Is it Too Early to Get Excited?

So I went to the Niners game yesterday and what a sight to see! Now before you bust my bubble, I'm very aware they played one of the worst teams in the league. But over the last few years we would have barely won this game, if we actually won. We saw JT throw some fantastic passes - kinda felt like the old days for a minute. The defense was on and special teams stepped up a little too. I know we have a ways to go, but the season looks a whole lot different than it did over the summer. So on to The Big Easy to face the Saints as the real test begins.

Time for a Shake Up?

Well it sure does seem like we're having a little shake up in the League. What the heck happened to the Patriots? Beat by the Dolphins? And what's going on with the Colts? I'm not concerned about the Chargers. They got off to a bad start last year too, but they just served up the Jets on a platter. We haven't really heard from the Broncos in a while and they're fourth in the league right now. Now I know it's only Week 3 so it'll be interesting to see who's the real deal. But I have to say, this is getting quite exciting!

OK, You're Right

Hi Ladies! Well, looks like I'm gonna have to eat my words. I'm not changing my mind about anything I've posted - just somthing I've disagreed with since the Super Bowl. The Giants are the real thing. I was convinced that last season's turnaround was a fluke. But looks like they've found their groove and they're on a roll. Well I'm definitely happy for Eli Manning, especially after all the pressure and slack he was getting. And it sure is nice to see another team in the mix.

Prayer Changes Things!

Hey Ladies! Well I can't be sure that it was my prayer at the beginning of the 3rd quarter that changed the game, but I'll choose to believe it was!!!! The Niners beat the Seahawks 33-30 in overtime!!! We needed that game! I only have two "quick and to the point" comments to make:

1. JT O'Sullivan - 20-for-31 for 321 yards
2. The play that changed the game

Now, I'm not going to assume that we're in the Playoffs or anything - we'll take it one game at a time. I'll take a huge, fought for win over Seattle any day!

Don't Want to Say "I Told You So"

Hi Ladies! So apparently pain since 2006 and four doctors' recommendations for surgery was not enough for Shawne Merriman to sit out the season and mend himself. Instead, he put himself (and the team's performance) in jeopardy by insisting on playing with torn ligaments in his knee. Well he's definitely a warrior if nothing else. But at the end of the day, Merriman finally realized that he needs surgery now. I guess it's difficult to have other people tell you what's right when your heart is telling you otherwise - ladies, don't we know - so I'm glad he finally came to his senses. Get well soon Lights Out!

You're Wrong on This One Ann

Hi Ladies! Well, there's more to the Alex Smith drama. After reading Ann Killion's article in the San Jose Mercury News, "Killion: Alex Smith is through as a 49er," I just had to put in my two cents. I'm so sick of hearing about pour Alex Smith. Don't get me wrong, the Niners organization is a mess from the ownership down to the head coach (the rest of the staff is good though). But Alex's problems are not directly related. Here's the comment I posted to Ms. Killion's article...

I’m sorry, but Alex’s injury has nothing to do with his 3 coordinators in 4 years sob story or the fact that he didn’t get to start this season, which is a blessing seeing as though he injured himself again – WITHOUT PLAYING. And the fact that the coordinators keep getting hired by other teams is not the fault of the 49ers either. They’ve been doing their best to deal with the situation every year. Alex is not the only one on the team with a new coordinator. The WHOLE offense had to deal with that but seems like they’ve been able to improve. As a matter of fact, seems as though the weak link was none other than ALEX SMITH. If we look at Alex over the years, he’s a backup quarterback at best, unless some team is willing to give him 5 years to mature. The problems he has aren't anything a different coordinator would solve. They’re basic skills which he still hasn’t been able to master in 3 years – ok, 2 if you don’t count last year. But if it’s gonna take you 2 years to learn how to throw a ball accurately or feel comfortable enough releasing the ball on time, then you had no business getting $31 million and playing in the NFL in the first place. And by the way, how can you now say that his new injury is from "overworking" his arm? Everyone was just whining about how they weren't letting him play, start, take any snaps, whatever. Seems like he needed to be resting anyway. No we don't have a starting quarterback right now in JTO, but we never had one in Alex Smith.

Now don't get me wrong, I've been pulling for Alex. I really like him, but we have to be honest here. I just don't see where it was ever happening for him regardless of who was coaching him. I do hope he will get picked up by another team and be given the kind of grooming and hand holding he needs, but we just don't have time for that. Good Luck Alex!

Off to an Unpredictable Start

Hi Ladies! Well, the dust has settled and we'll be putting a close on Week 1 after the two games tonight. I have to say I don't feel so bad about the Niners' loss. Yes, they should have won. But so should the Seahawks, Chargers and the Colts. And Brady's done for the season. Tampa Bay lost too. So all this to say, everyone's either off to a really bad start or there's about to be another shift in the leadership. No, I'm not saying that the Niners were in the leadership to begin with, but it sure does help lessen the wound when even the great ones fall. So now I'm really looking forward to next week. Not just for the Niners, but for the rest of the league as well. Looks like there might be a big shake up in the AFC and it might be time for the NFC to shine. And on that note, I have one closing remark...E A G L E S - Eagles!

Well, What Can I Say?

Hi Ladies- Well that wasn't exactly the start I was looking for. The Niners lost to the Cardinals 23-13. But the upside is that they played better than last year. One word - Mistakes. Too many mistakes and fumbles in the first half which I'm going to trust Martz will have taken care of by next week. So Cards start off in 1st place which means I'm on my way to a correct prediction that they'll win the division. It's about time! Man, Seahawks got pummeled too! They lost to the Bills 34-10. In the rest of the league, Brady goes down. I wonder what that will mean for the team since he's so much of the offense. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Would love to hear what you think?

Real Men of Genius

Hi Ladies! OK, I never think of this until football season starts and I remember why I love listening to the radio during the games - so I can here the new "Real Men of Genius" commercials from Bud Light. These have got to be the most hilarious commercials I've ever heard because they continue to deliver. I didn't even realize there were so many. They have ones for everything from Mr. Gangsta Rapper Posse Member to Mr. Supermarket Produce Putter Outer. Here are my personal favorites:

• Mr. Nosebleed Section Ticket Holder Guy
• Mr. Unathletic Sports Talk Radio Guy
• Mr. Indecisive Food Orderer Guy

I love this blog where I found these because they've managed to tie each of the commercials to a funny blog post. Check out the full list on Jim and Lynette's Fun Times Guide.

Getting Familiar with the New Rules

Hi Ladies- So I didn't make it in time to get this posted before last night's game but better late than never. So there are some new rules to be aware of as you watch the games this season.

• Defensive Helmet Radios: One defensive player can have a radio in his helmet to communicate with the coordinator.
• Incidental Facemasks: This 5-yard penalty has been eliminated because it was too difficult to call. Either there is obvious twisting, turning or pulling resulting in a 15-yard penalty, or there isn't.
• Forceout Rule: This rule has been eliminated. The receiver must have both feet touch the ground before going out of bounds in order for the play to be ruled as a catch.
• Reviewable Plays: Field goals, extra point attempts and illegal forward handoffs are now reviewable.
• Second Half Coin Toss: Teams can now defer the opportunity to kick or receive the kickoff to the second half if they'd like.
• Muffed Snap: Previously ruled a false start, a direct snap from the center to a player that goes untouched is now a live ball and can be recovered by either team.

Personally, I think these are all great additions and will allow the game to move along more smoothly, fairly and competively.

For more opinions about the new rules, check out these articles:

New NFL rules for 2008 NFL Rule Changes for 2008: Summary of the NFL Football Changes that Passed and Failed This Year New NFL rules geared to defense New rules will have impact on league

Jumpin' on the Bandwagon Early

Hi Ladies! OK, I know JT O'Sullivan has yet to prove himself in a regular season game. All the analysts and fans are extremely weary of what he can and can't do. But I'm jumpin' on the JTO bandwagon now. And here's my rationale:

• While in NFL Europe he had the 2nd best passer rating in the league and led the Frankfurt Galaxy to the World Bowl in 2004 and was co-MVP in 2007
• Backups never really get a shot at playing unless someone gets hurt, leaves or gives them a chance. Doesn't mean they can't play
• Mike Martz is impressed with him and even a little surprised at his talent
• He can MOVE THE BALL

Now I'm not saying he's Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, but I bet you he's going to be around for awhile. So I will give you all permission to throw this in my face later if he completely bombs, but remember my words at the end of the season when everyone's jumpin' on the JTO Express.

Let's Get it Started!

Hi Ladies! Football's Back!!!! Yes I know, it already started. But the regular season starts tomorrow!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! Well I purposely didn't comment much during preseason because you can't really tell a lot. Teams are trying to figure out what they're doing with their players and they're not giving up their big play secrets. But now I can officially put in my two cents as much as possible. Let's get it started!!!