As a fan of the University of Virginia football team, I can understand why there is frustration in Charlottesville. The team has not exactly had a recent past filled with success. During the final years of the Al Groh era, the rumbles and murmurs were heard about how poorly the team had looked and was competing.
When Mike London took the position and posted a 4-8 record in his first season during 2010, there was a realization that it was going to take time for the ex-police officer to turn the Cavaliers program around because of the state the team was in when he took over.
The following year, the Cavaliers team was 8-4 and went to a bowl game for the first time since 2007, but last year, the team went backwards with another 4-8 season and once again the rumbles began. "Mike London is in over his head", "He doesn't have what it takes to coach at this level", and other not so nice things were said about the head man.
During the offseason, London essentially rebuilt his entire coaching staff and with a pretty stout recruiting class, and a pair of five star commitments lined up for the Class of 2014, the hope level had once again risen. Following the team's opening victory over Brigham Young, the newly found vibrance continued to fill the air. It was after the 59-10 drubbing the team took against #2 ranked Oregon that the chatter started once again.
The fan base has to be more understanding of where the team is collectively rather than focusing on one loss to a group that almost every team in the nation is left baffled by. After the opening win, I left the stadium with questions about the team. I liked what I saw from the new offensive coordinator in terms of play calling but I wasn't exactly impressed with the performance of starting quarterback, David Watford.
On the contrary, often times I heard praise from others about how great he did and how he was going to be a solid leader for the group. I have no doubts that he has the potential to be a strong asset to the team, but I wasn't convinced after that one game.
When the team hosted Oregon two weeks ago, I had a fan two rows behind me constantly throw negatives at the team. He covered almost the entire scope from the coaching staff, the players, and every phase of the game. I don't understand how one can be so dismal about this season after playing two games, both of which were against very formidable opponents.
I imagine that if the team wins this week, some will be ready to crown them ACC champions despite the fact that they are hosting a winless VMI team hasn't put up much of a challenge to either of their 2013 opponents. My expectation is yes to win, but also to see improvement in an offense that has been less than stellar. In my opinion, the defense has shown a presence that Cavaliers fans haven't seen in a while and should be excited about.
Even despite giving up 59 points, the defense appeared to play pretty well early against the Ducks but after repeated three and out possessions on the offensive side of the ball, fatigue set in. Against an opponent that averages an offensive snap every 16 seconds and when players get little to no rest between series, it is hard to maintain a high level for 60 minutes.
So there are no remedies to the loss other than to look for improvement. I feel that coming out of the first two games 1-1 is a victory in itself. Imagine if UVA was 0-2 at this point, the public would have London on a plane to China at this moment. I believe the relative success early combined with the offseason acquisitions will bode well for this team as they move forward.
No, I don't expect a string of 10 wins to close out the year but I do think that the team has an opportunity to return the bowl scene once again and improve on last years' record. After VMI, the team faces the likes of Pitt, Ball State, Maryland, and Duke. All of those matchups are winnable and if the Cavaliers can come up with a pair of wins during a difficult five game stretch to end the season, we should expect the team to finish with a strong record and spark inspiration in the pessimistic fan base.
Nothing ever comes easy but I think instead of going through the highs and lows with speculation, it would be better for us all to concentrate on what we have in front of us and look at the positives and seek improvement on a weekly basis. I think if we did that, we could enjoy a season that I am expecting to turn out rather well and maintain some sanity in the process.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
The Steelers Offensive Line has got to get it right
Is it just me or have we seen a recurring problem with this team on offense for the last few years? I know it was just 2009 when they won the Super Bowl and a couple years later they returned to the big game in 2011 but there is something not quite right with the path of the team recently as it relates to the offense.
Almost any Steelers fan has some bit of old school philosophy that desires a strong defense and a run first approach. While it is not the Steel Curtain, I have less problems with the defense than I do the offense. I can't remember a time that the team has had a consistent running game since Jerome "The Bus" Bettis retired.
The only running I have been seeing lately is when Big Ben is running for his life to avoid defenders as he tries to make one of his improvisational passes. The problem is that this isn't backyard football although it might as well be with the lack of an offensive line at times. If the pass protection isn't breaking down, then the run game is getting swallowed up at the line of scrimmage.
Sure there are instances when someone can break off a big run or find a seam in the defense but more often than not, the men in the trenches are getting beaten by opposing defensive fronts. I heard last night on the broadcast about the recent drafts and acquisitions of many new faces on the offensive line but for whatever reason, those additions aren't equating to success in the offense.
I'm not a coach and don't perpetuate myself as a guru but there is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. I know things won't automatically click to where the blocking schemes begin to execute flawlessly. I also know that there may be other areas for opportunity for this team in order to succeed.
However, I do feel like if this area isn't addressed in a positive matter in the near future, we won't be seeing the six time Super Bowl champions (who have appeared in the big game 8 times) playing in February anytime soon.
Almost any Steelers fan has some bit of old school philosophy that desires a strong defense and a run first approach. While it is not the Steel Curtain, I have less problems with the defense than I do the offense. I can't remember a time that the team has had a consistent running game since Jerome "The Bus" Bettis retired.
The only running I have been seeing lately is when Big Ben is running for his life to avoid defenders as he tries to make one of his improvisational passes. The problem is that this isn't backyard football although it might as well be with the lack of an offensive line at times. If the pass protection isn't breaking down, then the run game is getting swallowed up at the line of scrimmage.
Sure there are instances when someone can break off a big run or find a seam in the defense but more often than not, the men in the trenches are getting beaten by opposing defensive fronts. I heard last night on the broadcast about the recent drafts and acquisitions of many new faces on the offensive line but for whatever reason, those additions aren't equating to success in the offense.
I'm not a coach and don't perpetuate myself as a guru but there is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. I know things won't automatically click to where the blocking schemes begin to execute flawlessly. I also know that there may be other areas for opportunity for this team in order to succeed.
However, I do feel like if this area isn't addressed in a positive matter in the near future, we won't be seeing the six time Super Bowl champions (who have appeared in the big game 8 times) playing in February anytime soon.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Diamonds in the Rough!
We call them diamonds in the rough. Those things that you may not expect but out of nowhere it seems, that bright shining star appears.
Often times, they aren't discovered until you reflect. It takes time, hence the expression. You can find them in almost any subject matter you look. Sports, education, various careers, and ob and on.
The area I'm referring to tonight is family. As I've taken time to look back, I've found quite a few diamonds lately.
The largest diamond gleamed brightly this past week. She was the one who has been the glue of our family. She's kept everyone together through the toughest of times.
I learned valuable lessons from her myself. Some of those lessons it took me many, many years to learn.
The funny thing is that they were easily recognizable but I disguised them through my own ruggedness.
It's hard finding out what you could have and should have known for so long. But you can learn from the blindness and work to make everyday that lies ahead better.
Look around you, look hard, and look deep. There are diamonds around you. Some are right in front of you. Cherish each and every day.
Monday, July 22, 2013
As Time Goes By!
It's amazing how much you learn as you grow up and grow older. Often times, you don't even realize how much wiser you have become.
It's times that are difficult in life that cause you to reflect, to remember, and to see how much you have grown as a person.
I will be writing more in the near future about some of my own reflections but my advice is not to wait until times like this to remember.
Take time occasionally to remember what you've done, where you come from, and how much you've grown. Be happy for what you have, how far you have traveled and, where you're headed.
It only will give you that much more happiness and appreciation for life. Make life worth living!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Are the Miami Heat on their way to securing a legacy? Just not the one they set out for
Since the big three have arrived in Miami to form the current version of the Heat, a focus has been on how many championships they would win with the all star talent leading the way for the team.
Now in the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year, the team from South Florida is trailing San Antonio 2-1 heading into tonight's game four meeting. Miami has been a team of many faces during the playoffs and could possibly be looking at a different destiny for the trio.
At times the team appears unstoppable; a focused and determined group that will let nothing stand in their way of raising the championship trophy for the second year in a row. That relentless effort has helped, but not completely, to remove the villainous description of King Lebron that he was labeled with leaving Cleveland.
However, there are other times, such as in games 1 and 3 of these finals where the group seems rattled and overpowered by their opponent which has caused them to fall into the deficit they are currently in.
While it is still early, the struggles bring up a question in my mind and that is this: If the Heat lose this series, are they on the way to being one of the best teams in their sport that couldn't win it all?
Yes, as stated earlier they were the champions last year so while I draw similarities to the 90's Buffalo Bills in the NFL, I am not sure that I can compare them directly because the Heat have one ring, for the moment.
The Bills had four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and each time came up short in their chase for the Lombardi trophy. They also made the playoffs ten different times between the 87-88 season and the 98-99 season which is quite an accomplishment in itself. Still they were never able to proclaim that they were #1 in their sport.
The Heat also have a run of their own currently having only missed the playoffs once since the 2003-04 season which goes back years beyond when this dynamic group that takes the floor these days was formed.
The focus on this team is drawn from the proclamation that was made during the famous quote, "Not one, not two, not three....". I have no doubt that the Heat have the ability to turn things around and garner another NBA championship this season. They are indeed a great team with great abilities.
I just wonder should they lose again this season, if instead of counting the number of NBA titles they have, we are counting the number of times they made it to the championship series but couldn't win it all.
Not one, Not two.....
Now in the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year, the team from South Florida is trailing San Antonio 2-1 heading into tonight's game four meeting. Miami has been a team of many faces during the playoffs and could possibly be looking at a different destiny for the trio.
At times the team appears unstoppable; a focused and determined group that will let nothing stand in their way of raising the championship trophy for the second year in a row. That relentless effort has helped, but not completely, to remove the villainous description of King Lebron that he was labeled with leaving Cleveland.
However, there are other times, such as in games 1 and 3 of these finals where the group seems rattled and overpowered by their opponent which has caused them to fall into the deficit they are currently in.
While it is still early, the struggles bring up a question in my mind and that is this: If the Heat lose this series, are they on the way to being one of the best teams in their sport that couldn't win it all?
Yes, as stated earlier they were the champions last year so while I draw similarities to the 90's Buffalo Bills in the NFL, I am not sure that I can compare them directly because the Heat have one ring, for the moment.
The Bills had four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and each time came up short in their chase for the Lombardi trophy. They also made the playoffs ten different times between the 87-88 season and the 98-99 season which is quite an accomplishment in itself. Still they were never able to proclaim that they were #1 in their sport.
The Heat also have a run of their own currently having only missed the playoffs once since the 2003-04 season which goes back years beyond when this dynamic group that takes the floor these days was formed.
The focus on this team is drawn from the proclamation that was made during the famous quote, "Not one, not two, not three....". I have no doubt that the Heat have the ability to turn things around and garner another NBA championship this season. They are indeed a great team with great abilities.
I just wonder should they lose again this season, if instead of counting the number of NBA titles they have, we are counting the number of times they made it to the championship series but couldn't win it all.
Not one, Not two.....
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Should the Redskins have to change their name?
Before I get into this too much, this was initiated by an article I read by Phil Mushnick in the New York Daily Post. Mike Wise(@MikeWiseGuy) tweeted the article with a question asking what his followers thought.
Here is my response:
I think this issue has been publicized more by the media and has blown out of proportion the need for a name change.
I am sure there are Native Americans who are not necessarily happy with the name but where are they? Where are the lawyers that are threatening to sue if the name is not changed out of respect to a group they are representing?
I know that there have been prior suits but the few attempts that were made were unsuccessful. Polls have even shown results that the majority including Native Americans do not have a huge issue with the name or feel the name MUST be changed.
One year after their birth in 1932, the Boston Braves names was changed from the Braves to the Redskins. Was their controversy then? I would think, if so, the Braves are a better reflection of Native Americans than Redskins right?
Yes, it was a different time then and people's rights especially regarding minorities have been allowed to be taken to the public and accepted since then. Yet I still don't see anyone but certain media groups blowing it up.
I'm not a Washington Redskins fan. I grew up just the opposite and now that I am older and have formed my own views I don't necessarily hate the team but I'm not a fan of the team either.
I understand issues of equality and being politically correct at times so that we don't offend people but why when a name has been in existence nearly 80 years is this an issue now? People weren't given rights and privileges they were previously denied just yesterday.
Maybe it's a ploy to generate cash by striking up something that people will take interest in although only few actively pursue it. Maybe not, but until the offended show up in public in large groups and/or pursue aggressive action to change the name because it hurts them and their ancestors so much, what or who is making this such a big deal?
Here is my response:
I think this issue has been publicized more by the media and has blown out of proportion the need for a name change.
I am sure there are Native Americans who are not necessarily happy with the name but where are they? Where are the lawyers that are threatening to sue if the name is not changed out of respect to a group they are representing?
I know that there have been prior suits but the few attempts that were made were unsuccessful. Polls have even shown results that the majority including Native Americans do not have a huge issue with the name or feel the name MUST be changed.
One year after their birth in 1932, the Boston Braves names was changed from the Braves to the Redskins. Was their controversy then? I would think, if so, the Braves are a better reflection of Native Americans than Redskins right?
Yes, it was a different time then and people's rights especially regarding minorities have been allowed to be taken to the public and accepted since then. Yet I still don't see anyone but certain media groups blowing it up.
I'm not a Washington Redskins fan. I grew up just the opposite and now that I am older and have formed my own views I don't necessarily hate the team but I'm not a fan of the team either.
I understand issues of equality and being politically correct at times so that we don't offend people but why when a name has been in existence nearly 80 years is this an issue now? People weren't given rights and privileges they were previously denied just yesterday.
Maybe it's a ploy to generate cash by striking up something that people will take interest in although only few actively pursue it. Maybe not, but until the offended show up in public in large groups and/or pursue aggressive action to change the name because it hurts them and their ancestors so much, what or who is making this such a big deal?
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