Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Patriots are not the best ever
Before the Patriots rolled along, Miami coach Don Shula always complained whenever another team was mentioned as the league's best ever. But running the table and going unbeaten is often the result of a fortunate break (the schedule) or a determined team relying on focus.
To me, domination is only complete when the playoffs are finished and the best team wins. Every team's best season is when it hoists the Lombardi Trophy. For the legendary Packers team, it was when they actually hoisted Vince Lombardi onto their shoulders.
1. 1984 San Francisco 49ers: Bill Walsh had two great teams in this decade, but this one finished the regular-season 15-1, outscoring opponents by 248 points. In the playoffs, the 49ers dominated two of the NFC's very best teams — future Super Bowl winners — in the Giants and the Chicago Bears. Granted, this team didn't have Jerry Rice yet, but it had a super defense — better talent than New England's today — with a secondary led by Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott that included Eric Wright, Dwight Hicks and Carlton Williamson. The front line had Fred Dean, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson and Dwaine Board. These 49ers throttled Dan Marino, who had thrown a then-record 48 touchdowns in the regular season, in Super Bowl XIX. They sacked him four times and intercepted him twice. On the 49ers side, Joe Montana passed for three touchdowns and a young running back named Roger Craig scored three times.
2. 1992 Dallas Cowboys: This was the first of Jimmy Johnson's back-to-back Super Bowl teams. Yes, they lost three games during the regular season, but they were super impressive in the playoffs, whipping a 14-2 Niners team in San Francisco for the NFC title, and then demolishing Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills 52-17 in Super Bowl XXVII. These Cowboys were powerful on both sides of the ball, and offensive tackles Mark Tuinei and Erik Williams (maybe the best lineman of his generation not in the Hall of Fame) protected Troy Aikman and opened holes for Emmitt Smith. Cornerback Kevin Smith had the talent to shut down Jerry Rice, too.
3. 2007 New England Patriots: We're assuming they whip the Giants and go 19-0. My only reservation with calling them the best ever is that they were fortunate to play six games in a woefully weak AFC East. Unlike the 49ers and Cowboys, who had quality division foes and strong conference opponents, the Patriots whipped their division foes by a margin of 153 points, with a league-record 589 points. Heck, the best quarterback they faced in the AFC East might have been Bills rookie Trent Edwards. The Patriots' greatest accomplishment was beating six playoff teams during the regular season while unleashing a passing offense featuring Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Ben Watson, Donte' Stallworth and Kevin Faulk. If you think the Chargers beat up on Brady last Sunday, both the 49ers and Cowboys had better defenses. The Patriots haven't seen a back seven as talented as San Francisco's in 1984.
4. 1985 Chicago Bears: When you think of characters, you think of this team. It was full of great talkers and one of the greatest football players ever in Walter Payton, who didn't score in the Super Bowl because Mike Ditka had this thing for Refrigerator Perry. This was a very unique team in that Ditka was the head coach, but a lot of the defensive players followed Buddy Ryan because of what his innovative 46 defense allowed them to do. Yes, they went 15-1 and demolished the out-numbered New England Patriots in the championship game, but they really didn't face a lot of great quarterbacks that season and the ones they did, they simply destroyed. Yes, they beat Montana and Phil Simms (although windy conditions in Soldier Field has something to do with that), but they faced someone named Dieter Brock in the NFC title game.
The rest...
To me, domination is only complete when the playoffs are finished and the best team wins. Every team's best season is when it hoists the Lombardi Trophy. For the legendary Packers team, it was when they actually hoisted Vince Lombardi onto their shoulders.
1. 1984 San Francisco 49ers: Bill Walsh had two great teams in this decade, but this one finished the regular-season 15-1, outscoring opponents by 248 points. In the playoffs, the 49ers dominated two of the NFC's very best teams — future Super Bowl winners — in the Giants and the Chicago Bears. Granted, this team didn't have Jerry Rice yet, but it had a super defense — better talent than New England's today — with a secondary led by Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott that included Eric Wright, Dwight Hicks and Carlton Williamson. The front line had Fred Dean, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson and Dwaine Board. These 49ers throttled Dan Marino, who had thrown a then-record 48 touchdowns in the regular season, in Super Bowl XIX. They sacked him four times and intercepted him twice. On the 49ers side, Joe Montana passed for three touchdowns and a young running back named Roger Craig scored three times.
2. 1992 Dallas Cowboys: This was the first of Jimmy Johnson's back-to-back Super Bowl teams. Yes, they lost three games during the regular season, but they were super impressive in the playoffs, whipping a 14-2 Niners team in San Francisco for the NFC title, and then demolishing Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills 52-17 in Super Bowl XXVII. These Cowboys were powerful on both sides of the ball, and offensive tackles Mark Tuinei and Erik Williams (maybe the best lineman of his generation not in the Hall of Fame) protected Troy Aikman and opened holes for Emmitt Smith. Cornerback Kevin Smith had the talent to shut down Jerry Rice, too.
3. 2007 New England Patriots: We're assuming they whip the Giants and go 19-0. My only reservation with calling them the best ever is that they were fortunate to play six games in a woefully weak AFC East. Unlike the 49ers and Cowboys, who had quality division foes and strong conference opponents, the Patriots whipped their division foes by a margin of 153 points, with a league-record 589 points. Heck, the best quarterback they faced in the AFC East might have been Bills rookie Trent Edwards. The Patriots' greatest accomplishment was beating six playoff teams during the regular season while unleashing a passing offense featuring Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Ben Watson, Donte' Stallworth and Kevin Faulk. If you think the Chargers beat up on Brady last Sunday, both the 49ers and Cowboys had better defenses. The Patriots haven't seen a back seven as talented as San Francisco's in 1984.
4. 1985 Chicago Bears: When you think of characters, you think of this team. It was full of great talkers and one of the greatest football players ever in Walter Payton, who didn't score in the Super Bowl because Mike Ditka had this thing for Refrigerator Perry. This was a very unique team in that Ditka was the head coach, but a lot of the defensive players followed Buddy Ryan because of what his innovative 46 defense allowed them to do. Yes, they went 15-1 and demolished the out-numbered New England Patriots in the championship game, but they really didn't face a lot of great quarterbacks that season and the ones they did, they simply destroyed. Yes, they beat Montana and Phil Simms (although windy conditions in Soldier Field has something to do with that), but they faced someone named Dieter Brock in the NFC title game.
The rest...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My Janitor is Pissed
The janitor for my organization is tired of cleaning-up after slobs. He left the following message in the kitchen (bwhahahhahahah):
The Health Industry is on top of things
Way to break new ground guys!
Getting in shape reduces death risk
By CAPTAIN OBVIOUS, Associated Press Writer Tue Jan 22, 9:32 PM ET
DALLAS - The more fit you are, the longer you're likely to live, according to a large study of veterans that applies to black men as well as white men. The Veterans Affairs researchers found that the "highly fit" men in the study had half the risk of death as those who were the least fit. Being "very highly fit" cut the risk even more, by 70 percent.
In other news, Neil Armstrong lands on the moon, Abraham Lincoln dead at 56
Getting in shape reduces death risk
By CAPTAIN OBVIOUS, Associated Press Writer Tue Jan 22, 9:32 PM ET
DALLAS - The more fit you are, the longer you're likely to live, according to a large study of veterans that applies to black men as well as white men. The Veterans Affairs researchers found that the "highly fit" men in the study had half the risk of death as those who were the least fit. Being "very highly fit" cut the risk even more, by 70 percent.
In other news, Neil Armstrong lands on the moon, Abraham Lincoln dead at 56
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Heath Ledger Dead at 28
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said.
Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment.
The Academy Award nominated actor was 28.
"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN.
"This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."
"This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."
Ledger was found by a housekeeper who had gone to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse in the Soho apartment, Browne said.
He was declared dead at about 3:30 p.m., Browne said.
In 2005, the actor played Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret relationship.
The role earned him the Oscar nomination.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Shout out to a new L&C fan!
I hit the recruiting trail over the weekend seeking out new fans of our little hidden gem here on the blogspot (well, not really, but it sounds good to put it that way).
While on the trail, I was able to secure the fandom of one Victoria Baxter Nuzzi. You can just refer to her like I do as "Vikki." She's a second or third cousin of Lavinius (I believe our grandparents were first cousins...but if you're reading this Vikki, feel free to reply and clear this matter up once and for eternity). :)
She becomes either the 6th or 7th fan of the L&C diary. We hope to be at 10 fans by the end of the year, and 20 fans by the end of the decade. Lofty goals, I know, but when there's a will, there's a way...
Let's all give a big L&C welcome to Vikki!
While on the trail, I was able to secure the fandom of one Victoria Baxter Nuzzi. You can just refer to her like I do as "Vikki." She's a second or third cousin of Lavinius (I believe our grandparents were first cousins...but if you're reading this Vikki, feel free to reply and clear this matter up once and for eternity). :)
She becomes either the 6th or 7th fan of the L&C diary. We hope to be at 10 fans by the end of the year, and 20 fans by the end of the decade. Lofty goals, I know, but when there's a will, there's a way...
Let's all give a big L&C welcome to Vikki!
Opening Day begins in Japan with Red Sox playing A's
BOSTON -- Red Sox fans will have to get up early to watch the World Series champions start their title defense.
The major league season opener against the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo will start at 6:07 a.m. EDT on March 25, the Red Sox said Wednesday. The teams also play the following day.
Ahead of Opening Day, the Red Sox play the Central League's Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome on March 22 (11:07 p.m. EDT March 21) and the Yomiuri Giants on March 23 (6:07 a.m.).
The major league season opener against the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo will start at 6:07 a.m. EDT on March 25, the Red Sox said Wednesday. The teams also play the following day.
Ahead of Opening Day, the Red Sox play the Central League's Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome on March 22 (11:07 p.m. EDT March 21) and the Yomiuri Giants on March 23 (6:07 a.m.).
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Banned in the U.S.A.
Man this takes me back! Cooch used to rock out to these guys growing up on the mean streets of Lisbonia.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
24 posts!
I am pleased to announce that we have hit the 24 post plateau and it's only January 15th.
To give L&C fans a point of reference, last year we didn't have our 24th post of the year until August 22nd!
L&C has started '08 fast out of the blocks. We have no intention of slowing down. Enjoy the content!
Signed,
L of L&C
To give L&C fans a point of reference, last year we didn't have our 24th post of the year until August 22nd!
L&C has started '08 fast out of the blocks. We have no intention of slowing down. Enjoy the content!
Signed,
L of L&C
Mancrush V.2 adding some meat on them bones!
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- The wiry frame is now right up there with the no-hitter when it comes to Clay Buchholz. It's just a memory.
The Red Sox's top pitching prospect took the organization's mandate of adding strength to his gifted right arm during the offseason seriously. And it was a noticeably sturdier Buchholz that worked out at Boston College on Tuesday as part of the Red Sox 2008 Rookie Program, a two-week event that ends on Friday.
"I know what it's going to take for me to have to stay on the team this year," said Buchholz. "A lot of hard work and dedication goes into being prepared for 162 games and that was my offseason this year, that was [what] I put all the dedication toward. I think I'm right at 191 [pounds] right now actually. It's better than the 178 I was last year."
Full story
Monday, January 14, 2008
And now, another priceless pep talk for Archie's elder seed
"Bummed about that loss? Wish you had another shot to knock off the undefeated Patriots? Understandable. But don't sweat it. You're still the reigning Super Bowl champ. Yeah, you know it. You're the man. But only for 20 more days. Then you're crap again. So live it up."
And now, another priceless pep talk for Peyton Manning:
"Throw another tipped pass that was intercepted in the red zone? Too bad. Here's what you need to do: Work on your accuracy. Maybe watch a game tape of Tom Brady for some tips. That guy went 26-for-28. He's awesome. Plus, watching him is easy on the eyes. Total dreamboat."
And now, another priceless pep talk for Peyton Manning:
"So I hear you're upset about losing at home in the divisional playoffs. Worried people are going to call you a choker again? Don't be. You played well. You just had a few bad breaks. And you were up against a buzz saw. That Billy Volek has never lost in the playoffs. He's a dynamo."
And now, another priceless pep talk for Peyton Manning
And now, another priceless pep talk for Peyton Manning:
"Throw another tipped pass that was intercepted in the red zone? Too bad. Here's what you need to do: Work on your accuracy. Maybe watch a game tape of Tom Brady for some tips. That guy went 26-for-28. He's awesome. Plus, watching him is easy on the eyes. Total dreamboat."
And now, another priceless pep talk for Peyton Manning:
"So I hear you're upset about losing at home in the divisional playoffs. Worried people are going to call you a choker again? Don't be. You played well. You just had a few bad breaks. And you were up against a buzz saw. That Billy Volek has never lost in the playoffs. He's a dynamo."
And now, another priceless pep talk for Peyton Manning
Dear Tony Romo
Stop dating celebrities.
Signed,
Those concerned for Tony Romo's career
P.S.- plenty of high quality low-profile snatch out there to get you off just as good as a celeb.
Signed,
Those concerned for Tony Romo's career
P.S.- plenty of high quality low-profile snatch out there to get you off just as good as a celeb.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Message to Peyton Manning
TURN DOWN A COMMERCIAL!
This message has been paid for and sponsored by people who can no longer stand seeing Manning's ugly mug.
This message has been paid for and sponsored by people who can no longer stand seeing Manning's ugly mug.
Bill Walton= GOAT
As annoying as Bill Walton can be, the man is also incredibly witty.
On KIA NBA Shootaround, they asked Walton, Screamin' A., and Jalen Rose who they thought could beat San Antonio.
Jalen Rose says, "Phoenix."
Walton questions, "Phoenix? Why Phoenix? Are they still paying you?"
Jalen replies, "Yes. Under the table."
And Walton quips, "Just like at Michigan."
On KIA NBA Shootaround, they asked Walton, Screamin' A., and Jalen Rose who they thought could beat San Antonio.
Jalen Rose says, "Phoenix."
Walton questions, "Phoenix? Why Phoenix? Are they still paying you?"
Jalen replies, "Yes. Under the table."
And Walton quips, "Just like at Michigan."
Saturday, January 12, 2008
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