After the egg the Saints laid today in Atlanta, I'm wondering if there's much reason in paying attention to the rest of the season. Miami looked pretty decent today, though.
Sorry, Squealer fans. The Ravens look like more than a transition year team. Both are 6-3, and only 3 points separated the two teams the last time they met.
Flacco has the arm and he's getting the smarts. And Ray Lewis is playing some inspired football.
(Granted, it was the Texans, but I want to spike the ball now and again)
Are you guys willing to concede that Atlanta is (maybe even just a little bit)for real now? I love my Falcons (even in their worst years like last year), and I can't describe how great this year has been so far. Abraham is a beast and Matt Ryan continues to amaze.
Atlanta's been a surprise all right. Although, I'm not sure they've posted a W against a strong opponent yet. If they take down Carolina in a couple weeks I'll be sold.
Yeah, Stephen, the AFC North tightened up today. Were you surprised that the Ravens played good football against the Texans with Rosenfels in? Next week your team has a shot at defining themselves by playing a team that's not only got a winning record, but is one of the best in the NFL right now.
My Detroit Lie-downs continue to march toward the improbable 0-16!
As a BC fan, I take solace in watching the Matt Ryan I predicted to slice up NFL secondaries...slice up NFL secondaries. People discounted the kid because he played college ball in New England. Ryan is the most polished NFL style QB to come out of college in a long time; even Manning was not this efficient and ready as a rook.
Man, that was a weird Vikings game. They win despite throwing 3 interceptions, one returned for a TD; going for it on 4th-and-1 and failing, and allowing a 65-yard punt return for a TD (and a 40-yard kickoff return at the end).
I was astonished as anyone when the Packers' kick at the end went wide right. That's the sort of game the Vikings always lose. This time they didn't.
If their QB would stop throwing interceptions and they stop giving up touchdowns on returns, they're going to be a pretty goddamn good team. How often have teams gotten 2 safeties in a game?
I like call for the Chiefs going for two at the end against the Chargers, but the bootleg QB draw that didn't work at the goal line three plays ago was not likely the best play to run.
Dude. I love this blog. I love its range. Its literary focus. The community of commenters you've built.
But.
The Cowboys? You're from Baltimore, right? I request a totally transparent (and possibly apologetic) explanation of why you root for the Cowboys. Please.
San Diego pulled out a last minute win- against the Chefs.
Now, New York proved that they are a well coached team. Great calls by Coughlin tonight. Good penalty refusal. Reid was outcoached. I don't know that Philly was outplayed. Titans and Giants in the Superbowl.
I'm going to threadjack and say I hope the longhorns somehow make it to the national championship.
I'm a big Colt McCoy fan (most awesome, stereotypically texan name ever!), and the loss to Tech was heartbreaking.
Back on topic- as a Packers fan, I'm still not quite sure what to think of Brett Favre. I hate the idea that he's playing for another team, it's just wrong.
That final Vikings' drive was AP at his MJ-like best. He took that one personally -- after messing up to end the previous drive -- accounting for 64 of 69 yard over 7 plays. You know he said, "give me the ball." And they did. And the Packers couldn't do anything about it.
This is like the 5th time I've seen this question asked and I don't think I've seen TNC touch it so I'll take a stab at it.
Knowing his age, TNC was 8 years old the last time the Colts called B-More home. From the last good Baltimore Colts team in 1977 until their final game at Memorial Stadium in 1983. The Colts sold out maybe 10 home games in those 6 seasons, therefore you're looking at 1 or 2 home games per season televised in Baltimore.
Plus the Colts were gawd-awful and as a kid, you want to see winners, want to identify with winners. I could imagine those Colts teams just hard to grow up liking, especially when Bert Jones was always hurt.
The Cowboys, America's Team. On TV all the time and always in the playoffs, they were winners and they had Tony Dorsett. I mean, growing up at that time, who didn't want to be Tony Dorsett? I was never a Cowboys fan and I wanted to be Tony Dorsett (and Freeman McNeil).
It's the same reason so many kids growing up in the 90's loved the Chicago Bulls.
Mikel, you're probably right about TNC and the Cowboys. I also grew up in Balto., although I'm a couple years older than TNC (I'm 37). From their last playoff berth in 1977 until they moved away in 1984, they sucked. They never had a winning season. In 1981 they were 2-14, with a win at the beginning of the season and a win at the end, and 14 straight losses in between. The next year, during the strike, they were 0-8-1. I had no memory of the great Colts teams of the 50s and 60s because I wasn't old enough. The Orioles were my team, for sure, because they consistently good (pennant in 1979, 100 wins in 1980, WS win in 1983), but the Colts? Not worth the bother.
And since TNC's younger than I am, his earliest memory of the Colts might well be their leaving town. I never liked the Cowboys myself because I always rooted for the underdogs. NFL teams I liked as a kid were the Chargers in the Air Coryell years, and the Redskins, but I could see why someone would go for the Cowboys.
But I'm a 26 year old Philadelphia fan that first paid attention to the Eagles in the Randall Cunningham/Keith Jackson/Reggie White/Seth Joyner era, and it's painful for me to see people without Dallas roots cheer for a team I've always considered the bad guys. Especially given that the first Cowboys I knew well were the exceptionally venomous Troy Aikman/Michael Irvin Cowboys.
I appreciate any fan with a hometown connection. I think neighborly love between fans is what makes sports great. But America's Teams make me crazy (Duke basketball, Notre Dame football, and the Atlanta Braves fall into this category as well, in my opinion). And since I've grown, in my short time reading this blog, to respect TNC's opinions about a lot of things, I would love to see him discuss the life of a hometeamless football fan and his relationship to the Cowboys.
I live blogged the Jets game. As a transplanted NYer living in St Louis this victory was pretty sweet, as I don't care much for this town yet. But the Rams stink. Bring on the Pats. If we can them a beat down half as bad as we gave the Rams I will be a very happy man.
I was born and raised in St. Louis. Hang in there, it might grow on you. Now granted, I don't ever want to move back, but as long as you avoid serious Blues fans and hit up the right parts of town, you might change your mind! I don't know what are you live in, but I know what areas to avoid like the plague.
Here's a piece no one cared about. Meh, whatever, probably the most enjoyable article I did during my stint at TIME. Premiered a month before I got laid-off. The nail in the coffin? Ya think?
Here's me going after Al. I didn't so much have a problem with him, as I had a problem with media acting like this dude was the go-to guy for everything black.
This was my first real story at time. I was writing for the Business section, a real change of direction for me. At any rate, it's about Wal-Mart's attempts to colonize the inner-city. As much as I enjoyed this piece, I mostly enjoyed going out to Chicago, which is a beautiful, beautiful city.
This a piece I did about the cops just outside our nation capitol, in Prince George's County, a few years back. I wanted to offer a counter to the dumb, conventional wisdom that if you paint your police force black, you could eradicate police brutality. In fact, Prince George's--one of the richest, blackest counties in the country--also had one of the most brutal police force's in the country.
The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood 
Matt Cassell looked good today. He's getting more comfortable in the pocket and the guy is a pretty solid scrambler.
However, the Patriots' offense stagnated once the Bills started loading up against the run and keeping an eye open for short passes.
Still, a win (and hanging on to the AFC east) is always welcome.
After the egg the Saints laid today in Atlanta, I'm wondering if there's much reason in paying attention to the rest of the season. Miami looked pretty decent today, though.
Sorry, Squealer fans. The Ravens look like more than a transition year team. Both are 6-3, and only 3 points separated the two teams the last time they met.
Flacco has the arm and he's getting the smarts. And Ray Lewis is playing some inspired football.
(Granted, it was the Texans, but I want to spike the ball now and again)
Are you guys willing to concede that Atlanta is (maybe even just a little bit)for real now? I love my Falcons (even in their worst years like last year), and I can't describe how great this year has been so far. Abraham is a beast and Matt Ryan continues to amaze.
I have nothing to say for myself. I've been at a loss for words all day. Pathetic.
Atlanta's been a surprise all right. Although, I'm not sure they've posted a W against a strong opponent yet. If they take down Carolina in a couple weeks I'll be sold.
Yeah, Stephen, the AFC North tightened up today. Were you surprised that the Ravens played good football against the Texans with Rosenfels in? Next week your team has a shot at defining themselves by playing a team that's not only got a winning record, but is one of the best in the NFL right now.
Don't you care for basketball at all?
My Detroit Lie-downs continue to march toward the improbable 0-16!
As a BC fan, I take solace in watching the Matt Ryan I predicted to slice up NFL secondaries...slice up NFL secondaries. People discounted the kid because he played college ball in New England. Ryan is the most polished NFL style QB to come out of college in a long time; even Manning was not this efficient and ready as a rook.
Man, that was a weird Vikings game. They win despite throwing 3 interceptions, one returned for a TD; going for it on 4th-and-1 and failing, and allowing a 65-yard punt return for a TD (and a 40-yard kickoff return at the end).
I was astonished as anyone when the Packers' kick at the end went wide right. That's the sort of game the Vikings always lose. This time they didn't.
If their QB would stop throwing interceptions and they stop giving up touchdowns on returns, they're going to be a pretty goddamn good team. How often have teams gotten 2 safeties in a game?
I like call for the Chiefs going for two at the end against the Chargers, but the bootleg QB draw that didn't work at the goal line three plays ago was not likely the best play to run.
You're a Cowboys fan?
Dude. I love this blog. I love its range. Its literary focus. The community of commenters you've built.
But.
The Cowboys? You're from Baltimore, right? I request a totally transparent (and possibly apologetic) explanation of why you root for the Cowboys. Please.
Miami looked good- against the Seahawks.
San Diego pulled out a last minute win- against the Chefs.
Now, New York proved that they are a well coached team. Great calls by Coughlin tonight. Good penalty refusal. Reid was outcoached. I don't know that Philly was outplayed. Titans and Giants in the Superbowl.
wally says: "Titans and Giants in the Superbowl."
Giants look like a sure thing to be there, but I don't buy the Titans. I can't see them getting through the playoffs with that ragged quarterback.
The AFC is just a mess this year. Tom Brady must be disgusted, this would have been his 5th Super Bowl.
I'm going to threadjack and say I hope the longhorns somehow make it to the national championship.
I'm a big Colt McCoy fan (most awesome, stereotypically texan name ever!), and the loss to Tech was heartbreaking.
Back on topic- as a Packers fan, I'm still not quite sure what to think of Brett Favre. I hate the idea that he's playing for another team, it's just wrong.
That final Vikings' drive was AP at his MJ-like best. He took that one personally -- after messing up to end the previous drive -- accounting for 64 of 69 yard over 7 plays. You know he said, "give me the ball." And they did. And the Packers couldn't do anything about it.
@ Jake
This is like the 5th time I've seen this question asked and I don't think I've seen TNC touch it so I'll take a stab at it.
Knowing his age, TNC was 8 years old the last time the Colts called B-More home. From the last good Baltimore Colts team in 1977 until their final game at Memorial Stadium in 1983. The Colts sold out maybe 10 home games in those 6 seasons, therefore you're looking at 1 or 2 home games per season televised in Baltimore.
Plus the Colts were gawd-awful and as a kid, you want to see winners, want to identify with winners. I could imagine those Colts teams just hard to grow up liking, especially when Bert Jones was always hurt.
The Cowboys, America's Team. On TV all the time and always in the playoffs, they were winners and they had Tony Dorsett. I mean, growing up at that time, who didn't want to be Tony Dorsett? I was never a Cowboys fan and I wanted to be Tony Dorsett (and Freeman McNeil).
It's the same reason so many kids growing up in the 90's loved the Chicago Bulls.
That's my synopsis anyway...
MoeLarryAndJesus said:
Giants look like a sure thing to be there, but I don't buy the Titans. I can't see them getting through the playoffs with that ragged quarterback.
The AFC is just a mess this year. Tom Brady must be disgusted, this would have been his 5th Super Bowl.
You just made my argument for me. Titans are questionable, but they are finding way to win in a league plagued by messy teams.
Mikel, you're probably right about TNC and the Cowboys. I also grew up in Balto., although I'm a couple years older than TNC (I'm 37). From their last playoff berth in 1977 until they moved away in 1984, they sucked. They never had a winning season. In 1981 they were 2-14, with a win at the beginning of the season and a win at the end, and 14 straight losses in between. The next year, during the strike, they were 0-8-1. I had no memory of the great Colts teams of the 50s and 60s because I wasn't old enough. The Orioles were my team, for sure, because they consistently good (pennant in 1979, 100 wins in 1980, WS win in 1983), but the Colts? Not worth the bother.
And since TNC's younger than I am, his earliest memory of the Colts might well be their leaving town. I never liked the Cowboys myself because I always rooted for the underdogs. NFL teams I liked as a kid were the Chargers in the Air Coryell years, and the Redskins, but I could see why someone would go for the Cowboys.
@Mikel
Thanks. I think you're probably right on.
But I'm a 26 year old Philadelphia fan that first paid attention to the Eagles in the Randall Cunningham/Keith Jackson/Reggie White/Seth Joyner era, and it's painful for me to see people without Dallas roots cheer for a team I've always considered the bad guys. Especially given that the first Cowboys I knew well were the exceptionally venomous Troy Aikman/Michael Irvin Cowboys.
I appreciate any fan with a hometown connection. I think neighborly love between fans is what makes sports great. But America's Teams make me crazy (Duke basketball, Notre Dame football, and the Atlanta Braves fall into this category as well, in my opinion). And since I've grown, in my short time reading this blog, to respect TNC's opinions about a lot of things, I would love to see him discuss the life of a hometeamless football fan and his relationship to the Cowboys.
I live blogged the Jets game. As a transplanted NYer living in St Louis this victory was pretty sweet, as I don't care much for this town yet. But the Rams stink. Bring on the Pats. If we can them a beat down half as bad as we gave the Rams I will be a very happy man.
Eddy,
I was born and raised in St. Louis. Hang in there, it might grow on you. Now granted, I don't ever want to move back, but as long as you avoid serious Blues fans and hit up the right parts of town, you might change your mind! I don't know what are you live in, but I know what areas to avoid like the plague.
-Stacy
I'll address the Cowboys thing today. Gotta go run my miles, now.