December 7, 2008. Between 800 and 1000 unenthusiastic fans mosey in to Blue Cross Arena, expecting the usual.
The Rochester Americans will play their 24th game of the season, three of which they've won. Until their docile mascot "Moose" skates out, you could be convinced it's a Section C high school game. The one to 10 ratio of people to dark blue seats makes the arena look like a planetarium backdrop.
As the Amerks starters take the ice, there is an unfamiliar face in net. Six-foot-three-inch goalie Mike Brodeur, in black pads and mask, takes his Darth Vador look between the pipes.
Amerks lose the opening face-off. Brodeur faces shots, penalties and too many defensive lapses to count, but stays strong. He collapses on the puck like a Venus Fly Trap. Twenty-eight shots against, 28 stops for Brodeur.
For the first time in a long time, Amerks fans, all 800, gave their goalie a standing ovation.
"A debut like that is huge," Brodeur said. "You feel the guys take a deep breath. It's a good way to get on the guys' side right away."
Two months later, turns out Brodeur's early December shutout was no fluke. He seemed to shut down every two-on-one, break away and 5-on-3 the Amerks defense gave up.
In his first 20 games in goal, he won 13 with a save percentage of .931 and goals against average of 2.16. He was named to the AHL All-Star team and was awarded a 1-year contract with the Amerks.
Pretty impressive for a guy who was let go by both the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers' organizations.
Director of Player Personnel for the Amerks parent club the Florida Panthers Jack Birch said, "He has the potential to play at the next level."
As Mike hears Birch's quote, he gives a grin that slightly betrays his classical "who me?" goalie attitude. "It's been my goal since I was 5-years old," he said. "Now getting that chance is a good feeling."
After playing for nine minor league teams in five years and fighting through major back surgery, being signed to a 25-day professional tryout contract with 3-18-0-2 Rochester wasn't bleak, it was an opportunity. "I just wanted to go there and try to turn things around," he said.
Brodeur's success may have as much to do with positioning and rebound control as it does his personality. His eyes don't see turnovers and giveaways, they see the next chance to flash his glove and stick, then wait for the applause.
"I see it as my chance to stop the puck," he said. "You can't get frustrated with that stuff or you aren't going to be good in net."
Good in net, he is. In games Brodeur has not been the Amerks goalie, the team is 4-24 and has given up 112 goals.
When it comes to numbers though, it seems like Mike would rather talk about video games (NHL '09 of course) golf or his favorite Adam Sandler comedies, including "Happy Gilmour."
"Once per round, I do the 'Happy Gilmour' shot," he said laughing enthusiastically, "I've perfected it, 300 yards, right down the middle."
He also claims to shoot around 80 on 18 holes. If his scorecard is correct, Rochester may lose him to the PGA before the NHL.
But for right now, Rochester can't afford to lose him. His goaltending has been amnesia for those still feeling the sting of Rochester losing its long beloved affiliation with the Buffalo Sabers. The only thing to complain about now is finding a parking spot.
It is a joy to see the blue sea of seats colored in with fans wearing red and white. Rochester is a city where parents send their children to school in hockey gloves instead of mittens. Where skating is easier than breathing.
Brodeur may never understand his impact on Rochester and the Amerks franchise, but those who have watched him will never forget.
The Rochester Americans signed Mike Brodeur with nothing to lose. Brodeur signed because no one else would take the risk. One embodied the other in the need for redemption. Even though the they won't make the playoffs this season, Rochestarians can have their redemption and love the Amerks again.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Classless Joe.....
Former Beverly Hills 90210 actress Tori Spelling did it. That idiot who played Screech on Saved By The Bell wrote one. Now Joe Torre, a long-time pillar of tact in Major League Baseball has stooped to a tell-all.
Torre's new book The Yankee Years is apparently filled with more drama than an episode of The Bronx is Burning mixed with Behind the Music's Metallica saga.
A few questions are burning more than the '77 Yankees: why now? And, why have Tom Verducci write the book in third-person narrative?
Maybe Torre had some things to get off his chest, but was ashamed. Maybe he was bitter about the Yankees back-door firing. Or maybe he bought condo in Malibu, scuba gear and a top-notch Yoga instructor to try to fit in to the Los Angeles lifestyle, but couldn't foot the bill.
Or maybe Torre went the Barbra Walters route, saying, "Hey, I'm old and probably won't accomplish anything else, so why not drop a few bomb shells?" Could be, but at least Baawaa Waawaa had the guts to write in first person.
Reports say Torre winds up and tosses everyone from David Wells, to Alex Rodriguez to Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman swiftly under the bus. Great reporting Joe. Isn’t saying Wells is a pain and A-rod a narcissist like calling Dennis Rodman weird and Barry Bonds a liar?
This book is likely similar to Oliver Stone's recent film W. about our 43rd president. It's a bunch of stuff we already knew, rehashed with a few bells and whistles to stir up some old-school controversy to make money.
In this case, Torre is more transparent than Terrell Owens' tear drops.
Torre is taking a nose dive off the pedestal New York Yankee fans built for him. Even those who couldn't forget his pathetic attempts at managing the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals learned to respect Torre. Now, he’s just a wrinkly version of Jose Canseco.
And just like Canseco, he’s bashing the very thing that made him. Canseco came out like some kind of moralist in a Crusade against steroid users, but steroids made him an All-Star and a World Series champion.
Torre sleep-walked his way through four World Series wins. He had the strongest rosters since the Yankees of the 50s and the league’s highest payroll. Those teams practically managed themselves and when they didn’t, Don Zimmer, Torre’s Karl Rove, was there to whisper in Clueless Joe’s ear.
Often you had to wonder if former Yankee pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre had to nudge Joe awake when it was time to make a pitching change.
Torre should be writing letters of gratitude rather than hanging out the same dirty laundry that has been hanging from the Yankee clothes line for years now. Before Torre joined the Yankees he had a winning percentage of .471, as a Yankee .605. Think that had anything to do with being handed players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Bernie Williams?
When it came down to actually having to manage, Torre failed to win for seven straight seasons despite having George’s blank checks.
He should have waited five years after retirement, wrote a nice rose-colored memoir and let it go.
Classless Joe was all set to ride off into the California sun set, likely as a Hall of Fame manager and known as an all-around nice guy. Before two weeks ago, you mention his name to a Yankee fan and they beamed and giggled like a high school cheerleader when James Dean came on. Because of this silly book, instead of James Dean, he’ll be Screech.
Torre's new book The Yankee Years is apparently filled with more drama than an episode of The Bronx is Burning mixed with Behind the Music's Metallica saga.
A few questions are burning more than the '77 Yankees: why now? And, why have Tom Verducci write the book in third-person narrative?
Maybe Torre had some things to get off his chest, but was ashamed. Maybe he was bitter about the Yankees back-door firing. Or maybe he bought condo in Malibu, scuba gear and a top-notch Yoga instructor to try to fit in to the Los Angeles lifestyle, but couldn't foot the bill.
Or maybe Torre went the Barbra Walters route, saying, "Hey, I'm old and probably won't accomplish anything else, so why not drop a few bomb shells?" Could be, but at least Baawaa Waawaa had the guts to write in first person.
Reports say Torre winds up and tosses everyone from David Wells, to Alex Rodriguez to Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman swiftly under the bus. Great reporting Joe. Isn’t saying Wells is a pain and A-rod a narcissist like calling Dennis Rodman weird and Barry Bonds a liar?
This book is likely similar to Oliver Stone's recent film W. about our 43rd president. It's a bunch of stuff we already knew, rehashed with a few bells and whistles to stir up some old-school controversy to make money.
In this case, Torre is more transparent than Terrell Owens' tear drops.
Torre is taking a nose dive off the pedestal New York Yankee fans built for him. Even those who couldn't forget his pathetic attempts at managing the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals learned to respect Torre. Now, he’s just a wrinkly version of Jose Canseco.
And just like Canseco, he’s bashing the very thing that made him. Canseco came out like some kind of moralist in a Crusade against steroid users, but steroids made him an All-Star and a World Series champion.
Torre sleep-walked his way through four World Series wins. He had the strongest rosters since the Yankees of the 50s and the league’s highest payroll. Those teams practically managed themselves and when they didn’t, Don Zimmer, Torre’s Karl Rove, was there to whisper in Clueless Joe’s ear.
Often you had to wonder if former Yankee pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre had to nudge Joe awake when it was time to make a pitching change.
Torre should be writing letters of gratitude rather than hanging out the same dirty laundry that has been hanging from the Yankee clothes line for years now. Before Torre joined the Yankees he had a winning percentage of .471, as a Yankee .605. Think that had anything to do with being handed players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Bernie Williams?
When it came down to actually having to manage, Torre failed to win for seven straight seasons despite having George’s blank checks.
He should have waited five years after retirement, wrote a nice rose-colored memoir and let it go.
Classless Joe was all set to ride off into the California sun set, likely as a Hall of Fame manager and known as an all-around nice guy. Before two weeks ago, you mention his name to a Yankee fan and they beamed and giggled like a high school cheerleader when James Dean came on. Because of this silly book, instead of James Dean, he’ll be Screech.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SUPER BOWL MEDIA: So much hype for so little action
Yesterday was the media day for the Super Bowl.
No, no one said anything that would warrant a posting on a cork board prior to Sunday's game. Yes there were stupid people dressed in outfits asking retarded questions. Actually scratch that, retarded is not the word because it's offense to what retarded means. I need a word that is like retarded but is more powerful and means something is so ludicrous and outrageous and utterly stupid one's head would explode like that guy in Scanners.
Man, I hate the two weeks before the Super Bowl. Granted I hate the NFL because all it is, is non-stop hype about stuff that could be summed up in two minutes but must be repeated several million times on all 839 airings of NFL, which itself is a lark of programming. Do we need NFL in the summer... NO! It takes away from Baseball Tonight, truly amazing broadcasting.
Back from the sidebar... the Super Bowl hype is outrageous. Yes, Kurt Warner is back. No, I don't care if he is confident in his chances. Yes, I know Mike Tomlin is black. No, I don't think he could be President of these United States. Football allows itself to swell with all this context, pretext and background and match ups. It hemorrhages and before you know it, you forgot what was so big about it when the game was over. Basketball doesn't have it, neither does hockey. Baseball could never have it since they play everyday and pointless build up would be... well... pointless.
Could someone tell the league to eliminate the bye week and just end this damn season... pitchers and catchers are going to report soon.
Sal Sez: "You play to win the game... and go to Hooters afterwards!"
No, no one said anything that would warrant a posting on a cork board prior to Sunday's game. Yes there were stupid people dressed in outfits asking retarded questions. Actually scratch that, retarded is not the word because it's offense to what retarded means. I need a word that is like retarded but is more powerful and means something is so ludicrous and outrageous and utterly stupid one's head would explode like that guy in Scanners.
Man, I hate the two weeks before the Super Bowl. Granted I hate the NFL because all it is, is non-stop hype about stuff that could be summed up in two minutes but must be repeated several million times on all 839 airings of NFL, which itself is a lark of programming. Do we need NFL in the summer... NO! It takes away from Baseball Tonight, truly amazing broadcasting.
Back from the sidebar... the Super Bowl hype is outrageous. Yes, Kurt Warner is back. No, I don't care if he is confident in his chances. Yes, I know Mike Tomlin is black. No, I don't think he could be President of these United States. Football allows itself to swell with all this context, pretext and background and match ups. It hemorrhages and before you know it, you forgot what was so big about it when the game was over. Basketball doesn't have it, neither does hockey. Baseball could never have it since they play everyday and pointless build up would be... well... pointless.
Could someone tell the league to eliminate the bye week and just end this damn season... pitchers and catchers are going to report soon.
Sal Sez: "You play to win the game... and go to Hooters afterwards!"
Saturday, January 24, 2009
LeBron hits a game winner and ESPN is very impressed
Oh LeBron, you play the hometown team... you really are the hometown team. You led them to an NBA Finals, you adorn t-shirts and billboards around the city of Cleveland. Ohio is proud of you, representing us as well as Jim Tressell. Granted if you did play for the Browns and did all you did in the commercial we would erect a statue taller than Moses Cleveland.
However, despite your great game-winning shot in last nights victory over Golden State, this is one Ohioan who is not impressed.
ESPN would like to argue otherwise. During the report on Good Morning America, the anchor, Matt Winer, wrote his story as if James was the conquering hero. This conquering hero and the rest of his merry men played poorly against a crummy Warriors team. If the Cavs want to prove that they are the best in the league they cannot have close games against Golden State.
To top things off Winer was very impressed with LeBron's game winning jumper that was the first of his young career. What he fails to note that in close games LeBron always takes the last shot and much to my dismay he is not Jimmy Chitwood. If he was Cleveland would have won an NBA title by now and people would jump on the Cavs bandwagon, not so much the LeBron bandwagon.
ESPN, don't praise the play of a guy and the rest of his team in a game that should have been decided by twenty points, not one. Also, more importantly, LeBron has been in the league for a while now, don't talk about his career as being young. He's actually a mentor to rookies now, he past being the baby on the club.
However, despite your great game-winning shot in last nights victory over Golden State, this is one Ohioan who is not impressed.
ESPN would like to argue otherwise. During the report on Good Morning America, the anchor, Matt Winer, wrote his story as if James was the conquering hero. This conquering hero and the rest of his merry men played poorly against a crummy Warriors team. If the Cavs want to prove that they are the best in the league they cannot have close games against Golden State.
To top things off Winer was very impressed with LeBron's game winning jumper that was the first of his young career. What he fails to note that in close games LeBron always takes the last shot and much to my dismay he is not Jimmy Chitwood. If he was Cleveland would have won an NBA title by now and people would jump on the Cavs bandwagon, not so much the LeBron bandwagon.
ESPN, don't praise the play of a guy and the rest of his team in a game that should have been decided by twenty points, not one. Also, more importantly, LeBron has been in the league for a while now, don't talk about his career as being young. He's actually a mentor to rookies now, he past being the baby on the club.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Back in the Ol' Days
Yesterday was a Sal's 401K retreat. It's a great way to fortify the team that brings you these lovely posts on the world of sports and sports history.
One of the activities was a trip to our local video game boutique. I was in the quest of trading in a bunch of crappy Super NES games that had no business in my room. One of the critical tasks was buying some new Super NES games.
The conversation went from girls (when is it never about that) to great games in the history of playing sports games. Growing up without a Super NES I was a novice to shopping for 32-bit games. Though by instruction of my colleague I needed a few "essential" games. The first was College Basketball, followed by MLBPA Baseball, along with NBA Live '95.
I had my heart set on two games; Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball and NHL '95. Visiting friends as a youngster I loved playing Ken Griffey Jr. The great music that reminded me of a electronic rip off of "Radar Love" by Golden Earring was a timeless throwback. Then you add that with the great strikeout animations from the batters; breaking the bat, sighing and my personal favorite the 32-bit batter turning towards you with, "AH C'MON!" That should have been Paul O'Neill because he loved whining about strike outs. However, they did not have a copy which broke my heart.
I did acquire a copy of NHL '95. Now, this is a very,very special game for me. For those who know me, I am a great fan of old games and old teams that don't exist. NHL '95 allowed me not only to play as the Hartford Whalers, but also the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques. I love playing with Stephane Fiset (even though he is not great) or with Geoff Sanderson on the Whalers, this is my hockey. Also the music in the game is great, with the old organ playing, something you don't get with games now.
I'm nostalgic about old sports games. It's great to see how far we've come, if you need proof just compare NCAA Basketball with this years March Madness. The only thing better would be to get back a couple copies of NASCAR Racing 2. Oh glory years.
One of the activities was a trip to our local video game boutique. I was in the quest of trading in a bunch of crappy Super NES games that had no business in my room. One of the critical tasks was buying some new Super NES games.
The conversation went from girls (when is it never about that) to great games in the history of playing sports games. Growing up without a Super NES I was a novice to shopping for 32-bit games. Though by instruction of my colleague I needed a few "essential" games. The first was College Basketball, followed by MLBPA Baseball, along with NBA Live '95.
I had my heart set on two games; Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball and NHL '95. Visiting friends as a youngster I loved playing Ken Griffey Jr. The great music that reminded me of a electronic rip off of "Radar Love" by Golden Earring was a timeless throwback. Then you add that with the great strikeout animations from the batters; breaking the bat, sighing and my personal favorite the 32-bit batter turning towards you with, "AH C'MON!" That should have been Paul O'Neill because he loved whining about strike outs. However, they did not have a copy which broke my heart.
I did acquire a copy of NHL '95. Now, this is a very,very special game for me. For those who know me, I am a great fan of old games and old teams that don't exist. NHL '95 allowed me not only to play as the Hartford Whalers, but also the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques. I love playing with Stephane Fiset (even though he is not great) or with Geoff Sanderson on the Whalers, this is my hockey. Also the music in the game is great, with the old organ playing, something you don't get with games now.
I'm nostalgic about old sports games. It's great to see how far we've come, if you need proof just compare NCAA Basketball with this years March Madness. The only thing better would be to get back a couple copies of NASCAR Racing 2. Oh glory years.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Shawshank Super Bowl
This year's Super Bowl looks a lot like the movie Shawshank Redemption.
In the film, Andy (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to life. Kind of reminds you of how Kurt Warner was banished off to the baron wasteland of Arizona - like the NFL's version of Napolean Boneparte - after his career took a New York nosedive. Andy manages to break out, scheme the warden out of a bunch of money and live the rest of his life frolicking along the beach.
Well, I guess the resemblance hinges on the game's final score.
The Steelers, of course, are the Warden. Or if they win, the Nurse Ratched of the football field. They are a powerful, soulless group who, by the end of the game, you hate so much you'd like to take a page out of Tonya Harding's handbook on Big Ben.
The personality of the squad is about as vibrant as the jet black and dull gold they don. They are meaner than Joe Greene could have ever imagined and as unique as a Wal-Mart shopping cart. A manila folder would find their hand-off-40-times-and-never-let-anyone-else-score playing style boring.
What is strange is the Steelers are America's second favorite NFL team behind Dallas. Rod Woodson called it, "Steeler nation."
I've got a few guesses why, but first, here's not why: It isn't because of Troy's hair. It isn't those obnoxious towels, which would do more good waxing Dan Rooney's head than they do in the stands. And it isn't that they have a group of upstanding citizens, is it Santonio?
It is because they have won the most Super Bowls and because they have made the playoffs 12 of the last 16 years. Everybody loves a winner, I guess, but where is the excitement in a team who does nothing but win? By the mid-50's, was anyone really cheering for the mechanical Yankees to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Ever heard the cliche, "You can't truly appreciate a sunny day if you've never seen rain?" You can almost hear 'Steeler Nation' now: "Hey, we won again...uhh...cool....I guess." Where is the emotion in that? Where is the drama or the storyline to a team who wins all the time. With the NFL's strongest roster and best coaching staff, they've had less leaps and bounds than a parking lot.
It's hard to imagine not enjoying victory for those who have endlessly battled to achieve. Think Olympic Speed Skater Dan Janson. Or how about Tony Dungy? Even Los Angeles Laker fans had a tear welling up last NBA season when Kevin Garnett won his first NBA championship after 12 years of being blasted for never winning.
The Arizona Cardinals have been around since 1920 and only made the playoffs 7 times and the Super Bowl once. How hard do you have to clench your teeth to say, "That Ben, he's been through so much, going to two Super Bowls in four years and all."
Imagine if Arizona won. Kurt Warner would do a Dick Vermeil, Adrian Wilson would be vindicated for sticking it out through the Dennis Green era and the Arizona fans and owner Bill Bidwell would finally get to know what joy feels like. A nation of sports fans could experience a feeling similar to when the Warden discovers Andy's tunnel.
The Cardinals play with the same kind of passionate naivety that made the '69 Mets special. They go for the big play, lay out at all costs, they yell and scream and smile and hug on the sideline, they are fun, and like a great protagonist in film, they make you care. After winning the NFC championship game, Ponce de Leon a.k.a. Kurt Warner and Adrian Wilson both were in tears and who (outside of Phili) wasn't smiling?
If you only care about making yourself feel important because you are the fan of a team who always wins, then the Steelers are for you. Order the guard to shoot the guy and give the lobotomy, heck gun down Ole' Yeller while your at it.
In the film, Andy (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to life. Kind of reminds you of how Kurt Warner was banished off to the baron wasteland of Arizona - like the NFL's version of Napolean Boneparte - after his career took a New York nosedive. Andy manages to break out, scheme the warden out of a bunch of money and live the rest of his life frolicking along the beach.
Well, I guess the resemblance hinges on the game's final score.
The Steelers, of course, are the Warden. Or if they win, the Nurse Ratched of the football field. They are a powerful, soulless group who, by the end of the game, you hate so much you'd like to take a page out of Tonya Harding's handbook on Big Ben.
The personality of the squad is about as vibrant as the jet black and dull gold they don. They are meaner than Joe Greene could have ever imagined and as unique as a Wal-Mart shopping cart. A manila folder would find their hand-off-40-times-and-never-let-anyone-else-score playing style boring.
What is strange is the Steelers are America's second favorite NFL team behind Dallas. Rod Woodson called it, "Steeler nation."
I've got a few guesses why, but first, here's not why: It isn't because of Troy's hair. It isn't those obnoxious towels, which would do more good waxing Dan Rooney's head than they do in the stands. And it isn't that they have a group of upstanding citizens, is it Santonio?
It is because they have won the most Super Bowls and because they have made the playoffs 12 of the last 16 years. Everybody loves a winner, I guess, but where is the excitement in a team who does nothing but win? By the mid-50's, was anyone really cheering for the mechanical Yankees to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Ever heard the cliche, "You can't truly appreciate a sunny day if you've never seen rain?" You can almost hear 'Steeler Nation' now: "Hey, we won again...uhh...cool....I guess." Where is the emotion in that? Where is the drama or the storyline to a team who wins all the time. With the NFL's strongest roster and best coaching staff, they've had less leaps and bounds than a parking lot.
It's hard to imagine not enjoying victory for those who have endlessly battled to achieve. Think Olympic Speed Skater Dan Janson. Or how about Tony Dungy? Even Los Angeles Laker fans had a tear welling up last NBA season when Kevin Garnett won his first NBA championship after 12 years of being blasted for never winning.
The Arizona Cardinals have been around since 1920 and only made the playoffs 7 times and the Super Bowl once. How hard do you have to clench your teeth to say, "That Ben, he's been through so much, going to two Super Bowls in four years and all."
Imagine if Arizona won. Kurt Warner would do a Dick Vermeil, Adrian Wilson would be vindicated for sticking it out through the Dennis Green era and the Arizona fans and owner Bill Bidwell would finally get to know what joy feels like. A nation of sports fans could experience a feeling similar to when the Warden discovers Andy's tunnel.
The Cardinals play with the same kind of passionate naivety that made the '69 Mets special. They go for the big play, lay out at all costs, they yell and scream and smile and hug on the sideline, they are fun, and like a great protagonist in film, they make you care. After winning the NFC championship game, Ponce de Leon a.k.a. Kurt Warner and Adrian Wilson both were in tears and who (outside of Phili) wasn't smiling?
If you only care about making yourself feel important because you are the fan of a team who always wins, then the Steelers are for you. Order the guard to shoot the guy and give the lobotomy, heck gun down Ole' Yeller while your at it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Larry Fitzgerald: He's been good for awhile
My buddy Ed was texting me during the NFC Championship game about the marvelous display of talent Larry Fitzgerald was providing all us viewers outside the Arizona Cardinals market.
Ed was amazed at how great Fitzgerald was in the first half alone. The sad thing is, he's been great for awhile... no one really noticed it until now! Over 100 yards recieving and three touchdowns in the first half doesn't seem to be a stretch for Fitzgerald. The kid was unreal at Pitt. Granted the teams he faces in conference weren't exactly PAC-10 but he set some pretty high makrs there. Coming to the NFL and playing on a team with Kurt Warner and an offense just set on passing the deep ball and many other routes, accomadates to his style.
The only reason we know nothing of him in the league is because he plays in Arizona and how many of us really care about that? If he played in New York, Boston or Chicago we'd have heard of him by now. In fact people would be praising him and naming babies after him.
During the game, Ed and I decided that Larry needs a title. The best and great homage to his play is... the Black Jesus of Football. So the next time you see Larry Fitzgerald on the field, you're seeing the savior of Cardinals football.
Ed was amazed at how great Fitzgerald was in the first half alone. The sad thing is, he's been great for awhile... no one really noticed it until now! Over 100 yards recieving and three touchdowns in the first half doesn't seem to be a stretch for Fitzgerald. The kid was unreal at Pitt. Granted the teams he faces in conference weren't exactly PAC-10 but he set some pretty high makrs there. Coming to the NFL and playing on a team with Kurt Warner and an offense just set on passing the deep ball and many other routes, accomadates to his style.
The only reason we know nothing of him in the league is because he plays in Arizona and how many of us really care about that? If he played in New York, Boston or Chicago we'd have heard of him by now. In fact people would be praising him and naming babies after him.
During the game, Ed and I decided that Larry needs a title. The best and great homage to his play is... the Black Jesus of Football. So the next time you see Larry Fitzgerald on the field, you're seeing the savior of Cardinals football.
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