I don’t like to brag, but last week I wrote some pretty impressive posts. For some reason or another they never made it to the Most Popular Blog spot even though they had lots of comments.In one post, I made fun of the instant replay and posted a picture from the Bud commercials with the zebra reviewing a call from an instant replay booth.(I just saw that commercial again during the Pitt game and it was just as funny as when it originally aired.)
I also wrote an WNBA post, NFL Coaching post, and a post on paying College Athletes.If you haven’t read these, they really are worth reading.(Enough of the shameless self-promotion and on to the main gist of this blog.)
In another, I made my weekly picks and it looks like I am 2-0 this week, contrary to all of the Carolina and Bronco lovers.It wasn’t personal that I picked against the Panthers and Smith, but I did want to see them go down when everyone heralded Steve Smith as the best player in the NFL after a mediocre regular season and a very good post season.The trouble is that the MVP of the NFL is given out for the regular season and then we have an MVP for the Super Bowl.Smith did not outperform any of the players ahead of him on the MVP for the season. Only Tiki Barber had a season comparable to Shaun Alexander and today Alexander proved he deserved that trophy, 135 yards with 2 TD's against Carolina's infamous defense.
Also I posted an article guaranteeing the winners of this weekend.In it you will find that I promised that after the games were over, the bloggers would come out in full force proclaiming the better team lost.They would make excuses and still anoint Smith the better player, who by the way only had 35 yds receiving today.Why, I would expect to see him rise from the grave if that hadn’t been done already. I will say he had a nice punt return aided by a block in the back and the guy is a tremendous athlete, but not comparable to the risen savior.
Well, the bloggers have started.If they are not writing posts, they are doing it in the comment sections of other bloggers.Here is one quote lifted from another bloggers’ site right after Pitt destroyed Denver,
“I'll say that the better team lost today. The Steelers do not deserve to be there after what they did to Carson Palmer. Anyone who's got a brain would know that the Panther are going to destroy Pittsburg in the Super Bowl. I don't see how you think Cowher is one of the best coaches, I think he's horrible. Yes, I'll agree with the Denver offensive line being very bad, the reason for the two fumbles by Plummer and the two interceptions and the sacks, but Denver should have won, there won't be no more "Steel Curtain."
How ridiculous is that?Like I said in my “who will win post”, just congratulate the teams that win and move on.Pitt won, they were better, and now they have a shot at the Super Bowl.In the words of Stuart Smalley, “The Steelers are good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like them” That goes for the Seahawks too. (Props to flyboy and fat for just saying the better team won.)
A very fine post my friend, even if you have a picture of Al Franken at the end. Stuart Smalley is such a funny role for him because he is such an angry guy.
Also a very fine week. You definitely repeatedly shelled out quality blog after quality blog. Congrats on making Forgotten Fan's most notable blog for the week, that was a great article covering the Antonio Davis situation.
Major props for using that Zebra commercial when you did. I saw that spot today as well, and it was more than appropriate to bring back given the officiating last week. Good move by the marketers, and by you for doing it first. I would have put that in my most recent post, (which I see you already read and commented on, thank you), as another great turnaround for the marketers during the NFL playoffs.
Props also for being dead on about the outcomes of both games today. Look forward to seeing your take on the Super Bowl. Too bad we have to wait two full weeks for it. Glad to see the judges used the length between the Championship games and the Super Bowl as one of the two new topics for the remaining finalists.
Thanks Gbrent. I appreciate the fine comments and your blog. It is definitely one of the better ones and if anything good came out of this contest it was that some major bloggers have been found on Fox, even if they are not in the finals. You are one of them. As for Al Franken, I am not a fan, but I did enjoy that role on SNL. I do think Cowher is good enough and so is Holmgren. I am really going to have to give my pick this week some thought.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on January 22nd at 10:46 PM.
Very fine job sir. Very quality work. Couldn't agree more. Congratulations to Steelers fans and like my grandpa says don't start none wont be none. Go Seahawks!
I have only made it to your blog in the past couple of days, but I'm highly impressed with the depth of your posts and the layout of your site. I'm a journalist by trade and tend to devalue sites with pictures as blogs that would cover up poor writing ability; this clearly is not the case with you. You become only the third entrant on my list of favorite blogs (for whatever that's worth to you); keep up the excellent work.
LMAO, I also used Stewart Smalley in one of my earliest posts!!! That line cracks me up. I too saw the Zebra commercial and immediately thought of the picture in your post. Let me get this straight "anyone whos got a brain knows CAROLINA will destroy Pittsburg?" LMAOOOO!! My biggest regret for the weekend was simple, I stated many times that I thought the two games had the makeup for some great football, instead it was just two more games that lost my interest early, I was wanting so much more. Congrats Hawk and Pitt fans!
Not even the late Johnnie Cochran could make a case that the "best team lost this weekend". The best NFL teams this year are in the Super Bowl. End of story.
I also saw the zebra commerical, and was extra funny because of last week...and your post.
Good blogging last week, and here...though I see you've already patted yourself on the back. LOL.
Thanks Born, yeah, I almost posted the guys name who wrote that comment, but then thought better of it. He is another one of those bloggers who writes comments but with no blog of his own, so I don't know what to do with those people.
Shooter, my hand and back are both sore from all the patting I did over the weekend so I will take them from anyone that wants too. Thanks for the kind words
DC. I appreciate your support and keep reading here. I too have a blog on blogspot and at some point and time I will totally switch to that page but until then I will keep my foot in the door for NGS II, though if you failed to qualify, I am not sure I will get very far.
Ive tried to take the advice of just congratulate the winning team and move on, but it seems many of the Seahawk fans on here are too busy rubbing salt in the wounds saying Steve Smith sucks and whatnot. I will once again show my sportsmanship by congratulating the Hawks and their fans, but one thing became very clear to me watching the Seahawks for the first time yesterday. Alexander is a bit overrated. Before you Seattle fans jump all over me, hear me out. Ron Dayne could run behind that OL for 1500 yards. Your offensive line is incredible. Similar to Denver's, "its not the running back, it's the system" type of offensive line. Seriously, Seattle can save the money its thinking about giving Alexander and get a Wide out to compliment D.Jack. Morris could step right in at HB and not miss a beat. There are a ton of HB that will be available for less than Alexander will command. Domanick Davis for example. Look what he did with Houston's OL. Think what he could do running left in Seattle...Deshawn Foster will be available. Edgerrin James, Jamal Lewis, Ahman Green, although they will probably be in the same neighborhood of salary. I am not bashing Alexander. He killed us yesterday, but the holes that he had to run through were gaping and they could really save themselves some cash by finding someone less expensive. Lets not kid ourselves. Ron Dayne could have looked like the Heisman winner he was running behind that OL. They are incredible.
Last edited by Runwithscissors on January 23rd at 4:00 PM.
socal - I read that comment on that blog also. It's a shame. I guess you'll always have people who can't give credit where credit is due. By the way, nice shot of Coach Cowher. Although, I would've thought you could find one that shows the chin a little more prominently. This one really doesn't do it justice.
Socal, you sure do have a high opinion of yourself, don't you? Hey, I can respect that!!!
Anyway, it's hard to believe a self-respecting sports fan could make such a claim. Hell, I'm a Broncos fan and I didn't feel good about that game going in. And for the record, I was one of the few who picked Denver to beat New England.
Pittsburgh seems to be that "team of destiny" this year, and even though Seattle has been damned impressive all season long, I think the Steelers have to be considered the favorites at this point. It seems that Vegas agrees with me.
Yes Motor, I do! Thanks for the comment. Vegas does favor Pitt, but I am not sure they will win. This one is much harder to call for me than the playoffs which were actually pretty easy if you followed the week before. Denver, which I picked against the Pats, played awful that game. Their defense won the game for them forcing turnovers. Seattle on the other hand is impressive on three fronts, offense, defense, and special teams.
Jgrace, no pic can do justice to the Cowher chin.
Run, I am honest when I say that I have not seen that many articles this time proclaiming things about Steve Smith and the Panthers. Seattle has shown that they are mortal. With that said, the attacks still go on Alexander. If it were just the O line, then why does his replacement not get the yards he does. Every great running back has a great offensive line, but they still have intangibles that make them great along with vision, great footwork, and instinct. Alexander has all three and if watching him run doesn't convince you of that, nothing will. His long runs are just so smooth. The o line makes the hole, but he makes the right cutbacks and decisions to make long gains. Give him his due.
I did say that he killed us. All I meant was that even Maurice Morris, who averaged 4.1 yards per carry behind that OL could get the yards at a much discounted salary vs what it would cost to keep Alexander, who by the way didnt seem all that enthused when Bradshaw asked him if he was returning to Seattle next year.
A list of guys who averaged 4.1 yards per carry (similar to Maurice Morris) or less include:
Willis McGahee BUF 1247 yards 3.8 ypc
Reuben Droughns CLE 1232 yards 4.0 ypc
Cadillac Williams TB 1178 yards 4.1 ypc
Steven Jackson STL 1046 yards 4.1 ypc
LaMont Jordan OAK 1025 yards 3.8 ypc
Julius Jones DAL 993 yards 3.9 ypc
My comment was merely a suggestion that Seattle spend money on what they need vs a sexy big name player in a position that they do not need a sexy big name player. Morris would hit 1400 yards playing every day with Seattle.
Runwithscissors...yeeze that's a lot to write..anyway, I was thinking just the opposite about Alexander. I couldn't believe how well he moved from side to side..when you consider his size. He could run full steam ahead and in the blink of an eye be going the other way. He made so many tacklers miss him, and this includes the secondary guys who are the fastest the defense has to offer. I'm a huge Panther fan. But my friends who were watching that game along side me were just as impressed with him as I was. You might just want to watch that game again. I was very impressed. Numbers don't lie. He's been consistent for many years now, when he's been healthy. I do think he has an awesome line...but he makes people miss and outruns the fastest guys the defense has to offer!
However, I will say this. The loss Carolina suffered was all the more reason I think Smith was overlooked as MVP. Seattle won without Alexander. Carolina can't do it when Smith is taken out of the game...obviously. To personally take your team to the NFC Championship game is well worth several votes for MVP...please tell me Seahawks fans that you see that??!!
Run, I still think Shaun is a great running back. I watched him when he played with Alabama, and he was the team. Also, I don't think Seattle needs to spend money on anyone else, they have all the right pieces in place to go the super bowl as is. WHy mess that up by letting Alexander go. He is going to get the money one way or the other, so why should he sound excited on ESPN. He also is not that kind of guy who just worries about it. He knows he is going to make the big money next year.
Golden, If you have a blog, and I say if, because no one knows where it is, and you are either ashamed to show us or it doesn't exist. If you are real, then the whole fox blogging community would read your column and sing your praises if you are any good or not. For me, it really doesn't matter if you are real or not. My life doesn't exist because of you nor do your comments ruin my day.
Forgotten Fan and Dudski made my week by their ringing endorsement of my blog. I write because I enjoy it. There are people who do not like J.K. Rowling, but her books sell and others love her. The opinion of one person does not change her outlook or her writing, nor does your opinion of me change my outlook. Feel free to post comment after comment,at least you are interested enough to see what all the hubbub is about and keep coming back. That speaks volumes to me about you.
Fat, let me say I think Steve Smith is an excellent receiver and all around player, but for the record his regular season stats were anything but normal. He scored 3 TDs in a loss to Miami, and 1 TD in the loss to New Orleans. In losses to Tampa Bay and Dallas and Chicago combined he had 0 TDs. He was not an MVP. Alexander scored every game. He was pulled when they had leads. I like Steve Smith, but he just had a great Post Season or we would not have this conversation. He had 0 punt returns or kick offs for TD until the one in Seattle that was aided by a penalty that was called off. Alexander is a great back with or without a line. Smith has to have a QB give him the ball, but he is the primary weapon and he still had at least 4 games where he did not show up this year. MVP's do not do that.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on January 23rd at 5:41 PM.
Well, let's think about this. Alexander gets the ball handed off to him, he creates pretty much nothing to get his touchdowns from inside three yards. Have you seen the touchdowns Smith had? He doesn't get the ball handed to him, he has to create for his touches. Then once he gets the ball he creates and outruns for his touchdowns. I think there is a huge difference. But my main point was that he single handedly took his team to the NFC Championship game. I realize the MVP has nothing to do with the playoffs...but I do think it was an indication of how good he is and what he meant to his team...which is criteria for the MVP.
I do agree that he single handedly took them to the playoffs, along with Carolina's defense. He is tremendous after he catches the ball. His average is 15.2 yds per reception. I have to disagree with the Alexander thing and I plan on doing research and writing a post on his runs. He often got the Seahawks down the field before they got to the goal line. He had many long runs. You do not get 1800+ yards running with only 1 yd TD runs. Also, getting the ball all the time takes a beating, and that does allow you to gain yards, but you have to be tough to take it. Alexander is not soft. If Smith got the ball every down, he would be an MVP candidate, but don't say Alexander had nothing to do with getting the team down the field. You cannot say he gets the ball all the time, but then turn around and say he gets it only on the goal line.
No!!!! I wasn't saying that at all. I was simply making the touchdown comparisons...28 to 12...and how they got them. I totally know Alexander had many long runs and got his team downfield. I am not disputing that. But when you look at just the touchdowns, I think there is a little more to it than 28 vs. 12. Don't get me wrong..I am not disputing Alexander's MVP at all. But for Smith to still be getting slammed by Seahawks fans because of this one game bothers me. Just like Alexander's yards has a lot to do with his line and his ability...well, so does Smith's catches and yards have something to do with the Q.B. and his abilities.
Still can't force yourself to say he at least deserved just one vote...come on now...you can do it!! Just kidding. Seems like we just keep rattling on about the same stuff. Just know that none of what I'm saying is taking anything away from the Seahawks or Shaun Alexander. I think the entire organization is a class act...seriously.
Travis..are you talking to me. I don't think I ever made that comment? no big deal if I did..just don't remember making it. think you may have the wrong guy.
socalsportsfan; you are one funny guy! Seems you think you are somebody because you write on every sports topic on here. You're also quite boring, especially when admitting to patting yourself on the back (or wherever you picked).
I'm looking at some BS that starts "Let the record show that I Socal...". Are you crazy? I'm gonna haunt you, genius; not because you're right or wrong (sports is full of pretenders) but you are such a blowhard and think people care.
The Golf Channel got really boring; you will keep me amused until the weather warms up...if you stay as sharp as you think you are...which ain't very.
Fat, Travis was talking about the quote I pulled from someone's comment section on a blog. Not you. As to Smith, sorry for regular season I would not have given him a vote. Tiki and Shaun were my first two picks. Peyton would have been third in the regular season. Now if it included the playoffs, yes he would have a vote.
Brian, Keep on reading and giving me feedback. There is no such thing as a bad comment unless you get abusive, then I will delete them. If the golf channel is too boring for you, great, bring some of your friends and let them read my blog. I am sorry if you cannot pick up the sarcasm in my tone as I pat myself on the back, but hey, you may have been a Panther fan too. However I have insulted your intelligence, read my bio and see that I am just an avid fan with an opinion on everything.
If you find that boring, but keep coming back, it leads me to believe you are not honest and really like what I write. Furthermore, I don't believe in ghosts, so haunting is the wrong verb to use in regards to me.
I might add that some people actually find me amusing.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on January 23rd at 6:34 PM.
Roger Travis and Socal!! Whew!!! Seems like, with that comment from Brian, that insults are becoming common place around here. What happened to the sports, Brian?
Last edited by fatmaw1 on January 23rd at 6:37 PM.
Fat, I try not to get involved in these things. Brian thought my sarcasm saying "Let the record show" in my response to you was being pompous. He does not understand I was talking to you apparently. Also, he hates me because I broke the Wie story weeks before he did on here. He considers himsel####olf prognisticator. Anyway, he really wants to click on the links in my post and read, probably has, but will never admit it. Let's get back to football.
got no issues with that. What's next on the agenda? Do you guys think Alexander will stay in Seattle? Sure would like to see him or Edgerin James in Pantherland!! I'll tell ya...that's all we need, is a bonafide healthy RB. We hadn't had one since Davis had his breakout season in 03/04.
I think the Seahawks will resign Alexander and if the Panthers had a healthy DeShaun Foster, they may have beaten Seattle. I said that from the beginning that was the key for them. Foster is a very good back and I am impressed with him. James or Alexander would break the bank for Carolina. They need to keep Smith and get Foster healthy.
I'm just a little leary of Foster's injuries. He is injury prone. And I was able to watch him play in every single game he played in this year. I was actually glad to see Goings starting instead of him. Foster has issues reading defenses and finding hole, unless it's the parting of the Red Sea. He can't seem to get himself out of a hole if he only rushes for 3 yards on his first 2 carries. He gets his brain in a funk. He's only been in the league a few years now. He's never been a full time starter, and he still can't stay healthy. I think most of Pantherland would like to see them go after an established and available quality back.
socal...LOL...you "broke the story on Wie"? Are you from Mars?
The Michelle Wie saga is rather old, guessed I missed your coverage in SI last year. The way you started this epic I would expect to see you on ESPN. I'm all for talking sports but I have to get past the "I did" this pretty good this week. The Golf Channel DB lacks that half-naked football fan mentality. Toss me a Bud, bud; then tell me more about the Wie story "you broke"...now that is really funny!
Hey Brian, why don't you do everyone, as seen by the MANY visits and commentors you've had on your blogs, a huge favor and go somewhere else to ####. We're talking about sports here. You just want to bring a man down.
Socal...you got my support...and obviously many more.
Fat, I didn't watch Foster all year, but against the Giants and Atlanta he was awesome. He broke free for some really big gains and didn't need a hole, he made them himself.
Brian, I am referring to the Fox Blog. You came in and your first two posts were on Wie and you criticized mine saying I didn't have anything insightful and then I went and read yours, and it was all full of plagiarism from mine. Glad to see you laugh though. As to the Golf Channel, I can see how if you watch that non stop your brain can turn all to mush. Personally, every story has been written by someone, but on here, I think I was the first. If you find someone who posted earlier than my original post on Wie, then I will personally apologize to them and you. As to your other blog, never seen it.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on January 23rd at 7:05 PM.
Socal. Those two games were against two of the worst run defense teams in the league. I think there are probably a lot of Panther fans who will agree with you...so I'll probably get blasted by my own. But I have a feeling that there are a great many, if they have seen him play every game, that will agree with me on this one. Sort of like it took me seeing Alexander in the Panthers game to appreciate him, it would take you seeing him on a regular basis to see what I'm talking about. So what is your honest prediction for the SB?
Foster is hit or miss. 15 yards break three tackles, spin move, stiff arm, 60 more yards TD. And with that 75 yard TD, he will go 30 attempts for 120 yards for the game. We can do better in the draft with as many RB are coming out, plus the 7 or so free agents that will be available. I would be very happy with Domanick Davis, as long as it doesnt cost too high a draft pick since he is restricted (I believe...at least he is in Madden)
Runwithscissors..don't know if I've ever heard of Domanick Davis. Who is he and where is he from. I'm game for that. I think you agree that we definitely need a change there. Who else is in the draft..RB's..that we could pick up?
Socal, don't you have dinner...or just rinse the keyboard once a week. Read your comments about Michelle Wie and figure who tossed the first shot. Thankfully, I didn't even know there was a "you" when I posted about MW. And she's been a topic on THC DB and show for well over a year...so stop playing Jimmy Olsen.
I just love that "I broke the Wie story"...and I copied you? You're just being silly, beer-man (I predict club sandwich, two bags of chips and a 6-pack...just a guess)
He played for Houston, who is about to pick Reggie Bush in the draft. He came from LSU and is relatively young (been in league three years) Has run for over 1000 yards in first two years and almost this year, but got hurt and only played 11 games, and ran for 900 and something yards in those 11 games.
As far as draft picks, it will be tough to predict who will be available with the 29th pick. Reggie Bush and LenDale White from USC will be gone. DeAngelo Williams from Memphis will be the 2nd or 3rd HB picked. After that, Brian Calhoun from Wisconsin, Lawrence Maroney from Minnesota, or Joseph Addai from LSU would be a good fit if they could get that far down the draft board. Maroney is a tank, a lot like a young, Stephen Davis. There are a few others. I dont know if first round is where Carolina goes for HB. There are a few really stud WR to go opposite Steve Smith, most noatbly, Steve Smith from USC. That would be weird having 2 WR with the same name. He would probably go in the 2nd or third round. I guess I should do a mock draft blog instead of taking up socals space here. Carolina has a ton of needs and not sure who they go after in round one.
Why are you guys fighting over Michele Wie? Who cares? She hits from one sand trap to the next like I do. She needs to go back to juniors and stay off my television. Let me break the story right here. She sucks. She needs to go back to school, and appear 10 years from now with ice dancing with the stars with Brian Boitano. Drop it already.
In another, I made my 
