Hello again SportsHollywooders!
Glad to see a great response to my column last week! You guys keep on writing to me....I love hearing what you think, regardless whether or not you agree with me! (More on that in a minute.)
Well, it looks like my first stab at picking the winners on SportsHollywood.com didn't go that well. 1-4 is not a good stat in any game, so I'll try to redeem myself on this coming week's games at the bottom of the column. You have been warned!
I just want to comment quickly on the NFL coaching carousel. I think Steve Spurrier picked the perfect time and place to break into the pro ranks. Washington is the most hungry team for Spurrier's trademark offense. With Daniel Snyder committed to doing whatever it takes to win on the personnel/money side meshes well with Spurrier's desire not to run the entire show. I think Spurrier is also a smart guy for not wanting the GM job as well as coach, unlike other big time NFL coaches. This way, he can only be blamed for the coaching, not the personnel moves...the perfect way to protect your butt if things don't get better!
Tony Dungy...I really feel for this guy, a true class act in the NFL. I had hoped he could have returned to Minnesota but that was not to be. He deserves another head coaching position and I am sure he will get one soon.
Ok, onto your email!
The question I posed last week was on how we can change the current system of stats.
I think we should leave things alone. First of all, professional sports aren't about teamwork. If they were, the owners would have a certain amount of money and distribute it evenly among the players. Pro sports are about the individual.
--Mike H.
Mike, I would never suggest to do away with the current stats, but rather enhance or create a new category, like YAC, (yards after contact) which would give more weight to an individual player's game accomplishments. I'm talking about some kind of distinction that would specify the player's record-setting play directly resulted in his team winning a game or contributed to a winning season.
I think keeping records is fun, it lets you compare your favorite guy to someone else's, and it gives players something to shoot for, maybe helping them try harder. But also they shouldn't be taken too seriously because if you don't win, it means nothing to anyone but the record holder.
--Dan R.
Exactly what I'm saying Dan. Records are fun, and I am proud of each of mine, even the ones others have broken!
I played NCAA Division I Lacrosse in college for a team that was consistently ranked in the National top 5 all four years. I was a damned good player in my time, and I stress "in my time". I would gladly hand my record to any player who could beat my numbers playing against these faster, stronger, and smarter players that are in the game today. They are better than we ever were. You should, like me, just
sit back and watch in awe of the skill, the improved game, and the young men who are sacrificing to play, rather than grinding your teeth in a jealous rage while trying to come up with excuses and exceptions for the kid who just beat your record.
You had your day, let them have theirs.
Jonathan S.
Well, Jonathan, you are certainly more magnanimous than I, but I must clarify that I have never been in a "jealous rage" over any of my records falling! All I said was nobody likes to see their record broken, though perhaps football players view these things differently than lacrosse players. Unless you've set records and have had them broken, I don't think you can really predict how you would feel. Maybe you have, and if so, you're a better man than I. Everybody has a different way to deal with such things, but I have always congratulated and admired any athlete who broke my records.
Great letters guys, and I thank all the others who have responded as well. This is obviously a hot topic with you guys, so if you still have thoughts on it, or anything else, please write in!
Now for this week's NFL Playoff games!
Saturday
Eagles at Bears-- I'm going with the Bears at home here. I think the two weeks rest has gotten them prepared for McNabb and the Eagles.
Raiders at Patriots-- Again I'm going against the Raiders and picking the home dogs.
Sunday
Ravens at Steelers-- Going with Pittsburgh here. It's going to be a heck of a defensive game!
Packers at Rams-- This is my upset pick of the week! I think after playing in the cold last week, Favre and the Pack use the warm-weather dome as an advantage and beat the Rams at home!
Again remember, these picks are for recreational purposes only!
The final thought is something I read this week, from coaching legend Marv Levy...
"The difference between Randy Moss and a dollar bill is, you can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill."
January 17, 2001
edmarinaro@sportshollywood.com
