The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 3

Pittsburgh will start Charlie Batch, their only healthy quarterback, on Sunday against Tampa Bay. The irony, of course, being that Charlie got little to no snaps in training camp and preseason and given little chance to win the starting job because the Steelers coaching staff deemed him too fragile.

Opening Kickoff

Ok, so I figured out why Ken Whisenhunt jettisoned Matt Leinart for Derek Anderson. Quite simply, he’s been out of the AFC North for too long. If he’d still been with the Steelers, he’d have seen up close twice a year just how bad Anderson really is. But being tucked away in Phoenix reduced his access to such intimate observations that would have easily stayed his hand in making what is turning out to be a terribly foolish decision. I mean, how else can you explain thinking Derek Anderson is the answer? Even Eric Mangini knew better.

The Way It Was

Boy, the Dolphins sure seem better than advertised. Perhaps time has come to take the current leader in the AFC East seriously?

But the Vikings, not so much. Brett said he came back for the guys. It would seem the guys aren’t getting it done for Brett. Ironic, no?

Favre throws 3 interceptions and was stripped of the ball for a fumble that immediately resulted in a Dolphin touchdown. I love being the one to say it, but perhaps maybe something small like, oh say preseason practice, could have helped?

You know what else training camp helps with? It helps with conditioning and getting into football shape. Maybe Darrelle Revis should have taken that aspect seriously, and then perhaps he and his strained hamstring wouldn’t be on the bench for the next two games. And he wants to hold out in two years? What a chump.

Did Tampa Bay take a way back machine to 2002? Nice showing Raheem Morris with your youth movement thus far.

I liked John Fox going for it on 4th down and goal. I did not like the poor execution. Doesn’t Carolina have two stud running backs?

Boy, the Matt Moore starting quarterback regime lasted about as long as Kevin Kolb’s.

The Dallas offense mustered only 10 points against the revamped Bear defense. Well, I guess that’s better than the 7 they managed in week 1 against the Redskins.

They may not be winning yet, but Detroit sure is playing feisty.

Forget my predictions about a quarterback controversy in Philadelphia; they have a full fledged defensive emergency.

Randy Moss had perhaps the play of the weekend with a scintillating one handed touchdown catch over uber hyped Darrelle Revis. I bet that just intensifies his contract pouting.

Boy, am I sorry I doubted the Neck Beard. And did I ever pay for that.

I feared until the last minute of the Saints/49ers tilt that I made a fundamental error picking the Saints over San Francisco. After all, it was honor Jerry Rice night in prime time. Then I remembered in week 1 Rice gave a pregame pep speech to Seattle, San Francisco's opponent, who then proceeded to deliver a thorough butt whipping on the Niners. And guess what happened after that? Yup, Saints win.

Reggie Bush broke his right leg in the fourth quarter versus the 49ers and will be out 4-6 weeks. Yeesh, Reggie really did have a bad week. What’s next, finding out Paris Hilton has the hots for him?

While watching the Eagles fail at recovering an onside kick and giving Detroit some desperate hope, I noticed one funny thing. One of the Eagles on the field that failed to grab the bouncing ball was Hank Baskett, the onside kick goat for the Colts in last year’s Super Bowl. Unsurprising to me, the Eagles then released him this week. But no fear, apparently he’ll solve all the offensive wows in Minnesota as he promptly found a job with the Vikings. I’m sure Brett will love that.

Everyone's peeing themselves over LaDainian Tomlinson's big day, running for 138 yards on 22 carries. Yes, it was a great day for the new LT, but I warn you now. Just wait until December, and then we'll see how young his legs look running in snow and the freezing cold, two things he is very unaccustomed to dealing with during the football season

The Steel Pit

Steelers 19 – Titans 11

Thanks to a scintillating performance by the defense, Pittsburgh triumphed, put themselves in the driver’s seat in the division, and made life a bit easier until Roethlisberger’s return.

This one was wild from the opening kickoff, returned by rookie Antonio Brown for a touchdown, followed immediately by Tennessee’s first turnover and then by a donnybrook on the field where it appeared the entire Titan defense was looking to tear off a piece of Hines Ward’s head.

And despite some late game heroics by Kerry Collins in relief and a devastatingly effective onside kick, Tennessee failed in their ability to move the ball, close the scoring gap, take advantage of a Pittsburgh offense hampered by an ineffective offensive line decimated by heat and injury and poor quarterbacking, or even so much as get Chris Johnson lose in the Steeler secondary.

But each victory seems to come at a bigger cost, this time the team lost Dennis Dixon to injury. I even noted during the game that with Dixon’s erratic play, before you know it Charlie Batch would be the starter. Funny how prophetic that turned out to be.

But despite Charlie’s relief appearance and the too exciting conclusion, the team persevered and the defense played another gem to fill the breach left by Roethlisberger’s absence and a terribly ineffective offense.

Now, I must apologize to the defense. I felt that at best the Steelers would go 2-2 in Big Douche’s absence and that would be satisfactory. This was not an insult to the defense or even special teams, but just lowered expectations for the offense. And considering how with Dixon and Batch, the team managed 127 yards of total offense, I was not wrong with my poor outlook for the team’s fortunes. But neither did I anticipate how stunningly brutal and effective the defense would perform, and for that, I thank them and apologizing for not expecting, well, their brilliance. Good job guys, it feels like 2008 all over again.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Bronco receiver Kenny McKinley was found dead in his apartment of an apparent suicide. Our condolences go out to his family and the Bronco organization. Here’s hoping they find some peace and understanding in the face of this devastating situation.

In working to keep up with Braylon Edwards, Ravens offensive line coach Andy Moeller was arrested for drunk driving. What is with these idiots going boozing and cruising? Yeesh, I think MADD and SADD need to add seminars in NFL team offices in addition to the good work they already perform.

Andy Reid did a stunning about face and booted golden boy Kevin Kolb from the starting lineup in favor of the red hot Michael Vick. While this has the makings of being the redemption story I wanted from the beginning, and had to vehemently defend, I still wonder if somehow, this whole mess could have been avoided. Paging Donovan McNabb….

Steelers’ receiver Hines Ward was appointed to President Obama's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Congratulations to Hines, the second Steeler to be appointed to a post in the current administration. I cannot wait for Casey “Big Snack” Hampton’s appointment to the committee for Health, Fitness and Nutrition.

In frustration, New York Giant tossed his helmet into the stands during a defeat at Indianapolis. Ok, yeah it was a stupid move and he acted childish and immature, plus his explanation of it caught on his fingers as he tried to throw it into the wall lacked any credibility. But come on NFL, the fan that caught it should have been able to keep it. I say baseball rules apply. If it leaves the field of play, it’s yours.

San Diego’s 48 game home sellout streak ended Sunday with a local blackout. I’m not surprised. Considering how fast Charger fans sell those tickets to opposing fans, they probably figured there’s no way all 400 Jaguar fans would show up.

To beat the heat and potential dehydration, Steelers tackle Max Starks plans to employ a solution Sunday taught to him by his grandmother, drink pickle juice. While the benefits of such a solution are widely debated for their actual worth, at least it’s the kind of pickled I prefer to see my NFL players. Yes, Braylon, I’m busting your chops yet again you idiot.

Upon Further Review

There is an adage universal to all sports, speed kills. But after watching last week, I think NFL teams should pay attention to one that applies more directly to their sport, turnovers kill. Here are a few of the most egregious examples that changed the course, and ultimately determined the victor, of certain games.

Tennessee turned the ball over seven times, six on offense and once on special teams. They held the ball at the end of the game with a chance to tie the score, but ultimately fell 19-11. Given that Pittsburgh only generated a total of 127 yards of offense, if Tennessee eliminates even one turnover, the ending could have been drastically different.

Dallas found themselves down 27-17 in the 4th quarter, but still had 4:40 left to play and holding 2 timeouts plus the two minute warning. Plenty of time to stage a comeback. Unfortunately Roy Williams fumbled the ball after a catch; the Bears recovered and ended the game.

The 49ers were at home jazzed up facing the Super Bowl champions on Jerry Rice’s night to be inducted into the team’s hall of fame. Despite a thrilling drive late in the game that tied the score, they ended up losing on a last second field goal. Without just one of their four turnovers, perhaps their late game heroics would have been unnecessary and the victory theirs.

Minnesota turned the ball over four times, including once in their own end zone when Brett Favre was stripped of the ball and Miami covered for a touchdown. That score proved to be the winning margin in a 14-10 defeat.

The Ravens lost to Cincinnati 15-10, in large part to the fact Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco threw 4 interceptions, killing potential scoring drives. Even if only two of those drives went for scores and ended in field goals, that’s a final score of 16-15 and victory.

Ball security is something they teach in Pop Warner and stress vigorously in every level of football up. Why oh why is it so hard for those who get paid to play to remember this basic fundamental that can so drastically affect the outcome of one game, and perhaps a season?

He Said He Said

"We're a little bit annoyed (about) the premature reporting of our death. We're pleased that we're 2-0, but we're not astounded by it. We expect to win.” – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin

Hmmm, sounds like Mike’s a bit pissed about how others have perceived his team.


“The NFL will have to pry my cold, dead hands off postgame locker-room access.” – SI.com’s Peter King addressing voiced opinions that locker room access should be eliminated altogether

Don’t hold back Peter; tell us how you really feel about it.


"There were six points given off [bad] calls. Its six points. They didn't earn it. You don't come into a lion's den and play nice, man. This is football, and football is getting hit. There's so many rules that take away from the game." – Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis after Baltimore's 15-10 loss to Cincinnati

Yes Ray Ray, it was the official’s entire fault you lost. Never mind your quarterback threw 4 interceptions. Nope, that had nothing to do with it. It was the official’s penalty calls on your defense.


"We just sucked.'' - Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after their loss to the Jets.

No kidding.


"We will not try to stop Drew Brees. We will stop Drew Brees. Next question.'' - 49ers head coach Mike Singletary in a local San Francisco media interview

So close…


“Vince Young had an alarming regression Sunday” – SI.com’s Peter King

Well that will happen when you have the Steelers defense pounding and mugging you for three quarters.


"Stranger things have happened, particularly with us recently." – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talking about Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation

When I realized that during the Titans game Pittsburgh’s top two quarterbacks on the depth chart were both at home watching the game, I’d say yeah, stranger things have happened.


"I came back to give this team a chance to win, to be a part of it." – Vikings quarterback Brett Favre

Good job so far, Brett.

Idiot of the week

This week’s award goes to the receiver with Roberto Duran’s hands of stone, Jets receiver Braylon Edwards.

Edwards had a great shot at winning for his infantile taunting after catching a touchdown during the Jets/Patriots contest. Considering how many times Braylon drops the ball normally, he led the league last year, you’d think he’d spend more time being thankful he managed to hold onto the ball. But Edwards pushed his nomination to a runaway victory by getting arrested early Tuesday morning for driving while intoxicated, being drunk twice the legal limit while having three others in the car with him, two of them being teammates. Was the victory over the Patriots that big that he needed to be celebrating until the wee hours two days later?

And come on drunk driving? Very little that people can do anger me more than drunk driving, mainly because in our world of multiple forms of public and private transportation options, there is no need. Take a bus, a cab, rent a limo, call a friend. Heck the Jets have a program for their players that if they find themselves out and in need of a ride, they can call the team! And have we not learned yet as a society to never, ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated? Come on people. What makes me even madder, so far no suspension by the league, and Edwards will be playing on Sunday. Great message you're sending there, Goodell.

So for being a questionable receiver to begin with, working harder at being a celebrity than a quality football player, drunk driving, drunk driving in a city where there are always cabs available, endangering others as well as teammates and doing it all while rocking a bizarre Grizzly Adams beard, Braylon you are an idiot.

On Tap This Week

Look, I learned from my previous week’s errors!

Last week: 10 - 6
Season to date: 18 - 14

That’s a bit better, but still not good enough. How about we go for another two game, or perhaps more, improvement.


Sunday

Cleveland (0-2) at Baltimore (1-1)

No fear Drew Carey, Seneca Wallace will save the day! Oh, right, no he won’t.

Ravens over Browns

Cincinnati (1-1) at Carolina (0-2)

John Fox’s gamble with Matt Moore seems to be backfiring horribly. Perhaps he can call Andy Reid and ask if he has a Vick to spare.

Bengals over Panthers

Dallas (0-2) at Houston (2-0)

Houston’s gritty comeback overtime win told me everything I need to know about them. Dallas crapping the bed again against a team they should have beaten did the same thing.

Texans over Cowboys

San Francisco (0-2) at Kansas City (2-0)

Now that was the San Francisco team I expected in week 1. But a heartbreaking loss tends to lead to big let downs the next week. But I’m still not convinced Kansas City is anything special, well until they unleash Jamaal Charles.

Chiefs over 49ers

Detroit (0-2) at Minnesota (0-2)

Oh, I am so tempted to take Detroit. I really really want to just jump in with both feet. But without Matt Stafford, let’s just say I’m keeping some semblance of restraint.

Vikings over Lions

Buffalo (0-2) at New England (1-1)

Ok, yes the Pats pooed the bed last week. But Buffalo is already in panic mode, switching quarterbacks to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Yeah, that’ll fix everything.

Patriots over Bills

Atlanta (1-1) at New Orleans (2-0)

Atlanta is a good team. But New Orleans showed last week that champions find a way to win no matter the circumstances.

Saints over Falcons

Tennessee (1-1) at New York Giants (1-1)

Did Pittsburgh break Vince Young for the season? We’ll find out today. I know New York is at home, but I just get a feeling Chris Johnson is going to be pissed off.

Titans over Giants

Pittsburgh (2-0) at Tampa Bay (2-0)

Really? This game matches undefeated teams? Who saw this coming? And to think, I figured this would be such a cake walk, I’ll be at a baseball game instead of watching. What was I thinking?

Steelers over Buccaneers

Philadelphia (1-1) at Jacksonville (1-1)

Let the Michael Vick era begin! Soon to come, the Kevin Kolb era, followed closely by the Andy Reid is an idiot era. Oh wait, that last one started years ago.

Eagles over Jaguars

Washington (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2)

I do like Sam Bradford and how he has the Rams playing. But hey, McNabb’s still got it.

Redskins over Rams

Oakland (1-1) at Arizona (1-1)

Let’s play who has the worst starting quarterback! That’s the real hard pick here.

Cardinals over Raiders

Indianapolis (1-1) at Denver (1-1)

I loved what Denver did last week, showing glimpses of brilliance. But the team is reeling from the loss of one of their own. And no matter how hard you try to put those things behind you, they always make for an emotional week. Sometimes a team can channel that emotion into a tough win, and I’d give them points for that and the benefit of the doubt. But not against Peyton Manning.

Colts over Broncos

San Diego (1-1) at Seattle (1-1)

This is my litmus test for Seattle. They win, and then there might be hope. They lose, and then they are as bad as I thought they would be. Your move, USC boy. And no, after week 1, I cannot trust San Diego on the road in a loud, hostile environment with Norv Turner involved.

Seahawks over Chargers

New York Jets (1-1) at Miami (2-0)

Which Mark Sanchez will show up this week? I think it’s going to be the one who wilts in front of a blistering defensive pressure.

Dolphins over Jets

Monday

Green Bay (2-0) at Chicago (2-0)

Let’s see, Chicago has a porous offensive line, and Green Bay's Clay Matthews has 6 sacks in 2 games. I wonder how low Jay Cutler’s head will bow by halftime.

Packers over Bears

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 2

Doesn’t it seem like the Detroit Lions live by the axiom of if it weren’t for bad luck they’d have no luck at all? After Calvin Johnson’s touchdown/no touchdown in a hearbreaking loss to the Bears, I think it might be time to start calling them the Detroit Charlie Browns.

Opening Kickoff

Wrangler is having a contest where you share your Wrangler story, and if you win you could play football with spokesman Brett Favre. If I were Brad Childress, I’d get everyone on the team to enter now in anticipation of the 2011 season.

The Way It Was

The Jets huffed, and the Jets puffed, but after all the hype, trash talking and general unrealistic expectations inflation, they merely blew. That’s 0-1, off to a great start for my predicted 6-10 campaign.

Boy, that Bungle defense was stifling. And Owens and Ochocinco must really be Batman and Robin. Being out fighting crime must have been why both of them disappeared from the sidelines just before halftime.

Houston found a revelation at running back by the name of Arian Foster. Foster majored in philosophy in college. I wonder what his thoughts were on seizing his opportunity. Something tells me a bit more intriguing than just going out there to do his best and try to help the team.

What a goal-line stand by the Lions. With the Bears at the Detroit one-yard line, the Lions stuffed three Matt Forte runs and stopped one Jay Cutler pass. But Lucy sure pulled the ball away at the end. So close they are, you just want to root for them.

Lions QB Matt Stafford
Eagles fullback Leonard Weaver
Eagles linebacker Stewart Bradley
Eagles QB Kevin Kolb
Eagles C Jamaal Jackson
Packers running back Ryan Grant
Jets NT Kris Jenkins
Panthers QB Matt More
Steelers LT Max Starks
Steelers NT Casey Hampton
Colts S Bob Sanders

This is a small sampling of players that either will be out for a few weeks or had their season end in week one. And this list was compiled while viewing games on Sunday, and not going through injury reports. Commissioner Goodell, ask yourself this after one week of the season. Do you really think an 18 game season, with players exposed to an increased risk of injury, is worth it now?

Neck beard, no! Your powers should avoid big interceptions and cause game winning drives!

Geez Cleveland, you can’t even beat Tampa Bay? The Mike Holmgren era is off to a rousing start.

Hmmm, Houston may have finally turned a corner. Congratulations to the team for finally getting that big defining win. And I give a long overdue apology to former Texans GM Charley Casserly. Yes, you definitely made the right call with Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. I felt he should have chosen for publicity, but he chose for wins, and he was right.

Derek Anderson threw 15 passes to Larry Fitzgerald, completing a grand total of three. Boy, with a receiver like Fitzgerald, you’d think Anderson could have at least lucked into 2 more completions no? Such pitiful results, however, seem to be a surprise to no one but Ken Whisenhunt.

It stuns me that I watched twice, in two different games, receivers running out of bounds to stop the clock on 4th down plays before getting the necessary yardage for first down. I’m beginning to think with this awful lack of fundamentals, that perhaps preseason should be longer instead of shorter.

I found it fitting, after the overall turd they laid during the game, that the Cowboys game winning touchdown pass was negated because of a dumb holding penalty committed by a player who already had two holding penalties called against him during the game. Yup, there’s your Super Bowl contender Dallas fans. How ‘bout them Cowboys!

The Steel Pit

Steelers 15 – Falcons 9

Offensively ugly, defensively brilliant, a win is a great way to start the season.

Dennis Dixon did not so much win the game, as not lose it. But for now, that should be enough. Rashard Mendenhall, however, showed he’s ready to carry the load and in spectacular fashion.

My star however, was Hines Ward who came to play. Smart enough to know he wasn’t touched on one reception and got up and kept running. And he caught at least one unbelievably acrobatic pass as well as tremendous blocking, especially on Mendenhall’s game winner. On top of that, he had his 26th 100 yard receiving game, a Steeler record, and went over 11,000 yards receiving for his career, also a Steeler record and an amazing stat considering he played his entire career on a team that has been primarily a running offense. Top that with the fact that he became the 12th receiver to achieve 900 catches. This man will keep the team together, he is a captain and a leader on the team, and he will be a hall of famer.

Plus, the fun of watching Jeff Reed set a new field goal distance record for Heinz Field was fun. Although watching his potential game winner flutter off course in the wind was decidedly not.

Now not all was sunshine and roses, as the team lost the services of Max Starks and Casey Hampton for at least one game each due to injuries. Although, when I heard Casey Hampton was out with a hamstring, I could have sworn they said he was out with a ham sandwich. I find the latter more plausible.

Regardless, the team made an excellent showing against a quality opponent to start the season. Color me excited for the potential of an excellent season.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Before the Heisman Trust could take it away, Reggie Bush forfeited the award and gave it back. I’ve heard more than one opinion that Bush’s actions tainted the award and removed some of the luster from such a prestigious trophy. Give me a break. I’d take the Heisman more seriously if it truly was an award for the best college football player. Instead, it typically is an award for the best college quarterback/running back. If you really want to return some shine to the Heisman, start seriously looking at all players, not just the latest quarterback flavor of the month.

If Ray Lewis is now likable enough for a national ad campaign for a major product, then I suppose one day Big Douche’s reputation will rebound and he’ll get back his lucrative beef jerky deal.

So the Patriots and holdout Logan Mankins seemed to be close to a new deal. But Mankins walked away because, according to reports, Patriots owner Robert Kraft wanted Mankins to publicly apologize to him for questioning Kraft’s integrity during what is obviously a contentious contract situation. Yeah, that will get a guy to want to work for you, making him humble and humiliate himself in public for money. Good call Kraft, no wonder the labor negotiations are going so poorly.

Big story of the week, the Jets as a team and their alleged harassment of the “hottest sports reporter in Mexico” Ines Sainz. First she’s uncomfortable, then later in the week it’s no big deal. The NFL issues a statement to all teams about proper conduct with reporters, and an investigation ensues.

There seems to be many conflicting stories as to exactly what happened, and who felt what, when and why. But what seems to be clear is the Jets team acted immaturely and questionably around a woman there to do a job, no matter how she may advertise herself. And obviously, it tarnishes the image of the NFL, even if nothing illegal was done. I say, a conditional 4-6 game suspension is necessary for the entire team.

Upon Further Review

Now, this whole female reporter in the locker room case brings up a pertinent point that I feel is being overlooked. Everyone is crowing about how wrong any sort of harassment to a female reporter is, which I agree. I know a locker room is a testosterone fueled environment to begin with, but she is a reporter, and despite the fact she plays off her physical beauty to advance her career that does not condone childish and potentially offensive behavior.

Another point being pushed forward is that even though she is a woman, she has just as much of a right to be there as her male counterparts. Once again, I agree. If you ban women reporters from the locker room, you give their male counterparts an unfair advantage and make it difficult for any female reporter to be able to do their job to the best of their ability. I always feel opportunities should be equal regardless of sex, race, age or any other distinction. What should and will truly separate people is talent.

But let’s just ask the unasked question; why are any reporters allowed in the locker room period? This practice has always seemed absurd to me at best, and somewhat creepy and voyeuristic at worst. Cannot we just end this particular practice altogether, ban everyone but team personnel from the locker rooms and have player interviews either on the field after the game before they go to the locker room or afterwards in the press room?

Seriously, why exactly is this practice even necessary? I know reporters make their bones by being the first to get the big story, to get the information out to the public as fast as possible, to be the one with the big scoop. But we’re not talking about vital information that could mean life or death or lead someone to the treasure of the Sierra Madre. We’re talking about interviewing football players after a football game. Not exactly national security level required information.

Look, I love football. I enjoyed playing it, I dig watching it and I take pleasure in writing about it. One day, I hope to be lucky enough to make a living doing just that. And with that said, I hope if I get that opportunity part of my job does not include doing locker room interviews with grown men in their skivvies.

Have you ever been in a locker room after a game? It’s a whirlwind of dirty uniforms, used towels, discarded equipment, padding, tape and bandages and rife with the odor of men who just did strenuous work for three plus hours. What exactly about that scene screams enticing?

On top of that, locker rooms are generally a sanctuary for players. They bond there with each other, get to know each other, are able to let down their guard, relax and be themselves without having to worry about public expectations or media obligations. It’s here where they come together as a team and as friends, and forge bonds that in some cases last the rest of their lives. When you inject outsiders, in this case reporters, into this refuge obviously there will be a certain level of guarded speech. Would you feel comfortable answering questions in your home to strangers that come by once a week and want to interview you as you headed to the shower? So tell me how interesting or forthcoming do you think players are facing a similar situation?

To be honest, the most open I see players in the locker room is during a local show called Steelers Huddle. During the show, they have a segment where a player interviews his teammates with silly questions. Because the interviewer is one of their own, the players open up, are funny, engaging and goofy. They never seem this open during post game interviews.

So what’s the point? If you’re not getting the best from players who are guarded with outsiders, and there’s the opportunity for possible controversy, plus it’s just an uncomfortable environment unless you are a part of it, why does this odd practice continue? Is it for controversy and reality TV? Sure, the occasional locker room meltdown is always entertaining, but hey so are post game interviews in the press room. Paging Dennis Green.

To me, I find locker room interviews pointless and silly. If the NFL wants to avoid potential problems, just eliminate locker room interviews altogether. How a player felt grabbing the game winning touchdown is information I’m willing to wait for until said player is showered and dressed. Something tells me I’ll survive waiting the extra 15 minutes. And I’ll bet once the players are showered, treated for injuries and feeling a bit normal again, they’ll probably be more engaging as well.

And What Have You Learned From All Of This?

In the great tradition of bad NFL writers and knee jerk reactionists everywhere, let’s take a small peek back at week 1 and determine what we learned from the preceding week’s carnage.


The Bills are still bad.

The Browns are still bad.

The Raiders, despite big time preseason hype, will always be bad.

The Texans at this rate will win a Super Bowl before any of the previously mentioned teams.

The new Reebok team sideline hats are terrible, and look like they were designed with the thought of seeing how ridiculous players could look.

Jay Cutler is still highly overrated, no matter who the offensive coordinator may be.

As is Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense.

The Lions cannot buy a break.

Not a bad showing by Patriots West, I mean the Chiefs.

Oh look, the Chargers are off to a slow start. 10 bucks says they collapse in the playoffs again too.

Some weeks the only thing I can pick successfully is my nose.

Wes Welker is just fine, thank you very much.

Andy Reid manages quarterbacks as well as he does the game clock and his waist line.

Once the Cardinals start losing, Ken Whisenhunt will be raked over the coals for screwing up his quarterback situation so horribly. Ken, if rookie Max Hall is so good, play him now. He cannot be any worse than Derek Anderson.

Even if he managed to only complete 2 passes, both to the defense, Favre apologists will always find a reason to excuse his performance. No, Favre wasn’t rusty due to lack of training camp practice with the offense; he just didn’t have Sidney Rice.

Peyton Manning is the undisputed king of commercial endorsements, although I do enjoy Tom Brady’s new foray into the arena.

Whatever Jake Delhomme once had, is long gone. And a change in uniform and location will not change that one bit.

If Roger Goodell and the owners honestly think an 18 game schedule is a good idea after so many week 1 injuries, then I can guarantee a player’s union walkout.

He Said He Said

“So far the combination of Kolb and Vick has done nothing.” – Fox announcer Joe Buck at end of the 2nd quarter during the Packers/Eagles game

Were any of us surprised?


"I'm going to dodge that one, and not artfully. I'm not going to back myself in a corner." – Steelers head coach last week when asked if Ben Roethlisberger will regain his starting job when he returns

Uhhh, Mike, what corner? Ben is the starter, he’s your $100 million franchise quarterback. When he returns you give him the ball and let him loose. The answer, especially after watching Dixon’s scintillating performance Sunday, is YES.


"I want to tell Pete Carroll, 'Thank you very much for kicking our tails,' '' - San Francisco head coach Mike Singletary

I suppose you could call that gracious in defeat.


"If I continue to play ball like I usually do, we'll probably be back at that same position we were this year.''- Darelle Revis, when asked by Peter King if he might hold out again in two years, with 5 years remaining on his contract

TNT is no longer the place for drama, it is now Jets headquarters.


"I think around here in the New England area, a lot of people don't want to see me do good. And the reason why, I don't know ... Sometimes you want your boss to tell you you're doing a good job. If you're doing a good job and think you're doing a good job, you want to be appreciated. I really don't think that, me personally, that I'm appreciated ... I'm not here to start any trouble. I am here to play out the last year of my contract.'' - Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss regarding his contract situation and his unhappiness about it after the Patriots win

I’m saying by week 7, he becomes a fully fledged distraction.


"I'm just glad he signed, so they'll have no excuses.'' - Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, on Darrelle Revis signing with the Jets in time to play the Ravens

Shame New York didn’t sign an offense in time either.

“I said the team that was more poised and smarter would win the game. That’s what ended up happening.” - Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on the Ravens/Jets collision

BURN!


"If they can't run the ball, they're going to have to throw it, and they can't pass protect. He'll shut up real quick. You know what? I don't like guys like that, OK?" – Fox announcer Terry Bradshaw sharing his feelings on Rex Ryan and the New York Jets

Yeesh Terry's ripping everyone a new cornhole lately.


"The time I stand up here and start blaming officials for a loss is the time I don't need to be doing this anymore." – Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz on the call that negated Calvin Johnson’s game winning touchdown

Hey, Mike Holmgren, you listening?


"We can't protect him all the time.'' – Patriots guard Stephen Neal on Tom Brady’s car accident

That is a grade A response. Mr. Neal gets the quick wit award of the week.


"The road environment is very different than our friendly home crowd, who when I looked up, half the stadium was gone when we were up 21 points early fourth quarter, which I wasn't so happy about. I don't think the Jets fans leave early. They're going to be loud the whole game." – Patriots quarterback Tom Brady calling out the spoiled, fair-weather New England fans

Man, Tom must be trying to get me to like him. I couldn’t agree more.

Idiot of the week

This week’s winners are Cowboys Tony Romo, Tashard Choice, Jason Garrett and Wade Phillips.

At the end of the first half of their Sunday night debacle, the Cowboys ran a play as time was expiring that not only fell apart it backfired horribly resulting in a Redskins touchdown. The play should have never been run in the first place, since the Cowboys were so far away from any scoring attempt that even if they managed to get the ball downfield unless it was a touchdown the team would have run out of time before the being able to set up for a field goal. And that would have been impossible to do, since they had already used all of their timeouts. The only result that could have come from running a play was disaster, which is exactly what happened. Especially when you consider the Redskins only managed six total offensive points, which would not have been enough to trump the Cowboys lone touchdown.

So, Jason for calling such a ridiculous play, Tony for not throwing downfield when it was your only viable option or just throwing it away when things fell apart, Tashard for not having full ball security and not just falling on the ground and letting the half end when it was obvious the play had gone bad, and Wade for letting any of this happen; you are all idiots.

The runner up, to no one’s surprise except Eagle fans, is Andy Reid for not only poor clock management, but poor quarterback management.

On Tap This Week

Ok, last week I picked too many road dogs. Somewhere I forgot that the first game in front of the home crowd can get everyone fired up a bit extra.

Last week: 8-8
Season to date: 8-8

So what am I doing this week? Yup, I’m backing some dubious road teams. Will I ever learn?

Sunday

Buffalo (0-1) at Green Bay (1-0)

Ok, this is just mean to Buffalo fans. At least Aaron Rodgers won’t have to worry as much about getting pounded.

Packers over Bills

Baltimore (1-0) at Cincinnati (0-1)

This one is actually tough. I’m not convinced of either Baltimore’s defensive dominance or their ability to be a dynamic offense. That being said, after watching the Bungles last week, I’m not sure this is even a test for Baltimore. But, I’m willing to give some home field advantage here, and I already feel like I regret it.

Bengals over Ravens

Tampa Bay (1-0) at Carolina (0-1)

Is Tampa Bay good? Eh, I’m not convinced. I mean they were at home and they did beat the Browns. Conversely, I’m also not convinced Carolina is any good. But I’ll give them home opener benefit of the doubt.

Panthers over Buccaneers

Kansas City (1-0) at Cleveland (0-1)

I bet after Cleveland loses to Pittsburgh badly in Big Douche’s triumphant return is when Holmgren has enough, fires Mangenius and takes over as head coach. He will not be able to help himself.

Chiefs over Browns

Pittsburgh (1-0) at Tennessee (1-0)

This is an easy win. Vince Young is no real threat to me, all the Pittsburgh defense has to do is stop Chris Johnson. No problem, right? Right?

Steelers over Titans

Chicago (1-0) at Dallas (0-1)

If Chicago cannot move the ball one lousy yard in four tries against the Lions, at home, then I have little faith in them on the road against a team that only gave up six points last week. Of course, I have little faith in Dallas avoiding either penalties or just plain sloppy play. But, it is a home opener in their mega garish stadium, so…

Cowboys over Bears

Arizona (1-0) at Atlanta (0-1)

Atlanta finds a nice salve for their wounds, while the Cardinal offensive players, who were all about Derek Anderson, suddenly start to wonder exactly what they were smoking. You think Larry Fitzgerald will forget 15 passes thrown his way and only 3 catches.

Falcons over Cardinals

Philadelphia (0-1) at Detroit (0-1)

Andy Reid is about one week from a full blown quarterback controversy. If Vick does well in this game and the Eagles win, which I think will happen, that week is reduced to Monday morning. I’m predicting inflammatory sports radio on the morning drive time in Philadelphia.

Eagles over Lions

Miami (1-0) at Minnesota (0-1)

Miami needs this game to keep pace with the Patriots in the division. But a week of actual practice for Favre, and the fact that Miami only beat the Bills and this is their second week on the road, does not instill me with much confidence in the chances for the Fish.

Vikings over Dolphins

Seattle (1-0) at Denver (0-1)

The demise of the Seattle Seahawks and Matt Hasselbeck has been greatly exaggerated. And without Elvis Dumervil, the Denver defense seems to leave much to be desired.

Seahawks over Broncos

St. Louis (0-1) at Oakland (0-1)

Ummm, yuck. Well, Oakland played a good team and got slaughtered. St. Louis played a supposedly good team although I have doubts about that assessment, yet hung in the game until the end. I want to take the Rams, but the Black Hole is an imposing place to play, especially for a rookie quarterback. Ahhhh screw it, let’s back the kid.

Rams over Raiders

Houston (1-0) at Washington (1-0)

Washington’s run defense is soft, and would have been exposed if Jason Garrett were a decent offensive coordinator. Hey Jason, if your running game is averaging over 4 yards a carry, why are you calling only 16 running plays and 47 passing plays? Let’s just say Arian Foster is going to have another fun game.

Texans over Redskins

New England (1-0) at New York Jets (0-1)

Yeah, after watching Rex Ryan’s vaunted Super Bowl team on Monday night, I came away with one conclusion. Bill Belichick will not need any illegal videotapes to figure out how to stop the New York offense.

Patriots over Jets

Jacksonville (1-0) at San Diego (0-1)

A nice win put together by Jack Del Rio’s boys, especially when their number one receiver was held without a catch. But I’m not convinced they’ve got something special. Do that on the road this week, I’ll change my opinion. Until then…

Chargers over Jaguars

New York Giants (1-0) at Indianapolis (0-1)

Yeah, like Peyton’s gonna lose his home opener to his little brother. Double stuff that.

Colts over Giants

Monday

New Orleans (1-0) at San Francisco (0-1)

Yeah, New Orleans didn’t look like world beaters in their opener. But San Francisco couldn’t even beat a team supposedly rebuilding with a rookie head coach.

Saints over 49ers

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 1

What was up with Bob Costas’ hair Thursday night? Bob go a little lighter on the Grecian Formula next time.

Opening Kickoff

I always find the beginning of every football season fascinating. 32 teams work for months for that first game. OTAs, training programs, film and playbook study, training camp, preseason games, practices, repetition after repetition of every minute detail until the excitement and buildup grows to a fevered pitch, with the only release being opening weekend. And then of the 32 fan bases, teams, owners, front offices and personnel, half of them will suffer from a severe letdown come Monday morning. Sure hope I’m not one.

The Way It Was

With no games last week, let’s just throw out a few nuggets of information and oddities to get the season rolling.

The Vikings and Saints had a moment of union solidarity before the game, raising their arms and flashing a number 1 symbol. This act very well could be repeated throughout the NFL on Sunday to send a message to ownership. Hey guys, you’re sending a message to the fans as we watch you and the owners bicker about pennies like this. But you used the wrong finger to tell us, who buy the tickets, products, merchandise, cable packages and everything else that provides cash to the league, to show us how you feel about us.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh found himself unceremoniously cut by the new look Pete Carroll-led Seahawks. Championship! But having missed getting his fanny beat twice a year by Pittsburgh, he signed a one year contract with the Ravens.

By the way, does anyone think the Pete Carroll experiment will end well? No? Ok just checking.

Speaking of USC alumni, Saints running back Reggie Bush may have his Heisman award nullified by the Heisman Trust due to his, shall we say, penchant for free gifts during his college playing days. I call shenanigans on this unless the Heisman Trust can show me that all previous winners of the award are above reproach, never had any under the table dealings during college and have been upstanding citizens after graduation. O.J., sit down.

Wait, Tennessee could not wait to watch the door hit Albert Haynesworth on his way out, now they may want him back? What is Jeff Fisher thinking, other than he wants to be Idiot of the Week.

Revis Island is once again open for visitors, and Jets fans have convinced themselves his return assures them Super Bowl victory. I’ll wait until later to pop that bubble.

That shrieking gasp you heard Thursday was a collective noise emanating from New England once word got out of Tom Brady’s involvement in a car accident. I cannot blame them, it sucks having your douche bag quarterback unavailable.

Hey but all worked out well for Tom Terrific, not only was he fine, but he just got paid by the Patriots. Here’s the article, in case you missed Peter King’s breathless, halting report Thursday night. Is King that bad on TV, or was he just all choked up with emotion regarding Tom’s accident? Either way yikes.

What? You want one more from the Patriots? Ok. Randy Moss is complaining he feels unwanted in New England because they haven’t offered him a new contract. Well Randy, then go pout on the couch with Logan Mankins. I’d love to see him tank the season like he did in Oakland.

Interesting article from Fox Sports’ Jason Whitlock regarding the divide between the Browns and legendary running back Jim Brown, I recommend it. But as I read it, all I kept thinking was, and this is why Cleveland will always lose.

Joe Montana, a Notre Dame alumnus, recently intimated to Dan Patrick that the movie Rudy was not accurate to what really happened on the Notre Dame football that season. Hey Joe, Forrest Gump is obviously not historically accurate, but that doesn’t stop it from being a good, heartwarming story. Come on, sometimes it’s ok to allow a bit of dramatic license. Man, what’s next George Gipp never asked for the boys to win one for the Gipper?

Peyton Manning and Colts president Bill Polian have been complaining about the changed position of the umpire, moved from amongst the linebackers on the defensive side to behind and to the side of the running backs on the offensive side, because of how it affects a hurry up offense. If an offense snaps the ball before the umpire is in position, it will result in a 5 yard illegal snap penalty. Obviously, this affects Peyton’s rapid fire offense more than most. Well, the NFL tweaked the rule, lessening the distance the umpire has to be behind the ball from 15 yards to 12. Wow Peyton’s now become just like Favre, he too can singlehandedly change rules that affect every team and player just by his mere presence. What you think that overtime rule was changed because teams really felt it was unfair, or because several loud mouthed pundits got the ball rolling because Favre lost in the playoffs, in overtime, again?

The Steel Pit

Three points on upcoming season before we find out exactly how much trouble the team is in before Big Douche’s return:

Point 1 – I knew Maurkice Pouncey would be good, but opening the season as the starting center and the team jettisoning Justin Hartwig good? Color me pleasantly surprised.

Point 2 – What’s the point of keeping Byron Leftwich on the roster? He’s out two to four weeks. You only needed him for two to four weeks! That’s a waste of a roster spot that could have been kept for someone who might make a difference. And on that train of thought, if Dennis Dixon is the starter until Big Douche’s return, then leave him as the starter unless he’s catastrophically bad. Don’t mix quarterbacks, don’t bring in Leftwich if he’s healthy enough and no sub packages. Playing musical chairs with quarterbacks will do more damage to Dixon and keep the offense from finding any sort of rhythm until week 5.

Point 3 – Every year I have a veritable cow about preseason Super Bowl predictions. I find it such a waste of time to try to prognosticate a champion from 32 teams before one down that counts has been played.

But I know what you’re thinking, that I’ll feel differently this year since Peter King picked the Steelers to defeat the Packers in this years Super Bowl. Well you’re wrong.

I still feel as though this is a sheer exercise in futility. I mean there are 16 teams in the NFC. How could anyone possibly know in early September which team will lose to Pittsburgh in February? It’s just such a ridiculous exercise, it pains me to even acknowledge the nonsense.

And on a side note, thank you Peter King. Not only for the vote of confidence in my team despite our trials, but also for resisting the urge to go all homer and pick the Patriots to make the Super Bowl. That must have been hard to do considering your love for Tom Brady and your new residence in Boston. Plus you resisted the urge to pick the Vikings or the Colts. Such journalistic dedication is noticed by all and much appreciated.

Upon Further Review

The Arizona Cardinals finally gave up on quarterback Matt Leinart, cutting him after four unimpressive seasons. While that may be unsettling to Matt, he should consider this. The Cardinals thought they were better at quarterback with 2 rookies and Derek Anderson than with Leinart in the fold. If that’s not an insult, I don’t know what is.

Now, the NFL is nothing if not a league for second chances. If you do not believe me, please speak with current Bengals Terrell Owens, Tank Johnson and Pacman Jones. So of course Matt was able to procure employment, signing on with the Houston Texans to back up Matt Schaub.

But I think Matt panicked and took the first job available. If he had thought things through, he would have realized there were much better options to be had. Since Matt signed only a one year contract, all is not lost, so I’ve whipped up a few suggestions Matt may want to explore before making his next career move.

Pittsburgh – Sure, this would only be for a few weeks, but considering how the team is shedding quarterbacks, right now wide receiver Antwaan Randle El is the third string quarterback, and that Big Douche cannot seem to go an entire season without missing at least one game, opportunities abound.

Buffalo – This would be the place to go to finally get that coveted starting quarterback position. Because if you cannot beat out Edwards/Fitzpatrick/Brohm then perhaps it might be time to find a new career. Perhaps hot tub sales would be more along Matt’s forte.

Chicago – Hey, no way Matt can throw as many interceptions as Jay Cutler, plus Leinart is much better looking.

Cleveland – Yeah, stick it to Derek Anderson and take HIS old job!

Oakland – Everyone on their last legs or last chance ends up here, kind of a last stop before exiting the NFL. So don’t pick this place as a destination, because it will likely happen anyway.

Jacksonville – They have good receivers, and a great running game and I think this season will be the one that everyone realizes David Garrard is highly overrated. Hey, just like you Matt!

Philadelphia – Easily the most popular quarterback in town is the one BEHIND the starter. At minimum, you’d be able to rebuild your confidence, popularity and get a nice healthy buzz generated. Just avoid talking with Michael Vick.

Tampa Bay – Come on, Josh Freeman? That’s no name for a star quarterback, not like Matt Leinart.

Indianapolis – First, remember there’s no shame in backing up Peyton. Think about it, he’s never missed a start, and when he does come out of the game, it’s because the team has locked up its playoff position and nothing you do could possibly hurt the team. It’s the easiest job in the NFL.

He Said He Said

“Pregame shows are like telethons.” - NFL Films head honcho Steve Sabol

Well, they have enough people on them to man the phones, and the cause could easily be support broadcasting jobs for retired players.

"I told him there are no style points for throwing the football.'' - John Elway in a football conversation he had with Tim Tebow

Considering how some people act, you’d think there were.

"He handled himself with a tremendous amount of class. I was pleased with that. He showed a lot of maturity, and he thanked me for the opportunity. It wasn't an easy situation, and I know it's tough for him, but he understood. He was a man about it.'' - Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt, on Matt Leinart after releasing the quarterback

You stay classy, Matt Leinart.

“Let's go eat a god--- snack." - Jets head coach Rex Ryan to his team after a locker room speech

I guess the lap band isn’t working so well.

"I grew up here, and I dreamed about being Mark Malone or Walter Abercrombie someday." – Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch on Pittsburgh

Oh Charlie, you should have dreamed bigger.

"The Vikings need to go down there and hit that town like Katrina." - NFL Hall of Famer Dan Hampton on the Vikings traveling to New Orleans for the season opener.

Geez Dan, don’t you think that’s slightly inappropriate? Why not just say they had to smother the Saints like an oil spill?

"Some people may think if we took a step closer and just got there, that'd be enough. But it's not at all. This team is basically Super Bowl or bust." – Jets tight end Dustin Keller

"We're building a dream team." – Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez

You can almost smell the comic fall about to beset this team, right? Like a 6-10 record fall. I mean all this hype built up, both internally and externally, for a team that snuck into the playoffs last year with a 9-7 record? It just feels like a setup for a epic implosion.

Idiot of the week

"We're the Miami Heat of football." - Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie

Wow, there’s so much to work with here. First, Antonio, considering you were brought in during the offseason, I imagine this comparison makes you either LeBron James or Chris Bosh in this scenario. And I’ve seen more than a few Chargers games lately, and I wouldn’t call you a franchise type player. Second, considering the Heat’s current popularity outside of South Beach, is that really the comparison you want to be making? I suppose if you’re pointing out how most of the league will be hyper annoyed with you soon, then yeah it might be fine. And third, I suppose late thinking is not something you should rely upon from a man who cannot remember the names of all 7 of his children. Well, if it’s only children, I’ve seen the number range from 6 to 18, and the man’s 26. Seriously, where do you even find the time?

So, Antonio, for making a ridiculous statement and pointless comparison, feeding the absurd Jets Super Bowl hype, and being an absentee father at best, you are an idiot.

On Tap This Week

As I have mentioned, this whole cavalcade of stupidity was born because I tired of hearing “experts” picking games each week and knowing how wrong they were, and usually showing I was correct. I tired of their “inside” knowledge they lorded over the average NFL fan, as though their ability to guess winners each week was somehow better than ours. Well, I have been out to prove them wrong, and so far season after season I’ve finished above or at the top compared to every national media person that does prognostication. So here we are again, with a clean slate and ready to take on the blowhards once again.

But how I love the picks at the beginning of the season, a fresh slate of action unsullied by losses or harebrained dark horse picks, as pristine and beautiful as freshly fallen snow.

Last week: 0-0
Season to date: 0-0

Just gorgeous no? Not a single loss to account for or explain. But enough admiring the beauty; its time to take on the “experts” and defend my poll 4th place finish. After all, if I’m not on top, I’m not the champion no? Ok, enough jibber jabber, let’s get it on!

Sunday

Denver (0-0) at Jacksonville (0-0)

If Tim Tebow takes the field at all, he’ll be roundly cheered while Jacksonville will be summarily booed.

Broncos over Jaguars

Oakland (0-0) at Tennessee (0-0)

Oakland is back! Yeah, that’s the buzz. Had a great draft, upgraded their defense and jettisoned JaMarcus Russell. Guess what? They’re still Oakland.

Titans over Raiders

Cincinnati (0-0) at New England (0-0)

With Ochocinco, T.O. and Randy Moss all in the same stadium at the same time, either the universe will implode or Brady and Palmer’s heads will explode. I don’t think there’s any middle ground here.

Bengals over Patriots

Cleveland (0-0) at Tampa Bay (0-0)

Eh.

Browns over Buccaneers

Indianapolis (0-0) at Houston (0-0)

Houston only needs to finally, FINALLY, defeat the Colts to take that next step in the division. Guess what? Not this time.

Colts over Texans

Detroit (0-0) at Chicago (0-0)

Good on Detroit for finally getting some decent buzz. And I think they could win this game. But it’s at home, and Cutler hasn’t had his confidence destroyed yet by multiple interceptions, so I’ll give Chicago the edge.

Bears over Lions

Atlanta (0-0) at Pittsburgh (0-0)

As long as Dixon doesn’t screw up, and the defense finds a way to stop teams from scoring in the 4th quarter, no problem.

Steelers over Falcons

Miami (0-0) at Buffalo (0-0)

Oh, I feel bad for Buffalo fans. They suffer like Cleveland fans. And they haven’t reached the bottom yet.

Dolphins over Bills

Carolina (0-0) at New York Giants (0-0)

Carolina spoiled the last game in Giants Stadium. I do not think a repeat performance is forthcoming.

Giants over Panthers

Green Bay (0-0) at Philadelphia (0-0)

How long until Philly fans are saying they wish they had McNabb back? I’ll say two weeks. Finally Donovan will be popular in Philadelphia.

Packers over Eagles

Arizona (0-0) at St. Louis (0-0)

It’ll be interesting to see how fast Arizona fans revert to previous form once they get a good taste of Derek Anderson. I actually feel bad for them.

Cardinals over Rams

San Francisco (0-0) at Seattle (0-0)

Wow, Pete Carroll already has everything turned around! Oh wait, no he doesn’t.

49ers over Seahawks

Dallas (0-0) at Washington (0-0)

Dallas keeps talking about being the first team to host a Super Bowl. Guess what, it will not happen. I guarantee it.

Cowboys over Redskins

Monday

Baltimore (0-0) at New York Jets (0-0)

I still say the Jets are in for an epic fall, but I think first game in a new stadium will go their way. Plus I just do not like Baltimore’s secondary.

Jets over Ravens

San Diego (0-0) at Kansas City (0-0)

Oh, the second Monday Night game. Let me guess, the Chargers will start the season slow, do well in the regular season and fold in the playoffs. This show is a repeat.

Chargers over Chiefs

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 1 Season Opener

Tonight, NFL fans worldwide are cresting that last hill at the top of the roller coaster that is the NFL 2010 season. Tonight’s game will push us all over the edge and down the thrilling, exciting breathtaking first drop that is Week 1 action. We’ve waited at the station for months, climbed this hill through August and now stand poised for yet another thrill ride season. I’m almost salivating with excitement.

However, I warn you to savor every moment. Because the way the owners and players are acting, it might be the last football for some time. Thank goodness Pittsburgh’s getting an Arena League team for next season.

Opening Kickoff

Mark Kriegel of Fox Sports seems to feel that the Saints are not getting the respect they should be accorded as defending Super Bowl champions. Three points on this Mark:

1. Well duh. Their team name does not end in Colts, Patriots or Favre. After that, no team gets their proper due. And anyway, most teams enjoy that status. It’s much easier to play the underdog/disrespect/nobody believes in us but us card if, well, you do not get any respect.

2. Yeah, that happens. Almost every year the defending champs get little or no due. Pittsburgh was ignored after their last two Super Bowl wins, not even given a chance to defend according to most pundits. Ok, sure, they rightly deserved such status after the season. But before? No always give the edge to the team who just did it.

3. Do you really think the Saints, players coaches and administrative personnel included, or their fans really care? Heck no, they’re all still deliriously happy, the way you should be when you’ve reached the top.


Thursday

Minnesota (0-0) at New Orleans (0-0)

New Orleans took great personal pride and pleasure repeatedly pummeling Favre when last these teams met in the NFC championship game. Favre had it all planned out, one more season with a win now ready team and he’d have a second ring. What he didn’t figure was a tenacious, opportunistic defense would pop up near the end that had no fear of his Hall of Fame pedigree. Nor did he figure how tough it would be to defeat a team playing for an entire city and region that still battles daily to return to normalcy, thanks to Mother Nature and BP. That’s a shame. Considering the team, the city and Saints fans are STILL partying from their Super Bowl victory, something tells me a return visit from Favre will not spoil this particular moment in the spotlight either.

Saints over Vikings




Stay tuned for the full week 1 extravaganza coming this weekend. And yes to the wise guy, it’ll be posted BEFORE the games start. Smarty pants.

The Crystal Ball Crime and Punishment

When Roger Goodell assumed the post of NFL commissioner, one of his key points when taking the station was to put a stop to players running amok. In the few years previous to Goodell’s ascension, the league had received a few black eyes due to players misbehaving badly in public and breaking a variety of laws, from minor infractions to major crimes, and Goodell wanted to put some of the shine back on the NFL. The commissioner attacked this particular problem with vigor and confidence, obviously with the intent to make this part of his legacy as a steward of the NFL, much as Paul Tagliabue made labor peace a part of his legacy.

I for one have no problem with Goodell’s plan nor his push for straighter arrow, more role model friendly NFL. Personally, I miss the gregarious, humble sports stars of the past and wish today’s stars were a bit more thankful to the fans and the game and a tad less selfish and ego driven.

But what I do have a problem with is how Goodell has become rather inconsistent and random in his punishment as of late, and how this haphazard method of doling out penalties is doing more damage with the players and the fans, and further eroding his position of power in getting anything of significance done with a new labor deal.

The tipping point for me came with the suspension of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Goodell last week made it official that Big Douche will serve a 4 game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league and violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Before I go any further let me just say I have no issue with this suspension. When Roethlisberger has two women within one year of each other accusing him of sexual assault, yeah there could be enough smoke to constitute fire. Sexual assault is no joke and I would never attempt to make light of it nor try to minimize the gravity of such an accusation. And while Roethlisberger has not been arrested or booked with criminal charges in either case, at minimum he’s guilty of poor judgment. He’s the face of a franchise and one of the biggest stars of the league, and to put himself in a position, twice, to be accused of some sort of wrongdoing then yes he needs some sort of suspension in order to shake him awake before he throws away a golden career and possibly his freedom.

However, this particular case only highlights the travesty that is the current state of NFL punishment. Goodell punished Roethlisberger by stating that despite no charges filed in either case; he violated the league’s personal conduct policy, which gives the commissioner broad based powers to punish players or any other NFL-associated personnel for any indiscretion that tarnishes the league in any way.

But Goodell has been faced with a few other major indiscretions that he has either slapped on the proverbial wrist or just outright ignored. Let’s recap some of the most egregious I’ve tracked that equate along the same lines of Roethlisberger’s ego going out of control.

Titans quarterback Vince Young, who has had his share of off the field troubles, was arrested for assaulting a person in strip club who mocked Young’s college alma mater. He was not suspended and will begin the season as the Titans starting quarterback.

Eagles backup quarterback Michael Vick threw himself a 30th birthday party, during which Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant in Vick's dog fighting case, was shot. While video evidence showed Vick was not present when the shooting occurred, one of the stipulations of Vick’s reinstatement was that he not associate with anyone involved in his dog fighting ring. Vick was not suspended.

As a side note, when Vick first applied for reinstatement to the league, Goodell gave him a conditional six game suspension. When he felt Vick had gone above and beyond in showing he’d reformed, after spending 18 months in a federal prison, Goodell reduced his suspension to two games. Recently, Goodell stated he thought Roethlisberger had gone above and beyond in his attempts to reform his own life.

Raiders head coach Tom Cable assaulted one of his assistant coaches, the attack resulting in the assistant suffering a broken jaw and being dismissed from the team. As the story broke, an ex wife and former girlfriend of Cable’s both came forth with accusations of spousal abuse. Cable was not suspended nor was the Raiders organization punished.

Dolphins defensive tackle Tony McDaniel was arrested in February for domestic violence. Since the story broke, I have not been able to find one word regarding any potential suspension or punishment from either the Dolphins or the NFL.

Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers was arrested for attempting to bring a loaded gun aboard an airplane, which if you ask me is not merely a mistake. I have been around loaded weapons, and you just do not “forget” you have them in your possession. However, Goodell determined that Rogers, because he helped apprehend a drunk driver, will not be suspended.

In perhaps the most disturbing story yet, the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, head coach Sean Payton, GM Mickey Loomis and assistant head coach Joe Vitt, amongst others, are involved in a lawsuit with a former security director for the team regarding allegations over abuse of Vicodin pills. While the particulars of this case are surrounded with a fair amount of questionable accusations and he said/she said sort of allegations, the Saints have gone out of their way to turn the proceedings private and the overall story has disappeared from the national media scene almost immediately after it broke in May. Despite obvious ramifications regarding impropriety and seemingly evident violation of the personal conduct policy, no punishment or suspensions were imposed by the NFL.

I'm behind and fully support Goodell smacking down Big Douche, do not misconstrue my points here. But, wasn't one of the reasons Goodell castigated Roethlisberger to make a point that no player, no matter how big a star, is exempt from living up to the NFL’s self imposed standards? If that is true, then let’s go. Everyone previously mentioned needs to be dealt some sort of punishment, along the same significant lines as Roethlisberger’s and with the same kind of troublesome consequences that the Steelers now have to cope with. Either that or Roethlisberger’s indiscretions must be treated with the same cavalier attitude as everyone else.

I know what you’re thinking, well none of them were charged with a crime. Well you know what, neither was Roethlisberger. One case is a civil trial, and the other ended merely in an investigation into allegations. I’m not justifying his behavior nor am I defending it in any way. But if Roethlisberger is to be punished for the mere appearance of impropriety, then so should everyone else. If Roethlisberger’s actions are considered tarnishing the NFL’s image, then everyone else’s, which all seem to fall along the same lines and level of impropriety, most certainly must qualify for some sort of punishment as well.

I just cannot fathom how Goodell can justify suspending Roethlisberger, while letting all these other violators basically walk free without so much as a lame explanation. I understand Big Douche is a visible player and should be punished, but so are Vick and Young, should they not be punished accordingly as well? If you want visible, how is Sean Payton and the Saints, the current defending Super Bowl champions, not visible? That particular case just disappeared.

Goodell’s response to these other violations seems to be indifference, while his punishment of Roethlisberger, and the Steelers, seems to be personal, as though he was personally injured by this scandal created by Big Douche. This should not be the behavior of the commissioner of a major sports league. It feels more like the behavior of a scorned teenage girl.

I’d hate to think that Goodell only punishes offenders based on his mood at the moment. Obviously when Roethlisberger became embroiled in the sexual assault investigation in March, Goodell was pissed. And who could blame him? Roethlisberger is the star of one of the most storied and decorated franchises in the NFL and he being involved in something so seedy and sordid only hurts the league. I know a whole city that became, and is still, infuriated. But is there not a standard of punishment based upon the merits of each case and player involved? Thus far if there is, it seems quite difficult to divine exactly what that standard may be.

Could this be something as simple as Goodell trying to cur favor with the players union? Goodell meted out Roethlisberger’s conditional suspension before he did his tour of teams during training camp, when he really learned how the players felt about him, how the league treats them, how they feel about ownership and how they feel about an 18 game schedule. With very contentious labor negotiations taking place at the moment and escalating daily, perhaps Goodell is letting some punishment slide in order to incur favor from the players who are obviously disgruntled about the direction things are going. This would not be too much of a stretch to believe, since he obviously held the owners off from voting on an 18 game schedule at a recent owners meeting, even though by all accounts owners are ready to push this particular resolution through as fast as possible.

Goodell knows an expanded season is angering the players. Perhaps he feels that additional individual suspensions and punishments would only hurt his cause to reinstate labor peace. Players already feel as though the NFL and Goodell in particular do not care about their well being or health by pushing forward an expanded season. Perhaps Goodell feels if he doles out suspensions at his previous rate, he’ll only further alienate an already irate players union.

Regardless of his motivation behind punishments and lack thereof, Goodell is only hurting his position as the labor negotiations move toward what seems to be an inevitable lockout. By being arbitrary and capricious in his distribution of punishment, he shows the NFL Players Association and their members he plays little attention to them or their well being and what they do and only assigns punishment based upon public reaction. If the casual fan public notices, then so does Goodell, otherwise he doesn’t care. But he knows if he backtracks, assigns punishment elsewhere or reduces Roethlisberger’s suspension so it is commiserate with other offenders, he’ll appear weak in front of the players and lose the confidence of the owners who need him to get every penny they want from an expanded schedule.

And by being inconsistent overall in his punishment and decision making, Goodell is only further angering NFL fans in general, who already think that millionaire players and billionaire owners fighting over pennies when most of them have trouble paying their monthly bills is nothing but an insulting slap in the face to the very people who make football and the NFL popular. By showing fans a rather cavalier attitude toward player punishment and well being, Goodell is revealing he does not know what he is doing overall and is rapidly destroying something that but a few seasons ago seemed to be indestructible, NFL popularity.

Goodell’s waffling and unpredictability when it applies to enforcement of the personal conduct policy is merely a microcosm of an overall problem regarding strong leadership in the NFL during a time when assured, confident direction in the face of potential labor strife is needed most. Goodell had best become clear on his convictions and find strength to bring some peace to a labor situation rapidly spiraling out of control. If he does not, and soon, his legacy will not be of the man who cleaned up the NFL from troublemakers, but of the man who destroyed the NFL as we know it.

The Crystal Ball FAVREFAVREFAVREFAVRE

Another NFL season is upon us and of course we had to endure yet another will-he-or-won’t-he-play soap opera drama from Brett Favre. To say everyone is fatigued with this particular song and dance would be an understatement. Peter King, one of Favre’s biggest sycophants, went a whole article without mentioning Favre. I myself am still stunned. It’s ok; he mentioned in the next one how he didn’t mention Favre in the previous article. But the overall temperature reading for this particular reality show has shown audience weariness.

And like any long running series, the producers needed a new twist to bring the audience back. Well, this time, they came up with a rather unique plot device, in the form of the Vikings dispatching three teammates to Brett’s Mississippi home to lure him back to the team for another run at a championship. Their convincing argument, it turns out, was telling Brett to do this “for the guys”. That sounds like a sweet story does it not? Brett’s compadres appealing to his sense of duty and camaraderie so he once more rides in on his white horse to save the day? It’s also full of bunk.

Now, since the drama hit full stride in mid August, there have been a deluge of opinions and articles about what this means for Brett, the Vikings and the NFL in general. There have also been a variety of theories regarding the motivations behind Favre’s unsurprising triumphant return. So let’s just clear that up before he changes his mind once again.

This is not about money. Sure, the Vikings folded fast at the poker table when Brett began his annual waffling and happily upped the stakes. But I do not believe this is merely a cash grab. With someone of Favre’s stature, he could easily rake in tons of money with a multitude of post playing career options without the threat of further bodily harm. It seems silly to passively extort a few extra bucks from an NFL franchise when there are networks and advertisers who would fall all over themselves to throw money at Brett the Great.

Nor is this about a love for the game. It has been well documented throughout his career that Brett loves to play football. Heck, Wrangler built its advertising campaign around Brett just playing for the heck of it in some muddy field in his jeans. I believe he would do that. But he didn’t come back just because he loves football. He would still love football tossing the ball to high school kids in Kiln.

And this most certainly is not about doing it for the guys. I found that to be the thinnest explanation of them all despite puff pieces that support the theory. If he truly was coming back just for his teammates, that he really cared about them, their welfare and their chance to potentially be champions, he would have been in camp from day one. He would be working with his receivers to get their timing down. He would be working with his offensive line to learn their movements, strengths and weaknesses in order to better protect his increasingly immobile self and know when and where to deploy his running game.

This is about ego plain and simple. Favre loves that his coach will come to his home during the off season to beg him come back. He loves that the owner will throw gobs of money his way just to try to entice him to return. He revels in the fact that an organization will send three of its star players to visit him, during training camp, in order to beg him to return. He adores all the press that fawns over him constantly, and has fully bought into the notion that he, and only he, can lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl championship.

Throughout his lengthy career Favre has built up a tremendous amount of goodwill and adulation both from fans and the media. But each year this “retirement” stunt chips away at that reserve. This is his third year out of the Gold and Green and each passing year further erodes that standing of a warrior and eternal joyous kid only to reveal a greedy egomaniacal mercenary only after his own glory and ego gratification, at the expense of anyone in his way.

For once, we finally see the media, which he has courted so masterfully, turning on him and questioning his motives and actions. I questioned it years ago, mainly because each retirement felt so contrived. Each time he “retired” it felt as thought he was playing up public ethos to find out just how beloved he was to the press and the fans.

Mind you, I do not blame Favre for the creation of this monster. That falls solely on the shoulders of the media who started peppering him with retirement questions as early as 2002. But I blame Brett for perpetuating the nonsense and escalating it yearly.

Many who come to Favre’s defense point out that at this stage of his career, and with all the accomplishments on the field he as garnered and as long as his body and talent remain intact, he has earned the right to play as long as he wants. I have never disagreed with this opinion. If he wants to play, play until the wheels fall off. I see little to gain when you push a super star out the door. I have similar thoughts on Joe Paterno I may share soon.

But don’t insult the intelligence of the fans and humiliate teammates, coaches and an organization by giving everyone this aw shucks average Joe baloney, waffle for six months and then swoop in at the last moment claiming to only return for the guys. I call bullshit.

If he wants to play, then play and leave the drama behind. If he wants more money, then just ask for it. The Vikings have already shown they’d be happy to pour it on, you want more, and they’ll give more. Heck Green Bay was willing to give him $20 million just to stay retired and be Brett Favre Packer legend. If he’s feeling his age and doesn’t want to do the training camp crap, then say so. I think he’s probably earned the right as a super duper star to just say so and the organization would happily say, take five Brett, we’ll see you in late August.

And if he’s really doing this for the guys, as he claims so adamantly, then be there with them from day one, sweating, bleeding, struggling and laughing, and show them he is about the team, he is about the ultimate goal and not above the team but an integral part of it.

Otherwise Brett, quit acting like an insecure teenager looking for attention and get your fanny either on the field or for once and all retire. There’ll be no hard feelings either way, just make a decision and stick with it. I’m sure we’d see you every Sunday anyway on some pregame show and I guarantee we’ll see you again in five years at Canton. And the love will always be there. Heck I bet Peter King already has his introduction speech written.

But for now, let’s just call this latest episode of As The Favre Turns what it is, an ego trip sponsored by the Vikings, endorsed by the NFL and brought to you by the national media. And that’s one for the guys.