Incite by Tom W

We are definitely Ready for Some Football!!!!

Well here we are at the quarter pole.  Are you surprised at how things are turning out?  Is your team winning?  Is your team losing?  Things on the upswing?  Giving up and waiting until next year?

The euphoria over the 'Skins' win over Dallas is calming down.  The Cowboy fans have come back out and rooting for their team.  It usually take a couple of weeks for them to start strutting again after a loss to the 'Skins.  We appreciate the respite.  They are a little more humble however, and that is a good thing.  The NFC East is very close.  The Eagles vs the Redskins will be a good barometer of where Jayzee's team is.  If the 'Skins win this one they can no longer be considered a pretender.  The Eagles really need this game because to fall two games back in the NFC East and all your losses to be in the conference, it could be a lot to overcome.  Giants should be well rested and ready to go.  Cowboys get the hapless Bengals but need to be careful not to have a letdown.  They are smarting from last week's loss and may have a little self doubt.  The Bengals always play a couple of good games every year, hope that this is not one of them.  Two of the biggest egos in football on the same field - TO and OCHO.  Will the stadium be big enough to hold both those heads?Pittsburgh beat their antagonists, the "Dead Crows of Baltimore" but at a cost.  They will need to suck it up. Al Davis needs to let go and let somebody else run the Raiders.  Sometimes it is just time to go home.

"Skins will win this game against the Silver Birds.  I see continued improvement out of this team.  Perhaps they have determined that it is more fun this year and they kind of like the idea of winning.  McNabb and company will be tough, they are rugged on defense and good enough at the skill positions to hurt you, but I have feeling about this Redskin team, the more they play, the more Zorn coaches, and the more they stay healthy, they may just have a good shot at the playoffs.  Winning this Sunday will be a major step towards that goal.  What do you think?

Commentary:  Travis Henry, another athlete who is in trouble with the law.   Why do they do it?  Throw away a lucrative career and chance to be wealthy the right way for some criminal whim?  I cannnot convict him as do not know all the facts but when you have the ability to be young, rich and successful with opportunity to extend that success to others and leave some type of legacy for the future, it just seems to be nuts to me that you cannot get away from the danger signs that will bring you down.  Many of your "friends" simply want you to lose what you have so they can feel good about making you what they are.  Find new friends, change your environment, change your mindset, get real!!  I am sick and tired of losing so many of our most talented people to the demons that haunt the bottom of our society.

Go 'Skins!!!!

Let us have a moment of silence for the self-annointed "America's Team" . . .

I know that you Cowboy fans are a little miffed right now.  Your dreams of an undefeated season already down the tubes.  Losing to your arch rivals in their last regular season game in the Irving Monstrosity.  The look on Jerry Jones' face at the end was priceless.  TO in shades at the news conference being very contrite was a thing of beauty.

I can only say, "How 'bout them Cowboys?"  Now if you are going to get angry, please don't read any further.  I want to keep you all as friends.

Didn't I tell you not to sleep this Redskins' team?  Didn't I say that the Washington 22 could pull off a victory?  Didn't I tell you that you had some weaknesses and that you can empty the jails, bring out the inmates but it takes more to make a team?  Maybe I am missing something, but PacMan Jones has added nothing to your team.  What about the great Tank Johnson pickup?  Barber got stuffed at the line.  Portis ran wild on your defense.  JayZee and his offense is starting to click and that means trouble for you and everybody else.  I told you that you would get your statistics (Li'l Bits) but that you have to "play the game."

I am not saying that you have a bad football team, but you are not going to walk through the league.  Your pass defense, even minus Roy Williams, has been exposed over the last four games.  Bromo has demonstrated that under a rush, even one that does not result in a sack, he becomes very ordinary.  Will you continue to run up high yardage totals, yes, that is what your offense is designed to do.  But know this, the 'Skins have regularly beaten you for the last five seasons.  Jason Campbell is coming of age as a quarterback and even Troy Aikman has to admit that this team is getting better every week.

So lick your wounds, take your medicine like men and women and put those ridiculous looking stars away for at least this week.  This week belongs to us.  You got your butts beat, live with it!!! No excuses or BS about lucky bounces.  We even had to play against your store bought officials and still won (yes, I am calling them out, they made bad calls on us and a couple on you). 

One last thing, please don't hide this week.  I just hate it when you hide.  We promise to be gentle.  You see we can act like we've been there before when we beat you, BECAUSE WE HAVE!!!!!

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W.

YES, WE ARE ALL READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!

IT'S DALLAS WEEK NUMBER ONE!!!!

Let the trash talking begin!  Dallas looking strong.  'Skins coming on.  Forget the point spread (has Vegas gone mad, a double digit point spread for a 'Skin/'Boys game?)

I think this will be a good game.  The 'Boys better get the 'Skins now because later in the year they will be tough to deal with.

Seriously, I love the fact that we are playing and both teams are coming off wins.  Jason Campbell is starting to look comfortable with the offense.  The Gibbs years have given him the discipline to not make the killer mistake and Zorn is teaching him how to play quarteback.  Good combination.  Look for Portis to have a big day!!!!  One of the kids will take over for Jason Taylor and give a pass rush from that side.  Tony "Bromo" Seltzer can look very ordinary when rushed.

Now for the 'Boys, they are tough as usual but i see some weaknesses.  Pass defense is problem even though you guys hurt Roy Williams so that Santana Moss won't make him look silly again.  You have given up a few points these first few games and there is some concern.  I will not take away from you your props, you are good, but not great.  TO will not run free in this secondary, if he does he will get hit!!!  This will be a rough game, no quarter given.  Jerry Jones may undo half his face lifts during this one cause his jaws will be tight!!!

My early week prediction is a dogfight with a lot of points, won't say who will win until later in the week. 

Any responses?  Come on, let's get it going!!!  Who wants to step to the plate?

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W.

GO 'SKINS!!!!!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!

Get out the cooler!!!  Cook the chili!!  It's for real now!!!

'Skins vs Giants on a Thursday night!!!  What could be better????

Superbowl Champs against the Unkown Quantity run by JayZee!!!  Hey, where's Beyonce?  Look the 'Skins showed only about half their offense in the pre-season.  They never went downfield or did you notice?  They actually have better receivers and a running game more suited to Portis' talents.  They should have kept Marcus Mason however.  Look for some fits and starts but I predict a pretty good year for the Burgundy and Gold.  They will be much better later than earlier.

Giants are actually hurting a little bit.  Defensive ends are hurt except for Tuck.  They are the Rodney Dangerfields of Superbowl Champions, 'They don't seem to get no respect!"  They are a tough team however and look to be a great test to start the JayZee era.

I think this will be a good game and have plenty of action.  My pick?

Who else, 'Skins in a close exciting contest

Commentary:

As we start the football season rooting for our favorite teams, let us not forget that much more is going on in the world.  A critical election, war, energy changes, a sagging economy.  Our love of our teams and the game is our diversion from those heavy things.  Let's enjoy the sport, the comeraderie and the kibitzing.  If you want to get angry about someone poking a little good-natured fun at your team, then this is not the blog to come to.  We talk football here and love our teams but we also enjoy each other.  Let's trash talk and have a good time.  I know I will.  So to all you Cowgirl, Beagle, Midget and Dead Crow fans (smile).  LET'S GET IT ON!!!!!

GO 'Skins!!!!

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W

Yes We Ae Ready For Some Football!!

Hi there sports fans, NFL fans in particular.  Well we begin another season of our favorite sport.  The NFC East looks as great as ever.  Favre is in New York for the Jets.  New coaches in Baltimore and DC.  Cowboys trying to get over the one and done jinx.  This will be a great season.

The football writers finally righted the most grievous wrong and voted Art Monk in.  Darrell Green was a no brainer also.  Now let's move forward to the coming season.

NFC East should be a barn burner.  Major difference here could be that the Redskins will have an offense that will attack both by air and by land.  Jason Taylor was an excellent additon.  It will make a difference.  If they can score an average of 21 points per game, they will make the playoffs.  Dallas has a lot of talent and looks like the projected winner in the NFC East but this division will be rough.  Also remember TO is a year older and Terry Glen is coming off injury and contract dispute.  Romo must prove he can win in crunch time.  That's why they PLAY the games.  Giants may have shot it all last year.  It remains to be seen whether they were just on a run or for real.  The Eagles, I am not sure that they did enough in the off season but they will be tough as usual.

Please remember that this blog is for people to have fun and do some good nature kibitzing.  Last season, it got a little hairy at the end with some folks taking everything too seriously.  If you don't want to have fun and "realistically" talk sports or are just too much of a fan to take some ribbing, then I suggest you not come to this blog.  Go to one that what will only say what you want to hear.

Looking forward to getting together with some old friends!!!

The Ol' Moderator,

Tom W.

For my friends who are real Cowboys fans and I respect, stop reading now because I want to keep our friendship and I sympathize with you.  Cowboysfan, trust me, this is not meant for you.  Now, for the rest of you yahoos (KatieK, Dave Ross, etc)(yes, I am calling you folks out)(smile):

HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!

Thirteen and three - forget it!!!  Your Superbowl aspirations might as well be toiletbowl aspirations.  Where will you be next week - Home!!!  Laugh at us will you?  ONE AND DONE!!!!!!  Last playoff win for Cowboys - 1995!!!

I know that many of you will be hiding for the next several days.  You will crawl into worm holes and bunkers, not answer your phones or text messages, somehow lose your star draped flags, threaten mass suicides and the like but that's too bad.  There was a run at CVS on diapers and crying towels.  A Dallas loss always results in a "cry baby" boom.  You cannot blame it on poor officiating, injuries or anything else.  No you did not beat yourselves.  You got beat.  You strutted too much and did not look realistically at your team.  To paraphrase Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi" character - "No Soup(erbowl) for you!!!"  Not even an NFC title game.

I am not sure what was more priceless:  Jerry Jones' botox frozen face unable to frown on the sidelines (his jaws were tight but he couldn't move them)(so much for the commercial where he takes the headset from the offensive coordinator) or TO's crocidile tears at the press conference (he was so pitiful).  I felt sorry for Romo, he has to go through another year of rehabilitation as the QB who lost the playoff game (Hey kid, stay out of Mexico during the bye week; perhaps this was Montezuma's real revenge).  He's a nice kid but Brett Favre he ain't.  Wade Phillips now has the "Marty Syndrome" attached to his name.  He has never won a playoff game.  One thing for sure, he ain't no "Bum."

Seriously, you guys had a good year but any real fan of the game had to understand that the lucky horseshoe had dropped out of your pocket in December and it wasn't coming back.  You had to win a game on guts and it seems that they lacked some.  Are you ready to ditch Roy Williams now?  Can't cover, yesterday couldn't tackle and got pancaked on several plays.  He was so whipped that the only thing he wanted to do was fight.  Your secondary was very pourous and the lucky bounces just didn't go your way.

Just think of this "Wait 'til next year!!!!!"  Only thing you got on the 'Skins is a bye week.  The one good thing about it is that we got to get the better reservations for our trip to watch the Superbowl.  Only thing left are the nosebleed seats and you are welcome to them because that is as close as you will get!!!!!!!.

Have a great off-season.

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W.

Sorry for the prolonged absence.  Been busy, Christmas, my birthday, birth of a new grand daughter.  Tiffani Hope came to this world in December.  She is beautiful and has one third of grand daddy's love (Jam'esse and Candyce have the other two thirds).  This child will be raised right, I have ordered her Redskin gear for infants and toddlers and her Redskin Teddy Bear is already in her crib!!!  The newest member of the Redskin Nation.

Good to be back!!!  Now . . .

HOW ABOUT THEM REDSKINS!!!!!!

Yes Cowboy fans, T.O. was out, Terrance Neuman was out, Terry Glenn got hurt on your first couple of plays, yada, yada, yada . . .yada, yada, yada.

YOU TOOK A BUTT KICKING!!!!  27 to 6?

No I am not annointing the "Skins Superbowl participants . . .yet.  But you know you got beaten physically and possibly psychologically yesterday.  Right now you realize there is one team in the playoffs that CAN beat you and beat you bad.  That has to weigh on your minds.  Hopefully we will fget an answer in two weeks.  It would be just like old times, 'Skins vs Cowboys in a rubber match to move on toward the Superbowl.  THE RIVALRY IS BACK, BABY!!!!!

To 'Skins Fans:

Feel good about this team.  It is playing up to its potential offensively and the defense is playing well.  We will not kid ourselves, we have a ways to go but we are moving forward while others seem to have been found out.  I will take my hat off to Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot.  they are ballers.  Laron Landry is a monster back there.  Reed Doughty will never make anyone forrget Sean Taylor but the kid is playing tough.  Linebackers?  'Nuff said.  Andre Carter, I admit I was wrong.  Let's go to offense.  Santana is healthy and took his natural place, behind Dallas defenders on his way to the end zone.  Portis is a stud and the O line is playing well.  Welcome Reche Caldwell!!!  Todd Collins, "nuff said!!! 

Anybody want Joe Gibbs to go now?  Speaking of whom, I think that this has been his greatest coaching achievement.  This team lost the entire right side of its line, one starting cornerback, their starting quarterback, had their best player senselessly murdered in the middle of the season, flew to his funeral, had to sign guys named "Fred" to play various positions and still he held them together and got into the playoffs.  Could any other coach have done this?  Could any other team have accomplished this?  If it goes no further, we can all be proud!!!!!

But is will go futher.  Seattle is emminently beatable.  That would put us on a collision course with the Cowgirsl (including TO and Neuman) with visions of a recent butt kicking dancing in their heads).  Katie bar the door!!!

But let's not look ahead yet, let's revel in the fact that yesterday Dallas came to town, opened a jar labelled "A-Whipping" and let the Genie out of the bottle.  Let's go to Seattle and show what we have.

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W.

As you know I am a devout Redskins fan and we have a lot of fun kibitzing with each other about our teams.  However, i want to take a moment to be serious with you.

I just wanted to thank you for your understanding and sympathy during the past week and its ultimate conclusion, Sean Taylor's funeral today.  I consider my readers and responders to be much like a family.  Sports is our diversion, one we are passionate about, but still our diversion.  One thing about most folks that respond to my blog is that they are good fans and good people.  We get into our off beat discussions and good natured ribbing.  I like that.  But we have always respected each other, kind of like a celebrity roast. 

However, you and the fans of all the other teams, particularly NFC East fans, have been great and I just wanted to personally thank you.  We can get back to the serious blogging next week.

God bless you all,

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W.

No, I am not ready for some football.

Sean Taylor is dead.

I have waited several days before writing this.  I needed to get over the initial shock and disbelief, the feelings of hope for his survival and ultimately the acceptance that he was gone.  I will make no picks this week respecting him and mourning his passing.  My prayers go out for all who loved him, personally and professionally.

I will however, make this commentary:

How long must young, immensely talented, successful African-American men be targets?   Targets of mean spirited racists, targets of scheming treasure seekers and hangers on and ultimately, targets of their own brethren?  There are so many that are simply not allowed to realize their true potential.  Not just their potential as athletes, but also their full potential as men.  

Sean Taylor had done some things over the course of his life that he may have regretted.  Sean Taylor was evolving into the man that he could be.  Although the official police status is this was a “random act,” any African-American man is certainly suspicious of that take on the situation.  How many burglars break into your house, come directly to your bedroom, and shoot you?  If this was a random robbery, why was nothing taken?  Even if surprised by Taylor being home and shooting him, a robber or burglar would have taken something to make the effort worth his while.  Still rumors persist of jealousy, vendettas and payback.  I hope that when the perpetrator(s) are caught and tried, we will know why.

Sean Taylor’s death is but microcosm of one of today’s societal ills so prevalent throughout the African-American community.  Young black men die senseless deaths every day in America because so much has been done to deny them their humanity.  They are universally accepted when portrayed as “gangstas,” drug dealers, female abusers and sex objects.  Portrayals as scholars, scientists, businessmen or responsible working men who are articulate, well groomed and honest are shunned as not marketable.  If the most acceptable self-images are sub-human, one tends to live down to them for acceptance.  This is not an excuse for their behavior, simply a statement of fact.

Perhaps we can make this tragic loss a beginning of something positive.  Maybe we can start by not allowing those who took this life and those that take others to get away.  Someone in the community knows who did this and if we are to stop the carnage, we must bring them and their like to justice.  It is not “snitching,” being a “rat” or fronting for “the man.”  A woman grieves the loss of her man.  A child must grow up without her father.  A family has one less member.  Bringing the killer(s) to justice is protecting our community, our children, our seniors and our future leaders.  If we once get angry enough to say, “We are not going to take this anymore,” perhaps we can make a dent in this mass fratricide.

Finally, Sean Taylor was trying to make a positive course correction for his life.  Many of our young athletes seem not to understand that they have the ability to grow.  Whether it is going back to the same “homies” who are about nothing and want you do be the same, desiring to smoke marijuana rather than make millions of dollars doing what you enjoy or going to the strip club ‘round the way where they shoot and fight every night, they simply cannot resist.  Growth is recognizing that you have something to live for and you don’t have to go back down to where your “homies” are, they must come up to where you are and you can still hang.  Growth is knowing that people will look for reasons to take you down (yes, some of those very same “homies,” just ask Michael Vick).  Growth is being here to watch your child grow up and being all the man you can be.

In closing, I believe I will make one pick for this week:  Sean Taylor by a big margin

The Ol’ Moderator

Tom W.

GO SEAN!

GO 'SKINS!!

STARTING THE STRETCH RUNS!! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME MEANINGFUL FOOTBALL?!?!?!

Week Ten - History!!!!  DALLAS WEEK!!!  'Skins rolled over!!!  Patriots took a day off. Indy lost the rush!!!!!  Raiders, well they are the Raiders.  Packers are for real!!! 

For Redskin Fans:  Well here we are at Dallas Week Number One.  Joe has still not unleashed the offense.  We throw no slants or anything in the middle of the field to a wideout.  We have a quarterback who can run but don’t run him for the pylon with 1 ½ yards to go at the end zone.  Sean Taylor is now hurt.  Our best receiver is hobbled and we are signing guys off the street.  Gregg Williams is back to running Cover 2.  Cornerbacks are playing 8 yards off the line of scrimmage.  Cowgirl fans are strutting and acting like they have lost their minds.  Don’t give up hope!!! This is Dallas Week and you never know . . .  Now for this week's picks:

 'Skins visit Cowboys – The Burgundy Nine gave away another one last week..  Philly should never have been in the game but until Joe does something other than 50 gut and uses the entire field rather than just passes outside the hash marks, they will continue to be a .500.team at best.  Cowboys dispatched the Giants and are playing well.  I would love to pick the ‘Skins but in good conscience cannot do so.  However, you know those Dallas-Washington games!!!!  You never know what will happen.  Pick   ‘Pokes win this one as ‘Skins are depleted (No joy in Dallas, you are beating a wounded team)

Steelers visit Jets – Steel City Rollers still rolling!!!!  Jets are playing their usual swoon.  With Indy seemingly in free fall, Steel Men could be the toughest rivals for the  Patriots.  Jets have nothing here but pride to protect their turf.  Steelers will run and pass their way over the friendly skies of NYC (well at least the Meadowlands)  Only thing is that the Steelers must look out for the trap.  Pick – Steel City Rollers in big way

Ravens host Browns - McNair finally benched.  It has been a great career but sometimes it is over. The  Ravens cannot play offense and this Browns team can score points.  Defense is showing signs of aging and starting to bicker.  Mr. Billick, I thought that offense was your forte?  Black Birds will fall in the Art Modell Bowl!!   Pick – Romeo, Romeo Baltimore will fall for you just like Juliet

New York Giants visit Detroit – Runts laid an egg last week.  Runts seem to play small in big games.  Going up against a surprisingly tough Lions team that should give them some trouble.  Is this the beginning of the Runts annual fall swoon?  Will they start to tumble and fall.  Is this Lions team real or are they simply “paper tigers”?  This game will go a long way in telling a lot about both teams.  Giants should rebound as I have seen the Lions too long.  Pick - Giants get back on winning track

Eagles host Dolphins – You know how bad it is when Ricky Williams is welcomed back into the fold.  Obviously this Miami team is in deep, deep trouble  Silver Birds know that they got a way with one last week because of ridiculous play calling and poor coaching in Washington (yes, I admitted that Joe, Gregg and the rest called a ridiculous game).  Even a comatose dolphin can catch a fish sometime.  Pick – Phins just may win one this week.  Eagles go back to mediocrity

Raiders visit Vikings – Oh well, the Raiders just can’t seem to turn that corner but in the AFC West, that is not a problem.  It seems to tbe the Division that no one wants.  They are actually still in the running.  Vikings are iffy.  Look like conquerors one week and conquered the next.  The Corsairs are due for one this week.  Pick – Upset Special Raiders Win!!!!  Raiders Win !!!!  Raiders Win!!!!!  LOCK AND LOAD BABY, LOCK AND LOAD!!!!

Commentary:  Well every one is happy now.  Barry Bonds has been indicted and will probably get some time unless he turns.  The other cheaters will go about their merry ways with no true repercussions in their lives.  Some, like Jason Giambi will be called good humanitarians, others like Raphael Palmiero, will simply go away, and still others like Mark McGwire, will eventually be forgiven and allowed into the Hall of Fame.  Where is the justice?  Last time I looked, there was no legal penalty to being a not too nice person (which is the basic reason for Bonds’ treatment; you will hear many other reasons but that is the basic one, also that he does not share the pigmentation of the other cheaters).  We need to treat them all the same and not make excuses as to why we can’t.  Another situation is O.J. Simpson.  Some will say he will finally get his comeupance.  I think that when you know you are on the bull’s eye, you don’t give the hunters the guns to kill you with.  He is either very stupid or simply crazy.  Hopefully the outcome here will put this to bed also.

Okay, you got it, Week Eleven predictions.   What you got?  

Good Luck to all your teams!!!!

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W

Go 'Skins!!!!!!!

 Go Raiders!!!!!!! 

A LITTLE THE WORSE FOR WEAR BUT READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week Eight is done!!!!    'Skins took an old fashioned butt kicking!!!  Cowboys had a week off and Romo got an extension!!  Patriots look awfully good, but so do the Colts and now they meet!!!!!  Eagles talking a little trash.  Favre pulls out another one in the home of Elway!!!  We are rolling now.

For Redskin Fans:  Yes, we got stomped!!!! Yes, Belichick ran up the score!!!  Don't give up the ship however.  Let it go it is in the past.  One thing for sure, we will not win on flanker screens and trying to go deep to James Thrash.  I love the guy but he cannot get separation so put in Brandon Lloyd and run him until his tongue hangs out.  The defense needs to get back to its basics, blitz if you need to, stop the run.  We can do it. I went 4-2 in my last set of picks. That makes me 26-13 on games I have picked for the season.  Anybody beating me?  Now for this week's picks:

'Skins visit Jets - This should have been a wake up call for the Redmen of the Potomac.  They were whipped in every way possible.  Can they be that bad?  No.  They should beat the Jets handily, but only if Gibbs unlocks the offense.  If I see one flanker screen, I will throw up.  Only problem is that the 'Skins never play well in the Meadowlands.  Maybe it is Hoffa's ghost, but the Jets are not very good.  Pick   'Skins to win and score some points

Colts vs Patriots - Tony's Ponies have actually been waiting on this one.  Pats are on a mission to "show the world" that they are the best team in football.  Running up the score on the 'Skins will be paid for and it might just be this week.  This will be a great one to watch.  The two best QB's in the game and both teams undefeated.  I will give the nod to the better team.  Pick - Its the Tony and Peyton Show over the Bill and Tom's Brigade

Ravens visit Pittsburgh - Black Birds some time off and,now go back into the fray.  The Steel City Rollers are a formidable welcome back to McNair.  Steelmen are playing at a high level and the Black Birds are still trying to find themselves.  This is a true grudge match between teams that do not like each other.  I am not sure that the Dead Crows can stand up to the heat in the Steel Ovens.  Pick - Steel City Rollers take the Battle of the Mason/Dixon Line

Philadelphia @ Dallas - Eagles seem to be revving up.  McNabb (Still Recovering) and Roy (Cannot Cover Anybody) Williams have been yacking back and forth.  Cowboys come off a bye and a new contract for Bromo Seltzer.  McNabb is starting to look like himself and this team may want to "win one for the Gipper" because of Andy's home troubles.  Upset of the Week "Lock and Load!!!".  Pick - Eagles come together against their hated rival

Giants on a Bye - Runts take a rest and get ready for the late season drive.  The best is yet to come in the NFC East!!!

Raiders host Texans - Silver and Black is up and down this season.  Better than they thought they would be but not as good as they have tried to be.  Houston is . . . Houston.  This game is a toss-up.  It all depends on which Oakland or Houston team shows up.  When in doubt, go with the home team, particularly when the game is played in the Black Hole. Pick -  Raiders win one at home

Commentary:  Let us all hope for the best for Andy Reid and his family.  Raising kids (even grown ones) is tough today.  There are so many distractions and lures that make maturity a desired but seldom achieved goal.  I think that the judicial system has been very harsh in its criticism of Reid.  How many parents don't know exactly what their kids are doing?  I wish we could all make all the right moves but we can't.  Maybe this will make others look a little deeper at what they can do to guide their children in the right way.

On another sport, Barry Bonds has said that if the Hall of Fame accepts the ball with an asterisk on it, he will never be in the Hall of Fame.  I tend to agree with him.  There are enough scoundrels, bigots and perverts in the Hall and no asterisks on their momentoes, why him?  Plus the use of steroids has been proven to be so perverse and extensive in baseball that there is no reason to single him out.  Again, Mark McGuire walks around as if nothing happened yet he looks like a walking skeleton and doesn't talk about "the past.".  Ty Cobb was not a nice person and i don't wee any problems with his momentoes or career.  Barry boonds may not be a nice person either, but let's be real!!!

Okay, you got it, Week Nine predictions.   What you got?   I will be looking for you!!!!

Tom W

Go 'Skins!!!!!!!

Go Raiders!!!!!!!

I'M BACK AND READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week Seven is over and out!!!!  The ol' Moderator was out of action for about a week or so with personal business, but the Kid is back.  'Skins stumbled past the Cardinals!!!  Cowboys, won again but have been looking a little vulnerable lately.  Patriots look awfully good!!!!!  Eagles fell to the Bears.  I think the Chargers are coaching themselves.  This is what it is all about.

For Redskin Fans:  YES WE HAVE A SHOT!!!! I think we can beat the Patriots, the question is will we?  We have the personnel and we have the defense to stop them (not like an NFC East rival of ours that gives up too many points even in wins over inept football teams). I went 3-3 in my last set of picks. That makes me 22-11 on games I have picked for the season.  Anybody beating me?  Dave Ross, I Can't Hear You!!"  Now for this week's picks:

'Skins visit Patriots - Seventeen points is too big a spread.  'Skins do have a defense that matches up well with the Pats offense.  Can the 'Skins pull it out, yes.  Will they pull it out, I would love to say yes but conventional wisdom says that they will put up a good fight and lose.  I have never been conventional but I am no fool either  Pick   Pats win but in a tougher game than you think it will be

Colts vs Carolina Panthers - Tony's Ponies did a workmanlike destruction of the Jaguars, an old nemisis.  Now comes another one.  Colts have not fared well agains the Panthers but this may be slightly different.  Look for the Colts to continue their annual march to the disappointment of not going undefeated.  Pick - Peyton and the Boys Fly High for the Pats

Ravens on a Bye- Black Birds need to take some time off and, no offense, find an offense!!!

Philadelphia @ Minnesota- Man, what a heart breaking loss.  The Bears clawed their way back and the Screaming Eagles lost.  Now they must take on a Vikings team that has shown flashes this season.  I am not sure that the Eagles are quite ready and they may be ripe for the plucking..  Pick - Eagles fade slowly in the NFC East

Steelers take on Bengals - Steel City Rollers ready to start the stretch run.  Looks like they are going to make that drive.  The Bengals are up and down and look like they will be down for this week also.  Steelmen are well rested and healed up  No contest here.  Pick - Steel City Rollers are Inclined to Win this one

Giants visit Miami Dolphins- Dolphins gotta win one!!  Will this be the week?  Giants are playing good ball but we have seen this act before and the ending was not pretty.  Miami has no real offense and the defense, its strong point has suddenly gotten to be a little suspect.  Runts should winn this one but it could be a trap.  Pick - Giants but don't bet the Farm

Raiders @ Titans - Silver and Black are Tennessee bound.  Raiders better than anyone thought.  tennessee is as usual, great some weeks, okay some others.  Raiders need to start thinking like a winning team and this week is as good as any. Pick Raiders Pull this one out 

Cowboys on a Bye - Better come back ready cause it gets wild from here

Commentary:  I am again glad that we are concentrating on games and outcomes.  This has been an exciting season so far and looks to get even better.  Asidem:  boston looks like it will end the series pretty quick.  Rockies have to take all three in Colorado and I don't think they can.  Once it is over we can REALLY concentrate on King NFL.  Who has given up on their team?  who still has hope?  Who is just lovin' it all?

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W

Go 'Skins!!!!!!!

Go Raiders!!!!!!!

WE ARE EXCITED AND READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week Five has come and gone!!!!  'Skins looking good!!! Cowboys, well they won but can you believe how inept the Bills were in the clutch?  Brett finally lost but is still the man!!!!  Patriots have no competition in their division!!!  Eagles and McNabb well rested.  Kurt Warner is like a bad penny, he pops up again!!!  Norv actually got a win!!!  I love this season.

For Redskin Fans:  Start sipping the Kool-Aid again.  I think they are beginning to jell and to peak.  Jason Campbell, NFC Offensive Player of the Week!!!  Andre Carter actually playing!!!  Look, don't let the Cowboy fans get on your nerves.  They are at their haughtiest right now but what they don't see is that their team has played about as well as they can play.  They have also benefited from some of the luckiest bounces and nerdy opposing coaching decisions in the league so far this year.  We are getting better every week.  The race is not a sprint, it is a marathon.  I like being the tortoise!!

I went 5-1 in my last set of picks. That makes me 19-8 on games I have picked for the season.  Anybody beating me?  Dave Ross, what are your picks like?  Until someone steps up, I proclaim myself "THE MAN."  Now for this week's picks:

'Skins visit Packers - 'Skins get Santana back but might lose Randle-El.  Quite an offensive show last week, but remember, it was against the Lions.  However the defense is another matter.  Hard hitting and opportunistic.  Now they go against Mr. Favre.  Cheesers are not a running team and the pass defense will be tested.  Lambeau is not an easy place to win at.  'Skins will need their "A" game for this one  Please Fred Smoot, no Lambeau Leaps!!!  Pick   'Skins win but baby this is gonna be a good one

Ravens host Rams - Rams still without a win.  Dead Crows just cannot score points.  Rams have got to win one sometime.  This is a perfect trap game for the Black Birds.  Defense is still tough but are they bad enough to keep this team winning?  I don't know.  My head says Baltimore but . . ..  Pick - Rams in upset of the week!!!!!!

Philadelphia visits NY Jets - Well, Donovan has had an extra week to recover.  He has to get back to being himself or this team will fade quickly.  I think they will rebound but the Jets come off an emotional loss to the Giants and they have something to prove.  This team is erratic and which one will come to play?  I have a feeling that the "Good" Jet team will show up.  Pick - I'm in a New York State of Mind

Steelers take a Bye- Steel City Rollers looking good and taking a rest.  I think they will do fine.

Giants visit Atlanta Falcons - Falcons now realize that they are not so great without Vick.  No, I am not pleading his case, just stating a football fact.  Leftwitch will probably get the job over Joey.  Runts riding high right now but will it last?  Another tough one to pick.  My head says new York but my heart has a taste for peaches.  Pick - Atlanta in a mild surprise

Raiders @ San Diego Chargers - Silver and Black visit their old coach.  Have the Chargers righted themselves.  Raiders playing better and will continue to improve but the SD Electric Company is on a mission.  I would love to see my Raiders take this one but I think that even Norv cannot screw this up.  But you never know . . . Chargers Give the Raiders a Shock Back into Reality

Dallas hosts New England -  Can you believe that there is actually a professional football team that cannot tackle receivers in bounds with 20 seconds left?  Can you believe that same team cannot simply fall on an on-side kick?  Well, the 'Pokes found one.  Buffalo looked ridiculous in the final seconds.  Guess the league may have needed a "battle of the unbeatens" for the ratings.  New England looks awful strong and Cowboys are showing some weaknesses based on their performance against the inept Bills.  This should be a good test of both teams and a good game to watch.  Minutemen will need a good game to come out of this one unbeaten but somehow I think they will.  Pick -The Brady Bunch

Commentary:  Things have been very quiet for the last couple of weeks and we have been able to concentrate on the sport.  Still some rumblings about Patriot Gate and a crawl line or two about Michael Vick.  I love the game, not the shame.  First quarter of the season gave us some surprises.  Now the "real" season begins.  Some are out of the blocks hot, Some starting to gain momentum.  Some are giving us the SOS (same old stuff).  I am enjoying this season!!!!  How about you?  I will just love the stretch runs of the contenders.  I will mourn the fall of the pretenders.  I will hope for the dreams of the "cretenders."

The Ol' Moderator

Tom W

Go 'Skins!!!!!!!

Go Raiders!!!!!!!

RESTED AND READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week Four is a thing of the past!!!!  Cowboys looking good!  Rams looking pitiful.  Brett is the man!!  Patriots look invincible!!!  'Skins got some rest and a chance to heal some of their bumps and bruises.  Are the Giants now for real?  Donovan is not himself.  Has Norv screwed up the Chargers?

For Redskin Fans:  Please do not let one loss get you down.  Yes it was a loss that should not have happened but it did.  Receivers are hurt and the team needs to get going.  Lions will growl but they will be tamed!!!!  Keep the faith and please don't let the Cowgirl fans jerk your chain too much.  They will have their time this year also.

I went 4-3 in my last set of picks. That makes me 14-7 on games I have picked for the season.  You doing any better?  Let me see your hand.  Now for this week's picks:

'Skins host Lions - 'Skins must rebound ftrom a loss that should not have happened.  No Santana Moss, James Thrash will be the starting wide receiver.  Brandon Lloyd where are you?  Lions will try to fill the air with footballs and score a lot of points.  'Skins must play strong defense and go for the gold.  Jason is ready!!  The defense is ready!!!  Look for a surprise hero in this game.  Pick   'Skins win scoring over 21 points for the first time this year

Ravens visit 49'ers - McNair is not getting it done.  The defense is strong but not what it once was.  The Black Birds now face an upstart 49er team that is better than many think.  This is a dangerous game for the Birds of Baltimore and they may not get back to the top if they lose it.  I think the Dead Crows are mad enough to come to life this week.  Pick - Ravens on DEFENSE!!!!!!

Philadelphia ON A BYE- Need to regroup and figure out who they want to be.  Give Donovan a couple of weeks to heal a little more.

Steelers host Seahawks - Steel City Rollers out of the blocks  and looking good.  Loss to Cardinals may have been more emotional than anything else.  Lot of angst across the field and you could feel it.  Now comes a Seattle team that is so-so this year.  Not the powerhouse expected but not a dreg of a team either.  Steelers will be tough at home and the trip east will take its toll.  Look for the Steelmen to take this one.   Pick - Steelers surprisingly easy