He Is Us

From GWB's speech today: "Americans and Iraqis share the same enemy." He's right. That enemy is George W. Bush.

More Names For Your Babies

I'm putting this in a separate post, so that interested parties don't need to read through a bunch of crap about a football game.

Here are some more names I have come across of late:

Jorvorskie Lane (RB, TX A&M): I have no idea how someone could make this name up. Perhaps it's the name of a Siberian town?

Kyler Hall (S, FSU): Not Kyle, not Skyler...would Skyle be better? What wouldn't be better than Kyler?

Jazzmen Williams (S, BC): This may be my all-time favorite name. Sounds like Jasmine, but not so sissy. I think I'm going to call my kid Trombonists. Trombonists Greene. Beauty.

Clinic

I'm watching the Colts/Steelers Monday Night game, and let me say this: damn. The Colts have it. All of it. I am actually having a lot of fun to watch Manning run the show; it's hard to dislike the Colts, not only for their mastery of the game but for their collection of personalities: have you seen the ad with Peyton Manning playing the fan? It's priceless.

It's hard to imagine who's going to challenge the Colts in any meaningful way for the Super Bowl, especially now that homefield advantage seems inevitable. Not having to play in Denver or Pittsburgh or even Cincinnati will be a boon to them. I will say, though, that Manning is much less accurate if he's pressured and forced out of the pocket. (Who's not?) The trouble is getting to him before he eats you alive.

What's wrong with the Steelers? Here are a few things:
1. The corners are young. Good, but young.
2. Ben is rusty. He won't always be.
3. Cowher's playcalling. Sometimes he outthinks himself, which only provides evidence that he isn't all that smart.
4. Willie Parker isn't well-used. He needs space to run.
5. Offensive tackle is a troubled position.

How about the Rams' Ryan Fitzpatrick? I blew off grading yesterday to watch the Rams take it in the gonies for a half against the pathetic Texans. But no one could account for the Harvard rookie, who singlehandedly reminded the Rams that the season had not yet ended. And reminded the Texans that their season had.

Speaking of seasons ending: did the Chiefs' win this weekend prove that the Patriots' ship has sailed?

And what do the Chiefs do with Larry Johnson next year? (or is that question more relevant to Priest?)

I also (again, instead of grading) sketched out a potential bowl schedule. So far I misplaced Toledo, but got Louisville right. Man, what a fine use of my time. I must really hate to grade.

Cheers.