An interesting intellectual conversation is happening on Facebook and face to face around the idea of youth in sports. My big bro-in-law proffered the idea that early entry into sports can cause burnout. He’s right, I admit. Unless the kid has a healthy love of the sport and unless the practices walk that razor’s edge of fun and educational, there is not much that playing as a kid can add to a kid’s appreciation of making sport a lifestyle. Kids these days (look at me sounding like my gammy) don’t have an appreciation for organized sports. In fact, I made the comment in our conversation that organized sports at the city or rec (YMCA out here) level are akin to playground play with cool outfits. I went on to discuss it with a number of friends (which is what a guilty person does, btw, to absolve themselves of guilt) who agreed with him and with me in part, understanding that the desire to play has to come from the kid.
What about the desire to win?
The concept of victory has been abolished in youth sports. We don’t keep score, we give everyone a trophy, and then we clap loudly as they flumox play after play. I am not that coach. I recognize the schizophrenia inherent in being that coach. Look, when every professional athlete is being paid a minimum of a quarter million a year, they are, in a sense, getting that basic trophy we give all kids for participating. Hey, thanks for playing and here is your 250K. This is a factor why many I speak to enjoy college sports more. They recognize there is no golden carrot there. Those athletes need to win to be successful. The pros, like the YMCA kids, win by merely making it to the game. So, why do some teams do better than others? Love and Glory.
There are a handful of players in the NFL who can be seen as supremely talented. You cannot replace Peyton Manning or Adrian Peterson or the ‘venerable’ Champ Bailey. Many of the others get by on their love of the sport and their sheer determination to feel the glory of victory. I’ve never been part of a winning athletic program past elementary school, so I don’t know what it feels like to win at the top level. In truth, I’m a bit of a curse (My Cyclones went 0-10-1, and my Hitmen did almost as bad. Both franchises perked up immediately after my association with them ended. The Hitmen won a damn championship). I know that watching these winners and losers, I can see the difference in the way they carry themselves, otherwise known as their ‘swag’. It is that swag that partially instructs my picks for each game of the picks week.
That brings us to the picking:
Giants over Bears
The blood letting must end, and this is the time to do it. I cannot fathom the G-men feeling any lower than they did last week as they were decimated, surrendering yet another 36 point game to the opposing offense. I know my G-men are not playoff bound, but I believe that they will rediscover their identity tonight with some ground and pound paired with a lot of downfield passing. Peanut Tillman: They coming for you!
Packers over Ravens
In what promises to be a explosive second half, the Ravens will fall into new ‘old habits’ and give up on the run game under threat of the massive Packer passing attack.
Bengals over Bills
Not much to say about this one. The practice squad QB doesn’t fill me with hope.
Texans over Rams
Shaub would lose his job if this game were on the STL turf, but it isn’t. He may still lose his job, but not the game.
Raiders over Chiefs
Yep. Two upsets in the works so far. Giants have it coming and so do the Chiefs…
Lions over Browns
I refused to pick yesterday in part because of this game. We all thought CLE was dead after the trade, but for the first time I can see how their system works, and it is quite effective. The Lions are less effective without Megatron stretching the field, which is why I am concerned about the pick. It isn’t clear if he will play or not (knee).
Vikings over Panthers
Behold the awesome power of AD-AP
Seahawks over Titans
Game is in Seattle. Nuff said.
Saints over Patriots
Jets have a legit chance to share first place.
Niner’s over Cards
The Cards have suffered too many injuries to be consistent.
Cowboys over Redskins
They might want to consider a name change after this horrific beating.
Colts over Chargers
Shootout! I think Turnovers play the critical role in this one.
I’m out.