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Eagles players honor Michael Vick with award for courage
By Chris Chase
December 23, 2009
According to Philadelphia Eagles players, the most courageous man on the team in 2009 was one who started the year serving time in prison for an act of extreme cowardice.
Today, the Eagles announced that Michael Vick was the 2009 winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, an honor given to a player who shows courage in the face of adversity. Vick's teammates voted for the award, thus demonstrating how tone-deaf and out-of-touch NFL players are with reality.
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According to the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation Web site:
Each year, the Ed Block Courage Awards honors those National Football League players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Recipients are selected by their teammates for team effort, as well as individual performance.
The Ed Block Courage Award recipient symbolizes professionalism, great strength and dedication. He is also a community role model.
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One recipient is selected from each NFL team, usually for things like coming back from injury, doing good work in the community or long, dedicated service to a franchise. I'd be surprised if the award's founders intended for the honor to be given to someone doing community service as part of the terms of his parole or for showing courage in the face of reporters asking legitimate questions about federal crimes.
The Eagles' vote is not only a slap in the face to the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, but to the other 31 players who won the award for their respective teams. Some men are truly deserving of the honor, like Ravens safety Dawan Landry who was nearly paralyzed last year, but has come back in '09 with four interceptions and a touchdown or Mike Furrey of the Browns, who does extensive volunteer work in his community. Adding Vick's name to the roll makes the award seem illegitimate and meaningless.
Apparently Philadelphia players confuse Vick handling dogfighting questions and booing with a measure of class as some sort of courage. That Vick only got a chance to show this mild courageousness because of the extreme cowardice it takes to murder helpless animals isn't something that crosses their mind. They confuse Vick's desperation with some sort of integrity.
I'm all for second chances and find myself rooting for Vick to redeem himself both on and off the football field. He's served an appropriate sentence (and then some) and I see no reason for him to keep paying for his past transgressions. But I also see no reason to celebrate his character.
Michael Vick is very much a work in progress. A few years from now, I hope he will be deserving of such an honor. At this time, however, he has only just started down the path to redemption.
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Childress lost control a long time ago
By Charles Robinson
December 23, 2009
Brad Childress relinquished control in August. And four months later, it’s a little late to ask for it back.
Maybe that’s what the Minnesota Vikings coach is just now figuring out, that when he chauffeured quarterback Brett Favre from the tarmac to his practice facility, he wasn’t just celebrating the arrival of the missing piece. Indeed, Childress was making a landscape-changing hire. Favre wasn’t just a new quarterback. He was a small franchise unto himself: an icon, a brand name, an offensive coordinator, a figurehead … and if things went well, the new boss. Looking back now, it’s unmistakable. Childress may have been driving on that unforgettable August day, but Favre always held the keys.
Now in December, we’re dissecting the layers of authority, with Childress having finally attempted to penetrate Favre’s control of the Vikings offense in last Sunday’s 26-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Childress has suggested it was merely a “stream of consciousness” moment, and that it wasn’t a clear-cut attempt to remove Favre from the game. Favre painted it in less ambiguous and more unpalatable terms: that his coach suggested he sit down before the game had been decided. Something that likely sounded, in Favre’s mind, like a benching.
But while we all argue over who should be giving orders and who should be taking them, one fundamental question is left on the table: Leading 7-6 in the third quarter, and still needing to lock up the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff race, why was Childress even thinking of pulling Favre in the first place? Moreover, why would Childress have tried to bench Favre in two other games, as reported by the St. Paul Pioneer Press?
Don’t buy the reasoning that Favre was getting hit too much against the Panthers. He has suffered a similar amount of punishment in other games this season. Indeed, look no further than the Vikings’ first loss of the season to the Pittsburgh Steelers, when Favre was sacked four times and took a handful of other hard hits. Childress apparently didn’t attempt to pull Favre out of that game, which was every bit as close as the Carolina affair, and possibly more physical.
However the Vikings want to frame the latest issue, this is about control. And as pointed out in the story by the Pioneer Press, it likely centers around Favre’s penchant for changing plays at the line of scrimmage, which has not been something that quarterbacks in Minnesota have enjoyed under Childress.
But isn’t it a little late to be arguing over that point? Isn’t it likely this was something that, in Favre’s mind, was already settled before he came out of retirement and took over? If you’re Favre, and the team has bent over backwards to get you into the front door, you rightfully have a feeling of self-entitlement – particularly when you’re running an offense that you have been so familiar with, and working with an offensive coordinator in Darrell Bevell who knows precisely how you like to operate.
Through all the spin, this smacks of Childress trying to change a deal that, like it or not, he agreed to months ago. Brett Favre wasn’t coming out of retirement to be molded into what Childress wanted. He was coming to Minnesota to put his stamp on the team. Not the other way around, which is why so many scoffed at the notion of Favre spending 16 regular-season games throwing 20 passes and acting as a game manager.
Regardless of what was happening against Carolina – whether Favre was moving the team out of running plays or the offense simply wasn’t functioning – Childress picked the wrong time to attempt to reign in Favre. That time passed in the preseason. It passed at the negotiating table, when (assuming the conversation actually took place) Childress spelled out to Favre what his role would be.
If this team were 3-11 or 7-7 or even fighting for the NFC’s last wild-card spot, Childress would have some solid ground to stand upon. But he had to know the deal when Favre was brought in. He had to know that he was selling some of his real estate as a decision-maker. And when Favre led the Vikings to double-digit wins and solidified Minnesota as a Super Bowl contender, he had to know the time for bargaining or demanding had passed. The power of decision has been turned over, and Favre isn’t giving it back. Not in December. Not at a critical juncture of a game. Not ever.
The new regime shouldn’t be feeling heat in Kansas City
Amazingly, there already appears to be pressure building in Kansas City over the perceived lack of progress by the Chiefs under the new regime of coach Todd Haley and general manager Scott Pioli. And frankly, it’s a head-scratcher. Part of the perception is being fueled by impatient media, and at least part of it by a fan base that has watched in disgust as the Chiefs have lost four straight games, including a pair of blowout losses to the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos.
But here is the reality that Chiefs fans have to face: the talent level on this team ranks among the worst in the NFL. And that doesn’t fall at the feet of Haley or Pioli. It falls on a previous regime that won six games in two years, and got progressively worse under the soft hand of Herm Edwards and personnel mistakes of former GM Carl Peterson. Anyone who thought Haley and Pioli were going to arrive and turn this into a postseason franchise was kidding themselves from the start.
When I saw this team in training camp, it was clear the roster churning was going to continue all season. Not only was the team moving to a 3-4 defense alignment – typically a three-year transition for talented teams – but too many vital parts of the team were in disarray. The offensive line looked like it was going to need three new starters, from center to right tackle. Beyond Dwayne Bowe, the wideouts looked as pedestrian as any group in the league. Left tackle Branden Albert was already struggling immensely. Defensive end Glenn Dorsey was out of shape and being thrust into a new position. Linebacker Derrick Johnson was freelancing too much. And a number of players weren’t adjusting well to the firmer tone of practices, from Bowe to running back Larry Johnson.
Indeed, there was nothing to suggest a quick turnaround was in the cards for this franchise. And Haley and Pioli were sending unambiguous signals about that from the start. I distinctly remember sitting with Haley at one point and pointing out numerous roster flaws and expecting him to come back with some positive spin. Instead, he nodded and said, “We’re going to have to scrap to figure out ways to win games. We’ve got some work to do.”
Did the regime expect to be 3-11 at this point? Not likely. Haley and Pioli both have a supreme confidence, and I believe they hoped to pull some rabbits out of a hat this season. But I also think that even in their optimism, they knew it was going to be a rough 2009. I think they hoped for the best from Larry Johnson, but knew he was going to become a problem. I think they thought Bowe would get his act together, but didn’t anticipate the four-game suspension. I think they wanted more out of quarterback Matt Cassel(notes), but knew the problems with the offensive line were going to create problems in his development.
Deep down, I got the sense this was a regime that expected a large part of what has happened this season. That’s not to say there isn’t disappointment and frustration, particularly on Haley’s part as he has pushed a roster and clearly felt the roster push back at times. But this was going to be a season of assessment, struggle and change. There were just too many pervasive problems that needed to be attacked. And anyone who thought otherwise had stopped paying attention long before Pioli or Haley arrived.
Thompson has bounced back in a big way
Don’t look now, but Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson has found a way to quietly bounce back as former quarterback Brett Favre has been thriving in Minnesota. After a number of inconsistent NFL drafts, and the ’07 nightmare pick of Justin Harrell that continued to dog the franchise, Thompson’s 2009 draft has developed into one of the best hauls in the NFL.
The class has been a big part of Green Bay’s 5-1 surge since starting 4-4, particularly on defense, where both of Thompson’s first-round picks have shown star potential. Nose tackle B.J. Raji struggled early with an ankle injury, but recently has flashed the strength, power and quickness necessary to be a top-tier lineman in the league. Consistency and stamina are still an issue, but he has improved significantly as the season has progressed. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Clay Matthews is already playing like a star, notching 10 sacks and 47 tackles and playing like a prototypical pass rusher in the 3-4 alignment.
Further down, fourth-round offensive lineman T.J. Lang has platooned at both guard and tackle, and should eventually settle into a starting role. Seventh-round linebacker Brad Jones has also shined after being pressed into the starting lineup by injuries, while defensive end Jarius Wynn and cornerback Brandon Underwood have both contributed in limited roles.
The developments with Raji and Matthews are particularly key, since both give Green Bay some young anchors in their continued transition to the 3-4. Hitting on two first-round picks in one draft isn’t exactly easy, either. Take into consideration that Thompson, who has been in the position since 2005, made the fairly rare move (for him, anyway) of trading a bounty of valuable draft picks (a second and two thirds) to take Matthews 26th overall. And from a New England Patriots team that could badly use Matthews right about now.
While the rest of the season has yet to play out, that draft success could prove fairly vital to Thompson’s survival. The 4-4 start was tough a tough pill for many Packers fans, especially with Favre flourishing with the Vikings. And some of Thompson’s higher-profile draft misses – Harrell, quarterback Brian Brohm and running back Brandon Jackson – looked particularly damning. And while he has had some very solid middle- to late-round contributors during his run (tight end Jermichael Finley(notes), wideout James Jones, defensive tackle Johnny Jolly, etc.), you’d have to go back to linebacker Nick Barnett in 2003 to find a first-round pick that has come close to the immediate impact of Matthews.
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Taylor: Jags might be better in L.A.
ESPN.com news services
December 23, 2009
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor says the Jaguars might find themselves in Los Angeles and jokingly said he was putting in a bid for a job.
Taylor, who played with the Jaguars from 1998 until being released after the 2008 season, challenged Jaguars fans during a conference call on Wednesday by saying the team probably would be better off moving.
"Sometimes the truth hurts," said Taylor, who gets his first crack at his old team after missing 10 games with an ankle injury when he and the New England Patriots host the Jaguars Sunday. "It can be played either way in that the fans want the team to stay there, they have to show that they want the team to stay there."
Taylor, participated fully in practice Wednesday for the first time since being sidelined, said the league has made it clear a team eventually will be in Los Angeles and because of attendance problems, the Jaguars might be the choice.
"I don't know what's going to be a decision maker or breaker but you look at average attendance and whatever have you at the end of the day they're going to find a team to take out there," he said. "I don't want to offend anyone. Never do, but you've got to be realistic."
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said his former back has always been one to speak his mind.
"Fred has always been a great interview because he speaks straight from the heart and he's not trying to be politically correct," Del Rio said. "That's what he feels and it's entertaining reading."
As far as any potential move goes, Del Rio said he will support whatever decision team owner Wayne Weaver makes.
"I'm an employee of his," Del Rio said. "Whatever he wants to do, my personal feelings are not part of it, my duty is to do the best I can in my role as head coach."
Before suggesting a possible move to Los Angeles, Taylor found himself in a sparring match with Del Rio.
Taylor, who is Jacksonville's all-time leading rusher with 11,271 yards, drew a rebuff from Del Rio after a Florida Times-Union report. Taylor said there is plenty of veteran leadership leading the way in New England, more film watching and quizzes with the Patriots than he experienced with the Jaguars.
"I saw [Taylor's comments], and I said that's really great because he pointed out the leadership there shows the way and I think he was referring to veteran players," Del Rio said. "So, that's what we're looking to instill in our veteran players, and evidently he wasn't that veteran leader here having our guys watch the tape. So, we're going to work on getting the veteran leaders that are now here to have our guys watching more tape because he provided the blueprint."
Even though both Del Rio and Taylor say they have no hard feelings, the player said the comment stung.
"A smidgen," he said. "A little piece of me didn't" like it.
Taylor explained he didn't mean the Patriots had a hold on all film watching and the quizzes come from coach Bill Belichick's style. He also insisted he wasn't taking shots at Del Rio.
"Never, never, never," he said. "I would never take a shot at him. You never burn bridges. Why would I burn bridges? I would never say that even if I felt that way. I have no problems with Jack, I really don't."
Taylor says him the tone of his comments were lost in the translation.
"It's kind of like a text message," Taylor explained. "He didn't hear my tone, he didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that."
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Rookie Focus: Brian Orakpo a rare bright spot for Redskins
By Tom Pedulla
December 23, 2009
It has been another chaotic, disappointing season for the Washington Redskins, who dropped to 4-10 after Monday night's loss to the New York Giants.
Bruce Allen, recently hired as general manager, is considering changes that could include the ouster of head coach Jim Zorn. Vinny Cerrato, executive vice president for football operations, has already emptied his office after too many free agent signings and draft choices were unable to fulfill their billing.
While the body of work may have been lacking, Cerrato could not have been more correct when Washington drafted Brian Orakpo 13th overall with the hope that the versatile defensive end and linebacker would add bite to the Redskins' pass rush. He paces all rookies with 11 sacks and has quickly become one of those players that quarterbacks must account for at all times.
USA TODAY takes a closer look at Orakpo:
THE PLAYER
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 260
Hometown: Houston
College highlights: Swept Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player), Lombardi Award (top lineman) and Hendricks Award (top defensive end) for the University of Texas in 2008. Unanimous first-team All-America selection last year. Concluded Texas career with 132 tackles (93 solo), 22 sacks, 38 tackles for a loss, 62 pressures, six passes defensed, six forced fumbles and one fumble recovery despite battling knee injury throughout 2007 season.
Scouting report: Greatest asset is rare strength he possesses. Named nation's top workout warrior by ESPN. Bench presses 515 pounds, squats 600 pounds and power cleans 380 pounds. Has lightning-quick jump off the line of scrimmage. Strong tackler. Had reputation during college career of not playing at top speed all the time.
Quotable: "The thing about Orakpo is this — he's mature. He's so much more mature than any other rookie I've had in years…This guy walks in here and he prepares like a man." —Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache, quoted by WashingtonPost.com
THE PERSON
Role model: "My mother, Gloria Orakpo, for the hard work she put in her whole life. She came from Nigeria and started life all over again. She's been a strong point in our family."
Favorite off-field activity: "I watch every movie I can. I like action movies. Casino, with Robert DeNiro, is one of my favorites."
Greatest strength: "Probably my maturity. I'm able to handle situations at a young age and be successful doing so."
Greatest weakness: "Maybe being a little too blunt and not knowing how to hold stuff back."
On sacks: "I would like to be winning and getting sacks as well. That's the downfall in this thing."
On exceptional strength: "My Nigerian genes, I like to tell people. Basically, it's just working hard, putting in a lot of time in the weight room."
Redskins future: "I think our future is bright regardless of the circumstances. We have a new general manager and next season I think there is going to be a push to be one of the best teams in the league. We have a team that doesn't quit."
Life after football: "I was thinking about some administrative type of job in football."
NFL dream: "At the end of the day, I want to be in the conversation as one of the premier pass-rushers of all-time in this league. It's a tall tree to climb, but we'll see."
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