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
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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