I'm going to share a couple of my favorite sports memories today. If you witnessed and remember them, I'd love to hear your thoughts. If these are new to you-I hope you enjoy!
1. Favorite moment at a live sporting event-Dec. 22, 1996, Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars were in their second season. After starting 4-7, the Jags won 4 in a row to set themselves up for a 'win and you're in' situation. Their opponent was the Atlanta Falcons, who were 3-12 and thought to have mailed it in for the season. The Jags got out to an early lead, but the Falcons hung tough and eventually took the lead. Jacksonville recaptured the lead at 19-17 with about 2:00 to go. The Falcons moved the ball down the field almost at will against the Jag defense. They got deep into Jacksonville territory and stopped the clock with 3 or 4 seconds. They brought on one of the best kickers ever to play in the NFL, Morten Andersen to try a chip shot 30 yard FG to win the game. While all this was happening, I was cringing in the stands-knowing that we probably blew our shot at the playoffs. I was already ready to watch the Falcons celebrate on our field. Then there was the snap, the kick, and the biggest roar I've ever heard. He missed!! Wide left!! Later I saw that he slipped when he went to plant. In the stands, every person was jumping up and down and hugging anybody that they could find. I don't think anybody left until about a half hour after the game because everybody was mentally exhausted. When we did leave, the hugs didn't stop-down the tunnels, in the parking lot, at Ruby Tuesday's after the game-it was THE most incredible feeling.
The Jaguars went on to the playoffs and upset Buffalo and Denver before losing to New England in the AFC Championship. The playoff wins were great too, but nothing was like that moment when Morten missed the kick.
2. Favorite baseball moment-October 1997, Game 7 of the World Series-Cleveland Indians at Florida Marlins. The Marlins were huge underdogs-they were the first Wild Card team to make it to the World Series. Let me start by saying that I was lucky enough to go to game 6, where I thought the Marlins would wrap it up. However, they were beat 4-1 to force Game 7. I couldn't get a ticket to game 7 so I had to watch on TV. I remember that the Indians went up 2-0 early and it seemed like the Marlins were just getting mowed down. Finally, in the seventh inning, Bobby Bonilla smacked a home run cutting the lead in half. But that was all the damage they could do. They held the Indians in the eighth, but didn't score in the 8th themselves. They again held the Indians in the 9th-with a great play at the plate from Charles Johnson-a gentleman that I went to high school and played Little League Baseball with. In the bottom of the ninth, Moises Alou singled to start off the inning. Then, after a flyout, Johnson hit a single to right field that advanced Alou to third base. Rookie second baseman Craig Counsell then came up and hit a sac fly scoring Alou to tie the game. The Marlins couldn't push the winning run across so they had to go extra innings. In the bottom of the 11th inning, Florida got the bases loaded with only one out. Devon White came to the plate. He was the Marlin leadoff hitter-and I was down on him for underachieving all year. But, now I was hoping he would throw it in my face. NOPE! He hit a ground ball and they got the out at home-so the bases were still loaded with 2 outs for Edgar Renteria-a young shortstop known more for his defense than his bat. Well, he smacked a line drive right up the middle scoring Counsell from 3rd base and I just remember running outside and yelling at the top of my lungs. It was after midnight but I didn't care. This was an awesome finish to an awesome season.
This is part 2 of a two part series. Yesterday I graded the AFC, today I'm grading the NFC. Let me recap what and how I'm grading.
Based on 5 things, I'm going to grade each franchise. If they are strong in one area, they will get a point. If they are so-so, they will get a half point, and if they are weak, they get no points. The categories are:
1) History
2) Winning % last 10 years
3) Championships (includes division, conference, and Super Bowl)
4) Stadium/Deal with stadium/Ownership
5) Attendance/Fan Base
Here is my grading scale:
F 0-1 points
D 1.5-2 points
C 2.5-3 points
B 3.5-4 points
A 4.5-5 points
Here we go:
NFC EAST
Dallas-A. One of the model franchises in the NFL. The only negative they have going for them is not winning a playoff game in 12 years.
Philadelphia-A. This franchise is on solid ground. Their biggest negative is lack of a Super Bowl win.
Washington-A. Another model franchise with a solid fan base and an owner willing to throw money around to win.
N.Y. Giants-A. Another of the model franchises. The NFC East is a division full of history and with these 4 teams, the future is bright.
NFC NORTH
Green Bay-B. Lambeau Field is a great place to visit-but the fact is that the stadium is old and it puts the Packers behind the rest of the league in that category. With the retirement of Favre, it will be interesting to see if the Pack will remain competitive for years to come.
Minnesota-C. I'm going to start off by saying that if they are getting a new stadium and I just don't know about it, then change this grade to a B. The Metrodome is awful-I went there for a week a few years ago and saw a Twins and a Vikings game. That building is falling apart and the lighting for games is terrible.
Chicago-A. The Bears didn't need to get a new stadium-they renovated old Soldier Field and it's now one of the best venues to watch a game. They are solid in every category on this list. Now if they could just find a quarterback....
Detroit-C. They get killed in the last ten years and the championships category. I just hope Detroit fans hang in there with this underachieving team.
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay-B. The history is more of a losing history than of winning. Also, Tampa fans can be fickle.
Carolina-B. They haven't developed a great history yet, but this franchise is solid.
New Orleans-D. I know people in The Big Easy don't want to hear this, but you were about 30 seconds away from being the San Antonio Saints. Now L.A. is on the horizon, scoping out to see if they can come in and pull the team out to the west coast. This story is to be continued....
Atlanta-D. Atlanta never has been a football hotbed. When I think of the history of the Falcons, I think of Steve Bartkowski and Deion Sanders-yet when I think of Deion, I think of the Cowboys. The whole Michael Vick thing has brought this franchise down to this level-but they are headed in the right direction.
NFC WEST
Seattle-B. Their history isn't as glorious as many teams, but this franchise is one of the premier franchises in the NFL today. They have been winning and made an appearance in the Super Bowl. Their fans are the loudest in the league and that strange looking stadium is a hit in the Pacific Northwest.
San Francisco-C. This is another team that needs a stadium-if one is coming and I just don't know about it, than change this grade to a B. This once proud franchise has been hurting for the last decade and the ownership hasn't exactly won over the fans. It will be interesting to see how the next 10 years go in the bay area.
St. Louis-B. This grade was hard to make. They went from awful to great to awful in about 10 years. Their history is mostly in L.A., but they have won a Super Bowl in St. Louis. They sell out every game, and their stadium seems adequate. I'll be interested to see what people say about this one.
Arizona-C. Before the Cards got their new stadium, they would have gotten an F. However, they have a shiny palace that the world got to see last year during the Super Bowl and they sold out every game last year-I think that's the first time in Arizona. If they could only start winning, this franchise would be in great shape.
This topic is an interesting one when it comes to the NFL. How strong are the 32 franchises that make up the league? If there was one that was going to L.A., who would it be? I have those answers. Today I will look at the AFC. The NFC will be tomorrow.
Based on 5 things, I'm going to grade each franchise. If they are strong in one area, they will get a point. If they are so-so, they will get a half point, and if they are weak, they get no points. The categories are:
1) History
2) Winning % last 10 years
3) Championships (includes division, conference, and Super Bowl)
4) Stadium/Deal with stadium/Ownership
5) Attendance/Fan Base
Here is my grading scale:
F 0-1 points
D 1.5-2 points
C 2.5-3 points
B 3.5-4 points
A 4.5-5 points
AFC EAST
New England-A. Despite Spygate, they are solid in all categories.
N.Y. Jets-B. Their winning percentage lately and lack of championships hurt them. New stadium opening up takes care of their other weakness.
Miami-C. They have the history going for them and titles came early, but they haven't won a Super Bowl in 36 years. They haven't been to the Super Bowl in 24. They are on the decline.
Buffalo-D. This franchise may be the one to move to L.A. Buffalo fans are awesome, but their love of the team may not make up for the lack of a money making stadium.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh-A. They have it all. One of the model franchises in the league.
Cleveland-B. They have the history, nice new stadium, loyal fan base, but they haven't put up a championship since the 60's and their winning % lately brought them down.
Baltimore-C. The Ravens have the stadium, attendance, and titles taken care of-they just don't have a history and their recent lack of winning dragged them from a B to a C.
Cincinnati-D. It's a good thing that the Bengals have a new stadium or else they would already be the Los Angeles Bengals. Other than the stadium, what have the Bengals had to be happy about? Now their uniforms are even the ugliest in the league. Someone needs to go in there and clean house.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis-A. Thanks to Peyton Manning. Before Peyton, they probably would have a C or D. Now they are about to open a new park, they've won a Super Bowl, and people don't seem to slip up and call them the Baltimore Colts much anymore.
Jacksonville-C. Let me say as a Jaguar fan that I think I may be a little rough on the Jaguars. They don't have a history yet, and the attendance at the games scares me. They have a great stadium, and have put a winning product on the field-but no championships.
Tennessee-B. Their history includes that of the Houston Oilers, so they saved some points there. They always seem to be competitive even if they haven't won a championship.
Houston-D. Houston has a beautiful stadium. Not much else.
AFC WEST
San Diego-B. The lack of a championship and their stadium issues are the only things you can say negatively affect the Bolts.
Denver-A. Another one of the league's model franchises. They can't afford this team to not stay competitive.
Kansas City-B. The Chiefs haven't won a title since Super Bowl IV, and their recent history are the only things you can say bad about this franchise.
Oakland-C. They definitely have history and titles. They need a new stadium, their record lately stinks. Through all this, they have a solid fan base.
NFL fans have seen a lot of changes in uniforms lately. Some changes were better, others were not. Here are the grades I give to each NFL team.
Patriots-B. The Patriots got it right on their second uniform change. The first change (the 2 tone blue/vertical striped jerseys were hideous. I'm glad to see they got rid of those.
Jets-C. Most people would disagree with my view on this, but the Jets' look in the 80's was much better looking than these. There was a reason they got rid of these uniforms before-can we put them to rest again? Also, don't wear those Titan uniforms again-they are horrible.
Dolphins-B. They've slightly changed their uniforms over the years, but haven't made any major changes. That is a good thing-they have a classic style-my only complaint are the numbers-the 3-D look is not a good one.
Bills-D. I'm not sure why they changed from their Super Bowl years, but these are hideous. Their throwback uniforms that they've worn lately are even worse. At least they haven't changed the helmet.
Steelers-B. They would have an A, except for those awful uniforms they brought out last year with the yellow helmets. Please scrap those for the traditional Steeler look.
Browns-C. They would be lower, except that they are the traditional uniform and I respect the fact that they haven't changed. They are ugly, but at least we know who that ugly team is.
Bengals-F. Worst uniforms in football. They had nice looking uniforms in the 90's. They were sharp-now they look like clowns out there with orange coming out of everything. At least their uniforms match their wide receiver.
Ravens-B. The Ravens haven't changed much-I'm glad they changed their helmet. They almost get an A.
Colts-A. The Colts are going with the classic look and it's a good look. There is no reason to change.
Jaguars-B. If the Jaguars would lose their black pants, they would get an A. Their colors go well together and they look sharp with their traditional white pants.
Titans-D. A few years ago, these were the ugliest uniforms in football. If you looked at their helmet, you thought that they were the "Flaming Thumbtacks". The shape of the numbers is awful and the 2-tone style jersey is very XFLish.
Texans-B. They have a good look and a good design. They almost got an A.
Chiefs-A. One of the best looking uniforms in the league. I hope they never change.
Raiders-A. Another one of the best looking uniforms. When they play the Chiefs, just seeing the jerseys and helmets meshing together-it looks like a natural rivalry.
Broncos-C. Their current uniforms are a step up from their Orange Crush days, but they still look like a circus team out there.
Chargers-F. These new uniforms look like they were designed by a kindergarten class. Their uniforms were great until last year-they need to go back-FAST!!
Cowboys-A. The Cowboys fiddled around with a couple new looks in the 90's-luckily the fans spoke up and didn't allow this great uniform design to be ruined.
Redskins-A. I'm giving them an A-but they need to stop wearing those hideous throwbacks. Just like the Raiders/Chiefs, when the Skins and Cowboys play, it just looks like a natural rivalry.
Eagles-A. I was hesitant when they changed from green to more of a hunter green. But, looking back-their old uniforms were pretty ugly. I think they should lose the black jersey though.
Giants-D. The Giants had cool uniforms when LT and Phil Simms were playing, but they went back to their past and shouldn't have. Their pants look like they've been playing in the mud and their shirts are just too plain. The white jerseys with red lettering? I thought the Giants were "Big Blue". When they wear their white, the only blue is on their helmet.
Packers-A. Classic style. There is no way they can change their jerseys now.
Lions-C. Lately, the Lions have made some subtle changes to their uniform that they shouldn't make. Go back to the Barry Sanders style.
Vikings-C. Their recent changes were bad. Also, they have to lose the purple pants.
Bears-A. Once again, I'm giving credit for the classic look. They can't change-ever!
Falcons-D. When Michael Vick was first drafted, they had one of the best looking uniforms-but they changed, and went to the different color sleeve look and the weird shaped numbers-they are just awful.
Buccaneers-B. I understand the change, but I was one of the few that liked the Bucs' old look.
Panthers-A. They haven't changed their look since coming into the league. They need to keep it that way.
Saints-B. I like the Saints uniforms a lot now-they've been tweaking them for years-if they keep this design for a while, they will be bumped to an A.
49ers-B. The 49ers uniforms have never been pretty-they went back to their classic style which I like, but I can't give uniforms this ugly an A.
Rams-C. They didn't change design-only their colors. I like the old colors much better. They stood out. Now it looks like they are trying to blend in.
Seahawks-F. I'm not sure what that blue/grey color is called, but that with neon green? Plus when you wear those pants with the matching shirt, it's just a train wreck.
Cardinals-D. See the Falcons-they did exactly what the Falcons did and they went from a sharp dressed team to a team that looks like their grandmother sewed their jerseys for them.
Here is my pre-season look at the job security of NFL coaches.
ON SOLID GROUND-SOLID AS A ROCK
1. Tom Coughlin, Giants. He just won a Super Bowl and signed a new extension. Why would anyone want to get rid of him?
2. Jack Del Rio, Jaguars. The Jags got their first playoff win in 8 years, and are one of the teams favored to win it all in 2008. Jack's move making Garrard the starting QB and releasing Byron Leftwich was a gamble and it paid off. Del Rio also signed an extension in the offseason.
3. Tony Dungy, Colts. Dungy will be the head coach on this team as long as he wants to be. The only question is, will he decide to leave after the 08 season?
4. Romeo Crennel, Browns. Crennel is the toast of the town now. He will need to get this team to the playoffs. If he doesn't, his status will quickly change.
5. Jeff Fisher, Titans. Fisher has earned his way onto this list-having the longest tenure as a head coach in the NFL. The question here is how well does he get along with the Titans' front office?
6. Mike McCarthy, Packers. McCarthy got the team to the NFC Championship last year. Now, without Favre, expectations have been lowered and McCarthy will look good again if the Pack can make a title run.
COMFORTABLE-YET COULD SLIP
1. D. Jauron, Bills. Jauron has done a fabulous job of getting the most out of his young team in Buffalo. However, Bills fans haven't seen the playoffs since the Music City Disaster (as it's known in western NY)-and they could be losing patience.
2. Bill Belichick, Patriots. Belichick should be in the top list, but Spygate just won't go away. Owner Robert Kraft does not like the fact that many fans look at the Patriots championships as tainted. It will be interesting to see what happens if the Pats don't perform up to their recent standards.
3. John Harbaugh, Ravens. Harbaugh is a young, new head coach. Expectations for his first season are not that high. He will be given some time if the team shows improvement.
4. Herm Edwards, Chiefs. Herm was highly touted as the savior to a Chiefs' team that was starting to see dwindling numbers in the win column. He hasn't had a QB since Trent Green got knocked silly a couple of years ago so he's gotten a pass for the last 2 years. Chief fans will want to see signs of improvement this year after a solid draft class.
5. Norv Turner, Chargers. Turner was brought in to win in the playoffs and he has. His team is the overwhelming favorite to win the AFC West. Norv has had a bit of bad luck in his coaching past-let's hope he can avoid it here in southern California.
6. Jim Zorn, Redskins. See John Harbaugh-except for one thing. The Redskins were a playoff team in 2007, an owner Daniel Snyder desperately wants to win. Zorn has a bright football mind that should lead to success in D.C.
7. Brad Childress, Vikings. Adrian Peterson is the key to Childress being on this list. If he has a sophomore season anything near his rookie campaign, then he will have success. However, he's one injury away from being in the bottom category.
8. Lovie Smith, Bears. Lovie took the Bears to the Super Bowl, so the fans aren't calling for his head yet. If he doesn't find a quarterback, they soon will be.
9. Jon Gruden, Buccaneers. When you win a Super Bowl, then survive your team not making the playoffs the next 4 years-you should be safe the year after making a return to the playoffs.
10. Sean Payton, Saints. Payton is still getting love for the Saints 2006 season that saw them advance to the NFC Championship. He has a team that could get back there-if they miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year, things could get dicey.
11. Mike Holmgren, Seahawks. Holmgren has said that this is probably his last year as head coach of the Seahawks. I hope not. There isn't a more competitive and fiery guy on the field nor a more compassionate and caring guy off of it. He has meant a great deal to both the Packers' and Seahawks' franchises.
12. Mike Smith, Falcons. This is truly a rebuild job in Atlanta. They just signed their hopeful long term franchise quarterback, got the best free agent signing in running back Michael Turner, and are ready to turn the page on the Michael Vick era. He will have time to get this done and I look for Smith to have success.
STARTING TO SLIDE-LOOKING OVER THEIR SHOULDER
1. Tony Sparano, Dolphins. Sparano is a Bill Parcells guy. But what happens when Parcells wants to coach again, i.e. Pat Riley (same city)? Will Parcells be patient if Sparano doesn't turn the team around right away? These are interesting questions that will be answered soon enough.
2. Mike Tomlin, Steelers. The only thing that Tomlin has done wrong is that he's not Bill Cowher. Steeler fans are still upset with some of Tomlin's decisions in the Steelers' playoff loss to Jacksonville. They are ready to pile on, and with Pittsburgh's tough schedule, Tomlin may start feeling the heat.
3. Gary Kubiak, Texans. The Texans are coming off their best season in the team's history. However, they did nothing in the offseason to make themselves better. Their drafting has been widely criticized and their division foes have all made improvements. If the Texans revert back to another 4-12 type season, Kubiak could be to blame.
4. Wade Phillips, Cowboys. There are a couple of factors here-no playoff wins and Jason Garrett waiting in the wings. The Cowboys want a championship-Jerry Jones is throwing around his bank book to show that he's willing to do whatever it takes. It may take Phillips' job in the long run.
5. Eric Mangini, Jets. The New York media will not allow Mangini to survive another season like 2007. Especially after opening up their own bank book this offseason to several high priced free agents. Their number one concern is still at quarterback-this could be the downfall of the "Man-genius".
6. Mike Shanahan, Broncos. Bronco fans are calling for a change. Shanahan has made several questionable moves in recent years, and his idea that any running back can succeed in his system just shows how arrogant he really is. Another losing season, and his seat will be nice and toasty.
7. Andy Reid, Eagles. Kudos to Reed. Anybody that can be in charge of a pro team in Philly for this long takes a lot of guts, thick skin, and a belief in yourself like no other. Throw in the problems of his sons, and it's amazing that he is still here. There are some that think Reid will pull the Eagles out of the cellar in the NFC East and bring them back to the top. I think he's walking on a tightrope and they're taking away the nets.
8. Rod Marinelli, Lions. It's not your fault Rod. It's Matt Millen's. Period. Don't worry, you will get a second chance when people realize that you coached the Lions-the Bad News Bears of the NFL.
ON THIN ICE-ON A SLIPPERY SLOPE-NOT LOOKING GOOD
1. Marvin Lewis, Bengals. The Bengals, despite all of the media attention, have only made it to the playoffs once in the Marvin Lewis era-and they lost that game. Their last playoff win was in 1990. Now with the whole Chad Johnson fiasco and all of the 'criminals' being released from the team, there is no way they are getting back in 2008. It may be time for another direction in Cincinnati.
2. Lane Kiffin, Raiders. It's not your fault Lane. It's Al Davis's. Period. Don't worry, you are young and recent former Raider coaches have won Super Bowls elsewhere (Shanahan, Gruden).
3. John Fox, Panthers. Fox got the Panthers to the Super Bowl, but they have done little since. They seem to be the preseason favorite every year only to let us down. People are questioning Fox' coaching style and ability-this could get ugly if the Panthers don't make a playoff run.
4. Mike Nolan, 49ers. He almost got fired last year. He and the 'franchise QB', Alex Smith, are not getting along. The only thing that you can say about the Mike Nolan era for the 49ers is that their coach was a sharp dressed man.
5. Scott Linehan, Rams. The team is for sale, Isaac Bruce is a 49er, what else can go wrong for this franchise? At least they signed Josh Brown out of Seattle so he can't beat them twice a year.
6. Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals. The Cardinal fans need a championship in the worst way. They would settle for a winning season. This team is not going to provide that, and Whisenhunt will be made the scape goat.
This question came into my head today when someone on the local sportscaster asked tourists from other countries questions about American sports. One lady said in very broken English, "Miami Dolphins! Dan Marino! #1"
So, I thought I would try to pick the faces of each team's franchise. Many of these will be debatable while others are a slam dunk. For the Colts-I'm naming one for Baltimore and one for Indy, and the same for the Oilers/Titans, and the LA/St. Louis Rams. I'm not for the Raiders because they weren't in LA very long. Here's my list:
AFC
New England Patriots- Tom Brady
Buffalo Bills- O.J. Simpson
Miami Dolphins- Dan Marino
New York Jets- Joe Namath
Pittsburgh Steelers- Terry Bradshaw
Cleveland Browns- Jim Brown
Cincinnati Bengals- Boomer Esiason
Baltimore Ravens- Ray Lewis
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts- Johnny Unitas/Peyton Manning
Jacksonville Jaguars- Fred Taylor
Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans- Earl Campbell/Eddie George
Here are 10 things that I predict will happen in the NFL this year:
1. A quarterback not named Manning will win the Super Bowl. Hey, this is only my first one-I need a gimme to get me going.
2. Ladainian Tomlinson will not lead the NFL in rushing. In fact, I predict a down season for LT and the Chargers. However, they have no competition from their division so they will still make the playoffs-maybe at 8-8 or 9-7.
3. Detroit will make the playoffs. Yes-I'm going out on a limb on this one, but if there was ever a year to win their division, it's this one. With the Bears still deciding on a QB, Green Bay still adjusting to LAF (Life after Favre), and the Vikings still without a QB, the Lions are ready to win the NFC Central. Remember where you heard it!
4. Dallas will win a playoff game for the first time since 1996. The NFL schedule makers made a horrible mistake by making the last regular season game in Texas Stadium a Saturday night game vs. the Ravens on NFL Network. So, Dallas will have to get home field advantage and say goodbye to their old digs in style.
5. Lane Kiffin will be out as coach of the Raiders. I don't know any Raider fans personally, but they must be beside themselves having your hopes ride on Jamarcus "I never met a buffet I didn't like" Russell. Trust me-I've seen this story before (i.e. Byron Leftwich in Jacksonville).
6. Vince Young will be replaced as starting QB in Tennessee. I think Titan fans are getting a little impatient with Vince. Look for a change around Halloween.
7. Buffalo will be back in the playoffs for the first time since 1999. This Bills team is very underrated and I think they will challenge the Patriots for the AFC East title.
8. There will be a tie this year. There hasn't been a tie in the NFL in many many years-I'm saying it's going to happen this year, and when it does people will be screaming for rules changes.
9. Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson tie the knot. I predict that they will marry on the Cowboys' bye week. Tony's best man will be T.O. (who will be crying as the ceremony is taking place), and Cowboys fans will forgive the blonde beauty as the Cowboys go deep in the playoffs.
10. Your 2008 NFL MVP is going to be .........
BEN ROETHLISBERGER!!!
I know-I'm probably crazy on this one, but hear me out. This guy does one thing consistently-win. He said during the offseason that he wanted a tall play-making wide receiver. In the draft, Limas Sweed fell into their lap-he's a playmaker. The schedule is tough for the Steelers this year, but I think Ben is going to carry this team to the playoffs. The fashionable pick to win the AFC North this year is the Cleveland Browns-but I'm not buying it. As Deion Sanders says, "if you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you play good". Cleveland-you just don't look good!
