I'm going to write and post a lot more on my trip, but I want to get my videos and picts done before I do. But I will take time to report that Super Bowl XL, my fourth Super Bowl, was certainly fun.
I missed going with my friend Beth Schnitzer and her two brothers, as they opted not to come for the first time in my history of attending this spectacle. Also, I invited my friend and co-writer Anja Crotts to come, but she too was captured by obligations back home.
That written, I had a lot of fun. I will report in much more detail, but the bottom line is...
1) Detroit is a great city that gets less credit than it deserves, especially as a Super Bowl Host City. It was a great Super Bowl City. My only complaint was the large number of downtowners who didn't seem to know where anything was located. This was a terrible problem which sent some up in arms!
2) Ford Field is simply -- until Arizona's new stadium is able to be evaluated -- the best place to play the Super Bowl.
More later..
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Young Woman Beats The Boys at Wrestling - Michaela Hutchison is Alaska's Champion!
This is a true breakthrough in the liberation of Women around the World, and makes the guys who like athletic, strong, confident women happy to. Michaela Hutchison of Skyview High in Anchorage won the 103 pound Alaska state wrestling title Saturday.
Skyview girl's win makes U.S. history
WRESTLING: Hutchison's state title against the boys at 103 pounds is unprecedented.
By VAN WILLIAMS
Anchorage Daily News
Published: February 5, 2006
Last Modified: February 5, 2006 at 05:56 AM
Armed with cameras and video camcorders, nearly 2,000 people packed Chugiak High on Saturday night to watch Skyview's Michaela Hutchison make history.
Flash bulbs popped when Hutchison took the mat in the 103-pound final of Alaska's big school wrestling championships. When the wrestlers were introduced, Hutchison received a roaring applause.
But the best was yet to come.
Led by chants of "C'mon Michaela" and "Girl Power," Hutchison blew the roof off the place when she earned a thrilling 1-0 victory over Colony's Aaron Boss to become the first girl wrestler in the nation to win a state title against boys.
Hutchison, a sophomore who entered the state tournament ranked No. 1 in her weight class, completed her historic run by scoring an escape with 16 seconds left in the match to beat Boss for the second time in as many weeks.
As time wound down and Hutchison and Boss locked together in the middle, the crowd started counting down "3 ... 2 ... 1" before letting out a deafening roar. Hutchison didn't show much reaction -- she was more concerned with stopping her nose from bleeding.
Family and friends mobbed Hutchison after she walked off the mat while the crowd honored her accomplishment with a standing ovation.
"They were helping me," Hutchison said of the crowd's support. "It was awesome."
Hutchison was a crowd favorite before she even took the mat, in large part because she was trying to do what no girl had ever done -- beat the boys.
Skyview coach Neldon Gardner said Hutchison's victory was one of the highlights of his coaching career. He has coached countless state champions, but this one stood out.
"After 23 years of coaching you remember a lot of things. I'll never forget this one," he said. "I can't think of anybody more deserving than Michaela. She works as hard as any boy I've ever had."
Lathrop's Leah Bachert, a girl wrestler at 112 pounds, called Hutchison a role model.
"I look up to her because she's proving everybody wrong," Bachert said. "She's showing everybody that girls can be just as tough as guys."
Beating the boys has been something Hutchison has dreamed about since she started working out with the Skyview High as a seventh grader. She was close last year, losing in the 103-pound final.
Across the nation, other girls have been close too.
Last year, 17 girls nationwide qualified for high school state championships that included boys. One of them, Deanna Rix of Maine, finished second at 130 pounds. Michaela's sister, Melina, placed third at state six years ago.
Now Hutchison is in a class by herself.
"I don't care about (the significance) right now," she said. "I was excited to get done with the season. I'm been waiting for this for a while."
Hutchison's victory rivals other historic wins by women in male-dominated sports. Remember Libby Riddles? In 1985, she became the first female musher to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Riddles, along with four-time winner Susan Butcher, changed the rules of the game forever.
And Hutchison might do the same -- at least in Alaska.
Kent Bailo, director of the U.S. Girls Wresting Association, believes Hutchison's victory will help girls wrestling become a varsity sport. He estimates 4,000 to 5,000 girls wrestle in high schools nationwide. Yet, only Hawaii and Texas currently offer it as a girls sport. But Alaska might be next.
"I think coaches would want girls to have their own varsity sport," Bailo said. "Their boys would be so embarrassed if a girl won state. The coaches don't want girls taking away their medals."
Boss shouldn't feel embarrassed about losing to Hutchison. She's been No. 1-ranked at 103 all season. Hutchison finished the season with a 45-4 record that included 33 pins, one shy of the state single-season record.
Other boys who have wrestled against Hutchison said it was no big deal to lose to a girl, especially one as talented and tough as Hutchison. Kodiak's Tucker VanMatre was pinned by her in 47 seconds at the region championships two weeks ago.
"It was quick," VanMatre said. "She got me in an arm bar and turned me (over)."
Did she catch you by surprise?
"No," VanMatre added. "I expected it. She's good."
Hutchison was born to wrestle. She's one of 10 children and the third in her family to win a state title, joining brothers Zeb and Eli.
"They love the sport more than any other family I know," Gardner said. "This is a result of that dedication."
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Off to Super Bowl XL!
On Thursday, I'm off to Super Bowl XL (that's 40 for you who don't know Roman Numerals) -- my fourth Super Bowl. Look for this blog space for updates and copies of interviews with key participants in what should be a terrific Super Bowl. My predicition is Seattle 27, Pittsburgh 14.
Why?
I guess deep down, as well as the Steelers have done over the last part of the season, and of course the NFL Playoffs, it's hard for me to absorb the idea that they're that good. I think it's that they play with such an "in your face" emotion that a part of me hopes they meet their match. That just came out of my head, through my fingers, onto the typewriter, and into this blog.
The other part is that I like the way the Seahawks approach the game. It's more clinical.
So this is not an approach I would use in Las Vegas. Don't pay any attention to me from the emotional perspective.
Now, the intellectual perspective says this: take Seattle and the points. Pittsburgh's advantage -- the constant ability to say "the whole World's against us" -- has been removed. They can't use that as a claim, and Seattle can in a modified way.
I also believe Seattle presents a test they've not faced this year: a version of the true Walsh Offense. Now, before you say "Denver," my response will be that many of the classic signature approaches that are common to that offense are not used by the Broncos. The style of drop that the quarterback takes, the use of three - step -drop passes, the timing of the passing system. It looks like a version of the Walsh offense that was learned by someone with their own idea that they installed. As a result, the "signature" of that offense is totally different -- and less able to attack the kind of 3-4 that the Steelers play.
A Bunch of Parties
The game aside, I plan to go to only a few select parties and pace myself. I can't see spending a lot of money to attend a party. Let's face it, it's all the same: music , drinks, and people. Folks milling around looking at other folks, then going on to another party after they're board with that one.
No thanks. I'd rather hang out at the NFL Headquarters Hotel...I can do all of the same and see a gaggle of celebrities without spending any money at all.
That's the plan.
Why?
I guess deep down, as well as the Steelers have done over the last part of the season, and of course the NFL Playoffs, it's hard for me to absorb the idea that they're that good. I think it's that they play with such an "in your face" emotion that a part of me hopes they meet their match. That just came out of my head, through my fingers, onto the typewriter, and into this blog.
The other part is that I like the way the Seahawks approach the game. It's more clinical.
So this is not an approach I would use in Las Vegas. Don't pay any attention to me from the emotional perspective.
Now, the intellectual perspective says this: take Seattle and the points. Pittsburgh's advantage -- the constant ability to say "the whole World's against us" -- has been removed. They can't use that as a claim, and Seattle can in a modified way.
I also believe Seattle presents a test they've not faced this year: a version of the true Walsh Offense. Now, before you say "Denver," my response will be that many of the classic signature approaches that are common to that offense are not used by the Broncos. The style of drop that the quarterback takes, the use of three - step -drop passes, the timing of the passing system. It looks like a version of the Walsh offense that was learned by someone with their own idea that they installed. As a result, the "signature" of that offense is totally different -- and less able to attack the kind of 3-4 that the Steelers play.
A Bunch of Parties
The game aside, I plan to go to only a few select parties and pace myself. I can't see spending a lot of money to attend a party. Let's face it, it's all the same: music , drinks, and people. Folks milling around looking at other folks, then going on to another party after they're board with that one.
No thanks. I'd rather hang out at the NFL Headquarters Hotel...I can do all of the same and see a gaggle of celebrities without spending any money at all.
That's the plan.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Monday, January 30, 2006
QUOTES FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH BILL COWHER
(On the decision to limit QB Ben Roethlisberger’s media availability during the week) “I’m really not too involved in that. I know we just tried to limit Ben’s access this week so I think it was just the way it is. You’ll have plenty of chances to talk to him throughout the course of the week. That was just the way it unfolded.”
(On reaching the Super Bowl 10 years ago and having an appreciation for how difficult it is to reach this point ) “There’s no question. We’ve been close many times, having lost a few AFC Championship games and so certainly I think you cherish the opportunity that you have coming here and you try to relay that to the players. I think the fact that they were as close as this group of players was last year and went through the disappointment of the home playoff loss against New England I think is very fresh in a lot of memories and recognizing that you can get close but the disappointment is still very real and very vivid. To be honest with you, the only game that you ever really remember is the last game you play. I think we recognize the opportunity that we have and look forward to making sure we prepare and keep the priorities in line this week.”
(On telling all of the players on the roster that they can be a big impact in the game) “I think it’s true in any game. We talk about it all of the time that there are probably four or five plays in a game that will have tremendous influence on the game and it’s hard to say when that play is going to present itself so we’ve talked about finishing plays, doing the little things and playing with great effort. I think with our football team, we really don’t rely on any one element. I think that’s the thing that’s been very evident throughout the season that each week has been a different guy that’s stepped up. The biggest thing is going through the preparation and understanding that you never know how a game is going to unfold and playing hard on every play and making sure you know what you’re doing on every play is at least going to give you an opportunity to be a part of one of those four or five plays that tremendously influence a game.”
(On the origin of showing his emotion on the sideline) “You’re talking about all of these negative images that you have of me but I smile a lot, too. The cameras only show when you’re mad. It’s nothing that’s planned or premeditated. I like to think it’s an emotional game that’s played with a lot of passion; I like to see our players play that way. Obviously at times maybe my emotions get the best of me but you have to be yourself, that’s the most important thing. You can’t be anything more than that. I really don’t give much thought to what takes place during the course of a game, I’m as much involved in it as the players are. Sometimes you agree with a call, sometimes you don’t agree with a call. Sometimes you love a play, sometimes you don’t like a play. It’s an emotional game and I love it. It’s three hours of fun.”
(On the demands of the schedule and how the team will prioritize this week) “Again, we talked about this with the players. We had an extra day off last week, we didn’t start until Thursday just to make sure that the players were involved with their families and just all of the logistics of getting them here and what that entails. We had Thursday, Friday, Saturday morning. We had three good days of work, and came here today. We came here today and got acclimated to the Silverdome and where we’ll be meeting and practicing. I think the biggest thing when we talk to these guys, not just Jerome (Bettis), with everybody, is that when we come here there will be a lot of demands on many of these guys but to come here and prioritize things and try not to get out of the routine that they have and just understand that Wednesday, Thursday, Friday is just like a regular game. I think they understand it. Like we talked about, to get here is one thing, but don’t mistake what we’re here to do. I think the priorities of a lot of the veterans on this team that have filtered down, understanding that getting here is one thing, but the most important thing is that we focus and get ourselves prepared because we’re playing a very good football team. These guys (Seattle) didn’t win 15 games for nothing. They have a good offense, as good as we’re going to play this year, an opportunistic defense, fifth against the rush, these guys lead the league in sacks. We are going to have to play our best football game and to take anything away from that is going to not allow us and give ourselves the best chance to execute on Sunday. I think we understand the opponent that we have and where our priorities need to be.”
(On what strikes him after watching Seattle on tape) “They play with great speed. You look at it and there’s no question that from the time they break the huddle to the time they snap the ball there’s an upbeat tempo that they have. Matt Hasselbeck is in control of that offense. They have the league MVP in Shaun Alexander and probably one of the best offensive lines in
-more-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Monday, January 30, 2006
QUOTES FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH BILL COWHER
football. There’s no question that the offense is one that’s a very quick-tempo, upbeat offense that we have to try and find a way to get a little bit of disruption in there and not give them the big play. They’ve got some big-play players on that team and when that thing gets rolling, (Matt) Hasselbeck runs that offense as well as any quarterback runs an offense in the league.”
(on Casey Hampton’s consistent season) “A couple of years ago he went to the Pro Bowl and he really played very well. Last year unfortunately he got hurt in the fourth or fifth game of the season and he came back this year. You look at Casey and Kendall Simmons as two guys who came off of ACL’s and had solid years. But Casey has been so solid for us. He’s kind of the rock in the middle of that defense and he’s a guy that uses up two blockers, he’s got great balance, he can still go sideline to sideline and has a good feel for the game and understands what teams are doing to him. He’s a very steady, consistent player and he’s going to another Pro Bowl this year and he’ll have a lot of sacks but I think when people watch him on tape they’ll see how good a football player he is and how important he is to our defense.”
(on his Pittsburgh roots, representing the Steelers for so many years and the meaning those two play into winning a Super Bowl) “I’d like nothing greater than to be able to hand Mr. (Dan) Rooney the trophy. There’s nothing more of a driving force than that. He’s been very supportive of me. He’s been there and we’ve been so close but yet we’ve not been able to do that. That to me would be very gratifying personally and I think obviously for our coaches and players, as close as they’ve been, to say that one year we were really special, is the way to cap it off. Coming back, every coach goes through the year and there’s only one team who’s really happy at the end of the season and that’s a true statement. Certainly we’ve had our fair share of disappointments but every year you try to tool back up and you deal with free agency. It’s such a stable organization that we have, we all kind of work hand-in-hand and tinker a little bit and sometimes it takes good breaks. Sometimes there are injuries that take place and it’s hard to overcome that. You have to have the ball bounce your way a few times. I don’t think you’re ever really as far away as some people may perceive you to be and maybe in some cases you’re not as close as some people perceive you to be. I think within the system that we have the great thing is every year you go in and realistically a lot of teams are able to make that big jump. Once you get into the playoffs anything can happen. I just think we’ve had a good group of coaches, a good group of players, a rock-solid organization that’s allowed us to at least stay competitive year-in and year-out. So far this year we’ve had the ball bounce the right way but we’ve worked very hard to get to this position and we’re not going to lose sight of that. We have to play our best football every week we go out. We are not that much better than other teams in the league, we aren’t and we know that. We’re not going to get this thing done by just showing up. We’ve never been able to do that. It’s always been about preparation, it’s about unselfishness, about the realism that exists in our team that we have to go out there and play our best football every week, not overreact at some of the adversities that take place but just to stay focused through the course of 60 minutes and somehow we can find a way to win.”
(on his heroes growing up in Pittsburgh as a Steelers fan) “We’ve all had heroes, I know Jack Lambert for me because I was a defensive guy. I think what the team did in the 1970s for the city of Pittsburgh -- I was in college and high school at the time when they were winning Super Bowls -- it kind of put Pittsburgh on the map. It became a city of champions when you had the Pirates winning and the Penguins winning. I think that it’s always been known as a sports town, a blue-collar town, and I think a lot of people in Pittsburgh who grow up there learn how to compete. You learn how to understand sports and that nothing can be handed to you and I think that’s why you see a lot of good coaches that come out of there because there’s a work ethic that exists and you learn how to compete at an early age, know the difference between winning and losing and you’re very proud of that. I’m very proud to be from that. Right now, it’s not so much about the reflection of that as much as it’s about trying to seize this opportunity here that we have and just trying to stay focused on that. I think you can reflect when the season is over and our season isn’t over yet.”
(on his tenure with Pittsburgh and being with an organization that has given him stability over the years) “I’m very appreciative that I received their support through the 1998-’99 years, 6-10, 7-9 and certainly maybe in some other places a change may’ve been made. I think we have a very healthy organization that starts at the top. There are no egos and we try to get things done as a team. Obviously we’re in a performance-now business and I don’t think you take anything for granted
-more-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Monday, January 30, 2006
QUOTES FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH BILL COWHER
and I’ve never done that so I’m not naïve to think that if we don’t have a bad year that I’ll be another one of those guys that shows up on Black Monday. I think that’s what keeps you going is understanding that you are in a performance-now business, that you don’t sit there and live off of your royals and start reflecting too much or else someone else is going to pass you up. You have to stay a step ahead, you have to stay competitive and when the season’s over it’s about trying to keep your staff together and then it becomes about free agency and then the draft. It’s a year-long sport but you better have good people around you and I think we have good people in the personnel department with (director of football operations) Kevin Colbert and the personnel department I think does a great job. There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle and I think the consistent organizations are more than just players and coaches, it’s everyone pulling in one direction.”
(on what has impressed him about RB Willie Parker) “It’s all speed, that’s the one thing that you see in Willie Parker. Willie came in one year ago and made our football team and we liked him because he flashed and he got a chance to play in Week 16 against Buffalo and at that point showed something. We had rested some linemen and he ran against a defense that was near the top of the National Football League, I think second in the NFL, and he ran for over 100 yards, broke a run there. I think when we came into the season the idea was to try and get him in on third down and give him some touches kind of like (Antwaan) Randle El. We got into camp and Duce (Staley) got hurt in camp and then Jerome (Bettis) got hurt in the preseason and really we were down to just Willie. He had a chance to start and I think once he started he proved his ability to become a big-play back -- one of those guys that can give you a 30- or 40-yard run because of his speed. In the process, being behind Jerome Bettis, he’s learned how to run inside. If you watch him run at the beginning against Tennessee and Houston and then watch him run near the end of the season you’re going to see a guy who has really grown as a back. He’s able to see holes, he’s a patient runner and when he’s making decisions he puts his head down and falls forward to get some extra yards and move the pile. I think those are things he’s learned from watching guys like Jerome Bettis, with the Hall of Fame career he’s had, he’s been a great mentor for Willie. Like I said, he can give you a big play at any time and I think it’s a good mix that we have with those two guys.”
(on how he will prepare the Steelers for their new role as a favorite) “Remind them where they were seven weeks ago, that’s the thing in my mind. Seven weeks ago you find that people liked you because it was unconditional. We’re involved now seven weeks later and it’s all conditional. They love you because you just won seven straight games. It’s important that you separate the two and recognize where you are and the journey that you had because we’re not done with that journey. This thing wasn’t about week-to-week; it was about finishing a deal. This is the eighth game that we’ll play from that time on where we had no margin of error. So it will be a constant reminder about not so much where we are right now, but where we started from. That in itself will put a lot of things into perspective.”
(on the Silverdome) “It’s great. It’s about five minutes from the hotel. The locker room is good. The field, that’s where Jerome (Bettis) had the infamous coin toss. We get to practice there all week. We’re going to go over there about 10 a.m. and meet and have lunch over there and have practice just like we do back in the South Side (of Pittsburgh) so it’s really going to be like a normal week of preparation. The accommodations couldn’t be better. I’m very pleased with the arrangement that we have over there.”
(on players with an X-factor like WR Antwaan Randle El) “I know Randle El has a lot of skills. He can throw the football and was actually our second quarterback this year when we had some injuries at quarterback so he’s taken more reps this year at quarterback than he probably ever has. As a returner he’s very special. He’s returned the ball better now in my opinion than he was at the beginning of the season. He’s starting to hit some things north and south. As a receiver he’s very solid. I think that he compliments that receiving corps when you look at what Hines (Ward) is to us and what Cedric Wilson has become and Nate Washington, a young rookie. I really like this receiving corps and Antwaan gives you a lot of options.”
Super Bowl XL -- Monday, January 30, 2006
QUOTES FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH BILL COWHER
(On the decision to limit QB Ben Roethlisberger’s media availability during the week) “I’m really not too involved in that. I know we just tried to limit Ben’s access this week so I think it was just the way it is. You’ll have plenty of chances to talk to him throughout the course of the week. That was just the way it unfolded.”
(On reaching the Super Bowl 10 years ago and having an appreciation for how difficult it is to reach this point ) “There’s no question. We’ve been close many times, having lost a few AFC Championship games and so certainly I think you cherish the opportunity that you have coming here and you try to relay that to the players. I think the fact that they were as close as this group of players was last year and went through the disappointment of the home playoff loss against New England I think is very fresh in a lot of memories and recognizing that you can get close but the disappointment is still very real and very vivid. To be honest with you, the only game that you ever really remember is the last game you play. I think we recognize the opportunity that we have and look forward to making sure we prepare and keep the priorities in line this week.”
(On telling all of the players on the roster that they can be a big impact in the game) “I think it’s true in any game. We talk about it all of the time that there are probably four or five plays in a game that will have tremendous influence on the game and it’s hard to say when that play is going to present itself so we’ve talked about finishing plays, doing the little things and playing with great effort. I think with our football team, we really don’t rely on any one element. I think that’s the thing that’s been very evident throughout the season that each week has been a different guy that’s stepped up. The biggest thing is going through the preparation and understanding that you never know how a game is going to unfold and playing hard on every play and making sure you know what you’re doing on every play is at least going to give you an opportunity to be a part of one of those four or five plays that tremendously influence a game.”
(On the origin of showing his emotion on the sideline) “You’re talking about all of these negative images that you have of me but I smile a lot, too. The cameras only show when you’re mad. It’s nothing that’s planned or premeditated. I like to think it’s an emotional game that’s played with a lot of passion; I like to see our players play that way. Obviously at times maybe my emotions get the best of me but you have to be yourself, that’s the most important thing. You can’t be anything more than that. I really don’t give much thought to what takes place during the course of a game, I’m as much involved in it as the players are. Sometimes you agree with a call, sometimes you don’t agree with a call. Sometimes you love a play, sometimes you don’t like a play. It’s an emotional game and I love it. It’s three hours of fun.”
(On the demands of the schedule and how the team will prioritize this week) “Again, we talked about this with the players. We had an extra day off last week, we didn’t start until Thursday just to make sure that the players were involved with their families and just all of the logistics of getting them here and what that entails. We had Thursday, Friday, Saturday morning. We had three good days of work, and came here today. We came here today and got acclimated to the Silverdome and where we’ll be meeting and practicing. I think the biggest thing when we talk to these guys, not just Jerome (Bettis), with everybody, is that when we come here there will be a lot of demands on many of these guys but to come here and prioritize things and try not to get out of the routine that they have and just understand that Wednesday, Thursday, Friday is just like a regular game. I think they understand it. Like we talked about, to get here is one thing, but don’t mistake what we’re here to do. I think the priorities of a lot of the veterans on this team that have filtered down, understanding that getting here is one thing, but the most important thing is that we focus and get ourselves prepared because we’re playing a very good football team. These guys (Seattle) didn’t win 15 games for nothing. They have a good offense, as good as we’re going to play this year, an opportunistic defense, fifth against the rush, these guys lead the league in sacks. We are going to have to play our best football game and to take anything away from that is going to not allow us and give ourselves the best chance to execute on Sunday. I think we understand the opponent that we have and where our priorities need to be.”
(On what strikes him after watching Seattle on tape) “They play with great speed. You look at it and there’s no question that from the time they break the huddle to the time they snap the ball there’s an upbeat tempo that they have. Matt Hasselbeck is in control of that offense. They have the league MVP in Shaun Alexander and probably one of the best offensive lines in
-more-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Monday, January 30, 2006
QUOTES FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH BILL COWHER
football. There’s no question that the offense is one that’s a very quick-tempo, upbeat offense that we have to try and find a way to get a little bit of disruption in there and not give them the big play. They’ve got some big-play players on that team and when that thing gets rolling, (Matt) Hasselbeck runs that offense as well as any quarterback runs an offense in the league.”
(on Casey Hampton’s consistent season) “A couple of years ago he went to the Pro Bowl and he really played very well. Last year unfortunately he got hurt in the fourth or fifth game of the season and he came back this year. You look at Casey and Kendall Simmons as two guys who came off of ACL’s and had solid years. But Casey has been so solid for us. He’s kind of the rock in the middle of that defense and he’s a guy that uses up two blockers, he’s got great balance, he can still go sideline to sideline and has a good feel for the game and understands what teams are doing to him. He’s a very steady, consistent player and he’s going to another Pro Bowl this year and he’ll have a lot of sacks but I think when people watch him on tape they’ll see how good a football player he is and how important he is to our defense.”
(on his Pittsburgh roots, representing the Steelers for so many years and the meaning those two play into winning a Super Bowl) “I’d like nothing greater than to be able to hand Mr. (Dan) Rooney the trophy. There’s nothing more of a driving force than that. He’s been very supportive of me. He’s been there and we’ve been so close but yet we’ve not been able to do that. That to me would be very gratifying personally and I think obviously for our coaches and players, as close as they’ve been, to say that one year we were really special, is the way to cap it off. Coming back, every coach goes through the year and there’s only one team who’s really happy at the end of the season and that’s a true statement. Certainly we’ve had our fair share of disappointments but every year you try to tool back up and you deal with free agency. It’s such a stable organization that we have, we all kind of work hand-in-hand and tinker a little bit and sometimes it takes good breaks. Sometimes there are injuries that take place and it’s hard to overcome that. You have to have the ball bounce your way a few times. I don’t think you’re ever really as far away as some people may perceive you to be and maybe in some cases you’re not as close as some people perceive you to be. I think within the system that we have the great thing is every year you go in and realistically a lot of teams are able to make that big jump. Once you get into the playoffs anything can happen. I just think we’ve had a good group of coaches, a good group of players, a rock-solid organization that’s allowed us to at least stay competitive year-in and year-out. So far this year we’ve had the ball bounce the right way but we’ve worked very hard to get to this position and we’re not going to lose sight of that. We have to play our best football every week we go out. We are not that much better than other teams in the league, we aren’t and we know that. We’re not going to get this thing done by just showing up. We’ve never been able to do that. It’s always been about preparation, it’s about unselfishness, about the realism that exists in our team that we have to go out there and play our best football every week, not overreact at some of the adversities that take place but just to stay focused through the course of 60 minutes and somehow we can find a way to win.”
(on his heroes growing up in Pittsburgh as a Steelers fan) “We’ve all had heroes, I know Jack Lambert for me because I was a defensive guy. I think what the team did in the 1970s for the city of Pittsburgh -- I was in college and high school at the time when they were winning Super Bowls -- it kind of put Pittsburgh on the map. It became a city of champions when you had the Pirates winning and the Penguins winning. I think that it’s always been known as a sports town, a blue-collar town, and I think a lot of people in Pittsburgh who grow up there learn how to compete. You learn how to understand sports and that nothing can be handed to you and I think that’s why you see a lot of good coaches that come out of there because there’s a work ethic that exists and you learn how to compete at an early age, know the difference between winning and losing and you’re very proud of that. I’m very proud to be from that. Right now, it’s not so much about the reflection of that as much as it’s about trying to seize this opportunity here that we have and just trying to stay focused on that. I think you can reflect when the season is over and our season isn’t over yet.”
(on his tenure with Pittsburgh and being with an organization that has given him stability over the years) “I’m very appreciative that I received their support through the 1998-’99 years, 6-10, 7-9 and certainly maybe in some other places a change may’ve been made. I think we have a very healthy organization that starts at the top. There are no egos and we try to get things done as a team. Obviously we’re in a performance-now business and I don’t think you take anything for granted
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Monday, January 30, 2006
QUOTES FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH BILL COWHER
and I’ve never done that so I’m not naïve to think that if we don’t have a bad year that I’ll be another one of those guys that shows up on Black Monday. I think that’s what keeps you going is understanding that you are in a performance-now business, that you don’t sit there and live off of your royals and start reflecting too much or else someone else is going to pass you up. You have to stay a step ahead, you have to stay competitive and when the season’s over it’s about trying to keep your staff together and then it becomes about free agency and then the draft. It’s a year-long sport but you better have good people around you and I think we have good people in the personnel department with (director of football operations) Kevin Colbert and the personnel department I think does a great job. There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle and I think the consistent organizations are more than just players and coaches, it’s everyone pulling in one direction.”
(on what has impressed him about RB Willie Parker) “It’s all speed, that’s the one thing that you see in Willie Parker. Willie came in one year ago and made our football team and we liked him because he flashed and he got a chance to play in Week 16 against Buffalo and at that point showed something. We had rested some linemen and he ran against a defense that was near the top of the National Football League, I think second in the NFL, and he ran for over 100 yards, broke a run there. I think when we came into the season the idea was to try and get him in on third down and give him some touches kind of like (Antwaan) Randle El. We got into camp and Duce (Staley) got hurt in camp and then Jerome (Bettis) got hurt in the preseason and really we were down to just Willie. He had a chance to start and I think once he started he proved his ability to become a big-play back -- one of those guys that can give you a 30- or 40-yard run because of his speed. In the process, being behind Jerome Bettis, he’s learned how to run inside. If you watch him run at the beginning against Tennessee and Houston and then watch him run near the end of the season you’re going to see a guy who has really grown as a back. He’s able to see holes, he’s a patient runner and when he’s making decisions he puts his head down and falls forward to get some extra yards and move the pile. I think those are things he’s learned from watching guys like Jerome Bettis, with the Hall of Fame career he’s had, he’s been a great mentor for Willie. Like I said, he can give you a big play at any time and I think it’s a good mix that we have with those two guys.”
(on how he will prepare the Steelers for their new role as a favorite) “Remind them where they were seven weeks ago, that’s the thing in my mind. Seven weeks ago you find that people liked you because it was unconditional. We’re involved now seven weeks later and it’s all conditional. They love you because you just won seven straight games. It’s important that you separate the two and recognize where you are and the journey that you had because we’re not done with that journey. This thing wasn’t about week-to-week; it was about finishing a deal. This is the eighth game that we’ll play from that time on where we had no margin of error. So it will be a constant reminder about not so much where we are right now, but where we started from. That in itself will put a lot of things into perspective.”
(on the Silverdome) “It’s great. It’s about five minutes from the hotel. The locker room is good. The field, that’s where Jerome (Bettis) had the infamous coin toss. We get to practice there all week. We’re going to go over there about 10 a.m. and meet and have lunch over there and have practice just like we do back in the South Side (of Pittsburgh) so it’s really going to be like a normal week of preparation. The accommodations couldn’t be better. I’m very pleased with the arrangement that we have over there.”
(on players with an X-factor like WR Antwaan Randle El) “I know Randle El has a lot of skills. He can throw the football and was actually our second quarterback this year when we had some injuries at quarterback so he’s taken more reps this year at quarterback than he probably ever has. As a returner he’s very special. He’s returned the ball better now in my opinion than he was at the beginning of the season. He’s starting to hit some things north and south. As a receiver he’s very solid. I think that he compliments that receiving corps when you look at what Hines (Ward) is to us and what Cedric Wilson has become and Nate Washington, a young rookie. I really like this receiving corps and Antwaan gives you a lot of options.”
Monday, January 30, 2006
Super Bowl XL - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS HEAD COACH MIKE HOLMGREN PRESS CONFERENCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Sunday, January 29, 2006
QUOTES FROM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH MIKE HOLMGREN
(on the lack of respect espoused by both teams) "I think both teams are pretty good. I think both teams deserve to be here. We have tremendous respect for the Steelers and what they have accomplished. Players, coaches, and organizations have nothing to do with who is the favorite and who is not the favorite. I think there is mutual respect. What they have done to get to the Super Bowl is remarkable, going on the road and winning those games. And I'm proud of my guys, so it should be a great football game."
(on why Darrell Jackson has enjoyed more success as a pro than a number of other University of Florida receivers) "I think a couple of things. You can look at various college programs and you have players who have remarkable careers at that university. Most of it is because they are good football players, but some of it is because of the system they come out of. You can point to a couple of colleges that are known for certain things and for whatever reason their players have not really achieved in the NFL although they were great collegiate players. If you played at Florida you were going to catch a ton of passes, and you were going to win a lot of games and have fun playing. Darrell has great ability and I think he came in, not with a chip on his shoulder, but with something to prove. He came into the league wanting to gain more attention than he did in college and he worked very, very hard to do that. I think in his case, that's what has happened."
(on what he has told his players and the routine he will follow at the Super Bowl) "We are going to try and stay as close to our ‘at home’ schedule as possible. The practice schedule at home normally has us come in after a game and have a light workout before we send them home. We will do the same thing tomorrow. We will practice, but it will not be a full blown practice. The last time I was in one of these games I practiced them hard on Tuesday and I'm not sure that was the right thing to do looking back on it, so I’m going to give them Tuesday off on media day. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and prior to the game Saturday will be just like at home with regular practices so we can try to keep them in somewhat of an even keel given the surroundings. We have a few fellows who have been in Super Bowls, but not many, so I have talked to them just trying to educate them that it is going to be different. Keeping their focus is usually important and it is not always easy in this environment. We’ll try to keep it business as usual the best we can."
(on philosophies that were developed through his experiences as a high school and college quarterback and what they are) "I had a pretty good high school career and not a very good college career, but I did play the quarterback position. I started out as a tight end but my high school coach moved me to quarterback and I was able to get my education paid for at Southern Cal because I was a football player, which was a great thing. What I have tried to do in my experience, not only as a player, but as an assistant coach, too, is learn from and observe from the coaches that I had and attempt to say, 'I don't like that so much as a player, or I really like that and if I ever get a chance to be a coach, I don't think I’ll do that or I’ll do that.'
Really I've done that and I’ve been very, very fortunate to be around some very, very special men in this business. Going back to playing for John McKay in college and then the guys I coached high school football with. I had a great mentor in Vic Rowan at San Francisco State. I think I was a good student and I think coaching the position of quarterback, although you will get different opinions on this, I think it has helped that I played the position. You get a little bit of a feel for a certain situation that I think at times can help whoever you are coaching handle that situation a little bit better, so that is what I have tried to do. I’ve always had great young people, too, coaching the quarterbacks for me, although I kind of dive in there when I feel like it. Andy Reid, Jon Gruden, Steve Mariucci, Marty Mornhinweg, and now Jim Zorn have done a marvelous job of coaching the guys I’ve had. But I think it helped playing the position."
(on the atmosphere on the plane flight to Detroit) "I slept most of the way, so I'm not sure. We do have it really rough when we travel. The owner bought us an airplane, which was nice, and he has all these electronic gadgets on it so you can get live TV, movies or whatever you want. Every seat is a first class seat and the flight crew is the crew we have had all the time so they know how to take care of the team, but the mood was kind of like the mood of this team all year. I make it a point to go down the aisle once or twice during every flight, as do the other coaches. The guys are watching TV or they are sleeping. Our season is not over yet and that is how they have approached every game this year and that’s hopefully how we are approaching this one."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Sunday, January 29, 2006
QUOTES FROM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH MIKE HOLMGREN
(on whether Shaun Alexander being nice plays into a perception that he is not tough) "I think that might be part of it to be honest. He is a good fellow and he doesn’t curse and he is a nice man and you kind of wonder how a guy like that can be a real tough guy in a football game. But the other part of that may have been my fault because this is the first year I have used him all the time in short yardage running situations. Before, we had another back doing that. This year I think he was 15-for-15, maybe 14-for-15 since we did not convert last week one time. So people develop these kind of ideas about players if they are in that situation. He is an elusive runner. You don’t often see people get tremendous shots at him as opposed to more of a straight line guy who piles it up in there and there is a big explosion every time. I think people look at that and say, 'We know he gains 1,800 yards and we know he scored 28 touchdowns or whatever, but what is it about the way he runs that is a little different?' Then they take it to the next step. I really think that is unfair and I know it is not true."
(on how he developed this particular offense and if Matt Hasselbeck is the perfect fit for it) "He certainly had a great season and I think he is the perfect fit for what we ask the quarterback to do. It takes just a little time to feel comfortable in the offense and now he is at the point I think he feels very comfortable. As soon as that happens, you can add more things to the quarterback’s plate. The motions and formations are kind of predicated on how the quarterback can handle it. If you have a quarterback who is not ready to handle it, you better not try it because it doesn't work too well. When I got to San Francisco Joe Montana was the master of it already. When I got to Green Bay, Brett (Favre) had to learn that and he learned it to the point that you could do anything your imagination could conjure up. Matt is now at the place where you could get real carried away, but at the same time, you can never sacrifice execution for trying to be creative. That's where I come in with my staff. They have a million ideas and want to try to do everything under the sun and every once in a while I have to tone it down just a little bit, but at quarterback, we certainly have the right guy to handle it."
(on why the defense played so well in light of what happened with Ray Rhodes and the transition to John Marshall) "I think it is a real credit to the defensive staff, John Marshall in particular and Ray Rhodes. Ray got sick and John fortunately had been a coordinator so the idea of coordinating a defense was not a new thing for him. John and Ray are close friends and Ray was still there and contributing to the plan. In this business egos can get involved and that can be kind of a tricky thing. To their credit, they made it work. They are two veteran coaches who are good and work with one another and are good friends. I think that contributed to the success they had on defense."
(on the status of Ken Hamlin and if there is a sense of disappointment that he has not been a part of the run to the Super Bowl) "There is disappointment for me, and I think his teammates and anyone who knows him. He is disappointed, but at the same time, he was our biggest cheerleader on the sideline last week. It was a sad thing what happened to Kenny. The good part is that he has healed up. What his football future is, I can’t tell you right now. I am somewhat optimistic about it. He will be there with us on Sunday. He has had an emotional impact on this football team before he was hurt and certainly after the injury. My hope and prayer is that he will be able to continue playing football next year."
(on the impact of ceding the general responsibilities on him as a head coach and how he has survived in that scenario) "The situation happens in the league. People have opinions on the idea of being a coach/general manager and the ability of one person being able to do that. It is a lot of work and there are a lot of things to do. When they made the change and I was no longer the general manager, our team that year did not have a good season by our standards, but I thought there were reasons for it. As happens in many instances, patience at that particular time was not a virtue, so they did it. I had a choice to make at that time, whether I was going to ride off in the sunset and go sit on the beach and ride my motorcycle or accept the situation for what it was and keep coaching the football team. As long as they still wanted me to coach the football team, I wanted to do that. I am a coach. I think it's a little misunderstood sometimes when people have both jobs. It is very, very important that you have a good support staff that you can trust if you want to do what I want to do and that’s continue to be very active with the football team, and not shift my emphasis to personnel and let somebody else coach the football team. The coordinators, as an example. If you do it that way, then you have to trust your personnel people and have good people in there and I thought we did. I was disappointed that didn’t work out to their satisfaction. It was a challenge for me and a challenge I wanted to take and I’d be better at it the next time."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Sunday, January 29, 2006
QUOTES FROM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH MIKE HOLMGREN
(on if he has given any thought to this being his last game with Shaun Alexander due to his contract situation) "I really haven’t. We are all aware of his contract situation. I believe Shaun wants to stay in Seattle. He and I talk about his future often. I know the club’s position is we would like him to stay in Seattle. It has been my experience if you get that type of situation, you can usually work it out if there is some reasonableness to everybody. I think he should finish his career as a Seahawk and my hope is that gets done and we’ll see where it goes. It is one of those big contracts and it will be talked about a whole bunch, but I think he wants to stay and I know we want him to stay."
(on Mack Strong’s contribution to the offense and his significance to the team) "Mack Strong is about my favorite player of all time. The Mack Strongs of the world make it worth my while to coach and teach. He is unselfish. He has played 13 years, longer than anybody we have. He does all the dirty work. He is the lead blocker most every play for our halfback. He is a great man in the community. He is a great father and a wonderful family guy. He is not a real talkative man, but when I have asked him to talk to the team he has been willing. I can’t say enough about him. We have drafted in the last few years a couple guys to kind of replace Mack because at some point everyone’s career ends, but I’ll be darn, we can’t do it. This year I think he was about as good as you can be at that position and he was rewarded with the Pro Bowl. Other than Mack, I think I was the happiest man on earth when he got that news. He is really a good guy and a pleasure to be around."
(on respect and how he has used the underdog role with his team) "Respect is a word players use a lot and people use a lot and it could have any number of meanings to whoever is using it and, in my opening remarks to my team this year, I wanted to make sure my team knew what I meant when I used the word 'respect' and what I think respect means in our business. I came to them from an idea of mutual respect, either player to player, coach to player, player to fan, player on one team to player on another team. To respect the guy who you are playing across from because he is working just as hard as you are working, and you know how hard you are working. But don’t use the term loosely or lightly. We hit the crossbar against Washington early on and then we lost the game to Green Bay at the end when it was a different type of football game I thought. Otherwise there was a chance we could have won 15 in a row or something and that is hard to do in this business. Yet, I think because of where Seattle is located and the television exposure that we get, I think that not a lot of people know what kind of a football team we have. As I've told the team, 'That's OK because ultimately you’ll be judged by what happens and where you are at the end of the season.' I understand why we are the underdogs and there’s really only one way to handle that and it’s not by talking, it’s by playing the game and seeing what happens. That’s kind of the point I've been making all season to the team. It's easy to talk about those things. Let's do it and let our record speak for itself and then when it’s all over, see where you line up."
(on the importance of what his wife and daughter are doing during Super Bowl week) "I think it's a lot more important probably than what I am doing this week. My wife Kathy and my daughter Calla, who is a doctor, and my wife is a nurse by trade, are leaving Thursday for the Congo on a humanitarian mission with Northwest Medical Teams. We didn't know when she signed up for this thing four months ago that we would be in the Super Bowl. In fact, we didn’t even think about the dates being a problem. She was a young missionary nurse out of college thirty-five years ago and went to the same place and when my daughter signed up for the trip with 10 people, I asked Kathy, 'Where’s she going?' She’s going to exactly the same place Kathy was, a little mission station right in the middle of the jungle. I said, 'Why don't you go with her?' It was the best present I could ever give her. Fast forward and here we are. I'm very proud of her and she works very hard at a lot of things that are a lot more important than coaching a football game. She has her life. Her heart is here even though she is going to be in Africa with our daughter and she gets nervous at the games anyway. She is just going to be farther away than walking around outside the stadium. It’s a 17--day trip and I’ll let her know who wins when she gets back."
(on how he would compare the image of the Packers who went to the Super Bowl to this team) "Certainly in the second year, Reggies (White) and those people were the best players at their positions in all of football. We had a much more veteran team than we have now. That team was a little bit more of a star team. We had more than a couple guys that were really pretty well known at their positions throughout the country and went to Pro Bowls. Our team now, even though we are fortunate to have a number of players go to the Pro Bowl, is really a team in the truest sense of the word in my opinion because the sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts. This team is fairly unknown to most of the country."
Super Bowl XL -- Sunday, January 29, 2006
QUOTES FROM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PRESS CONFERENCE
HEAD COACH MIKE HOLMGREN
(on the lack of respect espoused by both teams) "I think both teams are pretty good. I think both teams deserve to be here. We have tremendous respect for the Steelers and what they have accomplished. Players, coaches, and organizations have nothing to do with who is the favorite and who is not the favorite. I think there is mutual respect. What they have done to get to the Super Bowl is remarkable, going on the road and winning those games. And I'm proud of my guys, so it should be a great football game."
(on why Darrell Jackson has enjoyed more success as a pro than a number of other University of Florida receivers) "I think a couple of things. You can look at various college programs and you have players who have remarkable careers at that university. Most of it is because they are good football players, but some of it is because of the system they come out of. You can point to a couple of colleges that are known for certain things and for whatever reason their players have not really achieved in the NFL although they were great collegiate players. If you played at Florida you were going to catch a ton of passes, and you were going to win a lot of games and have fun playing. Darrell has great ability and I think he came in, not with a chip on his shoulder, but with something to prove. He came into the league wanting to gain more attention than he did in college and he worked very, very hard to do that. I think in his case, that's what has happened."
(on what he has told his players and the routine he will follow at the Super Bowl) "We are going to try and stay as close to our ‘at home’ schedule as possible. The practice schedule at home normally has us come in after a game and have a light workout before we send them home. We will do the same thing tomorrow. We will practice, but it will not be a full blown practice. The last time I was in one of these games I practiced them hard on Tuesday and I'm not sure that was the right thing to do looking back on it, so I’m going to give them Tuesday off on media day. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and prior to the game Saturday will be just like at home with regular practices so we can try to keep them in somewhat of an even keel given the surroundings. We have a few fellows who have been in Super Bowls, but not many, so I have talked to them just trying to educate them that it is going to be different. Keeping their focus is usually important and it is not always easy in this environment. We’ll try to keep it business as usual the best we can."
(on philosophies that were developed through his experiences as a high school and college quarterback and what they are) "I had a pretty good high school career and not a very good college career, but I did play the quarterback position. I started out as a tight end but my high school coach moved me to quarterback and I was able to get my education paid for at Southern Cal because I was a football player, which was a great thing. What I have tried to do in my experience, not only as a player, but as an assistant coach, too, is learn from and observe from the coaches that I had and attempt to say, 'I don't like that so much as a player, or I really like that and if I ever get a chance to be a coach, I don't think I’ll do that or I’ll do that.'
Really I've done that and I’ve been very, very fortunate to be around some very, very special men in this business. Going back to playing for John McKay in college and then the guys I coached high school football with. I had a great mentor in Vic Rowan at San Francisco State. I think I was a good student and I think coaching the position of quarterback, although you will get different opinions on this, I think it has helped that I played the position. You get a little bit of a feel for a certain situation that I think at times can help whoever you are coaching handle that situation a little bit better, so that is what I have tried to do. I’ve always had great young people, too, coaching the quarterbacks for me, although I kind of dive in there when I feel like it. Andy Reid, Jon Gruden, Steve Mariucci, Marty Mornhinweg, and now Jim Zorn have done a marvelous job of coaching the guys I’ve had. But I think it helped playing the position."
(on the atmosphere on the plane flight to Detroit) "I slept most of the way, so I'm not sure. We do have it really rough when we travel. The owner bought us an airplane, which was nice, and he has all these electronic gadgets on it so you can get live TV, movies or whatever you want. Every seat is a first class seat and the flight crew is the crew we have had all the time so they know how to take care of the team, but the mood was kind of like the mood of this team all year. I make it a point to go down the aisle once or twice during every flight, as do the other coaches. The guys are watching TV or they are sleeping. Our season is not over yet and that is how they have approached every game this year and that’s hopefully how we are approaching this one."
--more--
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Sunday, January 29, 2006
QUOTES FROM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH MIKE HOLMGREN
(on whether Shaun Alexander being nice plays into a perception that he is not tough) "I think that might be part of it to be honest. He is a good fellow and he doesn’t curse and he is a nice man and you kind of wonder how a guy like that can be a real tough guy in a football game. But the other part of that may have been my fault because this is the first year I have used him all the time in short yardage running situations. Before, we had another back doing that. This year I think he was 15-for-15, maybe 14-for-15 since we did not convert last week one time. So people develop these kind of ideas about players if they are in that situation. He is an elusive runner. You don’t often see people get tremendous shots at him as opposed to more of a straight line guy who piles it up in there and there is a big explosion every time. I think people look at that and say, 'We know he gains 1,800 yards and we know he scored 28 touchdowns or whatever, but what is it about the way he runs that is a little different?' Then they take it to the next step. I really think that is unfair and I know it is not true."
(on how he developed this particular offense and if Matt Hasselbeck is the perfect fit for it) "He certainly had a great season and I think he is the perfect fit for what we ask the quarterback to do. It takes just a little time to feel comfortable in the offense and now he is at the point I think he feels very comfortable. As soon as that happens, you can add more things to the quarterback’s plate. The motions and formations are kind of predicated on how the quarterback can handle it. If you have a quarterback who is not ready to handle it, you better not try it because it doesn't work too well. When I got to San Francisco Joe Montana was the master of it already. When I got to Green Bay, Brett (Favre) had to learn that and he learned it to the point that you could do anything your imagination could conjure up. Matt is now at the place where you could get real carried away, but at the same time, you can never sacrifice execution for trying to be creative. That's where I come in with my staff. They have a million ideas and want to try to do everything under the sun and every once in a while I have to tone it down just a little bit, but at quarterback, we certainly have the right guy to handle it."
(on why the defense played so well in light of what happened with Ray Rhodes and the transition to John Marshall) "I think it is a real credit to the defensive staff, John Marshall in particular and Ray Rhodes. Ray got sick and John fortunately had been a coordinator so the idea of coordinating a defense was not a new thing for him. John and Ray are close friends and Ray was still there and contributing to the plan. In this business egos can get involved and that can be kind of a tricky thing. To their credit, they made it work. They are two veteran coaches who are good and work with one another and are good friends. I think that contributed to the success they had on defense."
(on the status of Ken Hamlin and if there is a sense of disappointment that he has not been a part of the run to the Super Bowl) "There is disappointment for me, and I think his teammates and anyone who knows him. He is disappointed, but at the same time, he was our biggest cheerleader on the sideline last week. It was a sad thing what happened to Kenny. The good part is that he has healed up. What his football future is, I can’t tell you right now. I am somewhat optimistic about it. He will be there with us on Sunday. He has had an emotional impact on this football team before he was hurt and certainly after the injury. My hope and prayer is that he will be able to continue playing football next year."
(on the impact of ceding the general responsibilities on him as a head coach and how he has survived in that scenario) "The situation happens in the league. People have opinions on the idea of being a coach/general manager and the ability of one person being able to do that. It is a lot of work and there are a lot of things to do. When they made the change and I was no longer the general manager, our team that year did not have a good season by our standards, but I thought there were reasons for it. As happens in many instances, patience at that particular time was not a virtue, so they did it. I had a choice to make at that time, whether I was going to ride off in the sunset and go sit on the beach and ride my motorcycle or accept the situation for what it was and keep coaching the football team. As long as they still wanted me to coach the football team, I wanted to do that. I am a coach. I think it's a little misunderstood sometimes when people have both jobs. It is very, very important that you have a good support staff that you can trust if you want to do what I want to do and that’s continue to be very active with the football team, and not shift my emphasis to personnel and let somebody else coach the football team. The coordinators, as an example. If you do it that way, then you have to trust your personnel people and have good people in there and I thought we did. I was disappointed that didn’t work out to their satisfaction. It was a challenge for me and a challenge I wanted to take and I’d be better at it the next time."
--more--
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XL -- Sunday, January 29, 2006
QUOTES FROM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PRESS CONFERENCE
MORE HEAD COACH MIKE HOLMGREN
(on if he has given any thought to this being his last game with Shaun Alexander due to his contract situation) "I really haven’t. We are all aware of his contract situation. I believe Shaun wants to stay in Seattle. He and I talk about his future often. I know the club’s position is we would like him to stay in Seattle. It has been my experience if you get that type of situation, you can usually work it out if there is some reasonableness to everybody. I think he should finish his career as a Seahawk and my hope is that gets done and we’ll see where it goes. It is one of those big contracts and it will be talked about a whole bunch, but I think he wants to stay and I know we want him to stay."
(on Mack Strong’s contribution to the offense and his significance to the team) "Mack Strong is about my favorite player of all time. The Mack Strongs of the world make it worth my while to coach and teach. He is unselfish. He has played 13 years, longer than anybody we have. He does all the dirty work. He is the lead blocker most every play for our halfback. He is a great man in the community. He is a great father and a wonderful family guy. He is not a real talkative man, but when I have asked him to talk to the team he has been willing. I can’t say enough about him. We have drafted in the last few years a couple guys to kind of replace Mack because at some point everyone’s career ends, but I’ll be darn, we can’t do it. This year I think he was about as good as you can be at that position and he was rewarded with the Pro Bowl. Other than Mack, I think I was the happiest man on earth when he got that news. He is really a good guy and a pleasure to be around."
(on respect and how he has used the underdog role with his team) "Respect is a word players use a lot and people use a lot and it could have any number of meanings to whoever is using it and, in my opening remarks to my team this year, I wanted to make sure my team knew what I meant when I used the word 'respect' and what I think respect means in our business. I came to them from an idea of mutual respect, either player to player, coach to player, player to fan, player on one team to player on another team. To respect the guy who you are playing across from because he is working just as hard as you are working, and you know how hard you are working. But don’t use the term loosely or lightly. We hit the crossbar against Washington early on and then we lost the game to Green Bay at the end when it was a different type of football game I thought. Otherwise there was a chance we could have won 15 in a row or something and that is hard to do in this business. Yet, I think because of where Seattle is located and the television exposure that we get, I think that not a lot of people know what kind of a football team we have. As I've told the team, 'That's OK because ultimately you’ll be judged by what happens and where you are at the end of the season.' I understand why we are the underdogs and there’s really only one way to handle that and it’s not by talking, it’s by playing the game and seeing what happens. That’s kind of the point I've been making all season to the team. It's easy to talk about those things. Let's do it and let our record speak for itself and then when it’s all over, see where you line up."
(on the importance of what his wife and daughter are doing during Super Bowl week) "I think it's a lot more important probably than what I am doing this week. My wife Kathy and my daughter Calla, who is a doctor, and my wife is a nurse by trade, are leaving Thursday for the Congo on a humanitarian mission with Northwest Medical Teams. We didn't know when she signed up for this thing four months ago that we would be in the Super Bowl. In fact, we didn’t even think about the dates being a problem. She was a young missionary nurse out of college thirty-five years ago and went to the same place and when my daughter signed up for the trip with 10 people, I asked Kathy, 'Where’s she going?' She’s going to exactly the same place Kathy was, a little mission station right in the middle of the jungle. I said, 'Why don't you go with her?' It was the best present I could ever give her. Fast forward and here we are. I'm very proud of her and she works very hard at a lot of things that are a lot more important than coaching a football game. She has her life. Her heart is here even though she is going to be in Africa with our daughter and she gets nervous at the games anyway. She is just going to be farther away than walking around outside the stadium. It’s a 17--day trip and I’ll let her know who wins when she gets back."
(on how he would compare the image of the Packers who went to the Super Bowl to this team) "Certainly in the second year, Reggies (White) and those people were the best players at their positions in all of football. We had a much more veteran team than we have now. That team was a little bit more of a star team. We had more than a couple guys that were really pretty well known at their positions throughout the country and went to Pro Bowls. Our team now, even though we are fortunate to have a number of players go to the Pro Bowl, is really a team in the truest sense of the word in my opinion because the sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts. This team is fairly unknown to most of the country."
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Andrea Trent has a new blog at SBS Blog Network!
The amazing bodybuilder Andrea Trent has agreed to become part of the SBS Blog Network. Her new blog, which can be seen with a click on this post, will feature her takes on news and gossip in the industry of Women's Bodybuilding and her tips on training and fitness.
Check it out!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Leaving it to SI's Michael Silver to Write The NFL Minority Hiring Column ESPN's Michael Smith Couldn't Pen
Well, it's UC Berkeley and Daily Cal Alumn Mike Silver to the rescue. (He's the guy with the Mick Jaggeresque black leather jacket in the photo talking to Daily Cal Alumn and former San Francisco Chronicle Publisher John Oppendahl.) It's a sign of the times that non-black writers like my friend, "Sil" are penning columns taking the NFL to task for it's terrible record of minority head coaching hires, while black writers like ESPN's Michael Smith are protecting an obviously racist system. (Well, there is the Oakland Tribune's Monte Poole, who's not afraid to tell it like it is.)
I can see the late SI scribe Ralph Wiley, somewhere in heaven, shaking his fists and screaming his lungs out...And plotting some form of spritual revenge.
Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, here's Sil's column, with the title post as a link to it as well.
Race still a factor?
In my opinion, lack of black coaches is no coincidence
"Open Mike" Michael Silver
For all of the disturbing images we've witnessed in the NFL as of late -- and there have been many, beginning in Indy with the most horrific decision by a man in stripes since Roger Clemens threw a broken bat at Mike Piazza -- the parade of press conferences being piped in from team headquarters stand out most glaringly.
Over and over, the smiling man at the podium looks eerily similar. He is white. He has never been a head coach. And though he beat out several candidates who were more qualified, at least on paper, he was just so darn impressive in his interview that hiring him became a matter of great urgency.
Think Marty Mornhinweg after a disastrous trip to the barber.
This is not to say that Brad Childress (Vikings), Sean Payton (Saints), Rod Marinelli (Lions), Mike McCarthy (Packers), Eric Mangini (Jets) and Scott Linehan (Rams) are bad coaches who are doomed to fail. The same goes for the white dudes soon to be hired -- Gary Kubiak (Texans), Mike Sherman (Bills) and Gerry Faust (Raiders). (And yes, the Faust reference was a joke, and not even a fair one: For all his flaws, Al Davis is gutsy and racially enlightened enough to surprise us with his hire.)
The reason I point this out is that after weeks of reading and hearing that the NFL's age-old minority-coaching embarrassment had finally become a non-issue, I regret to inform you that this is a complete load of crap.
Sure, Lovie Smith was recently named the NFL's Coach of the Year, and he and the two other obvious candidates for that honor -- Tony Dungy and Marvin Lewis -- are African-American. Their hires, we were to assume, would open up the floodgates. But with 10 teams searching for coaches after this season --nine, really, because the Jets job only became open after the Chiefs traded a fourth-round pick to New York for the right to hire Herm Edwards -- the number of African-American head coaches remains at six, unchanged from the start of 2005.
So what happened to supposedly hot minority candidates like Tim Lewis, Ron Rivera, Jerry Gray and Donnie Henderson, who interviewed for many of the jobs in question? And why weren't obvious prospects like Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and Redskins defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Greg Blache even in the mix?
Gee, I wonder.
When most of my fellow journalists and various electronic-media commentators discuss this issue, they talk about social realities, the comfort zones of those doing the hiring and a lack of awareness about attractive minority candidates. That's one way to say it. Or, you could just do what I do and talk about what's really going on: Racism.
I'm not merely talking about subconscious or subtle racism, either. I'm saying that it seems to me that some of the people who run NFL franchises don't want a non-white man running their football teams. And don't just take it from me, ask the players, 70 percent of whom are African-American. Were they to tell you their honest opinions, I think most of them -- yes, the white dudes, too -- would convey a very similar sentiment.
I could give you years and years worth of obvious examples of minority coaching candidates getting the shaft, but for the sake of brevity, let's stick with what's happening now. And since Green Bay is home to one of the NFL's storied franchises, that's an excellent place to start.
Typically, coordinators from the teams that are most successful in a given season emerge as the hot candidates. The Packers hired McCarthy, who coordinated the NFL's 32nd-ranked offense in '05. Wait, I know what you're thinking: That was the 49ers offense, it's not fair to judge anyone involved with that mess. Apparently, then, we should evaluate McCarthy based on his impressive work with Aaron Brooks in New Orleans or on his lone season as the Packers' quarterbacks coach, in 1999, when Brett Favre threw more interceptions (23) than touchdown passes (22)?
Then there is Payton, who burst into the public consciousness during the '02 season, when then-Giants coach Jim Fassel stripped play-calling responsibilities from his young offensive coordinator. The fact that New York then improved offensively and rallied to reach the playoffs did not particularly enhance Payton's stock, though he did rebound by running the offense for Bill Parcells' Cowboys, which ranked 13th in the NFL this season. We can only hope that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, with his first-ever hire, knows head coaching talent better than he does personnel.
Marinelli, who was strongly considered for the Cal job that ultimately went to Jeff Tedford following the '01 season (among the other candidates for that position were Lewis, who turned it down, and Gray), lost out in part because he had never been a head coach or coordinator at any level. That didn't bother Matt Millen, who previously hired Mornhinweg (days before he could have interviewed Lewis or John Fox) and Steve Mariucci (incurring a $200,000 fine for violating a new NFL rule requiring teams to interview at least one minority candidate. That rule, by the way, is now circumvented as teams grant token interviews, like the one Ted Cottrell received from the Vikings and Henderson from the Jets.)
Perhaps, in his coaching searches, Millen simply looks for the best coach available whose last name begins with "M." Or perhaps his bosses, the Fords, have other criteria. I wonder the same things about the men running the Bills and Saints, to name a couple of other franchises who habitually hire white guys.
Then there is Mangini, who just turned 35 after completing his first season as Bill Belichick's defensive coordinator. As one high-ranking executive for an NFL team told me last week, "The guy has what it takes to be an NFL head coach, eventually. But now? The sense is that he's in way over his head."
On paper, Childress, Linehan and Kubiak are legitimate hires -- successful coordinators who have proven their worth over a number of years. Then again, Tim Lewis, Cottrell and Gray also fit that description (as do white assistants like Al Saunders, Jim Johnson and Gil Haskell, to be fair), and none of those guys will be pacing the sidelines with a headset this coming fall.
In fact, amid all the maneuvering, promising African-American assistants are actually losing ground. Gray, impressive in his five-year stint as the Bills' defensive coordinator, essentially got fired after Mike Mularkey resigned. Cottrell, who has a great track record and whose defense rebounded nicely in '05 after a rough start, was booted by the Vikings. Henderson, supposedly a rising star in his profession, got run out of New York. All three men are currently looking for work, and there don't seem to be a lot of coordinator openings at the moment.
If you really break it down, this shouldn't be all that surprising. Yes, Smith, Lewis and Dungy were impressive this year, but African-American coaches having success is nothing new. Name one who didn't appreciably improve his team in his first two years on the job?
The only example you could cite is Ray Rhodes, a former Coach of the Year in Philly who, in his second head coaching stint, went 8-8 with the Packers. After that, general manager Ron Wolf fired Rhodes (citing the team's alleged lack of discipline) and hired Sherman, who was 6-7 in his first season before rallying to win his last three games.
Shortly thereafter, Wolf retired and Sherman was named the team's general manager.
Why have African-American coaches fared so well? My theory is that because so many were denied opportunities for so long, the talent pool is artificially strong. Meanwhile, white assistants in similar jobs keep getting snapped up by teams, and many of those teams end up disappointed. As I wrote soon after the Bills made a coaching hire two years ago, it's a bunch of Mularkey.
Perhaps the Raiders' Davis will come through and salvage what has turned out to be an abysmal year on the minority-coaching front by making another bold hire. Or perhaps he'll choose Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, he of the 18-37 coaching record at Indiana -- despite the presence of star quarterback and future Steelers receiver Antwaan Randle El -- who has been making the interview rounds and is scheduled to come to Oakland.
If that doesn't work out, there's always Gerry Faust.
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