NFL Thoughts

Nate’s 9: Thoughts on the NFL Season

#9. Hard to say that I saw this season coming from the Arizona Cardinals.  I actually really liked their team heading into the season, as they hit on all of my points for winning in the National Football League, but I was certain that injuries, or the NFC West, or just some sort of dysfunctional occurrence that usually happens to the Arizona franchise would keep them from winning 8 games this season.  It still looks like the road to the playoffs will be very difficult, but I also thought that before they beat the Indianapolis Colts in a landslide yesterday.

#8. Every quarterback tends to have some glimpses of capability, but it doesn’t mean they should be a starter in the NFL.  My point I’m trying to make here is I watched a lot of West Virginia college football over the last few years, because their offense is very entertaining.  Most football fans should know that entertaining does not equal good.  I really didn’t like Geno Smith as an NFL quarterback, and I believe he is what is holding back the Jets from possibly locking up that 6^th seed.  They have built a very nice squad from 1 to 53.  My only concerns with this franchise stem from the quarterback position, and now they have gotten it wrong twice.  I think Rex Ryan at least appears in one super bowl if he just spent as much time developing the right guy for his offense as he does with his pre-game speeches and his extracurriculars.  It’s a shame that no quarterbacks in next year’s draft are the answer.

#7. Entropy is one of the worst things that can happen to a coach in the NFL.  The minute you get stagnant and unmotivated to achieve greatness, is the minute you need to search for a fresh start.  Case in point, Mr. Andy Reid.  One could argue that the Philadelphia Eagles have more talent on their roster than the Kansas City Chiefs, but yet he has had a ridiculous amount of success this year in Kansas City.  I attribute all of that to motivation.  He didn’t care if he won or lost in Philly anymore, because his job was pretty much safe, and even when he was on the hot seat, you felt like he could leave Philly on his own terms.  Now, he has something to work toward, especially because it’s a new relationship in Kansas City, which with a 3-13 season could be over in an instant.  I think this is always why Bill Parcells moved on after a certain number of seasons.  That’s why I’ve been so impressed with the Jeff Fisher’s, Bill Belicheck’s and Sean Payton’s of the world.  They stay motivated, even when sometimes their success says they don’t have to.

#6. I’m scared if the Falcons end up with the number 1 pick in next year’s draft.  My rule about following the NFL has always been this:  there are no rules.  A QB shouldn’t always have to go #1 in an NFL draft.  More often than not, a team should take the best player available.  Imagine if the Raiders had taken Calvin Johnson instead of JaMarcus Russell.  So although there are a number of good QB prospects in next year’s draft, I think the best player far and away is Jadeveon Clowney.  The Falcons have had a tough time this season due to a number of things: injuries, lack of a pass rush, teams winning in Atlanta, but obviously a fully loaded and talented Atlanta roster is hard to beat.   Imagine next year when they jump to early leads and then they have Clowney and Umenyiora coming after you.  Right back where they belong. 

#5. I believe that only injuries will keep Denver from winning the super bowl this season.  We all saw how good they can be; jumping to a 24-0 lead in New England against a very underrated and strong Patriots team.  We also saw what happened the minute DRC got injured.  Without Bailey and Cromartie I have to admit their defense looks quite penetrable. Tom Brady figured it out in time; get the ball out early and often.  They had a tough time matching up with Thompkins, Amendola and Gronk after Cromartie left the game.  But they never went for the big play because it meant Denver’s offense would be back on the field.  New England played the perfect half, but I’m curious to see if they can do it against a full-strength Broncos team.

#4. It pays to be mediocre.  The year Seattle won the NFC west with a 7-9 record, was the year the NFL dynamics changed.  Now it’s the best division in football and I don’t think it’s that close.  Part of the reason is all four teams hit on their coaches.  Pete Carroll, Jim Harbaugh, Jeff Fisher and Bruce Arians.  They are all probably in the top 25% of their trade, and they have all drafted very well since that season.  Earl Thomas, Michael Floyd, Aldon Smith, Chris Long, and many others are on the fast track to stardom.  The NFL is very cyclical, and maybe next it will be the NFC East’s turn to take advantage of the higher draft positions over these next few seasons.

#3. Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but I have a hard time understanding why people don’t place Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees in the conversation for greatest quarterbacks of all-time.  I know the NFL has become a passing league, and with the tough calls on the defense it’s easier to pad statistics, but it’s because of these guys that GM’s everywhere believe that a good quarterback is necessary to win in today’s NFL.  This is the same NFL in which the likes of Doug Williams, Mark Rypien and Phil Simms won Super Bowls’ over John Elway and Jim Kelly.  Clearly it can be done.  But the fact that these teams led by Manning, Brady and Brees makes the playoffs year after year is a testament to their greatness, and why the league is what it is now.  Let’s mention them with Johnny, Dan and Joe.

#2. The Miami Dolphins are the perfect average team.  My theory about the 49% really gets tested to the limits when analyzing the Dolphins. (I believe that winning teams stem from having players at every position better than average.  So if Philip Rivers is the 16^th best QB in a 32 team league, the Chargers are in the top half, Matt Forte – Bears, Bengals WR, etc).  The Dolphins literally hover at the 49% at almost every position.  It’s obviously what the NFL wants; the true parity that they look for with the salary cap and draft, etc. and I’m impressed that the Dolphins literally are that version.  Tannehill (19^th), RB (19), WR (17), TE (15), OL (14, but might go down minus the bully), DL (13), LB (14), DB (19) ST (14).  Crazy, right!?  8-8 team in my mind.

#1. What are the Carolina Panthers?  I’ve noticed that most publications are labeling them a top 5 team in the league, which is amusing, but they have won some massive games.  They have gotten a bit lucky in the fact that both San Francisco and New England may have been looking ahead to their next week’s opponents (at New Orleans; at New England), and have still flown a bit under the radar.  Or are they a really tough out in the NFL because they all so well balanced on offense, and their defense has been very effective?  I don’t know, but if you can tell me your thoughts on the Panthers, I’d love to hear them. 

Things that I'm Thankful for

Nate’s 9: Things That I’m Thankful For

#9. Direct TV.  I thought it was going to be a nightmarish switch, but because Comcast was destroying my bank account, it was something that needed to be done.  I am officially hooked.  I can DVR almost everything I want, I get a ridiculous amount of sports television, Sunday ticket, my DVR is 4x the size of my Comcast DVR, and I finally get the game show network.  If I wanted that network on Comcast, I would have to add another $11 a month to my plan.  I have a few complaints: the blips because of satellite, the remotes don’t interchange – so if I lose one, yikes, and the actual DVR section leaves a bit to be desired.  Not a bad tradeoff though, and I’m thankful for the extra dollars in my pocket.

#8. Fantasy Football.  Lately, it feels like a second income around Christmas time.  Last year, I was able to win one league, finish 3^rd in the other, and I was in my other league until the final week of the season.  This year, I can clinch all three playoff berths, starting with two of them after tonight’s game.  I really enjoy playing, I’m good at it, and I’m thankful that I’m usually getting money instead of paying in at the end of the year.

#7. Books.  Seriously, I’ve hit on every book in 2013.  It’s been an incredible run, and I hope it never ends.  I was able to put down: The Family Corelone, New York, Football: Bloody Hell, Safe Haven, A Dance With Dragons, Cosmopolis, The Things They Carried, and A Water-Method Man.  As far as a good story goes I believe I was 8 for 8, and even the writing in each was good.  I remember complaining in 2012 that I couldn’t find a good book if I was standing in a library, but I’m pleased to know that they are still out there, and I’m thankful to have hit such a hot streak. 

#6. Friends.  I seriously want to thank all of you that have come to visit me or just chat with me over these last couple months.  Last winter, I hit a real low staying home with the boys during the week, and never being able to take them outside or do something that would get us out of the house and our little crazy space.  It’s a little easier now, especially since the twins are more self-sufficient and a lot more fun, but when I still had to feed them bottles, and Aiden was having a hard time adapting it got really lonely.  Even just a phone call or a text was greatly appreciated, and nothing went unnoticed.  Thank you.

#5. The House.  It’s starting to really feel like our home now.  I will admit that it did take a while.  We hardly had any pictures up, we hadn’t changed any of the horrific paint jobs, and nothing really showed that it was our home.  Now there are kids’ toys everywhere, where ever we go we leave a trail of mess, and there may be 1 or 2 pictures on the wall now to make it really feel like home.  I’m only joking, but I really am thankful for everything that we have.  All our bedrooms are on the same floor which makes living comfortable and sufficient.  We have a dishwasher and air conditioner that works.  There is enough space where we never really feel like we are on top of each other, unless we’re all in the same room.  I have a 55 inch television in a room that I can hide in whenever I need a break.  I even kicked the lawn’s ass this year, and killed a majority of the weeds that made my house look like an empty, foreclosed lot in Detroit from the outside.  Moving on up.

#4. My Favorite Sports Teams.  When deciding to quit your favorite sports teams, it really changes your views on what it really means to be a fan.  It’s like a long; drawn out goodbye to someone you really know and love.  I still think I’m going to let them go, and they are going to find their way back to me, but I really love them, so I’m going to “let them fly”.  I speak most specifically of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Green Bay Packers, and Manchester United.  All the other teams I feel pretty confident I won’t miss, but I have spent many moments of my life, with many friends and family, and much discussion about each one of these franchises.  This year, I really have enjoyed being a fan, and following my favorite teams.  Especially the Green Bay Packers, which is kind of a full circle thing for me.  They were my first, but never my most, and it’s nice to be able to have this “quality time” with them before I’m done.  It’s a beautifully well run organization, and I’ve enjoyed every part of it.  The trips to Lambeau - and I will miss my planned trips to Lambeau (I still won’t turn down a weekend to Green Bay; it just won’t be on my whim).  The trash talking with Vikings and Bears fans. The passion of other Packers’ fans.  – Quick story: I went to Lambeau in 2009 with a friend and his father, and while waiting for the game to begin, we had lunch with a fan that lived in California who was making his first trip to Lambeau (by himself) to see the Packers in person.  Those little things are what I’m going to miss.  And I’m thankful that I had them.

#3. My Mother.  The end of a beautiful story would be if my mother lived to be 110, so we could pass on at the same time.  Realistically though, I’m glad that my mother has come through strong these last couple of years.  Most of you might know that my mom had a form of breast cancer, but with luck they caught it early and they were able to remove all of it before it spread.  Now we are dealing with hips and knees and the after effects of surgeries and it’s been a long year for me in that regard.  She’s kicking some serious ass though, and I’m proud and thankful that my mother is still healthy and around to give me (21!) kisses every time we get together.

#2 My boys.  It’s the same old story, but it always gets better.  Never wanted more than 2 kids, only wanted girls, blah, blah, blah.  What I have now is amazing and brilliant and all of those other wonderful adjectives that wake me up every single day.  I love watching them learn, and how they interact with one another, and how their personalities shine through in certain moments, and how some days they need me and other days they want nothing to do with me, and all of it. I love dancing with Logan, and reading books with Lucas and singing songs with Aiden.  I love how when I’m in the car with Aiden he just talks and talks and talks and the moment I tune out, he says, “right, daddy”?  I love how Logan helps me unload the dishwasher and after every piece of silverware he shuts it because he thinks we’re done.  I love how Lucas will be the one to wake up crying, but when I open their door to get them, I can get Logan first and put him in his highchair and Lucas won’t cry at all, even though it’s horrific when I do it the other way around.  I’m so thankful that I have each and every one of them, and there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do for them. Except admit to my mother and wife that they love me more.  I won’t do that. 

#1 My Sports Illustrated Magazines…

 

 

 

 

#1 My Better Half.  Even though I know she’s probably pissed right now, and probably thinking that I do love my magazines more, I have everything to thank for in my life, because of my wife.  (Cute) She is everything I could ask for in a partner, a best friend, a mom, a companion… going back to when we started dating, no one has helped me through my insecurities more than her.  I had always been afraid to drive because I thought I would hit someone and end their life, and live with the guilt forever. One among many fears.  She helped me work through that, and was the person that went with me to get my license (passed on the first test!).  She takes me to see Manchester United whenever they travel over to the states (anyone that knows me, knows this is no small gesture) even though I know she doesn’t care for the sport.  She always has my best interests at heart.  She isn’t concerned that I haven’t been romantic in about 8 years.  She makes fun of me, but never to the point where she would be questioning my character.  She got me through school, she gave me her Acura TL, she gives me space, and all the other little and big things that come with being married to someone.  And this is way more than I can say for myself.  So for this, I am truly thankful. 

9 NCAA(B) Freshmen

Nate’s 9: The Great College Freshmen

                After watching the early basketball showcase that the NCAA provided in the first week of college basketball, I got as excited as a puppy dog that finds a pound of bacon in his dog bowl.  What beautiful freshmen!  First I got to see Julius Randle and friends play close to the experienced and classy Michigan State Spartans before dropping off late.  Randle is definitely the real deal.  As I was getting ready for bed, I glanced at twitter and saw that Duke was playing Kansas in the night cap.  Are you kidding me?!? Wiggins vs Parker!  How did I know about the first game but not the second!? Anyway, it was everything I thought it would be, as were the two great players.  No wonder NBA GM’s are salivating. Here’s my top 9…

#9.  Derrick Walton PG Michigan.  I only got to see him in a cameo so far, but I didn’t really need that much.  Trey Burke was my favorite player in all of college basketball last year, and I don’t think Michigan will lose anything when it comes to productivity.  He might be one of the few on this list to stay a few seasons, but it’s only because he’s still a little raw.  He wasn’t a consensus All-American like the others, but he still was recruited hard by the Wolverines, Michigan State and UConn just to name a few.
NBA LOOK ALIKE – Tim Hardaway… for the defense.

#8. Wayne Selden SG Kansas.  It’s going to be tough to see it in his stats because he has Perry Ellis in front of him, but I know that the GM’s are really going to like this kid.  He’s kind of like a poor man’s Kobe Bryant; he always goes hard and doesn’t seem afraid of any shot, but just like Kobe in the playoffs he may need some time to get acclimated.  If possible, he would be the player I would want to complete the Minnesota Timberwolves project toward becoming a great team again. 
NBA LOOK ALIKE – Evan Turner

#7. Tyler Ennis PG Syracuse. Haven’t seen him much because he comes from Canada and didn’t play in any of the All-star games, but I got to watch a game with Syracuse and he definitely has the “it” factor.  He is more Michael Carter-Williams than Jonny Flynn, which is probably good for him and Syracuse.  He dictates the floor well, but isn’t afraid to take the big shot.  At least so far.  When we get to ACC play it will be interesting to see how well he handles the Pitt’s, Duke’s and UNC’s.  But I’m a fan.
NBA LOOK ALIKE – Mostly Deron Williams with a splash of Ray Felton.

#6. Aaron Harrison SG Kentucky.  The twins.  People have been talking about these guys for years, and now they are finally here.  They are definitely good enough to win a title at Kentucky and I believe that they could do it without Julius Randle, which is saying a lot.  I got to see Aaron at the McDonalds all-American game, and he’s very smooth.  He doesn’t see the court like his brother Andrew, but he has a nice shot, and gets into space.  I think he will be the second twin taken in next year’s draft, but he could have a bigger impact on the Wildcats season, because if Stein and Randle struggle (they shouldn’t), the burden on him to score might be higher (it won’t). 
NBA LOOK ALIKE – Allan Houston

#5 Aaron Gordon SF Arizona.  Everyone will know of this guy in a matter of time.  He was probably the last name that I had heard of on this list, and the only reason I did know was because Sports Illustrated did an article on him at the end of last season. Then I saw him at the All-American game.  Holy smokes.  All I can say is youtube is stuff if you can.  He will be a delicious player for some NBA team and I secretly hope it’s the New Orleans Pelicans, because they will be filthy good.  I doubt it because they are winning already, but this guy can fly.
NBA LOOK ALIKE – Early Vince Carter.  Oh yes.

#4 Andrew Harrison PG Kentucky.  The other one.  The better one, most like. He plays the game like all the calm point guard greats.  Similar to Magic Johnson, and Chris Paul, and Isiah Thomas and that group.  NBA players that have played pick-up ball games with him have already said he is NBA ready.  I think the position of point guard in the NBA is similar to Quarterback in the NFL, so for that recommendation… there is no doubt he is ready to go.  If you get a chance to see some Kentucky basketball, give this kid a glance.  Definitely the real deal.
NBA LOOK ALIKE – 2 parts Chris Paul, 1 part Mark Jackson with a splash of John Stockton.  Seriously.

#3 Andrew Wiggins SF Kansas.  This probably isn’t fair, because he may go #1 in next year’s NBA draft.  He probably should go #1 for a number of reasons, but he didn’t pass my eye test.  I put a lot of faith in making observations about athletes in different situations and he has yet to really show the hunger that I see in LeBron, Kobe, KD, etc.  He has a little bit of that Greg Oden aloofness, but his game is definitely impeccable.  He slows down the game of basketball, which is hard to do.  He is very calm for a freshman.  He wasn’t afraid to take any shot.  And his game is like silk.  I just want to see the killer look before I can deem a guy #1 draft pick worthy. 
NBA LOOK ALIKE – The best Grant Hill you can find. It’s a huge compliment.

#2 Julius Randle PF Kentucky.  Like Wiggins, and even Gordon, he could probably go #1 in any other draft.  He certainly would’ve this year.  It’s funny, I don’t think the Wildcats were suited to have a guy like this on their team.  They are going to dribble and penetrate the crap out of you with the Harrisons and James Young (#10), and Alex Poythress. But Randle will make all those guys want to use him because he dominates.  I mean like LeBron dominates.  That game against Michigan State when he decided to finally take over was awe-inspiring and remarkable. He couldn’t be stopped.  I haven’t seen such post dominance since Tim Duncan back at Wake Forest.  He owns the post.  He also has made range around the rim.  I mean anywhere from 10-12 feet out, similar to Hakeem Olajuwon. 
NBA LOOK ALIKE – A hybrid of LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Tractor Traylor.  Believe me when I say, that’s nice.

#1 Jabari Parker SF Duke.  I don’t even like Duke, so this really means something.  He has that hunger, plus the passion for basketball that will keep him in the NBA for the next 15-20 years.  He’s that good.  I’ve known his story a little bit following the 30-30 ESPN series, and also from SI.  They compared him to LeBron in high school, and he stood up to that test.  He probably has the least talented group of teammates between himself, Wiggins and Randle, but I think he gives Duke a shot at winning the title.  He can play the 1-4.  He can bring the ball up the court.  He can shoot the three.  He can drive to the hoop.  He can post up on the block. He can D up.  For me, he is the total package.  I’m going to watch as much Duke basketball as I can this year, and in the past I would never say that.  Not for Grant Hill, not for Elton Brand and not for Kyrie Irving. Maybe not “The Chosen One”, but I will say “The Anointed One”.
NBA LOOK ALIKE – Scottie Pippen with Magic Johnson’s size and swag.

Chelsea Managers 1998-2013

Nate’s 9 Chelsea Managers

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought this would be fun, because it’s true.  Since I started watching the sport, Chelsea has been through as many managers as I have underpants.  We even both reuse some of the old ones.  In any case, just like underpants, there are some that I am very fond of, and some I could throw in the trash immediately.  Here are the top 9…

Not #9. Rafa Benitez.  Asshole.  Of course you would be the only one to not make my list. 

#9. Phil Scolari. Anyone who pisses off Didier Drogba is an idiot. 

#8. Gianluca Vialli. All I remember is they were good all of the sudden, and beat United at the bridge 5-0.  And then he was gone.

#7. Claudio Ranieri. He actually should get more credit, because he started the Chelsea revolution.  For some reason he doesn’t though, but they weren’t wrong by moving him.

#6. Carlo Ancelotti.  Another punk IMO.  Although the football they played was nice.  And he won a Premier League title too, although I still think most of the players were Jose’s.

#5. Guus Hiddink.  Stud.  I’m glad he didn’t stay at Chelsea, because this is when I believed they were at their best.  He won a Cup in a very short time and only lost once.

#4. AVB. Poor guy.  Although now we are seeing what he is made of.  May not be top quality, but he should’ve had more time.

#3. Jose.  He still gets under my skin, but nothing is more gratifying than beating the Chelsea blue with him at the helm.  I love it the most when he loses.

#2. Avram Grant.  Such a nice guy.  Finished 2^nd in about everything.  Actually played good tactics and was a slip/slap away from possibly lifting the European Cup.

#1 Roberto Di Matteo.  Roman hates him.  Therefore, I love him.  Only he would have the balls to play Ryan Bertrand in a European final.  It worked, and Chelsea has 1 more Champions League trophy than Manchester City/Arsenal.

Favorite Musicians/Bands of All-time

Nate’s 9: Favorite Music Artists/Bands

                Outside of sports and books, music is probably next on my favorite arts/entertainment lists.  I can definitely say that after preparing to write this blog.  When I first sat down to brainstorm, I came up with 38 artists/bands that I would have had no problem putting on the N9 list.  Even as I sit here with the completed works, there are probably things that could be changed, and we are probably only a few weeks away from a new artist that could make this list.  First I would like to shout out to Jake Foster for the challenge; second I would like to shout out to those that just missed out.  Lennon, Nas, Elton, Chili Peppers, Rhianna, Journey, Aerosmith, BIG, Jay-Z,  Adele, Alicia Keys and everyone else that are probably top 20, but the 9 is tough.

#9. Bruno Mars. This is probably a surprise to about 99% of you that are going to read this blog, but I am dead serious.  When he first came out, I thought it was mostly hyped, and he was a bit overrated.  All of the songs on his first album sounded the same.  I enjoyed the lyrics from the song “Grenade”, but that was about it.  But between the success he’s had with his sophomore album, “Unorthodox Jukebox” and his appearance on SNL, which probably rates in my top 10, he earns a spot on this list.  UJ has a little bit of everything, and shows the range and talent of how good Bruno already is, and maybe a glimpse as to how good he will become (Prince, Babyface). The Saturday night live skit of him singing in the Pandora studio is one of my favorites and is a showcase into how versatile Bruno really is.  (Check it out if you’ve never seen it.)

#8. Outkast.  One of the two duos that made my 38. (Simon & Garfunkel) If you look beyond the actual music, there are a lot of similarities between the two groups.  For one, each group had a superstar and an other guy.  Or at least super talented behind the scenes guy (Andre 3000, Garfunkel). Both groups have shown their longevity.  Outkast has been doing this since SouthernPlayalistic, and S&G did it for 13 years before they split up.  The reason that I put Outkast on here is due to the variety in which they are able to perform.  I can’t think of any other rap group that could split up for a double album and have the same type of success that Outkast did on “The Love Below/Speakerboxx”. For me, it goes down as one of the top 5 hip-hop albums of all-time and solidifies both of them as some of the greats.

#7. JT.  Although you can’t put him on here without mentioning Timbaland, cause I don’t think he has his musical success without him.  He is my second highest ranking individual on this list, and I think he will reach the Michael Jackson, Elvis echelon before he is done in the music industry.  He has had multiple #1 hits on each one of his albums so far, he made N-Sync credible, and he hits on all the other significant pop culture aspects as well. (Owns SNL, could walk a runway if he so chose, or win an Academy).  He even married well.  “FutureSex LoveSounds” belongs in my top 5 pop albums of all-time, and gets Justin a push into my 9.

#6. Rat Pack.  Not the original group of course, but the great Sinatra, Martin and Davis Jr.  These 3 guys could croon for me every night until I fell asleep, and that wouldn’t be enough.  Frankie is probably my favorite and could’ve made it on this list alone, but I feel better served for having all three on the list.  Each one of their sounds was unique, but they all sang well together.  They definitely got to partake in a generation that I wish I could’ve been a part of, but all I have to do is throw on a bit of their music, and I feel like I’m right there. 

 

#5. Led Zeppelin. At the age of 25, I barely knew of them.  I heard other people talk about their music, and I recognized the sound of “Stairway” and “Kashmir”, but I really couldn’t tell you anything about them.  Then, on a whim, I decided to purchase “Early Days” and “Latter Days”, which essentially is Zepp’s greatest hits double album.  Yeah, it was over for me then.  Instant credibility.  Every song rich in sound and soul.  The lyrics were brilliant.  And then the winner… I think “When the Levee Breaks” is probably going to be my favorite song of all-time if you ask me on my death bed.  There’s too many songs to ever really know, but if I only have one choice before I move on, I’m highly certain it’s going to be on my shortlist.  Right at the top.  Just like this great band.

#4. Tupac.  Along with a limited number of other artists, he is one of the musicians than transcends his entire genre. You can ask anyone that listens to hip-hop, and they will know who Tupac is…  Believe it or not, I long preferred Biggie or Nas to Tupac back in my early years.  I thought he was angry all the time, he held a grudge for various reasons, he couldn’t handle the supremacy of east coast hip-hop, he had a huge ego problem, but now I can appreciate all he’s done for hip-hop.  I even think at the end of the day I probably still like Nas, Jay-Z and Biggie just a little bit more, but as a fan of the industry, it’s Tupac I have to put high up on this list.  He made the genre mainstream; he was just a thug with a gift.  Just like Michael Jordan getting cut from his high school team, we never really know where greatness comes from.  But we always know when we see it.

#3. The Beatles.  The greatest group of all-time to be ranked third, ha ha.  I know for a lot of people these guys are the cream.  I understand that completely and am in full agreement with that.  There is little to no separation between my number one and my number three if that can be said.  I even call my top three “the Holy Trinity of Music”.  For me, my love for the Beatles really grew after I came back from Europe.  I had always enjoyed their stuff, but I never purchased or really dabbled into learning their music.  But the way Europe treats the Beatles… it’s like nothing I have ever seen before.  Maybe the same way Texas treats high school football.  These guys are the Kings over there.  Now that I know, I really think they are the only group in the history of music to never release a bad song.  I’m sure some have been made, but everything that made it through production and onto the soundtracks is truly great.  I have a hard time whittling down the top 100 Beatles songs.  There’s no other group that can say that, realistically.  On top of this, I have no doubt that John Lennon is the brother that I never had.  Full of optimism and life, I feel like we would have been great friends.  And he could appreciate that there are a few just a little bit better than him and his band.

#2 Floyd.  It pains me to put them here.  I really think their genius goes unmatched as far as music goes.  But I didn’t grow up with them.  In fact, I didn’t start listening to them until about six years ago.  I pretty much ignored the great music of the 60’s and 70’s, because I didn’t grow up on it, and no one really introduced it to me.  At home, it was soft contemporary and the music of the 1980’s.  When I was with my father, it was country music.  With friends and family it was the early days of hip-hop and rap music.  And for myself I enjoyed the jams of the 1990’s like Boyz II Men, Jagged Edge and the like.  So I really knew just about everything except for the classic rock and the psychedelic of the 1970’s.  And I’m sad that I missed it because it’s a fantastic genre of music, and for me, Pink Floyd is the staple of all that.  I have a 3 year old that loves most of their songs.  When I meet someone new, Floyd is generally a topic on which we can find some common ground.  And personally, I can just get lost in the music.  High Hopes, Have a Cigar, Set the Controls, Waiting for the Worms, Comfortably Numb, Us and Them, Stay, Wish You Were Here, Echoes, Pigs, Dogs, Time, Pigs on a Wing, Bike, See Emily Play, Cymbaline, the list just goes on and on and on.  If I could only choose one group for the rest of my life to listen to, well, with no discredit to my favorite group, but I know I would pick Floyd.  And be happy because of it.

#1. Wu-Tang.  “Wu-Tang again?” “Ah, again and again”.  And so goes one of the greatest love stories of all-time.  My love for the Wu is probably unrivaled and incomparable.  Between their collaborations and everyone’s solo albums, I own every single album but 5.  It’s intense for me.  I think the reason that I like them so much is that because of their uniqueness and the fact that there are nine/ten (depending on the day, and who is writing about them) members that make every song different and distinguishable.  You can throw Ghostface and Raekwon together and just go nuts.  You can put the RZA and the GZA on a track together and they’ll make you think about everything that they say.  You can put the whole crew on it, and know that it’s going to be hot.  Every single one of them can go hard alone.  Keeping that in mind, they have released some absolute crap, and some of their albums are very forgettable and lacking in the teeth.  But for having ten different personalities and the individuality that each one brings to the group… well for me it’s til death do us part. 

Favorite Moments with my Kids

Nate’s 9: Favorite Moments with my Kids

                Someone gave me some good advice a couple of days ago.  Since I’m no longer technically writing a “Sports Blog”, why do my 9 always have to be about sports?  So today, I’m going to have a little fun.  Everyone knows that I like to whine and complain about having to stay at home with my three children three days a week, but what you may not know is that I actually love it and I enjoying watching them learn and grow.  They have helped me learn as well, and I think that I have become a better person since I started staying home with them.  Even if I do suffer with a few bouts of ‘Cartoon Songitis’. Here are a few favorite moments of mine since I made the decision to become “Playground Dad”.

#9. Lucas learning how to wave.  It’s seriously a blast.  Usually between Logan and Lucas, Logan develops the skill first whatever it may be.  First twin to crawl, first to walk, first to talk, first to become a human garbage can.  I spent about a week teaching them both to wave.  Shame on me.  Lucas now waves to anyone or anything that moves within 100 foot radius of where he is. 

#8. Logan’s hi at Lake Calhoun.  Logan on the other hand has to say hi to anyone that we might pass in a stroller.  I learned this the hard way when I took the twins down to Calhoun for a nice, quiet weekend stroll while Aiden and Sara were in Wisconsin.  It was neither nice nor quiet.  I had my headphones on, as it should send a signal to leave me in peace, but because Logan wanted to befriend everyone, we stopped numerous times so strangers could tell me how beautiful and wonderful my twins were.  Really?  Ok, you take them.

#7. Aiden at 18 months.  Aiden, outside of his taste for princess spaghettios and the color pink, is actually a man.  He likes cars, throwing things and tools.  But his favorite game ever was when I use to sit at the computer and write his blogs.  He would run out of his room, and slap me on the back as hard as he could.  Then he would scream and giggle all the way back into his room, and we would continue this game over and over again, until I got up from the computer.  I owe him a few whacks.

#6. Reading with Lucas.  You probably already know this about me, but I love books. I mean seriously.  I feel lost when I am not reading one.  Lucas is on the right track.  He won’t sit on my lap; he has to sit in the same chair next to me, and we can go over the same book for about an hour.  Currently, the car books are taking over, and I can’t wait to replace every finger point as “car” with, “Nissan, Ferrari, and Acura”.

#5. Throwing with Logan.  I love sports more than I love books.  Logan is definitely the athlete of the three.  He can be in full-blown temper tantrum mode, and if you put a ball in front of him he will stop crying instantly.  He is probably the only 16 month old I know who can say “kick” and “throw”, and know the difference between the two.  It’s pretty special, and I hope we continue to have this bond in the future.

#4. Tools with Aiden.  Aiden loves to fix everything.   Or at least believe that he has the solution to fix everything.  If something stops working, put new batteries in it.  A missing part?  He’ll go get his screwdriver and attempt to put it back together.  Anytime I fall over while getting ambushed by the boys? “Daddy, I’ll get you a Band-Aid.” But it really all comes together with the toolbox.  We need the toolbox for everything.  He’s already halfway to becoming a man, so the quicker he gets to relieving me of any household duties, the happier dad will be.

#3. The “twins” birth.  For the eight months that I knew that there were twins in Sara’s belly, I just believed that it was a dream, and during delivery we would find ONE healthy baby girl ready to embrace us with her love.  Well, I was mistaken.  But it still probably is the greatest day of my life.  To see Aiden’s reaction to his little brothers, to see the difference between two babies just hours after they were born, and to dream of days when they fight over girlfriends, cover each other over lies and deceit, and determine who’s turn it is to wash the dishes… Yeah, I am a pretty proud papa.

#2. The pink shirt.  It wasn’t expensive or anything.  I think I got the pink polo at Marshall’s for less than $15. But Aiden got me.  He got me good.  Of course it would be the first time that I wouldn’t have a diaper prepared for him in time. ( I have stepped up my game however, and Lucas and Logan were only able to “go to the bathroom” freely twice in all the times I changed their diapers).  Of course it wouldn’t be a #1.  And of course it would defy gravity.  My wife will speak for me, but it shot out of his hole like a horse at the derby and blasted my beautiful polo until it was striped brown.  Needless to say, I can joke about it now, but it was still one of the grossest experiences of my life.  But I think everyone should have it once.

#1. Tackle game.  This is our game and that’s what makes it so special.  Usually once a week, the boys and I clear out the living room, and they each take turns being tackled by me.  It gets all of us laughing, and I wouldn’t trade the time for anything.  They each have their own personalities in the game too.  Lucas will try to avoid the tackle at all costs, including throwing himself on top of the couch.  Logan runs right into it and rolls over like a dead dog.  Aiden commentates his way through the tackle, and finishes with our motto, “And he’s tackled at the two yard line!”  It’s going to be a sad day when Aiden finally gets into the end zone.

Favorite NFL Players

Nate’s 9: Favorite NFL Players in 2013

                Before I get started, I just want to give a shout out to two college players that will be on this list in just a few seasons, it’s unfortunate that they are both too young to go to the NFL this season, as I think they would have a big impact on how things play out next April.  They are Barry Sanders Jr. and Jameis Winston.  I have only seen Sanders run the football once this season.  You may think that’s a small sample size, but it’s actually 16.6% of all his carries. And it was for a 22 yard TD run.  There is plenty of potential there, but Stanford runs a well-known conservative offense and he’ll have to wait his turn.  He runs like his father, but still needs to learn patience and how to stay on the field in passing situations.  With that being said, he’ll be in the NFL soon enough.

                Winston on the other hand… if you know anything about college football, then you know who he is and what he does for a living.  I do not like the Florida State Seminoles; I never have, and I also don’t care for their ‘mockery’ of Native American tradition.  But I can’t look away from the program this year and it’s because of one player.  He simply has the “it” factor.  He can make every throw, he understands the position immeasurably, and leads like a champion even though he’s a freshman. Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers are the only other two quarterbacks that I recognized these traits in at the college level, and outside of Michael’s personal issues, they have transferred well enough to the pros.  Look for Winston close to the top of my NFL list in the near future.

#9. Joe Haden CB Browns. I believe that he would be mentioned in the top 10% of defensive players if he played somewhere outside of Cleveland.  For whatever reason since their return in 1999, no one has put any valuation on any of the players that put on a Browns uniform outside of the Indianapolis Colts.  Although I thought Trent Richardson would be great too.  Haden, however is pure class, one of the best shut-down corners in the league, and if they had just drafted Morris Clairborne instead of Richardson, the Browns may have been one of the toughest outs in football.

#8. Tyrann Mathieu S Cardinals.  I hate the I-Told-You-So stories, but this one I have to talk about a little bit.  Only a handful of teams could have probably drafted him, because I do think he can be a hard guy to reach and motivate.  Arizona was perfect because of his friend Patrick, and I think we are going to see one of the great NFL players of our time.  A real treat to watch, and it’s only the beginning.

#7. Charles Woodson S Raiders.  It’s still one of my favorite Packer signings in the history of the franchise.  A joke only because we’ve signed about 3 significant players since free agency began 20+ years ago (Reggie White, Ryan Pickett).  He didn’t want to sign with Green Bay, and I don’t blame him.  The money talked (7/52), and I’m glad it did.  He was the leader for the franchise for many years while Aaron Rodgers was getting acclimated, and a major reason that the Packers won the Super Bowl.  Although he went to Michigan, I consider him a true gentleman. 

#6. Randall Cobb WR Packers. Another great moment for the Green Bay Packers franchise.  Personally, I wasn’t a fan of the Jordy Nelson pick at the time; because I thought there were better players to be had earlier like a Dwayne Bowe or a Robert Meachem. (It sure isn’t fun to be wrong). So when the Packers drafted Cobb, I was ecstatic.  It seemed like all the other teams had these types of players: the Devin Hester’s, the Antwaan Randle El’s and the Dante Hall’s.  I may be biased thinking that mine is the best, and he does have Aaron throwing to him, but I wouldn’t swap Cobb straight up for any of those guys.  The Packers are a different team without him, no doubt about it.

#5. Patrick Peterson CB Cardinals.  The other cornerback in the league that I don’t think is far away from shutdown.  Teams are already afraid to throw in his direction and he seems to get better every season. I think he is a key part of the resurgence of the Cardinals defense, although his return skills have appeared to diminish this season.  If he can get that part of his game going again, then I can continue to wreak havoc on those that think that Cam Newton still should be the #1 pick from the 2011 draft.  Because the Panthers defense is that superstar away from being dominant.

#4. Drew Brees QB Saints.  If Troy Aikman + Jason Garrett = anything, this would be it.  I’m enjoying Drew Brees’ career, due to the fact that what we are witnessing we may never see again, (an under six footer kicking serious butt year after year), but what I’m really excited for is when he becomes a head coach in the NFL.  I think it’s only a matter of time.   He’s so intelligent, so precise, so calm, so valuable, that any team would be silly not to give him a chance.  I don’t care for the Saints, but I do get absolutely giddy with excitement when they’re on television.  That will continue to happen only as long as Brees is throwing the passes and running the offense.

#3. Adrian Peterson RB Vikings.  A footballing contradiction every time I watch a Vikings game.  He’s so easy to cheer for not only because he’s the closest thing alive to Walter Payton, but he just loves football.  Part of me feels bad for him in the same way I feel bad for Barry, cause I don’t think he’ll ever get his ring.  But he’s one of the few players in the league that has the chance to go the distance every single time he touches the football.  I’m not sure how you can’t be a fan of that.

#2. Joe Flacco QB Ravens.  I’m just kidding.  I actually think he’s somewhat of a bleep hole.

#2. Sean Lee LB Cowboys. The guy is such a football stud.  I mean that sincerely.  For any of you that watch the Cowboys, he is seriously the leader of this team.  We all know that they don’t get it from the offensive side.  The signs were there early though, as I got to see a lot of him at Penn State.  I wouldn’t say he’s irreplaceable, but I did think he would be better than Paul Posluzny and Navorro Bowman.  I don’t think I have been wrong on either account, and he could be the anchor of any franchise in the league.  I’m not happy that it’s the Cowboys, but I know they are better off for having him.

#1 Aaron Rodgers QB Packers. If any of you know me, know me at all, this hasn’t changed in 8 seasons.  Since draft day 2005 at Champps Maple Grove.  I still don’t understand to this day, how he fell from the top 5 and down to the 24^th pick in that draft.  I watched those same college games, and I saw great numbers and a guy that had a great feel for making the tough throws and winning games late.  I remembered reading a grade out on both Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers.  (I am a big Alex Smith fan as well, I think he doesn’t get enough credit) Both graded pretty similarly, but the only difference is that SF felt like Aaron Rodgers was arrogant.  Well, NFL execs, if arrogance is a bad thing then give me Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers all day, because I love it.  Aaron is quite simply my favorite player of all-time, and I hope that everyone gets the chance to see him for what he is: an “arrogant” quarterback that can make every throw, lead any team, and win any game. 

Nate's 9: NBA Season Starters

Nate’s 9

                My thoughts on the beginning of the NBA season so far…

#9. The Timberwolves have proved me wrong.  I thought signing Kevin Martin instead of OJ Mayo would be the absolute wrong thing to do.  Early signs put to Martin being a steal for the Timberwolves.  Which now begs the question: why did the Wolves draft Shabazz Muhammad?

#8. Indiana is real, and I may have been one of the few that wouldn't have been surprised if they had beaten Miami to get to the finals.  They have great depth, a bona fide superstar in Paul George, and believe they can win every night.  While I may have said that Chicago is likely Miami’s greatest challenger come playoff time, the Pacers are right in the mix.

#7. The Wizards should start thinking about trading John Wall.  For whatever reason, he hasn't hit the level that a Chris Paul and a Kyrie Irving have in his first few seasons in Washington.  Whatever the problem, his value remains high, and a team like the Lakers or Houston could be very interested.  I know there is still another year on the deal, but maybe they try and get a number of first round picks and build around Beal and Porter instead.

#6. Speaking of the L.A. Lakers, it might be time to start thinking about the future.  The trade for Howard didn’t come through the way they planned, but that might not be a bad thing.  If the Lakers can somehow get into the lottery, the future may not be that far away.

#5. I thought Derrick Rose would be fantastic.  Not to say that I haven’t been impressed with his performance up to date, but he has looked a little rusty in a number of games already this season.  Chicago does have the talent to let him come back at his own pace, but to reach the top, he needs to match the expectations I had for him. 

#4. James Harden is still a beast, but Houston isn’t playing through him like I thought they would.  I have only seen the Rockets twice, but it appears that they want to win inside the post rather than the perimeter.  I like the pairing of Howard and Asik though, so their thinking may benefit this season.

#3. Miami will get there when it matters.  I know it seems like they have started rather slow, but as long as they don’t lose any of the big 3 to a significant injury, they can win on any court at any time.  The number 1 seed isn’t necessary for the Miami Heat to return to the finals for the 4^th consecutive season. 

#2. Golden State could lock up the #1 seed in the western conference.  After years of underachieving and continuously missing on their top draft picks, these last 3 seasons have reaped the benefits of getting high draft choices correct.  They are one of the most difficult teams in the league to defend, and can score from just about anywhere on the floor.  My only concern for them is health; Harrison Barnes and Steph Curry have already missed games to injury.  If they can win 58+, they could lock up that #1 spot in the competitive west.

#1. The Clippers are not my favorite team this season. I am a huge fan of both Chris Paul and Doc Rivers, but putting these two together was an intriguing, yet unrealistic idea.  It’s a move that I don’t think is going to pan out because of Rivers’ valuation on the defensive side of the ball.  The Boston team was perfect for Rivers to do battle with, because they knew that teams couldn't score on them in crunch time.  I still don’t know where the Clippers get their last shot from, and I fear they won’t be able to hold opponents to the 80-90 range.  It might make for a difficult season. 

Nate's 9: Favorite Sports Memories

Nate’s 9

                Here is one of the prototypes that I am considering for my new blogging style.  I want to get more information and opinions out to everyone, and have fun while doing it.  As some of you may know, and for those of you that don’t, after the 2013-14 sports season, I will no longer be a fan of particular sports franchises.  I have decided, among other great changes, to go about being a fan in an abnormal way; to cheer for the sport as a whole, instead of from the perspective of a fan.  Outside of death and loss, I do believe it will be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I look forward to the change, and the trials that may come along the way.  As a starter, I would like to share with you my 9 favorite sports moments up until this point.

#9. Malik Sealy’s shot.  I was in Germany at the time, and didn’t get to see any basketball games live during my year there.  The only reason I was able to see this shot is because the German sports channel decided to show it because of Malik’s reaction to the shot.  He was one of my favorite Wolves during his short time in Minnesota.  You could tell he just enjoyed basketball.  I never really had a chance to enjoy it, because the next time I heard his name, some drunk was driving down the wrong way on Highway 100.  That image of him holding the basketball is all I remember.   And I’m ok with that.

#8. Stealing the ball off of Harland in pick-up basketball.  It was always a big moment for me, if not for anyone else.  Harland Dietrich was probably my favorite basketball player of all-time and I mean that in every sense.  For someone of his size (he was somewhat of a butterball back then)… you’ve never seen anything like it in your life.  He could pass, shoot, defend, run the court pretty well – not what I expected the first time we played.  He also knew all of my weaknesses and took full advantage.  So when my team was winning 14-13 in a game that needed to be won by 2, and I picked his pocket while he was setting up to make me look silly… I was nervous on the breakaway even though he was the only defender coming back.  I was able to lay it up before he got there, and it will be my favorite basket that I ever scored, because I finally got him!  I miss you Harland, and thank you for that game.

#7. Borussia Dortmund v Galatasaray. I got a sense of what European’s passion for soccer was when I went to my first German soccer game back in 1999.  It was 80,000 strong, and not many clubs do it like Dortmund.  But when I was offered the chance to see Dortmund play in Europe vs. Gala, a team from Turkey, it was a whole different force of reckoning.  For one, the Turks don’t particularly care for the Germans and vice versa.  Secondly, well just watch a home Galatasaray match.  To this day, it’s still the greatest atmosphere I’ve ever been a part of for any game, and when Gala scored their first goal to get that place rocking for the Turks, well, I don’t know if it can be recreated.  A fan’s dream.

#6. Manchester United v Bayern Munich 1999.  I still get the goose bumps. Bayern is the team I have always respected and feared more than any other sports organization in the world, maybe outside of the Yankees.  But it’s close.  They are probably the only two teams that aren’t satisfied with pure domination.  It’s a great trait to have.  But for 90 seconds, and 90 seconds only, United was the better side in a game that could be rewritten as a Hollywood movie.  Sheringham, bang.  Turnover, counter, corner kick.  Solskjaer, bang.  Game. 

#5. Green Bay’s Super Bowl win in 1997. If ever there was a culmination of putting a group of players together to reach a target goal as one, this was definitely the team.  It’s still to this day, one of the hungriest teams that I have ever seen.  They only lost 3 games that year, and each were relatively close.  When Robert Brooks went down, they brought on Andre Rison(top).  They brought in veterans Seth Joyner, Keith Jackson and Eugene Robinson, all guys that had yet to win the big one.  Reggie and Brett were hungry.  Desmond Howard returned kicks. I have never been more certain about any championship in my life, and it felt absolutely fantastic as a fan.  It still tasted just as sweet too.

#4. Minnesota Timberwolves games with my parents.  I have a few good memories growing up and a couple of bad ones too.  It wasn’t an easy household to grow up in.  But when the Timberwolves played in the metrodome and the nosebleed seats only cost my parents $3.50 per ticket, I always had a good time.  It was the Timberwolves expansion season, and I still remember we were able to go to 11 games.  The Wolves set all kinds of attendance records that season, and it was fun to be a part of.  Sometimes I sat with my mom, and other times I sat with my dad.  Didn’t matter, I enjoyed the family time, and my early love of basketball.

#3. My 299 game in bowling.  It wobbled.  It wasn’t my best throw, and I probably didn’t deserve a strike, but the damn 10 pin wobbled.  And that was the most heartbreaking moment of my sports life.  After about the 8^th strike, you start to get really nervous.  After that it’s all just adrenaline and the rush of bowling.  But for one moment, all my insecurities, my self-doubt, all the struggles that I had growing up went away.  For years, I had put so much pressure on myself to bowl well, that I couldn’t bowl.  I had to quit, and at the time I was really improving as a bowler.  So to come back years later and overcome those fears from my youth… to have half of the bowling alley cheering for me when I always use to worry about not having enough friends… So that 299 game?  It meant the world to me.

#2. Green Bay’s Super Bowl win in 2011.  The one that I’m taking to my grave.  Of all the sports year’s that I have experienced, with all of my favorite organizations, this was by far, the one I enjoyed the most.  I would say it wasn’t my favorite as I ranked it #2, but I really, really enjoyed it.  You have to remember, Green Bay was still bitter about Favre and the Vikings.  The Vikings had almost won it the year before and there was that worry that we would never get one without him.  Personally, I never worried, and I was ready for Aaron from the start. He is my Favre, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  But we really didn’t have that good of a season for starters.  Our running game was absent, and the offensive line was getting Aaron in loads of trouble.  We had to win our last two games just to make the playoffs.  We had to win every single playoff game away from Lambeau Field.  We had to do it with our offense out of sync for most of the ride.  And we had to beat a very good Pittsburgh Steelers team, one that I hold with the highest esteem.  And we did all that.  And we did it with my quarterback.

#1. Manchester United in 2008. American football had always been my religion growing up.  I used to make fun of soccer and the people that played it.  It took a lot of maturity on my part to realize just how wrong I really was.  And it took my honeymoon to realize that I loved soccer a lot more than I loved football.  When Chelsea beat United 3-0 to all but wrap up the title, and took Rooney out in the process, I moped for a long time.  On my honeymoon!  I realized two things at that moment: Soccer > Football and Wife > Husband.  With that being said, the greatest sports year of my life was United’s season in 2008.  They won the league convincingly.  They had the greatest group of attacking players in the world in Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.  They probably had the world’s best defense as well.  They reached the same pinnacle that my Packers achieved in 1997, when they felt that it was their right to win everything in their path.  As a fan it’s great to see it all come together.  – I believe in karma, and all that comes with it.  To win 50 years after Munich, 40 years after United’s first European triumph and to do it when John Terry slips in the rain, I fully believe it was supposed to happen.  I don’t believe there are many instances in world sports, where a fan of a team can say that the year was meant for their team.  The ’55 Dodgers, the Miracle on Ice in 1980, the ’85 Bears, Jordan before his father would pass in 1993.  Very few.  2008 was definitely for United.