Back to Football

As corny as it is to say, for me it's time to get back to football. I've been on a self imposed hiatus the last several weeks: the whole David Garrard thing, a fantastic getaway weekend, the passing of my dog, and 4 freakin interceptions in the Jets-Jaguars game (bonus-1 cracked tooth).

I'm going to introduce you to a concept of mine called "Rebound Girlfriend" or #RG. What is #RG? Let me set it up for you. Bobby Bowden, the legend, was the best coach Florida State had or probably ever will have. In a sense, like a "girlfriend" (boyfriend) that we love but suddenly is not there anymore. The next person to fill this position is called the rebound girlfriend. Because in lots of scenarios the successor is short lived and not well liked, because the original girlfriend was so beloved. You get the idea.

Bobby Bowden- Original Girlfriend
Jimbo Fisher- 2010 Season-Rebound Girlfriend

David Garrard- Original Girlfriend
Luke McCown- Rebound Girlfriend
Blaine Gabbert- Girlfriend waiting-in-the-wings (now Rebound Girlfriend)

Jack Del Rio- Girlfriend we-can't-get-rid-of.  Bless His Heart.

The burning question of how or if Jimbo Fisher has shed the Rebound Girlfriend status, can be answered with the 2010 Florida-Florida State game. All there is to say is 31-7 Noles. Because of that win, I rescinded Jimbo's Rebound Girlfriend status. In other words, you have to "show me". I don't want talk or fancy orange pants that get there own ESPN segment (Eric Dooley-we don't care about your pants, we want you to beat Florida). I want action. I got it. Beating Florida for the 1st time in 6 years was epic. 

The first Jaguar game of the season, Luke McCown looked good with his "Quick Release". "Quick Releases" are great and all but with "Quick Releases" come "Quick Responsibilities" if you will. Brett Favre had a quick release and he threw a bunch of touchdowns and interceptions. However, the second game for Luke McCown would be enlightening. You hate to judge a man on one game, but 4 interceptions is overwhelming. Throwing the ball to the opponent is a sure fire way to keep yourself the Rebound Girlfriend.

This week, the Jaguars named Blaine Gabbert the starter against the Carolina Panthers. The Blaine Gabbert era has arrived. Blaine Gabbert played college football at Missouri. Hopefully he'll understand why he'll have to "show me" before he sheds his Rebound Girlfriend status. Don't worry. I plan to cut him plenty of slack.

SN: Football is brutal as we all know. However, if you hand out NASTY fines in the NFL for helmet to helmet contact then the NCAA  should take a second look on the hit that knocked Kenny Shaw out of the OU-FSU game last week. Just a 15 yard penalty? AHEM.. Tom Wort and Javon Harris.. you boys got off easy.. this time.

MDK in the House

You're On My Heart Just Like a Tattoo

Last week, my precious pup Tattoo passed away. For those of you that knew him and me, you know how special he was to me. Not only did he play dress up for the Christmas Card (see above). He was a fantastic pillow to take a nap on.

He was a very shrewd Fantasy Football Owner. Watching dilligently on Sunday afternoons to ensure a win. (see above).

He also had his favorite teams and his version of an FSU snuggie.

Tattoo was a Smooth Collie (like Lassie but with Labrador hair) rescued by Joyce and Margo on behalf of Collies Florida Rescue. Without them he surely would've perished. He was rescued the very same day that Dixie (my Shetland Sheepdog) passed away. When I saw him on the internet, I loved him immediately. He came with his own unique set of issues. He was highly allergic to chicken and beef and grass that he loved to roam. Lucky for him he had Dr. Castner first and then Dr. Cone from Coastal Veterinary Hospital to treat him (they have a great doogie daycare too).

Tattoo had an unfailing ability to wake up for the pizza box and for the Chick-Fil-A sandwich bag opening. That long nose could get him into some tight spots.

Most of all he will be missed for his unconditional love. Because in the beginning, I thought I was rescuing him. After he passed, I found that he rescued me.

RIP-Tattoo

MDKin the House

Jack Del Rio, I'd like to introduce you to THE Bobby Bowden

For all of those who watched the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday or ANY Sunday for that matter, have seen them winning and let the other team almost catch up to them. What is the remedy? I absolutely have it. Jack Del Rio, I am pleased to introduce you to THE Bobby Bowden. Bobby Bowden, the unmitigated King of the late hit, King of running up the score, DADGUMMITs and (if it weren't for 1 dumb tutor) King of college football wins  (embellishments abound). At any rate, give Bobby Bowden a cupcake opponent and he could show you the definition of running up the score.
I used to feel slightly guilty for the other teams until I found out some of those cupcake teams get paid 1 million dollars to come and play FSU. They don't get care. They get to play against FSU and they get help for their teams and their programs. I digress.
Jack, the reason you can't get fans behind you in Jacksonville is because you haven't learned the art of running up the score. They know it Gainesville and they absolutely know it in Tallahassee. Try it. You'll like it and the fans will love you on Monday morning.
Side Notes-
Clay Matthews-Could someone please braid your hair into 2 braids or better yet cut that stringy mess out. Thanks.
Donovan McNabb- Seriously? 30 yds of offense? I guess Mom didn't bring the Campbell's this week.
Cam Newton- Don't get too excited yet. It's only the 1st week.
Sebastian Janikowski- Living up to the legend. Gotta love that.

It's About Trust, Stupid

Before reading this blog, please read a previous blog of mine "The Fan". I will try not to use all caps. I can't promise.

     Just today I was thinking about all of the Jaguar Naysayers. I was thinking that once you commit to loving a team, it doesn't matter win or lose, you are still going to love them. That love was tested today.
     Jack Del Rio announced today that the Jacksonville Jaguars were releasing David Garrard. He announced that a Journeyman, twice blown out knee candidate of 30 yrs. old is to be our starter. Fantastic. Was Garrard THE ANSWER? No. Was he going to be here after this season? Probably not. WE ALL KNEW THAT. But when the Jaguars Organization came out several weeks ago and said David Garrard was to be the starter, you had to assume that was the end of the conversation.Then today.
      So, let me get this right. We are supposed to eat up everything the organization says and believe it. Only to have it reversed when they feel it's necessary 5 days before the season opener. Again.        
      Yeah. I said it. Again. This is Deja Vu all over again(thanks Yogi). The Almighty take-out droppin, injury hidin', trippin' over his own 2 left feet Leftwich (aka Slowich). He was fired in the same manner.
     I ask you: was Brett Favre treated like this? No a decision was made early on the Packers were going a different direction. Jack Del Rio you are a day late and a dollar short. You have left us with no options. You will not make the playoffs. And you will not be with us next season. It's just too bad Wayne Weaver won't fire your bee-hind shortly before the season opener against the Titans. You know and hire a real coach.
     So disappointed.
     Then there is my conspiracy theory. Yeah, I know. This is all a grand scheme. I can't believe I'm going to say the next thing. I really don't want it to happen. But I feel it likely will. This is all an attempt to.......
have enough salary cap to acquire..... Tim Tebow. He is third string with the Broncos and getting ready to use the "Wild Horse ala Wild Cat" in Denver. I'm sure Denver wouldn't mind letting the first rounder go to Jacksonville. If that were to happen I would truly be devastated. So devastated that I might become distraught and wear FSU apparel to every game.
      Anyway, Back at the ranch, it will be hard for me the next time Wayne Weaver has a press conference and says "the team will not go to L.A." to actually believe him. I am currently looking for ANYTHING to restore my trust in my much beloved Jaguars.