No More Favre, NFL Coach Canning

Good Morning,

Time to throw some hot tips on the bbq.

Item #1:

+ Brett Favre says he's retiring. Yes, we've heard this before -- several times in fact over the past 5 years. So, do you think he will? Will he cave again in August and try to latch on with a team? Does he know how to live without the game of football? I think that's one of the biggest issues. When you've played nearly your entire life, it's tough to leave the game behind as well all the comes with it: the camaraderie, the locker room hijinks, the travel and being The Man. This year's been different though: injuries to teammates, a texting scandal, $50K fine and finally injuries that kept him out of the last games of the season. He was football's iron man, 297 consecutive starts. My money is on him retiring.

Item #2

+ In the next day of so, you'll start to see some NFL coaches get fired. Eric Mangini of the Cleveland Browns has already been let go. Also, pay attention to what happens to interim coaches like Leslie Frazier of the Vikings and Jason Garrett of the Cowboys.

Chat it up and enjoy!

NFL: What to Watch

Hello friends,

Here's the NFL game I'm keeping my eye on today.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts. Here's what you can chat up:

> These are teams going different directions.

> The Chiefs won just 10 games in the past 3 seasons. Woah. Not good.

> This season, they are undefeated. In fact, they're the only undefeated team in the NFL.

> Indianapolis has won 1 Super Bowl and contended for another.

> Indianapolis has a losing record.

Talk about why the Colts are having problems. Is it with one of the NFL's best QB's? (Nope, it's not.) He's run a little hot and cold but the reality is, he's clutch. So talk about the Colts' defense and how it's not getting the job done.

Talk up why the Chiefs are doing well this year after YEARS of futility. He made huge changes to the roster. He got players to buy into a team mentality. He has veterans who are helping to lead the charge. BTW, he's got Charlie Weis, former coach at Notre Dame, on his staff. Weis has always earned points as a solid offensive coordinator.

So, talk it up and watch it today.

Enjoy!

Big Ben Is Back

You've heard a lot about Ben Roethlisberger. This season, it hasn't been about his performance on the football field.

If you haven't heard, here's the (quick) skinny:

> He was accused of but not charged with sexual assault of a woman at a bar in Georgia.

> He was suspended 6 games by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension was later reduced to 4 games by the NFL Commissioner.

> Roethlisberger returned to the team this week.

Here's what you should be talking about:

> How will he play? He hasn't part of training camp and hasn't practiced with his receivers. Let's just say that timing between players, especially QB's and wide receivers is crucial.

> How will he be greeted by fans? Keep in mind, Pittsburgh is a great, proud sports town. Roethlisberger helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls. That said, lots of locals even my Aunt, one of the most loving and patient people I know (read: nun), thought Ben should be ashamed and should go. Terry Bradshaw, a Hall of Fame QB for the Steelers after winning FOUR Super Bowls, thought Big Ben should have been dumped.

> Has he changed? Is he a better man? Could he even be a better player?

Decide for yourself on October 17th when he is supposed to start against the Steelers' bitter rivals, the Cleveland Browns. It'll be in Pittsburgh and worth watching.

Thanks for dropping by the BBQ and talk it up amongst yourselves!

NFL "Voluntary" MiniCamp

Yo,

Quick hit today re: "voluntary" NFL MiniCamps. Here's what to talk about:

> The Washington Redskins have shelled out $32M (that's million) in guaranteed money in the last 15 months to defensive tackle (DT) Albert Haynesworth.

> The pro bowl DT is one cornerstone of a franchise that is desperately trying to rebuild. They've brought in Bruce Allen, the new GM, a new coach (2-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan), a veteran QB in Donovan McNabb and drafted an offensive lineman in the first round.

> So, here's what you can spar about: Haynesworth isn't showing up for workouts and voluntary minicamp. Why? Better yet, are these important? What do they do for the team? What does it mean?

> Here are your (possible) replies: He's maybe not showing up because he's: unhappy with the team, wants to play somewhere else and/or he's really working out on his own.

> Are minicamps important? Yup, they are. It's about re-bonding, getting back into the team rhythm, connecting with the new coaching staff, staking your place on the team, being in town so the fans know you're committed, etc. In essence, it's starting the season NOW and realizing that the road to the playoffs begins in April and May.

Talk. It. Up. And Enjoy!

p.s. Let me know if anyone's got THE answer of why Haynesworth isn't showing up.