bonds, sweatshirts and videotape

This post is going to start with a pretty long story but I would like to talk about bonds, sweatshirts, and videotape... One can look at this past weekend in the NFL and see two interesting stories that are linked more than people know...the Jets and the Patriots.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Jets coach Eric Mangini have a long and storied history that many have seen in the last two years, but it goes further back than that. Belichick graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut in 1975 where he played football and was a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity. Mangini also graduated from Wesleyan, in 1993, and was also a member of Chi Psi. Thus the bonds...(oh yeah, I am also a brother of Chi Psi)

Their NFL connection started in Cleveland and then to New England when Belichick was named head coach (and started to be the worst dressed coach in his cutoff sweatshirts and mock turtlenecks). Mangini started as Belichick's assistant in Cleveland in 1995 and was named defensive coordinator of the Patriots in 2005. The following year Mangini was named the head coach of AFC foe New York/Jersey Jets. In 2006, the Jets made the playoffs after a 10-6 season only to lose to Belichick's Patriots in the AFC Wild Card game.

Early in the 2007, Mangini and the Jets' staff turned in Belichick and the Patriots' staff for illegally viedotaping defensive signals on the Jets' sideline. Known as "Spygate" this investigation led to continued bad blood between the Jets organization and fans and the Patriots organization and fans...and potentially Belichick and Mangini. Belichick was fines $500,000, the Patriots $250,000 and they lost their first round pick in 2008.

And today, Belichick is showing his genius and scheme play by leading his team to victories with backup Matt Cassell, a 7th round pick out of USC. He was never a starter at USC, playing behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinert...even playing TE for Leinert. Mangini has HOF quarterback Brett Favre leading his team to defeats over undefeated Tennessee and five straight victories. The Jets are in first place of the AFC east with five games left in the season. So it is fun to see such a storied past lead to such a promising next month.

Belichick and Mangini are combined in the bonds of brotherhood, solidified their friendship through the NFL, saw a tear in friendship with Mangini going to the Jets and Spygate...but now two successful men lead their teams head-to-head to see who can come out the AFC north and face AFC foes Tennessee and Pittsburgh.

Ok...that's enough with the Chi Psi history lesson...but continuing with former Patriors coaches...I would like to talk about college football.

I am sick and tired of hearing about Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans. Some say that they are the best team in the country and that they have the best defense in Pete Carroll's tenure. I think that they play in a crappy conference...yes there are two other ranked teams...both are 8-3. You have 4 teams with a combined 10 wins. Texas Tech is now #7 and people say they were never good. They caught Texas at the end of a long run of games...what was Texas Tech on? I know that the score was really lopsided...I know that Oklahoma played great. But Texas Tech played Oklahoma at the tail end of four games against ranked opponents...beating Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma State in the previous three games, two in pretty lopsided fashion. Yes Texas Tech played UMass in their out of conference schedule...USC doesn't have one other than UVA. But I am pretty sure that Texas Tech's defense would look great against Washington and Washington State. So please don't talk to me about USC...they are 10-1 but they lost. I am going to say the same thing to Florida fans until Alabama loses.

Back to the NFL...when the leaves change, everything changes.

1) Donovan McNabb gets benched by Andy Reid. Wow. Eagles fans you have been calling for Reid to be fired, you want more wins. What is your future? McNabb hasn't been playing well lately and trying to throw harder rather than better. The Eagles schedule is deadly for the last 5 games...good luck in the draft.

2) I would have loved to see Seneca Wallace in Seattle. I am not saying I wanted the Redskins to lose, but Matt Hasselbeck did not look good. Seneca could have challenged that run defense of the Redskins and opened up some holes in the pass defense.

3) Tennessee loses...I spoke about Mangini and Favre earlier but they are becoming a power. Give Favre 8 weeks to get comfortable in an offense and a locker room and he is a HOF QB. He has the line playing well and the receivers catching bullets. Dear NFL, "Beware of the Jets"...it could be a NY/NY superbowl...I hate the Yankees.

4) Romo is back, Dallas could be back. TO goes for 213 and a touchdown. I think that the NFC could get interesting again, but it depends on the Cowboys growth from here on. They have a tough road to the end...Seahawks, Steelers, Ravens, Giants, and Eagles.

Well that is enough for today, a lot for you to think about...may post again midweek with Thanksgiving games. Have a great Turkey Day.

A rare Saturday post...

I wanted to write something in retrospect about college sports and much of what people think today. With college basketball players continually going one and done to make the big bucks in the NBA and all the problems with off the field/court discipline, I want to focus on something great. The NCAA has great commercials about their athletes becoming professionals in areas that are not sports like business, law, and medicine. I would like to congratulate Myron Rolle and the Florida State Seminole football program.

Today, Rolle (one of the top defensive players on the Seminole football team) missed the beginning of his game versus Maryland. Rolle was not suspended, he was not injured, and he was not on academic probation. Rolle truly lived up to the student-athlete name...student being first. Bowden agreed with Rolle's decision and therefore Rolle was in Birmingham, Alabama to interview for a Rhodes Scholarship. Rolle was awarded the scholarship and hopes to become a neurosurgeon. That's right...out of Free Shoe University comes a football player who wants to be a neurosurgeon. Rolle has a 3.75 GPA in exercise science and going for is Masters of Public Administration. He has studied stem-cell research at FSU and is now making the decision between Oxford and the NFL.

So hats off to all the student-athletes like Rolle, at school for the education not for the preparation for the pros. It is great to see someone win the Rhodes Scholarship and an ACC football game in the same evening.

Dear Sports Fans...

Here is a message to all fans of sports...things are good. I know that the economy sucks right now and that it looks a bit bleak. But look to the holiday season, smile, and spend your hard earned money on your family and friends. Because through it all there will be sports, there will be entertainment, and there will be drama.

1. NFL...please end the season right now. I don't want playoffs, I want to see the Giants vs. the Titans. Even the team names against eachother is mythical. I want to see Albert Hainsworth against Brandon Jacobs (a true Titan vs Giant). After the Giants ran all over the Ravens, it is the #1 defense I want to see. It would be a great game and fun to watch. But will we see it, will the Titans stumble, or the Giants get through the tough division? So Roger Goodell please stop this, no more ties, no more referees sucking, just let these two teams play for it all and let us watch.

2. NASCAR...Jimmy Johnson is Champion again. 3 times in a row. It hasn't been done in 30 years...and now only done twice. My favorite Carl Edwards won yesterday, for the third time in four races, finishing 2nd overall in the Chase. Leads up to a good season next year...Roush-Fenway with Edwards and Jamie McMurray, Tony Stewart starting his own team, DEI and Gnassi racing combining into one team, and Mark Martin joining Junior, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon in Hendrick Racing. Good things for 2009.

3.NCAA football...sorry Redskins fans Steve Spurrier still can't win. Florida showed that they are the most powerful team in the country with a 56-6 win. Alabama won again, maintaining the #1 spot. Looks like a fun time for Texas Tech, Alabama, Florida, and Texas for the BCS championship game. Do we need a playoff? I don't think so just have the Big 12 champion play the SEC champion every year.

4. NCAA basketball...it's starting again. Tyler Hansborough has a stress reaction in his shin. I'm not sure what that means, except that he continues to be a big pansy. Duke almost lost to URI (yes A10 fans...that is Rhode Island). Randolph Macon (a D3 school) beat George Mason. And the fun is just starting.

5. NBA...Mark Cuban needs to learn a lesson from Martha Stewart. Just don't lie. You take a risk at jail time for $750000, doesn't seem smart for a billionaire. I know that MLB wouldn't let you by the Cubs, but don't break the law becuase of it. In other NBA news...who cares? It's still boring.

Virginia is for athletes...Nov 10

I guess you could say that I am biased but there are some interesting stories with VA athletes recently.

1) With a place in my heart, I report that Division 3 Randolph Macon (my brother's alma mater) beat Division 1 George Mason in basketball. Yes the same GMU that made the Final Four.

2) Virginia native Allen Iverson is the talk of the town with his trade to Detroit. Yet he only scores 10 in his debut against Boston

3) University of Richmond alum, Tim Hightower is leading the Arizona Cardinals. He is playing in front of probowler Edgerrin James. James went to the highly covetted Miami, Hightower went to Richmond. James was at the NFL draft, Hightower was at Champps (yes the one I work at) when he found out. Now he is the big dog in the locker room.

4) Dear Mr. Vick (Virginia native) you are no longer needed. All of Atlanta and the NFL have forgotten about you. Matt Ryan is leading your team to the playoffs without flicking off the crowd...oh and he threw a TD with his first pass. That is enough about Virginia...but Matt Ryan leads into my thoughts for thoughts for the week.

I am sorry Kevin but Boston College is the best Catholic football team in the country. 6 straight wins. It is turning out that Charlie Weis is a genius who can't recruit.

To continue with college football...the Big 12 is awesome, the Big 10 is lame, USC is the Pac-10 and the SEC is difficult. Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Texas in a three way tie. It is possible, I hope it doesn't happen. Penn State lost...good. Alabama won...good. There is still so much to play. A playoff conversation would take another post.

The NFL according to Clint Eastwood...

The good: Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Tony Gonzalez, Kurt Warner. TN still winning, Giants beat the Eagles, Gonzalez sets records, and Kurt Warner continues to make Leinert the highest paid clipboard holder.

The bad: Big Ben, Oakland Raiders, Browns. Ben took responsibility for the loss...3 interceptions he should (though I still will root for him), the Raiders and Browns suck, enough said.

The ugly: Detroit Lions, Daunte Culpepper, and Kansas City. The Lions missed their chance to beat the Jags. 3 touchdowns for MJD. He is shorter than me. Daunte...threw an INT on his second pass. You are not the answer. Herm Edwards: I know that you have only won 1 game, don't go for the 2 point conversion. It is not smart, you are not the Broncos. Their coach is smart, you aren't.

Bittersweet Symphony...Nov 3

Here is this week's rant...it is so bittersweet.

1. The state of Tennessee is in upheaval right now. The Titans are 8-0 and won a close game this weekend. It is fun to watch such a different team win (without the help of Vince Young). But at the same time the focus of all Tennessee football is always the Vols. And it is the end of an era...Phillip Fulmer is out after 17 years. Losing seasons without championships led to the change. But still a sad day for Vol fans...thank you Tee Martin

2. Oh how much we love college football. This is why Saturdays are so much more fun than Sundays. Who did not love the game from Lubbock? The #1 keeps losing, as the rankings keep getting flipped around. The end of the season is yet so far away. Too bad there is no playoff situation. Think about it...Alabama v LSU this weekend...Texas Tech still has to play Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

3. Washington DC is the center of attention TONIGHT...and tomorrow. It was fun to drive to DC today and see the amount of Steelers fans on the road. It makes me smile, hopefully the final score will help me smile as well. Tomorrow...the game will be over and the other contest begins...but not before their interviews on MNF. You can't say that sports don't pay attention to the rest of the world.

4. More on the NFL...just some things for you to think about...Rex Grossman saves the game for the Bears? Jacksonville loses to the winless Bengals and plays the winless Lions next week; could it happen again? Falcons destroy the Raiders; Raiders have no first downs in first half, 13 plays. Cowboys still suck...they are a mediocre team with Romo, they are worse without him. I am sick of the Wildcat. Young QBs are hit or miss...Matt Ryan=good, Matt Leinert=highest paid clipboard holder.

5. Final thought...I love Chase Utley. Only in Philadelphia will you find fans that boo their team even whe they are winning. They expect so much, there are a lot of cities that can compete for the most dedicated fans. But only in Philly do you find fanatical people...why do you think that their mascot is the Philly Phanatic? While Mark Madsen dances like an idiot in LA and Papelbon does a jig in Boston (which don't get me wrong is entertaining) only in Philly can a player say on live tv at the parade, in front of millions of fans...World F'ing Champions

Update Oct 27

Ok things are getting exciting now...here are my thoughts for the day (not all about the NFL, just about sports in general, the highs and the lows).

1. yes Mikey, put the Steelers on the list of players with off the field problems. But I would rather my receiver smoking a little pot than a banned substance. Did anyone else think that Deuce McAllister was too good to be true? Apparently it is.

2. Steelers lose to the f'ing Giants because of what? A hurt long snapper. James Harrison is a stud, I would take him to lead any defense and to win any fight, not my choice to snap the ball to my punter inside my own 20. Mike Timlin, PLEASE find a back up long snapper.

3. NCAA football...wow. What a storyline...JoePa can make the national championship (and lose). Texas is for real, Texas Tech is unstoppable. Alabama kicked my team's ass. Just makes it all fun to watch. Oh and a good stat for you...Navy beat SMU this weekend 34-7. They ran 77 plays...all 77 were running plays. And Kevin...at least you will be getting a new coach next year.

4. With that stat, please look at the Titans. 6-0 and Kerry Collins only has 3 TD passes. Hell the Raiders defense is so bad they don't see Joe Flacco running a route and he catches a pass from Troy Smith for 43 yards.

5. Lastly...for all you yankees, you may not care, but I do...NASCAR is almost over. Carl Edwards won this weekend, making the chase more exciting.

NFL behavior...Oct 15

First of all this is not going to be my typical post in that I will not be bashing the Cowboys (though they did lose to the Rams). Larry Johnson, did you not learn anything from Pacman? He had an altercation in a nightclub with a woman. He is just let back into the league and had to change his name. He now has to go to alcohol rehab. I have an idea, stay away from alcohol, women, and nightclubs. It seems that every problem has to do with at least one of these three. How about all NFL players stay away from nightclubs and women. It seems to be a theme. 3 touchdowns will not keep you in good favor with your fans if you miss games. Virginia Tech fans...Marcus Vick is guilty. IT is no surprise that the younger Vick is guilty as his brother. I am not sure if Michael Vick will ever get back to the NFL (I think that some team will want his ability, but not his baggage) but Marcus must be a disappointment to everyone in Blacksburg. Lastly, sorry Saints fans, Reggie Bush is going to be out. Much of what people said when he was drafted was about his burst of speed and this capabilities. Much of what was not said was his size and how he could get hurt. Welcome to the big man's world. Hurt again. Long enough message so far...have a good week. Sorry that the World Series is going to be a bust. No Sox + no Dodgers + no Cubs + Rays v Phillies = no fanfare.

Hello...an introduction

I sit in class every Mondya afternoon and realize that I have a few things to say about sports. So I was wondering why couldn't I share these thoughts...they were originally only for my fantasy football league, but now I am bringing it to the public. Hoping to see what everyone else thinks.

So I am going to post a few thoughts from the past month or so and update when I can (hopefully on a weekly basis).

And yes I was a kicker so I figured why not the name Monday Morning Kicker...I am not a quarterback and think that my view is very different.

Mike

Disturbing news...from Oct 6

The disturbing news...Emily is still a Cowboys fan. Yes Mikey, I know my team did not win the Super Bowl last year but then again I am not talking trash about the Giants. I completely understand that Plaxico puts his family first...some would say your team is your family, not Plaxico. But back to the Cowboys. You lose to the Redskins at home and then barely beat the Bengals. If it takes your owner to leave his box and talk to TO to get you to win, maybe he should coach more often. If Big Ben can go a whole week without throwing a ball and then throw for 300 yards, I would think that Tony "don't kick my hand, Jessica would be mad at me" Romo could rally his team without Jerry Jones' help.