Bidding farewell
My first blog post on Moving the Chains came on August 2, 2007. It was an entry about Jamal Lewis' first season with the Browns and an introduction of what to expect from the blog.
Since then, it's been non-stop NFL coverage and a lot of fun for the last 10 months. With that being said, it's time to bid farewell. I've had a blast working at baltimoresun.com during the last two-plus years but am moving on for another opportunity later this month.
You, the readers, have been great. A blog like this only works when fans actively participate, and that was no problem here. So thank you to everyone who's ever clicked on a link or made a comment. You've made Moving the Chains a success. Here are some highlights from the 10-month run:
Live-blogging during Ravens games - Many of you chimed in as I updated the blog during games. The criticism of Brian Billick and the team's quarterbacks came early and often. And the argument about whether Kyle Boller will ever be a successful NFL quarterback will rage on in this city long after I'm gone, with defenders discussing the lack of talent/coaching around him and critics pointing to the results.
Weekly power rankings - I would rank the team's top 16 teams each week in an effort to make some sense of a wacky season, and you would voice your opinions like this random comment from Week 8:
"I'm still having trouble buying the Lions"...are you joking me?? Have you not been watching them this season. They are 5-2 and are undefeated against their entire division (I do realize that they haven't played the Packers yet). They've beaten the Bears twice (breaking a record by scoring 34 points in the 4th against their defense). I'm not a Lions fan at all, but Kitna is having a great season and this team deserves a lot more credit than they are given.
Ravens-Patriots, Dec. 3 - Of the eight regular-season games I covered at M&T Bank Stadium, this was the most memorable. The Ravens at 4-7 were out of the playoff hunt but came oh so close to knocking off the then-11-0 Patriots. A chaotic ending that included Jabar Gaffney's game-winning touchdown catch had fans talking all week. On the blog, we set a personal record with 74 comments after this game.
Weekly picks - I miraculously finished the season with an above-.500 record of 125-121-10, making weekly picks with the spread. However, I was dead wrong about the Giants all year and was stunned like most everyone else when they reached the Super Bowl and eventually beat the Patriots.
Draft coverage - Coverage of the NFL draft is completely out of control, and we did our part here to make sure it stays that way. The most popular month in terms of readership came in April when Ravens fans were presumably ready to turn the page on the '07 season and look ahead.
Those are just some of the things that stood out for me. I tried to post something new almost every day and had a great time learning from writers around the country and of course, you, the readers.
No one will be taking over this particular blog on baltimoresun.com, but rest assured that the talented people here will find new ways to provide the area's best Ravens and NFL coverage as training camp approaches in a couple of months.
Once again, thanks for reading. It's been a great run.
Comments
I've enjoyed your informitive research and your progression.Good luck.... you have the ability to remain unbiased and without a twisted agenda, and its refreshing..... stay true to the truth and keep your energy and enthusiasm ....with all of that I dont need to say good luck..... you are forging your own destiny.
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Thanks Anonymous (Curb Your Enthusiasm flashback anyone?)
--Sheil
Posted by: Anonymous | June 2, 2008 1:52 AM
forgot to sign.
Posted by: Rob | June 2, 2008 1:54 AM
You did a great job. This was the place to go for Ravens info the last ten months. I've led friends here numerous time for good information. Good luck in the future.
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Thanks R.L. Appreciate it.
--Sheil
Posted by: R.L. | June 2, 2008 8:00 AM
Dude, no way !!! Where are you going? Congrats on the new opportunity
You did a great job covering the team. Thanks, JW
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Thanks JW. I've accepted a position with philly.com, the Web site for The Inquirer and The Daily News.
--Sheil
Posted by: JWBBZ | June 2, 2008 8:09 AM
I love the "what they're saying about...." feature... please keep that going for the Orioles and Ravens!
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Joe,
Several readers have mentioned they enjoy the "What they're saying" features since we started running them. Expect those to continue. They just might not be in the blog format.
--Sheil
Posted by: Joe | June 2, 2008 8:35 AM
I haven't posted much but will surely miss your Ravens coverage and comments,,,,,,,,,,,,,best of luck to you,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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Thanks Jim.
--Sheil
Posted by: Jim from Dundalk | June 2, 2008 9:06 AM
Thanks. Your blog was definitely the best. You're sure to find success in your new position.
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Appreciate it Skaybaltimore.
--Sheil
Posted by: skaybaltimore | June 2, 2008 9:09 AM
You've been a good read. Thanks and good luck.
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Thanks Jon.
--Sheil
Posted by: Jon From Virginia | June 2, 2008 9:35 AM
Who am I supposed to stalk now?
You had the only column on this site worth responding to.
I had fun crushing your football picks, and did really enjoy getting the Raven links even though most of them were full of Peter King Clown wipe.
Thanks for the entertainment. Peace.
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Thanks Jeremiah. Good luck finding someone else to stalk.
-Sheil
Posted by: Jeremiah | June 2, 2008 9:59 AM
Can I take your place?
Posted by: Jarrett | June 2, 2008 10:14 AM
Hey Sheil,
Even though some of your blogs have been questionable, a lot of them have been really good and I think you just say certain things to stir up some interest in the blogs. Either way, it worked and you did a great job. I hope the next person will be able to live up to the same talent as you. Good luck in whatever it is you are doing!
Sincerely,
RAVENS NUT IN TAMPA!!
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Thanks Steve.
--Sheil
Posted by: Steve from Tampa | June 2, 2008 11:17 AM
I have really enjoyed your blog! Will miss you that's for sure. Much success in your new position.
jp
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Thanks JP.
--Sheil
Posted by: JP | June 2, 2008 11:45 AM
Sheil, C'mon, Philly? Good luck working in that city. Gonna miss your work, All us Bmore fans in Kuwait enjoyed your coverage, too bad we couldn't have had a better year for you. Good luck
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Thanks Buzz.
--Sheil
Posted by: Buzz G in Kuwait | June 2, 2008 12:31 PM
Is someone else a the Sun going to run the blog or is it going to go away?
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This specific blog is going to go away.
--Sheil
Posted by: Andy | June 2, 2008 3:02 PM
Happy trails.
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Thanks HeWhoCannotBeNamed.
--Sheil
Posted by: HeWhoCannotBeNamed | June 2, 2008 3:16 PM
Good luck in your new position and thanks for all the hard work. You did a great job and now I'll have to find a worthy replacement for you in my favorites section. Enjoy the Philly fans, I'm sure they'll be a handful!
David21009
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Thanks David. Much appreciated.
--Sheil
Posted by: David21009 | June 2, 2008 3:25 PM
You can't leave. This is where I get all of my Ravens updates. This is the best blog on Baltimoresun.com. 'Ol well. Good luck with future endeavors. Have any advice for an aspiring sportswriter? How do I apply for a job such as this one?
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Thanks E-Roc. Feel free to e-mail me with your other questions: skapadia@baltimoresun.com.
--Sheil
Posted by: E-ROC | June 2, 2008 3:37 PM
Great "Blog"....you will be missed!
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Thanks Armchair QB.
--Sheil
Posted by: The "Armchair" QB | June 2, 2008 5:09 PM
Thanks for the great work! Good luck in Philly, but if igglesville doesn't work out, come on back! You're blog is gonna be missed...
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Appreciate it JeffG.
--Sheil
Posted by: JeffG | June 2, 2008 6:04 PM
Best of luck man....
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Thanks Vince.
--Sheil
Posted by: Vince | June 2, 2008 6:36 PM
Good riddance. We all know Bracken's the brains behind the sports department anyway.
Posted by: Anonymous (and not Ted Danson) | June 2, 2008 7:14 PM
I like the last guy's Curb knowledge, but it won't be the same without Sheil in the baltimoresun.com offices. We'll miss ya (even if you did kill all my early season Lions optimism). Good luck in Philly.
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Thanks man. Any MTC reader who's a Terps fan -- you're doing yourself a disservice if you're not clicking on Recruiting Report everyday.
--Sheil
Posted by: Matt Bracken | June 2, 2008 9:33 PM
While in Philly, you could do a blog called "What there saying about Harbaugh leaving for the Ravens" and forward it down to us...I really enjoyed your blogs, and in particular, it helped me to get more interested in the orioles new young players. thanks.
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Appreciate it Shrimptrawler.
--Sheil
Posted by: shrimptrawler | June 2, 2008 9:37 PM
Sheil, sorry to see your blog end. I really enjoyed reading your comments and reader's contributions.
Best of luck in future endeavors!
Dave-
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Thanks Dave.
--Sheil
Posted by: Dave | June 2, 2008 9:43 PM
you seem like an intelligent guy with good writing skills. nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself. thx for all the interesting coverage, including baltimore mma, which many people tend to ignore. good luck to you and best wished for your future
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Thanks bmore.
--Sheil
Posted by: bmore | June 3, 2008 12:30 AM
Where is Philly?
Posted by: jimi | June 3, 2008 6:32 AM
Good luck to you in the future. You've always filled my head with information and entertainment, and that's all I can ask for in my sports coverage. Keep up the great work
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Thanks Darin. Appreciate it.
--Sheil
Posted by: Darin McCann | June 3, 2008 8:26 AM
Good luck with your new venture.
Good job with your old one.
You'll be missed (unless we can find you).
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Appreciate it.
--Sheil
Posted by: waspman | June 3, 2008 10:32 AM
Your blogs will be missed!! I really looked forward to seeing who was talking bad about our teams. I think u did a great job!!!!
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Thanks B. Appreciate it.
--Sheil
Posted by: B | June 3, 2008 12:49 PM
my darling sheil,
you are truly amazing! Everyday i come home and stare into those brown, luscious eyes of yours...mmm...i'm going to miss you.
=( I remember the first time i heard your name, Sheil Kapadia, i fell in love. You are my hero, my infallible inspiration and i will deeply miss your blogs, but more importantly, you Sheil, my sweet little hershey kiss of love. You are so handsome and knoledgable...oh how i will miss you dearly. I just love your dark black hair, that of a crow's, as it gently flaps in the wind. Oh Sheil, my lover, you are my hero, my handsome fella, my panacea! If you ever want to get together or just call me since i'm like your biggest fan, call me at (phone number deleted). Oh we can do anything!!! I long to see you in my arms! Please do call!
I guess i have to say good-bye...=(NO!
Bye bye my little honey bun filled with love, my handsome knight in shining black armor!!! My...lover! Maybe one day we will meet and then my true love, Sheil, you will be mine! YES!!! You are my juicy bite of apple, my gracious teddy bear! You are my sweet glass of lemonade!
With everlasting love!!!
Love,
your secret admirer
hee hee hee hee!
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You win the award for most creative sendoff comment. Nice work.
--Sheil
Posted by: Anonymous | June 3, 2008 3:32 PM
Sheil ,
I want to thank you very much for your outstanding work on your blog here in Baltimore . Everytime i read your or your reader's comments , i gained some perspectives and knowledge that is hard to find . Your replacement can only succeed you. May i wish you successful future in Philadelphia and beyond . Farewell Sheil [ waving ]
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Thanks Allan. Appreciate it.
--Sheil
Posted by: Allan | June 4, 2008 2:35 AM
I am really going to miss your coverage and comments. Good luck up north. Hope you have a flak jacket.
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Thanks LD.
--Sheil
Posted by: L D Smith | June 4, 2008 9:18 AM
Good Luck in your future!
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Thanks Phil.
--Sheil
Posted by: Phil | June 4, 2008 1:27 PM
my computer goes down for a couple weeks and i finally get back on sunspot to read this! well i can't say i blame ya for leaving The Sun (if there's one thing i learned from The Wire it's that working for the sun isn't exactly a dream job). hopefully we'll be watching you mix it up with Reali and Co. on Around The Horn in the future. good luck in Philly
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Thanks Dave. I'm a big fan of The Wire, but I can honestly say I enjoyed my two-plus years here at baltimoresun.com.
--Sheil
Posted by: dave f | June 4, 2008 2:26 PM
Who cares?
Posted by: Dan | June 4, 2008 2:26 PM
Thanks for the blog. It was refreshing to get a different perspective on the Ravens, but itwill be missed sorely. Best of luck in whatever you do.
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Thanks C.J.
--Sheil
Posted by: C. J. | June 5, 2008 5:48 AM
Sheil,
Congratulations on moving on and up in the world. Your opinions on sports are top notch and that won't change.
--Justin
PS Who's your secret admirer? That gal has a huge crush!
Also, could you bring some winning ways to the Philly area? We're hungry for something after suffering for over 100 seasons (and counting) now.
Posted by: Justin Steel | June 5, 2008 10:10 PM
Baltimore vs Philly
Who do you think has a better shot at winning a championship first?
Orioles vs Phillies? -- Given the Phillies surge last year gotta weigh in with the Fighting Phills here.
Ravens vs Eagles? -- Eagles get McNabb back fully healed and ready to lead. Gotta give the nodge to the Eagles here as well.
Seems obvious to me why you made the move!
Posted by: Justin Steel | June 5, 2008 10:40 PM