NFL Passer Ratings

Bryan just called me asking what I thought of Kerry Collins’ negative-seven yard passing performance yesterday. I pulled up the box score for the game to review his stat line (2 for 12 for -7 yards, 0 TDs and a pick) and said “well there have been worse performances.” After Bryan understandably expressed his confusion about my confidence in that remark I read the last number on the stat line: “as bad as it was he still had a 4.9 passer rating and we know that there are definitely players who have had passer ratings of 0.0” to which we wondered just how bad a quarterback would have to play in order to earn that dreadful 0.0 mark. Well after some brief discussion on the matter Bryan pointed out that this could turn into a pretty good post to which I simply responded “I’m on it.”

Shaq’s New Show

For the last two Tuesdays I’ve found myself watching Shaq Vs., the new show on ABC.  In it, Shaquille O’Neal takes on top athletes from around the country in their respective sport.  The results are predictably hilarious.  In the first episode Shaq took on Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in a 7 on 7, two-hand touch football game.  Roethlisberger’s team won, but the highlight of the night came when Shaq left the sideline to pick off Big Ben’s pass and rumble down the field for a score (which did not count.)

In last night’s episode, Shaq took on the best sand volleyball team in the world, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.  Again, he lost, but he put forth a respectable effort.

I’ve stated my general disdain for basketball on numerous occasions.  I just really don’t like the game.  I must say, though, that I love Shaquille O’Neal.  I wish all athletes were like him.

Julius Peppers Signs Ridiculous Deal

Julius Peppers

It just came out that Julius Peppers has agreed to a 1-year, 16.7 million dollar contract with the Carolina Panthers, which means he’ll be getting paid over one million dollars per game. Peppers has played for the Panthers for all seven of his years in the NFL after being drafted by them second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. Peppers has been a very productive player and is 6’7″ – 283 defensive end and “freakishly athletic” but has often been criticized for taking plays off and not going 100% on ever single down and “disappearing for long stretches.” Peppers had a 14.5 sacks last season, which is a career high and is his fifth season with double-digit sack numbers. He is also the franchise’s all-time career sack leader with 70.5.