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Right Men For the Job?

Posted on February 1, 2011 by jackofallsports

While John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron have led the Ravens to three consecutive playoff trips, there is question if they are the right men for the job.

The year was 2008, the Ravens were fresh off of a dismal 5-11 season, and Super Bowl winning coach Brian Billick was given his walking papers. The franchise that had won a Super Bowl in its infancy, and had stability at the coaching the position for almost a decade, was about to go through a major overhaul. Throughout the Billick tenure, the Ravens offense was anemic at best, and the teamed looked for another brash offensive mind to help this offense turn the corner. Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was offered the job, but chose to spurn the Ravens and stay in Dallas. The Ravens and their fans were left with a bunch of candidates that had no head coaching experience or notable pedigree. The Ravens finally decided on a special team’s coach, who while being the son of coach, had never held a coach position or offensive or defensive coordinator position at any level. That man was John Harbaugh, and many Ravens fans, myself included, wondered if this was the right man for the job.

It was no secret that the Ravens organization was defined by defense and a smash mouth running game. But, the NFL was changing into a pass happy league, and with the defense aging, fans and the organization knew that the time had come to start improving the offense. Enter Cam Cameron, former offensive coordinator of the potent San Diego Chargers, and many believed the Ravens offense was now in good hands. In their first season on the job, Cameron and Harbaugh were not left with much offensive talent. Their options at quarterback were Kyle Boller, who had already reached first round bust status; Troy Smith, former Heisman Trophy winner, but 5th round pick with only 3 career starts; and rookie Joe Flacco, who many believed would be the franchise quarterback in a few years— but not ready to play 16 games in his rookie season. Flacco won the starting job, and was a game manager, taking the Ravens to an 11-5 record and the AFC Championship game. Many believed that as Flacco got more comfortable, Cameron would open up the offense and make it more dynamic and explosive.

I personally am of the mindset that coaching can win football games, so it is hard to argue with Harbaugh’s 36-19 record, including trips to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. But, I think talent will get you wins in the NFL, but coaching can get you over the top. In his 3 seasons Harbaugh is 2-6 vs. the Steelers, 1-2 vs. the Patriots, and hasn’t come close to beating the Colts. The Ravens have been to the playoffs the past three years because of the talent on the field. However, Harbaugh hasn’t coached down his players, but his track record in big games shows that he is not managing that talent properly. This season the Ravens were built to take that next step to beat upper echelon teams like the Patriots, Colts and Steelers and finally make it back to the Super Bowl. But, after watching a 14 point lead evaporate in Pittsburgh, people are left looking for answers as to why the Ravens came up short of their goal. The answer: Coaching. The NFL is about making adjustments, and many times the Ravens would have a strong first half, only to see teams come out and make adjustments in the second half which the Ravens could not counter. The talent on the field was good enough to overcome the lack of adjustments made by the coaching staff, but had the coaching staff been able to counter those adjustments and win just one more game, the Ravens would have hosted the Steelers instead of being forced to go on the road for the playoffs this season. In fact had they been able to get one more win because of coaching in each of Harbaugh’s three seasons, the Ravens could have hosted the likes of Indy, Pittsburgh and New England, and would have had a much better shot of beating them at M & T Bank stadium.

Another area where Harbaugh failed this season was with his trust in Cam Cameron. I understand the job of the offensive coordinator is to run the office, and that interfering could cause dissension (we have seen it happen to many franchises). However, if you continuously see conservative play calling in the second half of games, and watch an offense with Pro Bowlers at every position finish behind the likes of the Redskins, Bucs, Dolphins and Jags in total offense (22nd overall), the head coach should step in and do something about it. That being said, the reason the offense finished 22nd in the NFL was because of Cam Cameron. During his time in San Diego Cameron was respected for his innovative play calling and his offenses put up points and numbers. However, that offense was led by a Hall of Fame running back, which makes any coordinators job easier. Cameron failed to utilize the talents of Drew Brees who toiled in mediocrity, only to become one of the elite quarterbacks in the league after leaving Cameron for Sean Payton. Many will say that the reason San Diego does not have a Super Bowl trophy is Cameron’s vanilla play calling in the playoffs, and that he was one of the reason’s the Chargers were labeled the most talented team in the NFL yet to hoist a Lomardi Trophy. There are grumblings around the league from former players that Cameron will take no input from anyone on his staff, nor does he let his quarterback audible to a different play.

It was announced at the Ravens yearly “State of the Ravens” address that Cameron would be coming back and that he is on the hot seat. Harbaugh will not only be back but is likely to receive a contract extension by the end of the month. There was a major disconnect between the players and Cam Cameron, yet the team still won 12 games and made the playoffs. There is talent on this Ravens team at every position, so I could probably coach them and they would still make the playoffs. But, that is not what this team was built to do. This team was built to win the Super Bowl and unless things change, I do not believe this coaching staff can get them there.

Making the playoffs in three straight season certainly helps make a case to keep your job as an offensive coordinator (as in Cam Cameron’s case), or help you garner a deserved contract extension as in Harbaugh’ case. But winning a Super Bowl as a coach and organization puts you in a whole different stratosphere.

The Ravens have good coaches and a good team, but they have yet to get over that hump and everyone needs to take a look in the mirror on how to fix it. Their former defensive coordinator, who they failed to give the head coaching job, just made his 2nd AFC title game in as many seasons while their most hated rival is playing for their 3rd Super Bowl in six years.

There is a popular saying that says “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” and thus far that has held true for John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron.

If the Ravens want to make the Super Bowl then these might not be the right men for the job.

Hopefully they can prove me wrong.

The Little Roman

Filed under: NFL, Ravens | Tagged: Baltimore Ravens, Cam Cameron, John Harbaugh | Leave a Comment »

I’m still Wacko for Flacco, why aren’t you?

Posted on November 29, 2010 by jackofallsports

For almost the entire history of their franchise, the Baltimore Ravens have been defined by two things: great defense and inept quarterback play. Names like Eric Zeier, Stoney Case, Anthony Wright, Chris Redman, Elvis Grbac and Kyle Boller remain in the minds of every Baltimorean, and have led every Ravens fan to long for a “franchise” quarterback. In 2008 the Ravens selected Joe Flacco out of Delaware, and many believe that Flacco would provide stability at the quarterback position for the next decade. The love affair with Flacco was instant, and Charm City became “Wacko for Flacco”. Two years later, those fans who loved him so dearly are now calling into sports talk shows saying that he is not the right quarterback for the Ravens. A statement that I believe shows how fickle, jaded, and uneducated some sports fans can be, even the great fans of Baltimore.

Joe Flacco inherited a team that was 5-11 the year before they drafted him, who had just fired their Super Bowl winning coach, and brought in a special teams coach who had never been a head coach at the NFL level. Couple that with a motly crew of offensive talent around him, and it looked like Flacco would experience some growing pains in his rookie season. But thanks to injuries to Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, Flacco was given a start in the preseason and then named the starter for week one. Seventeen weeks later, the Ravens were 11-5 and heading to the playoffs, something they absolutely WOULD NOT HAVE done with Smith or Boller. Baltimore was Flacco crazy and after leading the Ravens to the AFC Championship game, the franchise and its fans truly believed they had found their quarterback.

I admit Joe Flacco was not the sole reason the Ravens won games in his rookie year. While he was not the typical “ game manager”, Flacco was often just asked to not make mistakes and be good enough to help this team win. Since his rookie year however, Flacco has become more than just a game manager, he has been a WINNER. Yet somehow many fans here have a problem with this. Flacco improved from year one to year two, and this season he is on pace for his best season as a pro. A season that every single quarterback in the NFL today would love to have (he is on pace for almost 3900, 26 Touchdowns and currently has thrown one interception since week two). Can anyone remember the last time the Ravens had a quarterback throw for alost 4,000 yards? Oh yeah it was Vinny Testaverde in the mid 90′s. He has the same number of interceptions as Peyton Manning, and has only 300 yards less than Tom Brady (who has played one more game then Joe). Flacco is not just controlling clock or managing the game, he is winning them for the Ravens. His game winning touchdown in the final second on the road against the Steelers currently gives the Ravens the tie breaker and the division lead. He led the Ravens to a comeback in the final minutes at Atlanta, and out dueled Tom Brady for three quarters in Foxborough, only to see the defense relinquish those leads. What more could you want Ravens fans? Is a win over the Steelers not good enough? Would Marc Bulger really have this team at 9-1? If you think this then you must have slipped some Jameson in your morning coffee because there is no validity in this statement whatsoever.

Sure there are things Flacco does not do well, but there are things that every quarterback to ever play in the NFL does not do well. Instead of crying about him taking sacks or not being fiery enough, maybe you look at the 17 quarterbacks that have started for the Ravens since the franchise started. Be thankful for what you have: a quarterback who will win many games for this franchise and one day will bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Charm City.

I am thankful for Joe Flacco, so why aren’t you? For those who don’t want Flacco under center I say just one thing: “ be careful what you wish for, you might just get it”, and in turn you will get losing franchise.

Personally I am going to sit back, enjoy the ride and cheer on number 5 as he leads my beloved Ravens to yet another trip to the playoffs.

Marco Romanell – The Little Roman

Filed under: NFL, Ravens | Tagged: Baltimore Ravens, Joe Flacco | 2 Comments »

2nd Annual Jack of All Sports Fantasy Football League

Posted on September 3, 2010 by jackofallsports

As the host of the JOAS, I am embarrassed that I finished in the bottom quartile of the league last season. This year, Romo’s Homo’s is all about redemption and earning respect. I wanted to publicly display the roster of all twelve teams in the league, and offer a few thoughts on each. Who do you think will win the league? What teams to do you like/dislike? Enjoy!

Team 1 – Baltimore’s Favorite Raven’s Fan Pat Cary – Ilegal Asian Fantasy

QB’s – Kevin Kolb, Chad Henne
RB’s – Chris Johnson, Ronnie Brown, C.J. Spiller, Chester Taylor, Leon Washington
WR’s – Larry Fitzgerald, Brandon Marshall, Steve Breaston, Braylon Edwards
TE’s – Heath Miller, Zach Miller, Dustin Keller
Defense – Cincinnati D
Kicker – Matt Prater
IDP – Demeco Ryans

I love Marshall and think this team has potential. However, I am always suspect of any team without a top 6/7 QB. Kolb is a wildcard that could make or break this team. What’s up with a Raven’s fan who will now be cheering for half of Cincinnati’s team? Gotta love the commitment to drafting TE’s, especially one’s named Miller.

Team 2 – New York Beat Reporter Tim Recigno – Club Roethlisberger

QB’s – Joe Flacco, Brett Favre
RB’s – Adrian Peterson, Jamal Charles, Jerome Harrison, Thomas Jones, Jason Snelling
WR’s – Randy Moss, Donald Driver, Kenny Britt, Mario Manningham, Legedu Naanee
TE’s – Vernon Davis
Defense – Cleveland D
Kicker – Mason Crosby
IDP – Patrick Willis

There are things to like and dislike with this team, but once again the absence of a top 6/7 QB worries me. Nice handcuff of Charles with Thomas Jones, but Moss is aging, and the RB and WR depth doesn’t offer hope for an upside surprise. The building blocks are in place, but a tweak or two will be required to be a serious contender.

Team 3 – Pat’s boy Rob – Boller Sharts the Bed

QB’s – Carson Palmer
RB’s – Ray Rice, Jahvid Best, Justin Forcett, Brandon Jacobs, Bernard Scott, Montario Hardesty
WR’s – Miles Austin, DeSean Jackson, Mike Wallace, Derrick Mason, DeMarrious Thomas, Mohamed Massaquoi
TE’s – Dallas Clark
Defense – Ravens
Kicker – Jay Feely
IDP – Jared Allen (sans mullet)

Unfortunately, this team is lacking that last quarter inch. Once again this team is built around a mid-tier QB with very little break-out potential on the bench. This draft was deep at TE, so I would have passed on Clark in the 4th to fortify other areas of the team. Who will start at the flex each week? Can you trust Palmer?

Team 4 – Pat’s boy Smart – Team Steel City

QB’s – Tony Romo
RB’s – Michael Turner, Ahmad Bradshaw, Reggie Bush, Ricky Williams, Bryan Westbrook
WR’s – Marques Colston, Hines Ward, Jerricho Cotchery, Anthony Gonzalez, Louis Murphy, Nate Washington
TE’s – Antonio Gates, Todd Heap
Defense – New Orleans
Kicker – Garrett Hartley
IDP – Jarred Mayo

There are some good building blocks on this roster, and this team should be competitive most weeks. However, one problem will be the weekly decisions on who to start at RB and the flex. Second guessing could be the theme with this team. Also, this team is one injury away from disaster.

Team 5 – JOAS Variety writer Gordon Southard – Magic! The Gathering

QB’s – Matt Ryan, Vince Young
RB’s – MJD, Knowshon Moreno, Joseph Addai, Michael Bush, Julius Jones
WR’s – Calvin Johnson, Mike Sims-Walker, Percy Harvin, Johnny Knox
TE’s – John Carlson, Greg Plsen
Defense – Chicago
Kicker – Nate Kaeding
IDP – London Fletcher, D’Qwell Jackson

I have one perfect word to summarize this team: Average. I love Gordo, but I think he ran out of ideas by the fifth round.

Team 6 – Emile “Beagle” Desjardins -Green Street Elite

QB’s – Aaron Rogers, Sam Bradford
RB’s – Cedric Benson, Cadillac Williams, Darren McFake, Darren Sproles, Larry Johnson
WR’s – Roddy White, Steve Smith (NYG), Santana Moss, Eddie Royal, Roy Williams, Devon Aromashodu
TE’s – Visanthe Shiancoe
Defense – Minnesota
Kicker – Robbie Gould
IDP – Jon Beason

I love the Beagle, but I hate this team. Aside from Aaron Rogers, I couldn’t root for any of these bums. My one real gripe with this team is that there is no draft value anywhere on this roster.

Team 7 – Baltimore’s #1 Bachelor P.J. Grochmal – Baltimore’s Cuddle & Fetch

QB’s – Drew Brees, Matt Cassell
RB’s – Shonn Greene, Jonathan Stewart, Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee
WR’s – Steve Smith (Car), Michael Crabtree, Dez Bryant, Devin Hester, Devery Henderson
TE’s – Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey
Defense – NY Jets
Kicker – Stephen Gostkowski
IDP – David Harris, Terell Suggs

I think P.J. is buying into the Jets hype (Greene is this years Matt Forte). This team could have used some depth in the rounds that he was chasing the Jets D and David Harris. I love Crabtree and Dez, but they are one year away from being consistent contributors. I don’t hate this team, but I don’t like it either.

Team 8 – Woodman – Romo’s Homo’s

QB’s – Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger
RB’s – Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Donald Brown, Javon Ringer, Mewelde Moore
WR’s – Andre Johson, Greg Jennings, Chad Ochocinco, Jacoby Jones, Sydney Rice, Dexter McCluster
TE’s – Jermichael Finley
Defense – Dallas
Kicker – Rod Bironas
IDP – Ray Lewis

Obviously, I needed to inflect some Cowboy’s personality into my team. Granted I would rather have gotten some additional running back help, but members of this league blew through running backs more quickly than my moch drafts had prepared me. I am an Addai injury away from winning the league. Regardless of the end result, I can’t wait to root for this team.

Team 9 – League Runner-Up and Regular Season Champion Jim Mellendick – Tails Leahy

QB’s – Matt Schaub, Jay Cutler
RB’s – Frank Gore, Ryan Matthews, Matt Forte, Laurence Maroney, Tashard Choice
WR’s – Wes Welker, Vincent Jackson, Robert Meachem, Bernard Berrian, Austin Collie, Kevin Walter
TE’s – Brent Celek, Aaron Hernandez
Defense – Steelers
Kicker – none selected
IDP – Paul Posluzney

Who needs a kicker? I knew from doing a number of moch drafts that is was crucial to grab WR’s early. This goes against conventional wisdom, as taking RB’s early has been the norm for the last decade. Jim has three quality backs, but obvious question marks at WR. I forsee a Matt Forte for Sydney Rice trade brewing in late October.

Team 10 – Pat’s boy Brooks – Bathroom Burrito

QB’s – Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford
RB’s – Steven Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Pierre Thomas, Clinton Portis, Steve Slaton, Kevin Smith, Buckhalter
WR’s – Reggie Wayne, Jeremy Maclin, Santonio Holmes, Mike Williams (TB),
TE’s – Jason Witten
Defense – 49ers
Kicker – Neil Rackers
IDP – Barrett Ruud

Everyone knows how I feel about Eli Manning. Aside from Maclin, do not see any good draft value. This is yet another team that ran out of ideas by round 6. Holmes is a wildcard, but I hate Sanchez and the Jets passing offense. I know I wouldn’t want to root for this squad.

Team 11 – Pat’s boy Bennett – Benton’s Bad Snakes

QB’s – Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb
RB’s – Ryan Grant, Arian Foster, L.T.
WR’s – Anquain Boldin, T.O., Malcolm Floyd, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Chris Chambers, Josh Cribbs
TE’s – Chris Cooley, Owen Daniels
Defense – GB
Kicker – Ryan Longwell
IDP – Rolando McClain

I love Peyton Manning and McClain, like Boldin and Cooley, dislike or distrust everything else. Foster is laughably over-valued, and Cooley was selected way too early. No value, no sizzle, no soup for you.

Team 12 – Defending League Champion Chris Kinling – Give Troy Smiff a Chance!

QB’s – Phillip Rivers
RB’s – Rashard Mendenhall, DeAngelo Williams, Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower, Rashad Jennings
WR’s – Dwayne Bowe, Pierre Garcon, Hakeem Nicks, Lee Evans, Laurent Robinson, Chaz Shillens, Burleson
TE’s – Tony Gonzalez
Defense – Eagles
Kicker – David Akers
IDP – James Lauranaitis

Mendenhall wouldn’t even make the Cowboy’s roster, but this team has decent starters and depth. If Beak can correctly manage his game day decisions, this team will be competitive.

Prediction for Final 4:

Smart, Woodman, Jim, & Chris.

Woodman – haven’t posted in almost a month. Time to ramp it back up!

Filed under: Football, NFL | Tagged: Fantasy Football, jack of all sports | 8 Comments »

100% Factual Pre, Pre-Season NFL Preview

Posted on August 6, 2010 by jackofallsports

I’ve noticed that not too many websites have made their early season NFL Predictions so, I’ve naturally decided to get the ball rolling so that when all of my picks are 100% correct, I can say I called them before anyone else.

After tirelessly combing through this seasons schedule for 15 minutes, a couple of noticable, and possibly questionable, picks need to be explained. We start in the AFC where most people will laugh at the mere thought of Cleveland finishing with a winning record and both Cincy and Pittsburgh going 8-8. While I think the North is still a pretty tough division and while we all know playing game picker based off of the season schedule in August is like playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun, both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are victims of very difficult scheduling. Heck, even the Ravens only going 10-6 is not based off of their actual on field talent but more a scheduling decision. Beyond that, let’s not forget that when it comes to the Steel City, we won’t be seeing Big Ben for at least the first 3 games of the season and, the Steelers are a team who have lost Santonio Holmes and Willie Parker, amongst others, during the off-season.

I think this is the year Houston finally makes it to the playoffs (I think)…that’s not as surprising as the team they’ll have to beat out via a tie-breaker (in their favor this year). Oakland will go 10-6 and surprise a lot of people. They have a solid defense, a quarterback who actually hasn’t been half bad in his career, contrary to what Gordan here at JAS and other Redskins fans will tell you, some decent wide receivers, a pro bowl caliber tight end and, finally, a little continuity at the coaching position. Their schedule is one of the easiest in the league as well with NFC matchups against the Western Division. I wouldn’t be shocked if this team actually competes with the San Diego Chargers for the division crown.

Three notes on my NFC picks. 1) The NFC East is no longer a powerhouse…The ‘Skins and Eagles will be very bad and the Giants have too many questions on the Defensive side of the football and at running back to really make any real playoff push. 2) The NFC West will be pretty much unwatchable and 3) Brett Favre will play in Minnesota (I know this isn’t groundbreaking news) but, his age will finally catch up to him. Between his ankle, elbow and shoulder, I will be shocked if Brett actually continues his unbelievable games started streak throughout the year.

Finally, onto my Super Bowl picks. Has any New England Patriots team flown under the rador, since Bill Bellicheck took over, more than this one? Maybe the first Super Bowl team lead by a backup named Tom Brady but, other than that, not really…This team is still loaded with talent on the offensive side of the football and let’s not forget that most quarterbacks coming off of the injury Tom sustained a couple seasons back take a full 2 years to recover. Guess what year this is? With Tom and the passing game hitting on all cylinders like they did in 2008, the running game will finally come alive. The big if remains on the defensive side of the football. It’s time to see if the young guns the Patriots have brought in, including Jerod Mayo a few drafts back, can step up and be an adequate unit. The glaring x factor to keep an eye on is the Logan Mankins and Tom Brady contract situations. If the Pats don’t take care of these guys by week 5 or 6 and they faulter in a few games here and there, the traditionally stable Locker Room could become volatile for the first time under Bill and, this potential Super Bowl team could go in a completely different direction.

As for my NFC pick, it’s simple. The Cowboys are the most talented team in the NFC. The only reason I have the Falcons with a better record is based off a few hunches and a home schedule that sets up nicely (so that’s bound to be right, right?). “America’s Team” has a good quarterback, a great running game, multiple weapons in the passing game, a great offensive line and an absolute beast of a defense. Look for Tony Romo to finish 2nd in the MVP Voting behind Tom Brady. The only thing that can get in this teams way is a little thing we call pressure. While I don’t think the pressure will get to them in the regular season or playoffs, you can see below exactly where I think it will finally be their downfall.

Now, barring about 100 Pre-Season Injuries, here are my picks for the 2010-2011 Season and road to Dallas…

AFC:

East:
1) New England (13-3) (1)
2) New York (11-5) (5)
3) Miami (8-8)
4) Buffalo (5-11)

North:
1) Baltimore (10-6) (3)
2) Cleveland (9-7)
3) Cincinnati (8-8)
4) Pittsburgh (8-8)

South:
1) Indianapolis (13-3) (2)
2) Houston (10-6) (6)
3) Tennessee (9-7)
4) Jacksonville (3-13)

West:
1) San Diego (10-6) (4)
2) Oakland (10-6)
3) Kansas City (6-10)
4) Denver (3-13)

AFC Playoffs:
Wild Card Round–
(3) Baltimore over (6) Houston
(5) New York over (4) San Diego

Divisional Round–
(1) New England over (5) New York
(3) Baltimore over (2) Indianapolis

AFC Championship Game–
(1) New England over (3) Baltimore

NFC:

East:
1) Dallas (12-4) (2)
2) New York (8-8)
3) Philadelphia (5-11)
4) Washington (5-11)

North:
1) Green Bay (11-5) (3)
2) Chicago (10-6) (6)
3) Minnesota (8-8)
4) Detroit (3-13)

South:
1) Atlanta (13-3) (1)
2) New Orleans (11-5) (5)
3) Carolina (7-9)
4) Tampa Bay (3-13)

West:

1) San Fransisco (10-6) (4)
2) Seattle (7-9)
3) Arizona (5-11)
4) St. Louis (1-15)

NFC Playoffs:
Wild Card Round—
(3) Green Bay over (6) Chicago
(4) San Fransisco over (5) New Orleans

Divisional Round—
(1) Atlanta over (4) San Fransisco
(2) Dallas over (3) Green Bay

NFC Championship Game—
(2) Dallas over (1) Atlanta

Super Bowl XLV (From Cowboys Stadium)
New England 24 to Dallas 20

…Can anyone think of two teams playing in the big game that would polarize fans more?

-Tim Rescigno

Filed under: NFL | Tagged: AFC, NFC, NFL Preseason, NFL Preview | 5 Comments »

AFC North is Ravens to Lose

Posted on July 28, 2010 by jackofallsports

The NFL off-season is in the books, training camp is upon us, and football is in the air in Baltimore. With the Orioles in the middle of a dreadful season, the excitement of the Purple and Black is just the cure for the dog days of summer here in Charm City. Much of the excitement amongst the fans is due to lofty expectations for the Ravens, not just locally, but nationally as well. I know you can never be certain of anything in the NFL, and that predictions aren’t even worth the breath you spent making them…but given everything that happened in this off-season, the AFC North is the Ravens to lose.

The Ravens were wildly inconsistent last season before finally making it into the playoffs at 9-7. One minute they looked like a Super Bowl contender (33-14 beat down of the Patriots on the road in the 1st round of the AFC Playoff, while other times the Ravens looked like a team that was over matched and undisciplined. The Ravens struggled against the elite teams in football last season, and were swept by the AFC North Champion Bengals (who swept every team in the AFC North). Unlike previous off-seasons, the Ravens went out and acquired legitimate weapons for Joe Flacco, sending a message to the rest of the division, and NFL, that they won’t accept anything short of the Super Bowl. In addition to the acquisitions of Boldin and Stallworth, the Ravens had what many, myself included, believe to be a stellar draft, giving them weapons on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The most important thing that they did, which is the difference between good and great teams, is solidify depth by acquiring Ken Hamlin and Walt Harris to bolster the secondary. Depth was a major problem last season, especially in the secondary, and while their better days are behind them, Harris and Hamlin should are a significant upgrade from some of the defensive backs the Ravens were forced to play at times last season.

Another reason for optimism is the fact that the Ravens look to have improved, while it’s a fact that the other teams in the division looked to have digressed off the field, as well as on it. I truly believe the Bengals are a legitimate contender ,but they keep bringing cancer and problems into the locker room and eventually that is going to catch up to them. Drafting Dunlap and Shipley definitely helped them on the field, but acquiring Matt Jones and his cocaine problem, should do more harm then good. The Bengals have no history of sustaining success for years, so given that and the fact that they have too many players with baggage that could come back to bite them, I think they will take a step back.

Meanwhile, the Ravens biggest rival, the Steelers will be without Big Ben( or little Ben depending which night club female you ask) for at least the first four games this season, handing the reins over to Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon. Once Roethlisberger returns, he is likely to return to a locker room that does not like him or support him. Some Steelers players have been very vocal in their disdain for Roethlisberger, and they are likely to rally around whoever is under center for the first four games of the season, leaving a divided locker room once Roethlisberger returns. To top it off, they traded away the former Super Bowl MVP and big player receiver Santonio Holmes and really did not make any significant strides in improving the team.

With training camp starting in just a few days, fans everywhere will be predicting 11-5, 12-4,10-6 or whatever they think the Ravens record will be. The NFL shows us that you can never assume or predict anything, but given the circumstances that transpired in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland this off-season, the AFC North looks to be the Ravens division to lose.

Many think the Ravens will be the last team standing in Dallas in February.

This is one prognostication that is alright with me. I just hope it holds true.

What time is it? What’s our name?- The Little Roman

Filed under: Football, NFL, Ravens | Tagged: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinatti Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers | 4 Comments »

The Conflicted Ed Reed

Posted on July 22, 2010 by jackofallsports

Ed Reed is my favorite player, but lately he’s been tweaking me a bit. Reed is a fairly quiet guy, reluctant to do interviews and not usually in the headlines for off-the-field reasons. Recently; however, Reed has been regularly appearing on the Fan, bashing the Ravens brass in roundabout ways. Reeds’ scheduled radio appearances were focused on promoting his golf tournament and youth football camp, but they quickly turned into public forums for the star safety to air his grievances with the team and make contradictory statements.

Reed said that he should have never came back last season and that he probably shouldn’t play at all this season, and then says that he could see himself playing for ten more years. Reed claims the Ravens previously took him off the PUP prematurely and without consulting him…he also compares the team’s mistreatment of him to that of the Tennessee Titans when they locked Steve McNair out of their facilities. Reed then compares his relationship with the Ravens to a marriage that’s just hit a minor bump in the road. Oh yeah, and he wants a new contract. Despite all his health issues and erratic statements he wants the Ravens to restructure his current deal which locks him up through 2012.

I’m all for giving players who produce like Reed a pay day. In his eight season he has 46 INTs and 11 defensive TDs, not to mention a highlight reel packed with devastating hits and tremendous special teams plays (despite all the ill-conceived laterals). But if I was Ozzie Newsome I wouldn’t restructure Ed’s deal at this point, it’s just not a sound business move. He has the nerve impingement in his neck that looks like a permanent condition, his hip was just reconstructed, and lately he’s been acting like a flake. I’m not saying that something can’t be worked out financially for Ed at a later date, but right now it’s time to look at things from a business standpoint. The Ravens are one of the best managed teams in the NFL, because they aren’t afraid to make the hard decisions and hold their ground.

At the same time I can’t fault Reed for wanting a new deal; when healthy him and Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu are in a league of their own. Safety is one of the lowest paid positions on the field, but Ed Reed isn’t just another safety, he’s (cliché alert) a game changer. The reality of the NFL and sports in general is that it’s a ‘what have you done for me lately?’ business. Coaches, agents, AD’s, GM’s…they’re like vampires. Athletes are only coveted when they can produce.

I guess I’m a bit torn on the issue. Bottom line, I think Reed has a good heart and will work things out with the Ravens; however, I’m not so sure he’ll physically be able to contribute much this season. I’m just thankful that two drafts ago the Ravens invested third and sixth round picks respectively in Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura; not to mention the off season signing of Ken Hamlin. The Ravens are pretty deep at the safety position and that should get them by, but there’s no replacing Ed Reed.

~ Pat Cary

Filed under: Baltimore, Football, NFL, Ravens | Tagged: Ed Reed, NFL Training Camp | 5 Comments »

The Revolution Has Been Televised

Posted on July 13, 2010 by jackofallsports

$396 Million isn’t exactly a dollar amount most of us will be worth when we pass on. It’s not even a figure most of us will ever be able to wrap our heads around. Well, according to a Forbes Magazine online article today (http://blogs.forbes.com/sportsmoney/2010/07/steinbrenners-death-well-timed-for-estate-tax/) that’s not the amount of money “The Boss” George Steinbrenner was worth but, rather, the amount he will save his family in estate taxes at the time of his death. Mr. Steinbrenner was estimated to be worth about $1.15 Billion when he passed this morning, and, as the article explains, almost all of this monetary worth is locked up in shares of his beloved Yankees.

Whether you loved or hated him, “The Boss” always knew how to make a big splash. He knew how to make a big splash during his years of overspending in the big apple. He knew how to make a big splash in free agency. His comments, over the years, were Page 6 worthy time and again in a city that feeds on the celebrity persona and glorifies the idea that bigger is better. Steinbrenner came along in a time where Television was really just beginning to overtake radio as the main outlet for America’s pastime and, there was no better owner to assist in this transition than “The Boss”. From his multiple firings of Billy Martin, dislike of long flowing locks and decade long feud with Yogi Berra, Steinbrenner was one of a kind.

The simple fact is that, as the most polarizing owner in American Sports history, Steinbrenner thrived in the New York spotlight more so than any other athlete or celebrity really has in the 37 years since he purchased the Yanks for a mere $10 Million dollars. He has turned the Yankees Franchise into the most valuable in American Sports and has done so by shaking the foundation of the game in every way shape or form possible. He was made for New York and New York was made for him.

Free agency wouldn’t be what it is today without “The Boss”, for better or for worse. The way in which media and sports figures interact today has changed, greatly, due to Steinbrenner’s flair for the spotlight. George Steinbrenner modernized not just baseball but, the way in which Professional Sports, in general, operated in these United States.

To get back to that $396 Million…due to a National Loophole, there is no such thing as an estate tax at the current time. This time next year, the tax would have been 55% and, in reality, George’s family may very well have had to sell the team. So, I guess in death, George wins again. He goes out saving his family millions via a loophole. He goes out on the same day as the Major League Baseball All Star Game taking center stage yet again. He goes out the year after his team wins a world series. He goes out with his beloved Bronx Bombers currently sitting in first place (by the way, a World Series win this year would still technically give him 8 as he was the owner of the team on Opening Day).

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’ll miss you George. As much as I’ll miss you for your passion to win and your desire to be the best, I’ll miss you just as much for your antics over the years which turned into things of legend. From illegal campaign contributions to paying Gambler’s to dig up dirt on Dave Winfield to the comedic Seinfeld episodes revolving around your likeness, I will miss you.

And as always, on this special night in baseball, you will make one last big splash and take center stage during an event meant for players but, ultimately, built for you.

It’s been a tough week for Yankees fans but, I’ll sleep well at night knowing that you’re off somewhere firing Billy Martin for leaving a pitcher in too long in an Old Timers Softball game.

~Tim Rescigno

Filed under: Baseball | Tagged: Billy Martin, George Steinbrenner, New York Yankees | Leave a Comment »

HEY CLEVELAND, GET OVER IT!!!!

Posted on July 12, 2010 by jackofallsports

Thursday night amongst a ton of hoopla, fan fare, and with the world watching, Lebron James made the decision to leave Cleveland for sunny Miami. James’ decision made him public enemy number one Cleveland and led to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert ripping James on the team’s website. I know it stings but here is my message to the fan of the “mistake by the lake”: Lebron does not owe you anything, GET OVER IT!

I absolutely love and adore my home city of Baltimore Maryland and I was devastated when local product Mark Teixeira chose not to come here 2 seasons ago. Furthermore I would have been absolutely crushed if Cal Ripken had never won a championship for Baltimore and left in his prime. I get it, I understand, but that is life. While I agree it was self centered and narcissistic for Lebron to hold a 1 hour special to announce his decision, I think his decision can not be criticized by anyone. I will break it down this way: my dream is to get paid to do sports talk radio for a living. Currently I have a job that I like with lots of opportunity for advancement. If someone came up to me tomorrow and offered me a job for significantly less money, to pursue my dream I would take it in a second. How many people out there have changed jobs because they felt it was a better opportunity? And how many of those people were willing to take less money work for an organization with a better chance to produce results? Most people change jobs and careers because it is more financially lucrative, yet those are the same people criticizing James for turning down 30 millions dollars to reach the ultimate goal in his profession.

Lebron James wanted to stay in Cleveland and he made that known, but he did not owe them anything. They felt entitled that they could put out a mediocre supporting cast around James, and that he should stay there because its is his hometown and they drafted him into the NBA. Had Lebron left Cleveland for the Kicks or Clippers or some other team that is going nowhere just for the money, fame, and to be the superstar of the team, then Cleveland fans would have every right to be pissed. The fact is, if anyone had their choice of playing with Daniel Gibson, Delonte West and Antwaan Jamison, or playing with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, everyone would choose the latter. Lebron tried to recruit Bosh to Cleveland, but Bosh refused to play in Cleveland. Lebron was the reason Cleveland was relevant, and while I criticized him for not delivering against the Celtics, I was aware that he was the reason the Cavs had the best record in basketball. The Cavaliers were irrelevant before Lebron got to Cleveland, and he gave the Cavs seven great seasons with a supporting cast that would not have made the playoffs without him. No free agents wanted to come to Cleveland, which meant that Lebron would have once again had to be in MVP form just to give the Cavs a shot of winning the conference. Why did they lose to the Magic and Celtics in the playoffs the last two seasons? Because they were not the better TEAM, they just had the best PLAYER. Lebron wants to be part of a winning a team, even if it means sacrificing money, shots and points to reach the ultimate goal of winning.

When you go into your job Monday and someone offers you a chance to go to a better company, with better resources, more successful people and the chance top succeed in your profession, look around your office and tell me you wouldn’t grab your things and bolt out the door faster then Usain Bolt in the 100 yard dash. And in 99 percent of those cases, you would likely be taking a significant pay raise to switch companies.

If you wanted Lebron to stay then you should have gotten some pieces around him. Lebron doesn’t owe the city of Cleveland and the Cavs organization ANYTHING; they owe him for making them relevant for the last seven seasons.

Like Art Modell, Lebron left for greener pastures, and you are left with an inferior product with nobody to blame but yourself for not improving the team.

Get over it Cleveland and take a long look in the mirror.

Listening to “Miami” by Will Smith as we speak- The Little Roman.

Filed under: Basketball | Tagged: cleveland cavaliers, LeBron James, little roman, Miami Heat | 10 Comments »

Abandoning His Throne

Posted on July 9, 2010 by jackofallsports

By now, I’m sure most of you know that LeBron James has made arguably the biggest free agent decision in not just NBA but, American sports history. While the sports world has been filled with water cooler talk of where James would end up for not just weeks or months but, years, it took all of about 30 minutes for me to lose all respect for LeBron James and not in the way one might think. I completely respect LeBron as a basketball player and don’t necessarily argue the decision from a basketball standpoint. While many will argue that he can’t be compared to M.J. with this trio now in place in South Beach or ask “how could he string the Knicks and Nets along like this”, I get those points but, still don’t have a problem with the actual basketball decision. I am completely sickened by LeBron James’ actions as a human being on Thursday night and the way in which he announced his decision.

To claim that this 1 hour ESPN special was being done for a good cause (i.e. The Boys and Girls Club) is a slap in the face to the organization and, LeBron and his team of hanger onners should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. This was nothing more than a marketing maneuver to promote his new Vitamin Water Drink. Within minutes of seeing that commercial for the 1st time, I was disgusted just as my fellow correspondent and JAS Announcer, Pat Carey, was when he texted me within seconds thereafter. It was a despicable act of an immature, egomaniacle, 25 year old jerk and his 25 year old friends. They all looked real professional too in their t-shirts, baggy jeans and sneakers (LeBron in his lumberjack shirt and Ugz). This whole sham that we were witness too was the brain child of a bunch of Entourage wannabees with zero PR experience. Now wait for the backlash fellas. There’s no Ari Gold or Eric here to handle things for Vince…this is real life guys and you certainly are not the toast of Hollywood right now. In fact, outside of Miami, LeBron and his team of followers may be the most hated individuals in pro sports at the moment. Earth to team James, even if Vince were real, actors play till they’re 80…what are you all going to do without public support when LeBron is 40 years old and retired?

Finally, I do have to admit that I am a true mark of a Knicks fan. I have loved them since the days of Ewing, Oakley, Mason, Starks and Harper…my frustration and anger here is not for the city of New York though but, much more so, for the city of Cleveland. I wouldn’t have had a problem if LeBron had called a press conference on Thursday afternoon to hold up his Heat jersey with Wade and Bosh and shake Pat Riley’s hand. To have an hour long announcement where you slap your hometown in the face to promote your new drink is as low a sports moment as I have witnessed in my 28 years here on Earth and we all know the past 28 years have had some horrible moments in the world of athletics. To nationally do what you did to a city that has loved you through the days of you wearing your Yankees hat to an Indians/Yankees game or cheering for the Cowboys over the hometown Browns cannot even be put into words. Cleveland has been beyond loyal to you and you have spit on them. Cleveland, just like an unfaithful spouse, you deserved a better person to be your hero and should be happy you found out about LeBron sooner rather than later.

I hope Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is right with his guarantee that Cleveland will win a title before James ever does. I hope you finish your career without a ring LeBron. There’s a right way and a wrong way to quit your job and take on a new one and this was not just the equivalency of not giving your boss 2 weeks notice. This was like quitting on the day you were supposed to give the big presentation to save your company.

I hope you have a conscious LeBron and I hope it’s very guilty right now.

Long live the Queen!

~ Tim Rescigno

Filed under: Basketball | Tagged: Cleveland Cavs, LeBron James, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, The Decision | 4 Comments »

Where do we go from here?

Posted on June 29, 2010 by jackofallsports

After the U.S. lost the most anticipated and watched game in this country’s short history to Ghana this past Saturday, I got to thinking about what will happen now to soccer in the United States.

A little less than 1 week ago, America was in a soccer haze…all anyone could talk about was the miraculous effort against Algeria amidst questions of “how far do you think we can go”? While the loss to Ghana itself was heartbreaking, the future impact to soccer fans may take an even greater blow if the United States Soccer Federation doesn’t make a valiant effort at furthering the sport in this country.

In my opinion, the country’s soccer future remains in doubt until the following 4 issues are resolved in one way, shape or form:
• How do we entice our inner city athletes to partake in “The Beautiful Game”? Jürgen Klinsmann has made one of the better points commonly overlooked by the American Soccer fan, and said it again yesterday. He compared soccer to basketball and, specifically, the Boston Celtics. He talked about how himself and most of the great players in the world came from modest or even poor beginnings. They used the idea that football could drag them out of poverty and into fortune to become the great player he and his associates became. In America, there is no league where inner city youths can look to in hopes of one day becoming millionaires. Those leagues are the NBA and the NFL. No 14 year old living in Compton is going to want to kick around a size 5 ball in the hopes of someday making $40,000/year for the L.A. Galaxy.

• This leads me to my second issue…the lack of a legitimate professional league. I’m sorry but, getting guys like Beckham and Henry to play in the MLS at the end of their careers is not going to win over the American Sports fan. We’ve seen too many aging stars in traditional American Sports hang on for too long to embrace the idea of an over the hill athlete coming to play a sport this country doesn’t care enough about at this time. The lack of truly big name stars, in their prime, and money the average footballer can make in this country needs to change in order for soccer to continue to really grow in this country.

• I’m sorry but, we’ve gone as far as we’re going to go w/Coach Bradley. He did a solid job for us but, what might not be realized to the casual fan is that the U.S. were supposed to make the Round of 16. We were expected to beat both Algeria and Slovenia and, judging by how the world casinos (including Vegas) had the lines 16 days ago, many people thought we would have a decent shot against England as well. Bradley coaches based off of the American Spirit with an American Culture viewpoint on the sport. I’m not knocking this but, unless we’re satisfied w/being the 16th best team in the world, it’s not going to cut it on the International scale. This was the same as Arenas and just about any other coach we’ve ever had. We need a European or South American Mind and someone who can continue to capture people’s interest every few months instead of every 4 years. We need someone, who both on the field and off, will be outspoken and keep soccer more at the forefront than Bradley can.

• We need to figure out a way to capture the attention of the common man/lesser sports fan in this country. When I sat in my office for a Monday meeting, my boss, who is a big soccer fan, asked how many people had watched the game. Of 20 people in the room, 4 hands raised. Now, maybe that’s just my office but, I’m willing to bet it’s something more common than most want to believe, even with the record setting ratings. While the average American will watch football on a Sunday, even with limited or no rooting interest, the average American will not do the same with Soccer. I don’t have an answer as to how to solve this problem but, this may be one of the biggest obstacles this country faces if we ever want soccer to be on par with the major 4 sports.
I’m not saying it wasn’t a fun few weeks because it was…how does this country keep the momentum going for the next 4 years though and not just during the event itself 4 years from now?

Tim Rescigno – New York Giant apologist

Filed under: Soccer | 4 Comments »

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