THE MAIL

Austin Murphy summed up the struggles Geno Smith is likely to have as a pro when he wrote that it took the West Virginia quarterback "more than half the season" to master coach Dana Holgorsen's offense. NFL offenses are exponentially more complex than their college counterparts. In 2013 teams just aren't willing to babysit a top pick while he figures things out.

Nathan Wenger, Carmel, Ind.

Although I was intrigued by the article about Smith (In Geno Veritas), I was disappointed by the reference to the late Bill Stewart's offense as a "crude, simple instrument" when compared with the current "so much fun" Air Raid offense of Holgorsen. Most WVU fans would prefer crude, simple 9--4 records to so much fun 7--6 ones.

Jim Brown, New Martinsville, W.Va.

Basic Instincts

Excellent article on Marc Gasol (SCORECARD) by Rob Mahoney. I remember watching Gasol, just like I watched Penny Hardaway, when he was playing high school ball in Memphis. They both had that intuitive feel for the game. I hope Gasol stays under the radar so that the Grizzlies can keep him.

Les Shumake, Olive Branch, Miss.

Word Choice

One phrase from Phil Taylor's POINT AFTER on gay athletes stuck out like a relic from a less PC era: sexual preference. The more correct term is sexual orientation. The same way I never decided to be straight, my gay friends didn't have the choice of gay or straight offered to them. We are all just the way we are.

JP Holwell, Oakland

Cardinals' Virtues

Thank you, Louisville Cardinals, for perfectly personifying the meaning of a true team on your trip to the title (Three for All). Luke Winn described an inspired, unrelenting ensemble that overcame huge challenges on and off the court to reach their goal. The story helped remind us that passion, selflessness and commitment can lead to great things.

Eric Atwood, Marietta, Ga.

The juxtaposition of the articles on the special bond between the players at Louisville and Chris Mannix's story on Kentucky's reloading with one-and-done hopefuls (Stand-up Double) brought into focus the very different approaches taken by these archrivals. Being a graduate of one (Kentucky) but a fan of the other (Louisville), I'll only say it was a special treat watching the Cardinals' journey to the title this year.

Mike Risley, Louisville

The Voice

After reading Richard Deitsch's interview with Verne Lundquist (One-on-One ...) I added to my bucket list: have an "unsweetened ice tea" with Verne and Bill Raftery. Onions!

Mike Cooney, Dalton, Mass.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Will cornerback Darrelle Revis make the Bucs a playoff team in 2013?

Stephen Peters: Still need to shore up some offensive issues, but the defense is a bit stronger now to help them start contending in the NFC South.

Cleveland de Jesus: No! He's a cornerback for crying out loud.

Patrick Cleary: The fact that they added not just Revis but also safety Dashon Goldson could make their defense playoff-worthy. It's a question of whether their offense can perform up to par that will dictate their playoff future.

Rico Tabligan: No, but it will make Matt Ryan's, Drew Brees's and Cam Newton's lives a little tougher.

Ron Torlucci: Revis has always been, and will always only be looking out for Darrelle Revis. Until that changes, any locker room that he is in will be better off without him.

Johnny Lloyd: He'll make a giant impact on their horrible pass defense, but the Bucs' offense, particularly Josh Freeman, needs to step up in a very tough division.

Adam Michael: He is a game-changing corner, but it's not a CB league, it's a QB league.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

"IF TNT EVER SHOWS SHAQ RUNNING IN HIS BOXERS AGAIN, I'M GIVING UP INSIDE THE NBA FOREVER. #CANNOTUNSEETHAT

PHIL TAYLOR (@SI_PHILTAYLOR)

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