Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Spike Series: My Role in the Broncos - Patriots Game Disaster


Hi, people, Spike here to regale you with my side of the debacle that was Sunday football in the Pechie household. I was already having a rough go of it since my had Laurie left me the Saturday morning before, not to return for many days. So I was already off my game, which was only compounded by the awful play of both the Bears and the Colts on Sunday. The man is not convinced the Colts realized what state they were supposed to be in (Arizona); while the woman is truly annoyed at the Bears for blowing an opportunity to take a lead in their division. There was still some hope that the Broncos would beat the Patriots on Sunday Night Football.

Then the man went and botched it up for Broncos Nation by telling my Laurie that I was going to become a Broncos fan in her absence, oh the horror!  Here is my story, the parenthesis represent what the woman should have said if she had not been so upset - she does not always think so well in the moment. My thoughts are italicized as I don't always let the Man speak for me!

The Man: Tonight I (Spike) root for the Man's Orange and Blue team.

My Laurie: No!!! (Don't do it!)

The Man: It's too late, he is a Broncos fan now, mu-ah (he tried to soften the blow by sealing it with a kiss).

My Laurie: You're pushing your luck! (She meant in terms of their relationship, but in hindsight it could be construed that he was pushing the luck on behalf of the Broncos).


This is me, standing in protest to what the man was telling my Laurie on my behalf.

Laurie and my Grandpop (her Dad) had been driving all Sunday, so she did not make it through the second half of the game. When she went to bed, the Broncos had a nice lead, and looked in control of the game. Much to Laurie's chagrin, perhaps my being a Broncos fan was helping the team as the Manning-Brady rivalry has always been a tough game for Peyton. 

Then the second half happened. Here is a recap from ESPN.com:

The Patriots lost fumbles on their first three possessions, and they were booed several times in the first half.
But Brady threw for three touchdowns to lead the Patriots back from a 24-0 halftime deficit against the NFL's best offense for a 31-24 lead as New England scored on its first five possessions of the second half. Then Manning threw an 11-yard scoring pass to Demaryius Thomas for the Broncos, tying it at 31.
Then a punting duel ensued and a live ball hit the leg of a backup cornerback. 
Tony Carter ran into Ryan Allen's punt after it bounced, Nate Ebner recovered for the Patriots at the Broncos' 13-yard line, and Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 31-yard field goal with 1:56 left in overtime to give the New England Patriots a 34-31 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.
Laurie: I miss you, JDP, and my Bears-loving Spike.
The Man: Sorry, he is a Broncos-loving Spike now.
Laurie: Don't you buy him a jersey unless you use your own money! (Mature, I know)
MeI have a Bears jersey and a Rockies jersey - I think that's enough, but then the Man starting playing dirty by sending this picture with the following explanation:

This is Spike's reaction to not owning a Broncos jersey. 
The Man: Spike was upset that the Man bought a Bears jersey instead of a Broncos one. After all, he is the only native
Me: Truth be told, I was sad at the fact that the Bears lost, and I really miss my Laurie.
My Laurie: James! (You're really tempting fate now!)

The hope is, based on the outcome of the game, that the Man has learned his lesson. 
I may be a Denver-Native, but I love my Laurie and am now and forever a fan of the Chicago Bears - even when they make her yell and scream at the TV. That happens pretty frequently, and scares me a lot.
Until next time, I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! I get a special treat today, but it does not compare to what you all are going to eat. And GO BEARS!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The Arrogance of All-Encompassing Statements


Really, Spike?

I got my panties in a twist this morning when I read an article entitled, "Why women still need husbands."  Here is a sample...

It began with the baby boomer adage “never depend on a man.” 

This message resulted in a generation of women who turned their attention away from the home and onto the workforce. They did what their mothers told them to do: they became financially independent so they’d never have to rely on a husband.

In time, “never depend on a man” turned into the full-blown belief that men are superfluous. In 2010 Jennifer Aniston claimed women needn’t “fiddle with a man” to have a child. 

This may strike you as an isolated case of stupidity, but Aniston’s willingness to put it out there speaks volumes about modern cultural attitudes. No actress would have said such a thing in the 70s, 80s, or even early 90s.

Fortunately, most women come to the realization that they do, in fact, need a man—at least if they want a family. 

Financial independence is a great thing, but you can’t take your paycheck to bed with you. And there’s nothing empowering about being beholden to an employer when what you really want is to have a baby. That’s dependency of a different sort.

Let me be clear, Suzanne Venker of FoxNews.com is entitled to her opinion, and her own expectation of what her marriage should/does look like. What I do not appreciate or agree with is the arrogance that all women, including me should/do share this belief! Why does this woman get to speak on behalf of our gender for publication on a national news forum?

Once my blood pressure came down to a normal, healthier range, I started to think about myself, my own marriage, advice I have received, thoughts I share, etc. I can only hope that when I share my random thoughts (or ridiculousness), I am clear in my desire to only speak for myself. Who am I to speak for anyone else?

 As my first anniversary came and went, I had thought about writing advice I would share with other brides planning their weddings. Then I came to the conclusion that my own wedding experience could not be transferred to others, nor should it be. Each couple is entitled to have the wedding that they want, and with that will come from their own experiences. While some of my thoughts may be shared by others; for instance, the conclusion that I wish I had come to earlier, that there is more than likely never going to be that magic dress that flatters and pleases any number of women. Regardless, who am I? 

My grandparents have been married for 64 years, my parents and in-laws both have marriages that are still going strong as they approach the 40 year mark. Do they have a right to give advice? Absolutely! And they all gave beautiful words of wisdom that my sisters incorporated into their toast to us - it was definitely a highlight of the reception for me. Does that mean that the marriage that Danny and I have will look exactly like any of theirs? Of course not. Do I aspire for something like what they have - a long, healthy, good life together? ABSOLUTELY!

One year into our marriage, I could not tell you what it looks like half the time. I just know that I don't "need" my husband for anything - I want Danny in my life as my partner. Back to this article that got me all riled up...

They (women) want balance.

And there’s only one way to get it: rely on a man’s more linear career goals. Unlike women, a man’s identity is inextricably linked to his paycheck. That’s how most men feel a sense of purpose. Indeed, research shows men see it as their duty to support their families even when their wives make as much money (or more) as they do!

Do I want balance in my life? Of course, I do. 

Do I think that Danny being my hunter/gatherer is the only way to get it? NO! I am going to continue to look for balance in my life as Danny and I figure out "how to do this married thing," together. If/when he and I figure it, I will not be writing an article about it saying it will work for all women and/or all men.

The beauty of our freedoms is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the responsibility side of such a liberty is respecting someone who disagrees with you. I respect Ms. Venker's right to her own opinion, but I would appreciate if she would consult with women everywhere before publishing that tells me what I, as a woman, need.










Friday, November 15, 2013

Football Friday from On Her Game - Guts do not Always Bring Glory OR The Bears Lost


http://flic.kr/p/7ZnhC8

This post for Football Friday for On Her Game really tested my patience as bits and pieces have been swirling in my head all week, but it was hard to find the time to write it out. Hopefully next week will be better, both in outcome and in written word.

As teams across the NFL saluted our men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military the phrase, “No Guts, No Glory” came to mind. Looking into its origin, the phrase was the title of a fighter tactics manual written by Major Gen. Frederick C. Blesse of the United States Air Force. The manual is considered the Bible of air-to-air combat and has been used by a number of air forces around the world. My apologies to Major Gen. Blesse, but in order to describe the Bears loss to the Lions, specifically the decisions made by Coach Trestman, I say, guts do not always bring glory.

Going into last Sunday, there was a log-jam at the top of the NFC North between the Bears, Lions, and Packers. While I believe the Vikings are still technically playing football, they have not been much of a division factor. As Greeny (Mike Greenberg) said on Mike and Mike in the Morning, the Packers are about to fall off the face of the earth with the injury sustained by Aaron Rodgers. So this game had all kinds of playoff implications. The opportunity was there for the taking, and the Bears blew it with a 21-19 loss!

The missed opportunity was then compounded with injuries. Charles Tillman suffered a torn right triceps that puts him on IR with the designation to return, and Jay Cutler is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain. The ankle injury would be in addition to the groin injury that I am not completely sure was healed enough to warrant him playing all the way through to the last two minutes of the game. Throughout the game Cutler looked like a baseball player adjusting himself after reaching base. My husband reminds me I have never worn an athletic cup, so I am just not going to understand. To which I respond, yes but why do the cameramen continue to show it? No answer from him. If you do not buy that baseball analogy, let me try another: Jay Cutler looked like a starting pitcher who did not want to give the manager the ball. Perhaps Jay was trying to prove his mettle to the critics who have called him weak (a judgment that I will never concede). Or worse, his concern may have been even more selfish in that his contract expires at the end of the season. Either way, Coach Trestman had a responsibility to take Cutler out of the game much sooner to give the Bears as a team the opportunity to win the game. For now at least, thankfully, gone are the days where the back-up quarterback felt like an automatic forfeiture. As Golic of Mike and Mike always says, you cannot ask the player if they want to come out of the game – the answer will always be a resounding no. It is your job as a coach to make those decisions for them.

Jeff Dickerson reminds us that Josh McCown’s veteran stock continues to rise as he “stepped in for Jay Cutler at the end of the fourth quarter against the Lions and promptly guided the Bears' offense on a 10-play, 74-yard scoring drive that culminated with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marshall. On the drive, McCown went 6-of-9 for 62 yards and the score.”


Cutler’s dismal second half play overshadowed the fact that Coach Trestman went for a first down on a fourth and one when the Bears were within field goal range early on in the game. Gould is as automatic as a kicker gets, so perhaps that was the difference in the game seeing as how the Bears lost by two points. While watching the game, my husband took issue with the call saying you always go for the points. I was grateful that Dickerson backed up my argument, “I didn't have a problem with the Bears going for it on fourth-and-1 against the Lions, but I did take issue with the play call.” I hated the play call, but I liked the aggressive play. For too long I watched Lovie Smith coach conservative football, and I am over it. Bring on some emotion and aggressive play, even if it may not always be the right decision. I take a much greater issue with Trestman’s decision to play Cutler when he was clearly not at his best. He has accepted responsibility for his thought process. Still coach, please find a balance between the “no guts, no glory” mindset and the reminder that you have to make the decisions for the whole team.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Football Friday from On Her Game - The Bears Brought their Cheese Graters to Lambeau Field

http://flic.kr/p/6b93eK

I had a lot of fun with this edition of  Football Friday for On Her Game especially since the Bears beat the Packers for the first time in a LONG time.   

In anticipation of the Monday Night showdown between the Bears and Packers my prediction for the Bears, being led on offense by back-up quarterback,  Josh McCown, is they would either get obliterated or shock “the experts” with an upset of the favored Pack. I did not see an in-between. At the end of the Packers first drive, however, a possible in-between seemed to manifest itself when Aaron Rodgers went out after landing on his left shoulder when he was sacked by defensive end, Shea McClellin.

With that sack, I suddenly found my perception of this game shifting to a the possibility of having another scenario similar to last season’s “Battle of the Back-Ups,” also known as the Bears/49ers game of November, 2012 when neither Jay Cutler nor then 49ers starter, Alex Smith were cleared to play after both suffered concussions the previous week. That was a TERRIBLE game when what was predicted to be a low-scoring, defensive battle, became a coming-out party for Colin Kaepernick. It was also yet another display of the ineptitude of the Bears offensive line of last season as back-up Jason Campbell was sacked six times, threw two interceptions, and faced constant pressure as the 49ers formidable defense ran all over (seemingly untouched at times) the Bears’ line.

Fortunately the 2013 iteration of “Battle of the Back-Ups” was a much stronger showing from the Bears, especially on the offensive side of the ball. I am choosing to ignore the blocked punt by the Packers instead focusing on Hester’s one decent run-back to celebrate his 31st birthday, even if it was not for a touchdown. In that moment you know it is only a matter of time before he eclipses Deion Sanders’s NFL record for touchdown returns instead of merely sharing it.

While the Bears defense of this season is not the dominating force we Bears’ fans are accustomed to, they still found a way, for the most part, to stop the Packers’ offense. After coming in for an injured Aaron Rodgers, Seneca Wallace completed 11-of-19 passes for 114 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception at the hands of Julius Peppers. Peppers seemed to come out of some sort of witness protection program last night with a sack, a circus-catch of an interception, and two additional batted down balls. The Bears’ run defense was disgraceful as Eddie Lacy who averaged 6.8 yards per carry and gained 150 yards for Green Bay. The secondary is also emerging as a major concern, especially in the horrid display of safety Major Wright. He sure did not live up to his name, instead playing like “Minor” Wright with a number of missed tackles, and a general air of befuddlement as if he did not appear to where he was, or what he was supposed to be doing in the moment.

Besides the 27-20 victory, my personal highlight of the game was the play of this rebuilt offensive line. I especially appreciated the graphic that gave a visual depiction of the fact that the four players from last year’s line that flanked center Roberto Garza have all been replaced. According to the “Further Review of the Bears Week 9,” from Michael C. Wright, of ESPN.com,Not only did the Bears limit Green Bay’s defense to one sack, the line provided enough push in the ground game to allow the Bears to chew up eight minutes, 58 seconds on an 18-play drive in the fourth quarter with the club clinging to a four-point advantage.”
Green Bay’s defensive line is not one to be pushed around as Johnny Jolly and B.J. Raji combined have to weight close to 700 pounds. In fairness to both of them, Raji appears to have lost some weight, as well as incredible agility, especially for a large man; and well, Johnny Jolly is just fun to say every now and again, unless it is something along the lines of Jolly put a sack on the Bears quarterback…

Following the outcome that shocked all the experts on the ESPN panel except Coach Ditka, the NFC North is now in a three way tie between the Bears, Lions, and Packers. While each division game is important, next week’s match-up between the Bears and Lions takes on a whole new level of significance. The Bears are saying that Cutler will be ready to start on Sunday, but I hope there is some consideration to giving his groin (still, OUCH!) more time to fully recover as back-up Josh McCown has handled himself quite well generating passer ratings of 90.7 and 119.6 with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Rather than dwelling on a possible quarterback controversy, I am going to put my trust in Coach Marc Trestman to make the right decision for the team, not just one that would work for Cutler who has a contract expiring at the end of the season.


For now, I am also going to bask in the glory of Chicago’s victory over Green Bay, and say that the Bears brought their cheese graters into Lambeau Field, and I sure did enjoy watching it!

Friday, November 1, 2013

The Spike Series: It's My Birthday!

Hello, people, Spike here. First, let me explain that I am the reason that this week's Football Friday got moved to Thursday, as Laurie let me take over the blog to announce it's MY BIRTHDAY! I am six years old today.

Since my Laurie and the Man have declared that I am no longer considered to be a flight risk, I was given this new harness for my birthday. Jeez, you run away one time to spend the evening with the rabbits and coyotes, and they hold it against you for the next four and a half years! The real reason was probably the old one was bothering my skin, but hey I am not complaining about the gift. 




Isn't it nice?! Please feel free to oooh and aaah as you see fit.



What I do want to complain about is what happened next...





As you can imagine, I felt stupid in the hat, but that was not the end of the ridiculousness. The Man had this hope that I would put a party blower in my mouth. I liked the taste, but this was the best (or worst) I could do...


Yep, Happy Birthday to me! I am promised a good treat when my people get home tonight, and they better come through for putting such stupid pictures of me out there for the world to see.












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