With the announcement of NFL prospect Michael Sam being gay there are all kinds of stories about the affect it will have on the NFL. Well his another one. Did you hear the story about Safety Kerry Rhodes? Rhodes last played for the Arizona Cardinals during the 2012 season. At one point during the season he was considered the fourth best safety in the NFL. He wasn't an old player and showed a lot of potential. Then there were some allegations that he was gay. His former assistant alleged that he and Rhodes were in a relationship. Rhodes denies any relationship and says he is not gay.
When the 2012 season ended Ken Whisenhunt was fired as head coach of the Cardinals. The Cardinals interviewed Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton but went with Bruce Arians who then named Todd Bowles as the Defensive coordinator. The Cardinals and Rhodes parted ways and the safety has not played a down since. I'll let you be the judge of weather or not these allegations have anything to do with the fact tat Rhodes has not been signed by another team. I'll leave you with this thought Kerry Rhodes is a much better Safety than most of the active players in the NFL, including the Cardinals own Rashad Johnson who was thought to be an upgrade after Rhodes left. Johnson eventually lost his finger tip and starting job. He was replaced by a rookie.
Great Sports Commentary From An Arizona Native
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Why Super Bowl XLVIII Wasn't So Super
In case your not tired of the the Super Bowl talk, here is some more. Overall I give the Super Bowl a C at best. The Super Bowl was terrible in many ways. As like every year there is much anticipation leading up to the Super Bowl. This year was not any different and we were let down for four reasons. The weather, the game, the halftime show and the commercials are what let many of us down.
The Weather
Many people might disagree with me when I talk about the weather. Game time weather was great and when it did rain it was during half time and had no affect on the game. True, but the week leading up to game was very cold and miserable. People who attend the Super Bowl show up for all the events leading up to the big game. Many people only attend those events because they can't get tickets to the game. These events are always busy and packed with fans. The bad weather just put a sour taste in many Americans mouths, making them wonder if the game was even going to be worth all the hassle.
The Game
The main reason the Super Bowl was disappointing was the game itself. Many people thought we had an evenly matched game that would go down to the wire. And we did, until the ball was snapped into the end zone giving the Seahawks a safety and a lead that they would never give back. Thanks to dominating defense by Seattle this game got so out of hand that Russell Wilson was never given the chance to show he was as elite a QB as Peyton Manning. The intriguing part is he never needed to.
The Halftime Show
Halftime shows are always hard for Super Bowl committees to fill. With such a diverse fan base for the NFL it is nearly impossible to keep everyone happy when you decide on entertainment for the big game. Bruno Mars was a decent choice. Given the fact that he hasn't been a relevant star for at least a year I would have picked someone else. The Red Hot Chili Peepers were added kind of last minute. When they came out wearing just shorts and not showing how cold it really was in New York made the half time show watchable.
The Commercials
The commercials did not live up to their hype this year. Alot of people watch the Super Bowl just to see the commercials. Many times the commercials are the big thing talked about on Monday. This year was a let down. Many company weren't willing to spend big on the Superbowl and it showed. Now don't get me wrong there was a couple of commercials that were good but we are used to seeing a Super Bowl filled with lots and lots of great commercials.
So there is my proof that Super Bowl XLVIII was a super let down. The Super Bowl could have been a whole lot better in more ways then one. the reality is its still the Super Bowl and the biggest sports event we have today. So if I could go back in time to Super Sunday would I watch knowing its not going to be a great Superbowl? You bet your life I would! That's what makes football so great.
The Weather
Many people might disagree with me when I talk about the weather. Game time weather was great and when it did rain it was during half time and had no affect on the game. True, but the week leading up to game was very cold and miserable. People who attend the Super Bowl show up for all the events leading up to the big game. Many people only attend those events because they can't get tickets to the game. These events are always busy and packed with fans. The bad weather just put a sour taste in many Americans mouths, making them wonder if the game was even going to be worth all the hassle.
The Game
The main reason the Super Bowl was disappointing was the game itself. Many people thought we had an evenly matched game that would go down to the wire. And we did, until the ball was snapped into the end zone giving the Seahawks a safety and a lead that they would never give back. Thanks to dominating defense by Seattle this game got so out of hand that Russell Wilson was never given the chance to show he was as elite a QB as Peyton Manning. The intriguing part is he never needed to.
The Halftime Show
Halftime shows are always hard for Super Bowl committees to fill. With such a diverse fan base for the NFL it is nearly impossible to keep everyone happy when you decide on entertainment for the big game. Bruno Mars was a decent choice. Given the fact that he hasn't been a relevant star for at least a year I would have picked someone else. The Red Hot Chili Peepers were added kind of last minute. When they came out wearing just shorts and not showing how cold it really was in New York made the half time show watchable.
The Commercials
The commercials did not live up to their hype this year. Alot of people watch the Super Bowl just to see the commercials. Many times the commercials are the big thing talked about on Monday. This year was a let down. Many company weren't willing to spend big on the Superbowl and it showed. Now don't get me wrong there was a couple of commercials that were good but we are used to seeing a Super Bowl filled with lots and lots of great commercials.
So there is my proof that Super Bowl XLVIII was a super let down. The Super Bowl could have been a whole lot better in more ways then one. the reality is its still the Super Bowl and the biggest sports event we have today. So if I could go back in time to Super Sunday would I watch knowing its not going to be a great Superbowl? You bet your life I would! That's what makes football so great.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Super Bowl XLVIII Prediction
We are less than an hour away from the big game. Whether its the game itself or the commercials all eyes will be on New York this evening. Both teams are very deserving of the right to call themselves Super Bowl XLVIII champs. This will be a very close game that will come down to the final drive. The weather seems to be in favor of Peyton Manning and the Broncos. But with the best defense in the league don't count out the Seattle Seahawks. I'm predicting the Bromcos th win 37-34, but if the score is low it gives the Seahawks the advantage. Look for a heavy dose of Marshawn Lynch and for Peyton to throw early and often. What ever the outcome we should be treated to another great Super Bowl.
Friday, January 31, 2014
The Seattle Seahawks and the Super Bowl
The Seattle Seahawks will play the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Super Bowl XLVIII. The Seahawks look to win their first Lombardi Trophy. The Super Bowl hasn't exactly been nice to the NFC champs. The first time they were in the Super Bowl it was a big deal to Seattle fans. You could say it was extra large. They played the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL. That was their only appearance before this season and it ended with a 21-10 loss. Seven years later the Seahawks are a much different team. With Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch leading the offense and the best defense in the league they feel very confident going into Sunday's game.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
The Denver Broncos and the Super Bowl
When you think dynasty in football you often think New England Patriots or even Pittsburgh Steelers. You think of those teams because them, as well as the Dallas Cowboys have been to the most Super Bowls. When you think dynasty you rarely think of the Denver Broncos. They will play in their 7th Super Bowl on Sunday. Just one less then the before mentioned teams. They also have one of the best QB's to ever play the games. The reason Denver is not considered a dynasty is for two reasons.
First their record. They are 2-4 in the Super Bowl. Their 2 wins came back to back, which they are only the 7th team to do so. In their first 4 appearances they lost all of the games by more than four touchdowns. Not a dynasty at all. Unless your the Buffalo Bills. Reason number two that they are not a dynasty is time frame. Nine years past from their last loss to their first win. And finally the Broncos are not a dynasty because they did not dominate. Perhaps if John Elway had not retired the Broncos would have become a dynasty.
The Broncos won their two Super bowls very differently. In Super Bowl XXXII the Broncos rode the legs of Terrell Davis to victory. He rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns as they defeated the Green Bay Packers. In Super Bowl XXXIII it was John Elway and his 336 yards passing and one touchdown that led the Broncos to victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Elway also played his last game and was named MVP.
This years version of the Broncos seems to have all the pieces that should lead them to another Super Bowl title. It will be tough with Russell Wilson and the best defense in the league standing in the way.
First their record. They are 2-4 in the Super Bowl. Their 2 wins came back to back, which they are only the 7th team to do so. In their first 4 appearances they lost all of the games by more than four touchdowns. Not a dynasty at all. Unless your the Buffalo Bills. Reason number two that they are not a dynasty is time frame. Nine years past from their last loss to their first win. And finally the Broncos are not a dynasty because they did not dominate. Perhaps if John Elway had not retired the Broncos would have become a dynasty.
The Broncos won their two Super bowls very differently. In Super Bowl XXXII the Broncos rode the legs of Terrell Davis to victory. He rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns as they defeated the Green Bay Packers. In Super Bowl XXXIII it was John Elway and his 336 yards passing and one touchdown that led the Broncos to victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Elway also played his last game and was named MVP.
This years version of the Broncos seems to have all the pieces that should lead them to another Super Bowl title. It will be tough with Russell Wilson and the best defense in the league standing in the way.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Tidbit Tuesday: Super Bowl Edittion
It's that time of year again, it's Super Bowl Week! After a great season everyone is anticipating the big game that is just 5 days away. During the week you will hear all kinds of stories about both teams and their players. Well here's one I hope you heard first from me, The Az Sports Guru.
Did you know that the Super Bowl did not get a roman numeral until its fifth year o existence. The Kansas City Chiefs late owner Lamar Hunt decided that adding a roman numeral would give the game more class. And so it was born Super Bowl V.
Not many people pay much attention, but if you think about it when else do we use roman numerals? I remember having to learn them in grade school and it always came easy to me because I would just think of the Super Bowl. The interesting part will be when the Super Bowl goes to Santa Clara, California in two years. It will be the 50th anniversary of the super Bowl. That's Super Bowl L? Yes its Super Bowl L. It will be strange to see just one roman numeral behind the word Super Bowl but I'm sure the committee in Santa Clara will come up with some genius way to market it in their favor. Perhaps it will be the large Super Bowl, as long as its not the Loser Super Bowl.
Did you know that the Super Bowl did not get a roman numeral until its fifth year o existence. The Kansas City Chiefs late owner Lamar Hunt decided that adding a roman numeral would give the game more class. And so it was born Super Bowl V.
Not many people pay much attention, but if you think about it when else do we use roman numerals? I remember having to learn them in grade school and it always came easy to me because I would just think of the Super Bowl. The interesting part will be when the Super Bowl goes to Santa Clara, California in two years. It will be the 50th anniversary of the super Bowl. That's Super Bowl L? Yes its Super Bowl L. It will be strange to see just one roman numeral behind the word Super Bowl but I'm sure the committee in Santa Clara will come up with some genius way to market it in their favor. Perhaps it will be the large Super Bowl, as long as its not the Loser Super Bowl.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Remember When Wednesday Jan 8
Remember when Michael Jordan scored his 20,000th career point?
It was January 8, 1993 and the Chicago Bulls were playing the Milwaukee Buck's. What seemed like just another January night in the NBA quickly turned onto history. Michael Jordan poured in 35 points to lead the Bull's to a 120-95 victory over the Buck's. The 35 points gave Jordan exactly 20,00 points for his career. Jordan had become the second fastest player in the NBA to reach the 20,000 point milestone. The only person that accomplished this feat quicker was Wilt Chamberlin, who did it in 499 games. Later that June Jordan led the Bull's to their third consecutive NBA title beating the Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2.
It was January 8, 1993 and the Chicago Bulls were playing the Milwaukee Buck's. What seemed like just another January night in the NBA quickly turned onto history. Michael Jordan poured in 35 points to lead the Bull's to a 120-95 victory over the Buck's. The 35 points gave Jordan exactly 20,00 points for his career. Jordan had become the second fastest player in the NBA to reach the 20,000 point milestone. The only person that accomplished this feat quicker was Wilt Chamberlin, who did it in 499 games. Later that June Jordan led the Bull's to their third consecutive NBA title beating the Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Tidbit Tuesday Volume 1
Today is the first installment of a segment I call Tidbit Tuesday. Recently a friend of mine asked me a football question. This friend frequently asks me questions about sports when he is unsure. Like most of the other times I was able to answer his question. This gave me the idea for Tidbit Tuesday. I can give some random fact about sports and maybe teach a few people some new info they can use to impress people. So here you go.
Did you know that no QB in the NFL has started in and won the Super Bowl for two different teams. Two guys have started the Super Bowl for two different teams teams but did not not win.
In 2000 Kurt Warner won the Superbowl with the ST. Louis Rams. They beat Tennessee 23-16 and Warner was named MVP. Kurt Warner was the gunslinger for the team everyone called the Greatest show on turf. In 2009 Warner, after many thought his career was over, started in Super Bowl XLIII for the Arizona Cardinals. The outcome was a little different this time. Warner and his cardinals came up on the short end of a 27-23 score. The game was very close and had a controversial TD catch been called the other way Warner would be the man to quarterback two different teams to a Super Bowl.
To find the other quarterback to start the Super Bowl for two different teams you have to go all the way back to 1965. This when a guy named Craig Morton was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. His career lasted until 1982. In 1971 he took the Cowboys to their first ever Super Bowl. And lost. The Cowboys lost to the Baltimore Colt's 16-13. This game was by far one of the worst Super Bowls ever played. Many people refer to it as the "Blunder Bowl." The Colt's committed a record 11 turnovers (a record that still stands) and still won the game. The next season Morton and Roger Staubach alternated playing QB until Tom Landry decided to give the full time duties to Staubach who led the Cowboys to a win in the Super Bowl that year. That was the begin of the end for Morton. He played a lot the next season because of an injury to Staubach but when he was healthy Morton was shown the bench, and later the door that off season. He was traded for a draft pick that would later be used on Danny White. At age 34 he took the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl. Ironically it was against the Dallas Cowboys and it was another loss 27-10. One more interesting fact before I let you go. Craig Morton wore number 7 for the Bronco's. He retired after the 1982 season and the Bronco's then drafted a guy named John Elway in 1983, who was part of a QB draft class that may be the best ever.
Did you know that no QB in the NFL has started in and won the Super Bowl for two different teams. Two guys have started the Super Bowl for two different teams teams but did not not win.
In 2000 Kurt Warner won the Superbowl with the ST. Louis Rams. They beat Tennessee 23-16 and Warner was named MVP. Kurt Warner was the gunslinger for the team everyone called the Greatest show on turf. In 2009 Warner, after many thought his career was over, started in Super Bowl XLIII for the Arizona Cardinals. The outcome was a little different this time. Warner and his cardinals came up on the short end of a 27-23 score. The game was very close and had a controversial TD catch been called the other way Warner would be the man to quarterback two different teams to a Super Bowl.
To find the other quarterback to start the Super Bowl for two different teams you have to go all the way back to 1965. This when a guy named Craig Morton was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. His career lasted until 1982. In 1971 he took the Cowboys to their first ever Super Bowl. And lost. The Cowboys lost to the Baltimore Colt's 16-13. This game was by far one of the worst Super Bowls ever played. Many people refer to it as the "Blunder Bowl." The Colt's committed a record 11 turnovers (a record that still stands) and still won the game. The next season Morton and Roger Staubach alternated playing QB until Tom Landry decided to give the full time duties to Staubach who led the Cowboys to a win in the Super Bowl that year. That was the begin of the end for Morton. He played a lot the next season because of an injury to Staubach but when he was healthy Morton was shown the bench, and later the door that off season. He was traded for a draft pick that would later be used on Danny White. At age 34 he took the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl. Ironically it was against the Dallas Cowboys and it was another loss 27-10. One more interesting fact before I let you go. Craig Morton wore number 7 for the Bronco's. He retired after the 1982 season and the Bronco's then drafted a guy named John Elway in 1983, who was part of a QB draft class that may be the best ever.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Barely An Athlete?
With the NFL Playoffs starting tomorrow the talk of the NFL is not about teams like the Eagles and the Packers barely getting. Its not even about the Cardinals winning 10 games and not getting in. Is it about the recent slide of the Chiefs and Saints, with both managing to get in the playoffs. No, of course not. The talk is about a team that 5-11-1 and fired their coach the day after the season ended. The funny part is the new coaching search is not the main fi\ocus in Minnesota. Its the punter, yes the punter. And to top it off he was cut before the season even started. And that's where this story begins.
Chris Kluwe was a punter for the Minnesota Vikings until he was cut by the team before the season started. In an essay he wrote published by Deadspin he he claims that he was cut because of his stance on gay rights and same sex marriage. This allegation opens up for a lot of discussions and opinions on being a gay athlete. This will be discussed in a future article.
I listen to a lot of talk radio. Obviously I listen to sports but I also like to listen to a station that talks politics and current events. On this station I heard a radio personality talking about the Kluwe situation. Now this station doesn't always talk sports, but it is no stranger to it. The segment was more informative than it was commentary, until the end. The report said as the segment ended that Kluwe was a punter, "barely an athlete". This bothered me for several reasons. was he saying that as if to say that this story was relevant because it was just a punter saying it? What if it was Tom Brady or even Bruce Arians?
This poses another question. Why would he say that a punter is barely an athlete. I get that they are only on the field a few times a game and that all they do is kick a football. But lets be honest they are in the NFL and that takes a lot of athleticism to get there, no matter the position. Punters may not be as athletic as a QB or even a lineman but they workout and train everyday just like any other athlete in the NFL. I'd love to see that radio personality compete in a combine drill against Chrs Kluwe or any other NFL punter, than I'd like to see how athletic he thinks punters are.
Chris Kluwe was a punter for the Minnesota Vikings until he was cut by the team before the season started. In an essay he wrote published by Deadspin he he claims that he was cut because of his stance on gay rights and same sex marriage. This allegation opens up for a lot of discussions and opinions on being a gay athlete. This will be discussed in a future article.
I listen to a lot of talk radio. Obviously I listen to sports but I also like to listen to a station that talks politics and current events. On this station I heard a radio personality talking about the Kluwe situation. Now this station doesn't always talk sports, but it is no stranger to it. The segment was more informative than it was commentary, until the end. The report said as the segment ended that Kluwe was a punter, "barely an athlete". This bothered me for several reasons. was he saying that as if to say that this story was relevant because it was just a punter saying it? What if it was Tom Brady or even Bruce Arians?
This poses another question. Why would he say that a punter is barely an athlete. I get that they are only on the field a few times a game and that all they do is kick a football. But lets be honest they are in the NFL and that takes a lot of athleticism to get there, no matter the position. Punters may not be as athletic as a QB or even a lineman but they workout and train everyday just like any other athlete in the NFL. I'd love to see that radio personality compete in a combine drill against Chrs Kluwe or any other NFL punter, than I'd like to see how athletic he thinks punters are.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Arizona Cardinals Playoff Chances
So its week 17 in the NFL and the road to the playoffs is as hot as its ever been. This holds especially true for the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals go in to week 17 with a 10-5 record. They will host the San Francisco 49ers in hopes of making the playoffs this season. Not only do the Cardinals need a win over their division rival but they also need a little bit of help. The Cardinals only make the playoffs with a win Sunday and a New Orleans saints loss. The Saint's play the 4-11 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I know it doesn't look good for the Arizona Cardinals, but stranger things have happened in the NFL. Tampa Bay even with a bad record has been playing well the last few weeks. They are a team that was in every game regardless of the outcome. The other factor is the Saint's. They having been playing horrible the last few weeks and after last weeks loss you have to wonder if they are beginning to doubt themselves.
Regardless of what happens Sunday the Cardinals have a lot to be proud of. Under a first year head coach and an aging mediocre quarterback they are going to at least win 10 games. They have had a lot of young guys step up and have great seasons. This gives Cardinal fans something to look forward to in the future. As good as they are my prediction is that they beat the 49ers by a field, but don't get in the playoffs because the Saints beat the Bucs.
Regardless of what happens Sunday the Cardinals have a lot to be proud of. Under a first year head coach and an aging mediocre quarterback they are going to at least win 10 games. They have had a lot of young guys step up and have great seasons. This gives Cardinal fans something to look forward to in the future. As good as they are my prediction is that they beat the 49ers by a field, but don't get in the playoffs because the Saints beat the Bucs.
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