Opinions: Carolina Panthers, Opportunity Time, By Coby DuBose, 12/17/05
Opportunity time is here for Jake Delhomme and the 9-4 Panthers. With Tampa Bay's loss at New England on Saturday, the Panthers stand alone atop the NFC South division with Sunday standing as an opportunity to take a one game lead over the Falcons and Buccaneers. After playing poorly a week ago in a matchup with Tampa Bay, the Panthers are faced with many questions. Can they win a big game? Is Jake Delhomme the quarterback that can lead them to the promised land? How will they respond without running back Stephen Davis. This season has been one of intrigue for the team, who has shown flashes of the brilliance that led them to the 2004 Super Bowl, which suffering from lapses that have reminded some of the George Seifert years. Already this season, the Panthers have exercised old deamons by beating the Patriots and finally stopping Michael Vick. After falling to Miami in week three, they ran off seven straight wins in route to an 8-2 record. Sunday, Delhomme and the Cats will have a chance to overcome yet another obstacle of their past. Standing in their way of a 10-4 record and the division lead are the New Orleans Saints, who boast four wins, a new quarterback, and their first appearance in the state of Louisiana. When the Panthers take the field in Baton Rouge on Sunday, they will be playing for a whole lot more than the division lead, however. They will be playing for respect.
The Carolina Panthers spent the 2003 season turning heads and changing opinions. They made big plays and knocked off NFL powers in route to the franchise's first Superbowl. Since then, it seems that people have lost respect for the team. A 7-9 2004 campaign was influenced greatly by injuries to key players, including receiver Steve Smith. This season, the Panthers set out to regain some of the respect that they sought so hard to earn three seasons ago. Steve Smith is back and has shown the league and media that he can stay healthy for an entire year. He is putting up MVP type numbers, quickly cementing his place among the NFL's elite skilled players. Beyond Smith, some of the Panthers still have something to prove.
Jake Delhomme is a quarterback with much to prove. Sure, he makes some big plays, but his inconsistency over the past four weeks has left many scratching their heads and wondering if he is the answer. Delhomme has, however, shown the ability to make big plays in the clutch and in the playoffs and the Panthers will need that ability down the stretch in order to make a run at another Superbowl.
The Carolina Panthers' defense is another unit that is in search of respect. Over the past three seasons, players such as Mike Rucker, Julius Peppers, and Will WItherspoon have established themselves as dominant NFL defenders, but the defense is still doubted by many. The secondary has been strengthened this season, and defensive tackle Brentson Buckner is having a career season, but the unit must still prove to doubters that it can make big plays in big games and give the Panthers a chance to win this Sunday, and in the two weeks following.
The Carolina Panthers are still a team with a lot to prove. Delhomme and the boys will get their chance in the coming weeks and in the playoffs to prove their worth to doubters around the league and in the media. If John Fox and the team is to take its play to the next level, then they must shore up some holes and prove that they can consistenly play hard nosed football.
Overwhelming Consensus: Orlando Hudson by Coby DuBose, Dec. 17, 2005
Call him special. Call him talented. Coin him classy and mark him gritty. Orlando Hudson can be described with many words. When Webster wrote his classic dictionary, he undoubtedly intended it to be used as a descriptive guide for people like the Toronto Blue Jays' Gold Glove winning 2nd baseman. Growing up in a small town in rural South Carolina, the "O-Dawg" made a name for himself at a young age and used determination to follow, and arrive at his dream in a grand fashion.
Arguably the best defensive second bagger in baseball for the last 3 years, Hudson was finally rewarded for his play by winning the 2005 AL Gold Glove Award. He became a regular on highlight reels, while providing occasional power and committing only six errors on the season. Not bad for a guy who was once a 43rd round draft pick of the Blue Jays. Hudson's trail to success has led him through St. John's High School, where he starred as a Blue Devil, Darlington High, where he donned the Falcon purple, and little known college Spartanburg Methodist in the upstate of South Carolina. He was an all-star in three sports in high school, starring on the field and making an impact off of the field all the way.
I was blessed to have been able to be an active participant in the development of this great athlete. As the waterboy for most of his high school teams, I got an everyday look at the way in which Hudson committed himself and the work ethic which has become a staple of his game. He was never flashy and still returns home every off season, where he spends time with his family and harvests fish from the same pond he did as a 12 year old. Hudson can be seen, with his smile and genuine nature, at the local restuarants, where he still takes the time to talk to kids and be a mentor.
Hudson is up for arbitration this offseason, and it appears as if he will finally recieve what he is worth. Quickly becoming the face of the lone Canadian franchise, Orlando only made $480,000 last season, well below the league median for his position. Predictions have suggested that Hudson may draw close to $3 Million per year in base salary because of his numbers and defensive prowess. If Hudson were playing in New York, Boston, or Chicago, writers would likely be writing songs and poems to his praise. While in Toronto, however, Hudson will likely keep doing what has made him succesful for the last 25 years.
Major League Baseball and professional sports in general are in need of more people like Orlando Hudson. His play on the field is matched only by his prowess in the community. As a rare breed of player who will leg out a triple, dive into the stands, and limp home after a shot to center field, Hudson has certainly carved his niche in the world of professional baseball. His down to Earth nature and unlikely background have made him a sure bet to continue his success. As his star rises, however, do not expect Hudson to forget his South Carolina roots, where family and friends still remember a smiling point guard and hard-nosed quarterback.
Musings: 'Tis the Season, by Coby DuBose, 12/16/05
Few things in life confuse and befuddle the ardent sports fanatic more than the month of December. Trees are left without stipule and the occasional 1/4 inch of snow shuts down entire states in the southeastern United States. While some folks take pride in their holiday light shows and Santa's little helper decides on the definitive decorative pattern for the family Christmas tree, men are left with a plethora of sports programming options to sift through over the cold winter nights.
The NBA and NHL are in full swing by December, but who noticed? Quick, name the NBA division leaders. Ok, name one? Maybe you got that one. College basketball is beginning to take form as conference matchups are just around the corner. The majority of college football fans are forced to decide whether or not they will follow their 7-4 teams to "Insert Company Name Bowl" somewhere in the middle of nowhere. To top it all off, the NFL playoffs are quickly approaching and fantasy football owners everywhere are in search of their league title. With all of these options, what is a sports fan to do? Sit back, grab a cold one, and enjoy the ride that is, December. By the time it is all over and the college season culminates in Pasadena, the sports fan will have been treated to a great holiday season.
NFL
While the most confusing question of the 80's may have involved children's television character "Alf" and exactly what is he?, the bigger dilemma for Joe Sports Fan this December is the NFC playoff picture. Is the NFC for real and can anyone mount a challenge to the AFC champion Indianapolis Colts? (Wait, haven't they already won it?)
Alf: We weren't sure what it was, but we watched it.
The NFC South seems to set up as the most interesting division. With three teams in the hunt and the hapless fighting Tom Bensons of New Orleans lurking to play the role of spoiler, anything could happen. The Panthers should be able to capitalize on Michael Vick's underachievement and re-claim their spot atop the division, but don't sleep on Tampa Bay either with that defense.
Can the Bears keep up their remarkable run? Like an amatuer in the World Series of Poker, it seems like their luck has to run out eventually, right? The Bears have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for the last 9 weeks, and it is unlikely that their luck will continue in a push towards the Super Bowl. Bears fans can hold out hope though, that more Vikings will be indicted in the love boat scandal and Minnesota will concede defeat. Stranger things have happened (See Alf). That said, Lovie Smith is class personified and for that, we wish him luck.
College Football
The obvious focus will be on the the granddaddy of them all as USC takes on Texas in the Rose Bowl. Woah nelly! While this promises to be a great title game, there are other "can't miss" bowl games out there for college football fans.
The Peach Bowl should be an exciting game with perennial southern football powers LSU and Miami matching up in a coaching matchup that could be coined "The Replacements". With all due respect to Keanu Reeves, these replacements have found more success than Shane Falco ever imagined. While Larry Coker stumbled upon a national championship in his first season at the U, back-to-back Peach Bowl appearences have some questioning if he is the man for the job. His success has declined since the departure of Ken Dorsey. A win over LSU would do wonders for sending Miami back into the perinnial national championship hunt. Les Miles, in his replacement of Nick Saban, led the Tigers to the SEC championship contest, where they dropped a Dumpty-sized egg against the Georgia Bulldogs. Like a dog in wait for his master, these coaches could both use some pats on the back from their respective athletic directors.
Fans will also want to consider tuning into the "Smurf Bowl" in Boise, Idaho. A disappointed Boston College squad will take the the blue field to tangle with a Boise State squad who has underachieved in what turns out to be coach Dan Hawkins' final season before moving on to Colorado.
This holiday season is sure to have its share of rude relatives, embarrasing gifts, and disappointing elementary school caroling expeditions (Could they please find some talent amongst America's youth?). For the love of all things athletic, sports fans can hope for a Christmas season filled with turkey legs, overtimes, and big time bowl games. In this spirt of Christmas however, it is time for athletes to ante up with some gifts to all sports fans.
Vince Young and Reggie Bush: Give us some answers! Whatever your decisions, NFL fans deserve to know exactly what the 49ers and Texans will be playing for come week 17.
Adam Morrison: Give us greatness. If Adam Morrison were to pick the names of any American sports fan in a secret Santa setup, he could fulfill his commitment easily by maintaining his level of play. What the 6'8 junior has done is bordering upon greatness and sports fans demand to see more.
Tony Dungy: Give us history. While I am admittedly no Colts fan, the overwhelming consensus indicates that fans would love to see the Indianapolis franchise give history their best shot.
Terrell Owens: Give up your spot in the welfare line. Like many before you, your antics have rendered your talents useless and it is time for you to get a real job. I hear Drew Rosenhaus is looking for minions and you would fit right in. If that does not work, see a fast food manager, your quickness and concentration would be a boon to any local fry line.
Samkon Gado: Give us some confidence. This goes for Mike Sherman, too. Samkon Gado has proven his worth in the NFL, and it is time for him to step up to the plate and at least claim some of his success.
Dick Vitale: Give us a break. For just one season, could sports fans enjoy a Duke or North Carolina basketball game without your obnoxious bias that precludes any notion of proper sports journalism.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005, 01:43 PM EST
[General]
Michael Vick: The Most Overrated Athlete of our Time? By: Coby DuBose, December 14, 2005
Photo Courtesy: StarPulse
Pardon me for asking the obvious, but how good is Michael Vick? He runs a 4.3 second 40 yard dash and has moves that would make most running backs jealous, but exactly how effective of a quarterback is the guy? Annointed by most sports networks as the best thing to happen to pro football since Jim Brown, Vick has done little or nothing to provide supporters with any evidence that he can, indeed, be the leader of an NFL football team. In a way that only George Godsey or Dan Marino could embody, Vick has quickly turned into the most one dimensional signal caller in all of football.
In 13 games this season, Vick has a passer rating of 76.6, placing him just below names like Dilfer, Sims, and Collins. He has thrown 10 interceptions while only hooking up for 13 touchdowns thus far on the season. To call Vick a disappointment would be a profound understatement. Still, his running ability makes up for some of the offense that his passing ability neglects. He always has the ability to go the distance every time he touches the ball. How long can a quarterback keep that up in the NFL, though? Ask Steve Young about what happens when a linebacker gets that perfect hit. The fact remains that there are no hall of fame scramblers. The position of quarterback requires leadership, toughness, decision making, and a precise throwing ability, all things which seems to lack.
The Falcons have rewarded Vick for his stellar play in his five seasons by giving him a ten year contract, worth over 100 million dollars. Who can blame them though? Vick puts bottoms in the seats and keeps eyes glued to the tube, just to see what he will do next. Proponents of Vick will argue that the Falcons need to surround the QB with some weapons and then his real talent will be exposed. Blaming the talent around Vick for his inadequacies however, is like blaming spoons for David Wells' fatness or blaming the crack pipe for Michael Irving's recurring drug problem. The receivers can not catch it if its thrown 10 feet over their heads.
In order to be overrated though, an athlete must be highly rated. While his stats do not concur with the media sensationalism and he has never led his team to the Super Bowl, networks such as ESPN annoint Vick as a hall of fame talent and worship his every move. His exit from Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium in a game earlier this year recieved more attention than Phillip Rivers and his baby. Wait, Phillip Rivers has a kid? I digress. When will the sports world and sports media realize what Michael Vick is? An average quarterback with a short NFL lifespan is all that he will amount to. One day, Vick's lucky star will come crashing down and once again, the running quarterback will go the way of the dinosaur. Until then, hold on tight and enjoy the "Michael Vick Experience".
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