1st Down - NFC Review

NFC East
1. Dallas (3-3) - The Boys are truly the best team in the NFC on paper. Too bad all of the wheels fell off the bus at the same time. Adam Jones is joining Amy Whinehouse in rehab, not to mention the other half of the secondary is hurt, and Romo. The addition of Roy Williams (instead of say...Bolden) was puzzling and they gave up the house. Williams better start catching some balls or he will be unemployed.
2. Philadelphia (4-3) - Is it me, or has McNabb peaked for the year already? The absence of Westbrook really hurts the ground game. The good thing is that their are 2 WRs coming back, along with Westbrook in this tough division.
3. Washington (5-2) - Not the prettiest 5-2 team, especially considering they lost to the hapless Rams. This team still seems to be overachieving from last year. Good team, but we will see how long they can ride the Portis train to victory.
4. New York Giants (5-1) - Who says you can't be good after winning the Super Bowl? Well, the jury is still out. This is the same NY team that started 6-2 the last 2 years. Will the real Eli Manning please stand up?

NFC South
1. New Orleans (3-4) - The only way this team wins the division is if they spread out 5 guys and throw it 50 times a game. With Bush hurt, this might not be a bad idea. Wouldn't it be cool if they were the only pro team running the spread next year? They have the WR power. PS - This defense is atrocious.
2. Carolina (5-2) - Solid run game, great WR, good QB, decent defense. Yep sounds like a playoff team to me.
3. Atlanta (4-2) - Surprise of the year. Nobody picked them to do THIS good. I still wouldn't be surprised if they end up .500. But that running game along with Ryan to the Roddy Express, this team is 2 good years away. Maybe they can bring Vick back as a KR or CB.
4. Tampa Bay (5-2) - I just don't like this offense. Their defense is scary and is getting better with age. They retooled the LB/DB core with some savvy veterans still leading the way. I just dont see this team doing better than last year. Hats off to Warrick Dunn for still playing like he has for the last 5 years.
NFC West

1. Seattle (1-5) - I didn't even have to update this section, it reads the same: It's not that the Seahawks are that good, but more of saying that this could be the weakest division in football. Seattle may struggle early with a number of receivers out, but it should be better after the return of Branch and Engram that should lead them to their 6th consecutive conference title.
2. St. Louis (2-4) - The Haslett era is in full swing. Consider that an admiration after the bye week. The high is surely to wear off against the Pats this week.
3. Arizona (4-2) - This team will go as far as Kurt Warner can lead them. Keeping Kurt upright and on the field has always been his kryptonite. With a lot of division games coming up, this team could write its own ship by week 10.
4. San Francisco (2-5) - New Head Coach, same offensive coordinator. When will people realize that Mike Martz is as much poison as potent? Sure he increases your ppg by about 6, but he is a pour evaluator of talent. This team will be ok as long as he doesn't get to shop for the groceries.

NFC North
1. Green Bay (4-3) - Aaron Rodgers took a page out of the Brett Favre page and played through a significant injury. I just hope we don't hear about poor Aaron addicted to pain killers like a certain QB before him.
2. Minnesota (3-4) - The Jared Allen experiment is not working. Well, its not all his fault but you have to blame it on somebody. Allen was supposed to be the glue this defense needed, but the Vikes let up 48pts to the Bears with Kyle Orton at QB.
3. Detroit (0-6) - At least Matt Millen is gone.
4. Chicago (4-3) - Who knew that the Bears would be a potent offense? Forte sure, Hester, OK, but Orton for Most Improved Player? Who'd thunk it?

Playoffs
Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle, New Orleans, WC - Philadelphia, Minnesota

Some pictures need zero explanation

He must have made fun of her name. Poor baby.

Delay the Reports: Bonds Conspiracy

Union says teams acted in concert against Bonds
By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer Oct 16, 9:16 pm EDT


In this Sept. 15, 2007, file p…
AP - Oct 16, 9:07 pm EDT
MLB Gallery
NEW YORK (AP)—The baseball players’ union says it has found evidence teams acted in concert against signing Barry Bonds but it reached an agreement with the commissioner’s office to delay the filing of any grievance.

The union expressed concern in May about the lack of offers to the home run king. Filing a grievance would trigger proceedings before arbitrator Shyam Das.

Union general counsel Michael Weiner confirmed the deal with Major League Baseball, which was first reported by murraychass.com.

“There were numerous things that occurred that made me believe that the clubs were acting in concert,” Bonds’ agent, Jeff Borris, said Thursday. “When I testify as a witness in the case, I will delineate each and every one of them.”

Bonds was indicted last Nov. 15 on charges related to 2003 grand jury testimony during which he denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs. No team signed Bonds when he became a free agent after the 2007 season.

“We have the agreement about the timing of a potential grievance,” Weiner said. “Our investigation revealed a violation of the Basic Agreement. It’s a violation of the Basic Agreement related to Barry Bonds and free agency.”

Weiner said the section that had been violated was Article XX (e) of the collective bargaining agreement, which states, in part: “Players shall not act in concert with other players and clubs shall not act in concert with other clubs.” Weiner would not say how long the agreement runs to allow the union to file a grievance.

Baseball attorneys repeatedly have denied that teams acted in concert against Bonds. Management lawyer Dan Halem said Thursday that MLB would have no additional comment.

Bonds pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of making false declarations to a federal grand jury and one count of obstruction of justice, and his trial is scheduled to start March 2. Any grievance is likely to follow the trial.

“The timing of the filing of the case is between the players’ union and the commissioner’s office,” Borris said.

After spending a lot of time during the first half of 2008 trying to get Bonds signed, Borris has stopped his efforts.

“I am convinced based on MLB’s actions in 2008 that they will never let him wear a major league uniform ever again,” he said.

The players’ association won three collusion grievances in which owners were found to have conspired against free agents following the 1985, 1986 and 1987 seasons. Management agreed in 1990 to settle those cases for $280 million and also agreed to a provision that future collusion would be subject to triple damages.

NCAA Basketball 09

Who cares that I am biased to college versions of games. I am not a Madden head, but I can hold my own. But NCAA, you can get it.

1st Down - AFC Review

Wow was I wrong on some parts. Let's review after the first quarter of the season.


AFC East
1. New England (3-2) - Ok, who knew Tom Brady would only play for 8 seconds this season? Not only that, but the defense is aging faster than Amy Winehouse. Things looked somewhat promising after the bye, but this secondary looks atrocious. Cassell better find Moss or this team is looking at .500.
2. Buffalo (4-1) - This team has looked good, but the wins were vs bad teams like the Seahawks, Rams, and Raiders, with one quality win vs Jax'ville. This team was embarrassed by the Cardinals, have injuries to special teams and their QB. They need to heal fast or risk running away from the division.
3. New York Jets (3-2) - The Jets are a team without an identity but have a good chance to steal some games soon. With the Chiefs, Rams, Raiders coming up, this team could really find a groove before facing more division foes.
4. Miami (2-3) - Ronnie Brown for Comeback Player of the Year. Most people forgot that he was the leading rusher (and fantasy person) last year before his injury. Sure he wasnt hanging 5tds on the Pats, but he was getting it done. Surprisingly, this defense is playing lights out after letting go of Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas.


AFC South
1. Indianapolis (3-2) - After escaping the preseason, the Colts came out of the bye week slow and then pulled out the miracle at Houston, only to demolish the Ravens. The schedule heats up, but the team appears to be getting healthy at the right time.
2. Jacksonville (3-3) - Another team that is getting better as the games go along, but still very much hitting their stride. With a bye, and some warm up games vs Cincy, Clev, and Detroit, circle your calendars for a clash with the Titans in Week 11.
3. Houston (1-4) - Houston has buried themselves in the toughest division in football. 0-3 in the division means you are out of it. Not all is lost, this team could regroup to make that 8-8 range and build on Schaub, Slaton, and Johnson (sounds like a law firm).
4. Tennessee (5-0) - No one exactly saw this team as undefeated right? I see them finishing in the 11/12 win range with a return from Vince Young. They haven't exactly played the cream of the crop but this defense is tenacioius, temultuous, nasty, and smells a lot like Baltimore 2000.


AFC West
1. San Diego (3-3) - This team is one Hockele away from being 5-1. Two last second let downs changes the landscape of the West. However, this team is learning to win through the air and not depend on LT.
2a. Oakland (1-4) - My prediction was made during the Lane Kiffin era. Enough said.
2b. Denver (4-2) - This team has turned into the Colts of 04, high-flying offense, good young qb, and absolutely zero defense. Still has the potential to have the highest record without making the playoffs.
4. Kansas City (1-4) - Rebuilding. Rebuilding. Rebuilding. A win versus the Raiders and potential sweep of Broncos would be their super bowl.


AFC North
1. Pittsburgh (4-1) - This is the best team in a bad division. They just find a way to win. The system has been in place and keeps going. Things should get interesting if Fast Willie comes back for the home stretch.
2. Cleveland (2-3) - It's true. Their offense has life. Was KWinslow holding them back? Or did they catch the Giants napping? A lot of tough games in a row to test them...Wash, Jax, Baltimore, Den, Buff and then it gets tough with Colts and Titans back to back.
3. Baltimore (2-3) - You ever hear that you can't win with a rookie QB? That is true for this team and the defense knows it. At best, this guy is Trent Dilfer's backup.
4. Cincinnati (0-6) - firemarvinlewis.com is still as a domain name. Any takers?

Playoffs
San Diego, New England, Indy, Pittsburgh, WC - Jacksonville, Buffalo

Who Says the Economy is Bad?

Halloween belongs to Jigsaw

Your Guide to Trick or Treating

Two big problems this year:
1. If your neighborhood looks like this, chances are no one will be passing out candy.
2. On the flip side, people might have to fill up their gas tank instead of buying candy.

There is going to be a ginormous candy sale the first weekend in November from all the left over candy.

Electronic Voting - By Homer Simpson

Vote for the Guy with One House

(CNN) -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain is just holding on like a boxer before he gets knocked out, comedian Chris Rock says.

Comedian Chris Rock told Larry King he's proud of Barack Obama's character.

Rock, an avid supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, spoke with CNN's Larry King on Thursday. He said Obama is more grounded with your average American -- not somebody like McCain with "12 houses."

"The other guy [McCain] can lose five houses," Rock said.

"I'll go with the guy with one house. The guy with one house is scared about losing his house." Watch Chris Rock describe a beaten up McCain »

King began the interview by asking Rock about Thursday's economic bailout talks when Obama and McCain went to the White House for discussions with the nation's top leaders.

KING: Obama and McCain at opposite ends of the table. What do you make of it?

ROCK: What do I make of it? If this was a boxing match, McCain would be holding.

KING: Holding on?

ROCK: Yes. It's like he got hit really hard in the stomach like, 'OK. I can't let him go. He's going to knock me out.' So that's what appears to be going on right now. Just a hold.

KING: Has the financial crisis affected you?

ROCK: Larry, I drove a cab over here tonight. When it's over, I'm going to try to pick up some more fares. I'm losing everything, Larry.

KING: Really downtrodden?

ROCK: Yes, it's real bad.

KING: Have HBO paid you already?

ROCK: They have paid me, but the money is worthless now. Haven't you heard? Your money's worth nothing.

KING: You must be ... proud that at this stage in our history a black man is running for president on a major ticket.

ROCK: Um, you know what? I'm proud Barack Obama's running for president. You know? If it was Flavor Flav, would I be proud? No. I don't support Barack Obama because he's black.

KING: I said just as a proud feeling. That's normal.

ROCK: There's a proud feeling because of the character of the man. You know, I was -- I supported John Kerry and, you know -- and what's my man? Al Gore.

KING: Al Gore.

ROCK: But this guy seems to be a little bit more. He seems to have watched other peoples' mistakes and, you know, seems to have a little bit more going on.

KING: From a comedic stand point, who is funnier, McCain or Obama? Seriously. Is Obama not -- it's hard to be funny about Obama?

ROCK: No, no. It's weird. People ask me that all the time. ... McCain jokes are just easy jokes, like I don't want a president with a bucket list. That's like a McCain joke. Those jokes are easy. It's like you basically, you know, you know, take the dust off your Reagan jokes and tell them again. You know?

But Obama, oh, this is a whole new set of jokes. I got to find a whole new move to the basket here. So I kind of hope he wins.

KING: Didn't you introduce Obama at a rally?

ROCK: I introduced Obama at the Apollo Theater not too long ago. I think Obama would be great. I mean, just look the big thing right now is the economy. And people are going broke. And here: The choice isn't Republican or Democrat. The choice is you got a guy that's worth $150 million with 12 houses against a guy who's worth a million dollars with one house.

KING: Well --

ROCK: The guy with one house really cares about losing a house, because he is homeless. The other guy can lose five houses and still got a bunch of houses. Does this make any sense? Am I the only one that sees this?

KING: It's unique way of ...

ROCK: I'm just saying, John McCain could lose half his houses.

KING: You got a point.

ROCK: And sleep well.

KING: You and Bill Clinton were on Letterman on Tuesday. You had some problems with the tone of his endorsement of Barack Obama. ... Do you think Bill is hesitant about Barack Obama?

ROCK: You know what? You know, he did a great speech in Denver. And Hillary's been on the campaign trail. Just at that moment, if you watched what happened on David Letterman, it appeared he was holding back. And when you tell a joke and everybody laughs, it is not because they disagree with what you're saying. So --

KING: They get it?

ROCK: Yes, they get it. The whole audience was in on it. But, you know, hey, the guy's in a weird position there. His wife ran for the thing and she didn't win.

KING: The next night, on "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart asked Clinton about the Letterman appearance and Clinton suggested that Obama supporters who questioned commitment are missing the point.

ROCK: It was great. It was great. And you're right, [Obama] does need to get some of the votes that went to Hillary and all that. I don't understand any Democrat that voted for Hillary that doesn't support Obama. Because their views are pretty similar. You know what I mean? ...

I understand people supporting Mr. McCain. But a Democrat that's going to just be mad is -- there's something kind of really messed up about that.

KING: Have you always done political humor?

ROCK: You know --

KING: When you started, did you do politics?

ROCK: I'm interested in the world. Jon Stewart does political humor. Bill Maher does political humor. I talk about stuff the way guys would talk about it at the barber shop. I don't belong on any panel on this show. You know what I mean? I don't deserve to be near Roland Martin and Anderson Cooper and all these guys. I try to talk about politics in a way a guy that works at UPS would understand.

KING: You did a lot of Brooklyn stuff.

ROCK: I do all sorts of stuff, Larry. All sorts of stuff. You know, I hope Obama wins just because, you know, the country needs it. The country needs a change. We kind of seen what this whole McCain thing is. And I'll go with the guy with one house. The guy with one house is scared about losing his house.

 

KING: I never thought of it that way.

ROCK: It is that simple.