Consider Bobby (Bowden) for Sainthood

In football, the next month or 2 is called "The Dead Zone". In my boredom, I decided since ESPNU is showing bowl games from January, I would DVR the most important ones, the Fiesta bowl (Blake Bortles), and the National Championship (FSU). In the last few days, I've watched the National Championship 3 or 4 times and I was thinking about the other important FSU games I had on DVD. 

Several years ago, the greatest end to a coaching career happened in Jacksonville, Florida. Bobby Bowden, longtime head coach of the FSU Seminoles, coached his last game on January 1, 2010. I was in attendance with a very homemade sign. I remembered before I left the house to DVR the game just in case my sign made it. I was so happy to see my coach in action one last time.  Many times I meant to watch the game on DVR. But I didn't. I was sad, unsure of Jimbo. I knew if I watched it, then surely it must be true: it was his final game.

About a year or so after the game was played, my cable provider, AT&T Uverse, had to come out and fix something. Well, they end up taking the main box. The box that had all my saved games: Bobby's last game, David Garrard Hail Mary and Scobee's 59 yd field goal.  I was so upset. Distraught even. After a week or two and a few very choice, angry, and stern words with U-Verse ( and oh by the way the box wasn't broken. It was something else..... They had taken my box unnecessarily.), I got on the internet and started searching for Bobby's final game.  Found and ordered. Then I searched for the 2 FSU National Championship games. Found and ordered.  

Fast forward to today. Today, I decided to watch Bobby Bowden's last game. It seemed like the natural thing to do.  Now that I have, it only seems right.  I was at Doak Campbell last year for Bobby's return. It was Jimbo's team now and watching the National Championship game from January solidified that.  (You can read more about that in the post "My Apology To Jimbo Fisher") as I was casually watching it and inboxing a friend on Facebook, I looked up to the TV to see this:

IT WAS MY SIGN!!!!

I'm sure to most of you, this isn't news. But for this Bobby fan, there were some damp eyes and great memories revisited. 

Bobby I Love You!!

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

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

Back to Football

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MDK in the House

It's About Trust, Stupid

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

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