Back to the Grind, Gridiron Musings

Ed Reed, Man Among Boys

Greetings, loyal LCG readers. Hope everyone had a good break and holiday/New Year's celebrations. I'm feeling fat, more fatigued and slightly dumber than I did a few weeks ago.

Regardless, I'll be trying to get back into the swing again. For now, 10 shotgun-style observations from several days spent enjoying the bounty of pigskin that has been bestowed upon us.

1. Dreadlocks Win Games: I have to admit, if I had money to wager, the house would've been on Texas Tech. Uhhh, not so much. More impressive than the win? The number of dreadlocked players on the Rebels roster. Not since those University of South Florida squads from a few years back or Bad Boys II have I seen so many locks waving in the wind. Side note, irnoic timing on the whole Leach 60 Minutes thing, eh?

2. The Vikings Could Use a QB: From the department of redundancy department, how dangerous are the Vikings if they have someone who can play the QB position? AD is a beast even against constant 8-in-the-box schemes. Hey, Minnesota, you want this Favre guy? We're done with him.

3. Ed Reed is Good at Football: You come here for hard-hitting analysis and that's what you get. Seriously, though. How different is it to watch him make an interception and then attempt to return it? Countless d-backs in this League seem to be fighting themselves just to catch a ball and make a pick. Reed's grab yesterday against Pennington was one many receivers struggle to make and, afterwards, he just seemed to survey the field and identify the path to the endzone in a split second. Oh yes, and then gracefully maneuvred his way to said destination. Watching gifted athletes do their thing is one of the most entertaining aspects of sports, particularly for those who played at any level. There are few right now I enjoy watching as much as Ed Reed.

4. McNabb is My Enigma: I can't figure out if I think Donovan McNabb is a really, great underappreciated signal-caller or a completely pedestrian one. I've gone back and forth on this countless times for many, many years and I feel I'm no closer to the truth. Can someone help? Please??

5. You Could Kind of See the Utah Thing Coming: Still doesn't take a lot away from the job Nick Saban has done. That said, after that Florida loss the chance 'Bama would drop this one to the Utes seemed immensely plausible if not probable.

6. Stafford Should Stay: Easy for me to say, I know. But it just seems to make sense. No doubt he'll be a top pick and who knows maybe even #1 if he decides to come out for the 2009 Draft. But he seemed to mature and make some leaps this year, and I can't help but think he comes back to Athens in '09 and the Heisman, #1 status and another run at a National Championship are in the cards. Plus, you're the quarterback at Georgia. Trust us, buddy, stay as long as you can.

7. Darren Sproles Just Makes Me Angrier About the Jets Season: I like Darren Sproles. Here's the thing that pisses me off. Every time I watch him help his team win it gets me more irate about the coaching ineptitude of the Jets this past month. Leon Washington is no Sproles, but he ain't far off. I'm not yelling about this again, but jeez...

8. Sun Bowl: Each time I see that Pitt-Oregon St. score I just thank my lucky stars I did not indulge in that experience. Wow.

9. Mark Sanchez, Pro-Ready: Again, my scouting creds are non-existent, but boy did Mark Sanchez look like an NFL-ready quarterback. Sure, he's got weopans galore, and although Stafford's physical tools might be just as impressive, there's just something about the look of Sanchez in the pocket that you can see him an NFL uniform succeeding - and soon.

10. We're Coming Around On This Whole Playoffs Thing: I'm talking college, of course. While many of my friends have clamored for a playoff for ages, I've always been a bit more traditional and been content with working this thing out. My opinions are shifting. As the idea of bowl games and real tradition grow further apart from one another, I'm leaning more towards a post-season tourney. Plus, this stuff with USC looking unbeatable at the end of each season makes me even more curious. It's not happening, but I can no longer say I'd be at all opposed.