Is He An Eagle Or All Ego?

AP

I thought I’d be able to let this go all week and then just comment on it in the NFL Notes for next week, but some things just can’t fester that long.  I’ll start this out by saying that I don’t mind the whole “diva” wide receiver thing that pervades the league.  Some of them are jerks (TO) and some of them are downright fun (Chad Ocho Cinco, I can’t help it, I enjoy him).  Some whine their way off teams and shine (Randy Moss) and others whine their way off teams and never show the stardom that they flashed with their first team (Javon Walker).  The four examples I just listed have all screwed their teams over at one time or another and created a maelstrom of press.  None of them, however, have pulled a DeSean Jackson.

Who, you may ask, is DeSean Jackson?  He’s the wide receiver the Eagles plucked out of the second round in this year’s draft.  Early word on him was that he was big in the talent but maybe even bigger in the ego.  Nothing new there, he is after all a wide receiver.  He zipped up and down the field at Cal and looks to have the talent to do that in the NFL.  His talent isn’t the issue here.

The issue is that on Monday night, Donovan McNabb lobbed a long pass right into Jackson’s waiting hands and he streaked down the field well ahead of any Cowboy that attempted to cover him.  He headed to the end zone and in a flagrant display of idiocy, flipped the ball backwards as he crossed the goal line.  That would have been well and good if he had waited to flip the ball until after it crossed the plane, but no, he did it one yard or so before.  So the ball just sat there and fortunately the two Dallas defenders didn’t bother to touch it, because Doofus Boy didn’t actually score and that could have been a fumble recovered at the one.  Dallas called for a review, because they can see, and sure enough, the ball was placed at the one.  Philly managed to punch it in on the next play, probably leaving Westbrook owners in fantasy delighted but DeSean Jackson owners sick to their stomachs.

So, why bitch about something that didn’t end up biting the team on the ass after all?  Because the move was low class.  And it was all about him.  And that attitude coming from a rookie who hasn’t done dick in the NFL just doesn’t work for me.  I don’t like it in the ones that have accomplished something, but at least they’ve proven themselves on the field.  I sure as hell am not going to tolerate it in the rookies that haven’t learned their place yet.

I’m not even an Eagles fan, though I like McNabb, and that infuriated me.  I just don’t like stupid.  15 yard celebration penalties after the fact are annoying, but at least the team scored before the receiver did something stupid.  What further bothered me is that Andy Reid didn’t get in that kids face and give him hell for what he did.  I would have benched him for the rest of the game and made his life hell in practice all week, and who knows, maybe he has, but Andy should know that coddling the receiver is not the way to go, after all he had TO on his team and we know what happened there.

I hold out hope that something was done behind the scenes, I can’t imagine McNabb didn’t say something to the kid, but if you don’t make an example for him, he’s really not going to care.  He’ll just try to top his idiocy the next time he gets the chance to score.  I’m sure he will probably manage to cross the goal this next time at least.  Maybe that’s the only lesson someone like him can learn, score before you act like a jackass.  I guess we need to learn to expect the least from the divas, then they’re bush league moves won’t be so disappointing.

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Let’s just hand them the Sears Trophy right now

We get it USC: you’re unstoppable.  You’re unbeatable.  All your starters can get into the Polaroid Beach House in Malibu and walk-on parts in The Hills.  Is it just me or does anyone get a vaguely familiar Entourage vibe from USC every year? Clearly Mark Sanchez slips into Matt Leinart’s former role as the Vincent Chase of the group with Pete Carroll as Ari since he’s the oldest and most media friendly.  What else can you expect?  It’s Hollywood, a town without a professional football franchise, so therefore USC is automatically the hottest ticket in town.  And why wouldn’t they be?  Who else are you going to watch? UCLA?  God bless them, I rooted for them in their opener against Tennessee, but it would probably be best if they just packed up the pads and cancelled the remainder of the season.

With that being said, my thoughts on the AP Poll:

1.) USC: Remember back in the day, when everyone was talking about how the University of Miami played like a pro team? Well, that’s USC today.  SEC fans, spare me the tales about how “easy” the Pac 10 is (God knows I’ve thought it myself) but you have to give USC props for scheduling OSU.  Granted OSU is a perennial choker, but they’re not a cupcake team.  I would say they’re more like a creme brulee team in that once you get past the thin layer of caramel, it’s smooth sailing.

2) Oklahoma: Really all I can say about Oklahoma is that I enjoy watching the people ride around the field in the covered wagon.  It reminds me of that Tom Cruise/Nicole Kidman movie  Far and Away.

3) Georgia: As soon as Georgia was announced as the #1 team I knew that a) they would immediately lose the #1 ranking after the first game and b) that they would continue to drop until they go to Jacksonville and get torn up by the Gators.  Let’s be clear: I do not hate Georgia, but I don’t feel much goodwill towards them either because I always want them to beat the Gators and they rarely deliver plus I blame Mark Richt for inflicting us Seminoles with the Jeff Bowden Years.  

4) Florida: Don’t even get me started.

5) Missouri: If they can keep the momentum, expect them to go up once the SEC teams start picking each other off. 

6) LSU: I can’t really talk (I’m just saying that because I totally am about to go on a rant) because Florida State played two very easy teams in a row, but let me break down LSU’s first three scheduled games: Appalachian State (W), Troy (postponed) and North Texas (W). They face Auburn next week (you know, Auburn, the powerhouse who put up three glorious points on Saturday) and then Mississippi State (that other SEC dyanmo who posted two whole points in the aforementioned Auburn skirmish).   By the way, Tulane is scheduled in November for good measure. Oh and this is the reigning National Champion, in case you forgot.

7) Texas: Some time a few years ago I became obsessed with Texas games just because I enjoyed watching Mathew McConaughey’s bizarre sideline antics.  I could care less about the actual game being played, I just want to see some shirtless MM dancing.  Oh and maybe fellow ‘Horn Owen Wilson could drop by as well.

8.) Wisconsin: Honestly I kind of tuned out anything football related coming out of Wisconsin after the Brett Farve fiasco.

9) Alabama: This school fascinates me for two reasons: 1) gameday fashion: I love that grown men will walk around in white button down shirts and bright red pants with “A”’s on them and 2) I await for the Tide to turn on Nick Saban.  I give them two to three more years.

10) Auburn: Well, we know they can kick field goals!

17) Yeah I just jumped from 10-17.  So Oregon.  I admire any team that wears uniforms that look like they were based on a dare.  See also Virginia Tech.

18) Wake Forest: So I was at my alumni viewing watching party yesterday and if I had a dollar for every time anyone said “we’re playing really well but the real test is Wake Forest” I would be able to fill up a Denali with post-Ike premium gasoline prices.  Never in my life did I ever expect to hear the words “real test” combined with “Wake Forest”. Also they’re ranked higher than us.  I’m humbled (but not humbled enough to stop talking trash throughout this post).

23) Clemson: They frighten me.  Let me clarify this: I’m not so much afraid of the team, but just call me Fox Mulder because I do believe in the theory that every time Tommy’s job is on the bubble, FSU loses to them.  Coincidence?  You be the judge. 

24) Florida State: It’s a sad day when I have to call my father the minute the AP Poll is announced to triumphantly tell him that we’ve cracked the Top 25 and our scores will now be easier to find on ESPN.  Still, I consider it an accomplishment and I hope we can keep up the momentum going into the “real test with Wake Forest”.  Honestly we need the win because I don’t want to have to burn my lucky gameday shirt.

Nole’s NFL Notes, Week 2

AP

Another week and more chaos!  Firstly, there was a WHOLE LOTTA scoring today.  There were also some weird plays and some ballsy plays and everything that just makes the NFL awesome.  On to the thoughts:

• Okay, maybe I was a little hard on the Skins last weekend.  I admit it.  They angered me.  My first upset pick of the year and they look terrible against the Giants.  Today somewhat redeemed them in my eyes.  The U players looked good today and they knocked off the Saints, who should be 0-2 were Tampa not terrible in the 3rd quarter and the refs not blind, but that’s another complaint altogether.
• The Colts, man they want to torment me this year don’t they?  They were getting dominated by Minny today but all of a sudden they came alive and snatch victory at the end.  Manning was still not Manning-like yet, but he’s shaking off the rust, which is good.
• Minnesota, you’re 0-2.  A quarterback might have been a good thing to go after in the offseason.  And you knew you weren’t getting Favre, so you shoulda done something else.  5 field goals is all you can manage?  When AD goes over 100 again?  Not cool.
• Does anybody have a defense anymore?  48-25, 41-13, 29-24, 33-30, 31-10, 39-38.  I guess it’s more fun than 3-2 (Hi Auburn and Miss State!) but wow!  That’s a heck of a lot of scoring.
• Let’s focus on that 39-38 by the way.  Denver over San Diego.  Bad call on the non-fumble, due to the whistle, but how cool.  Denver is down by 1 and goes for 2 and the win.  That’s pretty awesome.  Tampa did that once against the Skins and it was equally awesome.
• Another week, another come from behind win for the Panthers.  I really dislike them, but give them credit, they don’t quit.
• Week 1 without Brady worked out for the Patriots alright.  They were helped along by another terrible Favre pick, but that’s all you can ask for.  The defense is stepping up and the offense is doing what it needs to.  I think the Pats are still a playoff team, I won’t doom and gloom the season away because there’s no need.  They’ll be alright.
• Despite my having to eat my words on the Skins and Indy from week 1, I am ready to declare a few teams done.  St. Louis, Miami, Detroit and Kansas City, thanks for playing and goodbye.  Cincy and Oakland are eying this illustrious position as well but I’ll give them a couple more weeks yet.  Oakland did manage to win after all today, but since they were playing the declared dead Chiefs, that doesn’t much count.
• I officially rescind my pick of Minnesota to win the NFC North.  Welcome to the league, Aaron Rodgers, you’re putting on quite a show so far.  GB is looking good.
• Also, welcome to the league Matt Ryan.  They can’t all be Detroit!  Ryan looked like a rookie QB today.  He got sacked 4 times, threw 2 interceptions and abandoned the pocket too quickly in my estimation. And really the Bucs were not getting that much pressure.  I’ll take it though.
• The Atlanta/TB game produced the most boneheaded play, followed by the most confusing call I’ve ever seen in my life.  Sabby Piscatelli recovered a fumble at midfield or so for the Bucs and for some odd reason, decided to pass the ball to one of his teammates, who of course was not ready for the ball and missed it and Atlanta recovered.  Review of the play showed that Piscatelli threw the ball forward, which should be an illegal forward pass.   So, I would assume it would be Bucs ball and a penalty for the forward pass.  Meanwhile, Albert Mack took the opportunity to level the QB  and was called for a 15 yard roughing penalty.  This was after the turnover.  But, for some reason that I still don’t get, the refs first called offsetting penalties, replay 3rd down.  Then Atlanta’s coach argued with them, because yes, both penalties were on Tampa.  So then they said it was Atlanta’s ball, first down.  Gruden did not argue this, so maybe there’s some obscure rule out there that the illegal forward pass nullifies the turnover or something, but damned if I get it.  Hopefully somebody will explain.  And I hope somebody smacks Sabby for being an idiot.  That was just stupid and nearly turned around the game.
• Seattle 30, SF 33.  Wow…the harder they fall.  Seattle is not looking good at all.  I know they have no receivers, but they’re supposed to have a defense aren’t they?  Fortunately they’re in a crap division, although Arizona is 2-0 and scoring quite a bit (I still want Boldin in Tampa).
• Buffalo managed to squeak by the Jags, who played better this week than last but still came up short.  Gerrard has already tied his interception total from last year in 2 games.  Heavy is the head that wears the crown, no?  The Jags need to play better if they want to make any noise in the playoffs.
• That blown dead by the whistle stuff needs to go away.  That rule is just stupid.  Every team has gotten bit by it and SD did this time, and it stinks.
• The Giants looked like Champs again today.  Of course they were playing the Rams, so this is not necessarily a good measuring stick, but still, you put away the teams you should and they did.  The NFC East is going to be a fascinating division again this year.  Anyone could win it.
• I am thinking about making the Steelers my team to beat in the AFC but they’ll have to do more than they did last night to fully earn that lofty position.  The weather was bad, so I can’t hold that against them, but that was a boring game.  Big Ben’s sore shoulder needs to maintain all season, so we’ll see.
• The Browns…what to say?  I know they have a tough schedule but their QB is off, their receivers are dropping passes left and right and their defense isn’t much to talk about.  I think they’re taking a step back this year.  We’ll see.

Well that wraps up the early games.  I’m 8-6 I think, so above .500 and much improved.  Thanks to the Texans/Ravens game being postponed, I can’t pull .500 this week.  It was another great day in the NFL, can’t wait to see what next week holds!

It’s Pete Carroll’s World, The Rest Of Us Just Get To Live Here

AP

I dedicate this post to Brandi, who I have no doubt will be thrilled to see Pete Carroll’s name in print.  The man really does not get enough coverage to satisfy either one of us.  Yes, I’m finally doing a college football post.  I had to wait til we were a few games in to the season before I started commenting.  So, some thoughts on this weeks games:

• 35-3.  Teams of Ohio State’s caliber are allowed to lose.  It happens to most teams after all.  But to lose by that score?  After being embarrassed in the last two championship games?  Unacceptable.  They got beat down on national TV again.  There’s no recovery for the Buckeyes this year, no way are pollsters going to let them get back in the championship game after a loss like that.
• I understand Tressel’s thinking about not using Pryor a lot in that game.  He’s a freshman, why crush his spirit?  But I think once it was clear they weren’t going to win, you know, after the first quarter, why not let the kid run the team and see what he can do?  He couldn’t have been worse than Boeckman.
• And yes, I know the Buckeyes were Beanieless last night.  He might have made a difference, like say, one more touchdown or one less for USC, but not that much of a difference.  What was amazing is yeah, I get the offense sucking, but the defense?  Really?  That’s supposed to be the strength of the team.
• 3-2.  Nope, I’m not talking about the baseball season winding down, I’m giving you the Auburn/Miss State score.  I wasn’t watching the whole game so I can’t tell you if the defenses were just that good or the offenses just that bad, but during the time I was watching Auburn fumbled twice and Miss State threw an interception.  This happened in about 2 minutes time.  Hilarious.  3-2.  Ha!  Auburn might wanna work on that offense a bit if they’re hoping to make any noise in the SEC this year.
• Speaking of the SEC, what a classic battle in the UGA vs. SC game.  Er…ok, not so much.  GA certainly did not look like the #2 team in the country.  They only won due to two late turnovers by SC as they were about to score.  Are you having fun yet Spurrier?
• Despite the Spurrier factor, I am kind of in love with the Gamecocks.  First, their nickname is the Cocks.  It really can’t get any better than that.  Second, their QB has the last name Smelley.  I mean, does it get any better than that?   Yes, it does, because their kicker is named Succup.  Like Suck Up.  They have a team with Smelley and Succup.  I really love that, it brings no end to my joy.
• Purdue/Oregon was a wild one wasn’t it?  Purdue was up big and then let Oregon come back thanks to a kick return.  Oregon wins in double overtime.  Poor Purdue, they really don’t know how to end games.
• Maryland managed to obliterate Cal yesterday.  The final score was only 8 points different but Cal got some garbage time touchdowns.
• What does this stuff say about the conferences?  That maybe it’s too early to judge them after week 1?  I laughed when the ACC was written off after Clemson’s loss in week 1.  Really?  Week 1?  Like, maybe you guys just got it wrong and picked the wrong team to crown before the season even started.  How could that be?
• Yesterday the Pac 10 had a blowout win, a dominated loss and a squeaky win to speak for it in big games.  I say that conference is USC and a bunch of also rans.  You can’t judge a conference based on one week.  That’s all I’m saying.
• Speaking of the ACC, I can finally talk about my Noles cause I got to see them play yesterday.  I came away feeling something I haven’t felt in recent years when it comes to my team.  I felt hope.  Oh yeah, they were playing AA competition and should have dominated the way they did.  I get that and I’m not getting too excited yet.  But you see, in recent years, even against sub-par competition they struggled.  They didn’t blow them out, generally they played even in the first half and then pulled away in the second.  This time, straight up domination two weeks in a row.  It’s too early to declare them back, but I feel like they might be in a year, two at most.
• The Nole WR’s are just pretty to watch.  Tall!  Fast!  One has flowing dreds!  Carr is 6′6″.  Surrency, I may be spelling that wrong, is 6′5″.  Ponder has some nice targets.  I like him a lot.  Looks confident back there, makes his reads, can throw a pretty long ball.  His clock management could use some work but he’s young and he’ll learn that quickly enough.
• The Nole defense was pretty good, got decent pressure on the QB.  The secondary worries me a little bit, got burned on a long TD throw and dropped several possible INT’s.  Still, we’ll see.
• Best game of the weekend was probably that Friday night game of Kansas/USF.  Kansas was up big and then USF just kept getting the ball and scoring.   Grothe is a nice passer, look forward to seeing him in the NFL one day.  Kansas has a great offense but their defense leaves a lot to be desired.

Well those are some thoughts from the gridiron this weekend.  Right now USC looks to be the team to beat in the championship race, but teams like Oklahoma and Missouri have been rather impressive.  We’ll see how it plays out.  I’ll be back with more college talk soon!

Week 2 NFL Picks

ESPN.com

After a perfectly mediocre 8-8 start to the season, I’m ready to roll now.  I’ve got my finger on the pulse of the NFL and I’m here to share much better picks this week.  Or worse.  Or the same.  How’s that for confidence?  Anybody get the feeling that this is going to be a really weird year in the NFL?  We’ll see!  On to the picks:

Tennessee over Cincy: Let’s see, last week the Titans managed to beat the Jags, thought to be a playoff team, while Cincy lost to the Ravens, who had a rookie QB.  Yeah, Cincy has earned my wrath now and I shall be shunning them for the majority of the season.  Titans and their backup QB are the pick.  Bonus points if Vince Young does something insane on the sidelines.

Green Bay over Detroit: Is this the year that Millen finally gets fired?  Who are we kidding.  But Detroit got their behinds kicked by Atlanta and Green Bay handled Minnesota, so they’re my pick here.  Thanks for making me look stupid, both of you.

Kansas City over Oakland: Only because it’s at KC.  And this is pick for game I’d least like to watch.  There are few things that I can think of that I’d like less than seeing this game.  How sad.

New York Giants over St. Louis: Oh Rams, how stinky you are!  38-3 last week.  I love it.  I have never forgiven the Rams for their behavior in the 99 Championship game and I shall continue enjoying their suckitude for as long as I can.

Minnesota over Indy: Is it possible for the Colts to go 0-2?  I don’t know, I don’t like doing it, but they’re playing in Minny who has to be mad over their GB game.  Manning did not look right to me last week and I just don’t know if they can correct all the mistakes in a weeks time.  This one will probably bite me on the butt, but I’ll take my chances.

New Orleans over Washington: Washington failed to impress me last week.  In fact, they impressed me to stop thinking they might be a playoff team.  Players making errors is one thing, coaches seeming lost and helpless is another.  NO looks to be a major threat this year, their defense is a lot better than I expected it would be, watch out for Charles Grant, Jason Campbell.

Carolina over Chicago: Another toss up, both took wins from teams I expect to be in the playoffs.  Carolina gets the nod because they’re at home and they don’t have Kyle Orton as a QB.  I’m not yet a believer, prove me wrong Beard Boy.

Jacksonville over Buffalo: Only because the Jags played like crap last week and I can’t imagine they’ll do it two week sin a row.  If they do, the playoffs will look like a far murkier possibility.  That O-line gave up 7 sacks last week, I can’t imagine Del Rio was too happy with them.  Jags managed to sell enough tickets for the game not to be blacked out in Jacksonville so I’ll take that as a good sign.

Seattle over San Fran: I’m not sure who will be catching the ball for the Seahawks, they have 4 WR’s injured or something like that.  Fortunately they are playing San Francisco, who doesn’t have anybody to throw the ball to healthy WR’s.  I’ll take my chances that Hasselbeck will find someone to get the ball to.

Tampa Bay over Atlanta: Was last week an aberration?  Are the Lions that crappy or the Falcons that improved? I don’t know.  I do know that Michael Turner scares me.  Hopefully the Bucs defense will have their stuff together this week and minimize the big plays.  I like Griese and I’m anxious to see what he does.  I don’t know what the QB situation is in Tampa but I happen to like our depth so bring it.

Baltimore over Houston: Is Baltimore better than I think they are?  I don’t know.  I do know they’re the team that ruined my perfect 0-16 season for Miami last year and I shall never forgive them.  Man, could have had 19-0 and 0-16 and both got fouled up.  I hate football sometimes.  Anyway, Houston got their butt kicked last week and Baltimore won, so this is my pick.  I’ll probably regret it, in fact, I already do, but I’ll give the Ravens this one chance not to screw me over.

NY Jets over New England: Look, I don’t know what to expect here.  The Matt Cassel era has begun.  If Brady was QBing, I promise you I would pick the Pats.  I still think they might find a way to win this one, what with the Mangini hate flowing strong.  But, they’re in NY and it’s his first game on the road, so I’ll go with the QB that has a few years of experience under his belt.

Arizona over Miami: This one could go either way too.  I have no great faith in AZ and Miami was somewhat impressive against the Jets last week.  I mean, they didn’t get stomped on.  But I’ll take the Zona WR’s (please give Boldin to the Bucs!) over Miami’s D.

Denver over San Diego: Denver looked impressive, against Oakland, yes, but impressive all the same.  San Diego lost to Carolina.  This did not impress me.  They’re in Denver, so I’ll go with Denver.  Denver also likes to mess with me, so we’ll see what happens.

Pittsburgh over Cleveland: Cleveland was lackluster last week.  Receivers dropped a ton of passes.  Meanwhile Pittsburgh smacked the hell out of Houston.  I’m going with the team that played well in week 1.  I’d like Cleveland to surprise me here, I picked them to win their division, but I’ll go with the Burgh.

Philly over Dallas: Yep, I’ll go against the Boys on a Monday night game in their own stadium.  Philly’s DBs match up well with Dallas’ WRs.  Philly was awesome last week, as was Dallas.  It’s a toss up but I’m going to bank on Romo doing something stupid in a big game.  He doesn’t tend to let me down there.

So, that’s this week.  Hopefully I’ve improved on last.  Hopefully chaos does not reign in the NFL and this week we’ll restore some order.  Hopefully this week there will be no major season changing injuries.  I didn’t like leaving week 1 being depressed.  Happy watching!

Nole’s Notes On NFL Week 1

(AFP/Getty Images/Elsa)

• Upon further review, I might have written off the Giants as one hit wonders a bit too early.  They dominated the Skins and Justin Tuck looked like he could take up the Osi and Strahan holes pretty well.
• The Skins?  I thought they might be a playoff team before this week.  Now I think they’ll bring up the rear in the East.  Their coach was completely outclassed and he needs to get his stuff together or they’ll be lucky to pull 7-9.
• Man, when I heard Brady went down today my Super Bowl pick of the Cowboys vs. the Pats seemed doomed.  I’ll wait and see what the MRI shows tomorrow, but the Pats are in big trouble if he’s gone.
• I think the Patriots are the NFL’s version of the Yankees of the 90’s.  You either love them or you hate them.  Either way, their being competitive is good for the league in my book.
• The other half of my Super Bowl pick, the Cowboys, are looking like a good bet at any rate.  They dominated the Browns and made it look effortless.  Part of this was due to the Brown’s terrible defense, but they were like this last year as well. Very smooth, well oiled machine on offense.
• Speaking of the Browns, while they have the offensive talent, they aren’t performing up to their capabilities.  Braylon Edwards had a lot of drops today, he needs to get it together because with that defense they have to rely on the offense in shoot outs.
• My bet for the first coach to get fired or quit?  Marvin Lewis in Cincy.  His authority has been undermined on players this season (Chris Henry anyone?) and his team just plain stinks.
• Alright, I’ll admit it.  I like Ocho Cinco.  I think he’s funny.  I don’t know if I should be ashamed of this or not, but there you have it.
• Were you aware that Brett Favre was the QB of the Jets?  They won against Miami, so I’m not quite ready to anoint them the team of the year, but Favre was Favre, throwing the ball like a madman.  Cotchery seems to be his Donald Driver/Antonio Freeman.  They’re fun to watch.
• Back to the Pats, Mort (my go to guy in NFL news) thinks that Brady is done for the year.  This is a disaster for the Patriots and I think it hurts the league too.  I like to see the best playing and we certainly won’t be seeing that now.
• So, the league has a new ref that got his first start in the Bucs/Saints game.  His crew blew several holding calls that would have turned the tide of the game.  Next time, give the new refs to whomever Oakland or SF are playing, ok?  Nobody will notice if they dick up.
• Jeff Garcia and Joey Galloway looked terribly rusty for Tampa.  So much for not playing in the preseason.  Thanks boys.
• Today we saw the Reggie Bush we were supposed to see for the past couple of years.  He was helped by some non-called holding plays, but he was running impressively just the same.
• The Bucs defense continues to confound.  Play great for 3 quarters and then get gashed in the 4th.  Part of that is the offense’s fault, part of it is terrible tackling.
• Atlanta?  What the hell?  Are the Lions that bad or are Turner and Ryan that good?  Next week they play Tampa so I’ll see first hand, but color me shocked at that score.
• You know, I said Buffalo was the #2 team in their division and I felt they might contend for a playoff berth, but then I pick against them in week one.  Teaches me to go against my initial gut.  Nice showing against Seattle.  No turnovers and only one penalty for the game.
• The state of Pennsylvania had a good day.  Both the Steelers and the Eagles put up 38 and kicked the crap out of their opponents.  I predicted both of them for the playoffs and that’s one prediction I feel good about.
• Not a good week for quarterbacks. Brady out. Young out. Croyle out.
• Other possible contender for first coach fired is Mike Nolan in SF.  They have 3 quarterbacks that don’t equal one.  Nice.  Oh, Linehan too, he’s my odds on favorite now after the Rams failed to even show up against Philly.
• San Diego?  You’ll be the AFC team that again looks good on paper but again falls short.  Nice last second loss to Carolina.  Maybe you should have held on to Michael Turner, he was busy getting over 200 yards today.
• Every team in the NFC South is 1-0 while Tampa is 0-1.  Uncool.
• I’ve yet to see highlights, or lowlights, of the Jags/Tenn game but that has to be a letdown for Jacksonville.  Young leaves the game and they still end up losing.  0-3 for the state of Florida today.  We’re the anti-Pennsylvania.
• Titans had 7 sacks vs. the Gerrard and got 2 picks and a fumble recovery.  Yeah, that’ll do it to you every time.  That Titans D might be for real.  The AFC South is going to be a battle I think.
• I don’t think Manning looks quite right.  His movements were a little stiff and some of his throws didn’t have strong movement.  Hopefully that’s just lack of preseason snaps and not injury related.  The league without Manning and Brady would really be a snooze in my book.
• The Bears might actually scare a few people if they had a decent quarterback out there.  I thought Orton was alright but certainly not a guy I’d want to rely on for an entire season.
• Forte looked good, the Bears may have found a feature back.  No shocker that he wasn’t a first round pick, the Bears never get good runners in the first round.

That’s it for the early games, if there’s anything earth shattering Monday night I’ll be back with some commentary, if not, I’ll hit you later in the week with more thoughts.  Week 1 in the NFL.  Wild as always.  It’s gonna be an interesting year!

There Is A Me In Team

While watching the Giants/Redskins game last night, I got to pondering the world of the sports fan.  I read several columnists at ESPN and SI and most of them have mail bags where they answer fan questions.  It’s fun to read what people write and see what my faves have to say about it.  I have noticed though that some of the columnists refuse to answer questions posed by fans who use “we” or “us” when talking about their teams.  Why is that really?  Isn’t the most unique aspect of fandom the fact that fans more or less become part of their team?

I get it, we’re not out there scoring touchdowns or shooting 3 pointers or hitting home runs.  But the fact is, we’re so invested in our sports teams that it feels like we’re part of it.  A true sports fan understands.  Just like the athlete, your heart is beating harder and faster as your team is driving for the final score.  The clock’s ticking down and you’re not sure if they’re going to get that last shot off to take the lead and win the game.  You’re excited, you’re focused, you’re caught up in the moment just like your favorite players are.  What could be wrong with that?

Now I grant you that after the game, the viewer is not the hero or the goat; we’re not making the big bucks or getting endorsements and having hot men or women falling at our feet.  But don’t you feel satisfied after a great game that your team eeked out?  Don’t you feel exhilarated after your team annihilates an opponent?  Don’t you feel crushed when the other team squeaks out a last second victory over your beloved team?

What other moments cause reactions like that from a person?  I’m an admitted TV junkie, but when I watch Heroes I don’t watch the Petrelli’s and include myself in their heroic doings.  I don’t think “we” when I see Nathan and Peter (although if we were a we, I’d be a happy girl!)  I don’t watch my favorite castaways on Lost and include myself among their many misadventures.  I enjoy it, but I’m not a part of it.

And that the thing that makes sports so unique.  The fan watching from home feels like part of it.  We call the plays from the safety of our couch, we yell at our players when they do something wrong and we celebrate with them when they do something right.  We don’t have to fear for our jobs like coaches and players do, thankfully, we will be back year after year and season after season supporting our beloved teams.

So I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using “we” or “us” when we talk about our favorite teams and players.  Sports brings us into the game and we should feel a part of it.  We should feel the satisfaction of victory and the agony of defeat.  This is why we’re fans.  This is why we love it.  This is why we’ll always be back for more.  Keep cheering those teams and reminding yourself that you’re a part of them.  They need our support and that’s what makes us a “we”.

Yet Another Outlook on the 2008 NFL Season

   

ESPN.com

 

Can you feel it…it’s almost here. Tonight, billions of households around the world will tune in to watch an event that affects the next few months for all of us. No…I don’t mean the Republican National Convention, I’m talking about the kickoff to the 2008 NFL regular season. The New York Giants begin their Super Bowl title defense against the Washington Redskins, in what could be deemed…”The Enigma Bowl”. Many fans don’t know what to think of these two teams, but will no doubt be glued to their television screens like they’re watching the Super Bowl.

 

Before the season gets off and running, I figured I’d throw out my predictions for the upcoming NFL season.

AFC Division Winners

East – New England Patriots

North - Pittsburgh Steelers

South – Indianapolis Colts

West – San Diego Chargers  

AFC Wildcard Pool

Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans  

NFC Division Winners

East -Dallas Cowboys

North – Minnesota Vikings

South – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

West – Arizona Cardinals

NFC Wildcard Pool

New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers

Getty Images

 

Super Bowl XLIII

Minnesota Vikings def. San Diego Chargers 27-17 

Awards

Most Valuable Player – Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota 

Offensive Player of the Year – Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota

Defensive Player of the Year – Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota

Coach of the Year – Brad Childress, Minnesota

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Jerod Mayo, LB, New England

Comeback Player of the Year – Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina

 

Now that that’s out the way, let’s get this season off and poppin!

 

I’m not an expert, and I’ve never claimed to be one. But I am a football fan nonetheless. If you have a comment leave here.

Nolebucgrl’s NFL Picks Week 1

And we’re off, the season is about to begin and I am going to make my weekly picks.  I do not portend to be an expert nor do I bet on my picks, so nobody should use these as guides, just a for fun thing.  Some weeks I will be good, some weeks I will suck and we can all laugh at me.  I’ll be doing it too!  So, since things kick off on Thursday, let’s get started.

Redskins over Giants (I’ll go with an upset to start the season, I think the Skins might just be a playoff team and I think the Giants are a one hit wonder, especially with Osi and Strahan gone)

Detroit over Atlanta (my pick for worst game of the week, you’d have to pay me to watch this, unless it was to laugh at Atlanta)

Seattle over Buffalo (this is a toss up for me, I think the Bills might be poised to make the leap this year but I don’t trust them yet, so going with the known playoff team)

Jacksonville over Tennessee (the Jags are looking good, even if half their team is getting arrested and/or shot)

Jets over Miami (ahhh the first Favre game, do you think that people will throw roses on the field and cry in the streets?)

New England over KC (Brady and the boys will return to form, nice they got a cupcake opponent to start the season with Tommy’s aching foot, shouldn’t be a problem here)

Sigh, New Orleans over my Bucs (if I go with my heart, I’ll pick Tampa, but my head has to rule here and the Saints scare me)

Philly over St. Louis (still hate the Rams, always and forever, and Philly is yet another NFC East team that could easily make the playoffs as long as McNabb stays healthy)

Pittsburgh over Houston (Texans are getting better, but not quite good enough)

Cincy over Baltimore (I hear the Ravens are going with Flacco to start the season, rookie qb…hmm, don’t like it.  I like him but already?  Gotta go with the Chad here, errr Ocho Cinco that is)

San Diego over Carolina (The Chargers are still a kick butt team, but I don’t like Merriman insisting on playing with his knee injury, I hope someone there sits him down and stops him)

Arizona over San Fran (San Fran has no quarterback…or 3 of them that don’t equal one, whatever.  Terrible.  Leinart gets the bench, I go for AZ)

Dallas over Cleveland (Dallas will be good again in the regular season, we’ll see what they do in the playoffs.  I like Cleveland as well, could be a great game, except I think Romo will pick apart Cleveland’s corners)

Indy over Chicago (I don’t think Indy is going to be the force they’ve been in years past due to the Oline injuries and Manning’s knee, but Chicago still has the two-headed quarterback system going and neither heads are worth watching)

Minnesota over Green Bay (The Favre-less era begins.  Minny has a better team all around though both have qb questions.  I’ll go with Adrian Peterson here, and totally irrelevant but isn’t he hot?)

Denver over Oakland (I don’t really need to say anything here, Oakland sucks.  McFadden might be fun to watch but their WR’s are full of questions and the qb situation doesn’t fill me with confidence)

So there you have the week one picks.  Feel free to leave your own or to make fun of mine all you want.  I’m so elated that the season is finally here I could go 0-16 and still be happy.  Damn I missed football.