We’re baaaack! And so is Hard Knocks, baby

B.’s highlights from the first episode:

1) Rex Ryan is the best TV personality of all time. He is incredible.
Like when he knocks on the door where Revis should be, and he’s like
“Hello? Hello?”

2) There is a practice in the rain, and they do this slow-mo shot of
hot Sanchez all wet and sexy.

3) They shoot the Jets management driving to Revis negotiation, but
cameras are not allowed inside. When they cut back to the car after
the meeting: total fucking silence. GENIUS!

 
4) LT and Sanchez share a special moment when they connect for a TD in
the first full scrimmage from camp. They are already clearly lovey
dovey besties.

It’s going to 11

Week 11. Nearly three months into this injury-laden season, and with the exception of New Orleans, there is not one team I can truly get behind sitting atop their division. And insult to injury, neither the Giants nor the Jets seem likely to have much of a post-season. So now what?

I’m still liking Pittsburgh and Green Bay, two teams that always provide marquee Sunday entertainment. I’m wondering not so unselfishly whether the Ravens can throw the Colts off their road to a perfect season. I obvi like Brees and the Saints, but then again, who doesn’t? They need not my love to succeed, but they have it nonetheless.

And come Thursday, after shoveling a grotesque amount of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, roasted vegetables, and sausage and sage stuffing down my gullet, I’m going to settle in to the rarest of pleasures for one without DirecTV: watching a Giants game with my dad on the west coast. Thanksgiving, indeed.

Happy NFL Sunday, friends…

—B

NY in Crisis

Just watched the first few series of the Jets game…things are not looking good. And don’t get me started on the Giants, no team could use a bye more.

What is wrong? Both teams’ early seasons sang with hope, more Ws and great moments than anyone could have anticipated. And then over the last several weeks, the wheels have fallen off ye olde NY cart. Is it that this city can only sustain one championship team at a time? Do we blame the Yankees? The coaches? Manchez? I wish I knew. I just want the glory of the first part of this season. Bounce back, boys.

Also picking the Saints, the eww Cowboys, and the eww Chargers. Finally, the Colts will stay perfect because they must beat the ewww Patriots.

Come Monday, I’ll take the Ravens over the Browns, because I’m just risky like that. Happy week 10! —B

7 week itch

Here we are, almost two months into the regular season, and it seems I know absolutely nothing about the NFL. Last week’s NY losses baffle and befuddle and make me question my belief in a benevolent god.

But when uncertainty abounds, I go back to basics, so this week I’m back and picking New York across the board (including the Yankees to clinch the division tonight). The Jets will beat the Raiders, and The Giants will manhandle the Cards (a game I’ve been invited to attend, but had to decline due to illness. SUCKS).

Come Monday night, I like the Eagles over the Redskins, but then again, who doesn’t.

Next week, I shall be in Evanston for my annual NU football pilgrimage: Northwestern vs. Penn State (fresh off their destruction of Michigan, while the Cats barely squeaked by Indiana). This game which will no doubt be an embarrassment of epic proportions for those of the purple persuasion, but hell, it’s football and tailgating and losing horribly is the price we sometimes pay for having so much fun.  —B.

Monday Night …

… Game Pick Genius Desperation.

Here’s what we’re picking tonight. (Don’t ask us about Giants or Jets, or for that matter that Pats score, because you’ll just get a terse “no comment” at best.)

FIMB R.: Broncos

FIMB B.: Broncos

Little M: Chargers (21 to a Broncos score of 19, if you’re into specifics)

ESPN Expert (Adam Schefter): Broncos

Keeping score? Here’s how (badly) we’re doing so far

ESPN Expert: 5

Little M: 4

FIMB R.: 3

FIMB B.: 1

Dog: 1 (she’s on the scoreboard!)

5-0 Smackdown

Greetings from B. in Montego Bay, Jamaica!

Despite a gorgeous Caribbean sunrise, my first thought upon waking was…Can the Giants beat the Saints? The answer: yes. Although turncoat Phil Simms picked the Saints. Et tu, Phil?

Also feeling the Jets will make minced meat of the Bills, despite that heartbreaking MNF loss against the Dolphins. And seriously hoping the Ravens will upset the 5-0 Vikings. Here’s a a great Sunday of NFL action. Back before Denver takes on San Diego Monday night. I defintely feel the Broncos have the momentum.

I’m going to have a rum punch. —B.