In the 42 years there have been Super Bowls, no single season passing yardage leading quarterback has ever won the Super Bowl. But also, there has never been a team which plays in the Super Bowl host city, ever play in the Big Game. Can the Bucs be the first?
With the release of Greg Spires and Kevin Carter yesterday, the Buccaneers are now over 40 million dollars under the salary cap, a team record heading into the free agency period. With all this "free" money, a brand new state of the art facility, natural grass surface in one of the league's nicest stadiums, you would image the Bucs are poised to make their biggest splash in free agency in team history.
General Manager Bruce Allen has done an admirable job over the past two years of frugally signing some veteran players during free agency and along the way, managing to sign a few players which created an impact which weren't high on anyones radar screen, see Greg White and Javon Haye this past season. Allen has also done a great job of recovering the Bucs from the failed polices of the previous GM, Rich McKay, who created a salary cap burden on the team which had the front office handcuffed in the pursuit of offseason aquisitions in past years.
This season, with 40 plus million in cap space, the Bucs should be players in the free agent market to address key positions and hopefully be able to go into this years draft with the ability to draft the best available players in positions which allows for future success of the club.
Now, lets see if the front office can put all the pieces together, and the Bucs can make history this year by getting the ultimate home field advantage.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
26 points and we win!
As the Bucs move towards the free agency period and the draft, there seems to be three areas to focus on, the defensive line, cornerback and the dire need to add a couple of playmakers on offense. Sure, Joey Galloway continued on his Darryl Green-like career, notching his third consecutive 1000 yard season, but wound up at the end of the year playing with a bad wing and was a non factor in the playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants.
The simple fact is that the offense has to improve. The Bucs struggled in the red zone this season and settled for field goals when they should have been scoring touchdowns. The Jacksonville loss this year immediately comes to mind. An interesting trend emerges when you look at the Jon Gruden tenure with the Bucs. In the 6 years with Gruden holding the tiller, when the Bucs score 26 points or more, including the playoffs, they have a 21-3 record. They were 7-0 in the Super Bowl year of 2002, 3-0 in 2004, 5-0 in 2005 and 4-0 this past season. Actually, the only year Tampa had a losing record when scoring 26 points or more, was the abomination in 2006, when they lost 34-31 in Chicago, even though Tim Rattay led a valiant comeback effort in defeat.
In this day and age of prolific scoring in the NFL, 26 points a game shouldn't be such an insurmountable goal. It's simply 28 points more than the Bucs all-time single season scoring point total of 388 in 2000 when second year quarterback Shaun King was under center and he was throwing to the likes of Keyshawn, Reidel Anthony and Jacquez Green.
So how to rectify the problem?
The first thing I would address is the return game. While the Bucs did finally produce their first ever franchise kickoff return for a touchdown this season, the punt return game suffered greatly. I realize injuries took their toll as the season progressed, but by the end of the year, the Bucs should have simply put all 11 men on the line and tried to block the punt rather than set up a return. Through either free agency or the draft, the front office should focus on finding one player which can return both kickoffs and punts while being able to fill in at a wide reciever position. I really like Devrey Henderson from New Orleans for this. He's a young player who has great speed.
Second, the wide recieving corps has got to be upgraded. Galloway could most likely play 2-3 more years, but he's got to get some help. Ike Hilliard had a good year but suffered a neck injury late in the season. Maurice Stovall shined on special teams until he was lost at the end of the season with a broken arm. And once again, Michael Clayton stood out with his blocking ability but had a lackluster year in receiving, 22 receptions for 301 yards and no scores really strikes no fear in opposing defenses. This writer believes that Clayton and Stovall are really on the bubble this year. One player which could be considered an upgrade at the wide reciever position and is now available is Donte Stallworth. This former first round pick in 2002 by the New Orleans Saints, played for the New England Patriots this past year in the third wideout position recording 46 receptions for nearly 700 yards and three scores. Thats really not all bad when you consider he was playing with Moss and Welker. The front office should move on bringing Donte in for a tryout/interview. Stallworth has played with Jeff Garcia in the past, and while he's never posted a 1000 yard season in his career, I feel he would be a major addition to the recieving corps. He's a solid reciever, not another Alvin Harper or Bert Emanuel. Remember, the objective is to get to 26 points per game.
Third, there is always the nagging position known as tight end. For so many years, the Bucs have had to rely on a big blocking tightend so he could stay in and help block with the dire state of the offensive line. With a young o-line coming together, perhaps we can actually utilize that position in the offense more next season. I thought Jerramy Stevens did some good things down the stretch this year, but recently there have been some character issues brought up again regarding him. Alex Smith, who always seems to look like he's right on the cusp of becoming an elite player, but then something happens. Anthony Becht, along with Stevens are both free agents this offseason and might not be back. I've read reports after the Super Bowl that the Bucs front office might want to trade for Jeremy Shockey from the Giants. Shockey might be a good player, but it just brings to mind how the egos of Gruden v. Shockey might co-exisit harmoniously. Then there is Alge Crumpler, expected to be released today from the Falcons. 30 years old, and doubt regarding a knee injury. I say bring him in for a physical and if he's healthy, sign him to a reasonable deal. If not, does anyone have Jackie Harris or Jimmie Giles on speed dial?
The last position to address is running back. Usual readers already know I'm excited about the re-signing of Michael Bennett. Earnest Graham will most likely have his contract extended. Mike Pittman might be the odd man out here. I'd love to see him back for another season or two, but not at break the bank money. If Pittman moves on, I'd like to see Dominic Rhodes fill his roster spot. Carnell Williams is up in the air as to whether he will play in 2008 or even ever again in the NFL. I like the fact that Ken Darby can be in the mix in the offseason. I see alot of Warrick Dunn features in his game, pass catching abilities and speed on the outside. There seems to be alot of discussion about Michael Turner from San Diego on the message boards now, but he's going to get a break the bank type deal and really isn't the type of back which fits with the Bucs. Turner is a talent, no doubt, but he needs a Denver, Pittsburgh, Chicago, grind it out style of offense. Tampa needs a Roger Craig, Ricky Waters, or Michael Westbrook type back.
In 2002, Gruden instilled the motto, "Pound the Rock" in the lockerroom. Perhaps in 2008, Gruden can work on scoring 26 points or more a game. It's a proven successful combination.
The simple fact is that the offense has to improve. The Bucs struggled in the red zone this season and settled for field goals when they should have been scoring touchdowns. The Jacksonville loss this year immediately comes to mind. An interesting trend emerges when you look at the Jon Gruden tenure with the Bucs. In the 6 years with Gruden holding the tiller, when the Bucs score 26 points or more, including the playoffs, they have a 21-3 record. They were 7-0 in the Super Bowl year of 2002, 3-0 in 2004, 5-0 in 2005 and 4-0 this past season. Actually, the only year Tampa had a losing record when scoring 26 points or more, was the abomination in 2006, when they lost 34-31 in Chicago, even though Tim Rattay led a valiant comeback effort in defeat.
In this day and age of prolific scoring in the NFL, 26 points a game shouldn't be such an insurmountable goal. It's simply 28 points more than the Bucs all-time single season scoring point total of 388 in 2000 when second year quarterback Shaun King was under center and he was throwing to the likes of Keyshawn, Reidel Anthony and Jacquez Green.
So how to rectify the problem?
The first thing I would address is the return game. While the Bucs did finally produce their first ever franchise kickoff return for a touchdown this season, the punt return game suffered greatly. I realize injuries took their toll as the season progressed, but by the end of the year, the Bucs should have simply put all 11 men on the line and tried to block the punt rather than set up a return. Through either free agency or the draft, the front office should focus on finding one player which can return both kickoffs and punts while being able to fill in at a wide reciever position. I really like Devrey Henderson from New Orleans for this. He's a young player who has great speed.
Second, the wide recieving corps has got to be upgraded. Galloway could most likely play 2-3 more years, but he's got to get some help. Ike Hilliard had a good year but suffered a neck injury late in the season. Maurice Stovall shined on special teams until he was lost at the end of the season with a broken arm. And once again, Michael Clayton stood out with his blocking ability but had a lackluster year in receiving, 22 receptions for 301 yards and no scores really strikes no fear in opposing defenses. This writer believes that Clayton and Stovall are really on the bubble this year. One player which could be considered an upgrade at the wide reciever position and is now available is Donte Stallworth. This former first round pick in 2002 by the New Orleans Saints, played for the New England Patriots this past year in the third wideout position recording 46 receptions for nearly 700 yards and three scores. Thats really not all bad when you consider he was playing with Moss and Welker. The front office should move on bringing Donte in for a tryout/interview. Stallworth has played with Jeff Garcia in the past, and while he's never posted a 1000 yard season in his career, I feel he would be a major addition to the recieving corps. He's a solid reciever, not another Alvin Harper or Bert Emanuel. Remember, the objective is to get to 26 points per game.
Third, there is always the nagging position known as tight end. For so many years, the Bucs have had to rely on a big blocking tightend so he could stay in and help block with the dire state of the offensive line. With a young o-line coming together, perhaps we can actually utilize that position in the offense more next season. I thought Jerramy Stevens did some good things down the stretch this year, but recently there have been some character issues brought up again regarding him. Alex Smith, who always seems to look like he's right on the cusp of becoming an elite player, but then something happens. Anthony Becht, along with Stevens are both free agents this offseason and might not be back. I've read reports after the Super Bowl that the Bucs front office might want to trade for Jeremy Shockey from the Giants. Shockey might be a good player, but it just brings to mind how the egos of Gruden v. Shockey might co-exisit harmoniously. Then there is Alge Crumpler, expected to be released today from the Falcons. 30 years old, and doubt regarding a knee injury. I say bring him in for a physical and if he's healthy, sign him to a reasonable deal. If not, does anyone have Jackie Harris or Jimmie Giles on speed dial?
The last position to address is running back. Usual readers already know I'm excited about the re-signing of Michael Bennett. Earnest Graham will most likely have his contract extended. Mike Pittman might be the odd man out here. I'd love to see him back for another season or two, but not at break the bank money. If Pittman moves on, I'd like to see Dominic Rhodes fill his roster spot. Carnell Williams is up in the air as to whether he will play in 2008 or even ever again in the NFL. I like the fact that Ken Darby can be in the mix in the offseason. I see alot of Warrick Dunn features in his game, pass catching abilities and speed on the outside. There seems to be alot of discussion about Michael Turner from San Diego on the message boards now, but he's going to get a break the bank type deal and really isn't the type of back which fits with the Bucs. Turner is a talent, no doubt, but he needs a Denver, Pittsburgh, Chicago, grind it out style of offense. Tampa needs a Roger Craig, Ricky Waters, or Michael Westbrook type back.
In 2002, Gruden instilled the motto, "Pound the Rock" in the lockerroom. Perhaps in 2008, Gruden can work on scoring 26 points or more a game. It's a proven successful combination.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Shermans march to Atlanta
Wow. Yesterday some talanted players from last years Falcons squad were released. And, of course, there was plenty of chatter on various NFL team message boards on which team had to sign which player. Many Bucs fans wanted to sign Alge Crumpler as soon as he cleared out his locker, but reality is, free agency hasn't started yet, and some team will over pay him. He wont be signing with the Bucs this next week. And then there is the issue of Rod Coleman. He will be a late training camp, post June 1 signing for someone who needs a fill in player.
After reading various Bucs message boards, there seems to be a movement towards wanting to sign Asante Samuel from the Patriots. I have to ask, WHY? Should we really lock up Nate Clemens type dollars on a corner? I say NO. Take a CB in the draft in the 2-3rd round of this years draft.
The two players I'd like to see signed in FA period on the offensive side of the ball, Dominic Rhodes, and Devery Henderson. If Crumpler wants to sign quickly, sign him too, but his agent is most likely advising him to await the free agent period.
After reading various Bucs message boards, there seems to be a movement towards wanting to sign Asante Samuel from the Patriots. I have to ask, WHY? Should we really lock up Nate Clemens type dollars on a corner? I say NO. Take a CB in the draft in the 2-3rd round of this years draft.
The two players I'd like to see signed in FA period on the offensive side of the ball, Dominic Rhodes, and Devery Henderson. If Crumpler wants to sign quickly, sign him too, but his agent is most likely advising him to await the free agent period.
Bruce Allen, thanks for reading!
Anyone who reads my musings on this site, knows that I have been a strong proponent of Michael Bennett. Yesterday, it was announced by the Buccaneers, that he has signed a new contract which will keep him in pewter and red for atleast a few more years. The former 1st round pick in 2001 has the blazing speed and explosiveness which will help him become the home run hitter which Coach Gruden is always talking about on offense.
There were questions this season after the trade which brought Bennett to Tampa, regarding his ability to grasp the playbook. I feel, going into next season, Bennett is going to open some eyes around the Bay area. Half a regular season in the books and all the OTA and offseason mini camps will benefit Bennett. The Bucs front office should right now also be working on extending Earnest Grahams' contract and reward him for this season's stellar performance. I realize Graham is under contract, and if I stand by what I've said in the past, he should honor the contract. However, now that the Bucs are out of salary cap hell and have money to play with, he should be locked up to a 4 year deal. Graham is a stand up guy, who for years, after all the cuts and resignings, did whatever the organization asked of him. When the team asked him to pound the rock, he did, very successfully.
I know next year, I cant wait to see this young offensive line continue to gel, as B.J. Askew blocks for Graham and Bennett out of the backfield. Imagine, home games in September and October, where the stadium temperatures are rival to the tenth level of hell, and thats just sitting in the stands. Graham wears down the defense in the first half and Bennett kills the opponents with the speed in the second half. Is it football season yet? No. Today is only some race in Daytona where everyone turns left for 500 miles. I wonder whats on the NFL Network?
Stay tuned this week, I'll be addressing the upcoming free agency and name the players I'd like to see the Bucs acquire.
There were questions this season after the trade which brought Bennett to Tampa, regarding his ability to grasp the playbook. I feel, going into next season, Bennett is going to open some eyes around the Bay area. Half a regular season in the books and all the OTA and offseason mini camps will benefit Bennett. The Bucs front office should right now also be working on extending Earnest Grahams' contract and reward him for this season's stellar performance. I realize Graham is under contract, and if I stand by what I've said in the past, he should honor the contract. However, now that the Bucs are out of salary cap hell and have money to play with, he should be locked up to a 4 year deal. Graham is a stand up guy, who for years, after all the cuts and resignings, did whatever the organization asked of him. When the team asked him to pound the rock, he did, very successfully.
I know next year, I cant wait to see this young offensive line continue to gel, as B.J. Askew blocks for Graham and Bennett out of the backfield. Imagine, home games in September and October, where the stadium temperatures are rival to the tenth level of hell, and thats just sitting in the stands. Graham wears down the defense in the first half and Bennett kills the opponents with the speed in the second half. Is it football season yet? No. Today is only some race in Daytona where everyone turns left for 500 miles. I wonder whats on the NFL Network?
Stay tuned this week, I'll be addressing the upcoming free agency and name the players I'd like to see the Bucs acquire.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Day After............
For the hardcore NFL football fan, the Monday following the Super bowl is the saddest day of the year. Even if your team is eliminated from the playoffs, didn't play in the Super Bowl, you woke up this morning and realized , the season is over. Oh sure, there is the Pro Bowl coming up on Sunday. Yeah, that's football, ask a hardcore NASCAR fan if they'd get amped about watching a race in early December where all the cars had 150 hp engines, and many of the fan selected drivers opted out , not to be bothered with attending the event, and then see how many folks watch THAT.
It's 7 months now until the kickoff of the new 2008 NFL season, where hope abounds for all 32 teams and their quest to become the World Champions of Super Bowl 43. This next season is disturbing for me though, never in Super Bowl history, has the host city ever been able to produce the home team as a participant in the Big Game. I am hoping, just as the Patriots fans were hoping for an undefeated season this year, that the Buccaneers can break that streak this next year and wind up with the ultimate in home field advantage.
In the meantime however, I, just like every hardcore football fan, will be awaiting moves in free agency, awaiting the draft in April, scouring reports of our favorite teams in OTA's, and perhaps watching games of years gone by on video.
The week between the championship games and the Super Bowl is a precursor of things to come, but once the Big Game is over, reality sets in. If you are a TRUE fan of the game, baseball does nothing to quell the loss. NASCAR- Pleaaaaaaaaaassssssssseee. Can Jimmie Johnson throw a spiral? Hockey. Hockey? A sport which last year put it's all-star game on the versus network and drew lower ratings than an Andy Griffith rerun episode on Nickelodeon. I've been to some Tampa Bay Lightening games, entertaining but, not NFL football. Take the sport back to Canada. March Madness. Oh yes, a bunch of borderline college students playing basketball, trying to win the National Championship so they can opt out of college early and make a semi truckload of money. Well, actually thats no different than college football, I just hate basketball.
Then there are the professional basketball playoffs. I hate basketball, and on the professional level with thugs making outrageous amounts of money, it irritates me even more.
By the time we get to June, the Free agent period is over, the draft is done, and I'm needing a fix. The NBA isn't it. I'd rather have my gums scraped than watch NBA games. In fact, I'd rather do yard work than watch an NBA game, and for those who don't know me, that statement is LARGE.
Yes, today always sucks for fans of 31 teams of the NFL. Plain and simple, it sucks. It might have sucked earlier in the process of the regular season for your favorite team or they might have lost in the playoffs, but today, it's all over. Ding Dong the witch is dead. Shula should invite all the Giants players to a dinner at a Shula's steakhouse for a celebratory dinner.
It was a great finish to a historic game. Damn this is going to be another long, painful 7 months.
It's 7 months now until the kickoff of the new 2008 NFL season, where hope abounds for all 32 teams and their quest to become the World Champions of Super Bowl 43. This next season is disturbing for me though, never in Super Bowl history, has the host city ever been able to produce the home team as a participant in the Big Game. I am hoping, just as the Patriots fans were hoping for an undefeated season this year, that the Buccaneers can break that streak this next year and wind up with the ultimate in home field advantage.
In the meantime however, I, just like every hardcore football fan, will be awaiting moves in free agency, awaiting the draft in April, scouring reports of our favorite teams in OTA's, and perhaps watching games of years gone by on video.
The week between the championship games and the Super Bowl is a precursor of things to come, but once the Big Game is over, reality sets in. If you are a TRUE fan of the game, baseball does nothing to quell the loss. NASCAR- Pleaaaaaaaaaassssssssseee. Can Jimmie Johnson throw a spiral? Hockey. Hockey? A sport which last year put it's all-star game on the versus network and drew lower ratings than an Andy Griffith rerun episode on Nickelodeon. I've been to some Tampa Bay Lightening games, entertaining but, not NFL football. Take the sport back to Canada. March Madness. Oh yes, a bunch of borderline college students playing basketball, trying to win the National Championship so they can opt out of college early and make a semi truckload of money. Well, actually thats no different than college football, I just hate basketball.
Then there are the professional basketball playoffs. I hate basketball, and on the professional level with thugs making outrageous amounts of money, it irritates me even more.
By the time we get to June, the Free agent period is over, the draft is done, and I'm needing a fix. The NBA isn't it. I'd rather have my gums scraped than watch NBA games. In fact, I'd rather do yard work than watch an NBA game, and for those who don't know me, that statement is LARGE.
Yes, today always sucks for fans of 31 teams of the NFL. Plain and simple, it sucks. It might have sucked earlier in the process of the regular season for your favorite team or they might have lost in the playoffs, but today, it's all over. Ding Dong the witch is dead. Shula should invite all the Giants players to a dinner at a Shula's steakhouse for a celebratory dinner.
It was a great finish to a historic game. Damn this is going to be another long, painful 7 months.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Calling Madison Avenue........
Calling Madison Avenue, put me on speed dial.
After just watching the Giants beat the 18-1 Patriots 17-14 (Sorry, I just love that 18-1 figure)This years Super Bowl saw companies paying out 3 million dollars for a 30 second ad. Each and every year, Super Bowl advertising just keeps getting higher and higher. Of course that might have nothing to do with the fact our dollar is becoming worth less and less. It boggles my mind how major corporations can roll out so much money for advertisements which simply suck.
Tomorrow, if history repeats itself, the USA Today newspaper will give thier report card on which ads were successful and which weren't. Madison Avenue spends alot of corporate advertising dollars by telling representatives of companies that they have their finger on the pulse of America. After watching today's Big Game, I don't think so much. Finally, atleast I watched a complete football game this year and Peyton Manning wasn't in every other commercial during the breaks, now that Eli has won the Super Bowl and MVP, I fear during regular season games next season, NFL fans will see nothing but the Mannings, perhaps with all the money they have, they could create the Manning Network on cable, along with Oprah.
Biggest Losers-
Budweiser- What is wrong with you? 6 spots, 18 million dollars? Are you not reading my blog? You got rid of the, Dude.... ads but you come to the big game with the fire breather, yet another horse advertisement in Hank the draft horse, another rendition of the language class ads from years gone past, cavemen (CAVEMEN, wasn't that a GEICO concept?) then there is a flying beer drinker sucked up by a jet engine and you round out your 20 million dollars by have Will Ferrell advertise his upcoming movie through a commercial. You've lost your edge, dude. While millions of dollars worth of your product was consumed during the game, there was not one of your ads which was innovative, cute, or memorable as they have been in the past. This was money wasted. Your grade is a D.
Cars.com- Yeah, all of us who are on the computer, and use the computer on a regular basis, which was your obvious target audience, already know you exist. Your pop-up ads are annoying, and your tv ads are even worse. In the current climate of this really bad economy, glad to see you could lay down 6 million to increase marketshare with ads which really stunk. Your grade is a F.
GMC/Chevy- see the above post. You want the world to go green and tell all of us how wonderful your alternative fuel vehicles are. But, unfortunately alot of us in the working force are finding out during this election all these alternative fuels your vehicles are running on are causing our food prices to skyrocket. I used to enjoy corn in the summer a few years ago when it was 10 ears for a dollar, now it's a dollar an ear, 4.00 a gallon for milk, 3.00 a pound for butter, so take your feel good eco-green message someplace else, you aren't connecting with those of us in the workforce. Grade-F
Salesgenie.com- WHY? Why did you invest 6 million in 2 spots and I know you spent way more than that since you had placement in the pregame backdrops. I'm not a racist but how you agreed to running ads during this campaign season with a arab/east indian voiceover for your ads is beyond me. You are the Sales Genie, how about an ad campaign with I dream of genie? You'll get alot more people paying attention to your company if you have a beautiful woman coming out of a genie's lamp than animated Pandas sounding like they just came out of the hills of Tora Bora. Grade F
Gatorade- I understand you only had one ad during the game, and you spend an outrageous amount of money throught the college and pro sports seasons. But where was the thought process here? A black lab, slobbering at the dish for 20 plus seconds, and then the tagline, Gatorade, man's best friend. Really? Before the pitch was made for this 3 million dollar ad, there must have been repeated viewings of What Women want in reverse. Grade D
Biggest Winners-
The New York Giants.
Sorry, I'm reviewing commercials 18-1 that just types so easily.
Sobe LifeWater-These folks must have been here reading my blog after the league championship games. Did I not say, Americans love animals in advertising? Did I not invite the Geico gecko over to entertain my cat for the afternoon? Yes, and yes. So what do I see from Sobe Life water today? Dozens of dancing lizards. They aren't only dancing, they are macked out with grills and dancing to retro Michael Jackson Thriller. I have to say, the Geico gecko is a bit more conservative. But, I believe this will be one of the biggest hits from todays commercials. I'm probably not going to go run out and buy any of this "life" water, but it was a great commercial, in the spirit of what Super Bowl commercials used to be. Sobe gets an A.
ETrade-If you can't use animals, use kids. And this was a great set of commercials which aired late in the 3rd quarter. Very funny. I wish I could use your service right now, but home values are plumetting, and I have no extra money, what extra I have goes to food and gasoline, but I plan to invest in the future, if there is one. Very funny commercials Grade A
Coca-Cola-They offered up two second half commercials which I thought were very fresh. The first was the Macy's day parade scenerio with Underdog and Stuey from the Family Guy going after the bottle of Coke with Charlie Brown's float getting the escaping bottle. As I watched the commercial, I was waiting for Lucy to take a blindside shot and grab the bottle out of his hand. The other was political, with Bill Frist and James Carvelle in sort of a can't we all just get along theme during the elections. Frist and Carvelle were shown traveling all over DC doing various things, but I think Coca Cola might be giving too much latitude to the vast majority of the viewers. McDonalds did a Super Bowl commercial years back with Jordan and Bird, you know the one, a competetion between known figures. I think Coke missed the mark here. Overall grade B-
One shot Ads-For those companies which executed financial restraint and only purchased one spot, here's where we review their ads.
Audi R8 Loved this ad, you've got the Godfather overtones here, instead of waking up with a horsehead in bed, you have the grill from your old sportscar and are covered in engine oil. I think this might have been the best commercial overall in my opinion. A
FedEx- FedEx used to be a HUGE player in SuperBowl advertising, not so much anymore with the price of doing business. I did enjoy the 1st quarter advertisement with the carrier pigeons though. B+
Talkingstain.com Please explain to me why Tide felt it necessary to create an ad for 3 million dollars to advertise a product that was so lousy? Talkingstain.com, yeah, I'm going to go login there right now. D
Garmin. I know this company because they make navigational electronics. REAL electronics, not a company like ronron, tomtom dondon or whatever you get duped into purchasing at the electronics meglomart. I enjoyed their offering today with Napolean. B-
Alright, there are a few I've left out. Planters peanuts, Charles Barkley and T Mobile, Pepsi and Justin Timberlake, the Doritos rat trap commercial and the Shaq vitamin water horse racing commercial. So here is my prediction as to the top 5 commercials which will be reported in USA in the morning-#
1 E Trade- either version
#2Sobe Water Life
#3the other etrade commercial which wasn't #1
#4 T Mobile with Barkley calling D-Wade
#5 Shaq riding the horses as a jockey for vitamin water
I guess we'll see in the am. I think I'm going to be pretty close. Hey Madison Avenue, put me on speed dial and on the payroll.
After just watching the Giants beat the 18-1 Patriots 17-14 (Sorry, I just love that 18-1 figure)This years Super Bowl saw companies paying out 3 million dollars for a 30 second ad. Each and every year, Super Bowl advertising just keeps getting higher and higher. Of course that might have nothing to do with the fact our dollar is becoming worth less and less. It boggles my mind how major corporations can roll out so much money for advertisements which simply suck.
Tomorrow, if history repeats itself, the USA Today newspaper will give thier report card on which ads were successful and which weren't. Madison Avenue spends alot of corporate advertising dollars by telling representatives of companies that they have their finger on the pulse of America. After watching today's Big Game, I don't think so much. Finally, atleast I watched a complete football game this year and Peyton Manning wasn't in every other commercial during the breaks, now that Eli has won the Super Bowl and MVP, I fear during regular season games next season, NFL fans will see nothing but the Mannings, perhaps with all the money they have, they could create the Manning Network on cable, along with Oprah.
Biggest Losers-
Budweiser- What is wrong with you? 6 spots, 18 million dollars? Are you not reading my blog? You got rid of the, Dude.... ads but you come to the big game with the fire breather, yet another horse advertisement in Hank the draft horse, another rendition of the language class ads from years gone past, cavemen (CAVEMEN, wasn't that a GEICO concept?) then there is a flying beer drinker sucked up by a jet engine and you round out your 20 million dollars by have Will Ferrell advertise his upcoming movie through a commercial. You've lost your edge, dude. While millions of dollars worth of your product was consumed during the game, there was not one of your ads which was innovative, cute, or memorable as they have been in the past. This was money wasted. Your grade is a D.
Cars.com- Yeah, all of us who are on the computer, and use the computer on a regular basis, which was your obvious target audience, already know you exist. Your pop-up ads are annoying, and your tv ads are even worse. In the current climate of this really bad economy, glad to see you could lay down 6 million to increase marketshare with ads which really stunk. Your grade is a F.
GMC/Chevy- see the above post. You want the world to go green and tell all of us how wonderful your alternative fuel vehicles are. But, unfortunately alot of us in the working force are finding out during this election all these alternative fuels your vehicles are running on are causing our food prices to skyrocket. I used to enjoy corn in the summer a few years ago when it was 10 ears for a dollar, now it's a dollar an ear, 4.00 a gallon for milk, 3.00 a pound for butter, so take your feel good eco-green message someplace else, you aren't connecting with those of us in the workforce. Grade-F
Salesgenie.com- WHY? Why did you invest 6 million in 2 spots and I know you spent way more than that since you had placement in the pregame backdrops. I'm not a racist but how you agreed to running ads during this campaign season with a arab/east indian voiceover for your ads is beyond me. You are the Sales Genie, how about an ad campaign with I dream of genie? You'll get alot more people paying attention to your company if you have a beautiful woman coming out of a genie's lamp than animated Pandas sounding like they just came out of the hills of Tora Bora. Grade F
Gatorade- I understand you only had one ad during the game, and you spend an outrageous amount of money throught the college and pro sports seasons. But where was the thought process here? A black lab, slobbering at the dish for 20 plus seconds, and then the tagline, Gatorade, man's best friend. Really? Before the pitch was made for this 3 million dollar ad, there must have been repeated viewings of What Women want in reverse. Grade D
Biggest Winners-
The New York Giants.
Sorry, I'm reviewing commercials 18-1 that just types so easily.
Sobe LifeWater-These folks must have been here reading my blog after the league championship games. Did I not say, Americans love animals in advertising? Did I not invite the Geico gecko over to entertain my cat for the afternoon? Yes, and yes. So what do I see from Sobe Life water today? Dozens of dancing lizards. They aren't only dancing, they are macked out with grills and dancing to retro Michael Jackson Thriller. I have to say, the Geico gecko is a bit more conservative. But, I believe this will be one of the biggest hits from todays commercials. I'm probably not going to go run out and buy any of this "life" water, but it was a great commercial, in the spirit of what Super Bowl commercials used to be. Sobe gets an A.
ETrade-If you can't use animals, use kids. And this was a great set of commercials which aired late in the 3rd quarter. Very funny. I wish I could use your service right now, but home values are plumetting, and I have no extra money, what extra I have goes to food and gasoline, but I plan to invest in the future, if there is one. Very funny commercials Grade A
Coca-Cola-They offered up two second half commercials which I thought were very fresh. The first was the Macy's day parade scenerio with Underdog and Stuey from the Family Guy going after the bottle of Coke with Charlie Brown's float getting the escaping bottle. As I watched the commercial, I was waiting for Lucy to take a blindside shot and grab the bottle out of his hand. The other was political, with Bill Frist and James Carvelle in sort of a can't we all just get along theme during the elections. Frist and Carvelle were shown traveling all over DC doing various things, but I think Coca Cola might be giving too much latitude to the vast majority of the viewers. McDonalds did a Super Bowl commercial years back with Jordan and Bird, you know the one, a competetion between known figures. I think Coke missed the mark here. Overall grade B-
One shot Ads-For those companies which executed financial restraint and only purchased one spot, here's where we review their ads.
Audi R8 Loved this ad, you've got the Godfather overtones here, instead of waking up with a horsehead in bed, you have the grill from your old sportscar and are covered in engine oil. I think this might have been the best commercial overall in my opinion. A
FedEx- FedEx used to be a HUGE player in SuperBowl advertising, not so much anymore with the price of doing business. I did enjoy the 1st quarter advertisement with the carrier pigeons though. B+
Talkingstain.com Please explain to me why Tide felt it necessary to create an ad for 3 million dollars to advertise a product that was so lousy? Talkingstain.com, yeah, I'm going to go login there right now. D
Garmin. I know this company because they make navigational electronics. REAL electronics, not a company like ronron, tomtom dondon or whatever you get duped into purchasing at the electronics meglomart. I enjoyed their offering today with Napolean. B-
Alright, there are a few I've left out. Planters peanuts, Charles Barkley and T Mobile, Pepsi and Justin Timberlake, the Doritos rat trap commercial and the Shaq vitamin water horse racing commercial. So here is my prediction as to the top 5 commercials which will be reported in USA in the morning-#
1 E Trade- either version
#2Sobe Water Life
#3the other etrade commercial which wasn't #1
#4 T Mobile with Barkley calling D-Wade
#5 Shaq riding the horses as a jockey for vitamin water
I guess we'll see in the am. I think I'm going to be pretty close. Hey Madison Avenue, put me on speed dial and on the payroll.
ELI, ELI, Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
18-1, 18-1, 18-1!
Oh my. This game came down to a few minutes in the 4th quarter, and Eli Manning has shown that he finally turned the proverbial corner and won not only 3 playoff games on the road but he orchestrated a final drive with 2 minutes to go which was Brady-esque. Not only did the G-Men cover the spread but won outright, as I predicted here yesterday. In fact, look at some of my personal stats from yesterdays prediction.
I predicted Manning would be 20/38/264/2/1 he ended up 19/34/255/2/1
I predicted Moss @3/69/1 Moss ended up 5/69/1
I predicted Wes Welker @ 14/123/1 Welker ended up 11/103
I predicted Maroney 16/46/1 and he ended up 14/36/1
I will make a few more predictions, there will be a major shakeup with the Patriots organization in the coming two-three weeks regarding this spygate situation. Randy Moss will not return. Teddy Bruschi and Junior Seau will not return in 08. Coach Bill, rather than face a suspension from the league with impending problems from Spygate II, will retire from coaching, never to return again. And here's a real stretch prediction, Tom Brady will get married in the off-season.
As much as I despise the Patriots, I give them a great deal of respect for being able to complete a regular season undefeated 16-0, that in itself it quite a feat. BUT, as their defense looked suspect and the lack of a running game down the stretch of the regular season made them look vulernable, those weaknesses were exposed in this game. Brady made his trademark forth quarterdrive which looked like it might close out the game for the Pats victory. The Giants got the ball back for what seemed like the final possession of the game. Twice, the Giants were faced with 3rd down situations and many of us were waiting for Eli to make one of his trademark turnovers, but they never came. He played a smart game, just as he did all playoffs long, winning 4 straight playoff games. The Giants overcame the Bucs, Cowboys and the Packers in Green Bay. Then they went on to Glendale Arizona to beat the 18-0 Patriots. Sports reporters said todays game was going to be the chance to witness history, and yes it was, only it wasn't the history they wanted us to see. This might have been the biggest upset since Super Bowl III.
Thank you New York Giants for retoring order to the NFL!
Oh my. This game came down to a few minutes in the 4th quarter, and Eli Manning has shown that he finally turned the proverbial corner and won not only 3 playoff games on the road but he orchestrated a final drive with 2 minutes to go which was Brady-esque. Not only did the G-Men cover the spread but won outright, as I predicted here yesterday. In fact, look at some of my personal stats from yesterdays prediction.
I predicted Manning would be 20/38/264/2/1 he ended up 19/34/255/2/1
I predicted Moss @3/69/1 Moss ended up 5/69/1
I predicted Wes Welker @ 14/123/1 Welker ended up 11/103
I predicted Maroney 16/46/1 and he ended up 14/36/1
I will make a few more predictions, there will be a major shakeup with the Patriots organization in the coming two-three weeks regarding this spygate situation. Randy Moss will not return. Teddy Bruschi and Junior Seau will not return in 08. Coach Bill, rather than face a suspension from the league with impending problems from Spygate II, will retire from coaching, never to return again. And here's a real stretch prediction, Tom Brady will get married in the off-season.
As much as I despise the Patriots, I give them a great deal of respect for being able to complete a regular season undefeated 16-0, that in itself it quite a feat. BUT, as their defense looked suspect and the lack of a running game down the stretch of the regular season made them look vulernable, those weaknesses were exposed in this game. Brady made his trademark forth quarterdrive which looked like it might close out the game for the Pats victory. The Giants got the ball back for what seemed like the final possession of the game. Twice, the Giants were faced with 3rd down situations and many of us were waiting for Eli to make one of his trademark turnovers, but they never came. He played a smart game, just as he did all playoffs long, winning 4 straight playoff games. The Giants overcame the Bucs, Cowboys and the Packers in Green Bay. Then they went on to Glendale Arizona to beat the 18-0 Patriots. Sports reporters said todays game was going to be the chance to witness history, and yes it was, only it wasn't the history they wanted us to see. This might have been the biggest upset since Super Bowl III.
Thank you New York Giants for retoring order to the NFL!
Halftime
Interesting as Super Bowl XLII heads into halftime, the score is 7-3, right on pace for perhaps the lowest scoring Super Bowl of all time. Which was the lowest scoring? Super Bowl VII, 14-7 where the unbeaten Miami Dolphins finished their perfect season. This year, the Patriots set the NFL single season scoring record and now all they've been able to muster is one score in the first half while trying to secure their place in NFL immortality.
Review of the game coming up after the finale and a review of the commercials. HEY, Madison Avenue, contact me for a focus group! Stay tuned.
Review of the game coming up after the finale and a review of the commercials. HEY, Madison Avenue, contact me for a focus group! Stay tuned.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Big Game
27 hours until kickoff, and usually I'm hyped up in regards to the Super Bowl, even if my team isn't in it. This year however, if I miss the opening kickoff or a few highly priced commercials, I'm not so upset. News reports these past few weeks state that this might be the most highly viewed Super Bowl in league history. I'm not suprised, the population grows every year, and the expanse of technology allows more and more access to media outlets every year. The league is really trying to hype up this game, but making remarks about the highest viewership in SuperBowl history is akin to saying the latest presidential election will be the most costly in election history. It ALWAYS is.
Albeit, this might possibly be historic in the fact that the Patriots might be the first team in league history to go 19-0. There's a good chance they do that. But enough already from the league office, which BTW is located in NYC. Fox has got to be overjoyed that the largest television market in America is playing their arch enemy in the Big Game. Viewers, viewers, viewers. Revenue, revenue, revenue. I'll watch the game, but mainly in the second half to see if New York can pull off the upset. But just to let you know, alot of America is tired of the I-95 rivalry. Boston v NewYork, Bosox v Yankees, Romney v Guliani (how'd that work out?) and now Patriots v G-Men. I hate to break it to the main stream media who operates in these two cities, there are 48 other states in the country, and as we will watch the game, we root for other teams, so quit trying to wrap us up into the I-95 cooridor feud, we're not interested. We are watching the Super Bowl because we are fans of the game and this is the LAST football game we get to see live until August. We are not enamored with the elitist media views about how wonderful all of your sports teams are. As you've read here at this site, I'm a Buccaneer fan, not a Miami Dolphins fan, but I hope tomorrow night to pop the top on a leftover bottle of champagne from New Years along with the 72 Dolphins as the Giants roll to a victory.
My prediction:
Manning 20-38 264yds 2td 2 ints
B Jacobs 22-89 yds 1td
P Burress 5-89yds 1 td
Brady 26-43 341 yds 3 tds 1 int
Moss 3-69 yds 1 td
Welker 14-123 yards 1 td
Maroney 16-46yds 1 td
Final score- Giants 37 Patriots 36 Tynes kicks a last second field goal to win, and a New York kicker finally doesn't go wide right.
Albeit, this might possibly be historic in the fact that the Patriots might be the first team in league history to go 19-0. There's a good chance they do that. But enough already from the league office, which BTW is located in NYC. Fox has got to be overjoyed that the largest television market in America is playing their arch enemy in the Big Game. Viewers, viewers, viewers. Revenue, revenue, revenue. I'll watch the game, but mainly in the second half to see if New York can pull off the upset. But just to let you know, alot of America is tired of the I-95 rivalry. Boston v NewYork, Bosox v Yankees, Romney v Guliani (how'd that work out?) and now Patriots v G-Men. I hate to break it to the main stream media who operates in these two cities, there are 48 other states in the country, and as we will watch the game, we root for other teams, so quit trying to wrap us up into the I-95 cooridor feud, we're not interested. We are watching the Super Bowl because we are fans of the game and this is the LAST football game we get to see live until August. We are not enamored with the elitist media views about how wonderful all of your sports teams are. As you've read here at this site, I'm a Buccaneer fan, not a Miami Dolphins fan, but I hope tomorrow night to pop the top on a leftover bottle of champagne from New Years along with the 72 Dolphins as the Giants roll to a victory.
My prediction:
Manning 20-38 264yds 2td 2 ints
B Jacobs 22-89 yds 1td
P Burress 5-89yds 1 td
Brady 26-43 341 yds 3 tds 1 int
Moss 3-69 yds 1 td
Welker 14-123 yards 1 td
Maroney 16-46yds 1 td
Final score- Giants 37 Patriots 36 Tynes kicks a last second field goal to win, and a New York kicker finally doesn't go wide right.
Scandal surfaces the day before the Big Game
Well well, the past two weeks leading up to the Big Game have been filled with a scant few sub-stories. No arrests of players.............so far. Nothing but a story regarding Michael Strahan out late with Eddie Murphie's former wife of two weeks, the disturbing(if true) reports about Osi Umenyiora and his sexual practices, and of course, Mr fertile All-Amercian, Tom Brady, and does he or doesn't he have an ankle injury.
The potential BIG news regarding the Super Bowl, could be the reports surfacing now regarding a New York Times story and a gentleman named Matt Walsh. Mr Walsh had worked for the Patriots for many years and is now a golf pro in Hawaii. Profootballtalk.com has been all over this story, and it seems that Walsh knows something, but is scared to say what he knows. This afternoon however, a new report at the same website states it's believed that the Patriots filmed the Rams walk through prior to Super Bowl XXVI. For those of you in the Patriot Nation, who defended the Spygate scandal in week one, things might become a bit uncomfortable it appears in the coming days and weeks. The defense that everyone cheats, doesn't hold much water with me. I'll be back to give my predictions for the Big Game tomorrow, later today.
The potential BIG news regarding the Super Bowl, could be the reports surfacing now regarding a New York Times story and a gentleman named Matt Walsh. Mr Walsh had worked for the Patriots for many years and is now a golf pro in Hawaii. Profootballtalk.com has been all over this story, and it seems that Walsh knows something, but is scared to say what he knows. This afternoon however, a new report at the same website states it's believed that the Patriots filmed the Rams walk through prior to Super Bowl XXVI. For those of you in the Patriot Nation, who defended the Spygate scandal in week one, things might become a bit uncomfortable it appears in the coming days and weeks. The defense that everyone cheats, doesn't hold much water with me. I'll be back to give my predictions for the Big Game tomorrow, later today.
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