Book Reviews by Elizabeth A. White

The Rams become the first team to fire their head coach this season, ousting Scott Linehan after the Rams lost their 4th straight game amid a questionable decision to bench starting QB Bulger, a move that was publicly questioned by several players, including star RB Stephen Jackson. Jim Haslett, former N.O. Saints head coach, has been named the interim coach.

Which brings us to the Lane Kiffin vigil in Oakland… is this the week he finally gets it? Or will crazy Al Davis continue to let Kiffin twist in the wind?

Which other coaches do you think are seriously on the hot seat this season? Herm Edwards in KC (1-3) perhaps? Romeo Crennel in Cleveland (1-3)? Marvin Lewis in Cincy (0-4)?

“Old Man” QBs

In Tennessee, “old man” Kerry Collins (who will be 36 in December) has led the Titans to the first 4-0 start in the team’s history, dating all the way back to their days as the Houston Oilers!

Arizona QB and fellow “old man” Kurt Warner (37 years old) racked up 472 yards passing on 57 attempts, with 2 TDs.

And last, but certainly not least, Brett Favre (39 on Oct. 10th) dusted off his rusty old arm and chucked a career high six touchdown passes… yes, SIX!! Holy cow! The NFL record for TD passes in a single game is only seven. Guess the old man has some magic left in that arm yet! Let’s hear it for the “Old Man QB” brigade!

Contenders or Pretenders?

How ’bout them Cowboys?! No, seriously… how about them? Should the Redskins victory Sunday night in “Big D” be cause for concern? After all, the Cowboys were supposed to stroll to the Super Bowl this year, right? Not to mention, T.O. is getting grumpy (did you see that surly post-game interview?) and that’s not a good thing.

Similarly, has the Broncos “D” been exposed as a serious weakness? The hapless Chiefs (1-3) were able to put up 33 points on them, including a resurgent Larry Johnson rushing for 198 yards (yes 198!!!) and 2 TDs!! Concern in the Mile High city?

Are the glory days on the way back in Buffalo? The Bills have plugged along to a 4-0 start under the steady and developing hand of QB Trent Edwards and solid rushing of Marshawn Lynch. True, it was the Rams they beat this week, but 4-0 is still 4-0.

And speaking of 4-0…. has there ever been a team getting so little talk (ah-hem, R-E-S-P-E-C-T!) for a 4-0 team as the Tennessee Titans?!? All they have is the best defense in the league: #1 in interceptions; #1 in sacks; tied for #1 in turnover differential (+6); #3 in points allowed; #3 in total yards allowed. And offensively, don’t forget early Rookie of the Year contender RB Chris Johnson, who has rushed for 337 yards with a 5.0 per carry average and is quietly being compared by some to Adrian Peterson. Then there’s that “old man” Kerry Collins….

Injury Report

Two players taken off the field on stretchers this week with concerns over hits to the head / possible neck injuries. Arizona’s Anquan Boldin was absolutely smashed between two defenders while trying to catch a pass in the end zone late in the Jets / Cardinals game. Though he is reported to have movement in all extremities, there are questions about whether the hit by Jets defender Eric Smith was an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit. Thoughts?

Broncos WR Clifford Russell was also taken off on a stretcher after being hurt on special teams during kickoff coverage. A team spokesman reported that: “His condition seems to be resolving they are still doing some tests and we are hopeful that he will be coming back on the team plane with us. We are just not sure yet.”

Favre’s replacement in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers, was knocked around in the game against the Bucs, and had to leave the game late in the 4th with a sore (possibly separated) shoulder. An MRI and other tests today will nail down how badly it’s hurt, and the GB faithful are praying it isn’t serious.

From a post I made on another site September 24, 2008.

Lots going on this week in the NFL. Just to hit some highlights…

• Matt Millen FINALLY out as GM in Detroit
• Giants suspend Plaxico Burress 1 game for insubordination
• Rams bench Marc Bulger, will start Trent Green
• Eagles’ Brian Westbrook day-to-day with ankle “strain”
• Redskins’ Jason Taylor out Sunday against the Cowboys
• Brett Favre has sore ankle that is affecting his practice
• Steelers’ RB Willie Parker out Sunday against Ravens
• 49er Shawntae Spencer (CB) out for season with knee injury
• Green Bay Packer Al Harris (CB) out for season with torn spleen

IMO getting rid of Millen is LONG overdue, but is not going to do anything to help them this season. In fact, it will most likely take a couple of seasons to right that ship. But at least there’s finally hope in Detroit.

I find the move at QB in St. Louis both knee-jerk and scary. As pitiful as that team has been, to blame it on Bulger and bench him is ridiculous and completely reactionary; it’s a “high profile” move to try and look pro-active, though Bulger is the LEAST of that team’s problems. Last I checked Bulger wasn’t playing “D”, and the Rams defense is just getting ROLLED!

I also find the fact that Trent Green is being put back into a starting QB role scary given his recent history:

• carted off the field on stretcher in ‘06 while with Chiefs and out for 8 weeks with severe concussion

• carted off the field on stretcher in ‘07 while with Dolphins with season ending severe concussion

Even though he has been “cleared” to play, I personally think his continuing to do so is grossly irresponsible. And as bad as the Rams have been, I fear it is just a matter of “when” not “if” Green suffers another serious injury.

Ok, first let me be clear that I love sports. I love watching them (well, most of them) and, when I was a bit younger and in slightly better shape, I loved playing them. And while the “sports cliche” has always existed, things have really gone off the deep end of late. It seems as if you can’t watch a game without hearing at least 2 (or 40) cliches every 10 minutes.

In fact, there are some sports cliches that are so painfully worn out that they really should be retired. Here are a few that you hear, from players, coaches and announcers, that make me wince and roll my eyes every time I hear them:

They’re going to have to bring their “A game” tonight. As opposed to what? Shouldn’t they always bring their “A” game? Does anyone ever deliberately bring their C+ game?

We came to play today. Um, good. That’s what you’re getting paid to do.

I’ll tell ya, that guy’s a football (basketball, baseball, etc.) player. No kidding?! I’d never have figured that out…. except for the fact that he’s, you know, playing football (basketball, baseball, etc).

We gave it 110% tonight. This one’s first cousin to “bringing the A game”. Shouldn’t you always give 100% (not sure 110% is a realistic goal mathematically speaking).

This was a good win for us. As opposed to a “bad” win?

We’re just taking it one game at a time. I don’t think you can do it any other way. I’ve yet to see a team play two games at once… or take the schedule and play it out of order.

He has the heart of a champion. Ok. I would think (hope?) owners/GMs/coaches wouldn’t pick someone with the heart of a loser.

They need to get the monkey off their back. This one I take personally. What’s wrong with monkeys? Why have we gotten the bad rap? Why not say get the platypus off their back?

Again, I do love sports and this is just good natured poking fun. I know what they are really trying to say/the point they are trying to make when they spout these cliches. It doesn’t make them any less funny/painful though.