NFLFan's Journal: NFL Week 8

1.) Too much is being made of Tedy Bruschi's return to the football field. I have no problem with recognising his coming back from a stroke but I refuse to applaude it and wish there was not so much media saturation surrounding the story. Why do I refuse to applaude his decision and ability to return to the football field? Simply because the guy was given a reason to leave the game but he decided not to. Did you know that the life expectancy of an NFL player is only 55 to 60 years? Bruschi may have been medically cleared to play football again but how many of you would allow yourself to seek or participate in a profession that was likely to severly shorten your life? Those footballers who are dying now were a lot smaller, on average, than players today. Bruschi's NFL profile says he is 6'1" and 247 lbs. According to a health chart that I recently received as a magazine insert, Bruschi is obese (as is the vast majority of NFL players and way too many Americans). While it is good that Bruschi works out regularly, that excess weight is putting undue strain on his organs. Obesity is like smoking, the longer a person is obese the more damage is done to that person's body. The guy has had some success in the league and is still in fair health; he should retire, lose some weight, and enjoy the rest of his life. It might appear to be a good story right now, perhaps even a great story if he can help the Patriots sure up their defense, but what kind of a story is it likely to be in 20-30 years?

2.) I watched most of the Steelers-Bengals game and I feel foolish for doubting the Steelers. A lot of people feel that the Bengals should have went into the half with a lead but I think they need to be reminded that the offense of the Steelers was finding ways to stop itself also. The second half, the Steelers just dominated and the Bengals were left helpless.

3.) I caught parts of the Baltimore at Chicago game and I must say the announcers were horrible. Jamal Lewis looked horrible again but their explaination was that his conditioning limited him to about 20 carries a game which prevented him from getting in a groove. The guy had 29 carries, for only 81 yards, in the Jets game. The score was Chicago 10 Baltimore 6 the whole fourth quarter but the announcers were talking as if Baltimore had the lead and was going to win.

4.) I do not like how the Broncos, Chargers, and Cowboys found ways to lose late. The Eagles and Seahawks were very lucky to win; the Giants found a way to win.

5.) What is going on in St. Louis? Would be interesting if more disgruntled sports personnel did radio interviews. I like Mike Martz by the way and I think he deserves to be treated better but this is just getting silly. Sort of surprised he has lasted this long really.

6.) People just do not get Michael Vick. He is not regressing as a passing; he is simply winning.

This week's picks:
Sunday, Oct. 30
Arizona at Dallas, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Cowboys. Bill Parcells and the Cowboys get it right this week.

Chicago at Detroit, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Bears. Not sure what to make of Jeff Garcia starting for the Lions yet.

Cleveland at Houston, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Browns. Houston has yet to have a lead in a game yet this year!

Green Bay at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Bengals. The Bengals rebound big.

Jacksonville at St. Louis, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Jaguars. It is tough for me to believe the Rams are as bad as the numbers seem. I do not think Jacksonville is really that great but I got to take them this week.

Miami at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Dolphins. The Dolphins are playing better than their record and the Saints are up and down.

Minnesota at Carolina, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Panthers. Just never know what you are going to get out of Minnesota.

Oakland at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Raiders. Flip a coin really.

Washington at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Redskins. Good divisional game. Both teams are playing well right now but I think the 'Skins are playing better.

Kansas City at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.
I like the Chargers. The Chargers are a lot better than their record; the Chargers just have the misfortune of playing a very tough schedule.

Philadelphia at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
I like the Broncos. Should be interesting to see if the Eagles can stop the Denver run attack.

Tampa Bay at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.
I like the Buccaneers. I think that high school football team that Dick Butkus coaches on ESPN could beat the 49ers and they, Montour, stink.

Buffalo at New England, 8:30 p.m.
I like the Patriots. I will be rooting for the Bills but I think this will be a game the Patriots refuse to lose since they had a week off and coming off a bad week.

Monday, Oct. 31
Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 9:00 p.m.
I like the Steelers. An already bad Ravens team is without Ray Ray and Ed Reed. Seems Billick thinks that Jamal Lewis needs more carries!?! Just another reason why Billick is on the hot seat.