Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE SportsGal89 IN the buildin'! I must say I am enjoying being back and being in the full swing of my writing and sport watching. It has been fun getting my voice back and hopefully contributing to your love of sports as well.
I think that if I am going to take this seriously, I do need to study the craft a little more, so my next task is to read and keep up with sports bloggers so I can really craft my own voice.
But that's not why we are here right now. We are here because I am going to do what I should have done last week, and that was write my predictions.
Yes I missed the Jets- Pats game on Thursday but Sunday Funday and Madness Monday (don't ask) are where it's at!
Game Keesha's prediction Reality
STL- ATL (ATL) ATL (31-24)
CAR-BUF (CAR) BUF (24-23)*
MIN-CHI (CHI) CHI (31-30)
WSH- GB (GB) GB (38-20)
MIA - IND (IND) MIA (24-20)
DAL- KC (DAL) KC (17-16)*
SD- PHI (SD) SD (33-30)
CLE- BAL (BAL) BAL (14-6)
TEN- HOU (HOU) HOU (30-24)
DET-ARI (ARI) ARI (25-21)
NO-TB (NO) NO (16-14)
JAC-OAK (JAC) OAK (19-9)*
DEN-NYG aka Manning Bowl (DEN) DEN (41-23)
SF-SEA (SF) SEA (29-3)*
PIT-CIN (PIT) CIN (20-10)*
Not so bad for my predictions huh? 10 picks out of the 15 games..
This Week's notables:
Buffalo's win:
I think people will continue to talk about this game as long as EJ Manuel continues to develop as a great QB and leader on his team. The way this game ended was phenomenal. Buffalo was down minutes to spare, the rook Manuel at the helm. Remarkable play that he manipulated perfectly with his receiver wide open in the corner of the endzone. If you didn't see that highlight you need to. As a fan of the game, it is moments like those that you remember why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. It's in moments like those that the money, the cars, the superficial things that athletes focus on when they make it, fall away and you remember that how you play, what you do on the field is exactly you were supposed to. It was an awesome sight and what eclipsed the game and the win for Buffalo.
Baltimore vs. Cleveland:
There are teams in the NFL that are just expected to win, there are teams in the NFL that are just expected to lose. In all honesty, Baltimore is a team expected to win and Cleveland is a team expected to lose. Baltimore was expected to win in this match-up and yes the result was correct, they won. But they played so sloppy for a championship winning team. With offensive injuries Baltimore relied solely on their defense, as they should and it was their defense that carried them through game and successfully brought them the win.
Battle for the West: Seahawks vs. SF:
These two teams are the teams that are dominating the West. Of any game to watch in Week 2 aside from MNF, this was the game to watch. You have two of the fastest QBs who run when they have the opportunity, two of the best offenses and two of the best defenses in the 2013-2014 season. Watching this game was going to be fun AND it was! Seahawks defense dominated that game! They put the hurt on SF's running game and passing game. There was not a lot that the SF offense could do and it was really the Defense that did work. With that said, the Seahawks had an altogether package. Their offense and defense was seamless. Between Richard Sherman's spectacular coverage to the defense just stopping SF left and right, watching this team play was beautiful. The golden moment goes to Marshawn Lynch- yes, yes, I know he's a sports fan favorite, but I'm going to tell you why he gets the award though- there was a moment in the third or fourth quarter where Wilson and Lynch just hit a rhythm... Wilson throws this sweet little pass to Lynch who runs it out and then sees that he does not have any defenders on him. Stops, takes a look back and then WALKS into the endzone! Who does that?! Only Marshawn Lynch- STUPID for that one!
While this game didn't have the likely ending I wanted (SF taking the W) it was the highlight of my week 2- until the Steelers played in MNF.
Pittsburgh vs. Cincy:
Now y'all know that I am a STEELERS fan! I have been for the larger part of my adult life, so yes they would make the notables particularly because they are my team and I am FOCUSED on them. My team is STRUGG-U-LING!! We have released several players, restructuring our team with new rookies, trying to figure out what we are going to do with last week's rash of injuries. It's been a trying two weeks. We suffered through Pre-Season and I was just looking for a glimmer of hope that they would do great! And HELLO, it's CINCY!
Game started slow.. But we picked up speed and ended the first half with a great drive and tied the game. Then it went downhill, Cincy had a few great runs and then took off with a 20-10 lead and win.
How do we come back from this?
What do we need to do to get better?
It all rests on the team and the coaching staff. I would love for my team to win games, but right now I am more focused on their ability to develop as a better strong Steelers team. We'll see how they do in Week 3!
And that's all she wrote folks!
9.14.2013
Week 2: Thursday night Football
Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE Sportsgal IN the Buildin' ! Hope that y'all had an awesome Week 1, if you haven't checked my comments about it you should go the blog . Once I get into the rhythm, I will be posting the weeks in advance of Thursday's game so I can lay down my predictions and go from there. Sadly, this week had gotten the better of me and I missed my ability to predict Thursday night's game with the Jets and the Patriots---but while we are on the subject let's talk about it.
As a football fan, there are teams that go without saying are going to be great. Despite personal feelings you recognize the talent on the team. With a sorted history of cheating, the games between the Jets and the Patriots are always interesting. mainly in particular because when it comes to the East in the NFL, the Patriots pretty much reign supreme. Their history is colored with SuperBowl Championships. They have a talented quarterback, even though it pains me to say it, in Tom Brady. And they have a coach who in reality gets the game better than most, and continues to keep the team successful.
But what occurred on Thursday night was a mystery. With expectations to see one of the Gridiron greats playing, you don't think you will see all their weaknesses flash ahead of you. The Patriots played horribly. As a fan watching the Patriots, you always want to see Brady's weak spot exposed because it creates a wonderful display of poor sportsmanship when you catch him tossing a water bottle, cursing and screaming on the sidelines and flaring his face in anger, disappointment and frustration. As the opponent or someone who loves strategy, it is in those moments when you know you have the Patriots and Brady backed against the corner. Sack him a few times and you'll see it. This last game was no different. Something was just off with the Pats, and even thought the Jets had their own issues, they seemed to have it a little more together under the leadership of Geno Smith, than the Pats did. But togetherness, in the end doesn't win games, too many missed opportunities to score points, still created a loss for the Jets. The game ended with the Patriots winning 13-10.
One interesting thing that I will comment on, is the Mark Sanchez injury and something that one of the commentator's pointed out. Sanchez was overworked, and in all honesty the injury can be blamed on poor decision making in the coaching staff, to keep pushing him when he is your starting QB. But the Thursday night crew, surprised me by mentioning that Sanchez has been virtually mum when it comes to calling out his team for their stupidity. He was on the sideline's assisting the QB coach in preparing Geno Smith for the game. He continued to show his leadership and his ability to rise above the chaos. I find it interesting because when the eyes are on the QBs for the most part, you get a different range of professionalism. For instance you can be the Jay Cutler (not now, but once) who shuts down, says screw it and doesn't even want to be there to support his team. Or you can be the Sanchez, who takes the cards he's been dealt and pushes forward.
As much as I think the Jets still need more, and as much as I think Sanchez lacks in his QB abilities, on the real.. That is a true mark of a sportsman.
Well folks, that's all she wrote.. Predictions will be coming soon!
As a football fan, there are teams that go without saying are going to be great. Despite personal feelings you recognize the talent on the team. With a sorted history of cheating, the games between the Jets and the Patriots are always interesting. mainly in particular because when it comes to the East in the NFL, the Patriots pretty much reign supreme. Their history is colored with SuperBowl Championships. They have a talented quarterback, even though it pains me to say it, in Tom Brady. And they have a coach who in reality gets the game better than most, and continues to keep the team successful.
But what occurred on Thursday night was a mystery. With expectations to see one of the Gridiron greats playing, you don't think you will see all their weaknesses flash ahead of you. The Patriots played horribly. As a fan watching the Patriots, you always want to see Brady's weak spot exposed because it creates a wonderful display of poor sportsmanship when you catch him tossing a water bottle, cursing and screaming on the sidelines and flaring his face in anger, disappointment and frustration. As the opponent or someone who loves strategy, it is in those moments when you know you have the Patriots and Brady backed against the corner. Sack him a few times and you'll see it. This last game was no different. Something was just off with the Pats, and even thought the Jets had their own issues, they seemed to have it a little more together under the leadership of Geno Smith, than the Pats did. But togetherness, in the end doesn't win games, too many missed opportunities to score points, still created a loss for the Jets. The game ended with the Patriots winning 13-10.
One interesting thing that I will comment on, is the Mark Sanchez injury and something that one of the commentator's pointed out. Sanchez was overworked, and in all honesty the injury can be blamed on poor decision making in the coaching staff, to keep pushing him when he is your starting QB. But the Thursday night crew, surprised me by mentioning that Sanchez has been virtually mum when it comes to calling out his team for their stupidity. He was on the sideline's assisting the QB coach in preparing Geno Smith for the game. He continued to show his leadership and his ability to rise above the chaos. I find it interesting because when the eyes are on the QBs for the most part, you get a different range of professionalism. For instance you can be the Jay Cutler (not now, but once) who shuts down, says screw it and doesn't even want to be there to support his team. Or you can be the Sanchez, who takes the cards he's been dealt and pushes forward.
As much as I think the Jets still need more, and as much as I think Sanchez lacks in his QB abilities, on the real.. That is a true mark of a sportsman.
Well folks, that's all she wrote.. Predictions will be coming soon!
9.11.2013
Week 1: Gridiron Greats go down... Steelers Fall hard, RGIII
Hey Hey! It's your FAVORITE SportsGal in the Buildin', bringing you , what I hope is another entertaining edition of my sports antics.
Thursday, September 5, 2013 kicked-off the 2013-2014 Regular Season of the NFL and brought back to me one of my true loves- Football! It has been an INTERESTING Week 1 to say the least...
Let me start with my team, though because clearly we are going to be struggling this season. I wrote a blog a little while back that talked about the concerns others were raising about our offensive running and receiving abilities with the loss of Mike Wallace. I figured we were going to have some struggles adjusting in this area and also on the defensive side, with the loss of such power in James Harrison.
Whelp, what I imagined as a slow start due to not winning a dang pre-season game and just some sloppiness on the side of the Steelers, resulted in one of the poorest performances I have ever witnessed in my team. Let's start with the fact that they could not catch a rhythm, that the only points they had scored for a while was off of a freaking SAFETY! Let's also talk about injuries that are now pretty much going to shut us down in Pouncey and Foote.
Looking at this season ahead of us, our team still has a lot of work to do. We are in this weird space of having too many old heads and having to teach rookies how to play in the NFL. We might win a few games, but I will be honest, the likelihood of the boys achieving the 7th ring and making the playoffs is going to be a long road ahead. But hey, we are a team and have a history of powering through adversity. And although I can be somewhat realistic about what they are looking like right now, I will still every Sunday, be glad to where that Black and Gold and swing that Terrible Towel.
The highlight of the game has been made into a lovely GIF, courtesy of the one the only Troy Polamalu .... It is definitely something that made my day after their brutal battle on the field, so if you are part of #SteelersNation, I hope it's something that brightens yours as well.
Week 1 Recap:
Broncos vs. Ravens-
The game that many will probably talk about is the Kickoff Game between the Broncos and the Ravens. Peyton Manning has been the focal point of the NFL--how would he be, would his neck issues of the past come into play, would he resemble the Peyton of before etc. Whelp let's just say he didn't disappoint. 7 TDs in one game! Between him and his offensive targets(Julius Thomas, Damariyus Thomas, Wes Welker), whoever had selected the Broncos for their Fantasy Football definitely had a large lead as the games continued through the weekend! The Broncos ultimately stunned the Ravens- reigning SuperBowl Champs. It'll be interesting to see how well they continue through the season.
Other notables:
Saints and Falcons- Saints came up with a great win during this game against their rivals. The Falcons definitely put up a good fight, but the Saints came up victorious!
49ers vs. GB- I was excited to watch this game and wasn't the least disappointed by how it turned out. Slow at first, but then it picked up, like they all seem to do, with SF proving to be a contender again for the Ring. We'll see how well these Bay Area boys will do in their last season at the famed Candlestick Park.
Dallas vs. Giants- The boys in Blue, had a horrible game. I won't lie I picked them to win against the Cowgirls, in reality I would pick ANY team to win against Jones' girls.. but whatever. The Giants didn't really start strong and have the solid game play that they normally do. In fact Eli looked like this was his first game then someone who had a little more control like we are used to. Even though compared to Romo he had the better game 450 Yards and 4 TDs, he also had 3 Interceptions which really hurt their rhythm early as the game got started. In total the Giants had 6 turnovers, which allowed the Cowboys to capitalize on it and take the win, despite a hard hit and scare from Romo.
Eagles vs. Redskins- Being in a city where the rivalry is real, is interesting. The Philly vs. DC sports battle is always fun to watch, primarily because I am not invested in it as much as everyone else. But it is something I keep my eye on when I do have the time. It doesn't hurt that their performance was featured as the MNF kick-off either. So what can you hope for with RGIII? Well, let's see he was about to play in his first game since his injury and surgery. He trained as far as ESPN propaganda had featured in the made for tv short film! Lolz.. Enough, I'll stop... But anyways, what we saw on Monday night was a quick response from Redskins fans to immediately trash RGIII and throw him under the bus when things clearly weren't going his way. Commentators on MNF, spoke about him being unable to plant his foot and really set himself properly to throw accurately and as fiercely as he had before. Additionally, his playing in this game is the first time that he was the most active target- let's be honest, practice is practice, but you aren't trying to hurt your star player when you need him ready and healthy. But just as quickly as the boos and trash talking came, Redskins fans rallied with RGIII as he and his team found a rhythm late in the third quarter. Sadly though it wasn't enough to stop the slaughtering that the Eagles were putting on them.
Clearly there were other highlights, but these were the ones I watched.
Now my only commentary, being that I have a Fantasy Football team, paying attention to these games is much more interesting. I am enjoying the game in a different way. Honestly I didn't think I could love this game anymore than I did, but with the Fantasy component, it is really growing on me and I am becoming more obssessed with scores and seeing how the other people in my league are matching up.
Well, that's all she wrote folks until next week.. When I'll bring you my predictions for the games!
Thursday, September 5, 2013 kicked-off the 2013-2014 Regular Season of the NFL and brought back to me one of my true loves- Football! It has been an INTERESTING Week 1 to say the least...
Let me start with my team, though because clearly we are going to be struggling this season. I wrote a blog a little while back that talked about the concerns others were raising about our offensive running and receiving abilities with the loss of Mike Wallace. I figured we were going to have some struggles adjusting in this area and also on the defensive side, with the loss of such power in James Harrison.
Whelp, what I imagined as a slow start due to not winning a dang pre-season game and just some sloppiness on the side of the Steelers, resulted in one of the poorest performances I have ever witnessed in my team. Let's start with the fact that they could not catch a rhythm, that the only points they had scored for a while was off of a freaking SAFETY! Let's also talk about injuries that are now pretty much going to shut us down in Pouncey and Foote.
Looking at this season ahead of us, our team still has a lot of work to do. We are in this weird space of having too many old heads and having to teach rookies how to play in the NFL. We might win a few games, but I will be honest, the likelihood of the boys achieving the 7th ring and making the playoffs is going to be a long road ahead. But hey, we are a team and have a history of powering through adversity. And although I can be somewhat realistic about what they are looking like right now, I will still every Sunday, be glad to where that Black and Gold and swing that Terrible Towel.
The highlight of the game has been made into a lovely GIF, courtesy of the one the only Troy Polamalu .... It is definitely something that made my day after their brutal battle on the field, so if you are part of #SteelersNation, I hope it's something that brightens yours as well.
Week 1 Recap:
Broncos vs. Ravens-
The game that many will probably talk about is the Kickoff Game between the Broncos and the Ravens. Peyton Manning has been the focal point of the NFL--how would he be, would his neck issues of the past come into play, would he resemble the Peyton of before etc. Whelp let's just say he didn't disappoint. 7 TDs in one game! Between him and his offensive targets(Julius Thomas, Damariyus Thomas, Wes Welker), whoever had selected the Broncos for their Fantasy Football definitely had a large lead as the games continued through the weekend! The Broncos ultimately stunned the Ravens- reigning SuperBowl Champs. It'll be interesting to see how well they continue through the season.
Other notables:
Saints and Falcons- Saints came up with a great win during this game against their rivals. The Falcons definitely put up a good fight, but the Saints came up victorious!
49ers vs. GB- I was excited to watch this game and wasn't the least disappointed by how it turned out. Slow at first, but then it picked up, like they all seem to do, with SF proving to be a contender again for the Ring. We'll see how well these Bay Area boys will do in their last season at the famed Candlestick Park.
Dallas vs. Giants- The boys in Blue, had a horrible game. I won't lie I picked them to win against the Cowgirls, in reality I would pick ANY team to win against Jones' girls.. but whatever. The Giants didn't really start strong and have the solid game play that they normally do. In fact Eli looked like this was his first game then someone who had a little more control like we are used to. Even though compared to Romo he had the better game 450 Yards and 4 TDs, he also had 3 Interceptions which really hurt their rhythm early as the game got started. In total the Giants had 6 turnovers, which allowed the Cowboys to capitalize on it and take the win, despite a hard hit and scare from Romo.
Eagles vs. Redskins- Being in a city where the rivalry is real, is interesting. The Philly vs. DC sports battle is always fun to watch, primarily because I am not invested in it as much as everyone else. But it is something I keep my eye on when I do have the time. It doesn't hurt that their performance was featured as the MNF kick-off either. So what can you hope for with RGIII? Well, let's see he was about to play in his first game since his injury and surgery. He trained as far as ESPN propaganda had featured in the made for tv short film! Lolz.. Enough, I'll stop... But anyways, what we saw on Monday night was a quick response from Redskins fans to immediately trash RGIII and throw him under the bus when things clearly weren't going his way. Commentators on MNF, spoke about him being unable to plant his foot and really set himself properly to throw accurately and as fiercely as he had before. Additionally, his playing in this game is the first time that he was the most active target- let's be honest, practice is practice, but you aren't trying to hurt your star player when you need him ready and healthy. But just as quickly as the boos and trash talking came, Redskins fans rallied with RGIII as he and his team found a rhythm late in the third quarter. Sadly though it wasn't enough to stop the slaughtering that the Eagles were putting on them.
Clearly there were other highlights, but these were the ones I watched.
Now my only commentary, being that I have a Fantasy Football team, paying attention to these games is much more interesting. I am enjoying the game in a different way. Honestly I didn't think I could love this game anymore than I did, but with the Fantasy component, it is really growing on me and I am becoming more obssessed with scores and seeing how the other people in my league are matching up.
Well, that's all she wrote folks until next week.. When I'll bring you my predictions for the games!
9.06.2013
Why Fantasy Football can be stressful...
Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE SportsGal89 in the Buildin', I am hoping this season I can bring you some more entertainment and news in the wonderful world of sports.
I recently kicked off my second season as a Fantasy Football team owner and I have to say, I think it makes me more anxious and worked up when it comes to this game that I LOVE so much. For starters, I am not a Stats girl. You can ask me what team a player plays for, what each position is supposed to do and what is happening live on the field, but ask me about some stats and you have totally lost me.
So when I go into picking my Fantasy Team, I get stuck when we get to the later rounds because my pickups are never strategic, they never consider what the next person will do if one of your team gets injured or if you make the rookie mistake like I did last year and select pretty much the ENTIRE Steelers team! Ha!
This year I went into it, trying to be more knowledgeable. I have to say I did much better assisting my friend pick his team than I did picking mine. But it might have just been that I had some experience, having selected my team earlier in the day.
Anyways, so the selection piece of your team becomes stressful, ESPECIALLY when you start to see your picks slip away and for someone like me-- when you have NO clue who you will pick to replace the people you banked on!
Then there comes the games- where as a fan you might already get really worked up about games, but now you get more worked up because it's not just your "Real" team on the line, you also want to do well for your Fantasy too. Injuries happen and then you kick yourself to figure it all out.
Take today for instance--- NFL Kickoff is upon us. Denver is playing the Ravens and I have two Ravens players in my roster (I know, I know, but sometimes you have to put the rivalry down #STEELERS). One of my players that I was banking on gets injured and is out. What am I supposed to do now?
Watching the game and keeping up with my Fantasy means Keesha is GOING to have a heart attack!
Lmao!
Anyways, to all of those around who love the game, who have a Fantasy team-- Here we go! #FootballisBACK!
That's all she wrote folks!
I recently kicked off my second season as a Fantasy Football team owner and I have to say, I think it makes me more anxious and worked up when it comes to this game that I LOVE so much. For starters, I am not a Stats girl. You can ask me what team a player plays for, what each position is supposed to do and what is happening live on the field, but ask me about some stats and you have totally lost me.
So when I go into picking my Fantasy Team, I get stuck when we get to the later rounds because my pickups are never strategic, they never consider what the next person will do if one of your team gets injured or if you make the rookie mistake like I did last year and select pretty much the ENTIRE Steelers team! Ha!
This year I went into it, trying to be more knowledgeable. I have to say I did much better assisting my friend pick his team than I did picking mine. But it might have just been that I had some experience, having selected my team earlier in the day.
Anyways, so the selection piece of your team becomes stressful, ESPECIALLY when you start to see your picks slip away and for someone like me-- when you have NO clue who you will pick to replace the people you banked on!
Then there comes the games- where as a fan you might already get really worked up about games, but now you get more worked up because it's not just your "Real" team on the line, you also want to do well for your Fantasy too. Injuries happen and then you kick yourself to figure it all out.
Take today for instance--- NFL Kickoff is upon us. Denver is playing the Ravens and I have two Ravens players in my roster (I know, I know, but sometimes you have to put the rivalry down #STEELERS). One of my players that I was banking on gets injured and is out. What am I supposed to do now?
Watching the game and keeping up with my Fantasy means Keesha is GOING to have a heart attack!
Lmao!
Anyways, to all of those around who love the game, who have a Fantasy team-- Here we go! #FootballisBACK!
That's all she wrote folks!
8.24.2013
I thought football was a TEAM sport?!
Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE SportsGal89 IN the Building! What up world! It has definitely been a MINUTE since my last blog, well since I have been consistently on here.
I have been trying to boost my writing for a while now, and thought what better time to make some sort of comeback than with preseason in full swing.
That's right y'all--- FOOTBALL IS BACK!!! And I could not be happier!
For those of you who are joining me for the first time. I love ALL things sports. If it is a sport take me to watch it and I am one happy camper. In particular to the single guys out there, you can make me happy on any date that involves, beer, wings and a good game on TV. I might be a girlie girl at heart, but when it comes to my teams and sports I have all the sass and a little fiestiness in me-- What that means is, I am cute, but when it comes to sports I have a loud mouth and I KNOW how to use it!
Anyways, enough about me doing plug for any future dates out there ;) ha! Let's get back to what I actually came here for. I love sports. I love the game, I love what athletes sacrifice for to get out and do the work that they do all the time. I grew up around athletes. My dad played soccer while I was growing up, I played soccer growing up. My dad coached football and soccer and I had athletes in and out of my home all the time. My next door neighbor was the head college football coach and I grew up in a small town where Friday Night Lights really mattered. Football is my number one sport, something that I live and breathe. In college my friends and exes played football. I spent Friday nights, Saturday nights and some weekends traveling to games and on a field cheering on my boys. I have been to a Superbowl and will spend money on game day. And every Saturday, Monday, Thursday or Sunday watching a football game somewhere.
Most often I will be the girl yelling at the TV, even when my team is NOT playing. Before I am team loyal I am sport loyal.
So, enough about the love of the game the real reason I am writing today is because I have been watching my team this preseason. I am a Steelers fan! I have been since the 1996 Superbowl after Coach Cowher's first season. The Steelers were playing the Cowboys, Micheal Jackson was the Halftime show. My dad was a huge Steelers fan while I was growing up. I however, after a stint in Denver was in love with the Broncos- John Elway will be a legend for me always. Anyways, as I began to understand the concept of football, I started to fall in love with the Steelers- Their history was amazing! The Steel Curtain, Coach Cowher's legacy, well their coaching legacy in general. The Rooney's it all was something that fascinated me and still fascinates me.
This preseason and like every, teams see themselves changing. Players don't stay, or teams release them. This season has not been any different. But for the Steelers the conversation remains on our Offense and really our receivers. Mike Wallace was a Wide Receiver for the Steelers. This season however, we couldn't afford to keep him. Wallace went to Miami this year and according to ESPN and all the sports analysts the Steelers have a void to fill.
What's interesting however is all of the commentary. Football is a team sport, you can't win games off of the back of one person. But the story surrounding the Steelers, is what will they do without Mike Wallace?
These conversations for me are annoying. Yes, Wallace was a great player for the Steelers. I believe he will still be phenomenal for the Dolphins too. But he wasn't the only team member on the Steelers. And surely he wasn't the only receiver. Yes last season he had 8 TD, averaged 838 yards (give or take). But it doesn't mean that the Steelers are down and out. The language about "who will replace..." doesn't and can't apply to the Steelers. In a year such as this, the Steelers are in a place of rebuilding and redesigning our team. We released James Harrison, a critical player in our Defense- it will be a scary thing to have him on the other side of Big Ben. We are reformatting out Offensive Line. Steelers diehards are counting down the days of the end of a Dick Lebeau era and wondering what the next chapter of the Steelers Defense will be. Mike Wallace? Who is he in the grand scheme of change like this?
Will he be missed in Pittsburgh? Yes, but the game does not rise and fall on wide receivers. It rises and falls on a TEAM, and we are only as strong as our weakest link- it could be a void in the wide receivers. But isn't it too early to tell?
That's all she wrote folks....
I have been trying to boost my writing for a while now, and thought what better time to make some sort of comeback than with preseason in full swing.
That's right y'all--- FOOTBALL IS BACK!!! And I could not be happier!
For those of you who are joining me for the first time. I love ALL things sports. If it is a sport take me to watch it and I am one happy camper. In particular to the single guys out there, you can make me happy on any date that involves, beer, wings and a good game on TV. I might be a girlie girl at heart, but when it comes to my teams and sports I have all the sass and a little fiestiness in me-- What that means is, I am cute, but when it comes to sports I have a loud mouth and I KNOW how to use it!
Anyways, enough about me doing plug for any future dates out there ;) ha! Let's get back to what I actually came here for. I love sports. I love the game, I love what athletes sacrifice for to get out and do the work that they do all the time. I grew up around athletes. My dad played soccer while I was growing up, I played soccer growing up. My dad coached football and soccer and I had athletes in and out of my home all the time. My next door neighbor was the head college football coach and I grew up in a small town where Friday Night Lights really mattered. Football is my number one sport, something that I live and breathe. In college my friends and exes played football. I spent Friday nights, Saturday nights and some weekends traveling to games and on a field cheering on my boys. I have been to a Superbowl and will spend money on game day. And every Saturday, Monday, Thursday or Sunday watching a football game somewhere.
Most often I will be the girl yelling at the TV, even when my team is NOT playing. Before I am team loyal I am sport loyal.
So, enough about the love of the game the real reason I am writing today is because I have been watching my team this preseason. I am a Steelers fan! I have been since the 1996 Superbowl after Coach Cowher's first season. The Steelers were playing the Cowboys, Micheal Jackson was the Halftime show. My dad was a huge Steelers fan while I was growing up. I however, after a stint in Denver was in love with the Broncos- John Elway will be a legend for me always. Anyways, as I began to understand the concept of football, I started to fall in love with the Steelers- Their history was amazing! The Steel Curtain, Coach Cowher's legacy, well their coaching legacy in general. The Rooney's it all was something that fascinated me and still fascinates me.
This preseason and like every, teams see themselves changing. Players don't stay, or teams release them. This season has not been any different. But for the Steelers the conversation remains on our Offense and really our receivers. Mike Wallace was a Wide Receiver for the Steelers. This season however, we couldn't afford to keep him. Wallace went to Miami this year and according to ESPN and all the sports analysts the Steelers have a void to fill.
What's interesting however is all of the commentary. Football is a team sport, you can't win games off of the back of one person. But the story surrounding the Steelers, is what will they do without Mike Wallace?
These conversations for me are annoying. Yes, Wallace was a great player for the Steelers. I believe he will still be phenomenal for the Dolphins too. But he wasn't the only team member on the Steelers. And surely he wasn't the only receiver. Yes last season he had 8 TD, averaged 838 yards (give or take). But it doesn't mean that the Steelers are down and out. The language about "who will replace..." doesn't and can't apply to the Steelers. In a year such as this, the Steelers are in a place of rebuilding and redesigning our team. We released James Harrison, a critical player in our Defense- it will be a scary thing to have him on the other side of Big Ben. We are reformatting out Offensive Line. Steelers diehards are counting down the days of the end of a Dick Lebeau era and wondering what the next chapter of the Steelers Defense will be. Mike Wallace? Who is he in the grand scheme of change like this?
Will he be missed in Pittsburgh? Yes, but the game does not rise and fall on wide receivers. It rises and falls on a TEAM, and we are only as strong as our weakest link- it could be a void in the wide receivers. But isn't it too early to tell?
That's all she wrote folks....
7.27.2013
The bigger picture: Remembering that the athletes that play the game are people too
Hey Y'all it has been a MINUTE since I have posted on this blog. I know, I know! I need to cut it out.
But hopefully I am back for a while.
I wanted to write today something as a reminder to the fans out there. We invest a lot in the games that we like to watch. We invest in the athletes and the leagues and organizations that build these sports up. But we tend to forget that when it comes to the game, we are consumers, and that there are real people who's lives are always impacted by what happens to them on the court, field etc.
I just watched a movie about a Football player who had lost his position on a team and was struggling to get signed by another team. The movie opened with an interesting statistic: "78% of NFL players end up divorced, file for bankruptcy or are unemployed after the first two years of leaving the league." I don't need to validate the statistic to understand that this is a real thing. We think about how many people actually make the teams that we love. There are probably a third of organizations who are not even known. They play on the practice squad and barely make any money. They aren't the superstars that get paid the millions of dollars to play the game. In the balance are their families, their bills and really their lives.
We see too often that when an athlete retires, that we don't really know what they do next. Some of the athletes especially when they are young Black males might not have finished their college degrees (probably more of a fact for NBA stars) so what education do they have after they retire. What jobs do they get when many of them might not have worked through college because their focus was playing and making that their career. Not enough of the big named athletes get to spend time as a commentator on the big time networks, so what happens next for them?
I love the game just as much as the next person, but I think we have to consider as fans what happens when there are no more filled arenas, when there are no more bright lights on Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights. We get to continue loving the game that we love, but the players are stuck dealing with the bigger problems.
My heart is in working one day for the NFL.. I don't know when that day will come, but I would love to do something, some work that would continue to focus the athletes, the organization and the fans into what comes after the game is over?
Just some food for thought...
That's all she wrote
But hopefully I am back for a while.
I wanted to write today something as a reminder to the fans out there. We invest a lot in the games that we like to watch. We invest in the athletes and the leagues and organizations that build these sports up. But we tend to forget that when it comes to the game, we are consumers, and that there are real people who's lives are always impacted by what happens to them on the court, field etc.
I just watched a movie about a Football player who had lost his position on a team and was struggling to get signed by another team. The movie opened with an interesting statistic: "78% of NFL players end up divorced, file for bankruptcy or are unemployed after the first two years of leaving the league." I don't need to validate the statistic to understand that this is a real thing. We think about how many people actually make the teams that we love. There are probably a third of organizations who are not even known. They play on the practice squad and barely make any money. They aren't the superstars that get paid the millions of dollars to play the game. In the balance are their families, their bills and really their lives.
We see too often that when an athlete retires, that we don't really know what they do next. Some of the athletes especially when they are young Black males might not have finished their college degrees (probably more of a fact for NBA stars) so what education do they have after they retire. What jobs do they get when many of them might not have worked through college because their focus was playing and making that their career. Not enough of the big named athletes get to spend time as a commentator on the big time networks, so what happens next for them?
I love the game just as much as the next person, but I think we have to consider as fans what happens when there are no more filled arenas, when there are no more bright lights on Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights. We get to continue loving the game that we love, but the players are stuck dealing with the bigger problems.
My heart is in working one day for the NFL.. I don't know when that day will come, but I would love to do something, some work that would continue to focus the athletes, the organization and the fans into what comes after the game is over?
Just some food for thought...
That's all she wrote
11.25.2012
My Thoughts: QB Controversy in San Fran- reality or show?
Hey Y'all it's your favorite rising #SportsGeek, SportsGal89 In the Buildin'. I have been coming back slowly with my blogging on the sports world and the month of November has seemed to see a lot of typing action considering that football season is well under way.
So of course tonight's topic will be Football and we'll focus a little bit on the 49ers. Two weeks ago 49ers starting QB Alex Smith ended up with a concussion during the Rams game. This ruled him out to play against the Chicago Bears in last week's MNF. Bring in Colin Kaepernick, definitely not a rookie, but not the starter to this 49er Offense. On MNF, Kaepernick shined an amazing 243 Yds and 2 TDs and a game that was absolutely won off of the offensive skill. The Kaepernick led offense routed the Bears with a 32-7 loss.
What happened after was a well played media hype about what would happen in San Francisco. Smith would be more than likely cleared to return for the Sunday Funday matchup against the Saints and with Kaerpernick's game on MNF, was he making a bid for the starting position.
Here's what I saw during and after MNF- the soundbite heard round the league "QB Controversy in San Fran," "Who will start," different commentators making their predictions. Tweets, FB posts and memes going up about Alex Smith losing his job. But was it necessary? Was this perceived media hype around the "controversy" something that was real or fictional? Did the organization play into it, or was their decision made based on a logical decision? And how much of the media hype played into what we ended up seeing on the field tonight?
Alex Smith was cleared for game day this evening against the Saints, suited up and ready to go, Alex Smith didn't see a minute of play because, yup Kaepernick was starting. Yes, I think he had one HECK of a game last week. But do you always go for what's hot, just because it's hot? Why not start Alex and see what he can do and give him a chance to get it back. I mean it was Alex who routed the Saints from their playoff track last season. Wouldn't he be able to do the same. And even if he didn't play his strongest in the first or second qtr, pull him out and go with what was hot.
So here we are tonight- post the Saints game:
Kaepernick led the team to a 31-21 victory in the Superdome, which is often hard to do. But there were still moments in that game that consistency was lacking- 1 INT, some sloppy attempts at 3rd and out conversion. Moments that some might say I was being too critical. But had the game gone the other way, the commentators and the fans would have been down Harbaugh's throat about why he kept Kaepernick in as long as he did.
Here's the thing, I could honestly care less about what happens in San Francisco, as it doesn't impact me personally. I like what I am seeing from the Niners over the years and I think they have a great shot at making it to the Super Bowl. But I think just on the principle, I think that what happened post the MNF game was more of the media influence and all the second guessing by analysts that really set the tone for "controversy" in San Francisco.
I think Smith got the short end of the stick, starting the season 6-2 is not bad at all. So does Kaepernick deserve it, yes I mean for now, if he can take the team to the playoffs then yes. But once you get there, who will you keep as the starter? Alex Smith who has made it to playoff games, or Kaepernick because right now his streak is hot?
As for the future, Alex Smith almost lost his starting role to taking a backseat to Peyton, had he decided to head to SF. So already having to feel like you need to prove yourself yet again, is your time in the "Golden State" over?
Furthermore, what can be learned about this in other teams around the league? Maybe the true QB controversy should have been focused on the Meadowlands and the Jets, because that is still one that keeps me scratching my head.
Well that's all she wrote folks! Til next time.
So of course tonight's topic will be Football and we'll focus a little bit on the 49ers. Two weeks ago 49ers starting QB Alex Smith ended up with a concussion during the Rams game. This ruled him out to play against the Chicago Bears in last week's MNF. Bring in Colin Kaepernick, definitely not a rookie, but not the starter to this 49er Offense. On MNF, Kaepernick shined an amazing 243 Yds and 2 TDs and a game that was absolutely won off of the offensive skill. The Kaepernick led offense routed the Bears with a 32-7 loss.
What happened after was a well played media hype about what would happen in San Francisco. Smith would be more than likely cleared to return for the Sunday Funday matchup against the Saints and with Kaerpernick's game on MNF, was he making a bid for the starting position.
Here's what I saw during and after MNF- the soundbite heard round the league "QB Controversy in San Fran," "Who will start," different commentators making their predictions. Tweets, FB posts and memes going up about Alex Smith losing his job. But was it necessary? Was this perceived media hype around the "controversy" something that was real or fictional? Did the organization play into it, or was their decision made based on a logical decision? And how much of the media hype played into what we ended up seeing on the field tonight?
Alex Smith was cleared for game day this evening against the Saints, suited up and ready to go, Alex Smith didn't see a minute of play because, yup Kaepernick was starting. Yes, I think he had one HECK of a game last week. But do you always go for what's hot, just because it's hot? Why not start Alex and see what he can do and give him a chance to get it back. I mean it was Alex who routed the Saints from their playoff track last season. Wouldn't he be able to do the same. And even if he didn't play his strongest in the first or second qtr, pull him out and go with what was hot.
So here we are tonight- post the Saints game:
Kaepernick led the team to a 31-21 victory in the Superdome, which is often hard to do. But there were still moments in that game that consistency was lacking- 1 INT, some sloppy attempts at 3rd and out conversion. Moments that some might say I was being too critical. But had the game gone the other way, the commentators and the fans would have been down Harbaugh's throat about why he kept Kaepernick in as long as he did.
Here's the thing, I could honestly care less about what happens in San Francisco, as it doesn't impact me personally. I like what I am seeing from the Niners over the years and I think they have a great shot at making it to the Super Bowl. But I think just on the principle, I think that what happened post the MNF game was more of the media influence and all the second guessing by analysts that really set the tone for "controversy" in San Francisco.
I think Smith got the short end of the stick, starting the season 6-2 is not bad at all. So does Kaepernick deserve it, yes I mean for now, if he can take the team to the playoffs then yes. But once you get there, who will you keep as the starter? Alex Smith who has made it to playoff games, or Kaepernick because right now his streak is hot?
As for the future, Alex Smith almost lost his starting role to taking a backseat to Peyton, had he decided to head to SF. So already having to feel like you need to prove yourself yet again, is your time in the "Golden State" over?
Furthermore, what can be learned about this in other teams around the league? Maybe the true QB controversy should have been focused on the Meadowlands and the Jets, because that is still one that keeps me scratching my head.
Well that's all she wrote folks! Til next time.
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