The NFL season wraps up this weekend (forgive me for ignoring the Pro Bowl)...and that means a sixty minute game in the middle of ten hours of programming...(apologies for pilfering the late Johnny Carson's Oscar jab)...it also means five sentences of actual content spaced over nine paragraphs of drivel.
For me it also means a trip to my friend Larry's for his annual SB party. There will be plenty of food--my favorite dish there is a "Buffalo Chicken Blue Cheese Dip", consisting of chicken puree, wing sauce and blue cheese dressing...it looks horrible but tastes great. There will also be "Butter Bars" available for dessert--75% butter, 30% sugar and 18% shortening. There will be gambling--Larry's friend we will not name breaks out squares on everything from first commercial to length of National Anthem. There unfortunately will also be "Are you havin' a good time?" Larry as host always wants people to enjoy themselves--and the first time I went he asked me multiple times if I was "havin' a good time"...I was but the frequency of that question increased with each drink he consumed--by the end of the game I was being asked if I was having a good time after every play. Larry, I would be having a great time if I didn't have to answer every five minutes the question if I was having a good time. So without further ado, musings and more...
Will Jack Klugman be handling the coin-toss? These the two teams tangling for the title couldn't be any more completely different. Pittsburgh has been a bastion of stability with three head coaches in 40 years, an ownership group respected in the league and a community that bleeds black and gold--while Arizona's had fourteen coaches in that span (albeit a pair of interim head men), an owner compared with the Irsays and Frontieres and a region that until their new stadium was built had yet to warm up to the team. This is truly an Odd Couple matchup. Hey, by the way, are you havin' a good time?
Pro Bowl thought--it has been reported that this will be the final year for the all-star game in Hawaii and starting in 2010 the exhibition will be moved to the weekend before the Super Bowl...I couldn't agree with this potential move more. It's already an afterthought and the absence of players from the two conference champions wouldn't dim the shine off the game that much (as it happens, more than enough players beg out of it--especially from the SB squads). Keep the game in Hawaii to serve as a nice carrot for the players, but make it a sorbet before my main course rather than keep it as an unwanted piece of cheesecake after I've gorged on SB for multiple hours. What did you think of that riff--and are you havin' a good time?
QB quandry--the old axiom is trust the signalcaller who's won it before...in matchups involving a SB winning QB against one who hasn't won the big one, previous winners are 12-3. For just the fourth time in the history of the game both teams will be starting quarterbacks who have won it all [previous matchups were SB X & XIII...(Steelers-Cowboys)...and XVII (Raiders-Redskins)... two classics and a blowout]. Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger are also products of what would be considered "small colleges" (Northern Iowa and Miami of Ohio). In fact, very few "football factory" schools produce championship quarterbacks. Terry Bradshaw attended Louisiana Tech, Roger Staubach went to Navy, John Elway and Jim Plunkett attended Stanford, Phil Simms played at Morehead State... and Joe Montana went to Notre Dame (the school has only sporadically played D-I football since the mid-90's). Have you tried the butter bars...it's pure butter! And are you havin' a good time?
Canton Class--last year Redskins Nation was rewarded with two players punching tickets to Canton--and I wish there were room for one more this winter. Russ Grimm was a standout player during the Skins era of dominance from 1982-91 and it's hard to imagine the most celebrated offensive line in league history not have a member in the Hall...is it that tough to go from HOG to HOF? Did you get that play on words?...and most importantly are you havin' a good time?
Hey, I'm not done on the Hall...how is Ray Guy not enshrined? Forget that he was a nine time All-Pro...Guy was the first extremely athletic punter in the modern era. Unlike the likes of Bobby Walden and Paul McGuire, Guy resembled players in the Pro Bowl and not pro bowlers. The Raider was so much better than the rest of his contemporaries...which two tidbits illustrate: at the 1976 Pro Bowl, Ray Guy became the first punter to hit the Louisiana Superdome video screen. Officials raised the screen from 90 feet to 200 feet. Also, he once punted the ball with so much hangtime that the opponents pulled the ball and had it tested for helium. Gentlemen at the gates of Canton, when somebody causes the periodic table of the elements to be brought into play-- you have to give him a Hall Pass.
I would also like to see a wing for "innovative and influential assistants"...just as the game on the field has become specialized, so has the game off the field. Bud Carson and Buddy Ryan weren't outstanding head coaches, but the Steel Curtain and 46 would not have come about without either of them...likewise with Joe Bugel as the pre-eminent offensive line coach of his generation. Hey, are you going to talk about the game? And are you having a good time?
Unstoppable Arizona against immovable Pittsburgh (apologies to the 1971 Sports Illustrated cover)...this will be a clash of Steeler power against Cardinal speed. The big question is which unsung unit will prevail, Mike Tomlin's offense or Ken Whisenhunt's defense? Give the edge to the Steelers with a plus for their special teams...and Troy Polamalu's hair.
Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 21.
Hey Dave, one last question--are ya havin' a ...
Thank goodness Super Sunday comes just once a year.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Beltway Basketball Bonanza...Dark days in and around the District...
These are the times that try basketball fans souls...with February Fever just around the corner there are nervous looks around the region--and it's not just about the first snow of the winter...
By the way, mad props to President Obama for calling out the DC area's lack of ability to adjust to snowfall and ice...as one of many in the region who grew up in a colder climate it's about time somebody pointed out the obvious. Although the area shutdown when winter gets bad means fewer people who can't drive in the snow on the roads.
What happened to the Georgetown team that ripped Syracuse 88-74? After a hard-fought defeat at Duke, three straight Big East losses have dropped the Hoyas to 3-5 in the conference...the last two teams lost a combined six league games. The offense has gone south--after averaging 70+ points per game the club has struggled to reach 60 the past few weeks...and a banged up DeJuan Summers is the last thing coach John Thompson III needs.
Next up--a Saturday matinee at 8th ranked Marquette (Golden Eagles are unbeaten in conference play)...
24 Update--shouting and shooting are the norm as the best show on television completes its first month back...and I'm glad they explained how Tony "dying" was "all part of the plan". The President's husband suddenly regaining control of his hands as he was about to be hung was thrilling yet hilarious at the same time...I'm not a fan of "FBI-90210" where the field director likes the redhead who's off with Jack while the computer guy nobody likes is married but having a fling with an analyst...co-starring Janeanne Garafolo as "Pseudo-Andrea"-- by the way, if they go to the Agency Commissary and Joe E. Tata is flipping hash...I'm out.
Maryland continues to hit new lows, only to find that there's worse. The loss to Duke (even though it was a blowout) is understood--but wasting an 11 point lead at home to Boston College represents another crater the Terps will try to climb out of. This team feels like Virginia last year, except the part of Sean Singletary is being played by Greivis Vasquez...only with more volatility. A lot has been said about the lack of talented recruits in the program--and I think it traces back to the departure of Billy Hahn as the top assistant back in 2001...followed by the seemingly annual turnover of assistants--creating little stability recruitingwise (which is a multi-year process not just with players but with their coaches). Next up: Saturday against Miami at Comcast (Terps lost a heartbreaker in Florida).
George Washington's season-long tumble continues...a tenth straight loss has the team looking at not making it's own conference tournament for a second straight season after three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. Rob Diggs and Damian Hollis just aren't getting enough help...Next up: a February 4th date with unbeaten in the Atlantic Ten Richmond...ouch.
George Mason was able to wipe out a two game losing streak by topping Delaware 78-55. The Patriots stand a game behind Northeastern in the CAA...and GMU gets the Huskies at home next month. Next up: a Saturday trip to always-tough Old Dominion.
American finds itself chasing Holy Cross after a tough loss in Worcester last weekend. Nice 68-67 thriller over Navy (28 points from Garrison Carr)...the Eagles are a half game behind the Crusaders as we near February. Next up: Lafayette Saturday...the Leopards are 2-4 in the league making this a must win home game.
Howard followed a weekend of back to back home wins by getting routed on the road by Morgan State and Coppin State...Next up: Saturday at home against North Carolina A&T.
By the way, mad props to President Obama for calling out the DC area's lack of ability to adjust to snowfall and ice...as one of many in the region who grew up in a colder climate it's about time somebody pointed out the obvious. Although the area shutdown when winter gets bad means fewer people who can't drive in the snow on the roads.
What happened to the Georgetown team that ripped Syracuse 88-74? After a hard-fought defeat at Duke, three straight Big East losses have dropped the Hoyas to 3-5 in the conference...the last two teams lost a combined six league games. The offense has gone south--after averaging 70+ points per game the club has struggled to reach 60 the past few weeks...and a banged up DeJuan Summers is the last thing coach John Thompson III needs.
Next up--a Saturday matinee at 8th ranked Marquette (Golden Eagles are unbeaten in conference play)...
24 Update--shouting and shooting are the norm as the best show on television completes its first month back...and I'm glad they explained how Tony "dying" was "all part of the plan". The President's husband suddenly regaining control of his hands as he was about to be hung was thrilling yet hilarious at the same time...I'm not a fan of "FBI-90210" where the field director likes the redhead who's off with Jack while the computer guy nobody likes is married but having a fling with an analyst...co-starring Janeanne Garafolo as "Pseudo-Andrea"-- by the way, if they go to the Agency Commissary and Joe E. Tata is flipping hash...I'm out.
Maryland continues to hit new lows, only to find that there's worse. The loss to Duke (even though it was a blowout) is understood--but wasting an 11 point lead at home to Boston College represents another crater the Terps will try to climb out of. This team feels like Virginia last year, except the part of Sean Singletary is being played by Greivis Vasquez...only with more volatility. A lot has been said about the lack of talented recruits in the program--and I think it traces back to the departure of Billy Hahn as the top assistant back in 2001...followed by the seemingly annual turnover of assistants--creating little stability recruitingwise (which is a multi-year process not just with players but with their coaches). Next up: Saturday against Miami at Comcast (Terps lost a heartbreaker in Florida).
George Washington's season-long tumble continues...a tenth straight loss has the team looking at not making it's own conference tournament for a second straight season after three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. Rob Diggs and Damian Hollis just aren't getting enough help...Next up: a February 4th date with unbeaten in the Atlantic Ten Richmond...ouch.
George Mason was able to wipe out a two game losing streak by topping Delaware 78-55. The Patriots stand a game behind Northeastern in the CAA...and GMU gets the Huskies at home next month. Next up: a Saturday trip to always-tough Old Dominion.
American finds itself chasing Holy Cross after a tough loss in Worcester last weekend. Nice 68-67 thriller over Navy (28 points from Garrison Carr)...the Eagles are a half game behind the Crusaders as we near February. Next up: Lafayette Saturday...the Leopards are 2-4 in the league making this a must win home game.
Howard followed a weekend of back to back home wins by getting routed on the road by Morgan State and Coppin State...Next up: Saturday at home against North Carolina A&T.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Beltway Basketball Bonanza...
Conference play is in full swing...and January brings a nice refreshing wakeup after the positive buildup between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. More than a few area schools are finding out if they have the stuff to make a run in March...or if they'll be marching off to the NIT.
I saw Georgetown dismantle Syracuse 88-74 last week (hold on, I think the Hoyas just made another three)...Austin Freeman has stepped up into becoming a major perimeter weapon (19 points against SU while hitting 4 of 5 threes) while freshman Greg Monroe continues to improve beyond his years (despite getting an undeserved technical in the Duke game). The Hoyas will learn from their loss at second ranked Duke--but must stay focused against conference also-rans Seton Hall and Cincinnati on the road next week. First, John Thompson III's team must face a West Virginia team they barely beat last year (on a disputed Patrick Ewing Jr block at the buzzer).
Maryland won't have sunny thoughts regarding Florida for some time; the Terps blew a 17 point lead in Miami and came up short at Florida State in overtime--a pair of games where Greivis Vasquez shot 8 of 27 from the field and Eric Hayes hit 5 of 15 shots. Thank goodness a five-hundred Virginia team came into Comcast last night...and still the Terps struggled their way to an 84-78 win. One wonders when the 30+ minute nights will start to take its toll on Vasquez, Hayes, Landon Milbourne and Adrian Bowie (who's having a breakout month). Up next--a trip to Duke. Ouch. Can't wait to see Greivis jaw it up with the Cameron Crazies.
George Mason was in theory supposed to be rebuilding following the graduation of Follarin Campbell and Will Thomas; the Patriots have rebuilt their way into a 7-0 CAA start--including wins on the road (last years achilles heel). Darryl Monroe's back after redshirting last year and looks like he hasn't missed a step--while sophomore Cam Long benefitted from a year's apprenticeship. Tonight's tilt at second in the conference Northeastern will be huge; the big question is how well will the Patriots contain Huskies 6-4 swingman Matt Janning (15ppg).
American is also unbeaten in conference play; hold your breath though, it's only 3-0. Still, the backcourt tandem of Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer powers along mightily and Brian Gilmore's transition into the starting lineup has been relatively smooth. The Eagles will find out exactly how good they are over the next three games--their opponents boasting a combined 7-2 Patriot League mark. Saturday's battle with Holy Cross is a matchup of unbeatens.
George Washington remains in search of its first Atlantic Ten win...seven straight losses have turned a rebuilding season into a restructuring one. Rob Diggs and Damian Hollis continue to post solid efforts in dismal defeats--and one wonders when things will turn around. Next up? A trip to 16-2 Dayton. Ouch.
Howard snapped a fourteen game losing streak by taking back to back MEAC games over Winston Salem and South Carolina State; Eugene Myatt is having the best season around the Beltway nobody knows about (the senior recently reached the 1,000 point plateau)...next up for the Bison--a trip to Morgan State (the school that beat Maryland a few weeks ago).
I saw Georgetown dismantle Syracuse 88-74 last week (hold on, I think the Hoyas just made another three)...Austin Freeman has stepped up into becoming a major perimeter weapon (19 points against SU while hitting 4 of 5 threes) while freshman Greg Monroe continues to improve beyond his years (despite getting an undeserved technical in the Duke game). The Hoyas will learn from their loss at second ranked Duke--but must stay focused against conference also-rans Seton Hall and Cincinnati on the road next week. First, John Thompson III's team must face a West Virginia team they barely beat last year (on a disputed Patrick Ewing Jr block at the buzzer).
Maryland won't have sunny thoughts regarding Florida for some time; the Terps blew a 17 point lead in Miami and came up short at Florida State in overtime--a pair of games where Greivis Vasquez shot 8 of 27 from the field and Eric Hayes hit 5 of 15 shots. Thank goodness a five-hundred Virginia team came into Comcast last night...and still the Terps struggled their way to an 84-78 win. One wonders when the 30+ minute nights will start to take its toll on Vasquez, Hayes, Landon Milbourne and Adrian Bowie (who's having a breakout month). Up next--a trip to Duke. Ouch. Can't wait to see Greivis jaw it up with the Cameron Crazies.
George Mason was in theory supposed to be rebuilding following the graduation of Follarin Campbell and Will Thomas; the Patriots have rebuilt their way into a 7-0 CAA start--including wins on the road (last years achilles heel). Darryl Monroe's back after redshirting last year and looks like he hasn't missed a step--while sophomore Cam Long benefitted from a year's apprenticeship. Tonight's tilt at second in the conference Northeastern will be huge; the big question is how well will the Patriots contain Huskies 6-4 swingman Matt Janning (15ppg).
American is also unbeaten in conference play; hold your breath though, it's only 3-0. Still, the backcourt tandem of Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer powers along mightily and Brian Gilmore's transition into the starting lineup has been relatively smooth. The Eagles will find out exactly how good they are over the next three games--their opponents boasting a combined 7-2 Patriot League mark. Saturday's battle with Holy Cross is a matchup of unbeatens.
George Washington remains in search of its first Atlantic Ten win...seven straight losses have turned a rebuilding season into a restructuring one. Rob Diggs and Damian Hollis continue to post solid efforts in dismal defeats--and one wonders when things will turn around. Next up? A trip to 16-2 Dayton. Ouch.
Howard snapped a fourteen game losing streak by taking back to back MEAC games over Winston Salem and South Carolina State; Eugene Myatt is having the best season around the Beltway nobody knows about (the senior recently reached the 1,000 point plateau)...next up for the Bison--a trip to Morgan State (the school that beat Maryland a few weeks ago).
Monday, January 12, 2009
Beltway Basketball Bonanza... and early 24 thoughts...
Hope everyone had a nice holiday season...best present was a Barnes and Noble gift card from my sister---purchased WAR AS THEY KNEW IT...about Michigan-Ohio State in the 70's--the rivalry that made me a football fan forever.
Thumbnail thoughts on the hardwood...
Nice bounceback win by Georgetown--it looks as though the young players are starting to click...but what a meat-grinder of a schedule for Coach Thompson's team.
Maryland minus quality big men this winter will ebb and flow on how well they shoot on a given evening--so be prepared for comebacks like Georgia Tech and head-scratchers like Morgan State.
George Washington is a work in progress...a young team in a league where there are wins to be had but where the road is very unforgiving like last year.
American looks to have another fantastic season in the Patriot League--it's a given Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer will produce; how well the Eagles fare will hinge on the supporting players.
George Mason doesn't rebuild--they reload...unstoppable at home and bolstered by Doc Nix and the best college pep band in the region.
Howard can at least hang its hat on being able to beat the brother in law of the president-elects team (Oregon State).
Early returns on 24...impressed with the action-- nice fight with Tony... I buy the new president much more than "Wayne Palmer"...gee, very surprised CTU I mean FBI has a computer specialist with limited social skills...and oh my--dissension in the Cabinet plus another mole working with the bad guys? I wish they named Janine Garofaolo's character "Eolhc" or something Chloe-esque... because that seems to be the part she's playing. Major stunner when the suspect was shot right before he gave Jack the information he was looking for.
Proposed subplot--bring Kim Bauer back as an undercover agent who is infiltrating a sorority house--the only way she can find the microfilm she's searching for is to engage the co-eds in a multi-hour pillow-fight.
Thumbnail thoughts on the hardwood...
Nice bounceback win by Georgetown--it looks as though the young players are starting to click...but what a meat-grinder of a schedule for Coach Thompson's team.
Maryland minus quality big men this winter will ebb and flow on how well they shoot on a given evening--so be prepared for comebacks like Georgia Tech and head-scratchers like Morgan State.
George Washington is a work in progress...a young team in a league where there are wins to be had but where the road is very unforgiving like last year.
American looks to have another fantastic season in the Patriot League--it's a given Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer will produce; how well the Eagles fare will hinge on the supporting players.
George Mason doesn't rebuild--they reload...unstoppable at home and bolstered by Doc Nix and the best college pep band in the region.
Howard can at least hang its hat on being able to beat the brother in law of the president-elects team (Oregon State).
Early returns on 24...impressed with the action-- nice fight with Tony... I buy the new president much more than "Wayne Palmer"...gee, very surprised CTU I mean FBI has a computer specialist with limited social skills...and oh my--dissension in the Cabinet plus another mole working with the bad guys? I wish they named Janine Garofaolo's character "Eolhc" or something Chloe-esque... because that seems to be the part she's playing. Major stunner when the suspect was shot right before he gave Jack the information he was looking for.
Proposed subplot--bring Kim Bauer back as an undercover agent who is infiltrating a sorority house--the only way she can find the microfilm she's searching for is to engage the co-eds in a multi-hour pillow-fight.
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