Bleacher Report - Articles by Brittany Baker

Oh, To Be a Female Football Fan

Brittany Baker — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:25:52 -0400

As a female football fan, I feel the pressure to perform; every conversation at the office or in a sports bar, every comment or observation I make has to be right.

If I'm wrong, I'm a stereotype. Some stupid bimbo, trying to be "one of the guys" for some reason or another. Either that or a slightly more sympathetic generalization, "how cute, she tries to understand the game!" Or worst of all, I get dismissed before I open my mouth because I look "hot" in my jersey.

Now I'm not a hardcore feminist. I don't feel the need to "fight the good fight" and I know the world doesn't consider us women inferior anymore. But, it's pretty hard to ignore the glaring instances that illustrate to me, as a female sports fan, that I'm under constant judgement.

One of the worst situations I have found myself in recently, is when I make an observation known—perhaps in an article on this site or just a mention in conversation— only to have credit stolen by a man who (although he's my buddy, friend, or even boyfriend) thinks he knows more than me.

If I say something and he agreed with me and then my observation is proved to hold weight, he deserves credit for nodding in agreement when I made the observation in the first place? That's absurd.

I'm sure this happens to sports fans of both genders, and I shouldn't play the "woe is me, I'm a girl" card, but I'm not stupid.

I know when I'm in the company of someone who thinks they have superior knowledge, and I can't see any other reason why these men would have this attitude towards me specifically.

Being accused as a "parrot" that repeats sports knowledge she "must have heard from a man" is beyond infuriating, and I won't stand for it.

You know who you are, and I'm speaking to every guilty man out there.

Whether you're the one who ignores the woman sports fan, ogles her, takes credit from her, or just holds a stereotype in the back of his mind: you're guilty.

Get with the times and give credit when it's due. Please, prove me wrong and make me paranoid.

Matt Waldron Relishes Unique Duties as Virginia Tech Kicker

Brittany Baker — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:10:06 -0400

"To be a kicker, you have to be a little different," says Matt Waldron, a fifth-year senior kicker at Virginia Tech.

He adds, "You just have to practice enough so that 95 percent of the time, you trust your form to make the kick you want."

Practice. Preparation. Patience. That's what it's all about for Waldron. He became the No. 1 kicker for the team in his fifth year. What keeps him motivated?

The thought of making the game-winning kick: "It's something that a kicker sits around and dreams of—something you hope for because it's part of your job. Every kick is a big kick to me."

Although he doesn't know what it's like to miss a big kick in a college football game—Waldron has made every attempt so far this season—he knows that it will be a disappointing feeling. He also knows that his focus will immediately go to the "next big kick."

Waldron has that optimistic kicker attitude. He says, "Every kick is a game winner. If I hadn't made all my kicks against Nebraska, we wouldn't have won that game."

Tech head coach Frank Beamer had his team working on all the right things to take a win from that game. He had his team working on solid fundamentals to avoid penalties.

Nebraska had four penalties in a row in the third quarter—one of them negating a touchdown.

Beamer also puts specific emphasis on special teams. He's made a fifth-year senior the team's kicker for a few years in a row now. He also coaches the special teams himself.

Beamer, according to Waldron, is "always there to challenge [me]. It's not like kicking in high school—you have to come out every single day, and coach gives me a reason."

Waldron says that his team "definitely has what it takes to go all the way, but it's going to be hard."

As for next year, Waldron hasn't ruled out the NFL. "We'll see how the season goes," he laughs, adding, "I'll probably hold a couple combines, but we'll see."

What I Would Do with Trent Edwards for an Hour

Brittany Baker — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:40:14 -0400

Hmmm...

An hour of Trent Edwards? Oh, the possibilities! I can think of plenty of places I'd like to be with him. The scenario's are endless in my mind!

But, let's limit the scenario to him and I alone in a dark room.

I'd walk in wearing a red high-waisted skirt, a pair of crimson heels, and scarlet lipstick to match. My hair will be done up in a twist with a pencil holding it back.

There are two red chairs facing each other in the middle of the room. There are lights illuminating the chairs. I would sit with my legs crossed in the chair on the right—waiting.

Did I mention there's a camera in the corner?

When Trent walks in, I'll stand up slowly to meet him—but I'll make him come to me. When he reaches me, I will smile knowingly and reach out to him.

Our hands will meet... in a firm, professional handshake.

"Hello Mr. Edwards, my name is Brittany. I have a few questions for you..."

And the interview will begin.

If I had the opportunity to interview Trent Edwards, I would love to ask him how it feels to have all of Buffalo counting on him. Buffalo is, no doubt, a football town, and Trent Edwards is our man. He always comes across like it hasn't hit him yet—he seems to be above the fame of being a football star. Where did he get that attitude?

Did someone from the league mentor him in his rookie season? Or did he learn from the mistakes made by other players in the league when he was watching them on TV? Was one of those player's he learned from none other than the new teammate Terrell Owens?

At this point, I still expect to get all the "right" answers from Mr. Edwards.

I'd ask him how he's been getting along with T.O. I'd ask him how he expects the season to go with the new team member. How close is their relationship?

I would ask Trent Edwards what he could teach the rest of his team. What can his teammates learn from him? What does he learn from his team?

How does a home game differ from an away game to a quarterback? What do you miss about Buffalo the most when you're away from home?

What will the first three games be like without Marshawn Lynch?

Dick Jauron has said in an interview with NFL Network that he's chiefly concerned with you being healthy on the field. What does that mean to you? Does it flatter you that he has no other worries other than you being injured?

What realistic expectations do you have with this year's season? Do you think the new players added to the Bills roster will be enough to take the team to the playoffs?

At what point in the season do the new players become teammates - no longer new to the team?

At what point are you no longer a "young" quarterback?

What do you want to prove this year?

"Well, that's about all the questions I've got for ya Mr. Edwards... What should we do with the other half-hour of our time together?"

Cowboys-Redskins: A Dallas Fan Blogs the Game, Part II

Brittany Baker — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:22:51 -0500

Here comes the second half...

For anyone who hasn't read Part I, I'll put things in perspective for you. I'm watching the Cowboys play the Redskins. I'm writing this (for the most part) chronologically as the game progresses. So, on with the second half!

It looks like the Redskins are marching down the field pretty easily. The Dallas defense can't let them convert third downs like this—it's giving them motivation and momentum in their home stadium.

Picked off! Terence Newman! Oh, boy, my chemistry set still works, as long as I have all the elements...(read part I to understand this analogy fully, although I think it's pretty self-explanatory here).

Penalties

From the infamous "Flozell False Start" to the illegal formation here in the third quarter—the Dallas Cowboys lack discipline. Wade Phillips is like one of those dad's that doesn't like to yell at his kids—he wants them to think he's their buddy instead of their father. You know the kind of dad I'm talking about.

Phillips is that kind of coach. I know he doesn't want to be a crotchety old coach like Coughlin, but there's a happy medium.

The Dallas Cowboys are playing like a high school football team with all these penalties. Before you know it, they'll be like the Mud Dogs in the Water Boy—before Bobby Boucher found Coach Klein's balls for him.

Now we've got illegal use of the hands. Flozell Adams needs to be taught a couple lessons in the fundamentals of football. No more needless penalties!

Third Quarter Ends

Jay Ratliff has been popping up a lot lately, in a good way. From his sack on Jason Campbell in the first quarter, he's been putting himself out there and making plays. Horse Trailer?

Madden Coins the Push Pass

Tony Romo is getting crafty back there, and I like it! Named the "push pass" by Madden, I'm loving the intensity and the motivation I just saw! Tony just pulled off a basketball-like chest pass to Miles Austin in traffic.

To all the fans that questioned Tony Romo's heart while he was away, watch this play and tell me he's not the same old Romo deep down inside. I dare you!

Let's not forget Miles Austin and his quick thinking on this play here. I don't know how ready he was to catch this "pass," but he held on tight.

Man, I love football! The ups, the downs... I've laughed, I've cried. This is what it's like to feel the love of the game!

Touchdown!

Well, hey there Martellus! Tell us, would you like to come away with the catch in double coverage? Oh, you would? I thought so, here ya go. Pull it down against Landry and Horton to make the score 13 - 10.

I knew you could do it.

(But I have to tell you, I've got no nails left on my right hand either now...I've been biting them all game!)

About Three Minutes Left...

Marion's back! He's playing with fire and it's almost the end of the game...either I was wrong about him not being able to produce towards the end of the game, or he shared juuust enough carries with Tashard Choice, or he dug deep and found his beastlike mentality in the momentum and excitement of a pivotal play; a pivotal game.

(I think it's the latter... for my sake as well as his.)

Thank you Marion! You owned the fourth quarter, and I'm sorry I doubted you. You proved me wrong and I'm ecstatic! In the last drive, every yard earned goes to Marion Barber... I wouldn't have it any other way.

14 - 10, Cowboys

Time for the after-party! Go Cowboys!!

Cowboys-Redskins: A Dallas Fan Blogs the Game

Brittany Baker — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:00:42 -0500

Here I am, watching the Cowboys game. It's still the first quarter, and I've already bitten all the nails on my left hand down to the skin. It's almost painful to type.

I'm so nervous. It's the understatement of the century to say that this game is a "must-win" for the Dallas team. If they lose, I'll never (as a Cowboys fan with a big mouth...) live it down.

Andrea Kramer talked to Romo before the game and made it clear that his pinkie is fragile. "He cannot take a hit on it." she said directly into the camera—directly to me. I actually gulped when she said it. Please don't let those mean old Redskins hit Tony, we'll never make the playoffs without him!

I'm an absolute wreck. I almost can't enjoy my chicken wings! This Cowboys team deserves to make it to the playoffs. This game is the ultimate test, not for just Romo—but for everyone.

Ask any Dallas fan: Everything is riding on this season for the Cowboys, but so far I'm already disappointed.

The First Drive

Cowboys offense went three and out. On third down, a toss to Marion Barber on a sweep. No first down. Barber was—to say the least—stuffed.

If Marion can't get it done in the first quarter, he's not going to produce at the end of the game. There's no Felix Jones tonight, and for some reason, Jason Garrett prefers to keep Barber as the ONLY running back to carry the ball or even play all game.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Include Tashard Choice! Even if you don't think he's ready to take regular carries, just put him in every now and then to change it up a little bit and to give Barber a break.

Barber hasn't been able to tote the rock alone. He can't win a game on his own.

The Second Quarter

It's a good thing I'm not writing with a pencil. By now, it would be chewed down to the size of a matchstick. So much is riding on this game for me! I wanted the Cowboys to win last year, and a literal slip-up on one play lost it for them. But I digress.

Calm down everybody, I haven't "anointed" them. I'm just a fan. Well, more than just a fan. Sigh. I'm sure everyone out there understands.

WHOA! What did I just hear? Tashard's in! He got the ball! Six yards! Jason Garrett, if you've actually been listening to what I've been saying, give Jason Witten my phone number...

"But soft! What light does yonder pinkie break?"

Interception No. 2. The first interception was all Tony's fault. The second one wasn't just him—T.O. should have made the catch there. It's pretty evident that Tony is not 100 percent.

Disappointment. We can't lose this game. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's not easy...

Still the Second Quarter...

I can't pretend to understand defensive strategy fully. I've never played football before and, I admit it—I let the "coach" or "Madden" pick my plays when it's time for me to play defense on my X-box.

All I know is, DeMarcus Ware knows how to come through in the clutch! Man, I love a DeMarcus Ware sack on the quarterback!

Roy, Oh Roy

Roy Williams has made some key catches in this series. I'll admit, I didn't think another big time wide receiver was the first priority for the Cowboys when they got him—but I guess Jerry Jones knows what he's doing. It was a pretty crappy throw, too, but this guy's got baseball gloves for hands. "Puttin' on the Mitts?"

Dust Off the Ol' Chemistry Set!

Jason Witten, perfect catch up the field! Terrell Owens, getting yards after the catch! Marion Barber trucks it in for the touchdown! Three plays and I'm grinning like an idiot...Are we back?

Let's just stick to what we're good at, shall we?

10 - 7. More to come on Part II, thanks for reading!!

Dallas Cowboys Vs. Washington Redskins: A Fan Blogs the Game

Brittany Baker — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:56:55 -0500

Here I am, watching the Cowboys game. It's still the first quarter, and I've already bitten all the nails on my left hand down to the skin. It's almost painful to type.

I'm so nervous. It's the understatement of the century to say that this game is a "must-win" for the Dallas team. If they lose, I'll never live it down (as a Cowboys fan with a big mouth... I got into it with a Giants fan at work already).

Andrea Kramer talked to Romo before the game and made it clear that his pinky finger is fragile. "He cannot take a hit on it," she said directly into the camera—directly to me. I actually gulped when she said it.

Please don't let those mean old Redskins hit Tony, we'll never make the playoffs without him!

I'm an absolute wreck. I almost can't enjoy my chicken wings! This Cowboys team deserves to make it to the playoffs. This game is the ultimate test—not for just Romo, but for everyone.

Ask any Dallas fan, and they'll tell you that everything is riding on this season for the Cowboys.

So far, I'm already disappointed.

The First Drive

Cowboys offense went three and out. On third down, a toss to Marion Barber on a sweep. No fourth down. Barber was, to say the least, stuffed.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Include Tashard Choice! Even if you don't think he's ready, just put him in every now and then to change it up a little bit and give Barber a break.

Barber hasn't been able to tote the rock alone. He can't win a game on his own.

The Second Quarter

But I digress.

Calm down everybody, I haven't " anointed" them. I'm just a fan. Well, more than just a fan. Sigh. I'm sure everyone out there understands.

WHOA! What did I just hear? Tashard's in! He got the ball! Six yards! Jason Garrett, if you've actually been listening to what I've been saying, give Jason Witten my phone number...

"But soft! What light does yonder pinkie break?"

Interception No. 2. The first interception was all Tony's fault. The second one wasn't just him - T.O. should have made the catch there. It's pretty evident that Tony is not 100 percent.

Disappointment. We can't lose this game. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's not easy...

Still the Second Quarter...

I can't pretend to understand defensive strategy fully. I've never played football before and I admit it—I let the "coach" or "Madden" pick my plays when it's time for me to play defense on my X-box.

All I know is that DeMarcus Ware knows how to come through in the clutch! Man, I love a DeMarcus Ware sack on the quarterback!

Roy, Oh Roy

Roy Williams has made some key catches in this series. I'll admit, I didn't think another big time wide receiver was the first priority for the Cowboys when they got him—but I guess Jerry Jones knows what he's doing. It was a pretty crappy throw too, but this guy's got baseball gloves for hands. "Puttin on the Mitts?"

Dust Off the Ol' Chemistry Set!

Jason Witten, perfect catch up the field! Terrell Owens, getting yards after the catch! Marion Barber trucks it in for the touchdown! Three plays and I'm grinning like an idiot... Are we back?

Let's just stick to what we're good at, shall we?

10 - 7. More to come on Part II, thanks for reading!!

NFL Referees Aren't Just Blowing Their Whistles

Brittany Baker — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:25:08 -0500

When I watch a football game, I want to watch the players, teams, and coaches. I want to get mad when the coach calls a stupid play or when a player drops an easy catch. I want to see big plays and enjoy every facet of the game.

But, enjoying every facet of the game has become increasingly difficult and I know exactly where to place the blame.

It’s not the players. It’s not the coaches or even the owners. It isn’t even the broadcasters who ruin my sacred Sundays: it is the referees.

Recently, if I want to enjoy a game, I have to find a way to overlook a few things. Missed calls, wrong calls. Blown calls. NFL refs are ruining the integrity of football as we know it.

How many times have you seen pass interference when the whistle wasn't blown? When was the last time you saw obvious holding when the call wasn't made? Regardless of what game you were watching, I'll bet you it was this Sunday or even Monday.

What about when your team's running back tries to hit the hole and get up the field, but he gets his head cranked around because some lineman's got his fingers in the facemask? Yea, it gets called sometimes. But let's say a reffing crew misses one facemask per game... That's ONE BLOWN CALL TOO MANY.

I don't think it's too much to ask for these men to do their job. Make the calls when they're right in front of you. If they aren't right in front of you, position yourself to where the call can be made.

It is simply unacceptable for a referee to be a casual spectator of the game.

A referee has to be active in order to find a way to make the right call. That requires movement. I've noticed quite a few times, (most recently this Monday in the 49ers vs Cardinals!) referees actually being physically in the way of the ball carrier.

The bumbling old guys can't even move out of the way of a player who's trying to avoid hitting anyone in order to get up the field! Can we realistically expect that referee to make the effort to position himself where he can get the best view of every play of the game?

No. Generally speaking, NFL referees have proven that they are too lazy to find a way to make the right call.

But why should they make the call right the first time? There’s always Instant Replay!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the worst has happened. NFL refs use Instant Replay as a catch-all, fail-safe way to cover their lazy butts.

“Did he catch it? It was pretty low, I couldn’t tell cuz I was standing over here. Did you see it?”

“No, I was on the other side of the field, it’s your call. You should have moved or something. We’ll just call it a catch for a first down, we’ll find out if hit the ground when they challenge it…”

Coaches only have two challenges per game, but I bet any coach in the league wishes he had about 20 more, considering the unfortunate fact that calls are blown on a regular basis! Death, taxes, and blown calls.

Using challenges wisely has become a commodity that defines a coach’s winning strategy. If a coach uses a challenge in the first or even second quarter of the game, it’s a waste of a challenge—it’s crucial to have all the right calls made towards the end of the game, especially if it’s close.

Coaches have to save their challenges for the forth quarter because it’s an absolute given that blown calls will be made.

Who is going to hold NFL referees responsible for all the blown calls? Certainly not the association that employs them—they’re the ones who bought the new, comfortable, black pants the refs wear under their pot-bellies this season.

Am I the only one who noticed the stripes aren’t quite straight? Call me a fashionista, but the tailored look they now sport gives away their intentions. They’re flared, to give an effect that’s more slimming.

Ref’s should be fit in order to do their job. They should not need their uniforms to give the illusion that they’re somewhat in shape!

NFL referees have gotten a little too comfortable, whether it be in their snazzy new uniforms or whether they’re too comfortable in their job security. A crew that does a mediocre job of officiating the game should NOT be tolerated in the National Football League.

Tony, I Miss You More Than You Know

Brittany Baker — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:03:16 -0500

I want you back. I need you. I'm lost without you. No one compares to you. Brad doesn't know what I need, and Brooks doesn't know what he's doing. Without you on the field, my pocket is empty.

Do you want to know what I love about you, Tony?

I love your eyes—they scan down the field and take it all in. They read defenses and follow receivers.

I love your body. I know you can take a hit—your offensive line doesn't protect you the way they should, but you can take it. That's what I love about you. You're so mobile—I love the way you move in and out of the pocket. You're athletic and agile.

I love your hands. You throw with precision and put the ball where it belongs.

I love your smile. You are confident and charismatic. You remain poised and collected under pressure. Nothing gets you down.

Tony, I just want you back. I'll do anything to make it right, please don't leave me again.

I know you're hurting. I'm hurting too! You made the choice to stay away because it could hurt you more to come back before you're ready. I'm trying to be understanding and give you your space...I just miss you, that's all.

Sigh.

I needed you to be strong for me this week, Tony. You weren't there. You didn't even don the uniform, it's like you didn't care about me at all. My heart is broken and you just sat there and watched. You weren't there to get me through the tough times.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but I have feelings for someone else. He's been there for me and fought through the pain. He's put himself on the line for me and all Cowboy's fans. He's so unselfish and team-oriented—I can't help but notice Jason Witten.

Even with broken ribs, he goes out of his way to show he cares. He played through it because he cared about beating a division rival—the New York Giants. He knew what that game meant to me. It meant just as much to him.

Tony, I'd like to give you another chance to make it up to me. Even with a broken pinkie, you are better than Brad. You are better than Brooks.

Come back to me Tony. Come back to the Cowboys and take this team all the way!

Vernon Davis Gets a Fruit Basket from Mike Singletary (Humor)

Brittany Baker — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:28:53 -0400

Mike Singletary got lucky a few times this past week, didn't he?

Surprise! You get a free shot at being the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers! Interim Head Coach. Just like that!

Well, I guess it isn't free. The man does deserve the position, and he's paid his dues. But that's not why he got lucky.

J.T. O'Sullivan was the first rabbit's foot that brought luck to Mike Singletary. His poor play and lackluster performance was what gave ol' Mike the perfect chance to make a stand.

So Mike seized the day! Out with the O'Sullivan, in with the Hill! Shaun Hill that is, taking the reins in San Francisco against Seattle. It was a good choice, too, even though they lost. The 49er's just needed a change.

Opportunity is a regular visitor at Mike Singletary's house. His third lucky chance came later in the game when tight end Vernon Davis got called for doing something stupid. He "slapped" a Seahawk in the helmet and got a personal foul.

Mike Singletary seized the day again, disciplining Davis with conviction. He took Davis out of the game and sent him straight to the locker room. How's that for a statement?

Singletary's "no tolerance" policy sent a shock-wave not just through the 49ers' organization, but through the NFL as a whole. The media has televised his "I want winners" speech all day.

Singletary made a splash on Sunday, and he has Vernon Davis to thank for it. I think the hardcore, old school Mike Singletary solidified his spot as head coach by tossing Davis from the game.

Dallas Cowboys Falling Asleep, Need Wake-Up Call

Brittany Baker — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:34:54 -0400

Despite key injuries, the Cowboys can win this Sunday.

They face a formidable foe in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs’ have come up with impressive victories and stand with a 5-2 record. After losing their season opener to the Saints, they have won five of six games

Still, the Cowboys should win.

First off, I can’t stress it enough—running game, running game, running game. I know Felix Jones is still out, but that doesn’t mean that Marion Barber should be expected to run the ball the entire game by himself. They need to incorporate Tashard Choice a little more.

Even if the Cowboys don’t think Choice is talented enough to warrant frequent carries, they should use him to, at the very least, to give Barber a break. It’s safe to say that Barber's style of running isn’t the kind that a player can do all day for every play without a break. We’d like him to, but it just isn’t possible.

That being said, the Cowboys have to execute the slant this week. If they choose not to exploit the Buccaneers tight press with Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon, their offense will falter.

It is absolutely crucial for Terrell Owens and Roy Williams to find a way to get past their men quickly. Obviously, the Tampa Bay linebackers are going to play a little wider, looking to pick off the ball. But, I believe in Williams, Witten and T.O. If Brad Johnson can get the ball off, they will make the catches they need to make.

Both of the wide receivers, T.O. and Williams are amazing football machines. From their impressive physiques to their commanding styles of play, they are both incredible athletes. Brad Johnson needs to find a way to GET THEM THE BALL.

We need to see Brad Johnson using more three-step-drops; he needs to get rid of the ball quickly. It's bad enough that he has to get the ball in the first place, let's see him get rid of it as soon as possible.

The offensive line isn’t playing up to par. Johnson has been rushed, hurried, sacked, and intimidated out there because they can't protect him effectively.

No one misses Tony Romo more than the Cowboy’s offensive line. He makes them look good because he is an extremely mobile quarterback. Even when he is hurried, he stays poised. With Brad Johnson trying to fill his shoes, this weakness is magnified.

People are quick to point the finger at Johnson because he had three interceptions last week. But, in my opinion, only one of those interceptions can really be placed solely on his shoulders. Of course, he shares blame in all of them, but it’s a team sport, and he didn’t have the protection he needed to get the ball down the field.

It blows my mind that I’m sitting here, analyzing what the Cowboys have to change in order to start winning games again. The roster is stacked! I know they are injured and battered. But, I’ll say it again: the roster is stacked!

I’m not superstitious, but some kind of plague is haunting their team. Players aren’t playing up to their potential. They aren’t becoming a team. They are hiding behind excuses. Who’s to blame? Who’s to know who’s to blame anymore? I don’t blame anyone, I blame them all.

I really think that if someone can flip a switch, the Cowboys can and will dominate the league. I would love to march down to Dallas and into the locker room, climb a step ladder, and smack every single Cowboy in the face and say “Wake up! You should be winning! There is no excuse for how you have been playing!”

While I doubt that would work, I think that they need a wake-up call. They have the right stuff to win. They just aren’t winning. Maybe the loss to the Rams will be that wake-up call.

I certainly hope so, because I simply cannot bear another week of awful play, awful play-calling, and awful performances on both sides of the ball.

C’mon Cowboys! Wake up!

Why We Don't "Gotta Have" Faith

Brittany Baker — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:39:48 -0400

Football is exciting—the hits, the plays, the teams, the athletes. I wait all week for Sunday—for football! Just thinking about it gives a fan like me goosebumps. A good game of football can get me more excited than Christmas.

"I've been waiting all day for Sunday Night..."

I love football. Football makes friends and enemies. Football gives common ground to awkward conversations with co-workers. It gives everyone an excuse to enjoy Sunday. Football means chicken wings, BBQ, nachos, beer—the works!

Everyone I know that matters watches football on Sunday night. If you don't like football, you don't know what you're missing. I love to hear the players talk trash about the other team—they live and breathe football. Winning is everything.

"The tough get rough in a prime-time fight!
More than a game, it's every fans' right,
Cause I've been waiting all day for Sunday Night!!"

Let's pretend it's Sunday, shall we? It's football time! Turn on the TV! Everyone in the room is either sitting on the edge of their seat or standing at attention; fists clenched and apprehensive smiles plastered on their faces.

Now try and keep that excitement during Faith Hills' monotonous massacre of a song. Just try it. I'll bet you five hundred bucks you can't hold your pose until the game starts.

Not only does the song last forever with three verses, but it drags tempo. I know we aren't all musically inclined, but I think everyone can agree that the song is too slow and boring. BORING!

Faith Hill ruins the atmosphere for Sunday Night Football. She doesn't even look happy to be singing the song—she doesn't smile or anything! The only movement she attempts is the choreographed fist-pump at the end of the song. I wonder how many takes it took her to do it right.

She is a misfit. What does she do during the song? NOTHING! She just stands there and does a horrible job of mouthing the words.

Ugh, the words! This song must have been written by a second grader! The only stanza I might approve is the one previously quoted in this article. The rest I will not torture you with, I know we've all heard it a few times too many.

"Sunday Night Football on NBC, Al and John are the best on TV..."

It makes me picture some ditsy blond trying to write a song about football. She calls her boyfriend and asks, "Who are the two guys that are talking during the game... Ok, Al... Michaels... and John Madden.

That's three names, I thought you said there were only two guys who talked during the football game!" she giggles in to the phone while twirling her hair.

"Oh, I get it. His last name is Michaels, hee hee! I'd better just use their first names so I get it right..."

I can just see it now.

Faith Hill gives women football fans a bad name. She certainly doesn't represent a woman who can carry on a conversation about the sport. If she were trying to depict a real football fan, she would look semi-excited to be singing the opening song.

Faith may not have written the song or directed the video. But she could have put some effort into it—after all, it is her face we're staring at for the agonizing minute and fifteen seconds of hell.

Simply stated, Sunday Night football needs a better singer than Faith Hill to get an audience pumped for the game.