Flying High on the 5th Street

Well with week 4 of the NFL is in the books and major league baseball playoffs nearly upon us the sports world is heating up. So without further ado, a few thoughts and observations, courtesy of the 5th street.

The Flop
1. The Eagles are definitly flying high. They have cruised to a 4-0 record this year and have already bested one of the top NFC contenders (Minnesota). What is the secret of their success? It is not the addition of Terrell Owens. Its certainly not Andy Reid's impersonation of Humpty Dumpty. The answer is Rush Limbaugh. It seems like it was only last year when ESPN made one of the biggest blunders in TV history by hiring the Rushbo. If you are what you eat, Rush obviously has devoured a fat racist. Since his criticism of McNabb being overrated, the Eagles are 17-3. McNabb is currently playing his best football of his career while Rush is still working on sit-up number 1. If only Rush would criticize the Browns, perhaps then they could start winning as well.

2. Is there any team more disappointing than the Chiefs? If they lose tonight, no. But a close contender are the Packers. Formerly as constant as the Northern Star, the Packers have fallen flat on their face. Since beating the Colts, the Packers have been unable to do anything right. Ahman "Butters" Green couldn't hold onto the ball if he was covered in glue. The Packer's defense puts up slightly less resistance than a kleenex after the proverbial snot party (one might ask do people really have snot parties and I answer obviously you have never been to any of my family functions). Mike Tice, now armed with the heimlich manuever, should keep the Vikings from choking and on top of the NFC North.

3. While on the subject of disappointing...how about them Cubbies? Now you may say Philadelphia was equally disappointing but you would be completely wrong. Philadelphia did improve their team but forgot to ditch manager Larry Bowa. Bowa couldn't lead his team to a victory at tic-tac-toe over a two year old. The Cubbies, despite being healthy executed a perfect swan dive by losing 7 of their last 10 games. A tough day for Chicago.

The Turn
4. While on the subject of baseball, can anyone really pick out the favorite for the baseball playoffs? In the AL nearly every team has two solid starters, a good closer and a powerful lineup. The exception is of course the Yankees (sans starting pinching) but can anyone ever count out the team that Ruth built and Steinbreinner bought out? Out on the NL side, no team is complete with starting pitching a glaring hole. If I was a betting man, I would state that the Florida Marlins will not repeat as World Series champions and by the fact that they did not make the playoffs, leaves me to believe if its a fairly safe bet.

The River (or random thoughts)
5. Cheers all around for Kurt Warner. The former MVP was pretty much dumped like a JLo husband. However he has bounced back, won the starting qb job and led the Giants to a startling 3-1 record. Also cheers all around for Dennis Green. Football's doormat (the Arizona Cardinals) have played every team tough so far this year and it paid off Sunday with Arizona's first victory. Here in Columbus political signs seem to be being stolen left and right off lawns. Ah democracy truly brings out the best in people. Finally the 5th street is all aboard the Kyle Orton for Heisman trophy train. Damn is he good.