MMBSD: Fight Club

I look around, I look around and see a lot of new faces. Obviously some of these teams have not been following the first rule of Fight Club: "Don't get punched in the face". Well maybe that wasn't the first rule but it should have been. Getting hit the face is the easiest way for an early end. If all you do is avoid getting hit in the face, you are not guaranteed a victory but it’s a nice first step. College and Pros are similar that losses early on matter a lot more than wins. While some may hype the Colts win over Jacksonville or the Bengals win over the Steelers let us remember its Week 3. Statement games don't happen in Week 3 - only statement losses. However a few lessons can be picked up so here's what I learned

1) East Lansing is Choke City USA- Nobody chokes like the Michigan State Spartans. Honestly if you’re a Spartan fan, watch the first half of the game then go home. It's easier on the soul. Unless you have a receiver named Plaxico Burress, please just don't get those hopes up.

2) Who is really number one? Good teams find a way to win. Great teams don't let other teams into the game. The Great MahaVest in Columbus tends to use the anaconda method for winning (i.e. wait for the other team to make a mistake then squeeze). Whether OSU is just good or just playing Tressel ball will be exposed in Iowa next week. Winning on the road at night for Big 10 conference game is one of the hardest things to do (except maybe making it to the game after drinking all day and night for the game) and OSU will need to be in prime form in order to win. In the meantime I think I would rank the top 5 as Auburn, USC, OSU, Michigan, Florida.

3) Teams Not Circling the Wagons like the Buffalo Bills- Right now I think it’s a race for most disappointing team between Miami, the Giants and Tampa. At least Tampa seems to be trying (I will not criticize a QB who had a spleen ruptured). Culpepper looks far worse than anything they had last year in Miami. He can't run, he can't step into a throw and Culpepper's decision making was never great to begin with. The Giants first half play the last two games automatically gets them put in this category. Playoff teams don't make a habit of being down by more than 2 touchdowns at any point.

4) Why does Jesus Hate Warner? - If winning is measurement of Jesus' love than Warner know longer is getting any. Four turnovers by your QB will not win you many games. Arizona has been on the verge of "turning the corner" for like three years now. I'm not sure its ever going to happen. I'm sure the fans in Seahawks land are fairly thrilled as I think Seattle's junior varsity A.V. crew could win the NFC West.

5) Quick Hits - Baltimore's defense is (was) highly over-rated. The Rat-thugs aren't anywhere the 2000 level as Ray Lewis has lost a good deal of stabbing ability. K2 and Brayleon Edwards were open all game (for those following the Browns controversy Winslow was on the field during 3rd downs which can only mean my wish of Carthan being fire is probably going to happen). San Francisco's offense is still hugely improved. I don't know what Alex Smith did in the off-season (total blood transfusion, deal with devil, realigned chi, shake for breakfast and lunch and a sensible dinner) but its working. That said an injury to Vernon Davis and Frank Gore will make a big dent. I am just waiting to hear the police report from Tampa with Tampa dropping to 0-3. If anyone thinks Jon Gruden won't hunt down and devour someone's heart for the courage you haven't been paying attention to Gruden's career.