Clutch - Fargo - September 29, 2010

Clutch Playing At The Venue in Fargo, 9-29-2010

Clutch played at The Venue this week in Fargo, ND on one of their one-offs from the BLS show that Clutch is currently on.  I was so happy to hear that Clutch would be playing without BLS and then even more excited to hear that one of these dates was scheduled to happen in Fargo!  I was quite surprised as well because the last time Clutch came to Fargo the crowd was fairly scant.  I was curious to see how large of a crowd would be there for this show and considering it was on a Wednesday night (a school night) I didn't think it bode well for attendance, but the crowd was considerably larger than their last show here...but this show was also a 21 and up show, whereas before it was an all ages show and no alcohol.  I definitely liked that it was 21 and over and alcohol was permitted...

This show has quickly raced up the list of one of the best Clutch shows I have ever been too.  Two of my all-time favorite songs, Regulator and Spacegrass, were both played that night ... very rarely have I heard Spacegrass, so that in itself was a treat, but Regulator is such an awesome tune that I could hear Clutch play that song on repeat for many, many hours...

I took a lot of pictures and you can see them all here.  Phone cameras and concerts never seem to work well together...but the pics seem better than some and I tried.  I also got some pretty good videos that I am trying to get off my phone and encode ... I will post those if I am ever successful.

Clutch took the stage about 10:30ish and played until after midnight ... the crowd, I felt, gave a good 'true encore' type cheer after the band finished their set and walked off the stage...the crowd continued to cheer, loudly, and even a chant of "Clutch" broke out....many times, these days, when the band walks off the stage people just turn around and walk out the door....not that night, though.

The sound was awesome and the band sounded great.  It almost seems like such a surreal experience for me now because it seemed to go by all so fast...but it seems like everything that is a good time seems like it only lasted for moments while the rest of life continues to drag on....

Again, might be one of the greatest Clutch shows I have ever been too...

Chargers Bumble, Stumble, Fumble And Lose

The San Diego Chargers are starting the 2010 season like they have started most of their more recent seasons...very poorly.  The Chargers fall to 1-2 after losing to the Seattle Seahawks yesterday and the Chargers most certainly lost more than the Seahawks won.

The Chargers fumbled the ball 3 times and didn't recover one, the Chargers have been fumbling a lot already this year.  And the Charger special teams are a complete joke.  The Chargers gave up 2 kickoff td returns to Leon Washington who, in this game alone, became Seattle's all-time return kickoff return leader.  In week 1 the Chargers gave up a 92 yard punt return for a touchdown to the Chiefs, setting a new Chiefs record...one doesn't need to look too hard to see that the special teams play by the Chargers is a glaring weakness.

The Charger defense did play well, but the Seahawks didn't have to do much to win this game with the special teams scores...the Chargers, after having to rally to tie the game, the Seahawk offense didn't even have to take the field as the Seahawks run the kickoff back for a touchdown to take the lead and eventually win the game.

The Charger offense has shown some bad traits that plagued the team last season as well...delay of game penalties and false start penalties...always, seemingly, at the worst times.  I would have thought that the team could have worked on something to remedy that problem in the offseason, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

And one final note regarding special teams...not only is the Charger special team coverage horrible, but Darren Sproles and the Charger return team certainly hasn't been all that impressive either...it is both sides of the special teams ball that the Chargers are getting beat on.

Phillip Rivers had a career day, 455 yards passing, but primarily out of necessity...and overall the offense - if you exclude the turnovers - was able to be effective.  The Chargers just need to limit their mistakes and they would have routed the Seahawks.

I'm With AJ

So the Vincent Jackson drama heated up and reached a boiling point yesterday when holdout receiver Vincent Jackson was not traded to another team and the reason was because no team was willing to give Charger GM AJ Smith what he wanted for Jackson, namely a second and another pick (4th round or higher).

AJ Smith has had the label of 'hardass' for many years and a tough negotiator...and I think what people don't realize is that AJ is actually upfront with what he really wants and doesn't budge...AJ, for the sake of actually going through the process of "negotiations" should have high-balled everyone, ask for first rounders or whatever and then negotiate down to what he really wants.  AJ's tactic, though, is golden...a team doesn't even need to consider calling AJ and nor will Smith even have to lift the phone up if the team isn't willing to accept the primary intentions of smith when working a trade.

So after Jackson wasn't traded media and fans are quick to lash out at AJ and exclaim at what a fool he was for not accepting less and moving Jackson to another team, but I am not one of those people.  I think Vincent Jackson made all the wrong moves this offseason and could likely pay dearly for his decisions.  Instead of playing out his contract and getting paid over $3 million, it sounds as if Jackson may sit the entire season and with the lockout looming for next year, would essentially not playing or paid next season and it would be 2012 when he would be looking for a new team and contract...and what team is going to line up to sign you then with 2 years removed from your breakout season and still the 2 DUI baggage.

But people think that AJ should have bent and traded Jackson to whatever team was offering the Chargers the best deal and not what AJ thinks is the best deal.  Again, not me.  Jackson was under contract to play for the Chargers and he decided that he would rather not play for the Chargers (or anyone else) unless he got paid a lot more money.  The Chargers hold his contract and all the cards in this dispute.  Why should the Chargers get penalized by accepting whatever they could get for Jackson when the team has done nothing wrong and the player is just demanding more money?  If that was the case in the NFL then players would be holding their team's ransom as much as they could.

I have not agreed with some of AJ's moves in the past, but with both Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil's holdouts, I have supported his actions 100%.  With Shawne Merriman, I wish he would have done the same but let Merriman sign his original tender and join the team, when he was the least of the 3 holdouts I thought the Chargers needed...

Chargers Destroy Jags

The San Diego Chargers and the Jacksonville Jagaurs had a wild first half with each team turning the ball over multiple times. The Chargers cured their turnover problems but the Jaguars continued with their ball control issues and ended up with six total turnovers (4 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles). The result would be as one would expect...the Chargers easily beat the Jaguars this past Sunday 38-13. The game was out of hand early and the Jaguars scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarters when it didn't matter.

The Charger defense had its way on this day...pressuring Jaguar QB David Garrard all day and picking him off early and often. Antoine Cason had two interceptions with his first one being a dandy.

Charger rookie runningback Ryan Matthews left the game with an ankle injury...early word is that it isn't too severe. His backup, Mike Tolbert, had a banner day. Tolbert is a "power back" that plowed his way up and down the field. When Tolbert was gaining nice chunks of yardage, Philip Rivers was passing the ball around. Antonio Gates had another great day and I don't know how anyone could place any other tight end in the NFL higher than him...which I think has been the case for several years now. The guy is always consistently good.

The realization of this win is that sure, it is a good win but the Jaguars are a team the Chargers should beat if they are going to be mentioned as a top-caliber team...unfortunately they will never be considered a real contender until they can do something in the post season.

Chargers travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks this week...Jaguars beat the Broncos in week 1, Broncos beat the Seahawks in week 2 while the Chargers beat the Jaguars...Doing the math by correlation would suggest the Chargers should beat the Seahawks this weekend...

Chargers Sloppy Play Matches Sloppy Conditions

Week 1 in the NFL concluded with the San Diego Chargers playing in a newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs and it was a wet one.

The Chiefs took advantage of the Chargers mistakes and poor play in the first half to score all the points they needed, leading 21-7. The Chargers, who led time of possession and total yards bumbled about the field to only add another score and come up short - literally, game concludes with the Chargers inside the 10 and unable to convert on a fourth down - and lose 21-14.

The new Charger rookie runningback that has many abuzz helped the Chiefs out more than play against them. After a big run Ryan Matthews fumbled the ball and set up a Chiefs score. On another play while trying to get into position to provide pass protection for Rivers he knocked the ball out of Rivers' hands, almost leading to a turnover. But it wasn't all Matthews fault...

The special teams, for the Chargers, which has usually looked good was awful and even gave up the longest punt return for a touchdown for both franchises respectively. The Chargers still exhibit many of the bad traits I had seen from last year...calling a time out on a crucial long yard play then come back and 2 plays later get a delay of game.

The Charger defense is what the Charger defense has been in the past...able to stop teams for most of the game but there will be one, two...maybe 3 plays where the other team will totally catch the defense off guard...and completely. Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs reeled of a 50 plus yard td run, untouched with Charger players looking laughable in pursuit.

The Charger wide receivers...slipped and fell most of the night. Naanee caught the Chiefs napping and Rivers hit him for a wide open touchdown with 2:23 in the third quarter and that was the end of the scoring. Gates was by far the most impressive Charger offensive weapon last night and I was pleased to see him in good form already.

Rivers, too, looked good. Faced a fair amount of pressure all night, was sacked and besides the Matthews incident, Rivers also misplayed a shotgun snap that almost resulted in a Charger turnover, but overall Rivers did a solid job considering, again, the playing conditions.

There is no doubt that the playing conditions were horrible last night in Arrowhead. Even thought the stadium was literally brand new many Chief fans left at halftime...The Chargers had a great opportunity to win the game last night but just couldn't play consistently good when needed.

First Smartphone - Droid X

I have finally taken the plunge...I got my first "smartphone" this past week, a Droid X. Why is this such a big deal for me?

Well, for starters, I have been very "frugile" with my cell phone needs ... I have paid only for the cheapest package and have never once even exceeded the call limits. I also had held off on getting a smartphone because there really didn't seem like a phone that used the internet well and the internet, also, didn't seem like it was very "mobile friendly". But with the new Droid phones out like the Droid X that has all changed...

What makes the Droid X (and other Droid phones) appealing is all the apps a person can get for the phone and in turn, when you want to run said app, you simply touch it and it is running. With it being ran on Google's OS, which is open source, there are a ton of free apps and more appearing daily...

I already love having Pandora on my phone...I use to have an MP3 player hooked up to my car's stereo, now I use my phone and listen to "satellite radio" from Pandora as I drive. Another cool feature is that it has Google Maps and Navigation built into the phone for free...so you essentially have a car GPS system at no extra charge...unfortunately, I live in a place where I don't need GPS...but I can hardly wait to plan a trip to a large metro area just to see how lost that can get me...

I really haven't left the house with the phone but that will change this weekend when I go out with my friends to watch football...it will be great to track my fantasy teams and get scores...but, as with all phones that seem to do a lot, it will likely drain the battery of the phone and the more a person wants to use their phone's features, the shorter the time that the phone can stay powered up and the next thing you know you won't even be able to receive or make phone calls because of a dead battery. I've heard people buying pocket rapid chargers or keeping their phone plugged in as much as possible... I'm thinking of just getting a second battery and keeping that in my car to swap as needed...but I'll see how long the phone will last with my usage and decide from there.

I also think I can finally "use" Twitter the way it was meant to be...that is as a portable medium. I never had a device that I could quickly fire off a "Tweet". I would have to go to my computer, goto twitter, login and then post my Tweet...the process was just to cumbersome to be used effectively by me. So for starters, I pared down who I was following (just so I don't get a new Tweet every 2 seconds) but can foresee that list growing as I discover people that I do indeed want to "follow". But the end result is that I likely will be "Tweeting" more often...not sure who cares or not, but I figured I'd swim a little deeper in that pool...or at least that is what I am intending to do...I often intend to do a lot of things and never do.

And many people have had bad experiences with their cell phone provider, I have had just the opposite with Verizon Wireless. I have been with Verizon for about 6 years now and have not had 1 lick of trouble. I, at one time, thought that the Verizon store was the best place to get my phone and accessories...now I do it all online. The phone was cheaper online and shipped to me, free, overnight. The Droid X was out of stock and I was originally told that I would get it by September 15th...I got it Sep. 7...over a week early. I have never not had service, I have never had a dropped call and anytime I have had to alter some detail with my plan, it has always been handled very well. Sometimes people regrettably pay for some service and know they are signing up for headaches...I have never been disappointed in handing my money to Verizon for their service.

Charger Thoughts - Week 1

The NFL season is about to start and each year I have posted my prediction(s) for the Chargers...some times more vague than others.

But I have become a Charger cynic...the Chargers, in the 30 years I have been a fan, have never lived up to expectations and have only disappointed. Last year's season was the final straw for me. I refuse to get my hopes up and make bold predictions...so my prediction for the 2010 Charger Team will be the same for every Charger team until further notice: I predict they will disappoint me...again. Now whether or not they disappoint me in the playoffs or not has yet to be seen, but looking at their schedule and their team..the Chargers look like they should win the AFC West again.

Chargers open their season against the Kansas City Chiefs, who just remodeled Arrowhead Stadium, on Monday night. The Chargers have started slow the last few years and almost lost to Oakland in last years' season opener. The Chiefs will be fired up and it should be no surprise if they win the game. If anything the last few seasons have proven is that the first 4-5 games aren't really that important so I won't put a lot of stock in game 1.

Last Meaningless Game Tonight, Season Soon To Kick Off

The Chargers play their final preseason game tonight against the 49'ers. It's probably doubtful that any of the starters, with maybe the exception for rookies, will see much if any playing time. I'm not so sure on taking 2 preseason games away to add 2 regular season games, but in my opinion, the last preseason game, as it is now, is a complete waste of time.

So what, if anything, have I learned from this preseason that might better assist me in gauging their success is there? Really, just a few broad observations...

Runningback: Ryan Matthews looks good...but there has been more than 1 preseason wonder that flames out in a hurry. What I do like is the fact that the Chargers had him signed and in camp early enough so that he has had ample time to learn plays and the offense. He looks like he has quick feet and determination. Against the Saints he was hit by two defenders and as they fell to the ground, he continued to churn forward. I think with Darren Sproles complementing him in the backfield, it could be a dangerous combination for the Chargers.

Rivers: I really feel as if I should make a comment on Rivers but there really is no need to do so...he is everything that he has been in the past and continues to demonstrate that he is a winner. If he goes down the Chargers season is likely a short one.

Holdouts: Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil both continue their hold out...by all appearances they will be sitting until week 7, then on a 3 game team-imposed suspension and could begin playing for the Chargers on week 10...but with incredibly reduced salaries, so I can't believe that they would be playing all that hard for the Chargers. Two players who appear to be pissing away their careers, imo.

Defense: The defense looks like last years...bad. Merriman is doubtful for the season opener, after his holdout he is promptly injured...just like last year and the year before. I've stated it more than once and will do so again...since he got busted for steroids he hasn't been the same player...in fact has only been injured.

By all appearances the Chargers should win the AFC West again...Broncos will likely be swapping QB's at least once next year if they hit any rough patch. The Chiefs still seem to be in some disarray but have gotten some young offensive talent that should see them improve. And many in the media are proclaiming that now that JaMarcus has left Oakland the Raiders will become a threat again...there was no question that last year the Raiders played the Chargers tough, twice, and were able to string together some pretty good wins.

It's the NFL and anything can happen...any team can be one injury away from a disappointing season or a lucky bounce in week 17 that sends a team to the playoffs.

Rivers Continues To Prove To Be A "Winner"

When the Chargers gave QB Philip Rivers a contract extension last season I was delighted with the move because I labeled Rivers a winner at that time. He is a guy that doesn't like to lose...ever. So this last preseason game against the Cowboys, Philip tackled a safety returning a fumble to save a touchdown. Many people would question why Rivers would even try to tackle this guy, let alone run the field to do so...but, again, he is a winner and in the post game interview, Rivers tells you why..."I don't know how you are going to let a guy score. They are still keeping score. I know it's a preseason game, but still."

And to add to my theory, the safety Rivers tackled, Barry Church verified that Rivers is indeed a winner, stating "It showed a lot of heart and a lot of fire. He wants to win. He's a great quarterback and he will win in this game."

Merriman Already Hurt, McNeil Meets With AJ

Shawne Merriman showed up to Charger training camp on Friday and made it through a couple of practices and almost on cue, is hurt. A reoccurring theme of Merriman's since he was caught doping. Those that frequent my blog already know that I am no longer a fan of Merriman and have all but declared his career over. If any of the Charger players that were holding out, I felt that Merriman was the least needed and yet he is the one, hurt, and at Charger camp.

And speaking of Charger holdouts, left tackle, Marcus McNeil met with Charger GM AJ Smith yesterday, alone - no agent. No word if anything substantial came from that meeting...but I have to think it is an indication from McNeil that he does want to play this year. I won't be surprised if we hear that McNeil joins the team before the season started...but of course if AJ refused to bend at all, that may not be the case...but I have to think that the mere gesture, on McNeil's part to meet with AJ in person without an agent, shows that he wants to join the team.

Breaking News (Not): Favre Will Play

Right when I think I know Brett Favre and have him pegged he throws me a curveball...Last year I had guessed that Favre would be in Vikings camp by the 2nd preseason game and he fooled me by showing up a couple weeks early. So this year, thinking I would outfox him, I had guessed he would have roughly that same timetable and report a week or so before the first preseason game...well, unless you live under a rock, we all have heard the glorious news that Favre has graced the Vikings with his presence which would be just before the 2nd preseason game, as I had guessed last year. Well there's always next year to try my luck again. But of course this year's offseason Favre added a new wrinkle to his prima dona attitude. Favre didn't return to Minnesota without a posse, apparently he wanted some Viking bag handlers to carry his luggage and 3 of his Viking 'buds' had to fly down to pick him up.

So in the end, everyone on the planet guessed it right...Favre didn't retire after all and will play again...same as last year and the year before and the year before and the year before, etc...

Merriman To Join Team This Weekend

Reports out of San Diego are that Shawne Merriman is going to join the team this weekend, ending his holdout. I have grown increasingly tired of Shawne Merriman and his antics. Since his positive steroid test Shawne Merriman hasn't been an effective player for the Chargers.

I am unsure as to why Charger GM, AJ Smith, didn't lower Merriman's tender like he did with Vincent Jackson's and Marcus McNeil's. Not to mention Merriman does his best to get his name in the paper by yapping about something or getting into some high profile situations (ie: Tila Tequilla).

Merriman has said how he wants to get on the field to prove himself, that he is working out, literally, non-stop. But now, by all appearances, by him coming into Charger camp after the two-a-days end, shows to me that he is probably just lazy. Playing the game and being athletic superior to others so easily accomplished when you are on the juice. Now that Merriman isn't on the roids he has been injured more than healthy. With no contract after this season I can realistically see this as being the last season we see Shawne Merriman in a Charger uniform, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is out of the NFL by the 2012 season...

On the bright side of things, we will no longer be subjected to one of the lamest 'sack dances' of all time be performed much, if at all, this season or in the future.

Preseason Football - I Care Less Than Usual

It's tough to gauge how little I really care about preseason football from year-to-year but I have to think this year it could be at an all-time low of not caring. There is usually plenty of other reasons to not care about he preseason but this season a couple of new factors help lower any enthusiasm I might have. It has a lot to do with the way the season ended for the Chargers and now that I am completely cynical towards the Chargers hopes, add a few holdouts and that is why I really have a tough time getting 'amped' up for the season.

Anyways, the Chargers play Chicago on Saturday night in their first preseason game...I'll probably DVR it and zip through it just for fun...

Rivers, Gates - Relief Since Tomlinson Left

An interesting article came out this past Monday in the San Diego Union Tribune that had comments from Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates in regards to former star runningback LaDainian Tomlinson. Both Rivers and Gates were respectful towards Tomlinson but both made comments that alluded to the fact that Tomlinson was unhappy with his role with the team, players felt he viewed himself as bigger than the team and that it is almost a relief now that he is gone and players won't have to deal with impressing or pleasing Tomlinson.

My opinion: The comments towards Tomlinson almost match the way he acted once signing with the Jets. I don't want to believe nor do I think that L.T. was always somewhat of a prima-dona, but I think after the 2006 season it may have been the pushing point. He was the league MVP, rushing champ, single-season scoring record holder and on top of the world. People were literally kissing his ass from the time he got out of bed until the time he got back into bed...and then even during his sleep if he so desired. It would be easy for L.T. to go 'soft' and begin to desire some of the diva traits some NFL players are quick to don. I'm just saddened that he did let fame go to his head, that he began to feel as if he deserved more touches. He was a team leader and I can imagine if any leader begins to put themself ahead of the group there can not be much success for either.

Favre: Retiring For 3rd Time...Soon To Unretire

Someone woke Brett Favre up and told him he forgot to officially retire this offseason so he made sure to at least start the rumor that he is going to retire again. So it will only be a matter of time before he has his retirement press conference, thanks all his supporters, cry a bit and then in a couple of weeks announce that he will be playing this season.

Here's my guess as to what is really happening...and mind you, this is just my guess based on Favre's past...

Brad Childress, coach of the Vikings, went to visit with Brett last week...as was well reported. Childress must have tried to coax Brett into showing up to Viking camp sooner rather than later...well, we all have learned that no one will tell Brett Favre when he will grace the Vikings with his presence so he then told Chilly to f-off and if he doesn't like it then he won't play at all. So now Brett will announce his retirement, the Vikes will come groveling back and Favre will be playing for the Vikes in a short time...seems to me like this is just a standard Favre move...

2010 NFL Season: First Impressions

The 2010 NFL season is fast approaching and with it, so does the 'buzz' of the sports media world. Being a Charger fan, I have regretfully accepted the fact that I will be disappointed by the Chargers, yet again, but that doesn't mean I'm going to enjoy the NFL any less than I ever have. There have been a couple of things this offseason that I wanted to address...

First, the impending lockout next season...what I don't get about this is that the owners and the players are both pretty content on not playing football next season...at least that is the 'buzz' that the major sports media continue to tout. By appearances, it seems to be an accurate assessment and by appearances I mean the players that are holding out and wanting long term deals...essentially to guarantee a paycheck after 2011...whereas teams, and I would say like the Chargers, that knew the 2010 season was a pivotal season and had many of the younger players locked up through the 2010 season ... is it wrong not to feel sorry for these guys who signed a contract and now want a new, longer deal rather than fulfilling their current contract? Not to mention all three of the Charger holdouts (Merriman, Jackson and McNeil) had a $3+ million dollar tender to play this year. Tough to feel sad for these guys who think they deserve more when what they were offered, originally, was plenty...

But I digress...my true point here is that this is just idiotic that the NFL and the NFLPA can't hammer out a deal before a lockout happens. By not playing a season is that really proving a point and if so, what is the point it is proving and who wins? I really don't want to take sides in this debate, but like the most recent NHL labor dispute and stoppage, I sided with the owners who wanted a salary cap whereas the players had originally stated they would never accept a cap of any sort...they eventually caved and the NHL resumed playing. From what I have heard, NFLPA has stated that they wanted a bigger share of profits...under the current agreement the NFLPA gets 51% of the profits already and they want more. The players' reps will come out and state how much money the league and the owners make all on the backs of their athletes and thus they deserve the lion's share of the profit...of course, without the wealth of the owners and the league the players wouldn't be making peanuts ... so at first glance I am leaning towards favoring the owners position...but make no mistake...if a lockout happens, I will blame both sides because both sides allowed the lockout to happen.

Now on to my early thoughts...

Dallas Cowboys hype...I guess I don't know what I missed but for some reason the Dallas Cowboys have become the media's favorite team. I can't turn the sports talk radio station knob fast enough to avoid all the love that is being showered upon the Cowboys. I'm not so sold on the Cowboys and I have two words as to why: Tony Romo. For some reason the media has thrust greatness and composure onto Tony Romo as if has done something to earn such accolades, but he hasn't done jack-squat and I would say, is just the opposite. I compare Tony Romo to Kevin Garnett. A good player at their position...heck, even All-Star caliber, but when the game is on the line these guys want nothing to do with the rock and the bigger the game the more they fold. Sure the Cowboys could be good but they need a different player to step up to lead this team...Tony Romo is not a leader and the media has tried to make him one.

New York Jets hype...with every move the Jets made this offseason - taking 2 Chargers nonetheless, it seemed as if the media had an orgasm. Add to it that the Jets made it to the AFC Championship game (beating an over-rated Charger squad) the Jets, the media and their fans expect nothing less than a Super Bowl trip. I hate to rain on their parade but the Chargers weren't too upset to let Tomlinson or Cromartie go to the Jets. Tomlinson coming off his worst season as a pro in a steady decline from his career high in 2006 and Cromartie, who is seen as 'soft' and will often avoid contact and easily confused with fast moving offenses are both moves that really shouldn't add any stock to the Jets but yet does...for some reason.

Indianapolis Colts hype...I guess it really shouldn't be 'hype' because a person could pick the Colts for the Super Bowl every year for the past 8 or so years and be right almost half the time. What it really proves is how good Peyton Manning is and how much he can carry that team. The Colts just need to get their defense into shape for a playoff run and they always could be a factor if Manning is taking the snaps.

Favrewatch 2010 - more subdued this year...probably because everyone knows that Favre will be coming back. If he would come out to say he is going to retire and not play...HOLY SHIT! ESPN and the rest of the world would truly be shocked...but with the lockout likely next season, he might as well wrap up his career with one more season...hopefully he ends it with an interception like he has ended more than one of his recent seasons...

Chargers Sign Matthews: 5 years, $25 Million

A rarity for the Chargers...their first round pick in this past draft, runningback Ryan Matthews, has signed a 5 year, $25 million contract. I can not recall the last time the Chargers had their first round pick signed before the preseason...but with Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil holding out, the Chargers probably need to sign someone to prove that they aren't totally cheap and willing to spend some dough...reasonably...

Remembering Don Coryell

Don Coryell, former head coach of the Chargers, passed away July 1st ... and due to circumstances that have kept me fairly busy, I haven't had a chance to get a proper entry posted to my blog so am doing so now...better late than never...

I posted a video below that will reveal what kind of innovative coach Coryell was and a lot of things many people didn't know about him. The biggest travesty, as said by many colleagues and former players, is the fact that Coryell was not inducted in the NFL Hall Of Fame yet. With his passing, it may not be long now and he should surely be inducted.

Now here's my personal tact on Don Coryell...the San Diego Chargers of the early 80's are the reason I am a Charger fan today. Don Coryell's offense was high-flying and exciting...the Chargers would put up 40, 50 points in some games...sure their defense wasn't much good and the other teams would as well, but a spectator to Charger games was always treated to a high-flying, exciting game...win or lose. What also was great about the early 80's was that the AFC West was a beast of a conference. The Raiders were stout, Chiefs were tough and the Broncos formidable. Compared to the AFC West right now, some consider the weakest conference in the AFC, if not the NFL. Those division games were always hard fought and rarely would a team sweep the conference, or even a single opponent in a season...regardless of records.

Sid Gillman, a former Charger coach from the AFL days, is credited as the creator of the west coast offense. To spread the defense and go vertical. It was Coryell that further expanded the west coast offense and brought it into the modern era.

I was just a young boy in the 80's, just beginning to fall in love with the NFL... I wasn't certainly evolved enough to memorize the entire Charger roster from that time but there are a few names from the Chargers in the 80's that I will never forget...Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, John Jefferson, Wes Chandler, Charlie Joiner, Chuck Muncie, Rolph Benirschke and most certainly head coach Don Coryell. The "Air Coryell" era for the Chargers will always be a fond memory for me and a reminder of my youth.

Thanks Don for all the great memories. Rest in peace.

Cav Fans To Disappear

I really don't care about the NBA that much but of course how can any sports fan ignore the constant barrage of LeBron talk that transpired over the past few days...all that I have gained from this entire episode is more proof as to why I really don't like the NBA anymore...

So LeBron chooses to go to Miami with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh...two other highly touted NBA free agents...and by ESPN's account, means that the Heat should win the NBA Championship for the next ...oh, 20-30 years...consecutively. But for some reason, all this hype...all this artificial drama, I think, is really going to amount to nothing...and if it does really mean a dynasty is that what that league has sunk too? Essentially 3 players get together and decide they are going to join a team and thus dominate the league? Really? That's the NBA? 3 players decide who is going to win the NBA Championship for the next several years...

I don't plan on following the NBA that much but I will certainly follow this HUGE decision ... if it is going to by hyped as the greatest moment in NBA free agency history, I am going to take note and if LeBron doesn't have 6 Championship rings by 2020 I will recall this day and say it was a complete failure ... because I was sold on no less then this being the assembling of the greatest NBA team of all time...but then again, that's just what ESPN said and as soon as they lose the NBA tv contract they won't care anymore....

Tool: Xcel Energy Center - July 1, 2010

The Fourth Of July holiday for me has concluded... As a prior post stated, it all started with going to St. Paul to see one of my all-time favorite bands, TOOL.

Before I give my review, here are the two write-ups from the Pioneer Press (where the photos are from) and the Star Tribune.

Now on to my thoughts about the show...

First, this was the first time (out of 10) I had seen seating on the floor for a Tool show. I had seats on the club level so I really didn't care, but I certainly wouldn't want a seat on the floor unless it was in the first few rows.

I have also seen Tool at the Xcel many times and this was the first time I had seen where everyone, from top to bottom, was sitting in their seats...probably, again, because of the floor seating, whereas when there was general admission on the floor, many fans would buy a ticket for the seats and sneak to the floor anyways...no can-do with seating on the floor.

The show itself was super. I know the last couple of times I had seen Tool, Maynard's vocals seemed to be drowned but not at this show...his vocals were loud and crystal clear. Tool always has fantastic visuals ...lasers and video screens ... there were two screens that would rotate and maneuver about the stage - usually accenting Adam and Justin (guitarist) and even were placed directly behind each of them for a song or two. Danny Carey, the drummer, is the best drummer out there right now. The guy is a beast. He has a huge kit and his arms are often a blur during portions of many of their songs.

Tool is a no nonsense band. Little interaction with the crowd...Maynard only had a few comments, "FYI: Everything is going to be alright." Something like "The word for tonight is time machine. Time machine." And near the conclusion, "See, I told you everything would be alright." Many of Tool's "newer" fans don't 'get' Tool's stage persona ... never are they a band that jumps around and panders to the crowd for cheers (or jeers). They simply come out and rock out...which is exactly what I want... I hate going to concerts where the act will hold the microphone out to the crowd to have them sing along...no, I didn't pay to hear the audience sing this song, I paid to see you sing this song!

Although this show was awesome and great, I was also using this show as a barometer to how far the concert going fan has been pussified. And what I mean by that is that it seems that every show I go to, fans are becoming more and more complacent. There is little to no nefarious activities going on...and not that I'm encouraging any.

The prominent issue would be smoking...now, I don't smoke cigarettes (I quit many years ago) but 10, maybe even 5, years ago, it didn't matter who was playing, as soon as the lights went out everyone would light up a cigarette... the last few shows, including this Tool show, I not only didn't see anyone smoking I didn't even smell any cigarette smoke. Sure, at this Tool show I did smell some pot, but not nearly the amount that was at the last show at the Xcel Center...and I haven't smelt any weed at most other shows.

The fans on the floor...remain at their seats for the entire show...sure, for most shows this would be the case...but I had thought that a Tool crowd would muster enough fortitude to abandon their seats and rush the stage...but not even an attempt was made. And not to point the finger at one group of people, but let's be honest, girls are not going to throw their chair and start a mosh pit...and by having plenty of girls in chairs on the floor you will likely never get a mosh pit started.

Now don't get me wrong...I'm an old dude ... there's no way I'm moshing or starting any trouble...hell, I'll be broken for a week or more...and even when I was younger, I was fairly tame for the most part. But part of the fun of going to a concert was seeing the spectacle of unruly fans and how security would try and deal with them. Now most of the concerts I go to are very orderly affairs...makes me feel even older...