Cleanup, sports department

Just a couple of my thoughts on some things I've seen lately...

Even though I have mentioned it already, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is not a person I'd send my kid to learn about football or anything else from. How to be an ass on national TV? Yup, he's the guy.

The Vikings quit on Brad Childress before the season started when he sent a convoy to go get 41 yr old Brett Fav-ruh off his tractor in Mississippi. And enough about how well Brett played last season. That season was an anomaly, statistically speaking. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself. The least amount of INTs he's ever thrown in a season before last year was 13, and that was 15 years ago. Fav-ruh got 'Chilly' a contract extension and then played the role of the 'Aw, shucks' country bumpkin, probably had that whole locker room turn on the coach and next thing you know, Favre is running the offense. I'm not saying Childress didn't deserve to get canned, but how 'bout a little something, Favre, ya know, for the effort? Favre saying in the press conference after last Sunday's loss to the Packers that he'd have to 're-evaluate' his status with the team screams of selfishness.

Bernard Hopkins came out and said Manny Pacquiao wouldn't fight a Black fighter because a Black fighter wouldn't fight him the way a latin fighter would. Huh? Let's see if I have this straight-Floyd Mayweather has been ducking PacMan for the better part of 3 years, and now it's Manny who won't fight an African American fighter? From the link:
Pacquiao fought and defeated Joshua Clottey of Ghana earlier this year, but Hopkins discounted that win, saying "Clottey is 'black,' but not a 'black boxer' from the states with a slick style."
I'm calling Hopkins out as a idiot, a bigot and a racist. More importantly, hasn't anyone shown Hopkins 'School Daze'? Does the Latin community have the same issues that the black community does? You know, the haters? The self-loathers? I've heard it before, the notion that someone isn't 'Black enough', what the hell does that mean? Is someone not 'Hispanic enough'? I'm not kidding, I'm serious here. None of my white friends have told me I'm not 'White enough', and how could I get more White? Hang out at the mall more? Only drive a Chevy? Make sure I only hang out with guys named Trevor, Trent, Kyle or Chaz? This is the crap that drives me bonkers. It's like with women I've dated, they can't or won't get out of their own way. Here, in Hopkins comments and attitude, is what keeps a group of people shackled to their own misguided predispositions. If Hopkins thinks that African-Americans or Blacks rule boxing, I say congratulations, and let me know how the smaller purses for prize fights are looking in comparison to the PPV rates of MMA? Stupidity only allows yourself to be sheltered from the knowledge that may potentially exist beyond the walls of your own boundaries...knucklehead.

If Colorado University is serious about its next head coach, it better bring in some alumni to help, and make a real run at someone. Not some hotshot like USC/Tennessee did with Lane Kiffin. Don't go after Mike Leach, either-there is too much drama around him. I say interview the O-Coordinator from Auburn, Gus Malzahn, or try and pilfer someone from Oregon's staff. Chip Kelly has cleaned up that program in the last few months, and they're the #1 team in the country. Please, no one from the boring 3 yards and a cloud of dust Big Ten/11/whatever they're called. And I swear, if anyone mentions Michigan D-Coordinator Greg Robinson I might hurt someone. Ask the people in Syracuse how awful he was. That program is finally wiping away the stink that guy left in the Carrier Dome (damn right I'm bitter-that guy sucked).

Vince Young quits on his team, says he quit on the coach (in front of the team), storms out of the locker room, says he's competitive via Twitter, then attempts to apologize to said coach via text. Look, I know I'm fighting a losing battle when I state that I think communication only by text is beyond weak sauce, that "that's how we communicate in today's world(think whiny voice)" (bull), but man up already. The simple fact that the Titans owner, Bud Adams, thinks Young is worth a damn cracks me up. If Adams chooses Young over coach Jeff Fisher he will be sadly, pathetically mistaken. Fisher is a football coach, not a kindergarten teacher. Young is childish and thinks that he can out-athlete the NFL. Ain't happening. Find the most successful QBs in the league, and I bet you most are in the practice facility well before 9 AM and well after 5 PM. Want to know why? Because that is what it takes to be a stud in the league, a privilege that only 32 men get to be called a starting QB every Sunday (or Monday, Thursday or soon to be Saturday-Christ, NFL, enough already, you're messing with my weekends). Mr. Adams, you want to move your team to the next level, show Young the door, stand by the coach and move along with making your product successful. Young has no one in that locker room anymore, who would support a guy who quit on them, publicly, no less? Point proven, right?

Why during last Sunday's game between Arizona and Kansas City were the Cardinals calling timeouts down 31-3 with a minute to go? Is there some magical 28 pt TD I don't know about, like a manhole cover in the endzone? This ain't Mario Bros. folks, let the game end already.

Buh-bye, Cincy coach Marvin Lewis. I'm sure you're a heck of a guy and a hell of a dancer, but you never seemed to stand up for yourself or what was best for your team and say "We're all full of crazy here, try next door" to your Owner/GM. That guy bought you some crappy groceries and expected a 5-star meal. It was never going to happen. Please, Bengals GM Mike Brown, fire yourself when you fire Marvin, it's the only humane thing to do to the people of Cincinnati, they've suffered enough. Yeah, I'd whip that team into shape in 3 weeks, the trimming of that roster would be written about in sports journals.

So I posted this on my facebook account a few days ago, regarding NHL dumbass Colin Campbell and some lovely emails he sent around talking about officials and current Bruins C Marc Savard. Kevin Paul Dupont has it right-Campbell should be shown the door. One of the things I miss about Boston is the Sunday Globe sports section. Those folks can write.

Good luck in life, Tre' Newton. And good for you, Texas coach Mack Brown, for not talking this kid into making his life expectancy much, much shorter.

I leave you with this-Denver should've tried to trade for Blake Griffin...GAWDAMN!:


Have a good week!

My Turkey Birthday-90% good

So why 90% good and not 100% great? Easy, HotDog Neck and the Stank Dog. Oh, and so-called friends deciding to tell me what is wrong with me.

I have to ask, to my friends, do I have 'Save Me' written on my head or any of the backs of my shirts? The reason I ask is because of what happened on the night before Thanksgiving on my way home. A neighbor/soon-to-be-former-friend picked me up and wanted to take me out for a few beers, and I obliged. I broke one of my own rules, pretty much the 1st rule I have, about going out. I hate not driving myself. That way if I don't feel like hanging out I can just leave. Instead, I let this guy pick me up, hell, we were going to the same bar.
What happened next was hilarious. I got to watch a married man hit on the beer promo girls. Nothing more sad to me than to watch a married guy with 4 kids try to see if he still has 'it', then talk shit that if he were single he'd have mad game in the made game. Not likely. I wish it would cross this guy's head that maybe the young ladies were indulging an old guy. I was amused by the woman who decided to try and talk up my old ass. I don't know what it is, I don't care how hot a woman is physically, if she's got no brain, no sense and stank breath, then she can be gone. And that was that.
When it was time to leave, I was ear-raped on the way home. I don't know what else you'd call it. I was told to 'put my hands down'....uh, my hands were in my lap. What this guy was telling me was to quit being so combative with the world. Funny, I didn't see myself that way. I'm not stating that I'm not combative. But I thought it was okay to stand up for what I think the right thing is, morally, ethically, spiritually, etc. It was kinda creepy, because his segway was to ask me to think about going to church with him and his family. Now I felt like my soul was being raped. Look, I'm not mocking rape or sexual assault, it felt very ABC-After-School-Special, like the way they'd play it out. Or like Jodie Foster in 'The Accused'. Mind you, this is only after like 5 or 6 beers, so this isn't a drunken rant. I don't appreciate being told that someone feels they're a messenger of Christ, it creeps me out. I'm happy that he feels 'saved', but I don't feel like I need saving, certainly not spiritually. Do I think I could be a better person? Of course! What person doesn't think he or she couldn't strive to be a better human being? Well, I felt it best to just let this guy ramble on than to fight it. Finally pulled up into my cul-de-sac and went into my house, and then more fun.

HDN's Stank Dog decided to find the treats that he left out (seriously, I don't own a dog, but it can't be a smart idea to leave treats on a coffee table to let a dog get at them, can it?) and go hog wild. I should preface this whole thing with this-the Stank Dog ain't allowed on my furniture, mostly because he smells and is not well maintained. Well, the dog decided to bury the treats that he found in my couch. And slobbered all over my couch. And tore up the paperwork I left on my couch. I was not happy, and it was merely 11:30, so technically not even my birthday yet. You may think the dog thing is not that big of a deal, but let me stress, it ain't my dog, and the dog pawed enough at my couch while burying treats that he ripped it a little bit. And I'm under the impression that the owner is responsible for the dog. You tell me, if you have a pet and roommates, and your pet does something to your roomies possession, who is responsible? I'm asking, for real.
HDN came home and said, 'whoops'. Whoops? My couch is sorta trashed, and all you got is 'Whoops'? No, "I'll take care of it" or "I'm so sorry"? It may not seem like that big of a deal, but when you read the rest of this post, you'll think I'm the fool who allows himself to be taken advantage of....and I am.
So I stayed up a little while trying to process this whole thing. And I was so ticked that I couldn't fall asleep until much later. And woke up grumpier than normal.

My Thanksgiving was great. I walked into my buddy Dan-O's to a warm greeting and his 2 year old wishing me a happy birthday. Food was damn good and I got a pie with candles in it. I'm happy a little kid got to help me blow out the candles (don't worry, there were only 7 candles, 1 for every 5 years. 35 candles would've caused me to hyperventilate). Had a blast eating, watching football, finding out how bad my voice is singing Rock Band and laughing. And then, it happened.....

HDN called me and asked if I would watch the Stank Dog while he whisks himself off to Vegas for a few days. "Are you serious?" was my only response. He said the dog was sorry. I don't blame the dog, I blame the blockheaded owner. I was so stunned I think I said 'whatever'. But could also tell he was already in a car driving away.

I guess what it boils down to is this-my living situation sucks. I need to get a job, any job, to move away from the crazy. I'm starting to hate the roommate, and he means well, but he's a selfish oaf. A very bad mix, to say the least. I need to do something, plain and simple.

I don't want to brush over how good of a time I had during most of the day on Thanksgiving. I truly did. But in this case, the bad didn't outweigh the good, but I could've done without it.

At least when I woke up Thursday morning I could kinda hear Pops say hi to me.

The rest of the Week 12 fantasy picks

This will be quick, not really going to explain anything, just all gut calls for this week.

Green Bay @ Atlanta: James Jones (WR), Green Bay-that’s right, I’m calling it 2 weeks in a row.

Pittsburgh @ Buffalo: Heath Miller (TE), Pittsburgh-the Bills don’t cover the TE.

Carolina @ Cleveland: Evan Moore (TE), Cleveland-just because.

Tennessee @ Houston: Kevin Walter (WR), Houston-Tennessee will roll coverage towards Andre Johnson. Simple as that, Walter will be open.

Jacksonville @ NY Giants: Brandon Jacobs (RB), NY Giants-Jacobs has been named the starter, let’s see if he can handle the job he used to have.

Minnesota @ Washington: Santana Moss (WR), Washington-you saw what Greg Jennings did last Sunday, didn’t you?

Miami @ Oakland: Michael Bush (RB), Oakland-the Raiders will run the ball, and the guy that runs best between the tackles for them shines.

Kansas City @ Seattle: Jamaal Charles (RB), Kansas City-Seattle is decent vs. the run, but better against those guys that run well between the tackles. That job belongs to Thomas Jones on this Chiefs team, so Charles busts a long sweep.

Tampa Bay @ Baltimore: Mike Williams (WR), Tampa Bay-he gets one TD on a long ball.

Philadelphia @ Chicago: Johnny Knox (WR), Chicago-Philly could be minus their starting CBs. ‘Nuff said.

St. Louis @ Denver: Steven Jackson (RB), St. Louis-he’ll catch 5 balls, have a solid rushing day, too.

San Diego @ Indianapolis: Vincent Jackson (WR), San Diego-because he is back from his suspension, and Indy will be shocked how in shape he is.

San Francisco @ Arizona: LaRod Stephens-Howling (RB), Arizona-because LaRod sounds like a bad porn name. Right?

Week 12 picks, continued

Minnesota @ Washington (Pick ‘Em): So where to turn? The Vikings and their new head coach? The Redskins and Donovan McNabb finally finding the ability to run a 2-Minute drill? Brett Favre and the chance that he chucks a hat trick of INTs (again)? When in doubt, I’m looking at the home team and the team that has had (slightly) less drama. Washington.

Pittsburgh (-6 ½) @ Buffalo: I expect this game to be close for most of the way, but in the end, Pittsburgh is not effected by the cold, and will have better footing in Buffalo than they would at home. Doesn’t mean Buffalo can’t score, as they should be able to thru the air, but not enough. Pittsburgh.

Jacksonville @ NY Giants (-7): Jacksonville has 6 wins, and I’m going to need someone to tell me how that has happened. The Giants are hurting. On the O-Line, and at WR. And now they have decided to switch the starting RB, going from Bradshaw to Jacobs. Either team could lay down in this game and I wouldn’t be shocked. The Giants might win, but they don’t cover. Jacksonville.

Cleveland (-9 ½) @ Carolina: Part of me thinks this line is too high. But has Carolina showed anything that would make you even want to watch them? If you lived in Charlotte wouldn’t you have plans when the Panthers game is on? Cleveland is coming back to respectability, finally. It makes me happy for the people of Cleveland, and yes, I like that city. I have no idea why. Damn you Bernie Kosar. Cleveland.

Tampa Bay @ Baltimore (-7): Say it with me, Baltimore is beatable. At home. The defense everyone is afraid of is over-rated. They can be run on and thrown at. Tampa Bay is one of those teams that a lot of folks are sleeping on. This could be one of the best games of Sunday. Tampa Bay.

Tennessee @ Houston (-6 ½): Tennessee is hurting on the D-Line and will be starting their 3^rd string QB, someone named Rusty Smith. Houston, while they can’t cover anyone, might be able to get some pressure on Smith and should be able to generate some offense at home. Houston.

Philadelphia (-3) @ Chicago: Philly will be without both of their starting CBs, so this might become a decent matchup for Bears QB Jay Cutler. But Cutler has been decent of late, so it’s about time he throws up a stinker for everyone to wonder what happened. While Da Bears have managed to shut down a lot of teams with their defense, I don’t think they can contain Eagles QB Michael Vick, or the long passing game. Philadelphia.

Green Bay @ Atlanta (-1 ½): Game of the week, right? Green Bay is on fire and can put up points, on the road, and in a dome. The last 2 games the Packers have played have got the opposing coach fired. That won’t happen in this game. Atlanta is 18-1 at home with QB Matt Ryan under center. Green Bay does well against the pass and only okay vs. the run. Atlanta gives up points at home. Green Bay.

Kansas City (-2 ½) @ Seattle: If this game were in Kansas City, the spread would be higher and no one would be as concerned. You nor I have any idea which Seahawks team will show up. They’re a bit inconsistent and should be without #1 WR Mike Williams. KC might be getting back KR/PR/RB/WR Dexter McCluster. Kansas City.

St. Louis @ Denver (-3 ½): St. Louis has been a decent team, and has a star in the making in QB Sam Bradford. Isn’t it nice to see a #1 overall pick get praised for his play instead of being cut or quitting on his team (Yeah, I’m staring at you, JaMarcus Russell, and you, Vince Young)? Denver returns home after getting shellacked at San Diego on Monday night. Monday night seems like forever ago, doesn’t it? Hopefully the Broncos forgot how they forgot to cover screen passes. Unfortunately St. Louis has a RB in Steven Jackson who has great hands and can definitely catch the ball. He better, my gut tells me the Broncos get out to an early lead. Denver.

Miami @ Oakland (-3 ½): Miami will be starting Chad Henne. However, the Dolphins O-Line-while it has had some time to gel-is still starting some mismatched pieces. Oakland will welcome back QB-puncher Richard Seymour after his early exit in Pittsburgh last week. He should be ready to bring his A-game after that poor showing, getting his D-Line mates fired up alongside him in the process. Miami should be without WR Brandon Marshall as well, and Oakland should be looking to get their running game back on track. Muddy field could be in play as rain is predicted. Cold and rainy, not like Miami. Oakland.

San Diego @ Indianapolis (-3): I know, you’re not supposed to bet against Peyton Manning on the national TV stage. But he’s working with a backup TE, his #2 WR-Pierre Garcon-has a serious case of the dropsies, his next best WR-Austin Collie-should be shut down after having 2 concussions, and has no running game to really speak of. San Diego has started their mid-season rise after sleeping thru most of September and half of October. Ah, such is life for the Chargers. After watching Manning throw 3 INTs last week @ New England, plus knowing that for some reason San Diego always plays the Colts tough, I’m inclined to go against the conventional knowledge. And San Diego can run the ball, which the Colts don’t seem to be able to stop. San Diego.

San Francisco (-1) @ Arizona: This is one ugly Monday night matchup. I have no idea who will be watching this game, other me and the other fantasy football geeks. SF has two crappy QBs, and to think they could have kept Shaun Hill around or tried to get Jon Kitna, both better than what they have. I’m thinking the Governor of Arizona might want to recognize former QB Kurt Warner with his own holiday, man did that guy cover up a lot of bad things. San Francisco.

Who else ya got? Big East edition.

West Virginia @ Pitt: Pitt's too good at home, but watch for crappy footing if this game is at Heinz Field, which I think it is. Pitt.

Cincinnati @ UConn: Uconn is about to run all over some Bearcats. UConn.

Boston College @ Syracuse: My boys are bowl eligible, yet have lost their last 2 home games. Here's hoping everyone is back on campus to urge this young team on. C'mon, a chance to tack on an 8th win for a team that hasn't been to a bowl in 6 years? Show up! 'Cuse (like I was rooting for anyone else?).

South Florida @ Miami: The 'Canes, just in case there are any of the old guard hanging around on the sideline. Miami.

Who ya got? part 4

Boise State @ Nevada: I hope Boise State scores 50 points, shuts up the 'big schools' and somehow gets to be #3 in the BCS. I want them to win the national title, or better yet, maybe they run the table and are on the outside looking in, then we can have a congressional committee disband the NCAA due to 'restriction of commerce' or some other crap. I'll miss this game not being on the Smurf Turf, but I'll survive. Boise State.

Who ya got? part 3

Arizona @ Oregon: Let's see if Arizona tries to slow down Oregon the same way Cal did a couple weeks ago, by having players fake an injury. I don't agree with the stall tactic, but if the refs won't throw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct, or are powerless to do so, then I think you'll see more of that type of move. Oregon plays fast-break football. But the Ducks are at home, and you know those crazy college kids are still around, no way they miss this game. Oregon.

Who ya got? part 2

Colorado @ Nebraska: I should have stated that if Dan Hawkins was the coach for the whole season, then CU would only win 3-4 games. Now they have 2 wins with an interim coach. I don't like CU. Never have, probably never will. However, after watching the wrong 5 minutes of Nebraska last week, I can't in good conscience root for the 'Huskers. Did you not see coach Bo Pelini losing his ever-lovin' mind? He was chewing out his injured star QB and somewhere along the line got his team a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike production.
I'm wondering if there was a recruit sitting at home watching that who then turned to his parents and said, "Cross Lincoln off the list", aren't you? Pelini reminds me of a guy who hopes you haven't seen him on TV, playing up the polite guy angle and that he cares about your kid, and then turns into a monster the moment Jr. steps foot on campus.
Look, I'm all for yelling, as it does have its purpose in life, but what I saw, and then this lame apology, prove to me that this guy can't possibly represent the best of the state of Nebraska, not where Tom Osborne was the coach and is now the AD.
While CU will probably have its own coaching search to conduct (maybe after this game), part of me would like to see them win and become bowl eligible. That would make for a pretty nice story, and I'd read that one. Upset time! Can I get the points? Colorado.

Who ya got? part 1

Auburn @ Alabama: in the game known as the Iron Bowl, I'm taking Auburn. Heck, I hope Auburn QB rolls into the game in a limo to prove how stupid the NCAA is using the FBI to investigate the kid. Maybe he got paid, maybe he didn't. But dear NCAA-how do you justify keeping all that money that rolls in from ticket and merchandising sales? Before you freak out, I just read that both Texas and Ohio State have athletic department budgets of over $100 Million.
As for the game, as much as I don't care, I think Newton steals the show. Auburn.

Week 12 picks, the Gobbler edition!

Last Week: 9-7 (finally, a week above .500!!)

Season: 76-84

New England (-7) @ Detroit: The Over/Under on this game is 50 ½, way too low. Detroit can score, however after a short week for both teams, I’m going with being a homer on this one. New England. BONUS FANTASY PICK-Nate Burleson (WR), Detroit.

New Orleans (-4) @ Dallas: Alright everyone, calm down on trying to get back on the Dallas bandwagon. They can still be thrown at, something New Orleans does quite well. New Orleans is surprisingly stout against the run on D. Jerry world gets lit up. New Orleans. BONUS FANTASY PICK-Jimmy Graham (TE), New Orleans.

Cincinnati @ New York Jets (-9): These teams have a recent history, playing each other back-to-back weeks last year, the Jets winning a combined 61-14. If anything has changed, it’s that the Jets are better than they were last year-at least on offense- and Cincinnati is a shell of its former self from last year’s division winning squad. At least you can be entertained by the Owens/Revis matchup. NY Jets. BONUS FANTASY PICK-Dustin Keller (TE), NY Jets.

And remember to overeat!

What I got...

With Thanksgiving-the bestest holiday ever-coming in the less than 48 hours, I thought I'd share what I'm thankful for. Without much fanfare, onto the list.

I'm Thankful For-

My Health-I'm talking about my physical and spiritual well-being. Make no mistake, those are both intact. My mental approach is a day to day thing that ebbs and flows. But I'm thankful that if I have any medical issues, they are minimal, because I don't know about them.

My Sanity-quit laughing. Thru all of this turmoil, aggravation, trials and baloney, I've kept my wits about me. I wish I could been nicer sometimes, but sometimes people get what they have coming to them. I've had my moments of freaking out, but overall, I'm quite happy I'm still able to think.

My Resolve-call it stupidity, call it fortitude, I ain't quittin' anytime soon.

My Integrity-I've yet to break it, and I'm thinking it's one of the things ya like about me.

My 'Balls & Beliefs'-so very lucky to have my upbringing, my morals and my values. I know it pisses some folks off that I keep stickin' to my guns, but what other options do I have? I'm not changing, I like me, doesn't matter much if you do or not.

My Mom-the lady is as sweet as they come, not a nicer woman on the planet. Not to me, at least.

My Friends-I wouldn't be standing upright right about now if it weren't for them. I love all of you for propping me up when I needed it, telling me what's what when I didn't want to hear it, and letting me spout off about some nonsense whenever I needed to. While I don't think my family can handle most of my goofy behavior, my friends, you know who you are, have been awesome, and I wouldn't trade any of you for anything. I might not be rich in money, but I for damn sure am rich in true friends.

Happy Turkey Day to all, take a moment to reflect what you can be thankful for, you'll probably surprise yourself.

The rest of the Week 11 picks for fantasy football

Baltimore @ Carolina: Todd Heap (TE), Baltimore-gut call, thinking he catches a TD.

Buffalo @ Cincinnati: Jermaine Gresham (TE), Cincinnati-because Buffalo gives up scores to the TE, and because Jermaine won’t bitch if he doesn’t get the ball…like some other guys on that team.

Detroit @ Dallas: Felix Jones (RB), Dallas-while Felix busted a screen pass 75 yards, I think new head coach Jason Garrett has listened to owner Jerry Jones and is trying to get the ball into the hands of the weapon Jerry wants to see out there on the field.

Cleveland @ Jacksonville: Ben Watson (TE), Cleveland-say it with me, in case you haven’t heard or read me state it before; “Jacksonville can’t cover anyone”.

Arizona @ Kansas City: Dwayne Bowe (WR), Kansas City-Mike Williams of Seattle just torched the Cardinals smallish corners for 10 catches and 143 yards. Bowe is the same type of receiver.

Green Bay @ Minnesota: James Jones (WR), Green Bay-Only recently has Minnesota developed anything resembling a pass rush. Aaron Rodgers will have time to find his receivers, and Jones will be getting a lot of snaps in place of injured WR Donald Driver. Jones will shine.

Houston @ NY Jets: Santonio Holmes (WR), NY Jets-Houston is horrible on defense, and the last few times I’ve seen them, they get beat deep. Hello, Holmes.

Oakland @ Pittsburgh: Zach Miller (TE), Oakland-Pittsburgh hasn’t covered the TE well, and New England completed 3 TD passes to the TE last Sunday. The play action passing game of the Raiders will get the ball to Miller, just like it did a couple of weeks ago in Denver.

Washington @ Tennessee: Randy Moss (WR), Tennessee-You saw Philly chucking it all over the field last Monday night, right? The deep passes? Time for Tennessee to see if the shiny new toy works.

Seattle @ New Orleans: Jimmy Graham (TE), New Orleans-Jeremy Shockey is out, Graham is a former college basketball player. This has worked before with QB Drew Brees (see-Gates, Antonio).

Tampa Bay @ San Francisco: Arrelious Benn (WR), Tampa Bay-Mike Williams was busted for DUI after blowing a .061, under the legal limit, but out at 3 AM weaving in and out of traffic, nothing good going on there. Insert Benn, who has caught a TD the last 2 weeks.

Atlanta @ St. Louis: Tony Gonzalez (TE), Atlanta-Just a hunch, and that’s all I got.

Indianapolis @ New England: Brandon Tate (WR), New England-Tate gets deep to beat the Colts Tampa 2 coverage after Brady beats a blitz. New England has to take 2 shots downfield a half to keep defenses honest, and Tate is a great deep threat.

NY Giants @ Philadelphia: Jason Avant (WR), Philadelphia-I don’t know why, it just seems to make sense here.

Denver @ San Diego: Mike Tolbert (RB), San Diego-With Ryan Mathews out, and Denver not being able to really stop the run, Tolbert gets 20 touches.