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.
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Are the Paris Saints far off?
The NFL announced today that there will be another regular season game played in London during 2008 at Wembley Stadium. This announcement was not unexpected as NFL owners in 2006 voted to play up to two regular season games outside of the United States between 2007-2011. This announcement, though not unexpected, comes on the heels of Buffalo Bills' owner Ralph Wilson desire to move some 2008 regular season games to Toronto a few months ago. The National Football League has experimented with football abroad in various fashions over the past decade and was met with little success. Could it be that the leagues' new Commissioner, Roger Goodell has international plans for America's favorite sport? Goodell has even suggested interest in playing the Super Bowl abroad in the future.
On October 2nd, 2005, the NFL played it's first regular season game outside of US soil, as the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49'ers played in Mexico City at Azteca Stadium with over 100,000 fans in attendance. This year, The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins flew to London to play a game at Wembley Stadium. Reports swirled about the game being sold out with over 80,000 in attendance, but having watched a portion of this game on television, there were alot of empty seats, the field looked in poor shape, and the game was lackluster with the G-Men coming out on top 13-10, in a rainy game no one appeared to want to win. Europe has not really seemed to embrace American football in the past. One only can look back at the failed World League, NFL Europe and NFL Europa. While these teams were stocked with some players which eventually worked their way into the NFL with successful football careers, there weren't many people watching the games. Ultimately, the NFL pulled the plug on this experiment.
The Buffalo Bills are currently one of the smallest market teams in the league. As a franchise, they peaked between 1990-1993, making the Super Bowl each year, only to lose. Currently, they're a young team which shows some promise and were in the hunt for a wildcard berth up until the final few weeks of this season. Buffalo is a tough place to live. Of all the NFL cities, Buffalo has the highest annual snowfall rate coupled with dire economic conditions. Goodell should understand this, he was born in Jamestown, a Western New York city which used to be known as the Furniture Capital of the World, but no longer is. Bills' team owner, Ralph Wilson, 89, has said the Bills aren't for sale, but when he passes away, the team will be for sale to the highest bidder. In October of this year, Wilson made a presentation to other NFL team owners with a desire to start moving Bills home games over the next 5 years into Toronto Canada playing on the home field of the Canadian Football Leagues' Toronto Argonauts, the Rogers Centre. Then, football fans were stunned early this past October when Goodell stated, "There's a great deal of interest in holding the Super Bowl in London, so we'll be looking at that." What? Interest from whom? Certainly not the fans of individual teams. Given all the issues regarding air travel, terrorism and cost associated with going to the Super Bowl here in the United States, does The Big Game REALLY need to be abroad? I think not.
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar juggernaut which always seems to get it's way, from the exclusive club of 32 owners to the way the NFL stomps out illegal sales of unlicensed merchandise. Owners extort communities to spend tax dollars to finance new stadiums, while adding luxury boxes to line their pockets. 115 million taxpayer dollars were spent post haste to refurbish the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. One of the tantalizing selling points teams use to lure public financing for new diggs, is the opportunity to host a Super Bowl and all the tourist revenue associated with the event. Now the league is exploring the possibility of sending the largest sporting event in the US, overseas. The NFL owners will be voting soon on whether or not to allow the Bills to move some of their home games to Toronto. Canada already has their style of football, the CFL. There are two teams which would be greatly affected by a Bills presence in Toronto, even on a short term basis, the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger Cats, the later already suffering attendance issues. Argonauts owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski commented in the Halifax Daily News November 25th of last year, that if a permanent move of the Buffalo Bills to Canada was realized, that action could jeopardize the integrity of their league.
As the NFL seeks international expansion of their product, we still do not have a professional franchise in the second largest media market of US, Los Angeles. Buffalo, New Orleans and Minnesota make grumblings about moving, perhaps the league should be looking at keeping teams here instead of exporting their product. Then again, if there is the lure of huge financial returns teams could start moving abroad. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom Benson and his umbrella doing his boogie down the Champs Elysee if the money was right.
On October 2nd, 2005, the NFL played it's first regular season game outside of US soil, as the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49'ers played in Mexico City at Azteca Stadium with over 100,000 fans in attendance. This year, The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins flew to London to play a game at Wembley Stadium. Reports swirled about the game being sold out with over 80,000 in attendance, but having watched a portion of this game on television, there were alot of empty seats, the field looked in poor shape, and the game was lackluster with the G-Men coming out on top 13-10, in a rainy game no one appeared to want to win. Europe has not really seemed to embrace American football in the past. One only can look back at the failed World League, NFL Europe and NFL Europa. While these teams were stocked with some players which eventually worked their way into the NFL with successful football careers, there weren't many people watching the games. Ultimately, the NFL pulled the plug on this experiment.
The Buffalo Bills are currently one of the smallest market teams in the league. As a franchise, they peaked between 1990-1993, making the Super Bowl each year, only to lose. Currently, they're a young team which shows some promise and were in the hunt for a wildcard berth up until the final few weeks of this season. Buffalo is a tough place to live. Of all the NFL cities, Buffalo has the highest annual snowfall rate coupled with dire economic conditions. Goodell should understand this, he was born in Jamestown, a Western New York city which used to be known as the Furniture Capital of the World, but no longer is. Bills' team owner, Ralph Wilson, 89, has said the Bills aren't for sale, but when he passes away, the team will be for sale to the highest bidder. In October of this year, Wilson made a presentation to other NFL team owners with a desire to start moving Bills home games over the next 5 years into Toronto Canada playing on the home field of the Canadian Football Leagues' Toronto Argonauts, the Rogers Centre. Then, football fans were stunned early this past October when Goodell stated, "There's a great deal of interest in holding the Super Bowl in London, so we'll be looking at that." What? Interest from whom? Certainly not the fans of individual teams. Given all the issues regarding air travel, terrorism and cost associated with going to the Super Bowl here in the United States, does The Big Game REALLY need to be abroad? I think not.
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar juggernaut which always seems to get it's way, from the exclusive club of 32 owners to the way the NFL stomps out illegal sales of unlicensed merchandise. Owners extort communities to spend tax dollars to finance new stadiums, while adding luxury boxes to line their pockets. 115 million taxpayer dollars were spent post haste to refurbish the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. One of the tantalizing selling points teams use to lure public financing for new diggs, is the opportunity to host a Super Bowl and all the tourist revenue associated with the event. Now the league is exploring the possibility of sending the largest sporting event in the US, overseas. The NFL owners will be voting soon on whether or not to allow the Bills to move some of their home games to Toronto. Canada already has their style of football, the CFL. There are two teams which would be greatly affected by a Bills presence in Toronto, even on a short term basis, the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger Cats, the later already suffering attendance issues. Argonauts owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski commented in the Halifax Daily News November 25th of last year, that if a permanent move of the Buffalo Bills to Canada was realized, that action could jeopardize the integrity of their league.
As the NFL seeks international expansion of their product, we still do not have a professional franchise in the second largest media market of US, Los Angeles. Buffalo, New Orleans and Minnesota make grumblings about moving, perhaps the league should be looking at keeping teams here instead of exporting their product. Then again, if there is the lure of huge financial returns teams could start moving abroad. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom Benson and his umbrella doing his boogie down the Champs Elysee if the money was right.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Offseason moves
All football fans at this time of the year, all have opinions on how their team can improve with the start of free agency in March. As a fan of the Buccaneers, I'm no different and here are my suggestions:
Quarterback- Garcia will be the starter next year. Luke McCown showed promise this year when he was given the chance to play, but has to learn to throw the ball away. He's very athletic and can release the ball quickly. He's a keeper for at least one more year. Chris Simms says he's healthy, but he doesn't fit this system if Gruden is going to be given a contract extension. Chris is a great kid and wish him the best, but he has no trade value and will be released. Bruce Gradkowski- my wish is a one way ticket to play in Canada, we've seen enough.
Running Back-
Earnest Graham brought his A-game when asked because of injury. I realize he has 1 year remaining on his contract but the Bucs should offer him a new contract, he's been loyal to this team, and since he's from Ft Myers, he wants to play here. Pay the man. He's done everything other than pass out Gatorade to players in past years.
Michael Pittman- He's 32, and nagging injuries cropped up this season. He's a free agent and not likely to be highly sought after in the off season. He's a hard runner and great receiver however, at his age, should play for a near minimum salary if he wants to stay in Tampa.
Michael Bennett- Came over via conditional trade from Kansas City. Gamebreaker in my opinion. Gruden constantly speaks about playmakers and team speed, this guy was a possible Olympic hopeful for the relay team. He brings youth and great ball catch ability out of the backfield, resign him-pronto.
Carnell Williams, I am not sure what salary cap implications releasing Carnell will have towards next year, but the Cadillac has a flat tire and fix a flat isn't going to fix it. Isn't it interesting that Ronnie Brown, Carnells backfield partner at Auburn has gone down with the same knee injury. Perhaps these guys aren't feature backs in the NFL. How about a backfield of Graham, Bennett and Justin Fargas with Askew leading the way.
Mike Alstott- Mike alluded to retirement this week on Tampa radio. It's time. Thanks for the memories Mike, move on a take care of you and yours.
Wide Receiver-
Joey Galloway walked off the field with 4 minutes remaining versus the Giants last week. The official report from the team is that he has a shoulder injury. Are we seeing another Keyshawn Johnson meltdown with Joey? I think at this point it doesn't really matter, Joey is going to be 37 next season, and although he's posted three consecutive 1000 yard seasons for the Bucs, has always been injury prone. Do I want to see #84 line up next season? Hell yes, if he can play. BUT, this team has got to address the receiving corps. Mike Clayton needs to go. Maurice Stovall has got to stay. Hilliard had a great start of the season but tailed off. It's time to get younger. Rumors are swirling now about the possibility of a trade with Cincinnatti for Chad Johnson. I'd be all over that. But I'd also be looking at Devery Henderson and Andre Davis. This team needs playmakers.
TE-
Resign Stevens, release Becht.
Defensive Line-
The Bucs need to upgrade the DL. First of all the undertackle position is the most important position in the Cover Tampa 2 defense which they utilize. The Bucs should sign Corey Williams, a 27 year old DLman playing with the Packers. A big force in the D-line 6'4" 313 pounds and with next years schedule and the vulnerability of the Cover 2 defense for tough running up the middle, we need a run stuffer.
Forget Haynesworth, he's a juiced up steroid filled freak. I can't have a player on my team that stomped on someones head without a helmet. The other player I'd like to see brought in is Justin Smith from Cincinnati.
Kevin Carter cannot draw another 5 million dollar paycheck from the Bucs this year. Renegotiate or gone. Greg Spires, production has dropped way off and time to say goodbye as well.
Defensive Secondary-
Brian Kelly- wanted a new contract last season then didn't play over half the games. Didn't play many games this year, move on.
Will Allen- gone
Sammy Davis- gone.
Linebackers-
Jeremiah Trotter will be gone. Ryan Neece- might be gone as well with the young LB's coming on.
Focus for the draft should be 1st, a disruptive DL player, 2nd, a speed receiver actually able to return a punt for more than 3 yards and catch a football. 3rd, a cornerback along the likes of Tanard Jackson, and 4th, depth on the offensive line.
Quarterback- Garcia will be the starter next year. Luke McCown showed promise this year when he was given the chance to play, but has to learn to throw the ball away. He's very athletic and can release the ball quickly. He's a keeper for at least one more year. Chris Simms says he's healthy, but he doesn't fit this system if Gruden is going to be given a contract extension. Chris is a great kid and wish him the best, but he has no trade value and will be released. Bruce Gradkowski- my wish is a one way ticket to play in Canada, we've seen enough.
Running Back-
Earnest Graham brought his A-game when asked because of injury. I realize he has 1 year remaining on his contract but the Bucs should offer him a new contract, he's been loyal to this team, and since he's from Ft Myers, he wants to play here. Pay the man. He's done everything other than pass out Gatorade to players in past years.
Michael Pittman- He's 32, and nagging injuries cropped up this season. He's a free agent and not likely to be highly sought after in the off season. He's a hard runner and great receiver however, at his age, should play for a near minimum salary if he wants to stay in Tampa.
Michael Bennett- Came over via conditional trade from Kansas City. Gamebreaker in my opinion. Gruden constantly speaks about playmakers and team speed, this guy was a possible Olympic hopeful for the relay team. He brings youth and great ball catch ability out of the backfield, resign him-pronto.
Carnell Williams, I am not sure what salary cap implications releasing Carnell will have towards next year, but the Cadillac has a flat tire and fix a flat isn't going to fix it. Isn't it interesting that Ronnie Brown, Carnells backfield partner at Auburn has gone down with the same knee injury. Perhaps these guys aren't feature backs in the NFL. How about a backfield of Graham, Bennett and Justin Fargas with Askew leading the way.
Mike Alstott- Mike alluded to retirement this week on Tampa radio. It's time. Thanks for the memories Mike, move on a take care of you and yours.
Wide Receiver-
Joey Galloway walked off the field with 4 minutes remaining versus the Giants last week. The official report from the team is that he has a shoulder injury. Are we seeing another Keyshawn Johnson meltdown with Joey? I think at this point it doesn't really matter, Joey is going to be 37 next season, and although he's posted three consecutive 1000 yard seasons for the Bucs, has always been injury prone. Do I want to see #84 line up next season? Hell yes, if he can play. BUT, this team has got to address the receiving corps. Mike Clayton needs to go. Maurice Stovall has got to stay. Hilliard had a great start of the season but tailed off. It's time to get younger. Rumors are swirling now about the possibility of a trade with Cincinnatti for Chad Johnson. I'd be all over that. But I'd also be looking at Devery Henderson and Andre Davis. This team needs playmakers.
TE-
Resign Stevens, release Becht.
Defensive Line-
The Bucs need to upgrade the DL. First of all the undertackle position is the most important position in the Cover Tampa 2 defense which they utilize. The Bucs should sign Corey Williams, a 27 year old DLman playing with the Packers. A big force in the D-line 6'4" 313 pounds and with next years schedule and the vulnerability of the Cover 2 defense for tough running up the middle, we need a run stuffer.
Forget Haynesworth, he's a juiced up steroid filled freak. I can't have a player on my team that stomped on someones head without a helmet. The other player I'd like to see brought in is Justin Smith from Cincinnati.
Kevin Carter cannot draw another 5 million dollar paycheck from the Bucs this year. Renegotiate or gone. Greg Spires, production has dropped way off and time to say goodbye as well.
Defensive Secondary-
Brian Kelly- wanted a new contract last season then didn't play over half the games. Didn't play many games this year, move on.
Will Allen- gone
Sammy Davis- gone.
Linebackers-
Jeremiah Trotter will be gone. Ryan Neece- might be gone as well with the young LB's coming on.
Focus for the draft should be 1st, a disruptive DL player, 2nd, a speed receiver actually able to return a punt for more than 3 yards and catch a football. 3rd, a cornerback along the likes of Tanard Jackson, and 4th, depth on the offensive line.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
