Posted on September 8th, 2016
By DERON SNYDER
The Carolina Panthers don’t want us to call Thursday night’s season opener a rematch and that seems like a reasonable request.
Not because Denver defeated Carolina in Super Bowl 50 and associating the new season with that loss would be too painful. Vindication won’t be won with a win in Week 1.
No, the reason to disconnect those results from whatever happens Thursday wears No. 13 for Denver. He was a seventh-round draft pick in 2015 (the 250th player selected) and he’s the new starting quarterback, replacing future Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning.
His name is Trevor Siemian, also known as “Who?”
He’s the kind of QB who gives Kirk Cousins’ fans reason to fear that Washington’s front office views their guy as replaceable. If the defending Super Bowl champs can go from a legend under center to a guy without a single regular-season pass attempt, any team might feel comfortable rolling the dice with a great unknown.
We’ve seen this script before from defensive-minded teams. They just want a caretaker who won’t mess up things for the real difference-makers. Move the chains, avoid turnovers, manage field position, score a few points and let the defense take over from there.
Except the Broncos think Siemian can really play. He beat out eight-year veteran Mark Sanchez and prized No. 1 draft pick Paxton Lynch by exhibiting command of the offense, remarkable poise and a strong, accurate arm. He first impressed coaches and teammates during last season as the scout team QB, using that time to demonstrate his own ability while mimicking the likes of Cam Newton, Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady.
Now Siemian is one of them, a starting quarterback in the NFL.
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Posted on September 5th, 2016
By DERON SNYDER
Enjoying college sports at the highest level, at least for me, includes slight pangs of guilt and a tug at my conscience.
I try not to think about it too much, especially in the midst of thrillers like the University of Texas’ 50-47 double-overtime victory Saturday against Notre Dame, or unforeseen upsets like No. 3 Oklahoma going down against wanna-be Big 12 member Houston.
When the focus remains fixed on the ball and players between the white lines (or on the hardwood), it’s easy to view the action as mere fun and games, enjoyed by generation after generation of participants and spectators of all ages.
There are no conflicting emotions at the professional level. We understand that the NFL and NBA represent “big business,” whose sole reason for existence is to realize a profit. Pro leagues make games and Ford makes cars with the same intention – to make money as a result.
But the picture gets cloudy when the gaze shifts to campuses. I know the stated reasons for intercollegiate sports; they’re great for extracurricular activities, school spirit, marketing opportunities and alumni pride.
However, it’s impossible to ignore the staggering amounts of money involved – where it goes and where it comes from, who gets paid and who doesn’t – without raising nagging concerns about priorities and propriety.
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Posted on September 1st, 2016
By DERON SNYDER
Sometimes it’s hard to separate our true beliefs from our lip service.
One minute we encourage people to chase their dreams. The next minute we call them foolish and unrealistic.
On one hand, we say nothing beats failure but a try. On the other hand, we say don’t waste your time on the near-impossible.
One day we’re telling folks to believe in themselves and take chances. The next day they’re the objects of our derision.
Which is it for you? Do you applaud Tim Tebow for having the courage to potentially face plant on the diamond as he pursues a baseball career? Or do you ridicule him for thinking he can overcome an 11-year layoff and reach the big leagues?
From here, it seems like the laugh track is stuck in the on position.
But I’m clapping, even though with a gun to my head I’d bet my house that he fails.
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By DERON SNYDER
