- 11:01 AM
- 04/25/24
I have to admit, I didn't do any picks this year. Looking at the strengths and weaknesses in all the brackets, just made my brain bleed. Maybe I am psychic, but I definately saw this year as a "no way to pick 'em" proposition.
posted by Wulfgar! at 02:53 PM on March 18, 2002
Yeah, but can they play ball? They're gonna look pretty silly if they lose alot.
posted by Wulfgar! at 03:17 PM on March 13, 2002
Though not as humorous as the examples here, I still get afeared of them bad juju injuries out of nowhere. I still want a clear explanation of how in hell Ed McCaffrey broke his leg. I keep getting this picture of the much fickle sports gods, saying "Thou hast displeased me, thus I must smite you", and *poof*, instant groin pull while jogging softly in warmup for a race (Carl Lewis did that).
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:01 PM on March 04, 2002
Welcome to RedskinsFilter! (Just kidding, owillis). Armstead is a stratigic pick, in light of the favored Eagles in the NFC east. Their mobility on the offense was the bane of all other NFC East rivals, and Armstead goes a long way to countering that. But, doesn't it seem a little bit like the 'Skins are aquiring to beat a few teams as opposed to beating the league? Maybe that's wise on their part?
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:09 PM on March 01, 2002
Not that this probably matters to most of the known universe, but I wouldn't be so quick to pick Montana State in the Big Sky. They still have a huge game left with Montana. And just because the tournament will probably be here (Bozeman) doesn't guarentee the Bobcats squat. This was a close season in a lot of conferences, and the Big Sky is definately one of the closest.
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:00 PM on March 01, 2002
Were you trying to point to a specific article, or are we to read them all. I'm not really complaining (I enjoy reading football news) but I just had another tooth pulled, I'm on painkillers, and a little more specifisity might be nice. One other thing: Romo going to the Raiders scares me. Few things are worse than a cheap shot artist with a chip on his shoulder gunninmg for your favorite team.
posted by Wulfgar! at 03:54 PM on March 01, 2002
With much sadness, I say: Yes.
(see, that was easy).
posted by Wulfgar! at 05:43 PM on February 28, 2002
You really don't need ant form of athleticism, just a ball and a funny looking pair of shoes
As an avid bowler, I really have to say that's untrue. Form is absolutely everything in competitive bowling.
I admit that you don't have to have the body of a athlete to compete, but you definately have to practice longer and harder than many "athletes" do to become a champion at bowling.
My worry would be that there is already a hubbub about Americanization of Olympic events.
Though bowling isn't strictly American, wouldn't adding that to the Olympics just elevate that anti-US anxiety.
By the way, is darts an Olympic event?
posted by Wulfgar! at 12:09 PM on February 28, 2002
Now this is something I would give God thanks for, because watching NFL Today was really hell. Jim Nantz tried to maintain something resembling a professional demeaner, but it was truly painful when Glanville and Ditka would just start shouting, with Randy Cross trying to make any kind of intelligent sense of what those two were screamin' about.
posted by Wulfgar! at 02:41 PM on February 27, 2002
These things are great. I have a couple of the action figures from some of the other series, and the detail really is scary. I just wish they would offer NFL hall of fame types. John Elway, Joe Montana, you know the ones.
posted by Wulfgar! at 08:58 AM on February 27, 2002
*hmmm, Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, hmmm* Step right up, Terrell Davis, goin' cheap ... (actually it would break my heart). The point of the cap is depth. If you can build it with inexpensive youth (Green Bay Packers) then you have a shot. I just think that the salary cap needs a little breathing room for the fans. There are players we like to see with a particular team, especially our team. The rape and pillage mentality hurts the sensibilities of those of us who follow players, as well as teams. I really wish I had a suggestion other than cap exclusion for a franchise guy, 2 offensive and 2 defensive players (wink wink nudge nudge), but I don't. Alas.
posted by Wulfgar! at 06:35 PM on February 26, 2002
Owillis could write a better article. Well duh! (about hockey may be open to question, though.)
posted by Wulfgar! at 06:27 PM on February 26, 2002
I'm not convinced that Spurrier made a bad move. Give him a line, give him a good cross route receiver, give him a deep threat, and I think Wuerffel can do just fine. Please dis me in a few if I'm wrong, but I think Danny can do well in the pros. Remember the awful years that Testaverdi spent at Tampa. Tools, its all about tools. And who better to know what tools Wuerfful likes than Spurrier. Damnit owillis, I think you gonna' have a contenda' .
posted by Wulfgar! at 06:23 PM on February 26, 2002
Sakic ... heh, heh, heh. Go Avalanche. And let me add my congrats to team Canada. Great game, in all respects. Team America has nothing to be ashamed of, they played terrifically, but Canada's speed and aggression at the forward position was just too much to overcome. By the way, Gretsky's gracious pro NHL comments and respectful comments about the players (regardless of nationality) were very refreshing, and helped to redeem all of my respect for him.
posted by Wulfgar! at 05:11 PM on February 24, 2002
tieguy, what would you know? You're a molester of goats. (I was ruiting for Duke all the way, and I think that loss was a total fluke).
posted by Wulfgar! at 06:22 PM on February 18, 2002
boxing is all about trying to beat your opponent until their mind stops functioning. I guess we see that pretty differently. Knockouts are a consequence, but not the goal of boxing. The goal is to outwit and outpunch your opponent. Larry Holmes wasn't a great champion because of his knockout percentage, he was a great champion because of his insufferable (to opponents) jab. Keep in mind, if you want brutal to the extreme, you can watch the Ultimate Fighting Championships. That isn't boxing, and it never was. Tyson DOES deliberately try to inflict damage with methods that are illegal to the sport. He'll get no sympathy from me. I think he deserves a break. Not a chance. When Tyson was done serving time for his FIRST rape conviction, he left prison with a new found spiritual path, through Islam. Like every other positive avenue and advantage given him in life, he has defecated on it, in a slow ride to becoming a side-show freak. Giving him a break, by allowing him to further hurt the legitamacy of a well liked sport, as well as another chance to maim a good athlete is more than giving him the benefit of the doubt. It's deliberately turning a blind eye to a criminal for the enjoyment of those who will pay. Forget him as a boxer. Put him on "The Running Man".
posted by Wulfgar! at 03:07 PM on February 18, 2002
*weeping* Alas, my great joy at watching Shanahan cause Chucky to have a stroke is gone. However, it ain't a mystery that the Raiders are old. They need those draft picks badly if they are going to continue to compete against the up-and-coming young Chiefs, the Chargers, and (the best coached team in the league) the Broncos. I really think that giving up as much as they have, in picks and reputation, the Bucs have put Gruden in an un-winnable position. He did a great job of winning the support of his players at Oakland. He's going to need to better that effort still, if Tampa is to remain a contender. Though I actually like (to dislike) Gruden as a coach, I predict 3 years and out.
posted by Wulfgar! at 02:42 PM on February 18, 2002
No thanks, I'll "pass".
posted by Wulfgar! at 06:10 PM on February 15, 2002
Sounds like Webber's calling a time out ... (wait for it) ... when he doesn't have any. I'm surprised at the arrogance of the "I do it all for you" attitude. Very Hollywood of him. I'd be interested to find out if he ever considered that people might be more interested in finding out about Tyra Banks than his oh-so-important self? I like the Kings, but for pity's sake, Webber needs to grow up and get a handle on the spotlight. It's been on him long enough, he should know better by now. And, yes, Vlade, many women and some men WOULD pay top dollar to watch you take a shower. I'd really like a definition of that line the media isn't supposed to cross.
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:36 PM on February 14, 2002
Chris Berman can keep saying "NFC Norse." kirkaracha, are you sure he isn't saying "Norris", refering to the Hockey-like smash-mouth style of play?
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:46 PM on February 13, 2002
owillis, you sure they like the 'Skins, or just hate the Cardinals? Maybe they like the un-PC nature of the name? *(ducking and madly running for cover)*
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:40 PM on February 13, 2002
And people wonder why I worship Pat Bowlen and revile Al Davis! I hope that McKay does resign. In the last 4 years I have become a stanch Tampa Bay supporter, and the firing of Dungy made me sick at heart. To see the Glazers swimming in the mes they made (and reaping the deficits thereof) would make me a mucho happy dude. I would feel great sympathy for Tampa fans, if I didn't believe that most of them would agree with me.
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:06 PM on February 13, 2002
I know it would be difficult to compile, but it would be great to see a geographic breakdown of markets to championships. For instance, tiny little Green Bay has a far superior record in Football than some huge markets, (say Philidelphia). Denver, the smallest city with four sports team, has championships in three of the four. You know a sports trivia buff could go ape and run amock with maps like these.
posted by Wulfgar! at 09:07 AM on February 13, 2002
Though he plays very hard, I wouldn't mind seeing Romanowski leave Denver for Houston, (though he's hinted that he'll retire if called on to do that). I get sick of his cheapshots. From the looks of things, Houston could build a pretty impressive defense right off the bat. There are some quality D-linemen, and linebackers for the taking there. If they concentrate on Defense early, and build the offense more slowly, then they'll be in the same position as alot of contending teams right from the get-go. As for realignment, I'm sad to see Seattle become just another whipping boy for the Rams. Other than that, the hardcore rivalries of the AFC West remain intact, as it damn well should be.
posted by Wulfgar! at 08:48 AM on February 13, 2002
Speaking of flags, having US athletes march out with the tattered World Trade Center flag was a perfect example of US Jingoism. I would hope that we can accept the fact that we see these things very differently. And, speaking as one who doesn't like Utah much, I think that crack in the post description was pretty uncalled for and very unsupported. Lets critique the Olympics after the fact, instead of watchiing them with the most cynical of attitudes, Okay? Now I will quietly go away and watch the Pro-Bowl, before another shit-storm gets started.
posted by Wulfgar! at 01:35 PM on February 09, 2002
By the virtue of what it is, it doesn't lend itself to brains and finesse. Jebus, I hate disagreeing with you all'a'time. I don't think that's true. So many fighters through the history of the sport have known what finesse means, and outsmart their opponents as well as out punch them. Micheal Spinks out-finessed Larry Holmes. Mohammed Ali outsmarted George Foreman (and out finessed him), and George Foreman out-thunk Michael Moorer (patience and power, baby). Oscar De La Hoya is one of the most intelligent fighters, (and humans) to ever participate in the "sweet science". He's a damn bright man, and a total asset to his community, and the sport of boxing. Now let me agree with you. Tyson is pathetic. Nothing he does is "good news for the boxing world." I deeply believe that part of it is the fault of greed and evil promoters. But why the hell do people keep spending money on this shit? I'm amazed and agog at the profits garnered by pay-per-view extravaganzas that one can better with a visit to a sideshow freak house. It is a mockery and a sham, and we're the ones being mocked.
posted by Wulfgar! at 06:43 PM on February 07, 2002
I'm trying to wrap my brain around the concept that a sports organization would so willingly exploit the mentally ill, and put an athlete in jeapardy to do so. Screw it, the only appropriate venue for this "event" is the Roman Coliseum. Is the WBC at least going to make Tyson wear one of those Hannible Lector mask thingies?
posted by Wulfgar! at 01:44 PM on February 07, 2002
Did top speedskater Apolo Ohno deliberately lose a race at the US Olympic Trials so his friend could make the Olympic team? How are any of us ever gonna know? There isn't any way to confirm colusion short of a confession. If the skater don't spit, you must aquit. (kafkaesque, ROTFLMAO).
posted by Wulfgar! at 05:25 PM on February 06, 2002
Just FYI. If Modell makes the cut, I'm gonna puke.
posted by Wulfgar! at 06:03 PM on February 01, 2002
Damn, guess I missed this in the news. Most of the films I've seen of the Night Train, he was in Lion's colors. The first time I saw a NFL films clip of the man, I was impressed at how he foreshadowed the modern defensive back. Speed kills. Unfortunately so does heart failure. RIP, Dick.
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:18 PM on February 01, 2002
Concidering that the only time you can see the man fight (outside of a news conference) costs upwards of $26 pay-per-view, i can't give much of an opinion about his skills anymore. the last time i saw him was the holyfield fight, and man, was he getting his ass kicked. of course he might have just been tired and hungry; he needed a little ear jerky to perk him up. Tyson is pathetic and ghoulish, a cartoonish combination of Dennis Rodman and Hannibal Lecter. Our fascination with him, even if it was once justifiable, needs to end. That quote from the top article is priceless because of its sheer irony. Even as we say goodbye and good riddance to the sideshow freak we're still fascinated with him. Maybe Don King should put all discussions of Tyson on pay-per-view as well? Slightly off topic, and not attempting a highjack here, I do question the role of high ticket exposure and Tyson's decline. When all of us could watch the man on reglar' TV, without paying through the nose for it, he seemed cognizant of his audience, and respectful of them as well. His recent behavior shows a Tyson who thinks that any damn fool will pay top dollor for the privalage of witnessing his awesomeness. I think there's a stinky relationship between pay-per-view insulation and Tyson's nosedive from sanity.
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:11 PM on February 01, 2002
Wulfgar! - but how can any Show rival XXXIV Owillis - I swear, I am the only person who found that game boring as hell. Sure, the fourth quarter was top-notch nail biting excitement. But the other three quarters? AH HA, so you admit that the Broncos upset (13 and 1/2 point underdogs) of the Packers was the most exciting SuperBowl ever? I knew you'd come around. They all do ... eventually.
posted by Wulfgar! at 08:12 PM on January 30, 2002
*Cue maniacal laughter* What's that you say, zempf? Kosar and company make the show? Not while the Broncos had the bionic quarterback. Be of good cheer, though. It could be the Browns who carry the dubious honor of the worst defeated team in SuperBowl history, instead of my beloved pony-boys. Now my personal fave SB was obviously XXXII but how can any Show rival XXXIV? Tennessee denied, one foot away from a spectacular comeback tie, after the most innovative and beautiful run just to get to the game. God, Allah, Satan, and Oden were all on the side of the Rams that day, I can tell you. Owillis, you are a cruel, cruel man.
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:28 PM on January 30, 2002
Dudes, when Madden came up with "cankles" (the area between the ankle and the calf) I lost it. Rolled on the floor for 5 minutes, laughing. I'm gonna miss that duet, believe me.
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:47 PM on January 29, 2002
Or, because it's heavyweight fighting, did it never have it to begin with? Uhhmmm, there was that Holyfield feller, and some puluka named ... (what was that?) ... (Oh yeah) ... Ali. In all seriousness, there have been many heavyweight champions who were marvels at the sport, like Ali and Larry Holmes. Good boxers, who could also knock people out of their boots with well placed power. I, too, love the lower weight classes, just because they haven't forgotten how to box, as opposed to just blasting some yokel for the bucks. Sadly, before he went completely insane, Mike Tyson was a good boxer with great power. Few got to see his skill because he was just blasting people out of their boots. When he lost it over/because of Givens I think he just absorbed the gladiator mentality that told him he was a side-show freak who could hurt people. What bothers me is that people will pay to watch this freak. Lennox Lewis is an awesome competitor and a damn skilled fighter. He should never have been forced into a showdown with that twisted animal. I keep getting a mental vision of well dressed men and evening gown clad beauties drooling over the chance to watch somebody get bloody. Wild eyed spas-cases. That's exactly the kind of market that Don King and his ilk cater to. And to me, that's the end game of heavyweight boxing. (/rant)
posted by Wulfgar! at 04:07 PM on January 29, 2002
I think baseball "works" better in a movie culture because most of those movies involve you for a "season long ride ending in championship" kinda thingy. That's a lot harder to do with football and keep the tension building to the end. Remember the Titans is a great movie (in part) because it was able to pull that off. Brian's Song is less of a football movie than a human drama that its OK for guys to like. I can't believe that a listing of football movies 'round here doesn't mention Knute Rockny, All American. That movie (hoky or not) still presents everything that's great about football.
posted by Wulfgar! at 03:19 PM on January 29, 2002
tieguy, your memory is sound except that it was 1973, following the 1972 undefeated season run. And I don't think there was any controversy over the QB. Morrall was good, but ...Griese was healthy, Griese started, pretty much the end of the story then, (kinda like the Brady situation now).
posted by Wulfgar! at 01:45 PM on January 29, 2002
I like the "damaged goods" argument from the link. If Bledsoe starts and falters, it'll look pretty bad for a damaged Brady to relieve him. If the Rams do hang up a couple of touchdowns, replacement at QB might seem like a morale boost, if its Bledsoe in for Brady. The other way around will seem like panic.
posted by Wulfgar! at 01:21 PM on January 29, 2002
The right fit?
Yeah, I know that this is discussion oriented as opposed to link oriented, but we're really not as anal as the mothership, yet, are we? I just want your impressions as to what makes an athlete fit in a certain program, and not another. Honest, I'm not researching a paper; I just kinda wanta know.