The Crystal Ball Week 6

Originally Posted on Quick Thoughts on October 13, 2006.


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