A Different Measuring Stick
blog.denverbroncos.com
Looking at the reverse image, like staring at a reflection given by a mirror within a mirror view, the Broncos have not only done a lot of winning, but our franchise has done less losing than almost any other team.
This is a blog about winning in reverse…..
My god, we should hope not, Sacco. Winning in reverse is not a good thing--unless you're sandwiched between two (or three!) strippers.
We have a love/hate relationship with Jim "I've been in this PR game since you were in diapers" Saccomano.
We love his hubris (and his Teddy Roosevelt references); we hate to pass up a chance to give him the business end of our snarky stick. Understandably, he's got one of the harder jobs in the Broncos organization--drying the sweat from the balls of John Elway (it's a metaphor Raiders fans, don't get excited), all while whitewashing the entire Josh McDaniels era. Every move the Broncos make? It's not only Sacco's job to pass out the Kool-Aid, but he's got to lace it with some sort of DaVincian observation on football and life--not nearly as bad as Peter King, but still bad enough to leave your mouth stained orange for hours.
Sacco is at his best when he generates odd historical trivia about the Broncos, the kind of stuff you'd never even think of asking, except when you chased your Jack Daniels with some NyQuil. Coincidentally, this is exactly when you should stare at yourself in a mirror within a mirror.
The Hard Life of an N.F.L. Long Shot
www.nytimes.com
“Dude,” he said, as I stood staring at his dresser. “I swear to God, if someone tells me right now there’s some miracle body cream out there that would make me feel 100 percent and prevent me from getting hurt but that could also cause cancer or liver damage down the line, I’d use it in a heartbeat. I would.”
He picked up an empty bottle of anti-inflammatory pills and tossed it in the trash. “Even if I make it,” he said, “the average career is what, three or four years tops. But if I get hurt now, I’m gone. It’s nothing personal. If I’m injured, I’m dead weight. I’m stealing their money. Do you know how many linebackers there are sitting home right now that want my job? Hundreds. I mean, let’s get real. As much as Coach Smith or Coach Pires might like me, it would be: ‘Hey, it’s been a fun ride. You’re a good kid. But see ya, Schiller!’ ”
What's life like for an undrafted NFL rookie? Look no further than this excellent piece by Charles Siebert. It's been sitting on our reading list for about a week, but it's well worth your time. It will also make you appreciate guys like Tony Carter, Chris Harris, and Wesley Woodyard that much more.
This piece also reminds me that I need to take the time to run the earnings numbers for a variety of NFL players over the course of different career scenarios and compare them to workers across several different fields. I'd like to really understand the opportunity costs associated with pursuing what amounts to a long shot for most of these kids coming out of school. After reading this article, one wonders if they really know what they're getting into.
Carolina Panthers should place call to Brian Xanders
blogs.denverpost.com
Brian Xanders should be on their short-list of candidates. This is a guy who knows the inner front-office systems of three teams — the Atlanta Falcons, Broncos and New England Patriots (through his time with Josh McDaniels). Xanders has worked nearly NFL job, from coach to salary cap manager to talent evaluator to general manager…Panthers owner Jerry Richardson should give Xanders a call.
When considering any candidate for a position of power and influence, it's good to do your research. For example, how good will he be with the media? We suggest our Brian Xanders Random Quote Generator as a good starting place. Some of our favorite Xanders quotes of all time include the following:
Other "stuff," like Xanders's role in drafting Tim Tebow and whether Xanders really did prefer Clay Matthews to Robert Ayers are just minor things.
