Let’s see if you know who I’m talking about?
He left as the winningest coach in team history, their Quarterback missed much of the season due to injury and their future relied on a top draft pick.
Well?
Chuck Knox was the coach, Dave Krieg was the Quarterback and yes … Dan McGwire was the future!
These are my first memories of the Seahawks and what should follow throughout the 90s was a constant reminder that my team sucked.
There is no one more emotionally attached to their favorite team then a young kid. How many grown men do you see walking around wearing sweats with their teams colors or one of those huge winter jackets with their team on it and trick or treating as their favorite player? Young kids literally wear their teams on their sleeves. I didn’t do that but I was so emotionally attached to my team that when they lost a close game I cried.
I remember this one game. It was the Seahawks vs. the 49ers. I was a Hawks fan and my brother was a Niners fan. Dave Krieg was scrambling and had gotten a much needed 1st down that would have allowed Seattle to run the clock out and hold on to a 22-17 win. Instead some Niner had stripped Kreig of the ball and recovered, which allowed Steve “ %^&*#ing” Bono to drive the Niners to victory. I was so pissed off I cried and all my brother could do was throw it in my face. Funny thing about that fumble was that it put Kreig at the top of the all-time list for career fumbles!!!!
I think that loss can be summed up in two words for the entire decade; lost opportunities.
For example the in the 1991 draft Seattle took a 6'8 QB out of San Diego State Univeristy by the name of Dan McGwire. They could've used a Running Back but they passed on Ricky Watters. Their Defensive line was aging and Ted Washington was available. Just imagine Washington and Cortez Kennedy jamming the middle of the D-Linees. They even passed on Brett Favre, need i say more?
While preparing this blog I think that I've found a scapegoat, Tom Flores. Flores was general manager of the Seahawks and was one of the culprits responsible for drafting McGwire. When Knox quit Flores named himself head coach. I'll admit that I was excited that he would be the coach. The guy had won two Super Bowls while coaching the Raiders, I think that anyone would be excited about bringing in those types of credentials but look who else was hired in 1992: Mike Holmgren, Bill Cowher, Dennis Green and Bobby Ross all of those guys turned around their programs while Tom Flores went 2-14, 6-10 and 6-10. I might use him but there are plenty of other guys ... I'll let you be the judge.
So after suffering through the injuries of last year’s 4-12 debacle and seeing how the injury bug has hit our foundation along with this year’s slow start it makes me wonder… are the 90s of yesterday the 2010s of tomorrow?
I sure hope not.
- Gaerts -
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Hit Me Baby One More Time
Backstreet boys, Spice Girls, Britney Spears….there are plenty of things about the 90s to be embarrassed about, but here at Sports Illiteracy we consider the 90s to be a special kind of hell. Mainly, football fan hell. The 90s as a decade held 10 years of both Seahawk and Ram mediocrity. The only fond memory that can be found within Sports Illiteracy is that it was possible to cheer for the opposing team since the Rams and Seahawks were not only in different divisions, but different conferences as well.
Why do we bring up the 90s? Because we are re-living the 90s as sports fans. Aside from new Uniforms and a flashy new conference, the Seahawks and Rams have reverted back to their 90s form; not a good thing.
For my part, as a Rams fan, I am seeing an eerily similar team take the field. On top of that, the media recognizes how horrible the Rams are and continually I hear them described as “worst team in the league” or “joke team” and my personal favorite “morale booster for the other team.” While this is disheartening, it gives me time to analyze the similarities and potentially come up with a formula to warn myself of the next cycle of terrible.
In the 90s, the ownership of the Rams was in a transition and eventually that transition lead to their move to St. Louis. I can’t help but wonder if perhaps the current state may lead to another move. Or, in a worst case scenario, Rush Limbaugh will become a part owner. That last part is not a joke Limbaugh has actually tossed his hat in the ring to be an NFL Owner. I have a bad feeling about this.
The 90s version of the Rams consistently had a decent running back with no line or any other offense to support him. Yea verily the Rams of today have Steven Jackson and the rest of the team struggles to contribute. Gone are the likes of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, two players that despite their age, still catch the ball when it hits their hands. Also gone is the shunned but honored Quarterback Kurt Warner, playing now for a team within the division. Twice last year the Arizona Kurt Warners beat the Rams in retribution. What’s that? Their real name is the Cardinals? The announcers fooled me yet again as they fool me every week into believing that Minnesota’s new mascot name is “Favre.”
The nail in the coffin that makes this team a continuation of the 90s tradition is the overpaid quarterback that does not earn his pay. Although Bulger was an excellent backup, his ability to throw the ball away from his receivers is unmatched. Bulger does own an impressive “come from behind” record. However, it is important to note that teams in the NFL that have a lead generally play prevent Defense. Congratulations Bulger, you can pass against the Prevent, something every NFL quarterback, through 3rd string should be able to do.
There is more in this remake of the 90s season, we’ve yet to hear the Seahawk side, Josh will enlighten you to their plight in part 2 so stay tuned.
-Nate
Why do we bring up the 90s? Because we are re-living the 90s as sports fans. Aside from new Uniforms and a flashy new conference, the Seahawks and Rams have reverted back to their 90s form; not a good thing.
For my part, as a Rams fan, I am seeing an eerily similar team take the field. On top of that, the media recognizes how horrible the Rams are and continually I hear them described as “worst team in the league” or “joke team” and my personal favorite “morale booster for the other team.” While this is disheartening, it gives me time to analyze the similarities and potentially come up with a formula to warn myself of the next cycle of terrible.
In the 90s, the ownership of the Rams was in a transition and eventually that transition lead to their move to St. Louis. I can’t help but wonder if perhaps the current state may lead to another move. Or, in a worst case scenario, Rush Limbaugh will become a part owner. That last part is not a joke Limbaugh has actually tossed his hat in the ring to be an NFL Owner. I have a bad feeling about this.
The 90s version of the Rams consistently had a decent running back with no line or any other offense to support him. Yea verily the Rams of today have Steven Jackson and the rest of the team struggles to contribute. Gone are the likes of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, two players that despite their age, still catch the ball when it hits their hands. Also gone is the shunned but honored Quarterback Kurt Warner, playing now for a team within the division. Twice last year the Arizona Kurt Warners beat the Rams in retribution. What’s that? Their real name is the Cardinals? The announcers fooled me yet again as they fool me every week into believing that Minnesota’s new mascot name is “Favre.”
The nail in the coffin that makes this team a continuation of the 90s tradition is the overpaid quarterback that does not earn his pay. Although Bulger was an excellent backup, his ability to throw the ball away from his receivers is unmatched. Bulger does own an impressive “come from behind” record. However, it is important to note that teams in the NFL that have a lead generally play prevent Defense. Congratulations Bulger, you can pass against the Prevent, something every NFL quarterback, through 3rd string should be able to do.
There is more in this remake of the 90s season, we’ve yet to hear the Seahawk side, Josh will enlighten you to their plight in part 2 so stay tuned.
-Nate
Monday, October 5, 2009
So Who Do I Root For Now?...
Another baseball regular season is coming to an end and for the 8th consecutive year my Seattle Mariners will not be in the playoffs which has me wondering, who do I root for now?
Yankees: Bunch of Cheaters, I refuse to root for the Yankees on principle. First of all they have Alex Rodriguez, quite possibly the biggest Douche bag, trying to barter a signature for box seats for his girlfriend Kate Hudson at Safeco Field. If there weren’t any other reasons not to root for the Yankees and there are, that would be it.
Red Sox: How dare they give us Heathcliff Slocumb and call it good!
Angels: They can go to hell for all I care.
Tigers: I remember a time when the Mariners caught up with the Angels and forced a 1game playoff and then beat the crap out of them 9-1. Think about that Detroit when Twins put you in your place!
Twins: What a way to say goodbye to the Metrodome with a championship run. In every baseball video game I’ve played, I hated playing in Minnesota. I can’t wait to never see that marshmallow looking roof ever again. Ka-boom never sounded so sweet!
Phillies: If Brad Lidge had a "mullet" and ran out to Wild Thing I‘d think about it. Oh yeah RAUL IBANEZ, way to Represent!
Cardinals: Everyone seems to forget about the Cards. Every year they fly off the radar, but when you have Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and … who was I talking about?
Dodgers: What’s the point?- they’ll be out in the first round in four. I’d feel more comfortable with the Nationals going in to the postseason with 100 losses then with the Dodgers late playoff history.
Rockies: What the Rockies have done this year gives me hope for the Mariners next year. So here’s what I’ll do, I will live through the Rockies postseason success and imagine the possibilities for next year.
Score,
Gaerts
Yankees: Bunch of Cheaters, I refuse to root for the Yankees on principle. First of all they have Alex Rodriguez, quite possibly the biggest Douche bag, trying to barter a signature for box seats for his girlfriend Kate Hudson at Safeco Field. If there weren’t any other reasons not to root for the Yankees and there are, that would be it.
Red Sox: How dare they give us Heathcliff Slocumb and call it good!
Angels: They can go to hell for all I care.
Tigers: I remember a time when the Mariners caught up with the Angels and forced a 1game playoff and then beat the crap out of them 9-1. Think about that Detroit when Twins put you in your place!
Twins: What a way to say goodbye to the Metrodome with a championship run. In every baseball video game I’ve played, I hated playing in Minnesota. I can’t wait to never see that marshmallow looking roof ever again. Ka-boom never sounded so sweet!
Phillies: If Brad Lidge had a "mullet" and ran out to Wild Thing I‘d think about it. Oh yeah RAUL IBANEZ, way to Represent!
Cardinals: Everyone seems to forget about the Cards. Every year they fly off the radar, but when you have Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and … who was I talking about?
Dodgers: What’s the point?- they’ll be out in the first round in four. I’d feel more comfortable with the Nationals going in to the postseason with 100 losses then with the Dodgers late playoff history.
Rockies: What the Rockies have done this year gives me hope for the Mariners next year. So here’s what I’ll do, I will live through the Rockies postseason success and imagine the possibilities for next year.
Score,
Gaerts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sounders til I die!
Yet again my Rams had a terrible outing. I was hoping for some points but instead received another shut out straight to my retinas. Indeed my eyes burn.
However, all was not lost this weekend as the Sounders (gasp! Soccer!) went into Columbus and beat the Crew ending a 22 game league unbeaten streak. The Crew has previously won or tied their last 22 league games there and until recently had a non-league win streak as well. Usually this would be an occasion all by itself, but the victory was made particularly sweet by the fact that the Sounders gained a leg up on all their competition for a playoff spot.
I was a casual soccer fan until the Sounders launched their season in Major League Soccer. I enjoyed following the national team and occasionally catching a game on TV here and there of MLS. But when it was announced that the Sounders would be an expansion team for this year, I was stoked. I began following the US Open Cup, in which the USL Sounders lost in the semi final last year. And then there was a crescendo when the opening game hit the air waves. And I’m still at that peak. I’m addicted to soccer. I’ve been watching English Premier, MLS, US national team and admittedly I watched a full game of the Under 20 World Cup.
Maybe this is just a bi-product of the “Summer of Soccer” in which ESPN marketed plenty of soccer matches and we were actually exposed to the sport if we chose to take a look. Maybe my new found hooliganism is a result of the Rams losing 31 of their last 36 games and being shut out twice already this year. It could also be that I am just addicted to the exciting style of soccer that the Sounders play. Whatever the reason, I am hooked.
I used to watch baseball in the summer, because it was on and sporting events were few and far between, unless I wanted to watch the WNBA. But from now on I will be watching the Sounders, and with their recent US Open Cup victory and a chance to win the MLS cup, perhaps they will be a winning team I can cheer for.
Here is to hoping the Sounders become the Evil Empire of MLS
Cheers,
Nate
However, all was not lost this weekend as the Sounders (gasp! Soccer!) went into Columbus and beat the Crew ending a 22 game league unbeaten streak. The Crew has previously won or tied their last 22 league games there and until recently had a non-league win streak as well. Usually this would be an occasion all by itself, but the victory was made particularly sweet by the fact that the Sounders gained a leg up on all their competition for a playoff spot.
I was a casual soccer fan until the Sounders launched their season in Major League Soccer. I enjoyed following the national team and occasionally catching a game on TV here and there of MLS. But when it was announced that the Sounders would be an expansion team for this year, I was stoked. I began following the US Open Cup, in which the USL Sounders lost in the semi final last year. And then there was a crescendo when the opening game hit the air waves. And I’m still at that peak. I’m addicted to soccer. I’ve been watching English Premier, MLS, US national team and admittedly I watched a full game of the Under 20 World Cup.
Maybe this is just a bi-product of the “Summer of Soccer” in which ESPN marketed plenty of soccer matches and we were actually exposed to the sport if we chose to take a look. Maybe my new found hooliganism is a result of the Rams losing 31 of their last 36 games and being shut out twice already this year. It could also be that I am just addicted to the exciting style of soccer that the Sounders play. Whatever the reason, I am hooked.
I used to watch baseball in the summer, because it was on and sporting events were few and far between, unless I wanted to watch the WNBA. But from now on I will be watching the Sounders, and with their recent US Open Cup victory and a chance to win the MLS cup, perhaps they will be a winning team I can cheer for.
Here is to hoping the Sounders become the Evil Empire of MLS
Cheers,
Nate
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Bitter
Originally I was going to write about how awful the Rams are, because if I am honest, they will be lucky to win 2 games this year. However, after watching the Cardinals roll over for Indy and seeing the Seahawks and 49ers find a way to lose; I decided instead I would talk about how terrible the NFC West is. Sure, the Cardinals made the Super Bowl last year. The Seahawks would be doing better without injuries. The 49ers were a Favre throw away from remaining undefeated for the season. But as a whole, the Division has only 1 win against non-conference teams.
I know it is only the third week of the season and that there are plenty of games left, but I can’t help wondering what the NFL would do if a division ended up with a losing team as their playoff representative. Before we get all loopy and cry “impossible” we should just take a glance back to last season when San Diego made the playoffs with an 8-8 record. In fact, Arizona, having gone 6-0 in the division, would have qualified for the playoffs with a 7-9 record. The Patriots were already spurned by having to go golfing after posting an impressive 11-5 without Tom Brady. Imagine the outcry had a team with a sub .500 record made the playoffs!
Initially, I had high hopes for teams in the NFC West, but with injuries plaguing the Seahawks, Arizona looking flaky, the Rams just being terrible and San Fran losing Gore, it could be a repeat of last year. While I think that 3 of the 4 teams still have a decent chance of ending with a winning record, it would please me greatly to see a losing team make the playoffs.
Why? Because it would force the NFL to look at their playoff structure. I’ve never understood exactly why every division must have a representative in the playoffs. If a team doesn’t deserve to go, then they shouldn’t go. You might think that what this is all leading to is a proposal of some kind that somehow fixes the playoff system. You’d be wrong. I’m just giddy that I’ve found a reason to cheer against everyone in the NFC West but the Rams.
Since the Rams are going to be horrible for the 3rd straight year in a row, I’ll be cheering for the entire NFC West to continue losing. Here is to the least terrible team in the NFC West making the playoffs!
Cheers,
-Nate
I know it is only the third week of the season and that there are plenty of games left, but I can’t help wondering what the NFL would do if a division ended up with a losing team as their playoff representative. Before we get all loopy and cry “impossible” we should just take a glance back to last season when San Diego made the playoffs with an 8-8 record. In fact, Arizona, having gone 6-0 in the division, would have qualified for the playoffs with a 7-9 record. The Patriots were already spurned by having to go golfing after posting an impressive 11-5 without Tom Brady. Imagine the outcry had a team with a sub .500 record made the playoffs!
Initially, I had high hopes for teams in the NFC West, but with injuries plaguing the Seahawks, Arizona looking flaky, the Rams just being terrible and San Fran losing Gore, it could be a repeat of last year. While I think that 3 of the 4 teams still have a decent chance of ending with a winning record, it would please me greatly to see a losing team make the playoffs.
Why? Because it would force the NFL to look at their playoff structure. I’ve never understood exactly why every division must have a representative in the playoffs. If a team doesn’t deserve to go, then they shouldn’t go. You might think that what this is all leading to is a proposal of some kind that somehow fixes the playoff system. You’d be wrong. I’m just giddy that I’ve found a reason to cheer against everyone in the NFC West but the Rams.
Since the Rams are going to be horrible for the 3rd straight year in a row, I’ll be cheering for the entire NFC West to continue losing. Here is to the least terrible team in the NFC West making the playoffs!
Cheers,
-Nate
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Introduction
Sports Illiteracy is ran by Josh Gaertner and Nate Jensen.Our goal is to talk about sports and ask questions about the current structure in professional and collegiate sports primarily in the United States of America.We reserve the right to delve into the obscure and occasionally the ridiculous.We are not interested in eliminating bias from our views and as such our bias will not be hidden.
Since we are based in Washington State our bias will generally be towards the West Coast, although there will be some variation depending on the sport and league. Comments are encouraged as long as they remain on topic and are not intended to be inflammatory toward any demographic. In addition, attempting to point out that we are idiots, unqualified or any intelligent or non-intelligent name calling indicating we don’t know what we are talking about will not be taken seriously. We know we are not experts. When we get a chance to watch sports, it is mainly on Television or the internet. A good portion of our knowledge will come from box scores and statistics since we do not have the time to watch every single game in every single sport. In other words, we know we are unqualified or we would have named out site Sports Elitists.
In general, our articles will be based purely in speculation and hypothetical scenarios, although we may sometimes delve into the realm of “fact.” Occasionally we may be completely sarcastic, satirical and comical it is up to the reader to decide what to take seriously.
Without further ado, we begin the launch of Sports Illiteracy, enjoy at your own risk.
-Josh and Nate
Since we are based in Washington State our bias will generally be towards the West Coast, although there will be some variation depending on the sport and league. Comments are encouraged as long as they remain on topic and are not intended to be inflammatory toward any demographic. In addition, attempting to point out that we are idiots, unqualified or any intelligent or non-intelligent name calling indicating we don’t know what we are talking about will not be taken seriously. We know we are not experts. When we get a chance to watch sports, it is mainly on Television or the internet. A good portion of our knowledge will come from box scores and statistics since we do not have the time to watch every single game in every single sport. In other words, we know we are unqualified or we would have named out site Sports Elitists.
In general, our articles will be based purely in speculation and hypothetical scenarios, although we may sometimes delve into the realm of “fact.” Occasionally we may be completely sarcastic, satirical and comical it is up to the reader to decide what to take seriously.
Without further ado, we begin the launch of Sports Illiteracy, enjoy at your own risk.
-Josh and Nate
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