Right On The 'Money' Ball!

Happy Monday everyone.

I was hopeful that I no longer needed to turn the A/C on now that October is almost here. Not to be the case! The mercury shall play into the 90's all week long, much like it did in 1980. Seems 1980 is going to remain the lexicon of discussion on the sports side for at least two reasons...

It was on 9/7/80 that a Detroit Lion team had a rookie runner named Billy Sims. He was 'That Guy' right before the arrival of Barry Sanders. Two names with BS for initials :) 

Billy ran wild that Opening day in 1980 to the tune of a 41-20 blowout of the Rams in Anaheim Ca. First game in Anaheim I might add. The Lions in 1980 began that season 5-0 before tumbling back to the pack at 9-7.

That other team that had a great year in 1980? The Buffalo Bills! 

I have fond memories of Joe Cribbs, Conrad Dobler, Joe Ferguson, Roland Hooks, and Phillip Villapiano doing fun things to the competition to the tune of an 11-5 record. Yesterday Buffalo spotted the Patriots a 21 point lead and...lo and behold...found a way to come back and secure an exciting 34-31 victory. Their first in 15 tries! Ryan Fitzpatrick no doubt giving alot of the old school AFL fans flashbacks to the days of Daryle Lamonica and George Blanda when high scores were in vogue.

I always laugh at people who need to be a negative beating when stating the obvious. To you Lion fans of little faith who are still smarting at the 0-16 record of 2008: You now have the Minnesota Vikings to kick around!

For the 3rd week in a row, an NFL 1st, Minnesota takes a double digit halftime lead only to give it away. Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson have the look of a winning combination as they came back from 20 down and came out triumphant in overtime! Get over yourselves, insecure Lions fans. I told you so, now deal with...duh, winning! Nicely done!

Next Sunday at 12 noon two teams in Silver and Blue with QB's who wear #9 will fill Cowboys Stadium for an old school, old fashioned shootout. The bigger will be whether the Cowboys are coming off a win...or if they're so banged up that a gurnee and two hospitals won't be enough to help the wounded. Then a trip to New England after a Bye week. 

While one Massachusetts team lost in New York in heartbreaking fashion, another Massachusetts did the exact opposite albeit late in the day. A 5 hour 11 minute marathon finally ended in the Bronx when Jacoby Ellsbury smacked a 3-run bomb in the 14th inning of a twinbill nightcap for a 7-4 victory and some slight breathing room in the Wild Card chase. Boston would be the Rangers opponent starting Friday, FYI.

Things are about to heat here in North Texas with Rangers playoffs, Texas-OU, the Fair, football all around, Dallas Stars hockey, and of course outdoor events to enjoy in addition to a NASCAR return on November 6th here in Ft. Worth. All of it good...

After watching two great games with the Giants and Saints, took the time to go check out Brad Pitt in the flick 'Moneyball'. Great premise, great movie, great pace, and an interesting approach to the grand old pastime. Yankee haters will especially enjoy this movie. Billy Beane played a part in helping erase an 86 year Red Sox curse. You'll have to go watch in person for details. References to Ron Washington, Art Howe,  and Grady Fuson a plenty for the Ranger fan. Fans of the A's should leave happy. Now I want to read the book.

Cowboys and Redskins tonight. I foresee a low scoring defensive battle. Washington 17 Dallas 13. I fear for the safety of Tony Romo. I really do. Get there early for security purposes football fans...For those keeping track an 8-6-1 week against the spread. 4 teams won but didn't cover. Could very easily have been 12-3. No complaints as I look ahead to Week 4...

Have a great Monday!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will