Turning a Loss into a Gain

For the past 13 years, I've immersed myself into each NFL season much like a deep-sea diver disappears over an ocean floor ledge descending even deeper into the abyss in search for new discoveries.

I maintained a high degree of tunnel vision as I earnestly studied teams, trends, players, statistics, and historical precedents. Then, I would arrive at a topic or issue to spearhead a season preview article revealing my own perspective and forecast on each team, division, and Super Bowl pick.

Weekly picks for each slate of games also became a staple in my lifestyle. I was either watching games or writing for the upcoming weekend. I was consumed.

Sundays were my sanctuary. Church took a back seat. My wife would instruct my kids to leave me alone. Other times, I would drift off to watch games with my brother or other friends. Those seven months, I enslaved myself to my passion.

It was my time, but therein lied the problem.

Priorities and dreams formed a dysfunctional marriage. Life became blurry. Those precious kids and my sweet wife unconsciously became sources of suffocation as I burned midnight oil and infringed on family time. My wife began to wonder who she married, and if it was a mistake.

I simply was not being the man I needed to be at this time in my life. I was living in a time warp.

All of this became crystal clear to me on November 22, 2009...ironically a Sunday. As the result of some deliberate soul-searching, extensive counseling, and feeling like a Louisville Slugger had just been introduced to my thick skull -- all in the previous three days -- I realized that I didn't know who I was. I literally felt like I needed to start over and rebuild myself.

I didn't watch one game of football that day. I also stopped writing picks the rest of the season and soon felt like I could see Salt Lake City from Pikes Peak. What I needed to do and where I needed to be became crystal clear.

And, it all started with my family. My girls had aged and were turning into young women, and I began to get to know them in a way that I hadn't before. They are now three of my closest friends while my best friend discovered that she hadn't made a mistake after all, and decided to keep me. Our marriage has since been transformed.

My priorities eventually returned to their natural state and what's important stays that way. I no longer feel a centrifugal force pulling me into a world that is so devouring. I have rid myself of self-imposed deadlines and meeting others expectations. If picnics, bike rides, festivals, church, and/or my job keep me occupied on an NFL Sunday, I don't feel a sense of panic and now know that if I miss a game or three, the earth continues to rotate on its axis.

Needless to say, my new disposition has been challenging, self-rewarding, and where I should have been all along. My role and position in my family and job are now the driving force which keeps me anchored and focused.

As a result of this awakening, I am still not comfortable writing a season preview or weekly picks for the 2010 season. This doesn't mean that I am no longer a fan of the NFL. This doesn't mean that I won't ever write season previews, weekly picks, or other sports-related articles ever again. This doesn't mean that I won't ever watch NFL games again. I just want to be a fan and watch games as my life allows.

I have also burned my diving suit.

NFL Week 11: Losing Frenzy

"Losing is a disease...as contagious as Bubonic Plague...attacking one...but infecting all..."

It's more than a number in the "L" column. It's more than the low end of the final score. As the sports shrink said in The Natural, losing is a state of mind that can be just as lethal as a raging virus. It's like a hungry termite colony in a lumber yard. Remember the body odor in Jerry Seinfeld's car?

When this epidemic reaches a fervor, the fingers start pointing. Media, fans, and even players feel the freedom to become pragmatic and deliver verdicts on the cause and solutions for such "corruption."

In most of these atrocities, it's always easier to place the cross hairs on the head coach.

Sometimes, these allegations are unfounded and born out of hysterical emotion. Other times, the reasons have sharp teeth and are draped with common sense. Either way, head coaches and their statuses have become very popular at water coolers, in chat rooms, and the subject of many...web articles.

To prove my point, I'm going to give my two cents on each NFL coach's standing as of now while looking at each game this week. What are your thoughts?

• Miami Dolphins (4-5) at Carolina Panthers (4-5): NFLN, 8:20pm EST, Thursday Night - Removing Tony Sparano has not even entered Bill Parcells' mind, and John Fox will be back next year barring a Panthers meltdown. Carolina is 10-2 in their last 12 regular-season home games. Fins RB Ronnie Brown is done for the year.
  

• Indianapolis Colts (9-0) at Baltimore Ravens (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - If it's not broke, don't fix it. The state of affairs in Baltimore are just fine despite the record. Jim Harbaugh is entrenched on the Ravens sideline for many years to come. As far as Indy, well...nothing else needs to be said...except that their poor running attack and defense will catch up with them.
  

• Cleveland Browns (1-8) at Detroit Lions (1-8): CBS, 1pm EST - A swarm of vultures are already descending upon Browns headquarters as Eric Mangini's flesh sizzles. Jim Schwartz is safe in Detroit.
  

• Buffalo Bills (3-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Losing has claimed its first victim this season as the Dick Jauron era passed away in Buffalo. DC Perry Fewell is interim coach, but owner Ralph Wilson is visiting with Mike Shanahan. Meanwhile, Jack Del Rio seems safe in J-town although nothing seems certain until they get a clear picture of the franchise's future.
  

• Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-7): CBS, 1pm EST - Removing Mike Tomlin from Pittsburgh's grasp is a futile effort while Todd Haley should be fine in KC unless his anger continues to get the best of him...which very well could happen when his marshmallow run defense faces RB Rashard Mendenhall.
  

• Washington Redskins (3-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-3): FOX, 1pm EST - It doesn't take a Harvard professor to figure out what Snyder has planned for Jim Zorn. He's already removed is play-calling duties, respect, and dignity. Wade Phillips's head is above water, but December isn't here yet. Missing the playoffs will be his death blow.
  

• San Francisco 49ers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (5-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Regardless of this year's finish, Mike Singletary isn't going anywhere. Things are also quite kosher in Green Bay for Mike McCarthy. The Pack should be able to ride the momentum wave from last week and control the Niners at home.
  

• Seattle Seahawks (3-6) at Minnesota Vikings (8-1): FOX, 1pm EST - This is the first year for Jim Mora, Jr. so the grace will be there for at least 2010. Brett Favre-persuader Brad Childress is on the verge of a well-deserved contract extension.
  

• Atlanta Falcons (5-4) at NY Giants (5-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Both of these teams are currently underachieving, but it's not enough to conjure up rumors regarding the impatience of both GM's towards Mike Smith and Tom Coughlin. This is a critical game for Atlanta if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.
  

• New Orleans Saints (9-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Rookie head coach Raheem Morris obviously needs more time to prove himself especially now that he's found a reliable QB in Josh Freeman. I don't need to talk about Sean Payton.
  

• Arizona Cardinals (6-3) at St. Louis Rams (1-8): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Much like Tampa's Morris, Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo needs more time with this team which is playing their heart out. Ken Whisenhunt's future in Arizona is pristine. Kurt Warner thrives when he faces his former team.
  

• San Diego Chargers (6-3) at Denver Broncos (6-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Every year, Norv Turner has his own lynch mob, but he always finds a way to calm the storm by getting his team to make a second-half turnaround. The Chargers are hot as they head into Mile High to face a Broncos team that seems to actually be in good hands with Josh McDaniels.
  

• NY Jets (4-5) at New England Patriots (6-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Despite "The Call Heard 'Round The World", Belichick hasn't lost his handle on the Pats and will be around until he leaves on his terms. Rex Ryan showed an emotional side of himself that the Jets had never seen after last week's loss. At least he's no Mangini.
  

• Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) at Oakland Raiders (2-7): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Remember the days when Marvin Lewis was under fire in Cincy? Those days are a distant memory as the Bengals have gotten everyone's attention. For Tom Cable, not so much...except from the N.O.W.
  

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Chicago Bears (4-5): NBC, 8:20pm EST - It's pretty safe to say that Andy Reid isn't going anywhere, but I'm not so sure about Bears head coach Lovie Smith. Chicago is destroying lofty expectations despite the trade for Jay Cutler who, in all fairness, still has no lethal targets.
  

• Tennessee Titans (3-6) at Houston Texans (5-4): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - It might take a trip to the playoffs for the first time in team history to save Gary Kubiak's job, while Jeff Fisher appears to be safe once again after switching to Vince Young and leading the Titans to three straight wins.

STANDINGS

Keyshawn Johnson: 12-3, 100-44

Peter King: 9-6, 98-46

Chris Mortensen: 8-7, 97-47

Adam Schefter: 9-6, 97-47

Cris Carter: 9-6, 96-48

Eddie Chinn: 8-7, 93-51

Mike Ditka: 9-6, 90-54

NFL Week 10: Lost and Found

Amber alerts are terrifying.

They signal to the community that a family is missing a cherished part of their existence. Panic and patience form an unlikely union in the midst of this vociferous void. The craving to be one again is indescribable.

When the child is found safe, the overwhelming sense of relief is accompanied by a thunderous joy which cascades through the family and out among their supporters.

A lost child and a struggling football team don't belong in the same zip code, but in some ways there are similarities. When chemistry, confidence, discipline, or wise play-calling disappear, the chasm can be deafening. Other components, when absent, can handicap the ability to put a winning product on the field which breeds distress and hopelessness.

When they're discovered, everyone from the owner to the fans wants to run out in the streets and kiss strangers.

During Week 9, several teams had reason to celebrate as they finally seemed to find that one thing that was keeping them in contention...or from respectability. Let's take a look at those discoveries as we take a peek into the battles slated for Week 10.

• Chicago Bears (4-4) at San Francisco 49ers (3-5): NFLN, 8:20pm EST, Thursday Night Football - Is it just me or is it a weird coincidence that the Niners have lost every game since the immature WR Michael Crabtree joined the team?
  

• Atlanta Falcons (5-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-5): FOX, 1pm EST - It's nice to see RB Michael Turner exploding out of hibernation, but Atlanta will need more than that vs. this Panthers team who has a lethal running attack themselves and the tools to hammer a rattled Matt Ryan.
  

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-7) at Miami Dolphins (3-5): FOX, 1pm EST - Like a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark, a piercing beam of light penetrated the dark cloud last week over Tampa when they unearthed a lost treasure: a bonafide QB. Josh Freeman appears to have the goods, but Miam will keep it real for him.
  

• Detroit Lions (1-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-1): FOX, 1pm EST - The mighty Lions have yet to win a road game this season. These rested Vikings have won 14 of the last 15 contests. Brett Favre has won his last six battles vs. Detroit. Should I keep going?
  

• New Orleans Saints (8-0) at St. Louis Rams (1-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Will this "train they call the City of New Orleans" ever stop?
  

• Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) at NY Jets (4-4): CBS, 1pm EST - This is just the type of opponent that the sliding Jets need to face coming off their bye. A rested Mark Sanchez faces a Jags defense that has 8 sacks all year and is 22nd vs. the run. This bodes well also for the #1 ranked rushing attack in the league.
  

• Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): CBS, 1pm EST - If you like fierce and ugly battles, then this AFC North showdown for first place is for you. The world champions have won 5 in a row and have never lost to a division opponent at home under coach Mike Tomlin. Cincy is 3-0 on the road. Buckle up.
  

• Buffalo Bills (3-5) at Tennessee Titans (2-6): CBS, 1pm EST - I know coach Jeff Fisher felt pressure from his owner to begin the Vince Young era, but that just might have been the final push that Fisher needed on his shovel to uncover the treasure he's needed to turn this ship around. This team has a whole new personality.
  

• Denver Broncos (6-2) at Washington Redskins (2-6): CBS, 1pm EST - As Tom Petty would say, "And I'm free, I'm free fallin'..."
  

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) at Oakland Raiders (2-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - While the Raiders recuperated from a dismal first half with a bye last week, the Chiefs discovered that they still have a knack for losing.
  

• Seattle Seahawks (3-5) at Arizona Cardinals (5-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Last week's 5-TD performance by Kurt Warner was amazing, but it doesn't replace the fact that Arizona is very inconsistent this year. They're also 1-3 at home having been outscored by a total of 39 points. Both teams need rushing therapy.
  

• Dallas Cowboys (6-2) at Green Bay Packers (4-4): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Something dislodged and snapped back into place for Dallas in their monster win in Philly last Sunday. Speaking of snapping, QB Aaron Rodgers behind an inept O-line vs. Demarcus Ware and Co. is a recipe for whiplash. This could be a blowout.
  

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) at San Diego Chargers (5-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - When San Diego's defense is at the top of their game (as they are right now), they are a nightmare. If Philly dreams of winning this contest, they must run the ball effectively and wear down this dominating unit and not turn the ball over.
  

• New England Patriots (6-2) at Indianapolis Colts (8-0): NBC, 8:20pm EST - If you like gridiron drama, teeth-grinding anticipation, and throat-straining excitement, then you have come to the right place. This paramount rivalry has never disappointed -- Manning, Wayne, Brady, Moss, and Belichick. Hook up the catheter and enjoy.
  

• Baltimore Ravens (4-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-7): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Members of the Dawg Pound are protesting Cleveland's dismal performance this season by not showing up in their seats for....kickoff. Then, they'll go find their seats. I can see that the senselessness on the field is airborne.
  

BYE: NY GIANTS and HOUSTON TEXANS

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 8-5, 89-40

Peter King: 8-5, 89-40

Adam Schefter: 8-5, 88-41

Keyshawn Johnson: 8-5, 88-41

Cris Carter: 8-5, 87-42

Eddie Chinn: 8-5, 85-44

Mike Ditka: 7-6, 81-48

NFL Week 9: Mid-Season Report

Well, here we are. As hard as it is to believe, we're already at the halfway point of the 2009 season.

The first eight weeks have done very little to disappoint the NFL kingdom. Volatile shootouts, explosive running attacks, and decimating defenses have permeated NFL coliseums giving fans an experience that money can't buy. There have also been certain story lines that have added just the right seasoning and flavor. In the midst of these battles, there have been some warriors who have valiantly stood out.

My Mid-Season award winners:

1. NFC MVP: Brett Favre. Leave the old man alone. He's having a career year.

2. AFC MVP: Peyton Manning. He's the only reason that Indy hasn't lost a step post-Dungy.

3. NFC Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin. Don't forget this name.

4. AFC Rookie of the Year: Knowshon Moreno. He's clamoring to break out of the gates in Mile High country.

5. NFC Coach of the Year: Sean Payton. Incredible job giving this undefeated team balance.

6. AFC Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels. I can't believe I just typed that, but who can argue?

So, are you ready for the second half? Let's take a look at Week 9 as the NFL continues its journey to Tampa, FL.

• Washington Redskins (2-5) at Atlanta Falcons (4-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Strolling into the Georgia Dome right now to face a wounded Falcons team on the heels of two straight losses is a horrible idea. You'd probably have more fun playing bingo.
  

• Arizona Cardinals (4-3) at Chicago Bears (4-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Inconsistency has ruled both teams this year. It will be interesting to see which teams show up Sunday in Soldier Field. In a bizarre twist, Arizona is undefeated on the road while the Bears are 3-0 at home this season.
  

• Green Bay Packers (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Bucs rookie QB Josh Freeman begins his NFL career facing a team who has a damaged psyche after last week's emotional loss to the Vikings. There will be desperation on both teams, but Green Bay is more equipped to do something about it.
  

• Miami Dolphins (3-4) at New England Patriots (5-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Last year, the Dolphins went to New England and introduced The Wildcat offense. The result was a significant loss for the Pats. The Hood is a master at adjusting so don't expect him to fall captive to Miami's shenanigans again especially on the heels of a bye.
  

• Houston Texans (5-3) at Indianapolis Colts (7-0): CBS, 1pm EST - It's pretty clear that the Colts own the Texans. They are 13-1 vs. Houston and have never lost to them at home (7-0). Peyton Manning has seared the Texans in his career as well. While Houston has won three in a row, there is no one hotter than Indy.
  

• Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2): CBS, 1pm EST - If there was one area that Baltimore was weakening in, it was their defense. Last Sunday, that all changed when they put a clamp on Denver. Now, they travel to Cincy to take on a Bengals team whose two losses have come at home.
  

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Anyone could Twitter the game plan to coach Jack Del Rio: give the ball to Maurice Jones-Drew.
  

• Carolina Panthers (3-4) at New Orleans Saints (7-0): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Past history would tell us that coach John Fox dominates the Saints. He's 10-4 against them, and Carolina has won six of the past seven meetings. But those victories were not against THESE Saints.
  

• Detroit Lions (1-6) at Seattle Seahawks (2-5): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Raise your hand if you care.
  

• Tennessee Titans (1-6) at San Francisco 49ers (3-4): CBS, 4:15pm EST - With Vince Young at QB, Tennessee looked and played like a different team last week in their win vs. the Jags. RB Chris Johnson's career day didn't hurt either. The Niners have lost three in a row and have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball.
  

• San Diego Chargers (4-3) at NY Giants (5-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Something is amiss in the Big Apple. The Giants defense, especially their secondary, has become porous, and QB Eli Manning has looked like a rookie in the last three games. This is great news for QB Philip Rivers and Co.
  

• Dallas Cowboys (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2): NBC, 8:20pm EST - There's nothing like an energized NFC East battle on the national stage with first place on the line. Plus, these two teams truly dislike each other. Both teams have won two in a row and have balanced offensive attacks. Tony Romo has won 12 straight November starts.
  

• Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Denver Broncos (6-1): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - If you're in the mood for a hardcore battle, then look no further than Invesco Field. Denver will know more about itself in seeing how it responds to its first loss of the season vs. the world champions. If there is a chink in the Steelers' armor its on special teams which is good news for Denver's return specialist Eddie Royal. Get out your TiVo and cancel any plans you had.

BYE: BUFFALO BILLS, CLEVELAND BROWNS, MINNESOTA VIKINGS, NY JETS, OAKLAND RAIDERS, ST. LOUIS RAMS

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 9-4, 81-35

Peter King: 11-2, 81-35

Adam Schefter: 6-7, 80-36

Keyshawn Johnson: 11-2, 80-36

Cris Carter: 8-5, 79-37

Eddie Chinn: 9-4, 77-39

Mike Ditka: 6-7, 74-42

"Damn! We're in a tight spot!"

Those famous words, uttered by the great Ulysses Everett McGill in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, proves that he knew a thing or two about being in precarious situations.

So does Titans coach Jeff Fisher.

During his 15-year coaching stint with Tennessee, Fisher has been through it all. He has seen the best of times and the worst of times. And, through it all, Titans owner Bud Adams has remained by his side and loyal. He has avoided getting involved and tried to take a back seat while Fisher and his coaches did what they were hired to do.

Tennessee has now lost six straight games to begin the 2009 campaign; one which they were destined and equipped to make a run at the Super Bowl. Their defense is now ranked 31st while the offense has been sluggish including an impotent passing effort led by the old journeyman Kerry Collins. He simply hasn't been making plays and winning ball games like he did during last year's 13-3 season.

Coach Fisher has stayed by Collins' side all year. He's also the one who made the decision to let Jim Schwartz leave his DC post and take the Detroit gig. He also hired his replacement in Chuck Cecil. Through these six excruciating battles, Fisher has remained loyal to Collins and remained steadfast as the Titans have continued to sink. These once-admirable traits though have made Mr. Adams impatient.

This past week, the 86-year-old Titans owner reaffirmed his man crush on Vince Young who has been the #2 QB while waiting for his time of redemption to begin after going through a major maturation process in the last year and a half. He believes that VY has what it takes to get this team back to its winning ways.

The result was Fisher announcing this past Thursday that the Vince Young era had arrived.

Bud Adams did more than just flex his muscles as the owner. He abused his position. He overlooked the chain of command, cut out the middle man in GM Mike Reinfeldt, and imposed his will on Fisher. Of course, Fisher will never admit that this is what happened and will appear supportive of Adams because that is the kind of man that he is.

Yes, I know he's the owner. Yes, he writes the checks and it all starts with him at the top of the pyramid. But what exactly does this say about Adams? Why would an owner disrespect the system and put his head coach in such an awkward dilemma by forcing him to make a change against his wishes?

Don't get me wrong. The manslaughter in snowy New England showed that Fisher's stay-the-course manner needed to take a back seat. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that changes needed to be made, but Fisher has proven in the past that he knows how to improvise and make it work.

Instead, Adams interfered and put Fisher in a position where he isn't liable if Tennessee continues to decay. There will be the argument that if Adams had just stayed away that this vessel could have corrected its course.

Don't get me wrong, Jeff Fisher has made some mistakes this year. Maybe enough to get fired even if Adams had stayed behind the curtain while this thing did, in fact, blow up.

But, he deserves to lose or keep his job with dignity and on his own terms instead of being jerked around by an intruding owner. Adams should have kept his mouth shut and let the hierarchy function.

Instead, the Titans move forward with an owner-endorsed QB and a suspicious head coach.

NFL Week 8: Scary Events

Week 7 consisted of some battles that were nail-biting, inspiring, laughable, and downright horrifying...you could write a screenplay to Saw VII.

This past week has also had its share of incidents that were enough to make you run and hide or shake your head in utter disbelief.

In Tennessee, owner Bud Adams expresses his man crush on QB Vince Young. Coach Fisher announces on Thursday that Young is now the starting QB. For those of you playing at home, the Titans do have a GM. Things appear out of tune in Music City.

The atrocity on the field has now bled into the stands in Cleveland. A petition has gone out to all the denizens of the Dawg Pound to boycott the start of the game on Nov. 16th vs. Baltimore on Monday Night Football. He wants them to stay on the concourses, outside the stadium, or in bathrooms until the kickoff is over. He wants owner Randy Lerner to get a clear message that the fans have had enough. I have an idea: Just don't go to the game.

Upon further review, Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell has, in fact, admitted that last week's loss was his fault. He now sees that he made some mistakes. "We still have a lot of football to go...It's going to be OK, I promise. Just take my word that things are going to get better. I can't tell you when, but I know they are." Isn't that what they said on the Titanic?

Long-time Chiefs idiot Larry Johnson used a gay slur twice this week expressing his displeasure with Kansas City's coaches and the direction of the team. According to GM Scott Pioli, that includes creating a new culture and attitude in order to raise up a struggling franchise that has sunk to the NFL ocean floor. It's also well-known that disloyalty will not be tolerated.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has taken his share of sacks over the years. He's been driven into the turf 212 times since 2004 which is a NFL high for 87 games. So, I guess it should be no surprise then that he got sacked...during a bye week. In last week's win vs. the Vikings, Big Ben was thrown for a one-yard loss. Not anymore. An NFL scoring change is now calling it a sack.

There were also several teams that were the victims of brutal slayings. Cleveland remained true to form as Green Bay buried them 31-3. Kansas City avoided the upset by submitting to San Diego 37-7. Indianapolis ravaged the Rams 42-6 to stay unbeaten. In London, New England put on a jolly good show in old England by destroying Tampa 35-7. Oakland proved that they aren't a fluke by getting hammered by the Jets 38-0. And, Cincinnati was not a good host as they were very rude to Chicago 45-10. Six out of 13 games were blowouts with a combined score of 228-33.

Let's take a look at the Week 8 contests as we try to get past Halloween.

• Denver Broncos (6-0) at Baltimore Ravens (3-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Both teams are coming off byes, have suffocating defenses and balanced offenses, and young coaches who excel at putting together a game plan. This should be quite a ride.
  

• Cleveland Browns (1-6) at Chicago Bears (3-3): CBS, 1pm EST - I wonder if Browns coach Eric Mangini knows what he wants to be when he grows up.
  

• Houston Texans (4-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Normally, you wouldn't pick these two teams as being dangerous away from home, but both are becoming road warriors. Buffalo's ball-stealing secondary will have its hands full with Matt Schaub and Co.
  

• Miami Dolphins (2-4) at NY Jets (4-3): CBS, 1pm EST - If I had told you before the season began that by Week 8 the top two rushing teams would be the Jets and Dolphins, you would have laughed in my face. I have a feeling the Jets have their sense of humor back.
  

• St. Louis Rams (0-7) at Detroit Lions (1-5): FOX, 1pm EST - How bad do Lions fans want to see their team get out of their funk? The game is blacked out in Detroit.
  

• Seattle Seahawks (2-4) at Dallas Cowboys (4-2): FOX, 1pm EST - This is actually a critical game for Dallas who if facing Philly and Green Bay on the road the next two weeks, and if they want to be a playoff team, they must show up like they did last week vs. Atlanta.
  

• San Francisco 49ers (3-3) at Indianapolis Colts (6-0): FOX, 1pm EST - I think you could randomly select anyone in the crowd and let them be head coach while making QB Peyton Manning the offensive coordinator, and get the same results.
  

• NY Giants (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-2): FOX, 1pm EST - There's no doubt that this is a big day in the City of Brotherly Love. The Eagles host the hated Giants who will be looking to exact revenge on Philly after last year's playoff defeat. Across the street, the Phillies host the Yankees a few hours later. Good times.
  

• Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) at Tennessee Titans (0-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - This has the elements of being a closer game than the records indicate. Both squads have lethal running attacks and the two worst secondaries in the league. It also marks the beginning of the Vince Young era...again...so the home crowd will be pumped.
  

• Oakland Raiders (2-5) at San Diego Chargers (3-3): CBS, 4:05pm EST - A loss to the Raiders could result in a massive amount of For Sale signs showing up in Norv Turner's front yard.
  

• Carolina Panthers (2-4) at Arizona Cardinals (4-2): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Last week, the Panthers allowed only 167 net yards and nine first downs to Buffalo...and lost. This week, Carolina visits the red hot Cardinals. Need I say more?
  

• Minnesota Vikings (6-1) at Green Bay Packers (4-2): FOX, 4:15pm EST - It's time. The reality that Packers fans have been dreading will come to pass when Brett Favre steps onto Lambeau Field wearing the scariest costume on the face of the earth. You can dissect this game as microscopic as you want, but Favre will be juiced for this ultimate showdown. Everyone will.
  

• Atlanta Falcons (4-2) at New Orleans Saints (6-0): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Preparing a game plan against this smoldering Saints squad is like raking leafs in a wind storm.
  

BYE: BENGALS, CHIEFS, PATRIOTS, STEELERS, BUCCANEERS, REDSKINS

STANDINGS:

Adam Schefter: 11-2, 74-29

Chris Mortensen: 8-5, 72-31

Cris Carter: 7-6, 71-32

Peter King: 10-3, 70-33

Keyshawn Johnson: 7-6, 69-34

Mike Ditka: 8-5, 68-35

Eddie Chinn: 9-4, 68-35

Just Living a Dream

648 days. It's hard to believe that it's been that long since Brett Favre walked off the Lambeau tundra. For almost two years since, Favre's life has been a TV reality show hosted by the media.

It began in January 2008 when the Packers lost to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game 23-20. The next month, Brett Favre tearfully announced his retirement having every intention of leaving. In the past, he waited several months to decide. His family needed time with him, and he needed time to clear his head.

So, if you think about it, there would have been only one reason why Favre made his decision so soon: Packer management pressure -- Forget what he's done for the organization and the city, and force him to make a decision now. Having just suffered a devastating defeat after a brilliant season and still aching from head to toe, it's no shock that he stepped away.

Has anyone considered that he cried at the press conference because of what Ted Thompson and Co. were forcing him to do? This man gave his heart to the city of Green Bay, broke just about every record in the book, won a Super Bowl, and two MVP's. Why would you get so impatient with a man who doesn't deserve it? I'm sorry Aaron Rodgers was drafted by Brett Favre's team, but that was his team. He hadn't shown any signs of faltering play so why would they change direction when things were hitting on all cylinders?

Well, they did.

That set into motion a chain of events that rivals The Amazing Race. Brett sees that he's not wanted so he demands a release that results in him wearing a new shade of green in The Big Apple. It's an up-and-down season, he gets hurt, and then retires again. With the new regime coming in with Rex Ryan, he wasn't going to have a job anyway.

Once again, he made a decision that was rushed and forced only this time he admits that he did it to himself and shouldn't have. He is itching to stay in the game that he loves so dearly so he has shoulder surgery and rehabs exceptionally. Before you know it, Favre is wearing the Purple and Gold of Green Bay's most hated rival.

This Sunday, Brett Favre will enter Lambeau Field where it all started. Virtually every one of the 102,313 denizens of this fabled city will be either at the game, in a sports bar, or at home in front of the TV. Parks will be empty. Businesses closed. Bicycles laying in front yards. Tumbleweeds blowing across Main Street. You'll be able to film a movie and no one will know.

How will they view the man that put that city on the map? Will they see a man who single-handily improved the city's economy through increased tourists or the one who caused a 10-15% drop off in business when he left? A hero or a traitor?

It's expected and understandable that many will want to express their displeasure to #4. They will want to burn jerseys, saw up their Cheesehead hats, and display posters that should be distorted for kids.

But, all this man has truthfully done is show himself to be a human who wants to keep living the dream that is ingrained into every bone in his body. Don't get me wrong, this 40-year-old kid has matured in all of this too, but he has come to realize that he just wants to play football, and who would be dumb enough to say no to even more money even if it is with a hated rival?

Brett Favre loves football. He loves competition and thrives (and profits) on attention. He also knows his rights and freedoms as an American. In other words, all #4 has done these past couple of years is be himself.