The temperature was in the upper 30's at Ameriquest Field in Arlington, but that didn't stop new Rangers Manager Ron Washington from holding a portion of a mini camp outdoors.
“Beautiful baseball weather,” he said with a laugh. “I love it. We got our work done.”
Most of the work was actually moved to the indoor batting cages. These days the focus of General Manager Jon Daniels is to bring stability to the organization.
“The reality is I'm the third General Manger in the last six seven years,” said Daniels. “Ron's the third or fourth manager we're having. We've had too much turnover in the leadership here, and in our scouting and development departments.
With Washington as the new manager, young players know their careers are getting a fresh start. Once again, it’s all about first impressions.
“I know that he is going to bring a positive upbeat energy to this club,” says Rangers Pitcher Cameron Loe. “That's just the feeling I get from him, every time I talk to him. But I don't know how its gonna work. I'm very interested to see how it works.”
Pitcher Thomas Diamond shares a similar view. “Since he was in Oakland, he's seen most of the guys,” says Diamond. “He really hasn't seen any of the guys in the minor leagues, so its like a first impression here.”
Washington says he's contacted most of the players about what he expects. It was something he wanted to address as quickly as possible.
“I wanted to get that out of the way before spring training started,” says Washington. “I wanted them to know what I'm about. I wanted them to know my attitude. I wanted them to know my effort level, my commitment, and I wanted them to match it. And if they match my level of attitude commitment and effort, I'm not going to have any problems.”
This mini camp will last only two days. It’s designed for the pitchers, because that's what the team needs to work on most. All will be in Surprise, Arizona in about two weeks. Those who attended, included C.J. Wilson, John Koronka, Kameron Loe, A.J. Murray, Kevin Millwood, Thomas Diamond, Eric Hurley, Robinson Tejeda, Edinson Volquez, Francisco Cruceta and Brandon McCarthy.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Matt Doherty Is Trying To Change SMU Culture
Matt Doherty won a national championship as a player at North Carolina. He even played with Michael Jordan. But now he's trying to turn a program around as the head basketball coach at SMU.
At his weekly radio show at Ten Sports Grill in Downtown Dallas, he spends time talking to loyal SMU fans.
“My wife always called me the mayor anyway,” he says. “I mean its kind of what I do, shake hands and greet people. That's the Irish Catholic in me.”
Doherty has been a college coach for 16-years, and uses a weekly radio show, broadcast on KAAM 1770 AM, to get the word out.
He preaches a philosophy similar to that of Bob Knight. “You know if you make more foul shots, they are free shots, if you make more, than the other team takes, your gonna be in good position to win a basketball game.”
jennifer henry-smu fan
“I love that he can be the face of our program,” says Jennifer Henry who sits in the crowd listening to the radio show. “I mean this event right here is one example. He's out, he's greeting people, he's making relations in the community, and I think that's really important, and something we've really missed.”
In his 9-months on the job, Doherty has helped the school install a new digital scoreboard, and even got construction started on a state of the art practice facility. The SMU Tennis Center had to be removed.
“That big mud pile, that big, big mud pit, is one of the most exciting things I've ever seen,” says Doherty as he looks over the construction site. “That's the future of our program.”
Doherty also appears weekly on Southwest KIA Sportstalk on Channel 52, and opened the show this week by saying: “I just want to say one thing. Okay, I'm not a candidate for the head coach of the Dallas. Okay I just wanted to make that clear.” It’s a clear indication of a likeable personality.
Doherty also has his own Blog at MustangHoopsBlog.com.
“I now am proud to say I'm a Mustang player,” says SMU Forward Ike Ofoegbu, “I know looking back in about two or three years, it’s going to be a big time program. I mean he wants it to be like a Duke or North Carolina, so I mean, he's going to get it done.”
The bottom line is that folks on campus like what Doherty are doing. He's accessible, he's promotable, and he's trying to change the culture. But just like the new basketball facility, it’s not going to happen overnight
At his weekly radio show at Ten Sports Grill in Downtown Dallas, he spends time talking to loyal SMU fans.
“My wife always called me the mayor anyway,” he says. “I mean its kind of what I do, shake hands and greet people. That's the Irish Catholic in me.”
Doherty has been a college coach for 16-years, and uses a weekly radio show, broadcast on KAAM 1770 AM, to get the word out.
He preaches a philosophy similar to that of Bob Knight. “You know if you make more foul shots, they are free shots, if you make more, than the other team takes, your gonna be in good position to win a basketball game.”
jennifer henry-smu fan
“I love that he can be the face of our program,” says Jennifer Henry who sits in the crowd listening to the radio show. “I mean this event right here is one example. He's out, he's greeting people, he's making relations in the community, and I think that's really important, and something we've really missed.”
In his 9-months on the job, Doherty has helped the school install a new digital scoreboard, and even got construction started on a state of the art practice facility. The SMU Tennis Center had to be removed.
“That big mud pile, that big, big mud pit, is one of the most exciting things I've ever seen,” says Doherty as he looks over the construction site. “That's the future of our program.”
Doherty also appears weekly on Southwest KIA Sportstalk on Channel 52, and opened the show this week by saying: “I just want to say one thing. Okay, I'm not a candidate for the head coach of the Dallas. Okay I just wanted to make that clear.” It’s a clear indication of a likeable personality.
Doherty also has his own Blog at MustangHoopsBlog.com.
“I now am proud to say I'm a Mustang player,” says SMU Forward Ike Ofoegbu, “I know looking back in about two or three years, it’s going to be a big time program. I mean he wants it to be like a Duke or North Carolina, so I mean, he's going to get it done.”
The bottom line is that folks on campus like what Doherty are doing. He's accessible, he's promotable, and he's trying to change the culture. But just like the new basketball facility, it’s not going to happen overnight
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Indoor Golf At Its Finest
While the average Texan was worried about slick roads, traffic jams, and avoiding outside activity, some folks headed to the golf course.
The place is Texas Indoor Golf, located in Grapevine, Texas. It’s on the access road, across the freeway from Grapevine Mills Mall.
“I have a sixty degree rule. Sixty degrees or warmer, that's the only time I play outside,” said Brian Beasley of Bedford.
Here when the golfers check in, they are asked if they prefer wind on the course, background crowds, are fans yelling when you hit a bad shot. It’s computerized golf using your own clubs and your own shots.
. “We like bad weather days,” says Jim Buchanan, General Manager of Texas Indoor Golf. “That's not a problem for us. As a matter of fact, rain sleet snow, like the post office, we're open.”
Just because they play indoors, doesn't mean you have to give up all the comforts of golf. It may be nasty outside, but in here, the weather is not a problem.
Says Beasley, “You’re playing golf at Pebble Beach, what more could you ask for, unless they had free beer!”
Al Slutz of Fort Worth was just as excited. “It’s snowing and icy outside, here we are playing Pebble Beach, with my friends, what could be better than that.
Not only is it 72-degrees in here, but you can choose from the finest layouts in the world. So while you're reliving your commute to and from work, on this icy, snowy day, you can think of these folks, teeing it up at Pebble Beach, and never left Texas
The place is Texas Indoor Golf, located in Grapevine, Texas. It’s on the access road, across the freeway from Grapevine Mills Mall.
“I have a sixty degree rule. Sixty degrees or warmer, that's the only time I play outside,” said Brian Beasley of Bedford.
Here when the golfers check in, they are asked if they prefer wind on the course, background crowds, are fans yelling when you hit a bad shot. It’s computerized golf using your own clubs and your own shots.
. “We like bad weather days,” says Jim Buchanan, General Manager of Texas Indoor Golf. “That's not a problem for us. As a matter of fact, rain sleet snow, like the post office, we're open.”
Just because they play indoors, doesn't mean you have to give up all the comforts of golf. It may be nasty outside, but in here, the weather is not a problem.
Says Beasley, “You’re playing golf at Pebble Beach, what more could you ask for, unless they had free beer!”
Al Slutz of Fort Worth was just as excited. “It’s snowing and icy outside, here we are playing Pebble Beach, with my friends, what could be better than that.
Not only is it 72-degrees in here, but you can choose from the finest layouts in the world. So while you're reliving your commute to and from work, on this icy, snowy day, you can think of these folks, teeing it up at Pebble Beach, and never left Texas
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Defensive Deficiency For Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys defense hasn't generated much good news lately. They’ve allowed 103-points in the last three games, and Sunday against Philadelphia, they allowed the Eagles to convert 56-percent of their third downs. Stopping their opponent seemed impossible.
“Well it’s always a combination of things,” said Head Coach Bill Parcells. “We have got to get better pressure on the quarterback, which I will admit, we are having trouble doing. So, I'm going to change a few things to try and help that this week.”
The loss to Philadelphia has created a feeling of unrest, testing the character and patience of every player in the locker room. A team that had a chance to wrap up a division championship now hopes they can beat Detroit, while the Eagles lose to Atlanta.
“People need to just start playing, and stop talking so much,” says Cornerback Terence Newman. “That's the just of it. It’s a show me league, so all the talking is not going to do anything.”
“I think a trend in the NFL is, when you lose, sometimes players point fingers at coaches, sometimes coaches point fingers at players, but we're all in this together,” said Linebacker Bradie James. “Really the drama is us not being consistent, that's the constant drama that we all can change. It is time to start talking about it and get it done.”
Every team in the league struggles at one time or another, so Parcells is trying to stay positive.
“That's why I won't let the negativism that permeates this town, from week to week, stay in place, because if I'm negative about it, then I'm afraid my players will be. If I don't have hope, than who has it? You sure as hell don't have it, talking to you, ha ha ha ha!”
It is a little late for quick fixes, so Parcells is taking the positive approach, hoping that approach will help change a defense that continues to get worse and worse.
“Well it’s always a combination of things,” said Head Coach Bill Parcells. “We have got to get better pressure on the quarterback, which I will admit, we are having trouble doing. So, I'm going to change a few things to try and help that this week.”
The loss to Philadelphia has created a feeling of unrest, testing the character and patience of every player in the locker room. A team that had a chance to wrap up a division championship now hopes they can beat Detroit, while the Eagles lose to Atlanta.
“People need to just start playing, and stop talking so much,” says Cornerback Terence Newman. “That's the just of it. It’s a show me league, so all the talking is not going to do anything.”
“I think a trend in the NFL is, when you lose, sometimes players point fingers at coaches, sometimes coaches point fingers at players, but we're all in this together,” said Linebacker Bradie James. “Really the drama is us not being consistent, that's the constant drama that we all can change. It is time to start talking about it and get it done.”
Every team in the league struggles at one time or another, so Parcells is trying to stay positive.
“That's why I won't let the negativism that permeates this town, from week to week, stay in place, because if I'm negative about it, then I'm afraid my players will be. If I don't have hope, than who has it? You sure as hell don't have it, talking to you, ha ha ha ha!”
It is a little late for quick fixes, so Parcells is taking the positive approach, hoping that approach will help change a defense that continues to get worse and worse.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Darryl And Sharlene Sydor Become United States Citizens
Armstrong Elementary School in Highland Park provided a real life history lesson this week, as students watched the parents of two classmates, become naturalized citizens of the United States. The parents are Dallas Stars Defenseman Darryl Sydor and his wife Sharlene. They have been living in the United States for 14 years, but it wasn't until now that they decided to become naturalized US citizens.
“No, I’m not nervous,” Sydor said. “I’m really excited. The kids are really excited too.”
The Sydor’s have three sons, but Branden and Parker are the twins who attend Armstrong Elementary. Their parents are both from Canada. She is from British Columbia. He is from Alberta.
“The President is not coming,” Sydor whispered to the youngest. “Our kids are American and I really think it makes our family all one now. I think that's what is really important to us, what a great country it is. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be able to do it.”
The ceremony, attended by about 300 students, provided a chance for them to understand the value and the meaning associated with the process of becoming American citizens.
Students applauded when the ceremony ended. Sydors’ father Bill, made the trip from Edmonton, Alberta. “I was surprised that he was doing this,” he said. “But I really appreciated that he did it. He becomes a dual citizen. It will be a lot easier for him to do things in this country and in Canada. He loves it down here, so I’m happy he did it.”
Sydor, who is 34, returned to Dallas this season after playing with the Stars for eight seasons, from 1995-2003. He helped lead the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999. Amoung the defenseman in Stars history, Sydor currently ranks third in both assists and points.
His wife was equally happy about their commitment to the United States. “It was very emotional, but it was wonderful,” she said. “I’m really excited that our family was here from Canada as well as our three kids. It was great.”
“It really grew into something that I thought was really special.” said Sydor. The kids had a great time with it, learning to understand what it is, and how you become US citizens.”
Now that Sydor is an American Citizen, we gave him an American Pronunciation test, starting with the name of Stars Center Mike Modano. “Moo-dan-oh,” Sydor said in his Canadian accent. I thought it was Modano! Sydor responded, “do I have to change.”
“No, I’m not nervous,” Sydor said. “I’m really excited. The kids are really excited too.”
The Sydor’s have three sons, but Branden and Parker are the twins who attend Armstrong Elementary. Their parents are both from Canada. She is from British Columbia. He is from Alberta.
“The President is not coming,” Sydor whispered to the youngest. “Our kids are American and I really think it makes our family all one now. I think that's what is really important to us, what a great country it is. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be able to do it.”
The ceremony, attended by about 300 students, provided a chance for them to understand the value and the meaning associated with the process of becoming American citizens.
Students applauded when the ceremony ended. Sydors’ father Bill, made the trip from Edmonton, Alberta. “I was surprised that he was doing this,” he said. “But I really appreciated that he did it. He becomes a dual citizen. It will be a lot easier for him to do things in this country and in Canada. He loves it down here, so I’m happy he did it.”
Sydor, who is 34, returned to Dallas this season after playing with the Stars for eight seasons, from 1995-2003. He helped lead the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999. Amoung the defenseman in Stars history, Sydor currently ranks third in both assists and points.
His wife was equally happy about their commitment to the United States. “It was very emotional, but it was wonderful,” she said. “I’m really excited that our family was here from Canada as well as our three kids. It was great.”
“It really grew into something that I thought was really special.” said Sydor. The kids had a great time with it, learning to understand what it is, and how you become US citizens.”
Now that Sydor is an American Citizen, we gave him an American Pronunciation test, starting with the name of Stars Center Mike Modano. “Moo-dan-oh,” Sydor said in his Canadian accent. I thought it was Modano! Sydor responded, “do I have to change.”
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
UTA Students March For Football
The University of Texas at Arlington Campus was echoing with the sounds of change, a change in school policy that would bring back football. The rally was organized by Sam DeBerry, who formed a group known as Mavericks for Football Now.
“The time for football is now,” he told a small crowd gathered in front of the Student Center. “It doesn't matter how good the teams basketball team is, it doesn't matter how good a schools baseball team is, in the State of Texas, its football.
Not all of the students listening to DeBerry agreed. Marcus Fisher, a Junior Criminal Justice major, said other sports already on campus, need their support now. “Who here has been to a basketball game? Who goes to campus traditions? How many campus traditions have you all been too?
DeBerry response was supportive. “If we already had a football team this discourse wouldn't happen.”
After a brief rally, it was off the Presidents office, to present a petition with 3-thousand signatures. Less than 50 students took part in the march, and that small group made a statement in itself.
“Once we get a football team here, people will be proud of UTA,” said DeBerry during the march. People will be proud of the tradition and prestige.” The small turnout said a lot about student support of sports on campus. “Yeah, exactly,” DeBerry explained.
UTA dropped football 22-years ago. At the time, University administration claimed the sport was costing the school 1-million dollars a year, attracting average attendance of only 5,600. They claimed football wasn’t worth the financial burden any longer.
UTA still has a football stadium but lately, it’s been home to nothing but track meets, soccer and high school football games. But if the students get their way, they'll have a club football team playing here next spring. The school hasn’t approved a club team yet, and DeBerry has yet to collect 15-thousand dollars that he projected it will take to start the program.
Once DeBerry and his followers arrived at the University offices, the school president had a representative meet them.
DeBerry told Frank Almas, Vice President of Student Affairs at UTA, “We understand the University's position on football, but we don't agree with it.”
“For us to be starting out from scratch, it would mean 400-to-500 dollar per student, per semester and that is what is really the frightening thing,” said Bob Wright, Director of Public Affairs at UTA.”
When asked about football on campus next year, Wright replied, “No football next year, it will be a long time before we can have an NCAA team. We would love to have one, the question is just who's going to pay for it.
In the end, it was a peaceful march, but the future of football on the UTA campus is at least 5 years away. That’s when the school will conduct a second feasibility study, to bring the sport back.
UTA has already received approval from students to raise tuition 2-dollars per semester credit to bring football back, but because of the low voter turn out in April 2004, administration officials chose to wait another five years.
“The time for football is now,” he told a small crowd gathered in front of the Student Center. “It doesn't matter how good the teams basketball team is, it doesn't matter how good a schools baseball team is, in the State of Texas, its football.
Not all of the students listening to DeBerry agreed. Marcus Fisher, a Junior Criminal Justice major, said other sports already on campus, need their support now. “Who here has been to a basketball game? Who goes to campus traditions? How many campus traditions have you all been too?
DeBerry response was supportive. “If we already had a football team this discourse wouldn't happen.”
After a brief rally, it was off the Presidents office, to present a petition with 3-thousand signatures. Less than 50 students took part in the march, and that small group made a statement in itself.
“Once we get a football team here, people will be proud of UTA,” said DeBerry during the march. People will be proud of the tradition and prestige.” The small turnout said a lot about student support of sports on campus. “Yeah, exactly,” DeBerry explained.
UTA dropped football 22-years ago. At the time, University administration claimed the sport was costing the school 1-million dollars a year, attracting average attendance of only 5,600. They claimed football wasn’t worth the financial burden any longer.
UTA still has a football stadium but lately, it’s been home to nothing but track meets, soccer and high school football games. But if the students get their way, they'll have a club football team playing here next spring. The school hasn’t approved a club team yet, and DeBerry has yet to collect 15-thousand dollars that he projected it will take to start the program.
Once DeBerry and his followers arrived at the University offices, the school president had a representative meet them.
DeBerry told Frank Almas, Vice President of Student Affairs at UTA, “We understand the University's position on football, but we don't agree with it.”
“For us to be starting out from scratch, it would mean 400-to-500 dollar per student, per semester and that is what is really the frightening thing,” said Bob Wright, Director of Public Affairs at UTA.”
When asked about football on campus next year, Wright replied, “No football next year, it will be a long time before we can have an NCAA team. We would love to have one, the question is just who's going to pay for it.
In the end, it was a peaceful march, but the future of football on the UTA campus is at least 5 years away. That’s when the school will conduct a second feasibility study, to bring the sport back.
UTA has already received approval from students to raise tuition 2-dollars per semester credit to bring football back, but because of the low voter turn out in April 2004, administration officials chose to wait another five years.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Berkner Kicker Gets His Name Back
It’s hard to find Zach Olen in a crowd of students at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. He stands 5-10, average build, and before Saturday, it was even harder to hear him called by his real name.
"They called him freshman," says Berkner Linebacker Bryce Elam Ray. "Nobody knew his name, until they started asking."
Jim Ledford, the Head Football Coach at Berkner, knows kids will be kids. "Well the kids were just saying things, like 'hey kicker get over here,' those type of things," said Ledford. "Don't let anyone kid you, he's earned his stripes."
Olen's pressure kick came Saturday afternoon at Texas Stadium when he was called on to kick a 31-yard field goal to win the game, as time was running out. Olen, or "kicker" as his teammates call him, was perfect as Berkner beat Dallas Carter 31-29.
Olen every move he made. "I just kept my head down, kicked the ball, and it went in," he says. "It felt great." He laughs when he's questioned about his victory dance as he circled the field.
Not only did Olen win the game, but he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and his coaching staff.
"He's Zach now," says Ray. "I don't call him kicker anymore. Today we were having breakfast, and I said, is it okay if i still call you freshman? He was like, yeah that's cool. I'm just going to call him Zach from now on."
Ledford recognized Zach's ability during tryouts, and encouraged his parents to be trained by a professional place kicker. "I saw what he was doing, and I saw his mind set, i talked to his parents, and I told them i thought he could be a really good kicker one day. Our whole deal was to put him in the middle of the field, and let him kick, and I knew if they didn't block it, he was going to make the kick. He's money."
Says Zach, "When I first got on the team, everyone pretty much called me kicker and that's all I was known by. Now I'm hoping they'll call me Zach or something.
As a football player, Olen had two strikes against him, one, he was a kicker, two, he was a freshman, but with his game winning kick, he has made a "name" for himself.
"They called him freshman," says Berkner Linebacker Bryce Elam Ray. "Nobody knew his name, until they started asking."
Jim Ledford, the Head Football Coach at Berkner, knows kids will be kids. "Well the kids were just saying things, like 'hey kicker get over here,' those type of things," said Ledford. "Don't let anyone kid you, he's earned his stripes."
Olen's pressure kick came Saturday afternoon at Texas Stadium when he was called on to kick a 31-yard field goal to win the game, as time was running out. Olen, or "kicker" as his teammates call him, was perfect as Berkner beat Dallas Carter 31-29.
Olen every move he made. "I just kept my head down, kicked the ball, and it went in," he says. "It felt great." He laughs when he's questioned about his victory dance as he circled the field.
Not only did Olen win the game, but he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and his coaching staff.
"He's Zach now," says Ray. "I don't call him kicker anymore. Today we were having breakfast, and I said, is it okay if i still call you freshman? He was like, yeah that's cool. I'm just going to call him Zach from now on."
Ledford recognized Zach's ability during tryouts, and encouraged his parents to be trained by a professional place kicker. "I saw what he was doing, and I saw his mind set, i talked to his parents, and I told them i thought he could be a really good kicker one day. Our whole deal was to put him in the middle of the field, and let him kick, and I knew if they didn't block it, he was going to make the kick. He's money."
Says Zach, "When I first got on the team, everyone pretty much called me kicker and that's all I was known by. Now I'm hoping they'll call me Zach or something.
As a football player, Olen had two strikes against him, one, he was a kicker, two, he was a freshman, but with his game winning kick, he has made a "name" for himself.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Chart
The decision for the Cowboys to go for a two point conversion early in the second quarter in Sunday's game against the Redskins wasn't a snap decision. It had to do with an age old formula, better known as "The Chart."
"That was on the chart," said Head Coach Bill Parcells. "When it was 5-to-0 Redskins, we said if we score, I asked the coaches, what's it say up there, and he said, it says two."
But because the play failed, the question remains, was it the right decision?
Gil Brandt, former Cowboys Director of Player Personnel, has written about the chart and its use by coaches for NFL.Com.
"The proof is do you win or do you lose. That's the whole proof. And if you win, you're a genius," Brandt says.
The Chart was initially created in the early 70's by two coaches at UCLA, Dick Vermeil and the late Tommy Prothro. Today, variations exist, but basically the chart exists to increase the probability of success when facing certain point differentials.
One week ago in Carolina, the chart also said to go for two after Dallas scored a touchdown with 9:47 left in the game. The Cowboys went up by 7-and eventually won, so going for two never became an issue.
Football has many examples of chart uses and omissions. An omission occurred in the fourth quarter last year in the game between Texas A&M and Clemson. An extra point gave the Aggies a two point lead, even though the chart said to go for two. The Aggies lost that game on a field goal.
The two-point conversion has been a rule in College Football since 1958, but the NFL didn't adopt it until 1994.
One thing the chart doesn't say is whether to wait until late in the game, or not.
Says Parcells, "Maybe someone's does, but the ones I know about, don't."
Brandt bases his use of the chart on the following, "If you feel it's a low scoring game, then I would put it in early. If I felt it was going to be a 41-38 shootout, I would probably wait until the 3rd quarter to use it."
Every since the NFL-AFL merger, Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt tried to get the two point conversion added, but it didn't pass until 1994. The main reason, it created just another opportunity to second guess the head coach.
Brandt says this is the chart that was orginally developed by Vermeil and Prothro:
THE CHART
LEAD BY...................TRAIL BY
1 point Go for 2..........1 point Go for 1
2 points Go for 1.........2 points Go for 2
3 points Go for 1.........3 points Go for 1
4 points Go for 2.........4 points Decision
5 points Go for 2.........5 points Go for 2
6 points Go for 1.........6 points Go for 1
7 points Go for 1.........7 points Go for 1
8 points Go for 1.........8 points Go for 1
9 points Go for 1.........9 points Go for 2
10 points Go for 1........10 points Go for 1
11 points Go for 1........11 points Go for 2
12 points Go for 2........12 points Go for 2
13 points Go for 1........13 points Go for 1
14 points Go for 1........14 points Go for 1
15 points Go for 2........15 points Go for 1
16 points Go for 1........16 points Go for 2
17 points Go for 1........17 points Go for 1
18 points Go for 1........18 points Go for 1
19 points Go for 2........19 points Go for 2
20 points Go for 1........20 points Go for 1
"That was on the chart," said Head Coach Bill Parcells. "When it was 5-to-0 Redskins, we said if we score, I asked the coaches, what's it say up there, and he said, it says two."
But because the play failed, the question remains, was it the right decision?
Gil Brandt, former Cowboys Director of Player Personnel, has written about the chart and its use by coaches for NFL.Com.
"The proof is do you win or do you lose. That's the whole proof. And if you win, you're a genius," Brandt says.
The Chart was initially created in the early 70's by two coaches at UCLA, Dick Vermeil and the late Tommy Prothro. Today, variations exist, but basically the chart exists to increase the probability of success when facing certain point differentials.
One week ago in Carolina, the chart also said to go for two after Dallas scored a touchdown with 9:47 left in the game. The Cowboys went up by 7-and eventually won, so going for two never became an issue.
Football has many examples of chart uses and omissions. An omission occurred in the fourth quarter last year in the game between Texas A&M and Clemson. An extra point gave the Aggies a two point lead, even though the chart said to go for two. The Aggies lost that game on a field goal.
The two-point conversion has been a rule in College Football since 1958, but the NFL didn't adopt it until 1994.
One thing the chart doesn't say is whether to wait until late in the game, or not.
Says Parcells, "Maybe someone's does, but the ones I know about, don't."
Brandt bases his use of the chart on the following, "If you feel it's a low scoring game, then I would put it in early. If I felt it was going to be a 41-38 shootout, I would probably wait until the 3rd quarter to use it."
Every since the NFL-AFL merger, Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt tried to get the two point conversion added, but it didn't pass until 1994. The main reason, it created just another opportunity to second guess the head coach.
Brandt says this is the chart that was orginally developed by Vermeil and Prothro:
THE CHART
LEAD BY...................TRAIL BY
1 point Go for 2..........1 point Go for 1
2 points Go for 1.........2 points Go for 2
3 points Go for 1.........3 points Go for 1
4 points Go for 2.........4 points Decision
5 points Go for 2.........5 points Go for 2
6 points Go for 1.........6 points Go for 1
7 points Go for 1.........7 points Go for 1
8 points Go for 1.........8 points Go for 1
9 points Go for 1.........9 points Go for 2
10 points Go for 1........10 points Go for 1
11 points Go for 1........11 points Go for 2
12 points Go for 2........12 points Go for 2
13 points Go for 1........13 points Go for 1
14 points Go for 1........14 points Go for 1
15 points Go for 2........15 points Go for 1
16 points Go for 1........16 points Go for 2
17 points Go for 1........17 points Go for 1
18 points Go for 1........18 points Go for 1
19 points Go for 2........19 points Go for 2
20 points Go for 1........20 points Go for 1
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