Life Gets in The Way....

In October of this year I started a new job, a job I love but a job with one major drawback.
I work on Sunday.

See the problem?

I have been forced to "watch" the Giants over this last season by clicking the refresh button on my computer...........very unsatisfactory!

I was so excited to watch the Skins game on the 16th, I walked in the door at kick off. I was happily yelling at the screen when Amani Toomer rolled onto Jeremy Shockey's legs. I saw Shock go down and not get up. I knew it was bad, and I was right.

The game was lost, Jeremy's x-rays were flashed, broken left fibula and I went to bed an unhappy Giants fan, as visions of my favorite player gracing the IR list danced in my head.

I missed the win over the Bills on the 23rd, but I was thrilled it happened.

Now I am anticipating the last game of the regular season, as many other football fans are. I hope with all of my heart that the Giants snatch a perfect 16-0 season from the smug Tom Brady and his creepy coach. Although I know it is a long shot.

Good luck Boys, you know I will be rooting for you all the way!

As for you Jeremy, who has fallen off the radar, .....I hope the surgery went well and I hope your recovery goes perfectly. You are very much missed.

Love,

J

Monday Night What???

Last Monday I was working, so I didn't get to see much of the game. I caught just the last few minutes of the Bills/Cowboys game. 7 seconds from the end I confidently walked away from the television know that in my heart that the banged up Bills had it in the bag.

What the hell happened???

I can't wait to see next Mondays matchup Giants and Falcons in Atlanta.


Love,
J

Another W for the Boys in Blue!

Of all the excellent things I saw during the Giants 35-24 win over the Jets this smile was tops.

Of late Shock appeared downtrodden, however one perfect touchdown later and we fans were in for a treat.

It is no secret that I have a massive crush on #80, who I like to refer to as Thor, and I am so glad that he is back on top. (On a personal note......I knew you could do it Jeremy!).

The game was gut wrenching. Twice I turned off the television, my anxiety was so overwhelming, I just couldn't watch any longer. However the feeling quickly passed and I managed to return to the game again (on occasion through my fingers, like a really scary horror flick). Sam Madison was amazing. Not to mention the fantastic play by Aaron Ross, who if he keeps up this amazing work, is going to be a major player in the NFL. That is if he can abide by team rules. Ross sat the entire first half because of a team rule violation that neither he and nor Coach Coughlin were speaking of.

Brandon Jacobs returned with a bit of a rocky start, but he quickly got back into the swing of the game. Eli looked pretty good (in the 2nd half that is), running twice, which was fun to see. Last but not least, there was Jeremy. The big man scored is first touchdown since last December.......it was exciting to see.

The game was great. I would have loved to been there instead of in my bedroom debating with my son the good points and bad points of all the NFL teams, so he could pick one to become a fan of. Each member of my household has a team and the boy felt like a hanger on, as he rooted for Big Blue with me. Finally he settled on The Pack, which is a fine choice, except for the fact that as soon as he became a fan his team lost.

Such is football.

J

Doing My Part

On Sunday the Giants defense was on fire. The did all the right things, including the repeated and increasingly painful to watch sacking of Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.

Michael Strahan is now the proud owner of the title, sack master. He now owns the Giants sack record, which was previously held (for 14 years) by the Great Lawrence Taylor.

However, the night belonged not to Strahan, but to another guy making sacks. Osi Umenyiora.
Number 72 was on fire and took down McNabb a total of 6 times. It was awesome.

Anyway, if you feel as strongly about this amazing perfomance of Umenyiora as I did you might want to go HERE and vote for him as Defensive Player of the Week. Just like I did.

Love,
J

Jeremy?

Ummm.........Hey Shock?



I watched the game on Sunday, it was awesome! The defense rocked the house as you know.

However I didn't see you there, at the game that is. I am sure you were there, but you didn't make much of a showing (I missed you).

Where is the passion that makes everyone talk?

Talk may be cheap handsome, but actions speak volumes.

Love,
J

Post number 8080....

After stopping and starting a number of posts voicing my utter disappointment and heartbreak at the losses of the boys in blue during week one and two I decided that although I am committed to football and the NY Giants in particular I just couldn't write the correct thing.

My open letter to Jeremy Shockey about spiking the ball (although I have seen spikes and while not the best course of action I am not sure that Jerm actually spiked anything......but that is neither here nor there) never had the correct tone. I could not manage just the right mixture of encouragement and sadness that I am sure Shock needed to hear (from me because frankly I am awesome).

Nor did my poem comparing the defense to a playful bunch of preschoolers (but in a good way) could not capture the essence of my feelings.

You see my mother taught me well, if you can't say anything nice, keep you big mouth shut for Pete's sake!

So in deference to my dearest mother (and the fact that I couldn't put into words the revolving fear, desperation, embarrassment, and pride that I felt) I did not publish anything.

Thank goodness someone said something. The defense really stepped up their play in week 3. Their second half performance was inspired. This proves that The Giants have what it takes. With a slow but not crushing start behind them, they have no where to go except up.

I may seem obvious but I am an offensive line kind of girl, so shall we take a look at what is going on there.

Eli
has looked good in all 3 games. Buress

Buress

has shown greatness and played with both a sprained ankle and finger (pinkie?). He did drop a number of catches early in the game, but he like the defense rallied at the half and excelled in the end. Derrick Ward was impressive and then there is Thor.

Oh Mighty Thor

Shockey

you have greatness in you, just let it out. Prove to your naysayers that you deserve the reputation as one bad ass Tight End. Let your actions speak for you. Once you have established dominance in your position (and proven that you can catch all but the most uncatchable ball) they you can say what ever you want. You can taunt and mimic, you can trash talk or encourage.........but first catch the ball. Don't ever public criticize your QB, he ultimately will be the one to make or break you.......hell you can't catch a ball if it isn't thrown to you. And always remember........all those other guys on your team whether they be coaches or players (or that sneaky monkey that died your hands purple) are mere mortals. They make mistakes, hell we all do......you should meet my ex-husband.

Other than Big Blue, I watched the Colts reign victorious over the Gary Kubiak led Texans. The game was to close for comfort, Peyton and the boys need to step it up (although Joseph Addai totally rocks).
I enjoyed this game, as I watched it was coupled with a rerun of Peyton Manning's SNL debut. Although I never let my children watch SNL, I did let them enjoy the antics of Peyton. For two days my daughter had repeated "Spend time with your kids, so Peyton Manning doesn't"

and my son repeats the giggle getter "a little pee came out".


My kids are an interesting pair. Also they both think it is hilarious that Peyton said his mom was cut by the Dolphins.

I coaxed my boy into calling the ex and again placing a fiver on the opponents of the Bears, which this week was the Cowboys. My son is now up ten dollars, but I swear the stress of possibly loosing five dollars almost killed him during the game.......no more betting for that kid. The daughter will totally do it, she doesn't stress as easy. Keep playing like this Rex and my ex is going to owe at least one of the children a pretty big chunk of change.

I didn't see the Broncos game, although I know my father is not happy with his team. Monday Night I didn't see much of the Saints/Titans match up before I went to bed, but my hope was with the Saints. All I can ask is What is up Drew Brees???

Brees

The Raiders win made me laugh until I fell over. That Lane Kiffin, he is not only a cutey but he is super smart as well........way to learn from those who have beaten you the week before Lane. Kiffin

Also might I say how impressed I am with QB Ben Rothlisberger, Coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers...........very nice (on a personal note........Ben you are a hottie).

Rothlisberger


One last thing........what was up with the Eagles uglier than sin throw(up)back uniforms. That wasn't even nice. Nobody gets paid enough to wear something so vomitous.

Love,
J

Do You Like To Watch?

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Visiting Team vs. Home Team Time (ET)
Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers 1:00 pm
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns 1:00 pm
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 pm
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans 1:00 pm
Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 pm
Green Bay Packers at New York Giants 1:00 pm
San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams 1:00 pm
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:00 pm
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals 4:00 pm
Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins 4:00 pm
Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears 4:00 pm
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions 4:01 pm
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens 4:01 pm
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos 4:01 pm
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots 8:15 pm

Monday, September 17, 2007

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles 8:30 pm

My Very First Sunday!

Sunday September 9th 2007 was a special day in my football education, this was the beginning of my first season of football as a fangirl, and it was awesome. Coming off the high of the Colts win I rolled out of bed with great anticipation. Almost before my feet hit the floor I was flipping between ESPN and NFL Network to see what the talking bobble-heads had to say about the plethora of match ups that were going to battle over the next many hours.
I knew it was going to be a great day, 13 games with the Giants tucking me into bed.

Breakfast and a shower prepared me for the day. My son was getting more excited by the second, we both were...........the games needed to start!

11:00am Broncos VS The Bills

As I said before my father is a huge Broncos fan. So this was our first choice. We watched with great anxiety and anticipation. During this time I convinced my son to call the ex and bet him on the Bears/Chargers game. He did about half way through however it took a whole lot of convincing and the promise to cover his losses if by chance the bobble-heads were wrong and somehow the Bears won.

Together we saw Kevin Everett go down and not get up. I may be a hypocrite but this is one of the reasons that my son does not play football. Although both he and his sister play soccer, during which they have both given and received a number of potentially horrible injuries. Particularly my daughter who is a keeper, there is nothing like a cleat to the head that makes a girl want to dive for the ball again.

I must take a moment and say that along with football fans all over the world my heart goes out to Kevin and he is in my prayers. All the recent news concerning Kevin has been very hopeful. Good luck Kevin, I have never been a Bills fan but I am rooting for you.

After Kevin was careful removed from the field and taken into excellent care. The game continued.

This was an exciting game for so many reasons. The Broncos managed the win with just seconds to spare. More than once in this game I noticed my Dad with his hand on his chest, I am not sure if he was checking his pulse or not but he was very anxious until that 42yder by Jason Elam was through the uprights.

It was a memorable beginning for me.


The games I didn't catch during the Broncos/Bills:

Pittsburgh 34, Cleveland 7
Carolina 27, St. Louis 13
Minnesota 24, Atlanta 3
New England 38, NY Jets 14
Washington 16, Miami 13
Tennessee 13, Jacksonville 10
Houston 20, Kansas City 3
Green Bay 16, Philadelphia 13
Detroit 36, Oakland 21

The Patriots/Jets match up proved to be quite news worthy as well, but I bet you have heard all about the "Patriot Games".


The next game I watched was the Bears/Chargers. All week all the bobble-heads could say about this game is that the Bears couldn't win, and they didn't. The Chargers ended up with 11 points more than their opponent. The result was San Diego 14, Chicago 3.

To my delight I heard my son say to my ex "I will take a check."

I missed the stomping of the Bucs by the Sea Chickens(as my friends refer to the team from Seattle), however I have faith in the adorable Jeff Garcia to make a good season of it. Oddly enough I just realized that I haven't heard anything about this game. I need to find out what happened. Anyway the final was Seattle 20, Tampa Bay 6.

Then came the game I was waiting for, the NY Giants and some team from Texas somewhere.
As a completely delusional fan I am sure that that the Giants are going all the way this season, that said let's talk about their loss. The end numbers look like this, Dallas 45, NY Giants 35, which may seem pretty crappy. However the game was pretty awesome, and I thought for a brief moment that Big Blue was going to pull off the win.

There is no denying that Eli looked great. Burress was magnificent. Brandon Jacobs, who will be out for possibly 5 weeks, was amazing.
By the half my boys were down by one, the defense needed to do some explaining, but the offense was working well.

By the end of the third quarter, the score was horrid. Dallas 31, Giants 19. I was about to call it a night, because folks I get up EARLY, and I work on Monday. I still had hope however........cause I love Big Blue.

With about 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter NY had battled back to within 3 points. I was sure that they could do it. I knew they could. However they couldn't.

Eli was injured in the 4th quarter, when he was pulled down right onto his right shoulder. Initial reports were that he separated his shoulder and may be out for as many as 5 weeks. It appears that these reports were exaggerated and he may be ready to play in Sunday's game. Play it safe Eli!

Back up QB (the position my father refers to as the greatest position in the NFL) Jared Lorenzen, managed 3 tosses, one of which was caught, before the Cowboys got the ball back. Butterfingers no more Tony Romo hit Sam Hurd with a 51 yd touchdown pass, which cinched it.

Regardless of the outcome, the game was exciting and the Giant's offense looked good. Eli was impressive. I can't wait for Sunday, it will be interesting to see how the Giants deal with the number of injuries that occurred during their meeting with the Cowboys.

I also managed to clean and rearrange my bed room and get all my laundry washed, dried, and put away.

Sunday is a good day!

Love,
J

A Gift From #18 to Me

The season opener was fun for me. Not only was it on my birthday but the Colts strolled away with a 41-10 victory.

I had no doubt that the game would turn out this way, even after the woeful first half. I hope that Drew Brees recovers from this game and leads the Saints to a winning record.

I call this victory a gift to me because yesterday it was my birthday. The entire city of Indianapolis celebrated my birth and the beginning of the Colts Super Bowl run.

Not that I want the Colts to win another Super Bowl, I am rooting for the Giants all the way.

However, Peyton Manning gives good commercials,
and Drew Brees is kinda cute!


I can't wait until Sunday! Go Giants!!!!!


Love,
J

Learning All New Positions!

This one is called the Tight End!

Love,
J

Waving Goodbye to the Preseason (How I spent my Labor Day Weekend)

3 losses out of 4 games does not look very good for any team, however, if you mention that these were preseason games then all hope is not lost.

Regardless of their miserable record thus far I think the Giants are looking great. In particular I must point out that #80, the one I like to call Thor, is still filling the role as team eye candy with particular panache.

During this 4 game team warm up/try out I was impressed with WR (wide receiver) Mike Jennings right up to the moment he snapped his achilles tendon. I was a great catch. He is out for the season. I hope he makes a quick recovery and I look forward to seeing him next season.

I actually missed the 4th preseason game against New England, and I was not sad about it. I realize that the big men don't need to play these games, but I in all honesty I can't wait to see them.

Instead of watching the game when it was aired on the NFL network (being an eastern team's fan in the west is difficult) on Saturday the 1st, I left my "big city" home and headed to a nearby resort town, that is almost on fire.
I did not get to do any rock climbing, the road was blocked by fire. We didn't organize well enough in advance to kayak, so we just played tourist. We being my friend Barb from my former "small town" home and myself.

We shopped, ate and admired the hot men and beautiful lake. We also spent some time with Adrian Pasdar and John Simm, both amazing fellows.

My birthday marks the beginning of the Football season this year. I may or may not be celebrating my very old age with that other Manning, that is if I can't get tickets to see The Wreckers.

More talk of balls later,
J

Collective Conscious

Through years of living with a football focused family I have picked up a general idea about what goes on during a football game and what a football team consists of.

1. There are two major facets of a football team, the offense and the defense.
2. The Quarterback is almost always charming and terribly good looking
3. The offense are the guys who run with or catch the ball, when it is thrown by the charming and good looking Quarterback. Also on offense are big men who protect the Quarterback
4. The defense are the guys who try to flatten the other team's charming and good looking Quarterback.
5. There are also other parts of the team, called special teams. I am still foggy on this but I think the kicking team is part of special teams. I am not sure, but remember I am still learning all the nuances of the game.
6. A touchdown is 6 points, then the team that scored the touchdown then has the opportunity to score and extra point, by kicking the ball which if the ball goes where it is suppose to will provide the team with a total of 7 points.
7. Football is complicated.
8. People can and often do get really hurt playing this game.

So there are some of the things I knew going into my football education. There is a whole lot more for me to know, and I can't wait to find out what I have been missing!!

I know balls!

Just ask me I know. I can identify a volleyball, a baseball, a basketball, a tennis ball, etc...

I know the equipment and I can, at a glance, identify which sport has just flashed across the very large tv that dominates my house (not to mention the many smaller tvs that dot the other rooms).

So you could say I know sports.............sort of.

I can usually (but not all the time) tell you if you are mistakenly talking about a baseball team when you mean a football team, and frankly 9 times out of 10 I can wow the socks off my son, but he is only 9 years old.

However, I am learning. The first thing I have learned is that I really like to watch football (regardless of the fact that the unrequited love of my life is a soccer player.......well now he is a coach, but that isn't a topic for this blog).

Over the past year I have become a big time football fan, which I think may worry my father a little. He looked a little distressed when I started the preseason countdown in July. I don't know why he should be worried, he is a football maniac with a very strict and focused dedication to the Denver Broncos.

My father's obessive love of the Broncos started long before I was born and has NEVER waivered. The name John Elway is spoken in hushed reverent tones when my father is near. There is nothing fair-weather about the man.

My mother is a Broncos fan as well, but she is more of a fan for my father's sake. Although the time she met the GREAT Elway she was bold enough to give him a message for then back up quarterback and now Head Coach of the Houston Texans, Gary Kubiak. She said " Tell Kubiak that if he is ever in ______ (our home town) there is a woman there who will have an affair with him!"

So those are the people who raised me. He loves the Broncos and she thinks Kubiak is hot. I do love my parents.

My ex-husband is almost as bad as my father, but about the Chicago Bears. In fact just a few months ago, after many very lovely years of divorce, I was helping him purchase tickets for the Seahawks/Bears game, because the dink is computer challenged.

Again I digress, which I do with much regularity, my point is this, I am surrounded by football fans, and I really love the game as well. This blog is really about my education about the sport.

Did I mention that I have found a team that you may not think is worthy of my adoration and obsessive fan girl behavior, but I do................I love you Big Blue!