Bleacher Report - Articles by Brad James

Houston Says, "BCS You Have a Problem"

Brad James — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:54:24 -0400

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP)—Our weekly BCS meltdown came from T. Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., where the No. 5 Oklahoma State Cowboys were bested by an opportunistic squad in the Houston Cougars.

Case Keenum (32 of 46, 366 yards, 3 TD’s, INT) and Bryce Beall (138 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns) made numerous big plays when it mattered most and the Houston defense put the curtains on the game when Jamal Robinson returned a Zac Robinson pass 26 yards for a score.

Whether the Cougars represent Houston or Brigham Young, they specialize in ruining the hopes and dreams of BCS schools in Oklahoma.

Once again, this proves that anyone can beat anybody. In the NFL, we have a fair playoff where teams who perform well during the regular season are rewarded by getting the opportunity to play for a legitimate title.

The BCS may be laughing all the way to the bank, as I’ve stated previously, but no crime will go unpunished.

While the illegal cartel that enshrouds Division 1 college football will be taken care of in due course (I hope swiftly, come on Senators Hatch and Barton!), currently notwithstanding the money this rakes in for so-called power leagues, college football is the laughingstock of sports.

Meanwhile, the NFL is just hours away from its first weekend of the regular season and it will be nice to watch REAL FOOTBALL. GO BRONCOS!!!

Brigham Young's Win Only Latest Proof BCS Sucks

Brad James — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 03:48:57 -0400

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)—Once again, as the Brigham Young Cougars demoralized the Oklahoma Sooners with a one-point victory, the BCS was exposed for what it is, a hoax that oppresses not only college football, but collegians everywhere with its insistence that only those who reside in conferences with automatic bids to the illegal cartel profit thereby.

Already this season, we have seen Boise State pummel Oregon, a member of a BCS conference, as well as the Cougars’ mastery of the Sooners.

Although the margin was slim, those who watched the game know Brigham Young dominated from wire to wire as only their mistakes gave Oklahoma a sliver of a chance.

While last year’s Heisman winner, Sam Bradford, was injured in the first half for the Sooners, they were equally ineffective with him as they were without him in the second half.

Ultimately, what was proven, for the umpteenth time, was any good team, regardless of what conference they reside in, can compete with the so-called “elitists” in college football.

The media at large continues to eschew the excellence that resides in other conferences outside the BCS, especially the Mountain West, where Utah, Texas Christian and of course, Brigham Young will continue to defy the logic of how college football is supposed to go, according to their delusional view of the world.

Currently, Senators Orrin Hatch and Joe Barton are working night and day to find a way to break up the BCS but the best way to expedite change is to make power brokers in any given organization look foolish.

That is what Brigham Young and their Mountain West brethren, along with Boise State have done, and will continue to do.

Victims have included storied programs Pittsburgh, Alabama and Oklahoma, previously when Boise State embarrassed them on national television in the Fiesta Bowl.

Those who refuse to see the need for a playoff in Division 1 are those who condone lawbreaking and injustice of every kind.

It is a slap in the face to our illustrious Founding Fathers and the Constitution, inspired of heaven, that this nonsense persists.

However, there is solace, the NFL comes upon us September 10 and with compelling action on the field and a REAL PLAYOFF, I will be entranced by yet another season of magnificent professional football. GO BRONCOS!!!

With that said, the BCS may be laughing all the way to the bank for now, but having the federal government on your tail is never a good thing.

Back From The Dead, Don't Crucify The Broncos Yet

Brad James — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:58:26 -0400

I have taken a long hiatus, but have returned in hopes of silencing the delusional losers who seem hellbent on the Denver Broncos having a terrible season.

When I look at the entire scope of things that have transpired over the past few months, I find it odd that many think the Broncos haven't improved themselves.

Yes, Jay Cutler is a talent who bewitches fans with his tight spirals and impressive athleticism.

Nevertheless, he is a charlatan and a fraud; a fact that Bears fans will learn soon enough.

Meanwhile, I'm hoping for Kyle Orton to be ready for the Broncos' season opener at Cincinnati September 13. If not, perhaps Tom Brandstater will prove to be a quick study, as he's already impressed with his powerful arm in limited opportunities.

Of course, Brandon Marshall, if he proves penitent, can return any time he'd like to which would greatly enhance our prospects, if he's focused.

Ultimately, I think he realizes the only way for him to get his jack will be as a Bronco, as he faces continual suspension and benching or amassing Pro Bowl numbers.

I also expect to see Eddie Royal emerge as a Pro Bowler while future Hall of Famer Ryan Clady bolsters the league's best offensive line.

Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman, Chris Baker and other new faces on the defense will strengthen us considerably on that side of the ball as well.

To me, Tony Scheffler is the X factor as if he continues to create mismatches in the open field, it gives Orton (yes, he's the man until proven differently) another weapon to dismantle defenses.

I think we can win 10 games, although 11 is the ceiling as far as I'm concerned.

Of course, in subsequent seasons, we'll only improve.

Before we crucify coach Josh McDaniels, let's give him a chance. The season's almost on. GO BRONCOS!!!

Resilient Esks Down Roughriders

Brad James — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:53:21 -0400

Calvin McCarty ran for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns while Tristan Jackson returned a punt 74 yards for a score to lead the Edmonton Eskimos to a 38-33 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in CFL action.

The Roughriders earned a 22-0 lead early in the second quarter as QB Darian Durant (20 of 36, 238 yards, TD) made several big plays, including a scoring toss to Wes Cates.

Additionally, Saskatchewan’s Lance Frazier returned a Ricky Ray (23 of 32, 247 yards, INT) 69 yards for a score to open up the big advantage.

However, on a day when Saskatchewan’s 1989 Grey Cup winning team was honored, which included Eskimos coach, Richie Hall, Edmonton turned the tide.

Behind Ray’s prodigious passing and McCarty’s big plays in the running game, the Eskimos actually took a 30-25 lead late in the third quarter.

Nevertheless, the Roughriders responded with a short scoring run by Chris Szarka while conceding a safety to Edmonton to make it a 33-32 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Arkee Whitlock responded with a 13-yard touchdown run for the Eskimos while Saskatchewan turned the ball over on downs on a crucial drive late in the game when sure-handed Weston Dressler uncharacteristically dropped a pass on 3^rd down.

The win improved Edmonton to 2-2 on the season while Saskatchewan slumped to 2-2, in their second consecutive loss.

Revisiting Dave Krieg: A Historical Portrait

Brad James — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:02:45 -0400

Fellow Bleacher Reporters, I just had an amazing revelation!

I thought I'd show everyone the work I've done in my limited scope as an NFL historian by writing an article on one of the more underrated signal callers in league annals in Dave Krieg.

The man was brilliant in 12 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks; in the ultra-cool metallic silver and blue Seattle once wore, he set franchise records that still stand with 26,132 career passing yards and 195 touchdowns.

Obviously, current Redskins head coach Jim Zorn was the first great quarterback in Seahawks history, but Krieg, the unheralded product out of Milton, took signal-calling excellence to a new level in the Pacific Northwest by making miraculous things happen.

Even as a Broncos fan growing up in south central Utah, every Sunday, I did enjoy watching the Seahawks because I knew that Krieg was apt to do something special.

My most endearing memory of him is when he helped the Seahawks reverse a string of futility at Kansas City in 1990, where Seattle had not won in 10 years.

In this game, Krieg led the Seahawks to a 17-16 win at Arrowhead Stadium with plenty of dramatic flair.

In the closing seconds, Kansas City was nursing a 16-10 lead when the late, soon to be inducted Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas was ready to add to his newly established NFL record by getting his eighth sack of the game.

However, Krieg had other ideas as he eluded Thomas and found Paul Skansi for one of the more thrilling touchdowns in league history.

Krieg may not have been flashy all the time, but he knew how to get the job done, and as many NFL analysts bemoan the mediocre quarterback play that is prevalent through much of the league today, Krieg looks all the better as the years pass on.

Of course, Krieg was not done after his stint with the Seahawks, as he became a mentor/journeyman to other quarterbacks with the Chiefs, Lions, Cardinals, Bears, and Oilers.

I, for one, believe Krieg deserves a shot at the Hall of Fame, but please weigh in with your comments, and thanks for reading!

Mavericks Have a Pulse; Mark Cuban Shows Remorse

Brad James — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:26:18 -0400

Like most other Mavericks fans, I'm pleased when the team rises to the occasion and defies the skeptics, as we saw in their 119-117 win over the Nuggets, Monday.

Although Mark Cuban is easily one of the more polarizing figures in the NBA today, his passion and intensity that is virtually unparalleled in his sphere makes me proud to support the Mavs.

With that said, it's obvious that, while Kenyon Martin is, at times, a dirty player (as we saw in Game One, wherein he floored Dirk Nowitzki), I appreciate his intensity and passion, as well.

Therefore, we have two powerful individuals in Cuban and Martin going at each other.

Nevertheless, in Game Four, I witnessed one of the better played games in this postseason. Judging by the classics the Celtics have played, that's saying something.

Sadly, the exploits of Dirk Nowitzki (44 points, 13 boards) and Carmelo Anthony (41 points) were overshadowed by the surly antics of loser drunks purporting to be Mavs fans who shouted insidious insults to Martin's family.

Of course, we know that Cuban was the impetus of much of this angst, but, to his credit, one of his posts this morning on blogmaverick.com contained an apology to Martin and his family.

While I love Cuban, this is one of the rare times one can reasonably argue that he was a stand-up guy.

My advice to Mr. Cuban is to keep it up (his attitude on the blog) because, as one who has strong opinions, I realize that, in several instances, it becomes expedient to apologize—to save face.

As for the Nuggets, my pragmatic side tells me they should take care of business Wednesday and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since I was two. Be assured, though, that my Mavs won't go away. One thing that we do know for sure is that their Game Five will be the only NBA game on the airwaves that evening, so, if you're a junkie, tune in.

Even if you're not, the game should be exciting, even though Cuban won't be there as he's slated to receive a prestigious award somewhere else.

That, at least, should cause some of the bitterness to subside.

Hawks' Dominance Leaves Heat, "Experts" Puzzled

Brad James — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:55:52 -0400

While I'm pleased with the Mavericks' and 76ers' wins (as ardent supporters of both teams), there was nothing more exciting and decisive in my opinion than the Atlanta Hawks' beatdown of the Miami Heat.

As Josh Smith soared through the thick air of the ATL and brought incomparable joy to the spectators at the Highlight Factory (is that not the coolest nickname in sports?), the look on Erik Spoelstra's face in my caption says it all.

Yes, the Heat can come back in this series so long as my choice for the MVP, Dwyane Wade, laces them up. But the Hawks' dominance has to give the so-called "experts" pause.

From Vancouver to Miami (yes, even NBA analysts on Canadian broadcast outlets TSN and CBC thought the Hawks had no chance) and the likes of Tim Legler and Gros (of Gros and Gas on KJR-AM out of Seattle), many have derided Atlanta as the team everyone wants to face.

I guess that's an inaccurate statement now.

The statistics reveal that elite teams such as the Cavaliers, Celtics (pre-Kevin Garnett injury), Magic and Lakers have all not been themselves when having to face the Hawks on the road.

In so many instances, the rational fan can only come to the conclusion that the Hawks are for real.

With that said, as Falcons training camp commences in Flowery Branch, Georgia later this year, the future is bright on the gridiron in the ATL.

Matt Ryan will only get better while John Abraham, Harry Douglas and Jerious Norwood will help NFL fans in the city rejoice.

I just have one caution for those desirous to enter the city and partake in this excitement: drive into town. That way, it won't take your luggage an hour to get off the rack at the airport.

Phoenix Suns Haven't Set

Brad James — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:15:38 -0400

As devout a Mavericks fan as I am, I'll also admit that, because of natural ties to Arizona (I served an LDS mission in Tucson, as many of you know), I kind of hope for the Suns to do well at the same time.

But since there appears to be just one Playoff spot between Dallas and Phoenix, I have to hope that the boys in purple and orange finish short.

In all likelihood, they probably will, but no one can belittle what the Suns have done, especially this week.

In victories over the Nuggets and Jazz in front of raucous crowds at the U.S. Airways Center, Phoenix has made some great theater for NBA fans lucky enough to tune in.

From Jason Richardson's emergence as a go-to threat to Grant Hill's renaissance, this club has truly been an inspiring story for broadcasters and viewers alike.

Thanks to my All-Access membership at nba.com, I can tune into various broadcasts across the league, and I often choose to center my Internet radio on Al McCoy on KTAR out of Phoenix.

The man has been a staple of Maricopa County broadcasting since the Kennedy administration but still has a childlike exuberance when he calls games. He's particularly excited that new stars, such as Jared Dudley and Alando Tucker, care developing.

Now, if my Mavericks can hold serve, they'll be in the postseason while Phoenix does no more than look on. With that said, fans in the Valley have to be ecstatic with the new direction of the team under Steve Kerr.

I expect Kerr to continue moving players, as Amare Stoudemire will likely be allowed to leave in the offseason. For whatever reason, as Gambo of KTAR's "Gambo & Ash" astutely stated, the Suns appear to be better without Stoudemire in the lineup.

Of course, Phoenix, whether they make the Playoffs this season or not, must find ways to improve itself as the Western Conference promises to be just as strong next season.

In any case, in an NBA season which has already been tons of fun, I'd like to congratulate the Phoenix Suns for making things even more intriguing.

NCAA Tournament: So Far, So Good

Brad James — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:37:26 -0400

First of all, I'd like to apologize for my long hiatus.

When you have a real job, Bleacher Report tends to go to the backburner, but from afar, I have read the articles of many illustrious writers on this site.

If you crave true journalism, B/R is the place for you.

While we have the Boston Globe seeking to decimate the Denver Broncos' future (sorry haters, the Broncos will get things worked out and the AFC West will have hell to pay) on this site you can find all the good information you could ever hope for from honest, reliable sources.

With that said, I want to address something Pat Forde wrote on ESPN.com Monday.

Forde's take was that the NCAA Tournament was lacking in luster because all the favorites have advanced.

Surely enough, this season commemorates the first time in NCAA Tournament history that the top three seeds in every regional advanced to the Sweet 16.

Thus, Forde argued, the tournament lacks drama because everything has been chalk up to this point.

Naturally, teams from the so-called power conferences have taken 13 of the 16 slots, but the three that have not are what makes this tournament one of the best things in sports.

While Xavier, Memphis, and Gonzaga all have great tradition, with the likes of David West, John Stockton, and Anfernee Hardaway having come from these schools, the fact that they, as so-called "mid-majors" can legitimately contend for a national championship is something we can celebrate.

As many of you know, I deem college football to be akin with WWE or perhaps even papal conclave as the results are fixed.

Apparently, when the false prophet Jim Delany went to commune with his BCS brethren on a seditious version of Mount Sinai, one of the commandments was "Thou shalt not share our revenue with the little guy."

Therefore, despite the likes of Utah and Boise State (who have already decimated the BCS irreparably) getting shunned in football consistently, in any given year, a Xavier or Memphis can silence the skeptics by cutting down the nets on the first Monday evening of April.

John Calipari's Tigers were perilously close to this before Mario Chalmers made himself a legend in the vein of Danny Manning by giving the classy Kansas Jayhawks a much-earned national title last season.

As Bill Raftery mentioned during CBS' broadcast of the Pittsburgh-East Tennessee State game last Friday, if the Buccaneers had made their free throws at the same clip they did during the regular season, we would have seen a No. 16 defeat a No. 1.

Therefore, while the upsets didn't happen with the same regularity as previous seasons, there have still been many excellent games and best of all—we will know the true national champion.

As to who the champion will be, I think Louisville shall prevail, but as the caption of my article, featuring Missouri's Mike Anderson, suggests, your guess is as good as mine.

Is Deion Sanders' Meddling a Conflict of Interest?

Brad James — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:32:43 -0500

If Deion Sanders has proven one thing about himself, it's that he will do his thing and get his name out there, regardless of how it affects those around him.

Generally, his histrionics have been relatively innocuous, as he danced and pranced his way to numerous touchdowns as a member of the Falcons, 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins, and Ravens.

As one might expect, while with the Cowboys, he developed a solid rapport with owner Jerry Jones and apparently has always been a fan of "America's Team."

With that said, one has to wonder if he's overstepped his bounds as an NFL Network analyst with his latest stunt.

As the Dallas Morning News reported earlier Thursday, Sanders is doing his best to get current Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis to join the Cowboys.

Perhaps the Cowboys are going to change themselves radically, as rumors have swirled about that Terrell Owens' days in the Big D could be numbered.

Nevertheless, in my opinion, it's inappropriate for an analyst to meddle with the affairs of an NFL team.

Now, one could easily argue that Dallas is poorly managed by Jones who, in his universe of myopia, claims that any news pertaining to the Cowboys is good news.

Undoubtedly, Jones is lapping this up; his team is getting additional press as columnists are finding fodder to fill up their respective newspapers in a time where there is not much other NFL news. Of course, that all changes next week, as NFL Network will broadcast the combine from Indianapolis, but this is still superfluous coverage.

While Deion Sanders is "Primetime" and arguably one of the best pure athletes ever to play in the NFL, there are some things he shouldn't do.

I am not a leader at my place of employment, Mid-Utah Radio in Manti, so it is therefore inappropriate for me to comment on what management (my mom and dad, oddly enough) should do with radio formats or other matters.

Sanders has actually grown on me with his analysis. So, with that said, he needs to stick to what he's good at.

If you have different opinions, I'd love to hear them.

CFL Expansion in the U.S.?

Brad James — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:13:58 -0500

It is at this point, a tempest in a teapot, but perhaps Oronde Gadsden has a good idea.

Gadsden, the former Miami Dolphins standout, has suggested that the Canadian Football League would be wise to consider expansion into the U.S., once again.

Of course, as many online historians have noted, the CFL's last foray into the lower 48 was horrendous as only the Baltimore Stallions had reasonable success and millions of dollars were lost.

However, there can be no doubt that Gadsden's suggestions: Detroit and Rochester are good ideas.

In all honesty, I'll admit that I love the NFL more than any form of football, but the CFL is probably second best.

Many people don't know this but had the Arizona Cardinals managed to upset Pittsburgh, it would have meant that both the CFL and NFL champions call the Mountain Time Zone home (I find it curious that as a Utahn, I have to change my clock if I go to Ely, Nev., but not Calgary).

I will admit that as I've traveled around the U.S., it isn't too uncommon to see people wearing Toronto Argonauts or Edmonton Eskimos apparel and the Grey Cup did appear on Versus last November.

Therefore, people are willing to watch, at least in moderation.

Of course, it's ridiculous for the CFL to replicate what happened previously, as I doubt that San Antonio and Las Vegas are good places for expansion to transpire.

However, Detroit makes perfect sense, as does a franchise in western New York or even Seattle.

If the Mariners continue to suck, I fully expect Seattleites to support a squad that can be successful and create a nice segue to the Seahawks' season.

As of yet, it is but a dream, but it's just what the American football fan needs: another distraction from the season-long exhibition that is Division I-A college football.

Mavs Headed In Right Direction With Kidd As Player-Coach

Brad James — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:40:04 -0500

One of the major tenants of being a head coach in any level of sports is the authoritative prowess vested in such individuals.

Undoubtedly, for control freaks such as Bill Belichick and Phil Jackson, it would seem more sensible to give up constitutional rights than to surrender any of their power.

Nevertheless, Rick Carlisle, just a year removed from a cushy job as an ESPN studio analyst has done just that as he has given Jason Kidd the power to call the Mavs' plays.

This is not unprecedented in professional sports, as in the Miami Dolphins' glory days of the '70s, Bob Griese regularly called the Dolphins' plays with great success. However, it is still relatively uncommon.

Nevertheless, Carlisle has been rewarded richly for rolling the bones.

Heading into tonight's game against the Jazz in Salt Lake City, the resurgent Mavs have gone 3-0 since Kidd has shouldered play-calling responsibilities.

Lest one should think that Dallas has beaten up on the scrubs the NBA has to offer, the truth of the matter is they have smacked the Heat, Magic, (when Jameer Nelson was still healthy, at least at tipoff), and Trail Blazers with impressive precision.

In all three of these matchups, the Mavericks have eclipsed 100 points, shot well over 50 percent from the field and clamped down defensively.

While Portland did flirt with the century mark, this only came after Carlisle had pulled his starters and Brandon Roy sank a pair of 3-pointers.

As of right now, the Mavericks, who were once, 2-7, have improved to 29-19 and are currently in the sixth spot as they are percentage points behind New Orleans and have a slightly better winning percentage than Houston.

Thus, as a Mavs fan, I tip my hat to Carlisle and greatly anticipate what the rest of the season holds.

Can the NBA also be where swallowing your ego happens?

If you're Rick Carlisle anyway, I suppose.

Parity Is the True NFL Champion

Brad James — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:40:13 -0500

This image, while awe-inspiring to we Broncos fans, could be equally detrimental to Patriots fans.

As both Josh McDaniels and Scott Pioli—who will be joining the Kansas City Chiefs, as reported by Baltimore's 105.7 The Fan—depart from New England, we can see that the Patriots may be reaching the end of an era.

Of course, in a vein of thought that not many New England fans want to address, it can reasonably be said that the Patriots' dynasty has been diminishing since 2004.

Since the Patriots celebrated after Super Bowl 39 via their conquest of Philadelphia, the NFL has seen three different champions, and the trend seems to be continuing.

In all honesty, no one thought we would have the Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, and most surprisingly, the Cardinals, as our final four.

With that said, there's no reason to believe that this trend won't continue.

Teams such as the Broncos, who are on the rise, have a bright future, especially if in the Broncos' case, McDaniels brings in Mike Nolan or Dom Capers as defensive coordinator and allows them to use their vast football acumen to bring some decency to a unit that surrendered 28 points a game in 2008.

Meanwhile, everyone in the AFC should be frightened of Baltimore, because Flacco is only going to improve, and the defense shouldn't be any weaker next season.

Other teams with bright futures include the Dolphins, Falcons, and perhaps even the Seahawks if Matt Hasselbeck returns to his previous form.

As for parity, the Cardinals' appearance in the NFC Championship Game proves that this phenomenon is alive and well, and we may have seen the NFL's last great run with the Patriots.

To me, this is no cause for concern, as parity brings in new fans and promises instant excitement.

It's a good thing that the NFL embraces parity because Commissioner Roger Goodell realizes its vast importance.

Meanwhile, college football seeks to nullify it by disallowing teams who don't have rich traditions to compete for its "national championship."

Perhaps the Patriots may surprise me, but their bright offensive mind is now in orange and blue, and Belichick will have to recruit a comparable assistant.

If the hunches of Broncos fans are correct, this will be easier said than done, as we all trust that McDaniels is a great catch.

Congrats Florida on Your Pseudo National Title

Brad James — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:13:12 -0500

In all due respect to the Florida Gators, nationally-syndicated talk show host Jim Rome was right when he said that Thursday night’s BCS “championship game” was for third place at best.

Although the rules of the seditious Bowl Championship Series say that Florida will be crowned “national champion” by virtue of their 24-14 win over the Oklahoma Sooners Thursday at Miami Dolphins Stadium, that is debatable.

While the BCS’ power brokers say that there is nothing wrong with their system, the fact remains that the only unbeaten team in the nation, the Utah Utes, have been unjustly denied.

The tragedy is that only a lawsuit will humble those simple-minded stooges who say that their system is fine.

In the classic film Ben-Hur, the evil Messala said Rome would never fall. Of course, as any 12th grade student that has paid attention even once in his or her classes can tell you, that proved to be false.

Here’s hoping that the BCS will fall swiftly, as did the once mighty Rome two millennia ago.

Donovan McNabb Excels at Right Time for Eagles

Brad James — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:49:02 -0500

We all know for African-Americans in our country, January is an important time as Martin Luther King day is commemorated (although in my opinion, others such as Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks and George Washington Carver should also be acknowledged) and Barack Obama will rise to power in the White house January 20.

With that said, it's nice to see that Donovan McNabb, a quarterback whom Philly fans initially booed in 1999 has made a nice career for himself.

Ten years later, he has posted a career-high 3,916 yards and tossed for 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season as he continues to play at a high level.

While there are many qualities to extol about the magnificent McNabb, chief among them is his exceptionally thick skin.

Even though I am a Broncos fan based in Utah (as many of you know), I do listen to Philadelphia sports talk and have observed how passionate (that's no surprise, like me, most Philadelphians are Italian) and in turn demanding, Philly fans are of their athletes and teams.

With that said, it's interesting to note how the perception of Philly fan has changed in regards to McNabb.

When a man can overcome barrages from the likes of fellow African-Americans in the NAACP, Terrell Owens, and Rush Limbaugh and come out on top, he deserves major plaudits and accolades.

No matter how potent the defensive schemes concocted by Steve Spagnuolo this Sunday will be, McNabb's been through worse and he has Brian Westbrook on his side so the Giants have great reason for concern.

Regardless of the outcome, I can rest assured that McNabb will put the Eagles in a position to win and it's nice to see that he's finally getting the recognition he has deserved for years.

With that said, it should be a nice game at the Meadowlands this weekend and (in a complete potshot to I-A college football,) may the best team win!

The Latest BCS Injustice

Brad James — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:26:20 -0500

Let the BCS bashing percolate! Colt McCoy (41 of 58, 414 yards, two TDs, INT) threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Quan Cosby with 26 seconds left, and the No. 3 Texas Longhorns edged the No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes, 24-21, in the Fiesta Bowl Monday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Much like their predecessors who were left out of the “national championship” picture, USC and Utah, Texas staked their claim to a share of the mythical national title by earning a hard-fought win against the Big Ten-affiliated Buckeyes.

After a first half which featured three field goals, two of which came from Ohio State kickers Aaron Pettrey and Ryan Pretorius, the Buckeyes led 6-3 at halftime before the offensive fireworks began.

Over the course of the last 30 minutes of play, Texas took a 17-6 lead after three quarters of play when McCoy ran for a 14-yard score while later hitting Cosby on a seven-yard strike. In the fourth quarter, Ohio State made their last surge as Pettrey hit a 44-yard field goal, Terrelle Pryor hauled in a five-yard scoring toss from Todd Boeckman, and Daniel Herron gave the Buckeyes the lead with his 15-yard run.

Nevertheless, the Big Ten’s lack of athleticism was exposed once again as McCoy ripped out the hearts of scarlet and gray-clad fans with precision passing that eventually resulted in Cosby’s game-winner.

The win led the Longhorns to a final record of 12-1, while the Buckeyes close with a mark of 10-3.

With that said, BCS, don't ever purport you decide a "national champion" until a playoff is established. I'm a Utahn, so I defend my Utes, and I served my mission in Texas, so I advocate for my Longhorns.

A playoff is the only way to get it done, so hurry up, you bureaucratic jackasses. It can be done at the drop of a hat, and I certainly hope Jan. 20 (a.k.a. Obama's inauguration) is your death knell.

In the interim, BCS, much like Shaq said to Kobe, Texas says tell me how my junk (censored term) tastes!

Major X Factors for Ravens: Joe Flacco and Ed Reed

Brad James — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:44:42 -0500

Watch out for Joe Flacco and Ed Reed.

If I'm Jeff Fisher, this is the image I've conveyed to my Tennessee Titans squad as I begin preparations for Saturday's AFC Divisional playoff.

While Joe Flacco's stats weren't anything to write home about in Sunday's Wild Card victory against the Miami Dolphins, he made big throws whenever called upon and most importantly, he did not commit any turnovers.

As for Reed, his reputation precedes him. In his latest display of magnificence, he returned an interception 64 yards for the score that enabled the Ravens to seize control of the game.

In the words of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison during his cameo as an NFL Network analyst, Reed "is an offensive player playing defense."

Meanwhile, Flacco's impressive size at 6'6" and 230 pounds instantaneously makes him an imposing figure for opposing defenses and the fact that he is not afraid to gain the tough yards (such as on his five-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter at Miami) enables Baltimore to have yet another weapon.

I do pride myself on being somewhat of an amateur NFL historian and there are so many similarities between the Ravens of 2000 and this year's rendition.

For starters, Baltimore has entered the playoffs as the most dangerous AFC Wild Card, just as they were when they ran through the postseason in their championship year (this time around, the Dolphins were the punching bag rather than my beloved Broncos).

In the divisional round in 2000, they faced the Titans in Nashville, just as they are doing this season.

If the Chargers and Ravens both win, Baltimore will go to California for the AFC Championship game, just as they did when they smacked the Raiders around.

Of course, waiting for them in Super Bowl XXXV was none other than the New York Giants and I think the chances are pretty good that this could happen again.

Oddly enough, the Super Bowl will also be in Tampa, the same site where the Ravens beat down the G-Men eight years ago.

With that said, Baltimore has the athleticism and toughness, primarily because of Flacco and Reed, to emulate their run of 2000.

Therefore, in closing, I wish the Titans good luck as they're going to need it.

Utes Blast Alabama; BCS Sucks; Give Us A Change Now!

Brad James — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:00:53 -0500

In case anyone hasn’t noticed, the BCS is broken and the No. 6 Utah Utes applied the latest death knell to the corrupt system with a 31-17 dismantling of No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide Friday in the Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome.

Brian Johnson (27 of 41, 336 yards, 3 TD’s) was outstanding in his final performance as Utah’s quarterback, as he engineered three touchdown drives in the first quarter to lead the Utes to an insurmountable 21-0 lead.

Additionally, the Utes’ defense feasted on an Alabama offensive line missing stud lineman Andre Smith, as they sacked Tide signal-caller John Parker Wilson eight times, while Utah surrendered only 208 offensive yards on the evening.

Leading up to the game, Alabama coach Nick Saban made several inflammatory comments toward the Utes concerning their supposed lack of tough games heading into the Sugar Bowl, but Utah brought the heat repeatedly against the beleaguered Tide.

Regrettably, because of the corruption infiltrating the BCS system, the Utes probably will not be ranked No. 1 when the final polls come out Jan. 9 after Florida and Oklahoma play for the alleged title Thursday, Jan. 8.

With this said, Utah president Michael K. Young needs to file a lawsuit against the BCS and other heroes of the common man such as Texas congressman Joe Barton and of course, our new president elect Barack Obama need to join him.

SCREW YOU, BCS!!!

With that said, I look forward to the NFL playoffs, wherein the action is decided on the field and is excellent to behold!

Vikings-Eagles: Minnesota an Intriguing Team as Playoffs Commence

Brad James — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:36:04 -0500

Although numerous tickets remain unsold for the Vikings-Eagles playoff game, that has more to do with the economic issues in the Twin Cities than the city shunning its football team.

In fact, while college football has the potential for great embarrassment if Utah beats Alabama Friday in the Sugar Bowl (there's no way in hell that the Utes win the national championship if that occurs, and we all know it), four outstanding games should transpire during NFL Wild card weekend.

While it may lack the offensive fireworks of Falcons-Cardinals or Colts-Chargers, or the defensive magnificence of Dolphins-Ravens, the Vikings-Eagles matchup should be good as well.

For starters, the crucial chess match in this game will pit the Eagles' impressive tailback, Brian Westbrook (1,338 yards of total offense and 14 TDs on the season), against a stout Vikings rush defense, which surrendered just under 77 yards on the ground a game in 2008 for the best mark in the NFL.

Now, the Minnesota pass defense is considerably weaker, but we all know that the Eagles have led themselves into ruin when head coach Andy Reid becomes a pass-aholic.

Therefore, they should try to run the ball whenever possible. Westbrook should be able to find holes, even against an excellent Vikings defense.

Additionally, quarterback play will be of paramount importance in this game, and surprisingly, Tarvaris Jackson (1,056 yards, nine TDs, two INTs) seems to have put his less than stellar past behind him.

However, despite talent at receiver in Bernard Berrian, and to a lesser extent, Sidney Rice, the Vikings don't really want to get into a shootout with the Eagles, as the prodigious Jackson is still not on par with one of the greatest signal-callers of this generation in Donovan McNabb (3,916 yards, 23 TDs, 11 INTs).

If the Eagles' running game proves to be successful, McNabb should be able to find numerous mismatches against the Vikings with weapons such as Kevin Curtis and Hank Baskett.

With all of this information compiled together, I think the Eagles are a team that has gotten hot at the right time, and while the Vikings will put up a good fight, Philadelphia will prevail in the end.

I say the Eagles prevail 34-28 in a game that will be just as good as its three predecessors on Wild Card weekend and thus sets the stage for an excellent divisional round.

The Future Of The Broncos

Brad James — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:21:34 -0500

The future is always an intriguing thing to me. With 2009 swiftly descending upon us, I guess that now is a good time for we Broncos fans to come to terms with what the future holds, especially since Mike Shanahan has been fired.

First of all, let me make something clear right now: I do not fault Pat Bowlen, he did what he felt he had to do for the betterment of the franchise and we'll see what comes out of it.

Rather than prophesize doom and gloom, I'm going to accentuate positives, such as Eddie Royal as pictured above.

Royal's stats (91 rec, 980 yards, 5 TD's) are a positive factor in moving forward as are the impressive credentials of fellow rookie Ryan Clady who has already asserted himself as the leader of an outstanding offensive line.

Obviously, everyone knows about the sordid defense which gave up 28 points a game and surrendered nearly 380 yards a contest.

Those areas must be corrected and as I've stated previously, Bill Cowher seems to be the right man for the job.

The only caveat is that Cowher will probably want authority as the general manager as well and that's precisely one of the reasons Shanahan was fired in the first place: too many hats.

The key factor with all the information readily available is that Cutler should have a fair amount of continuity from the previous era which saw him set a Broncos' single season record for passing yards with 4,526 on the season.

With all of this said, I leave it in the hands of Mr. Bowlen to make a wise decision.

Some of you may not know this, but the Broncos are sixth all-time in wins in NFL annals and Mr. Bowlen has played a major role in promulgating this sensational stat.

Good luck to him and may the Broncos' tradition of excellence ensue as the franchise enters a new era!

I Was Wrong: San Diego Chargers Thump Denver Broncos

Brad James — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:50:12 -0500

I make mistakes much more often than I'd prefer.

With that said, I grudgingly tip my hat to the Chargers for being the better team.

Obviously the Broncos have numerous problems to fix on the defensive side of the ball and if Chargers fans find this article, more power to them.

The point of the matter is they have the dynamic Indianapolis Colts to worry about and that game should be exciting.

I am looking forward to all of the postseason matchups as all four of them over the course of next weekend promise to be magnificent.

As for my final take on the Broncos' season, a -17 turnover ratio is no way to win football games consistently and while the season had its bright moments, expectations have risen.

Jay Cutler and Ryan Clady are nice pieces to build around but I bid 2008 adieu in hopes that 2009 will be better.

Rebuilding the Rams

Brad James — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:27:37 -0500

If these times (as depicted in my picture) are to return to the Gateway to the West, it's obvious that the Rams need some wholesale changes.

With that said, I think that Rams management, including such key figures as Chip Rosenbloom, Lucia Rodriguez, and Stan Kroenke (who also owns the Denver Nuggets, among other things), did a really classy thing at www.stlouisrams.com.

When one visits the Rams' official Web site, a message from these three individuals chronicles their admission of failure and their plans to do better.

As I learned from one of my favorite Christmas gifts, a book by Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino entitled Success Is A Choice, one of the key steps to eradicating failure is to correct what went wrong.

Well, when one considers the Rams' numerous setbacks this season the ultimate question is: Where to begin?

First of all, let's accentuate the positives, because along with our analogy of Coach Pitino's book, that was one of the major tenants.

First of all, wins against the Redskins and Cowboys may prove instrumental in keeping Washington and Dallas out of the playoffs. The Redskins are already out of playoff contention and the Cowboys easily could be, especially if they choke against the Eagles.

Perhaps the Rams could screw up the postseason aspirations of the Falcons if they win at Atlanta Sunday and if other scenarios that can damage the Falcons occur.

However, let's not kid ourselves. The Rams have serious question marks at numerous positions.

Still, two of the answers are Torry Holt and Steven Jackson. I believe both can still play at a high level, although I believe a change is needed at quarterback. Whether the signal-caller should be Matthew Stafford or a potential free agent like Matt Cassel, it's obvious that St. Louis must improve at quarterback.

One major step in the right direction that has already taken place is the advent of Billy Devaney as general manager. Devaney has proven to be an impeccable NFL executive as he played a major role in bringing Mike Smith to Atlanta.

Of course, Falcons fans are grateful to him for that. Perhaps he can bring comparable success to the Rams.

Furthermore, the defense has some nice pieces in Chris Long and O.J. Atogwe, so the potential exists for vast strides to be made.

Of transcendent importance, though, is the NFL draft in April.

If St. Louis makes judicious decisions and does what's best for the franchise, even if it bruises egos and hurts feelings along the way, then all will be well.

We have already seen mini-miracles occur in the parity-driven NFL as the Miami Dolphins are on the verge of a potential division title and the NFC West isn't necessarily the toughest division in the league.

Therefore, in these bleak times, Rams fans should hope for the best and trust their front office to make the right calls. If they do, we can easily see St. Louis return to prominence.

Much like other flagship franchises in the NFL, such as the Dolphins and Redskins, even this Broncos fan admits that the NFL's much better when the Rams matter.

Tomlin Plays Scrooge at Press Conference

Brad James — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:44:21 -0500

Herein we have a man whose no-nonsense attitude has the Pittsburgh Steelers primed and poised to go on a long playoff run.

Mike Tomlin, one of the better coaches to emerge from the Tony Dungy coaching tree, (and obviously one of the few enjoying a successful season) hasn't earned a 21-10 record thus far in nearly two seasons as the Steelers coach by acquiescing to the demands of levity.

Thus, when Santa came, in the guise of Washington, Pa.-based sportscaster Bill DiFabio, I appreciate the fact that Tomlin took a break from his usual comments to give Santa some love.

However, coaches are always irritable after a loss, especially one to a team like the Tennessee Titans, who not only seized home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs from the Steelers, but also stomped on the sacred terrible towels.

I have a co-worker who grew up in Latrobe, Pa. during the glory years of the 70's and has admitted to me her once unrequited crush on Rocky Bleier.

Additionally, she has a terrible towel and gets really irritable when anyone mocks it, especially another co-worker who loves the Cowboys.

Now, obviously the Steelers are a team that appertains to tradition perhaps more than any other. In decades of leadership under the Rooneys, there have been three coaches since the merger and a legacy of hard work and no-nonsense football has unfolded.

Oddly enough, DiFabio's presence as Santa has also been a tradition, but in a "maverick" move for Pittsburgh, Tomlin unceremoniously dismissed him.

Now, perhaps Tomlin could lighten up just a bit and get in touch with his inner Omar Epps, but lest the Steelers be unprepared for the anemic Browns this Sunday, I guess I can get with him here.

Obviously, Tomlin wants to put the memories of last season's disappointing playoff loss to the Jaguars behind him, so with a flick of his wrist, Tomlin lofted DiFabio a gem Terry Bradshaw (or at the least Mike Tomczak) would have been proud of in hopes that he would leave.

Thus, when NFL historians look back at the Steelers way back in 2008 and see one of the few men to coach in this blue collar community who bucked a team tradition, Tomlin will be lauded not only as a champion (he'll win a Super Bowl eventually, hopefully Jay Cutler and the Broncos will win more), but as one who told an annoying reporter to shut up.

As a reporter myself, I hope that when I interview a coach, this will never happen to me.

Thanks for showing me what not to do DiFabio and props to Tomlin who, much like his mentor, is a man of integrity.

Dolphins Are a Masterpiece; Chad Pennington the Artiste

Brad James — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:07:02 -0500

Week 17 is a moment of truth around the NFL. It also gives college football a tutorial about how teams should be selected to compete for championships.

Obviously, my Broncos must prove themselves in a winner-takes-all bout against the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, but they're not the only team searching for vindication in the AFC.

Today, I speak of Chad Pennington and how he has resuscitated a moribund franchise in what has been one of the more remarkable stories of the season.

With all due respect to the illustrious Daniel Cox (you should read his commentary, he has some pretty good stuff) and his Atlanta Falcons, the Miami Dolphins are the greatest story this season, and Chad Pennington has to be one of the major reasons why.

Although Pennington has always been an outstandingly efficient signal-caller, his arm strength has been his major downfall.

Nevertheless, he has mustered enough to give the Dolphins a shot at a division title this Sunday at his old stomping grounds: the Meadowlands.

A glance at Pennington's stats on the season (17 TD, 10 INT, 3,453 yards) suggests that he is getting the ball downfield. Although much of the credit belongs to Ted Ginn, Greg Camarillo, and Anthony Fasano, Pennington has brought excellent leadership.

Even when his stats haven't been gaudy, Pennington has made big plays whenever he's had to. Coach Tony Sparano has noticed the innumerable ways Pennington has assisted the Dolphins.

In his press conference last Monday following the Dolphins' win at Kansas City, Sparano said he appreciates Pennington's attitude and leadership skills. He went on to say that those qualities are a major key to Miami's success.

As for the Jets, after starting the season 8-3, the bottom fell out after a loss to the Broncos. And regrettably for New York, things have not been the same since.

Now the Jets find themselves in the unenviable position of relying on the hated Patriots, even if they should hand Pennington and the Dolphins a loss.

Even if the Dolphins fall short, undoubtedly the franchise has returned to its tradition of winning. South Beach fans should be able to rejoice for many years to come.

Put Up or Shut Up in the AFC West

Brad James — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:27:04 -0500

First of all, the Broncos' less than convincing performance against the Bills Sunday was a cause of much exasperation to me Sunday as I contemplated what might have been.

At the moment, it is really difficult to be a fan right now as for every moment of exultation, there is a period of aggravation.

In a season which has seen the Broncos dismantle the Falcons and Buccaneers, losses to the Chiefs and Raiders have been just as egregious as the aforementioned wins have been marvelous.

With that said, the chance still exists for the Broncos to pull out the division title although undoubtedly they've made things much harder on themselves.

If Jay Cutler (a Broncos record 4,210 yards, 24 TDs, 16 INTs on the season) can throw more touchdowns than picks against the Bolts, Denver should be unstoppable and hopefully stymie the Chargers enough to pull out the win.

This game appears to be eerily similar to its predecessor in Week Two and a few key defensive stops or turnovers should determine the game.

It is uncanny how the Broncos' fortunes change if they win the turnover battle on a weekly basis as only two victories (against the Saints and Chiefs) have come when Denver finished on the negative side of the giveaway/takeaway ratio.

Ultimately, the thing that no knowledgeable Bronco fan can overlook is the fact that all the pressure rests on the shoulders of the Chargers know.

The game is at the "Q" (with all due respect to Clevelanders) with a national television audience on NBC checking in.

It could be like the Broncos' season-opening win at Oakland (not necessarily in terms of the final margin of victory as I speak more in terms of the impact of such a win) if they can rise to the occasion.

For all of San Diego's efforts to get themselves back in the AFC West race, I can easily see them falling short because Norv Turner is masquerading as an NFL head coach long after Halloween.

It would be an amazing stocking stuffer to see the Broncos pull out this improbable win but to quote the immortal Chris Berman, "that's why they play the game."

Arachnophobia Strikes Montana as Richmond defeat Grizzlies, 24-7 for FCS Title

Brad James — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:27:20 -0500

While the Richmond athletic department has seen its bright moments, such as the 1968 Tangerine Bowl win over Ohio and the 1991 NCAA Tournament which saw the No. 15 seed Spiders upset No. 2 Syracuse, things haven't been overly spectacular.

However, Friday evening in Chattanooga, Tenn. that all changed as the Spiders won their first ever national championship in any sport by dismantling the dynastic Montana Grizzlies, 24-7 at Finley Stadium.

There was nothing flashy or "sexy" about Richmond's win, except for the fact that it occurred in a REAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

I, for one, find national championships rather sexy so kudos to the Spiders for getting it done.

In all seriousness though, Richmond personified what champions are all about.

I was foolish last week as in my analysis of the I-AA playoffs, I seditiously overlooked the Spiders notwithstanding their Elway-esque drive against Northern Iowa in the closing moments.

That of course laid the foundation for their emphatic victory over Montana.

By the time Cole Bergquist and the rest of the Grizzlies knew what hit them, Richmond had built a 21-0 lead behind the excellent play of Eric Ward and Josh Vaughn and keyed off on what had been an impressive Montana offense coming into this game.

The Spiders amassed seven sacks overall, including a hat trick by Lawrence Sidbury who reminds me of Trent Cole or perhaps even John Abraham.

During the broadcast, Brock Huard said he should be a first-day draft pick so if your team has lots of selections in the second or third round, hope and pray that Sidbury's name is called to join their ranks.

Personally, I think he'd look great in Bronco orange and blue.

Well, once again I call out Division I, saying: this is how it's supposed to be done.

As the anti-climatic bowl season commences on December 20, the NFL, NBA, college basketball and even thimble collecting will take precedence over the farcical proceedings of Capital One Bowl Week.

That's right New Mexico Bowl, brass thimbles are more important than you.

Once again, congrats to the Richmond Spiders.

Head coach Mike London is a class act and if you see Tim Hightower acting considerably giddy if he scores a touchdown against the Pats this Sunday, you'll know why.

The Holmgren Era: A Time of Greatness

Brad James — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:01:33 -0500

When one peruses the numerous NFL games this weekend, sadly because of their horrendous season, the Seattle Seahawks' game against the New York Jets isn't a highlight at first glance.

Nevertheless, as far as we know this will be the last game Mike Holmgren coaches in front of a home crowd.

Holmgren first made his splash in the NFL when he joined Bill Walsh's staff with the 49ers in 1986 where he honed his skills as one of the game's greatest offensive minds.

From there, he restored the Green Bay Packers to their glory days of the Lambeau and Lombardi eras by winning 67 percent of his games and winning a Super Bowl, the only one that Titletown has seen since the merger.

As of 1999, Holmgren has coached the Seattle Seahawks and took what was at the time one of the NFL's most hapless franchises to the brink of Super Bowl glory.

Of course, as Seahawks fans believe (and I as well, although the Broncos are my favorite team) the officials ripped a second Lombardi from him as the Steelers prevailed in a 21-10 win in Super Bowl XL.

With that said, when one considers the low points the Seahawks have seen at various points in the franchise's existence, a Super Bowl appearance was a remarkable accomplishment.

Beyond his excellence as a head coach/general manager extraordinaire though, his legacy is among the more impressive in NFL annals.

As an extension of the famed Walsh coaching tree, Holmgren has mentored several other head coaches in the NFL, such as the Philadelphia Eagles' Andy Reid and the Minnesota Vikings' Brad Childress.

Incidentally, both the Eagles and Vikings are in position to secure playoff berths this season.

While it is a shame that in Holmgren's swan song season, the Seahawks have incurred their first losing campaign since 2002, the cupboard is far from bare.

If Matt Hasselbeck can evade injury to himself and his receiving corps, Seattle should regain their lofty status atop the NFC West standings.

If nothing else, Holmgren has left magnificence and consistency everywhere he's been, and for an NFL coach, it's hard to beat a legacy like that.

Excellence Transcends Race

Brad James — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:54:06 -0500

To start off this article, let me preface my comments thusly: RACISM SUCKS.

Those who perpetrate it are horrendous human beings and fail to understand that people of many races have done wondrous things.

With that said, CEO's and college presidents alike should be able to hire whoever they want based on what they're looking for.

In one of the greatest books of all time, Tony Dungy's autobiography Quiet Strength, the stellar Indianapolis Colts coach said that owner Jim Irsay hired him because he was the perfect mix of integrity and coaching ability to take the Colts to heights they'd not reached since their days in Baltimore.

As we all know, in 2006, Irsay's decision was rewarded as Dungy hoisted the Lombardi trophy amid the rain on a historic February evening in Miami.

As for what happened at Auburn, president Jay Gogue (who is a really nice man and gave me a favorable response via e-mail when I told him college football playoffs are a good idea) and his board of trustees should not feel obligated to hire Turner Gill, although the former Nebraska quarterback would have been an excellent choice.

I do however question the hiring of Gene Chizik, not for racial profiling purposes, but because he had a 5-19 record in two seasons at Iowa State.

I thought college football was all about winning....

Anyway, while I don't believe this to be an example of racism at Auburn, AL, it does nothing to suppress stereotypes about the deep south, some of which I have found, from sad experiences to be true.

While I am not black, I can come to no other conclusion that blacks and other minorities don't want to be hired just because of their color, they want to be hired for their merits and abilities.

The man who most successfully defines my take is illustrious Monday Night Football play-by-play man Mike Tirico.

Yes, he is black, but even as I paid attention to Warren Moon and Randall Cunningham for their excellence on the gridiron rather than their skin tone, I view Tirico in the same vein.

I remember in the early '90s when I watched ESPN's weekly college football halftime shows, I saw Tirico and I thought that he had an excellent voice.

Apparently, the brass in Bristol agreed with me and soon "Mr. Smooth" was on Monday Night Countdown, before obtaining his current role.

On a hard day, it's always nice to hear the soothing cadence of Tirico articulating the action of my favorite game.

To me, Tirico would be outstanding if he were Filipino, Dutch, Native American or whatever because once again excellence transcends race.

Now, if Auburn excluded Gill (or another deserving minority in Richmond football coach Mike London who is coaching in a REAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME this Friday) because of their race, shame on them. Nevertheless, since I lack omniscience, I will not judge.

I would just hope that minorities are treated like the great people they are: with equity and fairness.

After all, anything else is as un-American as the tyranny and oppression of the BCS.

Irving Fryar: An NFL Great Deserving a Nod from Canton

Brad James — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:48:46 -0500

For some reason, when I was watching my Tivoed broadcast of the Eagles and Browns Tuesday morning, I thought of the great Eagles receivers of the past.

Perhaps it was because Harold Carmichael was mentioned as Brian Dawkins eclipsed him as the longest-tenured Eagle in team history.

In any case, as I thought of the solid names of my early youth, such as Calvin Williams, Fred Barnett, and Mike Quick, the name Irving Fryar indelibly came to mind.

Fryar, who many Nebraska Cornhuskers fans I've talked to say is the best receiver in the program's history, had 851 receptions for 12,785 yards and 84 touchdowns in his NFL career. Additionally, he amassed 15 yards per reception in 17 years with the Patriots, Dolphins, Eagles, and Redskins.

While he did amass many of his stellar numbers as a result of playing with Dan Marino, he also posted gaudy stats playing with the likes of Tony Eason and Ty Detmer.

Naturally, there are some no-brainers among those who are continually exempted from the sacred shrine of Canton, Ohio, such as Randy Gradishar and Randall Cunningham. At times, though, it takes further probing into the record books to reward admission into gridiron immortality.

Fryar is among those greats of the past who deserves a closer look.

Here is more evidence to prove my point, as I pledge to leave no stone unturned lest my argument be easily refuted.

For starters, the New England Patriots made Fryar the first receiver in NFL draft history to be the No. 1 overall pick.

Even on Cornhuskers squads, which featured Heisman winner Mike Rozier and stellar signal-caller (and current Buffalo football coach) Turner Gill, Fryar was still a collegiate standout.

This led to his magnificent NFL career, which saw him set a league record by catching touchdown passes from 19 different quarterbacks while he also scored at least two touchdowns in 16 consecutive seasons.

When he finally hung up the cleats as a member of the Redskins in 2000, his stats placed him sixth all-time in receiving annals, behind only Jerry Rice, Cris Carter, Tim Brown, Andre Reed, and Art Monk. With that said, Carter and Reed also belong in the Hall of Fame.

ESPN's John Clayton and several others have suggested that there is a bias against receivers, and gloryhounds like Terrell Owens do nothing to make things better for their brethren. However, an effective receiver is an incomparable weapon that can lead to numerous championships, as Jerry Rice and John Stallworth have proven.

While I one day hope to amass the level of knowledge that many NFL historians do, sometimes it's the simple things that they overlook.

Perhaps inducting Irving Fryar into the Hall of Fame is one of those missteps they can correct.

BCS, Share the Wealth, for the Good of Bulgaria

Brad James — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:01:56 -0500

This is a response to Lisa Horne's article "The BCS Picks the Wrong Miss World" so I dedicate this to her.

Pictured above is the gorgeous Miss Bulgaria Tourism 2008. She's looking for a handsome man like, I don't know, Brad James with whom to share her orange.

She is currently on a tour to promote sharing among BCS commissioners and college presidents and is showing how appealing the Orange Bowl (among other bowls) is when it actually means something.

Federal Express has said that whatever this Bulgarian beauty wants, she gets, while remarkably the first English she learned was, "I want a playoff; this Brad James on the Web site Bleacher Report has the right idea, so I think I'll give him a big kiss."

That perhaps might be the only thing better than a playoff. She also says that a playoff is a good idea because it lets the true beauties (such as herself) shine through while Miss India and Miss Russia (who is really a "bottle blonde") are exposed when the competition gets tough.

Who am I to refute this bewitching bombshell?