I am not a "Christmas Cheer" person. It is a bunch of contrived and insincere bullshit. We can't be nice to others the other 11 months of the year? Really, are people kinder to each other during the Christmas season? No, they run each other over and display no patience with their fellow man as they prowl the malls looking for holiday swag. How jolly. It is a mad rush to get to a day of consumption. U.S.A. !!!
Merry Christmas to the Atlanta Falcons and the Arkansas Razorback football players. Rookie Falcon head coach, Bobby Petrino, pulls a "duck" and leaves the franchise with three games left and doesn't have the balls to face the players and tell them. A "duck" is the move you make at a bar, when you want to get out of there and one guy keeps calling you a "pussy" and keeps buying rounds. You go to the bathroom and sneak out the back door without saying goodbye. It's a weenie move. Man up and tell your boys that you are cutting out. Really.
Anyway, this bag of crap leaves his team because he can't hack it and runs back to college. Now, the poor Arkansas football players, who can't choose their coach, are stuck with this low-life. One recruit withdrew his commitment and told the truth; He couldn't play for a guy who was so obviously untrustworthy. Good for him. Shame on the Arkansas AD for enabling this kind of behavior and subjecting young men to this mercenary asshole.
Petrino made $5 million with the Falcons and will make 3 million instead with Arkansas. With this kind of money, these coaches could give a care. The man has no honor, no sense of responsibility, no commitment and has no qualities of a real man. Petrino has the nerve to tell the media that he doesn't want to "dwell on the past," but wants to "look to the future." Of course he does. That serves his interests and allows him to avoid looking in the mirror. To top it all off, he acts like a real clown at the Arkansas press conference, one day after ass-reaming the NFL Falcons, by doing the Razorback "SOOEY PIG" cheer with a big "I just got paroled" smile on his face. If I was an Atlanta player, I would hunt Petrino down, slap in the face and tell him, as Don Corleone told Johnny Fontaine, "You can ACT LIKE A MAN!!!" How can this guy look at his children with any shred of self-respect.
Merry Christmas to Bear fans everywhere. What did Santa Papa Bear get us this year? A coach who is so arrogant and stupid that he can't take media questions about his sorry-ass team. Lovie needs to start telling the truth. He owes it to Bear fans. We buy the tickets; we allow him to make a living coaching a game; we help pay his salary. Maybe Lovie doesn't feel the "media" is entitled to know why Greg Olsen is not on the field, but I am entitled to know. They won't let me ask the questions to Lovie, so the writers do. Answer the questions, honestly. It's football not national security. I am really sick of this guy. Is this obvious?
Forgive my Grinchy frown. Christmas to me is about the five faces I see every morning. It is about the people I love and respect outside my four walls. It is about the birth of a savior, a faith in the goodness of man and a hope of heaven. To me, that is a daily reflection. In my world, everyday is Christmas.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
This Is What I'm Talking About...No, It's Not the Bears.
If you caught the Monday Night tilt between the Patriots and Ravens, you saw professional football at its best. The great thing about the Pats quest to go undefeated is watching their opponents elevate their play and effort to the highest level. The Ravens played their asses off. The Pats fought for their 12-0 lives. It was not about money last night. It was about pride. It was about beating and being the best. It was the finest football players in the world playing at their peak. You don't see this kind of game during the regular season very often. Lately, the Pats are getting to play in these games. I have said it before and will say it again, watch this team.
That being said, the Ravens are whining like bitches. "The refs stole the game." Bullshit. I love it when the losing player says, "You can't call a penalty on fourth down or in the fourth quarter. Let the players decide it on the field." Well, that is fine, unless you actually commit a penalty that gives you an unfair advantage on fourth down or in the fourth quarter. The Ravens DB held the Pats receiver on fourth down with the game on the line. It was clear. He held him. The ref is supposed to eat the flag? How is that fair? You don't get to cheat because it is fourth down with the game on the line. The Ravens' complaints diminish what I considered a tremendous game on their part. They had their chances with the ball. They couldn't get it done. Look in the mirror, lads.
After a third down hold by New England forcing a punt late in the game, Patriot safety Rodney Harrison walked past the Ravens bench and talked some smack. This caused Ravens Coach Brian Billick to make three "kissing-smooch" faces to Harrison. This was hilarious on multiple levels. First of all, this game was so fierce, all professionalism was thrown out the window. This was a street fight. Good Times. More importantly, it highlighted the fact that Billick has no lips. Can a man with no lips effectively perform the "kiss-smooch" face? Did Harrison win the confrontation because of Billick's liplessness? We don't even know what Harrison said to provoke the "kisses." Does Billick maintain credibility without lips? It is like having the Larry Linville "Frank Burns" character from M.A.S.H as your head coach. Rod Blagoevich has no lips. This does not bode well for Billick.
That being said, the Ravens are whining like bitches. "The refs stole the game." Bullshit. I love it when the losing player says, "You can't call a penalty on fourth down or in the fourth quarter. Let the players decide it on the field." Well, that is fine, unless you actually commit a penalty that gives you an unfair advantage on fourth down or in the fourth quarter. The Ravens DB held the Pats receiver on fourth down with the game on the line. It was clear. He held him. The ref is supposed to eat the flag? How is that fair? You don't get to cheat because it is fourth down with the game on the line. The Ravens' complaints diminish what I considered a tremendous game on their part. They had their chances with the ball. They couldn't get it done. Look in the mirror, lads.
After a third down hold by New England forcing a punt late in the game, Patriot safety Rodney Harrison walked past the Ravens bench and talked some smack. This caused Ravens Coach Brian Billick to make three "kissing-smooch" faces to Harrison. This was hilarious on multiple levels. First of all, this game was so fierce, all professionalism was thrown out the window. This was a street fight. Good Times. More importantly, it highlighted the fact that Billick has no lips. Can a man with no lips effectively perform the "kiss-smooch" face? Did Harrison win the confrontation because of Billick's liplessness? We don't even know what Harrison said to provoke the "kisses." Does Billick maintain credibility without lips? It is like having the Larry Linville "Frank Burns" character from M.A.S.H as your head coach. Rod Blagoevich has no lips. This does not bode well for Billick.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Just Look Away. It Only Hurts for a Second.
People always come up to me and ask "How can you get excited and root for these Bears when they play like this." OK, no one really comes up to me, ever, and asks me about the Bears. I think I scare people a little. The answer is "I don't stay excited." I am easily able to lose interest in a pathetic Bear team. I can look at the talent, the coaching and be objective in my fandom. I am grounded in reality when it comes to the Bears. I will watch every game despite their record. But my love of football does not rest solely on the Bears. I love sports and competition. That is what inspires me and that has been true since I was a little fan.
When I was a kid, if I wasn't playing sports, I was watching sports or reading about sports. I was always playing ball outside with my friends. I could always find a game or get one going. I watched every sport I could find on the 6 channels we used to get back in the 70's and 80's. When ESPN was born, I was there. I have read every decent sports book ever written. That was fanaticism. My roommate in college and I just talked about this same thing, how sports-obsessed we were. He is one of my best friends. That is the foundation of our relationship. It is always our shared experiences at games. That is where it all gets done. We talk about our lives, dreams, goals, setbacks and accomplishments while either at a game or watching the game or calling to talk about the game. It is what my father and I always shared until the end. It was one of my great accomplishments in life to take my dad to great games and get great seats. I promised myself I would do that. I also told him how much it meant for me to do that with him. The few people that I consider my best friends are sports fanatics. It is not a long list of people, but it is a long list of games.
As I have gotten older, my sports obsession has waned. I have narrowed the field tremendously. Football season and college basketball until March Madness and then I go on hiatus. I have dropped the baseball and the Australian Rules football. My attachment to a particular player is all but gone. It is the pure competition that keeps me interested, that and a chance to see a game with my friends. I could be in the endzone at Montini, the visiting fans section in Gainesville, up and in the corner for the Illini comeback to go to the Final Four (remember that one), high up on Rocky Top or at the Bears NFC championship game with my new sports buddy, and I can feel like a kid for just a few hours. A family of four and a law practice means I can't act like a kid, but I can pretend.
When I was a kid, if I wasn't playing sports, I was watching sports or reading about sports. I was always playing ball outside with my friends. I could always find a game or get one going. I watched every sport I could find on the 6 channels we used to get back in the 70's and 80's. When ESPN was born, I was there. I have read every decent sports book ever written. That was fanaticism. My roommate in college and I just talked about this same thing, how sports-obsessed we were. He is one of my best friends. That is the foundation of our relationship. It is always our shared experiences at games. That is where it all gets done. We talk about our lives, dreams, goals, setbacks and accomplishments while either at a game or watching the game or calling to talk about the game. It is what my father and I always shared until the end. It was one of my great accomplishments in life to take my dad to great games and get great seats. I promised myself I would do that. I also told him how much it meant for me to do that with him. The few people that I consider my best friends are sports fanatics. It is not a long list of people, but it is a long list of games.
As I have gotten older, my sports obsession has waned. I have narrowed the field tremendously. Football season and college basketball until March Madness and then I go on hiatus. I have dropped the baseball and the Australian Rules football. My attachment to a particular player is all but gone. It is the pure competition that keeps me interested, that and a chance to see a game with my friends. I could be in the endzone at Montini, the visiting fans section in Gainesville, up and in the corner for the Illini comeback to go to the Final Four (remember that one), high up on Rocky Top or at the Bears NFC championship game with my new sports buddy, and I can feel like a kid for just a few hours. A family of four and a law practice means I can't act like a kid, but I can pretend.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Stop. Hey. What's That Sound? It's Cedric Benson Falling Down.
I have heard enough talk about this pathetic Bear rushing attack to last a lifetime. It is a very simple issue. The guy that they hand the ball won't run hard through the line of scrimmage. I will be the first one to tell you that the Bears O-line is overrated. But they are not "worst in the league" bad. Cedric Benson is that bad. Just watch him stop at the line of scrimmage or tip-toe to the blocking. It is sickening. He also has this delusion that he can go sideways like Barry Sanders. Uh, no, you cannot. On top of it all, he hasn't broken a tackle all year. It infuriates me that Lovie Smith will not admit that they can't get it done with Benson. It makes me realize how much rebuilding is necessary. I am disheartened.
Another problem is this Tommy Harris. He is very undisciplined and, this really hurts to say, selfish. It starts with that jumping the snap count stuff that he pulled early this year. The Bear coaches got that nonsense under control. But now he is not doing his job. He is over penetrating, looking for stats and sacks, and that makes the D vulnerable to the run. I have been watching this for weeks, and hoped it was a desperate effort to make something good happen. Now, I see it as selfish. He is a two gap control tackle. He sack numbers should not be high. They are not needed in this scheme. Also, Mark Anderson should only be playing on passing downs. He over penetrates on every play. I think Alex Brown is getting the shaft. He is a more consistent run defender. He is a good teammate; he does his job. It kills me that Alfonso Boone is having a great year in Kansas City. This is another example of the incompetence of our player evaluation. I believe that Lovie is now more involved with the personnel decisions. This is the result. Let's let Jerry Angelo run that show. I would not be surprised to hear this leak out.
Can we permanently acknowledge that we suck on offense and blow this thing up? I did enjoy seeing the return of the deep ball to Berrian. The Raider game was a stinker. Unwatchable. Seattle is solid and efficient. Hopefully, a loss will stop any and I mean ANY talk of playoffs. If this Bear team makes the playoffs, the NFL should disband for one year, reduce the number of teams, and start over in 2009 with a better product. This parity bullshit is making for bad football. There are 4 teams playing good football on a consistent basis. The rest are crap. The beat down that the Patriots are putting on the league exposes the crap. It really is getting too complicated. More play, less think. Who wants these idiots thinking anyway?
Another problem is this Tommy Harris. He is very undisciplined and, this really hurts to say, selfish. It starts with that jumping the snap count stuff that he pulled early this year. The Bear coaches got that nonsense under control. But now he is not doing his job. He is over penetrating, looking for stats and sacks, and that makes the D vulnerable to the run. I have been watching this for weeks, and hoped it was a desperate effort to make something good happen. Now, I see it as selfish. He is a two gap control tackle. He sack numbers should not be high. They are not needed in this scheme. Also, Mark Anderson should only be playing on passing downs. He over penetrates on every play. I think Alex Brown is getting the shaft. He is a more consistent run defender. He is a good teammate; he does his job. It kills me that Alfonso Boone is having a great year in Kansas City. This is another example of the incompetence of our player evaluation. I believe that Lovie is now more involved with the personnel decisions. This is the result. Let's let Jerry Angelo run that show. I would not be surprised to hear this leak out.
Can we permanently acknowledge that we suck on offense and blow this thing up? I did enjoy seeing the return of the deep ball to Berrian. The Raider game was a stinker. Unwatchable. Seattle is solid and efficient. Hopefully, a loss will stop any and I mean ANY talk of playoffs. If this Bear team makes the playoffs, the NFL should disband for one year, reduce the number of teams, and start over in 2009 with a better product. This parity bullshit is making for bad football. There are 4 teams playing good football on a consistent basis. The rest are crap. The beat down that the Patriots are putting on the league exposes the crap. It really is getting too complicated. More play, less think. Who wants these idiots thinking anyway?
Friday, November 9, 2007
Bears Not Needed to Induce Labor
No need to fall back on the child-birth last resort, watching the 2007 Bears to kick start Kathleen's contractions. With the past bye week, the baby was allowed to remain in utero for another few days. It's Friday, November 9, 2007, and it looks like the baby is coming today. Hopefully, we will be watching the Bears/Raiders game at home, suffering as a family.
Ruben Brown, offensive guard emeritus, has been placed on the DL and is lost for the season. Good riddance. He lowers the team's average age a whole year just by his removal from the roster.
Pro Football Weekly (I am a subscriber) rips Lovie Smith in this week's issue. The most compelling point made is that Lovie sucks at player evaluation. I agree. He has to get out of the player personnel business and focus solely on coaching. Standing pat on offense this past off-season was a major blunder. You saw this coming. He needs to show a little less loyalty to unproductive players. A sense of urgency is needed in that locker room. That and a fear of losing your job. See the work product of Jimmy Johnson and Bill Belichick. When money is involved, fear can be extremely motivating.
If the Bears can get Michael Turner (RB-San Diego) in free agency after this season, it will be a good off-season. We need him, bad. They need to make a strong push for him. I also see Donovan McNabb popping up as a potential future Bear. I am O.K. with that as long as the price is not out of control. There was also mention of J.P. Losman. Noooooo! Run for the hills. I have three words for that guy. Rex Grossman Lite.
If the Bears are serious about getting better, we should see Kyle Orton very soon. Remember, Orton has started in the League and has won some games. After a few years on the sideline, I am curios to see what he has got. No harm in trying. Really, where are we going with this season.
I watched the replay of the Adrian Peterson record-shattering rushing game vs. San Diego. Mind you, AP is the goods. Strength and speed to burn, runs hard, plays behind his pads and has the vision all great backs have. Also, San Diego's run defense is no pushover. But folks, that team blocked superbly. The line, receivers and tight end put on a clinic. They should print copies of that tape and sell it to coaches because that was zone blocking done to perfection. Stay with those blocks, Old Bears.
Off to the Hospital. New Bears fan coming. Some father I am, subjecting my daughter to a lifetime of futile fandom. Well, why should she get to be happy?
Ruben Brown, offensive guard emeritus, has been placed on the DL and is lost for the season. Good riddance. He lowers the team's average age a whole year just by his removal from the roster.
Pro Football Weekly (I am a subscriber) rips Lovie Smith in this week's issue. The most compelling point made is that Lovie sucks at player evaluation. I agree. He has to get out of the player personnel business and focus solely on coaching. Standing pat on offense this past off-season was a major blunder. You saw this coming. He needs to show a little less loyalty to unproductive players. A sense of urgency is needed in that locker room. That and a fear of losing your job. See the work product of Jimmy Johnson and Bill Belichick. When money is involved, fear can be extremely motivating.
If the Bears can get Michael Turner (RB-San Diego) in free agency after this season, it will be a good off-season. We need him, bad. They need to make a strong push for him. I also see Donovan McNabb popping up as a potential future Bear. I am O.K. with that as long as the price is not out of control. There was also mention of J.P. Losman. Noooooo! Run for the hills. I have three words for that guy. Rex Grossman Lite.
If the Bears are serious about getting better, we should see Kyle Orton very soon. Remember, Orton has started in the League and has won some games. After a few years on the sideline, I am curios to see what he has got. No harm in trying. Really, where are we going with this season.
I watched the replay of the Adrian Peterson record-shattering rushing game vs. San Diego. Mind you, AP is the goods. Strength and speed to burn, runs hard, plays behind his pads and has the vision all great backs have. Also, San Diego's run defense is no pushover. But folks, that team blocked superbly. The line, receivers and tight end put on a clinic. They should print copies of that tape and sell it to coaches because that was zone blocking done to perfection. Stay with those blocks, Old Bears.
Off to the Hospital. New Bears fan coming. Some father I am, subjecting my daughter to a lifetime of futile fandom. Well, why should she get to be happy?
Friday, October 26, 2007
A Dollop of WhipCream on a Crap Sundae
I didn't come up with the caption above, but I like it. It sums up how I feel about anything good that the Bears accomplish this season. We are getting no closer to a championship team. In fact, we are moving further away from a Super Bowl. It is time to find out who can play at the highest level. If you can't, then beat it.
I hate the survival instinct of NFL coaches. They have to win to save their jobs. So as a result, they try to win "right now" as opposed to doing what is best for the future. As a fan, I could care less about these coaches. If we are not good enough to win the Super Bowl this year, I don't care if we scrape together 8 or 9 wins and lose a playoff game. I want to do whatever it takes to get better. If Benson sucks, don't play him and put in someone or find someone who can. Let's find out if Kyle Orton can play. Play some rookies and backups. Make this season worthwhile instead of hitting up fans for worthless playoff tickets .
Speaking of "who can't," Cedric Benson tops the list. I would love to continue to delude myself into believing that the "lightswitch" will soon be flipped on, but really, I would be wasting energy. He cannot do this NFL running back thing. He is a bust. We wasted a first round draft pick on this load. Lovie still wants us to buy his theory that we are a running team. How much more of this coach can we stand? My boys at FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS.COM have the Bears rush offense DEAD LAST! (Wow, caps and excessive punctuation) So, we must be a passing team because our pass offense is 27th out of 32 teams. Why doesn't Lovie just tell us that we actually have won all 7 games. Maybe we'll believe that too. Fuckin' lying bastard. It's like passing a kidney stone, writing this.
I have not been to a game since Dallas, and I'm not going back this year. I can't sit out there, frustrated, with all that is going on at home and at work. It is a long day. Better to be home and shut off the TV if necessary. I want the comfort of home while I suffer. Wouldn't we all like to die in our own beds with our loved ones by our side? Is this too extreme of an example?
I will be tailgating in my driveway this Sunday. Sunny and temps in the 50's. I will roll out the big Weber, play some bags with the girls and fire up some brats and burgers. Maybe I can get the cable hooked up and watch the game outside. I have always wanted to do this. Big aspirations, I know. Also, I am aware that some may wonder how I can celebrate a Bears Sunday after my increasingly negative comments and outlook. That's the M.O. of an addict, enthused about the next fix yet certain to rage against the subsequent crash. At least the grill never disappoints.
I hate the survival instinct of NFL coaches. They have to win to save their jobs. So as a result, they try to win "right now" as opposed to doing what is best for the future. As a fan, I could care less about these coaches. If we are not good enough to win the Super Bowl this year, I don't care if we scrape together 8 or 9 wins and lose a playoff game. I want to do whatever it takes to get better. If Benson sucks, don't play him and put in someone or find someone who can. Let's find out if Kyle Orton can play. Play some rookies and backups. Make this season worthwhile instead of hitting up fans for worthless playoff tickets .
Speaking of "who can't," Cedric Benson tops the list. I would love to continue to delude myself into believing that the "lightswitch" will soon be flipped on, but really, I would be wasting energy. He cannot do this NFL running back thing. He is a bust. We wasted a first round draft pick on this load. Lovie still wants us to buy his theory that we are a running team. How much more of this coach can we stand? My boys at FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS.COM have the Bears rush offense DEAD LAST! (Wow, caps and excessive punctuation) So, we must be a passing team because our pass offense is 27th out of 32 teams. Why doesn't Lovie just tell us that we actually have won all 7 games. Maybe we'll believe that too. Fuckin' lying bastard. It's like passing a kidney stone, writing this.
I have not been to a game since Dallas, and I'm not going back this year. I can't sit out there, frustrated, with all that is going on at home and at work. It is a long day. Better to be home and shut off the TV if necessary. I want the comfort of home while I suffer. Wouldn't we all like to die in our own beds with our loved ones by our side? Is this too extreme of an example?
I will be tailgating in my driveway this Sunday. Sunny and temps in the 50's. I will roll out the big Weber, play some bags with the girls and fire up some brats and burgers. Maybe I can get the cable hooked up and watch the game outside. I have always wanted to do this. Big aspirations, I know. Also, I am aware that some may wonder how I can celebrate a Bears Sunday after my increasingly negative comments and outlook. That's the M.O. of an addict, enthused about the next fix yet certain to rage against the subsequent crash. At least the grill never disappoints.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Yeah, I've Been Watching.
It's been awhile; I'm busy with life. Just closed out a frustrating 6th grade football season with two straight wins. Final record 2-6. Glad it's over. Also, I just found out that I have a new daughter coming in 26 days, and, you will love this, I am a lawyer. Back to work, old man. College and weddings and Bears.
I watched the Bears play one great defensive half of football and steal a win in Green Bay. Possible season saver. Then, an absolute disgraceful performance against Minnesota...quoting Michael Corleone..."IN MY HOME! WHERE MY WIFE SLEEPS, WHERE MY CHILDREN PLAY WITH THEIR TOYS!" The Bears defense must return the title of "formidable defense." As my Jewish buddy says, "They are an ashande to the goyim." That means "they suck." I can't even talk about this, I will break out in hives.
I have been in this situation before. By situation, I mean where the season is over by week 7. These are the Chicago Bears; lousy seasons are not rare. That is when you must find the college game, or even better, high school football. If you feed the addiction by overdosing on ballgames Friday night and Saturday, you can actually go to the mall, shop, miss the Bears game, avoid the gut-punch fallout after they play like crap, and actually enjoy a Sunday in autumn. Much easier to do if you live downtown-lots to do. In WESTBURBIA, it's the mall.
As for this week, wait who do they play, oh yeah, Philly at Philly. By the way, the cheesesteak, not overrated. The Eagles are reeling. Nothing like a late afternoon with Lovie to get them healthy. That's pessimistic, but I am pissed. A rookie running back sets an all-time rushing record against a Bears defense that supposedly turned the corner. Our running back can't stop slamming into the backs of his own lineman. We pay him millions to sniff their asses. Where is that hydrocortisone cream? I am itchy.
I watched the Bears play one great defensive half of football and steal a win in Green Bay. Possible season saver. Then, an absolute disgraceful performance against Minnesota...quoting Michael Corleone..."IN MY HOME! WHERE MY WIFE SLEEPS, WHERE MY CHILDREN PLAY WITH THEIR TOYS!" The Bears defense must return the title of "formidable defense." As my Jewish buddy says, "They are an ashande to the goyim." That means "they suck." I can't even talk about this, I will break out in hives.
I have been in this situation before. By situation, I mean where the season is over by week 7. These are the Chicago Bears; lousy seasons are not rare. That is when you must find the college game, or even better, high school football. If you feed the addiction by overdosing on ballgames Friday night and Saturday, you can actually go to the mall, shop, miss the Bears game, avoid the gut-punch fallout after they play like crap, and actually enjoy a Sunday in autumn. Much easier to do if you live downtown-lots to do. In WESTBURBIA, it's the mall.
As for this week, wait who do they play, oh yeah, Philly at Philly. By the way, the cheesesteak, not overrated. The Eagles are reeling. Nothing like a late afternoon with Lovie to get them healthy. That's pessimistic, but I am pissed. A rookie running back sets an all-time rushing record against a Bears defense that supposedly turned the corner. Our running back can't stop slamming into the backs of his own lineman. We pay him millions to sniff their asses. Where is that hydrocortisone cream? I am itchy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
