Wait, That's Gravy?: Sunday Musings Pt. 2

Friends ... forgive-a-ness, please.

Holiday week be damned, I promised bloggings earlier this week and I did not deliver. It was a busy week in our little household but that's certainly no excuse. I welcome any and all criticism.

At any rate, more words from moi.


Burgundy, Gold, and Conflicted:
I tweeted this prior to this Sunday's game vs the Seahawks.

"oTHATjohn: #skins need to improve draft position. that said the seahawks are a lot worse than their record shows. gna be an awkward game to watch."

Ugh.

Look, I can't bring myself to stop caring and/or root for the Redskins to lose. That said, even I can recognize 'good losses' would go a lot further in helping this team improve long term than any ugly wins. A franchise QB Rex Grossman is not. Bringing in Peyton Manning would be tantamount to trading for McNabb. The best shot at addressing the QB position long term lies in the 2012 NFL Draft and beating a crappy Seahawks team hurts the 'skins chances at landing that QB.

Like many Redskin fans, I'm glad this team isn't ready to fold, which is a testament to the job Shanny and team have done to change the culture in DC. But the skins are still a long way from being contenders so winning now does not advance their aspirations. Sucks being a fan and it sucks worse to be real. I need an adult.

Tim Tebow: 

Seriously, how?

I have no problem w/ his bible thumping. None whatsoever. I just cannot wrap my head around his success. Credit to John Fox and the Denver coaching staff for putting #15 in a position to win. But more credit to TIMMAY. There's obviously something innate in his ability to lead his troops and ... eff it, HOW DOES HE DO IT?

Pacquiao/Marquez 3:

Enough bitching. Manny won.

You are DELUSIONAL if you think any challenger can take no less than three rounds 'off' against a champion ... in a close fight ... and expect to win. Ask De La Hoya how that strategy worked in his fight against Tito Trinidad. (Hint: It doesn't.)

So there was no robbery. At best, it was too close to call. At worst, it was a narrow decision for the champ. Either way, it's embarrassing for a fighter to sit and bemoan his lot in sport and in life when said fighter had every opportunity to change that outcome. (FYI, it's even more embarrassing for that fighter to bemoan whilst sitting on a stool, butt naked, with nothing but sombrero to cover the goods.)

So again ... enough bitching.

UFC on Fox:

The biggest disappointment about that night? That no one got to see Benson 'Bendo' Henderson battle Clay Guida. (Yes, I was watching on Facebook but better yet, did anyone else?)

If you missed it, trust me when I say: It was absolute magic.

Other than that, no complaints. If you've watched any combat sport in your life, you know that knockouts happen. And SURPRISE! It happened. Even the supposed 'baddest man on the planet' (Cain Velasquez) is not immune to such a fate.

Now, did the UFC casually leave out that Cain was making his return after a 12 month layoff from the octagon? Sure, but who could blame them. They had a fight to sell. And despite the fact that neither fighter, Cain or Junior Dos Santos, carried the name recognition of a Brock Lesnar or a GSP, they had the numbers on their side ... and by numbers, I mean pounds. Nothing looks better on a marquee than the word 'heavyweight' and Fox took that ball and ran with it.

The cross promotion with the NFL on Fox was tremendous, and the numbers (5.7 million viewers, 3.1 share) scream success. From a ratings standpoint, I can't imagine either the UFC or Fox being any happier for an initial telecast. For a casual fan, it was obviously a bit of a let down, especially when you consider the action packed nature of a typical UFC card.

That said, the UFC and Fox have a long way to go in their relationship. There will be growing pains. There will be hiccups. But all in all, UFC on Fox served as a nice first date.

UFC 139:

Having said that, if you're upset about the UFC giving away a heavyweight title fight FOR FREE and you didn't pony up any buckos to see UFC 139 the following week, well then I would politely ask you to keep your MMA thoughts to yourself. Your bitching privileges have been suspended.

The card (in short): Shogun/Henderson. Cung/Wanderlei. Faber/Bowles. Unbelievable card. Not that they needed to but the UFC more than made up for the previous week by delivering with this card. Just a delight.

--

With that, I will bid you all a fine Monday. Mahalo. Guten nacht.

Don't Call It A Comeback: Sunday Musings Pt. 1

Confession: I suck at blogging. (As if the date of my last real post didn't already tell you that.)

My fiance? Pretty damn good at it. (BTW slide over to rehabmywardrobe.blogspot.com to give her page a ganders... after you finish reading this post, of course.)

In any case, the little lady has been so persistent and successful with her page that ... it's inspired me to give my fledgling page another shot. And truth be told, I really missing writing. (Thoughtful work emails just don't cut it.)

So w/o further ado...

- News of the day: The Redskins are bad. Exceptionally bad at that. Having said that, at the risk of forever jinxing my beloved sons of DC, I have faith in the long term plan for this team. Take Grossman (and Beck for that matter) out of the picture, as the future QB for this team is likely knee deep in coeds right now. The cornerstones of the defense are in place. (DeAngelo, you can put your hand down now. Just like you do in coverage.) The O line has seen better days but their issues stem more from a lack of depth, rather than a lack of talent. Potential playmakers, like Helu and Hankerson, have showed promise. And as evident in today's game vs. the Cowboys, this team hasn't quit. That tells you something.

So for chrissakes, Skins fans, step back from the ledge. Provided the Danny doesn't blow it all up, these losses will not be in vain. Circle the 2012 NFL Draft on your calendars. Hail.

- FINALLY. A certain 'Great One' stepped back into the squared circle tonight in Madison Square Garden. He's been known to electrify on occasion ... be it live or via satellite. Of course, I'm referring to the Rock.

If you didn't catch the Survivor Series ... well, you missed little. Pretty average tag match but obviously, the story was The Rock teaming w/ John Cena to face The Miz and R-Truth. The much ballyhooed teaming of the Wrestlemania 28 opponents was pretty slow paced throughout but the biggest take away was that Rock looked FAN-TASTIC. Physically, he looked ... well, chiseled. In the ring, The Great One didn't look like a guy who hadn't wrestled in seven years.

All in all, it was more tease than match. Pretty surprised at the finish, as I thought they would give Awesome Truth the nod to give them some heat and help build the tension between Cena and Rock. But I think WWE played it safe and gave the New York crowd a heavy dose of Rocky and they definitely ate it up. (BTW how good were the crowds this week? Boston Monday and NY tonight. Both cities brought it.) Interested to see where they go in the next five months with the build for WM28 but here's hoping Rock is back in the ring again before April.

- Lots of ground to cover still (i.e. Pacquiao/Marquez 3, UFC on Fox, UFC 139, etc.) but we are past the witching hour and a spring chicken I am not. Please to check back tomorrow. In the meantime you can catch me on the twitter. Just follow @oTHATjohn. Good tidings.

11.12.11

WHICH ONE DO I WATCH?! Skins vs. Texans Live Blog, 9/19

Okay, if you're reading this, you're probably wondering why I'm starting the season blogging on this game and not last week's 'Thrilla in DC...illa'. (Yeah, I'm not good w/ names.) I'll explain by saying... I have no explanation. I was so giddy w/ gold-pants fever that it never even entered my mind to blog it. Total blonde moment. Fail.

But I digest. Onward and upward.

4:31: "McNasty" has been just that so far... yetI'm still disappointed. In the meantime, I'm gonna put the finishing touches on my Graham Gano personalized jersey on NFLshop.com. 6-0 skins.

4:42: So this is what a running attack looks like...

Side note: I'm totally rooting for my own fantasy demise, unless this turns into a shootout. (This is TOTALLY what I didn't miss about fantasy football.)

4:48: Not entirely unexpected result, given the way the Texans were moving the ball. Shocker, the td pass just happens to land to RIGHT IN FRONT OF CARLOS "I'm supposed to catch the ball?" ROGERS. 7-6 the other texas team.

4:51: HUGE. FREAKING. BOMB. McNabb to Galloway for 62 yards (though it probably feels like 200 yards for the league's lone sexagenarian).

4:54: We have a Clinton Portis sighting. In the end zone no less. I have no words. 13-7 good guys.

4:58: If I ever became a sportscaster, and Mike Sellers actually did something good, I would obligated to utter the words, "And IT'S A SELLERS MARKET!" (Stu Scott, Swami, you're welcome.).

5:05: Quick story: Now that he's no longer an Eagle I can say this w/o flattering any screwboy eagles fans. Before the end of the season last year, I was totally, secretly hoping Philly would let McNabb walk... and somehow, wind up in DC. I just couldn't fathom a scenario in which they would be stupid enough to jump on the Kevin Kolb bandwagon before he was ready. Couldn't see it. Impossible. Moronic if they did it.

I give 'smart' ppl too much credit sometimes.

5:16: Srsly, where the hell did the first half go? Anyway, McNasty is inexplicably looking for Sellers (who gets an E for effort, while Fred Davis gets an A; -0.5 for not sticking the landing though). Skins driving. Fast.

5:22: I'm just shocked at how the skins are dominating the game at the line. Sick nasty. Anyway, CP with his 2nd td run (kind of killing me fantasywise but I'll live with it). 20-7 maroon and black (shouts out to Jim Zorn).

6:02: I've been drinking and scouring the fantasy waiver wire for the last 40 minutes. Sue me. Anyway... HOW BOUT THEM SKINS?!!

Srsly, the run game is concerning but the intermediate passes have more than made up for our deficiencies on the ground. I'm enjoying this right about now. 27-10 mcnasty n co.

6:39: okay, different game now at 27-20. But it was inevitable that the offense would taper off going into the second half. Defense finally comes through in a big spot on 3rd and 7 for the texans. Woosah.

6:50: Starting to sweat. Not liking the soft zone the skins seem to be sitting in. D really needs to tighten up but they just might be too tired at this stage.

6:52: Speechless. Can't believe Dre wasn't double teamed the second he came out of the locker room.

7:03: WHY WON'T THE STEPHAN HEYER SHOW EVER END?!!?

Wait, who's who? VT vs BSU Live Blog

Firstly, I just want to thank the fine folks at Nike for the newly designed 'Pro Combat' line of uniforms. Thank you again for the annual confusion that comes with you completely redesigning the team unis so that the teams are completely unrecognizable from year to year.

Thought I was watching Kentucky play Miami for a minute and a half.

Anyway, on with the show!

8:14PM: Points on the board, as Brent Musberger so astutely points out that the kicker only kicks from the right. Kind of like how Costanza can't make a move on a girl if she's sitting on his right.

8:15: Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen a full Tech game in about 3 years. And I'm pretty sure the last time I did, Tyrod Taylor was turning the ball over. Freaky.

8:18: Stop me if you've heard this one before: the home team at FedEx field, having MAJOR O-line issues.

8:21: Okay, these guys wearing the Wildcat unis are foreal. 10-0 BSU on a great play action pass over the middle.

8:24: I have to admit: I always chuckle at the Dick's ad, with the guy building an island. I heard that guy played football... or something.

8:43: Ok, I had to take a break to fix my keyboard. Mostly b/c I couldn't hit delete fast enough b/c I was starting to write how Tech was starting to pull it together through their defense and special teams.

BTW, the delete button is fully functioning.

8:47: Sick catch by the tight end Gallarda, who probably should've gotten the 6 on the previous play w/ the interference in the end zone.

Side note: I wonder if that one kid (you know, the tech guy who apparently broke the space-time continuum and teleported himself to commit not one, but two penalties ON THE SAME PLAY) will share his knowledge of physics to get the Hokies back into the game.

9:00: They're only 17 minutes late... but they finally showed up. Without further adieu, THE VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES!

9:03: Srsly, Taylor really woke up on that drive... except for that moment when his RB was getting swarmed by defenders, and he just kinda stood back and looked around like, 'What?'

9:06: Looking at the commercial, I kinda wish I watched 'Wall Street Redux' a few weeks ago in Frankfurt when I had the chance.

9:08: The Tech secondary looks as though it's comprised of 4 DeAngelo Halls. And not in a good way.

9:10: HOLY CRAP, it's Tek from Real World Hawaii in a Bud Light ad!

9:14: I guess 'Kickoff at the Capital' sounds better than 'Kickoff approximately 19 miles northeast of the Capital'.

9:18: Here's a shocker: The Boise kid who jawjacked his way into a knucklesandwich last year... commits a personal foul to prolong the Tech drive. Good thing for him the Tech kicker can't go right.

9:25: Ensuing 3rd down for Boise... wasn't so much a fumble, but a rugby pass... to no one. Good hit though.

9:28: Just when I thought Taylor was starting to run too much, he finally used his feet to draw the defender off the receiver to create the opening in the endzone. MUCH SUCCESS!

9:33: The only way ESPN could get more out of the announcers' backdrop is if they asked Brent to turn around and show the cold front moving through the southeast over night.

9:40: Srsly, this is a nice game and all but if these guys screw up this field for Sunday night, there will be hell to pay.

10:50: This game got much better once I opened a bottle of Blue Moon/Honey Moon summer ale. (Not a coincidence that my last post came an hour after said beer was opened). Anyway, pretty impressed w/ how both teams came out in the 2nd half. Taylor has turned his 'whirling dervish' act into effective game management. Meanwhile, Boise's Kellen the QB has somehow made a 7 completion effort into a strong showing. Color me tickled... or buzzed.

11:06: I'm sure this'll be a thrilling finish but this old boy will cork it and watch the rest in bed. I say good day, world.

Drop 'Bows: UFC 117 Live Blog

Firstly, how a fight that will determine the new #1 contender in the Heavyweight division is the OPENING FIGHT OF THE CARD... is beyond me. But onward and upward...

Fight 1) Junior Dos Santos v. Roy "Big Country" Nelson

Round 1 - Man, Jon Kruk is making major progress in his MMA career.

Seriously, I'm amazed at just how Big Country gets into the ring, let alone get out there and compete the way he does. Anyway, JDS launching combination after combination, with the uppercut doing the most damage. Somehow, Roy is still standing (maybe the gut is keeping him centered). JDS showing remarkable balance, with Roy repeatedly driving hard for the takedown. Roy is eating (no pun) some serious shots. First round is easily 10-9 JDS.

Round 2 - Junior seems to be slowing but landing solid. Despite all the damage, Roy is one tough bastard and somehow, he's getting off some solid right hands. JDS showing off a chin (kind of a revelation). Good to see Junior didn't blow his load in the first, trying to finish Big Country. Not quite as dominating a round for JDS (and the takedown attempt seemed questionable) but definitely 10-9 JDS.

Round 3 - Not that Roy ever really comes out with a great deal of pace but he's nearly glacial at this point. Rogan is really calling out Big Country for his physique (or lack thereof). I don't know if he'd be significantly better dropping 20-30 lbs but it might make his takedowns more effective. JDS keeping up the pressure, lands the takedown (!), lets him up (as if to say, "THERE, I did it."). Even if he catches JDS at this point, it doesn't look like Roy can put down the Brazilian. Gonna be really interesting to see Junior lob that uppercut at Brock's somewhat questionable chin. JDS FTW.

WINNER AND #1 CONTENDER FOR THE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE: JDS by unanimous decision.

Match 2 - Matt Hughes vs. Ricardo Almeida

Round 1 - Lots of feeling out, with Matt looking to find the range. Almeida moving around quite a bit, Hughes showing great patience. EFFFFFFFFFFFF.... Hughes catches Almeida with a left, MATT IN FOR THE KILL. Front headlock is on tight, not quite a guillotine but Matt is cinching that thing in tight. Almeida stops for a nap. Freaking. Epic.

WINNER: THE GREATEST WELTERWEIGHT IN UFC HISTORY (for now) MATT HUGHES, submission by induced sleepiness... from a front facelock.

Match 3 - Clay Guida vs. Rafael Dos Anjos

Round 1 - New camp, same 'tweaker in the cage' look for Clay. (BTW, I just want to go on record as saying, Clay Guida has the best entrance music in the UFC. Bar none.) Vicious, I MEAN ABSOLUTELY VICIOUS head kick from Clay. Dos Anjos...still alive it seems. Quick exchanges for both, but Rafael hitting some mean inside leg kicks, Clay only barely able to check 'em. Clay pins Raf against the cage for a prolonged takedown attempt... no dice. Raf fires a mean punch combination, closes w/ a takedown. Was a tough fight to score midway through the round but the round ends definitely for Dos Anjos. 10-9 Dos Anjos.

Round 2 - I'll admit I was mildly distracted throughly Round 2 ("OOH a piece o' candy..."). I do manage to catch Clay landing a takedown toward the end of the round. Obviously, if Clay's gonna overtake Raf in this fight he's gonna have to take this fight to the ground. GUESTIMATE: 10-9 clay.

Round 3 - Clay quickly takes it to the mat and then... tap out? Really? Looks like Dos Anjos could've broken his jaw and the pressure from Clay just put it over the top.

WINNER: Clay Guida by submission (breaking face).

Btw, the celebrity/sponsor shoutouts... Clay Guida is open for business.

James Toney Interview - Lights Out rocking standard mma D-bag attire (Who says he doesn't fit in?!) ... mumbles unintelligible trash talk, possibly calls Randy Couture 'princess' in the process... instructs Randy to 'pay the electric bill... or he'll turn out the lights.' The one and only James Toney!

Pre-recorded filler: Stefan Struve v. H.P. Lovecraft (or Morecraft... whatever, he's Crafty)

Round 1 - Ok, so Struve is approx. 6'12''... give or take. I don't know how anyone ever hits him in the face w/o jumping but somehow... they do. Christian Morecraft (finally got a clue from Mr. Rogan) gets Struve to the mat and starts doing work from the guard on the Scandanavian Stringbean Struve (no applause). Solid hammerfists, pretty good assortment of punches from Morecraft. Round pretty much repeats as such. 10-9 Morecraft.

Round 2 - Okay, Morecraft is demoted to Lovecraft once more. Rather than take the fight to the mat, Lovecraft decides it's a good move to stand and trade w/ a guy 3 inches taller and roughly 2 feet of reach on him. Bombs from all angles until Struve lands a vicious straight right that drops Lovecraft. 37 punches on the ground and Herb Dean says no soup for you, Lovey.

WINNER: Struve by knockout (and horseshoe up his ass).

Co-Main Event: Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves (#1 contendership at stake)

*Alves is over by a half pound, gives up 20% of his purse, none of his lunch.

Round 1 - Say what you will about Jon's style, I would LOVE to see him get another crack at GSP. As calculated as St. Pierre is, Fitch seems equally up to the task technically. Fitch basically leads off the round on Thiago's back. Fitch gets stuffed on the takedown but he's switching position continuously... tenacious until he gets it. Alves powers out into a reversal but Fitch does well controlling the guard. Fight moves back to standing and Jon seems content to exchange... shocker (really). Pretty crisp shots from both. 10-9 Jon...easy.

Round 2 - Stepped away to watch this one closer. Jon just controlled the positioning throughout. 10-9 Grizzly man.

Round 3 - Thiago trying to get loose but can't seem to get out of the blocks. I can't believe how many times Thiago has driven forward yet he still manages to let Jon get around to his back. Another trip, another 3 mins on the mat. Fitch looks to close w/ a RNC but Thiago manages to Hulk out and end up on top. A little fidgeting about but no danger for either side. Fitchy finishes w/ a clean sweep. 10-9 for the unanimous decision.

WINNER: Jon Jon Phenonmenon (unanimously I might add).

Main Event: UFC Middleweight Championship - Spider Silva vs. Congressman Sonnen

I'll go on record as saying I despise Spider. Ever since the Maia fight. His record of jackassery in the octagon makes my head hurt. That said, I care very little about the Congressman from Oregon. While Chael's been entertaining in the build up for this fight, I can't imagine this Fox News poster boy rocking the belt. So basically, this is the perfect scenario in that... I care nothing about the outcome of this fight. I just want a good fight. Hopefully, this is the the math...

A motivated Spider + trash talking nut that's NOT his countryman = highlight reel knockout finality.

Round 1 - Josh Rosenthal, you are now the one seed. Don't blow it.

Ok, two minutes in... and I have no words. Be back after the fight.

So... Spidey... how's that chin? Is your spider sense going crazy? 10-9 AMERICA.

Round 2 - Gambling Spider = Sonnen takedown. Solid top control from Chael for much of the round but Spider is defending well. Not nearly as many clear shots from Chael. Still, scary how ineffective Spider has been from every angle. Silva goes for a couple quick submission attempts as the round closes, with little to no significant threat. 10-9 White Floyd Mayweather.

Round 3 - Razzle dazzle moment of the round: spinning back heel from Spider to kick things off.

Other than that, more of the same, i.e. Spider gambles w/ some shots, Chael lands the takedown, freeze frame. Not that we're seeing Chael lay-and-pray but Spider has really just been unable to escape. Again, solid guard from Spider but the round goes to Chael, 10-9.

Round 4 - Trouble in the heartland, as Silva comes out swinging. Short elbow buckles Sonnen. Silva seems to realize he needs to pull something out of his ass to win this fight, and he's taking a LOT of chances. Spider ends up on top of Sonnen after a failed takedown attempt but Sonnen suddenly finds Jesus and turns Silva over for the reversal. Unreal. Round closes much like the previous three. I'll give Spider a token round here just based on the damage he caused at the start of the round, then toward the end. Could go either way on the score cards though. 10-9 the Curitaba Peter Parker.

Round 5 - I have no words... again. Silva pulled a rabbit out of his ass... and by rabbit I mean triangle.

WINNER: SILVA. by miracle.

Flying Fail

an ode to flying...

just returned from a short work-related jaunt to the city of chi but alas, even the neatest of excursions can fall apart w/ just a few bad turns at the airport. as such...

• a thank you to the united crew of flight 976... for managing to land early at dulles, even after taking off late. your fine work made me forget the flight to chicago. hail to thee.
• a 'go screw' to the retards who inhabited my plane... your listless lingering in the aisles prior to takeoff, followed by your bulldozing of others (myself included) as we deplaned, made for an awful beginning and end to my flight.
• and finally, a 'go fornicate the nearest electrical socket' to the ground crew at dulles... your incessant lollygagging turned an early arrival into an hour long wait at the baggage claim, with little to no explanation to speak of. i think i speak for many when i say... eat me.

on that note, night world!