Packers' news...

of the seventeen players cut by the Packers,there is no one that was big name players that was cut,but running back Marc Tyler,out of USC,did not make the 53 man roster... they cut five others,before the fourth preseason game...

commentary...

i have ZERO sympathy for New Orleans Saints interim head coach Joe Vitt,and suspended Saints' general manager Mickey Loomis,as they start their six game,and eight game suspensions,respectively,for their roles,in the Saints' "bounty" scandal... there was a puff piece trying to garner sympathy for Vitt,on NFL.com,quoting long time supporter(in this circus),New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees,as he said that,"it's tough on so many levels"... come on,Drew,grow up,you are a quarterback,and he is a football coach,and he did something wrong,last season,period!!!!!!!!!
my opinion:you can tell that i am tired of this circus...

game score,and commentary...

Packers 24,Kansas City Chiefs 3... Graham Harrell threw for 223 yards,and two touchdown passes,and overall defense,was good,but needs work,too... there are questions in defensive backfield:who plays cornerback opposite Tramon Williams,but honestly,the Packers do have depth,in the defensive backfield,and the defense will improve... first string offense only had one series,basically... Aaron Rodgers passing line(if you want to laugh):one completion for two passes,for five yards... for the Chiefs,the first string looked good rushing the football,period,so they should be satisfied...

Packers' news...

final cuts to 53 players,tomorrow... will give you highlights,if major names cut,tomorrow...

NFL news...

NFL approved new injured reserve rule,allowing one player to come off the list,with notification of the NFL,and they moved the trade deadline from the sixth week of the season to the eighth week of the season...

commentary...

New York Jets' owner Woody Johnson is steamed,and Jets' general manager Mike Tannebaum is clueless,and the Jets' quarterbacking,and passing game,is non-existent... i know that is the preseason,but the Jets' offensive woes are pathetic,and the coaches have said that you have not seen most of the offense,but when,Rex??? Jets' head coach Rex Ryan,ironically,in my opinion,have lost the team,and Tony Sparano,as offensive coordinator,so far,has been a real joke... if you are a Jets' fan,unless they really improve,on offense,it will be a very long season... way to go,Rex,and Tony,you have a circus to deal with,and in my opinion,not enough talent to contend...

NFL news...

NFL has told all 32 teams to expect replacement referees to be in place,for week one of the 2012-2013 NFL season... the talks between the NFL Referees Association(NFLRA),and the NFL,are at an impasse...

Atlanta Falcons' team analysis,for the 2012-2013 NFL season...

the Atlanta Falcons were 10-6,last season... however,they lost to the New York Giants,24-2(no misprint),in the first round of the playoffs... two turning points,last season,in their season:up 14-0,on the Green Bay Packers,they allow 25 straight points,and lose to the Packers,25-14(week five),and two:they have a fourth and one,in overtime,in their own end of the field(their own 29 yard line),and get stopped,and lose to the New Orleans Saints,26-23(week ten)... the Falcons are 0-3,with Matt Ryan,as quarterback,in the playoffs... they have a very talented team,but they have been,so far,snakebitten,losing to the last two Super Bowl Champions(Green Bay Packers,and New York Giants),in 2010,and 2011,in their first game(they were top seed in NFC playoffs,in 2010),the last two years... they should be a threat to be in the playoffs,and fight the New Orleans Saints,for the NFC South division title... Matt Ryan,Roddy White,Michael Turner,and Julio Jones,and a very good defense,should make the Falcons very tough to play,and beat... the key to the Falcons' team,and season,will be:how far the team will go into the playoffs,because being 0-3,in last three playoff games,means that the fans,and team will be upset not to go deep into the playoffs,this season...

NFL news...

for the funny stuff,suspended(for the first three games,by NFC Commissioner Roger Goodell,for his role in the Saints' "bounty" scandal)Cleveland Browns' linebacker Scott Fujita does say that,"he is optimistic that he will play,in the Browns' season opener"... anyone believe that???

New York Jets' team analysis,for the 2012-2013 NFL season...

after two consecutive AFC Championship appearances,the New York Jets slumped to 8-8,and missed the playoffs,last season... they have not scored an offensive touchdown,in their three preseason games,matching the 1977 Atlanta Falcons,in that futility... their offense this preseason has been non-existent,and quarterbacks Mark Sanchez,and Tim Tebow have looked like anything,but worldbeaters,along with a porous offensive line,and a defense,besides the defensive backfield,that looks like swiss cheese... Rex Ryan does not have the overall talent to really contend,unless Sanchez really improves,and they get some offensive weapons,besides running back Shonn Greene... they have a very good draft class,including defensive end Quentin Coples,wide receiver Stephen Hill,and outside linebacker DeMario Davis(their top three draft picks),but they have to improve,now,from high draft picks,to major starters... with the fact that they have not scored an offensive touchdown,and shown anything,in this preseason,they better come out firing on all cylinders,but with the Buffalo Bills,Pittsburgh Steelers,Miami Dolphins,San Francisco 49ers,and Houston Texans opening up their 2012-2013 schedule,along with two games with the New England Patriots,they may have to dig out of an early hole,and if the Jets can do that,they could contend,but they must come out firing on all cylinders... an early hiccup could doom the Jets,period...

funny commercial...

there is a Papa John's pizza ad running in Dallas that has Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones actually rapping,promoting a pizza that Papa John's makes (only?),in Dallas... it is very funny...

Chicago Bears' team analysis,for the 2012-2013 NFL season...

the Chicago Bears started 7-3,in first ten games,last season,and finished 1-5,to end season,at 8-8... the main reasons for the slide,was two injuries,to quarterback Jay Cutler(broken thumb),against San Diego,and Matt Forte(knee injury),which took out their first string quarterback,and top rusher,and receiver,in Forte... the Bears have improved on offense,with the addition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall(from Miami),and who had three 1,000 yard receiving seasons,in Denver,with Cutler,when he was in Denver,along with a healthy Cutler,Forte,and a very good draft class... the Bears' defense is aging,but is very good,and with Brian Urlacher out,but on the mend,and expected to play week one(my opinion:week two vs. Packers,at Lambeau Field),the Bears will be tough to beat... however,the Bears have boasted that they are the best in the NFC North,but the questions that hangs over,and lingers,the Bears is:can they stop,and outscore the Detroit Bears,and Green Bay Packers,and how good is that aging defense??? that is the main question,in Chicagoland...

NFL news...

Aaron Hernandez signed a $37.5 million,five year contract extension,with the New England Patriots...

NFL news,and commentary...

Russell Wilson has been named starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks... Matt Flynn must be sick,right now,because he signed,as a free agent,with the Seahawks,over the off-season,thinking that he was to be the starting quarterback,but he is still a backup... i do not feel bad for him,at all... he just could not close the deal...

NFL news...

Buffalo Bills acquired quarterback Tarvaris Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks... terms of total trade not immediately known...

NFL news...

Terrell Owens has been cut from the Seattle Seahawks... put away the popcorn...

a personal note...

this is the only post i will write today,and for you football fans,i am sorry,this is very personal:
very few people,like this person,has had a personal effect on my life...
she is the rock of the family,and has had a profound effect on my life...
been there for me,even in times of woe and sorrow,and times of ultimate joy...
get well,dearest sweet rock...
my dear mother,and her had a relationship,almost like sisters,even though they married the same man...
remember the laughter between them,as they remembered the good,and bad times with the man...
how both of them "put up" with him,and yet laughed about it,more times than i can recall...
never knew what they said to each other,but my mother always had a smile on her face,and a silly laugh on her lips,when phone call finished...
my mother did love her like a sister,and it showed...
my love for her grew over the years,and yet,we had our moments,good or bad,but i always knew that she was the rock of the family...
she would be there for the entire family through times that were tough,and yet,there was a calm about her that was special...
i do love her more than i can say,but honestly,i respect her more than i love her...
get well,dearest sweet rock...

NFL,and Packers' news...

Anthony Hargrove has been released by the Green Bay Packers... when he catches on with a NFL team,he still has to serve an eight game suspension,because of the Saints' "bounty" scandal...

unexpected kindness...

a man got lost in Santa Barbara,California,and asked a lady for driving directions,who was handing out flyers for donations for an kidney stem cell treatment(she does not qualify for a transplant)... she needed $20,000 to be raised for the treatment,and got a $50- donation... about a hour later,he came back to the corner,introduced himself to her,and said that basically her getting donations was over to her... the man was billionaire Ty Warner,founder of Ty,Inc.,makers of the Beanie Baby... Jennifer Vasilakos received a check for $20,000,for a treatment that is not available,in the United States... he said in his hand written letter to her,"Someone up there must loves you,because i was guided to meet you,and that he never gets lost,but fate got me lost,and ask you for directions... the rest of the story I hope will be a new life for you..."...

funny,but true...

there is a BBQ joint in Miami(Brother Jimmy's BBQ)that has signs all over the restaurant telling the public that they will not serve NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell... it is co-owned by suspended New Orleans Saints' linebacker Jonathan Vilma,Denver Broncos' D.J. Williams,and Carolina Panthers' Jon Beason... Williams is also facing a six game suspension for failing two NFL-mandated drug tests,and Vilma is suing Goodell for defamation,along with the circus,of being suspended,for the entire 2012-2013 NFL season,for the Saints' "bounty" scandal(barring legal action)... simply,they do not like Commissioner Goodell...

RIP Steve Van Buren...

Philadelphia Eagles' Hall of Fame member Steve Van Buren passed away,at age 91,yesterday... condolences to his family...

game score,and comment...

Packers 27,Bengals 13... very good performance by offense,in first half,and overall defense was stout... Aaron Rodgers actually rushed for two touchdowns,a twelve yard run,and a five yard run... Packers rushed for 184 yards,in game....

Packers' news...

Green Bay Packers at Cincinnati Bengals,tonight...

NFL news...

Aaron Kromer,offensive line/running game coach,will replace Joe Vitt,as head coach,for Vitt's six game "bounty" scandal suspension... Kromer will coach the New Orleans Saints,during the first six games of the 2012-2013 NFL season...

NFL news,and commentary...

apparently,a report has surfaced that suspended New Orleans Saints' head coach Sean Payton had "moved on",and fired Greg Williams,two months before Williams got indefinitely suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,instead of Williams just moving,from the Saints to the St. Louis Rams,as defensive coordinator...
my opinion:this report is not new to anyone who knows NFL football,because basically the Saints' organization knew of the "bounty" scandal investigation that was ready to implode,and the team wanted to jettison "dead weight",in the form of firing Williams,making it look like a nice split,in eyes of the NFL,and did not expect the harshness of the suspensions,lost draft picks,and the huge fine... it was also a puff piece for the Saints' fan base,touting the change of direction,under new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo... who honestly cares???

NFL news...

the Jacksonville Jaguars,and the NFL,announced that the team will play in London,UK,for one regular season game,for four years,beginning in 2013-2014...

San Diego Chargers' team analysis for the 2012-2013 NFL season...

San Diego were also 8-8,last year... a tale of two quarterbacks may be right for this analysis:Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 4,624 yards,but Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for only nineteen yards more(4,643,yards),in the entire season,and yet had 45 touchdown passes,and only six interceptions,had a quarterback rating of 122.5... then why,was Green Bay,15-1,and San Diego,8-8??? simply,because Rivers had eighteen fewer touchdown passes,and fourteen more interceptions(27 touchdown passes,and 20 interceptions),and a quarterback rating of just over 88...
the Chargers gave up eighteen more points,on defense,than the Packers' defense(377,to 359),and had scored 153 points less than the Packers(407,to 560),and yet,the Packers had the 32nd ranked defense,last season??? figure that one out??? the basic reason that the Chargers sucked,last season,that the offense,especially Rivers,was inconsistent,when he played quarterback... if the Chargers are to contend,in the AFC West,and for the playoffs,Rivers must have the overall best season,of his NFL career,and the NFL draft class,for the Chargers(mostly defense),and the Chargers' defense must tighten up all aspects of their team,and get a pass rush,because they had an impotent pass rush,throughout the entire season...

Packers' news...

Packers' wide receiver Greg Jennings returned to practice,yesterday... he suffered a concussion during Packers' "Family Night" scrimmage,and practice,even though he said that he had headaches,in the days before that night...

sorry,folks...

i had planned to blog today,but honestly,i am too tired to think straight,so i am going to do today's post,tomorrow...

commentary...

seventeen years,and only two playoff wins??? America's Team??? Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones is unique,in the way that he goes about business... i may not like the Cowboys,but i do respect them,no end,especially Jones... in many ways,he reminds me of Vince Lombardi,and his passion for winning... he has said that the Super Bowl winning window is closing,on the current crop of Cowboys,and i happen to agree with Jerry Jones,because the talent there is not where it should be... unlike pundits,i do believe that Tony Romo is a very good successor to Troy Aikman,and Roger Staubach... the reason that Romo is 1-3,in playoff games,is simply the fact the talent around Romo was not that good,and a bad snap(drop),against the Seattle Seahawks(that happens)... so,stop whining Cowboys' fans,because in last ten years,in the NFC,(before the Giants went to the Super Bowl,for second time in four years)there were ten different teams representing the NFC,including the Green Bay Packers,in Super Bowl XLV,and the NFL is more about parity,than anything else... to Jerry Jones,improve your overall talent,and maybe your team will get there,soon...

commentary...

pundits are saying that the Green Bay Packers have a problem at backup quarterback... last night's 35-10 preseason loss,to the Cleveland Browns,was not a total mess,but close... Graham Harrell has not had much regular season playing time,but remember Matt Flynn,had only two regular season starts(loss to the New England Patriots,31-27,2010,and a spectacular 480 passing yards,six touchdown passes,in a 45-41 win,against the Detroit Lions,last season),before getting a big contract,with the Seattle Seahawks... this is only the preseason,and last year,the Packers lost to the Browns,27-17,opening week of last year's preseason... even though last night's game was a mess,it was only one game,but pundits are dead wrong to say that Harrell can not be a very good backup,and possibly a starter,in the NFL... ONE GAME DOES NOT MAKE A CAREER,LET ALONE A PRESEASON GAME... one example:Hall of Fame member Steve Young,and the San Francisco 49ers both had a bad game,and got thumped by the Philadelphia Eagles,40-8,one year,and Young ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame... so,pundits,shut up,for now...

correction...

one of the Packers' turnovers happened,in the first quarter,when Randall Cobb was stripped of ball,by simply a great play,by the Browns' defense,as the Packers were driving for a second touchdown,and then Aaron Rodgers went for a fourth down,and two,and failed,then left in the first quarter,with the Packers up,7-6... the failed fourth down led to the first touchdown,for the Browns... that was the turning point of game...

game score,and commentary...

Cleveland Browns 35,Green Bay Packers 10... second and third string teams stunk for the Packers... Packers led 7-6,after one period,and then the team's second string,and third string players did everything wrong... four turnovers for the Packers but every turnover happened after the first period... Aaron Rodgers looked good and the first string offense looked good,and for the Browns,Brandon Weeden looked very good,as their starting quarterback... the Packers' first-string defense did not look too bad,but is a work in progress,period... they recovered a fumble,that set up the Packers' lone touchdown,and almost picked a pass off,too...

preseason game...

Cleveland Browns,at Green Bay Packers,tonight,at Lambeau Field...

anniversary...

this is the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death... to all ELVIS fans,in which i do count myself as a huge fan,i give a hat tip to the King!!!

injury update...

there are 17-18 players out with injuries for the Green Bay Packers,including running back John Kuhn(turf toe),linebacker Desmond Bishop(knee/hamstring),and wide receiver Greg Jennings(concussion)... however,with Jennings,they are not rushing him back,and should be fine,and play in the season opener,according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel,and NFL.com...

comments...

there is a new book out about the firing of late Penn State head coach Joe Paterno,saying that he bawled like a baby after being fired from Penn State...
my opinion:who honestly cares,because he "allowed",with help,what happened at Penn State,and he tarnished the image of the university,and any person who does that will expect ZERO sympathy,from me,and that includes his family... that is one book that i will NEVER read...

more stupidity...

a jury convicted Denver Broncos' linebacker D.J. Williams,of driving while ability-impaired,and driving without headlights... he was stopped at 3 am... he is already facing a six game suspension,for performance-enhanced drugs(PEDS),from the NFL,earlier in the preseason... what a guy!!!!!!

odd,but true...

what is the World Record*,for the longest craps roll,in history? answer:154 straight rolls,without hitting a seven to crap out,which lasted 4 hours,and 18 minutes,by Patricia DeMauro,a New Jersey grandmother... WHAT A ROLL!!!!
*Guinness Book of World Records...

commentary...

Seattle Seahawks' head coach Pete Carroll is playing with fire,with the three quarterback rotation,this preseason... let us go back a couple years ago:when Tarvaris Jackson was traded from Minnesota to Seattle,he was given a "promise",by Seahawks' management,not to be jerked around... he was brought in to be the starting quarterback,for the Seahawks,so this year the Seahawks signed Matt Flynn,as free agent(Green Bay-previous team),and drafted Russell Wilson,out of Wisconsin... Carroll has said that Flynn,and Wilson will split time quarterbacking the team,in the second preseason game,as they did in first preseason game,and Jackson has not seen the field,even though Carroll has said that there is still a three way fight,for starting quarterback... now,there are reports that the Seahawks are trying to trade him,but with a $4 million dollar tag,on his contract,teams are cooling on him,so the Seahawks are waiting for a team to need a quarterback,when their quarterbacks are injured... so,Carroll and the Seahawks are treating Jackson like a persona non grata,and still treating it like it is a three way fight,for starting quarterback... what a real insult,and joke to Jackson!!!!!! i feel sorry for Tarvaris... i do not like Carroll,because he slithered out of USC,right before the NCAA sanctions,for the infractions caused by Reggie Bush(do not get me going on him,please),and he still says that he "knew nothing",about what happened,at USC... he can be like Sgt. Schultz(John Banner),in Hogan's Heroes*(i know nothing!!!!!!,and run off),but anyone believe that??? i do not believe that...
*reference to Hogan's Heroes,was intentional,and i had to go there...

commentary...

Maurice Jones-Drew,for the Jacksonville Jaguars,led the NFL,last season,in rushing the football,with 1,606 yards... however,he is holding out,for a new contract,and he just had signed a new contract,i believe,a couple years,ago... he is being greedy,and now,his agent is on vacation,so the holdout will be going onto the regular season,which means he will lose big money,then... to accrue a full year,for being a free agent,he has to report by the tenth game of the season... it has been rather nasty,because the new owner simply refuses to cave in to Jones-Drew,saying that you signed a contract,basically live up to it... The Jaguars play the teams in the NFC North this season,and the Packers,in week eight,at home(Lambeau Field),so Jaguars,good luck...

NFL news...

Chicago Bears' linebacker Brian Urlacher underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left knee,today... Bears' management expect him to be ready for the regular season opener...

commentary...

first of all,i respect the New York Giants,because like i said the Super Bowl goes through New York,because they are the World Champions,and like Ric Flair has said many times,"you got to beat the man,to be the man"... however,i am tired of the so-called trash talk from the Giants,saying no team respects the Giants,and that is not the truth... they actually started the trash talk,even before the divisional playoff game,against the Green Bay Packers,and disrespecting the Packers,simply saying back then that they were the better team,with some stupid quotes,from Jason Pierre-Paul,and,i believe,Justin Tuck... they backed it(the trash talk)up,with a 37-20 thumping,of the Packers,and won the Super Bowl,which i respect no end... this off-season has been one stupid quote,after another,by many players,and stupid stunts by other players...
with the Saints' "bounty" scandal,and that circus still going on,along with the almost weekly stupidity,by young NFL players,who seem to believe that they are above the law,this off-season has been anything,but nice... the amount of moral stupidity just makes me want to scream,and simply vomit... as for the Giants,i simply respect them no end,as a team,but i can not wait to see regular season football,to really see who is the best team this upcoming season,and to tell you the absolute truth,i am very tired of this off-season,because people have been simply too stupid to be believed... the Packers do play the Giants,in week twelve,in New York,so that trash talk will be settled then,and again,maybe,in the playoffs... personally,i do not like the Giants,because even though,they are a very good team,but they just rub me the wrong way,because they have too much arrogance,and big mouths,and they are playing the "disrespect" card,which makes me mad,because they are too good to play the insulted victims,by the other teams,in the NFL... simply said,just play football,Giants,and stop being foolish,NFL...

score...

in the ugliest preseason game this year,the Dallas Cowboys beat the Oakland Raiders,3-0... both teams need major help,period...

Packers' news...

Packers agree to a four year contract extension,with guard T.J. Lang... terms not available,at this time...

Packers' news...

Packers' running back Cedric Benson says that he chose the Packers over the Oakland Raiders,and the Detroit Lions,because he wanted a chance to win a Super Bowl... he does say that he diets,and trains well,and also says that he has a lot left to give the Packers... he also said that both the Lions,and Raiders tried to sign him,before the Packers... "both teams(Raiders,and Lions)needed backs,they talk about a Super Bowl around here(Green Bay),and not winning their first playoff game"(exact quote),an apparent swipe,at the Detroit Lions... welcome to the Packers,Cedric!!!!!!!

odd trivia...

today is International Left-Handers' Day!!!!!! (laughing)...

commentary...

this early in this preseason,Packers' head coach Mike McCarthy is worried about the injuries to Marshall Newhouse(left tackle),Greg Jennings(wide receiver),because both are out with concussions,and Desmond Bishop(linebacker),who is out,probably for most of the season,with a knee injury,and a torn hamstring... for him,it is just "overwhelming"...
my opinion:this is not the time for the Packers to panic... injuries happen every day,and week,of the football season... most you play through,and you get tough,and go on... Mike,just be quiet,and get to work...

NFL news...

the St. Louis Rams has backed out of playing regular season games,in London in the 2013-2014,and 2014-2015 seasons,but will play in London,this year(October 28th,against the New England Patriots)...

NFL news...

Miami Dolphins terminate contract of wide receiver Chad Johnson... Johnson was known as Chad Ochocinco,in the past...

Packers' news...

the Green Bay Packers have signed running back Cedric Benson...

Dallas Cowboys' team analysis,for the 2012-2013 NFL season...

the Dallas Cowboys were 8-8,last season,lost two games(Detroit Lions,and New York Jets),when they blew leads in the fourth quarter,and then blew a game lead,on the New York Giants,and lost to them,31-17,in week seventeen,and then missed the playoffs... Tony Romo had a great year,numbers-wise,but had some knucklehead moments(Detroit Lions,lost a 10+ point lead,in fourth quarter,and New York Jets,threw a interception,to Darrelle Revis in last two minutes,to set up a winning field goal,for the Jets,opening week,of last season)...
the Cowboys' defense really sucked,and the seemingly inconsistent play,of Romo,at times,last season,doomed the Cowboys' chances,of playoff glory,so they drafted Morris Claiborne,out of LSU,to shore up their defensive backfield,but so far,Claiborne has spent more time,on the injury list,than on the field,and Dez Bryant has been a knucklehead off the football field,and yet,has been a real stud during training camp... if things fall right for the Cowboys this season,they have the talent to contend with the Philadelphia Eagles,and the Super Bowl Champions New York Giants,because honestly,they imploded down the stretch of last season... Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones may be right that the Cowboys' Super Bowl winning window is closing,without a major overhaul...

commentary...

there is trouble for the Chicago Bears,when middle linebacker Brian Urlacher opted not for surgery to repair a torn medial collateral ligament,and a posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,late last season,and decided on rehab instead... he missed the first preseason game,and may not be ready until after the 2012-2013 NFL season starts... he has said that he is ready to go,but he has missed most of training camp,and the OTA's(organized team activities)earlier on in the preseason... the Bears offense may be better,but is the Bears' aging defense any better??? that is the $64,000 question,for the Bears,this season...

Packers' news...

there are reports(ESPN,and NFL.com)that running back Cedric Benson is in Green Bay,to sign with the Packers... a three time 1,000+yard rusher,with Cincinnati Bengals(the last three seasons)would give the Packers a veteran presence,and a possible 1,000 yard rusher,in their offensive backfield,and making a weak spot,finally,a very strong spot on the roster... if true,he will help the offense in a big way... cross your fingers...

new NFL blackout rule...

using the new NFL blackout rule(85%,of seats constitutes a sellout to avoid a home blackout),the Miami Dolphins will only have to sell 51,128,of 60,500 seats,every week... the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,Oakland Raiders,and possibly,the Jacksonville Jaguars(not known at this time)will also take advantage of the new blackout rule...

NFL news,and commentary...

there has been no decision by U.S. Second District Judge Helen G. Berrigan on motion to dismiss suspended New Orleans Saints' linebacker Jonathan Vilma's suit,against the NFL,to overturn his year-long suspension,which basically means the judge possibly will not rule on motion,before August 30th,when an appeal hearing is in front of arbitrator Stephen Burbank,an arbitrator credited to the NFL...
the judge did say that she is inclined to rule in favor,of Vilma,"if able to do so legally",saying that the NFL's ruling,as being not,"transparent,or fair"... the judge did recommend a settlement between the parties,in the lawsuit...
so this circus drags on,and on,and on...
my opinion:this is a ongoing circus,and this may drag into the season,which is very bad for Vilma,and also for the NFL... ultimately,everybody loses,because a football player's life in the game,is very short,and Vilma is 30 years old(an age that football players are in their prime,depending on position),so any time out of the game erodes some of the player's skill level,and Vilma has said that this has ruined and tarnished his reputation,outside of football(re:the defamation suit,against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell)... just everybody loses,which sucks!!!!!

NFL news...

suspended New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and the NFL are in second U.S. District Court,today,asking for(in Vilma's case):a temporary restraining order(TRO),to allow him back on the football field,for 2012-2013 NFL season,(in the NFL's case):dismissal of Vilma's case... expect the NFL to appeal,if there is a temporary restraining order(TRO)...

NFL news,and comments...

there is a NFL league memo,to the 32 teams,not to publicly criticize the replacement referees,during the NFLRA(NFL Referees' Association)lockout... however,i will criticize them... during the first drive of the San Diego Chargers,in last night's game,the Green Bay Packers sacked Philip Rivers,for a small loss of yardage,and the referees called unsportsmanlike conduct on the play,for "excessive celebration"... simply,a bush league call...

odd Olympic trivia...

was Croquet,and Tug of War ever Olympic sports? answer:yes,both were,Croquet was in 1900 Olympic Games,and the French were the only players,and they sold only one ticket,to a fan... Tug of War was an Olympic sport,from 1900,to 1920...

preseason game...

San Diego Chargers 21,Green Bay Packers 13...

commentary...

the game between the Packers and the Chargers is outright ugly;five turnovers,three,by Green Bay,and two by San Diego,all in first period... UGLY!!!!!!!! both first string defenses were great... Tramon Williams intercepted Philip Rivers,and the Chargers intercepted Aaron Rodgers,on a fluttered duck,of a pass,as he got hit in the pocket... both offenses,especially the Packers,looked very rusty,and yet San Diego scored,after first Packers' turnover,when running back James Starks,fumbled deep in Packers' territory... James Jones dropped a beautiful deep pass,so everyone looks rusty... it is only the first game of the pre-season,so i am not that upset... Rodgers looked very rusty,period...

NFL news,and comments...

there will be no settlement between the NFL,and suspended New Orleans Saints' linebacker Jonathan Vilma before a hearing,before U.S. Second District Judge Helen Berrigan,on Friday(10/August/2012)... there is a chance that she may rule on a request for a temporary restraining order(TRO),on motion,by Vilma,to allow him into training camp,and onto the playing field,for the 2012-2013 NFL season,tomorrow... chances,in my opinion,are 95%,against that,but you never know about a judge's opinion...

commentary...

tonight is first game since the debacle against the New York Giants... even though it is a preseason game,against the San Diego Chargers,in San Diego,i will be looking at the first,and second string defense throughout the first half,and coming in,after half time(Hail Mary,before half time,anyone?)... the offense is in the good hands(at least,going into this upcoming year),of Aaron Rodgers,and Mike McCarthy,but Packers' defensive coordinator Dom Capers(who is known to be a very defensive mind,overall)is somewhat on the hot seat,so the defense better improve,from last year's 32nd ranked defense... if the Packers are in the top 15,in overall defense,this upcoming season,the Packers will be a better team overall,than last year...

commentary...

Green Bay Packers' linebacker Clay Matthews feels that the Packers beat themselves,in last January's divisional playoff game,against the New York Giants... in some ways,he is right,but honestly i disagree with him,because the Giants made the plays and the Packers did not make the plays... however,Justin Tuck,of the New York Giants,has started to play the "disrespect" card,saying that,"we will see Green Bay again this year,so we will know who lays down that week"... Justin,you have the right to feel disrespected,and Clay,you have the right to feel that the Packers beat themselves... so be it... week twelve:Packers vs. Giants,in New York... so settle it on the field,and simply just shut up,both of you...

Packers' news...

eight Packers' players will not play Thursday night,in San Diego,in pre-season opener,against the Chargers... two players who will be first string starters opening week,against the San Francisco 49ers,are on the list... they are Marshall Newhouse(left tackle),and Greg Jennings(wide receiver)... both are out with concussions...

twist in Saints' "bounty" case...

according to ESPN,supposedly,there is a settlement offer to suspended New Orleans Saints' linebacker Jonathan Vilma to get him to drop his defamation lawsuit,against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell... only thing that is known that there is another settlement conference in front of U.S. District Court Judge Helen G. Berrigan,on Thursday... the offer would be eight games,not entire year... problem is the report is being denied by the NFL,as being,"totally inaccurate",and that Vilma really wants to clear his reputation cleared,and have his suspension cleared,and vacated by Judge Berrigan... i honestly take this report with a serious grain of salt,because Vilma has stunk up the joint,saying that he is innocent,period,and to admit to any wrongdoing,now,would shut him up,but it would tell the public,that the NFL was right,all along,in suspending him... Vilma will be shown to be a real blowhard,and someone who would do anything to get on the field,for the 2012-2013 NFL season...
my opinion:Vilma has claimed total innocence,and has acted like a total superior "diva",in saying that he did nothing wrong... he would be a total fool,to accept the supposed offer,if it is true...

Hall of Fame Game...

New Orleans Saints 17,Arizona Cardinals 10...

odd trivia...

when people contact Make-A-Wish* for wishes for kids,and adults with life-threatening illnesses,what person do they want to meet the most??? answer:WWE Superstar John Cena,who has granted over 300 wishes,which is number one,in the company's history... simply that is hustle,loyalty,and respect...*(by WWE)
*trademarked...

update...

Olympic women's weightlifting athlete Hollie(or Holley)Mangold finished 10th in the Olympic women's super-heavyweight division,lifting 529 pounds,and did it with a torn tendon,in her wrist... tougher than nails,and respect for her,that i have is immense... Mangold is the sister,of the Jets' center Nick Mangold...

Breaking news...

Garrett Reid,the son of Philadelphia Eagles' head coach Andy Reid,has been found dead in his room,during Eagles' training camp,at Lehigh University... condolences to the Reid family,at this time...

injury update...

Minnesota Vikings' 2012 fourth round draft pick Greg Childs injured both knees on same play,and is likely out for the season... he screamed out in pain,as doctors took care of him on the practice field,and because of swelling,in both knees,they could not do a MRI,either... good thoughts for him go out...

Hall of Fame members-class of 2012...

Willie Roaf-New Orleans Saints,and Kansas City Chiefs:one of the best offensive lineman that i ever saw play,even on television,and respected him for the fact that he played against the best defensive linemen week after week,and basically eliminated them from getting to the quarterback... member of both the 1990's,and 2000's all-decade teams...
Jack Butler-Pittsburgh Steelers:52 interceptions,in the 1950's-best of decade,of 1950's... member of 1950's all-decade team,and a very hard hitter,at defensive back...
Chris Doleman-Minnesota Vikings(twice,one year,to end his career),Atlanta Falcons,and San Francisco 49ers:when you lined up against him,you were up for a very long day,as an offensive lineman,and quarterback-150.5 sacks-fourth all-time,when he retired... started 212 games,in NFL...
Cortez Kennedy-Seattle Seahawks:was NFL defensive player of year,when Seahawks was 2-14,and was member of the 1990's all-decade team,and had only two winning seasons,as a Seahawks' defensive tackle... only second Seahawks player inducted into the Hall of Fame(behind Steve Largent)... one of the toughest defensive tackles,of all-time...
Dermontti Dawson-Pittsburgh Steelers:when you replace Hall of Fame member Mike Webster,you are in,for being compared to Webster,but Dawson did one better,when he was one of the best centers,in the NFL,PERIOD,and people mention him in the same breath,as Webster,who anchored the four time Steelers' Super Bowl Champions,in the 1970's,and some people think of him,as the best center,in the history,of the NFL... member of 1990's all-decade team...
Curtis Martin-New England Patriots,and New York Jets:one of only two players,ever to rush for 1,000 yards,in first ten years,of NFL career(the other one is Hall of Fame member Barry Sanders)... played in Super Bowl XXXI,against the Green Bay Packers... he rushed for 14,101 yards,fourth,all-time,in history of the NFL... one of the best running backs,in the history of the NFL,without a doubt,period...

brotherly love,with a twist...

New York Jets' center,Nick Mangold,is out of training camp,not for injury,but to go to London... reason:his sister,Hollie,is an Olympic women's weightlifter,who is competing in London,for the United States... Jets' head coach Rex Ryan basically had "to lay the guilt trip on him",to get him to go to London... nice going,Rex... GO HOLLIE...

NFL news...

since Willie Roaf,who played for the New Orleans Saints,and the Kansas City Chiefs,along with Cortez Kennedy,who worked for the Saints,after his Hall of Fame career,with the Seattle Seahawks,are going to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame,this Saturday,suspended New Orleans Saints' head coach Sean Payton has received permission from the NFL,to attend the ceremony,but can not attend the Hall of Fame game,between the Saints,and the Arizona Cardinals,Sunday night...

Packers' news...

Packers' Family Night scrimmage is tonight... NO CHANCE OF RAIN... full Lambeau Field... the Packers have a camera showing Lambeau Field,and even to see a basic football field marked up,was a beautiful sight...

Packers' news...

Green Bay Packers re-signed punter Tim Masthay to a four year extension,worth $5.465 million...

NFL news,and comments...

New Orleans Saints' quarterback Drew Brees believes that the Saints' organization is a victim of a botched NFL investigation,and that the one year suspension of Sean Payton,is like putting him in solitary confinement,because Payton can not have contact with anyone in the NFL,unless it is approved by the NFL...
my opinion:Brees is a fabulous quarterback,and is a member,of the NFLPA's executive committee,which is very good,but he simply does not know when to shut his mouth up... simply,Drew,just be quiet,and play football,and the Packers will see you,and the Saints,at Lambeau Field,September 30th(week four),when the teams play each other...

NFL news...

the Cleveland Browns were sold to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam,by previous Browns' owner Randy Lerner... team will stay in Cleveland...

Oakland Raiders' team analysis,for the 2012-2013 NFL season...

the Silver and Black were putrid last season... they allowed 74 points more on defense,then they scored,on offense... of any team,who finished 8-8,they had the worst point difference(359 points scored,and 433 points allowed)... they lost their owner(Al Davis,RIP),their top running back(Darren McFadden)to injury,and their quarterback was traded for,in mid-season(Carson Palmer),from Cincinnati,and their defense just stunk all season,last year,and then fired their coach(Hue Jackson),who told the national media that,"he would have a say in personnel matters",and then got fired,within days... a total train wreck...
for the good news:they hired Reggie McKenzie,out of Green Bay,as their new general manager,and hired Dennis Allen,as their new head coach... they had a good,but inconsistent offense,and their receiving corps was good last year,along with their special teams had some highlights,last season...
they had very few draft picks,and they must be more disciplined,and have better defense... if the offense had a better year,with a returning McFadden,who actually led the NFL,in rushing,when he had a severe foot injury,which sidelined him,for the last nine games,of the 2011 NFL season(614 yards rushing,in seven games),the Silver and Black can contend,if their overall defense improves,but they are known as the most penalized team,over the years(and they were near the top of the NFL,in that category,last season)...