Well, it's about that time again. Sometimes I think Superbowl Sunday should be considered a national holiday even though it's on Sunday anyway. How many people have ever gone to a Superbowl party even if you never even watched the game? Just like the BCS Championship game, the Superbowl is bitter-sweet for me because it means that football has ended for another year and won't be back until late July when teams report for training camp. The Monday after the Superbowl, I usually have a bit of a deflated feeling.
I really don't have a huge rooting interest this year. Of course being the Cowboys fan that I am, there are certain teams I just don't EVER root for. The Steelers are one of those teams. And on the other side is the Arizona Cardinals...I still have a hard time believing that one after they gave up 50 pts in a game this season and finished the season losing 4 of their final 6 games. But, since bad guys wear black (like the Steelers do), I will be rooting on the Cardinals although I'm not sure they have much of a chance. However, I didn't think the New Yawk Giants would beat New England last year so who knows what will happen.
I don't have a ton of thoughts on the big game but I know that for AZ to have any shot in the game their defense is going to have to continue to play at the high level they have in the playoffs. We know the Steelers have the #1 ranked defense, in every category, so they will naturally be playing at a high level. But since Pittsburgh's main offensive weapon, Hines Ward, will be about 75%, they really don't have much of anything, offensively that scares me. The Cardinals need to get pressure on Roethlisberger and hopefully that will translate into a turnover or two. That's the only way I think AZ stays in the game.
Even though AZ has a potent passing attack, I think Pittsburgh's defense will do a good enough job to contain AZ's offense. I don't think AZ's passing attack with Kurt Warner and the freakish Larry Fitzgerald will be stopped but I think they can be, and will be limited, turning the game into a defensive battle for the most part.
Unfortunately, in the end I think Pittsburgh will make a few more more plays than AZ and will emerge with their 6th Lombardi Trophy. Blah...I sure hope I'm wrong.
My prediction: Steelers 27, Arizon 20
For those that could care less about anything I've said so far (for example, my beautiful wife), here is the other reason people go to Superbowl parties...to watch the commercials. Below are some of the more memorable commercials run during the Superbowl. How many of these do you remember?
"Mean" Joe Greene Coke Commercial...
Terry Tate, Office Linebacker (my favorite)...
Jordan/Bird McD's Commercial...
The king of all Superbowl Commercials, the one that started it all - 1984 Macintosh...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Well, At Least Filthadelphia Isn't Playing for the Super Bowl
Well, I have somewhat of a rooting interest in the Super Bowl this year as it looks like it’s going to be the Cardinals and the Steelers playing for the Lombardi Trophy on February 1st. Arizona gained only the 5th playoff victory in franchise history on Sunday when they beat Fithadelphia 32-25. The Cardinals’ only other wins were the 1947 NFL Championship (then the Chicago Cardinals), at Dallas in the first round of the 1998 postseason, and then this post season over Atlanta in the first round and Carolina in the second round. The worst case scenario, for me, would have been if Filthadelphia and Pittsburgh would have both won. If that had been the case, I don’t even know if I would have watched…seriously. I do think that Arizona being there kind of cheapens the SB a little. Maybe I'm just an elitist, I don't know. But that being said, I will be rooting on Arizona to pull off the massive upset. Hopefully they’ve got one more piece of magic left in them.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how it could have gone so bad for Dallas when it looked like they had the bass ring right in front of them…all they had to do was reach out and take it. I am a Cowboys fan whether they are 1-15, SB Champs and everywhere in between. But I also try to be a realist and objective…or as objective as I can be. And seeing how other teams are run from the top down and seeing what has become of the Cowboys over the past couple of months, I am now convinced (and, believe me, I hope I’m wrong) that Dallas will not win another SB unless Jerry changes how he runs the team, period…and I don’t think he will do that anytime in the near future. So it could be a long, long wait before we see Dallas in another SB.
Last season, I just KNEW the Cowboys were going to the SB and for them to lose like they did was like getting punched in the stomach. It's funny how this year's Giants season mirrors last year's Cowboys season...almost exactly. Both teams started out white hot and didn't look like they could be beat. Both team secured the #1 seed with several weeks to go in the regular season. But then both teams lost 3 of their final four games and both teams lost in their 1st game of the playoffs in the Divisional round. However, that is where their similarities stop as the Giants organization has leadership, accountability and promise for the future. The current Cowboys organization has none of that.
Being a fan of the Cowboys, I despise the Pittsburgh Steelers. But in all honesty, I do admire the way they run their organization. The last 40 years, they have had 3 coaches…just 3. The Steelers organization gives their coaches autonomy and empowers them to do their job. I recently heard a quote from the Steelers 2nd year head coach, Mike Tomlin (who I’ve heard body doubles for actor Omar Epps), when asked about his coaching style. This is what Tomlin said: “I coach, they play…that’s it.” I see each player in that organization come off the field and Tomlin gives them a confident look in the eye and shakes their hand. You can just tell that even though he is young and hasn’t been the head coach very long, he has the respect and attention of every player in that locker room and, unfortunately, I fully expect them to win their 6th SB. However, I am less optimistic that Dallas will win a SB anytime in the near future.
The only 2 NFC teams NOT to win a playoff game in the past 12 years: Dallas and Detroit. Yes, the same Detroit team that was the first team in the history of the NFL to go 0-16. The same Detroit team that went 31-84 under Matt Millen. We all know that Matt Millen has become a punch line and an example of how not to run a team. However, in that span of time with Jerry running the team, Dallas win percentage may be higher than Detroit but the Cowboys have the exact same number of playoff wins...0. So, why is Millen the only laughing stock here? Why isn’t Jerry’s name along side Millen? Let’s put this in perspective, shall we? In the last 12 years, 25 of the 32 NFL teams have won at least ONE playoff game. Here are the teams that haven’t: Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Buffalo, Houston (who only because a team in ’02) and Dallas. That is the company the Cowboys share. If that doesn’t open your eyes, I don’t know what does. Answer this question: based on his body of work as the Cowboys G.M. (which is what Millen was in Detroit), do you think Jerry could get hired by ANY other team in the NFL as their G.M.? If you come up with a single team that would hire Jones as their G.M., then I’ve got some prized beach front property to sell you located in Odessa, TX.
Sometimes, I really think that last SB that Dallas won in '96 was horrible for the franchise because it fooled Jerry into thinking he can do it his way and put a figure head, lame duck coach in and win...he can't. That '96 team was one of the greats of all time with, arguably, more talent than any other team at the time. That team had been built by Jimmy and everyone knew, and still does know, it. It’s just not the same today. All the discipline that Parcells instilled in his 4 years in Dallas has completely evaporated in half that time. And I lay it at the feet of Jerry who is running this team like it's his Fantasy Football team which will not work. You can’t go out an sign every big name free agent and just think they are going to win the championship.
An organization full of stars does not make a team. Case in point is the Yankees. How many World Series titles have the Yankees won since their last title in ’00? None. And they consistently sign the biggest pitchers and free agents EVERY year to huge contracts. But just because they have the best players on their team doesn’t mean the TEAM is united in purpose and goals. And as much as I despise them as well, look at the New England Patriots and how they run their team. Year after year, they lose player after player to free agency (good players too) and yet they still find a way to keep winning. When their QB goes down for the season in their 1st game, they still manage to win 11 games. That is the definition of a single minded TEAM.
The Cowboys are a bunch of spoiled petulant children who throw tantrums, pout, and go run to mommy when they think things aren’t fair. The team (notice small letters) as presently constructed has no spine, no heart and no stomach for a fight. The players don’t respect the coaches (or some of them), the coaches don’t respect the players (or some of them) and the players don’t respect the players. What kind of a team is that? It’s a team that finished exactly where they should have at 9-7 and they were probably lucky to finish with that. And Jerry wants to bring this set of coaches and players back next year? What?!?!? What am I missing here? How in the world does Jerry think this will work? It won’t and this organization with such a rich history will be relegated to another year of sitting at home and wondering what could have been.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how it could have gone so bad for Dallas when it looked like they had the bass ring right in front of them…all they had to do was reach out and take it. I am a Cowboys fan whether they are 1-15, SB Champs and everywhere in between. But I also try to be a realist and objective…or as objective as I can be. And seeing how other teams are run from the top down and seeing what has become of the Cowboys over the past couple of months, I am now convinced (and, believe me, I hope I’m wrong) that Dallas will not win another SB unless Jerry changes how he runs the team, period…and I don’t think he will do that anytime in the near future. So it could be a long, long wait before we see Dallas in another SB.
Last season, I just KNEW the Cowboys were going to the SB and for them to lose like they did was like getting punched in the stomach. It's funny how this year's Giants season mirrors last year's Cowboys season...almost exactly. Both teams started out white hot and didn't look like they could be beat. Both team secured the #1 seed with several weeks to go in the regular season. But then both teams lost 3 of their final four games and both teams lost in their 1st game of the playoffs in the Divisional round. However, that is where their similarities stop as the Giants organization has leadership, accountability and promise for the future. The current Cowboys organization has none of that.
Being a fan of the Cowboys, I despise the Pittsburgh Steelers. But in all honesty, I do admire the way they run their organization. The last 40 years, they have had 3 coaches…just 3. The Steelers organization gives their coaches autonomy and empowers them to do their job. I recently heard a quote from the Steelers 2nd year head coach, Mike Tomlin (who I’ve heard body doubles for actor Omar Epps), when asked about his coaching style. This is what Tomlin said: “I coach, they play…that’s it.” I see each player in that organization come off the field and Tomlin gives them a confident look in the eye and shakes their hand. You can just tell that even though he is young and hasn’t been the head coach very long, he has the respect and attention of every player in that locker room and, unfortunately, I fully expect them to win their 6th SB. However, I am less optimistic that Dallas will win a SB anytime in the near future.
The only 2 NFC teams NOT to win a playoff game in the past 12 years: Dallas and Detroit. Yes, the same Detroit team that was the first team in the history of the NFL to go 0-16. The same Detroit team that went 31-84 under Matt Millen. We all know that Matt Millen has become a punch line and an example of how not to run a team. However, in that span of time with Jerry running the team, Dallas win percentage may be higher than Detroit but the Cowboys have the exact same number of playoff wins...0. So, why is Millen the only laughing stock here? Why isn’t Jerry’s name along side Millen? Let’s put this in perspective, shall we? In the last 12 years, 25 of the 32 NFL teams have won at least ONE playoff game. Here are the teams that haven’t: Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Buffalo, Houston (who only because a team in ’02) and Dallas. That is the company the Cowboys share. If that doesn’t open your eyes, I don’t know what does. Answer this question: based on his body of work as the Cowboys G.M. (which is what Millen was in Detroit), do you think Jerry could get hired by ANY other team in the NFL as their G.M.? If you come up with a single team that would hire Jones as their G.M., then I’ve got some prized beach front property to sell you located in Odessa, TX.
Sometimes, I really think that last SB that Dallas won in '96 was horrible for the franchise because it fooled Jerry into thinking he can do it his way and put a figure head, lame duck coach in and win...he can't. That '96 team was one of the greats of all time with, arguably, more talent than any other team at the time. That team had been built by Jimmy and everyone knew, and still does know, it. It’s just not the same today. All the discipline that Parcells instilled in his 4 years in Dallas has completely evaporated in half that time. And I lay it at the feet of Jerry who is running this team like it's his Fantasy Football team which will not work. You can’t go out an sign every big name free agent and just think they are going to win the championship.
An organization full of stars does not make a team. Case in point is the Yankees. How many World Series titles have the Yankees won since their last title in ’00? None. And they consistently sign the biggest pitchers and free agents EVERY year to huge contracts. But just because they have the best players on their team doesn’t mean the TEAM is united in purpose and goals. And as much as I despise them as well, look at the New England Patriots and how they run their team. Year after year, they lose player after player to free agency (good players too) and yet they still find a way to keep winning. When their QB goes down for the season in their 1st game, they still manage to win 11 games. That is the definition of a single minded TEAM.
The Cowboys are a bunch of spoiled petulant children who throw tantrums, pout, and go run to mommy when they think things aren’t fair. The team (notice small letters) as presently constructed has no spine, no heart and no stomach for a fight. The players don’t respect the coaches (or some of them), the coaches don’t respect the players (or some of them) and the players don’t respect the players. What kind of a team is that? It’s a team that finished exactly where they should have at 9-7 and they were probably lucky to finish with that. And Jerry wants to bring this set of coaches and players back next year? What?!?!? What am I missing here? How in the world does Jerry think this will work? It won’t and this organization with such a rich history will be relegated to another year of sitting at home and wondering what could have been.
Well, At Least Filthadelphia Isn't Playing for the Super Bowl
Well, I have somewhat of a rooting interest in the Super Bowl this year as it looks like it’s going to be the Cardinals and the Steelers playing for the Lombardi Trophy on February 1st. Arizona gained only the 5th playoff victory in franchise history on Sunday when they beat Fithadelphia 32-25. The Cardinals’ only other wins were the 1947 NFL Championship (then the Chicago Cardinals), at Dallas in the first round of the 1998 postseason, and then this post season over Atlanta in the first round and Carolina in the second round. The worst case scenario, for me, would have been if Filthadelphia and Pittsburgh would have both won. If that had been the case, I don’t even know if I would have watched…seriously. I do think that Arizona being there kind of cheapens the SB a little. Maybe I'm just an elitist, I don't know. But that being said, I will be rooting on Arizona to pull off the massive upset. Hopefully they’ve got one more piece of magic left in them.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how it could have gone so bad for Dallas when it looked like they had the bass ring right in front of them…all they had to do was reach out and take it. I am a Cowboys fan whether they are 1-15, SB Champs and everywhere in between. But I also try to be a realist and objective…or as objective as I can be. And seeing how other teams are run from the top down and seeing what has become of the Cowboys over the past couple of months, I am now convinced (and, believe me, I hope I’m wrong) that Dallas will not win another SB unless Jerry changes how he runs the team, period…and I don’t think he will do that anytime in the near future. So it could be a long, long wait before we see Dallas in another SB.
Last season, I just KNEW the Cowboys were going to the SB and for them to lose like they did was like getting punched in the stomach. It's funny how this year's Giants season mirrors last year's Cowboys season...almost exactly. Both teams started out white hot and didn't look like they could be beat. Both team secured the #1 seed with several weeks to go in the regular season. But then both teams lost 3 of their final four games and both teams lost in their 1st game of the playoffs in the Divisional round. However, that is where their similarities stop as the Giants organization has leadership, accountability and promise for the future. The current Cowboys organization has none of that.
Being a fan of the Cowboys, I despise the Pittsburgh Steelers. But in all honesty, I do admire the way they run their organization. The last 40 years, they have had 3 coaches…just 3. The Steelers organization gives their coaches autonomy and empowers them to do their job. I recently heard a quote from the Steelers 2nd year head coach, Mike Tomlin (who I’ve heard body doubles for actor Omar Epps), when asked about his coaching style. This is what Tomlin said: “I coach, they play…that’s it.” I see each player in that organization come off the field and Tomlin gives them a confident look in the eye and shakes their hand. You can just tell that even though he is young and hasn’t been the head coach very long, he has the respect and attention of every player in that locker room and, unfortunately, I fully expect them to win their 6th SB. However, I am less optimistic that Dallas will win a SB anytime in the near future.
The only 2 NFC teams NOT to win a playoff game in the past 12 years: Dallas and Detroit. Yes, the same Detroit team that was the first team in the history of the NFL to go 0-16. The same Detroit team that went 31-84 under Matt Millen. We all know that Matt Millen has become a punch line and an example of how not to run a team. However, in that span of time with Jerry running the team, Dallas win percentage may be higher than Detroit but the Cowboys have the exact same number of playoff wins...0. So, why is Millen the only laughing stock here? Why isn’t Jerry’s name along side Millen? Let’s put this in perspective, shall we? In the last 12 years, 25 of the 32 NFL teams have won at least ONE playoff game. Here are the teams that haven’t: Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Buffalo, Houston (who only because a team in ’02) and Dallas. That is the company the Cowboys share. If that doesn’t open your eyes, I don’t know what does. Answer this question: based on his body of work as the Cowboys G.M. (which is what Millen was in Detroit), do you think Jerry could get hired by ANY other team in the NFL as their G.M.? If you come up with a single team that would hire Jones as their G.M., then I’ve got some prized beach front property to sell you located in Odessa, TX.
Sometimes, I really think that last SB that Dallas won in '96 was horrible for the franchise because it fooled Jerry into thinking he can do it his way and put a figure head, lame duck coach in and win...he can't. That '96 team was one of the greats of all time with, arguably, more talent than any other team at the time. That team had been built by Jimmy and everyone knew, and still does know, it. It’s just not the same today. All the discipline that Parcells instilled in his 4 years in Dallas has completely evaporated in half that time. And I lay it at the feet of Jerry who is running this team like it's his Fantasy Football team which will not work. You can’t go out an sign every big name free agent and just think they are going to win the championship.
An organization full of stars does not make a team. Case in point is the Yankees. How many World Series titles have the Yankees won since their last title in ’01? None. And they consistently sign the biggest pitchers and free agents EVERY year to huge contracts. But just because they have the best players on their team doesn’t mean the TEAM is united in purpose and goals. And as much as I despise them as well, look at the New England Patriots and how they run their team. Year after year, they lose player after player to free agency (good players too) and yet they still find a way to keep winning. When their QB goes down for the season in their 1st game, they still manage to win 11 games. That is the definition of a single minded TEAM.
The Cowboys are a bunch of spoiled petulant children who throw tantrums, pout, and go run to mommy when they think things aren’t fair. The team (notice small letters) as presently constructed has no spine, no heart and no stomach for a fight. The players don’t respect the coaches (or some of them), the coaches don’t respect the players (or some of them) and the players don’t respect the players. What kind of a team is that? It’s a team that finished exactly where they should have at 9-7 and they were probably lucky to finish with that. And Jerry wants to bring this set of coaches and players back next year? What?!?!? What am I missing here? How in the world does Jerry think this will work? It won’t and this organization with such a rich history will be relegated to another year of sitting at home and wondering what could have been.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how it could have gone so bad for Dallas when it looked like they had the bass ring right in front of them…all they had to do was reach out and take it. I am a Cowboys fan whether they are 1-15, SB Champs and everywhere in between. But I also try to be a realist and objective…or as objective as I can be. And seeing how other teams are run from the top down and seeing what has become of the Cowboys over the past couple of months, I am now convinced (and, believe me, I hope I’m wrong) that Dallas will not win another SB unless Jerry changes how he runs the team, period…and I don’t think he will do that anytime in the near future. So it could be a long, long wait before we see Dallas in another SB.
Last season, I just KNEW the Cowboys were going to the SB and for them to lose like they did was like getting punched in the stomach. It's funny how this year's Giants season mirrors last year's Cowboys season...almost exactly. Both teams started out white hot and didn't look like they could be beat. Both team secured the #1 seed with several weeks to go in the regular season. But then both teams lost 3 of their final four games and both teams lost in their 1st game of the playoffs in the Divisional round. However, that is where their similarities stop as the Giants organization has leadership, accountability and promise for the future. The current Cowboys organization has none of that.
Being a fan of the Cowboys, I despise the Pittsburgh Steelers. But in all honesty, I do admire the way they run their organization. The last 40 years, they have had 3 coaches…just 3. The Steelers organization gives their coaches autonomy and empowers them to do their job. I recently heard a quote from the Steelers 2nd year head coach, Mike Tomlin (who I’ve heard body doubles for actor Omar Epps), when asked about his coaching style. This is what Tomlin said: “I coach, they play…that’s it.” I see each player in that organization come off the field and Tomlin gives them a confident look in the eye and shakes their hand. You can just tell that even though he is young and hasn’t been the head coach very long, he has the respect and attention of every player in that locker room and, unfortunately, I fully expect them to win their 6th SB. However, I am less optimistic that Dallas will win a SB anytime in the near future.
The only 2 NFC teams NOT to win a playoff game in the past 12 years: Dallas and Detroit. Yes, the same Detroit team that was the first team in the history of the NFL to go 0-16. The same Detroit team that went 31-84 under Matt Millen. We all know that Matt Millen has become a punch line and an example of how not to run a team. However, in that span of time with Jerry running the team, Dallas win percentage may be higher than Detroit but the Cowboys have the exact same number of playoff wins...0. So, why is Millen the only laughing stock here? Why isn’t Jerry’s name along side Millen? Let’s put this in perspective, shall we? In the last 12 years, 25 of the 32 NFL teams have won at least ONE playoff game. Here are the teams that haven’t: Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Buffalo, Houston (who only because a team in ’02) and Dallas. That is the company the Cowboys share. If that doesn’t open your eyes, I don’t know what does. Answer this question: based on his body of work as the Cowboys G.M. (which is what Millen was in Detroit), do you think Jerry could get hired by ANY other team in the NFL as their G.M.? If you come up with a single team that would hire Jones as their G.M., then I’ve got some prized beach front property to sell you located in Odessa, TX.
Sometimes, I really think that last SB that Dallas won in '96 was horrible for the franchise because it fooled Jerry into thinking he can do it his way and put a figure head, lame duck coach in and win...he can't. That '96 team was one of the greats of all time with, arguably, more talent than any other team at the time. That team had been built by Jimmy and everyone knew, and still does know, it. It’s just not the same today. All the discipline that Parcells instilled in his 4 years in Dallas has completely evaporated in half that time. And I lay it at the feet of Jerry who is running this team like it's his Fantasy Football team which will not work. You can’t go out an sign every big name free agent and just think they are going to win the championship.
An organization full of stars does not make a team. Case in point is the Yankees. How many World Series titles have the Yankees won since their last title in ’01? None. And they consistently sign the biggest pitchers and free agents EVERY year to huge contracts. But just because they have the best players on their team doesn’t mean the TEAM is united in purpose and goals. And as much as I despise them as well, look at the New England Patriots and how they run their team. Year after year, they lose player after player to free agency (good players too) and yet they still find a way to keep winning. When their QB goes down for the season in their 1st game, they still manage to win 11 games. That is the definition of a single minded TEAM.
The Cowboys are a bunch of spoiled petulant children who throw tantrums, pout, and go run to mommy when they think things aren’t fair. The team (notice small letters) as presently constructed has no spine, no heart and no stomach for a fight. The players don’t respect the coaches (or some of them), the coaches don’t respect the players (or some of them) and the players don’t respect the players. What kind of a team is that? It’s a team that finished exactly where they should have at 9-7 and they were probably lucky to finish with that. And Jerry wants to bring this set of coaches and players back next year? What?!?!? What am I missing here? How in the world does Jerry think this will work? It won’t and this organization with such a rich history will be relegated to another year of sitting at home and wondering what could have been.
Friday, January 9, 2009
That’s 3 for the SEC
The SEC showed it’s dominance, once again, over the college landscape last night as the conference won it’s 3rd consecutive national title in a row with Florida defeating OU 24-14. OU came into the game scoring at least 60 points it’s 5 last games of the season and set an NCAA record for most points scored in a season with 702. However, I suspected that Florida’s defense would probably be the reason they would win but didn’t know they would do as good a job against OU’s vaunted offense as they did.
Florida’s limited OU to only 14 points and forced 2 turnovers deep in their own territory. Oklahoma had a first-and-goal at the 9 midway through the second quarter and OU RB Chris Brown carried four straight times but the Gators held, twice stuffing him from the 1 yard line. The other turnover came with 10 second left in the first half and Bradford’s pass to Johnson was tipped at the goal line and intercepted by Florida. Those two turnovers proved to be the deciding factors. You just can’t get down on the opponent’s 1 yard line and goal line, respectively, and come away with nothing…not in the national championship game.
I also thought a special teams play might be a determining factor in the game and Florida didn’t let me down there either. With about 4 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, OU had a 4th down at the 32 yard line so Stoops trotted out the field goal team to attempt a 49 yard field goal. I really thought it was a given that OU would get the field goal so I was only half way paying attention to the play. However, Florida’s line busted through and blocked the attempt and recovered the ball. And even Florida didn’t gain many yards and had to punt the ball back, I little bit more of OU’s wind was taken out of their sail on that blocked punt. In the end, OU’s offense never really seems to get into the groove that they normally are accustomed to.
Even though I enjoyed watching a close national championship game between two college football powerhouses I do have to wonder how FOX, who has done NFL games for 15 years now, can roll out such a bush-league presentation of the national championship? And not really just last night’s game but all the BCS games FOX telecast were poor quality. The only exception I can think of was the Sugar Bowl only because Darryl Johnston and Kenny Albert did the game. But it wasn’t great.
The commentators, last night, didn’t seem all that interested in the game, got the down and distance wrong a couple of time and seemed over-the-top complimentary of Tim Tebow. Don’t get me wrong, I think Tebow is a great player and great role model but come on…the over praising of him was beginning to turn my stomach at bit. I’ll be looking forward to the BCS next season as ESPN will be telecasting the BCS games and we won’t be subject to the lackluster presentations FOX gave us.
The Heisman Trophy winner certainly hasn’t done very well this decade in the bowl game after they won the award, which has usually been the national championship game. Consider the following:
-‘00 Heisman winner, Chris Weinke of Florida St., lost to OU in the BCS Champ. game
-‘01 Heisman winner, Eric Crouch of Nebraska, lost to Miami in the BCS Champ. game
-‘03 Heisman winner, Jason White of OU, lost to USC in the BCS Champ. game
-‘05 Heisman winner, Reggie Bush of USC, lost to Texas in the BCS Champ. game
-‘06 Heisman winner, Troy Smith of Ohio St., lost to Florida in the BCS Champ. game
-‘08 Heisman winner, Sam Bradford of OU, lost to Florida in the BCS Champ. game
Only the ’04 Heisman winner, Matt Leinart of USC, won BCS Championship after winning the Heisman when USC beat OU.
The championship game is always bitter-sweet for me (as is the Super Bowl) as it signals the end of college football for another year. However, today sits a little better with me as the SEC is once again on top.
Florida’s limited OU to only 14 points and forced 2 turnovers deep in their own territory. Oklahoma had a first-and-goal at the 9 midway through the second quarter and OU RB Chris Brown carried four straight times but the Gators held, twice stuffing him from the 1 yard line. The other turnover came with 10 second left in the first half and Bradford’s pass to Johnson was tipped at the goal line and intercepted by Florida. Those two turnovers proved to be the deciding factors. You just can’t get down on the opponent’s 1 yard line and goal line, respectively, and come away with nothing…not in the national championship game.
I also thought a special teams play might be a determining factor in the game and Florida didn’t let me down there either. With about 4 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, OU had a 4th down at the 32 yard line so Stoops trotted out the field goal team to attempt a 49 yard field goal. I really thought it was a given that OU would get the field goal so I was only half way paying attention to the play. However, Florida’s line busted through and blocked the attempt and recovered the ball. And even Florida didn’t gain many yards and had to punt the ball back, I little bit more of OU’s wind was taken out of their sail on that blocked punt. In the end, OU’s offense never really seems to get into the groove that they normally are accustomed to.
Even though I enjoyed watching a close national championship game between two college football powerhouses I do have to wonder how FOX, who has done NFL games for 15 years now, can roll out such a bush-league presentation of the national championship? And not really just last night’s game but all the BCS games FOX telecast were poor quality. The only exception I can think of was the Sugar Bowl only because Darryl Johnston and Kenny Albert did the game. But it wasn’t great.
The commentators, last night, didn’t seem all that interested in the game, got the down and distance wrong a couple of time and seemed over-the-top complimentary of Tim Tebow. Don’t get me wrong, I think Tebow is a great player and great role model but come on…the over praising of him was beginning to turn my stomach at bit. I’ll be looking forward to the BCS next season as ESPN will be telecasting the BCS games and we won’t be subject to the lackluster presentations FOX gave us.
The Heisman Trophy winner certainly hasn’t done very well this decade in the bowl game after they won the award, which has usually been the national championship game. Consider the following:
-‘00 Heisman winner, Chris Weinke of Florida St., lost to OU in the BCS Champ. game
-‘01 Heisman winner, Eric Crouch of Nebraska, lost to Miami in the BCS Champ. game
-‘03 Heisman winner, Jason White of OU, lost to USC in the BCS Champ. game
-‘05 Heisman winner, Reggie Bush of USC, lost to Texas in the BCS Champ. game
-‘06 Heisman winner, Troy Smith of Ohio St., lost to Florida in the BCS Champ. game
-‘08 Heisman winner, Sam Bradford of OU, lost to Florida in the BCS Champ. game
Only the ’04 Heisman winner, Matt Leinart of USC, won BCS Championship after winning the Heisman when USC beat OU.
The championship game is always bitter-sweet for me (as is the Super Bowl) as it signals the end of college football for another year. However, today sits a little better with me as the SEC is once again on top.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My Annual Bowl/BCS Thoughts
This year’s bowl season has been somewhat lackluster for me. Really, the past few have as well. I think this is due in part to the fact that over half the D-I teams get bowl bids…over half. The requirements for a bowl bid are just to have 6 wins over D-I teams. That typically means that if any D-I team go 6-6 (since most teams now play 12 games), then they qualify for a bowl game. Back in the day, the bowl games actually meant something because there were less of them. Now, the powerhouse teams of Florida Atlantic and Central Michigan got to go to a bowl. And the schools that go to these “minor” bowls end up losing money in the process because a portion of the bowl payout goes to the conference and then whatever is left over goes to paying all the expenses of sending the team, cheerleaders, band, etc. to the bowl. I don’t know, maybe I’m just a little bitter because my alma mater (Mississippi State Univ.) didn’t get to go to a bowl but, to me, the bowl season would be better if half of these smaller bowls would just go away. But they will go away when D-I college football gets a playoff up and going...which means never.
Even the BCS bowls this year have been a little lackluster in my opinion. The Rose Bowl was a bit of a yawner because at no time, even before the game started, was it in doubt. I like Penn St. (they are one of the few northeastern teams I do like) but they just got drilled by the University of Spoiled Children. The Big 10 has an awful record this year in the bowls (1-6) and the Rose Bowl was no exception.
The Orange Bowl featured two teams in Virginia Tech and Cincinnati (still can’t believe Cincinnati made it to a BCS bowl) that don’t have huge fan bases so there probably wasn’t a ton of people that watched. I watched a little of it but, besides the fact I didn’t care about the teams, the game was boring anyway.
The Sugar Bowl was a bit of a surprise because Alabama, a team that held the #1 ranking for 5 weeks during the season, got smoked by Utah. Utah?!?! I mean no disrespect to Utah because they will be the ONLY D-I school with an undefeated record this year. But I didn’t see that coming. No fluke either…Utah just whipped the Tide in every facet of the game. I think it was pretty obvious that ‘Bama’s bubble burst when they got beat by Florida in the SEC Championship game so instead of playing OU for the national championship, they were playing Utah in the Sugar Bowl. That was not the same Alabama team I saw during the season and if they played Utah 10 times, I would bank on the Tide winning 8 of them. So, my SEC banner lowered just a bit with that one.
However, the Fiesta Bowl made for up for the other 3 BCS bowls as Texas got a late touchdown to beat Ohio St. 24-21. The first half of the game was a little tedious as both teams could only manage to score field goals…2 for the Buckeyes and 1 for the Longhorns. In the 3rd quarter, Texas turned up the heat, as well as speed, and scored 2 touchdowns while Ohio St. only managed another field goal. However, Ohio St. returned fire in the 4th quarter and scored 2 touchdowns themselves (and subsequently went for a 2 point conversion both times and failed both times) with the 2nd coming in the last 2 minutes of the game. So, the Longhorns marched right down the field and McCoy hit Cosby for a TD with just 16 seconds left. This was definitely the best of the 4 BCS bowls.
Tonight though is the last college football game of the season…the BCS national championship. The game will feature OU and Florida, the champs of the two best conferences, who will meet for the first time ever. Both the Sooners and Gators have powerful offenses (respectively ranked #3 and #17 nationally) but I think this game will hinge on which defense can better defend the other’s offense.
This is where I think Florida has an edge as Florida has the nations #8 ranked defense whereas OU’s defense is ranked #63 nationally. I know that OU went up against high powered offenses from the Big XII all season and as a result, their defensive ranking took a hit. With that being said, I think OU defense is adequate but not great. I mean, TX A&M put 28 points up on OU and their offense was only ranked #77 overall. Florida’s defense will present more speed than just about anyone OU has faced all year. However, if OU can run the ball effectively, that can neutralize some of Florida’s speed and aggressiveness. This may be easier said than done because OU’s starting RB, DeMarco Murray, has been ruled out of the game. Even without him though, OU is a potent crew. They have scored more than 60 points in five consecutive games, three against ranked teams, which had never happened before. But that was done against defenses of the Big XII and not a defense of the caliber of Florida’s.
The SEC has won 3 BCS national titles in the last 5 years, including the last 2. And when this game is done, I think the SEC will have won 4 titles in the last 6 years including the last 3. I think Florida’s defense will be able to handle OU offense better than OU’s defense will handle Florida’s offense. I do expect there to be quite a few points scored though.
My prediction: Florida 37, OU 30.
Even the BCS bowls this year have been a little lackluster in my opinion. The Rose Bowl was a bit of a yawner because at no time, even before the game started, was it in doubt. I like Penn St. (they are one of the few northeastern teams I do like) but they just got drilled by the University of Spoiled Children. The Big 10 has an awful record this year in the bowls (1-6) and the Rose Bowl was no exception.
The Orange Bowl featured two teams in Virginia Tech and Cincinnati (still can’t believe Cincinnati made it to a BCS bowl) that don’t have huge fan bases so there probably wasn’t a ton of people that watched. I watched a little of it but, besides the fact I didn’t care about the teams, the game was boring anyway.
The Sugar Bowl was a bit of a surprise because Alabama, a team that held the #1 ranking for 5 weeks during the season, got smoked by Utah. Utah?!?! I mean no disrespect to Utah because they will be the ONLY D-I school with an undefeated record this year. But I didn’t see that coming. No fluke either…Utah just whipped the Tide in every facet of the game. I think it was pretty obvious that ‘Bama’s bubble burst when they got beat by Florida in the SEC Championship game so instead of playing OU for the national championship, they were playing Utah in the Sugar Bowl. That was not the same Alabama team I saw during the season and if they played Utah 10 times, I would bank on the Tide winning 8 of them. So, my SEC banner lowered just a bit with that one.
However, the Fiesta Bowl made for up for the other 3 BCS bowls as Texas got a late touchdown to beat Ohio St. 24-21. The first half of the game was a little tedious as both teams could only manage to score field goals…2 for the Buckeyes and 1 for the Longhorns. In the 3rd quarter, Texas turned up the heat, as well as speed, and scored 2 touchdowns while Ohio St. only managed another field goal. However, Ohio St. returned fire in the 4th quarter and scored 2 touchdowns themselves (and subsequently went for a 2 point conversion both times and failed both times) with the 2nd coming in the last 2 minutes of the game. So, the Longhorns marched right down the field and McCoy hit Cosby for a TD with just 16 seconds left. This was definitely the best of the 4 BCS bowls.
Tonight though is the last college football game of the season…the BCS national championship. The game will feature OU and Florida, the champs of the two best conferences, who will meet for the first time ever. Both the Sooners and Gators have powerful offenses (respectively ranked #3 and #17 nationally) but I think this game will hinge on which defense can better defend the other’s offense.
This is where I think Florida has an edge as Florida has the nations #8 ranked defense whereas OU’s defense is ranked #63 nationally. I know that OU went up against high powered offenses from the Big XII all season and as a result, their defensive ranking took a hit. With that being said, I think OU defense is adequate but not great. I mean, TX A&M put 28 points up on OU and their offense was only ranked #77 overall. Florida’s defense will present more speed than just about anyone OU has faced all year. However, if OU can run the ball effectively, that can neutralize some of Florida’s speed and aggressiveness. This may be easier said than done because OU’s starting RB, DeMarco Murray, has been ruled out of the game. Even without him though, OU is a potent crew. They have scored more than 60 points in five consecutive games, three against ranked teams, which had never happened before. But that was done against defenses of the Big XII and not a defense of the caliber of Florida’s.
The SEC has won 3 BCS national titles in the last 5 years, including the last 2. And when this game is done, I think the SEC will have won 4 titles in the last 6 years including the last 3. I think Florida’s defense will be able to handle OU offense better than OU’s defense will handle Florida’s offense. I do expect there to be quite a few points scored though.
My prediction: Florida 37, OU 30.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Future Coaching/Leadership for the Cowboys
Make no mistake about it, I think Wade Phillips should go…today. Wade is a nice guy and a heck of a defensive coordinator but he, like a host of others, is not a good head coach. The head coach needs to exude leadership in the face of adversity…I don’t think Wade does that. The times that Dallas has been behind in games, I haven’t seen anything from him that leads me to believe he is the “William Wallace” leader the team needs. He stands over there, looking like Elmer Fudd, showing little emotion and/or enthusiasm. With 7:43 seconds left in the 4th quarter of last Sunday’s game, Dallas was trailing 44-3 and was stopped from completing a 3rd down conversion. At that point, Wade knew (just like EVERONE else watching on tv and in the stadium) that Dallas had lost the game. So what does he do…he sends the field goal team out there to kick a field goal to make the score 44-6. What good was that? What’s the difference in 44-6 and 44-3, if they had missed picking up the 4th down conversion? The Cowboys weren’t going to win the game anyway. To me, that was a gutless call.
The head coach needs to make good decisions in regard to leading the team…I don’t think Wade does enough of that. In ’07, Wade sat a lot of the starters for the final game in Washington because the Cowboys had already secured the #1 overall seed in the playoffs and a loss to the Deadskins wouldn’t change that. As a result, Dallas got rolled 27-6. Now, compare that to how Tom Coughlin handled the Giants last game in ’07 and ’08. In ’07, the Giants had already secured their spot in the playoffs and a win or loss in their final game would do nothing to change their seeding. They were playing the mighty, undefeated Patriots at home and Coughlin played all the starters the full game. The Giants played toe to toe with New England but ended up losing in the last few minutes of the game however many Giants players said that game built tremendous confidence which ended up taking them to the Super Bowl where they met the same Patriot team and ultimately defeated them. This year, New York had secured the #1 overall seed and played their final game in Minnesota against a Vikings team that really needed to win to cement their playoff birth. The Giants played their starters a full half and the rest of the team played balls to the wall but ended up losing on a last second field goal to the Vikings. However, that result is vastly different that getting torched 27-6. Coughlin made a decision, both years, to play to win their final game and it showed in his team’s performance.
The head coach needs to call the shots on the sideline. In the game last week, Dallas came up on a 4th and 1. After Elmer Fudd waivered a bit, he finally sent the punting team out on the field. Romo, waived off the punting team, went for the 4th down and made it (which I thought they should have done anyway). When Romo waived off the punting team, Wade just stood there looking confused but didn’t send the punting team back out or call time out or anything. Basically, it looked like he let Romo take charge of the team and contradict what he had directed. Now I ask you, had that been Bill Parcells or Jimmy Johnson, would that have flown? Not in a million years. I’m not advocating trying to get Parcells back but rather just showing what a solid head coach would have done in that situation.
I, like A LOT of others, think Wade needs to go but I don't think he will. Jerry kind of painted himself into a corner when he came out BEFORE the Filthadelphia game and said that Wade would be the coach next year. I don't think Jerry thought they would lose that game, nor play that poorly. But even after that game, Jerry has come out and emphatically said that he won't be changing head coaches because he thinks the continuity provides Dallas with its best chance to win. That doesn't mean that Jerry can't change his mind but, with what he has said to this point about it, I would be surprised if he fires Wade. To date, the only coach I'm aware of being fired was the special teams coach (which really should have been fired after the Arizona game this year).
Jerry heads into the off season shaking his head that this collection of talent won only nine games, while Miami, who was 1-15 last year, went 11-5. To add salt to the wound, the Dolphins’ turnaround was orchestrated by former Dallas folks, namely Parcells and coach Tony Sparano, who was among the people passed over when Jones hired Phillips and made Jason Garrett the offensive coordinator in 2007. Dallas has as much, if not more, talent than any other team in the NFL. But just because they have collected an impressive roster of individual players does not mean they will gel together and become a team with a single minded purpose.
Here's an example. You may or may not remember this but I remember the '99 Redskins team with a new young, smug owner named Daniel Snyder. They signed a ton of high profile, high priced free agents that off season (Mark Carrier, Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders and Jeff George to name a few) and also just drafted LaVar Arrington, Chris Samuels and a few others. They were the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl before the season started. Sound familiar Cowboys fans? And their season ended EXACTLY like Dallas' did except I believe they finished 8-8 or even 7-9. The point is that chemistry counts for something and that generally treating a real team like a fantasy team doesn't necessarily work. That has been shown in baseball and basketball as well (except for the '95 Marlins who won the World Series).
There has to be changes no matter who is coaching though. Accountability is huge and not really present for the Cowboys. That is particularly evident in the fact that the Cowboys were the most penalized team in the NFL this year. Wade is big on saying that he is accountable for the penalties which to a certain extent is good because the players know their coach has their back and won’t throw them under the bus. But also, the players know Wade won’t throw them under the bus so they can commit stupid penalties and know they aren’t going to get publicly blasted their coach for them. So many players have gotten huge contracts where, if they stopped playing today, they would be set for life (provided they manage their money wisely). The team is being paid like a championship team without the championship pedigree...they haven't even won a playoff game in a dozen years now. No one fears the loss of their job and that makes for lackluster, uninspired play on the field which we saw in Filthadelphia. Both Jerry and Wade have said that they can, and are, going to each change in the way they approach and handle the team. Not sure what that means but hopefully more accountability will be part of that.
The head coach needs to make good decisions in regard to leading the team…I don’t think Wade does enough of that. In ’07, Wade sat a lot of the starters for the final game in Washington because the Cowboys had already secured the #1 overall seed in the playoffs and a loss to the Deadskins wouldn’t change that. As a result, Dallas got rolled 27-6. Now, compare that to how Tom Coughlin handled the Giants last game in ’07 and ’08. In ’07, the Giants had already secured their spot in the playoffs and a win or loss in their final game would do nothing to change their seeding. They were playing the mighty, undefeated Patriots at home and Coughlin played all the starters the full game. The Giants played toe to toe with New England but ended up losing in the last few minutes of the game however many Giants players said that game built tremendous confidence which ended up taking them to the Super Bowl where they met the same Patriot team and ultimately defeated them. This year, New York had secured the #1 overall seed and played their final game in Minnesota against a Vikings team that really needed to win to cement their playoff birth. The Giants played their starters a full half and the rest of the team played balls to the wall but ended up losing on a last second field goal to the Vikings. However, that result is vastly different that getting torched 27-6. Coughlin made a decision, both years, to play to win their final game and it showed in his team’s performance.
The head coach needs to call the shots on the sideline. In the game last week, Dallas came up on a 4th and 1. After Elmer Fudd waivered a bit, he finally sent the punting team out on the field. Romo, waived off the punting team, went for the 4th down and made it (which I thought they should have done anyway). When Romo waived off the punting team, Wade just stood there looking confused but didn’t send the punting team back out or call time out or anything. Basically, it looked like he let Romo take charge of the team and contradict what he had directed. Now I ask you, had that been Bill Parcells or Jimmy Johnson, would that have flown? Not in a million years. I’m not advocating trying to get Parcells back but rather just showing what a solid head coach would have done in that situation.
I, like A LOT of others, think Wade needs to go but I don't think he will. Jerry kind of painted himself into a corner when he came out BEFORE the Filthadelphia game and said that Wade would be the coach next year. I don't think Jerry thought they would lose that game, nor play that poorly. But even after that game, Jerry has come out and emphatically said that he won't be changing head coaches because he thinks the continuity provides Dallas with its best chance to win. That doesn't mean that Jerry can't change his mind but, with what he has said to this point about it, I would be surprised if he fires Wade. To date, the only coach I'm aware of being fired was the special teams coach (which really should have been fired after the Arizona game this year).
Jerry heads into the off season shaking his head that this collection of talent won only nine games, while Miami, who was 1-15 last year, went 11-5. To add salt to the wound, the Dolphins’ turnaround was orchestrated by former Dallas folks, namely Parcells and coach Tony Sparano, who was among the people passed over when Jones hired Phillips and made Jason Garrett the offensive coordinator in 2007. Dallas has as much, if not more, talent than any other team in the NFL. But just because they have collected an impressive roster of individual players does not mean they will gel together and become a team with a single minded purpose.
Here's an example. You may or may not remember this but I remember the '99 Redskins team with a new young, smug owner named Daniel Snyder. They signed a ton of high profile, high priced free agents that off season (Mark Carrier, Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders and Jeff George to name a few) and also just drafted LaVar Arrington, Chris Samuels and a few others. They were the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl before the season started. Sound familiar Cowboys fans? And their season ended EXACTLY like Dallas' did except I believe they finished 8-8 or even 7-9. The point is that chemistry counts for something and that generally treating a real team like a fantasy team doesn't necessarily work. That has been shown in baseball and basketball as well (except for the '95 Marlins who won the World Series).
There has to be changes no matter who is coaching though. Accountability is huge and not really present for the Cowboys. That is particularly evident in the fact that the Cowboys were the most penalized team in the NFL this year. Wade is big on saying that he is accountable for the penalties which to a certain extent is good because the players know their coach has their back and won’t throw them under the bus. But also, the players know Wade won’t throw them under the bus so they can commit stupid penalties and know they aren’t going to get publicly blasted their coach for them. So many players have gotten huge contracts where, if they stopped playing today, they would be set for life (provided they manage their money wisely). The team is being paid like a championship team without the championship pedigree...they haven't even won a playoff game in a dozen years now. No one fears the loss of their job and that makes for lackluster, uninspired play on the field which we saw in Filthadelphia. Both Jerry and Wade have said that they can, and are, going to each change in the way they approach and handle the team. Not sure what that means but hopefully more accountability will be part of that.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
At Least This Dallas Team Has Heart
I'm going to step back from the Cowboys for a day to give a little credit to another Dallas team which does have heart, pride stomach for a fight. Last night, the Minnesota Timberwolves, with their 6-25 record, rolled into Dallas for what was supposed to be just a ho-hum win for the Mavs. I didn't even watch the game, to be honest, because I had a few other things going on and really felt sure that Dallas would win pretty easily.
Well, I got up this morning and read the recap of the game and was shocked at this headline: "Mavericks rally from 29 down to stun Timberwolves". In fact, it took me a second or two for that to sink in...the Mavs RALLY from 29 down to stun Timberwolves. So, Dallas actually was down 29 points to a team that had only won 6 of it's first 31 games? What in the world? And then, they overcame that 29 point deficit to win? Is that really correct? That is correct. It was the Mavs largest comeback in franchise history. And I missed it. Stink!
Dallas' coach (Rick Carlisle) was ejected in the 2nd quarter for arguing non calls and Dirk received a bloody nose in a foul by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Craig Smith. I bet the Mavs looked somewhat like the Cowboys in the first half of the game. However, the Mavs appear to have something the Cowboys do not...heart and fight. The Mavericks trailed by 29 points at 70-41 early in the third quarter but continued to fight and outscored the Timberwolves 66-30 the rest of the way. Dirk had 24 point, Howard had 23 and JET had 29 off the bench to lead all scorers incuding 5 of 9 from 3 pt range.
I can't believe I missed this game but that's what I get for thinking just an ordinary Tuesday night game in late December would be mundane. This is just the right time for the Mavs to get hit a soft patch in their schedule as on 2 games separate the #2 spot through the #8 spot in the West. So, if the Mavs continue to fight like they did last night, hopefully they can surge ahead and get up into the top 4 of the conference.
Well, I got up this morning and read the recap of the game and was shocked at this headline: "Mavericks rally from 29 down to stun Timberwolves". In fact, it took me a second or two for that to sink in...the Mavs RALLY from 29 down to stun Timberwolves. So, Dallas actually was down 29 points to a team that had only won 6 of it's first 31 games? What in the world? And then, they overcame that 29 point deficit to win? Is that really correct? That is correct. It was the Mavs largest comeback in franchise history. And I missed it. Stink!
Dallas' coach (Rick Carlisle) was ejected in the 2nd quarter for arguing non calls and Dirk received a bloody nose in a foul by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Craig Smith. I bet the Mavs looked somewhat like the Cowboys in the first half of the game. However, the Mavs appear to have something the Cowboys do not...heart and fight. The Mavericks trailed by 29 points at 70-41 early in the third quarter but continued to fight and outscored the Timberwolves 66-30 the rest of the way. Dirk had 24 point, Howard had 23 and JET had 29 off the bench to lead all scorers incuding 5 of 9 from 3 pt range.
I can't believe I missed this game but that's what I get for thinking just an ordinary Tuesday night game in late December would be mundane. This is just the right time for the Mavs to get hit a soft patch in their schedule as on 2 games separate the #2 spot through the #8 spot in the West. So, if the Mavs continue to fight like they did last night, hopefully they can surge ahead and get up into the top 4 of the conference.
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