Well, another week has come and gone in the College Football world, so let's get the rundown:
Game of the Week: Alabama vs. Arkansas- A hard fought game by both teams that actually should have been won by the Razorbacks. However, the Crimson Tide came back and flexed their muscles and achieved an impressive fourth-quarter comeback.
1. Alabama- Ohio State looks more impressive so far, but you have to look at the strength of schedule. The Buckeyes want to have the easiest road to the National Championship, while Alabama has had challenges early, which they have won.
2. Ohio State- It makes me sick to think about how easy their schedule is. I can't wait to drop them from this spot.
3. Boise State- Again, they proved themselves, this time against Oregon State. Kellen Moore is my front runner for the Heisman this year, and look for him to lead the Broncos through the season undefeated.
4. TCU- They had a scare against rival SMU, but won big in the end. However, the score didn't tell the whole story, as it was a hard fought game. They did impress me by not getting worried at all. Good performance overall.
5. Oregon- This offense is just built for breakout offensive plays. What an explosive team, despite getting challenged by Arizona State. The Sun Devils have a good team, however. Big matchup against Stanford this week.
6. Oklahoma- Another really close game against Cincinnati, but they still looked impressive on offense. We will see whether they can make Texas look foolish again after their stomping by UCLA.
7. Nebraska- A scare by South Dakota State this weekend, but not on the scoreboard necessarily. They were fine on defense, only allowing three points, but on offense, it was a struggle. If an FCS team can stop their running attack, it'll be intersting to see what the Big 12 opponents do.
8. Florida- Finally they have an impressive performance, despite it coming from their backup quarterback. We shall see whether they can knock off the mighty Crimson Tide this weekend.
9. Stanford- They keep impressing me more and more, and I agree with the AP putting them so far up. They are just continuing to have impressive win after impressive win, and they should keep it going against top-5 opponent Oregon this weekend.
10. Auburn- They have some very impressive wins so far, and they deserve to be a top-10 team until they lose. Quarterback Cam Newton is very impressive so far, and what a shock to find three SEC teams in the top-10.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Rankings, Week 3
A week of lackluster games turned into a night of intense watching for me. After playing golf as a substitute for the lack of interesting games on in the morning and afternoon, I was glued to the TV all night watching several nail-biters at once.
Game of the week: You can't beat the gamble that Michigan State took on a fake field goal in overtime to beat Notre Dame. All they needed was that field goal, and they went for all the marbles. Lucky for them, the play worked perfectly. Unlucky for them, their coach had a mild heart attack after the game. I didn't know I was that dead on when I described it as heart-attack football.
Now, here are my all-important rankings after Week 3.
1. Alabama- They routed Duke. No big surprise there. However, Mark Ingram looked great in his first game, just making this team even more powerful.
2. Ohio State- They routed Ohio. Again, no big surprise. They looked solid and even perhaps powerful against the Bobcats, but I was too busy watching the mascots duel it out to take any interest in the score.
3. Boise State- Impressive rout over Wyoming. They made Texas look silly with how embarassing they beat the Cowboys one week after Texas struggled for a while with the same team. Big game vs. Oregon State on Saturday.
4. TCU- This team has no weakness that I have seen. You have to love them to go undefeated. A potential upset alert however against SMU in the Iron Skillet Game.
5. Oregon- They continue to rack up points against no-name opponents, but they do indeed look very powerful and dangerous.
6. Nebraska- I expected Washington to upset the Huskers, or at least make it a game. Nebraska flexed its muscles and blew out the Huskies and limited Heisman-candidate (might as well call him a former one) to 4 completions in the game.
7. Oklahoma- Again, they struggled with an opponent they were supposed to manhandle, but I haven't lost confidence that they can show their power in big games like they did in Week 2.
8. Texas- Their defense was powerful, but their offense is about as exciting as a retirement home during the night. I am not impressed with them, but their win was enough to keep them ahead of Florida.
9. Florida- Aforementioned, Texas is just a little better at the fundamentals still. Florida is getting it together, but they still have leaps and bounds to perfection.
10. Arkansas- A very good game against Georgia. Ryan Mallett is very impressive, and the game against Alabama should be close. That is, unless Alabama is better than they have showed yet (a hard thing to accomplish).
Game of the week: You can't beat the gamble that Michigan State took on a fake field goal in overtime to beat Notre Dame. All they needed was that field goal, and they went for all the marbles. Lucky for them, the play worked perfectly. Unlucky for them, their coach had a mild heart attack after the game. I didn't know I was that dead on when I described it as heart-attack football.
Now, here are my all-important rankings after Week 3.
1. Alabama- They routed Duke. No big surprise there. However, Mark Ingram looked great in his first game, just making this team even more powerful.
2. Ohio State- They routed Ohio. Again, no big surprise. They looked solid and even perhaps powerful against the Bobcats, but I was too busy watching the mascots duel it out to take any interest in the score.
3. Boise State- Impressive rout over Wyoming. They made Texas look silly with how embarassing they beat the Cowboys one week after Texas struggled for a while with the same team. Big game vs. Oregon State on Saturday.
4. TCU- This team has no weakness that I have seen. You have to love them to go undefeated. A potential upset alert however against SMU in the Iron Skillet Game.
5. Oregon- They continue to rack up points against no-name opponents, but they do indeed look very powerful and dangerous.
6. Nebraska- I expected Washington to upset the Huskers, or at least make it a game. Nebraska flexed its muscles and blew out the Huskies and limited Heisman-candidate (might as well call him a former one) to 4 completions in the game.
7. Oklahoma- Again, they struggled with an opponent they were supposed to manhandle, but I haven't lost confidence that they can show their power in big games like they did in Week 2.
8. Texas- Their defense was powerful, but their offense is about as exciting as a retirement home during the night. I am not impressed with them, but their win was enough to keep them ahead of Florida.
9. Florida- Aforementioned, Texas is just a little better at the fundamentals still. Florida is getting it together, but they still have leaps and bounds to perfection.
10. Arkansas- A very good game against Georgia. Ryan Mallett is very impressive, and the game against Alabama should be close. That is, unless Alabama is better than they have showed yet (a hard thing to accomplish).
Monday, September 13, 2010
NCAA Fall Madness
Yes, I'm talking about college football. The amazing season has returned, and all teams are aiming for a shot at a BCS Bowl, preferably the National Championship Game. Since the BCS is not accurate nor published yet, and the AP and USA Today polls are terrible, I must right their wrongs with MY perfectly accurate standings, and of course, my reasons.
Call it the TCS (Tanner Championship Standings):
1. Alabama- How can you go against a national champion that returns their quarterback AND Heisman Trophy running back? As much as I hate the Crimson Tide, I couldn't have been more impressed with their defense in their convincing win over top-20 Penn State. They will be number 1 until they stop winning so convincingly.
2. Ohio State- I am a BCS buster advocate, but Ohio State also impressed me against a Miami team that I thought would beat them. Miami is a VERY good team, and Ohio State had no problem taking care of them. They will be my number 2 until they lose.
3. Boise State AND TCU- Boise State did nothing to drop in the rankings, and I love the Broncos, but I think TCU has deserved to be considered for the BCS buster team as well. They have really looked special this year and deserve more credit than they get. Boise State has only played one game, so I haven't had as much to base my impressions on.
5. Oklahoma- I was a little worried about the Sooners after they had problems with Utah State, but they sure proved themselves in what I thought would be a very tough game against Florida State. I was blown out of the water with the Seminoles after week 1, but OU really proved they can manhandle a good team.
6. Oregon- I was at the Oregon-UT game, and Oregon didn't play as well as the score looks like. Having said that, they have a very explosive offense, and this is why they are here.
7. Iowa- They have gained my respect. They are explosive on offense and dominant on defense. They should challenge Ohio State the most this year. Very impressive so far.
8. Nebraska- This was my preseason pick to win the Big 12, and they have been solid this year. They have played no better or worse than I have expected.
9. Texas- Texas hasn't wowed me this year. They should be beating their opponents a lot more convincingly than they are, and Garrett Gilbert has been less than spectacular this year.
10. Wisconsin- Whereas most people have Florida in the 10 spot, I have Wisconsin. They look good, despite a closer than expected score against San Jose State. However, this pick is more about why Florida doesn't deserve it. They look fundamentally awful for a top-10 football team. I am a Gators fan, and am disgusted at the way the team looks this year. It is disgusting. Otherwise, they are looking great... not.
Log in every Monday to see my wonderful top-10 rankings, and maybe I might get my rankings a little more accurate than the BCS this year (it's not hard to do).
Call it the TCS (Tanner Championship Standings):
1. Alabama- How can you go against a national champion that returns their quarterback AND Heisman Trophy running back? As much as I hate the Crimson Tide, I couldn't have been more impressed with their defense in their convincing win over top-20 Penn State. They will be number 1 until they stop winning so convincingly.
2. Ohio State- I am a BCS buster advocate, but Ohio State also impressed me against a Miami team that I thought would beat them. Miami is a VERY good team, and Ohio State had no problem taking care of them. They will be my number 2 until they lose.
3. Boise State AND TCU- Boise State did nothing to drop in the rankings, and I love the Broncos, but I think TCU has deserved to be considered for the BCS buster team as well. They have really looked special this year and deserve more credit than they get. Boise State has only played one game, so I haven't had as much to base my impressions on.
5. Oklahoma- I was a little worried about the Sooners after they had problems with Utah State, but they sure proved themselves in what I thought would be a very tough game against Florida State. I was blown out of the water with the Seminoles after week 1, but OU really proved they can manhandle a good team.
6. Oregon- I was at the Oregon-UT game, and Oregon didn't play as well as the score looks like. Having said that, they have a very explosive offense, and this is why they are here.
7. Iowa- They have gained my respect. They are explosive on offense and dominant on defense. They should challenge Ohio State the most this year. Very impressive so far.
8. Nebraska- This was my preseason pick to win the Big 12, and they have been solid this year. They have played no better or worse than I have expected.
9. Texas- Texas hasn't wowed me this year. They should be beating their opponents a lot more convincingly than they are, and Garrett Gilbert has been less than spectacular this year.
10. Wisconsin- Whereas most people have Florida in the 10 spot, I have Wisconsin. They look good, despite a closer than expected score against San Jose State. However, this pick is more about why Florida doesn't deserve it. They look fundamentally awful for a top-10 football team. I am a Gators fan, and am disgusted at the way the team looks this year. It is disgusting. Otherwise, they are looking great... not.
Log in every Monday to see my wonderful top-10 rankings, and maybe I might get my rankings a little more accurate than the BCS this year (it's not hard to do).
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Local Spotlight: BHS Golf
In the quietest sport that exists, the Brentwood High School golf team is quietly making ripples across the state. Around the course and around the state, the BHS golf team moves under the radar but leaves the impressions of an earthquake. Undefeated in the 2010 season, the team has grabbed the attention of far too few people. Fueled by new coach John Higgins and their overall positivism, the team continues to cruise through opponents.
An intensified look fills the golfers’ eyes as they maneuver through the course, but their competitiveness alone didn’t bring this on. First year coach John Higgins has taken the team to soaring heights that have easily met expectations so far. Higgins grew up in the Charlotte area, where he played golf on his school teams, as well as competing in amateur tournaments in high school. During his young career, he won eighteen Junior Golf and Amateur tournaments, as well as heading a high school team that won the State Championship. David Lipscomb offered him a scholarship to play golf in college, where Higgins graduated with a major in Communication Studies. He now owns an agency to help struggling athletes, mostly golfers, which have just graduated from college and are looking to make it to the next level.
Young and talented, Higgins was still impressed with the Brentwood High School athletics as well as the team. “What impressed me the most were the class of professionalism that they showed, as well as the talent of the team.”
Higgins brings an unusual coaching method to the team. He requires conditioning of the athletes to prepare them for the blistering heat that they must battle while walking 18 holes of golf. He also includes a lot of competitive games, such as a putting contest or a specific drill, where he will reward the winners with prizes. “I do this to prepare the golfers for the feel of competition,” says Higgins.
His focus, however, lies in the mind. Course management, and the “mental” game are two key elements of the game that will improve a golfer’s score no matter who it is. He also focuses on putting. The old mantra of golf, “Drive for show, putt for dough,” is reverberated by Higgins. “Putting ends up taking 40 percent of the holes in golf.”
Even though Higgins is very impressed with the talent of the team, he is still disappointed in each golfer’s expectation of him or her self. “These guys don’t realize how good they really are,” says Higgins.
An intensified look fills the golfers’ eyes as they maneuver through the course, but their competitiveness alone didn’t bring this on. First year coach John Higgins has taken the team to soaring heights that have easily met expectations so far. Higgins grew up in the Charlotte area, where he played golf on his school teams, as well as competing in amateur tournaments in high school. During his young career, he won eighteen Junior Golf and Amateur tournaments, as well as heading a high school team that won the State Championship. David Lipscomb offered him a scholarship to play golf in college, where Higgins graduated with a major in Communication Studies. He now owns an agency to help struggling athletes, mostly golfers, which have just graduated from college and are looking to make it to the next level.
Young and talented, Higgins was still impressed with the Brentwood High School athletics as well as the team. “What impressed me the most were the class of professionalism that they showed, as well as the talent of the team.”
Higgins brings an unusual coaching method to the team. He requires conditioning of the athletes to prepare them for the blistering heat that they must battle while walking 18 holes of golf. He also includes a lot of competitive games, such as a putting contest or a specific drill, where he will reward the winners with prizes. “I do this to prepare the golfers for the feel of competition,” says Higgins.
His focus, however, lies in the mind. Course management, and the “mental” game are two key elements of the game that will improve a golfer’s score no matter who it is. He also focuses on putting. The old mantra of golf, “Drive for show, putt for dough,” is reverberated by Higgins. “Putting ends up taking 40 percent of the holes in golf.”
Even though Higgins is very impressed with the talent of the team, he is still disappointed in each golfer’s expectation of him or her self. “These guys don’t realize how good they really are,” says Higgins.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Touch 'Em All: NL
The MLB season is getting down to crunch time, and it's shaping up to be an exciting September to set up an even more exciting October. Let's go through the NL division by division:
NL East: The Atlanta Braves are the "home" team of Nashville, so I get to see all of their games. They look just strong enough to hold on to the division lead for the remainder of the season, but the loss of Prado (for now) and Chipper Jones (season) will really make it hard. The Phillies now have Chase Utley back, and they know how to make a big run at the end of the season, and in the playoffs. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I think the Phillies will come just short of making the postseason this year. The Mets Francisco Rodriguez isn't used to blowing games, let alone blowing seasons by blowing his cool. His season ended after he injured his hand punching his girlfriend's dad. But, if he didn't go on the DL for that, his severely damaged common sense function would have landed him there. The Marlins are the Marlins> Miami doesn't know they exist, and the rest of the world could care less about an average team. A guy from my high school has been signed to a minor league contract with the Nationals, so he deserves a shout-out. Congratulations, Robbie Ray.
NL Central: Another two horse race. Cincinnati has the lineup to win the division, but the young pitchers have to show themselves down the stretch. Leake and Wood are two up-and-coming sensations, and I think they can provide this young and talented team led by Joey Votto to a postseason berth. The Cardinals will have to play consistently stellar baseball to win this division, but aces Carpenter and Wainwright might spark them to have a late season run at the division title. The rest of the teams aren't even worth mentioning.
NL West: The Padres will win the NL West, guaranteed. They are a bunch of no-name, consistent players who have everything that it takes to make it to the World Series, and there is too much competition for one team to catch them. The Giants are a solid team with a little less hitting than they would like. They have made their lineup work, and that is why they lead the wild card race. They shouldn't be going anywhere. Unfortunately, the competition in the division will more than likely keep the Giants from making a run at the West-dominant Padres. The Rockies, despite having the best pitcher in baseball, can't keep the winning going enough to gain significant ground. The Dodgers just seem helpless despite their major additions to make a push. Whenever they seem to gain a game, they fall back again after a couple of games after that.
The Cincinnati Reds will win the NL Pennant this year behind their youthful hitting and pitching. Dusty Baker has been there before and can lead them to the World Series in a much weaker division than the AL. I can't see any team jumping out as the "best in the west," however, so in reality any of these teams has a shot to win the pennant. As you could imagine, I have to predict the AL team to win the World Series. If you recall, I picked the Rays to win the AL Pennant, so my World Series winner has to be those Tampa Bay Rays.
NL East: The Atlanta Braves are the "home" team of Nashville, so I get to see all of their games. They look just strong enough to hold on to the division lead for the remainder of the season, but the loss of Prado (for now) and Chipper Jones (season) will really make it hard. The Phillies now have Chase Utley back, and they know how to make a big run at the end of the season, and in the playoffs. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I think the Phillies will come just short of making the postseason this year. The Mets Francisco Rodriguez isn't used to blowing games, let alone blowing seasons by blowing his cool. His season ended after he injured his hand punching his girlfriend's dad. But, if he didn't go on the DL for that, his severely damaged common sense function would have landed him there. The Marlins are the Marlins> Miami doesn't know they exist, and the rest of the world could care less about an average team. A guy from my high school has been signed to a minor league contract with the Nationals, so he deserves a shout-out. Congratulations, Robbie Ray.
NL Central: Another two horse race. Cincinnati has the lineup to win the division, but the young pitchers have to show themselves down the stretch. Leake and Wood are two up-and-coming sensations, and I think they can provide this young and talented team led by Joey Votto to a postseason berth. The Cardinals will have to play consistently stellar baseball to win this division, but aces Carpenter and Wainwright might spark them to have a late season run at the division title. The rest of the teams aren't even worth mentioning.
NL West: The Padres will win the NL West, guaranteed. They are a bunch of no-name, consistent players who have everything that it takes to make it to the World Series, and there is too much competition for one team to catch them. The Giants are a solid team with a little less hitting than they would like. They have made their lineup work, and that is why they lead the wild card race. They shouldn't be going anywhere. Unfortunately, the competition in the division will more than likely keep the Giants from making a run at the West-dominant Padres. The Rockies, despite having the best pitcher in baseball, can't keep the winning going enough to gain significant ground. The Dodgers just seem helpless despite their major additions to make a push. Whenever they seem to gain a game, they fall back again after a couple of games after that.
The Cincinnati Reds will win the NL Pennant this year behind their youthful hitting and pitching. Dusty Baker has been there before and can lead them to the World Series in a much weaker division than the AL. I can't see any team jumping out as the "best in the west," however, so in reality any of these teams has a shot to win the pennant. As you could imagine, I have to predict the AL team to win the World Series. If you recall, I picked the Rays to win the AL Pennant, so my World Series winner has to be those Tampa Bay Rays.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Touch 'Em All: AL
The MLB season is getting down to crunch time, and it's shaping up to be an exciting September to set up an even more exciting October. Let's go through the AL division by division:
AL East: The powerhouse. The Rays continue their streaky play, now winning 5 in a row after going on a losing skid after a winning streak. Streaky, right? Two crucial pitchers are on the DL (Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann) but new sensation Jeremy Hellickson is dazzling so far. I can't see a collapse in the near future. The Yankees, meanwhile, keep on trucking. They are expected to win every night, but when the Rays are on a losing skid, they can't seem to pull away in the division. The Red Sox might as well surrender, there is no way of catching either team. The Orioles are an interesting case. Since Showalter took over the managerial duties, they have played with a new ferocity and passion that was lacking during their trip to the MLB cellar. This team could act as the spoiler to either the Rays or Yankees and cost one team the division.
AL Central: Minnesota has good hitting, but streaky pitching. Mauer and Morneau are bound to produce every night, and if the pitching is good, they will easily win the division. Also, their incredible fan base at Target Field has got to fuel them. Chicago seems to have lost their "thing" that they had during their hot streak. Great pitching will be the only thing that can save them. Detroit can forget about their chances.
AL West: Simply, Texas. In October, the question will be whether they can beat an AL East team. Their regular season record against the AL East says no way, but I have confidence they will rise to the occasion, or at least come close.
The AL pennant will go to the Tampa Bay Rays. They have the most depth, especially at pitcher, although Texas could battle close. The Yankees can, of course, always win a pennant, but the Rays seem destined to make a trip back to the World Series this year.
AL East: The powerhouse. The Rays continue their streaky play, now winning 5 in a row after going on a losing skid after a winning streak. Streaky, right? Two crucial pitchers are on the DL (Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann) but new sensation Jeremy Hellickson is dazzling so far. I can't see a collapse in the near future. The Yankees, meanwhile, keep on trucking. They are expected to win every night, but when the Rays are on a losing skid, they can't seem to pull away in the division. The Red Sox might as well surrender, there is no way of catching either team. The Orioles are an interesting case. Since Showalter took over the managerial duties, they have played with a new ferocity and passion that was lacking during their trip to the MLB cellar. This team could act as the spoiler to either the Rays or Yankees and cost one team the division.
AL Central: Minnesota has good hitting, but streaky pitching. Mauer and Morneau are bound to produce every night, and if the pitching is good, they will easily win the division. Also, their incredible fan base at Target Field has got to fuel them. Chicago seems to have lost their "thing" that they had during their hot streak. Great pitching will be the only thing that can save them. Detroit can forget about their chances.
AL West: Simply, Texas. In October, the question will be whether they can beat an AL East team. Their regular season record against the AL East says no way, but I have confidence they will rise to the occasion, or at least come close.
The AL pennant will go to the Tampa Bay Rays. They have the most depth, especially at pitcher, although Texas could battle close. The Yankees can, of course, always win a pennant, but the Rays seem destined to make a trip back to the World Series this year.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Must Be Football Season
Brett Favre isn't sure about retiring or not, and the Titans are playing heart-attack football: must be football season.
And, indeed it is football season! The first week of preseason is more than halfway over, and already so many things have happened! Brett Favre has already retired and unretired once, but it isn't Favre making the noise at quarterback for the Vikings. WIth the uncertainty of the ancient quarterback, the Vikings are looking for their starter for this season to replace Favre. Tavaris Jackson started the game against the Rams last night, and proved that he is still just as inept as he was before the Favre era. Meanwhile, Sage Rosenfels lit up the scoreboard for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Still, though, Jackson is the main guy. Now we see why Brett Favre kept Brad Childress' job last year: he has no common sense. Rosenfels has proven himself as a backup for Matt Schaub in Houston, and I know him well. The Titans always seem to knock Schaub out, and Rosenfels time after time seems to light our defense up for all too many yards and touchdowns. If you look at the tape of this guy, he knows what he is doing way more than most backup quarterbacks, and deserves to have a chance to start for the Vikings this year. That is, if the big "if" of Favre not returning actually happens, of course.
Meanwhile, our good ole' Tennessee Titans have picked up right where they ended last season: playing heart-attack football. Even though the preseason is won or lost by the backups, the 20-18 loss was nail-biting. Here is my impression of the Titans team this year:
Vince Young looks sharp. He completed his passes in an impressive fashion, and showed he has matured through the offseason. Chris Johnson seems unchanged. He seems like the same back he was last year, and we will see more from him as the preseason progresses. Our wide receivers look more confident catching the ball. Good passes and good catches by Gage and Washington led to our first scoring drive. Defensively, we rested a lot of veterans, including both corners, starting 2nd year players Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton. McCourty looked very impressive, as he had good coverage on his receiver the few times he was actually picked on. Mouton got burned several times, but did get a gift interception.
As for the backups, I was most impressed with 4th string QB Rusty Smith and WR Marc Mariani. Mariani was the go-to receiver the whole second half and Smith's passes were on target. I was most disappointed with QB Chris Simms. Recently pulled over for driving after smoking pot, he seemed high again on the field. His vision downfield was terrible and he just seemed incapable of completing a pass or doing anything worthwhile.
Stay tuned, as the Brett Favre saga might turn into the next CBS drama, while the Titans might be featured in the next edge-of-your-seat movie!
And, indeed it is football season! The first week of preseason is more than halfway over, and already so many things have happened! Brett Favre has already retired and unretired once, but it isn't Favre making the noise at quarterback for the Vikings. WIth the uncertainty of the ancient quarterback, the Vikings are looking for their starter for this season to replace Favre. Tavaris Jackson started the game against the Rams last night, and proved that he is still just as inept as he was before the Favre era. Meanwhile, Sage Rosenfels lit up the scoreboard for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Still, though, Jackson is the main guy. Now we see why Brett Favre kept Brad Childress' job last year: he has no common sense. Rosenfels has proven himself as a backup for Matt Schaub in Houston, and I know him well. The Titans always seem to knock Schaub out, and Rosenfels time after time seems to light our defense up for all too many yards and touchdowns. If you look at the tape of this guy, he knows what he is doing way more than most backup quarterbacks, and deserves to have a chance to start for the Vikings this year. That is, if the big "if" of Favre not returning actually happens, of course.
Meanwhile, our good ole' Tennessee Titans have picked up right where they ended last season: playing heart-attack football. Even though the preseason is won or lost by the backups, the 20-18 loss was nail-biting. Here is my impression of the Titans team this year:
Vince Young looks sharp. He completed his passes in an impressive fashion, and showed he has matured through the offseason. Chris Johnson seems unchanged. He seems like the same back he was last year, and we will see more from him as the preseason progresses. Our wide receivers look more confident catching the ball. Good passes and good catches by Gage and Washington led to our first scoring drive. Defensively, we rested a lot of veterans, including both corners, starting 2nd year players Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton. McCourty looked very impressive, as he had good coverage on his receiver the few times he was actually picked on. Mouton got burned several times, but did get a gift interception.
As for the backups, I was most impressed with 4th string QB Rusty Smith and WR Marc Mariani. Mariani was the go-to receiver the whole second half and Smith's passes were on target. I was most disappointed with QB Chris Simms. Recently pulled over for driving after smoking pot, he seemed high again on the field. His vision downfield was terrible and he just seemed incapable of completing a pass or doing anything worthwhile.
Stay tuned, as the Brett Favre saga might turn into the next CBS drama, while the Titans might be featured in the next edge-of-your-seat movie!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
