Hi Folks,
We do a lot of really insightful, thoughtful and serious features here at Footballguys with some very smart people thinking deeply for you. This is not one of those features.
This is Random Shots and it’s a few pages of me downloading my goofy and dysfunctional mental hard drive that gets stuffed with way too many random items from too many hours watching, reading about and listening to football every weekend and throughout the week. It's the only way I keep relatively sane. Here's hoping it has a tiny bit of value for you.
We’ll see how it goes. Let’s get to it.
J
The Black Eyed Joe’s Player Of the Year usually takes a few weeks to emerge. This year was no different but I’ve got my man.
Presenting to you the Black Eyed Joe’s Player of the Year (for now): Kyle Orton.
No offense to E.J. Manuel, but this is the quarterback this city needs.
As someone said, is this a post game victory cigar or a scene from American Hustle?
I mean really. How can you not love a QB that looks looks like Uncle Rico?
So buy this shirt like I did.
Thanks to the awesome Bills Forum at Reddit for these. God Bless you Boys.
On a serious Buffalo note, Peter King had this quote from Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins who made a fantastic 20 yard catch to set up the game winning field goal.
"I could get one hand on the ball,'" Watkins said from Detroit, "and I knew it was a catch we needed. Kyle put the ball where I could get it all day. In the huddle before that last drive, we were all like, ‘The defense has been playing so great, let’s go out and win this game ourselves.'"
Wow. Does that sound like a rookie to you?
Head scratcher from Footballguy James Schneider. James was looking up some other data and stumbled on this from my buddy Doug Drinen and the folks at Pro-Football-Reference.com
Here’s a list of Career Quarterback Passer Rating in Playoff Games.
God Bless Mark Sanchez.
Partly because that gives me an excuse to post one of my favorite celebrity lookalikes with Sanchez and Lawrence from Office Space.
It doesn’t take a lot to make me happy.
On a serious note, mark it down - If something happens to Nick Foles, Sanchez is way better than people think. I don’t wish anything bad on Foles but part of me wants to see a compare / contrast with Chip Kelly vs Rex Ryan there.
I love Keyshawn Johnson. He gave us this gem Sunday morning on the Countdown show: “Got to be honest with you. Quarterbacks, they are selfish. They’re going to throw to the open guy.”
Then Tom Jackson said something about a team getting “skunked” and Keyshawn bent over with his head nearly on the desk raising his voice a few octaves and squealing “He went OHHHLD SCHOOOOOOL”…
Sorry Guys. I had baseball on my mind Monday when I sent out this line in our Footballguys Email Update. “St. Louis Cardinals WR Brian Quick posted a team-high five receptions with a game-high 87 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 5 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.”
On that note, Jay Clemons had a nice one Sunday:
Interesting stuff from Jay Glazer this week. This week on FoxSports.com the story was “Jay Glazer says there's no way Jim Harbaugh returns in San Francisco next season, even if they win the Super Bowl.”
Peter King had a nice line on Harbaugh this week when he said, “Somehow I think Jim Harbaugh loves all the mayhem around his job. Because Jim Harbaugh loves mayhem.”
I think he’s right. Which made me ask my Buddy Kyle Lebeda of SlantShirts.com to throw these together.
And
I know I do a lot of mad Jim Harbaugh stuff. Because there’s a lot of mad Jim Harbaugh stuff out there.
In the interest of fairness or equal time or something like that, I found this adorable image this week.
File this one under “Joe thinks these guys earn their money”…
Jacksonville mascot Jaxson DeVille has been a long time Random Shots favorite.
He paid off a “bet” last year stripping down to this…
But Sunday, he screwed up trying to make an obviously inappropriate “joke” involving Ebola.
The Jaguars scrambled to issue a lame and gutless “apology”.
"Improvisation and humor have both been key elements to the character of Jaxson DeVille, especially when he performs at home games," Jaguars President Mark Lamping said. "On Sunday, the person who has played Jaxson DeVille over the past 20 seasons made an extremely poor decision in that regard. The team was unaware of this inappropriate sign, which was hand-made by Jaxson during the fourth quarter of yesterday’s game, until after it had been displayed. We are handling the matter internally and taking it very seriously. We extend our sincerest apologies to anyone who was offended.”
A few things. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, but entirely the responsibility of the people who wrote this drivel, the mascot is by far the most recognizable face of the franchise. Yes, it sucks for the fans but that’s reality and it’s 100% the fault of the front office they’ve been unable to do something as radical as actually have a player who’s recognizable. So they made this bed.
With that said, you don’t suddenly get to deem this some sort of “rogue” act. The mascot represents you. So YOU, Jacksonville Jaguars Organization, made an error here. That’s how responsibility works.
What doesn’t work is some lame “cover your butt and throw the guy under the bus even if he’s the only guy in our organization that’s good at his job” apology. Maybe he needs to be fired. I’m not well versed in what’s allowable behavior for mascots. But don’t gloss over the fact that YOU, as an organization are responsible here.
And lastly, never ever ever put the blame on the person who was offended with the lamest of lame lines: “apologies to anyone who was offended”. Just because you throw in the “sincerely” doesn’t get you off the hook. That’s the same as “strenuously” objecting.
The company did something wrong. It was stupid and insensitive. But it’s not the worst thing in history and nobody’s going to jail. Show some guts. Apologize. Own YOUR mistake that YOUR COMPANY made. And move on. It’s not that hard.
Sorry. Got kind of fired up there.
At least we got this gem with the woman in jeans and long sleeves watching the game from the stadium pool…
October marks the league’s “Crucial Catch” month raising awareness for Breast Cancer and encouraging screenings in addition to honoring survivors and remembering those we’ve lost. Rock on.
It’s also the time I get to play my ancient Chris Berman Breast Awareness clip and remind everyone I’m twelve.
The latest edition of “no celebrating here” went down in Dallas Sunday.
I’m with Rich Cimini as the Jets made their decision on which players were on the Inactive list at what seemed like a few minutes before kickoff.
As it turned out, clock management wasn’t really a factor for New York. There was 7:35 left on the clock in the fourth quarter the first time New York took a snap in Charger territory.
Peyton Manning had this one.
On a serious note, here’s the Jets game in one picture. Backup QB. Trailing 28-0 with 3rd and 25 from their own 8 on the road. There’s not one good thing about that picture if you’re a Jets fan other than it’s sunny.
Here’s the summary of Thursday Night game in one clip.
Tom Moore is 75. Logan Thomas is 23. I just thought this was an interesting picture Sunday.
Frank Gore with a little of what I was talking about last week with players not wearing their pants over their knees.
Patriots RB Stevan Ridley rocking the Mr. T look.
If you google “sweet interception” I wouldn’t be surprised to see this picture of Patrick Robinson come up. Wow.
Shout out to my Buddy Matt Cox. May you dominate Physicians Assistant School like Spider 2 Y Banana dominates defenses.
God Bless Lonely Cowboy Fans.
As once again, AT&T stadium didn’t really feel like a home field advantage for Dallas.
But against Houston, it’s a little more understandable than it was against San Francisco. Tony Romo gave a nudge to the fan base.
Thank you, Joe. I don’t know how I ever made it through a Sunday before Twitter allowed me Joe Namath’s insights into the game. That’s some magic behind the curtain stuff right there.
On that note…
I still love Rex though. As someone who isn’t emotionally invested in the Jets, that’s much easier to say.
Buffalo defensive coordinator (and former Detroit head coach) Jim Schwartz said way back in the spring that if the Bills beat the Lions in Detroit, he wanted to be carried off the field.
Lions receiver Golden Tate was not a fan.
I see Tate’s point. When Schwartz was the Lions head coach, he piled up a 29-51 record. Which means 64% of the time his Lions took the field, the other team won the game like his Bills did Sunday. I’m not sure doing something that 64% of the teams did under my watch is worthy of being carried off the field.
I bet Schwartz sends Tate a box of Top Pot maple bars…
Adam Jones hasn’t had a fair catch since 2006. I love that.
It’s a good life lesson. I get it that discipline and patience are all part of the game. But there’s something to be said for the Dominican baseball attitude that “You don’t walk your way off the island”. Do what you do.
You probably saw the chop block by Julius Thomas on Arizona’s Calais Campbell.
Afterwards, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians was not happy.
I love Arians and he’s a favorite here for Random Shots. But let’s dial the drama back just a tad.
The play was dirty, cheap and illegal. But I’m with Denver coach John Fox on this one. "I talked to [Arians] after the game," Fox added. "It's not the dirtiest play I've seen this year, let alone [in] 35 years."
Uh oh. Maybe the Patriots don’t suck…
Easy there, Leodis…
Peter King had a great line from Peyton Manning after Sunday’s game when Manning said one of his receivers asked if back when Manning threw his first touchdown, if they wore leather helmets.
“But yeah, somebody asked me if for my first [touchdown pass], ‘did we wear leather helmets?’ So, that was a nice free cheap shot there. I wouldn’t start that guy on your fantasy team next week. He’s not going to get a lot of balls next week. I’ll leave him nameless.”
So don’t be surprised when your Denver receiver does this next week…
Oh that wacky Peyton…
Hang in there Bengals fans. You’re not as bad as you looked Sunday night.
Although if I’m honest, I’m having a hard time disagreeing with you that this was just a preview of the inevitable “We’re not as good as everyone thought” game. The difference here was that Cincinnati usually saves that for the Wildcard game playoff loss.
Atlanta defensive back Robert Alford went all out on this play in the third quarter. From the play by play: “NYG-Eli Manning pass incomplete deep left to NYG-Odell Beckham. Penalty on ATL-Robert Alford, Defensive Holding, declined. PENALTY on ATL- Robert Alford, Defensive Pass Interference, 26 yards, enforced at NYG 29 - No Play.”
Defensive Holding and Pass Interference on the same play is no easy feat.
Trent Dilfer revealed the secret to winning games in the NFL.
I love Dilfer. But that’s pretty funny.
Just when we thought Houston’s J.J. Watt could do no wrong, he gives us this.
Or maybe that was just Troy Aikman Jedi Mind Trick stuff.
Although it’s not as bad as what Frank Gore did to #55 Dee Ford here.
Tom Brady and Julian Edelman played hot potato with the ball after a touchdown pass Sunday night.
The goofiest part was that Edelman wasn’t even on the field for the play. It was a Brady to Tim Wright touchdown.
Also, can I say this? Thank you Vine and Instagram and YouTube for NFL video clips on the Internet. This 10 second clip is available from “official” sources that require you to watch 60 seconds of a lame commercial to see a 10 second clip. I understand advertising and making money. We do it too. But there’s a balance there. And way too many of these video sites are on the wrong side of it. I expect to see the NFL seek out and try to squash these videos. Since Vine’s been out for a couple of years, I’m guessing the 65 year old suits on Park Avenue have heard of it now. But here’s hoping they don’t try to squeeze every last penny. And maybe, you know, allow things that encourage and promote people talking about their product…
Off the soapbox now.
Andy Behrens with a nice one.
Brian Hoyer and the Browns post game dancing in the locker room.
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If I’m Johnny Manziel, I’m getting used to that baseball cap…
Speaking of baseball caps, I wonder if Mike Vick is ready to to put his back on…
Detroit kicker Alex Henery’s out of job this week.
Trey Wingo explains why.
Music Note for the Week. Thank you to the folks that have been asking about the Music Notes. I’d left them off for the first few weeks for the honest reason that I just wasn’t feeling like I had something worth sharing. That changed this week as I was blown away Tuesday night at a concert by the opening band called Penny and Sparrow.
It’s super chill and not really the normal stuff I like. But these guys are incredible.
My favorite song they do is A Woman Caught. They work in a Christmas song right in the middle of it because as they say, “Why the hell wouldn’t you do that if you could?”.
Serial Doubter and Just And Just As are a couple more if you like this sound. Get out and see them if you can. Scroll down here for tour dates.
The NFL recently announced a ban on Beats headphones (or non Bose headphones which pretty much means Beats headphones) for players on camera.
The President of Bose had this message for Colin Kaepernick and basically every other NFL player:
It’s well known that I love Andy Reid the Kool Aid gifs.
But it’s hard to defend the Big Guy when he says the reason Jamaal Charles only saw the ball five times in the second half was because the Chiefs only had fifteen second half plays.
I’m not going to say I know more about football than Andy Reid. But I know this: If you give the ball to your best player more, you might get more plays…
Just saying.
God Help Washington Fan. I got nothing here.
There are false starts. And then there are false starts.
Miami was rocking some sweet uniforms this weekend.
All they needed was a brush on top of their helmets and they could be the Marvin Martians.
The Hurricanes were not messing around though. Sweet Superplex move here.
Thanks to Footballguy Matt Cox, Marc Levine and James Schneider for that one.
Kicking a field goal is hard enough. Don’t be the loser shining a laser pointer during a football game.
“League spokesman Michael Signora said the NFL is investigating the Bills' complaint and attempting to identify the person responsible. Quarterback Kyle Orton and holder Colton Schmidt said they had a laser directed at them during Buffalo's 17-14 win over the Lions on Sunday.”
You can see it briefly here on the holder’s knee.
Don’t be that guy.
Another example in the “if you’re really good looking you can do whatever you want” department.
Matthew McConaughey can tuck his Dazed and Confused T-shirt into his pants and still be cool.
The rest of us look more like this.
With our without the European Shoulder bag.
If you’re going to do the National Anthem for your home country, bring it.
The internet blew up a little over this guy but I thought he made a great recovery. Who doesn’t trip trying to skate over carpet? Dude kept it alive and finished. Black Eyed Joes hat tip to you, Sir.
More wrestling.
Travis Kelce with a sweet Ric Flair tribute Sunday.
One more college football shot from this week.
This referee had trouble remembering which sideline to face.
Be careful what you ask for in the locker room. Paul Kuharsky asked Tennessee linebacker Wesley Woodyard why players didn’t seem “pissed off” about the loss.
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If want a picture of “playing to the whistle”, look no further than Philly Brown.
Saints cornerback Corey White wins the Pink Hair award for this week.
Oregon Dude rocking the Kid n Play wins it for the College Division.
On that note, I can appreciate the fact the officials want to show support. But drawing attention to an official’s wristbands really just highlights the fact that an official wearing a wristband in October is kind of ridiculous, doesn’t it?
I’d rather see them go for the Jeff Fisher sunglasses.
You’re not a real fan until you get the team logo on your prosthetic eye…
I admit, it looks kind of creepy. But the video and story from Rick Reilly was sweet. (I’m not sure I’ve ever typed that string of words). The man’s name is Bill VandenBush and he was injured in an attack in Vietnam where he lost his eye in combat. He was also shot in the throat where he suffered major damage to his vocal cords. He can barely talk and battled depression and suicide thoughts as he tried to integrate back into society after the Vietnam War. He “found his voice” as a Seahawks fan becoming part of something he valued. He’s now a counselor and seems to be doing great. And he has a wicked cool eye.
You don’t see a lot of quarterbacks with pony tails at this level.
Brian Hoyer was on the other side of the field in Nashville Sunday. And at the other end of the hair spectrum.
I can’t tell you where Mike Glennon falls on that scale…
Cam Newton may not be the best QB in the league. But it helps to be as big as NFL linebackers.
Dez Bryant, you’re ridiculous.
Note for Rod Marinelli: 55 on 23 is almost always a bad idea…
On that note, Foster owners were glad to be back to some of this.
The dynamics of news media converging with social media fascinates me.
Monday night Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch warmed up with a cool looking mask.
Partly because it was cool and partly because it was Marshawn Lynch, the internet reacted predictably.
Tons of “looks like Bane” and “Lynch with a Rasta mask” type stuff. But overwhelmingly neutral or positive. This one was clever.
A handful of comments were “So we’re just gonna ignore the marijuana leaf on Marshawn Lynch’s mask then?” and of course those are the comments that made the stories. It’s how things work today with the less than 1% becoming the focus. Oh well.
The reality is that it’s a training mask that limits oxygen intake. The design is a cool Hawaiian symbol representing the “Kanaka Maoli" or Native Hawaiians. And this isn’t the first time he’s worn it. But don’t let that get in the way of the story…
You guys know I love this one. Josh McCown enthusiastically helping young Mike Glennon be the best quarterback he can be is fun. That’s what a team guy does.
Nice to see Tom Coughlin’s Great Grandfather back on the Giants sidelines Sunday.
“Evil Mr. Burns Jerry” is my favorite. But “Ecstatic Jerry” is not far behind. Bonus points as we almost always get a slice of “Jerry’s Minions with Teeth Clenched Fist Bumps” to go with it.
Non Football / People Are Awesome Note.
I hope you know Danny MacAskill. If you don’t, you need to.
His bike skills have been blowing people away for years. His latest video is nuts as he rides a mountain bike along the Isle of Skye in his native Scotland. It’s absolutely ridiculous.
His other videos aren’t quite as life threatening but amazing. Check out Way Back Home or Industrial Revolutions if you haven’t seen them.
These Bills fans were most definitely not Living On A Prayer…
Ryan Fitzpatrick may barely be an NFL QB. But he’s a Hall of Famer in the beard department.
Wrapping it up with my favorite moment of the Week.
The Patriots cheerleaders had on Cincinnati defensive tackle Devon Still jerseys.
That’s awesome.
Rock on, Leah.
With that, I’m not even doing Hard Luck Awards this week. It’s all Percy Harvin anyway…
That'll do it for this week, Folks. Thanks to Footballguy Doug Drinen, Don Pavelka, Hunter Hall, James Schneider, Marc Levine and Matt Cox for the help on this one. If you've got a Random Shot of your own, shoot me an e-mail at bryant@footballguys.com.
Thanks for playing along. I hope you make the most of whatever you're doing in your life. Love your neighbor and stick together.