I'm just saying....Super Bowl Edition: Hypermnesia, Kim Kardashion, Gatorade, The Who and More

A collection of random thoughts and observations on Super Bowl XLIV for you to consider. I'm just saying....

• Injured Colts star defensive player Dwight Freeney showed up at "Media Day" wearing flip flops. This might not seem unusual considering the South Beach location, but it would certainly seem to be an unconventional medical approach for a guy trying to "shake off" a torn ankle ligament.
• So, the Colts Peyton Manning has hypermnesia? I'm not so sure of that, but watching him frantically dance like the Black Eyed Peas at the line of scrimmage before each and every snap, I could buy into the notion that he is simply "hyper." Or, perhaps the condition could just be spelled "H-Y-P-E."
• Does Saints Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams have Buddy Ryan blood lines somewhere in his family tree? He seems to be taking a page out of the former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator and Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach's repertoire with all his pre-game comments about roughing up Peyton Manning with some "remember me hits." What's next- Jimmy Johnson exposing a bounty placed on Manning's head or body bags stacked on the Saints sidelines?
• If the Saints prevail, I would envision players following the requisite script of dumping a large cooler of Gatorade on head coach Sean Payton as the clock winds down. But, if the Colts are to bring home their second Super Bowl Championship, it seems more likely that players will veer from protocol and simply hand head coach Jim Caldwell one measured quart of the sports drink in a plain white, leak proof bottle with the Colts insignia facing cameras. Maybe I'm just saying that the Colts seem a little bit "corporate."
• Much has been made of the NFL's trend of booking, shall we say, geriatric half-time entertainers. Perhaps the league is aligning to the demographics of the Super Bowl attendees, or they are just figuring that they surely don't have to worry about any intentional "wardrobe malfunctions" with 60ish or 70ish musicians like The Who, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and The Boss?
• Will Reggie Bush's and the Saints' good luck charm be in attendance at the Super Bowl and in the spotlight, again? The team would be wise to host Kim Kardashian, the anti-Simpson, in the Saints luxury suite as a motivational source, especially considering her inspiration to Bush and the Colts vulnerability on special teams coverage.
• Speaking of Kardashian, she also sure would liven up the festivities if the Saints were to find themselves spraying champagne around the locker room after the game. Or, is that prohibited by the "No Fun League?"
• Lets hope the Super Bowl officials allow the players some space to play the game rather than litter the field with hankies all day. Greg Williams' pre-game comments certainly don't help the cause, especially considering the "Michael Jordan" treatment already afforded Peyton Manning and anybody on the other end of his passes in a Colts uniform.
• Although it messes up the sexy tradition of "Super Sunday," the idea of switching the Super Bowl to Saturday's makes an incredible amount of success. To validate, just ask businesses about worker productivity or employee absenteeism on the following Monday. And, besides, who chooses to throw a big party on a Sunday night over a Saturday night? If the NFL does not come to their senses here, perhaps Hallmark could declare "Super Bowl Monday" a new national holiday?
• With Dwight Freeney injured, two prolific offensive teams led by two of the NFL's top quarterbacks, pro-offense rule changes and a pair of somewhat vulnerable defenses- the ingredients for the highest scoring Super Bowl in history seem to be in place. The current record is 75 points, set in Super Bowl XXIX (29 for those of you who use our country's traditional numbering system) when the San Francisco 49ers crushed the San Diego Chargers, 49-26. Heck, if Reggie Bush or Darren Sharper throw in a return TD, the record might be broken in the third quarter.
• I'll bet Jim Caldwell is feeling a little bit better about his decision to rest Peyton Manning and others in Week 16 at the expense of an undefeated season. His Colts team is poised to win a second championship. On the other hand, if they do, won't we be hearing for a long time to come that the Colts could have gone down in history as the greatest team ever?
• Speaking of Caldwell, does his current success as a rookie head coach and his career history tell us that it is harder to win in the ACC than the NFL?
• How many hours into CBS' coverage on Super Sunday before they run a segment showing Brett Favre in his Saints-loyal Mississippi hometown? When they run it, I am guessing that Favre will express that it is highly unlikely that he will return next season, but he needs to talk it over with his family, doesn't want to make a snap decision, yadda, yadda, yadda.
• According to a moneywatch.com article this week, U.S. home prices have appreciated 999% during the Super Bowl era, while tickets for the hallowed event have appreciated at a slightly higher rate- a mere 22,225% to be exact. I wonder if the NFL would consider selling Super Bowl stock? Or, could the Super Bowl be the next bubble around the corner? Nah.
• After arguably being unfairly snubbed as this season's NFL MVP, it would be easy to envision Drew Brees outplaying Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl, but losing out on the game's MVP award to him- even if the Saints win.

The Paradox that is BrettFavre

As he vacillated and labored through the NFC Championship Game, and then through his post game comments, "BrettFavre" continued to cement what has now become his legacy. For all the big game appearances, prolific stats, John Madden hero-worship and post touchdown histrionics, BrettFavre will best be known as the great paradox.

Sunday evening, the football had barely settled in the goalpost net before the BrettFavre watch officially began. Cameras followed him as he navigated around the field to gauge his body language and reactions in hope of gaining a glimpse of the future. In the post game press conference, questions alternated between that day's game and whether he planned to dress in purple and gold several months down the road.

The Saints dramatic overtime win that will send the Vikings players home for the offseason and the New Orleans players to Miami for the organization's first ever Super Bowl was somewhat of a microcosm of BrettFavre's career. He was up and down, energetic and tired, ageless and worn, jubilant and sullen, savvy and foolhardy, convicted and conflicted, spectacular and not so much- all in just a few hours time.

In a season that had an "all in" feeling for most Minnesota fans, coaches and players alike, the "Johnny-come-lately" quarterback who was leased for a year to put the talent-laden Vikings team over the top, couldn't quite get it done. As is his signature, BrettFavre made a valiant effort, persevering through a pummeling at the hands of the Saints defenders- looking like a modern day NFL Kirk Gibson.

For most of the day, BrettFavre and the Vikings appeared to be battling themselves as much as the top seeded Saints team across the line. Despite BrettFavre being pounded all day, the Vikings moved up and down the field with relative ease, but seemingly every time they appeared ready to seize control, they coughed up the ball.

On his own accord, BrettFavre alternated firing strikes and misfiring bullets, but ultimately racked up 310 yards through the air. However, he also accounted for three of the team's five costly turnovers- one on a botched handoff and two others on errant passes.

For all the self-inflicted wounds though, BrettFavre had Minnesota in position to win the game at the end of regulation. After getting the ball on his own 21 with 2:37 left to play, BrettFavre drove his team to the outer edge of field goal territory with 17 seconds on the clock. After an inexplicable penalty for having twelve men in the huddle moved the Vikings to the far reaches of kicker Ryan Longwell's range, the next play underscored the game and the career of BrettFavre.

He rolled to the right to avoid pressure and encountered three options. BrettFavre declined the opportunity to dump the ball in the flat for a short gain or run for ten yards. Instead, he chose to make the "cardinal sin" of passes- heaving the ball across his body to the far side of the field- into the waiting hands of a Saints defender.

As much as Green Bay Packers fans have experienced the giddy heights induced by BrettFavre making seemingly impossible plays and spectacular throws throughout his career, they have also felt the same crushing blows delivered by a quarterback trying to do too much. What made this even a little bit more cruel for Vikings fans, though, was that BrettFavre kept his risk-taking gunslinger persona under wraps all season until this fateful moment.

This split second decision truly does capsulize the enigmatic QB. He could have taken the safe path and run, but instead chose to attempt the attention grabbing sensational throw that most of his peers around the NFL would have never even considered.

Throughout his career, many times it has worked and his legend grew. Other times, like yesterday, it ended in the crash of a season of Super Bowl promise.

This seems highly consistent with the ambivalent player who holds an entire organization and its fanbase hostage every offseason as he waffles to decide if his career will continue. Its the "Hey, look at me" kid riding a bike with no hands. Sometimes he looks masterful- sometimes he's picking gravel out of his knees.

BrettFavre also has a way of eliciting the ambivalence in others. There are many things to admire about him. He's a fearless gamer with a laser arm who carves up secondaries with surgical precision. He's a perpetual kid, celebrating every touchdown with the exuberance of a World Series game winning home run.

His statistics and wins continue to mount. As displayed on Sunday, he is an iron man who is always on the field, regardless of the battering imparted by opposing defenses. He's a folk hero in living flesh. And, Madden gushes about him like a school girl fawning over the Jonas Brothers, fusing his first and last name together into one enthusiastically repeated word.

But, for all the great that is BrettFavre, he is a contradiction. He sometimes melts down on the league's biggest stage with a postseason record that does not quite measure up to his regular season resume. He can make disastrous throws more fitting of rookies, surely not 40-year old decorated NFL veterans. He's not opposed to running up the score or calling an audible to pad his already impressive stats.

He hijacks SportsCenter from February through August with the annual "BrettFavre Watch", seemingly looking to stay in the spotlight and avoid "two-a-days." Although it can be endearing at times, his over-celebrating every touchdown with the exuberance of a World Series game winning home run can get old. And, Madden gushes about him like a school girl fawning over the Jonas Brothers, fusing his first and last name together into one enthusiastically repeated word.

With the Vikings season hitting the wall in New Orleans, BrettFavre is now off to contemplate his football future while he rides his tractor and watches his fishing lure bob in the water. Although he waved off questions in the press conference saying that he needed some time, BrettFavre couldn't help but to plant the seed of speculation with an ESPN reporter before he departed by saying it was "highly unlikely" that he would be back.

Of course, this statement evokes the same level of confidence of a Mark McGwire or A-Rod saying they only took steroids for medicinal purposes and didn't even realize that it might aid performance. Well, actually, maybe less confidence.

Considering that BrettFavre had arguably the best regular season of his career, was healthy all season, thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Vikings team and came within one bad penalty and ill advised pass of a trip to the big game- the odds of a return would seem high based on logic. But, as avid sports fans know, BrettFavre is fueled by high octane emotion that sometimes clouds reason.

There is no debating that BrettFavre has been good for the game and is a first ballot Hall-of-Famer. It is also clear that the Quadragenarian put together one of his finest seasons and was arguably this year's NFL MVP.

As we launch into the annual "BrettFavre Watch", there also can be no denying that the legendary player remains a paradox. He wows us and he frustrates us, he makes us laugh and he makes us frown. At the end of the day, though- he entertains us like few players can.

My money is on another offseason of waffling by BrettFavre, followed with a triumphant Escalade escort to the Vikings training camp to ink another one year lease sometime in the latter part of August. And as annoying as the annual seven month debate will be, importantly and begrudgingly, Minnesota and the NFL will be clearly better off with BrettFavre in uniform.

NFC Championship Preview: Brees Better Bet Than Favre

When the Saints go marching into the Superdome on Sunday evening to face the Minnesota Vikings, they will be lugging with them the dreams of the New Orleans long suffering fans. Only one other time in the team's mostly star crossed history has it advanced this far in a quest for a championship, but that season ended there with a disappointing blowout.

Although their opponents in the NFC Championship Game have four times reached the Super Bowl in its history, the Vikings similarly have yet to end a season in jubilation. Fans of both teams share the same high hopes that this will be their year.

Drew Brees and his dynamic offensive unit are on a mission to forever erase the bad memories of paper bag mask days gone past. And, on the other side, ageless Brett Favre and his young proteges look to finish what no other Vikings team has been able to do before.

The hard, cruel reality of the NFL's annual single elimination tourney, though, is that the dream will end for one team and their fanbase on Sunday night. Conversely, the other triumphantly heads to Miami for Super Bowl 44 and further lifts the energy and anticipation in their hometown city.

While the AFC contest pits teams of contrasting styles (as detailed in yesterday's post  AFC Championship Preview: Can Ryan's Jets Beat the Colts Varsity?), the NFC matches teams that are closer to mirror images. Both the Saints and Vikings can score points in bunches and are led by the two highest rated quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

On defense, Minnesota boasts the stronger unit in traditional terms of limiting yardage and scoring, but New Orleans makes up for any deficiencies with its opportunistic style. As they did last week against Arizona, they force turnovers and score points. Led by former Vikings star Darren Sharper, the Saints defense scored a remarkable 8 touchdowns in the regular season.

Both teams have struggled with pass coverage, although some of this relates to opponents playing catch-up. The Saints finished 26th against the pass, but with some of their secondary back at full strength after injuries, this number might belie their true capabilities.

The Vikings compensate for pass coverage issues with a heavy pass rush, led by All Pro Jared Allen. They led the NFL in sacks and will surely look to keep the pressure on Brees, but may be limited by the absence of its other three starters on the defensive line. All three are listed as "questionable", so this could have an huge impact on the Vikings chances.

On the other side of the line, the Vikings feature one of the NFL's biggest names in running back Adrian Peterson, while the Saints deploy a running back by committee approach. Oddly enough, the Saints have been more effective on the ground, especially considering that Peterson has not cracked the century mark in eight weeks.

The front four has also been instrumental in the Vikings 2nd rated run defense. Besides the injury factor, because the Saints tend to use the pass to set up the run, it is reasonable to assume that they will still have some success on the ground. Look for them to run delays and draws with under-rated Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell, and try to get Reggie Bush in space to take advantage of his explosiveness.

A good portion of the fireworks during the regular season and thus far in the playoffs have come through the air as Brees and Favre have had spectacular years.  A strong argument can be made that either of them should have finished ahead of Peyton Manning for the league MVP trophy.

If Bush plays with the same determination and energy as a week ago, it could be a long day for the Vikings. Brees will look to get the ball out quickly and make the Vikings pay for over pursuit by swinging the ball to Bush on the edges. His favorite target continues to be Marcus Colston, but Brees does an exceptional job getting everyone involved in the offense.

Favre will attempt to use his big arm to get the ball down the field and change things up by dumping the ball off to Peterson, Chester Taylor and hopefully Percy Harvin, who is a game time decision due to migraines. The Vikings big vertical threat is lanky, fast and athletic Sidney Rice, who lit up the Cardinals with three touchdowns.

From a pure talent perspective, the Vikings could be the best team in football. However, the Saints look to be healthier, have home dome advantage and seem to have intangibles in their favor.

The ultimate swing factor comes down to the two QB's, though. Brees has a history of consistently playing well in big games, and although he has had the greater fan fare, Favre has had a Jekyll and Hyde persona in big games throughout his career.  On Sunday, my money is on Brees and the Saints to continue their quest to make  "The Aints" moniker a distant memory.

Vikings 27

Saints 31

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings: NFL Divisional Playoff Preview

Part 2 (see Part 1 for a preview of Saturday's games)

While the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints may provide the best theatre in the NFL this weekend, the two most balanced teams go head-to-head in Sunday's early game. The Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings have a lot of similarities, with strength on both sides of the ball. And, although each has talent at skill positions, both teams are built the old fashioned way on a foundation of strong interior lines.

In Sunday's game, the big name offensive players will likely grab the spotlight, but the game will be won or lost in the trenches. Of all the great action this weekend, this contest provides the most compelling match-up for NFL traditionalists due to the overall balance of talent and style of play. Here is my take on what to expect:

Dallas (12-5) at Minnesota (12-4) - Sunday, 1 PM ET

Both the Cowboys and Vikings have something to prove in this year's postseason. The former is desperately trying to reverse fortune and re-establish itself as a championship caliber franchise after going 13 years between playoff wins. The Cowboys took one major step forward by breaking that string with a resounding win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Saturday evening, but feel they have the ingredients and momentum to make a Super Bowl run.

For the Vikings, they continue the organization's quest to bring its first Lombardi Trophy to Minneapolis after several flirtations, whiffing on the team's four trips to the Super Bowl. With the addition of ageless Brett Favre to an already talented cast, fans and players alike believe this could be the year that the Vikings finally break through. Sunday may possibly be the biggest hurdle as they host the white-hot Cowboys who are similarly motivated to realize their potential and by the failings of seasons past.

Favre brings veteran leadership and a swagger to the team that was clearly missing for man years. He also brings a proven playmaking ability that has transformed a run oriented offense into the NFL's second highest scoring team. And, with the emergence of its young receivers, the Vikings have many ways to hurt opponents.

Of course, the team still boasts having one of the best running games in football with Pro Bowler Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor operating behind its hefty offensive line. Peterson is a powerful runner with the ability to break a long run anytime he touches the ball, though this occurred much less frequently this season. Taylor provides a good change of pace with his ability to dart through creases and catch the ball circling out of the backfield.

Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin provide Favre with two athletic, playmaking targets not found in this city since the days of Randy Moss and Cris Carter. Rice accumulated 1,312 yards as the team's top receiver, using his speed and length to haul in passes. Harvin provides a pure explosiveness that earned him this year's NFL "Rookie of the Year." Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is battling injury, but has been a favorite red zone target for Favre all season.

Wade Phillips and the Cowboys will try to counter the Vikings potent offense by attempting to keep pressure on Favre with four pass rushers. Outside linebackers Demarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer will be instrumental to this tactic as they blitz from the edges. If the 'Boys can get in Favre's face with just four rushers, this will allow them to drop seven into coverage as well as allow inside linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking to key on stopping Peterson.

It is likely that Dallas will contain Peterson with their 4th ranked run defense, so expect Brad Childress to eventually turn Favre loose. The Vikings tendency is to attempt to establish the run early; therefore, a key to the game will be for the Cowboys to capitalize and take an early lead. Dallas will also be looking to divert Favre's eyes away from his receivers and towards avoiding pass rushers by breaking down the pocket and getting hits on him.

Like their opponent, the Vikings possess a very stout run defense having yielded only 87 yards per game throughout the season. It appears that Marion Barber will be back in the starting line-up after sitting out most of last week's game with an injured knee. He provides a pounding style and is complemented perfectly with the very speedy Felix Jones. Regardless of Barber's health, expect to see Jones on the field for at least 50% of the snaps due to his home run potential.

The Cowboys are much more likely to come out throwing to avoid wasting early possessions against the Vikings tough run defense. Tony Romo is playing with tremendous confidence and has been one of the league's hottest passers over the second half of the year. Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett will once again try to exploit the post catch capabilities of Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton with bubble screens and slants.

A large part of the offensive game plan will involve Pro Bowler Jason Witten. The Vikings defense has had difficulty covering tight ends all season, so look for Witten to work the seams early and often. Once the passing game is clicking, Dallas will mix in plenty of draws and delays to slow down the Jared Allen-led front four. Garrett and Romo have been particularly effective in adjusting plays according to the weaknesses of the defensive personnel on the field at any given time.

This will be a hard fought game. I expect the Cowboys to take the early lead and use a similar formula that has made them the hottest team in the NFC. Eventually, Miles, Jones and Witten will break off some long gainers. Conversely, Favre may be finding themselves playing catch-up all day, with the relentless Dallas pass rush getting the best of him at the end of the day. With Favre always a press conference away from contemplating retirement, Vikings fans may go home wondering if the Cowboys took away their best shot at that elusive trophy.

Cowboys 28

Vikings 24

I'm just saying....

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• So, of what consequence is Mark McGwire's acknowledgement that he used steroids? This seemed pretty apparent for years, especially considering his effective "no comment" in front of Congress several years ago. As it relates to the Hall of Fame voting, the bottom line is that his stats were jacked up by the juice even though he is using the old line that he took steroids "only for medicinal purposes."
• I'm still trying to digest Bobby Knight's absurd comments comparing steroids to Gatorade. I wonder if he similarly rationalized his recruiting practices, such as "what's the difference between a scholarship and a scholarship with a Corvette?"
• What's all the fuss about Lane Kiffin going to USC? Has he won anywhere in his career, even with Coordinator Extraordinaire Dad in tow?
• His future is unclear, but it still seems clear that the Eagles failure to put the ball in Brian Westbrook's hands was one of many mistakes made in the team's swan song on Saturday night. One year earlier, the Eagles offense struggled to get anything going against the Vikings until Westbrook exploded for a long touchdown on a screen play. And, he looked like the same guy on his 27-yard sprint on the only ball that came his way Saturday.
• Although many are minimizing its importance because Andy Reid has final say on personnel matters, losing Tom Heckert to the Browns is a blow to the Eagles. Reid devotes the lion's share of his time to coaching the football team, so having a strong, seasoned football guy behind the scenes handling GM duties (like leading talent evaluation) has been instrumental to the team's success during his tenure.
• After being out of the spot light for the first round of the playoffs, Brett Favre must be feeling re-invigorated as a key center of attention this week. There is likely a faction of football fans out there rooting for the Vikings to win simply to delay the annual "Will Favre come back?" Ego-Stroke-Fest that everyone will have to endure for months.
• Speaking of Favre, it makes me wonder when he truly does retire, will he need to relocate from the deep south LA to the left coast LA where he can stay within the Paparazzi line of sight?
• Congratulations to Leonard Weaver, Trent Cole, DeSean Jackson, Asante Samuel, David Akers and Brian Dawkins on being named to the 2010 NFL All-Pro team. Unfortunately, Dawkins was not in midnight green this year and most assuredly voters did not consider anyone at his position who did wear that color.
• The Colts Jim Caldwell was making looking replacing a coaching legend easy until he made the fateful decision to pull Peyton Manning and others in Week 16. My gut tells me that this will serve to be an unfavorable turning point and the season will end in disappointment before the Super Bowl.
• Like Juan Castro, it is hard to get too excited about the Phillies signing of relief pitcher Danys Baez. Reports indicate that he has electric stuff, but has had a tendency to get rattled and has never had more than mediocre results. If Chan Ho Park or John Smoltz are out of the question, what the Phillies really need is for Scott Mathieson to emerge as the next Ryan Madson.
• The Atlanta Braves have quietly been having a productive offseason and appear poised to provide some stiff competition in the NL East. The additions of Troy Glaus, Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito, along with a full season from Nate McClouth and their starting rotation, make them a legitimate contender.
• Brett Myers' reaction to the Phillies disinterest in resigning him are probably indicative of exactly why Ruben Amaro chose to go that route.
• Trading away young talent to acquire Tracy McGrady would be a panic move and destine the Sixers to a run of losing seasons. And, if clearing salary cap space is the catalyst, getting rid of your best player (Andre Iguodala) is not the way to do it. Philadelphia only has one NBA team, so the city can't afford to house "Clippers East."
• Watching DeJuan Blair, the 37th pick of last year's NBA draft, rack up 28 points and 21 rebounds for the Spurs last night reinforces how professional teams place too much emphasis on projected performance over how players actually performed in college.

Things We Wish for 2010

To kick off the new year, I'm Just Saying, Philly has assembled a random collection of things we wish for in 2010. Some are possible, some are probable, some are unlikely and some may be pure fantasy, but its New Year's Day and it never hurts to wish.

• The Andrews Brothers (its always tough to resist cynical temptation here) find their health and come back to play to their potential for the Eagles.
• The Sixers let their young players gain valuable experience, they continue to lose and come away with the 1st pick in the draft. Sometimes you have to be really bad before you can be good again.
• The Eagles seize the opportunity presented to them by winning in Dallas on Sunday to gain a bye and at least one playoff game at the Linc after three on the road last year.
• The Eagles put aside any hard feelings and dyed in the wool organizational philosophy to reward Sheldon Brown with a contract extension that guarantees more money. If he loses a step down the road, Brown could slide over to free safety.
• Although it is hard to argue with the three players on the roster ahead of him, lets hope that a couple players decline playing and second alternate Sheldon Brown gets to play in the Pro Bowl. And, let it not be Asante Samuel who is absent.
• Speaking of the Pro Bowl, two other Eagles players deserved to be selected, so I wish for the path to be cleared for Donovan McNabb and Brent Celek to play in Miami.
• The Phillies resign Cliff Lee to a four year contract at the end of the 2010 season.
• Cole Hamels finds both his breaking ball and mojo in spring training.
• An offseason rest and rehabilitation regimen has Brad Lidge's knee, elbow and psyche feeling healthy and strong.
• Hamels and Lidge attend a round table discussion with Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Dennis Eckersley, Greg Maddux and Dr. Joel Fish on optimizing performance through developing a mental edge.
• John Smoltz and/or Chan Ho Park fall back into the Phillies' laps within their budget because they want a chance to play for a World Series Champion.
• Brian Westbrook recovers fully from his concussions to have a couple more productive seasons for the Eagles and good health after football.
• We experience an NFL offseason devoid of the annual Brett Favre "Will he play, won't he play?" ego centric drama.
• Andy Roddick takes one more step forward and wins Wimbledon.
• Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl Championship.
• Roy Halladay wins the NL Cy Young, Chase Utley wins the NL MVP and Brad Lidge wins the World Series MVP keying the Phillies to a repeat as World Series Champions.
• Happy New Year!

I'm Just Saying......

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• Watching Billy Wagner and Josh Johnson fire fastballs in the high 90's makes me wonder if some healthy pitchers will opt for Tommy John surgery in the future to add a couple mph?
• The Phillies have the best talent and chemistry in baseball, so if they play to their potential, repeat may be the November word of the month.
• The Sporting News just ranked Philadelphia the #2 sports city behind its Pennsylvania cousin, Pittsburgh. Housing both the NFL and NHL champions from a year ago is great, but there is no better sports city than Philadelphia. The city can boast the following: 1)the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers all had attendance more than 100% of capacity; 2)all four teams made the playoffs; and 3)the Phillies were World Series Champions.
• Jared Allen is on track for NFC Defensive Player of the Year.
• The Packers and their fans already have November 1st marked with a thick red circle for Brett Favre's return, and the outcome will likely be very different than last Monday night.
• The Twins have run themselves out of the NLDS with its amateurish baserunning and an apparently visually impaired umpire.
• Although TBS may not be stored in your favorite channel list, having them broadcast the NLDS means we don't have to hear Tim McCarver spend two innings explaining the finer points of baseball such as the use of the cross over step in stealing bases or methods of forming a pocket in a catcher's mitt.
• Considering the frigid weather conditions in Colorado and the elongated post season schedule, it makes you wonder about the possibilities for the Minnesota Twins new Stadium slated to open next season. Target Stadium will be a great improvement over the Metrodome from mid-May through mid-September, but could make for some miserable conditions before and after.
• Although he was a good stat guy, hearing Bobby Abreu being labeled as a leader with the Angels makes you wonder if it is the same guy who played for the Phillies.
• Josh McDaniels looked like he was going to crash and burn before the regular season even started, now he is the leading candidate for Coach of the Year.
• Perhaps Tony LaRussa should consider a new salon?

I'm Just Saying......

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• Was the Greg Lewis that made the acrobatic game winning touchdown catch on the Vikings last play the same ex-Eagles, ex-UPS driver Greg Lewis?
• More times than not, I disagree with Terrell Owens' messages and methods, but this week I will say what he wanted to say. Buffalo Bills coaches, what are you thinking? What is the purpose of signing TO, putting him across from another very good receiver, only to refuse to use their talents and explosiveness?
• Does the NFL have an axe to grind with Donovan McNabb? First they turn their head when a 301 pound defender breaks his rib by piling on, then they add insult to injury by awarding the NFC Offensive Player of the Week to Kevin Kolb.
• Monday Night Football should provide great theatre when Brett Favre and the Vikings host the Packers. The collective motivation of 53 players, their coaching staff and the front office should overcome the will of the quarterback on the other side.
• When selecting pitchers for the playoff roster, the Phillies would be wise to give the medical staff a voice at the table.
• It would be really good news for the Sixers if Jason Smith has recovered fully from his injury as he was looking ready to become a strong contributor before he went down.
• Ed Wade was smart to acquire Michael Bourne, who has rounded into a much better player than what I expected.
• I guess the members of the International Olympic Committee do not watch Oprah.

Favre's Most Recent Crack Back Block Draws Fine

Yesterday the NFL announced that Vikings quarterback Brett Favre is being assessed a $10,000 fine for his illegal crack back block in last Monday's pre-season game against the Houston Texans. Favre lined up as a receiver with the Vikings running a "wildcat" formation and took out defensive back Eugene Wilson with a blind-side block to his knees. The Vikings were given a 15-yard penalty in a meaningless exhibition game, which pales in comparison to the fact that Wilson was injured on the play.

Favre played the geriatric and "Mr Mom" cards saying that he will be 40 years old and 13 days ago was weed-eating, not thinking about throwing blocks. Of course, this is contrary to the notion that a seasoned veteran should surely know what constitutes an illegal, dangerous block. And, also this is contrary to the notion that it was not a problem for Favre to skip training camp because he knew his trade like the back of his hand.

Favre has been the consummate competitor, an obvious talent and a great deal of fun to watch through the years. This situation, as well as others, tend to get dismissed due to his folk hero-like stature. That being said, though, Brett, you should know better.

At the risk of becoming known as the Anti-Favre site, I couldn't help but point out the continuing paradox that this player has become. Besides the most recent incident, I see some major irony in the league fining the ex-landscaper QB for a crack back block. With his repeated waffling, isn't that what Favre did on a grander scale to the Packers and, maybe the Vikings, too? I'm just saying.....

I'm Just Saying......

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• Do you think the Mets believe the Phillies are the team to beat, now?
• Can we get one of those make-overs for Ryan Franklin, Tim Redding, Shawn Andrews and the Diamondbacks' Snidely Whiplash guy?
• What exactly was Cliff Lee wearing around his neck on Monday?
• There are 10 days left to grab a few more slices of Mack and Manco pizza before the unofficial end of summer.
• The Shack's "I Think We're Alone Now" commercial along with the T-Mobile "Pour Some Sugar on Me" commercial a few years ago have that feeling of "been there, done that."
• What a shock that there are reports that the Vikings locker room is divided, or rather there is a "schism." Actually, isn't "Schism" Brett Favre's middle name?
• Every time I see Brad Penny on the mound I keep looking for Grandpa, Lilly and Eddie Munster in the stands.
• Should Michael Vick having one vodka and grapefruit make the national news?
• Speaking of Vick...Could it be a sign of his sincerity that Vick surely could have signed with a team that had a clearer path to being the starting QB?
• It would be a mistake for the Eagles not to keep rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson, especially since he can help on special teams.
• Jon Runyan has been medically cleared and the Eagles would probably get a home town discount.
• How do you spend $1.15 billion to build a brand new, state of the art football stadium, but punted footballs hit the scoreboard? That's a little like having a big tree in the middle of your wiffle ball field....except not.

I'm Just Saying......

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• How good is your team when Cole Hamels is currently your 4th best starting pitcher?
• Odds are that Brett Favre was that kid riding his bike with no hands saying "Hey, look at me!"
• Considering the current medical state of the Eagles offensive line, a better use for the recently committed $7 million in payroll might be to add John Runyan.
• Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard are officially "En Fuego" after each recording multiple hits and banging long home runs to centerfield last night. (See "Things We're Tracking" on the left for others.)
• The Phillies offense is starting to look like it deserves a moniker similar to "The Lumber Company" or "Big Red Machine" nicknames from the 70's.
• Was it just me, or did Eldra Buckley look a little like Marion Barber running that screen play?
• Last night's Donovan McNabb to DeSean Jackson 39 yard touchdown pass was perfectly executed and could be a preview of the success they will have when the games count.
• Its a little early to predict doom and gloom for the Birds' upcoming season based on their first two pre-season games.
• Joe Blanton showed mental toughness by not unraveling after a misplayed pop fly double and a hurdling, jagged bat barrel helped the Diamondbacks plate two runs in the 4th.
• Brad Lidge is throwing harder this year, didn't exactly paint the corners last year, and the last season he struggled so mightily he later discovered that he was tipping his pitches. I'm just saying....it would be worth a closer look by Rich Dubee.

Potential Scenes from the Life of Brett Favre

Out to Dinner

Waiter: "Are you ready to order, sir?"

Favre: "Yes, I am going to have my favorite, the Blackened Catfish with creole sauce and the dirty rice. "

Waiter: "OK, would you like to start with soup or a salad?"

Favre: "I think so. I'm in the mood for soup. What is your soup today?"

Waiter: "We have seafood gumbo today, but always have French Onion, too."

Favre: "French Onion, yes, I'll have that, but could you substitute extra cheese in place of the crouton?"

Waiter: "Ok, you've got it. Blackened Catfish with creole sauce, dirty rice and French Onion Soup to start."

Favre: "Blackened Catfish, hmm, I don't know if I am in the mood for that tonight after all. Could you switch that to the stuffed quail with champagne sauce?"

Waiter: "Yes, of course."

Favre: "One other thing- instead of the soup, bring me a house salad with blue cheese dressing...make that french dressing with extra croutons. And could you tell those people at the bar that Brett Favre is over here?"

In the Huddle

Favre: "OK, we are definitely going to put the ball into the end zone and win this game. We only have one minute, so we are going to air it out."

Hutchinson: "Yeh, lets get it done!"

Favre: "Childress is calling for a deep out to Bernard. Lets switch that up and go off tackle to Chester."

Hutchinson: "Brett, their top three corners are hurt, so they have an undrafted rookie and safety playing corner. We need to go 70 yards to score."

Favre: "Good point, but I'm not totally bought in. Lets sweep Chester right. That might be a better option since they will be expecting us to pass. We are better off not passing when they are looking for it."

Hutchinson: "We only have one minute. Didn't you say that you wanted to air it out?"

Favre: "I think you are taking that out of context. I wish my daughter were here to see what she would call?"

Whistle

Referee: " Minnesota, five yards for delay of game. 1st down and 15 yards to go."

Call from John Madden

Brett Favre: "Yo, this is Brett."

John Madden: "BrettFavre, boom, this is John Madden!"

Brett Favre: "Hey, John. What's up?"

John Madden: "I just wanted to tell you not to let the media get on you. It was a football decision made by a football player...one heck of a football player, I might add...to play on a football team. You have the right to make a football decision as a football player."

Brett Favre:"So, do you think that I made the right decision to come back?"

John Madden:"I always say, what's good for BrettFavre, is good for the NFL. I'm looking forward to seeing BrettFavre on the football field to show everybody what BrettFavre can do in a football uniform as long as that is what BrettFavre wants to do. BrettFavre-You're the best! Gotta go...I have a turducken in the oven. Boom!"