Dwindling Ravens

Ravens lose yet another essential player to their previous elite squad as Ed Reed found a new home with the Houston Texans for $15 million over three years. The once powerful Ravens who were known for their physical and dominating style of defense are experiencing a facelift.

Ed Reed was the 5^th defensive player the Ravens lost since the season has come to a close. Reed and Ray Lewis are the most well-known defensive players to have left the Ravens. Ed Reed who has been with the Ravens for 11 NFL seasons was a nine time pro bowler, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, and holds the following records in the NFL and for the Ravens organization.

NFL records

·         Tied-most Play-Off career interception

·         Longest Interception Return for Touchdown (108 yards)

·         Most interception return yards, career (1,547)

·         Tied-most career blocked punts returned for touchdowns (3)

·         First person in NFL history to return an interception, punt, blocked punt, and fumble for a touchdown 

Ravens franchise records

·         Most career interceptions (62)

·         Most career interception return yards (1,547)

·         Most career interception return touchdowns (8)

·         Most passes defended (138)

·         Most interception-return yards in a single game (150)

            The Ravens are known for their fierce defense, but maybe John Harbaugh is looking for a different style of play, in switching their preference to offense instead of defense. Joe resigned with the Ravens for $120 million over six years while the Ravens have let go most of their veteran defensive players. It is unknown how John plans to replace his defensive players or what he looks to do offensively, but it is apparent that it is time for a change in Baltimore. 

Teams and Goals

            Teams and groups are found in all stages and areas of life. We struggle to realize how frequently we work with people and how essential group cooperation is in order to achieve a high level of success. As essential as it is for two legs to work together to achieve forward motion, so is it crucial that members of a team work together in order to achieve progress and success. I have participated in more teams than I can count but one of them I remember better than most is my high school basketball team my senior year. Our goal was perfection and a state championship title, a high goal that required each individual of the team to do their individual part and work together as a well-oiled machine in order to attain our desired goals. If even one person decided not to work as a team we knew our goals would not be achieved.

            Coach Kelsey was our head coach, the man who led by [1]example. He taught us the x’s and o’s about basketball, but more than that he taught us about dealing with the adversities of life.

Our basketball team was comprised mainly of four seniors and one junior that played. There were other players on the bench that were important in the physiological make-up of the team, but they did not get much playing time and will not be spoken about much in this paper. The point guard’s name was Zac Davis. [2]Due of his background, dedication, and skill set Zac was the team leader, the most level headed and offense oriented player on the team. Each senior could clearly be defined as a leader on the team but Zac took this role naturally. Zac was the best basketball player on the team and went on to play college basketball after he graduated.

            Matt Myers was a three point shooter and the defensive specialist. Matt was always given the best player on the other team to guard and shut down. He had quick hands and excelled at what he did. Matt was also the teams second leading rebounder on the team.

            Jeff Lowe was the teams spot up shooter. He could catch the ball anywhere and shoot effectively. Jeff was a great addition to the team and would be considered the least aggressive player on the team.

            T.J. King(me) was the post and the player that spent most of his time playing inside. I was given freedom to shoot three point shots if I wanted but knew that we had other capable players and stuck to my role in the key for the most part. I was the leading rebounder on our team.

            James Carillo was the only junior on the team and the other post player. His role was to rebound the basketball and play defense. James knew he wasn’t to take many shots offensively and to just hustle and play good defense.

            [3]The team clearly had a defined leader, the head coach and a clear team leader, Zac Davis. But because each player on the team that started and every player that didn’t start, who could be considered the middle class of the basketball team took their roles seriously, took initiative and led their roles, our team was able to create synergy and perform at a higher level than we ever could have as individual players.

            Our basketball team had high goals and was picked to win the state championship game at the end of the year. We had some struggles early in the year and lost two games back to back that caused doubt of the team’s ability to achieves the teams ultimate goal, that of winning it all. One loss was to the team who beat us last year in overtime in the semi-finals and then won the state championship game and the other loss was to a much lower quality team. Players were disheartened and frustrated. That frustration was expressed as the clock struck zero in their second loss as one of the players slammed the ball on the floor. Because of the unrestrained action the coach who was also frustrated took out his frustration on the player in the locker room.

            There are moments in our lives when we can make important decisions that will affect how we tackle life’s goals. After minutes of silence in that locker room, our coach and leader approached us and told us that our senior year was going to be his last year of 19 years coaching at Wendell High. He announced his retirement. Instead of pointing the finger of blame and judgment that night as to why we had lost, we ended hugging and growing closer together as a team. That night was a night most of us will never forget. Our season turned around and we started playing as we knew we could. We ended up defeating the team that had defeated us earlier and then destroyed the other, lower quality team by over 30 points in our next meeting. We only lost one more game the rest of the season.

My basketball team entered the state playoffs on a high only to encounter a bump in the road in our first playoff game. It is very difficult to perform poorly against a good basketball team and still escape with a victory. We fell behind early in the first quarter and played poorly only to find ourselves down by 14 points to start the fourth quarter. When adversity strikes, we chose to come together and face it as a team instead of individuals. We rallied back and tied the game with a breath taking deep three point shot with 1.4 seconds left in the game. The entire gym was in an uproar. Anything said was barely audible as the fans were excited to see their team pull ahead and succeed. The momentum had changed.

The next 1.4 seconds were dramatic and will never be forgotten in the lives of anyone present. The opposing team inbounded the basketball and quickly shot the ball nearly across the entire court. The basketball fell through the hoop as the buzzer rang destroying our hopes and childhood dreams. The locker room was a place of tears and sorrow. [4]But instead of pointing the finger of blame, frustration, and anger, we came to know each other better, to an understanding. The experience that night was even greater than earlier that season after our second consecutive loss. Even though each member came from different backgrounds and were completely different people, we were all brothers that night. Tears were shed as we shared hugs and support. [5]Instead of falling apart and taking a step back, we moved onward, we surged forwards.

“The sun will rise tomorrow and life will go on,” Zac said. We still have games to play and lives to live. We united and played together as a team the following two days where most teams fall apart after their initial goal was so dramatically destroyed. The next two games were two of the easier games won that year and we were awarded the consolation trophy.

We are never alone in life. There will always be others who are involved in our goals and adventures to achieve success. Disappointments always surface despite our extreme and sometimes desperate efforts to overcome all odds. One of the important facts of life I learned that night with that team was that even if we fall short of our goals, the sun will rise tomorrow and life will go on. We have to pick ourselves back up and keep fighting because that is where victory truly lies.

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[1] "Defining Leadership." Defining Leadership. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.

http://www.changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/articles/leadership_definitions.htm

[2] "Concepts of Leadership." Concepts of Leadership. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcon.html

[3] Gardner, John W. "Our Dispersed Leadership." On Leadership. New York: Free, 1990. 6. Print.

[4] Gardner, John W. "Understanding Leadership." On Leadership. New York: Free, 1990. 6. Print.

[5] Greenleaf, Robert K. Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. New York: Paulist, 1977. Print.

Road to Glory

Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat are making history. A month ago we listened to Lebron’s historical hot shooting streak. Now the Miami are on an even hotter winning streak.

            Boston was led by Paul Pierce who preciously said he wouldn’t mind if Miami lost every game the rest of the season and Boston did everything they could to end Miami’s historical run. Last night Miami quickly found itself down by 17 points in the end of the first quarter. Boston looked to be successful. Too bad you can never count Lebron out of the game.

            After a few dramatic and ESPN top ten plays, Miami found itself tied with Boston with only 45 seconds remaining in the game with the ball in Lebron’s hand. Lebron has been silencing all the naysayers who after years of doubting Lebron’s ability to close games out and finish strong  have finally switched the conversation to his ability to close and now his level of greatness. He demonstrated his greatness again as he made the game winning shot with only 10 seconds remaining in the game.

            Miami now owns the second longest winning streak in NBA history at 23 games in a row. The only team to have the lead on the Heat are the 1971-1972 Los Angeles Lakers who won 33 games straight. Players from that Laker team have expressed concern that Miami will end their ancient historical run. They only need ten more games to tie the record but with Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, Chris Bosh along with other great players, Miami has the best chance at setting new heights as any other team. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzJ-GmTMwiQ

Can Melo Win Big?

Carmelo Anthony was one of the top drafted basketball players out of college to the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets had big dreams employing such a gifted athlete. But as the years passed, Carmelo continued to score points, but the Nuggets didn’t win games. In fact in Carmelo’s time in the NBA he has a record worst NBA playoff winning percentage of all-time.

            Melo dramatically made an exit from Denver running to the east coast in 2001 to play for the Knicks believing there would be more success to be had. How has his success been though?

            Since leaving Denver, the Knicks and Carmelo have lost 14 more games than the Nuggets and his old team. Since joining the Knicks, Melo has produced some of his worst shooting percentages and the team has barely produced above a .500 record.

            There are some players in the NBA who help teams win and there are other players in the NBA who produce good numbers and stats individually, but they are not team players and do not produce a team winning percentage. Melo has clearly demonstrated throughout his career that his individual success is more important than his team’s success. People can claim what they want, but numbers and stats speak volumes. Since Melo has been in the league, he made a fit and took away from his team in Denver as he was trying to leave. Melo takes many shots a game scoring high points, but come playoff time, teams play tough defense on him and he doesn’t play as effectively. His team’s winning percentage speaks volumes. Melo and the Nuggets only won three playoff games in their first five playoff appearances. They then actually played well and made it to the Western conference finals only to win two games and fall short. Melo’s following two seasons with the Nuggets he only won two more playoff games before running to the Knicks.

            Melo has only continued his old habits with the Knicks as the Knicks have only won one playoff game since he has been with them. He needs to make a statement here soon otherwise Melo will always be known as the greatly gifted player that only played as a player, and not as a team. 

Wes Leaves New England

The most prolific wide receiver in the last ten years has found himself a new home in Denver, Colorado.

The Patriots are known for finding hidden gems among unsigned, free agents. They find and sign no name players and turn them into famous, world class athletes. Wes is just another example of Bill Belichick’s genius. He went undrafted as he left college, was signed as a free agent and eventually made his way to the Patriots where he made a name for himself. No other wide receiver has caught as many passes in the last six years as Wes Welker. But as the Patriots are known, they don’t wait for anyone. Their leading receiver has left from one great quarterback to another in Peyton Manning in Denver, Colorado.

The Broncos are excited to have given Peyton another target on the field, especially one such as Wes Welker. They know Peyton doesn’t have too many more years in him before he retires and are trying to give him the best chance possible to win a Denver a Championship.

Wes Welker said it was hard to leave Tom Brady behind but that he is excited to help Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos win as he starts his new career in the west. 

Another Rule...

John Goodell is attempting to make yet another change in the world of football. According to Matt Forte and any other running back who has played in the league, this rule change is absurd and out of whack.

            The potential implemented rule change this time restricts ball carriers from lowering their helmet to initiate impact with the crown of their helmets outside of the tackle box. Changing this rule would dramatically change the ball carriers ability to protect himself. It is the ball carriers natural tendency to lower his head to protect himself and the ball. When a ball carrier is running straight up and is hit, those are the times when he is most susceptible to whiplash and head trauma, let alone he dramatically loses the ability to protect the ball.

            The game has quickly become the most watched and enjoyed sport in the United States for a reason. What John doesn't understand is that by making these changes he is changing the game we all came to know and love. In ten years from now the sport of football may not even be recognizable or loved as the same game today. 

Why I Write what I Write

Why do I write what I write? I think a better question is, Why does anyone do the things they do? According to Dan Pink the author of the bestselling A Whole New Mind, there are three different criteria that motivates people to excel. They are as follows

1.      Autonomy

a.       The ability of the person to make his or her own decisions.

The topics I write about are chosen because of my personal and individual interest in the subject. It provides me with satisfaction knowing I can chose to write about something that I am passionate about. Passion drives and motivates people to excel.

2.      Mastery

a.       The action or process of mastering a subject or accomplishment.

In the process of writing blogs and posts, I learn and improve my individual writing skills. This provides satisfaction knowing that I am mastering my ability to express sports opinion to the public accurately and articulately.

3.      Purpose

a.       Not just any purpose but a noble, good purpose to for the benefit of others.

I have several purposes that drive my blog. Some of the purposes are mentioned earlier. To improve my skills and to express my opinion to the sports nation is one the main driving forces behind my purpose. Others are to educate myself regarding sports information. There are many individuals who voice their opinions in spite of their lack of true information on the subject. In regards to this blog, I want to become educated at a deep level of all the information present to the public. 

Joe Spread the Wealth

Denver Broncos safety, Rahim Moore makes a habitual play instead of what is known as one of the most bone headed defensive play in NFL postseason history and the Ravens don’t even make it past the first round. Take away one spectacular catch from Anquan Boldin on third down and the Ravens don’t win the Super Bowl. All admit that Flacco made some gutsy throws over the course of this post season but as great as some passes looked, wide receivers catches were even more spectaular. If we take Anquan Boldin out of the playoffs, the Ravens lose and Joe doesn’t look like he is worth even $10 million a year.

            But Joe is getting paid as if his throwing arm were made of pure gold. Does $120.6 million really make Joe that much better of a quarterback? Is the team going to be that much better next year?

Yet Joe Flacco has always complained that he doesn’t feel respected by the Ravens organization. This complaint isn’t based off of mutual respect from teammates or owners, media, or winning percentage, but it is based off his individual contract value. Well we at least won’t be hearing any more from the winning quarterback. Joe is now satisfied because of his lucrative contract. Who cares that he just lost his main target from the playoffs in Anquan Boldin? Who cares that the Ravens Super Bowl team has just been gutted and remains only a hallow shell of what it was last season because Joe Flacco feels respected.

            The Ravens had to cut back some of their current players’ salaries in order to budget their salary under the salary cap for the next year. All Anquan asked was to keep his $6 million a year contract. Instead some of that went to Joe’s $29 million sign on bonus. But hey, Joe proves that ignorance is bliss as he supported Anquan asking and negotiating for even more money before he was recently let go. All in all the Ravens have lost Bernard Pollard, last season’s leading tackler, Bobbie Williams, Anquan Boldin, Dannell Ellerbe, and Paul Kruger all to either free agency or lack of funding to keep them with the Ravens.

            Did the Ravens make a mistake by giving Joe Flacco that much money? But again, at least he will no longer be winning to the media about his lack of respect. Does $120.6 million make Denver's Rahim make another terrible play during the playoffs or enhance Anquan Boldin's terrific playoff play, or the tough bone crunching defense that Baltimore is known for? No but  apparently $120.6 million makes Joe feel respected and that's all that matters.  

Dwight, Grow up

Dwight Howard needs to grow up! He leaves Orlando after putting himself in the limelight, making as much publicity as possible while distracting and taking away from his team. Now he is in Los Angeles doing the same thing.

            Dwight was ranked as the most well liked player in the NBA. How many fans would even consider him in the top 10 now? After making noise and complaining about his contract, his physical condition, his lack of effort, or his teammates, he is now badmouthing his previous team, stating, "My team in Orlando was a team full of people who nobody wanted, and I was the leader, and I led that team with a smile on my face."

            He claims the recognition when they went to the finals and how well they played to get there, but when they lost he blamed his three point shooters for shooting poorly. He is now competing with the Lakers and has so far been one of the biggest bust trades of the season. But one thing we can count on from Dwight Howard, is that he will unfailingly put himself in the light of the media to make some noise.

            Some words of advice Dwight, just because you are naturally athletic and have great potential doesn't mean you can just roll through the game and be great. You still have to put in the hours and the time, and most importantly you have to start accepting responsibility for your own actions and stop blaming others for your failure. You could be great but you take too many outs, play like you can, stay out of the media and be great. Otherwise you will simply be Terrell Owens version of a basketball player. In the end no teams or players wanted to play with him because of his selfish attitude and playing style. 

Blue on Blue

The NCAA playing rules oversight panel denied the NCAA Rules Committee proposal to require college football teams from wearing contrasting uniforms with their football fields. This proposal was in large known as the “Boise State Proposal,” although it would affect many other college football teams in the nation.

            Previously the Mountain West Conference proposed and made a ban on Boise State wearing all blue uniforms on their blue turn when Boise entered the MWC years back. However when Boise decided to stay in the MWC instead of joining the Big East Conference, the MWC relented their ban and then went to bat for Boise when the Rules Committee had proposed that ban on all football teams.

            Boise State, with the support from the MWC along with other members of the NCAA were able to help repeal the ban and all college football teams are now allowed to wear uniforms that do not contrast with their football field. The Panel said this proposed ban would not enhance the game of football. On the contrary it would only take away from what is known as the most winningest team in the last decade and one of their trademark looks, blue jerseys on a blue football field. Along with Boise, other teams are currently satisfied that they will not have to adapt their uniforms accordingly to the proposed ban either. 

Changing the Game

College football is renowned for its passionate play, even more so than is known among the professional athletes in the NFL. For college athletes, they compete because of the pure love of the game as compared to NFL players playing to fill their bank account. College football is loved because of the pure passion and intensity viewers can sense and feel from the players.

            Weeks ago I wrote about the changes in the NFL to make the game safer, but are those changes actually damaging the integrity and purity of the game?

            According to ESPN, the NCAA made an announcement Thursday that players can now be ejected from games for what they term as an illegal hit, or in other words a hit to a defenseless player above the shoulders. No doubt player safety should be a priority in college football, but at the point where it will inhibit the athletes from being able to compete? I recall years ago watching a would be quarterback sack when the defender decided better to not tackle the quarterback because he thought he had passed the ball and was afraid of repercussions from the referees and potentially his coaches. Consequentially, he didn’t tackle the quarterback and the quarterback responded by rolling out and throwing a touchdown pass.

            In a college sport where kids play for the pure love of the game, is it fair to take away their intensity on the field because they may fear suspension from half of their current game and half of the next game scheduled? With the little changes being implemented in college football, are the athletes slowly playing a different game than was played years ago?

            Protect the players by issuing safer equipment, but don’t limit the athlete’s ability to play the game they love. Allow them to compete, don’t scare them from truly playing. College football is entertaining because of the love of the game, don’t change that. 

Why Tono Romo-mania?

Tony Romo is debated every year as one of the elite quarterbacks along with the Cowboys listed as one of the top teams in the NFL.

WHY? What has Tony Romo or the Cowboys done in the past decade to deserve the amount of respect to be listed year in and year out as a contender? Since the 2000 football season, their win/loss has been 104 wins with 104 losses. That is only .500 with Tony Romo leading them to only one playoff win in his career.

Why is Tony considered as an elite quarterback being paid as much as Peyton Manning and other truly elite quarterbacks who have played in the NFL? Why is Tony holding out as a free agent asking for a large, lucrative contract when he has done nothing in his past to demonstrate his ability to deserve so much money? Actions and performance speaks volumes when words are hollow and worthless. Give credit where credit is due and Tony deserves his credit, but that credit is not that of an elite quarterback. 

Vince Young Needs to Grow up

 Vince Young is known as one of the most electrifying teams to have played and graduated from Texas football, leading the Longhorns to only their 6^th undefeated season and 4^th college football championship. While playing against the USC Trojans in the BCS championship game, Young naturally lifted his team on his shoulders and carried them past the Trojans, winning their first BCS title under the BCS era. He was highly anticipated to play in the NFL, to the extent that he was drafted as the 3^rd overall pick to the Tennessee Titans under Head Coach Jeff Fisher in 2005. Vince Young’s career did not last though.

After receiving opportunities to start for the Titans and demonstrate his ability to lead the team to victory, Vince demonstrated his leadership skills after suffering a harsh loss by yelling at Coach Fisher and stating, “I’m not running out on teammates, I’m running out on you.”

After that comment, he was quickly dismissed from the Titans. Young then tried to find a place with the Philadelphia Eagles, to play there a season. The following year he didn’t even make the roster of the Buffalo Bills.

In Young’s young and short career, he blamed his faults on his coaches, his agents, his teammates, never taking the blame himself. He now is trying out for pro football teams again claiming he has matured and grown up and he demonstrated his level of maturity just recently when he said, “I was getting taken advantage of. Basically I'm the victim of the situation.”

When is he going to learn that maturity is demonstrated by a person’s ability to take responsibility for the situation he finds himself in, instead of claiming he was the victim of said situation. How much success can a quarterback, the natural leader of football teams have when he cannot lead?

Why is Vince Young attempting to compete in the NFL again? According to folks from the Nashville area, the witnessed Young spend around $5,000 in one sitting at the Cheesecake Factory many times during his rookie season. They also witnessed him run up a tab of around $6,000 at T.G.I Fridays. Does Vince Young really have a true desire to lead teammates and a football team to success or is this just his sad attempt to refill his empty bank account? 

Is There Such a Thing as Safe Football?

The game of football is known and famous for its fast paced, explosive head jarring plays and hits. Football players know what they are signing up for and agreeing to when they sign million dollar contracts for only several years. It is a game of speed and intensity, a game in which accidents and injuries will always be present. Roger Goodell, the President of the NFL is claiming to make football safer for the players.

Football player safety should be the most important topic to discuss when talking about the individuals competing. The NFL has ensured player safety by issuing state of the art equipment and gear, rules and regulations to protect the players and rigorous training that is meant to prepare players for the physical beating from game to game. Roger Goodell has even changed some of the rules of the game, including the kickoff in an attempt to avoid high speed impact and injuries. Players and fans have complained that he is changing the game with these new rules and regulations.

Goodell said, "We know that in order to secure the future, we can and must do more to make the game safer, and in the process, we will make other sports safer as well,"

With this statement is he truly making the game safer or endangering is long term safety? By changing the rules of the game so extensively, is he damaging the game and changing the game altogether? In ten years from now will we even be able to recognize the game of football as we know it today? 

Joe Flacco really worth $120.6 million?

He falls at 25 of 36 among active quarterbacks for his quarterback rating during the regular season last year, yet he is the highest paid football player in history. His name is Joe Flacco and he just signed the largest deal in NFL history earning himself $120.6 million dollars over a period of 6 years with the Baltimore Ravens. The question everyone is now asking is, is he worth it?

While some of the NFL stars, including Tom Brady who is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history are taking moderate salaries an extension of three years for only $29 million so their team can acquire better athletes in other positions and build a complete team. Joe Flacco bargained for all he was worth and plus millions from the Baltimore Ravens. The NFL set a salary cap per team of 123 million per year. Flacco’s six year contract is almost equal to the amount of money the Ravens have to pay every player for a year.

Granted Joe Flacco did have a great playoff performance, but players can get hot and carry a team for a short space of time. This $120.6 million is based off four games in the playoffs because as we all look at his regular season stats, it is clear that he ranked 25 of 36 starting NFL quarterbacks. Was he worth that much money?