Monday Morning Uni Watch

Phil here, filling in for Paul on this first Monday of October (which means the month of pink can’t be far away). Not too much big or interesting happened uni-wise in the NFL, but I’m sure a lot of us are grateful for at least one thing. Yep, the replacements weren’t getting any of that after the game. And while there were no travesties of justice like that which took place on Monday night, it’s good that the *real* refs made sure they hit the weight room during their forced hiatus. Speaking of refs, here’s a nice tidbit of information on the ref’s unis (thanks to Mark E. Kluczynski).

All joking aside, it’s good to have the regular referees back. Meanwhile, lets see what happened during week 4 of the league…where they play…for pay:

• The Atlanta Falcons wore their beautiful throwbacks against the Panthers yesterday. Rowdy Roddy White engaged in a bit of sock-shenanigans, somewhat marring the beauty of that uni. Much like the 1965 Houston Astros original unis, this was one team that got it right (uni wise) the first time, and never should have strayed from that beauty. And I realize this is a “quarterback” cut (and it’s been discussed before), but why is it possible for some teams to have full loops going around their sleeves? Clearly it can be done. (More pics here.)

That was it for the “special” unis for Week 4 — lets take a quick trip around the league to see what else was up yesterday:

• On Thursday night, the Browns and Ravens hooked up and the Ravens broke out the purple tops over black pants, a look which has actually grown on me. And while I detest the pants and undersocks being the same color (giving teams the tights look), it actually somewhat mitigates the awfulness of the bicycle pants. (More.)

• The Bills and Pats hooked up in a little internecine battle in the AFC East — the good news is the Bills will apparently not wear blue pants this year. The bad news is that as good as the Bills look, the Colombian Necktie stupid two-color Nikelace ruins the look. Also always interesting to see Ryan Fitzpatrick with his wedding band on. And I know some of you love the Pats unis, but this is a shitty looking uniform. Sorry. (More.)

• The Vikes & Lions hooked up in the Silverdome Ford Field, and nothing much of uni-interest took place there. I’m not sure if they’re any different from last year, but somehow the Vikes look a little different — it’s a terrible uni, of course, but somehow the Nike treatment seems to work — and I finally get the design element (the “horn” sorta repeats on the sleeve and pants leg). One too many bumperstickers, of course, but at least now it makes a little bit of sense. (More.)

• The current team to call Houston home hooked up with the former team to call Houston home. And the new Houston team is pretty good. But, I gotta say, I sure do love it when the former team goes white over Columbia. That is one of the most underrated neo-classic unis in the game today. Just beautiful. (More.)

• After two weeks of wearing white trou with their white tops (a goregous look), the Chargers went back to wearing navy pants for their game against the Chiefs in Arrowhead. (More.)

• The NFC runner-up 49ers came into the New Meadowlands and showed the Jets why they’re a force this year. The looked better too. It’s hard to tell in this photo, but the Jets single shoulder “stripe” is a different color green (the jersey is more olive) than the jersey itself. And the sweatboxes really show up against that dark color. Jet Bart Scott had a ripped decal (thanks to Gordon Cromer). (More.)

• It’s not often the Seahawks are going the be the better looking team on the gridiron this year. But thanks to the mono-blue clad Rams, they were. The birds went with their gray pants yesterday, which is actually a pretty good look. Wish they’d wear those pants with the blue tops more. And, surprisingly, I don’t hate the neon gloves and shoes as much as I thought I would. (More.)

• After wearing their black jerseys last week, the Cardinals returned to their cardinal jerseys, taking on the Dolphins. And, in what is (I believe) a rarity, the Dolphins wore white over white on the road (a look they usually reserve for home games). That’s a great look, except, of course, for the Nikelace. Ugh. (More.)

• The Broncos, in their orange tops (a beautiful shade of orange it is) used a second half surge to destroy the Raiduhs. I actually think the Broncs are one of the few teams who look better in the new Nike unis than they did before, but the different color belt tunnel really gets annoying, ruining the completely unnecessary fat blue panel running from armpit to knee. (More.)

• Normally, a game between the Jaguars and Bengals would be almost uni-unwatchable. But yesterday was different, the Jags wore teal, the Bengals white, and it looked aight. Sadly, this is likely our last look at the teal (at least if everything we’re hearing is correct) for the Jags this year. One other team I think looks better with the new Nike treatment is the Bengals (at least when they go white over white). Unfortunately, the teal makes the sweatboxes even more apparent. (More.)

• The uni-gods saw to it that the Packers (one of the few teams to eschew the ‘modern’ Nike cuts) eked one out over the Bounty-Boys ballet-pantsed Saints (shout out Hofstra’s Marques Colston!). Don’t the Saints realize that their only proper pants are gold? And how is it this guy doesn’t have a shampoo commercial yet? (More.)

[Two uni notes from the Packer game: An interesting observation from Scott Lederer, who notes, “Watching the Packers/Saints game. Graham Harrell came into the game for one play when Aaron Rodgers was momentarily injured. A close up of his helmet seems to show that the stripe is wider as it passes over one of the vents at the back of his helmet. The stripe still looks normal because the part that appears to be wider is clear. I guess this is to prevent the stripe tape from partly being on the shell of the helmet and partly being over the hole? Maybe it’s easier to damage the stripe in that scenario? Not sure, just speculating.” Also from that game (and possibly almost the same moment) comes this observation from Dave Rakowski: “Here are three photos showing Packers Cedric Benson’s face shield with an old-fashioned Packer/Wisconsin logo.”]

• The penultimate game of the day featured the Washington team against the Bucs. The Washington team went with white pants down in Tampa, and RGIII offered up an ode to Tebow (or, maybe not). I’ve never been a fan of the Bucs pewter color — although it’s certainly unique — maybe because I loved their creamsickle outfits so much more. (More.)

• The SNF matchup feature the G-men and Iggles wearing white over gray and midnight over white respectively. Nothing to see here. Two teams solidly in the middle of the pack uni-wise. Since the Giants were one of the teams to wear the “super-stretchies” last year, they have benefited immensely from the Nike makeover. The Eagles stuck with their “old” cuts and still look pretty good. (More.)

Uni Watch News Ticker: (Mostly compiled by Phil — added to by Paul) … “I wouldn’t think too many equipment managers have been honored with a statue at a stadium?” (from Jay Sullivan). … “First time I saw “Sr.” on an NFL jersey.” (Joe Bozek). … Wisconsin rip-off sighting: “Here is a pic of a local high school in Williamsport, PA. Even the coaching staff has taken the Wisconsin W.” (Art Savokinas). … “New Alabama Basketball Uniforms.” (Leo Thornton). … “I was watching “Ask the Huskers – Sept. 27th” on Youtube, which includes an interview with one of Nebraska’s equipment managers, Jay Terry. And couldn’t help but notice the obvious: a red (or perhaps maroon?) Nebraska helmet along side the alt black helmet and traditional cream helmet. GOD forbid: it almost looks like an Oklahoma helmet with the OU replaced by an N! (Gil Neumann). … “Burning couches is a pandemic in WV.” (Joshua Prior). … “I saw this Arkansas Coke box arrangement on Facebook.” (Rex Henry). … “As an avid and life long Browns fan (insert joke)…What I do find actually funny, is the “traditionalist” Browns fans, who act as if it’s an act of treason to ever manipulate the Browns uniform. You’ve probably seen these at some point over the years, but I’ve attached a picture which shows 3 different Otto Graham shots from long ago, clearly showing that the uniform we hold dear as the “traditional” Browns uni, isn’t really traditional at all. It’s more likely fans are really longing for the Era we wore in Jim Browns later years in the early 60s which is what more closely resembles our modern Uniforms.” (“Brian5580”). … “Not really uni-related, but I think you follow this — Interesting news in the Kobe beef world.” (Samuel Shipley). … In case you missed it, Tulsa unveiled a white helmet. (Joe Moore). … More Notre Dame news: “Prepping the ND Chicago Helmets; Chicago Game ND Captain Jersey (four stars from the Chicago flag in the neck); and, Skull Caps.” (Warren Junium). … “Has there ever been a NFL player whose name was the combination of two former NFL equipment manufacturers, and who subsequently wore equipment manufactured by a 3rd company who did not share his namesake? You need not look any further than Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.” (Chris Jowdy). … “What if Stan Kroenke, Bill Bidwill and Shahid Khan got together, and after some proper monetary compensation and brand-name adjustment, at one stroke “corrected” the relocations of 1987, 1994 and expansion of 1995??? My personal hope would be that this is the result (sorry Jacksonville). St. Louis Rams -> Los Angeles Rams (NFC West). Arizona Cardinals -> St. Louis “Football” Cardinals (NFC West). Jacksonville Jaguars .-> Arizona Jaguars (AFC South).” (Villaroman Santos). … “In light of Nebraska’s alt uniform, er piece o crap, someone has done a look back at the Huskers uni history. I am not a fan of the one game uniform thing, but I guess to a 18 year old it works.” (Eric C. Leach). … “I just stumbled across this (1950s seat cover display) and for some reason I thought of Paul immediately. :).” (Greg Beaulieu). … “So this year Luis Suarez from Liverpool has had his wrist wrapped up. This picture is from a home game this year he has red wrap to match the jersey. On the second picture is from (yester)day when Liverpool was away at Norwitch. They are wearing their freaking awful Purple/Orange/White/Gray kits, freaking terrible! But as you can see his wrist wrap is purple today. Also he has black tape on his armband. Assuming that is a tribute to the 96 that died during the Hillsbourgh Incident.” (Nile Smith). … “I am on a mini vacation in Salamanca NY, and they have this poster of OJ wearing 36. I thought he only wore 32. Do you know anything about this?” (Scott Cummings). … “Is that one of those bat knob # decals on his shin guard?” (Brinke). … “Rivermen to Sport Fan-Made 3rd Jersey. Coolest part…it’s a fan-created design.” (John Muir). … “WV Captain Designation on Helmet. Hope this hasn’t already been discussed but haven’t seen or heard of this myself.” (Paul Deaver). … “No Reebok logo on Jags poster. Team just tweeted this. Reebok logo photoshopped out.” (Sam Lam). … “Bikini Basketball League team rips off the SuperSonics logo.” (Brinke, again). … “Interesting high school throwback uniforms: Quick backstory: In 1990, the two high schools in Warren, Ohio, were merged into one, taking the name of the older school & the mascot of the other one. The Warren G. Harding Panthers (est. 1920s) & the Warren Western Reserve Raiders (est 1960s) became the Warren G. Harding Raiders. This year, the football team is holding two throwback games, dressing as the Reserve Raiders for one & the Harding Panthers for the other. The throwback story itself is interesting, but I was particularly fascinated by the uniforms (specifically, the Reserve throwback).” (Hugh McBride). … “Just saw this video from the Rams’ recent Make-A-Wish event with the players still sporting their Reebok jerseys.” (Stephanie Suarez). … “As I was surfing the NFL.com, searching for new things about my Houston Texans, I found a funny episode of “On the Nose by Shaun Cody” where he takes a tour of the equipment room. Although it is not supposed to really be that in depth, I did find it interesting that there is basically a full dry cleaning service on site.” (Matthew Casella). … “The AFL Grand Final was a colour on colour match-up between the Hawthorn Hawks (brown and yellow) and the Sydney Swans (red and white). It was a bird on bird contest as well; indeed the final four were all birds with the Hawks beating the Adelaide Crows and the Swans beating the Collingwood Magpies in the Preliminary Finals last week.” (Craig Snyder). … “Looks like the teams in the playoffs are wearing patches on the side of their hats starting with the first round of the playoffs, not just the world series”¦ interesting!” (Nick Schiavo). … “On July 16th, it was mentioned that Astros pitcher Enerio Del Rosario has a very odd NOB. That was on a grey jersey. It was later found out that it was a mistake and he would no longer wear that jersey. Well, tonight (Sept. 29), Del Rosario wore the same style on NOB against the Brewers, this time on a red jersey.” (Randy Allemann). … “Thought you’d enjoy this – its from the Calgary Hitmen a couple of nights ago. Instead of a giant flaming C at centre ice, it’s now a small Flames logo and a small Hitmen logo. First time they’ve ever done this (presumably because of the strike). Also note the flaming C’s in the centre line. Frozenfaceoff has the C’s in the centreline but not the Hitmen logo.” (Mike Styczen). … “I thought you guys would get a kick out of these uniforms worn Saturday as Appalachian State routed Coastal Carolina 55-14.” (Vance Gonzales). … “For the blooper files at Uni-Watch — Thought you guys would be interested in this, from Sunday.” (Al Yellon). also “Greinke NOB Failure.” (Timothy Burke). … “TCU Aggies? How bout them TCU Aggies?” (Justin Hale). “Utah State did the ‘White Out’ Saturday night against UNLV, Winnipeg Jets style.” (Benjamin Froehle). … “The Grand Final in the AFL was just Friday night, but already some Hawthorn Hawks jumpers (after switching from Puma to Adidas) for the 2013 season have leaked. Adidas is really pushing it here by altering the traditional look of the Hawks, not only creating a brown jumper to be worn (along with the traditional gold jumpers), but they are replacing the middle bar on the back of the jumper with an ‘Adidas stripe‘. On the gold jumper, however, it appears that the Adidas stripe will stop above the number.” (Leo Strawn, Jr.). … “Where does ESPN college game day get their football helmets from? Their ND shamrock series helmet they had yesterday was wrong. Here are the real helmets.” (James Laky). … (and here’s the remainder of the ticker, as compiled by Paul): UNC’s white helmet will make its on-field debut this Saturday (from Tom Arnel). … Louisiana-Lafayette is honoring its equipment manager with a statue — a rare honor for an equipment guy (from Jay Sullivan). ”¦ Here’s our first look at a Nike version of the Texans’ red jersey. The weird thing is that the numbers look gray. Definitely not like that in the style guide. We’ll learn more on Oct. 21, when the team is slated to wear red (from Daniel Barrera). ”¦ Contrary to what was in Friday’s Ticker, Tennessee kicker Derrick Brodus did not change his number in honor of Jackie Robinson. He took No. 42 simply because it was assigned to him (thanks to Josh Williams for the correction). ”¦ “The Grand Final in the AFL was just Friday night, but already some Hawthorn Hawks jumpers (after switching from Puma to Adidas) for the 2013 season have leaked,” reports Leo Strawn, Jr. ”¦ This is weird: When the Notre Dame uniform for the Shamrock Series game was first unveiled, the helmet was about two-thirds gold and one-third navy. But ESPN College Gameday had a helmet on their set the other day that showed those proportions reversed (from Eric Geyer).