I understand that Bill Belichick has never been a fountain of personality when it comes to press conferences, quotes, and the media. In fact, the answers to the majority of his questions are about as vanilla as the wardrobe he sports on the sideline.

Let’s face it, he lets his ego get the best of him, to the point that winning is the only thing that matters. It’s his competitive edge, which I get to some degree, as certainly he’s not alone in having that desire to succeed. Yet, tonight I saw Bill Belichick stoop to what I would call a new low. A new low that by far eclipsed some of his past antics. To quote Fat Albert, he’s “like school on Saturday… no class”… and quite frankly, I think that’s putting it nicely.

In the wake of one of the more shocking upsets in NFL history, the focus of the cameras were deterred from the elation and joy that was about to explode from the sideline of the New York Giants, after their stunning 17-14 Super Bowl XLII victory over the “Artist formerly known as the undefeated New England Patriots”. Instead, the focus was pressed back on Belichick, who was able to trash the opponent’s newly earned spotlight just enough for the world to notice. At least, it certainly caught my attention.

Once Tom Brady’s final attempt to reach Randy Moss (on a 60-yard Hail Mary pass) fell incomplete, New England’s fate was sealed, and its perfect season had vanished quicker than the ’72 Dolphins could pop open their champagne bottles.

Still, in the final frenzy, players and media began to scatter onto the field, including Patriots coach Bill Belichick, albeit prematurely. Belichick did manage to give a brief congratulatory message to Giants coach Tom Coughlin, only to have a confrontation with the officiating crew shortly thereafter, in which we can only assume that he was informed that there were still two seconds on the clock, and another play would need to be run. Instead of pushing his team back to the sideline and restore order to the game, Belichick instead stormed off the field, exiting before the game clock hit zero, leaving his players to clean up the shocking mess that he left behind.

Quite honestly, this left me in complete disbelief. While on the biggest stage in all of sports, Bill Belichick, a three-time Super Bowl champion, didn’t have the decency to honor his opponent, and have enough class to remain on the field for a few more seconds. Just a few measly seconds. That’s it, that’s all it took.

There is no doubt in my mind that this was a tough loss for Belichick and the Patriots. Losing a Super Bowl is never an easy pill to ####. This one no doubt was tougher after not only losing a chance at another Super Bowl title, but also at a perfect season… “Superfection” if you will. Still, that doesn’t make his actions right.

No one can take away what Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin, and the rest of the New York Giants accomplished earlier tonight. New York’s performance was truly gutsy, inspirational, hard fought, and lucky, all wrapped into one Lombardi trophy-sized package. On a stage expected to present us with imminent perfection, the Giants instead created their own version of history, and did so in remarkable fashion.

No one can take that away from them. Even still, Bill Belichick and his classless actions certainly tried to in his own way. And as a fan of the game, that frustrated me.

Winning may be everything, but losing with dignity is definitely something as well. Someone please tell Bill Belichick that the next time they see him.


Photo Credits:
“Eli Pumped” – Via Fox Sports – Julie Jacobson / AP and “Belichick in Red” – Via Fox Sports – Paul Sancya / AP

All week on television, I keep hearing the “experts” chirping on and on as to how each believes that the Patriots moving on to the AFC Championship is a foregone conclusion, and taking care of the Jaguars was going to be a piece of cake. Therefore, I thought I would come in and not just throw that theory under the bus, but chain it up to the back of the bus and let it drag for a while. You see, not only do the Jaguars have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but also could find that history could possibly be on their side as well. To explain, let’s flashback to the NFL just over a decade ago…

And the Rest is History…

It was 1995, and the football world soon would learn that the city of Jacksonville, Florida was about to surprise many by joining Charlotte, North Carolina as the other city that year to be rewarded with an NFL franchise.

Unlike most expansion franchises of past and present, the Jacksonville Jaguars were immediately thrust into an eclectic mix of controversy, attention, and excitement. Right off the bat, the team not only was sued by the Ford Motor Company due to the similarity of the team logo (to that of the Jaguar car), the Jaguars also forced their way onto the NFL scene almost immediately by making the AFC Playoffs in only its second year of existence. This feat, of course, was matched by their youthful NFC counterparts, the Carolina Panthers. Yet, it wasn’t the way this team made the playoffs, but what they did once they got there that is pertinent. As you will soon see, the ’96 Jaguars have some eerie similarities to its 2007 counterpart.

On the Mark

The ’96 Jaguars were led by Mark Brunell, who at the time, was a slick-footed and mobile 26-year old quarterback. Brunell not only eclipsed the 4,000 passing yard plateau, but also had nearly 400 yards on the ground that year. David Garrard, the 2007 version of Brunell, while equally as mobile (nearly 200 yards during the season), is instead built like a tank, able to run over defenders like they’re a speed bump on the road. Furthermore, Garrard has made very few mistakes, tossing only three interceptions during 325 regular season attempts. Garrard’s mistake-free play and mobility is going to be key in competing with New England’s potent attack.

The “Who Are You” Crew

The Jacksonville receiving corps was a group of non-household names in 1996, yet featured players talented enough that they played themselves onto the NFL map. During the historic 1996 campaign, Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith established themselves in the NFL, as both eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark that season. This year’s group of receivers in Jacksonville are once again not household names, yet possess enough talent to catch Garrard’s passes when the game is on the line. The Jags featured no 1,000 receivers in 2007, but successfully spread the ball out to players such as Reggie Williams, Ernest Wilford, Matt Jones, and Dennis Northcutt.

The Two-Headed Monsters

Having two feature backs on one team, also frequently referred to as the “two headed monster”, is a trendy and often used strategy in today’s NFL. The concept was infrequently used in the ‘90’s, but the Jaguars did implement it by using both James Stewart and Natrone Means during most games. Jacksonville’s 1996 two-headed monster combined for over 1,200 yards rushing. The 2007 version features veteran Fred Taylor alongside the youthfully talented Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor and Jones-Drew combined for nearly 2,000 yards rushing this season.

The “Men of Teal”

On defense, the Jaguars are physical. A blue-collar group that consistently hits you in the mouth and tries to knock you off the line of scrimmage. Statistically, they’re not among the league’s elite, but they still cracked the top 15 in both 1996 and 2007. This stat was especially impressive for the 2007 team, who found themselves in a division with a trio of solid football teams, none of which ended the season with a losing record (Indianapolis – 13-3, Tennessee – 10-6, and Houston – 8-8). They’re a big, solid, and strong group, almost “Superman-like”. Therefore, one could easily refer to them as the “Men of Teal”, instead of the “Men of Steel”.

Elite and Greet

These two Jacksonville playoff teams (past and present) both were presented a meet and greet with the NFL’s elite team during that respective season. In 1996, it was the Denver Broncos, led by poster boy John Elway, who powered their way to a 13-3 regular season record. Alongside of Elway included a slew of other weapons, including RB Terrell Davis, TE Shannon Sharpe, WR Rod Smith, and WR Ed McCaffrey. In 1996, the Broncos were #1 in the NFL in total yards on offense, as well as #4 in total yards on defense. The 2007 counterpart is the story of the year in the NFL, that being the powerful New England Patriots, led by today’s poster boy Tom Brady. Vaulting their way to the first ever 16-0 regular season, the Patriots, run by head coach Bill Belichick, also featured their own arsenal of weapons, including WR Randy Moss, WR Wes Welker, ILB Tedy Bruschi, CB Asante Samuel, among others. Interestingly enough, like the ’96 Broncos, the ’07 Patriots were #1 in the NFL in total yards on offense, as well as #4 in total yards on defense.

Past and Present Day…

The 1996 Jags team entered the playoffs as the #5 seed, eventually holding off the Buffalo Bills 30-27 during Wild Card weekend. That set up the Divisional playoff matchup with the high octane Broncos team, when the Jags shocked the world by eliminating Denver at home by the same score (30-27). Today, here we are yet again. The Jaguars are the #5 seed in the AFC. They enter Saturday night’s showdown with New England as a heavy underdog, barely escaping with a narrow 31-29 victory in Pittsburgh last weekend. The Patriots, led by NFL Passing TD record holder Tom Brady, have the heavy burden of trying to complete the unimaginable, a perfect season since the NFL expanded to sixteen regular season games. Ironically, the 1996 Jaguars eventually lost the AFC Championship game that year to the Patriots.

A Simple Plan

The New England juggernaut is hanging on by a thread. If you can’t see it, your judgment is clouded. The Eagles, the Ravens… all teams that are inferior in talent this year, yet had their chances. There is only so many times a team can keep eeking out victories. Maybe if Rex Ryan hadn’t called that timeout in Baltimore. Perhaps if Eli hadn’t tossed that late interception in New York. If only the Colts and Giants could manage to hold on to each of their fourth quarter leads. Sure, it shows talent and poise to keep on winning, but the question remains, do the Patriots have three more games like this in them?

Beating the Patriots, believe it or not, requires a simple plan. Limit your mistakes and eat clock. The Jaguars have the players to make this happen. Jones-Drew and Taylor need to do their best impression of Willis McGahee and Brandon Jacobs. Run hard, run strong, and run efficiently, keeping New England’s offense off the field as much as possible. Because, the Pats will score. Garrard and the offense need to be in regular season form. The defense needs to be themselves… physical, smack the opposition in the mouth, while wreaking havoc for players like Moss right off the line of scrimmage. The tangibles are there. Execution is the only thing left. And oh yeah, you will have thousands upon thousands of wicked-loud fans to deal with up there in Chowda-land. Pressure? Nahhhh…

Easier said than done, that much is true. Yet, not out of the realm of possibility.

In Conclusion

Most involved with this 2007 Jacksonville team weren’t placed in the exact situation as the 1996 team, but the franchise as a whole has been. A franchise that has consistently maintained the same format and structure throughout its existence, from its inception in 1995 until today. This 2007 Jaguars team can build off that, and feed off it. A team with similar makeup and strengths able to make the unthinkable happen. It can happen again. Now, the 2007 Jaguars are in a position to make their own history.

As we have seen during the season, a near flawless game is needed to knock off the Patriots, and teams that have came close, simply made too many critical mistakes down the stretch, eventually relinquishing the lead to Tom Brady and crew. If the Jaguars should need any motivation at all, Coach Del Rio should pipe in highlights of those feisty ’96 Jaguars, who derailed pretty boy John Elway and Denver’s offensive onslaught.

The “Men of Teal” are here, and don’t be shocked if they spoil New England’s Super Bowl pahhty.

The baseball season is over, but an active offseason is already in full swing. The NFL football season has reached its midway point. Meanwhile, the NBA season is underway, with some talented teams stumbling out of the gates. There are tomatoes flying as far as the eye can see. It was another wild week in the world of sports, and what better way to show one’s displeasure towards certain individuals than to hurl that famous red fruit that often gets confused as being a vegetable. As always, feel free to chime in, or just sit down, grab a ladle and some toppings, and get ready to make a pizza.

Throwing Tomatoes – Volume III

“Top of the Vine” this week...
Ignorant Media Regarding Moss and Owens
I’m sick of all the stories about how Randy Moss and Terrell Owens have “turned over a new leaf”, and now are team players and overall great individuals. Why doesn’t the media instead mention the obvious? Um, hello? They’re winning! I guarantee if either player were to endure a losing streak, they will fall right back into their old antics. Fortunately for Moss, he may be in the clear. You never know with Owens, as Dallas could drop a few if they aren’t careful (starting this week in New York).

NFL

Chris Henry
Unbelievable… he’s literally hours off of his suspension and set to make his 2007 debut for the Bengals, when he gets into an altercation with a parking attendant. Some people just have a knack for finding trouble.

Don Shula
When discussing the Patriots, “Spygate”, and going undefeated, I think you have to leave well enough alone, especially when you were the coach of the only undefeated team in NFL history.

Bill Belichick
The Patriots are a great team, but their coach is a classless individual with the personality of a rock. I think Belichick is nuts to leave Brady in midway through the fourth quarter during games that are well in hand. I think it is even more crazy to pass the ball in those games, go for it on fourth down, and so on. If he isn’t careful, one cheap shot on Brady (in garbage time) could derail New England’s dream season.

Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams
Each of these two teams get a tomato until they win a game. Last week’s bye week for the ‘Fins and Rams must have felt like a victory. Both face teams that are playing well as of late (Miami vs. Buffalo and St. Louis at New Orleans). I better go buy more tomatoes.

San Diego’s Run Defense
Adrian Peterson is already a star in the NFL. Even so, San Diego’s run defense was the strength, allowing less than 90 yards per game going into the match against the Vikes. Not anymore. Instead, Norv and the gang are about to average a tomato per week.

MLB

Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox
For providing us with a completely boring World Series, and another sweep in a sport’s “final hurrah”. OK, maybe the tomato should be directed more in Colorado’s direction.

Hank Steinbrenner
For thinking that he can acquire a marquee bat (e.g. Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada) without having to part with any of New York’s young talent. What do you think, teams are just giving players away?

Scott Boras and A-Rod
For announcing that A-Rod is opting out of his contract during the World Series. It sure sounds like showing up the Red Sox to me, or just stealing away some attention.

Joe Girardi
The new manager of the Yankees announced he will wear #27 on his jersey, hinting towards being present for New York’s next title, which would be number twenty seven. OK, kind of clever, but overall cheesy in my mind. So if you win one Joe, do you switch to #28 the following year? Give me a break.

College Football

Bill Callahan
It was just a few years ago that he was coaching a team in the Super Bowl. Now, he’s had a major part in taking down a former college football power. The latest blunder, allowing Kansas to put 76 points on the board. Those walking papers also come with a tomato Bill…

Charlie Weis and the Irish
Props to Navy, but incoming tomatoes for Charlie and Notre Dame. It was a battle, and the Irish fell after multiple overtimes. With how similar the team jerseys were, I almost thought I was viewing an offseason scrimmage. Yeah, it was that ugly.

Virginia Tech Hokies
The painful loss to Boston College still looms large. You can’t blow a ten point lead with only a handful of minutes left on the clock. No matter who you are playing…

Boston College Eagles
Fresh off a miracle victory against Virginia Tech, the Eagles lay an egg at home, and fall to the Seminoles. Don’t be shocked if VT exacts their revenge in the ACC conference championship.

Fans Drinking the Dennis Dixon “Heisman Haterade”
Let’s check the stats first on Dennis Dixon of the Oregon Ducks: Over 2,000 passing yards, 549 rushing yards, 20 passing TD’s, 3 INT’s, and eight rushing touchdowns… all for a team ranked third in the country. He’s a leader, he’s a force, he is the Heisman favorite as of today, and if you don’t think so, you’re drinking “Heisman Haterade”.

College Basketball

Billy Gillispie and the Kentucky Wildcats
Not only did Gardner-Webb knock off Kentucky, but they did at Rupp Arena, and by 16 points. Yikes. Can anyone even tell me Gardner-Webb’s mascot without looking it up? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Bet on Wildcats or Bulldogs… then again, Tomatoes would be a good fit.

NBA

Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Washington Wizards
All three teams are supposed to contend for legitimate Eastern Conference playoff spots. Sure, it’s early, but days in, these three franchises combine for an 0-11 record. Incoming!

Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week
Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition

Navy Football – at Notre Dame, for ending a streak of four plus decades of losing to the Irish
Gardner-Webb – at the Kentucky Wildcats
Kansas – at the College football world, for continuing to not believe in them
Joe Torre – at the National League
Bobby Bowden – for ending Boston College’s undefeated season

This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… now toss that pizza in the oven. I’m famished.