A Chance For Redemption...

I know every Saints fan remembers it. I for one haven't forgotten it one bit. I can still see that kick that ATL kicker Todd Peterson just hooked to the left. Yes! Saints were going to go to overtime! A week after losing by 7 touchdowns and Deuce McAllister, the Saints were in a position to beat a very good Atlanta team! Wait. Sorry. Take that all back. Flag on the play. Pull and shoot penalty on Saints' DE Tony Bryant. An irrelevant call to the outcome of the play. Rekick. Peterson's second attempt was perfect. You are kidding that did not just happen? As many times as the human being will say the phrase, "We lost the game because of the refs!" That last game against Atlanta is the first time I trully believe that. My father made a terrific point when he was giving me his thoughts about the game. "Chris I've seen that happen to the Saints so many times. I tell you, the refrees would never make a call like that against a team like the Cowboys." New Orleans' fans couldn't agree more. It's a good thing I am not Jim Haslett because I think I would have just punched that ref in the face. Heck, if Coach Haslett knew the season would turn out like this maybe he should have. That late flag, as Coach Haslett explained, was a chicken s*** call. Gutless. It makes me sick just thinking about it. Yet, the Saints have a chance for redemption. Oh, the joy of revenge! The Falcons have lost three out of their last four and are fighting for a chance to go to the postseason. Wouldn't that be something for the last place Saints to go into Atlanta on Monday Night and just beat the Falcons? Nothing pretty, or fancy. Just the fact the Saints would have more points than the Falcons in the end. As disasterous as this year has been, winning on Monday Night would be thrilling. I remember vividly the last time the Saints were on Monday Night Football. It was against the Rams in the year 2001. We lost 34-21. I like Jim Mora Jr. as a coach, I like Warrick Dunn as a running back, but I'll tell you who I do not like. Michael "Premadonna" Vick. I was a fan of him at Virginia Tech and a fan of him for Atlanta. That all changed when I begin to see the stuck up crybaby he is. He carries himself around like a god and expects the world to bow to him. It seems everytime they lose he's got an excuse. Against Tampa two weeks ago it was the refrees. (Don't get me started Mr. Vick on unfairness.) Last week against Carolina, after having lost to the Panthers for the first time, Vick replied that the streak of wins had to end someday. Earlier this year the Saints got after #7. He was being smothered all afternoon. Highlight of the day was when Vick tried scrambling and DE Will Smith grabbed him by the neck of his shoulders pads and slammed him to the ground. It was something that had to be seen by every football fan. Overall, I think Haslett's team will surprise people come tomorrow night. They'll hang with ATL and believe or not Brooks will play (I can't believe I'm saying this) well. Though, the season for ATL rides on every game here on out. The players know how important this game is. Coach Mora will have the team ready. New Orleans will be right with the Falcons for three quarters. ATL will pull away in the final period. Final score: ATL 42 NO 24

The Magical World of Ron Artest

I sometimes can not comprehend what is going through the mind of some professional athletes. Randy Moss's touchdown against the Packers last winter is a perfect example. Another athlete who has recently joined the stupidity department is the thuggish Ron Artest. Mr. Artest has always been a great defender. Along with his awesome defensive skills, he has a mouth that won't shut. Oh! And he happens to have this issue where he runs into the stands and punches fans! That's not a big deal though. Don't think anything of it... The newest issue surrounding this narrow-minded individual is his status in Pacer Town. Artest wants to be traded. Plain and simple. No hindering about his thoughts, he just came out and said it. He doesn't like playing for Carisle. Artest also explained the offense he is in right now doesn't let him shoot enough. "I'm so demanding of the ball. It's not my fault," Artest told the Star. "Every time somebody is on me it's a mismatch. It messes up the offense. I like Coach [Carlisle] as a person, but I don't like playing for Coach. I like my team, though." WOW! Do I have to say it? Do I? I mean are you kidding me? I don't even no where to begin. I have an idea! Hey Ron would you like us to fire Carisle so you can be happy? Here are the simple facts about this 'brillant man.' His ego is obviously gigantic (about the opposite size of his brain), and all he really wants is for himself to be happy. PERIOD. Nothing else. The guy wants to do whatever he feels like. Heck, maybe he'll want to make a music CD someday! Wait, oh I forget he did do that. Shucks. Mr. Artest wants to go to New York. The disrespect he is showing to the Pacers is unbeliveable. Is this the same man on the cover of SI with Larry Bird? I mean I am just so confused on how someone can think the way he does. Someone help me. All he wants is the ball and money. Nothing more...okay maybe the legalizing of punching specators. But that's it! 'Nuff said...

Week 14 Predictions

I have exams this upcoming week so my thoughts and predictions will be brief. Enjoy...

New England @ Buffalo

The Bills are coming off a really tough loss to the Dolphins. Unforunately for Buffalo fans do not expect this 3 game losing streak to end now. This time of the year is when Brady is at his best.

Pats 28 Bills 17


Cleveland @ Cincinnati

Cincinnati is having one heck of a season. Carson and Chad are go together like peanut butter and jelly. Browns are still a young team under Romeo. Going against a high powered offense such as Cincy's will be too much.

Bengals 38 Browns 19


Houston @ Tennessee

Both of these teams are not having the seasons they hoped for. Texans have really had it tough the last 3 weeks. Despite having leads late in the game, this Houston team has found a way to lose everytime. On Sunday, they will finally close one out.

Texans 29 Titans 24


St. Louis @ Minnesota

Rough year for STL. Injuries have plagued this team so much. For crying out loud a Harvard grad is playing QB for them. Mike Tice has surprised so many by turning the Vikings' season around. Brad Johnson has shown great patience.

Vikings 28 Rams 21

Oakland @ NYJ

Oakland can't play defense, and to be honest not even offense some times. The Jets are a great defensive team with a pathetic offense. I really don't know what to say. Not a lot of hype for this showdown.

Raiders 37 Jets 15


Chicago @ Pittsburgh

Bears' D is overtaking the league. They seemed to have not lost in quite a while. As for Pitt, Cowher's team is on a 3 game losing streak. Without an offense as consistent as Pitt, Chicago will fall for the first time in a while.

Steelers 25 Bears 17


Tampa Bay @ Carolina

The NFC South is always such a competitve division. Tampa and Carolina will be challenging each other for the division lead. I want to say the Panthers will come through, but for some reason this is just one of those game Gruden's Gang surprises America.

Bucs 28 Panthers 24


Indianapolis @ Jacksonville

This game would have had even more hype had Leftwich not gotten injured the other week. Jacksonville will keep it close, but a late TD by Indy will seal the 13th victory.

Colts 21 Jaguars 12


NYG @ Philadelphia

Giants seem to be running on all cylinders. SEEM. The Eagles have a different situation. They just got shut out on Monday Night Football. 42-0. Wow! I think the team won't be as fired up as you may think.

Giants 31 Eagles 18


Washington @ Arizona

Washington has lost so many down to the wire games this year. Joe Gibbs's team is really in a hole right now for the playoff race. Arizona is a roller coaster team. You never know what to expect.

Cardinals 35 Redskins 31


San Francisco @ Seattle

I think Seattle is going to be a bit relaxed heading into this game. San Fran will scare them. Being so much better, the Seahawks will easily be able to rebound.

Seahawks 27 49ers 24


Kansas City @ Dallas

Man oh man! What a big game! Whoever loses can pretty much kiss a postseason trip goodbye! KC is playing good ball mainly because Larry Johnson is a machine when pounding the ball. Dallas looked very disappointing last week. Bledsoe wants to prove that was a fluke.

Cowboys 30 Chiefs 22


Balitmore @ Denver

I am sure we all thought this would be a closer game. Not today. Boller may have had a 'game winning' drive against Houston, but Denver is no Houston. Besides the offense of Baltimore is so predictable.

Broncos 38 Ravens 17


Miami @ San Diego

Miami is playing well currently. They could sneak up on an unsuspecting Chargers team. Yet, Miami does have one problem. They do not have a good enough defense to stop LT.

Chargers 35 Dolphins 21


Detroit @ Green Bay

Well I am pretty sure that one of these struggling teams have to win. The Lions will not be as focused as they were earlier in the season. A lot of drama has risen with the Mooch firing and Bly bashing Harrington. Meanwhile, Green Bay has a 2-10 record, yet the whole team still plays their hearts out.

Packers 24 Lions 13


New Orleans @ Atlanta

ATL is really in need of some wins to get back in the playoff picture. N.O. on the other hand, has just lost another game by single digits. As a Saints fan I am hoping for a brillant showing, but Falcons know how important this game is. Mora's team will be fired up.

Falcons 42 Saints 24

Late Season Playoff Predictions

The regular season is almost over and that means one thing. The battle for a playoff spot heats up even more. A few teams are already gimmes on getting into the playoffs, but will they do anything? What about wildcards? Now there's a mess! Below are my predictions to get into the playoffs and what is going to happen in the playoffs. Prepare to be surprised. One more thing, I know my sports, but I am pretty awful as far as predictions go. Look at some of my previous posts. Enjoy.

AFC

Wildcard

3rd seeded Denver beats 6th seeded Jacksonville
4th seeded N.E. beats 5th seeded San Diego
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Divisional

1st seeded Indy beats 3rd seeded Denver
4th seeded N.E. beats 2nd seeded Cincy
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Conference

1st seeded Indy beats 4th seeded N.E.
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NFC

Wildcard

6th seeded Tampa beats 3rd seeded Chicago
5th seeded Dallas beats 4th seeded NYG
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Divisional

6th seeded Tampa beats 1st seeded Seattle
2nd seeded Carolina beats 5th seeded Dallas
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Conference

2nd seeded Carolina beats 6th seeded Tampa
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SUPER BOWL XL

1st seeded Indy defeats 2nd seeded Carolina
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Analysis

Yes, it does seem like a fairy tale. Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy finally win a Super Bowl. The most important thing during their run to the Super Bowl will certainly be home field advantage. Jon Gruden's ball club is going to make a run in the playoffs because Chris Simms is coming around, and the fact that their defense is a force to reckon with. Besides Chicago doesn't have a consistent offense and Seattle has not faced a speedy defense like Tampa's yet. Dallas will shatter a NYG Super Bowl trip just because Eli is still young and the playoffs will be a new experience for him. Denver is going to finally get by the first round, yet once again the Colts will beat them in Indy. New England over San Diego because Tom Brady is a winner and I don't think Brees and LT are use to New England weather. Even though they've had a rough season, the Pats will make noise in the playoffs. Going into Cincy during the cold will be an epic win. Though the ultimate fate of the 2x defending Super Bowl Champs will be decided when Indy finally prevails over N.E. John Fox's team will make yet another impressive run, but fall short...again. Panthers will have the defense to slow down the Colts, but eventually Indy is going to get scoring on offense. Indy will jump out to an early lead in which Carolina will slowly trim down quarter by quarter. In the end Colts will score a crucial touchdown to put the game out of reach. In a last ditch effort Dungy's D will intercept a pass and history will have been made.

Dem Saints

The greatest saying said regarding the New Orleans Saints was said by my father Thomas Ballay. "They are like babies Chris, you get mad at them, but always end up going back because you love them." That quote is so true for every fan out there who has suffered Sunday after Sunday watching the black and gold lose yet another game. Despite all the turmoil this franchise has gone through, the fans have always been there. Sure, the organization itself has only 1 playoff win, but none the less the fans are always there supporting the tam. Each year (I can relate to this very much) die hard Saints fans eagerly picture a Super Bowl trophy finally being won by their beloved team. That dream seems even farther than ever right now. The New Orleans Saints are in jeopardy of moving out of Louisiana FOREVER. My dream of one day saying "Saints are the champs!", is something that could quite possibly be wiped out from ever occurring. As much as us fans joke, if the Saints move to San Antonio, it will be impossible to ever bring home a Super Bowl trophy to New Orleans. It has come apparent to me that no longer are so many Saint fans worried about the team's record. Instead, like myself, a lot of fans are worried about whether or not this team will even stay in New Orleans. To think that the city of New Orleans is going to lose their franchise because of a natural disaster makes my stomach turn. Commissioner Paul Tagilibue helped schedule 4 home games for the New Orleans Saints in Tiger Stadium. After drawing 61,000+ fans to the first Baton Rouge home game it looked as it though the support for this team was going to be present. Yet, that is obviously not the case now. The past two games in Death Valley have drawn around 30,000+ fans a game. Looking in the stadium is like watching an Arizona Cardinals' home game. As frustrating as it is to see that image, I still disagree that that fact alone should be used as a reason the Saints should move. Don't tell me only 30,000 fans are going to Tiger Stadium because nobody cares about them. The New Orleans Saints have been heavily supported by the Big Easy since 1967 despite the team's little success. Are you telling me that the team might move because of poor attendence in 2 games? Shouldn't Paul Tagilibue look at the fact that for so many years fans have supported and supported this franchise? I am not saying that having a mere 30,000 fans at a NFL game is okay for a team. It is flat out pathetic, don't get me wrong. I am just saying that the ultimate fate of the Saints shouldn't be decided because of 2 recent games. This has been a nightmare of a year for so many people. Going to a football game isn't as important as finding a home, or getting a job. I hope when the decision in finally made in the future, Paul Tagilibue looks at the New Orleans Saints and sees a franchise that is destined for one thing. To remain in New Orleans no matter what it takes. 'Nuff said.

The Day After...

It is the Day After. The Day After Hell erupted for the LSU Nation. I went to the much anticipated game. The hype was unbeatable. LSU fans showed up and from my experiences were much louder than the Georgia fans. The activities that were arranged due to the SEC Championship game were numerous. Through all the tailgating, all the football activities, I kept thinking in the back of my mind about the fact that this Bulldog team was good. Georgia had 2 losses. One to the Gators because Shockley was out. The other, Auburn, resulted because the UGA defense couldn't make a play on 4th and 10. Once the game started the tension grew even greater inside the Georgia Dome. Going into the game, my friends and I knew that JaMarcus needed to put on a performance like he did against various teams during the course of the season. If he came out sloppy, then the crowd of UGA would become even more of a factor. I knew Georgia fans would outnumber LSU fans, but not 2:1. To get a delay of game, then a sack on our first offensive possession was not the way to start the game. JaMarcus was flat, but the score was still 0-0. That changed instantly once DJ Shockley nailed Sean Bailey for a long TD pass. To make matters worse, on the next possession JaMarcus threw an INT to a Bulldog. Not just any INT, an INT that made JaMarcus Russell come off to the United States of America as a quarterback with little experience. It immediately set the tone for the rest of the game. With the blink of an eye the Tigers were down 14-0 and Sean Bailey had 2 TDs. LSU didn't fall down. A long drive by the Tigers ended on a JaMarcus Russell QB sneak for 6 points. It was 14-7 and I was thinking LSU was back in this game. Our defense disappointed the LSU viewer once again as Georgia put up 6 more points. UGA 21 LSU 7. With under a minute left LSU was going to get the ball back and have a chance to do something right before halftime. For those of us who watched the game, that punt UGA booted was something I've never seen. On initial contact with the ground, the ball hit at the 1 yard line. You would think just like 99.999% of the time, the ball would roll into the endzone. Not today. The ball rolled back and was downed on about the 3 yard line. As I look back that punt play was a perfect picture of the day the Tigers had. After halftime the Tigers got the ball. LSU needed to score, something needed to be shown. Life was still there inside that Les Mile's football team. 3 and out. Georgia got the ball and BOOM! it's 24-7. I didn't give up then, but my thoughts of really winning dramatically decreased. To make matters even worse (it's possible) JaMarcus was injured. Number 4 had a nightmare of an evening for the first SEC Championship Game he started. When Matt Flynn came in the next series, the LSU fan was once again thinking that good things were going to happen. Sure it was 27-7 UGA, but we had Mr. Flynn under center now. (Hopefully he plays like Frank Reich.) Deep in our own territory Flynn threw an INT that was taken back for 6. All hope was officially shattered. Down 34-7, Les knew the Tigers had to score for pure dignity. LSU cut it 34-14, and then got an onsides kick. As silly as it was sounds, I still thought that the Tigers could pull out the amazing come from behind victory. Flynn was sacked on 4th and 10. Nevermind about that thought. Final score: UGA 34 LSU 14. It was a huge disappointment. The loss can't be thrown entirely on JaMarcus's shoulders. The WHOLE team looked bad. The defense and offense were both beat physically. Getting beat physically is the worst feeling because that's the point that every viewer knows you are at the mercy of your opponent's will. As lousy as LSU played, going to the Peach Bowl is still a raw deal. With only 2 losses you are telling me LSU is not good enough for a January bowl game? Wow. I don't know what to think or say. Nothing can be done. Though at least LSU is playing a very worthy opponent in Miami Florida. So many thoughts are racing through Tiger Nation. What happened? Are we that bad? What is going to happen on the 30th against the Hurricanes? All in all, my trip to Atlanta was enjoyable and fun, yet it ended in the way I only think is fitting for a nightmare. A nightmare were the Tigers of LSU were outplayed, outcoached, and flat out beaten by the Georgia Bulldogs. 34-14. Shivers are still shooting up my spine...

Championship Week

I am sorry to be late, but I am in ATL for the LSU/Georgia showdown. I don't have the time to give you my full thoughts on the games this weekend, but I will give you who I think will win.

BIG 12

#2 Texas vs.Colorado

Longhorns struggle in beginning, but win nicely. Hello Pasadena!

UT 40 Colorado 20

SEC

#3 LSU vs. #13 Georgia

I'm very superstitious so I'll be the one that will jinx LSU. Georgia is a really good football team. They lost to Florida because DJ was out and that Auburn loss was a result of a forunate 4th down conversion. Tigers almost blew it against a 4-7 Razorback squad. Thank goodness they didn't. The team will be ready tomorrow night. But my thoughts are LSU pulls together in the end...

LSU 28 Georgia 17

C-USA

UCF vs. Tulsa

Yes C-USA has a championship game. It's the league's first year with this new format. Coach O'Leary has to be given his props. UCF was winless last year and now they are 8-3. To be honest I don't know anything about Tulsa football. That could be a great advantage for the folks of Oklahoma.

UCF 33 Tulsa 28


ACC

#5 VTech vs. Florida State

Bowden's Crew was lucky to get in this game. Very young team in Florida and it will be shown Saturday. VTech is a great ball club very worthy of a BCS bowl. The team is full of speed, power, and excellence.

VTech 38 Florida State 22


and now the other games.....


Army vs. Navy

Always a classic. Fun game to watch no matter the records of each team. Navy is once again in the bowl picture, as for Army...not so much. Thoug Coach Ross is making progress. Don't be surprised if he pulls out a W against the Midshipmen.

Navy 34 Army 19


#1 USC vs. #10 UCLA

UCLA has got an offense to match USC. The problem is they don't have a defense. They will scare the Trojans, but as for finishing them off...not going to happen. Besides Carroll's team is determined for the Rose Bowl.

USC 41 UCLA 31


...wait one more!

Bucs @ Saints

Ah! The Saints vs. the Bucs in Tiger Stadium. Nice win for the Saints against an 'awesome' Jets team. I love them, but they just are having a rough year. Oh and by the way they aren't that good!

Bucs 27 Saints 18

Reply to a Comment

I recently received a question dealing with Arkansas's head football coach, Houston Nutt. The question dealt with whether or not LSU pursued Mr. Nutt once Coach Saban left for Miami. The simple answer is yes. Though it's much more detailed than that. Athletic Director Skip Bertman was interested in having Coach Nutt come to Baton Rouge. LSU had an interest. Not a strong desire. Also, Houston Nutt had recently turned down the Nebraska job. To pry him away from Fayetteville would have been quite difficult. It is that simple. Bertman was more interested in pursuing other coaches such as Les Miles before seriously considering Houston Nutt as the new LSU football coach. 'Nuff said.

Saints/Jets

It's about time the Saints won another game. I was starting to get sick of watching them lose every weekend. That six game losing streak needed to end. Not a better team to end it against than the New York Jets, who like the Saints are pretty much enduring a very forgettable season. Aaron Brooks was not himself Sunday night. He didn't throw any interceptions which is not like him at all. When the team needed a score, Mr. Brooks was able to succeed to the fullest. His third touchdown of the day that gave New Orleans the lead for good, was a 30 yard strike to Devery Henderson the former LSU Tiger. I could go on about the fact that the D looked better than usual or how the offense in general wasn't plagued with as many penalties. Though, let me be honest I would be happy if the Saints won 4-2. It's just nice to see the team get a much needed win during this disastrous season. I can only continue to hope that Haslett has the team playing it's hardest each and every week. Through all the turmoil he has been able to keep the team focused and competitive. Each week the Saints come out ready to win.

LSU/Arkansas Afterthoughts

After LSU held on for a 19-17 win against Arkansas I can say I am just pleased we were able to hold on. I am still baffled by the very fact that LSU put themselves in a situation of losing to a 4-6 ball club at Death Valley. Even though he has grown so much over this past season, JaMarcus Russell still displayed that inconsistency that causes every LSU Tiger fan to lose sleep. The way JaMarcus ran the offense in the late second half was just like that of the Tennessee game. The deep ball that was picked off sent shivers down my spine as I realized the great possibility of a Razorback victory. To blame the poor performance all on Mr. Russell is absolutely bogus. It did not help that numerous passes were dropped by the wide recievers or how Justin Vincent coughed up a fumble. As unimpressive as LSU looked, Arkansas has to be given credit for the great fight they put up. The more I watch Arkansas football, the more I realize that Houston Nutt is in fact a one of a kind coach. Coach Nutt brought a Razorback team to Baton Rouge ready to pull off the upset. Despite their losing record, Houston believed he could win. Being in a state such as Arkansas, it is quite evident Houston Nutt won't be getting the top athletes of the nation as opposed to schools like Texas and USC. None the less, Coach Nutt always seems to muster together teams that give the Bayou Bengals trouble. When down 19-3, Coach Nutt was able to pull the team together and give Les Miles a run for his money. Overall LSU did not look like the SEC West Champs at all this past Friday. Yet, do not forget that they still did win. I have watched many LSU/Arkansas games in the past where Houston Nutt ruined LSU's season. Two examples would be the 14-3 loss in 2000 and the 21-20 loss in 2002. That loss in 2002 kept LSU out of the SEC Championship Game. Looking back it was a rough game to watch. Just thinking how we blew a 16 point lead still causes my stomach to become uneasy. The Tigers will be ready come Saturday in Atlanta. Unlike Georgia this coming weekend, the team seemed a little bit too relaxed going into their season finale game against Arkansas. All the players realize they are quite forunate to have escaped Friday with a win. To prove it was nothing but a fluke, LSU will come out fired up to take on the Bulldogs of Athens. I don't know who will win this SEC Championship Showdown, but I do know the Tigers will be ready.

Thanksgiving Classics

I apologize for not having updated my web site recently. I've just gotten back to Ohio. Baton Rouge to Toledo, Ohio is not a walk down the street. Especially when you spend the night at the Atlanta airport. None the less, there are some GOOD matchups on Thanksgiving for once. Don't get me wrong if there are two 1-9 teams duking it out on Turkey Day, I'll still enjoy it. It's better though when you have a maturing Detroit Lions team taking on an up and down Atlanta Falcons team. Yet, the better matchup will be the Denver Broncos at the Dallas Cowboys. It will be the first time since 1979 two first place teams have played each other on Thanksgiving Day. Because I am so late with my predictions and with all the holiday hoopla going on I only had time to predict the games taking place on Thanksgiving Day....

Atlanta Falcons @ Detriot Lions

Storyline: Atlanta is on a 2 game losing streak, and the Lions are well....the Lions. Lions need to get some consistency from Mr. Harrington. Is that going to happen? Probably not. Vick seems to be fumbling quite a lot lately. On the contrary, Vick is throwing the ball nicely. First round pick Rod White is starting to come around.

Fantasy Star: Warrick Dunn. The Lions are not good against the run. Warrick is a shifty back who can run and catch the ball out of the backfield. Expect him to get loose a number of times against the Lions.

Prediction: Is ATL really going to lose 3 straight? I think Vick and Dunn will give Mooch a handful, but I still think Detroit will win this one. Why? It's Thanksgiving and Lions always play well on Turkey Day. Besides the Falcons are not looking great now. There motivation will be down with 2 tough losses. As for Detroit, they will be fired up once again to compete on Thanksgiving.

Lions 31 Falcons 29


Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys

Storyline: This will a sort of playoff game for both teams. Cowboys have surprised everyone with their impressive record. Parcells really does know how to win. The Broncos are once again rolling through the season with a good record. But for once they actually seem like they are a team capable of doing some playoff damage. Lately, Shannan's teams have just fallen apart come playoff time. (Think Indy past two years.)

Fantasy Star: Mike Anderson. He was able to hold off Tatum Bell for the starting job. Anderson had an awesome 3 touchdowns last week, but the big question is this Thursday. Can Anderson be productive on a stingy defense that knows he is in fact the man who's in charge of carrying the offense? It'll be a tough job for Mike, but something tells me he is up for the challenge.

Prediction: I think who ever is the home team is the winner in a game like this. Cowboys are really starting to take command of the NFC. Parcells wants to continue to show America that these guys are for real. Shannan will catch Parcells off guard a few times, but not enough to beat Dallas.

Cowboys 28 Broncos 23

Oh Michael We All Love You!

Did anyone hear Michael Vick's postgame comments after the Buccaneer loss? Mr. Vick was complaining about the officiating. He was disgusted how the refs seemed to be favoring the Bucs. Favoring? Please don't tell me you said favoring. How about that Saints/Falcons game earlier in the year? Now Michael do you remember how Todd Peterson missed a chance at a game winning field goal? Was it not the refs who threw a silly flag that gave your team another chance? I thought so. Don't tell me about unfair refs because the following week the Saints got hosed again during the closing minutes at St. Louis. I could not have enjoyed the way the Falcons lost anymore. Vick had a key fumble that lead to the game winning points for Tampa. To ice it off, on a last ditch effort the Falcons missed a field goal. 'Nuff said.