First Day of NFL Free Agency

Yup, This Is About Right

Can you really have too much of the National Football League? In an attempt to answer this question, I will analyze multiple data sets and develop a well thought out and structured argument. Just kidding, the answer is yes... yes you can have too much of the NFL.

Before I go on this little rant, let me acknowledge that I haven't posted a new article in about a month. And, what caused me to emerge from this four week hiatus? None other than the "first day of NFL free agency", the very same subject of my criticism. Boomtower, blam-o, game over man, adios pelota... there it is. People are excited about football, IN THE MIDDLE OF MARCH!!! The NFL has become the Leviathan of American sports, gobbling up all the marketing dollars in it's path. Like the Death Star against Alderaan, the other pro leagues don't stand a chance.

Take a moment and think about this, when can we go an extended period of time without the NFL plastered all over the major sports media outlets? From the final moment of the Superbowl in February, we have less than a month until the scouting combine. After the combine, we have less than a month until the first day of free agency (which is apparently a huge deal now), in mid March. Then in April, teams can officially begin their offseason workout programs and the season schedules are released. Before you know it, we get the NFL Draft in May! But the thrills are just starting, wouldn't you know, team's have their mandatory mini camps in June and the actual training camps are in July. Then, it's already preseason in August and look at that, the first regular season game is in early September, ready to carry us through February and the Superbowl. A continuous cycle, a literal year of NFL action.

Now don't get me wrong, I love my football as much as any red blooded American. You guys, my loyal readers all see it, 80% of my posts are about the 49ers. But come on, give me a break. It's Spring Training for crying out loud! The NHL and NBA are headed down the home stretch towards their respective playoffs! There are so many meaningful games happening now, yet the NFL still finds a way to steal the spotlight.

The worst part is, I am completely guilty of falling into this NFL trap. For the last two days, I've been plastered to my phone. Constantly checking my Bleacher Report and ESPN apps. Then, immediately jumping back to Facebook, to take part in a conversation about the Whitner/Bethea switch, or how Jim Harbaugh can salvage Jonathan Martin. It's all just insane. We should be mulling over Spring Training stats, Opening Day is in two weeks or so. TWO WEEKS... and we're all here talking about football.

So I don't really know where I've gone with this. But all I can say is, kudos to you, NFL. Great job. You've 100% stolen the hearts and minds of America's sport consumers. Heck, you even want to expand the brand to the United Kingdom. I can hear Roger Goodell calling, "Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy... of the world's sporting dollars."

U.S. Men's Hockey Shockingly Impressive

We all knew the U.S. Men's Hockey team was talented, all the Olympic rosters are. We knew they, along with Canada, Russia and Sweden, were among the top four favorites going into the tournament. My expectation for this team was to make a solid run at a medal, any medal. I figured them to be very very good. But honestly, did anyone foresee the result of today's game coming?

The American men, driven by an absolute scoring exhibition in the second period, dismantled Big Zdeno Chara and the Slovaks. Let's not forget, this is the same Slovakian team which surprised the world by making it to the Bronze Medal Game at the 2010 Vancouver Games. Today, were it not for a missed offsides call, the Slovakians wouldn't have scored a single goal.

In comparison to the opponents faced by Canada, Russia and Sweden, the United States had arguably the toughest matchup in the first game. Yet, the American's won in the most convincing fashion out of any team in group play. So, is this U.S. team better than the experts gave them credit for? Afterall, many were picking the Americans to fail to medal, coming in behind Canada, Russia and Sweden.

After today, there should be no doubt the U.S. team is the primary obstacle between Canada and another Olympic Hockey Gold. The team is older and more experienced than in 2010. The defeat four years ago is still sitting in their minds and they're hungry for a little payback. I have been convinced, if there is a squad to overtake the Canadians, this is it. For, they are built more like a real team than an All Star Squad. Scoring line, shutdown line, faceoff specialists and penalty killers fill the U.S. Team. Not just a conglomerate of the best players. And lets not forget the stellar goaltending of Jonathan Quick and the proven Olympic track record of Ryan Miller. This American team is stunningly strong.

I'm not counting out the Russians and Swedes. I will not disregard Alex Ovechkin in front of his home nation or Henrik Lundqvist's fantastic goaltending. But that American team was lightning fast and mighty impressive today. The showdown with Russia this Saturday will give us a better picture, look for a disappointed home crowd.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next week of hockey.

Super Bowl Dilemma

San Francisco fans have overwhelmingly jumped on the Denver Bronco's bandwagon. Understandable, given how the closing moments of the NFC Championship game went down. Countless 49er Faithful want nothing more than to see Peyton Manning carve the Legion of Boom to pieces. I too, felt this way for the first couple of days after our stinging defeat at the hands of Seattle. However, this new found affinity for the Broncos is misplaced and short sighted.

For a moment, 49er fans need to put their hatred for the Seahawks aside. Recognize that if Seattle wins the Superbowl, everything San Francisco did this year is immediately validated. Was the defeat at Century Link Field dissappointing? Absolutely. Was it frustrating? Of course. But look at it this way, the 49ers were one foot away from winning that game. If Colin Kaepernick throws the ball to the back corner of the end zone, Crabtree makes the catch and the Niners win. They would have won against the NFC's #1 seed in the most difficult stadium to play at in the entire NFL. There's no reason to hate Seattle for defeating San Francisco in a very close and well contested game.

Calm yourselves 49er fans, I'm not saying you have to root for Seattle. I realize for some, that is absolutely out of the realm of possibility. I am saying, however, that you should look at the game from a completely neutral perspective. If Denver wins, great. Seattle would be embarrassed, Peyton Manning would have his coveted second ring and 49er fans could still taunt the 12th Man about their lack of a Lombardi Trophy. However, if Seattle wins, look at the positives. Take solice in knowing the 49ers lost to the Superbowl champ. Admire the fact a team from the NFC West (The best division in football) took the title. Instead of focusing on bad guys Richard Sherman and Pete Carroll, enjoy the likeable Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. Basically, don't let your hatred for the Seattle Seahawks skew your football compass.

I have solved my own dilemma about which team to root for today. I will root for neither. I will sit and take a football game at face value. Look at it from an unbiased perspective, something I've been trying to train myself to do. However today's game turns out, I'll be able to find a positive. Good luck to both Seattle and Denver, make it a good game.