Talking NFL

One of the great things about ESPN’s website redesign is the video beta section, which includes segments from my favorite show PTI that can be embedded in a blog! So now I can throw Kornheiser and Wilbon onto my site whenever they talk NFL shop, like they did at length yesterday.

In this first clip, the boys discuss the Patriots 56-10 domination of the Bills:

For starters, nice lid Kornheiser. Did you get a free bowl of soup with that?

Second, with all due respect to Wilbon, and as much as I love my Patriots, there is one area that concerns me slightly: that’s their running game. Laurence Maroney had just 19 yards rushing in the 1st half, and appeared to leave with a leg injury. Kevin Faulk was also injured, leaving the team with just Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel in the backfield. Granted, with the way that offensive line is plowing defenses over, this guy could get 100 yards rushing for the Pats. Still, they’re looking a bit thin at RB right now. Could Corey Dillon’s agent get a call this week?

In this second clip, they discuss the Steelers faltering against the Jets:

Here, I completely agree with Wilbon. The Steelers aren’t in the same class as the Patriots, but that doesn’t mean they can’t beat the Patriots. It would take a perfect game on their part, and the Patriots would have to make a few mistakes, but they match up well against them. They had a subpar effort against the Jets (did anyone else see that Brady-like last minute drive engineered by Kellen Clemens?), but they’re still a good team. I think that December 9th game is going to be a great one.

One last note regarding the Patriots; I also checked out ESPN’s Around the Horn yesterday (not nearly as good as PTI, but occasionally entertaining), and just had to laugh at Bill Plascke’s little hissy fit rant about the Pats:

“The Patriots are the epitome of swagger.” Gee Bill, I didn’t realize swagger was a bad thing in football. I guess Bill must like watching the Dolphins - Lord knows they don’t have any swagger or arrogance right now.

“They’re no fun to watch anymore.” Really? Watching football played at the highest level possible isn’t fun? Watching Brady to Moss isn’t fun? Watching a swarming defense making big plays isn’t fun? Perhaps they should play down to the level of their opponents, Bill. Like the Steelers did Sunday. He does realize this is football we’re talking about, right?

No wonder L.A. doesn’t have a team…

ESPN, PTI, Around the Horn, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, I’m sure Belichick doesn’t like you either Plascke