tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921435499529154372024-02-20T07:25:13.431-06:00Sports As Life"So much for Objective Journalism. Don't bother to look for it here - not under any byeline of mine; or anyone else I can think of. With the possible exception of things like box scores, race results, and stock market tabulations, there is no such thing as Objective Journalism. That phrase itself is a pompous contradiction in terms." - Hunter S. ThompsonLukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.comBlogger481125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-7856951735908152312009-09-15T15:53:00.010-06:002009-09-16T11:55:39.795-06:00Well... I Guess That's It<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SrEbq8B4KhI/AAAAAAAABpE/P_-UTjMqUw0/s1600-h/cryfavre1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382113454166911506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SrEbq8B4KhI/AAAAAAAABpE/P_-UTjMqUw0/s400/cryfavre1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />With only marginal fanfare, melodrama, or pomp I'd like to say that effective immediately Sports As Life will be closing it's doors. I know that there have been temporary slow-downs and standstills in the past, but this time the lights will not come back on. The reasons are many and varied but the meat of it is that the time is right - counter intuitive as that may seem.<br /><br />To the noblemen and captains of industry who helped contribute over the past 2 1/2 years: Cooper, Trebor, TH, Jeff K and CH - thank you all for your hard work. I can't imagine this place would have lasted as long as did without your help.<br /><br />Lastly, a huge tip of the cap to everyone who read, browsed, accidentally clicked, commented, didn't comment, lurked, laughed, spat with contempt, mocked, derided, agreed, disagreed, or otherwise. Your patronage was always noted and greatly appreciated.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xHeJDlRi6Ak&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xHeJDlRi6Ak&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object></div>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-9693410432040592272009-09-09T21:45:00.003-06:002009-09-09T21:48:53.296-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The St. Louis Rams<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqh2l8OtClI/AAAAAAAABo8/BpL7iplIB98/s1600-h/stlouis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqh2l8OtClI/AAAAAAAABo8/BpL7iplIB98/s400/stlouis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379680149089094226" /></a><br />And that's it for the half-hearted previews this season, folks.<br /><br />Tomorrow marks the start of the best season of the year... football season. However, expect no further updates this week as yours truly will be away this weekend. Enjoy the games.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-89643053278845420122009-09-09T21:42:00.001-06:002009-09-09T21:43:30.863-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Seattle Seahawks<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqh11S6nyBI/AAAAAAAABo0/q7Ilv1B-jk8/s1600-h/seattle1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqh11S6nyBI/AAAAAAAABo0/q7Ilv1B-jk8/s400/seattle1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379679313365288978" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-41536474797884156122009-09-09T21:38:00.002-06:002009-09-09T21:39:10.373-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The San Fransico 49ers<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqh00fIVziI/AAAAAAAABos/uL7pA8Gvl_A/s1600-h/sanfran.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqh00fIVziI/AAAAAAAABos/uL7pA8Gvl_A/s400/sanfran.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379678199952559650" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-76377845882182093322009-09-09T21:33:00.002-06:002009-09-09T21:34:19.350-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Arizona Cardinals<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqhzrJ0N26I/AAAAAAAABok/YvSvLsxdw_w/s1600-h/arizona.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqhzrJ0N26I/AAAAAAAABok/YvSvLsxdw_w/s400/arizona.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379676940100557730" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-60936999204106140462009-09-09T21:30:00.002-06:002009-09-09T21:31:12.339-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqhy9AmgfSI/AAAAAAAABoc/pk6vMCDCq1c/s1600-h/tampa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqhy9AmgfSI/AAAAAAAABoc/pk6vMCDCq1c/s400/tampa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379676147353156898" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-88326812137016185342009-09-09T21:20:00.002-06:002009-09-09T21:24:37.530-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The New Orleans Saints<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqhxV8CMzTI/AAAAAAAABoU/05ESwhfLElw/s1600-h/neworleans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqhxV8CMzTI/AAAAAAAABoU/05ESwhfLElw/s400/neworleans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379674376600603954" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-41023059235031435212009-09-09T21:13:00.000-06:002009-09-09T21:15:00.952-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Carolina Panthers<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqhvD1CNoxI/AAAAAAAABoM/tDL-6TQ33cU/s1600-h/carolina.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqhvD1CNoxI/AAAAAAAABoM/tDL-6TQ33cU/s400/carolina.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379671866460709650" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-81931167779795955972009-09-09T21:06:00.000-06:002009-09-09T21:07:59.963-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Atlanta Falcons<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqhtad_5FiI/AAAAAAAABoE/U3vzRR9rrMc/s1600-h/atlanta.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqhtad_5FiI/AAAAAAAABoE/U3vzRR9rrMc/s400/atlanta.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379670056390694434" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-71686257849338214742009-09-08T14:44:00.000-06:002009-09-08T14:45:14.129-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Minnesota Vikings<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqbCTyVKPeI/AAAAAAAABn8/t3rxLMK-en8/s1600-h/minnesota.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqbCTyVKPeI/AAAAAAAABn8/t3rxLMK-en8/s400/minnesota.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379200450124463586" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-43640392171992019692009-09-08T14:41:00.000-06:002009-09-08T14:42:07.158-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Green Bay Packers<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqbBmmPaPWI/AAAAAAAABn0/ow15rZDHXEc/s1600-h/greenbay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqbBmmPaPWI/AAAAAAAABn0/ow15rZDHXEc/s400/greenbay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379199673785007458" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-25319009788850729012009-09-08T14:37:00.000-06:002009-09-08T14:38:30.208-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Detroit Lions<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqbAvzN_UvI/AAAAAAAABns/X7vqEeMCRlk/s1600-h/detroit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqbAvzN_UvI/AAAAAAAABns/X7vqEeMCRlk/s400/detroit1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379198732375905010" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-25306012657820633502009-09-08T14:28:00.001-06:002009-09-08T14:30:13.186-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Chicago Bears<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqa-xSXzGLI/AAAAAAAABnk/MxEwJ9I7GBM/s1600-h/chicago.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqa-xSXzGLI/AAAAAAAABnk/MxEwJ9I7GBM/s400/chicago.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379196558895159474" /></a>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-41722832603192121372009-09-08T14:21:00.003-06:002009-09-08T14:28:48.752-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Washington Redskins<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqa9ZW0c-BI/AAAAAAAABnc/8k0pLox6re8/s1600-h/washington.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sqa9ZW0c-BI/AAAAAAAABnc/8k0pLox6re8/s400/washington.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379195048260597778" /></a><br />Just snarky pictures from here on out, because you're probably as tired of reading them as I am of writing them.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-62123143426258573722009-09-04T12:38:00.003-06:002009-09-04T14:06:11.429-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Philadelphia Eagles<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqFesGPnOAI/AAAAAAAABnU/DzbV9223kVY/s1600-h/philly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqFesGPnOAI/AAAAAAAABnU/DzbV9223kVY/s400/philly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377683541740435458" /></a><br />Much has been made about the Eagles signing a recently freed from jail, potential trick-play fodder, back-up quarterback. Michael Vick hoopla aside, the Eagles did add some actual offensive talent in the offseason. They drafted Jeremy Maclin and LaSean McCoy. They traded for left tackle Jason Peters. They still have uber-talented but perpetual injury-report resident Brian Westbrook and are in the second year of the Desean Jackson era.<br /><br />The defence lost their on-field leader in Brian Dawkins (free agent to Denver) and their off-field leader, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson (sadly passing away recently). So there is some question about how the defence will respond to the losses. Will they go out and win for Jim Johnson? Or will they be a rudderless mess? As with most things, the answer probably lies somewhere in between.<br /><br />At least offensively, things seem to be going just a little too well for the Eagles heading into the season - and you know what that means... certain disaster. Donovan McNabb miraculously stayed healthy for an entire season last year, a feat not likely to be duplicated again. That would leave Vick, who is certainly no McNabb. And let's not forget that Andy Reid is still coaching the Eagles. This team just seems too poised to make the leap and that usually means they won't. If McNabb goes down the Eagles season will be over in less time than it took Norm MacDonald to destroy Courtney Thorne-Smith's career.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GoLm-vD89SQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GoLm-vD89SQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-26750100339565135762009-09-03T12:00:00.002-06:002009-09-03T15:01:45.915-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The New York Giants<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqAEQoQXiaI/AAAAAAAABnM/SzPLciY0PGg/s1600-h/giants.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SqAEQoQXiaI/AAAAAAAABnM/SzPLciY0PGg/s400/giants.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377302638810859938" /></a><br />Because I can travel into the future (Note: Panama loses World War 5, but it's not the Panama you're thinking of) I have obtained the commentary transcript for the Giants' first regular season game and decided to reprint a portion of it. It reads as follows:<br /><br /><strong>Play by play man:</strong> PlaxicoBurressPlaxicoBurress, PlaxicoBurress?<br /><br /><strong>Colour man:</strong> PlaxicoBurress.<br /><br /><strong>Play by play man:</strong> PlaxicoBurressPlaxicoBurressPlaxicoBurress!!<br /><br /><strong>Colour man:</strong> Plaxico...Burress.<br /><br />The Giants should be contending for the division this season. Eli Manning is the highest paid quarterback in the game. They have the best offensive line in the NFL. They rushed for 5 yards an attempt last year. Their defence should be imposing again, barring injury.<br /><br />The one thing hindering them is their complete lack of wide receivers. Sure some people like Hakeem Nicks, but he's not going to fill the hole that Plaxico Burress left... in his leg.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Frd53vbCHLg&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Frd53vbCHLg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-31457622741432494502009-09-02T12:41:00.002-06:002009-09-02T13:06:24.856-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Dallas Cowboys<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sp68jO2SpDI/AAAAAAAABnE/TIzKJxzFcCg/s1600-h/dallas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/Sp68jO2SpDI/AAAAAAAABnE/TIzKJxzFcCg/s400/dallas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376942318594204722" /></a><br />When their biggest storyline heading into the season is about their <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4416217">punt-obstructing video board</a>, it makes one think the Cowboys might be in some trouble this season. Where's the flash? Where's the drama?<br /><br />But maybe the Cowboys have finally learned the lesson that distractions from the actual playing of football don't usually help a team. So who knows, maybe this is the year the Cowboys actually get their act together.<br /><br />There seems to be two schools of thought on Dallas this year. One is that this IS the year the Cowboys finally rid themselves of distraction, win the division and win a couple playoff games. What with T.O. gone and the fact that <a href="http://cm1.theinsider.com/media/0/344/52/1_28_09_jessica_simpson_1.0.0.0x0.451x600.jpeg">Tony Romo lost about 180 pounds in the offseason</a>.<br /><br />The school is that the Cowboys will be an OK team, probably around .500 - won't be terrible but won't set the world on fire either. I agree with this camp - especially since Roy Williams is out for the next few weeks and he's their only dangerous wide receiver.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-81978691460564805202009-08-27T14:02:00.002-06:002009-08-28T09:52:24.970-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The San Diego Chargers<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpbnzufLSLI/AAAAAAAABm8/oVbdKtOS7RU/s1600-h/sandiego.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpbnzufLSLI/AAAAAAAABm8/oVbdKtOS7RU/s400/sandiego.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374738081151404210" /></a><br />The San Diego Superchargers are in a unique position this year. They could sit every one of their starters for every divisional game this year and still go 6-0 in the division. I'm only like 35% joking about that - in fact, the more I think about, the less I think I'm joking about it. After more deliberation, I have decided that in all seriousness the Chargers could play their backups within the division and go 6-0.<br /><br />I think this is a sound strategy because they are going to need all the help they can get come playoff time - that's coach Norv Turner's time to shine.<br /><br />San Diego will likely be a top seed in the AFC or at least near the top... and then falter in the playoffs. A Norv Turner in powder blue is still a Norv Turner.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-74484649737598828742009-08-26T13:55:00.003-06:002009-08-26T16:56:10.469-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Oakland Raiders<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpWbe9Ll8BI/AAAAAAAABm0/ITfYlCDqhmk/s1600-h/oakland.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpWbe9Ll8BI/AAAAAAAABm0/ITfYlCDqhmk/s400/oakland.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374372686458122258" /></a><br />Ah yes, the Oakland Raaaaaaaaiders.<br /><br />The only organization in the NFL that makes me feel better about Kansas City. Be it their organizational decay, their zombified owner, their criminal fan base or their coachs' fisticuffs - I've come to believe that Oakland only exists now to make other teams look better. They certainly don't exist to win games.<br /><br />Boom, roasted.<br /><br />All joking aside, some people who know things about football think the Raiders will be an improved team this year. But let's be frank, you and I - those people are idiots.<br /><br />Ok, I lied about that whole "all joking aside" thing, just then. But seriously, is it possible that Oakland could be respectable teams this season? In a word - no.<br /><br />It's pretty clear that in exchange for eternal life, albeit as a disfigured hobgoblin, Al Davis traded the fortunes of his franchise. As long as the sawdust continues to course through the surgical tubing under Al's skin, the Raiders will not be successful. Of course this raises the question, if Al Davis is the walking undead and has no need for a circulatory system why was the tubing used to carry the sawdust implanted at all? These are the questions that keep a person up at night.<br /><br />In summation I would like to add - boo Oakland!<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/de3WWGCK4N0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/de3WWGCK4N0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-34354843529855885292009-08-26T09:09:00.003-06:002009-08-26T09:58:05.779-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Kansas City Chiefs<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpVQJ0ewweI/AAAAAAAABmk/PX00V2RnjK8/s1600-h/kansascity.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpVQJ0ewweI/AAAAAAAABmk/PX00V2RnjK8/s400/kansascity.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374289859973267938" /></a><br />Hey - remember that youth movement that the Chiefs were focusing on last season? No? Don't worry, the teams doesn't either. Last year was a work-in-progress rebuilding season, in which the Chiefs finished 2-14 but were at least competitive and improving in the second half of the season. But now that's over, gone to scrap heap along with Carl Peterson and noted motivational speaker Herm Edwards.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IMk5sMHj58I&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IMk5sMHj58I&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br />In comes noted broad-shoulder haver, General Manager <a href="http://stateoftheline.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/scottpiolikevinjames.jpg">Scott Pioli</a> and never-been-a-head-coach-before Todd Haley, who look to give Kansas City a fresh start. They brought in potential one-year-system-quarterback-wonder Matt Cassel to be the franchise quarterback. And that was fine, Kansas City hasn't had a quarterback in the last few seasons - I'm incredibly skeptical about Cassel's ability, but at least they're taking a shot. But then things started to get strange - the other players traded for and signed as free agents were as follows:<br /><br />Mike Vrabel<br />Bobby Engram<br />Terrance Copper<br />Mike Goff<br />Zack Thomas<br />Mike Brown<br />Amani Toomer<br />Ashley Lelie<br /><br />If the me from 2009 could communicate with the me from 2002 and the me from 2009 told the me from 2002 about who the Chiefs just signed, the me from 2002 would be over the moon. Also 2009 me would tell 2002 me that a degree in political science is virtually worthless and to pick another major... but I digress.<br /><br />The me from 2009 is slightly less excited - in fact, not excited at all. More like curious about how this mad-science experiment will work. The only reliable pass-catcher the Chiefs had, Tony Gonzalez, is gone. Larry Johnson is still a head-case who may or may not want to play in Kansas City. The only reliable player on the offensive line, Brian Waters, is feuding with coaching and management.<br /><br />And to address all the Chiefs' needs a group of scrap-heap veterans were brought in. Colour me skeptical.<br /><br />Looking at the Chiefs' schedule, I see only two games they "should" win - Oakland at home and Cleveland at home. Everything else is a crap shoot. I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see Kansas City winning more than 4 games this year.<br /><br />/begins breathing into paper bagLukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-27414269290994118982009-08-25T10:16:00.004-06:002009-08-25T13:23:44.883-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Denver Broncos<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpQPXHiPKaI/AAAAAAAABmc/HvdjN0MfVQI/s1600-h/denver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpQPXHiPKaI/AAAAAAAABmc/HvdjN0MfVQI/s400/denver.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373937145193900450" /></a><br />I for one, am very excited about the Denver Broncos this season. I have a feeling they are going to be a train-wreck. They may make the Raiders look like a well-run organization. Of course, they'll probably still beat Kansas City twice but I will still laugh disdainfully at their hardship.<br /><br />Sadly, I could not find the odds for which NFL coach will be fired first this season - despite visiting several gambling websites which will no doubt warrant a visit from the HR Department. Despite that, I think Denver's Josh McDaniels is the second-most likely to get fired this season (right behind Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio). This is the same Josh McDaniels who hasn't even coached a game for Denver yet. Let's take a look at the swath of destruction he's already cut through Denver.<br /><br />1. Caused noted sulker Jay Cutler to begin sulking, after a failed run at New England's Matt Cassel.<br /><br />2. Tried to strong-arm the Cutler situation, which worked out great... for the Chicago Bears.<br /><br />3. Brought in the quarterback of the future - <a href="http://www.realclearsports.com/blog/orton-again.jpg">this guy</a>.<br /><br />4. At least in part, helped to alienate Brandon Marshall - who is still not happy in Denver and will likely be gone before the season.<br /><br />That's a pretty significant legacy for a guy with a coaching record of 0-0-0.<br /><br />Luckily for the Broncos though they still play in the AFC West - potentially the worst division in organized sport. If the NFL was Europe, the AFC West would be Bosnia: Getting better? Probably - but you still don't really want to go there. So playing against Kansas City and Oakland should give Denver twice each should give the Broncos at least the opportunity to win a couple games.<br /><br />Truth be told, the Broncos could open the season 3-0, as they play at Cincinnati, Cleveland at home and at Oakland. However, after that they have just about the worst 9 week stretch I've ever seen and will likely be 3-8 when it's done. After the Oakland game, Denver plays:<br /><br />Dallas<br />New England<br />at San Diego<br />bye<br />at Baltimore<br />Pittsburgh<br />at Washington<br />San Diego<br />New York Giants<br /><br />Good luck with all that.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-52704729376372094402009-08-24T13:30:00.003-06:002009-08-24T14:10:07.323-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Tennessee Titans<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpLrF_u5vrI/AAAAAAAABmU/x7OD-HKAcmA/s1600-h/tennessee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpLrF_u5vrI/AAAAAAAABmU/x7OD-HKAcmA/s400/tennessee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373615793646452402" /></a><br /><br />Tennessee was 13-3 last year - hard to believe. However, that success will be hard to duplicate.<br /><br />The bad news for Tennessee: they lost Albert Haynesworth, the best defensive player in the league, to Washington. The silver lining in that is Albert will stop trying, get fat and injure himself - 'cause that's how things work out for Washington's free agents.<br /><br />The good news for Tennessee: LenDale White is no longer fat, simply from not drinking as much tequila as he used to. Awesome. Even better, the one-two punch of White and Chris Johnson has become some sort of three-headed Hydra thing - the kind from <a href="http://www.tvparty.com/bgifs14/herco5-2.jpg">The Mighty Hercules</a>. Javon Ringer, their 5th round pick, has looked really good and will probably add that much more to an already good running game.<br /><br />The bad news for Tennessee: Kerry Collins is still their quarterback. Which, I suppose, on it's face isn't the end of the world. Collins was very good at doing what the Titans needed - taking care of the ball and not killing the team. Even though he'll be protected by a really good running game, I just can't imagine Collins being as effective as he was last season.<br /><br />The good news for Tennessee: Vince Young is NOT their quarterback. Bullet dodged Titans' fans, bullet dodged. This guy won Rookie of the Year like two years ago, yeah? And now he's a practicing headcase who can't beat out Kerry Collins for the starting job.<br /><br />The bad news for Tennessee: They will not dominate the regular season they way they did last season.<br /><br />The good news for Tennessee: Even without dominating like last year, the Titans should still be able to take a run at Indianapolis for the division title.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-89052712682372545742009-08-24T10:50:00.003-06:002009-08-24T11:22:57.696-06:0032 Teams in 30--some Days: The Jacksonville Jaguars<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpLFChXIi-I/AAAAAAAABmM/4V5Lz7J2S5g/s1600-h/jacksonville.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SpLFChXIi-I/AAAAAAAABmM/4V5Lz7J2S5g/s400/jacksonville.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373573952512232418" /></a><br /><br />There are many questions surrounding the Jaguars this season.<br /><br />Can Maurice Jones-Drew carry the load as a feature back?<br /><br />Can David Garrard return to the form he had two years ago?<br /><br />Will they finish last in their division?<br /><br />Can I come up with anything interesting to say about the Jaguars?<br /><br /><br />The answers:<br /><br />Probably.<br /><br />No.<br /><br />Yes.<br /><br />Obviously not.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-74969045511455838452009-08-21T14:06:00.003-06:002009-08-21T16:22:17.523-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Indianapolis Colts<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/So7-eml6RfI/AAAAAAAABmE/aMSQHD-ZYF4/s1600-h/Indy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/So7-eml6RfI/AAAAAAAABmE/aMSQHD-ZYF4/s400/Indy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372511207208666610" /></a><br />New head coach.<br /><br />New offensive coordinator.<br /><br />New defensive coordinator.<br /><br />Or do they have new coordinators, because the old coordinators are now consultants? I have no idea what the situation is there - I just wanted to see how many times I could type coordinator before I got sick of it. The answer: 5.<br /><br />Did you realize that Peyton Manning won the MVP last season? I had blissfully blocked that out of my mind apparently - as I was astounded when I read that bit of information last night. If I hadn't already been laying down, this would have literally floored me, as opposed to just figuratively. I just couldn't believe it.<br /><br />This team seems to be about the same as last year, except for the departure of alleged gun-toting car wash owner Marvin Harrison. But Anthony Gonzalez should be able to step in.<br /><br />So it's same old Colts: above-average offence and probably a suspect run defence - especially if Bob Sanders is hurt again.<br /><br />It's Friday and I'm tired of thinking about the Colts, so I'm wrapping this. The Colts should win the AFC South - Tennessee might push them. New head coach or no, Peyton Manning runs that show. And hey - he's the MVP, so the Colts should be fine.<br /><br /><br /><div style="width: 480px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="gtembed" width="480" height="392"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?umid=160489"/> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <embed src="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?umid=160489" swLiveConnect="true" name="gtembed" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="true" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="392"></embed> </object><div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; text-align: center; width: 480px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; background-color: black; height: 32px;"><div><a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com" title="GameTrailers.com">Video Games</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/user-movie/peyton-manning-snl-united/160489" title="Peyton Manning SNL United Way Skit">Peyton Manning SNL United Way Skit</a></div><div style="padding-top: 3px;"><a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/platformlist/xb360/index.html" title="XBox 360">XBox 360</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/platformlist/ps3/index.html" title="PS3">Playstation 3</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/platformlist/wii/index.html" title="Wii">Nintendo Wii</a></div></div></div>Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292143549952915437.post-72517295778973905502009-08-18T09:35:00.004-06:002009-08-18T23:54:48.632-06:0032 Teams in 30-some Days: The Houston Texans<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SorNpO39DzI/AAAAAAAABl8/EXGr6DlkfGE/s1600-h/houston.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qUyl9iZq0BQ/SorNpO39DzI/AAAAAAAABl8/EXGr6DlkfGE/s400/houston.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371331613843853106" /></a><br />Humans of Earth,<br /><br />We have once again come for your white blood cells and bronchi. <a href="http://www.leaderpost.com/health/H1N1+this+fall+could+test+possibly+limit+never+experienced/1903150/story.html">Resistence is futile - none will be spared</a>. Assimilate or face extinction under our iron hoof. You will be treated as well as you have treated us over the centuries. YOUR ribs will be greedily devoured at our barbecues. YOUR back hair will be used in our fine bristle brushes. YOUR children will be dissected in our children's high school biology classes. And YOUR feet will be ground up for our household adhesives.<br /><br />Retribution will be swift and brutal. None shall be spared - unless of course you have a functioning immune system... or a dust mask.<br /><br />END TRANSMISSION<br /><br />And there you have it, as you probably read today the highest health bureaucrat in Canada announced that the Swine Flu will be returning to prime time on your TV this fall. Wednesdays, right after <em>Gary Unmarried</em>. Check your local listings.<br /><br />What does this have to do with the Houston Texans, you ask? Well nothing other than my own convoluted rationale that there are probably pig farms in Texas. Plus the fact that I had no ideas for a funny Texans poster.<br /><br />Anywho...<br /><br />The Texans are this season's sexy sleeper pick - and those preseason sleepers always pan out, don't they.<br /><br />But hey, they have the best receiver in football, a solid quarterback (when he isn't injured, which isn't often), what should be an exciting ground game and a solid defence. And looking at their schedule they have the potential for 10 or 11 wins (no joke).<br /><br />So if there was ever a year for the Texans to put it together, this is it. A division title might be shooting for the stars, but a Wildcard spot certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.<br /><br />I will say this, if the Texans aren't at least competitive and in the running for the playoffs, this will be Gary Kubiak's last season as head coach. I have absolutely not factual data to back that up, just the feeling I get.Lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01123559650973293179noreply@blogger.com2