Wednesday, March 31, 2010
McNabb Controversy sucks.
I am a huge Donovan McNabb fan. Have been, and will be. If he goes to the Raiders, I may pick up his jersey (but I wont wear it). The one thing I hear all the time from national media outlets, is how good Donovan is and how soooo many teams would love to have him on their team. Why has no one made a good offer for him? Why is the only team who is willing to pursue him, the Oakland Raiders? If he is so good, why does no one make a serious run to get him?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 9-0.
A forfeited game in MLB would result in the winning team getting a 9-0 win. There have been 139 forfeits since 1871 the most recent in 1995. Some of the most famous forfeits - 6/4/1974 10 cent beer night; July 12, 1979 Disco Demolition Night and August 10, 1995 Ball Day at Dodger Stadium.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
How many 'Cy Young' awards would Cy Young have won?
In 1955, the greatest pitcher of all time passed away prompting Major League Baseball to create an award that would honor their fallen hero. The Cy Young award was first handed out in 1956 to Don Newcombe who also brought in the NL MVP award that season. There was only one award handed out per season in the first 10 years of its existence, but in 1967 each league started giving the award out to the best pitcher in their leagues. But how many 'Cy Young' awards would Cy Young have won?
Cy Young's career started in 1890 with the Cleveland Spiders, then in 1899 he went to the St. Louis Perfectos, 1901 to the Boston Americans then finished his career from 1909-1911 with the Cleveland Naps. It does not take a baseball historian to be able to determine that the game is vastly different now than it was 100 years ago during Young's days, but you still have to admire this guys stats. His 511 career wins are 94 better than Walter Johnson's 417, good for 2nd all-time. In 1911 the term "pitch-count" did not enter the lexicon of baseball managers which is evident in the amount of complete games that Young pitched. He pitched 40 or more complete games in 9 different seasons and averaged 34 per season. In comparison, Roy Halladay who is looked at as the best pitcher currently in baseball, has 49 career complete games while Young pitched 48 complete games in 1892.
Young posted the most wins in baseball 5 times, had 5-30 win seasons, had the lowest ERA twice and had 12 seasons with an ERA lower than 3.00. So when it comes down to the question of how many 'Cy Young' awards that Cy Young would have won, I would say he has a legitimate chance to win at least 4. In 1892 he led the NL with 36 wins an a 1.93 ERA. He also had 48 complete games and 9 shut-outs that season. 1901, he was back on top as the win leader with 33 to 10 losses and an ERA of 1.62 allowing only 6 home-runs and leading the league in strike outs with 158. 1902, he was again the leader with 32 wins and 11 losses, but 4th with a 2.15 ERA, 41 complete games and 160 strike outs. Finally, the last unquestioned season that he was the best pitcher was in 1903, again leading the league in wins with 28 and 2nd in the league with a 2.08 ERA.
So there you have it, the guy who has the award named after him for being the best pitcher in baseball would have won his award at least 4 times. Despite these dominating stats, he has some of the league records for some not so great reasons. He is baseballs leader in losses with 316 but the top 7 all-time career loss holders are all Hall-of-Famers. Young has allowed the most hits and Earned runs in history. To counter that, he also has pitched more games than anyone else and face 4,150 MORE batters than anyone else has ever faced. So......hes pretty freakin' good. And he also played first base for 5 games between 1896 and 1897. Thanks for reading.
Cy Young's career started in 1890 with the Cleveland Spiders, then in 1899 he went to the St. Louis Perfectos, 1901 to the Boston Americans then finished his career from 1909-1911 with the Cleveland Naps. It does not take a baseball historian to be able to determine that the game is vastly different now than it was 100 years ago during Young's days, but you still have to admire this guys stats. His 511 career wins are 94 better than Walter Johnson's 417, good for 2nd all-time. In 1911 the term "pitch-count" did not enter the lexicon of baseball managers which is evident in the amount of complete games that Young pitched. He pitched 40 or more complete games in 9 different seasons and averaged 34 per season. In comparison, Roy Halladay who is looked at as the best pitcher currently in baseball, has 49 career complete games while Young pitched 48 complete games in 1892.
Young posted the most wins in baseball 5 times, had 5-30 win seasons, had the lowest ERA twice and had 12 seasons with an ERA lower than 3.00. So when it comes down to the question of how many 'Cy Young' awards that Cy Young would have won, I would say he has a legitimate chance to win at least 4. In 1892 he led the NL with 36 wins an a 1.93 ERA. He also had 48 complete games and 9 shut-outs that season. 1901, he was back on top as the win leader with 33 to 10 losses and an ERA of 1.62 allowing only 6 home-runs and leading the league in strike outs with 158. 1902, he was again the leader with 32 wins and 11 losses, but 4th with a 2.15 ERA, 41 complete games and 160 strike outs. Finally, the last unquestioned season that he was the best pitcher was in 1903, again leading the league in wins with 28 and 2nd in the league with a 2.08 ERA.
So there you have it, the guy who has the award named after him for being the best pitcher in baseball would have won his award at least 4 times. Despite these dominating stats, he has some of the league records for some not so great reasons. He is baseballs leader in losses with 316 but the top 7 all-time career loss holders are all Hall-of-Famers. Young has allowed the most hits and Earned runs in history. To counter that, he also has pitched more games than anyone else and face 4,150 MORE batters than anyone else has ever faced. So......hes pretty freakin' good. And he also played first base for 5 games between 1896 and 1897. Thanks for reading.
Random Fact of the Day: 7 time winner
Roger Clemens has won the Cy Young award 7 times in his career, most all-time.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 2 Points.
2 Points. That is the fewest amount of points recorded by an NBA team in a single quarter. Surprisingly, it has happened twice. On April 6, 1997 the Dallas Mavericks scored 2-3rd quarter points in a 87-80 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
On February 4, 2004 the Golden State Warriors were going into the 4th quarter against an explosive Toronto Raptors team with a 73-57 lead. Golden State only scored 2 points in that quarter, allowing Toronto to tie and then beat them in overtime. Not a very good game for the Warriors.
On February 4, 2004 the Golden State Warriors were going into the 4th quarter against an explosive Toronto Raptors team with a 73-57 lead. Golden State only scored 2 points in that quarter, allowing Toronto to tie and then beat them in overtime. Not a very good game for the Warriors.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Re-Drafting the 2004 NFL First Round
One of my favorite things to do is to look back on years past and critically analyze what we have been viewing over the last few years. According to the NFL Players Association, the average career length of an NFL player is 3.5 years. So, I would say allowing a draft class 6 years to prove what kind of NFL players they are is fair. Lets re-draft the first round of 2004 with the knowledge of how those players performed.
1. San Diego Chargers - QB Ben Roethlisberger - Two Super Bowls make him the most worthy of the franchise quarterback tag and he would sit behind Drew Brees for a season or two.
2. Oakland Raiders - QB Phillip Rivers - Rich Gannon was 3 years removed from his MVP season and had absolutely nothing left in the tank. Rivers is another franchise quarterback who could have changed the fortune of this franchise and created one of the best rivalries in the NFL with Rivers and Roethlisberger meeting twice a year ala Cutler and Rivers before Cutler went to Chicago.
3. Arizona Cardinals - WR Larry Fitzgerald - They got it right with one of the best Wide Receivers in the league who is gonna be great for a long time and may find himself in Canton one day.
4. New York Giants - QB Eli Manning - The other Manning brother is the only viable choice for this team that finished the season with 8 straight losses and had Kerry 'Freakin' Collins as its QB with Jesse Palmer as the back-up. They have no other choice but the Ole Miss signal caller.
5. Washington Redskins - S Sean Taylor - This is a tough one because his life was tragically ended in 2007 but he was the best safety prospect to come out of college since Ed Reed and he was truly special during his 3 year career. He also paired with Champ Bailey at the time and made a scary defensive back field.
6. Cleveland Browns - RB Steven Jackson - The Browns rushed for 1,600 yards as a team in 2003, which Jackson is probably capable of. He ran for 1,500 yards in '06 and 1,400 yards last year on horrible teams. He is the best back available and is a corner-stone of a franchise.
7. Detroit Lions - S Bob Sanders - The '07 D.P.O.Y. would help give Dre Bly some extra coverage over-top but this would hardly make this team go from 5-11 to 11-5. This team needs so much help that 6 years later, they are still scrambling.
8. Atlanta Falcons - NT Vince Wilfork - This guy is huuuuugggeee and could certainly fill the gap in the middle of their 3-4 defensive scheme and free up, at the time, Pro-Bowl LB Keith Brooking to continue making plays for that defense.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - TE Kellen Winslow II - This team was as good defensively as anybody in the league this season, but as mediocre in the passing game as anyone as well. Winslow made some mistakes in his career but he is a game changer when he wants to be and is a first round talent in almost any draft. In '03, 34-year old Jimmy Smith was the leading receiver with 54 receptions and 27-year old RB Fred Taylor was second with 48. That passing game needs help.
10. Houston Texans - DT Tommie Harris - This is another team that needs multiple picks to become a mediocre team but Harris would have help the 31st-rated rush defense by stuffing the running lanes and the 31st-rated pass defense by putting pressure on opposing QBs. And in a division with Peyton Manning, you have to do all you can to just try and stop him.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers - OL Chris Snee - Believe it or not, the Steelers ranked 31st in the league in rushing yards in '03 and putting a 2x Pro Bowl player on that offensive line would be a huge help. He was looked as a tackle out of college but has since moved to guard.
12. New York Jets - DE Jared Allen - In '03, the Jets starting DE combined for 18.5 sacks but you can never get too much pressure on the QB. Allen has average 12 sacks a year and is constantly in opposing teams backfield and in NFL quarterbacks nightmares. I can't believe had him sitting around this long.
13. Buffalo Bills - QB Matt Schaub - The Bills were an incredibly stout defensive team in '03 but the statue named Drew Bledsoe running the offense lead to him being sacked 49 times. Schaub would get some of bumps and bruises but he gives you a better chance to win than any QB they have had since Jim Kelly Retired.
14. Chicago Bears - WR Wes Welker - Hard to believe he was undrafted out of Texas Tech but he is an incredible player who could have given Rex Grossman a security blanket. He has twice led the league in receptions and twice made the Pro Bowl. Ask Tom Brady how valuable this guy is.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OT Jason Peters - The 24th ranked rushing offense would have received an upgrade while helping to keep 35 year old Brad Johnson off the turf. Peters is a monster 3x undrafted Pro Bowler who would have been a welcome addition to the mediocre Bucs.
16. Philadelphia Eagles - DT Darnell Dockett - Has recorded 20 sacks over the last 3 seasons and is a high energy guy who could help this defense and would be welcomed onto any team in the NFL right now.
17. Denver Broncos - TE Chris Cooley - Cooley is a 2x Pro Bowler who is as versatile a player as anyone in the league. He has had at least 700 receiving yards 4 times and would help be a great alternate for aging Shannon Sharpe.
18. New Orleans Saints - DE Will Smith - This guy was an absolute beast in college and recorded 20 sacks as a senior. Last season, he had a huge impact for the Super Bowl champs and recorded 13 sacks. He has also not missed a start in the last 3 seasons giving New Orleans good reason to feel like they made a quality pick 6 years ago.
19. Miami Dolphins - WR Lee Evans - Evans is a speedster who excels even when he has atrocious quarterback play. He would have paired up with Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael to make the passing offense some-what explosive. The then-dominant Ricky Williams could have allowed them to utilize the play-action pass. At least he's better than Ted Ginn.
20. Minnesota Vikings - LB Jonathan Vilma - The '04 Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2x Pro Bowler is a leader in the locker room as well as on the field. He had some off-field issues that were a little troublesome, but he was a play maker on last years Super Bowl Champion Saints defense. The Vikings had mediocre play from their Linebackers in '03 and Vilma would have been an instant up-grade.
21. New England Patriots - RB Willie Parker - It seems unfair that the '03 Super Bowl Champs have two first round draft picks, but that's just how it goes. Everything was really good about this team except for their running game. 'Fast Willie' went undrafted out of UNC but he would have instantly helped this team for about 5 seasons, which is really good production out of a running back these days. He also made 2 Pro Bowls.
22. Buffalo Bills -C Nick Hardwick - 50 starts over the last 6 years and being the leader of an offense that has continuously gotten more and more explosive allows the Bills to get this guy. He would be a welcome addition to almost every team in the NFL.
23. Seattle Seahawks - LB Karlos Dansby - He has the size, speed and big play ability that was lacking on in the Seahawks defensive repertoire in '03. He has averaged 87 solo tackles the last 3 seasons and is a big hitter. Just ask Cardinals fan's about what he does in the playoffs to change games.
24. St. Louis Rams - RB Michael Turner - A great college running back turned into a really good NFL running back. He beat the Colts, single-handedly, when they were going for perfection a few years ago. Two years ago, Atlanta made a big free-agent acquisition of Turner and it "Turned' into almost 1,700 yards and 17 TDs. Last year was marred by injuries but he still had a good year. Just imagine how good he would be now if he had been carrying the load for the last 6 years.
25. Green Bay Packers - CB Chris Gamble - Averages 4 interceptions per season and is not afraid to get up-field and make a tackle (in '08 he had 93 tackles). He can also double up as a punt returner. He was Mr. Do-Everything at Ohio State and he could have certainly helped out Green Bay's 23rd ranked pass defense.
26. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Dunta Robinson - All of the Defensive backs on the Bengals were 27 or older in '03 and they needed some help on the 24th ranked pass defense. Robinson has made some big plays over his career and could have helped force some turnovers. He is probably the 26th best player to come into the league in '04.
27. Houston Texans - CB Nathan Vasher - He led the NFC in '05 with 8 interceptions and was returned a missed field goal for a touchdown that year too. He made plays for a good defense and could probably have helped the Texans 31st rated pass defense.
28. Carolina Panthers - WR Malcom Floyd - The past two seasons he has begun to blossom with Philip Rivers throwing the ball for him, but he had a hard road to get here. He was undrafted and had to work his way through the system. If he was a first round pick, the 6'5" Floyd would have been a great complement to dominant, but diminutive, receiver Steve Smith.
29. Atlanta Falcons - CB DeAngelo Hall - He has averaged over 4 interceptions per season and has gone over 100 interception return yards three times in his career. The worst passing defense in the league could certainly have used Hall athleticism in '03.
30. Detroit Lions - RB Derrick Ward - They had the worst rushing offense in the NFL in '03 and they already helped their defense with getting Bob Sanders. Ward is more so a pick because nothing else would really help them. He had over 1,000 yards and 41 receptions two years ago and has shown that he can carry the load. He would still be better than Shawn Bryson and Olandis Gary.
31. San Fransisco 49ers - LB D.J. Williams - He has recorded 100+ tackles in two seasons since '04 and has recently turned into a leader on his Broncos defense. He is from "the U" and has the athletic skill set to make plays on a defense that had a dominant Julian Peterson and game-changing Tony Parrish.
32. New England Patriots - DE Igor Olshansky - He was a beast in college, but has had a some-what disappointing NFL career so far. I just feel like Bill Bellicheck would love a 300-pound defensive end/tackle that can rush the passer and play the run effectively. He has rarely been injured as well, starting at least 12 games every season.
1. San Diego Chargers - QB Ben Roethlisberger - Two Super Bowls make him the most worthy of the franchise quarterback tag and he would sit behind Drew Brees for a season or two.
2. Oakland Raiders - QB Phillip Rivers - Rich Gannon was 3 years removed from his MVP season and had absolutely nothing left in the tank. Rivers is another franchise quarterback who could have changed the fortune of this franchise and created one of the best rivalries in the NFL with Rivers and Roethlisberger meeting twice a year ala Cutler and Rivers before Cutler went to Chicago.
3. Arizona Cardinals - WR Larry Fitzgerald - They got it right with one of the best Wide Receivers in the league who is gonna be great for a long time and may find himself in Canton one day.
4. New York Giants - QB Eli Manning - The other Manning brother is the only viable choice for this team that finished the season with 8 straight losses and had Kerry 'Freakin' Collins as its QB with Jesse Palmer as the back-up. They have no other choice but the Ole Miss signal caller.
5. Washington Redskins - S Sean Taylor - This is a tough one because his life was tragically ended in 2007 but he was the best safety prospect to come out of college since Ed Reed and he was truly special during his 3 year career. He also paired with Champ Bailey at the time and made a scary defensive back field.
6. Cleveland Browns - RB Steven Jackson - The Browns rushed for 1,600 yards as a team in 2003, which Jackson is probably capable of. He ran for 1,500 yards in '06 and 1,400 yards last year on horrible teams. He is the best back available and is a corner-stone of a franchise.
7. Detroit Lions - S Bob Sanders - The '07 D.P.O.Y. would help give Dre Bly some extra coverage over-top but this would hardly make this team go from 5-11 to 11-5. This team needs so much help that 6 years later, they are still scrambling.
8. Atlanta Falcons - NT Vince Wilfork - This guy is huuuuugggeee and could certainly fill the gap in the middle of their 3-4 defensive scheme and free up, at the time, Pro-Bowl LB Keith Brooking to continue making plays for that defense.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - TE Kellen Winslow II - This team was as good defensively as anybody in the league this season, but as mediocre in the passing game as anyone as well. Winslow made some mistakes in his career but he is a game changer when he wants to be and is a first round talent in almost any draft. In '03, 34-year old Jimmy Smith was the leading receiver with 54 receptions and 27-year old RB Fred Taylor was second with 48. That passing game needs help.
10. Houston Texans - DT Tommie Harris - This is another team that needs multiple picks to become a mediocre team but Harris would have help the 31st-rated rush defense by stuffing the running lanes and the 31st-rated pass defense by putting pressure on opposing QBs. And in a division with Peyton Manning, you have to do all you can to just try and stop him.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers - OL Chris Snee - Believe it or not, the Steelers ranked 31st in the league in rushing yards in '03 and putting a 2x Pro Bowl player on that offensive line would be a huge help. He was looked as a tackle out of college but has since moved to guard.
12. New York Jets - DE Jared Allen - In '03, the Jets starting DE combined for 18.5 sacks but you can never get too much pressure on the QB. Allen has average 12 sacks a year and is constantly in opposing teams backfield and in NFL quarterbacks nightmares. I can't believe had him sitting around this long.
13. Buffalo Bills - QB Matt Schaub - The Bills were an incredibly stout defensive team in '03 but the statue named Drew Bledsoe running the offense lead to him being sacked 49 times. Schaub would get some of bumps and bruises but he gives you a better chance to win than any QB they have had since Jim Kelly Retired.
14. Chicago Bears - WR Wes Welker - Hard to believe he was undrafted out of Texas Tech but he is an incredible player who could have given Rex Grossman a security blanket. He has twice led the league in receptions and twice made the Pro Bowl. Ask Tom Brady how valuable this guy is.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OT Jason Peters - The 24th ranked rushing offense would have received an upgrade while helping to keep 35 year old Brad Johnson off the turf. Peters is a monster 3x undrafted Pro Bowler who would have been a welcome addition to the mediocre Bucs.
16. Philadelphia Eagles - DT Darnell Dockett - Has recorded 20 sacks over the last 3 seasons and is a high energy guy who could help this defense and would be welcomed onto any team in the NFL right now.
17. Denver Broncos - TE Chris Cooley - Cooley is a 2x Pro Bowler who is as versatile a player as anyone in the league. He has had at least 700 receiving yards 4 times and would help be a great alternate for aging Shannon Sharpe.
18. New Orleans Saints - DE Will Smith - This guy was an absolute beast in college and recorded 20 sacks as a senior. Last season, he had a huge impact for the Super Bowl champs and recorded 13 sacks. He has also not missed a start in the last 3 seasons giving New Orleans good reason to feel like they made a quality pick 6 years ago.
19. Miami Dolphins - WR Lee Evans - Evans is a speedster who excels even when he has atrocious quarterback play. He would have paired up with Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael to make the passing offense some-what explosive. The then-dominant Ricky Williams could have allowed them to utilize the play-action pass. At least he's better than Ted Ginn.
20. Minnesota Vikings - LB Jonathan Vilma - The '04 Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2x Pro Bowler is a leader in the locker room as well as on the field. He had some off-field issues that were a little troublesome, but he was a play maker on last years Super Bowl Champion Saints defense. The Vikings had mediocre play from their Linebackers in '03 and Vilma would have been an instant up-grade.
21. New England Patriots - RB Willie Parker - It seems unfair that the '03 Super Bowl Champs have two first round draft picks, but that's just how it goes. Everything was really good about this team except for their running game. 'Fast Willie' went undrafted out of UNC but he would have instantly helped this team for about 5 seasons, which is really good production out of a running back these days. He also made 2 Pro Bowls.
22. Buffalo Bills -C Nick Hardwick - 50 starts over the last 6 years and being the leader of an offense that has continuously gotten more and more explosive allows the Bills to get this guy. He would be a welcome addition to almost every team in the NFL.
23. Seattle Seahawks - LB Karlos Dansby - He has the size, speed and big play ability that was lacking on in the Seahawks defensive repertoire in '03. He has averaged 87 solo tackles the last 3 seasons and is a big hitter. Just ask Cardinals fan's about what he does in the playoffs to change games.
24. St. Louis Rams - RB Michael Turner - A great college running back turned into a really good NFL running back. He beat the Colts, single-handedly, when they were going for perfection a few years ago. Two years ago, Atlanta made a big free-agent acquisition of Turner and it "Turned' into almost 1,700 yards and 17 TDs. Last year was marred by injuries but he still had a good year. Just imagine how good he would be now if he had been carrying the load for the last 6 years.
25. Green Bay Packers - CB Chris Gamble - Averages 4 interceptions per season and is not afraid to get up-field and make a tackle (in '08 he had 93 tackles). He can also double up as a punt returner. He was Mr. Do-Everything at Ohio State and he could have certainly helped out Green Bay's 23rd ranked pass defense.
26. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Dunta Robinson - All of the Defensive backs on the Bengals were 27 or older in '03 and they needed some help on the 24th ranked pass defense. Robinson has made some big plays over his career and could have helped force some turnovers. He is probably the 26th best player to come into the league in '04.
27. Houston Texans - CB Nathan Vasher - He led the NFC in '05 with 8 interceptions and was returned a missed field goal for a touchdown that year too. He made plays for a good defense and could probably have helped the Texans 31st rated pass defense.
28. Carolina Panthers - WR Malcom Floyd - The past two seasons he has begun to blossom with Philip Rivers throwing the ball for him, but he had a hard road to get here. He was undrafted and had to work his way through the system. If he was a first round pick, the 6'5" Floyd would have been a great complement to dominant, but diminutive, receiver Steve Smith.
29. Atlanta Falcons - CB DeAngelo Hall - He has averaged over 4 interceptions per season and has gone over 100 interception return yards three times in his career. The worst passing defense in the league could certainly have used Hall athleticism in '03.
30. Detroit Lions - RB Derrick Ward - They had the worst rushing offense in the NFL in '03 and they already helped their defense with getting Bob Sanders. Ward is more so a pick because nothing else would really help them. He had over 1,000 yards and 41 receptions two years ago and has shown that he can carry the load. He would still be better than Shawn Bryson and Olandis Gary.
31. San Fransisco 49ers - LB D.J. Williams - He has recorded 100+ tackles in two seasons since '04 and has recently turned into a leader on his Broncos defense. He is from "the U" and has the athletic skill set to make plays on a defense that had a dominant Julian Peterson and game-changing Tony Parrish.
32. New England Patriots - DE Igor Olshansky - He was a beast in college, but has had a some-what disappointing NFL career so far. I just feel like Bill Bellicheck would love a 300-pound defensive end/tackle that can rush the passer and play the run effectively. He has rarely been injured as well, starting at least 12 games every season.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 3.888 million dollars vs 1.69 million dollars
Assuming that both players play out their $61 million and $99 million contracts, that is the approximate worth of touchdown passes thrown by JaMarcus Russell and Peyton Manning. The first overall pick of 2007 signed a 6 year-$61 million contract and has thrown 18 touchdown passes. In 2004, the other former first overall pick-Peyton Manning- signed a 7 year-$99 million contract and has thrown 168 touchdowns since that season. So by those numbers, every touchdown pass by Russell costs the Raiders 3.8 million and Manning is only costing the Colts 1.69 million. Manning is better every way you look at it.
How does Jake Delhomme get $19 million this year?
After the 2008 season, Jake Delhomme got a huge 5 year-$42 million contract from the Carolina Panthers after a season in which he led the team to a 12-4 record, but effectively ended their season with a 5 interception game against the Arizona Cardinals. And he did not exactly light the world on fire in 2008. His worst game of the year was 17-6 loss to the Raiders in Week 10 where he went 7 for 27 (25%) with 72 passing yards, 1 Touchdown and 4 Interceptions. Andrew Walter outplayed him. He finished the season with an unimpressive 3,288 yards and a 15:12 Touchdown to interception ratio.
The last time he had a "good" season was in 2005 when he led the Panthers to the Conference championship and he again threw the season away with a 3 interception under 200 yard performance in a 34-14 loss. That season he had better stats than 2008 throwing for more than 3,400 yards and a 24:16 touchdown to interception ratio. But still not $42 million worthy, right?
One area that I can say that Delhomme has improved is with his fumbling ability. From 2003-2005 he fumbled a mind boggling 39 times. Since then, he has only put the ball on the turf 18 times. But that still isn't that great. But back to that contract.
The Panthers probably just thought it was a blip on the radar and Delhomme, from all accounts, is a really likable guy so they must have thought he was going to turn it around. Unfortunately he did not and missed the last 5 games of the 2009 season. This year, he is getting paid a little more than $12 million by the Panthers and they still cut him AND will still have to pay his salary. Then, the Browns trade away Brady Quinn, cut Derek Anderson and pay Delhomme $7 million to play quarterback for them next season. I'm not saying a man cannot earn money, but I am just completely puzzled as to why NFL executives think he is worth this much money.
The last time he had a "good" season was in 2005 when he led the Panthers to the Conference championship and he again threw the season away with a 3 interception under 200 yard performance in a 34-14 loss. That season he had better stats than 2008 throwing for more than 3,400 yards and a 24:16 touchdown to interception ratio. But still not $42 million worthy, right?
One area that I can say that Delhomme has improved is with his fumbling ability. From 2003-2005 he fumbled a mind boggling 39 times. Since then, he has only put the ball on the turf 18 times. But that still isn't that great. But back to that contract.
The Panthers probably just thought it was a blip on the radar and Delhomme, from all accounts, is a really likable guy so they must have thought he was going to turn it around. Unfortunately he did not and missed the last 5 games of the 2009 season. This year, he is getting paid a little more than $12 million by the Panthers and they still cut him AND will still have to pay his salary. Then, the Browns trade away Brady Quinn, cut Derek Anderson and pay Delhomme $7 million to play quarterback for them next season. I'm not saying a man cannot earn money, but I am just completely puzzled as to why NFL executives think he is worth this much money.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 24
Reggie Miller is the all-time 4 point play leader in NBA History with 24.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
2010 NFL Mock Draft Picks 21-32
21. Cincinnati Bengals - WR Golden Tate. So...remember when I said Dez Bryant was the only 1st round receiver? Well, I lied. Tate had the kind of season that Bryant would have had if he was not suspended. He can fly, catch the ball with his hands and make plays after the catch. The Bengal really need that and I do not think that they are going to land Terrell Owens so he could turn into the Chad Johnson of 2005, hopefully.
22. New England - LB/DE Brandon Graham. He is a big play maker who will come in and help this defense with its pass rush. He will essentially try to replace Richard Seymour as a long term solution. LB Tully Banta-Cain recorded 10 sacks last year and adding a 260 pound defensive end who can play the pass and the run will improve help the entire defense. The AFC East has a bunch of offensive challenged teams and with Graham in the mix, it should only get harder for the rest of the division. He and Jarod Mayo will become quite the play making young duo.
23. Green Bay - C Maurkice Pouncey. If Chad Clifton leaves in free agency, this may not be the biggest need but either way their offensive line needs help. Aaron Rodgers was sacked 50 times last year, which tied Pittsburghs Ben Roethlisberger for the league lead. Rodgers held on to the ball too long at times, but he did not get much help from his front five. This is the biggest need but they could try and replace Aaron Kampman with Floridas Carlos Dunlap.
24. Philadelphia Eagles - S Taylor Mays. He is just too good of an athlete to pass up on and he has the chance to start as a rookie. He did not create a large amount of turnovers in his college career but he made some good hits and could be a good run defender. Their line backing core needs help but that pass defense really did not help them this year, and the line backing core is very deep in this years draft. Brandon Spikes could also be an appropriate choice. In later rounds, I would like to see this team go after USF's George Selvie and/or Stanfords Toby Gerhart.
25. Baltimore Ravens - LB Brandon Spikes. Ray Lewis is not gonna play forever. They did a nice job on the receiving core in free agency and now will try and groom some talent by drafting them in later rounds. Having Spikes, a two time 1st team All-American, learn under Lewis for a year or two will do wonders for the young guy and help ease the transition away from the Hall-of-Famer.
26. Arizona Cardinals - LB Sean Weatherspoon. Great size, good speed and a nose for making plays. He recorded at least 100 tackles each of the past 3 seasons and was named to the All-Conference team all three seasons. Cardinals fans will not forget the all-time amazing play that Carlos Dansby made during the Packers game this year, but he will be a great linebacker for this team for a long time.
27. Dallas Cowboys - DE Carlos Dunlap. Dunlap is a "character" guy that Jerry Jones would certainly spend a first round pick on. He has started only 15 games in his college career while recording 19.5 career sacks which is pretty awesome. He could complement Anthony Spencer, who has excelled in the last year and half, recording 6 sacks last year, and free up DeMarcus Ware to dominate even more. As an Eagles fan, I really do not look forward to this taking place.
28. San Diego Chargers - RB Joe McKnight. This kid is a huge talent and kind of reminds me of Ladanian Tomlinson. He will be an impact runner and have the ability to be used as a traditional running back, and as a threat catching the ball out of the back field. He ran for over 1,000 yards last year and was clearly the most talented player on last years USC Trojans offense.
29. New York Jets - TE Jermaine Gresham. He is a text-book example as to why you should leave college and take the money as soon as possible. A year ago at this time, he was the best tight end in college football and would have easily cracked the top-10 in selections. His junior season he lead Oklahoma in receiving touchdowns and looked like the sky was the limit. A knee injury right before the start of his senior year put a damper on his plans but you cannot question that this kid was awesome and could help this putrid passing offense.
30. Minnesota Viking - DT Jared Odrick. Pat Williams does not have a whole lot of miles left on those legs and he needs a replacement. Odrick played in a good conference and on a team that usually gives the league some good defensive players. He was the Conferences Defensive player of the year last year and was the was the leader of a defense that was in the top-10 nationally in Total yards allowed per game, points allowed per game and rushing yards allowed per game. He played big in the big games and will be able to find ways on the field next year as a reliever for one of the two big Williams defensive tackles.
31. Indianapolis Colts - LB Ricky Sapp. This defense needs help but without any defensive tackles to really help them, they could use a line backer that can rush the passer. He recorded 15 Tackles for a loss and a career high 5 sacks as he switched from Defensive end to outside linebacker after coming off an ACL injury in his junior season. He will be a nice addition to an already speedy linebacking core with Clint Sessions roaming around there already.
32. New Orleans Saints - DE Everson Griffen. With the release of Charles Grant and the emergence of stud DE Will Smith, this team could use a nice pass rushing tandem. That offense was so good, they should not even draft an offensive player this year. The pass defense was pretty bad overall and an improved pass rush will help the "skill" players. Oh, and by the way, congratulations on a the Super Bowl win, but I want one next year.
22. New England - LB/DE Brandon Graham. He is a big play maker who will come in and help this defense with its pass rush. He will essentially try to replace Richard Seymour as a long term solution. LB Tully Banta-Cain recorded 10 sacks last year and adding a 260 pound defensive end who can play the pass and the run will improve help the entire defense. The AFC East has a bunch of offensive challenged teams and with Graham in the mix, it should only get harder for the rest of the division. He and Jarod Mayo will become quite the play making young duo.
23. Green Bay - C Maurkice Pouncey. If Chad Clifton leaves in free agency, this may not be the biggest need but either way their offensive line needs help. Aaron Rodgers was sacked 50 times last year, which tied Pittsburghs Ben Roethlisberger for the league lead. Rodgers held on to the ball too long at times, but he did not get much help from his front five. This is the biggest need but they could try and replace Aaron Kampman with Floridas Carlos Dunlap.
24. Philadelphia Eagles - S Taylor Mays. He is just too good of an athlete to pass up on and he has the chance to start as a rookie. He did not create a large amount of turnovers in his college career but he made some good hits and could be a good run defender. Their line backing core needs help but that pass defense really did not help them this year, and the line backing core is very deep in this years draft. Brandon Spikes could also be an appropriate choice. In later rounds, I would like to see this team go after USF's George Selvie and/or Stanfords Toby Gerhart.
25. Baltimore Ravens - LB Brandon Spikes. Ray Lewis is not gonna play forever. They did a nice job on the receiving core in free agency and now will try and groom some talent by drafting them in later rounds. Having Spikes, a two time 1st team All-American, learn under Lewis for a year or two will do wonders for the young guy and help ease the transition away from the Hall-of-Famer.
26. Arizona Cardinals - LB Sean Weatherspoon. Great size, good speed and a nose for making plays. He recorded at least 100 tackles each of the past 3 seasons and was named to the All-Conference team all three seasons. Cardinals fans will not forget the all-time amazing play that Carlos Dansby made during the Packers game this year, but he will be a great linebacker for this team for a long time.
27. Dallas Cowboys - DE Carlos Dunlap. Dunlap is a "character" guy that Jerry Jones would certainly spend a first round pick on. He has started only 15 games in his college career while recording 19.5 career sacks which is pretty awesome. He could complement Anthony Spencer, who has excelled in the last year and half, recording 6 sacks last year, and free up DeMarcus Ware to dominate even more. As an Eagles fan, I really do not look forward to this taking place.
28. San Diego Chargers - RB Joe McKnight. This kid is a huge talent and kind of reminds me of Ladanian Tomlinson. He will be an impact runner and have the ability to be used as a traditional running back, and as a threat catching the ball out of the back field. He ran for over 1,000 yards last year and was clearly the most talented player on last years USC Trojans offense.
29. New York Jets - TE Jermaine Gresham. He is a text-book example as to why you should leave college and take the money as soon as possible. A year ago at this time, he was the best tight end in college football and would have easily cracked the top-10 in selections. His junior season he lead Oklahoma in receiving touchdowns and looked like the sky was the limit. A knee injury right before the start of his senior year put a damper on his plans but you cannot question that this kid was awesome and could help this putrid passing offense.
30. Minnesota Viking - DT Jared Odrick. Pat Williams does not have a whole lot of miles left on those legs and he needs a replacement. Odrick played in a good conference and on a team that usually gives the league some good defensive players. He was the Conferences Defensive player of the year last year and was the was the leader of a defense that was in the top-10 nationally in Total yards allowed per game, points allowed per game and rushing yards allowed per game. He played big in the big games and will be able to find ways on the field next year as a reliever for one of the two big Williams defensive tackles.
31. Indianapolis Colts - LB Ricky Sapp. This defense needs help but without any defensive tackles to really help them, they could use a line backer that can rush the passer. He recorded 15 Tackles for a loss and a career high 5 sacks as he switched from Defensive end to outside linebacker after coming off an ACL injury in his junior season. He will be a nice addition to an already speedy linebacking core with Clint Sessions roaming around there already.
32. New Orleans Saints - DE Everson Griffen. With the release of Charles Grant and the emergence of stud DE Will Smith, this team could use a nice pass rushing tandem. That offense was so good, they should not even draft an offensive player this year. The pass defense was pretty bad overall and an improved pass rush will help the "skill" players. Oh, and by the way, congratulations on a the Super Bowl win, but I want one next year.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
2010 NFL Mock Draft Picks 11-20
Picks 10 and 11 will be decided by a coin toss on draft day so I have a 50/50 chance that Jacksonville or Denver will be picking in those respective spots.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Dez Bryant. Bryant is a stud and the only true 1st round WR coming out of college this year. He was suspended for most of last year but he is an amazing talent and could help pair with an emerging Marcedes Lewis and Mike Sims-Walker to make this a decent offense. He has "character issues" that may make teams think twice about him and since Sims-Walker was suspended by the Jags last year for a game and their other WR project Matt Jones was a total waste of a draft pick.
12. Miami Dolphins - LB/DE Sergio Kindle. Another beast for the last two seasons in college. He had a great game in the national championship that capped a terrific senior season. Some off the field issues could scare teams away but if Miami does not resign Jason Taylor, Kindle will provide great pressure from either the DE or OLB position.
13. San Fransisco 49ers - S Earl Thomas. The 49ers had one of the worst pass defenses in the league and this guy would bring fundamental tackling and big play ability. He returned two of his 8 interceptions for touchdowns last season. 49er defensive backs combined for only one more interception last season than Thomas has by himself in 2009. Get this guy and don't look back.
14. Seattle Seahawks - OT Bruce Campebll. Man, there are a ton of tackles getting picked in this draft but it is a top heavy, talent laden class. He will help insure their investment Clausen and give promising young RB Justin Forsett some holes to run through.
15. New York Giants - LB Rolando McClain. As an eagles fan, I would LOOOVEEEE if he lasted until my birds pick at no. 24 but trust me, it ain't gonna happen. This guy is going to be everything that recently released Antonio Pierce was for this team and then some. He was an extension of Nick Sabans brain on the field and he will instantly help this defense rise back to the NFL's elite. It sucks, don't it?
16. Tennesee Titans - DE Derrick Morgan. I was thinking about giving Brian Price to these guys, but Morgan should not still be available. He is incredibly talented and can help replenish the hole that Hanesworth left while giving the defensive backs some much needed assistance with quarterback pressure.
17. San Fransisco 49ers - OT/OG Mike Iupati. I saw limited plays of this guy in college but I did see him at the Senior Bowl (thank you NFL Network) and he is a monster. Even if Alex Smith continues to be one of the biggest busts of the last decade, at least Frank Gore will thankful that he has holes to run through again.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - RB C.J. Spiller. These are not your father's Steelers, heck, not even OUR Steelers. These guys did not or could not run the ball last year and Spiller fits their new system perfectly. Spiller would just out run defenses and they are pretty fast in the ACC. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, line up at wide receiver and return kicks and punts. Brian Westbrook of the new decade.
19. Atlanta Falcons - CB Kyle Wilson. He is a big reason that Boise's defense was the real deal this year and he has all the measurables' to help one of the worst pass defenses at least move the meter in the right direction. He was a big hitter who will make Falcons fans proud.
20. Houston Texans - RB Jonathan Dwyer. Had an impressive combine to prove that he was not just a power back. He has averaged 1,300 yards the last two seasons in an offense that only threw the ball about 10 times a game. Hes gonna be good.
Alright, sorry about the delay on the second installment of the mock draft but I got a little busy. I'm gonna finish it ASAP and hopefully, I'm right.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Dez Bryant. Bryant is a stud and the only true 1st round WR coming out of college this year. He was suspended for most of last year but he is an amazing talent and could help pair with an emerging Marcedes Lewis and Mike Sims-Walker to make this a decent offense. He has "character issues" that may make teams think twice about him and since Sims-Walker was suspended by the Jags last year for a game and their other WR project Matt Jones was a total waste of a draft pick.
12. Miami Dolphins - LB/DE Sergio Kindle. Another beast for the last two seasons in college. He had a great game in the national championship that capped a terrific senior season. Some off the field issues could scare teams away but if Miami does not resign Jason Taylor, Kindle will provide great pressure from either the DE or OLB position.
13. San Fransisco 49ers - S Earl Thomas. The 49ers had one of the worst pass defenses in the league and this guy would bring fundamental tackling and big play ability. He returned two of his 8 interceptions for touchdowns last season. 49er defensive backs combined for only one more interception last season than Thomas has by himself in 2009. Get this guy and don't look back.
14. Seattle Seahawks - OT Bruce Campebll. Man, there are a ton of tackles getting picked in this draft but it is a top heavy, talent laden class. He will help insure their investment Clausen and give promising young RB Justin Forsett some holes to run through.
15. New York Giants - LB Rolando McClain. As an eagles fan, I would LOOOVEEEE if he lasted until my birds pick at no. 24 but trust me, it ain't gonna happen. This guy is going to be everything that recently released Antonio Pierce was for this team and then some. He was an extension of Nick Sabans brain on the field and he will instantly help this defense rise back to the NFL's elite. It sucks, don't it?
16. Tennesee Titans - DE Derrick Morgan. I was thinking about giving Brian Price to these guys, but Morgan should not still be available. He is incredibly talented and can help replenish the hole that Hanesworth left while giving the defensive backs some much needed assistance with quarterback pressure.
17. San Fransisco 49ers - OT/OG Mike Iupati. I saw limited plays of this guy in college but I did see him at the Senior Bowl (thank you NFL Network) and he is a monster. Even if Alex Smith continues to be one of the biggest busts of the last decade, at least Frank Gore will thankful that he has holes to run through again.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - RB C.J. Spiller. These are not your father's Steelers, heck, not even OUR Steelers. These guys did not or could not run the ball last year and Spiller fits their new system perfectly. Spiller would just out run defenses and they are pretty fast in the ACC. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, line up at wide receiver and return kicks and punts. Brian Westbrook of the new decade.
19. Atlanta Falcons - CB Kyle Wilson. He is a big reason that Boise's defense was the real deal this year and he has all the measurables' to help one of the worst pass defenses at least move the meter in the right direction. He was a big hitter who will make Falcons fans proud.
20. Houston Texans - RB Jonathan Dwyer. Had an impressive combine to prove that he was not just a power back. He has averaged 1,300 yards the last two seasons in an offense that only threw the ball about 10 times a game. Hes gonna be good.
Alright, sorry about the delay on the second installment of the mock draft but I got a little busy. I'm gonna finish it ASAP and hopefully, I'm right.
NFL 2010 Mock Draft: Picks 1-10.
I am an enormous college football fan, and I consider myself a fairly knowledgeable one at that. I have my own opinions on how the first round will turn out and I will have some 'splaining to do on why I put certain players where I have them going. I will do picks 1-10 today, 11-20 tomorrow and picks 21-32 on Thursday. Also, everyone else is doing one of these so I might as well do one too.
1. St. Louis Rams - QB Sam Bradford. I know, I know. Ndamukong Suh is probably the best DL prospect to come out in over 10 years, but this is a league where if you don't have a quarterback, you don't have jack. Bradford has injury problems but he is the best rated passer coming out of college and you can't pass that up. Hopefully this isn't Sam Bowie and Suh is Michael Jordan though.
2. Detroit Lions - DT Ndamukong Suh. See! I'm not THAT stupid. This guy is going to terrorize quarterbacks for years, and Detroit got their arm in last years draft.
3, Tampa Bay Bucs - DT Gerald McCoy. Another insanely talented man who is going to make one defensive coordinator very happy and a lot of offensive coordinators not so happy. The guy was a dominant force for his entire career and usually drafting Oklahoma defensive players is a good idea.
4. Washington Redskins - OT Brian Bulaga. Tough call here, because you know they want another signal caller but with their offensive line in shambles and the depth of this draft, they can get a mauler who will keep whoever is their quarterback on his feet. He played against some great pass rushers, like Michigan's Brandon Graham, and did a pretty good job against him. Plus, the Hogs have Colt Brennan on their roster and the ability to get Colt McCoy in later rounds. Another good choice would be Oklahoma States Russell Okung.
5. Kansas City Cheifs - OT Russell Okung. Thats called foreshadowing, folks. I think he might be better than Bulaga but you really can't go wrong either way. This guy looked real good when he had to pull, and guards are the ones that usually do that stuff.
6. Seattle Seahawks - OT Trent Williams. This could really be a stretch for this guy and I know I have three OT's going in a row but they really need help on that OL. With no real number one RB, and an aging and beat-up Hasselbeck still throwing the ball, they need some stability on that OL. And they have a pick at 14 to see if they can get a QB or RB. Plus do not expect Peter Carrol to bring in the Fighting Irish QB Jimmy Clausen.
7. Cleveland Browns - S Eric Berry. If you watched a single Tennesee game over the last 3 years, you would have noticed No. 14 going around and making every play that could be made. That is why Holgren cannot help but take this guy and give the AFC North the claim to having the best safties in the game (Reed and Polomalu).
8. Oakland Raiders - CB Joe Haden. Cals RB Jahvid Best ran the best 40 time at the combine, so Al Davis might get him but I doubt it. This guy is as ready to start in the NFL as Ramen noodles are ready to eat, just add some water, heat it up for a couple of seconds and you are ready to go. Pairing him with Mr. Asomugha and an improving Michael Huff will be a very good sign for Raider Nation.
9. Buffalo Bills - QB Jimmy Clausen. Thats right, I said it. These guys need so much help on offense its not even funny but their defense is in pretty good shape comparatively. He is really the only viable option for these guys and it breaks my heart because this may turn out to be a really, really bad pick.
10. Denver Broncos - DE Jason Pierre-Paul. This guy only had one year at the FBS level of play, and he only started half the season. However, he is a monster and they could pair him with returning NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervile to make sure that no quarterbacks in that division can sleep at night.
Look for picks 11-20 tomorrow folks, thanks for reading.
1. St. Louis Rams - QB Sam Bradford. I know, I know. Ndamukong Suh is probably the best DL prospect to come out in over 10 years, but this is a league where if you don't have a quarterback, you don't have jack. Bradford has injury problems but he is the best rated passer coming out of college and you can't pass that up. Hopefully this isn't Sam Bowie and Suh is Michael Jordan though.
2. Detroit Lions - DT Ndamukong Suh. See! I'm not THAT stupid. This guy is going to terrorize quarterbacks for years, and Detroit got their arm in last years draft.
3, Tampa Bay Bucs - DT Gerald McCoy. Another insanely talented man who is going to make one defensive coordinator very happy and a lot of offensive coordinators not so happy. The guy was a dominant force for his entire career and usually drafting Oklahoma defensive players is a good idea.
4. Washington Redskins - OT Brian Bulaga. Tough call here, because you know they want another signal caller but with their offensive line in shambles and the depth of this draft, they can get a mauler who will keep whoever is their quarterback on his feet. He played against some great pass rushers, like Michigan's Brandon Graham, and did a pretty good job against him. Plus, the Hogs have Colt Brennan on their roster and the ability to get Colt McCoy in later rounds. Another good choice would be Oklahoma States Russell Okung.
5. Kansas City Cheifs - OT Russell Okung. Thats called foreshadowing, folks. I think he might be better than Bulaga but you really can't go wrong either way. This guy looked real good when he had to pull, and guards are the ones that usually do that stuff.
6. Seattle Seahawks - OT Trent Williams. This could really be a stretch for this guy and I know I have three OT's going in a row but they really need help on that OL. With no real number one RB, and an aging and beat-up Hasselbeck still throwing the ball, they need some stability on that OL. And they have a pick at 14 to see if they can get a QB or RB. Plus do not expect Peter Carrol to bring in the Fighting Irish QB Jimmy Clausen.
7. Cleveland Browns - S Eric Berry. If you watched a single Tennesee game over the last 3 years, you would have noticed No. 14 going around and making every play that could be made. That is why Holgren cannot help but take this guy and give the AFC North the claim to having the best safties in the game (Reed and Polomalu).
8. Oakland Raiders - CB Joe Haden. Cals RB Jahvid Best ran the best 40 time at the combine, so Al Davis might get him but I doubt it. This guy is as ready to start in the NFL as Ramen noodles are ready to eat, just add some water, heat it up for a couple of seconds and you are ready to go. Pairing him with Mr. Asomugha and an improving Michael Huff will be a very good sign for Raider Nation.
9. Buffalo Bills - QB Jimmy Clausen. Thats right, I said it. These guys need so much help on offense its not even funny but their defense is in pretty good shape comparatively. He is really the only viable option for these guys and it breaks my heart because this may turn out to be a really, really bad pick.
10. Denver Broncos - DE Jason Pierre-Paul. This guy only had one year at the FBS level of play, and he only started half the season. However, he is a monster and they could pair him with returning NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervile to make sure that no quarterbacks in that division can sleep at night.
Look for picks 11-20 tomorrow folks, thanks for reading.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 22
Former Kansas Jayhawk Jacque Vaughn holds the NBA record for most consecutive field goal misses to start a season with 22.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Dude...Shaq is freakin' awesome.
I saw an "Icy-hot" commercial a couple of minutes ago with Shaq in it throwin' down some dunks and I thought to myself: 'He's the best center I have ever seen play basketball'. And it's true. I'm only 22, so I did not get to see Moses, Kareem, Wilt, Bill Russell and some of the other great centers play so I don't know if I would call him the best center ever, but hes probably top 7 of all time. But this isn't whether he's the best ever, I just want to reflect upon a career that was truly outstanding.
He has really been a catalyst to having your team get deep into the playoffs. He is the main reason those Orlando Magic teams got to the conference and NBA finals from 1993-1996. He is the reason the Lakers won 3 NBA titles in a row and made the playoffs every year he was in Los Angles. Then he gets traded to the Miami Heat and guess what, they win the NBA championship. He has not won since 2006 but he seems poised to make a serious run at a title this season in Cleveland. And he did not beat teams with a nice 15-foot jumper or being deadly from the free throw line. He beat you because you simply do not have an answer for a 7 foot 2 inch 330 pound dude with an attitude.
The fact that he has only won ONE league MVP baffles me, he should have won at least 2 or 3. His stats are nauseating.
He has really been a catalyst to having your team get deep into the playoffs. He is the main reason those Orlando Magic teams got to the conference and NBA finals from 1993-1996. He is the reason the Lakers won 3 NBA titles in a row and made the playoffs every year he was in Los Angles. Then he gets traded to the Miami Heat and guess what, they win the NBA championship. He has not won since 2006 but he seems poised to make a serious run at a title this season in Cleveland. And he did not beat teams with a nice 15-foot jumper or being deadly from the free throw line. He beat you because you simply do not have an answer for a 7 foot 2 inch 330 pound dude with an attitude.
The fact that he has only won ONE league MVP baffles me, he should have won at least 2 or 3. His stats are nauseating.
- 15 All-Star Appearances
- 2x Scoring Champ
- 3x Finals MVP
- 8x 1st Team All-NBA
- '99-'01 NBA MVP
- 24.2 Points Per Game, 19th All time
- 28,181 Career points, 1st among actives, 5th All-Time
- 11.1 Rebounds per game
- 2,684 Blocks, 7th All-Time
- 12,893 Career Rebounds, 14th All-Time
Shaq was awesome and I really loved watching this guy play, except for when he beat the living crap out of my 76ers in 2001. Other than that, I have loved his dominance and I am just really glad I have never had to defend him.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 82-0
In September of 2008 Bulgaria's women's hockey team lost to Slovakia 82-0 during the 2010 Winter Olympics qualifying tournament. During the 4 game tournament, Bulgaria gave up 192 goals. The 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings only gave up 184 goals in an 82 game season. That Bulgaria women's hockey team was really, really, really bad.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 1,000+
More than 1,000 NFL players stopped playing football during World War II and served their country. Some of the more notable players were Chuck Bednarik, Marv Levy, Norm Van Brocklin and Sid Luckman. How many of today's NFL players would go and serve their country as these players did? I personally could not see Chad Johnson (I would call him Ochocinco, but that makes me physically ill) suiting up in Iraq.
Here is a link for the complete list in alphabetical order:
http://http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/war/worldwar2/honor_roll.aspx
Here is a link for the complete list in alphabetical order:
http://http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/war/worldwar2/honor_roll.aspx
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 202,149,199
That's the number of people, approximately, that did NOT watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. A February 2010 U.S. Census Bureau study shows that there is 308,649,199 people in America. 106,500,000 people (approximately) watched the Super Bowl on Sunday, making it the most watched television show in the history of America. My question: who are these other people and what could possibly have been more important than the Super Bowl? What else is happening on Sunday night from 6:30 pm until around 9:30?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: Frankford Yellow Jackets were awesome
The 1926 NFL Champion Frankford Yellow Jackets were a really, really good football team. They finished the year 12-1-1. That season they recorded 8 shut-outs and gave up an average of 3 points per game. The most "modern era" shut-outs in a season by a team was the 1976 Steel Curtain with 5. The '26 Yellow Jackets had guys on the team named "Two-Bits Homan" and Wooky Roberts, which is just awesome.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 31-97
Matt Millen was hired as the Detroit Lions General Manager in 2001. The year before his arrival, the team had its only winning season (9-7) in the last decade. Matt Millen resigned in September of 2008 with a collective record as GM of 31-97, going 8-50 on the road. 2008 was also the winless 0-16 season of the Lions. Good job, Mr. Millen.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Random Fact of the Day: 13,188
Apparently "Hack-a-Shaq" was going on in the league before Shaq was even in the league. Karl Malone has the most free throw attempts in NBA history with 13,188. Not to say Shaq has not taken his fair share; he's 3rd on the list with 11,091.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Random (yet great) Sports Fact of the Day: 2 hours and 13 minutes.
Two hours and thirteen minutes is all the time you need to watch a pitcher throw a no hitter; while being on acid. On June 12, 1970 Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates threw 9 innings of hit-less baseball. Ellis walked 8 batters, one was a HBP, and struck out six all while being on LSD.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Random (yet great) Sports Fact of the Day: 53.9 Million
We all know baseball as "America's Past time". however recent TV ratings could be signs of a paradigm shift. Last week's NFC Championship game between the Saints and the Vikings racked up an incredible average of 53.9 million viewers. That is the most for an NFC Championship game since the 49ers and the Cowboys dueled it out in 1982. That is also the same game of the iconic photo of the 49ers Dwight Clark making "The Catch".
That was a game featuring one team that may or may not play IN the Super Bowl, while the other may or may not even win the Super Bowl. The World Series was a show-down between two big market teams and the Yankees may have one of the most recognizable logos in all of sports. The World Series crowns a champion for Americas "favorite" sport. The World Series averaged 19.1 million viewers per game.
There are a couple of factors that could explain why the World Series had such a low average viewership, in comparison to the NFC Championship game.
1. The World Series is just that, a series of games. Not everyone is a huge baseball fan and the winner is not going to be decided between games 1-3, so people may not have watched until game 4, which averaged 22.8 million viewers.
2. Both teams were on the East coast and less than a three hour drive from each city. The national interest may just not have been there.
3. People outside of a 35 mile radius of Philadelphia, hate Philadelphia. Philly has a die-hard fan base and a larger crowd of haters. Plus, most of the country probably thought that the Yankees were going to win anyway.
4. Baseball needs to get on top of starting times, but more importantly ending times. I'm a young guy without a career, so I have no problem staying up until 1:30 A.M. to watch my beloved Phillies. However, most guys with kids and a career cannot do that. The west coast probably did not mind the games starting at 6 pm and ending at 10:30, but they did not have as huge a rooting interest as the east coast did.
There could certainly be a few more points of interest, but I think you get the point. I love baseball but the NFL has this country by the jugular and I love it.
That was a game featuring one team that may or may not play IN the Super Bowl, while the other may or may not even win the Super Bowl. The World Series was a show-down between two big market teams and the Yankees may have one of the most recognizable logos in all of sports. The World Series crowns a champion for Americas "favorite" sport. The World Series averaged 19.1 million viewers per game.
There are a couple of factors that could explain why the World Series had such a low average viewership, in comparison to the NFC Championship game.
1. The World Series is just that, a series of games. Not everyone is a huge baseball fan and the winner is not going to be decided between games 1-3, so people may not have watched until game 4, which averaged 22.8 million viewers.
2. Both teams were on the East coast and less than a three hour drive from each city. The national interest may just not have been there.
3. People outside of a 35 mile radius of Philadelphia, hate Philadelphia. Philly has a die-hard fan base and a larger crowd of haters. Plus, most of the country probably thought that the Yankees were going to win anyway.
4. Baseball needs to get on top of starting times, but more importantly ending times. I'm a young guy without a career, so I have no problem staying up until 1:30 A.M. to watch my beloved Phillies. However, most guys with kids and a career cannot do that. The west coast probably did not mind the games starting at 6 pm and ending at 10:30, but they did not have as huge a rooting interest as the east coast did.
There could certainly be a few more points of interest, but I think you get the point. I love baseball but the NFL has this country by the jugular and I love it.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Random (yet great) Sports Fact of the Day: 4,000 yard passers
From 1990 to 1999, NFL quarterbacks passed for 4,000+ yards 19 times. That means that there was an average of 1.9 quarterbacks throwing for 4,000+ yards every season. In 1997, no quarterback threw for more than 4,000 yards and from 1990 to 1992 only one quarterback threw for 4,000+ yards.
From the years 2000-2009, an average of 4.5 quarterbacks threw for 4,000+ yards. This season, 10 different quarterbacks threw for at least 4,000 yards. If you take from 2006-2009, the average rises to 6.75 quarterbacks reaching the 4,000 yard plateau a year. To help put this further into perspective, lets take it back 30 years.
The decade of 1970 to 1979 provided the NFL's fans with a single 4,000 yard passer. Dan Fouts threw for 4,082 yards in 1979. The average passing leader put up approximately 2,690 yards a season. Why such disparity?
Not a simple question to answer, and maybe we shall dive deeper into it at a later date but there are some definitive quick answers. In the '70s, the NFL season as only 14 games long but even if they played 16 games, most quarterbacks would not have hit 4,000 yards anyway. The NFL has also instituted certain rules that inhibit how aggressive defenses can play, giving wide receivers more space to maneuver and get open for their quarterback who cannot be hit and wear skirts that the league provides for them. There is also such a larger emphasis on year round training, crazy medicine to help people recover from injuries and a whole lot more reasons why offenses are more explosive now than they were 30 years ago.
From the years 2000-2009, an average of 4.5 quarterbacks threw for 4,000+ yards. This season, 10 different quarterbacks threw for at least 4,000 yards. If you take from 2006-2009, the average rises to 6.75 quarterbacks reaching the 4,000 yard plateau a year. To help put this further into perspective, lets take it back 30 years.
The decade of 1970 to 1979 provided the NFL's fans with a single 4,000 yard passer. Dan Fouts threw for 4,082 yards in 1979. The average passing leader put up approximately 2,690 yards a season. Why such disparity?
Not a simple question to answer, and maybe we shall dive deeper into it at a later date but there are some definitive quick answers. In the '70s, the NFL season as only 14 games long but even if they played 16 games, most quarterbacks would not have hit 4,000 yards anyway. The NFL has also instituted certain rules that inhibit how aggressive defenses can play, giving wide receivers more space to maneuver and get open for their quarterback who cannot be hit and wear skirts that the league provides for them. There is also such a larger emphasis on year round training, crazy medicine to help people recover from injuries and a whole lot more reasons why offenses are more explosive now than they were 30 years ago.
Why Suh is the logical pick for the Rams, but maybe not the right pick.
If you were unfortunate enough to be a St. Louis Rams fan last year, my heart goes out to you. They may not have been the worst team in the history of the league (the 1976 Bucs and 2008 Lions own that title) but they weren't that far behind. Let me blow your mind with some of these stats here: they lost each game by an average of 16 points. Their lone win came against a 2-14 Lions team that was fresh off an 0-16 season. They allowed 2.75 sacks a game. They were shut out twice this year, the 0-16 Lions were not shut out once. They were the lowest scoring offense (10.9 PPG) that was backed up by a defense that gave up the second most points in the league (27.3 PPG). They allowed the Indianapolis Colts to nearly double their rushing average and average 6 yards a carry on the ground. They were at least competitive in 4 or 5 games and gave two playoff teams (Arizona and New Orleans) a run for their money. Their Quarterbacks combined for 2,970 yards, 12 TDs and 21 INTs. 2% of their passes resulted in TDs while nearly 4% of their passes resulted in an interception. That was most of the bad stuff, but there has to be some good stuff they can build on.
Steven Jackson. That was the lone part of this team that was really really good, and you cannot argue that. Jackson was 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards and averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry. He led the team in receptions with 51 and racked up more than 1,700 yards of total offense. Jackson accounted for nearly 39% of the teams total offensive output. So clearly, you have a good piece of an unfinished puzzle in him but after that, there is a severe drop off.
The offensive line actually may be in good shape. They did give up nearly 3 sacks per game, but they also produced the second leading rusher in the league with almost zero threat of a passing game, which has to count for something. They are young and just drafted a guy in Jason Smith who should take the place of long time Rams hero Orlando Pace. The receiving corp is young and kinda talented but Adrian Wilson isn't losing sleep over guarding Donnie Avery. The free agent market is not great for WR's unless you want T.O. or a 37 year old Isaac Bruce. TE's are also a relatively weak position in free agency but Watson from New England would be a nice security blanket for whoever is QB next year. Opposing QB's did not have much to fear last year from fairly horrid defense.
Ndamukong Suh is one of the greatest defensive tackles to come out of college in nearly 20 years. The last time a defensive tackle was in the Heisman race, won the Outland and Lombardi trophy was when Washington Huskies DT Steve Emtman was killing it in the Pac-10 and winning national championships. Suh is a dominant force who will instantly upgrade any defense that he is thrust into. He is too good for any team to pass on and if the Rams do, they will be sorry. Their offense needs some weapons and the Quarterback is arguably the most important position on the field but sometimes the best offense is a good defense. Suh would help the 27th ranked rush defense and his pressure on the QB could help the 25th ranked pass defense as well.
There are pieces in place on the defense that will be good one day and Suh will do nothing but help them. However, the most important position on the field is quarterback. Every team in the league that is successful has a really good quarterback running the offense. Each quarterback in this draft has their fair share of questions, will Sam Bradford recover fully from his shoulder injury? Would it be too much of a stretch for Jimmy Clausen at number 1? Could Colt McCoy be a viable pick? Or should they draft Tebow in the 2nd round? All the questions attached to these quarterbacks make it seem all the more reasonable that Suh be the first pick and help fortify the defense. But to win in the NFL, you need a quarterback.
Steven Jackson. That was the lone part of this team that was really really good, and you cannot argue that. Jackson was 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards and averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry. He led the team in receptions with 51 and racked up more than 1,700 yards of total offense. Jackson accounted for nearly 39% of the teams total offensive output. So clearly, you have a good piece of an unfinished puzzle in him but after that, there is a severe drop off.
The offensive line actually may be in good shape. They did give up nearly 3 sacks per game, but they also produced the second leading rusher in the league with almost zero threat of a passing game, which has to count for something. They are young and just drafted a guy in Jason Smith who should take the place of long time Rams hero Orlando Pace. The receiving corp is young and kinda talented but Adrian Wilson isn't losing sleep over guarding Donnie Avery. The free agent market is not great for WR's unless you want T.O. or a 37 year old Isaac Bruce. TE's are also a relatively weak position in free agency but Watson from New England would be a nice security blanket for whoever is QB next year. Opposing QB's did not have much to fear last year from fairly horrid defense.
Ndamukong Suh is one of the greatest defensive tackles to come out of college in nearly 20 years. The last time a defensive tackle was in the Heisman race, won the Outland and Lombardi trophy was when Washington Huskies DT Steve Emtman was killing it in the Pac-10 and winning national championships. Suh is a dominant force who will instantly upgrade any defense that he is thrust into. He is too good for any team to pass on and if the Rams do, they will be sorry. Their offense needs some weapons and the Quarterback is arguably the most important position on the field but sometimes the best offense is a good defense. Suh would help the 27th ranked rush defense and his pressure on the QB could help the 25th ranked pass defense as well.
There are pieces in place on the defense that will be good one day and Suh will do nothing but help them. However, the most important position on the field is quarterback. Every team in the league that is successful has a really good quarterback running the offense. Each quarterback in this draft has their fair share of questions, will Sam Bradford recover fully from his shoulder injury? Would it be too much of a stretch for Jimmy Clausen at number 1? Could Colt McCoy be a viable pick? Or should they draft Tebow in the 2nd round? All the questions attached to these quarterbacks make it seem all the more reasonable that Suh be the first pick and help fortify the defense. But to win in the NFL, you need a quarterback.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
If this really is the end for Kurt Warner then it is a sad day.
The first time I heard of Kurt Warner was January 2, 2000. The St. Louis Rams were playing my favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles. There was this guy who the announcers had said was bagging groceries and playing in the area league the year before this. And he was the quarterback of a team that was 13-2 heading into the last week of the regular season. The next thing I knew, he was winning the NFL League MVP and leading his team to the most exciting super bowl that I have ever seen.
This guy has had the most roller coaster career of any quarterback that I can remember. Small time school product, drafted by the Iowa Barnstormers then five years later MVP of the highest level of competition. He would go on to win another MVP and then just as quickly as he had arrived, he seemingly left. This kid named Marc Bulger was lookin' real good and Warner was released then signed by the team that I hate, the New York Giants. I wanted nothing more than for him to fall flat on his face, but its not personal its just business.
Lucky for me, he did not play well and was gone after one year. He then had two sub-par years in the Arizona desert and then BOOM! He followed with three straight years of at least 3400 yards and 26 TDs, two playoff appearances and one Super bowl loss. Oh, and I forgot to mention, the guy has seven kids and is one of the nicest people in the NFL. His team mates on the Rams called him "the pope".
I wish Kurt Warner and his family nothing but luck in their future endeavors and I thank him for being a model professional athlete, but more importantly a wonderful human being.
This guy has had the most roller coaster career of any quarterback that I can remember. Small time school product, drafted by the Iowa Barnstormers then five years later MVP of the highest level of competition. He would go on to win another MVP and then just as quickly as he had arrived, he seemingly left. This kid named Marc Bulger was lookin' real good and Warner was released then signed by the team that I hate, the New York Giants. I wanted nothing more than for him to fall flat on his face, but its not personal its just business.
Lucky for me, he did not play well and was gone after one year. He then had two sub-par years in the Arizona desert and then BOOM! He followed with three straight years of at least 3400 yards and 26 TDs, two playoff appearances and one Super bowl loss. Oh, and I forgot to mention, the guy has seven kids and is one of the nicest people in the NFL. His team mates on the Rams called him "the pope".
I wish Kurt Warner and his family nothing but luck in their future endeavors and I thank him for being a model professional athlete, but more importantly a wonderful human being.
Peyton Manning: The Greatest Quarterback of all time?
The debate of "greatest ever" of nearly anything in the world can almost never get a clear cut answer as to whom is the undoubted number one. Sports, specifically football, is a particularly interesting and often tricky debate mainly because of the team aspect, different eras, different rules, yada yada. So when I claim that Peyton Manning is the greatest QB ever, I am going to add in that he is the best post 1974. Prior to that I would say Otto Graham could probably take the cake. He led the Browns to 10 division and/or league titles from 1946 to 1955. That is pretty ridiculous.
Post 1974, I compared Mr. Manning to an elite group of QB's that either have or will go down in history as some of the best ever. I did not compare Manning to some greats that could make the list such as Aikman, Elway and Fouts. I also could be showing my relative young age by picking a couple of QBs that are still active. The Five QBs that I would put on Mannings level are Brett Favre, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Dan Marino and Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw gets the nod over Elway and Aikman because of his four Superbowls but statistically, he is nowhere near the other guys. First lets take one guy from the list that Peyton Manning is not trailing in most career stats.
Bradshaw is nowhere near the regular season QB that Manning is, however his Superbowl stats are really impressive. 4 wins, 9-4 TD to INT over 300 yards a game and a 112 rating. In 1978 he threw for 318 yards with 4-1 TDs to INT and had a 119 rating. Pretty good. But those were some amazing defenses he had in Pittsburgh and two great wide recievers to combine with a hall of fame running back, so maybe Bradshaw is getting too much credit. His regular season numbers are not great and Manning has more yards, TDs and less picks than Bradshaw. The next names are much more worthy of being compared to Manning.
Right now Dan Marino and Brett Favre are the only names between the top of the career passing TDs and Manning. Favre has played in 7 more seasons than Manning while Marino has 5 on him. Assuming Manning plays 7 more seasons, to match Marino, he will have to average a measly 1600 yards and 7 TDs a season. Manning could probably play two more seasons and pass Marinos records. Marino has only one MVP while Manning has 4 and Manning has one Super bowl with the possibility of winning a second in just over a week from now.
Brett freakin' Favre is arguably one of the best QBs to play the game of football. He leads the career NFL records for passing yards (69,329), TDs (497), INTs (317) and consecutive MVP awards (3). If Favre comes back in 2010, he could also pass John Elway as the most sacked QB of all time if he goes down 14 more times. If Manning continues playing for 7 more seasons, he will have to average 18 TD passes and 2743 yards a season to tie Favre. Manning has never thrown for less than 26 TDs and 3739 yards in one season. Manning has also thrown 20+ picks only twice and once was his rookie year. Favre has thrown 20+ picks 6 times. Right now they are both tied in the Super Bowl department but Manning could overtake that soon. Manning has 4 MVPs while Favre has 3 which he won in consecutive seasons. If Manning wins next year he will tie that record as well. Manning averages more yards a game, yards an attempt than Favre while being more accurate (64.8%-62%) and a higher average QB rating (95.2 to 86.6). I have no idea how you compute QB ratings but I know that having one over 90 is a good season and Manning has done it 9 times while going over 100 in 4 seasons. Favre has 9 seasons of a rating more than 90 but only 1 season over 100. Favre also has more wins than Manning (169-117) but Manning could easily break that as well.
Finally the last two QBs to compare him to are Tom Brady and Joe Montana. They both make this list not necessarily for their regular season performance but their post season dominance. Manning has more passing yards, TDs, MVPs better QB rating, more accurate, equal or more wins, more yards per game, more yards per attempt and more hilarious TV commericals than Brady and Montana. The reason they are held in such stature is because of their ridiculous dominance during the playoffs and particulary in the Super Bowl. In 4 Super Bowls, Montana has over 1100 yards, 11 TDs and no interceptions. The dude needs to be checked whether or not he is human. I think Peyton is certainly better than Brady for the statistical reasons mentioned but he has a little way to go before he can be seated above Montana in post season lore.
All in all, I would say Peyton Manning could be looked at the way people look at Eldrick Woods. Sooner or later he is going to pass all of the records that historians and stat addicts hold dear. I say Bravo, Mr. Manning, you are the best I have ever seen and I cannot wait to continue watching.
Post 1974, I compared Mr. Manning to an elite group of QB's that either have or will go down in history as some of the best ever. I did not compare Manning to some greats that could make the list such as Aikman, Elway and Fouts. I also could be showing my relative young age by picking a couple of QBs that are still active. The Five QBs that I would put on Mannings level are Brett Favre, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Dan Marino and Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw gets the nod over Elway and Aikman because of his four Superbowls but statistically, he is nowhere near the other guys. First lets take one guy from the list that Peyton Manning is not trailing in most career stats.
Bradshaw is nowhere near the regular season QB that Manning is, however his Superbowl stats are really impressive. 4 wins, 9-4 TD to INT over 300 yards a game and a 112 rating. In 1978 he threw for 318 yards with 4-1 TDs to INT and had a 119 rating. Pretty good. But those were some amazing defenses he had in Pittsburgh and two great wide recievers to combine with a hall of fame running back, so maybe Bradshaw is getting too much credit. His regular season numbers are not great and Manning has more yards, TDs and less picks than Bradshaw. The next names are much more worthy of being compared to Manning.
Right now Dan Marino and Brett Favre are the only names between the top of the career passing TDs and Manning. Favre has played in 7 more seasons than Manning while Marino has 5 on him. Assuming Manning plays 7 more seasons, to match Marino, he will have to average a measly 1600 yards and 7 TDs a season. Manning could probably play two more seasons and pass Marinos records. Marino has only one MVP while Manning has 4 and Manning has one Super bowl with the possibility of winning a second in just over a week from now.
Brett freakin' Favre is arguably one of the best QBs to play the game of football. He leads the career NFL records for passing yards (69,329), TDs (497), INTs (317) and consecutive MVP awards (3). If Favre comes back in 2010, he could also pass John Elway as the most sacked QB of all time if he goes down 14 more times. If Manning continues playing for 7 more seasons, he will have to average 18 TD passes and 2743 yards a season to tie Favre. Manning has never thrown for less than 26 TDs and 3739 yards in one season. Manning has also thrown 20+ picks only twice and once was his rookie year. Favre has thrown 20+ picks 6 times. Right now they are both tied in the Super Bowl department but Manning could overtake that soon. Manning has 4 MVPs while Favre has 3 which he won in consecutive seasons. If Manning wins next year he will tie that record as well. Manning averages more yards a game, yards an attempt than Favre while being more accurate (64.8%-62%) and a higher average QB rating (95.2 to 86.6). I have no idea how you compute QB ratings but I know that having one over 90 is a good season and Manning has done it 9 times while going over 100 in 4 seasons. Favre has 9 seasons of a rating more than 90 but only 1 season over 100. Favre also has more wins than Manning (169-117) but Manning could easily break that as well.
Finally the last two QBs to compare him to are Tom Brady and Joe Montana. They both make this list not necessarily for their regular season performance but their post season dominance. Manning has more passing yards, TDs, MVPs better QB rating, more accurate, equal or more wins, more yards per game, more yards per attempt and more hilarious TV commericals than Brady and Montana. The reason they are held in such stature is because of their ridiculous dominance during the playoffs and particulary in the Super Bowl. In 4 Super Bowls, Montana has over 1100 yards, 11 TDs and no interceptions. The dude needs to be checked whether or not he is human. I think Peyton is certainly better than Brady for the statistical reasons mentioned but he has a little way to go before he can be seated above Montana in post season lore.
All in all, I would say Peyton Manning could be looked at the way people look at Eldrick Woods. Sooner or later he is going to pass all of the records that historians and stat addicts hold dear. I say Bravo, Mr. Manning, you are the best I have ever seen and I cannot wait to continue watching.
Random (yet great) Sports Stat of the Day: 555-0
I am not a Michigan Wolverines football fan. However, I did find a statistic pertaining to that particular team that almost made my head explode. The 1901 Michigan Wolverines Football team won the Big-10 conference championship and the National Championship. They outscored their opponents 555-0. Thats right, 555 to a big 'ol goose egg.
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