I'll be live blogging the draft tonight... Posting some updates, and whatnot.
I'm not sure actually how I'll do it, I'm going to have to feel my way through the process.
Very possible we will be organizing a "google hangout" as well, for the draft.
I will post a link to it here.
So stop by the blog (if you want some quick takes), or come on by the hangout...if you want to chat and visit for a while.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Why do we love the NFL draft?
Tonight begins the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and for some of us out there... mostly doofuses like me, it's one of their favorite days of the year.
I have friends and family who think I'm crazy to invest as much time and attention in the draft as I do. I want to know who my team (the Chargers) are considering, I want to know who the prospects are at what positions. I've participated in "mock" drafts. I sit and watch the picks in my house and make bold evaluations of team selections like, "that was a reach" and "great pick for them!". Like I know what I'm talking about.
I mean, I'm not a scout. I haven't watched very many of these guys on tape (OK, so actually just a few of the guys I want the chargers to pick.. of whom I've seen YouTube highlights), I didn't interview them at the combine, I don't have their data for their measurables or the statistics for their college careers.
I admit it. My opinion means diddly squat. And it isn't going to change anything. And when you think of the fact the Real, Actual, NFL Scouts... make mistakes all of the time. I mean JaMarcus Russell was the first pick of the draft, in this century. And don't let anyone pull that "but the Raiders stink" crap, either. Because I remember seeing the talking heads, Kiper, McShay, Charlie Casserly, etc, etc... absolutely RAVING after his pro day. I mean, not only did JaMarcus fool the Raiders, he fooled pretty much all the talent evaluators.
So why spend so much time looking at and considering college prospects that probably won't even play for your team? Well, I can't speak for everyone, but for me, I just enjoy it. I like the process of "finding players" and seeing them pan out.
I'm just one of those people, I guess. I'm the type of guy who plays Madden, and his favorite part of the season is the draft. I enjoy seeing my draft picks on Madden pan out, more than I like playing the game. I've been playing NBA 2K12 with my sons lately, and I'm driving them crazy, because I'm much more into trades and the draft, rather than playing the games. I'll sim through a month at a time, to get to the trade deadline,.
I enjoy the "building" of teams. Trying to make the pieces fit together. Finding a "jewel" in the late rounds who becomes a contributor. Drafting someone early and watching them become an all star.
I've heard it said that the reason the draft is so popular, is that the common man knows he isn't an elite NFL player, doesn't have the size, the strength, etc... They know that they will never play. However, they don't need any special physical skills to be a GM. Anyone can sit in their armchair and make selections (and yes, I know it's much more complicated than that).
I think it's probably a combination of those two factors... and one other. The ability to sit and second guess decisions is simple and easy to do. The joy in watching something being built and accomplished is another. And the growth of the Internet is the third, and probably the most important part in the tremendous popularity of the NFL draft. Not that long ago...I'd watch some of the draft, and I'd get excited about future players by their position..."oh, they drafted a safety in the 3rd round! Nice!".
However, in this day you are able to google up any player you want. Read a short prospect report, watch some YouTube clips of them playing, see all their college stats, etc, etc... We have more information than we possibly need. Which leads to a lot of people saying a lot of things about a lot of college kids, that they really know nothing about.
Bring it on! The picks, and the trades, the pre-mature evaluations, the prospects, the GM's, the Coaches... Chris Berman and Mel Kiper, Rich Eisen and Charlie Casserlie... Bring on the show!
And with the 18th pick, in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select...
I mean, I'm not a scout. I haven't watched very many of these guys on tape (OK, so actually just a few of the guys I want the chargers to pick.. of whom I've seen YouTube highlights), I didn't interview them at the combine, I don't have their data for their measurables or the statistics for their college careers.
I admit it. My opinion means diddly squat. And it isn't going to change anything. And when you think of the fact the Real, Actual, NFL Scouts... make mistakes all of the time. I mean JaMarcus Russell was the first pick of the draft, in this century. And don't let anyone pull that "but the Raiders stink" crap, either. Because I remember seeing the talking heads, Kiper, McShay, Charlie Casserly, etc, etc... absolutely RAVING after his pro day. I mean, not only did JaMarcus fool the Raiders, he fooled pretty much all the talent evaluators.
So why spend so much time looking at and considering college prospects that probably won't even play for your team? Well, I can't speak for everyone, but for me, I just enjoy it. I like the process of "finding players" and seeing them pan out.
I'm just one of those people, I guess. I'm the type of guy who plays Madden, and his favorite part of the season is the draft. I enjoy seeing my draft picks on Madden pan out, more than I like playing the game. I've been playing NBA 2K12 with my sons lately, and I'm driving them crazy, because I'm much more into trades and the draft, rather than playing the games. I'll sim through a month at a time, to get to the trade deadline,.
I enjoy the "building" of teams. Trying to make the pieces fit together. Finding a "jewel" in the late rounds who becomes a contributor. Drafting someone early and watching them become an all star.
I've heard it said that the reason the draft is so popular, is that the common man knows he isn't an elite NFL player, doesn't have the size, the strength, etc... They know that they will never play. However, they don't need any special physical skills to be a GM. Anyone can sit in their armchair and make selections (and yes, I know it's much more complicated than that).
I think it's probably a combination of those two factors... and one other. The ability to sit and second guess decisions is simple and easy to do. The joy in watching something being built and accomplished is another. And the growth of the Internet is the third, and probably the most important part in the tremendous popularity of the NFL draft. Not that long ago...I'd watch some of the draft, and I'd get excited about future players by their position..."oh, they drafted a safety in the 3rd round! Nice!".
However, in this day you are able to google up any player you want. Read a short prospect report, watch some YouTube clips of them playing, see all their college stats, etc, etc... We have more information than we possibly need. Which leads to a lot of people saying a lot of things about a lot of college kids, that they really know nothing about.
Bring it on! The picks, and the trades, the pre-mature evaluations, the prospects, the GM's, the Coaches... Chris Berman and Mel Kiper, Rich Eisen and Charlie Casserlie... Bring on the show!
And with the 18th pick, in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select...
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
NFL Draft - Live Blog!
The self-proclaimed "Sports Doofus" has decided that he is going to "Live Blog" the NFL Draft, well at least the first round this coming Thursday.
So, be sure to check out the blog during the draft, and don't hesitate to make to comments....
We need a little interactivity going on the blog.
Also, I'll have my twitter account open, and I'll post updates from there.
Not sure how this works, really... as every post you make, the previous post moves down... I guess you'll have to start at the bottom and refresh every once in a while.
 |
| Live Blog This Thursday! |
So, be sure to check out the blog during the draft, and don't hesitate to make to comments....
We need a little interactivity going on the blog.
Also, I'll have my twitter account open, and I'll post updates from there.
Not sure how this works, really... as every post you make, the previous post moves down... I guess you'll have to start at the bottom and refresh every once in a while.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
New Face: Carl Rogers
Changed the "Face" of the Blog today, to one of the founders of "Humanistic" Psychology... Carl Rogers.
I'm not a huge Psychology buff, but I do admire Carl Rogers quite a bit.
As a coach/teacher/and an amateur athlete myself, I have always been interested in motivation, and Rogers seems to explain motivation for learning and to be honest, really anything better than most.
Basically, and I'm paraphrasing and putting in a nutshell Rogers believed that "All learning is self motivated." His theory was very "learner based" which is interesting as we move forward in our technological world, and the face of education is changing in that direction.
Finally, Some of my favorite Roger's Quotes:
I'm not a huge Psychology buff, but I do admire Carl Rogers quite a bit.
As a coach/teacher/and an amateur athlete myself, I have always been interested in motivation, and Rogers seems to explain motivation for learning and to be honest, really anything better than most.
Basically, and I'm paraphrasing and putting in a nutshell Rogers believed that "All learning is self motivated." His theory was very "learner based" which is interesting as we move forward in our technological world, and the face of education is changing in that direction.
Finally, Some of my favorite Roger's Quotes:
- "The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others."
- "The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn - and change"
- "The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination."
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Ripped from the Headlines
This is exactly what it sounds like, I'm going to espn.com right NOW (as I'm writing this)... copying and pasting the top 5 headlines, and giving my thoughts. Because I need to write something.
Saints' Payton banned 1 year for bounties
Good. He should be. And Gregg Williams, who ran the program should be banned for 3 years as well. I don't care if he isn't with the Saints anymore. He ran the same program in other places too. Wish they would have taken a few more draft picks. You can't allow bonuses for injuring players. You just can't.
Jets obtain Tebow for two picks
A fourth rounder and a 6th rounder for a guy who can't pass? -Sounds reasonable to me.
Love, love, love that Tony Sporano wants to run the Wildcat with Tebow. Love, love, love that they just gave Mark Sanchez a huge extension. Love, love, love the QB controversy that is going to happen when Sanchez has one of his 3 int's no TD's games. Love, love, love Rex Ryan and his bluster doing this to his team, and his own quarterback.
Report: VCU's Smart turns down Illinois offer
Good for Shaka. Illinois isn't a premiere Big Ten program. The only way you go there is if you are guaranteed BIG money, up front. He wasn't. In fact, Bruce Weber wasn't paid that much more than Shaka is at VCU. Why go somewhere with a tougher league, higher expectations, and almost the same money? Makes no sense.
-Also, how cool of a name is Shaka? I mean, it's just awesome. If you were a promising high school prospect, wouldn't you get excited if "Shaka Smart" came to your house to recruit you? I would.
Strasburg to make Nats' Opening Day start
He's opening against the Cubs. I look forward to watching him completely destroy the Cubs lineup. And I'm a Cubs fan. At this point, I'm just a realist, we're in the first stage of the Theo Plan, and we're not gonna contend anytime soon.
Cards' Carpenter to miss opener due to neck
Good. No one should risk injury, or subject themselves to more pain and/or problems this early in the season. Particularly if you are the number one starter on the World Series Champs. Rest up dude, and take it easy.
Love, love, love that Tony Sporano wants to run the Wildcat with Tebow. Love, love, love that they just gave Mark Sanchez a huge extension. Love, love, love the QB controversy that is going to happen when Sanchez has one of his 3 int's no TD's games. Love, love, love Rex Ryan and his bluster doing this to his team, and his own quarterback.
-Also, how cool of a name is Shaka? I mean, it's just awesome. If you were a promising high school prospect, wouldn't you get excited if "Shaka Smart" came to your house to recruit you? I would.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I'm out of material.
OK, not really.
But, been super busy with the end of basketball season, Grad School, and many other numerous and boring things that I'll not bore you with here.
Expect something new from the doofus in the coming days!
But, been super busy with the end of basketball season, Grad School, and many other numerous and boring things that I'll not bore you with here.
Expect something new from the doofus in the coming days!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
More Sports... Less Doofus
I was looking over my last several posts, and noticed I've been spending much more time on pop culture than on sports. This is unforgivable from the self proclaimed "Sports Doofus". A title I worked long and hard for.
How can I have a sports blog and not talk sports? Well, pretty easily actually. I'm not very fired up about anything right now.
So, some topics of interest in the sports world right now... and my thoughts on them.
Jeremy Lin
I'll admit I don't know most of this story.. but I have the gist of it. Here's what I think.
1. Good for him.
2. If people don't shut up about him soon, I'm going to start to dislike him, because I hate bandwagoners. (Do you hear me teenagers in Celtics jerseys?)
3. Do NOT compare Jeremy Lin to Tim Tebow under any circumstances. Here's why:
Here's how Lin would be like Tebow, he starts, passes the ball worse than any other point guard in the league ( low completion %), leads the league in air balls (poorly thrown balls) and turnovers (poor decision making), runs around the court yelling "na-na boo-boo, can't catch me" and throws in a game winning shot over his left shoulder while falling down and praying, but only after it bounces off the rim, and touches not one, but two defenders hands before being knocked back into the hoop.
The Big East Conference
This is a segment perfect for Saturday Night Live's Weekend update Really? bit
Really, Big East Conference?
I mean, I know your are losing members like Pittsburgh and Syracuse to the ACC, but really?
Memphis? Memphis? Don't get me wrong, Memphis is a great town and a decent enough school, but Memphis? Memphis isn't in the Eastern Half of Tennessee, BIG EAST Conference.
And Really, Big East Conference... 2 Texas schools? Really? Adding SMU and Houston to the Big East is like.... I can't think of anything.... it's not like anything! They are SMU and Houston!
As new "Football Only" Members - Navy, Boise State, and San Diego State. Really?
Because the first thing I think of when I picture San Diego, California, all I can think is Big East Football.
Boise State? Really? Boise State? Did you try and eat the blue turf or something? Boise State, in IDAHO, is in the Big East.
How about changing the name of your conference form the Big East, to what it really is, the Big Mess. I mean, really.
That's about all I got for now. Tune in to espnU on Saturday to watch my beloved South Dakota State Jackrabbits take on Buffalo in the espn bracketbusters series.
How can I have a sports blog and not talk sports? Well, pretty easily actually. I'm not very fired up about anything right now.
So, some topics of interest in the sports world right now... and my thoughts on them.
Jeremy Lin
1. Good for him.
2. If people don't shut up about him soon, I'm going to start to dislike him, because I hate bandwagoners. (Do you hear me teenagers in Celtics jerseys?)
3. Do NOT compare Jeremy Lin to Tim Tebow under any circumstances. Here's why:
- Jeremy Lin went to college at Harvard, a school without athletic scholarships, and is the first NBA player from there in about eleventy years. (these numbers are approximate)
- Tim Tebow went to college at Florida, who won two national Championships while he was there (one before he played), and the Heisman trophy.
- Jeremy Lin went undrafted out of college.
- Tim Tebow was a first round draft pick of the Denver Broncos.
- The Knicks colors are orange and blue...
- The Broncos colors are.. ok, you got me.
Here's how Lin would be like Tebow, he starts, passes the ball worse than any other point guard in the league ( low completion %), leads the league in air balls (poorly thrown balls) and turnovers (poor decision making), runs around the court yelling "na-na boo-boo, can't catch me" and throws in a game winning shot over his left shoulder while falling down and praying, but only after it bounces off the rim, and touches not one, but two defenders hands before being knocked back into the hoop.
The Big East Conference
This is a segment perfect for Saturday Night Live's Weekend update Really? bit
I mean, I know your are losing members like Pittsburgh and Syracuse to the ACC, but really?
Memphis? Memphis? Don't get me wrong, Memphis is a great town and a decent enough school, but Memphis? Memphis isn't in the Eastern Half of Tennessee, BIG EAST Conference.
And Really, Big East Conference... 2 Texas schools? Really? Adding SMU and Houston to the Big East is like.... I can't think of anything.... it's not like anything! They are SMU and Houston!
As new "Football Only" Members - Navy, Boise State, and San Diego State. Really?
Because the first thing I think of when I picture San Diego, California, all I can think is Big East Football.
Boise State? Really? Boise State? Did you try and eat the blue turf or something? Boise State, in IDAHO, is in the Big East.
How about changing the name of your conference form the Big East, to what it really is, the Big Mess. I mean, really.
That's about all I got for now. Tune in to espnU on Saturday to watch my beloved South Dakota State Jackrabbits take on Buffalo in the espn bracketbusters series.
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