Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
John Vincent Reading Response
In John Vincent's article he compares the coverage of male athletes verses female athletes in the media. In his research he unearths that although female sports are currently on the rise, only about 10% of media coverage is directed toward female sports. Not only that but the majority of the coverage is focused on sports that are seen as more gender appropriate, like swimming, diving, and tennis. Team based sports seemed to be glazed over in coverage of female's as well, which is interesting since team sports in the male arena are the most prominent and are used as a symbol of "brothers" going into battle together for each other. This shows a definite bias toward the idea that males are interconnected within a society, while women are isolated from the "system." This further perpetuates the idea that the males role is to be in an active public role with other males, while females are suppose to be in less influential domestic settings.
Not only is the amount of coverage not equitable, but the type of coverage focused on women is less about their athletic achievements. Especially the so called more feminine sports often focus on sexuality. A good example of this is the last year of commercials based around Danica Patrick, where few have any mention or even hint that she is an athlete and focus only on her appearance. Male athletes are almost never used in this way, most likely because they are usually being covered by other males who write as if their entire audience is male. One of the biggest indicators of the inequality in coverage that bothered me was the idea that the it appears that most writers are performing with only a masculine male audience in mind.
Vincent points out the underlying situation this whole problem is taking place in early in the article.
Not only is the amount of coverage not equitable, but the type of coverage focused on women is less about their athletic achievements. Especially the so called more feminine sports often focus on sexuality. A good example of this is the last year of commercials based around Danica Patrick, where few have any mention or even hint that she is an athlete and focus only on her appearance. Male athletes are almost never used in this way, most likely because they are usually being covered by other males who write as if their entire audience is male. One of the biggest indicators of the inequality in coverage that bothered me was the idea that the it appears that most writers are performing with only a masculine male audience in mind.
Vincent points out the underlying situation this whole problem is taking place in early in the article.
"To meet their financial objectives, newspapers generally try to attract the largest and
most affluent readership possible.
This frequently translates into newspapers reinforcing traditional
cultural mainstream values rather than act as engines of social change"
Money drives everything even at a newspaper which is suppose to be objective in their coverage and analysis. This happens not only in the sports section but often results in consistently underwhelming material. In a market where they are not going to be protected from a possible hiccup in readership as people adjust to a more accurate demonstration of the happenings in sports, the news sources on the fringes who have more flexible ideologies will likely have to be the ones who deliver this social change.
His recommendations for more equal coverage, based on space and coverage of certain sports, etc., is intriguing and something that should be worked toward. I think the best first steps that can be made are, focusing on in competition photos, defining through athletic feats and not gender roles,avoiding sexist portrayals, giving equal coverage to the so called less feminine sports and focusing more on stars who are the best in their sport and can be role models, instead of Michelle Wie's and Anna Kournikova...anytime the sports world can name more of your boyfriends than athletic feats, maybe it is time to cover someone else.
The best part of this article for me was the end where he focuses on changing the mindset and expectations for female's in athletics. The benefits of a healthy relationship with sports are huge for children as far as developing social skills with peers and learning healthy behaviors and relationships. Opening that door fully to all children should be something as a society we should strive for. And providing a whole host of new role models that are not based on gender stereotypes would help breakdown the inequality that still is rampid within our society.
Week 7 Reaction
The Packers did exactly what everyone envisioned they would, dismantling a far lesser opponent and looking like they might be able to beat anyone in the league. Somehow they look as good as the Colts when playing teams in the bottom tier of the NFL, but as soon as faced with a quality opponent seem to crumble and look like a shell of themselves. The peculiar portion of this equation is that when watching them play good teams they seem capable of competing.
Turnovers and sacks just kill them in big games seemingly every week. Also, their defense is going to need to do better than just bottling up Adrian Peterson like they did in the first meeting between the Packers and Vikings. Their run defense is still so weak that unless they dedicate almost all of their attention to Peterson he will rage on them, but in stifling the running game they leave themselves exposed everywhere else. Anyway, they have to prove they can beat a good team and if they want to keep up in the division race, I think they need a win this week.
The Vikings on the other hand have much less on the line this upcoming week. No matter what happens this week it seems that at least 11 or 12 wins are in the cards for Minnesota this season. After Sunday, 5 of their remaining 8 games are at home and they still have contests remaining against Detroit, Seattle, Carolina, and the Bears twice. If they do not win 4 of those 5 games I think it will be surprising.
The loss this week actually proved more to me than any of their wins thus far. Playing a top five team in the league they took several punches and responded every time until the end interception on the screen pass. Not only are they at least a top 3 team in the NFC, but they match-up well with their pass rush and running game against Indianapolis who looks like the best team in the AFC at this point in the season.
If Peterson and Favre can stay healthy and their defense returns all their key pieces by the playoffs, they will be difficult to contend with. Especially if Percy Harvin, who looks like the most impressive offensive rookie this season, can maintain his knack for making big plays and Farve can continue to find him.
Turnovers and sacks just kill them in big games seemingly every week. Also, their defense is going to need to do better than just bottling up Adrian Peterson like they did in the first meeting between the Packers and Vikings. Their run defense is still so weak that unless they dedicate almost all of their attention to Peterson he will rage on them, but in stifling the running game they leave themselves exposed everywhere else. Anyway, they have to prove they can beat a good team and if they want to keep up in the division race, I think they need a win this week.
The Vikings on the other hand have much less on the line this upcoming week. No matter what happens this week it seems that at least 11 or 12 wins are in the cards for Minnesota this season. After Sunday, 5 of their remaining 8 games are at home and they still have contests remaining against Detroit, Seattle, Carolina, and the Bears twice. If they do not win 4 of those 5 games I think it will be surprising.
The loss this week actually proved more to me than any of their wins thus far. Playing a top five team in the league they took several punches and responded every time until the end interception on the screen pass. Not only are they at least a top 3 team in the NFC, but they match-up well with their pass rush and running game against Indianapolis who looks like the best team in the AFC at this point in the season.
If Peterson and Favre can stay healthy and their defense returns all their key pieces by the playoffs, they will be difficult to contend with. Especially if Percy Harvin, who looks like the most impressive offensive rookie this season, can maintain his knack for making big plays and Farve can continue to find him.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sports Event Column For Class
I am not one to echo the idea that some players or teams want to win more or play harder. I think the Bears this past Sunday tried to play hard and wanted a win, but it appeared they just could not get their motors going. Although it is difficult to stay enthralled when being browbeat by a team who is dominating you physically in all phases of the game. Even when the game started the Bengals seemed to relish the challenge of a big game, while the Bears did not seem very thrilled about getting their hands dirty.
Now blaming one player is unfair, because so many different dynamics are happening in a locker room, and I truly believe any player can be in a winning organization if put in right position (A-Rod this season). Looking at Jay Cutler this Sunday however gave me the impression of a completely lethargic presence. He was giving off Terrell Owens like vibes, while his team was being completely thrashed by a team that has had the attitude of an underdog each week. It is understandable that a player might become forlorn after throwing three picks and having to watch three quarters without any real hope of winning. What really bothers me about his presence is the clips of after each interception him not being upset with himself, but throwing his arms in the air giving the impression that the receiver or his line or something else is really to blame. Which could be completely true but it appears he is separating himself from the struggles his team is having.
My thinking on the subject of a player coming to a franchise as the “savior” much like Jay Cutler has been labeled in Chicago, is that once the initial excitement of getting a major upgrade to your team wears off the downsides, which where glossed over during the honeymoon period, seem to be magnified. Not only by the fans, but by teammates and perhaps even the player itself who could have bought the hype as much as anyone. So suddenly the player being human becomes a flaw that is resented by both the player and his teammates.
Cedric Benson on the other hand came out with a do anything to win approach, and although he might have had a little extra motivation because he was playing his old team, the Bengals have been doing this almost every week so far this season. This is a team that did not bring in any big names, and actually lost one of their biggest stars, this season but have already won more games than last year and are tied for the division lead.
A perfect example of the hero verses the non-hero expectations and their effects on a team, was given in Brett Favre with the Jets compared to Brett Favre with the Vikings. When the Jets signed Farve he automatically made them a Super Bowl contender even though they were coming off a four win season….o yeah and look what happened in Miami with Chad Pennington. In Minnesota however, the pieces were in place and he was going to be a steady hand that assisted Adrian Peterson in dismantling opponents. In this role he has really flourished compared to in New York where his shortcomings translated into resentment by many teammates.
There are only a handful of teams that seem to be able to come out with an air of confidence and play almost mechanically and still win on a regular basis; two most notable teams are the Patriots and Colts. They keep their responses even keel for the most part and are good enough that this works even better for them. Unfortunately, the Bears are, as we are learning, nowhere near good enough to adopt this approach.
I know that it is still early in both the season and his career as a Bear to make any kind of rash judgments about what his time in Chicago will entail. His talent is undeniably impressive and he has given the town hope for a sparkling future in football. Still the team, which has completely forged a path away from a running team to a pass happy offense, has not scored more than 17 points except verses Seattle and Detroit. So do not be surprised if Cutler comes out fired up against the Browns next week and throws to the tune of 300 plus yards, but unless things go well early do not expect him to do much of anything that is impressive against solid defenses. This inability or unwillingness to overcome challenges that are not easy will hamper his time with the Bears, but his talent will keep everyone from turning to much of a critical eye upon his play.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Pick'em
Minnesota 17 Pittsburgh 28- I thought that the Vikings would lose at least 1 game in the 3 game set against Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay, and I think this is the week it will happen. The Steelers are coming off of games against Detroit and Cleveland and Troy Polamalu is playing. I expect this will be the first game we will truly see Brett Favre struggle in at times. He won't play ridiculously awful, but expect that a stretch of the game will be a compilation of short drives, incompletions and sacks.
Chicago 31 Cincinnati 10- This one I think is going to get out of hand quickly. Expect something along the lines of the Atlanta vs. San Francisco game a few weeks back. It won't reflect how comparable the teams are maybe earlier or later in the season, but I just see these two teams going in different directions at this point in the season. Cincinnati will struggle on offense and the Bears will capitalize on great field position and a Bengals defense that will be on the field for a large section of the game.
On a similar note, check out Chad Ochocinco's news network. The OCNN (Ochocinco News Network) will be quite interesting for all of us and surprisingly might be oddly informative. Plus he has the best slogan for a news network, "If I break it, you might as well believe it." Alright back to predictions.
Green Bay 35 Cleveland 14- Green Bay is made to blowout sub-par teams. This honestly will not prove anything we did not already know about the Packers team, unless they lose. I just don't see that happening. Aaron Rogers will put up monster numbers and the defense will look better than it actually is, while Derek Anderson and/or Brady Quinn try to keep pace with the fireworks show. If they win however, and Minnesota loses to the Super Bowl champs it sets up quite an interesting match-up in Green Bay the following week, with division lead implications.
Chicago 31 Cincinnati 10- This one I think is going to get out of hand quickly. Expect something along the lines of the Atlanta vs. San Francisco game a few weeks back. It won't reflect how comparable the teams are maybe earlier or later in the season, but I just see these two teams going in different directions at this point in the season. Cincinnati will struggle on offense and the Bears will capitalize on great field position and a Bengals defense that will be on the field for a large section of the game.
On a similar note, check out Chad Ochocinco's news network. The OCNN (Ochocinco News Network) will be quite interesting for all of us and surprisingly might be oddly informative. Plus he has the best slogan for a news network, "If I break it, you might as well believe it." Alright back to predictions.
Green Bay 35 Cleveland 14- Green Bay is made to blowout sub-par teams. This honestly will not prove anything we did not already know about the Packers team, unless they lose. I just don't see that happening. Aaron Rogers will put up monster numbers and the defense will look better than it actually is, while Derek Anderson and/or Brady Quinn try to keep pace with the fireworks show. If they win however, and Minnesota loses to the Super Bowl champs it sets up quite an interesting match-up in Green Bay the following week, with division lead implications.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sports Journalism Column
So I wrote this about a week ago and since that time I have had this topic thrown even farther back in my face.
Trends in the media are becoming jokingly predictable. No sooner had Denver sealed up a 20-17 victory over New England on Sunday then the flood of support for Kyle Orton and the team began to overflow the airwaves and people’s television sets.
As the same reporters who rushed to dismiss any chance for success prior to the season now gush over the 5-0 Broncos and there quarterback, it is difficult to piece together why. The sudden burst of energy which had begun to brew after they defeated the Cowboys the week before, exploded with a chorus of “They really proved something to me today” and “We can really say the Broncos are a legitimate contender now” in dozens of variations. What now will be the reaction when they lose in the coming weeks as San Diego, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh loom? “They really exploited some flaws in the Broncos team this week” and “They are really going to have to regroup and go back to the drawing board after that disaster.”
Orton still is exactly what he has always been, a steady reliable quarterback that can make some plays and will not lose the game. Several aspects of the game he even excels at, he has 4 different leading receivers in 5 games, 1 interception, etc.. The question still remains however, what happens when he has to play a stout team that has circled Denver on their schedule as a big game. When a solid defensive outing and productive running game either are ineffective or not enough to beat one of the elite teams in the NFL, what will the media say and how supportive of Orton will fans in Denver be?
There is a reason Chicago continued to go back to Rex Grossman year after year while Orton sported a 21-12 record as a starter on the bench. Even after starting 14 of 16 games in 2005 and leading the Bears to a first round bye, the coaching staff called upon Grossman in the playoffs, opting to give themselves a chance to win with an inconsistent play maker than hoping Orton could hold the dam.
It is not that we shouldn’t give credit where credit is due, they have surprised everyone to take a commanding lead in the division with a remarkable 5-0 start. Orton has played remarkably well, especially against New England where he threw for 330 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Their stranglehold on the worst division in the AFC could begin to slip. While they play Baltimore and Pittsburg the Chargers are matched against Kansas City and Oakland. It is not out of the question by any means that this team could come away with the division title, and that is a story in itself due to their tumultuous off season the team went through. The fact still remains however that if your favorite team had to play any division leader at this point in the first round of the playoffs fans would be begging for Orton and his band, because everyone feels they can raise their level of play into another gear. Where would that gear come from in Denver, besides special teams.
The whole premise for this article is unfortunate, because Orton appears to be a likable team player who is only doing his job to help a team win. But when nobody points out the fact that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick would be licking their chops because they know that their is more in the tank, while it is hard see the ceiling for the Broncos level of play going much higher than what it is at presently.
Trends in the media are becoming jokingly predictable. No sooner had Denver sealed up a 20-17 victory over New England on Sunday then the flood of support for Kyle Orton and the team began to overflow the airwaves and people’s television sets.
As the same reporters who rushed to dismiss any chance for success prior to the season now gush over the 5-0 Broncos and there quarterback, it is difficult to piece together why. The sudden burst of energy which had begun to brew after they defeated the Cowboys the week before, exploded with a chorus of “They really proved something to me today” and “We can really say the Broncos are a legitimate contender now” in dozens of variations. What now will be the reaction when they lose in the coming weeks as San Diego, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh loom? “They really exploited some flaws in the Broncos team this week” and “They are really going to have to regroup and go back to the drawing board after that disaster.”
Orton still is exactly what he has always been, a steady reliable quarterback that can make some plays and will not lose the game. Several aspects of the game he even excels at, he has 4 different leading receivers in 5 games, 1 interception, etc.. The question still remains however, what happens when he has to play a stout team that has circled Denver on their schedule as a big game. When a solid defensive outing and productive running game either are ineffective or not enough to beat one of the elite teams in the NFL, what will the media say and how supportive of Orton will fans in Denver be?
There is a reason Chicago continued to go back to Rex Grossman year after year while Orton sported a 21-12 record as a starter on the bench. Even after starting 14 of 16 games in 2005 and leading the Bears to a first round bye, the coaching staff called upon Grossman in the playoffs, opting to give themselves a chance to win with an inconsistent play maker than hoping Orton could hold the dam.
It is not that we shouldn’t give credit where credit is due, they have surprised everyone to take a commanding lead in the division with a remarkable 5-0 start. Orton has played remarkably well, especially against New England where he threw for 330 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Their stranglehold on the worst division in the AFC could begin to slip. While they play Baltimore and Pittsburg the Chargers are matched against Kansas City and Oakland. It is not out of the question by any means that this team could come away with the division title, and that is a story in itself due to their tumultuous off season the team went through. The fact still remains however that if your favorite team had to play any division leader at this point in the first round of the playoffs fans would be begging for Orton and his band, because everyone feels they can raise their level of play into another gear. Where would that gear come from in Denver, besides special teams.
The whole premise for this article is unfortunate, because Orton appears to be a likable team player who is only doing his job to help a team win. But when nobody points out the fact that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick would be licking their chops because they know that their is more in the tank, while it is hard see the ceiling for the Broncos level of play going much higher than what it is at presently.
Lions and Packers and Bears oh my
The Lion vs. Packers match-up did not provide any spectacular insights into either team, they both performed to expectations. That said the Packers out passed, out rushed, and out hit the Lions thoroughly last Sunday. Aaron Rogers completed over 80% of his passes, but fans should still be cautious as this team is built to blow out bad teams and have not been able to produce anything but large numbers of sacks for their opponents, against quality teams. They did their job however and are back in the thick of things as far as the playoffs go.....especially with Cleveland and their one win lurking.
For the Lions to win games this season their defense is going to have to hold teams to under 20 points. They have gone through two quarterbacks (and are now onto Drew Stanton)and Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson have been hurting for last few weeks. With their two best threats ailing or sidelined and the general atrocity that is their offensive line don't expect them to outscore many opponents this season. This loss does set up a clash with the 0-6 (likely to be 0-7 by week 8) Rams after their bye week. I have a feeling FOX will be going elsewhere for their ratings.
Finally we come to the Bears who ended their three game honeymoon with Jay Cutler with a 7 point loss to the Falcons. It is hard to stomach a loss where you moved the ball rather effectively out rushing and out passing your opponent, but any time you turn the ball over 3 times and go 1 for 4 in red zone (Cutler's red zone qb rating was a paltry 37) appearances you can not expect anything but a loss.
The good news for the Bears is you leave the game feeling you could beat that team if lined up against them in the playoffs, not just win but almost, be careful here, expect to win. I would be confident if I drew the Falcons for a round one playoff game, not likely with the surging Saints, but the problem is you have to get there first.
Also, the whole storyline of two of the next young gun talents facing off, really failed to develop. Both looked flashy and inconsistent with neither really developing a good rhythm during the game. Good things can be said for the defenses, but let's not knight these two as the next Brady and Manning....at least not yet.
For the Lions to win games this season their defense is going to have to hold teams to under 20 points. They have gone through two quarterbacks (and are now onto Drew Stanton)and Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson have been hurting for last few weeks. With their two best threats ailing or sidelined and the general atrocity that is their offensive line don't expect them to outscore many opponents this season. This loss does set up a clash with the 0-6 (likely to be 0-7 by week 8) Rams after their bye week. I have a feeling FOX will be going elsewhere for their ratings.
Finally we come to the Bears who ended their three game honeymoon with Jay Cutler with a 7 point loss to the Falcons. It is hard to stomach a loss where you moved the ball rather effectively out rushing and out passing your opponent, but any time you turn the ball over 3 times and go 1 for 4 in red zone (Cutler's red zone qb rating was a paltry 37) appearances you can not expect anything but a loss.
The good news for the Bears is you leave the game feeling you could beat that team if lined up against them in the playoffs, not just win but almost, be careful here, expect to win. I would be confident if I drew the Falcons for a round one playoff game, not likely with the surging Saints, but the problem is you have to get there first.
Also, the whole storyline of two of the next young gun talents facing off, really failed to develop. Both looked flashy and inconsistent with neither really developing a good rhythm during the game. Good things can be said for the defenses, but let's not knight these two as the next Brady and Manning....at least not yet.
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