OK, I am going to take a few minutes from my usual ranting about football and touch on a subject that will no doubt dominate my blog as soon as that game on Feb. 4th comes and goes. That is the Indiana Hoosier basketball team. To me, the Hoosiers are one of the more surprising teams this season, and are going to be a very dangerous team come March.
This is the first season of the Kelvin Sampson era. Many times, when a new coach comes in, there is a transition season or two. Many times, the coach struggles to win with the guys that the previous coach has brought in. That being the case, I was going into this season not really expecting much of anything. I was hoping we would make the tournament. A 20 win season would be great. All in all, my expectations for this year were quite low. This team has been more than I could've ever hoped for. A 20 win season and a trip to the dance seem to be all but locks. Now, the only question is how far will they go in March?
They are currently 14-5 overall, and 4-2 in the Big 10. They entered this week ranked 24th in the country, which marked the first time they were in either of the top 25 polls. They also have the third best record in conference.
Their 5 losses are all on the road, and are all to teams that are either ranked, or will be in the tournament come March (Butler in Indianapolis, @ Duke, @ Kentucky, @ Ohio State, and @ Illinois). Also keep in mind that these 5 losses are by a total of 28 points. They have a solid road win in Connecticut and have beaten probable tournament teams Michigan State, Southern Illinois, and Purdue at home. So far, they are doing what they are supposed to do. They are winning at home, usually easily, and they are playing very tough on the road.
The really scary thing is that this team is still learning how to play with each other. Also, Sampson is still figuring out his rotation. They are third in the conference in scoring. Forth in scoring defense. They are third in field goal %, second in free throw %, and tied for forth in 3 pt. field gaol %. As the team gels throughout the rest of the season, they will only get better and better.
Sampson seems to be leaning towards a starting five of DJ White, Rod Wilmont, Earl Calloway, Armon Bassett, and Lance Stemler. He then has AJ Ratliff, Joey Shaw, Mike White, Errek Suhr, and Xavier Keeling coming off the bench. The team has scorers at every position in the starting rotation and their bench players can fill it up as well. The key to this team however is Sampson 's staple, and that is defense.
You watch this team play and they make it so hard for the other team to score. They all hustle, they rotate well, and they really seem to enjoy playing defense. That is the key in my opinion. For a team to really be a great defensive team, they need to enjoy playing on that side of the ball. Rod Wilmont has an outside shot at being the conference defensive player of the year. DJ White is in the top five in rebounding and blocks, and the team is in the top 3 in steals and blocks. What does this mean? It means that come March, teams they play against are going to have to play a great game to advance against the Hoosiers.
Next year, they will lose Suhr, Calloway, and Wilmont to graduation and could lose DJ White to the NBA. However, they have a top 5 class coming in highlighted by Eric Gordon, one of the top two players coming into the NCAA's next year. What does this mean? It means that the program has already turned the corner. We will make the Sweet 16 this year I believe, at least, and we will be a top 10 pre-season team next year. If someone had told me before this season that the transition would be this quick, I would've laughed. However, it appears that it is going to be this quick, and all of Hoosier nation can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Real Monster Of The Current Midway
Many people, myself included, were calling this years Bears defenses one of the best in recent memory, if not ever, earlier this season. They were killing people. They were causing turnovers. They were stopping the run. They were stopping the pass. They were pressuring the quarterback. They were keeping opponents out of the end zone. They were dominant. They were everything the Ravens were at the end of the season. Then, in week 6, things started to go down hill.
They started with an injury to Pro Bowl safety Mike Brown. Now, Colts fans will completely understand how important Brown was to the Bears defense since he is everything that Bob Sanders is to the Indy defense. Brown is that guy that does everything well. He is a big hitter. He can play the run. He is good/great in coverage. He makes big plays, and most importantly, he understands where he is supposed to be at all times. That is why these types of guys, and Ed Reed is in this group as well, are always around the ball. They are great athletes, but more than that, they understand their job and their responsibilities. Well, even with an important player like Mike Brown injured and out for the season, the Bears were no more than a step behind where they were prior to his injury.
Then, their defense took another shot, and it changed everything, almost over night. In the December 3rd game against the Minnesota Vikings, Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris went down with what was thought to be nothing more than a twisted ankle. He went out for a few plays, even a series or two, then he came back, for one play. After that play, he was on his back again and had to be helped to the bench. He was out for the year after that. Not with the ankle, but with a sever hamstring injury that was not noticed until after the fact. From this point on, the once dominant Bears defense was giving up points like teams in the bottom half of the league.
They gave up 31 to Tampa, they gave up 26 to Green Bay. They struggled against the run. They had to blitz more which hurt their coverage ability. They still got turnovers, but not in the high numbers they had been. All in all, they looked like a totally different defense, and this was all due to Tommie Harris.
How is this one guy this important? How is he more important than the Bear's Pro Bowl linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. How is he more important that great corners Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher (who both were also banged up late by the way). He is more important because he is the guy that really makes Lovie Smith's cover 2 work.
My buddy John talked about his concerns on the cover 2 in a blog on his site here. He talks about his concerns in respect to the cover 2 that the Colts run, and I think he was dead on. What made the Bears' version of this defense so much better than the Colts' is Tommie Harris. What does he do that makes them so much better than Indy? Well, I am glad you asked.
First off, he is a great pass rushing tackle, just ask Matt Hasselbeck. He is constantly getting pressure on the quarterback. He is often double teamed or schemed against, and he still constantly gets into the backfield. This is not only important for his stats, but also makes the other Bear defensive linemen worlds better. Why? Because the other team has to do so much to stop Harris, that the Alex Browns and Adewale Ogunleyes of the world can walk to the quarterback. This means that they create a great deal of pressure with out having to blitz and bring extra people. They can leave the other 7 guys on the defense back in coverage. This is one of the reasons they caused so many turnovers earlier in the year. The other 7 guys could fly around to the ball and get INT's or rip the ball away from offensive players. This allows the cover 2 to really operate how it should.
The second thing that Harris does that makes the Bears' defense work is he is great against the run. Not only is he the best DT pass rusher since a young Warren Sapp, but he is as good as Gilbert Brown was against the run for the Green Bay Packer Super Bowl teams. He sheds blockers and always seems to be the first guy to hit the ball carrier. This slows the ball carrier up and allows Urlacher, Briggs, Hillenmeyer, etc. to get to the ball before he can get positive yards.
Without a good run stuffer, the cover 2 becomes little more than a line of police tape across the line of scrimmage. Look at the Colts' defense throughout the regular season. Look at the Bears' defense in the games after Harris got hurt. A bad run defense is due to a lack of run stoppers. Now, before you start jumping up and down about the reformed Colts' defense let me tell you that this helps prove my point. Yes, Bob Sanders helps, but what has really changed the run defense is the improved play of Anthony "Booger" McFarlane. He is playing like an All Pro in the playoffs. He's blowing up running plays before they get started. He's in the backfield on almost every play it seems. He is making the tackles that he was missing earlier in the year.
I know that the DT is not a "sexy" position, and that it is much more exciting to say that a safety or linebacker is the reason for a great defense, but it is the DT. This is why I think that the Colts' defense is going to be leaps and bounds better next year (assuming McFarlane continues to get better, like he should). With a quality run stuffer, the rest of the defense can do what they are supposed to. Fly to the ball, cause turnovers, and keep teams out of the end zone. "Well why was their defense so much better last year without McFarlane?" Two words, COREY SIMON. He was a great run stuffer early in his career with Philly and when he was at Florida State. An average pass rusher, but great against the run, and this is what the Colts needed last year. This type of player rarely fits into the dictionary definition of the cover 2 (speed, speed, speed). However it is vital for the defense to be successful. That is what makes Tommie Harris so great. He is both. He is fast, a great pass rusher, and is great against the run. I promise you, had he not gotten hurt, all those "experts" wouldn't be looking so foolish right now for picking the Saints. Everyone with a brain would've picked the Bears, and their dominant defense.
They started with an injury to Pro Bowl safety Mike Brown. Now, Colts fans will completely understand how important Brown was to the Bears defense since he is everything that Bob Sanders is to the Indy defense. Brown is that guy that does everything well. He is a big hitter. He can play the run. He is good/great in coverage. He makes big plays, and most importantly, he understands where he is supposed to be at all times. That is why these types of guys, and Ed Reed is in this group as well, are always around the ball. They are great athletes, but more than that, they understand their job and their responsibilities. Well, even with an important player like Mike Brown injured and out for the season, the Bears were no more than a step behind where they were prior to his injury.
Then, their defense took another shot, and it changed everything, almost over night. In the December 3rd game against the Minnesota Vikings, Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris went down with what was thought to be nothing more than a twisted ankle. He went out for a few plays, even a series or two, then he came back, for one play. After that play, he was on his back again and had to be helped to the bench. He was out for the year after that. Not with the ankle, but with a sever hamstring injury that was not noticed until after the fact. From this point on, the once dominant Bears defense was giving up points like teams in the bottom half of the league.
They gave up 31 to Tampa, they gave up 26 to Green Bay. They struggled against the run. They had to blitz more which hurt their coverage ability. They still got turnovers, but not in the high numbers they had been. All in all, they looked like a totally different defense, and this was all due to Tommie Harris.
How is this one guy this important? How is he more important than the Bear's Pro Bowl linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. How is he more important that great corners Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher (who both were also banged up late by the way). He is more important because he is the guy that really makes Lovie Smith's cover 2 work.
My buddy John talked about his concerns on the cover 2 in a blog on his site here. He talks about his concerns in respect to the cover 2 that the Colts run, and I think he was dead on. What made the Bears' version of this defense so much better than the Colts' is Tommie Harris. What does he do that makes them so much better than Indy? Well, I am glad you asked.
First off, he is a great pass rushing tackle, just ask Matt Hasselbeck. He is constantly getting pressure on the quarterback. He is often double teamed or schemed against, and he still constantly gets into the backfield. This is not only important for his stats, but also makes the other Bear defensive linemen worlds better. Why? Because the other team has to do so much to stop Harris, that the Alex Browns and Adewale Ogunleyes of the world can walk to the quarterback. This means that they create a great deal of pressure with out having to blitz and bring extra people. They can leave the other 7 guys on the defense back in coverage. This is one of the reasons they caused so many turnovers earlier in the year. The other 7 guys could fly around to the ball and get INT's or rip the ball away from offensive players. This allows the cover 2 to really operate how it should.
The second thing that Harris does that makes the Bears' defense work is he is great against the run. Not only is he the best DT pass rusher since a young Warren Sapp, but he is as good as Gilbert Brown was against the run for the Green Bay Packer Super Bowl teams. He sheds blockers and always seems to be the first guy to hit the ball carrier. This slows the ball carrier up and allows Urlacher, Briggs, Hillenmeyer, etc. to get to the ball before he can get positive yards.
Without a good run stuffer, the cover 2 becomes little more than a line of police tape across the line of scrimmage. Look at the Colts' defense throughout the regular season. Look at the Bears' defense in the games after Harris got hurt. A bad run defense is due to a lack of run stoppers. Now, before you start jumping up and down about the reformed Colts' defense let me tell you that this helps prove my point. Yes, Bob Sanders helps, but what has really changed the run defense is the improved play of Anthony "Booger" McFarlane. He is playing like an All Pro in the playoffs. He's blowing up running plays before they get started. He's in the backfield on almost every play it seems. He is making the tackles that he was missing earlier in the year.
I know that the DT is not a "sexy" position, and that it is much more exciting to say that a safety or linebacker is the reason for a great defense, but it is the DT. This is why I think that the Colts' defense is going to be leaps and bounds better next year (assuming McFarlane continues to get better, like he should). With a quality run stuffer, the rest of the defense can do what they are supposed to. Fly to the ball, cause turnovers, and keep teams out of the end zone. "Well why was their defense so much better last year without McFarlane?" Two words, COREY SIMON. He was a great run stuffer early in his career with Philly and when he was at Florida State. An average pass rusher, but great against the run, and this is what the Colts needed last year. This type of player rarely fits into the dictionary definition of the cover 2 (speed, speed, speed). However it is vital for the defense to be successful. That is what makes Tommie Harris so great. He is both. He is fast, a great pass rusher, and is great against the run. I promise you, had he not gotten hurt, all those "experts" wouldn't be looking so foolish right now for picking the Saints. Everyone with a brain would've picked the Bears, and their dominant defense.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Career Maker
What a game Peyton Manning had, or at least what a half plus one drive. There was so much pressure on him you could almost feel the frustration he had after the Patriots recovered the fumble in the end zone. This was a play that the defense should make. More importantly, this was a play that the Patriots would make. Peyton knew that he might need a little but of luck to get the monkey off his back here, and this was one of those plays. Then he throws the pick six to Assante Samuel and it seemed like it was over. Then, it seemed he relaxed. I think the pressure actually lifted a bit. He was supposed to do this. He was supposed to choke, at least according to his detractors. Then he took complete control of the game. He takes the ball, makes all the plays he needs to, and watches his defense seal the deal for him. He finally gets to enjoy the post game celebration. He gets to be the one to thank people. Gets to be the one to do the interview out on the field while holding the trophy. It is about time.
Now I see that many people are taking away from his game. I just watched the 1st and 10 program on ESPN and they went with the "Brady lost the game, not Peyton won it" approach. To me this is not only wrong, but it is a back handed slap at Peyton. Why is it that when the "experts" get things wrong they have to give excuses, basically saying that they were right, they just got unlucky. There are "experts" out there giving more credit to the coaches, other players, the defense, etc. It almost seems that people want Peyton to be that lovable loser guy, and now that he has won this game, they want to make sure that he stays that way. To me, this was the game that will forever prove that Peyton is one of the 4 best quarter backs ever. Now, bare with me as I attempt to prove to you why this win was due to Peyton's brilliance, with some help when he needed it.
My best friend John, who is extremely knowledgeable about the Colts, has the opinion that the player of the game was Dallas Clark. I disagree, but to me if it wasn't Peyton, it is Clark. Here is why I disagree. Clark had 6 catches for 137 yards, a great game. However, to me there are 2 issues with him being the player of the game. First off, he dropped an easy touchdown at the end of the first half. Now, I know that the DB had his hands between Clark's hands and his body, but Dallas missed the ball himself. The ball hit him squarely in both hands, and bounced off. Clark will tell you that this was a drop by him.
The other reason is that on 3 of his receptions for 86 of his yards, Peyton actually made the play, or put the ball in the exact spot it had to be. Lets look at those. The first one was earlier in the drive at the end of the first half. it was a very similar play to the 3rd and 6 reception at the end of the Ravens game. Clark was blanketed. He had no more than a half step on his defender. The window to put the ball was almost impossibly small, yet Peyton puts the ball exactly where it has to be so only Dallas can make the catch, at full speed mind you. Now, I tip my hat to Dallas for making the catch, but if Peyton puts that ball anywhere else, it's batted down, or just incomplete. Noone else in the NFL, and that includes Brady, could have made that pass.
The next play was a huge play for 52 yards to Clark down the middle. This play, however, was made by Peyton before he even threw the ball. Clark was wide, wide open on this play and that is because the Patriots brought almost everyone on a blitz. Peyton, supposedly an immobile pocket passer, avoided 2 Patriots, moved up in the pocket and threw a strike, as he was drilled from his right. Clark should catch this ball. He was open by 5 yards and Peyton, even with getting hit, put the ball right on his hands, in stride. Dallas barely had to even lean to catch the ball. He wasn't even touched for 50 yards.
The final play was on a field goal drive early in the 4th quarter. Clark had come open on a deep slant headed towards the side line and Peyton hit him, once again in stride right on the hands, for 23 yards. Not only this, but he put it in a spot where Dallas could only catch it, and would still be able to keep his feet in bounds. Again, there are very few quarterbacks that can make this pass, and Peyton makes it consistently.
On another similar play, on the final game winning drive, Peyton hit Brian Fletcher, again after evading a blitz, for a key 32 yards. Keep in mind, Fletcher was only out there because Ben Utecht was hurt, so there is even more pressure on Peyton to put the ball perfectly on his hands, since he is not completely into the game yet. Again, only a handful of guys could make this play.
Then, the final play I will discuss was the two point conversion. The throw was nothing short of perfect. It was so perfect, it might have even been a little bit lucky. The Colts surprise NE by lining both Harrison and Wayne up on the right side. At the snap, the safety shifts over to help. Peyton takes 4 steps, then throws the ball to a spot. The spot just happens to be the only hole in between two defenders. Now, obviously Harrison made a great play on the ball, turned his body around and made the catch, but it was Payton who put this ball in the tiny hole so Harrison could make the play.
The Patriots came into this game wanting to do two things. They wanted to pressure Peyton, and they wanted to take Harrison and Wayne out of the equation. They did both of these, yet Peyton still had 349 yards passing. He constantly had Patriots at his feet, or hitting him, and yet still made the plays when he had to. As for Harrison and Wayne, they were non factors. This was partly due to great defense by the Patriots led by one of the more under-rated guys in football in Samuel. However, neither guy took advantage of the opportunities they had.
Wayne tripped twice, by himself, including one in the end zone. He also dropped 2 balls that hit him in the hands, including a play on a third and long that would have been good enough for a first down. he had his defender on his back, and the ball hit him in both hands. He just missed it.
Then there is Marvin Harrison. For my money, the best receiver not named Rice in the history of the league. However, he drops a ball on the goal line on a deep post route. I know Samuel was there, but this is a ball that Harrison catches. Then there was a third and huge, in the first half, on the drive after the pick six, deep in their own territory that hits Marvin, deep down the field, right in the hands. What happens? The ball bounces off his hands then hits him in the head. Now, again, Samuel was there with him, but this is a Hall of Fame player that needs to make this play in these games.
With his two biggest weapons taken away, Peyton had to work that much harder to make plays. Also, lets not forget that they had to come back from an 18 point lead. Also, one of the reasons Peyton didn't have as many TD's as he might usually have is that the Colts ran the ball very well inside the 5. There were 3 TD runs (well, we'll count the fumble recovery by Saturday as a run since that is how it started), one by Peyton, in the second half. Peyton leads the league every year in TD passes inside the five, but if your running game gets into the end zone, then there is not real need to pass.
All things considered, Peyton played maybe the best game of his career, and it was in the most important game of his career. There was all the pressure in the world on him going into this game. He had his two biggest weapons taken away from him. He had a huge hole dug quickly, as much done by him as anyone else. With all this taken into account, he stepped up when he had too, made the plays that needed to be made, and won the game. This is a defining moment in his career. Now, lets hope that he has many more defining moments in the years to come.
Now I see that many people are taking away from his game. I just watched the 1st and 10 program on ESPN and they went with the "Brady lost the game, not Peyton won it" approach. To me this is not only wrong, but it is a back handed slap at Peyton. Why is it that when the "experts" get things wrong they have to give excuses, basically saying that they were right, they just got unlucky. There are "experts" out there giving more credit to the coaches, other players, the defense, etc. It almost seems that people want Peyton to be that lovable loser guy, and now that he has won this game, they want to make sure that he stays that way. To me, this was the game that will forever prove that Peyton is one of the 4 best quarter backs ever. Now, bare with me as I attempt to prove to you why this win was due to Peyton's brilliance, with some help when he needed it.
My best friend John, who is extremely knowledgeable about the Colts, has the opinion that the player of the game was Dallas Clark. I disagree, but to me if it wasn't Peyton, it is Clark. Here is why I disagree. Clark had 6 catches for 137 yards, a great game. However, to me there are 2 issues with him being the player of the game. First off, he dropped an easy touchdown at the end of the first half. Now, I know that the DB had his hands between Clark's hands and his body, but Dallas missed the ball himself. The ball hit him squarely in both hands, and bounced off. Clark will tell you that this was a drop by him.
The other reason is that on 3 of his receptions for 86 of his yards, Peyton actually made the play, or put the ball in the exact spot it had to be. Lets look at those. The first one was earlier in the drive at the end of the first half. it was a very similar play to the 3rd and 6 reception at the end of the Ravens game. Clark was blanketed. He had no more than a half step on his defender. The window to put the ball was almost impossibly small, yet Peyton puts the ball exactly where it has to be so only Dallas can make the catch, at full speed mind you. Now, I tip my hat to Dallas for making the catch, but if Peyton puts that ball anywhere else, it's batted down, or just incomplete. Noone else in the NFL, and that includes Brady, could have made that pass.
The next play was a huge play for 52 yards to Clark down the middle. This play, however, was made by Peyton before he even threw the ball. Clark was wide, wide open on this play and that is because the Patriots brought almost everyone on a blitz. Peyton, supposedly an immobile pocket passer, avoided 2 Patriots, moved up in the pocket and threw a strike, as he was drilled from his right. Clark should catch this ball. He was open by 5 yards and Peyton, even with getting hit, put the ball right on his hands, in stride. Dallas barely had to even lean to catch the ball. He wasn't even touched for 50 yards.
The final play was on a field goal drive early in the 4th quarter. Clark had come open on a deep slant headed towards the side line and Peyton hit him, once again in stride right on the hands, for 23 yards. Not only this, but he put it in a spot where Dallas could only catch it, and would still be able to keep his feet in bounds. Again, there are very few quarterbacks that can make this pass, and Peyton makes it consistently.
On another similar play, on the final game winning drive, Peyton hit Brian Fletcher, again after evading a blitz, for a key 32 yards. Keep in mind, Fletcher was only out there because Ben Utecht was hurt, so there is even more pressure on Peyton to put the ball perfectly on his hands, since he is not completely into the game yet. Again, only a handful of guys could make this play.
Then, the final play I will discuss was the two point conversion. The throw was nothing short of perfect. It was so perfect, it might have even been a little bit lucky. The Colts surprise NE by lining both Harrison and Wayne up on the right side. At the snap, the safety shifts over to help. Peyton takes 4 steps, then throws the ball to a spot. The spot just happens to be the only hole in between two defenders. Now, obviously Harrison made a great play on the ball, turned his body around and made the catch, but it was Payton who put this ball in the tiny hole so Harrison could make the play.
The Patriots came into this game wanting to do two things. They wanted to pressure Peyton, and they wanted to take Harrison and Wayne out of the equation. They did both of these, yet Peyton still had 349 yards passing. He constantly had Patriots at his feet, or hitting him, and yet still made the plays when he had to. As for Harrison and Wayne, they were non factors. This was partly due to great defense by the Patriots led by one of the more under-rated guys in football in Samuel. However, neither guy took advantage of the opportunities they had.
Wayne tripped twice, by himself, including one in the end zone. He also dropped 2 balls that hit him in the hands, including a play on a third and long that would have been good enough for a first down. he had his defender on his back, and the ball hit him in both hands. He just missed it.
Then there is Marvin Harrison. For my money, the best receiver not named Rice in the history of the league. However, he drops a ball on the goal line on a deep post route. I know Samuel was there, but this is a ball that Harrison catches. Then there was a third and huge, in the first half, on the drive after the pick six, deep in their own territory that hits Marvin, deep down the field, right in the hands. What happens? The ball bounces off his hands then hits him in the head. Now, again, Samuel was there with him, but this is a Hall of Fame player that needs to make this play in these games.
With his two biggest weapons taken away, Peyton had to work that much harder to make plays. Also, lets not forget that they had to come back from an 18 point lead. Also, one of the reasons Peyton didn't have as many TD's as he might usually have is that the Colts ran the ball very well inside the 5. There were 3 TD runs (well, we'll count the fumble recovery by Saturday as a run since that is how it started), one by Peyton, in the second half. Peyton leads the league every year in TD passes inside the five, but if your running game gets into the end zone, then there is not real need to pass.
All things considered, Peyton played maybe the best game of his career, and it was in the most important game of his career. There was all the pressure in the world on him going into this game. He had his two biggest weapons taken away from him. He had a huge hole dug quickly, as much done by him as anyone else. With all this taken into account, he stepped up when he had too, made the plays that needed to be made, and won the game. This is a defining moment in his career. Now, lets hope that he has many more defining moments in the years to come.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Scott's Day Of Redemption
Well, now I am totally confused. How do you react when your teams win? You have to understand, most of the teams that I like are great in the regular season, and then completely disappear in their post seasons. Florida State had 14 straight years finishing in the top 4 but only won 2, count 'em, 2 National Titles. The Hoosiers were/are one of the best programs in College Basketball, but haven't won a title since 1987. The Cubs need no explanation. The Colts and Bears have been good for at least a few if not all of the last 5 years, yet had never won the big one. Well now, not only did the Bears beat the Saints, but then the Colts went out and vanquished their own personal demon, Tom Brady. I just don't know how to respond. I am very good at moving on. The line "Well, we should be good next year" is so etched into my mind that I've been saying it all night, even though both teams won. I actually had to call a friend of mine that is a Duke fan and ask her how to act in these situations. Well, now I get the best gig in the country. I get to sit back and watch the Super Bowl and know that no matter who wins, I will be happy. If I had to pick one of the two to put my support behind, it would be the Bears, but I will be rooting almost as hard for Peyton and the Colts. Now, what were my thoughts on the games? Well, I'm glad you asked. Here we go......
1. Lets go with the Bears game first, since they were the first game. I think I can count on one hand the number of "experts" that I saw pick the Bears in this game. Well, the pride of this team showed today as they totally dismantled the NFL's best offense (statistically that is). They won the rushing battle 196-56 (the experts said this would favor Deuce and the Saints). They had no turn overs and no sacks allowed while they turned the Saints over 4 times and had 3 sacks of Drew Brees. The Bears even dominated in penalties with only 1 for 5 yards compared to 7 for 47 yards. Lets look at this. 0 TO's, 0 sacks allowed, and 1 penalty for 5 yards. That is ridiculous. The only area they were beat in was the passing yards (319-144) but this is to be expected since they had a lead the entire game.
This game was total dominance, and there is no other word for it. There was a moment where the Saints had taken the momentum. They were driving with a chance to take the lead, but then the Bears defense stood up, shut the drive down, and forced a long field goal attempt that was very, very short. The Bears then pin them deep on their next possession, and Drew Brees opens up the flood gates with an intentional grounding in the end zone, which is a safety. The game was over at this moment. The Saints were never in it the rest of the game.
Now, as for the Bears, they did what they needed to. They dominated on the ground, and Rex made the plays when he needed to, including a 5-5 for 77 yards and a TD drive. As a Bears fan, this was what I was hoping for. This was what the team looked like earlier in the year. This team has more talent than any other team left going into this weekend on defense, and it is time that people realize it. Now, onto the Colts.
2. Man, where do I start here. I must say, I left the place I was watching the game before the drive to end the first half. I was thinking, this is it. Yet once again, Brady and Belichick have figured Peyton out and the Colts will once again go home with their heads hanging. Then the second half started. The Colts dominated time of possession in the second half and, with the exception of 2 drives, scored every time they touched the ball. They did everything they had to to win, and they did it with the pressure on. People need to shut up about Peyton now. There was no one else playing this weekend, with the exception of Rex Grossman (and he wasn't really close), that had this much pressure on him. He started slow, but when it mattered, he made every play he needed to. I was so impressed with him in the forth quarter.
Then there was the defense. The D didn't shut down the Patriots as they had the Chiefs and Ravens, but they held the Patriots when they had to. The Pats had 4 possessions late in the forth quarter where a TD probably ends the game, and they could only muster 3 field goals, including a drive after their defense stopped the Colts. All they needed to do was get one first down. The Colts would've been out of TO's and the two minute warning would've been the only other way to stop the clock. With all this going on, the defense stands up and, led by inch for inch the best defensive player in football Bob Sanders, gets the stop they need. Then the story of Peyton Manning and the Patriots gets it's final chapter.
With 2:17 left on the clock and down by 3, Peyton and the offense take the field with all the pressure in the world squarely on their shoulders. What do they do? In 1:17 they drive 80 yards and take the lead. Peyton looked cool, calm, and dare I say it Brady-esque on this final drive. He showed everyone that said "Oh Peyton can't win the big one" that they really no nothing about sports. I am so happy for him and Tony Dungy. They deserve this.
Those are my thoughts on what was one of the best single days of sports in my life time. I hope that the Super Bowl is as good a game as I think it will be. Either way though, I am going to be sitting in my Lazy Boy, leaning back with a big grin on my face as I watch my teams battle it out for my first team championship since Florida State won in 1999. Oh , and if you were wondering, yes, this day will be all about me. Anyone who knows me and knows what I've been through with my teams would agree with me.
1. Lets go with the Bears game first, since they were the first game. I think I can count on one hand the number of "experts" that I saw pick the Bears in this game. Well, the pride of this team showed today as they totally dismantled the NFL's best offense (statistically that is). They won the rushing battle 196-56 (the experts said this would favor Deuce and the Saints). They had no turn overs and no sacks allowed while they turned the Saints over 4 times and had 3 sacks of Drew Brees. The Bears even dominated in penalties with only 1 for 5 yards compared to 7 for 47 yards. Lets look at this. 0 TO's, 0 sacks allowed, and 1 penalty for 5 yards. That is ridiculous. The only area they were beat in was the passing yards (319-144) but this is to be expected since they had a lead the entire game.
This game was total dominance, and there is no other word for it. There was a moment where the Saints had taken the momentum. They were driving with a chance to take the lead, but then the Bears defense stood up, shut the drive down, and forced a long field goal attempt that was very, very short. The Bears then pin them deep on their next possession, and Drew Brees opens up the flood gates with an intentional grounding in the end zone, which is a safety. The game was over at this moment. The Saints were never in it the rest of the game.
Now, as for the Bears, they did what they needed to. They dominated on the ground, and Rex made the plays when he needed to, including a 5-5 for 77 yards and a TD drive. As a Bears fan, this was what I was hoping for. This was what the team looked like earlier in the year. This team has more talent than any other team left going into this weekend on defense, and it is time that people realize it. Now, onto the Colts.
2. Man, where do I start here. I must say, I left the place I was watching the game before the drive to end the first half. I was thinking, this is it. Yet once again, Brady and Belichick have figured Peyton out and the Colts will once again go home with their heads hanging. Then the second half started. The Colts dominated time of possession in the second half and, with the exception of 2 drives, scored every time they touched the ball. They did everything they had to to win, and they did it with the pressure on. People need to shut up about Peyton now. There was no one else playing this weekend, with the exception of Rex Grossman (and he wasn't really close), that had this much pressure on him. He started slow, but when it mattered, he made every play he needed to. I was so impressed with him in the forth quarter.
Then there was the defense. The D didn't shut down the Patriots as they had the Chiefs and Ravens, but they held the Patriots when they had to. The Pats had 4 possessions late in the forth quarter where a TD probably ends the game, and they could only muster 3 field goals, including a drive after their defense stopped the Colts. All they needed to do was get one first down. The Colts would've been out of TO's and the two minute warning would've been the only other way to stop the clock. With all this going on, the defense stands up and, led by inch for inch the best defensive player in football Bob Sanders, gets the stop they need. Then the story of Peyton Manning and the Patriots gets it's final chapter.
With 2:17 left on the clock and down by 3, Peyton and the offense take the field with all the pressure in the world squarely on their shoulders. What do they do? In 1:17 they drive 80 yards and take the lead. Peyton looked cool, calm, and dare I say it Brady-esque on this final drive. He showed everyone that said "Oh Peyton can't win the big one" that they really no nothing about sports. I am so happy for him and Tony Dungy. They deserve this.
Those are my thoughts on what was one of the best single days of sports in my life time. I hope that the Super Bowl is as good a game as I think it will be. Either way though, I am going to be sitting in my Lazy Boy, leaning back with a big grin on my face as I watch my teams battle it out for my first team championship since Florida State won in 1999. Oh , and if you were wondering, yes, this day will be all about me. Anyone who knows me and knows what I've been through with my teams would agree with me.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Some Thoughts For January, 18th
OK, so today I have nothing huge to talk about, but I had a few thoughts on some things. This is probably what will happen on days that I want to write, but don't have a huge topic to cover. I'll just hit you with some thoughts, and go from there. If you ever watch "Rome is Burning" on ESPN, it is kind of like the first segment on his show. Just a bunch of random thoughts on things that I am "burning" on. OK, here we go.....
1. First thing I want to cover is the brutal attack of my Chicago Bears. Now, as I touched on yesterday, I know that there are issues. I will also admit that this team would most likely lose to the Seahawks of last year and will (and should be) an underdog to the Colts or Patriots. I know that the NFC is bad, and the NFC North might have been the worst of all of them (although I think the West was) so there schedule might not have been as impressive as some other teams. I know that their defense is not the dominant force it was earlier in the year.
I know these things, but I don't care. This is a good team. I know all the "experts" are busy bashing them, and it appears that it is fashionable to bash the Bears. Here are the facts though, their defense is still ranked higher than any of the other teams left in the playoffs. Other than Indy, none of the remaining defenses are playing all that well. Ask yourself honestly, if you could take one of those four, which would you take? I think most people, assuming they could look at this evenly, would take the Bears. Without Tommie Harris and Mike Brown they are not the unstoppable force they were early, like the Ravens are now. However, they still have more talent on that side of the ball than anyone left, and they still make the stops when they have to.
I would bring up last years Super Bowl winner, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Is there anyone in the world that thinks they were the best team in football last year? I think most people would agree that they got hot at the right time, and had some things go there way (good cut there Nick Harper!). Why didn't people call them out last year like they are calling out the Bears? What is different? This is a good team. Were they the best team throughout the year, no, but they were at one point. After week 5 would anyone have said that the Ravens or the Chargers were as good as the Colts or Bears? I doubt it. At the end of the season, would anyone say that the Bears or Colts were close to the Ravens or Chargers? Again, not likely. However, what two teams are still playing? People just need to deal with whatever it is that bothers them about the Bears. It is very rare anymore that the "best" team wins the championship. That's just they way it is. Deal with it, and move on. Now, all this being said, I still don't think the Bears are going to beat the Saints, but this was just bothering me.
2. Now, I want to move on to something that is a big, pleasant surprise for me and that is how good the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team is playing so far. This was supposed to be a year of transition, with the bringing in of Kelvin Sampson, but it is starting to look like one of the more successful years in recent memory for the Hoosiers. They are a team full of guys that most people haven't heard of. The only top player is DJ White. The rest of the team is a bunch of middle-of-the-road players from around the country. However, this team is now playing as well as anyone in the Big 10 not from the state of Wisconsin. Their only loss in conference was in Columbus to the top 10 Buckeyes, and they actually led at one point in the second half. Their 4 losses are all road losses to top 25 teams (Butler in Indianapolis, @ Duke, @ Kentucky, and @ Ohio State). They are now killing people. Their defense is crushing, and they are shooting the lights out. Now, do I think they will continue to play this well? Probably not, but they are going to be a team that is very, very scary to play at the end of the season. There is a very good chance that they will be a top 3 seed in the Big 10 tournament, and they could also be a top 4 seed in their region of the NCAA tournament. If you had told any average IU fan that we would make the tournament, and maybe win a game, they would be thrilled. I'm going to up the ante. I think this is a team that will go to the sweet 16, at least, and they will be one of the 3 or 4 scariest teams in the nation come March. Write it down!
1. First thing I want to cover is the brutal attack of my Chicago Bears. Now, as I touched on yesterday, I know that there are issues. I will also admit that this team would most likely lose to the Seahawks of last year and will (and should be) an underdog to the Colts or Patriots. I know that the NFC is bad, and the NFC North might have been the worst of all of them (although I think the West was) so there schedule might not have been as impressive as some other teams. I know that their defense is not the dominant force it was earlier in the year.
I know these things, but I don't care. This is a good team. I know all the "experts" are busy bashing them, and it appears that it is fashionable to bash the Bears. Here are the facts though, their defense is still ranked higher than any of the other teams left in the playoffs. Other than Indy, none of the remaining defenses are playing all that well. Ask yourself honestly, if you could take one of those four, which would you take? I think most people, assuming they could look at this evenly, would take the Bears. Without Tommie Harris and Mike Brown they are not the unstoppable force they were early, like the Ravens are now. However, they still have more talent on that side of the ball than anyone left, and they still make the stops when they have to.
I would bring up last years Super Bowl winner, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Is there anyone in the world that thinks they were the best team in football last year? I think most people would agree that they got hot at the right time, and had some things go there way (good cut there Nick Harper!). Why didn't people call them out last year like they are calling out the Bears? What is different? This is a good team. Were they the best team throughout the year, no, but they were at one point. After week 5 would anyone have said that the Ravens or the Chargers were as good as the Colts or Bears? I doubt it. At the end of the season, would anyone say that the Bears or Colts were close to the Ravens or Chargers? Again, not likely. However, what two teams are still playing? People just need to deal with whatever it is that bothers them about the Bears. It is very rare anymore that the "best" team wins the championship. That's just they way it is. Deal with it, and move on. Now, all this being said, I still don't think the Bears are going to beat the Saints, but this was just bothering me.
2. Now, I want to move on to something that is a big, pleasant surprise for me and that is how good the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team is playing so far. This was supposed to be a year of transition, with the bringing in of Kelvin Sampson, but it is starting to look like one of the more successful years in recent memory for the Hoosiers. They are a team full of guys that most people haven't heard of. The only top player is DJ White. The rest of the team is a bunch of middle-of-the-road players from around the country. However, this team is now playing as well as anyone in the Big 10 not from the state of Wisconsin. Their only loss in conference was in Columbus to the top 10 Buckeyes, and they actually led at one point in the second half. Their 4 losses are all road losses to top 25 teams (Butler in Indianapolis, @ Duke, @ Kentucky, and @ Ohio State). They are now killing people. Their defense is crushing, and they are shooting the lights out. Now, do I think they will continue to play this well? Probably not, but they are going to be a team that is very, very scary to play at the end of the season. There is a very good chance that they will be a top 3 seed in the Big 10 tournament, and they could also be a top 4 seed in their region of the NCAA tournament. If you had told any average IU fan that we would make the tournament, and maybe win a game, they would be thrilled. I'm going to up the ante. I think this is a team that will go to the sweet 16, at least, and they will be one of the 3 or 4 scariest teams in the nation come March. Write it down!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Now, About These Conference Title Games....
Now, here are some thoughts about what I consider the best single day in all of sports. It is not as good a "weekend" as the first weekend of the NCAA tournament, and it is better than the Super Bowl as a single day because there are two games, and they seem to be better games. OK, here we go.....
1. Lets look at the NFC first. Now, I know it is the SEXY thing to totally discount the NFC when it comes to the Super Bowl, and that to me is a mistake, but that is a post for another day. As for this game, I must say, I almost feel bad for being a Bears fan in this game. It seems that if you are rooting against the Saints, and by that the city of New Orleans, then you are evil. Well, if that is the case, so be it. I make no apologies. I also make no apologies for the fact that I think that people are too hard on Rex Grossman. Has he had some terrible games, yes, no doubt. Has he had some great games, more than most. He was second in the NFL in games with a QB rating over 100, and had another 2 in the 90's. However, he was worst in the league in games with a QB rating under 30, including the 1.3 and the 0. Now, do I wish that he was more consistent? Of coarse I do. Do I think the Bears can win a Super Bowl this year with him as their QB? Yes I do, for this reason - defense and running games win Super Bowls. That is almost always the case. Rarely is the team that has the flashy passing attack in, let alone winning, the Super Bowl (just ask Peyton Manning).
The key to this game, and any Super Bowl they may play in, for the Bears is not Rex, it's the defense and the running game. To me, the best shot for the Bears to beat the Saints is to limit their possessions. I think the Saints are as close to an un-stoppable offense as there is in football. That being said, if the Bears can get 2 stops, and use their running game to keep the ball away from Drew Brees, they have a shot. If this game becomes a shoot out, the Bears are done. The Saints D is not very good. they are very similar to the Colts defense. They are built to play with a lead. they are a big play defense that struggles in grind-it-out type games. Again, this could work into the Bears favor. I would like to see a steady diet of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. If this happens, then the Bears could be boarding a plane for Miami.
Now, you ask, do I think they can do this? Honestly, I have no idea. My luck in sports tells me that no, they can't (you'll notice that staggering lack of titles by the teams that I root for). Looking at how the defense has played over the past month also makes me a little nervous. I still feel they are the best defense of the four teams left, but they have not played like the dominant defense they were earlier in the season. That being said, they made every key stop in the Seattle game that they needed to, and many of the injured players from the last month are back (with the notable exceptions of Tommie Harris and Mike Brown). The Saints have only played one other defense that is on the Bears level and that was the number 1 ranked Ravens, and Baltimore blew them out, in New Orleans. That is a positive sign for me. As for my pick, I'll give it at the end.
2. Now onto the other game with a team that i love. I hate echoing what the "experts" say, but it really does seem like the perfect storm for the Colts. They were the team that everyone kind of wrote off going into the playoffs, which seems to be the case when the great teams finally break through (St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Heat, Denver Broncos, etc.). They are incredibly hot defensively. They are playing at home, where they are undefeated. They will be able to play in front of their fans, on that fast track they play on, and in a controlled environment. This has to help them (even though it didn't against Pittsburgh last year). They have won 2 games going into this week, which gives them some nice momentum. Then there is the fact that they have actually, seemingly, killed the ghosts that are the Patriots. All these things seem to point to a win for Indy. Now, for my part, I am not totally convinced that the Colts have a better chance against NE then they would've against SD. Yes, they get this one at home, but there would've been very few weather issues in SD, they wouldn't have had to play against Belicheck and Brady, and they would've been going up against Marty Shottenheimer and a rookie QB. That all being said, this what we have, so lets look at it.
The Colts have won two playoff games basically with their running game and defense, only, or at least it would appear. I disagree with this view though. Yes, Peyton has not had a Peyton-esque playoff so far, but he has still made the plays he needed to. Many of his pics were either the same as punts on third and long, or made by Peyton's own personal demon Ty Law, or were due to a great play by a certain defender named Ed Reed. However, look at the plays he has made. He took them from their own 1 after the McNair INT and got a field goal. He led them on a 7:26 drive to finish the game and leave the Ravens with no hope. And on that drive he made a throw to Dallas Clark on third and 6 that only he can make, and it was when they were on the edge of Vinatieri's range. he made the plays that mattered when they had to be made, for the first time in his career. I really think he has turned the page. The rest of the team is more behind him then they have been in the past and he is not having to play the perfect game for them to win. I think that will continue this week. I think the Colts will turn Brady over a couple times, and I think Peyton will make the plays that are necessary. Will he have a huge game? Maybe, maybe not, but he will make the plays that are needed. I really think that this is the Colts time. Their window is closing and I think, behind closed doors, they know it. I think this is forcing them to play above themselves, and I think it will continue.
3. OK, now for my predictions. I think the Colts will win, but I think it will be a tough game. I think it will be very similar to the game earlier in the year in Foxboro. I think they'll win 24-20. In the NFC, I think, sadly, that the story of the year will continue. I think the Saints will win 27-20 and will be in control for most of the game. I really hope I am wrong. This sets up what could be the highest scoring Super Bowl ever with the 2 best offenses in football. So there you go, these are my thoughts.
1. Lets look at the NFC first. Now, I know it is the SEXY thing to totally discount the NFC when it comes to the Super Bowl, and that to me is a mistake, but that is a post for another day. As for this game, I must say, I almost feel bad for being a Bears fan in this game. It seems that if you are rooting against the Saints, and by that the city of New Orleans, then you are evil. Well, if that is the case, so be it. I make no apologies. I also make no apologies for the fact that I think that people are too hard on Rex Grossman. Has he had some terrible games, yes, no doubt. Has he had some great games, more than most. He was second in the NFL in games with a QB rating over 100, and had another 2 in the 90's. However, he was worst in the league in games with a QB rating under 30, including the 1.3 and the 0. Now, do I wish that he was more consistent? Of coarse I do. Do I think the Bears can win a Super Bowl this year with him as their QB? Yes I do, for this reason - defense and running games win Super Bowls. That is almost always the case. Rarely is the team that has the flashy passing attack in, let alone winning, the Super Bowl (just ask Peyton Manning).
The key to this game, and any Super Bowl they may play in, for the Bears is not Rex, it's the defense and the running game. To me, the best shot for the Bears to beat the Saints is to limit their possessions. I think the Saints are as close to an un-stoppable offense as there is in football. That being said, if the Bears can get 2 stops, and use their running game to keep the ball away from Drew Brees, they have a shot. If this game becomes a shoot out, the Bears are done. The Saints D is not very good. they are very similar to the Colts defense. They are built to play with a lead. they are a big play defense that struggles in grind-it-out type games. Again, this could work into the Bears favor. I would like to see a steady diet of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. If this happens, then the Bears could be boarding a plane for Miami.
Now, you ask, do I think they can do this? Honestly, I have no idea. My luck in sports tells me that no, they can't (you'll notice that staggering lack of titles by the teams that I root for). Looking at how the defense has played over the past month also makes me a little nervous. I still feel they are the best defense of the four teams left, but they have not played like the dominant defense they were earlier in the season. That being said, they made every key stop in the Seattle game that they needed to, and many of the injured players from the last month are back (with the notable exceptions of Tommie Harris and Mike Brown). The Saints have only played one other defense that is on the Bears level and that was the number 1 ranked Ravens, and Baltimore blew them out, in New Orleans. That is a positive sign for me. As for my pick, I'll give it at the end.
2. Now onto the other game with a team that i love. I hate echoing what the "experts" say, but it really does seem like the perfect storm for the Colts. They were the team that everyone kind of wrote off going into the playoffs, which seems to be the case when the great teams finally break through (St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Heat, Denver Broncos, etc.). They are incredibly hot defensively. They are playing at home, where they are undefeated. They will be able to play in front of their fans, on that fast track they play on, and in a controlled environment. This has to help them (even though it didn't against Pittsburgh last year). They have won 2 games going into this week, which gives them some nice momentum. Then there is the fact that they have actually, seemingly, killed the ghosts that are the Patriots. All these things seem to point to a win for Indy. Now, for my part, I am not totally convinced that the Colts have a better chance against NE then they would've against SD. Yes, they get this one at home, but there would've been very few weather issues in SD, they wouldn't have had to play against Belicheck and Brady, and they would've been going up against Marty Shottenheimer and a rookie QB. That all being said, this what we have, so lets look at it.
The Colts have won two playoff games basically with their running game and defense, only, or at least it would appear. I disagree with this view though. Yes, Peyton has not had a Peyton-esque playoff so far, but he has still made the plays he needed to. Many of his pics were either the same as punts on third and long, or made by Peyton's own personal demon Ty Law, or were due to a great play by a certain defender named Ed Reed. However, look at the plays he has made. He took them from their own 1 after the McNair INT and got a field goal. He led them on a 7:26 drive to finish the game and leave the Ravens with no hope. And on that drive he made a throw to Dallas Clark on third and 6 that only he can make, and it was when they were on the edge of Vinatieri's range. he made the plays that mattered when they had to be made, for the first time in his career. I really think he has turned the page. The rest of the team is more behind him then they have been in the past and he is not having to play the perfect game for them to win. I think that will continue this week. I think the Colts will turn Brady over a couple times, and I think Peyton will make the plays that are necessary. Will he have a huge game? Maybe, maybe not, but he will make the plays that are needed. I really think that this is the Colts time. Their window is closing and I think, behind closed doors, they know it. I think this is forcing them to play above themselves, and I think it will continue.
3. OK, now for my predictions. I think the Colts will win, but I think it will be a tough game. I think it will be very similar to the game earlier in the year in Foxboro. I think they'll win 24-20. In the NFC, I think, sadly, that the story of the year will continue. I think the Saints will win 27-20 and will be in control for most of the game. I really hope I am wrong. This sets up what could be the highest scoring Super Bowl ever with the 2 best offenses in football. So there you go, these are my thoughts.
Hi, I'm Scott, And I'm A Cubs Fan....
OK, I would like to welcome any of you that are nice enough to read my blog. My name is Scott. I live in Daytona Beach, FL, but grew up in Indy. I will use this little space to give you my thoughts on the state of sports. There will be no politics, there will be very little entertainment, it will be mainly sports. That being said, I feel that i should take a moment to give you some info up front. So, here we go....
1. First off, I find it easier to put my thoughts out in LIST format. No real reason for it other than it is easier for me to keep my thoughts in order. So, if you are hoping for an article type blog, sorry, this won't be that way here.
2. OK, now, these are my teams in each of their sports:
College basketball - IU. Went there and was also born into and IU house, so no real choice here. I am also a fan of the Syracuse Orange. Not really sure on this one, but just always kind of have been.
College Football - Florida State. Huge, huge FSU fan from the time I was 6. Also, again a big IU fan.
NFL - This is really split down the middle with the Colts and Bears. Growing up in Indy, it is no surprise that I am a Colts fan. As for the Bears, I have always had an affinity for Chicago, both the city and the sports. Growing up, they were the best local teams to root for, and also were many times the only ones on TV (this was before ESPN people).
MLB - Cubs, Cubs, Cubs, and no one else. Yes, this means that every summer is sad for me!
NBA - Bulls. Again, big fan of most Chicago teams (except the White Sox).
3. I will try to stay up to date and current on here, but as many of my friends can tell you, I am not always good at consistently doing things. Hopefully, I'll be able to make this work though.
OK, that is enough about me, I think. Move on to my other posts for some thoughts on actual events, and again, thanks for checking me out.
1. First off, I find it easier to put my thoughts out in LIST format. No real reason for it other than it is easier for me to keep my thoughts in order. So, if you are hoping for an article type blog, sorry, this won't be that way here.
2. OK, now, these are my teams in each of their sports:
College basketball - IU. Went there and was also born into and IU house, so no real choice here. I am also a fan of the Syracuse Orange. Not really sure on this one, but just always kind of have been.
College Football - Florida State. Huge, huge FSU fan from the time I was 6. Also, again a big IU fan.
NFL - This is really split down the middle with the Colts and Bears. Growing up in Indy, it is no surprise that I am a Colts fan. As for the Bears, I have always had an affinity for Chicago, both the city and the sports. Growing up, they were the best local teams to root for, and also were many times the only ones on TV (this was before ESPN people).
MLB - Cubs, Cubs, Cubs, and no one else. Yes, this means that every summer is sad for me!
NBA - Bulls. Again, big fan of most Chicago teams (except the White Sox).
3. I will try to stay up to date and current on here, but as many of my friends can tell you, I am not always good at consistently doing things. Hopefully, I'll be able to make this work though.
OK, that is enough about me, I think. Move on to my other posts for some thoughts on actual events, and again, thanks for checking me out.
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