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To know list: 8 is enough—if you're playing the Dolphins

Sporting News, The, Oct 18, 2004

(1) SURPRISE!

The NFL is at it again

The only real surprises in the NFL occur when there are no surprises, because surprises are so commonplace they are expected. Some surprises, however, are more surprising than others. With that in mind, here are the three best surprises and the three worst surprises after the first five weeks of the season.

The best

* Kurt Warner, who lost his last eight starts for the Rams, is 4-1 with a Giants team that was supposed to struggle through a rebuilding season. Warner isn't surrounded with anywhere near the talent he had in St. Louis, but he's showing some of his old dazzle.

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* The Lions had lost 24 straight road games going into the season, but they're 2-0 on the road in 2004 and 3-1 overall. Nobody expected much from the Lions, who lost 11 games a year ago, but they have made incredible progress.

* The Falcons' defense, which gave up the most yards in the NFL last season, has been the impetus behind a 4-1 start. The smart switch to a 4-3 front has revitalized many on the team, but especially end Patrick Kerney, who has a league-leading seven sacks.

The worst

* Redskins coach Joe Gibbs is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but you wouldn't know it from watching his team play. The Redskins' defense has been fine, but the offense, which is Gibbs' specialty, has appeared disjointed and confused. Mark Brunell and Clinton Portis, new acquisitions Gibbs pushed for, have not looked like good fits for Gibbs' philosophy.

* With a high-powered offense and the best return game in football, the Chiefs appeared to be on the verge of a Super Bowl. They started 0-3 as defensive problems continued, their offense lost its edge, and the special teams fell flat.

* Much of the NFL's star power has been diminished by the ever-growing injury list. In fact, the 2004 season could be shaping up as the worst year in history for injuries. Among the marquee players who have missed multiple games because of injuries are Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox, Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, Dolphins receiver David Boston, Broncos defensive lineman Trevor Pryce, Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, Vikings running back Michael Bennett, Lions receiver Charles Rogers, Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington, Saints running back Deuce McAllister, Panthers receiver Steve Smith and Panthers running back Stephen Davis.--Dan Pompei

(2) MINORITY REPORT

A new wave of managers?

If white managers can be recycled, so can their minority counterparts. But as the Phillies plan to interview former Rockies and Cubs manager Don Baylor, major league teams should consider the next wave of minority candidates, led by Rangers first base coach DeMarlo Hale.

The Diamondbacks plan to interview Hale, who was a candidate for the Red Sox job that went to Terry Francona last offseason. One executive recalls that Hale's teams were extremely well prepared when he managed the Rangers' Class AAA affiliate in 2000 and '01.

"He's a hidden jewel," the executive says. "He commands respect with his presence alone. And his knowledge of the game is incredible."

Yankees third base coach Willie Randolph, the best-known minority candidate, is certain to be interviewed again this offseason. Among the other candidates worthy of consideration: A's third base coach Ron Washington, Braves third base coach Fredi Gonzalez, Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton, Dodgers first base coach John Shelby, Cardinals third base coach lose Oquendo and Indians hitting coach Eddie Murray.--Ken Rosenthal

(3) D.C. CAL?

Ripken has irons in me fire

The last time a sports legend tried running a sports franchise in Washington, D.C., the results were fairly calamitous. But where Michael Jordan failed, Cal Ripken Jr. believes he can succeed.

Ripken's first choice is to be part of a group that owns his hometown Orioles, but Orioles owner Peter Angeles continues to rebuff interest from prospective buyers. The Washington Baseball Club, the prospective ownership group that holds an exclusivity agreement with the District of Columbia, approached Ripken last year. He also could pursue a decision-making position with other groups trying to buy the Expos.

Since retiring after the 2001 season, Ripken, 44, has been the head of Ripken Baseball, overseeing youth camps, a management and design company, the Class A Aberdeen Ironbirds and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. Like Jordan, who became president of the NBA's Wizards in 2000 and was fired in '03, he would have no prior front office experience. And like Jordan, he would be risking a near-perfect image.

Ripken could alienate Orioles fans by going to work for the team's D.C. rival. He also could prove inadequate for an executive position that otherwise might be filled by a baseball lifer such as Pat Gillick or a hotshot Ivy League newcomer in the mold of Red Sex G.M. Thee Epstein and Dodgers G.M. Paul DePodesta.

Ever cautious, Ripken ultimately might resist taking such a plunge. Based on Jordan's experience, a team should think twice about hiring him.--K.R.

To know list: 8 is enough—if you're playing the Dolphins

Sporting News, The, Oct 18, 2004

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