This Stupid Game

For months, I dreaded the game between the Eagles and the Patriots that took place this last Sunday. I dreaded what it would do to my friends - most them incredibly die-hard Patriots fans and a few of them die-hard Eagles fans. I had long ago told them that my initial plan was to watch this game at home, alone. I didn't want to get involved on either side and I didn't want to be there to see the carnage. I was also a bit torn about who to really root for and I didn't want to get crap from either side as to what to do. Of course this was long ago when the schedule was announced and we thought that the Eagles would be having a better season. Because the spread was so big and the Eagles weren't even starting their first string quarterback, I figured it would probably be ok to go to my friends' place anyway.

My fellow Pats fans decided to watch it on their own, which in the end proved to be a wise choice. I went with my gut and chose to just blatantly root for the Patriots, and turned out basically to be on my own while my Eagles fan friends happily FREAKED OUT at what their team could do. I was happy that the Eagles did put up a fight, they at least got some dignity out of it and a bit of hope for the season - I wish them well always though I'm glad they lost. I literally got up and left as things got tighter. I didn't want to put myself in a position to say or do something stupid. I just know that it would have gotten ugly if everyone was in the same room. It sounds a little ridiculous that I was so stressed while watching this game but come over once to watch a game with my friends and you'll get it. They're all, well, lets use the word passionate. We also had a couple guests over that I don't know so well, and I really preferred not to embarrass myself. The game was definitely a scare for the Patriots but I expected that would come at some point. It is just not possible to be blowing out teams for 12 straight weeks in the league as it is right now. Any team can turn it on at any time. People still seem to think that the Pats can remain undefeated and I think its possible. I am sort of glad that this Eagles game was a bit tougher than we all thought, because it makes the Pats realize that they cannot get too comfortable. Every team has at least one game where they just aren't "on" and I'd rather this game come now than later.

Again, kudos to the Eagles for a great performance. It certainly will be interesting to see what happens to this team in the offseason. I am not sure I am ready for an Eagles team quarterbacked by AJ Feeley.

For those of you wondering, the Turkey Bowl was quite a game. My team, the Booschmasters, lost to the Rats, but it was a close game. At least we all got some exercise before our massive meal. I caught one ball and therefore am happy with my performance. It doesn't take much.


The State of the Babies

I am playoff-bound baby! I have proudly clinched a playoff berth in the Boys' league, even though I lost this week. My team did pretty well but the team I was playing had Chad Johnson and the finally awoken Frank Gore and that was just too many points to overcome. Each of them had about 30 points, which is ridiculous. This week Andre Johnson didn't come through like he has in past games but hopefully that is only one game.

I also killed it in my Dad's league. I had a magical weekend where every player I put in except one, Steve Smith, got a touchdown. Brees had three passing TDs and one rushing TD. My kicker made three field goals and four extra points. I dropped the Titans waning defense (stupid Albert Haynesworth!) and picked up the best option I could find, which was the Bucs. Well that paid off in the form of 20 points including two sacks and two interceptions. All in all I hit my highest point total yet this year and I think I will also make the playoffs in that league. So should my dad, maybe even as the top seed. Wow, how mad do you think these dudes will be if the championship is me versus my dad? How cool would that be?? I'd be at home during that time so we'd be able to sit there all day and goof on each other. If we can pull that off it would be incredible.


This Week's Favorite Things About the NFL:

1. Devin Hester is pretty nuts. Nuts is the only way to describe him. The all-time record for combined punt and kickoff returns is 13 and its through 200 and some games. Hester now has 11 through two seasons. Not even 30 games.

2. Having at least one good game on Thanksgiving. Packers at Lions was actually pretty entertaining to watch while I made my stuffing and attempted to cut two large butternut squash. Have you ever tried to do that? It was impossible! I tried to buy pre-cut but it was $7!

3. Ricky...oh wait, he got hurt, already.

4. Eli Manning flat out regresses with Peyton watching from above. Having played on Thursday, the older Manning brother takes the trip to New York to watch baby bro play and baby bro throws 4 interceptions. The Giants get blown out. Its going to be quite interesting to see what happens in the NFC playoff picture. It is one hot mess right now.


Random Thought of the Week

I am incredibly saddened by the death of the Redskin's Sean Taylor. What an immensely tragic story. There has been far too much violence associated with the league this year, and I hope that maybe the death of a very talented colleague can make some of these players realize that they need to watch themselves more carefully.