I couldn't resist the hype.  Kimbo Slice on network tv, free for all to see.  Now I have been a fan of MMA for some time now and was glad to see it finally "arrive" to the masses.  But, was saturday nights event good or bad for the world of MMA?

     My reservations:  Elite XC is not the best MMA out there.  Ok, may sound petty but before it even started I was worried, let me put it in another sports analogy, if you were introducing a sport into mainstream tv, would you rather watch the best of the best or a "minor league" be showcased?  I give all the credit in the world to Elite XC for getting the deal with CBS and even Showtime.  They've set themselves up for popular success more than any other MMA league, sorry UFC but for all the talent you have, Spike TV and PPV doesn't measure up. 

     For those who watched, you'll notice the list of fighters all seemed to have UFC experience, which in a way is good, but most of those fighters had losing records at the highest level.  That doesn't mean that the top talent won't come to Elite XC in the future because of the network deals, but right now, it's not the best talent. 

     Now for the actual show.  Starting off, I could help but notice, it had a pretty large pro wrestling feel too it.  Why where the Nitro girls there dancing on the entrance way?  Ok so they weren't really the Nitro girls but it gave it that kinda feel.  Then came the fighters.  Coming down to the cage in showy entrances that once again, sadly made me wonder if i was watching pro wrestling once again.  Ok minor gripes, but my main concern was that is this kinda show something that will turn people on to the sport or turn them off.  Pro Wrestling has plenty of fans, I won't even begin to deny that, but it seemed the show was more something I'd see on USA than CBS.

     Next up the announcers.  Ok, so I'll be honest, of the three the only one I ever heard of before was Frank Shammrock, but that isn't a bad thing.  I was impressed with the way they called the fights.  Good commentaries, and they seemed to have a knack of calling the fight so that both MMA veteran fans and newcomers could understand and enjoy.  Much better than listening to Joe Rogan.

     Finally the fights themselves.  First two fights, a swing and they're down.  Ok not off to a great action packed start, two quick knockouts but then again, it showcased the explosiveness of the athletes in MMA, but didn't give much in the way of great fighting. 

     Now for a first for me.  I know that there are places out there where you can see women fighting in MMA, I just have never seen it.  The fight seemed to make up for the first two but having some compelling action and great fighting.  I was impressed by the display actually.  We'll call it an even draw so far.

     What first network show would be complete without a title fight?  A stand-up war between Lawler and Smith.  Lawler dominated the first round. Smith taking the second.  Impressions after 2 rounds, One hell of an exciting fight yes, but besides the occasional kick has the look and feel of a bare knuckles boxing match.

     And now for strike one.  In the middle of the third round Lawler accidently poked Smith in the eye, one of the drawbacks to wearing those fingerless gloves.  Here's where I started to worry, please don't let them stop this fight.  I don't want to see anyone get seriously injured don't get me wrong, just that with a Network debut a no decision in a title fight would be a major blow to the event.  The fight was stopped by the ring Dr, and fine i can handle that, I just worried it left a bad taste in new fans mouths.

     The Main Event:  Could  you get any more hype for a fighter than Kimbo Slice?  With a mountain of experienced MMA fighters talking trash about Slice's fighting style well being trash.  The internet sensation (although the only youtube video i've ever seen of him fighting he caught a real beating at the hands Sean Gannon)  finally brought to the masses.  As each fighter made their way to the cage I noticed something right off the bat about Kimbo's opponet Thompson,  The planet growing in his left ear.  As they were doing the in ring announcements, I couldn't believe that he would even be allowed in the ring with his ear that bad.  Wouldn't someone in his camp at least advised him to maybe getting it drained leading up to the fight?  And more so, I couldn't believe it took till the second round before it was even brought up by the commentators.

     The fight itself:  I gotta say, I was not expecting Kimbo to  be anything more than a punch, and the much more experince Thompson sent him to the ground early but much to my surprise Kimbo showed much more aptitude in the ground game than I could have ever imagined.  Sadly, more than the UFC debut of Brock Lesnar although not really a fair comparision since Lesnar's opponet in that fight Mir is miles above Thompson's skill.

     And bring on the controversy:  First up the supposed tap out.  After being caught in a guillotine chock hold was Kimbo tapping out?  Wait, no he was giving the ref the thumbs up, a good show of flash and flair.  And then came the ending. I was really just waiting from pre fight introductions to see that ear pop, in fact watching i was almost grimmacing at every punch near that ear expecting to see the worst and finally it happened.  Not as gruesome as I had pictured in my head but bad none-the-less.  Thompson definitely stirred after if and was pummeled repeatedly after the hit.

     He's where I completely disagree with it being controversial, ear damage aside.  Maybe it was because I was watching on big screen HD tv, but you could clearly see ever hit after that damage Thompson's eye's just roll further and further back into his head.  To bring a boxing analogy into this, he was out on his feet.  The giant competitor wasn't going to fall down, how I really have no clue, but he was out on his feet. 

     All in all, for the level of competition that Elite XC has it seemed like an accurate representation.  As for MMA as a whole with it's first Network showcase?  I'm not sure, but is putting a minor league game on big time tv really the best way to show your sport to the world?  Elite got the tv deal and shame on UFC for not making a network deal work before this.  My only hope is that this spurrs other networks and leagues to get into the act.  Guess i'll just have to wait to see the overnight tv numbers to find out.

     I'm sure this just adds to the slew of converstations about steriods and HGH these days but of all the names that were named, this one got me the most upset.  David Justice, now it seems, why out of all the big names does his name showing up bother me the most?  Easy, this guy had the audacity to accuse nearly all of the '93 Philadelphia Phillies of being juicers (not saying he was completely wrong, Mr. Dykstra showed up on the list) but the venom he spit at essentially this entire team on tv was just over the top. 

     I cannot recall if he was talking about this on one of his ESPN spots or if it was a Braves broadcast but regardless, he went on an all out attack on these guys.  So now it turns out, he wasn't on the up and up himself.  Oh I heard his defense on sportcenter the next day.  Does anyone really believe that when he found out it required using a needle he quickly forgot about the idea.  Great story and all, but if you are gonna say something like that then you probably shouldn't be writting checks for them.  And if he did pay for them, which there is proof of, who in their right mind would believe he bought them but never used them, again cause it require needles.  Please that's like Bill Clinton saying he never inhaled.  No one believes that.

     My advice to any of these guys, if you are going to buy something illegal, or any performance enhancing substance, you should probably just give the guy cash, not write a check....

     This friday I had the great misfortune of hearing a fill in talk show host go on and on about how Eagles fans who want McNabb gone are lunatics.   The man has won more games and made the team more relavant for more years in a row than in the history of the team.

     Point conceeded, the winning that is.  Yes, with McNabb at QB the Eagles have soared to heights never before reached for the franchise over an extended period of time.  With that being said I would like to make the sane and rational counter arguement as to why his time in philly should be up, for good.

     He's a selfish player - Yes, I said it and he is.  Here's why, he thinks that he is better for the team playing injured than having someone who is healthy play.  I can trace this all back to one fatefull day when he broke his ankle against the Cards, kept playing and threw 4 TD's in a big Eagles victory.  Ever since that day, he's basically refused to sit down even when it is obvious that he is not helping his team by his percieved heroics. 

     The Eagles actually win without him - Ok, let me put a small note on this, the Eagles actually win without him, when Brian Westbrook plays.  The Eagles without McNabb have put up some outstanding seasons,  from last years playoff run under Garcia, to A.J. Feeley/Koy Detmer several years back.  The only time i can recall with McNabb gone was 2 years ago, and they were horrible, did I mention that Brian Westbrook was out for the year as well then too.  I don't have the stats handy, but take a look sometime, the Eagles without McNabb are pretty good.  The Eagles without Westbrook are just horrendous, with or without McNabb.

     Every year it is something new - You might be scratching your head at this title, but bear with me.  Every year for about the past 5 years McNabb has come into camp and said he is going to change "X" about his game.  Don't get me wrong, I'm all for players realizing they have things they need to work on, but in the case of Mr. McNabb it's not for the good of the team, it's all for how he wants to be perceived.  The most notable change asked for solely by McNabb was his basic refusal to run.  He didn't want to be known as a typical "Running QB"  rightly or wrongly, might also be attatched to comments about the general play style of other prominent black QB's.  This was the part of McNabb's game that made him so dangerous, the chance to take off in situations where it could do good.  Instead McNabb's ambition to shake those stereotypes hurt his team.  I know their record was still good, but it was hard to watch 20 yards of open field with no one around, McNabb seeing it and then instead opting to run back towards the pocket and throw to some covered reciever. 

     With his seemingly questionable "tweeks" of his game year in and year out, comes a ever growing me first attitude.  Have the Eagles always given him more talent each year to work with, no.  But, this may just be a hunch, but he seems to be one offseason a day from being that guy who wants to start making demands from his front office.  Sometimes these demands are worthwhile, but I'll put money down that if he still is in philly another year, he'll make those demands and probably come off sounded a whole lot like someone he had a big tift with TO.  Although he probably won't be working out on his driveway, he could get hurt out there.

     His surprise/anger at the drafting of Kolb - I think these all tie into his selfishness, but really, what did he expect, the Eagles declined to resign Garcia and well he spent the majority of 3 seasons injured.  Let's look at it objectively, oft injured QB, and nothing more than a lifelong back-up in the plans.  Maybe one day he won't get up from these injuries, maybe it's time to plan for the future.  It was a smart move on the Eagles part as far as I am concerned.  Not all QB's are Brett Farve in that they play at a high level for 18 years.  It just doesn't happen, and again with McNabb's injury history, it might not hurt to have a plan in place for the future, cause it sure looks like they are going to need it.

     The NFL sells itself as a team game and how no one player is above the rest of the team (I might make some tom brady like exceptions, but I won't cause it's not like he's playing with a bunch of second rate players there).  Mr. McNabb seems to think that he the only reason the Eagles have had such continued success.  Was he a part of it,  yes, was or his he the main reason for it, no. 

     A dreaded comparison / One final note - The Eagles fans and many of the Eagles admonished TO for his open and brazen criticism of the team, and rightfully so.  But is McNabb really that much different, his wants and desires for himself have held the team hostage and made them succeptable to his current feelings about how he should play.  TO was loud and pretty much everything fans hate to see from high priced athletes.  In a way, I'd almost rather have a guy like TO who openly voiced his displeasure, he made no bones about his place on the team and where he thought he should be there.  You may be able to argue that McNabb is actually worse.  The silent type that quietly takes control and without knowing it  has usurped total control and made the team about him but only shows his anger now when it's being put in question.

     So I've missed most of what has been one of the most interesting college football seasons in history.  I've watched this weekend and like the majority of those in blogger nation, Let me run my mouth. 

     I did catch a few games here and there throughout the season and had the chance to see LSU at least 4 times this year.  All I have to say is, they might have been the worst #1 team in college football, well that I can remember anyway.  No offense LSU fans, I just couldn't understand how a team that was taken to the limit time after time and just barely came out on top was worth #1, sure everyone else has stumbled.  Oh wait, Kansas and Hawaii are still undefeated.....

     Speaking of Kansas, are they actually #2 in the country?  Hell, is Mizzou really #4?  Well I can claim some sort of alligence to the Jayhawks, I mean, I did live in Hays for a few months and really, a few months in Kansas feels like a lifetime.

     Now what about that other undefeated team, Hawaii, oh yes them  Blah blah blah, they didn't play anyone, blah blah blah.  Last time I checked, neither did Boise St and they won something last year, what was that called, oh yeah, the Fiesta Bowl. 

     I was really routing for Michigan to beat Ohio St last week.  Not because I like Michigan, but I wanted to get an App St. t-shirt that read "Big Ten Champs". 

     The last two games I watched went to 3 and 4 OT's respectively.  Both games were long enough I don't feel like I missed more than 2 maybe 3 weekends of college football because of them. 

     Probable rule change?  If you saw the OT between Tennessee and Kentucky, you noticed that after the Vols blocked a potential game winning FG and were running back the ball for the game winner, the Vols player was yanked down (and not by accident either) by the facemask.  That penalty which saved the touchdown basically went unpunished.  The foul didn't carry over.  However in the next OT period The Vols got a questionable call against them after a missed 2 point conversion, with 15 yards tacked on in the next OT.  Wait, what? 

     So for those few who may find themselves in that situation, feel free to do whatever you like after you throw a pick at the end of even numbered OT's, kick, punch, bite or try something more creative, just don't do it at the end of an odd numbered OT, cause then it actually matters.

     SEC conundrum.   So with LSU losing and the Vols pulling out the win, the highest ranked SEC team in the polls will be Georgia.  Who by my count will probably land at #4 when the new rankings come out.  That's not interesting, but the fact that they won't even be playing in the SEC Championship game is.  Top 5 team in the country, not even good enough to get their division nod.  I'm not saying they should get the chance just cause of their ranking, just something to think about. 

    Am I a big Playoff guy?  It would be interesting.  But let me use this fictious example to make a point, let's say the Rams in the NFL reel off 8 straight wins after starting 0-8 but wind up missing out on the playoffs based on some tie breaker scenario, Now would they be the hottest team in the NFL not named the Patriots, probably, but here's the point.  If this were college football, you'd have a bunch of yahoo's saying, but they are the best team in the country right now so if there was a playoff they might just win it all and campaigning to get them in and probably would.  Bottom line someone is better than you and if you didn't shit the bed against Stanford you wouldn't be in this situation now.  Oh sorry, I was talking about the fictious Rams scenario, not USC

    If you lose twice you aren't better than a team with one loss, or a team with no losses, talent wise you may be, but you aren't in the only stat that counts, the Win-Loss Column, again just ask Georgia.

     Crap, i just got done typing this and in the background i hear the talking heads blabbing about, how USC is the hottest team in the country and if there was a playoff.....christ, shut up.

     Do I care who so and so beat this year as opposed to team b, nope, just like I don't care that the Cowboys beat few teams with winning records and are 10-1.  If you bitch that someone has "weaker" wins, than bitch to your favorite schools AD and have him schedule some 1AA, excuse me FCS, teams next year.  Also call your friend who is a Michigan fan and see how that worked out for them. 

     God, this has been a long enough bitchfest for now, and I didn't even get to gloat about ND getting pounded all year and how cause of their wonderful tv deal we got the pleasure of having a game between two 1-9 teams get a national telecast..........

     One final note, Watching the injury report today, I noticed that Vinny Testaverde was on the list with a stiff back.  At that age, is that really an injury or just a way of life..............

Trying to survive your Survival football league this year.  Nearly every year week one always is one of the toughest.  New faces in new places and well we just don't know what to expect from certain teams.  This year offers even more challenges with a plethora of division rivalries the first week.  So if you are looking for an edge here is a breakdown of this weeks schedule and good bets, vs bad bets.

Avoid at all costs - Generally a good rule of thumb is to avoid those tough divisional match-ups unless there is a glaring gap in the talent and well in week one, we don't know what to expect yet.

New England vs NY Jets - As mentioned above AFC east division rivals who seemingly always play a tight game when facing each other.  Expect the Pats to win, however, if you can only pick a team once a year it is worth not wasting a Pats pick this early

Atlanta vs Minnesota - Can the Falcons come together with the offseason/pre-season drama?  What can we expect from the Vikings, who is even their QB? Chances are, unless you are a Vikings fan or alreayd played a ton of games in Madden you probably don't know either.  To many question makrs about this game and not enough to even conisder making such a do or die pick on this one.  If you must pick I would say Minnesota just on the hope that the Falcons are not on stable ground with all the preceeding events.

Tennessee vs Jacksonville - Vince Young starting his first full season as starter + Jax just named Garrard as their starter + divisonal match-up ='s avoid at all costs.  Unless you have some kind of inside information this one seems like a toss up either way, I'm sure there are edges on either side but not enough to bank your survival league life on.

Chicago vs San Diego - Two of last years powerhouse teams meet up in week one, good for TV bad for picks. Again you'd hate to waste either of these teams pick in week one, and with what seems to be one of the highlight games of the week, just sit back and enjoy and leave this one off your list of picks

Dallas vs NY Giants - Divisonal Rivals, plus  both teams seem to be about the same level of talent.  Again, not saying a winner can't be picked here, but too many if's to make this be your only pick

Baltimore vs Cincy - By now you should already have guessed it, divisonal rivals and too excellent teams, enjoy the game, don't stake your fantasy life on it.

San Fran vs Arizona - one more divison rivalry game, and these two have had some wild games vs each other in the recent past, i would give the edge to Arizona, but they are the Cards and well no need staking things on the Cards to win in week one against a divsion foe.

Indy vs New Orleans - Again, two of the top teams last year go head to head in week one. you could probably take Indy and be somewhat safe with that pick, but why waste the pick of Indy in week one when it isn't a no brainer pick

Miami vs Washington - Will the Skins finally start pulling things together, how will the Fins do under their new coach. A toss up at the bottom of the barrell, To risky either way to be certain.

Iffy at best -

Carolina vs St Louis - I'm really not a big fan of what the Panthers have to offer didn't play very well last year and now without Keyshaun there is no real reason not to double team Steve Smith on every pass attempt.  I think St Louis has what it takes to win this game and I'm not sure exactly how many times we might be tempted to take St Louis to win this year so this pick can be tempting on the St Louis side.  I personally will stay away from this since i only see it as about 60% for the Rams, but if you want to gamble in week one here might be your chance.

Kansas City vs Houston - Any other year This might be a bonifde no brainer pick. KC seems to have a good edge, but you might have some doubts about Huard, even though he was stellar last year for the most part when he did play.  That is not my concern about this game.  I know it was just the preseason but the Texans look to be much improved I want to see more from the Texans before i pick against them this season, But you probably could bank on the Chiefs and get away with it.

Detroit vs Oakland - Detroit seems much improved and well Oakland needs to show it isn't the bottom of the NFL like it was last year.  It seems like Detroit would be the way to go and this probably could be bumped up to a good bet, i just have a hard time putting the Lions to win in that catagory just yet this season although could be extremely appealing because it could be one of the few times where taking Detroit can almost for sure get you a win.  My advice, wait on Detroit, They should win this game, so taking them in a pick here isn't the worst move you could make this week.

Good Bets -

Philadelphia vs Green Bay - The Eagles should take this one with little trouble, Green Bay seems to be better than the start of last year, but still aren't in the Eagles class.  Reasons to pass on this pick, wasting your Eagles pick, although this is a tough week to pick a sure fire winner so it might be ok, but even with all the wins the Eagles have a way of scaring me just enough and against a team that is at least capable of winning, i would bet on this as your pick but there are some safer bets this week, but not by much.

Pittsburgh vs Cleveland - The Browns are supposedly improved, and this goes against the not picking Divisonal rivalry games, however. the balance of power here seems to be overwhelmingly in the Steelers favor.  How the team reacts under a new head coach might be a bit of a drawback, but still shouldn't be a problem.  could be the best bet and probably should be but this week i am going with......

Lock of the Week -

Denver vs Buffalo - Denver always seems to boast an above avg team at least every year and the Bills have lost their only real offensive threat in McGahee, suspect Qb play, i just don't see the Bills having enough to win this game.  Wasting the Denver pick, eh, you could make that case against picking them this week, but this seems to be the best bet this week and the loss of another Broncos pick isn't that big of a loss that it can't be overcome throughout the season.