I was pulling for Chris Weidman to beat Anderson Silva for a second time in a row, and he is rather quickly becoming one of my favorite fighters. It's pretty good timing considering, George St. Pierre, has now just retired, and relinquished his welterweight title, whether it be temporary or permanent.
Again, I was hoping that Weidman would beat Anderson Silva, and retain the middle weight title. I was hoping he would do it in dramatic fashion. I was hoping he would have to dig deep, fight through adversity, and arise victorious in one of those fights where it's a shame that somebody has to be called the loser, and the other the winner, because in a great fight, neither fighter loses. All major fight fans have witnessed such fights (Griffin-Bonner, Henderson-Shogun, and most recently Big Foot Silva-Hunt). Such a fight becoming a reality, with all the hype surrounding UFC 168 would have been indescribably enormous. That's what I hoped for, and even anticipated.
But that is not what we received. What we received was worse than a dud of a fight. I still have a pit in my stomach, because of the way Anderson Silva went out. For those of you who haven't heard yet, I am talking about Anderson Silva's gruesome leg injury.
The pit comes from not only the gruesomeness, but also the sorrow, and empathy that I felt. Anderson Silva is the greatest fighter of all time, and a hero. I use the expression, "larger than life" a lot, and Anderson certainly is that. His injury shows us that although he is the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, who toyed with his opponents on his way to glory, he is also a man, just like all of us.
He is a man, imperfect, fallible, and who is capable of feeling pain. I saw his face in the weigh-ins. During the stare down portion, he was still playing the hero character. He was unflinching, unwavering, and unafraid. When it was over, and it was time to look away from Weidman, I saw a subtle look of ominousness. That unmistakeable look was in his eyes. I saw it also and more prominantly after the press conference staredowns.
The look in his eyes became abundantly clear to me in the walk out, especially after he kneeled for what seemed to be like a really long time, and when he got up to continue walking out, his expression said it all. "I am unable to escape from whatever horrible thing will happen to me today." I saw it in his eyes, because I recognized that particular emotion. I recognized it, because I felt it before myself. When I saw it in his face, I began to feel that same feeling of ominousness with him. I felt it all over again.
As a high school football player at Slidell High in my hometown of Slidell, Louisiana, I was an outside linebacker. During my junior year of high school, one of my teammates fell on my leg while I was chasing the ball carrier. I tore three ligaments in my knee, and also my hamstring tendon. It was a rather severe knee injury, so much so, that I was unable to play football again, and my knee still isn't the same to this day fourteen years later, and it will never be.
In the hours leading up to my injury, I remember feeling that ominous feeling while putting on my shoulder pads. I wouldn't wish that feeling on anybody. I felt it even more when I sat down on the bench outside to lace up my cleats. I remember when I finished, and it was time to walk out onto the field, all I could do was stare out into nothing feeling sorrow and fear, as all my friends were carrying on laughing, and goofing off as they always do before the start of practice. I had a severe pit in my stomach. I knew something terrible would happen, but I just didn't know what.
We were having a major intersquad scrimmage that day, and it was during August camp, and I thought that if I played well, it would go a long way in determining whether or not I would eventually start later in the season. I wasn't a spectacular player, but I really wanted to play with the first team. I thought that ominous feeling was telling me that I would play terribly, feel the coaches ire, and sit on the bench for the fest of the year, because of it.
Maybe Anderson mistook that feeling much the same way I did. Maybe he mistook it as a fear of losing, a fear of fighting terribly, a fear of appearing cowardly, and/or a fear of embarrassing himself in one of the biggest events in UFC history.
Regarding my particular thoughts and experiences, I was wrong about my premonitions, as I'm sure Mr. Silva was wrong about his. I'm fairly sure there is no way he would have known that he would break his leg, as there was no way I would have known about my injury prior to mine happening.
When I got on the field, the terrible pit in my stomach was gone, much the same way, it probably left Anderson Silva the moment the bell rung, and the fight started. I was playing, and playing well, then all of a sudden, *crack*. I was writhing in pain, and my leg was never the same.
Again, prior to the fight, I was able to recognize the look in Anderson Silva's eyes, because I felt that same exact feeling myself. And when I saw the injury, I relived mine. I felt all the same feelings that he felt, and that he is currently feeling.
I just want to say, Mr. Silva, you'll probably never read this, but God bless you. My thoughts are with you, and I'm praying for you.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Weidman Silva
I can't remember being this excited about a fight, at least recently. I remember being really stoked about BJ Penn-St. Pierre 2, Evans-Machida, and Lesnar-Velasquez. But Chris Weidman's knockout of Anderson Silva in UFC 162 was one of those moments where you remember exactly where you were when you witnessed it.
I remember watching it from my apartment on a Sunday morning, Korea time. It was sunny, and the weather was beautiful here. The broadcast was in Korean, but it still effectively captured the enormity of the moment.
When it happened, I remember wondering whether or not it was real, and I was waiting for Anderson Silva to get up, continue fighting, and knock Weidman out. But when the reality of the moment was set in my mind, I jumped up, and started yelling in excitement and astonishment. I must have tweeted, numerous times, "I can't believe that just happened."
It was easily the biggest moment in MMA that I have ever witnessed. Anderson Silva, at the time, was thought to be invincible, untouchable, and unbeatable. I saw him toy with Forrest Griffin, Stephen Bonner, and suddenly and powerfully knock out Vitor Belfort. He previously toyed with fighters, and easily finished them. Anderson Silva was, and still is larger than life.
Contrary to popular thought, the "showboating," and the theatrics that Anderson Silva did in the first fight were not unique to the Weidman fight. After the fight, I remember hearing so much criticism of Silva from people who seemed to never see him fight before. He does that to most of his opponents in order to gain a mental edge, and to intimidate them. And it worked, as all of them, except Weidman, would freeze, and play right into his hands.
Anderson wasn't "showboating." And even if he was being "unsportsmanlike," who cares? This is fighting. It's a sport where the object of the game is to physically injure your opponent. The object of the game isn't to be "sportsmanlike." The object is to win by any means necessary, and if "showboating," and being "unsportsmanlike" gives a fighter an edge, then so be it.
It just so happened that Chris Weidman, became more determined to hit Anderson Silva in the face, instead of freezing in fear. It just so happened that Weidman wasn't intimidated by Anderson before stepping into the octagon. Weidman won the fight mentally, and that is why he won the fight physically.
Make no mistake about it, that win was no fluke. Weidman was just as quick as Silva in the first fight. He dodged numerous Silva strikes, which can't be understated. Silva usually has a significant quickness advantage on his opponents, and that wasn't that case with Weidman.
Weidman took Anderson Silva down rather easily in the beginning, landed punches while on top, and nearly landed a submission. Throughout the fight, he landed significantly more strikes. He was the one moving forward most of the time. Make no mistake about it, Weidman won every phase of the previous fight.
I expect to see a more confident Weidman tonight, but a similar version of him, as that of the previous fight. Anderson will not have the mental edge, and the previous fight proved that he will not have the edge in quickness either. Weidman seems to be rather predictable, but still extremely tough, quick, intelligent, and difficult to defeat.
It will be extremely interesting to see how Anderson Silva carries himself tonight. Will he "showboat" and taunt Weidman again? Or will he find another way to gain a mental edge. The one thing that the world, and especially Chris Weidman knows is that he is no longer invincible.
Much like Mike Tyson, after his loss to Buster Douglas, Anderson will no longer carry that aura with him. His aura was based on the fact that he was undefeated in the UFC. And now we will see a previously defeated, and previously knocked out Anderson Silva step into the octagon. How will he react?
It's ridiculous how fired up about this fight I am.
I remember watching it from my apartment on a Sunday morning, Korea time. It was sunny, and the weather was beautiful here. The broadcast was in Korean, but it still effectively captured the enormity of the moment.
When it happened, I remember wondering whether or not it was real, and I was waiting for Anderson Silva to get up, continue fighting, and knock Weidman out. But when the reality of the moment was set in my mind, I jumped up, and started yelling in excitement and astonishment. I must have tweeted, numerous times, "I can't believe that just happened."
It was easily the biggest moment in MMA that I have ever witnessed. Anderson Silva, at the time, was thought to be invincible, untouchable, and unbeatable. I saw him toy with Forrest Griffin, Stephen Bonner, and suddenly and powerfully knock out Vitor Belfort. He previously toyed with fighters, and easily finished them. Anderson Silva was, and still is larger than life.
Contrary to popular thought, the "showboating," and the theatrics that Anderson Silva did in the first fight were not unique to the Weidman fight. After the fight, I remember hearing so much criticism of Silva from people who seemed to never see him fight before. He does that to most of his opponents in order to gain a mental edge, and to intimidate them. And it worked, as all of them, except Weidman, would freeze, and play right into his hands.
Anderson wasn't "showboating." And even if he was being "unsportsmanlike," who cares? This is fighting. It's a sport where the object of the game is to physically injure your opponent. The object of the game isn't to be "sportsmanlike." The object is to win by any means necessary, and if "showboating," and being "unsportsmanlike" gives a fighter an edge, then so be it.
It just so happened that Chris Weidman, became more determined to hit Anderson Silva in the face, instead of freezing in fear. It just so happened that Weidman wasn't intimidated by Anderson before stepping into the octagon. Weidman won the fight mentally, and that is why he won the fight physically.
Make no mistake about it, that win was no fluke. Weidman was just as quick as Silva in the first fight. He dodged numerous Silva strikes, which can't be understated. Silva usually has a significant quickness advantage on his opponents, and that wasn't that case with Weidman.
Weidman took Anderson Silva down rather easily in the beginning, landed punches while on top, and nearly landed a submission. Throughout the fight, he landed significantly more strikes. He was the one moving forward most of the time. Make no mistake about it, Weidman won every phase of the previous fight.
I expect to see a more confident Weidman tonight, but a similar version of him, as that of the previous fight. Anderson will not have the mental edge, and the previous fight proved that he will not have the edge in quickness either. Weidman seems to be rather predictable, but still extremely tough, quick, intelligent, and difficult to defeat.
It will be extremely interesting to see how Anderson Silva carries himself tonight. Will he "showboat" and taunt Weidman again? Or will he find another way to gain a mental edge. The one thing that the world, and especially Chris Weidman knows is that he is no longer invincible.
Much like Mike Tyson, after his loss to Buster Douglas, Anderson will no longer carry that aura with him. His aura was based on the fact that he was undefeated in the UFC. And now we will see a previously defeated, and previously knocked out Anderson Silva step into the octagon. How will he react?
It's ridiculous how fired up about this fight I am.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Notes on the Pelicans
1. Anthony Davis is among the elite players in the NBA, and not many people outside of New Orleans knows this, but he still has a ways to go. Tim Duncan and Lamarcus Aldridge both seem to be a lot stronger, more savvy, and to put it simply, meaner. There were instances where Davis seemed to be guarding them well, and seemed to be in good position against them in the low post, but yet, they seemed to be able to make baskets out of sheer will. I'm looking forward to seeing Anthony Davis dominate hot-shot big men in the NBA, but he isn't quite there yet. Those days are coming. He will be a great one.
2. I like that Monty finally inserted Ryan Anderson into the starting lineup, but many times, I've noticed him guarding the opposing team's best post player. Against the Clippers, he was usually defending Blake Griffin, which he did a good job doing, and against the Kings, he was the primary defender of Demarcus Cousins. The question I ask is, "Why?" Is Monty protecting Anthony? Does Monty feel like Anthony isn't ready for it? Does the defensive system simply call for the player playing Anderson's position to guard the player playing Cousins' and Griffin's position? I don't know.
3. As season progresses, I find myself loving Jrue Holiday's game progressively more. He doesn't have the flash that a lot of the more popular point guards have, but he is just as effective. To me, his game is rather quiet, and almost goes unnoticed. That's because he always seems to make the right decision, but doesn't look spectacular doing so. Last year, I found myself sighing in annoyance every time Greivis Vasquez dribbled, then hoisted a bricked shot without getting his teammates involved. I never feel that way when Jrue shoots. Every time he shoots, even in misses, I always feel like it's the right decision. I love his three point shot, and feel like he needs to shoot those more.
4. Eric Gordon needs to be more aggressive in the second half of games. He always seems to start games on a tear, driving to the basket, and making three pointers from the catch and shoot, and looks awesome doing so, but he seem to disappear in second halves. I would like to see him get more aggressive, and I would like to see him get the ball more, but I can understand why he doesn't, because many times, he is sharing the court in the second half with Tyreke Evans, which he doesn't do in the first half, and Tyreke needs his touches also, as does Jrue Holiday. In the second half of games, I would love to see more spot up threes from Gordon, off of Tyreke's dribble drives. Gordon is a fantastic shooter, and that aspect of his game is under utilized.
5. Again on Eric Gordon. Is it just me, or does he get screwed by the refs? Eric is so aggressive going to the hoop, and many times, he is absolutely mauled by defenders, but the refs rarely call fouls, so it seems to be rare to see him go to the line. Is it because he is shorter? I'm not exactly sure why, but it's an absolute travesty, because many times that can be the difference in a close game.
6. Brian Roberts is annoying. I can't explain it, but bad things happen, and the second team always seems to lose their lead when he is in the game as a point guard. I'll give it to him, we have seen significantly less of his "dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble, shoot (a mid range shot)" while other guys stand around. He deserves a small bit of credit for that. But still, he never seems to pass it to the right guy. And when he does, it does nothing to set them up for a decent shot, or does nothing to enable them to make a play. He is a poor defender, and it's never uncommon for an opposing point guard to simply blow by him for a basket. Brian Roberts is a solid contributer for a bad team, but should never be playing on a good team.
I just don't understand why Monty Williams likes Brian Roberts so much. I acknowledge that Austin Rivers is not as much of a scoring threat, but at least, he would get out of the way on offense, and allow Tyreke, Ryan Anderson, Jason Smith, and Anthony Morrow do their things. At least Austin Rivers is capable of guarding somebody at an acceptable level. The second team offense seems better able to hold leads when Austin Rivers is in the game, instead of Brian Roberts.
7. I like Alexis Ajinca. He just needs to foul less. I like his passing from the low post. He snags a lot of rebounds. Unlike Steimsma, he is actually capable of making a basket when he has the ball in his hands, so that's already a significant upgrade. If Steimsa gets minutes when he is healthy again, somethings wrong.
2. I like that Monty finally inserted Ryan Anderson into the starting lineup, but many times, I've noticed him guarding the opposing team's best post player. Against the Clippers, he was usually defending Blake Griffin, which he did a good job doing, and against the Kings, he was the primary defender of Demarcus Cousins. The question I ask is, "Why?" Is Monty protecting Anthony? Does Monty feel like Anthony isn't ready for it? Does the defensive system simply call for the player playing Anderson's position to guard the player playing Cousins' and Griffin's position? I don't know.
3. As season progresses, I find myself loving Jrue Holiday's game progressively more. He doesn't have the flash that a lot of the more popular point guards have, but he is just as effective. To me, his game is rather quiet, and almost goes unnoticed. That's because he always seems to make the right decision, but doesn't look spectacular doing so. Last year, I found myself sighing in annoyance every time Greivis Vasquez dribbled, then hoisted a bricked shot without getting his teammates involved. I never feel that way when Jrue shoots. Every time he shoots, even in misses, I always feel like it's the right decision. I love his three point shot, and feel like he needs to shoot those more.
4. Eric Gordon needs to be more aggressive in the second half of games. He always seems to start games on a tear, driving to the basket, and making three pointers from the catch and shoot, and looks awesome doing so, but he seem to disappear in second halves. I would like to see him get more aggressive, and I would like to see him get the ball more, but I can understand why he doesn't, because many times, he is sharing the court in the second half with Tyreke Evans, which he doesn't do in the first half, and Tyreke needs his touches also, as does Jrue Holiday. In the second half of games, I would love to see more spot up threes from Gordon, off of Tyreke's dribble drives. Gordon is a fantastic shooter, and that aspect of his game is under utilized.
5. Again on Eric Gordon. Is it just me, or does he get screwed by the refs? Eric is so aggressive going to the hoop, and many times, he is absolutely mauled by defenders, but the refs rarely call fouls, so it seems to be rare to see him go to the line. Is it because he is shorter? I'm not exactly sure why, but it's an absolute travesty, because many times that can be the difference in a close game.
6. Brian Roberts is annoying. I can't explain it, but bad things happen, and the second team always seems to lose their lead when he is in the game as a point guard. I'll give it to him, we have seen significantly less of his "dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble, shoot (a mid range shot)" while other guys stand around. He deserves a small bit of credit for that. But still, he never seems to pass it to the right guy. And when he does, it does nothing to set them up for a decent shot, or does nothing to enable them to make a play. He is a poor defender, and it's never uncommon for an opposing point guard to simply blow by him for a basket. Brian Roberts is a solid contributer for a bad team, but should never be playing on a good team.
I just don't understand why Monty Williams likes Brian Roberts so much. I acknowledge that Austin Rivers is not as much of a scoring threat, but at least, he would get out of the way on offense, and allow Tyreke, Ryan Anderson, Jason Smith, and Anthony Morrow do their things. At least Austin Rivers is capable of guarding somebody at an acceptable level. The second team offense seems better able to hold leads when Austin Rivers is in the game, instead of Brian Roberts.
7. I like Alexis Ajinca. He just needs to foul less. I like his passing from the low post. He snags a lot of rebounds. Unlike Steimsma, he is actually capable of making a basket when he has the ball in his hands, so that's already a significant upgrade. If Steimsa gets minutes when he is healthy again, somethings wrong.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
The Saints' Chances
I'm not going to say that the Saints' chances of making it to the Super Bowl are completely gone. Anything can happen, evidenced by the fact that the Seahawks lost to the Cardinals in Seattle. That point is also evidenced by the fact that the Saints have lost three of their last four games, and now have a chance at both the second seed in the playoffs, and missing the postseason all together, after they started out the season 9-2, which at the time, everybody thought they would run away with the NFC South title, and ultimately, be a shoe-in for a first round bye.
Again, anything can happen, but the Saints' chances of winning out in the playoffs, and going to New York are not good. First of all, in order to have the easiest route to the Super Bowl, the Saints need that first-round-bye, and for that first game to be in the Super Dome. It can happen, but the chances are extremely small, because the Panthers have to lose to the Atlanta Falcons this week in order for that to happen. And it goes without saying that the Saints must beat the Bucs, which will not be an easy task. I am a huge Saints fan, but I am also a realist, and honestly, I will be really surprised if the Panthers lose to the Falcons.
If the Saints win this Sunday, they are in, but recent history indicates, that when the Saints have something to play for, they have not played well. They got crushed in the game against Seattle when they were essentially playing for the top seed in the NFC. They were embarrassed in St. Louis by the Rams when they were playing for that all important first round bye, the second seed, and the division championship. They couldn't bring home the win when the same things were on the line against a surging division opponent in Carolina against the Panthers. Recent history indicates that the Saints have not responded played well in important games.
Recent history also indicates that the Saints have not responded well on the road. If the Panthers beat the Falcons, which on paper, is what in all likelihood should happen, and if the Saints beat the Bucs, which is not a given, the Saints will probably open the playoffs on the road, either in Dallas, or Philadelphia, then they will have to go to either Carolina, or Seattle, and finally the NFC championship will probably be on the road also. The Saints have not responded well in meaningful games. Each playoff game will be more significant and more meaningful than any game played in the regular season, and each will probably be on the road. Again, I am being objective, and I don't like the Saints' chances.
The Saints' secondary has been decimated by injuries starting early in the year with the loss Patrick Robinson, then Jabari Greer, and now Kenny Vaccaro. The Saints look to be getting Raphael Bush back and that may help, but it seems almost futile.
The Saints' offensive line has been deplorable this year, evidenced by the fact that it was announced that Drew Brees' knee is not 100% healthy. I've never seen Drew Brees hit, and sacked more than he has been this year. In cold-weather games, the running game will be important, and Ben Grubbs has been getting killed by interior defensive linemen throughout the year, and Jahri Evans has had far too many holding penalties. Brian De La Puente has done all he could, but let's face it, we need an upgrade at the center position.
So many things are against the Saints favor, but they do have Drew Brees, and one of the best coaches in the business in Sean Payton. We just have to beat the Bucs first, and hopefully the Falcons, who, at the beginning of the year, we never thought would be this bad, can pull an upset at home against Carolina. Again, anything can happen.
Again, anything can happen, but the Saints' chances of winning out in the playoffs, and going to New York are not good. First of all, in order to have the easiest route to the Super Bowl, the Saints need that first-round-bye, and for that first game to be in the Super Dome. It can happen, but the chances are extremely small, because the Panthers have to lose to the Atlanta Falcons this week in order for that to happen. And it goes without saying that the Saints must beat the Bucs, which will not be an easy task. I am a huge Saints fan, but I am also a realist, and honestly, I will be really surprised if the Panthers lose to the Falcons.
If the Saints win this Sunday, they are in, but recent history indicates, that when the Saints have something to play for, they have not played well. They got crushed in the game against Seattle when they were essentially playing for the top seed in the NFC. They were embarrassed in St. Louis by the Rams when they were playing for that all important first round bye, the second seed, and the division championship. They couldn't bring home the win when the same things were on the line against a surging division opponent in Carolina against the Panthers. Recent history indicates that the Saints have not responded played well in important games.
Recent history also indicates that the Saints have not responded well on the road. If the Panthers beat the Falcons, which on paper, is what in all likelihood should happen, and if the Saints beat the Bucs, which is not a given, the Saints will probably open the playoffs on the road, either in Dallas, or Philadelphia, then they will have to go to either Carolina, or Seattle, and finally the NFC championship will probably be on the road also. The Saints have not responded well in meaningful games. Each playoff game will be more significant and more meaningful than any game played in the regular season, and each will probably be on the road. Again, I am being objective, and I don't like the Saints' chances.
The Saints' secondary has been decimated by injuries starting early in the year with the loss Patrick Robinson, then Jabari Greer, and now Kenny Vaccaro. The Saints look to be getting Raphael Bush back and that may help, but it seems almost futile.
The Saints' offensive line has been deplorable this year, evidenced by the fact that it was announced that Drew Brees' knee is not 100% healthy. I've never seen Drew Brees hit, and sacked more than he has been this year. In cold-weather games, the running game will be important, and Ben Grubbs has been getting killed by interior defensive linemen throughout the year, and Jahri Evans has had far too many holding penalties. Brian De La Puente has done all he could, but let's face it, we need an upgrade at the center position.
So many things are against the Saints favor, but they do have Drew Brees, and one of the best coaches in the business in Sean Payton. We just have to beat the Bucs first, and hopefully the Falcons, who, at the beginning of the year, we never thought would be this bad, can pull an upset at home against Carolina. Again, anything can happen.
Monday, December 23, 2013
So Disappointing
Wow. Such a disappointing loss for the Saints. After that total dud against the Rams a week before, I thought a Sean Payton coached team, led by Drew Brees would come out focused against the Carolina Panthers, look impressive, and win. I was wrong.
It's so disappointing. At one point, the Saints were 9-2 and four games ahead of the Panthers for the lead in the NFC South. I used to think the Saints were good enough to play in the Super Bowl, and the Seahawks were a sham. I was wrong.
I thought Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, and the initial impressive play of the defense would be enough to overcome the inept play by the offensive line. I was wrong.
After seeing the Saints bounce back with a fury after getting their a**es kicked by the Jets, I thought they were a championship caliber team. I was wrong.
Let's face it. Let's "call a spade a spade." The Saints woes on the offensive line are holding the team back. I've never seen Drew Brees get sacked, and hit more than he has this year. I've never seen a Sean Payton coached Saints get physically manhandled the way the offensive line has by certain teams in pivotal games this year.
The Saints are sorely lacking in offensive linemen with a nasty streak. Too many times have I seen Ben Grubbs just get absolutely obliterated by opposing defensive tackles. Too many times have I seen the same happen to Brian De La Puente. Too many times have I seen pass rushers burn Charles Brown. Too many times has Jahri Evans gotten called for crucial holding penalties.
As a result, too many times, have the running backs gotten absolutely killed, and too long has our running game not been a threat. And too many times has Drew Brees been running for his life, and getting hit brutally, and showing he is vulnerable.
A vulnerable Drew Brees throws interceptions, instead of bombs for touchdowns. And when Drew Brees throws interceptions, the Saints lose. Period.
Let's face it, I should have known that the Saints weren't a contenders when they were absolutely embarrassed in Seattle. I should have known the Saints weren't contenders when they got their a**es kicked by the Jets in New York. I should have known the Saints weren't contenders when they got embarrassed by a mediocre Rams team.
Now that the Saints have played so poorly when so much was on the line for two weeks in a row, we now know that they aren't contenders. Next weeks game is not going to be easy to win either. Tampa Bay is a different team than the team we beat earlier in the year. And if they lose in the dome to Tampa, they will be out of the playoffs. My, how the mighty have fallen!
The way this Saints team has played when a home field advantage, a bye week in the playoffs, and a division championship were on the line has been so disappointing. I wouldn't have expected that from a Sean Payton coached team.
It's so disappointing. At one point, the Saints were 9-2 and four games ahead of the Panthers for the lead in the NFC South. I used to think the Saints were good enough to play in the Super Bowl, and the Seahawks were a sham. I was wrong.
I thought Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, and the initial impressive play of the defense would be enough to overcome the inept play by the offensive line. I was wrong.
After seeing the Saints bounce back with a fury after getting their a**es kicked by the Jets, I thought they were a championship caliber team. I was wrong.
Let's face it. Let's "call a spade a spade." The Saints woes on the offensive line are holding the team back. I've never seen Drew Brees get sacked, and hit more than he has this year. I've never seen a Sean Payton coached Saints get physically manhandled the way the offensive line has by certain teams in pivotal games this year.
The Saints are sorely lacking in offensive linemen with a nasty streak. Too many times have I seen Ben Grubbs just get absolutely obliterated by opposing defensive tackles. Too many times have I seen the same happen to Brian De La Puente. Too many times have I seen pass rushers burn Charles Brown. Too many times has Jahri Evans gotten called for crucial holding penalties.
As a result, too many times, have the running backs gotten absolutely killed, and too long has our running game not been a threat. And too many times has Drew Brees been running for his life, and getting hit brutally, and showing he is vulnerable.
A vulnerable Drew Brees throws interceptions, instead of bombs for touchdowns. And when Drew Brees throws interceptions, the Saints lose. Period.
Let's face it, I should have known that the Saints weren't a contenders when they were absolutely embarrassed in Seattle. I should have known the Saints weren't contenders when they got their a**es kicked by the Jets in New York. I should have known the Saints weren't contenders when they got embarrassed by a mediocre Rams team.
Now that the Saints have played so poorly when so much was on the line for two weeks in a row, we now know that they aren't contenders. Next weeks game is not going to be easy to win either. Tampa Bay is a different team than the team we beat earlier in the year. And if they lose in the dome to Tampa, they will be out of the playoffs. My, how the mighty have fallen!
The way this Saints team has played when a home field advantage, a bye week in the playoffs, and a division championship were on the line has been so disappointing. I wouldn't have expected that from a Sean Payton coached team.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Little Nicky
Nick Saban is a lot of things. He is among the elite of truly great college football coaches. He is a mastermind. He is driven. He is detail-oriented. He is extremely competitive. He is a great recruiter. He's even short. But one thing he is not is loyal.
As an LSU alum, and being a student there while Nick Saban was the head coach of the Tigers, I saw his work first hand. LSU went from being the joke of the SEC West to becoming a football winning machine who was perennially in contention for an SEC Championship. Little Nicky was signing the nation's best high school talent to come to Baton Rouge, and play football for the Tigers.
Blue chip prospects like Marquis Hill, Jamarcus Russell, Marcus Spears, Ben Wilkerson, Glen Dorsey, and Dwayne Bowe, among numerous others were bought in by Nick to become Tigers, and wholeheartedly bought into his philosophy, better known as "the process."
It didn't take long for LSU football players to take on the personality of their coach. They were focused. They were driven. They learned Nick's "one game at a time" mentality, became winners, and spewed "the process" to the media, just like Nick.
As an LSU alum, and being a student there while Nick Saban was the head coach of the Tigers, I saw his work first hand. LSU went from being the joke of the SEC West to becoming a football winning machine who was perennially in contention for an SEC Championship. Little Nicky was signing the nation's best high school talent to come to Baton Rouge, and play football for the Tigers.
Blue chip prospects like Marquis Hill, Jamarcus Russell, Marcus Spears, Ben Wilkerson, Glen Dorsey, and Dwayne Bowe, among numerous others were bought in by Nick to become Tigers, and wholeheartedly bought into his philosophy, better known as "the process."
It didn't take long for LSU football players to take on the personality of their coach. They were focused. They were driven. They learned Nick's "one game at a time" mentality, became winners, and spewed "the process" to the media, just like Nick.
They were tough. Their toughness and focus was almost inhuman, because every single one of the other football teams simply didn't have it game in and game out, like Nick's Tigers did.
It seemed like Nick Saban was the perfect football coach. When a person praised him, they were able to call him many things, but "loyal" was never one of them. That is one thing Nick is most certainly not. At LSU, it seemed like every single year, around bowl season, Nick was rumored to be interested in NFL jobs. I remember rumors about the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and the Miami Dolphins, which was the one that turned out to be the truest.
I vehemently believed Nick whenever he said, "Terry and I are happy in Baton Rouge." I used those words in emails to various national reporters, like Chris Mortensen, and I berated them for their "irresponsible journalism," because how could these rumors be possibly true, if Nick is happy in Baton Rouge? How dare they start up unfounded rumors about a coach who is "happy" at LSU!
As a young, brash, and misguided college student, I believed in Nick, and blindly believed him, simply because he was winning. I theorized that the national media hated Louisiana and LSU so much that they would start rumors of Nick Saban leaving for the NFL in order to stop these blue chip prospects from signing with the Tigers, and ultimately bring down the LSU program.
I was wrong. Nick is who he is, and I was unable to see it at the time. I should have known that as the old saying goes, "Where there is smoke, there is fire." And Nick ultimately took the job as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. I was heart broken. I felt betrayed. I felt like an idiot for vehemently standing on the statement, "Terry and I are happy in Baton Rouge."
It is quite fascinating to see it play out all over again in Tuscaloosa from the outside looking in as a man who is a little older, wiser, less brash, and more realistic. Make no mistake about it, just like the Tigers of the early 2000's, and even more so than the Tigers were, the University of Alabama football program is a football winning machine. Everyone associated with that program has the same drive that those at LSU had. The best high school football players in America are all signing to play football at the University of Alabama to play for Nick, because they know it is their ticket to millions of dollars playing in the NFL.
Alabama players all have Nick's focus, and spout "one game at at time," and other Nickisms from "the process" to the media the same way LSU players did.
And also, unfortunately for Alabama fans, as LSU fans in the early 2000's did, they have to deal with rumors of Nick being interested in other jobs. I laugh every time I hear an Alabama fan proclaim in a thick southern accent, "Nick and Terry are happy in Tuscaloosa."
They had to deal with it last year with the Cleveland Browns rumors, and they are currently dealing with it with the University of Texas rumors, and even if Nick ultimately turns down the Texas job, Bama fans will have to deal with it next year, because make no mistake about it, Nick is always looking for more money, greener pastures, and the next challenge, and the past has proven that he has Terry's full support in that pursuit.
If he leaves for Texas, he will build them into a powerhouse a lot faster than he did at LSU, and at Alabama, which means UT supporters will have to deal with rumors of him going to the NFL that much quicker, because for being such a small man in stature, he has such an enormous ego, and I believe it eats him alive knowing he has that blemish from the NFL on his resume, while former peers like Pete Carroll, and Jim Harbaugh are succeeding.
He would have to coach a lot longer at Alabama for that NFL blemish to be forgotten, or overlooked by NFL gm's and owners. The move to Texas, although lateral in terms of prominence, sort of speeds that process up, and brings him closer to rectifying that blemish, because his previous job, before Bama was the Miami Dolphins, where at Texas, his previous stint would be Alabama, so that would make him look a lot better.
It's easier for front office people to say "What have you done for me lately?" when he has turned two consecutive programs into football winning machines, instead of one. As the coach who put Texas where it should be perennially, with a previous stint of domination at Bama, Nick Saban would look like less of a risk as an NFL head coach, and people in NFL front offices would be more inclined to take another chance on him.
Nick Saban: One of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and a program savior? No question. Nick Saban: Calculated? No question. Nick Saban: Loyal? He is most certainly not.
It seemed like Nick Saban was the perfect football coach. When a person praised him, they were able to call him many things, but "loyal" was never one of them. That is one thing Nick is most certainly not. At LSU, it seemed like every single year, around bowl season, Nick was rumored to be interested in NFL jobs. I remember rumors about the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and the Miami Dolphins, which was the one that turned out to be the truest.
I vehemently believed Nick whenever he said, "Terry and I are happy in Baton Rouge." I used those words in emails to various national reporters, like Chris Mortensen, and I berated them for their "irresponsible journalism," because how could these rumors be possibly true, if Nick is happy in Baton Rouge? How dare they start up unfounded rumors about a coach who is "happy" at LSU!
As a young, brash, and misguided college student, I believed in Nick, and blindly believed him, simply because he was winning. I theorized that the national media hated Louisiana and LSU so much that they would start rumors of Nick Saban leaving for the NFL in order to stop these blue chip prospects from signing with the Tigers, and ultimately bring down the LSU program.
I was wrong. Nick is who he is, and I was unable to see it at the time. I should have known that as the old saying goes, "Where there is smoke, there is fire." And Nick ultimately took the job as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. I was heart broken. I felt betrayed. I felt like an idiot for vehemently standing on the statement, "Terry and I are happy in Baton Rouge."
It is quite fascinating to see it play out all over again in Tuscaloosa from the outside looking in as a man who is a little older, wiser, less brash, and more realistic. Make no mistake about it, just like the Tigers of the early 2000's, and even more so than the Tigers were, the University of Alabama football program is a football winning machine. Everyone associated with that program has the same drive that those at LSU had. The best high school football players in America are all signing to play football at the University of Alabama to play for Nick, because they know it is their ticket to millions of dollars playing in the NFL.
Alabama players all have Nick's focus, and spout "one game at at time," and other Nickisms from "the process" to the media the same way LSU players did.
And also, unfortunately for Alabama fans, as LSU fans in the early 2000's did, they have to deal with rumors of Nick being interested in other jobs. I laugh every time I hear an Alabama fan proclaim in a thick southern accent, "Nick and Terry are happy in Tuscaloosa."
They had to deal with it last year with the Cleveland Browns rumors, and they are currently dealing with it with the University of Texas rumors, and even if Nick ultimately turns down the Texas job, Bama fans will have to deal with it next year, because make no mistake about it, Nick is always looking for more money, greener pastures, and the next challenge, and the past has proven that he has Terry's full support in that pursuit.
If he leaves for Texas, he will build them into a powerhouse a lot faster than he did at LSU, and at Alabama, which means UT supporters will have to deal with rumors of him going to the NFL that much quicker, because for being such a small man in stature, he has such an enormous ego, and I believe it eats him alive knowing he has that blemish from the NFL on his resume, while former peers like Pete Carroll, and Jim Harbaugh are succeeding.
He would have to coach a lot longer at Alabama for that NFL blemish to be forgotten, or overlooked by NFL gm's and owners. The move to Texas, although lateral in terms of prominence, sort of speeds that process up, and brings him closer to rectifying that blemish, because his previous job, before Bama was the Miami Dolphins, where at Texas, his previous stint would be Alabama, so that would make him look a lot better.
It's easier for front office people to say "What have you done for me lately?" when he has turned two consecutive programs into football winning machines, instead of one. As the coach who put Texas where it should be perennially, with a previous stint of domination at Bama, Nick Saban would look like less of a risk as an NFL head coach, and people in NFL front offices would be more inclined to take another chance on him.
Nick Saban: One of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and a program savior? No question. Nick Saban: Calculated? No question. Nick Saban: Loyal? He is most certainly not.
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