Birthday Gift Redux
Today is my birthday. New Year’s Eve is the best day for a birthday, in my opinion. Everybody parties and has a great time.
The best birthday gift I ever received from a sports team came in 1983 – the day I turned 19 years old. The Seahawks had just won their first ever playoff game by drilling the Denver Broncos in the Kingdome (with me in attendance). On this day, they were in the Orange Bowl in Miami to play the highly touted Dolphins. Nobody…and I mean nobody in the national sports world expected the upstart Hawks under the direction of Chuck Knox to beat the Dolphins in Miami.
But Knox, Curt Warner (the original Penn State RB #28), Steve Largent, Dave Krieg, Jacob Green, Kenny Easley, and the late Dave Brown et al had different plans. On December 31, 1983, the Seahawks rolled into Miami and beat the Dolphins in one of the greatest games in their history. I can still remember Curt Warner turning the right corner into the end zone for the winning score and Reggie McKenzie and pals hoisting Chuck Knox on their shoulders.
I found this on You Tube. Consider it my end of the year gift to all Seattle Seahawks fans for a glimpse back on my 19th birthday present…
Wide Receivers Showing Passion on the Air
I was fortunate to catch the entire Nate Burleson show on KJR Sportsradio yesterday when Deion Branch, T.J. Houshmandzadeh,and Burleson went off on Hugh Millen and his criticism of the team. At least they have passion.
It certainly was intriguing radio. Heck, I stayed in my car sitting in the post office parking lot to keep hearing the heated debate. However, when it’s all said and done, it made the three amigos look a little foolish at times. A few cases in point…
1 – Housh saying that Hugh Millen has no idea what he’s talking about citing his interception to TD ratio. Really? Dude, the guy played in the NFL for 9 years. That’s credibility enough. Anyone who laces them up on Sundays for any length of time has earned the credibility regardless of how they performed. Jim Mora and Greg Knapp weren’t NFL standouts, yet they currently stand as head coach and offensive coordinator of an NFL team.
2 – Deion Branch saying that “you are either with us or against us.” Really, Deion? Most of the fans here have been “with” the team longer than you, and will be here longer than you. I personally remember 1976 and guys like Nick Bebout, Mike Curtis, and Ken Geddes. Just because we aren’t throwing love out to a team that has taken the gas pipe bad the last three weeks doesn’t mean we don’t support the team. Just because we love the Hawks doesn’t mean we think you all should be back next year.
3 – In the end, as much as you talk about not calling out your team, you threw Greg Knapp under the bus. I know you didn’t do it in exactly those words, but the message was clear.
4 – Millen is an analyst for KJR and the local FOX station. He’s paid to be critical. Steve Raible and Warren Moon (both former Hawks) are employed by the team. Don’t expect them to treat you poorly. If you want accolades, play better.
Bottom line – I actually like all three receivers. I think they and Matt Hasselbeck are misused in this offense. I’d love to see Jim Zorn as the OC next year and go back to a West Coast-style offense that fits the needs of the talents on this team. I’d also like to see the same passion displayed by Burleson, Housh, and DB from all 53 guys this Sunday. I will be in the stands watching!
What do you think? I would love to have your comments on the blog…
Dan
Thank You Scott Woodward…
All of Husky Nation today should be thanking Scott Woodward. The University of Washington Athletic Director only a year ago made a semi-unpopular choice of hiring USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as head coach to replace Tyrone Willingham. Most of the Nation (Husky that is) wanted Jim Mora to get out of his agreement with the Seahawks and coach his alma mater. Woodward didn’t bite at that option. The next “sexy” target was Mike Leach from Texas Tech. Leach turned Tech into a national power and seemed like the high-profile, spread offense slinging, no-nonsense coach the Huskies needed. Leach and his wife even flew up to Seattle, leaving fans and media speculating of an imminent announcement. Leach ended up going back to Lubbock without a deal and people scratching their heads. Enter Sark and well…you know the rest of the story.
Jim Mora has had a nightmare season with the Hawks. They are 5-10 and getting worse each week. Seahawks Nation has him on a very short leash. This isn’t to say he would not ne a fine coach at the college level, but he seems to be a pro guy and right now he still needs to prove he’s even that.
Mike Leach is another issue. Leach seemed like the “splash” move. When it didn’t happen, Texas Tech extended his contract. This week, they are regretting it. Leach was just suspended from coaching his team in the Alamo Bowl. Seems he made a player who was suffering from a concussion stand in a dark room by himself, unable to sit or lean, for 3 hours. Head injury safety has been big news lately and this treatment is idiotic. Add to it the player involved is the son of former NFL player and current ESPN college football analyst, Craig James, and it borders on lunacy. Read the entire story on ESPN.
Bottom line – AD Woodward, thank you for doing your due diligence, removing yourself from the outcry of the fans, and giving Husky Nation the coach this school and community deserves!
Dan
© 2009 Dan Weedin – All Rights Reserved
The Monday Morning QB
1 – What a difference a year makes. A little over 12 months ago, Jim Mora was the darling of the Seattle football scene. He was slated as the successor of Mike Holmgren with the Seahawks, and his alma mater wanted him to fill the recently open head coaching job at Montlake. Two suitors to choose from. Now, Steve Sarkisian is the Top Dawg and Mora is heading into a year that could determine his future employment with the Hawks. He will have a new General Manager and a ton of pressure.
2 – Speaking of pressure, Jim Zorn won’t have much more in D.C. after next week. Here’s my suggestion to anyone listening over at the VMAC – Hire Zorn back as offensive coordinator. Let’s face it, Greg Knapp’s system has failed miserably. Hugh Millen, ex Husky and NFL quarterback and now analyst, equated it to a junior high-caliber offense. Matt Hasselbeck was last successful when Zorn was is quarterback coach and Mike Holmgren was on the sideline two years ago. Holmgren isn’t an option, but Zorn soon will be. Time to bring Jimmy Z back to the Northwest!
3 – I hate what the Indianapolis Colts did today. They benched their offensive starters and basically allowed the New York Jets to walk away with a win. Here’s the problem. Your franchise QB HATED it. All you had to do was see his face. The rest of the team HATED it. They are competitors. They have pride in being undefeated and in plain wining, especially at home. This game is about momentum. This leaves a sour taste in everybody’s mouth in Indy. They may look back at this and regret the decision.
4 – The poor backup QB for the Colts. The dude was a high school stud in Indiana, played at Purdue, and now is backup to Peyton Manning on his hometown team that just happens to be undefeated after 14 weeks. Curtis Painter was thrown into a tight game in the 3rd quarter and was booed by his fans. He got sacked and fumbled and was booed. He threw an interception and was booed. The Colts threw him under the bus and his hometown fans gave him the business. And we thought Philly fans were tough…
5 – I finished third in my fantasy football league after a disappointing loss in the semis last week. My fantasy studs this week were Matt Schaub, Chris Johnson, and Roddy White. Speaking of Johnson, he only needs about 128 yards next week against Seattle to break 2,000 yards in a season. What’s the over/under on time of the game for that to happen?
6 – That didn’t last long. Florida coach Urban Meyer is now taking a leave of absence instead of resigning. What exactly does that look like for a college football coach in the SEC? Stay tuned…
7 – Don’t look now but the Super Bowl might look like San Diego vs. Arizona. It’s about who get’s hot and when.
As always, I welcome your comments…
Dan
Urban Meyer Steps Down at Florida
Urban Meyer is 45 years old. We are the same age. But at a tie where you are in your prime for most any occupation, Urban Meyer is stepping down as coach of Florida. Why?
It seems that health concerns have played the major part of this decision. As an additional benefit, his kids “get their dad back.”
I spent 6 years as a high school basketball coach. The pressure is nowhere near what a Division 1 football coach at the level that Meyer is faced. It sounds like he already has a condition that is exacerbated by the pressures of big-time college football.
It takes a strong person to walk away at a young age while you’re at the top. Jim Brown, Sandy Koufax, and Urban Meyer.
Good fr you, Coach. Enjoy your kids and your life.
Dan
Football on Christmas
Don’t get me wrong. I love football. I have the DirecTV plan to watch every single game. I love Thanksgiving games. But Christmas?
I think both college and pros need to let these guys have Christmas with their families. I know my wife has no ambition to watch the Titans and Chargers on Christmas night. Can’t we just stick with Sunday and Monday games, and exclude holidays except Thanksgiving (2 games max) and New Years?
Dan
The Daily Dan 12 Days of Christmas
(with apologies to the fine 16th century songwriters who penned this classic)
On the first day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me…Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the second day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me…Cliff Lee is now a Mariner and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the third day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the fourth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the fifth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the sixth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the seventh day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the eighth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the ninth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the tenth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, No Tiger on the Tour, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, the Seahawks need a GM, No Tiger on the Tour, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner, and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the Daily Dan told me, Husky hoops to the Big Dance, the Seahawks need a GM, No Tiger on the Tour, one more year for Griffey, Jim Mora needs more “dirt bags,” Zduriencik is a genius, Emerald Downs is fun, Sark’s the new Dawgfather, Man I miss the Sonics, the Seahawks need an O-line, Cliff Lee is a Mariner,
and Jake Locker for the Heisman Trophy!
Merry Christmas!
Bye, Bye Brandon
Jack Zduriencik keeps ’em coming.
Brandon Morrow seemed like a lost cause in Seattle. His inconsistency, bouncing back from starter to bullpen, and the inevitable comparisons with University of Washington star and two-time CY Young Award winner Tim Lincecum made this the only thing to do.
Here’s really what made him expendable, though. Next year’s probable starting rotation:
1 – Felix Hernandez (R)
2- Cliff Lee (L)
3 – Ryan Rowland-Smith (L)
4 – Ian Snell (R)
5 – Pick from Luke French (L), Jason Vargas (L), and Doug Fister (R) – These guys showed enough promise last year to give them a shot at duking it out for the last spot.
The pitcher we picked up, Brandon League, can help shore up the bullpen, especially if Sean White isn’t fully recovered from surgery.
In the course of about 3 days, Trader Jack has eliminated the two biggest pitching enigmas on the team. Seahawks, are you watching?
Dan
Monday Morning QB #2 – Time to blow up the Hawks…
1 – It’s clear after yesterday’s debacle, that it’s time to blow the Seahawks up. Mike Holmgren will not return in any capacity, the team is looking for fresh blood at the GM position, and it’s now time to begin re-building. This is clearly not about effort as many of you may think. This is about one word – talent. Or, lack thereof. Yes, there may be a few who aren’t putting forth their optimal effort. On a 53-man team, that’s inevitable. But the bottom line here is that this time has no talent on the offensive or defensive lines, no consistent depth, and not enough nasty. Other than Max Unger, Ray Willis, and Brandon Mebane, it may be time to overhaul the entire lot…now.
2 – Do we expect any more Christmas gifts from Trader Jack? Jack Zduriencik let us open a lot of packages early last week by delivering Chone Figgins, Cliff Lee, and Milton Bradley. This Mariners team, who like the Hawks were in rebuilding mode just 14 months ago, are now in championship contender mode. You heard me. Why limit our dreams to a divisional championship. Jack says he’s not done and I believe him. Take what we’ve added to an 85-win team and there is no reason to believe that if we hit the playoffs, we can’t contend for a World Series. What a way to send Junior out, right? This is a Spring Training that I can’t wait to start!
3 – Steve Sarkisian and his staff are 6 weeks away from announcing their Class of 2010 recruits, led by Nick Montana. If Team Sarkisian is going to make a lasting legacy on this program, it begins with recruiting. Should be fun to watch the weeks unfold.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Let ’em rip!
Dan
Fantasy Football Playoffs
This is playoffs week for most Fantasy Football Leagues. With one big game down – a scoring frenzy for the Colts and Jaguars – and one more today, there is a lot of interest percolating. If you are a Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, or Maurice Jones-Drew owner, you are thrilled. If you had either Defense, you’re crying?
Who do you have questions on this weekend as far as starting? Send me the details and I’m happy to help you. I already gave one buddy the MJD start at RB and he’s happy. Let’s see how I can help you…
Dan
About Dan
Dan Weedin has been an avid sports freak for as long as he can remember. His first heroes were Hank Aaron, Larry Csonka, and Slick Watts. He is a rabid University of Washington Husky (Class of 1987), Seattle Seahawks, and Seattle Mariners fan.
Some of Dan’s 15 minutes of fame in the sports world include being the Sports Editor of the Skagit Valley College Cardinal, the on-field reporter for the Kitsap County High School Football game of the week, and the official Seattle Seahawks correspondent for ESPN Fantasy Football.
Dan spent 6 years roaming the bench as Head Girls Basketball Coach at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, WA. He has been the “Voice of the Vikings” as the stadium announcer for the North Kitsap football and basketball teams since 2005. If you live anywhere near North Kitsap Stadium, you’re sure to hear him yell out “Touchdown Vikings” on a Friday night in Fall.
Dan is a proud graduate of Oak Harbor High School where he played golf and basketball. His proudest sports moment was going to state with his team in golf as a junior in 1982.
This blog is meant to give you a daily does of Dan’s sports perspectives. He hopes to challenge, inspire, poke fun at, educate, pontificate, and occasionally agitate you. Most of all, he hopes you comment early and often and keep coming back for more fun!
The Daily Dan Sports Blog 