With one notable exception, which I'll get back to, this would seem to have been the year when the Detroit Lions might have made a little noise. Maybe even -- gasp -- winning a playoff game or two.
Looking around the league, particularly the NFC, there seems to be an absence of really good teams.
In the Lions' own division, Green Bay doesn't appear to be all that. (Why they let Aaron Rodgers' favorite receiver, one Jordy Nelson, get away, is a head scratcher. What were they thinking?
Same with Minnesota. Nothing special there.
To the surprise of many, the Chicago Bears, yes, duh BEARS, are leading the division at 3-1.Maybe that Trubisky kid out of Carolina is going to work out OK after all.
In the East, Super Bowl champ Philly looks to be experiencing some sort of hangover, thrashing around at a mediocre 2-2.
The Cowboys are hard pressed to overcome the losses of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.
The 'Skins lead the division, but they aren't any good.
Nor are the NY Giants.
Out West, the once mighty Seahawks have thudded back to earth. This is what happens when a team loses the likes of Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, and Michael Bennett. Their best safety, corner and pass rusher, respectively. Add Earl Thomas suffering a broken leg, and the legion of boom has become the legion of fizz.
Arizona sucks.
As does San Fran, especially since hot-shot QB Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a season-ending injury.
The exception mentioned above is the LA Rams. They appear to be the class of the NFC, if not the entire league. At 4-0, coach Sean McVay has those guys on a roll.
Down south, Carolina is a ho-hum.
One can never count out the Saints as long as Drew Brees is still there. But they hardly look overwhelming.
Atlanta, Sports Illustrated pick to win the Super Bowl this year, has been a disappointment, to say the least. Who would have thought they'd come out of the gate at 1-3?
Hence, considering how things have played out so far this season, it gave the Lions quite the opportunity to shine, if only a bit. Mostly due to the fact that, save the Rams, everybody else looks quite beatable.
But no. They're still the Lions, remember?
So of course they got hammed by the lowly Jets in their home opener, on Monday Night Football, no less, to the tune of 48-17, Can you say embarrassing?
Then a close loss to Frisco. But still a loss.
How they turned around and beat New England, of all teams, is a mystery for the ages.
And earlier today, the Detroit Puddy Tats lost on a last second field goal at Dallas. QB Matthew Stafford throws for over 300 yards and -- the Lions lose -- again. Sound familiar?
Now 1-3, they're in the basement of the NFC North.
Next week the Packers come to town. After starting out slow themselves, Aaron Rodgers and the Cheesers appear to have somewhat righted the proverbial ship.
Thing is, this is a do or die game for the Lions. If they win it to get back to 2-3, there will be hope. Yet if they lose it to drop to 1-4 they can pretty much kiss another season good-bye.
Regarding the "hope" in the previous paragraph, I should clarify. In Detroit, hope for the Lions springs eternal. After all the years, decades, the Motown sappies just don't know any better. It's kind of like salmon swimming upstream to die. The ending is always the same, and it's not a good one. But hey, if they want to keep throwing their money away and rooting for a pre-destined loser, ah reckon that's thar bidnuh. (Suckers).
But even in Detroit, who would have thought they could play themselves out of contention before Columbus day?
So you just know what's going to happen. Yep, they'll beat the Packers and the bandwagon of the obtuse will roll on.
But the Super Bowl? Please.
Saying Detroit Lions and Super Bowl in the same breath is like mixing oil and water (or Republicans and Democrats, for that matter). You can shake it all you want, but they'll never blend together in the end.
It's...... just...... not.....meant...... to.....be.
.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018
The wacky Detroit Lions
Yours truly has said it time and again in the past, but it bears repeating. The Detroit Lions must drive the odds-makers absolutely loony tune bonkers. How else to explain ----
The same team that was pummeled at home 48-17 by the lowly New York Jets just two weeks ago, somehow managed to rise up and knock off Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Convincingly, 26-10.
True, the Pats were seriously banged up going in. They were without the services of their best pass rusher, half the secondary starters were on the mend, the offensive line had a couple holes, and their receiver corps had been gutted. But still, the Lions --THOSE Lions?? -- upsetting the Patriots? The same Patriots who were coming off a loss to Jacksonville, hence supposedly highly motivated to get a win? THOSE Patriots??
Get outta here.
Besides the Detroit puddy tats were six and a half point dogs. So sayeth (what's the past tense of "sayeth"? "Saideth"?) the above-mentioned odds-makers.
So this game wound up a whopping 32 and a half points differently than how the wise guys thought it would turn out?
It wouldn't be much of a stretch to claim the world of sports has never seen a more wacky and unpredictable team.
They're just about enough to make one want to sleep with the fishes.
The same team that was pummeled at home 48-17 by the lowly New York Jets just two weeks ago, somehow managed to rise up and knock off Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Convincingly, 26-10.
True, the Pats were seriously banged up going in. They were without the services of their best pass rusher, half the secondary starters were on the mend, the offensive line had a couple holes, and their receiver corps had been gutted. But still, the Lions --THOSE Lions?? -- upsetting the Patriots? The same Patriots who were coming off a loss to Jacksonville, hence supposedly highly motivated to get a win? THOSE Patriots??
Get outta here.
Besides the Detroit puddy tats were six and a half point dogs. So sayeth (what's the past tense of "sayeth"? "Saideth"?) the above-mentioned odds-makers.
So this game wound up a whopping 32 and a half points differently than how the wise guys thought it would turn out?
It wouldn't be much of a stretch to claim the world of sports has never seen a more wacky and unpredictable team.
They're just about enough to make one want to sleep with the fishes.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
The weird case of Jimmy Butler
NBA fans know Jimmy Butler currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before that he spent a few years with the Chicago Bulls. Fans also know neither of these teams has been any good lately. The chances of winning anything worthwhile? Virtually zero. So dear Jimmy is looking to go to greener pastures. Or is he?
Reportedly Butler demanded a trade from the T-Wolves. Money? Let's not forget JT turned down a four-year contract worth around $100 million not long ago.
A lot of players have taken less money in order to play for a contender -- have a shot at a "ring". So one would think JT would want to go to a team that has a fighting chance, at least. One would be wrong.
He's given the T-Wolves a list of which teams he'd prefer. Among them, the New Jersey Nets, NY Knicks, and LA Clippers.
Say what?
The Clips haven't been any good since they lost both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Even when they had them, they were a second tier team in the West. The Nets and Knicks are just awful. They stink.
Even if JT got a gazillion dollars, signing a long-term deal with any of them effectually seals his fate. He can play out the rest of his career but better get used to losing even more than he did with the T-Wolves and Bulls.
What seemed even odder is he wanted to meet with T-Wolves boss Tom Thibideau to talk it over.
But in Los Angeles.
Huh?
He wants the Minnesota shot-caller to fly all the way out to LA to sit down for a meeting?
Comment overheard by one Frank Isola, a sports scribe. "Maybe Thibideau should ask him if he wants a private jet, a yacht, or a gold watch, while he's at it. Anything else Jimmy?" Touche.
On the same show (Around the Horn), long-time Denver pundit Woody Paige went one better. To wit:
"If he wants to go to California so bad, only to discuss him being moved to a terrible team, trade him to the Sacramento Kings and see how he likes that". Good one, Woodrow.
Sometimes you just have to kick back and wonder what is going through the heads of some of these jocks.
Great ballers, but apparently dumber than bricks.
Reportedly Butler demanded a trade from the T-Wolves. Money? Let's not forget JT turned down a four-year contract worth around $100 million not long ago.
A lot of players have taken less money in order to play for a contender -- have a shot at a "ring". So one would think JT would want to go to a team that has a fighting chance, at least. One would be wrong.
He's given the T-Wolves a list of which teams he'd prefer. Among them, the New Jersey Nets, NY Knicks, and LA Clippers.
Say what?
The Clips haven't been any good since they lost both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Even when they had them, they were a second tier team in the West. The Nets and Knicks are just awful. They stink.
Even if JT got a gazillion dollars, signing a long-term deal with any of them effectually seals his fate. He can play out the rest of his career but better get used to losing even more than he did with the T-Wolves and Bulls.
What seemed even odder is he wanted to meet with T-Wolves boss Tom Thibideau to talk it over.
But in Los Angeles.
Huh?
He wants the Minnesota shot-caller to fly all the way out to LA to sit down for a meeting?
Comment overheard by one Frank Isola, a sports scribe. "Maybe Thibideau should ask him if he wants a private jet, a yacht, or a gold watch, while he's at it. Anything else Jimmy?" Touche.
On the same show (Around the Horn), long-time Denver pundit Woody Paige went one better. To wit:
"If he wants to go to California so bad, only to discuss him being moved to a terrible team, trade him to the Sacramento Kings and see how he likes that". Good one, Woodrow.
Sometimes you just have to kick back and wonder what is going through the heads of some of these jocks.
Great ballers, but apparently dumber than bricks.
Monday, September 17, 2018
The case for Vontae Davis
Vontae Davis, a defensive back for the Buffalo Bills, certainly set the NFL world abuzz recently when he officially retired -- at halftime of a game going on.
Many, including former players, have been quick to rip him. He's a quitter, a coward, wasn't there for his teammates, etc., etc.
But not so fast.
Someone quitting their job, even in the middle of a work shift, is hardly anything new. It happens all the time. The USA even had a President (Richard Nixon) that quit during the middle of his term. Country singer Johnny Paycheck had a big hit with his song "Take This Job And Shove It". Again, for various reasons, people take a hike from their places of employment.
Should Davis have at least played the second half of the above-mentioned game? Maybe. By quitting when he did, he left his team a man short for the second half. But hey, it's the Buffalo Bills. It's not like they're some kind of contender. Quite the opposite. They're gawd-awful, perhaps the worst team in the league. Man short? They could play with an extra man and would probably still lose.
Davis has had a long career by NFL standards, including going to two Pro Bowls. So that means he's made many millions of dollars over the years. If he has just a few of those millions stashed away somewhere, he can live quite comfortably for the rest of his life. No worries.
Further, perhaps Davis had an epiphany, so to speak. He wanted to get out now, while his brain and body are still intact. Not after the second half of the game. NOW. And who knows what that second half may have held in store for him? Maybe a severe injury. Ya never know.
Who is anybody else to tell Davis when the proper time to retire is? If in his mind, it was right that minute, so be it. And he gave up a lot of money by deciding to do it that way.
On the flip side, that creates an opening on the Bills roster. An athlete that couldn't make the club before -- will now. Bet he's happy.
True, retiring in the middle of a game was unusual as the NFL goes, perhaps an all-time first. But he certainly had the right to do it. It's not like he broke any laws.
In a lot of other jobs, people wouldn't even bat an eye if somebody quit/retired. Electrician, plumber, carpenter, engineer, chemist, even a teacher could walk off in the middle of a class. They would all quickly be replaced and no problem
If a lawyer did it in the middle of a trial, he/she would likely be disbarred, but why would they care if they'd plan to retire anyway?
Even a surgeon could do it in the middle of an operation, but he/she might get slapped with an eye-popping law suit if something went wrong.
It would be tough for, say, an astronaut to retire in the middle of a space flight. Popping open the hatch and hopping out into the cosmos would likely draw even more attention than what Vontae Davis did. And certainly have more severe consequences. Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Still, in the end, this was Vontae Davis's decision to make and he made it. It might seem untimely to most, but I, you, and everybody else don't know what was going through his mind at the time.
He had had enough, right now, on the spot, and took a hike for his own reasons.
Others don't like it, but that's their problem.
I say, cut the man some slack.
Good grief, in a week or two, nobody will remember it anyway.
It's the Bills, remember?
Many, including former players, have been quick to rip him. He's a quitter, a coward, wasn't there for his teammates, etc., etc.
But not so fast.
Someone quitting their job, even in the middle of a work shift, is hardly anything new. It happens all the time. The USA even had a President (Richard Nixon) that quit during the middle of his term. Country singer Johnny Paycheck had a big hit with his song "Take This Job And Shove It". Again, for various reasons, people take a hike from their places of employment.
Should Davis have at least played the second half of the above-mentioned game? Maybe. By quitting when he did, he left his team a man short for the second half. But hey, it's the Buffalo Bills. It's not like they're some kind of contender. Quite the opposite. They're gawd-awful, perhaps the worst team in the league. Man short? They could play with an extra man and would probably still lose.
Davis has had a long career by NFL standards, including going to two Pro Bowls. So that means he's made many millions of dollars over the years. If he has just a few of those millions stashed away somewhere, he can live quite comfortably for the rest of his life. No worries.
Further, perhaps Davis had an epiphany, so to speak. He wanted to get out now, while his brain and body are still intact. Not after the second half of the game. NOW. And who knows what that second half may have held in store for him? Maybe a severe injury. Ya never know.
Who is anybody else to tell Davis when the proper time to retire is? If in his mind, it was right that minute, so be it. And he gave up a lot of money by deciding to do it that way.
On the flip side, that creates an opening on the Bills roster. An athlete that couldn't make the club before -- will now. Bet he's happy.
True, retiring in the middle of a game was unusual as the NFL goes, perhaps an all-time first. But he certainly had the right to do it. It's not like he broke any laws.
In a lot of other jobs, people wouldn't even bat an eye if somebody quit/retired. Electrician, plumber, carpenter, engineer, chemist, even a teacher could walk off in the middle of a class. They would all quickly be replaced and no problem
If a lawyer did it in the middle of a trial, he/she would likely be disbarred, but why would they care if they'd plan to retire anyway?
Even a surgeon could do it in the middle of an operation, but he/she might get slapped with an eye-popping law suit if something went wrong.
It would be tough for, say, an astronaut to retire in the middle of a space flight. Popping open the hatch and hopping out into the cosmos would likely draw even more attention than what Vontae Davis did. And certainly have more severe consequences. Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Still, in the end, this was Vontae Davis's decision to make and he made it. It might seem untimely to most, but I, you, and everybody else don't know what was going through his mind at the time.
He had had enough, right now, on the spot, and took a hike for his own reasons.
Others don't like it, but that's their problem.
I say, cut the man some slack.
Good grief, in a week or two, nobody will remember it anyway.
It's the Bills, remember?
Saturday, September 15, 2018
More idle thoughts
Why do the Goodyear people send one of their blimps thousands of miles to cover a football game -- that's being played in a domed stadium? I mean, what's the point? All those heart-stopping shots of a parking lot full of cars? Please.
So former Detroit Piston Jaxon Maxiell -- on TV no less -- said he had slept with 341 women -- while his wife was sitting next to him on the stage? The good Mrs. Maxiell did not appear to be amused. Betcha some lawyer is licking his/her chops over this one. Good luck with THAT Jason. Methinks you're about to learn a whole meaning of the phrase "slam dunk".
Thing is, Mrs. Maxiell said she could handle eight or so, but 341 was a bit much. Dang, she was OK with her hubby only stepping out on her eight times? Strange. Very strange. Maybe she needs a loooooong talk with Dr. Phil. Or Ellen. Or Oprah. Somebody.
Probably not Donald Trump, though. Ix-nay that idea. He might give Jason a medal or something.
The Wisconsin Badgers, formerly #6 in the country, just got knocked off by unranked BYU. At home, to boot. Ouch. Poof, say good-bye to any national championship aspirations. All gone. Ah heck. It's probably going to be Bama/Clemson IV at the end of the season anyway.
Detroit Tigers update.
A while back in this space (see August, "Detroit Tigers and a bet" -- stage right) yours truly went on about how I (sort of) got roped into a bet regarding the Tigers.
My stance was they would finish the 2018 regular season no better than 20 games under .500 (71-91).
At present they stand at 60-88, a full 28 games under .500. Simple math dictates that with 14 games remaining, they'd have to go 12-2 or better for me to come up on the short end of said wager. Let's see. One more with the Cleveland Indians, six against the Minnesota Twins, four with the KC Royals, and a season ending three game set with the Milwaukee Brewers. Can they win 12 of those games? I think not. True, it's not an absolute lock just yet, but I'm starting to like that bet more and more.
In the immortal words of one Al Davis -- just lose, baby. Or something like that.
So former Detroit Piston Jaxon Maxiell -- on TV no less -- said he had slept with 341 women -- while his wife was sitting next to him on the stage? The good Mrs. Maxiell did not appear to be amused. Betcha some lawyer is licking his/her chops over this one. Good luck with THAT Jason. Methinks you're about to learn a whole meaning of the phrase "slam dunk".
Thing is, Mrs. Maxiell said she could handle eight or so, but 341 was a bit much. Dang, she was OK with her hubby only stepping out on her eight times? Strange. Very strange. Maybe she needs a loooooong talk with Dr. Phil. Or Ellen. Or Oprah. Somebody.
Probably not Donald Trump, though. Ix-nay that idea. He might give Jason a medal or something.
The Wisconsin Badgers, formerly #6 in the country, just got knocked off by unranked BYU. At home, to boot. Ouch. Poof, say good-bye to any national championship aspirations. All gone. Ah heck. It's probably going to be Bama/Clemson IV at the end of the season anyway.
Detroit Tigers update.
A while back in this space (see August, "Detroit Tigers and a bet" -- stage right) yours truly went on about how I (sort of) got roped into a bet regarding the Tigers.
My stance was they would finish the 2018 regular season no better than 20 games under .500 (71-91).
At present they stand at 60-88, a full 28 games under .500. Simple math dictates that with 14 games remaining, they'd have to go 12-2 or better for me to come up on the short end of said wager. Let's see. One more with the Cleveland Indians, six against the Minnesota Twins, four with the KC Royals, and a season ending three game set with the Milwaukee Brewers. Can they win 12 of those games? I think not. True, it's not an absolute lock just yet, but I'm starting to like that bet more and more.
In the immortal words of one Al Davis -- just lose, baby. Or something like that.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
The amazing Breanna Stewart
When it comes to being a winner, in any sport, Breanna Stewart likely takes the cake, hands down. At every level since childhood she's zoomed to the head of the class.
She played for her high school basketball team while still in only eighth grade.
Check off a New York state title a couple years later.
A consensus high school McDonald's All-American.
A gold medal winning Olympian.
On to UConn for college.
Four years, four national titles.
Four playoff MVPs.
Three-time consensus national player of the year.
Then the overall #1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm.
And now in her third year there, a WNBA championship.
Yep, a stone winner everywhere she goes.She can play for my team any day.
Pity about her initials, though.......
She played for her high school basketball team while still in only eighth grade.
Check off a New York state title a couple years later.
A consensus high school McDonald's All-American.
A gold medal winning Olympian.
On to UConn for college.
Four years, four national titles.
Four playoff MVPs.
Three-time consensus national player of the year.
Then the overall #1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm.
And now in her third year there, a WNBA championship.
Yep, a stone winner everywhere she goes.She can play for my team any day.
Pity about her initials, though.......
Monday, September 10, 2018
Detroit Lions. Thud
The best thing that happened to the Detroit Lions in their season opener against the NY Jets was when the game clock finally expired. The final score? As this is written, unknown, but the Lions were behind by 31 points (48-17) deep into the fourth quarter. More on that later.
It started off great for Detroit. On the first play of the game, Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold make one of the stupidest throws yours truly has ever seen. Rolling out right, he lofted a wounded duck back to the left side of the field. In the time that ball was in the air, any defensive back could have come from twenty yards away to pick it off. And so it happened. Interception, runback for a TD and presto, 7-0 Lions only 10 seconds into the game. The home town Lions' fans were geeked.
Little could they know, from then on it would turn into a nightmare.
Detroit's Matthew Stafford, the gazillion dollar man, would return the favor in spades. At last look, he'd tossed three interceptions, including a pick-six himself. And of course, the Lions had no running attack. They haven't had since the heady days of Barry Sanders, and that was two decades ago.
Their defense? The usual Keystone Kops.
Even the usually reliable place kicker David Prader was missing field goals he normally makes with ease.
And now a word from their sponsors.
This got even more pitiful. It was a truck commercial for the Detroit area Chevy dealers. They were offering a Labor Day special. Problem is, Labor Day was a week ago. The "special" would run for a week, through Sept. 10th -- which was today. And it was broadcast at 10 PM, when the dealers have already closed up shop for the day. So the sale they advertised was already officially over when the spot went on the air. Only in Detroit could this happen. Talk about clueless.
And so the highly anticipated Matt Patricia era as head coach of the Detroit Lions has now begun.
With a colossal THUD!!!
Getting blown out by the Jets -- the JETS?? -- at home? Somebody close the curtain on this sorry act -- please.
It appears that's just what ESPN did. With 6 minutes left in the game, they switched over to pre-game coverage of the Oakland/LA Rams game. Instead of live action, viewers were treated to a typical yappy head, a rookie ex-jock in the booth, and -- get this -- a talking Booger. That's right. The four-letter network preferred to feature a Booger on TV rather than any more of the Lions.
How bad is THAT?
Typically, a broadcaster will stick with the "early" game until its completion, then join the "late" game in progress. But not this time. They couldn't get the Lions off the air fast enough.
So at this writing, I don't know what the final score was. Maybe they'll announce it during the Raiders/Rams game. The only question seemed to be was whether the Jets would break 50 points against the sad-sack Lions. They only needed one more field goal.
Something tells me this is going to be a l-o-o-o-o-g season for the Detroit Puddy Tats.
And they probably just trashed their way out of any future Monday night national broadcasts for another few years. Broadcast execs don't want to see this tripe. It's bad for ratings, hence sponsors, hence money.
Then again, they should have known better in the first place.
After all, they're still the Lions.
It's just the latest version of a clown franchise.
But even yours truly, once a fan of theirs many moons ago, long-ago turned cynic (when Barry had had enough and took a hike -- I did as well), didn't think they'd be this el-stinko bad.
Pee-yew.
It started off great for Detroit. On the first play of the game, Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold make one of the stupidest throws yours truly has ever seen. Rolling out right, he lofted a wounded duck back to the left side of the field. In the time that ball was in the air, any defensive back could have come from twenty yards away to pick it off. And so it happened. Interception, runback for a TD and presto, 7-0 Lions only 10 seconds into the game. The home town Lions' fans were geeked.
Little could they know, from then on it would turn into a nightmare.
Detroit's Matthew Stafford, the gazillion dollar man, would return the favor in spades. At last look, he'd tossed three interceptions, including a pick-six himself. And of course, the Lions had no running attack. They haven't had since the heady days of Barry Sanders, and that was two decades ago.
Their defense? The usual Keystone Kops.
Even the usually reliable place kicker David Prader was missing field goals he normally makes with ease.
And now a word from their sponsors.
This got even more pitiful. It was a truck commercial for the Detroit area Chevy dealers. They were offering a Labor Day special. Problem is, Labor Day was a week ago. The "special" would run for a week, through Sept. 10th -- which was today. And it was broadcast at 10 PM, when the dealers have already closed up shop for the day. So the sale they advertised was already officially over when the spot went on the air. Only in Detroit could this happen. Talk about clueless.
And so the highly anticipated Matt Patricia era as head coach of the Detroit Lions has now begun.
With a colossal THUD!!!
Getting blown out by the Jets -- the JETS?? -- at home? Somebody close the curtain on this sorry act -- please.
It appears that's just what ESPN did. With 6 minutes left in the game, they switched over to pre-game coverage of the Oakland/LA Rams game. Instead of live action, viewers were treated to a typical yappy head, a rookie ex-jock in the booth, and -- get this -- a talking Booger. That's right. The four-letter network preferred to feature a Booger on TV rather than any more of the Lions.
How bad is THAT?
Typically, a broadcaster will stick with the "early" game until its completion, then join the "late" game in progress. But not this time. They couldn't get the Lions off the air fast enough.
So at this writing, I don't know what the final score was. Maybe they'll announce it during the Raiders/Rams game. The only question seemed to be was whether the Jets would break 50 points against the sad-sack Lions. They only needed one more field goal.
Something tells me this is going to be a l-o-o-o-o-g season for the Detroit Puddy Tats.
And they probably just trashed their way out of any future Monday night national broadcasts for another few years. Broadcast execs don't want to see this tripe. It's bad for ratings, hence sponsors, hence money.
Then again, they should have known better in the first place.
After all, they're still the Lions.
It's just the latest version of a clown franchise.
But even yours truly, once a fan of theirs many moons ago, long-ago turned cynic (when Barry had had enough and took a hike -- I did as well), didn't think they'd be this el-stinko bad.
Pee-yew.
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Serena's meltdown
The acronym GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) has certainly got a lot of use in the sports world lately. Many have referred to Tom Brady as the GOAT of NFL quarterbacks. Michael Jordan/Lebron James, take your pick, regarding NBA players. Tiger Woods was well on his way to being the GOAT of the PGA tour, until he became a, well, goat, a few years back. Not much talk of a GOAT in Major League Baseball. Too many variables.
Roger Federer, Wayne Gretzky, or Richard Petty, anyone?
And now it's Serena Williams of ladies tennis.
To be sure, she's had a very impressive career. But is she the GOAT?
Not so fast.
Aussie Margaret Court of old still has one more "major" win than Serena. Martina Navratilova has scads more overall championships when one figures in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles contests.
Yet there was Serena, poised to tie Court for the all-time "major" record of 24 at this year's U.S. Open in New York..
Until the meltdown happened.
After cruising through her first six matches, only 20 year old Japanese phenom Naomi Osaka stood in the way. Yours truly never did check out how the odds-makers perceived it, but I'd be willing to bet (excuse the pun) that Ms. Williams was a heavy favorite going in.
Just one problem. Evidently Ms. Osaka didn't get the memo.
Not only did she defeat Serena, she blistered her. A good old-fashioned trip to the proverbial wood shed. The match was far more lop-sided than the 6-2, 6-4 straight set victory would appear.
Did I mention beat-down?
Serena has become used to clobbering inferior opponents and taking it in stride. But when the shoe was on the other foot this time, and it was her getting drubbed on national TV, she appeared to go off the deep end. Lose it. Bonkers.
First, her coach in the stands got caught giving her hand signals. This is prohibited. And she stewed.
Then, after yet another bone-headed shot, she threw her racket down, breaking it. And was rightfully penalized a point for unsportsmanlike conduct. Tennis is supposed to be a ladies' and gentlemen's game, not a playground pick-up get-together, replete with temper tantrums.
And then the coupe de grace. Thwarted at every turn on the court by a clearly superior opponent, Williams finally went berserk with the official refereeing the match. She would berate him several times, including calling him a "thief".
For this she got a game penalty, also rightfully deserved.
At that point, she probably should have been forced to forfeit the rest of the match for conduct grossly unbecoming a professional tennis player.
No doubt, the official was aware that had he done that, it wouldn't have sat very well with her fans, let alone those who had paid big bucks to be in attendance. To boot, it would have given Williams yet another excuse after a loss. The powers that be (wisely?) let the match go to its conclusion. Shortly thereafter, to the surprise of few, Osaka polished her off fair and square.
So far, no word from Williams offering up the usual assortment of excuses. As in -- my knee/ankle/hip/back/neck/toenails hurt. I had heartburn/indigestion/tummy ache/migraine/cramps, etc. It was solar flares, global warming, a massive right/left-wing conspiracy, Russian hacking, or that pesky Donald/Hillary's fault for distracting me. With Serena, after a loss, it's always "something". She's never been able to just admit she got beat by a superior player on that particular day.
Don't be surprised if she comes up with that "something" in the next day or two.
The question now becomes -- should the tennis federation that oversees these tournaments take another look at her actions to determine if further discipline is warranted?
In most any other sport, a player that behaved as she did might very well wind up being suspended for a few games or weeks/months. You can't just go nuts on an official merely trying to do his job and not expect there to be consequences. It sets a very bad precedent. If one is allowed to "skate" on this, it could embolden other players to do similar things in the future.
Chances of that happening? Probably none, because it's Serena. A very famous sports figure and a "double minority" (female/black) as well. Had some young relatively unknown white young man done the same thing, would anybody object if he was suspended for a few tournaments? Probably not.
So it is what it is, and life/tennis will go on.
But Serena Williams' words and actions on the court during this US Open final were grossly offensive to any self-respecting sports fan.
The only thing that could have been worse would have been if she'd found a way to actually win the match. But then, if she was winning, this probably wouldn't have happened at all.
Can you spell s-o-r-e l-o-s-e-r?
Turns out, maybe Ms. Williams is the GOAT, or is that goat?, after all.
Roger Federer, Wayne Gretzky, or Richard Petty, anyone?
And now it's Serena Williams of ladies tennis.
To be sure, she's had a very impressive career. But is she the GOAT?
Not so fast.
Aussie Margaret Court of old still has one more "major" win than Serena. Martina Navratilova has scads more overall championships when one figures in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles contests.
Yet there was Serena, poised to tie Court for the all-time "major" record of 24 at this year's U.S. Open in New York..
Until the meltdown happened.
After cruising through her first six matches, only 20 year old Japanese phenom Naomi Osaka stood in the way. Yours truly never did check out how the odds-makers perceived it, but I'd be willing to bet (excuse the pun) that Ms. Williams was a heavy favorite going in.
Just one problem. Evidently Ms. Osaka didn't get the memo.
Not only did she defeat Serena, she blistered her. A good old-fashioned trip to the proverbial wood shed. The match was far more lop-sided than the 6-2, 6-4 straight set victory would appear.
Did I mention beat-down?
Serena has become used to clobbering inferior opponents and taking it in stride. But when the shoe was on the other foot this time, and it was her getting drubbed on national TV, she appeared to go off the deep end. Lose it. Bonkers.
First, her coach in the stands got caught giving her hand signals. This is prohibited. And she stewed.
Then, after yet another bone-headed shot, she threw her racket down, breaking it. And was rightfully penalized a point for unsportsmanlike conduct. Tennis is supposed to be a ladies' and gentlemen's game, not a playground pick-up get-together, replete with temper tantrums.
And then the coupe de grace. Thwarted at every turn on the court by a clearly superior opponent, Williams finally went berserk with the official refereeing the match. She would berate him several times, including calling him a "thief".
For this she got a game penalty, also rightfully deserved.
At that point, she probably should have been forced to forfeit the rest of the match for conduct grossly unbecoming a professional tennis player.
No doubt, the official was aware that had he done that, it wouldn't have sat very well with her fans, let alone those who had paid big bucks to be in attendance. To boot, it would have given Williams yet another excuse after a loss. The powers that be (wisely?) let the match go to its conclusion. Shortly thereafter, to the surprise of few, Osaka polished her off fair and square.
So far, no word from Williams offering up the usual assortment of excuses. As in -- my knee/ankle/hip/back/neck/toenails hurt. I had heartburn/indigestion/tummy ache/migraine/cramps, etc. It was solar flares, global warming, a massive right/left-wing conspiracy, Russian hacking, or that pesky Donald/Hillary's fault for distracting me. With Serena, after a loss, it's always "something". She's never been able to just admit she got beat by a superior player on that particular day.
Don't be surprised if she comes up with that "something" in the next day or two.
The question now becomes -- should the tennis federation that oversees these tournaments take another look at her actions to determine if further discipline is warranted?
In most any other sport, a player that behaved as she did might very well wind up being suspended for a few games or weeks/months. You can't just go nuts on an official merely trying to do his job and not expect there to be consequences. It sets a very bad precedent. If one is allowed to "skate" on this, it could embolden other players to do similar things in the future.
Chances of that happening? Probably none, because it's Serena. A very famous sports figure and a "double minority" (female/black) as well. Had some young relatively unknown white young man done the same thing, would anybody object if he was suspended for a few tournaments? Probably not.
So it is what it is, and life/tennis will go on.
But Serena Williams' words and actions on the court during this US Open final were grossly offensive to any self-respecting sports fan.
The only thing that could have been worse would have been if she'd found a way to actually win the match. But then, if she was winning, this probably wouldn't have happened at all.
Can you spell s-o-r-e l-o-s-e-r?
Turns out, maybe Ms. Williams is the GOAT, or is that goat?, after all.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Matthew Stafford and prevent defenses (that don't)
In its most recent tissue Sports Illustrated profiled all 32 NFL teams listing their supposed strengths and weaknesses. In the end, SI has the Atlanta Falcons defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 Super Bowl. Could be. Also which, if it comes to pass, would be the first time in NFL history a team won the championship in their home stadium.
They also have the Detroit Lions going 10-6 and missing the NFC playoffs -- again. Given their tougher schedule this year than in campaigns past, yours truly thinks 10-6 is a generous assessment. I would think somewhere between 9-7 and 7-9 is more realistic. But we'll see. If there's ever been a more confounding team over the years -- in any sport -- please feel free to let me know, because I don't. Those guys are about as predictable as Michigan weather.
Nevertheless, one paragraph in the SI Lions' diagnosis jumped out.
"Stafford has led 20 fourth quarter comebacks over the last four years. The most in the league".
Now I'm no math whiz, but even my Jethro brain can do the ciphering on that one. That averages out to five times a year the Lions have been behind in the fourth quarter, only to come back and win.
"He can use his exceptional arm to attack the spaces that open up in Cover 2, which is what teams most commonly use when protecting the lead".
Well hurray for Detroit's modern day Georgia Peach. No wonder he makes the big bucks. (Though Stafford [who has yet to win a single playoff game -- let alone the Super Bowl] having a higher salary than the likes of Brady, Rodgers, and Brees boggles the mind).
At any rate, that begs a question.
Why, tell me WHY, if whatever a team has done for three quarters has resulted in them leading the game -- would they switch strategies in the fourth?
How many times have we seen "prevent" defenses do anything but, and blow up on the team, resulting in a loss?
Answer? Lots.
The Cover 2 mentioned above is a simple zone concept. Two cornerbacks out wide, and two "high" safeties (deep). The problem with it is -- it leaves the middle of the field vulnerable and "in between" routes (15-25 yards) are almost gimmes.
What the defenses are trying to "prevent" is the monster play, and often they do. But if you're going to give a competent quarterback, which Stafford is, 15-20 yard chunks at a time, it doesn't take long to march down the field and score. Throw in a little prudent clock management in various ways, and it can typically be done in a minute or so of "game time".
If the receiving team of the ensuing kick-off then goes three and out, giving the ball back, the very same thing can happen again. A team that might have been ahead by 10 points going into the fourth quarter could then find themselves behind, not to mention the kick in the team morale they will have suffered.
It just seems so dumb. I mean, if you were a baseball pitcher and had been mowing down the opposing batters with fastballs, why would you start throwing them curves and sliders? And if they started to hit them, wouldn't going back to the "heater" be a prudent thing to do?
In the NFL, why change what has worked for you for three quarters? Keep bringing whatever it was.
Nope, I'll never understand "prevent" defenses, when over the years they have become like sticking a "kick me" note on your own backside, then walking into a rowdy bar.
A lot of things can happen, but most of them aren't good. Maybe even painful. And it was your own dumb fault in the first place.
They also have the Detroit Lions going 10-6 and missing the NFC playoffs -- again. Given their tougher schedule this year than in campaigns past, yours truly thinks 10-6 is a generous assessment. I would think somewhere between 9-7 and 7-9 is more realistic. But we'll see. If there's ever been a more confounding team over the years -- in any sport -- please feel free to let me know, because I don't. Those guys are about as predictable as Michigan weather.
Nevertheless, one paragraph in the SI Lions' diagnosis jumped out.
"Stafford has led 20 fourth quarter comebacks over the last four years. The most in the league".
Now I'm no math whiz, but even my Jethro brain can do the ciphering on that one. That averages out to five times a year the Lions have been behind in the fourth quarter, only to come back and win.
"He can use his exceptional arm to attack the spaces that open up in Cover 2, which is what teams most commonly use when protecting the lead".
Well hurray for Detroit's modern day Georgia Peach. No wonder he makes the big bucks. (Though Stafford [who has yet to win a single playoff game -- let alone the Super Bowl] having a higher salary than the likes of Brady, Rodgers, and Brees boggles the mind).
At any rate, that begs a question.
Why, tell me WHY, if whatever a team has done for three quarters has resulted in them leading the game -- would they switch strategies in the fourth?
How many times have we seen "prevent" defenses do anything but, and blow up on the team, resulting in a loss?
Answer? Lots.
The Cover 2 mentioned above is a simple zone concept. Two cornerbacks out wide, and two "high" safeties (deep). The problem with it is -- it leaves the middle of the field vulnerable and "in between" routes (15-25 yards) are almost gimmes.
What the defenses are trying to "prevent" is the monster play, and often they do. But if you're going to give a competent quarterback, which Stafford is, 15-20 yard chunks at a time, it doesn't take long to march down the field and score. Throw in a little prudent clock management in various ways, and it can typically be done in a minute or so of "game time".
If the receiving team of the ensuing kick-off then goes three and out, giving the ball back, the very same thing can happen again. A team that might have been ahead by 10 points going into the fourth quarter could then find themselves behind, not to mention the kick in the team morale they will have suffered.
It just seems so dumb. I mean, if you were a baseball pitcher and had been mowing down the opposing batters with fastballs, why would you start throwing them curves and sliders? And if they started to hit them, wouldn't going back to the "heater" be a prudent thing to do?
In the NFL, why change what has worked for you for three quarters? Keep bringing whatever it was.
Nope, I'll never understand "prevent" defenses, when over the years they have become like sticking a "kick me" note on your own backside, then walking into a rowdy bar.
A lot of things can happen, but most of them aren't good. Maybe even painful. And it was your own dumb fault in the first place.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Khalil Mack and the Detroit Lions
Any NFL fan knows who Khalil Mack is. A ferocious defensive lineman, likely in the top three in the entire league, that most recently played for the Oakland Raiders. In short, he's a brute. A load.
But he couldn't seem to come to terms on a new contract with the Raiders while holding out through training camp and the exhibition games. New Oakland head coach Jon Gruden -- underestimate him at your own peril -- didn't seem particularly concerned about it.
So off Mack went to the Chicago Bears, along with a second round draft choice. In return, the Raiders got two #1 picks, and a couple others.
It could be argued which team got the better deal, but it's done.
Enter the Detroit Lions.
In recent years, though the Lions have been far from serious contenders, at least they had the luxury of having the Bears on their schedule twice a year. And for the most part, Detroit has owned them. Typically, two gimme wins.
But this trade changes things.
The Lions, still rebuilding (when are they not?), will feature an offensive line very much in flux. Saying it's iffy would be an understatement. A rookie here, an aging veteran there that has a history of health problems, and a few other guys, where nobody seems to know who will play which position. All in all, not a very good scenario.
And last year, quarterback Matthew Stafford got sacked more than any other QB around the league.
Add one Khalil Mack to the Bears coming after the Georgia peach on every passing play, and dear Matthew will have one more serious headache to contend with. It's almost a miracle the former "China doll" has lasted this long as it is.
Those two former "gimmes" against the Bears might have just turned into definite "maybes".
Cuz you just know, Mack having gone to a new team, with a whopper contract to boot, will want to come out and prove himself. If only to prove the Raiders wrong.
The guess here is -- Matthew Stafford didn't like that trade one bit.
But he couldn't seem to come to terms on a new contract with the Raiders while holding out through training camp and the exhibition games. New Oakland head coach Jon Gruden -- underestimate him at your own peril -- didn't seem particularly concerned about it.
So off Mack went to the Chicago Bears, along with a second round draft choice. In return, the Raiders got two #1 picks, and a couple others.
It could be argued which team got the better deal, but it's done.
Enter the Detroit Lions.
In recent years, though the Lions have been far from serious contenders, at least they had the luxury of having the Bears on their schedule twice a year. And for the most part, Detroit has owned them. Typically, two gimme wins.
But this trade changes things.
The Lions, still rebuilding (when are they not?), will feature an offensive line very much in flux. Saying it's iffy would be an understatement. A rookie here, an aging veteran there that has a history of health problems, and a few other guys, where nobody seems to know who will play which position. All in all, not a very good scenario.
And last year, quarterback Matthew Stafford got sacked more than any other QB around the league.
Add one Khalil Mack to the Bears coming after the Georgia peach on every passing play, and dear Matthew will have one more serious headache to contend with. It's almost a miracle the former "China doll" has lasted this long as it is.
Those two former "gimmes" against the Bears might have just turned into definite "maybes".
Cuz you just know, Mack having gone to a new team, with a whopper contract to boot, will want to come out and prove himself. If only to prove the Raiders wrong.
The guess here is -- Matthew Stafford didn't like that trade one bit.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Bryson DeChambeau and Tiger Woods
The irony was delicious. In this year's second round of the FedEx Cup golf playoff, whereby the field will be pared to 70 for the next go-round, up and coming star Bryson James Aldrich (what is it with those coming from privileged backgrounds always having an extra name?) DeChambeau found himself paired with one Eldrick Tont Woods -- sometimes known as Tiger.
Bryson will turn 25 in a couple weeks. Eldrick limped past 40 some time ago.
DeChambeau finds himself at 12 under par, a single stroke out of the lead. Chances to win? Excellent.
Woods is far behind at 7 under par, tied with eight other guys. Chances to win? Slim, at best.
Yet in a post-match interview, BD said he'd always wanted to play with TW. He further claimed that as a youngster he admired Woods and tried to pattern his game after him.
So he finally got the chance. And what happened? Though Tiger posted a pretty good round of 68 -- three under par -- young Bryson absolutely torched him by firing an eight under par 63.
How's that for in your face, old man?
Of course the interviewer didn't ask the obvious question, which would have been ---
When's the last time you lit up Tiger like a pinball machine head-to-head on a golf course?
And we know the hypothetical answer to that one.
Last time I got the chance.
Hey, be it the PGA tour or a couple guys out on a public course golfing for bragging rights -- if one finished five strokes ahead of the other -- he OWNED him.
Period.
Bryson will turn 25 in a couple weeks. Eldrick limped past 40 some time ago.
DeChambeau finds himself at 12 under par, a single stroke out of the lead. Chances to win? Excellent.
Woods is far behind at 7 under par, tied with eight other guys. Chances to win? Slim, at best.
Yet in a post-match interview, BD said he'd always wanted to play with TW. He further claimed that as a youngster he admired Woods and tried to pattern his game after him.
So he finally got the chance. And what happened? Though Tiger posted a pretty good round of 68 -- three under par -- young Bryson absolutely torched him by firing an eight under par 63.
How's that for in your face, old man?
Of course the interviewer didn't ask the obvious question, which would have been ---
When's the last time you lit up Tiger like a pinball machine head-to-head on a golf course?
And we know the hypothetical answer to that one.
Last time I got the chance.
Hey, be it the PGA tour or a couple guys out on a public course golfing for bragging rights -- if one finished five strokes ahead of the other -- he OWNED him.
Period.
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Michigan football Not good
In what was likely the "lock of the week", Notre Dame, playing at home, was only giving a point and a half to visiting Michigan. Of course the Irish covered.
I think that will be just the first of several Michigan losses this year. They have a tougher than usual schedule and show no signs of being anywhere near an elite team.
Let's check it out. After predictably getting dinked in South Bend, UM has their usual pre-conference patsies on the schedule. Next up ---
W. Michigan. If they don't throttle a MAC team, things are even worse than they appear.
Southern Methodist. They've been gawd-awful since receiving the "death penalty" for so many violations a while back. It's amazing they even HAVE a football team. And they're el-stinko.
So let's assume UM is 2-1 when they play Nebraska. A possible win for the Blue, but hardly automatic. I think they lose that game, even though it's at home.
Then off to Northwestern. The Wildcats haven't been to shabby in recent times, and playing at home -- I think they make Michigan 2-3 at that point.
Maryland. Sometimes mistaken for the Campfire Girls. UM gets a win.
#4 Wisconsin. A brute, with a road-grading offensive line. They'll pound UM all game long and should win handily. 3-4.
@ #11 Michigan State. The Spartans have had their number in recent years, are ranked higher, and will be playing at home. Make it 3-5.
Penn State. The Nittany Lions pounded the Wolverines last year at home, but this one will be in Ann Arbor. If QB Trace McSorley is still healthy, gimme PSU. 3-6 Jim Harbaugh's seat starts getting a tad warm.
Rutgers. OK, if the Maryland Terps were the Campfire Girls, call the Scarlet Knights Don Quixotes tilting at windmills riding Mopeds. 4-6.
Indiana. Should be another gimme. The Hoosiers are a basketball school, and haven't been much good at that lately either. 5-6. The heat dies down on Harbaugh until...
@ Ohio State. This one could get ugly, and not for the Buckeyes. Not a chance Michigan waltzes into the "horseshoe" and comes out victorious. They'll be lucky to stay within 20 points.
If this plays out as above, that would give Michigan a 5-7 record and hence, make them bowl ineligible. Ya gotta have 6 wins to even get to a garbage bowl.
And if THAT happens, dear Mr. Harbaugh is going to have some serious 'splainin' to do. He would have had four years to bring in and coach up all his own recruits, and this is the result? Did I mention serious heat?
It really shouldn't come as any great surprise. After all, Michigan didn't beat a single team with a winning record last year and, the usual hype aside, there's no reason to think they will in 2018 either.
Their opener against Notre Dame only reinforced the point.
To say UM is anywhere near national contender worthy would be like saying Tiger Woods, who hasn't won squat in five years, is going to storm back and recapture the dominance he had back in the George W. Bush White House years.
Possible you say?
Well, I say something else.
Preposterous. The competition in both cases has become much, much tougher, and it will continue to do so.
I think that will be just the first of several Michigan losses this year. They have a tougher than usual schedule and show no signs of being anywhere near an elite team.
Let's check it out. After predictably getting dinked in South Bend, UM has their usual pre-conference patsies on the schedule. Next up ---
W. Michigan. If they don't throttle a MAC team, things are even worse than they appear.
Southern Methodist. They've been gawd-awful since receiving the "death penalty" for so many violations a while back. It's amazing they even HAVE a football team. And they're el-stinko.
So let's assume UM is 2-1 when they play Nebraska. A possible win for the Blue, but hardly automatic. I think they lose that game, even though it's at home.
Then off to Northwestern. The Wildcats haven't been to shabby in recent times, and playing at home -- I think they make Michigan 2-3 at that point.
Maryland. Sometimes mistaken for the Campfire Girls. UM gets a win.
#4 Wisconsin. A brute, with a road-grading offensive line. They'll pound UM all game long and should win handily. 3-4.
@ #11 Michigan State. The Spartans have had their number in recent years, are ranked higher, and will be playing at home. Make it 3-5.
Penn State. The Nittany Lions pounded the Wolverines last year at home, but this one will be in Ann Arbor. If QB Trace McSorley is still healthy, gimme PSU. 3-6 Jim Harbaugh's seat starts getting a tad warm.
Rutgers. OK, if the Maryland Terps were the Campfire Girls, call the Scarlet Knights Don Quixotes tilting at windmills riding Mopeds. 4-6.
Indiana. Should be another gimme. The Hoosiers are a basketball school, and haven't been much good at that lately either. 5-6. The heat dies down on Harbaugh until...
@ Ohio State. This one could get ugly, and not for the Buckeyes. Not a chance Michigan waltzes into the "horseshoe" and comes out victorious. They'll be lucky to stay within 20 points.
If this plays out as above, that would give Michigan a 5-7 record and hence, make them bowl ineligible. Ya gotta have 6 wins to even get to a garbage bowl.
And if THAT happens, dear Mr. Harbaugh is going to have some serious 'splainin' to do. He would have had four years to bring in and coach up all his own recruits, and this is the result? Did I mention serious heat?
It really shouldn't come as any great surprise. After all, Michigan didn't beat a single team with a winning record last year and, the usual hype aside, there's no reason to think they will in 2018 either.
Their opener against Notre Dame only reinforced the point.
To say UM is anywhere near national contender worthy would be like saying Tiger Woods, who hasn't won squat in five years, is going to storm back and recapture the dominance he had back in the George W. Bush White House years.
Possible you say?
Well, I say something else.
Preposterous. The competition in both cases has become much, much tougher, and it will continue to do so.
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