Before I dive into football, I must remind you that the annual A-Rod boo fest will commence tomorrow evening at 7:30 PM in the Bronx, New York.
After his disturbingly cold start to the postseason (yet again, save 2009), imagine the venom that will be directed toward him the second he strikes out or pops out with men on base.
No one wants to hear it, but I'm going to say it. It is NOT his fault this series is tied at one. How about some boos for Nick Swisher, who still can't buy a hit in the postseason, or strikeout machine Curtis Granderson? Oh, okay. Hate away, ignoramuses! The second A-Rod comes up with a huge hit in Games 3, 4, or 5, you will all love him.
More on the Yankees after the series ends. For now, on to some damn football.
This week's five things:
1. Tim Tebow should NOT be the Jets' starting quarterback, but he WILL be soon.
Since opening week, the Jets' offense has resembled the one that could only muster one touchdown in the preseason. Quarterback Mark Sanchez has struggled mightily, only completing close to half his passes. He has made many mistakes, and has lost his most important weapon, Santonio Holmes, for the season. All struggles aside, fan interest is dwindling. Owner Woody Johnson has an ace in the hole. If Tebow starts, and leads the Jets to miracle victory after miracle victory like he did with Denver last season, fannies will be placed in the seats, and the Jets will make headlines. After all, that's what he wants, right? It's inevitable, folks. Even if he goes 7 for 21 for 89 yards every game.
2. Eric Winston is absolutely correct about the Chiefs fans being wrong for cheering Matt Cassel's injury. That said, Cassel must be benched right now.
Kansas City has invested a lot in Cassel since his unexpected success in Tom Brady's absence in New England in the 2008 season. Since then, he has brought the Chiefs to the playoffs once, but regressed ever since. The anger from long-suffering Chiefs fans has reached a fever pitch, and a change at QB must be made before it gets worse. The Chiefs are 1-4, and Brady Quinn may start in favor of a concussed Cassel this Sunday. Cassel has thrown 5 TD passes and thrown 9 interceptions. He is allowing a lethal running game from Jamaal Charles go to waste. It's simply not working for Cassel in KC, and if the Chiefs want to salvage their future, they need to at least take a look at Quinn.
3. If Michael Vick is benched, it will signal the beginning of the end for Andy Reid in Philadelphia.
Vick's case of fumbilitis has now reached epidemic proportions. He fumbled at the goal line in a key spot in Pittsburgh this past Sunday, and lost another one. He has lost three total this season, and thrown six interceptions. Other than the poor protection from his offensive line, Vick has made many questionable decisions this season. His team can easily be 0-5 right now if not for a couple of one and two point victories. Coach Andy Reid, already on the hot seat, has put a ton of faith in Vick. If he is forced to bench him. he may run out of all credibility to his players and the front office.
4. Andrew Luck grew up as an NFL quarterback Sunday. And this one was with feeling.
With ailing coach Chuck Pagano watching from an Indianapolis hospital bed recovering from chemotherapy treatments, he witnessed his young star QB become Peyton Manning. Or something close to it. Against a tough Green Bay team at home, Luck threw for 362 yards and two TD passes, and led his team on an epic last minute drive (with a little help from Reggie Wayne) to go ahead 30-27. The Colts knew what they were doing drafting Luck and letting Manning walk, and their faith has been rewarded thus far. And how good did it feel for owner Jim Irsay to present the game ball to Pagano at the hospital?
5. Cam Newton is officially in a sophomore slump.
Was last year's epic rookie season a fluke? Or is it a sign of immaturity or overconfidence? I say a little bit of both. Of course, there is no way Newton can top his performance from last season, but he has looked mediocre at best this season, and has made egregious mistakes. After a good opening week performance in a loss to Tampa Bay, he has not completed more than 16 passes in a game since. He was benched in the middle of the Panthers' blowout loss to the Giants, and he was infamously seen sulking on the sideline. He has not thrown for more than 253 yards, and has thrown only four touchdown passes. If he doesn't grow up soon, the Panthers are in huge trouble.
Gobble up your tickets, this is our year-but not really Super Bowl Pick: Indianapolis vs New Orleans. Yes, New Orleans. If Sean Payton shows up at the stadium every game, maybe the Saints will be inspired to run the table and host a home Super Bowl?
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. San Francisco
4. Baltimore
5. New England
Bottom 5
32. Cleveland
31. Jacksonville
30. Tennessee
29. Kansas City
28. Oakland
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