Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith angry at New Orleans Saints coach after late TD

Not saying you're wrong, Wes, but I suppose that was how I was raised. As I said, I'm getting old, and today's culture is leaving me behind. My football (and life) teeth were cut in the 60s in Pensacola, then in the 70s in West Palm Beach. I grew up with Ray Graves' Gators, Bear Bryant's Tide, Vince Lombardi's Packers, and Don Shula's Dolphins. Even if the platitudes were not always carried out to the letter in that era, I always looked upon them as an ideal, a goal to aspire to. I always believed, and continue to believe, that one should "act like they've been there before." This includes:

* When one scores a TD, hand the ball to the officials then return to the sideline to celebrate.
* Never seek to show up your opponent (ever see Mays, Mantle, or Aaron stand at the plate to admire their homers?).
* Always be gracious in victory and graceful in defeat.
* Whatever a coach says, a player does.
* Never RUTS. When the game is out of hand, take a knee, and keep it there. The losing team feels bad enough.
* Never blame others for your failures, or make lame-assed excuses.
* Always act professionally. Never call attention to yourself. It's all about the TEAM, not you.

And yes, my attitude also applies to politics...

Societal attitudes have changed over the years, and I tend to resist those changes. I don't get bent out of shape over them, particularly when they are done to us. It simply saddens me. Doing what Winston did out of the Victory Formation is simply wrong. I'm getting old. I'd tell you to get off my lawn now, Wes, but I suspect you're pretty close to my age yourself lol...

 

Eighties this is wonderful stuff. I agree with every bullet point, with the possible exception of RUTS (in some instances I think it's ok.)
But I think 2 things can be true...
1) Many teams/ organizations in the 70s/80s didn't follow these ideals. In fact some things regarding conduct have IMPROVED since your day (and mine.)
2) There are still many "old school" coaches/ players/ teams these days. Many still aspire to these values.

Cheers from a fellow 80s Gator!!

 

Not just the Jets, how many GMs who have had QB issues overlooked Flacco?

Also, it’s hard to use the Jets as a good example. They’ve rolled out so much trash over the last 20 years that we’re used to it and don’t even notice anymore.

 

Yeah, Flacco looked like trash there last year.