Go Big Or Go Home

To lots of people, including some of my family and friends, this will be a painful blog. It's not as if some of them haven't dogged out my Jaguars or FSU. But this subject has finally reared it's ugly head and I'm hear to say: I TOLD YOU SO.

In 2011, there was a game called THE GAME OF THE CENTURY (TGOTC). It was between LSU and ALABAMA. It was a very important game, hence the name. Now keep in my mind, we are talking about the SEC. The SEC, that some say, MUST be included in any and all National Championship conversations, 1 loss or not. TGOTC was HYPED beyond all hyping. I watched it. It was OK. It was relatively low scoring, which is fine, but we all know that doesn't really cut it. The question to ask is why was the game so low in scoring? Let me share with you:

ALABAMA:
Cade Foster:
Field Goal 44 yd. attempt. Miss. Wide Right.
Field Goal  50 yd. attempt. Miss
Field Goal 52 yd. attempt. Miss
Field Goal 46 yd. attempt. Kick is good.
Jeremy Shelley:
Field Goal 49 yd. attempt. Miss/Blocked.
Field Goal 34 yd attempt. Kick is good.

LSU:
Drew Alleman:
Field Goal 19 yd. attempt. Kick is good.
Field Goal 30 yd. attempt. Kick is good.
Field Goal 25 yd. attempt. Kick is good.

So, Alabama tried 6 field goals and only scored twice.  LSU tried 3 field goals and scored all 3 times. LSU won the ball game in overtime. Keep in mind, this was 2 years ago. Foster showing a propensity for missing kicks in big games.

Fast forward to last weekend's Iron Bowl.

Alabama:
Touchdown X 4
Cade Foster:
Field Goal 44 yd. attempt. Miss. Wide left.
Field Goal 33 yd. attempt. Miss. Wide left.
Field Goal 44 yd. attempt. Miss/Blocked.
*of note: Saban didn't want to attempt a Field Goal on 4th and 1 on the 13 yd. line. No bueno. No score.*
Adam Griffith:
Field Goal 57 yd. attempt. Miss/Run back for a Touchdown.

Auburn:
Touchdown X 4
Missed Field Goal ran back for Touchdown: 6pts.


Auburn 34-Alabama 28


Please don't try that sympathy train for Cade Foster. He should've been benched after TGOTC. Yet, he still played on and had a 91.7% completion rate. Nick Saban. Nick. Nick. Nick.

What I want to know is how Nick Saban still has a job??!! How is that possible? He has a "lights out": Offensive Line, Quarterback, Running Backs, Wide Receivers and Defense, but a HORRIFIC kicking unit when under pressure. Keep in mind, that Roberto Aquayo, the FSU kicker, has scored more points himself than all the opponents FSU played against this year.

In the great words of Rich Eisen, Kickers (punters) are people too. You CANNOT discount the impact kickers have on the game. Frankly, that's what Nick Saban has done. He's discounted the difference a "lights out" kicking game and what it can do for you. And for that he should be fired.

*DISCLAIMER*
I absolutely positively do not agree with Cade Foster getting death threats. I don't think that is appropriate in any venue in College or Professional Football.

MDK In The House

We Must Protect this House

For the night after Auburn,
The Tide did not Roll.
The new boss in town,
Wears Garnet and Gold.

Thankful For My Football Passion

I realize I missed the boat on the November thankfulness thing. I'm typically quiet about these things. I'm not altogether comfortable bearing my soul on Facebook.
But I am thankful for my husband, friends and family. I'm thankful I have a great job that I love. I'm thankful that 10 times a year I see my team play live and in person. Not many people are that fortunate. I'm thankful I drive a Turbo even if it's not murdered out...yet. Thankful my FSU is Number 1 in the polls.
What I'm thankful for is my football passion. Daily, on a certain sports radio Facebook page, someone at that station will write a blog that's as bland as vanilla. There's no passion. There's no tongue in cheek outrageousness. There's no life in it. Then why write it? You may as well write a news article about it. To me, blogging is supposed to be "what you are fired up about/what you think is interesting". So, that's why posts are random. That's why they are fiery.
Moral of this story: GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!!

MDK In The House

We MUST Protect This House

Do Heisman Winners Translate To The NFL?

Ever wondered why a college player who is so fantastic goes to the NFL and doesn't do much? I'm not sure I know the answer to that question. But in an effort to show the elite players, mostly offensive, Heisman trophy winners, I have decided to do a little research. Hopefully this research is impartial. I'm at least trying. Only tangible things like years in the NFL, Pro Bowl and Super Bowl appearances are being considered. Certainly no "eye tests" here. As to why some players do not translate, I really think that sometimes when you are so good at say college level football, it can be difficult to transition to the next level that is indisputably the best of the best. Intimidating? Maybe. Disillusionment? Possibly. Too tired or injured? Maybe. Drafted to the wrong team, a losing team? Quite possibly. I will present evidence of past Heisman winners and their viability in the NFL.

I wondered how far back I should go. So, I thought maybe just until the USFL disbanded (that's when players salaries skyrocketed). Then I saw several players just before that time period who were successful in the NFL ( in an effort to be fair).

My personal belief is that being a Heisman winner somewhat stacks the deck against you. Sometimes, when you are so good in college, you have a hard time translating to the pro game. Yet, we shall see.

We will begin with year, player's name, years in the NFL, Pro Bowl appearances, and Super Bowl appearances.

1980 George Rogers, 1981-1987, 1 Super Bowl, 2 Pro Bowls.
1981 Marcus Allen, 1982-1997, 1 Super Bowl, 6 Pro Bowls.
1982 Herschel Walker, 1986-1997, 2 Pro Bowls.
1983 Mike Rozier, 1985-1991, 2 Pro Bowls.
1984 Doug Flutie, 1986-1989, 1998-2005, 1 Pro Bowl.
1985 Bo Jackson, 1987-1990, 1 Pro Bowl.
1986 Vinny Testaverde, 1987-2007, 2 Pro Bowls.
1987 Tim Brown, 1988-2004, 9 Pro Bowls.
1988 Barry Sanders, 1989-1998, 10 Pro Bowls.
1989 Andre Ware, 1990-1993 (1994-1995 practice squad).
1990 Ty Detmer, 1992-2003 (2004-2005 practice squad).
1991 Desmond Howard, 1992-2002, 1 Pro Bowl, 1 Super Bowl.
1992 Gino Torreta, 1993-1997.
1993 Charlie Ward, NBA
1994 Rashaan Salaam, 1995-1999 (2003 practice squad).
1995 Eddie George, 1996-2004, 4 Pro Bowls, 1 Super Bowl.
1996 Danny Wuerrfel, 1997-2002.
1997 Charles Woodson, 1998-current, 8 Pro Bowls, 1 Super Bowl.
1998 Ricky Williams, 1999-2003, 2005, 2007-2011, 1 Pro Bowl.
1999 Ron Dayne, 2000-2007, 1 Super Bowl appearance.
2000 Chris Weinke, 2001-2007, 1 Super Bowl appearance.
2001 Eric Crouch, 2002-2005.
2002 Carson Palmer, 2003-current, 2 Pro Bowls.
2003 Jason White,   None (2005 practice squad).
2004 Matt Leinart, 2006-2012 (2013 preseason), 1 Super Bowl appearance.
2006 Troy Smith, 2007-2010 (2012 off season).
2007 Tim Tebow, 2010-2012 (2013 preseason).
2008 Sam Bradford, 2010-present.
2009 Mark Ingram, 2011-present.
2010 Cam Newton, 2011-present, 1 Pro Bowl.
2011 Robert Griffin, III 2012-present, 1 Pro Bowl.
2012 Johnny Manziel, Still in college.
2013 ??????


So, out of 32 Heisman Trophy winners, only 8 have been to a Super Bowl. Mind you, that's not necessarily WINNING the Super Bowl. That's about a 25% chance if you win the Heisman you will go to the big game. 16 H.T.W. have been to the Pro Bowl. That's a 50% chance at a game that is quite similar to a popularity contest.

After totaling up all the seasons played divided by the number of HTW (taking out those currently still playing) the average seasons played by HTW is 7.96. In today's terms, you'll get through the rookie salary cap contract and a few more years.

Is that translating? I just don't know. To me, if winning the Heisman makes you "great", then you should be really spectacular in the NFL. But the reasons listed before are why I think they don't translate. Or maybe when you get to the NFL, it truly becomes a team sport at that point. Thought s are welcome in the comments as always.

MDK In The House

We Must Protect This House

Crying on 8th Street: Confessions of a Football Chick

No one wants to admit being weak. NO ONE. But after the last Jags home game I could be seen driving down 8th street in Jacksonville, Florida balling my eyes out. Why you say? Because I'm a fan and whether or not  I'm being realistic, I still want to win and I'm disappointed when we don't. Is that right? Probably not. But I'll get over it. Eventually.

I don't believe there is crying in football. But everyone has their weak moments. I've certainly had mine over the years, and unfortunately, I might have a few more over the course of this season.

To me, this is a sad time of year. Although I am happy football season has begun, my sweet precious Mr. Tattoo (rescued from Collies Florida Rescue) passed away 2 years ago yesterday. Right before that my beloved Jaguars (Gene Smith and Jack Del Rio) cut my favorite Quarterback David Garrard. It was abrupt. And left me feeling empty. Then Tattoo passed rather suddenly. He was an old dog with many problems, but he loved me. I loved him. He watched football games faithfully with me on the couch. He even watched them on TV while I was at the game (he became despondent about blackouts. LOL). He was a terrific Fantasy Football partner and made many successful trades and acquisitions.

Why does this make me sad? Tattoo left a huge hole in my heart and the Jaguars haven't been the same since Garrard. Am I blaming Tattoo or the Jaguars? No. Does that mean I didn't get another dog? No. Does that mean I root for a different team? No. But I do become reticent this time of year for 2 of the many things that I found joy in every fall.

I long for the days of game winning, Colt-killing 50+ yard field goals by Scobee and Hail Mary's in the North End Zone. And yes, I love my new dog. She just doesn't lounge as much as Tattoo. But I still love her. What does all this say about me? I'm passionate to say the least about the things I love. If that means I'm wrong, I certainly don't want to be right.

P.S. My Husband says I'm not allowed to drive to the games anymore for fear of further meltdowns. HAHA.

MDK In The House

We Must Protect This House

Reasons I Want (NEED) Blaine Gabbert to Succeed

All we have heard leading up to training camp (practice in underwear) is Competition. Competition. I need a Quarterback. I need someone to hang my hat on. I need Blaine Gabbert to succeed this Competition. I'm not really a Henne fan. I mean if he was that great he would still be in Miami. He's not. Don't get me wrong, he's a servicable Quarterback. But I need a starter. I need to see Peyton Manning type behavior. Not Peyton Manning. I'm not delusional. I don't expect my team to go to the Super Bowl. Yet.

Perspective from the 2 training camps I went to:

1. Gabbert down the middle to Cecil Shorts III. Anybody down the middle. I've seen far too many sideline passes the last few years. I need some "down the middle".

2. Hurry up offense!!  Imagine that. I've only been silently BEGGING for HUO for 2 years!

3. Gabbert performing a serviceable pump fake! He even had me fooled.

4. Gabbert clapping his hands and saying "Good job ______". Signs of being a leader. The kind of leader we've wanted him to be all this time.

5. This one like the last one is not really a playmaking point. It does show some leadership improvement and cohesiveness with his team (he has his team members' backs). One of the players at the practice field decided not to stay a long time and sign autographs. A fan started heckling the player. Blaine Gabbert standing nearby says "give the guy a break we all want to get to the showers". Wow. Sticking up for a fellow teammate. Someone has been taking leadership classes. 

There were other things that weren't as good: 

1. Gabbert holding on too long. This one might actually need to be on the good list. Hopefully "chuck and duck" is a thing of the past.

2. Ball making an interception on Gabbert. It's going to happen. 

3. There were several questionable snaps which make me want to fault the backup Center, Brewster. Those snaps looked like fumbles but in all fairness I mention them.

But really. Why must Blaine Gabbert succeed? 

1. The Jaguars spent a top 10 first round draft pick for him. I can't bear to see another draft pick, much less a first round draft pick fall to the wayside. I can't. 

2. How many offenses has this kid had to learn? He has had four different head coaches. JDR, Mel Tucker, Mike Mularkey, Gus Bradley. You have to figure Tucker didn't change the offense that much since he became the HC at the end of the 2011 season. So let's say 3 offenses. That can't be easy. Compound that with being a young QB. We'll be lucky if he isn't totally ruined. I mean that nicely. If he doesn't make it, that will be on JDR and Gene Smith. JDR for firing Garrard and starting Gabbert too soon. He had no offseason to learn with the lockout that year. 

3. The Jaguars need a successful QB now. There is no time for reinventing the wheel with a rookie QB next year. 

4. He's easy on the eyes. Come on. What did you expect from a chick? Much less a football chick. 

 

MDK in the House

We Must Protect This House

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Ain't No Jaguar Fan Got Time For That

As is true so many times, I turn on the TV to find something to watch. I have become frustrated with thousands of channels and nothing of quality. Much to my husband's chagrin, I have started DVR'ing sports stories. A Football Life and ESPN 30 for 30 are my most favorite. Over the course of the last 9 months or so, I've watched the real stories behind the Baltimore Colts becoming the Indianapolis Colts, I've watched Jimmie Johnson, Reggie White, Walter Payton, etc. As a result, I have happened upon these stories and how they have a bearing on my team.

Let me first mention that as a Jaguar fan, we are all seeking respect. Respect that
commentators say comes with winning. Respect that has eluded us for quite a few seasons now. They keep telling us we have to win to get respect. Jaguar fans need to know, we may never get respect. And truly that's OK. Winning or not. It sounds as if I am a Debbie Downer. I really don't want it to be this way. I would LOVE to think winning will solve everything. But if you watch what I have watched, maybe you'll understand what I'm talking about.

My most favorite ESPN 30 for 30 is The Band That Wouldn't Die, The Baltimore Colts Band. It makes me cry every time I see it. A dedicated citizen (if you will)club of band players left behind like last weeks trash watching Mayflower moving trucks take there lives away to Indianapolis in 1984. (Reminiscent of all the people that keep saying the Jaguars are going to L.A.) Several things about this story I didn't know: 1. Bill Irsay landed his helicopter in the then Gator Bowl in 1979 with a completely full stadium. IN JACKSONVILLE. Yes. It's called Colts Fever. I was a youngster then, so I wouldn't remember. However, I have done some checking on my own. As strange as it sounds, it's true and it ignited a fire in the citizens of Jacksonville that wouldn't be satisfied until they had there own NFL team. 2. Later on in the film, as if Irsay flying his helicopter into our stadium and Baltimore losing the Colts to Indianapolis wasn't bad enough, Jacksonville wins the bid for expansion in 1993. In the film, the Baltimore fans actually say they were upset because Jacksonville got it and they didn't. It was implied that Jacksonville didn't deserve it as much as Baltimore did because they had their team taken away through no fault of their own. I get it. I really do. But do not blame Jacksonville. Do not delude yourself into thinking that because we've never had a storied franchise that we don't deserve to have a franchise at all. WE have wanted this since I can remember. Do not get me wrong. I sincerely admire and respect that band going on without a team. That's dedication and fan hood not many cities can duplicate. But we deserved and still deserve a chance.

When I sit down to watch these shows, usually by happenstance, I never realize what I am about to watch will actually be relevant to my football story. That being said, I sit down to watch my DVR'd version of A Football Life: Walter Payton. WP was a fantastic ball player. There is no doubt. Towards the end of the show, they start talking about his decline after he retired. A contributing factor is the situation in which he was to become part owner of the St. Louis expansion team in 1993. However, they did not win an expansion team. Jacksonville did. It did not say it was the fault of the city of Jacksonville but the tone and demeanor of the narrator was not complimentary in regards to Jacksonville winning an expansion. WP would have been the first minority and former player to be part owner in an NFL team. After this event in 1993, friends and family say WP went on a downhill slide physically, emotionally and socially.

You know, maybe it's just me wearing my heart on my sleeve, fiercely defending my team on a daily basis. These two stories hinting at Jacksonville winning an expansion team on purpose so that WP and Baltimore couldn't get a team is preposterous. How can you say Jacksonville didn't deserve a chance? How dare you? Are you saying we should've "taken one for the team" so Baltimore and WP could have their way and Jacksonville should wait for a "better" time? Maybe it's trying to justify respect or lack thereof. I'm really not sure. All I know is that Baltimore has 2 Super Bowl rings and the Jaguars have none. Walter Payton is in  the Hall of Fame. Not one Jaguar has made it there yet, save Mike Thomas' jersey and gloves from the Hail Mary throw from David Garrard (those were the days). So if you look down on my Jaguars because you didn't win an expansion or monumental ownership, I just don't know what to tell you.

Jaguar Fans, we came into the league with a negative in the respect column. We had a few great seasons with Tom Coughlin and became inadvertently spoiled by the quick success. Consequently when things did not go as well, the result was tarps and black outs= more negative in the respect column. More losing seasons= more negative in the respect column. Don't expect respect any time soon. We need many winning seasons, positive publicity (feel good stories, etc.), FANTASTIC drafts and coups of the free agent kind to start to make headway. In the meantime, head up, shoulders up, Jag gear everywhere and especially on planes and out of town. All we can do is R-E-S-P-E-C-T ourselves. The rest will follow, eventually, hopefully sometime in the future.


MDK In The House

We MUST Protect This House

Murdered Out Cars Defined And Football Helmet LOVE

It's the football off season. What to do? I'm going to discuss a topic few think a girl would know about: Murdered Out Cars. At the end I will end with an important football comparison. The urban dictionary offers this version amongst others:
Murdered Out Cars:

FLAT BLACK/Matte Black paint job/rims...headlights, tail lights, windows need to be blacked out as well, no gloss can be on the car....   My Interpretation:   1. The car must be painted matte/flat black. 2. The rims must be black. Not black with a silver rim. Not black with silver rivets. ALL BLACK. 3. Headlights/Tail lights: Smoked or blacked out. I personally prefer smoked. I think it's safer with the same look. And to be frank, usually when people black them out, their cars aren't really Murdered Out in other areas. 4. Tinted Windows. As dark as you can get them legally. THE most important: 5. No gloss can be on the car. Not the grill. Not the Emblems (ahem BMW's). Not the tail pipe. NOTHING shines.   Optional:   6. Smoked license plate cover.     Worksheet: 1.                   Murdered or not? and why?   NOT!!! Emblems and rims!!     2.       Murdered out or not? And why?   YES!! Even the license plate cover is smoked!! Bonus points!!   3.   Murdered out or not? and why.   NO! NO! NO! Don't fall into this trap. I'm almost willing to let the orange outline go, but those headlights.. not even close. And that BMW emblem?! Please. Everyone knows it's a Beamer.          4.       Murdered out or not? And why?   NO!!! Rims, striping, and emblem.   One more   5.       Murdered out or not?? And why?   The tint on the windows is a little light. So, it's up to you. I say yes.   Which leads me to my next topic. Say your football team gets CRAZY and changes the helmets. The fans hate them. BLAH BLAH. No other team in the NFL or College has them like this. NONE.   Jacksonville Jaguars Helmet     Flat Black fade into gold!!!! It's awesome.   Here it's Instagram'd. It's awesome. I can't understand why someone wouldn't LOVE this helmet. But then again they would probably drive a not-quite-murdered-out vehicle. Just sayin'.   MDK In The House   We MUST Protect This House *Car Photos courtesy of Bing search "murdered out car pictures"*

Football Potion No.9-My First Quarterback Love

For myself, it was sad news this week that David Garrard has said he will retire. It was even more sad the day, almost 3 yrs ago,  he was let go from the Jaguars (I happened to be at the stadium the following day. And through misty eyes I took the photo.) Why is it sad? Because he was the first NFL quarterback on MY team that I loved.

It feels as if not so long ago, that the media dubbed the Jaguars with a quarterback controversy/competition. I believe it was around 2005. That season, Byron Leftwich went out with a broken ankle. David Garrard led the Jaguars to the playoffs only to find out through the press that Byron Leftwich would start in the playoff game against the Patriots. The curious thing about that was the only footage available of Leftwich doing anything significant on the football field was him being carried by teammates at Marshall after breaking his leg. Seriously? That's the only footage they had? Nothing in the NFL? Anyway, the Jaguars lost to the Patriots and it wasn't even close. I was surprised the Jaguars did not let Garrard start. Why not let the man who led us to the playoffs continue? And there was born a controversy.

And then the rose colored glasses were off. That fateful season, my first as a Jaguar season ticket holder, I had seen 2 quarterbacks, and my choice was made: David Garrard. Why? Because he shined through adversity. He kept a straight face when passed over. He struggled through Crohn's Disease. And last but not least, he didn't "lumber" onto the field like he had been in battle for 30 days straight.

The next season, Leftwich would once again have problems with the ankle and Garrard to the rescue. Only solidifying my opinion of his play. Then the following summer just days before the regular season was the announcement I had been waiting for. David Garrard: starting Quarterback!! Leftwich was released. What a season it was! We made the playoffs, beating Pittsburgh in the final seconds and going on to play New England and lost. But what a wild ride!

The next 2 seasons did not fare as well. Mostly because he spent the majority of his time, in my opinion, laying on the ground looking up. You can't be in that position and win games. However, he did go to the Pro Bowl in February 2010. He also had one of the most exciting moments in my history of going to Jaguar games:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlvOUG8nuZ4

(Buys enough time to get his receivers down field)

Out of seemingly nowhere, the Jaguars drafted Blaine Gabbert 10th in the first round. Well, it was obvious Garrard's days were numbered. I still hoped that the inevitability would be at least 2 years down the road. Less than 1 week before the season opener, Garrard was cut in favor of Blaine Gabbert.

The way he was cut is worth mentioning. He was with the team at the Jacksonville Chamber Luncheon for the Jaguars. He was proclaimed the starter, rode back to the stadium on the bus, and was told he needed to meet with Jack Del Rio. And then, he was released. Needless to say, after that I never turned my football back on JDR. He couldn't be trusted. He let my favorite Quarterback go. He let go of the man that gave the fans a Hail Mary that we are likely never to forget. He let the Quarterback that molded me into the NFL fan that I am.

I would just like to say thank you to David Garrard for the memories. Thank you for being a great Quarterback during my fledgling years as a season ticket holder. In my mind, all will be compared to you.


MDK in the House

We Must Protect This House

Post 2013 Jaguar Draft Thoughts

There's nothing like a bunch of Haters on NFL.com to make start my craziness at 11:27 p.m.. I mean, when are these idiots going to get it?! You cannot overhaul an entire team in 1 off season. It's just not possible.

What really got me going at nearly 11:30 on a Sunday night was some "fan" on NFL.com saying in the comment section that Jacksonville hadn't done ANYTHING in the draft to help Blaine Gabbert. WOW. Apparently someone who has no electricity and running water. Seriously?! Let me help you old man (yeah a guy. That gets me crazy too).

LUKE JOECKEL- OFFENSIVE TACKLE. Presumably to be used on the right side with Eugene Monroe, a veteran, going into a contract year. So let's get this right. A hungry kid just drafted and a veteran going into a contract year= a lot of time for a Quarterback who needs patience and plenty of time to throw down field . He's been rushing it a bit with throws so this is the perfect thing to help him. I thought this link gives a little insight on the offense coach Jedd Fisch. My favorite part is when he instructs Blaine Gabbert to have patience before he throws. I thought it was interesting.
http://www.jaguars.com/media-gallery/videos/Jags_Wired_Jedd_Fisch/83b5c614-1a6a-4b6b-a6d5-f4ee8dcc5735

Ace Sanders- WIDE RECEIVER. Wow. I never heard of a WR not helping a Quarterback. Nice fake 50 seconds in. Nice return at 1:52. Several very nice returns. Nice Returns=Better Field Position.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2gGZ8eVzpY

Denard Robinson- RUNNING BACK. Once again, he only helps Blaine. Not to mention he is INCREDIBLY versatile.

The Jaguars have also done extensive work in signing college free agents including but not limited to: Lonnie Pryor- FULLBACK/RUNNING BACK. Cole Mackenzie- WIDE RECEIVER, Jamal Miles-WIDE RECEIVER, Tobias Palmer-WIDE RECEIVER, Ryan Otten-TIGHT END, Kyler Reed-TIGHT END. Matt Scott- QUARTERBACK, Jordan Rodgers-QUARTERBACK.

And then there was the other part to the Draft: The Defense.

Johnathan Cyprien- SAFETY
Dwayne Gratz- CORNERBACK
Josh Evans- SAFETY
Jeremy Harris- CORNERBACK
Demetrius McCray- CORNERBACK

*I haven't mentioned all the players that were signed. Unfortunately I do not have a wealth of knowledge on every draft/signed player. I have tried to share what I know so far.*

So before everyone blows a gasket about what we did or did not do/draft, take a deep breath. Take a look at everyone drafted/signed. Then, realize Rome was not built in a day. You cannot fix everything with one draft. You can only hope to get better everyday and in every way.
Haters: Peace out.

MDK In The House

We Must Protect This House

Stay Calm, Wear Black

Not Even If He Was My Husband

In honor of the Tim Tebow Charity Golf Tournament last weekend, many of my friends who know the story in this blog have asked me to share it with you. It is a true story and if you know me you will get a chuckle, hopefully. I will say Tim was very gracious about Bobby Bowden coming to play in his charity golf tournament. If only Tim would've played for him. But that is what makes the story...What could've been.
I have been accused of many things when it comes to Tim Tebow, the likable football figure from the University of Florida. He's still on the roster for the New York Jets. Some of you may remember last year when The Jacksonville Jaguars were in a bidding war with the Jets to acquire Tim Tebow.Tim CHOSE New York over Jacksonville. *Sigh* And here we are. The new GM for the Jacksonville Jaguars was asked in a press conference about getting Tim Tebow. This is his reply:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hApQGZGEfRU  "Not Even If He's Released"

What I've left out of the story is all the years Tim beat Florida State while playing for the Gators. And how I've had to listen to this for years on end. If you've read any part of my blogs you know, "if you are on my Team, you are on My team". My team meaning the Jaguars or the Seminoles.

Several nights ago, I went to sleep and woke up around 4 A.M. I woke up disoriented and not really knowing where I was. Like someone was chasing me! And then I start to remember.... my dream. In my dream, I had memory loss. Not sure how. Must've bumped my head or something. I have some old neighbors from the Westside visiting me. Trying to bring memories back. They're telling me something I can't comprehend. They are showing me pictures and a marriage certificate. They are telling me I'm married to Tim Tebow and I keep telling them "It's not possible. I'm a Florida State Seminole". They are telling me about a private ceremony kept hush-hush. Because he's so famous. I kept insisting "It's not possible. I'm a Seminole". Apparently, I'm a die-hard. Even in my sleep.

MDK In The House

We Must Protect This House

Stay Calm Wear Black

Coach'em Up

I've started several blogs, only to not finish them. Maybe my heart is not in it during the off season (like there is an off season ;-) ). It's not as if I haven't held vigil on jaguars.com waiting for the next player to re-sign or a new free agent to come to town. It's not as if I haven't been riled up about something. It's not as if I haven't threatened to do to Tallahassee what Sherman did to Atlanta. So today we'll talk about a few things. I don't hate on my own team. So, if you are looking for that, you've come to the wrong place.

Finally, there is a rebuilding process going on with the Jacksonville Jaguars that I can tolerate= modest free agency+building through the draft. FINALLY. Finally we can do things the right way. Instead of going off half cocked=signing every obscure player from a small school (which usually costs us twice as much time getting them to the level of the NFL)+dealing HUGE free agency contracts just to have players "take a vacation" in sunny, no state income tax Florida. See my blog "Is A Big Splash In Free Agency Necessary". I'm excited about the draft. But unlike many others, I have really tried to fix my attitude to this belief- This is All New Folks. We didn't just hire a new coach. We have a new owner, Shad Khan, a new coach, Gus Bradley, a new GM (YAY!! and no for sale signs were placed!!), David Caldwell, new everything. Free Agent players signing are excited. Why shouldn't we be? Why shouldn't we be excited for a new coach who wants to make everything a competition? Who has reached out to the players even before he was allowed to talk football with them? I have to trust the new system in place. And why not??!! I love my team!!!!

Speaking of coaches.....Jimbo Fisher needs some coaching up. About what you ask? I won't number them because there are many. Jimbo, don't start throwing your weight around too much. You didn't beat Florida last year and you know what that means? Your BEE-hind is on the hot seat. As well as Randy Spetman's BEE-hind. Not only for not beating Florida EVERY year but for unceremoniously taking Bobby out of the equation and for not making sure he is forever part of the game at Florida State. Do we really want to end up like Penn State? Not making it right by our legend? The man you pushed aside? Yeah. We are crazy at Florida State. We don't care about the ACC championship. We care about beating Florida EVERY year. Not just the year the game is played in Tally. Please Jimbo. Please do not waste Jameis Winston from Hueytown, Alabama. He is the best Quarterback we have.  But please, let the best man win. Now, Jimbo, you lost 7 of 9 assistants. 1 of them was only employed a month. That's sad. I'm a little afraid of what that really means. Does that mean you are a head case and are hard to work for/occupy the same space with? Jimbo, this play calling thing is WAY out of hand. What's it going to take for you to give it up to someone else? And now you really probably can't because the best person to give that to is in Miami. My favorite part of that saga, Jimbo, is that you  want opinions and directions/ "input" from offensive coaches DURING the game. WHHATTT????!!! Jimbo, FSU is a FOOTBALL DYNASTY. We do not operate in this manner you speak of. Let me repeat: FSU is a Football Dynasty. FSU has spent more weeks at #1 than any other team. We did that with a legend, Bobby Bowden.  Jimbo, it is not merely enough to win the ACC Championship at Florida State. If  Florida State won a National Championship, I'm not sure that would be enough either. We want to be feared. We want to be lauded. We want to be revered. We deserve to be. We are Florida State. And we are Unconquered.


MDK In The House.

We MUST Protect This House

Stay Calm, Wear Black

HEART: Intersecting Super Bowl Leftovers 2013 and Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was this week. yippee. The Super Bowl was 2 weeks ago. There were all sorts speculation. Colin Kaepernick is unstoppable. Joe Flacco is elite, at least by his own account. Catchy Phrases: Hey diddle diddle Ray Rice up the middle. But there was something that was discounted. Something that is an intangible. Considering once again this past week was Valentine's Day, I will explain to you where the Super Bowl and Valentine's day intersect.

One does not usually associate Valentine's Day and football. Valentine's Day is rather a romantic, girly holiday. Football is considered a more masculine event. (Although I believe I usually make a case in the more neutral direction ;-) ) Football season in college is over after the first week in January. Super Bowl is played at the beginning of February.

Ponder (no pun intended, well maybe) for a minute the last game Bobby Bowden coached. Many former Bowden players were there to support and cheer him on. Christian Ponder was injured. E. J. Manual was starting. FSU was 6-6 going into the game with the West Virginia Mountaineers 9-3 and Noel Devine (considered to be unstoppable) ranked by the BCS 16th. FSU getting to play in the Gator Bowl was nothing short of a miracle. And, yes I was there. For me, it ranks tied for Number one of great football games I have seen in person (the other 2 are Jacksonville Jaguars: Scobee's 59 yard field Goal, and Mike Thomas Immaculate Deflection). It's Number 1 for several reasons. Mainly because it was Bowden's last game. I had watched Bobby Bowden since I could remember. Number 2, FSU was not supposed to win that game and they did. How is that possible? Heart. Yes, heart is sometimes considered girly. It's not. It can make a grown man cry. It can make a grown man win. I submit those FSU players left EVERYTHING on the field for 1 man: Bobby Bowden.

Fast forward to the 2012 NFL season. Joe Flacco coming into the season, rejected a contract offer for 16 million. RISKY. Cam Cameron, offensive coordinator, was fired after the loss to the Washington Redskins. Numerous reasons cited. My favorite being limited use of Ray Rice. Seriously? Ray Rice is money (except that one season he tanked my fantasy football). Ray Lewis tears his triceps muscle in the Dallas game in October. Tearing the triceps is largely considered a time laden injury. Terrell Suggs has surgery for an Achilles injury in May and returns to play in October. Another time laden injury. Early January, Ray Lewis announces his retirement. He had been on the Ravens team since it's inception. Had a Super Bowl ring. Widely considered one of the best ever at his position (side note: I always giggle a little bit when I think of the Ravens. The Jaguars beat them in a Monday Night Football game in 2011 in what amounted to a field goal game. The score was 12-7. Jaguars beat them with field goals only. *snicker* So tough they got beat with field goals.) I believe Ray Lewis' retirement catapulted the team through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl win. A Super Bowl win during which a 34 minute blackout in half of the Superdome, created a switch in momentum almost costing the game. A Super Bowl win that Jim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick, I believe, thought they could not lose. Yeah Joe Flacco was probably gunning for more money and we'll see how much he gets and how successful he is next year, but nothing can stop a team who plays for a coach or another player. You can't stop a team playing with their heart. You can't stop players who leave EVERYTHING on the field.

Speaking of heart, something we did not see last year in professional football was Tim Tebow. As much as I hate to admit it, you simply cannot discount him in any situation. The New York Jets have stopped the Tebow Train. Ultimately sealing their demise and his as well. He is being squelched. Why do I care? Because I guess I'm getting old and soft. Or maybe, I really want to see players play with their HEART.

MDK in the House

We MUST Protect This House

Stay Calm, Wear Black

Valentine's Day Reflection

Today's blog is a break from my normal football blog AKA rant. I apologize. But you know I am a girl, and sometimes I HAVE to act like one ;-) Hang tight. There will be a football reference or two or five.



This past week was Valentine's Day 2013. Not a day I normally find joy in celebrating. Why you might ask? Well, I've never been much for Valentine's Day since my parents took me to the IRS office on Valentine's Day when I was five. I never really had anyone make a fuss over me on that day anyway. I don't tend to want to be center of attention. So, no big loss.

When I was in college, I was dating someone and he proposed to me on Valentine's Day. Needless to say, we broke up 6 months later before the wedding. The reasons why we broke up are important. He wanted me to dress more risque i.e. shorter skirts, tighter tops. He wanted me to be thinner and said I was fat. I was 110 lbs. He wanted me to change church affiliations. He also wanted me to be a Florida Gator fan knowing I was a die hard Florida State Seminole. The bottom line is this: Don't change for a man. You are, barring some unforeseen felony, perfect the way you are now. A man should love you no matter what. Are there little things that can change, like changing the toilet paper roll? Yeah. Never change things that make you who you are.

So, obviously, I didn't marry him. Thank goodness. But it has indefinitely put a bad taste in my mouth for Valentine's Day. It also takes a load of pressure off my husband. My husband is also a Georgia Tech fan. My husband doesn't and hasn't ever tried to change me. He knows better. ;-)

MDK in the House

We Must Protect This House

Stay Calm, Wear Black.

My 3 Cents, Jaguars and Otherwise

Well. Change has been in the wind lately for the Jacksonville Jaguars. For me, it's as if the franchise is brand new to a certain point. The owner is new, by a year, the General Manager is new (YAAAAYYY), the head coach is new, new logo, and new uniforms. I believe it is/will be an exciting time for the Jaguars. I'm optimistic. However, that doesn't mean I expect them to go 16-0 next year. This year will more than likely be an evaluation of sorts. I expect the GM and HC to get a scheme down. My definition of scheme is somewhat vague. But, I believe that each NFL franchise has a way of doing things, a scheme: the players that are picked, the plays called, the coaches' philosophies. I don't think necessarily that any NFL player can be put on any team and they will be successful. I guess scheme also goes hand in hand with Identity. What will our Identity be? I don't know. But I can tell you I feel confident in the people making the decisions. Confident, in a way that I haven't been confident, in quite some time.

This is exciting for me personally because if you've read my blog you know that I'm from Jacksonville originally. I remember as a girl/teenager in the 80's all the talk about getting an NFL team. I leave in 1991 and 1993 the announcement comes. At the time living in Atlanta, I wasn't all that interested and to be quite frank, it wasn't big news there. Upon my return to Jacksonville in 2003, it took me until 2005 to "get it". So this is completely new for me and I'm excited. Naysayers AKA Haters beware.

And then there's FSU. *SIGH* They only seem to be going backwards. Lost to NC State, lost to Florida, won the ACC Championship??!!!! C'mon man!! You HAVE to beat Florida. HAVE TO. Now Jimbo has lost 6 of 9 assistants. The last being the offensive coordinator, James Coley. I kinda feel bad for the guy. Jimbo refused to relinquish play calling duties to him, which he promised he would within 5 yrs of becoming the head coach, so Coley takes a job with Miami. MIAMI??!! So Jimbo will start all over again. He loses a lot of scouting. And this is taking the shape of a perfect storm. Jimbo will once again be calling plays (probably all of them from the looks of it)-disaster. Jimbo's scouting abilities in regards to assistants-disaster.  Coach Trickett's son is the Quarterback this year barring any unforseen dark horses-disaster (unless Jameis Winston is ready). AND not selling out games again this year-disaster. And I won't even go into penalties. Don't look for me to relinquish the #RG (rebound girlfriend) status from behind his name anytime soon. He might need to be reminded that he's no Bobby.

Part 2 Let Me Get This Right and Drinking the Kool-Aid

So, let me get this right....
It surprises you that Lance Armstrong is a jerk and used performance enhancing substances? I hate to tell you, I knew he was jerky and the fact that he uses those substances doesn't really surprise me. I've never cared much for him. Yes, I get the whole LIVESTRONG thing and what he's done for cancer awareness. But the way he has weaved himself in out of the women in his life is not very attractive in my opinion. And the way he dumped Sheryl Crow because she wanted kids, moved on to the next girl and had 2 kids with her...not cool. Anyway, long story short if he seems like a jerk he probably is a jerk.
Manti Te'o...WOW. He is a testament to NOT doing online dating. Nothing wrong with doing things the old fashioned way. My mom once married someone from Pittsburgh and she only dated him, before she married him, a short time. She failed to go to Pittsburgh and see his "other life". There were a lot of things he exaggerated about himself and not to mention he was a Steelers fan. An obnoxious one at that. What I'm getting at is if you are in a relationship, you want to meet up with them fairly soon. You know. To make sure they are who they say there are. You never really know someone, but at least you won't have a nation mocking you and your draft won't suffer from it. Is Te'o innocent? That's not for me to say. BTW Law and Order Special Victims Unit did a similar episode. CREEPY.

Drinking the Kool-Aid....
I am still drinking the Jaguar Kool-Aid. I am trying to contain my excitement about the new Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager, David Caldwell, and also the new Head Coach, Gus Bradley. My official line is "I'm Missouri. Show me." However, inside my mind I'm excited. Excited I won't have to put for sale signs in "some one's" yard during the off season. Excited that we have people with positive pedigree. Excited to get my team back on the right track. I just wanna win.


MDK in the House

We Must Protect This House

P.S. On the off chance I have struck a nerve with my whole obsession over Andrew Luck, Stanford and the Indianapolis Colts (see It's Not Called The Naive Football League), let me add the names of Pep Hamilton and Ron Turner to the story. Just wiki them. Interesting the flow of coaches between Stanford and the Colts. There are no coincidences.

Is it the Orange Bowl or "THE" Orange Bowl

I have run across several people in the last month that have no idea about the "Orange Bowl". So I decided today, the day of the Orange Bowl would be a good day to explain the difference.
The current Orange Bowl or what they call the "Discover Orange Bowl", is played at Sun Life Stadium, the stadium that the Miami Dolphins play at on Sundays. This year there are 2 college post season games to be played there. The first is the FSU vs. NIU. The second is the National Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame.
These games are not to be confused with the games played at "THE" Orange Bowl called the Burdine Stadium from 1937-1959. If you aren't familiar with what a Burdines is, it was a department store started in Florida that was merged into the Federated Stores, more popularly known as MACY's. "The" Orange Bowl played many games from 1937-2008 that where important games to the game of football.  What I am about to tell you is quite distressing to myself and maybe you too once I open your eyes. *BIG BREATH* It was demolished in May 2008. And they built the Marlins Park, home of the Miami Marlins. The utter disgrace of  MLB. Home of Ozzie Guillen, admirer of Fidel Castro. The Miami Marlins who slashed and burned their roster after the 2012 season. So, they tear down a National Treasure, in my mind anyway, and build a home that houses a bunch of one and done-rs.

So please. Don't mix up the Discover Orange Bowl played at Sun Life Stadium and "THE" Orange Bowl. #KNOWYOURORANGEBOWLS. Thanks.