Random Thoughts from the Last 48 Hours

Here’s an assortment of ideas that I have pondered over the last two days.

• Some pundits and Eagles fans are calling for the team to move on from the Donovan McNabb era. While I am no McNabb apologist, who exactly would take his place? A rookie? The free agent talent pool is pretty thin. Choices include Kurt Warner, Matt Cassell, Jeff Garcia, Kyle Orton, Kerry Collins, etc. None of those look like much of an upgrade. Was the recent loss really McNabb’s fault? Was he the one who let Fitzgerald score three touchdowns in yesterday’s game? No, McNabb almost led back the team to victory. The Eagles need to resign McNabb unless he wants outrageous money. Also, they should get him some more offensive help. Desean Jackson is not enough to scare opposing defenses.
• The Blackberry Storm should have come with Wi-Fi. I see no reason not to include it except of course planned obsolescence.
• Paying $15 to check a bag on a plane. That is ridiculous. I paid yesterday for the first time in my life to check a bag. And I don’t intend to do it again. Northwest Airlines – you just lost my business. Now, it looks like I will have to fly on AirTran, Jet Blue, and Southwest when possible.
• The Rockies are absolutely gorgeous. Whenever I see a large mountain range, I am reminded of the Scripture that says the mountains melt like wax before the Lord.
• Many people in this country are hurting financially, and the federal government is spending more than $100 million on the Obama inauguration. I don’t care how much or how little was spent in the past. My concern has nothing to do with who won or lost the election. In a time when we are all being asked to make some sacrifices, when does the federal government lead by example? I think this was an opportunity for Obama to show that he truly is a different type of leader. It looks like the new president may just be more of the same.
• On a slightly different note, I am praying for Obama that he will guide with wisdom, fear God and not man, and will work to shore up our struggling economy. I hope that his change is something that I can come to believe in…We’ll just have to see.
• Skiing is a relaxing activity until you hear the sound of snowboarders closing in from behind.
• Praise the Lord that hostilities in Gaza have come to an end. I pray that Hamas will truly seek a lasting peace and will refrain from firing rockets into Israel.
• I’m still looking for a new favorite football team. No real winners yet. Every one of my contenders has let me down to this point. Maybe I’ll have to go back to my first love (the Cowboys). At least, I am not a Lions or Bengals fan.
• A parent on the plane next to me yesterday mentioned the high cost of a college education today. When are colleges going to get it? $30,00-40,000 per year for a bachelor’s degree is nuts.

Advertisement

It’s Over…

I am officially available. Yes, any NFL sports team (with some exceptions noted below) can now try to win my allegiance and support as a fan. It’s not that I am a quitter. I have stayed with the Dallas Cowboys for years. But there are just some things that will never be okay. As long as Jerry Jones is the guy calling the shots, I just don’t think I can trust the Cowboys. They have broken my heart for the last time. It’s kind of like a marriage where the mother-in-law is too involved and won’t butt out. I am truly grieved.

I knew the relationship was beyond repair earlier in the season when Jerry Jones (aka the mother-in-law) signed Roy Williams for a gaggle of draft picks. Another locker room malcontent, yes, that is exactly what the Cowboys need. It is as if Jerry Jones likes to hire guys who will make headlines. Hey, here’s a little tip Jerry. Chemistry is not made with Benjamins. It is made by getting quality people who have more than talent. They must have character and a coach who knows how to lead the way.

Dallas is in trouble because it has paid too much and locked up too many spoiled players for long term contracts. The head coach is a great defensive coordinator, but he has never won the big games as a head coach. Come on? Do you really expect Wade Philips to change after being in the league for 30 years. I don’t buy what he said in the recent press conference.

The Cowboys offense needs to get creative and figure out ways to handle the press better so it doesn’t turnover the ball as much. I don’t know that the problem is any one player as much as the play calling. Some key guys were hurt this year. But the receiving corp needs to decide if they will be selfless and do what is truly best for the team. If not, the guys who cry about not getting the ball enough should go.

There is more that I could say about what needs to be fixed. But it is just too painful. I really think it all start with Jerry Jones. He should do everybody in sports a big favor and sell the team to a person who will not meddle in player decisions.

Okay, now on to the future. I have certain criteria for my new team. Here is my list:

1.) No teams in the NFC East. That would be like dating a cousin. You just don’t do that because I will always have a place in my heart for Dallas.

2.) No team in the Northeast. That would offend my Southern roots too much. Thus, no Jets, Giants, Patriots, Bills, etc.

3.) No Steelers or Green Bay Packers because my brother and Jeff McBee would gloat too much. They would always make comments about how it is nice that I have “seen the light” or “come over from the dark side.”

4.) No Patriots because I hate cheaters. Plus, I am tired of hearing how Belichick is the smartest being on the planet next to God.

5.) No team with maniac owners. You know if you have a maniac owner because he thinks he knows more about player selection than NFL scouts and experts. Another sign is anyone who acts like Al Davis. Thus, no Raiders, Redskins, Cowboys, etc.

6.) No teams with losing traditions. Some teams seem to never win. It is as if they are cursed. Sports karma keeps them from ever doing well. This would exclude the Lions, the Cardinals, the Bengals, etc.

7.) No arch rivals of the Cowboys. See reason #1. This would exclude the 49ers.

8.) The desired candidate should be a good sports town with civil fans who root for their teams without booing Santa Claus.

9.) The desired candidate should have a decent winning tradition although they don’t have to necessarily be a top team this year.

10.) The desired candidate should have strong coaching and a tradition of owners who know how to stay out of player decisions.

11.) I would prefer a team that is located within a day’s drive of my hometown. This would allow me to go to a game every once and a while.

12.) The ideal candidate would seek players with strong character who are good role models. These players will work hard on every play and seek to achieve team goals over personal notoriety.

13.) The ideal candidate should be competitive with player compensation although a somewhat frugal shopper that is smart about how much it pays players.

14.) A cool mascot and logo wouldn’t hurt.

15.) Having a few high profile Christians on the team would also be another positive.

Based on my criteria. I have come up with a number of teams that are in the running. Here’s my current list.

Titans,  Panthers, Falcons, Colts, and Bears. I might also accept the Rams or Chiefs although these are long shots. With the playoffs under way and free agency to follow, I will look to see what the various contenders show me.