Day: August 14, 2010

Karlos Dansby says he’s the best…

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Karlos Dansby

 

This offseason Karlos Dansby signed a 5 year $43 million dollar contract with the Miami Dolphins, so I guess in his mind he has 43 million reason why he is the best linebacker in the NFL.  On 8/13 it was reported by Pro Football Talk that Dansby told reporters he was “the best” when he was asked to rank himself.  There is nothing wrong with a little self-confidence but Dansby might be feeling himself a lil bit too much.  Not sure if he has forgotten about a few other linebackers in the NFL that might take an exception to his statement. 

DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys) might have something to say about Dansby’s self-appointed #1 status; Ware has had 4 consecutive seasons of double-digit sacks while anchoring the Dallas Cowboys’ defense.  Not only can Ware rush the passer but he has improved his run defense along with his coverage capabilities; he has made himself into a complete 3 down player. 

For Dansby to truly be “the best” he will have to put together more seasons like his last 2 seasons with the Cardinals; so calling yourself the best is easy while being the best means putting in the work not in the work not only during the season but in the offseason as well.  Being paid BIG money has a lot of responsibilities; that means Dansby will have to shed the label of not being a hard worker in the offseason and become the leader of that Dolphins’ defense.    

While Dansby proclaims to be the best, I guarantee the likes of Ware, James Harrison (Steelers), Patrick Willis (49ers), Brian Urlacher (Bears) and Keith Bulluck (Giants) are putting in that work necessary to be the best.  Keep an eye out especially for Urlacher and Bulluck; both veterans are coming off injuries and have something to prove.  Bulluck recently told the Newark Star-Ledger… 

He’s only inches away from making plays he used to make, Bulluck said of his surgically repaired knee right now: “It’s scary how good it feels.” 

Soon all the talking will be over and we will see who is “the best”! 

Linebacker – Top 10 according to ESPN’s Insider:

Linebacker – Top 10
RK PLAYER GRADE
1 DeMarcus Ware 94
2 James Harrison 93
3 Shawne Merriman 92
4 Patrick Willis 90
5 Karlos Dansby 86
6 Terrell Suggs 86
7 Lance Briggs 85
8 Jon Beason 85
9 Keith Bulluck 83
10 Brian Urlacher 82

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!

K-Rod apologizes…

Posted on by Bobby Broadway

Francisco Rodriguez

 

This afternoon Francisco Rodriguez aka K-Rod apologized to the NY Mets and to his fans for his actions after Wednesday nights game.  After the Mets lost to the Colorado Rockies Wednesday night; K-Rod frustrated by lack of use in that game assaulted his girlfriend’s father (was previously reported his father-in-law).  K-Rod was charged with 3rd degree assault Thursday afternoon after spending the night in a holding cell; the NY Mets suspended Rodriguez for 2 games as a result of his actions.  

In his statement to the media K-Rod said he will be attending anger-managment counseling…  

“First of all, I’m extremely sorry,” Rodriguez said. “I want to apologize to [owners] Fred Wilpon, Jeff Wilpon and Mr. [Saul] Katz for the incident that happened Wednesday night. I want to apologize also to the Mets fans, to my teammates. I want to apologize, of course, to the front office for the embarrassing moment that I caused. I’m looking forward to being a better person.  

“Right now the plan is I’m going to be going to [an] anger management program. And I cannot be speak no farther about the legal stuff that we’re going through right now. I want to apologize. Sorry.” – via ESPN New York  

It remains to be seen what will the long-lasting effects of this incident; it’s just another chapter in a disappointing season for the NY Mets.  In my opinion the Mets are long over-due in firing Jerry Manuel; the team is barely responding to him and at this point any victories this team is able to attain will be due to players not wanting to be completely embarrassed game after game.  At times this year Manuel managerial decisions have cost the Mets wins; inexplicably Manuel did not go to K-Rod with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd.  In a critical game versus the Phillies on 8/7 Manuel used K-Rod for a 5 out save; there is no reason why Manuel could not have used Rodriguez for a 4 out save on Wednesday.   

To be fair Manuel is not the only reason why the Mets are struggling; but like they say you can’t fire all the players.  

One more thing to keep in mind, K-Rod is a highly volatile individual.  He is someone who rides on high emotions; would anger-managment counseling take away from K-Rods game?  Some players need that emotion to be effective; when K-Rod enters the game he walks a thin line with his emotions which made him a record breaking closer 

As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!