August 19, 2012

The Jets, as usual, are receiving a lot of hype this preseason, mainly because of how poorly they played. My only question is what were you expecting? It's not like this team light up defenses last year, and its more or less the same team. So throw in Tim Tebow, who, keep in mind, won most of his games with last minute comebacks. Tim Tebow is not the man to win a shootout. Nor for the matter is Mark Sanchez, another quarterback who is good, maybe not last season, in clutch situations. And its not like these guys have Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald at receiver either. Yes, Dustin Keller is a good tight end, and when he actually tries, so is Santonio Holmes. But outside of those two, the Jets have talent, but no truly proven players at this point. This could change over the course of the season, but as of right now, they are what they are. The Jets have also played quality opponents. The Bengals made the playoffs last year and the Giants won the Super Bowl. Who would expect a mediocre team from a year ago to beat two playoff caliber teams? In the end, I do not think the Jets are cut out to win a playoff spot, much less make a run at the Superbowl. Yet, they have proven doubters wrong in the past, so who knows. 

The Olympics are in the books, and many people are declaring Michael Phelps the greatest Olympian ever based on his medal count. While there are those who doubt Phelps's credentials based on his the number of events he participated him, I think he deserves the honor. Keep in mind, it is very difficult to compete in a single Olympic event, let alone 8 in one summer. The training might be similar, but there is a mental and physical toll in competing at such events. To have that repeated 8 times must be a nightmare. And to win every single time is something special. While he has competed in a lot of events, a lot more than maybe a track athlete like Usain Bolt, he does deserve credit for the volume of medals he has accumulated, and how he has consistently performed at a high level. One must be an amazing athlete, both physically talented and mentally tough. So shower Phelps with praise, and be proud to have seen him perform. But keep in mind, another athlete will surpass him soon (likely another swimmer), and celebrate him or her with the same thoughts in mind.