"3...2..Guerin shoots...1...IT'S GOOD!!! KNICKS WIN!!" That's the way the story always played out in my head...on my court. Even when I missed the shot..."He was fouled!"...but, I always took the shot. And, if you are anything like me, then you also had those moments. The moments we grow up wishing we could have...shooting the game winner...becoming the hero. Never once, in the thousands of moments like that, did I ever pass the ball. I don't know if that makes me a poor player, and maybe that's the reason my highlight reel is limited to pickup games on local courts, but I always imagined myself being the one...the one to win it all. With the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend coming to an end, I'm left wondering if LeBron James had those same moments, or did he just...pass the ball.
Listen, let me be abundantly clear...I know it was JUST an All-Star game. I know it means nothing. I know he is still, by far, the best basketball player in the game. So why doesn't he take the potentially game winning shot? Didn't he dream of moments like this? Didn't he picture himself as the hero? All-Star weekend, in every possible aspect, lacked those great moments that I grew up watching. It's kind of sad that leading up to the game, Kenny Smith's back to back half court shots in the Shooting Stars challenge, was one of the better moments. There was zero defense, and a complete lack of competitive nature in the Rising Stars game. So much talent wasted. Seeing just how good Kyrie Irving and John Wall are was a real treat, but that was overshadowed by an overall boring scrimmage. The 3-Point Shootout was alright, but nobody really went off. Then there was the Dunk Contest with its over-hyped and completely ridiculous "Intensity Meter". I don't really need to explain what a let down it was. No superstars, no moments that made me jump out of my seat, only one round...and NO judges?? The judges' reaction to the dunks was half the show in the past, but then again what legend is coming out to see these guys? There weren't even that many celebrities in the crowd, except Diddy, but he was more of a prop than a spectator. Then the game began, and I again felt let down...until LeBron came alive in the second half. He was making shots that were simply amazing. He took over and showed the world the he really is the best player in the game. He was unstoppable. The East was down by 20, and because of LeBron, they were within one basket of winning. These are those moments we wish for. The ones we've taken thousands of times. Jordan, Magic, Bird, and Kobe relish these moments, but not LeBron. He passed the ball. Even with Kobe in his face, prepared to officially pass the torch to him, screaming for him to take the shot...he passed the ball. It was picked off, and shortly after a Blake Griffin free throw...the game was over. The East, and LeBron had lost.
And, so it was, rather than seeing LeBron take another step toward greatness, the 2012 NBA All-Star game (and weekend as a whole) will be one that I'll eventually forget. LeBron, DWade, and the Heat will likely win the NBA Finals. And, unless LeBron dominates them, he will continue to have his greatness questioned. We will continue to wonder where is THAT hero? The one who takes the shot?
"3...2.......
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Childlike Fan
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. - 1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, it was fun to be a fan. You didn't have to have a barrage of facts to support why your favorite player was your favorite player. He was your hero: the one you pretended to be while playing on the corner lot. Most of the time he played for your favorite team. And, most of the time that favorite team was your parents favorite team. Maybe they played in the same city you grew up in, or maybe they just had the coolest uniforms (I thought the Bengals were awesome for a short time in my youth). We watched sports as kids, blind to the harsh reality of what was going on behind the scenes. We assumed that our heroes played for our teams purely because they had love for the game and the city that placed them on their pedestals. We didn't care about completion percentages, passer ratings, player efficiency, turnover ratios, slugging percentage, and we certainly had no idea what the Elias Sports Bureau was. We didn't know what salary caps were, and we didn't care. We didn't need a monetary value placed on these immortal men. I could, however, tell you there was no way I'd trade that Topps Jose Canseco rookie card...nope, not even for a Darryl Strawberry Upper Deck. Canseco was the first 40/40 player! I had no idea he did it partly because of steroids...I didn't even know what steroids were- I just thought he was amazing. The Bash Brothers made kids in Florida wanna play for the Oakland A's...trust me, I was one of them. And, while we fought over who was McGwire and who was Canseco, these so called heroes were fighting addictions that I didn't even know existed. Yeah, when I was a child....that's when sports were the best.
But, as we become men and put away those childish ways, should we also put away that childlike idea of being a fan? I mean, now a days you can't have a favorite player, for fear that he may only be on that team for a few years...and then what? I can't buy a jersey- by the time I can afford one (they're not cheap), the guy might get cut to clear up cap space or be traded to a rival team. And, if you wanna tell someone what your favorite team is, you better be prepared to back it up with some cold hard facts. You need to know how deep your starting pitching rotation is, what's their collective on base percentage, what was their "strength of schedule", how's next years recruiting class, and you better have a real good explanation as to why your team hasn't won a championship lately. No longer is it alright to just be a casual fan. No longer can you be a fan of a player or team just because you have a love for the game and the team that gives you hope. Not good enough! These days it's about obscure facts, statistics, and numbers; and despite what ESPN programming would have you believe...numbers do lie.
So, you can keep your numbers, your efficiencies, ratios, and QBR's. I just wanna be a fan. I like the Yankees, Knicks, Jags, and The Fighting Irish. My favorite players were Patrick Ewing, Darryl Strawberry, and Lawrence Taylor. These days they're Kevin Garnett, Blake Griffin, Alex Rodriguez, Jones-Drew, and as of late Jeremy Lin. I don't need statistics to justify why I root for them; some are exciting to watch, some make my favorite team better, and Jeremy Lin is both those and an inspirational story as well. If that makes me childish, I'm okay with that. I'm not a professional sports analyst, I'm just a fan.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
When I was a child, it was fun to be a fan. You didn't have to have a barrage of facts to support why your favorite player was your favorite player. He was your hero: the one you pretended to be while playing on the corner lot. Most of the time he played for your favorite team. And, most of the time that favorite team was your parents favorite team. Maybe they played in the same city you grew up in, or maybe they just had the coolest uniforms (I thought the Bengals were awesome for a short time in my youth). We watched sports as kids, blind to the harsh reality of what was going on behind the scenes. We assumed that our heroes played for our teams purely because they had love for the game and the city that placed them on their pedestals. We didn't care about completion percentages, passer ratings, player efficiency, turnover ratios, slugging percentage, and we certainly had no idea what the Elias Sports Bureau was. We didn't know what salary caps were, and we didn't care. We didn't need a monetary value placed on these immortal men. I could, however, tell you there was no way I'd trade that Topps Jose Canseco rookie card...nope, not even for a Darryl Strawberry Upper Deck. Canseco was the first 40/40 player! I had no idea he did it partly because of steroids...I didn't even know what steroids were- I just thought he was amazing. The Bash Brothers made kids in Florida wanna play for the Oakland A's...trust me, I was one of them. And, while we fought over who was McGwire and who was Canseco, these so called heroes were fighting addictions that I didn't even know existed. Yeah, when I was a child....that's when sports were the best.
But, as we become men and put away those childish ways, should we also put away that childlike idea of being a fan? I mean, now a days you can't have a favorite player, for fear that he may only be on that team for a few years...and then what? I can't buy a jersey- by the time I can afford one (they're not cheap), the guy might get cut to clear up cap space or be traded to a rival team. And, if you wanna tell someone what your favorite team is, you better be prepared to back it up with some cold hard facts. You need to know how deep your starting pitching rotation is, what's their collective on base percentage, what was their "strength of schedule", how's next years recruiting class, and you better have a real good explanation as to why your team hasn't won a championship lately. No longer is it alright to just be a casual fan. No longer can you be a fan of a player or team just because you have a love for the game and the team that gives you hope. Not good enough! These days it's about obscure facts, statistics, and numbers; and despite what ESPN programming would have you believe...numbers do lie.
So, you can keep your numbers, your efficiencies, ratios, and QBR's. I just wanna be a fan. I like the Yankees, Knicks, Jags, and The Fighting Irish. My favorite players were Patrick Ewing, Darryl Strawberry, and Lawrence Taylor. These days they're Kevin Garnett, Blake Griffin, Alex Rodriguez, Jones-Drew, and as of late Jeremy Lin. I don't need statistics to justify why I root for them; some are exciting to watch, some make my favorite team better, and Jeremy Lin is both those and an inspirational story as well. If that makes me childish, I'm okay with that. I'm not a professional sports analyst, I'm just a fan.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Jim Irsay vs Jeremy Lin???
Lin vs Irsay? What do they even have to do with each other? It does, even as I begin to write this, seem like an odd pairing for one posting. However, I think if you stay with me for a minute you'll see that, while they have absolutely nothing in common, they are worthy of sharing this article.
I'll start with Jim Irsay first. If you ask me (I know you didn't), Irsay has become all that is wrong with sports today. An owner that has done nothing but attempt to make himself larger than his players, his team, that team's fan base, and football in general. I have no problem with his ridiculous promotions, his constant tweeting (it's not like I follow him anyway), or the fact that he is seemingly best buddies with Rob Lowe (he was in Tommy Boy, right?). What I do have a problem with is his poorly disguised disrespect toward Peyton Manning and all that are following that situation. I'm alright with the fact the Indianapolis Colts have decided to move on with Andrew Luck...that's not a problem. However, this back and forth...Peyton is a politician, Keep it in the family, The Horseshoe comes first....well, it's too much. It is blatant hypocrisy as he turns around and tweets how much he wants Peyton to stay...if he's willing to rework his contract. REWORK? It's a contract- you want him so bad? Honor it! All of it! Oh, and all of a sudden, some unknown source reports to Sports Illustrated that Peyton Manning had a fourth neck procedure. Was it reported?...Or tweeted alongside some Bob Dylan lyrics? I've said it before, so I won't elaborate again, but Peyton Manning has done more for that man to make him successful than he apparently cares to recognize. And, why not just have an amicable split? Irsay clearly does not want Peyton anymore, but he's afraid to just be the bad guy. Just be the bad guy already! Let Peyton go, have Indy possibly hate you for a little while, hope for the best with Andrew Luck, and move on...but stay out of the headlines. You are all that is wrong with sports.
And, what does this have to do with Jeremy Lin? Well, isn't obvious? Jeremy Lin is all that is RIGHT with sports. Not because I'm a Knicks fan, and haven't had something to be this excited about in years, but because you couldn't write a better a story than what is happening with this guy. All across the country- heck, even when they were playing an away game in Canada, people are cheering for this kid. It's amazing! I don't think I've ever seen someone play professional basketball with such excitement...it's clearly contagious. The Garden has come alive, the Knicks bench has new life, and LINsanity is running wild. He's an example of what hard work and humility can earn you. He inspires those around him to work harder, enjoy the game, and subsequently WIN. And I don't want it to end. I know that this winning streak has to come to end, right? But, I don't want this story to taper off. I want to believe that this is just the beginning of something greater. I understand that at some point, Jeremy Lin won't be the top story on every sports program on radio and TV, but while it is, I'll continue to enjoy it. He is living out the story we all had imagined we would live out as kids. I can't tell you how many times I imagined Pat Riley calling me off the Knicks bench, and thus starting my rise to NBA stardom (by the way, that never actually panned out). Jeremy Lin makes me believe in sports again.
So, there it is...Jim Irsay vs. Jeremy Lin. All that is Wrong, versus all that is Right with sports. Two ends of the spectrum. Two polar opposites...that while having nothing in common with each other, are deserving of sharing this article. But, you know what the best part about being a sports fan is?...I can chose to ignore the wrong, and enjoy all that is right.
For more follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
I'll start with Jim Irsay first. If you ask me (I know you didn't), Irsay has become all that is wrong with sports today. An owner that has done nothing but attempt to make himself larger than his players, his team, that team's fan base, and football in general. I have no problem with his ridiculous promotions, his constant tweeting (it's not like I follow him anyway), or the fact that he is seemingly best buddies with Rob Lowe (he was in Tommy Boy, right?). What I do have a problem with is his poorly disguised disrespect toward Peyton Manning and all that are following that situation. I'm alright with the fact the Indianapolis Colts have decided to move on with Andrew Luck...that's not a problem. However, this back and forth...Peyton is a politician, Keep it in the family, The Horseshoe comes first....well, it's too much. It is blatant hypocrisy as he turns around and tweets how much he wants Peyton to stay...if he's willing to rework his contract. REWORK? It's a contract- you want him so bad? Honor it! All of it! Oh, and all of a sudden, some unknown source reports to Sports Illustrated that Peyton Manning had a fourth neck procedure. Was it reported?...Or tweeted alongside some Bob Dylan lyrics? I've said it before, so I won't elaborate again, but Peyton Manning has done more for that man to make him successful than he apparently cares to recognize. And, why not just have an amicable split? Irsay clearly does not want Peyton anymore, but he's afraid to just be the bad guy. Just be the bad guy already! Let Peyton go, have Indy possibly hate you for a little while, hope for the best with Andrew Luck, and move on...but stay out of the headlines. You are all that is wrong with sports.
And, what does this have to do with Jeremy Lin? Well, isn't obvious? Jeremy Lin is all that is RIGHT with sports. Not because I'm a Knicks fan, and haven't had something to be this excited about in years, but because you couldn't write a better a story than what is happening with this guy. All across the country- heck, even when they were playing an away game in Canada, people are cheering for this kid. It's amazing! I don't think I've ever seen someone play professional basketball with such excitement...it's clearly contagious. The Garden has come alive, the Knicks bench has new life, and LINsanity is running wild. He's an example of what hard work and humility can earn you. He inspires those around him to work harder, enjoy the game, and subsequently WIN. And I don't want it to end. I know that this winning streak has to come to end, right? But, I don't want this story to taper off. I want to believe that this is just the beginning of something greater. I understand that at some point, Jeremy Lin won't be the top story on every sports program on radio and TV, but while it is, I'll continue to enjoy it. He is living out the story we all had imagined we would live out as kids. I can't tell you how many times I imagined Pat Riley calling me off the Knicks bench, and thus starting my rise to NBA stardom (by the way, that never actually panned out). Jeremy Lin makes me believe in sports again.
So, there it is...Jim Irsay vs. Jeremy Lin. All that is Wrong, versus all that is Right with sports. Two ends of the spectrum. Two polar opposites...that while having nothing in common with each other, are deserving of sharing this article. But, you know what the best part about being a sports fan is?...I can chose to ignore the wrong, and enjoy all that is right.
For more follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
Monday, February 13, 2012
Where is Manning Landing?
My friend Bird was completely right when he described the way in which Peyton Manning was being treated in Indianapolis as a "travesty". Rarely in sports do we see someone have an impact on a franchise, city, and even the sport itself, the way Peyton Manning has. A true professional who plays with a passion and commitment that is hardly seen in sports today. He has successfully crossed over into mainstream America and become a household name, and he has done it all while playing for Indianapolis. But, as luck would have it (no pun intended), injury strikes, the team collapses without him, and they are now poised with taking Andrew Luck as the number 1 pick in this year's upcoming NFL draft. Healthy enough or not: fully cleared, not cleared, doctor approved, a shell of who he once was, or just on the cusp of greatness once again; it appears the Colts have no desire to bring him back. Whether it's for financial reasons, personal agendas, or just time to move forward, it seems as though we have seen Peyton play his last game as an Indianapolis Colt.
So, where will Peyton go next? Let's first start by covering where we can assume Peyton won't go. Now, a healthy Peyton Manning is almost surely an upgrade to any team, but these first few teams are in no real need for that upgrade. New England is currently doing alright in the QB department, as are the Giants, Green Bay, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia- and despite a somewhat down year, San Diego is probably gonna be alright with Rivers. Now Detroit, Cincinnati, Carolina, and Tampa Bay all have guys under center that, while they are young, have shown much promise. I'm not completely sold on Josh Freeman, but a lot of people who watch a whole lot more film than I do seem to think he has what it takes. This next group of guys aren't exactly the best of the best, but they are up there, and I don't know that any change needs to be made in Houston, Chicago, ATL, or San Fran. Ryan Fitzpatrick had Buffalo looking pretty solid (5-2 before dropping 7 straight) posting career highs in touchdowns (and interceptions). The Ravens don't always seem sold on Joe Flacco, but he has gotten the job done, falling just short to the eventual conference champions the last four years. While St. Louis, Minnesota, and Cleveland could all possibly use a little Peyton, recent mock drafts have them either upgrading their team via RG3 or with weapons in which will strengthen their already young talent. Although Peyton does have ties to Tennessee, Matt Hasslebeck seems to be paving the way for Jake Locker to take the helm there. In Oakland, I'm pretty sure they have enough on their hands with Jason Campbell and Carson Palmer. So, that leaves 8 teams left in which Manning could land...the Jets, Denver, Seattle, KC, Washington, Arizona, Miami, and Jacksonville.
It should be noted that I do not know what teams have room under the salary cap, but Peyton has said he's willing to structure a contract based solely on his performance.
Jets
Through the media, we've heard a lot of talk about the Jets. While I do believe that both Eli and Peyton are mature enough and media savvy enough to handle New York together, I feel this is by far the worse choice for Peyton. The locker room is clearly dysfunctional, and Rex Ryan couldn't be farther from a "Tony Dungee type" coach that Peyton Manning has been used to dealing with. I really don't see this as an option.
Broncos
In Denver there is a lot of upside. They were the #1 ranked rushing team last year, their offensive line only allowed their QBs (even while scrambling) to get hit 68 times, their defense is young and kept them in a lot of games, but their fans do have a cult like following for Tim Tebow. If there was one quarterback that could replace and mentor Tebow without any fan backlash, it would be Peyton. However, I don't know that even one of the greatest in the game would want to deal with that situation. Would the fans call for Tebow again, should Peyton slump?
Seahawks
There is the possibility of Seattle, but Seattle has all sorts of issues. Their running game is mediocre, their offensive line play wasn't very good allowing 50 sacks, and while their defense wasn't terrible, the Seahawks just don't have a supporting cast that would appeal to a superstar like Peyton.
Chiefs
The Chiefs do have a few key pieces that may appeal to Peyton, and Matt Cassel hasn't exactly panned out like some thought he would. They have both a marquee running back in Jamaal Charles, and an All-Pro wide receiver in Dwayne Bowe. They were a middle-of-the-pack rushing team, and did it all with their #1 RB injured from the start of the season. Their defense was average at best, but then again Peyton never really worked with the best defenses in years past.
Cardinals
I'm sure Peyton wouldn't mind the warm climate and retractable roof in Arizona, but they had by far one of the least protective offensive lines last year. They allowed 54 sacks and 86 hits on their quarterbacks, one of which was Kevin Kolb who was somewhat of a let down in the games he did get to play. On the flip side, just the thought of passing to Larry Fitzgerald has to be appealing to any quarterback, despite the teams lackluster rushing attack.
Redskins
I hear more talk about Washington than any other team, but this seems like a terrible choice. The NFC East is arguably the best division in all of football. Peyton is used to playing in a dome all year, so I'm sure the cold winters in DC are not that much of a draw for him. Their defense was not that good last year either; they were one of the worse rushing teams, and their offensive line play was below average (allowing their QBs to get hit 108 times...3rd in the league). Maybe a few years ago they were just a QB away from being great, but Santana Moss and the rest of the Skins receivers are clearly on the decline. Then again, working with Mike Shanahan may be just enough to lure Peyton to Washington.
Dolphins
Miami I could see. They have the marquee receiver in Brandon Marshall, and they have one of the best receiving running backs in Reggie Bush, who came alive late in the season. They were 11th in the league in rushing, middle of the pack defensively, and the second half of the season was a polar opposite to their abysmal 0-7 start (finishing the season 6-10). Let's also not forget that it is Miami. First Lebron, then Peyton.? How many superstars can be in one city? They, to me, have the most legitimate shot at landing Peyton Manning. Except for....
Jaguars ? ?
THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS! Yes, the Jags! What kind of fan would I be if I didn't offer up a completely biased opinion of why one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time should go to my favorite team? But, in all honesty....let's look at this. The Jaguars defense was 6th in the league last year in total yards allowed, 11th in total points allowed, and have the 7th pick in this years draft. M.J.D....do I need to say anything else? No, but I will. He led the league in rushing, and he was able to do so on a team that ranked dead last in total offense, and had the lowest rated quarterback in the league. The AFC South is not exactly a powerhouse, with the Houston Texans clearly being the best team in that division. If Peyton wants to get a little revenge on the Colts, he'd have two opportunities a year to do so in the warm climate of sunny Florida. The market is small, and the fan base is low, but if anyone could turn all that around, Peyton Manning could. He would be a great mentor to Blaine Gabbert, and with Mike Mularkey and Bob Bratwoski taking over the team's offense, things are sure to pick up in Jacksonville. Hey, anything is possible, and could you imagine how great Manning would look in those new all black uniforms?
No one really knows where Peyton Manning will play next...if he plays at all. We've heard that he's been medically cleared, but nobody really knows where Peyton is in his recovery. No one except Peyton. He's also the only one who knows where he'd like to play. Of course, I'd love to see him play in Jacksonville, who wouldn't want him to lead their team? But no matter where he ends up, that team and the league in general will be better for having him a part of it. The greatest players of all time should have the opportunity to leave the game they love on their own terms. And I don't think Peyton Manning is ready to leave yet.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
So, where will Peyton go next? Let's first start by covering where we can assume Peyton won't go. Now, a healthy Peyton Manning is almost surely an upgrade to any team, but these first few teams are in no real need for that upgrade. New England is currently doing alright in the QB department, as are the Giants, Green Bay, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia- and despite a somewhat down year, San Diego is probably gonna be alright with Rivers. Now Detroit, Cincinnati, Carolina, and Tampa Bay all have guys under center that, while they are young, have shown much promise. I'm not completely sold on Josh Freeman, but a lot of people who watch a whole lot more film than I do seem to think he has what it takes. This next group of guys aren't exactly the best of the best, but they are up there, and I don't know that any change needs to be made in Houston, Chicago, ATL, or San Fran. Ryan Fitzpatrick had Buffalo looking pretty solid (5-2 before dropping 7 straight) posting career highs in touchdowns (and interceptions). The Ravens don't always seem sold on Joe Flacco, but he has gotten the job done, falling just short to the eventual conference champions the last four years. While St. Louis, Minnesota, and Cleveland could all possibly use a little Peyton, recent mock drafts have them either upgrading their team via RG3 or with weapons in which will strengthen their already young talent. Although Peyton does have ties to Tennessee, Matt Hasslebeck seems to be paving the way for Jake Locker to take the helm there. In Oakland, I'm pretty sure they have enough on their hands with Jason Campbell and Carson Palmer. So, that leaves 8 teams left in which Manning could land...the Jets, Denver, Seattle, KC, Washington, Arizona, Miami, and Jacksonville.
It should be noted that I do not know what teams have room under the salary cap, but Peyton has said he's willing to structure a contract based solely on his performance.
Jets
Through the media, we've heard a lot of talk about the Jets. While I do believe that both Eli and Peyton are mature enough and media savvy enough to handle New York together, I feel this is by far the worse choice for Peyton. The locker room is clearly dysfunctional, and Rex Ryan couldn't be farther from a "Tony Dungee type" coach that Peyton Manning has been used to dealing with. I really don't see this as an option.
Broncos
In Denver there is a lot of upside. They were the #1 ranked rushing team last year, their offensive line only allowed their QBs (even while scrambling) to get hit 68 times, their defense is young and kept them in a lot of games, but their fans do have a cult like following for Tim Tebow. If there was one quarterback that could replace and mentor Tebow without any fan backlash, it would be Peyton. However, I don't know that even one of the greatest in the game would want to deal with that situation. Would the fans call for Tebow again, should Peyton slump?
Seahawks
There is the possibility of Seattle, but Seattle has all sorts of issues. Their running game is mediocre, their offensive line play wasn't very good allowing 50 sacks, and while their defense wasn't terrible, the Seahawks just don't have a supporting cast that would appeal to a superstar like Peyton.
Chiefs
The Chiefs do have a few key pieces that may appeal to Peyton, and Matt Cassel hasn't exactly panned out like some thought he would. They have both a marquee running back in Jamaal Charles, and an All-Pro wide receiver in Dwayne Bowe. They were a middle-of-the-pack rushing team, and did it all with their #1 RB injured from the start of the season. Their defense was average at best, but then again Peyton never really worked with the best defenses in years past.
Cardinals
I'm sure Peyton wouldn't mind the warm climate and retractable roof in Arizona, but they had by far one of the least protective offensive lines last year. They allowed 54 sacks and 86 hits on their quarterbacks, one of which was Kevin Kolb who was somewhat of a let down in the games he did get to play. On the flip side, just the thought of passing to Larry Fitzgerald has to be appealing to any quarterback, despite the teams lackluster rushing attack.
Redskins
I hear more talk about Washington than any other team, but this seems like a terrible choice. The NFC East is arguably the best division in all of football. Peyton is used to playing in a dome all year, so I'm sure the cold winters in DC are not that much of a draw for him. Their defense was not that good last year either; they were one of the worse rushing teams, and their offensive line play was below average (allowing their QBs to get hit 108 times...3rd in the league). Maybe a few years ago they were just a QB away from being great, but Santana Moss and the rest of the Skins receivers are clearly on the decline. Then again, working with Mike Shanahan may be just enough to lure Peyton to Washington.
Dolphins
Miami I could see. They have the marquee receiver in Brandon Marshall, and they have one of the best receiving running backs in Reggie Bush, who came alive late in the season. They were 11th in the league in rushing, middle of the pack defensively, and the second half of the season was a polar opposite to their abysmal 0-7 start (finishing the season 6-10). Let's also not forget that it is Miami. First Lebron, then Peyton.? How many superstars can be in one city? They, to me, have the most legitimate shot at landing Peyton Manning. Except for....
Jaguars ? ?
THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS! Yes, the Jags! What kind of fan would I be if I didn't offer up a completely biased opinion of why one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time should go to my favorite team? But, in all honesty....let's look at this. The Jaguars defense was 6th in the league last year in total yards allowed, 11th in total points allowed, and have the 7th pick in this years draft. M.J.D....do I need to say anything else? No, but I will. He led the league in rushing, and he was able to do so on a team that ranked dead last in total offense, and had the lowest rated quarterback in the league. The AFC South is not exactly a powerhouse, with the Houston Texans clearly being the best team in that division. If Peyton wants to get a little revenge on the Colts, he'd have two opportunities a year to do so in the warm climate of sunny Florida. The market is small, and the fan base is low, but if anyone could turn all that around, Peyton Manning could. He would be a great mentor to Blaine Gabbert, and with Mike Mularkey and Bob Bratwoski taking over the team's offense, things are sure to pick up in Jacksonville. Hey, anything is possible, and could you imagine how great Manning would look in those new all black uniforms?
No one really knows where Peyton Manning will play next...if he plays at all. We've heard that he's been medically cleared, but nobody really knows where Peyton is in his recovery. No one except Peyton. He's also the only one who knows where he'd like to play. Of course, I'd love to see him play in Jacksonville, who wouldn't want him to lead their team? But no matter where he ends up, that team and the league in general will be better for having him a part of it. The greatest players of all time should have the opportunity to leave the game they love on their own terms. And I don't think Peyton Manning is ready to leave yet.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
Friday, February 10, 2012
Jeremy Lin...No Catchy Play on Words
I haven't been this excited to watch the Knicks in years. Jeremy
Lin has completely changed the atmosphere that surrounds the New York
Knicks. How long will it last? I'm not sure. Could it be more than just some catchy play on words in the stands (Lin-Sanity, All He Does is Lin, Lin, Lin, or my favorite Linsane in the Membrane)? Can it be more than just
an atmospheric change? Can it be the culture change that New York
basketball has so desperately needed? I think so. Fans of the Knicks
have become so accustomed to losing, that even when an all-star laden line up (Amare, Tyson, and Melo) failed to live up to their promise...we accepted it. We scoffed at people who would suggest that this team
is actually worse off now than it was prior to acquiring Melo. We were
okay while Melo scored 30 in a loss, because hey...at least somebody is
doing something. At least we have an all-star on the team. This is the
end of that way of thinking, this is...well, at the very least can be
a new era in New York. Will Jeremy Lin continue to average 28 points a
game? I seriously doubt it, but I am willing to believe that he is the
answer Knicks fans have been looking for. A player who inspires his
teammates, promotes their success before his own, and plays the game the
way we used to play when we were kids...with excitement. The Knicks,
for the first time in years, actually look like they are ALL playing
defense. They play like a team. They play for each other, not
themselves. They have done this all without their leading scorer, and
top big man...both, the seeming future of this franchise.
Amare will return soon, after mourning the loss of his brother, and Melo is sure to return to the lineup not long after that...and what happens then? The ball has consistently gone through the hands of Carmelo Anthony all year long, and in doing so Amare Stoudemire's points per game is down over 7 a game, and where is that production? Carmelo is the Knicks leading assist man with just over 4 per game. That means he touches the ball almost every play that he is in the game, and yet only finds (or even bothers to look for) another scorer 4 times....FOUR!?!? Lin has averaged 8 in the last 4 games (all wins). Can the two superstars co-exist without being the main floor generals also? Tonight it seemed the only way to even have a chance at stopping Lin was to double team him. That was with Jared Jefferies, Billy Walker, and Landry Fields on the floor. Will teams be able to afford double teaming Lin with Amare and Melo on the floor? Only if Carmelo allows Lin to run the offense. Lin has made it clear that he wants to feed the big men the ball, that he wants to constantly get his teammates involved, and I believe that Stoudemire will be the biggest benefactor of this way of thinking...if he plays the game as he has always played. And Carmelo? Well, he can still be Carmelo...only let Lin create openings for him, so he isn't forcing up shots that he doesn't need to take. I mean Jared Jefferies had 9 points in the first half...imagine what Lin can do for Carmelo.
It's only been four games, I know that. Tonight was clearly the biggest win of them all, as they were able to withstand a late Kobe Bryant rally, and shake off the Lakers. The Knicks are 6 games back in the Atlantic division and play sub .500 teams 5 out of the next 6 games before playing Atlanta and Miami. Amare will certainly be back by then, and Carmelo should be right behind him. There is plenty of time to right this ship. I'm excited! Knicks fans are are excited! The Garden is rocking harder than when Jay-Z killed it on his Fade To Black concert. And the future just may be now...just may be Jeremy Lin.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
Amare will return soon, after mourning the loss of his brother, and Melo is sure to return to the lineup not long after that...and what happens then? The ball has consistently gone through the hands of Carmelo Anthony all year long, and in doing so Amare Stoudemire's points per game is down over 7 a game, and where is that production? Carmelo is the Knicks leading assist man with just over 4 per game. That means he touches the ball almost every play that he is in the game, and yet only finds (or even bothers to look for) another scorer 4 times....FOUR!?!? Lin has averaged 8 in the last 4 games (all wins). Can the two superstars co-exist without being the main floor generals also? Tonight it seemed the only way to even have a chance at stopping Lin was to double team him. That was with Jared Jefferies, Billy Walker, and Landry Fields on the floor. Will teams be able to afford double teaming Lin with Amare and Melo on the floor? Only if Carmelo allows Lin to run the offense. Lin has made it clear that he wants to feed the big men the ball, that he wants to constantly get his teammates involved, and I believe that Stoudemire will be the biggest benefactor of this way of thinking...if he plays the game as he has always played. And Carmelo? Well, he can still be Carmelo...only let Lin create openings for him, so he isn't forcing up shots that he doesn't need to take. I mean Jared Jefferies had 9 points in the first half...imagine what Lin can do for Carmelo.
It's only been four games, I know that. Tonight was clearly the biggest win of them all, as they were able to withstand a late Kobe Bryant rally, and shake off the Lakers. The Knicks are 6 games back in the Atlantic division and play sub .500 teams 5 out of the next 6 games before playing Atlanta and Miami. Amare will certainly be back by then, and Carmelo should be right behind him. There is plenty of time to right this ship. I'm excited! Knicks fans are are excited! The Garden is rocking harder than when Jay-Z killed it on his Fade To Black concert. And the future just may be now...just may be Jeremy Lin.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
Saturday, February 4, 2012
You're talking about THE Hall of Fame?
All week long I've been listening to people say that if Eli Manning wins Super Bowl 46, he will have punched his ticket into the Hall Of Fame. I'll write it again so you know that I was serious...The Hall Of Fame. Not the Hall Of Decent Football Players, not the Hall Of Nice Guys, not even the Hall Of Better Than Most...we're talking about the actual Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Yes sir, the same one in Canton, Ohio. The one where you might find a bust of quarterbacks like Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Terry Bradshaw, Steve Young, Dan Marino, John Elway, and Joe Montana. So, you're telling me that if Eli ends up winning a second Super Bowl, he is automatically on the same level as the aforementioned? Hardly. How about Boomer Esiason, Randall Cunningham, and arguably the best Giants quarterback ever Phil Simms? They haven't even made it into the Hall Of Fame. Is Eli as good a quarterback as they were? Nope. I got it, he's won a Super Bowl. So has Trent Dilfer, Mark Rypien (who has two rings, he was injured for one), and Brad Johnson. Certainly they weren't one Super Bowl win away from the Hall Of Fame...were they? And, what about Warren Moon and Dan Marino? They never won the Super Bowl. Does Eli automatically become better than them?
Listen, let me be clear on one thing...I am NOT anti-Eli! I recognize that he is far better than the average quarterback in the league today. I wish he was the quarterback for my team. All I'm saying is that we need to stop with all this Eli is Elite, Heading to the Hall Of Fame nonsense. This year was clearly his best year as a pro...no argument from me. However, that "Best Year" had him ranked 7th in the league. Behind Stafford and Schaub, and just a fraction above Matt Ryan. In 2010 he was ranked 17th in the league finishing after such names as David Garrard and John Kitna. How did those guys do this year??? In 2009 Eli fared pretty well, just missing the top 10, as well as the playoffs. In 2008, riding high off that Super Bowl MVP performance, Eli fell to 14th. Both Seneca Wallace and Shaun Hill out performed him. And then there is the famous Super Bowl year...25th overall. I won't even name all the people who finished above him that year. You get the point...don't you? He isn't Hall Of Fame material. He is a good quarterback, who's team was fortunate enough to barely make it into the playoffs twice before catching some momentum. He was the MVP of Super Bowl 42...but, should he have been? If some unknown receiver doesn't catch the ball on his helmet...well, who knows. Even still, the Giants defense held one of, if not, the most explosive offenses ever to 14 points. That whole defense should have been MVP. And I know, I know...he's had to crawl out of Peyon's shadow and deal with the New York media. But, if his last name was Jones and he played in Kansas City or Seattle would we even be having this conversation? Probably not.
Eli is young (he is only 31), and could possibly play another five years if he stays healthy. Maybe when it's all said and done he'll have won a few more rings, been selected to the Pro Bowl a few more times (as if that has any merit), or maybe he'll even win a National Football League MVP Award. But as of right now, he's just a good quarterback. If this is the new standard for the Hall Of Fame, what Hall will we put quarterbacks like Bradshaw, Aikmen, Montana, or even Tom Brady and Peyton in? The standard has already been established. Don't lower it because it makes for good conversation during the time leading up to the Super Bowl. Just let them play, and the truly elite will be just that...Elite. No debate necessary.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
Listen, let me be clear on one thing...I am NOT anti-Eli! I recognize that he is far better than the average quarterback in the league today. I wish he was the quarterback for my team. All I'm saying is that we need to stop with all this Eli is Elite, Heading to the Hall Of Fame nonsense. This year was clearly his best year as a pro...no argument from me. However, that "Best Year" had him ranked 7th in the league. Behind Stafford and Schaub, and just a fraction above Matt Ryan. In 2010 he was ranked 17th in the league finishing after such names as David Garrard and John Kitna. How did those guys do this year??? In 2009 Eli fared pretty well, just missing the top 10, as well as the playoffs. In 2008, riding high off that Super Bowl MVP performance, Eli fell to 14th. Both Seneca Wallace and Shaun Hill out performed him. And then there is the famous Super Bowl year...25th overall. I won't even name all the people who finished above him that year. You get the point...don't you? He isn't Hall Of Fame material. He is a good quarterback, who's team was fortunate enough to barely make it into the playoffs twice before catching some momentum. He was the MVP of Super Bowl 42...but, should he have been? If some unknown receiver doesn't catch the ball on his helmet...well, who knows. Even still, the Giants defense held one of, if not, the most explosive offenses ever to 14 points. That whole defense should have been MVP. And I know, I know...he's had to crawl out of Peyon's shadow and deal with the New York media. But, if his last name was Jones and he played in Kansas City or Seattle would we even be having this conversation? Probably not.
Eli is young (he is only 31), and could possibly play another five years if he stays healthy. Maybe when it's all said and done he'll have won a few more rings, been selected to the Pro Bowl a few more times (as if that has any merit), or maybe he'll even win a National Football League MVP Award. But as of right now, he's just a good quarterback. If this is the new standard for the Hall Of Fame, what Hall will we put quarterbacks like Bradshaw, Aikmen, Montana, or even Tom Brady and Peyton in? The standard has already been established. Don't lower it because it makes for good conversation during the time leading up to the Super Bowl. Just let them play, and the truly elite will be just that...Elite. No debate necessary.
For more, follow me on Twitter @JustACasualFan
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