Author: backinphilly

Let’s talk Super Bowl!

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I’m usually very excited for the Super Bowl. I love sitting down to watch the NFL’s best go head-to-head and duke it out for one last game for the Lombardi Trophy. Snacks on the table, soda and other drinks in plastic cups and tons of guacamole and other dips set the menu for the game of the year.

In my family, you never go hungry. Whether it be a giant Super Bowl Sunday feast, or a light mid-morning snack, you get filled up. It’s an Olivo tradition to just eat, and love to eat. Of course, it’s done in a sense of moderation. But, it’s the weekend of the Super Bowl. Screw moderation. Let’s talk football and food.

Let’s start with the game.

The Giants and Patriots are about to square off in a rematch of Super Bowl 42. As I’m sure many people remember, the Patriots were riding an 18-0 record into the game, where a win would secure a perfect 19-0 record. The Giants however were able to stop the Patriots and won the game due to the miracle David Tyree catch.

I gotta be honest. I don’t care about this Super Bowl. My family is coming up and a lot has happened in the past week. I had a personal issue that changed a lot of my Super Bowl plans, and the game simply has no appeal to me. I will root for the Patriots because I can’t stand the New york giants. When are the Eagles going to win a Super Bowl? it’s starting to get ridiculous.

Now to the food.

Nachos, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, Lay’s, onion dip, the list goes on. At the end of the day I better be stuffed.

Not much else to really say though. I’m pissed off at the game. I don’t wanna watch it. But, as an NFL crazyperson, I just simply can’t stay away. Enjoy the game. I know I won’t.

Worst Person #15-Dan Rooney

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What? The long-time good-guy owner of the Pittsburg Steelers is a new “worst person.” The reason is because of the tenure of coach Bruce Arians, offensive coordinator.

It was reported that Arians was retiring after 5 years as the Steelers OC. However, about a week after leaving the Steelers’ franchise, Arians was hired by the Indianapolis Colts for the same OC job.

This drove myself and many other sports journalists to ask the question, “Why did Arians retire, and then immediately find a new job?”

The answer lies with Dan Rooney.

The team, led by Rooney, basically evicted Arians, but did not fire him. They simply forced him out of the job. They didn’t fire him, and he didn’t really retire. He was told to retire so that Rooney wouldn’t have to fire him.

Ya, it’s confusing, but I view Rooney as the ring leader.

Worst Person #14-The Pro Bowl

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As I’m sure everyone saw last weekend, the Conference Championships went exactly as I had planned, but not as I had hoped. I’m still fuming about the Patriots and Giants once again being in the big dance. I don’t wanna watch that crap again. It’s no fun watching the same teams compete every year when they aren’t the team you support. So, I will extend my congratulations to the Giants and Patriots and begin my post without so much as a rant about how poorly the Giants executed this past weekend, or about the 49ers’ horrible punt returner Kyle Williams. Heck, I’ll even overlook the Billy Cundiff botched kick that could have tied the game or the Lee Evans potential game-winning touchdown catch that didn’t happen. Let’s talk about the Pro Bowl.

Probably one of the most pointless contests in all of sports, the Pro Bowl has evolved into a sick joke in recent seasons. Since the game was moved to one week BEFORE the Super Bowl after being the week after for so many years, the teams in the Super Bowl must restrict the players from “competing” in the Pro Bowl. The Patriots had 8 players while the Giants had 2.

Why is this the worst thing/person of the week then?

Because the Pro Bowl shouldn’t exist. It isn’t a competition. It isn’t a serious honor bestowed upon a player by the league. It is simply a popularity contest. The rosters show dozens of players that don’t belong there, but the public and the fans don’t know any better than to elect their team’s players.

What do you think guys? Do you think the league is using the game to squeeze a little bit of extra cash out of the public?

Doesn’t look too competitive, huh?

Worst Person #13-Jeff Lurie

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Ya, ok another one about the Eagles. I bet you guys are starting to wonder why I even like this team. I can’t help it. Eagles till the day I die. But man, this just gets frustrating.

Since Steve Spagnuolo was fired from his job as the Rams head coach a few weeks ago, Eagles fans young and old were waiting to hear if he would be hired by the Philadelphia Eagles to coach the defense. However, last night, these same fans came across some very sad news pertaining to the highly popular coach.

Steve Spagnuolo signed a deal with the Saints.

Then why, might you ask, do I blame the Eagles’ owner?

Maybe because he had the power to stop this from happening!

Not only did the Eagles not get Spags (which I thought was wishful thinking from the start) BUT JUAN CASTILLO STILL HAS A FRICKIN’ JOB!!!!

I don’t get how that’s possible. He’s the worst coordinator the Eagles have had since long before Jim Johnson. I don’t know why this team continues to screw their fans. We just want to win a Super Bowl. Is that so much to ask?

I’ve seen them win a division. I’ve seen them win a conference championship. But I have yet to see them win a Super Bowl. I saw them lose one. And I’ll be honest, my story isn’t even the saddest one. My father was born in 1962. He hasn’t seen the Eagles win anything. The last time the Eagles won a league championship was in 1960, before the Super Bowl was born and before my dad was born. My dad will be 50 years old in October, and they still have no championships to show for 46 years of the Super Bowl.

WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE OUR TURN LURIE?!?!?!? SPAGNUOLO COULD HAVE HELPED US GET BACK ON TRACK! WHY DIDN’T YOU WANT TO PAY HIM?

There’s a long offseason to go. Alot of things can happen. But, I came up with a 6 step scheme that could win the Eagles a championship. FIRING CASTILLO WAS ONE OF THE STEPS!!! DON’T SCREW US LURIE!!!!

Let’s Pause and Reflect

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After the Divisional Playoff games this past weekend, I am left speechless. I know I constantly preach that anything can happen in the NFL. After this weekend, once again, I was right.

Well, not about all the games. I was 2/4 this weekend, and considering the miracles that took place, I cannot be blamed. The unpredictable has once again unfolded. Let’s discuss the craziness of the Divisional Playoffs. Ya, it’s about to get crazy.

Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.

Easily the best game of the weekend, the Saints and ‘9ers engaged in a battle of sheer firepower. With the exception of the first quarter, the game quickly evolved into a “Game of the Year” candidate.

I was jumping out of my seat during every single play. I would have never predicted the 49ers to be in this position at the beginning of the season.

If Jim Harbaugh doesn’t win Coach of the Year, I don’t know who else could win. Harbaugh has taken full control of San Francisco, and has evolved them into a solid football team.

The rushing touchdown by Alex Smith and pass from Smith to Vernon Davis in the last 9 seconds provided excitement until the clock hit zero.

I loved everything about this game. Even though I predicted the Saints to emerge victorious, I commend the 49ers for their success.

Read More »

Worst Person in Sports #10, 11, and 12-Wait and see

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For our 10th installment in the series of just straight up bad sports figures, I’m coming to you with not one, not two, (starting to sound like LeBron) but THREE athletes/coaches/owners that I just can’t STAND. First I’m going to tell you about a player I can’t stand, then a coach and then owner.

So first, let me introduce you to Michigan State running back and most devoted person in the world Nick Hill.

Yup. That’s him. You can tell by the incredibly unnecessary tattoo. Looks like something right out of “300”, huh? The mascot of Michigan State is indeed a Spartan, so he got that part right. It’s ominous and threatening, as a Spartan should be, so that’s good. So why, readers, do I have a problem with that? I don’t hate him for it. But personally, I’m not a big fan of tattoos. Friends of mine have asked me about ideas for tattoos and I always respond, “How about you don’t get one?” But, what really bugs me about this particular batch of ink is that so many things could happen that could render that tat POINTLESS! For example, let’s say he gets kicked out of Michigan State for whatever happens. What then, Mr. Hill? Gotta go to a surgeon to get it removed or risk looking like an idiot. That’s an unnecessary cost and a painful one at that.

“Backinphilly, leave him alone, he’s just showing school pride.”

I’m sure there are other ways to display pride other than permanently turning yourself into a billboard.

The crappy coach today is new Washington Redskins defensive backs coach…Raheem Morris.

WHAT?!?!?!

Talk about dropping to a new low. About a week ago, former Coach of the Year Raheem Morris was fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a very disappointing season, where the team was originally slated to make the playoffs. However, thanks to injuries and poor defensive play, the team faltered and failed miserably.

Really Tampa? You fire a guy that has been a solid coach since Day 1 because of things that he couldn’t control?

Ya, Tampa was dumb, but not nearly as dumb as the one they fired. Morris left a head coaching job to become a defensive ASSISTANT! There are so many vacant head coaching positions in the NFL right now, and he only applies for the defensive ASSISTANT? NOT EVEN A COORDINATOR?

Lookin’ good, Raheem. You might be one of the only employed people in the country looking to go DOWN in rank. And seriously? The Redskins? If you couldn’t win in Tampa, what makes you think that Washington gives you a better chance? At least Tampa has a quarterback.

Alright, one more. How ’bout Jets owner Woody Johnson?

This week, Johnson stated that his quarterback, Mark Sanchez is NOT lazy as many analysts have accused him of being. He stated that Mark is in the building first and leaves last everyday, always putting in extra work. He apparently does more work than any other quarterback.

Really?

Then why, might I ask, is he such a terrible quarterback?

The man can’t throw to his own team. I watched the Giants-Jets game. Is he color-blind? Maybe. His throws came closer to blue jerseys than they ever did to green. And what about the fumbles? I mean, dude, taking a snap isn’t as easy as it looks. But, it’s not as hard as you make it look. He’s afraid of pressure from defense, he throws into double and triple coverage far too often, and this franchise and its owner thinks they can build a team around this guy? What is wrong with you, Woody?

I’d make that face and hand motion too if my quarterback didn’t know who his teammates were. Why defend a man when his own offensive line won’t? Something tells me Mark Sanchez won’t be playing for the New York Jets for too much longer. I give him one more year and then he’s finished. Woody, don’t say a player is working hard unless he’s proving it on the field. People either think you’re lying, or crazy.

Alright, guys. That’s three for the price of absolutely nothing ’cause you don’t have to pay to read this. Next week, we go back to one person per article. This was just for the special 10th release. See you next week!

And we’re back/Worst Person #9-LSU

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How ya been, readers? I’ve been trying to figure out how long it’s been since I’ve last expressed my extreme disappointment in the wide world of sports. So without further ado, I bring you a new installment in the worst person in Sports.

It’s not just one person. This team is a disgrace following last night’s BCS championship game between Alabama and LSU. The final score was 21-0 in favor of Alabama. Many people blame Les Miles, coach of LSU for not substituting his quarterback Jordan Jefferson for backup Jarrett Lee.

Honestly, who cares?

If you can’t throw the ball, then run the ball. This team was ranked number 1 in the country and couldn’t score against a team that they beat earlier in the season 9-6. Once again, the defense for both sides was stellar. But, only one offense really came to play, and only one touchdown was scored throughout the whole contest.

That’s right, 5 field goals and one touchdown and a missed extra point.

LSU could not stop Alabama from getting into field goal range. To be honest, as a player, I have no sympathy for their deplorable offensive attack, or lack there of. The team needs to really re-evaluate. But, maybe it’s time to re-recruit. Both Jefferson and Lee are leaving the school because they’re seniors. This might be it until LSU can find a new starting quarterback.

Also, for my next worst person, I’m adding a special surprise for the readers. Enjoy!

Worst Person #8-(2nd time on the list)-Jerry Sandusky

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This must be one BAAAAAD dude, huh?

He’s now the first athletic figure to make my list twice, and he did it almost in a row (Damn Jerome Simpson). So Congratulations to Jerry Sandusky (insert sarcastic tone of voice.)

Now let’s get to it. Mr. Sandusky was taken to jail for his sorry ass to rot. But this is far from over. He is able to post bail and is expected to do so. This trial is not over by a long shot.

I stand by my thoughts that this will not end until Mike McQueary comes forward and tells the jury EXACTLY what he saw on the night he witnessed Sandusky with a young boy.

Unfortunately, like a situation I am currently dealing with, (And Thank You OVS for your continued support), the truth lies with the coward.

McQueary wants to hide. But, he can’t. He’s become one of the most popular internet searches in the world thanks to a pedophile. He didn’t commit the crime. He simply didn’t handle the crime.

Check out this article for all the details about Sandusky and the 10 victims that testified.

The children need you, McQueary. Please! SHOW YOURSELF!!!!

Maybe I’m crazy BUUUT…

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After this past weekend of NFL action, and after the Eagles lost on Thursday night, it shocks me to this that the Eagles are STILL not mathematically out of the playoff race. But now things need to get serious.

The Eagles must win every game remaining for any chance. Also, the Cowboys may not win more than one more game and the Giants may not win more than two. The Cowboys’ must also win one more game for the Eagles to make it. That win must come against the Giants.

Really guys? I can’t be put out of my misery yet because the season is still salvageable. I can’t quit on this team yet because NONE OF THE NFC EAST TEAMS WON THIS PAST WEEKEND. Each team failed to one extent or another. The Cowboys crashed because of coach Jason Garrett calling an unnecessary timeout. The Giants lost by 3 points to the undefeated Packers (Both teams played poorly, but it’s the Packers for God’s sake). The Redskins are a mess and now hold the same record as the Eagles (4-8)

This division has always been very competitive. But usually, the teams were at least closer to elite status.

If the Eagles lose one more game, the season can end and I can stop going crazy.

The Eagles face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday in a must win game. A loss ends the season. The Dream Team needs to keep dreamin’.

You’ve just gotta believe

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As I’m sure many NFL fans and my readers are aware of, the Eagles have fallen far short of their expectations. They have dropped to the very unimpressive record of 4-7. The Eagles lost a lot of games they should not have.

Now I agree. The Eagles don’t deserve a spot in the playoffs this season. They have not played nearly well enough. But, the league is full of surprises.

I looked through the standings and at first look, with the division leading Cowboys at 7-4 and the second place Giants at 6-5, the lowly 4-7 Eagles appeared, to me, out of the running.

Then I started digging and realized…We aren’t finished yet.

While the Eagles have lost 7 games, only one was a division game. They have won 3 division games. And so the scenarios begin.

If the Eagles win all of their remaining games, the Cowboys (who the Eagles play one more time) lose 3 games and the Giants lose 2 games, the Eagles win the NFC East. It’s that simple.

“But wait, Backinphilly! If the Cowboys only lose 3 games, that means they win the other 2 that they have and would only tie the Eagles at 9-7.”

You are right, obnoxious quotation. Enter the tiebreaker.

The Eagles’ division record would stand at 5-1 while the Cowboys would stand at 4-2 or 3-3 depending on if they lose to the Giants twice. Either way, the Eagles win the tiebreaker and the Cowboys get to hit the rodeo early this year.

The easiest way the Eagles make it to the playoffs is by winning out. But that alone does not assure them a spot in the postseason. Yes, it is still possible for the Eagles to lose one more game and still make the postseason. However, that involves the Cowboys losing 4 out of 5 and Giants losing 3 out of 5, which are odds that are highly unlikely.

This lies on the success of the Eagles and the failure of the Cowboys and Giants.

IT CAN BE DONE!!!! THE PLAYOFFS ARE IN SIGHT!!!!