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October 20, 2008
Fox Inspired By Palin's SNL Appearance?
Panthers coach John Fox, Mr. "It Is What It Is," a man who takes pride in finding new ways to say nothing, let loose with one of the best one-liners of this or any season Monday during his weekly news conference.
When asked about the Panthers' many dropped intereptions this season (nine), Fox pointed out that a dropped interception is still a pass breakup and noted:
"On defense, it's better to be known as ricochet than toast."
How clever!
Surely, we thought, it must have been a borrowed comment.
I've been covering the NFL since the mid-1990s and I don't ever recall hearing a coach or player use that phrase.
So I placed a call to my good friend John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. He's one of the premier NFL writers in the country and has been covering the league quite a while longer than me.
He said the phrase was new to him, too, and he liked it plenty.
Next, I did a Google search. Already, Fox's quote was in cyberspace and it appears to be an original.
So kudos to Fox.
Off camera, he is one of the most engaging, funny, personable people you could ever meet. Usually, however, he turns dull (intentionally) in front of a microphone.
For one day at least, it wasn't what it is, and it was what it isn't.
-- Charles Chandler
Posted by Observer Sports on October 20, 2008 at 09:43 PM | Permalink
Comments
If Fox doesn't leave any other legacy behind, this will definately be one of them. I can see this catching on at football practices across America.
Posted by: Keeping It Real | Oct 20, 2008 11:57:32 PM
If he doesn't leave any other legacy behind (which he will), this will be one for sure. I can see this catching on in practices across America.
Posted by: Keeping It Real | Oct 21, 2008 12:02:36 AM
Perhaps the wins are loosening Foxy up? Don't get too comfortable though, we need to win at least 2 of our next 3 to be in good playoff position, preferably all 3. Can't afford to sleep on Arizona...
Posted by: DB | Oct 21, 2008 1:53:52 AM
I dont get it??
Posted by: Huh | Oct 21, 2008 7:00:47 AM
Where is the connection between Palin on SNL and what Fox said?
Posted by: matt | Oct 21, 2008 8:06:37 AM
What did the headline "Fox Inspired By Palin's SNL Appearance?" have to do with the article? Did I miss the connection?
Posted by: ncriptide | Oct 21, 2008 8:42:30 AM
Article title makes no sense at all, but I also feel we need these next three games to put us in a good playoff position. Don't underestimate any of these teams.
FIREFOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: FIREFOX | Oct 21, 2008 9:00:56 AM
Wow!! did you request a interview from fox and wanted to thank him? just shoot the man a email or something....spare us this ball! licking! session! my god! get off his sack! or should I say "man boobs"
Posted by: Cheven | Oct 21, 2008 9:39:52 AM
You guys are idiots. Palin was on SNL for humor...Fox finally made a joke...therefore inspired by her...
Get it yet you morons?
Posted by: Smartguy | Oct 21, 2008 9:41:59 AM
If you are going to put "Palin's SNL Appearance" in the title of a column, it should at least reference it somewhere in the column. Are there any editors there or does everyone just jot stuff down and send it straight to press. It's just bad, unprofessional writing. I can't wait to read more! :(
Posted by: Michael | Oct 21, 2008 9:44:34 AM
You know, Fox's job isn't to entertain anybody, reporters or fans. He's supposed to coach his football team to victories, which he's done at a rate that has them in the top 10 in wins among ALL NFL teams since he took over. If you want a laugh, pick up a George Carlin CD, or even Dane Cook if crap like that floats your boat.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Oct 21, 2008 9:47:29 AM
Smartguy is obviously an ironic name because you are an Fing moron. We get it (except for the one that said "I don't get it"). Its just a very loose connection that isn't even mentioned in the column. "John Fox must've watched Sarah Palin's performance on SNL Sat. night because he had a little humor of his own at the press conference after Sunday's win." Why not start with that and then finish the column? Smartguy you are the only ignorant MF that is appreciative of this ongoing terrible writing at the Observer. Go back to your coloring book.
Posted by: Michael | Oct 21, 2008 9:55:42 AM
If the writing is so bad why do you continue to read it and post about it? Don't have any other place to find your sports info? No, I think the real answer is your just a jackass. If you knew anything about writing you wouldn't be here complaining like a little baby, you'd be writing the column yourself.
Posted by: Smartguy | Oct 21, 2008 10:00:18 AM
Who suggested that Fox has to be entertaining. The beef here is with the author, who made no Palin or SNL reference in the article
Posted by: matt | Oct 21, 2008 10:01:22 AM
You are complaining just as I am so I guess we're both little babies. And have you noticed that there are several other people who are irked by the headline not matching up with the story? And unfortunately, if you want local coverage of the Panthers, you only have 2 options; The Observer and The Rock Hill Herald (which has a much better sports section for anyone interested). I'm done, Smartguy. Try to stay inside the lines on that coloring book.
Posted by: Michael | Oct 21, 2008 10:21:51 AM
Matt, people bitch all the time about how "boring" Fox's pressers are. That's the only reason a crack like this gets any coverage.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Oct 21, 2008 11:25:27 AM
Foxy is a players coach who deserves an extension after this season.
Proctologist - Don't go away mad (just go away).
Posted by: Jay | Oct 21, 2008 11:51:55 AM
For the moron who said "FIREFOX" at the end of his post...
You do realize that Fox is a defensive kinda guy, right?
Did you also notice that we're #5 on the list of least total yards per game? We're barely behind the Giants, and up there with the Steelers, Titans, and Ravens. And you're complaining?
We even have the #2 pass defense, and the #3 points allowed defense.
All of those statistics can't be lying. Fox must be doing something right.
And if there's one thing we've learned from this season and last, it's that Jake Delhomme is the heart of the team. As goes Jake, so goes Carolina.
Posted by: Justin | Oct 21, 2008 12:21:18 PM
Well Fox is boring, but i must say, it seems he has been more up front and vocal with the media than in years past.
Posted by: Matt | Oct 21, 2008 12:39:36 PM
Ok, it's really not that funny.
Posted by: z | Oct 21, 2008 1:31:20 PM
It's just a name idiot, how else would you all know that it is me if I didn't define myself well like this. Glad you are reading my post.
Nice article headline
"Conservative approach has paid off, judging from balance of hits and misses."
Did you all read the article, pretty good and it defines what I have been saying all along regarding our team.
FIREFOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: FIREFOX | Oct 21, 2008 1:44:51 PM
I hate you all! Stop picking on me and leave me alone!
Posted by: Michael Procton | Oct 21, 2008 2:00:39 PM
Anyway....
Whatever happened to Cornerback/returner Ritardo Colclough? Is he on anyone's roster right now? Also, wasn't Colbert supposed to be playing for the Broncos last night??
Posted by: Keeping It Real | Oct 21, 2008 2:11:07 PM
Colclough is unemployed, but that continues a recent trend for him...he's played in SIX GAMES the last 2+ years. Why did anybody ever think he was going to be good? Colbert got cut by the Broncs, but has been playing for the Seahawks and actually started for them.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Oct 21, 2008 2:30:40 PM
Let's keep in mind that starting for the Seahawks at WR doesn't exactly say much as they have had like 9 or 10 guys start at WR this year. I think they even brough back Koren Robinson. Glad to see Colbert on a roster though, he's a pretty good guy who just doesn't quite have the heart/desire to be a great football player.
Posted by: Mason | Oct 21, 2008 2:47:17 PM
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