Cutler Criticism Uncalled For

I was one of the people who bashed Bears QB Jay Cutler after he came out of the NFC Championship game Sunday afternoon.  And after reading articles about his sprained MCL and listening to Brian Urlacher speak on his toughness, I want to apologize if I offended any Jay Cutler fans, and apologize to Jay Cutler himself (not that he even knows of my existence).

It does take guts and toughness to be a professional athlete, and especially a QB in the NFL.  His NFL peers, however, created a shit-storm of comments via Twitter ripping his toughness and questioning his integrity.  To be fair, the facts weren't in until the game was over.  But similar to middle- and high-school, name-calling ensued.

Yes, he was seen standing on the sideline.  No, there was no sighting of training staff tending to his bum knee.  So why the hell was he out?  It looked like he was walking gingerly during the final play of his last series.  I never questioned why he wasn't playing - I assumed it was because he was hurt.  Not once did it cross my mind that he was pulling himself because he wasn't playing well.  As a former athlete, that should never happen.  EVER!

This was an injury that many athletes play through, but in the grand scheme of things, if it got worse, it could cost him a year.

Jay Cutler, you are a good man.  Sometimes, I think you're a weenie, but I'll be honest, when I listen to your press conferences, I understand how much you want to win and be successful.  Not as much as Derek Anderson, but pretty close.  (kidding)

Playoff Season

The NFL Playoffs are officially upon us.  Last night the final team was anointed postseason bound - the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks - following a less than stellar 16-6 win over the drop-happy Rams.  Hey, Danario, catch the damn ball.  Fells, you too.  Bums.  At least an 8-8 team is justifiable.  7-9 is a joke.

Here's a little rundown of the match-ups this weekend in the NFL.

Jets v. Colts - There are some good match ups in the first round, including the Colts hosting God's team, the Jets (the Jets are 2-1 in the playoffs against the Colts).  The Colts ended the Jets season last year with a 30-17 win at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Peyton Manning always seems to rally his troops, regardless who's out there.  The Colts are at home, laying three points.  They've won four straight heading into this match up, and I  like the Colts.  Plus, I'm kind of hating on the Jets because everyone thinks they're God's gift to football.

Packers v. Eagles - The Packers got in on an interception from Nick Collins with just seconds left against the Bears, to seal a 10-3 win at Lambeau, and a postseason berth.  They'll travel East to take on Michael Vick, err...Kevin Kolb and the Eagles.  The Cowboys took down Philadelpia yesterday, so the Eagles aren't exactly rolling, having lost their last 2 games (both at home).  Luckily for them, the Packers are only 3-5 on the road this season.  The Eagles need to find their offense if they're gonna have a chance - problem is, the Packers let up an NFC low 240 points all season (PIT led the NFL with 232 points allowed).  I like the Packers in this one - they showed off their electric offense against the Giants (who I'll decline comment on) and their stellar defense against the Bears.  The Pack is +2.5 points, and I'll take them in this one.

Saints v. Seahawks - Really, this one shouldn't even be close.  The Seahawks got in because the Rams couldn't catch the damn ball.  They're 1-2 against playoff teams and 6-7 against everyone else.  Their defense is suspect at best (25.4 PPG) and their offense (19.4 PPG) is bad.  The Seahawks were outscored by 97 points this season, the worst differential EVER by a playoff team.  The Saints, well, they've won 7 of their last 9 games.  Their defense is stout (19.2 PPG) and their offense is pretty decent (24 PPG), led by a guy named Drew Brees who threw for 4,620 yards this year.  Let's compare:  Brees - 4,620 yards.  Seattle Seahawks - 5,080 yards.  The entire Seahawks team only outgained Brees by 460 yards.  Think about that.  Saints giving ten points and I think they'll cover easily.  But it depends which Saints team shows up - the one who lost to the Browns or the one who stifled the Steelers 20-10.

Ravens v. Chiefs - Baltimore heads in having won 4 straight - two on their offense, two on their defense.  They're finally a well-oiled maching on both sides of the ball.  Wacco Flacco had a great season and their running game (Ray Rice) is a beast (1,220 rushing, 556 receiving).  They got the X-factor in Anquan Boldin and a defense that speaks for itself.  The Chiefs, well, let's just say my Raiders beat up on them twice - 23-20 and 31-10.  KC comes in playing some decent football, and surprisingly, they have some weapons.  Matt Cassel is finally showing fans in KC why they got him from NE (3,116 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT).  Jamaal Charles (1,467 yards) and Thomas Jones (896 yards) are also key factors why they Chiefs have a chance - besides the fact that they're 7-1 at Arrowhead - their running game was #1 in the NFL.  In a ball control game, the running game always plays a major factor.  Baltimore is -2.5.  I like the Chiefs in this one though.

Those are this weekends games, and who knows how much I will actually watch - there's basketball games both days this weekend - talk about being sour.  The game on Sunday is at 2pm though, so I should be able to catch the Packers/Eagles game.

Now I am going to head over to iTunes and listen to the new release from GlassJAw, Our Color Green EP.  It's only available for digital download, so I may be forced to wait until I get home to purchase this beast.  Based on what I heard the other night, these five tracks should rock and roll.

José Lima...

...Rest In Peace.  This post is dedicated to the passing of former-MLB pitcher José Lima, 37, who died last night in his home in Pasadena, CA of an apparent heart attack.  "Lima Time" will no longer be observed during a game, but will never be forgotten.

From what I remembered of José Lima, he was a wacky, fun, and very average pitcher for most of his 13-year MLB career.  His 1998 and 1999 seasons with the Houston Astros were two of his best.  In '98, he went 16-8 with a 3.70 ERA and in '99 he won 21 games, posting a 3.58 ERA.  He was also a singer, and sang the National Anthem at his own Dodgers game once.

I always recall seeing a game on TV or watching highlights on SportsCenter and noticing José Lima's hair being different colors and his facial hair changing almost daily.  He was eccentric and unscripted, unlike these guys now, with their antics after a big out or save.  His teammates loved him and the fans loved him - and one manager in particular had a great line, "He was an animated guy and a fierce competitor and he got people excited," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said.  When people remember you for those aforementioned traits, you left your mark.

Lima played for the Tigers, Astros, Royals, Dodgers, and Mets during his 13 seasons, as well as spending the beginning of the 2003 season with the Atlantic League's Newark Bears.  His career ERA of 5.26 is nothing special, but he brought something to the park that stats did not  indicate - a love for the game and a man who had a great time playing the game.  He respected baseball - and you don't often see that today (see: Hanley Ramirez).

José Lima will be missed.  RIP and it'll always be "Lima Time".

Here's a little photo gallery of images I've scoured the internet for of José Lima: