Parting Shots On The NFL Season

 

 

The Next Elway?

--Charles Dunson Jr.

 

With his long awaited Super Bowl victory behind him, Peyton Manning eradicated his moniker as the next Dan Marino.  So, the question is-- where do we go from here?  In this era of 24 hour sports coverage, the media has to have someone to juxtapose under the bus, and anoint as the Next (Name Your Athlete Here).  The most popular names are the next Jordan’s Gretzky’s and Marino’s. Understandably, comparisons are how we connect to our past, a little nostalgia.  Without the Manning-Marino comparison how else could we make Marino awkwardly squirm in his chair, when discussing a certain quarterback’s postseason letdowns?

 

            In the NBA, we still have Iverson, Kevin Garnett, McGrady, even Kobe to a degree (still doesn’t receive enough credit for the Lakers 3 title run…but I digress) Who’s state of mind is left to dissect.  Peyton Manning was just one act in a play that must go on.  But where does the plot go from here?  Birth of a Dynasty (Colts), Re-Birth of a Dynasty (Patriots), or The Last Hurrah! (Favre)?

Will Tomlinson become the next Dan Marino-of-Running Backs, like Barry Sanders, or will Randy Moss become his equivalent at the wide receiver position ala Tim Brown, Cris Carter? 

This is why in 2007 the former monkey on Peyton Manning’s back will find a new home; on Donovan McNabb’s back.   For too long, McNabb has been the most unfairly criticized quarterback in football.  Despite boasting a career of 22,000 passing yards 150 touchdowns, numerous Pro Bowl selections and more impressive playoff statistics; McNabb’s bevy of accomplishments are often overshadowed by his few failures. 

Since he was selected #2 in the 1999 NFL Draft, McNabb has been arguably the second-best quarterback in the NFL, though, his numbers may not indicate so because of his Eagles inability to field an adequate lineup of receivers over the course of his career.  In his only season with an impact receiver on the roster, Terrell Owens, McNabb tore through the National Football League, passing for 3800 yards, 31 touchdowns, along with only 9 interceptions.  That season McNabb became the first quarterback to pass for 30+ touchdowns and fewer than  10 interceptions.  However, because of his mobility, strong arm, and because he’s been so close to the Promised Land, so many times McNabb should be anointed as the “Elway Reincarnation” because of their similar career arcs. While Elway was on the losing end of 3 Super Bowls, McNabb was on the losing end of 3 straight NFC Championships until he finally reached the Super Bowl on his 4th attempt; which they eventually lost.  

While Elway had “The Drive”, McNabb’s defining moment thus far in his NFL career has been a game saving 4th and 26(against the Packers in the ’03 Divisional Playoffs), which allowed them to advance to the NFC championship Game.  In the past, the Eagles offense has been averse to running plays and heavily pass oriented; making McNabb the focal point of the offenses success.  However, unlike Manning, McNabb has not had the weapons on offense, and until this season had done more with less.  However, with Bryan Westbrook finally emerging as a star running back, the similar to the emergence of Terrell Davis with the ’97 Broncos, the Eagles may finally have the pieces to put together a serious contender without relying solely on the arms and feet of McNabb.

             

Hmmm… also reminds me of another certain Hall of Fame quarterback?   His career is also reminiscent of former 49er, Steve Young.    So which one will he be; the next Elway or Young?  I don’t know but I like his chances because for all their differences, their biggest similarities are their colossal-sized Super Bowl rings. 

Though, I hope we won’t have to wait until the backend of McNabb’s career to finally watch him achieve eternal NFL glory, despite his recent setbacks and with Manning now vindicated, the stage is now set for McNabb to finally receive his due.  Open Act 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIGGEST All Star-Snubs

 

Who Should Be In

Who Should Be Out

Zach Randolph: 24.3 ppg, 10.3 apg

Amare Stoudemire: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg

Ray Allen: 27 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.2apg        

Josh Howard: 19.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.9 apg

Joe Johnson: 25.5 apg, 4.2 apg, 4.2 rpg

Chauncey Billups: 17.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 7.8 apg

Ben Gordon:   21.1 ppg,

Rip Hamilton: 21.7 ppg, 3.9apg, 3.9 rpg

Eddy Curry: 19.8 ppg, 7 rpg, 58 FG%  

Emeka Okafor:

Shaquille O’Neal: 13.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 51 FG%

Baron Davis: 20.7ppg, 8.7 ppg           OR

Deron Williams: 17.3 ppg, 9.1 apg

Tony Parker: 19 ppg, 5.6 apg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Players/ Coaches I’d Love To See in the Broadcast Booth (NBA Edition)

 

 

  • Kobe Bryant- He may just be the distinguished owner of a high school degree, but he is one of the most articulate, intelligent players in the game.  Not to mention, at 28, Bryant is already a future Hall of Famer with 3 championship rings and whenever NBA greats enter the broadcast booth, viewers have to listen. 
  • Damon Jones- one of the most comical players, in the league.  A journeyman as a point guard, he’d probably parallel Charles Barkley as an analyst.
  • Dirk Nowitzki- There has never been an international player broadcast an ESPN game, and Nowitzki should be the guinea pig.  His English has improved remarkably since he entered the league to a point where it’s put Allen Iverson to shame.  He has an impressive understanding of all facets of basketball—even for a professional basketball player.   
  • Steve Nash- If Nash was the same frenetic, witty broadcaster as he is in interviews and as point guard on the court he’ll be an instant success.  His eye for the game is uncanny and he has a Canadian accent.
  • Pat Riley- who wouldn’t love to hear the smoothest Head Coach of all time and one of the most knowledgeable in the NBA today commentate for an entire game.
  • Gilbert Arenas- he’s basically a clone of Damon Jones in personality.  His goofiness channels a little of Bill Walton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Athletes/ Coaches I Never Want To See in the Broadcast Booth
  • Lane Kiffin- talks at the rate of a slug and in a short period of time he’s sullied everything Geico Cavemen have fought for.  Has a lot of football knowledge. (I hope), after all he is head coach of the Oakland Raiders.  However, with his seemingly limited vocabulary, if he did have something to say, he would not know how to explain it.  My personal favorite quote “We will play happy.”
  • Ladanian Tomlinson- he has no ego, and he’s one of the least candid athletes of our generation.  His jab at Belichick was just a
  • Marvin Harrison- probably the most timid and docile athlete in sports despite playing a position known for its vocal egos and personalities.  Harrison hesitated speaking at the Super Bowl Media Day at the price of a fine; do you think he’d do this for a living?
  • Bill Belichick- while his football knowledge may be immaculate, Belicheck is one of the most uncharismatic characters I’ve ever heard.
  • Tom Brady- When he speaks, nothing comes out.  He’s afraid to speak his mind and just plain in genuine.  Unlike Manning if Vanderjagt had ripped into him, he probably wouldn’t have the gall to respond.
  • Allen Iverson- Great player, but incredibly monotone and would not work as a broadcaster. 
  • Chauncey Billups- one of the most mundane, boring speakers you may ever hear.
  • Jalen Rose- Too late! Thanks to The Best Damn Sports Show and TNT’s NBA Playoff coverage, he’s already displayed his interest in broadcasting when his career is over.  However, his over-excited, childish antics get old after a while and while he’s speaking I think at any moment he’s going to drool all over his shirt.

 

 

 NFL players/coaches I’d Want To See In the Broadcast Booth

 

  • Mike Vanderjagt- Although there aren't many kickers-turned-announcers, some network might be very interested in recruiting Vanderjagt for shock value.   You never know what Vanderjagt is going to say and he isn't afraid to insult people.  I’ve always believed his “drunken kicker” comments about Peyton Manning were accurate and eventually lit a fire under the mundane Manning that was not visible before.  And he just seems so sure of himself.
  • Corey Chavous- Chavous, a free safety for the Rams is renowned and has earned a reputation for his draft expertise since he entered the league. He’s already served as a draft expert and Super Bowl analyst for ESPN and various other networks.
  • Jeff Saturday-after becoming the unofficial spokesman of the Colts, Saturday’s witty, and satirical sense of humor was obvious and as an offensive lineman, he should have a great understanding of the game.
  • Keyshawn Johnson- Pardon the pun, but “Just Give Him the Damn Mic”.  Just like Deion Sanders it’s just a formality that after his distinguished career is over he will be on Television.   Not since Deion Sanders or Muhammad Ali has there been an athlete with more wit, charisma and grandiloquence in the media and in interviews than Keyshawn.  He’s an unpredictable, yet knowledgeable speaker in the mold (not physically) of Charles Barkley and seems comfortable in the media.
  •  Torry Holt- Already known as a savvy, articulate speaker, who has worked with ESPN as a draft  and Super Bowl analyst on numerous occasions.
  • Peyton Manning- as his career has developed so has the personality of Manning.  Once known as the most
  • Chad Johnson- the flamboyant Bengals wide receiver is never afraid to speak his mind and his football knowledge is impressive.  He already considers himself a masterful analyst who already gives his opinions on players and teams in the league.
  • Tiki Barber- Do I even need to say anything. It’s probably been said before—by Tiki.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Crystal Ball

Future Headlines

Chicago Bears Eyeing Ohio State QB In Draft- March 2007

Tennessee’s Lofton Wins POY over Noah, Big Baby- April 2007

Ginn Takes Over As Top Returner In The League- November 2007

With Manning Vindicated Is Pressure On McNabb? - August 2007

NIT Winners Granted NCAA Tourney Invites- March 2008

 

Headlines U Will Not See

Gilbert Arenas Voted Most Overrated In Players Poll

Manning Injured In Off-season Bike Crash—May Miss Games

BYU signs #1 High School QB; Won’t play ‘til After Mormon Mission—in 2010