Week 17 PICK

You may notice its PICK not pickS this week. There's only one game that will count: DENVER BRONCOS at San Diego Chargers.

The Broncos will be blown out and the game will be comfortably in the Chargers hands leading into the 4th quarter. The Broncos have NO running backs. Tatum Bell will be selling cell phones again next week after cleaning his locker out. The Broncos best running option is Jay Cutler but the Chargers will be aware of that after last week.

Once again the Broncos offense and consequently best defense rely on Cutler's right shoulder. Cutler may get over 500 yards passing but the Broncos will sprinkle in some turnovers which will quickly put the Broncos playing catch up the rest of the game.

This not the game the Broncos wanted to be playing for all the marbles. San Diego feels cheated and has tons of new life after the last two weeks of results. Both teams might be nervous at first but soon after the home crowd lifts up its team the game will be over.


Over and out until 2009 for the Broncos.

Just a tip: draft well on defense

Week Six Picks

Bengals @ Jets

The Bengals have nothing to play for and have another player suspended player. Jets win.

Raiders @ Saints

The Raiders are coming off their bye week while the Saints are coming off an emotional loss. The Raiders mess will spill on to the field. Saints Win.

Ravens @ Colts

Peyton has a few dings in his armor and it plays directly into the Ravens defense. Ravens win on the road.

Rams @ Washington

The Rams are a mess with less talent than the Raiders. Washington will crush them.

Dolphins @ Texans

This is a tough call. The Texans are coming off a horrible loss and the Dolphins are coming off an upset. This one could go either way but I'll take the Texans to finally win at home.

Bears @ Falcons

This is also a tough call. I'll take the Bears to stop the Falcons running game. Bears win.

Lions @ Vikings

The U-Hauls are already on the road. Vikings win.

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Garcia is back taking the snaps but I like the physical nature of the Panthers. Panthers win.

Packers @ Seahawks

Both teams have seen better days. In the battle of the Green hues Packers win.

Cowboys @ Cardinals

Can the Cardinals beat the Cowboys at their Jiffy Pop Popcorn stadium? The Cardinals are definitely better at home and the Cowboys are coming in with lots of questions in the secondary. The problem is the teams that give the Cowboys are physical teams which the Cardinals are not known for. For this reason I'll take the Cowboys in a barnburner.

Eagles @ 49ers

No Brian Westbrook and a trip across the country. I think the 49ers are underrated. The Eagles need a lot of pass rushing but I'll take the 49ers.

Patriots @ Chargers

The Patriots would be doing the Broncos a huge favor by beating the Chargers on the road and that without Tom Brady. The Chargers are basically playing for their season here at home. The problem I see for the Chargers is that Chris Chambers is out. He's made a huge difference in the passing game since the Dolphins gave him up for a song. Also Merriman's replacement is already out meaning they have third string linebacker. San Diego hasn't been good on defense this year. The big battle will be Cromartie on Moss. I'll take the Patriots in an upset.

Giants @ Browns

If the Browns thought the Cowboys were tough wait until they play the Giants. The Browns were spoiled with Prime Time football games this year. What a waste. Giants stay undefeated.

Jaguars @ Denver Broncos

Winning this game goes a long way to cementing a playoff birth for the Broncos. The Jaguars looked flat against the Steelers defense and they are lucky they are not coming to Denver late in the season. Denver will still be one sided on offense and that side took a few blows in player injuries last week. Luckily Eddie Royal will be playing. I think the Broncos learned a lot from last years game and that physical edge will be not so strong as it was last year. Broncos win in a tight game.

Week Five Picks

Chiefs @ Panthers

The Panthers will be too physical for the Chiefs away from Arrowhead. Another losing streak begins Panthers win.

Chargers @ Dolphins

Amazingly enough the Dolphins have won the last six games against the the Chargers but that ends in this game. Chargers win.

Colts @ Texans

The gap isn't so big between these two teams but after the bye week the Colts should come out on top.

Seahawks @ Giants

Seattle doesn't travel well to the east coast. The Giants stood their ground and suspended Plax. The Giants pass rush should be enough in this game. Giants win.

Falcons @ Packers

If Aaron Rodgers starts I'll take the Packers.

Bears @ Lions

I think I saw the Uhauls at the Lions practice facility. The Lions have already moved on from this season. The Bears will keep their momentum going in their win.

Bills @ Cardinals

I'll take the upset on this one. The Cardinals are favored by 1. Warner may get his yards but the Bills are a more complete team.

Patriots @ 49ers

The Patriots are favored by 3 points. I can see an upset brewing. The Patriots have been gashed in the running game. But Belichick has had an extra week to prepare for this. I'm sure he watched LOTS of videos in the two weeks. I'll take the Patriots in a hard fought game.

Bengals @ Cowboys

If I had known Palmer wasn't playing last week I would have taken the Browns. The Cowboys are going to lose two in a row at home unless Wade wants to get "fired with cause". Cowboys win.

Vikings @ Saints

The underachieving Vikings travel to the Saints who are trying to not underachieve. Peterson should be able to get his yards and control the clock. Brees has been throwing the football great this season and that might be enough to get the win. Saints win.

Titans @ Ravens

Two great defenses in this game but the Titans have more experience. Maybe they'll even throw out Vince Young on a few plays. Titans win.

Redskins @ Eagles

The Redskins must be feeling really good about themselves. Their season might now be complete after beating the Cowboys in Dallas. That said the Eagles get a lot of their weapons back. Eagles win.

Steelers @ Jaguars

The Steelers are already starting to get beat down on offense. The Jags are beat up in the secondary. As long as the Jags keep everything in front of them they should be able to wear down the Steelers. Jags win.

Buccaneers @ Denver Broncos

I've been debating this game all week. One thing is sure: this game will be determined by turnovers. The Bucs having been winning their last few games by getting turnovers but Griese is also throwing many. The Broncos do have the advantage of knowing the key offensive minds for Tampa. Shanahan knows exactly what Griese is capable of and Bill Bates the Broncos QB coach spent three years with Gruden in Tampa. For most of the week I thought the Bucs would force enough turnovers to win but I think now the Broncos at home will rebound and do better securing the ball. Look for the Broncos to pick on Ronde Barber who has been getting beat all year long. I'm happy to say Broncos win.






Well we hurt each other then we do it again

Week Four Picks

Welcome to week four. The week of the byes that don't cost anything. The good news is I don't have to pick a Patriots game because they've been burning me but I do have to pick a Browns game.

Cardinals @ Jets

The Cardinals have never played well traveling to the East Coast. Last week was a perfect example. The Jets need a win and should open up the offense for Favre. Jets win.

Vikings @ Titans

Two similar teams. Both run well, stop the run, and have old journeyman QBs. The Titans are at home and that may be enough from an underachieving Vikings team. Titans win.

49ers @ Saints

This game should be close. The Saints are banged up and the 49ers are getting good production from Frank Gore but Drew Brees should still be able to throw enough yards to get the win.

Falcons @ Panthers

Matt Ryan on the road. Carolina at home where they don't play too well. However the Panthers are healthy enough to be able to win this one.

Browns @ Bengals

The battle of Ohio. What a yucky game. Could be Brady Quinn's first chance to play in the NFL. Look for it if the Browns are down at the half. Palmer is battling shoulder and ankle injuries but should have enough to win this ugly game.

Packers @ Bucs

The battle of the Bays. Tampa's win last week was lightning in a bottle. They had a few opportunistic turnovers but had to throw it 67 times. That's too one sided to beat the Packers. As long as the Packers can handle the heat they should win this one.
Texans @ Jaguars

Bills @ Rams

This Bills are starting to get some recognition and have a great young QB. They should easily beat the Rams on the road who are dealing with some in house fighting.

Chargers @ Raiders

The Raiders should get embarrassed by the Chargers just like they were in week one against the Broncos. Rivers is throwing the ball too well not to.

Redskins @ Cowboys

Another NFC East rivarly game. The Cowboys are mowing over their oppositon and don't need much motivation to beat the Redskins. They just need to keep an eye or maybe several on Moss. Cowboys win.

Eagles @ Bears

The Eagles are coming in with their anual injuries to McNabb and Westbrook. But the Eagles have enough talent and coaching to beat the Bears on the road. The Bears are also dealing with injuries. Eagles win.

Ravens @ Steelers

The Steelers got worked over by the Eagles defense and the Ravens could work them over too. I don't see the Steelers losing two in a row and this one at home. They'll need a better game plan and exicution to win this one.

Texans @ Jags

The Texans haven't been playing well but have a history of beating the Jags. But the Jags running game should win this game.

Denver Broncos @ Chiefs

The Broncos haven't won two years in a row at Arrowhead since the 70's. Most players on both teams were not even born then. This is certainly the best chance of breaking that streak. The Broncos are undefeated and the Chiefs are still looking for a W. Looks like a trap game but the Chiefs haven't won in 12 games and the Broncos will make it 13.







Your skins white but you think your a brother
Some days are better than others.

Smoke and Mirrors

The Denver Broncos are 3-1 heading into this weekend, but they could just as easily be 1-3. After the first game they've been winning using smoke and mirrors. The Broncos have been putting up huge numbers on offense but that is misleading. The vast majority of yards has come in the passing game. The Broncos running game has been sub par and has been hidden by the passing game. While usually teams run to set up the pass the Broncos have been passing to set up the run.

The NFL season is now one quarter over with. By this time teams can see the opposition's weaknesses and use this to exploit them. The Broncos won't be able to pass enough to win games. The Patriots did it last year but they had a much better defense.

The Broncos defense is still a big work in progress and it goes all back to the defensive line. A great defensive tackle in the draft would have been great but the Broncos got Ryan Clady instead. Clady has proven to be very valuable and will set up the offense for years to come. The Broncos did the best they could for the defensive line but it still looks horrible on passing downs. The major problem has been no push in the center of the pocket. The ends haven't played great but the other teams QB is given an extra half second because the front of the pocket is not being pushed in. The Broncos have to find other ways of getting to the quarterback instead of faking the blitz. They need to actually blitz and get to the QB.

The Broncos are playing the two most important games that will define their season. Two games at home against the Bucs and Jags. The Broncos aren't good enough to win the division yet. They have to play for a wild card spot. Right now they are playing against the teams from the AFC South for a Wild Card spot. Beating the Jags is worth 2 games in that regard giving them the tie breaker if they have the same record with the Jags. One thing is for sure the Chargers won't make it easy for the Broncos on the last game of the year in San Diego.




the heart is a bloom shoots up from the stony ground

Hard to Digest

Gourmet Hans Locher cooks up trouble with human milk recipes

The recipes may change the way the Swiss think of their milkmaids

Bojan Pancevski in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its first-class milk products derived from cows grazing in idyllic mountain pastures – but a gourmet chef has caused a stir with his plan to use human milk instead in a variety of dishes.

Hans Locher, the owner of the rustic Storchen restaurant in the village of Iberg near the resort of Winterthur, posted adverts in German newspapers for human milk donors and, initially at least, elicited some positive reactions.

Local authorities, however, were less than enthusiastic about the idea of having their traditional fricassee served with a breast milk sauce. Yesterday Zurich’s food regulatory body and the Association of Swiss Milk Producers threatened lawsuits against Mr Loch and any donors, who were promised the equivalent of about €10 (£8) for a litre of milk. “I don’t understand all the controversy. The mother’s milk is the most natural thing in the world – how can anyone be against it? It is, after all, the first thing we taste and I see no reason why I should not include it in my menu,” Mr Locher, who trained as a cook in several countries, said.

He claims to have been experimenting privately with various recipes since his daughter was born and to have perfected the use of the ingredient in his cooking, preparing meals such as breast milk soup, breast milk lamb curry, or antelope steak with chantarelle sauce with breast milk and cognac. In all cases the human milk is mixed with whipped cream and makes up at least 75 per cent of the sauce.

“The idea first came to me when I noticed that there were many young mothers in our village, some of them single. I thought to myself: why not make use of their potential? I served the meals to my friends without telling them about the new ingredient and the feedback was excellent.”

Officials were taken aback by an apparent loophole in the regulations which did not seem to cover the issues of using breast milk. According to Rolf Etter, of the Zurich food regulator, the lack of guidelines became an argument in itself, as it was ruled that Mr Locher would not be able to store the human milk properly nor guarantee that it was fresh and safe for consumption, since the product was not a registered or regulated food.

Mr Locher is now facing legal action if he proceeds with his plan of introducing the novel recipes. His breast milk donors from the village also risk being sued for providing the potentially dangerous product.

Week Three Picks

Yeah that's right Mike Shanahan is a Riverboat Gambler with balls. How many other coaches would go for two against the Chargers? Obviously in hindsight it was the perfect decision. The were a lot greater that Cutler could convert on a 2 yard play than the Broncos defense stopping the Chargers from hitting a field goal in Overtime. Granted the Broncos should have never been in that position. Ed blew it. Yeah he blew the whistle too soon. Cutler clearly fumbled and the ref made a game changing decision but the Broncos still had to score the touchdown and two point conversion after that. Let's also point out this is the only blown fumble call this year. In week one the Colts clearly fumbled on a kickoff but the refs blew it dead even though the Bears recovered the Colts kept the ball. Then in the infamous Monday Nighter DeShawn Jackson showed off his skills and intelligence by dropping the ball before he went into the end zone but the ref signaled touchdown so possession could not be transferred. But hey Ed we love you in Broncos Country because we hate the cocky trash talker Phillip Rivers.

Now time for the week three picks. There are a couple of close calls and I'll go against history in these picks.

Steelers @ Eagles

History shows after an emotional division game there is a letdown but when the cross state rivals come in for a rare visit I see the Eagles getting up for this one even after a short week. Eagles in a close one.

Cowboys @ Packers

Again history shows a let down from a tough divisional game after a short week. Not to mention the Cowboys are 0-5 at Lambeau Field. I think the Cowboys are on a mission and will take them this week.

Cardinals @ Redskins

History shows the Cardinals are bottom-feeders and they don't do well traveling east. The Redskins came from behind against the Saints but they were missing a lot of starters. Kurt Warner hasn't played this well since the greatest show on turf. I'll take the Cardinals in an upset.

Chiefs @ Falcons

Is this really an NFL game? Falcons actually are favored and I'll take them too.

Raiders @ Bills

Raiders on the road in Buffalo, an underrated team. The Raiders are actually spreading bad press about their head coach. Look for dysfunctional Raiders to get behind and not be able to run. Bills take this one.

Buccaneers @ Bears

With or without Hester I'll take the Bears over the Bucs who are having QB controversies.

Panthers @ Vikings

This is a tough call too. The Vikings must win and are trying out a new journeyman QB. Who knows if AP will play if not there's J. Stewart. Vikings must win but won't. I'll take the Panthers on the road in another close one.

Texans @ Titans

The Texans had two weeks to prepare for this one but do you think they spent the entire two weeks preparing? nope. The Titans have a great defense up the middle. Collins will manage the Titans to a win.

Bengals @ Giants

The Bengals are in a must win on the road but Palmer will spend too much time on the ground to make a difference. Giants take this one as long as Little Manning doesn't repeatedly throw picks. Giants win at home.

Dolphins @ Patriots

The mentor vs. the protege. Parcells team vs. Belichick. Which Bill will win? Pennington has pulled off some upset in New England but the Patriots still believe in themselves and that should be enough. Patriots win.

Rams @ Seahawks

The Seahawks did Denver a HUGE favor by trading for Keary Colbert. Colbert wasn't going to play for Denver and he was making to much money to sit on the bench. Now he'll get more playing time in the Emerald City. Even the Seahawks should beat the Rams and not need a last second FG to do it.

Lions @ 49ers

The Mike Martz Bowl. The Lions have gone back to their pedigree and are underachieving with or without Matt Millen. The Niners should have enough talent to win this one at home.

Browns @ Ravens

This one could go either way. Are the Ravens good enough to win this one at home? The Browns have their backs against the wall and need this one. I'll take the Browns in this one but if they lose this one stick a fork in them because they are done.

Jets @ Chargers

The Chargers are ticked off and in must win mode at home. The Jets will have to take a lot more chances this week if they want to compete but I look for Rivers to rip them apart in game that's over going into the 4th quarter.

Jaguars @ Colts

Another toss up game. The Jags must win to have a playoff chance but they along with the Colts have been hit heavy with injuries and neither team can run the ball due to this. I'll have to go with Peyton Manning at home.

Saints @ Denver Broncos

This game will be on FOX at 2:05 pm with their first team announcers, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, for all of you viewers out there. This is the first time the Saints have played at Invesco Field. Chances are most of the Saints team has never played at altitude their entire playing career with the exceptions of Brees from his Chargers days and Reggie Bush played one game at BYU. Other than that the rest of the team has never played above 1,000 feet. Not to mention in Brandon Marshall's last 5 games he's caught 55 passes. For those of you who don't know that's an NFL record for a 5 game stretch. Who's going to stop the Broncos receivers for the Saints? The Saints lost their best receiver and will be in a lot of trouble if they have to play catch up. As long as the Broncos defense plays good around the line of scrimmage they should be okay. Just don't let Reggie Bush beat you on screen plays and wheel routes. Look for the Broncos to go 3-0 and Cutler to add to his league leading touchdown passes and passing yards.







Don't worry baby it'll be alright uncertainty could be your guiding light







Oh by the way I beat my wife in picks last week. By a long shot!!!!

Week Two Picks

I am SOOOO disappointed!!!!!!!

We let the Raiders score 14 points in the 4th Quarter! Jay Cutler ONLY threw for 299 yards! Why couldn't he throw at least one more yard to get over 300 yards? Tony Scheffler dropped a sure TD in the endzone. That's four more points Tony!

At least I can take solace in the fact that the Denver Broncos are leading the league in scoring and Jay Cutler has the second highest QB rating.

Oh forget it!!! The Broncos killed the Raiders. Just embarrassed them at home in front of their fans. In fact one guy was literally asleep on his wife's shoulders. The Raiders are abysmal but that shouldn't take anything away from the Broncos blowout.

Now on to the picks.

Titans @ Bengals

Normally I might take the Bengals at home but did any of you see the Bengals defense last week? It was worse than the Raiders. No one wants to tackle on that defense and Palmer was under pressure all day. This shouldn't stop with the Titan's defense up front with Albert Haynesworth. Plus VY won't be throwing picks to the Bengals. Going with the Titans on the road.

Bills @ Jags

Like many of you I thought the Jags had things figured out but I'm doubting it at least for this week. The Bills have been underrated since last year. Trent Edwards looks like a great QB. But the Jags don't have any starters in the interior of the offensive line. This hurt them both running and passing. The Jags only hope is that the Florida weather gets to the Bills because they won't. Bills on the road.

Raiders @ Chiefs

Let's be honest here. The Raiders have way more talent on paper when you look at the names but due to poor management they are a "dumpster fire". The Raiders have high draft picks all over the place but they all underachieve. The Chiefs hate the Raiders almost as much as the Broncos and its hard to win in Arrowhead. Look for LJ to run all over the Raiders and make them wish they'd drafted Dorsey instead of Run DMC who couldn't even finish his first pro game. Chiefs at home.

Colts @ Vikings

At first glance I'd think of taking a talented Vikings at home. However T. Jackson is just not big time. I'd rather take a Peyton Manning with something to prove than an unproven QB. The Colts may also get Jeff Saturday back way before he was supposed to come back. Last game Manning had to call out the play and also the line protection that Saturday normally does. I think Manning with another week of practice gets back in sync. Colts in the dome on the road.

Bears @ Panthers

Most people look at the Panthers winning at San Diego so a home game against Chicago should be a lock. Hold on there! The last few seasons the Panthers have overachieved on the road only to come home and lose in front of their home fans. They still don't have Steve Smith but Delhomme is looking great. The Bears looked great too last week. I want to take the Bears in this one but I've taken too many road teams so I'm taking the Panthers,

Packers @ Lions

The Lions killed me last week when I chose them in the elimination round. How do you let Michael Turner run for 220 yards when the Falcons are starting a rookie QB? The Packers RBs are banged up but I'll still take another road team. Rodgers is 2-0 as a starter.

Giants @ Rams

Looks like the bye week is coming early for the Giants. Giants on the road but not as convincingly as the Eagles.

Saints @ Redskins

This one's a little harder to pick after the Saints lose their best receiver for over a month. But Shockey knows the Redskins well. Did any of you see Brandon Jacobs leave his cleat marks on Landry? Maybe Shockey can copy him. Its a tough pick especially with all the road teams I've picked but the Saints win this week only to lose next week on the road.

Falcons @ Bucs

Ah Chucky will be around to fire up the Bucs against a divisional foe. Derrick Brooks is dinged up but I see the Bucs making the Falcons one sided and containing Michael Turner. As long as Griese doesn't turn into a grease fire look for the Bucs at HOME!!!!

Niners @ Seahawks

Alex Smith you don't even start and you brake your surgically repaired shoulder. Can we call you a bust now? Make sure you thank Urban for setting you up as the number one pick and being financially set for the rest of your life. The Seahawks are hurting in a big way. They have very little weapons but I'll take them at home.

Patriots @ Jets

Let's see here no MVP but instead a QB who hasn't started a game since 1999 (By the way he was only like 3 for 11 in that game for less than a 100 yards) also Belichick had to yank him out of the Dolphins game because he couldn't protect like 50 point lead. What's going to happen when starts against Brett Favre, who is 5-0 against QBs making their first start? I've got to take the Jets at home nearly a year after Spygate hit the fan like you know what.

Dolphins @ Cardinals

This one is not a lock. Pennington was great for the Dolphins last week and they are playing the lovable losers in Arizona. Okay the lovable part wore off decades ago. Heck they couldn't even fill their stadium a few years ago. But the Cardinals actually kept the ball nearly the entire game against the Niners. I'll take old grey beard Warner at home.

Ravens @ Texans

Another Monday Night double header except this one won't be seen outside southern Texas and Maryland. The Texans are an improved team but it'll be a test on offense. They may need to be bailed out by their defense and get some pressure on a rookie QB playing his first road game. I'll take the home team.

Steelers @ Cleveland

Another lovable loser team that had so much riding on this season. Except the Steelers own this team even more so on the road. If only we could see another Bill Cowher pre game talk with all the spit spraying out of his mouth. B. Edwards did come in second place to TO last year in drop balls and it looks like he's going for first place this year. The Dawg pound's going home disappointed again. Steelers win.

Eagles @ Cowboys

Many "experts" have looked at Andy Reid's record against the Cowboys and are taking the Eagles on the road. Let's see how the toothpick DeShawn Jackson does against the biggest defense in the league. Snap!! Was that a toothpick breaking or another body part of McNabb's? The Cowboys are on a mission this year. This one should be high scoring but I'll take Romo in this one. The last time the Eagles come to Texas stadium in the regular season.

Chargers @ Denver Broncos

A week ago it looked like all the Chargers had to do was show up and the W would be theirs. After all they have owned the Broncos the last two years. Trust me I know I was at last year's massacre. But a lot changes in a week. Denver revved it's offense and came away with 41 points and this week they get Brandon Marshall back. Normally I wouldn't say this is enough however the Chargers are hurting like its already December. Rivers' knee is still not 100% after ACL surgery. LT hurt his toe against the Panthers. He hasn't practiced this week either. His toe is being called a turf toe and it won't heal the entire season if he keeps on playing. LT represents the biggest threat against the Broncos and two men responsible for making holes for him could be out this game. Their starting LT and center may miss this game too. That's just on the offensive side for the Chargers. On the defensive side they lost their best sacker for the year in Shawn Merriman. Their leading tackler from last year is still serving a 4 game doping suspension. On top of that the Chargers best cornerback Cromartie is coming off a hurt hip. How's he going to do against a quick Eddie Royal or a fresh Brandon Marshall? You add it all up and it looks like the Broncos could take a two and a half game lead on the Chargers. Go ahead Jay throw that extra yard and go over 300 this game. Broncos in a thriller at home.









Man captures color. Man likes to stare.



Oh by the way my zany, I mean brainy, wife beat me in picks last week. Good job.

First Week Picks

This week I have to be early with my picks because the League starts on Thursday. I know I could just make that pick then wait to the weekend but I'm a man of the people and I'm working for the people. I'm going to give all my picks now.

Can't you feel all the excitement in the air? The weather is getting cooling. The calendar says its after Labor Day. Stick a fork in summer, its done. Get ready to stick a fork in your nice juicy Fillet Minion smothered in A1 sauce. It's how steak is done.

Redskins @ Giants

It's not a dream. The Giants really beat the undefeated Patriots to win the Super Bowl. Eli did engineer a game winning touchdown drive and the rest is history. How did the Giants beat the Patriots? Smoke and Mirrors? No. With a great pass rush. Last year's starting defensive ends won't be playing for the G-men. If the Giants win much this year it'll be with smoke and mirrors. I really don't want to pick the Giants to win but I think they'll feed on the energy and win.

Lions @ Falcons

I may have spoken too soon on Matt Ryan. He has a good pocket presence but he'll still make some rookie mistakes with a rookie left tackle. The Lions are full of hope. Hope of a 10 win season. They picked up Rudi Johnson and even though Tatum Bell stole his luggage the Lions should win this one on the road.

Bengals @ Ravens

A rumble in the AFC North. Both the Ravens and Bengals haven't improved much. Both teams have injuries in key positions but I'll take Carson Palmer over any rookie QB even on the road. Bengals win an ugly one.

Seahawks @ Bills

This looks like a trap game to begin with. The Seahawks have to travel across the country but that should be negated with it being week one. However the Seahawks might be without their top 3 receivers and who knows how good their running game will be. The Bills made some improvements in the offseason. This game will probably be similar to the week one game in Buffalo against the Broncos. An ugly win for the Seahawks.

Jets @ Dolphins

At the beginning of training camp no one cared about this game. Now its Favre against the man he took his job from. As long as the old man doesn't become dehydrated in the hot humid weather the Jets should win. They've made a lot of improvements and Mangini might have his 3-4 defense finally working. Jets win.

Chiefs @ Patriots

Yawn. I hope this one doesn't get on nationally because this one will be over soon. I'm sure Brady's foot will be great. The Patriots aren't as good as last year but the Chiefs have no pass rush. Patriots in a landslide.

Bucs @ Saints

Let the hurricane bowl begin. If any team can play well after a hurricane its the Saints. They'll have the sell out and the offense to win the game.

Rams @ Eagles

Not a game I would want to watch. Who knows how good the Rams offensive line is? When the Rams lose will everyone talk about Steven Jackson's holdout? We'll find out on Monday. Eagles win.

Texans @ Steelers

This game should be closer than most think. Mario Williams is starting to dominate on the defensive line. The Texans should be able to slow down the Steelers offense but I don't see Schaub winning this game with all the terrible towels. Steelers win in a good game.

Jags @ Titans

Every one's sexy pick, the Jags, will come up to Memphis to take on the overrated VY. The Jags are a little overrated but they are still good. Good enough to take one on the road in week one.

Cowboys @ Browns

Best game of week one PERIOD. The Cowboys and all their Hard Knocks roll into Cleveland with a chip on their shoulder. The Browns will have to score more than 35 points to win this one. The Cowboys will pick on the Browns weak corners all day long. It will be interesting to see how well Shaun Rodgers plays in the opener. He can dominate on the line but it won't be enough. Cowboys put up some big points and win.

Panthers @ Chargers

Another yawner. The Panthers make their longest trip of the year and it'll be even longer going home. Why does everyone think that Jake D. makes the Panthers so good? It's been years since they played in the Super Bowl. Now they don't have their best player either, Steve Smith. The only interesting thing will be watching how well Shawn Merriman's knee holds up. Will he have to be carted off the field like Willis MacGehee in the National Championship? Shawn you're really stupid. You could have had the surgery back in January. Now you're just playing for money. Good luck getting those 12.5 sacks you need for the escalator clause to kick in.
Chargers win.

Cardinals @ Niners

The only good thing about this game will be watching the close ups of Matt "biggest man on campus" Leinhart face as he holds the clipboard on the sideline. Who knows maybe Kurt Warner will break something and can come in a throw a few picks. Warner should make it through the game so I'm taking the Cardinals.

Bears @ Colts

All the fireworks should be nice for this one. Finally we get to hear Al Michaels and John Madden again. Listening to them is like eating a nice tenderloin smothered in A1 sauce. My mouth is watering. Let's face it the Colts have gotten really old at key postions. Manning, Harrison, Sanders, and Freeny are all coming off of surgery. Peyton won't have his center Jeff Saturday, who's out with an injury. This one might be an ugly game but the Colts defense should be enough for the Colts to win.

Vikings @ Packers

Aaron Rodgers has never gone into a game knowing he has to play all 4 quarters. If things start going bad he might start making poor decisions. This should be the second best game of the week. The game will all be about who's front 7 on defense is better. Both teams are pretty equal in that department. This is a tough one to pick but I'm going with the Vikings on the road.

Denver Broncos @ raiders

Who starts a game at 10:15 eastern time? No one's going to stay up for this game east of the Rockies. Two teams with lots of question marks get to square off in a bitter rivalry. Al Davis basically put it all on black in Roulette and now everyone gets to watch him lose. The Raiders have an underrated defense in the passing game but they did nothing to help their rush defense. Al Davis will be wishing he had Dorsey instead of Run DMC after this one. Broncos should pull this one out but that doesn't prove anything yet. San Diego awaits them in week two.

The girl with crimson nails

ESPN Continued

As you may well remember on the 28th of July I was on national sports talk radio. Just to prove it here's the link go to minute 19:30.

http://insider.espn.go.com/proxy/proxy.dll/insider/espnradio/player?id=3508083&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fproxy%2fproxy.dll%2finsider%2fespnradio%2fplayer%3fid%3d3508083

The question was posed "What's the biggest question for the Broncos this year?". I'll now give you the answer. The Broncos Defensive Line!




The Broncos were 30th in 32 teams in rushing defense last year. Only the Raiders and Dolphins had a worse rushing defense and they had a combined 5 wins. Its a wonder that the Broncos even managed 7 wins last year with that rush defense. Why would any team in the NFL want to pass when they can just run for the first down? Add to that, that the Broncos have been missing a pass rush for years and you can see why the biggest question is the defensive line. The most productive player last year was second year player Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos also drafted three rookies last year on the defensive line. All that said means very little experience on the D-line. They went out to solve their problems being trading for Dewayne Robertson who has been playing with a bone on bone condition since college but still manages to play most weeks in the past.

The Broncos offensive should be the most dynamic since #7 was behind center and #30 was behind him, especially later in the season when Ryan Torain returns from his broken elbow. If the Broncos defense can just stop the other team and allow the Broncos offense to find a good rhythm, this offense should be high flying some where near 30 points a game, but that all goes back to how well the defensive line can answer the question.





The more you see the less you know
The less you find out as you go

Dream On

My wife Joanie has been the best supporting my obsessions. When we first met she had no clue about football. In the beginning she thought teams had to buy a week but she has sat by my side and learned the game. So much so that it has seeped into her subconscious.

The other night Joanie was sound asleep dreaming of being in her choir when who should walk in? None other than Jay Cutler. Joanie got to go talk to Jay and tell him what we think of the Broncos.

Keep on dreamin' Joanie





In my dreams I was drowning in sorrows when my sorrows they learned to swim.

Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

This sums of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 season: Unless they win their division they will not make the playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers over the last 35 years have been the best managed football team in the NFL. They've never been a team to overpay for players and they never have built through free agency only through the draft. Steelers football has always been in the trenches. They also keep their coaches for a long time.

However this year has many aspects that don't bode well for the Steelers. First off the Steelers have the hardest schedule bar-none in the NFL. Because they won the division last year they have the "honor" of playing the winners from all the other AFC divisions who are: New England, Indy, and San Diego. If that weren't hard enough they'll have to also play arguably the toughest division in the NFL the NFC East and next to that the AFC South, the ONLY division last year to have each team finish without a losing record.

With that said I believe the Steelers post season hopes boil down to two games: September 14th and the last game December 28th. The schedule makers must have put that game there on purpose. Why are those games so important? They are the two games against the Cleveland Browns. Many people believe the Browns will have a break out season. The Steelers have to win these two games to win the division. Otherwise I think the weight of their schedule won't allow them to get a wild card spot.

Secondly I believe the Steelers are a lot weaker than they have been the past few years. True they locked up Big Ben for a long time. That was key. They also had the fortune of drafting a Steelers RB, Rashard Mendenhall, so late in the first round. However what has made the Steelers so successful over the years has been their play in the trenches. This is where they have become weak. They let their best offensive lineman go to the Jets. Do you know who he is? He's the lineman that made the key block in the SuperBowl to spring Willie Parker for the longest rushing touchdown in Super Bowl history. His name in Alan Faneca and he's now protecting Brett Favre. The offensive line is shaky at best.

The defensive line is also a major question. All the starters are over 30 years old. How will they be after playing against New England, Indy, San Diego, Jacksonville, and Dallas? Probably worn down. If Casey Hampton their nose tackle goes down their defense could be crippled. Chances are too that their moving missile Troy Polamalu will most likely miss some games with knee issues or concussions and the Steelers will have troubles slowing down all these high powered offenses.



whose gonna taste your salt water kisses?

Meat and Potatoes

The preseason is over with. The meat of the preseason; games 2 and 3 went very well for the offense.

Jay Cutler had a fantastic preseason. Its just preseason with its vanilla defenses but he was in a word perfect. He scored a TD every way a QB can. He passed, he handed off to the RB and he ran one in from over 20 yards out. All this in 5 quarters with zero interceptions. Cutler put on a clinic for the Cowboys first team defense. At one point he was 12 for 12.

We also saw just how good Brandon Marshall will be and how much we'll miss him in week one against the Janitor. The silver lining is the emergence of the rookie Eddie Royal. He has big play capability written all over him. His best catch was snatching it in the air from two larger defenders.

The Broncos have too many questions to be considered heavyweights in the NFL. The biggest question is the offensive line. The entire line will be different this opening weekend from last years. The biggest question however remains at the tackle positions with essentially two rookies starting at the tackle spots. The line does show signs of great potential. They didn't allow any sacks the entire preseason but I'm sure there will be some growing pains. They will have Daniel Graham to help them out in the blocking department. If you want to read my question answered on the Denver Post about Daniel Graham please go here:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncosmailbag/ci_10169087

Just scroll down a little.




Johnny take a dive with your sister in the rain

Fallen Idol

I wouldn't say John Lynch is my idol but I used to respect as a man, which is rare for a professional athlete. However I believe John Lynch came down with a case of Brettfavreitis. Lynch believes the Broncos disrespected him by not playing him on passing downs. He'll be 37 years old. Only Hall of Fame QBs and kickers last that long in the NFL. Why only them? Because they don't have to run. Lynch isn't very fast but he can still tackle and is a coach on the field. He could have just stayed with the Broncos but instead he decided to go to the Patriots. Turns out the Patriots didn't want him either. I guess the "Genius" just wanted to pick his brain so he could finally beat the "Mastermind".

Instead of Lynch just riding off into the sunset he'll have to go through being cut twice in a month. Maybe he'll get a job with the "Mangenius" or Bill will call him up right before October 20th.



You can swallow or you can spit just don't choke on it

Broncos' Janitor

It would appear that the Denver Broncos have a someone new taking the garbage out for them: the Oakland Raiders. The thugs from the bay are taking all of Denver's trash. It seems every time the Broncos get rid of a player they don't want anymore the Raiders pick them up. The Raiders used to over pay for Super Bowl MVPs. You might remember the cornerback opposite Deion Sanders for the Cowboys or Desmond Howard from the Packers. These days times are tough for the Black and Silver. They have to rummage through the Broncos dumpster in search of players.

It started out with Cooper Carlie last year. The Broncos didn't like his production so they dumped him. Then during camp they didn't like the effort of Gerrard Warren so after talking to all the other 30 NFL teams about a trade who did they go to last? The Oakland Raiders. Then this offseason. Javon Walker, the player who replaced Ashley Lelie because he didn't want to be the #2 receiver, decided he could no longer play in Denver because he lost his job to Brandon Marshall. It was clear that Javon was the second best receiver. He no longer got separation from the defenders and Mike Shanahan even stated that Javon's knee was in poor condition and was a few years away from being bone on bone. The Broncos tried to trade Javon but when there were no takers they threw him in the dumpster only to have the Raiders come take him out. Not only did they take him but they vastly over-paid him giving him a $55 million contract. Javon of course went about being a knuckle-head and literally got his face beat in, in Las Vegas. Oakland's coach has stated several times his disappointment in Javon Walker. First he was too out of shape. Second he couldn't do the most important part of his job: catch the football. In 3 preseason games he didn't catch a single pass. It wasn't from a lack of balls thrown his way. Javon felt so discouraged that he was going to retire and give back his signing bonus. Well the Raiders had their chance to right their wrong but instead they talked Javon out of retirement. Good Job Raiders! Now you have about $150 million dollars tied up in three offensive players who haven't produced at all in the NFL recently.

Now move ahead to this week after NFL teams make their final 53 man roster cuts. Ashley Lelie, the former Bronco got picked up by the Raiders after being tossed in the dumpster. The Raiders just keep getting dumber.




Zooropa Better by design

Far from Favre

I watched the Green Bay Packers first preseason game since 1992 not to include #4 Brett Favre. Instead the Packers are looking to the future. I was so sick of hearing everyday about every little Brett Favre/ Packers thing. In the end the Packers won. They don't have to pay Brett anything and Brett is safely tucked away in another conference almost guaranteeing that the Packers will never have to see the old #4 on the other sidelines. (Unless the NFL gets crafty and schedules a Packers-Jets Preseason game next year). I thought both sides were wrong but it is still hard to imagine the Packers treating their franchise's icon the way they did. Diva's expect to be treated like diva's. People don't line up for lineman's autographs they line up for Brett's autograph. Alas Brett is now a Jet and the Broncos will have to face him in the windy Meadowlands later this year.

Meanwhile Aaron Rodgers started his first preseason game for the Packers. It's not hard to see he has talent and a strong arm. He do what few have done: be a successful after a legend. Rodgers still looks inexperienced though. He got sacked on a safety blitz and looked uncomfortable when pressure was applied by a weak Bengals defense. He did however show good accuracy on his fastball throws but needs to work on his touch passes. His one interception was not his fault. Rodgers literally hit his receiver between the numbers and the ball bounced off and was picked off. The only other weakness I saw was that he stares down his intended receiver. If he does that too often a good defense will catch that on film and take advantage. The only other question is Rodgers durability. He's never started a game yet managed to get injured enough to where he wouldn't have played the next game.

Who's behind Rodgers? Just two rookies with no experience at all. Looks like the Packers have put all their eggs in one basket.

Preseason Rules

Preseason often gets dumped on by experts but 3 years ago I started watching it and I found out a lot. First off that Cutler and Marshall would be great players. Last year I saw the Broncos would have troubles stopping the run. You just have to know how much preseason to watch. The third game is the best because the starters often stay in until the third quarter and by then you should see their true colors. The fourth preseason game is just to see who will be cut the next day. It's the most worthless game.

Today the Broncos traveled down to Houston to play the Texans. The Broncos were not impressive. The offensive line was manhandled by Houston's second string defensive line. Ryan Clady got his welcome to the NFL moment from Mario Williams. Williams constantly moved Clady where ever he wanted. Nothing new with the Broncos defensive line. They still can't generate a pass rush. The Broncos had to break the vanilla defense and blitz to get pressure. Then the new kicker Prater missed his first FG attempt. He won't be playing for Denver if he misses those easy ones in the regular season.

Mike Shanahan promised this past week on his radio show that the Broncos would make the playoffs this year. If the Broncos don't get better soon they're guaranteed to finish the season below .500.

Sportscenter: E-S-P-N

Ladies and Gentlemen if you were listening today to ESPN radio at 2:30 you would have heard the question posed, "What is the biggest question facing the Broncos this season?" The cool thing is if you would have listened a little longer you would have heard the question answer by your humble author. That's right I got on national radio. I called up and the bouncer producer asked me my name and where I'm from then I waited to hear from the host John Seibel on the program Sports Nation. John started off saying, "According to Sports Nation 50% of voters from Utah believe the biggest question this season has to do with Jay Cutler but you Spencer believe it's something else, what do you believe is the biggest question facing the Broncos this season?" Then I answered. In my next blog entry I'll go over my answer.

Eric: the Exposé

Most people when they think of the word "Exposé", they think of the Lost episode 314. However we will use the other meaning of the word Exposé as it relates to Eric.

The Sweetest Thing

This is Joanie, my beautiful wife of one year. She's over in Europe having fun on the islands of Greece that are almost as beautiful as she is. I miss her so much! Every moment I'm not preoccupied with something else I'm thinking about her. I've planned a second honeymoon the second she passes through airport security back into my arms. I won't reveal all of my plans but it will all be spent with Joanie having a great time. I plan on making up 5 weeks without her into one weekend. That weekend will include a lot of the activities we love doing together.


Joanie is so fun to spend time with. We both love go to different places together. Last year we had a great honeymoon! We got the crazy idea to drive up to Glacier National Park and camp there while going on a 13 hour hike over several mountains. Joanie's one of the few women who would do that and be excited to do that.

Last year we also went camping up at Red Pine Lake. We got the perfect spot on the lake. Our tent had spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and canyon. It was so fun to spend that night with my gorgeous wife alone in a tent.

Over the Christmas break we got to go to Germany together. It was so much fun to spend that time with her. Joan was so great helping to fix the house. Then we went on our vacation from our vacation and went on a round trip down to Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Koenigsee, and back home. The first night in Dresden we slept in a bed that wasn't as comfortable as the princess bed but it forced us into each others arms for the whole night. The next few days were winter cold but it was always great to see Joanie in her attractive outfits. We had such a great time traveling around Europe in our Audi with the Navi to guide us. Joanie even drove over 120 MPH.


Joanie has been really great letting me feed my obsession with football. She never complains and she even watches the Denver Broncos with me and on occasion we make it a great date and head on down to Iggy's and watch the game on the big screens while eating a hamburger and sharing Carmel covered cheesecake.

We have a lot of fun activities yet to do like: camping on Grasshopper Glacier, going to the last 2 of the 50 states: Alaska and Hawaii, and maybe one day making it to Nepal to hike around the Himalayas.

I expect more and more great times with Joanie. When we have children we won't be able to do as many exotic activities alone but we'll have great times being parents together. I can't wait to see Joanie with our child in her and I can rub her belly. I think Joanie will look so beautiful when she's pregnant. I will also get her anything she craves when she's pregnant like Extreme Moose Tracks ice cream to anything crazy she wants to cover with peanut butter.

Joanie will be a great mother. She'll take great care of our children. I'll love to listen to her as she reads our babies bedtime stories. I'm sure we'll dress our girls in pink and our boys in Broncos blue.




20 Reasons I Love Joanie

20. Joanie loves to play games with me (I just avoid playing her after 9)

19. Joanie's dedication

18. Joanie's fun to sit next to in church

17. Joanie's yellow personality

16. Joanie knows "We can make this work!"

15. Joanie loves to be right next to me

14. Joanie's fun to take a shower with

13. Joanie loves to travel to distant places with me

12. Joanie loves to go camping with me

11. Joanie protects me (from Raiders fans)

10. Joanie learned all the football rules

9. Joanie lets me watch football

8. Joanie gave me a great Christmas present

7. Joanie always tries to make me happy

6. Joanie's long beautiful blond hair

5. Joanie's smile when I kiss the back of her neck

4. Joanie's fun to go out on dates with

3. Joanie has the most beautiful lips when she smiles

2. Joanie has the voice of angels when she sings

1. Joanie's a great lover


Joanie I love you so much!

How important is a good LT in the NFL?

Ah, the trenches of a football game. Many astute observers of football believe football games are won and lost in the trenches between the offensive line and the defensive line. The casual fan thinks it just the quarterback and the "skill" position players. It's true that the top teams always have an good to elite quarterback but look at the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Brady is a lot better than little Manning but his offensive line lost the battle to the Giants defensive line. Quite frankly I thought New England played too conservative in their defense. And so it goes the biggest upset in Super Bowl history. Yes it was bigger than Broadway Joe's Super Bowl prediction.

The Left Tackle (LT) is only one of five members of the offensive line, so why does he get the most attention? He gets it because he's protecting the team's most valuable asset from the opposing teams best pass rusher. Of all the 32 teams only Arizona has a left handed starting quarterback and he gets benched in favor of a much older quarterback. A right handed quarterback's blind side is then his left side. He is much less likely to see a pass rusher coming from his left and get rid of the ball then from his right side. A pass rusher coming from the quarterback's blindside has that extra fraction of second to sack or better yet strip the quarterback of the ball. If a quarterback gets hit too many times in the back or has defenders around his legs his production will dramatically drop off. Just ask Tommy.

The Denver Broncos used their first round pick, 12th overall, to select perhaps the best left tackle in the 2008 NFL draft. Miami used the first overall pick to select a "tackle" but many experts see him as a good right tackle because he's a little too stiff. A first round selection is a big deal in the NFL. Is using it on a potenitally good Left Tackle a wise investment?

All the successful teams in the NFL have good quarterbacks which means they need good left tackles and offensive linemen to protect them. The interesting thing is that most of the good teams did not take a left tackle in the first round.

New England: 2001 second round Matt Light

Indianapolis Colts: 2007 second round Tony Ugoh (but they traded a 2008 first round pick to take him in the second round)

Dallas Cowboys: 1998 second round Flozell Adams

San Diego Chargers: 2006 second round Marcus McNeill

Green Bay Packers: 2000 second round Chad Clifton

Pittsburgh Steelers: 2000 second round Marvel Smith

Jacksonvillie Jaguars: 2005 second round Khalif Barnes

New York Giants: 2003 fifth round David Diehl


All these successful teams didn't use a first round pick on such an important position. This shows successful teams don't need to use a first round pick on a left tackle. However when you look back on the last decade in the NFL which left tackles have been considered the best?

Orlando Pace first round 1st overall Super Bowl winner

Jonathan Ogden first round 4th overall Super Bowl winner

Walter Jones first round 8th overall Super Bowl runner-up



The best three left tackles of the last decade were all first rounders. Being picked in the first round doesn't mean sucess; just ask the Raiders with Robert Gallery. However if they do work out they dominate for 10 to 12 years.



What usually dooms highly rated tackles is poor footwork. Poor footwork usually means a move to guard as was the case with Tony Mandrich and Robert Gallery.






The Broncos have a lot to look forward to with Ryan Clady. He's got the best foot agiltiy of any lineman Mike Shanahan has ever seen. That experience comes from being on 6 teams that went to the Super Bowl. Clady should be protecting Cutler for the next deacade and opening up running holes for whatever running back goes for 1,000, 1,500 or 2,000 yards in a season.

Pencils Down, Time is Up

Remember way back when I did a mock Wonderlic test? I promised I'd provide the answers and now I will. By the way Arwen was the only one with courage enough to send in answers all you cowards!

1. True
2. 84 cents
3. 1
4. 3
5. 300 feet
6. 6 feet
7. September
8. .33
9. 17 (tough one!)
10. $560 (tough too!)
11. not certain
12. 40 years old

13. surgeon's masterpiece

Thanks that is all.

Nerd Alert!

The year was 1985 and I was but a mere tike but for some strange reason I wanted to watch a grown man on a bike.

A man with lipstick, blush and a cheap gray suit. His name is Pee-Wee Herman. It was back in the days of Friday night sleep-overs before the Saturday morning soccer game.

I ended up recently watching it again after 2o years.

I remember 3 things from the movie:

1. Large Marge: who could forget her awful story? And which person didn't keep rewinding the VHS tape to see her face freak out? That was awesome!

2. The trick gum Pee-Wee gives Francis and his dad: all that black coming out was hilarious.

3. The line "I am a loner, Dottie. A rebel" I didn't know what a loner or a rebel was back then but I've spent every day since then being one. (That last line I said sarcastically Joanie)




And You feel like no one before

Bird Brains

Ladies and Gentlemen I join you after a month off. I come to you out of the jaws of death. A gruesome death at the hands of... I mean the talons of a man-killer, otherwise known as the Peregrine Falcon.

May I live to be a 100 years old I'll never forget those brown spots in its feathers! I wake up in a cold sweat after nightmares of those spots. I'll never forget those spots!

Let's go back to last week. I was innocently fixing the overhang on the roof. I had my ladder in place and I prepared to climb the two and half stories to get to the roof. I looked up and noticed some wasps flying around the roof and I thought I was in some real danger. Little did I know where the danger would come from! I heard a noise that was eerily reminiscent of the sounds raptors made in the movie "Jurassic Park". As we may recall birds descended from dinosaurs and I met the raptors nearest ancestor, the Peregrine Falcon. The fastest animal on the planet!

Little did I know that those noises were directed at me! Then out of nowhere swooped down death's messenger. I just happened to duck in time to watch that bat out of hell go over me! Then he came around again with that noise of death. I ducked again and he flew over. But the third time I wasn't so lucky. Satan's little helper dive bombed me on the head. I took a direct blow. They sunk my battleship!

I felt that blow for the next 2 hours. Meanwhile they dive bombed me again at least 30 more times that night. I came prepared for the next assault in my bike helmet and sunglasses. Those birds of prey flew literally 3 feet from my head then made an instant 90 degree turn and flew straight up the side of the building. I decided to put my competitive nature away and concede the night to them and just return the next time to finish the roof.

The next morning I could still hear those menacing shrills in the distant. Those birds like in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" were still in the trees across the street. Surely they couldn't be there that same evening.

As I did the evening before I prepared my ladder and made my accent. Helmet-check. Sunglasses-check. I carefully made my way to the top of the ladder. As I was about to begin my work out of Satan's womb came these birds. Two them to more effectively knock me off the ladder. I ferociously defended myself as flashback's to Hitchcock's "The Birds" entered my mind. Was my life to be done in? It felt like Pearl Harbor as I made my way down the ladder. Bombing from every direction.

Temptation seeped in my thoughts to show them who really is at the top of the food chain. I wanted to get my tennis racket and show these vile birds the true meaning of "The Grand Slam". I however did not. The sun went down and the reverse of Count Dracula happened and they disappeared. I fixed the roof and was done with it.

Flash forward to this week. I was at work and I heard the quaint chirping of a bird in distress. On our roof was a cockatiel. He had flown away from his owner and looked like a fish out of water. He couldn't fly. I got up on the roof and saved his little bird life.


He now has a name: Petie. Petie now inhabits my office pooping where ever he goes. But I'll take poop over those brown spots any day!





You're free to fly the crimson sky

The Black Holes

The other day Joan and I were at Smith's trying to buy some meat when the butcher tore open his butcher's outfit to show us his Raiders shirt. You should have seen the look on Joan's face. She wanted to beat the ahh... Raider's Nation out of this guy. Raiders fans are the lowest life form in the NFL world.

The good news is that the Raiders have invested over $120 million dollars in just two players who haven't proven anything in the NFL. Those two being MacFadden and Russell. The two players on paper are homerun hitters but if they tank there goes the Raiders chances of winning anything in the next 4 or 5 years.

Too many teams draft players on arm strength and athletism. The number one quality in a winning QB is judgement not arm strength. Just look at the QBs who are considered greats. Most aren't very athletic but they make plays when it counts and that usually has more to do with accuracy than arm strength. Besides how often in an NFL game does the QB get the oppurtunity to throw deep? That depends a lot on the Offensive Line but I'd say 3 to 4 times a game. Lets say they complete on long pass. That doesn't mean they get a touchdown off it. What if it leads to turnover? Or leads to third and long situation. I'd want a QB who knows how to complete passes between 5 and 15 yards. Just move the sticks.

Then there's MacFadden. History shows running backs don't give much value in the first round because there are so many that are productive in later rounds where they can be paid cheaper. Besides RBs don't last too long and RBs that fumble don't last long either. MacFadden has a history of putting the ball on the turf. What happens when he's getting the ball from an inexperienced QB too? You don't get too many homerun runs in the NFL if you can't run it between the tackles and MacFadden still has to prove that just as Reggie Bush has struggled with it.

The Raiders also pick up a lot of Broncos castoffs. Players that Mike Shanahan just cuts because he doesn't think they'll be of value, the Raiders pick up. Good Luck Al with your also-rans and your over-priced talent. Oakland is just the Black Hole for talent.

Shanahan Throwing the Trash Out

Coach Mike Shanahan finally threw out the last bit of trash from the Broncos roster. Part of it had to do with Travis Henry spending more time in a Broncos T-shirt and less time in his jersey.

I personally didn't like the signing of Travis Henry last year. I thought they gave him too much money especially since the Broncos are known for finding running backs through the draft, but lately the running game suffered in production. My theory is the offensive line had more to do with it than the running back. Nevertheless I thought Henry could be successful in Denver's running game but I found it hard to root for him and even harder to root for him after it was revealed he had fathered 9 children from 9 different money. Look up the word "promiscuous" in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of Travis Henry there.

The trash that Shanahan has been been getting rid of included malcontents like Javon Walker, who couldn't handle being the number 2 receiver and thought his talents weren't being utilized. I saw a receiver who wasn't getting seperation on short post routes. His knee hasn't been right for 3 years now and he may soon have a bone on bone condition in his knee.

It appears some of the blame goes right back to Shanahan and maybe the GM for taking risks on high priced players. The Broncos drafted very poorly for 3 years (2001,2002,2003) which left them with holes in their roster they tried to fill with free agents and trades that didn't work out. The only trade that worked out was for Champ Bailey, but he can't do much if the defense doesn't generate much of a pass rush.

However the last three years have been much better in the draft making Walker and Henry expendable. The team will have to eat their signing bonuses but they are gone making room for younger cheaper talent.

There are still some questions to be answered from the past few drafts. The two biggest are how well that last two first rounders will play. Ryan Clady appears from his limited OTCs to be the real deal but Jarvis Moss is coming off an ankle surgery and hasn't shown much yet. If those two players end up being very productive this year Denver has a great shot at making the playoffs as a wild card team.

Bad Boys What Ya Gonna Do?

I'd like to take this opportunity to personally express my disgust for Sandy Policemen. I was walking to my wife's school to see a concert and a power hungry policeman pulled me over and was going to give me a ticket for "walking on the wrong side of the road". When I asked him why he was doing that he replied he was just enforcing the laws. He ended up just writing my name down and giving me a warning. What a doofus! I would say more but I don't want to go overboard.

Only One Hundred Days to Go!

That's right there's only 100 days to go until the NFL Season opener. The Redskins will go up to Giants Stadium on Thursday night by virtue of the Giants defeat of the Patriots in the Super Bowl.