football=<p class="footballhead">The First Pick</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 20, 2007</p>
<p>Who should be the first pick in this years NFL draft? It is alot harder of a question then last year. Last year, the idiot Texans, had the pick and they for some reason known to them alone, picked a player that should have been chosen 3rd to 10th. And they let the best prospect go to someone else. Yes, they chose a quality player it is just they could have chosen him later not first. But that was last year and we are now.</p>
<br><p>Should Brady be the top pick. Should the Wideout Calvin Johnson or Runningback Peterson go on the top. Or should the great prospect JaMarcus Russell go first. All of these would be decent picks and most of them you could argue they are legitmate number one for this year. There is no one player head and shoulder better than another one. But the fun this year is that the crazy Raiders have the first pick.</p>
<br><p>Whomever the sane people believe should be picked first, believe that will not be Al Davis' pick. Davis will do something totally off the wall that will be talked about for years to come. Remember Oakland picked that drunk of a kicker, Janikowski, a number one pick back in 2000. Now that was considered a crazy pick, so that is why I am convinced that the nut will pick something wild this year.</p>
<br><p>If you don't expect it, it will happen. Al Davis will make headlines one way or another on draft day.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Shannon I wish the Best</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">February 27, 2007</p>
<p>I don't like the Hurricanes. That is the Miami Hurricanes. And I probably will always root against them. But you have to admire their new head football coach Randy Shannon.</p>
<br><p>Any coach who is willing to take on the challenge of turning a lost program around deserves respect. Miami has fallen from the top of the heap in college football. They have won five national championships since 1983, but this past year they fired their winning coach because he didn't get them another one.</p>
<br><p>Miami thinks they should be number one every year and if they aren't, then something is wrong with the coach or his staff. Randy won't be given much of a grace period to win. He will be expected to be in the Championship game in the next three years. If he isn't, don't expect him to be the coach for Miami in the fourth year.</p>
<br><p>Here's hoping that Shannon at least gets another shot, when he loses his job at Miami. Because everyone knows that team needs alot of fixing to get back to the top. That isn't going to happen in this decade or the next.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Brady finally drops</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">February 26, 2007</p>
<p>Finally, Brady Quinn is not the experts top quarterback pick in the draft. I have never understood why Quinn captivated the experts and analysts. He is an average quarterback who was in a cherry position.</p>
<br><p>Everyone watched him, because everyone watches Notre Dame. And he seems like the all american boy, so there were stories to write. However, I never thought he played up to the hype, but Notre Dame didn't play up to their hype.</p>
<br><p>If you subtract all the emotion behind the support for Quinn and look at the individual play, I think most would finally realize he is just a good quarterback with potential. And if you look at JaMarcus Russell you see that his size and his arm strength makes him have higher potential to be great than Quinn. Russell is younger and faster and of course he could flame out.</p>
<br><p>But in all honesty Russell should make a better pro quarterback than Quinn.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">So I am not Happy</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">February 6, 2007</p>
<p>I enjoyed the first part of the first quarter and actually the best was the first 14 seconds of the game. I should have shut the TV off at that point, however, I am a fan and I wasn't smart. So, I have to watch my Bears play horrible and try not to scream at the TV.</p>
<br><p>The game doesn't make me like Peyton anymore and I probably dislike him more. He is good but I still think Unitas was the best Colt quarterback. I can't get over that they left Baltimore and got rid of those hightop shoes.</p>
<br><p>My only solace was when I woke up on Monday, I remembered that only 3 weeks and there will be pitchers and catchers. Also, college basketball is starting to be fun.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">They git no Respect</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">February 2, 2007</p>
<p>Da Bears git no respect. They scored more points than the Colts, this season. They kept their opponents under control better than the Colts. But everyone is picking the Colts to bury the Bears.</p>
<br><p>The Bears have been dismissed as not being able to keep up with the powerful Indy offense. During the season the Bears scored 427 points while the Colts scored 408. That is an average of scoring a little less than 1 point more than the Colts each game. Why does everyone dismiss this as though all the points scored by the defense and the special teams aren't going to count in the super bowl and only points scored by the offense will count. On the opposite side of the ball the Bears allowed only 234 points a game while the Colts allowed 360. That is a little less than 8 points more allowed by the Colts for each game this season.</p>
<br><p>If you want to dismiss the season as an aberration then consider that the Bears have averaged 33 points a game for the post season and allowed 19. The Colts have averaged 25 points a game in the post season and allowed 16. This still gives the Bears scoring ability the edge by 8 points and the Colts defense is only 3 points better. So when you look at this it still makes me scratch my head and wonder why everyone thinks the Bears are going to let Manning scored 3000 points and the Colts are going to hold the Bears to 0 points.</p>
<br><p>It comes to one thing: Da Bears git no respect. I say go Bears and prove all these nay sayers wrong.</p> 
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Why Garrett?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 26, 2007</p>
<p>Jason Garrett a coach for the cowboys? Why? What credentials make him the next greatest football mind?</p>
<br><p>I almost think that Jerry Jones is delusional and thinks that backup quarterbacks make great coaches, ie Sean Payton. There can't be any other reasonable explanation for this hiring. Garrett has only been a football coach and that was for the pitiful Miami Dolphins. We do know how great the Dolphins quarterbacks are.</p>
<br><p>Now he is going to be the offense coordinator or maybe even head coach for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones really needs to manage his ego. Garrett may make a decent coordinator, there is nothing he has done to show that he will do this. However, he could be good, but doesn't this sound like a reach. I only think that if Garrett becomes head coach this will be a worse move than Al Davis' choice for head coach.</p>
<br><p>Since, I can't stand the Cowboys I should be happy. But this still doesn't make sense.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Bad Quarterback?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 25, 2007</p>
<p>Why has everyone decided that Rex is going to play bad in the Super Bowl? Espn has a question as to who was the worst superbowl quarterback ever. This is stupid question because they don't differeniate if they are looking for worst performance in a super bowl or the poorest performance during the year they made it to the Super Bowl.</p>
<br><p>It is silly to decide that after 3 seasons and actually this is his first full season that you can put Rex with Eason, Ferragamo, Dilfer and Woodley. Rex is just begining his career and he very likely could turn out to be the next Phil Simms. Jim McMahon won a Super Bowl but he had just a so, so career; Simms had a better career. And Jeff Hostetler won a Super Bowl and he was no Joe Montano.</p>
<br><p>It is way too early to call Rex the worst Super Bowl Quarterback, let his career grow and after that one can decide where he ranks.</p>
<br><p>But I caution all the nay sayers, Grossman will surprise all of you.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Hester will play a big role</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 23, 2007</p>
<p>Devin Hester will play an important role in the Bears win in the SuperBowl. The Colts have a pourous cover special team and Hester will run well in Miami. He will be back in Miami where he played in college and the weather will be perfect for the swift runner.</p>
<br><p>The Bears special teams have played a large role in their winning season and that will continue during the SuperBowl. Hester has proven to be a great asset in returning kicks and punts. He will have a big stage to show off his moves and I expect him to be very busy.</p> 
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Da Bears</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 22, 2007</p>
<p>Of course, the only people who think the Bears will win the Super Bowl are neurotic fans and the Bears themselves. Everyone has already decided that Indy is a prohibitive favorite because they have this super offense. Please remember that the Saints were the most explosive offense during the regular season and we know what the Bears did to them this past Sunday.</p>
<br><p>The Bears beat the Saints though some of the experts want to say that the Saints made mistakes and gave the game to the Bears. Why do you think the Saints made mistakes? Maybe the Bears rattled them. Don't think that the Bears breathing down on Brees didn't upset the rhythm that the offense was used to.</p>
<br><p>I would like to say that this Bears win was more due to the special teams especially the kicking team. The Bears defense got pushed around in the first quarter and third and gave up two big plays. However, the punting of Brad Manyard made the Saints field position very unfavorable to mounting a sustained drive. But my biggest question is why is Brees throwing out of the endzone in the third quarter?</p>
<br><p>The Bears were only up by 2 points and for some stupid reason the guru of play calling, Sean Payton, thought it would be a good idea to call a passing play when the Saints are backed up in their own territory. That was the stupidest idea all day. The Bears may have been stopping the run but I think the Saints gave up on the run very quickly and to the demise of the Saints. After the safety the Bears dominated the Saints and that was when the game was over.</p>
<br><p>I was very happy with this win. Super Bowl number two will be even more fun.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">The Conference Finals</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 19, 2007</p>
<p>The AFC final this weekend should be very competitive, however, I can't understand why everyone is dismissing the Patriots' chances. The Patriots have the most experience and are the most calm and collected team I have ever watch play. They play as though they expect to win, that is not arrogance when they win. But most experts seem to be dismissing the Patriots simply because they have not played as well as they did a couple of years ago. That doesn't matter, this team is a team and I can't pick against them until they lose. The game will come down to the last play, however, it won't be Indy kicking the winning field goal. Patriots win with a field goal.</p>
<br><p>The Bears and Saints game will be very hard to watch for this Bear fan. But I do think that special teams will win this game. Hester will run back one punt for a touchdown and the Bears maligned defense will intercept Brees three times. This is going to be a nail biter however the Bears pull it out in the final moments.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">The other Payton</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 18, 2007</p>
<p>Walter Payton is the Bear, however, for a very short time an old college mate was another Bear Payton. Yes, Sean Payton went to my college, four years after I graduated. And then he got a chance to play for the pro team that I have rooted for since I was a kid.</p>
<br><p>Since there have been so few notable professional football players from EIU, I notice where they are no matter if they are playing or coaching. To be honest I can only remember two quarterbacks and a punter who played in the pros and Sean was only a replacement player. Tony is the starting quarterback, and Jeff Gossett played for 16 seasons in the pros as a punter.</p>
<br><p>Sean was a small quarterback for a small size college, which was the only place he would have been given a chance to play. The big colleges would have called him too small and not fast enough. He broke records that have since been broken by Romo. But his football education did not finish at EIU and it has been a long trip back to Soldier Field.</p>
<br><p>Do I want to root for Payton? Let's be honest, I have loved seeing Payton's success this past season. I used to watch him on the Giants and Cowboys sidelines, but I never rooted for those teams. I will not be rooting for Sean to succeed this Sunday either.</p>
<br><p>I have been a Bear fan since 1964 and I am rooting to see them in their second Super Bowl. Long time Bear fans don't change their alliegance even for a fellow alum. Go Bears.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Root against the bears</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 17, 2007</p>
<p>Please root against my bears. I don't want anyone but true fans rooting for the bears this weekend. Of course, the true blue bear fans are on edge that our rooting will not prevail. But we are completely convinced that those experts need to pick against us so that we have a shot.</p>
<br><p>The Bears need to be the underdog for them to get any advantage over the Saints.</p>
<br><p>The Saints did play better on Saturday night than the Bears played on Sunday, and of course how you play now is the only thing that matters. Yes, Rex stunk up the field since November but he played admirable on Sunday. And he can always play like that or better.</p>
<br><p>I want all the experts to pick against the bears and when they beat the 'aints I will be happy and all of them will be stunned. Or of course they will be making excuses of the Saints finally came down to earth.</p>
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<br><p class="footballhead">The Playoffs</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 12, 2007</p>
<p>The home teams look very good on paper this weekend, however, the games will be played on the field not on paper. These games look very competitive and every team has a chance to win this weekend.</p>
<br><p>My favorite team, the Bears, look vulnerable and could easily get knocked off. Their defense did not play well in December and Rex played well in September. The Seahawks are banged up and are playing in the game only because of luck, but luck wins sometimes. This game could be played under horendous winter conditions and if it is the Bears have the edge. There will be turnovers if the snow comes as predicted and the Bears are the best at making turnovers turn into points. The Bears get by Seattle by the slimiest of margins.</p>
<br><p>The Colts and Ravens game looks like an interesting game. Everyone seems to believe that Peyton will one day win that big game, some day. If the Indy defense plays like it did last weekend, McNair won't get anywhere. However, the Ravens' defense is playing better than any unit that is left in the playoffs. The Ravens' defense will smack Peyton around and he will cry uncle very early in this game. This could easily be a blowout by the Ravens.</p>
<br><p>Can anyone pick against the Patsies? The Patriots should have been beaten years ago, but Bill and Brady are on the same page and they make the team win when they shouldn't. Marty Schottenheimer is a bigger choker than Peyton Manning. Does anyone really believe that Marty will eventually win that big game and reach his full potential. I don't. This game will go all the way down to the last play of the game which will be a winning field goal by the Patriots. The best team in football, the Chargers, will come up short of the promised land.</p>
<br><p>The Eagles and Saints are a very hard game to figure out. Will the Drew Brees that led the Saints to ten wins show up or will he regress? Will the bubble finally burst for this Saints' team that has been the media's darling for the season? Or will Garcia regress to the quarterback that became a backup in Cleveland and Detroit? I think that Philly has one more good game and will get by the Saints.</p>
<br><p>It will be a very exciting weekend.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">OSU wasn't that good????</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 9, 2007</p>
<p>Ohio State got whipped last night. Yes I despise the buckeyes, however, I really didn't think they would get beat. I believed all that hype that the experts said about OSU throughout the year. I suggest that the real problem isn't that Florida is a football school and OSU is an actual higher learning facility. The real problem is that OSU believed they were that good.</p>
<br><p>The coach had read that he was the greatest coach since Vince Lombardi and he thought he was. The quarterback got his trophy for being the greatest college player and he believed that he was. OSU never had a chance since they were so taken by how great they were. Well, now we all know they aren't the top of the elite.</p>
<br><p>The media needed a great team and someone decided it would be nice to name OSU. In the fall everyone will name the SEC champ as the greatest team to ever play the game and of course, that champ will fail to meet expectations. But there will be plenty of stories and alot of bull.</p>
<br><p>Why not say that Boisie State is the greatest and let's see if they can meet those expectations?</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Notre Dame loses?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">January 4, 2007</p>
<p>Notre Dame lost a bowl game. That isn't news. That is as startling as Michigan losing a bowl game. Notre Dame could win a bowl game if they played the bowl games they should be in. They don't belong in BCS bowl games.</p>
<br><p>Notre Dame's problem is not the same as Michigan's. Michigan loses bowl games because they don't prepare for bowl games. Michigan is not motivated enough to win, so they just lose. Michigan has a good program they just don't know how to sustain that for more than three months.</p>
<br><p>Notre Dame's problem is that they aren't that good. Notre Dame is overrated. Notre Dame wins ten games because they are playing Navy and Army. But when they go to the bowl games they have to play LSU or Ohio State. Teams that make them look like a high school team. Of course, Notre Dame is smart enough not to play Boise State or Northern Illinois.</p>
<br><p>They can get stomped by the top teams but it ruins their reputation if the mid level teams smash them.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Jet fans you weren't cheated</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 30, 2006</p>
<p>Jet fans are screaming that their final play was a catch. I happen to agree with the ref, the guy wasn't going to land in bounds. I know it is subjective, that is why the fans are crying, but the fans need to get over it.</p>
<br><p>The Jet fans should be more upset with their very suspect run defense. The Browns looked like a great running team and they have only won two games. The Jets didn't lose the game on the ref's call, they lost the game because they let the Browns run all over them. And then they made Frye look a pro quarterback connecting with Kellen Winslow in the endzone. Football games are lost in the second and third quarters and that is when the Browns scored 17 points to the Jets 7. That is what should upset the Jet fans, not the last call.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Interesting games on Sunday</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 27, 2006</p>
<p>There are a few very interesting games this weekend and of course a few duds, but I like to look at the good games. Cincinnati at home against the Falcons could be a high scoring event. The Falcons put up a big score last week and everyone is waiting for the highpowered Bengals to explode. I think the Bengals will play well and beat the Falcons by a touchdown.</p>
<br><p>The New Orleans Saints are a great story but I am not really sure that they are for real. I thought that Brees would play well and that McAllister and Bush would be a potent offense, but I still didn't think they would be this good. I still don't think the Ravens have solved their scoring woes, because I think that McNair will get hurt. With all of that I think that the home field advantage the Saints will nudge the Ravens in a low scoring affair.</p>
<br><p>I am interested in the Cowboy game, only because of Tony starting. I hope he plays well, but of course I am also looking what TO will do when he only catch 2 of the 20 passes and Steve Smith catches three touchdowns. Now that will be fun to see.</p>
<br><p>The Kansas City game is interesting because Seattle is playing without Hasselback, for a game with two backup quarterbacks this should be very competitive. But with this being Wallace's first start I give the Chiefs the edge at home.</p>
<br><p>Of course, I will be stuck watching the Giants who should take care of the Bucs, and the Jets, who have won more games then I expected, but don't expect them to beat the Browns in Cleveland. Of course, I want to see the Bears destroy the 49ers and I expect to see a very high scoring affair. That is I expect to see the Bears offense and defense scoring over 30 points.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Tuna puts his foot down</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 26, 2006</p>
<p>Tuna wants Romo in the game and Bledsoe on the bench. Surprise, surprise. At least Parcells wants to put his stamp on this disappointing season along with everyone else.</p>
<br><p>There is enough people to blame for Dallas' season, Jones, Bledsoe, TO and the offensive line. I am glad to see that Tuna steps up and says it is his fault. Parcells has about two or three seasons left in him and I don't think this is the way he planned to be remembered. The Cowboys were picked to go to the SuperBowl and I guess they still could, but not with EIU Romo at the helm.</p>
<br><p>I am rooting for Romo because he went to EIU, but I want the Cowboys to self destruct in 10 seconds.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Who is in Charge in Dallas</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 25, 2006</p>
<p>Has Parcells lost his grip in Dallas? I don't think so, but I never thought he was in charge anyway. If you work for a nut, don't expect to have control. Jones is a nut and he ruins the Cowboys how he sees fit. He brought in a malcontent to win the SuperBowl, since his top coach hasn't been able to do that. Now he is going to tell the public that for his money he knows who should be quarterback.</p>
<br><p>Parcells should never have gone to Dallas, but he did. He should get out before it blows up. He won't. Dallas is a disaster.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Romo for Quarterback</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 24, 2006</p>
<p>Does anyone know where Tony Romo went to college? He played at EIU. The only other EIU alum to play much pro football was the punter Jeff Gossett.</p>
<br><p>I know this only because I also graduated from EIU a year before Jeff. It isn't a very big school. Actually my sophmore year there were some who wanted to abandon the sport because we spent too much money flying the team to Western Michigan to get humiliated. Of course, in my junior year the team went on to win the division II title with Mike Shanahan as the offense coordinator.</p>
<br><p>Tony and Mike were both quarterbacks at a little university in the middle of Illinois prairie. Now will Tony have success like Mike in the NFL?</p>
<br><p>It doesn't really matter to me because I despise the Dallas Cowboys, but there will be an addition to the university's outstanding alums.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Whacky Sunday</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 23, 2006</p>
<p>Yesterday had some wacky outcomes starting with the Tampa Bay winning 62 yard field goal. How can the Eagles get beat by a backup rookie quarterback? I guess this Eagles defense is not as good as some want to believe.</p>
<br><p>The Pittsburgh and Atlanta game was a little goofy. Both of these teams supposedly have good defenses, however there were nine touchdown passes. The Falcons had 173 yards rushing and 232 in the air. The Steelers had 433 yards in the air and only 55 on the ground. That is good defense? This had alot of scoring and a little defense.</p>
<br><p>I never expected the Jaguars to get their butts kicked by Houston. Will the real Jacksonville team please step to the front and the impostors please leave. This has already been a very up and down year for the Jags.</p>
<br><p>The Seahawks may have to setup a mash unit to try to keep their players on the field. I didn't think that the Vikings could go to Seattle and win, let alone win convincingly. The loss of Hasselback was a big factor but injuries happen to every team. The Seahawks looked like a lock to win their division when the year began, I think their lock is coming undone.</p>
<br><p>The biggest disappointment of the weekend was the Raiders win. Why are the Cards so bad? I really wanted to see a winless team and I thought the Raiders had a good shot at it. Oh well, now there is no reason to follow the Raiders this year.</p>
<br><p>Tonight the Cowboys take on the Giants and you have to believe that TO is going to do something stupid so that everyone is talking about him. His antic will have to be huge tonight to overshadow what went on this past weekend.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Will there season have a blemish?</p>
<br><p>There are still 2 unbeaten teams as we go into the seventh week of the season. Since the Bears have the week off, we know that there will be an undefeated team going into the eighth week. The question is will their be one or two.</p>
<br><p>The Colts play the confusing Redskins. If the Redskins play the way they can, that means with Portis running all over the place, this would be a competitive game. The Colts can score lots of points but they can't stop the run. However, that doesn't register a win for these inconsistent Redskins. The Colts are coming off a bye week and they are playing at home. Those two factors give the Colts an edge. The Redskins are starting to point fingers and trying to figure out why they have lost. And of course their old quarterback is not a Manning. Expect to see two unbeaten teams in the eighth week.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Changes in NFL</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 18, 2006</p>
<p>Seven weeks into the season is time to shake things up for teams that want to try to salvage their season. The Baltimore Ravens fired Fassel, so that Billick can run the offense. The Dolphins have moved Marcus Vick from the practice squad to the roster. Denny Green fired his offense coordinator after the debacle on Monday night. Of course, someone had to go after that loss.</p>
<br><p>Dramatic changes sometimes help teams focus on what needs to be done, at other times it destroys what is left of the team. Expect the Ravens firing to focus the weak offense to scoring a few more points than the Bears did last year. The Cards firing will probably prolong Denny's misery in Arizonia. There is no magic pill left for Green to take to improve his team unless it could get him an offensive line.</p>
<br><p>Marcus Vick in the NFL is not exciting. Unless you like to watch spoiled brats step on people they can't beat. And if you want that just watch the Miami Hurricanes.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Will the Raiders ever win?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 17, 2006</p>
<p>If the Raiders are to remain winless for the entire season, next Sunday's game against Arizonia will play a big role. On paper the game looks like a winnable game for Oakland. First it is a home game and second their opponent played Monday night. Arizonia had a major meltdown and gave the game to the Bears on Monday and unfortunately this was not the first time for the Cards. Matt Leinart will be starting only his third game, which should mean that Oakland's defense has the advantage. Of course, Matt hasn't played like a rookie yet, and Walter has.</p>
<br><p>If Arizonia was playing almost any other team on Sunday, I would say there is a good chance they would lose. However, Arizonia has the advantage playing the worse team in the NFL. Arizonia is not a good team and they are a lousy away opponent. They could suffer from the collapse in the fourth quarter against the Bears, but a good medicine for all teams is to see the Black and Silver as their opponent.</p>
<br><p>If Art Shell is to avoid a winless year, he needs to get his team ready to play four quarters and try to outlast the Cards. The Raiders have a chance, but I think they will lose.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">New Orleans best game</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 16, 2006</p>
<p>Yesterday had few games worth watching. The Jets game was painful. The first half neither showed any life and by the fourth quarter I thought the Jets could blow their 20-3 lead. The Giants and Falcons game was riddled with mistakes. The first quarter was the sloppiest quarter I have witnessed of two capable teams. The Redskins' game was a defining moment in a loss season. And Cincy overlooked the Bucs.</p>
<br><p>The Cowboys game was silly. The first half the Boys can't beat their own shadow and then in the second half the beat up on a bad team. It was impossible to watch. This game made TO happy, but you have to believe that Tuna saw mistakes more than the huge win. The Pittsburgh game never had any interest and the Broncos game was never in doubt. The Raiders are just an embarrassment.</p>
<br><p>The most interesting game was the Saints against the Eagles. I am still not convinced that the Saints can beat the Panthers with Steve Smith. Sean Peyton has done a good job so far with this team and he does have some running ability. The biggest question is can they play enough defense to win.</p>
<br><p>One good game in the week end may sound like not much, but it is better than none.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">TO don't get ball enough?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 12, 2006</p>
<p>TO is complaining about not getting the ball enough. My question is, whose fault is that? TO has more balls thrown to him than any of the other Dallas receivers. The problem is that TO's percentage is not as good as Terry Glenn. Bledsoe has thrown 40 times to TO and TO has caught 17 of those, while he has thrown only 26 times to Glenn and 20 of those are completions. Maybe the problem is not in the opportunities.</p>
<br><p>I know that TO draws better coverage than Glenn, but according to TO he is heads and shoulders the best receiver in the NFL. But isn't a great receiver one that catches what they get thrown? If you listen to TO he seems to be saying that every ball should be thrown to him. Why? A team is best when the opponent doesn't know where the ball is going.</p>
<br><p>TO needs to quit complaining and just catch the football when it is thrown to him. If he catches what is thrown to him, Dallas wouldn't be 2-2.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">The Bears haven't won anything</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 11, 2006</p>
<p>Experts want to proclaim the Bears as the greatest team ever. Others want to say their defense is as good as the '85 Bears. And others want to say they will go undefeated.</p>
<br><p>As a lifelong Bear fan I want everyone to just shut up. The Bears have only beaten two reputable teams. Seattle is a good team, but the Bears were fortunate that Alexander did not play. Yes, I still think the Bears would have beaten them, but I hold reservations about their supreme power.</p>
<br><p>The Vikings were the other decent team the Bears have played so far this year. In this game Rex showed that he needs to grow up and not act like Brett and just sling the ball. He did get a chance to redeem himself and made the most of that opportunity. Rex needs to make good decisions if the Bears are to make the Super Bowl.</p>
<br><p>The Bears have beaten up on the Lions, the Packers and the Bills, that is a promising sign. The Bears must smack these lesser opponents early in the game to eliminate any question of the outcome.</p>
<br><p>I do think the Bears are on the brink of having a great year, but I also think it is too early to say that with any definite commitment. The Colts were 13-0 last year before they lost and they didn't even make it to the Super Bowl. These Bears are only 5-0 and it is only the middle of October. When we get to the 15th week and the Bears are still 0 in losses I will then consider it a possibilty.</p>
<br><p>I remember the '85 Bears well and I still don't think these Bears are that good.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">TO has officially blown up</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 9, 2006</p>
<p>TO has a huge ego. A group of people thought that his ego would be a problem in Dallas. The biggest question was in what week would it get the best of him and eventually his team "chemistry". That has been answered with Mr TO's antics in yesterday's game.</p>
<br><p>TO doesn't want to blame anyone, but of course he is "not" the problem. The problem is that quarterback that didn't get him the ball. Yes, he had eleven opportunities but he only caught three of those passes. But it isn't TO's fault for not catching those eight other balls, two of them someone else on the other team caught. You see the problem.</p>
<br><p>The problem is Drew. Dallas needs a real quarterback, so TO will be able to win games. I think I have heard that story before. Jeff Garcia is a rotten quarterback. Donovan McNabb is a loser. And of course, Baltimore didn't even have a quarterback, so TO didn't even want to play there.</p>
<br><p>Oh well, Tuna loves distractions and dissent in players. The next couple of weeks should be fun to watch the soap opera known as "TO destroys another Team".</p>
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<p class="footballhead">3 Undefeated Teams</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 5, 2006</p>
<p>There are three teams undefeated going into the fifth week, will any of them stay unbeaten?</p>
<br><p>There is a possibility that they will all win, however, I think one will lose.</p>
<br><p>The Colts will stomp the Titans. They are playing at home in their dome. The noise will be deafening and Manning will go passing crazy. He will probably throw 5 touchdowns in the first half and then sit the whole fourth quarter.</p>
<br><p>The Bears will beat Buffalo in a low scoring game where the defense will score a touchdown. The special teams will also score a touchdown. And the defense will hold the Bills to single digits. It will not be a pretty game, but the Bears will win.</p>
<br><p>The Ravens are playing in Denver that is not good. They are playing a team that is coming off their bye week, that is also not good. The Ravens are a good defensive team, however their offense even with McNair is just average. This will be the Ravens first loss but it will be a low scoring game.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">4 Bad teams?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 4, 2006</p>
<p>There are four teams still winless going into the fifth week in the NFL. Will any of them step up and win?</p>
<br><p>None of them have a good opportunity, since they are all playing away.</p>
<br><p>The Oakland Raiders are playing the weakest team, the 49ers, however remember the Raiders are the worse team in the NFL. The Lions get to play the so so Vikings. The Vikings can play the Bears and the Redskins tough, but they played awful against the Bills. Don't expect the Lions to get the rotten Vikings and Detroit will be 0-5. Tennessee gets the privelege to play the Colts, and they get to play in that dome. If the Colts don't win 40 to something, I will be shocked. And finally the Bucs get to play the Saints in New Orleans. If Tampa Bay had a veteran quarterback and the Saints didn't have one, this could be competitive. However, the Saints have Drew Brees and two running backs, all the Bucs have is a tired defense and a novice quarterback. The Bucs won't win their first game in New Orleans.</p>
<br><p>The question is how many games will these four teams win?</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Farve you should play two more years</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 3, 2006</p>
<p>I am not a Farve fan. I also have believed for the last two years that he is over the hill. Yes, 3 years ago he was tearing up the NFL and could bring the Packers into contention in any game. That was then this is now.</p>
<br><p>Farve has lost a step. He doesn't have a very good team. And he can't will the Packers to win. He should have retired after the 2004 season. But his insistance of playing only brightens my day. I love seeing the Bears pick him off. And I love seeing him lose.</p>
<br><p>Last night was a good game to watch him show his vulnerability. Please play for two more years, I want my Bears to keep on winning.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">NFL is about parity</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">October 2, 2006</p>
<p>On any given Sunday any team can beat any other team in the NFL, unless you are the Oakland Raiders. There has been plenty of evidence that the NFL has found a way to make their games more interesting than MLB or NBA games. Most of the teams are of similar ability and most can win around seven or eight games a year. However, there are a few bottom feeders and a couple of outstanding teams.</p>
<br><p>This year it appears that the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers have cornered the bottom. Miami and Houston and Tennessee are trying to get down there but they may be able to win a couple of games. The Jets are probably the most surprising team, since their talent is not that high. They are playing at the top of their ability and fans may end up happy to see them win up to seven games. There are a few other surprises: the Patriots are not washed up, Rex Grossman is a good quarterback and the Saints will be fun to watch.</p>
<br><p>What is wrong with parity?</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Can the Raiders Win?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 29, 2006</p>
<p>The Oakland Raiders should be stripped of their uniforms, at least the logos. If I was a Raider fan I would try to buy the bags that the Saints' fans have in their closet.</p>
<br><p>On Sunday, Oakland gets to play the hapless, winless Browns and I don't think they can pull out a win. The Raiders got last week off, which usually means a win. The game is in Oakland, which is also suppose to be better for winning. This team is so bad that neither of those advantages can trump their ineptness.</p>
<br><p>Maybe the team could rename itself for the year, so they can drop the season from their team's history. Just a thought.</p><br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Fire Fisher?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 28, 2006</p>
<p>Finally someone decided to call for Jeff Fisher's firing, of course it was just a bunch of fans. Don't expect Fisher to be fired until it can be determined whether Vince Young can save the team. Fisher will be used as a scapegoat when he is fired, which should be by the end of the season.</p>
<br><p>In football it seems to be hard to fire the coach in the middle of the season, probably has to do with the number of games and the amount of preparation needed for each game. Fisher will not be back to coach next year unless there is a miracle and he wins 8 games. Don't hold your breath. It will probably be closer to 3 wins and that is not a given.</p>
<br><p>Titan fans have a long year to go through. I don't feel for you.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Warner will stay put</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 27, 2006</p>
<p>Glad to see that Denny Green got down to earth and decided to stay with Warner. Let me say I still don't think that the Cards will make the playoffs, but I think Warner is a better choice than Leinart at this time. I do believe that at some point Matt will be the Cards quarterback, but he would get massacred if he started this weekend.</p>
<br><p>The Atlanta Falcons' defense did not have their best game on Monday, however, that doesn't mean that on Sunday they will play soft. There is a good chance that their defense will be angry and are going to pummel the Cards's quarterback. Now it will be better for the Cardinal's if the guy getting beat up is Kurt Warner, not Matt Leinart.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Bears you weren't good</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 25, 2006</p>
<p>The Chicago Bears won, but they didn't play well. Grossman threw what can only be called a stupid, bonehead pass that was intercepted on the ten and walked into the endzone. I hate to say this but Kyle would not have thrown that. Kyle didn't lose games for the Bears last year, that is why they won. However, Kyle couldn't win games, which eventually Grossman did help the Bears win.</p>
<br><p>Rex did not win this game by himself, so don't let it go to his head. He got an opportunity to redeem his stupid interception and he took advantage. This is an indication that maybe this team can make the Super Bowl. The Bears need to play much better next week against the Seahawks. This was a test and the Bears did get a B- but they can earn an A if they stomp the Seahawks.</p>
<br><p>Go Bears.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">A Starter Huh?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 21, 2006</p>
<p>Billy a starter, you have to be kidding. Billy Volek thinks he is a starting quarterback, what planet is he on? He has done absolutely nothing to show that he is a starting quarterback.</p>
<br><p>Billy or shall I say John William has been a backup for seven years and never given anyone any indication that he could carry the offense. This isn't about talent, this is about leadership, which is something that Billy has never shown. Kyle Orton, that backup in Chicago, has shown more poise and leadership and he is only in his second year.</p>
<br><p>I know you have to have the attitude that you are the best, however, to be a quarterback in the NFL you have to back up all your hype. If you have the talent and get the chance sometimes you will make it as a quarterback. But most of the guys who are starting quarterbacks in the NFL, have gotten their teammates to believe in them. This is something I think Billy is going to have trouble doing.</p>
<br><p>Cade McNown had great talent, but no one but himself, believed in him.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Morten comeback</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 20, 2006</p>
<p>Morten Andersen signed with the Falcons. That sounds like something I read a few years ago. Oh, I did read that back in 1995.</p>
<br><p>It is not that unbelievable that Morten was signed to kick this year, considering that the Raiders tried to bring George back to throw the football. I just think that Morten will actually play and that this guy could probably play for another five or ten years. Andersen is one of the best kickers ever in pro football and since it doesn't take that exceptional physique to make field goals, I think he can keep doing that until he can't walk.</p>
<br><p>Andersen won't kick off, so he won't have to tackle or block anyone. He will just kick the average field goals, which he can kick in his sleep. This is probably a good sign for the Falcons, but you have to feel for the young guy, Michael Koenen. It has to smart that your grandfather can kick better than you. Huh?</p>
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<p class="footballhead">The Best</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 19, 2006</p>
<p>The Jaguars put a hurt on the Steelers. I am not sure I have seen such a hard hitting game, since the Ravens smacked everyone around that year they won the SuperBowl. These teal Jags were mean and hit everyone hard. Ben, Parker, Ward and the rest of the Steelers offense looked dazed and confused every time they got up after a play. The Jags are for real.</p>
<br><p>No one seems to believe these Jaguars are a team to contend with, considering they have been the underdog in both of their games. Of course, they will be the underdog going into Indy next weekend. I can only hope that when the Jags pull out another win and leave Indy with a 3-0 record, the experts will find a place to mention them as a possible Super Bowl contender.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">The Worst</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 18, 2006</p>
<p>There is no competition, as of today, for the Worst NFL team. Oakland Raiders are the worst and if you can believe they are not improving. I got the privelege, I didn't consider it one, of watching the Raiders get demolished by the Ravens. The score was not any indication at how awful the Raiders are.</p>
<br><p>Last week I had the opportunity to watch the first 10 minutes of the Illini-Rutgers game. Illini were down 14-0 before the Rutgers offense ever took the field. I thought that was the worse I would see this year, I was wrong. The first 2 snaps from the Raiders yesterday, both resulted in fumbles recovered by the Ravens. The Ravens should have been ahead 21-0 before the end of the 1st quarter, but the Raiders got lucky and were only down 9-0. If the Raiders had been playing a bad team they may have been able to get back into the game, but they were playing a very good defensive team. The Ravens don't need more than 9 points against most of their opponents.</p>
<br><p>Of course, this game was as bad as last Monday's, and there is a question about how good the Ravens are since the Raiders are completely inept. Plea to the Raiders: buy some new players, you are embarrassing your fans.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Injuries already</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 16, 206</p>
<p>It is only week two in the NFL, but there are already injuries that could affect teams. Clinton Portis is not suppose to play against the Cowboys. This is okay for this week, since I don't think the Redskins can beat the Cowboys on Sunday. But if Portis doesn't get back to playing more than a quarter or two, this will spell no playoffs for the Redskins.</p>
<br><p>Steven Smith did not lose the game for the Panthers last weekend. Remember Smith plays in the offense not the defense. The Panthers played poorly on defense last week don't expect that this weekend against the Vikings. Steve Smith needs to play before the end of September, but I think that the Panthers will win without Smith this weekend. And Smith's injury is only a problem if it lingers until December.</p>
<br><p>One of the biggest injuries in the first weekend is to the quarterback of the Chiefs. Yes, Trent Green is not a Manning or McNabb or Vick but he is the only quarterback the Chiefs have that can successfully get them wins. If Green doesn't return to the Chiefs until October don't consider them for the playoffs and just watch Johnson for his stats.</p>
br><p>These are only the first injuries we still have 15 more weeks to destroy a team's playoff chance.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Separation Saturday</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 15, 2006</p>
<p>This actually means that this Saturday there will be a few competitive games. Why do we have to wait until the third week before we can see at least a handful of close games. The first week of the NFL gave us good games despite the Raiders and Packers efforts to humiliate themselves.</p>
<br><p>Saturday should have a few good games including: Michigan and Notre Dame, Nebraska and USC, Auburn and LSU, Louisville and Miami, and a few more. I think the Nebraska-USC games brings some of the best drama. Most fans have forgotten about the Cornhuskers, these big country boys dominated college football, not that long ago. And if they play as well as they are capable, they will give that glamour team from California a good fight. I expect to see a hard fought close game.</p>
<br><p>I think that Brady Quinn is highly overrated, along with his team. I have to believe that most of the experts think that, when you consider that this game is the game that stands in their way of getting to the National Championship. How can a week three game against an average team be that important? Unless Michigan is the only team that stands in the way of an undefeated season. If this game is so important to Notre Dame, please consider that ND doesn't play anyone but academy teams for the remainder of the season. Notre Dame will fall short on Saturday and their miracle season will fall short, however, because so many are enamoured by the allure of Notre Dame they will still land in a game on New Year's Day.</p>
<br><p>Now, the game of the weekend is really Auburn and LSU and I like LSU's chances of upsetting Auburn. These are two evenly matched teams and whoever can get the win will have a chance at the National Championship game. But of course they have to remember that they are two of the unglamorous teams, so they are battling tough odds to get to that final game.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Florida football down?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 14, 2006</p>
<p>Some would like for the college football fan to believe that Florida colleges can't play football with the big guys anymore. I would like to say that is just a myth. Though Florida and Florida State may not be the power teams that they have been in the last decade, they still play a mean football game and Miami is not a walkover.</p>
<br><p>Of course, the experts are picking Louisville to beat the Hurricanes on Saturday. I want to say, over Larry Coker's dead body. If Larry loses this weekend, he should find a new job. I say that the Canes' fans will take him back, at least for the week, when his team demolishes the Cardinals. Of course, should he lose another game his head will be the only thing left to sacrifice. I am just not ready to say that Coker will lose to that team from Louisville.</p>
<br><p>And for all that matters, I think that all the Florida teams will have a good weekend. At least this weekend.</p>
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<p class ="footballhead">Beat up your opponent</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 13, 2006</p>
<p>In sports you are told to do whatever it takes to succeed. So, why are there not more stories like the one today out of the University of Northern Colorado? The story: backup punter stabs the starting punter in the leg. If you are to do what it takes to win, why is this type of incident surprising?</p>
<br><p>This action is a reminder that people cross into a dangerous psychological area with the high powered talk about winning at all costs. Sometimes we need to reexamine how important sports and winning are in our lives.</p>
<br><p>This isn't a single aberation. This is a sympton of an American illness that we don't want to cure.</p>
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<p class ="footballhead">An awful team</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 12, 2006</p>
<p>The history says that on MNF the Raiders are a great game to watch. So, I can see why the NFL and ESPN thought it was a great idea to have the first doubleheader on MNF inclue the Raiders. However, these Raider suck. I happen to like the bad boys of the black and silver, but this team is Awful.</p>
<br><p>I remember the Raiders of old with Madden, the Tuz, the Snake, Biletnikoff, Blanda and all the other talented characters that have worn the Black and Silver. But after watching as much as I could stomach of last night's game, this team is no good. Aaron Brooks spent more time on the ground than in the huddle. And Phil Rivers didn't even have to pretend to throw the ball. Any quarterback would look fantastic if all they have to do is throw the ball 11 times and mostly to your running back who is running all over the field. Rivers is lucky if this is all he has to do to win. LT was the best thing on the field, but the entire Raider team was so awful you don't know how good San Diego is.</p>
<br><p>Is it possible to ban the Raiders from playing this year? If not that, make them get a new team. Raider fans have a long, long year.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">14 winless teams</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 11, 2006</p>
<p>There are 14 teams undefeated and 14 that are winless, by the end of the night two more teams will be added to each side. By next week there will still be winless and undefeated, just not as many. The question is always will any team be undefeated or any team be winless. It is hard to say after one game, however, there are teams that look like they will have a hard time winning and there are teams that look unbeatable.</p>
<br><p>After one week you have to tip your hat to Donovan and the Eagles, Vick and the Falcons, and McNair and the Ravens. The Eagle win was not that unexpected, considering the Texans don't have that dominating defense and a weak offense. The surprise was how well McNabb played. The Falcons win is a little surprising. One knows that Vick will get some offense, but the Panthers were expected to have a defense that would stop some of that. If the Panthers run defense plays this poorly each week, they will have a problem beating the 49ers. I think this was an aberation and expect to see more defense from the panthers. The Ravens have been touted by many in the preseason, I think they will have problems scoring as the season progresses. But the first week was good for McNair and Chris Simms had a game he hopes to forget.</p>
<br><p>There was a big upset, the Rams over the Broncos, but most of the other games were not too remarkable. Indy and Seattle won, even if it wasn't pretty. And the old man, Brett, threw better to the Bears than his own teammates, but that could be expected to happen all year. The Jets and the Cardinals are basking in the glory of 1-0, I say let the fans dream. Those fans are going to have a difficult season but they won't be winless, thankfully.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">OSU or Texas?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 9, 2006</p>
<p>The game today is suppose to be the number one against the number two. Is it really?</p>
<br><p>I don't think so. But the silly polls have placed these two as the top two teams in the country as of today.</p>
<br><p>I think that the polls rate the teams too early. There should be no preseason poll and no poll until at least October. By ranking teams too early some teams are left out because they can never climb all the way to the top, when their preseason was considered sub par. Too early ranking also causes teams to stay away from tough teams until later in the season. If a team loses early they will drop out more quickly than one who loses in November. Early ranking is silly and unnecessary.</p>
<br><p>So, all the hype about the the number one and number two this weekend is just silly. However, this should be a good game and look for OSU to try to make a statement. Ohio has a veteran qb and Texas doesn't have Vince, but there will be fireworks. Even with Ohio winning don't expect them to be the number one team at the end of the year.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Looking forward to Sunday</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 8, 2006</p>
<p>I am very excited about Sunday, since almost every team has a shot at a good year. Of course, there are the Jets, 49ers and Rams that already may be ready for the off season, but the rest of the fans have until October to dream their team will make the playoffs.</p>
<br><p>Like most fans I believe that home field is quite an advantage in the NFL, however this weekend there are a few teams that even being at home won't help. Detroit, who doesn't seem to want to win at home, plays the NFC champs Seahawks, that will be a tall order which they will not overcome. Then the Rams get to be the first team to see who is the next 1000 yard Bronco running back. Rams will have problems running the football, let alone scoring. And the Houston Texans get to be the first victim for Donovan McNabb to prove that last year was a fluke. Chicago should go into Brett Farve land and pick off all of his passes.</p>
<br><p>I think the remaining home teams have a chance of winning. Yes, in the Manning bowl, I think that the Giants team will beat the jamesless colts. I think that Indy will miss their running back all year and this will be the first game where it will result in a loss. The Giants have no chance at a playoff unless they play well at home, so for them this is a necessary game. Cincinnati will win a few away games, but they will not be able to go into Kansas City and pull off a win when Larry is running up and down the field.</p>
<br><p>Sunday should be fun.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Bad decisions by Dolphins</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 8, 2006</p>
<p>Miami made some bad decisions last night and that is why they ended up on the short end of the score. Their first major bad decision was the penalty on 3 and 16 in the third quarter where the Dolphins had stopped the Steelers. However, they were called for illegal use of hands and the Steelers got to keep the ball instead of punt. Then on the next play Miami was called for illegal contact. If the Dolphins could have made better decisions, they would have had the Steelers punting from deep in their own end of the field and not running off more than seven minutes of time and 77 yards to the the one yard line. The only lucky event for the Dolphins was the Steelers made a mistake and fumbled.</p>
<br><p>After the fumble the Dolphin fans had to believe that maybe they could pull this out, they were forgetting that bad decision Culepepper now was a Dolphin. Daunte made two bad decisions last night and both resulted in pickoffs. Neither of the interceptions were that exceptional but one has to wonder why a supposed veteran not name Brett would make such awful throws. Charlie the backup didn't throw that bad, but yes Daunte the savior of the Miami Dolphins did. Those two inept passes threw the game to the Steelers. And you don't even have to blame the late challenge by mister passive Saban as a reason for the loss.</p>
<br><p>Daunte showed his bravado last night where he thinks he has to win the game, become the downfall of his new team. When Daunte plays for the team to win, they will. But when he plays like a gunslinger and doesn't sling it, Terry Porter will take the pass back for a touchdown.</p>
<br><p>If yesterday was any indication of the new Dolphins, maybe the Jets aren't that far from beating them.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Why is Pittsburgh the Pick?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 7, 2006</p>
<p>Why would anyone pick Pittsburgh to go back to the Super Bowl? Why would they pick them to win their division?</p>
<br><p>Pittsburgh didn't win their division last year, why think they can do it this year? I call it jumping on the bandwagon. I also think most people like to look at what has happened and figure that is the way it will be. Of course, what people are forgetting is that when the Steelers didn't change much, their competition has.</p>
<br><p>Cincinnati won the AFC North last year. They have their quarterback coming back from surgery and they have one of the most explosive wide receivers in Chad Johnson. The Baltimore Ravens have added a quarterback, considering that they have been playing without one for the past ten years or so, this should be a positive. The Ravens will not be at the top of the NFL but they will be in the middle of the pack. They will be trouble for any team any Sunday. And though the Browns are not top notch they have a chance to be 8-8 if they have things fall their way. So, with all this competition I don't pick the Steelers to be any better than 9-7 with an outside chance of 8-8.</p>
<br><p>Tonight's game has a Ben-less-Steeler lineup facing a rejuvenated Daunte-Dolphin team. Daunte will be good for about about 6 games this year, then he will break down. Unfortunately for the Steelers, tonight will be one of Culepepper's good games. Look for the Dolphins to upset the super bowl champs by a field goal.</p>
<br><p>Jump on another bandwagon.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">So who is the Worse?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 6, 2006</p>
<p>Who is the worse in the NFL this year? The Jets, the 49ers or maybe a dark horse, like the Rams? My best guess is that the Jets and the 49ers will compete for the title up until the end.</p>
<br><p>In the NFL the best bet for wins are home games and for bad teams it is their only hope. The Jets home games are New England, Indianapolis, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Buffalo and Oakland. There looks like a possible three wins in those eight games, Detroit, Houston and Buffalo. They could pull out a victory in the last game against the Raiders. But their away games don't look too hopeful unless they can go into Greenbay and cause Farve to throw some picks. Therefore I think that the best hope the Jets have for this season is a five win season.</p>
<br><p>The 49ers home games don't look that much better. Their opponents are St Louis, Philadelphia, Oakland, San Diego, Minnesota, Seattle, Green Bay and Arizonia. In this schedule there are a possible three wins St Louis, Green Bay and Arizonia. The away schedule is not any rosier unless they can win in New Orleans and Detroit. That leaves the 49ers with a possible four win year.</p>
<br><p>These two teams haven't always been bad, but unfortunately they don't look very good for the upcoming season. They may not be good in the next season either. Oh well, someone has to get beat.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Ben is out?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 5, 2006</p>
<p>Ben had to go to the hospital. Will this mean a loss for the Steelers? Yes.</p>
<br><p>Charlie Batch is no Ben, but it is not Charlie's fault that the Steelers will not win it all this year. The Steelers do not have the intangibles, let alone the oppurtunity to win it all this year. They will stumble and possibly not even make the playoffs.</p>
<br><p>Why? Simple answer is that to repeat in the NFL is extremely difficult. And the harder answer is that the Steelers are not the Patriots. Ben will have an average year. Hines-Ward will miss half of the games. And the Steelers will not fill the rolls that Bettis or El-Randle filled to help propel the team last year.</p>
<br><p>Steelers enjoy your memories because it could be another decade before you get to the Super Bowl again.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Is the season over for Cal?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 4, 2006</p>
<p>I am visiting California and in the sports page everyone has proclaimed Cal as a potential national champ. Of course, that was before the humbling defeat on Saturday. My question is will these wannabees now pipe down?</p>
<br><p>I doubt that the die-hard Cal fans are ready to call it a year, but I am not so sure about some of these sports experts. They may have lost confidence in the Bearcats to do anything but lose to good teams and beat those lesser teams.</p>
<br><p>Of course, this was one year that I was hoping that Cal could prove they are not just the second tier. I am rooting for them to upend USC. This is one college football fan that doesn't think that USC is the next dynasty. I don't think that highly of Pete Carroll, but of course you might say that comes from watching him try to coach in the NFL where he was way over his head.</p>
<br><p>Cal may not be the next national champs but maybe they could be the next Pacific-10 champs.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Predictable starts</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 2, 2006</p>
<p>The Michigan game began with the Wolverines going 10 plays in less than five minutes for a touchdown. Texas began their game with a quick touchdown pass and then they showed some defense power by smacking Northern Texas around when they got within the Red Zone. Northern Texas couldn't get the field goal off, even though they had a first and 10 on the Texas 20 yard line. Of course, none of this is surprising.</p>
<br><p>Both Michigan and Texas are expected to dominate and smack their opponent around this weekend, that is what the first three weeks are all about. Fans get to watch their top ranked teams roll up some great statistics and other fans get to watch their team get pummelled.</p>
<br><p>Could we ask for more???</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">College Football has begun</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">September 1, 2006</p>
<p>Last night began the college football season which is alot of fun to watch, but could there be a little more competitiveness. I can't believe some of the games that are scheduled. UofI will play EIU. That is a joke.</p>
<br><p>Okay I am an EIU grad and I have always followed Illini football, and I know they do not revolve in the same hemishpere. So, why are we having such games in football? The twelve game schedule. Why couldn't the UofI play a competitive team?</p>
<br><p>Simple answer money. The game will be watched by more EIU alum than Illini, because there is more upside for EIU. But there is more money for the Illini.</p>
<br><p>Instate basketball games are fine, but instate football games should be banned.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Will they find a home?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 31, 2006</p>
<p>Todd Pinkston, Jay Fiedler and Martin Gramatica are just a few of the veterans looking for a place to play this September. Will any of them find a new home? Are any of them worth the risk?</p>
<br><p>Wide receivers are thrown away once it looks like they can't run. Pinkston has had injuries and is still not 100 percent, of course no one is 100 percent once they have played in the pros. Pinkston will be 100 percent when he retires. He does have chance to sign as a backup for some of the needier teams.</p>
<br><p>Backup quality quarterbacks are hard to find, when you consider that the Raiders went to the shelf and brought back Jeff George. However, Jay Fielder is trying to come back from injuries and has not yet proved he is healthy. He would be a big risk even for those in need like San Diego.</p>
<br><p>Kickers are used and replaced more than Imeldo Marcos changed shoes. I think that if the NFL allowed for game day changes, three teams a week would release and resign a kicker. Kickers are only as good as their last kick. I wouldn't be surprised to see Gramatica signed by a team before the season starts and be released by the end of September and resigned by the second week of October. That is the life of a professional kicker.</p>
<br><p>Some of the veterans will sign and some will go home. But they could all be back before the end of the season.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Questions not Answered</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 30, 2006</p>
<p>The quarterbacks that are named starters at the beginning of the season aren't always the ones that finish the season. Injuries, bad snaps and bad play can change the perception of who should be the starting quarterback.</p>
<br><p>Chad Pennington has won the starting job for the Jets, presently. However, the question for the Jets is can Pennington stay healthy enough to remain at the helm? The Jets aren't the only ones with questions.</p>
<br><p>The Bears have a major question at starting qb. The Bears defense is prime to win now, but the offense seems to be mired in the mud. The fact that the starting running backs haven't played yet is not the only concern. Rex Grossman is having problems exerting himself as the answer to the problems. To Bear fans presently Grossman seems to be as ineffective as last year's quarterbacks. Grossman will need to show greatness quickly or there may be a swift change before the end of September for Griese.</p>
<br><p>There are other run of the mill quarterbacks who are facing the same problems, JP Losman, Phil Rivers, Aaron Brooks and whoever they start in Washington. Of course, there are no guarantees for the veterans such as Favre or Bledsoe. There are no sure answers but it is fun to speculate which ones will make it and who will have problems.</p>
<br><p>I am hoping that Grossman does fine and emerges as the quarterback of the year. But I am a Bear Fan.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">George is Back</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 29, 2006</p>
<p>Jeff George is signed to play pro football. I thought it was a joke, you know, like Canseco playing baseball and pitching. That was a joke and this is a joke.</p>
<br><p>Jeff George was a great talent out of Indiana. He couldn't play for Purdue, so he went to Illinois. As an Illini fan it was great fun to watch him throw the ball and Illinois actually won football games. Ron Zook would love to find someone like that this year. But that was then, this is now. Jeff George is old. I repeat he is old and professional football is for young men.</p>
<br><p>If you don't believe that you didn't watch the invincible Brett play last night and look awful. Okay, I am one of the six people who don't think that Brett Favre is the greatest, but Brett did not look comfortable last night and he will have a so so year. If Brett, who is thousand times greater than George ever dreamed of being, won't get it done. How can the Raiders think that signing Jeff is the answer. This is ridiculous.</p>
<br><p>Either the Raiders are lost in a time warp or they are trying to make their own reality, but signing Jeff George is not the answer.</p><br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">TO is at it again</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 28, 2006</p>
<p>Why did Dallas think TO would be different? Why did Jerry Jones think TO would not be controversial? I can't think of one reason, especially since Tuna never seemed enthusiastic about the acquisition. Oh well, I guess it is all that media hype.</p>
<br><p>To all Dallas and other TO fans, wake up. TO is a self absorbed, egotisical, spoiled baby. He doesn't care about Dallas. He cares about TO and is loving all of this media. TO sees himself as the victim and doesn't see anything wrong with anything he has said. That should scare those Dallas fans who figured that this was their year. TO just may be able to implode a team without ever playing a game.</p>
<br><p>I know that TO works hard. That TO makes the team better. However, someone pointed out that Philly got themselves to the playoffs and the division final before TO was there. And that the Philly team got themselves to the superbowl game and then TO played. TO never helped Philly win any of those games in the playoffs. He was hurt. So please TO apologists, please don't say TO got them to the SuperBowl, he just played in it and they didn't win.</p>
<br><p>TO is about TO and that usually doesn't fit in on a team sport. TO may be good, but if there is no one to throw him the ball he is just a guy running up and down the field.</p>
<br><p>I sure hope that when the Cowboys blow up this season that there is good film.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Who is in Charge?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 21, 2006</p>
<p>I thought that the coach is the one to call the shots. I may be mistaken. Carson Palmer seems to believe that he is the one who will anounce to the media when he will play. Where is Marvin the coach? He must be too distracted by all the arrests to determine when his quarterback will play. That must be why Carson is in charge.</p>
<br><p>The Bengals may have more problems on their hands then the rap sheets, if they start letting the players make the personnel decisions. It doesn't really matter how good you are, the coach should be the only one deciding when the player plays. Not the other way. Marvin needs to ring in his team or their season will be lost before Palmer throws a touchdown.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">You got to love it</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 17, 2006</p>
<p>It is already started. What you ask? The TO/Parcells feud.</p>
<br><p>Anyone who thought it would take the real season before TO acted up. You were wrong. TO has already acted like a prima donna keeping himself out of practice until Parcells is driven to say stupid things. Tuna doesn't want the players calling the shots. So it is obvious why he refuses to call TO anything but the player.</p>
<br><p>TO wants to be called TO or possibly Terrell or Owens. But he definitely doesn't want to be called the player. I doubt that Tuna will ever call him TO but he may eventually be able to call him "Terhell".</p>
<br><p>I love when Tuna has problems. And TO will definitely be a problem.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Injuries are Preseason</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 15, 2006</p>
<p>Clinton Portis is blaming preseason for his injury. Yes the injury occurred during a meaningless game, however, if this was a real game the injury would still have happened. The problem with pro football is that there is injury around every corner. Players who play as though every down counts and their body will indure it all, will get hurt. Therefore, Portis' problem is that he tried to tackle.</p>
<br><p>Clinton should have just pulled up and let the guys who can tackle do their job. His action of going all out allowed for the injury. Until Portis understands that you play hard when necessary but don't go all out in preseason, he may have problems with preseason.</p>
<br><p>Preseason should be treated like scrimmages not like real games. This allows for the top players not to get hurt and it makes the average players look better. Preseason sucks but there aren't many other alternatives.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Why preseason games?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 11, 2006</p>
<p>I don't quite understand paying to watch preseason football games. The starters play two series and then the backups and no names play the rest of the game. This is deemed necessary because no team can afford an injury. And no matter how hard they try some stars get hurt and finish their career because of a preseason injury.</p>
<br><p>Why pay to watch these no names? It is really just a scrimmage. I know they keep score but is the 19-17 win by the Rams last night an indication of anything. The Rams beat the Colts. I would rather watch college teams scrimmage. At least in watching college you may get to see the players that will start.</p>
<br><p>I may be crazy but I think it is a waste of money to pay to watch pro football preseason games.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Peyton will miss his edge</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 10, 2006</p>
<p>Peyton Manning will miss Edgerrin James. Peyton and James were on the same page and understood what the other one was going to do on each play. That type of knowing doesn't develop in one training camp.</p>
<br><p>All the experts pick the Colts to win their division again. That is not surprising considering that the Titans and the Texans have some question marks in their games. The Jaguars may be a little better than expected, so don't write them off already. However, yes there is a good chance for the Colts to get back to the playoffs. The problem with the Colts is that this year will be a step backwards because of the missing running back.</p>
<br><p>The two headed running back may emerge from Indianapolis but it will still not be the "Edge" that Peyton needs to get him to the Super Bowl. The Colts have lost a step and may not get it back.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Eric Mangini the next great coach?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 9, 2006</p>
<p>Is Eric Mangini the next great coach or a fake? Will this season be his proving ground?</p>
<br><p>Rookie coaches take time to develop, don't expect great things from Mangini until at least his fourth year. Remember that Bill Belichick went 36-44 in his first 5 years with the Browns, who weren't that good of a team. I say this because the Jets aren't a very good team.</p>
<br><p>Everyone wants to nominate Mangini to the Hall of Fame before he coaches one game. Why? Does Eric throw the football? Does he run the football? He is the coach. He is the one who has to get everyone on the same page and to buy into his system of playing. Considering he is the opposite of what the team had last year, there must be time for the players to get used to a new system. The lack of a running back and reliable quarterback is another consideration for giving him time.</p>
<br><p>It will take time for the Mangini era to develop. And of course the Jets are not the most paitent team. So, Mangini era may be with a different team.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Is Martin going to play?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 8, 2006</p>
<p>Is Curtis Martin hurt? Or are the Jets being very cautious?</p>
<br><p>If Curtis, who is 33, can't play this season the Jets' quarterback will have a very long season. But that was already expected. The Jets are not a very good team, as last year pointed out. They need a quarterback which should be Pennington but of course he is prone to injury. The other quarterbacks are all unproven and bigger gambles as to what they will do for the team. The Jets seemed to believe that they had a running back in Curtis, however, he has yet to be able to workout. So, what do the Jets have?</p>
<br><p>The Jets are a Question Mark. They may not have a starting quarterback or a starting running back and they have one receiver. Their offense may have problems scoring and their defense is not dominating. It may be a very long season for Jet fans, again.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Yea Bears</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 4, 2006</p>
<p>I am glad, but a little anxious, that the experts understand that the Bears are a true contender this year for the Super Bowl. Of course, it is very much dependent on Grossman playing the entire schedule.</p>
<br><p>It is obvious if the Bears' defense is as good as last year, they have only upgraded depth, this team will win. The Bears allowed under 13 points a game last year in defense. Any quarterback would love to play on that team, the offense only has to average 14 points to win. That is how the Bears won last year, however this year if Rex plays the offense should average more like 24 a game. With that much of an upgrade, it is obvious why Bear fans are excited.</p>
<br><p>Go Bears.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Simms: Good or Great?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 3, 2006</p>
<p>Chris Simms will always be compared to his father, but most boys are compared to their dads. Chris' problem is that his dad played professional QB, too. So, the comparisons are made on tv not around the family dinner table.</p>
<br><p>This is the first season that Chris starts training camp as the number one quarterback. Is this the season that Chris breaks out and shows that he is as good as all the talk? Is this the season when he makes those who passed him by, regret it? Will see.</p>
<br><p>Simms has not been spectacular, yet. And there is always a chance of an injury, he does play football. However, if Simms stays healthy this will be the year to determine whether he is like dad and able to lead a winning football team or not.</p>
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<br>
<p class="footballhead">Pennington to start</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 2, 2006</p>
<p>Glad to see that the Jets have already stated that Pennington will be the starting quarterback. It is important to settle this issue quickly and with no reservations.</p>
<br><p>Of the four in contention, Pennington is the most tested and still has the most potenial. Ramsey and Bollinger are serviceable backups to third stringers. I don't think Ramsey will ever live up to his expectations. Bollinger has no real expectations, so if he stays in the league for 10 years he will have had a stellar career for him. Clemens has potential but he must be brought in slowly.</p>
<br><p>Will Pennington have a great year? I don't know, since there are so many questions about receivers and Curtis. I don't expect much out of the Jets, but if Pennington doesn't get hurt again there is hope. Don't expect it to be a quick start though.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">First big injury</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">August 1, 2006</p>
<p>The Falcons lost their 3rd receiver on a non contact play in the first days of camp. That is awful. The only saving grace is that there is plenty of time to change the offense or to find a replacement. This isn't the end for Atlanta, it is just a piece of the puzzle they need to figure out.</p>
<br><p>It is unfortunate that American pro football has so many injuries that can change a team in a day. Also, this is just the first of many to come during camp and then during the season.</p>
<br><p>Is there any chance that injuries can be avoided? No, that is the nature of the sport. It is just too bad when the injury destroys your team.</p>
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<br>
<p class="footballhead">Reggie was not the 1st pick</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">July 28, 2006</p>
<p>It is okay for Reggie to try to get all he can, but Reggie Bush was not the first pick overall. Therefore, he doesn't deserve to be paid first pick money. Now, I want all of those idiots who say they would have made him their first pick to shut up.</p>
<br><p>The first pick in the draft goes to one team and that one team gets to choose what they want. No one else gets to be the first pick. It is a contest and if you lose and come in second, you are second. I don't care what someone else would have done. So, Reggie demanding first pick money is ludicrous.</p>
<br><p>Reggie you lost, now shut up and sign as the second pick in the overall draft. Reality says you are number 2.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">What will the Raiders be?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">July 27, 2006</p>
<p>I am looking forward to see how the Raiders fare in the first month of the season. I have always been fascinated by the Raiders because of their image of Black and Silver Pirates.</p>
<br><p>The Raiders have a history of bad boys who just like to play football. However, they have made a few mistakes, like changing their residence and name to Los Angeles. Okland Raiders has a better sound than silly Los Angeles Raiders. Another mistake firing the one coach that was a raider, Art Shell.</p>
<br><p>Davis corrected the name change a few years ago and that didn't change the losing. So, Al decided to bring Art back to see if he can bring the winning back to the bay. I am not sure you can bring this team back to life by bringing back the coach that shouldn't have been fired. We will see if this happens.</p>
<br><p>The Raiders have a new quarterback, an old coach, dissent in the receiver corps and a wacky owner, what will that produce in wins? Probably seven or eight wins, but the Raiders should be fun to watch.</p>
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<br>
<p class="footballhead">Favorite Headline</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">July 26, 2006</p>
<p>What are you wishing to see this year in football?</p>
<br><p>Is it the Manning battle? I have no real interest here because I don't like either Manning. I am one of those few fans who think the Mannings are overrated. Peyton has had good receivers and a good running back, therefore his success has been helped by his team. Yes, he is a good quarterback, but he is not great. I really doubt he has what it takes to be a Joe Montana. Eli is a little brother who still can't get out of his father's or brother's shadow. Eli wasn't that good in college. He made bad decisions and threw into coverage too much. Eli may be a decent quarterback in the NFL, but time will only tell us that.</p>
<br><p>Are you waiting for the first TO fiasco? Now, I am very interested in watching that soap opera. I think TO is a good receiver and sometimes he is an asset to a team. However, TO is also a selfcentered baby who has never had to pay for his temper tantrums. Tuna is a great coach, however, he is a selfcentered big baby who hasn't ever let anyone tell him what to do. Therefore these two will definitely clash in Dallas and the question is only when. The time is clicking for the Dallas showdown.</p>
<br><p>Football season is coming and there are many headlines that will keep fans watching until after the Super Bowl. Great.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Starting QBs</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">July 25, 2006</p>
<p>Yes, playing pro football is dangerous to one's health and playing QB can be very unhealthy. However, if the medicine men can keep your body together for at least ten years and you have a front line that will keep those big boys off of you, it is a great job. Who will the lucky ones be this year?</p>
<br><p>As a bear fan and a watcher of the jets, I know about qb injuries. I am rooting that Grossman stays healthy for the entire season. I also would love to see if Chad will ever be that qb that he was going to become a few years ago. There are other qbs that I am rooting to stay healthy such as Carson and Drew.</p>
<br><p>A starting QB can be replaced, Kyle Orton showed that last year. However, unless the team is good the second string QB is not taking the team to the Super Bowl. Therefore, the most important player to protect in the preseason is the starting qb.</p>
<br><p>Grossman please stay healthy.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">I am rooting for Edgerrin</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">July 19, 2006</p>
<p>I am looking forward to seeing Edgerrin James run for the Cards this season. I am not a fan of Arizonia but I am a fan of James. It was hard to root for him in Indy, since I don't particularly care for the Colts.</p>
<br><p>When Edgerrin signed with the Cardinals I was a bit shocked but I was also glad. I think the Colts have no idea how much they will miss James, of course I am hoping that they miss him. And I am hoping that James has his average year for the Cardinals. A sixteen game year for James would mean 1200 yards rushing, 12 TDs rushing, 5 fumbles and 2 lost, a 4.2 yds per carry, 480 yards receiving, 2 TDs receiving and 8 yds per catch. This would significantly enhance the Cardinals offense.</p>
<br><p>Here's hoping that the Cards make the playoffs.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">All Bears are signed</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">July 6, 2006</p>
<p>Signing all draftees is the most important thing a football team can do in July. All draftees should be under contract before camp opens or there are repercussions the entire season. The Bears didn't get Cedric signed on time last year and he wasn't ready to play.</p>
<br><p>All teams have this problem and it is a good sign for a team when everyone gets signed. The Bears didn't have any high profile picks so they got everyone signed quickly, good. Now the Bears can get on with the important stuff, winning the division.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">The Bears are making noise</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 29, 2006</p>
<p>The Bears have made alot of movement to improve their special teams. This is a good sign, since that was their biggest need.</p>
<br><p>Now, I just want some solid defense backup, so that someone will cover Steven Smith. Of course, I also have to hope that Grossman doesn't fall over and break a foot or arm.</p>
<br><p>Training camp opens July 27th. Yeah.</p>
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<p class="footballhead">Football needs to start soon</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 26, 2006</p>
<p>I know it isn't July but I am longing for football, already. I am glad for the World Cup and then the Tour de France, but once they are over I will need a football fix. Bears training camp doesn't start for another month, but I need football, now.</p>
<br><p>I have been a Bear fan about as long as I have been a cub fan and I can say I have had some bad years with both of them. But I always hope that when one team is a reject the other will lift my spirits. And now it is up to the Bears.</p>
<br><p>The Cubs need a transfusion.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">The Bears should be Good</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 22, 2006</p>
<p>The experts of prediction believe the Bears should have an easy time in their division this year. Of course, these are the same people who thought the Bears were maybe a .500 team last season. And after Grossman went down they buried the Bears behind the Lions. Experts are only as good as their last pick.</p>
<br><p>Okay, I also was upset when Grossman went down last season, but I hoped for the best. And for once the Bears came through. The Bears have a defense that is one of the best in the NFL. Their offense is what is lacking. If, and there is always an if in NFL predictions, Grossman, Cedric and Thomas play up to their potential the Bears will win their division this year. As for the playoffs, that will depend if they learned from their mistakes last year.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Vinny back to Cleveland?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 21, 2006</p>
<p>I just read a rumor that Cleveland may think of asking Vinny Testaverde to sign before he retires. Huh? Vinny needs to retire.</p>
<br><p>Yes, Cleveland doesn't have much backup if Charlie Frye doesn't make it. Or if he gets hurt. Derek Anderson and Ken Dorsey are not backups that I would want on the Bears, so I see the need for a proven starter.</p>
<br><p>My question is why would you want Vinny? There are other choices out there, my first choice wouldn't be Testaverde.</p>
<br><p>Let Vinny retire. There is nothing left in the arm.</p>
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<br>
<p class="footballhead">Pennington or someone else?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 16, 2006</p>
<p>Chad is practicing which has Jets' fans dreaming of a Super Bowl. But the question is will Chad make it through the season.</p>
<br><p>Since I live in Connecticut, I get to watch all Jets and Giants football games. I have seen most of Chad's professional games and I do think he is a good passer. However, his endurance is questionable. Unfortuanately, he has had a few more problems than Rex Grossman.</p>
<br><p>I hope that this season Rex and Chad are both starting and they have their fans cheering for the super bowl. That would be great.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Not too early to dream about football</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 15, 2006</p>
<p>I know it is only the middle of June and supposedly there is plenty of baseball to play, however, I am still dreaming about the bears. I haven't given up on the Cubs, just say I am a realist.</p>
<br><p>In the summer is the best time to dream about Rex Grossman throwing touchdowns. Since he hasn't played but eight games in three seasons, one would wonder why fans are still so hopeful in him.</p>
<br><p>I am a cub fan, I know about injuries. Rex has been injured and I am hoping that he can stay healthy and not be another Kerry Wood.</p>
<br><p>Grossman showed some promise in college and when the Bears drafted him I only hoped he wouldn't be another "Cade McNown". I still hope that and I am dreaming of Grossman starting every game on the way to the Super Bowl.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Faulk may retire</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 14, 2006</p>
<p>Rumors have Marshall Faulk retiring before the season starts. This isn't too surprising but it is a time to say thank you Marshall for all the goood runs.</p>
<br><p>Faulk was the kind of back I liked to watch. He wanted the football and he could catch as well as a tight end. He was a star in Indy and then a star in St. Louis. I always thought that the Rams got lucky in taking him from Indy. Of course, James turned out to be a pretty good replacement for Faulk in Indy.</p>
<br><p>Marshall thanks for the memories.</p>
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<br>
<p class="footballhead">Ben likes to ride motorcycles</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 13, 2006</p>
<p>Ben Roethlisberger likes to ride motorcycles without a helmet. There is nothing wrong with that.</p>
<br><p>Helmets prevent major injury to the head if a motorcycle rider is in an accident, however helmets do not prevent accidents. Early indications is this was an accident. The only thing that could have prevented it would have been Ben not being there at that time.</p>
<br><p>This is America where you can choose what you want to do with your life. Ben gets to choose to ride motorcycles. Unless he gives up that right on his own free will, no one can stop him from doing that. Of course, if he can't perform his job, his employer has every right to let him go.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Marcus a wide receiver?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 12, 2006</p>
<p>Miami is trying to switch Marcus Vick to wide receiver/specialist. This actually sounds interesting. Though I was never impressed by Marcus' ability as a quarterback, this may be a chance to be a pro.</p>
<br><p>Vick didn't sign with the CFL which is a little surprising, since he is the type of quarterback that plays in the CFL. CFL is a passing and big plays league where Vick very likely could succeed. But he chose to stay in the states and see if he could catch on as anything for an NFL team.</p>
<br><p>If Vick really wants to play in the NFL, switching to receiver/speicalist will probably be his best bet. I think he may have made a wise decision. That would be a first.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Henson still around?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 7, 2006</p>
<p>Drew Henson is still a Cowboy? I am a little surprised. Tuna is not the easiest coach to play for and his displeasure of Henson has been obvious. Drew must be tougher then he looks.</p>
<br><p>I figured after sitting an entire season that Henson would do what he did in baseball, and quit. Or try to find a team that would play him. But he went to the NFL in Europe and had a pretty decent season. Will that translate to playing time for Dallas?</p>
<br><p>I think that is a question Parcells won't want to answer. But of course it may be an easier question than the ones about his wide receiver. Dallas may prove to be a team to watch this year. At least the press will have stories.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">How long will Owens last?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 5, 2006</p>
<p>How long until TO does something stupid? I say that Owens will last until about December. Then TO will do something outrageous and Tuna will put his foot down. Owens will be released at the end of this season.</p>
<br><p>TO and Tuna are two of the biggest egos in the NFL. Tuna plays the press better than TO, which is why Owens will end up being released. Owens is a good player but he has an attention disorder. He needs attention.</p>
<br><p>I have to think that this will be a fun football season waiting for TO to blow up. It will happen, just when.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Is Cedric a bust?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">June 2, 2006</p>
<p>Cedric Benson had a disappointing rookie year. The Bears won despite there number one draft choice only ran for 272 yards all year. That is not what was expected.</p>
<br><p>Benson was a big runner in college and the Bears need running backs that like to run. So when he was drafted, it seemed to be a perfect fit. But he had to hold out, which is never good for a rookie's stats. And then he got hurt after he had two good games.</p>
<br><p>Benson gets this year to prove he is a Bear running back or I think he may follow in those footsteps of ATrain and David Terrell, Bear first round busts. I don't want that.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Joe calls Ricky a disgrace</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 31, 2006</p>
<p>Joe Theismann, the guy who had his broken leg shown on Monday Night Football, thinks that Ricky Williams is a disgrace to football. Yesterday he said that Ricky is a good kid, but he should be out of football. Of course, Joe played for the Toronto team that signed Ricky. So, this is Joe not wanting to be associated with Williams.</p>
<br><p>Joe has a point. However, professional sports is not about rules it is about money. And if Ricky can bring in money he will be playing some type of football for somebody. Theismann thinks that it is a privelege to play professional sports. He may be right, however, owners just want to make money.</p>
<br><p>Joe's last hope is that the Redskins don't sign Ricky, after the Dolphins are done with him. Because if that happens, Joe will not be able to avoid the Ricky association.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Ricky in Canada</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 30, 2006</p>
<p>Ricky Williams is going to play in the CFL. I think that is a win, win situation.</p>
<br><p>The CFL will have ESPN talking about him the entire season. Which, of course, is great advertising for the CFL. The Dolphins will know where Ricky is living. He won't be off the reservation, which could have easily happened. And for Ricky he will get the attention he needs. People will be rooting for him to do something flashy, which is one of Ricky's ability.</p>
<br><p>Does it really matter if Ricky's team win anything? No. What really matters is that Ricky is playing and doesn't have free time.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Couch days are over?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 29, 2006</p>
<p>Tim Couch may have thrown his last football in the NFL. Unfortunately, for too many would be stars this is not a new story.</p>
<br><p>Couch was a first round pick by Cleveland in 1999. He has six years experience but only played in 62 games. He has sixty four touchdown passes and 67 interceptions. And a quarterback rating of 75.1. Are these the statistics of a successful round one pick?</p>
<br><p>Couch played 5 years with the Browns and then in 2004 he signed with the Packers. He has not played a game for the Packers and looks like he may not play for anyone else. Injuries have been the downfall, which is usually the biggest problem for all football college stars that don't make it. This is just a cautionary reminder for the new stars that were drafted last month.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">The Giants don't have much backup</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 27, 2006</p>
<p>The Giants signed Rob Johnson as a backup quarterback. My first question was why? Then I saw who the Giants have as backup.  Johnson will join Tim Hasselbeck, Jared Lorenzen and Josh Harris in battling for backup spots.</p>
<br><p>I think if I was a Giant fan I would hold my breath that Eli doesn't get a scratch. Johnson was a decent quarterback years ago but he hasn't played since 2003. The other three haven't done anything. So, as I said the Giants don't have much in the way of a backup quarterback.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Two of the better coaches</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 26, 2006</p>
<p>I have never really liked Bobby Bowden. My only reason is that I think his school is a minor football league facility not a college. However, he is one of best college football coaches ever.</p>
<br><p>I have liked Joe Paterno and have admired how he wins at a university that has maintained a student athelete attitude. He is, also, one of the best college football coaches.</p>
<br><p>I think the thing that makes Bowden and Paterno so good, is that they both realized that they are college coaches not professional coaches. There is a large difference of the mentality for coaching in the pros which Paterno and Bowden do not possess.</p>
<br><p>These two have helped many young men reach for that professional career. I am glad they never decided that a college coach wasn't a professional career.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Who is number 1?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 25, 2006</p>
<p>It is time to try to figure out who is number 1 in college football. The first poll I saw gives the nod to Ohio State. That is possible.</p>
<br><p>However, I don't think that Ohio State will do it this year. The Big Ten still has good enough teams to beat them. I don't believe that USC or Texas will be as good as last year. They both lost too many key players.</p>
<br><p>I am not a believer in Notre Dame. They have a nice team but I just don't think Brady Quinn is Joe Montano. West Virginia doesn't give me warm feelings either.</p>
<br><p>The Sooners seem to have the least downfalls. So, I think that the Oklahoma will be the one at the end of the season.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">No number 5</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 24, 2006</p>
<p>One of the stupidest Reggie Bush moves was asking for Number 5. Does he think he is still in college?</p>
<br><p>The NFL is a big business monopoly. And no player is bigger than the NFL, ask Joe Montano. The NFL has their own rules and some of them are only to remind the players that they are a commodity not an individual. And this silly numbers rule is for no reason but the NFL wants to control every aspect of the game.</p>
<br><p>I don't think there is anything wrong with Reggie wanting to wear number 5. I just think he doesn't seem to grasp how unimportant in the bigger picture of the NFL he is. If Reggie has a great career or if he is a bust, he will just be another NFL ballplayer nothing else.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Indy returning to the SuperBowl?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 23, 2006</p>
<p>So, will Indy make a run for the SuperBowl? To get there they have to win the conference championship first and they haven't done that with Peyton.</p>
<br><p>Experts wanted to crown the Colts the greatest team ever last year, before the season was over. Then the Colts lost to the Chargers at home and the Seahawks in Seattle. And to top it all off they lost in their first game in the playoffs to a wild card team. Of course, the Steelers did become the champs but the Colts had all of the advantages.</p>
<br><p>The only thing the Colts missed last year was the ability not to believe their own press. The Colts were definitely overconfident against the Steelers and seemed to think they were destined to go to the SuperBowl.</p>
<br><p>What will be the Colts downfall this year? Let's say it starts with no James to run the ball. Now, Peyton will have to pass to everybody. Will that be enough?</p>
<br><p>I think it will be a long season for the Colts.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Returns are Fun</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 22, 2006</p>
<p>Len Pasquarelli points out that out of the top ten punt return specialists eligible for the draft, nine were picked in the lottery. Does that mean they are all going to make it? Does that mean the punt return statistics will be up this year.</p>
<br><p>Maybe not. But it does mean that football teams understand they need to upgrade their return specialists. Returns are fun and fans love them.</p>
<br><p>Since the bears picked up two return specialists, this is one fan that is hoping the statistic are up. Especially the Bears.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">8 More Years?</p>
<br><p class ="footballdate">May 20, 2006</p>
<p>Peyton Manning thinks he may play eight more years. You can believe that if he stays away from injuries that is not farfetched. Of course, everyone is probably hoping that Manning isn't another Farve.</p>
<br><p>When Peyton figures he is all played out, I hope he hangs up his helmet and retires. He can take that last season where every team says goodbye. But Peyton please don't act like Brett.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">I would hate to be a kicker</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 19, 2006</p>
<p>The quarterback and running back may get the most press but I think the kicker gets the most blame. I think that kickers have the worse job in the NFL.</p>
<br><p>Yes, kickers play the least but every kick they make is always going to be their last kick. If a kicker misses an extra point that could mean unemployment next week. If a douable field goal is missed that could also mean a pink slip. No other position has every play a do or die situation.</p>
<br><p>Kicker is not a fun position.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">New Orleans wants to party</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 18, 2006</p>
<p>New Orleans have sold a record number of season tickets. I think that was a given. Who in football has more to cheer than the Saints' fans? They have Reggie Bush and Drew Brees and no need to put sacks on their heads.</p>
<br><p>New Orleans has a reputation of a party town, and wouldn't it be appropriate for them to be partying all the way to the Super Bowl.</p>
<br><p>Of course, I don't think they will get that far next year. But I do think that the Saints' fans will have alot to party about in the years to come.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Rivers a pro QB?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 17, 2006</p>
<p>Philip Rivers is the designated quarterback for the Chargers next season. Will he live up to the hype?</p>
<br><p>Quarterbacks chosen in the first round are expected to lead their teams to the playoffs. Rivers was a first round pick so he should win. But the question is always will he.</p>
<br><p>No one knows but he has enough confidence. So, let's see if he can or can't. It should be fun.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Flutie retires</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 16, 2006</p>
<p>Doug Flutie announced his retirement like he played football. He made a quick decisive move. Unlike some of the quarterbacks today who can't make a decision, Flutie stepped up to the mike and said it is over. Good move.</p>
<br><p>Here's hoping he as enjoyable to listen to, as he was to watch.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Reggie saying the right things</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 15, 2006</p>
<p>Reggie Bush doesn't want to hold out which will be very good for both him and the Saints. He says he wants to get into camp on time, so he can learn the system and have a productive year.</p>
<br><p>This is the way to act if Bush wants to succeed in New Orleans. He probably already had most of the fans rooting for him and now he has everyone rooting for him. You have to root for a player that wants to play.</p>
<br><p>Here's hoping that Bush has a good year. It will be good for football fans.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Joey out of Detroit</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 13, 2006</p>
<p>Joey Harrington is headed to Miami. I bet he is relieved. He has had a nightmare in Detroit.</p>
<br><p>I thought Harrington would be good for the Lions and if he had receivers they could win. Uh, didn't happen. Now, Joey will have to see if he can play for Saban.</p>
<br><p>Harrington won't be the starting quarterback if Culepepper can play. But in football injuries are reality and Culepepper's injuries will give Joey the chance to start his career over.</p>
<br><p>Harrington may have not been the answer for the Lions, but now they have no starting quarterback on their roster. Josh McNown, Jon Kinta and Shaun King are second and third string quarterbacks. They may all be thirds.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Receiver requires a Quarterback</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 12, 2006</p>
<p>Detroit has a decent core of receivers and Mike Martz is bringing in others who know his gameplan. That is great. But doesn't a receiver need someone to throw the ball to them?</p>
<br><p>Yes, I thought Charles Rogers and Roy Williams would be great in the pros and they still might be. The thing I forgot was that the receiver is only as good as the guy throwing the ball to him. Detroit hasn't had a consistent quarterback in years and Joey was not the solution. Harrington was a miscalculation.</p>
<br><p>My question to Detroit, who is your quarterback? You may have great receivers but they need a quarterback and I don't see one on your roster, yet.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Terrell ready to play?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 11, 2006</p>
<p>David Terrell is going to be the third wide receiver for Denver this year? I would like to see that.</p>
<br><p>I watched Terrell play in college, even though I don't like Michigan. I always rooted for him to lose but he was fun to watch. And I thought he would be a good receiver in the pros. So far, he has proven me to be a fool.</p>
<br><p>My beloved Bears were so inept that they had him and his teammate A-train, and they have both been busts. I still like Terrell and would love to see him develop into a pro receiver. Some things take longer to develop, maybe this is one of those things.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Flutie another year?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 10, 2006</p>
<p>Brady wants Flutie to play another year? I think that is a little ridiculous. Yes, Flutie is a good guy to have on the sideline. And he was fun with the drop kick. But what happens if Brady gets hurt? Doug Flutie would be the Patriots backup. That will be a problem.</p>
<br><p>I have watched Flutie throughout his career, even when he was in Chicago, and I think he is fun to watch. However, Flutie is 43 years old and has lost a little speed and elusiveness, which is what he will need if he has to actually play.</p>
<br><p>I think if Brady wants Flutie on the sidelines next season, maybe the Patriots should hire him as a coach/assistant. The Patriots shouldn't throw away the backup quarterback job, just because they think Brady won't get hurt. The problem with playing QB is that you inevitably get hurt and a backup is needed.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Bam returns?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 9, 2006</p>
<p>Bam Morris wants a shot to try football again. I think that is great. In a society that says we should give people another chance. Give Bam another chance.</p>
<br><p>Morris did his time, so if he can play give him a chance. It would be a good story if he can play.</p>
<br><p>NFL give him a tryout.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Retirement is a joke</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 8, 2006</p>
<p>Brett Farve is so full of this retirement thing, that I have to laugh. A reporter needs to tell Farve to "shut up and play". Who cares if this is his last year or not?</p>
<br><p>Brett may not make it through this season, so talk about him playing another is jumping the gun. Let's see if Farve can throw those interceptions like he did last year, before cheering for his return next year.</p>
<br><p>Of course, I am rooting for Brett to play the way he did last year, I loved it. Go Bears.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Turley coming back?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 6, 2006</p>
<p>Kyle Turley making a comeback? Now, in football that is usually a longshot.</p>
<br><p>Players who get hurt for a full season or two have problems getting back into the game. They are concerned about getting hurt again, that is only logical. Kyle hasn't played since the 2003 playoff loss. That is a long time. Also, he is trying to change positions, which is never a cakewalk.</p>
<br><p>With all of those odds against him, it would be nice to see a little hope. I only remember Kyle Turley as the hard hitting Saint who played at unbelievable ferociousness, that looked scary.</p>
<br><p>I hope he doesn't hurt himself worse.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Is this good for Smith?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 5, 2006</p>
<p>Trent Dilfer backing up Alex Smith? I am not quite sure that is how it will shake out. Dilfer has won a superbowl, so he thinks he is a starting qb, not a backup. That was Dilfer's problem with the Browns.</p>
<br><p>QBs come in different sizes and from many systems, however, the one thing that makes a professional QB is attitude. If you don't think you are the best, you will never be great.</p>
<br><p>The problem with Dilfer and possibly Smith, they are just not great, no matter how arrogant they are. They are both servicable. That isn't a winner in my book.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Good Bear Name</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 4, 2006</p>
<p>Dvoracek is a perfect name for a Chicago Bear. The Bears are a black and blue, midwest football team and Dvoracek just rings with that. He played for Oklahoma and that reminds me of smash mouth football. So, will Dusty Dvoracek fit into the Bears defense?</p>
<br><p>I have no idea but he sounds like a Bear.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">McNair playing in Baltimore?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 3, 2006</p>
<p>McNair going to Baltimore? Now that would be interesting.</p>
<br><p>I like McNair, though, I think his better years are behind him. Unfortunately, he is one hit away to landing on the retirement line. So the only question, is will he play his last games for Tennessee or somewhere else.</p>
<br><p>The Titans have been downright rude in the way they have handled McNair, so far this year. Would the Ravens be a better place for Steve to end his career? Maybe. There is no guarantee that McNair is going to last the season, but if he does, he may help a team win some games.</p>
<br><p>McNair should go where he will play, since there aren't many games left.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Give them their shirts</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 2, 2006</p>
<p>15,000 fans have already ordered a Bush jersey. That is fantastic. I am glad to see that New Orleans' fans have something to wear, other than bags over their heads. I am happy that there will be a "sea of New Orleans' uniforms" in the stadiums next season, instead of a "sea of paperbags".</p>
<br><p>No matter what number, this is a good move.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">He didn't get picked?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">May 1, 2006</p>
<p>Marcus Vick didn't get selected in the draft this year. Who is really surprised, except Marcus?</p>
<br><p>Vick doesn't have the physical stature of a prototype pro quarterback. Vick doesn't have a college history to show what he can do as a quarterback. Vick only has is a big brother who is already a pro quarterback.</p>
<br><p>Marcus has relied too much, on his relation to Michael to advance his own career. He has acted as though he didn't need Virginia Tech. He has acted as though he is entitled to be in the NFL. He doesn't realize it takes hard, no nosense work to be a pro.</p>
<br><p>There are many talented football players, but only a very small percentage are drafted. And a less percentage actually make it as a pro. Talent doesn't get you a job, it only gets you a look.</p>
<br><p>Since, Marcus hasn't shown that he is anything, but an average talented football player, this fan isn't surprised he wasn't selected.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">A Steal</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 30, 2006</p>
<p>Arizonia made the best steal of the draft. Matt Leinart will be a good quarterback in the pros and he is at a place that will be good for him.</p>
<br><p>Kurt Warner was a little discontented when the Giants brought in Eli Manning to save the franchise, but don't expect him to act that way to Leinart. Kurt is now aware of his age and believes he has been given a chance by Dennis Green. When a player believes they have been given a chance, they are more willing to except the consequences. Warner was never given a chance by Tom Coughlin.</p>
<br><p>Kurt will play this year and if he stays healthy may have a decent year, since he does have Edgerrin to carry the ball. If Kurt gets hurt, which is very likely, Leinart will play some, but don't expect him to win this year. However, next year is when Matt should break out and show why he will be a pro bowl quarterback of the future.</p>
<br><p>Why did Leinart drop to number ten? The Cardinals don't care about the why. They care about the future and the future is Matt Leinart.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Why Williams?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 29, 2006</p>
<p>I can only think that Houston didn't take Reggie because of "money". Nothing else makes sense.</p>
<br><p>Every team can use two running backs, therefore, every team could draft Reggie this year.  Reggie will be a capable running back and very possibly a great one. Williams will be a good player and possibly a pro bowl player. But defense players don't score the tds to make the team win; running backs do.</p>
<br><p>So, I can only conclude that Houston had a fixed amount of money and since Reggie wanted more, they took Williams.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Why are QBs duds?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 28, 2006</p>
<p>I don't think first round quarterback picks are any more disappointing than other positions. The problem is that there is more hope riding on those picks.</p>
<br><p>When a quarterback is picked in the first round, fans expect him to play right away and send their team to the playoffs. When a linebacker is picked in the first round, fans expect to see him take his spot next to the other players and hopefully make good highlights. Fans don't think the linebacker gets them to the playoffs by himselves. Fans don't think that dbacks or tight ends or wide receivers or even running backs get them into the playoffs by themselves.</p>
<br><p>However, fans seem to believe that the quarterback makes their teams win. Which is absolutely false. A good quarterback can never make it to the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning. And a mediocre quarterback can win a Super Bowl, Jim McMahon.</p>
<br><p>Yes, Ryan Leaf was a very bad choice for a first round pick. However, that doesn't mean that all first round quarterback picks are lousy. So, don't jump to conclusions that Matt Leinart and Vince Young and Jay Cutler are all going to be busts.</p>
<br><p>But they could be...</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Draft Hype</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 27, 2006</p>
<p>How did the NFL draft become so hyped? I don't remember this much coverage in my youth. But of course, back in the old ages there wasn't tv coverage.</p>
<br><p>The television coverage is what bothers me the most. I think the tv show needs some changes.</p>
<br><p>First I want to see the time between picks decreased to three minutes. With all the time that each team has done in analyzing this draft, they can make these picks quicker.</p>
<br><p>My other suggestion is to eliminate the silly noisy talk by the experts. I can't stand to listen to these experts talk what they think each team should do. That has already been discussed in all of the draft guides. I just want the teams to pick and then show some highlights on the players. Then a fan can dream about how this player will help their team.</p>
<br><p>Get rid of hype. Let's have action. Action makes a tv show.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p class="footballhead">Nothing changes in the NFL</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 26, 2006</p>
<p>Brett will play in the fall and Ricky won't. How is that news?</p>
<br><p>Brett has played all 16 games since 1993 and played 15 in 1992. Ricky on the other hand started in 1999 and has only played in 82 games. That is an average of just under 12 games a year. If Ricky is reinstated in 2007, he will have only played in 12 games in the previous 3 years.</p>
<br><p>So I ask again, how is it news that Brett will play and Ricky won't?</p>
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<br>
<p class="footballhead">What is the advantage?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 25, 2006</p>
<p>I would like someone to explain, clearly, what advantage Reggie Bush has over any other top flight runningback, by having his mother living in a house of a potential business partner.</p>
<br><p>My question is: why is this type of arrangement detrimental to college football? Did this living arrangement allow Reggie to run for 60 extra yards a game? Did this living arrangement give Reggie an extra touchdown per game?</p>
<br><p>The NCAA rules are about the NCAA pretending that they aren't a professional business but an educational business. There is no doubt that some college football teams are NFL farm teams, so why do people keep acting as though this is an amateur sport.</p>
<br><p>If you want amateur football watch the Ivies, which I do. I like both professional and amateur sports, but I don't mix them up.</p>
<br><p>There is nothing wrong with college football except the NCAA stance that they are all amateur.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Why this now?</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 24, 2006</p>
<p>Reggie Bush's family is living in a house? And where is the relevance?</p>
<br><p>Reggie Bush is going to be the top draft pick. The revelation that his family is living in a house that a businessman, who wants to market Bush, owns; makes little difference to his career. Shouldn't there be a harm before there is an investigation into an incident?</p>
<br><p>This living arrangement didn't change how Bush played or how USC played, so why investigate?</p>
<br><p>I think this is about one of those silly NCAA rules, that are suppose to keep college sports amateur not professional. Let us all be honest and admit that some college sports lost their amateur status long ago. So, lets move on and don't waste the time and money on this silly investigation.</p>
<br><br>
<p class="footballhead">Another Manning?????</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 23, 2006</p>
<p>The Bears may be getting a Manning. No, this is not a quarterback but a cornerback. Glad to see that the Bears want to improve.</p>
<br><p>The Bears had a good defensive season last year but they need to improve and not rest on last year's successes. Manning would be an upgrade and that is good.</p>
<br><p>What's next?</p>
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<p class="footballhead">The Jets don't need another QB</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 22, 2006</p>
<p>The Jets don't need to draft a quarterback in the first round. I don't understand why fans want Matt or Vince. Yes, one or both of them might turn out to be good QBs, however that will not save another Jet season.</p>
<br><p>The Jets need more defense and they have to think of getting a replacement for Curtis in the next year or so. They already have a "franchise" QB in Pennington. He is hurt but they are paying him too much money to sign another overpriced QB. They signed Ramsey to be the starter this coming season. So why are the fans interested in drafting a potential QB?</p>
<br><p>All the QBs on the roster had potential when they were drafted, so do they really need another one? The Jets would be better off getting AJ Hawk.</p>
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<p class = "footballhead">Vince a Raider?</p>
<br><p class = "footballdate">April 21, 2006</p>
<p>If Al Davis is really set on getting Vince Young, maybe Al can still make that great football move. I think Vince Young would be great for the Raiders. The only question will be can Vince put up with Al for any length of time.</p>
<br><p>Vince would bring the star power back to Oakland which is what they need. The Raiders need a quarterback that will make plays just as well as make headlines. If Vince's career keeps as it is, he will keep making headlines and he will definitely make football plays.</p>
<br><p>This would be a dream for football fans.</p>
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<p class = "footballhead">Why does it matter???</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 20, 2006</p>
<p>Who really cares if Brett comes back next year or retires? It is only April. The Packers are not going to draft a quarterback, they did that last year.</p>
<br><p>Aaron Rodgers is going to play, if Brett doesn't come back. Brett plays, if he wants to. The Packers have to get better no matter which one of these guys is throwing the ball. So, they should go out and get what players they can and let Brett decide in his own time.</p>
<br><p>Of course, I am hoping he comes back and throws 50 or more interceptions. All Bear fans should hope that, since he has killed us for the past years. It was fun to watch the Bears destroy Brett last year. Just one more year of that would be great.</p>
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<p class = "footballhead">A System will make Stars</p>
<br><p class="footballdate">April 19, 2006</p>
<p>Reggie Bush is the most exciting player come out of college this year. He has the ability to make an impact if he gets into the right system. If he is used right and not overworked; he will break free for some big highlights and hopefully will help his team. However, if he is used as an every down workhorse; he will break down and have a very short career.</p>
<br><p>Vince Young is an interesting player. He is one that really needs the right system. If he ends in a place where he is to be "the savior" and is given the ball right away; he will fail. What he needs is a structured system where he has few options and is kept under someone's thumb. He will thrive if that happens. The more choices he has the more problems he will have.</p>
<br><p>More later.</p>
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<p class ="footballhead">Are their lines on the Draft?</p>
<br><p class ="footballdate">April 17, 2006</p>
<p>In football there seems to be a betting line for everything that happens. Does anyone know if there is a line for the draft?</p>
<br><p>My experience in betting is limited to the football slips, that I was introduced to when I moved to Ct, and the office pools for the Superbowl, World Series and NCAA basketball tourney. But I have always been fascinated by what some people will bet.</p>
<br><p>It seems reasonable that there should be some kind of odds on who is picked first or who is picked in the first round. However, the odds I would like to see are which round 1 draft pick won't make their team or is out of football first. Or which of the last 5 picks of the draft becomes a "superstar".</p>
<br><p>Of course it may take years to see when you win but wouldn't that be more interesting? Just wondering.<p>
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<p class = "footballhead">Kickers should play offense and defense</p>
<br><p class = "footballdate">April 16, 2006</p>
<p>Football, yes I guess it might be considered the American favored spectator sport, but it really needs to change some rules to make it more enjoyable.</p>
<br><p>Today, I suggest that the game needs to speed up by making the players play both offense and defense. I enjoy sitting in the stands in September when it is 50 degrees and sunny, even if takes 3 hours. However, I do not enjoy watching the offense and defense lumber on and off the field, on a December night of 30 degrees below.  Most sports make the participants play both sides of the ball, but not "American football". Why? I think it is because somebody got the bright idea that they would have more people involved. That is silly. It serves no purpose but to take up time having both teams go on and off the field after 3 plays. Football needs to go back to where if you run the football you have to tackle. If you get to throw the ball at people then you need to get your uniform dirty and try to tackle those guys in the trenches.</p>
<br><p>Of course, I know this will never happen because the networks, who own football, make their money selling all those commericials that play when the teams are needlessly going on and off the fields. But if you watch soccer or rugby, you can understand why so many people think that "American football" is a soft sport.</p>
<br><p>Also, this would actually make the game more exciting when you see your quarterback rushing the other quarterback. Imagine Peyton tackling Eli. What could be more exciting????</p>