Random Thoughts : CBSSports.com Blogs

Overtime In The NFL

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:39:44 EST

As I sit here writing this entry, I cannot but help about Colin Cowherd criticizing anyone who questions the NFL overtime rules and would like to make suggestions about alternatives that could be considered. Apparently, he thinks anyone who questions the NFL overtime rules is a dweeb and needs to get a better job, or a life, so that they do not have time to waste on things like this. As we all know, the opening game of the NFL season ended last night with a Steeler field goal to end the game on the first possession of overtime. So, just as in many other cases over the years, the winner of the coin toss determined the outcome of the game in reality.

It seems that the people who support the current overtime rules in the NFL make a number of arguments against why the rules should not be changed. I think one has been that it has always been that way and it should remain the same. This would be a ridiculous argument for one big reason. Sometimes change can be good and it may even improve games. THey also bring up needing to keep the overtime play as short as possible to avoid player fatigue and injury. If keeping the overtime short is the primary concern then just do a series of tie breakers based on stats. For example, the team with the most offensive yards wins the game. Obviously I do not seriously support this, but wanted to make a point. I have also heard that if teams just do their job and play defense, then they would get the ball back and the overtime would then be fair. Well, in that case, if you want to avoid fatigue and injury, just do your job and win the game in regulation. Another argument that Cowherd made was that the coin flip to start overtime does not determine the outcome of a game any more than the opening kick coin toss. This is obviously a faulty argument in that the team that plays defense first could give up an opening drive score, and then they get the ball back with a chance to win the game. Yes, the over time coin flip does determine outcome more.

What the Labor Day Holliday Means

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:16:53 EDT

The Labor Day Holliday means many things to a lot of people in this country. To many it just means that you cannot wear white shoes, or pants, or whatever article it is a faux pas to wear in white after the labor Dat weekend. I have never inderstood that and I probably never will. I just wear what I like whatever time of the year and to heck what anyone says about it violating some Labor Day Rule.

To others, Labor Day signals the impending season change from summer to fall. Here, in San Antonio, it signals the move from oppressively hot and humid summer to slightly less hot and humid fall. Eventually we get to very warm winter and then increasingly hot spring. This seasonal change probably means a lot more to people who actually see seasons, but I digress.

Tedy Bruschi, You Will Be Missed

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:24:33 EST

I write this blog entry after having read the breaking news story that Tedy Bruschi will announce his retirement from the new England Patriots and the NFL later this morning. In every generation there are a select group of players you hope to see play forever. For some people, myself included, that group includes Tedy Bruschi. In so many ways, he has served as an inspirational story for many in the nation. I would even be willing to bet that those people who despise the New England Patriots have at least some amount of respect for Tedy Bruschi and what he has accomplished.

From the beginning of his career, he should forever stand out as an inspiration to all. He was not a high round draft pick, and not even a good bet to make the cut onto an NFL roster. But he did. He was a special teams and limited play linebacker, but he made the team. How many people do you think told him that he would never make it? But that did not stop him. I know as a parent I tell my children to never give up and if there is something they really want, they should put in all the effort they can and not let others get them down. Tedy Bruschi did this.

Our Heroes

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:15:57 EDT

Quite some time ago, Charles Barkley said that he was not a role model. I do not remember the entire quote and just simply do not want to take the time to search for it right now but I think most of you will remember what I am talking about. When he said that in a commercial, I believe he meant that athletes should not be role models for children but that their parents should be. I could not agree with this more, it is the way things should be. However, the truth of the matter is that athletes do end up being role models for children and teenagers, and have for a very long time. They also end up being heroes to adults and a great source of entertainment and inspiration for us all.

One true hero would have to be Ted Williams. He is the only major league player to ever hit .400 or better for a full season. recently I watched an HBO special about Ted Williams and that really inspired this blog entry. When he began his career, one thing that was pointed out was that he would salute the fans with a tip of his cap when he took the field. It certainly is rare these days for our athlete heroes to show us any true respect whatsoever. This is also a man who served our country in two wars. He first served in World War II and then later served in the Korean War. He took years away from his playing career to serve our country in a time of need. To be fair, Joe DiMaggio did the same during World War II as well. The only athlete that comes to mind in recent history to have done the same is Pat Tillman who not only cut his NFL career short, but also ended up having his life cut chort as well serving our country in Afghanistan. These men were heroes and should be remembered as such. All of these athletes showed a level of courage, dedication, and patriotism that many in this country would not. These are all qualities that we should all strive for and these men have shown that they were willing to lead the way here.