The death of Joe Paterno has sparked column after column of reflection. As little as two and a half months ago, all of those columns would have read the same exact way. However, when former assistant Jerry Sandusky was indicted on 40 counts of child sex abuse on November 4th of last year, things changed.
We learned that Paterno didn't exactly take swift action when he learned of an alleged incident that occurred in 2002. Mike McQueary, a grad assistant at the time, witnessed one of these acts in the locker room showers. He tells Paterno, who then told the President at the time, Graham Spanier. Spanier sat on the information and failed to tell authorities, as did Paterno.
Less than a week after this story went public and Sandusky was indicted, Joe Paterno, the winningest college football coach of all time, was fired.
I have to admit that at first, I completely agreed with the decision. This story broke on a Saturday. By Monday morning, I was convinced he should be canned.
However, as time has gone on, my opinion has changed more and more, and it has nothing to do with all of his health problems than ensued. When Penn State took the field without Paterno at home against Nebraska, it suddenly hit me that this just wasn't right.
Paterno took over as head coach for the Nittany Lions in 1966. In his 62 years, he compiled a 409-136-3 record, including 24-12-1 in bowl games. He was a National Champion in 1982 and 1986. Other honors and awards include being named Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year ('86)," AP Coach of the Year ('05), recipient of the Paul "Bear" Bryant award ('86), and elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. No coach has won more football games than Joe Pa.
As remarkable as Paterno's accomplishments on the field were, it's what he did off of it that truly shows what kind of person he was. Contrary to many others in his profession, Paterno put a huge emphasis on education. Instead of running a football factory like most other institutions of high football prestige, he combined athletics with education as soon as he took over. His "Grand Experiment" led to some of the highest graduation rates in the country during his entire tenure.
Joe and his wife Sue contributed over $4 million to the University's academics, which helped to open facilities such as the Penn State All-Sports Museum and the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. Paterno raised nearly $14 million to expand the school's library, which was named after him.
In a time when NCAA violations are as common as first down carries by a halfback in the Penn State offense, it has to be noted that Paterno went his entire career without committing one.
Possibly the most telling example that shows what kind of man he was are the things that former players say about him. It's common for football players to give their head coach credit for finding them in recruiting, offering a scholarship, and providing them with the basics for becoming an outstanding talent. However, what Joe's former players say takes that to a whole different level:
"Thank you Joe for taking a chance on me and making me into the man I am today. I will never forget the lessons I learned from you." - former linebacker Aaron Maybin
"You have been my idol. You are a one of a kind man. Words cannot express all my feelings." - former receiver Graham Zug
"We should not be discouraged by his death, but encouraged by his life. It would be a blessing to impact others the way he did." - current defensive tackle Devon Still
“Paterno always wanted his players to call him Joe, he didn’t want them to call him coach because he always wanted to create a family-type atmosphere. If you talk to a former Penn State player they will call him Joe. He never put himself above anybody and always was a friend first.” - former Purdue head coach Joe Tiller
Paterno lived out his life in the same house he bought for $8,000 when he arrived in State College 62 years ago. His home phone number was always listed in the phone book so his players could get a hold of him whenever necessary. He always thought of himself as a regular, everyday guy and never wanted to be treated any differently than anyone else.
While Paterno could have done more after learning about the shower incident, we have completely forgotten who the bad guys are in this situation. Jerry Sandusky and Graham Spanier are alleged felons. They're the ones who should be taking the heat that Paterno unfairly took. Even if Joe went to the police, what would that have changed? It wouldn't have undone any of the rapes. It wouldn't have made the lives of these men any easier than it is now. Joe went up the chain of command and told his boss what was going on. At that point, it's no longer a Joe Paterno issue. His job is to win football games. Spanier's job was to oversee all legal matters involving Penn State University.
Joe Paterno won more football games and did more for his players and university than any other coach in NCAA history. You can choose to remember him any way you wish. As for me, I'll let his players and colleagues, the people who knew him best, make that decision for me.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship Picks
Baltimore @ New England - 3:00 p.m.
This matchup features a lot of similarities in last week's New Orleans/San Francisco game. One team has an elite offense and the other has an elite defense. With all do respect to the Patriots, they will be luckiest team in NFL history if they win a Super Bowl. Pittsburgh, who would have been their hardest possible matchup, got Tebowed in the first round. The Saints and Packers were both knocked out early over on the NFC side. Instead of facing Pitt, Baltimore, and New Orleans/Green Bay, they will have faced Denver, Baltimore, and San Francisco/New York Giants.
Baltimore's defense has carried them to this point, which shouldn't surprise many. They've done it this way for years. Add in Ray Rice, arguably the NFL's best running back who totaled over 2,000 total yards in 2011, and you have a classic, prototypical team that is built to win in the playoffs. The Patriots have a much different approach: Throw it. Again. And again.
In a season where offense reigned supreme all year long, I have to think that defense will eventually take over, and I think we've reached that point. I challenge anyone to find me two players who care and want to win more than Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Those two are first ballot Hall of Famers, without question. However, they know time is running out on them to win another Super Bowl. This could very well be their last shot and there's no way those two let this one slip. The Patriots defense is downright awful. The best way to beat Tom Brady is to keep him off the field. Ray Rice and Ricky Williams will control the football and wear down the New England defense with long, sustained drives that keep Brady on the sidelines. Defensively, Baltimore has what it takes to stop Brady: A stong pass rush and DB's who can cover. As long as Joe Flacco can manage the game and not lose it, the Ravens will be booking flights to Indy.
Prediction: Baltimore, 28-24.
New York Giants @ San Francisco
It's a shame we wont get to see that New Orleans/Green Bay rematch, but these two teams don't mind. The 49ers, much like the Ravens, take a very old school approach to the game. That shouldn't come as a surprise, considering their head coaches are brothers. San Francisco's defense showed what they're capable of doing last week. Drew Brees, who was as hot as any quarterback in history coming into the playoffs, turned him and the Saints offense over five times. Eli Manning, despite his extremely impressive year, is more prone to the interception than Brees (Eli threw 16 in 2011).
The player to watch in this one is Giants WR Hakeem Nicks. Teams have been doubling Victor Cruz lately, which is giving Nicks a lot of one-on-one looks. If the 49ers elect to to go with a similar game plan and have success covering Nicks with just one DB, Manning could have problems. Last week, Manning had all day long to throw against Green Bay, who have zero pass rush outside of Clay Matthews. Unfortunately for New York, San Fran can come at you from every which way.
Everyone knows what Patrick Willis brings to the table, but the guy who doesn't get enough attention is Aldon Smith. The outside linebacker piled up14 sacks in the regular season and added another last week. Those two linebackers combined with some very talented players in the secondary will give Eli some big issues. Expect Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner to deflect and intercept some passes. Much like the AFC Title game, the 49ers will use defense, a heavy pass rush, cover corners and safeties, and a great run game to control things. Bring on the Harbaugh Bowl rematch. This time, it's for a ring. Mom and Dad must be proud...or terrified.
Prediction: San Francisco, 30-20.
Friday, January 13, 2012
NFL Playoffs Week 2 Picks
Saturday, January 14th
New Orleans @ San Francisco - 4:30 p.m.
The Saints will take their high-octane offense to San Francisco where they will face probably the NFC's toughest defense. The 49ers bring a very "old school" approach to the table under rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh. In a time when offense dominates the game, San Francisco wins with defense. They rank first in total defense as well as rushing defense in the NFC. The Saints possess the conference's number one offense to set up the ultimate strength vs. strength matchup. New Orleans is virtually unstoppable in the Superdome, but struggle on the road. All three of their losses came away from home, including losses to Tampa Bay and St. Louis, two teams who fired their coaches after the season. This should be a very close game throughout, and in a game like this, it comes down to quarterbacks and experience. Drew Brees has been an elite quarterback for several years, while Alex Smith, in his seventh year, is just now playing like a number one overall pick after many disappointing years. Much like how I didn't trust Matt Ryan last week, I don't trust Smith this week. The Saints have been through the playoffs a couple times now, San Fran has not.
Prediction: New Orleans, 27-24
Denver @ New England - 8:00 p.m.
I doubt this will be the best game of the weekend, but I can almost guarantee it will be the highest rated. Just when you think Tebowmania is about to come to an end, it ends up being bigger and better than ever before. Tebow almost broke the internet last Sunday when Dmaryius Thomas hauled in an 80-yarder from him on the first play of overtime to beat the Steelers. For New England, coach Bill Belichick and the Patriot fanbase have to be thinking that this is a must-win. The Patriots have lost their last two playoff games, both at home, under Bilichick. Going back to Super Bowl XLII, he has lost three in a row in the postseason. I hesitate to say that his squad "caught a break" by playing the Broncos after seeing what happened last week, but this should be a much easier matchup than Pittsburgh would have been. The Pats won 41-23 four weeks ago in Denver and it looked like Tom Brady and company were taking that game personal and had had enough of the Tebow talk. I can see Tebow making this one very interesting considering how bad the Patriots defense is, but in the end, New England knows how important this one is and will put an end to Tebow-time. Maybe. Possibly. I think.
Prediction: New England, 38-24
Sunday, January 15th
Houston @ Baltimore - 1:00 p.m.
You have to feel a little bad for these two teams because nobody wants to talk about this game very much, if at all. The Texans are coming off a convincing victory over the Bengals in the franchise's first playoff game. In a matchup of the league's third and fourth ranked defenses, points will be at a premium. Houston could very well miss Matt Schaub more than ever as T.J. Yates will have to face the aggressive Raven defense with Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs coming after him every play and Ed Reed spying him in the secondary. He will need a ton of support from Arian Foster, but the Ravens run defense ranks second in the NFL, surrendering just over 90 yards per contest. For Baltimore, Ray Rice has turned into one of the best running backs in the game. H ran for 1,364 yards and caught 76 passes for 704 more. Rice's game-breaking talent should be enough for the Ravens against a Houston team that could really struggle to move to the football.
Prediction: Baltimore, 24-13.
New York Giants @ Green Bay - 4:30 p.m.
These two teams played a thriller back in week 14 with the Pack getting a game-winning field goal as time expired. It's important to understand that most of Green Bay's starters, including Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Charles Woodson, have had almost three weeks off. The Giants, on the other hand, have had to play theirs every week since the bye. Also, left tackle Chad Clifton, who was not available in the first meeting for GB, made his return in week 17 against the Lions and played very well. All of this time off will help the Packers tremendously and has allowed guys like Clifton and Greg Jennings to get back to 100 percent. With the return of Clifton and how this Packer offensive line seems to be gelling, the Giants vaunted pass rush will have a hard time getting to Rodgers, which is a huge problem for New York. The weather looks pretty solid for Sunday, a high around 30 and no precipitation. The Packers offense is more explosive than New York's and as long as the defense does not give up the big play too often, the Packers will host the NFC Title game next week.
Prediction: Green Bay, 38-30.
New Orleans @ San Francisco - 4:30 p.m.
The Saints will take their high-octane offense to San Francisco where they will face probably the NFC's toughest defense. The 49ers bring a very "old school" approach to the table under rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh. In a time when offense dominates the game, San Francisco wins with defense. They rank first in total defense as well as rushing defense in the NFC. The Saints possess the conference's number one offense to set up the ultimate strength vs. strength matchup. New Orleans is virtually unstoppable in the Superdome, but struggle on the road. All three of their losses came away from home, including losses to Tampa Bay and St. Louis, two teams who fired their coaches after the season. This should be a very close game throughout, and in a game like this, it comes down to quarterbacks and experience. Drew Brees has been an elite quarterback for several years, while Alex Smith, in his seventh year, is just now playing like a number one overall pick after many disappointing years. Much like how I didn't trust Matt Ryan last week, I don't trust Smith this week. The Saints have been through the playoffs a couple times now, San Fran has not.
Prediction: New Orleans, 27-24
Denver @ New England - 8:00 p.m.
I doubt this will be the best game of the weekend, but I can almost guarantee it will be the highest rated. Just when you think Tebowmania is about to come to an end, it ends up being bigger and better than ever before. Tebow almost broke the internet last Sunday when Dmaryius Thomas hauled in an 80-yarder from him on the first play of overtime to beat the Steelers. For New England, coach Bill Belichick and the Patriot fanbase have to be thinking that this is a must-win. The Patriots have lost their last two playoff games, both at home, under Bilichick. Going back to Super Bowl XLII, he has lost three in a row in the postseason. I hesitate to say that his squad "caught a break" by playing the Broncos after seeing what happened last week, but this should be a much easier matchup than Pittsburgh would have been. The Pats won 41-23 four weeks ago in Denver and it looked like Tom Brady and company were taking that game personal and had had enough of the Tebow talk. I can see Tebow making this one very interesting considering how bad the Patriots defense is, but in the end, New England knows how important this one is and will put an end to Tebow-time. Maybe. Possibly. I think.
Prediction: New England, 38-24
Sunday, January 15th
Houston @ Baltimore - 1:00 p.m.
You have to feel a little bad for these two teams because nobody wants to talk about this game very much, if at all. The Texans are coming off a convincing victory over the Bengals in the franchise's first playoff game. In a matchup of the league's third and fourth ranked defenses, points will be at a premium. Houston could very well miss Matt Schaub more than ever as T.J. Yates will have to face the aggressive Raven defense with Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs coming after him every play and Ed Reed spying him in the secondary. He will need a ton of support from Arian Foster, but the Ravens run defense ranks second in the NFL, surrendering just over 90 yards per contest. For Baltimore, Ray Rice has turned into one of the best running backs in the game. H ran for 1,364 yards and caught 76 passes for 704 more. Rice's game-breaking talent should be enough for the Ravens against a Houston team that could really struggle to move to the football.
Prediction: Baltimore, 24-13.
New York Giants @ Green Bay - 4:30 p.m.
These two teams played a thriller back in week 14 with the Pack getting a game-winning field goal as time expired. It's important to understand that most of Green Bay's starters, including Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Charles Woodson, have had almost three weeks off. The Giants, on the other hand, have had to play theirs every week since the bye. Also, left tackle Chad Clifton, who was not available in the first meeting for GB, made his return in week 17 against the Lions and played very well. All of this time off will help the Packers tremendously and has allowed guys like Clifton and Greg Jennings to get back to 100 percent. With the return of Clifton and how this Packer offensive line seems to be gelling, the Giants vaunted pass rush will have a hard time getting to Rodgers, which is a huge problem for New York. The weather looks pretty solid for Sunday, a high around 30 and no precipitation. The Packers offense is more explosive than New York's and as long as the defense does not give up the big play too often, the Packers will host the NFC Title game next week.
Prediction: Green Bay, 38-30.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wildcard Weekend Picks
Saturday, January 7th
Cincinnati (9-7) @ Houston (10-6)
This game features two quarterbacks who will be making their very first NFL Playoff start. Something else they have in common is that neither one is 100 percent. Andy Dalton has been battling a flu all week and even spent some time in the hospital. On the other side, T.J. Yates has a separated shoulder. These two teams are pretty evenly matched, but Houston's defense has been great all year, and I think that makes the difference. The Texans also have Arian Foster and Ben Tate, something the Bengals can't counter with. It's interesting that Yates is completing 61.2 percent of his passes, which is 0.2 higher than Matt Schaub. The home crowd will be jacked to see their Texans play in their first playoff game.
Prediction: Houston, 24-20.
Detroit (10-6) @ New Orleans (13-3)
The Lions will face a tall task in the franchise's first playoff game since 1999, going up against a high-powered offense led by Drew Brees. New Orleans averages over 460 yards of offense per game and should be able to have their way with a porous Lions secondary. Neither defense is outstanding, but the Saints know how to bend without breaking. Detroit leads the league in personal fouls and can't afford to help out the opposition by giving them even more yards. The Lions have enough fire power to keep this one close until haltime, but the Saints will take firm control in the second half. Detroit hasn't beaten a team with a winning record all season and the Superdome might be the toughest place to leave with a victory in all of football.
Prediction: New Orleans, 49-28.
Sunday, January 8th
Atlanta (10-6) @ New York Giants (9-7)
I think Atlanta has more talent, but they still haven't proven that they can win in the postseason with Matt Ryan under center. Eli Manning on the other hand has a Super Bowl ring and has put together a fantastic season. Rodgers, Brees, and Brady get most of the attention, but Eli has shown that he is in that same class (4,933 passing yards, 29 touchdowns). Michael Turner presents a problem for the NY defense because he has more rushing yards than anyone else running to the left side, meaning Jason Pierre Paul's pass rushing ability could be slowed significantly. However, Eli and his weapons will prove to be too much for an average Falcon defense to handle and I don't trust Matt Ryan at home in the playoffs, let alone on the road. This should be a close one and probably the best game we see all weekend.
Prediction: New York, 31-27
Pittsburgh (12-4) @ Denver (8-8)
If the Steelers were at full strength, this would be a complete mismatch. However, Pitt is extremely beat up right now. Rashard Mendenhall is out for remainder of the year, safety Ryan Clark's blood condition prevents him from playing in high altitude, and Ben Roethlisberger has a badly sprained ankle. Big Ben will operate from the shotgun quite a bit due to his lack of mobility with that ankle, but his completion percentage goes way down and his interceptions go way up in those situations. As inujured as the offense is, the defense will be mostly intact and will be welcoming back Lamarr Woodley. Pittsburgh has allowed just three touchdowns in their last six games, which doesn't bode well for Tim Tebow. 14 points might be enough for the Steelers to win. Although, if Timmy Rah-Rah has the ball in a 13-10 game with three minutes left, look out.
Prediction: Pittsburgh, 24-3.
Cincinnati (9-7) @ Houston (10-6)
This game features two quarterbacks who will be making their very first NFL Playoff start. Something else they have in common is that neither one is 100 percent. Andy Dalton has been battling a flu all week and even spent some time in the hospital. On the other side, T.J. Yates has a separated shoulder. These two teams are pretty evenly matched, but Houston's defense has been great all year, and I think that makes the difference. The Texans also have Arian Foster and Ben Tate, something the Bengals can't counter with. It's interesting that Yates is completing 61.2 percent of his passes, which is 0.2 higher than Matt Schaub. The home crowd will be jacked to see their Texans play in their first playoff game.
Prediction: Houston, 24-20.
Detroit (10-6) @ New Orleans (13-3)
The Lions will face a tall task in the franchise's first playoff game since 1999, going up against a high-powered offense led by Drew Brees. New Orleans averages over 460 yards of offense per game and should be able to have their way with a porous Lions secondary. Neither defense is outstanding, but the Saints know how to bend without breaking. Detroit leads the league in personal fouls and can't afford to help out the opposition by giving them even more yards. The Lions have enough fire power to keep this one close until haltime, but the Saints will take firm control in the second half. Detroit hasn't beaten a team with a winning record all season and the Superdome might be the toughest place to leave with a victory in all of football.
Prediction: New Orleans, 49-28.
Sunday, January 8th
Atlanta (10-6) @ New York Giants (9-7)
I think Atlanta has more talent, but they still haven't proven that they can win in the postseason with Matt Ryan under center. Eli Manning on the other hand has a Super Bowl ring and has put together a fantastic season. Rodgers, Brees, and Brady get most of the attention, but Eli has shown that he is in that same class (4,933 passing yards, 29 touchdowns). Michael Turner presents a problem for the NY defense because he has more rushing yards than anyone else running to the left side, meaning Jason Pierre Paul's pass rushing ability could be slowed significantly. However, Eli and his weapons will prove to be too much for an average Falcon defense to handle and I don't trust Matt Ryan at home in the playoffs, let alone on the road. This should be a close one and probably the best game we see all weekend.
Prediction: New York, 31-27
Pittsburgh (12-4) @ Denver (8-8)
If the Steelers were at full strength, this would be a complete mismatch. However, Pitt is extremely beat up right now. Rashard Mendenhall is out for remainder of the year, safety Ryan Clark's blood condition prevents him from playing in high altitude, and Ben Roethlisberger has a badly sprained ankle. Big Ben will operate from the shotgun quite a bit due to his lack of mobility with that ankle, but his completion percentage goes way down and his interceptions go way up in those situations. As inujured as the offense is, the defense will be mostly intact and will be welcoming back Lamarr Woodley. Pittsburgh has allowed just three touchdowns in their last six games, which doesn't bode well for Tim Tebow. 14 points might be enough for the Steelers to win. Although, if Timmy Rah-Rah has the ball in a 13-10 game with three minutes left, look out.
Prediction: Pittsburgh, 24-3.
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