The Steelers play tonight so I was at the mercy of the NFL local network policies on Sunday. We received only two games, well two and a half, since the Tampa Bay game was postponed for lightning and Fox streamed us a quarter and some of the Arizona game. I got to see the Colts miss in their come from behind and the aforementioned Bucs. Ah, the Bucs.
1. Josh Freeman - Tampa has always had problems with loving their quarterbacks. Since I've lived here every quarterback they have hired has been thrown under the bus by the owners, the general manager, the coaches, the fans, and the media when things get dicey. Vinny Testaverde, Trent Dilfer, Shaun King, Brad Johnson, Chris Simms, Brian Griese, Jeff Garcia, and now Josh Freeman, once the beloved, young savior of the franchise. Freeman took a lot of hits before the season started and now in week two he is getting battered. Rumor: Coach Schiano isn't on board with him as the quarterback. Rumor: Freeman isn't on board with Schiano as the coach. So to solve these "rumors" these two men acted like, well, children. Freeman missed the team photo. Freeman wasn't selected as one of the captains in the vote by players. A secret players meeting had everyone wondering if Schiano messed with the results. What to believe. What to believe.
Frankly, I've been here, done that with this team one too many times. Something is amiss, but I'm tired of it always being the quarterbacks' fault. Did you read that list above? How is it that eight different quarterbacks are the reason for twenty two miserable years? That Super Bowl win? You hear about Warren Sapp, John Lynch, Mike Alstott, and Rhonde Barber, but you don't hear about the quarterback. Poor Brad Johnson. He has a ring, but who talks about his part in getting it? I'm not saying Freeman is a great quarterback, but just like many of his predecessors he isn't getting a chance to just play.
2. Bucs Penalties - Over 100 yards in freshman penalties; communication issues, not enough players on the field, lining up off sides. Had them last week. Had them this week. That isn't on the quarterback. That's on the coach.
3. John Lynch - Lynch has turned into one hell of a game caller. He knows the game, doesn't add in extras, and offers incite to what is happening on the field. Best line when asked what was needed to solve the Tampa Trouble: "A win. Best deodorant when it gets sticky."
4. Lightning - So far it's Lightning 3 NFL 0. I can't remember another season when three games have been suspended or delayed for bolts. Last week it was the Denver/Baltimore game. This week it was the Tampa/New Orleans game and the Seattle/San Francisco game. Made me want to bring this up with the MBA bigwigs who think the Rays need a new outdoor stadium...you know, here in the lightning capital of the United States.
5. Close Games - How exciting were the games that came down to the wire once again? None more then the Texans/Titans game. Tied up and kicking a 51 yard field goal to win the game, Randy Bulock made it. But wait. The Titans had called time out. Bullock kicked again. This kick was blocked. But wait the Tirans were offsides. Bullock kicks again. But wait. The Titans called time out. On the fourth and final attempt Bullock was over it all and he missed. It took a touchdown in overtime for the Texans to,pull out the win.
6. Baby on Board - An hour before the Ravens took the field at home quarterback Joe Flacco's wife Dana gave birth to their second son. Flacco wasn't by his wife's side because the Ravens were 0-1 for heaven's sake. Instead he met his son several hours later. Today everyone is outraged over his lack of fatherly love. Pfft. These are the same people who were outraged when Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced he WOULD be at his son's birth come hell or the Ravens. First of all, Dana knew what she was doing and she most likely called a girlfriend or a family member. Second of all, Dana is the wife of a professional football player. And third of all? This is the second child. My daughter Darcy will tell you that's how it is.
7. Fox Graphics - The coolest. I love those swirling, spinning, color coordinated circles that accompany runners on replays.
8. Helmet to Helmet - Again. As always, sometimes hard to avoid, sometimes hard to call, and mostly plain stupid in this year of the NFL. Crackdowns on injuries are top priority, more so now that the league is coughing up a few million to take care of veterans. Football is different now and players need to be practicing and studying that.
9. Manning Bowl - Denver looking hot and put together. The Giants looking like they did a couple years back when they started out 0-2. Since they later went on to win the Super Bowl I'm not sniffling for Eli and company. Besides Peyton will go over it with him and give him some pointers.
10. Sunday Night Crew - Is it just me or does Rodney Harrison just argue and take the opposite of every thing Tony Dungy says? It's starting to get on my nerves. Disrespectful Rodney and makes you look like a spoiled kid.
11. Ray Rice - I shamefully admit that when I saw an update on him limping off the field I clapped for a small moment of joy. Let other teams feel what the Steelers are dealing with, I thought. Then I felt guilty Turned out not to be such a big deal; a hip flexor strain. Then I heard the rumor that he might have spit on one of the Browns players. Really?
12. Odd Tidbits - One - I loved Chicago Bears Charles Tillman coming to the rescue of Fox's sideline reporter Laura Okmin pulling her into his arms so that a camera cart didn't run over her. Made me think of that viral commercial of the Rays Evan Longoria catching the stray pitch before it hit the interviewer questioning him.
Two- Why is that medical personnel wear a button down shirt and a tie? Why does any personnel in the NFL on the field do that? Sundays should be casual days, don't you think?
Three - It was nice that the Bills E.J. Manuel was able to hug his dad in the stands after catching the winning touchdown, but did you see the guy seated next to the senior Manuel? He was trying to get close to the duo so that the guy next to him could take his picture. Seriously?
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