Eugene Parker’s Madoffer to the San Francisco 49ers

I’m sure Eugene Parker was very happy with himself when he landed Michael Crabtree as his client.

 

Because in his mind, he was GAURANTEED to hit on a top-five contract.

 

You see, in the modern world, when reality does not quite meet up with expectation you just delve into the realm of “make believe” and SELL SELL SELL SELL SELL. Sell it hard.

 

Sell it to the public. Sell it to your clients. Sell it to yourself. And eventually, sadly, unfortunately, people might just be foolish enough to bite the hook and go along for the ride.

 

 

Reality Isn’t playing fair value

 

You see, in the modern world, when a business fails (and the business is GIGANTIC), reality changes and now the business is simply declared “too big to fail,” and, instead of failing, it “succeeds,” and receives record profits in-turn.

 

Want a piece of the “unreality pie?” Silly rabbit, “make believe reality” is reserved only for “high-rollers.”

 

If you want a piece of this privileged “unreality pie” you better succeed in reality first. THEN you can live in Always Land.

 

But really…

 

Eugene Parker is Crabtree’s agent. That means we’re talking about millions of dollars, which in-turn means that when expectation does not meet reality, everything immediately shifts into the land of unreality and everything turns out fine and dandy (at the expense of those living in reality).

 

Crabtree had a market value of a top five pick. Which means he is obviously WORTH that kind of money.

 

If Crabtree loses, lets say, half that value, then this is precisely the time when unreality must kick in, because if it doesn’t…oh boy…just thinking about it makes me shiver… those living in reality will face a much more dark, dreary reality.

 

 

But I’ve got leverage, reality boy…

 

“You’ve got nothing. You’ve got a slick suit and flapping lips.”

 

You see, since Eugene Parker has been living in the world of “unreality,” he has obviously not been keeping up with current events in the land of reality.

 

People (who live in reality) are not too fond of this whole “bail-me-out-daddy” reverse Robin Hood make believe billionaire bailout extravaganza. In fact, they’re getting kind of PISSED.

 

If Eugene Parker holds Crabtree out, in hopes of receiving an unreality check for a top five pick, then he better get real, because his clients image will begin to corrode with the fans (most of whom are proudly part of team reality) who are the ones who REALLY pay Eugene’s salary.

 

“Eugene, how many fewer advertising endorsements will your client receive if he is less popular with the fan base?”

 

“It might not matter to you, but you’re client will suffer in the long term for it. People will place the blame on Crabtree.”

 

He already has a “diva” stigma associated with him in the media, and if “he” holds out, how much stronger do you think the Crabtree news starved media will push the idea of an idling Michael Crabtree’s “diva” image?

It will be the only thing to talk about, since he is not on the field (well at least not on a real field, perhaps in Eugene Parker’s mind he is already in the Hall-Of-Fame).

 

But that was a leading question.

 

The real question is, “How happy do you think your high profile client will be when he realizes you just solidified his ‘diva’ image and hurt his advertising possibilities by hurting his image with the fan base?”

 

I can answer that one for you, since you might be confused while living in a world of unreality; NOT VERY.

 

 

Let’s play Hangman…

 

Do you like Poker Eugene? Guess what game you are NOT playing? Poker.

 

Instead, you are playing Hangman.

 

If you cannot correctly (ie “in reality”) answer some simple questions about your client’s image and what a hold-out will do for it, you will hang your client out to dry, and the vultures will pounce faster than you can say “top-five.”

 

Memo to Micheal Crabtree:

Advertising contracts can earn you just as much, if not more than your NFL salary. So good luck with your agent, because he’s playing Hangman with your career, but thinks its OK, because in Toon Town nobody really gets hurt, they just get unlucky.

 

The question you have to ask is, “Do you want people to think you’re a football player, or Roger Rabbit?”

 

I mean, REALLY…

Addition by Subtraction: A Brief Analysis

It is a common trend in the sports world for any and all personalities therein to adopt various buzz words and jargon. Words or phrases that are either rooted in obscurity or just tossed out to brighten up a forum discussion. In recent months the phrase “addition by subtraction” seems to be seeing heavy use by sports analysts.

First and foremost, this phrase makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. It is literally impossible to subtract something and have it end up as an addition. The only way that is possible is with negative numbers, but sports involves people not numbers.

However, I can understand where the idea makes sense. The phrase has been used heavily in reference to Terrell Owens and his departure from Dallas to Buffalo. He had overstayed his welcome with the team, naturally, and was summarily released following the 2008-09 season. He had become a distraction on and off the field.

Despite his overall production on the field, 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns, he complained that he was not getting enough touches.

This complaint was merited if you consider the fact that tight end Jason Witten had 12 more catches than Owens. Still, Owens was second on the team in catches and first in yards and touchdowns.

Owens’ personality and penchant for shooting his mouth off got him in bad with all the right people and he was removed from the team. This is the subtraction the phrase alludes to.

Where, I ask, is the addition?

One could make the argument that the team will gain an added sense of camaraderie without the cancer that is Terrell Owens wreaking havoc in the locker room. But this is simply a return to zero for the team.

There was no locker room or sideline problems before Owens arrived, and Keyshawn Johnson was in Dallas the year before meaning there was a potential for fireworks that didn’t happen under then coach Bill Parcells.

Consider for a moment what Owens brought to the Dallas Cowboys. Over 3,500 yards, 38 touchdowns and 235 catches. He brought a veteran presence to a relatively young group of receivers. He brought intensity on and off the field. He brought speed, strength and some of the best overall skills a receiver could have.

He brought a Super Bowl ring from his second season in the league with Steve Young’s 49ers.

He also brought his diva attitude. His ugliest and most negative trait has to be his inability to truly see past himself and through to the overall success of the team he is a part of.

As it stands, Owens brought a handful of positives with him to Dallas and just one glaring negative. And the phrase addition by subtraction disregards the many positives for the one negative. Terrell Owens was the best receiver the Cowboys had on their roster since Michael Irvin, yet his departure stands a positive thing?

There is no such thing as addition by subtraction. Terrell Owens brought more to the Cowboys than his egotistic way of handling the game could ever take away. This is nothing more than a case of subtraction by subtraction.

Can we please stop using the oxymoronic phrase now because it clearly cannot hold up to the most basic of arguments against it?

Why I Love to Hate Plaxico Burress

There are just some players I love to hate!

Maybe there cocky, a potential distraction, constantly being quoted in the paper saying something inappropriate or plain ignorant.  If you’re like me you just LOVE to HATE these type of players. 

This is my story and my daily ever changing feeling about Plaxico Burress. 

I promised myself I was moving on from this mess…but here I am again talking about Mr. Selfish.

Who am I?  Well, in the big picture…I’m no one special.  But I am a season ticket holder.  That’s a start.  I am a guy who has seen every down this guy has played since joining the team in 2005.  Okay, that counts for something too..since I have been fortunate to watch every route No. 17 runs up close. 

Most of these plays don’t even make the camera on Sunday afternoons. 

Me and 70,000 other Giant fans every week get to see “ALL” the plays he is involved with.  He jaws with corner backs and safeties.  I like that!  He also blocks…and hard!   He takes cheap shots…many times taking a palm to the face snapping his head back. 

He has a target on his back week in and week out.  He’s never the underdog or the sleeper pick to make the “big play.”  With that said…he’s a rich athlete who gets paid very well to play this game. 

Looking over his four-year career with the New York Giants and taking in to consideration the numerous infractions…you have to ask yourself some hard questions.

Does this guy get it?

Does he respect the game?

Does he realize his time in NFL is short?

Where else is he going to have more success?

Out of 60 to 70 offensive snaps per game Plaxico is on the field for 98 percent of those plays.  Plaxico has a total of 505 catches for his career, that’s 56 catches per year for nine years. Broken down to averages…that is 3.5 per game.  So, if you’re watching the game on TV you don’t see a lot of what the man does week in and week out.  

On the other hand…he’s cashing a big check and doesn’t do all that much.  You can go either way!

Like most fans I favor moving on; however, I can also admit that Eli is not the most accurate guy.  The Giants offensive benefits tremendously from having that tall, athletic wide receiver that tends to bail Eli out time and time again.  

No. 17 has game.  When at his best…I love his on field performance. 

Have you ever thought about how many bad balls Plaxico has plucked out of the air? Remember…Eli only averages 200.3 yards per game.  Sad…but true!

Still, at 6’ 5” watching him run routes is like watching a prehistoric bird taking flight.  During NFC Championship game against Green Bay I was truly amazed at his performance. 

Without Plaxico there is a good chance Eli struggles to make a difference down field.  Maybe Hixon becomes the guy, but no one is predicting Nicks to be Plax’s replacement. It’s gonna be an interesting year and if Burress did come back…he is sure to get a four game suspension.

In those for four games the Giants can start to get a feel for Nicks, Hixon, Manningham, Moss, and Smith and if they can get it done.

Damn…I love to hate this guy!   

Training Camp Battles: Baltimore Ravens

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”,”serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Faced with more questions than answers, the Ravens entered the 2008 regular season with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco under center. Flacco, under the watchful eye of rookie head coach John Harbaugh, was learning the offense from new Ravens’ offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

If everything went according to plan last preseason, Flacco never would have seen the field.

Kyle Boller was considered the front-runner to start at quarterback before he injured his shoulder against the Vikings during the second preseason game, finishing the year on injured reserve. Troy Smith missed the majority of training camp battling a severe case of tonsillitis and a blood clot in his lung. Both were on the depth chart ahead of Flacco.

Flacco helped lead the “rebuilding” Ravens to the AFC Championship game.

Heading into training camp this season, the Ravens are hoping to find similar results at several positions:

 

Running Back: Ray Rice vs. Willis McGahee

2008: The Ravens fielded the fourth-best rushing attack in the NFL, featuring the three-headed monster of Le’Ron McClain, Willis McGahee, and rookie Ray Rice. But McGahee reported to training camp overweight and out of shape, and finished the season with only 671 yards on 107 attempts, both career lows.

McClain was named to the Pro Bowl with 10 touchdowns and 902 yards rushing. Rice added 454 rushing yards and was fourth on the team with 33 receptions for 273 yards.

2009: McClain will return to the starting fullback spot following the departure of Lorenzo Neal to the Oakland Raiders via free agency. Ray Rice has spent the offseason adding bulk to his 5-foot-8 frame, and several reports indicate he will have every opportunity to take the starting job from Willis McGahee.

Cam Cameron likes the fact Rice can catch the ball out of the backfield, which adds an additional dimension to the offense. But McGahee has already stated his intentions of taking back the starting spot during training camp.

Prediction: Rice will win the starting job because of the versatility he brings to the offense. He will, however, split significant time with McGahee. Because Rice is a smaller back, the Ravens will seek to spare him the pounding of a grueling NFL season.

Le’Ron McClain will certainly see less carries this season.

 

Linebacker: Tavares Gooden vs. Jameel McClain

2008: Bart Scott recorded 82 tackles. Rookie Tavares Gooden only played in four games last season before being placed on injured reserve with a hip injury. Jameel McClain was the only rookie free agent to make the Ravens’ squad in 2008, recording 17 special teams tackles and setting a franchise record with two safeties. He also recorded eight tackles and 2.5 sacks.

2009: Scott followed former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to the New York Jets, signing a six-year, $48 million dollar deal. The Ravens really like Gooden’s energy and athleticism. Jameel McClain was used primarily in pass rushing situations last season, but showed the ability to expand and grow.

Prediction: Tavares Gooden will edge out Jameel McClain. Although Jameel McClain has more NFL experience than Gooden, Gooden is still a more polished player. Jameel McClain is still very raw, but given time, will develop into an excellent NFL linebacker.

This season, expect to see him excel on special teams, play in pass rushing situations, and spot start when necessary.

 

Wide Receiver: Marcus Smith vs. Kelley Washington

2008: Derrick Mason was the team’s only consistent receiver, totaling 1,037 yards on 80 receptions despite playing much of the year with a dislocated shoulder.

Former first-round pick Mark Clayton caught 41 passes for 695 yards. Demetrius Williams spent the final 12 games on injured reserve.

2009: The shocking retirement of Mason has left the team in a bind. Clayton has been named the first receiver heading into camp, which makes Williams the logical No. 2.

The Ravens have attempted to bolster the receiving core by signing Kelley Washington and Drew Bennett in the offseason, but Bennett has recently announced his retirement.

Prediction: Marcus Smith will beat out Washington. Smith is a physical receiver with some upside and toughness. Washington was only able to haul in a single catch for three yards in the pass-happy New England offense last season, and Smith has already spent a year in the Ravens’ system.

The Ravens may still make a play for another receiver, such as Denver’s Brandon Marshall, if the price is right. Head coach John Harbaugh is still cautiously optimistic Mason will return for the 2009 season.

 

Right Tackle: Michael Oher vs. Adam Terry

2008: The right tackle position was patchwork at best, with Willie Anderson spending the most time there.

2009: The Ravens traded up in the Draft to select Michael Oher with the 23rd overall pick. Anderson retired, essentially leaving Oher to battle it out with the oft-injured Adam Terry. Oher was projected by several draft experts to be a top-15 pick, but some question his ability to learn and absorb an NFL offense.

Prediction: Assuming Oher signs his contract, the right tackle position is his to lose.

 

Kicker: Steve Hauschka vs. Graham Gano

2008: Matt Stover went 27-for-33 on field goal attempts. Within 40 yards, the 41-year-old Stover is still among the best in the game in terms of accuracy, converting 22 of 23 attempts. But beyond 40 yards,  Stover struggled mightily, converting only 5 of 10.

Kickoff specialist Steve Hauschka went 1-for-2 from 50-plus yards, hitting a 54-yard field goal against Houston in Week 10.

2009: Harbaugh doesn’t like using two roster spots on kickers, so when Stover’s contract expired, the team chose not to resign the 20-year veteran. Hauschka and Gano both have big legs, but both are unproven at the NFL level.

Prediction: Out of these two, Gano gets the nod. While Hauschka spent time with the Ravens last season, Gano won the Lou Groza Award as the best kicker in the NCAA, converting 24 of 26 field goals and hitting 33 of 34 extra point attempts at Florida State.

During OTAs, Gano also hit a pair of 60-yard field goals, and adds value to the roster as a backup punter. Of course, if neither Hauschka or Gano can hit field goals consistently, GM Ozzie Newsome can always place a call to Stover, who has indicated he’d like to play at least one more year.

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”,”serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Ball Boys and Girls: Unsung Heroes of The NFL

It’s fourth and goal. Your team has the ball. They need a touchdown to secure a spot in the playoffs.

The quarterback comes to the line. His wide receivers stare back at him with anticipation. He looks over the defense and then at his favorite target. It’s all or nothing.

The defense shifts into position. The linebackers’ eyes glare at the quarterback. Smoke exudes out their noses from the cold. Rain and sweat drip from their faces. The center grasps the ball. The quarterback takes position under center and calls for the ball. The center snaps the ball and the play is underway.

The quarterback drops back and looks to his first wide out but he is covered. He then looks to his second option but he too is covered. He looks for the tight end just in time to see the defender slip and fall. He rares back and lets it go. The tight end looks the ball into his hands and makes the game winning catch. The game is over.

Your team has won and secured the last spot in the playoffs. Everyone celebrates and the crowd goes wild.

In the concluding interview the quarterback talks about the miraculous drive and the last minute score. He thanks his teammates, his coach, his mother, and the ball boys and girls. The ball was nice and dry he explains, “If not for that, I would not have been able to make that throw.”

Who are the ball boys and girls you ask? The ball boys and girls are the unsung heroes of the NFL. They make sure the balls are clean and dry for play. They also make sure that the quarterbacks get the passing balls and the kickers get the kicking balls. If not for them your team might have missed out on that playoff spot.

You won’t see them doing a touchdown celebration or making that last minute catch, but they may be just as important. So the next time you’re watching your favorite team, make sure to thank the ball boys and girls for helping your team to the playoffs. For if not for them your favorite team would just be out there playing with their cold, wet, dirty balls.

*Note to self* (Some people may find the last line offensive) *Must Re-word*

Are Big Ben’s Legal Troubles Creating a QB Controversy In the ‘Burgh?

Logic would suggest that there is a better chance of the Pirates making the World Series than having a Quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh. But hold that thought my friend. There is more to the situation than meets the eye.

That’s right, one of Pittsburgh’s favorite sons has a chance of losing his position this summer, and don’t be surprised if it happens at the hand of a young man that has never started a game in the NFL.

Ben Roethlisberger has been entrenched as the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh ever since he took over for Tommy Maddox in 2004. Since Roethlisberger splashed onto the scene, the Steelers have won two Super Bowls in his first five seasons. Something they had failed to do since Terry Bradshaw was under center in the ’70s.

Early success prompted the Steelers to make a significant financial investment in Roethlisberger. Guaranteeing that he would be the Quarterback that continues to lead them into whatever future success they may have.  

With recent Super Bowl success and over $100 million invested in Big Ben, could it be possible that there is a Quarterback controversy brewing as the Steelers enter training camp?

There certainly is.

Now take a deep breath and cool off for a second. Before you call me anymore names let me just say that Roethlisberger’s job is about as sure as making a bet that the Steelers will be wearing black and gold this fall. 

The question is, who is going to back him up?

In light of recent events concerning Ben Roethlisberger the subject bares more relevance than it did just one week ago. While the civil case is being built one can only wonder what is going through the mind of one Roger Goodell. The NFL Commissioner has been less than lenient concerning off the field issues, and it bares mention that should Roethlisberger be found guilty or try to settle out of court there would likely be a suspension to follow.

 

Here’s where we stand as of today

Charlie Batch will enter camp as the number two guy. He is experienced, well respected by his teammates and dependable when on the field, but that’s where dependable ends concerning Charlie Batch.

Being the hometown kid that grew up in nearby Homestead, Batch has always found favor with the fans in Pittsburgh. Since signing in 2002 however, he has never been accused of being dependable physically. After being drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions in 1998 Batch has had his fair share of long-term injuries, and he may be losing favor with the team.

After missing all of last season with a broken collarbone Batch signed a one-year, $895,000 contract that includes a $50,000 signing bonus. The move was pretty much expected after Byron Leftwich went on to sign a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Bucs over the off-season.

Why layout a new contract with Batch (a short term one at that) if there are reservations about his durability?

The Steelers had an agenda, and if everything this off-season went according to plan, it wouldn’t have taken the duration of training camp to materialize.

What’s this agenda?

Look no further than the guy wearing the number two on his jersey. Call it irony, coincidence, or whatever else you can think of, but whatever you do don’t sleep on Dennis Dixon this summer.

The former Hiesman Trophy front-runner has had a full season to heal from the torn ACL he suffered during his senior year at Oregon. Add to the fact that Dixon continued to show great arm strength and blazing speed in workouts this Spring, and you can feel the quiet anticipation rising from within the organization. Having been able to learn and digest the more complex NFL playbook during his rookie season it may be safe to say Dixon is a step closer to taking on a more substantial role in 2009.

That role may entail the use of his athletic ability in trick plays and in running situations, much the same way the departed Antwaan Randel El was used during his time in Pittsburgh. Yet, I would have expected to see Dixon in this role last season at some point if this were going to be the case. It seems the Steelers have the idea of making a real Quarterback out of Dixon.

Regardless of how you look at it, the Steelers are by all accounts the team to beat in the NFL right now. Dixon is going to have show some remarkable improvement to go with his God given ability for the coaching staff to make the switch from a veteran, game-tested backup like Batch under the current situation.

It may even be safe to say that the no one will benefit more from the Roethlisberger civil case than Charlie Batch. If nothing else, Batch will get an extra look and the benefit of the doubt during camp with an uncertain situation at hand. 

Regardless of the outcome the competition will push both Batch and Dixon to be at their best, and Steeler fans are going to get a great show as the two battle it out this pre-season in Latrobe.

Minnesota Vikings: Would the Contract-Year Players Be Worth Trading?

Let me start out by saying that I love some of the players discussed in this article. It’s tough for us fans to part with some of our favorite players.

With players such as Chestor Taylor, Ray Edwards, and Tarvaris Jackson entering contract years, it’s hard to believe that the Vikings will be able to keep any combination of them.

Chestor Taylor wants to start in the NFL. He doesn’t care to be the second back to Adrian Peterson and believes he still has some good years left in him.

Tarvaris Jackson has been a brilliant quarterback at times, but more often than not, he’s terrible. He struggles to hit the easy shots down the field and consistently overthrows his targets.

Ray Edwards predicted he would break the single-season sack record in 2008. He was playing with three Pro Bowl lineman and was entering his third season in the league.

He only came up about 18 sacks short of breaking the record, but it was a close race…

Of the three main players, only one has a legitimate shot of re-signing with the team and that man is Ray Edwards.

Jackson has already stated that if the Vikings sign Favre, he wants to be traded. He has progressively gotten better every season and doesn’t think he needs to sit and watch anymore.

Taylor just wants to be the main guy on the field.

There isn’t really going to be a market for Ray Edwards unless he records 14 sacks next season. I think he’s stuck with the Vikings.

So what do we do with a player that has prematurely demanded to be traded and another that has expressed deep interest to start?

There will be a market for both Jackson and Taylor in 2010. Even if Jackson starts, he has progressed under Brad Childress. It doesn’t seem like much, but he has.

Taylor has proven he can still carry the load at the tender age of 30. He’ll likely command four years and $16 million somewhere else.

The Vikings shouldn’t even consider giving a backup $4 million a year. They need depth in more areas.

I don’t think there’s even the slightest chance that Taylor will be on the roster one year from now.

Brian Robison adds great depth to the defensive end position. After that, there isn’t much to look at.

Robison is ready to start in the NFL and if given the chance, could prove to be a valuable asset in the near future.

Is trading away Ray Edwards this season worth the risk in favor of Robison?

I like both ends, but if something were to happen to either one, the Vikings would be starved for depth.

There isn’t much at the running back position, but undrafted free agent Ian Johnson has shown great promise as the third running back.

After all, it’s because of Johnson that Adrian Peterson failed to win a bowl game in his senior season at Oklahoma.

I think Johnson could take over for Taylor, but I don’t think it’s this year.

Jackson’s status is up in the air. He would command some trade value right now. With Sage Rosenfels and John David Booty, the Vikings have as good a quarterback group as they have had since the Culpepper era.

Well, I guess that’s not saying much.

Jackson could be expendable, but trading him could be a fatal mistake.

There aren’t a lot of places the Vikings need to improve. It’s hard to say what they would get for any combination of these players.

The team lacks depth in some key areas, but all three contract-year players have valuable starting experience.

Is trading away any of the three before the start of the season worth the risk?

California Dreamin’: Struggling NFL Neighbors Wish “Battle” Meant Something

Every year the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders meet during the preseason in a game which has become known as “The Battle of the Bay.”

However, for a game that doesn’t matter, the media and fans always seem to over-hype a rivalry that in reality should not exist.

The 49ers were the glory team of the 80’s and early 90’s, winning all five of their Super Bowls in that span.

Meanwhile, the Raiders won all three of their Super Bowls in the 70’s and 80’s. From the mid 70’s to the mid 90’s, at least one of the Bay Area franchises was always a legitimate contender.

There were a couple of seasons immediately before and after the turn of the millennium when both franchises had playoff talent, but since 2002, when both teams lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the same postseason (49ers in the divisional round, Raiders in the Super Bowl) neither team has been good.

Over the last six years, both teams have been either mediocre or genuinely terrible.

Therefore, over those six seasons, fans of both the teams and media have gotten hyped up about “The Battle of the Bay” because they really haven’t had much else to cheer about once the regular season rolls around.

Consequently, depending on who wins the annual preseason game, either 49er fans or Raider fans tend to start “talking sh**” about their team because they won “The Battle of the Bay.”

In reality, the fans of the winning team are “talking sh**” that their third- and fourth-stringers are better than the other team’s third- and fourth-stringers. I must respectfully say, who the f*@% cares?

As a die-hard 49er fan, the whole concept of the 49ers-Raiders rivalry is just as annoying as the half-Athletics, half-Giants baseball cap.

Clearly, Bay Area sports fans are either A’s or Giants followers and 49ers or Raiders fanatics. To use the words “Cross-Bay Rivals” for either sport is the most over-blown statement in the history of rivalries.

Just like in the MLB, the NFL Bay-Area franchises are in opposite conferences and rarely play each other when it actually matters.

True “rivals” are teams that play within the same division or teams in the same conference that often match up against our Bay Area teams in the playoffs.

For example, neither the A’s and the Giants nor the 49ers and Raiders are rivals. The A’s have a legitimate rival in the Los Angeles Angels and the Giants have a notorious rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The same rule applies to football.

Even when the NFC West was a cakewalk for the 49ers, they still had playoff rivals in the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. Nowadays, with the Arizona Cardinals and 49ers playing on Monday Night Football seemingly every season, a true inter-division rivalry is being created.

Meanwhile the Raiders have always had a true rival in the Kansas City Chiefs. One could argue that Oakland fans don’t like the Broncos or Chargers any more than they like Kansas City, but there just seems to be a little something extra when the Raiders and Chiefs get together.

However, the fact that both the 49ers and Raiders have been awful the last few seasons means that all of their respective rivalries have diminished in intensity and prestige.

Fans of both teams look to try and find that passionate rivalry during preseason, when hopes have yet to be dashed by the poor regular season performances on the horizon.

Realistically, there shouldn’t be any sort of rivalry. As a fan of the 49ers, I always root for the Raiders to do well when they aren’t playing against my beloved 49ers.

However, I can’t say the same about the rival of my San Francisco Giants; the Los Angeles Dodgers. I truly want the Dodgers to lose every game they play. That’s how it should be.

If your team has a true rival, then you should want that team to lose every single game they play. Perhaps the die-hard, over-the-top Raider fans in “The Black Hole” always want the 49ers to lose, but I guarantee you that there is a significant portion of Oakland fans who casually root for the 49ers the way I casually root for the Raiders.

That being said, the consistent losing of these two franchises is extremely irritating, because it makes fans of both teams overreact about a meaningless preseason game.

If just one of these teams could return to their winning ways, then perhaps fans of both teams can refocus on their true rivalries and stop over-hyping the annual “Battle of the Bay.”

Baltimore Ravens Find More Issues: Drew Bennett Retires

Drew Bennett has officially retired from the National Football League, two days after he signed a one-year, $745,000 contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens thought that they could use Bennett as a possible replacement for Derrick Mason, but they will have to find someone else.

Two days ago the Ravens held a tryout for several wide-outs at their training facility in Owings Mills. Drew Bennett showed off his skills and was given an one year deal. But now, with his early retirement, the Ravens will need to find a new candidate.  

The Ravens could be looking at signing wide receivers D.J. Hackett, Chris Hannon, and Justin Brown. All three tried out for the Ravens at Friday’s workout, but nothing has been reported yet from Owings Mills. Other receivers that could be signed include: Reggie Williams, Amani Toomer, Darrell Jackson, and Justin McCareins.

However, nothing has been reported, the Ravens are expected to sign one of the wide-outs mentioned above.

Drew Bennett has joined the likeness of Jonathan Ogden, Willie Anderson, Steve McNair, and Derrick Mason, all players who have retired with the Ravens in the past 15 months.

Five Players Who Will Make or Break the Philadelphia Eagles In 2009

Football is a team game.

 

Everyone knows that.

 

But often it’s the play of a handful of players who can be the difference between a team watching the playoffs on TV in January or playing for a chance at a Super Bowl championship.

 

For the Eagles, there are several of the guys on the 53-man roster who could be the key to push the Eagles over the edge.

 

QB Donovan McNabb: The quarterback is always a key ingredient of a championship team and McNabb will be no exception for the Eagles.

 

Since joining the team back in 1999, the Eagles have been fortunate enough to have one of the game’s top quarterbacks leading their team. A five-time Pro Bowler, McNabb has taken the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX.

 

And he has mostly done so without the services of a No. 1 caliber wide receiver. Other than the 21 games in which McNabb had Terrell Owens, he has been forced to play with the services of James Thrash, Todd Pinkston, Reggie Brown, and Freddie Mitchell.

 

Not anymore.

 

The Eagles never signed that No. 1 receiver fans pushed for—notably Arizona Cardinals’ Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin–but the front office did select speedy slot receiver Jeremy Maclin out of the University of Missouri.

 

The combination of Maclin, DeSean Jackson, and Kevin Curtis will give defenses some trouble and McNabb some weapons.

 

Factor in possession receiver Jason Avant and big playmaker Hank Baskett, and McNabb is poised for a banner year.

 

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect over 3,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns from McNabb, as well as 11 to 13 wins in the regular season and a deep playoff run.

 

Should McNabb go down, pray.

 

The team’s backup currently is unproven third-year player Kevin Kolb, who has shown flashes of ineptitude in brief stints as quarterback. Kolb has two years of watching one of the best in the game under his belt, but he has yet to prove himself out on the field.

 

FB Leonard Weaver: Until Leonard Weaver joined the team, the position of fullback has long been forgotten here in Philadelphia.

 

Weaver gives the Eagles an exciting weapon.

 

The runner-up for the Pro Bowl in the NFC last year, Weaver is a talented pass blocker and an above-average ball carrier.

 

He should help the team on short yardage runs—an area that hurt the Eagles on a consistent basis last year. Weaver will be able to contribute on short passes as well.

 

He should be able to extend the life of aging star Brian Westbrook and help to break in up-and-coming rookie LeSean McCoy.

 

OT Shawn Andrews: Andrews has had a roller coaster of a career, to say the least.

 

He broke into the NFL as the 16th overall pick in the 2004 draft and was immediately penciled into the team’s starting lineup at right guard.

 

Andrews broke his leg in his first career NFL game, missing the rest of the miraculous 2004 season and the team’s Super Bowl appearance.

 

Andrews bounced back in 2005 to start all 16 games and nearly qualify for the Pro Bowl. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in both 2006 and 2007, helping to turn Brian Westbrook into arguably the game’s most complete weapon.

 

He went on to miss all of last season due to depression and back surgery. His presence was greatly missed, none more so than on a third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 against the Giants on Sunday Night Football in the middle of the season.

 

This year, Andrews is back. He is healthy, motivated, and still as talented as ever.

 

When he is on his game, you could make a case for Andrews as the best guard in the game. He is 340 pounds of raw beef who can clear a hole for Westbrook or stay back and pass block for McNabb.

 

A right guard his first five years, Andrews will take over for perennial star Jon Runyan as the team’s starting right tackle.

 

When he was originally drafted back in ’04, Andrews was expected to eventually move to tackle, and it appears like this will be the year. Andrews will be playing next to his brother, right guard Stacy Andrews, giving the Eagles a pretty impressive right side of the line.

 

Andrews’ backup is three-year pro Winston Justice, a former USC standout who gave up six sacks to New York Giants’ All-Pro defensive end Osi Umenyiora in his only NFL start.

 

MLB Stewart Bradley: The Eagles are a defensive team, with arguably the deepest defensive line and backfield in the NFL.

 

The linebackers are still young and relatively inexperienced, so it will be up to rising star Stewart Bradley to lead the group.

 

Bradley is a Pro Bowler in the making and a possible candidate to replace Brian Dawkins as the team’s outspoken vocal leader on the defensive side of the ball.

 

Bradley was stellar in 16 games as a starter last season, recording 151 tackles, including double-digit figures in seven games. He was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Pro team in just his first year as a starter.

 

Bradey’s presence was a huge factor in the Eagles’ fourth-ranked run defense and third-ranked pass defense in 2008, and there are high expectations for Bradley to become one of the elite linebackers in the NFL in 2009.

 

FS Quintin Demps: It’s never fun to replace a legend, and I don’t envy Demps having to take over for a legend such as six-time Pro Bowler Brian Dawkins, a fan favorite, future Hall of Famer, and emotional leader of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense over the past 13 seasons.

 

Dawkins was 35 and had lost a step, but the Eagles’ failure to resign him came as a shock to the city, and his subsequent signing with Denver was a painful blow.

 

Enter Demps, an unproven defensive player who started as kick returner last season, into the starting role.

 

Demps played a lot for the Eagles in three-safety sets down the stretch last season, but his struggles were obvious, none more so than his inability to stay on his feet while covering All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in the NFC Championship Game.

 

Demps has a lot of potential. He is quick, talented, and aggressive.

 

But he’s not Brian Dawkins.

 

And it’s not even for certain that Demps will start this season.

 

The Eagles brought in playmaker Sean Jones from the Cleveland Browns. Jones is third among all safeties in interceptions (14) over the past three seasons, and is just 27, in the prime of his career.

 

It’s unclear to me why he was signed to just a one-year deal, but I think the Eagles envision Jones starting for a few games to spell Demps, before Demps takes over full-time.

 

Demps will be able to lean on strong safety Quintin Mikell for assistance—Mikell was a second-team All-Pro last season, combining with Brian Dawkins to form one of the best safety duos in the NFL—but Demps needs to produce or he will hurt the Eagles’ defense.

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010