Friday, September 22, 2006
Emotions Running High with the Ryder Cup
This article was going to be about the Ryder Cup before I decided that my patriotic theme was a bit off the mark. Offensive perhaps. Thus, I nixed that, but I really don't like Sergio Garcia. I expect the Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk alternate shot match against Garcia and Luke Donald this afternoon to be very competitive. Hopefully, flag hunting will be the order of the match. Watching this tournament makes me want to go challenge some slow-playing businessmen to a duel over at Inverness. Hmm, reminds me of some of my old playing days in the NESCAC against the spoiled kids from Amherst and Tufts. They had never seen a kid decked out in so much Cleveland Indians and Browns golf paraphernalia. I want you all to know that I am working on a mamouth project right now, which is why I have not written anything recently. Just a hint of what is to come. What if the old adage that good pitching always beats good hitting in baseball was false? My supposition is that the average duration of a team's games throughout the regular season will show that teams that play longer games have a better record than teams who average shorter contests. My thesis is based around the idea that in the expansion era, since 1995, good hitting will defeat good pitching because rarely does a team have good pitching from innings one to nine. I am interested in initial thoughts, comments, opinions, but save your criticism for the results. Currently engrossed in tedious research, I am gathering the data of each team's win/loss record and average game duration for the last ten, possibly eleven years depending on if I have to go to boxscores for the 2006 season.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Week 3, Time to Panic: First Bye Week of the Season
Week 3 of the young NFL season spells trouble for fantasy football owners: four teams (the Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys and Raiders) will be idle this Sunday with the arrival of the first bye week of the season. To the many owners facing imminent disaster with star running backs Ladainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, and Lamont Jordan on the shelf this week, I say to you: "There is hope." Early this season, low profile running backs have emerged as solid alternatives to star tailbacks taken high in Yahoo and ESPN drafts. If you are fortunate enough to find these players in the free agent pool, don't hesitate to grab them.
Frank Gore, San Francisco: Gore, in his second year as a pro, has blossomed into the tailback the 49ers anticipated when they traded veteran Kevin Barlow to New York during the preseason. Gore equaled his touchdown total from his rookie campaign (3) on Sunday and is developing into an above average receiver in the passing game catching eight passes for ninety-three yards through the first two games. Gore is fourth in the NFL in rushing thus far, averaging 112 yards a contest. Emerging as a budding star, he has turned heads in ESPN fantasy football where he is now owned in 97% of leagues.
Chester Taylor, Minnesota: After languishing for years behind Jamal Lewis in Baltimore, Taylor, the former UT Rocket, is getting his first chance to be the primary running back in Minnesota. He has responded with two strong performances, propelling the Vikings to a 2-0 start. Previously under-utilized as a third-down back, Taylor is finally showing the ability to run between the tackles, a nice compliment to his pass-catching talents. He should easily surpass 1,500 total yards from scrimmage in 2006. A solid addition to any fantasy team, it will be interesting to see if he can hold up to the physical toll a full season can take on an every-down back.
Deuce McAllister, New Orleans: McAllister, a fantasy stud the previous two seasons before missing most of the 2005 season with a knee injury, fell off the radar screen of many fantasy owners during drafts before the season started. Concern over his recovery from knee surgery and the Saints acquisition of Reggie Bush resulted in many owners passing on the six year veteran out of Ole Miss. Through two games, McAllister has answered questions about his health by averaging a respectable four yards per carry. Head Coach Sean Payton has distributed the rush attempts equally between Bush and McAllister with the latter rushing 17 times in each of the first two games. Need another reason to pick up McAllister? He has been the primary running back near the goal line: he has both New Orleans rushing touchdowns this season.
©Nate Purinton
2006
Frank Gore, San Francisco: Gore, in his second year as a pro, has blossomed into the tailback the 49ers anticipated when they traded veteran Kevin Barlow to New York during the preseason. Gore equaled his touchdown total from his rookie campaign (3) on Sunday and is developing into an above average receiver in the passing game catching eight passes for ninety-three yards through the first two games. Gore is fourth in the NFL in rushing thus far, averaging 112 yards a contest. Emerging as a budding star, he has turned heads in ESPN fantasy football where he is now owned in 97% of leagues.
Chester Taylor, Minnesota: After languishing for years behind Jamal Lewis in Baltimore, Taylor, the former UT Rocket, is getting his first chance to be the primary running back in Minnesota. He has responded with two strong performances, propelling the Vikings to a 2-0 start. Previously under-utilized as a third-down back, Taylor is finally showing the ability to run between the tackles, a nice compliment to his pass-catching talents. He should easily surpass 1,500 total yards from scrimmage in 2006. A solid addition to any fantasy team, it will be interesting to see if he can hold up to the physical toll a full season can take on an every-down back.
Deuce McAllister, New Orleans: McAllister, a fantasy stud the previous two seasons before missing most of the 2005 season with a knee injury, fell off the radar screen of many fantasy owners during drafts before the season started. Concern over his recovery from knee surgery and the Saints acquisition of Reggie Bush resulted in many owners passing on the six year veteran out of Ole Miss. Through two games, McAllister has answered questions about his health by averaging a respectable four yards per carry. Head Coach Sean Payton has distributed the rush attempts equally between Bush and McAllister with the latter rushing 17 times in each of the first two games. Need another reason to pick up McAllister? He has been the primary running back near the goal line: he has both New Orleans rushing touchdowns this season.
©Nate Purinton
2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
While wondering if I have E. Coli...
So as my stomach continues to rumble continuously today, I can't help but remember the chips and spinach dip I enjoyed at a local bar on Friday. Hmm, I wonder if one is eligible for unemployment benefits if he is technically looking for a job but is felled by spinach and its E. Coli infected leaves. An update: the francophone country I created a website for my sophomore year of college was Cambodia (Le Cambodge). [See first blog entry] That aside, I want to discuss the absurdity of the personality test I am currently taking, which supposedly enables Toledoblade.com/jobs to find positions more suitable to my habitudes. So, first question: Am I upset on one side of the spectrum or undisturbed on the other? Possible answers are the same on both sides: most like me, like me, less like me, with neutral in the middle. Here is another ludicrous selection, and my personal favorite: Am I charitble or miserly? MISERLY, I don't know a person who would ever consider themselves MISERLY. Priceless. Another tough question: Am I ethical OR unethical? Simply horrendous. Imagine this: Ohh, so you're unethical, miserly, and agitated. Job matches include: postal worker, and... prison guard. I am starting to think a government job is for me because it would offer an in-depth look at one massive bureacracy. It would provide plenty of fodder for this blog and mild entertainment within the workplace itself. I will just list some more questions that catch my eye as I finish off this test. Perhaps, I will even provide you with the test results. Am I hard-hearted or compassionate? These questions really provide an arena for provocative answers. WOW, I take that back. Am I liberal or conservative? Talk about a loaded question in this battleground state. Hmm, ok so I am looking at the results here and they are suprisingly accurate. I can't believe how spot on these descriptions are. Without further ado, I offer you the results from...
THE Personality Test for Nathaniel A Purinton
Outgoing
By nature, you are likely to feel comfortable in situations in which you interact with others as well as those in which you operate on your own. In addition, you may be capable of expressing your ideas forcefully, particularly when you are familiar with your topic or have the support of others. Depending upon the specific project you are working on, some people may perceive you as being authoritative and forceful, while others might consider you to be quiet and reserved.
Open-Minded
You tend to be accepting of new and different approaches to tasks, procedures and routines. At the same time, you may be more comfortable in situations in which expectations, rules and procedures are familiar and defined. In adapting to change, you are likely to feel in control when specific, relevant information is readily available and there is sufficient time to integrate new methods.
Resilient
Overall, you are likely to deal with most routine problems and situations with comfort, inner strength and resilience. While you may experience some heightened stress at times and would benefit from a management approach which is supportive, you will generally exhibit the resilience required to deal with these conditions and to move forward.
Helpful
In dealing with others, you will usually come across to others as good natured, supportive and generous. At the same time, you can set limits with people if need be. You can also assume a tough-minded stance when independence and objectivity are required. In general, you will be friendly, cordial and get along well with customers, co-workers and others with whom you come in contact.
Spontaneous
You are likely to prefer environments in which you can respond to tasks and assignments with spontaneity. You may easily become bored with routine, details and work requiring extensive planning, prioritization or structure. While you are likely to be responsive to the needs of the moment, you might want to regularly set aside time to focus on longer-term projects which can assist you in attaining your overall, long-term objectives.
WOW, I look like a pretty damn good perspective employee, so anybody interested? Anybody? Anybody at all? OK, I'll just wait here then...
THE Personality Test for Nathaniel A Purinton
Outgoing
By nature, you are likely to feel comfortable in situations in which you interact with others as well as those in which you operate on your own. In addition, you may be capable of expressing your ideas forcefully, particularly when you are familiar with your topic or have the support of others. Depending upon the specific project you are working on, some people may perceive you as being authoritative and forceful, while others might consider you to be quiet and reserved.
Open-Minded
You tend to be accepting of new and different approaches to tasks, procedures and routines. At the same time, you may be more comfortable in situations in which expectations, rules and procedures are familiar and defined. In adapting to change, you are likely to feel in control when specific, relevant information is readily available and there is sufficient time to integrate new methods.
Resilient
Overall, you are likely to deal with most routine problems and situations with comfort, inner strength and resilience. While you may experience some heightened stress at times and would benefit from a management approach which is supportive, you will generally exhibit the resilience required to deal with these conditions and to move forward.
Helpful
In dealing with others, you will usually come across to others as good natured, supportive and generous. At the same time, you can set limits with people if need be. You can also assume a tough-minded stance when independence and objectivity are required. In general, you will be friendly, cordial and get along well with customers, co-workers and others with whom you come in contact.
Spontaneous
You are likely to prefer environments in which you can respond to tasks and assignments with spontaneity. You may easily become bored with routine, details and work requiring extensive planning, prioritization or structure. While you are likely to be responsive to the needs of the moment, you might want to regularly set aside time to focus on longer-term projects which can assist you in attaining your overall, long-term objectives.
WOW, I look like a pretty damn good perspective employee, so anybody interested? Anybody? Anybody at all? OK, I'll just wait here then...
Sunday, September 17, 2006
An Ode to Ralph Brown (and the rest of the Browns Defense)
While watching the Bengals first possession today against the Browns, I realized quickly that the Browns were in real trouble. Forget about Rudy Johnson and the Bengals swarming defense for a minute. Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson's and more emphatically, cornerback Ralph Brown's inability to handle his assignment in the pass defense left the Browns susceptible all day to Carson Palmer's arm. In the first possession, the Bengals wasted no time exploiting these two mismatches. Palmer's first two passes that covered a total of thirty-five yards went to TE Reggie Kelly who isn't exactly known for his receiving prowess. Kelly, Jackson's man both times, beat him in coverage on two consecutive plays. At least Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham recognized this personnel problem and LB Chaun Thompson entered the game on the second offensive possession for the Bengals. Thompson has been singled out by Head Coach Romeo Crennel as being more confident in the pass defense schemes. Kelly didn't make a catch the rest of the game. Unfortunately, Ralph Brown had a more ignominious fate getting burned multiple times in the first half by WR Kelley Washington. He was victimized for the first touchdown of the game, a twenty-two yard strike from Palmer to Washington in which Brown slipped after allowing the catch, thus permitting Washington to walk into the end zone. Brown struggled continually against the receivers in the slot, ultimately forcing the Browns into a zone, a major disadvantage with Palmer's accuracy. Continually, the linebackers of the Browns were sucked toward the line of scrimmage by the play-action pass. This opened up passing lanes for Palmer and allowed all three Bengal receivers space to maneuver in the secondary. Inconsistency by the front four to pressure the Bengals QB led to third down conversions and long drives that wore down the Browns defense on the eighty degree day. Thus, 350 yards for Palmer, 145 for Rudy Johnson, 268 yards receiving by wide outs Chris Henry, Chad Johnson, and Kelley Washington, and 34 points for the Bengals in a romp over the Browns.
NFL Week 2
Frustrated after not expressing my concerns about Notre Dame on Friday night (and watching them come true on Saturday), I feel the need to write my expectations for Sunday's slate of NFL games. Week 1 was and thus my Week 2 predictions will be headlined by the strong defense displayed last Sunday by a handful of teams. Off the top of my head, my two surefire games are the Oakland at Baltimore game and San Diego traveling to Tennessee. The Chargers and Ravens both pitched shutouts last week and I could see one of these defenses repeating the feat this week. Oakland's offense looked atrocious on Monday night and the only reason the Titans scored last week was due to Jet turnovers deep inside their own territory. In the Battle of Ohio, even with my own team favored to lose big, I can't help but think the Browns will play the Bengals tough. I wouldn't expect the Bengals to cover the spread this week. I will shoot you straight and tell you to stay away from that game because I don't ever pick Browns games because I can't shed my own bias. The Chiefs look they are in trouble on the road in Denver, especially with Damon Huard at quarterback. Plummer should play better this week against a mediocre Cheifs defense. Look for good things from Denver's Bells, Mike and Tatem that is. The more intriguing games of the week include: the Giants traveling to Philadelphia to face a reinvigorated Donovan McNabb, Dallas hosting the Redskins tonight, and Arizona facing Seattle in the defending champion's home opener. A win against the Texans last week has not sold me on this Eagles team. As Michael Westbrook goes, so goes the Eagles offense. He is banged up already; I go with the Giants in a real tight game. The Redskins look real mediocre this year. With Clinton Portis doubtful, I see the Cowboys winning a game critical to both teams after Week 1 losses. I don't know why I am doing it but I like the Cardinals over the Seahawks. Hold on, what am I saying, I take the Seahawks. They are at home against a team that has yet to prove itself. But I really like the Cardinals this year. Their offense could become the second coming of the Colts. Call me crazy, but when the offensive line gives Kurt Warner time to throw, he shows his remarkable accuracy, especially on the long throws. These are my thoughts on Week 2, written down and commited to the blogging world so that if this happens, I can toot my horn all week...
