The other day I flipped on a game that I thought was the Jets vs. the Cardinals. I had both Larry Fitzgerald and Jericho Cotchery in my fantasy line up, and I wanted to see how they were doing. Right off, I saw the Cardinals, but it looked like they were playing the Rams instead. Upon further review, it was the Jets in throw back uniforms. Coincidentally, the Jets' performance rivalled "the greatest show on turf" days in St. Louis, but that's not the point. It found it difficult  to grasp that Brett Farve was actually beneath that odd looking uniform. To tell you the truth, I was having a hard enough time adjusting to him in the regular Jets uniform. I got me thinking, while free agency has certainly created more movement of high profile players from team to team, some players are so iconic that it just looks odd to see them wearing a different team's uniform. Sadly, it usually comes as a result of a great player nearing the end of what was a spectacular career, but just can't bring himself to step aside. Joe Montana as a Chief and Jerry Rice as a Seahawk just didn't work at all. While Montana actually did have some on field success, the G.O.A.T. was a goat. The strange thing is that Emmitt Smith looked pretty good in his Cardinal garb, but I can't say the same about Archie Manning as a Viking and Kenny Stabler as a Saint. Much like Rice, I found it equally strange to see Brian Bosworth in a Seahawk's uniform. Not because he played for another team, but because he barely played for Seattle. And is it just me, or does Michael Turner just look fat as a Falcon?

What's even more strange is how we associate numbers with players, and how much a number means to the players themselves. So much so that they will buy numbers and make side deals to aquire the number they are so famously known for. I blame Reggie Bush's lack of production early in his pro career to the fact that the league would not let him wear his favorite number 5. It was his mojo. And now with the popularity of the "wild hog" formation which features a direct snap to the running back  I think Bush should try again. If Jason Taylor ever actually plays for the Redskins seeing him wearing number 55 just won't be the same. Maybe it would help if Edyta from "Dancing With the Stars" would sit next to him on the bench.

Now as far as throw back uniforms go, I not sure what to make of them. They have some appeal, but there needs to be a rule stating that the uniform must look something like their regular uniform and avoid these Ram-like Jets' throwbacks. I would also get rid of those yellow and blue uniforms that the Eagles wore last year. The throwback thing does create some interesting possibilities. If the Ravens play the Browns on throwback day, will they wear the same uniform? It would look like an intersquad game. At least Anderson would have a built in excuse for throwing picks.  Kurt Warner will actually look more like his "MVP" self in his Arizona (aquired from) St. Louis "Rams" jersey. If the Texans played the Titans, who would wear the old Oiler's duds? On throwback day, will the Jaguars be left out totally or will they be allowed to wear their college uniforms? It would kind of look like the Senior bowl. 

These examples show just how much brand regocnition the NFL has. With the coporate sponsorship of stadiums already the norm, I think the teams will be next. It's being done in other sports already. I like the American Express Chargers and the New York Stock Exchange Bears. Or maybe the Dodge Rams or the Ford Falcons.  These are just a few ideas, but I know there are many more. If you have any good ones, feel free to add to the mix.

If yesterday’s games have taught us anything is that the NFL is anything but predictable. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the winless Chiefs beat the 3-1 Denver Broncos. More surprisingly is how Kansas City’s defense was able to hold the high flying Broncos to just one touchdown. You hear the cliché repeatedly that on any given Sunday either team can win. That is indeed a true statement, but while there are some anomalies, the better teams normally win each week. I can’t count the number of times I suffered watching Joe Montana and the 49ers march down the field in the fourth quarter and make the game winning score. Just Sickening. And they did it without big time draft picks or expensive free agents. If it weren’t for Tom Brady’s injury, there is no doubt we would be hearing all about the Patriots, and the genius Bill Belichick ad nauseam. Fortunately, or unfortunately, winning and losing is a state of mind. Losing begets losing and success breeds more success. Rich people do the things that made them rich in the first place, while poor people continue to engage in the same behavior that keeps them poor. NFL teams are no different. When assessing the quality of each team, you must look beyond player personnel and consider the strength of the franchise as a whole. Every team has great players, but the owners, general managers (or lack thereof), and coaching staffs have more to do with the success and failure of a team than the players. Great teams can overcome adversity and consistently rise to the occasion and find ways to win. Bad teams are like rotten fish, they stink from head to toe. These teams perennially find themselves the victims of situations in which they are largely to blame. Even though the season is only a quarter of the way over, there is already enough evidence to decide who are the best and worst teams in football.

 

 

 

While they are worthy of consideration, The Browns and Rams  aren’t comparable to the truly bad teams. The Browns have problems, but showed a hint of life against the Bengals. And during the first half of the game against the Bills, the Rams showed how they are capable of playing. While Jim Haslett may not be the long term answer, he is capable of getting the most out of what is left of the season. Ironically, Haslett, who was fired because he “lost the locker room” in New Orleans and went 0-4 his last four games is replacing a guy that “lost the locker room” in St. Louis that went 0-4 in his last four games. After the bye week, they face Washington and Dallas back to back, which should be two more losses. There are at least 6 winnable games remaining on their schedule. Finishing at 6-10, the Rams will be out of the discussion, which will leave only the "really bad" teams.

 

 

 

What do you get when you cross a Polaroid camera, Clay Ford, and a sheep? A contract extension or so it would seem for the long suffering Lions fans. How else do you explain the tenure of GM Matt Millen? The fact that the fans know the name of the GM indicates that things are going poorly. When you consider that Detroit has one of the highest rates of unemployment, it’s significant that they include a box on the unemployment claim form asking if you would like to contribute a dollar of your benefits to Matt Millen.  To his credit, Calvin Johnson is a rare talent. Roy Williams is also nice, and Charles Rodgers' career was derailed by injuries. But Mike Williams? There were signs that this would be a bad pick, and to think they could have gone with Shawne Merriman instead. But hindsight is 20/20. When you are struggling on defense, getting rid of Shaun Rogers maybe isn’t the best idea, but who didn’t think Gosder Cherilus was a value at 17th overall?   The good news is that the suffering in Detroit is nearly over. Millen is gone and while it may take time, at least the healing has begun. For now, the Lions are still the third worst team.

 

 

 

If you would have taken the over on Lane Kiffin vs. the field (of coaches) as to who would be the first to be fired this season, I don’t know anyone that would have taken Kiffin. His career is barely clinging to life, and Al Davis has both hands firmly pulling on the plug. Maybe Davis is just too frail to wiggle it loose, but Kiffin’s days are undoubtedly numbered.  Once Kiffin is gone, the Raiders’s problems will only get worse. Kiffin was hired because none of the “experienced” coaches around the league wanted the job. As the owner, and acting  as the GM  of the franchise, Davis wants all of the power, but none of the blame. He has repeatedly missed with high priced free agents that were cast off from other teams. To make matters worse, all of those early draft picks demand monster contracts and huge signing bonuses. Regardless of a player’s potential, it usually takes years for these players to have an impact. Early on, they are more hinderance than help. Team that with an impatient owner, and you have a recipe for disaster. That is why the Raiders are the second worst team in football.

 

 

 

 

Remember the good old days when all the Bengals had to do is make sure all of their 53 guys were out of jail by Sunday? Those were the days. In spite of their numerous off field troubles in previous years, the Bengals were able to put a competitive team on the field. It seemed that perhaps those days were behind them and all of the talk coming out of  Cincinnati was centered around frivolous matters like Chad Johnson wanting to change his name to “Ocho Cinco”. (Wouldn’t it have made more sense to rename Houshmandzadeh to Housh84 or something like that?) But the warrant being issued for the arrest of DL Jason Shirley indicates that it’s more of the same from the Bengals. The difference is that after four games, they are 0-4. To literally add insult to injury, the injury bug has also biten the Bengals. Starting with the shoulder injury that “Ouch-o Cinco” suffered in the preseason, the news is worse for Carson Palmer who may require season ending Tommy John surgery. Bad luck aside, the Bengal’s management and team president Mike Brown are largely to blame for the situation in Cincinnati. Their willingness to repeatedly ignore character issues when selecting players is taking it’s toll. The have undermined Marvin Lewis, and made him and the organization look foolish in the way they handled the release and subsequent resigning of wide receiver Chris Henry. After Brown’s claim that “his (Henry’s) conduct can no longer be tolerated”, he brought back the oft troubled Henry and could barely get a smile in as he wiped the egg from his face. Talk about a mixed message. But that is exactly why the Bengals are the worst team in football. On that I think we agree.

 

 

 

On the “best” side of the ledger, there may be more debate. First off, I have to give mention to a team that, while maybe not the best, they must be considered. The Carolina Panthers are the kind of organization that all teams should aspire to be. Even though the were scheduled to open up with San Diego and Chicago, John Fox suspended his best offensive weapon Steve Smith for both games after he sucker punched a teammate for the second time. The fact that 6’2” 202lb. Ken Hamlin didn’t kill the 5’9” 185lb. Smith, and that Smith didn’t appeal the suspension says a lot about Hamlin, Smith, and the rest of the Panthers. Poetically, Carolina won both games, and will surely make the playoffs. It proves you can do the right thing and still win, which sets a great example for the rest of the league to follow.

 

 

 

While the Panthers were the benefactors of divine intervention of the football gods, it came at the expense of the Chargers. Then the Chargers were victimized for the second time in as many weeks by the blown call from Ed Hockuli that allowed the Broncos retain possession on an obvious fumble. The Broncos went on to score the go ahead touchdown, which left the Bolts 0-2. When you combine that with the Shawne Merriman “I’m going to play through the pain” debacle, which lasted one whole game, it didn’t look good at all. But like I said earlier, good teams rise above adversity. And at 2-2, the Chargers are actually one game better than they were last year at this time. Their front office has had their struggles in the past, but maybe they have learned their lesson. After the Eli Manning fiasco, the firing Marty Schottenheimer, and several other embarrassments, they held onto Norv Turner after going a disappointing 1-3. They were rewarded with a trip to the playoffs and finished a game short of the superbowl. And this Philip Rivers thing is working out okay too. This team plays in a weak division. Denver is the only real threat, but their defense was exposed by the Chargers, Saints, and Chiefs. I would rather have my bad luck early than late. And as Gates and LT get healthy, this team will prove it is the third best in football.

 

 

 

While yesterday’s events may have changed the minds of some, the Cowboys are still the team to beat in the NFC. Dallas has undeniably the most talent, but that may actually be a problem. It’s a problem that most teams would love to have, but for the Cowboys it could be their Achilles. With their tremendous offensive prowess, it is conceivable that their may not be enough footballs to go around. Just when you start to believe that Owens is a “new” man, he shows everyone exactly why he is such an enigma. Just a week after being held to just 2 catches, Owens was happily being praised for his hustle chasing down Nick Collins on an interception. But that play was in the first quarter, before Owens knew he would only get two catches, and the Cowboys did win. However, after the loss to Washington, Owens openly complained about his lack of involvement, even though he was targeted 17 times. This was an obvious attempt to pacify Owens, but it cost them the game. Owens did score a touchdown on one of his seven catches, but Marion Barber and Felix Jones were con####ously absent. After averaging 21 carries and nearly 100 yards per game, Barber got only 8 carries and picked up a paltry 26 yards on the ground. For Jones, it was his first game without a touchdown. And in the end, not even Owens left happy. It would have been different if they had fallen behind early, but their largest deficit was only 10 points, and that didn’t last long. The Cowboys are very talented, but play in a tough division with teams that will not be intimidated by them. Wade Philips has his job cut out for him keeping all the egos in check. Just like last year, only the Cowboys can truly stop the Cowboys. That’s why they are only the NFL’s second best team.

 

 

 

Now let me preface the following with the fact that I am a Saints fan that lives in Atlanta. I have no affiliation with, affection for, or ties of any kind, to what is the best team in football. As I write this, I am literally in shock myself. But here goes. The Tennessee Titans ARE the best team in football. Preposterous you say?  Forget the 4-0 start and consider what is happening in Tennessee. Vince Young was injured shortly after he quit on his team because he threw an interception. Talk about adversity. Jeff Fisher decided to follow Felicia Young’s advice and give her “baby boy” the time and the love he needed to heal on the inside. Fisher made it clear that he would stick with Kerry Collins once Young’s knee healed. This flies in the face of the popular theory that a player "won't lose his job due to an injury". Secondarily, this shows that management is aligned squarely behind their coach as they support the benching of their multi million dollar investment. Unlike some organizations, the Titans are about winning, not saving face. With the exception of Young, the rest of the Titans, are well, Titans. Their defense is anchored by guys you should know, but probably don’t. Javon Kearse  and Albert Haynesworth ( maybe for the wrong reason) are the bigger named guys, but Kyle Vanden Bosch, Keith Bullucks and Chris Hope are equally dangerous. The improved play of Courtland Finnegan has solidified the secondary. While rookie sensation Chris Johnson is living up to the preseason hype, the offense is also filled mostly with low profile guys. Justin Gage is their number one receiver, but Johnson and the tight ends, Scaife and Crumpler, get most of the receptions. The most important thing about the Titans is they know who they are. They aren’t going to pass the ball 67 times one week and 30 the next. They are going to run first, pass when they need to, and rely mainly on their defense.  Fisher knows what he has, and is not going to risk his chance at a superbowl to feed the ego of anyone, including Young. And the players know and respect that about Fisher. He doesn’t need a quarterback to win the game, he needs the experience that a veteran like Collins has to (dare I say) “manage” the game. Once Buddy Ryans' punching bag, Fisher is not backing down from anyone. It may not be sexy, but the Tennessee Titans are currently, the best team in football.      

I don't know where you are from or which team you follow. But if you don't live in the south or follow a  team from the Southeastern Conference you are simply missing out. That's not to say that your team is bad or my team is better. But the fan experience is unrivaled. While four teams are currently ranked in the top 10 (it was five a week ago), their schedules will not allow them stay there (too bad). No league is deeper than the SEC, as five of the twelve teams in the league have won national titles. Auburn could have easily made it six, but was denied the opportunity to play for one after two undefeated seasons. The SEC has become richer, as it has been pulling top talent away from the ACC which shares a significant part of the landscape with them.  Unlike USC and Ohio State, the top SEC teams have more than just a team or two on their schedules that can beat them. Their in conference schedule will pit them against two or three top 10 ranked opponents, plus a host of second tier of teams that are easily capable of an upset. While other teams coast through the season staying fresh and mostly injury free. The SEC teams are fighting each other to the death week to week. The two teams that are fortunate enough to win their side of the conference get to face each other, perhaps for the second time, in the conference championship, knowing full well it will dash the championship hopes for the loser. 

Currently, there are five active coaches that have a national title on their resume. Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier have left the teams they won with, but stayed in the SEC. Other coaches have left one SEC school to join another, which creates new rivalries to add to the one's already in place. LSU always wants to beat Alabama, but this year there's a little something extra with Nick Saban coming back to Tiger stadium with his new team to face his former one. I'm sure while it may not have national implications, the Ole Miss vs. Arkansas game will be heated as well. What makes the SEC most interesting, is how the support for each team changes week to week. You always love your team, and you pull for the other teams that will help you win along the way. Many Florida fans hate Steve Spurrier since he left the Gators. But most of them were pulling for his Gamecocks to defeat the Georgia Bulldogs becuase they are in the same division. Now that the Gators have beaten Tennessee, they will no doubt be pulling for the Vols to beat Georgia in a few weeks. It's tough to go undefeated, and if you lose you need the help of your rivals to get back into the race.  While true SEC fans pull for the conference in any non conference tilt, each has that team or teams they love to hate. Unless it helps them somehow.  And the same LSU fans that wanted desperately to win at Auburn, will be cheering for them when they play Alabama. Last season, the LSU Tiger fans were excited that Tennessee beat Georgia in the regular season so that they could play the Vols instead of the higher ranked Bulldogs in the Georgia dome. If the Tigers had played Georgia, we might be talking about their national championship last year. And that's how it goes. Once the season is over and the bowl games start, it's back to supporting the conference as a whole, Even if it's a team you normally don't like. There's nothing else like it. And I am glad to be a part of it. If you follow the SEC you know what I am talking about, if you don't I don't think you are getting the full college football experience.    

What ever happened to the "good ole days"? You know the ones I am talking about. When football was just football. After last season, I vowed never to play fantasy again. Not sour grapes mind you because I actually won my league. But fantasy football kind of ruins the "real" football experience. This year I ponied up for my NFL Sunday Ticket with plans on watching every New Orleans Saints game wire to wire. No more spending Sundays watching the Red Zone channel and running back and forth to the computer constantly checking scores for me. Nope, it was back to reality, or so I thought. I politely said thanks, when my wife brought home this year's copy of  the NFL Fantasy Magazine. It's all on line now, but she knows I like the having the hard copy.  I gave it a quick glance, then purposely cast it aside. Since I am or least have been the league's commisioner,  I started getting calls and emails about 3 weeks before the season was about to start asking when we were getting the league together to draft. How could I tell them I wasn't going to play? So I scheduled the draft for the Monday night prior to the beginning of the season. I started tirelessly planning for the draft, as I was already way behind in my prep. I went out and got two more magazines and cross referenced them with my favorite fantasy websites. Our league rewards an additional 2 points for each reception, which I recommend, but it completely throws off the rankings of most players. It was tough, but I somehow pulled it all together. I was geeked up all weekend. I did dozens of mock drafts and adjusted my projections. But just as draft day was approaching, so was Hurricane Gustav. Except for me, transplanted to Atlanta, the rest of the league was New Orleans based. Even if they were spared from castastophic damage, surely there would be power outages and other inconviences that would take precedent over the draft. Maybe it's a sign. But surely that's one hell of a drastic way to send the message to get me to stop. Thankfully, the hurricane turned out to be a minor nusiance, but the draft had to be pushed back until the Monday of week one. I blessing of sorts for whomever would have picked Tom Brady with their first pick. Seeing most of week one's action was mostly beneficial, but it awakened the league to some sleepers that my reaserch indicated I could get late in the draft. Not anymore.  I had to scamble to adjust my projections to account for week one and do a few more mock drafts. The draft went off without a hitch, and I was able to get most of the players I had targeted. I missed out on Cutler and Marshall, but I wasn't sure if they would live up to the preseason hype.  Week two (which was our week 1) was going petty well until my opponent's defense (Green Bay) gets not one, but two John Kitna picks for TDs with less than 3 minutes left in the game. AHHHH! But I still had a nice 30 point lead and Jason Whitten going against Barber and Folk, no problem.  But after a long Folk field goal (the five point kind), a long TD pass to Barber( six for the TD, two for the catch, and 4 for the yardage), and then an injury to Whitten, my lead started to look a little smallish. While one of the most compelling "real" football games was taking place, I'm thinking just a few more passes to Whitten (if he's okay, GOD I hope he's okay), and touchdowns not field goals, and anyone but Barber!!! Then it happened, Whitten breaks loose over the middle and makes a catch that was similar to the one he just dropped a few plays ago. He's going in for the score, then stops (ala Reggie Bush), then by the time he redirects himself he is tackled. Setting up of course a Marion Barber touchdown. What the f%$%%##! "Why did he stop?" I'm yelling. The dog makes a quick dash behind the couch, not that I would hit him, but it's just instinct. While the "real" game is a good one, all of my thoughts and prayers are with Whitten. Despite his injury, he manages a few more grabs and my lead is up to about 14 points as time is winding down. The "real" game is over already with the Cowboys needing to pick up one more first down and the game will end, and my lead will hold. Then it almost happened. The Eagles sell out hard on the run. Barber breaks loose in the flat, and Romo floats one in his direction. If he catches it, there's no one to stop him.  I'm thinking 2 for the catch, 6 for the TD and how far is that? Seventy? That's 15. My lead is like 14 and some change. Thankfully, the ball fell to the turf and my calculating prowess could rest. Both games were over.

I looked at the clock and realized that I had spent over twelve hours, plotting, planning, and calculating every ebb and flow of the day's events. How could I justify my actions. The games were going to play out anyway, whether I watched them or not. But I just couldn't stop watching. Fantasy football has taken over my life, at least for that day. But I won. So who really cares. Not the most productive day, but to hell with it. I won. All is good. I find the dog and give him a treat and reassure him that everything is okay. 

Next up (week three) I was facing my Dad's team loaded with Saints. Seems he broke the cardinal rule of mixing fantasy with reality. He is a big time Saint fan, and will be doubly happy when he and they win, and doubly sad when they both lose. But for me it creates a "fantasy" vs. "reality" footlball dilemma. How can I watch and pull for the Saints like I promised myself I would, but also hope they do bad enough so I can beat him? I had time to worry about that later, since the game was on the west coast. So I settled in. I have a nice team with some pretty good matchups. I had to cut a few draft picks to make room for a few hunches I had. Since I am usually on top in the league standings, I need to pick up players a week before I need them because I never have waiver priority. So I say good bye to Ronnie Brown after his two paltry weeks and say hello to the Bills defense ( vs. the Raiders), a lock to put up big numbers against a bad team in chaos. So I made a few changes to my lineup and am ready to settle in for the day.  I figure out pretty quick that the football gods have built a force field around all of the end zones of my players. And also have given Burress a bad case of the drops which is killing Manning vs. the normally pourous Bengals. So much for my 3 to 4 passing TD's. Fitzgerald is doing great, but the elder Manning is trying to rekindle days gone by by forcing pass after pass to the slowing and aged Marvin Harrison. Gore is doing what he can against the Lions but my other hunch play Bryant Johnson isn't doing anything. Come on man, it's the lions!!! Torch those ####s. All in all, it's not going great. Then it comes across the ticker, that Ronnie Brown now has 5 TD's for the day. Hmmm.  I think I cut that guy for the Bills defense that's getting lit up by the freakin Raiders!!! Some hunch. I'm holding even, but I need to get out ahead because my Dad has more guys playing later, including Bush and Brees. Brees is good across the board, but with 2 points per reception, Bush is a stud in our league. I switch over as the Saint game is begining, and before I can #### and get a sandwich, it's 21-3 Broncos. I now feel that I can openly hope that the Broncos smash the Saints and keep my "fantasy" win streak alive. I flip through some of the other games, because I get them all. Regardless of what I say, wanting the Saints to lose, I can't stomach watching it. Especially not by Cutler and Marshall. If I had them, it might make it easier but I don't. After a while I turn back just to see how bad it is, only to find the Saints making a comeback. I switch gears back to "reality" football, already accepting my " fantasy"loss as inevitable. I reshift my  focus and allegiance back to the Saints and their comeback bid. It's back and forth the whole rest of the way as niether team has any defense left.  The Saints get a TD but miss on a two point conversion (which the football gods should have allowed since the Broncos got a gift the week before), leaving them down two late. Suprisingly, the Saints make a rare defensive stop, and drive down the field and looked in command. Just like in week 2, they needed just one yard to get a first which would allow them to get closer for the field goal and run out the clock. But once again they were stuffed. They line up for what is a long but makable field goal in the thin Denver air. The snap is good, the hold is solid, the kick is up, it has plenty of leg, but drifts just wide preserving the Broncos' win.  In the losing effort Brees managed to throw for 400+ yards, and Bush had 11 catches and two TD's. Enough to thrash my fantasy team anyway. I would have taken the fantasy loss in stride and would have even been "happy"  if they could have converted the two point try earlier in the "real" game. But it was not meant to be, and now I'm doubly bummed. I haven't felt this bad since I needed five fantasy points for a win, and was starting the over acheiving Rich Gannon and the Baltimore Raven's defense he was up against. I couldn't lose. Or so I thought. Early in the game, the Ravens knocked Gannon silly on an attempted goal line plunge (ending his day and career) As Gannon laid there unconcious, I'm screaming " He got in! I think he got in" (Sorry Rich). I don't even think he had the decency to fumble! Then his back up (Collins) came in and torched the Raven defense. Not that leaves you feeling a little empty. But not as empty as that game where I was up by 4, and the other team had already played all of their guys. V.i.c.t.o.r.y.!!! But my line up was set, and Rex Grossman was my QB. Do you remember that game where he had a fumble and like 6 interceptions? Yes, that one. That's the one. He was playing so badly I'm figuiring just pull him before it's too late! But Lovie Smith was out to prove that there was no quarterback controversy in Chicago, and left him in the whole game. Unmercifully, he put up like negative 8 for the game and I ended up losing that one too.

Why do I do this? I ask. What is the point? I love football, but this makes me crazy. My wife doesn't like football, but she loved football season because I am usually too preoccupied to bug her for sex. But now she hates it that I spend half of the weekend pissed if I lose. And the dog hates living behind the couch. I don't think everyone's fantasy experience rivals mine, but when the dog knows to leave the room, there's a problem. I hate fantasy football because it consumes me for months at a time. I know that I should hang it up, but like Brett Favre, I just can't quit.  If I could just go out with a #### (another championship) maybe this year will be my last. I need to find a way to let it go...........As I write this I am looking at week 4. Hey, not bad. I'm playing the guy that has Peyton and Addai on bye. Can you say "ripe for the picking?" I wonder how McFadden's toe is.........

In case you missed it, the inadvertant whistle heard around the world came from NFL official Ed Hochuli.  On a play that was clearly a fumble by Jay Cutler, Hochuli blew the ball dead allowing the Broncos to retain possesion, even though the Chargers recovered the ball. The play was reviewed and ruled a fumble, but the rules that are set up and agreed upon by the league's competition commitee call for the ball to stay with the Broncos. The Broncos went on to score and beat the Chargers, and Hochuli for some was entirely to blame for the loss. Like most of us, Ed Hochuli isn't perfect, and he did not intentionally blow the call. From where he was standing, it looked to Hochuli, like it was a fumble so he carried out his duty in the manor that the situation called for. It turned out that he made a mistake. If he didn't, the Chargers would most likely have won the game. Hochuli openly admitted his error, and expressed his sorrow for blowing the whistle and the call. His apology will not change the outcome of the game, and nothing can replace the loss the Chargers suffered due to his error. But the situation has taken a troubling turn. It seems Hochuli's email address was somehow posted openly to the internet, and  now he is getting hate mail and death threats.  Suprisingly, Hochuli is attempting to personaly answer back the hundreds of emails expressing his regret. What a class act. It's time for the Chargers organization to follow Hochuli's example and demonstrate some class of their own. They should openly accept Hochuli's apology, and publicly forgive him. They should admit for the record that the loss is solely their own responsibility, and consider the matter over and done with. They should ask their fans to stop threatening and emailing Hochuli. Just as in week one, the Chargers were to blame for their loss. You always hear that one play doesn't determine whether you win or lose. The first point counts just as much as the last. And the Chargers had plenty of chances to prevent being in the situation they were in before and after the call was blown. They had already given up 31 points before the mistaken call. Then still had the lead and an opportunity to stop the Broncos from scoring the touchdown. But they didn't. Then they received a muligan of sorts when Shanahan went for two, and they couldn't stop that either. If they are upset about losing, they need to look in the mirror and stop placing blame on Hochuli. 

Sporting events give us an escape from our daily lives, and for a brief time we can feel like we are part of something that, in truth, we are not. We sit around and cheer for guys we don't know, that don't know us either.  Yes they wear a shirt with the name of the city in which we live or the college we attended, but there is no real association. Unless you actually play on the field, you are not a part of the team. The games are being played for our entertainment.  Now it's nice to see "our" guys beat "their" guys, but the results rarely change lives. There are those "fanatics" that schedule their whole lives around what and how "their" team is doing. They follow ridiculous rituals and superstitions mistakenly believing that what they "do" actually effects how the team plays. It is mostly harmless in nature, but occasionally it goes to far. Some fans simply place too much importance on how " their" team does each week. And when it goes badly, it causes some to become so enraged they turn to violence. These are the kind of people that are sending hate emails to Hochuli. They believe that Hochuli ruined their teams chances for a win and subsequently ruined their lives.   It's ridiculous, and clearly over the line. If you are a Charger fan and you blame Ed Hochuli for the loss last week, you are an ####. If you beleive that this is some kind of terrible tragedy ,and your life has been irrevokably damaged, go ask the people of Houston if they would be willing to trade with you. I'm sure they would take a loss in every game this season and next for the Texans, in exchange for no damage being caused by Hurricane Ike. Unfortunately real tragedy helps us put into perspective what is really important. A bad call in a football game, no matter how horrible, should not rise to the level of violence. If you are a Charger fan and this is the worse thing that happens in your life, consider yourself lucky. If you are one of the moronic a-holes that sent Hochuli and email or a death threat, get a life before it's too late. And let Hochuli get back to his.          

Al Davis is proving to the NFL that he is the worst owner in the league, and maybe the worst owner in of all sports. Despite his meddling, or more likely because of it, the Raiders haven't been competitive since his jogging suits were in fashion.  Now it is being widely reported that coach Lane Kiffin will be fired at any minute. And if not for the win at Kansas City, it would have already been done. Now that is certainly Davis' choice as the team's owner, which is exactly how Kiffin stated it. Sounds simple. But the problem here is that Davis wants Kiffen out, but doesn't want to payoff his remaining 2 year contract. Davis did ask Kiffin nicely to resign, but understandably Kiffin balked. Davis went on to say that "Kiffin is not the man I hired", and that he will fire Kiffin, and not pay the balance of the contract because Kiffin was insubordinate to him and the organization. What a crime, standing up to Al Davis. It's no longer business, it's just personal. It's like when two people get married, they stand at the alter professing their undying love for each other, then two years later they're in divorce court fighting over the pots and pans when niether of them cook.  The whole thing has been reduced to a pissing contest and Davis simply doesn't like to lose.  In Kiffin's defense, if your going to get fired for doing a bad job, you should at least be the one doing the job.  Davis wants a "yes man" and thought that's what he was getting when he hired Kiffin.  Davis likes to add to the soup, then complian when it tastes bad. That is why no other experienced coach wanted the job. Which is what forced Davis to take a chance on Kiffin in the first place.  Admittedly, it hasn't worked out, but Davis is so enraged by Kiffin's defiance he wants to stick it to Kiffin and turn the knife.  He is so hell bent, he is willing to turn the team over to Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (Buddy's Boy). That's drastic. Have you seen this Raider defense? Davis' actions remind me of the commercial where the one guy says " I'm sticking it to the man" and the other guys says 'But you are the man". How can Davis complain about the paltry sum he owes Kiffin when he squandered $70 million dollars on D'Angelo Hall? In case you missed it, last Monday rookie receiver Eddie Royal burnt Hall repeatedly like he was toast at a Waffle House. Seems the Raiders didn't quite get their money's worth on that deal either. But this is how pitiful the Raider's lot in life has become. The only guy who wants the job now, is the guy who can't do the lesser one he already has. And the only players that want to play for the Raiders are everyone else's cast offs. Just to get this straight, Davis wants to pay Javon Walker a ton, but doesn't want to pay Kiffin at all.  At least Kiffin is there at the game. The only place you can find Walker is on the side of a milk carton. I hear you can get a deal on his Denver Bronco jersey. What an embarrasment to the league and to his self Davis has become. If Davis has any sense left, he would simply let Kiffin go, and pay him what is due. If Davis can't come up with the coin, maybe he can borrow some from JaMarcus Russell.

I love the week to week fantasy advice given out by the so called experts. Their "start'em/sit'em" columns should be renamed "the painfully obvious choice". Maybe I'm wrong, but most fantasy players know who they should never bench. And there's no sense in calling Tennesee's Chris Johnson, Chicago's Matt Forte, and Denver's Eddie Royal "sleepers" any longer. In any league worth playing in, these guys are long gone by now. And if they are still available, shame on you and your league for not knowing enough about fantasy football to even be wasting your time playing. If you are in a jam, a need some help right now, pick up these guys.

Quarterbacks

Trent Edwards QB Buffalo-Every once in a while Lee Evans just goes off huge then disappears. I don't know whether to blame Edwards or Evans on this one. Both could be helped by another solid wideout to help draw single coverage. Well that won't be a problem for the next two weeks. Facing Oakland and St. Louis back to back will give both players an opportunity to post monster numbers. Niether team can cover anybody down field.

J.T O'Sullivan QB San Francisco- If there ever was a chance to give O'Sullivan a try it's weeks 3 and 4. The 49ers put up plenty of offense against what was supposed to be a good Seattle defense. The problem in Seattle is really the offense, but that's not the case for Detroit and New Orleans. Their defenses are just terrible, period. Martz had a little more bounce week two, and things are starting to click. It's obvious that Issac Bruce is slower than he used to be, but he knows the system and can still get open. Gore, while not overly flashy, has good enough production each week  to draw attention, especially from defenses that can't stop the run, giving O'Sullivan the chance to look for openings down field.

Matt Cassel QB New England-In his first start, Belichick held Cassel back to a safe number of mostly short passes. Week two, Kurt Warner (former MVP) fried the Fishes secondary whenever he wanted to. Boldin and Fitgerald had most of their yardage after the catch, proving that you can throw short and still put up big yardage numbers. Boldin had a career high of three TD's. Dust of Moss and Welker, pick up Cassel, and for at least one day, forget about Brady. Belichick is ready to showcase his passing game this week.

Running Backs

Julius Jones RB Seattle-Okay, this one is a little obvious too, But in most leagues all of the running backs are taken. If not, Jones should have a great week against the Rams in week three. Week four is his bye week, so maybe he is still available. If you have him but don't need him, trade him this week. You will not be able to get more for him any other week in the season.

Darren Sproles RB San Diego- Turf toe is a tough injury for a running back to deal with and tends to linger without rest. The wear and tear on LT is finally mounting up. I'm not saying that LT will be a bust the rest of the way, but in the near term Sproles will see more action. He is a small guy but has homerun speed. Running the ball is more about attitude and line play. LT is good, but the Chargers simply know how to run the football. San Diego faces the Jets, Oakland, and Miami. After being jobbed at Denver, the Bolts can will the next three without pushing LT. Look for Sproles to put "LT" like numbers in his absence, or pretty good numbers in a platoon..

Jamal Charles RB Kansas City-Whatever is going on in Kansas City, it's not good. You see it all the time, after a running back has 400+ carries in a season, he usually gets hurt or is never the same. Larry Johnson is done in KC and maybe done for good. Off to a horrid start in 2008, the Chiefs are all about rebuilding. Why else would they play Thigpen. I'm not sure if Johnson's ####ing is a ploy, but of course he wants out. He got paid already. Sure, he deserved it because it's the last money he will ever get since the Chiefs effectively ended his career. Expect to see a lot of Charles this week against the Falcons, and every week there after.

Wide Receiver

Bryant Johnson WR San Francisco-I like Johnson for the same reason as O'Sullivan. Johnson had some nice games filling for Anquan Boldin when he was with the Cardinals. He put up some nice numbers a few times in three reciever sets. Early indications are pointing to Johnson being the favorite target of O'Sullivan. He is their best option so look for it to pay off now and in the future.

Justin Gage WR Tennessee-Finally a real QB in Tennessee leads to an emerging fantasy wide receiver. Gage was Collins' favorite target week two, and next up is Houston. More practice time, and the solid running game will lead to more passing opportunities for the Titans. The Texans are no doubt still reeling about the tremendous loss suffered by their city during hurricane Ike. Understandably,I just don't think they will be much into football this weekend. Look at the no hitter and the 6-1 loss suffered by the Astros this week.

Billy McMullin WR Seattle-McMullin is the last man standing. Billy and tight end John Carlson or the only realistic targets left for the ailing passing attack of the Seahawks. It just so happens that the cure maybe be right in front of them this week, the Rams. This is no long term answer, but for a week, he'll do.

Tight End

Tony Scheffler TE Denver- It may be too late, but if Scheffler is available nab him. In most leagues teams run with only one TE. If this is the case, you might get lucky. With Brandon Marshall being impossible to cover, and the emergence of Eddie Royal, Scheffler will benefit greatly as his 2 TD week two indicates. It's obvious the Broncos have adopted a pass first mentallity, which is a shift from years past. You simply can't cover everybody, and at least with Scheffler, you can keep him in front of you.

John Carlson TE Seattle-See Billy McMullin above. At least until week 6, when Engram and Branch are scheduled to return, Carlson will see opportunity. Unlike Rosario in Carolina, Carlson should get looks for the remainder of the season. He might actually do better once the other receivers get healthy.

 

After the dust has settled, and the hype machine has been carefully put away, it's time for the Jets to realize that they aren't going to find much success beyond mediocrity.  If the door has been opened in the AFC East with the season ending injury to Tom Brady, it's for the Bills and not the Jets. What a difference a day makes. All the talk was how Brett Favre was going to lead the Jets to a statement victory over the hobbled Pats and change the balance of power going forward. Well a message was indeed sent, but I don't think it was the one they intended. When you shoot at the king and miss, the result can be fatal. First off, I can't really blame Favre for the Jet's failings. The blame for this falls totally on the ineptness of the so called "Man-Genius".  Down 6 with a first a goal from the 3 yard line, the "Man-Genius calls a run up the middle with Thomas Jones, stuffed. Second and goal, run up the middle with Thomas Jones, stuffed. Third and goal, run up the middle with Thomas Jones, stuffed! Field Goal, good, still down 6-3. Now that' the mark of a true innovator. How about a play action, roll scramble right, drag to the tight end or tackle eligible? Or go for it on fourth down, provided you don't run up the middle with Thomas Jones a fourth time. You are at home, where you should have an advantage, against a guy starting his first game in the league. If you don't make it, give them the ball on the one yard line. Get the safety or force a punt from the end zone. Kicking the field goal does get you three points, but not the lead. Coming away with nothing would have beeen just as deflating as settling for the field goal in that situation. That was the best and only real threat from the Jets to take the lead in the game. If you want to win in the NFL, you can't play not to lose or simply to keep it close. When you have your opponent on the ropes, you must go for the thoat. If you want to be a ball control, run first oriented team you need a quarterback that is a game manager type, not Brett Favre. If you turn him loose, Favre is the kind of guy that will win you a few you shouldn't (see week one's floater to Stuckey), but may cost you at times (week two's INT to Meriweather). But this is nothing new. This is the deal you make when you bring him in. At this stage in his career, you are not going to change that. If the "Man-Genius" is too afraid to let Brett be Brett, he will get the bad Favre has to offer (week two's INT to Meriweather), without the benefit of the good. If Brett is truly "the only guy we(the jets) need to make this a superbowl team", why would you castrate him in the red zone? Maybe the "Man-Genius" didn't want Favre to blow it. Mission accomplished, Mangini blew it for him. The game and the moment proved too big for Mangini.

Now, it's time for the Jets to take stock and refocus. Forget about the Patriots, and now that the Pats and Bills are 2-0, forget about the division. If Farve doesn't know the whole offense, figure out what kinds of plays they can run and just go out a play. Let the rest take care of itself. They have a very favorable schedule over the next 8 weeks and then the Patriots again. This past weekend in East Rutherford, the "Man-Genius was exposed. He proved there was only one "real" genius on the field, Bill Belichick. Belichick shuffled players in and out, and while not spectacular, he employed a game plan that would give his inexperienced quarterback a chance to win, and he did. Except for Randy Moss, who was sparingly used, the Jets talent wise are at least as good as what's left of the Patriots. A great coach can take his and beat yours, then take yours and beat his.  If the roles were reversed, there is little doubt Mangini could not have beaten the Jets with those Patriots. Mangini has a lot to prove, and better come up with something before the season is lost.  That's a tall order. As far as Genius goes, Mangini isn't qualified to even hold Belichick's hoodie. Until further notice, the division crown still belongs on the heads of the Patriots.  

I don't think there is a better sports product than NFL football. When you consider the total amount of revenue generated by the league, there clearly is no equal. In addition to ticket sales and TV revenue, the league sells enormous amounts of merchandise and apparel. Not to mention gambling dollars (leagal and otherwise), fantasy leagues,  and revenue generated for sports bars and the like. But there is trouble on the way. Steps must be taken soon to protect this Golden Goose. With the passing of Gene Upshaw, the NFL Player's Union is seeking out a replacement to represent them in future negotiations. Like in any union, the leadership is always looking for gains, and never looks to give concessions. But a problem is looming that , if left unchecked, will assuredly ruin the league. The new leadership must find a way to inact a rookie salary cap.  The unbeleivable run up of rookie salaries, especially top 10 picks, is seriously damaging the on field product. Because the contracts in the NFL are not guaranteed, all of the players understandably want up front money. The teams that are having to pay these unproven top picks as much as $25-35 million dollars before they ever play a single down as a professional can be crippling. Generally, these are the weakest teams that need much more than a guy or two to turn their teams around. Now, if there was a good measuring stick as to who will transition to the pro game and who will not, that would simply be the price of being competitive. But it's a total crapshoot. Because of the overall salary cap, these teams are being penalized by not having enough money to spend on other veteran players that may actually better help these weaker teams. At least, in some respects, they know more about what they are getting.

 If the players are willing to agree to a rookie cap, the league should respond by expanding the rosters to 65-68 players. And perhaps invoke some sort of guaranteed contract. And why shouldn't they both agree. How hard must it be for the veteran players that have worked so hard to prove themselves only to get pushed aside for these unproven rookies. Then to see the enormous bonuses being dished out, no wonder they want to hold out.  Teams simply cannot afford to hold onto the midlevel veteran players. Because of the enormous cost, they must play these younger, less proven players, even if they aren't really ready. This diminishes the on field product.  Secondarily, as the players get stronger and faster, injuries are piling at an alarming pace. When it's guys like Tom Brady we give it more notice, but look at the situation Jacksonville finds itself in with their terribly depleted offensive line. Once thought a playoff contender, they are dead in the water week two. Expanding the rosters will allow a larger pool of players to continue to practice and play at the NFL level. This means that veteran players can be held on to a few seasons longer to give time for the younger players, especially quarterbacks, more time to fully develop.  Potential NFL caliber quarterback porspects are already becoming scarce as the spread offense continues to gain in popularity at the college level. Without a developmental league to draw from, teams need an affordable option to groom their own talent.

Of course, some players will be hurt by these changes. But it's primarily  the players that are getting these huge undeserved bonuses ( Ryan Leaf, Alex Smith, Cedric Benson, the list goes on and on), but can't really play at the NFL level. While it's a problem for these specific players, I don't think the league and it's fans will see it as much of a "problem" at all. Most will embrace the change and the league will benefit greatly. Both in dollars and in popularity. For most working class fans, It's hard to see the massive salaries being paid out to NFL players. But It's even tougher when it's being spent on a bust, unless that bust is in Canton, Ohio.

I always heard not to mess with Texas like they are all tough or something. Have you see what kind of tough guys are coming out of the Longhorn program lately? While Vince Young is the latest have problems on and off the field, he certainly isn't the only one. I remember watching an overly emotional Cedric Benson crying after being picked 4th overall by the Bears just a few seasons ago. He was saying "don't compare me to Ricky Williams, I'm no Ricky Williams". I'll say. At least somewhere in all the weirdness Williams (who also suffered from drepression and anxiety) managed a nice three year stretch gaining 4500 yards on nearly 1100 carries. I think we would all need to smoke a little pot after that kind of a workload. Most guys need a fix after just one 40 hour week at the plant. Benson, currently out of the league but still facing a possible suspension, scored only two touchdowns per arrest last season. Maybe if Cincinnati's offense continues to struggle, Benson might be a good fit there. But seriously, what should the Univeristy of Texas do to toughen up those sissys? I am offering the following suggestions:

Give all the baby boys the space and the love they need.

Stop recruiting players with breast milk mustaches.

Hire Dr. Phil as the team Doctor.

See if Donovan McNabb's mom can make chunky soup for the team's pregame meal.

Make Boyz II Men the only music allowable in the dressing room.

Replace Mack Brown with Coach Vermeil so he can do all of the crying. And  also to change the player's diapers and tell them it's time to go to work.

Give Terrell Owens an honorary doctorate for his "Tony Romo is my quaterback" episode.

Petition the NCAA to switch to the Pac-10 with those other crybabies USC.

Stop keeping score during the games and declare all of the players winners to bolster self-esteem.

Those are just a few of mine. Do you have any other suggestions?

 

 

 

 

Finally, we won't have to hear much more about Ohio State football for a while. Why is it that a team with so few "quality wins" gets so much attention? Thankfully USC, another over hyped team, will hand the Buckeyes another SEC style beatdown this weekend. Unfortunately, much of the talk after their loss will be about how "If only Beanie Wells had played". Blah, Blah, Blah. The truth is the Bucks have gotten fat feasting on weak teams in a non competitve conference. Not only is the conference weak, like the Pac-10, they don't even play a conference championship game. Face it, it's not really much of a challenge when the only two teams in your conference that have even a chance of beating you are merely shells of what they once were. That's why when they actually play good teams, they get their butts handed to them. This week will be no different. When you compare the Big Ten with a conference like the SEC, it's not even close.  In recent history five teams in the SEC have won national titles if you count Georgia's in 1982. That's nearly half of the 12 team conference. Then consider that Auburn was robbed of a chance to even play for the title after an undefeated season in 2004. While the SEC teams canibilize each other, the Buckeyes are playing the equivalents of Vandy and Mississippi State every week waiting for the one game (Michigan) that really counts. That's the Michigan team the lost back to back openers to Appalachian State and Utah. USC basically has had it just as easy, but will at least demonstrate their superiority over the Buckeyes. No wonder these teams don't want a conference championship or a playoff. They don't want to be exposed as the frauds they are. With Ohio State out of the way early, the SEC team that is fortunate enough to survive the gauntlet will finally get an opportunity to put USC in their place. Maybe that will finally put and end to the AP's man crush on Pete Carroll, which awards the Trojans with the National Title even when they don't play for it.

Without a doubt, all eyes will be on Matt Cassel and the rest of the New England Patriots for their week two matchup against Brett Favre and his Jets. Everyone is waiting to see exactly how Belichick and the rest of his troops will respond after the loss of Tom Brady. And  Belichick knows it. What's at stake here is more than just the balance of this season for the Pats, it's also the legacy of the man in the grey hoodie.  For the past five seasons, Belichick has thumbed his nose at the league, believing he is bigger than the game and that winning trumps all. After criticism was levied against him for not having a back up plan in case Brady was injured, Belichick is out to prove he doesn't need one. Shortly after being summoned by the organization,  quarterbacks Chris Simms and Tim Rattay  were unexplicably dismissed without even getting a workout. Belichick is hell bent on proving to the world that once again he is smarter than the so-called "experts".  He wants to win with what he has to reinforce the belief that the success of the past seasons is due largely in part to him. Sounds great, if it works. One thing is for sure, the Patriots seem to play better when they have a chip on their shoulder (see spygate 2007). And anyone who thinks they are going to roll over and play dead is simply wishful thinking. The Patriots still have weapons. And I wouldn't be surprised if Cassel drops back and throws deep to Randy Moss on their first play this week just to send a message. Not only to the league, but to Moss, just to make sure their best remaining play maker doesn't quit like he has done in these types of sitiuations in the past. Don't forget, the Patriots still play in a weak division. And, even though it's only week two, the AFC looks a little weaker than it did in previous years with the Colts and Chargers both starting 0-1. The key is going to be how well the aging defense does at keeping the game close enough in order to give the less potent offense a chance to win. That's exactly the recipe the Ravens used to win a superbowl with Trent Dilfer at the helm. If the season goes well, you must tip your hat to Belichick for being the genius he purports to be. If it goes poorly, his failure will be heralded by those who believe that he has lied and cheated in order to acheive the success he has had. And his legacy will undoubtedly be tarnished. Or much worse, the media will simply move on to whatever is the new hotest thing, leaving Belichick and the Patroits to wallow in their insignificance. Either way, we will all be watching.