Breaking News Wednesday - It's an NFL Circus!

Holy breaking NFL news, Batman! What a crazy day, and it's only 1pm! Let's start with the Saints, yes?

Photo Credit: ESPN.com

NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell brought the hammer down on the New Orleans Saints for their "bounty system" that Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams headed. This disgusting system was finally brought to light, and we all knew that there were going to be serious consequences. I'll be honest, though, I didn't think they'd be this intense. Head Coach Sean Payton is now suspended for the 2012 season without pay beginning April 1, the team will be fined $500k, they will lose a second round draft pick in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, as expected, Williams is suspended indefinitely, which to me, says he's out for eternity. The Saints' general manager, Mickey Loomis, will also be suspended without pay the first eight games of this year's regular season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended (again, without pay) for the first six games of the 2012 regular season. For more specific information on the penalties, suspensions and overall picture of the sheer amount of trouble the Saints are in, read Adam Caplan's overview here. As a Falcons fan, this brings me immense amounts of satisfaction, but let's be honest, we always want a strong competition with the Saints. It's sad to see a team have this kind of serious infraction, and even harder to watch the fallout after. What happens to Brees and the rest of the Saints is up in the air. Without Payton, this team will undoubtedly be lost. He's one of the best coaches in the league, and it's really unfortunate to see this happen on his watch. However, there is a price to pay for such egregious acts such as this so-called "bounty system" that Williams had in place, and this is the result. We're still waiting to see if there will be individual player fines and suspensions handed out - my guess is it's just a matter of time. Was Goddell too heavy handed? I don't know, but it sure sends a very clear message. 

Moving on to the second piece of serious breaking news...Tim Tebow has officially been traded to the New York Jets for fourth and sixth round draft picks (the Broncos will also receive a seventh round pick). Fourth round?! SIXTH?! That's IT?! Wow. If that ain't a slap in the face. BUT, the Jets may just be a good fit for him, now that I think about it. Either that or (as my friend Jess and I discussed) Rex Ryan is asking to be fired, but whatever. He'll compete with Mark Sanchez (who is having his own set of issues right now) for a starting job that he may just get. I hope Tebow is prepared for New York fans, they're slightly different from the fickle Denver fan. Sanchez, hope you have your big boy pants on...get ready for Tebowmania, part two...this time, with the colorful Jets. Let's hope he has some Jets branded earmuffs for Rex Ryan's meetings, we know Tebows ears aren't prepared for the language he uses.

Days like this make me fall even more in love with football and the NFL (if even possible). This game is full of ups and downs and will throw you for a loop when you're not even remotely prepared for it. It's the business of it, the love for what happens on the field, and the thrilling fact that...well, it's pure entertainment. Keep your eyes glued to ESPN, friends, I'm sure there's more to come (and of course, you know I'll cover it).

Til next time...
S.

**UPDATE** There has been a snag in the Tebow-to-New York Jets trade. Apparently, Tebow has $5 million worth of recapture language...this means the Jets would have to pay back money to Denver. Jets have said they are unwilling to do this. If they can't get through this hang-up, Tebow would be back on the market and the trade would be nullified. Reportedly, the Rams are interested in him and would be willing to be a new trade parter with the Broncos, but if this is true, the terms of the trade change and of course, the question becomes "What of Sam Bradford?" Stay tuned, folks. He may just end up in Jacksonville, after all. Here's the latest from Pro Football Talk.

**UPDATE II**  It's official. The Jets now have Tim Tebow on their roster, for now, as Mark Sanchez's backup. The Jets have agreed to pay half of the $5 million to Denver, which apparently was good enough for them. "Dear Timmy, you're not worth more than a 4th and 6th round pick and half of the $5 mil we wanted. So. See ya. Love, the Broncos." Ouch. Well, here goes. The all-mighty Tim Tebow is now going to be tabloid fodder (Page 6 has to be in heaven right now) and will have to face hungry Jets fans. I'm sure Ryan will use him in the Wildcat - how successful that will actually be remains to be seen. Once again, Pro Football Talk has a great breakdown, which you should read.

Peyton Manning is a Bronco

Photo Credit: USAToday.com

There aren't enough words to describe my excitement about Peyton Manning's choice of becoming the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos. Right, I know, I'm such a homer for the team I grew up watching. But how could a Denver native not be excited about this? I wrote about Peyton visiting Denver, but never really thought he'd actually end up there. As he was choosing between the San Francisco 49ers and the Broncos, every part of me assumed he'd end up in San Fran under Jim Harbaugh, but it after some thought it actually makes a lot of sense as to why he chose Denver.

Manning has always said he wanted to stay in the AFC, and the Broncos fit that requirement. He also reportedly felt more comfortable with Denver's front office  - he has a strong rapport with John Elway and head coach John Fox is willing to hand him the keys to the offense (along with a 5-year and 90-million-dollar contract) and just...well, drive. Manning is one of the most prolific quarterbacks of recent NFL history, but certainly (and inarguably) one of the best ever. The Denver Broncos also have a young group of receivers, and there are rumors floating around about some free agents that are now visiting Denver as a result of the Peyton acquisition (there are also rumors that veteran center and former teammate of Manning, Jeff Saturday, is now visiting with the Broncos). Also worth noting, Eric Decker is about to have a monster season. I'm calling it now.

Yesterday, I was on my friend LaMar's incredible radio program, Life After the Game (listen to yesterday's show here), and talked about everything Petyon. LaMar made a great point that Peyton Manning turns his receivers into Pro Bowlers. Truth, my friend. The Broncos are now instant Super Bowl contenders (even Vegas agreed). All this Petyon chatter is great, but lest we forget the once chosen one, Tim Tebow. In my opinion (and as I said on LATG), the Broncos will trade him. Tebow just isn't the answer, and John Elway has made it well known that he isn't his biggest fan. Sure, he surprised a lot of us, including me, with his run this year, but he's not the long term answer. He needs a different role and a different offensive scheme. I think the obvious needs to be stated - Jacksonville would be a great fit for him. Yes, he'd be the hometown hero, only hours away from where he played college football at UF, but he'd put people in the seats of a stadium and franchise that desperately needs it. It's marketing brilliance. However, there are new reports of him being looked at by big time teams like the Packers and Patriots. We'll see where he lands, but it's safe to say he's out of Denver.

As a Denver native, this is exciting, and I think expectations are high for Manning - pressure can be a blessing and a curse, but I can't wait to see where this season takes the Broncos with him at the helm. Where the rest of the chips fall, especially with Tebow, remains to be seen, but you can bet it'll be a big story.

So. Peyton's in Denver.

How 'bout that, kids. Sounds like Petyon Manning just landed in the Mile High City...simultaneously giving every Bronco fan a heart attack from pure joy. Move aside, Tebow.

Ok. Jokes aside for the moment. Before I launch into what's really on my mind, I feel it necessary to address Manning's press conference as he parted ways from the Colts. There is no question...this guy is a straight up class act. There are a lot of athletes that could really take notes from him (here's looking at you, LeBron). His departure was bittersweet - for him and the organization - and he expressed his thoughts with grace and eloquence. I think it's safe to say most everyone thinks Mannning is a standup guy and would welcome him to their organization with open arms. But is Manning the right choice for my hometown team? Let's analyze further.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Manning's people are saying nothing's serious, he's just looking around at various cities and facilities who are interested, but let's be real. He's doing his due diligence and he knows there are at least 10 teams interested in his services at QB. Free agency starts next week, and from what I've been reading. it sounds like he wants to make a decision by next week, too. That's quick.

Photo Credit: John Leyba - The Denver Post

Denver really needs a quarterback (apologies, Tebow lovers, but he's not the guy to lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl). However, I'm not convinced Manning is the answer, either. He's a prolific quarterback, immensely talented to a point that is almost outrageous. He's a future Hall of Fame player. So what's not to love? Well. He's 35 and has had neck surgery three times and missed all of last season. I want to believe that if anyone can bounce back, it's him; however, it's neck surgery. That, my friends, is pretty damn serious, especially in the position he's in. At 35, he's no spring chicken (sorry to sound like a grandma) but we need to be realistic here. So, what do Elway, Fox and Xanders do here? My opinion? It's worth the risk. Peyton Manning is a player on par with the greatest of all time. I think it's worth looking into what he can do now. He's been working out, rehabbing and mentally preparing for an entire year, now. He's ready to face the next season and prove he's still got it. Maybe I'm biased (ever so slightly), but I think he's a fantastic fit for Denver and is well matched with John Fox as a head coach. Excuse my excitement over what could potentially not happen, but I'm giddy. We need someone who will be a strong leader. Maybe (just maybe) Manning could be a mentor and teacher for Tebow. This could really be a great move for the Broncos. I'll reserve a total meltdown of pure, unadulterated joy (or disappointment) until there's official word next week, but in the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed.

Just because I think he's awesome...here's the press conference I mentioned earlier. Class, grace and eloquence that everyone could learn from.

Suh's Bad Behavior

Andrew Weber/US Presswire

Part of me wants to make a snarky, "well it's because he went to Nebraska" comment, but I'll reserve bias because it really doesn't have anything to do with it (maybe).

Yesterday, as I was watching the Packers vs. Lions game, all I could see was a whole lot of nothing the first half, and then a whole lot of self destruction by way of penalties and bad decisions the second half for the Lions. This post, however, has nothing to do with the Lions late-season self destruction or thinning secondary due to injury. This is all about Ndamukong Suh.

Suh was ejected from the game after he pounded the head of Packers' offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith, followed by a giant stomp on him.

Hold up. 

I'm sorry, in what world is that okay behavior? Grow up, Suh. He said later about his behavior, "I want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches and true fans for allowing the refs to have an opportunity to take me out of this game." Right...okay. He continued, "What I did was remove myself from the situation the best way I felt, with me being held down." I'm sorry, is it just me or is this just a giant "I'm the victim" play by Suh? He has lost his mind if he thinks anyone thought this wasn't intentional. To me, the worst part of this is he genuinely feels like he didn't do anything wrong. I hate to say it, but all of America would have to disagree here.  As ESPN.com blogger Kevin Seifert said, "...if Suh didn't intend to do what he did Thursday, he needs to be examined for involuntary leg and arm movement." While I got a small laugh out of this, it's incredibly true. There's no room for any sort of doubt in this situation. Suh has established himself as a dirty player. Once you go there, there's no going back.

Let's do a reality check here, real quick. Obviously things happen. Football isn't exactly a delicate sport, but there really is no place for behavior or actions like Suh's. Period. End of story. This situation makes me disappointed for a number of reasons. I liked Suh (despite that whole he-went-to-Nebraska thing) and actually found him rather interesting and well-spoken. Above all else, though, he was a bad-ass player with so much talent he almost didn't know what to do with it. Impressive. He single-handedly changed the Detroit Lions' defense and their team as a whole. Now, he's changing it for different reasons. Suh has been fined many, many times - last year for hits on Jay Cutler and Jake Delhomme, this year for a nasty hit on Andy Dalton in the preseason.

Let's talk numbers, now. Suh has now received three personal foul penalties this season alone, making his total number seven since his rookie season last year. He's now tied (ironically) with his teammate, Cliff Avril for the most personal foul penalties in the league since last year. Suh can say backwards, forwards, upside-down and sideways that he was justified in what he did and that there was reason for it...fine, let him. He's wrong. Obviously Suh doesn't care about his public perception and has a total lack of respect for the rules of the game, his coaches, teammates, fellow players and the NFL as a whole. Unbelievable.

My opinion? Suspend him for the rest of the season. It's time for Roger Goodell to make a point, and Lions coach Jim Schwartz needs to step in and back him up. There is no room in this game for actions like Suh's. His talent is undeniable, his behavior is unacceptable. Let him learn his lesson.

Until next time...
S.

Penn State's Tragedy and Scandal

Andy Colwell/The Patriot-News/AP

I've waited a while to address the situation at Penn State because it's been so difficult for me to face. I have a hard time not being emotional when it comes to abused of children by someone they trusted. A week ago, my friend Amy sent me the full list of all of the charges and the grand jury indictment against Jerry Sandusky. I was speechless. I cried. I felt disgusted and nauseated. I felt horrified. Most of all, though, I felt so angry for these poor, innocent children who had their trust violated by someone in a position of influence and their innocence stolen. There are just no words.

It's unreal to me that no action was taken, despite having multiple reports.  How was this never taken to the police? It's truly unbelievable. There were so many people who knew, who were witnesses, who tried to alert the right people...but it never was addressed the way it should have been. Frankly, everyone is to blame here. This is evil in its purest form. Joe Paterno's legacy is in ashes, and he's falling into history as someone who maybe wasn't the hero we all thought he was (his name was removed from the Big Ten Championship trophy today). The fallout of all of this is so much greater than anyone can understand.

There's no reason for me to go into the details - this scandal has been everywhere, splashed all over every newspaper and news outlet in the country. I pray that the victims of Sandusky's sick abuse can one day recover and that they learn to trust again. I hope that the receive justice and that Sandusky sees his day in court and that he knows how sick he is.

Today, Sandusky proclaimed that he was "innocent." That he was not at fault for the crimes and sick acts he has committed. He said to Bob Costas in an interview that he is "...innocent of those charges... I could say that I have done some of those things. I have horsed around with kids I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact."

I don't even know what to say. He's innocent?! He's in denial. He's a sick, sick man. I feel for those who are innocent in this situation - the kids, of course - but the Penn State campus, the players on the team now, and those that have to deal with the negativity and impact of this horrific situation.

This points out a bigger issue of abuse and disgusting behavior of those in positions of power and trust. This is beyond Sandusky, it's beyond Paterno. It's something that (should) and will sit on the shoulders of all those involved for not taking swift action to end this behavior. Justice will come, I believe it.

For more information on the latest with the Penn State/Sandusky scandal, read this.

If you want to help bring awareness and donate to end sex abuse, please visit http://www.rainn.org/.

Now's Your Chance, Auburn!

AP Photo

When news broke that LSU would be without 3 players this week in their game against Auburn, all I could think was "here's your chance, Auburn...don't blow it!" Star cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, leading rusher Spencer Ware and fourth leading tackler Tharold Simon are all suspended because they violated LSU's drug policy. These three, right here, are some of the best on this year's LSU team...and clearly three that make the dumbest decisions. Apparently bad decisions are kind of the MO this year for the Tigers - remember when Jordan Jefferson was suspended for his bar fight? Right.

Ok, let's be real for a second. Even without these three, LSU will likely still pull out a win (sorry, Auburn fans) but it puts a damper on morale and leaves holes for Auburn to strike. Prior to the suspensions, Auburn didn't have a prayer, now, they might be able to capitalize on the chaos.

Steve Franz/LSU Athletics

So, what does Les Miles say in all of this? Nothing, naturally. He was vague and non-commital, just saying it was an "internal" affair, which is fine, everyone was going to find out sooner or later. At least this didn't happen right before the LSU-Bama game. Can you even imagine? Yeesh. The timing is good for LSU, if it was going to happen at all. Here's the thing that makes me question the Tigers this year: can they survive all these distractions? I'm not sure they can. There's only so much bend a team can have before it breaks.

I will say this. I'm calling calling the much anticipated LSU v. Alabama match up now. It'll be a big ol' loss for the the "Mad Hatter" and his Tigers. Yup. I said it...'Bama will win.

Tebow Named Starting QB in Denver

Well, shock me not, Denver Broncos. This has been coming since Kyle Orton's rough start this season. There's been consistent outcry in Denver for Tebow to step in as the starter, despite being at the 3rd spot behind Brady Quinn. Last Sunday against the Chargers, Tebow ran for a touchdown and and threw for second one after stepping in for Orton. Now, as a result, it's his time to step out as the starter to prove himself to Broncos Nation.

So what now? The team must stand behind Tebow as their starter (Quinn ran off to see his girlfriend, by the way) and work with him to win games. The Broncos currently stand at 1-4 (ouch) as they travel to Miami to take on an 0-5 Dophins team...ironically during a game that will honor the 2009 Florida Gator team that won the national title. Based on his performance at the game, he deserves the chance to start and lead this broken down team to hopefully salvage the season.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I've never been a huge Tebow supporter, even as a Broncos fan, but I'm willing to see what he's got, just for the sake of seeing it. Honestly, at this point, anything is better than the status quo. So let's see what he's got. I hope that the team is doing this because they feel like he's the best option and really believe in him. Is it just me, or does it kind of seem like he is just a castoff from the McDaniels era? I can't believe I'm saying this right now, but let's give him a chance. Here's the issue I do have with the new starter - he's inconsistent and his throwing motion is questionable. I feel he's a moving target for defenses with a strong pass rush, and his inconsistencies make me very nervous. Let's see what happens in the next few games before we judge head coach John Fox one way or another.

My closing thoughts? Don't blow it, because there's been enough heartbreak in Denver. I surely hope he doesn't give anyone a reason to dislike him more (he's got PLENTY of supporters) and prove to John Elway and John Fox that they should keep him.

The Braves and Red Sox Blow It in Epic Fashion

The title says it all. I have a feeling we'll be talking about the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox's epic fails for quite a while. How these two teams choked away their leads and waved goodbye to the playoffs is something that is mind blowing. I'm not sure whose fall was more shocking, but I'm leaning towards the Sox. Actually let's just start there.

Patrick Semansky/AP Photo

Boston lost to the Orioles (the Orioles!!) on Wednesday night 4-3. I guess Baltimore can now celebrate being the team to bounce Boston out of the playoffs. The Red Sox led by 9 games and somehow (some way) choked hard enough to waste that epic lead away. I mean, at that point, they had practically punched their card to the playoff train! Their 7-20 record in September is the worst record for the month since 1952. That's insane. The blame doesn't just fall on Jonathan Papelbon, David Ortiz, or Carl Crawford..itt falls on the team as  whole, and that includes management. We can go back and forth bout whether or not the Sox were arrogant or thought they were owed a ticket to the playoffs, but what good does that do? The bottom line is they had one of the most epic collapses in recent history, and I'm pretty sure the city of Boston is pissed. Really pissed. Honestly, I can't say I blame them.

John Bazemore/AP Photo

Atlanta. Oh dear Atlanta. You were thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis close. And you, like Boston, choked. The Braves led by 8 1/2 games only three and a half weeks ago. How do you mess that up?! The Braves struggled with hitting and their defense was on some nights and totally off the next. And so, now instead of the Braves in the playoffs, we'll see the Cardinals, and you know what? They deserve it more. The Braves failed to play well, they failed to turn it on when they needed to, and they failed to play like a team with heart. Disappointing may not even be the right word. Welp. See ya later, post-season. Back to football for sports fans in Atlanta.

So, now I'll root for the Tampa Bay Rays (who, by the way, I said would make it to the playoffs at the beginning of the season...I'm just sayin'). Why the Rays? Because they had the most awesome, bad-ass comeback against the Yankees after being down 7-0 in the 8th inning. Yep, 8th. Go Rays. To summarize my excitement for the little team that could, see the video below. I love Dick Vitale, and I'm pretty sure he loves the Rays.

Around The League...Week 3

Well, there's no doubt that the NFL isn't short of drama or action this year. Week 3 had plenty, so let's dive into the top takeaways.

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Tampa Bay Wins (Sloppily) -  Ay yi yi. This game was a mess, literally and metaphorically. In a duel in rainy conditions, Tampa Bay looked like the team with more potential. Atlanta looked sloppy, inconsistent, and fell victim (again) to turnovers. There is no way this team will make the playoffs if they continue to look so disorganized on both sides of the ball. It pains me to say this, considering the team is loaded with talent and potential. Matt Ryan did his best, but without a strong offensive line, he fell victim to multiple sacks and looked like he had no time to even launch the ball. He threw interceptions and fumbled (on top of those nasty sacks), and looked like he had hit a serious slump. He needs to be able to make decisions smarter, faster and stronger...he needs to take control. He did manage to connect with Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas and Tony Gonzalez, proving that the offense can work, but the O-line needs to step it up so that there's time to make it happen. On the flip-side, what's going on with Roddy dropping passes? He never does that! It's so unusual...I get it, it was raining, not an excuse, quite frankly. Especially for a Pro-Bowler like him. Harry Douglas continues to look studly, so if he can get open, Ryan needs to start relying on him. Defensively, missed tackles were (yet again) the theme of the game. I couldn't believe it. I could've jumped in there and snagged LeGarrette Blount (yep, all 5'4" of me!). Seriously, guys, c'mon. There were moments that looked fantastic and there were moments that made you facepalm and want to cry yourself to sleep (yep, I'm totally talking about the Corey Peters off-sides moment, among others). Redeeming factors for the defense? Not many. I guess Thomas DeCoud's interception counts. Then there's Matt Bosher...yep, gonna leave it at that. So what do I think? I think a few things need to happen. One of which needs to include letting Matt Ryan be Matt Ryan. Let him call more plays and run a no-huddle offense. Something needs to be done about the O-line...there are no words to even articulate how abysmal it looked. Defense...it's all about the secondary...just as it always has been. I hope that there's a sense of urgency and a fire lit under them, because that's a big NFC South loss. By the way...Matt Bryant, thank the good Lord for you...because you're the most stable and consistent kicker of all time. In life. Period, the end.

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

As far as the Buccaneers go, they looked equally sloppy, but were able to pull out a big win. Josh Freeman is going to have an incredible career as an NFL quarterback...believe it. Despite throwing a couple of picks and having his moments of uncertainty, he looked like he's about to grow into the big boy quarterback shoes he's been placed in. Can you tell I'm impressed? LeGarrette Blount is insane. I hate to admit it, but he's legit. Their offense is about to hit a big stride, and I'm thinking they're about to put away some big wins. What surprised me this time around, though, was their defense. Turner did nothing, Ryan did nothing, and they looked like they had become supermen in the off season. They forced multiple turnovers and sacked Ryan 4 times. Moral of the story? I think Raheem Morris' Bucs are about to come into the picture in a very real way, and they have absolutely started on the right foot. I'm looking forward to watching more of them this season.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Ravens Steamroll The Rams - Woahza. A massive 37-7 win by the Baltimore Ravens certainly makes a statement, doesn't it? Joe Flacco looks like he's a new man this season, and threw for a career-high 389 yards. Flacco's favorite target? Rookie Torrey Smith. Smith caught an impressive three touchdown passes...in the first quarter. I know, right? Impressive. It became clear that Flacco and his offensive line were ready for St. Louis' blitz package, which they ran just about every play (or so it seemed). The Ravens' defense seemed to match their offense with hunger, drive and passion. Let's just face it, they all played like a boss. Ray Lewis did what he does best, and stripped the ball from Rams QB Sam Bradford, which resulted in a pickup by Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata who returned the ball to the end zone for a touchdown. Yup. That's a whoopin'.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Poor St. Louis. It hurts my soul to see them lose like this. Sam Bradford is one of my favorite up-and-coming QBs in the league, and I am just itching to see him succeed. I think the pairing of him and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a good one, but it needs to click (obviously). The only touchdown resulted from a pass from Bradford to Brandon Gibson in the second half. Bradford was just 16 of 32 (what!!) as he was, simply put, abused by the Ravens' defense. Speaking of defense, the Rams had none. Zero. Nothing. They were consistently burned and couldn't stop Flacco. What happened to the St. Louis Rams from the preseason? They had defense...where did it go? Steven Jackson was a non-factor in this game, and his injuries are a major issue. He's incredibly talented, but needs to get better before he even thinks about stepping foot back on the field. I can only hope to see better things out of St. Louis. I think they have a lot of people pulling for them.

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

Detroit Finally Wins in Minnesota - Two words. Matthew. Stafford. Aside from being a beast on my fantasy team, he's made it abundantly clear that he is the man in Detroit. A healthy Stafford is an effective Stafford, and he's the one that will lead this team to the playoffs. Count on that. The Lions came back from a wicked score of 20-0 at halftime to prove that they're not the ones to be messed with. The Amazing Matt Stafford (new official name) threw two TD passes in the second half that launched the Lions back into the game, and drove it straight to overtime. Calvin Johnson also proved that he has turned a corner, and connected with Stafford for seven catches, 108 yards and two touchdowns. Keep an eye on Jahvid Best, too...he's a key part of that offense. The Lions' defense played poorly in the first half (clearly), but came out in the second half with a new attitude, just like the offense. Ndamukong Suh is the most passionate player I've seen in a long time. He is the future of that defense. It seems to me that the two sides of the ball work in tandem, which is a good thing...so when they're good, they're great, and when they're bad, they're terrible. It's a good thing they came out great in the second half. They all need to give a big ol' high five to their kicker, Jason Hanson, who kicked the game-winning OT field goal from 32-yards out.  Oh, and by the way, the Lions are now 3-0 for the first time since 1980.

Jim Mone/AP Photo

The Vikings are mediocre at best, but they still took a very difficult loss on their home turf against a rival. Brutal, no matter how you spin it. The defense worked well in the first half and held the Lions to -7 yards (yep, seriously). McNabb looked like he feels comfortable with his new teams' offensive play book and hit a stride with his receivers...in the first half, anyway. Adrian Peterson rushed for 78 yards and a single touchdown, which, to him, is disappointing I'm sure. I don't think this loss is one that means the Vikings are in for a rough year. I actually think they look pretty darn good. If they can get McNabb stronger and confident, then they'll be successful. Their defense will be decent, so if they can just get the mechanics right, they'll have a shot at the playoffs.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Vick Goes Down...Again - Yikes for Michael Vick. Cheers for Eli Manning. Let's rewind, real quick. Last week, in Atlanta, Vick was knocked out of the game with a concussion. He started against the Giants, despite the injury. This week, Chris Canty knocked Vick down, bruising his non-throwing hand (despite initial reports that it was broken). Is it me, or does Vick have a giant target painted on him? While he was in the game, he looked inconsistent and hesitated when throwing. Eagles' backup QB Mike Kafka came in after Vick was injured and was immediately intercepted. Whoops, so much for that whole "dream team" thing. LeSean McCoy did look good, and ran for 128 yards and one touchdown for the night. Decent, especially after losing their starting QB. Defensively, they looked okay, but Nnamdi Asomugha does make a big difference for Philly.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Manning was the man last night as he put up big numbers. 254 yards through the air and 4 TD passes is quite an accomplishment for him so early in the season. While he was certainly great, the real hero of the night was Victor Cruz. The man had two touchdowns and looks like a total pro. He is, hands down, one of my favorite receivers in the NFL. I think he's got it all (is he still available for Fantasy Football?). Ahmad Bradshaw had a solid showing, complete with a touchdown, helping the Giants gain the W. Aaron Ross had two interceptions and Antrel Rolle did what Antrel Rolle does. Game over, and a big 29-16 win for the New York Football Giants.

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Buffalo Wins...Against The Patriots - 34-31 thanks to a winning field goal from Buffalo's kicker Rian Lindell. Yep. The Bills won...not only did they win, they did so against the Patriots, the top contenders to win the Super Bowl. Could the Bills really be playoff bound? Is it possible for them to play for the AFC East title? All are realistic possibilities this year. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for an impressive 369 yards and two touchdowns, helping to break the 15-game losing streak against New England. Fitzpatrick is beginning to look like a real NFL QB, and may possibly be another bench-to-starter success story that I love so much. Like Detroit, the Bills came back from a serious 21-3 deficit at the half to achieve a big win. The Bills' defense intercepted Tom Brady four times. Four times!! What the what!? One of those four interceptions was returned for a touchdown by Drayton Florence. Stevie Johnson and Fred Jackson had big days, helping out their QB and putting numbers on the board. You'd have to be blind to not see the momentum that this team is gaining as they are now 3-0 and building confidence. I mean, I would have never thought this would happen so soon for the Bills, but I gotta say, I'm impressed and happy for both the team and their fans. It's been a long time coming. Hopefully they can keep the winning train moving along the tracks and can really show that Buffalo is in it for real this year.

Gary Wiepert/AP Photo

So what happened to the Patriots? Everyone (me included) expected them to cream the Bills. In one of maybe only a few losses the Pats will have this season, Tom Brady looked uncharacteristically rattled. His four interceptions in this game equalled the total number of interceptions he had all of last year. The brutal loss even overshadowed a huge achievement by Wes Welker who had a career-high 16 catches and a franchise record of 217 total yards. Equally impressive was Rob Gronkowski who caught two touchdown passes from Brady. This situation says one thing: the Patriots are flush with talent, but it takes more than that to win. A lesson for many teams, actually. They have a ways to go, and they will get there, I have no doubt. However, this game was a stark wakeup call, and maybe one that New England needs.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Tony Romo is One Tough Cookie - He might be the toughest QB I've seen in a long time (further proving naysayers wrong). He may not be the most accurate or have the strongest arm, but no one can deny his strength - physically and mentally and passion for the game. He fought through injury (a broken rib he received last week) and extreme pain to garner a big win in a rivalry game. We even saw him get a second pain injection (ouch) on the sidelines. He continually had wobbled snaps (thanks to his center and miffed snap count) and somehow couldn't quite get all the way in for a touchdown, but by goodness, he and the Cowboys fought hard for it. But here's the question, are the Cowboys really any good? By all measures, this game was really just...disappointing. Romo couldn't throw a TD pass and they relied on Dan Bailey to save the day with six field goals. Dez Bryant and Jason Witten also played hurt and stepped up big time to perform decently, I suppose. (They really need Miles Austin back). The Cowboys' defense generally looked improved, but certainly looked like they finally had the heart and motivation they've been talking about over the past few years. Anthony Spencer did come flying in with a forced fumble that Sean Lee recovered, stripping away any chance the Redskins had for a last second touchdown. The Cowboys looked like they had an infusion of hope put back into them, and already are improved from last year's terrible start, and move to 2-1.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

The Washington Redskins, on the other hand, do what they always do. They come close, but not quite there. The defense laid into Romo pretty heavily, and even I had to to turn away a few times after watching some bone crushing hits on the already-injured QB. At least the 'Skins took advantage of a weak point in the Cowboys' offense? (I'm not totally sure how I feel about that, but that's the game). Rex Grossman...yikes. What more can you say about Rex Grossman? One touchdown pass a quarterback does not make. On the other hand, Roy Helu did have a decent game...so there's always that. Similarly to the Cowboys, most of Washington's points came from their kicker, Graham Gano, despite having one field goal blocked. Well, Mike Shanahan, you have a big job in front of you to figure out what went wrong and making appropriate changes on the field. Good luck.

Other Things Worth Noting:

Tony Dejak/AP Photo

• Browns Beat Miami  - A win is a win, right?  A one point victory (17-16) for Cleveland is a moral victory. Things worth noting from this game? Colt McCoy looks good and continues to improve while Miami's defense is absolutely terrible.
• Maybe Oakland Is For Real - A big win over the highly-touted NY Jets, the Raiders are back on the NFL radar.  The Raiders' defense is fierce and they're the ones that won this game.
• Houston is Good...New Orleans is Better - Drew Brees is incredible. His 370 yards and three TD's feel like they can only be achieved in video games. Mark Ingram also showed up when it mattered for the Saints with his first NFL touchdown. The win proves that NOLA is still a force to be reckoned with; however, the Texans are the real deal. Matt Schaub and company really gave the Saints a run for their money, and I really believe this is going to be a statement year for Houston.
• 49ers and Bengals...meh. - That really says it all. 49ers won, but it was boring. The Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton needs a lot of work.
• The Broncos Continue to Break My Heart - Woe is a Donkeys fan. Seriously. Kyle Orton was intercepted twice and sacked once. I guess Denver's defense was good enough, but goodness gracious. Ugly. But hey, nice work on the part of the Titans.
• Carolina Snags First Win - Granted, it was against Jacksonville, but it's still a win for Cam Newton and his team. The 16-10 victory was a moral one for the Panthers, too, especially after playing surprisingly well in their past two games. Jacksonville's rookie QB Blaine Gabbert did ok and did have a touchdown pass, but it was really Maurice Jones-Drew who carried any offense the Jags could muster. Yay for Panthers, Yikes for Jaguars. 
• Chargers Edge Out Chiefs - San Diego eked out a 20-17 win against Kansas City that was only sealed because Chiefs QB Matt Cassel was intercepted by Eric Weddle. Bottom line on this one? Chargers look mediocre and hopefully can improve, and Kansas City is still decimated by injuries. 
• Green Bay Still Looks Great - The Packers pulled out a 27-17 win against the Chicago Bears, only adding fuel to their intense rivalry. As usual, Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley showed up big, while Chicago fell flat. Jay Cutler had an impressive 302 yards but was intercepted twice. Ok, so I admit, the Packers may have been a bit sloppy, but they still looked awesome. So what's the lesson here?  Green Bay > Everyone else.
• Seahawks Win Over Cardinals - Yup. I got nothing. Larry Fitzgerald is awesome. That's about it.
• Indy ALMOST Wins - Poor Colts. They came so close to beating the Pittsburgh Steelers and showing that all hope isn't lost. With Petyon Manning still out (and as owner Jim Irsay announced today, he's likely out for the season), backup Kerry Collins started and then later was knocked out with a concussion. In came 3rd stringer Curtis Painter. Painter is clearly in need of coaching but isn't totally bad. He's got potential, I'll leave it at that. Joseph Addai was the hero for Indy and brought the Colts back up to be neck-and-neck with the Steelers. A last second field goal by Shaun Suisham sealed the win for Pittsburgh, but it was ugly. Not sure what's going on with the Steelers this year, but they should consider figuring it out...fast.

Got comments, questions, compliments, or anger to unleash? Do it in the comments below, please!

Til next time...
S.

Around The League...Late Notes

Whoops, sorry I've fallen behind. With the start of the season brings a whole bunch of chaos into my life...but believe me, it's chaos of the best variety. So let's talk real quick about some important stories around the league.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

What the heck happened, Falcons? Seriously. What happened? As I was in Chicago, a lonely Falcons fan among the masses in Bears jerseys, I felt oh-so-sad. Do you even want to know how many missed tackles there were on the part of the Falcons' D? I didn't think so. Not worth mentioning because it's so cringe-worthy. C'mon Brian VanGorder, you're my favorite! You call me Sara Smiles and you have the coolest mustache ever. Seriously, though, this is your year to prove all those naysayers wrong. Falcons' defense is worthy of the big time, but the play calling has to change. All I have to say is fix the secondary, fix the defense. Ray Edwards, are you there? You can do this. As far as the offense went (or didn't) there were major problems. Ryan couldn't get the ball to any receiver and he looked like he was having a hell of a time being protected by the offensive line (reminder: Todd McClure is out). The run game was the only thing that had the tiniest bit of life, thanks to Michael Turner (but then again, he did have a fumble so...). So what now, because last time I checked, having Michael Vick and the Eagles back in the Georgia Dome is a terrifying thought. However, they are beatable. So what has to be done? A lot of improving, for one. Vick will run. Expect it, stop it. Vick will throw, so cover deep. There can be no missed tackles this game, period, end of story. The Eagles have some serious weaponry on both sides of the ball that has to be taken seriously. Let's incorporate an important factor here, too...Vick's return to the Dome. You and I both know crowds will be loud for him. Falcons fans need to band together and cheer for the birds...not for Vick. Will they rise up? We'll see...

CBSSports.com

Peyton Manning isn't coming back, Kerry Collins isn't the answer and Andrew Luck is being scouted. Yup. Luck may be going to Indy. It's clear Manning's injury is as serious as it gets. The Colts obviously did him a favor by keeping him on the active roster and paying him, anyway (he deserves that much). This whole thing has to just be killing him, too. Kerry Collins obviously isn't the answer here - if you watched the game you're saying "duh" - and had an abysmal QBR of only 2.3 (!!!) and fumbled three times. Woah. The Colts' 34-7 loss to the Texans was painful to say the least. Something must change with the play calling or who is on the field...or both. All I can think is what a shame this is. It's bad news for Manning, Collins, Jim Irsay, Jim Caldwell, and the Colts as a whole. I like that organization, and it pains me to see it like this, but what goes up must come down, I suppose. This is why it makes sense (to me, anyway) that Irsay was scouting Stanford QB phenom Andrew Luck. Is it a bad idea to think about drafting a new QB when you have one of the premier ones already? Yes and no. We don't know what Manning's future holds. He may be forced into retirement, he may come back with a fiery vengeance. Maybe Irsay is smart to protect his investment, but it may just be too early for that.

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Denver needs to get it together and there's more Tebow drama. Ask anyone within the Broncos organization and they'll tell you there is no QB controversy. Ask any fan in Denver and you'll hear another story. Kyle Orton disappointed beyond words on Monday night against the Raiders. While I was pleasantly surprised with the improvements on the Broncos' defense, the other side of the ball looked a hot mess. Seriously, they made Oakland look like a top tier team (for the second year in a row). So, when fans began chanting for Tebow, what are they saying to John Fox (and John Elway)? Just put the kid in. Never in a million years would I have predicted this, but I actually feel bad for the kid. They need to either release him or give him a shot. Granted, they need to give Brady Quinn a shot first, since he's number two on the depth chart anyway. Orton needs to step up, and in Bronco country, there's little patience for messing around, and they're hungry for a better team...and maybe a win or two.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

What the heck happened with the Steelers? Ok, let's take a few steps back here. There is no excuse for what happened against the Ravens. 35-7...really? Those towels clearly weren't so terrible (sorry, couldn't resist). The Ravens forced seven turnovers and it just wasn't Big Ben's day. Oh, and paging Troy Palamalu...was he lost on his way to the game? He barely showed up! This whole thing pains me just because I really think Mike Tomlin is the coolest of the cool. It had to have been a painful loss for him, too, since Baltimore is such a tough rival. I'm sure this was a one time thing, and these guys will be in top shape come this Sunday for the game against Seattle, and I'm certain the Seahawks will face the wrath of a hungry Steelers team who want redemption from total embarrassment from the week prior. I think this was the first and last time we'll see the guys from Pittsburgh fall apart in the way they did. They're fierce competitors and despite criticism that they're getting "old" I think they're still top contenders to win it all.

So what happens in week two? I'm not sure. No one is, and things are such a toss up this year. Got thoughts/comments/questions/reasons to yell at me? Post 'em in the comments section.

Til next time...
S.

Stories From Week 1 in College Football: Welcome Back!

Hallelujah, it's finally that time. It's September, cooler weather is coming, leaves are changing color, and guys put on pads to hit each other head on at full speed. Ah, football, how I love you. Welcome back!

What happened this weekend in the CFB landscape, you ask? Well, the answer to that is complicated but I'll answer it this way: a lot. Here are my top takeaways:

Doug Beghel/The Oregonian

Poor Oregon State - Yikes. An opening day loss to Sacramento State is ugly and unfortunate. It's clear that the Beavers' offense without the James brothers is a very sad one. A loss in overtime is always a tough one, but a loss in OT to a team that has nowhere near the amount of talent as OSU? Bummer. RB Malcom Agnew was the only bright spot in the Beavers' game, and even then it wasn't anything to write home about. Injuries and big mistakes were the downfall to the Oregon State team. What now? They have to redeem themselves, period, end of story.

LSU Rolls Over Oregon - Let's just say it. The Ducks have lost their swagger...at least for now. Even my personal favorite, LaMichael James, looked like a lost little puppy. The Oregon offense was stopped at every turn by the LSU defense and looked like they were miles away from the national championship caliber team they were last season. LSU, on the other hand, looked ready and poised for the national championship stage. I know it's early, but look for Les Miles' Tigers to bring the pain in the SEC - in my opinion, they're a top contender for the ultimate prize this year.

AJC.com

Mark Richt Might Want to Say His Goodbyes - Oh Mark Richt...he's a good guy and a great coach, but his time has passed at Georgia. The outcry for him to be fired has already begun after the Bulldogs' painful loss to Boise State in the Georgia Dome. UGA made the Boise State Broncos look like a pro caliber team. Messy mistakes and a weak offensive line were ultimately the Dawgs' downfall in their season opener. Georgia plays South Carolina next week and they had better win, or else Mark Richt can wave goodbye to Athens and the UGA football program. We all know UGA fans are some of the most vocal and dedicated in the country, and you can bet they won't put up with another losing season, especially in the ultra-competitive SEC.

Auburn Needs Work - Woah. That's all I could say while watching Utah State beat up on Auburn. Had USU taken advantage of a few missed opportunities (like that onside kick), they would have upset last year's National Champions. Auburn has lost many of it's strong starters (Cam Newton, Nick Fairley, etc) from last year, and has turned into a very young team that obviously has a lot of work to do. Head Coach Gene Chizik even stated that much in his post game press conference. If Auburn wants to defend their title and compete in the SEC, they had better make some real changes...fast.

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Notre Dame is Still Irrelevant - Sorry to my ND friends. Let's just be honest here, they aren't the same team they once were. Notre Dame has talent and with the right development, they'll eventually bounce back to the top tier of collegiate football, but they are far from that level right now. South Florida had the upper hand in this game and took advantage of a few big turnovers to pull a big win in South Bend. It's a huge win for the South Florida program, and surely an emotional one for head coach and ND alum Skip Holtz. This game was made extra interesting, though, by multiple delays because of weather. Let's just say this, metal bleachers + lightning = bad news. It was smart to evacuate the stadium in this situation.

Brady Hoke Makes his Michigan Debut - The much anticipated Brady Hoke era has begun in Ann Arbor, much to many fans' relief. Rich Rod is gone and it seems a breath of fresh air has been breathed into the Wolverines' program. Denard Robinson is still dynamic and the offense still works, but this opening game in the Big House showcased the improvements to Michigan's defense. Thank goodness, too, because it was a hot mes over the past few years. Look for Michigan to grow into a strong program once again under alumni coach Hoke.

Sue Ogrocki/AP

Yup, Oklahoma Deserves that #1 Ranking - One name: Dominique Whaley. Big story: the walk-on takes charge of the offense. Awesome. Whaley had the first 100-yard game by a walk on in 36 years...thirty-six years!! This kid is in for an epic season and I guarantee Bob Stoops is patting himself on the back right now. This kid will be the personal interest story of the season, and rightly so. He stuck to his goals and made a swift and serious impact for the Sooners. Beyond Whaley, though, OU does look like they deserve that #1 ranking. QB Landry Jones looks like he hasn't missed a beat and his favorite target, WR Ryan Broyles was a beast (as usual).  OU is an obvious threat to the almighty SEC. Get ready for a battle this season.

Baylor's Stud QB Robert Griffin III is Awesome - I don't think anyone saw this one coming. RG3 carried Baylor to a stunning win over #14 TCU. Goodbye Horned Frog, hello Bears. It's obvious that RG3 and his receivers will make for a lot of fun this season - they're dynamic and work well together; however, it's Baylor's defense that needs work. They were ahead of TCU by a lot and let it all slip away, almost losing the game. Obviously, that kind of thing can't happen, so it's safe to say the Bears' focus will be on fortifying their defense from here on out. As far as TCU goes, they'll have to work on team dynamics on both sides of the ball, but don't count them out quite yet, they're still a strong program.

Other Things Worth Noting: 

Marco Torres/HoustonPress.com

•  Texas A&M was looking good, which is a positive for them since they announced their departure from the Big 12
• ...And on that note, billionaire T. Boone Pickens announced the Big 12 was dead as both OU and OSU look to join other conferences. What T. Boone says goes, ya know.
• BYU looked good in their win against Ole Miss, but then again, it is Ole Miss.
• Andrew Luck is still a beast.
• Blah, blah, blah, Virginia Tech is really awesome, blah, blah, blah.
• USC looked mediocre at best...c'mon, they almost lost to Minnesota...at home!
• The other USC (South Carolina) is really good, especially with Stephen Garcia starting. Note to Steve Spurrier: don't ever bench him again.
• Can Dan Persa get well already? I really like him leading the Wildcats.
• I think Case Keenum beat UCLA on his own. Welcome back, kid.
• Colorado is still terrible. Jon Embree, good try, but you still have very little talent on your team. You had better recruit well, or else CU will be at the back of the Pac-12 rankings, sitting pretty with Washington State.

So what's the bottom line this week? Nothing makes me happier than the return of football season.

Til next time...
S.

Time to Make a Statement

Jimmy Cribb/AtlantaFalcons.com

The Atlanta Falcons are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight in their third preseason battle, but it's far more than just another preseason game. The Steelers are one of the few teams (alongside the Saints, Packers, and Patriots) who benefited from a short training camp period because of their already stable team chemistry and strong veteran presence. The Steelers are already strong contenders for the Super Bowl title and are ready to duke it out among the league's best. They came out, guns a-blazing last week against the Philadelphia Eagles and ripped them a new one. They proved that they are back and are hungry to redeem themselves from last year's championship game. Big Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward and James Harrison are back and want blood - the statement they made last week says it all. It's critical that the Falcons step up to the challenge.

I'm hearing that the Birds are going to keep their first team offense and defense in at least through the first half. Good call, Coach Smith. It's obvious to me (and everyone else) that the offense this year, with Matt Ryan at the helm again and his weapons in the backfield in Douglas, Jones, White, and Gonzalez, will be one of the top in the NFL. The team also has an underrated run game with Michael (the Burner) Turner and Jason Snelling, plus the addition of rookie RB Jacquizz Rodgers. However, it's consistently been the first team defense that has been the proverbial Achilles' heel for this team. The Falcons' defense has suffered from injury across the board and has had issues with depth. This year, with some key starters healthy again, I think the guys in red and black will prove every naysayer wrong. I'm also hearing through the rumor mill that Ray Edwards may play a quarter or two, which will finally give Falcons fans a chance to see what impact he will have on the secondary (and hopefully it's a big one). Hopefully we will see Brent Grimes, John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux come up with some big plays again, and I really believe this is the year Dominique Franks comes of age.

Jimmy Cribb/AtlantaFalcons.com

The Steelers are the first real opponent of strength that the Falcons have faced this preseason. It's also fair to say that this is a game that needs to be treated as the real deal - not just another preseason game to test second and third stringers and figure out new plays. This is the dress rehearsal for the regular season, especially with powerhouses on the schedule like the Eagles, Packers, Colts, and (this year) the Buccaneers. Time to step up and answer back, Falcons! I have total faith.  It all goes down against the Steelers tonight in Pittsburgh, and it's the Falcons chance to make the strong (and loud) statement they should.

By the way - here's a great "cheat sheet" put together by AtlantaFalcons.com writer Daniel Cox about some of the facts of tonight's Pittsburgh-Atlanta match up.

Until next time...
S

The Peyton Manning Effect

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Peyton Manning is, without question, one of the best quarterbacks in recent history. He's a future Hall of Famer and all around good guy. He's literally everywhere you look - commercials, to SNL, and participating in community service efforts. One place he isn't? On the field. Manning had surgery on his neck in May, and seemingly isn't ready to be on the field come the Colts' season opener in Houston.

Manning on the PUP list is bad for a whole myriad of reasons. The first of which is obviously the QBs health. Let's face it, he is the face, name, and heart of the Colts - talented, well spoken, and a clear leader...this team needs their guy back. Of course we're all concerned for Manning's health - he's a guy that people want to see do well - but he can't push this. Neck injuries are serious, and the Colts organization is taking it as such; but, without him on the field, it's clear the team won't perform or start the season the way they should. Adding to the already stressful chaos, the Colts signed Kerry Collins into a backup position. They lured the guy out of retirement and planted seeds of doubt into their own team's minds. Bad juju, folks. It's easy to see why Jim Caldwell and company don't necessarily have total faith in Curtis Painter (or Dan Orlovsky...), but was it a good move to bring in a QB who has been hitting the links, not the gym, without any sort of established bond with the team? Yes, he's a veteran quarterback with far more experience than Painter, but is it really the right move, even if he's not starting the next game, or even the one after that? I know the NFL isn't really about making guys feel good, but talk about a confidence buster for Painter. It seems that I'm not alone in this feeling, as members of the Colts, including Pro Bowl wideout Reggie Wayne, have stepped out in support of Painter.

Getty Images

Manning is a pro. He's a competitor. What else? He wants to play. He's started all 208 regular season games of his career and is, hands down, one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league. Manning's bad days are akin to most NFL QB's good ones. That's saying something. Yes, I have an affinity for the oh-so-charming Peyton Manning, and have an incredible amount of respect for him, but I think this situation, (which is out of his control) is going to throw the team into disarray. Add in the signing of Kerry Collins and you have a team confused with a ton of different opinions. I'm not sure starting Collins (which is what will inevitably happen) against Houston is the right move - the Texans are finally in contention for the AFC South title, and look poised to win.

I think one of two things will happen for the Colts in 2011. Either Manning will come back stronger (think Tom Brady) and lead the Colts to the season they deserve...or the Colts will struggle. There really is no gray space here, and it's hard to predict which will happen. Manning is strong, and most absolutely a fighter, and no doubt everyone is watching...and waiting to see what will happen.

Updates on the Miami Situation

If you need my thoughts on the situation as a whole, read my update from yesterday here. I feel I need to explain something further, especially after talking with my buddy Ryan last night. Let's be real here. This is about the adults in the situation. These players were kids...likely kids who have rough backgrounds and of course are going to jump at money, gifts, etc dangled in front of them. WHERE was the administration in all of this and why is UM President Donna Shalala giving a half-assed "heartfelt" letter to the Miami family? Where is the statement of strength and conviction saying "YES, we will investigate this and we will go after Nevin Shapiro?" Ugh. Just ugh. Disgusting.

Yesterday, former UM Head Coach Jimmy Johnson went on the "Paul and Young Ron Show" and ripped Nevin Shapiro, calling him a "jock sniffer wanna-be" and a "scumbag." You can read more about Coach Johnson's reaction here. Of course it's a bit ironic given Johnson had a few scandals of his own, but he is a standup guy who fights for what he believes in, and he still considers himself a part of the Miami family, that's for certain. Today, UM blog "Beyond U Sports" wrote a piece about Shapiro and his cowardice simply because he had an axe to grind and felt "unsupported." Give me a break. Anyway, you can check that out here.

New UM Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst (finally) released a statement today. He said "I know our family is hurting right now and that is what has made the past few days so difficult...There are tough times ahead, challenges to overcome and serious decisions to be made...we will be stronger as a result... Now, the community, the coaches, the student-athletes and the University have my unconditional support as we move towards a better day. Now, the community, the coaches, the student-athletes and the University have my unconditional support as we move towards a better day. And there will be a better day." Now THAT is a statement I can get behind.

There's just a mixed bag out there, and ironies a-plenty, and it continues to get uglier by the day. I've read a mixed bag of opinions...some saying this will end with the death penalty for Miami, others saying "not quite" but that it will be close...either way it's bad news.

Oh one last great article sent to me by my boyfriend's father...separating fact from fiction. We'll see if any of it holds down the line.

Below is video of Coach Golden's presser this morning. Take a look - leave your thoughts in the comments.


Until next time...
S.