Drew Brees: A True Class Act

"There may be only one name that goes in the record book, but it's all about you guys." Those were a few of the words spoken by Drew Brees, himself after he broke Dan Marino's 27-year old record for most passing yards in a season last night. He thanked everyone including the players, coaches, staff, owners and equipment managers. That alone shows the selflessness of the quarterback who made New Orleans a football town again with the Super Bowl victory in 2009. From watching his speech in the locker room, one gets the impression of Brees being someone who is a genuinely nice person, a guy who will give credit to everyone and try to take the spotlight off of himself. After all, how many guys would thank the equipment managers and staff workers after breaking a record many considered unbreakable once upon a time?

You could not have asked for a better stage to break the record: Monday Night Football, national TV audience and the hated rival in town with a chance to wrap up the NFC South title. It doesn't get much better than that, especially for Saints fans who suffered through so many lean years prior to just a few years ago when the team made the jump to perennial contender. Brees is a cult hero in New Orleans, one who played a huge role in that transition from an also-ran to a contender. How could one forget the priceless image of Brees holding his son, Baylen following the Super Bowl victory over the Colts? Those are the memories that last a lifetime, not just for Saints fans, but for fans of football in general. People love to hear the feel-good stories, such as the Super Bowl run in 2009 which brought New Orleans out of the sadness that occurred in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  The residents needed someone or something to be passionate about and something that would make them forget the devastation for at least 3 hours each and every Sunday. Drew Brees and the Saints fit that bill perfectly.

The record could not have been broken by a classier guy, someone who will give credit to others and someone who is not afraid to shoulder the blame after a tough loss. Drew Brees defines class in every sense of the word, a guy who loves his teammates like they are family, thanks everyone for giving him the opportunity to break such a record and above all, helps out with charities around the City of New Orleans.

I recommend everybody take a few minutes and watch the speech Brees gives in the locker room following last night's game. It will really show you how Drew Brees is a true class act.

Here is the link to the speech:
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/29504/drew-brees-still-more-to-be-done. 
Copy and paste this link into your address bar.

A Late Entrant in the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes?

Just 2 seasons ago, the Minnesota Vikings looked as if they were in prime position to advance to the Super Bowl and get yet another chance to win that ever-elusive first ring. You know the rest, Brett Favre makes one of the most boneheaded plays in NFL history and the Vikings have been in a slow tailspin ever since. 2010 featured the firing of Brad Childress, numerous injuries to Brett Favre and the roof collapsing on the Metrodome, culminating with a 6-10 overall record. In the offseason, Leslie Frazier was named full-time head coach and Donovan McNabb was acquired to fix the gaping hole at quarterback.

The McNabb experiment turned out to be a disaster, he started just 6 games, was benched in favor of 1st round pick, Christian Ponder and later released. Since he took over, Ponder has shown some promise with 13 touchdowns, but has also thrown 12 picks and some of his throws have made it quite apparent that he may be not quite ready for the starting role just yet. The team as a whole has stumbled to a 2-12 record at this writing which puts them in the mix for a top 5 draft pick in April. There are a number of directions the Vikings could go with a top 5 pick, a receiver to put opposite Percy Harvin, a corner who isn't on IR and isn't old and slow(Antoine Winfield) or someone who does not get arrested for DUI(Chris Cook) or the craziest of all the scenarios, the Vikings slide into the #1 pick and select Andrew Luck. Until last week, the Colts receiving the #1 pick was a foregone conclusion and they still might, but if Indianapolis finds a way to pull another upset and get win #2 coupled with the Vikings losing their final 2 games, it comes down to a coin flip for Luck. The St. Louis Rams, who also currently sit at 2-12 could also end up with the first overall selection, but they would be better off taking a linemen to protect Sam Bradford.

If the Vikings were to end up with the #1 pick, the biggest question is, do they essentially consider the selection of Ponder a waste and choose Andrew Luck? As I mentioned earlier, Ponder has shown flashes of brilliance, but he also has miles to go in terms of development into a legitimate NFL starting QB. Granted, you cannot expect a rookie to step in and immediately lead his team to victories, but is there enough progress being shown for the Vikings to pass on Luck? Personally, I would select Luck simply due to the fact, he is one of the most NFL-ready quarterback prospects we have seen in years. There are those who will argue that Justin Blackmon should be the pick, given his immense talent and the need for a legitimate deep threat to complement a slot receiver like Percy Harvin. Heck, Morris Claiborne, the corner out of LSU could be chosen to shore up the porous secondary that has struggled all season long.

I understand that choosing Luck puts Ponder in a tough spot. However, the guy has shown enough promise where you could trade him to a team in need of a young QB and likely receive a decent amount of talent for him. Look at how the Kevin Kolb trade worked out for the Eagles, landing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd-round pick. There are receivers to be had later on in the draft, as talented as Blackmon is, he is not the be-all, end-all at the position and corner is typically a position with a number of top prospects that can be selected later on in the draft. Luck is widely considered a can't-miss prospect who may be ready to step into the starting job right away. Worst case, Luck sits behind Ponder for a year and learns on the job, getting him ready for success in 2013 and beyond.

This is purely speculation for now, but let's root for the Colts to win at least one of their final two games and then, you never know what could happen.

Bobby Valentine: A Great Fit for Sox

From reports of beer drinking in the clubhouse to the September collapse, it was time for a change in Boston. Despite the fact that Terry Francona won 2 World Series with the team, it became quite evident that he had lost complete control of the team and chaos ensued. Ever since the announcement that Francona would not be returning, in early October, Red Sox Nation has openly wondered who would be the person to fill Francona's shoes. Well, that decision has been made and Bobby Valentine will be officially introduced as the newest manager of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. Personally, I am ecstatic about the hiring of Valentine and believe he will help turn things around with this team in 2012.

Yes, I understand that he has not managed in the big leagues in 9 years, which may cause worry for some, but its not like the guy has forgotten how to manage. He knows how to handle the pressures of a big market where fans live and die with every win and loss. After all, he was the manager of the Mets when they made their most recent World Series appearance in 2000 and at the height of the Mets-Yankees rivalry. Granted, Valentine had a less than perfect relationship with Steve Phillips, the GM of the Mets at the time, but that does not automatically mean he will not have a great, working relationship with Ben Cherington. The guy has been through clubhouse drama and will not accept rule breaking or insubordination. That, more than ever is what might be most important for the Red Sox, an authoritative figure who will not deal with beer drinking in the clubhouse. The Red Sox need a manager who will have the attention and respect of the players.

That is what they found themselves with the hire of Bobby Valentine. Valentine will immediately command the respect of a team that has a solid mix of veterans and young players. He will not shy away from the Boston media that will analyze his every move and will be watching him like a hawk. While it may seem like an underrated aspect, Valentine already hates the Yankees too from his days with the Mets. No matter what people say, it takes a short transition period to get a true taste of the nature of the rivalry. Someone who hates the Yankees is always welcomed with open arms in Boston and Valentine fits that description.

Those are the main reasons why Bobby Valentine, I believe will have great success as the next manager of the Boston Red Sox. He loves the spotlight and will take to the bright lights of Boston as all eyes of Red Sox Nation will be on him. His dynamic personality and laid-back style will help return the Red Sox to glory.

No Place in Football: The Ndamukong Suh Story

Ever since he entered the league last season, people have always questioned whether or not the play of Ndamukong Suh was physical, or actually dirty? Suh has shown flashes of brilliance, but those same flashes have been covered up by mind-boggling signs of immaturity. Most of the time, those signs had to do with late hits on the QB or something of the sort. However, today, Suh took that immaturity to a whole new level with a play that got him kicked out of the game. In the 3rd quarter of today's tilt with the undefeated Packers, following a play, Suh slammed the head of Packers lineman, Evan Dietrich-Smith into the ground a few times along with kicking him in the arm.

The latest example of Suh's immaturity will earn him a hefty fine and likely a suspension from "the man upstairs" as Suh referred to it in his press conference. As much of a fan as I was of the guy when he played at Nebraska, I am losing more and more respect for him with each passing day. Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz needs to get control of his most well-known defensive player and condemn this type of play at all costs, especially with the Lions in search of their first playoff berth in 12 years. While a 15 yard penalty may seem minuscule over the course of a game, 1 ill-advised play can lead to a 2 or 3 game suspension. Not to mention the fact that the Lions can ill afford the loss of their most imposing defensive presence with some of the biggest games of the season coming up.

The question that many people are asking now is what type of of suspension Suh has earned himself with the afore mentioned actions. Well, the only other recent comparsion of something like this occurred in 2006 when Albert Haynesworth stomped on the head of Cowboys center, Andre Gurode. Without any previous disciplinary history, Haynesworth received a 5 game suspension. Given Suh's history with dirty plays, my guess would be a 5 game suspension to match the one that Haynesworth received. That is not the main issue at stake though, the latest incident has confirmed our suspicions that Ndamukong Suh is a dirty player, not just one that tends to play physical. The point is, there is no place for this type of play in the NFL. The league needs to send Suh a message with the suspension that should be handed down within the next few days. It is time to let him know that these type of plays have no place in the NFL, but can only hurt his image in the mind of the fans and his team. There was no intention on the play today other than to hurt Dietrich-Smith.

Jonathan Papelbon to the Phillies? He Will be Missed

For the past 6 years, hearing "Wild Thing" blaring over the Fenway Park speakers has meant that its time for Jonathan Papelbon to enter the game and slam the door shut. However, today, we learned that Papelbon has agreed to sign a 4 year, $50 million deal with the Phillies. The move is certainly interesting due to the fact that it appeared as if the Phillies were going to re-sign Ryan Madson earlier in the week. Then, the talks with Madson fell through and it was on to the free agent closers left on the market.  The signing certainly solidifies a bullpen that many saw as the main weakness of the team last year. Papelbon is a 4-time All Star that has posted at least 30 saves in each of the last 6 seasons.

As for the Red Sox, Daniel Bard has served as Papelbon's apprentice over the last couple years and now, will get his shot to be a full-time closer in one of baseball's most highly scrutinized markets. The only part that may make Sox fans feel a bit uneasy about the move is the fact that Bard has not closed since college and closing in the major leagues is a whole different animal. We are about to find out a whole lot more about Bard's psyche and how he handles the pressure of being an everyday closer. How will he react when he blows his first key save and people are calling for his head? He must have seen how people reacted to Papelbon blowing a save in Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS and in game #162 of this season.  My point is, closing in Boston is a whole lot different from closing in say, Kansas City where the fans have become accustomed to losing over the past 15 or 20 years. In Boston, winning the World Series is the goal year in and year out. If that goal is not accomplished, the season is largely considered a failure.

Despite his blown saves over the years, a few of which have happened at critical junctures, Red Sox fans, such as myself may not realize quite yet how much we will actually miss Papelbon. Yeah sure, the guy blew a few important saves over the 6 years he served as the Red Sox closer, but he still managed to rack up 219 saves over those 6 years. The first save that Bard blows, some Red Sox fans who are jumping for joy right now will be wishing that Papelbon wasn't closing games in the City of Brotherly Love. The intensity and passion that Papelbon displayed on the mound each and every night may be seen as an underrated factor in this deal, but is something that can serve as an igniting factor for a team in search of a spark.

A Legend Lost: The Death of Joe Frazier

The sports world lost a legend yesterday with the passing of Smokin' Joe Frazier at the age of 67. Frazier is remembered as one of the most recognizable names in Boxing history, along with those of Rocky Marcicano and Muhammad Ali. He was both an Olympic and World Heavyweight champion. A victim of liver cancer, Frazier is probably best remembered for his "contract" that he signed along with Muhammad Ali to have a rubber match in 1975. Little did people know at the time that the 3rd and final bout between the two legends would turn out to be even more vicious and brutal than their previous 2 fights. With the passing of Smokin' Joe, the boxing world has certainly taken a hit as it has lost a legend who survived what many consider to be the greatest boxing match of all-time.

"The Thrilla in Manila", as it has come to be known over the years involved the two greatest boxers of their time dueling it out over the course of 15, 3 minute rounds. As previously mentioned, the bout turned out to be one of the most vicious boxing matches of all-time with each fighter matching the other one shot for shot until the 14th round when the fight finally had to be called. Frazier could see nothing out of either eye and looked like he was on the verge of dying. Upon the calling of fight, Ali simply sank to the ground, offering nothing in the way of a celebration. The actions of both men after the fight is what truly signifies "The Thrilla in Manila" as the greatest boxing match of all time, two men with mutual hatred for each brutally beating the other for 14 rounds.

Boxing losing Joe Frazier is like basketball after the death of Wilt Chamberlain or the hockey world losing Wayne Gretzky. Whenever a sport loses a legend, the sport enters into a mourning period as they remember all the great memories provided by that person during the time they were involved with the sport. The boxing world will always be left with the lasting image of "The Thrilla in Manila", their 2 greatest icons coming together for one final bout in the ring.

 Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Frazier family as they cope with the loss of a loved one.

On a side note, if interested in learning more about "The Thrilla in Manila", I would recommend checking out the 2005 book titled "Ghosts of Manila" written by Mark Kram who is also remembered for writing one of the greatest sports journalism pieces of all time, a deep and thoughtful essay about "The Thrilla in Manila".

A Changing of the Guard in the Windy City

Well, that didn't take long, Theo Epstein has wasted no time in making his first move as President of Baseball Operations by firing manager Mike Quade today. Epstein told Quade that he would not be retained as manager of the Cubs and wished him well with his future endeavors. The move is not exactly surprising, given that Quade and the Cubs finished 21 games under .500 this season in their first full campaign under his watch. However, some of that can be attributed to the roster being largely the same as it was during the sometimes tumultuous era of Lou Piniella. Nonetheless, Epstein said that a "clean slate" was necessary for a team that is seemingly stuck in neutral in the rebuilding process.

Face it, the team has not contended for a playoff spot in 2 years and needs to get rid of underperforming veterans such as Carlos Zambrano and Alfonso Soriano. Cubs fans have longed for the days of old when the team contended on a yearly basis. As we know, they have not won a World Series in 103 years and their best chance in recent years was wrecked by Steve Bartman, who instinctively reached over the left field wall for a foul ball that he did not think Moises Alou had a chance to catch. Since then, the team did manage to win back-to-back Central Division titles, but has never been mentioned as a serious threat to win the World Series. Whoever the new manager may be, he will certainly have his work cut out for him. The Cubs need to pretty much start from scratch and build around their young stars, Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney.

However, while most fans agree with the idea of firing Mike Quade, Epstein may have made himself unpopular just as quickly by ruling out the possibility of hiring Ryne Sandberg, the former Cubs hero who has so desperately wanted a chance at his dream job for 4 or 5 years now. That's where I don't agree with Theo, why would you ever rule out the possibility of hiring one of the most popular players in franchise history who is interested in the job? Beats me, but Attention Theo Epstein: the vacant managerial position of the Chicago Cubs is not exactly the sexiest job in baseball right now. I can understand that he wants to hire someone with previous major league managerial experience, but don't completely pass on Sandberg. He has been a manager for a few years now in the Minors and understands what it would take to win with the Cubs. The decision to not even give Sandberg an interview is surprising to those who pulled for the former Cub hero to get a chance to turn around his old team. The decision may also resonate with fans more than Epstein thinks, he has created more of an uphill battle for himself by leaving a voicemail for a guy who was the face of the Cubs for so many years   and simply saying that they were not interested in hiring him for his dream job. Not exactly the way Cubs fans envisioned Theo Epstein spending his first week in the Windy City.