly cloudy. Rain can come at any time though. It’s also very breezy in Miami, but it doesn’t appear to have much effect on passing games. I’m sure it’s not an issue now, but the grass they had down in the stadium in ‘89 was terrible. It must have been new and wasn’t rooted well, because it was coming up in chunks by the end of the game.
What impact will the venue have on each team? Well, no one can be certain, but you can try to make some guesstimates.
Rex Grossman has obviously played in Florida before. The last time he played in Dolphins Stadium he was coming off the bench (curfew violation) in the 2002 Orange Bowl, leading the Florida Gators to a romp over Maryland. Grossman threw for 248 yards and 4 TD, in a little over 2 quarters. Grossman’s season splits offer little as to what his performance might be this weekend thanks to his inconsistency. He’s been a slightly better home QB, but nothing to make a big deal over. He’s been a better rated QB on turf but again, nothing big. He’s better at night, and better when it’s warm, but again…no huge discrepancies. Long story short on Grossman? He could play on the moon and you couldn’t predict his performance. Nothing jumps out when looking at the Bears backs as far as venue is concerned either. The Bears, as a team, are obviously used to (and built for) playing on grass.
Peyton Manning is a different story. It’s also a story that might surprise you. Over the last 3 years Manning has actually been a slightly better QB on grass. He’s thrown for about 15 yards more per game, added a couple percentage points to his completion percentage, and actually has a higher QB rating (by a whopping 1 point) on grass. The variations here aren’t huge, but with so much emphasis placed on the Colts being a fast, turf team, it’s interesting that Manning holds his own on grass. It’s nearly as hard to pinpoint Manning’s performance as it is Grossman’s, but for an entirely opposite reason. Manning is so danged consistent in almost every situation that it’s impossible to find huge variations. The wildcard for the Colts will be their run game. Joseph Addai is built for turf, and averages a full 1 yard per carry more on turf. Same goes for Dominic Rhodes. On grass, he’s losing nearly a yard per carry, compared to his turf average. Could the Bears physical defense shut down the Colts run game, forcing them to go exclusively to the pass? Would this be a bad thing for the Colts?
History would seem to side with Peyton Manning. Miami’s Super Bowl History has been about quarterbacks; Starr, Namath, Bradshaw, Montana, Young, and Elway are all part of the Miami legacy. His name seems fitting to add to that list.
Verdict: I don’t think the venue will make a huge difference, BUT if it does create any advantage, I think it would be with the Bears. The Bears are built for playing physical football on grass. The Colts (offense and defense) are built around speed. History don’t mean squat as nearly every Super Bowl has been about building the legacy of a quarterback. Round 1 goes to Chicago.
Better Not Barbecue At the Super Bowl
First things first….remember the Bears fan who put herself up for bid on E-bay as a companion for someone willing to part with a ticket? Well, turns out, Axe (you know, the body spray) rewarded her with 4 tickets and she is holding open auditions for the 4th and final ticket. Deadspin has the entire scoop on her, but that’s not what I’m here to talk about.
If you do by chance fall into her good graces and obtain that Super Bowl ticket, don’t expect to be doing any tailgating. CBS4 in Miami is reporting that the Super Bowl XLI has BANNED tailgating within 1 mile of the stadium.
“There is no tailgating allowed in the Dolphin Stadium parking lots,” Sue Jaquez, a member of the Super Bowl XLI Host Committee, confirmed on Tuesday. “And there is no tailgating anywhere within a one-mile radius of the stadium.” “And there are no RVs allowed.”
The rules put in place say that if you are caught “grilling or drinking alcohol” you “could be charged”.
Ok, not to get picky, but this is a bit much. No tailgating at the Super Bowl!!? What? One game a year where you have this great collection of fans from both teams assembling on a neutral site and you can’t tailgate? A really bad idea. Don’t eat burgers within a mile of the stadium, UNLESS you pay 8 bucks for the concession ones. Oh yeah, and don’t crack any beers open….unless of course you buy the watered down tap stuff on sale for 8 bucks a pop. First, they send Thursday and Saturday night games to the “NFL Network”…now, you can’t tailgate at the Super Bowl. What’s next, a foam finger ban? Will they ban me for wearing the jersey of my favorite player?
This whole ban leaves me with a few important questions:
1. What if I happen to live within one mile of the stadium? I know there probably aren’t any homes in this radius, but just what if? Would they bust in my house and stop me from making those tasty grilled cheeses I like to make?
2. Does this have something to do with the Miami Heat?
3. I wonder what exactly will constitute “tailgating”. If I pull into a parking space and simply sit on my tailgate am I going to be asked to leave?
4. I know they offer the whole “NFL experience” to all ticket holders. Are they going to add a “tailgating experience” to make up for the lack of the American tradition? Instead of throwing footballs into a tire, or kicking extra points, they could have the kids line up for “beer bonging” and give away pieces of watermelon saturated with everclear.
5. Finally, maybe this is a worthy ban….god forbid terrorists craft a bomb from charcoal, chicken wings, condiments, and your drunk uncle Joe.
Whoever is behind this ban……..you suck.
A Happy Ending For That E-Bay Bears Lady (Deadspin)
Tailgating Forbidden On Super Bowl Sunday (CBS 4 Miami)
No commentsJamal Crawford Gives The Heat 52 Problems
In case you missed it, Jamal Crawford went for 52 points Friday night. Crawford became the 6th player this season to accomplish the feat, but I have to say his was the most impressive 52 points I have seen in quite some time. Most 50+ point games include a heap of free throws, but Crawford was only 4-4 from the free throw line. Crawford was 20-30 from the field, 8-10 from 3 point range, and made SIXTEEN consecutive shots. His makes included every variety of shot you can imagine, floaters, contested 3 pointers, drives to the basket, fall aways, he did it all.
Crawford continues to agonize fantasy basketball players as he is a career 13.5 ppg scorer but on occasion pulls out a gem like last night. He had two 40+ games last year.
No commentsTop 40 Sports Figures (According To Bloggers)
Found this over at Awful Announcing and it’s a fun read. Seems all the big boy sports blogs got together and voted on the top sports figures to blog on this past year. Here’s the video:
[youtube]5bIpSWL2BEA&eurl[/youtube]
For the entire list check out Mr.Irrelevant.
Notables:
1. Terrell Owens
13. Harold Reynolds
24. J.J. Redick
36. Brett Favre
39. Rex Grossman
I have to think Grossman will be much higher on the 2007 list which will also more than likely include Sean Salisbury.
Announcements and Musical Links (Awful Announcing)
Top 40 Sports Figures of 2006Â (Mr. Irrelevant)
No commentsACC Admits To Timing Errors (Nah, Really?)
Found this over at ACCNOW.
Here is the respoonse from John Clougherty, the ACC’s coordinator of basketball officials:
“The league acknowledges that a timing error was made in not starting the game clock at the correct time, when the ball was stolen by Clemson’s Vernon Hamilton off the in-bounded pass from Duke’s Josh McRoberts.
“We came to this conclusion after completing a review of the game film as well as internal conversations with the crew of officials, both head coaches and conference office staff. At this point, as with most league officiating matters, this situation has been handled and resolved internally.â€
This is wonderful if handling “internally” means a suspension of officials and scorekeepers involved. Honestly, they should pick the game back up with 2.4 seconds left and the score tied. Hey, I remember they did that once in baseball after the George Brett pine-tar incident.
Anyway, this is the way the ACC generally responds to officiating mistakes: “Yeah, we did it. Sorry, we’ll take care of it”. Reaction is not that answer, they need to start being preactive on this.
No commentsI’ll Take That Kick To Go
I used to really be into the whole UFC thing. That was before I got tired of paying $40 a pop to watch guys fight for a couple minutes. Last night Ultimate Fight Night 8 appeared Live (and free) on Spike TV. If you didn’t get a chance to watch it, you gotta see Rashad Evans knocking out Sean Salmon. You probably remember Rashad as the winner of the Ultimate Fighter Season 2, television show.
Post Fight Interview (UFC.com) “I threw it, I took a chance, and I caught him”.
No commentsTicket Girl Update
With Leather has dug up the dirty on the girl that put herself up for bid as a Super Bowl companion.
Your Gratuitous Sarah Spain Update (With Leather)
No commentsHOSEJOB In Cameron
I know this is going to be hard to believe but Duke received another gift wrapped win tonight vs. Clemson. The final score is gonna say Duke 68 Clemson 66, in regulation, but this game should have gone to Overtime. Clemson managed to get within 3 points, 66-63 with exactly 5 seconds remaining. Duke attempted to inbound the ball but it was stolen by Clemson’s Vernon Hamilton, just outside the 3 point line. Hamilton fired a 3 pointer and tied the game at 66. That’s where the problems come in. The clock did not start upon Hamilton touching the ball…in fact, it didn’t start until the ball was in the basket, running down to 1.8 seconds. Somehow, officials actually looked at a replay and put 4.4 seconds on the clock.
In essence, the officials were saying that Vernon Hamilton caught, set, and shot the ball, and the ball traveled over 20 feet in….SIX TENTHS OF A SECOND. I want you to say a word for me….seriously, I want you to speak this word: Say the word “Blue Devil”…Now, say it again. That’s about 1/2 a second. Hamilton did all that stuff….and the ball flew 21+ feet, on an arc…..in the time it takes you to say “Blue Devil”
So, back to the story. With a new found 4.4 seconds on the clock, Duke was able to inbounds the ball, get it to mid-court, make a pass, and hit the winning basket at the buzzer. Good lord how many more garbage wins can these guys get away with?
It’s become a bit of a tradition for those of us here in the ACC. We always know that Duke will get beneficial treatment from ACC refs. It happened so much last year that the national media even started to recognize it.
Anyway, I’m sure some of you are going to say that the clock was set back to the appropriate time. For you, I offer video evidence complete with a built in timer.
Video Of Screwjob
After watching that, there is no way you can deny that Duke was granted a gift tonight. Yeah, Duke still might have won, but they would have had to go to overtime to do it.
Anyway, probably not much can be done about this, unless you want to sign this petition!! Clemson fans are upset enough to start a petition on the matter. Of course, signing this petition won’t matter, but it’ll be fun to see how many signatures they can get it up to.
Duke Clemson Recap (ESPN) [Jay Bilas (former dukie, go figure) wants you to know that a “legal basket” was still scored even though the officials did make a timing error. He also wants you to know that he was on the bench in 1992 when Duke overcame a similar situation.]
Online “fed up with Duke” Petition
Gilbert Arenas Vows He Could Score 84 or 85 vs. Duke: Gilbert obviously isn’t taking into account referee bias.
*EDIT* Someone finally got a youtube video up-
No commentsYahoo! Determined To Get Bush
Yahoo! has run yet another story on Reggie Bush and his family accepting cash gifts. This time, the “ongoing Yahoo! Sports investigation” has uncovered actual audio tapes that confirm Bush and his family accepted some $280,000 in gifts.
Couple questions. Why is Yahoo! the main entity chasing the story? Yeah, ESPN is reporting it, but they are crediting…..Yahoo, without the exclamation point. Secondly, who cares? This would be a story if Reggie Bush were still in college, but he’s not. Yeah, they can take away the National Championship, a Heisman, erase all that stuff from the books, but it isn’t going to change the fact that it happened. I admit, the Yahoo story got too confusing for me to read, I just sorta skimmed it….kinda like I do when the other Bush (George W.) is in the news. With that being said, forgive me if I get something wrong here.
I’d also like to know how a player, playing for USC could accept $280,000 and USC simply be stripped of their achievements, retroactive so to speak, yet a school like NCSU has players accept some free sneakers in the late 80’s and the program is placed on strict probation. What I’m saying is this: If it is determined that Bush (Reggie, not George) and his family accepted $280K and USC gets anything less than probation in the form of recruiting restrictions and a post-season ban, then the NCAA is a farce. GarageGabs! is outta here.
Yahoo! thinks they’ve got Bush!
No comments