What fun the game should be on Sunday. The New England Patriots rides into Dallas to face the Cowboys and both teams are still undefeated. Neither team is publicly stating the obvious, which is that this game is HUGE! Both teams want to win, but saying that isn’t going to happen. They understand the ramifications. This is also a good strategy. You don’t want your words to become pre-game hype and bulletin board fodder.

There’s so many match-ups to watch out for. First of all, the Patriots have been here before. They walk first and talk second. Although, the talk is usually sugar-coated and unassuming. No organization displays “smug” better than New England. After press conferences and Monday meetings you find yourself asking, are they bragging, did they brag.? Umhmm they did.

Tom Brady never smiles during the game – until they win. He just gets the job done. His ability to focus, rally and lead is the reason I dubbed him “Baby Joe” after my favorite QB of all time, Joe Montana. No pressure…just execution. Other media sources has the tendency to liken Tony Romo to Brett Favre. Partially because his untamed play and boyish grin. He really does love playing football and you feel it. Romo has the tendencies to throw INTs but he’s also capable of a last minute win.

Who’ll hit the hardest – Roy Williams or Rodney Harrison. Both have egos the size of planet earth, so I’m sure they want to make an ESPN highlight or two. Note to Roy, no collar tackles. Reminder to Rodney, no more steroids. Intensity at its best.

But the grand stage is set for Randy Moss and TO. Which WR will be able to beat the double coverage, hold on the ball and get into the end zone. Before any stats can be achieved the offensive line for each team had to hold its own. Advantage there – New England, but Dallas defense isn’t shabby. TO is strong and disciplined and will muscle his way through a corner or safety. Randy possesses the height and finesse to out jump and run past the opposition. Two , totally different styles that equal the same results. Current stats – Randy leads all WRs with 551 yards and 7 TDS, while TO has 387 yards and 3 TDs.

The following note was posted in TO’s locker. It was typewritten and nearly the size of a poster.

“Dear Reporters,
“Due to the magnitude of this week’s game and high volume of questions for the Original 81 about the other 81. I will be taking all questions immediately following Sunday’s game.

“Sincerely, (followed by Owens’ signature)

“p.s. Getcha Popcorn Ready.”

HA! After reading this I thought to myself, he’s been watching some of New England’s press conferences.
Terrell, my popcorn is Salted and Buttered!

I was raised in Lackawanna, a small town outside of Buffalo, which you all know sits in the grand state of New York! The side of my heart that holds true and dear to the teams that hail from the state is aching. Monday Night Football was back in Buffalo after a 13 year absence, and the Bills, its fans and the city were ready to shock the world. For three quarters I believed that we – meaning all of us aforementioned folks- would win.

The defense intercepted Tony Romo five times, running 2 back for TDs. Trent Edwards looked poised in the pocket, connecting effortlessly against the rush. McGee ran a punt return back for a TD and it was freaking 84 degrees in October in Buffalo. The stars and the moons were aligned for what I thought would be a win. But to no avail. Tony Romo saved his best football for the last 2 minutes of the game. Hooking up with Patrick Crayton for a TD to pull them within 2. Still holding my breath on the two-point conversion, Jabari Greer rips it out of TO hands. We won..we won….right? Not so much!

Dallas recovers the onside kick with 20 seconds to go and Nick Folk kicks a 53-yard field goal – 2x. **sigh** Final Score 25 – 24. The game was absolutely a football fan’s dream. Excitement right down to the final second. But, I’ll be routing for the Patriots next week when they visit Dallas, both teams are still undefeated.

The Yankees lost last night as well. Third year in a row that we’ve been put out in the first round of the playoffs. But any true NY Yankee fan understands that we played our best ball to get into the playoffs. The nostalgia that is the Yankees couldn’t carry us far this year. The team needs pitchers first and foremost and now with Joe Torre heading out of the Bronx along with Alex Rodriguez…who know what the future holds.
Heck, 5 World Series titles isn’t bad, but in NY we’re greedy, we want it all!

Wow..this has been cheaper than going to see a therapist. I feel a little better.

Indianapolis, New England, Dallas and Green Bay have remained unbeaten through four weeks of play in the National Football League. Amid off season speculations, I guess 2 aren’t a surprised, but yet, we have 4.

With defensive players of note gone to other teams, Indy still shows why they can’t be overlooked. Peyton is still the #1 guy you want on your team. Poise and passion = Peyton.

New England haters hoped the cheating scandal would toss their season into disarray, but Randy Moss and Tom Brady has put that theory to bed. Their averaging 37 points a game, leaving no room for doubt.

With Bill Parcells commentating over at ESPN, the Cowboys were sure to start out slow if not fail without the disciplinary at the helm. But Tony Romo is winning and having a great time doing it. He’s currently ranked #3, with 1199 passing yards.

And Green Bay, who could have thunk it? A QB at the helm that wasn’t sure if he’d should stay or retire. Last season was disappointing and there weren’t many off seasons move that should have them playing this well….but Favre looks to be having fun again. His smile tells it all.

But this is why the games are played. On any given Sunday, the team that believes in their coaches, the system and the organization could be on top. The organizations listed here, have all of that.

Looking over the schedule, certain games must be circled. I know the players are coached to take it week by week, but you don’t think October 14 is highlighted in both New England and Dallas? Kickoff is at 4:15. Week 9, November 4th to be exact. New England travels to Indy – circled! You know they really don’t like each other. The Patriots will try and beat both of these teams on the road…making the wins possibly that much sweeter.

Me, I’m looking forward to the #81 vs #81 match up. That’s TO vs. Randy Moss for all you lames. Who’ll bring their A game? I have not a clue, but it should be really fun to watch. Run the ball? Yea right, but I’ll save that for another blog entry.

We all can guess who’ll be in Arizona for the Super Bowl, but who really knows. What I do believe is that 3 of these teams could possible represent their respective conferences, but what do I know, lol

You’ve got to love this game!!