You can call this guy Vince Young, VY, or even In-Vince-ible, because it seems that he answers to many names. Though the most important name he now answers to would be the starting Quarterback of the Tennessee Titans . In order to fully know whether or not Young is getting worse, or just had a tough day against the Falcons, one has to look into the past in order to see the present clearly. . . .  

Vince Young made a name for himself early in his football career.  After graduating High School in Houston Young went on to become one of the greatest Longhorns to ever play at the University of Texas. If there was a record to be broken,or a championship to be won Vince was your man. If there was an award to be handed out, Young was there to receive it, with only one exception, the trophy of all trophies, The Heisman.

Young came in second behind another shining star at that time, Reggie Bush. You would think that after finishing his rookie year in the NFL with much success and fanfare; Vince would be content with his accomplishments and ready to move on. Well if that is what you are thinking you would be wrong my friend. Young said during an interview with 60 minutes earlier this year he is still upset that he lost the Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush.  

 Now some would think that statement makes Vince Young seem vain, arrogant, or even a poor sport, but in truth, I believe it shows the competition inside that drives the man. . . .

 

 Vince Young was drafted by the Titans in the first round (third pick) on April 29, 2006, but unlike most QB's drafted, Young would become the starting quarterback for the Titans sooner rather than later. He started a total of eleven games last season proving that his talent was not something he left behind back in Texas. The "Duel Threat Kid" who can rush as well as he passes, seemed to be just what the Doctors ordered in the Music City!

Drawing so much limelight from his rookie season, Young has gone on to star in numerous commercials and a Mike Jone's music Video. Some would say that with so much going on it might be possible that Young has started to believe his own hype. And while there may be some credence to that, in looking over his stats from the '06 season, compared to this season, the only difference I can see is in the amount of interceptions he has thrown.  The rest of his stats are right on schedule.

In the '06 season Young threw a total of thirteen interceptions, and so far during this season he has thrown for a total of five already, three would come from his last game against Atlanta. Not great by any stretch of the imagination, but if you were going to contrast and compare, the Great Brett Favre threw a total of eighteen interceptions last season, and has already thrown four this season, two in his last game against the Bears.

   The Titans are actually off to their best start since the 2003 season. In the first three games Vince Young beat the Jags, barely lost to the 5-0 Colts and shined on Monday Night Football against Reggie Bush and his Saints, but that all came to a screeching halt on an unusually hot Sunday afternoon in LP Stadium. 

The Titans should have won this game with no problem, but instead it started with a fumble by White on Tennessee's opening drive, resulting in a fifty six- yard touchdown. The next blow would come in the form of Falcons Bailey intercepting a pass by Young  and setting up a thirty two- yard field goal.     

 It only got worse for Young when he was once again picked off allowing the Falcons to kick a field goal for their final score of the day. I am sure that Titans fans groaned again, when in the fourth quarter Vince Young threw his final interception. The offense was so bad in the game against Atlanta they could not even run out the clock during the final few minutes. It was left up to the defense to finish the game; advancing the Titans to a 20-13 Victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

In a game where the Titans offense never picked up more than two first downs on any drive, and no more than four or fewer plays in seven possessions, one has to question if Vince Young is nothing more than an unseasoned quarterback or a good quarterback who was having a tough day.

I would have to say that Vince has come a long way since the last time he threw three interceptions. The game was against Jacksonville last November and it cost the Titans a loss. When asked Sunday about matching his career high Young went on to say that he made bad decisions by trying to force the ball. Still if you think about it any great quarterback will at some point in their career try to force the ball and suffer an interception.  

To sum this up, I think that Vince Young should be considered the latter of the two. He showed that he has what it takes too win in his first season with the Titans. And now he has won three out the first four in this season. Coming off a bye week combined with ungodly heat, all seemed to attribute to Young's unusually sloppy performance on Sunday. And though the true test will come later this week on the road against Tampa Bay,it is my opinion that Vince Young will undoubtedly continue to get better with each passing game.

 

---

I have always been an admirer of how football players adapt and make adjustments in how they play due to the elements. Man vs. Man vs. Nature. Can any one of us deny that games such as The Ice Bowl and others like it add purity to the game itself? I know that my favorite images of this game are men down on the line where their breath gives away the intensity of their emotions. So with this being said, who had the bright idea to dome the game? 

 

  I have always groaned at the notion of having to watch a game played in any dome. I think  that it robs so much from the players and the fans. Around the league there is a total of nine domes, two of them being retractable. Now I am sure that they were thought of by someone who thought more tickets could be sold if fans were not huddled up together freezing to death. Wrong! Give me an emotionally charged, close game and I will be nice and toasty! Ever since I can remember I have always enjoyed football from Peewee to High School, College and Pro Football more when the temp dips below forty degrees. A hot cup of coffee, or cocoa along with the smell of hot roasted peanuts all add to the atmosphere of the game.  

 As bad as domes are there is a worse danger lurking inside. That's right Artificial Turf can be a players worst nightmare. This freak of nature has been blamed for numerous injuries that could have been avoidable. I know for myself that "Turf Toe" sounds ridiculous, but is actually a painful injury that can sideline a player for up to three weeks or longer.   So why is this acceptable for a fourth of the stadiums in the league?

Only nine out of thirty-two teams play inside. I would think that teams who play in a Stadium as opposed to a Dome would have the advantage. Now sure you can bring up the Colts, but Payton Manning is the answer to your question. Do me a favor and think about this. . . out of all the domed teams, only Minnesota and Detroit can really say their winter weather is bad. On the other hand, winter months for teams like Green Bay, Buffalo, New England, Denver and Chicago are brutal and all played outside.  

 

In my opinion the only team that truly deserves a dome is the Cardinals, and man what a dome they have!  Not only do they have a retractable roof, but a retractable field allowing them to have real grass instead of turf. Dallas is also a team that allows the elements to affect their game, while letting their fans stay dry. Well at least until 2009 when their new stadium will open.  

 

 

 Look bottom line here is this. . . take a football, add some real men along with the unpredictability of the elements, mix them all together and you will achieve perfection!

Another glorious weekend is upon us Sports Fans! Week Three in the NFL and things for some are going to get tougher.  There are a lot of 2-0 teams out there, but that will all change Sunday. We will see who can find that elusive 3-0...

I am going to do something unusual for me...I am going to "Step out of the Pocket" and make my pics for Week Three. But here is what I am NOT going to do, I am NOT going make a pic in the Redskins vs. Giants game. Anyone who read my article about being "Superstitious" will understand why.If not then you can find my reasons there.

So let's get on to the task @ hand...

Pls. note my winning picks will be in red.

Arizona(1/1) at  Baltimore(1/1)-This is actually difficult to call being both teams are 1/1. Yes Baltimore is playing at home, but there are key injuries to McNair and Ogden. So I will be going with Edggerin James and his Cardinals.

Detroit(2/0) at  Philadelphia(0/2)-This one, I am sad to say is not difficult at all to call. I am going to go with the 2/0 Lions over the struggling Eagles.

Buffalo(0/2) at New England(2/0)- I think the Pats proved their point last week, and being this is the 0/2 Bills coming into Gillette Stadium, I am going with the Pats to advance to 3/0 this Sunday.

Indianapolis(2/0) at Houston(2/0)- My friends this is my UPSET pick of the week! I have said I believe Houston is the breakout team of the '07 Season and they have not let me down yet. Houston over Indy folks!

Minnesota(1/1) at Kansas City(0/2)- Believe me when I say that I am a bit shaky about this one, but I am picking KC @ home to redeem themselves in front of their fans!

Miami(0/2) at Jets(0/2)- I am going with Miami to win this over the Jets. True this is one of those "Someone has to win" games, but I think that Miami, having faced two NFC East 2/0 teams will find calmer seas against the Jets.

San Diego(1/1) at Green Bay(2/0)-This was a very easy decision. I mean come on Charger fans you have to know Farve has come back from the dead! I am going with Farve and his Pack to advance to 3/0!

St. Louis(0/2) at Tampa Bay(1/1)-I am going with the home team here. Being TB is coming off of beating the Saints I really think St. Louis will not be able to pull it off.

San Francisco(2/0) at Pittsburgh(2/0)-Both teams are 2/0, but I am giving the advantage to the Steelers due to the "Terrible Towels" giving them the edge at home!

Cincinnati (1/1) at Seattle (1/1)-Listen to me people! Cinci is going to beat Seattle at home even with the "Twelfth Man" screaming loudly! The Bengals Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson are going to make it another long dreary day in Seattle! 

Cleveland(1/1) at Oakland(0/2)- Will  QB Derek Anderson be able to go into Oakland and pull out another win? I really believe that he will! Being that he is still on a high with putting up 51 points last week. The Raiders will not be able to overcome.

Jacksonville (1/1) at Denver(2/0)- Hands down it is Denver. They have won two already so the Jags will not beat the Broncos at home!

Dallas(2/0) at Chicago(2/0)-I don't think the Cowboys are going to be able to pull this off. They have so far played two ineffective Defenses, and though Grossman is no Romo, I think the Bears Defense will put a lid on the Cowboys explosive Offense.

Carolina(1/1) at Atlanta(0/2)- We all know why! So I will just say the Panthers will advance to 2/1! 

MONDAY NIGHT -Tennessee(1/1) at New Orleans(0/2)- I am afraid that the beloved Saints will fall to 0/3 Monday Night. I am going to go with the Titans, unless Vince Young does something stupid again, but even still the Titans will advance to 2/1.

I will just sit back and wait for the boos, which I am sure will follow...

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!

                                          
                                                  
            

I have always been curious to see if other people are as crazy as I am when it comes to sports and superstition. I have convinced my children and my Husband that if you make a BOLD comment about how well your team is going to do, you have to knock on wood at least three times. If I think they are going to say something like "We our going to beat so and so!" I will try to stop them as quickly as possible! My oldest son says I drive him crazy! But last season he decided to take the opposite route and NOT do any of the things he has done over the years. Well, I have to tell you that the Redskins had a horrible season last year, and don't think for one second that conversation was not the hot topic at the dinner table in the off season! He has changed his tune this year, and so far the 'Skins are 2-0! Now I have to knock on wood...hold on! Okay I am done.

Throughout the years I have gone through periods of time when if per chance I had something as trivial as a lighter in my hand, and my team scored I would not let go of it through any of the games. There was one point in time where I had a LARGE collection of Redskins lighters that I kept above my Television. Well my Aunt, who is both a Redskins and Cowboys fan (I know) walked off with my collection. I noticed immediately after she had left that they were missing. She thought it was funny, and so did I until I got them back! I swear to you that this happened in the mid 90's. From that moment I got them back the Redskins started not only going down hill, but also losing the Cowboy/Redskins match ups! She has never let me live that down. Oh, and she can claim to be a 'Skins fan all she wants, but she has since decided that the 'Boys come first. Guess what? We already knew that!

 

Here are some of the more "Out there" things I have done in my life...

1-I have stood on one foot through a whole quarter. I was leaning up against the wall just in case you were wondering how I stayed up that long.

2- I have watched a game upside down. I had a massive headache afterwards!

3- I have a Redskins Blanket that has to be on top of my couch before every game, and if someone sits on it...they are ejected from the room!

4-Everyone has assigned jerseys, clothes, hats, etc. And if I see we are losing! We will swap until things change.

5-My Mom, who is as bad as I am, calls me before every game. We are not allowed to call each other until the game is over! We are not allowed to watch a game together. I think you can see where I get this from.

6- Just tonight I sang "Hail to the Redskins" every time the Offense was on the field. It is not the first time, and it will not be the last.

7- I have many more, but I will just  go a head and give the last one...Back in the 05' season I had to go out and pick my youngest son up in the middle of the game. It was around the third game of the season. Well , while I was out, I turned Sonny and Sam on the radio and the game turned around completely. For the rest of the regular season I would get in my Explorer about half time,listen to Sonny and Sam's radio show for the play by play, make my youngest go with me, and I would drive the exact same roads until the game was over. We made it to the playoffs that season! Too bad I stopped maybe we could have made it to the Super Bowl!

Now I know that probably all of you are thinking the same thing. This chic is off her rocker! Truthfully, I am about one of the most sane, and logical people you will ever meet! But something happens to me in early September. I change completely! Almost like a werewolf with the moon. I have actually had co workers say it is the craziest thing they have ever seen. They say I am business all week long, but when Friday rolls around my mind shifts gears! What can I say? I am a FANATIC! When you love something like that you lose all rational thought!

I do know that what I do is only to make me feel like I am an actual part of the team. It is just another way to show my passionate love for the Redskins. But sometimes I swear to you it really seems like it works! I know, I know...

Now I want to hear some of the craziest things you have done. What are your superstitions? Because I know I am not the only one out here that has done some crazy things! So let's hear it people...inquiring minds want to know!

 

 

                                               
                                                  
       ROGER GOODELL

 The NFL used to primarily be about rivalries, trash talking, hard hitting and all around good guys. And though I am sure that you can still find it somewhere, you are going to have to dig very deep to find it! We have entered an era of dog fighting, coaches and players being busted in a drug stings, pot smokers, firearms issues and now the latest thing... blatant cheating! I am just scratching the surface of what is wrong in today’s NFL. You know if you had of asked me ten years ago what HGH stood for truthfully I would have had no idea. Today HGH it is as commonly used as LOL.

All of this disruption makes me long for yesteryear! For days when the worst things to worry about were comments like, "When I play Darrell Green I am going to break his leg" A quote from Michael Irvin. At that time I would have never believed that one day those words would seem tame to me. I miss Sunday morning NFL shows whose headlines were not consumed with issues like the above mentioned, but their headlines were filled with teams, their players and the Biggest Games of the week!

I have noticed that several people seem to think that Commissioner Goodell is at fault! Why because he is being tough and firm on his punishment for all who break the rules? But that is the point isn’t it? There would not be a need for his iron fist if people did not "Break the Rules"! I am sure there are many in the NFL who are longing for the days of the "King of Coverups" Paul Tagliabue. But those days are long gone, and a new Sheriff is in town! Maybe we should nickname him Wyatt Earp? I see some similarities between the two, do you? Earp comes into a lawless town. Goodell comes into a lawless league. No not all of Dodge City was lawless. And not all of the NFL is lawless. Still Earp enforced the law. Just like Goodell is enforcing the rules. Dodge City ended up the better for Earp having been there. Just like the NFL will end up being better for Goodell.

You know Today I have read many stories and blogs in regards to Bill Belichicks cheating. And as I stated in the comments I made, I will say again... there is just no way that the Patriots are going to be able to get away from this. The only thing the Pats could do to help them is fire Bill. But even still, all that they have accomplished under him will always be looked upon as tarnished.

If you don’t believe me then I would suggest you read KP’s Blog " October 7, 2001: The Day Sports Went to Hell." because he delves into it and gives you Belichicks stats before and after Oct. 7, 2001. And believe me, for any of you doubters who think that what has occurred had no effect on the Patriots becoming a Dynasty, those stats will at the least make you think again, if not change your mind completely!

Now I know you die hard Patriot fans do not want to hear this, and I know the Bill himself does not want to hear this, being he is trying to put as much distance as he can between him being caught. But I can just about guarantee that had it been Tony Dungy and your hated rivals the Colts, you would be blowing FOX Sports up with what you had to say! So turn about is fair play, and you are going to have to defend a cheat for many years to come! I do not envy you Patriot fans.

But I think I can best sum this article up like this...

Back in the day when Wyatt was in charge, you had to check your guns when you came into town. Abide by their rules while you were there, and when you left you could pick them up. Well, I think the same applies to the NFL and Goodell... You need to check your crimes at the door the day you become a part of the NFL. Abide by the rules while you are in "OUR"town And on your way out...YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL BACK !

Link to KP's article below....

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/ksp11
3/2007/09/13/October_7_2001_The_Day_Sports_Went_to
_Hell.

Today I perused Fox Sports as I usually do every afternoon, and to no great surprise, was bombarded by blogs, columns and chatter in regards to Vick and whether or not he is guilty or has been railroaded into a plea deal by the Feds. I have kept silent for the most part on how I feel about what Vick and his friends have pled guilty to doing. So today I am going to interject my thoughts this once, and be done with it. Advice that I will gladly give to "EVERYONE" so that we may get back to the sports that we love the most!

Living in the Hampton Roads area, which is where these crimes occurred, has given me the unique insight into many things the national media has not thought news worthy enough to report. In all of the articles printed on Vick, or reported on in the national news, the most overlooked fact is how these crimes came to surface in the first place. This is how it happened according to the pilotonline.com " Boddie gave the Surry County address as his home when he was arrested April 20 in Hampton on su####ion of marijuana possession with the intent to distribute. Police got a search warrant and went through the house Wednesday looking for drugs and drug paraphernalia." It was then during the initial search of this property Police found the dogs, a cache of suspected dog-fighting items, including "performance- enhancing pharmaceuticals," treadmills to condition the animals and papers that documented involvement in animal fighting. It was very obvious to those conducting the search that this was something not to be overlooked.

Now here is my question to everyone...If it had been you searching that property, would you, who has been sworn to uphold the law, reported what you had found? Regardless of "Who" the property belonged to. Or would you have looked the other way? Forget the fact that the property belong to Michael Vick, a NFL Darling. Forget that there is a thing such as black and white in this world. Would you have done your job in the manner that it requires? Strip it all away and look at the basic facts. A crime was committed period !

I have seen many arguments, both pro and con, and I can say that there is a lot of passion in these heated debates. The most common thread that I have found is that many people believe that the media is crucifying Vick. Let's take a look at that claim...

Twenty Four/ Seven you can find a channel reporting about Vick. Why is that? Well I have come up with a plausible answer... If you look at any given cable or satellite company how many channels are dedicated solely to sports? I can tell you, much to my and my husbands amazement, I just counted how many sports channels we have and do not have to pay extra for, and it is thirty three! Of course ESPN has the most. So just looking at ESPN and the NFL Network, I can tell you the reason Vick is constantly on is because they run their programs in loops. But that aside, for all of us who love our sports we have at least one TV in our house dedicated to blaring one sports channel constantly. In my opinion that would explain a lot. Also, I have to say that to be fair, the national news networks have given equal coverage to all of their headlines. I have not seen that Vick is getting more play than any other story.

My bottom line on Vick is this...This man had the NFL world at his feet. He worked hard to get there and I respect that greatly. Unfortunately he did not think more about the personal choices he made, and for that I do believe that this NFL great will have to stand up and take the punishment that is doled out to him. You cannot expect to live on top of the world, with all the love and adoration the media affords you, then turn around and expect them to look the other way at such a blatant crime. But I think the best way to sum up how I feel is to relay a statement his own Grandfather said today on my local news channel...

"For all the good that Vick did. It only took this one bad thing to overshadow it all. And I am tired of hearing about it!"



If you would like to view all the local articles in regards to this case I will provide a link to the pilotonline.
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=13
0682&ran=61364

As all of you are aware lately legal problems have abounded all over the NFL. While it is true that "High Profile" players are the only thing the media cares about, there are many more incidents that are not reported as widely. But, if you pick up a local newspaper in any area where there is interest in a NFL Team, you will find many more arrests. I am wondering if this issue has become worse in recent years, or has it always been taken care of, or swept under the rug in the past? If so, then why now?

Today the media has its focus on only two players ...Mike Vick and Pacman Jones. But, if you look further into the troubles the NFL is having, you will find that there are many more players with troubling legal problems. As of last season the Cincinnati Bengals had nine players arrested on numerous charges. Some of these charges were things such as, Weapons Violations, Spouse Abuse and Intoxication while boating. Then there is Tank Johnson, who was released from the Bears during the off season, due to being found guilty on a Weapons Charge. He will have to serve four months in jail. I also found that Jeremy Stevens of the Seahawks was arrested for his “second” DUI back in March of this year. Stevens was also involved with a “Hit and Run” back in 2001.Warfield of the Chiefs has three DUI arrests. Leonardo Carson of the Chargers has four arrests. Joseph Jefferson of the Colts has two DUI arrests plus a gun charge. And of course Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins was arrested and taken to trial for weapons charges and assault, but was acquitted before the 2006 season started.

Statistics compiled since 2000 have found that 308 citations or arrest have been made, and that is not counting any minor infractions. One statistic states that there has been 98 arrests in the past 87 months. That is about 1 in 144 NFL players arrested due to alcohol. It is also reported that defensive backs, and wide receivers account for 130 incidents, those two being the most highly rated positions for arrests. Over all there has been a total of 1 incident per 45 players, per year.

While it seems to be excessive numbers, when set against general population, the statistics are lower. I think that the combination of money and age, is the largest factors that comes into play. Take any young man in their early twenties and you will find that they spend most of their nights in a bar while partying with friends. Now take those same young men, add millions of dollars on top of that, plus the ego that comes with being a professional football player, and you can see why the statistics are so high

It seems to me that arrests stemming back before the year 2000 were kept more under raps by the executives who ran the teams. Why that has changed now? I am not sure, except that I do believe the media has further reaching tentacles, and more high tech devices at their disposal. Plus, the players have high powered agents who believe that “No Press” coverage is worse thing possible. Don’t believe me? Look at the whole T.O. “Suicide” attempt last year. Drew Rosenhaus had a field day with it. And now if Owens has a sore back we know about it! Football players no longer work for themselves, but are huge corporations. Long gone are the days when the NFL still had a sense of innocence. Instead to the detriment of all its fans, it has been replaced with agents, egos and rap sheets!

I give my thanks to Wikapedia and SignOnSanDiego.com. for the statistics and info I needed!