Hell , you know me ! There comes a time when you have to say enough is enough!

Hell , you know me ! There comes a time when you have to say enough is enough!

By Tophatal

We are but a month away from the 2013 NFL Draft , and already there is a great deal of speculation unraveling, as to who that first player, to be taken, will be . In seasons past , that number one overall choice has either had an outstanding career, or somehow fallen into oblivion , never to be heard from again . From afar, as a fan of the NFL , this is the one time of the year that I choose not to take any notice as to how the draft unfolds ! I am of the belief that the players chosen , will either live up to the perceived expectations or they will simply fall by the wayside , because of their lack of physical ability and mental toughness .

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In 2012 , it was the year of the rookie quarterbacks , by way of the excellent play witnessed and the leadership qualities shown by quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck . Luck and Griffin, taken numbers one and two respectively , by the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins , would go on to lead their teams to respectable showings in the divisional standings , as well as garnering a playoff berth for each franchise . Unfortunately, during the playoffs , both teams would indeed have early exits , with the Redskins falling to the Seattle Seahawks , and the Indianapolis Colts succumbing to the Baltimore Ravens , the eventual Superbowl champions .

This upcoming Draft , inasmuch as there is said to be a great deal of talent among the players declaring their eligibility . I truly believe that the talent level that many believe there is said to be , is not actually there , in any great depth ! Granted, the so-called “draft geeks “ and analysts will espouse the virtues of Geno Smith , Matt Barkley , Luke Joeckel and Alec Ogletree . More often than not , there is rarely a sure-fire bet or hit , that will be that impactful . However, a case could be made that last season Luck and Griffin proved that the 2012 draft class , particularly for the quarterbacks , might well have been the best NFL has witnessed in the past fifteen years .

This upcoming Draft , inasmuch as there is said to be a great deal of talent among the players declaring their eligibility . I truly believe that the talent level that many believe there is said to be , is not actually there , in any great depth ! Granted, the so-called “draft geeks “ and analysts will espouse the virtues of Geno Smith , Matt Barkley , Luke Joeckel and Alec Ogletree . More often than not , there is rarely a sure-fire bet or hit , that will be that impactful . However, a case could be made that last season Luck and Griffin proved that the 2012 draft class , particularly for the quarterbacks , might well have been the best NFL has witnessed in the past fifteen years .

Of course, it will be interesting to see how both of these sophomores will progress as the 2013 regular season beckons and what we might expect from both quarterbacks , as they become further acclimatized to the rigors of playing in the NFL . I certainly believe that with the moves made by the Colts , in particular , they are likely to prove to be a major contender for the AFC South and quite possibly a major force to be reckoned with , within the conference overall !

With the NFC East always being something of a conundrum , merely because of the preponderance of idiocy that simply overwhelms those who espouse to the fact that the Dallas Cowboys will always be a force to be reckoned with . The truth of the matter remains , the team , while Jerry Jones sits atop of his throne , the franchise will be nothing more than a mere laughing-stock , lacking in leadership , accountability at an any level , on or off the field of play. And, with the team’s overrated quarterback , Tony Romo being overpaid , while continuing to make excuses for his and the team’s perennially poor play . It were as if , flies are being genuinely attracted to fecal matter , each and very time I read a piece subscribing to the fact, that Romo is a great regular season player , while clearly being unable to lead the team to the necessary heights in the regular and postseason . Tony Romo, is only great, in brief spurts , of two or three games at a time , beyond that , he is not a player that can be can be consistently be relied upon, to lead a team to any length , of real tangible achievement or success . A fact that , seems to be lost, on the vast majority of the analysts who cover the game , and who are paid handsomely, for their opinions . Unfortunately, we also have a clueless batch of individuals within this forum, who will continue to be of the same mindset ! Stupid is , as stupid does !

It goes without saying that Jason Garrett and his coaching staff will this season , remain the focus of attention from around the NFL. The Cowboys’ failings, in 2012 , was self-evident in a wide range of categories , from their defense to their sputtering offense . Pardon me for saying this , with the Cowboys’ firing of Rob Ryan as the team’s defensive coordinator , to be replaced by an aging Monte Kiffin , whose two years assisting his son Lane Kiffin in a similar capacity with the Pac 12’s USC Trojans , to my mind has to be considered an asinine decision , especially when you take into account , that during that time-span ! The Trojans were never ranked in the nation’s top twenty-five , in any meaningful defensive category. Clearly , a case of the blind , leading the blind within the Cowboys’ front office at the timing of that particular decision !

I believe that a case can be made that the winning of a Heisman Trophy , no matter how prestigious the award might be , can be a claim that as the nation’s best collegiate player , is by any measure a guarantee of success . Yes, last season, Robert Griffin III excelled for the Washington Redskins , but the 2011 Heisman Trophy claimant did have his issues in spite of the team’s extraordinary season. With 2012 winner , Johnny Manziel remaining in college quite possibly for one or two more seasons in order to hone his game with the Texas A&M (Aggies) . It has to be said that Manziel may well have made the best possible decision. Countering that , are the following two quarterbacks , who might now be viewed as perhaps under-achieving journeymen around the NFL. Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart , now find themselves at a crossroads in their respective careers . Both achieved a great deal of success at the collegiate level , and each were afforded college football’s highest individual honor, by being named a Heisman Trophy recipient and award winner. Both, were players at USC (Trojans) , under what was thought to be the capable hands of then head coach , Pete Carroll and a program said to be above reproach. In the subsequent years, since their departure , and Carroll’s own jump to the professional ranks , I believe that we can attest to the fact that the coach’s tenure, was rife with sordid improprieties , that he and then AD , Mike Garrett simply chose to ignore and sweep under the carpet.

I believe that a case can be made that the winning of a Heisman Trophy , no matter how prestigious the award might be , can be a claim that as the nation’s best collegiate player , is by any measure a guarantee of success . Yes, last season, Robert Griffin III excelled for the Washington Redskins , but the 2011 Heisman Trophy claimant did have his issues in spite of the team’s extraordinary season. With 2012 winner , Johnny Manziel remaining in college quite possibly for one or two more seasons in order to hone his game with the Texas A&M (Aggies) . It has to be said that Manziel may well have made the best possible decision. Countering that , are the following two quarterbacks , who might now be viewed as perhaps under-achieving journeymen around the NFL. Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart , now find themselves at a crossroads in their respective careers . Both achieved a great deal of success at the collegiate level , and each were afforded college football’s highest individual honor, by being named a Heisman Trophy recipient and award winner. Both, were players at USC (Trojans) , under what was thought to be the capable hands of then head coach , Pete Carroll and a program said to be above reproach. In the subsequent years, since their departure , and Carroll’s own jump to the professional ranks , I believe that we can attest to the fact that the coach’s tenure, was rife with sordid improprieties , that he and then AD , Mike Garrett simply chose to ignore and sweep under the carpet.

Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart spent 2012 , laboring with the rather mediocre and self-aggrandizing Oakland Raiders , who over the last decade , have become the poster child , in how not to run an NFL franchise , but how to systematically ruin one, on a competitive and economic front . Albeit , that even being close proximity to one of the nation’s largest media markets , somehow the Raiders’ front office led by team owner , Mark Davis and GM , Reggie McKenzie , continue to make complete fools of themselves , with their remarkable consistency for making some of the most unbelievably ridiculous personnel decisions encapsulating the franchise . With the revenue streams afforded the Oakland Raiders , theirs as a franchise , should not be one , that is said to be losing tens of millions of dollars annually . Yet , somehow the incompetency of the front office does bear this out . Needless to say , with the incompetence being shown off the field , last season and 2011 , simply mirrored “ how far this franchise “ has fallen over the past decade .

With it now being apparent, that Palmer was not the player whom McKenzie felt could lead the team , after a very sporadic 2012 season . There now seems to be little interest by the general manager and owner , to supplant 2002 Heisman Trophy recipient and number one overall pick from the 2003 NFL Draft , with either his backup , Matt Leinart , or another troubled enfant-terrible , in Terrell Pryor . Albeit , that there were signs of intuitive play on the part of the former Buckeye starting quarterback. Carson Palmer has refused to take a pay cut or simply reconstruct his contact favorably , affording the Raiders some cap space . Reggie McKenzie has not exactly gone out of his way to endorse Pryor as the team’s future , as the Raider’s starting quarterback. It now seems likely , that the ten-year veteran , Palmer , will be cut and tossed unto the scrap heap , or quite possibly McKenzie might well seek out any opportunistic franchise , seeking to make a trade for the seasoned veteran.

With the Raiders due to take the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft , it seems highly unlikely that there is a need to trade down or up for the franchise . However , what will be needed by Dennis Allen and the organization’s scouting staff , will due diligence being used as it relates to the choices to be made . I am not so sure a quarterback is of the utmost priority for the franchise , as there are gaping wholes that need to be addressed over the team’s entire lineup . How the staff deals with those adversities, will very much be an indicator , as to what we should expect in 2013 , from the organization as a whole .

From a national champion title holder , to an “ overnight bust” , this is certainly how one could best describe Vince Young’s career at the collegiate level and then within the NFL . Never mind that in the wake of it all , the player has squandered the millions earned , having filed for personal bankruptcy, and now in the midst of seeking to make a comeback to the professional ranks . Given the player’s proclivity for being immature , oafish , disdainful of his teammates and simply ignorant of the fact that a coach seeks to guide him , as to how best to fulfill his career goals . I am not so sure, that it would be in an NFL franchises’ best interest to even remotely entertain the idea of giving Young a tryout ! . That being said , it would not surprise me if that perfunctory asshole and Tennessee Titans’ owner , Ken “Bud” Adams , sought to welcome Young , back with open arms . It was Adams’ intransigence and downright stupidity that led to Jeff Fisher’s departure , after the owner sought to side with the often troublesome former NFL player , rather than his well-respected head coach . The aftermath of it all, Young would soon be jettisoned by the franchise , as his play simply deteriorated .

From a national champion title holder , to an “ overnight bust” , this is certainly how one could best describe Vince Young’s career at the collegiate level and then within the NFL . Never mind that in the wake of it all , the player has squandered the millions earned , having filed for personal bankruptcy, and now in the midst of seeking to make a comeback to the professional ranks . Given the player’s proclivity for being immature , oafish , disdainful of his teammates and simply ignorant of the fact that a coach seeks to guide him , as to how best to fulfill his career goals . I am not so sure, that it would be in an NFL franchises’ best interest to even remotely entertain the idea of giving Young a tryout ! . That being said , it would not surprise me if that perfunctory asshole and Tennessee Titans’ owner , Ken “Bud” Adams , sought to welcome Young , back with open arms . It was Adams’ intransigence and downright stupidity that led to Jeff Fisher’s departure , after the owner sought to side with the often troublesome former NFL player , rather than his well-respected head coach . The aftermath of it all, Young would soon be jettisoned by the franchise , as his play simply deteriorated .

With there soon to be an abundance of free agent quarterbacks on the “open market” , Vince Young’s task will become all the more difficult , even with his less than impressive workout at the Longhorns’ Pro Day on the university’s campus playing field . He may well catch on , with an NFL team , either as a third string starter or as part of a practice squad, because I no longer believe that he has the play-making ability or the mental psyche to be a successful quarterback in the NFL ! All of the promise shown at the collegiate level , seem all for nothing , given the years wasted by Young , as he simply became a boorish oaf ! Win some ,and you lose some ! Vince Young has been nothing but a loser , since his entry into the NFL !

The more things change , at times , it is in fact the more they remain the same . Sideshow , performing animals , comical clowns and a high wire and trapeze act could best sum up the New York Jets’ diabolical season . A clueless owner , in Woody Johnson , a coaching staff simply devoid of creativity and intelligence , all of which was led by the self-absorbed Rex Ryan . And the reason why I categorically state that the Jets’ owner is simply clueless ! When you seek to apportion blame upon others, when you have the final decision as an owner on all personnel decisions , and you were said to be indifferent to the signing of a player. It indicates to me , that you are either an idiot , or simply willing to listen to others when their own decision-making has repeatedly come into question.

During this off-season , Woody Johnson bitched and whined that he was pressured into giving the final OK , in the trade that brought Tim Tebow over from the Denver Broncos , to the New York Jets . Heralded by the print media within the “Big Apple ” as a thing of “genius” , the acquisition would prove to be the Jets’ undoing and hoisting even more ridicule not only on the franchise but also upon the now stunted shoulders of the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner . See where I am going with this all , as it relates to the aforementioned winners of this accolade who have simply done nothing of merit in the NFL ?

With the Jets’ front office, now seemingly more unsure than ever before , as to whom is best suited to lead the team at the quarterback position , speculation mounted during the off-season that the organization would simply jettison their starter, Mark Sanchez , after his rather dubious forays of 2012 . With the franchise now having acquired ten-year journeyman and veteran David Garrard . It kind of makes you wonder, what other rabbits Rex Ryan will now seek to pull out of his top hat , while seeking to create the illusion and perception that the Jets are now progressing in the right direction . Suffice to say, anyone who feels that Garrard can provide the roster of quarterbacks already on this team with further competition , having seen the veteran quarterback’s play in recent seasons , has either got to be on prescribed medication or under the delusions of grandeur.

With the tempering rumors, that the Jets may well use their Pro Bowl corner-back , Darrelle Revis , as a form of trade bait to move up in the NFL Draft order , a great many things are now certain to come into play , as it relates to the franchise and the player .

In the midst of this all, Tim Tebow’s future remains uncertain with the New York Jets . A homecoming of sorts , is already out of the question , with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ … management categorically stating that they have no interest in acquiring the beleaguered quarterback. There now seems to be a quandary as to how Rex Ryan will seek to extricate himself from a mess he fashioned alongside the team’s former offensive coordinator Tony Sparano , an individual, whose NFL coaching experience , can be best summed up in two words “absolute bull#hit “ !

From my own personal standpoint , what Ryan was able to achieve in his first three seasons with the franchise was impressive . Yet, in the subsequent years , all of the ballyhooed and hype simply cannot hide the fact, that he has become a bloviated ass , who rested on his laurels , rather than seeking to improve New York Jets ,as a franchise . GM John Idzik may well use this upcoming season , not only to assess the roster , but also Rex Ryan and his entire coaching staff . Failure once again , and it is likely , that he will be summarily relieved of his duties as a head coach with the franchise. Ryan’s most pressing issue beyond dealing with the team’s cap issues will be how best to also address the team’s draft needs .

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What thoughts if any, do you have concerning the salient points raised within this article ? By all means do leave a comment as you deem fit , and thanks as always for the continued support of this site , as it is greatly appreciated !

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(1)Quarterback Matt Barkley , center, talks to reporters during NFL football pro day at the University of Southern California, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill …

(2) Safety , T.J. McDonald looks during Southern California’s NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill …

(3)Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is hit by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) , as he throws, during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, in Baltimore. The Ravens would go on to defeat the Colts 24-9 . AP Photo/Nick Wass …

(4) In this Jan. 6, 2013, photo, Washington Redskins quarterback , Robert Griffin III (10) returns to the huddle after hurting his right knee as he fell awkwardly while throwing an incomplete pass during the first quarter of their NFL wild card playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Landover, Md. An injury that sidelines Griffin well into next season is a very real possibility _ or at least it seemed that way Monday, Jan. 7, after head coach Mike Shanahan described the results of tests on the rookie’s right knee following a series of plays in their Sunday game that did additional damage to a knee that was just three games removed from suffering a sprained lateral collateral ligament. AP Photo/The Virginian-Pilot, L. Todd Spencer …

(5) Texas A&M offensive lineman Luke Joeckel answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine . Joeckel is being seen as a the consensus # 1 overall pick likely to be taken in this year’s NFL Draft . Yet the prevailing thought with the Kansas City Chiefs seeking a proven passer , Geno Smith of West Virginia could supplant Joeckel as that number one pick. AP Photo / Richard Sasser ….

(6) Geno Smith of West Virginia is seen here going through drills at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana , Indianapolis , earlier in the year. The quarterback is seen as the best passer in this year’s crop of eligible college quarterbacks with their sights set on the professional ranks of the NFL . AP Photo / Richard Sasser ……

(7) There’s always something to laugh about and seemingly find comical , if you just happen to be a member of the Dallas Cowboys . Pictured here , are the team’s under-achieving quarterback , Tony Romo and team owner , Jerry Jones , sharing a few laughs. I wonder what the 2013 season may well hold for the franchise within the NFC East and the conference as a whole . Certainly , it can’t be any worse than last season ? Perhaps it could ? Well , let’s hope so ! Getty Images North America / Christian Petersen …

(8) Raiders’ quarterbacks , from left to right , Terrell Pryor , Matt Leinart , Carson Palmer and Kyle Newhall-Caballero . Newhall-Caballero, no longer on the roster , remains a part of the Raiders’ practice squad. Rumors persist that with Palmer unwilling to restructure his contract for which he is due to receive $13 million for the 2013 season and the team seeking a cut , down to $10 million , he is likely to be cut by the organization . AP Photo/ Junii Kumagawa …

(9) Vince Young on the campus of the University of Texas (Longhorns’) campus , as he prepares for the Longhorns’ Pro Day . The former Tennessee Titans’ , Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills backup quarterback is hoping to make a last-ditch attempt to resurrect his somewhat understated NFL career . Of the NFL coaches in attendance on the day , only the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin was said to have shown any discerning interest. However, rumors now circling around the NFL , are that the Chicago Bears may well bring in Young for a tryout and as a backup to team starter , Jay Cutler . Getty Images North America / Ian Thompson ……

(10) Mark Sanchez(6) , listens in , as offensive coordinator , Tony Sparano confers with head coach Rex Ryan and starting quarterback Greg McElroy (14) , during a game played against the San Diego Chargers at Met Life Stadium , in East Rutherford , New Jersey . Also in picture , second string starter, Tim Tebow . The Chargers would go on to defeat the Jets 27-17 . To further exacerbate the franchise’s travails was their poor finish to the season and final standing within the AFC East , a third place finish with a 6-10 record . AP/Getty Images / David Shults ….

(11) From left to right , New York Jets’ owner , Woody Johnson , is seen here with newly installed general manager , John Idzik, who succeeded Mike Tannenbaum , and who was summarily fired by Johnson , after the team’s disastrous 2012 season . AP Photo/ Chris Douglas …….

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Oops Upside Your Head I Said Oops Upside Your Head !

Oops Upside Your Head I Said Oops Upside Your Head !

Well week one of the NFL season came about with a bang and in some cases something of a whimper given the rather morbid performances of some noted players. Anyone who witnessed the performance of Donovan McNabb in the Minnesota Vikings loss 24-17 to the San Diego Chargers . And though Chargers’ fans may well feel that they can take a great deal out this victory , in truth the team’s performance wasn’t really something to be desired . A seven point win but it was simply the woefully inept performance by Donovan McNabb that surely indicates that the player’s best years are behind him . Anyone who simply felt that McNabb would be the answer to the team’s woes has to be now rethinking that premise .

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From my own perspective , Zygi Wilf and the entire front office of Vikings clearly were sold a “bill of goods” in terms of the McNabb acquisition . As for Minnesota Vikings’ coach Leslie Frazier if he has pinned his hopes on the veteran quarterback leading this team to unprecedented heights then he clearly hasn’t learned anything in the aftermath of the Brett Favre fiasco under his predecessor Brad Childress and then last season with himself at the helm as coach of the team. And with the team’s quarterback Adrian Peterson having signed a multi year multi million contract this looks as if it could be a season of discontent for the Minnesota Vikings . McNabb’s stats from this season opener might just be the most anemic a performance of any quarterback in the league over the past five seasons . 7/15 , for 35 yards 0 TD’s and 0 INT’s and you have to wonder what happens next for the now beleaguered player. .

For those of you out there who are intrigued as to who Leslie Frazier may well choose to step into McNabb’s shoes . If not Joe Webb or Christian Ponder then you might as well say that the Vikings’ goose has been cooked . Without an adept quarterback to lead this team then there’s not a cat in hell’s chance of the Minnesota Vikings having a legitimate chance doing anything meaningful within the NFL this season .

From winning the AFC West last season and then garnering a postseason berth the Kansas City Chiefs had sought to improve on their showing last season . Todd Haley and his coaching staff along with quarterback Matt Cassel were looking to bolster their claims that they could be viewed as a legitimate contender within the AFC . Offseason acquisitions and a draft class thought to be the best amongst the teams within the conference and there might have been every reason to believe the claims made by the staff. Well if you have ever seen an anvil being dropped from a great height then the Chiefs’ 41-7 bludgeoning by the Buffalo Bills . If anything we can all attest to the fact that the Bills might well have been one of the worse performing teams in the NFL last season.

Matt Ryan (46) of the Atlanta Falcons fumbles the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 11, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Falcons 30-12 . Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images ……

In this game the Bills’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had the type of performance that cast him as the second coming of Jim Kelly the Buffalo Bills’ Hall of Fame signal caller . There’s nothing to suggest that this Chiefs’ team possessed anything that was the equal of their conference opponents this past Sunday .

Care to suggest how the Kansas City Chiefs are likely to fare over the course the remainder of the season ? But simply base that thought upon the team’s woefully inept play against the Buffalo Bills . If you believe that the Chiefs are liable to improve then simply say “yes” , if not then obviously you’ll say ” no ” .

Mike Smith as coach of the Atlanta Falcons if he’s improve the goal of this organization . Smith over the past two — seasons has seen gradual improvement not only in team’s play but also in the leadership qualities of his quarterback Matt Ryan . The player for his part is seen one of the bright young players at the position within the NFL . The Falcons for their part often regarded as a very good regular season team but come the postseason they simply floundered under the weight of great expectations .

In the Atlanta Falcons’ season opener against the Chicago Bears , wherein we saw an onslaught that the Falcons simply had no answer in a completely lopsided loss that not even most NFL fans would could have envisaged . Jay Cutler and his Bears’ teammates mauled the Atlanta Falcons 30-12 leaving the team in a complete daze. I have to admit that of all the games that took place this past weekend the result that I found to be the most surprising happened to be the lopsided defeat of the Atlanta Falcons .

One could surmise that the entrenched battle . between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers and the absolute bloodbath in terms of the adversarial demeanor between these two heated NFC North foes had to be seen to be believed . Seven turnovers and a slew of mistakes by Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger amongst others on what is usually well disciplined Steelers’ team coached by Mike Tomlinson .

To suggest that anyone could have foreseen the Baltimore Ravens laying waste to the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-7 would simply be a complete lie . The margin of victory was one thing but for the Steelers to be so thoroughly outplayed had to have come as a complete surprise . Joe Flacco , Ray Rice , Terrell Suggs , Ray Lewis and Anquan Boldin simply had a day at the office that they could all be pleased with . And for Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh this might be just the evidence needed to suggest that gutting of the roster from last season and the subsequent offseason moves that coincided with the draft picks was a vindication for the Ravens’ front office and coaching staff that the decisions made were simply the right ones at the time.

It is pretty much safe to say that the NFC West might just be the least competitive of all the divisions in the NFL . Anyone of the belief who simply belief that a team that wins its division with a sub .500 record should be viewed as a team with a legitimate chance of winning the Superbowl must be either satisfied with that type of mediocrity or they simply view those teams as viable within the NFL .

Each season the more I simply take in the events of the NFC West it is the more I feel that the appropriate action to take would be get a paper bag and simply begin to regurgitate the food I may well have ate earlier ! To describe the football being played within the division as mediocre would be to describe a painting by Van Gogh as average . Simply put , it’s diatribe being served up on a silver platter for the fans’ edification , not that the NFL fans should be subjected to this over the complete NFL regular season schedule by the teams within that division. But that’s ….. c’est la vie !

The Seattle Seahawks’ Pete Carroll is amongst the highest paid NFL coaches in the league earning in excess of $7 million a year . Granted , team owner Paul Allen is amongst the wealthiest individuals on the planet but I’m sure that even he and GM John Schneider could have imagined wherein the team would simply have regressed rather than taking a step forward . I have never really thought Pete Carroll to be a very good NFL coach as his previous tenures has proven that coaching in the NFL isn’t within his wheelhouse . But this where the front office executives and team owners simply become at times too enamored with a college coach who’s said to have attained unprecedented success. Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier should have been a clear indication that ………. all that glitters isn’t clearly gold .

The Seahawks were hosted by the San Francisco 49ers this past weekend and the effort put forth by Pete Carroll’s team can be best described as being anemic and completely devoid of any aggression . Funny how a team who made the playoffs last season can now be looked upon as quite possibly one of the worst performing franchises in the NFL , on both sides of the ball. The Niners came away with the bragging rights in the divisional game clearly laying waste to their opponent 33-17 . With the loss of Matt Hasselbeck to the Tennessee Titans as a free agent somehow the coach felt that former Vikings’ quarterback Tarvaris Jackson could be seen as an adequate successor to the seasoned veteran . Given Jackson’s performance in that game I somehow think that Pete Carroll’s problems have now increased immeasurably ! The coach’s options at the position are not that great beyond Charlie Whitehurst and Josh Portis , so it is hard to view this team as a viable contender within the NFC much less the league as a whole .

It has to be said that there would be no doubt that the Indianapolis Colts would suffer this season with the long term loss of their celebrated quarterback Peyton Manning . You simply knew that this team wouldn’t be the same with his loss. GM Bill Polian and the front office may well have felt that acquiring seasoned veteran Kerry Collins would indeed make a difference but in reality the Colts are not a team that play on par with a nemesis when they simply haven’t got their best offensive weapon at the helm as the signal caller and in truth you cannot expect them to be .

Colts’ head coach Jim Caldwell and the coaching staff may well now have to keep the playbook simple for Collins and the team to have any semblance of success this season . Given the experience and the shock to the system of their season opener I am inclined to believe that the Indianapolis Colts are likely to struggle over the course of this year . The humiliating defeat the Colts suffered at the hands of the Houston Texans was enough to suggest that we might well be seeing the decline of a team who having the lost its leader has now become a rudderless vessel about to be capsized at sea. That 34-7 loss more than suggested how devoid of leadership this team becomes , without Peyton Manning but even more so , when you realize that there was no one willing to step up to the plate and assume the role as a leader . Say what you will , but if they are to fare well this season then someone has to be seen as the new leader on thus team .

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Picture gallery for your perusal .

The NFL lockout may well have played its part in the rust we have seen from the teams in their performances in this first regular season scheduled game . But if anything it has to be said the coaches and their staffs had more than enough time to prepare their squads for expectations of what is always expected to be an arduous season . Simply put some of the teams in question may well have performed badly , much of it from their own doing and complete lack of preparation . If nothing else this could well be what we could very well expect over the next few games . But from my perspective these teams on the wrong side of these lopsided losses must have felt that they had been hit upside their heads ! What thoughts if any do you have from this first week of the NFL schedule ? Do you expect to see more of the same or could it be that this was merely a minor blip on the screen for many of the franchises in question ? Simply chime in with a comment as you deem fit .

Alan aka tophatal …….. https://tophatal.wordpress.com

Picture and slide show details below .

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(1) SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Minnesota Vikings in the huddle with his teammates against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL Game on September 11, 2011 at Qualcomm Stadium in San DIego, California. Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images ….

(2) Donovan McNabb (5) of the Minnesota Vikings in action against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL Game on September 11, 2011 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images …….

(3) Adrian Peterson (28) of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Donald Butler (56) and Takeo Spikes (51) of the San Diego Chargers during their NFL Game on September 11, 2011 at Qualcomm Stadium in San DIego, California. Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images ……….

(4) Quarterback Matt Cassel (7) of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after a turnover during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on September 11, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images …….

(5) Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) of the Buffalo Bills in action during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 11, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images …..

(6) Matt Ryan (46) of the Atlanta Falcons fumbles the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 11, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Falcons 30-12 . Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images ……

(7) John Abraham (55) #55 of the Atlanta Falcons sacks Jay Cutler (6) of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 11, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Falcons 30-12. Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images ……

(8) Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) of the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambles while being pressured by defender Arthur Jones (97) of the Baltimore Ravens during second half of the season opener at M&T Bank Stadium on September 11, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images …….

(9) Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll walks the sidelines during their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 11, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images …….

(10) Tarvaris Jackson (7) of the Seattle Seahawks drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Candlestick Park on September 11, 2011 in San Francisco, California. the 49ers won the game 33-17 . Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images ……

(11) Quarterback Kerry Collins (5) of the Indianapolis Colts is blind sighted by linebacker Mario Williams (90) of the Houston Texans on September 11, 2011 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Texans won 34-7 . Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images …

(12) Head coach Gary Kubiak talks with quarterback Matt Schaub (8) of the Houston Texans during a time out against the Indianapolis Colts on September 11, 2011 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Texans won 34 -7 .(Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images ……..

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Not A Moment Too Soon …… If You’re A Sport’s Fan !

Not A Moment Too Soon …… If You’re A Sport’s Fan !

Well not enough can be said as we have all yearned to see the arrival of the NFL regular season and the beginning of play within the league . Thursday night we get to witness the last two Superbowl champions open the season with the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints laying the groundwork for the NFL calendar year.. Clearly after the league hierarchy and NFLPA , seemingly now having reached an accord , the fans may well be quite happy to see the resumption of the NFL . Most certainly on 11th September when the season really gets into full swing with a full schedule of games that will also commemorate the the tenth anniversary of the tragic events of the terrorist attacks of “9/11” . That if anything , will be a somber moment not only for the fans but also for the entire nation as well as the NFL as the nation remembers those lost on that most solemn of days .

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Beyond those events which will do doubt be commemorated by MLB , WNBA and NASCAR the country can take pride that it has remained steadfast in its resolve as it seeks to defeat an enemy who sought bring down this nation and all that it stands for.

During this off-season the Green Bay Packers celebrated their victory with gusto and the fans were vibrant in their celebration of the team’s accomplishment. Coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff can be commended on a job well done and now comes the hard part in trying to make a successful run as they seek to defend their title. Certainly for Superbowl MVP Aaron Rodgers having erased the memories of his predecessor Brett Favre , the young quarterback now commands the respect of the Packers’ fans as well as his teammates . I certainly believe that the Green Bay Packers alongside the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints are amongst the favorites within the NFC who can be legitimately viewed as favorites for the Superbowl. That picture however is liable to change over the course of the season , given the uncertainties that do tend to arise such as injuries to key players and that of the consistency of the teams as schedule progresses.
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In large part the Packers’ core remains intact from last season but the the team has made those perfunctory off season moves as well as taking the best talent available in the NFL Draft . Certainly , for Aaron Rodgers , Greg Jennings , Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews this could well prove to be something fortuitous given the team’s play last season and the consistency shown during the playoffs . If the Green Bay Packers can continue to show that same type of consistency then they could very well make a successful defense of their Superbowl title.

Is it me but there seems to be a degree of hypocrisy within the NFL that is often overlooked ? With Terrelle Pryor being asked to sit out the first games of his professional career within the league with the Oakland Raiders . Initially after his hiring by the Indianapolis Colts as a consultant Jim Tressel’s it appears was initially set . Colts’ GM Bill Polian in particular may well have felt that the hiring would be of benefit to the organization and a way of the former Buckeyes’ coach to seek redemption. But herein lies the caveat to this all, the NFL in conjunction with the NCAA has sought to distance itself from the wrongdoing of an athlete or coach at the collegiate level by instigating a form of punishment . It would appear that upon his hiring Polian felt that Jim Tressel would not only be a welcome hire but also not having to face any form of punishment . Less we forget , when Tressel allegedly left Ohio State there was little if any real form of punishment levied against the coach . An apology from Jim Tressel that was as meaningless and if anything an insult to the fans of the program from a man whose character , integrity and honesty were less forthright. Anyone who’s of the opinion that a $250,000 fine is a harsh enough penalty and somehow having to miss coaching a number of coaching duties clearly is either an idiot or simply doesn’t care as to the acts perpetrated by the former college coach .

With the NFL hierarchy having sought in-house legal counsel , a formal statement has been issued by both the league and from the Colts’ front office stating that Jim Tressel would have to forfeit the first six games of the team’s regular season before he can begin his tenure as a special consultant for the organization. Too harsh or simply not harsh enough ? It is at times like this I have to question not only the priorities of the NFL which seems seem to be intent on creating an image that’s surreal and going to almost any length to making a quick buck at the expense of the fans as needs be ! While I detest the actions of Tressel and that of his players I feel that before we can indict the coach the feeling has to be that the league hierarchy and team owners have to be held to a higher standard. It’s complete idiocy to think that the Indianapolis Colts would consider to hire the coach and then feel that there would not be any form of blowback ! Jim Irsay and Bill Polian are either that naive or they simply just couldn’t give a damn as to what allegations were levied against Jim Tressel. I wonder if they would have been such staunch advocates of the hire had this been anyone else but the former Buckeyes’ coach ? Think about it before giving an answer .

If there is anything that can be said as the baseball season now begins to wind down it has to said that the teams vying for the divisional leads as well as the wildcard berths are simply looking to play themselves into contention with a view to the divisional series and beyond .

It’s pretty much safe to say that both Roy Halladay and Justin Verlander are having extraordinary season’s for their respective teams . And it would be pretty much safe to say that bar the shouting , both the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers are well on the way to winning their respective divisions (NL East & AL Central) with a certain amount of ease . The divisional leads that they seemingly command over their closest rivals do appear to be insurmountable and unless both the Phillies and Tigers self implode , then I would find it hard to believe that either the Atlanta Braves or the Cleveland Indians can find a way to topple either of the teams in question !

I don’t know that a manager can take any type of pride in seeing their team be routed by a divisional rival but somehow the Chicago White Sox’s — Ozzie Guillen was all smiles as the team were soundly beaten (18-2) and given an ass whupping of the highest order by the Detroit Tigers, who played host to their divisional rivals at Comerica Park , in Detroit , Michigan. Far be it for me to suggest that Guillen can take pride in this performance by his players but I do believe that it sends the wrong message to the fans of the White Sox who witnessed the team put up such a mediocre display against Jim Leyland’s — team . And if the rumors are to be believed then this may well be the last season that we may well Ozzie Guillen as manager of the Chicago White Sox , as it is being widely reported that Florida Marlins’ team President David Sansom will be gauging the manager’s interest in succeeding interim coach Jack McKeon . From a personal standpoint having once been a staunch supporter of the team I feel for one that it would be a good hire should the premise actually begin to take shape but until the end of the season we are not going to made aware as to where Guillen’s professional future may well lay .

White Sox GM Kenny Williams as well as team owner Jerry Reinsdorf have yet to issue a public statement on the matter but it is clear that the executives have come to question their manager’s handling of the team over the course of the season . Ozzie Guillen , could never be accused of being shy to show his emotions but it has become increasingly clear that as much as he has the respect of his players , he can at times be viewed as something of an ingrate and condescending towards the game day officials as well the fans. But what cannot be denied is having led the organization to their most recent triumph in the World Series , he has done little to suggest that he’s about to lead them there again anytime soon .

With the Florida Marlins set to move into their new ball-park in 2012 it was felt that an experienced and high profiled manager would be best to lead this young Marlins’ team as they seek to reinvigorate the interest of the fans within the area . It is becoming increasingly clear with average attendance of a meager 16,000 fans currently attending the Marlins’ home — games , it has to be said that anything that can be done to peak the interest of the fans must be done quickly and with a great deal of resolve . There has been very little for the Marlins’ fans to be extremely excited about over the course of this season . The team itself has never been in serious contention within the NL East , much less for the wildcard berth within the NL .The team appears to have the talent but there’s little if any real leadership forthcoming from the presumed veterans or for that matter from the coaching staff , themselves . The productivity from the Florida Marlins as a whole can best be described as nonchalant or mediocre !

Having been privileged to witness the highs and lows of the Florida Marlins from their inception to their two World Series triumphs , to the political intrigue associated with team owner Jeffrey Loria and the entire front office somehow beguiling the Miami city commission and Mayor Thomas Regalado . What took place with the city commission somehow having agreed to finance the building of a $450 million state of the art venue for the organization all at the expense of the city of Miami. The stories of the decision and much of deception that has taken place concerning this episode has been well chronicled , as too were the clandestine meetings arranged between Regalado , the Marlins’ ownership and in particular senior members of the MLB hierarchy under the leadership of Commissioner Bud Selig .

If the commissioner can take such a proactive position in aiding the Marlins then how is it that he can be so reluctant to deal with similar issues concerning both the Oakland A’s and Tampa Bay Rays ? Oh, never mind as that would be expecting far too much from the game’s highest ranked official as we have all witnessed his sheer stupidity in the handling of the malfeasance of the Los Angeles Dodgers , the gross negligence of Saul Katz and Fred Wilpon as the owners of the New York Mets . I have come not to expect too much from the game of baseball other than what is actually witnessed on the field of play, because to expect anything else from the league hierarchy by way of leadership would be to expect the current members of both the House of Representatives and Senate to show some form bi-partisanship. That certainly isn’t about to happen at this juncture or at any time in the immediate future ! Simply put , the federal government much like baseball’s hierarchy are completely devoid of any form of intelligence !

So it appears out of the wood-works comes a white knight hoping to rescue from the rubble the beleaguered Los Angeles Dodgers. Dr William Burke co-founder and director of the Los Angeles Marathon leads a consortium that has lodge a formal bid with the US Bankruptcy Courts in Delaware , looking to purchase the organization. What makes this bid all the more interesting is the mere fact that the bidding consortium has the backing of the Chinese government through one of China’s most prominent financial institutions. This would be the first time that an governmental agency should this bid prove to be successful , that such an entity would become a stake holder in a North American professional sports’ franchise.

Certainly with the MLB hierarchy would have give its blessing and final approval on such a deal . Much of this also would be predicated upon Dodgers’ owner Frank McCourt initially agreeing to sell the ball club but this would also be based on the presiding judge overseeing the case would also have approve such a deal as the bankruptcy proceedings have yet to be finalized . At this juncture , given the fact that McCourt has always maintained that it is not his intent to sell the team , this could lead to a long protracted issue regarding the very existence of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It has become even more clear that although McCourt was able to obtain additional financing ($150 million loan from JP Morgan Chase ) to meet the team’s budgetary expenses until the end of the season , beyond that there’s no certainty that the beleaguered owner knows where any additional will actually be coming from .

Beyond the idiocy of this whole debacle it has become abundantly clear for all to see that Bud Selig’s handling of this matter can best be described as a complete sham ! The commissioner and the entire hierarchy have behaved been like bumbling oafs from the silent movie era. The Keystone Cops would certainly be proud of the performances and actions of the hierarchy . Were it not for the gross stupidity of Frank McCourt and the Dodgers’ front office executives perhaps this situation would not have become so grave. At this point it is hard to view how this situation can either get much better or for that matter simply get much worse . Frank McCourt has proven as owner that he has never had the best interests of this team and their financial well being at hand. If anything he and his now ex wife , Jamie McCourt merely viewed this organization as their personal ATM . But yet somehow in the midst of this all Bud Selig has used about as much intelligence to be found in a lump of fecal matter ! .

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What thoughts if any do you have concerning the points raised within this piece ? Simply leave a comment as you deem fit and thanks as always for the continued support as it is greatly appreciated !

Alan aka tophatal ……….. https://tophatal.wordpress.com

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(1) FILE- This Aug. 12, 2011 file photo shows Atlanta Falcons quarterback John Parker Wilson, left, fumbling as he is hit by Miami Dolphins cornerback Jimmy Wilson in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in Atlanta. Even during the longest, hottest, most grueling practice, A Miami Dolphins rookie, Wilson wears a smile from ear hole to ear hole. Wilson’s perspective is a little different from most players because of his peculiar path to the NFL. He spent two years in jail on a murder charge before winning acquittal in July 2009. AP Photo/David Manning …..

(2) GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 1: Vic So’oto (97) of the Green Bay Packers runs for a touchdown on an interception during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field on September 1, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images ……

(3) Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers argues a call with field judge Mike Weir (50) during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field on September 1, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images …….

(4) New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton , left, talks with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak at an NFL preseason football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011. The Titans won 32-9 . AP Photo/Bill Haber ….

(5) New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, left, and quarterback Drew Brees (9) watch from the sidelines in the third quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez ……

(6) FILE: In this Oct. 23, 2010 file photo, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue in Columbus, Ohio. Tressel was hired Friday, Sept. 2, 2011, by the Indianapolis Colts as a game-day consultant to help determine when the team should challenge plays. However in light of the hiring the NFL has imposed a six game ban upon the former Buckeyes’ coach that forbids Tressel from joining the Colts’ staff in his capacity as a gameday consultant . Personally my question for the Colts’ front office , is it there wish to reward the coach for his infamy while at Ohio State when one bears in mind his actions there prior to his leaving the program ? Photo/Tony Dejak ….

(7) Colts’ GM Bill Polian (left) is seen here with team owner Jim Irsay along the sidelines during a Indianapolis Colts’ game. Polian is said to be the primary protagonist behind Tressel’s hiring having been in consultation with the franchise owner . Indianapolis Star /Sam Riche …..

(8) Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen (13) spits some sunflower seeds as he watches the action from the dugout during the game against the Detroit Tigers, after the Tigers scored 16 runs on 22 hits in the first sixth innings of the game at Comerica Park on September 4, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeted the White Sox 18-2 . Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images…

(9) Miguel Cabrera (24) of the Detroit Tigers looks to Andy Dirks (12) after hitting a two-run home run to center-field in the sixth inning during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park on September 4, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the White Sox 18-2 . Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images ….

(10) (L-R) Florida Marlins team President David Samsom, now former City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz , MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Florida Marlins baseball team’s new stadium on July 18, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The park is scheduled to open in 2012 and the team intends to change its name to the Miami Marlins prior to the completion of the ballpark. Marc Serota/Getty Images North America ……

(11) City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado (R) listens as police Chief Miguel A. Exposito speaks during a press conference to announce “Operation Take Back Our Streets”‘ on August 10, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Miami Police Department launched the operation in response to recent shootings in the Model City and Little Haiti communities of Miami. The city has seen a number of shootings recently using high powered assault weapons. Esposito has recently been suspended by the City Manager Johnny Martinez on the recommendation of the city commission . Joe Raedle / Getty Images …….

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Pick Your Poison …… With Manning ….. Without Manning ?

Pick Your Poison …… With Manning ….. Without Manning ?

It seems strange that the Indianapolis Colts could go into the preseason without their four time winning league MVP and Superbowl winning player Peyton Manning . The player having had off-season neck surgery is now committed to a full recovery in time to make the regular season for the Colts’ roster . With the team having Austin Collie now their injury list along with Manning the trials and travails of coach Jim Caldwell and his coaching staff could come undone before it has even started .

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Clearly the Indianapolis Colts’ fans would like nothing better than to see Manning taking the first snap of the regular season rather than Curtis Painter , Mike Hartline , or Dan Orlovsky for that matter . I am not so sure that the Colts’ front office led by Bill Polian has really thought ahead about the day ahead when Peyton Manning is no longer available to this organization . And given the success that the that the Colts have had over the years with Manning at the helm of this team , it has to be said that the loss would be seen as seismic to say the very least . Over the course of his outstanding career Peyton Manning has led this organization with class and distinction and there is not a doubt in anyone’s mind that once his career has come to an end he will be Canton bound to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame .

This organization during the off-season made some moves to bolster the roster as well making the customary draft choices one would deem to be prudent . It certainly gives the fans the impression that the organization is once again set to be dominant not just within the AFC South but also the conference as a whole . Certainly there’s a lot to suggest the Colts are once again the team to beat within the division as I simply don not believe that either Houston Texans , Jacksonville Jaguars or Tennessee Titans will be a match for this organization over the course of this season . The indications are were that the Texans were making great strides but that simply wasn’t borne out over the course of the 2010 regular season as they simply petered out when it mattered most . For the Houston Texans’ Gary Kubiak this may well be his last chance to prove himself worthy as the coach of this team .

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 19: Mike Hartline (9), Dan Orlovsky (6) and Curtis Painter (7) of the Indianapolis Colts look at play sheets during the game against the Washington Redskins at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images ………

In the preseason for the Indianapolis Colts we have seen the frailties of this team without Manning at the helm quarter-backing the team . And it could very well be that if the player hasn’t fully recovered enough in time for their regular season opener against the Houston Texans on September 11th we could see Manning’s longevity in terms of consecutive games’ record will come to an end . From my own perspective I feel that the player will have recuperated enough to don his number 18 jersey and be his customary and efficient self ! There are few players amongst the elite within the NFL who perform with the prowess of Manning at the quarterback position .

I certainly do believe that the Indianapolis Colts will very much have the AFC South to themselves and that is in spite of the offseason moves made by the teams within the division . What may well detract from the possibility of the team repeating as divisional champions could very well be the health of Manning and his ability to last through the rigors of a regular season .

The rookies drafted by the staff will almost certainly be looking to have a productive season having had their initial baptism of fire in the preseason games . Anthony Castonzo, Ben Ijalana , Drake Nevis , Delone Carter and Chris Rucker are sure to prove that the faith shown in them by Jim Caldwell and his coaching staff is justified .

If anything however , it will be imperative for the seasoned veterans on this roster to lead by example should Peyton Manning not be available to them for the first couple of games of the regular season . That has to be the caveat here with regard to the fortunes of this team and how they could very well fare over the course of this year . Certainly last season we saw what the team was capable of in terms of adversity when they were faced with the possibility of failing to make the postseason . The fact that they were able to do so having fought tooth and nail to win the division (AFC South) in spite of the injuries and other obstacles showed the true mettle of this team .

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, left, and running back Joseph Addai talk during the NFL team’s football training camp in Anderson, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. AP Photo/Michael Conroy ………

Amongst the seasoned veterans that I believe will step up to the plate for this team are Reggie Wayne , Dallas Clarke , Joseph Addai , Dwight Freeney , Gary Brackett and Robert Mathis . But in reality the Indianapolis Colts’ way has been there to be a collective effort from all the members of this team. Most certainly that was something instilled into them by Jim Caldwell’s predecessor Tony Dungy , a coach who simply communicated with his players and made them fully aware as to what was expected from each, on game day .

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By your own estimation do you feel that Peyton Manning could miss the first two or three games of the regular season given his ongoing health concerns ? It hasn’t been confirmed that he will miss the entire preseason but all estimations that seems the likelihood with neither Caldwell , Bill Polian or for that matter Jim Irsay will to make an emphatic statement on the matter . How do you see the Indianapolis Colts faring over the course of the regular season ? And do you feel that without their league MVP quarterback their chances to win the division will be less likely ? Simply leave a comment as to your thoughts on this subject matter and any other thoughts you believe to pertinent . Thanks as always for the continued support as it is greatly appreciated !

Alan aka tophatal ………. https://tophatal.wordpress.com

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(1) FILE – This July 31, 2011, file photo shows Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning speaking during a news conference with the NFL football team’s owner Jim Irsay, right front, at the teams training camp, in Anderson, Ind. Manning says he won’t play the last two preseason games and Colts owner Jim Irsay says his team must be prepared to open the season without Manning behind center. AP Photo/Alan Petersime …..

(2) Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, left, talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning following an NFL preseason football game in Indianapolis, on Friday, Aug. 19, 2011. Washington won 16-3 . AP Photo/Michael Conroy …….

(3) Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, right, greets Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan following an NFL preseason football game in Indianapolis, on Friday, Aug. 19, 2011. Washington won 16-3. AP Photo/Michael Conroy ……..

(4) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 19: Mike Hartline (9), Dan Orlovsky (6) and Curtis Painter (7) of the Indianapolis Colts look at play sheets during the game against the Washington Redskins at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images ………

(5) Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, left, and running back Joseph Addai talk during the NFL team’s football training camp in Anderson, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. AP Photo/Michael Conroy ………

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Out Of The Chaos Now Comes The Bedlam ……… And A Great Deal More

Out Of The Chaos Now Comes The Bedlam ………. And A Great Deal More

So out of the chaos even more bedlam will be created as the NFL seemingly returns to work. The NFL team owners of have voted with a majority decision to approve the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA ) which will by all accounts if we’re led to believe there will be peace for the next decade between the league hierarchy and the new soon be re-certified NLFPA . That being said in the midst of the vote there just happened to be one abstention in the voting by the team owners. Suffice to say with those very same owners glad handing and patting themselves on the back but it remains to be seen whether or not the player representatives and their members will vote to ratify the agreement from their end.

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Team facilities will now be open for the players to conduct training activities , meet with the coaches and their respective staff members to discuss their own fitness level and no doubt other issues that should arise . To my mind now comes the hard part not only for the teams but also general managers because there will now be a plethora of free agents that will come to the market . Imagine if you will an abundance players and the very fact that the coaches and the GM’s will now act like kids in a candy store looking to pick out the best out of a selective assortment of edible confectionery . I am not so sure that the carnage that will no doubt take place because of this whole scenario is exactly what the league would like to see ! But such has been the idiocy shown by both sides throughout this whole episode that as a fan you can have absolutely no sympathy for either side . And as much as this now appears to be all over bar the shouting the one thing I find somewhat suspicious has been the league’s wish to have the details sealed as to the $1 billion set aside to aid the retired veterans of the NFL. Somehow all of the hard work of Carl Eller could well be for nothing even in light of the fact that he has been part to some of the deliberations that have taken place between the two sides . My question is if the league is now open to such transparency then why the facade with regard to the agreement as it relates to the veterans ? What have they to hide and what is it that they simply don’t want the public to know ?

And though Roger Goodell and his chief aide Jeff Pash will try and sell this all as the best deal possible and the owners such as Jerry Jones , Jerry Richardson and Jim Irsay have to be entirely happy with this all . I can’t help but wonder if say five or six years down the road their might well be disruptive to the peace . It is not out of the realms of possibility even if this is meant to be a ten year deal. Wars have been have been fought over less and it only takes one skirmish and disquiet to the accord and the ramifications could be once felt again _ litigation ensuing or not there is now a lot hanging on this agreement being a long lasting one over the next decade.

For coaches such as Marvin Lewis , .Tom Coughlan , Jon Fox , Gary Kubiak and Chan Gailey it will be very interesting what they seek to do to improve their teams during this period of free agency . There’s a great deal that the league has made public about the agreement and one of the most salient points seems to be the salary cap which we are informed will be in the area of $120 million for the 2011-12 season. A sizable figure to say the least and one that will not be lost the teams or the players for that matter . But I am sure that agents such as Drew Rosenhaus , Tom Condon , Eugene Parker and Mark Bartelstein to name but a few will be amongst a throng of movers and shakers chomping at the bit to get their clients signed to a lucrative deal. It’s now open season and the NFL teams are the prey in question .

If this off-season is anything to actually go by then the upcoming regular season itself and what will now be a shortened preseason will become a comedy of errors. There is no way in hell that teams will be game ready when the season commences on the 8th September as I feel that in large part that the vast majority of the teams won’t be anywhere near where they need to be in terms of preparation . And that is even with many of the players meeting amongst themselves and carrying out their conditioning and training regimen . What may well be a season of redemption in the eyes of the league could very well turn out to be initially one monstrous eyesore for the fans who choose to attend the first two or three games of the schedule .

For certain finesse teams such as the Indianapolis Colts , New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints where timing is certainly everything ____ I do believe that Peyton Manning , Tom Brady and Drew Brees may well struggle initially with finding their receivers so we could well see a great deal more of a ground attack with the running backs bearing the brunt of their teams’ burden .

Inasmuch as this whole spectacle has all been put to rest with the both now sides seemingly back on the same page I can’t help but wonder what might have happened had the league hierarchy , team owners and the NFLPA been more cordial with one another during their deliberations. Instead it all came down to each trying side trying to outdo each other with Judge Arthur J Boylan having to sit in the midst of this all cajoling and scolding the individuals like prepubescent schoolboys to merely sit down and break bread together . So much of this could have been avoided had calmer and cooler heads prevailed in the first place . But then again we are discussing the NFL are we not ? You could not ask these idiots to show common sense unless their very lives depended on it !

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Picture gallery for your perusal .

As a fan of the NFL are you happy that the stoppage is now over ? And how do you see the season unfolding ? Simply chime in with your thoughts as you deem fit .

Alan aka tophatal …… https://tophatal.wordpress.com

Picture and slide show details below .

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(1) NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that NFL owners have agreed to a tentative agreement that would end the lockout, pending player approval, on Thursday, July 21, 2011, in College Park, Ga. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson looks on in the background. AP Photo/John Bazemore ….

(2) Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney speaks during a news conference where it was announced that NFL owners have agreed to a tentative agreement that would end the lockout, pending player approval, in College Park, Ga., on Thursday, July 21, 2011. In the background is Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. AP Photo/John Bazemore …..

(3) NFL general counsel Jeff Pash listens to a reporter’s question during a news conference where it was announced that NFL owners have agreed to a tentative agreement that would end the lockout, pending player approval, in College Park, Ga., on Thursday, July 21, 2011. AP Photo/John Bazemore …….

(4) Agent Tom Condon (center), counts Eli Manning , left, and Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning ,right , amongst his NFL clients . Getty Images / Chris Trotman …….

(5) Chan Gailey, head coach of the Buffalo Bills readies to to call a timeout against the Cleveland Browns at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Getty Images / Rick Stewart ……..

(6) Quarterback Drew Brees (9) of the New Orleans Saints warms-up before taking on the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. Getty Images North America / Johnathan Ferrey …….

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NFL news

All Good Things Must Come To An End ……. So Did Superbowl SBXLIV ……………

All Good Things Must Come To An End ……. So Did Superbowl SBXLIV ……………

So it came and went , what was the NFL’s showcase event …. Superbowl 44 (SBXLIV). The two representatives of the AFC and NFC put on a thoroughly energetic display of all-out attacking football. And at times the Indianapolis Colts showed that their defense was more than capable of stopping the New Orleans Saints’ ‘prolific offense’. But when it was all said and done , the Boys of ‘The Louisiana Bayou’ would end up prevailing in an exhilarating and well earned 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Superbowl (SBXLIV) MVP Drew Brees raises the Lombardi Trophy aloft after his team's victory over the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in the game played at Sun Life Stadium , Miami, Florida. This was the Saints' first victory in the Superbowl in their enrtire 43 year existence. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images / Chad Restins..................

Sun Life Stadium , Miami, played host to the event and its ensemble spectacle. The half time showed had veteran rockers ‘The Who’ perform many of their hits, the show of which was somewhat uninspired , to say the very least. But then again the demographics that the NFL tends to appeal to doesn’t always resonate with the masses at large . The preponderance of young kids watching may only know some of themes being sang as that to the various CBS hit shows from the ‘CSI’ (trilogy) dramas on the station, hosting the Superbowl itself. Good cross product tie in by the network , even if it was somewhat uninspired to begin with.

New Orleans - February 7th, 2010. Celebrating New Orleans Saints fans spill out into the streets outside of LeBon Temps Roule uptown neighborhood bar just minutes after the New Orleans Saints won a Super Bowl XLIV victory in New Orleans, Louisiana. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images / Skip Bolen ......

Courtesy of NFL.com and Associated Press

Brees answers ‘Who dat?’ with Super Bowl MVP performance

Miami Gardens, Fla. — Drew Brees grew up in Texas and started playing for pay in faraway San Diego. But he made New Orleans his home and its cause uniquely his own.

After 43 years of Saints futility and one of the finest quarterbacking performances ever delivered in a Super Bowl, Brees made sure there’s no need to ask “Who dat?” anymore.

Thanks to Brees, the answer to “Who dat say they gonna beat them Saints?” is nobody.

“We just believed in ourselves, and we knew that we had an entire city and maybe an entire country behind us,” Brees said Sunday after being voted MVP in New Orleans’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. “What can I say? I tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time, and it’s better than expected.”

“I’m just feeling like it was all meant to be. What can I say? The birth of my son, and in the first year of his life, we won a Super Bowl championship.”

The people of New Orleans now will embrace Brees tighter than some of their kinfolk. It didn’t hurt, of course, that when Brees arrived in 2006, both he and the city were at a crossroad.

A torn labrum in his throwing shoulder in the final game of the 2005 season, coupled with young Chargers passer Philip Rivers waiting in the wings, made Brees expendable in San Diego and left him wondering whether his career already was on the downside. When Saints coach Sean Payton drove Brees around New Orleans hoping to sell him on joining the Saints, the quarterback realized, seeing residents struggling to cope with the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, that he’d found the perfect place to begin his own comeback.

“Four years ago, who ever thought this would happen?” Brees said, still fighting back tears.

Earlier, as confetti swirled just above the playing surface at Sun Life Stadium, Brees’ eyes already were watering, trying not to cry as he held his son, Baylen, who was wearing a Saints jersey with his father’s name on the back and a headset so the loud celebration wouldn’t scare him. Brees struggled yet one more time to keep his emotions in check as he lifted the silver Lombardi Trophy over his head.

But a few minutes into his post-game interview, Brees simply quit trying.

“Eighty-five percent of the city was under water, all the residents evacuated all over the country, people never knowing if they were coming back or if New Orleans would come back,” he said. “But not only the city came back, and the team came back … when the players got there, we all looked at one another and said, ‘We’re going to rebuild together.’

“We leaned on each other,” Brees said, pausing as he choked up. “This is the culmination of that.”

Yet in the same way that New Orleans’ progress has come in fits and starts, so it was with the Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. After a rocky first quarter, Brees found his rhythm midway through the second quarter and finished with a record-tying 32 completions in 39 attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns. He was never finer than during what turned out to be the go-ahead scoring drive, stringing together seven straight completions — to seven different receivers.

“Phenomenal,” Saints wide receiver Marques Colston said. “You really can’t put that kind of performance in words. To have 32 completions and two drops, he deserves the MVP.

“Hopefully,” he added, “you guys (in the media) can start putting Drew in that elite quarterback conversation.”

Consider it a done deal.

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The Indianapolis Colts fights for a loose ball against the New Orleans Saints after an onside kick to start the second half during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Doug Benc .....

The game pitted two of the better quarterbacks in the NFL to have started a Superbowl in recent years and it was expected to be something of a chess match between these two celebrated stars of the league in, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts and Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. And the two most certainly did not disappoint with their play. If anything they served to show they have two of the most prolific and accurate passers in the NFL, in recent years.
And for the respective coaches in, Jim Caldwell and Sean Payton , this was an experience to soak up and remember for years to come. They may well use it as anecdote to tell their children and grandchildren for years to come, into the future.

Garrett Hartley (#5) of the New Orleans Saints kicks a field goal as Mark Brunell (#11) holds against the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Ezra Shaw ..........

Initially it was the Colts who got off to a fast start and they harried and rushed the Saints and their offensive line. But once the Saints steadied themselves , the game took on something more of a competitive edge about it all aspects. It was never going to be blowout for either side but at the same you got the inclination that whoever made the least amount of mistakes would end up prevailing in the game. And when it was all said and done , that was inevitably became the case. And for residents and citizens of New Orleans this may well have felt like vindication and redemption for all that the city has been through over the past few years. At the height of its troubles , they well have felt that the world had left them behind and had forgotten about them. But that was never really the case . As it all came down to the haphazard way that the local , state and federal government agencies dealt with a natural disaster that was unimaginable and inconceivable to comprehend in the magnitude of the destruction caused and the psychological aftermath of the toll that it left on the city’s citizens , young and old. Never mind the lives that were lost in the tragic disaster that was ‘Hurricane Katrina’ . This victory by the Saints may well provide some and be part of the healing process in the end , as the city looks to pick up the pieces and rebuild.

For the moment , whatever the future hold for the Saints and its owner, Tom Benson remains to be seen. But somehow , I for one don’t believe that the masses and the fans of the NFL will begrudge the team , the organization or for that matter , the citizens of New Orleans their moment to shine and to be proud of the achievements of their team. Kudos to the New Orleans Saints on a well deserved victory !

tophatal

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Kellita Smith, actress and former model. Smith is more widely known for playing the wife of the late comedian Bernie Mac , on the Fox comedy hit ‘ The Bernie Mac Show’.

PTI (Pardon The Interruption) But You’re Going To Pay Him What ? How Much ? Get The **ck Out Of Here !

PTI (Pardon The Interruption) But You’re Going To Pay Him What ? How Much ? Get The **ck Out Of Here ! ……….

Having led the organization to their second Superbowl appearance in three years. The Indianapolis Colts’ hierarchy and front office are looking to lock up their 4 time league MVP and Superbowl MVP (SBXLI) winning quarterback, Peyton Manning to a contract extension, that could in effect net him in excess of $ 120 million dollars , if he fulfills the obligations of the contract that’s allegedly being drawn and which awaits the player’s signature at the culmination of this year’s Superbowl. Colts’ owner, Jim Irsay, the team’s GM, Bill Polian and team coach Jim Caldwell are all in accordance with this. As to what this would suggest to Manning’s teammates is only a matter of speculation and conjecture. But suffice to say ‘….Peyton is getting his just like any other player , who expects to be amply rewarded for their exploits on the field of play. Manning , himself is said to earn in excess of $ 20 million a year, in terms of commercial endorsements from corporate sponsors , alone. That supplements his NFL salary rather nicely , placing him amongst the 40 highest paid athletes on the planet.

Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning answers questions during a media availability,Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Indianapolis will face the New Orleans Saints in the NFL football Super Bowl XLIV Sunday. It's widely being rumored that the Colts' quarterback is about to sign the most lucrative contract in the NFL history. Though figures have yet to be confirmed . It is believed that the contract will eclipse that signed by his younger brother Eli, worth at the time $97.5 million over 6 years. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press / Eric Gay ......

If as expected, the player does sign the dotted line on the contract extension then he’ll not only become one of the highest paid players in the NFL . But he’ll also eclipse the contract signed by his younger brother, Eli Manning of the New York Giants. If one remembers that was also an extension that will pay Giants’ quarterback $97.5 million over six years. Netting him an average of $16.25 million per year (of that $97.5 million-$43 million was guaranteed). Now as to whether or not the younger Manning is worth that sort of money , I’ve leave that up you to decide. Granted , he’s led the team to a surprising Superbowl (SBXLII) win over the New England Patriots in 2008. But since that win, the Giants have been something of anathema as a team.

Courtesy of ESPN.com

Irsay plans to break bank for Peyton

By Len Pasquarelli , ESPN.com

MIAMI — Negotiations to extend the contract of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will begin in earnest after the season, Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed on Tuesday, and the new deal is expected to make the Colts’ star the highest-paid player in NFL history and to keep him with the franchise for his entire career.

Manning’s current deal, the final two years of which have been technically voided, will expire after the 2010 season.

“You know it’s going to get done,” Irsay said during media day interviews. “I think it’s clear, and we’ll start on it this summer. That’s been the way we do things [to hammer out an extension when a player is entering the final year of his contract]. And it’ll be the biggest [contract] in history; there’s not much doubt about that.”

Irsay has said in the past that Manning will be “a Colt for life,” and he reiterated that stance on Tuesday morning.

Manning, 33, signed a contract extension for $99.2 million in 2004, and the deal included a record $34.5 million singing bonus, all of it paid up front. The final two seasons of that contract were voided because Manning met predetermined playing-time incentives, making 2010 the final year of the deal.

The Manning contract, Irsay said, “is the easy one to do, because you know it’s going to have to be the highest ever.” The Colts’ owner noted the “harder deals” are the ones involving good, but less important players, and cited former Indianapolis starters like guard Steve McKinney and linebackers Marcus Washington and David Thornton, veterans whom the Colts could not afford to pay because of the franchise’s salary structure, and were forced to sacrifice to free agency.

“It simply comes to one question, and that’s replaceability,” Irsay explained. “Everything is based on the replaceability factor. You make decisions based on who you can afford to target and keep. … Other guys you really want to [re-sign] you might have trouble doing it, because of what it costs you, and how much attention they’re getting [from other teams in free agency]. We don’t have that luxury and we’ve had to work hard.”

Team president Bill Polian said during the season that the club, because it had such high-profile players, often had to determine “how fungible” some players and positions were. But Irsay, who invested about $100 million into the club after his father, Robert Irsay, died in 1997, is prepared to make Manning a very rich man. The younger Irsay, in fact, has dipped into his own wallet in the past to fund the contracts of some key players.

Ironically, the contracts of Manning and New England quarterback Tom Brady are both up after the 2010 campaign. Irsay allowed he will “watch closely” the bargaining on the Brady deal.

“We didn’t have the luxury [of not having a salary cap],” Irsay said. “Without one, not having those [constraints], we would have done an incredible job.”
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In order to read Len Pasquarelli’s article in
its entirety just click unto the link provided .
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NFL Commissioner , Roger Goodell inset, seated left is seen here with his union executive counterpart NFLPA Executive Director , DeMaurice Smith , seen here up on Capitol Hill, DC , in front of the empaneled Senate Judiciary Committee. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press / Charles Dharapak .......................

It is by no means a surprise that the Colts’ organization would want to lock Peyton Manning up to a long term deal. And if as suggested, by the owner ,Jim Irsay , that it is his intention to have the player play his entire career with the team. Then they’re now pretty much sure that this is the way that they want to reward him. Without a doubt, Manning himself, has been one of the best quarterbacks ever to have graced the NFL. But that asides, it leaves somewhat of an unsavory taste in one’s mouth when you consider that he couldn’t have done it without the full complementary of players that he’s been surrounded by. And how are they, then to be rewarded when their contracts are up for renewal or extension ? With this upcoming season (2010-11) very well being an uncapped season if the NFL , the owners and the NFLPA (Players’ Union) are unable to make an assertive effort in reaching common ground, with regard to a renewal of the collective bargaining agreement. Then the whole rationale and inner workings of a great many teams within the league could be turned upside down. As it is, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith is itching for a fight and looking to derail the somewhat autocratic rule of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. As contentious as the two sides appear to be with regard to the ongoing negotiations and the very fact that both sides addressed the members of Congress and then met in convened meeting in-front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Nothing was accomplished , other than the usual amount of posturing and pandering by both sides. Never mind the fact that at times it looked as if the empaneled members seemed to be in awe of the NFL players who addressed them. But should we really expect anything else from these legislators ?

(Left to right) General manager Bill Polian, team owner Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning (#18) of the Indianapolis Colts look on during Super Bowl XLIV Media Day at Sun Life Stadium on February 2, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Doug Benc ..........

The hard part here is to fully comprehend how both sides were one minute all sync with one another concerning going forward. And the next accusations are being leveled by both sides against each other , as to the greed and disingenuousness shown by both sides. Neither side it appears wants to acquiesce to the others’ wishes , as they feel that it would show a sign of weakness on their part. It may well be that they aren’t overly concerned as to what the fans are indeed thinking about the situation at this juncture. A lockout, reminiscent of the labor dispute that shut down the entire NFL in in 1987 for several weeks and that led to a great deal of discord between the union and the NFL . Something along those lines once again and we’re liable to see the fans quite possibly abandon the game and the NFL altogether. But were the NFL to use replacement players as they did in ’87, and we would be liable to see the tension build up even further between the two parties. There’s nothing like a ‘bunch of greedy owners’ and ‘their self serving counterparts’ ,as in the ‘highly overpaid players’ bickering about how many more millions that they can slice off the piece of an ever diminishing slice of an already big piece of pie. One thing is for sure , neither the players or the fans will take kindly to seeing replacement players taking to the field and then calling it an NFL game. At the same time one doubts that the NFL owners and its hierarchy are stupid enough to do such a thing ?

Courtesy of ESPN.com

Harsh reality: Labor pains ahead

By Tim Graham , ESPN.com

Miami — The NFL will be in full glory this week. A marvelous Super Bowl matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints is days away.

Soon after the confetti flitters about Sun Life Stadium and the Lombardi Trophy is hoisted triumphantly, football’s showcase event will give way to uncertainties and insecurities about an imminent labor clash, one that will have significant ramifications on the 2010 season, could lead to a 2011 lockout and might even scuttle an entire season.

You’ve ignored the NFL labor situation, hoping it would fix itself before you invested one minute of your life, one ounce of worry.

“I’ll just watch football,” you thought. “I’ll concentrate on the season, the stars, the X’s and O’s. I’ll carry on as though the NFL is simply in the greatest league in the world, a game, a diversion from real-world issues — not an industry.”

Time to start paying attention to the big business, folks.

Big trouble is near.

Collective bargaining agreements, economics, uncapped seasons and revenue haggling aren’t nearly as entertaining as game highlights and chalk talk.

But if you want to follow along with what could evolve into the most important off-field storyline in recent sports history, you’ll need to learn the issues. (The NFL, league and owners are synonymous. So are the NFL Players Association, the union and the players.)

What’s on the line?
The owners and players have until March 5 to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement, essentially the off-field rule book for an $8 billion industry. If they do not reach new terms, a host of provisos will be triggered.

Most significantly, the 2010 season will be played without a salary cap or floor, allowing teams to spend as much or as little as they wish. Two weeks ago, New York Giants owner John Mara indicated that an uncapped season appeared unavoidable. If a new CBA isn’t struck by March 2011, a lockout would be highly probable.

How did we get here?
The players got the upper hand on the owners in 2006, the last time they hashed out a CBA. The players were able to renegotiate what revenues were considered a part of the financial pie, from which they would receive about 60 percent.

The salary cap skyrocketed from $80 million per team in 2005 to $102 million the next year. In each subsequent season, the cap climbed to about $109 million, $116 million and $128 million for the 2009 season. The salary floor — the amount of money teams are forced to spend — was $112 million this season, or $32 million more than the highest ceiling under the previous CBA. By doing so, the owners froze the percentage of revenues dedicated to player costs at 57.5 percent.

In 2008, the owners voted unanimously to exercise a clause that allowed either side to opt out of the CBA one or two years early.

What does the league want?
The owners’ objective is to retain more revenues, because they’re assuming virtually all of the risk in this business venture. Their mission statement is that they want to provide long-term stability and growth opportunities, but their margins are thinning because of the U.S. economy. Sponsorship dollars are scarcer. There were 22 blackouts this season, up from nine in 2008. Money has been sunk into stadiums and practice facilities.

At the top of the league’s wish list is an 18 percent rollback in salaries and a rookie salary cap that would redirect money to proven talent rather than players who might not have what it takes. Another way for the owners to grow the revenue pie would be expanding the regular season to 18 games.

What does the NFL Players Association want?
Maintaining the status quo would be just fine with the players.

What would an uncapped year mean in 2010?
It sounds like an uncapped year would favor the players, because it gives the impression that freewheeling owners would start throwing money around in their quest for a Super Bowl title. But the uncapped year is a bit of a misnomer. It’s true there wouldn’t be a salary cap. Deep-pocketed teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and New England Patriots could spend as much as they want. But in reality there would be no financial limitations at all. Teams would have no salary floor to maintain, although minimum individual player salaries still would need to be met. The salary floor for 2009 was about $108 million.

How would the uncapped year affect free agency for the upcoming season?
These changes would be unfavorable for the players. The requirement to be eligible for unrestricted free agency would jump from four years to six. Rather than being allowed to hit the open market, 212 players would be restricted free agents instead. Teams have the right of first refusal on restricted free agents and would receive draft compensation if they chose not to match the offer.

Some of the bigger names who would have been unrestricted but would not be in an uncapped year include Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson and linebacker Shawne Merriman, Houston Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans and Cowboys receiver Miles Austin.

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Click on the above link shown to read Tim Graham’s piece
in its entirety.
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For the Colts as an organization they’ve been somewhat fiscally prudent but at the same time when one sees in large part one player taking up in excess of 1/3 of a team’s salary in order for that player to re-sign and remain with the team. One has to ask the question how much is enough when it comes to the players and their ever burgeoning need to earn even more ? It’s OK in the good times when the money is said to be plentiful a bullish economic times. But when there’s an acute crisis within their midst what would it suggest that the NFL and their teams ought to be doing ? If they can’t seemingly show some constraint and then expect the fans to make the outlay to see their games. Then surely there’s something amiss with the whole business concept and template with which the NFL continues to operates under ?

At age 33 , it could well be that Peyton Manning could play another decade in the NFL. And with the proposed contract that’s being offered that scenario seems to be all but a certainty. As to whether not it’s a 6 year $100 million contract or something akin to 10 years $150 million-$180 million remains to be seen. The one thing you can be sure of , is that the print and tv media will not let this story go. If anything it will become the piece’ de resistance for the likes of ESPN/ABC Sports , Fox Sport, NBC Sports , CBS Sports and the vast coterie of sports’ reporting organizations across the landscape. Money can be the ‘root of all evil’ but it can also come as a blessing in disguise. Somehow , for someone of Peyton Manning’s stature , I’m not so sure that it really matters or not. I get the feeling that if he were asked to simply play a game of ‘tag football’ in a playground , he’d still derive the same amount of pleasure as he does playing in the NFL.

What are your thoughts on the matter ?

The O’Jays perform their international smash hit ‘For The Love of Money’ on the famed r&b show ‘Soul Train’ , hosted by famed presenter, Don Cornelius .

tophatal ……….:)

Voluptuous model and aspiring actress Bianca Holland . Less is more as they say . And the more of Bianca that we see the less concerned we are about our other problems wouldn't you say ?

Titillation ……. Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That At All ! … The NFL Does It ..

Titillation ……. Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That At All ! … The NFL Does It

Well ever since my weary a_s departed from Foxsports.com’s blogsite. I have to admit, I’ve received a new found burst of energy, that has made me all the more analytical and discerning when it come to not only my writing but also the succinct commentary that I try to offer up on contributor’s website. Granted, at times the contributor and I may well have a differing opinion on a subject matter. But I feel that it’s imperative not to offend but merely offer up a comment offering the reasons why I might disagree with an a opinion or quite possibly a ‘misquoted’ fact. I think that we can all agree, that’s the appropriate etiquette to be shown between a commentator and someone who as a reader patronizes a blogger’s website ? It’s far better than behaving like an infantile child and resorting to < ‘name calling’ or stating that you don’t want to be entertained or return to someone’s site. That sort of behavior smacks of sheer stupidity and immaturity to my mind and ought to be treated as such ! But I digress, as that’s not what this piece is meant to be about.

Here's something that I'd like to stick a 'certain appendage' into . It's a nice looking 'hot chick' wearing a South Beach t-shirt .

My venerable acquaintances , chappy 81 of doin-work.com and sportschump of the similarly named site that bears his name, sportschump.net obviously share a taste in fine wine and no doubt the love of a good woman. Ain’t nothin’ wrong in that, is there ? And as we are about to proceed into the dark days of ‘Spring’, as far as I’m concerned. Wherein, the NFL regular season has ended and all we’re now left with, is that of the NFL Pro Bowl game and Superbowl XLIV to be played between NFC representative, the New Orleans Saints and their AFC opponents , the Indianapolis Colts. As I’ve previously stated to my buddies, chappy 81 and sportschump , the thought of ‘Brett Favre’ envisioned Superbowl would’ve created the worse case scenario as far as I was concerned, with regard to the ‘NFL’s showcase event’ !

Mansion Night Club on South Beach is a happening place and you’ll definitely find yourself ‘a bevy of hot beauties’ there , for sure !

Well the Pro Bowl to be played this weekend at the Sun Life Stadium, Miami, South Florida – home to the Miami Dolphins. Let’s just say that the fans there will be getting ‘two for the price of one’ in consecutive weeks. Well, at least it appears to be that way on the part of the NFL hierarchy. With interest waning in the Pro Bowl and the fact that its customary stage is that of Honolulu ,Hawaii . League Commissioner, Roger Goodell , really needed to do something that would provide the event with a jolt and some new found interest from the fans. His idea and that of the NFL owners, was to stage the game in the preceding week of the Superbowl and at the same venue. The economic impact to the South Florida region and in particular to the city of Miami will run into the hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two weeks. Is it any wonder what City of Miami Mayor Tomas P. Regalado is licking his lips like a rabid dog ? With the blight that has taken hold of the city, some much needed PR is here to offset many the city’s problems. And with Miami Dade County Mayor, Carlos Alvarez not wanting to be left out of the festivities and the spotlight. The whole event will be used as one big ‘PR event’ to espouse the virtues of the city of Miami and Miami Dade County , as not only as a center of finance , commerce and a gateway to Latin America. But also the event will be used as a ‘marketing tool’ to ‘sell the city’ and the surrounding areas as somewhere one can live , work and raise a family.

Yowzah ! Yowzah , yowzah , yowzah ! Ain't nothing wrong with these babes ! Nothing wrong at all ! Can I get at least three amen's on that ?

Hot women abound in South Florida and especially on South Beach , where they are replete in ‘various ethnicities’. It’s enough to make a grown man think that he’s died and gone to heaven. And for those who shall we say, who choose the ‘alternative life style’ ? Well, there’s something there for you as well. It’s an equal opportunity den of debauchery and whatever else might take your flight of fancy.

She may well have nothing to do with Miami and the Superbowl . But there’s a reason why both sportschump and I love Denise Milani. Who could miss those ‘very ample assets’ of hers ?.

Now I’m not about to make a prognostication as to how I see the big game going. But all I know, is that these are by far the two best teams in the NFL, regular season wise and in the post-season as well. They’re proven it with their consistency and be damned about them not going unbeaten during the regular season. That’s for the likes of idiots such as former Dolphins’ player Mercury Morris, as it gives him something to hang his hat on , from the unbeaten ’72 Superbowl winning Miami Dolphins’ team. The question one ought to be asking Morris ‘……is what the hell have the Dolphins done since then’ ? Much like a geriatric with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease , the Miami Dolphins can’t win a game , much less a Superbowl , since those halcyon days under their former coach, Don Shula. And they’ve forgotten how to, as that can borne out by this past season and their less than stellar mark of 7-9 within the AFC East. Wherein , they finished third, behind the division winning New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Well the state of Florida has always been about their ‘fair weather fans, rather than supporting their home-state teams earnestly . One minute the support is there , the next there’s deafening silence and you’d have thought you were in a confessional box because of the deafening silence that can be found from the none appearance and complete lack of vociferousness of the fans showing support for the local teams. That’s how bad it can get and still does to this day ! Just check out the fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida Panthers and to a lesser extent the Florida Marlins. Albeit , that the Marlins will be soon seated in a state of the art facility within two years. The caveat as it concerns myself , is that ‘I am a die-hard Marlins’ fan “through and through” !. My support for the team has never once wavered and I’m as critical of them in the good times and the bad.

Whatever the Czech born Milani wants , she can have ! I ain't too proud to beg ! No sir, not at all.

The most discerning of football fans nowadays, has to be enticed by the NFL in large part to attend a game. One can stay in the comfort of one’s own home and watch a game or a plethora of games if you either attend of local sports bar or you indeed subscribe to the NFL Networks’ ‘Season Pass’ or Direct Tv’s Sunday Ticket, their own enhanced service of the NFL. One thing that you can rest assure of, is that the enticement is no less different from that of a scantly clad female walking into crowded filled with testosterone driven heterosexual males. The result will always be the same , our eyes will be agape, as we look lasciviously at that scantly clad female. I most certainly wouldn’t want it any other way !

You cannot try and take your eyes off those wonderful round voluptuous breast of hers. It just make you want to do something either with them and then to her .

The NFL knows when it’s on to a good thing , so it can ill afford to lose the goodwill of the fans and its corporate patrons. But with there being talks a labor dispute and threat of lockout between the NFLPA (Players’ Union) and the NFL. Well it suggest that the possible confrontation between the two parties isn’t at all far off, at hand. he game is still being sold to us religiously nd we the fans devour every morsel that is thrown our way , ravenously. Now imagine the possibility of there being no NFL games for a prolonged period of six months or more ? What are we as the fans expected to do ? It’s obvious that the likes of Goodell and his union counterpart ,NFLPA Executive Director, DeMaurice Smith, haven’t exactly thought this all through. As they seemingly continue to lock horns with neither party prepared to give ground as the contest the veracity of each side’s claim of the collective bargaining agreement and as to the spoils that awaits the winner.

Show us what you're working with Denise , please ?

The loser in all of this tends to be the fans exactly 100 % of the time as both parties aren’t overly concerned as to what we want or think. It has more to do with what they want, what they think and how best to go about it , even when it is the consumer who in the ends up paying the cost of their sheer greed and downright stupidity. All the while , we’re still being titillated by their ongoing sales’ pitch. Nothing wrong in that , just as long as we’re not the ones in the end who end up paying . But alas, that scenario is not about to change. So keep on just being titillated by the NFL . But remember being titillated by a female can be far more pleasing at half the cost of an NFL game. What do you think ?

Mystikal gives to you , upside your head . ‘Shake Ya Ass’ . Do you think that Denise Milani can shake her a_s and show us what she’s indeed working with ?

Things That Brett Favre Won’t Get To Do Past The Age Of Forty …………..

Things That Brett Favre Won’t Get To Do Past At The Age Of Forty …………..

Well no doubt as many of you now know the ‘Brett Favre Story’ has come to an unwelcoming end for the fans in Minnesota and his fledgling band of followers in Mark Schlereth , Merril Hoge and Ron Jaworski . As to what those guys’ll now do , as their erections have gone flaccid, remains to be seen. But if the noises said to be coming out of stalls or or cubicles of the mens’ room in Bristol ,Connecticut, will be anything to go by . Then one can surmise that they’ll no doubt be relieving themselves by some form of self arousal ? Spankin’ the monkey, spankin’ the monkey . Oops, there goes a dollop of juice on the floor as Schlereth goes down for the count.

Pierre Thomas (#23) of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Chris Graythen ......

To say that I’m immensely happy would not justify my feeling at present . More like I’m overwhelmed with joy would be much more to the point. And to see the New Orleans Saints stand toe to toe with the Minnesota Vikings and take it to them , was to my mind a thing of beauty ! Needless to say, for the fans of ‘Who dat’ , this was a day of redemption and vindication not only for the fans but also for the entire city of New Orleans. The team now meets the Indianapolis Colts in the Superbowl (SB XLIV) , in what many hope will be an exciting spectacle for those in attendance and the countless millions that will be watching globally.

Bernard Berrian (#87) of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball in the fourth quarter against Trscy Porter (#22) of the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Chris Graythen ..............

Courtesy of Associated Press and Yahoo Sports

Saints beat Vikings in OT , reach first Superbowl

By Barry Wilner , AP Football Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP)—A 40-yard field goal in overtime by a little-known kicker could become as famous as jambalaya in these parts.

The New Orleans Saints, a team with no home and an uncertain future five years ago, are heading for their first Super Bowl. By battering Brett Favre(notes) and beating the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 Sunday, they set off celebrations on Bourbon Street that locals never could have imagined in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“This is for everybody in this city,” said coach Sean Payton, the architect of the Saints’ turnaround. “This stadium used to have holes in it and used to be wet. It’s not wet anymore. This is for the city of New Orleans.”

And it came courtesy of Garrett Hartley and the Aints—who surely ain’t the Aints anymore.

“In reality, we had to lean on each other in order to survive and in order to get where we are now,” quarterback Drew Brees said. “The city is on its way to recovery, and in a lot of ways has come back better than ever. We’ve used the strength and resiliency of our fans to go out and play every Sunday and play with the confidence that we can do it, that we can achieve everything we’ve set out to achieve.”

Favre threw away Minnesota’s best chance to win, tossing an interception deep in New Orleans territory in the closing seconds of regulation. Then the Saints won the coin toss and ended it on Hartley’s kick 4:45 into OT.

“Just helping my team get to Miami,” he said. “Just doing my part.”

A team of nomads after Katrina ravaged its city and the Superdome, overcame a slew of mistakes in the biggest game the Big Easy has ever seen.

Forget the paper bag masks and that long history of losing that started in 1967. Moments after Hartley’s kick, they were toasting their hometown winners in the French Quarter and making plans for South Florida.

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New Orleans - January 24th 2010. Brett Favre (#4) of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after taking a hard hit in the second half against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Jed Jacobsohn .......

The game played at the packed Louisiana Superdome with a vocal crowd cheering on the home team , left us all in no doubt what they wanted to see from this Sean Payton coached team. Their wish was granted but in no large part, thanks to the ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ performance of Brett Favre. There are things that one ought to be capable of doing past the age of forty. And it’d appear that Favre wanted to prove the naysayers wrong on all counts. Unfortunately for Brett Favre, ‘Old Father Time’ has put up with enough of his s_it in recent years, that even he himself was no longer willing to let Favre play the hero once again.

Greg Lewis (#17) of the Minnesota Vikings sits on the bench towards the end of the game against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images / Ronald Martinez ...........

If there was a hero in this game, then it most certainly came in the guise of Drew Brees’ leadership and the willingness of his teammates to follow his example. The Saints’ defense was stellar and this was all down to the presence of mind shown by defensive coordinator, Gary Gibbs and the schemes that he put into play that often negated the running attack of the Vikings. It led to the two interceptions of Favre, as well as a team high five fumbles. This was a game of missed opportunities by coach Brad Childress’ ‘team’. But was even more telling was that the interception that took place in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter was avoidable had Favre not chosen to be so gung-ho with his antics. If it’s not about Favre being ‘the hero’ then nothing else at all seems to matter ! And with ever passing utterance that comes out of Favre’s mouth when he claims that he’s not in it for himself. Well, it only speaks to the gullibility of those who feel that his utterances are sacrosanct. It always has been about Favre and nothing is liable to change in that regard for the foreseeable future !

Though the game was competitively contested , one felt that it was a game that was the Saints’ for the taking. Any other outcome than the resultant 31-28 victory would’ve felt unjustified. Serendipity has a way of making things right as many within NFL diaspora wanted to see Favre make it for that one last hurrah of a ‘big game’ atmosphere in a Superbowl. This upcoming Superbowl in Miami at Sun Life Stadium. And the anticipated match-up against Peyton Manning and the Colts would’ve added just that extra bit of sparkle ,that the likes Schlereth , Hoge and Jaworski would’ve sought alongside their ‘compadres’ there at ESPN would have craved for. Now that’s all a bust, I guess that they’ll just have to make do with the two number one seeds from the respective conferences ?

As the momentum builds up the NFL’s showcase event , we still have the Pro Bowl to be played. A game which I might add to my mind is about as relevant and warranted nowadays, as having to be force fed the diatribe by some that it’s a game that the fans want to see. Given the fact that the venue has been changed from Hawaii to Miami. And the mere fact that a number of the game’s elite players considered it nothing more than a sideshow or an incentive that’s added to their contract should they make the roster. For most, it was something of a privilege to be named but in large many of the players weren’t all that interested in playing to begin with. Never mind the fact that the attendance and viewership for the game was hardly earth shattering. The NFL’s heirarchy just doesn’t know when to quit when it comes to the marketing angles and how to sell its game to the masses. Does anyone honestly think that there’ll be that much interest in the game itself a week before the main event of the Superbowl ? C’mon now we’re talking Pro Bowl and the Superbowl . It’s akin to watching flag football one minute and ‘the real game’ itself the next !

Now I for one am not about to speculate as to whether or not this was Favre’s last game because we all know he marches to the beat of a very different drum. And if he feels that he’ll walk away abruptly from the game then he’ll do so. It’s not as if we haven’t all witnessed this before . Hell he retires and un-retires faster than Jenna Jameson has been known to have had multiple sex partners in one her infamous adult movies. But that asides , that’s for the Vikings’ front office to deal with and that of their fans. I can tell you this though , if he now walks away stating that his heart is no longer in the game. Then I hope that the fans there in Minnesota have the patience to deal with all of the s_it that comes their way in the terms of the ‘ …….is he or isn’t he coming back ‘ ? This’ll be the gristle that’ll keep the print , tv media and radio talk show hosts talking in the weary months of the offseason. Never mind what the ‘boneheads’ of ESPN will be saying .

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) walks across the field after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010. The Saints defeated the Vikings 31-28 to advance to the Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Mark Humphery ...............

There are some things that Brett Favre should be doing at the age of forty and then there are others that he won’t. One of them in this case, won’t be as a participant in ‘Supberbowl XLIV’. Thank God for that ! Can I get multiple amen’s on that ?

As Tupac Shakur says ………’All Eyez On Me’ .Simply put this is the mantra that Brett Favre lives by. It’ll never be about his teammates. It’s about the boy from Gulfport, raised in the small town of Kiln Mississippi. He just wouldn’t want it any other way.

Rumor Has It That Kim Kardashian Gave Reggie Bush A Little Somethin’ Somethin’ For Sho’

Rumor Has It That Kim Kardashian Gave Reggie Bush A Little Somethin’ Somethin’ For Sho’

I’ve spent much of Saturday keeping and remaining in touch with several of my Haitian American friends who reside in the South Florida area. And given the devastation of the earthquake that has seemingly left this tiny country in mess and taken in excess of 100,000 lives. It makes the spectacle of watching the divisional games of the NFL playoffs. To shed more light on this all in an too negative an approach, as only Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson can. It suddenly reminds me that this country isn’t as socially advanced as it claims itself to be. They say one oughtn’t to generalize the character of a nation by merely looking at a certain group within its citizenry. But here I think it’s an unfortunate when one has to look at the likes of Limbaugh and Robertson to see how mired in racial bigotry the country still is ! And it is boldly represented by the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson . I’d even venture to say that there are some US citizens that are angered more by the fact that the President of the country is an African American, rather than the fact that he’s an alleged socialist ? What is it about caring for one’s citizenry that is so frightening for the some of the populace at large ? Hell it’s not as if the private sector or even the government for that matter has done enough to even look after its own. And when I see its own , I’m talking about its returning heroes from both fronts of the so called war on terror. As the Jack Nicholson character Col Nathan R. Jessep stated in the movie ‘A Few Good Men’ …… ’you can’t handle the truth’.

Reggie Bush (#25) of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against Jason Wright (#31) of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Chris Graythern ......

Well enough with the overt idiotic stance of both Limbaugh and Robertson as I’m sure that there’s a fu_king place in hell awaiting for them both and deservedly so ! The NFL match up between the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints has lived to the predetermined hype and more so. The struggles of the Saints have been well documented ever since Hurricane Katrina and for the citizens , its fans of the team have simply been exemplary.

Drew Brees (#9) of the New Orleans Saints is congratulated by head coach Ken Whisenhunt of the Arizona Cardinals after the Siants won 45-14 during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Chris Graythern ...........

The Saints has put on a fantastic play of attacking none stop football and the team led by Drew Brees and their Heisman trophy winning running back, Reggie Bush simply put on a display that had to be viewed as redemption and somewhat serendipity for the team.

Darren Sharper (#42) and Roman Harper (#41) of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after Sharper broke up a pass play against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Chris Graythern ...........

Arizona for its part came into this game riding on the crest of wave having defeated the Green Bay Packers in one of the highest scoring game in NFL postseason history. Ninety six points were amassed and over nine hundred total yards of offense. Can you say whatever defense that took place during that game may well have been when the opposing players were exchanging pleasantries prior to its start ?

Reggie Bush (25) of the New Orleans Saints looks to hit a seam for a run against the Cardianal but is denied by Cardinals defensive tackle Reggie Walker (55) in his attempt. Bush would end up with 205 all purpose yards during the game . picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Ronald Martinez .......................

Courtesy of The Houma Courier

Local fans help cheer Saints to victory

New Orleans — Finding words to describe the New Orleans Saints’ 45-14 win in Saturday’s NFC divisional playoff game was easy for Zachary P. Landrus.

Finding his voice, however, proved to be a challenge for the Houma resident. He lost it cheering as the Saints dominated the Arizona Cardinals in Saturday’s playoff at the Louisiana Superdome.

“It was electric,” he said. “Everybody was best friends. We were slapping hands, jumping up and down and hugging. At times, there were drinks flying all over. It was awesome.”

Saturday’s 45-14 win sends the Saints to their second NFC championship game in four seasons, this time at home in the Dome. This coming Sunday, the Saints will face the winner of today’s Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys game for the right to go to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.

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Darren Sharper (#42) of the New Orleans Saints leaps a teammate as he returns a recovered fumble for positive yards in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Ronald Martinez ............

With Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals having suffered a shoulder injury early in the game and the mere fact that his offensive line were about as protective as a roll of tissue paper might be against the H1N1 virus. They were nowhere to be seen throughout much of the game. The same cannot be said of Warner’s opposing number, as Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense simply ran roughshod over the Cardinals’ defense. And unfortunately ,Warner’s backup, Matt Leinart had about as much an answer for the Cardinals’ woes as Sarah Palin had in her series of interviews with CBS’s Katie Couric in their well discussed series of interviews. I’m not trying to suggest that Leinart hasn’t been befitting of a good education in college. But when one of your electives on your way to your degree was Ballroom Dancing , then what might that suggest to you on appearance ? I’m sorry Matt but your IQ and that of your football IQ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. USC is meant to be a bastion of academic education and achievement ? Since when ? More like a place where its’ student athletes and coaches are simply allowed to run amok and make a mockery of collegiate athletics altogether , whereby they’re ably assisted by their Athletic Director Mike Garrett and its faculty to perpetrate a massive fraud. Never mind the fact that the NCAA for all of its supposed virtue, merely has turned a blind eye to it all. And when questioned as to why it has taken so long to address the long held suspicions as to the USC Trojans’ seemingly never-ending transgressions and violations. Well let’s just say that the NCAA’s continued silence would do a mute proud.

Kurt Warner (#13) and Ben Graham (#5) of the Arizona Cardinals walk off the field dejected after their 45-14 win against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Ronald Martinez ..........

If it was high scoring you were after, then this was the game to see . And finally Reggie Bush started to live up to the hype that’d been created from his days in college at USC. Now as to whether or not Reggie’s fiance, Kim Kardashian , put a ‘little somethin’-somethin’ on Reggie for good luck. I’ll let you form your own opinion on it all. Surmise to say , the only time I’ve ever moved that quickly is prior to earning a promise of getting copious amounts of sex as a good deed and then getting even more sex after performing that good a deed. As to what the deed was that Reggie performed ? Someone could perhaps ‘tweet’ Kim or Reggie to find out ? All joking asides though, let’s just say that the Arizona were never really ‘in this game’ after having scored the first seven points of the game. Everything seemingly went downhill thereafter for this Ken Whisenhunt coached team. And for Whisenhunt’s opposing number, Sean Payton , this was a game to be relished for the entire organization , the fans and the city of New Orleans.

The score of 45-14 might not be reflective of a game that was very entertaining but in essence if you’re a fan of the NFL. Then this was a game to be enjoyed and relished in all of its facets ! For the Saints with an NFC championship berth having been garnered , all that awaits them is a Superbowl berth in a meeting and the defeat of either victor of the Dallas Cowboys and the Brett Favre led Minnesota Vikings. Is there anyone of the opinion who feels that a ‘Favre envisioned Superbowl’ would be the ‘worse case scenario’ possible ? Or is it just me ?

Today’s pair of games pits the San Diego Chargers against the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings versus the Dallas Cowboys. As a fan I can only hope that both games will be able to live up to the perceived hype. And as for the New Orleans Saints and their prospective fortunes. Well let’s just say that should they end up raising the Lombardi trophy then I for one won’t at all feel aggrieved should they raise it as Superbowl champions. They’d be deserving of that fate and so too are their more than patient fans.

On an added bye note who knew that the Indianapolis Colts could play defense the way that they did against the Baltimore Ravens ? Not only did they shut down Ray Rice but they made Joe Flacco seemingly appear like a novice in the game. Kudos to Jim Caldwell and the Indianapolis Colts on a great game ! That 20-3 result didn’t tell half the story, as far as the game went. If they play like that in the AFC championship game , then they’ll be on their way to ‘SB XLIV’ in Miami for sure !

Well if this was indeed what Reggie was getting a piece of , then I can well understand his reasons for wanting to get home early from the game. Does anyone ‘now have a craving to eat absolutely anything’ from Car’s Jr ? Or is it just me ?

Kim Kardashian and her Carl's Jr salad

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Wreckx-N-Effect ‘Rumpshaker’ ol’ school style . Get down with it y’all !

The Rooney Rule ………..

The Rooney Rule

Commendable as it appears to be, I now have to wonder whether or not the intentions behind this all, is well worth it. Named after famed Pittsburgh Steelers’ owner Dan Rooney. The so called ‘Rooney Rule’s‘ intent was set to see that minorities are given the chance to interview for vacant head coach’s positions within the NFL. And considering that the very first minority to be a coach in the NFL was Frederick Douglas ‘Fritz’ Pollard in the 1920’s. One has to wonder why it was necessary to have this rule installed as mandate for all teams within the NFL. But it was apparent that with the racial tone of the league, minorities weren’t being afforded the chance of advancement from beyond the playing field and unto the sidelines as coaches, much less the chance of becoming an owner at the league’s inception.

Frederick Douglas 'Fritz' Pollard , the first minority coach of an NFL team. Pollard is an inductee in the NFL Football Hall of Fame.

Minorities now make up 72% of the player personnel within the NFL and it appears to be generally acceptable within the league and to the fans. But how is it that the NFL while mandating for such a role, has essentially done little if anything to try and bring in a minority owner within its ranks ? By all accounts the lone occasion this attempted maneuver was made , due diligence was not taken by the league’s panel in their investigations. An an attempt was made by what we were informed was a prominent African American businessman , Reggie Fowler who was financially solvent. His attempt to purchase the Minnesota Vikings was met with a great deal of derision and skepticism. And it certainly didn’t help that this individual had the financial means but it was said could not provide the league with enough financial details for them to ensure that his ownership bid could be granted to become the league’s first and only prominent minority owner of an NFL franchise. In the end Fowler would become part of a consortium led by German businessman, Zygi Wilf, as the owner of the franchise. Wilf would become the principal partner in the ownership group of the Minnesota Vikings with a 60% stake in the organization. Fowler has a 20 % stake in the franchise, with the remaining 20 % split amongst the remaining partners of this limited partnership group. An owner in part but not a majority stake owner that would clarify the term “prominent ethnic owner” of an NFL franchise. While some facts are disputed as to Fowler’s supposed wealth , it appears from the outset that certain maneuvers were in place to deny him the success in an attempt to purchase the team, originally. As to who was behind this all , we will in fact never know. Suffice to say , that the image of the NFL was somewhat tarnished by the episode.

Washington Redskins’ General Manager Bruce Allen leaves after holding a press conference on the dismissal of Jim Zorn as Head Coach of the team. The press conference was held at Redskins’ Park the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Ashburn , Va, on 4th January 2010. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Win McNamee ….

It wasn’t as if this investor was Robert L. ‘Bob’ Johnson, founder of BET and the prominent African American billionaire media mogul or famed NBA legend Magic Johnson. The latter of whom has branched out to become a commercial real estate mogul and business entrepreneur, with a believed estimated net worth approaching $750million. It appears that the NFL despite its image of being a charismatic and an all welcoming league.But as of yet the one vestige in showing the fans that minorities have finally arrived in terms of a majority ownership of a franchise, has yet to materialize or be realized.

San Diego, Ca,. January 3rd 2010. Kris Dielman (#68), Dennis Norman (#64), and Nick Hardwick (#61) of the San Diego Chargers enter the field against the Washington Redskins during the Washington Redskins v San Diego Chargers NFL Game on January 3, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 23-20. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Doug Miraelle .......

Courtesy of Associated Press and Yahoo Sports

Redskins talking to coaches to replace fired Zorn

By Joseph White , AP Sports Writer

Ashburn, Va. (AP)—Jim Zorn was fired by the Washington Redskins early Monday, the first step in yet another team overhaul under owner Dan Snyder.

Zorn was informed of his dismissal shortly after the team returned to Redskins Park following Sunday’s season-ending 23-20 loss at San Diego.

“I just know that last place is not Redskins football,” general manager Bruce Allen said. “Last place two years in a row is not Redskins football.”

Zorn went 12-20 over two seasons, but he lost 18 of his past 24 games after a 6-2 start in 2008. The Redskins struggled early despite a weak schedule this season and finished 4-12, their worst record since 1994.

“No one in the organization is satisfied with our record over the last two years,” Snyder said in a statement released by the team, “and I am sure that Jim would concur with that statement. It has been painful for him, too. I certainly accept responsibility for mistakes that I have made. I am hopeful that our fans will accept my commitment and pledge to deliver a franchise that can compete in the NFC East every season.”

Zorn’s replacement will be Washington’s seventh coach since Snyder bought the team in 1999. Playing a role in the decision will be Allen, who was hired as the GM last month. Allen would not comment on former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, who is considered the favorite to get the job.

“We’re in the process of talking to people,” Allen said. “We have a good game plan of what we’re going to do.”

Neither Snyder nor Zorn were made available for comment.

Zorn’s dismissal had been expected for months. The front office stripped him of his play-calling duties in late October, and Snyder has interviewed assistant coach Jerry Gray for the job weeks ago, according to the Fritz Pollard Alliance, which monitors minority hiring in the NFL.

The new coach, Snyder and Allen will have a monumental task to rebuild a team with many roster deficiencies and major questions at offensive line, quarterback and running back.

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Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on January 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Redskins 23-20. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Jeff Gross ............

The NBA and MLB seems to have done quite nicely for themselves, with minorities coveting and obtaining a ‘seat up at the big house’ at the dining table. Where the owners can feast upon the billions of dollars that annually finds its way into the NFL coffers. This might on the face of it appear to be racially insensitive and motivated. But I assure you, nothing could be further from the truth as I feel it only proper at this juncture to let you know that for in spite of its facade. The hierarchy of the NFL may well be the best organized , financially sound and ran of the four major sports in North America. And that at the end of the day is in essence what the NFL is all about. Any bye product from it all in terms of entertainment and plaudits from the fans, media and populace in general, is merely further proof of the game’s popularity.

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn, left, greeting team owner Dan Snyder before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, in Landover, Md. Zorn was fired by the Washington Redskins early Monday, Jan. 4, 2009, the first step in yet another team overhaul / Nick Wass .....

And while we’ve seen the success of Tony Dungy as the coach of the Indianapolis Colts, being the first African American NFL coach to win the Superbowl. And the ongoing success of his of successor, Jim Caldwell augurs well for the current situation. But other than Caldwell and Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are no other African American coaches in the NFL. Furthermore, that situation is even hindered by the fact that assistant head coaches and coordinators aren’t always afforded the luxury of the required cursory interview as demanded by the league’s mandated policy. A team has to only say that they have a minority as a prospective candidate and essentially create the scenario that the process is being adhered to. An initial cursory interview may well be granted.

The Washington Redskins with a new general manager in place, with Bruce Allen now assuming the position formerly held by Vinny Cerrato. The Daniel Snyder owned team might just be the worst ran NFL franchise in the league at present. Their turnovers in coaches is line with consistency of the Oakland Raiders and their ‘revolving door policy’ when it comes to coaches. Success or lack of it thereof, seems to be the norm for both of these franchises. Jim Zorn is the current coach of the Redskins and the impending upheaval appears apparent that Zorn’s two year tenure as the coach seems about to come to an abrupt end.

Reggie Fowler, left, has agreed to buy the Minnesota Vikings from current owner Red McCombs, right. The deal, worth a reported $625 million. However, the deal fell through when the NFL panel entrusted to review the bid stated that Fowler's financial backing and finances wasn't all in place and met with their tacit test. The deal was torpedoed and Fowler would then become part of the consortium headed by Zygi Wilf that would be successful in their purchase of the team from then owner Red McCombs . picture appears courtesy of afp/reuters/ Paul Marshall .............. ,

Courtesy of NFL.com Wire reports

Zorn out after two seasons as Redskins’ coach; is Shanahan in ?

The Washington Redskins fired coach Jim Zorn early Monday, the first step in yet another team overhaul that appears likely to involve Mike Shanahan.

An unidentified official within the NFL informed The Associated Press that new Redskins general manager Bruce Allen talked to Shanahan by phone Monday, and league sources told NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora to expect an organizational overhaul by Thursday but maybe sooner. Shanahan, who won two Super Bowls in 14 seasons as the Denver Broncos’ coach, would take over as coach/team president and quickly bring in assistant coaches and front-office personnel.

Zorn was dismissed shortly after the team returned to Redskins Park following Sunday’s season-ending 23-20 loss at San Diego.

Zorn went 12-20 over two seasons, but he lost 18 of his last 24 games after a 6-2 start in 2008. The Redskins struggled early despite a weak schedule this season and finished 4-12, their worst record since 1994.

It was the second consecutive season that the Redskins finished in last place in the NFC East under Zorn.

Allen said in a news conference Monday that “last place is not Redskin football.” He also refused to speculate on who the next coach would be, but he repeatedly said that a “passion for football” would be a primary requirement. He added that “head coach in the NFL is the most demanding executive position in sports.”

Zorn’s replacement will be Washington’s seventh coach since Dan Snyder bought the team in 1999.

“This has been an extremely difficult season for our organization and for the fans,” Snyder said in a statement released by the team. “Bruce Allen spent many hours examining the football operations, and we are both determined to do whatever it takes to build a championship team. That process begins today

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They’ve eagerly pursued Mike Shanahan for the position. And after two initial interviews, it appears that Shanahan is the successor in waiting for the presumed vacancy. What might the most egregious maneuver in all of this has been the apparent move by the Redskins to interview one of their low tiered assistant coaches,Jerry Gray, assistant defensive coordinator, who happens to be an African American. Now if this is being done merely to adhere to the Rooney policy, instead of it being a valid interview for a viable candidate for the position. But it appears that this is nothing more than a ploy on the part of the Redskins. It remains to be seen whether or not the NFL hierarchy under Roger Goodell as the league’s commissioner will have anything at all to say about the situation. It will be very interesting to see whether or not they will watch with a great deal of close scrutiny as to whether or not the Washington Redskins will follow the league mandated policy. On the face of it, it looks as if the Redskins are following the policy. But if anything they are actually circumventing the policy by merely creating the appearance that the interviewee is a candidate for the position. And that if anything smacks of the insidious behavior expected of a franchise wherein the norm of segregation was said to be still in being from a coaching standpoint, albeit that the roster of the franchise is very much a diverse one in nature.

Jerry Gray, secondary's and assistant defensive coordinat of the Washington Redskins. Gray has been the lone minority candiate interviewed for the now vacant head coach's position. Former Broncos' head coach has twice been interviewed for the position , prior to the dismissal of Jim Zorn as head coach of the team. picture appears courtesy of TWP/ John McDonnell .....

Segregation in sports at the player personnel level is a thing of the past within the NFL. But from a coaching standpoint it looks likes it’s either at a standstill or about to indeed take a turn for the worse. But this situation just isn’t happening at the NFL level but also at the collegiate level. Of the 120 collegiate football positions at the Division 1 A level, there are less than a dozen coaches that are of African American origin or of any other minority for that matter. But at the collegiate level where the NCAA governs college athletics. There’s nothing that mandates the hiring policy when it comes to the hiring of a football coach. It’s not really so much of a dilemma that can’t be resolved. But for the NCAA it’s not something that is of an urgent priority for the organization or the various conferences. They’re not openly willing to discuss the situation and it appears neither are the NCAA. The Black Coaches Administrators (BCA) are the only ones who are pressing the colleges, the NCAA and NFL , on the issue of their hiring practices, as it concerns minorities at the college coaching level and amongst the professional ranks. And what success if any is almost mute on the part of the NCAA and how they view the situation.

Denver , October '06. Head coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos looks to call a play against the Baltimore Ravens during a cold rainy first quarter on October 9, 2006 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Brian Bahr .......

The aspirants for these positions more often than not, are qualified for those positions but even if they are not. How are they are going to know what qualities will be needed by them in order to make them better suited candidates ? Especially in the case where they’re being denied the opportunity to even interview for a vacant position. At the collegiate level there is no ‘Rooney Rule’ in place for the candidates seeking a vacant coach’s position. But this is something where questions are needed to be asked and answered concerning this very issue. As to whether or not we’ll never know what will be forthcoming in the terms of an answer remains to be seen. But somehow these question have to be posed and answered unequivocally. If only to allude to the fact that there is clear transparency when it comes to the hiring of minority coaches at the collegiate as well as at the NFL level of football.

The Rooney Rule was put in place for a reason but it appears that now the NFL may well be calling time on this particular mandate.. As to the NCAA, well they’ll just continue to march to the beat of their very own drum completely oblivious of the realities of the real world and how it exists ! With its immense power in terms of its governing of the collegiate athletics’ landscape, it goes unchallenged by the major conferences as well as the Federal Government. And the Federal Government at times, would rather chide the NCCA , rather than demand that the NCAA do what is right and morally acceptable.

Just Like Rodney Dangerfield Over The Course of His Career The Indianapolis Colts Still Can’t Get No Love Or Respect …………

Just Like Rodney Dangerfield Over The Course of His Career The Indianapolis Colts Still Can’t Get No Love Or Respect …………

Did I miss something here ? A 14-0 team in the Indianapolis Colts, isn’t viewed as the best team in the AFC ? But the pundits view the San Diego Chargers at 11-3, are viewed as the better team ? But now that’s the pundits, as we all know they’re always enamored with style over substance. Pardon me for saying this but shouldn’t one’s body of work over the course of the season matter ? Granted, should these two teams meet in the AFC championship game, then the Chargers might just have the slight edge in the match-up.

The late great Rodney Dangerfield, seen here giving a performance on ‘The Tonight Show’ hosted by Johnny Carson. The performance was from the show on 3rd February 1981.

The Chargers are riding high at present with the team sitting atop of the AFC West and there’s nothing else for them at all to fear within their own division and over the remainder of their schedule. This Norv Turner team has hit their stride and they’re playing with a great deal of confidence. Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles and Shawne Merriman are all playing with a great deal of zeal. And the defense of the Chargers has literally come into their own. And the offense is as potent as ever, both on the ground and through the air. It may well be, that finally the players are buying into and believing what it is that their coach is selling them. Mind you, at the start of the season , I’m sure that their the fans may well have felt somewhat differently. But that’s how fickle the fans can be, when it comes to the inconsistent play of their team.

San Diego Chargers NFL football coach Norv Turner gestures while talking about calling a timeout during a news conference Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 in San Diego. The San Diego Chargers clinched a playoff spot while still playing the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, then secured the AFC West title with a 27-24 victory. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Lenny Ignelzi.....

For the Colts, only the second time in their career have they reached the pinnacle of being 14-0. And now having surpassed the feat of the New England Patriots in having won 21 consecutive regular season games. They now seek to add ‘perfection’ and the raising of the Lombardi trophy, as the culmination to their prolific season under their quarterback, Peyton Manning. But what might be even more surprising is that this being done with first year coach, Jim Caldwell. The footsteps that Caldwell stepped into, are those of Tony Dungy, the former beloved coach of the team and well respected throughout the NFL. Now the Colts’ fans and fans around the NFL wait to see if the team’s march towards perfection will be a historic one, or will they end up falling short at that last obstacle placed in their way. These are things that await the fans of the Colts and the fans of the NFL in general.

Jacksonville , Fl - December 17th 2009. Maurice Jones-Drew (#32) of the Jacksonville Jaguars is stopped by the Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Sam Greenwood .........

Courtesy of Associated Press and Yahoo Sports

Colts dilemma : Go 16-0 ?

By Barry Wilner , AP Football Writer

As the NFL’s lone unbeaten team, the Indianapolis Colts will have even more of a spotlight on how they approach their final two games of the regular season. They recognize that, but their mantra won’t change: winning the Super Bowl is the goal.

The Colts returned to practice Monday after a long weekend of rest and relaxation. Their 35-31 victory over Jacksonville on Thursday night earned them that reward, and when New Orleans lost to Dallas on Saturday night, the Colts became the NFL’s only spotless team.

How much does that mean to them?

“Obviously, it’s an honor for our team to have an opportunity to stand alone at this point,” coach Jim Caldwell said Monday, “but the fact of the matter is that it is a real task to maintain this position, as well. I think our guys are certainly up to that challenge.”

And they want to meet that challenge.

“Obviously, we’ve been here before. It helps in dealing with the media and helps us in how we should feel,” linebacker Gary Brackett(notes) said. “Everything is measured by the end of the season. But we welcome (the spotlight). We’re not under the radar anymore.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good team. What we’ve done is nothing to take lightly. We’re definitely proud of where we’re at right now. And it’s a good problem to have, deciding whether you’re going to play or whether you’re going to sit.”

So, will they get the chance to prove it? Or will the Colts back off in their final two games, against the Jets at home on Sunday, and then at Buffalo?

Judging by how they performed at Jacksonville, and how Peyton Manning(notes) and Reggie Wayne(notes) have been vocal about wanting to be on the field, it would seem matching the Patriots’ 16-0 mark of 2007 is a priority. Just not the main priority.

“Right now I could not tell you exactly what it’s going to be, whether or not a guy plays one series or the entire game,” Caldwell said. “The other thing is the health also includes, obviously, looking at them from a standpoint at what they’re going to be able to do in the future as well. That’s also included.”

Only two other franchises have reached 14-0 in the regular season: the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who went on to 17-0 and won the Super Bowl, and the ’07 Patriots, who were 16-0, won two playoff games, then fell in the Super Bowl to the Giants.

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Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 17, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Sam Greenwood .........

In 2007,we witnessed the New England Patriots’ march to perfection in the NFL, during the regular season, only for the team to fail in their bid to win the Superbowl. Unfortunately the team would fail in their quest for perfection and equal the feat of the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
The Patriots were upended by the New York Giants in a memorable game that was highlighted by David Tyree’s phenomenal catch and then we saw the Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress reception that would eventually win the Superbowl for the Giants.

Joseph Addai (#29) of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 17, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Colts would go on to defeat the Jaguars 35-31 to keep their unbeaten record in tact. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Sam Greenwood .......

Well, much like the famed comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, the Indianapolis Colts can’t seem to get the respect they so richly deserve. And that’s even with the team having won a Superbowl with Manning and Dungy in tow. Will a second win, give validation and respectability to this team ? Or will they be continually disrespected by others, who simply value style over substance ? They were comedians during Dangerfield’s era who many felt were far funnier but none could elicit a laugh the way that Rodney Dangerfield could from an audience. And in many ways this is the same problem that the Indianapolis Colts now face with the purists at heart. What many of them seem to forget, is that apart from Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Joseph Addai and Dwight Freeney. This is a roster that has been revamped with a plethora of young players. And perhaps this may well be the reason why many aren’t so enamored with the Colts and so vapidly in awe of the San Diego Chargers.

Head coach Jim Caldwell of the Indianapolis Colts coaches against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 17, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Sam Greenwood ..........

It is quite possible that these two titans could very well meet in the AFC championship game. And that’s where it’ll be for all the marbles for what’s at stake. The winner of that matchup may well be viewed as the presumptive favorites to raise the Lombardi trophy. But that’d be predicated upon these two teams being able to steer their way through the obstacles that will be placed in their path throughout the postseason. So as of now, just watch the displays of the Colts and their quest towards perfection. One way or another, the journey could be just as exhilarating a joy ride as you could ever wish for. Along the way there might a smile placed on your face as you watch this great team’s chase at glory and history.

NB: Click here to view the Indianapolis Colts’ 2009-10 NFL roster.

Coach: Jim Caldwell
Jim Caldwell became the Colts coach following the retirement of Tony Dungy on January 12, 2009. Caldwell has served with Indianapolis since 2002. He spent the first three seasons as quarterbacks coach before earning the expanded title of assistant head coach prior to the 2005 season.

Caldwell’s leadership has helped the Colts continue to have one of the league’s most prolific offenses. In 2007, Indianapolis ranked fifth in NFL offense, the club’s fifth straight top five league finish. The club amassed 450 points to rank third in points per game, the fifth straight year the club was among the league’s top three scoring units. The Colts set an NFL record with a fifth consecutive season with at least 12 victories. The club’s victory totals of 50 from 2003-06 and 75 from 2003-08 rank among the best in NFL history over any four- and five-year spans. The club earned an NFL-best ninth playoff appearance in the last ten seasons, and Indianapolis extended its franchise record with a fifth consecutive AFC South championship. Additionally, Indianapolis became the first team in 76 years (Green Bay 1929-31) to open three consecutive seasons with 7-0 starts. cont’d…………

Assistant Coaches :

Clyde Christensen

Offensive coordinator; born January 28, 1956, Covina, Calif. Quarterback Fresno (Calif.) J.C. 1975, North Carolina 1976-78. No pro playing experience. College coach: Mississippi 1979, East Tennessee State 1980-82, Temple 1983-85, East Carolina 1986-88, Holy Cross 1989-1990, South Carolina 1991, Maryland 1992-93, Clemson 1994-95. Pro coach: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1996-2001, joined Colts in 2002.

Larry Coyer

Defensive coordinator; born April 19, 1943, Huntington, W. Va. Linebacker Marshall 1962-64. No pro playing experience. College coach: Marshall 1965-67, Iowa 1974-77, Oklahoma State 1978, Iowa State 1979-1983, 1995-96, UCLA 1987-89, Houston 1990, Ohio State 1991-92, East Carolina 1993, Pittsburgh 1997-99. Pro coach: Michigan Panthers (USFL) 1984-85, New York Jets 1994, Denver Broncos 2000-06, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2007-08, joined Colts in 2009.

Richard Howell

Asst. Strength And Conditioning; born February 19, 1972, Bladenboro, N.C. Quarterback Davidson 1990-93. No pro playing experience. College coach: Davidson 1994-98, North Carolina 1998-99. Pro coach: Barcelona Dragons (NFLE) 1999, joined Colts in 2000.

Gene Huey

Running Backs; born July 20, 1947, Uniontown, Pa. Defensive backwide receiver Wyoming 1965-68. Pro running back San Diego Chargers 1969. College coach: Wyoming 1970-73, New Mexico 1974-76, Nebraska 1977-1986, Arizona State 1987, Ohio State 1988-1991. Pro coach: Joined Colts in 1992.

Pete Metzelaars

Offensive quality control/Asst. offensive line; born May 24, 1960, Three Rivers, Mich. Tight end Wabash College 1978-1981. Pro tight end Seattle Seahawks 1982-84, Buffalo Bills 1985-1994, Carolina Panthers 1995, Detroit Lions 1996-97. College coach: Wingate 2003. Pro coach: Barcelona Dragons (NFLE) 2003, joined Colts in 2004.

Tom Moore

Sr. Offensive Coordinator; born November 7, 1938, Owatanna, Minn. Quarterback Iowa 1957-1960. No pro playing experience. College coach: Iowa 1961-62, Dayton 1965-68, Wake Forest 1969, Georgia Tech 1970-71, Minnesota 1972-73, 1975-76. Pro coach: New York Stars (WFL) 1974, Pittsburgh Steelers 1977-1989, Minnesota Vikings 1990-93, Detroit Lions 1994-96, New Orleans Saints 1997, joined Colts in 1998.

Howard Mudd

Sr. Offensive Line; born February 10, 1942, Midland, Mich. Guard Hillsdale (Mich.) College 1960-63. Pro offensive lineman San Francisco 49ers 1964-69, Chicago Bears 1969-1971. College coach: California 1972-73. Pro coach: San Diego Chargers 1974-76, San Francisco 49ers 1977, Seattle Seahawks 1978-1982, 1993-97, Cleveland Browns 1983-88, Kansas City Chiefs 1989-1992, joined Colts in 1998.

Mike Murphy

Linebackers; born September 25, 1944, New York, N.Y. Guard-linebacker Huron (S.D.) 1963-66. No pro playing experience. College coach: Vermont 1970-73, Idaho State 1974-76, Western Illinois 1977-78. Pro coach: Saskatchewan Rough Riders (CFL) 1979-1983, Chicago Blitz (USFL) 1984, Detroit Lions 1985-89, Arizona Cardinals 1990-93, Seattle Seahawks 1995-97, joined Colts in 1998.

Rod Perry

Special assistant to the defense; born September 11, 1953, Fresno, Calif. Defensive back Colorado 1972-74. Pro cornerback Los Angeles Rams 1975-82, Cleveland Browns 1983-84. College coach: Columbia 1985, Fresno City College 1986, Fresno State 1987-88. Pro coach: Seattle Seahawks 1989-1991, Los Angeles Rams 1992-94, Houston Oilers 1995-96, San Diego Chargers 1997-2001, Carolina Panthers 2002-06, joined Colts in 2007.

Frank Reich

Quarterbacks; born December 4, 1961, Freeport, N.Y. Quarterback Maryland 1981-84. Pro quarterback Buffalo Bills 1985-1994, Carolina Panthers 1995, New York Jets 1996, Detroit Lions 1997-98. Pro coach: Joined Colts in 2008.

Ray Rychleski

Special Teams; born September 27, 1957, Old Forge, Pa. Attended Millersville (Pa.) State College. No college or pro playing experience. College coach: Temple 1981-88, Northeastern 1989-1990, Penn State 1991, East Stroudsburg 1992, Wake Forest 1993- 2000, Maryland 2001-07, South Carolina 2008. Pro coach: Joined Colts in 2009.

Bill Teerlinck

Defensive assistant; born July 23, 1978, Champaign, Ill. Defensive end Chadron State 2000-02. No pro playing experience. College coach: Indiana 2003-04, Illinois State 2005-06. Pro coach: Joined Colts in 2007.

John Teerlinck

Defensive Line; born April 9, 1951, Rochester, N.Y. Defensive lineman Western Illinois 1970-73. Pro defensive tackle San Diego Chargers 1974-77. College coach: Iowa Lakes J.C. 1977, Eastern Illinois 1978-79, Illinois 1980-82. Pro coach: Chicago Blitz (USFL) 1983-84, Arizona Wranglers/Outlaws (USFL) 1985-86, Cleveland Browns 1989-1990, Los Angeles Rams 1991, Minnesota Vikings 1992-94, Detroit Lions 1995-96, Denver Broncos 1997-2001, joined Colts in 2002.

Ricky Thomas

Tight Ends; born March 29, 1965, London, England. Safety Alabama 1983-86. College coach: Kentucky 1996, Gardner-Webb 1997. Pro coach: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1997-2001, joined Colts in 2002.

Jon Torine

Strength And Conditioning; born November 16, 1973, Livingston, N.J. Linebacker Springfield (Mass.) College 1991. No pro playing experience. Pro coach: Buffalo Bills 1995-97, joined Colts in 1998.

Alan Williams

Defensive Backs; born November 4, 1969, Norfolk, Va. Running back William & Mary 1988-1991. No pro playing experience. College coach: William & Mary 1996-2000. Pro coach: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2001, joined Colts in 2002.

Colts’ Front Office: Jim Irsay , Owner & CEO

Bill Polian , President & General Manager

Carlie Irsay-Gordon , Vice President

Casey Irsay-Foyt, Vice President

Peter Ward, Senior Executive President

Tom Zupancic, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing

There Are Games , Then There Are Games And Then There Are Real Games …………….

This weekend’s NFL match-up between the Indianapolis Colts (11-0) and their AFC South divisional rivals , Tennessee Titans (5-6), is in essence, a game filled with a great deal of intrigue. And the scene is being set whereby, we may well be on the cusp seeing history made by coach, Jim Caldwell’s Colts. Should they defeat the Titans , then they would join the 2007 New England Patriots in tying the NFL record for the most consecutive regular season wins. That mark presently stand at 21 straight victories.

Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts looks to avoid the Houston Texans’ Connor Barwin in an NFL game played between the two teams at Reliant Stadium , Houston , Texas,. The Colts would go on to defeat their AFC South divisional rivals 35-27 in a highly entertaining game. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Bob Levey ……

For the Titans and their long tenured coach,Jeff Fisher, the season has undergone something of an inspirational transformation for the franchise and its fans.Having benched the incumbent starter at quarterback,Kerry Collins, at the behest of team owner, ‘Bud’ Adams. Fisher installed fifth year pro and former Longhorn,Vince Young. And what has transpired , is the resurgence of not only the Tennessee Titans as a team but also the self assuredness and leadership skills showed by Vince Young as a determined quarterback. It was long thought that Young was essentially on the scrap heap and no longer wanted by the organization.

And while no doubt the other games around the NFL that are being staged have their own scenarios and implications. None might better encapsulate what the NFL season is about, than this match-up. A great deal is at stake for both teams. Having captured the divisional crown the Colts are looking to add that extra layer of success that seems to have epitomized the franchise over the last decade. But became even more resplendent under the tenure of Caldwell’s predecessor , Tony Dungy. The latter of whom, became the first African American coach to lead his him to a Superbowl victory. This was done when the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in SB XLI, 29-17 in the resulting victory for the AFC team. On the opposing side leading the Chicago Bears as their coach, was Lovie Smith. He also happens to be an African American. In many ways it was a historical moment for not only both coaches at the time but also for the NFL and sports in general.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie (17) can't pull in a pass as Houston Texans cornerback Glover Quin (29) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in Houston. Quin was called for pass interference. picture appears courtesy of AP/Photo/Waco Tribune Herald/ Jose Yau ..........

As I alluded to earlier, this game and its stage, Lucas Oil Stadium,in Indianapolis, will bring with it a groundswell of support by not only the Colts’ fans but also for the Titans’ fans, who’ll be traveling there in support of their team. And in front of a packed,sold out crowd and with millions watching via national broadcast, as well as with the NFL’s own, NFL Network. The game promises to be one filled with hopefully, a great many highlights.

These two well coached teams will be looking to keep the momentum going with regard to their respective seasons. The Indianapolis Colts, no doubt are fully aware as what now awaits them in terms of a legacy. A regular unbeaten season schedule,while nice on appearance ,counts for nothing , if at at the end of the day ‘the brass ring’ of not winning the Superbowl isn’t attached to it all. In joining the New England Patriots and the ’72 Miami Dolphins, who achieved the feat. The Colts would be one of only three teams to have done this within the NFL, in the modern era. Albeit, that the Dolphins have been the only team to go and win the Superbowl. Whereas, the New England Patriots failed at the last hurdle in their quest , in losing to the New York Giants, in SBXLII, 17-14, in 2008. The Colts and their fans, can only hope that fate will be kind to them in their quest.

Courtesy of Associated Press and Yahoo Sports

Colts, Titans focus on rematch rather than records

By Michael Marot, AP Sports Writer

Indianapolis (AP)—Jeff Fisher looks at the Colts and sees all the old angles.

Peyton Manning(notes) runs things with meticulous precision and is among the MVP favorites. Indy is undefeated, in charge of the AFC South and chasing the AFC’s top seed. The Titans need a win to keep their playoff hopes going.

Sound familiar? This is how things looked eight weeks ago when Tennessee and Indy last met in Nashville, except that now the Colts are on the brink of tying the NFL record for most consecutive regular-season victories (21).

“The only difference is they’ve won six more games since we played them last time,” Fisher said. “They still had a consecutive regular-season win streak going and they pushed it further. They are a very, very good football team.”

The numbers demonstrate how good the Colts have been.

A victory Sunday would allow Indy (11-0) to equal New England’s record streak, set from 2006-08, a stretch that included two Patriots postseason losses, including one to the Colts. It would also allow Indy to extend its own record of consecutive 12-win seasons to seven, extend Jim Caldwell’s record for consecutive wins to start a coaching career to 12, and move the Colts a step closer to their next goal, earning a first-round playoff bye.

But there’s one fact that shows the Colts could be susceptible to an old rival that has given them problems in the past: Indy’s last five wins have all come with fourth-quarter comebacks.

“That’s something we’d like to do a better job of, scoring early,” Manning said. “You always want to try and get the lead and keep the lead, and that’s something we need to improve upon. This would be a good week to do it.”

Nobody, not even Fisher, can quibble with the results.

Indianapolis’ good fortune seems to have rubbed off on the Titans coach. After donning Manning’s No. 18 jersey at an October fundraiser, Fisher said he did it to “feel like a winner.” Tennessee (5-6) hasn’t lost since, becoming the first NFL team to follow a six-game skid with a five-game winning streak. Another win Sunday, in Indy, would make Tennessee the fifth team since 1970 to post a six-game winning streak and a six-game losing streak in the same season.

Clearly, these are two of the hottest teams—and quarterbacks—in the league.
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The NFC’s New Orleans Saints (11-0) with a similar record as the Indianapolis Colts, will also look to achieve a similar fate. Though it has to be said, with two unbeaten teams still vying for that record. It can only add to the suspense of it all, as the regular season schedule slowly winds down.

Nashville, Tn,. November 29th 2009. Kenny Britt (18) of the Tennessee Titans celebrates with head coach Jeff Fisher after catching the game-winning touchdown to give the Titans a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals during their game at LP Field on November 29, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Streeter Lecka ......

For Jeff Fisher and this Titans’ team and what they’ve now achieved thus far in the season. Simply put, it has been nothing short of amazing in what they’ve been able to accomplish. Left for dead, it was felt that not only was ‘Fisher done in the city of Tennessee’ but also too, Vince Young. Both of these two individuals have fought back and stared adversity in such a way. That one can only but admire what they’ve now both been able to achieve. And this shouldn’t at all be down to play of Vince Young alone. But this has been a collective effort by the whole organization and in particular Jeff Fisher’s coaching staff. And though it is the players who enact the instructions given as to the schemes and strategic play on the field. Without the contributions of the coaches, one would seriously doubt that the Tennessee Titans would be where they are now, at this juncture. And this hasn’t at all been lost on the Titans’ fans. Now their fervor for the team is now at an all-time high and their support of Vince Young has hit stratospheric heights.

I’ve no doubt in my mind that this will be one of the better games served up for the fans this NFL weekend. And though there are some other very good games on the schedule. None might meet the passion that will be exhibited by both teams when they hit the field at Lucas Oil Stadium , on Sunday afternoon. The Colts’ highly
explosive offense and disciplined defense, will match wits with the Titans’ tenacious defense. And it’d be remiss to overlook Titans’ running back,Chris Johnson, who has been on ‘something of a tear’ throughout the regular season. He’s on pace to attain 2,000 all purpose yards. And that is quite an accomplishment for this outstanding young player.

Is it me, or has Schlereth’s ‘undeniable man lust’ for Favre all of a sudden gone askew ? I mean the guy probably gets more of an erection by merely uttering his name , rather than seeing his wife naked.

And as exemplary as the Tennessee Titans’ defense has been. This match-up will test their wit and resolve when they face Peyton Manning and the array of offensive weaponry at his disposal. Manning, himself, has been having an ‘MVP caliber’ type of season. And his stats have been off the charts. Though it has to be said, that it appears to be more than just a ‘two horse race’ for the regular season award. I’m sure that the fans of Brees and the ageless wonder’, Brett Favre will have something to say about it all. And no doubt ESPN’s Mark Schlereth and his minions are at this moment in time, praying to the footballing gods and are prepared to sacrifice a fatted calf in homage to the gods, in order to make sure that Favre wins his fourth MVP award.

Vince Young (10) of the Tennessee Titans calls a play against the Arizona Cardinals during their game at LP Field on November 29, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Streeter Lecka ..............

As a fervent NFL fan, I’m really looking forward to the scheduled games within the NFL. One or two of them will no doubt be surprising in terms of their results. While others will just simply follow the script.

The scenario for the Colts’ Titans’ match-up isn’t as clear cut as some might think. But one thing for sure , is that as an NFL fan we won’t be at all be disappointed in terms of the play on the field. At this juncture I see this game as a pick ’em ! It’s too close to call in terms of an outright result. What do you think ?

NFL Week 13 Schedule, Dec 3rd-7th

Thu, Dec 03 Time (ET) Top Passer Top Rusher Top Receiver
NYJ @ BUF Final 19-13 NYJ Mark Sanchez: 104 Yds NYJ Thomas Jones: 109 Yds NYJ Jerricho Cotchery: 68 Yds

Sun, Dec 06 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
PHI @ ATL Georgia Dome 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 708 129 (PHI) 126 (ATL)
TB @ CAR Bank of America Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 709 158 (TB) 130 (CAR)
STL @ CHI Soldier Field 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 710 151 (STL) 127 (CHI)
DET @ CIN Paul Brown Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 711 155 (DET) 91 (CIN)
NE @ MIA Land Shark Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 126 (NE) 127 (MIA)
TEN @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 704 123 (IND)
HOU @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 705 125 (HOU) 153 (JAC)
DEN @ KC Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 706 121 (DEN) 154 (KC)
OAK @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 707 157 (OAK) 122 (PIT)
NO @ WAS FedEx Field 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 712 123 (NO) 152 (WAS)
SD @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium 4:05 PM Tickets CBS 713 121 (SD) 91 (CLE)
DAL @ NYG Giants Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets FOX 715 123 (DAL) 125 (NYG)
SF @ SEA Qwest Field 4:15 PM Tickets FOX 716 126 (SF) 130 (SEA)
MIN @ ARI University of Phoenix Stadium 8:20 PM Tickets NBC 714 122 (MIN) 127 (ARI) Radio
Mon, Dec 07 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
BAL @ GB Lambeau Field 8:30 PM Tickets ESPN 206 126 (BAL) 125 (GB) Radio

It’s Not About The Way You Start But How You Finish ……….

Well, we’re almost three quarters of the way through the NFL season and it’s pretty much safe to say that even the most ardent NFL fans have something to be pleased about. While others mightn’t be feeling all that happy about their team or teams as the case maybe. Suffice to say, that if you’re team isn’t in the midst of things with of aspirations of making a playoff push. Then you might as well call it a day.

The delectable Taryn Manning who in Craig Brewer's critically and commercially acclaimed film 'Hustle & Flow' played the hooker with a 'heart of gold' . She co-starred alongside Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges and Anthony Anderson . For which Howard received an Oscar nomination nod and went on to 'leading man status' after the role. Given the Giants' fortunes of as of late , this'd be the Manning that I'd prefer to see instead of their quarterback , Eli Manning. picture appears courtesy of FHM / Chris Howard ............

Suffice to say that while sitting with my notebook computer in my lap, watching ESPN’s Monday night broadcast of the game between the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints. I’ve come to a new found admiration for the undoubted talents of Saints’ quarterback, Drew Brees. To my mind, with his play as of late and as a matter of fact over the last three or four years. He has in essence, become one of the ‘elite quarterbacks’ in the league. And that is of course with due respect to Manning Brady and Favre. He ranks up there alongside that noted triumvirate. And just in case you’re wondering which of the Mannings, I’m talking about , it’s not Eli or that rather ‘fine actress’, Taryn Manning but Peyton Manning. Eli is just proving once again what I’ve always thought about him. He can’t string together, back to back, to back, a set of consistent performances in this league. In many ways it’s liking watching an Alcoholics Anonymous participant repeatedly fall off the wagon. $100 million certainly doesn’t buy much in the league nowadays, does it ? Albert Haynesworth, you need to call your accountant as Daniel Snyder is about to come a calling, asking for his money back, in order for him to actually reinvest that money into something that’d resemble a team ! Because at the moment, what you’ve actually brought to Washington Redskins bears nothing that of a player, who was said to be ‘one of the most feared defensive players’ in the entire NFL. There’s more ferocity shown by a bunch of pre-op male trans-sexuals, than you’ve shown on an NFL field this season !

New Orleans-November 30th ,2009. David Thomas (85) of the New Orleans Saints runs for yards after the catch the New England Patriots at Louisana Superdome on November 30, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 38-17. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Scott Halleran ........

Monday night’s game itself, proved if anything that the Saints , Indianapolis Colts and the Minnesota Vikings are ‘the cream of the crop’ and ‘the class of the NFL’ this season. With both the Colts and Saints being (11-0) and the Vikings at (10-1). One can start to feel why their fans are chomping at the bit to see their teams in the post-season. If nothing else they’re looking to make it their rallying call to bare arms and support their team.

Randy Moss (81) of the New England Patriots is tackled after he made a reception in the second half by Darren Sharper (42) of the New Orleans Saints at Louisana Superdome on November 30, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Scott Halleran .........

Inasmuch, as I continue to support the Patriots and bearing mind, I felt that if Tom Brady could in some way hold his own against Drew Brees. I felt that the team was in with a very good shot to derail the Saints’ effort in going unbeaten on the night. Boy was I wrong in a very big way ! The Saints harassed and hurried Brady into making several mistakes and errant plays that you wouldn’t normally associate with the normally cool, calm and collected quarterback. And it certainly didn’t that the team’s pass defense was about as noticeable as the ‘Invisible Man’. Brees was allowed to shred the team with all too accurate passing , on an offense that on their might just be the very best in the NFL. So good were they on the night, that the end result of the Saints’ 38-17 victory could’ve been of a wider margin, by far. To say I wasn’t disappointed at the end result , would be an understatement. The Patriots may well have went down fighting . But by no means was it a gallant effort by Bill Belichick’s team. Belichick and his coaching staff have a great deal of work to do , if this team is indeed to make the playoffs. And no, I’m not of the opinion that Charlie Weis should be brought by back to the team , to reassume the defensive coordinator’s responsibilities.It has been bad enough with Weis, having literally singled handedly destroyed whatever remnants there was left of Notre Dame football, as we know it. And what’d make anyone think tha Belichick would want him back to begin with ? His (Belichick’s) demeanor at times has been less than complimentary towards many of his former coaches that have left his employ. And with Weis it’d be no different !

The once remarkable Jim Mora Sr and his singularly most famous sound byte ever. ‘Playoffs’ ? ‘ What playoffs’ ? Need one say anymore ?

With the meat of the season now out of the way. Teams are now jockeying for positions in terms of a playoff berth. It looks pretty safe to say that the divisional leaders have their fates in their own hands. However those seeking a wildcard berth , most definitely still have something to play for. And who’d have thought that the now improbable , Vince Young led, Tennessee Titans (5-6) could still be in with a shot of making the playoffs ? Where’s Jim Mora Sr., when you need him ?

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) passes from his own end zone as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) rushes him in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn. Young led the Titans on a 99-yard drive to score the winning touchdown in the Titans' 20-17 win. picture appears courtesy of AP/photo/ Mark Goodwin ...........

Now I’m not about to waste my time denigrating teams that’ve played some less than inspiring football this season and who are languishing in the depths of ineptitude. As those teams and their fans know who they are and how god-damn awful they’ve now become. Suffice to say, that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-10), Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, St Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns really do need to show some pride ,not wallow in self pity and most of all not have their coaches come and give the public and the fans some asinine excuse as to the inherent problems of their respective teams. At the end of the day it doesn’t amount to a ‘hill of beans’ and it makes them on appearance look like a complete buffoon and a clown to top it all of !

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris yells instructions to his team during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. picture appears courtesy of AP/Photo/ Dave Martin .......................

A word of advice for the inexperienced Bucs’ coach, Raheem Morris. All the sound bytes and excuses in the world can’t hide the fact that this is ‘your team’ . It’s the one that you and general manager, Mark Dominik, hitched your wagons to. So get over it , shut the f_ck up and do your god-damn job ! You’re now sounding like a damn child with each additional interview that you give to the media. And for god’s sake be man enough and stand up and be held accountable for the choices you made. You and those blithering idiots from the Pewter Report,instead of clogging up the local radio airwaves in the local Tampa market with your inane drivel, in trying make lemonade out of rat’s urine. At least have the temerity to admit that ‘the team’, just isn’t that good, at all . It does a complete disservice to the public and the NFL fans in general. They’re not all children and by the way ‘fairy tales’ went out a long time ago. Unless you hadn’t noticed ? So stop hitching your wagons to one !

Atlanta-November 29th, 2009. Roddy White (84) of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates his game-winning touchdown in the final seconds against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Eric Weems (14) and quarterback, Chris Redman (8 )at the Georgia Dome in in Atlanta, Georgia. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Kevin C. Cox .......

So as of now,for the teams of the NFL, it’s not actually how you start but how you indeed finish that’ll dictate and create the mindset of how determined you’re going to be. A reminder to you all, and that includes the fans of the NFL , as well.

NB: NFL Week 13 Schedule- Dec 3rd to the 7th …… Click the link provided to review in full.

Thu, Dec 03 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
NYJ @ BUF Rogers Centre 8:20 PM Tickets NFLN 212 126 (NYJ) 125 (BUF) Radio
Sun, Dec 06 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
STL @ CHI Soldier Field 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 710 151 (STL) 127 (CHI)
DEN @ KC Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 706 121 (DEN) 154 (KC)
TEN @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 704 123 (IND)
PHI @ ATL Georgia Dome 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 708 129 (PHI) 126 (ATL)
NE @ MIA Land Shark Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 126 (NE) 127 (MIA)
NO @ WAS FedEx Field 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 712 123 (NO) 152 (WAS)
OAK @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 707 157 (OAK) 122 (PIT)
TB @ CAR Bank of America Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 709 158 (TB) 130 (CAR)
HOU @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 705 125 (HOU) 153 (JAC)
DET @ CIN Paul Brown Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 711 155 (DET) 91 (CIN)
SD @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium 4:05 PM Tickets CBS 713 121 (SD) 91 (CLE)
DAL @ NYG Giants Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets FOX 715 123 (DAL) 125 (NYG)
SF @ SEA Qwest Field 4:15 PM Tickets FOX 716 126 (SF) 130 (SEA)
MIN @ ARI University of Phoenix Stadium 8:20 PM Tickets NBC 714 122 (MIN) 127 (ARI) Radio
Mon, Dec 07 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
BAL @ GB Lambeau Field 8:30 PM Tickets ESPN 206 126 (BAL) 125 (GB) Radio
Byes: None

Ooh’s and Ah’s , Picks and Pans of The NFL

Well it looks as if this weekend we’ll begin to see some of the top teams in the NFL , look to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Granted, the two remaining unbeaten teams, in Jim Caldwell‘s Indianapolis Colts (9-0) and Sean Payton‘s New Orleans Saints (9-0) seem to have already done that.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning talks with head coach Jim Caldwell during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Indianapolis won 35-34. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/A. J. Mast .........

And while I’m not about to take anything for granted, the Colts and Saints, do appear to be the cream of crop amongst the top tiered teams within the NFL, this season. And to my mind, Jim Caldwell and Sean Payton are the leading candidates for the NFL’s Coach of The Year award. Though some serious consideration has to be given to Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals and the exceptional job that he’s done. Now I know that there are some die-hard Brett Favre fans out there, who’d like to see the Minnesota Vikings mentioned in the upper echelons of the elite teams in the NFL. And there may well be many who’ll also feel that Brad Childress is a worthy nominee for the Coach of the Year, in the NFL. But I’ll say this to you all, take away the Brett Favre hype – and all that you’re left with, is a rather good team and an above average coach, if that. Prior to this season , one would hardly consider Brad Childress to be one of the top coaches in the NFL. His appearance alone, has you thinking that he resembles a high school principal, much less that of a highly respected NFL coach.

Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks on from the sideline against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on November 15, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Saints beat the Rams 28-23. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Dilip Vishwanat ..............

Week 11 in the NFL, kicked off with a Thursday night game between the Miami Dolphins (5-5) and the Carolina Panthers (4-6). And once again that ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ or as I’d prefer to call him ‘Bastard Out of Carolina’ presumed to let me down with his inconsistent play. In watching Jake Delhomme play the position of quarterback for the Panthers, is very much like watching a child ride a bike for the very first time. You know that they’ll stumble and take one or two falls but learn something from what they’d done wrong in the first place. In the case of Delhomme, however, he’ll dust himself off after falling but yet continue to repeat same mistakes as before, that cost him to make that apparent fall. His game has become so inconsistent, that it is difficult from one game to the next, to know what to expect from the player. And because of his errant play, it could well end up costing John Fox his job as coach of the Carolina Panthers.

Jake Delhomme (17) of the Carolina Panthers stands on the field with his head down against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium on November 19, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Streeter Lekca ...............

Well, Thursday night’s game, we saw the Dolphins eke out a 24-17 win over the Panthers to even their record to 5-5 and place themselves back into contention within the AFC East. And as I alluded to earlier, concerning Delhomme, he did not disappoint. His game was moribund and his stats bore this out (19/42 att’s, 227 yds, 1TD, 1INT). But it’d be remiss to think that Delhomme was solely to blame for this loss. In large part however, Delhomme as the team captain led the Panthers like a drunk driver trying to evade oncoming traffic while still trying to consume a drink from his bottle.

Ricky Williams (34) of the Miami Dolphins runs away from Richard Marshall (31) of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 19, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Streeter Lecka ...........

Crash and burn, the Carolina Panthers did just that. As they were unable to contain a hard and fast running Ricky Williams, who torched the Panthers for three touchdowns on the night, in front of the home crowd at Land Shark Stadium,in Miami.And for Miami Dolphins’ coach,Tony Sparano,this was a night to savor. As his team played with a great deal of resolve and commitment. The same for which, cannot be said of the Carolina Panthers. Simply put, the Carolina Panthers are playing themselves out of contention for a playoff berth in the postseason. And this isn’t certainly something that one would come to expect from a John Fox coached team.

I’ve got to admit that over the past few years I’ve tended to overlook the Houston Texans (5-4) as a team. I know that they’re the NFL’s youngest franchise. But if what they’re now doing is anything to go by , given the performances of players such as, Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and four year veteran tight end, Owen Daniels. Then this season, Gary Kubiak‘s team could be a surprise as an AFC playoff entrant in the postseason. It has taken the Texans some time to find some semblance of consistency and competitiveness.Given the days when they had the woefully inept David Carr as the team’s signal caller. Who can but fail to remember the number of times that Carr became the venerable staple of ESPN’s highlight reels of him being teed up on and sacked repeatedly by defensive linemen up and down the league ? Those days now appear to be long gone as the Texans now seek to place themselves amongst the game’s elite. And with an upcoming televised
Monday night game against Tennessee Titans.The nation will get the chance to see whether or not the Houston Texans are for real. The Texans’ potent offense and well disciplined defense will face something of a test against a rejuvenated Vince Young and the Jeff Fisher coached Titans’ team.

Indianapolis -November 8th Matt Schaub (8) of the Houston Texans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 8, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Andy Lyons .............

Could the Houston Texans possibly the NFL’s Cinderella Story this season ? Much as in the same way Ken Whisenhunt’s Arizona Cardinals were last year ? We’ll just have to wait and see,won’t we ?

It just hadn’t to happen another franchise in distress and in the midst of it all, happens to the NFL’s enfant-terrible’, Terrell Owens. However,TO wasn’t the spark that ignited the flames, leading to the dismissal of Dick Jauron, as the Buffalo Bills’ coach.

Bills’ owner, Ralph Wilson, put an end to the ‘Jauron experiment’, having witnessed the underachieving performances of the team this season. Could it have gotten any worse ? Well, consider this, if the Bills were an express locomotive heading for an oncoming collision with a passenger train. Would you want to be in the midst of the aftermath of the scenes of that particular incident ? Of course not ! The death, mayhem and destruction would be too unfathomable and unthinkable to imagine. And to top it all off,we’ve yet to hear a formal comment from TO,as to what has now transpired. But needless to say, somehow he’ll find a way to put a positive spin on it and other things that have transpired since his arrival there in Buffalo. Funny how far things have fallen for this once prolific player ? Do you think that his agent,Drew Rosenhausis already on the line pursuing a number of teams, whom he feels might show a prospective interest in his client ? Next question ?

Buffalo Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell talks with Bills' Terrell Owens (81) during NFL football practice in Orchard Park, N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. Fewell takes over after Dick Jauron was fired as head coach on Tuesday. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey .................

And of this weekend’s games that really peek my interest, those concerning AFC West divisional rivals, San Diego Chargers at the Denver Broncos, ought to spark more than enough interest amongst the NFL fans, in general. Both team are now 6-3, however, it appears to be that they’re heading opposite directions. Denver are losers of three straight, while the Chargers are riding high, having recently defeated the frustratingly inconsistent Philadelphia Eagles, 31-23, for their third consecutive win.

Broncos’ coach, Josh McDaniels has to get his team back on track, if their season isn’t to be deemed a failure. Having started out 6-0 and with the division at their mercy. They’ve fallen back to the pack,faster than a three legged horse racing in the Kentucky Derby. And if that wasn’t enough, starting quarterback, Kyle Orton seems to have lost his edge and confidence. And at the same time, that once dominant defense has begun to show some flaws. And that crack in their resilience mirrors what many may now feel, that they were doing it all with smoking mirrors.

Stop me, if you’ve heard this pronunciation before ? Jay Cutler is an elite quarterback in the NFL ? Time and time again , I’ve heard several NFL analysts make this now redundant and asinine remark. I know that they’re paid to proffer up their opinions. But let’s get real here, nothing that Cutler has done so far in his career bears this out. Making the Pro Bowl doesn’t designate you, as being amongst the elite at the position. Can you hear me Mark Schlereth ? Your opinions are about as valuable as Sarah Palin‘s views on the US economy,decisions made in the US Supreme Court and that of, US foreign policy. Sorry Sarah, but I’m sure the questions being asked of you by Katie Couric were far too hard for even a middle student to answer ? But somehow you seemed to be flummoxed by it all ? LOL,LOL,LOL !!! Just go out there and hawk your book and clamor for that additional 15 minutes of fame that you additionally seek.

Jay Cutler (6) of the Chicago Bears walks off the field dejected after their 10-6 loss against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 12, 2009 in San Francisco, California. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jed Jacobsohn ...............

With the acquisition of Jay Cutler, it was deemed that this would be the additional piece to the puzzle, that would put the Chicago Bears over the top and make them a potential threat in the NFC. Word of advice for Bears’ coach, Lovie Smith. Remove index finger from rectum and sniff. Culter ain’t cuttin it ! And he’s beginning to stink up the joint, much like the odor that you’re smelling and that’s emanating from your index finger.

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith watches as the Bears play the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Marcio Jose Sanchez ....................

The Chicago Bears are now said to be sinking faster than The Titanic after it hit an iceberg in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean. And though the finger pointing hasn’t yet begun. The quakes that are now emanating from within the Bears’ organization, point to the fact that Lovie Smith may be in need of polishing up his resume’, just in case he needs to be seeking out a new place employment.

Let’s hear it for the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns. A round of applause please ? You should be grateful that this presumed barnburner isn’t being served up for your edification on the NFL’s traditional Thanksgiving Day schedule. So there is a God afterall ? And whatever form he or she takes , I thank them !

For those of you with the stomach to watch this game. You’ll have the undoubted privilege of watching perhaps two of the worst teams in the NFL at present. OK stop it ! I can hear the sniping already, as they’re many of you questioning the fact that I’ve not mentioned the St Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But should I really now start to hedge my bets ? I mean, we can all opine as to which team we deem to be the absolute worst of the worst, can’t we ?

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gets roughed up by Minnesota Vikings' Jared Allen (69) and Brian Robison (96) after throwing an incomplete pass in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in Minneapolis. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Star Tribune/ Jeff Wheeler ....................

Browns versus Lions, isn’t that reminiscent of one those long ass historical epics that Hollywood use to be famous for making in the early fifties ? I hear Cecil B. DeMille won’t be on hand to direct Sunday’s escapade between Eric Mangini’s Cleveland Browns and Jim Schwartz’s Detroit Lions. By the way the reason why DeMille won’t be around to direct, well it’s because he died fifty years ago. But in some way the NFL Network as well as CBS Sports will somehow think it worthy to televise. Screw that, you mean to tell me that CBS Sports couldn’t schedule a few hours of infomercials ? You know the ones featuring the guy and several luscious females discussing erectile dysfunction issues and what they (the females) like about the size of a guy ? Or is it because Sunday afternoons are considered to family entertainment viewing and a large part of the male population having finished their honey to do lists, will be watching the scheduled NFL games ? CBS and the NFL Network will feel it imperative that this game be televised. Please, given the choices that one might have , I’d say that the infomercials might prove to be infinitely better viewing entertainment than watching the Brown and Lions go at it, for four quarters !

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn recovers his own fumble as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson (95) and safety Dawan Landry (26) converge in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Cleveland. The Browns lost 16-0. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/ Mark Duncan .............

The Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions possess about as much offensive weaponry as the army of Vanuatu. The fact that the island of Vanuatu has no army to speak of , should indicate to you what you’re liable to see in terms of creativity from both teams on Sunday afternoon. Watch at your peril, as you’re liable to be either bored to sleep, or tears !

Well those have been my picks and pans , as to the NFL and this weekend’s scheduled games. Are there any games that have peeked your interest with regards to this weekend’s schedule ?

NFL Conference Standings

American Football Conference

AFC East

East Team
W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
New England Patriots 6 3 0 .667 259 150 109 29 5-0 1-3 2-1 .667 4-3 .571 2-0 1L 3-2
Miami Dolphins 5 5 0 .500 242 244 -2 28 3-2 2-3 3-1 .750 3-3 .500 2-2 2W 3-2
New York Jets 4 5 0 .444 199 158 41 22 2-3 2-2 1-3 .250 4-4 .500 0-1 2L 1-4
Buffalo Bills 3 6 0 .333 140 210 -70 14 1-3 2-3 1-2 .333 1-5 .167 2-1 2L 2-3

AFC North

Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
Cincinnati Bengals 7 2 0 .778 198 147 51 24 3-2 4-0 5-0 1.000 5-2 .714 2-0 3W 4-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 6 3 0 .667 207 157 50 24 4-1 2-2 1-2 .333 4-2 .667 2-1 1L 4-1
Baltimore Ravens 5 4 0 .556 222 154 68 28 3-1 2-3 2-2 .500 5-3 .625 0-1 1W 2-3
Cleveland Browns 1 8 0 .111 78 225 -147 7 0-4 1-4 0-4 .000 1-5 .167 0-3 4L 1-4

AFC South

Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
Indianapolis Colts 9 0 0 1.000 252 142 110 31 5-0 4-0 3-0 1.000 5-0 1.000 4-0 9W 5-0
Jacksonville Jaguars 5 4 0 .556 181 220 -39 22 3-1 2-3 2-2 .500 4-2 .667 1-2 2W 3-2
Houston Texans 5 4 0 .556 215 188 27 26 2-2 3-2 1-2 .333 4-3 .571 1-1 1L 3-2
Tennessee Titans 3 6 0 .333 189 255 -66 21 2-2 1-4 1-3 .250 2-6 .250 1-0 3W 3-2

AFC West

Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
Denver Broncos 6 3 0 .667 167 151 16 18 3-1 3-2 2-0 1.000 5-2 .714 1-1 3L 2-3
San Diego Chargers 6 3 0 .667 237 202 35 27 3-2 3-1 3-1 .750 4-3 .571 2-0 4W 4-1
Kansas City Chiefs 2 7 0 .222 142 215 -73 14 0-4 2-3 1-2 .333 1-4 .200 1-3 1W 2-3
Oakland Raiders 2 7 0 .222 88 217 -129 7 1-4 1-3 1-4 .200 1-6 .143 1-1 3L 1-4

National Football Conference

NFC East

Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
Dallas Cowboys 6 3 0 .667 224 169 55 26 3-1 3-2 1-1 .500 5-2 .714 1-1 1L 4-1
Philadelphia Eagles 5 4 0 .556 242 184 58 26 3-2 2-2 2-1 .667 4-2 .667 1-2 2L 2-3
New York Giants 5 4 0 .556 232 204 28 25 2-2 3-2 2-1 .667 3-3 .500 2-1 4L 1-4
Washington Redskins 3 6 0 .333 140 171 -31 15 3-2 0-4 0-2 .000 2-5 .286 1-1 1W 1-4

NFC North

Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
Minnesota Vikings 8 1 0 .889 271 184 87 32 4-0 4-1 4-0 1.000 6-0 1.000 2-1 2W 4-1
Green Bay Packers 5 4 0 .556 232 179 53 27 3-2 2-2 2-2 .500 4-3 .571 1-1 1W 3-2
Chicago Bears 4 5 0 .444 186 201 -15 21 3-1 1-4 1-1 .500 2-4 .333 2-1 2L 1-4
Detroit Lions 1 8 0 .111 143 264 -121 15 1-3 0-5 0-4 .000 1-7 .125 0-1 6L 0-5

NFC South

Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
New Orleans Saints 9 0 0 1.000 331 197 134 43 5-0 4-0 2-0 1.000 6-0 1.000 3-0 9W 5-0
Atlanta Falcons 5 4 0 .556 221 194 27 28 4-0 1-4 1-2 .333 4-3 .571 1-1 1L 2-3
Carolina Panthers 4 6 0 .400 193 239 -46 22 2-3 2-3 2-2 .500 4-4 .500 0-2 1L 2-3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1 8 0 .111 157 256 -99 20 1-4 0-4 0-1 .000 1-5 .167 0-3 1L 1-4

NFC West

Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
Arizona Cardinals 6 3 0 .667 229 184 45 28 2-3 4-0 2-1 .667 4-2 .667 2-1 2W 4-1
San Francisco 49ers 4 5 0 .444 184 180 4 22 3-2 1-3 3-0 1.000 4-2 .667 0-3 1W 1-4
Seattle Seahawks 3 6 0 .333 187 198 -11 20 3-2 0-4 1-3 .250 2-5 .286 1-1 1L 2-3
St. Louis Rams 1 8 0 .111 100 249 -149 11 0-4 1-4 0-2 .000 1-6 .143 0-2 1L 1-4

Week 11 NFL Schedule

Thu, Nov 19 Time (ET) Top Passer Top Rusher Top Receiver
MIA 24 @ CAR 17 Final CAR Jake Delhomme: 227 Yds CAR DeAngelo Williams: 122 Yds CAR Steve Smith: 87 Yds
Sun, Nov 22 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
PIT @ KC Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 707 91 (PIT) 130 (KC)
SF @ GB Lambeau Field 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 709 156 (SF) 127 (GB)
CLE @ DET Ford Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 705 147 (CLE) 155 (DET)
IND @ BAL M&T Bank Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 704 121 (IND) 129 (BAL)
SEA @ MIN Mall of America Field 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 710 157 (SEA) 125 (MIN)
WAS @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 708 152 (WAS) 122 (DAL)
BUF @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 706 144 (BUF) 108 (JAC)
ATL @ NYG Giants Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 711 153 (ATL) 123 (NYG)
NO @ TB Raymond James Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 712 126 (NO) 158 (TB)
ARI @ STL Edward Jones Dome 4:05 PM Tickets FOX 713 121 (ARI) 91 (STL)
NYJ @ NE Gillette Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets CBS 715 158 (NYJ) 126 (NE)
CIN @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM Tickets CBS 716 127 (CIN) 130 (OAK)
SD @ DEN Invesco Field at Mile High 4:15 PM Tickets CBS 714 125 (SD) 123 (DEN)
PHI @ CHI Soldier Field 8:20 PM Tickets NBC 127 (PHI) 126 (CHI) Radio
Mon, Nov 23 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
TEN @ HOU Reliant Stadium 8:30 PM Tickets ESPN 206 126 (TEN) 125 (HOU) Radio