Color Blind Coach

Joe Gibbs bled burgundy and gold. I bleed burgundy and gold.

Joe Gibbs loved and embraced everything that embodied the Washington Redskins. I love and embrace everything that embodies the Washington Redskins.

Joe Gibbs is forever sewn into the fabric of the Redskins organization. As a fan, I feel as if I am forever sewn into the fabric of the organization.

Jim Zorn doesn’t know the difference between burgundy and maroon. He doesn’t know the lyrics to “Hail to the Redskins.” When he closes his eyes, his doesn’t see Riggins running for the touchdown in Super Bowl VXII. He doesn’t see Darryl Grant spiking the ball in the end zone. He doesn’t see Darrell Green chasing down Tony Dorsett. Joe Gibbs sees all of those things. I see all of those things.

Jim Zorn and I have virtually nothing in common when it comes to the Redskins. Jim Zorn is no Joe Gibbs.

And perhaps that is just what Redskin Nation needs.

I was flipping the dial the other day, and caught a glimpse of Zorn at the college scouting combine. He was being quoted about different aspects of the team headed into next season. I found myself thinking, “who is this guy.” Jim Zorn? From Joe Gibbs to Jim Zorn?

The man has never called a play in an NFL game, let alone managed an entire staff and roster. At his introductory press conference he even used the word “miraculous” to describe how he wound up at the podium. And of course, there was his infamous “maroon and black” comment when describing the team colors.

When Jim Zorn sees the Redskins, he doesn’t see burgundy. He sees maroon. I’m still not sure where he sees the black. One thing is for sure- he sees things much differently than Joe Gibbs did. He sees things much differently than I do.

During his second stint as head coach of the Redskins, there were times when Joe Gibbs looked just like I did after a loss: dejected, sad, burdened. There was no ego. No concern about his own career or perception. Just a deep feeling of responsibility to restore pride and bring joy to his beloved franchise and fan base. Losses hurt even more when Joe was around because I knew he wasn’t doing it for the glory or for the money—he was doing it for us.

Jim Zorn won’t be doing things for us. Two months ago, he couldn’t have cared less about the Washington Redskins. He was clear across the country, coaching the quarterbacks in Seattle. Zorn spent his playing days with the Seahawks and had since become a respected assistant in the Great Northwest. If anything, Zorn bleeds green and blue, or aqua or whatever the Seahawks call it. Certainly not burgundy.

When Joe re-retired a few days after the Redskins loss in the playoffs to Seattle (I’m sure Zorn was celebrating in the locker room after that game), most fans wanted Dan Snyder to hire Gregg Williams as his successor. Many pointed to his success as defensive coordinator under Gibbs. Others preached continuity. But deep down, fans wanted to keep Williams because they wanted to keep the feeling of “Redskins Family” intact. Williams had become a Gibbs-guy. He was there during our two playoff runs over the past four years. And he was there, front and center, when Sean Taylor was killed in November. Much like Gibbs, many fans felt Williams had become “one of us.” Burgundy to the core.

When it became clear that Williams would not be getting the promotion, many fans revolted. Many threatened to release their season tickets and/or stop supporting the team. Going from Gibbs to some “outsider” was unfathomable to them. Finally, after 12 years of misery, Gibbs had restored pride in the organization. Finally, December was fun and meaningful again. And now, they are going to throw it all away and hire…..

Jim Zorn?

Yep. Jim Zorn. The guy who showed up on exactly ZERO head coaching lists. The guy who doesn’t even know the team colors.

However, those fans fail to see that because Zorn doesn’t have any history with the organization, because he doesn't bleed burgundy and gold, makes him the ideal candidate at this juncture for the Redskins.

Zorn enters this situation without burden. No one expects him to “restore” something he never knew. No one expects him to emulate Gibbs. Honestly, there isn’t much expectation at all. I mean, it’s Jim Zorn. He’s a total unknown. No one adores him because there is nothing to adore. No one bashes him because there is nothing to bash. Suddenly, he was just there.

Kind of like an unknown assistant coach in the early 1980’s. Redskins fans woke up one day to find out that some dude named Joe Gibbs had just been named the head coach. At the time, Gibbs probably didn’t know the difference between burgundy and maroon either. But he learned. He made it his own. He left his mark. It is indelible and will never be recreated. Which is exactly why the Redskins should never again to try recreate it.

Zorn is new. He is fresh. He comes without baggage. Maybe he’s too inexperienced? Maybe he’ll be horrible? Both of those things are certainly possibilities. But he could also be refreshing. He could be a winner.

It’s been 17 long seasons since the Redskins last hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Gibbs brought it home that year. In his second run, he tried to bring it home again and came up short. Now, it’s time for a new coach to give it a shot. If Zorn can do it, I think Redskins Nation will paint the town. And on that night, no one will care if we’re painting it burgundy or maroon.

Baylor Blogger Bogs Down Blogging

This blog has been up and running for over two years now. So, I guess I'm officially a "blogger." That puts me in a category with approximately 197,979,867,927,943 other people in this world. And that number grows daily.

But for the first time since I started this thing, I can honestly say I'm embarrassed to be categorized in the same breath as the most recent blogger whose blog I just happened to stumble upon.

The "blogs are reserved for intelligent people with meaningful things to say" ship sailed a long, long time ago. I understand that. I don't expect much from my fellow bloggers. And I doubt they expect much from me. As a matter of fact, people are so busy blogging, that I doubt they take the time to read any blogs other than their own. If a blog gets posted on the internet with no one reading, does it still make a sound?

Anyway, blogging officially jumped the shark for me today. Sports blogs, in particular, are prone to ridiculous prose, questionable grammar, and rambling thoughts. However, this one takes the cake.

I attended the Oklahoma-Baylor basketball game last night. It was a night I will never forget. It was a truly miraculous finish that left me pumping my fists, jumping in the air, and embarrassing my wife all the way through the parking lot on the way to the car. It was awesome. For those who missed it, here are two links to the ending plays of the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doCHJTH2y74

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H8pyZkuskY

No doubt, this must have been a horrible night to be a Baylor fan. Actually, I would say that rings true 365/24/7, but that night even more so than usual.

But here comes a blogger minus a brain. Or maybe he just doesn't have eyes. His "summary" of the game leaves my jaw on the floor almost as much as the game itself. I am posting a link to the entire "article," but I will save you some trouble and highlight the lowlights.

http://www.dfnsports.com/big12/2008/02/20/oklahoma-92-baylor-91-bears-drops-awfully-officiated-game-to-sooners-falls-by-one-in-ot/

Early on, he starts with this gem:

Leave no doubt – the Bears were robbed of a road win in this one. Ater battling back from awful calls by the officials, unsportsmanlike play by OU and a 10-point halftime deficit, the Bears were ultimately robbed by the trio of men in stripes when it mattered most – in overtime with Baylor up big.

After reading that intro, I began rolling my eyes, but they almost fell out of my head with this doozy:

Albeit cheating, the Sooners came out on top in a one-point heartbreaking, irritating, nerve racking, throw everything-but-the-dog-at-the-TV evening.

I love this casual, "albeit cheating" comment. He later goes on to explain his "cheating" conclusion, and I will address that later as well, but for now, let's focus on the above sentence. I just really hope he doesn't have a cat. Or a hammer. Or a wife.

Unfortunately, Oklahoma Head Coach Jeff Capel applauds unsportsmanlike play – and it shows with his players attitudes on the court. First, there was the off-the-backboard slam dunk on a breakaway steal.

Yes, I heard that at his summer camps, Jeff Capel gives standing ovations to any camper who kicks another camper in the groin. I mean, a slam dunk coming off the backboard! Blasphemy! Perhaps from now on, any player doing such a thing should be automatically ejected. As a matter of fact, let's just outlaw dunking altogether-- I mean, is it ever REALLY necessary? And if a player smiles or makes a face after a dunk? I say ban him for life.

Then, there was the “skirmish” where OU’s star forward put Mark Shepherd in a full-nelson choke hold before Shepherd reacted by throwing an elbow in the direction of Blake Griffin – only to result in two BU players being ejected and just one Sooner, an assistant coach, being tossed from the game.

Interesting definition of a "full-nelson choke hold." I sure hope this guy doesn't cover the wrestling beat on his blog. Yes, there was a skirmish for the ball, and yes, Griffin did wind up tangled and twisted with Shepherd. But if you actually watch the replay, you will see that Griffin didn't have a "hold" of anything. I always thought in order to choke, there needed to be some sort of constriction in the neck region-- Griffin wasn't anywhere close. Shepherd apparantly didn't enjoy the entanglement and decided to respond by tossing an elbow towards Griffin's face. The refs did due dilligence in consulting the video replay before rendering a decision. After watching the tape, it was pretty clear that Shepherd was the one initiating the unsportsmanlike action.

And last but not least, there was Capel – urging his home crowd to stand and continue applauding after an opposing player’s miss at the free throw line with one more still to come, something I had never seen happen in NCAA basketball until tonight in Norman.

Interesting that he chose to blog, seeing this was clearly the first basketball game he has ever watched. Sounds like this might actually be the only sporting event he's ever witnessed as well. Yes, with one second on the clock, and Curtis Jerrells one free throw away from sending the game to double-overtime, coach Capel urged the already rowdy crowd to keep it going. He raised his hands in the air....like coaches do.....all.....the.....time. I must say, I agree that this was crossing the line somewhat. I thought it would have been more appropriate had Capel gotten on the microphone and asked the crowd to settle down. After all, it was VERY loud, and that could mess with someone's concentration. And we all know that there should NEVER be homecourt advantage at a sporting event. Thinking about it, maybe Capel should have appealled to the refs to let Jerrells keep shooting until he made one. That way, no one would be sad.

Unsportsmanlike is the perfect word to describe why and how OU defeated BU, but unfortunately all that really matters is a team’s record.

Actually, the word I would use is "awesome." But yes, I do agree that in the end, records are what really matters. And let the record state that OU has now passed Baylor in the standings and has won an astonishing 28 games in a row over the Bears.

Now, THAT is unsportsmanlike.

Adam and the Giants

It was my knockout blow. I delivered it in style. With the grace of Ali and the power of Tyson, I had taken my opponent to the canvas. He would not be getting up; at least not this year. Or so I thought.

The picture was taken on a chilly Sunday evening in mid-December at my in-laws house. There I stood, toe to toe with my future brother-in-law, both of us with fists clenched, a battle soon to commence. I was wearing my burgandy Washington Redskins Clinton Portis jersey. Adam was wearing his dark blue New York Giants Eli Manning jersey. My mother-in-law took the photo in jest, but there was a reality behind the faux grimaces.

No division in football does rivalry and hatred like the NFC East. I’ve put up with Dallas fans my entire life, and now, most notably with my father-in-law; I’ve put up with my Dad, who has always backed the Eagles. I even put up with a few friends and an uncle who supported the Giants. Each of them turned already bitter rivals into something much more, much deeper. Then along comes Adam, all bluster and New York cockiness, and he raises the bar to a level I didn’t even think was possible.

It started when we first met a few years ago. It started casually, even playfully. He’d razz me about the Redskins, and I’d counter with insults directed towards the Giants. When the teams would play, as they do twice a year, every year, we’d have some good-natured sparring. For the most part, neither team had really gotten the best of the other. I did hold two small historical notes over his head: The Giants last won the Super Bowl in 1990, one year BEFORE the Redskins last trophy celebration in 1991. Second, the Redskins boasted a total of three Super Bowl trophies, to the Giants two. Yes, those accomplishments were long ago, but when it comes to sports bragging rights, there is no statute of limitations.

All in all, our personal rivalry was pretty tame. Until the 2007 season. Something changed this year. Maybe it was because Adam proposed to my sister-in-law, hammering home the fact that he WILL be around for a long, long time. Maybe it was the fact that we spent two weeks together on the road, during our cross-country football road trip. Even though the Giants weren’t on the field that day, Adam still wore his Manning jersey to FedEx Field for a Redskins game, where he was mercilessly teased and taunted for doing so. Chants of “She-li” could be heard everywhere we went. Maybe it was because in week three of this NFL season, my 2-0 Redskins led his 0-2 Giants 17-3 at halftime. Maybe it was because the Giants rallied to win that game, turning around what would surely would have been a losing season otherwise.

Whatever the reason, the stakes had changed. It was a new game. When the Redskins hit a mid-season tailspin, Adam reminded me weekly that I shouldn’t be surprised because he “said all along that the Redskins just weren’t very good.” Slowly, the Giants distanced themselves in the standings, and each week, Adam seemed a bit taller, a bit more proud.

Then, the Redskins had a resurgence, and they went to play the Giants in New York on a cold December night. We took the picture before the game started. By halftime, it was pretty much over. The Redskins dominated the Giants that night, eventually winning, 22-10. After that game, it appeared the Redskins were streaking to the playoffs (which they did), while the Giants were enduring yet another late-season collapse (which they didn’t).

My braggadocio that night came from my silence. I never hooted. I rarely hollered. I never gave Adam dirty looks or directed taunts in his direction. I simply watched, and rooted for my team. After the game, I calmly walked over to Adam, extended my hand, and said, “good game.” Anyone who knows anything about sports fandom, knows that this approach is actually the most insulting.

Before the game, we posed with fists clenched. Now, I had won. Adam was floored. The Redskins were on their way, and the Giants were circling the drain. A beautiful night it was, indeed.

Over the next couple of weeks, both teams wound up finishing strong. Both teams made the playoffs as wild cards in the NFC. Entering the post-season, both teams were on level ground, the playoffs would determine ultimate bragging rights.

The Redskins lost a tough game in Seattle on the opening day of the NFL playoffs. The Giants won fairly easily in Tampa Bay. At that point, I was too upset about the end of the Redskins season to give much thought to the Giants. Yeah, Adam would be able to brag for an extra week, but there was no way the Giants would go into Dallas and beat the Cowboys. After all, that was MY dream. MY team would be the ones to go into Texas Stadium and beat those rotten Cowboys. Now, it would just have to wait until next year.

But the Giants had other plans. I’m not sure what was worse that day; watching Adam cheer on his Giants as they pulled off the upset, or actually rooting for the Cowboys. Serves me right.

Well, no big deal, at least Dallas had lost, and my father-in-law would have nothing to brag about. No way the Giants would go into Lambeau Field in unbearable cold and beat the Packers. No chance.

We watched that game in my in-laws living room, as always. I watched as the horror unfolded. The Giants dominated the game all night, but still kept blowing their chances to seal the victory. When the Giants missed a game-winning kick at the end of regulation, I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. No way would New York be able to beat Brett Favre and the Packers in overtime, on the road, in the NFC Championship Game.

Yet, there it was: Favre throwing an awful pass that was easily intercepted. There it was: The ball splitting the uprights for the Giants, clinching the NFC Title. There they were: Giants players and coaches, dancing, prancing, and bouncing around. There he was: Adam lifting my sister-in-law into the air and shouting, “We’re going to the Super Bowl.” There I was: Sitting in disbelief, doing my best to “congratulate” Adam while masking my utter disgust. Much like the Packers, I failed.

At that point, I knew Adam had forever won at least a certain amount of bragging rights. The Giants were 2007 NFC Champions, their second such accomplishment this decade (2000). In 2000, the Giants went on to get pummeled by the Ravens in the Super Bowl. Yes, I knew New England was going to do the same to them again, but still, a conference title is worth bragging about.

Adam did his best to convince me in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl that the Giants had a legitimate shot. I kept talking up Tom Brady and the Patriots, and he kept telling me they weren’t as good as people thought. All I could see was 18-0, the first team to ever do so in NFL history. I respected the Giants, and didn’t expect a total blowout, but I had NO doubt that the Patriots would at least find a way to win.

I mean, the Giants winning would have such long-lasting negative effects for me, that I couldn’t even comprehend such a thing. Winning the Super Bowl would be one thing, knocking off arguably the greatest team to ever play would be another. It would be historic. It would be memorable. It would be wrong. Just wasn’t going to happen.

No need to recount the events of Super Bowl XLII. You all saw it. I watched the madness take place right there with my wife and in-laws. I watched Adam cringe, bow his head, and tug on his Manning jersey during tense moments. I watched the most ridiculous heave-and-catch desperation play succeed to perfection, setting up the Giants winning score. I watched as the final seconds ticked away. I watched as Adam removed his Manning jersey, brought it close to me, and asked if I wanted to “smell it.” I watched as Adam stared at the trophy presentation on TV. I watched as Adam and his Giants got up from the knockdown and delivered a blow that Rocky Balboa himself could never have imagined. I watched as about all of the seven deadly sins coursed through my veins—well, at least one of them—envy. Once again, I did my best to be cordial. I did my best to not rain on his parade. But at that moment, nothing I could have done would have ruined that moment for Adam or the legions of Giants fans around the world. There was nothing I could do.

There is nothing I will ever be able to do. The bragging rights are forever etched in stone. The Giants are 2007 Super Bowl Champions. They beat the mighty Patriots. They earned it. They were brilliant on both sides of the ball. They were smart, tough, and resilient throughout their remarkable playoff run. There is no going back, no erasing history. It’s done. No matter what I say from this day forward, Adam can always throw 2007 back in my face. I must tread lightly from this day forward, or otherwise be bombarded with barbs about the 2007 Giants. The only way I will be able to counter this attack will be with a Super Bowl victory of my own.

And let’s look at that for a moment. The Giants won the Super Bowl for the first time in 1986. In 1987, they failed to make the playoffs and the Redskins won the Super Bowl. The Giants then won the Super Bowl in 1990. In 1991, they failed to make the playoffs and the Redskins won the Super Bowl. So, maybe history is on my side? Maybe I will be writing a different story in my blog next year?

Next year.

Sounds very far away.

Super Bowl Picks, Pats, and Apologies

Last Week: 1-1
Playoffs: 4-6
Regular Season: 166-90
Record Picking Redskins Games (including playoffs): 10-7
Against the Spread: 29-33-2
Lock of the Week (ATS): 10-6

Last Week's Pats/Apologies: Doesn't take a genius to figure this one out. I got one right and I got one wrong. Why is Brett Favre not taking on Tom Brady this Sunday instead of Eli Manning? Well, because Brett Favre didn't earn it. It sounds harsh and it is not said to diminish Favre's magical season, however, the future Hall of Famer simply did not get the job done in the NFC Championship Game. No doubt, there were a myriad of things other Packers players could have done to ensure a victory, but the bottom line is that the game wound up in Favre's hands, and he made a horrible mistake. Not the kind of mistake a QB at this stage in his career should make. This analysis also takes nothing away from the Giants. They dominated the game on the road, in frigid conditions. It was stunning watching the game, to see the score tied at the end of regulation. New York should have wrapped that game up much earlier. But in the end, my memories of this epic Championship Game will be of Favre failing to get the win, when the script seemed to have been written specifically for him to do just that.

This Week's Pick:

Super Bowl XLII

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

Funny, but somehow, someway, the Patriots seem to be finding themselves in a sort of underdog role despite their 18-0 record. Not that most people don't think they will probably wind up winning the game, but more on a level where most people are beginning to question their dominance. The money in Vegas is trending towards the Giants and almost everyone I know is either picking the Giants to keep it close or pull off the upset. Heck, the cover of Sports Illustrated calls for a Giants victory this Sunday. New York is a hot team, and well, they are from New York, which always ratchets up the hype a bit more than any other city.

The Patriots did not demolish the competition over the past two months quite like they did early in the season. However, in both of their playoff games, in the 4th quarter, they still had two score leads and controlled the ball. Neither of those games was a nail-biter.

And let's not forget that this whole Super Bowl media week is old hat for the Patriots. Been there, done that-- four times now. This is a week unlike any other during the football season. Routines change, pressure ramps up, and players and coaches are required to adapt to the craziness of the week.

Some believe the Giants have an emotional advantage this week. Perhaps they are correct, but I'm not buying it, and I think any advantage they might have will be offset by the experience of the Patriots.

In the end, this is a football game. Once the fireworks end and the entertainers leave the field, it's just 11 on 11 as always. And, if you haven't noticed, New England is pretty good when it comes down to 11 on 11.

I don't expect the Giants to get embarrassed. And I wouldn't be stunned if they kept it very close. But I'd be less surprised if New England blew them out of the water. I think Manning can lead the Giants on some solid drives, and eating up the clock would be very beneficial for New York because I see Brady and his charges having a field day this weekend. Giving Brady and that coaching staff two weeks to get ready for a game of this magnitude is criminal. The only hope the Giants have is to keep pace with the Patriots-- something that I see as possible, but not likely.

Look for an early explosion from the Patriots, followed by some grit from the Giants to keep it respectable at halftime. But if you are planning this week's Super Bowl party around the assumption that this game will be a classic in the 4th quarter.....I'd rethink those plans.

Patriots 38, Giants 23