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But it's sports and funny things happen when certainty is at the forefront of a yet to be played contest. No one knew how competitive Jeff Blake was; few knew his belief in self was authentic and even less were keenly aware of his skills throwing the ball deep. But we all found out that unforgettable October day in 1994 that the David vs. Goliath story became center stage not only in Cincinnati but the NFL as well.
Jeff threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns nearly leading the wounded Bengals to a improbable upset of the Dallas Cowboys. Although falling 23-20, he may not have won the game but he won the respect of the coaches, teammates and fans alike. He even introduced a new passing game with an aerial assault that saw the ball disappear into the stratosphere only to return and land in the waiting arms of Darnay Scott or Carl Pickens for six. Jeff Blake nearly revolutionize the position not only with his arms but his legs. As a highly successful signal caller at East Carolina he was a secret outside the state of North Carolina but no more and his 21,000 + yards and 134 Touchdowns proved he was no NFL fluke.
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And no more is his style of play an anomaly as this Jeff Blake 2.0 version Russell Wilson has emerged and taken his style of play to another level. Russell Wilson has the same aerial ball, the same legs and ironically was born in Cincinnati. Coincidence? Absolutely but I had to mention it giving credence to the fact that maybe Blake's skill were superimposed into Russell at birth. Thus you have Russell Blake or Jeff Wilson your pick.
Watching Russell Wilson is like watching a conductor with a broken baton; he still has to direct the orchestra but improvisation is constantly required. Plays break down in the NFL and defensive pressure is successful periodically in the NFL so without the mind, arm and legs you have given the advantage to the defense. Not Blake; not Russell. We only need to flash back to last Monday when Blake err Russell drove the Lions crazy not only recognizing and avoiding pressure but turning it into a highlight play and several lion deflating first downs. After a while you can only shake your head in amazement, as so many did with Blake. Blake may have been a little more animated after plays but Wilson is showing emotion on the sidelines. There are quite a few similarities and when the Bengals play the Seahawks this Sunday in Cincinnati albeit in a different arena, I can't help but imagine I'm watching Blake wearing the visitors uniform instead of the stripes. But this time I think the home team will win.
MLB playoffs have begun and the Cubs are in after dismantling the Pirate bats last night. Somewhere Harry Carey is, in his unmistakeable voice, drifting back and forth between the game and his surroundings is smiling. I'm not smiling at the fact that it's October 8th and the playoffs are just getting started. Anyone else see something wrong with this picture?
Speaking of pictures... Props to LeBron James for indulging all the fans, especially the kids with selfies and photos during the preseason games in Cincinnati vs. the Hawks. LeBron also gave kudos for the on and off the court wisdom given to him by the greatest to ever play the game Oscar Robertson, aka The Big O. When someone else averages a triple double for a season then we can talk.
That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat; I'm Wayne Box Miller
Good post Box
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