Prince Akeem Called The Giants Game 20 Years Ago

Had I known Prince Akeem was so good, I would have laid down a few bucks! I'm always late to the party...

Enjoy.

"Wait, Who's #91?"

One of these people is not like the others

As I unassumingly watched the close to the 2007 season, I witnessed the team of my rooting interests become mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, despite a stellar and unexpected season. It was a season that can be described by several key events, whether it be Michael Vick's trial, Patriots perfection, Sean Taylor's unfortunate death, Bobby Petrino bolting for the NCAA and even a little Pacman Jones sprinkled on top for good measure.

Thinking of Sean Taylor, I noticed that my Cleveland Browns were still sporting the "21" stickers on their helmets, causing me to turn my attention to other teams to see if they were still depicting their remembrance. Of course, the Washington Redskins were displaying the number of their fallen teammate, but were others?

I noticed one team that was not with the rest of the NFL in canonizing the former defensive back. Perhaps they stuck out to me due to the media inundation that were to be broadcast over my television, but possibly because of their choice to not take part in said tribute: The New England Patriots.

When I first noticed this a few weeks back, my Pavlovian response was to jump on to this wonderful medium and bad mouth the team and all that they stood for. How could they not show their respects for a player who had just been brutally slain a few weeks back? Must they be that cavalier towards the rest of the league? Who do they think they are? I mean with their hoodies and model girlfriends. How condescending are they? Right? Right?

Not so fast.

Watching yesterday's games with my fiancée, her question encapsulated what the casual fan may have been thinking this entire time. After watching Tom Brady walk off of the field following a three-and-out, she saw the back of his helmet and said, "Wait, Who's number 91?" After I explained the entire story about Marquise Hill, it had hit me. Was his death simply glossed over by so many? The Joe Bucks of the world can mention it once per week, but is that ample coverage? I know that it did not occur during mid-season, and it was not a homicide, but shouldn't this be known?

Why didn't the rest of the league don "91" stickers on their helmets? Was it because Hill wasn't an All-Pro? Maybe because he didn't have flashy nickname on or off of the field? After all, he only had three tackles in all of last season, how good could he have been? How would anyone know who he was? Should this even matter?

The Patriots defensive end that suddenly died this past 28th day of May spent many of his last days helping New Orleans residents rebuild their homes after Hurricane Katrina. While residents of Louisiana, his teammates at LSU, and his teammates on the New England Patriots remember Hill, many casual fans are left pondering the story of the former second-rounder. Jarvis Green, his teammate at both the college and professional levels, wore Hill's shoulder pads for the season - a friend's way to memorialize.

This is not an attempt to knock down the celebration of any fallen athletes that have received praise for their hard work and for what they meant to their teammates or fans. It is simply an open-ended question, in attempt to figure out why certain players receive different levels of remembrance. Who are we to judge? Maybe the Patirots have a point after all.

Darren Sharper: Walker Wants To Walk

Coming to a Clearance Rack Near You

Minnesota Vikings defensive back Darren Sharper was live on the scene as the San Diego Chargers topped the Indianapolis Colts yesterday. But while he was doing some television work, Sharper offered some insight on his good friend, and Denver Bronco wide receiver, Javon Walker.

"He wants to get out of there," Sharper said Sunday during the Colts-Chargers AFC divisional playoff game, where the Minnesota Vikings safety was doing television work. "I know all about it, and he wants out. He's not happy. He wants the ball. He doesn't feel like he's part of the offense."

While I can agree that the Broncos have another solid wide receiver in Brandon Marshall, perhaps not feeling like a part of the offense stems from not being able to stay healthy?

Is it just me, or did the same situation go down in Green Bay? Walker can deny that he has an ego all he wants, but getting injured and watching others flourish is the bane of his problems. In 2005, after a long contract battle, Walker injured his knee early in the season and then refused to play for the team again, prompting the move to Denver.

Many have hinted that the Broncos will ask Walker to re-work his contract - as he's slated to receive $5.4 million in bonus money on top of his $7.05 million cap number - but the receiver was quick to nip this in the bud as "other top players have not be asked to take a pay cut after injuries." It was only a year ago that Walker was supposed to be the "final piece" to Mike Shanahan's Super Bowl puzzle.

Walker is quickly making a name for himself in the league, and it isn't a name that many teams will want to add to their roster.


Sharper's Line On Walker [Denver Post]

Nothing To See Here? Then Go There!

Pardon me while I borrow a portion of this picture from Epic Carnival


Last season, the NFL TV v NFL debate was one that was pretty strong through the entire season, somewhat fading after fans realized that they just were not going to see any games on the Network. This season, I must admit that I am somewhat surprised that the debate has not brewed up until the end of November, now that the broadcast of games will commence for the 2007 season.

While only about a third of households actually get the NFL Network, with few major markets even getting the option to have the channel, thinking here is that this could be the greatest thing to hit sports bars since when Boxing was actually good. While cable providers continue to attempt their "Email and Annoy" campaign to the NFL, it's obvious that they aren't budging. But you know who won't be sending those emails? You got it. Your neighborhood BWs...or in this case, Cleats Bar and Grille.

Those establishments that have sprung for Satellite providers simply to offer their client base a plethora of athletic viewing options will get an even bigger turnout for these Thursday and Saturday viewings on the NFLN. Forget the Chiefs/Raiders games, you'll be lucky to get hometown fans to watch. But tonight's game between "America's Team" and "America's Quarterback" should be providing a ton of cash flow for bars across the country.

Of course, I am of the one-third of fans that actually have the NFL Network, so I'll be consuming the beer which was bought for a reasonable price at the grocery store. But you can bet your ass that I would be paying jacked-up bar price for a 22 oz. draft if it meant that I would get to watch what will likely be the best game of the week.

Sports bars, you can send your "Thank You" cards to the NFL, just make sure to put a few buck in there, will ya? They looooove their money.

The Chiefs NFL Power Rankings [Epic Carnival]

Morning YouTubeness: Crotch Grabbin' Good Time

Morning, readers. Both of you.

The big talk of the blogosphere yesterday was the Lamebeau Leap that resulted in a little second base action. While I totally agree with these guys, I figured you could forward this on to the 3:30 mark to check it out for yourself. Enjoy.



On The Grabbing Of NFL Crotches [With Leather]

Morning YouTubeness: Brett Favre Has No Patience For Your Overtime

If he wasn't already, Brett Favre is officially Mr. Monday Night. Why pick apart a defense if you can just hurl the ball 50 yards down field and score. Not once, but twice.

It was like a game of Madden where you just say, "Oh, F it. Let's try this one out." What amazes me is that Greg Jennings dropped about three five yard passes during the game, but catches this one in stride and takes it to the house for the win. Enjoy.

Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em (Week 8)

Think they forgot to put a "1" in front of that +2.5?
OK, so last week got a bit rough - you'll have that when New England hangs 40 on a team that loses it's starting running back to a season-ending injury. I think we should be able to get our principle back if a game-deciding injury occurs.

Like what if by some strange chance a fan takes Washington +17 this week, but when I say "takes" I mean puts a few million on the line. And that fan just happens to be a little unstable - because what Redskins fan isn't - and runs on to the field to take out Brady? You think those that took NE would want a refund if the man is successful? Bet your sweet ass.

But I digress. On to this week's picks....

New Orleans (-2.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
Let's just say that I'll be hard-pressed to take San Francisco with anything less than getting a touchdown for the rest of the season. They're awful. Plus, Darrell Jackson is likely out. And they still have Trent Dilfer. Trent Freaking Dilfer. The Saints aren't as bad as their record suggests, and San Fran isn't exactly Soldier's field in terms of a home field advantage. Give me Reggie by at least a field goal. (Edit: While they still "have" Trent Dilfer, he's not starting. Alex Smith is. Still taking N'Awlins. No turning back now.)

Buffalo (+3) over NEW YORK JETS
Take the 49ers, give them green jerseys and move them to east coast and you have the Jets. Buffalo can be thrown on all day, but until the green and white can stop an opposing running back - in this case, Marshawn Lynch - they're not going to win games. I can't believe Trent Edwards can win a game two weeks in a row. Heck, he doesn't even have to do that, just don't lose by more than three.

Indianapolis (-6.5) over CAROLINA
Are you serious? They destroyed fellow expansion team Jacksonville on the road last week and do not even have to give up a touchdown this time out? Carolina could start both David Carr AND Vinny Testeverde and I'd go with Peyton Manning giving points. Plus, that would just be stupid of Carolina. Who startstwo washed up QBs? Wait, what's that Raiders fan?

Green Bay (+3) over DENVER
Obviously, I'm not liking the home teams very much this week*. I'm just a fan of Brett Favre on Monday nights...and this happens to be a Monday night. Green Bay will need to run the ball to be successful, and DeShawn Wynn seems like a guy that can get the job done when needed. Give me the gunslinger and some points and I'm all over it on the road.


*Actually, St. Louis getting points at home is intriguing with Steven Jackson coming back - but I'm a Browns fan, so I can't do it

Hi, My Name Is: Koren Robinson

Typically, the "Hi My Name Is" features are about unknown players. In this case, many of fans know of Koren Robinson, but what you may not know is that the veteran receiver has been reinstated today.

If you recall, Robinson was given the chance to rejuvinate his career in Minnesota. He then proceeded to throw opportunity off of a giant cliff by getting busted with a blood alcohol level of 0.11 percent while driving at triple-digit speeds.

He was promptly released by the Vikings and picked up by division rival Green Bay. After playing in a handful of games, Robinson was suspended for a year and spent 90 days in jail due to the abovementioned incident.

Well, today hath shine a ray of light.

..according to Robinson's agent Alvin Keels...

"He just got this letter this morning," Keels said. "He's flying to Green Bay and will start to catch up on things with the team. The Packers have a bye week so he has some time to get caught up."

The Packers will be given a roster exemption for Robinson until they decide when he should come onto the active roster.

His return has been long awaited by quarterback Brett Favre, who feels that the receiver should be given another chance. For a team that throws the ball roughly 50 times a game, another receiver added to the mix will only help. Of course until he gets in trouble again; which, by using history to tell the future,is bound to happen eventually.

Koren Robinson can return to Packers practice immediately [ESPN]

So Long, Timmy

It isn't a week in the NFL without some suspensions being handed down.

What is great about the latest (and possibly greatest) is that it does not even involve a current NFL Player.

ProFootballTalk reports that former Browns Packers Jaguars quarterback Tim Couch has been suspended for six games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

If you recall, Couch actually admitted to using Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in his attempt to get back in to the NFL.

If you're wondering how suspensions are handled for players currently not rostered, the suspensions would not begin until he is signed by a team. Thus, if anyone is looking for a diamond in the rough like Couch, they could sign him today and he would be eligible to come play by week 10.

As PFT puts it best:

It's theoretically possible that all current NFL quarterbacks lose their throwing arms in bye week farm accidents.

In that case, teams may want to get some insurance, and fast.

"A Little Bit Extra" ... Against The Giants

Two weeks after Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb told the ever-jolly Bryant Gumbel that African-American quarterbacks need to give "a little bit extra" to not get criticized, I’m beginning to think that he has a point. At least he has a point when it comes to beating the New York Giants.

Week one, the Giants were handed a 10-point loss by a pale Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. Romo threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns. Solid Effort regardless of what Michael Irvin said about Romo's past...

Week two, Brett Favre and the Packers come to town. This time, more of the same with the grizzly, and very white, veteran throwing for 286 yards and three touchdowns. Again, a superb effort.

Last week, the Giants go on the road – this time facing a Redskins team led by Jason Campbell, an African-American quarterback. What does Campbell provide? A sub-par 190 yards and only one touchdown - resulting in a gut-wrenching loss for his team.

This past Sunday night, the Giants welcomed Donovan McNabb and his Philadelphia Eagles to town. How did the Giants greet him? By sacking him 12 times and allowing only 138 yards through the air. McNabb completed less than half of his pass attempts, averaging less than five yards per completion. Piss poor effort.

If you ask me, the answer is obvious: The New York Giants are easier on Caucasian quarterbacks than those of African-American descent.

The Giants defense has 16 sacks on the season; 14 of which are against the two black quarterbacks that they have opposed. Maybe if Campbell and McNabb gave it a little bit extra, they may have escaped some of the takedowns. Perhaps McNabb could have kept it to single digits, even.

Looking down the remainder of the Giants' schedule, the Blue and White should be able to at least win two more games – coincidently just happens to be the next two times they play Washington and Philadelphia. Fear not Giants fans, as there appears to be some upside!

The Atlanta Falcons (week six) have recently signed Byron Leftwich, who is definitely no Michael Vick Johnson when it comes to agility. He can easily be taken down 13 or 14 times.

Minnesota (week 12) is currently being manned by Kelly Holcomb, who may be as far from African-American as there is in the league. Actually, "manned" may even be a stretch, given that his name is Kelly. However, his performance over the last game allows me to think that the job will not be his when Tavaris Jackson returns. Another black quarterback for the Giants to feast on. Fans, I’d circle this day on my calendar if I were you.

If you think about it, a 6-10 record isn’t too bad, and may even get you into the playoffs in the NFC. So, strap in next week as it may be a rough ride against whichever white quarterback the Jets throw the Giants’ way. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel – it’s just not a very white light.

McNabb says black QBs under more pressure [ESPN]

11 Guys With 12 Sacks; Typically An Issue

But not this time.

It's amazing that this is the same Giants defense that simply got torn apart by the Cowboys and Packers in the opening weeks of the season. Six sacks for Osi Umenyiora? Talk about IDP numbers...

After the Jason Campbell-led Redskins lost to the Giants last week, maybe Donovan McNabb has a point...

Enjoy.

Extra, Extra...

A few news updates to mention today now that week 2 is in the books...

Looks like all of the Brandon Jackson hype may be all for naught. Also looks like fantasy owners will want to steer clear of yet another committee. [Green Bay Press-Gazette]

Lovie Smith puts wide receiver Mark Bradley in his place: the sidelines. [Chicago Tribune]

Jack Del Rio isn't happy with Matt Jones. As if being passed by Dennis Northcutt on the depth chart wasn't humiliating enough. [Florida Times Union]

Eli Manning continues to be tougher than Brandon Jacobs. [New York Daily News]

The Falcons are taking a gander at Byron Leftwich. Odd, I thought Joey Harrington was the answer. This is assuming that the question was "Who's going to be absolutely awful this season?" [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

And finally, The Tank could be rolling into Dallas. Of course, this would be after his suspension is lifted. [Dallas Morning News]

Morning YouTubeness: Justifiably Omitted

'Morning, all. For those that are Mike and Mike in the Morning fans, you're aware of these "Two-a-day" segments that are not only cleverly named, but happen to cover two (get it?) football teams in one day. Items typically covered include team strengths, weaknesses, and a forecast of 2007 wins and losses. Not too tough, right?

Well, today found Eric Kuselias and Sean Salisbury covering the Kansas City Chiefs. Oddly enough, they did not mention this video in either the "strength" or "weakness" category. I'll let you be the judge.



Note: Use of "Packers" tag within this post has absolutely nothing to do with the Green Bay team.

Greatness Meets The Clipboard

The Green Bay Packers will open up another season. Another season that has followed deliberation by one Brett Favre and the ever-pending retirement that typically is coupled with players in their mid-40s.

It will also be another season that will provide 2005 first-round draft selection Aaron Rodgers with a sideline view of his team, despite showing flashes of "greatness" this past weekend.

Unfortunately for Rodgers, this greatness will result in nothingness without an injury or retirement to the abovementioned Favre.

"I don't know when that day (replacing Favre) is going to come," General Manager Ted Thompson said on Sunday, "but I've always felt good about having Aaron on our team ever since Day 1. I'm sure this (waiting) has been an excruciating experience for him, but it's also been a good one for him."

Rodgers finished Saturday's game with a passer rating of 95.9, with a touchdown and 168 yards in the air. Reportedly, Rodgers is comfortable displaying growth that will lead him nowhere for the time being, but you know that this kid is just stabbing the stuffing out of a Brett Favre Voodoo Doll as we speak.

Take That, Strahan

Despite being 32 years of age, the Green Bay Packers have given wide receiver Donald Driver a restructured contract that will give him in excess of $11 million in new money. The deal includes a dummy year in 2010 that could pay him roughly $5.75 million. Oh, and Driver also feels that he's a top-five reciever.

"I always felt like I was going to be one of the top receivers in the league," Driver said after the club's intrasquad scrimmage Saturday night. "I guess that's how everybody in the world (would) want to get compensated. I feel like I'm a top five receiver in the league. I've been a Green Bay Packer for life.

No comments were obtained from Chad Johnson, Terrel Owens, Torry Holt, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, or several other recievers that would likely make better options than Driver.

Obviously the Packers view aging football players differently than the Giants do, or Michael Strahan wouldn't be making Dan Snyder his best friend.