Bottom of the Bird Cage 6/2
It’s the 153rd day of the year.
On June 2, 1692 Bridget Bishop was the first person to go on trial in the Salem witch trials. She was found guilty and hung eight days later. Supposedly Bishop’s ghost haunts the Lyceum Bar & Grill in Salem.
On June 2, 1835, P.T. Barnum and his circus started its first tour of the United States. On this day in 1896 Guglielmo Marconi received the first patent for his newest invention: radio. The next day he invented sports talk radio.
And born on this day in 1904 was Johnny Weismuller (left). He was born in Austria-Hungary in an area that is now part of Romania. He came with this family through Ellis Island on the S.S. Rotterdam in January 1905. He would grow up in a tiny coal mining town of Windber, Pennsylvania and in Chicago where his parents had family members.
He lied on his passport application so he could be a member of the U.S Olympic team, and he won three gold medals at the 1924 Summer Games in Paris, and followed that up in the 1928 Summer Games in Amsterdam with two more gold medals. He won 52 national championships, set 67 world records and never lost a swimming race as an amateur. He was the first swimmer to break 1:00 in the 100 meters freestyle.
After swimming was his acting career and he made 12 Tarzan movies and an equal number of Jungle Jim movies. Despite earning big money at the time, late in life he was forced to work as a greeter at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Married six times - that’s where his money went - Weismuller died in Acapulco in 1984, the location where his last Tarzan movie was filmed.
Johnny Weismuller had a good grip on his career. “How can a guy climb trees, say “Me, Tarzan, you, Jane,” and make a million?” he asked. “The public forgives my acting because they know I was an athlete. They know I wasn’t make-believe.”
From the Denver Post: Before the Broncos’ new offense is presented on the field through shotgun deliveries and crisscrossing patterns, it is contained by a four-walled room of desks, PowerPoints and three-ring binders. For most of the offseason, Broncos players have viewed the new playbook as a seventh-grader would trigonometry.
“The most difficult thing for me is learning the different terminology,” veteran receiver Brandon Stokley said. “With all the concussions I’ve had, it doesn’t get any easier for me.”
“It’s one of the most difficult offenses I’ve been in,” veteran center Casey Wiegmann said. “Just because there’s so much verbiage.”
The offense arrived at Dove Valley by way of Josh McDaniels and the New England Patriots. McDaniels is the Broncos’ new coach after spending the previous three seasons as the Pats’ offensive coordinator.
In those three previous seasons, New England averaged 370.8 yards and 28.8 points per game. In that same span, the Broncos — who were transitioning between a quarterback who is now retired (Jake Plummer) and a kid gunslinger who has since been traded (Jay Cutler) — averaged 350.5 yards and a mere 21.0 points.
Broncos players pay enough attention to grasp the success McDaniels had with the Patriots. And they have spent enough time on the field in minicamps and ongoing passing camps to see how sophisticated diagrams and complicated linguistics can translate to a new set of downs and more touchdowns.
It will be interesting to see how well this sophisticated offense works with quarterbacks who are in their first year with the scheme. What success Matt Cassel had last year with the Patriots offense was due largely to the fact he was in year four of working in the system. Can Kyle Orton and/or Chris Simms make the offense work in just six months.
From Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz: As a huge fan of Tom Moore and Howard Mudd, it pains me to write the following words, but here goes: Stay retired.
The concept of one or both returning to the Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff as consultants is ludicrous and downright counterproductive to a team that still has reasonable Super Bowl aspirations. It’s unfortunate both were pushed out the door by the league’s new pension program, but it would make no sense for Moore and Mudd to return in a diminished capacity and look over the shoulders of Clyde Christensen and Pete Metzelaars.
On a day when quarterback Peyton Manning had some uncharacteristically harsh words for his bosses (more on that later), he was right on the money with this:
“I really don’t know what the word ‘consultant’ means and I don’t know if anybody does,” Manning told reporters Tuesday. “I know Tom Moore always told me that when he talked to other teams that had consultants, he thought that was kind of a scary word. He thought all a consultant ever did was come in and second-guessed every play call you made.”
This is an interesting take from Kravitz on the situation in Indianapolis with the assistant coaches and Peyton Manning. One point he makes that is right on point: what the Colts had is gone. It’s going to be different and the only way it works will be if Manning is on board. He’ll bring everybody else around. It’s early June, there’s time, but Peyton needs an attitude adjustment because he’s never going to have back what he had for the last few years with Tony Dungy was head coach and Tom Moore and Howard Mudd putting together the offense.
From the New York Times: In late April, students rebuffed the financially troubled athletic department at the University of New Orleans. They voted against a fee increase to help pay for varsity sports, leaving the university to consider dropping baseball, basketball and every other sport.
Battered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and now whipsawed by state budget cuts during a recession, university officials began scrambling to keep the athletics program out of mothballs. A group of businessmen, led by George Shinn, the owner of the New Orleans Hornets, pledged to raise $2 million by July 1 to keep the teams playing.
Since March, students at three California universities — Sacramento State, Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton — have also voted down fee increases to help pay for athletics. Last year, students at Fresno State voted against a rise in athletic fees, but the university’s president imposed a modified increase anyway. As athletic costs rise at a rate that the N.C.A.A. warns cannot be sustained, and as states continue to reduce spending on higher education, many athletic departments are seeking income beyond ticket sales, booster donations and television revenue to help stem the flow of red ink.
We are certainly in interesting times and they are reflected in what’s happening in the world of sports. There are empty seats, empty luxury boxes, high priced tickets available, cutbacks across the board, even in sports teams and leagues that have experienced little but success. These battles on the college campuses will be interesting to watch because some universities have forgotten what they are in business for: to educate. As important as play time is, it’s the education that matters. There are way too many campuses where that’s been forgotten.
That’s not Johnny Weismuller…that’s ‘check’ talking to Brian…or 22 anys, any.
cant wait for the practice update, i feel its very important due to the fact that any decisions made on vets or rooks brought in will take place soon for camp competition.
Go Succop go.
I’m good enough,
I’m smart enough,
and gosh darn it,
people like me!
Seems like Josh McDaniels is making pretty much every mistake possible for a new coach. What’s next? Abandoning the team for a college HC job?
ILChiefsFan,
I agree, I thought he made a great trade, considering all the picks they acquired for Cutler, but he doesn’t seem to have used them very wisely, this draft anyway.
I do think he is dead on about Cutler not being a franchise QB though. I suspect that we will see many more cracks in his armor before his time is up in the Windy City.
ESPN is reporting that Dallas has released Ellis.
Come on Pioli, get this guy!!
Cutler is a * nee QUARTERBACK…
Cassel is a ? nee TBD
Tyler Thigpen - he’s better than MC Bummer.
_________________________________________
Cue a paraphrased Kenny Nolan: “I Like Dreamin’”
“I like Tyler
cause Tyler can take it in
I like Tyler
runnin’ away from d-linemen
When the game gets old
The defense starts to tire
Got ball in his hands
And it’s sure to be ‘nother nail-biter
I see us on the goal line precipice of score -
We’ve made it down to FG range but nothing more,
Hand in hand, coordinator praying to the Lord
Side by side, the team lines up
I’m trusting you, you’re trusting me
We want a TD!
*TO READ THE REST YOU MUST BEG (nevermind, you’re not worthy - but a hint - Tyler scores, KC wins!)
Hmmm…33 years old, entering 13th season, and only started last year because of an injury. Not to mention that Dallas didn’t see fit to retain him. We already have 2 linebackers that fit that description and Donnie Edwards proved that wasn’t a good strategy. Let’s take a pass unless he is at a rock bottom price. Pioli will make the right call, whatever it is.
I think Ellis would be a good pickup. Go get him.
B in SC,
I agree he’s an old dude, and to wonder if he has anything left is natural, but he has, at least played LB in the NFL and in a 34 too. With McBride and Hali never playing that position, his experience alone would be an improvement, at least early. Granted if a guy can be had that is younger, but has been a LB in a 34 I’d be all for getting him, but those guys are kinda hard to find this late in the game.
Not saying we should or shouldn’t go after the guy, but…
The problem is, with players like Ellis, is it’s hard to get them to want to come to KC. The Patriots are rumored to be interested in him. So who would a player in the last few years of their career rather go play for? A 2-14 team…or a team that could easily go to the Super Bowl this year? That’s a real problem for us right now in Free Agency, I believe. Hopefully, a few years down the road…we’ll be the type of team that players will want to come play for.
BTW, I didn’t see anyone mention this…Brian Johnston failed his physical after the Lions claimed him off waivers. So for those that were moaning about KC releasing him…maybe Haley and Pioli knew a little more than you thought.
Good info on Johnston Scott, where did you hear that at?
anonymous,
It was on Arrowhead Pride today.
And here:
https://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player.php?tqid=7312&type=news&nid=58752
Damn! I hope the guy gets healed up and catches on with a team. I think it’s safe to assume that the reason for him failing the physical, is the same injury that put him on IR last year.
I dont think that picking Ellis up is a good idea, how about letting the younger guys get some game experience at their new position, how else are they going to get better if they don’t play?? They can watch Ellis play on gametape and learn from watching that way.
I don’t think picking up Ellis would be a good idea either; he’s too heavy - you could hurt your back.
Too, then we would also have to resign the other remaining feeble- er Beatle, Donnie Edwards - to complete the Fab Four:
Vrabel 34…Thomas 36…Ellis 34…Edwards 36.
CREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK…
Bobby Bell could still outrun & outplay any of them…
Goodness Rin, a substantive comment…will the wonders never cease?
“Bobby Bell could still outrun & outplay any of them…”
When’s the last time that guy suited up anyways?
Oakland Raiders, 1975…pre-season aka exhibition game as it was once upon a time referred.
How many of the young uns this blog wearing size 10 caps upon #2 heads theirs had any idea Bobby played for the Raiders - and in fact would have had he made the teams final roster thence?
Alas, when Hank Stram left post 1974 season Bob’s legs left too; actually, they’d been saying their goodbyes on the field over the previous 2-3 years afore he called it a day Kaycee, career.
Ask it, and Rin knows.
I guess, playing the “young guys” just so they can gain experience, is great if your hoping for another 2-14 season, especially when your counting on two guys that have never played LB, Hali and McBride.
I think Scott makes a valid point on players having qualms about playing for the Chiefs right now. I can’t help but wonder how much that has affected the Chiefs in FA. (then there is my other suspicion that Hunt is broke, but that’s another story)
If Haley does as I suspect (base D a 43 under w/sub packages using a 34) we may be ok with whats on the roster now.
“Bob’s legs left too;”
His bbq skills didn’t leave thankfully.
I just think it is a bit questionable to sign any more players with age on them at this point. With Vrabel and Thomas onboard, the experience and leadership is there. If we were a player or two away from contending, then…..
Anyway, Pioli will make good call on Ellis. Understand that he has experience Bob, but even then it doesn’t make much sense to spend a lot on him. Everyone is new to the system so 1 guy isn’t going to let us contend with San Diego. I like the approach so far to sprinkle in 1 or 2 veterans with a younger crop. They can do it again next year when they see who can play in this system and who can’t.
Bob never was a big eater himself though … he was generoulsy listed at 228 lbs. on a 6′4 frame.
Truth be known, he was more 6′3-ish and 210-215; contrast Bob with WR Otis Taylor who listed most usually some 6′3 215 but who played at 227 (Otis told me so.)
The best athlete on the team then was one or the other Bobby or Otis so the debate went; Bell was probably peerless if a vote had to be taken.
Bell’s physique was referred to as an inverted triangle, because he had a 27 or 28 inch waist, or so the rumor was.
Bobby Bell was what a Derrick Thomas, Lawrence Taylor, Jack Ham- all the rest wanted to be but never became - best OLB in pro football history.
Near the end of his career, at the time of his retirement, story was told (more accurate than naught least to a degree, my opine) that Bobby never really learned all the nuances of playing LB so much as he outran his mistakes. When his legs finally started to go, he lost his biggest weapon.
Well, you don’t play 12 seasons and not learn the whys & wherefores but true enough, he was athlete first.
Bell was every bit as quick as Derrick Thomas - and Bobby was faster. Had Bobby Bell played on artifical turf like Thomas and all the rest the modern day over-hypes, and been turned loose to just blitz like the aforementioned others, he’d have obliterated the record book. Deacon Jones and Bobby Bell were the two best at getting to the QB I’ve ever seen.
The only other LB who could’ve been just as good as Bell - & he may hae been for 2-3 years before he got hurt - was George Webster the HOU Oilers (and later PITT.)
Bell & Webster were the 2 best, then Ham, Taylor, Thomas et al, the rest.
I bet Ellis is Somewhere by Thurs.
Good insight on the “old timers” Rin. I too think BB was one of the greatest ever and would have rivaled the all time great pass rushers if he were of a different era. Although perhaps an “old timer” myself, I could never picture him in a Raider uniform. Fortunately we never had to. Webster was another unique talent who would have been much more recognized if not for the injuries. Those Chiefs were all that we hope we can return to in the near future. Time will tell.
Yes, impressive be my name…well, afore or aft the part ‘Rin’ at least.
Too, former GB Packer Dave Robinson, the SF 49′er Dave Wilcox and even the Chief EJ Holub afore his knees went the way of youth were among very best.
Holub was then referred to as “the best football player in America” as a college senior. Alas, he had to grow up like we all do. Well, most… not everyone can stay Dorian Gray for more than that relative day.
Football they say is a game played by overgrown adolescents- in this as in vigor of flamboyance, Rin can identify.
I must go now to polish up my memories…