The Crystal Ball 2007 Week 13

Wasted youth and needlessly shortened life. Redskins safety Sean Taylor was shot in his home on Monday. Taylor sustained a severed artery due to a bullet wound in his leg, and despite efforts from surgeons, was unable to regain consciousness and passed away early Tuesday.

Before anyone wonders or supposes, let’s just say it. This was intentional. Taylor was targeted and the previous break in was connected. Too much smoke for there to be no fire. His home was broken into and the perpetrators left a knife on his bed. Eight days later assailants broke in again, made their way to the bedroom, broke open the door and shot. The phone lines to his house were cut before the shooting. Unless one is naïve, the evidence obviously points to the presumption that someone wanted Taylor dead. Why is unknown, and may never be.

There is much more to the story that has yet to come out, and I have no doubt the story will continue to grow as the investigation reveals more details. The only definite thing about this is the fact that this is another sad example of violence among young black men in our society. ESPN.com’s Jemele Hill penned a great piece regarding the issue this week, and I believe it should be read.

What bothers me the most about this is not the senselessness of it, which is beyond aggravating, frustrating, infuriating and sad, but the stupidity, sadness and wastefulness of it all. We gnash our teeth over athletes, such as Michael Vick, who remain close to their troubled roots and allow it to overtake their success at life, but do little for those who strive to overcome and break away. What about those, whose life is snuffed out? And what about those who find themselves the target merely because they are successful black men who rise out of the ghetto?

Sean Taylor was one of those men. He had some troubled past behind him and troubled people. But he did not want to be a part of that life any longer. He wanted a better life, not only for himself but also his girlfriend and young daughter. He wanted to be away from the users, sycophants, troublemakers and leeches that tried to tag along for his ride, or pull him down to theirs. He pulled himself away from dangerous, useless and bad people, and because they did not like his decision nor respect him as a man for living his own life and wanting a better one for his family, they killed him. His past mistakes he tried to exorcise from his life came back with a vengeance, and nothing bothers me more.

Is not the point of our country that one can rise above their station, grab the brass ring and live the American Dream? Is that not what we strive to do? Should we not cheer those who succeed at this? Why must there be those in our world who harbor nothing but jealousy, envy, hatred and anger at those who wish to better themselves and their lives? Why must they feel entitled to some of that good fortune not because they worked, strived and gave of themselves but merely because they know someone who made the sacrifices and put in the effort? Why, when they do not get their way and a shortcut to easy street, do they hold this against the successful person, to the point where it escalates to murder?

Ms. Hill’s article shows how this behavior is prominent in the culture of young black men, and George Dohrmann and Farrell Evan’s article for Sports Illustrated delved deeply into Michael Vick’s particular situation and the world of ghetto loyalty in general. But it would be too easy to mark this as a racial problem. This sort of jealousy, greed, spite, anger, hatred and envy knows no racial, cultural or societal boundaries. It affects everyone as long as we have too many people without the good life while wanting it without the effort it takes to achieve it, and as long as we live in a society that minimizes anyone who is not living the good life it glamorizes and glorifies. Until as a society, a human society, we straighten out our priorities, these problems will, unfortunately, continue unabated and possibly escalate. Too many with little tend to resent, for right or wrong, the too few with much. And when those who come from too little make it and try to break free, we see sad situations like the one that happened to Sean.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Taylor family, his real friends and his daughter. I hope one day you all may find some peace.


Recap

The Patriots and three points are killing me. - Andy Reid after the game.

If Eagles with AJ Feeley can take the pre-crowned champs to wire, then others can as well, perhaps further. A lesson for all, kids.

Another lesson, play with pride. Eagles did, and almost got the whole enchilada.

Now, was it not said here, and by plenty of others, many weeks ago that if you pop Randy Moss a few times early on his game would disappear? What did the Eagles do? Popped Moss early and often. And what did Moss do? Hardly anything with only had 43 yards receiving and zero touchdowns.

Marc Bulger is out again with a concussion. I wonder how Rams feel about that contract. More important, I wonder how they feel about that offensive line.

A stunning comeback by the Bears scoring 17 points in 6 minutes to win the game at home over the Broncos. Devin Hester once again provided key to victory for the Bears with a punt and kickoff return for touchdowns. How many times must it be asked, why does anyone kick to him?

By the way, for his career, Hester now has 10 returns for touchdown, three short of tying the record. It could happen this season.

Because it needs to be said, Aaron Kampman is a beast.

The Packers can make any game exciting.

Kurt Warner you gotta love him and he is proving he still has something in the tank. But that was bad screw up in overtime. Kurt, get rid of the ball. The blame cannot be laid on Kurt’s shoulders, however. Why would Whisenhunt call such a dangerous play so close to their own end zone? And how do you miss a chip shot field goal at home? Or more importantly, manage the clock so poorly that you miss an opportunity to win the game outright in the waning moments. Are cardinals fearful of success?

3 of Eli Manning’s 4 intercepted balls were returned for touchdowns. I guess no one on the Giant offense wanted to soil their hands with a tackle. And the second half swoon continues.

85 manned a camera for his post touchdown celebration. Has it been so long since last he caught one that even his celebrations are as poor as his team? How sad.


Steelers 3 – Dolphins 0

I like our field, even when it's dirt. We understand what it's like, we understand the footing. It's been like this since Heinz Field was built. Obviously, all this concern is because of the Monday Night monsoon. Teams come in and complain about it, but, when you come into Heinz Field, you better bring in your big-boy cleats and be ready to go. – Brett Keisel

I suppose you could call that a game, as much as you could call that muddy, swampy quagmire a field.

This image says everything about the game. The Dolphins punt the ball away, the ball sails through the air toward the Pittsburgh end of the field. It loses momentum, plummets toward the earth and promptly sticks into the ground, point up.

What a strange night in Pittsburgh, with a torrential downpour that turned the newly laid field surface into mucky quicksand, a delay of the start for lightning and what became the lowest scoring game in the history of Monday Night Football.

As a matter of fact, the game remained scoreless until 17 seconds remained in the contest. Both teams battled for 59:43 without as much as a safety. The only other game to go longer without a score was the Giants/Lions tilt from November 7th, 1943 which ended in a 0-0 tie.

This was the second game involving the Dolphins this season in which the contest was delayed by lightning. Someone up there does not like them too much.

Although bad weather games between these teams are not uncommon. In 2004 the teams met in Miami in torrential rain caused by Hurricane Jeanne, which also pushed the start from the afternoon to the evening. Fun note about that game, it marked Roethlisberger’s 1st career start and victory as Pittsburgh came out on top 13-3.

Pittsburgh started 9 drives in or near Miami territory, and netted 3 points. Not exactly a night for offense.

Was anyone surprised by Joey Porter having a big defensive game, which included a pickoff? Nope. Although I did enjoy Hines Ward burning Joey for a quick slant reception and first down and then patting Joey on the head.

So much for the much heralded return of Ricky Williams. Honestly, did anyone else from the Dolphins come to the game? It seemed that was the only story available, other than the field conditions.

Now Ricky’s season is over, as the limited contact he encountered in the game brought on a season ending injury. At least Ricky can take solace in two words, medical marijuana.

Now, mind you, I understand the conditions were atrocious and it would be difficult for any team, even the Patriots, to find effective ways of moving the football when their feet sink a few inches into the turf on each step. That being said, the passing game needs some serious improvement. The offensive line needs to hold their blocks better, Roethlisberger needs to get the pass off faster and the receivers need to find the openings in the defense and get separation. Everyone needs to step up just a bit; otherwise we’ll see more incompletions, stalled drives and Big Ben sacks. Monday night, the Dolphins sacked Ben 5 times, making it 12 in 2 games. Imagine how bad it would be against better defenses.

Another disturbing trend is the amount of mental mistakes the team has made lately. Over the last few games more and more penalties for mental mistakes, false starts late hits holding and personal fouls, have been creeping into the action. Obviously I am not the only one who feels this to be a problem, as Mike Tomlin blew his normally cool lid after Heath Miller was called for his second penalty of the night. Pittsburgh typically is one of the more disciplined teams in the league, and the numbers at the moment hold that to be true. But the more mistakes you make, the more opportunities you give the other team.

What I Liked from Pittsburgh – Defense played physical and tough despite the conditions, Jeff Reed, the hearty, tough and loud Pittsburgh fans who braved wind, weather and a late start to watch the game in its entirety; Pittsburgh is now on a 13 win streak at home on Monday Night Football; Willie Parker’s third 1000 yard season.

What I Did Not Like from Pittsburgh – continued problem converting third downs; inability to successfully finish a drive, despite the conditions; passing game;


NFL, the alternative Universe

The league will not punish the Packers for players supposedly offering payments to teammates to achieve goals on the field. According to the NFL, the team has handled the matter internally, and no further action is required. 10 bucks said Brett just starred down Goodell until he cracked.

Tony Romo, a Wisconsin native, grew up watching Brett Favre. Like most people from the area, Romo saw Favre as his football hero. Romo, according to teammates, does a really good Favre impression. Is it wrong that I would find it hilarious to see this?
KC lineman Kyle Turley announced that he and other players will donate parts or all of their paycheck for the games played on December 23rd to help retired players. I love this, players taking care of their own. Fantastic. I hope every player jumps on board. With salaries as they are now, imagine how much good could be done in one weekend?


Upon Further Review

Every season some sportswriter or broadcaster comes up with a goofy or nonsensical phrase that catches like wildfire and suddenly everyone is using it. The more people use it, the more it seems to be accepted until one day you hear it for the umpteenth time and say, wait, that sounds moronic. This year is no exception.

Reference to this phrase has been previously made here, but now is the time to address it fully. I speak of the phrase, feed the running back. The need to stand out and be creative in an industry overrun is great, and thus catchphrases, comments and easily digestible nuggets of pseudo-wisdom are born. Plus, there also exists the need to keep viewers interested, especially in our ADD laden world. The point behind the phrase is to emphasize the need to run the football, keep the running back working, the chains moving and the clock ticking. This information is not new, every team from the beginning of time has subscribed to this method at one point or another. But repeating it could get boring for our readers and viewers, so broadcasters and writers find new ways to spice up obvious information. Thus, something as dumb as feed the running back is born.

Mind you, I do not mind the creativity. Working to improve the consumer experience and keep things interesting are what make following the sport more enjoyable. What bothers me is the absurdity of the statement as well as the lemming like way everyone has gloomed onto it. I listened to the phrase, and its many incantations, from the perspective of a first time viewer of the NFL who had no idea of the intricacies or basis of the game and this is what popped into my head.

I figured that running backs, while skilled, were just regular human beings and subsisted on normal foods. No, they subsist on footballs. Everyone seems to emphasize this point, and apparently it holds the key to victory. I figured that eating during intense physical activity would be bad for someone, but apparently not for these mythical creatures. Feeding on plastic and leather during physical exertion seems to be their key to survival. And the more they eat, the better they perform. However, I watched a contest and could not see them eating at all. This disappointed me, since I was curious as to how they ate. Did they eat the football raw, or perhaps they prepared and cooked it first. Did they prefer an elaborate setup for their meal, or did they eat on the go, like a sandwich or snack bar. And since footballs are filled with air, do they consume that first, breathing in the essence of their meal, or just let it escape upon their first bite? All I have been able to ascertain per watching these beautiful creatures is that they prefer to eat in private, without prying eyes upon them, to be able to perform their spectacular feats.

When you break down the phrase, it sounds even more absurd.


Steelers Around the World

To ease back into the outside world, the tour moves this week to the Great White North. We find ourselves in British Columbia and its capital, Vancouver. Home to over 2 million Canadians, this jewel of Canada is nestled between the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains. Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada, the third largest in Canada and the largest city in the Pacific Northwest.

Incorporated in 1886, Vancouver for years relied upon the most traditional of Canadian industries, forestry, fishing, mining and agriculture. While these industries are still important, the city expanded its economical base, and now also touts its tourism, film and video game development industries. Vancouver has always been an important seaport as well, and is the largest found in Canada. Per year Vancouver exports more cargo than any other port in North America.

The natural beauty of Vancouver is widely espoused and sought. Multitudes of mountain vistas and seaside beauty inject the city with a splendor unknown to most metropolitan areas. One can find themselves in an urban night scene, a beach relaxation and a forest hike all in the same day. This variety of locales has allowed the Vancouver film scene to flourish, and is a popular location for many major films and television shows.

But film production and creation are not the only artistic offerings from this city. Vancouver also boasts a vibrant music scene, producing artists across the spectrum of music. A thriving theater scene and a wide variety of museums and galleries give visitors and locals a wide variety of cultural and entertainment choices.

If said people prefer a little sports for their entertainment dollar, Vancouver offers plenty for those interested parties. With its location to the ocean, mountains, lakes and rivers, Vancouver is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Locals partake in many activities and the city’s 3,200 acres of parkland often, making Vancouver one of the thinnest cities in Canada. Mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, hiking, boating and whitewater rafting are but a few of the many activities one can partake of in Vancouver.

For those who wish to enjoy a more passive sports experience, Vancouver has you covered as well. The city will host the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2009 World Police and Fire games and played hose for some of the 2007 FIFA World Cup. Vancouver features Vancouver Canadians Baseball team, the Whitecaps FC soccer team, the Vancouver Canucks NHL hockey team and the British Columbia Lions Canadian football team.

The home of the Lions, BC Place Stadium, will be the host for our game. 60,000 fans fill this stadium regularly for Lions and Whitecap games. The stadium became the first domed stadium in Canada upon its construction in 1983 and will be the center of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics.

The Steelers opponents for the game will be the Seattle Seahawks. When the Seahawks have what amounts to a backyard game in the home of their neighbor to the north, and still see their fans outnumbered by Steeler fans, perhaps then they can stop whining about the Super Bowl.


Idiot of the week

A guaranteed winner if the honor existed when last he roamed the NFL landscape, Ricky Williams takes the mantle this week. Now, Ricky did not win on past accomplishments, even though the list could easily garner him a few of these awards. No, this week he wins for the stupidity of rushing back into action.

Ricky has not played in an actual, full tilt NFL contest in almost two years, thanks to his preference for the sticky icky. Thus he has not felt the pain of an impact with a flying defensive player in that time. But as soon as his suspension was lifted, he rushed right into the tilt. While admirable, he showed fast how woefully unprepared he was for such punishment. Mind you, his skills were still there, you could see glimpses of them, but his body was not ready to absorb the punishment.

Now, instead of showcasing himself for the remainder of the season to interested teams as a strong, healthy and viable running back, Ricky will sit at home and continue to watch games on television. And since idle hands are the devil’s tools, no one would be surprised if Ricky’s 5th suspension for drugs would be forthcoming. Congratulations Ricky!


On Tap This Week

On a weekend in which football is as much of a tradition as turkey with trimmings, I managed to watch parts of only three games. I suppose going on vacation will do that. The worst, most of the action I did see was about as exciting as watching a field drain water. Still, overall it was not a bad week.

Last week 11-5
Season to date 115-61

And now, regular Thursday night football! Oooooh, games on three days a week, it’s like an early Christmas present.


Thursday

Green Bay (10-1) at Dallas (10-1)

Easily, the best game of the week, and the one hardly anyone will see. Thank you NFL and Cable companies for your continued stalemate! I will see it, thanks to DirecTV, but because the league and big cable continue to squabble over pennies, most of the country will not, including the capitals of Wisconsin and Texas. Anyone see something wrong with this picture? Please adjust your televisions. As for who will win this epic showdown, I must jump off, at least momentarily, the Packer train. The Dallas secondary is playing well at the moment and the Packer running game will not keep the defensive backs honest. But I would not be surprised if Favre finally breaks that 0-8 streak in Texas Stadium.

Cowboys over Packers


Sunday

Houston (5-6) at Tennessee (6-5)

The team who left versus the team who replaced them. Who can overcome their current swoon this week? I have slightly more faith in Jeff Fisher to motivate Tennessee. Just slightly.

Titans over Texans


Jacksonville (8-3) at Indianapolis (9-2)

Jacksonville plays Indy tough, and the Jags now are winning. Mind you they do not win pretty, but they win. And Indianapolis currently finds them still resembling a walking MASH unit. Jacksonville’s best chance to win in Indy may be this week. I still like Peyton, though.

Colts over Jaguars


San Diego (6-5) at Kansas City (4-7)

How can you pick, both are horribly coached and look terrible. And after getting lambasted for going for it on fourth in one, Herm Edwards will not be brave enough to make that call again. Even though it was the right call, he’ll chicken out and revert to worse coaching tactics this week. I suppose the on paper superior team will do.

Chargers over Chiefs


Atlanta (3-8) at St. Louis (2-9)

If an NFL game between two crappy teams fell in the woods, would it make a sound?

Rams over Falcons


New York Jets (2-9) at Miami (0-11)

Which would you like better, the pu pu platter or the pu pu sandwich? I’ll take the sandwich. Not as much to choke down.

Jets over Dolphins


Detroit (6-5) at Minnesota (5-6)

Minnesota plays inspired and tough. Detroit does not. They still have not figured out that whole defense thing, but Minny sure seems to have it down. Second place in the division is up for grabs. I’m going hot team.

Vikings over Lions


Tampa Bay (7-4) at New Orleans (5-6)

Tough call, as the Bucs have been playing well this season despite numerous setbacks. The same cannot be said for the New Orleans Reggie Bushes. Perhaps there’s some magic left in that ol’ Superdome, though.

Saints over Buccaneers


Seattle (7-4) at Philadelphia (5-6)

I know it’s not just me; the Eagles do perform better with McNabb on the bench. Is it psychological, or perhaps the team does not like him anymore? Not surprising, Reid is holding off a decision on McNabb’s status until he knows Donovan is 100% healthy. Wanna bet he is not ready Sunday? I do.

Eagles over Seahawks


Buffalo (5-6) at Washington (5-6)

The Bills made another change, Losman out Edwards in. Apparently, the little winning streak Edwards sent them on was not enough evidence to make the switch permanent, they needed to watch Losman fail again. The more important question, how will Washington be affected by Sean Taylor’s death? I think they will be inspired by Sean’s memory, and we’ll see some hard hits.

Redskins over Bills


San Francisco (3-8) at Carolina (4-7)

San Francisco finally jump started Frank Gore. Now, if only they could do the same with Alex Smith. Perhaps Carolina can win a home game for the first time since last year. John Fox better hope so, Bill Cowher lives right down the road and available for parties and weddings.

Panthers over 49ers


Cleveland (7-4) at Arizona (5-6)

I’d like to think Whisenhunt has something special for the Browns. He has for the other AFC North teams. But these are not the same Browns of last year. And these are starting to look less like the Cardinals of earlier this year.

Browns over Cardinals


Denver (5-6) at Oakland (3-8)

How do you throw away a 14 point lead in 5 minutes? How do you continue to kick to Devin Hester? After that embarrassment, will Shanahan still have enough anger left over for his nemesis? I am beginning to wonder, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, this game only.

Broncos over Raiders


New York Giants (7-4) at Chicago (5-6)

Ummm. It’s like a Russian roulette of shaky quarterbacks. I’ll take the one who has Devin Hester in his pocket.

Bears over Giants


Cincinnati (4-7) at Pittsburgh (8-3)

One thing that scares me about this game, the Steelers have a short week due to the Monday night game. While they have succeeded on short weeks before, this week just became even shorter thanks to playing in the muck. Will they get enough rest to keep up with the fast paced Bungle offense? Heavy work in swampy conditions makes for tired legs. Plus, losing Dan Kreider for the season never helps. The one thing in their favor, they face the Bungles this week.

Steelers over Bengals


Monday

New England (11-0) at Baltimore (4-7)

Even taking into consideration that the Ravens defense could have a game for the ages, which is possible, what would it matter? Would their offense really be able to do anything? They have enough trouble against crappy defensive teams, see the Bungles, let alone against a good one. However, if it bleeds, we can kill it.

Patriots over Ravens