I have all kinds of tricks and treats lined up for the huge Pats vs Colts tilt this weekend. But seeing as it’s Halloween, let’s have some video fun with ESPN’s Paul “Fitzy” Fitzgerald and Broncos wide receivers Brandon Stokley and Brandon Marshall.
Nice dress there, Fitzy. Aaouuh!!
Not only is Brett Favre still an amazing quarterback, but he’s quite considerate as well. For anyone on the east coast who was thinking, “oh, great! An overtime game - I can’t stay up much later for this…” Favre made sure to take care of business 16 seconds into the extra frame.
Yet another great moment for anyone who loves watching #4 play the game.
Unless of course, your a Colorado sports fan. Then that TD bomb was pretty much the icing on your suck-tastic sports weekend cake. (hey, how about them Avalanche, huh?!)
8-0?
#2 ranked team in the country?
Oh yeah, and don’t forget that World Series Championship.
Honestly, this is ridiculous. I mean, I don’t have a damn thing to complain about.
Oh sure, I could whine about how global warming is running the New England fall foliage, but that’s a stretch.
Everything is absolutely perfect in the Boston sports scene. So you know what? I think I’m going to just sit back and enjoy it. I’m not going to listen to any of the haters or complainers out there, I’m just going to live in the moment.
…how does it feel?
New England Patriots, Boston College Eagles, Boston Red Sox, title town, too hungover to write coherently
When the Colts performed a 29-7 disembowelment of the once feisty Jaguars on Monday night, yet another second tier AFC team fell by the wayside. More importantly, it meant there’s less than two weeks left to wait for true Armageddon - Pats vs Colts at the RCA Dome!
Pats vs Cowboys? Foreplay. Colts vs Jags? Sloppy foreplay between two old people with dentures. November 4th is the real deal, folks. Break out the clean sheets and the KY, because it is going to get nasty!
Ironically, if both teams have a weakness, it’s the same one - run defense. On Sunday, the Dolphins put up a whopping 179 rushing yards on the Pats, while the Jags ran for 117 on the Colts. This despite the fact that both those passing offenses weren’t exactly fearsome: QB Cleo Lemon was consistently throwing to the spot where his Dolphins wide receivers used to be, while Jacksonville replacement QB Quinn Gray was absolutely horrific. Seriously, if this football thing doesn’t work out for Gray, the U.S Postal Service is ready to grab him. AIR MAIL!
(thank you, thank you, I’ll be in Vegas on the 15th!)
Having said that, both teams go into this weekend as big favorites. So barring any upset by Carolina or Washington this weekend, the Patriots and Colts should square off the following week as the last two unbeatens in the league. And because of the growing chasm between these two teams and the rest of the league, it almost assures that they will be playing for home field advantage in the AFC Championship Game.
(AP Photo - Phil Coale)
New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, November 4th, jacked and pumped
Having just moved to the Los Angeles area this year, it’s been a jaring experience to watch these wildfires fueled by the Santa Ana winds rip through the nearby communities of Malibu and Irvine.
But to the south is where the real damage is being done. As of early Tuesday morning, over a quarter million residents have been forced to evacuate various areas in San Diego county.
Among those evacuated are 40 members of the San Diego Chargers, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, and Marlon McCree. The Chargers canceled their Monday practice and will move to the Arizona Cardinals facility in Tempe for the rest of the week. There’s a chance that Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans could also be held in Arizona, depending on what happens to these wildfires.
Meanwhile, the team’s home, Qualcomm Stadium is being utilized as a massive evacuation center. As the New York Times reports, it is currently serving as an “oasis of order” amidst the nearby chaos. Always good to see people coming together and helping each other out in a time of crisis.
For those of you directly affected by these fires, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. A special be safe message to Al over at our 451Press network site San Diego, CA, and to everyone over at Glorify the Past. Take care of yourselves.
(Photo Credit: Anonymous reader via the L.A. Times)
San Diego, wildfires, Qualcomm Stadium, football really is just a game
The Worrell Household, late Sunday evening
Cameron: (enters front door) “Hi honey, I’m home.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Oh, hello dear! How was your day today?”
Cameron: ”Actually I’d rather not talk about it. Do we have any bourbon left?”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Certainly, dear. There’s some in the hutch. Do you want me to get you a glass?”
Cameron: ”No, the bottle will be just fine.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Oh, dear - it sounds like you had a very rough day!”
Cameron: ”Yes, you could say that.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Well, I taped today’s game and I was hoping we could watch it together!”
Cameron: ”I’d really rather not…”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Well all right then. Let’s just watch the condensed highlights on NFL.com instead.”
Cameron: ”Great.”
Mrs. Worrell: (watching Donte’ Stallworth catch a pass and approach Cameron) “Oh, look! There you are!” (Cameron misses tackle) “Oh, and there you go. My goodness did that man spin all the way around?”
Cameron: ”I believe he did, yes.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Why that’s just like how they do it on that Madden Video game! Amazing, I didn’t realize it looked like that in real life, did you?”
Cameron: ”Unfortunately, on the field it looks even faster than that.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Well, you made a very nice try at tackling him, dear! I’m sure you did better later on in the game!”
Cameron: (ignores her, downs some bourbon)
Mrs. Worrell: (watching Randy Moss 35-yard TD catch) ”Oh, my!”
(pause)
Mrs. Worrell: ”Is he allowed to do that?”
Cameron: ”Do what?”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Jump that much higher than you? I know those Patriots like to cheat. Is that man Moss allowed to do that?”
Cameron: (sighs) “Yes, dear.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Well that’s simply not fair. Couldn’t they give you a trampoline or something?”
Cameron: ”No, dear. THAT would be cheating.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Oh, and for shame on NFL.com! The don’t need to rub it in by showing the same play twice in a row.”
Cameron: ”Actually, that’s a different touchdown, dear.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Oh, my. You really did get taken to the woodshed, didn’t you?”
Cameron: ”What?!”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Whoops. Nothing, dear! Besides, it’s not your fault. That Tom Brady throws quite a nice pass!”
Cameron: ”Yes he does, dear.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”He’s not so bad on the eyes, either. He can go deep on me anytime!”
Cameron: ”WHAT?!”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Oh, nothing dear. (She watches Wes Welker TD) Oh, my. You couldn’t even stop the other white guy?”
Cameron: ”Can we stop watching this, please? My head hurts.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Why? Certainly not from tackling anyone, you candy ass.”
Cameron: ”@#$%*@! WHAT?!”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Oh, nothing dear. You know I love you and support you no matter how you do or what your team record is!”
Cameron: ”…well, thanks dear.”
(pause)
Mrs. Worrell: ”It’s 0-7 now, right?”
Cameron: ”Yes, dear.”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Wow, do you guys suck.”
Cameron: ”WILL YOU @#$^&* STOP IT!”
Mrs. Worrell: ”Of course, dear. I’m sorry.”
(pause)
Mrs. Worrell: (after watching 2nd Wes Welker TD) “So just how much longer is this season going to last, darling?”
Cameron: ”Too f-ing long.” (grabs bottle of bourbon)
(AP Photo: Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Randy Moss, Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Cameron Worrell, domestic bliss
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Bases loaded, two out & we’ve got this bum coming to the plate? Just great. Go ahead, Drew, ground out and get this over with…”
“Wait-”
“OHMYGODICANTFINGBELIEVEITHEACTUALLYCAMETHROUGH!! GRANDSALAMATTABOYDREWIKNEWYOUDDOIT!! IXHIOPRIOPGGHDSFDHYBREHJEGHUHUHNNNNNGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!”
“Ow. I think I just pulled something.”
(Photo credit: Jim Davis, Boston Globe)
Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, J.D. Drew, goat to hero with one swing of the bat
OK, now that I have your attention, let me begin by stating that I have absolutely zero proof that this could happen. I haven’t talked to either player, nor have I spent time with either team. As I’ve said before (and I’ll continue to say as long as they let me blog here at good ‘ol Talking NFL), I’m just a very lonely guy who likes to write about football in the hopes of one day climbing out of my parents basement and kissing a girl schmuck with a computer.
However, I like to think I have some common sense. That’s why I picked the Patriots to win the AFC East, the Colts to win the AFC South, and the Bears to not make the playoffs. (Then again, I also thought the Broncos and the 49ers were going to the Super Bowl, so I guess I have no point here…) I try to learn from things that happen in the past, and to read between the lines when I listen to players and coaches talk.
And based on those things & a little bit of intuition, I think there’s a very good chance that at least one (if not both) of these perennial defensive studs could be suiting up in New England Patriot red, white & blue next year. Here’s why:
Busy week on the transaction front for the NFL. Let’s take a look at some of the activity that has happened, specifically regarding those gentlemen that are fleet of feet and haul in the TD passes:
Analysis: Hey look! An actual NFL trade - one that makes sense for both teams! For the 0-6 Fins, it’s a concession to give up on a lost season rebuild for the future (again - more on this tomorrow).
As for the Chargers, well, look out. Just a couple of weeks after some of us were digging their grave, the Bolts are tied for 1st in the NFC West, and now have a formidable target to team up with young speedster Vincent Jackson and big tight end Antonio Gates. Philip Rivers still needs to get more consistent, but the Chargers have re-established themselves as the team to beat in their division.
(2) After serving a one-year suspension, WR Koren Robinson is set to return to the Green Bay Packers.
Analysis: The Packers aren’t exactly hurting at the position, with Donald Driver healthy and Greg Jennings coming into his own. However, Koren could help out as a kick return man for a team that ranks 22nd in kickoff returns, as well as a 3rd wide receiver option. It will be interesting to see how the Packers utilize this former #1 wideout. It will also be interesting to see if he’s able to remain sober. Green Bay just needs to make sure he stays away from this guy.
Analysis: The Pats need running backs and tight ends, but are just fine at wideout (have you noticed?). However, as Michael Reiss reports, the team has three weeks to decide whether or not they activate Jackson, or put him on injured reserve. This means that should anything happen to one of the receivers on the active roster in the next few games, the Patriots have the 2nd year Florida alum ready as an insurance policy. Nice option to have if you can get it.
(4) The St. Louis Rams sign former 1st round pick & unemployed free agent Travis Taylor.
Analysis: Desperate times call for desperate measures, my friends.
NFL, Wide Receivers, Chris Chambers, Koren Robinson, Chad Jackson, Travis Taylor
So wait, ESPN is paying this guy to drive a brand new truck to every Monday night tailgate, sample the local BBQ and beverages, and rip on all the fans in the parking lot? I definitely missed this job posting on Craigslist…
Wheel - Of - Awesome! And Meat!!
I was trying to pick a topic to write about this fine Monday afternoon; should I discuss the on-field enema that Purple Jesus had against the Bears? What about Vinny Testaverde’s Jack Palance-like performance in Carolina? Perhaps the floundering Dolphins would provide an easy target…
But then I saw these pics over at Barstool Sports of Justin Timberlake shot gunning a beer outside Lambeau Field and, well, it’s all about priorities, right people?
He dates every uber-hot actress known to man, is possibly the greatest modern-day SNL host since Alec Baldwin, and tailgates like a champ. Thank God his music sucks, otherwise I might have a Brady-like man crush on him (and so what if I did?! There’s nothing wrong with that…).
Hey, that guy in the 2nd picture looks familiar, doesn’t he? Where have I seen him before?
Hat tip: Barstool Sports
Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field, Miller Lite, shotgun only the best
Holy Tony Peña did that suck.
Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, dagger, Eric Gagne, Calvin Schiraldi, Calvin Schiraldi, Eric Gagne
Cowboys coach Wade Phillips denied Thursday that he made comments attributed to him saying the Patriots’ spying scandal earlier this season taints New England’s three Super Bowl titles.
As part of the latest episode of HBO’s “Inside The NFL,” reporter Peter King said “the league, the Patriots, everybody, they just want this Spygate thing to go away, but Wade Phillips this week told me something that I think a lot of coaches around the league and a lot of people around the league are still thinking, and that is, ‘Hey, New England was caught cheating, and it is a black mark on their success.’ ”
Phillips said he was not aware of King’s remarks until a reporter told him.
“No, I didn’t say that at all,” Phillips told The Dallas Morning News after the Cowboys’ Thursday practice. “I think they would have won no matter what. I don’t know. I have no idea if it even helped them. But they were a great football team, well-coached. I don’t see any way that they wouldn’t have won what they did.”
Whether this is true or not is a moot point by now. You know that over 100 copies of this interview have been distributed throughout the offices and locker rooms at One Patriot Place, Foxboro MA. I’m sure Belichick is all ready designing some elaborate plays that scream, “yeah, we’re all ready up by 21 points, but screw Wade Phillips and everyone else! How’s a tight end reverse sound right about now?”
In all seriousness, at this point maybe we should wonder if Belichick got caught with that videotape ON PURPOSE. This team is unified & dominating other teams in a way that would make Lombardi proud. Say what you want about Coach Bill, but he has always excelled at ways to get his players motivated. Thanks to CameraGate (and any other perceived acts of depravity), the Patriots have been getting constant bulletin board material from the national media, other coaches and football fans. Just what the Patriots love to hear - disrespect and doubts about what they’ve achieved.
Sunday night should be fun. Getcha popcorn ready.
Wade Phillips, Bill Belichick, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, bulletin board, poking the bear is usually not a good thing
Guy With Cart: “Bring Out Your Fantasy Football Dead!” (*bangs triangle*)
Team Owner: “Here’s another one.”
Guy With Cart: “Nine pence.”
Lee Evans: “I’m not dead!”
Guy With Cart: “What?”
Team Owner: “Nothing. Here’s your nine pence.”
Lee Evans: “I’m not dead!”
Guy With Cart: ” ‘Ere. He says he’s not dead!”
Team Owner: “Well, he sure had me fooled.”
Lee Evans: “I’m not! I can play coach!”
Guy With Cart: “He isn’t?”
Team Owner: “Three fantasy points in 5 weeks? He’s dead to me.”
Guy With Cart: “I can’t take him if he’s not REALLY dead.”
Team Owner: “Fine. How about this guy? He hasn’t done anything for weeks…”
Andre Johnson: “I don’t want to go on the cart!”
Team Owner: “Oh, don’t be such a wuss, you wuss.”
Guy With Cart: “I can’t take him either! It’s against regulations.”
Team Owner: “Oh, for the love of Britney Spear’s kitty. What about him?”
Anquan Boldin: “I feel fine! I’m 80% right now!”
Team Owner: “80% what, gelatin?! Get your ass on the field and get me some touchdowns, you simpering crybaby!!”
Guy With Cart: “Sorry. No can do.”
Team Owner: “Well, do us a favour - my team’s 1-4 and I’m playing against Tom Brady AND Ronnie Brown this week! I’d rather take a chance on Dominic Rhodes than start one of these gimps! Please, I’m begging you!”
Guy With Cart: “I can’t.”
Team Owner: “Well, can you hang around a couple of minutes? I’m sure one of these guys will pull a groin just standing here…”
Guy With Cart: “No, I’ve got to go to another team right away. They’ve lost three this week.”
2nd Team Owner: (yelling from across the road & holding a decaying Hines Ward in his arms): “HURRY THE F–K UP, WILL YOU! THIS GUY SMELLS TERRIBLE!!”
Team Owner: “YOU SHOULDN’T EVEN BE IN THE LEAGUE, YOU HACK!” (back to Guy With Cart) “Fine, so when’s your next round?”
Guy With Cart: “When the Waiver Wire runs - Wednesday, as usual.”
Team Owner: “Well that’s just great…”
Laurence Maroney: “I think I might actually start this week!”
Team Owner: “You and your ‘questionable’ injury status isn’t fooling anyone, you know! Look, isn’t there something you can do?”
Guy With Cart: “Sorry, I really can’t.”
All the injured players that have been killing your team start singing together:
“We feel happy!
We want to gloat!
We might play on Sunday!
But we probably won’t!”
Team Owner: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!”
(kills them all, throws them in the wagon)
Guy With Cart: “Right! See you on Wednesday.”
Team Owner: “Oh, and I’ll have more for you. You can count on it!”
(with sincere apologies to the surviving members of Monty Python, this year really has felt like the black plague…and while I’m apologizing, sorry for the lack of posts this week. Business trip. We’ll be back to our regular schedule next week)
Sports blog dedicated to following all things related to the National Football League, the best damn professional sports league in America.
Including (but not limited to):
Hot teams, Mediocre teams, Really bad teams, Players, Cheerleaders, Coaches, GM's, Owners, Controversies, Rumors, The playoff picture, The Super Bowl, (...did I mention Cheerleaders all ready?), Free agency, The draft, League history, The media, Game day observations, Tailgating
All that, and, uh….beer. Though not necessarily in that order. Oh, and cheerleaders, too. We like cheerleaders.
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