Tag: football

Jaguars Wind Sprints: All Apologies

Brian FullfordLeave a comment

What else should I be? All apologies

What else could I say? Everyone is gay

What else could I write? I don’t have the right

What else should I be? All apologies

– Kurt Cobain

You know that feeling just after a hurricane. The destruction is in full view but the air feels different. Every inhale is clean and pure. There is no weight on your skin as you stand amidst the crisp realm of being. This is what all Jacksonville Jaguars fans are presently consumed by. With today’s dismissal of GM Gene Smith, who by all accounts is a good person, means the long standing reign of terror is over.

 

While the devastation Gene left behind cannot be held to the standard of the Girondins and Jacobins, one could argue that his failure to field a competitive team has left a fan base mired in the agonizing debate over Tim Tebow. It would not be fair to call this a bullet item for which the Jaguars community is divided, rather it is something keeps that vocal minority alive by giving them a need for a savior. And when you are suffering you will grasp at anything which presents itself as means of alleviating suffering, even if said hope is more of a mirage.

So, with the metaphorical pull of a virtual trigger the fun begins. Who to draft? Should we find a replacement for Blaine Gabbert? Will Mike Mularkey remain and who will be the new GM? What do we do with Darryl Smith, Terrance Knighton and Derek Cox? Ready your arrogance and load up your dictionary of insults. There is so much offseason to contend with you do not want to tire yourself out. But check that emergency first-aid bag for your “I’m sorry” because at some point you will find the passion has gotten to you and upon reflection it will be all you have to salvage your dignity.

I wonder what everyone involved with the 2-14 Jaguars are thinking when it comes to explaining what happened. I like what Terrance Knighton tweeted:

Thanks to all the fans regardless of record for sticking through it.

While not a direct apology there is a hidden mea culpa which itself is an indirect “I’m sorry”. I know this team has apologized repeatedly all season and we, the fans, have deserved it. Make whatever argument you want: financial, entertainment, time…they all are sufficient and if we cannot get wins then at the very least let’s get an acknowledgement you have failed us. There is no one person who should own the collective sincere abbitte. Put a video on Jaguars.com with each player and coach looking directly into the recorder. Start with the new guys and end with the most tenured, because that would be Gene and since the buck stops with the GM so should the final admission of failure.

If you have been on Twitter during any Jaguars game this year you know how cathartic the community has been. From disappointment to anger to comedic acceptance, the thousands of us stood shoulder to shoulder, bitching and cheering at the same time. Though tasteless and unfilling, with no chances for redemption through victories, all that we are left with is apologies.

I even have some. Jump.

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Jaguars Wind Sprints: The First Step of Zen Season

Brian FullfordLeave a comment

Let the catharsis begin. Well in truth it actually started yesterday but a little less than 24 hours after the Jaguars loss to the Vikings I am channeling sentiment through the written word. Frankly there is no real catalyst to do so; rather a curiosity to see what comes out.

This season is my case study in how to approach Jaguars football. Limit outside sources and more personal interpretation of events. The “paid experts” are not necessarily authoritative. Sure they can break down the game tape better (in some instances) but their opinion of the analysis has shown to be sorely lacking. In fact, I prefer ECStoner on Twitter for analysis.

Part of the enjoyment simply cannot be tied to ESPN, NFL Network or any other institution. If others want to fight the disinformation so be it. All easier said than done.

With Aerosmith’s “Toys in the Attic” echoing off the walls of my study I dive in!

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A Punter, a Pineapple and a Penguin

Brian FullfordLeave a comment

As I write this I am humming PIL’s Rise:

I could be wrong. I could be right. I could be wrong. I could be wrong, I could be right, I could be black, I could be white, I could be right, I could be wrong, I could be white, I could be black. Your time has come, your second skin. You climb so high and gain so low. Walk through the valley. The written word is a lie.

A catchy tune that seems to linger no matter how badly you might want to forget it. Mind you it is not as venomous as Rebecca Black’s Friday but it none-the-less has that similar staying power. What distorts both of those songs is the person behind them. John Lydon and the aforementioned Black can be seen as, respectfully, offensive and sympathetic. John for his overall persona and Rebecca for how the powers handled her. Neither are absolute claims, just a possible perspective.

Jacksonville finds itself with a character who too can be seen as those two adjectives. And you know full well the fans, media and opponents will remind all those who can hear or read of just where he falls. As soon as the pick was made you could hear millions of minds working to come up with the most entertaining or abusive comment. Others tried their best to frame the pick in the best of possible lights. That in turn further fueled the critics.

It was a wildfire. Or a plague. Or direct meteor hit.

I for one decided to “drink the kool-aid” as soon as I heard of the pick. It is far too easy to criticize. The challenge would be in trying to understand what Gene Smith was thinking. Thanks to the many who felt the need to insult those trying to paint the best possible picture it made me even more committed to this task. Because nothing recharges the batteries more than a pompous ass who holds onto absolute claims. As I was told years ago, if you are not sympathetic to the counter argument do not bother getting into the debate.

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