Captain not-so-fantastic

The team captain has a unique position in English football. They are required to be inspirational, dogged, “110 per cent” leaders who can galvanise a team. Unlike our European neighbours who are brought up on finesse, skill and winning the game of tactical chess, our fundamentals reside elsewhere. Instead it’s heart, tenacity and that bulldog spirit on which we pride ourselves. You need to look no further than the auditions held by Fabio Capello earlier this year to see how much emphasis is placed on the role of the skipper. Few things in football irk a fan more than a perceived lack of effort from a player; a captain represents something the rest of the team can look up to, a shining example, leading his team to glory.

William Gallas, however, doesn’t quite fit this image. He may wear his heart on his sleeve, but only when he wants to. If anything, he’s the antithesis of a captain – self-centered, unpredictable and not exactly leading from the front either. Perhaps imploding from within would be a more valid description.

It is clear Arsenal have some serious problems, and they go a lot deeper than Gallas’s temper tantrums, but it would be hard to find a better place to start. Since that fateful trip to St Andrew’s last February, which saw Gallas stage a bizarre sit-down protest as Arsenal dropped two points in the last seconds and meekly faded from the title race, the Gunners’ captain has become more and more volatile. While his comments may be born out of a strong desire to win, his repeated failure to keep his emotions in check means this team is without a leader when they need it most.

“I have to win something this year,” Gallas complained in the press today. “Arsenal has to win something. Another season without a trophy would be a kind of failure.” Something tells me that an ultimatum is the last thing that the Frenchman should be issuing to this fractured squad. Arsène Wenger faces one of his toughest challenges yet. Not only does he have to drag these squabbling kids back into line, he has to make a decision on Gallas’s position within the team. And a vote of no confidence from the boss could just be the thing to set off this temperamental ticking time-bomb. As part of his rant, Gallas claimed one of the most experienced members of the squad was being a disruptive influence “on and off the pitch”. Was he referring to himself?

Under Pressure

A brief look ahead to a few of this weekend’s more important games – from www.wsc.co.uk

With the remarkable parity in the Premier League this month it’s important to remember that while all (well, most) teams look equal, some are more equal than others. One of those teams that may not be as equal as the rest is Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham side who host Portsmouth at Upton Park today. Zola is just getting comfortable, but the feisty Italian could soon start feeling the heat unless his side take the three points on offer. However, Zola does remain optimistic: “It is a test. Not an easy one, but I like it. I have had low moments in my career but I have always reacted well. A couple of wins and you can be in seventh place.”
The Hammers are currently a hot tip for relegation after a run of just one point in their last six games and find themselves just two points off the bottom. With Tony Adams’ side surely looking ahead to Thursday’s clash with Ronaldinho & co against AC Milan, a third straight loss at home could see the fans’ patience with Zola start to wane.

Patience is something Charlton fan’s have definitely run out of as Alan Pardew treads the thinnest of thin ice en route to face 2nd placed Birmingham City. With expectations of playoff contention, the Addicks have won just once in the last ten outings and find themselves just a point off the relegation zone with over a third of the season gone. Pardew did a fine job taking West Ham up after their relegation but has failed to work his magic at the Valley. After taking the lead last week in the 92nd minute and failing to win the game, Charlton will need to conjure up some performance at St. Andrews to secure Pardew’s job status for another week.

Watford find themselves in a similarly unattractive position at the bottom end of the table, but unlike their cross-London counterparts, they clearly weren’t in the mood to explore the murky depths of the Championship any further as they parted ways with Aidy Boothroyd last week. With a disappointing, totally lacking in flamboyance, exit from their long serving president Elton John as well, times are changing at Vicarage Road. They’re now looking to play their way out of trouble under caretaker boss Malky Mackay as the new era prepares to be ushered in. Life after Aidy continues with a trip to Barnsley, Watford in search of their first league win in six.

Boothroyd, however, may not need to move back in with the parents just yet. Huddersfield Town have been sniffing around the ex-Leeds coach after sacking Stan Ternant earlier this month. The Terriers seem undeterred by Boothroyd’s wish to “take a break” from the game for a few weeks (also translated as “waiting for a better offer”) and still hold out hope. For now, they’re currently forging ahead with caretaker boss Gerry Murphy, who’ll take charge today against Leeds at Elland Road. Should Boothroyd decide to stay at home, he’ll be missing out on quite a bit of fun at the McAlpine. There’s been a staggering 24 goals in their last five games, with one of those being goalless. However, Huddersfield have now twice contrived to lose after having a 3-2 lead with less than 8 minutes to go and will have a tough time changing their fortunes.

Don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone…

The term MVP has pretty much evolved now to mean the standout player, if anything the three words “most valuable player” aren’t even heard that much any more, MVP is almost it’s own word. Still, it’s down to interpretation, interpretation of value. In sports, value, refers to ability or performance, but it surely also involves worth, what with it being synonymous. How can you measure worth then? Perhaps only when you remove that factor you can tell it’s true worth, and that brings us to San Diego Charger’s linebacker/sack machine Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman.

It’s all well and good to estimate value but I think you can only truly see how vital something, or someone was, when it’s taken away. Every season there’s injuries, Tom Brady was the best player in the league by a mile last year and went down in Week 1. Now in my opinion there’s no quarterback as good as Brady, but the Patriots have coped, because, well they’re the Patriots, there’s still 10 other guys on that offense and Matt Cassel is hardly looking out of his depth with his 6-4 record. And with numbers like he put up last night (400 yards, 3 TDs, 0 Ints, 68 rushing yards), he’s looking Brady-esque. There’s other examples, Al Harris rupturing his spleen hit Green Bay hard, while a Bob Sanders-less Colts D is a different proposition to one with him leading it.

But when you take a look at the drop-off in performance from the Chargers D, it’s simply astounding that one player can have such an impact. The defense is ranked dead last against the pass, and 26th overall. Thats a drop off from 14th in both categories last year. Furthermore, while it may have been optimistic to expect a repeat of the 48 turnovers they generated last season, just 10 so far this season is another worrying drop-off.

What Merriman brought to San Diego was enormous. 39.5 sacks in 42 games, he terrorized quaterbacks and made them think differently about how to attack San Diego. It’s no coincidence that without his pass rushing ability, offenses have found it easier to pick apart the Chargers. His presence on the field changed the complexion of a game, one of those special players with the ability to play a a level that few only ever get to reach.

But even with his athletic ability, Merriman was a huge presence in the locker room too. He plays with such an intensity I’ve no doubt it makes his teammates raise their game. Missing a leader, the Chargers D simply hasn’t looked the same, almost lacking in confidence, that arrogance to challenge teams to come and beat them.

The Chargers will likely still make the playoffs, even with Merriman shut down for the year. Rivers has developed into a star and the offense is capable of tearing apart any team. It just remains to be seen whether this team can learn to regain some respect without Merriman patrolling behind the line.
Chargers Defensive Statistics
2008:
26th in yards per game (368)
32nd in passing yards (264)
12th in rushing yards (103)
15th in sacks (18)
6 Ints
4 rec fumbles

2007:
14th in total yards (320)
14th in passing yards (213)
16th in rushing yards (107)
5th in sacks (42)
30 interceptions
18 rec fumbles

Warner leading MVP race

The term MVP has become so distorted. The term Most Valuable Player suggests the, well, most valuable player but of course since the Associated Press took over the responsibility of choosing an MVP only 3 times has a non RB/QB been chosen. While not completely out of the ordinary, the first MVP was actually a center. How times have changed…

With that in mind, I’ve compiled my list of mid-season top 5 MVP candidates, the players I think are playing not just at an exceptional level but also just are the integral part to their team’s season. It’s all well and good putting up the numbers, but is it dragging the team to victories?

Kurt Warner – Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
I’m just a massive fan of Kurt Warner, show me any underdog story and I’m driving the bandwagon but for him to make another comeback after the New York exile and the Matt Leinart saga, amazing. The old fashioned gunslinger, he makes the Arizona offence. A stuttering run game with an aging Edgerrin James who’s never been able to find his form competing with the raw rookie Tim Hightower, Warner has just been torching defenses, and torching them when it matters. He has 3 recievers in the top 4 of the NFC for passes caught and 3 in the top 9 in terms of yards gained.

Yet… I’m not totally convinced, this is still Arizona, they’re 6-3 and some crunch games, notably New York will determine whether this team can get a first round bye, or face the possibility of a tough wildcard opponent. And to be honest, I’m not totally sure about this team outside of Tempe. Nevertheless, Warner has been superb, and with Brees unable to drag a struggling team to a winning record, he has to be the leader in the conventional MVP race at least. And nothing would make me happier to see this guy prove the critics wrong again and win a 3rd title.

Eli Manning – Quarterback, New York Giants
His numbers aren’t spectacular, then again they weren’t last year. The defense is spectacular still but the fact is, this is the guy that won the Superbowl. Before the season, people were crowning the Cowboys and the Patriots and the Chargers and talking of how this team may have to settle for a wilcard again. Of course things may be different if Brady was healthy but the Giants have ignored the rest of the league and strode out to an 8-1 record. There’s a reason why QB ratings don’t win you games, Manning’s is a meagre 88.8, but he still has 14 TDs to 6 INTs, and of course 8 wins.

He’s calmly led his team past Pittsburgh, Philly, Dallas and the fact is, he has that immeasurable and much sought after quality. He’s a winner. Like last year, he can play terrible for 3 quarters and win in the 4th. This year, he’s playing solid in the first 3 and winning in the 4th, or earlier. He’s been missing Burress for most of the season, yet still uses every reciever. Warner doesn’t have the same talented cast on defense, or a bruising running game so he’s ahead but Manning really cannot be overlooked.

Albert Haynesworth – Defensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans
You know a defensive tackle is good when people talk about him as an MVP and no one batters an eyelid. This guy is the real deal. Tennessee have given up just 117 points in 9 games thus far, 13 points a game while he has racked up 6 sacks. His true contribution however can’t be defined by single stats, the Titans are playing the game the 2000 Ravens played, and Haynesworth is this team’s Ray Lewis.

Last year when he was suspended for 5 games, the Titans visibly suffered and should he fly the nest this summer you can expect a sharp decline in that defense’s efficiency. A very strong candidate for defensive MVP honors although he’ll likely be challenged by Joey Porter, James Harrison and Charles Woodson. If he keeps reaching the quarterback however, you might just see his name mentioned in this race come the end of the season.

Charles Woodson – Cornerback, Green Bay Packers
Like Warner, I’ve always been a huge fan of Woodson. One of the leagues true shutdown corners, many a quarterback has made a handsome living by not throwing his way. So much so his interception numbers were never high in Oakland, paired with Phillip Buchanon for a few years who was simply fodder for trigger happy QBs. But placed in Green Bay opposite Al Harris and he has flourished, and with his Ints already at a league high 5, he’s clearly on the radar. Even when Harris went down, even with a foot injury, he maintained a sensational level of performance, leading an ailing defense. Furthermore, he’s one of the best open field tacklers at cornerback you’ll see in the game. Not a conventional choice, but this guy is invaluable to the Packers D

Drew Brees – Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
I kind of resent picking this guy. Now, I do love the adversity story, and the Saints offense is wonderful to watch, but they’re 4-5, how can you pick an MVP who doesn’t even make the playoffs?

That being said, Brees is on course for a record breaking season. He’s averaging an astouding 331 yards per game, he’s desperately trying to drag this team forward and he was near flawless when I watched him play in London. It’s just a shame this Saints team, well this Saints defense isn’t better.

Honorable mentions

No running backs in my top 5… Well Clinton Portis and Adrian Peterson are on the brink, and are certainly going to be contenders come the end of the season. However, it is a lot easier to run when you have a great o-line in front of you. I’m not saying, i’m just saying…

Joking aside, they’re great players who aren’t far from being the primary reason for their teams records. Certainly Minnesota’s Week 9 win was largely thanks to AP’s heroics on their game winning drive.

Phillip Rivers and Jay Cutler are putting up career numbers, but they’re not consistent enough yet and I feel their records reflect this. Yes the Bronco’s D is horrible and the Charger’s D isn’t exactly pulling up any trees, there can be only one, and there’s simpy guys ahead of them. Joey Porter and James Harrison also get honorable mentions

Respect has to be earned…

Derided as a weak PR stunt, the FA’s painfully ironic “Respect” campaign looks to be heading into full damage-limitation mode.

Haemorrhaging credibility by the week, it appears that just three months in, managers are considering not only withdrawing their support but even a possible “strike” of sorts in protest of the much-criticised initiative. It’s being reported that some managers are weighing up the option of holding players in the changing rooms to delay the start, or restart of a game in an attempt to make a dramatic appeal to beleaguered referee chief Keith Hackett.

Football is characterised by it’s room for human error, many would argue it’s a trait that is integral to the game itself but the campaign has so far only increased tensions between referees and managers. A strike may be an unlikely measure but the mere consideration illustrates the severe shortcomings of the initiative. The season has already produced one of the most bizarre (and worst) refereeing decisions of all time with the infamous “phantom goal” in the Watford v Reading fixture back in September. But Paul Jewell, quoted this week in the Guardian, believes it not just the poor decision making, it’s the lack of accountability: “Every manager says they are hard done-by after games but some of the injustices this season aren’t right.”

“All we want”, he continued, “is for people to hold their hands up and say they made a mistake, whether it’s a referee or a fourth official. They don’t help themselves by cocooning themselves away like they’re untouchable. Even if they had a go back, at least it’s being human and not hiding behind a banner of ‘Respect the ref’. Look at Aidy Boothroyd, he’s lost his job now. That goal between Watford and Reading that was allowed by Attwell didn’t cost him his job but it certainly didn’t help.”

This month alone we’ve seen Joe Kinnear brand Martin Atkinson a “Mickey Mouse referee” (evidently keeping with his cartoon theme after his “Coco the Clown” outburst) and Roy Keane banished to the stands following a brief half-time chat with Atkinson during his sides 5-0 loss to Chelsea. Paul Ince, Tony Mowbray, Dave Jones have all recently publicly challenged refereeing performances as well. The FA is pleading for more time but at this rate it may not even last the season. Respect, after all, is a two-way street.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 8

2008 Power Rankings: Week 8
	RK (Last week)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (1)	Giants	6-1-0	That’a why they’re the best team in the league, so what if they’re not undefeated, they just went into Pittsburgh and won
	2 (2)	Titans	7-0-0	Yeah they’re unbeaten, so what? I’m allowed to be not totally convinced, why? Kerry Collins and the total lack of experience come playoff time.
	3 (4)	Redskins	6-2-0	It’s that time of the season where the difference between a win and a loss is huge. Pittsburgh will be a different proposition than Detroit though…
	4 (7)	Panthers	6-2-0	While the rest of the NFC South is dealing with consistency issues, Carolina aren’t looking back.
	5 (3)	Steelers	5-2-0	A tough loss, but they’re still 5-2 and with the shape the AFC is in, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
	6 (5)	Bills	5-2-0	We know Miami are no pushover, but is the momentum in Buffalo slowing down?
	7 (10)	Patriots	5-2-0	You know Tom Brady was *only* 11-5 when he subbed in for Bledsoe. I’m not saying… but i’m just saying….
	8 (11)	Cowboys	5-3-0	How’s that for a nervous unconvincing win. It hardly gets easier from here, hello Giants D.
	9 (9)	Bears	4-3-0	And the Bears get to ease back in to the swing of things with the visit of Detroit. Orton for 400 yards?
	10 (6)	Bucs	5-3-0	I guess they are who we thought they were, inconsistent, and that doesn’t bode well in the ultra-competitive South
	11 (8)	Cardinals	4-3-0	Uh-oh, a loss to the resurgent Rams and their lead’s down to a single game. They don’t travel well either.
	12 (16)	Eagles	4-3-0	Now Westbrooks back, can we talk about this team as a contender? Wait, they’re 4th in the division at 4-3???
	13 (14)	Falcons	4-3-0	Whine all you want about that call, but why had they already burned the 3 timeouts? Should get easier with Oakland
	14 (23)	Ravens	4-3-0	And its Flacco deep! You know confidence is high when the lesser teams give you no trouble.
	15 (18)	Saints	4-3-0	Brees is just unstoppable at times, but they can’t afford many more slip-ups.
	16 (14)	Packers	4-3-0	This team is looking to take a firm grip of the division, but Tennessee is the last place they’ll want to be.
	17 (13)	Broncos	4-3-0	Something tells me the West is going down to the wire. Week 17, Chargers/Broncos
	18 (21)	Browns	3-4-0	Well what do you know, they’re still fighting, and the price of a wildcard is pretty low in the AFC…
	19 (15)	Jaguars	3-4-0	Trips to Cincy and Detroit await, blow that and forget the playoffs
	20 (17)	Chargers	3-4-0	This team seems hellbent on self-destruction. Silly penalties, failing to get the snap off. Yet you wouldn’t bet against them winning the West at 8-8
	21 (19)	Jets	4-3-0	How many interceptions for Favre this week?
	22 (25)	Texans	3-4-0	That’s three straight, and they’re tied for 2nd. This offense is very impressive
	23 (20)	Colts	3-4-0	That’s the division pretty much gone, this team is crumbling.
	24 (22)	Vikings	3-4-0	You can forget any playoff hopes if the Williams twins go down.
	25 (24)	Rams	2-5-0	Yeah a loss but this Rams team is really fighting. I’d have to make them favourites at home to Arizona.
	26 (27)	Dolphins	3-4-0	This team should be 5-2, think about that.
	27 (26)	Raiders	2-5-0	So much for the hope. Russell is so far off the finished article
	28 (29)	Seahawks	2-5-0	Is there really much to say here?
	29 (28)	49ers	6-6-0	And the Niner’s season just got a lot more wacky. This should be interesting.
	30 (30)	Chiefs	1-6-0	They keep showing flashes… Where it’s coming from noone knows.
	31 (31)	Bengals	0-8-0	I’m with TJ, they’re going to win at least a game. When? I don’t know…
	32 (32)	Lions	0-7-0	Is bringing in Daunte Culpepper in Week 9 really going to change anything?