We MUST Protect This House

The one thing I have noticed at the stadium, Everbank Field, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, this season is the level of fervor of the opposing teams fans. Until very recently, I believed the Philadelphia Eagles game to be the WORST game in regards to fans that I had ever been to at Everbank Field. However, I'm not sure if it was the beating or the overall demeanor of the Chicago Bears fans that put them very close to the Eagles in my book. They were rude and obnoxious. When they began to blow us away, the Bears fans became atrocious. Even division rivals Texans, Colts and Titans don't seem to attract and draw the crazed hater fans. Then, we have the game today against the Tim Tebow Jets. Oh, sorry I meant the New York Jets. It's an easy mistake to make. Especially in Jacksonville.
I was actually called a Negative B**** today by a fan who didn't seem to care who won the game. Although he was dressed in an Orange and Blue Polo T-Shirt. So...... yeah. All because I got excited because Justin Blackmon's Fumble was reversed and therefore not a fumble.
Let me explain something in case you aren't familiar with my fandom. I get excited. I scream with the "Moves those Chains" chant. I don't care what you do in "your" stadium. This is my "house" and I'll do what I do best. I'm not swearing and I'm not drunk. I will yell when it's time on defense. I'm sorry that didn't agree with him, but calling me a female dog doesn't solve anything. Please call me a hater. But don't slander me and don't come to my "house" to act any way you please and expect me to act solemn . It's simply not going to happen.
Everyone who reads this blog knows how I feel about Tebow. He's not on my team and until he is, I simply won't cheer for him like I would my own team. Whether we are winning or losing. As a side note, Tim has played into the media hype about himself. If he would've been humble and come back to Jacksonville, he'd probably be playing. He has positioned himself in a dominating situation in New York and they have him. And they have made sure to put a halt to his success and the beloved "Tebow Time". Bright lights big city syndrome.
Opposing fans seem to think that because we are 2-11, we don't have a right to be fans, act like fans, get excited about certain successful plays. You know what I think about that? I DON'T CARE. I don't care if they think we don't deserve respect. I don't care if we get the 1st pick of the 1 st round. We have problems of gargantuan proportions. But I am not going to sit in my seat and act like I don't care about the effort given on the field. Those guys deserve my respect and I will give it to them by supporting them and letting them know I am still in my seat. And if opposing fans don't like it, they can get out of MY house.

MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

Stay calm, wear black.

Let Me Get This Right....

This hopefully will become a regular segment on this blog. Words where no words can explain what idiotic things people do.

Let me get this right:

Jimbo Fisher: "Yeah we lost but it was the Quarterback's fault. Not the fact that I'm a control freak and won't get an Offensive Coordinator." Oh, and it was Muschamp's turn at the Beach House/Condo. Reminds me of that Bowden Bowl Crap.

Jaguars: Let's give up on Mike Thomas, the only Jaguar player with ANYTHING in the Hall Of Fame (Hail Mary Jersey and gloves) and trade him to the Detroit Lions whom we played the next week. Wait for it, for a draft pick in 2014. Sooo desperate to get rid of him, Gene Smith takes a draft pick a year and a half from now. With any luck, Gene won't be here to make the pick.

Texans: The team is so GREAT that 2 wks. in a row they've been in overtime twice. Once with a 1-9 team and the second week with a team struggling to get into the playoffs. They aren't as great as their press.

NFL Refs: There seems to be an awful lot of plays that go a certain way in games where there's a "GOLDEN TEAM" =Texans, Colts. Let's even things out a little more. Shall we?

Colts: Looks like Tom Brady showed you last week that he's still in charge of the AFC and he isn't ready to give it up. So...


MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

Day 48-Stay Calm, Wear Black

What's a Football Chick to Do?

As I sit here, my Jacksonville Jaguars are 1-8. Who knew it could be this bad, disappointing, sad? I've tried everything. I painted my toenails different colors. I have brought The Paws. I have left The Paws. I even came up with my own slogan: Stay calm and wear black. All to no avail. So, what do I do now? Do I curse Blaine Gabbert? Do I talk incessantly about how TURRIBLE (I know I spelled it wrong) my team is? Do I long for the days of Jack Del Rio and Shack Harris because at least we were at .500? What's a die hard fan to do? I'm about to tell you what I'm going to do.

It bears repeating the history of the why of what I am about to explain. The overall state of the franchise began in decline with the NFL draft in 2008. It is widely known, understood, assumed that you build your team with the draft, not through free agency and not through waiver wires. Unfortunately, the Jaguars' 2008 NFL draft was one that I believe has contributed to the current demise. What transpired was this: the Jaguars organization "went for it". They spent 5 draft picks for 2 players, Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey. (for all those people who say the Jaguars never pick "local-SEC,ACC-folk", both of these players were from the SEC-UF and Auburn) Neither player is still with the franchise. So that means the Jaguars wasted 7 (yes I said 7) draft picks on 2 players. Quentin groves played 2 years with Jaguars before being traded to the Raiders. Derrick Harvey played 3 seasons was benched before being traded to the Broncos. The other 3 players from the draft have all gone to other teams. These events are not news to anyone. But, you have to realize when you reach in that manner, the long term consequences are more than skin deep, they are lasting. So we are actually talking 10 players and NONE are still with the franchise (Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves, Trae Williams, Thomas Williams, and finally Chauncey Washington +the 5 draft picks squandered to get Harvey and Groves). Once again, as I always say, I'm just a girl. I don't know much, but I know you don't trade a crap load of draft picks i.e. the future of your franchise, for 2 players.

And it's been downhill ever since. The Jaguars just haven't been able to recover and we are now feeling the full effects of an ENTIRE draft wasted. Not only that scenario, but the Saga that is Gene Smith has absolutely run its course. Gene has been part of this franchise since it's inception in 1995. I've always watched the Jaguars thinking,"We are one player away". Yeah one player away of getting rid of Gene Smith. He has had a hand in personally picking all the players. I will go on record saying I don't think it's the players fault. I believe it's possible some players don't fit "The Scheme" and are round pegs being shoved in triangular spaces. It just won't work. Gene has to go and I am willing to put for sale signs in his yard.

The question I keep asking myself is, when is this ever going to end? How long are we destined/doomed by these past failures to go season after season without winning? I have had friends on Facebook question my football judgment. "MDK, when are you going to get it? Shad Khan is moving this franchise because it sucks so bad!" Well, let me tell you. I don't quit. I don't give up. I am loyal. This is my city. I chose to move back here from Atlanta. I am a Jacksonville girl from the heart. I'm a football fan from the heart. I will not stop being a Jaguar fan. It will not happen. None of the other 31 teams are MY TEAM. If Shad Khan moves this franchise, he moves it. I can't stop him. But what I can (and everybody else, too) do, is be there support my team, and not hate. I stand with the players in solidarity.

You may ask, "Is that all you're going to do?" Um, no. When the players started wearing black jerseys, the Chicago game, and we lost that Sunday, I decided that I was going to wear black, in some fashion, either pants or shirt, until they win again. I even made my own sign for the stadium (see above). Maybe you saw it during the Colts game.

Just once, I'd like to go through an entire season without threatening to put for sale signs in an upper management's yard. Just one....

BTW: Don't get me started on that silver-football-spoon-in-his-mouth Andrew Luck whose Daddy, Oliver Luck was able to be in attendance at the Colts-Jags game Thursday night. Oh it was so sweet, said no football fan ever. If you want to know more about Andrew Luck and His DADDY please read my blog: It's Not Called the Naive Football League". Also, the 3 blown calls during the game were no mistake. All going towards Andrew's favor. Please spare me the ridiculousness and just give him a Super Bowl ring and shuffle him off with the likes of his father who never really made much of himself in the NFL. LUCK: GO AWAY!!!!!!!!

The Bitter and Always:

MDK In The House

We must protect this house.

Suck for Polian

Suck for Polian

Well, friends it been 8 days since the Jags lost their last game. It's been 9 since the Noles lost to unranked N.C. State. I've been a caller on 2 radio call in shows. And still I am filled with angst over my teams. Nothing seems to help. In an effort of silent protest, I have vowed to wear black (dark grey and navy blue are acceptable) until the Jaguars win another game. I'm on day 8 of the black shirt protest. I was talking to someone today who said "Wow. You are serious." I said "Yes I am. If I was any more serious I'd wear black until Gene Smith is fired." Black until Gene Smith is fired. That could last awhile. I don't have the intestinal fortitude for that.
Along those same lines, my friend asks me today "Are you desperate enough to want Bill Polian as your GM?" Uh yeah. I am. We can call the campaign "The Suck for Polian".
Why Polian? Because he can obviously put together a winning team. (See "It's Not Called the Naive Football League") He brought Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck to the Colts. He could really do something for Jax. It would probably tick off Jim Irsay (which would allow me to check an item off my bucket list).
I have realized  that for several years, possibly since 2008, the Jaguars give off a feeling of being close to breaking through and being a yearly playoff contender. And each year nothing has happened. Gene Smith has been with the Jaguars since day one. There was an article this weak with a Gene Smith interview that says that Gene Smith thinks there is not enough talent on the team. No self-respecting GM would ever get up and say those words "this team doesn't have enough talent." DUDE, THAT'S YOUR FREAKIN' JOB. I wanna win. And I wanna win badly. This team cannot win with Gene Smith. Please bring on the Polian. The Suck for Polian campaign begins here and now.

MDK in the HOUSE

We MUST Protect This House

Post Apocalyptic Meltdown of a BAD Football Weekend.

It was a long weekend. Mentally. It started with the hope that the Carter-Finley curse would somehow NOT rear it's ugly head. But, alas, it was not to be and FSU fell to unranked NC State. Well ok. There was a mushroom cloud over central Duval County over my house that night, but ok, whatever.
I headed to Everbank Stadium to watch the Bears vs. Jaguars. Let's be clear. I was not expecting a miracle blowout by the Jaguars. I just like it to be competitive. I'm not really into giving play by plays. That's a man's thing. However, the first series that Chicago had the ball, Jay Cutler threw an interception!!! I jumped up and exclaimed with my foam paws I might add: I got your Monsters of the Midway RIGHT HERE!!!!! I said it like 4 times. Because I can. Because Everbank is MY HOUSE!! In the second half, the tide turned and the Jaguars ended up losing 41-3 to that sissy-la-la Jay Cutler. He's such a stinking baby. Insult to injury was the very poor behavior of the Bears fans. One woman in particular was especially annoying. She had an orange and blue tramp stamp and every time she jumped up her pants would come down and the back of her shirt would come up and she would be tugging and pulling. Unfortunately, because she was sitting in front of me, I had to endure repeated sighting of said tramp stamp. I live in Gainesville North AKA Jacksonville so I have seen them ad nauseum. This bears fan also repeatedly mocked the Jaguar fans and screamed and yelled constantly. Did I mention she brought her 7 yr old kid with her? So, demoralized, mocked and verbally abused "in my own house", I began the long walk back to my car. There were clouds off to the west. And in the sky there were spider webs of lightning. It was as if the weather was trying to match my mood.
I get to my car finally with all of the D-R-U-N-K people around me. EWWW. I start the engine and get in line to get down the road. The first song I heard was "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor" by Drowning Pool. That felt good. Then, as if the radio station knew just the song to play, the next song was "Long Way Home" by Supertramp. And actually I was taking the long way home but not by choice. That immediately brought me back down to pensive thought. As pensive as you can be with crazy drivers down MLK Expressway.
(Before I tell you the next part of my story, let's get something straight. I'm not a cryer. I don't like Nicholas Sparks movies: they all end the same way, and the man always dies.)
I decide to wheel in to Sonny's for some chopped barbecue with mustard sauce to go. I walk up to the window. I'm still dressed in all my stuff from the game. A nice girl with a Jaguar shirt came to the takeout window to take my order. The first thing she asks me was if I was ok. I immediately got choked up and repeated in my mind "there's no crying in football" over and over.
Peeps. When I almost burst into tears after the takeout girl at Sonny's asks me if I'm ok, that's a problem.
That's a problem because I advocated the torching of Shack Harris and Byron Leftwich. Ok so we get rid of them and we'll be better. I could go on and on. Oh if this happens or we get this player or...We will finally win. I can't take it anymore. I just wanna win. What does it take to win? I feel as if some lingering funk is left from the Weaver ownership. Like a skunk that has somehow eluded capture and occasionally sprays everything down. Let's say that same skunk (Jack Del Rio) sprays the inside of your house And you only clean the coffee table and the TV. Meanwhile you don't wash the dog or the floor. There will still be stink everywhere until you CLEAN THE WHOLE HOUSE. Do something. Anything.
On the other hand: 1. If winning in the NFL was easy everybody would be doing it. 2. If you listen to the fans, you'll be sitting with him. I get those 2 principles. I don't have all the answers or solutions. What I do know is more than anything, I wanna win. And the players wanna win. So what's keeping them?
Speaking of houses, I certainly do not appreciate the way Bears fans acted in my house. You do not mock me. You do not act like hooligans. It's my house. I did not go to the Superdome and point and scream and act nasty. Tell them they were losers. I acted respectful and cheered when my team did something good. It's called Decorum. Chicago fans should try some. We are not a "storied" franchise. But we still deserve respect.

One more thing before I go. Gator fans that come to a Jaguar game dressed like Gators to cheer on the Bears: I ain't got nothing for you. Just goes to show that some fans pick their teams from the colors. That's the lamest thing I have ever heard.


MDK in the House

We MUST protect this house.

P.S. I don't make a habit of calling players out. So, I would like to say I finally saw this player "put his hands in the AYYRRR, like he was a true Playa". Even if it was only once. Don't stop until the whistle blows.

No 24 hrs Needed

This week has been an all new football low for me personally. Last weeks loss to the Bengals felt all encompassing. Little did I know that 6 short days later, my ORIGINAL team, FSU, would disappoint in a way never imagined by myself or the twitter world apparently. Tonights game was one of THE most disappointing FSU games I have personally ever witnessed. I don't care what anyone says. Jimbo Fisher forced Bobby Bowden out. Jimbo "thought" he was ready to run a major college football franchise. Let's be honest folks, it's a franchise. Jimbo thought he would walk right in and turn it around. And to a certain extent he did. We have won several matchups with Florida but only because they were lesser teams. That's not Florida State. We go in as the underdog and outplay other teams. That used to be our M.O.. Now we lose to unranked NC State because we can. E.J., God Bless You. You are not Charlie Ward. I'm not even sure you are a team leader. And you know what else I know? Jimbo you can't be an offensive coordinator AND head coach. Other coaches can. YOU CANNOT. It has been proven many times but tonight is the straw that broke the camel's back. You have lost the FSU faithful. You won't be able to sell out Doak. I live in Jacksonville. But I no longer call it Jacksonville. I call it Gainesville North. I'm Sick of it. SICK. Sick. Sick. Sick.

What's going to have to happen to restore FSU to it's proper place? I mean we haven't even had a scandal. What will have to happen to bring glory back to Florida State? GET RID OF FISHER. SOON. And get us a real coach with a REAL offensive coordinator.

Did anyone happen to notice that this week, FSU lost 2 4-star recruits??!! Anybody?! I want to know why!!!!

But you know what, at least I ain't crying about it like Tim Tebow would. There's no crying in football. But there certainly is anger and frustration.

MDK in the House

We must protect this house

Andrew Luck Is Not The Only One Whose Luck Is Running Out

Just so everyone is clear, I want to make sure everyone knows what the score is:
MDK in the House: 1
Andrew Luck: 0

Andrew Luck, just because you bypassed everyone else in the draft because of your "familiarity" with the Colts (see "This isn't the Naive Football League"), doesn't mean the Jacksonville Jaguars will not come into your palatial stadium and beat you. Man, does that feel good. Ok, now that I have properly gloated, let's get down to business.

The NFL has a serious problem at this point in the season. You cannot use inexperienced NCAA Division II refs and expect to keep the games relevant. If I wasn't a season ticket holder, I would turn off my TV and wait for the REAL referees to come back. Darius Heyward-Bey has a significant injury and was knocked unconscious yesterday during the Steelers-Raiders game by Ryan Mundy of the Steelers. No penalty was called, but scuttlebutt says Mundy will be getting a FEDEX today (in other words he's getting a fine). There was a 10 minute delay in the Denver game last Monday night against Atlanta. Many calls that were "smaller" were getting called continuously. But probably my favorite part of this fiasco is the players that want the referee to throw the flag are constantly making the motion with their hand like a referee does when he pulls out the yellow flag. C'mon Man. Not every play deserves a penalty. Just because you are the Colts doesn't mean you need a flag on every play to go your way. That being said, there were plenty of calls that weren't called against the Jaguars. The problem being that other teams with playoff hopes are getting VERY irritated with the referees. Bill Belichick put his hands on a referee last night when a field goal kicked by the Ravens was ruled good that Belichick was sure, as was the rest of the Patriots, was no good. When will the madness stop? When will Roger Goodell realize there is an explosion ready to happen between the coaches and the referees? Even the referees have fantasy teams and one referee was kicked off for saying on his Facebook page that he was a New Orleans Saints fan!! Come on. This situation is not working. FIDEL GOODELL: GET THE REAL REFEREES BACK!! NOW!! Before a referee gets assaulted by a homeless man (Bill Belichick), oh wait that happened last night. Or before someone gets really hurt, oh wait that happened yesterday (Darius Heyward-Bey). Do The Deal.

P.S.- Blaine Gabbert. Your Kryptonite is Your Hair. You are welcome.

MDK in the House

We Must Protect This House

Never Take Sides Against Jacksonville Jaguars Fans

It's been a rough go of it for the last several years for Jaguars fans. People in the media and fans of other teams seem to think losing records=bad fans. I'm here to tell you, Hold On Playa.
On one hand, Sometimes I enjoy the haters going against me. It gives me adrenaline to get crazy.
But I will tell you this. You can say anything you want about how bad my team is or how bad we will suck this year. But DO NOT QUESTION MY FANDOM. EVER.
Do not presume that because my team hasn't done soo great over the last several years that I am any less of a fan.If you see me in the chicago airport with my jacksonville Jaguar polo shirt, do not give me the stink eye. I will return it to you in kind or not. If you have never set foot in Jacksonville, do not tell me about how Jaguars fans feel about their team. If you have never been to a football game in Everbank Stadium, do not tell me about lack of energy of the fans or about blackouts. I will hound you til the end of time about how wrong you are about my team. I'm like a dog with a bone. I will not let go until I win. Below is an article I commented on about Maurice Jones-Drew. One comment I started. And one comment made by Noah Crowell I replied. The one with Noah is much more FUN.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/08/31/casserly-maurice-jones-drew-wrong-to-hold-out/

To reiterate, say anything about the team. Until they win, the haters will not go away. But never question the faith and fervor of the Jacksonville Jaguars Fans. Ever.

We are loud. We are proud. We are Jaguars.

We must protect this house.

MDK in the House

People..It's Training Camp

Today, I went to my first Training Camp practice of the 2012 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was HOT!! I was excited to See Blaine Gabbert, Rashad Jennings, Laurent Robinson to name a few. I was disappointed Maurice Jones-Drew aka Pocket Hercules and Justin Blackmon were not in attendance. I really try to be objective and not take a side between owners and players, but I can't help but wonder what will come of the Jones-Drew holdout situation. It never bodes well for a player to hold out and miss training camp. For example, Chris Johnson, Running Back Tennessee Titans. He held out until September 1. He only had 4 touchdowns the whole season. He averaged 4 yards per carry. He had the fewest first downs in the 4 yrs. he played. By all accounts, not a successful season. If Jones-drew holds out til the end of training camp, it could happen to him too. Or even worse. I've actually heard whispers of him being traded. Owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Shad Khan, has said Jones-Drew has 2 yrs. left on his contract and will not give him a new deal. Not to mention fantasy football implications. I might've jinxed the whole situation. At the end of last season, I said "With all of the new changes going on with the Jaguars, I don't care if they get rid of the entire team, except Jones-Drew and Scobee." Of course I didn't actually mean it. Losing makes you think desperate things. So, let's hope something happens and soon.

Justin Blackmon, Justin Blackmon, Justin Blackmon. The excitement of the draft pick!! The letdown of the DUI. The letdown of him not being at training camp. I think he's pretty ballsy to think it's OK to miss training camp because he has no deal. Dude, you are on your second DUI. You lose bargaining capability when you act like a reckless teenager. GET TO CAMP!!!! Has anyone seen the movie "Jerry Maguire"?  Unfortunately, many of the quotes from that movie rule my life (that will be covered in another blog), but one of my favorite is when Kelly Preston, who plays Jerry Maguire's fiancee, is helping him figure out his next course of action after losing his job as a sports agent. He decides to open his own agency. However, most of the clients he had at the big firm wouldn't come with him. He is down to 2:  Rod Tidwell, an aging, primadonna wide receiver who needs a new contract with the Arizona cardinals and a rookie, Frank Cushman, about to go to Number 1 overall in the  NFL draft. Kelly Preston says "Cushman saves all". Justin Blackmon (could) saves all. It could happen. The Jaguars could go from the worst passing team (relative obscurity)in the NFL to the best. But it can't be done without our first round draft pick, Justin Blackmon. Justin, please come to camp.

So anyway. You guys don't know much about me. I'm 5'0" tall and I'm pretty quiet and shy but you wouldn't know that from what you read here. None of my friends went to training camp today. So I was flying solo. I had to find my way to the front of the plastic fence that surrounds the practice field. I must say that was no easy feat. I was surrounded by people and a few kids. I was entranced by watching the wide receivers and the tight ends catch balls from the 4 quarterbacks. I was looking for miscues and dropped balls and there were some.  And, you know maybe I'm just too amateurish and I don't know what I see (insert eye roll here).The Tight Ends were catching balls being thrown and the testosterone around me kept saying "oh he boggled that ball" "oh he almost didn't have that one". Seriously??!! They were "catching" the balls. I COULD NOT SEE ANY boggling. I really hate haters. It's freaking Training Camp. The guys aren't even in pads. During part of the practice, they took their helmets off. It's not even close to being the real thing and it's the second day of practice!!!! Totally new offense with Mike Mularkey. And these haters are talking about Boggling? Get a hold of yourselves testosterone!!!

Yes I know. I have an entire gallon of Kool-Aid in my fridge. I drink it every day. I don't care. I'm All In.

MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

P.S. I had an opportunity to go to the Jaguars Women's Football Clinic on Wednesday of this past week. It was fun and educational for someone like me who LOVES football. I was surprised to find out there are women's flag football teams in Jacksonville. I got to try field goal kicking, defensive drills, wide receiving, throwing, 20 yd dash, and vertical leap to name a few. Here is a picture of yours truly performing the Vertical Leap. Can you tell I LOVE to watch the NFL Combine??!!

MDK in the House-The New City Planner

I've decided since I have ALL the answers that I would try and solve the ills that plague downtown Jacksonville. The fate of the city of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Jaguars is one and the same. I believe that unless until downtown starts to attract residents and tourists alike it will continue to be fodder for journalists. Also, I believe until the Jaguars start winning and going to the playoffs consistently, with a trip to the Super Bowl soon,  they will be fodder for journalists to say negative things. Who cares? I do. I didn't spend my childhood listening to news reports and reading newspapers insisting we HAD to have a NFL team (circa 1991), to get one (1993) and squander the opportunity (2012). I lived in Atlanta for 12 years. I returned in 2003 to a city transformed. I became a season ticket holder in 2005. I have since been questionable luck for the Jaguars. They have been rebuilding ever since.
I hear discussions about how downtown Jacksonville isn't very attractive, exciting, insert your own adjective here. I'll admit, until my return in 2003, I wasn't really one to go downtown. There was nothing down there.  So, what about downtown can be improved to make it more attractive? And by attractive, I mean to say attractions, food, shopping facilities. You get the idea.
What's sad is that The Landing is in the shambles it's in. It was once grand. I know that's hard to believe. They had an original Banana Republic (you know the original jungle themed BR), Laura Ashley, and others. Parking this or that? Make it work people. This is not brain surgery.
First, let's tear down the old courthouse and put something attractive, that actually pays taxes, and is entertaining. It baffles me why they put a courthouse on riverfront property. While we are on the subject, I believe they should move the Duval County Public Schools offices off of the southbank (prime riverfront property)  and move it to somewhere on the north side of Jacksonville.  Also, move the jail, from one block off the river to another not so prime location. I mean really??! Who planned this nonsense?
Let me be clear. This blog was not to be about who is paying taxes and who isn't. But, if taxes aren't being paid on MAJOR pieces of land in and around downtown and the river, shouldn't this property  be built up and taxes paid on them? What is the benefit of having city buildings where revenue could be made? That revenue could go towards I don't know parking and attracting the right businesses?!! Am I crazy?
Make Maxwell House something like Annheiser Busch. Give tours. Why not bring schools through there and educate children on how coffee is made. I don't know. But attract young people to downtown and bring some education to it.
I hate to go here, but I'm going to because I HAVE to. I have been told the reason nothing gets done downtown is because of First Baptist Church downtown. I've heard they own half of downtown. How can they own half of downtown??!! Who does this? Which by extension means that they don't pay taxes because they are a religious institution? So, how is it they get a say in what happens downtown?
How about getting Ben Carter developers, the brains behind St. Johns Town Center, and get them to develop the riverfront in downtown? DO SOMETHING.  Oh that's right someone tried to develop the area along the river by the stadium but it defaulted. So who's paying taxes on that? WOW. Am I the only one paying taxes at this point??? 
Some of my friends have even said put casinos on the river. That will NEVER happen. Also a credit to the downtown religious institutions.
So if you want Jacksonville to be relevant, let's do something. ANYTHING. I'm tired of being irrelevant. Are you?

MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

What Jacksonville Jaguars and Murdered Out Cars Have in Common

Do you see these cars? Can you tell me why they are different from other cars?
Some cars think they are "murdered out". They black out the tail lights, but still have SHINY rims. That's not murdered out. Some people paint their cars flat black and leave the shiny trim and emblems. Some people black out the whole car, buy black rims with silver edge. That's not murdered out peeps. Do you know why people do these things to their cars? They want to be stealth. You will never see these cars coming.
So you're asking "what does that have to do with football?" Well, tonight, while I waited 20 minutes for my Lemon Pepper Rotisserie Chicken at Publix, I decided I would start scoping out Fantasy Football  magazines. It's never too early and there is no off season. I started browsing through the FF magazine. Maurice Jones-Drew is listed no.4 in running backs. Well OK. Justin Blackmon is listed no. 41 in wide receivers. Ouch. You know because apparently to these idiots we still have Jack Del Rio coaching. Apparently new coaching and ownership means nothing to these people. I took a look at Marcedes Lewis on the tight end list and then I half threw down the magazine back into it's spot and returned to the deli for my rotisserie chicken. I realize the Nay Sayers make more money by being negative than positive. Just know this Matt Ryan would not be Mattie Ice without Coach Mularkey. And Coach Mularkey is our new coach. So Nay Sayers, LISTEN UP: IT'S A NEW YEAR, IT'S NEW OWNERSHIP, IT'S NEW COACHING. I don't care what you say, we are going to sneak up on you like these stealth cars.
One final car that snuck up on me around Daytona several weeks ago:

NFL, you are next to be snuck up on. The Jaguars will be stealth. We will be the underdog. Bring the hate and nastiness. We will feed on it like yesterday's spaghetti. Keep trash talkin'. It's on.

MDK in the House

We must protect this House.

It's Us Jaguar Fans Against the World

The last several days in Jacksonville have been interesting. The Alvin Brown vs. Shad Khan showdown was quite the entertainment none of us needed. Personally, I believe most of the hate and vehemence should be aimed at Wayne Weaver and Jack Del Rio for selling us a less than viable product for the last several years. I respect Wayne Weaver for bringing the Jaguars. But I believe the  venom that is spewed toward Jacksonville, its team and fans is largely a result of Wayne Weaver not firing Jack Del Rio in a timely fashion. Like after the 2007 season. Because the Jaguars have not seen a playoff game or a better than 8-8 season in five years or so, they have become an easy target to the media. Easy Pickins as we call it in the south.
This week we had the crown jewel of events go down. After a very successful soccer match between the US and Scotland (if it's not Scottish it's crap), Jacksonville was riding high. The Jaguars submitted their pick for management of the stadium and facilities to the City of Jacksonville. The city promptly sends Shad Khan a letter saying,  the decision was to be made jointly (which is not what the contract says. The Mayor just made it up. The Jaguars have the final say in who manages the stadium) and because it hadn't, the Jaguars and Shad Khan were in default in regards to their contract with the city. Rumor has it, that a management group who donated to Alvin Brown's Campaign for Mayor, was not given as big of a chance as they would've liked. Shad Khan responds with a "let me know what you want to do because I have a training camp that's supposed to take place in July and I need to know if I need to move the team to another city". Thank you Alvin Brown. I now have nightmares of Mayflower moving trucks driving down Bay Street, in the middle of the night, moving the team to the other end of I-10 (L.A.) ala Baltimore Colts to the Indianapolis Colts. Shad Khan does not play people. He spent 700 million dollars for his dream and he doesn't care about some podunk bull crap over picking the same management firm to run the stadium that's been running it for 18 years. Jacksonville doesn't even have a Mayoral Mansion.
The result of all of this was something I thought we might have put to bed. However, it is back with a vengeance. The media is now all over the Jaguars to L.A. story. It's very frustrating as a fan to listen and read all of that nonsense. I'm truly over it. Find a real story somewhere else and if you can't do that, please be quiet. That's as nice as it's going to get.
On a recent trip to Chicago, I wore a Jaguars sweatshirt on the plane (As a matter of fact, I make it a point to wear Jaguars gear all the time but especially when I fly into Chicago. You know because just because my franchise isn't a "storied" franchise, that doesn't make me any less of a fan.)  I also had a Jaguar shirt under it. Did I mention I had my toenails painted Teal? It's the off season. Why am I still wearing my gear? Because I want to and because of all this nonsense about L.A. I'm sick of it. I'm not especially fond of the color teal, but I have all but made it my travel uniform. People have to know out there that there are real Jaguar fans. They are Season Ticket Holders. They sweat to death watching in the stadium on Sundays. I can't believe I'm going to say this, Jaguar fans have feelings too. And we get really mad when people keep dissing us.We don't appreciate people talking crap about us constantly. I have been a season ticket holder since 2005. Did you know we've been rebuilding since 2005? I'm still here and I'm still going to travel in Jaguars gear. Am I drinking the Kool-Aid? Quite possibly. But I still believe. Winning silences naysayers. Winning solves everything.

MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

Jack Del Rio...SHHHHHHH!!!!

I have a past with Jack Del Rio. I know. It's hard to believe. I've waited a long time to share my story. It was around 2006. It was a Tuesday. I was on my way to work. I had left my home early to go to work at my brother's office. At that time I worked there one day per week. His office is a good distance from my home and in a complete different direction than my other office. I wanted a Starbucks and since there wasn't one near his office, I stopped at one by my home on my way. I got my Starbucks and was pulling out of the parking lot. From behind a Range Rover, haphazardly I might add, comes Jack Del Rio and his kids like ducks in a row. I slammed on brakes, stopped,I rolled my eyes and looked. I realized it was Jack Del Rio. I was embarrassed but he truly wasn't WATCHING WHERE HE WAS GOING.
Here is an article that I read on nfl.com. Some of the things he says are pretty funny and dumb from a Jaguars fan's perspective. Let's have a little looksy:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82935a51/article/jack-del-rio-wants-broncos-to-have-a-top-10-defense?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed

"We've established high expectations"- LOL. Jags fans have heard that one a few times.
" And that's one of the things I think we can do with the strength of our pass rushers."-That's right because you don't know what a good pass rusher is Jack. You couldn't find one with a flashlight in phone booth in the daylight. If the Broncos are smart they will have the previous year's pass rushers and won't depend on you to pick a few. He was MISERABLE at it in Jacksonville.
"Defensively we've gotta be able to get people stopped and not let them just run it down the field and control the clock."- LOL. Jack get some new lines dude. Everyone has heard that before. The only thing saving you from being laughed at because of that remark is because NO ONE was listening to you the last year at Jacksonville. Jack sucked at time clock control. SUCKED. If you don't believe me, I can't help you. Maybe Youtube can or perhaps Google. But Denver, watch out. Don't let him too far off the leash. Definitely don't wait 8 yrs to fire him.

Not watching where he was going is a pretty common thing for Jack. His reputation for running things in Jacksonville was kept on the DL (down low) for so long until he was fired.  You ask, like what? It couldn't be that bad?! How about letting players show up to practice anytime they wanted and not fining them. Don't y'all know where fines go? To the charities. So fine them who cares? How about having favorites? That definitely builds a team atmosphere (insert eye roll). How about drinking beers with his buddies while everybody else was watching film and doing game prep? How about playing golf at Glen Kernan or Timuquana on the Friday before a game when he should've been getting ready? I know. You can make all sorts of excuses. He was blowing off steam. He needed a break. Vince Lombardi never acted like that. Every moment before a game was spent strategizing. The story goes that after a game, there would be a cocktail party. You could see Lombardi in the 8mm footage. He was joking and laughing. Then he would stop. Look around. And he would disappear to his war room in his home to start preparation for the next week. The man couldn't enjoy himself and he was very successful. Jack could take a few notes from Coach Lombardi. Maybe if he had, he wouldn't have left a mess in Jacksonville.

MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

Lombardi is not LOMBARDI

Several weeks ago, there was an exchange between Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Michael Lombardi, commentator for NFL Network. The first story:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8251ae70/article/falcons-winning-formula-hasnt-changed-jags-have-big-problem

The rebuttal:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82864b95/article/blaine-gabbert-labels-lombardis-critique-comical

The re-rebuttal:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8286c7bf/Michael-Lombardi-vs-Blaine-Gabbert

It was quite a "back and forth" exchange. No one really wins. But it put forth an interesting question: Who is Michael Lombardi? So, I do what I normally do. I googled him. I even went to the dreaded Wikipedia. I know. I just lost credibility. However, I learned some interesting things. Importantly, Michael Lombardi is not related to VINCE LOMBARDI. NOT RELATED. So for all of you out there that listen to him thinking football is a genetic right for him, it's not. After reading some the articles associated with him, I would hardly recognize him as someone who could find talent. On the contrary, he seems to have been at the helm when Jamarcus Russell was drafted to the Oakland Raiders. Although, he was fired a month later. Speculation is he had nothing to do with that particular draft class, but Hold On Playa. I wouldn't bet the farm on that one.
Wikipedia describes him and his wife as owners of a Lagotto Romagnolo. At first I thought it was a rare Italian Sportscar, although I have a hard time believing there is a car I don't know about. But, alas it's a:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagotto_Romagnolo

Hilarious.

What's also apparent is that there is an uneasiness with Lombardi. I believe it's because he's not confident and definitely not well spoken. He got canned by Al Davis and hasn't returned to a front office job. AND because he acts like he's a "LOMBARDI (as in the trophy)". Well, Lombardi I hate to break it to you... you are not LOMBARDI.

Michael Lombardi is also described as a sportscaster. So, let me make sure I have the story straight. Michael Lombardi is a guy who has been with countless football dynasties and gave it up to be a sportscaster. Doesn't that smack of ridiculousness? He dares judge Gabbert aka chuck-n-duck aka Samson aka sunshine, but hasn't held a front office job since 2007? Don't get me wrong. I'm not totally sold on Gabbert. I'm going along for the ride. Drinking the Kool-Aid if you will. But Lombardi needs to simmer down. and Gabbert needs to step up. End of story.

MDK in the House

We MUST protect this House

Anger Management

Oh boy. It's been a long night. Last night, the first night of the 2012 draft, the Jaguars were to pick 7th overrall. They moved up to the 5th pick. Unbeknownest to me, apparently the Jaguars outfoxed Coach Jeff Fisher of the St. Louis Rams. He apparently wanted Trent Richardson RB Alabama and then he was taken. He also wanted Justin Blackmon WR OSU. OOPS. The Jaguars traded up and took Blackmon 5th overrall. He was soo upset he shouted an expletive and slammed his glasses on the table. *giggle* Outdone by the Jaguars again. Flash forward to tonight's draft, 2nd and 3rd round. 2nd round, the Jaguars take Andre Branch DE from Clemson Then the 3rd round draft pick heard round the world was spoken: the Jacksonville Jaguars pick Bryan Anger California University. His position? PUNTER. Yes, Punter.We used our 3rd round pick for a punter. The NFL Network and Twitter had a field day. And yes I hung my head in shame.
However, upon further review, several things must be taken into consideration. First, Anger was the top punter in the draft class. by all accounts is phenomenal. Second, the Jaguars gave up their 4th round pick to move up to take Blackmon. So, they would not pick again until the 5th round. And apparently, they wanted a punter badly. Well, ok.
In my first fantasy football draft, I became disoriented by the drafting process and thought kickers were disappearing in the 3rd round. So I pulled the trigger, chose a kicker, and the move still lives on in my fantasy league. Every year, there's usually a chuckle around the 3rd round. I get asked, don't you mean to pick a kicker? I never did that again. Last season was particularly brutal at the punting position for the Jaguars. They tried to make Matt Turk a directional punter. He was not a directional punter and he ended up kicking for 20 yrds. here and 25 yrds. there. PAINFUL. All this could have been avoided if the Jaguars and Gene Smith would've paid Adam Podlesh. They didn't. And the Bears did. In addition to ALL that went wrong, a no brainer like punting wasn't a no brainer. Hence the 3rd draft pick is a Punter. God bless him.

We must protect this house.

MDK in the House

Is a Big Splash In Free Agency Necessary? And Miscellaneous

 Some of you may have been wondering why I have been silent on the Jaguars for awhile. Well, I'm just trying to give them some breathing room. They have a new coach and a new owner. I don't like to start hating until I've seen something. This whole thing is almost brand new for me. So, I'm going to give them plenty of slack. And to all of you fans out there that are mad there was no BIG splash in free agency. I give you this analogy (or metaphor or whatever it's called) Ever watch diving in the Olympics? The person with the least splash usually scores higher. It's not just about splash. Style points are given as well. So all you haters listen up. It's not about the BIG splash.
Miscellaneous:
 Jimbo. Jimbo. Jimbo. Jimbo Fisher. Dude, you knew this was coming. I would like for him to DO several things in this off season. Please work on your 4th quarter time management skills. They leave little to be desired (UVA game). Please accomplish something when you start yelling and screaming at officials. You are starting to look like Will Muschamp. Just because you vacation together that does not excuse the fact you are acting like a Gator and nullifying your contract with FSU fans. Please train E.J. Manuel to look like he belongs in the HALLOWED halls of Florida State Football (I.E.- Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke both Heisman Trophy winners). I still wish you would consider hiring an Offensive Coordinator. You continue to prove you can't do it alone. The last thing you can do for me Jimbo, please let us live up to the hype so I don't have to hear the trash talking from the Gators. We've beat them 2 years in a row, that should be enough. With UF, it's never enough.
  From the beginning with Bobby Petrino. Let's start with his contract with Louisville. He began coaching at Louisville in 2003. By July 2006 they offered a contract of 10 years, 25.6 million dollars, which he accepted. In January 2007, he accepted a head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons. December 2007, in the proverbial middle of the night and several games left in the NFL season, Petrino takes a job at Arkansas. Fast forward to last month. Petrino gets Jessica Dorrell hired and then they have a motorcycle accident. He lies and says he was alone. None of this is really that earth shattering if you look at his whole body of work.  He left the Falcons without a proper goodbye to players that struggled all year without Michael Vick. Be a man for heaven's sake. Do the right thing for once. How does his wife and kids stand him? I guess only time will tell.

MDK in the House

Bountygate Part II

As the dust was beginning to settle on the suspensions for Gregg Williams, Sean Payton, Joe Vitt and Mickey Loomis, a gasp was heard around the world last week. Or at least in my office. That gasp came in the form of an email I received from an update contain a recording. At first, I thought nothing of the update that promised audio of Gregg Williams, the Defensive Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, talking about bounties to the team before a game. Really? Wouldn't I have already heard this by now? Enough with the dramatics. I click on it. I listen to a 4 letter word laden pep talk by Williams before a game. "Go after the head". I was shocked, hence the gasp, but I try to take a realistic spin on everything. So, I actually thought maybe everyone thought he was speaking figuratively. I also did not like the fact that the audio was edited. That doesn't sit to well with me. I want to hear it in it's original context. I want it all.

Rewind to my post in March:  Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper:

To me it's really amazing with all of the light on injuries in the NFL, that a successful D-Coordinator kept a Bounty System going that supposedly created season ending and career ending events for players. Isn't that a bit narcissistic? He's such a GREAT Defensive Coordinator that he had to use cash incentives so players would give a little extra and end up ruining other players lives? And what if opposing players did the same against him and his team? I'm also surprised given the light that has been on Steve Gleason, a former Saints Defensive player, who has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Presumably from taking and delivering brutal hits. His website http://www.teamgleason.org/ is worth reading. He was also showcased on the pre-game Super Bowl Show this year. I think of something a wise person said: "You never know how the things you do today, can have an impact on others in the future." Should Gregg Williams continue to coach?

Now, on Saturday, I was in Orlando and had a particularly stressful and fun day on Friday, so I slept in a little Saturday. I was still in bed, scrolling through Facebook and noticed someone re post a twitter post about a blog from Sean Pamphilon, who recorded the audio. Against my better judgment, I decided to read it. It took me the better part of 45 minutes to read it on my IPhone. Sean Pamphilon was recording for a documentary called the United States of  Football. He was in this meeting on an invitation by Steve Gleason. The former player with ALS. So, let's make sure we have this right. Gregg Williams is giving this "pep talk/ mercenary mission" in front of a documentarian and Steve Gleason who is suffering from ALS (which is thought to have been from the repeated head traumas he took while playing football). Okay. I think we are on the right track.

During this Pep Talk/Mercenary Mission Assignment, Gregg Williams did not ask Pamphilon to turn off his recorder unlike Joe Vitt did earlier. And now the knowledge that he had this dialogue with the players with Steve Gleason in the room is astounding. How does Gregg Williams look Steve Gleason in the face? So, is it safe to assume he feels that Steve's illness is from weakness? What a piece of work.

Then there is the releasing of this tape by Pamophilon. He was under an agreement that said Steve Gleason and his family had total control over what was done with the recordings and Pamphilon released them anyway. Pamphilon says his motivation is protecting young children from injury. I believe that's all, well, fine and good. But why not honor the wishes of someone like Steve Gleason whose motto is "no white flags"? He clearly doesn't blame the Saints and has a good relationship with them. They even gave him a Super Bowl ring and he wasn't even playing when they won. Do the right thing by him. It's his life and his choices.

I am not terribly eloquent. I in NO WAY am saying that Gregg Williams is exempt of his responsibility in these terrible acts. He knew it was wrong and did not stop. I think criminal charges might be in order for him. Nor am I saying that football isn't brutal. I don't think the NFL should be a flag football league. I just think there is a right way to do things. Make sure players are well educated about injury and long term effects. Take care of the players upon retirement. The NFL makes billions every year. Take care of the players that got you there.

Ultimately, in this game of football, it is the choice of the players. To a certain extent, they know the consequences of the daily physical beatings their bodies take. Does that mean the NFL has a responsibility to keep the Bounty gate from happening again? Yes. Does it mean the NFL needs to regulate illegal hits? Yes. I have never wished an injury on a player. In fact, I'm on record saying that Peyton Manning should not play. When he does, he will have a GIGANTIC bulls eye on his back. I would rather see him retire in honor than leave the field on a stretcher. Lots of people have said that will never happen. I know  his injury. Trust me, one hit to the ground and it won't be pretty.This Pamphilon guy has questionable intentions. (personally I thought his statement sounded a little star struck). To him I would say: Honor your agreements.

MDK in the House

P.S. Terrance "Potroast" Knighton we are hoping you are better soon and have a full recovery.

You are NOT on my team.. My Letter to Tim Tebow

This is the last of what I have to say about Tebow.
This is my letter to Tebow:

Dear Sir,
I realize that you won how many National Championships? That you annihilated Florida State on a yearly basis for how many years? That your humble pie attitude is just a ruse. You got how far into the playoffs last season? And you turned down coming to my team, The Jacksonville Jaguars, to go to the New York Jets. This is the most unforgivable sin. My team wasn't good enough for you. You had to go to a team with a franchise quarterback. Coincidentally, that you will never surpass even though he is dismal. What about that filthy mouthed Rex Ryan? You will spend the majority of your time praying for him instead of practicing. (practice? in my best Allen Iverson voice)
You really think you are big time now, don't you? You have now missed an opportunity to be on my team. With any luck you will never be on my team. I am washing my hands of you and all the good you could have done for Jacksonville and it's fans. I only hope you take all those fair weather and disciple-like following you have to New York.
And don't think I have forgotten about that Nease High School thing. You never went to school there. You only played football there. It's noble of your mom to home school you, but rent an apartment across town from where you really live and let you play at Nease? Seriously, is that doing things the right way? I doubt it. All for the greater good. Thanks for making your hometown look and feel like a bunch of idiots. Hopefully, the Times-Union will stop giving you "all that hometown press" you are used to having. Hopefully, everyone has had a snoot full of you. I have. And you are not even on my team.

MDK in the House

Bounty? The Quicker Picker Upper?

I hope y'all are enjoying this blog. Please feel free to comment. I've actually been getting some requests on what I should write about. I try to keep this blog relatively light and fun with a dash of a girl's perspective. I might've done a little too much "Luck Hating", but who cares.
Gregg Williams. Bounty System? In this day and age of injury ridden retirees, I'm a little surprised you went there. Apparently I shouldn't be. They are connecting him with Bounty situations at Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. But thankfully his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars was uneventful. You have to wonder why he only lasted 1 year in Jacksonville. Did he try his Boba Fett routine here? Was it not encouraged? That's not surprising. Jacksonville tries to keep a squeaky clean facade. Now whether it's actually squeaky clean can be up for debate.
To me it's really amazing with all of the light on injuries in the NFL, that a successful D-Coordinator kept a Bounty System going that supposedly created season ending and career ending events for players. Isn't that a bit narcissistic? He's such a GREAT Defensive Coordinator that he had to use cash incentives so players would give a little extra and end up ruining other players lives? And what if opposing players did the same against him and his team? I'm also surprised given the light that has been on Steve Gleason, a former Saints Defensive player, who has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Presumably from taking and delivering brutal hits. His website http://www.teamgleason.org/ is worth reading. He was also showcased on the pre-game Super Bowl Show this year. I think of something a wise person said: You never know how the things you do today, can have an impact on others in the future. Should Gregg Williams continue to coach? I'm sure Jeff Fisher won't mind the brutality on his team this year.
But truly the most surprising idea of all, is that some are reporting Drew Brees knew about it. Come on. I'm always "down" for some Conspiracy. I can't (or won't) see it. Brees is Vice-President NFL Players Association Executive Committee and former player representative. And some people are calling for full disclosure on what he knew. How can we assume he knew?
I wrote this post awhile back. Today, Gregg Williams has been suspended from the NFL indefinitely. Sean Payton has been suspended for a year. WOW. That's pretty harsh. However, nothing compared to all the hits delivered, ended seasons, and ended careers.

MDK in the House

Drinking the Kool-Aid Special Edition 3-21-12 and Other Tebow Related Topics

So by now all of Jacksonville is in a frenzy over this Tebow thing. Is he coming, is he not coming. If he does come I'm cancelling my tickets. If he doesn't come I'm not buying tickets. OH COME ON. Everyone get over yourselves and listen up.
I am a self described Tebow Hater. Not Tebow the man. Tebow the football player. If a player hasn't played on one of my 2 teams, Jacksonville Jaguars and Florida State Seminoles, then technically he's not "on my team". It's not complicated. It's not personal. Strictly football. There have only been 2 "exceptions" to this rule: Byron Leftwich and Matt Turk. Tebow has never been on either one of my teams. However, if he does come to the Jaguars I will have no choice but to cheer for him and every other player on the team.
This is not a very popular belief I carry. I really don't care. I'm mildly excited about the new energy in the city and fan base. I also believe this is a critical time in the football situation in Jacksonville. The Florida Gators haven't done much of late. Neither have the Seminoles. If the Jaguars were to become successful, that might turn the tide here. It might make the Jacksonville Jaguars relevant to a whole different segment of the population. Is this a stretch or a reach? Yeah. But what isn't?
One last tidbit. Mike Mularkey was one of the coaches during the Kordell Stewart era at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stewart was known for versatility being a quarterback, wide receiver and punt returner. So, I'm hopeful he might know how to get a little more consistency from Tebow.
If by chance he goes to the Jets, life goes on. I will not burn my season tickets in the driveway with a TV camers filming. No drama. The Jaguars are my team,  right, wrong or otherwise. So, whatever happens, HAPPENS.
Yes, as you now have guessed I am sipping the Tebow flavored Kool-Aid. It's hard not to. I really want my team to be successful and I want and crave a new energy from the fans. If sipping the Kool-Aid is wrong, I don't want to be right.

MDK in the House

Drinking the Kool-Aid 3/9/12

I'm hoping to have a regular installment (possibly weekly) of "Drinking the Kool-Aid". You may ask "What is drinking the Kool-Aid?" "Drinking the Kool-Aid" is a phrase I use in reference to people/fans who have blinders on and take everything as complete and utter fact. When you stop drinking the Kool-Aid, that's when"the situation is about to get real".
Drinking the Kool-Aid
   People who think Tebow will be in Denver forever.
   People who think Andrew Luck couldn't be the new Ryan Leaf or Jamarcus Russell.
   People who think the things that have gone on with Bounty gate haven't happened on their team.
   People that believe Romo is the answer in Dallas and no need to entertain Peyton Manning. Cue Romolicious.
   Older Kool-Aid: Trent Dilfer saying that the Patriots wouldn't make it to the Super Bowl with one of the worst defenses in the League. Trent, let me introduce you to Tom Brady. You might have heard of him.
   Last but not least, I am still drinking the Kool-Aid. The Kool-Aid that keeps telling me the Jaguars aren't moving to L.A. Ever.

The situation is about to Get Real:
   The Washington Redskins. Gutsy move getting second pick in the draft from the St. Louis Rams.
   Arian Foster. Your situation is about to get real with that new deal you just struck with the Texans. Congrats.
Happy Free Agency Everyone!! I wish that your team properly Franchise Tag, Sign the proper free agents and Re-sign the members of the team that deserve to be re-signed. Everybody. Stay tuned for Jaguar domination.

MDK in the House
We must protect this house.

All the "LUCK" I Can Stand

This whole Andrew Luck thing is really getting on my nerves. I was a lot happier before this kid came along. My team had only to compete with the Peyton Manning's of the world. Now, this Luck kid is invading the draft. Having, in my opinion, been hand picked by the Indianapolis Colts to be the Successor of Peyton Manning. (See "They Don't Call it the Naive Football League") Hand picked at all costs. However, now Jim Irsay has lost his noodle by treating Peyton Manning like the plaque. Even outing him on an undisclosed surgery. Geez. This thing is going to go down all the way to the wire. March 8th I will be staying up until midnight because that's how long it's going to take for Irsay to make up his mind. But I have a feeling he's already decided. Someone might want to let Irsay know that if he keeps doing this to Peyton, no one will want to play for him. Except Andrew Luck.
There's more than 1 Luck that I have a problem with at this time. For those of you who don't know, Oliver Luck, Andrew's dad, is the Athletic Director at West Virginia. Being the die hard and unforgiving FSU fan that I am, I am extremely put out with AD Luck and West Virginia. You do not cancel a game, a commitment to play another University 6-7 months before the date.  I am surprised by the lack of sportsmanship AD Luck is showing. (And NO I really don't care if he's upgrading to a different Conference.) This past week, Savannah State was announced as the replacement. Great. What if FSU turns out to be BCS Championship level next year but because strength of schedule is cheated out of it because AD Luck didn't want to honor a commitment. It's OK West Virginia. That Karma girl hasn't been much of a friend to you and she's not about to start.
I also want to mention the ridiculousness of Andrew Luck and R.G. Griffin III. You go all the way to the combine and you aren't going to throw???!!!! Seriously??? This is the biggest interview of your life. You shouldn't get the option of what YOU WANT to do at it. Show everyone you can shine. Bunch of wussies. Same thing goes for whoever doesn't want to run the 40. Get out from behind your mother and run. Geesh. What a bunch of softies.

MDK in the House
"We must protect this house"

It's Not Called the Naive Football League.....

Guys, it's been awhile. I've missed this. Life has been a bit hectic lately. All of the football games, college and professional, kept me very entertained. You may ask why I have titled this post regarding naivete. Because it is a condition. A state of mind. It's suffered by most all of professional football fans. Even I suffer from it, occasionally.
Naivete: Believing that your team would never forsake your prize player. Hey, I wouldn't even say prize in some cases. More like beloved I guess.
What has brought me to this epiphany? The "recent" case of Peyton Manning. I'm not going there on when or if he will play for the Colts or any other team again. I am speaking of something a little more hidden but actually in plain sight. The highly anticipated Stanford vs. OSU Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2012. I learned more in that game than I ever really wanted to know. Earlier in the day, Bill Polian, Indianapolis Colts GM, and Chris Polian, VP of the Indianapolis Colts, father and son I might add, were fired from the Colts. This event is seemingly out of the blue. As I am watching the game, different coaches and players are discussed. Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator for OSU is seen hovering around WR Justin Blackmon. Justin Blackmon is supposed to be a highly touted draft pick come April. Any idea who Todd Monken's previous employer was? The Jacksonville Jaguars. Then they pan to the other sideline. You know, the one with Andrew Luck on it? Oh, guess who one of the special teams coaches is? Brian Polian. His official title according to Stanford's website is: "Assistant Coach-Special Teams Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator. Recruiting what? College players to the NFL? Yeah I just went there. In other words, Brian Polian has allowed unfettered access between Andrew Luck and his father Bill Polian. It supposedly began in September when Bill Polian went to "scout" Andrew Luck at the Stanford vs. Duke game. I'm sure it began way before that. Possibly with Andrew Luck not going into the 2011 draft. He was waiting. Peyton was getting older with a crappy offensive line. An injury was lurking. It sprang in the form of an injured neck, that to this date has had 3 surgeries. Did I mention that Andrew Luck has hired an uncle who is a "newbie" in the NFL agent business. Oh and by the way, Andrew Luck's dad Oliver is the Athletic Director for West Virginia. He played in the NFL and he's a lawyer. Andrew Luck coming to Indianapolis will be no mistake. It has been a well planned coming out party. So what about Bill and Chris Polian getting fired? Bill and Jim Irsay, the owner of the Colts, have apparently been friends for around 30 yrs. No real animosity was shared when he was fired. I think he knew his job was done. He had brought Indianpolis to the limelight with Peyton Manning. Now, he's brought the draft's fatted calf- Andrew Luck. Also, I believe he was fired from there being a paper trail just in case "something" came up. He's probably about ready to retire anyway. The point of all this? Indianapolis fans quit being sheep and don't think for one minute that hasn't been collusion to lose the entire season-by the way lose to Jacksonville twice the first time that's happened in franchise history-gain the Number 1 draft pick and try to rule for the next 12 yrs. Jim Irsay has worked a beauty. Indianapolis quit crying. NFL is a business. Peyton's made plenty of money. As a formidable opponent, I really hate to see him go. What I would hate even more was if he was carted off the field on a stretcher and lived his days like Christopher Reeves spent his last days. Peyton Manning is definitely one of the greatest Quarterbacks to ever play. I have been blessed to watch him and stand 5 feet from him. But I know his injury and his surgery. I'm telling you he doesn't need to play more football. He WANTS to and somebody should talk to him about that.
God Bless Y'all Indianapolis. You've got master manipulators up there. Y'all gonna be all right.