The Crystal Ball Week 8

It is official, I cannot figure out this season anymore. Now, I know that statement is made each year by a litany of football pundits, but this year it seems more potent. Explain this to me, Jacksonville stifles the Steelers, even if they were not themselves, and then gets into a shoot out with Washington and loses, and then gets thumped by the Texans? KC gets crushed one week against the Steelers, and then the next week beats the latest Super Bowl flavor Chargers? Philly loses three games this season in the waning moments, one on a 62 yard field goal by a kicker whose previous career high was 50 yards and had not, to that point, kicked a field goal over 30 yards all season? Arizona plays its heart out, and despite some Bears luck and horrendous Cardinal coaching, still almost pulls off the upset, and then the next week craps the bed against the Raiders? Ok, that one can be explained. But for the most part, it has been a strange season thus far, and I do not see it abating anytime soon. Now, onto the real fun of last week.

I AM SO SICK OF LOSING!

Ugh, what a heartbreaker that should have been avoided. First off, let’s talk about Ben’s concussion, which I am happy to say seems to be only a mild one and early prognosis points to him getting at least some playing time this week, and perhaps even starting on Sunday. But that was a scary few minutes seeing him lying on the ground and not moving at all. Talk about taking your breath away. But, thank God he is ok, and hopefully he stays that way. However, there should have been a roughing the passer penalty called not only for the third guy who came in way late, but mainly for the highly illegal helmet to helmet hit. How does Cincinnati the previous week get called for roughing the passer on a completely legal sack, but nothing is called when three guys sandwich Roethlisberger and one of them puts his hat right into the back of Ben’s head? Please, someone from the officiating department at league headquarters explain that one to me. I mean, I am no Rhodes Scholar, and maybe that is my failing, but tell me how those two actions escape proper notice? I saw the Cincy play and thought they got jobbed. But if you are going to call that, you HAVE to call the helmet to helmet on Ben. If we are going to coddle quarterbacks, for Pete’s sake lets be consistent about it. Nice job, by the way, to Charlie Batch for coming in and almost pulling off the win. When your backup can come off the bench and throw for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns, you have some depth at QB.

But what the game really came down to is they did not play well. Four fumbles, three of them lost to the Falcons deep within their own territory. Those three turnovers led to 21 Falcon points. You take those away, score is 38-20. You figure out how they lost. I was thinking of sending certain players a big box of stickum. The team is just not consistent in their overall play. One week something is working like a Swiss watch, the next week it is the albatross around their collective neck. If they could just pull it all together and keep it humming, they would be great!

Oh, and in case you did not notice it, Cowher cost them the game. It was not the first time he has cost them a win and it probably will not be the last. His moronic challenge of Warrick Dunn’s touchdown early in the second half, which anyone with a pair of eyes could see was clearly a touchdown and that there would not be enough evidence to overturn the call on the field, had no business being challenged and it cost them a time out. A timeout that turned out to be crucial, because if they had it, they could have calmly called it after Batch’s pass that put them on the edge of Reed’s field goal range for a last second field goal attempt. But no, they had to try to spike it, Washington moved, that penalty triggered the mandatory 10 second run off, and suddenly, we are in overtime. Perhaps Reed would not have made that field goal and the game would have still gone to overtime, but we never got a chance to find out. Thanks Cowher, good coaching there, really smart move wasting that timeout for your own ego and stupidity. Sigh, I am just tired of every week dissecting where things went wrong and what they should do to correct them. They damn well better take it out on Oakland and use that game to get this crap out of their system, because it will not fly against Denver. It disgusts and frightens me to think that this team, the defending Super Bowl champions, is tied with an identical record with Washington, Houston and Green Bay and only one win better than Arizona, Cleveland and Oakland. Now, as far at talent, experience, skill and performance, they are much better than any of those teams, but it is not showing up where it counts the most, in the standings. What also scares me is that this week, they will go out and beat the hell out of Oakland, all fired up from losing to Atlanta, then relax a bit and get their ass kicked by Denver. Excuse me while I go slam my head in a door for a while.

In other news, Shawne Merriman has been suspended for steroids. Hmmmm, I wonder if that may have helped in beating the Steelers, and every other Charger opponent. I hate losing, but I can eventually stomach it if loss comes from an opponent with class who out performs you, not one who had to cheat to do it. Predictably, he is appealing the suspension, saying of course that he had no idea there were steroids in the supplements, and his lawyer is now saying they were tainted. Yeah right. I am so sick of professional athletes using that line of crap as a defense. Do they honestly think we as fans are dumb enough to believe that? Their entire livelihood is based upon their body, how good it is, how strong it is, how fit it is and how much they can keep it in tip top condition. Is there any way possible they would put anything into their bodies in which there was any questions as to the contents? Knowing the policies and dangers of using banned substances, is there even a remote chance they would take a risk of ingesting something that could affect their livelihood? No, of course not. Barry Bonds has tried the same defense, and looked even more ridiculous than usual for it. I wish they would just be honest about it and say, look, I was trying to get an edge; it is highly competitive out there. I went too far, I did something I should not have, and I paid for it. It will not happen again. No, that is merely a pipe dream of mine. You will never see that kind of personal responsibility in this society. Not anymore.

Arizona showed their dysfunction and crapped the bed against Oakland. The psychological damage done by their meltdown against the Bears will be carried by this team for the remainder of the season. Plus, the complete MORONIC call by Green to fire their offensive coordinator, who was the one who developed the good game plan against the Bears, and then promote a guy who looked completely outclassed against Oakland, well, what can you say about such moves? They crushed the team. They will barely win another game. And on top of that, Denny Green will more than likely be out of a job after the season is over. You watch. Heck, I would not be surprised if he gets canned before the season is over.

MNF is trying way too hard, and someone at the top does not get it, which surprises me since the network that airs the game is an ALL SPORTS NETWORK. Why do I end up watching Access Hollywood in the middle of every Monday Night game ths far this season? A few weeks ago, it was James Denton, who has the personality of a piece of samsonite and possibly the same level of intelligence as well. The audience that would be attracted by him does not watch MNF, for the most part. If you wanted to appeal to the NFL audience, bring in Jessica Alba. And even then, most fans do not want to hear what she has to say, merely just look at her. We are there to watch FOOTBALL, not corporate cross promotion. Last week they had Charles Barkley in the booth who is always entertaining when he is in front of a camera. Now, I love Chuckie, I have since he played in Philly for the 76ers. But when I am watching football, I want to watch football, not hear a Barkley interview, or anyone else for that matter. This has got to stop. You can feel it coming when the second quarter starts, and as by the time we hit 10 minutes left in the half, hey we have a special guest! Ugh. Yeah, like it was a surprise. This week, I was subjected to Hank Williams Jr., who himself seemed more interested in watching the game than babbling. Hank actually likes football, which is why he has done the Monday Night theme song for the last ten plus years. Crazy that he would sit there and want to watch the game instead of participating banal conversation. Ok, so Hank was a bust, but no fear, there was more to come. We also had, via satellite, NFL all time rushing leader Emmitt Smith. Fantastic, I was almost sick not knowing how he was doing on Dancing with the Stars; thank goodness he dropped by to give us an update. I was trying to watch the Giants completely torpedo my week, but ESPN felt it was more important for me to hear Smith talk about the difficulties of ballroom dancing. Before I thought the mute button would be enough, but apparently, I also need a visual mute since when they have a guest, the camera never leaves the booth or the satellite feed. Luckily, I thought this would happen so I planned ahead and had a dentist come over for a root canal during the game, you know, so I had something fun to do while the interviews were taking place. Seriously, no one cares. And ESPN wonders why they have crappy ratings for Monday Night.

Oh, a quick note or two for ESPN in the ol’ programming vein. When you show Sports center after the game, stop leading the broadcast with throwing it back to the crew at the game for a 20-30 minute dissection of what we just spent 3 plus hours watching. We know what happened, we watched the game you dolts. Also, stop plugging a story for 4-5 segments, constantly teasing the story, only to run it with absolutely no new information, or any information other than what can be read on the ticker at the bottom of the screen. Like a chump, I sat there after the game watching Sports Center because they teased a story on Roethlisberger and his condition after the concussion, and I suffered through segment after segment, including watching T.O.’s entire post game press conference, trying to pull individual hairs out of my arms at this point for entertainment. A quick side note to all the reporters who were there in Dallas for the post game interviews, there is only so many ways T.O. and Parcells can answer the same question, no matter how cleverly you rephrase it. And on top of that, your rephrasing of the questions were not even all that clever. What a pack of sandbags those guys are. Meanwhile, I keep watching the show, for almost an hour at this point, and during this time I see on the ticker about 100 times that Merrill Hoge is reporting Roethlisberger had a concussion and his status for Sunday’s game is uncertain. Of course, this is nothing new. Anyone who watched the game and saw him walk off the Georgia Dome field could have told you that. However, I am hoping that the actual story has more depth to it and some unheard information. Oh, it does. After almost an hour of waiting, they finally roll the story. On top of the information on the ticker, they also showed the hit that knocked Ben out of the Atlanta game about 10 times. THEY SAID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING NEW, yet they teased it for almost an hour. After restraining myself from throwing the remote at the television, I calmly changed the channel. If they really wanted to give me new information, how about telling me why the referees, who in this day and age are instructed to coddle quarterbacks as though they were Faberge eggs, did not throw one flag for a helmet to helmet hit, which we all know is all kinds of illegal. That would have been some new and interesting information. No, the best they could come up with was that he had a concussion and his status for the Oakland game is uncertain. Well, thank you ESPN for that crack reporting. Do I get a cut of the pay for that story, because I said that as soon as he sat up on the turf? Thank goodness for Seinfeld reruns, they can turn a sour mood fast.

But I do not want to come down too hard on ESPN and Monday Night Football. There is one thing I like about MNF. Before the game, Tirico throws it to Tony and Joe, and each gives a small intro about each of the teams participating in the forthcoming game. It really shows the difference in talent between the two. Tony’s is a beautiful soliloquy that revolves around the team, and often times incorporates stories of their past, weaving fantastic tales together that relate the present day team, and where they hope to go from here. Joe’s seems more like a ham fisted pre game report that basically is little more than bland generalizations regarding tonight’s match up that anyone with access to a computer or television could ascertain. They are obviously from two different worlds. I am just waiting for Tony to really become Cossell and start berating Joe openly, like Cossell used to do to Dandy Don way back in the day. That would be fantastic.

On a much, much brighter note, for the first time this season, I get to watch games this weekend with my Dad. I cannot wait! I am taking time to go visit the parents and we will get to sit down and enjoy a little Steelers football together. Of course, he does not have HD, so that will throw me for a loop right there. Going back to the stone age of football viewing! Oh well, its more than just the picture, its all about the Dad. Of course, I am sure my Mom would prefer something other than have two raving lunatics yelling at the screen for three hours, but hey, that is what family is all about. Is it Sunday yet?

Now, to add to the crappiness of the Pittsburgh loss, I had a beyond crappy week too. Nothing like getting back to a nice losing week.

Last Week: 5-8
Season to Date: 57-43

It was not easy to achieve this mark. I would like to send thanks to all the “juggernaut” teams that decided that it was cool to drop one on the road to crappy teams. If it were not for you, then I never would have been able to reach this lofty goal.

This week, we are back to 14 games, so I have a good chance to go 5-9. Cross your fingers.

This weeks bye teams are Buffalo, Detroit, Miami and Washington. I have nothing good to say about any of them. They all stink, and seem to be getting worse. So, there.


Arizona at Green Bay

Ahhh, two crappy teams with stellar quarterbacks in exact opposite spots in their careers. Brett, though, still knows how to win, so I’m going with him at home. Plus, since I watched the Cardinals pull the plug on their season last week, I do not trust them anywhere.

Green Bay over Arizona


Atlanta at Cincinnati

This is the first of three games that really confuses me. A tough one here considering both teams played good games last week. Cincinnati won tough against the Panthers, and Atlanta won a stellar shootout against Pittsburgh in overtime. Not that I think Vick can repeat that passing performance, but he can always run. Now, here is the funny thing, Atlanta’s secondary is weak, which plays well into the Bengals hands. But Cincy’s run defense is weak, which is right up the Falcons alley. So, do you go with who can hold onto the ball longer, or to the team that can air it out more efficiently? I think I will go with the team with the better defensive front four.

Atlanta over Cincinnati


Baltimore at New Orleans

Well, lets see, Baltimore is on the road and struggling on offense. The Saints are at home, which will once again be rollicking and Drew Brees is looking like an MVP candidate. Seems pretty simple to me.

New Orleans over Baltimore


Houston at Tennessee

Ok, here is a crapfest waiting to happen. If you had the NFL Sunday Ticket, and you could watch any game possible, is there any way you would watch this one? Now, if you have some interest in the team or any of the players, be they friends or family, you cannot vote. I mean, if you are just a casual football fan and find yourself scrolling through the channels, would you stop at this one? Neither would I, which means with Vince Young and the improving David Carr, this will probably be a fantastic game. Like I said, I cannot figure any of this season out.

Tennessee over Houston


Jacksonville at Philadelphia

Ok, both of these teams are reeling in weird ways, as mentioned above. So who do you go with? You go with the home team here. Because the Eagles know if they lose, they might not make it out alive. And if you think I’m kidding, watch that piece from NFL Films about Philly fans and old Veterans Stadium. There is a reason it was the only stadium in the NFL with a court in the basement for sentencing DURING THE GAME.

Philadelphia over Jacksonville


Seattle at Kansas City

So last week, Hasselbeck got his knee crunched, and it looks like the Seahawks may start to feel the Super Bowl loser hangover. No Hasselbeck and no Alexander no bode well if you ask me. I asked a buddy this week who is a huge Hawks fan about it, and he basically said their season is done if Matt is out for any significant amount of time. He is a Seattle fan and has zero confidence in Seneca Wallace. If your own fans do not feel good about it, then why should I? Plus, I made a HUGE error last week with KC. I forgot to take into account they were playing at home. Arrowhead Stadium gets so rocking during Chiefs games, that they can always help turn the tide. Dumb, dumb, dumb by me for not taking into account the stadium and home field crowd. I know there are not a lot of places where home field really means anything, but Arrowhead is one of them. I will not make that mistake again.

Kansas City over Seattle


San Francisco at Chicago

The 49ers on the road against DA Bears who just had a week off to rest and recover from their almost debacle in the desert? Yeah, this one is cake. I just hope we hear Mike Nolan scream in the post game news conference “THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!”

Chicago over San Francisco


Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants

Well, we have a big match up here. Tiki versus Ronde. Brother versus brother. Tell me something, why was everyone babbling all over themselves at the beginning of the season when Peyton and Eli faced each other, but this game barely gets a whisper. Why not when this one is far more fascinating? Look at it; at some point in the game, it could literally come down brother versus brother. Picture the scene, Tiki breaks through the line and is heading for the end zone and the winning score, and the only one who can stop him is Ronde. That is drama if you ask me. That is what we should be talking about. Peyton and Eli could watch the other play, these two must stop the other to win. If that does not get your blood pumping and your heart going, you must be Art Shell.

N.Y. Giants over Tampa Bay


St. Louis at San Diego

This is the second game that is throwing me. St. Louis is definitely resurgent, and can play with anyone. They lost to the Seahawks on a last second field goal, and could have won that game. San Diego, I must grudgingly admit, is playing great all around football. But two things I wonder about the Chargers. One, will the turnover at the linebacker position start to catch up with them, and two, when will Marty blow another game? I just do not know, but I will play it safe and go with the home team.

San Diego over St. Louis


Indianapolis at Denver

Here we are at the game of the week. Undefeated Indianapolis travels to Denver for a showdown with the 5-1 Broncos. Which pony do you put your money on? Yes indeed, that pun was intended. This is a tough one, for a lot of reasons. Denver has been playing some great defense this year, which is good because their offense has not been, well, world beating. Now the defense will have their best test against a team that over the last few years has just owned them in the playoffs. But, it is in Mile High, so that is definitely on Denver’s side, but then again Indy had the week off and have been scheming for two weeks. The easy choice would be to just go with the home team, but I do not think I can here.

Indianapolis over Denver


N.Y. Jets at Cleveland

Well, this week Cleveland either fired their offensive coordinator, or he resigned, depending on which story you choose to read. Either way, it shows some turmoil in the land of the Browns that does not look good for the remainder of the season. The Jets continue to play over their heads, and I do not see that changing this week.

N.Y. Jets over Cleveland


Pittsburgh at Oakland

Oakland blew their season last week. Now no one will be talking about them since they got that win. What is the point of saying anything now? They blew it all away on a meaningless win over a shell shocked Cardinals team. Like my lady said, they went from being the worst ever to now they just suck. And there are plenty of teams that just suck.

Pittsburgh over Oakland


Dallas at Carolina

So Parcells finally capitulated and threw in Romo. Think he might have chosen a better time than midway through a tough division game on Monday Night? Could there possibly have been a better time? Nah that was the only time possible. I think the aura of the Tuna is fading pretty fast as of late. So, now they have Romo behind center, and Bledsoe sitting on the bench fuming and planning on how he can be a disruption on a team with T.O. Let’s just say, I like the Panthers.

Carolina over Dallas


New England at Minnesota

This is the third game that gives me pause and this one far more than the others. New England has quietly amassed a 5-1 record, losing only once to Denver. Since then, they have worked in all the new people and young kids, and really started to get production out of them. Minnesota and plowed to a 4-2 record behind their stellar offensive line. Obviously, Brad Childress knew what he was doing when he signed Steve Hutchinson in the off season. He really has quietly put together a decent squad in Minnesota, and the Vikings could go far if not for the Bears in their division. But I do not see a wild card spot out of their reach. I do not know who to go with, but considering their track record, suppose I will go with New England. Then at least if they crap the bed and screw me, I can take the satisfaction of them losing.

New England over Minnesota

The Crystal Ball Week 7

I must start off this week with at least an acknowledgement of the Fall Classic, set to start Saturday night. This year’s opponents match the St. Louis Cardinals of the National League vs. the American League representative the Detroit Tigers. Normally, being a Pirates fan, I would throw a cursory good luck to the National League entry. But not this year, this year, its go Tigers! To be honest, I do not care much for baseball. I used to be a huge fan. Each spring, I would watch Major League over and over just to get myself into the right frame of mind. I knew rosters and followed the Pirates all season long. But for me, after the league had the strike in 1994, it ruined the illusion that any of it mattered for me. If a bunch of overpaid athletes and overpaid owners could not hash out a deal with each other that essentially meant pennies to them, but a lifetime’s salary to most of those who watch the game, then they are not worth my time. I know many went back, especially after 1998, but in my opinion they still do not have things right. They ignored their steroids problem because it helped put people back in the seats, and now they are only paying the issue lip service. They still have no real salary cap, which keeps some smaller market teams down and turns them into little more than player factories for the bigger teams. It just does not matter much to me anymore. I left it behind, never looked back, and have never felt bad about it. Occasionally, I will still go to a game. There is nothing like the experience of a sunny afternoon at the ball park. But more often than not, I try to only go to minor league games. Most of those guys still give a damn, either because they are trying to get to the show, or trying for one last shot. But other than that, I tune out come summertime.

But this year, I will root for the Tigers, and for more than a few reasons. First, the city of Detroit has been very good to me this year. Was that really all the way back in February? Seems almost like a lifetime ago. And Lord knows that city could use something to celebrate as their own, other than Jerome Bettis finally getting a championship ring. Second, Jim Leyland is their manager, and I love me some Jimmy Leyland. Great manager, he turned around the Pirates and made them winners, and that was the last time they were winners, unfortunately. And third, I saw their ALCS clincher, and realized their first base coach is Andy Van Slyke. Back in the day, he was my favorite Pirate. I loved the way he played the game and how much passion and fight he brought every time he played, even after things started going south for the Pirates. He was a great player, and a great guy. And I will always remember how much he gave to the team, and how their defeats in the NLCS were so crushing to him. He felt them like the fans did. I remember the image of him in 1992 sitting broken and dejected in centerfield of Fulton County Stadium after game 7 of the NLCS after Atlanta had improbably come back to win. If he could get a ring here with Leyland, it would feel like a small victory for all Pirate fans. Of Detroit’s 7 coaches, 6 are former Pirate players, coaches or managers. And all of them are a reminder to me of a time when I loved baseball, before I wrote it off, and of a time when Pittsburgh baseball was relevant and mattered, as something more than a player development team for those in baseball with bigger pockets who sign away anyone of quality that will come up through the Pirate organization. So to Leyland, Van Slyke and the rest, you have an additional Tigers fan this post season. Bring home that ring.

Ok, one other not necessarily football related tidbit. Ooooooh, that damn Manning! After railing about him last week, he goes and does something this week that just killed me! I saw a new commercial for Sportscenter with the entire Manning family. The commercial was set up as if they are taking a tour of the facilities. As they are walking through the complex, Peyton and Eli are in the back, flicking each other and basically acting like 10 year old brothers. It made me laugh so hard, I flashed back to me and my own brother during one of many trips with my mother to the grocery store. Not just when we were kids, but the last time I was home and we went with my mom. Ha ha, she thought with us grown up she would never have to be mortified in a store again, boy was she wrong! Stupid Manning, it is hard to stay so worked up about him when he can be so blasted entertaining. Regardless….

Wow, there was a litany of close games this week. Seattle/St. Louis, Philly/New Orleans, Tennessee/Washington and Cincinnati/Tampa Bay were all close games that went down to the wire, and oddly enough, went the wrong way for me. I could have had killer week part deux, but some teams just refused to lose, while other refused to win. Guess there is a little fight left in a few of these teams.

First, yes, Cincinnati losing hurt my poll, but it sure helps in the division! I guess they did show us what they are made of after all. Not much more than some flashy jailbirds and hyped up nonsense. Couple that with Baltimore losing, and then hitting the panic button and firing Jim Fassel, excellent move by the way, plus the, at least temporary, return of Kyle Boller, and suddenly I’m feeling pretty good about how things are beginning to shape up in the AFC North.

Speaking of AFC North teams, how bout them Steelers!!! All is good in the Burgh again. Nothing like a little win to salve all the old ails, especially one with a 45 point offensive explosion. Troy looks back to normal, as does Roethlisberger, and thank goodness for that. The offense and defense run through those two men, and when they play poorly, the whole team plays poorly as well. And it had been showing. Ben was dead on all day, making great decisions and zipping passes all over the field. It must have been the return of the beard. Roethlisberger was 16-19 with two touchdowns and no picks for 238 yards. Willie Parker had 2 touchdowns and 109 yards rushing. Polamalu had 9 tackles and an interception, and did not even let Mr. Larry Johnson picking him up by his hair disrupt his cool demeanor. Even Cris Collinsworth said after the game that Pittsburgh is back and will go to the playoffs. If that is not a vote of confidence, I do not know what is. Plus, we got to see the return of Chad Brown. Number 94 had a sack in his first playing time as a Steeler in a decade. As a matter of fact, it was the only sack of the day. It was nice to see Chad back where he belongs, although if you ask me he should have never left.

I gotta say it; I am legitimately frightened of New Orleans. Yes, Philly had a bit of a let down game, but still the Birds played tough in the second half and the Saints still won. They finished with a game ending drive that took up the last 8:24 of the game. That is astounding. When you can hold onto the ball for that long and keep it away from your opponent, and still score, you are doing more than one or two things right. New Orleans can go far with their team and the chemistry. And honestly, I am afraid to see what will happen when they come to Pittsburgh. Luckily, we have beaten Brees before, so I bet we can do it again.

Boy did Da Bears have a tough one in the desert. It was much tougher than anyone ever thought possible, and I will bet more than a few people lost a few bucks betting the spread on that one. But you see it was not really as tough as you may think. Ditka told the team before the game that it was not fair fight, so they had to take the first half off, and then it would be fairer and a better challenge for Da Bears. And then at halftime, he said they could play, but only the defense. And as he always was when he was the coach, Ditka was right. Honestly, how much worse could the offense have played? How do you give up the ball 6 times and win? Seriously, did Grossman and Orton switch uniforms before the game just for giggles? How do you come back from being down 23-3 without scoring once on offense? An amazing performance by the defense and special teams was on display. That is how championship caliber teams really play, by coming up big when you are down and not everything is going right. They win by finding a way to win, no matter what. There might be something to these Bears. Ditka is proud, and somewhere, Chris Farley is smiling with a beer and a polish sausage.

On the other side of the ball, Arizona did a masterful job of throwing that game away. They had the Bears beat, BEAT. By almost the end of the third quarter, the score was 23-3, Arizona. The Cardinals defense was playing their hearts out, leaving everything they ever had on the field. They were aggressive, opportunistic, tireless, tenacious and above all, tough. They smacked the Bears offense right in the mouth time and time again, showing no fear of the much vaunted Bear Offense. They gave up 3 points in that game. 3 total points, AND THEY LOST THE GAME 24-23! If I were a Cardinals defensive player, I would have walked into the locker room after the game and strangled the first offensive player I could find.

Since Arizona has a rookie running the offense, and now one calling the plays, let me make a few notes for these newbies. One, running the ball kills the clock. Know how to do that well? GET A BETTER OFFENSIVE LINE. How many times do I need to say it? The current line is barely adequate at pass protection and would be horrid if Leinart did not have such a quick delivery. But when Edge James gets 55 yards on 36 carries for the entire game, well that is a shameful statistic. What is even more shameful, that this type of performance is not an aberration for this game; it is the norm for the season. To add to their woes, James keeps complaining about being a bigger part of the offense, so they give him 36 carries, and what does he do? He gets a total of 55 yards and then fumbles the ball at a critical moment that directly results in a Bears touchdown. Which leads me to another little note, hold onto the ball. Fumbles by James and Leinart led DIRECTLY to 14 Bear points, and put them right back into the game. Oh, and one other thing, your kicker seems to have jumped the shark, so you might want to look upon him as an absolute last ditch option.

Wow, what a fantastic collapse, and I am referring to Denny Green’s in the post game news conference. That was the most entertaining part of a night full of great football, just super stuff. He really lost it. That’s a TIVO moment if ever I saw one. Better even than Jim Mora’s playoffs speech, or Herm Edwards talking about why we play the game when he was with the Jets. I almost wanted to get a bowl of popcorn and watch him melt down over and over again. Of course, now he’s overcorrected everything by firing his offensive coordinator. Yeah, that was the problem. Oh, do not be mistaken, coaching was the issue in that game, but I doubt it was the offensive coordinator’s fault.

Has anyone been watching the NBC games? I love the Rock star of the week. But what I want to know is who is the sucker that has to go out to the top of the building and put the picture of that week’s winner up there at 11:30 at night. Now that is a thankless job, if ever there was one. Do the NBC interns play rock, paper, and scissors on Friday afternoon until one chump loses out? Maybe they could have a contest for NFL fans, and have the winner up there all night, and occasionally Al and John could throw it to them, and get their input on the game. Now that would be fun come mid December. I do love it when Madden says, each week, we’ve come a long way from the horse trailer. I was so disappointed when he didn’t say it this week. It felt like the game was incomplete.

Well, this week is the second week in a row with only 13 games to be played. Plus, for some reason there is no Sunday night game this week. According to Al Michaels, they have bye week. Color me confused, but since when do networks get a bye week? That is one of the most absurd things I have heard yet. NBC, after many years, finally gets football back. And they get a primetime game every week, a time where they are featured network. So far this season, they have been outclassing all other broadcasts, but did they let it go to their heads? Is this some strange quirk that has something to do with the impending schedule shift that will determine who will be playing future Sunday night games? It seems really odd to me. I bet, though, that it has something to do with Madden being honored by the Raiders during their home game this week. It is such a shame that this honoring of their former coach will be the only highlight of the day for Raider Nation.

So nothing spectacular this week, but at least I was still on the winning side. Check it out.

Last Week: 7-6
Season to Date: 52-35

I cannot say I am thrilled about it, but at least the numbers on the left were higher than the numbers on the right. And, it is really easy to forget how horrible you did in the poll that week when your team hangs 45 points and completely crushes its opponent. Tee hee. Plus, each week is a new opportunity to do better, and oh, here is a new week.

Teams with a bye week this week are Baltimore, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco, St. Louis and Tennessee. Baltimore made a great move this week, firing Jim Fassel as the scapegoat for their crappy offense. How ridiculous of a move is that? I will tell you. Fassel was brought in originally as a consultant, to help the maturation of Boller. By the end of last season, his progress with the young QB was beginning to show. But by then, it was not enough for Baltimore, so they brought in broken down Steve McNair. Predictably, McNair underperforms trying to learn a new system and be the quarterback he was 6 years ago. Even more predictably, he gets hurt, forcing Boller back into the lineup. Boller, who has now worked with Fassel for a few years and knows the system in and out, pours out three touchdowns in what could only be called in Baltimore as an offensive explosion. Of course, it was not enough because Carolina is a much better team. So what do they do, looking down the barrel of extended time without McNair and with Boller at the controls? Fire the one guy with whom Boller is comfortable. So now Kyle, whose confidence I am sure is at a low point for being benched in the first place, now has to go directly to Billick for his plays, knowing that Billick does not particularly care for him. BRILLIANT MOVE RAVENS. Well, it is in my book, since I now see us passing them in the coming weeks. Excellent, it’s like an early Thanksgiving present. Chicago had to have this week off, not only because of the scare in the desert, but also because Ditka’s birthday was this week. New Orleans can sit back and breathe, knowing they are only a few wins away from having something that is as rare in the city as a working government, a winning season. And I say good for them, because the team, its fans, the city and state have a need for something to cheer about. San Francisco, well, there is not much to say. Enjoy the rest and keep working, you will get there eventually. St. Louis can sit and grumble about blowing a winnable game at the end and wait for revenge. And that brings us to Tennessee, who is looking good all of a sudden. It would seem like they made an excellent choice with Vince Young. Taking Indianapolis to the wire, and then beating Washington at home, the Titans are now shaping up to be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. Not good enough to make the playoffs, but more than good enough to ruin it for anyone else.


Carolina at Cincinnati

Is it possible, that all of the off the field distractions that have surrounded the Bengals are finally catching up with them? They looked flat and uninspired, and like they were confused about what was going on out on the field. I saw it when they played Pittsburgh, but since the Steelers gave them that game, no one said anything. Then they got pounded by New England, and finally, some of it cropped up, but too many thought it might be just a letdown game after the Pittsburgh game. But now, finally real talk is happening. The Bengals are reverting to form. There is still a ton of talent and potential on that team, but if someone does not step up and lead them, it will be worthless and wasted. As for Carolina, 0-2 without Steve Smith, 4-0 with Steve Smith. Steve Smith will be playing this week. Hard to argue against that.

Carolina over Cincinnati


Detroit at N.Y. Jets

Ugh, do I have to say something about this game? Ok, uh, well, it will be played in the Meadowlands. There will be two teams. Hmmmm, oh, and the Tigers will help the good people of Detroit forget about the mess that is the Lions.

N.Y. Jets over Detroit


Green Bay at Miami

Yikes, another stinker. Are there any good match ups this week? Sigh, well, at least this one features the Brett Favre farewell tour. I am sure soon enough the retirement talk will start up again, but Favre seems to be keeping the talk at bay this year by limiting his exposure to the media. Smart move, Brett, you might actually enjoy at least parts of the season that way. He may have to honestly look at things after the season in realistic terms. If he wants to play for a winner before he hangs them up for good, it will have to be somewhere other than Green Bay. I know he is the face of the Packers, and he keeps the fans coming back, but they are not going anywhere anytime soon. But the only one who really knows how he feels is Brett, and I imagine he just wants to get some wins this season. Considering this week, after getting some rest, they are playing the mess that is Miami I will take Brett, with or without Koren Robinson.

Green Bay over Miami


Jacksonville at Houston

Oh man, not another one. Is this torture or something? Are there any games worthwhile? Ugh, well, uhhh, ok. Houston got simultaneously spanked by Dallas and wrapped up in the TO circus, and Jacksonville had a week off after spanking the Jets, so I guess that should make this pretty simple.

Jacksonville over Houston


New England at Buffalo

Yikes, there just does not seem to be any compelling match ups this week. So far, it’s either ultra crappy versus ultra crappy, or ultra crappy versus good team. Here is an odd thought, though. Is it just me or does it seem as though the Away teams are significantly better, thus far, than the Home teams? It might just be me. I think we will see that dynamic in this game. As much as I hate to do it, I must.

New England over Buffalo


Philadelphia at Tampa Bay

Ok, this one has at least a modicum of interest. How will Philly react after losing last week to New Orleans? Will the defense step up after getting ground down in the fourth quarter against the Saints? Will McNabb get angry about losing a game like last week, when their offense did little in the first half, by exploding early and often this week? Will Tampa start to right their season, after showing promise over the past two weeks? How far will their rookie QB be able to take the team? Some compelling questions, at least one game so far has been able to produce a few.

Philadelphia over Tampa Bay


Pittsburgh at Atlanta

Finally, we have a compelling match up. The resurgent Steelers, flying high off of an offensive explosion against the Chiefs, charge into the Georgia Dome to take on the slightly reeling Falcons. Atlanta’s potent rushing attack will be a real test for Pittsburgh’s rushing defense. Containing Vick and keeping him in the pocket will be the key to the game. The Giants showed last week that it can be done, and that putting the game on Vick’s arm is the real secret to winning. Plus, the Giants exposed Atlanta’s defense, and showed they could be had. There are a million reason’s to watch this one, how well each team can respond from the week before, fantastic running versus fantastic run defense, and the outcome of this game will have implications on who will win the title for two different divisions. This is a very big game. I think finally one team is ready for a big game. Bet you cannot guess who.

Pittsburgh over Atlanta


San Diego at Kansas City

San Diego has earned the praise they have been receiving as of late. But, they are not nearly as good as everyone says they are. Beating a Pittsburgh team that was running on five cylinders and then pounding on the 49ers does not show me a great team. And last time I checked, Shottenheimer was still the coach. But, they will collect another win this week, and the Super Bowl talk will continue unabated.

San Diego over Kansas City


Denver at Cleveland

On the surface, this did not seem all that compelling. Now, I am not so sure about that assessment. Denver has a defense that is fantastic, tough, tenacious and stifling. But their offense is still something to be desired. They only managed to score13 points against Oakland; you know Shanahan was bothered by that. Cleveland is playing tough, but they are young and inexperienced in some areas, and just lacking in others. I think they could give Denver a run for their money, but the Broncos defense could be too much for Charlie Frye. Gotta go with the safe call here.

Denver over Cleveland


Arizona at Oakland

Originally, I thought this would be an easy win for Arizona. And even by halftime on Monday night, I was writing them in for this game. Now, I am not so sure. First, they are on a short week after playing on Monday night. Second, unless someone steps up in that locker room, they will still be shell shocked from losing to the Bears. Third, Oakland played somewhat tough in Denver, and the team and fans will be amped with John Madden in attendance as the team honors their latest hall of famer. Plus, I saw Lamont Jordan on the sidelines of the game last week after his fumble. I thought he might pound a hole in the ground so deep that he might bring the whole stadium down to sea level. At least someone on the Raiders has some passion and cares about how they do. If that is infectious, they might ruin their perfect defeated season. This could be their biggest test to date on their quest to get to 0-16. Hopefully, Arizona can overcome last week and the dismissal of their offensive coordinator and come through on the road. I bet Leinart can do it, and remind everyone in Oakland that they could have had him and drive the Raider fans completely insane.

Arizona over Oakland


Minnesota at Seattle

Minnesota had some rest and I bet is raring to go. Seattle is coming off a big last second win on the road against a division rival. Qwest Field will be rollicking, no doubt. Go 12th man! “snicker”. Alexander still is not playing, but I doubt that will mean too much this week.

Seattle over Minnesota


Washington at Indianapolis

Executive of the year Dan Snyder must be so proud of the concoction his ego and checkbook has created of a once great franchise. What, you mean just constantly overpaying for middling talent and a coaching staff that resembles a kitchen with too many cooks is not the secret to NFL success? How odd! I just cannot understand this team. One week they look like the class of the NFC, and the next week they look worse than Oakland. You never know which version of the Redskins is going to show up. This week, it could be the good one. Portis is looking for a big game, and Indy’s run defense is questionable. But they upgraded their defense in a trade with Miami, and Peyton is not ready to lose yet, especially to Washington.

Indianapolis over Washington


N.Y. Giants at Dallas

This looks to be a good match up as well between bitter division rivals. The Giants, for all their dysfunction, seem to play better when they fight amongst themselves. Dallas has kept the T.O. circus in check for almost a week, and is playing at home. This tough division game will have ramifications on who will take the lead in the NFC East. I say, Dallas staves off insanity for one more week, and the Giants drop one, and wonder if Tiki Barber really meant it when he said he is going to retire after the season.

Dallas over N.Y. Giants

Video Killed the Musical Artist

Recently I had a discussion about this year’s Video Music Awards on MTV, and how terrible they were. I saw from many different media outlets that the reviews of the show were far from kind. Almost everyone with a voice in popular culture had skewered the program, commenting on the pace, presenters, performers and how all of it was tired and trite. Basically, the VMAs sucked. But it is not hard to see why. The show has not really been anything fun or spontaneous for a long time, and the reason is quite simple. MTV long ago stopped being a reflection of what is hip and current with pop culture and music and became an entity that creates and shapes it. Watch their broadcasts, they tell you what is hip and cool. They instruct you with what you should be listening to, how to dress, and act and form opinions on what music is good and worth listening to as opposed to bringing the latest in music as it is happening. They have changed the face of music from something dynamic and meaningful to a product that they can package and sell, and when it gets stale, they can change the packaging and resell it again.

They advertise their live programs as hip, cool, unscripted and wild where anything can happen. Yes, anything can happen, as long as it is in the pre approved script. The last time something truly wild happened, a member of Rage Against The Machine climbed up into the set decoration on the stage. What happened? After they had security and stage personnel pull him out, which took a while and obviously made some of the presenters and award winners very uncomfortable, they had him arrested. MTV arrested a man for being wild and unscripted. Amazing. So much for their being wild and unscripted. All of their wildness is preplanned, scripted and pre approved before live broadcast for proper mass consumption. They employ VJs, hosts and other personnel who are milquetoast, bland and safe and then dress them up in ridiculous clothing and call them cutting edge. If they ever came across someone who would shake things up, they would never even make it to an air date.

This is nothing new. Look at the history of MTV, you can see where this was a conscious decision and where the change happened. It happened in the early 90’s, when MTV got caught with their pants down and missed two major movements in music. They were too flushed with their successes of being successful in bringing music to the television medium. They were tight with bands of the 80’s and made the career of many artists through the exposure of television. But while they were busy patting themselves on the back, movements were already in motion that would bring a fundamental change to the network.

The changes came to two staples of MTV, rap and rock. In rap, the ascendance of gansta rap was pushing its way to the forefront of black culture, and making inroads into white culture as well. Angry, intelligent rap groups from poor neighborhoods were coming out with incendiary, and meaningful, songs about what life really was like in the ghetto. They spun lyrics with a message and a purpose. Groups like NWA, Public Enemy and Ice-T were letting the world know what it was like, how they were treated for being young black males and sending messages to the black community of empowerment and strength.

In rock, there were growing voices of disenchantment and anger. Young, fresh voices were emerging, tired of the established musical power bases and the sham and spectacle that rock had become, losing the point that it is a powerful medium that can convey messages and create a flashpoint of change. They hit the stage looking like they rolled out of bed, because teased hair and heavy makeup had nothing to do with piercing riffs and pummeling lyrics. They spoke to a generation that had been overshadowed by the preceding ones, and of how they did not care for their world, and looking directly to the mess they made of it, and the reality of what their future might be thanks to them.

MTV missed the boat with both of these, big time. While they were still trotting Skid Row, Poison, Warrant and others of the like out, groups like Nirvana, Mudhoney, Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails were out amongst the people, finding ever growing followings of disaffected youth tired of the same old sound, and the same old message. They were looking for something more as they came into their own, something they could use to change the world. While MTV was pimping MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice and MC Lyte, artists like the aforementioned NWA, Public Enemy and Ice-T were also pulling in their own legions of fans and followers. Youth tired of living life like forgotten citizens of this nation, abused by the system and authorities because of their economic plight and the color of their skin. People angry of having the deck stacked so high against them, and ready for a change of culture.

So how did everything change? How did we go from what looked like a sure revolution of not merely culture, but of power? How did these to powder kegs of anger and potential change become diffused? They became irrelevant in rather ingenious and subtle ways. MTV stopped rap by absorbing them into the system, which is how you always quiet dissident voices. Ice Cube and Ice-T are actors now. LL Cool J is a fashion model. Flava Flav is a reality show joke and Snoop Dogg is a warm and cuddly product spokesman and a fun guest on talk shows. They are no longer threatening; they are part of the establishment. You know they will no longer rage against the man who kept them down; they have lunch with him instead. It’s not that any of them forgot where they came from, nor that they sold out, they just got pulled into the fold. It is historically the easiest, cleanest and most convenient way any establishment has found through the years to stop any voice that disagrees with them.

They also cleverly wrapped their arms around the rap movement. Suddenly, everyone was into hard core gansta rap. But by embracing it, they could also control it better. And when that happened, they diluted it. They started promoting more groups that were less about a message than about an image. The lyrics went from incendiary indictments of modern day life to little more than egotistical rants about how much money these pretenders made, how many women they slept with, how bad they were, how many guys they capped and how tough they were for living life on their terms. By controlling the movement, you changed the song from message to image; it became a fashion statement and a lifestyle to be sold to bored suburban white kids as opposed to a message of truth and a dose of reality of the life of inner city black men. For all its subtlety, it was a brilliant move. They completely took the power away and gave it to themselves, and thereby made themselves the purveyor of popular culture.

They stopped rock by letting it die and saturating us with it. They saturated the airwaves with second and third generation knockoffs that did not have anything to say either, but could whine and moan and play a few licks of guitar. Eventually, the airwaves were so full of third rate junk, and the flavor of the week, it was hard to find anything with a message again. The bands that said something began to quickly drop off or deluged under the tidal wave of mediocrity and the few that were left became either corporate shills or tired of fighting the good fight and just faded away. By seeing how much they could push the knockoffs and crap and how quickly it could be eaten up, a lesson MTV learned in the 80’s pushing crappy hair metal bands, they pushed their advantage even further and made the careers of more middling talent that had nothing to say, thus bringing around another round of talk questioning if is rock was dead. No, it was not, just buried under crap, but people started to get bored and walk away, both performers and consumers.

But the most brilliant move they did was to take the power away from both movements by merging them. They promoted and pimped beyond belief crappy rap/rock fusion bands like Limp Bizkit and Korn, who had absolutely nothing to say and sounded like crap, as the next big thing. These bands kept everyone distracted from anything in music of import for years, and set both movements back at least 10 years. Plus, the movement was not anything new, as this was a style of music that began with Anthrax in the mid 80’s, punctuated by a fantastic melding of cultures with the Public Enemy/Anthrax dual single, a remake of PE’s Bring Tha Noize. It had the power and strength of rock combined with the punch and incendiaries of rap when it had meaning. But, that was unfortunately short lived, and lost to the annals of time. And when these crappy bands came out and started mixing the two again, basically having the middling talent of rock at that point and the fluff of what rap lyrics had becomet, well, it was easy to see that something so bland and safe would easily be spoon-fed to the masses, very marketable and profitable and most importantly, help solidify the power of MTV as the creator of culture, not merely the reflection of it.

One additional way was to change their programming. By the point where they suddenly realized they were behind the times, MTV had expanded its programming greatly. They had many shows that reflected current music, but they were niche shows that were on during vampire hours, when no one would watch them. These shows were nothing more than lip service to what was out there other than top 40. But once they realized how behind they were, they made radical changes. They quickly began creating programs to bring in rock bands and have them perform. The creation of the Unplugged series was brilliant. Not only could you see your favorite bands in a new light, but it also provided MTV with four great aspects to their overall mission to rule popular culture. One, they made a mint selling the CD’s of these performances, filling their coffers and making them feel as though they really were creating popular culture and thus emboldening them further. Two, with everyone wanting to watch their favorite bands, the ratings for the cable station began to rise and enabled them to charge more for advertising. Especially advertising for the coveted 18-34 year old market, which to those on Madison Avenue is as good as gold. With this influx of young viewers, advertisers began to look more often, and more seriously, at MTV for keys to trends within the youth market. Three, with having these bands come in and perform, MTV was able to sidle up to them and become friends with them, offer them preferential treatment, and bring them in closer. The best way to quiet dissident voices is to bring them into the fold. And fourth, by showing some of these harder edged bands in a softer light, it took some of the power away from their anger and message. Without that power, some would forget the importance of the message.

They pushed out some of their niche shows and buried others, making sure there would be no new surprises. To keep an eye on any new trends, they put shows on in primetime. They created Total Request Live, to hear what people wanted, and made sure they knew about it long before it was ever requested. They green lighted Beavis and Butthead. This may sound like it might be an absurd assumption, but B & B did two things for them. It gave them instant credibility with young 20 something’s for being hip and cutting edge. The humor on the show was very unconventional and different than previous cartoons, along the lines of the freshness seen from The Simpsons in its first five or so seasons. By airing a show of this nature, MTV automatically culled some of the edgier acolades that B & B were generating. Comedy Central would raise its own profile in the late 90s in the same way when they took a chance on South Park. And second, due to the nature of B & B, and the built in part of the show where they aired videos that most never saw, MTV was also able to keep an eye on what people reacted to and were able to make sure nothing slipped past them. This is why they were able to be right there on top of things when White Zombie blew up. Brilliant in its subtly.

Music used to move in a very cyclical nature. You can look back through the last half century and see different movements come every 10 years or so. Sometimes it would be a little quicker, sometimes it would take a little more time. But there was always something new that came, usually around the same time something old was reintroduced in a new way. Now, I am not sure how music will change. With the rise of digital music, the variety of ways to listen to and take music with you, the rise of online content and new methods of distribution, it is hard to gauge the next movement. But, with the ease of creating music and putting it in the hands of fans now easier than ever before, the ability for a few industrious and talented artists to make a real difference, affect change and get a message out to the masses can once again be in the hands of those who create, not those that dictate.

The Crystal Ball Week 6

Hello sports fans and welcome to another week of football mania. Like me, I am sure you cannot get enough coverage of the game we love most, which is why I hope you are here. Alas, I have some sad news; I found out there is another column called Crystal Ball. And here I was thinking I was being all original and creative. Well, nuts to that one, I call mine The Crystal Ball, so that is difference numero uno, even if it is splitting hairs. And more importantly, that column is geared toward fantasy football, and here we shun such nonsense in favor of pure football action. So, they can change their name to fairy tale football news as far as I am concerned, because here we actually watch the game for the game, not for the stats. Watch, now I’ll get slapped with a cease and desist. Tune in next week for Generic Titled NFL Themed Column!

It was shaping up to be such a wonderful weekend. I awoke to a bright, sunny California day Sunday. The sun warmed everything to a great temperature, not too hot or cold with a gentle breeze outside. For once, I managed to hit the games right on the money, for the most part, but more on that later. The Lady K and I, decked out in our Steelers regalia, had a beautiful drive to Qualcomm Stadium, listening the entire way to the epic battle taking place in Philadelphia, which we managed to watch the exciting finish to on the Jumbotron at Qualcomm. Thank you stadium staff for broadcasting the end, I loved watching that final interception on the large screen. We arrived safe and jazzed for the scheduled tilt ahead of us. After finding parking, which was not easy in any sense, we wound our way toward the stadium through throngs of tailgaters supporting the Steelers and Chargers. It seems as though the entire area was filled with the scent of something being grilled. Delicious, mouth watering aromas drifted down aisle upon aisle of automobiles, each gleaming with the colors of the owner’s favorite team. And through every aisle, it was not clear who the home team was there that day. I have never seen in my life so many Pittsburgh fans in one area, short of watching games at Heinz Field on TV. It was amazing how many Black and Gold faithful came out to rally the team to victory in person. We entered the stadium early, anxious to see exactly how good our seats really were, since photos do not always give you the whole picture. As we rolled down to the bottom of the stadium, we walked through the concessions tunnel to our appointed section. There, climbing one flight of steps into the afternoon sun, we saw the field appear before us, gleaming bright and ready for action. We moved down the aisle to our seats, amazed at the location. We were no more than 30 feet from the players’ benches. It was unbelievable. As players would come out and warm up, they were so close to us it seemed as though all we had to do was reach out and touch them. It felt like a dream as player upon player would come out and prepare for the upcoming contest. The partially filled stadium erupted when Pittsburgh took the field as a team to warm up. The excitement was palpable. And then something odd happened as the stadium continued to fill. The Chargers came out as a team to warm up as well, and they were thoroughly booed, and I mean loudly. One report of the game I saw actually said they were booed lustily. That is not an exaggeration. I was shocked, and if I were a Chargers fan, I would have hidden my head in shame. How could you let that happen, to your own team booed in your stadium? Our entire section was filled with Steelers fans. At least 90% of the fans in that section were rooting for Pittsburgh. And ours was not the only section like that. Many were teeming with the Steeler faithful, ready to cheer on the boys in black and spur them to a victory. When the stadium had reached capacity right before kickoff, the amount of Steeler fans was amazing. We were in the minority compared to Chargers fans, but it was far closer to a 50/50 split than I would have ever imagined. Far closer than last year, and I thought there were a lot of fans at that game. I was excited to see my team, the world champions, live for the first time this season. Plus, being the Sunday night game with Al and John announcing, there was a nice symmetry from last year, since that one was a Monday night game and they were here for that one as part of last years Monday Night crew. And, mercifully, or so I thought, I would not have to see or hear that awful Sunday Night Football opening with Pink, which just makes my skin crawl and creates in me an urge to jab myself in the eyes with a paper clip. Alas, that was not to be, since they ran it on the Jumbotron. Gee, thank you stadium crew. Nothing like being subjected to a 30 foot high Pink looking like she’s all set for a night out on Hollywood Boulevard. Luckily, there were no sharp objects around.

All around us we made friends with our Steeler brethren, laughing, joking, screaming and cheering at each play. And Pittsburgh gave us much to cheer about at the start as they looked sharp and ready throughout the first half. By halftime, we were giddy at the 13-6 score. However, I am not sure who came out in the Pittsburgh uniforms after that, but it wasn’t my team as the wheels came off and they lost the game 23-13. Certainly not the result I was looking for, nor was anyone around me. And it was a very long walk back to the car through the throngs of cheering, obnoxious, drunk and annoying Charger fans, who seemed bent on twisting that knife in the back of everyone wearing black jersey. It is NOT fun to lose on the road, at all. But, if I do not think about the second half of the game or the final score, it was a fantastic day. If I do think about them, well, it kind of puts a damper on the fun. We did have a great time, but it would have been much better, and sweeter, to leave with a big W. Alas, that was not to be. I am trying to be upbeat about it, and succeeding for the most part. Of course, at the time I wanted to just run through the parking lot and into traffic screaming WHY WHY WHY like Nancy Kerrigan. Luckily, I kept an ounce of composure for the end of the game.

Which brings me to the most important subject of this week, just what exactly is wrong with the Steelers? I have seen way too many talking heads debate this one all week long, and read way too much instant psychoanalysis on all of their possible problems. Everyone has an opinion, be it their problems lie in Ben and his off season trials to perhaps it comes from too much personal appearances and not enough training to even that they have a Super Bowl hangover that has not dissipated. All may bear credence or all may be nothing but bunk, but I think I have it figured out, especially after seeing them in person. Here is what I believe is wrong.

A) They got soft and complacent in the off season – Being the world champions has its privileges. Everyone looks at them as the top dog of the league, the team that stands above all others and the one everyone tries to emulate and replace at the top of the mountain. After working so hard to reach the pinnacle, it is easy to see how a team would want to take a few minutes to relax, look around and take in the view at the top. It must be an exquisite view and feel extraordinary. But, that can also lead to the mentality of invincibleness. We cannot be beat; we are the champions and nuts to everyone else. They get accolade after accolade, and it only reinforces that thought. Troy Polamalu is the best safety in the league, and the best since Ronnie Lott. I have heard that. You hear that enough times, you believe it. Of course, the way he is playing now, I bet Ronnie could beat him today. Joey Porter is the most feared man in the NFL. That was on the cover of SI. You see that, you might take an extra day off, knowing you are the best. This is not a condemnation, just an observation. They are still tough, but they don’t seem to have that extra something, that hunger that comes from needing to prove yourself as the best. They did that by winning it all last year, and now that is gone. They need to replace that original hunger with a hunger to prove themselves as the best of this decade and era, the next logical step, but they have not seem to found the way or motivation to make that step just yet.

B) They have no rallying point. – One good way to get and sustain that hunger is to have not only a goal, which of course is to win the Super Bowl, but to have something specific to rally behind and around that helps push you and give you that extra edge toward achieving your goal. Last year, they had the perfect rally point in Jerome Bettis. They knew it was going to be Bus’s last year. They knew he wanted so badly to win a Super Bowl, especially on his way out and even more so in his hometown. So they pushed themselves and each other that much harder to carry Jerome to the ultimate victory and send him out as a champion. In many ways, it was a way of saying thank you to the man who for many seasons carried the team on his back and kept them winning. That is strong motivation. But this year, they have not found a rallying point. Perhaps they will find one soon as more and more people begin to write them off as one hit wonders. But even one hit wonders can come back. Remember, the Patriots did not win the Super Bowl the year after they won their first, but they did win it the following two years.

C) The Injury Bug. – Teams always have to contend with injuries, that is the nature of the game. But it seems as though Pittsburgh has had more than a few key injuries to contend with this year. It started with Ben, and we need not go down his grocery list of ailments yet again. We also know that Troy’s shoulder is bad, although we do not know how bad it really is, and then there is Hines’s hamstring. But now we have no James Harrison due to a high ankle sprain, and Townsend and Porter have bad hammys too. I fear to see who may be injured next, and how much of an impact it could have on the season. If they can play as a team, they can overcome it, but they have to play better all around to make that happen. Look at the Patriots; they seem to do it every year with duct tape and twine. Stupid Patriots.

D) The Cowher Situation. – This may be the biggest non-story of them all. I think his future with the team is a real distraction, but no one is saying anything about it. Look, players like security; they like to know that the man in charge will still be the man in charge. That kind of consistency, especially with a good coach, can reap huge benefits. Look at coaches in the past like Chuck Noll, Tom Landry and Bill Walsh. They were with their teams for years, and it bred an environment that was conducive to winning. All of those coaches are hall of famers, and had many hall of fame players play for them through the years. All of them, also, won multiple Super Bowls, and there is no mystery as to why. The players knew who was in charge, and who would be in charge. Right now, although he says he will still be around, I bet the players are wondering if Cowher really will be in charge next year, or if someone else will be taking over. See, Cowher says he is staying, and that is that. Ok, fine. But here is what the players see. First, their trusted former mate, Jerome, says on national TV that he thinks this is Cowher’s last season. Cowher of course denies this, so the players are at an odd conflict. The coach says that is bunk, but Jerome has always been good to us, honest with us and tight with us. Why would he make that up? It is possible he is wrong, but then oddly, other things begin to pop up. Cowher buys a new home in North Carolina. Not that big of a deal by itself, until he moves his family there permanently. That makes you wonder a bit. And then the contract situation. Since he first arrived in Pittsburgh, every time Cowher has come up with two remaining years on his contract, he as always reupped and signed a new contract. Now this year for the first time in his tenure, that did not happen. Sure, it could just be a money thing, but is it? Could it be he getting tired of the hassle? Has he achieved his goal of winning it all with his hometown team, and is now ready for something different in his life? If I were a player, I would be wondering mightily about all of this. Cowher says its all gossip and speculation, but actions always speak louder than words, and his actions show a man ready to hang it up, even if it is for just a few seasons. That is a huge locker room distraction, and players have trouble playing for a coach that won’t be around much longer. I am telling you, this is a huge distraction, and I bet a bigger story than anyone is letting on. Watch, I bet this will affect and stain the entire season.

All is not lost though, there are still 12 games remaining, and a team with guys like they have will not roll over. They have pride in what they do and what they have accomplished, and they will not go without a fight. I said at the beginning of the season, I see the team going 9-7 and missing the playoffs. I still think that is true. Not that I like it, but it seems to fit. Plus, I would rather they go to Super Bowl 42, cause that is in Arizona and I could drive there and party all weekend like a fool, A FOOL! Hee hee.

Ok, now that I got that out of my system, let’s purge one more thing before we get to this week’s collisions. I know that with all major sports, selling superstars is a way of life. It drives ticket and product sales, gets people to watch the games and pushes a lot of product. I know I’m as sick of seeing Peyton as anyone else, but obviously if it didn’t work, he would not be in every third commercial. And the selling of superstars is not limited to advertisements and pre game hype. Throughout the games, we are treated to numerous shots of the star players. Well, I’m tired of it. Each team has 53 players, and seeing one or two about a thousand times during each game has me ready to jam my remote into my frontal lobe. If I’m watching the Packers, I know I will see Brett Favre more often than I will see my dog who is sitting in front of me during the game. If I am watching the Bengals, I know I will see Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson so much it will look like they are playing catch in my living room. If I am watching the Seahawks, I know Matt Hasselbeck will be on so much I will start to see my reflection in his head. So, memo to the NFL, stop selling me the superstars and start selling me the teams. And specifically, stop selling me TO, Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning. I am tired of seeing them. I do not care, and I bet most fans do not either. I am sick of seeing them every other shot of the game. I literally lost count of how many times I saw Lewis’s face during the Monday Night game, it was that often. So please networks, just stop it, and end it now. I care not for these self centered individuals. You want to please me? Show me the game on the field. Even between plays something more interesting is happening between the white lines.

Lewis is highly overrated. Yeah, I said it. He gets tackles and sacks because everyone around him is killer good. That is the benefit of being the middle linebacker in a 4-3. If those around you are good, your job is easier. Watch him, really watch him when he is on the field, and most of the time you will see him coming in after the run or pass has been decided to lay a late hit on the ball carrier or jump on the pile and then pop up and strut around like he did something. It drives me insane that he gets so much credit, and I cannot see how or why. Sure, he gives great copy, and his stupid little dance when he comes out for player introductions is great theater, but that does not make him a great linebacker. Watch the replay of Monday nights game and tell me how many big runs in the second half of the game Denver started to reel off right through the middle linebacker spot. I saw one where they even showed during the replay how bad he got burnt. I am tired of being sold on how great he is and how great the Baltimore defense is and how intimidating and scary they are. They are not.

And on that note, I must make a small aside here. The Baltimore defense is not the greatest defense of all time, nor should they even be in the discussion. Greatness is achieved by a sustained period of excellence. Baltimore won one Super Bowl, and has not even been in consistent contention since then. Everyone is touting them this year as a return to form. First, they cannot be great if they are returning to form. That means they sucked last year, or for the last few years. Therefore, you have no sustained period of excellence, you therefore have no greatness. And second, it is pretty easy to hold opponents to a few points when your first three games are cupcake, your fourth is against a coach playing it safe, and your fifth is in a rainstorm. Denver scored 13 points, and had to fight off Mother Nature to get those. You want better defenses? Look to the Doomsday Defense, the Steel Curtain and the No Name Defense for better defenses. Also look, to a lesser extent, at the Orange Crush and Purple People Eaters, because at least they were in constant contention and took their teams to multiple Super Bowls, even if they did lose. Baltimore doesn’t even have a good nickname, how can they be that good? The Bears had the Monsters of the Midway, even if they only went to one Super Bowl in the 80s. Baltimore is like their team leader, well hyped. Personally, I am sick of the hype of both the team and Lewis.

And speaking of hype, as for TO, you saw all you need to know about him on Sunday. Short arming passes, not fighting for yardage after the catch, watching two throws that were under thrown to him get intercepted, and doing nothing to stop it. Not fighting to keep the defensive back from catching the ball, nor doing anything to stop said back after the catch. And then he has the nerve to go and berate his teammates for not trying hard enough. Amazing the hypocrisy he can display. And these faults on the field are not new. Watch old Eagles and 49ers games and you will see the same thing. Go ask McNabb or Garcia how many times they put the ball right to him and he either did not try to catch it or just alligator armed it, letting it clank to the ground. He is a difference maker alright. He is the difference between a winning team and a team dominated by a singular personality that drags the entire organization down with him. I saw roughly a quarter of this game because I was traveling to San Diego, and still I saw him on the sidelines no less than 10 times. STOP IT. Now see, they made me go and break my own rule of not talking about that chucklehead.

And lastly, Mr. Manning. Yes, I get it; Peyton is a student of the game. He is uber intelligent, a quick thinker, a professional and ultra competitive. And in many ways, I am a Manning fan. But you know what? I’m tired of it. I’m tired of watching him walk to the line and begin his histrionics of calling protections like he’s directing the London Philharmonic. Seriously, does he really think his lineman cannot see the defensive shifts in front of him, or that they are too stupid to see who they need to pick up? I am sorry, but it seems to me like he gives those guys, the guys that work the hardest on the field in my opinion, the least respect. Remember, all lineman must stay set in their positions until the snap of the ball, so the more Peyton is behind center rambling on like some cracked up air traffic controller, the harder their job is when the play does finally go off. Plus, anyone who would so throw their linemen under the bus like he did to his after their playoff loss last year loses a ton of respect in my book. Yeah, he may have had a point, since he was harried all day and sacked five times, but you do not call them out in the media like that. I understand he was upset and frustrated at the time, I know I would be as would anyone else in that position of playing as hard as you can and coming up short yet again. But those linemen are your workhorses, and that is not right. I just hope I am watching the game where one of them has enough of his BS and pops him in the mouth in mid play.

Wow, that was cathartic. I feel much better now. Let’s just move on. So this week would have been uber triumphant if Pittsburgh would have iced the cake and won in San Diego. Since that did not happen, I will have to just take solace in having a killer week, as I alluded to above.

Last Week: 12-2
Season to Date: 45-29

Now that is more like it. Although I did not do a comparison this week to the picks I made with my gut and those I pondered over endlessly. I do know of the two I lost, one was gut and one was thought, so I guess I am pretty even there. Regardless, I hope this is more a sign of excellence and consistency as opposed to one of those rare winning weeks. I guess there is only one way to find out. Shall we?

This weeks bye teams are Cleveland, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Minnesota and New England. Two more teams have the week off than last week, and personally, I feel cheated with one less game. But, I am not working for the NFL scheduling department, so there is nothing I can do. Cleveland and Green Bay should be happy with the respite, able to step back and see if there is anything they can do to turn the season around. Cleveland, just keep playing tough. Green Bay, well, I would say enjoy the Brett Favre farewell tour. Indianapolis will spend the week looking over Edge’s contract with Arizona to make sure there is no loophole that says he can still play for Indy. Jacksonville will try to figure out if they may have the offense for 50 points a game. Minnesota will be hoping no one realizes how lucky they have been thus far this season. And New England? I don’t know, perhaps Belicheck will spend the time in his garage building a pro bowl defensive lineman out of old scraps of wood and some silly putty or other such nonsense. Jerks.


Buffalo at Detroit

Our first game and it is a tough one to call. How can you pick with this crapfest? Detroit blows a winnable game last weekend versus Minnesota, but I thank them for that. Then Buffalo, who had been playing fairly tough, gets their ass beat by the Bears, whoops sorry, Da Bears. Of course, Da Bears are just that much better than most teams, and playing at home. Woof, what a dog, and it could go either way. Does home field even mean that much for at team that craps their own bed like Detroit? You got me.

Buffalo over Detroit


Carolina at Baltimore

Oh no, the mighty Ravens lost! Surprising what happens when they go up against a good team that knows how to close out a game. Shocker. We are going to see more of this in the near future, as their crappy running game and aging and less effective quarterback keep sabotaging their ability to win. Their offense is limited at best and was exposed by Denver and their stifling defense. Here comes another one this week, with what I imagine will be predicable results.

Carolina over Baltimore


Cincinnati at Tampa Bay

Rookie QB Bruce Gradkowski had a great first outing, putting up good numbers and keeping Tampa Bay in the game. Unfortunately, their special teams let them down, much to the delight of Reggie Bush fans everywhere. I think they might be able to right the ship, but Cincinnati and their tough secondary will make it that much harder for Gradkowski. This will be a make or break game for Cincy, to keep them in contention in the division and prove to everyone they are one of the elite teams in the NFL. We will know more about them after the game. I am thinking they take this one now that they have had a week to rest.

Cincinnati over Tampa Bay


Houston at Dallas

Heck of a game by Dallas there last week. Good for their offense to really step up and stick it to Philly. Dallas desperately needs a quarterback who can move more than three feet, since many times their offensive line was giving Bledsoe a ridiculous amount of time, and still he would get sacked. Unbelievable. And after watching T.O begin to meltdown as the game wore on, I think it is only a matter of time before he completely loses it and becomes Team Distraction Number One. I cannot say when, but it will be way before the next time those two teams play each other again. Plus, how surreal was it to see Mike Vanderjagt consoling TO on sidelines. The sight of that must have made some Cowboy fans drop their face into their hands and mutter, how did we come to this??? I bet it makes them wish for the days of Irvin and Sanders. Wow, the whole stadium is just going to explode one day. I cannot wait! This week, well, nothing like a crappy team to make you forget your troubles.

Dallas over Houston


N.Y. Giants at Atlanta

This one is tough, because while Atlanta has a killer running game, they have zero passing game. If the Giants key on the run game, even their crappy secondary can look good. But, it is in Atlanta, and this season is the good season in Atlanta. Huh, you ask? Atlanta has a habit of having one losing season, then one winning season. Look over the past few years, and you will see this pattern emerge. It is weird, yet fairly accurate. Per this excellent statistical analysis, Atlanta will be winners this season. Oh, yeah, but what about this game. You got me; I guess it all depends on which Giants team shows up. I am guessing they lose something in baggage check.

Atlanta over N.Y. Giants


Philadelphia at New Orleans

Philly is rocking at 4-1, and should be at 5-0. New Orleans is rocking at 4-1. Who would have guessed this match up would be such a battle? 5 people, that’s about it. Maybe 6, but I am not sure. Philly is in line for a letdown after a short week before the Dallas game, and then coming up huge in an emotional win against the Cowboys. You know McNabb loved that his defense stuck it to T.O. He would never say such a thing, he is a classy guy, but you know he went home after the game, pulled out his T.O. voodoo doll and stuck another pin in it whispering, “did you like that one you egomaniac? Did you?” Or maybe he just had some Chunky soup. I think this is the Eagles’ first real test, especially since the Superdome will be rollicking. And since Westbrook seems to be ready to go, they will get a star and a smiley face.

Philadelphia over New Orleans


Seattle at St. Louis

Another good game with division championship undertones. Seattle has had the week off after getting destroyed in Chicago and now must travel to a resurgent St. Louis in hopes of getting things back on track. Also, for the second game in a row, they will be without the services of Shawn Alexander, whose absence was noticeable against Da Bears. St. Louis is winning with tough defense and strong running, which has bode them well thus far, but if they want, they can still air it out big time. This is a big test for both teams, and we should really be able to gauge where each team is after this game. I am giving the edge to the home team.

St. Louis over Seattle


Tennessee at Washington

Ooooh, look at Tennessee, almost sticking it to the Colts in Indianapolis no less. Nice showing Mr. Young. Of course, he looked more like Michael Vick than Donavan McNabb. I would rather have McNabb. But Young is still learning and he may learn the importance of developing a passing game yet. Washington, well, I have no idea. I mean, which team will show up? The juggernaut that went toe to toe against Jacksonville, or the also ran that wilted in New York? They are almost like Jekyll and Hyde. But, Portis has resumed bringing out surreal characters for his press conferences, which always bodes well for the Skins.

Washington over Tennessee


Kansas City at Pittsburgh

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!! You know, we finally get a team that has been having some troubles, although you could not tell with the way Damon Huard has been performing as of late, and look to put things back on track with a win over said struggling team. Now I hear Joey Porter is out with a hamstring injury, making it two linebackers gone in two weeks. So to help solve their LB woes, they go out and sign Chad Brown, who last played for Pittsburgh in 1996. What is this, a stroll down defensive memory lane? Who’s next, Greg Lloyd? Yikes. I surely hope Chad has something left in the tank this time around, although I thought it was sad to see him go years ago. And even though it is being played to death, I have to mention the Sienna Miller flap. I did not grow up in Pittsburgh, although I did live there for a few years as a young child and have gone there at least once a year since I moved away and still do to this day. It is a great city, I have family there that I love and one of my best friends currently lives there. It is a beautiful, fun and vivacious city and I have some of the best memories of my life in that city. Sienna Miller, you are nothing but a spoiled bitch who would know nothing of a quality city and quality people if they polished your nails and carried your bags. I hope you never go back there. You ruin the goodness of the city with your mere presence. And I agree with the others, I think Jude Law is a fantastic guy now for cheating on your bitchy ass. Oh, yeah, the game. What do you think???

Pittsburgh over Kansas City


Miami at N.Y. Jets

I doubt anyone would have ever thought this sentence would make rational sense. Joey Harrington is a better choice at QB than Daunte Culpepper. I know New England is not the world beater they have been in the past, but they are a good team and Joey kept the Dolphins in the game. That second interception of his was not all his doing, plus he stayed upright far more often than Culpepper has this season. This could be a far tighter game than most think, and I think Miami has a good chance. But the Jets are opportunistic and playing above their heads, and you know they will want to come back after being humiliated in Jacksonville last week. As long as Pennington keeps it together, I like the team from the Meadowlands.

N.Y. Jets over Miami


San Diego at San Francisco

Hmmm, I wonder who might win this game. Should I pick the rebuilding team that plays with some spunk but has no major weapons or the team with tons of weapons and a young QB brimming with confidence after shredding the Super Bowl Champions’ defense? I don’t know, this is a tough call. Oh, by the way I’m being sarcastic.

San Diego over San Francisco


Oakland at Denver

I cannot express how proud I am at Oakland for overcoming the potential win against San Fran last week. They had a good chance to blow it, but they found something deep inside and managed to find a way to throw the game in the crapper. 0-4 they currently stand at, and their odds of going the distance look better each week. I am legitimately giddy now. Plus, this week they play Denver, IN Denver, against Mike Shanahan who revels in every opportunity to stick it to the Raiders and Al Davis. The Broncos get to face a division rival who has not won a single game and are reeling from a head coach who looks like you should slip a mirror under his nose during the games to make sure he is still alive and a star wide receiver who has said he does not care anymore and wants to play elsewhere. How long do you think Shanahan has been salivating for this game? I am guessing, since Week 2.

Denver over Oakland


Chicago at Arizona

Wow, this one is about as tough to pick as a choice between pizza and lima beans. Although Leinart does look good already, and it looks like the Cards have their QB position locked up for about the next 10 years. However, from the looks of things right now, please allow me to paraphrase a classic bit from the past. Come February 4th, a certain team, from a certain city will be hoisting a certain trophy above their collective heads. A team known simply as, Da Bears. DAAAAAA BEARS. Seriously, if things keep progressing this way, will we be lucky enough to get The Super Bowl Shuffle, Part II? I hope so.

Chicago over Arizona

There is an Adult in here after all

This is my thirtieth post. I know that does not seem like a lot. Heck, most people can do that in one month. But, since I have shown a tendency for being rather verbose in my writing, and one post could equal three or four posts by someone else, I find it a remarkable milestone. I thought of changing that, but I am who I am, and I enjoy writing this way. It makes me feel as though I have been able to really allow myself the chance to explore a particular thought. And although sometimes I do feel like I may have explored a thought enough or properly, at least I feel like I am getting the ideas in my head out in a positive way. Plus, since I just started this in late April, thirty posts is not bad for a few months of work. I may hit 40 or even 50 by the end of the year. That is almost like one a week. Most professional writers who write pieces of this length do not do this much work. And I have a full time job on top, nor do I dictate these to a ghost writer, like others (read celebrities) who blog. But that is neither here nor there. For this 30th post, I would like to talk about how I have done with my growing up.

I have made it to 17 days. 17 days without smoking one cigarette. 17 days without inhaling carcinogenic smoke into my lungs, at least other than what is already in our air. I feel very good about making it this far. Shamefully, I cannot remember the last time I went this long without having a cigarette. That sounds horrible, but unfortunately it’s true. For me, this could be the same as 17 years for how long and often I have smoked in the past. I am feeling quite triumphant at the moment. I know that I have got over the initial struggle, and that I will need to be on constant vigilance from here on out to make sure I never slip down that staircase again. But for the first time, I feel like I have the edge.

I had a few tests over last weekend that really made me think I am in control. The first was a party hosted by a friend of mine. Now, there was no one there who smoked, so the extra temptation was never there. But, it was a party, he does have a patio and there was alcohol involved, which is usually my downfall. But, not once in the entire evening did I feel an urge to smoke. Now, mind you the fact that I had no access to any and that I kept myself well snacked throughout the evening may have played roles in that, but still, I found it significant. Especially since last time I tried to quit, I went to a party and was driven nuts the whole time by a lack of smokes, and even managed to bum one. Bad, bad, bad.

The other test was after the Steelers/Chargers collision in San Diego Sunday night. A tough game and a tougher loss were witnessed by me as my team went down for their third straight loss. After driving several hours to watch them play in person, I was far from happy. And then, after walking through the parking lots listening to drunken Charger fans tweak anyone wearing black and gold, I was even less happy. But, I did not break down. Now, mind you, I did think about it once. A fan in front of us leaving was carrying a pack, and I did think about asking her for one. Being as she was a Steeler faithful as well, she would have probably been understanding and gladly slipped one to me. But, I did not want something as trivial as my team losing a game to derail the good work I had done over the past two weeks. So, I pushed down the urge, and moved on. Ultimately, I was glad I did, and still am. I could be writing something very different right now if I caved, and I am glad I did not. After that, I felt like I have really turned a corner toward successfully breaking the addiction.

Actually, I have achieved two milestones. Making it 17 days is a big one, but I also moved to the next stage of the patches. I kept feeling very bad as the second half of last week moved on. I had a feeling the patches were not good for me, and thought maybe I should move to get off them as soon as possible. Plus, feeling positive that I finally have some control, I felt confident of positive results. So on Tuesday, I moved down a step. So far, I feel good. I can definitely feel a lot of nervous energy returning to me. I am not sure what to do with all of it, and it will need to be harnessed, but I feel good. Almost all of the weird aches and pains are now gone. There is an occasional twinge now and again, but that could just be my out of shape body begging for some exercise. Either way, I feel much better. I know the patches are unnatural, and I am much better off being off of them, but I will not deride them. They did help get me through the initial stage of gaining some psychological control over the urges. I should have consulted a physician before use, as instructed. But, I am a man, and we tend to be dumber than we need to be, sometimes.

I know I will have to stay with this step as long as recommended, because with the new nervous energy, I find myself at times not sure what to do with myself. Here is the real trap, since I know in times like this historically, that would mean go have a smoke. I do not feel an urge to do so, nor do I want to, but I know this is the perfect place to fall into a trap, so I need to give myself every edge. Plus, there are events coming in the near future that I have always done while smoking and I will need to be doubly careful throughout each one. Vigilance will be the key to success now that I have gained some control.

Oddly enough, I am also not the only one winning the fight. I found out that two of my friends have also quit smoking. We all used to hang together and party or just goof around. They both did a road trip with me across the country once, all of us with ideas of starting a fabulous new life. And of course, we all smoked. Never once thought much of it, either. It was just he the thing to do. Now, none of us live close to each other, and unfortunately we don’t get the chance to talk to each other as much as we would like. I blame myself, sometimes I can be bad about remembering to pick up a bloody phone, so I had no idea they were quitting. I found it rather serendipitous, and odd, that within a few weeks of each other, we would all independently quit smoking. Must be something in the air, or maybe the water, or maybe we are all just growing up.

It’s probably just growing up. I know when I first wrote about quitting, I mentioned putting childish things on the shelf, and sometimes that was to make room for new things. Sometimes, new things include new adventures or partners. We reach new places in our lives and want different things. I know three couples who in the span of a month will all be married, all ready to start a new journey in a new phase of their lives. Plus, a fourth couple I know recently became engaged. Soon, more will take the walk down the aisle, and then some will start families and begin to shape a new generation. It is odd to think that I am at that age, but here I am, looking square at it. Everyone is growing up in their own ways. It does seem, though, that I am a bit behind the curve. But hey, I run my own race. Although this particular leg I should have ran much faster. All that smoking must have slowed me down too much. Good thing I got past this leg before it stopped me altogether.

Of the many changes I have noticed by quitting is how I feel about myself. I feel, for once, that I really am in control of my life. That I can affect the changes I want and make my life, and the lives around me, better by what I do. I feel like I am starting to come into my own. The early success I have had in battling this addiction has shown me I do have the strength and power to achieve other things and be successful elsewhere in my life. I know this success can lead to more successes down the road in all aspects of my life. For once, I feel I am on a good path to not fail or give up on anything for fear of trying, failing or succeeding. I feel more confident in myself. I know it is early, and that confidence is still just a small flame, but it is growing. I have seen it come from a smoldering ember, and now it’s a flame. I keep feeding it with each day I navigate without the aid of my addiction, and it grows more each day. It gives me the power to push myself in other areas and become more successful, thus feeding that flame much more. I know if I keep following this path, I will have a raging bonfire before long, and nothing will seem impossible.

I have seen examples of this confidence in each day, as I have successfully squashed each urge to smoke. I have seen it in the urges themselves, as they come back less frequently and less powerful each time. I have seen it knowing that with each one I defeat, the next one will be that much easier. I have seen it in activities I want to do now. I want to go biking more often, and there is a race/marathon I am planning on participating in next year. I have started working out to achieve that goal, one I never thought I would do. I have also seen it appear in my dreams, as they have changed dramatically. Many times in my dreams, they would end with me feeling defeated, beaten or incapable of solving the problem, saving someone I cared for or stopping the bad guy. I would awaken feeling emasculated from not being able to save the day, even if it was something simple. I would realize it was only a dream and begin my day, but I would always have that nagging feeling of being ineffectual. I am not sure if it had much of an effect on my day, but it may have. Not now. Since I have quit, I have had two dreams where I had to save the day, in a manner of speaking. One, two kids tried to pickpocket me in the street. One got my cell phone and ran from me. As I chased him, the other followed me, waiting for my attention to slip and pickpocket me as well. With my attention split, I could not catch the first one. But instead of failing, I found a way to succeed. I grabbed the second and held him hostage until the first one came back and gave me my phone. I walked away in triumph, and remembered it when I woke. In the second, I held up a child that could not swim from rising waters. My brother was there and did not have the strength to help, or get away from the waters. I waited with him, holding the child by myself, and calmed him until they receded, and helped all of us to higher ground. They were amazing. I had never triumphed like that in my dreams, and it felt great. The day after each one, I felt more positive than ever. I would have never imagined my new confidence, even though it is still young, could have such an effect on my psyche

I feel like good things are going to happen. That I will make them happen. I have the power now to do just that, and for once, the stamina and lung capacity. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings, and what I can do with it.

The Crystal Ball Week 5

I have some bad news for everyone. The NFL season is officially one quarter over. Now, before panic engulfs us, remember, there is still three quarters of the season left, as well as the playoffs to look forward to watching. Now, I know that 60 games are in the books, the outcomes decided and the participants moved on to the next match. We can mourn the loss of these games, or look forward to those ahead, and cherish them, knowing how fleeting, precious and rare they are. I choose the latter.

That was slightly melodramatic for football. It seems a bit much for me to be waxing poetic over contests of men in plastic hats smacking into each other. After all, it is just a game, right?

Of course it is just a game; it means nothing in the macrocosm of things. But it is a wonderful, fun and exciting game. Yes, I am feeling a bit giddy today. This Sunday, amid the din of thousands of Charger fans, I and the Lady K, and probably about 15,000 + Steeler fans will be wildly waving our Terrible Towels in a black and gold frenzy as Pittsburgh and San Diego collide on Sunday Night Football live from Qualcomm Stadium. We went to the game last year, with Pittsburgh fans estimated at about 15,000 or so, although being there I thought the number was higher than that. I bet it is much higher this year. It was fantastic; at certain points during the game, you could hear Steelers chants ringing through the stadium. We got home and watched the Tivo of the game, and you could hear it on the broadcast too. If I were a Chargers fan, I would have been mortified. Last year the Steelers came to San Diego after a bye week at 2-1, and looking for a win. This year, the Steelers come to San Diego after a bye week at 1-2, and desperately needing a win to turn their season in the right direction. Considering all the weapons San Diego has on offense and defense, I would be a bit scared, especially since they took Roethlisberger out near the end of the game last year. But thankfully, last week in Baltimore, the return of Martyball reared its head, to the chagrin of Chargers fans everywhere, and to my glee and delight, well almost glee and delight. I did pick them over the Ravens, but they threw it all away at the end of the game and made McNair look like McNabb. Yeesh. Nothing like playing not to lose; it is the quickest way to toss the game away. Hopefully, Shottenheimer will be in midseason form by Sunday night. Regardless, I will be front and center, well almost. We will be on the 45 yard line, 4 rows from the field right behind the Steelers bench. Close enough to see the spittle from Cowher’s mouth. Oooooh, I can hardly wait! But, I suppose there is some business at hand before I begin waxing poetic again about the violent ballet of receivers and defensive backs.

There was a definite improvement over last week. Not like I lit the world on fire, but better than the week before.

Last Week: 8-6
Season to Date: 33-27

Now, I doubt I will win any polls with an 8-6 week, but I will take it over recent performances any day. And for some fun, I checked back and looked at another set of numbers. Just to see, last week I marked 7 games I kept debating the winner in my head, and left the 7 I just decided right away blank. I wanted to see if by gut instinct how I did, and how I did by over analyzing. Here are those results.

Gut – 6-1
Thought – 2-5

This tells me two things. Either my instinct for football is through the roof, or those 7 games were just gimmes and pretty easy to determine and I am lousy at analysis. I would LOVE for it to be the first, because if it were, then I bid my adieu, and if you need me, just forward any message to Las Vegas, care of any casino sports book. Reality is, it is the second. To what degree, I am not sure. I would like to think considering how much football I have absorbed, I might be a little better than lousy regarding picking winners. But, hey, it is all chance anyway. There are times that even games that seem in the bag will go down to the wire, or upsets that you lose outright. Actually, I would probably be much better at this if I did not let my own feelings get in the way. Well, it’s too late for that, at least for one game each week. So I guess Pittsburgh best keep winning. There will always be a handful of games I’ll agonize over, but luckily, I keep a well stocked bar, so it should all work out.

With the season a quarter over, most people will give out awards and what not. I contemplated this, but could not come up with any suitable goofy names for awards. So I thought I would just throw out a few quick observations of what we’ve seen thus far this season.

New Orleans for once seems to be serious about football, and it could not have come at a better time for the community. A+ to the organization for coming through and an A++ for the new Saints for really working to give something to the fans. I don’t mean just on the field, I mean off the field. Special kudos go to Drew Brees, who said the city is now his home and has made it such, and Reggie Bush, for making many contributions of time and money toward the rebuilding of the city and of lives in the community. Many other players and team personnel have also contributed to the efforts to bring back the city, and they should be congratulated as well. Way to go guys.

The demises of Philadelphia and New England seem to be a tad premature. Philly went through their Super Bowl hangover year, and has come through a stronger team. We will see just how strong this Sunday. New England, I cannot even find the right verbiage. How do they do it? They pull these castaways and also rans off the street, slap a uniform on them and they look like all pro players. Seriously, when does their pact with Damien expire? It just makes me want to start chugging some Old Granddad.

The Super Bowl parade plans in Miami are on hold. A preseason favorite as AFC champions, the Dolphins look to have taken a major step back. I guess maybe Culpepper was not the answer. Or maybe it is Mularky who is not the answer. Nah, not the offensive coordinator that led the 2003 Steelers to a stellar 6-10 mark. He must know what he is doing. Must be something else, then.

Oakland is in danger of being shipped to NFL Europe. You think this is a joke, but I am not so sure. Why else would Roger Goodell, the new commissioner, choose to attend this game when potentially epic tilts will be taking place in the Meadowlands, The Linc and Qualcomm? The only reason I can think is that he is trying to determine how easy it would be to swap them with World Bowl champs the Frankfurt Galaxy.

Cincinnati to unveil new team nickname, the mean machine. Since last season, six different Bengals have been arrested nine times. Suddenly, that line from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is ringing in my head. Nine times. How is that possible? Now, I know that these are young men who feel invincible and powerful and have money and are treated differently because of their athletic prowess, and every team has one or two cats that have a brush or two with the law. I am not saying its right, but it happens. But nine times? A few of them got busted more than once. And Odell Thurman is now suspended for the season, and it looks doubtful he’ll ever don a Bengals uniform again. Some control is needed, and quickly before these distractions overpower everything else. Hello, jerk hotline? Yes, I got a few I would like to report.

The T.O. circus’s extended stay in the Dallas area is in jeopardy. Poor Bill Parcells. He was looking to turn one more team around, to stroke his ego and lock in the Hall of Fame. Then he finds himself saddled with this nutcase for a season or more. One of them will be gone after this year, and it probably will be The Tuna and his now exponentially growing ulcer. Every press conference he gives, his ire seems to grow. I keep waiting for either his head to explode or for him to just lose it like Peter Finch in Network, grabbing a reporter and throttling him while screaming, “Can’t you bloodsuckers let a non-story die???” Either way, I’m riveted to see which will happen first.

Perennial sleeper team Arizona continues to sleep. Every year tons of people pick Arizona as their sleeper team, thus negating the status of being a sleeper. If everyone thinks they are going to do something, then it would not really be a surprise if they did, now would it? Yet every year they seem to fall flat on their face, usually with a look of shock and surprise. And why is that? They keep stockpiling all these offensive weapons; they should be lighting things up. I can sum it up in two words, offensive line. They have a crappy one, and never do a damn thing to improve it. So they keep trotting this broken one out, and then cannot figure out why their high priced running back can barely get 50 yards a game, and why their quarterback keeps getting sacked. On the plus side, their new stadium seems really nice.

All quarterbacks please see the team doctor for possible gout. Two quarterbacks have gone down this season for odd maladies. Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh needed an appendectomy, and Chris Simms in Tampa Bay had a ruptured spleen. Not your ordinary injury list. Roethlisberger is back, and Simms is on the road to recovery, which is good. But what is next, a wicked case of psoriasis? If this keeps up, the NFL will have to hire House M.D. to make sure things do not get out of hand.

This week the bye teams are Atlanta, Cincinnati, Houston and Seattle. Atlanta is looking fairly good at the quarter season mark sitting at 3-1. But if they cannot start developing a semblance of a passing game, they will not go far. I don’t believe Dunn or Vick will break down, but if everyone just stacks 8 in the box and dares Vick to throw the ball, which he does not seem to be able to nor care to improve upon, then how will their offense score? Cincinnati is also sitting pretty at 3-1, but after getting shellacked by the Patriots last week, all of their weaknesses were exposed and badly. So badly that if you take away a few errors from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati could very well be 2-2. They could not run the ball well, they cannot stop their opponents running game, and their playmakers are all gunning to be extras on Law and Order. I think the only surprising story from Cincinnati at this point would be if they led the local congregation in prayer services and then volunteered at the downtown soup kitchens. Other than that, nothing would surprise me. Houston is probably seething that their bye week came up now, just on the verge of a winning streak. I should not poke fun. Houston is looking much better than they have in the past. David Carr has definitely made strides in becoming an effective quarterback, and much better than one right now that will be suiting up in black and gold on Sunday night. Ahem! Sorry. And then there is Seattle. Boy did they get it handed to them Sunday night. I am a bit surprised Holmgren did not find a way to blame Alexander’s broken foot on the referees. Amazing how such a high powered offense can be stilled when they are reduced to one dimension. Indianapolis and Atlanta, please take notes on this, it could be important later in the season, and yes it will be on the test.


Buffalo at Chicago

Considering how quickly and efficiently Chicago dismantled Seattle last week, and that they are playing in Soldier Field again this week, I’m calling this one a no brainer.

Ok, last week I was watching the Sunday night game, and right after it became a rout, I kept thinking of what NBC could be doing to keep interest. And then it hit me, how oh how did we not have the Superfans in the booth for at least part of the game? You remember the Superfans, the gentlemen in the old SNL skit with George Wendt, Mike Myers and the late Chris Farley. All were big, both literally and figuratively, Bears fans that sat around at Ditka’s restaurant in Chicago and expounded on how bad the Bears would beat that day’s opponent, usually followed with a hearty, “Da Bears”. I kept thinking how genius that would be, just to have Myers and Wendt pop up out of nowhere. Even better, they could have done all the sideline reporting. Imagine how funny it would have been for Myers to feign being all indignant on having to report on the doings of the Seahawks. It would have been brilliant.

Chicago over Buffalo


Cleveland at Carolina

How about those Browns? Nice impressive come from behind win in Oakland last week. I knew they would not let me down, although it was dicey when Oakland went up 21-3. Luckily, they’re Oakland, so Cleveland had nothing to worry about. This week, well, Cleveland has much more to worry about, with Carolina beginning to find themselves again with a good win over New Orleans. Cleveland on the road, after traveling to the West Coast and back last week, I don’t think they have enough to overcome the Panthers. But they are improving, and that will be scary in the future.

Carolina over Cleveland


Detroit at Minnesota

Detroit has been on an offensive explosion the last two weeks, blowing up the scoreboard with their offense. Unfortunately, the defense that held Seattle to 9 points has also been blowing up, and opponents have been on a scoring binge as well. It seems they cannot do anything right. If the Ford family is serious about changing this team, they need to start at the top and dump Matt Millen. Heck, hire me, I’m cheaper and I know exactly what to do. They have some of the right players, but they need real coaches who will push the fundamentals such as strong defense, an effective run game and opportunistic special teams. Simple, yet so impossible anymore. Seriously, if they are interested, I will compose a mission statement of how to turn the team around. It’s not hard. Scour the free agent market and find a few blue chippers for the offensive line and the defensive backfield, bolster both lines through the draft. Talk to Edge James and find out if he really wants to whittle away the rest of his days in the Arizona sun. Find a good quarterback in the draft to mentor under Kitna along with a few linebackers and boom. You are on your way. It is starting to show progress in Cleveland, it can work in Detroit. And trust me, I am far cheaper than Millen, and I don’t even want a company car! But this week, forget it.

Minnesota over Detroit


Miami at New England

I knew, I KNEW that New England would come back and haunt me last week. I even said it; it will be a trap game. Everyone saw Cincy win and New England lose, and the crowd will lean toward Cincy. I even said for the near future; do not count New England out. And what do they do? They do what the Patriots seem to be brilliant at, they find something deep inside and stick it to me hardcore. Jerks! They marched into Cincinnati and proved me right, much to my chagrin since I picked the Bungles to win. Although, I did enjoy watching the Bungles lose, my only regret was that both teams could not take an L. This week, the Pats are back at home and welcoming the offensive juggernaut that is the Culpepper led Dolphins. Ugh. I do not know if I can even think of anything good about this one. Oh yeah, it will end.

New England over Miami


St. Louis at Green Bay

For once, Green Bay is looking like they might be on the road to recovery. They played the Eagles tough on Monday night, and it still surprised me that they held the lead into the third quarter. But, stupid penalties, mistakes and too much time on the field for the defense wore them down, and they collapsed in the end. Being without Ahman Green sure hurt their chances as well. I do not think it will bode well for Favre this week that St. Louis is tied for leading the league in interceptions. Or that the Rams suddenly found an offensive spark last week and put up 41 points. Or that he banged his noggin near the end of the Eagles game.

St. Louis over Green Bay


Tampa Bay at New Orleans

Tampa has Mac Attack. Well, at least Buccaneer fans hope so. This week, they will start QB Bruce Gradkowski, formerly a standout at Toledo. Toledo, of course, is in the MAC conference, which has brought us such quarterbacks as Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich, Charlie Frye and Super Bowl Champion Ben Roethlisberger. So Bruce, success is there to be had. However, he has to play his first game in what will no doubt be a rollicking Superdome, which proved to be a difficult place to play for the experienced Michael Vick. Nothing like a trial by fire. It is hard to win right out of the gate, especially on the road against a tough opponent. Not impossible, Roethlisberger did it in his first start in Miami, but the weather and their running game helped. The Saints will not be as forgiving as a hurricane was to Ben, and Tampa’s season will continue to slip away.

New Orleans over Tampa Bay


Tennessee at Indianapolis

Please, like there is any question with this one. Heck, with his sudden outburst of running last week, I bet Peyton Manning himself could gain a hundred yards in this game. I see Jim Sorgi getting some work this week. I hope he stretches before he trots out onto the field. I mean something other than his clipboard arm, uhhh, I mean passing arm. The only thing I fear is that after this game, Indy will be 5-0, and a few early bird talking heads will begin to mention the undefeated season. Does this mean they will start the watch again for 16-0, and we’ll be forced to hear, for yet another season, those excruciating stories about the 1972 Dolphins and how they pop champagne when the last undefeated team loses their first game, celebrating someone’s defeat and their ego that they still remain the only unbeaten team in league history? Maybe they will cut us a break and wait until they hit 8-0 before the real nonsense reporting begins. I sure hope not. If I do not get my Peyton fix at least once every 30 seconds, I start going through wicked withdrawal symptoms. Or it may just be nicotine withdrawal. Hmmmm, best not to take a chance. Now where is that Sprint/Nextel commercial…..

Indianapolis over Tennessee


Washington at N.Y. Giants

Now this is a tough one. Washington won a barn burner last week against Jacksonville, with the offense blowing up for 36 points against a good Jaguars team. But this week they play away against a division rival. The Giants had the week off to regroup after getting pasted by Seattle, so they are well rested, but will it mean a better result on the field? I have no idea. I am making a guess, like all of these picks are something other than guesses, and going with the hot hand that is not turning on its master.

Washington over N.Y. Giants


Kansas City at Arizona

Wow, did KC make me look like a fool. 41 points they hung on the 49ers. Ouch. That one was so far off, I did not even feel bad about it. I could not, there was too much shock. But hey, good for Damon Huard for showing the world he has some QB in him. Of course, it did not hurt that they were playing Frisco. And it will not hurt that they are playing Arizona this week. Remember, Arizona barely beat the 49ers in the first week, the same 49ers that KC demolished last week. By that logic, KC should beat the stuffing out of the Cardinals. Yet unfortunately, that kind of logic never works. But considering Arizona is moving to the Matt Leinart era early, since Warner cannot seem to hold onto a ball anymore, I do not like their chances. Remember, even the great Peyton Manning went 3-13 his first season. With that sieve of a line in front of him causing him to run for his life all day, Leinart would be lucky to post so lofty of record.

Kansas City over Arizona


N.Y. Jets at Jacksonville

Now this game scares me. Jacksonville found a bunch of offense, but their defense slipped last week and they lost in overtime. Meanwhile, the Jets seem to be willing to try almost anything to get a win. Going for it on 4th down when you could grab three easy points? Kind of stupid, but ballsy, and it shows your team that you want them to win. If they had managed to leave Peyton with a little less time on the clock, they might have won that game. I really don’t know on this one. Both are coming off a loss and want to get back on the winning track. This one is a tougher call than the Washington game. How apropos that both New York teams are involved in the toughest ones to call this week. And both of the New York teams always seem to find a way to throw a monkey wrench into the works. Ahhh, screw it, I like the Jags better, plus they are not coached by a former Patriot assistant. Guess that made this easier.

Jacksonville over N.Y. Jets


Oakland at San Francisco

So much for my prognosis on the revival of the 49ers. Boy, did they take it on the chin last week. But, lucky for them, they have Oakland this week. And nothing salves wounded pride like playing Oakland. This one is as easy as pie.

Personally, and not in any way secretly, I am hoping for Oakland to go 0-16. The perfect mark of ineptitude. Imagine the possibilities for them if they did this almost impossible task. They would always be in the news, smack dab on the front page every week. Everyone would be talking about them; how could you resist a story about such a mess? If they win even one game, the story is gone, and no one cares. They will fade into the background as just another crappy team. Not the crappiest team, like the team they could be. Plus, this pathetic mark has not been achieved in years. I believe the last team to do it was the expansion Buccaneers in 1976 (of course, they lost 26 straight, but lets take this one season at a time). That means a whole generation has grown up without seeing the pinnacle of ineffectiveness. This is something that we all should witness, so we can tell our grandchildren that yes, we were there when the Raiders completely bottomed out and were traded to the CFL for the Argonauts.

San Francisco over Oakland


Dallas at Philadelphia

To many, this is the game of the week. And I bet if the new schedule flipping format had yet started, this one would be moved to Sunday Night. T.O.’s triumphant return to Philadelphia. He is about to find out real fast how vitriolic the Eagle faithful can be. I bet you never knew that 65,000 + fans could boo for three straight hours. Be prepared to watch it live on TV. My only question is what the crazier fans will throw at him. It’s too early for snowballs, and I bet they frisk for batteries these days. The Eagles are a bit banged up, and if Westbrook does not play, they could be in serious trouble. It was obvious they need him badly to make their offense effective. In the Eagle’s favor, McNabb is looking stellar thus far this season, but he will need to be sharp right out of the gate. Also, last time I checked, Drew Bledsoe was still starting for the Cowboys, so that should make racking up sacks that much easier for the Philly D. And you know T.O. will be clamoring to get the ball all game long, just to stick it to the Eagles. If he does not, look for a mental breakdown. This is going to be a good one, and it is difficult to pick a winner between to fierce division rivals. But I cannot stand the Cowboys, and even less with T.O. on their roster. There I go, letting emotion get to me. Ah, so what.

Philadelphia over Dallas


Pittsburgh at San Diego

Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man! I have pretty much covered this game. There are a lot of question marks for this one, I know that already. Will Roethlisberger be ready to go and in sync with the offense? Will Willie be ready to pull the load? Will Troy’s shoulder be good to go? Will everyone play smart and keep their heads on straight while playing the road? Who will be returning punts? Who will step up in the receiving corps? Tons of questions, yet I find no need to worry. Every time I have seen them live, they have won. Time to keep up that tradition, and not a moment too soon.

One side note, I found this great piece by Ron Green Jr. of McClatchy Newspapers in the San Jose Mercury News. He was doing some picks this week, and this is his take on the game.

“An on-line poll in San Diego is seeking a nickname for the Chargers' defense so the guys will have something to put on the vanity tags on their Range Rovers. Among the suggestions are:

The Blue Meanies (sounds like something now banned from baseball locker rooms); the Border Patrol (let's keep politics out of this); the Electric Blanket (makes you think of linebackers spooning each other); the Electric Fence (who thought that was a good idea?); and, the Frightenin' Lightnin' (sounds like a ride at Carowinds).

The Steel Curtain, the Chargers will be reminded, was already taken. Steelers 23, Chargers 22.”

Seems to sum it up the best to me.

Pittsburgh over San Diego

Baltimore at Denver

Alright, I know, say it. Baltimore won a real game against a real opponent. So that proves they are for real, right? Wrong. Nope, I am still not buying it. San Diego was the first team they beat with a winning record. So obviously stocking up on cupcakes helps their record. Second, they did not win that game as much as San Diego choked and gave it to them. I made the mistake a few weeks back of backing Eli Manning after one good quarter of football. I will not make the same mistake of backing McNair after 4 good minutes of football. But if they win this week, not only will I believe they are for real, I will be officially nervous and need to order more Dramamine and sick bags.

Denver over Baltimore