68 Teams, 1 Dream: Why March Madness is Sheer Happiness

Posted: March 26, 2013 in Sports
Tags: , ,
17

10 seconds left on the clock.  Tie ball game.

20,000 nervous fans, all on their feet, tensely await the start of the next play.  Hearts are pounding, palms are sweating, knees are shaking… this is the moment of truth.  After a long, hard-fought 39 minutes and 50 seconds of playing time, the game hangs in the balance and will come down to the final shot…

“What play is the coach drawing up?  Who will be trusted to take the go-ahead shot, the potential buzzer-beating game-winner??  And will the defense be able to come up with a stop to give their team another chance?”

As a nation of fans collectively holds its breath, chills run down my spine.  THIS is what it’s all about.  THIS is the beauty of sports.

More than just a tournament, more than just a championship, March Madness epitomizes the good of basketball; more importantly, it epitomizes the good of sports.  Although it can be a bracket-busting nightmare full of heartbreak, it also functions to remind us why we fell in love with sports in the first place: the late game heroics, the come-from-behind victories, the underdog stories… it really doesn’t get much better than this.

For some, March Madness is nothing more than an excuse to eat, drink, and watch basketball all day.  It’s fun, and there is no shame in that.  But for true fans of the game, it is a chance to appreciate what the greatest minds and players of the sport have to offer.  It is a chance to admire the next generation of great playmakers.  It is a chance to witness history in the making.  Most importantly, it is a chance to remember why we spend so many hours in front of our television all year long watching and cheering for our teams, regardless of the outcome.

The often unrecognized impact of March Madness is that the excitement it generates translates to sports across the board.  The element of surprise is the heart and soul of all sports, but it is especially heightened in the tournament.  Elevated emotions are more prevalent in March, but they are reminiscent of the great sporting events that have fans on the edge of their seat throughout the year.  Ultimately, March Madness serves to remind us that all sports provide opportunities for great narratives.  For every buzzer-beater during March Madness, there will be another in the NBA playoffs; for every come from behind victory in the tournament, there will be a 4th-quarter game winning drive in the NFL; for every underdog success story in the first round, there will be a feisty NHL or MLB team that accomplishes the same feat.  March Madness is a microcosm of the beauty of sports.

From the shocking losses to the astonishing victories, March Madness never ceases to amaze — it is no wonder so many have fallen in love with the crazy month of brackets and baskets.  But next time you are watching a game and find yourself immersed in the amazing emotional roller coaster it provides, take a moment to appreciate not only the tournament, but also the joy (and heartbreak) ALL sports have given you over the years.  THAT is the beauty of March Madness, the beauty of the game, the beauty of all sports.  March is more than just madness, it is also full of magic.

Rob Ryan, Really??

Posted: January 8, 2013 in NFL, Sports
Tags: ,
0

robryan

Rob Ryan is the latest in a long line of NFL firings, according to reports that he is out as Defensive Coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys.

But the lingering question that remains is WHY?  What was the Cowboys front office — or more realistically, Jerry Jones — thinking??

Although the Cowboys did rank 24th out of 32 teams in overall defense this year, allowing 400 points on the season and over 5,000 yards, their defense was plagued with injuries from the beginning of the season.  Notable injured players included linebacker Sean Lee (on injured reserve by season’s end, out since Week 7), Pro-Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff (missed 6 games at the end of the season), and cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

By week 17, the Cowboys were so decimated by injuries that it was amazing they even had a defense to put on the field, let alone give RGIII and the Washington Redskins a run for their money in a game that determined the NFC East champion and final NFC playoff spot.

With only one year remaining on his contract and an impressive volume of work, I have to wonder why the Cowboys wouldn’t give Rob Ryan another go next season, knowing how much more he could do with a healthy team.  Not to mention, who will they find with his credentials to replace him?

This will certainly turn out to be one of the biggest mistakes Jerry Jones has ever made, as Rob Ryan was not the issue on a team with multiple problems.  What about the offense, that can’t seem to produce with a game on the line?  What about the special teams (and coordinator Joe DeCamillis), which ranked 29th out of 32 teams this season?  What about the players themselves, including the least-clutch quarterback in the NFL in Tony Romo?

I have to shake my head at this firing and simply shrug my shoulders, knowing I will never understand Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ offseason moves.  And apparently neither will Rob Ryan, who claimed to ESPN Dallas’ Tim McMahon that he isn’t worried because he knows he will only be out of work “for like, 5 minutes.”

Cheers to that Rob Ryan, wish you were still ours!

Sources — Rob Ryan fired as Dallas Cowboys D-coordinator – ESPN Chicago.

HE IS the MAN

Posted: January 6, 2013 in NCAAF, Sports
Tags: , , ,
0
Johnny Manziel is all smiles after a record breaking performance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Friday night.

Johnny Manziel is all smiles after a record breaking performance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Friday night.

Johnny Manziel or Johnny Football… whatever you call him, you should know his name.

After watching the AT&T Cotton Bowl Friday night, I’m not sure who wouldn’t.

The Heisman trophy winner proved he was worthy of the title on the national stage Friday night.  While much was made of the media attention he has received and the fun he has had recently — a trip to Jay Leno, meeting LeBron James, golfing with the Jonas Brothers — he was able to block out the noise and put in a performance that was one for the ages.

And for the record books.

Rushing for  229 yards, Manziel set a new FBS record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a bowl game.  Time and again, he used his legs to turn a broken play or a hole in the O-Line into 15, 20, or 25 yards.  What is more impressive is how shifty he was, making player after player miss tackle after tackle.  Those who watched the game saw the red line that tracked him on replays, the line going from one side of the field to the other, zigging and zagging around players and tackles until he finally slid to safety, somehow always before getting hit.  As someone who has not watched much A&M football this year, I was overly impressed by his versatility and his decision making.  To say he is a mobile quarterback is the understatement of the century!

More than just legs, Manziel is quite the athlete, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for another two with his arm.  He made his mark in the record books again by providing a new Cotton Bowl record of 516 yards of total offense for the Aggies.  And he’s only a freshman!  Looks like the SEC has a new elite quarterback to deal with, and the Heisman trophy has a front-runner for the next few years…

At the beginning of the season, A&M was an afterthought in the SEC; now, they are a legitimate program that can compete with the likes of Alabama, Florida, and LSU.  Nationally, they have thrust themselves into the spotlight and turned themselves into a relevant program that other teams must concern themselves with.  Even Fox Sports predicted a BCS title run in the next few years for A&M!  A sad day for a Trojan such as myself…

Let me be the first to say it: I was wrong about Johnny Manziel.  Perhaps he read my article claiming Te’o should have won the Heisman, or perhaps he was just tired of hearing about how he wasn’t ready for the Cotton Bowl.  Either way, he showed his haters why he was worthy of the title Friday night.  It is obvious he has a great career ahead of him, and while I can’t make myself cheer for the Aggies, I will be rooting for him in the future.  I look forward to seeing what he will do in the next few years at A&M.  I won’t doubt you again Johnny Football!

For more about how fun Johnny Manziel is to watch in person, read ESPN Dallas’ Richard Durrett’s article here.

Bye Bye ‘Boys: Redskins Run Away With NFC East Title

Posted: January 1, 2013 in NFL, Sports
Tags: , ,
0

History was made Sunday night.

Unfortunately, the Dallas Cowboys were on the losing end of it.

Redskins’ rookie RB Alfred Morris rushed for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns, surpassing Clinton Portis as the Redskins’ single season rushing leader with 1,613 yards on the year.  Portis’ previous record was 1,516 yards in 2005.

Robert Griffin III added another touchdown with his legs, and the Cowboys were sent packing.

The Cowboys’ defense, decimated with injuries, simply couldn’t keep pace with the quick Redskins.  Not only could they not contain the run (the Redskins averaged 6.5 yards per rush and gained 274 yards on the night), but they had a non-existent pass rush until Anthony Spencer got Dallas’ only sack of the game late in the 4th quarter.  DeMarcus Ware, battling numerous injuries, was limited in his effectiveness and the absences of Sean Lee and Bruce Carter were obviously notable as the Cowboys suffered a defeat once again.

On the offensive side of the ball, Tony Romo lived up to his reputation as one of the least-clutch quarterbacks in the league, throwing a crucial interception late in the 4th quarter with his team poised to take the lead and potentially win the game.  That interception was only one of three on the night for Romo, who turned the ball over too many times to win.  Although the Redskins ended up with no points off the first two interceptions, Romo put his team in a hole early when they had chances to drive down the field and score but instead gave the ball to the Redskins.  Not that he had much to work with, for his offensive line play was pathetic once again, with only SC product Tyron Smith holding his ground against the strong Redskins’ D line.  Sacked in the 4th quarter for an 18 yard loss, fans can only shake their head and hope for a few strong draft picks this offseason to beef up the O-Line and give Romo the protection he needs.

Throughout the game there were a few bright spots, such as the play of Dwayne Harris, who had a spectacular catch for a two-point conversion in the 4th quarter to bring the Cowboys within 3.  Fans can be encouraged by the young talent on the roster, for if offensive players like Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray can continue to develop, there is hope again for next year.  As, it seems, there is at the beginning of every Cowboys season…

The offseason should surely bring some changes to the Cowboys roster, who need to not only beef up the O-Line but also get stronger on the defensive side of the ball.  While the return of injured starters will certainly help strengthen the core of the defense, another good cornerback is needed across from Morris Claiborne, and the safety position could use some help as well.  Although injuries were the most pressing issue with the Cowboys defense late this season, the opportunity to get stronger should be taken advantage of with a few good draft picks and free agent signings.

Alas, Cowboys fans, we are left scratching and shaking our heads again.  The disappointment is hard to swallow, and I for one am tired of defending a team that simply can’t get it done when it counts.  But I do bleed blue, and I will be anxiously awaiting the start of next season with hopes (once again) that it will be different.  In the meantime, looking forward to the playoffs… should be a hell of a ride!  Can’t wait for next weekend and the great match-ups it presents.  A fan through and through, I can’t be stopped, even if my team can…

Happy New Year everyone!

Game On

Posted: December 30, 2012 in NFL, Sports
Tags: ,
1

Three weeks ago, I created a poll to gauge opinions on who would win the NFC East.  70% of voters answered the New York Giants.  30% answered the Dallas Cowboys, and nobody answered the Washington Redskins.

My how things change!  With the Cowboys and the Redskins facing off for the NFC East title tonight and the Giants all but eliminated from playoff contention, the true uncertain nature of sports is shown.  A few weeks can make a world of difference!

Excited for the game tonight… hope you all are too!

Week 17 Preview: Do or Die for Redskins, Cowboys

Posted: December 29, 2012 in NFL, Sports
Tags: , , , , , , ,
0
Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Robert Griffin III show similar abilities on the field and face off Sunday night with a playoff berth on the line.

Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Robert Griffin III, who display similar abilities on the field, face off Sunday night with a playoff berth on the line.

It all comes down to this.

Sunday night, the Cowboys and Redskins face off for the NFC East title and the last remaining NFC playoff spot.  Winner moves on to play in January, loser leaves empty-handed and full of regret.

To steal a line from the NBA Playoffs, Win or Go Home.

It’s now or never for Cowboys fans, who expect nothing less than at least a playoff appearance every year.  However, after another mediocre season plagued with injuries and full of blown chances, that opportunity has dwindled, and now the Cowboys face a must-win situation Sunday night to make the playoffs for the third time in the last five years.

Typical Cowboys.

The Redskins, on the other hand, with the help of rookie QB sensation Robert Griffin III, have done a complete turnaround from last season’s dismal 5-11 record and now sit atop the NFC East at 9-6.  If RG3 can work his magic again Sunday night, he may not only be able to deliver a playoff berth, but also be able to give the team its first winning season since 2007-2008 (when Jason Campbell was at the helm).

The quarterback matchup will be the one to watch throughout the game, as both Robert Griffin III and Tony Romo are dangerous in the pocket and present many challenges for opposing defenses.  In a sense, RG3 is simply a younger Tony Romo.  He employs many of the same qualities, such as the ability to scramble and create a play out of nothing with his legs when the pocket is collapsing.  Even after sitting out two games with an injured knee, he has rushed for over 750 yards on the season, beyond impressive for a QB.  This unique skill paired with a strong, accurate arm is why RG3 has the second highest QB rating of 2012 at 104.1, behind only Aaron Rogers at 106.2.  Romo, on the other hand, rounds out the top 10 quarterbacks with a passer rating of 92.5, but averages about 40 yds more per game through the air per game than RG3.  While he has thrown more interceptions on the year (16 as opposed to RG3′s 5), that can be partially attributed to his weak offensive line play throughout the season.  Although he is one of the most decorated QBs in Cowboys history, his dismal 1-3 playoff record often leads to questions of Romo’s ability as to whether or not he can lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl.  Essentially a playoff game Sunday night, Romo can help silence his critics if he can step up and make big plays when they count to help his team win, but Robert Griffin III and co would like to thwart that chance again this year.

Opposite these all-star quarterbacks are two very formidable foes in the defensive packages created by Rob Ryan and Jim Haslett.  The play of the defensive line will be a huge factor throughout the game, as both teams need to get pressure on the quarterback to force errors and turnovers.  The play of DeMarcus Ware will be especially notable for the Cowboys, as he is dealing with multiple injuries and his effectiveness may be limited.  Even so, he forces the Redskins O-line to worry about him, opening up opportunities for Anthony Spencer and other players to step up and make big plays.  The Cowboys’ secondary must play better as well, for they have been suspicious throughout the season, allowing the most yards per game in the league at 409.9; however, they have been playing without 5 of their defensive starters.  If new stars like Brandon Carr and first round pick CB Morris Claiborne can lock down receivers like Pierre Garcon and Santana Moss, they will take away a big downfield threat; unfortunately, this means RG3 will be forced to use his legs and likely still make some sort of play.  For the Cowboys to have a chance to win the game, the defense must be near perfect Sunday night.

The run game is another aspect to watch in Sunday’s matchup, as both teams have emerging stars at running back in the Redskins’ Alfred Morris and the Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray.  While Murray is still working back from a foot injury, he has been effective in certain packages in recent weeks, and is capable of breaking open a big run or churning his legs to fight for every yard on 4th & 1.  Morris, on the other hand, is having a breakout first season, averaging nearly 5 yards a carry and rushing for 10 TDs for the Redskins.  Keep an eye on both of these players to have big moments on key drives down the stretch for their teams.

Do or Die.  Both teams have a lot on the line Sunday night, and although they face elimination from playoff contention, they both control their own destiny.  To win the game, the Cowboys must limit their turnovers, decrease their penalties (one of the most penalized teams in the league all season), and avoid another slow start in the first half, especially when playing on the road at Washington.  The Redskins will look to exploit the Cowboys’ defensive weaknesses with pass plays over the middle and RG3′s arm, but they too must contain a Cowboys offense that has won 5 of their last 7 and seemed to click in recent weeks.  Ultimately, the game will come down to turnovers and the defense that can best contain the opposing QB.  Special teams will play a part, and field-goal kickers Dan Bailey and Kai Forbath should have their legs ready.  I predict a close game that comes down to the final 5 minutes, and whichever team has the ball last will have a chance to win the game.  Strap on your seat belts folks, this is going to be a wild ride…

My pick: Can’t give up on my ‘Boys just yet… Cowboys with a late game-winning drive in the 4th quarter (as has become customary this season) and win by 3.  Not that it matters, because whoever wins is going to get crushed by Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll, and the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs…

Ware Playing Through The Pain

Posted: December 29, 2012 in Sports
0

Reblogged from Sports & Entertainment Philippines:




Source:

Good News for Cowboys fans... but how effective can Ware be with so many injuries plaguing him?
Older Entries