Bleacher Report - Articles by Casey H

Kerry Collins: A Hidden Legend

Casey H — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:14:20 -0400

In the 1995 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers, with the fifth overall pick, selected quarterback Kerry Collins from Penn State University. From that day on, the NFL would never be the same...

During his college career, Collins was able to grab two of college football's major awards. He was presented with the Maxwell Award, the nation's most outstanding player, as well as the Davey O'Brien Award for the nation's top quarterback.

During the 1994 campaign, Collins lead his team to an undefeated season under coach Joe Paterno. To finish the season, the Nittany Lions were victorious in defeating Oregon in the Rose Bowl. They were the NCAA Division I-A National Champions.

The Carolina Panthers were a brand new team and were looking for someone who could guide them to greatness. Luckily for them, a quarterback named Kerry Collins was in this draft. With their first pick as an organization they selected the Penn State all-star because they knew how talented he really was.

Alright, so maybe his first season wasn't too good, considering that he threw 14 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions, but you can't blame the guy. It was a new team, and it takes time to get the ball rolling. Except it didn't take as long as expected.

In his second season with the Panthers, he was able to not only knock his interceptions down to nine, but he lead his team to the NFC Championship game. I would say that's impressive for a second-year guy. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1996 season.

Before the 1997 season began, Collins' private battle with alcoholism started to surface. He would have his worse statistical season as a pro, leading his team to a 7-9 record. This would be enough for the Panthers to move in a different direction. (The drunk driving, offensive racial slurs towards Muhsin Muhammad, and other stuff were also a factor, I guess.)

Let's think about this though. A drunk, crappy player who looks to be hurting the team more than helping. Sounds like the almighty Brett Favre.

But anyways, Collins then went on to sign with the Saints where he would last only half of a season.

He soon signed with the New York Giants as a free agent in 1999. He realized he was a drunk and he found the help that he needed. His play would follow suit, as he took the starting job and lead the Giants to Super Bowl XXXV, where they would get their asses kicked.

After about five years with the Giants, it was time for him to move on and he found his way to Oakland. He would have a decent first season, and a decent second season, statistically, with the Raiders, but his 7-21 record would be enough to send him packing.

In 2006, he signed with the Titans to help teach and guide Vince Young as he made his debut into the NFL. Collins extreme bench-sitting has helped turn around the Titans and lead them to the playoffs last year. And if you think Collins didn't do anything to help the Titans, think again.

Kerry Collins lead the Titans to a victory over the Texans while Vince Young was injured. I mean, sure it helped that Bironas was eight for eight that day, but who lead him into field-goal range? And you can say that game didn't matter, but the difference between the Titans making the playoffs and the Browns not making the playoffs was one game.

Not only should Kerry Collins be voted into the Hall of Fame, but he should be only said in the same sentences as names like Joe Montana, John Elway, and Dan Marino.

Five Undrafted NFL Players Who Are Making an Impact

Casey H — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:21:20 -0400

Just because a player didn't go top-10 doesn't mean he can't make a huge difference in the game. Here are five players who didn't hear their names called at the podium, but whose names are still on the lips of every football enthusiast.

1. Antonio Gates: If you look at the numbers he has put up, it seems impossible that he didn't get drafted. But those who know his background know why. He focused his college career on playing basketball and lead Kent State University to a MAC championship and a spot in the Elite Eight.

Anyways all we can do is thank the sports gods for guiding him to the NFL because he has become the most dominate tight end in football right now. He already holds the single season record for most touchdown receptions for a tight end at 13. He is punching his ticket for the Hall of Fame.

2. Tony Romo: When I look at what Romo has done in the past year, I can't help but be amazed in his performance. He sat behind Drew Bledsoe and really studied how the game is played. When Parcells benched Bledsoe in the game against the Giants, Romo walked on the field and amazed us all.

Actually his first pass was picked off, but after that he showed us what he could do. He had barely been playing, and yet he was consistently being compared to the almighty Brett Favre. His first full year as the starting QB, he guided his team to the best record in the NFC. That is a good start to a long career.

3. Willie Parker: Fast Willie Parker has had a very successful career so far, teaming up with Jerome Bettis to help the Steelers become Super Bowl champs. He has already broken some single game rushing records for the Steelers.

For example, he put up 223 yards against the Browns to break the Steelers' record for most rushing yards in a game. With Rashard Mendenhall drafted to the team you better believe the Steelers got their one-two punch back.

4. Wes Welker: What an enormous impact he has made for the Patriots—and he is in the number three slot. A fun fact about Welker is he is the second player in NFL history to return a kickoff and punt, kick an extra point and field goal, and make a tackle all in a single game.

If that's not talent then I don't know what is. Even in the loss to the Giants in the Super Bowl he still shined with tying the Super Bowl record for most receptions at 11 catches. With Welker and Moss on the field, how do you cover the Patriots?

5. Adam Vinatieri: He has played in five Super Bowls and won himself four rings. What do you even do with four rings? He should give me one. Anyways, he does not get scared. Don't even try to ice him Shanahan, because you can't.

He just walks onto the field, kicks the ball, and walks back to the sideline like nothing even happened. He probably thinks to himself, "No big deal. I mean, I only just won the Super Bowl with that kick." Why the Patriots let him go I will never know...

Honorable Mentions: Joshua Cribbs, Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner, Antonio Pierce

Lito Sheppard playing WR?

Casey H — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:29:58 -0400

According to Matt Mosley, who writes for espn.com, the Eagles are going to try Lito Sheppard at wide receiver. During his college career at Florida, he played around with being a WR, and the Eagles have decided to do the same.

With the addition of Asante Samuel to the team, the team is dealing with three great cornerbacks. They have tried to trade Sheppard to fill the need of an All-Star wide receiver like Randy Moss, Chad Johnson, or Roy Williams, but no deal has worked out.

The Eagles feel that Sheppard could be used as a downfield threat.

The flip side to this is DeSean Jackson, the only WR they took in the draft, would be moved to cornerback.

If Sheppard turns out to actually be a great receiver, then great, I love the idea. But I think there's a great advantage to having three great corners on the team.

First of all, their nickel formation would be pretty much God-like. Second, being able to rotate between them could keep them constantly fresh and ready to play, while always having a great cornerback on the field.

These days, anything is possible in the NFL.

What Time Is It? Game Time!

Casey H — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:41:56 -0400

The lights in the stadium turn down. The crowd becomes silent for a few seconds.

Then the rock music starts blasting, the team runs out from the tunnel, fireworks and flamethrowers are going off everywhere, babies are crying, you are screaming, and do you know why?...

...because it's GAME TIME, BABY! For the next couple hours, who cares about your problems at work or at home, it's time for you to proudly scream for your team and remind the away team that they do in fact SUCK.

The lights, the fire, and the music all determine how the game is going to be. I mean if you just have just a strobe light going with Willie Nelson playing, are you really going to be excited? No. You need to see flames 100 feet in the sky and Motley Crue blasting.

It's important for not only the players to be pumped, but the fans. We need that adrenaline pumping to get into the game.

Trust me, they want you to get pumped, and especially to get mad. Why else would they sell those foam hats? I mean, do you really think it's cool to wear a block of cheese on your head?

No, it's stupid, but when the quarterback throws an interception and you're pissed, the obvious thing to do is punch the guy in front of you in the back of the head. But it's OK, because the cheesehead will protect him from any harm...I think...

Now I think the dumbest thing the NFL is does is fining players for celebrating a touchdown. When you put points on the board, you're pumped, the crowd is pumped, and you should be able to do a dance and rub it into the other team's face. We need to see more popcorn munching, hall of fame jackets, and fake bowling.

Another important part of the game is to remind the players that they suck. I know it sounds mean, but here's why.

One, they make more money in a year then most of us will make in the rest of our life, so who cares.

Two, they need to be reminded that they are not all powerful. For example look at Shaun Alexander. He was the MVP and everyone was like, "Oh, Shaun, you're so great...blah blah blah." Maybe if someone was like, "Hey Shaun, MVP? I expected more out of you. Maybe next season you could play better." If someone would have said that, he wouldn't have seemed to stop trying because he was so good.

Also, look at the Patriots last season. Belichick knows this method works, because after they dominated every team during the regular season he would say, "Yeah I think we could play better. Beating them by 50 points is not good enough."

I think players in any sport need to stop acting like, "oh, I've been there before, so I'll be calm and cool about it." No, that doesn't get fans excited.

If I were a pitcher, I would head out to the mound blasting "Baby Got Back" while the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders did a little dance around me. Maybe I would shoot off some finger pistols. Now that's sexy, and that's what the game needs.

The more excited you are to be at the game, the more the team will want to play and win for you.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Return of Larry Johnson?

Casey H — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:39:29 -0400

For all of the people who drafted Chiefs running back Larry Johnson last year, I felt your pain. Last season, his injuries, and the Chiefs' lack of offense, made me cry myself to sleep every night knowing I used my first pick on a guy who would get only 559 yards and three touchdowns.

But putting last season aside, I think this year will be different. Johnson has been working hard at training camp, and his foot has seemed to have recovered. He has been running at full speed with no problems. It seems that the LJ we all know and love is back.

During the draft, Herm Edwards wasn't picking for the future, but to start winning right now. Just by looking at the first three picks, Glenn Dorsey, Branden Albert, and Brandon Flowers. You could easily say that the Chiefs had the best draft out of any team.

But my focus is on Branden Albert, a guy who will bring some life back into their struggling offensive line. LJ will now be able to get his spark back, if the offensive line can dominate like the Chiefs' lines are suppose to.

I think it's about time that they decide once and for all if their quarterback is Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle. Herm said all last season that Croyle was their quarterback of the future, so it's time that he starts every game. If Croyle and Bowe can get going, then Johnson will have some of the pressure taken off him.

The Chiefs are making a comeback, with Larry Johnson leading the way.

Phillies Head to Mound with Drowning Pool: This Is for the Soldiers

Casey H — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:20:01 -0400

When Phillies pitchers Brett Myers and Brad Lidge head to the mound, a metal song starts playing that pumps up the players and the crowd.

The song is called "Soldiers" by the band Drowning Pool, who happen to be big fans of baseball. It's important for the music to cause fear in the opposing team, but this particular song has a much deeper meaning.

Take a look at some of the lyrics:

Every time I see inside you I see myself within you, ohh let that fade away

Your pride inside of me, your honor inside me, respect inside of inside of me, go

(whoah, yeaheah) This is for the soldiers

(whoah, yeaheah)This is for the soldiers

(whoah, yeaheah) This is for the soldiers

our soldiers, let’s go

Drowning Pool is on a mission to help raise money for troops who return from the Middle East in order to provide mental screenings so the soldiers who need help can get it. One-third of the men and women who have returned have been reported to have a mental illness. It's important to the band that these soldiers are getting the proper care that they deserve when they return from war.

It's the little things that some players are doing that make a huge difference. It can be as simple as playing a song to the trip to the mound.

You can show your support by purchasing the song on itunes or other music providers for only 99 cents. Or if you're feeling really generous you can buy Drowning Pool's new album "Full Circle" which features the song.

Chicago Cubs: Steve Bartman Discovered in Afghanistan

Casey H — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:52:34 -0400

Steven D. Bartman was an ordinary guy who wanted nothing more than to see his Cubs play and hopefully beat the Marlins.

During the game, Moises Alou ran over to attempt a catch of a pop up foul ball that headed towards the direction of Bartman. Alou jumped up to catch the ball, but Bartman got it first.

In Bartman's mind, he was living a dream because he just caught a ball.. But it soon went south.

The Cubs’ fans shouted profanities at him and threw debris onto the field and at him. Bartman was escorted out of the stadium by security for his own safety.

After that night, Bartman seemed to have disappeared off the face of the planet.

The "ball" was purchased by Grant DePorter on eBay for $113,824. Cubs’ fans then chose to explode the ball and destroy the curse forever...or did they...

During a search and destroy mission in Afghanistan, American troops invaded a cave that had only one man in it. The troops reported that he was dressed from head to toe in Cubs’ clothing.

The troops saw him holding a baseball in his hands. One of the soldiers asked if he could see the ball, but the man screamed at him, "MY PRECIOUS."

So for you Cubs’ fans who thought the curse was over, think again. Bartman still lives with the one ball to rule them all, hiding in the caves of Afghanistan.

10 Reasons Why Brett Favre is Coming Back

Casey H — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:29:14 -0400

10. Needs an excuse not to go to church on Sunday.

9. Afraid the Madden curse will hit him off the football field (deadly).

8. He is still hoping there will be a There's Something About Mary 2 movie.

7. His kids run away when he throws the ball at them.

6. Playing a boom box and walking out the front door isn't the same as the tunnel.

5. No where else can he carry around another man and have it not be weird.

4. He wants that kid from Conn. to put his jersey back on.

3. He wants more babies named after him.

2. Afraid John Madden will try to "hang out" with him.

1. He thinks it would be funny to play through Rodgers career.

An NFL Secret: The Johnson Factor

Casey H — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:36:34 -0400

Everywhere you look in the NFL there are guys who proudly wear the name Johnson on their backs. It's a name that stands for champion and victory. It's the difference between a win or a loss. The Johnson factor is a spiritual power that gives their team the ability to do things that otherwise are not possible. The name Johnson is like gaining the powers of a god.

I know some of you might be confused right now thinking, but my team doesn't have any Johnsons and they still win. It's because the factor expands beyond just the players and can be given by coaches and the fans. Every Johnson has a different level of power though. Someone like Charles Johnson, DE of the Panthers, might not help your team much but someone like Larry Johnson, when he's healthy, carries a huge Johnson factor.

I know what you're thinking if you're a Bengals fan right now, my team has so many Johnsons I can barely count them: how could they suck? It's simple, Johnson overload. The key to the Johnson factor is to have the perfect amount, so trading Chad Johnson might be the key to balance your team out and send them back to the playoffs.

Last year the Patriots had a very strong season because of the dedicated fans with the last name Johnson. But for you Giants fans who went to the game, you gave them enough Johnson to take them down and I applaud you for that.

So the next time you're thinking of not going to the game and you have the last name Johnson, think again, because it's you that wins the game.

Dallas Cowboys: America's Team Got Talent

Casey H — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:19:53 -0400

Recently, Tony Romo has blessed the people of Chicago with his beautiful singing of "Take me out to the ball game."

His singing was a reminder of another star, Rosanne, who sang "The Star Spangled Banner" in a way that made me ashamed to be an American.

You can tell during this offseason Tony has spent a lot of time training not on his football skills, but his vocal skills with girlfriend Jessica Simpson. We can only hope that Tony doesn't have so much spare time that he begins to work on an album.

Tony isn't the only Cowboy who is taking in the bright lights of Hollywood, though. Terrell Owens will guest-star on Flavor Flav's new sitcom on MyNetworkTV. Owens is preparing himself for his post-football career and is hoping to be taken seriously as an actor. Working with FLAVOR FLAV is definitely a start in the right direction.

If Owens were to make a movie, could you imagine how many times you would have to hear "get your popcorn ready."

These Dallas Cowboys' Hollywood careers need to be put to an end before they deafen us and blind us with their singing and acting.