How Times Have Changed

Wow, its been 6 months since my last post. I started working full time while still in full time university education and as you can imagine that left little time for thought provoking blog posts.

Well times have changed, and thus blog has served its original purpose perfectly. Reading old posts and seeing how my life and personality have changed is an extremely positive experience.

In the last 6 months I have:

• Found an amazing woman
• Got a 2:1 degree in Economics
  
• Gained a graduate scheme placement with one of the largest companies in the world
• Been to the most amazing town - Huron, Ohio
• Seen the Atlanta Falcons play, live, in Cleveland, Ohio

"Self-reflection is vital to a nourished life". Apparently. According to a plastic mechanical physic at a Dave and Busters in Cleveland, Ohio. I have just been there on vacation with my girlfriend to visit some family friends. In 10 days I witnessed everything I want from life and fell in love with the entirety of the town. From firing a shotgun to watching ESPN all day, this is what I want. That's a powerful luxury and a great motivator.

Regarding self-reflection and motivation, if we look back to my last self absorbed post (all of them....I know) on goal setting; it makes terrific reading.

• Get a place on a Graduate Scheme - CHECK
  
• 5 Goals at the end of the season for D&C Athletic - ALMOST CHECK
• Rent my first home - CHECK
• Visit a city I have never been before - CHECK
• See the Atlanta Falcons play - CHECK

Granted, the last two I owe to my girlfriend and her unbelievably gracious contacts in Huron, Ohio but I'd call that a successful 6 months. Maybe I should be aiming higher?!

So, for the next 6 months:

• Get back to Huron, OH
• Make some sort of progress at work IE. promotion
• Have a second published article
• Start writing a book
• Become financially stable

Lets see how it goes this time, but I hope to be back in writing fashion from now on. Depends how the new job treats me!

TO

"Atlanta Falcons Season Preview"-Review

At the start of the year, I wrote a review for a sports website on the season just passed and my predictions for my beloved Falcons in that season. (http://forum.nfluk.com/blog.php?b=965)

Here, I will analyse where I was correct (and where I wasnt) while briefly analysing our up and down year.

Team Depths
I said - OL & RB
It was - RB

I was partly right here. The depth at running back (ie. Jason Snelling) really came to the fore when both Turner and Norwood couldn't stay healthy. Snelling racked up 613 yards this season (previous best of 62) and 4.3 yards per carry. He showed to be of Turner's ilk and he deserves at least a little recognition.

This also might be the season that Norwood leaves to get more of a starting role elsewhere, something he too deserves.

The OL was also affected by the plague which seemed to sweep its way through Flowery Branch this season. They allowed a couple more sacks this season (2009-19, 2008-17) but it appeared giving Matt Ryan less time was more of a problem.

Team Weakness
I said - LB, S
It was - CB

This maybe an area of contention but despite the promising end to the season, the CB's really struggled against the pass. This late development looked like more of a result of poor QB play, but they do deserve some due credit. However, having 5 different starters throughout the year and having one of the worst pass defenses takes its toll. They were exposed by a lack of pass rush at times and couldnt pick up the slack.

I think the LB's stepped up and did enough to get by, especially against the run. And the S's played well above expectation and it should be interesting to see how William Moore sees himself trying to break into the partnership between Coleman and De Coud.

Key Addition
I said - Gonzalez & Peterson
It was - Gonzalez & Peterson

Gonzalez & Peterson provided leadership on both sides of the ball for a relatively young Falcons side. Peterson's strengths were mostly in the intangible side, calling defensive audibles and helping younger players develop.

Gonzalez clearly has this side but his production was also vital, colelcting 867 yards and 6 touchdowns right when they were needed. He was catching balls in double (even triple) coverage all season long. True definition of an offensive weapon, not let down by his blocking.

Key Loss
I said - Milloy, Boley & Foxworth
It was - Brooking

Most fans were sad to see Brooking go but after giving away the play that let the Cardinals knock us out the playoffs, many felt it was time for him to move on. This, in my opinion, was a mistake. He seems rejuvinated in Dallas and we could have done with some solid LB play this year. However, this selection speaks more of the lack of other options, than Brookings success.

Milloy was not missed at all, Boley was injured early on and Foxworth was one of the most beat CB's in the league.

2009 Prediction
I said - 9-7
It was - 9-7

I got stick for my low prediction, but the 3rd toughest schedule took its toll. Its great to finally get rid of that curse, oh and being right!

Rising Star
I said - Harry Douglas
It was - Thomas DeCoud

Can't blame me for this one, Douglas was injured before the regular season and didn't play a down.

DeCoud really stepped up and played hard. I championed Moore to start ahead of him in the preseason, but DeCoud has really made life difficult for Mike Smith in this coming offseason. (2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions)

Fallen Angel
I said - Jamaal Anderson
It was - Jamaal Anderson

27 tackles and 0.5 sacks this season is not good enough for an 8th overall pick, even though he plays as a rotational DT as well as DE. He still hasnt had an average year statwise and only his run defense play is keeping his name on the roster.

TO

Incase you want to make a night of the Superbowl more, 'interesting'...

This game is doing the rounds on the internet. While it means no offense its probably better people look at the game as light hearted realistic view of the Saints as opposed to insulting them.

(Incase you dont know, 1 drink = 2 fingers depth of a pint of beer)

I bring you, The New Orleans Saints Superbowl Drinking Game!

The New Orleans Saints Superbowl Drinking Game

1. Every time they mention hurricane Katrina = 1 drink

2. If they show pictures of the City of New Orleans right after Katrina = 1 drink

3. Every time they say how much the Saints mean to the City of New Orleans = 1 drink
4. Every time the words "tragedy", "flood", or "devastation" are used = 1 drink

5. Every time they talk about how good Reggie Bush was in college = 1 drink

6. If they show Kim Kardashian in the stands = 1 drink

7. Every time they show a picture of Reggie Bush with a bat or say "bringing the wood" = drink for 5 seconds

8.. Every time Reggie Bush gets negative yardage trying to run around in the backfield a bunch and outrun the defense = 1 drink and turn to the person next to you and say "I told you Vince Young should have won the Heisman"

9. Every time Reggie Bush gets up and flexes his arms in that pose he likes to do = 1 drink

10. If they mention Tim Tebow for any reason = drink remainder
11. Every time they say that "it’s destiny for the Saints to win" = 1 drink

12. If they show footage of Katrina survivors at the Superdome = take a shot of cheap liquor

13. If they call Saints fans the most passionate fans in football = 1 drink

14. If they say that the Saints, Saints fans, or the City of New Orleans "deserve" a Superbowl victory = 1 drink
15. Every time they say how good of a story the Saints are = 1 drink
16. If Jeremy Shockey pretends to be hurt after dropping a pass = 2 drinks
17. If they mention the Saints beating the Falcons in 2006 in the first game after Katrina in the Superdome = drink remainder and remember that we are still a better football team with better fans.

18. Every time they compare hurricane Katrina to the Haiti earthquake = drink remainder
19. Every time they mention Drew Brees as the Mardi Gras king = 1 drink

20.. Every time they show Archie Manning = 1 drink and mention how bad he sucked. If they show old footage of him on the Saints = 2 drinks. If they mention how tough of a decision it was for him as for whom to cheer for = 5 drinks

21. Every time they show a saints fan yelling "Who dat!" Or a sign/shirt saying the same = 1 drink

22. If they show Chris Paul at the game = 1 drink and mention to someone how much better he is than Marvin Williams.

23. If they show former Mayor Ray Nagin = 2 drinks and then punch someone in the face




Other Rules not involving the Saints:
1. Every time they show Eli Manning in the press box = 1 drink
2. Every time Pierre Garcon is mentioned with Haiti = 1 drink
3. If Brett Favre is mentioned for any reason = 1 drink

Good luck surviving the game!

Why I Dont Want The New Orleans Saints To Win The Superbowl

The NFL. The Superbowl. The big game is fast approaching and the two titans of the regular season have beaten all those placed before them in the playoffs. On the 7th of February it will be Indiannapolis Colts vs New Orleans Saints. In recent years its been relatively easy picking an underdog team to support as a neutral. However, this one is different. New Orleans are the division rival of my beloved Atlanta Falcons. Very easy decision I hear you say? Well no actually. The Saints are actually a very likeable team. Their fans are one of the loudest and most accomodating, their colours are sharp and stylish and their style of play entertaining. Not to mention, the way the city dealt with Hurricane Katrina is admirable and heart warming. Real dilemma you see.

Well I have come to the conclusion, I will be supporting the Colts.

For me it comes down to several things:

• Underdogs - I love an underdog, and going into this as rookies I see the Saints as the underdog BUT people are starting to say the opposite and I truly think the Saints are becoming the favourites. The tide seems to be turning too early before the game and I think come game day, people will be thinking the fresh looking Saints will have the edge because...
• 2007 Giants complex - its something I think happens when a team ends up garnering ALL the neutrals support for whatever reason. In 2007, everyone wanted to see the Patriots perfect season dream fail, apart from the Patriots themselves of course. In Superbowl 42 everyone who wasnt a Pat wanted the Giants to win and its happening again for the Saints. I dont like it and its feeding the underdog aspect mentioned above.
• Manning v Brady - I want it to be about performance NOT rings. I want Manning to get his second and hopefully a third and make the debate about performance and genuine QB play, not carrying a team. Sure they are both amazing QB's, but he's won more rings is not a valid argument and I want it to be wiped away for good.
  
• Saints Fans - not all of them. But some of them have gotten VERY smug, VERY quickly. Fans who were previously well mannered and good for a conversation now chant WHO DAT everywhere. To a degree, I understand the excitement of reaching your first Superbowl, but some fans were down right unclassy after their win against the Vikings. Not to mention i'll hear the 'we won a superbowl' taunt everyday until the Falcons do it (which could be a LONG time) which leads me to my final point....
• Bandwagonners - this may seem weird but the Colts won in 06 and they already have a large fanship. Id be disappointed to see another team get flooded with the cr@ppy bandwagon fans that just insult other teams and add to the problems in the point above. We need real, passionate fans that know the lows as well as the highs!

Let me hear your thoughts and who you're supporting come game day.

TO

Start Of A Long Journey

My first ever official article was published today!

I wrote a piece on the 2009 Season Preview for the Atlanta Falcons, my American Football team of choice.

http://mvn.com/outsider/2009/07/nfl-outsider-season-preview-2009-atlanta-falcons-1.html

Let me know what you think.

:D

TO

Is Vick Just Too Sick?

On June 12, 2009 Michael Dwayne Vick was released by the Atlanta Falcons.

This man Michael Vick was once heralded by some as the most exciting man to watch in American sports and the 10-year; $130 million contract he signed in 2005 reflect this and the level of faith his team showed in him.

However, after several isolated incidents it arose in 2007 that Vick was, outside of football, the leader of a dog fighting ring under the guise of 'Bad Newz Kennels'. Vick and his associates bred dogs and then forced them to fight each other to the death and gathered crowds to bet on the outcome. Seeing as Vick was one of the highest paid sports stars in the world at the time it's easy to say this wasn't about the money.

It gets worse. The dogs that were deemed to be underdeveloped or did not meet the targets for a fighting dog were brutally tortured and then executed. It is believed they used these methods to avoid creating attention from gunshots so some were beaten to death, some suffocated or drowned.

If you wish to read more (there is a lot) about this case then the details can be found here.

Vick was given the longest sentence of all those charged at 23 months federal imprisonment followed by 3 years of probation. It got worse for Vick as he was cheated financially by two seperate lawyers and he had to file for bankruptcy on July 7, 2008 as he owed his team and several banks money.

Vick was released from prison on May 20, 2009. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will consider lifting his suspension. Vick has reportedly exercised while in prison and eagerly anticipates a return to the NFL.

This creates the dilemma that many argue and a question that i wish to pose to you. After reading the story, does Michael Vick deserve a second chance?

Firstly a video with exactly what he can do well:



But given all the negatives that obviously surround him, should he be allowed to compete again and command giant salaries that reflect his ability but contrast his demeanor?

Several other prominent sports stars such as basketballer, Stephon Marbury, have come out to defend Vick. It is important to remember Vick comes from a poor background in the Southern American states where dog fighting is a normal activity. Other defenders of Vick state that he was excessively punished due to his celebrity status and was made an example of by a harsh judge. Others simply say that Vick has served his sentence and he should be free to return, within the law, to his previous life free from judgement.

I personally feel that the emotionless character necessary for someone to carry out such acts on such loyal and intelligent animals as dogs means that Vick is unlikely to change deep down. The traits that allowed him to carry out such activities are almost impossible to shift and are deeply embedded.

However, i do believe in second chances and the right to move on after serving a prison sentence deemed fair by a court of law. BUT i also believe due to the nature of Vick's life before the prison sentence he should not be allowed to once again play in the NFL as an American Footballer. He isn't an average guy and the money he earned reflected that. When one is in the public eye and a role model to thousands of kids one should not be allowed to just return to how things were after committing such atrocities.

I want to know what you readers think. Leave a comment and a name with your views!

:)

TO

The Blind Side

I have been reading a book by Michael Lewis called "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game". I wanted to share this because as most will know I follow American Football and it is a passion of mine.

This book charters the story of Michael Oher (pronounced 'oar'), who went from a 7 year old child of a drug addict mother who had no home to a 22 year old man, who in the next week is about to enter the National Football League (NFL), and a massive payday of around $20,000,000. This is a Hollywood fairytale, one that actually occurred.

When he first started at Briarcrest High School aged 16 he had a 0.4 GPA (around Year 3 intelligence in the UK) and nobody thought he would amount to anything. In the last few months he graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree is Criminal Justice and a job as an Offensive Lineman in the NFL on millions of dollars.

Here's a short video explaining what happened if you don't want to read the book (it may make you cry :D ):




TO