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Jaguars in the Community: The Wuerffel Benefit Luncheon
2008-05-23 01:57:00
[Note by River City Rage, 05/23/08 3:11 AM EDT ] Clodknocker was a participiant in the recent Wuerffel Benefit Luncheon at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.  He was kind enough to write his observation and thoughts on the event for us.  On behalf of everyone at Big Cat Country, thank you for writing this!       The Luncheon was held at the Touchdown Club at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Thursday May 15th. Former Quarterback Danny Wuerffel was humble, yet well-armed to reveal his strengths on the football field that made him a Heisman Tropy winner after leading the Florida Gators to four straight Southeastern Conference Championships, and defeating the Florida State Seminoles in the Sugar Bowl for the consensus National Championship. He had a supporting cast of former standout Gators present; Kerwin Bell, Chris Doering, and Shane Matthews. Former Gators and present Jaguars , Reggie Nelson and Mike Peterson, were also listed as being present.   &nbs...
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Better Know a Jaguars Coach: Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis
2008-05-22 20:00:00
      Although regularly overlooked by the common fan, special teams consistently has been a hallmark of quality football teams, and can literally make or break a game. DeCamillis has been nothing short of a godsend for the Jags. He started his career at Denver, and moved to coach special teams under his now father-in-law Dan Reeves in NY. Afterwards, he jumped to Atlanta where he presided over a special teams monster for the better part of a decade. This man can flat out coach, and he’s got a reputation for doing so.  So back to the special teams part. First, when I did a big feature a few years ago on coverage and return units, breaking down all the aspects of special teams that go overlooked, even I was overwhelmed at how much there was to know. And of the six or seven coordinators I talked to, the two who impressed me the most were Harbaugh and Joe DeCamillis, who is now with the Jaguars . Both guys sounded like head coaches. They know ho...
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Quick Bytes: OTA News and Notes
2008-05-22 12:16:00
Quick Bytes : The daily digest of everything you need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars (and other things).With Monday and Tuesday's OTA's behind us, let's take a look at what we've observed/learned/speculated so far.:  Monday's OTA: Key Injuries: DE Brian Smith and WR Mike Walker are were both sidelined.  Walker is clearly on an intentionally slow recovery.  Better to let him ease through the summer rather than send him to camp injured.  Brian Smith, on the other hand, will not be a Jaguar on September first.  His injury is simply too nagging and will not allow him a chance to even try out for the roster.  The Jaguars took a risk on Smith and missed.  With all the competition on our roster, it'd be foolish to deny someone who can prove themselves a spot on the team or practice squad for an unknown quantity in Smith.  He clearly wants to play, but his body won't let him. Defensive End Reggie Hayward was absent from both OTA's so ...
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Contract Extension: Jacksonville Jaguars extend Defensive Tackle Tony McDan
2008-05-21 22:22:00
Jacksonville Sports Radio 101XL just reported that the Jaguars have agreed to a Contract Extension with Defensive Tackle Tony McDaniel.  The 6-7, 310 third year player is an imposing, albeit developing player on the roster.  McDaniel has played in 15 games in his career, but missed 12 last season due to injury. The Jaguars would not have traded Marcus Stroud if they did not believe that Tony McDaniel would develop into a force on the defensive line. Terms are not disclosed, as usual, but I will post them as soon as they are leaked. This is the third extension in the last few days with defensive tackle Rob Meier coming to terms with an extension along with tackle Richard Collier  Defensive End Paul Spicer was offered a contract, but did not come to an agreement. -Chris
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Jason Taylor Boycotting Offseason: Prepare for Trade Rumors
2008-05-21 22:05:00
In a move that will surely set radio shows and message boards afire, Miami Defensive End Jason Taylor is not attending any offseason activities with the Dolphins, including Training Camp.  Head Coach Tony Sparano announced Taylor's intention to boycott in his OTA press conference today: "This is my reaction with the Jason Taylor situation and I'm going to answer this question one time," Sparano said. "I'm not going to answer another question about the Jason Taylor situation after I answer this. Here's what I know. What I know is that Jason Taylor – and I'm glad we know this, we've gotten the information and that's important – but I know that Jason is not going to be at any OTAs, I know that Jason is not going to be in any mini-camps and I know that right now Jason is not going to be at training camp. This, obviously, effects the Jaguars as they have long been connected to rumors of interest and trade talks.  It seemed as though these talks came to an a...
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Jaguars Tackle Richard Collier gets an extension: Khalif Barnes is on notic
2008-05-21 15:00:00
The Jaguars signed backup offensive lineman Richard Collier to a contract extension Friday and also signed undrafted rookie free-agent wide receiver Derek Richards. Richards' addition means the Jaguars have 14 undrafted rookies who have signed contracts, plus five draft picks who have yet to sign, bringing their roster total to 85 players. All 19 rookies arrived in Jacksonville on Friday and will be on the field Monday for the second week of organized team activities. Rookies weren't allowed to report for OTAs before May 15 because of an agreement the NFL has with the NCAA. Collier, originally signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State in 2006, has played in just eight games in his first three seasons with one start. Last year, he was suspended for two games after being arrested on a DUI charge. No contract terms were disclosed for Collier, who was due to make $455,000 this year. He's the backup left tackle behind Khalif Barnes . Full article This is ...
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Unnamed Sources say Jacksonville Jaguars for Sale
2008-05-20 18:51:00
Now, let me set the record straight: I do not believe what I am reporting.  I am merely passing along what Michael Silver reported on Yahoo.com. In his article about the St. Louis Rams being for sale, he mentions that "unnamed" league sources claim that the Jaguars owner, Wayne Weaver, has sought buyers for the team. He then debunks said source by quoting Eddie DeBartolo: One high-ranking league source says the Jacksonville Jaguars are another team that might be sold and relocated to L.A. and that owner Wayne Weaver has solicited potential buyers in recent months. But DeBartolo discounted the possibility of purchasing the Jags, saying, "I think (he'll sell) every year, but it doesn't happen. I get the feeling that Wayne really wants a Super Bowl, and every year he keeps thinking, 'It's gonna be the year,' and he decides to keep them." It's that time of year.  Every offseason there's a rumor, a quote, a statement from somewhere that the Jaguars are for sale and the...
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Better Know a Jaguars Head Coach: Assistant Coach Mike Tice
2008-05-20 12:00:00
Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Mike Tice gives President Bush a football jersey in Minneapolis. Position: TE Height: 6-7     Weight: 253 lbs. Born: February 2, 1959 in Bay Shore, NY College: Maryland Coaching in Minnesota The above link shows all of Tice’s records while coaching for Minnesota. The following excerpt is from an article I found scouring the web and it delves into detail about the personality and approachability of Coach Tice. It really makes you want to have a beer with the guy at the local pub. "I am a big, tall, deep-voiced, loud, arrogant New Yorker who thinks he is right all the time. That rubs some people the wrong way. I don't mean anything by it. But I am opinionated." "Father, forgive me, I'm Catholic and go to church, but my order of priorities are family, church and football," Tice says. "That's maybe why I look at what is going on around here a little differently. Don't get me wrong. Football is very, very important, but there ...
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2008 Jacksonville Jaguars Roster Breakdown: The Wide Receivers
2008-05-20 12:00:00
  In recent years the Jacksonville Jaguars have faced a "yeah, but" problem with their offense.  The solid running game, the productive line play, even with the quarterback problems, the sore thumb of the Jaguars offense is the Wide Receiving Corps.  Despite having two first round draft picks in Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, the Jaguars have not yet found the heir apparant to Jimmy Smith, and even throughout the outstanding 2007 season lacked the receiver that guaranteed a double team and that would strike fear into defensive game planning. While the Jaguars went through an offensive explosion last season, there are still question marks surrounding the receivers.  Will Reggie Williams repeat his 10 touchdown and 600 yards or was those merely outliers?  Will Matt Jones wake up or stay in Jack Del Rio's doghouse? The offseason only added to those questions as the Jaguars charted an aggressive course to surround quarterback David Garrard with as many weapons...
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Jacksonville Jaguars OTA News and Updates:
2008-05-19 12:00:00
On Monday, the Jaguars will begin their third session of Offseason Training Activities (OTA), with eight more practices until their Mini-camp on the weekend of June 6th.  These OTA sessions are critical in building a cohesive and strong football team because there is so little time in training camp to build relationships and put units on the same page.  Remember, the 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars open their season in Tennessee, and then play the Colts and Texans in the first month of the regular season.  Without a strong start, the Jaguars could find themselves hopelessly behind in the critical AFC South division race before Christmas Decorations appear in the Avenues Mall. Jaguars.com's Vic Ketchman, a writer any Jaguars fan is familiar with, is chafing at the interest in the teams OTA"s, which is terribly off-base.  While yes, these are just "underwear" practices, there is a feeling of importance that cannot be brushed aside, as Vic is wont to do: If I may, I&rs...
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Jerry Porter: OTA player report
2008-05-18 18:42:00
Porter proving to be every bit the receiver Jacksonville hoped he'd be May 16, 2008    Jerry Porter Reactions were mixed across the NFL when the Jaguars inked former Raiders WR Jerry Porter to a six-year, $30 million deal earlier this offseason. Some viewed it as a wise move, sensing the need to pair emerging QB David Garrard with the kind of multi-talented wideout that the team lacked in 2007. Others saw it as a lot of money to invest in an enigmatic player in need of an attitude adjustment. If what was on display at the club’s first organized team activity (OTA) Tuesday is any indication of what will transpire during the season, those who praised the acquisition will be vindicated. Team sources raved about how fluidly Porter moved, and his body control on a couple acrobatic catches was something that hasn’t been seen in Jacksonville since Jimmy Smith hung up the pads two years ago. “There’s no question in my min...
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A Personal Message to Jerry Porter: Get a new agent...NOW!
2008-05-16 04:51:00
 Guys... I don’t know where to begin here... this is insane.... What is Jerry doin'!  I mean c'mon man; you are a professional athlete... What are you doing making second-rate, grade-B, stock-room footage for an underwear commercial involving some d-bag who wants to play around with you in briefs!!  I mean tighten up man!   Jerry Porter recently took part in a Hanes promotional event that yielded no small degree of painful-to-watch comedy. Much like Kerouac’s Dean Moriarty, this chap Dave travels across the country, bringing an optimistic everyman joie de vive to a hodgepodge of quirky locales. Except Dean Moriarty didn’t challenge quasi-celebrities to see who can put a pair of underwear over their clothes the fastest. This is Dave… As if this whole “guys playing underwear games” didn’t lend enough of an air of fruitiness to the proceedings, Dave’s decision to groom an imperceptible speck of something from Jerry...
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Brian Smith... Injury may lead to release
2008-05-15 23:29:00
  "I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders," said Smith , who was on the sidelines when the team started its organized team activities Tuesday, although he insisted he'll be ready for training camp. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said Smith's hip has healed, but the defensive end recently suffered another injury that he didn't specify. Smith, who's down to 235 pounds from his playing weight of 245, might have trouble making the team after the long layoff, but he said, "When I get out there, I'm sure I'll prove I'm worthy to make the team." Brian Smith, a 4th round pick from last year has suffered another injury that may cause him to struggle to make the team. Brian had 31 1/2 sacks in 44 total games for Missouri despite a hip injury his senior season which sidelined him for most of last year. JDR wouldn't disclose the cause of the injury, which may signify its insignificance, however, Smith's weight is down and he can't afford to become known as injury pro...
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Jacksonville Jaguars Contract News: Defensive Tackle Rob Meier signs 5 year
2008-05-15 22:38:00
  Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Tackle Rob Meier agreed to a 5 year contract extension today and became the heir apparant to Marcus Stroud on the defensive line.  The terms of the contract, as usual, are unknown, but the numbers are bigger than the 2.095 base salary he was due under his previous contract.  Meier, despite my terrible prediction that he might be one of the more vulnerable players on the roster, is a solid defensive tackle that filled in admirably in Stroud's absence.   When Stroud went to Buffalo, I assumed that defensive tackle would be a position of need going into the draft, but the Jaguars clearly think differently.  With Meier as the counterpart to Henderson, the Jaguars have Tony McDaniel and Derek Landri as the primary rotation in the middle.  No matter how you shake it, that's a pretty solid group.  I'd expect to see Landri fill in on 3rd downs and obvious passing situations, and I would not be surprised to see Meier/L...
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James "Shack" Harris... One helluva VP
2008-05-15 19:18:00
Shack comes from the Deep South during a time of segregation and played quarterback for Grambling in college. The Buffalo Bills drafted him in the 8th round in 1969. Shack tells this story about signing his first contract... "Now, when I stepped into that office, I'd never had a conversation with white people before. The general manager, the director of personnel, they have these white shirts and ties. Coming from the South, I didn't look anybody in the eye. I looked down at the floor. They said they needed me to sign this contract. If I didn't, I was going to have to go to Canada. I wasn't going to get any more money, they said. My coach was asking for too much. They've got the papers out, the pen. What do I do now? I tell them I need to call my mama. They said go ahead. I called Coach. I don't know what he told them, but they backed down. We eventually got that thing up to about an $8,000 bonus and a $15,000 salary" James Harris : I wouldn't get any work in during practic...
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Jags' plan to keep high priced DE's
2008-05-15 18:35:00
May 9, 2008    Jaguars gradually phasing out starting defensive ends   Despite the Jaguars using their first two draft picks on defensive ends, Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward, the Jaguars’ 2007 starting ends, don’t have to worry about getting cut. “The Jaguars have so much cap room that there’s really no concern,” one team insider said. That being said, the two veterans’ job security extends only through the upcoming season. It’s clear that the Jags are phasing Spicer and Hayward out of the equation, as they wish to indoctrinate draftees Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves into their defensive scheme. Neither Harvey nor Groves has the strength against the run that the current starters have, but the two rookies’ superior quickness makes them better fits for new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ high-pressure defense. The insider said to expect a heavy rotation at end this coming season, with Harvey ...
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Better Know a Jaguars Coach pt 3. Kennedy Pola(malu)
2008-05-14 07:03:00
Jacksonville Jaguars Running Backs Coach Kennedy Pola Kennedy Pola Running Backs; born November 22, 1963, Pago, Pago, American Samoa. Fullback Southern California 1982-85. No pro playing experience. College coach: UCLA 1992-93, San Diego State 1994-96, Colorado 1997-98, San Diego State 1999, Southern California 2000-2003. Pro coach: Cleveland Browns 2004, joined Jaguars in 2005. Pola is in his third season with Jacksonville after spending his first NFL season with the Browns. In 2006, his second season, the Jaguars set a single season franchise record for rushing yards (2,541) and averaged just short of 160 yards. Kennedy comes from good football stock. To start, his nephew is Troy Polamalu, a first round pick of our hated rival... Pittsburg... If you're wondering, yes, Pola shortened his name from Polamalu after arriving in America to decrease pronunciation issues. Troy credits his uncle as having a large impact on his life. Polamalu, the Steelers' th...
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Better Know a Jaguars Coach pt. 2: Offensive Line Coach Andy Heck
2008-05-13 21:45:00
Offensive Line Coach : Andy Heck Offensive Line; born January 1, 1967, Fargo, N.D. Tackle Notre Dame 1985-88. Pro tackle Seattle 1989-1993, Chicago 1994-98, Washington 1999-2000. College coach: Virginia 2001-03. Pro coach: Joined Jaguars in 2003 Andy spent his college career at Notre Dame playing tackle under head coach Lou Houltz. Known as a physical and tenacious blocker, he helped anchor an OL that led the Fighting Irish with blocking which allowed for their dominating ground performances. Notre Dame followed Coach Lou Holtz’s slow but effective formula for winning perfectly: grind it out (250 rushing yards per game) and play great defense (allowed only 12.3 points per game). Tony Rice led Notre Dame in both rushing (700 yards) and passing (1,176 yards) as the Fighting Irish played ball control en route to 32.6 points per game Sound like a familiar philosophy... That's Jaguars football in a nutshell, pound the rock and play hard defense. You gotta think learning fr...

Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive End Paul Spicer Skips OTA's
2008-05-13 19:22:00
From the department of poor decisions: Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Paul Spicer elected to not attend today's offseason training activity (OTA) at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.  Fred Taylor, a regular no-show, was also absent, though he plans on attending a few between now and training camp. Spicer's absence comes as a surprise, considering the amount invested at his position this year.  Spicer led the team in sacks last season, though at 32 years old, is rapidly approaching the end of his career. It is probably contract related : "I spoke to both of them this morning. I’ll let you ask (Spicer) how he wants to present it," Del Rio said when asked if Spicer’s absence is a result of contract discontent. "He expressed that he wouldn’t be here. I expressed that I’d like him to be here." Paul last signed a contract with the Jaguars in 2006, a three year extension.  He's due to make 2.5 million dollars this season, and will be a free age...

Better know a Jaguars coach... Mark Duffner
2008-05-13 05:21:00
"Mark Duffner" "Linebackers; born July 19, 1953, Annadale, Va. Defensive lineman William & Mary 1972-74. No pro playing experience. College coach: Ohio State 1975-76, Cincinnati 1977-1980, Holy Cross 1981-1991 (head coach 1986-1991), Maryland 1992-1996 (head coach). Pro coach: Cincinnati Bengals 1997-2002, Green Bay Packers 2003-2005, joined Jaguars in 2006." His first coaching Job at Ohio State in '75 was under the legendary Woody Hayes, a man who Duffner credits with having a drastic impact upon his life. “It was the most unbelievable experience of my life. He was just an unbelievable person, highly educated and tremendous energy and work ethic,” Duffner said. “He had people skills like I’ve never seen ... it was a phenomenal experience for me.” Duffner is a no-nonsense type of coach whom is clearly defensive minded. Below is a list of his record at Maryland from 1992 to 1996, which speaks volumes to this point. SeasonSchoolRecordAPF...
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2008 Jacksonville Jaguars: Historical Roster Breakdown
2008-05-12 18:00:00
The Jacksonville Jaguars offseason training activities start this week and with that begins the battle for positioning toward the final roster.  The NFL only allows 53 players on the final roster and an eight man practice squad.  I thought it might be interesting as be begin our position by position breakdown to look back at how many players we carry on our roster for each role. Teams are required to have their roster at specific levels through training camp.  Because NFL Europa ceases to exist, teams have a hard cap of eighty players under contract.  On August 26th, the roster must be cut down to 75 players.  The final cut date is August 30th where the roster may only have 53 players. Tracking roster sizes for each position is actually fairly complicated.  Players that are multi-functional, particularly on the offensive line, can throw off a count.  For the purposes of this analysis, I will treat all offensive linemen together.  Cornerbacks a...
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Quick Bytes: Monday Morning Media Maddness
2008-05-12 09:15:00
Quick Bytes: The daily digest of everything you need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars (and other things).This is a weird quick bytes.  There is a bit of an absence of Jaguars news in the rest of the sports-news-o-sphere, but that doesn't mean there's nothing worth reading.  Today's edition attempts to highlight some of the better pieces out there.If you're dying for Jaguars commentary, I implore you to come back at 12:30 EST, where we'll start a new series here at Big Cat Country examining the state of the 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars Roster!:  I almost wrote an entire post today about my frustrations with SI's Peter King and his Monday Morning Quarterback.  This week's incarnation epitomizes my love/hate relationship with Mr. King as he quickly brushes off the nuggets of gold in his article, while spending far too much time spewing nonsense.This, for example, deserves more research and a full article ...I remember talking to San Diego GM A.J. Smith the...
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Sunday Morning Off-Topic: Mark Twain and Mothers Day Edition!
2008-05-11 12:00:00
  It's Sunday Morning , that means it's time for a little off-topic reading.  I've arbitrarily decided that until football season beings, Sunday's will be where we take a part of our day and read some examples of fantastic writing.  This week's off-topic features the King of American Writing, Mark Twain.  This piece, "On the Decay of the Art of Lying", was submitted to a writing contest for a 30 dollar cash prize.  It did not win.  But it's a fantastic piece of satire, and worth a few moments of your Sunday. Also, and please may Big Cat Country not be your reminder, but it's Mothers Day today.  This website and my passion for football wouldn't exist were it not for my Mother's persistence.  I may not understand her obsession with Oakland's Rob Ryan but she introduced me to football.  So on this day of days, I like to say thanks! Mark Twain, below the fold:   Mark Twain: On the Decay of the Art of Lying Observe, I do n...
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Friday Morning Flashback: 1999 AFC Divisional Playoff Game
2008-05-09 19:09:00
  Here's something fun to remember as you enjoy your friday     I remember being at this game.  I remember singing "goodbye" to Dan Marino.  I also remember the crushing disappointment of the next week as the Jaguars run the Super Bowl was thwarted by the Tennessee Titans.  I remember thinking back that this game was filled with hubris and that we paid for it over the next several seasons. Anyhow, I'm a bit under the weather this week.  I'll be back later this afternoon with possibly another interview. -Chris
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Quick Bytes: Midday Thursday Edition
2008-05-08 07:23:00
Quick Bytes : The daily digest of everything you need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars.:  Let's start with another walk down memory lane.  In this piece from deep inside the Sports Illustrated Vault we learn about the life and development of  Tony Boselli and his road to the Jacksonville Jaguars.  This will surprise you, as a youngster, Tony loved to eat: Despite earning minimum wage, he never complained about his paycheck because he was close to the action and close to the food. On his breaks he would devour Big Macs, french fries, milk shakes and apple pies. "One of my managers called one day and said, 'I can't afford him. He's eating more than he's making,' " Tony Sr. says. "So, I transferred Little Tony to the landscaping crew." :  If you don't mind a little math, Big Cat Country favorite NFL Stats breaks down the Ellsberg Paradox and why coaches should go for it more on fourth down.  While the Jaguars are not mentioned directly, the sha...
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Better Know the Jacksonville Jaguars: An Interview with QB Paul Smith
2008-05-07 22:18:00
As previously previewed , Tulsa Golden Hurricane Paul Smith is one of four quarterbacks on the Jaguars roster.  While the top two spots in the Jaguars rotation is without doubt, there is a weakness in the long-term development of a new signal caller.  While David Garrard has very low miles for his age, Cleo Lemon is neither a development for the future nor a suitable backup for the next several years.  Part of building a team is to keep an eye three to four years ahead.  In this case, the signing of Paul Smith as an undrafted free agent just might be the Jaguars "jar on the shelf" at the most premium of premium positions. I recently had the chance to talk with Paul Smith.  He is by far the most engaging of all the players I've had the chance to interview, and we talked for quite some time.  Unfortunately, the answers to my first few questions was lost due to my inability to properly use my voice recorder.  First off, I would like to thank Paul Smi...
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2008 Jacksonville Jaguars Signing: Linebacker Lamar Myles
2008-05-05 20:07:00
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a popular team for undrafted free-agents because they have a good habit finding starters in the ranks of the "undraftable".  Jack Del Rio fosters an environment of competition in his off-season that allows for players that might lack the draft credentials to have a fair and reasonable shot at making the roster.  Remember, the undrafted free agent is playing for his NFL career, just getting a shot to be on the practice squad will increase the chance that a player proves himself to a team and continue to live the dream of playing on Sundays. In Jacksonville, there's a realistic shot of not only going to the practice squad, but to make the final roster and make an impact.  To be fair, the Jaguars roster is pretty stacked to begin with this year, but with the lack of draft picks due to the Derrick Harvey/Quentin Groves moves, there is just enough wiggle room to allow a hard working and determined UDFA to make an impact and be on the final ros...
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A little love from Peter King
2008-05-05 16:09:00
  SI.com's Peter King decides to give Jacksonville a little love in his 2008 Team Rankings .  I'm pretty hard on PK for his writing sometimes, but since he's being kind to the Jaguars, I'll cut him a little slack 3. Jacksonville. "Why'd they let Marcus Stroud go?'' Jags fan Jonathan Papelbon asked me a couple of weeks ago. Long story. Ankle surgery, four-game suspension last year, age (29), unwillingness to pay him big money anymore. Now the underappreciated Rob Meier's going to have to plug the gap there. I think he can, and I think Jack Del Rio will scheme around the loss of Stroud. What I like about the Jags is that they've addressed their pass-rush need with the daring trade-up for Derrick Harvey -- who will have to be good right away -- and they have a quarterback of the future who's not a worry. David Garrard was pure guts in beating Pittsburgh on the road in the playoffs, and he was pretty good in a playoff loss at New England, with confident scoring driv...
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Sunday Morning Off-Topic Reading
2008-05-04 20:35:00
For your Sunday reading pleasure, I've decided to mix it up a bit.  You see, there's been a little bit of drama recently about bloggers and sports journalism , a meta discussion that I've avoided here at Big Cat Country.  Frankly, there's nothing more boring than bloggers talking about blogging, and I refuse to put you through it.  One of the names that popped up in the discussion is legendary sports writer and author W.C. Heinz.  The  article I've posted here is called "Death of a Racehorse", which is one of the most fantastic pieces of writing ever published. It's also very appropriate, with the events of the Kentucky Derby and the ill-fated Eight Belles. It's below the fold, it's less than 1,000 words, and it's a stunningly beautiful piece of literature. Death of a Racehorse: By W.C. Heinz They were going to the post for the sixth race at Jamaica, two year olds, some making their first starts, to go five and a half furlongs for the purse o...
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Better Know a Draft Pick: Tulsa Quaterback Paul Smith
2008-05-02 12:30:00
The least you should know about PAUL SMITH... Height 6-1 Weight 208 lbs 40 Yard Dash 4.95 20 Yard Dash 2.81 Bench Reps 26 3 Cone 7.02 Compares To: TROY SMITH-Baltimore: "Both posted impressive numbers as seniors but lack the size and bulk you look for in a quarterback and likely are better fits for a West Coast offense. Smith can dink-and-dunk a defense to death, but he's not a threat as a vertical passer. In an ideal world, he joins the minions of quarterbacks in Tampa Bay, where Jeff Garcia is the perfect tutor for any West Coast quarterback. " Serious Interview With all your on and off-the-field accomplishments, what’s been the overall highlight of your football career? All the individual stuff is neat, not only personally but for the team. Going to three bowl games in my three years as a starter provided a level of consistency. As the starter at the position most people consider the leader of the team. Tul...
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