Its FOOTBALL TIME AGAIN!!

[rydwhite]

Do 40 million play soccer?

[Meantime]

The nice thing about football is, there's been a different winner every year since the end of the Dallas dynasty, including some teams nobody thought would've ever hoisted the silver trophy (Ravens, Pats, Bucs). I mean, these were doormat teams for the longest time, no offense.

Hockey is a foregone conclusion to watch anymore. 82 games boils down to the same troika of teams winning the cup (Devils, Avs, or Wings). In addition, the NHL has arguably been devolving ever since '94. It's become a slow-paced, low-scoring, under-called hooking-and-grabbing fest that is painfully boring to watch. Now they're considering abolishing fighting, which is about the only exciting aspect of the game. Ticket prices have soared in the meantime - to watch a game that will put most people to sleep. It's sad, I remember when hockey used to be the most thrilling sport to watch, it was so explosive and fast-moving and intense. Now it's a joke and will be even worse after the CBA expires at the end of this season.

[AZhitman]

Hockey hasn't been the same since Bob Probert left the league.

[AZhitman]

Sorry but that is wrong. Close to 40 Million people play baseball in the US.

Do 40 million people play football? No.

40 million people, huh? Where'd that # come from?

Because if that includes little league, college, and pro, then I'd say consider that Pop Warner football (and other youth football associations) are just as large.

I don't care HOW many play it, baseball is still lame.

[AZhitman]

are you kidding?? maybe your thinking of the favre now. His arm was/still kinda is a rocket launcher. he's never had the great speed but he was a mobile quarterback before the McNabbs and Vicks of the world came of age. On top of that Favre is made of Steel. He was the ultimate steal from atlanta. They got him for 2 pennies and a paint chip. They guy hasnt missed a game since.

I've NEVER forgiven the Falcons for letting him go.

There was an article where they interviewed receivers across the league (and safeties and corners) and asked, "Who throws the HARDEST?" Unanimous answer: Brett Favre.

If Marino could scramble, he'd be my pick. But he can't, he's a pocket passer. If Marino ever put his shoulder down and took on a 275-lb linebacker on 3rd and goal (and scored), then he'd be my pick.

Favre is old-school, hard-core, and I don't even remotely like the Pack. But Brett's the man.

[cosmo]

40 million people, huh? Where'd that # come from?

Because if that includes little league, college, and pro, then I'd say consider that Pop Warner football (and other youth football associations) are just as large.

National Safety Council and Consumer Safety Comission-1999Baseball-36,600,000Basketball-29,600,000Volleyball-20,500,000Football-14,700,000Soccer-10,300,000Skateboarding-6,200,000Ice Hockey-1,700,000

[AZhitman]

If they want me to believe that more people play volleyball than football.... LOL.

Either way, thanks for the data.

[90Q45blue]

I've NEVER forgiven the Falcons for letting him go.

...until they picked up Mike Vick.

That guy is the real deal. Besides, anyone that can be that good in Madden 2004 has to be good right

Nick

[nuQ]

c'mon greg,,,scramble???? no need when you're hitting your receivers for TD's!!!!LOL marino was a pocket passer, but if you watch interviews with defensive guys, they all say that even though marino didn't scramble, there was no better avoiding the rush, his footwork was tremendous, and could "feel" the pressure and release avoiding the sack,,,,and injuries. as for taking on a 275 linebacker, why with his talent. there aren't any coaches in the league that WANT their QB's taking on a 275 linebacker. that's a big salary to watch on the sidelines!!!LOL if you watch interviews with marino's old teamates and opponents they all say how tough he was, and was so competitive and sure of himself, watch tapes when his receiver misses a route, or a lineman missed a block!!! one of the greatest 2 minute comebacks was when marino drove, i think 87 yards against the jets in 94, then did the fake spike for the touchdown pass to mark ingram. amazing drive. my whole family are jet fans (is there anything worse!!!!) and my cousin was at the game. she said she never heard giant stadium so quiet. was like a tomb. she said the crowd was literally in shock. as a side note to that story, my brother-in-law gets tickets every year to the cadillac golf tournament in nj. it's a senior pro/am with lots of football players (marino/elway al del greco, etc). anyway, my brother and i are big marino fans and we're kinda following him from hole to hole. so when he putts out and is walking off the green, my brother-in-law and his wacky friend start yelling "hey danny, we'll see ya in november,,,,better wear you're isotoner gloves,,,,j-e-t-s", etc, etc. so marino slowly turns around to see who the bigmouths were, then looks at them and does the arm motion like he's downing the ball to stop the clock. those idiots didn't know what to say and just stood there, it was hilarious!!!!

[AZhitman]

That's a CLASSIC story, LOL.

Good to see a player with a sense of humor.

[GatorS14]

dan had a funny line in bad boys 2.

[rydwhite]

I loved Dan in Ace Ventura.

[GatorS14]

I watched the florida gators schrimage last night.sad to say this but,defense worrys me a little.Our recievering core looks good though.

[I30T]

Well, it is football time.

And the ravens are instilling fear again, now that Adalius Thomas has fractured Mike Vick's fibula. Yes, for those of you that skim over posts,

[quote=" I30T

Mike Vick has a fractured Fibula and is out for 6-10 Weeks.[/quote]Sorry, its always bad to see, but at least the ravens' d is still great. Vick was 0-4 with one INT and one sack before getting hurt.

[rydwhite]

Sucks for the Falcs. Vick out like 6 weeks. He will miss the first few weeks of the regular season. Who is their backup QB?

[Sopdadope]

Hey now, no need to rip baseball...

For every die-hard football fan, there's probably two or three crazed baseball fans. Seriously, all along the east coast there are some die-hard, life-long baseball fans.

Boring!?! Bottom of the ninth... Two outs. Full count. Bases loaded. Jeter up to bat. Kim winds up for a rising fastball.

This has got be to THE most intense, exciting moment in all of sportsdom!

[AZhitman]

Kim? Good riddance.

Haven't they sent him to the minors yet?

He stunk up the place when he was in AZ. Nice kid (met him once), but needs some "aging".

[AZhitman]

Who is their backup QB?

Doug Johnson. Good kid, he'll do fine.

[Sopdadope]

Kim? Good riddance.

Haven't they sent him to the minors yet?

He stunk up the place when he was in AZ. Nice kid (met him once), but needs some "aging".

Actually, he's the closer now and he's pretty much solidified the bullpen since he's got here. Pretty damn good if you ask me.

What do you mean by "aging?"

BTW, Why couldn't the Red Sox win a WS while teams like the D-Back's, with a relatively small following and people who can't even appreciate baseball in their town!?!?

[AZhitman]

He's young and gets rattled easily, that's all.

Soph, if you saw the support in AZ for the D-Backs, you'd be amazed. First of all, the Phoenix Metro area is the 5th largest in the US. Bigger than DFW. Second, BankOne Ballpark is one of the MOST beautiful parks in MLB. Third, people as far away as Flagstaff and Tucson have season tickets - These are some die-hard fans, and they're not impressed by the teams with old-school "tradition".

I love the D-Backs. You'll never see any "drama" with the players on this team - Colangelo and Brenly won't put up with it. (Ask Erubiel Durazo what happens if you're not a "team player".)

They're just a cool bunch of guys.

[Sopdadope]

In a recent survey, despite winning the world series, the D-Backs and Angels are rock bottom in terms of number of fans. Even the Devil Rays had more fans.

What I really meant was there are some die-die-hard fans out here and nearly a hundred years without a championship is just way too long. You guys need to wait your turn dammit! lol

Some day the stars will all align...someday....

[AZhitman]

Well, if you ever get a chance to get to AZ, we'll go to a D-Backs game - You'll see how crazy this place is for the snakes.

100 years w/o a championship = chronically crappy management and consistently poor decisions by the top brass.

[rydwhite]

Red Socks fans will kill Yankees fans and vice versa just becuase they back the other team. That is die hard fandom. Living in the midwest, I am stuck with the Cubs, Reds, Cardinals, White Socks, and Lions. These fans are not quite so die hard. The Cubs have a pretty good base as do the Cards, but everytime I have gone to a Yankees game or a Red Socks, the atmosphere and the fans are just completely different.

[Sopdadope]

Well, if you ever get a chance to get to AZ, we'll go to a D-Backs game - You'll see how crazy this place is for the snakes.

100 years w/o a championship = chronically crappy management and consistently poor decisions by the top brass.

Or just plain old bad luck ie Billy Buckner missing that ground out against the Mets...That Red Sox team had it all wrapped up and then blew it!!

Lemme tell you something about the Yankees...With a payroll twice as big as the second highest team, they should be winning championship teams EVERY year. Steinbrainer thinks he can just buy himself a world series and it's definitely gotta sting getting knocked out of the playoffs by expansion teams...OUCH!

About Red Sox- Yankees animosity. A friend of mine went to Yankee stadium and got sucker-punched by a Yankee fan so I guess the rivalry does live up to the hype.

[Bubba1]

Or just plain old bad luck ie Billy Buckner missing that ground out against the Mets...That Red Sox team had it all wrapped up and then blew it!!

I think it was the Babe's curse rearing it's ugly head. Buckner was actually a very good player in his day.

Lemme tell you something about the Yankees...With a payroll twice as big as the second highest team, they should be winning championship teams EVERY year. Steinbrainer thinks he can just buy himself a world series and it's definitely gotta sting getting knocked out of the playoffs by expansion teams...OUCH!

I agree 100%, people say what an amazing manager Joe Torre is. Oh, I'm sure he could win just as many World Series if he piloted the Detroit Tigers or KC Royals......NOT.

About Red Sox- Yankees animosity. A friend of mine went to Yankee stadium and got sucker-punched by a Yankee fan so I guess the rivalry does live up to the hype.

That is a great rivalry, but you haven't seen abusive fan behavior until you've watched an Iggle game from the 700 level of Veterans Stadium. It's far worse. The soon-to-be-a-parking lot-Veterans Stadium is the only NFL hosting stadium with its own onsite court room and jail. Philly fans should be proud.

[AZhitman]

Go to a RedWings game at The Joe in a Blackhawks jersey and see what happens.

Especially in a Chris Chelios jersey in the early 90's, LOL.

[I30T]

better yet, go to a UNC vs. Duke football game.

they both suck so horrendously, everyone cries and says how good they'll be next year.

(go terps.)

[nuQ]

bubba1, totally agree with you on those eagle fans. the two episodes that stand out,,,,,michael irvin laying on the turf, looking like he might be paralyzed, and the eagle fans cheering. and the dallas or giant fan, with his very young son, up in the (i think) 700 level, being pushed all the way down the stairs because he was cheering for his team,,,right in front of his kid!!!!!! WOW! tough crowd!!!