Aretha asked for it. Rodney never got it. But after a year spent in the shadows of the NFL spotlight, the Ravens may have finally received it. In the immortal words of Ali G – Respek.
The league announced its Kickoff Weekend schedule last week and low and behold, your Baltimore Ravens were up on the marquee. Of course they will be sharing the stage with a full 25% of the NFL, including a rare Monday Night Football double header with the Cardinals and 49ers battling in the bay area in the nightcap. But on September 10th, 2007 at 7PM EST, the eyes of the nation will be on the AFC North as the Ravens visit the Cincinnati Bengals.
Unfortunately, Monday nights boast a brutal line up of entertainment options that even make Jerry Bruckheimer sweat. CSI Caruso is just the beginning as Heroes, How I Met Your Mother, Two and Half Men, Prison Break, and 24 all grab their fare share of Nielsen numbers. If we’re lucky, Jack Bauer could take the fall off to eat and use the bathroom, but ABC is usually good for a reality show or two – Bachelorettes, Ice Dancing with the Stars, who knows. Throw in Howie Mandel and at least one more NBC drama (Studio 60 and The Black Donnelly’s are waging a ratings war as we speak) and it might not be the entire country tuned in to NFL action live from Ohio.
There is still cause for optimism, however, because ESPN will most likely tout the debut of Jaws on Monday Night Football all summer long and the sports world is itching for in depth film review of last year’s classic Thursday Night Thriller between these two division rivals. Although that game was played in a monsoon and every Vegas vet won the under, so the analysis may only take us through the coin toss.
But we are headed to The Queen City. And with an evening start time, the entire day is left open to experience all the city has to offer. You could take a tour of Proctor & Gamble’s headquarters. Or the United States Playing Card Company in nearby Norwood, OH. You could take a boat ride along the famed beaches of the Kentucky coast. Or grab a bowl of chili as Cincinnati boasts more chili restaurants than any other city in the world. Seriously. Their tagline, “All together surprising” is dead on.
No matter how you look at it, after a 13-3 season in 2006, the Ravens have earned some respect among the schedule makers who apparently think fantasy football fanatics are ready to embrace the concept of IDP’s (Individual Defensive Players). The Charm City was also rewarded for their strong season of support with a nationally televised exhibition game on August 19th against the Giants live from Baltimore. The remaining regular season schedule will be released later this month, but for now, Ravens fans can take solace in the fact that after a year of feeling jacked, so far this off-season they’ve received the royal treatment. It all starts with the Queen.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Cinderella, Where Art Thou?
If memory serves, I earned a solid B in Psychology 101 my freshman year of college. PSY101 was one of those mandatory classes that just about every undergraduate student needed to take, regardless of whether you were studying graphic design or intelligent design. The lecture hall seated you and your 800 closest friends and inevitably started before 10:00AM, which in college hours is roughly equivalent to the crack of dawn.
Why do I bother reliving those gray-sky Syracuse mornings with you? It is because through the early morning flurries, and thanks to numerous large French vanilla coffees from Dunkin Donuts, I managed to pick up a few basic principles on the subject that allow me to understand what causes such Madness each and every March (and what the NFL could do to ensure a Jubilant, or maybe just Jovial January).
The answer? Three words: The Underdog Effect.
Proof? Three more words: Dewey Defeats Truman.
What am I talking about? The concept that in any competition, whether it be for a spot in the Sweet 16 or a seat in the Oval Office, there is a tendency for people to shift their support in favor of the perceived loser. It’s why we remember Jim Valvano and Valparaiso. It’s why Wally Szerbiak was drafted in the first round and why you claimed to live in the same general area of George Mason last spring. Historians will also tell you its why Truman won re-election in 1948 as Democrats across the country, assuming Dewey was winning big (the Chicago Tribune famously agreed), came out in droves in the final hours of voting to return him to office.
As the Truman example shows, America will inevitably pull for the underdog. The fabric of our country is built on the notion of overcoming the odds to be successful. Which is why we root for the 13-seeds come March and why the first four days of the Tournament are so special – because of the chance that a 13-seed will still be playing the following week. And that hope, that chance, that possibility is what the NFL might need one day.
The so-called parity in the league has rid the sport of dynasty teams, and in effect, teams of destiny. If a team earning a bye has a record equal, or perhaps worse than a team who is designated a Wild Card, when the two teams meet in the playoffs, is it really an upset if the visiting team wins? Would there be a true favorite? (i.e. more than the 3 points odds makers typically assign to a home team)
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens were technically underdogs heading into Oakland for the AFC Championship Game, but when they emerged victorious, was it such a surprise? The 2006 Ravens were favored against the visiting Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the Playoffs, but given the fact that Indy now owns a Lombardi Trophy, was it considered an upset to see the highest rated quarterback in the league lead his team to victory?
Ironically, the NFL’s last true ‘Goliath’ and the most recent ‘David’ were probably both from New England. The 2001 Patriots, led by an unproven backup QB named Tom, did serve as a true underdog; while the 2004 Patriots, led by a two-time Super Bowl MVP named Brady, managed to play the role of Super Power in beating T.O. and the Eagles (hardly a ‘David’).
So how do you ensure more fairy-tale magic, the likes of which we see in March, to make more appearances in January? Play-in games? Playoff expansion? Let Boise State play the Super Bowl Champion? Did you know they’re making a documentary on “The Game”. No matter what the method, I think it could only enhance the most popular sport in the country and allow the NFL to remain atop its pedestal. The sport will always produce Champions, but sometimes, sports fans are also looking for a Cinderella. Time to strap on those glass slippers. Click-Clack.
Why do I bother reliving those gray-sky Syracuse mornings with you? It is because through the early morning flurries, and thanks to numerous large French vanilla coffees from Dunkin Donuts, I managed to pick up a few basic principles on the subject that allow me to understand what causes such Madness each and every March (and what the NFL could do to ensure a Jubilant, or maybe just Jovial January).
The answer? Three words: The Underdog Effect.
Proof? Three more words: Dewey Defeats Truman.
What am I talking about? The concept that in any competition, whether it be for a spot in the Sweet 16 or a seat in the Oval Office, there is a tendency for people to shift their support in favor of the perceived loser. It’s why we remember Jim Valvano and Valparaiso. It’s why Wally Szerbiak was drafted in the first round and why you claimed to live in the same general area of George Mason last spring. Historians will also tell you its why Truman won re-election in 1948 as Democrats across the country, assuming Dewey was winning big (the Chicago Tribune famously agreed), came out in droves in the final hours of voting to return him to office.As the Truman example shows, America will inevitably pull for the underdog. The fabric of our country is built on the notion of overcoming the odds to be successful. Which is why we root for the 13-seeds come March and why the first four days of the Tournament are so special – because of the chance that a 13-seed will still be playing the following week. And that hope, that chance, that possibility is what the NFL might need one day.
The so-called parity in the league has rid the sport of dynasty teams, and in effect, teams of destiny. If a team earning a bye has a record equal, or perhaps worse than a team who is designated a Wild Card, when the two teams meet in the playoffs, is it really an upset if the visiting team wins? Would there be a true favorite? (i.e. more than the 3 points odds makers typically assign to a home team)
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens were technically underdogs heading into Oakland for the AFC Championship Game, but when they emerged victorious, was it such a surprise? The 2006 Ravens were favored against the visiting Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the Playoffs, but given the fact that Indy now owns a Lombardi Trophy, was it considered an upset to see the highest rated quarterback in the league lead his team to victory?
Ironically, the NFL’s last true ‘Goliath’ and the most recent ‘David’ were probably both from New England. The 2001 Patriots, led by an unproven backup QB named Tom, did serve as a true underdog; while the 2004 Patriots, led by a two-time Super Bowl MVP named Brady, managed to play the role of Super Power in beating T.O. and the Eagles (hardly a ‘David’).
So how do you ensure more fairy-tale magic, the likes of which we see in March, to make more appearances in January? Play-in games? Playoff expansion? Let Boise State play the Super Bowl Champion? Did you know they’re making a documentary on “The Game”. No matter what the method, I think it could only enhance the most popular sport in the country and allow the NFL to remain atop its pedestal. The sport will always produce Champions, but sometimes, sports fans are also looking for a Cinderella. Time to strap on those glass slippers. Click-Clack.
Monday, March 12, 2007
What Willis Means to Me(dia)
There are plenty of off-season signings that don’t make their way out of the transactions listing in the back of the sports pages. Of course most of those involve offensive lineman, punters, and the scout team. Rarely do these players provide highlight reel material worthy of the lead in the Monday Sports section. But when a so called ‘skill position’ player is added to the roster, one that is already a household name in NFL circles, the wheels inside the minds of sports writers, their editors, and the blogosphere start churning. Enter Willis McGahee – a game-breaking back that will most certainly make an impact on the field and the front page.
After years of finding words that rhyme with Jamal, or even just start with the letter “J”, it’s now time to focus on the future and consider what might be seen in big bold letters in the months and years to come. A few predictions:
As you can see, the new running back in town has brought quite a few catch phrases with him from Upstate New York. (Speaking of which, how did Syracuse get left out of the NCAA tournament? We (I mean they) beat Georgetown!) Hopefully the local media keeps the repetition to a minimum to avoid overexposure a la “Astro-Nut” (in reference to the women who worked for NASA and drove cross-country to confront another woman dating the same man she was having an affair with) or “Britney Shears” (no explanation necessary).
The Fourth Estate in ‘The Charm City’ has been calling for a new running back ‘to carry the load’ in Baltimore for the last few years. Now that Willis will be handling ‘the rock’ we can expect to see a slew of stories about his potential in the pre-season, his performance during the year, and most importantly, his play during the playoffs. So with more than four months until training camp, a seventeen week season, and hopefully a post-season run to ‘The Big Game’, the local scribes better start thinking about headlines now in order to avoid the collection of clichés listed above, after all, this one back is expected to take the Ravens ‘two steps forward’.
After years of finding words that rhyme with Jamal, or even just start with the letter “J”, it’s now time to focus on the future and consider what might be seen in big bold letters in the months and years to come. A few predictions:
- Whatcha Talkin’ ‘Bout Willis (a gimme)
- That’s What I’m Talkin’ ‘Bout (can only use once a year)
- Battle of Wills (for the Sunday headlines when we play the Steelers)
- Faster Willie (for the Monday headlines when we play the Steelers)
- Oh Willie You’re So Fine (I know, his name is not Willie…)
- Willie or Won’t He (...but I loved this one)
- Will-Us to Victory
- Mac Attack (could apply to McNair, McGahee, or possibly a rare public sighting of Mark McGwire)
- McGame-Time (opening weekend?)
- McGame-Breaker
- McGlory (probably more appropriate for a future crabacake sandwich at McDonalds)
As you can see, the new running back in town has brought quite a few catch phrases with him from Upstate New York. (Speaking of which, how did Syracuse get left out of the NCAA tournament? We (I mean they) beat Georgetown!) Hopefully the local media keeps the repetition to a minimum to avoid overexposure a la “Astro-Nut” (in reference to the women who worked for NASA and drove cross-country to confront another woman dating the same man she was having an affair with) or “Britney Shears” (no explanation necessary).
The Fourth Estate in ‘The Charm City’ has been calling for a new running back ‘to carry the load’ in Baltimore for the last few years. Now that Willis will be handling ‘the rock’ we can expect to see a slew of stories about his potential in the pre-season, his performance during the year, and most importantly, his play during the playoffs. So with more than four months until training camp, a seventeen week season, and hopefully a post-season run to ‘The Big Game’, the local scribes better start thinking about headlines now in order to avoid the collection of clichés listed above, after all, this one back is expected to take the Ravens ‘two steps forward’.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Back to Reality
Ozzie had a conversation with Marv. Jamal had a conversation with Phil. Ed had a conversation with Ozzie. And just like that, Willis McGahee became a member of the Baltimore Ravens. At least as far as I can tell.
You see, just when I thought it was safe to leave the state; the Ravens went ahead and made one of the biggest trades in franchise history while I was on my way out of town for a long weekend in the Rockies. The first seven days of free agency started with a series of big-name departures from Owings Mills, but as my flight taxied from the gate at BWI, a new arrival was on his way in to Baltimore. And hopefully he booked a one-way ticket because McGahee is now penciled in as a Raven until 2013.
So what happened? Could it really be that simple? A casual conversation at the Sky Bar between two GM’s and all of a sudden one of the premier tail backs in the league is looking for shoes that go with purple.
Of course a few dots had to be connected in between. Jamal Lewis signed with the Cleveland Browns. Ozzie Newsome and his staff talked to Ed Reed, who spent two seasons on the field with Willis at ‘The U’, about the potential and work ethic of Mr. McGahee. But that seems like the meat of it. My only question is why no one called me.
I have so much insight to offer. Willis McGahee has played running back for me the last three seasons. I drafted him in the late rounds of my 2004 fantasy draft only to see his value soar during the second half of a spectacular sophomore season. Obviously, I kept him through 2005 (in which he was named as a Pro Bowl alternate) and then again in 2006. Thanks to the former #21, Canton FC (I came up with the team name while watching the World Cup) finished in third place 2 out of 3 years and won one regular season title in the Retired Orangemen Fantasy Football League.
I’ve lived through his ups and downs. I’ve kept my eyes glued to the LED’s underneath the SmartVision boards at M&T Bank Stadium, anxiously awaiting an up-tick in the number next to BUF. I was following along when he scored four touchdowns against the Seahawks. I scoffed at the emergence of Lee Evans who seemed to catch 77-yard touchdown passes every time the Bills scored, barely allowing Willis to get a carry, let alone a quick six. But now I will be watching in person. I will bare witness to each and every cutback, out pattern, screen pass, and scoring drive that McGahee manages to take part in. Due to official league rules (ROFFL not NFL) I can no longer keep Willis on my roster after three years on one team. Fitting, considering I would have to split my allegiances between a Ravens win and an extra reception for one of my starting running backs. (I’m not too upset, I have Laurence Maroney coming back in ’07 and thanks to the departure of Corey Dillon, he is looking like a first round pick in most leagues).
So now I shift my focus away from the big boards and back to the action on the field. Back to the importance of a lead block. Back to rooting for a defensive score. Back to the little things that contribute to a win in the real world. Back to reality.
You see, just when I thought it was safe to leave the state; the Ravens went ahead and made one of the biggest trades in franchise history while I was on my way out of town for a long weekend in the Rockies. The first seven days of free agency started with a series of big-name departures from Owings Mills, but as my flight taxied from the gate at BWI, a new arrival was on his way in to Baltimore. And hopefully he booked a one-way ticket because McGahee is now penciled in as a Raven until 2013.
So what happened? Could it really be that simple? A casual conversation at the Sky Bar between two GM’s and all of a sudden one of the premier tail backs in the league is looking for shoes that go with purple.
Of course a few dots had to be connected in between. Jamal Lewis signed with the Cleveland Browns. Ozzie Newsome and his staff talked to Ed Reed, who spent two seasons on the field with Willis at ‘The U’, about the potential and work ethic of Mr. McGahee. But that seems like the meat of it. My only question is why no one called me.
I have so much insight to offer. Willis McGahee has played running back for me the last three seasons. I drafted him in the late rounds of my 2004 fantasy draft only to see his value soar during the second half of a spectacular sophomore season. Obviously, I kept him through 2005 (in which he was named as a Pro Bowl alternate) and then again in 2006. Thanks to the former #21, Canton FC (I came up with the team name while watching the World Cup) finished in third place 2 out of 3 years and won one regular season title in the Retired Orangemen Fantasy Football League.
I’ve lived through his ups and downs. I’ve kept my eyes glued to the LED’s underneath the SmartVision boards at M&T Bank Stadium, anxiously awaiting an up-tick in the number next to BUF. I was following along when he scored four touchdowns against the Seahawks. I scoffed at the emergence of Lee Evans who seemed to catch 77-yard touchdown passes every time the Bills scored, barely allowing Willis to get a carry, let alone a quick six. But now I will be watching in person. I will bare witness to each and every cutback, out pattern, screen pass, and scoring drive that McGahee manages to take part in. Due to official league rules (ROFFL not NFL) I can no longer keep Willis on my roster after three years on one team. Fitting, considering I would have to split my allegiances between a Ravens win and an extra reception for one of my starting running backs. (I’m not too upset, I have Laurence Maroney coming back in ’07 and thanks to the departure of Corey Dillon, he is looking like a first round pick in most leagues).
So now I shift my focus away from the big boards and back to the action on the field. Back to the importance of a lead block. Back to rooting for a defensive score. Back to the little things that contribute to a win in the real world. Back to reality.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Free Agency Eve
Twas the night before Free Agency, when all through the league
Every GM was still stirring, oh the intrigue!
The stats were reviewed by the coaches with care,
In hopes that a left tackle soon would be theirs.
Okay, enough rhyming. And enough waiting. At 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time the 2007 NFL Free Agency period begins with players and agents all around the country waiting to see what’s under the sports-turf tree. And they’re not looking for the Nintendo Wii or a PlayStation3 (well maybe some are). No, the most desirable presents this year are guaranteed contracts with stockings full of performances incentives.
Of course with the NFL Network’s coverage of the Combine, Draft, and everything in between – you might expect live web-cams in the offices and even the bedrooms of the league’s 32 General Managers. It makes sense, the combine coverage last weekend bordered on the edge of Real World Indianapolis with the most disturbing scene being the bench-press exhibition in which a room full of reporters watched guys grunt and groan while benching 225 lbs 30 to 40 times! So the green-glow of night vision in Ozzie’s home office seems reasonable, right? Maybe someday soon, but for now, all a fan has to rely on is good old-fashioned news reporting. Well maybe not so old, considering the sports blogosphere will most likely provide the timeliest updates. (Sports Business Journal even included ESPN Page2 Columnist, Bill Simmons, and Deadspin.com editor, Will Leitch, as two of the 20 most influential people in the online sports world.
The free agent class of 2007 unfortunately includes a few members of the 2006 Ravens, but former foes of the men in purple have also been admitted into the program including Pittsburgh’s Joey Porter and a few familiar faces from Indianapolis – Cato June, Nick Harper and Dominic Rhodes. Cap room may be the most important factor in forecasting where they will end up, but determining the dollars available is not a calculation you’d find on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. Have you seen this show yet? I don’t know how you’re supposed to feel afterwards. If you get the questions right – nice work, you are smarter than a fifth grader. If you don’t – well a fifth grader could figure that out. For those of you who actually want to know how to crunch the numbers in order for you to be able to implement a similar scheme in your fantasy football league, check this out: Ask the Commish. Speaking of which, how is the Tatum Bell trade to Detroit going to affect the fantasy value of Mike Bell and Kevin Jones?
Well the most important thing right now is that Dick and Ozzie know how to work the math and stay under the $109 Million mark for the 2007 season. Luckily for all of Ravens Nation, these guys are pretty handy with a calculator – or do they use Excel for everything like the rest of us. In any case, one only has to look to 2006 to see their success stories in action with Bart Scott earning a Pro Bowl spot and Trevor Pryce deserving one. Pryce was also named among the Top Ten Free Agent signings of last year on NFL Total Access, just one spot behind TO.
As is the case all around the league today, there are many decisions still to be made this morning and the madness of March could play a role in the playoffs next year. But unlike Lost and even Heroes, which all of a sudden decided to incorporate flashbacks into the show (providing the most exhilarating episode yet), the future cannot be foretold and the past cannot be revisited. All we can see, on this Free Agency Eve, is the ‘present’, under the tree.
Sorry, I said I would stop the rhyming and while I’m at it, no more puns either. Stay glued to your local blog for updates throughout the day.
Every GM was still stirring, oh the intrigue!
The stats were reviewed by the coaches with care,
In hopes that a left tackle soon would be theirs.
Okay, enough rhyming. And enough waiting. At 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time the 2007 NFL Free Agency period begins with players and agents all around the country waiting to see what’s under the sports-turf tree. And they’re not looking for the Nintendo Wii or a PlayStation3 (well maybe some are). No, the most desirable presents this year are guaranteed contracts with stockings full of performances incentives.
Of course with the NFL Network’s coverage of the Combine, Draft, and everything in between – you might expect live web-cams in the offices and even the bedrooms of the league’s 32 General Managers. It makes sense, the combine coverage last weekend bordered on the edge of Real World Indianapolis with the most disturbing scene being the bench-press exhibition in which a room full of reporters watched guys grunt and groan while benching 225 lbs 30 to 40 times! So the green-glow of night vision in Ozzie’s home office seems reasonable, right? Maybe someday soon, but for now, all a fan has to rely on is good old-fashioned news reporting. Well maybe not so old, considering the sports blogosphere will most likely provide the timeliest updates. (Sports Business Journal even included ESPN Page2 Columnist, Bill Simmons, and Deadspin.com editor, Will Leitch, as two of the 20 most influential people in the online sports world.
The free agent class of 2007 unfortunately includes a few members of the 2006 Ravens, but former foes of the men in purple have also been admitted into the program including Pittsburgh’s Joey Porter and a few familiar faces from Indianapolis – Cato June, Nick Harper and Dominic Rhodes. Cap room may be the most important factor in forecasting where they will end up, but determining the dollars available is not a calculation you’d find on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. Have you seen this show yet? I don’t know how you’re supposed to feel afterwards. If you get the questions right – nice work, you are smarter than a fifth grader. If you don’t – well a fifth grader could figure that out. For those of you who actually want to know how to crunch the numbers in order for you to be able to implement a similar scheme in your fantasy football league, check this out: Ask the Commish. Speaking of which, how is the Tatum Bell trade to Detroit going to affect the fantasy value of Mike Bell and Kevin Jones?
Well the most important thing right now is that Dick and Ozzie know how to work the math and stay under the $109 Million mark for the 2007 season. Luckily for all of Ravens Nation, these guys are pretty handy with a calculator – or do they use Excel for everything like the rest of us. In any case, one only has to look to 2006 to see their success stories in action with Bart Scott earning a Pro Bowl spot and Trevor Pryce deserving one. Pryce was also named among the Top Ten Free Agent signings of last year on NFL Total Access, just one spot behind TO.
As is the case all around the league today, there are many decisions still to be made this morning and the madness of March could play a role in the playoffs next year. But unlike Lost and even Heroes, which all of a sudden decided to incorporate flashbacks into the show (providing the most exhilarating episode yet), the future cannot be foretold and the past cannot be revisited. All we can see, on this Free Agency Eve, is the ‘present’, under the tree.
Sorry, I said I would stop the rhyming and while I’m at it, no more puns either. Stay glued to your local blog for updates throughout the day.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Super Bowl XLI - Full House
McHenry, MD -- 2/4/07
Bob Saget knows what he's talking about. Seriously.
For those of you who don't watch How I Met Your Mother on Monday's, and if you don't have DVR, I don't blame you (24, Prison Break, Heroes, Studio 60 - that lineup is tough to crack). There are some valuable lessons to learn, and not just from the former Doogie Howser. The end of each episode includes a moral-of-the-story narrative from the former Danny Tanner, and this week, his prose seemed apropos for my Super Sunday blog:
"I don't remember who won. Hell, I don't even remember who played. What I do remember is that we drank beer, we ate wings, and we watched the Super Bowl together."
See. Bob Saget knows what he's talking about. Save for the people of Indiana, Ill., the crowd at the Mandalay Bay sports book, Reggie Wayne's geometry teacher and one proud relative of Adewale Ogunleye from Staten Island, the Super Bowl is not just about the game. It's about good friends, five-layer nacho dip and an unparalleled anticipation for commercial breaks.
For the fourth year in a row, I made the trek to the far reaches of Western Maryland, in what could technically be called 'Steeler Country', and spent Super Bowl weekend in a cabin at Wisp Mountain. A weekend full of frigid wind chills, poker chips, potato chips and potato wedges. Homemade potato wedges, I might add. My friend Cantor (I'll use last names since there were two Jason's in the house) and I pulled up chairs to the table and started cutting potatoes around 4:00 in a scene reminiscent of the back room at Satriale's in The Sopranos.
By 6:00 the afore mentioned nacho dip was gone, the SalesGenie.Com Pre-Game Show came to an end (seriously, SalesGenie.com), our three-quarter pound old-bay infused burgers were on the grill and we were ready for some football! Or at least another 35 minutes of pre-game. The opening segment was impressive, with vignettes from around the country showing friends and family of Bears and Colts players offering their support, with the top performance going to Julius Jones of the Dallas Cowboys. The brother of Bears running back, Thomas Jones, did sport a Bears jersey in the video, however, when the list of all time great Bear 'backs was being recited, he chimed in nicely with a salute to his Cowboy predecessor, Emmitt Smith. Coincidently, Emmitt also made a brief appearance on How I Met Your Mother, but his appeal seemed to be equal parts football and dance.
The pre-game festivities continued in Miami with Gloria Estefan, an obvious choice. Not so obvious - the Ostrich dancers from Cirque De Soleil. Even more surprising, Solomon Wilcots interviewing Brain Urlacher on the field moments before kickoff. Something tells me Urlacher wasn't pleased with that press request.
As it came time for Sherman (Jason No. 2) to flip the burgers, the first of the real Super Bowl commercials came on - a party at Chad Johnson's house for the NFL Network. Apparently Chad has friends in high places with the likes of Martha Stewart, LL Cool J, Reggie Bush, Janet Reno, Jimmy Fallon, and the kid from Two and Half Men all enjoying the game. My favorite line, however, was delivered by the guy talking to David Beckham, who upon learning that Becks was using the 'I play football in LA' gimmick at the party, tells him that it might be tough in this crowd, but "I like the angle." Speaking of which, the second-best line of the day was the tagline for the Combos commercial, "What your mom would feed you if your mom was a man." How do you sell that to a client?
Bob Saget knows what he's talking about. Seriously.
For those of you who don't watch How I Met Your Mother on Monday's, and if you don't have DVR, I don't blame you (24, Prison Break, Heroes, Studio 60 - that lineup is tough to crack). There are some valuable lessons to learn, and not just from the former Doogie Howser. The end of each episode includes a moral-of-the-story narrative from the former Danny Tanner, and this week, his prose seemed apropos for my Super Sunday blog:
"I don't remember who won. Hell, I don't even remember who played. What I do remember is that we drank beer, we ate wings, and we watched the Super Bowl together."
See. Bob Saget knows what he's talking about. Save for the people of Indiana, Ill., the crowd at the Mandalay Bay sports book, Reggie Wayne's geometry teacher and one proud relative of Adewale Ogunleye from Staten Island, the Super Bowl is not just about the game. It's about good friends, five-layer nacho dip and an unparalleled anticipation for commercial breaks.For the fourth year in a row, I made the trek to the far reaches of Western Maryland, in what could technically be called 'Steeler Country', and spent Super Bowl weekend in a cabin at Wisp Mountain. A weekend full of frigid wind chills, poker chips, potato chips and potato wedges. Homemade potato wedges, I might add. My friend Cantor (I'll use last names since there were two Jason's in the house) and I pulled up chairs to the table and started cutting potatoes around 4:00 in a scene reminiscent of the back room at Satriale's in The Sopranos.
By 6:00 the afore mentioned nacho dip was gone, the SalesGenie.Com Pre-Game Show came to an end (seriously, SalesGenie.com), our three-quarter pound old-bay infused burgers were on the grill and we were ready for some football! Or at least another 35 minutes of pre-game. The opening segment was impressive, with vignettes from around the country showing friends and family of Bears and Colts players offering their support, with the top performance going to Julius Jones of the Dallas Cowboys. The brother of Bears running back, Thomas Jones, did sport a Bears jersey in the video, however, when the list of all time great Bear 'backs was being recited, he chimed in nicely with a salute to his Cowboy predecessor, Emmitt Smith. Coincidently, Emmitt also made a brief appearance on How I Met Your Mother, but his appeal seemed to be equal parts football and dance.
The pre-game festivities continued in Miami with Gloria Estefan, an obvious choice. Not so obvious - the Ostrich dancers from Cirque De Soleil. Even more surprising, Solomon Wilcots interviewing Brain Urlacher on the field moments before kickoff. Something tells me Urlacher wasn't pleased with that press request.
As it came time for Sherman (Jason No. 2) to flip the burgers, the first of the real Super Bowl commercials came on - a party at Chad Johnson's house for the NFL Network. Apparently Chad has friends in high places with the likes of Martha Stewart, LL Cool J, Reggie Bush, Janet Reno, Jimmy Fallon, and the kid from Two and Half Men all enjoying the game. My favorite line, however, was delivered by the guy talking to David Beckham, who upon learning that Becks was using the 'I play football in LA' gimmick at the party, tells him that it might be tough in this crowd, but "I like the angle." Speaking of which, the second-best line of the day was the tagline for the Combos commercial, "What your mom would feed you if your mom was a man." How do you sell that to a client?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Super Bowl Week - Experience Necessary
Miami, FL -- 1/29/07.
Just when the scars of our playoff loss had started to heal, extenuating circumstances brought Lauryn and I to Miami, home of Super Bowl XLI, to rub a little sea salt in our wounds.
Unfortunately our Super Bowl experience was not exactly what we had hoped for all season. For starters, we found ourselves in South Florida a week before the football world converged on the Sunshine State. And on this trip there was no team plane. No police escorts. No lobster tail (I know – you feel real bad for us). All we had this week was a rented Chevy Cobalt and Google Maps to guide our way.
Despite the early arrival, the city and its surroundings were already bathed in aqua and orange. Airport signs, billboards on the highway, street banners along Collins Avenue, and Dolphins Stadium was covered in freshly minted Super Bowl signage. Not quite ‘a site for sore eyes’ but a scene sure to make any Ravens fans’ eyes sore.
As I mentioned, we were not in town for the game or the gorgeous weather. Although when I saw that MSNBC awarded Miami the distinction of ‘Best Weather in America’ on Saturday, I made sure to walk through the surf for at least a few minutes. Now Lauryn was attending an Editors Conference in Miami Beach and I followed her south after learning that my grandmother needed surgery (thankfully all is well so far). As you might imagine, my grandma doesn’t hit the clubs of South Beach the way she used to and spends her time strolling the shady walkways of her seniors-only community in Coconut Creek, which sits about 20 miles to the north of Fort Lauderdale. So as I wore a path in the Florida Turnpike each day and night, I had to pass by the epicenter of the NFL and the exit for ‘Stadium Parking’ way too often. A reoccurring reminder of ‘what-if’.
Of course the first thing I did when I received the keys to my shiny black Cobalt was find the ESPN affiliate on the radio. Colin Cowherd, Chris Mortensen, and a local duo dubbed ‘Dos Amigos’ filled me in on all things Super Bowl. The player’s schedules for the following week. The key match-ups to look for during the game. The current betting lines in Vegas for just about any Super statistic including, and I couldn’t make this up if I tried, the odds of the Colts scoring more points next Sunday than LeBron James. And if I heard correctly, I think LeBron was giving 3 points.
But the best bites on 790 The Ticket were the on-air promotions for the hottest tickets in town – to the Super Bowl parties. By the sounds of it, I think the faces of hip-hop will outnumber Players Inc. by the time the week is up. Listen to this line-up of party hosts and headliners:
Snoop Dogg and Kid Capri at the appropriately titled, Mansion, with admission rumored at $1,000 per person. Hootie & the Blowfish and a pre-game tune up from Prince at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra will be hosting a party together. Seriously, both of them. Shaquille O’Neal, who promised white tigers at his event to try to top the camels he invited to his last soiree. Hugh Hefner, whose extra extravagant extravaganzas are typically billed as the most exclusive ticket during Super Bowl week – and that includes the little game they play on Sunday. Although Hef may have truly outdone himself with a mid-week promotion that allows lucky fans to challenge a playmate on Playstation 3. A Super Sunday brunch with Dick Butkus. And the party to top all parties, a South Beach bash featuring two of the town’s titanic couples, Beyonce and Jay-Z, with J-Lo and Marc Anthony.
However, the nightlife won’t be the only event on the beach this week as Lummus Park plays host to the NFL Network and ESPN’s tent city, so you can be sure to catch SportsCenter live from Ocean Drive all week, not to mention Mike & Mike, PTI, probably Bassmasters and the Denny’s PBA Bowling Tour as well. I mean if you work at ESPN, you have to find a way to get to the Super Bowl, right? The grand stage was already set up as of Sunday morning, but none of the on-air talent was in sight just yet. I’ll have to catch up with Rachel Nichols another time.
From the world of marketing, Motorola is apparently sponsoring the entire beach as there were more promotional stands featuring the big ‘M’ along the shores than foot showers. Each stand highlighted an NFL star from the season including one of our own, Steve McNair. Obviously Steve would have liked to stroll under the palms in person, but at least his presence will be felt on the corner of 10th and Deco all week long.
The famous drive was also the sight of the 5th Annual Miami Marathon and Half Marathon this weekend. For reasons I’ve yet to understand, Lauryn enjoys the thrill of running for hours at a time and her friend Katie joined her for an early morning jog around the city. They decided 13 miles was enough for one day, but they picked the right path as the trail took them over the bay, along Ocean, and back around to American Airlines Arena. Of course I was in charge of the driving and photography, but luckily the clubs of South Beach finally calm down around 6AM so parking was easy.
Our last trip up the Turnpike was stopped short as we were finally pulled in by the force field surrounding the Stadium. The parking lots served as the site for The NFL Experience and with a few hours before our flights, we thought we would complete the ultimate tease weekend with a walk around the NFL’s playland.
The NFL Experience is geared towards two distinct target audiences: kids and the kids inside their parents. Children can attempt field goals, throw passes, catch passes, run the 40, pose with the Super Bowl trophy, take photos with shoulder pads on, meet players, get autographs, learn the history of the league, and even learn to cheer like a pro. Parents, well, they seemed to be doing the same exact things, along with another event just for adults that I like to call merchandise madness. Between the NFL Shop and the Topps Football Card Show, the souvenir supply showed no signs of running low. Now I’ve been accused of buying sports memorabilia simply manufactured to appear special, but everything inside the NFL Shop could have been considered commemorative as all products sported an official Super Bowl logo. The winner for most unnecessary commemorate piece of clothing – the Super Bowl XLI bikini. The most tempting item on the floor – the team couches and recliners that you thought only existed in the NFL Shop commercials. How cool would it be to have a Ravens couch with two Ravens recliners in your basement? We were tempted.
Of course just about everything else came with a Bears and/or Colts logo embedded on it. I can’t imagine the scene inside the printing presses of the NFL’s suppliers last Sunday. As soon as Tom Brady was intercepted with a minute to go, the factories must have loaded the coal for a long week of working the line.
As we left the tents to head back to the airport, we were definitely ready to leave, but also felt like we were leaving so much behind. A chance to party with Snoop, beat Miss December in Madden, our purple and black couch, and the opportunity to bare witness to one of the 41 most important sporiting events in history. The Super Bowl truly is a spectacle and now the wait till next year drags on even longer. We’ve had a taste for the Experience and it taste likes salt.
Just when the scars of our playoff loss had started to heal, extenuating circumstances brought Lauryn and I to Miami, home of Super Bowl XLI, to rub a little sea salt in our wounds.
Unfortunately our Super Bowl experience was not exactly what we had hoped for all season. For starters, we found ourselves in South Florida a week before the football world converged on the Sunshine State. And on this trip there was no team plane. No police escorts. No lobster tail (I know – you feel real bad for us). All we had this week was a rented Chevy Cobalt and Google Maps to guide our way.Despite the early arrival, the city and its surroundings were already bathed in aqua and orange. Airport signs, billboards on the highway, street banners along Collins Avenue, and Dolphins Stadium was covered in freshly minted Super Bowl signage. Not quite ‘a site for sore eyes’ but a scene sure to make any Ravens fans’ eyes sore.
As I mentioned, we were not in town for the game or the gorgeous weather. Although when I saw that MSNBC awarded Miami the distinction of ‘Best Weather in America’ on Saturday, I made sure to walk through the surf for at least a few minutes. Now Lauryn was attending an Editors Conference in Miami Beach and I followed her south after learning that my grandmother needed surgery (thankfully all is well so far). As you might imagine, my grandma doesn’t hit the clubs of South Beach the way she used to and spends her time strolling the shady walkways of her seniors-only community in Coconut Creek, which sits about 20 miles to the north of Fort Lauderdale. So as I wore a path in the Florida Turnpike each day and night, I had to pass by the epicenter of the NFL and the exit for ‘Stadium Parking’ way too often. A reoccurring reminder of ‘what-if’.
Of course the first thing I did when I received the keys to my shiny black Cobalt was find the ESPN affiliate on the radio. Colin Cowherd, Chris Mortensen, and a local duo dubbed ‘Dos Amigos’ filled me in on all things Super Bowl. The player’s schedules for the following week. The key match-ups to look for during the game. The current betting lines in Vegas for just about any Super statistic including, and I couldn’t make this up if I tried, the odds of the Colts scoring more points next Sunday than LeBron James. And if I heard correctly, I think LeBron was giving 3 points.
But the best bites on 790 The Ticket were the on-air promotions for the hottest tickets in town – to the Super Bowl parties. By the sounds of it, I think the faces of hip-hop will outnumber Players Inc. by the time the week is up. Listen to this line-up of party hosts and headliners:
Snoop Dogg and Kid Capri at the appropriately titled, Mansion, with admission rumored at $1,000 per person. Hootie & the Blowfish and a pre-game tune up from Prince at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra will be hosting a party together. Seriously, both of them. Shaquille O’Neal, who promised white tigers at his event to try to top the camels he invited to his last soiree. Hugh Hefner, whose extra extravagant extravaganzas are typically billed as the most exclusive ticket during Super Bowl week – and that includes the little game they play on Sunday. Although Hef may have truly outdone himself with a mid-week promotion that allows lucky fans to challenge a playmate on Playstation 3. A Super Sunday brunch with Dick Butkus. And the party to top all parties, a South Beach bash featuring two of the town’s titanic couples, Beyonce and Jay-Z, with J-Lo and Marc Anthony.
However, the nightlife won’t be the only event on the beach this week as Lummus Park plays host to the NFL Network and ESPN’s tent city, so you can be sure to catch SportsCenter live from Ocean Drive all week, not to mention Mike & Mike, PTI, probably Bassmasters and the Denny’s PBA Bowling Tour as well. I mean if you work at ESPN, you have to find a way to get to the Super Bowl, right? The grand stage was already set up as of Sunday morning, but none of the on-air talent was in sight just yet. I’ll have to catch up with Rachel Nichols another time.
From the world of marketing, Motorola is apparently sponsoring the entire beach as there were more promotional stands featuring the big ‘M’ along the shores than foot showers. Each stand highlighted an NFL star from the season including one of our own, Steve McNair. Obviously Steve would have liked to stroll under the palms in person, but at least his presence will be felt on the corner of 10th and Deco all week long.The famous drive was also the sight of the 5th Annual Miami Marathon and Half Marathon this weekend. For reasons I’ve yet to understand, Lauryn enjoys the thrill of running for hours at a time and her friend Katie joined her for an early morning jog around the city. They decided 13 miles was enough for one day, but they picked the right path as the trail took them over the bay, along Ocean, and back around to American Airlines Arena. Of course I was in charge of the driving and photography, but luckily the clubs of South Beach finally calm down around 6AM so parking was easy.
Our last trip up the Turnpike was stopped short as we were finally pulled in by the force field surrounding the Stadium. The parking lots served as the site for The NFL Experience and with a few hours before our flights, we thought we would complete the ultimate tease weekend with a walk around the NFL’s playland.
The NFL Experience is geared towards two distinct target audiences: kids and the kids inside their parents. Children can attempt field goals, throw passes, catch passes, run the 40, pose with the Super Bowl trophy, take photos with shoulder pads on, meet players, get autographs, learn the history of the league, and even learn to cheer like a pro. Parents, well, they seemed to be doing the same exact things, along with another event just for adults that I like to call merchandise madness. Between the NFL Shop and the Topps Football Card Show, the souvenir supply showed no signs of running low. Now I’ve been accused of buying sports memorabilia simply manufactured to appear special, but everything inside the NFL Shop could have been considered commemorative as all products sported an official Super Bowl logo. The winner for most unnecessary commemorate piece of clothing – the Super Bowl XLI bikini. The most tempting item on the floor – the team couches and recliners that you thought only existed in the NFL Shop commercials. How cool would it be to have a Ravens couch with two Ravens recliners in your basement? We were tempted. Of course just about everything else came with a Bears and/or Colts logo embedded on it. I can’t imagine the scene inside the printing presses of the NFL’s suppliers last Sunday. As soon as Tom Brady was intercepted with a minute to go, the factories must have loaded the coal for a long week of working the line.
As we left the tents to head back to the airport, we were definitely ready to leave, but also felt like we were leaving so much behind. A chance to party with Snoop, beat Miss December in Madden, our purple and black couch, and the opportunity to bare witness to one of the 41 most important sporiting events in history. The Super Bowl truly is a spectacle and now the wait till next year drags on even longer. We’ve had a taste for the Experience and it taste likes salt.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Divisional Playoffs – The Party’s Over
Baltimore, MD -- January 13th, 2007.
That hurt. Not like a punch in the mouth, but like watching your best friend get punched in the mouth. Then again in the stomach.
As most of the country watched on Saturday, the Ravens storybook season came to an ugly end against, gulp, the Colts. It was a bitter pill to swallow as the city’s purple passion surged over the last two weeks, peaking in the parking lots prior to the game.
When we arrived at the stadium, nearly four hours before kickoff, the lots were full. These weren’t just the diehard fans that like to get to the game early; this was every ticket holder and their extended family. It didn’t matter if you had a ticket to the game, this was the biggest party in Baltimore in more than twenty years and the city was ready to celebrate. Even the tollbooths on the way downtown were decorated in Ravens gear, with a team logo pasted on the wall right before you entered the Harbor Tunnel.
Up in the press box, or should I say ‘press box 1’ since they had to double the number of seats for the media this week, the national attention the game was receiving was clear. Michael Wilbon of PTI fame and Peter King, who appears in print and on screen for just about every NFL news outlet, joined the local beat writers in the cafeteria. Speaking of which, the food on display also received a post-season upgrade as we were treated to prime rib and roast turkey in place of Cheerios and lasagna-like egg squares.
The cafeteria also provided good working space for those in charge of the in-stadium entertainment. This week they were planning the traditional fighter jet flyover and guess who was in on the meeting – the fighter jet pilots! Of course their stay was brief as they still had to drive out to the airfield, but it was pretty cool to hear Larry, the team’s Senior Director of Broadcasting, give orders to the Air Force. Civilians probably don’t get that chance too often.
The best part of all was since the game would be broadcast on CBS, all the TV’s were already set to WJZ and the 2:00 timeslot was filled with Big East basketball – Syracuse vs. Villanova. As an Orange alumna, I couldn’t have picked a better pre-game show. Although I should have noticed an omen posted on screen as they showed that the Colts featured four former Syracuse graduates while the Ravens roster included just one. Two hours before the game, the Colts already had a 4-1 lead.
On the field before kickoff was the only Baltimore sports icon to make it through the week on top, Cal Ripken, who was on hand as the team’s honorary captain. Cal is much taller than you might imagine, and a little older, but he looked good in his purple fleece. He was on the field with his whole family and for those who watch the O’s each night, his wife and daughter are just as familiar faces as Cal. He obliged many fans’ requests for photos and had a perma-grin for at least an hour as I think even Ripken was enjoying the magic of the Ravens.
As you can probably tell, I’ve spent a good portion of my posting on the pre-game because replaying the big moments of the actual game still gives me heartburn.
As opposed to our weekly wiring, the RaveTV crew split in two this week, one to cover the offense, one for the defense. Lauryn, Jeff, Terry and I were assigned to Ray Lewis and his band of brothers and we were treated to a chess match that would make Gary Kasparov proud. Ray vs. Peyton was special, but Reed vs. Manning became the main event as Ed snatched two interceptions and had a third tipped away. The defense continued to overwhelm the great Colts O and forced them into five field goal attempts. Unfortunately, Indy signed the greatest post-season kicker in history this past off-season and he made them all, including a 51-yard boot that bounced over the cross bar right to the left of Jeff and I. This is an easy pun, but things just seemed to be bouncing their way all day.
Holding the Colts to field goals kept the game within reach. But that’s just it; it was always within reach, but never in our grasp. That’s what made it so hard. The fans felt the same way we did on the sidelines. Swings of excitement would shake the stands every time the defense would get a stop, but the offense couldn’t overcome four turnovers. Credit to Ravens Nation, some of the signage in the stadium should receive Emmy consideration. Their were slogans that referenced the distant past - “19 Will Always Be Greater Than 18”; as well as those that referenced more recent history – an empty TV screen cut-out that read, “Pittsburgh’s view of the playoffs”.
When it was over, the game, our season, and my fairytale came to a sooner than expected finale. Once the pain wears off, I’m sure I will look back on the excitement of a once in a lifetime experience with joy. But there is no joy in Mudville, or at the top of Brewer’s Hill, so I now have to head back to my office at the Natty Boh Tower. It’s time to turn out the lights.
That hurt. Not like a punch in the mouth, but like watching your best friend get punched in the mouth. Then again in the stomach.
As most of the country watched on Saturday, the Ravens storybook season came to an ugly end against, gulp, the Colts. It was a bitter pill to swallow as the city’s purple passion surged over the last two weeks, peaking in the parking lots prior to the game.
When we arrived at the stadium, nearly four hours before kickoff, the lots were full. These weren’t just the diehard fans that like to get to the game early; this was every ticket holder and their extended family. It didn’t matter if you had a ticket to the game, this was the biggest party in Baltimore in more than twenty years and the city was ready to celebrate. Even the tollbooths on the way downtown were decorated in Ravens gear, with a team logo pasted on the wall right before you entered the Harbor Tunnel. Up in the press box, or should I say ‘press box 1’ since they had to double the number of seats for the media this week, the national attention the game was receiving was clear. Michael Wilbon of PTI fame and Peter King, who appears in print and on screen for just about every NFL news outlet, joined the local beat writers in the cafeteria. Speaking of which, the food on display also received a post-season upgrade as we were treated to prime rib and roast turkey in place of Cheerios and lasagna-like egg squares.
The cafeteria also provided good working space for those in charge of the in-stadium entertainment. This week they were planning the traditional fighter jet flyover and guess who was in on the meeting – the fighter jet pilots! Of course their stay was brief as they still had to drive out to the airfield, but it was pretty cool to hear Larry, the team’s Senior Director of Broadcasting, give orders to the Air Force. Civilians probably don’t get that chance too often.
The best part of all was since the game would be broadcast on CBS, all the TV’s were already set to WJZ and the 2:00 timeslot was filled with Big East basketball – Syracuse vs. Villanova. As an Orange alumna, I couldn’t have picked a better pre-game show. Although I should have noticed an omen posted on screen as they showed that the Colts featured four former Syracuse graduates while the Ravens roster included just one. Two hours before the game, the Colts already had a 4-1 lead.
On the field before kickoff was the only Baltimore sports icon to make it through the week on top, Cal Ripken, who was on hand as the team’s honorary captain. Cal is much taller than you might imagine, and a little older, but he looked good in his purple fleece. He was on the field with his whole family and for those who watch the O’s each night, his wife and daughter are just as familiar faces as Cal. He obliged many fans’ requests for photos and had a perma-grin for at least an hour as I think even Ripken was enjoying the magic of the Ravens.
As you can probably tell, I’ve spent a good portion of my posting on the pre-game because replaying the big moments of the actual game still gives me heartburn.
As opposed to our weekly wiring, the RaveTV crew split in two this week, one to cover the offense, one for the defense. Lauryn, Jeff, Terry and I were assigned to Ray Lewis and his band of brothers and we were treated to a chess match that would make Gary Kasparov proud. Ray vs. Peyton was special, but Reed vs. Manning became the main event as Ed snatched two interceptions and had a third tipped away. The defense continued to overwhelm the great Colts O and forced them into five field goal attempts. Unfortunately, Indy signed the greatest post-season kicker in history this past off-season and he made them all, including a 51-yard boot that bounced over the cross bar right to the left of Jeff and I. This is an easy pun, but things just seemed to be bouncing their way all day. Holding the Colts to field goals kept the game within reach. But that’s just it; it was always within reach, but never in our grasp. That’s what made it so hard. The fans felt the same way we did on the sidelines. Swings of excitement would shake the stands every time the defense would get a stop, but the offense couldn’t overcome four turnovers. Credit to Ravens Nation, some of the signage in the stadium should receive Emmy consideration. Their were slogans that referenced the distant past - “19 Will Always Be Greater Than 18”; as well as those that referenced more recent history – an empty TV screen cut-out that read, “Pittsburgh’s view of the playoffs”.
When it was over, the game, our season, and my fairytale came to a sooner than expected finale. Once the pain wears off, I’m sure I will look back on the excitement of a once in a lifetime experience with joy. But there is no joy in Mudville, or at the top of Brewer’s Hill, so I now have to head back to my office at the Natty Boh Tower. It’s time to turn out the lights.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Playoffs Eve - Move On
Baltimore, MD - 1/12/07.
I confess.
On March 28th, 1984 I was three years old, lived in the suburbs of Northern New Jersey, and was still about three years away from laying eyes on my first football game (Super Bowl XXI from what I can remember). Clearly the Colts move in the middle of the night missed my sports radar but the local media and fans over the age of forty have been sure to fill me in on over the last few days.
I can’t imagine the pain. The suffering. The size of the pit in the collective stomachs of Baltimore football fans. I had my best friend move to Florida when I was in High School, which I think might have felt the same way, but only if the rest of New Jersey also considered him their best friend. Of course we didn’t even have our drivers licenses yet so I doubt he was able to meet that many people. Long story, well long, I suppose I can’t relate, which is why I have to advocate a new slogan for the next 24 hours, Move On.
Let me be clear. To Ravens fans and Colts historians alike, do not forget. Simply Move On. I know it’s not simple, but we have a new task at hand and only so much airtime on the local sports talk shows to talk about the game. It’s not worth dredging up the past. Park the backhoe in the garage and start looking to the future.
Exit10 lights up the Natty Boh Tower
The transformation has already begun. Purple has grown on this town. From the offices of Exit10 at the Natty Boh Tower to the Pagoda in Patterson Park; from the steps of City Hall to the storefronts of Dulaney Plaza; Baltimore County and beyond has a new look this winter and there’s not even a hint of a horseshoe. Unless of course you count the “Beat Indy” t-shirts being sold along Pratt St., with ‘Unitas 19’ on the back. Don’t fret; the shirts are only sold in black and purple. Johnny U will always play for Baltimore.
Dulaney Plaza in Towson shows off its Ravens Spirit
Considering the Ravens have won more Super Bowl’s than both of their former franchises have combined for since the spring of '84 (Browns and Colts in case my attempt to be clever didn’t work in that sentence) it only makes sense that the city is ready to embrace another run at a title. The moons just happened to align last weekend to send Indianapolis to Baltimore. We’d all be singing the praises of Tom Brady and predicting the sweat suit ensemble for Belichik had the Chiefs found a way to run on first down. Instead, the Irsay’s midnight run has received as much as press as the Colts pass attack.
It’s not too late though. If David Beckham can move to Hollywood after 15 years of playing across the pond, than surely Baltimore football fans can learn to focus all of their passion on the men in purple. “Pass the tardy sauce, Dwight,” (I can’t help myself, I love The Office this year) and pour a little on top of those crab cake sandwiches you can get on the club level. Ravens fans, it’s about time. Hopefully the Ravens players will follow suit on Saturday and simply, Move On.
I confess.
On March 28th, 1984 I was three years old, lived in the suburbs of Northern New Jersey, and was still about three years away from laying eyes on my first football game (Super Bowl XXI from what I can remember). Clearly the Colts move in the middle of the night missed my sports radar but the local media and fans over the age of forty have been sure to fill me in on over the last few days.
I can’t imagine the pain. The suffering. The size of the pit in the collective stomachs of Baltimore football fans. I had my best friend move to Florida when I was in High School, which I think might have felt the same way, but only if the rest of New Jersey also considered him their best friend. Of course we didn’t even have our drivers licenses yet so I doubt he was able to meet that many people. Long story, well long, I suppose I can’t relate, which is why I have to advocate a new slogan for the next 24 hours, Move On.
Let me be clear. To Ravens fans and Colts historians alike, do not forget. Simply Move On. I know it’s not simple, but we have a new task at hand and only so much airtime on the local sports talk shows to talk about the game. It’s not worth dredging up the past. Park the backhoe in the garage and start looking to the future.
Exit10 lights up the Natty Boh TowerThe transformation has already begun. Purple has grown on this town. From the offices of Exit10 at the Natty Boh Tower to the Pagoda in Patterson Park; from the steps of City Hall to the storefronts of Dulaney Plaza; Baltimore County and beyond has a new look this winter and there’s not even a hint of a horseshoe. Unless of course you count the “Beat Indy” t-shirts being sold along Pratt St., with ‘Unitas 19’ on the back. Don’t fret; the shirts are only sold in black and purple. Johnny U will always play for Baltimore.
Dulaney Plaza in Towson shows off its Ravens SpiritConsidering the Ravens have won more Super Bowl’s than both of their former franchises have combined for since the spring of '84 (Browns and Colts in case my attempt to be clever didn’t work in that sentence) it only makes sense that the city is ready to embrace another run at a title. The moons just happened to align last weekend to send Indianapolis to Baltimore. We’d all be singing the praises of Tom Brady and predicting the sweat suit ensemble for Belichik had the Chiefs found a way to run on first down. Instead, the Irsay’s midnight run has received as much as press as the Colts pass attack.
It’s not too late though. If David Beckham can move to Hollywood after 15 years of playing across the pond, than surely Baltimore football fans can learn to focus all of their passion on the men in purple. “Pass the tardy sauce, Dwight,” (I can’t help myself, I love The Office this year) and pour a little on top of those crab cake sandwiches you can get on the club level. Ravens fans, it’s about time. Hopefully the Ravens players will follow suit on Saturday and simply, Move On.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Week 17 – Hawaiian Fusion
Baltimore, MD -- 12/31/06.
Mele Kalikimaka gets all the love, but there is another Hawaiian saying that deserves some attention this time of year. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (pronounced how-OH-lee mah-kah-hee-kee ho) is the island greeting for Happy New Year and for at least one weekend, the Baltimore greeting as well.
Over the past sixteen weeks I have tried to capture the thrill of being on the plane, along the sidelines, and in the locker room of one of the NFL’s elite teams in 2006 (I picked quite a season, right?). Well every time I sit down and write about one of our road trips, I inevitably describe the Saturday night dinners we’ve treated ourselves to in cities across the country. From steak to sushi in Nashville to New Orleans, ‘On the Road with Ravens’ has been as much of a culinary crusade as it’s been a football fan’s fantasy.
However, I have yet to highlight the cuisine of the city we call home, that is until now. On the eve of our last game of the regular season, the RaveTV broadcast department enjoyed a night out at one of Hawaii’s best-known restaurants (I know, I said Hawaii, but you’ll understand in a minute). Roy’s, named after its founder Roy Yamaguchi, is known for its Hawaiian Fusion cuisine. Not surprisingly, the chain includes six locations spread amongst the islands of Hawaii including the original Roy’s of Honolulu. Now there are Roy’s restaurants in 10 continental states, but only three in the entire northeast, so I say its still best known back home. Although word has apparently spread to Owings Mills.
The Inner Harbor is host to one of the three Roy’s in the East and that is where we celebrated the night before New Year’s Eve. An appetizer canoe for two, macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, and a chocolate lava soufflé cake validated our choice, and Roy’s reputation. And we weren’t the only Ravens employees, or should I say employers, to dine in paradise as Ravens team owner Steve Biscotti happened to be seated at the table next to ours. A surprise for sure, but a welcome one as I introduced myself, we all wished him and his wife a Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, and he even requested to be included in our team picture. (I don’t think he realized that the photo now became blog-worthy, but the rest of the table sure did.)
Game day started a few hours later than usual this week to expose the rest of the country to the Ravens defense they were going to see in this years playoffs. It had been exactly two weeks since the last Ravens home game and in that stretch of time, the team had clinched the division title, five players had been named to the Pro Bowl, they handed the Steelers another blowout loss on Christmas Eve, and had put themselves in place for a first round bye. Not a bad two weeks of work and the Ravens faithful were more than ready to show their appreciation.
The game-day entertainment staff obliged and introduced their own dish of Hawaiian fusion by introducing all of the 2006 Pro Bowl starters and alternates, along with Pro Bowl players of the past. The line up was not only lengthy, but legendary, and Jeff, Lauryn, and I managed to make our way into the tunnel to be a part of the pre-game party.
The smoke machine was apparently set to ‘Tornado’ as the white clouds engulfed the players while the last four men to be introduced, Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Steve McNair, and Ray Lewis, paced in the hallway. To make the scene even scarier, the Ravens were wearing their alternate all-black uniforms making their faces and feet the only visible views. My role was to spot Jeff as he weaved in and out of the big bodies, but it was hard for me to see where he was going. I just held on to the back of his jacket and eventually found myself face to back with some rather familiar jersey numbers. I decided to keep my distance and attach my back to one of the walls as I watched in awe. Just imagine Ray Lewis, dressed in full pads and an all black uniform, pumping himself up in a sea of smoke. Hollywood has nothing on M&T Bank Stadium. George Lucas would be jealous.
The game stayed closer than expected. The only first half highlight was courtesy of this weeks wired Raven, Terrell Suggs, who recorded a big sack on Bills quarterback, J.P. Losman. Sizzle, as he is affectionately known by his teammates, celebrated during the ensuing timeout and even called over J.P. to thank him for the opportunity. I’m sure Losman was thrilled.
The score in the third quarter was 9-7 and Ray knew his defense needed to make a play. “Ray came on the field in the middle of the third quarter and said, ‘Good teams don’t let teams hang around.” Chris McAlister repeated. “Somebody has to do something, we have to all make a play.” Of course in 2006, the difference has been that when the defense decides its time to make a play, they almost always do. Sunday was no different. Moments after Ray rallied the troops in the huddle, C-Mac intercepted a pass and returned it to Jeff and I. Fortunately we were in the endzone and the return counted for a touchdown. The game was out of reach. The bye was secured.
As the game ended, Jeff and I followed Suggs into the locker room. After 16 weeks, I assumed I had witnessed just about everything an official press pass could get me. I was mistaken. The locker room doors closed behind us this time and I had the privilege of listening to Brian Billick give his post game speech. Chills filtered down my back as I watched players congratulate each other and surround their coach. Billick made sure everyone understood how special it is go 13-3. I understood. He closed with the familiar and possibly Hawaiian phrase, ‘takeanee’, before the team prayer. And if our prayers are answered, we will get to celebrate again from another land where palm trees sway.
Mele Kalikimaka gets all the love, but there is another Hawaiian saying that deserves some attention this time of year. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (pronounced how-OH-lee mah-kah-hee-kee ho) is the island greeting for Happy New Year and for at least one weekend, the Baltimore greeting as well.
Over the past sixteen weeks I have tried to capture the thrill of being on the plane, along the sidelines, and in the locker room of one of the NFL’s elite teams in 2006 (I picked quite a season, right?). Well every time I sit down and write about one of our road trips, I inevitably describe the Saturday night dinners we’ve treated ourselves to in cities across the country. From steak to sushi in Nashville to New Orleans, ‘On the Road with Ravens’ has been as much of a culinary crusade as it’s been a football fan’s fantasy.
However, I have yet to highlight the cuisine of the city we call home, that is until now. On the eve of our last game of the regular season, the RaveTV broadcast department enjoyed a night out at one of Hawaii’s best-known restaurants (I know, I said Hawaii, but you’ll understand in a minute). Roy’s, named after its founder Roy Yamaguchi, is known for its Hawaiian Fusion cuisine. Not surprisingly, the chain includes six locations spread amongst the islands of Hawaii including the original Roy’s of Honolulu. Now there are Roy’s restaurants in 10 continental states, but only three in the entire northeast, so I say its still best known back home. Although word has apparently spread to Owings Mills.The Inner Harbor is host to one of the three Roy’s in the East and that is where we celebrated the night before New Year’s Eve. An appetizer canoe for two, macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, and a chocolate lava soufflé cake validated our choice, and Roy’s reputation. And we weren’t the only Ravens employees, or should I say employers, to dine in paradise as Ravens team owner Steve Biscotti happened to be seated at the table next to ours. A surprise for sure, but a welcome one as I introduced myself, we all wished him and his wife a Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, and he even requested to be included in our team picture. (I don’t think he realized that the photo now became blog-worthy, but the rest of the table sure did.)
Game day started a few hours later than usual this week to expose the rest of the country to the Ravens defense they were going to see in this years playoffs. It had been exactly two weeks since the last Ravens home game and in that stretch of time, the team had clinched the division title, five players had been named to the Pro Bowl, they handed the Steelers another blowout loss on Christmas Eve, and had put themselves in place for a first round bye. Not a bad two weeks of work and the Ravens faithful were more than ready to show their appreciation.
The game-day entertainment staff obliged and introduced their own dish of Hawaiian fusion by introducing all of the 2006 Pro Bowl starters and alternates, along with Pro Bowl players of the past. The line up was not only lengthy, but legendary, and Jeff, Lauryn, and I managed to make our way into the tunnel to be a part of the pre-game party.
The smoke machine was apparently set to ‘Tornado’ as the white clouds engulfed the players while the last four men to be introduced, Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Steve McNair, and Ray Lewis, paced in the hallway. To make the scene even scarier, the Ravens were wearing their alternate all-black uniforms making their faces and feet the only visible views. My role was to spot Jeff as he weaved in and out of the big bodies, but it was hard for me to see where he was going. I just held on to the back of his jacket and eventually found myself face to back with some rather familiar jersey numbers. I decided to keep my distance and attach my back to one of the walls as I watched in awe. Just imagine Ray Lewis, dressed in full pads and an all black uniform, pumping himself up in a sea of smoke. Hollywood has nothing on M&T Bank Stadium. George Lucas would be jealous.
The game stayed closer than expected. The only first half highlight was courtesy of this weeks wired Raven, Terrell Suggs, who recorded a big sack on Bills quarterback, J.P. Losman. Sizzle, as he is affectionately known by his teammates, celebrated during the ensuing timeout and even called over J.P. to thank him for the opportunity. I’m sure Losman was thrilled.
The score in the third quarter was 9-7 and Ray knew his defense needed to make a play. “Ray came on the field in the middle of the third quarter and said, ‘Good teams don’t let teams hang around.” Chris McAlister repeated. “Somebody has to do something, we have to all make a play.” Of course in 2006, the difference has been that when the defense decides its time to make a play, they almost always do. Sunday was no different. Moments after Ray rallied the troops in the huddle, C-Mac intercepted a pass and returned it to Jeff and I. Fortunately we were in the endzone and the return counted for a touchdown. The game was out of reach. The bye was secured.
As the game ended, Jeff and I followed Suggs into the locker room. After 16 weeks, I assumed I had witnessed just about everything an official press pass could get me. I was mistaken. The locker room doors closed behind us this time and I had the privilege of listening to Brian Billick give his post game speech. Chills filtered down my back as I watched players congratulate each other and surround their coach. Billick made sure everyone understood how special it is go 13-3. I understood. He closed with the familiar and possibly Hawaiian phrase, ‘takeanee’, before the team prayer. And if our prayers are answered, we will get to celebrate again from another land where palm trees sway.
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