Football,f1 motorsports,NBA,Premier League

Two weeks after using the music of one of the most well known metal bands in music history, I have decided to go the other route and tap an artist that likely very few of you reading have had the pleasure of hearing. Unlike a fiendish hipster, I won’t rub your nose in the fact that I know more about this particular artist than you do, in fact, that’s kind of the point of #MusicMonday. I want you guys and dolls out there to listen to something new and different. I want to expand your horizons. 

There are few musicians in the hip hop world that are more expansive than Sage Francis. 

Francis is not club music. He’s not a “money-cash-ho’s” rapper. He is not going to throw down a guest verse on a Justin Bieber track or the next Lil Wayne and Pitbull collaboration. 

Francis is a poet. He’s a guy who likes Jack Kerouac and Robert Frost and will quote them in his songs. He’s an incredibly smart guy who doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics in his lyrics or revealing extremely personal issues in his life. 

He’s also a guy who loves football; played fullback and linebacker in high school and some in college. He once wrote an angry letter to an airline after his flight was delayed and he missed all but the final Adam Vinatieri field goal when his New England Patriots upset the juggernaut St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

You get the picture. Let’s get to some of his best tracks to breakdown this weekend’s action.       

The Buzzkill - from A Healthy Distrust (2005)

“Supersonic, super destructive, seemingly unresistable
On the job, around the clock, with 24 hour a day reliability”

Peyton Manning assumed the top spot of the passing touchdown leaderboard on Sunday night, surpassing Brett Favre as the Broncos routed the 49ers in spectacular fashion. With all the records Manning stands to crush on his way to Canton, it shouldn’t be surprising that they don’t really matter to him. He’s out there for one purpose and this year’s iteration of Broncos were constructed with one goal in mind: Super Bowl or bust.   

Got Up This Morning (ft. Jolie Holland) - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Got up this morning, didn’t know right from wrong”

After a tough game against the resurgent Cowboys, the Seahawks were supposed to get a bit of break against the Rams. 

Chargers and MVP candidate Philip Rivers were supposed to walk through the Chiefs’ defense and rip off another big victory. 

The Browns were riding a huge wave of momentum into Florida and were supposed to take care of business against the winless Jaguars. 

Ha! What’s the old saying? “That’s why they play the games.” Or maybe, “any given Sunday” applies here. Either way, the talent level in the NFL is far too even for teams to take a mental vacation during the season and these are three perfect examples of teams getting caught in the trap.  

Little Houdini - from Li(f)e (2010)

Andrew Luck gets all of the press when the Colts win, and for good reason, but the guys on the defensive side of the ball should get a little love too. In a shutout effort against the Bengals, the No-Name Defense harassed Andy Dalton into incompletions, pressures, hits and sacks and generally made the entire Bengals’ offense look out of sync. They aren’t flashy but they get to the quarterback and keep the game close for Luck to carry them over the finish line.

Hang Time (Bang Bang Boogie) - from Sick of Waging War (2002)

“Like a thief in the night
This hell hounded off his leash”

Let’s pretend you’re Percy Harvin. Your skills were so highly thought of that you cashed in with a big contract and signing bonus. A team in need of a dynamic playmaker gave up a king’s ransom to acquire you. You sat out almost the entire first year with your new team but came back in time to help them in the playoffs on the way to an emphatic Super Bowl victory, of which you were a huge part. 

Your team is stable, successful, and has all the ingredients to get back to another Super Bowl. They’re patient and they really want you to be successful even though you’re always hurt or carrying some of other baggage with you. Still, the organization has your back. For now.

Now that we’ve established all of this, can you give me one logical reason why you would bitch and moan about other players, argue with coaches, and go out of your way to poison a locker room?

You know what they do to idiots like you after you’ve completely worn out your welcome? THEY TRADE YOU TO THE JETS.  

Grace - from Copper Gone (2014)

“You suggested Lithium to get me better again
That is unless if we, uhm, get together again
But that ain’t gonna happen, never again”

While a member of the Browns, Colt McCoy had quite the following. I’m not exactly sure why, though big victories over some marquee teams his rookie year certainly buoyed his reputation among the fans in Cleveland. It was also because he is a bit soft-spoken, maligned by experts, and physically underwhelming as far as NFL players go. Cleveland loves a scrappy little underdog! 

What a lot of members of “Cult McCoy” either didn’t understand, or refused to accept, is that the little guy is just not capable of being a starting quarterback in the league. The NFL is the ultimate sports meritocracy; if you can play, there’s a spot for you. If you can’t play, you’re gone.

Having said that, it was good to see McCoy lead Washington to a late victory over the Titans. He never did anything wrong in Cleveland and he did a great job endearing himself to the fans but he wasn’t the right guy and while I applaud him for his efforts Sunday, I doubt he’s going to lead his new team to playoff glory any time soon.

Over Under - from Copper Gone (2014)

“I’m on a retreat and I’m under the assumption
No matter where I go there I am”

You have to give Kyle Orton credit; he’s been chided as a career backup and thrown on the scrap heap more times than he’d care to remember, yet when he gets pulled back into the fold he can still go out and win a game. I’m not sure the Bills can win longterm with Orton—okay I know they can’t—but I think he has the starting job over EJ Manuel barring injury for at least the rest of the season.  

Monday Night Dedication
High Step - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Give me the pig skin, kid
I'm head huntin for Satan”

Because the Browns were embarrassed by an inferior team, I really want the Steelers to lose in a miserable fashion. I hope JJ Watt falcon punches Ben Roethlisberger right in the crotch. 

Two weeks after using the music of one of the most well known metal bands in music history, I have decided to go the other route and tap an artist that likely very few of you reading have had the pleasure of hearing. Unlike a fiendish hipster, I won’t rub your nose in the fact that I know more about this particular artist than you do, in fact, that’s kind of the point of #MusicMonday. I want you guys and dolls out there to listen to something new and different. I want to expand your horizons. 

There are few musicians in the hip hop world that are more expansive than Sage Francis. 

Francis is not club music. He’s not a “money-cash-ho’s” rapper. He is not going to throw down a guest verse on a Justin Bieber track or the next Lil Wayne and Pitbull collaboration. 

Francis is a poet. He’s a guy who likes Jack Kerouac and Robert Frost and will quote them in his songs. He’s an incredibly smart guy who doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics in his lyrics or revealing extremely personal issues in his life. 

He’s also a guy who loves football; played fullback and linebacker in high school and some in college. He once wrote an angry letter to an airline after his flight was delayed and he missed all but the final Adam Vinatieri field goal when his New England Patriots upset the juggernaut St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

You get the picture. Let’s get to some of his best tracks to breakdown this weekend’s action.       

The Buzzkill - from A Healthy Distrust (2005)

“Supersonic, super destructive, seemingly unresistable
On the job, around the clock, with 24 hour a day reliability”

Peyton Manning assumed the top spot of the passing touchdown leaderboard on Sunday night, surpassing Brett Favre as the Broncos routed the 49ers in spectacular fashion. With all the records Manning stands to crush on his way to Canton, it shouldn’t be surprising that they don’t really matter to him. He’s out there for one purpose and this year’s iteration of Broncos were constructed with one goal in mind: Super Bowl or bust.   

Got Up This Morning (ft. Jolie Holland) - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Got up this morning, didn’t know right from wrong”

After a tough game against the resurgent Cowboys, the Seahawks were supposed to get a bit of break against the Rams. 

Chargers and MVP candidate Philip Rivers were supposed to walk through the Chiefs’ defense and rip off another big victory. 

The Browns were riding a huge wave of momentum into Florida and were supposed to take care of business against the winless Jaguars. 

Ha! What’s the old saying? “That’s why they play the games.” Or maybe, “any given Sunday” applies here. Either way, the talent level in the NFL is far too even for teams to take a mental vacation during the season and these are three perfect examples of teams getting caught in the trap.  

Little Houdini - from Li(f)e (2010)

Andrew Luck gets all of the press when the Colts win, and for good reason, but the guys on the defensive side of the ball should get a little love too. In a shutout effort against the Bengals, the No-Name Defense harassed Andy Dalton into incompletions, pressures, hits and sacks and generally made the entire Bengals’ offense look out of sync. They aren’t flashy but they get to the quarterback and keep the game close for Luck to carry them over the finish line.

Hang Time (Bang Bang Boogie) - from Sick of Waging War (2002)

“Like a thief in the night
This hell hounded off his leash”

Let’s pretend you’re Percy Harvin. Your skills were so highly thought of that you cashed in with a big contract and signing bonus. A team in need of a dynamic playmaker gave up a king’s ransom to acquire you. You sat out almost the entire first year with your new team but came back in time to help them in the playoffs on the way to an emphatic Super Bowl victory, of which you were a huge part. 

Your team is stable, successful, and has all the ingredients to get back to another Super Bowl. They’re patient and they really want you to be successful even though you’re always hurt or carrying some of other baggage with you. Still, the organization has your back. For now.

Now that we’ve established all of this, can you give me one logical reason why you would bitch and moan about other players, argue with coaches, and go out of your way to poison a locker room?

You know what they do to idiots like you after you’ve completely worn out your welcome? THEY TRADE YOU TO THE JETS.  

Grace - from Copper Gone (2014)

“You suggested Lithium to get me better again
That is unless if we, uhm, get together again
But that ain’t gonna happen, never again”

While a member of the Browns, Colt McCoy had quite the following. I’m not exactly sure why, though big victories over some marquee teams his rookie year certainly buoyed his reputation among the fans in Cleveland. It was also because he is a bit soft-spoken, maligned by experts, and physically underwhelming as far as NFL players go. Cleveland loves a scrappy little underdog! 

What a lot of members of “Cult McCoy” either didn’t understand, or refused to accept, is that the little guy is just not capable of being a starting quarterback in the league. The NFL is the ultimate sports meritocracy; if you can play, there’s a spot for you. If you can’t play, you’re gone.

Having said that, it was good to see McCoy lead Washington to a late victory over the Titans. He never did anything wrong in Cleveland and he did a great job endearing himself to the fans but he wasn’t the right guy and while I applaud him for his efforts Sunday, I doubt he’s going to lead his new team to playoff glory any time soon.

Over Under - from Copper Gone (2014)

“I’m on a retreat and I’m under the assumption
No matter where I go there I am”

You have to give Kyle Orton credit; he’s been chided as a career backup and thrown on the scrap heap more times than he’d care to remember, yet when he gets pulled back into the fold he can still go out and win a game. I’m not sure the Bills can win longterm with Orton—okay I know they can’t—but I think he has the starting job over EJ Manuel barring injury for at least the rest of the season.  

Monday Night Dedication
High Step - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Give me the pig skin, kid
I'm head huntin for Satan”

Because the Browns were embarrassed by an inferior team, I really want the Steelers to lose in a miserable fashion. I hope JJ Watt falcon punches Ben Roethlisberger right in the crotch. 

Two weeks after using the music of one of the most well known metal bands in music history, I have decided to go the other route and tap an artist that likely very few of you reading have had the pleasure of hearing. Unlike a fiendish hipster, I won’t rub your nose in the fact that I know more about this particular artist than you do, in fact, that’s kind of the point of #MusicMonday. I want you guys and dolls out there to listen to something new and different. I want to expand your horizons. 

There are few musicians in the hip hop world that are more expansive than Sage Francis. 

Francis is not club music. He’s not a “money-cash-ho’s” rapper. He is not going to throw down a guest verse on a Justin Bieber track or the next Lil Wayne and Pitbull collaboration. 

Francis is a poet. He’s a guy who likes Jack Kerouac and Robert Frost and will quote them in his songs. He’s an incredibly smart guy who doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics in his lyrics or revealing extremely personal issues in his life. 

He’s also a guy who loves football; played fullback and linebacker in high school and some in college. He once wrote an angry letter to an airline after his flight was delayed and he missed all but the final Adam Vinatieri field goal when his New England Patriots upset the juggernaut St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

You get the picture. Let’s get to some of his best tracks to breakdown this weekend’s action.       

The Buzzkill - from A Healthy Distrust (2005)

“Supersonic, super destructive, seemingly unresistable
On the job, around the clock, with 24 hour a day reliability”

Peyton Manning assumed the top spot of the passing touchdown leaderboard on Sunday night, surpassing Brett Favre as the Broncos routed the 49ers in spectacular fashion. With all the records Manning stands to crush on his way to Canton, it shouldn’t be surprising that they don’t really matter to him. He’s out there for one purpose and this year’s iteration of Broncos were constructed with one goal in mind: Super Bowl or bust.   

Got Up This Morning (ft. Jolie Holland) - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Got up this morning, didn’t know right from wrong”

After a tough game against the resurgent Cowboys, the Seahawks were supposed to get a bit of break against the Rams. 

Chargers and MVP candidate Philip Rivers were supposed to walk through the Chiefs’ defense and rip off another big victory. 

The Browns were riding a huge wave of momentum into Florida and were supposed to take care of business against the winless Jaguars. 

Ha! What’s the old saying? “That’s why they play the games.” Or maybe, “any given Sunday” applies here. Either way, the talent level in the NFL is far too even for teams to take a mental vacation during the season and these are three perfect examples of teams getting caught in the trap.  

Little Houdini - from Li(f)e (2010)

Andrew Luck gets all of the press when the Colts win, and for good reason, but the guys on the defensive side of the ball should get a little love too. In a shutout effort against the Bengals, the No-Name Defense harassed Andy Dalton into incompletions, pressures, hits and sacks and generally made the entire Bengals’ offense look out of sync. They aren’t flashy but they get to the quarterback and keep the game close for Luck to carry them over the finish line.

Hang Time (Bang Bang Boogie) - from Sick of Waging War (2002)

“Like a thief in the night
This hell hounded off his leash”

Let’s pretend you’re Percy Harvin. Your skills were so highly thought of that you cashed in with a big contract and signing bonus. A team in need of a dynamic playmaker gave up a king’s ransom to acquire you. You sat out almost the entire first year with your new team but came back in time to help them in the playoffs on the way to an emphatic Super Bowl victory, of which you were a huge part. 

Your team is stable, successful, and has all the ingredients to get back to another Super Bowl. They’re patient and they really want you to be successful even though you’re always hurt or carrying some of other baggage with you. Still, the organization has your back. For now.

Now that we’ve established all of this, can you give me one logical reason why you would bitch and moan about other players, argue with coaches, and go out of your way to poison a locker room?

You know what they do to idiots like you after you’ve completely worn out your welcome? THEY TRADE YOU TO THE JETS.  

Grace - from Copper Gone (2014)

“You suggested Lithium to get me better again
That is unless if we, uhm, get together again
But that ain’t gonna happen, never again”

While a member of the Browns, Colt McCoy had quite the following. I’m not exactly sure why, though big victories over some marquee teams his rookie year certainly buoyed his reputation among the fans in Cleveland. It was also because he is a bit soft-spoken, maligned by experts, and physically underwhelming as far as NFL players go. Cleveland loves a scrappy little underdog! 

What a lot of members of “Cult McCoy” either didn’t understand, or refused to accept, is that the little guy is just not capable of being a starting quarterback in the league. The NFL is the ultimate sports meritocracy; if you can play, there’s a spot for you. If you can’t play, you’re gone.

Having said that, it was good to see McCoy lead Washington to a late victory over the Titans. He never did anything wrong in Cleveland and he did a great job endearing himself to the fans but he wasn’t the right guy and while I applaud him for his efforts Sunday, I doubt he’s going to lead his new team to playoff glory any time soon.

Over Under - from Copper Gone (2014)

“I’m on a retreat and I’m under the assumption
No matter where I go there I am”

You have to give Kyle Orton credit; he’s been chided as a career backup and thrown on the scrap heap more times than he’d care to remember, yet when he gets pulled back into the fold he can still go out and win a game. I’m not sure the Bills can win longterm with Orton—okay I know they can’t—but I think he has the starting job over EJ Manuel barring injury for at least the rest of the season.  

Monday Night Dedication
High Step - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Give me the pig skin, kid
I'm head huntin for Satan”

Because the Browns were embarrassed by an inferior team, I really want the Steelers to lose in a miserable fashion. I hope JJ Watt falcon punches Ben Roethlisberger right in the crotch. 

Two weeks after using the music of one of the most well known metal bands in music history, I have decided to go the other route and tap an artist that likely very few of you reading have had the pleasure of hearing. Unlike a fiendish hipster, I won’t rub your nose in the fact that I know more about this particular artist than you do, in fact, that’s kind of the point of #MusicMonday. I want you guys and dolls out there to listen to something new and different. I want to expand your horizons. 

There are few musicians in the hip hop world that are more expansive than Sage Francis. 

Francis is not club music. He’s not a “money-cash-ho’s” rapper. He is not going to throw down a guest verse on a Justin Bieber track or the next Lil Wayne and Pitbull collaboration. 

Francis is a poet. He’s a guy who likes Jack Kerouac and Robert Frost and will quote them in his songs. He’s an incredibly smart guy who doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics in his lyrics or revealing extremely personal issues in his life. 

He’s also a guy who loves football; played fullback and linebacker in high school and some in college. He once wrote an angry letter to an airline after his flight was delayed and he missed all but the final Adam Vinatieri field goal when his New England Patriots upset the juggernaut St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

You get the picture. Let’s get to some of his best tracks to breakdown this weekend’s action.       

The Buzzkill - from A Healthy Distrust (2005)

“Supersonic, super destructive, seemingly unresistable
On the job, around the clock, with 24 hour a day reliability”

Peyton Manning assumed the top spot of the passing touchdown leaderboard on Sunday night, surpassing Brett Favre as the Broncos routed the 49ers in spectacular fashion. With all the records Manning stands to crush on his way to Canton, it shouldn’t be surprising that they don’t really matter to him. He’s out there for one purpose and this year’s iteration of Broncos were constructed with one goal in mind: Super Bowl or bust.   

Got Up This Morning (ft. Jolie Holland) - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Got up this morning, didn’t know right from wrong”

After a tough game against the resurgent Cowboys, the Seahawks were supposed to get a bit of break against the Rams. 

Chargers and MVP candidate Philip Rivers were supposed to walk through the Chiefs’ defense and rip off another big victory. 

The Browns were riding a huge wave of momentum into Florida and were supposed to take care of business against the winless Jaguars. 

Ha! What’s the old saying? “That’s why they play the games.” Or maybe, “any given Sunday” applies here. Either way, the talent level in the NFL is far too even for teams to take a mental vacation during the season and these are three perfect examples of teams getting caught in the trap.  

Little Houdini - from Li(f)e (2010)

Andrew Luck gets all of the press when the Colts win, and for good reason, but the guys on the defensive side of the ball should get a little love too. In a shutout effort against the Bengals, the No-Name Defense harassed Andy Dalton into incompletions, pressures, hits and sacks and generally made the entire Bengals’ offense look out of sync. They aren’t flashy but they get to the quarterback and keep the game close for Luck to carry them over the finish line.

Hang Time (Bang Bang Boogie) - from Sick of Waging War (2002)

“Like a thief in the night
This hell hounded off his leash”

Let’s pretend you’re Percy Harvin. Your skills were so highly thought of that you cashed in with a big contract and signing bonus. A team in need of a dynamic playmaker gave up a king’s ransom to acquire you. You sat out almost the entire first year with your new team but came back in time to help them in the playoffs on the way to an emphatic Super Bowl victory, of which you were a huge part. 

Your team is stable, successful, and has all the ingredients to get back to another Super Bowl. They’re patient and they really want you to be successful even though you’re always hurt or carrying some of other baggage with you. Still, the organization has your back. For now.

Now that we’ve established all of this, can you give me one logical reason why you would bitch and moan about other players, argue with coaches, and go out of your way to poison a locker room?

You know what they do to idiots like you after you’ve completely worn out your welcome? THEY TRADE YOU TO THE JETS.  

Grace - from Copper Gone (2014)

“You suggested Lithium to get me better again
That is unless if we, uhm, get together again
But that ain’t gonna happen, never again”

While a member of the Browns, Colt McCoy had quite the following. I’m not exactly sure why, though big victories over some marquee teams his rookie year certainly buoyed his reputation among the fans in Cleveland. It was also because he is a bit soft-spoken, maligned by experts, and physically underwhelming as far as NFL players go. Cleveland loves a scrappy little underdog! 

What a lot of members of “Cult McCoy” either didn’t understand, or refused to accept, is that the little guy is just not capable of being a starting quarterback in the league. The NFL is the ultimate sports meritocracy; if you can play, there’s a spot for you. If you can’t play, you’re gone.

Having said that, it was good to see McCoy lead Washington to a late victory over the Titans. He never did anything wrong in Cleveland and he did a great job endearing himself to the fans but he wasn’t the right guy and while I applaud him for his efforts Sunday, I doubt he’s going to lead his new team to playoff glory any time soon.

Over Under - from Copper Gone (2014)

“I’m on a retreat and I’m under the assumption
No matter where I go there I am”

You have to give Kyle Orton credit; he’s been chided as a career backup and thrown on the scrap heap more times than he’d care to remember, yet when he gets pulled back into the fold he can still go out and win a game. I’m not sure the Bills can win longterm with Orton—okay I know they can’t—but I think he has the starting job over EJ Manuel barring injury for at least the rest of the season.  

Monday Night Dedication
High Step - from Human The Death Dance (2007)

“Give me the pig skin, kid
I'm head huntin for Satan”

Because the Browns were embarrassed by an inferior team, I really want the Steelers to lose in a miserable fashion. I hope JJ Watt falcon punches Ben Roethlisberger right in the crotch. 

Few things in life make me happier than some hard driving music. I’m a self-confessed metal head that enjoys dabbling in all genres of music. At the end of the day though, I prefer screaming guitars, double pedals on my bass drums and grungy looking dudes spitting fire on stage.

Who better to profile here than Metallica? I’ll say right off the bat I’m not the biggest Metallica fan, especially Lars Ulrich, but that’s a different story for a different website. However, for the past 30 years they have been the face of metal for many Americans and it’s a place they earned by continuously producing at least one or two monster hit songs every decade in which they have been active. 

They are probably inextricably linked with baseball via Mariano Rivera, but when you think of the violence and speed of the NFL, there are plenty of songs that serve as a great soundtrack for all of the gridiron action. Plus they're huge Raider fans. Which makes perfect sense, who else but a metal band would be fans of the Raiders?

I tried to include tracks from just about every decade and album and it gives this week’s #MusicMonday an interesting feel and serves as a tour through their ever-changing but signature sound. Let’s hit it!  

Through The Never - Album: “Metallica: The Black Album” 1991

To borrow a phrase to describe the action this weekend, It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings! Rarely do we get treated to a weekend with so many games coming down to either the final play or the final few minutes, ironic given how lopsided the two primetime TV games were this weekend. Eight games were decided by a touchdown or less with two going into overtime and another ending on a field goal as time expired. Now if only we could get some of these nail-biters to unfold on TNF, SNF or MNF. Speaking of close games…   

…And Justice For All - Album: “…And Justice For All” 1988

Maybe I’m just seeing things in brown and orange colored glasses, but the Browns’ monster comeback victory may have been the most important win for the franchise since William Green ran wild against the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. Things seem to have fallen into place for Brian Hoyer and barring injury, there is no way he is losing the job as the starting signal caller. 

The head coaching job search looked like a debacle after the unexpected firing of Rob Chudzinski and Mike Pettine has to feel vindicated after hearing all of the chatter about being the Browns’ fifth choice to lead the team. Are they playoff bound? I’m not drinking that kool-aid yet, but I like what I see thus far.

The Memory Remains (w the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) - Album: “S&M” 1999

“Heavy rings on fingers wave
Another star denies the grave”

After their beating on Monday Night Football at the hands of the Chiefs, the stories wondering if the end of the Belichick-Brady Era was happening before our eyes hit the papers, sports magazines and online publications in a tidal wave of scrutiny. Then the stories came pouring in about how unhappy Tom Brady was with the direction of the team and the atmosphere in New England. Maybe it’s all true. Maybe the window is closed on the Patriots and maybe Brady is legitimately unhappy now (what has Belichick done to give Brady any offensive help since the Randy Moss years?) but I know better than to bet the house against Brady. 

Brady surpassed 50,000 passing yards, becoming only the sixth player to do so, en route to completely demolishing the Bengals who looked like they were early contenders for the AFC crown. Point here is, I’m not ready to declare anyone in Foxboro dead.  

Some Kind of Monster - Album: “St. Anger” 2003

I don’t like having the debate about the best quarterback in NFL history. So many factors go into it that it’s become a fairly pointless argument, not too different from arguing who is an “elite” quarterback. Who cares?

Here’s what I do know about Peyton Manning: his greatness is visible on the field every weekend and he has the absolutely bizarre numbers to back it up. He now has 503 career passing touchdowns, placing him second to Brett Favre’s 508. He has more touchdowns than Hall of Famers YA Tittle and Dan Fouts. Combined. No matter the receivers, running backs, or linemen in front of him, he is as reliable as a Swiss watch. Have there been better quarterbacks? It’s entirely possible that there have been, but who would turn down 60,000+ passing yards, 500+ touchdowns, three Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl win?

Sad But True - Album: “Metallica: The Black Album” 1991

“I'm your truth, telling lies
I'm your reasoned alibis
I'm inside open your eyes
I'm you
Sad But True”

Where do we start with Jets? Their most memorable highlight thus far in the season is probably this clip from yesterday’s game. Geno Smith looks lost on the field and is a near lock to make two bad plays for every good one. Maybe he shouldn’t miss team meetings the day before games? The defense, the side of the ball Rex Ryan used to hang his hat on, is a sieve. The coaches don’t seem to have the ear or trust of the players and it shows everywhere on the field. Time to hit the reset button in the Meadowlands and send everyone responsible for this mess packing.

Ride The Lightning - Album: “Ride The Lightning” 1984

You got me Cowboys, you really got me. I was sure that after a such a tumultuous offseason that included losing your best defensive player and surgery for your quarterback, you would be a flaming pile of rubble in a nice stadium with a really large television. Whatever changed, it changed for the better. You found an offensive identity that is reminiscent of the 1990s Cowboys, your defense looks solid enough to keep games close, and dare I say your young guys like Dez Bryant are becoming on field leaders. I don’t even know who you are anymore.

Special Dedication 

For Whom The Bell Tolls - Album: “Ride The Lightning” 1984

“Take a look to the sky just before you die
It is the last time you will” 

Normally I dedicate a song to the Monday night participants but I think this game tonight will be a complete laugher. Instead of wasting my time with that, I’d like to rehash the absolute carnage that took place over the weekend in college football. Four teams in the top six of the AP Poll lost which is the first time that’s happened since before most of the kids currently playing were even born. 

It seems appropriate that in a year where there might not be a clear-cut number one or number two, that we’re finally (kind of, sort of) getting a playoff system. 

Few things in life make me happier than some hard driving music. I’m a self-confessed metal head that enjoys dabbling in all genres of music. At the end of the day though, I prefer screaming guitars, double pedals on my bass drums and grungy looking dudes spitting fire on stage.

Who better to profile here than Metallica? I’ll say right off the bat I’m not the biggest Metallica fan, especially Lars Ulrich, but that’s a different story for a different website. However, for the past 30 years they have been the face of metal for many Americans and it’s a place they earned by continuously producing at least one or two monster hit songs every decade in which they have been active. 

They are probably inextricably linked with baseball via Mariano Rivera, but when you think of the violence and speed of the NFL, there are plenty of songs that serve as a great soundtrack for all of the gridiron action. Plus they're huge Raider fans. Which makes perfect sense, who else but a metal band would be fans of the Raiders?

I tried to include tracks from just about every decade and album and it gives this week’s #MusicMonday an interesting feel and serves as a tour through their ever-changing but signature sound. Let’s hit it!  

Through The Never - Album: “Metallica: The Black Album” 1991

To borrow a phrase to describe the action this weekend, It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings! Rarely do we get treated to a weekend with so many games coming down to either the final play or the final few minutes, ironic given how lopsided the two primetime TV games were this weekend. Eight games were decided by a touchdown or less with two going into overtime and another ending on a field goal as time expired. Now if only we could get some of these nail-biters to unfold on TNF, SNF or MNF. Speaking of close games…   

…And Justice For All - Album: “…And Justice For All” 1988

Maybe I’m just seeing things in brown and orange colored glasses, but the Browns’ monster comeback victory may have been the most important win for the franchise since William Green ran wild against the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. Things seem to have fallen into place for Brian Hoyer and barring injury, there is no way he is losing the job as the starting signal caller. 

The head coaching job search looked like a debacle after the unexpected firing of Rob Chudzinski and Mike Pettine has to feel vindicated after hearing all of the chatter about being the Browns’ fifth choice to lead the team. Are they playoff bound? I’m not drinking that kool-aid yet, but I like what I see thus far.

The Memory Remains (w the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) - Album: “S&M” 1999

“Heavy rings on fingers wave
Another star denies the grave”

After their beating on Monday Night Football at the hands of the Chiefs, the stories wondering if the end of the Belichick-Brady Era was happening before our eyes hit the papers, sports magazines and online publications in a tidal wave of scrutiny. Then the stories came pouring in about how unhappy Tom Brady was with the direction of the team and the atmosphere in New England. Maybe it’s all true. Maybe the window is closed on the Patriots and maybe Brady is legitimately unhappy now (what has Belichick done to give Brady any offensive help since the Randy Moss years?) but I know better than to bet the house against Brady. 

Brady surpassed 50,000 passing yards, becoming only the sixth player to do so, en route to completely demolishing the Bengals who looked like they were early contenders for the AFC crown. Point here is, I’m not ready to declare anyone in Foxboro dead.  

Some Kind of Monster - Album: “St. Anger” 2003

I don’t like having the debate about the best quarterback in NFL history. So many factors go into it that it’s become a fairly pointless argument, not too different from arguing who is an “elite” quarterback. Who cares?

Here’s what I do know about Peyton Manning: his greatness is visible on the field every weekend and he has the absolutely bizarre numbers to back it up. He now has 503 career passing touchdowns, placing him second to Brett Favre’s 508. He has more touchdowns than Hall of Famers YA Tittle and Dan Fouts. Combined. No matter the receivers, running backs, or linemen in front of him, he is as reliable as a Swiss watch. Have there been better quarterbacks? It’s entirely possible that there have been, but who would turn down 60,000+ passing yards, 500+ touchdowns, three Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl win?

Sad But True - Album: “Metallica: The Black Album” 1991

“I'm your truth, telling lies
I'm your reasoned alibis
I'm inside open your eyes
I'm you
Sad But True”

Where do we start with Jets? Their most memorable highlight thus far in the season is probably this clip from yesterday’s game. Geno Smith looks lost on the field and is a near lock to make two bad plays for every good one. Maybe he shouldn’t miss team meetings the day before games? The defense, the side of the ball Rex Ryan used to hang his hat on, is a sieve. The coaches don’t seem to have the ear or trust of the players and it shows everywhere on the field. Time to hit the reset button in the Meadowlands and send everyone responsible for this mess packing.

Ride The Lightning - Album: “Ride The Lightning” 1984

You got me Cowboys, you really got me. I was sure that after a such a tumultuous offseason that included losing your best defensive player and surgery for your quarterback, you would be a flaming pile of rubble in a nice stadium with a really large television. Whatever changed, it changed for the better. You found an offensive identity that is reminiscent of the 1990s Cowboys, your defense looks solid enough to keep games close, and dare I say your young guys like Dez Bryant are becoming on field leaders. I don’t even know who you are anymore.

Special Dedication 

For Whom The Bell Tolls - Album: “Ride The Lightning” 1984

“Take a look to the sky just before you die
It is the last time you will” 

Normally I dedicate a song to the Monday night participants but I think this game tonight will be a complete laugher. Instead of wasting my time with that, I’d like to rehash the absolute carnage that took place over the weekend in college football. Four teams in the top six of the AP Poll lost which is the first time that’s happened since before most of the kids currently playing were even born. 

It seems appropriate that in a year where there might not be a clear-cut number one or number two, that we’re finally (kind of, sort of) getting a playoff system. 

Do you play Fantasy Football? If the answer is yes, this week is the most exciting opportunity in the history of the game. Win a MILLION DOLLARS playing Fantasy Football this week only! Go to www.FFChamps.com/million and get in on the action. 

Once you get down to your last roster spot you feel like if you can make this last pick a good one that you've got a head up on the competition.  When it comes to running backs, it helps if you can really nail both spots with solid players.  While you won't be able to pick up the top tier RB's with less than $7,000, you can still pick a very solid fantasy producer with your last pick.

Giovanni Bernard  $6700

Bernard is the first running back on the board for under $7,000 and he's got a lot going in his favor. The Bengals are coming off their bye week well rested.  Their matchup is a game versus the Patriots in New England which would have scared most of us away a few years ago.  But Jamaal Charles and company put those fears to rest last night.  New England gave up over 200 all purpose yards and three touchdowns to Charles and Knile Davis and nearly did the same thing in Week 1 against Lamar Miller and Knowshon Moreno.  While Bernard isn't Jamaal Charles, he is better than any of the other running backs (besides Charles) that the Patriots have faced.  Aside from that, the Patriots will have to worry about the other offensive threats that the Bengals bring which could open some things up for Bernard.  There is a small concern that Jeremy Hill will take some production away from Bernard, but again it's very minimal.  Bernard is the lead back and will have a good day.

Andre Ellington  $5600

At $1100 less, Ellington makes for a nice choice with your last spot and might allow you to go back and upgrade at another spot.  Ellington and the Cardinals are also coming off their bye week and face a Denver Broncos team that is coming off of their bye.  Like the Bengals, the Cardinals are looking to keep their undefeated season alive.  The Broncos have given up 100+ yards each week to opposing running backs and three running back touchdowns on the season.  Unlike Bernard, Ellington is THE guy for the Cardinals.  He's not going to be sharing the load with anybody.  While he doesn't have a touchdown yet, he does have some nice yardage totals and I wouldn't be surprised to see him reach the end zone this Sunday.

After comparing these two players I think I would go with Bernard even though he is the more expensive option.  The Bengals are a running team.  They're going to run even if they're behind and their certainly going to run if they are ahead.  The Cardinals on the other hand like to see how far and how many times Carson Palmer can fling it.  Ellington should be fine, but it's much more likely that the Bengals will run the ball more than the Cardinals will.  You can't go wrong with either guy, but I would go with Bernard.

Do you play Fantasy Football? If the answer is yes, this week is the most exciting opportunity in the history of the game. Win a MILLION DOLLARS playing Fantasy Football this week only! Go to www.FFChamps.com/million and get in on the action. 

Once you get down to your last roster spot you feel like if you can make this last pick a good one that you've got a head up on the competition.  When it comes to running backs, it helps if you can really nail both spots with solid players.  While you won't be able to pick up the top tier RB's with less than $7,000, you can still pick a very solid fantasy producer with your last pick.

Giovanni Bernard  $6700

Bernard is the first running back on the board for under $7,000 and he's got a lot going in his favor. The Bengals are coming off their bye week well rested.  Their matchup is a game versus the Patriots in New England which would have scared most of us away a few years ago.  But Jamaal Charles and company put those fears to rest last night.  New England gave up over 200 all purpose yards and three touchdowns to Charles and Knile Davis and nearly did the same thing in Week 1 against Lamar Miller and Knowshon Moreno.  While Bernard isn't Jamaal Charles, he is better than any of the other running backs (besides Charles) that the Patriots have faced.  Aside from that, the Patriots will have to worry about the other offensive threats that the Bengals bring which could open some things up for Bernard.  There is a small concern that Jeremy Hill will take some production away from Bernard, but again it's very minimal.  Bernard is the lead back and will have a good day.

Andre Ellington  $5600

At $1100 less, Ellington makes for a nice choice with your last spot and might allow you to go back and upgrade at another spot.  Ellington and the Cardinals are also coming off their bye week and face a Denver Broncos team that is coming off of their bye.  Like the Bengals, the Cardinals are looking to keep their undefeated season alive.  The Broncos have given up 100+ yards each week to opposing running backs and three running back touchdowns on the season.  Unlike Bernard, Ellington is THE guy for the Cardinals.  He's not going to be sharing the load with anybody.  While he doesn't have a touchdown yet, he does have some nice yardage totals and I wouldn't be surprised to see him reach the end zone this Sunday.

After comparing these two players I think I would go with Bernard even though he is the more expensive option.  The Bengals are a running team.  They're going to run even if they're behind and their certainly going to run if they are ahead.  The Cardinals on the other hand like to see how far and how many times Carson Palmer can fling it.  Ellington should be fine, but it's much more likely that the Bengals will run the ball more than the Cardinals will.  You can't go wrong with either guy, but I would go with Bernard.