QUOTE: “Leadership is a quality of those who earn the respect of others through the wisdom of the combination of their words and their actions.” -- Walter Grant IV, former president, University of Redlands Whitehead Leadership Society
Random Thoughts…
On Tony G. and the Falcons…
It cracks me up when I read about a player’s role in the second week of July. It’s July, people. No one is working in the NFL. Even the commissioner is off climbing mountains. Has Brad Childress come back from fishing? How can someone’s role be decided off the field? I’m with my man Matt Bowen on Tony Gonzalez’s role – he’s not going to be a blocker. He is going to be a third-down converter, a red zone scorer and the new best friend of quarterback Matt Ryan. Yes, he has a role; it will be to be Tony G. At this point in his career, he has defined his own role.
APTony Gonzalez
The more prevalent question with the Falcons lies with their defense, and if the 2009 version of John Abraham is not the 2008 version, the Falcons are in deep trouble. Abraham was their defense last year -- when he was rushing the passer, he was creating plays. His spirited play is evidence that when you have an offense that can make big plays and procure an early lead, all you need is a dominating rusher to make the defense complement the offense.
Can the Falcons expect the same this season? Many predict the Panthers will not return to the playoffs, expecting the Falcons to keep taking the next step. But to me, the Falcons seem more vulnerable. They have a great offense and a budding star in Ryan, but they have many holes to fill on defense. If Abraham misses any time, those holes will look like craters. Yes, Curtis Lofton, the new middle linebacker, will be a tackling machine, but who else is going to help Abraham? First-round pick Peria Jerry will help, but expecting any rookie defensive lineman to make a huge impact is a dream.
Usually, quarterbacks shift the balance of power when injured or missing time, but Abraham holds that power for the Falcons. This summer, the Falcons are going to have to prove to the NFL that they can stop the run on first and second down, that they can cover in the secondary and that they can find a physical quality with their defense. They are no lock to return with Abraham healthy -- and they have no chance to return if he misses any time.
On Tony Romo...
APTony Romo
I loved Bowen’s piece Wednesday placing the Cowboys’ destiny squarely on the shoulders of Tony Romo. I agree with everything Matt wrote, but I might add that my fellow Jerseyan, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, will have to prove he can handle the job. We all know from the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell that it takes 10,000 hours to perform your craft at a high level. Does Garrett have the 10,000 hours of apprenticeship? I’m not sure on this one, and let me throw more fuel on the fire: The Cowboys’ big offensive line must play its best in 2009 for them to make the playoffs. The NFC East has some of the best defensive lines in football, so this well-paid offensive line must perform well. Romo has the weight on his shoulders, but Garrett and the line share some of the burden.
Beach Thoughts...
I live along the Jersey Shore, and since the weather has gotten better, it means some beach time to do a little reading on the NFL (I don’t read Danielle Steele, as most beach goers seem inclined to do; even our own Joe “The Tipper” Fortenbaugh can be seen reading her books in an attempt to find his softer side). So while doing some reading, I thought I’d make a few observations. FYI, I am determined to follow the recipe of Jim Collins, author of “Good to Great,” for having a productive day, so if I spend 10 percent of my day working on the creative side, I might as well do it while looking at the Atlantic Ocean.
Is Chad Ochocinco for real? Tweeting during NFL games? He just talks and never seems to have any point to his comments. So why would you believe him when he says he’s going to turn things around this year and play at a higher level? I don’t….
I love all the Hotel fans who rip me when I post something on their team (maybe I should just write that all is well at the Hotel since they set an NFL record for being the first team with six consecutive 10-loss seasons). Just make sure you leave a valid email on your post. I’m from Jersey and I can take being ripped, but make sure you have the guts to stand behind your comments with a valid email….
For many reasons, I’m not sold on the new United Football League becoming a success. I love the idea of a new league creating more jobs for everyone -- players, coaches and front office – but in light of the economy, it seems a tough sell to get fans into the stadium. Who will attend these games? There are going to be some empty seats at NFL games this fall, so I can’t imagine fans will be willing to spend on the UFL before they spend on the NFL. The timing, premise and foundation of the league don’t seem viable from my beach chair….
Before former Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was signed by the Giants, they knew he would be suspended for at least one game for conduct detrimental….
My Philadelphia 76ers’ offseason is off to a very slow start (don’t give in to Andre Miller’s demands for three years and $30 million – we’re going to be bad with or without him; think long term). Yet the San Antonio Spurs have reloaded again. They just seem to understand what it takes to build a team….
I’m still very sad about the death of Steve McNair. It’s going to take a while to get over that one.
Good column! I agree about Gonzalez on the Falcons, and I'm glad someone notices what the Spurs are doing. It seems like they plan to make a move so that it's overshadowed by someone else's. The Jefferson trade was overshadowed by Shaq, and now McDyess is overshadowed by Marion. They are sneaky.
Does Danielle have a fantasy football book out?
Hey Mike, THANK YOU. I'm glad I'm not the only one who laughs at all these player predictions that come out before training camp has even started. Serious waste of time.
I will be surprised if the leauge deos not address this new Twitter thing before the season starts. I can see all kinds of problems coming up if guys are able to communicate with the fans, and possibly other NFL personel.....Belichick's mouth is already watering.
I love your column Mike. I learn something new about football and the NFL with every article. I have heard many times that even the most rabid of NFL fans truely knows very little about the inner workings of an NFL team and football in general. You seem to offer glimmers of insight into this hidden world and that is why your column is must read, even in July.
You often mention Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, but how about Blink by Gladwell? It seems football would have more in common with instinctual decision making rather that constant analysis, preparation, and so forth. IMO theres too much downtime and that leads to way too much thinking and analysis at every level in the sport. Too many chiefs and not enough indians.
not a word about Jamaal Anderson while discussing the importance of a pass-rush/John Abraham....hmm
now imagine it was the Raiders you was talkin about.
there would be words such as "dysfunction", "wasted pick", "bust" spilled all over the entry lol...
(whatever. fact is, Tom Cable got the full trust/attention of his lockerrroom/staff. and most importantly, he perfectly complements the owner while still getting the preferred athletes, but is appearently showing just enough ego for them also to be at least hard-working football, team-first players. if things continue to go this well, imo, the Raiders will win a lot of games in the next decade...we are focussed, young, hungry(no JaMarcus jokes here please lol), set and ready to go. BRING!! IT!! ON!!!! SANDY-EGGOOOO!!!!!!!!!)
Not inteded as a rip but it's not hard to figure out why Raider fans continue to rip you when you post items like Russell missing the last OTA with no sources mentioned. Yet you fail to mention that Russell is flying all interested receivers to Alabama to continue off-season workouts. As reported on the NFL Network.
Sure the Raiders have sucked the last 6 years, anyone can see that, but what's a bigger deal? Missing 1 voluntary workout where he may or may not have been excused (we don't know because we don't know how you found out). Or, taking the steps necessary to become a better QB and get in extra reps with his receivers.
Both are significant but only one of the items gets mentioned.
Hey when you broke the story that J Russell was not at the last 2 hour practice on the last day of OTA's. Why did you not tell us why that was? NFL Network is reporting the reason was that Russell flew a bunch of his WR's down to Alabama so that they could get down their tining and work together. NFL Network is reporting that they are still in Alabama, It is easy to put out half stories, why not do some fact checking and do some research like the NFL Network did before writing something and giving opinion which is based on bad information.
Mike, how does Boley's suspension work IF he is still hurt and physically unable to play week 1? Would he have to take the suspension later when he is healthy or would he get to serve the 1-game suspsension while out with injury. The latter doesn't sound legit but that's what I am assuming would happen.
As much as I repsect Andre Miller, the 76ers aren't going anywhere beyond where they've been with him. 1st round and out. At best they could get to the 2nd round but what is the point, they're nowhere near a title contender. I'd rather do some sort of sign and trade, anything really, than get stuck with years on a contract for an older player like Miller. Feels like the 76ers are stuck in no-man's land, they need to stop trying to just be a .500 team and blow it up and go with the young guys.
I agree Jon and didejj!!!
Let us all agree, right here and now, to never, ever read another column from Michael Lombardi. Better yet, let's agree to never read ANYTHING form the National Football Post this day going forward. The scoundrels. Even better still, let us agree to never, ever watch or read anything to do with the National Football League again. Or at least until the Raiders are competitive again.
Whaddaya say. You all in. We can call it the " I am not going to have anything to do with the NFL until somebody says something nice about my team" Boycott Association. That way, EVERBODY can join. I'll bring the cheese doodles.
I made sure to leave my email for ya Mike
You love to rip Al, because he fired you and you love to talk about the decline of the silver and black
i've got a few questions, and hopefully you'll answer them .
You were a big part of those losing years after Gruden was traded....why don't you talk about it, or better yet, write a book about the inside happenings at raiderville? I'm sure you'd make a lot of money, from Raider Nation alone
I would hope you would write it before Al passes on. It would give it more credibility.
Why would Al, keep you on the payroll if he was calling all the shots in the draft?
When Love ya bro Gruden was traded and Bruce Allen followed the year after.....why were you not invited along?
Why would Pat Bowlen let you go when your input was free to him, and why were the donkey drafts such a waste while you were there?
I actually thought your were putting the Raider drafts together....were you just hanging on for a paycheck?
It really makes you look bad and the sour grapes about the Raiders, just shows you as another hater
Gruden may hate Al for all I know, but he does nothing but talk about what a great football man Al is, and how much he learned from him. You should try that sometime..
I've heard the rumors that you were in collusion with other teams and all the in house talk to the media about the Raiders seems to have stopped. But I don't see Al bad mouthing you, like you do the Raiders
Tallllllllllllk about it.
Thanks for the time Mike, hope to hear from you
Raider fans aren't even worth making fun of at this point--it's just sad. These commenters are delusional.
Let's see: double-digit losses for the last six years. Obvious organizational incompetence. Can't sell out their own stadium.
Ah, but anyone mentioning that is just "a hater."
Not really. Your team is worthless. Your fanbase is living in a past decade. What's to hate?
Come on Lombardi, you of all people should know Raiders fans don't have any balls, so why would you expect them to be accountable? They're just being what they always have been: ghetto trash. I actually think the Falcons can be Super Bowl contenders, but the defense must show it's up to the task. Lawrence Sidbury, from Richmond, knows how to play well in big games as Richmond, the only Division I champions (yes, the BCS sucks, we need a playoff) benefited greatly from his excellence. He's a sleeper for me. For a darkhorse team, I really like the Seahawks. I my be delusional, but I doubt it as the Broncos will be better than people think. If you're looking for any good books, "Uncommon," from Tony Dungy is at the top of my list. Thanks again Lombardi for your thoughtful words. Forgive me for my random thoughts, I'm not cool like you are.
Skipping OTA is skipping OTA no matter what gets said about it.
The team found an identity at the close of the season and finished strongly.
Some questions remain, less for the Raiders team than any other West opponent outside of San Diego, a team whose identity is fully in the hands of their passer.
Will Oakland get more games like McFadden's yardagepalooza tour against the Chiefs?
Was Michael Bush's crushing the Pewter Pirates something fans will see each week in the Bay Area?
Is there enough balance outside the hashmarks in the Bey Area, with new speed, to let Miller command the run lanes and pass catch over middle of the field as an emerging presence at tight end?
Will players who excel take the place of roster favorites playing out their bonus bounties when Williams and Huff continue lackluster play in place of competitive types?
Is the physicial prototype rookie at safety ready to assert the kind game changing presence we expected of Huff, and will that fact motivate Huff to doing the same? If he plays big it could be a signature factor for the team and its procurement.
Talents for the team at return specialist can make a great impact, the Raiders have opportunity to be truly dynamic in each aspect of the game, and score in every way conceivable.
Who is Russel's Qb coach at his private workouts? Without a good one he can reinforce bad habits and that would set the team back even more. What of the extra reps at OTA, they only went Garcia's way? Who else is emerging past that?
The team is showing an ability to diversify some holdings in its future, a lot of people are there to carry the rock or make the play.
Mr. Lombardi, I have a question for you.
Why are people from California so out of touch with reality? It looks to me as though they've been running their football teams about as well as they've been running their state.
Keep doing what you're doing.
Mike, big Raider fan here. I really like your writing pro or con, and go out of my way to read it just about every day. But when you report on Russell missing one OTA, one of twelve voluntary OTA's, and fail to mention the passing camp he organized on his own time, it does look a bit biased, no? After all, which is more "voluntary" the OTA or the week of practices he will be hosting on his own time (and paying for)?
Yes there's plenty to criticize about the Raiders over the past 6 years. That doesn't meant that it's not worth your time to report about it when something good and significant happens. I'm not looking for "positive spin", just the facts. Even when they happen to be positive.
Its funny, I read Lombardi every single day. I've thought from time to time-- like anybody esle I'm sure-- that he's been too critical of something or somebody a time or two. But try as I might, I can't think of a single contraversial thing he has said about the Raiders. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't do it. In fact, I think he tends to be too conciliatory (maybe classy is a better word) whenever 'The Hotel' comes up.
Honestly, how do you make anything good of what has happened there for years? If Lombardi never worked in Oakland, yet wrote exactly the same columns, some might dare call him a Davis apologist even. I would, but give him a big pass for going out of his way to be respectful to his old employer. Raider fans really need to embrace reality here. It ain't Lombardi's fault that NOBODY is striking up the band to celebrate the last decade of Raider football.
Just my opinion, of course.
I think Malcolm Gladwell's point about the number of hours spent practicing something has more to do with mastering a skill, such as coaching, and is more relevant to head coaches such as Bill Belichick, Jimmy Johnson, and Steve Walsh. Those coaches have spent 10,000 hours coaching and are considered experts. By definition, an assistant to the head coach is someone who has yet to master the skill of coaching a football team.
"I my be delusional, but I doubt it as the Broncos will be better than people think."
i think they'll go 0-16 but u mite be right when its all said and done though, as they could indeed split their games vs KC thus ending both projects with a fair 1-15 rec..................................................................................................
lol dude, seriously, you should concentrade more on the grey matter between your ears instead of the "Nations" salty chocolate dingdongs as we are getting ready to "run them down the throats" (M Shanahan) of anyone standing in the way anyhow.
Mr. Lombardi I love reading articles where you write about the Hotel. The Raiders are one of the more fascinating teams in all of sports with one debacle after another. I feel you do a good job of pointing out all of the failures the Raiders have had over the last 6 years including the failures that include you. If I'm not mistaken in your Super Bowl curse article you took a shot at yourself for the 12 loss season after the Raiders' most recent Super Bowl run. Raider nation needs to go hide under a rock until the Raiders can at least muster a 7 win season.
Seems to me that you have some major beef with the Raiders and Al Davis. We all know they have sucked for the last 6 years(i am sure you helped them out with that). But I don't understand why you make it so obvious that your pissed they showed you the door. Atleast report some things leaning towards postive stories and don't just bash them every chance you get. For the rest of you riding Lombardi like seabiscuit, trying to be his buddy over the internet your jokes. I do infact enjoy your website though.
Can't agree more with a previous writer on his statements and questions to you Mr. Lombardi. Us Raider fans, like Bob, also love to watch the NFL and would like some respect to our team. We know you feel the need to write something with a negative spin on it using this forum to try to get their attention and get payback.I could compare you with Warren Sapp and put you in the same group. You need the attention writing articles or talking on live TV negative comments about the Raider organization. It shows that both of you guys have short memory and really didn't appreciate the opportunity given to both you and Sapp. You were in the management rol,why didn't you do a good job? Why you blame Davis for anything wrong on that period? Why didn't you leave and waited until they fired you? Sapp was an old washed up tackle the Raiders thought could still help them, he was part of that shoddy, undisciplined run defense that got run over on the last years, a lot of times on his assigned area. He was handsomely compensated for a poor job done, and he still has the gall to mock Al Davis and the Raiders, when they should have done to him what they did to DeAngelo Hall. My e-mail is well written and clear.
Mike - my heart goes out to Fred Bilitnecoff and his family. I'm sure the Bilitnicoff's must be devestated after learning that the man who murdered their daughter is going to receive a new trial.. I'm sure you must have some opinion since you are part of the Raider famiily.
Maybe I am missing something, but what's wrong with ripping a team with no direction, no leadership, horrible meddling ownership, and some very fast, but overall mediocre, players who don't win games?
Win at least 8 games IN ONE SEASON and then you can start questioning the continual ripping. Until them stop being so bitter to those who laugh at you.
BTW- stop wearing those insane black and white viking-ish costumes. You look stupid.
Mike,
I am glad you mentioned some of the people calling you out b/c it just seems stupid with all the knowledge you and the NFP folks have on football. Your site from last year to this year is truly amazing and congrats to everyone.
Regarding the UFL, how come there is not advertising? Is the league giving up already?
Would love to know where Collins has his recipe for "a productive day". have read some of his stuff - like it, but never seen that. Thanks
Would love to know where Collins has his recipe for "a productive day". have read some of his stuff - like it, but never seen that. Thanks
"I love all the Hotel fans who rip me when I post something on their team (maybe I should just write that all is well at the Hotel since they set an NFL record for being the first team with six consecutive 10-loss seasons)."
Hey Lombardi...what do you expect when all your references to the Raiders are served up on a very transparent plate of bitterness. Just let it go already! It's very unprofessional and has grown tiresome. And let's not forget your contribution (however small) to the recent track record...
Why do you refer to the Raiders as the "Hotel"? Does this have something to do with the Oakland Airport Hilton where they hold many events?
I grew-up in Alameda, and am a long and loyal fan, though not blind to their lack of success the past several years.
Mike, I appreciate that you have a long-standing respect and adoration for Steve McNair the NFL player. He was a tremendous QB for many years in this league, I will give him that. I too was saddened and shocked by the news of his death. However, in this past week since, I've grown even more shocked by the Police Dept's findings and recounts of the events that led up to this murder-suicide. I'm not one to usually promote a read, but Fox Sports Jason Whitlock's take on this is spot on, in my opinion. If you haven't read his article, you should.
Regardless of how much respect anyone had for Steve McNair, the NFL QB, no one can ignore what we're now learning he was off the field. It has become glaringly clear that his most recent 20-year old girlfriend was just one of a few, if not several, he had throught the course of his 12-year marriage to his now-widowed wife and mother of their two children together. I can't honestly what saddens me more about Steve McNair's death, the effect this will have on his wife and children, or the way in which everyone wants to remember and celebrate "Steve McNair, the great NFL QB", yet completely ignore the other side of him which apparently no one knew at all.
Love your columns Mike and the site overall. I'd like to see a list of books you recommend even if it was just a link from your profle - I often read your column at work and at the end of a busy day have forgotten the title and/or author and don't know which column I read it in or how to find it again.
Also a tip for the site - I think the quote on the homepage from the Comment section should link back to the story it came from.
Keep it up NFP, good stuff.
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Jul 09, 2009
10:56 AM
Mr. Lombardi,
i really enjoy all your posts as well as your website. i especially love how you intergrate the buisness & motivational world to that of football.
being that you are at the beach reading i was wondering if you could supply me with(email me) a PO box, or mailing address? I recently purchased a new book by steve forbes & john prevas which i know you would enjoy immensly, which i would like to forward on a copy to you with my compliments. look at it as a congratulatory gift as well as a thank you for a wonderful site.
look forward to hearing from you.
best regards
michael destefano
coral springs fl