Kings of the Wild Frontier Can the Bucs now be referred to as this after signing Davy (Zach) Crockett, the 468th ex-Raider signed by his royal highness King Cannon. Or Ball, depending how you’re feeling today. Why him? Apart from our sheer desperation for someone who can handle a form of a load at running back (Although I maintain King Kenneth will be a superstar, albeit perhaps only on the practice squad) now that Mr Bicep has a damaged ankle, Mr Cadillac is in the shop till August, Mr Graham is now more than Mr August, but barely (Is the Colts’ defense THAT damn good? If so, we may as well crown them now) and Mr Askew has barely received any handoffs. (With all these ‘Mr’s’ it’s like a banged up version of “Reservoir Dogs”… That said, with all the other rosters taking huge hits this season (2007 will forever go down in history as “The Replacements 2”, and we all know sequels aren’t as enjoyable), particularly at QB, we may yet pick up an average joe (Chester Taylor?) to carry the load in part-exchange for a QB. (Or half of one – Mr Gradkowski…) One rumoured back I’d love for us to have is Michael ‘The Burner’ Turner, currently LT’s backup in San Diego, who ripped the Broncos to shreds in garbage time this past week, but in this columnists humble opinion, only needs a starting gig to set the NFL on fire. What that would mean for Caddy if he came here, I couldn’t say – they are similar styles of back, and having a committee situation with similar backs only reduces the workload, rather than a different defensive challenge. Would Cannon & Ball be up for this? I can’t say, but I don’t see Caddy being shipped off for another 2-3 years at least (if at all). So what of the Indy game? Put simply and concisely, they were just too good for us. You can make all the home-field arguments you want, but Indy are Superbowl contenders – we are Playoff contenders, by sheer default of playing in arguably the worst division in football this year. They ran freely with a CFL star, passed freely to a rookie receiver who hadn’t done much when Marvin and Reggie had started, and completely blocked our feeble attempt at a running game. Next up, Tennessee. A game I’ve earmarked as an encounter between two similar teams, at a similar stage in their cycle (apart from us having a young, talented QB under centre), who we can accurately measure ourselves against. The Titans have surprised a few people this season, much like we have (or perhaps our opponents have instead?) although I did have them down for a 9-7 season at the start of this year. My prediction for the game? Well, it’s the hardest to call thus far, both D’s are playing well, and both O’s are struggling at times. For these reasons, coupled with our better receivers, is making me plump for a 17-13 win, with a Kenneth Darby TD (No, really) and one for Michael Clayton (No, really). I NFL Watch Did anyone else see Travis Johnson’s knee shatter into Trent Green’s head? Sickening doesn’t cover it, although I understand Johnson’s immediate reaction – just not his postgame profanity. Dallas – Buffalo has reiterated my belief that the Cowboys are in a class of their own in the NFC – 6 turnovers and they win on a last second FG? I was willing my bye week team (Buffalo) to win this one, but despite a superb D and special teams, couldn’t get something done with their rookie QB. Still, top marks to Trent for giving it a shot! Vinny’s STILL trying to be a successful NFL QB? Vincent, if you do persist in playing till you receive your social security, don’t go to the Panthers, please! (Although that may guarantee us a 2nd win over the twits this season) It’s something I’ve not written for a while (Cue Mike Vick mention), but why can’t British Soccer teams be more like teams in the NFL? The latest initiative is curbing childhood obesity by introducing “NFL Play 60: The NFL Movement for an Active Generation” which will focus on the health and wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. Whilst the UK Government recommends this, nothing is done to encourage it. With soccer players referred to by countless children as their heroes, why not get the FA on board with the scheme, and encouraging all teams to invite local school children to their facilities after school (generally after training is over too), and play football with them, teaching them the benefits of warming up etc. Apologies if the above was too serious for this site… FFL blah blah blah 0-5, crap Penguins, 2008, injuries, rookie year, blah blah blah. And finally, Terrell Owens’ letter to the press, rather than taking questions in relation to 5-0 New England against 5-0 Dallas, with regards to two “controversial figures” playing. (T.O and Randy Moss) "Dear Reporters, Due to the magnitude of this week's game and high volume of questions for the Original 81 about the other 81. I will be taking all questions immediately following Sunday's game. Sincerely, (followed by Owens' signature) p.s. Getcha Popcorn Ready." We will Terrell, we will… Richard Lowe, October 2007