First, the ad was paid for by Chrysler. This was an American founded company that goes back to the early days of the very existence of automobiles. Yes, they got bought out a while back by the Mercedes-Benz people and had German bosses for several years. Currently, their head honcho is Italian born, Canadian educated Sergio Marchionne, who's also in charge of Fiat. Everything in the corporate world seems to be global these days, and there's no doubt SM is a very astute and shrewd businessman.
But in the end, I dare say most Americans, much like GM and Ford, would like to consider Chrysler an American company.
Let's get real. Does anybody believe for one second that Clint Eastwood needed the money that he was probably paid to film that ad spot? My guess is he did it out of patriotism. Yet, others will be quick to look for ulterior motives, especially politically. It's an election year, remember?
And that's a joke with no punch line.
Just once, can't we look beyond Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, pot parties and tea parties, Arab this and Jewish that, bailouts here and Wall Street there, and embrace a pro-American message?
If we can't, we're in deeper trouble than we know.
As sports fans, all we need do is pay closer attention to what we've been watching on TV for quite some time. It's right in front of our faces, but nobody's been seeing it. Look at who's sponsoring all the games and talking-head sports shows.
Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, and Audi, amongst others, are coming at you constantly -- everyday.
And people want to take Clint Eastwood to task for standing behind Chrysler in a Super Bowl ad?
Is this what it's come to? If so, something is seriously wrong in this country.
Personally, I applauded his commercial. He didn't need a "fistful of dollars" to do it, but somewhere down the line I hope it comes to "for a few dollars more", to inspire similar efforts.
Bravo (Dirty) Harry. You made MY day.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The world of sports. Now what?
OK, the Super Bowl is over. Congratulations to the New York Giants and may they enjoy their parade in New Jersey, however that works. Of course, the politicians, in their never-ending quest for photo-ops, will attempt to grab some glory. Giants' principal owner John Mara might be well-advised to keep an eye out for Chris Christie, the governor. This is not to say he's fat, but rumor has it CC might adorn himself with flowers, balloons, and streamers, then try to pass himself off as a "float" in the parade as he rolls down the road. But I digress...
For hard core sports fans -- now what?
Pro basketball and hockey? Be honest. Does it really get all that interesting until the playoffs start?
In the Major Leagues of baseball, they're just getting ready to report to "spring training" in such places as Florida and Arizona. They'll play their "grapefruit" and "cactus" games that don't matter, then start the regular season. They play a very long season. As an aside, I still can't understand how some "home team" sports writers say a loss in April or May doesn't matter, but will get all worked up in the fall when their team is still a game out of making the playoffs. I thought all the regular season games counted the same, but that's just me. At any rate, that doesn't get really serious until maybe October.
March Madness in college hoops is a big deal. Most everybody with a pulse gets on that bandwagon in one way or the other. Until then, the Top 10 or so teams will flip-flop rankings, up one week with a big win -- and drop a couple spots the next week with a disappointing loss. None of that really matters anyway. All those teams are a lock for the tournament and, once that starts, we can probably cull the herd down to the Top 5 or 6 that realistically have a chance of winning it.
Golf? Yeah, there's tournaments going on here and there, but c'mon, isn't the Masters' Tournament in April the one golf fans are waiting for?
Same with tennis. No doubt tournaments are being held constantly somewhere in the world at all times, but their next big stage is the French Open, which is a while off yet.
Like baseball, NASCAR has a long season. They're gearing up for the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race on their circuit. So why do they schedule it as their "opener"? Shouldn't it come at the end when all the marbles are on the line? What better venue could there possibly be to decide the Cup champion then the Daytona 500 in the last race? Why not swap the end of season Homestead race for the Daytona premier? They're both in Florida so the logistics wouldn't seem to be a major problem. I must be missing something here....
Look at it this way. Daytona has the 24 hours of LeMans. Then all the practice sessions for the big race. Then the Bud Shootouts. Then the 500. Then bike week. Then spring break for the college kids. Then the "time-share" people start showing up. All of the above create a lot of messes. If nothing else, how about giving the maids a little time to catch their breaths?
Me? I love sports, but mostly I can't wait until spring gets here. Planting the garden, grilling almost every day on the deck when I'm home, and rolling down the road on the bike, sometimes with no particular destination in mind when I'm not, has a way of jump-starting my season.
For hard core sports fans -- now what?
Pro basketball and hockey? Be honest. Does it really get all that interesting until the playoffs start?
In the Major Leagues of baseball, they're just getting ready to report to "spring training" in such places as Florida and Arizona. They'll play their "grapefruit" and "cactus" games that don't matter, then start the regular season. They play a very long season. As an aside, I still can't understand how some "home team" sports writers say a loss in April or May doesn't matter, but will get all worked up in the fall when their team is still a game out of making the playoffs. I thought all the regular season games counted the same, but that's just me. At any rate, that doesn't get really serious until maybe October.
March Madness in college hoops is a big deal. Most everybody with a pulse gets on that bandwagon in one way or the other. Until then, the Top 10 or so teams will flip-flop rankings, up one week with a big win -- and drop a couple spots the next week with a disappointing loss. None of that really matters anyway. All those teams are a lock for the tournament and, once that starts, we can probably cull the herd down to the Top 5 or 6 that realistically have a chance of winning it.
Golf? Yeah, there's tournaments going on here and there, but c'mon, isn't the Masters' Tournament in April the one golf fans are waiting for?
Same with tennis. No doubt tournaments are being held constantly somewhere in the world at all times, but their next big stage is the French Open, which is a while off yet.
Like baseball, NASCAR has a long season. They're gearing up for the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race on their circuit. So why do they schedule it as their "opener"? Shouldn't it come at the end when all the marbles are on the line? What better venue could there possibly be to decide the Cup champion then the Daytona 500 in the last race? Why not swap the end of season Homestead race for the Daytona premier? They're both in Florida so the logistics wouldn't seem to be a major problem. I must be missing something here....
Look at it this way. Daytona has the 24 hours of LeMans. Then all the practice sessions for the big race. Then the Bud Shootouts. Then the 500. Then bike week. Then spring break for the college kids. Then the "time-share" people start showing up. All of the above create a lot of messes. If nothing else, how about giving the maids a little time to catch their breaths?
Me? I love sports, but mostly I can't wait until spring gets here. Planting the garden, grilling almost every day on the deck when I'm home, and rolling down the road on the bike, sometimes with no particular destination in mind when I'm not, has a way of jump-starting my season.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Jan and the Super Bowl
According to Jan, the Giants are going to win the Super Bowl. She's a highly respectable lady that I hear has been married to a friend of mine since one of the Roosevelts was President, though I'm not for sure which one. Let's just say her and Dave have been happily married for quite a few years and leave it at that.
At any rate, for her own reasons, Jan doesn't seem to care much for that "other" team -- the Brady Bunch from New England.
Far be it from me to disagree with her. Even though the Patriots were favored by 3 points last time I looked, how can one ignore what the Giants have recently accomplished? Yes, they barely squeaked into the playoffs, but consider what they've done since then. Going into Green Bay and beating the mighty Packers in their back yard was very impressive stuff. Same with going to San Fran the following week and knocking off the resurgent 49ers.
The Giants have been weird this year. They went into New England and beat the Pats, then went on a 4 game losing streak, including losing to the not-so-good Washington Redskins. Then somehow they seemed to get their act together, and made it into the playoffs. But there's something to be said about peaking at the right time, and the Giants appear to be doing exactly that. Can they beat the Pats yet again in a rematch of a former Super Bowl?
The Vegas wise-guys say no.
Personally, I say I'm not about to debate the matter with anyone that can pound down that much sloe gin and orange juice and still be the smartest person at the table.
So here's a vote for the Giants. There's a lot of reasons why they should prevail.
Yet somehow, I get this feeling that mad genius Bill Belichick is up to something....
Shhh. Don't tell Jan.
At any rate, for her own reasons, Jan doesn't seem to care much for that "other" team -- the Brady Bunch from New England.
Far be it from me to disagree with her. Even though the Patriots were favored by 3 points last time I looked, how can one ignore what the Giants have recently accomplished? Yes, they barely squeaked into the playoffs, but consider what they've done since then. Going into Green Bay and beating the mighty Packers in their back yard was very impressive stuff. Same with going to San Fran the following week and knocking off the resurgent 49ers.
The Giants have been weird this year. They went into New England and beat the Pats, then went on a 4 game losing streak, including losing to the not-so-good Washington Redskins. Then somehow they seemed to get their act together, and made it into the playoffs. But there's something to be said about peaking at the right time, and the Giants appear to be doing exactly that. Can they beat the Pats yet again in a rematch of a former Super Bowl?
The Vegas wise-guys say no.
Personally, I say I'm not about to debate the matter with anyone that can pound down that much sloe gin and orange juice and still be the smartest person at the table.
So here's a vote for the Giants. There's a lot of reasons why they should prevail.
Yet somehow, I get this feeling that mad genius Bill Belichick is up to something....
Shhh. Don't tell Jan.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Really bad boys
I'd heard the Detroit Pistons weren't very good, and their record so far this year would certainly seem to reflect that. But I hadn't really checked them out -- until last night when they played the Milwaukee Bucks.
These are not the Bad Boys. It's way past that. They're terrible.
Of course, George Blah Blah, their announcer, will rant, rave, and scream about any rare perceived highlight -- but he gets paid to be a "homer". I get that.
I could only stand to watch it for so long, so I never did see who his sidekick was, but it sounded a lot like Greg Kelser, the ex-MSU star hoopster turned broadcaster wannabe. Whoever it was said the Pistons were playing good defense. Defense? WHAT defense? The Bucks were getting wide open shots time after time, but they just couldn't "knock them down".
Idle thought.... Maybe that's where the term "buckshot" comes from. You just shoot it out there and hope it hits something.
At any rate, the Pistons weren't any better. Give a contractor the same number of "bricks" those 2 teams threw up (which I was getting close to doing) and he'll build you a tornado-proof house.
The Pistons are bad. Really bad. Yeah, they have a couple guys that are hurt, but they're not difference makers either.
Forget college teams. I'm thinking Dan Fife's boys from Clarkston would give the Pistons all they could handle. At least the Wolves understand discipline, team play, defense, and hit open shots.
OK, Mr.Tom Gores, new owner, you wanted this so bad. You got it. Now it appears you couldn't fill your own arena (the Palace) if admission was free and you were standing at the turnstiles handing out C-notes.
That's how bad your team is. Maybe former owner Bill Davidson's widow Karen, who inherited all this, then peddled you the bill of goods, wasn't such a dumb broad after all, eh?
Funny how something called Platinum Equity made you rich, but now you've traded it in for tin.
Joe Dumars? He's a terrific man, but c'mon. Look at what has become of this team under his watch over the last several years. It's time.
Most importantly, change DTE back to Pine Knob, allow the coolers again, and maybe the basketball gods will smile upon you. I know the concert-goers would. Seems to me the attendance is down there too.
After all, at this point, what do you have to lose?
These are not the Bad Boys. It's way past that. They're terrible.
Of course, George Blah Blah, their announcer, will rant, rave, and scream about any rare perceived highlight -- but he gets paid to be a "homer". I get that.
I could only stand to watch it for so long, so I never did see who his sidekick was, but it sounded a lot like Greg Kelser, the ex-MSU star hoopster turned broadcaster wannabe. Whoever it was said the Pistons were playing good defense. Defense? WHAT defense? The Bucks were getting wide open shots time after time, but they just couldn't "knock them down".
Idle thought.... Maybe that's where the term "buckshot" comes from. You just shoot it out there and hope it hits something.
At any rate, the Pistons weren't any better. Give a contractor the same number of "bricks" those 2 teams threw up (which I was getting close to doing) and he'll build you a tornado-proof house.
The Pistons are bad. Really bad. Yeah, they have a couple guys that are hurt, but they're not difference makers either.
Forget college teams. I'm thinking Dan Fife's boys from Clarkston would give the Pistons all they could handle. At least the Wolves understand discipline, team play, defense, and hit open shots.
OK, Mr.Tom Gores, new owner, you wanted this so bad. You got it. Now it appears you couldn't fill your own arena (the Palace) if admission was free and you were standing at the turnstiles handing out C-notes.
That's how bad your team is. Maybe former owner Bill Davidson's widow Karen, who inherited all this, then peddled you the bill of goods, wasn't such a dumb broad after all, eh?
Funny how something called Platinum Equity made you rich, but now you've traded it in for tin.
Joe Dumars? He's a terrific man, but c'mon. Look at what has become of this team under his watch over the last several years. It's time.
Most importantly, change DTE back to Pine Knob, allow the coolers again, and maybe the basketball gods will smile upon you. I know the concert-goers would. Seems to me the attendance is down there too.
After all, at this point, what do you have to lose?
The World According to Peyton (Manning)
I think I can state with a fair amount of certainty that most sports fans are aware the Super Bowl is going to be played this Sunday in Indianapolis. The New York Giants vs The New England Patriots.
As in previous years, there's a 2 week build-up to this mega-event. A lot of things happen during those 2 weeks.
Coaches study film and develop a game plan. Players practice and study film as well. They also have an extra week for minor injuries to heal -- or at least get them well enough to play in the big game.
And, of course, the media goes crazy. They'll dissect every possible aspect of the game to the point where microbiologists would hang their heads in shame. Officially, the Tuesday before the Super Bowl is called "media day", but that's bull. EVERY day is media day during the course of those 2 weeks. Every relevant question known in the history of mankind will be asked of players and coaches -- and when they run out of those -- they'll start asking stupid ones. Do they really think anybody cares about what some tight end's favorite Madonna song is?
Getting beyond that, one would think the focus of attention would at least be on the teams, individual players, and coaches that will participate in the upcoming Super Bowl. It doesn't seem to be turning out that way. Why? Because it happens to be in Indianapolis, whose NFL team used to feature a man named....
Peyton Manning. This is a guy that didn't play a single down last year, but he's everywhere. During the course of an interview Peyton first professed the Super Bowl shouldn't be about him -- duh -- but then went on and on about his personal career.
See a few sound bytes from Tom Brady. See a Peyton commercial. See Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin responding to questions. See another Peyton commercial -- different product. See former NFLers discuss whether Eli Manning is an elite quarterback. The trailer at the bottom of the screen informs us that Peyton has been medically cleared to play.
Stupid questions or not, isn't it supposed to be about the Super Bowl?
So why is so much discussion centered on Peyton and the $28 million dollar bonus he's due in a month or so?
Who cares? He's already got umpteen millions in the bank and the royalties from endorsements and sales of his #18 jersey show no signs of letting up soon. If the dude never plays again, he's a lock for the Hall of Fame and has enough money to ensure the next few generations of toeheads won't exactly be homeless and hungry.
Besides that, Indianpolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has cleaned house. That head coach Peyton was buddy-buddy with? Gone. The general manager that he had wrapped around his little finger? History.
Don't forget about that $28 million dollar cha-ching staring Irsay in the face. Irsay doesn't even know for sure if soon to be 36 year old Peyton can play again, much less be productive, at his age. Just a guess, but I'd think even an NFL owner would sit up and pay attention to that amount of money before he forks it over. Especially when the Colts own the #1 draft choice and the consensus pick is Andrew Luck, the hot-shot QB from Stanford. It should be a no-brainer. Broom the geezer, take the kid, and build for the future around him.
Of all people, Peyton should understand it's a ruthless business. Players begin, get better, excel, peak, and if they're fortunate enough to have avoided being retired early by a major injury during the course of their careers, they eventually experience the down side. And then they're gone. That's just the way it is.
Huh. Seems like I got caught up talking about Peyton too in the final days leading up to the Super Bowl.
That's just wrong. The commercials are dumb, and his interviews self-serving. I've never remotely been a Colts fan, and the thing I've enjoyed most in Indianapolis over the years was the Indy 500 on Memorial day weekend. Obviously, I'm missing something here.
What is it with this guy anyway?
As in previous years, there's a 2 week build-up to this mega-event. A lot of things happen during those 2 weeks.
Coaches study film and develop a game plan. Players practice and study film as well. They also have an extra week for minor injuries to heal -- or at least get them well enough to play in the big game.
And, of course, the media goes crazy. They'll dissect every possible aspect of the game to the point where microbiologists would hang their heads in shame. Officially, the Tuesday before the Super Bowl is called "media day", but that's bull. EVERY day is media day during the course of those 2 weeks. Every relevant question known in the history of mankind will be asked of players and coaches -- and when they run out of those -- they'll start asking stupid ones. Do they really think anybody cares about what some tight end's favorite Madonna song is?
Getting beyond that, one would think the focus of attention would at least be on the teams, individual players, and coaches that will participate in the upcoming Super Bowl. It doesn't seem to be turning out that way. Why? Because it happens to be in Indianapolis, whose NFL team used to feature a man named....
Peyton Manning. This is a guy that didn't play a single down last year, but he's everywhere. During the course of an interview Peyton first professed the Super Bowl shouldn't be about him -- duh -- but then went on and on about his personal career.
See a few sound bytes from Tom Brady. See a Peyton commercial. See Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin responding to questions. See another Peyton commercial -- different product. See former NFLers discuss whether Eli Manning is an elite quarterback. The trailer at the bottom of the screen informs us that Peyton has been medically cleared to play.
Stupid questions or not, isn't it supposed to be about the Super Bowl?
So why is so much discussion centered on Peyton and the $28 million dollar bonus he's due in a month or so?
Who cares? He's already got umpteen millions in the bank and the royalties from endorsements and sales of his #18 jersey show no signs of letting up soon. If the dude never plays again, he's a lock for the Hall of Fame and has enough money to ensure the next few generations of toeheads won't exactly be homeless and hungry.
Besides that, Indianpolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has cleaned house. That head coach Peyton was buddy-buddy with? Gone. The general manager that he had wrapped around his little finger? History.
Don't forget about that $28 million dollar cha-ching staring Irsay in the face. Irsay doesn't even know for sure if soon to be 36 year old Peyton can play again, much less be productive, at his age. Just a guess, but I'd think even an NFL owner would sit up and pay attention to that amount of money before he forks it over. Especially when the Colts own the #1 draft choice and the consensus pick is Andrew Luck, the hot-shot QB from Stanford. It should be a no-brainer. Broom the geezer, take the kid, and build for the future around him.
Of all people, Peyton should understand it's a ruthless business. Players begin, get better, excel, peak, and if they're fortunate enough to have avoided being retired early by a major injury during the course of their careers, they eventually experience the down side. And then they're gone. That's just the way it is.
Huh. Seems like I got caught up talking about Peyton too in the final days leading up to the Super Bowl.
That's just wrong. The commercials are dumb, and his interviews self-serving. I've never remotely been a Colts fan, and the thing I've enjoyed most in Indianapolis over the years was the Indy 500 on Memorial day weekend. Obviously, I'm missing something here.
What is it with this guy anyway?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Martha Stewart's Super Bowl tips
What planet is this woman from anyway? Yes, I understand she became a billionaire hawking everything from quiche to quilts, but sometimes a man has to stand up and say, "Dammit, shut up". This is one of those times.
Martha wants to talk about appetizers to be the hostess with the mostest for a Super Bowl party. If they're prepared just so, these delectable little canapes, which are even, OMG, microwaveable, will get things started in a superb fashion.......
Two words. Shut up.
Earth to Martha. Most of the ladies in attendance won't care about the game anyway. If you want to keep the men happy, there's only 3 things you need to do for a successful Super Bowl party.
1) Forget the finger food. Order up a dozen pizzas with everything -- double meat -- no anchovies.
2) Never run out of beer.
3) Don't walk between the men and big screen while the game is going on.
Better yet, if you want to make it absolutely perfect for the men -- take all the ladies out to a fancy restaurant and/or a show, so the guys can enjoy the game by themselves.
You and the girls might be pleasantly surprised at the dessert they whip up for you later to show their appreciation.
Believe it or not, most men know a little bit about fine cuisine, as well.
Martha wants to talk about appetizers to be the hostess with the mostest for a Super Bowl party. If they're prepared just so, these delectable little canapes, which are even, OMG, microwaveable, will get things started in a superb fashion.......
Two words. Shut up.
Earth to Martha. Most of the ladies in attendance won't care about the game anyway. If you want to keep the men happy, there's only 3 things you need to do for a successful Super Bowl party.
1) Forget the finger food. Order up a dozen pizzas with everything -- double meat -- no anchovies.
2) Never run out of beer.
3) Don't walk between the men and big screen while the game is going on.
Better yet, if you want to make it absolutely perfect for the men -- take all the ladies out to a fancy restaurant and/or a show, so the guys can enjoy the game by themselves.
You and the girls might be pleasantly surprised at the dessert they whip up for you later to show their appreciation.
Believe it or not, most men know a little bit about fine cuisine, as well.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
An unbiased view of Ndamukong Suh
Suh's back in the news. It seems he's joined the seemingly endless string of talking sports heads on the tube and even offered up an interview to ESPN reporter Hannah Storm. That will likely be aired repeatedly until either people watching at home go on a jihad, and storm Bristol, Conn. -- home of the 4-letter network, or they find somebody or something else more interesting. In today's rapidly evolving news cycles, I'd bet on the latter. Besides, nobody knows where the hell Bristol is anyway. Hmm. Maybe there's a method to their madness, but I digress.
Suh seems to think he's just misunderstood. He also claims he would never intentionally attempt to hurt another player on the field. The problem with that is -- the videos don't lie. We've all seen them -- and those were no accidents. Ndamukong, in his latest lame excuse, tried to say he was a nice guy because he doesn't beat up people in bars. Whether or not he attempts to do that is irrelevant. Besides, if he tried that stuff in the wrong bar, Suh himself might be the one that found himself on his back getting stomped on. It all depends. He may be a lot of things, but Suhperman, he is not.
Consider Warren Sapp, a former defensive tackle himself, and a probable future Hall of Famer. Sapp wouldn't appear to have any "axe to grind" with Suh, personally or professionally. Also, when someone like Sapp brings his career credentials to the table for an interview, and gets into some detail about playing defensive tackle in the NFL, one would be hard put to argue the credibility of what he has to say. Been there, done that. Pro Bowl appearances galore. The man knows what he's talking about.
Recently Sapp suggested Suh is basically a one-trick-pony. He's a very strong guy with an impressive "bull rush". That enabled Suh to rack up some impressive performances and stats in his rookie year. Yet Sapp went on to explain that Suh didn't develop anything new for his second season. At about 6' 4" and 300 pounds, there's little doubt Suh can bring a lot of force by lowering his head and charging.
Thing is, the opposing offensive linemen aren't exactly Barney Fifes. 6' 4" and 300 is probably about average and they're pros too. While they may have underestimated Suh as a rookie -- given all the film study they do -- there's no way that same tactic, all by itself, was going to be successful the next year. They adjust. If Suh didn't learn anything new, it should come as no surprise that his stats plummeted during his second season. Like Sapp said -- if all an offensive lineman has to worry about is a bull rush, then he just needs to establish a "base" and stand the other guy up for a couple seconds. By then, the play's over.
Suh has claimed that reports labeling him a dirty player are without substance. Certainly the man is entitled to his own opinion, as are fans, whether they be from Detroit or elsewhere. But who can offer the most objective view? The other players. Want to talk about substance? In a recent poll, fellow NFL players voted Suh the dirtiest player in the league by over a 4 to 1 margin. That's not only substantial -- it's a landslide -- that speaks volumes.
Further, some reporters that have done some serious digging, have apparently discovered Suh was perceived much the same way in his years at Nebraska. Whether the Detroit Lion brain trust knew this or not when they made him a top draft choice is unknown. They certainly should have.
Here's wishing Ndahmukong the best, and a long and glorious career in the NFL.
Forget anger management classes. Near as I can tell, the only thing they accomplish is lining the pockets of a "counselor" somewhere while further pissing off the person that has to attend them.
Suh just needs to quit with the excuses, own what he has done, learn from his mistakes, and don't repeat them. I think that's called growing up.
Might happen. Might not.
Time will tell.
Suh seems to think he's just misunderstood. He also claims he would never intentionally attempt to hurt another player on the field. The problem with that is -- the videos don't lie. We've all seen them -- and those were no accidents. Ndamukong, in his latest lame excuse, tried to say he was a nice guy because he doesn't beat up people in bars. Whether or not he attempts to do that is irrelevant. Besides, if he tried that stuff in the wrong bar, Suh himself might be the one that found himself on his back getting stomped on. It all depends. He may be a lot of things, but Suhperman, he is not.
Consider Warren Sapp, a former defensive tackle himself, and a probable future Hall of Famer. Sapp wouldn't appear to have any "axe to grind" with Suh, personally or professionally. Also, when someone like Sapp brings his career credentials to the table for an interview, and gets into some detail about playing defensive tackle in the NFL, one would be hard put to argue the credibility of what he has to say. Been there, done that. Pro Bowl appearances galore. The man knows what he's talking about.
Recently Sapp suggested Suh is basically a one-trick-pony. He's a very strong guy with an impressive "bull rush". That enabled Suh to rack up some impressive performances and stats in his rookie year. Yet Sapp went on to explain that Suh didn't develop anything new for his second season. At about 6' 4" and 300 pounds, there's little doubt Suh can bring a lot of force by lowering his head and charging.
Thing is, the opposing offensive linemen aren't exactly Barney Fifes. 6' 4" and 300 is probably about average and they're pros too. While they may have underestimated Suh as a rookie -- given all the film study they do -- there's no way that same tactic, all by itself, was going to be successful the next year. They adjust. If Suh didn't learn anything new, it should come as no surprise that his stats plummeted during his second season. Like Sapp said -- if all an offensive lineman has to worry about is a bull rush, then he just needs to establish a "base" and stand the other guy up for a couple seconds. By then, the play's over.
Suh has claimed that reports labeling him a dirty player are without substance. Certainly the man is entitled to his own opinion, as are fans, whether they be from Detroit or elsewhere. But who can offer the most objective view? The other players. Want to talk about substance? In a recent poll, fellow NFL players voted Suh the dirtiest player in the league by over a 4 to 1 margin. That's not only substantial -- it's a landslide -- that speaks volumes.
Further, some reporters that have done some serious digging, have apparently discovered Suh was perceived much the same way in his years at Nebraska. Whether the Detroit Lion brain trust knew this or not when they made him a top draft choice is unknown. They certainly should have.
Here's wishing Ndahmukong the best, and a long and glorious career in the NFL.
Forget anger management classes. Near as I can tell, the only thing they accomplish is lining the pockets of a "counselor" somewhere while further pissing off the person that has to attend them.
Suh just needs to quit with the excuses, own what he has done, learn from his mistakes, and don't repeat them. I think that's called growing up.
Might happen. Might not.
Time will tell.
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