Life and Stuff

Picture if you will a far from lush green carpet inside an air bubble to keep it isolated from the bitter cold Minnesota winter. On the carpet is a young running back named Adrian Peterson, whose penchant for stiff-arming brutish defenders and turning relatively short gains into breakaway runs has caused a sensation within the twin cities region. This past Sunday, Peterson broke an NFL record which until a few years ago was considered to be unbreakable. His 296 yard, 3 TD performance set the NFL record for rushing yards in a game. Peterson's spectacular performance most likely proved to the few doubters he had left, that the young man has arrived as a prime NFL running back. Among the doubters in the anti-Peterson camp were my entire fantasy league, some of who scoffed at my selection of him during our online draft. They told me, "Why are you taking him, he's an unproven commodity who's injury prone." I replied, "You just watch, I watched this guy in college and he's an explosive offensive player who can add some life into the lowly Viking offense." Well, guess who's laughing now? I'll be the first to admit that even I didn't expect Peterson to be this good. I considered him a lock for offensive rookie of the year, but I never in my wildest dreams thought he would be an MVP candidate and have a good chance to break the single season rushing yard record. Meanwhile, I continue to sit pretty in my fantasy league. I may not be in first place, but with a 7-2 record and guys named Peterson and Moss on my team, I'm poised for a playoff run. In other NFL action, the Patriots and Colts failed to live up to the game of the century moniker and, what? the Lions are 6-2? Let's go to the bullet points.

• While watching Monday Night Football last night, I formulated two theories on the awful play of the Ravens defense. Either they were served rancid ketchup during their pre-game meal, or they decided to support the Hollywood writers and go on strike themselves.

• Donovan Mc Nabb is not as good as people think he is. He gets flushed out of the pocket more often than a portable toilet. The Eagles will most likely miss the playoffs because McNabb is playing like a graduate of the Gus Ferrotte school of quarterbacking.

• Speaking of poor Gus, I heard he overthrew the ball attendant while warming up on the sidelines last week.
  

• If any two teams in the NFL could have used the bye week to their advantage its the Dolphins and Rams.

• The 49ers-Falcons matchup brought together the two worst offenses in the NFL. I'd rather sit through "Gone with the Wind" than that game.

• Speaking of teams that have dreadful ranks in the NFL, the Jets run defense is the worst in the NFL and a key reason why the Redskins were able to pull out a win.

• As if dropped passes and a stiff defense wasn't enough to kill the Bengals, Chad Johnson got his bell rung at the end of the game and was sent to the hospital as a precaution. I wonder if Marvin Lewis still thinks his team is good enough for the playoffs.

• Proving once again that he is the NFC master of the blunt statement, Tampa Bay coach John Gruden told the media that "it's important that you win when you play." This has been another "oh really, I didn't know that" moment from the people who brought you duh.

• Countless overthrown passes and seven sacks made David Carr look silly in the Panthers loss to the Titans. I guess you could refer to it as Carr wreck.

• How come Vinny Testaverde didn't start this game? Did it conflict with his weekly round of shuffleboard?

• Drew Brees threw for 445 yards in the Saints win over the Jaguars on Sunday. I think it is safe to say that the Saints are back in playoff contention as they now have won 4 straight.

• Yes the Lions are 6-2 after their thrashing of the Broncos, but a moment of high comedy ensued. Shaun Rogers of the Lions picked off a Patrick Ramsey pass and was able to take it all the way for a touchdown. The trouble is, his massive frame made the run back take longer then usual. To put this in perspective, Rogers looked like the Sta Puff Marshmallow Man trying to run in for a touchdown. He probably needed some oxygen after the run, but I'm sure he'll take the victory.

• The Texans have a sage at QB, and it may be on his arm to lead them to the postseason.

• If the Lions are the surprise team in the NFC, the Browns are certainly the equivalent in the AFC. They even gave the Patriots a run for their money.

• The Pats and Colts showdown in Indy was a classic game. Both sides all of the ball showed why the are among the elite in the NFL. However, this game will be remembered for two reasons. First, the Colts were unable to take advantage of turnovers and gift penalties that the Patriots provided them. Secondly, Tom Brady willingness to throw deep patterns down the field while trailing late paid off and set up the two scores that put the Patriots on top. Mark my words, these two teams will meet again in the playoffs.

• Until next week, always look out for number one, and be careful not to step in number two.