Who knew Woody Johnson reads this blog?
I am actually surprised Eric Mangini was fired after the Dolphins game capped off another epic Jets late-season collapse (the Daily News did a recap of all of them - read if you want to be amused/depressed.) I didn't think they'd actually go through with it.
I obviously agree that Mangini had to go - I said so last week, his decision making and play calling have been terrible for most of the last two years. Not to mention the following other reasons:
- Drafting Vernon Gholston, one of the most obvious going-to-be-a-bust picks ever
- Failing to develop Kellen Clemens
- Punting far too often inside the opponents 50
- Conservative play calling in crunch time, which has been an issue all year (read this recap from the first game of the year, and I'm complaining about it then, too)
- Fouling up the Pete Kendall situation last year, which cost the team at least 4 wins
- Creating a weird police-like-state around the team, forbidding coaches and players to talk to the media, and playing dumb games with the injury report
- Not making effective halftime adjustments
- Being at the helm during an unforgivable collapse at the end of the year this year
The last one is key. The Jets were 8-3, coming off two huge road wins. You can forgive losing to Denver in the rain, since that was a trap game. But the losses to San Francisco and Seattle were unforgivable. Not to mention losing to Oakland.
Once you have a collapse like that, though, you can't come back. If they start out slow next year, then everyone says "why did you keep him?" If they start out well, everyone says "yeah, but the collapse is coming, just wait." It's a no-win situation.
Hey, I wanted Mangini to do well. When they hired him, I was glad that they went with someone like him instead of a failed retread like Mike Sherman or Mike Tice, both of whom they considered at the time.
And I have a feeling Mangini will do well at his next job. He was a bit over his head with this one, and had a bit of bad luck along the way (this year wasn't all his fault, by any means.)
But after how this season ended, he couldn't come back.
Speaking of people who don't need to come back, please, go ahead and retire, Brett Favre.
He was beyond terrible in the Dolphins game. He threw three picks that were all 100% his fault, and that cost the Jets the game, since the rest of the team played reasonably well, well enough to win if Favre played like, say, Chad Pennington.
Okay, I'll remind everyone here that I was against the Favre signing from the beginning. But that didn't mean I thought Pennington was the right guy, either. In fact, I said that back in March. So, sure, Pennington had a career year, but I think he had to go to another team to do that. And, class guy that he is, I can't help but feel good for him, even though he did it for the team I hate more than any other. The point is, no revisionist history here - the Jets shouldn't have kept Pennington, but I didn't think Favre was the answer, either.
Back to Favre's three terrible picks against the Dolphins.
One was just a lollipop heave on a double move by Leon Washington. Leon had absolutely no chance to catch it, and the Dolphins DB just had to ease back and catch the duck. Horrible throw.
The second one was right to the Miami defensive lineman. Favre tried to throw a screen, but it was covered. Favre needed to, you know, actually look before he threw it, and he would have seen the guy. He didn't, and Miami gets a cheap TD.
The third one, he threw way high on a quick slant, on the most important drive of the game, at the end, which led to the game being virtually over.
All three, all Favre's fault.
He's old, he's washed up, he can't play a full season at a high level any more. I don't care if he was injured or whatever. He's going to be 40 next year. Fucking retire, and spare us all the frustration of watching him as a shell of his former self.
So, yeah, anyway, it was fitting that they lose to Chad's Dolphins on the last day of a particularly frustrating season. Just to twist the knife in a little deeper, with lemon juice.
The only positive thing that came out of this game was that with Miami and Baltimore both winning, New England got to be 11-5 and miss the playoffs. This was arguably Belichick's most impressive coaching job, with all the injuries they had to key guys, and he gets bupkus in return. That makes me feel just slightly better.
I'll do a full season wrap-up next week, and look at where this team is and where it seems to be headed (though I don't think I'm going to like it.) By then, there may already be a new coach. Probably not, knowing how this team does things, but who knows anything anymore, other than that this season is officially over?
Actually, I know this, as a lifelong Jets fan: in December, there is always pessimism and bitterness. In August, we always trick ourselves into forgetting December. Next year, I'm sure, will be no different, on any level.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
QB Rankings, Part II
Earlier in the season we did a blog about Ron D’s QB rankings. Well the rest if the NFL Season has only made him more sullen and angry at the terrible quarterback play in the league. So for a Final week wrap up we once again unveil the new update Ron D’s QB Rankings, again this survey was by no means scientific and there is no factual data to back this stuff up, just 50 years of watching football and coaching it on various levels. We will rank anyone who has started a game this season.
ELITE-
Tom Brady, Brett Favre (clearly career based), Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner
ABOVE AVERAGE-
Kerry Collins, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb, Matt Ryan, Drew Breese
AVERAGE-
Matt Cassell, Chad Pennington, Joe Flacco, Carson Palmer, Vince Young, Matt Schaub. Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Jon Kitna, Daunte Culpepper, Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, Matt Hasslebeck
TERRIBLE-
Byron Leftwich, Derek Anderson, David Garrard, Jay Cutler, Jamarcus Russell, Brad Johnson, Rex Grossman, Dan Orlovsky, Brian Griese, Seneca Wallace, Marc Bulger, Trent Green
THIGPEN (this category used to be named STINKS but has been changed to honor the only lifetime member, Tyler Thigpen)
Trent Edwards, JP Losman (I think Ron wanted a category even lower than Thigpen for this guy), Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey, Bruce Gradkowski, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sage Rosenfels, Andrew Walter, Brody Croyle, Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, Shaun Hill, JT O’Sullivan
ELITE-
Tom Brady, Brett Favre (clearly career based), Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner
ABOVE AVERAGE-
Kerry Collins, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb, Matt Ryan, Drew Breese
AVERAGE-
Matt Cassell, Chad Pennington, Joe Flacco, Carson Palmer, Vince Young, Matt Schaub. Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Jon Kitna, Daunte Culpepper, Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, Matt Hasslebeck
TERRIBLE-
Byron Leftwich, Derek Anderson, David Garrard, Jay Cutler, Jamarcus Russell, Brad Johnson, Rex Grossman, Dan Orlovsky, Brian Griese, Seneca Wallace, Marc Bulger, Trent Green
THIGPEN (this category used to be named STINKS but has been changed to honor the only lifetime member, Tyler Thigpen)
Trent Edwards, JP Losman (I think Ron wanted a category even lower than Thigpen for this guy), Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey, Bruce Gradkowski, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sage Rosenfels, Andrew Walter, Brody Croyle, Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, Shaun Hill, JT O’Sullivan
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Here Come The Warm Jets: Week 16 2008
Yes, I was actually in Seattle to see perhaps the worst game in New York Jets history. It's fitting.
Let me say first, though, that it's a really nice stadium. We were towards the top, but at the 50 yard line, so we had a pretty nice view. Plus, that part of the stadium is covered, so it wasn't snowing on us. And I've been to enough cold weather games to know how to stay warm, so, comfort-wise, it wasn't bad at all.
Also, let me give some credit to Seattle fans. They are loud, and take a lot of pride in that goofy "12th Man" gimmick. They were loud even for this game, which stunk, and for their team, which has stunk all year.
Now, to this debacle of a game. Which is really the culmination of a four-game collapse (the Buffalo win only delayed the inevitable, and it was a gift from a dumb team.)
This is one of the worst chokes in recent New York sports history. Not quite as bad as the Mets the last two years or the Yankees blowing a 3-0 lead to the Red Sox in the ALCS (am I trying to make all the other authors of this blog have painful memories of their teams' collapses, so they can share in my misery? Yes, yes I am.) But to go from 8-3 and one game up in the division to 9-6 and needing a lot of help to even make the playoffs, it's still spectacularly bad.
I can't describe to you what it's like to watch a team that has its season on the line play that bad. The offense was atrocious. Favre wasn't good, and looked like the washed up 39 year old QB that he is. The receivers weren't good, either, barely ever getting open. The defense was pathetic. If you give up over 100 yards to Maurice freakin' Morris, you should be ashamed. If you can't sack Seneca Wallace playing behind a line made up ENTIRELY of backups, you should give back your game check.
But here's who was the worst: the coach, Eric Mangini.
The call to kick the FG on the first drive, instead of going for it on 4th and inches, set the tone for the game. Which is an emotionless, passionless, nutless tone.
However, at least that call is somewhat forgiveable. It's vaginal, but not illogical. The conventional wisdom in bad-weather games is take the points early.
The unforgiveable call, though, came late in the game. Somehow, the Jets got a delay of game penalty prior to kicking a 45-yard field goal. The penalty puts them back at about the 32 yard line. Instead of trying the kick again, or going for it, Mangini calls for a punt.
Not to get all Gregg Easterbrook on you, but you cannot punt the ball from inside your opponents 35 yard line and win games. You just don't win that way.
What the fuck is the point of that punt, especially that late in the game? Even if you pin them inside the 10, its only a difference of 20 or 30 yards. That doesn't mean dick.
Who cares if it's 4th and 12 at that point? If you go for it, you could get the first down. Or draw a penalty. Or even if you don't get it, you still give them the ball at their own 20 or 30. Same thing if you throw a pick or fumble.
Punting in that situation means you are a coward. That means you only care about how the loss looks, and not about winning the game.
Mangini was supposed to be a Belichick disciple. Well, Bill Belichick never, ever, ever punts from there. He either tries the FG or he goes for it. He says to his offense that he believes they can make it. He says to his defense that he believes that the extra 20 yards or so doesn't matter, because they can stop the other team either way.
This is the second week in a row that Mangini has made the call to punt relatively deep in their opponent's territory. He got away with it last week because Dick Jauron and JP Losman gave him a gift. Christmas didn't come twice.
Mangini's coaching decisions have been shaky all year. He tries to be too cute with the gameplanning and all that, and ends up outsmarting himself. He gets way too conservative in crunch time and in big games. And he has not shown that he can get a team to play reasonably consistent over a full season. This year, there weren't really any injuries or freak things that give him an excuse. The owner spent a lot of money to bring in the free agents at positions that he wanted. They have enough talent to be competitive in the AFC, as evidenced by the second New England game and the Tennessee game. They should have been able to get it done, but they did not. Plain and simple. When that happens, someone has to be held accountable.
So after watching this game, the following things have become clear:
1) They will not beat Miami next week. Which will doubly embarassing since Chad Pennington is going to be quietly gloating about it.
2) Brett Favre needs to retire. He is finished. He can't play in cold weather anymore, and he can't play well for a full season anymore. It's okay, he's 39. But it's time to wrap his HOF career up.
3) Mangini needs to go. And he can take Schottenheimer and Sutton with him. They have the stench of losing, failure, and weakness all over them. If those guys are the coaches next year, this team wins 4 games, max.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Giant problem solver
I start this post with the score tied at 28-28 against the Panthers, but this isn't influenced by the outcome of this game. Regardless, the Giants will be at home for their first playoff game and have already passed last year's regular season win total.
I was thinking about this during last week's loss to Dallas - the fact that for the past five to seven years, since about when Jesse Armstead left the team, how Giant linebackers have been completely unable to cover anyone in the flat and underneath.
Antonio Pierce is clearly a good run stopper at MLB and a good captain. I mean, who else would be side by side with Cheddar Bob Burress when he shot himself and handicapped this offense.
But he's a horrible pass defender, that's just an obvious fact. I was talking to the Fat Man about this during the week and threw out the idea of scrapping a middle linebacker and moving safety Kenny Phillips into that position, like colleges like South Carolina have used for years.
But then with the drafting genius that Jerry Reese has shown over the past couple of years, you have to think he's thought of this already. That's why he hasn't given AP a contract extension and that's why he drafted two different linebackers in the past draft.
Injuries are a part of the game, but it can also be part of your future plans and effect them subsequently. We all forget that Justin Tuck was supposed to be part of a two-man replacement team for Michael Straham along with Osi U (I'm not even going to try).
When he went down, the focus went to Tuck but it also meant that Mathias Kiwanuka (I'm sure I don't have that right) moved from the outside linebacker position he'd been working on for a year and moved back to defensive end.
So needless to say, if Osi doesn't go down it's safe to say that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo could have tested out guys like Brady Clark and Chase Blackburn at that MLB instead of being forced to move them outside. Then again, maybe he pushed the envelope and admits that the days of the traditional linebacker is over.
Nowadays, with Wildcat formations, four-wide out sets with one back and runners like Brandon Jacobs (6-4, 260 pounds) on the other side, you need someone who can not only contain the run from sideline to sideline but also cover those speedy scat backs on third and long.
Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher are the exceptions to the rule. For the Giants to succeed in the postseason and beyond, they'll need to be able to sucsessfully defend against backs like DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner and Kevin Faulk in the flat and underneath.
Oh and I can't wait to read what Dan writes about the Jets' debacle in Seattle.
I was thinking about this during last week's loss to Dallas - the fact that for the past five to seven years, since about when Jesse Armstead left the team, how Giant linebackers have been completely unable to cover anyone in the flat and underneath.
Antonio Pierce is clearly a good run stopper at MLB and a good captain. I mean, who else would be side by side with Cheddar Bob Burress when he shot himself and handicapped this offense.
But he's a horrible pass defender, that's just an obvious fact. I was talking to the Fat Man about this during the week and threw out the idea of scrapping a middle linebacker and moving safety Kenny Phillips into that position, like colleges like South Carolina have used for years.
But then with the drafting genius that Jerry Reese has shown over the past couple of years, you have to think he's thought of this already. That's why he hasn't given AP a contract extension and that's why he drafted two different linebackers in the past draft.
Injuries are a part of the game, but it can also be part of your future plans and effect them subsequently. We all forget that Justin Tuck was supposed to be part of a two-man replacement team for Michael Straham along with Osi U (I'm not even going to try).
When he went down, the focus went to Tuck but it also meant that Mathias Kiwanuka (I'm sure I don't have that right) moved from the outside linebacker position he'd been working on for a year and moved back to defensive end.
So needless to say, if Osi doesn't go down it's safe to say that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo could have tested out guys like Brady Clark and Chase Blackburn at that MLB instead of being forced to move them outside. Then again, maybe he pushed the envelope and admits that the days of the traditional linebacker is over.
Nowadays, with Wildcat formations, four-wide out sets with one back and runners like Brandon Jacobs (6-4, 260 pounds) on the other side, you need someone who can not only contain the run from sideline to sideline but also cover those speedy scat backs on third and long.
Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher are the exceptions to the rule. For the Giants to succeed in the postseason and beyond, they'll need to be able to sucsessfully defend against backs like DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner and Kevin Faulk in the flat and underneath.
Oh and I can't wait to read what Dan writes about the Jets' debacle in Seattle.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Further Proof Of The Best Show on TV
If you didn't see this video last night, please watch it now.
Still the funniest show on television.
While I'm here, a little plug for my political humor site, Suck My Caucus.
We've got our "Best of 2008" posts up today. Check them both out.
You won't be sorry you did.
Still the funniest show on television.
While I'm here, a little plug for my political humor site, Suck My Caucus.
We've got our "Best of 2008" posts up today. Check them both out.
You won't be sorry you did.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Here Come The Warm Jets: Week 15 2008
Thank you, Dick Jauron.
Thank you for calling for a pass with 2:06 left in the fourth, with your team up by 3 and with the Jets completely unable to stop the run.
Thank you for giving the Jets a chance to make that stupefying strip-sack-fumble-recovery-TD when they had no business having a chance to do anything.
Thank you for saving the Jets season, at least for one week.
Thank you for making the Seattle game meaningful, since I am attending that game, and as Greg said, "at least we don't have to wear paper bags on our heads."
Thank you for allowing me to forgive a rare horrible day by the Jets special teams.
Thank you for absolving the offense and defense for a mostly awful day, barring two good drives by the offense early and that run by Leon Washington.
Thank you for letting Mangini off the hook, especially for his vaginal calls to punt twice when the Jets had the ball past the 50 yard line, both of which led to the soon-to-be-ex-Jet Reggie Hodges punting the ball in the end zone.
Thank you for providing me with one of the most memorable and unbelievable moments in Jets history - it finally wasn't us that did the monumentally dumb thing.
Thank you Dick Jauron. For being you.
Thank you for calling for a pass with 2:06 left in the fourth, with your team up by 3 and with the Jets completely unable to stop the run.
Thank you for giving the Jets a chance to make that stupefying strip-sack-fumble-recovery-TD when they had no business having a chance to do anything.
Thank you for saving the Jets season, at least for one week.
Thank you for making the Seattle game meaningful, since I am attending that game, and as Greg said, "at least we don't have to wear paper bags on our heads."
Thank you for allowing me to forgive a rare horrible day by the Jets special teams.
Thank you for absolving the offense and defense for a mostly awful day, barring two good drives by the offense early and that run by Leon Washington.
Thank you for letting Mangini off the hook, especially for his vaginal calls to punt twice when the Jets had the ball past the 50 yard line, both of which led to the soon-to-be-ex-Jet Reggie Hodges punting the ball in the end zone.
Thank you for providing me with one of the most memorable and unbelievable moments in Jets history - it finally wasn't us that did the monumentally dumb thing.
Thank you Dick Jauron. For being you.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Weekend Thoughts
- Is it now okay that we didn’t invite Graham Harrell to New York for the Heisman Voting. I am not saying he wasn’t deserving of more votes or more consideration but the fact was he did not receive those votes and he was so far from the other candidates that is why they didn’t invite him.
- Tim Tebow was left off of 134 ballots. That means that 134 Heisman voters didn’t believe that he is one of the top 3 players in all of college football. Those voters should have their votes taken away and should be banned from any further access to college football games.
- How embarrassing was Billy Sims constantly yelling “BOOMER” while Sam Bradford was trying to hugs his parents and accept his award?
- Ben Roethlisberger is going to go to the NFL Hall of Fame as the ugliest winning quarterback of all time. He is terrible all game long, and then he will just have a miraculous drive and lead them to a win. He was atrocious for 56 minutes yesterday and then went 7-11 on his final drive scrambling all over the place and throwing a TD pass with :43 seconds to go.
- This weekend I watched a little more NBA and caught up on some trends in the league. The question is can anyone really beat the big 3? And I don’t mean Allen, Pierce and Garnett, I mean the Celtics, Cavaliers and Lakers. All these teams are playing lights out basketball. I guess in the Western Conference you cant really count out the Spurs or Rockets if healthy, but in the East can anyone beat the Cavs or C’s?
- Kudos need to go to ESPN. Their production Saturday night of “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” They didn’t have the original game broadcast but they pieced together what archival footage they could find with the radio boradcast and colorized the game which was cool. But the best part was them sitting down guys who played in that game with members of the Colts and Giants (the last 2 Super Bowl Champions) to watch the game and just have an open dialogue. Some of those partnerships included: Adam Vinatieri & Pat Summeral, Michael Strahan & Art Donovan, Brandon Jacobs & Lenny Moore, Tom Coughlin with Frank Gifford, Tony Dungy & Raymon Berry and Mike Tirico with Bob Wolfe the man who broadcast the game. It was a joy to watch and learn so much about the game, the players, the atmosphere and everything that that game meant.
AND
- I hate TO and can't wait for him to die
- Tim Tebow was left off of 134 ballots. That means that 134 Heisman voters didn’t believe that he is one of the top 3 players in all of college football. Those voters should have their votes taken away and should be banned from any further access to college football games.
- How embarrassing was Billy Sims constantly yelling “BOOMER” while Sam Bradford was trying to hugs his parents and accept his award?
- Ben Roethlisberger is going to go to the NFL Hall of Fame as the ugliest winning quarterback of all time. He is terrible all game long, and then he will just have a miraculous drive and lead them to a win. He was atrocious for 56 minutes yesterday and then went 7-11 on his final drive scrambling all over the place and throwing a TD pass with :43 seconds to go.
- This weekend I watched a little more NBA and caught up on some trends in the league. The question is can anyone really beat the big 3? And I don’t mean Allen, Pierce and Garnett, I mean the Celtics, Cavaliers and Lakers. All these teams are playing lights out basketball. I guess in the Western Conference you cant really count out the Spurs or Rockets if healthy, but in the East can anyone beat the Cavs or C’s?
- Kudos need to go to ESPN. Their production Saturday night of “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” They didn’t have the original game broadcast but they pieced together what archival footage they could find with the radio boradcast and colorized the game which was cool. But the best part was them sitting down guys who played in that game with members of the Colts and Giants (the last 2 Super Bowl Champions) to watch the game and just have an open dialogue. Some of those partnerships included: Adam Vinatieri & Pat Summeral, Michael Strahan & Art Donovan, Brandon Jacobs & Lenny Moore, Tom Coughlin with Frank Gifford, Tony Dungy & Raymon Berry and Mike Tirico with Bob Wolfe the man who broadcast the game. It was a joy to watch and learn so much about the game, the players, the atmosphere and everything that that game meant.
AND
- I hate TO and can't wait for him to die
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Essential List of Hip Hop Songs
I first need to thank everyone for their input and apologize that doing the final tabulating and research took a little longer than normal, but hey life has its twists and turns.
After gathering plenty of data from hip hop fans of different age demographics and different regional areas I have compiled the official list. Now to say the vote isn’t skewed a little would be a lie. A majority of the voters do hail from the Northeast, the birthplace of hip hop, and graduated high school in the 90’s. But I do think there was a good sampling of newer and older voters.
You will see where the songs lay mainly in that huge boom of hip hop from 1987-1997 I would say. It seems the newer hip hop music tastes are far spread out across different artists, but the song on this list are the ones that kept appearing over and over. And there are some songs on here where I made an editors choice. Two artists in particular kept appearing on the lists but with a staggering number of different tracks, so I chose what I thought was the artists most essential song. Those two artists were Run DMC and Eminem. But anyway, without further blabbering here is the list of 22:
22-The What, Notorious BIG & Method Man- A back and forth between two heavyweights which appeared at the end of Side A of Biggie’s debut the flow of these two masters cannot be matched
21- Insane in the Brain, Cypress Hill- Their first album was good but this debut track off of their second offering literally blew your mind. The nasally deliver of B-Real and rawness of Zenn Dogg along with the fabulous beat by Muggs makes for an essential at any hip hop party.
20- I need Love, LL Cool J- Probably the only artist at the time that could have gotten away with trying a love ballad on a hip hop track, and it worked in a big way. LL’s flawless bravado makes this appeal for a women not seem desperate but smooth.
19- Shadowboxin, The GZA feat. Method Man- Maybe Meth is best with other people singing with him as this track of the GZA’s solo debut demonstrates once again. The GZA and Meth having vastly different style but in this dark song it works well.
18- Dear Mama, 2-Pac Shakur- Much like LL singing a love ballad the troubled and late 2-Pac is able to sing a tribute to his mother while still remaining true to himself and his hardcore street image.
17- Big Pimpin, Jay-Z- One of the giants of the late 90’s Big Pimpin reflects the clear change in hip hop at this point and the braggadocious style of the new genre. Jay-Z epitomized this lifestyle in this song and others.
16- Umi Says, MOS Def- One of the most social conscious rappers of all time MOS Def lays down his unique style on this one of kind track. Def unique spoken word delivery is what makes this track so memorable.
15- Ladi Dadi, Slick Rick- The ruler spit more game on this track than most do ina lifetime. Accompanied most times only by a beat boxing Doug E Fresh Ladi Dadi and its beat is one of the most copied tracks of all time, everyone knows this tune.
14- Gin and Juice, Snoop Dogg- Always in the shadows of Dre’s dope producing Snoop burst out on his own with this debut track off his first solo album. It was total laid back west coast party hip hop at its finest.
13- King of Rock, Run DMC- The original Hip Hop trio had a string of great songs in the mid to late eighties. This song was their essential hard driving style and proved they were the rulers of their time.
12- T.R.O.Y. (They Reminisce), Pete Rock & CL Smooth- A classic DJ and Emcee master track wit the jazzy beats of Pete Rock as CL Smooth reminisces about fallen friends most importantly Troy Dixon a friend and dancer for rapper Heavy D.
11- All I need, Method Man feat. Mary J Blige- Again the master hip hop collaborater Meth spits this track out with the soulful Mary J behind him. Great as a solo track by Meth the addition of Mary J on the remix version added depth to this song.
10- Stan, Eminem- One of Em’s most personal tracks, he takes on his own persona and that of an obsessed fan writing letters back and forth to each other. All of this done over a masterfully produced track with the beautiful voice of Dido in the background Em created a unique hip hop classic.
9- Mind Playing Tricks on Me, Geto Boys- The Geto Boys are one of early hip hops forgotten groups, save for fans of the movie Office Space. This tale about life in the ghetto is raw and vivid like most of their songs, it epitomizes the group.
8- Paid in Full, Eric B. & Rakim- The master DJ/Emcee tandem at their very best. Rakim spitting the best lyrics over a simple beat but a song that has been quoted and reference over and over again.
7- The Bridge is Over, Boogie Down Productions- One of the fattest beats of all time laid down in the Boogie Down, the birthplace of hip hop. Then give the mic to KRS-One and let him spit the original battle track and you have a classic.
6- Shook Ones Pt. II, Mobb Deep- Strip down raw hip hop at its finest. Hardcore beats with wicked lyrics being spit in a dark fashion. This is one of the finest tracks from any hip hop artist and lasts the test of time.
5- Who got the Props, Black Moon- Coming out of Brooklyn as part of the Boot Camp Clik, Black Moon’s debut track proved to be their finest. A laid back smooth beat with hard lyrics being kicked by Buckshot Shorty and 5ft make this a classic on the east coast hip hop scene.
4- Juicy, Notorious B.I.G.- Biggy’s big middle finger back to anyone who doubted him. He basically lays out all the doubts people had about him when he was a young street hustler and now how his life as changed as a multi-platinum rapper, all done over a superior track laid out by Puff Daddy.
3- Fight the Power, Public Enemy- What much can be said about this song? The most powerful and influential of all hip hop groups with the best front man and lyricist ever laying down the ultimate protest track. Add it to the soundtrack of a groudnbreaking independent film and you have an unmatched classic
2- Scenario, A Tribe Called Quest feat Leaders of the New School- A great posse track it is an essential to round out any hip hop party. The dope beats with all the different styles of rappers on it makes it one of the most sung and memorable tracks of all time
1- Aint nutting But a G-Thang, Dr. Dre feat Snoop Dogg- As much as this song defined west coast hip hop it also someone united hip hop fans. That can be accredited to the masterful producing of Dr. Dre (still the best there is) and the undeniable loveable flow of the tall skinny laid back kid from Long Beach. Everyone can remember the first time the heard Snoop say “one, two, three and to tha four………….
After gathering plenty of data from hip hop fans of different age demographics and different regional areas I have compiled the official list. Now to say the vote isn’t skewed a little would be a lie. A majority of the voters do hail from the Northeast, the birthplace of hip hop, and graduated high school in the 90’s. But I do think there was a good sampling of newer and older voters.
You will see where the songs lay mainly in that huge boom of hip hop from 1987-1997 I would say. It seems the newer hip hop music tastes are far spread out across different artists, but the song on this list are the ones that kept appearing over and over. And there are some songs on here where I made an editors choice. Two artists in particular kept appearing on the lists but with a staggering number of different tracks, so I chose what I thought was the artists most essential song. Those two artists were Run DMC and Eminem. But anyway, without further blabbering here is the list of 22:
22-The What, Notorious BIG & Method Man- A back and forth between two heavyweights which appeared at the end of Side A of Biggie’s debut the flow of these two masters cannot be matched
21- Insane in the Brain, Cypress Hill- Their first album was good but this debut track off of their second offering literally blew your mind. The nasally deliver of B-Real and rawness of Zenn Dogg along with the fabulous beat by Muggs makes for an essential at any hip hop party.
20- I need Love, LL Cool J- Probably the only artist at the time that could have gotten away with trying a love ballad on a hip hop track, and it worked in a big way. LL’s flawless bravado makes this appeal for a women not seem desperate but smooth.
19- Shadowboxin, The GZA feat. Method Man- Maybe Meth is best with other people singing with him as this track of the GZA’s solo debut demonstrates once again. The GZA and Meth having vastly different style but in this dark song it works well.
18- Dear Mama, 2-Pac Shakur- Much like LL singing a love ballad the troubled and late 2-Pac is able to sing a tribute to his mother while still remaining true to himself and his hardcore street image.
17- Big Pimpin, Jay-Z- One of the giants of the late 90’s Big Pimpin reflects the clear change in hip hop at this point and the braggadocious style of the new genre. Jay-Z epitomized this lifestyle in this song and others.
16- Umi Says, MOS Def- One of the most social conscious rappers of all time MOS Def lays down his unique style on this one of kind track. Def unique spoken word delivery is what makes this track so memorable.
15- Ladi Dadi, Slick Rick- The ruler spit more game on this track than most do ina lifetime. Accompanied most times only by a beat boxing Doug E Fresh Ladi Dadi and its beat is one of the most copied tracks of all time, everyone knows this tune.
14- Gin and Juice, Snoop Dogg- Always in the shadows of Dre’s dope producing Snoop burst out on his own with this debut track off his first solo album. It was total laid back west coast party hip hop at its finest.
13- King of Rock, Run DMC- The original Hip Hop trio had a string of great songs in the mid to late eighties. This song was their essential hard driving style and proved they were the rulers of their time.
12- T.R.O.Y. (They Reminisce), Pete Rock & CL Smooth- A classic DJ and Emcee master track wit the jazzy beats of Pete Rock as CL Smooth reminisces about fallen friends most importantly Troy Dixon a friend and dancer for rapper Heavy D.
11- All I need, Method Man feat. Mary J Blige- Again the master hip hop collaborater Meth spits this track out with the soulful Mary J behind him. Great as a solo track by Meth the addition of Mary J on the remix version added depth to this song.
10- Stan, Eminem- One of Em’s most personal tracks, he takes on his own persona and that of an obsessed fan writing letters back and forth to each other. All of this done over a masterfully produced track with the beautiful voice of Dido in the background Em created a unique hip hop classic.
9- Mind Playing Tricks on Me, Geto Boys- The Geto Boys are one of early hip hops forgotten groups, save for fans of the movie Office Space. This tale about life in the ghetto is raw and vivid like most of their songs, it epitomizes the group.
8- Paid in Full, Eric B. & Rakim- The master DJ/Emcee tandem at their very best. Rakim spitting the best lyrics over a simple beat but a song that has been quoted and reference over and over again.
7- The Bridge is Over, Boogie Down Productions- One of the fattest beats of all time laid down in the Boogie Down, the birthplace of hip hop. Then give the mic to KRS-One and let him spit the original battle track and you have a classic.
6- Shook Ones Pt. II, Mobb Deep- Strip down raw hip hop at its finest. Hardcore beats with wicked lyrics being spit in a dark fashion. This is one of the finest tracks from any hip hop artist and lasts the test of time.
5- Who got the Props, Black Moon- Coming out of Brooklyn as part of the Boot Camp Clik, Black Moon’s debut track proved to be their finest. A laid back smooth beat with hard lyrics being kicked by Buckshot Shorty and 5ft make this a classic on the east coast hip hop scene.
4- Juicy, Notorious B.I.G.- Biggy’s big middle finger back to anyone who doubted him. He basically lays out all the doubts people had about him when he was a young street hustler and now how his life as changed as a multi-platinum rapper, all done over a superior track laid out by Puff Daddy.
3- Fight the Power, Public Enemy- What much can be said about this song? The most powerful and influential of all hip hop groups with the best front man and lyricist ever laying down the ultimate protest track. Add it to the soundtrack of a groudnbreaking independent film and you have an unmatched classic
2- Scenario, A Tribe Called Quest feat Leaders of the New School- A great posse track it is an essential to round out any hip hop party. The dope beats with all the different styles of rappers on it makes it one of the most sung and memorable tracks of all time
1- Aint nutting But a G-Thang, Dr. Dre feat Snoop Dogg- As much as this song defined west coast hip hop it also someone united hip hop fans. That can be accredited to the masterful producing of Dr. Dre (still the best there is) and the undeniable loveable flow of the tall skinny laid back kid from Long Beach. Everyone can remember the first time the heard Snoop say “one, two, three and to tha four………….
Here Come The Warm Jets: Week 14 2008
This was actually the first game this season I didn't watch live. I had been traveling earlier in the day, and was tired, so I didn't want to sit at a bar to watch the game, and Dallas-Pittsburgh was the game on TV. So I went home and watched that, while I "watched" the Jets-Niners game on the computer, using the Yahoo! Stat Tracker.
Even without the pictures, it wasn't pretty.
Tons of penalties. An inability to convert on third down. An inability to stop the Niner passing offense.
And thus another loss. If they miss the playoffs, this is the one you point to as the reason why (well, this or the OT loss to Oakland.)
The whole thing is maddening. The team plays two incredibly good games in a row, and then plays two incredibly bad games in a row. Why such inconsistency? It doesn't make any sense.
It also leaves us in an odd spot. Could the Jets win the next 3, finish 11-5, and make the playoffs? Sure they could. The next three are Buffalo, at Seattle, and Miami. Two home games, and none of those three teams are by any means unbeatable.
Could the Jets lose the next three, finish 8-8, miss the playoffs and end up with a crap draft pick? Sure they could. The team we saw in the last two weeks couldn't beat anyone, including the Lions and Bengals.
So which team will we see? The one that looked like a Super Bowl contender against New England and Tennessee? Or the one that looked like they were coached by Rich Kotite, completely inept against the Broncos and Niners?
I have no idea. At this point, I can talk myself into either scenario. The team gets the two-week wakeup call, rallies around the veterans, and finishes strong. No, they continue the tailspin and flicker out like a burnt down candle, just like Favre is doing. No, Favre conjures up one more magical run. No, Mangini implodes and they get beat by 21 in all three remaining games. No, the defense figures out how to defend the pass and stop mediocre QBs from picking them apart. No, JP Losman and Seneca Wallace end up looking like Jim Kelly and Dan Fouts.
Hold on, I'm sorry. My brain just punched itself in the brain.
Next up is the Bills, who looked absolutely awful against Miami, as they have for the entire second half of the season.
At home.
A game the Jets should win. That they have to win.
Which, if history tells us anything, means they absolutely will not win.
They could.
But they won't.
Unless they do.
I need a drink.
Even without the pictures, it wasn't pretty.
Tons of penalties. An inability to convert on third down. An inability to stop the Niner passing offense.
And thus another loss. If they miss the playoffs, this is the one you point to as the reason why (well, this or the OT loss to Oakland.)
The whole thing is maddening. The team plays two incredibly good games in a row, and then plays two incredibly bad games in a row. Why such inconsistency? It doesn't make any sense.
It also leaves us in an odd spot. Could the Jets win the next 3, finish 11-5, and make the playoffs? Sure they could. The next three are Buffalo, at Seattle, and Miami. Two home games, and none of those three teams are by any means unbeatable.
Could the Jets lose the next three, finish 8-8, miss the playoffs and end up with a crap draft pick? Sure they could. The team we saw in the last two weeks couldn't beat anyone, including the Lions and Bengals.
So which team will we see? The one that looked like a Super Bowl contender against New England and Tennessee? Or the one that looked like they were coached by Rich Kotite, completely inept against the Broncos and Niners?
I have no idea. At this point, I can talk myself into either scenario. The team gets the two-week wakeup call, rallies around the veterans, and finishes strong. No, they continue the tailspin and flicker out like a burnt down candle, just like Favre is doing. No, Favre conjures up one more magical run. No, Mangini implodes and they get beat by 21 in all three remaining games. No, the defense figures out how to defend the pass and stop mediocre QBs from picking them apart. No, JP Losman and Seneca Wallace end up looking like Jim Kelly and Dan Fouts.
Hold on, I'm sorry. My brain just punched itself in the brain.
Next up is the Bills, who looked absolutely awful against Miami, as they have for the entire second half of the season.
At home.
A game the Jets should win. That they have to win.
Which, if history tells us anything, means they absolutely will not win.
They could.
But they won't.
Unless they do.
I need a drink.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Steph and Bron
Nowadays I have some more time on my hands so I get a chance to check out plenty of other basketball games, a small passion of mine. Here in South Carolina high school season has started and I have seen some good games already. But Saturday was a grand day. I was planning on going to Charlotte to check out the Bobcats take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The chance to see LeBron in person was big draw, but also to see one of my guys in the league Tarence Kinsey was another.
Through a friend who works for the Bobcats I procured a free media pass (he is the media relations coordinator). He informed that he had a hectic day on hand because at Noon that very same day the Davidson Wildcats were taking on the NC State Wolfpack. Now I was intrigued. The chance to see one of college basketballs best players, Davidson’s Stephen Curry, up close was also an attractive notion. I decided why not make it a double header day of basketball, between games I could find a sports bar and watch the college football games and enjoy a few beverages.
If you followed this blog last spring during the NCAA Tournament you know about my man crush on Steph Curry. Having talked to a friend of mine this year who played against him this year he assured me that Steph was definitely the real deal. Watching a game live you can really watch a player and everything he does. Plus Curry has the ball most of the time, so it is not hard to concentrate on him. Well Curry put on a show for the 12,000 people in attendance as he scored 44 of his teams 72 in a thrilling victory over NC State. His backcourt mate, Max Paulus Goehsslin got thrown out of the game about 6 minutes in and his big men were in foul trouble all game, so it was all up to Curry.
With the score tied at 64 at the under 4:00 minute time out it was time for Curry to take over. The final score would wind up 72-67 with Curry scoring the final 8 for the Wildcats. He hit one free throw after being fouled as they tried to double team him in the backcourt. Nest time down the court he drove and hit a floating lay-up, high off the glass, simply a thing of beauty. Then came his signature shot. He ran a play for Brendan McKillop (the coach’s son) to get a 3 in the corner. McKillop launched and hit nothing but air. As the ball came down ad Davidson player recovered it and did not realize the gravity of the situation. Curry did. He implored his teammate to pass him the ball as time ticked away on the shot clock. Curry received the ball about 5 feet behind the NBA arch and with 4 seconds on the shot clock, he drilled a 30 footer. N.B.N. baby, nothing but nylon.
The question arise, how good is Curry? Can he play on the next level? Who would you compare him to? The answers, really fucking good, absolutely, and Ray Allen would be someone I would compare him too. The kid has the total package. Question were going to arise this year with him being a marked man and having to play the point guard position. He is answering all of those questions. He has a great saavy about him, he has all the moves physically and a jump shot that is pure as snow. He is not super athletic but like I said his understanding of the game more than makes up for it, especially on the defensive end. He will be a player at the next level and I would definitely take him, you know on the Knicks even.
Speaking of NBA basketball I got a chance to see one of the all time greats, up close and personal. I have seen Jordan, Magic, Bird and Kobe all in person and now I can add LeBron to that list. The first thing I really wanted to get an appreciation for was how big LeBron is, because he looks so massive on the court and reports have him weighing as much as 275 lbs.
I had a chance to be down on the court before the game. I went over to say hello to Tarence and to get a good look at LeBron and that is when I noticed that he has broader shoulders that Ben Wallace. As he walked to half court for the opening tip I noticed him standing next to Emeka Okafor, and not looking a whole lot shorter than him. And then to watch him at that size moved so easily and fluidly on the court gave me a brand new appreciation for how good he is and can be when all is said and done.
After the game, having a media pass, I was able to go back to the locker room area. I waited outside the Cavs locker room, again to get a chance to chat with Tarence but also to again see LeBron, maybe even meet him. While sitting there talking to Tarence LeBron emerged from the locker room, massive and well dressed. He came up to Tarence for a second to say what’s up and said hello to me too. Not often am I star struck, but in the presence of King James I was indeed.
To quote Ice Cube: “Damn right it was a good day.”
Through a friend who works for the Bobcats I procured a free media pass (he is the media relations coordinator). He informed that he had a hectic day on hand because at Noon that very same day the Davidson Wildcats were taking on the NC State Wolfpack. Now I was intrigued. The chance to see one of college basketballs best players, Davidson’s Stephen Curry, up close was also an attractive notion. I decided why not make it a double header day of basketball, between games I could find a sports bar and watch the college football games and enjoy a few beverages.
If you followed this blog last spring during the NCAA Tournament you know about my man crush on Steph Curry. Having talked to a friend of mine this year who played against him this year he assured me that Steph was definitely the real deal. Watching a game live you can really watch a player and everything he does. Plus Curry has the ball most of the time, so it is not hard to concentrate on him. Well Curry put on a show for the 12,000 people in attendance as he scored 44 of his teams 72 in a thrilling victory over NC State. His backcourt mate, Max Paulus Goehsslin got thrown out of the game about 6 minutes in and his big men were in foul trouble all game, so it was all up to Curry.
With the score tied at 64 at the under 4:00 minute time out it was time for Curry to take over. The final score would wind up 72-67 with Curry scoring the final 8 for the Wildcats. He hit one free throw after being fouled as they tried to double team him in the backcourt. Nest time down the court he drove and hit a floating lay-up, high off the glass, simply a thing of beauty. Then came his signature shot. He ran a play for Brendan McKillop (the coach’s son) to get a 3 in the corner. McKillop launched and hit nothing but air. As the ball came down ad Davidson player recovered it and did not realize the gravity of the situation. Curry did. He implored his teammate to pass him the ball as time ticked away on the shot clock. Curry received the ball about 5 feet behind the NBA arch and with 4 seconds on the shot clock, he drilled a 30 footer. N.B.N. baby, nothing but nylon.
The question arise, how good is Curry? Can he play on the next level? Who would you compare him to? The answers, really fucking good, absolutely, and Ray Allen would be someone I would compare him too. The kid has the total package. Question were going to arise this year with him being a marked man and having to play the point guard position. He is answering all of those questions. He has a great saavy about him, he has all the moves physically and a jump shot that is pure as snow. He is not super athletic but like I said his understanding of the game more than makes up for it, especially on the defensive end. He will be a player at the next level and I would definitely take him, you know on the Knicks even.
Speaking of NBA basketball I got a chance to see one of the all time greats, up close and personal. I have seen Jordan, Magic, Bird and Kobe all in person and now I can add LeBron to that list. The first thing I really wanted to get an appreciation for was how big LeBron is, because he looks so massive on the court and reports have him weighing as much as 275 lbs.
I had a chance to be down on the court before the game. I went over to say hello to Tarence and to get a good look at LeBron and that is when I noticed that he has broader shoulders that Ben Wallace. As he walked to half court for the opening tip I noticed him standing next to Emeka Okafor, and not looking a whole lot shorter than him. And then to watch him at that size moved so easily and fluidly on the court gave me a brand new appreciation for how good he is and can be when all is said and done.
After the game, having a media pass, I was able to go back to the locker room area. I waited outside the Cavs locker room, again to get a chance to chat with Tarence but also to again see LeBron, maybe even meet him. While sitting there talking to Tarence LeBron emerged from the locker room, massive and well dressed. He came up to Tarence for a second to say what’s up and said hello to me too. Not often am I star struck, but in the presence of King James I was indeed.
To quote Ice Cube: “Damn right it was a good day.”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Hardwood Report 12/3
Being the resident college hoops expert, having a lot more free time on my hands, and also a lot more free to comment on college hoops I will try and do a weekly segment. After a few weeks and an average of about 4 or 5 games per team we can now really settle in and evaluate what players and teams are for real.
CONTENDERS- Teams who have a legit shot at the national title and making the Final Four in Detroit.
North Carolina- This is the no brainer of all time. Legitimately they shouldn’t lose a game, their backup five would be a top 25 team. Hansborough is a good a college players as there ever has been and he has one mission this year.
Connecticut- I really like the makeup of this team; a good big man, a top of the line scorer and good veteran guards coupled with a hall of fame coach maybe on his last hurrah. If they were to win it all I wouldn’t be surprised to see Calhoun hang it up
Gonzaga- I truly believe they are the third best team in the country, behind Uconn and UNC. I would also say they have the most talented starting five in the country. If they can learn to play defense and Austin Daye reach’s his limitless potential they can win the whole thing.
Tennessee- I had to see this squad first this year to see how new guys like Bobby Maze and Scotty Hopson would do replacing Jajuan Smith and Chris Lofton. Well they might not be as explosive but they are more solid ball players that don’t rely as heavily on the three ball, Half court defense will remain a key for this team all year
Louisville- I know they just lost bad to Western Kentucky, but that is an anomaly. Freshman sensation Samardo Samuels is the real deal and I love their backcourt with Edgar Sosa and Terrence Williams. In NCAA tournament play you can never count out experienced guard play.
Pittsburgh- If you read this or my old blog you will know I have always loved Pitt. This year is no different, they have good Guards, a superstar in Sam Young and a quality big man in Dejuan Blair.
PRETENDERS- Teams who may look good on paper and even sometimes when you watch them, but buyer beware; they have flaws and wont make deep runs.
Wake Forest- They are the biggest team I have ever seen, and I saw them in person. Their guards scare me and you can tell that just lack a certain team chemistry, and that can come from the relative inexperience of their Coach Dino Gaudio.
Oklahoma- Again they ar ea big team and they have a super duper star in Blake Griffin. Their guards are still a question mark even with the addition of Willy Warren and I think Griffin can be limited offensively down the stretch.
Notre Dame- I hate Notre Dame and everything it stands for and pretends to represent and they have too many whitey’s!!!
Purdue- I love their toughness and I love Matt Painter as a coach. Robbie Hummell may be the best player nobody knows and I would always take him on my team. I don’t like their lack of an inside presence and their overall inexperience. Check back with me next year though.
Duke- Very similar to Purdue. I think they lack a little bit of an inside presence. I think they may be a year away, but I have a huge man crush on Kyle Singler
CONTENDERS- Teams who have a legit shot at the national title and making the Final Four in Detroit.
North Carolina- This is the no brainer of all time. Legitimately they shouldn’t lose a game, their backup five would be a top 25 team. Hansborough is a good a college players as there ever has been and he has one mission this year.
Connecticut- I really like the makeup of this team; a good big man, a top of the line scorer and good veteran guards coupled with a hall of fame coach maybe on his last hurrah. If they were to win it all I wouldn’t be surprised to see Calhoun hang it up
Gonzaga- I truly believe they are the third best team in the country, behind Uconn and UNC. I would also say they have the most talented starting five in the country. If they can learn to play defense and Austin Daye reach’s his limitless potential they can win the whole thing.
Tennessee- I had to see this squad first this year to see how new guys like Bobby Maze and Scotty Hopson would do replacing Jajuan Smith and Chris Lofton. Well they might not be as explosive but they are more solid ball players that don’t rely as heavily on the three ball, Half court defense will remain a key for this team all year
Louisville- I know they just lost bad to Western Kentucky, but that is an anomaly. Freshman sensation Samardo Samuels is the real deal and I love their backcourt with Edgar Sosa and Terrence Williams. In NCAA tournament play you can never count out experienced guard play.
Pittsburgh- If you read this or my old blog you will know I have always loved Pitt. This year is no different, they have good Guards, a superstar in Sam Young and a quality big man in Dejuan Blair.
PRETENDERS- Teams who may look good on paper and even sometimes when you watch them, but buyer beware; they have flaws and wont make deep runs.
Wake Forest- They are the biggest team I have ever seen, and I saw them in person. Their guards scare me and you can tell that just lack a certain team chemistry, and that can come from the relative inexperience of their Coach Dino Gaudio.
Oklahoma- Again they ar ea big team and they have a super duper star in Blake Griffin. Their guards are still a question mark even with the addition of Willy Warren and I think Griffin can be limited offensively down the stretch.
Notre Dame- I hate Notre Dame and everything it stands for and pretends to represent and they have too many whitey’s!!!
Purdue- I love their toughness and I love Matt Painter as a coach. Robbie Hummell may be the best player nobody knows and I would always take him on my team. I don’t like their lack of an inside presence and their overall inexperience. Check back with me next year though.
Duke- Very similar to Purdue. I think they lack a little bit of an inside presence. I think they may be a year away, but I have a huge man crush on Kyle Singler
Here Come The Warm Jets: Week 13 2008
Let's pretend this didn't happen.
It was the worst possible matchup at the worst possible time.
Worst possible matchup: the Jets are not particularly good defending against teams that play the shotgun spread style of offense. Denver can play this, because they have a good QB and at least two good WRs, and solid TEs.
Worst possible time: the Jets were coming off two huge wins (and the attendant press hype) and the Broncos were coming off an embarrassing loss at home to Oakland. So if the game was going to come down to focus and intensity, the Broncos were the likelier of the two teams to have the edge.
Then throw in the miserable weather and post-holiday-itis, and you've got the recipe for exactly this type of crap game.
The challenge of this type of game, in this type of year, is deciding what is real.
Was the Jets team that absolutely dominated the Titans the real version of the Jets?
Or is the Jets team that couldn't do anything against Denver the real version?
The thing is - they're both real. Both teams exist, and they are the same team.
Matchups matter. Timing matters. Sometimes it's favorable, sometimes not. Sometimes in consecutive weeks.
And, just like it was easy to fall into the "best team in the AFC" trap after the Titans game, it is easy to fall into the "pretender" trap after this game.
The team is 8-4. In first place by a game. Playing two terrible teams in their final four games.
Now, if they lose next Sunday to San Francisco, then the whole thing was a mirage, a little bit of a streak of good luck.
If they take care of business like they should against the 49ers, then we can believe that this team has another good run in them, maybe even in the playoffs. We can chalk up this Broncos game to a "needed reality check" that got the team focused.
So now we wait. We wait another week. We wait another week, to see if we have to wait another year.
It was the worst possible matchup at the worst possible time.
Worst possible matchup: the Jets are not particularly good defending against teams that play the shotgun spread style of offense. Denver can play this, because they have a good QB and at least two good WRs, and solid TEs.
Worst possible time: the Jets were coming off two huge wins (and the attendant press hype) and the Broncos were coming off an embarrassing loss at home to Oakland. So if the game was going to come down to focus and intensity, the Broncos were the likelier of the two teams to have the edge.
Then throw in the miserable weather and post-holiday-itis, and you've got the recipe for exactly this type of crap game.
The challenge of this type of game, in this type of year, is deciding what is real.
Was the Jets team that absolutely dominated the Titans the real version of the Jets?
Or is the Jets team that couldn't do anything against Denver the real version?
The thing is - they're both real. Both teams exist, and they are the same team.
Matchups matter. Timing matters. Sometimes it's favorable, sometimes not. Sometimes in consecutive weeks.
And, just like it was easy to fall into the "best team in the AFC" trap after the Titans game, it is easy to fall into the "pretender" trap after this game.
The team is 8-4. In first place by a game. Playing two terrible teams in their final four games.
Now, if they lose next Sunday to San Francisco, then the whole thing was a mirage, a little bit of a streak of good luck.
If they take care of business like they should against the 49ers, then we can believe that this team has another good run in them, maybe even in the playoffs. We can chalk up this Broncos game to a "needed reality check" that got the team focused.
So now we wait. We wait another week. We wait another week, to see if we have to wait another year.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Cheddar Bob Burress
From "8 Mile"
B Rabbit: ...I know everything he's about to say against me.
I am white. I am a fucking bum. I do live in a trailer with my mom.
My boy Future is an Uncle Tom.
I do have a dumb friend named Cheddar Bob who shoots himself in the leg with his own gun.
And I did get jumped by all six of you chumps. And Wiz did fuck my girl, I'm still standing here screaming Fuck the Free World!
(Just a note before I begin, that was written from memory not an Internet site because I'm pathetic enough to have seen that movie scene enough to have it committed.)
I was first informed about the Giants latest "distraction" Saturday as I drove back from Tampa. My friend texted me about being in the club and shooting himself in the leg. This was my first thought and now that we all know what's gone on it's even worse.
But I still go back to this because it's just stupid. It's stupid that a verse by Em in a movie could fit so perfectly well with a Super Bowl winning wide receiver from the team I grew up and still love to this day.
OK, let's start with the bad news. At least the bad news for Burress. He's gonna do time. I watched the ESPN cut from Mayor Bloomberg and he's gonna push to make sure the DA goes full tilt with this case. Rachel Nichols reported that instead of going for a straight indictment, they made two complaints.
I'm sure our resident lawyer could explain this better, but if I listened correctly and put 2 and 2 together it seems like the gov'ment is leaving this open for a full investigation to get every bit of this case out in the open.
That means by the time that Burress and his expensive lawyer return to the midtown court room at the end of March, the DT's would have figured out if Antonio Pierce and/or Ahmad Bradshaw will be charged with anything...like Pierce for a similar charge if he was the one who took the .40 caliber Glock from the Latin Quarter to New Jersey.
As for Burress, he can plead about the cover story from last week's ESPN the Magazine about NFL players and protection from criminals. He can say whatever he wants, but he'll have to say it from behind bars and if he's lucky he'll get away with half the MANDATORY MINIMUM sentence of 3.5 years. That means 21 months in the Pokey, the Big House or whatever other nickname you want to give prison.
But be clear, that's where his 6-foot-5 monkey ass is going and he better hope that Super Bowl ring gets him enough street cred to avoid catching a beatdown like any other. Maybe they'll put him in solitary to avoid that type of stuff, but it won't matter cuz he's gone.
I figure the Commish won't come down so hard after he does time, but he'll have to apply for reinstatement and I'm sure some team (Please be the Lions!) will sign him so long as he can still run a route. He probably won't demand the same double teams he used to get, but he does run all routes and blocks downfield so someone will give him a chance...
As for the defending champs (It just feels good to say that), they'll continue to roll along. It's almost a triple blessing. It means defenses will pack up to stop the run and make Elisha beat them by spreading the ball to the many talented wide outs he has.
What's that? He did that last week against the Redskins? Oh and everyone will get to see just how fast Dominix Hixon is in a starting role.
Two, with the charges what they are, we must expect that GM Jerry Reese will use his mid-round pick from the Saints and the Giants pick to find the best linebackers available and it should give them some cap room to sign someone if that's the best route to go.
I put distraction in quotes before because it means so little to this team. But what this one might do is give them the "Us against the World" edge for this final push. With reporters focusing on Burress, I'm sure pundits will pick the Eagles to win and most certainly will take the Cowboys so they don't look like pushovers since everyone had them winning the Super Bowl in August.
It's just the type of thing that can work to this team's advantage. It's a shame that Plax acted like a thug in the club. It's a blessing that he was able to walk into the police station today and that he's made millions prior to this fork in the road, so that while he'll miss the money he would have made when the Giants stop playing him, one has to hope that he's been smart enough to save/invest/hold onto previous salary.
Nevertheless, he did a crime. He's going to do the time and the Giants, we all hope, will continue to roll along.
B Rabbit: ...I know everything he's about to say against me.
I am white. I am a fucking bum. I do live in a trailer with my mom.
My boy Future is an Uncle Tom.
I do have a dumb friend named Cheddar Bob who shoots himself in the leg with his own gun.
And I did get jumped by all six of you chumps. And Wiz did fuck my girl, I'm still standing here screaming Fuck the Free World!
(Just a note before I begin, that was written from memory not an Internet site because I'm pathetic enough to have seen that movie scene enough to have it committed.)
I was first informed about the Giants latest "distraction" Saturday as I drove back from Tampa. My friend texted me about being in the club and shooting himself in the leg. This was my first thought and now that we all know what's gone on it's even worse.
But I still go back to this because it's just stupid. It's stupid that a verse by Em in a movie could fit so perfectly well with a Super Bowl winning wide receiver from the team I grew up and still love to this day.
OK, let's start with the bad news. At least the bad news for Burress. He's gonna do time. I watched the ESPN cut from Mayor Bloomberg and he's gonna push to make sure the DA goes full tilt with this case. Rachel Nichols reported that instead of going for a straight indictment, they made two complaints.
I'm sure our resident lawyer could explain this better, but if I listened correctly and put 2 and 2 together it seems like the gov'ment is leaving this open for a full investigation to get every bit of this case out in the open.
That means by the time that Burress and his expensive lawyer return to the midtown court room at the end of March, the DT's would have figured out if Antonio Pierce and/or Ahmad Bradshaw will be charged with anything...like Pierce for a similar charge if he was the one who took the .40 caliber Glock from the Latin Quarter to New Jersey.
As for Burress, he can plead about the cover story from last week's ESPN the Magazine about NFL players and protection from criminals. He can say whatever he wants, but he'll have to say it from behind bars and if he's lucky he'll get away with half the MANDATORY MINIMUM sentence of 3.5 years. That means 21 months in the Pokey, the Big House or whatever other nickname you want to give prison.
But be clear, that's where his 6-foot-5 monkey ass is going and he better hope that Super Bowl ring gets him enough street cred to avoid catching a beatdown like any other. Maybe they'll put him in solitary to avoid that type of stuff, but it won't matter cuz he's gone.
I figure the Commish won't come down so hard after he does time, but he'll have to apply for reinstatement and I'm sure some team (Please be the Lions!) will sign him so long as he can still run a route. He probably won't demand the same double teams he used to get, but he does run all routes and blocks downfield so someone will give him a chance...
As for the defending champs (It just feels good to say that), they'll continue to roll along. It's almost a triple blessing. It means defenses will pack up to stop the run and make Elisha beat them by spreading the ball to the many talented wide outs he has.
What's that? He did that last week against the Redskins? Oh and everyone will get to see just how fast Dominix Hixon is in a starting role.
Two, with the charges what they are, we must expect that GM Jerry Reese will use his mid-round pick from the Saints and the Giants pick to find the best linebackers available and it should give them some cap room to sign someone if that's the best route to go.
I put distraction in quotes before because it means so little to this team. But what this one might do is give them the "Us against the World" edge for this final push. With reporters focusing on Burress, I'm sure pundits will pick the Eagles to win and most certainly will take the Cowboys so they don't look like pushovers since everyone had them winning the Super Bowl in August.
It's just the type of thing that can work to this team's advantage. It's a shame that Plax acted like a thug in the club. It's a blessing that he was able to walk into the police station today and that he's made millions prior to this fork in the road, so that while he'll miss the money he would have made when the Giants stop playing him, one has to hope that he's been smart enough to save/invest/hold onto previous salary.
Nevertheless, he did a crime. He's going to do the time and the Giants, we all hope, will continue to roll along.
The Donovan Quandary
I think I talked about this before on this blog, but what did Donovan McNabb ever do to the people of Philly? Did he rape a bunch of school children? Did he unleash a plague on the city? Did he turn into a slum lord in downtown Philly?
For some reason it happened the day he was drafted. I do not specifically remember the draft and who the Eagles fans wanted, but it certainly wasn’t Donovan, because they booed him mercilessly and have really never stopped. Most recently the talk of the town was his benching in the Baltimore game and then Andy Reid deciding to start him again against the Cardinals on Thanksgiving day. Was he playing bad at the time of the Baltimore game, absolutely. But the fact is he was playing his 3rd bad game in a row, before which he was completing 63% of his passes with 10 TD’s and 4 INT’s while leading the Eagles to a 5-3 record. Guys are going to slump, it doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them.
Philadelphia is known as a rough sports town, the place that booed Santa Clause. But Philly does love its sports hero’s as well as anybody. How many kids in and around the area are named after Michael Jack Schmidt, millions I would say. They still hold Allen Iverson in high reverence. Bobby Clark once a hero for their beloved Flyers hockey team is still universal loved even though as the GM he tried to single handedly ruin the once proud franchise. Former Eagles players like Chuck Bednarik, Harold Carmichael, Mike Quick, Ron Jaworski, Randall Cunningham, Reggie White etc are granted hero status.
Their however is a Mt Rushmore of hated Philly athletes; Eric Lindros who brought it on himself, Pat Burrell who failed to live up to almost mythic expectations (though he has been an All Star and now key player on their World Championship team) and Donovan McNabb who has done nothing short of be a role model on and off the field, win games at a pace better than any QB in franchise history, while being a continuous league MVP candidate and doing it all without complaint, a fan base who isn’t totally behind him, and save for the TO years (yikes) without a tremendous amount of talent around him on offense.
Like I said to an Eagles fan friend of mine, there does come a time when the Eagles need to leave the McNabb years behind them. It happens with superstar athletes, look at Brett Favre. In some other cases other favorite franchises of mine had to part ways, the Giants with Lawrence Taylor, the Yankees with Don Mattingly and the Knicks with Patrick Ewing. In each case the player could still be a viable commodity but was no longer the once great player he had been and maybe it was just time for the franchise to move on without him.
That time will come with McNabb and maybe that time is sooner rather than later, but that doesn’t mean you have to kick the man out of the door. Appreciate McNabb for what he has meant to your franchise and treat him with the respect and reverence you treat guys like Schmidt, Clark, Carlton, and Iverson with. Remember all the wins and all the good games because the chances of getting someone like him again is slim.
For some reason it happened the day he was drafted. I do not specifically remember the draft and who the Eagles fans wanted, but it certainly wasn’t Donovan, because they booed him mercilessly and have really never stopped. Most recently the talk of the town was his benching in the Baltimore game and then Andy Reid deciding to start him again against the Cardinals on Thanksgiving day. Was he playing bad at the time of the Baltimore game, absolutely. But the fact is he was playing his 3rd bad game in a row, before which he was completing 63% of his passes with 10 TD’s and 4 INT’s while leading the Eagles to a 5-3 record. Guys are going to slump, it doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them.
Philadelphia is known as a rough sports town, the place that booed Santa Clause. But Philly does love its sports hero’s as well as anybody. How many kids in and around the area are named after Michael Jack Schmidt, millions I would say. They still hold Allen Iverson in high reverence. Bobby Clark once a hero for their beloved Flyers hockey team is still universal loved even though as the GM he tried to single handedly ruin the once proud franchise. Former Eagles players like Chuck Bednarik, Harold Carmichael, Mike Quick, Ron Jaworski, Randall Cunningham, Reggie White etc are granted hero status.
Their however is a Mt Rushmore of hated Philly athletes; Eric Lindros who brought it on himself, Pat Burrell who failed to live up to almost mythic expectations (though he has been an All Star and now key player on their World Championship team) and Donovan McNabb who has done nothing short of be a role model on and off the field, win games at a pace better than any QB in franchise history, while being a continuous league MVP candidate and doing it all without complaint, a fan base who isn’t totally behind him, and save for the TO years (yikes) without a tremendous amount of talent around him on offense.
Like I said to an Eagles fan friend of mine, there does come a time when the Eagles need to leave the McNabb years behind them. It happens with superstar athletes, look at Brett Favre. In some other cases other favorite franchises of mine had to part ways, the Giants with Lawrence Taylor, the Yankees with Don Mattingly and the Knicks with Patrick Ewing. In each case the player could still be a viable commodity but was no longer the once great player he had been and maybe it was just time for the franchise to move on without him.
That time will come with McNabb and maybe that time is sooner rather than later, but that doesn’t mean you have to kick the man out of the door. Appreciate McNabb for what he has meant to your franchise and treat him with the respect and reverence you treat guys like Schmidt, Clark, Carlton, and Iverson with. Remember all the wins and all the good games because the chances of getting someone like him again is slim.
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