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Rex Ryan and Humble Pie
Jan 13th
With T-Rex “talking the talk” this week, you can’t help but think a massive portion of humble pie is due his way. And no, not the late 60s-early 70s outfit that are probably most famous today for winning Stillwater’s groupies in Almost Famous (though they are included here for your pleasure, Steve Marriott pictured courtesy of Dina Regime.)
With the bluster, trash-talking and attention that Ryan generates he reminds me very much of soccer manager Jose Mourinho. The manager (or coach in this instance) draws the attention away from his team and players and onto himself. It’s an admirable quality when he’s your manager but there’s no mistake that he’s a nuisance if he’s the opposition manager.
I like Rex Ryan, and I think the game is richer and certainly more entertaining for having him in it. But he’s heading for a fall this weekend.
Or if he’s not, then I’ll be the one eating up humble pie come Monday.
I’ve Got A Feeling… (Super Bowl XLV Half Time Show)
Nov 26th
After several years of established “rock” acts, this year’s half time Super Bowl has been announced as being the Black Eyed Peas.
Personally, I don’t think they are a big enough act for arguably the world’s biggest stage but I don’t usually do much more than grab another beer and refill the Doritos bowl at half time. Certainly I’m not going to feel the need to rush back to the sofa in a big hurray to see the Redskins carry on pounding the Dolphins*.
But it takes all sorts, and as long as they provide a spectacle then they’ll have done their jobs.
*this may not happen
NFL International Series 2010 – Pre-Match Entertainment
Oct 12th
When I was a young boy, my father took me into the city. To see the NFL…
This news broke a couple of days ago, but I’ve only just remembered… anyway. The NFL have announced that Pre-Match entertainment at the Wembley game this year will be provided by My Chemical Romance.
I actually like MCR, and at least I’ve actually heard of them (Yes, Calvin Harris, if that’s your real name, I’m looking at you) and they are a big name band, the sort that Wembley Stadium and the NFL deserves. That said, I’m not sure they’re quite right for this occasion. But I will enjoy them.
They’ll performing Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na) as well as Welcome To The Black Parade.
I’m trying to find out who’ll be doing the national anthems.
Image Credit: Felipe Ramírez Amigo
NFL Related Review: Madden 2011
Aug 16th
I wasn’t going to get this year’s incremental release, but got caught up in release-mania. So it’s here on the desk with me. I’ve given it a go for a few hours now and here are my thoughts.
Graphics and Presentation
Say what you like about EA, but they know how to present a game to you. From the spin-tingling introductory video, to the menus and options and of course the in-game graphics, this game looks great. There are still some small inconsistencies at times with how players move or react, and the occasional clipping error, but nothing too noticeable or worth worrying about.
There are more than ever incidental off-field and play-is-stopped clips that are entertaining initially, and skipped easily enough eventually. It’s certainly the best looking Madden yet (which should always be the case for the latest release!)
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Miami Sharks’ New Homepage
Aug 4th
Nearly a year ago I posted a review of the Oliver Stone classic Any Given Sunday and needless to say, it’s remained a popular post. As I’ve commented before, it sees some very strange searches that find there way here.
But beyond wanting to see The Snake, a lot of people are looking for Terrell Owens and other roster information about the fictional Sharks. To this end, I’ve created a homepage for the Sharks that should hopefully answer questions that people have about it.
Check it out here: www.miamisharks.info
So Long Moose and Bruce
Jun 11th
With the average NFL career being less than four seasons, when someone’s spent 14 years they deserve a mention.
Muhsin Muhammad retired yesterday. He leaves the game ranked 20th on career receiving yards and having spent the vast majority of his year with one team, the Carolina Panthers. He was selected in the second round of the 1996 draft. This year’s second round pick – Jimmy Clausen – was just 8 back then.
Take care Moose, be well.
14 seasons you say? Isaac Bruce will see your 14 and raise you 2 additional season. Likewise the 20th career placing… Bruce is 3rd on the all time career yards and spent thirteen years with the Rams, helping them to Super Bowl victory for the 1999 season.
After two years a 49er, he retires a Ram. His club will honour him by retiring the number 80 in the game against Carolina later this year.
Again, be well.
Image Credit (Isaac Bruce): Jachdeja
Image Credit (Mushin Muhhamad): pnther60
Video Credit: LilMike1309
Favourite Four: Linebackers #3 – London Fletcher
Mar 3rd
OK, so this is not a surprise. As a Redskin fan we’re practically forced to shout up London’s name whenever we talk about great linebackers. Mainly, it has to be said, as he seems to be continuously overlooked for recognition… as his nine Pro-Bowl Alternates show.
Why do we think that? There are many reasons…
Having played in a Division III college team, despite being named Linebacker Of The Year and setting a school record for tackles Fletcher was an undrafted free agent and was picked up by the Rams. More >
Favourite Four: Linebackers #2 – Ray Lewis
Dec 3rd
Since it’s too painful for Andrew to continue with his Redskin’s Review articles anymore, let us continue with our Favourite Four series, we are currently looking at Linebackers. It’s been a while, and many pages are now without images as we checked licensing on all content a while ago, but if you want to remind yourself. Check the Favourite Four category, where we’ve previously looked at defensive linemen, defensive backs, running backs and now linebackers.
We reiterate that these are some of our favourite players. We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy football upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.
Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens is the next on our list.
Andrew’s Wembley Review
Oct 28th
A special review this week, and one that allows me to stop thinking about how bad the Redskins are or dwelling on Chris Cooley’s broken ankle.
So NFL Sunday at Wembley! As we’ve done for all three years now, I met up with Graham, Ant (Pats’ fan) and Dom (general good time guy) early in the afternoon near one of the many eating and drinking huts that were set-up around the stadium. In the past we’ve played a sort of Shirt Bingo – to see if we can see all 32 teams represented. They obviously are, and this year we limited ourselves to picking out shirts of distinction (“Is that a JaMarcus Russel shirt? In public?”… that sort of thing).
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