What is Parity? In the NFL it means every team at the beginning of the season has an equal chance too win the Super Bowl.

Sounds simple doesn't it? Ya right! Tell that to the Miami Dolphins.

What is the cause of Parity, if such a beast exist? Could it be the salary cap? A lack of talent? Free agencies? Could coaching changes by good teams cause them to become mediocre after a good season? Or is it a combination of all the above, or none of the above?

I think its time we forget the notion of parity in the NFL and I will point out why.

To start out, look at New England, as of today they have a 15 game win streak, and don't forget the Miami Dolphins, who are 1-14. No parity there!  True, winning streaks out pace losing streaks by only a slim margin. There have been 28 streaks of at least four victories or four losses in 2007, 15 winning and 13 losing. But look at some of the winning streaks, the Patriots lead with 15 straight and Dallas has had streaks of five and seven games. The Colts have had streaks of seven and six games and Green Bay has had two streaks of four and six games. San Diego is finishing the season with five in a row. Long losing streaks by teams such as the Ravens (9) and San Francisco (8) should dispel any notion of parity in the win/lost category. There are just teams that win and teams that don't and overall they are the same teams year after year.

The NFL salary cap is define as the maximum amount that a team may spend on player compensation. The cap is calculated by the curent Collective Bargaining Agreement or CBA and is set to be 59.5% of the total projected league revenue. This number divided by the number of teams determines the amount of the cap, thus $102 million per team. (2006 figures)

Lets now look at the salary cap. One would have to think this would lead to parity. (remember there will be a difference between my figures and the real figures due to my figures are based on the 2006 season, but the difference overall is minor) But the salary cap doesn't cause players to move to teams who need them to fill holes, and not necessarity to teams who can afford them. Make sense? (I will explain this in depth later on when I examining the coaching staffs) Look at it this way, the 49ers picked up a couple free agents and expected great things and a winning season, didn't happen. Seattle on the other hand picked up a couple free agents to shore up their defensive back field and, well the rest is history. Seattle has one of the best pass defenses in the NFC and the reason was the addition of free agents. I could go on team by team, but you get the idea by these two examples.

The salary cap for the NFL is $102 million per team, at least was in 2006. The 2007 salary for every player is not available, (although the cap for the 2007 season is around $109 million) so all figures used here are 2006 figures. Just before the season started every team was under the cap except the Colts and the Redskins which are a few million over. In fact one of the better teams in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers are under the cap the most at $35 million, which means they have a total salary of around $67 million. Go figure! Here are some of the other good teams and the cap, Cowboys $22.6 million under and the Patriots, $16.9 million under. Some of the not so lucky teams such as Miami are under the cap by $6.3 million, which means the Dolphins have a total salary of $95.7 million, almost $30 million more paid in salary than the Packers and $10 million more than the Patriots. So much for money buying championships. The Ravens are $10.6 million under the salary cap and are in the same boat as the Dolphins. So spending money or free agents are not going to guarantee any team success on the field. That should also dispel any notion the salary cap is the cause of parity.

So what does this all show? It shows that spending money doesn't necessaily create a good team or a good record. By the way, Seattle is $17.3 million under the cap. If the talent is needed and is out there, there is plenty of money to go out and get it. I think the problem is the lack of talent available out there on the free market and ownership who are too tight to spend up to the cap level. Why would they? When teams can't sell out and are being blacked out because the fans aren't going to the games. It creates a vicious cycle that takes years and sometimes new ownership to break that cycle and the only ones to suiffer are the fans. High draft picks for bad teams don't guarantee winning seasons, Reggie Bush, Ricky Williams and Matt Leinart are a good example of that.

Well what does lead to a good record? Coaching leads to a good record. Coaches who can get the most out of a player will win the most games. Coaches such as Belichick is the best of the coaches today and John Madden of years passed are prime examples ot this. Yes I know there are other fine coaches out there, but I personally think these two are/or were the best. A top notch front office can also lead to getting the players needed to fill holes in any team, but that won't guarantee success. Team players are the answer and they are the hardest to find. One of the better pick ups was free agent Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys (team player? depend if you like him or not)  but will he help Dallas win the Superbowl, time and most likely the Patriots will tell if they can.

Here is an example of coaching changes that caused teams to become stagnate after a couple good years. After the 2004-05 season which the Patroits won their 3rd Superbowl they lost both their offensive coordinator and their defensive coordinator and haven't been to the Superbowl since. The '85 Bears lost their defensive coordinator and they never make it back in spite of having Ditka, Payton and other great stars. San Diego got off to a slow start this year, and if you look at the coaching changes you may discover the reason. Offensive coach Cam Cameron, who was responsible for an offense who featured LaDainian Tomlinson is now head coach of Miami. Defensive coach Wade Phillips is now head coach of Dallas. Marty Schottenheimer getting fired after going 14-2 is unconscionable to me. But Norv Turner, in my opinion should be coach of the year for getting the Chargers a shot at the big show after having to start the season from scratch and with a completely new coaching staff to boot.

Parity in the NFL, I don't think there is such a beast, at least in the 2007-08 NFL there's not.

PLAYOFF TEAMS AND TEAMS THAT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS

As I watched and listened to the SNF game last night, I heard John Madden say something that made my ears perk up. He said, 'There are playoff teams and there are teams that make the playoffs.'

Wow, but this is so true! During my morning walk today I thought about John's comment and ran the teams in this year's playoffs, including some that may or may not get in, through my mind and came to the same conclusion. Here is what I think who are in fact the playoff teams and who are the teams who are just in the playoffs. Not necessarily in order of best to worst.

First of the AFC playoff teams are of course the New England Patriots, who are head and shoulders above all the rest and no one should dispute the fact the Patriots are the best of the best this year and a 14-0 record proves my point. Even if the Patriots lose a game in the next two weeks, they will still be the best team in the NFL in my opinion.

Second playoff team are the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are a playoff team as shown week in and week out this season and winning 12 games each season for five years running proves it. Besides they must be considered a playoff team until someone dethrones them.

The third playoff team in the AFC are the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite stumbling twice against the Colts, the Jaguars have the third best record in the AFC and with their win over the tough Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh proved they are a playoff team to contend with.

Bring up the rear of the AFC playoff teams, is the San Diego Chargers. Off to slow start this year the Chargers with their nine and five record will be a contender until one of the three the teams above beats them. The Chargers are a border line playoff team, but in my opinion has a chance to get to the big show.

Teams who made the playoffs but aren't playoff teams are Pittsburgh, Cleveland (who is tied with the Steelers for the AFC North) and Tennessee, who still has a shot at the playoffs, even if a long shot.

All the other AFC teams are also runs and can't be considered, because quite frankly they are not in the class of the playoff teams or of teams who made the playoffs.

The NFC playoff teams are lead by the Dallas Cowboys. In spite of their loss to the Eagles last night they still lead the NFC teams because of their win over the Green Bay Packers. There is some doubt whether the Cowboys are the best in the Conference of late, but until they play for the conference championship and that someone beats them, in my opinion they are the best.

Second is those Green Bay Packers lead by Brett Favre who has proven game after game this year, they belong with the other playoff teams and if some how the NFC championship game was to be played in a cold wintery Green Bay, I would give them the edge, but if the game was played today in Dallas, I will give the Cowboys the edge.

I hate to say this but Green Bay and Dallas are the only playoff teams in the NFC. The rest are teams who are just in the playoffs. Tampa Bay, Seattle, the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings are teams that with a bad break or two could have missed the playoffs all together. I mustn't leave out the New Orleans Saints or the Washington Redskins who still have a chance if the Minnesota Viking should stumble. But a break of two by any of the above-mentioned teams won't make any difference, even if the breaks goes in their favor, they are still teams that have just made the playoffs. To be honest with my readers, not a playoff team among them.  

The rest of the NFC teams are also runs and can't be considered because they don't deserve to be in the playoffs at all and/or aren't good enough to challenge the teams above them.

Yes John Madden is right. 'There are playoff teams and there are teams that make the playoff.'

PICKS AND PANS WEEK 9

This week three of the four NFC West team are back into action, but don't look for to much to change from last week. Again Iook for two of the three teams to go down to defeat.

The Cardinals coming off a bye week and hope to have some of their front line players back into action. But don't look for anything exciting to happen this week as Arizona goes on the road.

Seattle is also coming off a bye week and a much needed rest and hopefully they will get both wide receivers back into action against the Browns. Alexander must show more consistence for the Hawks to win. However Branch has only a 50/50 chance of returning and Hasselbeck who is scheduled to start is not 100% due to a nagging stomach muscle pull. Both of Seattle's starting tackles are expected to play but neither are 100%.

The 49ers continue to struggle on offense and their defense is just starting to wear down because of the offense can't keep them off the field. Smith return didn't seem to help spark any life into the offense as they fell for the fifth straight time to the Saints at home.

The Rams will have a bye this week and is coming off a disappointing loss to Cleveland at home and continues to struggle on offense. Last week the Rams did show some improvement on both sides of the ball, but are really to inconsistence to be any threat against anyone at this point of the season.

I had a good week picking the right teams to win. I was a little surprised that the Lions beat the Bears in Chicago, but knew it would be a close game. My long shot pick went down the tube when the Rams couldn't hold a early lead and was flushed away by the Browns also at home. Another loss was, yawn, the Bills over the Jets, again I thought this game would be close and like I said, I didn't know why I picked one team over the other. So for the week I was 10-3 and that brings my seasons total to a respectable 66-29. There are a lot of tough games this week, so lets see how I do.

My picks for week 9 are:

DENVER OVER DETROIT

The Bronco coming off a disappointing loss at home to Green Bay will get the edge in this game even it they can't stop the run, why? Because Detroit doesn't run the ball effectively and Denver pass defense is 6th best in the league, Denver in a close one, 21-17.

TENNESSEE OVER CAROLINA

The Titans will try to run the ball against the Panthers this week like they did against the Raiders. Although the Titans didn't do squat offensively against  Oakland their defense will hold up against the Panthers at home, in a low scoring game , Tennessee 17-10.

SAN DIEGO OVER MINNESOTA

Minnesota special teams are one of the best in the NFL, but the Chargers offense and defense will dominate the Vikings on the road for a 24-14 win. The Chargers will continue their quest for the AFC West title.

WASHINGTON OVER THE NEW YORK JETS

Don't let the lopsided loss to New England cloud your view of the Redskins, after all, they aren't playing the Patriots again this week, they are playing the 'Jets', and the Redskins will thump the Jets in New York, 27-10.

ATLANTA OVER SAN FRANCISCO

I couldn't believe the Vegas odds makers are making Atlanta a three point favorite. But after close examination of the game, I will have to agree that three points are about right. The Falcons offense is better than the 49ers, as the 49ers have the worst offense in the NFL and the defense is about even, so based on that and being the Falcons are at home, I go with Atlanta 12-9 in a battle of field goals.

CINCINNATI OVER BUFFALO

The Bengals are coming off a home loss to the Steelers and Buffalo is coming off a win on the road. There is no way the Bills can win three in a row. Cincinnati will pass and pass some more against Buffalo on their way to 28-14 win.

NEW ORLEANS OVER JACKSONVILLE

This is tough one to pick. If Jacksonville gets their running game going they could pull this game out, but again the Saints have the 10th best rush defense in the NFL and have shown more on offense overall than the Jaguars, New Orleans at home 20-17.

GREEN BAY OVER KANSAS CITY

This will be another close game being played in Kansas City, but the Packers are too strong on offense and should prevail on the strength of Favre arm, 21-17.

TAMPA BAY OVER ARIZONA

The Cardinals are coming off a bye week and the Bucs were edged by Jacksonville last Sunday after throwing three picks to dash their hopes. Arizona has a good pass defense but the problem is Tampa Bay won't pass as much, they will run over the Cardinals, 24-10.

SEATTLE OVER CLEVELAND

Cleveland has one the worst defense overall in the NFL and Seattle has a chance to have a good offensive day with both of their WR coming back. Seattle defense will shut down Cleveland's passing game if they have as much success rushing Anderson as they did against the Rams two weeks ago. Turnovers may be the key to this game. Seattle 24-17 in a nail bite-er.

OAKLAND OVER HOUSTON

If Oakland can keep the turnovers down they should win at home against a team that doesn't play well on the road. In a very close game I will take the Raiders 20-14.

NEW ENGLAND OVER INDIANAPOPLIS

In the featured game of the week, everything I see about this game leans toward the Patriots, better defense, better special teams, better coaching, better, better. In fact I think the Patriots are the best team by far this year if not in the last 30 years to trot out on a football field. New England 34-17.

DALLAS OVER PHILADEPHIA

This is another one of those games that is bound to be close. Dallas has to many weapons and will beat the Eagles 28-14. Hang on to the ball TO.

MNF - PITTSBURGH OVER BALTIMORE

This will be a defensive battle and the out come could decide who is top dog in the AFC North, but because the Steeleres are at home and may have the better offense, I will take the Steelers in a close one, 17-14.

With two teams in the NFC West having a bye week and the other two teams continuing their downward spiral, this should have been a week to forget about writing about. But duty calls and I will tell it like it was, even if it was pathetic to the tenth degree.

The Rams led 14 to zip and my interest perked right up as I thought this is their week for their first victory, as I had gone out on a limb and predicted them to. But the Rams, being the 2007 edition of the worst team in all of pro football, were easily over taken and beaten by the Browns, 27-20. But wait, how and why did this happen? Lets break it down for even a  Rams fan can understand. The Rams beat the Browns in almost every category, first downs 24-20, 383-368 total yardage, out passed the Browns 314 to 236 in the air and Cleveland had 14 penalties. The Rams had the ball more than the Browns (yeah, it was only 4 seconds more, but still more) and the Rams only punted twice. The Rams only had one turnover and actually out sacked the Browns two sacks to one. So what did go wrong? Was it when Leonard was stopped on a fourth and one on the Browns 16 with two minutes to play? Was it the pass interception with 38 seconds to go, the only pass interception St Louis threw all day? Yeah..... it was the Rams failure to execute when the chips were on the line that spelled their doom. It amazes me that the Rams have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL and can't even win once.

The 49ers brought back Alex Smith and Frank Gore from the IR list and hopes were up in the Bay area for the game against the Saints. But alas, the 49ers went down for the fifth straight time and Smith and/or Gore didn't seem to be able to help the 9ers out of their slump. It seemed San Francisco was out manned on both offense and defense all game long. Gore went down again and Smith was seen on the sidelines having his shoulder worked on again. However he showed a lot guts and did stay in the game until the bitter end. Brees totally picked apart the hapless 49ers defense for 458 yards, 336 by air. The game was never close as New Orleans, winning their third in a row, lead by a score of 24-0 at half. The 49ers defense failed to put any pressure on Brees and his 31-39-0 passing showed it. Meanwhile San Francisco could only muster 15 first downs and finally scored a token touchdown with about four minutes to go and the game well out of reach.

The Seattle Seahawks got a much needed week off to try to recoup their walking wounded. Seattle seemed to have a lot of injuries this year, but I think most of the NFL teams have had more injuries this year then years pasted. Players are getting bigger and faster and as a result, more injuries. If Hackett and Branch can get back and it seems they will be back for the Browns game, I think Seattle has a great chance to win in Cleveland. Rocky Bernard and Ray Willis will strengthen both sides of the ball when they are fully healthy and their coming back looks good as of today. Heller has been doing a great job at tight end since Pollard went down, and now it looks like Pollard will not be ready to play against the Browns. Pollard was a stabilizing influence in the huddle and is needed to settle the offense down when things start to get out of hand. Maybe its time for a veteran like Walter Jones to step up and take control. It seems to me Hasselbeck does not have that quailty or at least hasn't shown it so far.

Arizona Cardinals is another team which was in need of a bye week as their list of walking wounded is longer than Seattle's. Wide receivers Boldin and Morey will be welcome back, but only if Warner is okay and he seems to be only day to day at this time. Warner is suspect to say the least even when he is healthy. Arizona will have a tough time going up against a tough Tampa Bay team this coming week in Tampa Bay which was nipped by Jacksonville 24-23 on Sunday past.

Again in week 7 the NFC West proved to be the worst division in all of football. If it wasn't for two of the teams playing each other, I think it could have been a complete wash. This week I am going to take a chance and pick one of the two teams playing to win. What a fool I could be and only time will tell if this prediction comes true.

The Cardinals played one of their best second halves of the season but went down to defeat just the same to the Redskins as predicted, but by only two points and could have won the game with a last second field goal. But as usual the Cartds were a little late getting their act together and fell to the Redskins 21-19 in an exciting finish.

The 49ers looked sluggish on both offense and defense the whole game against New York and only made a token touchdown in the last 16 seconds to make it seem respectable. Four turnovers and getting sacked six times spelled their doom early on.

The Seahawks defense went to work on Bulger early and often, sacking him seven times and causing three interceptions and two fumbles. The Rams rushing game is still very sluggish and only produced a total of 53 yards. The Seahawks offense again looked out of whack, but was in sync enough to score 33 points on a team that needs help in every department. Seattle's special teams was the difference.

I had a rough week picking scores, as there were many close games and I only came out 9-5. Three games were decided in the final seconds and I lost all three. I knew going in, the Tampa Bay-Detroit game was going to be close and it was, buy not in my favor. The only game that really surprised me was Buffalo win over the Ravens. Go figure! A couple breaks and I could have finished 12-2 or 13-1, but that's the way it goes. For the season I'm still far ahead going 56-26. This coming week will again have some very close matchups, but hopefully I can withstand the upsets.

My picks for week eight are:

CHICAGO OVER DETROIT

The Bears seem to have an edge over the Lions according to the stats and this game is a big rivalry in the black and blue division, but because the Bears who are coming off a big win against the Eagles and are at home I will give them the edge in a very close game, 21-17.

INDINANAPOLIS OVER CAROLINA

The Colts continue to blow by opponents evey week and look for them to be undefeated going into the Patriots game. The Bye week will not help the Panthers against this passing attack of the Colts. Indianapolis in a closer game than the score will indicate, 34-17.

PITTSBURGH OVER CINCINNATI

Pittsburgh was nipped by Denver at the wire last week after coming back and scoring three touchdowns in the second half to tie the score only to be beaten by a field goal as the clock ran out. The Bengals beat the Jets after starving off New York in the final minute. Pittsburgh will come out swinging early and beat the Bengals in Cincinnati, 24-14.

PHILADELPHIA OVER MINNESOTA

This will be the battle of cellar dwellers of NFC division teams. The Eagles will rebound from their loss to Chicago and will defeat the Vikings, 21-10.

ST LOUIS OVER CLEVELAND

Now I will go out on a long limb and pick the Rams to win their first game. This game is statistic wise is a toss up. But because the Rams are due and they are playing at home, look for Bulger to have a good game, (whatever that  is?) I will give them the nod in a game that could bore you to tears, 17-14.

TENNESSEE OVER OAKLAND

Oakland is struggling offensively and the Titans are coming off a very productive road game in Houston, even if they had to hold on at the end. But the Raiders aren't the Texans offensive wise and the Titans will prevail, 28-17.

NEW YORK GIANTS OVER MIAMI

I was surprised that Miami could score 28 points against the Pats, but like I predicted New England would play their second team in the second half and the half time score was what I thought it would be at games end. This will be another test for the Dolphins and they will fail again as the Giants remain on a collision course in week 10 against the Cowboys. Miami will remain winless. The Giants in a cake walk 34-17.

JACKSONVILLE OVER TAMPA BAY

This game will be one of the most interesting games of the week. Neither team has thrown a interception and both quarterbacks have a quarterback rating of over 100. The Jaguars are coming off a very poor game against the Colts, but everybody comes off poor showing against the Colts, so don't read to much into it. Jacksonville 17-14.

SAN DIEGO OVER HOUSTON

Again Houston doesn't seem to play well on the road and San Diego will take control of the AFC West. Although the stats favor Houston, San Diego will prevail at home and win 24-17.

NEW YORK JETS OVER BUFFALO

I haven't got a clue why, maybe its because the Jets are at home. Also don't look for the Bills to win two in a row. Bring someone to keep you awake if you have to watch this game. Jets in a close one 14-10.

NEW ORLEANS OVER SAN FRANCISCO

This is a battle of 2-4 teams and the winner will be back into possible contention for their division title. Like, hell freezing over they will. San Francisco offense is a total disaster and the Saints aren't much better even with wins the last two weeks. Because New Orleans' offense is more explosive (or should I say a bigger puff) than the 49ers I will go with the Saints, 24-10.

NEW ENGLAND OVER WASHINGTON

Who can stop the Patriots? Playing at home, wait it doesn't matter where they play, they will be undefeated when they meet the Colts. Look for the Pats to continue their string of scoring 30+ points in this game, New England blows away the Redskins 34-17.

MNF - GREEN BAY OVER DENVER

The Packers are one of the top teams in the NFC and will continue their winning ways against a suspect Bronco team. Denver gives up to many points and Green Bay will take advantage of that on Monday night, 28-21.

Hope everyone enjoyed Sunday's game as much as I did. It was almost like getting a #### off our backs, but don't rejoice quite yet. Remember the Hawks were playing one of the worst teams in all of football. 'Pathetic', was the word used by Ram's tight end, Randy McMichael, and I will have to agree with Randy. The Rams in every department, except maybe the run defense was very pathetic. I will get back to Seattle's rushing offense in a minute.

Let's break down the Seahawks overall and see if they are as good as they seemed to be on Sunday. To start with, the defense was outstanding in every category and it will show up in the NFL weekly team stats. Led by Darryl Tapp, who had a career day with four sacks, the defense had its best day this year including the 49ers game. Two picks stopped any threat that the hapless Rams offense might have mustered. The rush defense held St Louis to 53 yards and had numerous tackles for Ram losses including seven sacks for a minus 57 yards. So overall the Hawks defense get my 'hats off' for a fine day's work on the field.

I still can't understand why the Hawks didn't put more pressure on the Saints quarterback last week. We all know they can do it! I have yet to see any answer from the Seattle's coaching staff. Seven sacks this week and none the week before. Dosen't make sense to me, how about you guys? Can anyone explain the difference between the two games?

Did you notice Seattle played more bump and run which they didn't do against the Saints.

Special teams really stepped up and ripped the heart out of St Louis. Remember the half time score was only 10-3 and the game really might have gone against the Hawks with a bad break or two, Burleson took the second half kick-off and returned it 91 yards and the Hawks never looked back the rest of the game. Another strong point on special teams was the Hawks punted the ball five times with no return yardage, which is outstanding in itself.

The offense. Now that's still, in my  opinion is a little shaky, but vastly improved over the past two weeks for sure. First off they controlled the ball and allowed the defense to rest. The offense controlled the ball for 33 minutes to the Rams 27, not the best but good enough. The rushing game is still a little sluggest and I was glad to see Morris and Weaver play a little more. Alexander seemed at times to have a couple good runs. One I remember was for 25 yards or so, but was called back because of a penalty. Otherwise it was the old run up and fall down Alexander we come to expect every week. Come on Holmgren, lets rely on Morris and Weaver more and sit Alexander down until he is 100% or at least until he can carry the ball in either hand and/or stiff arm tacklers. Until then he will have a hard time on the field and by some fans booing him as wittnessed in the last two home games.

The passing game still concerns me to some degree.  Why can't the coaches call plays to just get a first down and keep the drives alive. When Seattle has third and three and we need to get least four yards to keep the drive alive, why go for 30. Which is the highest percentage pass, a quick 5 yarder to Engram or Heller or a 30 yard pass out of bounds? This game had too many punts in a game where Seattle was in control. I think 289 yards passing is enough to win most games in the NFL, but against St Louis, 18-35 is just barely over .500 passing which translates into many punts.  I think more could have been gained if Seattle would not have thrown the long bomb as often as they did. We should all understand the reason why teams throw long passes even if they aren't completed. It keeps the defensive backs from playing up to close and playing the run instead, but it doesn't seem to work for Seattle as they only had 100 yards rushing and only a couple of those long passes were completed. I think the defense knows Hasselbeck doesn't throw a high percentage long pass and they kind of ignore that threat and play the run. Of course both of Seattle's wide receivers are not a deep threat in any way, they are just to slow and to predictible, which translates into they are being covered which translates into the ball being thrown out of bounds or intercepted. Seattle needs to throw more to the tight end, backs and more crossing patterns. At least until Branch and Hackett get well. I can't think of anyone who is better at catching a pass on third down than Bobby Ingram for 5-10 yards over the middle.

Lets hope that Hasselbeck's abdomen muscle will be healed by the time Seattle has to play Cleveland in two weeks. We can also hope that Hackett and Branch will be back and healthy as Seattle needs that deep threat on the post patterns again. The bye week will be a blessing to the walking wounded.

To Cleveland fans who happen to read this, I say good luck against the Rams and we will be seeing you in two weeks.

To the Rams fans, well, what can I say that you already know.