Art of the Flop

Proportionality

 Let’s get something straight, if the media has an opportunity to be over-the-top, and blow an action out of proportion (depending, of course, on the network and program…), nine times out of ten, they will! On top of flops, on top of absolute overreaction, we have another on-court incident between the Lakers and Warriors jumping the shark. Kevon Looney, when reaching for a free throw, had his forearm inadvertently swipe the side of Anthony Davis’s face and may have bumped his temple. I’ve watched the replay of this action a dozen times, and I cannot truly equate the reaction that unfolded following the incidental contact. Full disclosure, having done a previous piece on ‘an inconvenient truth’ regarding the NFL and their lack of actions relating to CTE, I do not take the risk of concussions lightly. There’s been no mention or follow up statements made by the Lakers team doctor, or Unibrow about possible concussion, or needing to continue concussion protocol; although, it’s been mentioned ad nauseum every time it’s highlighted on a sports update. Inadvertent contact is going to happen. Although basketball is supposedly a non-contact sport… Uh-hum, some may beg to differ. 

Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith on TNT’s broadcast NBA playoffs coverage, could not resist chuckling. They may be receiving some backlash regarding their reaction. They may be giggling, due to the fact, where this forearm swipe did not deserve the over-exaggerated reaction by Anthony Davis. Let me do everyone a solid, and give a link of some ‘intense’ head bashing contact Charles and Kenny survived when they graced the hardwood in the late 1980’s and 1990’s: 

https://youtu.be/_HJmZmR0-NM

The added fuel to an already intense playoff series is irresponsible, and feeding a narrative that should be squashed. AD may have a little tenderness, or possible bruise; that’s it! End of discussion! Done! Donezo! Capiche?!

Let’s move on to the upcoming game six between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. We travel back down I-5 to Lala Land to what should be another physical and grueling 48 minutes. There are two takes on this Friday night lights special depending, of course, your regional allegiance. If you’re pumping the purple and gold, you do not want to take the 75 minute flight back to San Francisco for a Mother’s Day game seven. If you’re repping the ‘We Believe’ squad, you’re expecting the most aggressive and physical game of the series, and need to leave it all on the hardwood in hopes of hosting a Mother’s Day classic finale. We definitely have a must-watch California rivalry and we’re here for it! There’s nothing greater for sports fans than a hope-and-a-prayer possibility of a seven-game series! 

Art of the Flop

 As the NBA becomes popular world wide and further representation popping up on every NBA team’s roster from all-continents, they’ve brought with them an ingenious strategy that we’ve seen perfected on futbol pitches around the globe: the art of the flop. There’s many players around the NBA league that has been practicing, and honestly perfecting their flop technique, where it’s now potentially impacting outcomes of games. It’s becoming a talking point looking at rule changes to potentially apply consequences, such as T-ing up those partaking in the practice (that’s a technical foul, by the way- where the team affected by the action gets a free-throw and possession). We’ve been witnessing such performances in every playoff series going on right now. Some of the infamous flopping we’ve experienced come from players such as Nikola Jokic, James Harden, Chris Paul, LeBron James and some not so successful attempts from Jordan Poole. 

The Golden State Warriors are on the brink of elimination in the western conference semi-final playoff series. With less than two minutes left in game 4 versus the Los Angeles lakers, the Warriors were up 7 points and looking to even up the series when a collection of disastrous shot selections, and unforced turnovers took place, specifically an errant pass, and losing possession of a jump ball, and NOT using a time out available when Steph Curry fell to the floor and nowhere to go (Steph pulled the ‘Michigan Final Four’ error last series against Sacramento Kings, where he called for a time out, where no timeout was left… possibly hesitant to avoid that situation; maybe it would be a good idea to remind players of the TO status as gems are winding down with fate of series direction at stake). On top of seeing a game slip away from your control, is the gross disparity of free-throw attempts between the Lakers and Warriors. The Los Angeles Lakers have 83 free throw attempts versus the Warriors with only 39 through game three. One of my ‘lovely’ Lakers fan friends cheekily replied, “You don’t have opportunity to get fouled when all you’re doing is shooting 3’s...” Of course, if he was actually watching twelve minutes in all four quarters, he’d know we also post up, and have in-line shooters, also! To add to that disparity, are those phantom fouls- the flop on fleek by LeBron, Russell and many other role players learning the technique coming off the bench. 

Of course, there were season-high performances by Reaves and Williams IV in the second half. Reaves was burning our coverage making 3’s and shooters left and right at will. Williams IV scored 15 points for the Lakers in the fourth quarter, just two points shy of scoring the same total as the Warriors! The last player to do such a performance in a playoff game in the final quarter would be the Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant (man, I am nowhere near a Lakers fan, but I did love, respect Kobe’s heart and game; I miss him, as many do!). It’s difficult repeating a championship run. Going through an 82-game season, as well as playing the full gamut of a championship playoff run is ALOT of physical endurance and strength; and then to be expected to display the same intensity the following season?! Ooof, that’s huge, especially when the heart of your line-up and future hall-of-famers are north of thirty years old. The amount of conditioning that every player needs to commit to premier performances night in and night out would be considered insane for the average Biff and Joe Blow in the gym. There’s players and combination line-ups I hope Kerr will evaluate and consider for game five. The Warrior achilles so far has been inconsistent performance on defense, and shot selection. I’d like to see Gary Peyton II step up, Two-Way-Wiggins appear on both ends of the floor, Looney grab some offensive boards and put back up for two and consider giving phenom youngster Jonathan Kuminga some minutes, and see if he can play up to the remaining playoff rosters’ caliber.  

All of us rooted and behind the Gold-Blooded, Strength in Numbers and ‘We Believe’ Golden State Warriors are hoping this will come down to game 7 at Chase… Prayers, voice loud and hands up with the layups, dunks and treys! Let’s go Blue and Gold! 

Clap Back!

 Before delving into reflections on Los Angeles Lakers clap back Saturday evening versus the Golden State Warriors, I was seeing NHL playoff scores, upcoming games and was intrigued with Las Vegas Knights maintaining relevance and moving forward. I also observed a bit of news from Las Vegas with potential hesitancy on funding to bring the Oakland Athletics to tinsel town. Has Athletic’s owner John Fisher been conned into believing they’d be embraced with open arms?! I am looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds (my heart bleeds for Oakland fans enduring just shit owners that give a rats ass about their fans versus lining their pockets; yes, Mark Davis, I include you in the latter sentiment). 

Okay, moving on to why I am typing a brief observation. Saturday’s game between Los Angeles and Golden State was definitely a  reaction display and clapping back from a 27-point beat down in San Francisco forty-eight hours earlier. Having games spaced out going every-other-day is a challenging ask of elite players that are north of thirty years of age. Conditioning, consistency, perseverance and motivation have to be embraced for the primary thirty-something  role players. Elite players, game-changing players must push through exhaustion after their grinding 82-game season, and a seven game first round grueling series win. 

Above the physical challenges and expectations of 100-plus million dollar athletes on the floor, would be to update the next game’s plan in order to improve results as well as thwart repeat performances from role players of your opponent. The Golden State Warriors had absolutely anemic numbers regarding field goal percentage (39.6%), three point conversions (29.5%), assists (26) and turnovers (19!!!). The Lakers shot for 52.5%, 48% from the three-point line and had twice as many steals (10 versus 5)! When Golden State has 30 or more assists in a game, the result usually ends up with scoring more points than the other team, winning those games. Ball movement, quelling turnovers and stepping up on defense will be keys for the Warriors to show up at Crypto Arena and have an answer for the Lakers. Everyone needs to buy in, take some deep breaths and put the celebrities back in their seats with a confused look on their mugs of what they are seeing. 

I’ve now been hearing on sports talk programs what I shared the other day with you, where network and media would like to see this fan-drooling ideal semi-final western conference matchup go seven games (are the refs playing a part to see this happen? Hmmmm…. Inquiring minds speculate) It’s Nor-Cal versus So-Cal where no love is lost, and each region argues their quality of air, life superior over the other. I am firmly rooted with the Warriors; may Lala-land falter and run out of breath chasing Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Pool et al around the hardwood. 

Rare Air...

I finally had an opportunity to go watch ‘Air’ yesterday before going to work out and then watch the Bay Area’s beloved Golden State Warriors. Little did I know, I would have an epiphany listening to the pitch Sonny gave to Jordan’s mother, as well as the family about creating a shoe around him, as a player. The move was an incredible risk and unprecedented at the time in the sporting shoe industry in 1984! As we all know now, it paid off for everyone, including competing shoe brands. That got me thinking about Stephen Curry. The man, father, brother, athlete, human being realms in rare air, like Jordan. It’s once in every other generation we see a true grinding force pivoting the way a whole league plays the game.  

Earlier in the morning as I was munching on some nutrition to fuel me for the morning and afternoon, I thought I would tune in and see what national sports analysts were discussing. To my delight and ire, ‘First Take’ with Stephen A. Smith and varied plucked sports analysts on ESPN were debating the value and status of one Stephen Curry’s legacy. I could NOT disagree more with their subjective conclusions. Curry is a once in a generation player. As he continues to build on an already mind-blowing career in the NBA, he’s often overshadowed by LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Wardell Stephen Curry, drafted as the 7th pick by the Golden State Warriors in 2009. The Warriors were ecstatic that he was available to nab, and build a team around his talent. Jerry West was a consultant for the Warriors at the time, and was beyond impressed, blown away honestly at his work ethic, drive, grit, grind and absolute natural shooting stroke. The remaining talking heads as well as fans were not enthused, especially when Warriors GM and front office traded Monta Ellis away. Whelp, this is why we are where we are in the bleacher seats, on the sidelines, and they were creating a dynasty. Like Sonny and Mrs. Jordan knew about the internal drive and desire quietly bubbling below the surface of Michael Jordan, Bob Meyers, Jerry West and Joe Lacob could vision the capacity and swagger circulating through the veins of a ‘sleight’ ‘skinny’ ‘small’ Guard out of Davidson. They knew taking the risk on that babyface assassin would run circles around opposing teams and break ankles as he carries the nine bay area counties on his back towards titles and a legacy no one can deny. He trail-blazed a spectacular shoe deal himself, placing Under Armour on the map of must-have shoes! (sound familiar?). 

I’m mystified by national professional sports writers and media analysts of how they continue to dismiss him as a GOAT of his generation?!!! I mean, he’s beaten LeBron James already three times for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. He’s sat Jokic down in early playoff rounds; he beat Kevin Durant enough for him to finally win his ring with the Warriors; James Harden, Chris Paul… All given tee times. Lebron James had to ‘take his talents’ to Miami, joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to finally get his ring; he then went back to the Cavaliers, and had to get Draymond Green suspended in order to bring back a title to Cleveland; now, with the Lakers, I feel if it wasn’t for Anthony Davis, there’s no way ‘King James’ brings another title to the Lakers in the Bubble Year. 

There’s only a few that have walked or walking across the perfectly polished hardwood courts in the NBA that make our jaws drop and remedy us speechless at their athletic feats with a 29.5” leather-dimpled ball. In my lifetime, I’ve experienced 6- Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the l980’s; Michael Jordan in the 1990’s; Kobe Bryant and Lebron James in the 2000’s; last but definitely not least, Wardell Stephen Curry in the 2010’s and continuing now! The Warriors were in the NBA Finals in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, winning 4 titles in 6 appearances. They would not have made it that far or have won without Curry present. 

The clash of titans between LeBron James and Stephen Curry continues now as the Los Angeles Lakers play the Golden State Warriors with the winning team having an opportunity to play for the Western Conference title. The factors I believe will be the difference of either L.A. winning the series, versus Golden State, do not involve LeBron. What will make the difference would be the significance of Anthony Davis on the floor, and presence on defensive end regarding rebounds and blocks; rebounding and curbing unforced turnovers on Golden State’s end; last but not least, the performance of Steph, and creating best shot selection for himself as well as teammates on the floor. These are the factors I feel (in my humble amateur fan girl opinion) will be the difference of what we will experience as the series continues down I-5 to Lala Land and the Staple… Oh,wait,  uh-hum, I mean Crypto.com Center. Okay, well that and if the refs are being told by Network heads to make sure the series goes seven games… (I am telling you, sometimes I absolutely wonder about that controversial thought…) Doh!  

Enjoy the Playoffs! I, of course, will be rooting for the Bay Area’s Gold Blooded Warriors to continue their run for another NBA title! Strength in Numbers; keep faith in Steph and the team, coaches surrounding an amazing generational talent. Cherish the experiences and play while Curry blesses us with his presence on the court! 

THE ART OF THE 'DRAFT'

The most popular and competitive fantasy tournaments in the United States revolves around the most aggressive and infamous national leagues that took over Sundays from God, and practically putting America’s pastime game of baseball out to pasture. Fantasy Football has gained incredible status in the last two decades. When I began playing in 2001, I was a rare female participant nudging my way into a macho-male dominant creation. I mean, who wants to be out swindled and beaten by the ‘chick’?! Oh, the fury and projecting spit I’ve experienced over the years from fellow competing teams that couldn’t quite grasp how a ‘girl’ (Uh-hum… Actually woman, I was 30-something when the millennium transpired) could know anything, or God forbid keep track or have an opinion about American Football?!! (Gasp…)

Well, my fellow fantasy fans, it’s simple… One must pay attention to details and patterns, based on a team’s composition and performance, beginning with the Coaches, and what their outlook, mission and value to create a ‘winning’ product on the gridiron. Against possibly strong beliefs, one cannot just plug and produce premier players in any system. It can be a complex dance knowing the players that will fit in a coach’s scheme and premier playbook. On top of that, there are adjustments to every plan based on one’s opponent and their presented strengths. It’s as if the greater leaders on the sidelines adapt the teachings of Sun Tzu; after all, one does play on a field, attacking the other front line, penetrating with blitzes, sweeps, air raids, as well as throwing missiles and bombs-ultimately breaking down to an ‘art of war’ attempting to be standing stronger, versus experiencing attrition in the 60 minutes of ‘battle’.

Okay, maybe not so straight forward or ‘simple’ as one may assume. Even experts and seasoned analysts will get burned on their preseason predictions regarding dominant veteran performers, sleepers and rookies that may or may not fit in well to NFL from college. I feel the mistake many fantasy players make, is not paying attention to college football. I mean, NCAA Division I, II and III are technically the ‘farm teams’ of our National Football League. The conferences in the NCAA are not all equal when it comes to preparing players for the next level. Majority never make it as a professional. Some programs seem to have more success than others year-in-and-year-out in producing incredible athletes groomed to succeed In the NFL. The most prominent conferences would be SEC, PAC-12, Big 10, Big 12, ACC and Independent. And…. Word to the wise… Paying attention to programs where certain phenomenal players come out of can be favorable to your draft day when picking rookies and sleepers to fill in depth of your fantasy roster. I.e., there’s never been a successful quarterback that has come out of USC; Carson Palmer came close… and that’s it! So, for all those Sam Darnold fans… Let it go… You’re going to have to let that nuance out that back door.

Moving on… Regarding nuances, there’s many in both PPR and non-PPR leagues. Of course, I prefer PPR over set points system based on specified yards benchmark, and scores; it’s more exciting and gives team work-horses an opportunity to create points versus the running back that comes in for goal line plays and scores with a total of 5 yards, 10 yards, versus a back or tight-end that has 125-150 yards creating that opportunity within the red zone. Most running backs, wide receivers and tight ends with value come from teams that have invested in a strong offensive line. One does get the rare performance though, when a team has a great option quarterback that can scramble, like Russel Wilson. Seattle’s offensive line these last few years have been horrible! Horrible! Yet, Wilson has the wheels to get out of the pocket and create plays. New Orleans has not invested in the greatest offensive line either (hence, Brees injury last year with broken ribs). Luckily, Brees and up-and-coming quarterback Taysom Hill’s ability to scramble and dump the ball to Alvin Kamara majority of the time gave them ample opportunities to squeak out a win– Boy, did he rack up points for fantasy owners! Wowsers! Now that Brees is retired, will he have the same output? Hmmmm… We all look forward to finding out!

There’s plethora of strategies when it comes to drafting a team based on if its an auction versus snake draft. You must look at value of each position as well when it’s a PPR points system versus Non-PPR leagues. How many points do they average? What’s their projection for the upcoming year? How consistent has the player been in producing points? Are they on the same team? Has there been a coaching change in the offseason? Has there been a quarterback change? Projections are tricky. Depending on strength of schedule, coaching staff turnover, players who left, players acquired, production can potentially change significantly in either a positive or lackluster direction. Is it a high-throwing playbook? Is it an option playbook? Do they have one prominent running back, or running back by committee? Is it a quarterback high management system with short clean passing, versus airing it out, or an option play caller with wheels? Do they have a strong tight-end and fullback presence? What’s their special teams like? How’s the defense? So many scenarios to run through to secure a decent choice. And, after all that… You can still be screwed! I had Michael Thomas perform as my prime receiver four years running up through last year’s draft. I chose to pay a slight premium to keep him, believing he would continue his stellar run, with nothing really changing in the New Orleans offense (I drafted him 5 years ago for $3 in an auction/keepers league; so the premium I ended up paying was a whole $29, still less then if he was up for auction), and got seriously burned! Trying to find a consistent replacement was an absolute hodge podge. Needless to say, last year was not a great fantasy year, as secure players in past seasons did nothing.

That’s leads me to another item to pay attention to- shelf life of a productive fantasy player. Will they still throw for over 4000 yards? Will they run for over 1000 yards? Will they continue to be the go-to for scoring? Every fantasy phenom has a ‘sweet spot’ of productive years. Then, that one year… Poof! The value diminishes, as if Thanos had one of his epiphanies waving his fingers, and the scoring, gains evaporate into thin air as they become enveloped by the swarming defense, or the sudden tweak of tendons and bones encroach upon their finely tuned anatomy. There’s that moment where you sigh…. Have a little sniff… and just like a brisk Autumn wind swirling through the air, have to cut them from fantasy contention. It’s a harsh reality, but one must do what one has to do to reach the championship game.

Ahhhhh, and then there’s the rookies and sleepers preparing for greatness awaiting in the wings… Or, in this case, pacing the sidelines. This is where one must really question how much weight one places on the experts and preseason performance. Again, (as I lightly borrow from Glengarry Glen Ross) always be evaluating… Always be evaluating, ALWAYS BE EVALUATING! What perse’ are we evaluating? The coach’s system; strength of schedule; the offensive line; the defense and special teams! Everything! Everything! Everything! (Inserting Violent Femmes) Add it up! Add it up! Yes, Add it up! (Can you tell yet, she’s one of those Gen-Xers…. Run!)

Okay, back to all seriousness… Becoming an ‘expert’ fantasy player (if there is such a thing), takes hours, years, eons of research, and a little luck. We all have our moments basking in the sun… And, those spectacular seasons of absolute disaster leaving an ‘L’ on the forehead, and the winner’s choice of doling out some sort of public task displaying fantasy failure. The most important takeaway in participating in the nation’s most popular fantasy outlet, is to enjoy all the moments and the group of friends you’ve selectively chosen to play with, and they chose you! (There’s been a couple leagues I’ve been un-invited, due to winning too consistently. It’s not my fault for their insecurities or lack of research). Ultimately, it’s all about being joyful and witty banter. I now have belonged to the same fantasy leagues with quite the professionals and heavy researchers themselves for the last 11 years, and I’ve enjoyed the winning and losing times! I hope everyone playing in fantasy sports has the same fun, competitive and jovial experiences as I’ve had throughout my years of playing. It’s been an absolute blast!

 

Good Luck!

 

X Factor

The Cliché debate that’s been bantered around football for the last decade may soon be answered: Who made the New England tandem so effective – The quarterback or the coach?

After 20 years of dominance in the AFC division in the NFL, the quarterback-coach tandem being considered the greatest of all time are going their separate ways. The New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have split up.

Tom Brady was the 199^th pick in the 2000 draft. After an injury to starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe in late 2001, Tom Brady stepped in to take the team all the way to their first Super Bowl Championship on February 3^rd, 2002. The Bill-Brady tandem showered with confetti, champagne and a trip to Disney World never looked back! Between 2002 and 2020, New England has made appearances in 9 Super Bowls, winning 6. Tom Brady has past two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana taking the summit solo with six Super Bowl titles and enough sparkling championship rings for two hands. Passing up on the partisan argument of who truly is the GOAT of quarterbacks (Boomers and Gen-Xers siding with Montana, and Millennials and Gen Z boasting Brady- the game was drastically different), as well as the whines of cheating from fans across the NFL (The Blizzard Game ‘Tuck’ Controversy, Video-gate, deflate-gate), we land upon a debate that has cropped up since New England’s almost-perfect season, defeated only by the New York Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl: Who is the ‘X’ factor that makes New England unbeatable? The quarterback or the coach?

Well, my fellow sports enthusiasts (professional and amateur), we will finally have resolution and a viable answer after a decade of back-and-forth bickering. Following Brady’s announcement to leave New England, Vegas odds significantly shifted relating to odds of Tampa Bay winning the NFC East, as well as New England making it back to the Super Bowl. Obviously, Tampa Bay went from +6000 to +1200, where New England went from +600 down to +1200. Of course, every football specialist, paid sports analyst, and every type of sports bar patron, and football fanatic trolls has a side they support, dropping their theory on why they support the coach or the quarterback. Of course, I have my analysis to add to the already over-saturated published opinions splayed across the world-wide-web of streaming shows, podcasts, articles, vlogs, blogs and every posted material in-between! It may be redundant, or may give you added information to consider, possibly influencing a potential change in sides? If anything, I will add my 5 cents into the pot, and see how it turns out (BTW, $.05 bet on Tampa Bay to win NFC East pays out $60).

Many strategists and analysts that have roamed the halls of stadiums and press boxes have sided with the head play caller and the staff he’s built to create a complete juggernaut, Bill Belichick. There are sports analysts as well supporting the other side of the argument, advising Belichick may not have the wins and success, if it weren’t for a head-strong highly motivated and disciplined in-the-game play caller in quarterback, Tom Brady.

To begin my analysis, let’s breakdown both coaches and their backgrounds. Bill Belichick became head coach of the New England Patriots in 2000, coming off one of the greatest coaching trees, being a defensive coordinator (or an assistant) under Bill Parcells, at New York Giants, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. Belichick had a brief stint as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, taking them to the playoffs once during his short time there, before Cleveland’s owner made the decision to move the franchise to Baltimore, becoming the Ravens in 1996. Bill is a defense-minded coach. Being an assistant to Coach Parcells, he knows the significance of having an effective offensive coordinator, as well as quarterback coach that could successfully execute his philosophy of a balanced offensive scheme, based on existing roster strengths. One aspect I felt was always underrated about every Patriot Super Bowl winning season, was their defense.

While Tom Brady was the starting quarterback in New England, Belichick had only three offensive coordinators, and five quarterback coaches. OC Charlie Weis, Bill O’Brien and Josh McDaniels shared the quarterback coaching responsibilities along with being the Patriots’ offensive coordinator. The two other quarterback coaches during this time were John Hufnagel and Dick Rehbein, who shared the quarterback coaching duties under Charlie Weis during the early 2000’s. The offense coordinators shared and executed the philosophy of spread offense for a strong from-the-pocket passer, and sprinkling in a shared-running game, that became progressively stronger and more effective in postseason campaigns. The strengths of the New England coaching staff were their consistency year-in-and-year-out; effective scouting and implementation of underrated offensive talent; and an incredibly strong offensive line to protect a less-mobile, preferred pocket passing quarterback. Although considered as coming off the Bill Parcells coaching tree, Belichick has quite a bountiful tree himself. Some highlights would be Mike Vrabel currently coaching the Tennessee Titans, Kliff Kingsbury of the Arizona Cardinals and Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans. The question remains, did the staff build an effective playbook around Brady? Or, did Brady effectively execute with precision and accuracy, what seemed to be an unchanging predictable playbook?

Now that Brady has decided to move on, there’s now an opening for starting quarterback in New England. Brady’s backup when he left was Brian Hoyer, who is a journeyman back up in the NFL. The few opportunities he’s had to step in a game and make a difference, has been lackluster to say the least. Rookie Jarrett Stidham out of Auburn University may have potential to fill a crater-sized hole. Bill Belichick has a close relationship with Alabama head coach, Nick Saban, and I am sure received a thorough scouting report regarding Stidham’s skills and effectiveness when at Auburn, Alabama’s SEC Conference archrival. I cannot see New England drafting a quarterback in hopes of them becoming the starter. I see Stidham as projected starter and piecing tools and protection surrounding him. The signing of WR Damiere Byrd from Arizona Cardinals, and FB Dan Vitale from Green Bay Packers is a boost for target options and opening up the running option for the incoming play-caller. We will see how much Stidham has gleaned from his outgoing predecessor. Will Bill be able to repeat the tandem magic with a bright-eyed inexperienced Field Marshall anxious to confirm that the franchise made the best pick to continue New England’s two-decade dynasty?

Bruce Ariens (coincidently, the same age as Belichick) bounced around for years in various offense assistant coaching roles between college and professional teams, until he was hired to be the wide receivers coach by Bill Cowher for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004. Ariens became the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator under Cowher’s successor, Mike Tomlin. He was part of the OC staff when the Steelers won Super Bowl titles in 2005 and 2008. Before being hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year, Ariens did see some success as head coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Ariens is known as a risk taker, as well as a quarterback whisperer. He himself was a quarterback for the Virginia Tech Hokies under a wishbone-run offense in the 1970’s. Some of the qualities he has listed as his ‘perfect’ quarterback, is one with heart, grit, and trustworthy under the Ariens system. Part of the description Ariens has written of what counts as ‘heart’ and ‘grit’ would be a quarterback willing to dive in to a defensive line to get that extra yard, or if he were to throw a pick, have no hesitation in running down the field forty yards to tackle the receiver who intercepted the ball.  His philosophy line is, “No risk it, no biscuit”. Ariens states he is not fond “Playing to not lose” when ahead in a game and would have no hesitation in calling a deep target passing play. Considering New England has more of an offense management system, it will be interesting to see the meshing between the supposed ‘quarterback whisperer’ and an aging, less mobile game management quarterback.

Now, let’s move over to the other side of the Isle and take a look at Tom Brady. Brady was drafted out of University of Michigan, where he was the starting quarterback his junior and senior years, amassing a 21-5 record, and impressive wins over Arkansas in the Citrus Bowl, and an incredible overtime win over Alabama in the Orange Bowl. The first two years at Michigan were incredibly challenging for Brady as a second/third string option quarterback, and at one point so discouraged, he thought of transferring to Cal. His outlook, confidence, work ethic and philosophy turned around when he worked with sports psychologist, Greg Harden, and stated in a 2014 interview, "He will always be somebody I rely on for sound advice and mentorship. He has helped me with my own personal struggles in both athletics and in life. Greg really pushed me in a direction that I wasn't sure I could go.” Brady performed well on the wonderlic test, with a 33 score, and was projected to go late in the second round or early in the third round. He was considered a ‘steal’ dropping all the way to the sixth round in the 2000 NFL Draft. When Brady first met Patriots owner Robert Kraft, he disclosed with a handshake, “You will not regret your decision”.

Obviously playing with a chip on his shoulder, Brady lived up to his promise to the owner of the New England Patriots. Through twenty seasons under the Patriots, Brady has amassed the second most passing yards in the NFL (74,571) averaging 4,138 per year. He’s averaged 30 touchdowns, and one of an elite group to throw 50 touchdowns in one year. He has averaged only 9.9 interceptions in a year, with a 1.1% interception rating versus completions. He has incredible intelligence in reading defenses, and scanning the field for second, third, or pitch out options. Regardless of the receivers, tight ends, or running backs on the field, he will throw at the best option, most open receiver. Although you wouldn’t consider Brady as ‘elusive’, he is keen on getting rid of the ball quickly, avoiding many sack opportunities. He is quite fiery and will constructively chat up his teammates to improve outcomes to win a game. I am not sure I would ever qualify Brady as a ‘risk taker’ when it comes to execution of an effective and winning offense. I would tend to qualify Brady as a metrics quarterback. Based on the weapons and system he has available, versus the opposing defense, he will work with his given playbook to expose an opponent’s known weaknesses. There’s only been a handful of times (minus the controversies) where Brady and the New England system were trumped. The New York Giants under former head coach Tom Coughlin, and free-slinging quarterback Eli Manning were New England’s kryptonite.

Time after time as Brady aged, we were all waiting for a slip of performance, a diminishing of skills, thinking in the back of our minds, the Bill-Brady dynasty is over. Yet, year after year, they kept showing up, and winning! We all came to a conclusion the Patriots would be Super Bowl contenders until one of them decides to retire. All of sports media and fans alike scoffed at Tom Brady’s response of a desire to play as long as he felt competitive. Brady aspires and hopes he can continue playing, being effective and relevant until he is 45, which would be unprecedented. Football is so hard on an athlete’s body; most players have a career of ten years, or less. Brady credits Alex Guerrero and his alternative and holistic approach to nutrition, recovery, and training. Brady has worked with Guerrero for many years and assisted in the creation of the ‘TB12’ system of wellness. Brady feels Guerrero is an integral reason he’s able to play at such a highly competitive level over the age of 40.

I believe the rift between head coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady began to pop up when the head coach/general manager revoked access for Guerrero to have an office at the team facilities, fly with the players to games, and side line presence during games in 2017. Of course, Brady and Belichick never addressed any of the reporters’ inquiries to the change and situation. Then there was the controversial trade of Brady’s backup, Jimmy Garropolo to the San Francisco Forty-Niners. There are still rumors milling around on who requested that move. It appeared that Jimmy G was poised to be Brady’s successor, and patiently waiting to step in, when he retires. Brady had no intention of retiring anytime soon. As Brady is going in to his 21^st season, turning 43, there were rumblings if he would remain in New England versus becoming a free agent, as rumors began cropping up again that the relationship between Brady and Belichick was becoming sour at the end of last season. After New England gave a lackluster offer for Brady to stay, the writing was on the wall. New England was ready to cut loose their most successful and aging front man. Brady, for the first time in his career, became a free agent.

With all live sports suspended under a global pandemic, everyone in the sports world tuned in to see where Brady would go! Would it be San Diego? Denver? Would he live out his childhood dream and return to play in San Francisco? Would Gruden woo him to Vegas, with Raider fans forgiving him for the ‘Tuck’ fiasco? Would Tennessee be tempting enough? The experts were grasping to give their ‘locked-in’ choices of where Brady would end up. I cannot name one person who murmured or thought ‘Tampa Bay’ would be the ultimate destination, especially with a head coach like Bruce Ariens. With incredible contrast of risk-taker versus risk-manager, how will both parties merge to create a competitive and winning system? For the first time in his career, Brady will have an elite receiving core, with the likes of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jordan Leggett and OJ Howard to name a few. The outlying question is the strength of the offensive line, which Brady will significantly depend on for success, being a prominent pocket-passing quarterback without speedy feet. Brady has been effective for many years in quickly getting rid of the ball to an open receiver. As he ages, will this statistic remain the same, or will it take Brady slightly longer to scan an find a target down-field? Attributes we firmly know diminishes with age, are eye and hand motor-skill reaction times. Looking at the history of the last few seasons of Tampa Bay, the offensive line was ranked one of the lowest in the NFL (31^st allowing yards per carry, and 29^th in quarterback hits allowed). That would have to be a concern for Brady, and an area where Tampa Bay must shore up to gain success. Will Tom Brady be effective as a motivational leader bringing his confidence, leadership, and ‘TB12’ mentality to convert a young potential team into a contender? Will Ariens risk-taking mantra along with Brady’s risk-management ways come together to create a refreshed and effective playbook to win in the trenches of the NFC East?

You would think a man that has reached the pinnacle of success in personal and career aspirations would have nothing else to prove. That he could gracefully ride off into the sunset and live a tranquil content existence. Brady is not done completing career goals. There’s an underlying burn at the pit of his stomach to prove excellence without being tied to Bill Belichick. The chip on Tom’s shoulder never diminished or retracted since being drafted in the 6^th round 20 years ago. If anything, he may have gained another one, always being tied to Coach Belichick. He’s internally driven to join rare status. Everyone commenting that he’s ‘too old to be effective with another team’, or he was ‘only effective under the New England system’ has added fuel to his motivation to prove all the trolls wrong. Not only to win a historic 7th Super Bowl as a starting quarterback, but to be one of potentially two starting quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl title with two different teams. The only starting quarterback in NFL history to win a super bowl with two teams, is Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos). If Brady were to win a Super Bowl with a Tampa Bay team with +1600 odds to even make the Super Bowl, would definitely etch Brady as the greatest, and support his side of the argument, that he was the ‘X’ Factor, that brought championships to New England. To all the Brady haters- I’m sorry to report, Brady won’t be going anywhere for at least a couple more years.