Romo-Riffico!

Props to the NFL shall be given in a moment. For now, the teams of distant past who have suffered late season collapses-the 1938 Pirates, 1964 Phillies, 1993 Giants, 1969 Cubs, 1978 Red Sox, 1987 Blue Jays, 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers, and 1995 Angels-can now take a back seat to the worst modern day collapse of a ballclub who had everything in their favor as of September 12th, only to piddle it away. I speak of the New York Mets.

A seven game lead, a schedule that was favorable for home games late, a team that held first place since May 15th, only to have it all go so terribly wrong. It begins with pitching...and then defense...to have the bats die...then the losing slowly eats away at you like a cancer incurable. Last year one out away from a World Series. This year there will be talk of axing Willie Randolph. I just don't see that happening.

While the Mets fell, the Phillies came out of nowhere to take the N.L. East! The first team to get to 10,000 losses in a career did it with mirrors. Once you get past men like Aaron Rowand, Jamie Moyer, Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard, and Jimmy Rollins. Rollins was the man back in January who said the Phils were the team to beat. That sea of white towels waving all over Citizens Bank Ballpark reminded me of the days when Terrible Towels flew overhead at Steelers games. Philly will now play the winner of today's one game playoff between the Rockies and Padres.

Somehow I doubt if New York fans are breathing easier that the Giants made easy work of the Eagles 16-3, that OTHER team from Philly. I saw the match and still can't decipher how a team can put up 56 points one week and nary a three spot the next. The 12 sacks in a game was amazing. I remember when that happened in a game between the then Baltimore Colts and St. Louis Cardinals in November 1980.

By now it has made the ESPN highlight reel. A play that jumpstarted a struggling offense against a porous Ram defense. I speak of Tony Romo making the best of a high snap and making a first down scramble with it while doing his best imitation of Donovan McNabb in the 2004 Monday Nighter. What a scamper and what a turnaround! 21 points in a little over four minutes and your Cowboys are now 4-0! Looks like we might be seeing a showdown of 5-0 teams on October 14th when New England comes to town. Tony Romo is the ultimate playmaker! Damn he is fun to watch!!! I hate the Cowboys but I love Tony Romo. He epitomizes the fun you're supposed to have when you play a marquee position.

Not having fun is the team from the west coast, the Chargers. Much like the boys from Philly, it seems only the baseball team is worthy of a playoff run while there appears to be no hope for Phillip and LaDainian to get the ship right. How in hell do you blow a 10 point halftime lead at home and still lose in double digits to a double digit underdog? That catch by Tony Gonzalez against three defenders was a great spark for the team. Wow!

Okay, Stephanie I was wrong. The Pack is Back! Congrats to Brett Favre for becoming the all-time TD guy for now as he passed Dan Marino with 421 at Minnesota Sunday. 421 also happens to be Tony Romo's birthday. These two icons will face off on a Thursday night in November on the NFL Network. I hope the level of excitement surpasses what we saw Jason Garrett do on a Turkey Day game in 1994, 42-31 I do believe...

With Marvin Harrison apparently injured, I say keep an eye on Dallas Clark becoming the main guy for Peyton Manning. Two big catches in a big win over the Denver Broncos.

What a psych job in Miami! Delayed by a lightning storm, the real sparks came when the game began and Daunte Culpepper had a day of revenge, lighting up the scoreboard with a 35 spot while sticking it to the Dolphins. Might this Raider team have turned a corner? Stay tuned!

Tonight should be a barnburner in Cincy. Curious to see if Randy Moss or Chad Johnson will outshine the other. I foresee New England start off slow then pull away. Lawrence Moroney will be a difference maker this night. Patriots by 10, 41-31...

Baseball playoffs to start this week. I am so there!

Hello October!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will