Another Monday night underdog went down to defeat tonight, leaving the standings in our charity game the same way they were yesterday afternoon. Condolences to the Flipper fans. The lines for next week's slate of games should appear here tomorrow.
Comments (7)
Am I to understand the Raiders QB is out for the season? Yikes.
For me this weekend was about a QB who stayed at the dance too long. Donovan McNabb is taking his place on that list of NFL QBs who were painful to watch as they lost their battles with Father Time. The worst will always be Joe Namath with the Rams, but Kenny Stabler with the Saints was another sad one.
You know it's bad when your Hail Mary play is a screen pass.
Yeah, Bill. That was rough watching Super Joe stilt around out there, and in that garish blue and yellow mid-70's Rams uni. Earl Morrall, George Blanda and Rich Gannon did alright as oldsters, so did Farve & Flutie, among others in recent times.
McNabb may have another rough day next Sunday, but the Vikes could hand the Pack, the last undefeated team standing, its first loss of the season in the Metrodome. Stranger things have happened on an NFL Sunday. McNabb probably should start at least another couple games to the bye week, and they'll probably have Ponder get more 1st team reps in practice in the meantime. After which, if they're still sputtering on offense (the whole team -- O, D, STs -- is playing horribly), they'll evaluate and decide who will start the following week at Lambeau in prime time on MNF.
FYI: He has more yards passing (37,099) than Steve Young and Troy Aikman; more touchdown passes (234) than Young, Terry Bradshaw and Joe Namath; and a higher completion percentage (58.9) than Dan Fouts and Warren Moon. He also has more wins (98) than 15 of the 23 modern-era quarterbacks in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
And: For a story in this week's magazine, I polled a coach, scout or player -- if not all three -- from each team that has faced McNabb this season. All but one said McNabb still has the ability to be effective. However, they acknowledged it will be tough, for reasons including:
He's running a new offense.
As much as people talk about the Vikings and coordinator Bill Musgrave installing a West Coast system, those who've game-planned for Minnesota contend it's a hybrid offense with a lower percentage of shotgun formations, split backs and checkdowns to the backs. Instead, the play-calling revolves around Adrian Peterson, the dynamic ballcarrier whom Frazier calls "our best player." Minnesota uses more I-formations and play-action passes than McNabb is accustomed to, and opponents feel he is struggling with the adjustment.
"It is just a different way for him to have to play," says one coach. "He just never was asked to be a run and play-action QB. He is better in the 'gun, kind of Ben Roethlisberger-ing it. It's better to spread the field and give him options; let him use his legs to keep plays alive or pick out his receivers. It's too easy now to keep him in the pocket, and that's not his strong suit."
He lacked an offseason to get acquainted and comfortable with his receivers.
There were several occasions against the Cardinals when the timing between quarterback and receiver was off. Another time, McNabb motioned after an incompletion that he expected wideout Devin Aromashodu to come back for the ball instead of sitting in a spot after making his break.
"I don't know that he's totally in sync with the offense," says one coordinator. "He's definitely not where he needs to be. He doesn't tend to run as much, so it makes it easier to defend him. He's more of a pocket passer, and if he's not in sync with his receivers it creates problems for them."
Says McNabb: "Obviously it's a different surrounding cast than I've had. You have to have an opportunity to get accustomed to the guys around you. You have to build that chemistry in knowing what he's going to do, how he plays, strengths and weaknesses. And coaches need time to begin to get adjusted to different players. That doesn't happen in half a year, really a year. Because I want to know what you're thinking as a coach. If I know what you're thinking as a coach, then I can relay it to the guys on the field. That's one thing I try to do, change my game to what the coaches want. From Washington to here, I ask, What can I do to make myself better, from your standpoint? And I'm trying to do what they want me to do."
His confidence has been shaken.
McNabb, who needs just two more wins to become only the 12th quarterback to reach 100, chuckles at the suggestion that his confidence has been shaken, which has been made publicly by Douglas and privately by some members of the Vikings.
"Once you start to second-guess yourself in this league, you're done," he says. "Personally, I never second-guess myself. I don't lose confidence in myself."
McNabb then sat upright, chuckled and brushed his goatee. New year, same questions. Here we go again.
I think his arm strength is gone. He was bouncing 15-yard out routes before I turned it off. So sad to see. That's also what's wrong with Peyton Manning. His arm is weak through nerve damage in his neck, and he can't throw very far. It could be over for him too.
Loved the "folded in front and around him like origami swans."
That's vivid.
Yeah, you could be right there, Bill. And about Peyton. I won't miss him. He's a bad sport. And always blamed everyone else for the losses. I did laugh at his "idiot kicker" quip in '03, though. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2003/02/02/manning_vanderjagt_ap/ Glad you enjoyed the origami visual. It was a pathetic performance by a professional squad of linemen on that safety.
I didn't get to watch much of the Vikes-Bears game at all last night. I was watching top shelf comedy instead -- Buster Keaton classics on TCM. Now THERE's one of the greatest American athletes, ever!
I can't think of a player whos very good and maybe a hall-of-famer, in ANY sport, whos been knocked more than Mcnabb. From the draft day boos in Phily to rush limbaugh to coaches, fans and the media hes been knocked for years.Also its WAY to early to start counting out Manning.
It certainly hasn't all been the quarterback's fault. A leaky offensive line hasn't given McNabb much time to throw, his receiver corps lacks the big-play deep threat that can loosen up a defense and new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has made several curious calls in all six games that have helped stall Vikings drives.
Charamba, Douro 2008
Horse Heaven Hills, Cabernet 2010
Lorelle, Horse Heaven Hills Pinot Grigio 2011
Avignonesi, Montepulciano 2004
Lorelle, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2011
Villa Antinori, Toscana 2007
Mercedes Eguren, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Lorelle, Columbia Valley Cabernet 2011
Purple Moon, Merlot 2011
Purple Moon, Chardonnnay 2011
Abacela, Vintner's Blend No. 12
Opula Red Blend 2010
Liberte, Pinot Noir 2010
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Indian Wells Red Blend 2010
Woodbridge, Chardonnay 2011
King Estate, Pinot Noir 2011
Famille Perrin, Cotes du Rhone Villages 2010
Columbia Crest, Les Chevaux Red 2010
14 Hands, Hot to Trot White Blend
Familia Bianchi, Malbec 2009
Terrapin Cellars, Pinot Gris 2011
Columbia Crest, Walter Clore Private Reserve 2009
Campo Viejo, Rioja, Termpranillo 2010
Ravenswood, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Quinta das Amoras, Vinho Tinto 2010
Waterbrook, Reserve Merlot 2009
Lorelle, Horse Heaven Hills, Pinot Grigio 2011
Tarantas, Rose
Chateau Lajarre, Bordeaux 2009
La Vielle Ferme, Rose 2011
Benvolio, Pinot Grigio 2011
Nobilo Icon, Pinot Noir 2009
Lello, Douro Tinto 2009
Quinson Fils, Cotes de Provence Rose 2011
Anindor, Pinot Gris 2010
Buenas Ondas, Syrah Rose 2010
Les Fiefs d'Anglars, Malbec 2009
14 Hands, Pinot Gris 2011
Conundrum 2012
Condes de Albarei, Albariño 2011
Columbia Crest, Walter Clore Private Reserve 2007
Penelope Sanchez, Garnacha Syrah 2010
Canoe Ridge, Merlot 2007
Atalaya do Mar, Godello 2010
Vega Montan, Mencia
Benvolio, Pinot Grigio
Nobilo Icon, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2009
Portuga, Rose 2011
Revelation, Chardonnay, Pays d'Oc 2010
Beaulieu, Cabernet, Rutherford 2005
Monte Alto, Tinto Reserva 2005
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cabernet, Indian Wells 2009
Espiral, Vinho Rose
Vin-Koru, Pinot Gris 2011
14 Hands, Hot to Trot Red 2009
Rodney Strong, Cabernet, Sonoma 2009
Abacela, Vintner's Blend #11
Portuga, White 2010
La Bourgeoisie, Red 2009
Januik, Red 2009
Three Rivers, River's Red 2008
Kirkland, Alexander Valley Merlot 2008
Muga, Rioja Rose 2010
Quinta das Amoras, Vinho Tinto 2009
Mauro Molino, Barbera d'Alba 2009
Garda Chiaretto Rose
Columbia Crest, Two Vines Vineyard 10 White
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley 2009
L'Hortus, Rose de Saignee 2010
Maculan, Pino & Toi 2008
McKinley Springs, Bombing Range Red 2008
Trader Joe's Pinot Gris 2009
Montes Alpha, Cabernet 2007
Gran Sasso, Sangiovese, Terre di Chieti 2009
Garda, Classico Chiaretto Rose
Beaulieu, Cabernet, Rutherford 1999
Picos del Montgo, Tempranillo 2008
Chateau de Montmirail, Vacqueyras 2008
La Granja 360, Syrah 2009
Montgras, Carmenere Reserva 2009
Lange, Pinot Gris 2009
Columbia Crest, Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet 2008
Kirkland, Pinot Grigio 2010
Trader Joe's Coastal Syrah 2009
Columbia Crest, Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2008
Trader Joe's Coastal Chardonnay 2009
Vieux Papes Red
Domaine de l'Aujardiere, Chardonnay 2009
Santa Rita, Cabernet, Medalla Real 2007
Penfold's, Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2008
Guild, Red, Lot #02 2008
Dievole, Dievolino Sangiovese 2008
Laforet, Burgogne Chardonnay 2009
Columbia Winery, Merlot 2007
Bonterra, Cabernet 2008
Elk Cove, Pinot Gris 2009
Maquis Lien 2006
Scott Paul, Pinot Noir, Le Paulee 2007
The Occasional Book
Neil Young - Waging Heavy Peace
Mark Bego - Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul (2012 ed.)
Jenny Lawson - Let's Pretend This Never Happened
J.D. Salinger - Franny and Zooey
Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol
Timothy Egan - The Big Burn
Deborah Eisenberg - Transactions in a Foreign Currency
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. - Slaughterhouse Five
Kathryn Lance - Pandora's Genes
Cheryl Strayed - Wild
Fyodor Dostoyevsky - The Brothers Karamazov
Jack London - The House of Pride, and Other Tales of Hawaii
Jack Walker - The Extraordinary Rendition of Vincent Dellamaria
Colum McCann - Let the Great World Spin
Niccolò Machiavelli - The Prince
Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird
Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus - The Nanny Diaries
Brian Selznick - The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Sharon Creech - Walk Two Moons
Keith Richards - Life
F. Sionil Jose - Dusk
Natalie Babbitt - Tuck Everlasting
Justin Halpern - S#*t My Dad Says
Mark Herrmann - The Curmudgeon's Guide to Practicing Law
Barry Glassner - The Gospel of Food
Phil Stanford - The Peyton-Allan Files
Jesse Katz - The Opposite Field
Evelyn Waugh - Brideshead Revisited
J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
David Sedaris - Holidays on Ice
Donald Miller - A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Mitch Albom - Have a Little Faith
C.S. Lewis - The Magician's Nephew
F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby
William Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Ivan Doig - Bucking the Sun
Penda Diakité - I Lost My Tooth in Africa
Grace Lin - The Year of the Rat
Oscar Hijuelos - Mr. Ives' Christmas
Madeline L'Engle - A Wrinkle in Time
Steven Hart - The Last Three Miles
David Sedaris - Me Talk Pretty One Day
Karen Armstrong - The Spiral Staircase
Charles Larson - The Portland Murders
Adrian Wojnarowski - The Miracle of St. Anthony
William H. Colby - Long Goodbye
Steven D. Stark - Meet the Beatles
Phil Stanford - Portland Confidential
Rick Moody - Garden State
Jonathan Schwartz - All in Good Time
David Sedaris - Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
Anthony Holden - Big Deal
Robert J. Spitzer - The Spirit of Leadership
James McManus - Positively Fifth Street
Jeff Noon - Vurt
Road Work
Miles run year to date: 21
At this date last year: 52
Total run in 2012: 129
In 2011: 113
In 2010: 125
In 2009: 67
In 2008: 28
In 2007: 113
In 2006: 100
In 2005: 149
In 2004: 204
In 2003: 269
Comments (7)
Am I to understand the Raiders QB is out for the season? Yikes.
For me this weekend was about a QB who stayed at the dance too long. Donovan McNabb is taking his place on that list of NFL QBs who were painful to watch as they lost their battles with Father Time. The worst will always be Joe Namath with the Rams, but Kenny Stabler with the Saints was another sad one.
You know it's bad when your Hail Mary play is a screen pass.
Posted by Bill McDonald | October 17, 2011 9:10 PM
Yeah, Bill. That was rough watching Super Joe stilt around out there, and in that garish blue and yellow mid-70's Rams uni. Earl Morrall, George Blanda and Rich Gannon did alright as oldsters, so did Farve & Flutie, among others in recent times.
McNabb may have another rough day next Sunday, but the Vikes could hand the Pack, the last undefeated team standing, its first loss of the season in the Metrodome. Stranger things have happened on an NFL Sunday. McNabb probably should start at least another couple games to the bye week, and they'll probably have Ponder get more 1st team reps in practice in the meantime. After which, if they're still sputtering on offense (the whole team -- O, D, STs -- is playing horribly), they'll evaluate and decide who will start the following week at Lambeau in prime time on MNF.
Frazier Says Vikings To Decide On QB By Wednesday
http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Frazier-Says-Vikings-To-Decide-On-QB-By-Wednesday/163588bd-3c7b-43dd-aada-0833ae4f6faa
That safety was not McNabb's fault. His linemen folded in front and around him like origami swans: http://sportshl.com/football/McNabb_sacked_for_a_safety/1110813
FYI:
He has more yards passing (37,099) than Steve Young and Troy Aikman; more touchdown passes (234) than Young, Terry Bradshaw and Joe Namath; and a higher completion percentage (58.9) than Dan Fouts and Warren Moon. He also has more wins (98) than 15 of the 23 modern-era quarterbacks in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
And:
For a story in this week's magazine, I polled a coach, scout or player -- if not all three -- from each team that has faced McNabb this season. All but one said McNabb still has the ability to be effective. However, they acknowledged it will be tough, for reasons including:
He's running a new offense.
As much as people talk about the Vikings and coordinator Bill Musgrave installing a West Coast system, those who've game-planned for Minnesota contend it's a hybrid offense with a lower percentage of shotgun formations, split backs and checkdowns to the backs. Instead, the play-calling revolves around Adrian Peterson, the dynamic ballcarrier whom Frazier calls "our best player." Minnesota uses more I-formations and play-action passes than McNabb is accustomed to, and opponents feel he is struggling with the adjustment.
"It is just a different way for him to have to play," says one coach. "He just never was asked to be a run and play-action QB. He is better in the 'gun, kind of Ben Roethlisberger-ing it. It's better to spread the field and give him options; let him use his legs to keep plays alive or pick out his receivers. It's too easy now to keep him in the pocket, and that's not his strong suit."
He lacked an offseason to get acquainted and comfortable with his receivers.
There were several occasions against the Cardinals when the timing between quarterback and receiver was off. Another time, McNabb motioned after an incompletion that he expected wideout Devin Aromashodu to come back for the ball instead of sitting in a spot after making his break.
"I don't know that he's totally in sync with the offense," says one coordinator. "He's definitely not where he needs to be. He doesn't tend to run as much, so it makes it easier to defend him. He's more of a pocket passer, and if he's not in sync with his receivers it creates problems for them."
Says McNabb: "Obviously it's a different surrounding cast than I've had. You have to have an opportunity to get accustomed to the guys around you. You have to build that chemistry in knowing what he's going to do, how he plays, strengths and weaknesses. And coaches need time to begin to get adjusted to different players. That doesn't happen in half a year, really a year. Because I want to know what you're thinking as a coach. If I know what you're thinking as a coach, then I can relay it to the guys on the field. That's one thing I try to do, change my game to what the coaches want. From Washington to here, I ask, What can I do to make myself better, from your standpoint? And I'm trying to do what they want me to do."
His confidence has been shaken.
McNabb, who needs just two more wins to become only the 12th quarterback to reach 100, chuckles at the suggestion that his confidence has been shaken, which has been made publicly by Douglas and privately by some members of the Vikings.
"Once you start to second-guess yourself in this league, you're done," he says. "Personally, I never second-guess myself. I don't lose confidence in myself."
McNabb then sat upright, chuckled and brushed his goatee. New year, same questions. Here we go again.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jim_trotter/10/12/donovan.mcnabb/index.html#ixzz1b6m5SYzA
Posted by Mojo | October 17, 2011 10:37 PM
I think his arm strength is gone. He was bouncing 15-yard out routes before I turned it off. So sad to see. That's also what's wrong with Peyton Manning. His arm is weak through nerve damage in his neck, and he can't throw very far. It could be over for him too.
Loved the "folded in front and around him like origami swans."
That's vivid.
Posted by Bill McDonald | October 17, 2011 11:15 PM
Yeah, you could be right there, Bill. And about Peyton. I won't miss him. He's a bad sport. And always blamed everyone else for the losses. I did laugh at his "idiot kicker" quip in '03, though. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2003/02/02/manning_vanderjagt_ap/ Glad you enjoyed the origami visual. It was a pathetic performance by a professional squad of linemen on that safety.
I didn't get to watch much of the Vikes-Bears game at all last night. I was watching top shelf comedy instead -- Buster Keaton classics on TCM. Now THERE's one of the greatest American athletes, ever!
Chase scene from "Seven Chances":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZSTM3knaao
Posted by Mojo | October 17, 2011 11:52 PM
I can't think of a player whos very good and maybe a hall-of-famer, in ANY sport, whos been knocked more than Mcnabb. From the draft day boos in Phily to rush limbaugh to coaches, fans and the media hes been knocked for years.Also its WAY to early to start counting out Manning.
Posted by john dull | October 18, 2011 7:36 AM
Take it easy, Raiders fans. You're about to get Carson Palmer.
Posted by The Other Jimbo | October 18, 2011 11:47 AM
McNabb's benched.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7119351/sources-minnesota-vikings-start-rookie-christian-ponder-qb
Notable excerpt:
It certainly hasn't all been the quarterback's fault. A leaky offensive line hasn't given McNabb much time to throw, his receiver corps lacks the big-play deep threat that can loosen up a defense and new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has made several curious calls in all six games that have helped stall Vikings drives.
Posted by Mojo | October 19, 2011 2:10 AM