NFL Random Thoughts

So its been twelve weeks since “The Grandeur” last devoted a full column to the National Football League. You’re probably thinking this is absolutely crazy. Much like how you think about the situation in Oakland. How you think about Houston’s decision not to select Reggie Bush. How you think about New England’s decision to let Adam Vinterai go. So with this long period with a lack of NFL, these random thoughts have been collected to cover as many topics as possible.
The New Orleans Saints keep on winning. They are now 5-1 and lead the NFC South. Drew Brees has been the pickup of the off-season with his 1,500 yards passing and eight touchdowns. He’s a leader and a winner, the two biggest things you need in your quarterback. Reggie Bush is also developing quite nicely. He has yet to put up the huge numbers that are sure to come in the future but he is always a threat and draws so much attention that it frees up his teammates to make plays. “Beamer Ball” seams to have made its way to the NFL for the Saints as well. They are winning games by blocking punts, returning punts for touchdowns and kicking last second field goals.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are all over the place. They get a solid win in their first game against the Dolphins, then lose three straight before crushing the Chiefs this weekend. Much like last year, it seems like their backs have to be against the wall for them to play their best. But once Ben Roethlisberger gets going at full speed, he’s taken a beating in every aspect of life since he won the Super Bowl, they will start to play like contenders instead of chasers.
These new uniforms the referees are wearing are just weird. They look more like soccer jerseys with the styled stripes. What was wrong with the traditional straight vertical stripes? They bring attention to the referee and the purpose of the referee is not to be noticed but to let the players have the spotlight.
Terrell Owens made headlines: on the field. I know, this is a shock to you but it is true. The Cowboys are a pretty decent football team and if they can get Owens to make positive news they have a shot at the Super Bowl. If not and he shows his immaturity then Dallas will be a spectator this January. By the way did you see Bill Parcells shake his head as Owens was celebrating? No matter what is said, the Tuna will never love T.O.
LaDainian Tomlinson is pretty good. He broke Lance Alworth’s team record by scoring his 84th, 85th, 86th and 87th touchdown as Charger in only his sixth year in the league. He has a chance to be one of the all-time great ones, especially if San Diego becomes a Super Bowl winner.
Tony Kornheiser makes some really goofy comments on Monday Night Football. In the game with Arizona and Chicago Mike Tirico said the referee gets 60 seconds to look in the video screen. So Kornheiser responds by asking if you stick another quarter in do you get another 15 seconds? You’ve got to love that sarcasm that keeps us all from being to serious.
Jay Cutler is the only quarterback of the “Big Three” not to get the starting nod yet. Matt Leinart and Vince Young have had their shot and with the typical mixed results. The Broncos are 4-1 but like always, people are already calling for Jake Plummer to be bench in favor of Cutler. You’ve got to feel for Jake the Snake, he’s been a really good guy for Denver. He came up just short of leading them to the Super Bowl last year. But the old saying goes “everyone’s favorite quarterback is the backup.”
People still resort to the field goal kicker. You always hear coaches, players, fan griping that they hate to see a hard fought game decided by some dinking kicker’s leg. But when push comes to shove, they always send the little guy back out there. Let’s see someone throw one into the endzone instead of kicking the 30-yarder to win the game.
We are through roughly 1/3 of the regular season. So tailgate and cheer to the best of your ability, because a good football season is a terrible thing to waste.