The Notebook, Week 4

(The Notebook is a brief one today because the 9 to 5 is boiling over and my 3 a.m. brain is running solely on that twin exhaust pipe of shaken confidence and ingrained habits.)

The Dallas hype has merit. I can't believe I'm typing that, but it's true. The Cowboys are talented and deep, perhaps more so than any other team in the league.

Why say so now when much of the past week major media fellated this newest version of "America's Team?" (Are those quotes sarcastic enough?)

Because there's more we can learn about a team in defeat than we can in victory.

Washington's win in Dallas was huge. Stuffing Marion Barber (8 carries, 26 yards) proved decisive. Controlling the clock was key (2:1 in time of possession). And Jason Campbell again flashed his mobility, this week against a top flight pass rush, buying time to make turf churning throws to Santana Moss and Chris Cooley.

The Cowboys stumbled over themselves all afternoon... at the heart of it, they slid back into bad habits. Habits like reclining in overweening confidence.

Dallas often rides a fine line between swagger and hubris. And as long as they do (which should be the case as long as Jerry Jones is in the mix) they're sure to retrace the flight of Icarus again and again.

I don't want to take too much away from Washington. Clinton Portis is putting together another fine season. The defense is sidestepping injuries, running with young talent in players like Chris Horton. And Campbell's rebounding from a tough opening day loss to New York with sharp and efficient play.

But at no point did the Cowboys look out of the game. Despite the 300 yards and 3 touchdowns, Tony Romo played like it was the second half of last year's playoff loss to the Giants. I still don't know if Romo and the deep downfield passing game can function without the playaction which they seem to run on every other play regardless of down and distance.

And, despite that shaky performance, the Cowboys nearly won the game. Jay Ratliff who for much of the young season has played out of his mind had a relatively tame day. Barber found little to nothing in his few attempts. Terrell Owens racked up 7 catches and a touchdown, but perhaps the quietest seven catches I've witnessed.

Still, guys like Bradie James and Jason Witten kept this game close... when your inside linebacker and tight end keep you in the game, you've done something right with the roster.

Did Dallas beat themselves? No, Washington beat Dallas, perhaps obvious, but important to state. The Redskins, however, might have left the Cowboys a gift, a vital lesson they'll need if they want to live up to their considerable billing.

Let's take a quick look at some factors from this week's slate of games.

Variable

Known: Tough defense can overcome losing the turnover battle. A sloppy day of football, overall. Arizona coughed it up seven times in loss to the Jets, but they were hardly alone. Cincinnati gave it up five times, Minnesota four, Denver four. Green Bay and Tampa combined for seven turnovers, New Orleans and San Francisco for five, and San Diego and Oakland for four.

However, Chicago turned it over four times against Philadelphia and still managed to preserve the win. Headlined by a late goal line stand, the Bears defense kept the Eagles out of the endzone when momentum should've carried them through. The primetime game wasn't pretty, but it was fitting for an afternoon of ugly, ugly football.

Unknown: Which old "gunslinger" affected the outcome of the Cardinals-Jets more? Remember those seven Arizona turnovers? Kurt Warner was good for six of them, three picks, three fumbles. Somehow Warner managed to throw for 472 yards despite looking awful early and late.

On the other side of the line, Brett Favre tossed six touchdowns, many of them off of Warner's gaffes. While Favre looked cool much of the game even as Arizona charged back, Warner's allergy to consistency sunk his team's chances.

Proof

1. Steve Slaton joins Chris Johnson in the Book of Revelations, Rookie Running Back Edition. A week after knifing through the stacked Titans defense on the ground, Slaton took to the air against the Jaguars. His 30 yard score on a wheel route showcased the entire package from his speed, burst, and good hands.

In all, Slaton hauled in 8 passes for 83 yards. The Texans lost in overtime, 30-27, but continue to play closer to their potential. Slaton coming along quickly should help to open things up for Andre Johnson.

Oh, and Chris Johnson put together another solid day with 75 all purpose yards and a couple of touchdowns against Minnesota's beastly defense. What Johnson's speed has meant to the Titans offense was evident at the goal line where Chris was able to get space where few can, sprinting to the edges and slipping through defenders.

> =

Brian Griese's 3 INTs > Aaron Rodger's 3 INTs. I suppose a credible running game will alleviate that burden, Tampa displayed one, Green Bay did not. But Griese keeps slinging it - is he having fun out there, can we get a report on that? - and somehow not killing the Buccaneers.

Rodgers on the other hand looked to hit another of those well advertised bumps in the road. Or maybe it wasn't a bump so much as the hard turf of Raymond James Stadium. His two pick early breathed life into Tampa. And his one late, coming on a zone blitz, nearly sealed the loss.

Sebastion Janikowski's 76 yard FG attempt = a Lane Kiffin middle finger to Al Davis. I don't have an insider info on that one, but the weird decision to attempt a 76 field goal into the wind breaks down along lines drawn up in the culture clash between Kiffin and Davis. With one second remaining in the half, the sensible option is either take a knee or bomb it.

The Davis way is to bomb it. That's obviously out for Kiffin given the fractured state of affairs. So by attempting the field goal - nominally, the safer route, but given the distance and the return safety (Antonio Cromartie) anything but safe - Kiffin sent a message he won't play by the owner's rules.

At least, that's the only justification I can come up with for such a ridiculous decision.

Conclusion: I watched the Tennessee-Minnesota game closely expecting to witness offensive football set back 50 years. And, yes, Albert Haynesworth continued his campaign to prove Titans quarterbacking to be irrelevant. And, yes, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams held a potent rushing attack to only 76 yards. But quarterbacks Kerry Collins and Gus Frerotte combined to throw 78 passes for 465 yards.

It was a weird sign for a weird day. The turnovers, the rallies by San Diego against Oakland and Buffalo against St. Louis, the Kansas City upset of Denver... If there's any better set up for tonight's Baltimore-Pittsburgh game, I don't know it.

And two quick notes before closing up. It was tough to lose to Tampa. But given Matt Bryant's situation, that truth is not something I'm salty with... I can't imagine how he can go on right now, after losing his baby boy to SIDS. Perhaps, after such tragedy, doing something that comes natural, something that's normal, might be what the doctor ordered. Much sympathy.

And the shot Anquan Boldin took was scary... first news is encoruaging: he's alert and able to move his extremities. I know the real impending threat of physical harm is part of the game, but moments like Boldin lying prone on the ground make you wonder if the spectacle is all worth it. Here's hoping Boldin can walk away from this one.

Phi Bloga Recapa, Week 5

You can bet the lead college stories this morning are talking upsets. That'll happen when Navy, Maryland, and Ole Miss beat ranked opponents on the same day.

But the "upset special" business shouldn't be stretched too far. We knew Bama had something going on after slaughtering every opponent thus far.

We knew Houston Nutt with a talented Ole Miss team would revive the mania - with the attending extremes of good and bad - of his Arkansas tenure.

We suspected Wake Forest and Clemson, and really the ACC as a whole, had no business being ranked.

I don't want to say yesterday wasn't surprising, exhilarating, and fun... but upsets are games like Thursday night in Corvallis: when the nigh-on unthinkable happens.

Yesterday was my first day as a South Florida Bulls fan. It was nice to see our banged up defense shut down a decent opponent. I mean, NC State counts as a college team, right? They've got the helmets and everything... I actually ran into another Bulls fan who had no explanation for his rooting interest, having grown up in Brooklyn, but we both just reveled in the absurdity of our paths.

Anyway, here's a look around sports blogfrica for reactions to Saturday's action.

Oregon State 27 USC 21. Jason Prothero at his Oregon State blog says:

This one feels different than 06. I can't tell if I'm more in shock or find it less hard to believe. The hype was so huge about USC that I figured lightning couldn't strike twice. Plus, we started so slow in the season. But I'll be damned, we're hitting our stride early this year. The Utah game is big next week.

Can I get a "I heart Quizz Rodgers" shirt up in here?! Dude never went down on the first hit. He made nothing plays into 5 yard gains, OK plays into 10 yard gains, and frustrated the USC 'D' all game. This wasn't trickery, this was up the gut, in your face, I'm better than you game plan. I LOVED IT. Our best play was up the gut. Everyone was blocking lights out. James Rodgers was sealing awesome for the cut-back, I saw Sammie level Ellison on one play, and even Quizz was pass blocking great.

Maryland 20 Clemson 17. The boys at Block C say:

Clemson collapses as we thought they might. I don’t see how the season can be redeemed. I don’t mean that in the “man I hope Clemson loses every game so they fire Bowden” way, more in the “God I hope we can rebound but I know we won’t” way. Either way, fire everyone but Dabo Swinney and Billy Napier (after the season of course). Or fire everyone, fuck, a firesale would be better than the alternative. We’re going to have to grin and bear it with this staff until after signing day, then fire them and hope to lure someone else. Either way, people who are of the opinion that Bowden will somehow miraculously become a great coach some day need to realize that they are defending a completely untenable position. Could things be worse - abso-lutely. But they could be so much better with a competent coach at the helm and some decent playcalling on offense. Defense busted their ass today, all necessary props to them, but the 2nd half offensive playcalling was just a bitch mentality. GTFO MY SCHOOL.

Navy 24 Wake Forest 17. Zach Smith at Old Gold & Blog says:

If Wake has a run game, can it please show up? Nope. Not yet, anyway. 45 rushing yards. That's it. I don't think there's much more to say about it. Terrible.

Ole Miss 31 Florida 30. Gatorpilot at Orange and Blue Hue says:

Despite the massive love and support of Gator Nation, Tebow has yet to bring the Gators back from a 4th-quarter deficit to win. Down only a point with 2:05 on the clock and a T.O. left, with only a field goal needed to win? At home? Against a team that lost to Wake Forest and Vandy? If our quarterback can’t pull that one out, when can he?

My darkest thought of the day: this talk of Tebow leaving after his junior year is entirely too premature. He may not have the opportunity to go pro at all if he keeps playing like he did today. I’m just sayin’.

Auburn 14 Tennessee 12. The Auburn Elvis says at his blog:

Once again, Auburn tried to stretch one half of offense into a full game. Fortunately, Tennessee isn’t as good as LSU. Auburn escaped with a win and now looks to travel to Nashville to face a surprisingly undefeated Vanderbilt squad.

The wife and I will be in attendance next week, so look for us. (FYI, I’ll be the guy in the Auburn Elvis suit.)

Alabama 41 Georgia 30. At 3rd Saturday in Blogtober, tidefanintn says:

In my mind, Julio Jones won the completely non-existent battle of number 8s. If Kareem Jackson had not tripped over absolutely nothing, Green doesn’t get his TD. Even with it, Jones had more yards, no drops, scored, and didn’t have an ugly, momentum-killing turnover.

Penn State 38 Illinois 24. JB at There Is No Name On My Jersey says:

It is clear, however, that D-Will dominated like never before. Unless you don't consider the following a dominating performance:

33 yds rushing and 1 TD.
75 yds receiving and 1 TD.
133 yds returning and, oh yeah, one for 94 yds and a TD.

So, yeah, you could say that D-Will had a good game.

Bully for Me!

The results are in! Fuhbaw’s Instant Alma Mater Showdown is done. The votes are tallied. And – drumroll, please –

South Florida wins with 53% of the vote. Thank you to everyone who cast a vote!

I’m officially a Bull. Hello, Florida, the not-so-prodigal son sorta returns. My first football love, the Green Bay Packers, represents the state in which I grew up. Now, my second, the South Florida Bulls, represents the state in which I was born. I’m digging the symmetry.

Again, there is plenty to like about each team in the Showdown. And I would happily give my allegiance to Vandy, Wake, Wazzu, or SD State.

But the choice wasn’t up to me (contrary to what a few people thought). I turned my Saturday allegiance over to internet democracy… you made the decision. Who wants a pie chart? Fuhbaw’s got you covered:


Vandy’s Commodores made a nice run at the end garnering 36% of the vote. Wazzu’s Cougars rallied some support with 7% of the vote. SD State’s Aztecs trailed with 3%. And Wake’s Demon Deacons netted not quite 1% with a single vote.

So, as promised, I’m going to make a trek to Tampa some time this year or next to catch a game (prolly next given the sorry state of my bank account). And you’ll find some South Florida themed posts around these parts from time to time.

We’ve got a relatively big out-of-conference game with NC State this weekend, yes, the NC State team that just bumped off East Carolina… I can’t imagine Grothe and company overlooking the Wolfpack, but I’m already getting that fan dread that they will.

Even though my new team is some 1,140 miles from my Brooklyn home, I do reside in the center of the Big East and promise to put my proximity to Panthers, Scarlet Knights, Huskies, Orangemen, and Mountaineers to good use… Bearcats and Cardinals are just a little out of my reach… but I’ll tweak them when I can.

All right, I’m all up on the bandwagon. It feels weird to root for a team several years younger than myself... but, let's go Bulls! There's no age of consent for fandom.

The Fall of Millen-ism

The Matt Millen era is over. Four or five years and one hefty contract extension too late... But over nonetheless.

(Yes, I've waited over a year, the life of this blog, to run the image to the left.)

For Lions fans this a moment of joy... Or simple relief. Does it mean their franchise has trudged itself out of a quagmire of listless mediocrity? Maybe. But "maybe" provides a glimmer of hope not there before.

Millen's general manager position will not be permanently filled until after the season is over. Whether the Lions can uncover a personnel whiz to rebuild their team and their organization's culture is a question we won't answer any time soon.

Suffice to say, for the time being, the witch is dead.

Does that mean we're out of questions and answers in the interim? Of course not.

Here's one: when was the last time a GM was fired mid-season? I cannot recall any such sudden dismissals in recent history.

I'll admit to being less than knowledgeable on this particular subject. Only in the past few years have I paid attention to the front office doings in the league. Growing up, I only cared for the players on the field and to a lesser extent the coaches stalking the sidelines.

Point is, why fire Millen now? Did someone show owner William Clay Ford a printout of a mocking Deadspin post after bugging the elder Ford for years to click on a link he was unwilling to access in his neglected email account?

Was the culture locked inside Ford Field so out of touch that they didn't know until just now that their front office was a living model of incompetence, a laughing stock, and cultural shorthand for buffoonery?

Outside of Millen's failings, what indictment does the long-delayed then oddly-timed firing levy at the ownership? And what of Vice Chairman Bill Ford Jr.'s consistent spoken criticisms over the past couple years? What does it mean that they finally result in action now?

It's easy to pick on Millen and the 31-84 record he oversaw during his tenure as GM. Millen rode into Detroit on a Harley, pledged to revive a tough-guy culture to one of the sport's original franchises, then proceeded to muck up every other personnel decision alloted to his considerable and unmerited power.

Millen fell in love with the idea of his team. Long after Joey Harrington became a shell-shocked bust, Millen believed in the precocious yet damaged quarterback. As Shaun Rogers slid into listless play due to perpetual losing, Millen traded Rogers and re-upped the less talented Cory Redding instead of building his line around Rogers, one of top three players on his team if not a Millen favorite.

The weird part is Millen might be the GM if we were GM of our favorite team: shortsighted to our players failings, leaning heavily on their potential instead of their production, and aloof to the crumbling security around us as we sit amidst the decay of our "dream job."

Fuhbaw friend Zac of Throwing Into Traffic satires Millen shouting, "But we haven't even reached year 10 of my 25 year plan!"

And in some sense Millen's tenure at the Lions almost became the football equivalent of 20th century communism. The constantly revised Five Year Plans. The well intentioned goals colliding head-on with hopelessly impractical idealism. A singularly undisputed yet unchecked concentration of power into well-fattened hands.

And, while, the sport is no stranger to dictatorships, it's also no stranger to coups. Perhaps, the most enduring element of this whole Matt Millen saga is the effect the fans, long tortured, long discontented, and their overwhelming embarrassment finally produced on the team they love. It's good to know even in the face of stony-faced management a situation actually can become so unbearable for us, the fans, that our collective groans can deafen the reluctantly powerful.

And so, like the fall of communism, weary and ecstatic, the people pull down the bricks of a seemingly impenetrable wall. Maybe years later than desired, but not too late.

Instant Alma Mater Showdown: Sock Puppet Theater Edition

Today is your last day to vote in Fuhbaw's Instant Alma Mater Showdown! I'm putting my college football loyalty up for grabs. You get to decide the rooting fate of my Saturdays from five carefully selected schools. Read up on the contest here... Also, check out my fan resume to get an idea of why I would make a worthy supporter for your school of choice.

Before the final tally on the Showdown, let's give the teams one last look. I sought bloggers for each team to provide an insider's perspective on what's unique about the five schools in the Showdown.

Only one answered my call, however. Diezba from the excellent Star and Stripe blog on Vanderbilt sports wrote a post in answer to my questions called Proselytizing for New Vanderfans. So, for every other team, I'm breaking out a sock puppet and answering for them. Apologies to Deacons, Bulls, Cougars, and Aztecs if you don't like my answers, but you had your chance.

Since Diezba took the time to participate, I'm giving Vandy pride of place, kicking off this final look with Star and Stripe's comments defending Vandy's spot in the SEC:

And that's why I cannot explain to so many of my friends, SEC fans all, why we Vanderfolks desire so ardently to remain in the SEC, taking on the best the nation has to offer every week.

No, we usually don't win. But we try. Our players do their best and try their hardest. Our fans, as few as there may be when compared to the great and storied programs of this conference, continue to come to the games, wear our colors, and cheer on our team.

We play the right way, with young men who, while competing against the best in the nation on the field every Saturday, must also compete against the nation's best every day in the classroom to get the grades and stay on the team.

And when we do win, when we walk out of State U.'s stadium to the victorious strains of "Who ya with," it justifies every single year of so-called "futility."

And, if that doesn't appeal to my love of ennobling defeat, I don't know what does. We'll get back to more of Diezba's comments later... But first some sock puppet theater.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Hi. I'm Wake Forest. Everyone calls me a Demon Deacon. But really I'm...

(Ahh! Wait, what are you doing, Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner?)

/shields eyes

(What do you mean, you misplaced your pants? I'm not falling for that one again. Ugh, here, take the sock puppet, just cover it up...)

Okay, well, that ends the sock puppet theater portion of this post. I guess I'll just have to wing it from here on out.

South Florida Bulls

Really, the best reason South Florida has going for it, even better than the winning program built in an incredibly short amount of time is this.

Best exchange during the secret preseason meeting of the Big East's mascots:

Cincinnati Bearcat: I have a lot of respect for what you guys are doing. It takes a special program to do that.
South Florida Bull: Well thank you and….wait a minute, what are you talking about?
Bearcat: Taking on that Grothe kid and letting him be quarterback. A lot of special needs kids don’t get that kind of an opportunity and I just think that’s-
Bull: Special-needs? What the fuck?
Bearcat: Well, he’s…I mean, I’ve seen pictures of him and… wait…he’s not…
Bull: No…he’s not…
Bearcat: Are his parents also his siblings? Jesus…
Bull: Enough. You know what Matt Grothe has that you don’t.
Bearcat: What?
Bull: Eligibility.
Bearcat: …fucker…

Oh, Bearcat, you walked right into that one...

Washington State Cougars

Honestly, I don't have much on Wazzu. They play in the smallest of the Pac-10 stadiums. And that's not the only small thing about the Cougars... apparently the team is made up of listless waifs. Should you really need to tell football players to eat? That's bad, right?

Vanderbilt Commodores

To be a Vandy fan requires a well developed sense of irony (and that I can do)... At least that's the impression Diezba at Star and Stripe gives me:

How many schools are named for Robber Barons? And are proud of it? How many schools in a landlocked State choose a naval officer and the accompany naval traditions for its mascot and schtick?

The Diezba appeals to my sense of culture (and he's more right on than he might suspect):

And, most importantly, being a Commodore fan means home games in Nashville: Music City, USA! Whether you like country music or not, you'll love this town. It's one of the big perks of being a Vanderbilt fan (the alternatives, in the SEC, are not exactly appealing -- Starkville? really?).

Finally, I ask Diezba if there's any reason I shouldn't become a Commodore?

If you don't own a gold-and-black bow tie, you cannot be a Vanderbilt fan...

There's one, other little thing -- it's no big deal, really. We don't win a lot of football games. Other than that, no reason you shouldn't pull for the Commodores!

Should I tell him I started as a Packers fan in the mid-80s? Dark times, I know them well.

San Diego State Aztecs

Okay, so the Aztecs are a long ways from its heydays in the 60s and 70s. And they are quickly sliding further as the rest of the Mountain West Conference gains national prominence. All true, but what's the counterargument to this:


Top intangibles, San Diego State, top intangibles.

All right, the poll in the upper right corner of this page is open until midnight. Please cast your vote. The winner will be revealed tomorrow!

On Behalf of Trent Green's Brain

Dear Scott Linehan,

Condolences on the terrible start to the season. Your St. Louis Rams appear to be bumbling to another awful season mired in questionable playcalling, terrible execution, and widespread locker room discontent.

No doubt your job is on the line after inhereting a borderline playoff team and overseeing its slide into being the undisputed worst team in the undisputed worst division in the league. The NFL is an unforgiving world and - outside of Detroit - show little patience for struggles and less sensitivity to the job’s overwhelming pressures.

Yes, I can only imagine with an 0-3 start to the season, with a point differential at -87 good for worst in the league, you must be feeling something akin to desperation.

What’s that cliché? Something about times and measures?

Still, I’m begging you as human being, do not do this… do not put Trent Green back on the field.

No, this isn’t about Green’s skills, though at age 38 it’s hard to imagine those skills recalling his mid-00s heyday leading a high-powered Kansas City attack.

And, no, this isn’t a defense of Marc Bulger’s shaky performance through the young season. Bulger has looked lost directing the offense through the three blowout losses.

This is about something much more important than your job security...

No one wants to see Trent Green die on the field.

In case you've forgotten, Green's not exactly finished out the last two seasons. In fact, it's two seasons, two scary blows to the head, two very serious concussions:


And now you propose putting this 38 year old quarterback with a history of severe concussions behind an offensive line that has surrendered 11 sacks in three games. An offensive line that is “blocking” for the worst rushing attack in football, last in yards per game, last in yards per rush.

It’s a brutal game and everyone who signs up knows that… And it’s on Green if he can’t walk away from the game despite sound medical reasons to do just that.

But putting Green behind that offensive line is akin to sending a lamb to slaughter. Please, on behalf of Trent Green’s brain, don’t let desperation lead to a terrible mistake.

Defibrillator Exchange Program

Head over to Throwing Into Traffic where our friend Zac is dealing with his first real heartbreak that is part and parcel in rooting for the gray-stubbled one... Much sympathy for Zac and Jets fans in brutal loss last night.

I wish I could offer words of comfort, some great wise insight. No, there is no middle ground. Gotta learn to hold your hate and love close together, otherwise Favre'll grab both and use them to tear you apart.

The Notebook, Week 3

Sunday sitting at the bar waiting for yesterday’s games to start, I combed through notes in preparation while reluctantly sipping a terrible cup of coffee. Double checking the schedule, I was surprised to see San Francisco hosting Detroit. Even though the 49ers outgunned the Seahawks last week, somewhere in the back of my mind, unconsciously, I assumed Seattle and San Fran were scheduled to play again.

It’s a fair assumption. Namely, until they prove otherwise, the teams of the NFC West shouldn’t be allowed to play outside their division.

In this scenario, Seattle’s 37-13 thrashing of the St. Louis nets them a chance to play a team from the NFC South or AFC West. If they win that contest, they are allowed a shot at the NFC East or AFC South.

All in the interest of good competition.

Okay, I hear your counterarguments. The 49ers dismantled the Lions. There are other awful teams spread throughout the league, like Kansas City. And the NFC West is home to legitimate playmakers like Frank Gore and his beastly 130 yards on the ground against Detroit. Throw in solid pros like Julius Jones whose 29 yard touchdown scamper, cutting back across the entire St. Louis defense, was impressive.

But I come back to my friend Kyle’s suggestion from last year. Come the playoffs, the NFC West should be allowed to compete as one team, again in the interest of fielding the most competitive teams.

Take Arizona, the early leader in the division. After years of diminished returns on modest hopes, the Cardinals were supposed to pose a legitimate threat to Seattle’s western dominance. I watched their game against Washington closely to see if these Cardinals were for real. The results if anything were mixed.

Arizona doesn’t lack firepower. That’s certainly a known. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are perhaps the best starting tandem at receiver. Both beat the jam off the line with ease and both can score from any place on the field. Yesterday, Fitzgerald took the spotlight, hauling in seven catches for over a hundred yards.

And Edgerrin James though a step slower with age, knifed through a veteran Redskins defense yesterday. Add in a well coached line, disciplined especially in the run game.

But one of the reasons good things could come around for Arizona is their defense. Losing Calvin Pace to free agency was a hit, but the core remained in tact. Darnell Dockett, Karlos Dansby, and Adrian Wilson are all bruisers, making running on the Cardinals a daunting task. Their corners, Roderick Hood and Antrel Rolle, gamble a lot, but can make plays.

But overall their defense is an emotional bunch. The Cardinals are prone to a feast-or-famine type of play, often letting teams pile up yards in fits and starts before shutting them down and giving their offense a chance to win the game.

Take Dansby’s huge sack of Jason Campbell. The Cardinals overloaded in the center of the field and Dansby hesitated a split second before speeding in untouched and dropping Campbell for a 12 yard loss. The play killed the Redskins drive.

However, Campbell’s mobility flummoxed Arizona’s defense all game. While running for only 26 yards, Campbell on the move made several plays when coverage broke. The Cardinals couldn’t rattle the Washington quarterback like the Giants did in the season opener.

Washington used Arizona’s aggressiveness against them, hitting Chris Cooley and Santana Moss with screens at critical moments. Moss took his slip screen to the house from 17 yards out, cruising through his convoy of perfectly set blockers. Antwan Randle El caught a lateral from Campbell in another apparent screen, but optioned to throw, finding Cooley for a first down.

But while the Cardinals defense didn’t lose the game – an unlucky interception coming when Kurt Warner underthrew Steve Breaston running a deep post might be more at fault – they didn’t win it either. They limited Clinton Portis, but didn’t shut him down. And while giving up the center of the field is part of the ebb and flow of the game, they allowed Cooley and Moss to burn them with big plays.

The good news for Arizona? The defense hasn’t reach its potential. They don’t have the bend-but-don’t-break personnel of New England or Indy. They could be a terrifying little cousin of the Ravens or Steelers… but isn’t potential the problem with Arizona?

If the Cardinals tried to answer questions of their worthiness to lead their division, the results are so far inconclusive. Making critical late errors against a mid-level opponent will always leave doubters doubting. The quickest road to the playoffs will come through their defense taking another step up. Then the team might not only prove their worth, but the worth of the West, too.

Let’s take a look around the league at factors from yesterday’s action.

Variables

Known: The single-wing is back! Okay, maybe it’s not. But Miami dialed up the classic football formation, dead some 50 years, to beat up New England. Ronnie Brown looked like his pre-injury self, rushing for over 110 yards, scoring four times on the ground, and throwing another touchdown pass to Anthony Fasano. The Patriots had no answer for the Dolphins’ direct snap play to Brown or for Brown’s and Ricky Williams’s speed and tough inside running.
Unknown: Whether Matt Cassel’s brutal game against the Dolphins is a sign of things to come or just bump in the road. Young quarterbacks will struggle, but against a suspect Miami team, Cassel played horribly, holding onto the bal too long and making bad reads. After decent performances in his first two outings, some quietly hoped the talent surrounding Cassel would mask his inexperience. Now, however, New England looks vulnerable in an ever improving division.

Known: The Titans secondary is as good as their front seven. Every knew Tennessee sported a top tier front seven. Keith Bulluck and David Thornton rarely fail to make plays behind their beafy line headed by Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch. But Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper are proving a formidable corner tandem. And Chris Hope and Michael Griffin are manning the middle of the field with authority. The back four held the Texans’ Andre Johnson to two catches and only one big play. As long as the Titans offense minimized its mistakes, the Titans will be in every game on their schedule because of their lockdown defense.
Unknown: Whether Carson Palmer’s big game in an overtime loss signals a return relevence for the Cincinnati quarterback and his offense. Palmer absorbed punishment in the form of six sacks from the vaunted New York pass rush, five coming from the Giants’ down linemen. Still Palmer led a near upset, playing sharp and smart, leaning heavily on T.J. Houshmandzadeh whose 12 catches burned the Giants secondary for 146 yards. After the first couple of weeks of shaky play by the Bengals offense, standing up strong to one of the best defense’s in football could mean the funeral marches composed for Cincinnati and Palmer might be premature.

Known: Defense isn’t necessary for regular season success. The old adage that defense wins championships might still be in effect, but to make noise in the regular season, winning shootouts will do. Despite giving up over 500 yards to New Orleans, the Broncos hung on to win a barnburner in Denver. Jay Cutler’s play was again efficient if not quite as dazzling as last week’s in the victory over San Diego. The Broncos made the most of their scoring opportunities and weathered the Saints’ comeback which fizzled on Martin Grammatica’s missed field goal inside the two-minute warning.
Unknown: Whether the injuries along Indianapolis’s defense will continue to cost them close games. Despite outplaying the Jaguars early the Colts couldn’t keep Jacksonville’s punishing ground game off the field, giving up 100 yard days to both Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew as well as over 40 minutes in time of possession to the Jaguars offense. Despite only having the ball for 4 minutes in the second half, the Colts almost escaped, the Jaguars needing a 50 yard field goal in the final seconds to win. The Colts might want to look into cloning the often injured Bob Sanders.

Proofs

1. The Bears are who we thought they were. An opening day win against the Colts brought expectations back around. This is a team only a couple years removed from the Super Bowl. And who said the team needed an offense? But dropping leads to Tampa and Carolina in successive weeks proves how difficult it is to win without a credible passing game. And even if the defense excels in the turnover battle, it could be a long season in Chicago again… but, hey, go Cubs, right?

2. If Lane Kiffin is fired following the last second loss to Buffalo, he can blame, “Marshawn, Marshawn, Marshawn!” Mr. Beast Mode himself plowed through a swarming Oakland defense for two touchdowns and several clutch runs. Lynch looks bigger this year and runs with a nastiness that compares him well with Marion Barber and Clinton Portis. On the game winning drive, after the two minute warning, the Bills wisely put the game in Marshawn’s hands, carrying the ball four straight times for 19 yards, setting up Rian Lindell’s game winning field goal. Lynch’s big game overcame several uncharacteristic special teams gaffes by Buffalo. And it kept the Bills undefeated for the young season.

3. The Eagles can win a war of attrition. A week after falling just short in a shootout with Dallas, Philly responded with a bruising outing against Pittsburgh. Both teams excel at creative blitzing. And the game was a defensive, field position masterpiece. The Eagles sacked Ben Roethlisberger nine times including a safety. Juqua Parker was unstoppable off the edge while Trent Cole busted through consistent double teams. And the Steelers swarmed all over the field killing the big play Eagles offense. Correll Buckhalter took a swing pass and hurdled a defender into the endzone for the game’s only touchdown. It was a rare moment of offensive grace in a brutal struggle between top tier defenses.

> < =

Cleveland’s hype > Cleveland’s depth. The Browns went all in for this season, trading away draft picks for proven players, boasting a solid front line. But key injuries have exposed Cleveland as they remain winless on the season. The supposedly improved defense couldn’t get Baltimore off the field yesterday, allowing Le’Ron McClain, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice to pile up 150 yards. Off course, throwing three picks like Derek Anderson did in the second half won’t win many games either. But razor thin in terms of their talent on the depth chart will continue to kill this team protecting a slight lead late in the game.

Kansas City’s level of play < Top BCS contenders. The NFL is a world of razor thin differences creating monumental outcomes. Running lanes close as quickly as they open. Slight adjustment in pursuit angles mean the difference between a tackle or a touchdown. At least, it should be that way. Atlanta had the ball a few yards from the goal line against Kansas City. Matt Ryan took the snap and proceeded to fuck up his turn on the counter give to back Michael Turner. A snafu like that should mean Turner hits line, his lane already closed up. But, no, not against the Chiefs. Turner was still able to waltz in for the score. I’m pretty sure USC, Georgia, and maybe LSU could take the Chiefs.

Marion Barber unleashed = Cowboys as viable contenders. Yes, the team is scary talented just about everywhere on the roster. They boast linebackers on the bench that would start for most teams. Jay Ratliff is playing out of his mind. Andre Gurode keeps getting better. Romo can sling the ball. But finally turning over to Marion Barber might be biggest change this year. He sets the tone for their physical play. He smashed through a pretty good Packers defense for 142 yards on 28 carries. Yes, the Packers left plays on the field, but having to contain the force of Barber’s running did in Green Bay more than anything.

Conclusion: Obviously, the talk today is of Dallas and their string of three impressive wins against good competition. None of the other top contenders exited the weekend unscathed. In victory, the Giants nearly gave the game to the Bengals. Indy and New England dropped to teams they should’ve beat. It’s still to early to buy into the Titans and the Bills. (Well, okay, I’m buying in, but I have a track record of reckless decisions.) Dallas certainly looks like a juggernaut and more complete than last season. As a fan, it’s nice that the Giants and Cowboys will meet twice this season, likely to decide the fate of the NFC East. Lord knows, the few things Dallas is vulnerable to is a otherworldly pass rush and the big play… both of which the reigning champs hang their hat on.

Phi Bloga Recapa, Week 4

Two things before I kick off this week's Phi Bloga Recapa. One, let me thank Javon Ringer on behalf of the nation. Javon, thank you for driving the stake in Notre Dame's black heart and killing this "The Fighting Irish are back" chatter kicked up on the heels of a few fluke wins against mediocre opponents. Your big 63 yard run in the fourth quarter, after a game of big bruising runs, nipped ND's comeback chance before it ever truly got started. ND couldn't stop you all night, especially when it mattered most. You're the best, Javon.

And two, ABC/ESPN should seriously get their shit together. The spotlighted game, Georgia at Arizona State, was a dud and we knew it could be a dud beforehand. Yet, perhaps the best game of the young season, LSU at Auburn, which we knew could potentially be the best game of the season, was relegated to cable only access. Yes, yes, I know most people have cable, but I don't. The point is, the best games should get the widest distribution. There's no good reason viewers should be deprived of a classic because TV networks don't want to hurt the Pac-10's feelings or some other such nonsense.

Okay, rant off. Here's a look around sports blogfrica for reactions to this weekend's college results.

LSU 26 Auburn 21. At Pelican State Sports, froberts says:

Les Miles image should no longer be questioned. He is one of the best coaches in the land. No other coach–except for perhaps Pete Carroll–routinely dials up a special play when his team needs it. Tonight we saw a onside kick and a halfback pass. Both were successful, the latter for a touchdown. In a game where both teams needed to let it all hang out, one team did. Auburn, coached by the supposed “Riverboat Gambler” took few chances and showed little ability to adjust or change what he was doing.

On that note, Auburn took a timeout when LSU was lined up for a field goal. Why? I believe that TO was a direct result of the unpredictability that Les has shown in his tenure. Tommy had to tell his team to prepare for a fake, a la South Carolina last year, and was forced to burn a timeout. That TO didn’t end up mattering much, but in another game, it might. And that is a direct result of coaching. Of Les’s genius. Feels weird to write that, but it’s true.

Colorado 17 West Virginia 14. 5th Year Senior at West BY GOD Virginia says:

The coaching was vomit inducing. Any ten year old playing Playstation and X-Box can manage the clock better than HCBS. Why leave a timeout on the board? Did HCBS think there was a 5th quarter?

...

I’m going to interpret this quote from HCBS. After the game he said, “I don’t second guess….I absolutely wouldn’t change a thing.” What I hear, “I’m fine with losing because golly gee willieackers I love this great group of young men. As long as I’m proud of them we are undefeated in my heart. We can just play a bowl game at our practice facility and the season will be a success” WTF! Strap in for a long season.

Pittsburgh 21 Iowa 20. Chas at Pitt Blather says:

I’m stunned Pitt managed to win the game. Honestly, the Pitt coaches did their best to lose this game. Even before the half, we were looking at each other and saying “Bowling Green.” It’s like, the minute that Pitt reaches a double digit lead, Wannstedt decided that it was up to the defense to win the game and castrated the offense. As much as Cavanaugh’s playcalling and offense enrages me, I put it on Wannstedt.

...

Thankfully, the Iowa coaching staff was able to top Pitt. The stubbornness at sticking with Christensen in the second half. That and Shonn Greene may have been hurt.

To say nothing of the fact that Iowa is one of the few teams in college that Wannstedt can actually coach against. They play standard pro-style. Right down to the conservative playing for field-position POV.

Alabama 49 Arkansas 14. TerryP at RollTideBama says:

Going into the 2008 season I looked at the first game, Clemson, and thought we would win that contest. After the game, while admitting I thought we would win, I also had to admit, “I didn’t think it would be in that fashion.”

Then came Tulane and Western Kentucky. Both games, pre-season chalked up W’s, were indeed wins in the end. But yet again, “I didn’t think we would win them in that fashion.”

This morning, reflecting on the game yesterday, I find myself once again sitting in a position of knowing we would win the game but once again perplexed because “I didn’t think we would win it in that fashion.”

...

The highlights today feature the Alabama defense having 4 interceptions against Casey Dick. Frankly, Dick was just giving things away half of the time. (It must be a new found tradition at Arkansas considering other things given away. Like a tradition in basketball when a team scores a 3-point shot and the cheerleaders throw T-shirts to the crowd, when Javier Arenas had his interception they threw a T-shirt to the crowd. Alabama’s crowd, mind you.)

Instant Alma Mater Showdown: Resume Edition

Check out my Instant Alma Mater Showdown! I'm giving you, the reader, the power to decide to whom I should pledge my college football loyalty. I've narrowed the options to five schools: Wake Forest, South Florida, Washington State, Vanderbilt, and San Diego State. Over the next week, I'll post reasons for (and perhaps against) each program's candidacy. Cast your vote in the upper right corner of the page!

Apparently I spent the past couple nights spamming fan message boards. It wasn't my intent to spam or troll. Rather, I was seeking out information on each fanbase in the Showdown.

Not having spent much time on message boards in some years, I forgot the etiquette required and the freedom anonymity supplies. No one was too nasty, but plenty of people wondered what the hell I thought I was doing, leaving such an important decision up to an internet poll.

I’ll admit that the contest is irreverent. But I don’t think it’s flippant. Maybe that’s just me.

One issue that came up is what do I offer as far as my loyalty to any of these five schools. Fair question. To answer, I put together a resume of my fan worthiness.

Hopefully, this can get me in the door. I’m wearing my best suit and the tie I stole from my dad. Here’s my fan resume:

Cian O'Day
Brooklyn, NY | fuhbaw@gmail.com

EXPERIENCE

Fan, Green Bay Packers | 1979-present

-Sported mullet in imitation of Don Majkowski during middle school.
-Owned a cheesehead hat.
-Wore it.
-Cheered the Packers in hostile environments (i.e. Chicago sports bars) over several seasons.
-Wrote Packers hip hop song, performed it without irony for friends, circa 1989.
-Hates Vikings passionately despite my Norwegian heritage.

Center/Linebacker, Merrill Blue Jays | 1994-1996

-Excelled at scrappy, high-motor play due to lack of natural talent.
-Intercepted a pass while suffering pinched nerves in both arms.
-Introduced several of my teammates to marijuana.
-Quit the team when the school district fired my head coach.

EDUCATION

Buck Knows Blocking Camp, Rhinelander, WI | Survived, July 1995.

This old guy who purportedly coached the Michigan line under Bo Schembechler kicked the crap out of 10 of us during the only truly hot month in Wisconsin. At one point, he hit me so hard in the chest during a hand fighting drill I dropped to the ground. Though a seeming accident, I highly doubt it was. All in all, pretty awesome.

SKILLS

-Drinks whiskey in impressive quantities.
-Yells at the television without reservation.
-Possesses Larry Centers-like ability to be good at everything except my job.
-Writes real pretty.
-Prioritizes football before social life.

A Ceasefire of Armistice

Tarvaris Jackson is out. Gus Frerotte is in. Thank you, Brad Childress, I can go back to hating the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings were poised to be something unique this season. Against traditional football logic, Minnesota's top brass assembled a team deep and talented at some of the lesser regarded positions on the field.

The best defensive tackles? Check. A rare young talent at running back? Yup. Perennial Pro Bowlers at center and guard? You betcha.

Add in a sack machine defensive end, very good linebacker play, and a receiving corps no worse than the one sported by the 1985 Bears... yeah, it looked to be a season of old school football, artistic in its ugliness, beautiful in its brutality.

All the team needed to do was weather the ups and downs of their young quarterback.

Instead, Minnesota pushes the panic button, perhaps the first team in the league to do so. (Take that, Oakland.)

As far as purely quarterback to quarterback terms, what does the change give the Vikings?

Not much.

Jackson is an elusive, athletic quarterback with a big arm who struggles with accuracy, decision making, and reading defenses. Frerotte is an immobile quarterback with a big arm who struggles with accuracy and decision making but reads defenses well.

A look at the recent numbers of the two reveals little difference.

In 18 starts dating back to 2005, Frerotte completed 53% of his passes, throwing as many touchdowns as interceptions.

In 16 starts dating back to 2006, Jackson completed 57% of his passes, accounting for as many touchdowns as interceptions. Yes, Jackson threw more interceptions (17) than touchdowns (12), but he also ran for four scores, almost evening the ratio.

So what the Vikings sacrifice in terms of athleticism, they gain in pre-snap diagnosis. But, if the numbers are any indicator, they stand to gain no considerable jump in decision making or accuracy.

Minnesota commits to regression instead of improvement at the position. And what they spotlight is the staff's inability to properly prepare the better man for the job.

If the Childress didn't want to ride or die behind Jackson why didn't Minnesota do everything in it's power to trade for Sage Rosenfels, sign Chad Pennington, or coax Chris Simms from Tampa? Why is the mantra "Win Now" yet the actions are anything but?

In 2006, Childress's first season as head coach, the Vikings started Brad Johnson because of the "Win Now" pressure. Okay, understandable response to the pressure of helming a talented team. Johnson flamed out under the dome, his skills fading rapidly. And instead of properly laying the ground work for the future, the Vikings two seasons later are slightly more talented overall, but in the exact same predicament.

I don't want to disparage Frerotte. He's a pro. He's won games only to be quietly shown the door out of cities like Washington and Miami. But his ceiling is evident.

The reason Childress stuck by Jackson through the mumbled questioning and shaking of heads is the sizable potential Tarvaris represents. That potential remains unchanged. And Tarvaris could work his way off the bench.

But the decision to bench him now at the first sign of discontent isn't an answer. It's only a knee-jerk reaction. If Visanthe Shiancoe hangs on to a sure touchdown catch against the Colts, are we even having this discussion?

I don't know how it will turn out for the Vikings, but if it does credit luck not genius.

Fuhbaw's Instant Alma Mater Showdown!

While pro football is this site's main focus, Fuhbaw has a lot of love for the college game. It's fun, it's emotional, it's rife with controversy, it's a bedlam of obsessive behavior.

And, though I may not agree with all the ways the NCAA goes about its business, I cannot fault the players on the field gutting it for our enjoyment, some with pro dreams, some simply raging against the dying light.

What Fuhbaw doesn't have is a rooting interest at the collegiate level.

I attended a Division III private institution whose greatest gridiron accomplishments came before the second World War and who left the Big Ten in 1946 because they balked at giving scholarships for non-academic reasons. Athletes on my campus were the weirdos, the outsiders. Go Maroons!

I grew up in Wisconsin but cared little for the Badgers. Madison seemed so cosmopolitan and remote from my tiny town in the northern part of the state. And when I had the chance to go to UW, I bypassed it completely. I spurned them once... and I think for all.

My grandfather was a Notre Dame man and plied me with Fighting Irish paraphernalia throughout my childhood. I remember watching Tony Rice, Tim Brown, Chris Zorich, and Jerome Bettis, but feeling little of the emotional connection I did with the feast-or-famine Packers teams of the same time period. And again I spurned ND already, not even applying despite considerable familial pressure.

I don't want to jump on anyone's bandwagon, picking perennial powerhouses is too easy. No Gators, no Trojans. No Tigers or Sooners.

And latching onto teams with rich histories like the Crimson Tide or the Wolverines is pointless. There are teams out there who desperately need bandwagon fans. I am here to help.

That's why I'm deciding to put my allegiance up for grabs. And I'm giving the power to you, dear readers, to choose just who I should cheer on Saturdays.

Fuhbaw's Instant Alma Mater Showdown poll is on upper right of the page. I narrowed the choices down to five schools. It is up to you to decide whose fight song I learn by heart.

But before you cast your vote, first read my reasons for the selections below. The voting remains open until midnight of next Friday at which point I will reveal my new team.

In the intervening days, I plan on tracking down alumni - bloggers and former players - and asking for reasons why I should become a passionate fan of their alma mater. I will post here any compelling arguments for your consideration.

Help me democratize my loyalty! Here are the candidates, one for every major conference (almost):

ACC: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest is a bit of an anomaly in the ACC. Boasting Virginia Tech, Clemson, Boston College, Miami, and Florida State, the Conference resembles a retirement community for old decorated powerhouses. Wake is tiny like Duke... but of course Duke has that basketball team I can't root for in good conscious.

Despite the tiny enrollment, the Demon Deacons are on the rise after being a conference bottom feeder for years. I'm willing to overlook (or not look at all at) minor controversies like naked quarterback pictures making their rounds through the internet.

Plus, Chris Paul was a Deacon.

Big East: South Florida Bulls

Just over ten years ago, there were no South Florida Bulls. There was essentially a commuter college in Tampa with a fairly large endowment but little in the way of campus life. But Jim Leavitt built the program from scratch from a 1-AA afterthought into a potential BCS Bowl contender. The lack of history is perfect. Can one be a bandwagon fan if they just built the wagon?

I also have some ties to Florida, born near Fort Lauderdale and living there until age six. The team itself is built around a tough, athletic defense and a spread offense tailored to their undersized players. In a conference supposed to be dominated by Mountaineers and Panthers, Orangemen and Cardinals, the Bulls are proving deep lines of boosters aren't necessary to put together a winner.

Can you tell I'm kinda taken with these South Florida Bulls?

Big 10: None

As mentioned above, I grew up in Wisconsin but never became a Badgers fan. That doesn't mean I still didn't develop almost by osmosis an enmity for the other Big Ten teams. Teams bordering Wisconsin are non-negotiable. No Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, or Michigan. Northwestern I cannot consider because of the ongoing academic rivalry in the Chicago area between it and my real alma mater, the University of Chicago.

The respect I have for Penn State's accomplishments while considerable make it ineligible in this competition. Both Indiana schools, UI and Purdue, are problematic. Indiana is a basketball school and I cannot imagine cheering the Hoosiers on hardwood. And Purdue, while I've enjoyed drinking boilermakers, I've been to West Lafayette and that's a no-go.

Finally, Ohio State... ah, the Buckeyes. I just can't not in any way shape or form, be a Buckeye. No offense. No, actually, offense. I just can't forgive the crumbling on the national stage over the past several years.

Sorry, Big Ten, I may have been raised in your bosom, but you are unrepresented in this competition.

Big 12: None

The Big Twelve is home to powerhouses like Texas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. But also some interesting upstarts, like Missouri and Kansas. Kansas is a team I like to watch in their current incarnation. But the prospect of having to root for the Jayhawks in basketball flies in the face of what I'm trying to do here. Mizzou is a hot team, but they do boast a considerable history even if only a resurgence in recent history. I have no ties to the state of Missouri, though, and was mildly befuddled by Columbia my one time visiting.

Perennial basement dwellers Iowa State and Baylor hold potential. Iowa State however is in Iowa and rooting for a Wisconsin bordering state runs contrary to my intentions (see Big 10 discussion above). Baylor's small enrollment as the little fish in a big pond entices. But I'm not a Baptist nor comfortable cheering a team with a bear for a mascot.

The remaining Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas teams are out based on unfavorable geography. And Colorado's multiple past sex scandals are grounds for instant disqualification. So the Big Twelve is unrepresented in the Showdown.

Pac-10: Washington State Cougars

I played my high school ball on a perennial loser. Our school lacked rah-rah spirit and our team always trotted out the smallest roster on Friday nights. I have an affection for the losing cause and the little guy.

The Cougars play in the smallest Pac-10 stadium. Despite a couple of Rose Bowl appearances in the last decade - both losses - they've been little better than mediocre in recent history. Plus, they play second fiddle in their state to the Huskies and reside near the uncool eastern border.

Add that their moment of greatest triumph, a claimed 1915 national championship is disputed and currently not recognized. That's some heartache, folks. The Cougars might need a hug from me. (Ow! No claws! No claws!)

SEC: Vanderbilt Commodores

Speaking of lost causes, there's Vandy, the stepchild of the powerful SEC. The Commodores are more known for their smarts than football accomplishments. Like my real alma mater, Vandy was successful in college football's earliest days, but, since then... well, I'll let Wikipedia explain:

However, Vanderbilt football has not won a conference championship since the founding of the Southeastern Conference in 1932, and its last winning season was in 1982 under coach George MacIntyre. In its entire history, Vanderbilt has only competed in three bowl games... with a combined all-time post-season record of 1-1-1.

The gridiron might not boast a more un-bandwagon-able team. Should I become a Commodore?

Other/Independent: San Diego State Aztecs

While Notre Dame is out based on my already chilly feelings toward the program, I might consider one of the service schools, but I don't think they'll have me. Without a Big Ten or Big Twelve representative, I scour the mid-major conferences. Boise State, Marshall, and Hawaii are all attractive options given recent success (or my weird fascination with West Virginia).

But something about San Diego State appeals. The cradle from which Don Coryell raised his Air Coryell offense. The alma mater of Herm Edwards, the zen master of football non-logic. Marshall Faulk's playground.

But I'm not going to lie to you. The prospect of making a pilgrimage to San Diego to see the Aztecs is what entices most. The forecast for the next five days reads: 76, 75, 75, 72, 73.

So who should I adopt as my college football team? Again, the poll is on the upper right of this page.

Stop back to Fuhbaw over the coming days for more arguments and updates on the Showdown and regularly updated football experiments and thought pieces.

Free Association #2: Pushing the Panic Button

If the season ended today, you'd expect the Steelers or Broncos to face the Cowboys or Giants in this premature Super Bowl. Ridiculous to say, but certainly not far off from what these players and their fans hope.

On the flip side are teams struggling for any bit of hope. Maybe it's too early to push the panic button, but the intensity of pro football tends to ratchet up the histrionics a notch or two too high. Dire proclamations, sinister warnings, defeated body language.

Plenty teams are in the 0-2 hole. Each reacts differently. To map out this spectrum of early season panic, I pulled out the notebook and started associating freely based on what I know of reactions from players, fans, and the media.

When I visited home over Labor Day, my dad, shit eating grin on his face, handed me a sheet of stickers. I had no idea what he found so funny. I think, more the point, he likes to give me useless shit and watch me struggle to accept it graciously. Here they are after being jammed into my backpack for the flight home:



I have no idea where the Dolphins and Redskins helmets are... The Packers one is already stuck on my laptop. I threw the rest in the corner while unpacking and nearly forgot about them.

Finding them while looking for a nearly empty notebook for this weekend's slate of games, I decided they mights spiff up my second Free Association piece. We spare no expense at Fuhbaw...

Anyway, back to my diagramming. After a few pages of associations, I noticed an odd trend. The reactions ran a gamut not unlike the five stages of grief. Here's what it looks like:



Denial

Dreaming of 2007 - Jaguars and Browns. Both teams are stuck somewhere in their last season success. You know Jacksonville is thinking, "Hey, we beat the Steelers... in the playoffs!" Recline, sip ice tea, repeat. And you know Cleveland is thinking, "Braylon can't keep dropping passes, can he?"

Anger

Chris Henry House (Arrest) Party - Bengals. Does Vegas do odds on which batshit insane Cincinnati receiver will self destruct first?

Bargaining

Anyone But Tarvaris - Vikings. While I stand by what I said on the matter before, undoubtedly the media and fans are singing the same chorus: Minnesota quarterbacked by any decent game manager are a playoff team.

Anyone But Lane - Raiders. The Fire Lane Kiffin movement, membership of two, is apparently reaching the promise land some time soon.

Can We End the Season Today? - Cardinals. Pity Arizona. They've so rarely been front runners. The Cardinals have the division lead. Can they keep it? Will they choke? Is that an if or when question?!!

Depression

WR Graveyard - Seahawks. So tempted... Must. Not. Make. Grunge. Music. And. Flannel. Shirt. Joke... Gahhhh!

Norv Turner's Somber Face - Chargers. You know the one I'm talking about. Norv is undeniably a sharp football mind, but even in his triumphant moments, Turner carries a glumness about him. This depression almost sunk San Diego last year during their slow start. It's going to take more than a Phillip Rivers puppet show to liven up this bunch.

Acceptance

Always Kinda Hated Marc Bulger - Rams. Bulger never made that jump from Pro Bowl stat packer to winner... but we all still feel bad for Torry Holt's twilight years wasted in the Linehan tenure.

Millen Contract Extension - Lions. It hasn't happened yet... but you know it will.

The Notebook, Week 2

At the beginning of a crazy day of football, and ending well before any other result, one game featured two physical teams knocking each other around like cruiserweights. While each team came out of different corners of the ring, one might consider the opponents not so different.

Differing theories exist on how to build a consistent winner in football. Some teams chase big names in free agency. Some load up on young talent in the draft.

And still other teams go about their own low key way, putting up money for players that do the dirty work like collapse the pocket and open up running lanes.

Both Jacksonville and Buffalo have spent their resources on linemen, running backs, and linebackers. Both have preferred to develop their skill position players, like quarterbacks David Garrard and Trent Edwards relatively slowly.

Both have tried to climb their mountainous divisions topped by the Colts and Patriots, respectively, by building physical teams which play solid football in all phases of the game.

That's not to say they run the same systems. Rather they attempt the same goals - stop the run, control the clock, win the field position battle - by varying means.

In the soaring heat of Jacksonville, both the Bills and Jaguars ran balanced attacks on offense. The Jaguars ran 27 times and threw it 28. The Bills ran it 26 and threw it 25.

Both defenses kept the ground games limited despite some beastly running on both sides. Mr. Beast Mode himself, Marshawn Lynch, gained 59 yards on 19 carries for Buffalo. While the ageless wonder Fred Taylor led the Jaguars with 49 yards on 14 carries. The Bills averaged just 2.8 yards a carry overall. While Jacksonville managed a slightly better 3.6 yards per carry.

The defenses also combined for five sacks, three for Jacksonville and two for the Bills. While the Bills provided some stretches of great pass protection, for the most part Garrard and Edwards faced consistent pressure for much of the game.

And in the face of this pressure both quarterbacks performed efficiently, Garrard making key plays with his feet including a key second and long scramble eluding almost every member of the Buffalo front seven, Edwards tossing high percentage throws out of a spread formation on the way to a 80% completion percentage on the day.

So how did Buffalo upset Jacksonville in their own stadium if both teams performed at similar levels playing similar styled games?

The match-up came down to a few key plays. I know that cliche is bandied around a lot, but trust me, it's true this time.

After Marshawn Lynch opened up the scoring with a knifing 11 yard run through the middle of the Jaguars defense, Garrard and company needed to find an answer. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, Bills cornerback Ashton Youboty flew in from his corner spot on a perfectly timed blitz to kill Jacksonville's first drive.

Down 10-3, the Jags had possession with just under 2 minutes in the half. However, an underthrown go route by Garrard was picked off by Terrence McGee. It was a rare mistake for Garrard on the day, who should have targeted the back corner of the endzone.

While the play proved crucial, the Jaguars came out of the half much improved. Their opening drive was kept alive by Jones-Drew's 4th and 1 conversion run up the gut of 9 yards. Backer Paul Posluszny was flagged for a facemask when attempting to bring down Jones-Drew cutting back in the second level. The force of the facemask spun the helmet entirely around Jones-Drew's head leading to a scary if unintentionally hilarious moment of Jones-Drew running blind. A few plays later Jones-Drew plunged into the endzone for a game tying touchdown.

The game looked to swing Jacksonville's way when rookie Quentin Grove's strip sack of Edwards was recovered by the Jags and taken in for another field goal, the lead pushed to 16-10.

But the Buffalo offense kept their cool. Midway through the fourth quarter, Edwards found Lee Evans streaking deep across the field for 37 yards. Then one play later lofted a corner fade to rookie James Hardy whose size made the twisting catch possible, just barely getting his feet in bounds.

After taking the lead 17-16, the Bills needed just three plays to kill the Jaguars chance at a comeback. First, defensive tackle Kyle Williams sacked Garrard to kill a drive. The ensuing punt was returned 27 yards by the always dangerous Roscoe Parrish to the Jaguars's 32 yard line. And the Bills were able to keep the clock moving with Edwards's first down toss to tight end Derek Schouman on second and nine.

The Bills gave the ball back to the Jaguars with just 25 seconds on the clock and a four point deficit. A war of attrition of sorts saw the efficient Bills the victor as the Jaguars couldn't complete a last second touchdown. Garrard's one glaring mistake proved costly between these two teams built to dominate up front and will the other team into mistakes.

Now let's look at some factors from the NFL's second week of action.

Variables

Known: I was utterly wrong about the Denver Broncos. While their run defense might be shaky, their offensive firepower renders the issue moot. Brandon Marshall is nigh on unstoppable (18 catches). Jay Cutler is big time and laughs at high blood sugar levels. Facing a deep San Diego squad, Cutler and company put up the points early and late, coolly driving down the field for the winning touchdown and two-point conversion. The Chargers may have been jobbed on that strip sack, but there’s little doubting the Broncos after a couple of years out in the sticks are back to the fore.
Unknown: Whether the Cleveland offense and defense can both show up on the same day. Their weedy defense may have cost their high octane offense a playoff spot last year. After pouring resources into shoring up their front seven, the Browns received a solid bend-but-don’t-break performance from their defense against the Steelers. However, their offense looked out of rhythm all night, falling to wily Pittsburgh 10-6. The Browns won’t be able to make a run at Pittsburgh in the AFC North until they sync up their offense and defense.

Known: Eight sacks doesn’t guarantee victory. The Seahawks knocked the stuffing out of San Francisco’s J.T. O’Sullivan. Still, O’Sullivan responded with a steady game, relying on Isaac Bruce and Patrick Willis led defense to rattle Matt Hasselbeck just enough. In overtime, the 49ers walked off with the field goal and the 33-30 victory in Seattle.
Unknown: Whether Jason Campbell’s fourth quarter heroics are a function of maturity or a depleted New Orleans pass defense. Campbell outdueled Drew Brees in the second half, throwing the game winning deep post to Santana Moss (7 catches 164 yards). After looking sluggish in loss against the Giants the first week, the Redskins hustled down the field for 14 fourth quarter points. Still, the Saints defense scares no one. And whether this victory means the NFC East is still a four team race remains to be seen.

Known: Falcons rookie Matt Ryan did not spring fully formed from Arthur Blank’s forehead. He is a rookie quarterback and will struggle this year as he did against the Buccaneers in 24-9 loss.
Unknown Whether Tampa Bay end Gaines Adams can dominate competition like he dominated the Falcons netting two sacks and constant pressure on the young division rivals. Adams with his speed and size is supposed to be the next Simeon Rice, a double digit sack machine for the rush four Tampa 2 defense. Adams looked good yesterday but has yet to be consistent.

Proofs

1. Great receivering corps alleviate quarterback controversy. The Cardinals sport the best one-two punch at receiver in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. The Packers might have the best receivers one to five led by Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Both clubs entered the season with significant questions at quarterback. The Cardinals benched Matt Leinart in favor of Kurt Warner. The Packers rid themselves of the flaky legend in favor of Aaron Rodgers. This week Boldin and Fitzgerald schooled the Dolphins making Warner look ten years younger. And Jennings and company broke ankles throughout the Lions secondary making Rodgers look five years craftier.

2. Chicago will not always win the ugly game. The Bears sacked Jake Delhomme three times and blocked a Carolina punt. Typical winning Bears football. But the Panthers staged the comeback to ruin the ugly stick victim party mostly behind rookie Jonathan Stewart’s 77 yards and two touchdowns.

3. Raiders rookie back Darren McFadden is Silver and Black Holy Ghost to Viking Adrian Peterson’s Purple Jesus. McFadden busted out against a woeful Kansas City defense for 164 yards on 21 carries. Peterson put together another amazing day in loss against the Colts, running 29 times for 160 yards. Easily the two best backs in college two years ago, now McFadden and Peterson might be poised to be the two best backs in the pros for years to come.

> < =

Clutch Peyton Manning > Stat packing Peyton Manning. Remember those heady days of the early 00’s when the Colts would slice through regular season opponents only to fall early in the playoffs? Manning would look frustrated and lost at the first sign of resistence to the Colts machine. Contrast that with now. Manning put together a mostly sloppy afternoon against a very very good Minnesota defense, throwing two picks early. But Manning hung tough, refused to be rattled and led his team to a late rally capped by an Adam Viniateri field goal with just seconds left for the win.

The loss of Michael Strahan < A motivated Fred Robbins + Justin Tuck. I won’t speculate on the loss of leadership of Strahan, but watching Robbins and Tuck destroy blockers week in and week out leaves absolutely no drop off in play. Robbins always possessed the talent to be a top tackle and Tuck was buried in a deep rotation. But both unleashed this year, Robbins from his inconsistency, Tuck from his junior status, is proving a terror for opposing offensive lines.

Calvin Johnson slanting over the middle = touchdown. The man-child is too big and fast. And the Lions possess enough weapons to clear out the safeties in the middle of the field. Johnson burned the Packers twice going over the middle then using his burst to elude the secondary for scores.

Conclusion: This wacky week witnessed so many games go down to the wire. My head was spinning the entire second slate of games. I slipped outside for a cigarette thinking the Broncos had the Chargers firmly on the ropes. Luckily, I ducked in just in time to see Darren Sproles return a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown. Everyone except Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Miami looked to possess legitimate shots to win yesterday. If I were a betting man, I'd probably stop betting.

Phi Bloga Recapa, Week 3

I like the rest of sporting America watched the OSU-USC game last night. Besides providing argument for a mercy rule in college football, what to take away from the most hyped game of the week? Ohio State overrated? Yes, Trojans' student body, yes. Big 10 in trouble? If you consider Penn State or Wisconsin playing for a national championship problematic.

What to say about USC? The offense tore off chunks of yardage with ease. Mark Sanchez adding a credible downfield passing game cannot comfort the rest of the Pac-10. Every handoff to Joe McKnight is bound to set chills down the spine. And the defense is terrifying, as quick as any SEC unit and physical enough to bang around a huge Big 10 line.

But what does sports blogfrica have to say about this week's results?

USC 35 Ohio State 3. Paragon SC from Conquest Chronicles says:

Well I stand corrected...

I admit it I am mother hen, as I really thought this was going to be close. Ohio State had some groove going in the first quarter but once the SC defense settled down from being a little too amped up they were methodical and simply over powered the OSU offense. Boeckman was running for his life from the 2nd quarter on. Why we didn't see Pryor a little more is puzzling. He made some nice plays and he will be an absolute force once he gets settled in with the offense.

South Florida 37 Kansas 34. Kansas fan Hiphopopotamus from It's Business Time says:

Running game watch: fuck. I truly don’t understand what’s going on here. But I do know that I can put blame on every facet of the running game.

...

After the first two games, I pretty much gave up any hope that we’d ever see a game controlled on the ground. But with Todd’s accuracy that didn’t worry me all that much as long as we could keep a semblance of balance to keep the defense honest. Right now, I’m not sure that can happen.

Oregon 32 Purdue 26. On the double overtime showdown, Dave from Addicted to Quack says:

Defense stepped up huge. The only time they were really terrible was on the opening 80 yard run. But they really stepped up and had a great rest of the game, in spite of some adversity (turnovers, bad kickoff).

...

But, in the end, we won. Now, we just have to wonder how bad the injuries to Johnson and, especially Roper, are. Forgive me if I don't feel to optimistic when I hear "knee injury" in regards to our quarterback.

Georgia 14 South Carolina 7. MaconDawg from Dawg Sports says:

Rudy Carpenter will be watching this game tape instead of Grey's Anatomy this week. Not to prepare for Saturday, but because you know nothing on ABC could be as entertaining for a quarterback as watching us try to play pass defense so far this season. And you also know that Rudy Carpenter is definitely a Grey's Anatomy fan.

Auburn 3 Mississippi State 2. Auburn Elvis at his blog says:

There’s winning ugly, and then there’s winning Auburn. Tonight, we saw something worse than either. Auburn’s laughable 3 to 2 victory over SEC powerhouse doormat Mississippi State shows that the Tigers’ new offense still has a ways to go.

On the up-side, perhaps this is just part of a strategy to sucker LSU into taking us lightly.

Satire and Cynicism

Wednesday I posted here an almost entirely facetious post about jumping to conclusions. The intent was lost in the crossfire of cross purposes.

A swipe or several trained at this week's knee-jerk articles cluttering cyberspace chaffed against my inability to crush hope, no matter how slight and fleeting. A good satirist possesses no such reservations. It's a killer instinct in such matters that I lack.

Let's restore balance to the Fuhbaw universe:

-I don't know anything more about the Falcons than you do, than he does, than she does, etc., etc. And that's okay.

-The AFC East is a three-headed monster of a race now. The Patriots, Jets, and Bills all have about an equal shot.

-Joe Flacco doesn't scare anyone as a running threat still even if his touchdown scamper was impressive.

-Mario Williams is still a Fuhbaw favorite. Reggie Bush will continue to frustrate me until the Saints turn him into a modern-day Frank Gifford (pre-sportscasting, of course).

-I refuse to think Carson Palmer is overrated when organizational chaos reigns in Cincinnati.

I promise from now on to stick to the mild sarcasm I usually traffic in and leave the sardonic satire to more capable hands.

So what of the big weird news of the week? Vince Young's sideline equivocations and questionable mental state?

Zac at Throwing Into Traffic addressed it best. Can we honestly strip away the humanity away from a 25 year old kid and claim its in the best interest of the game?

Disturbing, too, is the football’s culture of silence reasserting itself. There's a problem here, right? I don’t know if Vince Young is depressed. But he’s certainly facing some trial or another. We all can see that. What’s with the “nothing to see here” act put on by the Titans, Young’s agent Major Adams, and worst of all Young himself?

Yes, these guys are paid to deal with the pressures of the job. We as outsiders do get to poke and prod. But when someone’s slipping off the edge, can we put aside the relatively unimportant issue of quarterbacking the Tennessee Titans and talk honestly about a person’s mental health.

I shouldn’t just reserve criticism for the team. They are trying to brace against the high winds of a media shitstorm and bluster of fan discontent. I don’t want to say that we shouldn’t poke and prod, joke and razz, scream and, yes, boo. Make ‘em earn it.

But isn’t the tipping point reached when we can’t publicly discuss issues like depression?

Eagles guard Shawn Andrews reported late to training camp this year, fighting depression alone. Ridiculed and derided, Andrews tuned out the ouside voices and sought help. Within two weeks, Andrews was back in camp and candidly talking about one of football’s taboo subjects:

I guess now that I've spoken about my issues or my clinical depression if you will, I think it really lifted a weight off of me because I received so many letters and emails, good and bad. But I just pay attention to the good ones and the people that I inspire that let me know that.

…

I've also learned that, among African American men, and really men period, we just hold things in. Whether it's a football player or a man, you are still like, 'I'm a man - nothing bothers me.' But, if you internalize it, it has to come out somewhere.

Andrews will struggle on the field and off of it, but he’s man enough to ask for help when he needed it. And strong enough to face his critics with honesty and candor.

I’m also reminded on Kris Jenkins’s struggle with depression when injury forced him from football. Upon returning he described his depression to reporters, saying:

You hear everybody tell you the stories how you have to learn to walk away because football is going to end at some point. But that's like somebody telling you that it hurts when you take a 40-caliber pistol and you shoot your hand with it. You're not going to know how that feels until you take that 40-caliber pistol and you shoot yourself in the hand. That's why I was depressed.

It's in that isolation that Jenkins struggled. An isolation perpetuated if we who love the game insist players must suck it up quietly.

Remember the bizarre Terrell Owens suicide/nonsuicide fiasco from 2006? Whether Owens did attempt to overdose on pills or suffered an allergic reaction, I do not know.

What stuck in my mind were the strange words of Owens's publicist. Kim Etheredge, defending against accusations that Owens was depressed in the first place offered this nugget, "Terrell has 25 million reasons why he should be alive."

Etheredge was of course referring to the $25 million contract Owens signed that offseason with the Cowboys.

It's too ironic, this notion that the attendant pressures and demands money and fame extract on the emotional life are supposed to relieve their own imposing burden.

If we can't bust this taboo around talking honestly about real and present issues inside us it will, like Andrews says, come out somewhere... somewhere not likely to be good.

"This Is Horrible, This Idea"

Following a weird opening weekend where many football certainties toppled, pundits and prognosticators warn not to jump to conclusion.

Okay, that may be wise. What sense can be made after a small fraction of the season is a known? We're talking about 6% of the regular season picture.

Still, the temptation. Don Banks at SI.com couldn't resist playing both sides of the fence, filing first a typically knee jerk "Snap Judgments" article then two days later doubles back with "Fair Warning: Be Careful of Drawing Conclusions from Week 1 Action."

(Please don't click either Don Banks links. Your brain thanks you.)

Like it or not, all we know about this season is week 1. I'm cool with that. I'm also cool with throwing out some unsound deductions and passing them off as truth. Am I being serious or facetious? Who knows? Only me, and I'm not letting on.

So gather around all you knee jerks and join Fuhbaw as I jump... to conclusions!

$#!%@ The Falcons are an unstoppable offensive force. Tom Dimitroff the new General Manager of the Falcons stole Bill Belichick's genius cookies before leaving the New England front office for Atlanta. How else could he know that Michael Turner's bust-ability, Sam Baker's Tyrannosaurus Rex arms, and Matt Ryan's penchant for gunslinging interceptions wouldn't choke this team's fortunes in a pool of shallow water?

I mean, we know Jerious Norwood is talent that should be freed from qualifications. And 300+ yards rushing against any opponent is impressive. With the Saints porous run defense twice on the schedule not to mention the similarly porous Chiefs, Raiders, Broncos, and Rams, multiply 300 yards x 6 games, that's 1800 rushing yards on only the third of the season!

$#!%@ The [circle one: Jets / Bills] cakewalk through the AFC East to Super Bowl glory. The Patriots are reverted to pre-Brady ineptitude. The Colts are out to pasture. The Chargers are coached by Norv Turner. And the Jaguars aren't who we thought we they were.

With Favre to unleash the sundry New York weapons such as Jerricho Cotchery, Leon Washington, and Dustin Keller in tandem with Alan Faneca finally providing running lanes for Thomas Jones, the plucky Jets can march their quarterback who defines "pluck" through their relatively easy schedule and dance through a decimated playoff picture.

Or, if you prefer...

With an efficient offense sporting game changing weapons such as Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, and Roscoe Parrish in tandem with a healthy suffocating defense led by Aaron Schobel, Marcus Stroud, and Kawika Mitchell, the plucky Bills can march their unheralded roster and flawless special teams which define "pluck" through their relatively easy schedule and dance through a decimated playoff picture.

$#!%@ Joe Flacco is the running threat at quarterback Vince Young should be. His numbers aren't pretty. But he's a winner... what an athlete! A big guy shouldn't move like that! That ankle breaking 38 yard touchdown scamper to ice the Bengals, served notice to linebackers everywhere across the NFL.

$#!%@ No wait! We were originally right about Reggie Bush being infinitely better than Mario Williams. Bush's 163 total yards against the Buccaneers, including a 42 yard scoring catch and run, helped his Saints to victory. Williams's two sacks were an aberration against the Steelers as he was kept in check by a supposedly suspect Pittsburgh offensive line.

Reggie is the game changing talent that can win his team a game, Mario not so much. Never mind that Williams is nearly unblockable at times at the game's second or third most important position and Bush is a scatback who still can't run between the tackles... this is truth! (Truth sponsored by USC, Subway, and the Kardashian family.)

$#!%@ Carson Palmer is the most overrated quarterback in the league. Peyton Manning would never ever let his stat line look like this: 9/24, 94 yards, no touchdowns, 1 pick. You disgrace the stripy orange and black, Carson. How dare you do this on top of throwing 20 picks last season. Peter King will erase you from his top 50 best players in the league. Carson, Carson, Carson, what are we going to do with you?

Fighting Words

Last night I rang up a $75 bill at the bar. No food. Just a couple whiskeys and draught after draught.

My nervous anticipation for my season's start forced me to polish off both whiskey doubles in 25 minutes (generous estimate). With a few minutes until game time, I made the decision - later to prove wise - to switch to beer.

Sports were on, but Bleecker Street Bar isn't a sports bar. Suffice to say I was the lone Packers fan amidst some scattered interest in Federer destroying Murray and the Yankees being bludgeoned by the Angels.

If surrounded by screaming fans, I'm usually reserved, given over to only the occasional wordless yelp if my team succeeds or fails at seismic levels. Perhaps I measure myself more civilized, perhaps cleverer by not letting emotions muck up my witty observations.

If I'm a man alone, however, as a fan of my team or a fan in general, I cannot help jumping out of my chair and letting loose a string of "fuck's" regardless of the play's outcome. For instance, Greg Jennings brilliant deep post jump ball reception for 50+ yards? "Fuck fuck fuck!" Conversely, Mason Crosby's blocked field goal at the end of the first half? "Fuck!!!"

Yeah, real witty...

The game progressed, my crude entreaties aside, a seesaw battle with some idiotic penalties on both sides. The "fuck's" were coming fast and furious as the young Packers killed an entire drive with holding, a fumbled snap, and dubious pass blocking. I'm sure every Vikings fan wanted to reach and strangle the line judge who called Jared Allen for offsides twice along the goal.

Each team's defense broke the opposing offense at key moments. As expected, each defense is the more veteran unit for each team. Al Harris's key touchdown saving tackle of Adrian Peterson. The Viking's relentless interior rush and blanket coverage stymying the Packers much of the second half.

Still, the focus was at has been for much of the offseason on Aaron Rodgers. Yes, he was efficient tossing 18 completions against only 4 incomplete. Yes, he was athletic. When was the last time a Packers quarterback rushing for a first down wasn't occasion to run to the fridge and grab a beer? Yes, his decision making was sound, throwing the ball away and keeping down and distance firmly in mind.

And apparently this is what Rodgers gives us. A more solid if unspectacular game. Fewer highs, fewer lows. More grinding efficient victories, less sudden heart attacks.

But I found myself more invested in this victory than in any other regular season game I can recall in recent memory. I threatened to abort then eat Tony Moll's unborn children when his illegal man downfield penalty nullified Donald Driver's 60+ yard catch and run touchdown. Every one of Adrian Peterson's 103 yards were a knife stab to the stomach, slow and twisting.

Something about Brett Favre's long tenure combined with the feast-or-famine play, I was more willing to take my lumps with the team, more zen-like in loss... well, that's not entirely true, I did wander the wind whipped streets of Brooklyn after the Packers NFC Championship loss chasing people in Giants apparel and punching the brick wall outside my apartment until the blood ran briefly hot between my knuckles.

But outside of those raised stakes, I've been able to absorb loss in stride, like a man... whatever cliche you want to employ.

At some point during my leaps and yelps, a small contingent of Vikings fans sidled up along the bar to the left of my table. I could sense some growing amusement at my idiotic imploring of Will Blackmon to "Fuck fuck fuck down the field!"

But I also became hot at simply their existence in this time and place. I've rarely begrudged a rivals rooting interest in the past. But I began calculating how I could work into conversation, "I'll beat your ass just like your precious Vikings."

This is stupid. Though I'm pretty sure my light 5'10" frame could have taken any of the three, fighting is just not cool. Moreover, it's usually never successfully accomplished and rather pathetic in execution as flailing men-children are pulled apart by wiser friends and onlookers.

Hopping up and down during Minnesota's final drive, the Vikings fans and I shared a few tense glances. When Atari Bigby cut in front of the receiver for the interception and the game, I yelled out to the television, "Take that you fucking Swedes!"

Again, my wit knows no bounds.

One of the Vikings fans looked over and tried to remind the rules of good sportsmanship. "You have to say good game," or some other such nonsense. I'll admit that fighting is stupid, but I'm not in this business for sportsmanship.

I bit my tongue. All I wanted to say was, "Fuck you, Sven." and glare menacingly.

I glared but only managed my voice softened a bit, "Sure, sure, head down, should we line up at midfield, too?"

We left it at that. Whether he was being a gentleman or just trying to distance himself from a crazy person, I don't know. I do know that while I didn't think it was possible to be less rational when it comes to my Packers, I've somehow accomplished that.

This new Aaron Rodgers era of the Packers may be billed as conservative, efficient, steady. But that play is translating into anything but.

The Notebook*, Week 1

Yesterday I leaned back in my seat along the bar. The early games were still some fifteen minutes from starting. And the whiskey was making my hangover, well, not disappear, but rather blend more pleasantly in the sea of my constantly swimming thoughts.

My focus was on the coming Texans and Steelers contest. It's no secret that I've been high on the Houston. But Pittsburgh a traditionally strong starter would be a significant test for a still young team with a suspect secondary and developing ground game.

Even though I picked the Texans to win the game, I harbored few illusions that they actually would pull off victory in Pittsburgh. Still, I was feeling cocky and very good about Houston's defensive front against a Steelers line that struggled in pass protection all last year.

I couldn't resist stirring up the Steelers fan sitting next to me. "You might win today, but Houston's gonna put Big Ben on his big back."

Luckily for my sake, the Pittsburgh fan took the statement in stride. He certainly could've rubbed it in my face as the Texans proceeded to curl up in fetal position on Heinz Field and softly rock back and forth as the Steelers marched up and down the field, scoring at will.

I relish moments like this... moments when I think I know something and realize that this game is just far too unpredictable, too chaotic to know much of anything at all.

The 38-17 score made the game seem closer than it in fact was. While Pittsburgh couldn't stop Andre Johnson (who can, really) they didn't have to worry about anyone else. Yes, Mario Williams netted a couple sacks and commanded double teams, Houston couldn't make Pittsburgh pay for the extra attention on Super Mario.

Ben Roethlisberger tossed downfield with ease. The Steelers receivers constantly found seems in that suspect coverage. And Willie Parker sliced through the Texans' second level for three touchdowns. That apparently iffy line peeled off and hunted down the Houston backers all game, giving Parker plenty of room to operate.

Of course, as good as the Pittsburgh offense was, the defense might have been better. End Brett Keisel owned rookie tackle Duane Brown. Outside backers LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison constantly terrorized Matt Schaub. Woodley had a pick and a sack, Harrison had three sacks.

Maybe rookie back Steve Slaton didn't look bad, but no Texan looked good besides Andre Johnson.

So much for a close game.

Here's a look at some factors from around the league during yesterday's slate of games.

Variables

Known: Tom Brady is out for the season. As much as I dislike Tom Terrific's statuesque quarterbacking, it's too bad when a top player in the league is forced to sit a year out. I would like to see the Jets or Bills topple the Patriots in the East, but accomplished without Brady, an AFC East championship rings a little more hollow for New York or Buffalo.
Unknown: Whether Brodie Croyle is the answer for the Chiefs. Granted, we wouldn't know for some weeks, but Croyle was also forced out of the game in Foxboro, a contusion to his shoulder which might hold him out for the next two to four weeks.

Known: A pass rush like the Titans' can win games. Tennessee sacked David Garrard seven (7!!!) times. And almost every play, the Titans busted the middle of the line. They held the Jaguars to just 198 yards overall and 33 yards rushing.
Unknown: Whether you can buy a pass rush like the Browns tried to do. Cleveland was one of the big winners of the offseason, trading for defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. During their just too short playoff run last season, the lack of pass rush killed them in close games. But whether spending big resources rather than slowly developing a deep rotation pays off remains to be seen. The Dallas line had little trouble keeping Tony Romo in a perfect pocket the entire game yesterday. Not a great start for a team with big expectations this year.

Known: Buffalo has the defense to grind out some wins. Five sacks of Matt Hasselback and constant pressure all day paid off in a big win. The offense clicked efficiently, but a serious run at the AFC East title will depend on their young defensive backfield and experienced front seven.
Unknown: Whether Pierre Thomas + Reggie Bush can make the Saints offense better than Deuce McAllister + Reggie Bush circa 2006. Pierre runs hard between the tackles. He average 5 yards a carry yesterday and opened the horizontal space for Reggie Bush who nabbed 8 catches for 100+ yards. No doubt, that Pierre + Reggie is better than just Reggie circa 2007.

Proofs

1. Roscoe Parrish cannot be overrated. His 63 yard punt return was a thing of beauty. Because of Devin Hester and because of Josh Cribbs, he may never get the love he deserves, but his playmaking is dangerous with and necessary to an efficient team like Buffalo.

2. Rookie quarterbacks can win and in different ways. Matt Ryan relied on a heavy ground game, but made the Lions pay with his big arm. The Ravens put their offense on Joe Flacco who responded with a steady performance including a 38 yard touchdown run against the Bengals. Both rookies walked away with convincing wins despite low expectations.

3. Chris Harris makes forcing fumbles an art form. After forcing eight (8!!!) last year, the Panthers safety Harris forced another one yesterday that Chris Gamble returned for a touchdown. A Fuhbaw favorite, Harris could be poised for a big year and the recognition he deserves if that occasionally underachieving Carolina team gets their shit together. A great team effort pulled an upset for Carolina over the deeply talented San Diego Chargers.

> < =

Brett Favre > Chad Pennington. Obvious enough, but Favre's helter skelter play which led the Jets over Pennington's Dolphins yesterday underscored why the Jets went all out to get Favre. Pennington is a fine quarterback and leader, but Favre will win the Jets a couple more games. Pennington simply won't lose games for his team, an admirable trait nonetheless.

Vince Young's injury < Chris Johnson's ascendance. Vince looks to be out for two to four weeks with a damaged MCL. But the Titans finally found their offense in rookie Chris Johnson who burned a very good Jaguars defense for 120+ total yards, 93 on the ground.

Rams secondary = Rams ground game. In the fact that they're both terrible. The woeful St Louis back seven couldn't stop a suspect Philadelphia receiving corps. Rookie DeSean Jackson, Greg Lewis, and Hank Baskett all posted 100 yard days. That ineptitude was matched by the woeful 36 rushing yards the Rams put up on offense. Steven Jackson may be a unique talent, but they couldn't block anyone or control the clock.

Fuhbaw anxiously awaits the Aaron Rodgers era colliding with the Medieval era Vikings defense. It's the kind of game that has me near nausea all day (in a good way). And I'm wonder if the Broncos can find offense without Brandon Marshall, suspending for tonight's game. I doubt it, but as evidenced above, my ability to be wrong knows no limits.

*You may have noticed I briefly changed the name of my "Notebook" posts to "The Hangover". I was feeling very clever. Of course, I head over to Throwing Into Traffic to check up on what Zac had to say about Sunday's slate of games and, dur, Zac brought back his Monday Hangover series for the season. No wonder I thought it sounded good. I'm an idiot. But I'm not one to cop other peoples stuff. So... back to the Notebook!

Phi Bloga Recapa, Week 2

Week two of cupcake schedule for most of the college football world. That's not to say the big teams rolled over their opponents. Ohio State and Auburn both needed all four quarters to beat lesser foes. South Florida needed overtime to topple Central Florida.

Perhaps the weirdest result from Saturday was East Carolina's thorough domination of West Virginia. In every phase, the Pirates out-muscled and overwhelmed the Mountaineers. They kept Pat White off the field. And when he was on it, he was swarmed by purple jerseys.

Toppling the presumptive Big East favorite a week after downing a then 17th ranked Virginia Tech squad should mean the Pirates fly under no one's radar. But if they continue to play that physically, they shouldn't have a problem making a run on crashing the BCS party.

Here's a look around sports blogfrica on reactions to the biggest results from this week.

Vanderbilt 24 South Carolina 17. On Coach Tim McCain's role in Vandy's upset, philipvu94 at Save the Shield says:

It’s absolutely obvious that Ted Cain sometimes likes to play it really conservatively. It was dead obvious to me last year that our staff’s conservatism — whether imposed by Cain or by Bobby Johnson, I can’t tell you — cost us when we tried to stand pat in the 3rd quarter versus Tennessee.

And it’s obvious to me that, up 17-10, our offense overcame this seemingly innate conservatism and did what it had to do to keep the pressure on Carolina and to lead 24-10. This turned out to be critical, because USC ran through our defense like a knife through butter to get one TD back. I really think this staff might have blown this game trying to run the clock out this last year.

East Carolina 24 West Virginia 3. 5th Year Senior at West BY GOD Virginia says:

Everyone stay calm. We can still win the Big East and go to a BCS bowl game. Who wouldn’t love to get wasted in New Orleans. However, the honeymoon period for Bill Stewart is officially over. I love the man’s positive attitude but if this is the product we will see week after week, he will have a short reign as head coach.

Was it coaching? Maybe. Was it the officials? In the first half, yes. Fact is, we got our ass beat worse that a guy in a gay porn. Our D had more holes than Sonny Corleone in the Godfather. And our team is softer than my belly and it is pretty damn lumpy.

I go back to Bill Stewart’s Fiesta Bowl pre-game speech, “It’s Mountaineer Pride…From the heart.” We had no heart today and I am embarrassed to be a Mountaineer football fan. My prediction for our final record, 9-4. Pat White’s chance of winning the Heisman? 0%

BYU 28 Washington 27. On the controversial call to end the game, Malamute at 4 Malamute says:

Washington quarterback Jake Locker raced into the end zone from 3-yards out with just 2 seconds remaining on the clock, to bring the Huskies within one point of BYU, 28-27.

So what could go wrong?

Answer: An excessive celebration call against Locker.

After scoring, he tossed the ball over his shoulder to free his hands to greet his teammates, which resulted in a 15-yard excessive celebration penalty. That took the option away from head coach Tyrone Willingham of going for a two-point conversion and an almost certain win. Instead, BYU's Jan Jorgenson blocked Ryan Perkins’ extra point attempt from 35 yards out to win the game.

...

The excessive-celebration call, in my opinion, was iffy at best and down-right tragic at its worst. It robbed the 64,611 fans in attendance at Husky Stadium of an exciting overtime finish or, put another way, robbed the Huskies of a two-point conversion attempt, which almost certainly would have won the game on Locker’s feet or Middleton’s hands.

Wake Forest 30 Ole Miss 28. Raff at the Fan Blog says:

If you read the Fan Blog regularly, you know that I am a fan of Jim Grobe. You know that I think Wake Forest can be pretty good. But there were times yesterday when Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt outcoached Grobe. Still in the end, the Deacons had enough to knock off Ole Miss, on a last second field goal from Sam Swank 30-28.

...

Jevan Snead is going to be a real good college football quarterback. You may remember Snead as the guy who battled Colt McCoy for the Texas job two years ago. Now he's, throwing darts for Ole Miss. He threw for four scores yesterday and looked very good doing it. He's a classic drop back passer and he throws the ball very well. He has enough mobility to escape a pass rush. He's got three years to play with Ole Miss and I think they'll be extremely happy when he leaves.

Exhibit A

The improbable finish of last year's NFL season set the bar high for the league's 2008 season as well as sports in general.

Sports in general responded thus far. Memphis and Kansas and Chalmers's three pointer. Triple overtime in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The twenty-four point comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Tiger at the US Open. Nadal and Federer at Wimbledon. Usain's record breaking dashes. Phelps's aquatic dominance.

(Imagine if college football had a playoff system? Georgia versus USC? Maybe West Virginia versus LSU? What a way to kick off the sporting year starting New Year's Day. Seriously, would you rather watch the Rainbow Warriors curled up in fetal position at the feet of the Bulldogs?)

If the 2008 NFL season lives up to expectations remains to be seen. Last night was exhibit "A" and there was definitely some good and some, well not bad, but definitely rust.

The Giants busted out of the gate strong. I'm paraphrasing Plaxico from last year's NFC Championship Game, but it doesn't look like anyone can cover him. The circus catches became routine. How many non quarterbacks get better as they pass 30? Seriously?

The New York defense continued to look tough. Justin Tuck was beastly - man, is he fast off the ball - but the game hinged on Fred Robbins's continued dominance. Mathias Kiwanuka and Antonio Pierce played solid games, too.

Of course, just how bad the Redskins offense remains to be seen. They sure as hell couldn't run a hurry-up offense, down two scores late in the fourth quarter. Jason Campbell looked lost most of the game. Chris Cooley blew blocking assignments and didn't find soft spots in the Giants coverage. Santana Moss found the endzone but couldn't hang on when it mattered the most.

The Washington defense improved after giving up ground throughout the first and most of the second quarter to the Giants determined ground game. The active pass rush, highlighted by blitzing safeties and stunting ends, certainly made Eli Manning revert to some of his shaky play that dogged him during last year's regular season. A couple near picks were dropped in addition to the one Fred Smoot nabbed. Eli's stat line could have been potentially horrific.

My friend Pavan tersely termed the game "shitty" (he also would've liked it if Michael Strahan was locked inside the large Lombardi trophy replica a la Spinal Tap). I don't know. There were some great moments in the game. Plaxico's several juggling catches. Clinton Portis leveling Kiwanuka on a chip block.

And Brandon Jacobs demolishing Laron Landry. I could watch that one over and over again. Wait a second...

Ah, football. That's more like it.

GIF nabbed from KSK.

Dropping the Suffix

The six pack of beer is already picked out in my head. The gameplan calls for liberal reserves of chips and onion dip in case the front line of pizza is decimated. I visualize the remote in my hand, clicking on NBC just like we've practiced (thanks, Olympics).

Yup, tonight, it is on. Football is finally back. Don't worry, we didn't let on all preseason that it wasn't for real. Your secret is safe with us... well, I can't speak for the Commish.

The Washington Redskins travel tonight to East Rutherford, New Jersey to face the New York Giants. Interesting match up to inaugurate the season, an intra-divisional rivalry.

In fact, most of the first week of play is highlighted by divisional contests: Tampa Bay at New Orleans, Jacksonville at Tennessee, Minnesota at Green Bay, etc. It's a solid move, starting out the season playing on the more emotional strains of our fandom.

Last year on the verge of the season I wrote these words:

I won't be picking any division leaders or Super Bowl victors. There's just far too much unknown. What we know about the upcoming football season is that at least one team will come out of nowhere to be competitive. We know that there will be a few new division leaders. We know there will be injuries and seasons will end for some players. We know there will be undeserving wins - and the coronations of asses - and we know that apparent winners will end up losers. In time, coaches will be fired, saviors anointed. Heroes will disappoint and others will emerge to take their place.

My dad terms himself a casual fan because he doesn't get wrapped up in the preseason and the reading of tea leaves. I disagree. I think he's wise for not paying attention to the ESPN pundits and for letting the action come to him - on Sunday in his chair in front of his ridiculously large TV. I still can't quite come to terms with the whole preseason spectacle. It's bizarre. The beauty of the ugly game is when physical athletic expression is fused with brilliant strategy. It's momentary and it's elusive and perhaps that's why we try to grasp it too tightly.

I still take that as a summation of what this site is about. A friend is emailing me about projections for this weekend. And I do put together my own educated guesses every week. But I don't do it for gambling, the reason I suspect my friend is quizzing me. Nothing against betting, but I find enough in the game that makes my heart suddenly stop and reluctantly start without throwing money into that equation.

Anyway, if I would have to bet on anything in tonight's match up, here are my lines, five wide:

1. Television cameras capture that Tom Coughlin exasperated expression - you know the one I'm talking about - at least three times.

2. Owner Dan Snyder phones down to new head coach Jim Zorn, calling for a fleaflicker, if the Skins struggle.

3. Admiration is expressed for the length of Mathias Kiwanuka's arms... seriously.

4. A field goal is missed.

5. Should Jason Taylor not suit up, more discussion about Taylor and Michael Strahan, than the actual defensive ends playing on the field.

Enjoy the game, everyone. East Coast bias on full display tonight!

Irish Wake for the Offseason

The regular season is almost upon us. No one is happier about this than me. So much of the last few weeks Fuhbaw along with the rest of the sportswriting world has cast glance forward into those uncertain outcomes shrouded in mystery that await the season.

But before we commit full bore to the NFL season I want to pause for one last look back on an offseason with much Sturm und Drang.

Last year, shiny new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell faced a challenge of perception concerning the League. The offseason exploits of Michael Vick, Pacman Jones, Jared Allen, Tank Johnson, etc shook the public's faith in the players of the league. By meting out punishment, extreme and decisively, Goodell met the challenge head on.

This offseason contained more murkier challenges, ones that didn't allow for such head-on action. And none was a bigger theme of this 2008 offseason than the main story and first item: Spygate.

Cheating Cheaters Who Like To Cheat

The weeks leading up to the Super Bowl slowly collected rumors that the videotaping scandal and censure starting off the Patriots season might be more widespread than originally indicated. It took Senator Arlen Specter jumping into the fray to publicly force details into the light of a long term signal stealing operation stretching back over the entire tenure of head coach Bill Belichick.

But outrage over the scandal broke when the wildest allegations proved to be untrue, that the Patriots taped a Rams practice before Super Bowl 36. Though Patriots fan can expect reminders from salty foes for many years to come.

Football Gets Out Its Passport

Before the end of the season the second London contest, again in Wembley Stadium, was announced: San Diego versus New Orleans.

Just after the season, the Buffalo Bills finalized a deal with the Rogers Centre in Toronto to play eight games, five regular season and three preseason, in Canada over the next five years.

While the game is uniquely American, expect Goodell to bring it to the world, ready or not.

Big, Fat Retirements

Every year brings closes to great careers. But this year notable among the retirements were a parcel of big men - all of whom are Hall worthy - hanging up their cleats. First Bryant Young, then Warren Sapp. The great Jonathan Ogden made his retirement official, followed by Michael Strahan deciding to ride out on top.

All four have their rings. And opponents in the trenches no doubt breathe a sigh of relief at their absence.

Oh, and That Other Guy Retires... Then Un-Retires... Then Messes With My State

Brett Favre retires to much emotion and fanfare. Then he gets a goddamn itch. Taking said itch, he decides to fuck with my team. After a back and forth, an emotional hostage standoff, Favre is shipped to the Jets.

Good thing, Favre found his way to another quiet little corner of the NFL... it's not like the media, myself included, have been breathlessly covering his every more or anything like that.

All Big Men Priced To Sell

The Super Bowl 42 victory of the Giants hammered one point home that most of the NFL took note of: great line play can deliver a championship. With the start of free agency, the biggest names on the move were some of the biggest men in the league.

The Jets traded for Kris Jenkins and signed Alan Faneca. The Browns traded for Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. The Bills traded for Marcus Stroud. And the Buccaneers signed Jeff Faine.

It should also be noted that much of the top end of the draft obsessed with big guys, what with the Dolphins drafting Jake Long, the Rams Chris Long, the Chiefs Glenn Dorsey, the Saints Sedrick Ellis, and the Jaguars Derrick Harvey all among the first ten selections.

Most of these clubs are operating in the immense middle ground of NFL expectations. Whether throwing money at the line pays off remains to be seen.

Oakland Has Cash, It Wants You To Know, Lots Of It

No matter how you feel about the Raiders organization - the control of Al Davis, the standoff between Davis and Coach Lane Kiffin, the perennial awfulness five years running - there's little doubting the top brass wants to field a winner.

This offseason, Al Davis moved a bunch of money around and signed receiver Javon Walker, corner Deangelo Hall, safety Gibril Wilson, defensive linemen Tommy Kelly to big money contracts. The team also drafted perhaps the best or second best football talent available in Darren McFadden.

Laugh all you want. At least it's ballsy and my hat is off in recognition.

Owners Own and Players Play (Herm, What Do Coaches Do?)

Facing a clusterfuck of needing to build more stadiums because other teams are building new stadiums and rising stadium costs, the NFL owners opt for early termination of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This year and the next will be unaffected. With no new agreement, the salary cap will expire after the 2009 season. The following season will be an uncapped year. Then, if still no new agreement is forthcoming, the owners could lock out the players in 2011. Fun!

Many issues will crystallize around this fight between labor and management, such as ballooning rookie contracts, the amount of guaranteed money in player deals, etc.

Unfortunately, NFL Players Association head Gene Upshaw passed away two weeks ago. The assurances he provided that no work stoppage is imminent are no longer so sure.

The Song Remains the Same, Sorta

The League considers many changes to the game. Responding to Spygate, the teams okay radio headsets for a defensive team captain to relay signals. The competition committee also axes the Force Out rule, giving defensive backs one less judgment call to fight on the field.

Despite Goodell's best efforts, the owners shoot down a change to playoff seeding which would essentially give playoff bound teams something to play for into the final week of the season. (Nevermind that the Giants playoff should prove it unnecessary to codify that idea into the rulebook.)

Also, despite some threats to the contrary, the NFL won't make players tuck their long flowing manlocks into their helmets. Breathe easy Troy and Al, AJ and Larry, Marion and Mike... No one's making you go to the barbershop.

Pacman, Pacman, Pacman No More

Pacman Jones was the lead story in last year's offseason along with Michael Vick. Spending an interesting year away from football in which he participated in some low level professional wrestling as a heel, he also weathered a few more allegations that seemed to dry up.

The Titans holding his rights tried to trade him. In an effort to appear contrite, Jones pledged to stay out of strip clubs for a few years on the Michael Irvin's radio show.

Dallas finally traded for Jones, and Goodell finally reinstated him. Jones asked everyone to no longer call him Pacman, in other news, everyone learns his first name is Adam.

Mr. Johnson Is Not In Right Now, If You'd Like To Leave a Message

Chad tried to leverage his way out of Cincinnati by talking and talking and talking. He intoned he wouldn't play for the Bengals then he basically said he wouldn't. The Bengals didn't back down and Chad eventually reported to camp and claimed all was well now while not denying what he stated in the offseason.

In a bizarre sideline interview during a Monday night preseason game, Chad pledged to bring it Broward County style. Apparently that meant legally changing his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco.

We Drafted And It Was Good...

...except if you were a Patriots fan or lost your place in line during the stampede for the door.

Marvin, Really?

Perennial Pro Bowler and likely Hall candidate Marvin Harrison was embroiled in some shady offseason business. A strange constellation of details emerged: a fist fight, a bar Harrison owns called Playmakers, shots fired, armor piercing slugs from a rare Belgian gun, a car wash Harrison owns where the slugs were recovered, Harrison's extensive gun collection including the rare Belgian gun.

The case still has not reached resolution and no one from the Colts is saying much about it. Weird.

Death of a Dealer

Convicted steroid dealer David Jacobs was found dead in his Plano home. Jacobs already fingered NFL lineman Matt Lehr (who served a suspension for steroid use) and was scheduled to talk to NFL officials to divulge more names. Police ruled his death a suicide.

New Dancing Partners

Late trades always seem to happen. But this year included a couple blockbusters.

Jason Taylor dances with the stars, then tangos to DC.

Jeremy Shockey headbutts his way to Bourbon Street.

Ladies of our capitol and the Big Easy, consider yourself notified.

And As Always the Role Models Hog the Summer Spotlight

Matt Leinart parties like its 2005. Steve Smith punches teammate Ken Lucas. Marsha Yanda of the Ravens and Donte Nicholson of the Bucs prove impervious to tasers. Matt Jones is busted with cocaine while sitting in the back of a car (honestly, like a teenager). Marshawn Lynch hit and run some Buffalonian, fesses up eventually, and readies his wrist for slap.

Chris Henry punches someone, is finally cut by Bengals, tries to sort out legal problems, may have gotten into more trouble, then is resigned by Bengals. Steelers' James Harrison smacks his girlfriend. Steelers' Cedrick Wilson shoves his former girlfriend. Wilson is cut, Harrison is not. Bryant McKinnie brawls in Miami, suspended for four games.

Goodbye, sweet offseason... just don't hurry back.

"We Play Hurt"

Last week, the Chargers' Shawn Merriman let it be known, despite tearing both the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left knee, he will postpone surgery and play the 2008 season.

Although a mid-July operation to remove his left knee's infected bursa sac rendered him unable to practice until last week, the Colts' Peyton Manning expects to start the 2008 season this Sunday against the Bears.

And though nursing an injured right foot that held him out of the entirety of preseason play, the Patriots' Tom Brady said yesterday if it were up to him he'd also start this Sunday against the Chiefs. And, despite Coach Bill Belichick's scowling dismissals for further information, it appears that Brady will do just that.

Football values bravery. Beside rare size, speed, and physical talent, it takes big cojones to play this game.

Let it be known, though, that bravery and stupidity are not mutually exclusive.

I'm no medical expert. Perhaps Brady runs the high octane New England offense without skipping a beat from last season. Perhaps Manning's quick release protects his recovering leg. Perhaps Merriman terrorizes opponents the entire season without further damage to his knee.

Perhaps one or all of the three suffer season ending injuries that further jeopardize their careers.

But the divergent reactions between the outsiders and insiders in each of these cases is indicative of a wide gulf between cultures. Namely, the macho subculture of pro football and the rest of the us.

Now, not every media commentator and blogger has expressed skepticism toward Merriman's, Manning's, and Brady's decisions to play on no matter what. But most have. Especially regarding Merriman who sought the opinion of four specialists beyond the team doctor. Every specialist recommended shutting down for the season and performing surgery right away.

And certainly not every NFL player supports the decisions of these three stars to play through serious injury or shortened recovery times, though playing hurt is a common and often unheralded fact of professional sports life.

But the most vocal members of the media have questioned Merriman's decision, Manning's truncated timetable, and the shroud of secrecy surrounding Brady's foot.

And team members and coaches of each player have lauded their determination to gut through the pain to rush back to the field. LaDainian Tomlinson went so far as to call Merriman a "warrior" and, like head coach Norv Turner, refused to speak to the possible long term effects further injury could inflict upon Merriman's body.

It's not just a higher esteem of bravery, it's an overwhelming optimism required of the most successful professional athletes. A sense of invincibility, a fool's courage, hubris - call it what you will. But it's part of the mental make up that allow most of these men to hurl their bodies forward in the face of almost certain injury.

Almost no player walks away from the game on his own terms. The limits of physical ability, as seen in this week's final roster cuts, sends most away abruptly. Those few that can stalk the field on their own terms are sometimes carted off it, and much more often than not forced out by nagging breaks and scrapes added up through the years that finally rob a player's body of its youthful dominance.

If playing football is a form of love for many that play it, it is an unforgiving mistress, harsh and cruel, tempestuous and adulterous.

Note that each of these three players is a key player, if not the key player, for perhaps the best three teams in the league. Few clubs are flush with greater talent and therefore loftier expectations than San Diego, Indianapolis, and New England. If you don't believe that factors into all three's decisions, you don't understand what sway the team concept and success have over most professional athletes.

The question becomes, then, is it wise to make such a sacrifice portending dire long term consequences for a chance at fleeting success? If the Chargers win the Super Bowl this year, Merriman celebrates as a Charger. But if the tendons in his knee are ground to dust, he suffers alone as he ages prematurely, ungracefully.

Perhaps even that scenario might appear a touch quixotic... Let me assure you it's not.

My grandfather, a lifelong football fan, briefly a coach, and always a student of the game, possessed a sharp, sardonic sense of humor and a capacity for inane industry. Taking aim at many targets of the game he loved very much, my grandfather once made bumper stickers for a fictitious small school football team bearing the motto: We Play Hurt.

While he was no stranger to football's tendency to gloss over the bumps and bruises inherent in the sport's brutality, my grandfather also understood the sport benefits little when its players are mangled and hobbled.

If you want to know the real difference between those of us sitting safely on the outside and those throwing themselves around for our pleasure, just look to the motto "We Play Hurt" which can be a joke, definitely wry, perhaps dark, to us but to a player can be a rallying cry, sincere and earnest.