It has been a hot minute since I have had time on Saturday to discuss sports. With no social engagements, rehearsals or travel plans, I am on my couch watching BC play UConn (as well as the Dirty Harry marathon).
Bad pick by BC quarterback and incredulous look from Jeff Hafley. 14-7, but I agree with Herzlich that the Eagles should not feel good.
HOMEY
I am watching Boston College play their homecoming game, and it is stirring many feelings.
- The weather looks beautiful and I miss the Mods in the fall
- Tom Coughlin is there, and he seems like he has mellowed, but he still always looks pissed off
- Doug Flutie is also in the crowd. He was a major reason I applied to BC, and he is resembling Tom Cruise more and more as he ages. Don’t think Maverick, think Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible II. He was chucking some dimes into the crowd; at least, the crowd can catch.
- Uconn starting tailback Victor Rosa was the QB for Bristol Central in my first year as defensive coordinator at Farmington High. We shut him down on occasion, but he still ran for four scores. We went 0-10 that year. He is hurt and not playing, so a bit disappointed.
- My brother and many of my closest friends are Uconn alumni, but I bleed maroon and gold. I remember seeing BC/UConn at Rentschler with my brother and dad. The Don Man wore a BC hat and a Uconn sweatshirt. Dad’s can’t play favorites, and in a sense, he couldn’t lose.
- Lastly, like anyone, I miss being young, tailgating, walking to the game, or not, and the juice that surrounds live football. I almost went to the Waccamaw High game last night. I don’t miss film study or the cold wind from the box, but I do miss the chess game and Friday Night Lights.
RYDER WRONG
I admit that I did not watch the Ryder Cup, but I know there was a lot of discussion of the coaching decisions and the overall play of the American squad. Europe always plays well with a home field advantage, but I feel this is another chink in the armor of American athletes.
Yes, the world is catching up to our athletic prowess, but I see another troubling trend, and it is leaking down to young players. The U.S., with a huge assist from social media, has become a culture of narcissism and personal promotion. Even team sports are being affected by individual desires for notoriety and fame, however fleeting.
Unfortunately, I have had several experiences where my athletes were more concerned with their own stats and status than the scoreboard, and that is sad.
I know that the NFL has augmented their audience and viewership with the promotion of fantasy football and individual marketing, but it is getting out of hand. Players arguing with their coaches because they are not seeing the ball, or celebrations on almost every play, even the routine ones.
Like Carli Lloyd, I have already vilified the USWNT, but their lack of success is endemic in American sport. When the reward for winning is intrinsic and shared, we seem to fail to meet expectations. Pay me and laud me. There is a “me” in team, and it is a loud one.
COOLYMPICS
My previous rant aside, I am looking forward to the Olympics. The Olympics highlight athletes, who may or may not meet expectations, but who participate in sports that are not tainted by excessive money or media.
I love that the world comes together to compete. I love that the coverage includes popular sports like gymnastics, but also highlight water polo, and the hammer throw.
I am torn on the debate about pros or amateurs competing. I love watching the NHL split up and compete by country. I also feel that the basketball competition would be invigorated by pro participation; however, I love that Simon Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Shaun White get their time in the forefront of our jingoistic fanaticism.
I am also quite tickled that they are adding Flag Football and Lacrosse to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
You have heard me rant about how young players should play flag until at least middle school, and the NFL has gone to a flag game during the Pro Bowl. The risk for injury is still there, but without the contact, the players tend to actually compete at full speed. It should be interesting to see the other nations play “our” version of football.
As for lacrosse, it is just a testament to how the sport is growing. As a coach and fan, I am looking forward to another passionate rivalry between America and our northern neighbor.
BASEBALL BEEN BERRY BERRY BORING TO ME
Sorry, folks. I cannot get excited about baseball. I was at a hotel in Myrtle Beach when the Phillies started their playoff run, and as a good friend lives in Philly, I vicariously felt for him.
Phillies lose. The Phillies fans express their disappointment in concise, lurid exclamations, leaving the Texas Rangers facing the Diamondbacks in the World Series. Yawn. What is the draw east of the Mississippi?
Someone explain to me what is intriguing about baseball on any level?
I digress. Flutie is now in the commenting booth. I would suit him up. Can’t play down to competition, and we tend to do that.
OTHER
NFL Trade Deadline. Some teams need help, some teams need lots of help. Some teams need to start scouting golf courses. As a Vikings fan, you CANNOT trade Kirk Cousins. It seems to be me, he plays his best when people doubt him. Memo to Vikings staff, right before the game, tell him how much he sucks.
Players I would like to see go to a good team:
DeAndre Hopkins
Justin Simmons
Jonathan Taylor
Terry McLaurin/Chase Young
Marshon Lattimore
Players I would like to see go away:
Brian Hoyer
Ryan Tannehlll
Baker Mayfield
Taylor Swift *
Josh McDaniels *
NHL/NBA
Too early in the season. Stay tuned.
College Football
I am in a pick ’em league against the spread. I am not good.
My only advice is to never pick Alabama or A&M. Looking forward to the SC/Clemson game for the first time. Wonder if the state shuts down.
NFL FIX
I know I promised a third installment about the NFL conspiracy: coaching. It’s coming. Some food for thought:
There are only a few coaching trees in the NFL forest. I believe that there are at least five coaches in the Star Chamber: Belichick, Harbaugh, Tomlin, Reid, Carroll- not because of tenure, but because of inside knowlege.
Reflect on the insular nature of the coaching ranks. Reflect on the lack of success of quality college coaches. (Exclude Urban Meyer).
Watch this week’s games, especially the singletons (Sunday night, Monday night) and scrutinize the production, the focus of the commentary, the “questionable” calls, and the coaching decisions.
The regional games are house shows; Sunday night and Monday night are Smackdown and Raw. Driving the narrative since the mid-80’s.
Until next time,
Love and laughter,
Coach P.