Archive: Gene Wang
Cowboys: Viva La Vida
We used to rule the world, but these days it's just as easy to pity the Cowboys as it is to hate us.
By Gene Wang | November 20, 2009; 11:51 AM ET | Comments (4)
Riggins has earned the right
The question if Riggins crossed the line is pretty much moot, because he left that checkpoint in his rear view mirror years ago.
By Gene Wang | November 6, 2009; 12:57 AM ET | Comments (28)
Not buying the Bengals
The Bengals have disappointed so many times that you're just waiting for them to collapse.
By Gene Wang | November 4, 2009; 9:43 AM ET | Comments (9)
One-Third Responsible
Brett Favre isn't the only reason why the Vikings are 3-0, but he deserves considerable credit for at least one of their victories this season
By Gene Wang | October 5, 2009; 11:11 AM ET | Comments (0)
Reality Over Fantasy
I'm frequently asked which is more important, and I say it's not even close. I'd take a victory by my real team over a fantasy win any day.
By Gene Wang | September 8, 2009; 3:05 AM ET | Comments (1)
It's All About the Benjamins
Billion dollar stadiums. One-hundred million dollar contracts. Million dollar endorsement deals. You see a pattern here?
By Gene Wang | September 5, 2009; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (2)
P. Manning Is the Steadiest
When it comes to durability, stability and reliability, Peyton Manning really has no peer.
By Gene Wang | August 31, 2009; 6:53 AM ET | Comments (1)
Don't Kick Jones
Asking Jones to pay to fix a part of the stadium that conforms to league rules would be tantamount to asking a consumer to pay for faulty brakes approved by auto inspectors.
By Gene Wang | August 26, 2009; 6:44 AM ET | Comments (4)
Why So Secret?
It's only equitable for Hall of Fame voters to be held just as accountable as the athletes about whom they wrote.
By Gene Wang | August 7, 2009; 6:13 PM ET | Comments (1)
Sainthood Not Required
Sainthood isn't a criterion for enshrinement into Canton, nor should it be for any sports hall of fame.
By Gene Wang | July 31, 2009; 11:16 AM ET | Comments (0)
Vick Raids the Bay?
Al Davis, what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone, give the man a call and get him on a plane to the Bay Area.
By Gene Wang | July 27, 2009; 4:51 PM ET | Comments (2)
Brady Is the Difference
With Brady on board, the Patriots stand alone.
By Gene Wang | July 27, 2009; 12:15 PM ET | Comments (0)
Time to Forgive
To all the Michael Vick haters, it's time to move on, to forgive and to come to grips with the fact he's going to play in the NFL again.
By Gene Wang | July 24, 2009; 11:49 AM ET | Comments (4)
Full Moon
George Blanda may be widely regarded as the best over-40 football player of all-time, but I'm throwing another candidate into the discussion: Warren Moon.
By Gene Wang | July 20, 2009; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)
Chinese Olympics
Let's say I did a similar video with Timmy Chang that had chow mein eating, a math-off and dry cleaning, and we called it the Chinese Olympics. Would that be offensive to anyone?
By Gene Wang | July 16, 2009; 5:59 AM ET | Comments (3)
Affirming the Best in McNair
There was much to admire about Steve McNair, and it would be myopic to overlook his extensive contributions to society because of his martial indiscretion.
By Gene Wang | July 8, 2009; 11:59 AM ET | Comments (2)
Tough as They Come
Nothing endears a player more to teammates than persistence through pain, and by that standard, McNair practically had no peer.
By Gene Wang | July 5, 2009; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (2)
A Losing Formula
Years of capricious and irresponsible spending are taking their toll, and based on last season's debacle, it doesn't look as if Dallas will extricate itself anytime soon.
By Gene Wang | July 3, 2009; 7:52 AM ET | Comments (0)
All of Them
The NFL is a copycat league. Let the Wildcat serve as Exhibit A. Exhibit B may well be rookies starting at quarterback.
By Gene Wang | July 1, 2009; 10:37 AM ET | Comments (0)
No Big Deal
Having been a part of many tailgates at many stadiums, I certainly would trade a little longer walk to my seat for being able to get out of the parking lot quicker.
By Gene Wang | June 24, 2009; 7:02 AM ET | Comments (0)
Goodell On Right Track
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell did exactly what he should have by issuing an indefinite suspension to Donte' Stallworth.
By Gene Wang | June 19, 2009; 7:39 AM ET | Comments (2)
The Truth Helps
So the rule of thumb for football films is to avoid fictional accounts of the sport. It's those movies that give the entire genre a bad name.
By Gene Wang | June 15, 2009; 8:12 AM ET | Comments (3)
Caldwell in Catbird Seat
Not every first-year coach has the luxury of inheriting a team with a starting quarterback who is a three-time MVP and a lock for the Hall of Fame. Fortunately for Indianapolis's Jim Caldwell, he has that and plenty more.
By Gene Wang | June 2, 2009; 6:15 AM ET | Comments (0)
Look Out for Buffalo
Right now the Bills should be comforted with the knowledge Owens has made the playoffs with each of his three previous teams and they could be the fourth.
By Gene Wang | May 29, 2009; 8:44 AM ET | Comments (3)
Super Bowl or Bust
There's no reason to think New England won't be right in the thick of the Super Bowl chase with Brady back in the fold.
By Gene Wang | May 28, 2009; 2:35 AM ET | Comments (0)
Fix the Rules
Instead of becoming more punitive, the league would do better to amend its rules to allow teams to pursue players about to become free agents as soon as the offseason begins.
By Gene Wang | May 26, 2009; 1:43 PM ET | Comments (0)
This Isn't Golf
Unlike many other major sports, football doesn't have many iconic venues left. If it did, perhaps the site of the Super Bowl would count for something.
By Gene Wang | May 22, 2009; 1:53 PM ET | Comments (2)
One Last Chance
The NFL should give Michael Vick a non-negotiable last chance to play football.
By Gene Wang | May 19, 2009; 3:55 PM ET | Comments (3)
Dont' Forget About JJ
Jimmy Johnson was the brains behind perhaps the greatest turnaround in NFL history, and that's why he's the most coveted retired coach.
By Gene Wang | May 13, 2009; 11:40 AM ET | Comments (1)
The Right to Choose
Why not give the defense the option of moving back the ball or moving the chains forward?
By Gene Wang | May 11, 2009; 1:13 PM ET | Comments (1)
Produce and It's Forgiven
These days, it seems fans are much more forgiving of a player embroiled in the steroids mess so long as he performs at a high level.
By Gene Wang | May 7, 2009; 1:48 PM ET | Comments (0)
No More Excuses, Romo
Tony Romo better take Dallas deep into the playoffs or risk getting stamped the A-Rod of football.
By Gene Wang | May 7, 2009; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (1)
Hamlet Worth the Drama
Let's all urge Favre to come back for the Vikings, so we can enjoy the best in reality TV.
By Gene Wang | May 4, 2009; 6:02 AM ET | Comments (3)
Patriots-Eagles Super Bowl
Two clear winners have emerged since the latest round of free agency and the draft, and it's a pair of teams we've become familiar watching in the postseason: New England and Philadelphia.
By Gene Wang | April 29, 2009; 3:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
NFL Has It Backward
In the NFL, lack of experience is essentially rewarded. Where's the equity in there?
By Gene Wang | April 24, 2009; 12:14 PM ET | Comments (1)
Picking First Isn't Best
This isn't the best year to have the first pick in the NFL draft.
By Gene Wang | April 20, 2009; 1:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Much More Than Xs and Os
The NFL could not have become the most profitable sports league in America without Madden
By Gene Wang | April 17, 2009; 3:27 AM ET | Comments (0)
South Beach Swoon?
We'll see right away if Miami's surprising last season was a rebirth or if the Dolphins simply benefited from a favorable schedule.
By Gene Wang | April 15, 2009; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Art of Defense
Selected in the 22nd round, Art Donovan was a perfect fit for Baltimore
By Gene Wang | April 10, 2009; 1:10 PM ET | Comments (0)
Burress Worth Chasing
There really is no downside in going after Burress. Coach Tom Coughlin owes a large debt of gratitude to him.
By Gene Wang | April 6, 2009; 2:55 PM ET | Comments (2)
Cutler Not a Good Fit
Based on the personnel he'll have around him in Chicago Cutler would have done better staying put.
By Gene Wang | April 2, 2009; 7:49 PM ET | Comments (2)
Leaf Never Turned It Around
Ryan Leaf was so unpleasant he made Heath Shuler seem positively Joe Montana-like.
By Gene Wang | March 30, 2009; 2:02 PM ET | Comments (6)
In D.C., Allen vs. Landry
The NFL to a large degree, owe a large debt to Allen for introducing the Redskins-Cowboys rivalry to a national audience and making it must-watch TV every season.
By Gene Wang | March 27, 2009; 10:01 AM ET | Comments (0)
Starr of the Show
Until Brady wins a few more titles, Bart Starr has him beat for all-time best offensive draft pick.
By Gene Wang | March 24, 2009; 12:40 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Star Treatment
They can be a waste of time for established veterans whose time could be better spent resting, or in some cases healing
By Gene Wang | March 18, 2009; 12:27 PM ET | Comments (0)
Fantasy Is All You Need
Come Selection Sunday, I'll be scouting sleeper running backs, as I construct my master roster for fantasy football domination.
By Gene Wang | March 15, 2009; 5:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
Make Up or Break Up
The Broncos can't go the season in limbo, with the Cutler-McDaniels distraction interfering with game preparation and on-field performance.
By Gene Wang | March 11, 2009; 6:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
T.O. to the Rescue
Thanks to the aggressive move of signing Terrell Owens, the Buffalo Bills have become a factor again after years of irrelevance.
By Gene Wang | March 7, 2009; 11:06 PM ET | Comments (0)
T.O. to the Ravens?
Without T.O. Dallas is just another pretender, and only Wade Phillips to blame.
By Gene Wang | March 5, 2009; 1:49 PM ET | Comments (1)
Fantasy Letdown Ahead
Don't expect Cassel's impressive fantasy numbers to continue next season in Kansas City.
By Gene Wang | March 2, 2009; 2:54 PM ET | Comments (0)
Housh Would Be a Catch
T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the big, physical presence on the outside Philadelphia has lacked since parting ways with Terrell Owens.
By Gene Wang | February 27, 2009; 12:26 PM ET | Comments (2)
Jonesing for a GM
It's not the media's fault Jones is such a control freak that he insists on calling the shots rather than acquiescing to a proven general manager.
By Gene Wang | February 23, 2009; 7:00 AM ET | Comments (2)
Can't Measure Desire
In college, the best athletes can get away with poor work habits. That formula doesn't work in the NFL, just ask Ryan Leaf or Maurice Clarett.
By Gene Wang | February 19, 2009; 6:23 PM ET | Comments (0)
A Cut Above
With all due respect to Goodell, no one pays to watch the commissioner at work.
By Gene Wang | February 16, 2009; 10:07 AM ET | Comments (0)
Favre's Numbers Lie
Forget top 10 Favre may not even be the best quarterback in Packers history.
By Gene Wang | February 12, 2009; 8:16 AM ET | Comments (17)
Odds Stacked Against Cards
Departures, dissension and disgust appear rampant in the Cardinals organization. That combination signals nothing but disaster for next season.
By Gene Wang | February 11, 2009; 6:01 AM ET | Comments (0)
It's All About Expectations
Because they risk so much, football players get much more leeway when it comes to testing positive for banned substances.
By Gene Wang | February 9, 2009; 8:00 AM ET | Comments (1)
Sixth Sense
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the greatest franchise in NFL history.
By Gene Wang | February 3, 2009; 8:45 AM ET | Comments (0)
Praising Arizona
Throw logic out the window on Sunday. I'm picking Arizona, and the reason is Larry Fitzgerald.
By Gene Wang | January 30, 2009; 7:15 PM ET | Comments (2)
Good, Clean Fun
Don't call the Steelers dirty simply because this current crop of players is advancing their hard-hitting legacy.
By Gene Wang | January 29, 2009; 7:49 AM ET | Comments (1)
Cinderella's a Fairy Tale
The NFL would be better served if Super Bowl XLIII featured the Steelers against another traditional power like the Cowboys.
By Gene Wang | January 24, 2009; 3:24 PM ET | Comments (3)
Cards Win? That'd Be Surprising
In a postseason full of the unexpected, the most shocking scenario would be Arizona beating Philadelphia in the NFC championship game.
By Gene Wang | January 16, 2009; 2:09 PM ET | Comments (1)
House of Cards
Enjoy this feel-good moment for now Arizona, because it ends on Sunday.
By Gene Wang | January 13, 2009; 6:35 AM ET | Comments (0)
Low Scoring Gets High Marks
Low-scoring games in the playoffs mean both combatants have aggressive, hard-hitting defenses that give no quarter.
By Gene Wang | January 7, 2009; 1:43 PM ET | Comments (1)
Weak Arm, Strong Decisions
Miami's system emphasizes Pennington's strengths: accuracy, decision making and leadership.
By Gene Wang | January 1, 2009; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Give Norv a Break
Mention the name Norv Turner around these parts -- and by that I mean the Washington-metropolitan area -- and you're likely to get vitriolic reaction. Turner spent nearly two full seasons coaching the Redskins, and most of it was tumultuous....
By Gene Wang | December 30, 2008; 12:54 PM ET | Comments (2)
Running It Up
Turner is the reason why Atlanta will beat Arizona on Saturday.
By Gene Wang | December 29, 2008; 7:42 AM ET | Comments (0)
On His Own Time
Far be it from any of us to tell him when it's time to leave the game for good.
By Gene Wang | December 23, 2008; 1:26 PM ET | Comments (0)
Giants Badly Need a Win
The New York Giants have the most at stake this weekend in their matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
By Gene Wang | December 19, 2008; 4:40 PM ET | Comments (0)
Burner Is the Fantasy Man
Not that you'd go wrong selecting either, but "Burner" Turner is the better choice by the slimmest of margins.
By Gene Wang | December 18, 2008; 9:09 AM ET | Comments (0)
No Debating Peyton
Peyton Manning deserves to be start for many reasons, none of which has to do with him being one of the most recognized faces in the NFL.
By Gene Wang | December 17, 2008; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
Raiola Was Right
Obscene? Yes. Unwarranted? No.
By Gene Wang | December 10, 2008; 4:09 PM ET | Comments (3)
The Delay Game
Like clockwork, when ever there is a suspension, the players and league take their comical dance.
By Gene Wang | December 4, 2008; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (1)
Pack Is Sacked
The early season cheer in Green Bay is now a distant memory.
By Gene Wang | December 2, 2008; 12:35 PM ET | Comments (1)
Colts Cruising
Don't look now, but the Indianapolis Colts are a force again.
By Gene Wang | November 25, 2008; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (1)
Porter Backs It Up
Porter may lead the league in pointed commentary, but he also is first in sacks.
By Gene Wang | November 19, 2008; 12:33 PM ET | Comments (1)
Dallas Done
Remember, the Cowboys lost as many games with Romo starting as they did when he was out for three games with a broken pinkie.
By Gene Wang | November 14, 2008; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (6)
NFC South, Just Barely
The NFC South is the best division in football by a whisker over the NFC East.
By Gene Wang | November 10, 2008; 11:05 AM ET | Comments (9)
Vote Election
I never thought I'd care more about an election than my team . . . until now.
By Gene Wang | November 4, 2008; 5:13 PM ET | Comments (0)
Dungy-Manning White House
Talk about a dream ticket.
By Gene Wang | November 1, 2008; 3:16 PM ET | Comments (1)
Don't Forget Davis and Craig
Roger Craig and Terrell Davis were virtually indispensable cogs in their respective offenses
By Gene Wang | October 30, 2008; 12:03 PM ET | Comments (2)
Perfection is Easier
16-0 has happened, and 0-16 hasn't.
By Gene Wang | October 27, 2008; 9:58 AM ET | Comments (1)
Don't Count Colts Out Yet
Indianapolis will be a contender down the stretch this season and may be representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.
By Gene Wang | October 21, 2008; 12:16 PM ET | Comments (0)
Doomsday for Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys are done. Mark it down. In a season that began Super Bowl or bust, Dallas is careening toward the latter.
By Gene Wang | October 14, 2008; 1:12 AM ET | Comments (2)
No Defending Too Much Offense
Without question, fewer holding calls provide offenses with a decided competitive advantage.
By Gene Wang | October 9, 2008; 11:40 AM ET | Comments (0)
Accountability Please
A player absolutely should be allowed to have a difference of opinion on a call and be able to air that grievance in a public forum.
By Gene Wang | October 8, 2008; 2:26 PM ET | Comments (3)
Peyton's Place Ahead of Eli
With Peyton, virtually no deficit is insurmountable. Just look at the comeback he helped engineer yesterday against Houston.
By Gene Wang | October 6, 2008; 10:31 AM ET | Comments (0)
Hating on Hypocrisy
Save the morality play for the church pulpit, and get those players on the field because they can help you win games
By Gene Wang | October 2, 2008; 8:20 AM ET | Comments (1)
Cut Burress a Break
Burress's mistake was not returning messages because of a family matter, and that warrants a two-week suspension?
By Gene Wang | September 24, 2008; 11:51 PM ET | Comments (1)
Hit 'Em Hard, Hit 'Em Fair
The NFL knows plenty about making money, and it's clear it doesn't make as much with its marquee names on the sideline.
By Gene Wang | September 19, 2008; 1:35 AM ET | Comments (2)
Overhaul Instant Replay
The NFL needs to re-examine how it handles and implements instant replay.
By Gene Wang | September 16, 2008; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (3)
Stick to Singing, Jessica
It may sound ridiculous that a seemingly playful retort from Simpson could serve as motivation, but NFL players and coaches use any means necessary to gain a mental edge.
By Gene Wang | September 11, 2008; 1:12 AM ET | Comments (7)
Education Over Legislation
Gun violence, or more broadly the gun culture, is nothing new for NFL players.
By Gene Wang | September 3, 2008; 6:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
Cleveland Rocks
Browns Are Poised to Make a Run in the AFC
By Gene Wang | September 1, 2008; 3:20 PM ET | Comments (2)
