ESPN Anchormen - Secret Chemists?

Just in time for Super Bowl 46 (XLVI, for those playing in ancient Rome), The New York Times recently published a humorous collage of ESPN sportscasters' cliches over the past six months of NFL coverage. One tract specifically caught my eye:

"Ray Rice, dynamite running back — he's literally the catalyst for this Ravens offense."

Ray Rice: The Grubbs II of the Ravens' offense

Wow, two chemical terms in the same sentence! I understand, then, that Ray Rice, in addition to being a nitroglycerin-soaked fiber cylinder with a blasting cap, can also reduce kinetic barriers (tackles?) to fundamental reaction steps (gaining touchdowns, no doubt). 

I can see the similarity, if I look hard enough. After all, both football and chemistry research share collisions, (grid)iron, receivers, and a love of all things statistic. 

Just don't compare high "turnover numbers" (TON)...the NFL doesn't look as kindly on those as scientists do!

Enjoy the big game, everyone. Go Pats!