Thoughts on SB XLIV (Saints- Colts)

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers

Thoughts: As much as I want to pick the Jets, and as much as I want to see them win, I see the buck stopping here for the Jets. I see the Chargers 'secondary' weapons being the reason they win the game. By secondary, I'm talking about guys like Darren Sproles, Malcolm Floyd, Legedu Naanee and others. I don't see the Jets letting Philip Rivers throwing to Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates beat them, so they will force the hands of the complimentary players, and they'll rise to the occasion. While I expect the Jets to hold the Chargers below their offensive averages, and play well, I expect the Jets offense to falter a bit. While they played well last week, there is more that points to that being a fluke than it being a sign. The Jets have a lot of positives for the near and distant future to build on, but the 2009 buck stops in California, as Rivers and company move on to the AFC Championship Game.

PREDICTION: Chargers 27 Jets 17

Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts

Thoughts: I'm hearing a lot of love for Baltimore this week, and rightfully so. They are a very good team. They can run the ball, play defense and they have a QB who's not going to hurt them. That being said, I like Peyton Manning and the Colts here, but the game will be a close one. I think the game will come down to Joe Flacco eventually having to make plays to lead his team, and I don't see that happening. Though I think the Colts defense is very suspect, I've seen very little that makes Joe Flacco reliable in a game where he has to win it on his arm. That is what I think he will have to do, as the Colts will do everything in their power to stop the Ravens strong rushing attack. The Ravens fall a bit short, Manning and the Colts move on to the AFC Title game.

Prediction: Colts 31 Ravens 20

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings

Thoughts: Dallas is coming in riding a wave of momentum, and these teams are polar opposites when it comes to their respective season ends. Minnesota finished losing 2 out of 3, and Dallas has won 4 straight. Minnesota has struggled in making Carolina and Chicago's offenses look like world beaters. The Cowboys defense is dominating, and in that four game winning streak, they kept the Saints to 17, they shut out the Eagles, and Redskins, and held the Eagles in check last week. The Cowboys pass rush has become fearsome with Anthony Spencer, DeMarcus Ware, and Jay Ratliff leading the way. I think Minnesota's pass blocking is a bit suspect, which Favre covers up for with his excellent pocket presence, and quick release. I think when you combine the pass rush with the secondary play, you'll have a vintage Brett Favre playoff performance. That means, expect to see a backbreaking interception in there somewhere. I think Tony Romo is more trustworthy in this spot, given Favre's history, and his play this year has been superb. Romo has silenced a lot of critics along the way and I expect them to be like a public library after this game. I like Dallas.

Prediction: Cowboys 34 Vikings 27

Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints

Thoughts: I hope the scoreboard operator(s) has plenty of light bulbs. This one is going to be high scoring. I could see either one of these teams winning the game, but it's hard to get a read on the Saints right now. They limped into the gate, losing two out of their last three, and before that really hadn't played all that well. That being said, they still have Drew Brees, they still have that offense, and if last week is any indication, defense to the Arizona Cardinals is clearly optional. Kurt Warner is one of the best postseason Quarterbacks ever, and I don't see this game taking anything away from his numbers as he is going against a very suspect New Orleans defense. I see this one being very "Madden-esque". It's a toss up but I'll go with New Orleans at home.

Prediction: Saints 45 Cardinals 38

Thoughts on Wildcard Weekend

- All the games this weekend were brutal with the exception of the Shootout in the Wild West featuring the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals.

- 96 points, more than 1,000 yards of total offense, two QBs picking apart helpless defenses. If not for AZ/GB, this entire weekend of football would have been a disaster when it comes to the caliber of the game. And the fact that the game ended in a defensive score is the highest form of irony. The defensive players in this game played like they were stuck in quick sand.

-On the second play of last drive for Green Bay in the Overtime period, how exactly was Bertrand Berry not called for a penalty? He not only hit Rodgers in the face, but he hit him 'late' (according to the NFL standards anyway), and didn't get called for a thing. I could only imagine if that happened to Tom Brady. Berry would probably be banned for life.

- Dos Cuatro> Ocho Cinco

-Kurt Warner had more touchdowns than incompletions. Wow.

-Seeing Neil Rackers miss that field goal at the end of regulation makes me wonder if there ever has been a worse period for kickers. Brutal

-How many garbage calls did they make against Darrelle Revis in that game? That pass interference was a joke, and on the first illegal contact, the wide receiver ran into him and gave him a two handed shove. The refs were a joke during that game.

- It's rare that you see the Patriots look that bad, but the Ravens really kicked them in the teeth. It was an ominous sign when Ray Rice rumbled for an 83 yard TD before the seats even filled up. From minute one to minute 60, the Ravens simply did whatever they wanted with the Patriots. I look forward to the week worth of 'WWWD' (What Would Welker Do), sentiments/excuses.

-I keep hearing how the Ravens over the Patriots is an upset and I don't understand how. They played earlier this season and the Ravens were done in with a couple awful calls. The Patriots haven't been the same team we've come to know all year. They were evenly matched, so where is this "upset"?

- Did the Bengals hand this game to the Jets too? That's all I heard throughout the week leading up to the game, and the Jets kicked the stuffing out of them on Saturday. They pounded the rock, were efficient passing the ball and played great defense. Mark Sanchez was basically spotless in his first playoff game, and Carson Palmer looked completely brutal.

- The entire Eagle team laid an egg, and I'll get that out of the way. That being said, I'd like to give a shout out to the great Donovan McNabb for adding to his playoff lore with a performance for the ages Saturday night. He's such a leader, and is a top QB in the league. On a more serious note, Saturday night was a 60 minute snapshot as to why Philadelphia will never win anything with him under center. He doesn't have the makeup to get it done.

-I guess no one is bashing Tony Romo these days for being overrated, a guy who comes up small, and being the sole reason for Dallas' failures? Regardless he played very well and has done so for basically the entire season as he has been magnificent. McNabb should take some notes from Romo. He certainly could use them.

-What was Mike Jenkins doing lateraling the ball when his team was up 20+ points? Take your INT, make snow angels on the ground and be done with it.

- I think we've seen the last of Brian Westbrook in a Philadelphia uniform.

- What was the point of signing Jeremiah Trotter? I don't get Philly management. They can let Brian Dawkins go, though his price was reasonable but then they sign Mike Vick and Trotter who's been done for about a decade? Really?

- Whoever thought it was a good idea to put Joe Theismann and Joe Gibbs in the booth together needs to be terminated immediately.

Playoffs?!?!?!?!

Wildcard Weekend

New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals

Thoughts: I keep hearing how the Bengals laid down for the Jets last week, and I can't help but think that is ridiculous. I don't care how much you may/may not want to play a certain team, you don't lie down, get your collective ass kicked and give that team ultimate confidence going into the playoff game.

That being said, these are two evenly matched teams, with the one glaring difference being that the Bengals have a good QB, and the Jets have one of arguably the three worst in the league.

I'll go with the obvious here for a second. The key to this game is the Jets run offense against the Bengals run defense. If the Bengals let the Jets run anywhere near as effectively as they did last week, the Jets chances increase tremendously. The less Mark Sanchez throws the ball, the better for obvious reasons.

Even with the Jets glaring hole at the QB spot I like the Jets defense and running game to lift the team to a victory, sending them to sunny San Diego for a match up for Philip Rivers and the hot Chargers.

Prediction:
Jets 17
Bengals 13

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

Thoughts: I like this matchup in Baltimore's favor for a few reasons. One is the revenge they want to inflict on the Patriots after the early season loss, which featured the worst call in NFL history (the roughing the passer where Terrell Suggs stomped on a bug in the general vicinity of Brady). Another is the simple matchup on paper. These teams matchup well, and while you'll never confuse Joe Flacco with a great QB, or the Baltimore passing game for the 1999 Rams, Baltimore is respectable in all aspects of the game. Their defense, which was much maligned early, has come back strong and finished 3rd in the league.

New England lost Wes Welker for the rest of the season, but I don't think the loss is going to hurt them all that much. While the talking heads make Welker out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, I think his production is more about the role in that offense and what is around him as opposed to him being a world beater. Edelman isn't as good as Welker and that is understood, but the facts are in the two games where Edelman got the majority of the playing time he had 18 catches. Edelman will do enough and not be a liability. Baltimore's secondary is nothing to write home about either so I wouldn't be shocked to see the Patriots spread them out and attack them that way. Oh look, Frank Walker just committed a pass interference penalty as I type this.

The Patriots defense, while it is 4th in the league, is liable in the secondary and I expect the Ravens to take a few shots at them next week. While Brady and Belichick have the pedigree, I expect the Ravens to walk in and win, in the only game that I am confident about this weekend.

Prediction:
Baltimore 24
New England 17

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Thoughts: I think the NFC games are incredibly hard to forecast. The Cowboys beat the Eagles twice this season and held the Eagle offense in check in both meetings, but it's incredibly hard to beat the same team three times in one year, especially when the teams are as evenly matched as these two are.

The Cowboys come in on a roll but I don't buy regular season momentum carrying over into the postseason, but I do buy the change in Tony Romo's style of play. Maybe a playoff win will get the credit Romo the credit that he deserves since he gets bashed more than nearly every other QB in football. 4,483 yards, 26 touchdowns, 9 interceptions later, Romo has put up yet another excellent regular season. The Cowboy defense has been good, but I don't like the matchup of their secondary vs the Eagle WRs. Had it not been for Donovan McNabb doing his best "McNabb in a big game" impersonation, Philly might be at home right now waiting for the next opponent.

As far as the Eagles, I expect the defense to throw the entire arsenal at Tony Romo and the Cowboy offense this week. Last week in the first half, the Eagle defense didn't look good, but the second half they had some success, while McNabb and the offense stalled. The Eagle offense is very reliant on the big play, especially with Desean Jackson scoring a 50+ yard TD seemingly every week. They are very feast or famine. Their running game lacks but that is nothing new.

The Cowboys are probably slightly better and are at home so I like the Cowboys this week. I don't trust McNabb at all in big spots, so I'll take Dallas in a close one.

Prediction:
Dallas 27
Philadelphia 21

Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals

Thoughts: This game is a 50/50 toss up in my opinion. It features two fairly even teams, and two explosive offensive teams. I'm sure the Packers absolutely regret handing the reigns to Aaron Rodgers. Upgrading at QB was the worst thing the Packers could ever do. On a more serious note, Rodgers is one of the best QBs in football. He went for 65% completion percentage, 4,434 yards, 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and has proven himself to be one of the very best quarterbacks in the business. I fully expect the Packers to take advantage of Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, considering his penchant to be overaggressive combined with his injury.

The Cardinals defense is about middle of the pack, but on a team featuring an offense like that, an average defense is all that is needed. I think their secondary is suspect and I see Aaron Rodgers having a coming out party (for those who still can't get over Brett Favre or overemphasize wins/playoff wins) of the ages on Sunday. Ryan Grant will be a non factor, so expect Rodgers to toss it around on the Cardinals defense. I don't think they'll be up to the task of stopping him.

The Cardinals offense should put up plenty of points, even without Anquan Boldin. When Warner is in rhythm he's right up there with the game's best. He better be on point Sunday, or the game could get ugly quickly.

In the wildest game of the weekend, I like Green Bay to win a shootout.

Prediction:
Green Bay 38
Arizona 34

Top 10 Sports Memories of the Last Decade (2000-2009)

10. Yankees/Angels ALCS Game 2- October 17, 2009

I notice that a lot of these games happened around my birthday (10/14). This one is on the list simply because of what I was doing while the game was going down. I had just walked into the club and was drinking a little when Alex Rodriguez came to the plate with the Yankees down 3-2, and one out in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Based on what had transpired this past season with Rodriguez and Fuentes’ propensity to implosion, I thought something big was coming. When Rodriguez hit the ball, and it proceeded to barely make it over Bobby Abreu’s glove, the place went CRAZY. Then immediately after the “walk off error” by Maicer Izturis, the DJ proceeded to play a mix of Jay-Z’s “Empire State Of Mind” and Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York”. That is one of the two times I actually appreciated the song “Empire State of Mind”. The other was, you guessed it, the 2009 World Series ticker tape parade/rally. This was one of those nights, and the Rodriguez homer triggered it.

9. Mike Piazza’s Game winning HR against Braves- September 21, 2001

I'm not a Mets fan, but the feeling I had when Piazza hit this HR isn't matched by many in my years of watching sports. While I understand sometimes the overemphasis of the importance of sports, this game was a getaway of sorts. With all the stuff going on, the tragedy and such the game was a nice way to get away from it all. It was ten days later but the lingering effects were still there, and this was the first professional sports game in New York since the tragedy.

In a city in need of an emotional lift of any kind, Piazza stepped up to the plate with his team down 2-1 in the bottom of the 8th inning with a man on base. He proceeded to homer to center field, and sent chills down my spine and lifted a city in turmoil. That home run was about more than baseball. It was like something straight out of a movie and it almost felt as if a spirit was watching over the Mets that night as they gave the city a well needed jolt.

8. Jets/Dolphins, Monday Night Miracle- October 10,2000

For once, my undying loyalty to the Jets paid off. For the most part, unless Kliff Kingsbury is playing QB, I stick around until the game is over. While I was a young pup at this time, that was still my modus operandi. At 30-7, all I can think was that the game over, and then the unthinkable happened. The Jets were on the giving end of a heartbreaking, gut wrenching defeat. I’ll never forget the look on Jumbo Elliott’s face as he looked up to the Jumbotron after catching the game tying touchdown pass. Honestly, the only reason this one is so far down the list is because I wasn’t old enough at the time to truly recognize the magnitude of the comeback and appreciate it for what it was.

7.Jets/Packers, Win and you’re in regular season finale- December 29, 2002

The game itself was relatively uneventful as the Jets blew the doors off Brett Favre and the Packers, 42-17. The events before, and during the game made the game and the day special for Jets fans. The Jets needed a win and some assistance from the hated Patriots to make the postseason.

They needed the Patriots to beat the then division leader Dolphins, and it didn't look good when the Patriots trailed 21-10 with five minutes left to play. Then the tables turned in unbelievable fashion as the Dolphins folded like a cheap tent. They let the Patriots score 11 unanswered in the last 4 minutes, and proceeded to lose in Overtime. I remember seeing a 'Game Break' on Fox detailing the loss, and being excited. For once as a Jets fan, I had no doubts they were going to win, and they did exactly that setting off a three and a half hour long party in the Meadowlands

6. Yankees/Red Sox- July 1, 2004

I know most remember the game for Jeter diving in the stands and bloodying his face, but the game itself was an incredible game. On a side note, a forgotten nugget in that game is that Nomar Garciaparra was the only active player on EITHER SIDE not to play in the game, and that basically hastened his exit from Boston. In the game itself, it was a hotly contested game, and I'll personally never forget the image of Ruben Sierra huffing and puffing while looking like he was about to collapse, on his way to home plate on the game tying RBI triple on Miguel Cairo. Then John Flaherty, the lightest hitter on the team, came through with the GW RBI 'double' to win it. This was yet another awesome game in the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry.

5. Jets/Chargers AFC Divisional Playoff- January 8, 2004

This game honestly should not even be on this list. Had it not been for Eric Barton going Mortal Kombat on Drew Brees head needlessly and unnecessarily, this game wouldn't be here. That is part of the Jets charm though since in the rare instances they do win, it is never painless. Up 17-10, on a 4th and goal inside the ten, the Jets had the victory before Eric Barton decided to deliver an elbow to Brees’ head, which gave the Chargers new life and they proceeded to force OT. The Jets then got a missed FG from Nate ‘Baby Face’ Kaeding, and proceeded to drive down for the winning FG. As usual with the Jets, after the game is over I felt like I was on the field with them for 60 minutes.

4. Yankees World Series run/subsequent parade- November 2009

Honestly, most of the games were fairly nondescript (save for Game Two of the ALDS, Game Two of the ALCS, Game Four of the WS), but just being old enough to actually appreciate the title, and being there among literally a sea of Yankee fans was an experience I’ll never forget and hope to replicate in the near future.

3. Yankees/D'Backs 2001 World Series Games Four and Five- October 31- November 2, 2001

I’m telling you, the Yankees always make things interesting. This series came on the heels of 9/11, and while the Yankees were outclassed in pretty much every way imaginable the entire series it seemed like it was destined for them to win the series. Regardless, games Four and Five were all kinds of drama. Tino Martinez hitting a two out game tying HR in Game 4, and Scott Brosius hitting a game tying two out, two run HR in Game 5 marked the loudest I’ve ever heard Yankee Stadium. I felt the noise all the way from the Northeast Bronx. Both those home runs gave me the chills, and you had Game Four ending with Derek Jeter hitting a walkoff home run at the very beginning of November. That was an incredible 2 nights of baseball.

2. Giants/Patriots SB XLII- February 3, 2008

As everyone and their mother knows, I loathe the Patriots. I’m also a Giants supporter. I’m a New York kid, so I support all the locals besides the Mets. That being said, this entry is more about the hated Patriots losing their bid for perfection than anything else.

I remember the week before the game, ESPN with ‘fantasy matchups’ of the Patriots vs teams like the 1985 Bears, and had the Patriots “winning”. That kind of stuff just made me say “Can they win the damn game first before we crown them? Good grief,” Lo and behold, The Giants defense put Tom Brady on his back countless times, and Eli Manning drove the troops down the field, in a drive that will go down in football lore, to win the game. And the David Tyree play was probably the most shocking play I have ever seen in my life, considering this guy was cut a year later, and that year had 4 catches. It was great to see someone finally one up Tom Brady, and end the Patriots run for perfection. Thank you Eli Manning. I wonder how Mercury Morris felt?

1. Yankees/Sox Game 7 2003 ALCS- October 16, 2003

This is probably the most heart pumping, exciting baseball game I’ve ever watched. As much as I get tired of the Yankee and Sox centric coverage, I definitely miss the Yankees- Sox ALCS’. They featured fights, great games, great players, and just epic wars. This game itself was epic. The Yankees fell behind 4-0 early, then got two Jason Giambi home runs.

They were trailing 5-2 going into the eighth inning, where Derek Jeter, like he has so many times, got the rally started with a double to right field. Bernie singled him home , Matsui then doubled, setting up a matchup between Jorge Posada and Pedro Martinez, who had a confrontation earlier in the series where Martinez pointed towards his own head as if to say that is where he’d hit Posada. Posada then served a blooper into no man’s land to tie the game and I swear I felt my TV shake. After three innings of impeccable scoreless relief from Mariano Rivera, Aaron Boone stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the 11th inning. He took one mighty swing at one of Tim Wakefield’s knuckleballs, sent Yankee Stadium into hysteria, sent me into my pillow screaming in joy, and sent the Yankees to the World Series.

Honorable mentions-

Jets release Chad Pennington
Jason Kidd traded to Nets- Summer 2001
Jets blow out the Colts 41-0 in 2002 Wildcard Round
LeBron James goes off for the last 25 Cavalier points in Game 5 of ECF vs Detroit
Nets make the finals in 2002
Nets make the finals in 2003
Yankees come back from 0-2 down against Athletics
Jason Giambi's walk off Grand Slam against Minnesota in the rain in 2001

Thoughts on NFL Week 16

-While I think the 'Indy benching scandal' is being overblown, considering what the Colts have to play for at this point, I didn't agree with how they handled the situation. I thought, at 15-10, Caldwell should have given the offense a shot to go up two scores. Then once you get up two scores, bench your starters and such, or just have them play three quarters. I think if you play the starters for three quarters each of the last two games, that keeps them 'fresh' enough and in good enough 'game shape' for the postseason. That being said, all the folks who are complaining and criticizing now, would be the same ones who would be complaining and criticizing had an important player went down with a significant injury. Health>being undefeated.

-On a related note, thank you to the Indianapolis Colts and Jim Caldwell for benching Peyton Manning. I'll be at the game next week (my first, and the last at the Meadowlands), and now it is actually for something. That was the best Christmas present I got.

-The Cincinnati Bengals are the Shrek of football. Hopefully they don't look like Snow White this week.


-Why are the Ravens such an undisciplined football team? I swear, every time I look up they are being flagged, but most of all some of them are either boneheaded, completely obvious or both. On the TD return on the INT by Dominique Foxworth, Terrell Suggs committed a block in the back that had absolutely no impact on the play. Suggs could have literally lied on the field making pretend snow angels, and Foxworth would have scored, so why the penalty that costs your team 6 pts? They have always been a chatty bunch, full of talk and bravado, but a dumb one as well.

-Who the hell was that playing QB for the Rams this past week? I consider myself an avid football fan, and I have never once heard of the guy in my life.

-The Giants are an absolute embarrassment. It's bad enough laying an egg like that, making Matt Moore look like an All-Pro, and getting steamrolled in every sense of the word, but it was also the last game in the Meadowlands for the Giants. This is how they say farewell to the Stadium? What a joke. I have no idea what happened to that defense but I think it's safe to say, from a football sense, that the Giants and Steve Spagnuolo both miss each other dearly.

-All the Tony Romo bashing that I've heard repeatedly over the course of the years, does it stop? Or is it now, that he played an excellent December, he needs to win in the postseason? Whatever it is, he deserves a ton of credit, as he played very well in December which I was led to believe was an utter and complete impossibility of apocalyptic, earth shattering type of proportions.

-The New England Patriots win this week helped the Jets. So, I'll throw them a thank you. Thanks New England. On a related note, to the Jaguars, you might want to get a hand on that guy named Moss. I've heard he's alright.

-That is the Jay Cutler I've come to know and love. He played an excellent game, though the Vikings defense is struggling. Too bad it's too little, too late. Hopefully he can build on that for next season.

- San Diego will represent the AFC in the Superbowl. As much as I don't trust them, the only team in the AFC I see getting in their way is Indianapolis, and I think the Colts D is soft like tissue paper.

-I swear, the Texans and 8-8 go together like peanut butter and jelly, Bonnie and Clyde, like chocolate cake and ice cream. And next year all the prognosticators again will tell me how it will be the year they will breakout. Now it very well may be, but it reeks of throwing stuff at a wall and hoping it sticks. Every single year, Houston is supposed to breakout and it never happens.

-Watching Jay Cutler and Brett Favre, as much as I can't stand Favre, go tit for tat was great. I absolutely enjoy great QB play, and that game had it all in that regard.

-Do the Packers still need to have Brett Favre and were idiotic for letting him go? Or will the media, and others FINALLY let that go and admit that Aaron Rodgers is the BUSINESS?

-The Redskins, per the usual, are a hot mess.

-I'm curious to see how this Eagles-Cowboys game plays out next week. Both teams are playing well, and the Eagles are now playing for a first round bye. Who would've thought that was possible about, oh, 2 weeks ago? Boy, can things change quickly.

-On his last throw of the Steeler/Ravens game, what in the name of everything that is holy and sacred was Ben Roethlisberger doing?

-The Denver Broncos started out 6-0, and have gone 2-7 ever since. But wait, I thought Kyle Orton was this winner? Yet, their PPG took a dip, and Eddie Royal (at this point, he almost warrants a 'Who?', even though I was led to believe that he was simply unbelievably awesome and a top flight WR) has completely disappeared. At least the ridiculous Orton nonsense, making him out to be something he is not (anything more than average, and an MVP candidate) has died like a bug on a windshield.

-Happy Holidays to all those who read.

Video entry: Thoughts on Allen Iverson's pending retirement

Link-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iywZ3qGvUUI

Thoughts on Week 5 of the NFL season

-I don't think this story is getting enough play, but the Bengals winning that game, with the death of Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's wife hanging over their heads was a nice story. The fact that they won the game with Zimmer choosing to be there with them on game day was nice, and giving Zimmer the game ball (along with the speech that came with it) was very touching. It was all around great win for Cincinnati, and I'm happy they won that game in light of what was going on with Zimmer.

-I don't know what's worse, the fact that Derek Anderson completed two passes in a professional football game, or the fact that the Buffalo Bills lost to a team who completed two passes the entire game.

-The Patriots look mortal these days. Tom Brady just doesn't look good to this point, as he probably needs to overcome the mental block of the knee surgery. That pass he missed to Wes Welker in the 4th quarter was absolutely crucial, and he also missed a TD from about 35 yards out to Randy Moss in the first half.

-What about the Broncos? 5-0. Who saw that coming? Their defense is playing lights out, and Orton played a great game this past week. They're going well, and they're getting all the breaks as well. There was one play where the ball was deflected 3 times by Patriot players only to land in the waiting arms of Jabar Gaffney. Those are the kind of breaks you get when you are going well.

-I think all the talk of Josh McDaniels celebration being exaggerated is somewhat unnecessary, but I'll admit that the celebration was a bit much. Take a second though to consider the magnitude of the game for him personally, and for his team, and all he has been through as the coach, I can see why he celebrated like he did. It was a big game, and his team is 5-0, good for him. It's not often you see have a moment like that between the fans and the coach. I thought it was refreshing.

-How about them Cowboys? I know they needed a win, but the fact that this game was so important from a team temperament standpoint, and they came out and played a very average game full of mistakes speaks volumes about them. I know a 'W' is a 'W', but it would have been a lot more encouraging if they had come out and whip the Chiefs but they did not. They left them in the game, and the Chiefs just were not good enough to take it.

-How about Miles Austin? 250 yards, and 2 TDs in his first career start. What a game for him, and what bad tackling on KC's part. It's one thing to be slippery and break a lot of tackles, but watching that game you essentially saw the same play several times. The Chiefs might want to practice tackling a bit harder in practice this week.

-The only game on locally on Sunday early was New York-Oakland. Imagine my dismay, as the Giants smashed Oakland into a fine dust. Can you say, mismatch? When asked about the game this week, Richard Seymour said something to the tune of 'The weather is nice'. Indeed it is Richard, indeed it is.

-The clock is ticking on Jim Zorn. Tick, tock. I don't agree that he should be on the chopping blocks but someone has to be held accountable, and Zorn is probably the first guy on that line.

-How about Jeremy Maclin in his first career start going for 142 yards and 2 TDs. I liked that guy in the draft and McNabb looked for him early and often Sunday, including an absolute rope on the first TD. Props to McNabb on a good game, coming back from the injury, and props to Maclin making the most of his first career start.

-Can the St. Louis Rams be removed from the NFL? The word to describe their startling ineptitude hasn't been created yet.

-Dre Bly's "display" after catching an INT on Sunday was absolute comedy. Catching the interception then doing the "Deion" when he hadn't even reached midfield, then proceeding to get stripped, all the while being down 25 points, was absolutely hysterical. I'm surprised Singletary didn't come on the field and tackle him.

- Andre Johnson is simply a monster. That TD catch to tie the game at 21 against AZ was ridiculous. In my opinion, he is the best wide receiver the NFL has to offer.

-Peyton Manning might be playing the best football of his life, and that is saying a LOT.

-While the Jets did lose, the performance of Braylon Edwards was very encouraging. He brings a dynamic at the WR position that I have never seen in my years of following the team. Ultimately, that and Mark Sanchez' resilience were the only things to be encouraged about on this night. The defense' performance was embarrassing, and I thought the coaches did a bad job as well. Hopefully it was just a bump in the road for the defense, although I was and still am worried about the lack of a ace pass rusher. Schemes and exotic blitz schemes can only account for so much

Thoughts on Week 4 of the NFL Regular season

-Brett Favre looked like vintage Brett on MNF. As much as I have 'Favre fatigue' and as much as I think Rodgers is better overall and was better Monday night, Favre still played an excellent football game. The Packers took Adrian Peterson out of the game and forced Favre to beat them and he obliged. The TD pass he threw to Sidney Rice in the second quarter was a Hall of Fame throw.

- I thought, especially given the circumstances, that Aaron Rodgers performance was absolutely magnificent. Yes, I know he threw an INT, and had a costly fumble, but the Vikings front four was killing the offensive line (and subsequently Rodgers), all night, and he still managed to light up the place. That kid is a really good QB.

-Steve Smith (the NYG version), is absolutely putting on a clinic week in and week out. The guy just knows how to get open. He works all of the field, and has excellent hands. Smith and Eli Manning have incredible chemistry, and it shows in the numbers, and how often Manning looks to him on 'big' downs.

-Mark Sanchez finally played like a rookie and it cost the Jets big time. I thought it was especially evident on the fumble in the endzone when he should have just thrown it in the first row. Although, considering the fact that he threw a INT that just went for a TD, it would be nice to know why the Jets are even throwing inside their own 2 anyway.

- The Jets defense is absolutely for real, and having Calvin Pace back just makes them that much better.

-I really, REALLY do not like Brian Schotteinheimer. I'll leave it at that, before I break the computer and am unable to finish this entry.

-Can we just call the Rams 'The Ringling Brothers'? Good lord, they are bad. Steve Spagnoulo, I hope you are enjoying the fatter paychecks because that is all there is to enjoy in St Louis at the moment.

- Trent Edwards is the worst QB in the NFL not named JaMarcus Russell.

-To put JaMarcus Russell's ineptitude in perspective, Shaquille O'neal's free throw percentage is higher than JaMarcus's completion percentage. Enough said.

-Jay Cutler is the man. As damn near everyone knows, he's my favorite active NFL player. He makes the players around him better, and that TD run was awesome. He really put his body on the line, and won.

-To this point, I think Johnny Knox has made a good case for himself as the Rookie of the Year.

- Peyton Manning is a machine. The man simply is not real. 70% completions and 9 TDs in four games thus far this season. Are you kidding me? Best QB in the league, and this year's MVP to this point. I know I gush about him every week, but I do it because I think football fans take him for granted. '300 yards, ho hum'. He's ridiculous.

-New England is like the character in the horror movie that just won't die. I picked against them the last two weeks, and they've shut me right up. Oh by the way, next time how about catching the ball, Mark Clayton?

-Tennessee is awful. Is it a combination of things, or did Haynesworth make that big a difference? I personally think it's a combination of both, as they haven't played well and haven't been able to catch a break either. Soon it's going to be Vince Young time in Nashville, and given how bad he is, there might be a lot of bottles of 'Tums' purchased in Tennessee.

-Denver is 4-0. I never thought I'd see that. The Denver defense is playing great, and McDaniels has done a great job of changing the "laid back" culture up there. Though, the amount of props Kyle Orton is getting is actually nauseating. He stinks. He has contributed next to nothing to the 4-0 start. He's bad, and him being on a winning team (a classic media misconception) doesn't make him any more or less, bad.

-That play by Brandon Marshall to win the game Sunday was excellent. It was a poorly thrown ball, Marshall 'Mossed' Terrence Newman and came down with the ball, then proceeded to run up his 'YAC' total, owning half the Dallas defense en route to the endzone. Good for him.

-San Diego is the league's paper champion every year. I think the first half of the game Sunday night was a 30 minute snap shot as to why. That team is poorly coached and poorly prepared every single week. If not for Philip Rivers, god knows where that team would be. They have all the talent you need, but their coaching staff is absolutely dreadful.

Thoughts on Week 3 of the NFL season

- I have to give up to Old Man River aka Brett Favre. That was a hell of a drive he led culminating in a hell of a pass to win the game. I don't think the catch gets nearly as much credit as it deserves, but the throw was pretty much in the only spot Favre could have put it to have a chance for a completion. That was a great play by Favre.

- San Francisco is going to be a tough out this year. They aren't the most talented team, but they play a tough, disciplined brand of football, and Singletary has them playing a tough brand of football. I think the 9ers will find themselves in the postseason this year.

-Peyton Manning is just simply the best, period. Besides the fact that he is just damn great, he is definitely fun to watch. I definitely get a kick out of him getting to the line with 20 on the clock, then proceeding to gesture and jump up and down and around and around. He's the best QB I've ever had a chance to see play.

-It was good to see Jay Cutler come up big again for the Bears in the waning moments of the game against Seattle. I think the guy is growing as a QB. And also much props to Devin Hester, who has silenced the critics (including myself) to this point with solid play to this point. And on a somewhat related note, Devin Hester has more yards than both Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal combined. Interesting stuff.

-The topic of 'Troy Polamalu being absolutely great and vital to the Steelers' is old and misguided. Week 1, the Steelers gave up 10 points playing the majority of the game without Polamalu. Week 2. they gave up 17 points and week 3 they gave up 16. The defense is holding up it's end of the bargain. The Steelers have been screwed by a couple individual plays. This week it was the Sweed TD drop, and last week it was Reed missing 2 FGs. The notion that Polamalu being out being the main reason Pittsburgh is losing is head scratching.

- Cleveland is an unmitigated disaster.

- I've never seen so much hoopla over an 0-2, 7 rushing yard effort. I heard someone on the radio say "Vick looked comfortable, and he looked crisp.'' Completely forgetting that he played, I decided to peep the box score only to realize Vick didn't even complete a pass. I see the standards are still delightfully low when it comes to Vick. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

- The Seattle Seahawks jerseys made me feel like I was watching a team of Human lifesavers. Whoever came up with those uniforms should be released of his duties immediately.

-The Jets are 3-0. This start for them is completely unexpected. I don't think the defense played particularly well this week, but they did enough with the game on the line to come through with the 'W'.

-Jerricho Cotchery is 3rd in the league in receiving yards to this poont (Vincent Jackson, Reggie Wayne). Hopefully he keeps ir up).

-Every week Philip Rivers completes a bomb to Vincent Jackson that is mouth dropping. 3 guys draped all around, Jackson and he just comes down with it like it's nothing. Jackson is really making a name for himself among the game's top receivers.

- The play where Pennington injured himself didn't look that serious. Unfortunately for him, it was serious, and now his career is in jeopardy.