Why in the NFL would you say that?!

Photo Courtesy of: GoTravvy (IG: wynstagrams_power2thepixel), the Carolina Panthers, and the NFL (Not intended for sale or reproduction)

The NFL in my way of seeing it...

Way down South.

Why would I say that it's easier to win the Southern Division in the NFC than a Wildcard spot? Because any team can go 8 - 8 in the South and be champs! Also, because history has a way of repeating itself. Quinn is a hard nosed coach, but Riverboat Ron hasn't won 3 straight divisional titles for no reason. He utilizes talent that he doesn't even have to win games! The Cats still have an outside shot of finishing 5 - 2 in the last seven, while Atlanta with a struggle outside of the conference could crumble and finish a dismal 3 - 4, or possibly even 2 - 5 down the stretch. I'm just saying... ca-razier things have happened, and they could happen again.

To close out the rest of the division... the Saints have already come marching in, and are marching on their way out. They will make more changes after this season, I am sure.

The young Bucs are just that, young and growing. Under the leadership of their new QB, Jameis Winston (which is not bad, but certainly not that of Dak Prescott), they have done well. They are not yet ready to dethrone anyone, or step up and claim a prize that will not go unclaimed, however. Which leads us to the East.

"To the East my brotha to the East..."

Dethroning their arch nemesis, the Redskins has come to fruition for the bad guys this year. Barring a miracle (come on miracle), the Cowboys will win the East walking away. Painfully said, enough said.

The Frozen Tundra.

Unless you're a Bear anything is possible in the NFC North. If you're a Bear it's time to den, and no you can't share the one that the Lions are occupying. The healing Pack with experience will ultimately take charge and win the North by a clipped wing and a prayer.

How the West was won.

We thought the new Sheriff in town was from LA, but an ex-collegiate con from LA will have stolen the show again this year with a whole host of Badgers led by Mr. Wilson in the Pacific northwest. Whew, that was a mouthful! With that said, unless the red bird of the desert shows up like the menace, then the water fowl should prevail. Regardless, they'll all taste like chicken when the post Thanksgiving portion of the season gives way to the new year.

The AFC...

East.

Almost as painful as coughing up blood... the Pats (again), have the East sealed.

The not so Great North.

Does anyone care? Just kidding Ravens, and Steeler fam. Bengal and Browns... The Bengals haven't had much to talk about since the days of the flying squirrel, "Boomer" Esiason, and Mr. Woods, not Tiger of course, although it is ironic enough that he played for a team with a tiger for a mascot. I would have been more accepting of being called Tiger rather than being called, Ickey. It must have been the dance that earned Mr. Woods such a title? Which is the only "cold cut" I have for him today. Then there's Cleveland, who according to Drew Carey, "Rocks!" Cleveland according to the NFL, "Got rocked!" Again!!! Can we talk Jim Brown out of retirement? I'm taking the Ravens winning the North by a little, with the Steelers looking for a Wildcard.

Way down South, Part II.

Everything is bigger in Texas, losing included. Losing will reshape the football state again, but so will winning. They will always be second in Texas. There will be more changes, but especially if the Titans take the crown. A Texans loss to the Raiders in Mexico City could make that momentum change, and personnel change very likely.

How the West was won, Part II.

#JustWinBaby #JustWIN ... Nuff said.

In case you don't understand the hashtags above, or don't know the late Al Davis, and his philosophies... it's the Raiders division to lose. Now you know.

50 Shades of Brown

One of the most serene places on earth is in the timbers find. I walk the grassy trail until the walk is my climb. Then when the climb is finished I've found my spot. Yes, that one where it's warm and gets hot. Where the rock is cool, and often damp, where only the sun has dared to tramp. The sun has never shone in such a way as today. My thoughts are left here, my mind is clear. As the sun caresses my brown skin, the wind whispers in my ear, other than the chickadee, she is all I hear. This is my spot, it was made just for me. Where my skin goes from caramelized cane, to a deeper hue of butter pecan underneath the Spruce Pine tree. This is my spot my 50 is brown, if you seek my Father, you might catch me around. 

Weekend Activities:

Biking
Is totally stoked that NC is working on their Trail Systems, and bike paths! I just found a great ride that will allow me to traverse the once ensurpassable mountain that links the two counties I need to travel. At one time the freeway, and/or a gravel mountain road were the only ways to cross the mountain. The paved bike/walking/running path, now allows riders, walkers, runners, and hikers a safe passage through the mountains. It's wooded so cyclists have to ride cautiously, the wet autumn leaves could prove to be fatal. The open views to the mountains and valleys below are breath taking, and the ride is not a difficult one. It is a gradual climb to the west, and a sweet steady descend to the east. I wish that I had known about the trail earlier in the season!


NCAA Soccer That Matters
Tar Heels vs Devils Mens soccer... The two schools collided literally on Friday night. The conference foes both nationally ranked played fast and physical. The highlight for Duke fans, was the skirmish that saw Jordan McCrary red carded. He was ejected from the game. The Duke player that retaliated with a punch was not. So goes life, but we still didn't give up a W! They say that a tie is like kissing your sister. If that is the case, then tying Duke is like a kiss on the mouth from her, just after a vurp! Yes, it is just that nasty!

NCAA Football That Matters
Tar Heel Football... 35-20 Victory over East Carolina, in a win that could not be labeled as pretty. East Carolina, had more first down conversions, more total yards from scrimmage, and scored late to cut the lead to 15. A W is a W, but sloppy football will catch up with you!

Wisconsin, flexed their muscle in a very impressive victory against Nebraska. Wisconsin had big performances again from Montee "Let's Make A Deal" Ball, and Russell "Let's Move From NCSU To Wisconsin" Wilson. Wilson is now being mentioned among the Heisman hopefuls. 48-17 over a Top 10 Nebraska team, should boost their ranking a bit... I mean after all this wasn't Nebraska Community College, it was the Cornhuskerdoo's...

UPsets
Again Auburn was considered an underdog, and this game labeled an upset, but just because Cam Newton, is not involved in this college football program, doesn't make them dead! 16-13 Tigers over Gamecocks.

Speaking of Tigers... South Carolina's other football program went to Blacksburg and had a little Turkey! 23-3 drubbing of Virginia Tech, yeah should do a little somethin, somethin, for Death Valley's Jungle Tabby's ranking as well.

Pitt takes down South Florida, Arkansas recovers their own fumble for a TD, and defeats the Aggies of Texas A&M, and Baylor after upsetting TCU earlier in the season, was upset by Dorothy's State Kitty, the Kansas State Wildcats....

MLB That Matters

Brewers serve the Snakes a cold one. Nuff said.

NFL That Matters

Packers take on the Broncos, and I am going to say it now, this will be the week that John Fox makes a QB change, just sayin'! Here comes the Tebow express, so beware.

The Raiders will have their hands full with the Pats, and the odds are very much against them. Has Bilicheat's Pats ever lost three straight since winning a Super Bowl? Well if not, hopefully the Raiders will be the second defeat for them that leads to three, if not more.

Last but not least, it would be good to see Carolina walk all over the Bears, and Benedict Peppers. Again Nuff said!!!

Feelings, Nothing More Than Feelings...

You ever just get one of those feelings? Some are good, and some not so good. Well watching in camp during drills, it appeared that Cam being hurried, and shown blitz packages struggled. But the struggle was a good struggle. One play Cam hit Sutton in the back with a pass on a blitz. Cam got rid of the ball quick, but with a great corner, that could have been six going the other way. So at times, the timing was a bit off, but when they studied, and talked things over, Cam never came out with his head down. His attitude was always fiery! On the next series of downs Coach Rivera had the D rushed him again in, and he lobbed the ball perfectly, perfect spiral, and just enough air under the ball, to Clowny who scored a 60+ yard TD! The one thing that scares me about Cam, is his attitude, and fire! Well it get him into trouble off of the field. I still do not like the fact, that he and his father flirted with NCAA violations, but that is now a thing of the past, and hopefully it, and any other situations like it stay there. I think Steve Smith likes him, as well as the Black Cat Club. I am a fan, just not as optimistic of a fan as I would be like to be, because if the trust issues. But hey, it's not like I haven't been given a second chance a gazillion times!

The UCI World Championship in Denmark will wrap up all of the major events for this cycling season. Fabian Cancellara will go for his fifth title on his third brand of machine. I am praying that he can win the fifth on the Trek, but there will be some young guns looking to dethrone him this year for sure. Tony Martin looks like he will be very tough to beat this year. I guess we will see on Sept 21st. GO Trek GO!

Well hate to leave a party short lived, but the next one is about to crank up soon... Raiders-Broncos y'all. Are You Ready For Some Football...