Super Bowl XLVIII Quickies: Day 3 (Media Day & Everything After)

Jan 28, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is interviewed during Media Day for Super Bowl XLIII at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In case any clarification is needed, the subtitle of this piece is a homage to the debut album by the Counting Crows, “August and Everything After” which contains this Super Bowl’s theme song, “OMAHA!”

I envision Media Day as one’s struggle to work the podium where Denver Broncos‘ quarterback, Peyton Manning is addressing a sea of writers and talking heads. Then after all of my efforts, I get in position to ask the question which I put a tireless amount of thought into: “Hi Peyton…Matty Petrero of Predominantly Orange…can you give us an idea as to whether you’re more inclined to have dinner tonight in Little Italy or a fancy steakhouse?” Heck, my sample question isn’t any worse that these:

Sam Farmer from the L.A. Times, as reported on Yahoo.com was quoted as saying,

"“Some guy at media day just asked Shaun Phillips if he considers this a must-win game.”"

To which Phillips replied,

"“I look at every game is a must win game.”"

I would have loved to have heard Phillips respond with the most condescending response imaginable. And he might have if he was not so taken aback by the utter stupidity of the question.

In the same Yahoo.com piece, Kimberly Martin of New York Newsday tweeted that she overheard this question asked of Eric Decker during the Broncos Media Day session:

"“Eric, why don’t you wear a cup? …Don’t u wanna protect the little Eric Deckers?”"

The moron who asked that question is obviously not paying attention. Otherwise he/she would know that Eric’s not having a problem in that department as his wife, country singer, Jessie James is 7 months pregnant.

Then there was the entertainment reporter who asked PFM if he was going to appear on Saturday Night Live this Saturday…The freaking night before the Super Bowl? Then followed it up by asking the best quarterback of all time if he had a famous character from the Real Housewives franchise. That’s like asking someone if they have a favorite method of torture.

That, my fellow Broncoholics is the kind nonsense which passes for journalism in this circus circuit. If the NFL only allowed credentials to serious, reputable sports reporting outlets instead of The Food Network, Comedy Central, or MTV, Media Day would be a lot shorter and more palatable.

In a moment of relevance, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had to know that when he discussed retirement on Monday, that he would be asked about it on Media Day…A LOT! I’ll give him credit, he back-peddled like a great cornerback does.

"“They misunderstood what I’m saying. I’ve got a one-year deal,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “There’s been plenty of times when guys get a one-year deal and it doesn’t pan out and that’s it.” said the free-agent to be."

A weather forecast update: There is nothing to update. It remains favorable.

There are three Broncos, aside from Manning whom I’d really like to see raise the Lombardi trophy. They are running backs coach, Eric Studesville, linebacker, Paris Lenon, and of course, future hall-of-fame cornerback, Champ Bailey.

Lets start with Studesville. Hired in January, 2010 by then head coach, Josh McDaniels he was thrown into the fire in a matter of speaking by being named interim head coach when McDaniels was fired toward the end of an inauspicious 4-12 season. That following January, John Fox was named head coach and he re-appointed Eric to head up the running backs. Then on June 4th, 2013 Studesville came face to face with the most unthinkable of tragedies any person can fathom when his parents, Al and Jan were killed in a motorcycle accident in Texas. So with everything he has been through, Eric Studesville, this Lombardi’s for you.

Paris Lenon, the lone survivor of Vince McMahon’s ill-fated XFL is now in his 12th season in the NFL. Lenon has bounced around between Green Bay, Detroit, St. Louis, Arizona, and now Denver. Now I bleed orange and blue, but the Detroit Lions are one of my favorite teams in the league…it’s a Thanksgiving thing. Lenon however carries the stigma of being a member of the only 0-16 in NFL history, the 2008 Lions. Since being acquired by Denver, Paris has filled in nicely at middle linebacker, spelling the much smaller Wesley Woodyard; who was moved inside after a season ending injury to Stewart Bradley in training camp. So having survived Vince McMahon, journeyman status, and an 0-16 season, Paris Lenon, this Lombardi’s for you.

In fifteen seasons, many of which as the best shut-down cornerback in the NFL, the closest Champ Bailey has been to the Super Bowl was a 34-17 drubbing in the 2005 AFC Championship at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl XL champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to the respect Champ has earned on the field, he is just as respected off the field for his work in the community. Anybody in the know who has spoken of Bailey always does so in the highest regard. So for many years on largely mediocre teams as the best cornerback in the game, Champ Bailey, this Lombardi’s for you.

Day 3 of Super Bowl week , Media Day is in the books. So it’s back to the normal craziness of the Super Bowl and putting the final touches on game preparations. Oh, and if anybody sees Marshawn Lynch, can you tell him that Commissioner Goodell would like to speak with him…so would 6,000 credentialed media folks.

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