Author: backinphilly

NFL Free Agency

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Well it’s that time of year again. The NFL free agency market is about to open and this year, there are a TON of big names on the open market. Last season was a pretty weak year for free talent, but this year should be different. There have already been a ton of rumors swirling around, so let’s look at some, shall we?

First off, let’s talk a big trade. The Eagles are apparently the big name going after Jets All Star cornerback Darrelle Revis. This is a big one, but to be honest, I’m not overly confident nor impressed about this move. Yes, the move would give us a new All Pro corner, but the problem I see is that this looks oddly familiar.

Two years ago, Nnamdi was signed, who was the best corner in the league. We all know how that turned out.

I don’t know man. I’m just saying I’m skeptical. I love Revis as a player. I hate the Jets, and this is a win-win but there are risks, including his ACL tear.

We will see. This is all speculation for now.

More developments and details will come this week. The season starts now.

Time to Break the Poetry Trend-Intro to LAX

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The past few posts on this blog have been straight up poems and I AM a big fan of poetry but it’s time to break that trend. I’m a sportswriter so let’s talk sports!

This weekend was our first lacrosse game. I was excited after I got done from my SAT and strapped on my pads.

Then we lost 12-1. So much for excitement. I am experienced enough to know that one game will not define our season. But, that’s not the way you wanna start off the season. I had a good time playing, and I thought personally that while I could have given more, I played a solid game. We could have all given more. Some guys had excuses after the game and as captain, I have to listen to them. I dismissed a lot of them.

Following the game, something interesting happened. My football coach, coach Titus, walked over to me, gave me a fist bump and we talked about the game a little bit. He then proceeded to ask me to take a picture with his baby, Shepard. I happily accepted his offer, squatted down next to the stroller and smiled.

It felt good actually. Ya, we just lost by 11 points, but I enjoyed the experience of getting back into the game. Hopefully, we can get some wins going this season.

Through the Wall

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I recently wrote a poem for OVS‘s love poetry competition. While I didn’t win, I was pretty proud of what I wrote. I realize that this is more of a short story than a poem but I spoke from the heart. Whenever people read something, they always question who or what it’s about. This is simply a story about forbidden love. Read and interpret for yourselves.

She was the one he could never quite reach.

There was always some barrier keeping them apart.

He didn’t understand why.

The wall was solid.

He knew she was on the other side.

It was all that was ever on his mind.

How everyday, he’d try.

Just to be next to her.

And he’d try

And try.

And try.

You would think that constant failure would render him helpless.

But his love for her wouldn’t let him stop.

Then one day, one lone hole emerged in the wall.

He could see the light.

She was beautiful.

He had never seen anything like her.

He needed to be with her.

He was in love.

And there was no way out.

As one wall was falling

a new wall was forming

He realized that as his desire for her burned inside,

he was trapped.

He was never getting away from his love.

Her radiance shown as if she truly was an angel.

Infatuation, obsession, affection,

He felt helpless without her.

As he fell harder and harder, the wall began to crumble away.

The wall sheltering him from escape was now impassable.

He could see her face.

And she looked on him with bright eyes

The two never looking away

She smiled at him

And he smiled back

He saw his chance, and tried to reduce the rest of the wall to rubble.

Taking any opportunity to make her realize

He loved her

Piece by piece

Brick by brick

He pushed through

And he held her

And she him

They were finally together

After so much determination

His efforts to make her realize

How he really felt

And she was beautiful

He was not blinded by his addiction

She was flawless in nature

Her entire being was bright

Her eyes, stars that envied the night sky

Her smile, the only thing that made him happy

Her voice, sweeter and softer than the sounds of the most glorious choirs

Her heart, only for him

Her touch, made him hope that she’d never take her hand away

She refused to accept it at first

But somehow

He knew that she did

And somehow

She knew that she loved him.

The wall between them had fallen.

And a new wall surrounded them.

But they were together

And that’s all he ever wanted.

Valentine’s Day-Damn Love!!!!

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Well this was one roller coaster of a week. I had a bunch of stuff planned and then was forced to scramble it together at the last minute as usual. I don’t know how everything snowballed into nothingness. I screwed up, that much is for sure.

First things first. You gotta take care of the flowers. I had a huge bouquet planned. Then I realized the real prices of flowers. So I did some digging, made some calls, and had a big arrangement planned.

And then everything collapsed. Valentine’s Day Eve, I had to make another reach out to my friends and they were awesome enough to help me out and grab some flowers on their way to school that day.

Then, one of my teachers, who doubles as my girlfriend’s teacher, allowed me to surprise my girlfriend during their class that morning. I showed up with a dozen roses and a balloon saying happy valentine’s day.

I gave them to her and she couldn’t have been happier. The past couple days since then have been far from perfect, but hopefully, the dust will settle soon.

Valentine’s Day, I hate you and your shipping complications.

BMS!!!!

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Blue Mountain State, or “BMS” for short, is probably one of the greatest shows I’ve ever watched in my entire life. I’m not a big TV guy. I only watch a few shows. I watch “How I Met Your Mother” with my girlfriend, “Boondocks”, which is arguably my favorite Adult Swim cartoon, “Family Guy” which is arguably my favorite cartoon of all time, and BMS.

Unfortunately, BMS only lasted for three seasons, and I’ve finished all three in one week. I’m disappointed to have already finished the show, but it was great while it lasted.

The show revolves around football teammates who play college football at Blue Mountain State. The teammates and pals engage in college high jinks, ranging from drugs, alcohol, sex and partying all together. The show clearly appeals to a teenage and college demographic. In other words, I would not show this to my parents. Maybe my father, who tolerates this kind of stuff. But my mother would not be pleased to say the least. There is frequent innuendo and occasional implied nudity. There are never any private parts revealed. It leaves the rest up to imagination. But that’s not even why I would enjoy a show like this. As many would find easy to believe, I watched the show expecting a football comedy. I got that, with the college twist along with it. I loved the combo.

Like many TV fans, I chose a favorite character from the beginning. My man was the running back Craig Shilo. Unfortunately, Shilo’s actor went to prison following the first season, and left the show. I was VERY disappointed to not see him in the second season. But, it was ok. The show did not suffer.

As the show continued, it seemed like I was laughing a little bit less, but the show was beginning to have more meaning as the characters went from freshman to senior year.

Upon conclusion of the show, Alex Moran, the main character, was only a junior. This begs the question, “Will they ever have a season 4?” According to reports, the show has already been cancelled. So most likely not. Alex Moran will forever be an unfinished story.

I’m upset to finish the show. But maybe I can find a new one.

Caution!!!! Anything pertaining to Blue Mountain State should not be viewed by young children. I recommend 13+ at the minimum. Don’t say I didn’t warn you all. Everyone loves Scarface, so I see no reason to say no to something like BMS. There’s all sorts of inappropriate things in both. Don’t be a hater.

Lights Out, NOLA!!!!

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By now, you have all heard about the blackout at the Super Bowl that almost changed the outcome of the game. The Ravens were on a roll, opening the second half with a kick return touchdown by Jacoby Jones and extending their lead to 28-6. The game was out of reach, and the Ravens were showing no signs of stopping. This one was getting out of hand.

Then, in the middle of the 49ers’ ensuing possession, someone decided that it was a little too bright in the Superdome. Time to go green and go blind!

There are many theories regarding the blackout in the Dome. Some say that the generators that were supporting the lighting for Beyonce’s halftime show may have blown a fuse. Some say that the off-sight generators powering the Superdome may have malfunctioned. But as you all know, I like to come up with my own theories. Some of my theories are very farfetched. However, this one makes some sense.

Check this out. In the first three quarters, Mercedes Benz did not present a commercial to the many viewers. In the fourth quarter, what do we have here? A Benz ad.

The air time was collapsed in order to draw attention to the Mercedes ads. While viewers were taking wing and bathroom break, hopefully not simultaneously, other commercials were running. As commercial spots were booked ahead of time, Mercedes made an effort to have their commercials appear while the game was actually happening.

I don’t know, guys. Seems pretty fishy to me. It’s a little more valid than Beyonce and the Illuminati having anything to do with it.

The Finale/Beginning of the NFL Season

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Well it’s all over now. The Super Bowl is finished and another season is in the books. The Baltimore Ravens have emerged as the Super Bowl Champions over the favored San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens were in control for most of the game, and for a moment, really lost their edge. However, the Ravens were able to get it together when it mattered, and held on to win. The Harbowl ended with John very badly outcoaching his brother, Jim. John went for some very gutsy calls all game.

His first was a fake field goal run for Justin Tucker that while did not result in a first down or a score, resulted in a 3 and out for the 9ers on their own 6 yard line. It was a win-win for John. The next gut-wrencher was when John decided to call a pass on a 3rd down and short that resulted in a 15-20 yard gain from Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin. It was a great pass and catch, but was somewhat unneeded. The final one was the most impressive, however. With 13 seconds left in the game, the punter, Sam Koch, must have been told to HOLD ONTO THE BALL AT ALL COSTS. DO NOT PUNT. DO NOT FUMBLE!!!

The play resulted in the 9ers getting a safety. But the clock ran down so far, that Colin Kaepernick was not going to step on the field again. The game was left to the return game with only 4 seconds left. The kick off was taken and the rest is history. No score meant a ravens victory.

My shoutout goes to Ray Lewis, who has been an idol of mine since the very beginning. I gotta love that guy.

The 2012/2013 season has come to a close, but the new 2013/2014 season began at 12 AM eastern time. The new season is an hour and a half old. Time to get back to work. Many trades, contracts and player drama will occur in the coming months. Free agency opens in a month and a half, which is one of my favorite times of the league year. I love watching money go flying. Hopefully my Eagles can pick up some big names. But the night belongs to Baltimore. Congratulations to Ray Lewis on finishing his career on a high note, and congrats to the Baltimore Ravens. They earned it!

Super Bowl Week

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This has been a somewhat ridiculous Super Bowl week filled with rumors, dumb comments and of course drama.

The rumors start with Ray Lewis and deer antler spray. For those that have no idea what deer antler spray is, you’re not alone. I don’t really know that much about it either. What I do know is that one ingredient in the spray is on the NFL’s list of banned substances. The ingredient is considered a performance enhancing drug.

Ray Lewis is rumored to have used the spray in order to heal faster from his torn triceps injury. One of his doctors has “confirmed” that he in fact did prescribe the spray to Lewis. However, one big piece of the story was left out.

Ray was never tested. There is absolutely no proof that he was or is currently on any form of PED. There was no test. There are only stupid rumors. Ray issued a denial (duh) immediately following the allegations. He’s still playing so don’t be upset. I guess the doctor must have been a San Fran fan.

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I was Wrong!!!

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I am an incredibly superstitious person. I freak out whenever I see a black cat, I refuse to walk under ladders, I don’t break mirrors and I hold salt shakers hostage during dinner so that no one spills it.

Therefore, I also believe in certain “signs” if you will, meaning that since one thing occurred, it must mean that I need to do something.

In this instance, I got sick this morning because I was meant to watch the Pro Bowl, even after swearing I wouldn’t.

So here I am, laying in my bed, meds taken, tissue box in hand, watching the Pro Bowl on NBC.com. I’m probably in for a garbage, throw away game full of blown tackles and crappy effort.

Um, what is this I’m watching? Is this…a good game?!

I have actually enjoyed watching the Pro Bowl this year. Watching some of my favorite players in the league just explode for yardage play after player. Yes, the defense is still a little bit lax but I am enjoying myself right now.

Of course, a game including the best in the business usually has a few highlights.

For starters, Russell Wilson looks like the second coming of Jesus.

For the religious nuts out there, get over it. I’m not insulting religion. I’m a proud Roman Catholic, but I’m not about to get insulted by this nonsense. Jesus was a perfect being, so say the teachings. Today, Wilson was quite perfect indeed.

He threw some great passes, ran a few times, commanded an offense and made me wish he was the QB for the Eagles. I’ve said it countless times. I believe in the mobile quarterback. I don’t mean the running back that can throw like Mike Vick. I mean the quarterback that can run, like RG3 and Wilson.

Another highlight was seeing Jeff Saturday, the center for the NFC, come over to the AFC side and snap the ball to Peyton Manning. For those that live under a rock, Manning and Saturday were teammates in Indianapolis a few years back for a long time. They built a chemistry that was unmatched in the modern day NFL. Jeff has decided to retire following the now concluded Pro Bowl game.

There were a ton of highlights, and I encourage any of you guys to check out some clips. However, my personal favorite highlight from the day was when Ed Hochuli, the referee for the game, dished out the first flag of the day. The game had gone almost a full half before a penalty was called. So, he took that fact and decided to make some comedy out of it. He turned on his mic and said the following to the crowd,

“Yes, there are still penalties in the Pro Bowl.”

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Why the Pro Bowl doesn’t matter

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A lot of people await the rosters for the NFL Pro Bowl each year. I am guilty of the same thing. However, much like 95% of the NFL population, we couldn’t care less about the outcome of the game.

The Pro Bowl is the unlike any of the Big 4 All star celebrations. By the Big 4, I mean NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB. The NBA, which I despise, has the All Star game, the rookie and sophomore game, the Dunk competition and the 3 point shot competition.

The MLB is the only one to my knowledge whose All Star game actually has an impact on the actual season. The NL and AL compete. The winner is granted the majority (4 games) in the World Series. Home field is always nice. Anyway, the game is preceded by the Home Run Derby, which I am an annual viewer.

The NHL has the most impressive All Star break of them all. Along with the game, which is always exciting and VERY high scoring, there are numerous skill competitions throughout the weekend, which include the Sniper competition and the Hardest shot, which isn’t much because Zdeno Chara is a freak of nature.

Anyway, the Pro Bowl is useless in every way. There’s a game that has no lasting implications on the season and no side competitions. It’s used to fill the gap between the Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl. It’s simply a waste of time. I almost never watch the game and will very rarely watch any of the highlights following.

I can’t stand the Pro Bowl, and neither do the players.

Except these guys…they seem to be enjoying themselves with some very attractive hula girls.