Veteran's Day 10k

In four years at Tufts I was all-NESCAC each year. However, I never made the first team. I was 11th as a freshman, 12th as a sophomore, 8th as a junior, and then finally 9th as a senior. As a freshman I was happy with my performance, the other three years I left my conference championship disappointed. Perhaps the most disappointing of the four was my senior year when I went from being in 3rd place with 1k to go (and moving well) to 9th place at the finish line. To make a long story short as poorly as I ended up running over the last 1000m of the race I still had a great shot at getting my first first-team all-NESCAC. With approximately 300m remaining I was dry-heaving and wobbling towards the line. As a few dudes started to ghost me like Patrick Swayze (including my own teammate Matthew Lacey) I was holding on to 7th place (the last spot). As I willed my failing body (the only time in my entire life this has happened) closer to the finish I could taste first-team. Then I heaved one last time and out of the corner of my eye I watched two of my teammates fly by me right before the line. Josh Kennedy who had finished 7th the year before and Brian McNamara (my roommate for 3 years) shattered my dream of first-team success. Granted, our team ended up winning the meet as we had four guys in the top nine, but I was a little down about it. Yet afterwards, Kennedy and Mac were laughing it up having realized the situation during the final stretch. They knew, yet they did it anyway. No hard feelings though, they did what they had to do.

So, I tell this story because this was pretty much my race today at the Veteran's Day 10k. Will Viviani and I led a great pack of two other Pacer teammates (Bert Rodriguez and Steve Mance) through about 5k, and then all three ended up out classing me in the final 1000m of the race. (However, to his credit Bert ran a pretty gutsy race as he got a few seconds on Will and I at about 4-4.5 miles. Also Mance died in the fifth mile and then came back to life in the sixth which was also pretty awesome.) So this race was basically a team time trial, as we passed only one guy the entire way. Needless to say, the four man pack was a dominating force.

I got off the line really smooth and strong as we supposedly went through the mile in about 4:48. I say supposedly because we also supposedly went through the second mile in 5:12. Something tells me the marker was a little off. Ahead of our pack was a group of foreign friends and our other teammate Steve Crane. They were on pace to break 15 through the 5k so we let them go early. Other than that we were chasing Wilson Komen from Georgetown Running Company (who fell off the aforementioned lead pack) and we never quite closed the gap. So I maintained the lead of our tight pack until just after 5k. Then Bert started getting in on the lead action. From that point until about 4.5-5 there was a lot of lead changing in the group. I think we all grabbed the lead for at least a few strides.

Finally Bert got a few seconds on Will and I, and Mance started to fade a little during the fifth mile. The worst thing about running with these guys late is that they are all faster over the shorter distances than yours truly. So, I knew that even if I got a stride or two on either of them I was screwed. Regardless, I continued to trade mini-moves with Will as we sat about five seconds behind Bert for most of the fifth and sixth miles. As we neared the six mile mark Bert got a few more seconds, Will passed me for good and got a few strides on me, and then back from the dead comes Steve Mance. The photo below shows exactly how it went down. I am the guy presumably in third.

So, four guys from my team got me (the three in the picture plus Steve Crane), which is actually pretty awesome. I ended up 7th overall in a time of 31:33 after a few foreign friends dropped out and two were disqaulified. Don't ask me what happened because I have no idea.

Overall this was a solid effort after my biggest two weeks in over five years. I felt strong today but by no means fresh. I had a little bounce at the beginning but got sluggish towards the end. I am confident that I can run faster with a little rest, and that come January I will run two faster back-t0-back.

94

It's been five years since I have written a 94 in my log. It has also been five years since anything in the 90's followed anything in the 90's in consecutive weeks. So, things are going well right now. Below are my last six weeks of training. I apologize to anyone that is a loyal reader of the blog (if there are such people???), my lack of posts is pretty lame. I like to put a lot of time in to posting, but I haven't really felt like I have had the time. So here are a few bullet points to catch people up:

* Army was an OK race. I went out pretty quick (25:15 @ 5 miles) and actually felt ok, but then at around 6.5-7 I started to feel crappy. I limped home to finish in 51:25. For those of you doing the math at home, that means my last 5 were in 26:10. There is no question in my mind that I peaked at Philly (which is fine with me) and that my five weeks of tapering started to have an impact. I was literally doing nothing and your body needs something in order to sustain a high level of performance.

* I have been stretching everyday. Some days are better than others, but overall this has made a huge difference in how I feel. I also use The Stick a lot. Long term this will help prevent injuries as I raise the bar on my mileage totals.

* I have been taking Endurox for about a month now to help with recovery. I have been feeling great out there, so it is definitely doing something. I usually use about a scoop or so after each of my runs. My flavor of choice is chocolate.

* Steve Crane and I have recieved invitations to run at the Houston Half Marathon, site of the 2009 USATF Half Marathon Championships. This is the race where Ryan Hall broke an hour for the half a couple years back. I am hoping to break 1:06 and inch closer to the trials qualifier (1:05:00), should be a great place to give it a go.

* I am running in two races around DC in the near future. Tomorrow (November 9th) I will run in the Veterans Day 10k down at the Tidal Basin. Next Saturday (November 15th) I will run an 8k Cross Country race at the site of the 2009 USATF National Championships held in February.

* My cousin Sam Brigham of Montpelier High School in Vermont recently finished with the 25th best time at the Vermont State Championships. With this he qualified for the New England Championships held at Derryfield Park in my home state of New Hampshire. At New Englands he ran his best race of the season on a tough course and finished 135th with a time of 17:22. I am pumped for him as this was his first season of XC, mad props to the Brigham crew in Montpelier.

* I am working on some crazy projects right now (literally at this moment), three to be exact. More on those in the future, but they are taking up a lot of my time as well.

* I think the Pats are still a scary team. Once the training wheels come off Matt Cassel things will get interesting I promise. The team played extremely well in that loss to Indianapolis.

That's all I've got right now, I'll write a race recap after the Veteran's Day race. Train hard.

Week: 9, 11/01 - 11/07 Week Miles: 94.01, November miles: 104.51		94.01
Saturday	easy 10.5 over in Arlington, Custis trail and some balance on the track, did a few striders and felt ok out there, great week and a 2008 mileage pr	10.5
Friday	easy run out there today, felt good for most of the way, Roosevelt Island	10.5
Thursday	good run in the morning with Jeff Caron (UMaine Alum), out along the toe path in Georgetown, felt good today, pretty smooth after last night's terrible evening run, did a GU pack at 46 minutes again and think it helped	13
Wednesday	AM - Morning workout, got an extremely early start today, 6:30 AM warm-up, 3 miles easy on the warmup and felt sluggish, snapped out of it to run 20x400 in 69-70 w/ 35 sec rest, felt solid, 4.5 on the cool down PM - Easy 6 miles, stretched and sticked afterwards, felt like crap on this run, was pretty tired and yawning and had the hiccups, I was a mess	18.51
Tuesday	felt ok today, not great, sluggish towards the beginning, Roosevelt Island again	10.5
Monday	11 miles in Baltimore, did a 9 loop and added on grass loops in the middle, felt ok out there even though I did the 20 yesterday	11
Sunday	really solid long run, out on the NCR trail north of Baltimore, did GU packets at around 6.5 and 13 miles out there, was a little tired towards the end but overall had great rythym out there	20
Week: 8, 10/26 - 11/01 Week Miles: 90.51, October miles: 310.01 Top		90.51
Saturday	finishing the week off, Roosevelt Island again, probably a loop PR, had everything working today, didn't push too hard but took advantage of the good vibes, what a great week of training, feel great	10.5
Friday	easy run, out to Roosevelt Island, felt ok out there but not great, still time was pretty good out there	10.5
Thursday	second long run, felt good out there today, took a GU at 1/2 way, out on the capital crescent trail along the canal	13
Wednesday	AM - Workout morning, 12 miles total, 3 up, 4 mile tempo run in 20:20 (5:00, 10:00, 15:04), 2 min rest, 1 mile in 5:05, 4 mile cool down, felt pretty crappy after 2.5 in 12:31, over a pretty dead feeling PM - 6 mile easy run, left ankle is a little sore but worked up over the course of the run	18.01
Tuesday	easy run out to Roosevelt Island, felt pretty sluggish but got through it, time was respectable though	10.5
Monday	easy 10 miler out to Lincoln via McArthur Blvd, felt pretty good but took it really easy	10
Sunday	evening long run, after a long morning of shooting at the Marine Corps Marathon, ran at a good clip and legs were sore towards the end, out in Silver Spring, good tough run	18
Week: 7, 10/19 - 10/25 Week Miles: 82, October miles: 310.01 Top		82
Saturday	easy 10, felt good today, legs and body were fresh this morning	10
Friday	easy 10 in the morning, felt tired but got through it ok, out into DC and back through Arlington	10
Thursday	easy 12 out to Roosevelt Island, felt decent until the last few or so	12
Wednesday	workout day, 3 miles warm up, 7x800 in 2:20 (6-2:22ish, 7-2:25ish) w/ decreasing rest from 60 sec (5 sec off each interval), after the tough 7th one I took a full 3 minutes and did an 8th in 2:21, felt better out there but had lost my fastball, cooled down 4 miles, overall a decent workout but I know that I can feel better out there	11
Tuesday	another day out to Roosevelt Island, about the same time, 1:10:38, felt a little tighter and more sluggish this time around	10.5
Monday	Roosevelt Island, two laps, felt pretty good today, tried to take it easy but was in quite a good rhythm out there,a beautiful fall day	10.5
Sunday	back to real business with a great long run today, absolutely hammering the Shirlington loop, Orange GU around 1:08:44, really chilly as I wore a hat and gloves	18
Week: 6, 10/12 - 10/18 Week Miles: 81, October miles: 310.01 Top		81
Saturday	easy 10 in the morning in Annapolis, woke up @ 5am and was throwing up, tried to rally, successful, 10 was off, but I made it through	10
Friday	easy 10 in the morning, out from Iwo Jima down to the point where Cherry Blossom runs, 1:11ish on the total time	10
Thursday	easy 12 mile day, felt pretty good, three laps and little more on the Roosevelt Island, 2nd lap was my strongest	12
Wednesday	workout day, 3200 in 9:59, 3 min rest, 400 in 69, 3 min rest, 3200 in 9:51, 3 min, 400 in 67, 3 miles warm up, 4 miles on the cool down	11.5
Tuesday	2 laps around Roosevelt Island, decent effort out there, felt ok	10.5
Monday	easy 10, McArthur loop out to Lincoln, tired but not too bad out there,	10
Sunday	long run, Shirlington loop, pretty solid run, pace was pretty good the whole way	17
Week: 5, 10/05 - 10/11 Week Miles: 50, October miles: 310.01 Top		50
Saturday	solid 10 in Baltimore during Em's marathon, up hill, down hill, all over the place for about 68 minutes, felt ok but wasn't enjoying the downhills	10
Friday	easy 8 out there today, felt ok	8
Thursday	easy 8 on the standard loop, felt ok but not great, gave new shoes a go, still too big	8
Wednesday	back to work, easy morning run, 8 miles on the canal	8
Tuesday	staying retired	0
Monday	day off after race	0
Sunday	3 up, 3 down and a 10 mile race in between, Army 10 miler, splits were (5:03, 9:58 [4:54], 15:06 [5:08], 20:08 [5:01], 25:15 [5:07], 30:26 [5:10], 35:39 [5:12], 40:55 [5:16], 46:32 [5;37], 51:28 [4:56], official time gave me 51:25 which was nice, did pretty well early on but moved too early on 2, should have chilled a little longer, last couple were a definite struggle	16
Week: 4, 09/28 - 10/04 Week Miles: 39.5, September miles: 233.5 Top		39.5
Saturday	another day off, because why not?	0
Friday	easy 6 loop, felt good out there	6
Thursday	back was really messed up, but hey, no problem, take a day off	0
Wednesday	6x200 in 33, 200m jog rest, 1xmile 4:43, 2 min rest, 6x200 in 33, 200m jog rest, 3 miles on both sides	11
Tuesday	easy run the day before working out	6
Monday	easy run today, lower left back/butt hurting a little from stretching the previous day, not sure what happened but it worked itself out during the day	6
Sunday	solid run after a weird weekend, did the two laps around Roosevelt Island, felt strong towards the end but apparently ran really slow out there	10.5

Still Alive...

.....just really busy. Here is a photo from me at Army 10 miler. Lots to report, no time to write a good post.

"Life is hard." - Kate Makai

This changes everything? Probably not...

So, I am a few days removed from the half and still on cloud nine. I have done a lot of reflecting about how this all happened and here are few things I realized:

*Stretching was/is huge. Most of you that know me, know I don't stretch. Well, the whole week leading up to the race I stretched for at least 20 minutes each day. This must have caught my body by complete surprise and worked wonders. This has convinced me to start stretching full time.

*Cookies are great, but poisonous. With two and half weeks to go I made changes in my diet. I cut out most of the sweets I usually like to eat and increased my vegetable/fruit count. I was by no means perfect, as my girlfriend and I downed some Jelly Belly's and Snow Caps one weekend, but I really cut back. I held off on my Z-Burger trip until after the half, and let me tell you, it was awesome. But seriously, I have been eating really well the last couple of weeks. I am going to continue the trend, but it won't be easy. I love chocolate.

*The taper was perfect. On Labor Day weekend I was absolutely toast. I hadn't had a "full" good workout since August 6th. I had run two sub-par 5k's (Cigna 5k in Manchester and Alumni Run) and felt like crap. After hitting rock bottom with a 16:22 at Alumni Run I started my taper a week early, making it a three week plan. I was extremely nervous, but ready to try anything. For the next two and a half weeks I struggled. I was running six miles almost every day and all I hoped for was a spark. I had two workouts, one a complete disaster. Yet, through all of this I stuck with the taper plan. Really I had no choice, but as I neared the race I knew I couldn't feel awful forever. Then, when I needed it most, I started to come out of it. With exactly a week to go I had an "average" run, this led to an "ok" run, which led to a "good run". (If you're counting at home we are on the Wednesday before) So with a good run under my belt (the first in weeks), I had a decision to make. Would I workout one last time or not? I decided to push my luck and went for it. My game time decision of a 2 Mile in 10:15 followed by 5x400 in 70 (w/ 35 sec rest) was exactly what I needed. I felt smooth, confident, and had more in the tank. At that point anything was possible, but I kept my expectations reasonable.

*Head games were not a problem. I had an inner confidence last weekend that I haven't had in years. I think the last time I felt it was indoor track of 2004. On Sunday I had no idea what I was capable of but I knew I could run well. I had done the long runs, the workouts, and the running in the heat; I deserved to run well. All of the negativity I had felt just a week before wasn't there. I believed that I had earned it even before I started the race. The best part of it is, for the first time in a long time (maybe high school), I "still" believe I earned that race on Sunday. And you see, that is the hardest part for me. I have a hard time recognizing my good races for what they are.........accomplishments. I always find some way to rationalize every performance or attribute it to something. My 11th place finish at 2002 DIII XC Nats, that was because the race was slow. My 14:31 at the opening meet of my senior outdoor season, I was lucky. My 30:14 at Penn, I had fast people to run with. But in reality, I ran those races, I had earned them. Sorry for the philosophical rant, but it feels good to be working past all of that. I am not out of the woods yet, but I am making progress.

So, here I am, with a new PR, a big PR, a really good PR, now what do I do? Well, I am going to run the Army 10-miler next weekend (Oct 5th), take a week off/really easy, then re-evaluate my short-term goals a little. I know that the little things (stretching, diet, recovery, etc.) are important. I think I am finally ready to start paying more attention to them. There is more work to be done and I look forward to it. I am still the same person, a skinny kid with marginal leg speed...........but I just happen to have a new PR and a little more confidence too.

Here is the week leading up the 1/2:

Week: 09/14 - 09/20 Week Miles: 46		46
Saturday	took the day off before the race, not a terrible idea, needed the rest	0
Friday	felt ok again, had my moments, overall not too bad	6
Thursday	easy 6, felt ok out there but not great	6
Wednesday	3 up, 2 mile in 10:15 (5:07, 5:07), about 2 minutes rest, 5x400 in 69 with 35 sec rest, 3 miles down, felt good today	9
Tuesday	best run I have had in weeks, control was good, felt smooth	6
Monday	easy 8, felt ok out there today, showing signs of life	8
Sunday	easy run with it's moments, felt average out there, but not great, really warm outside.	11

1:06:56

Saying that my half-marathon went well could be the understatement of the year. If you are wondering what I felt like at the finish line, watch this video (yes, it's safe for work, and on a completely separate note, for those of you that think that stupid Giant/Patriots Superbowl was the best ever, just remember who invented the "us against the world" attitude).

So here were my different levels of expectations for the race, this should really put it into perspective for anyone reading:

LEVEL1 - 1:11:04 was my PR, set over a year ago at the New Bedford 1/2 in the freezing cold Massachusetts air. So my first expectation was that I was going to PR, this was not going to be a problem, unless I tanked or dropped out.

LEVEL 2 - My "I ran well" goal was to run 1:09:??. I hadn't felt well for a while, so I backed off my expectations. I thought that if I shot for 1:09 I would at least break 1:10 and maintain some respectability.

LEVEL 3 - My "Best Race" goal was anything under 1:09 all the way to 1:08:00. I didn't really know if this was possible, but I held out hope.

LEVEL 4 - My "Body was kidnapped and replaced by someone else" goal was anything just under 1:08. I mean I would have been pretty pumped with a time that was over three minutes faster than my PR.

LEVEL 5 - My "non-existent" goal was low 1:07's. I didn't really think much about this before the race, so it was kind of out of the question.

LEVEL 6 - My "I use fabric softener but I'm not soft" goal was breaking 1:07. I wouldn't have believed this if you had told me before hand.

However, something happened this week. After a month of not feeling well and finishing my workouts like crap something changed; I had a good day. To be honest, it was expected. I had been following a taper plan, but with less than a week I was still worried. Before I get into the days leading up to the race, let's go back to the race report.

So, I arrived in Philadelphia mid afternoon on Saturday and grabbed a late lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. Yes, this felt pretty touristy but I really didn't care. I was glad to be eating and we were across the street from our hotel. At 5:00 we had a technical meeting where I saw a bunch of people that I have only seen in results or photos. In other words, these were fast people. As I walked in the race people wanted my head-shot in case I placed as one of the top Americans. I was a little embarrassed, as I did not figure to be among that group on even my best day. Still, I did what they asked and sat through all of the rules.

After the meeting Robbie Wade and I went back to our room and watched the Wicker Man on HBO. At some point we got hungry because we skipped the pasta dinner at the elite athletes meeting. (Wait, did you notice what I just wrote? Yeah, we watched the Wicker Man. Yeah, it was messed up. Maybe not the best choice for a pre-race movie) So, we wandered around the streets around our hotel until we found a COSI, where I was able to get a sandwich. (FYI, Philadelphia has a lot weird smells and isn't really my kind of town.) Then after a little American Gangster on HBO, a hot shower, and some stretching it was time for bed.

5:00 am wake up! Actually, it wasn't that exciting. I got my gear on, grabbed some breakfast at the elite athlete room and got on a bus to the line. At the line the people from ING had us all set up with our own tent. There was a ton of food and our own private bathrooms. Ok, fast forward through a short two mile warm up, nipple band-aids, and some vasoline and we are at the start. I did a few striders but with all of the people flying around it was tough to get good ones in. At the line I got right up front and stood next to my teammate Steve Crane, who was standing next to Catherine Ndereba (2008 Olympic Marathon Silver Medalist). They do the anthem, life is good, and I wonder how I will feel out there.

So, bam, the gun goes off and within 200m I knew it. All of the problems with my legs were gone, and I was smooth. Today was going to be a good day, how good was next on the agenda? My first mile was done on feel, so depending on the split I was going to decide my plan of attack. Click, 4:59 for the first mile. This was a best case scenario. Our friends for Africa had taken off and were trying to run 61 minutes, but some of us Americans were content with 5 minute pace. So, I went all in. Yup, a mile into the race. I abandoned my stitched together plan of running a conservative 5:10ish per mile race and packed up with three dudes. So at two miles, I was 10:04 and it was me, two Philly guys, and Robbie. Perfect pack. At four I was still feeling it, as I went through in 20:18. The fifth mile was really messed up, but I remember one of the guys (later identified as Ross Martinson) asking if we were game for 5:00-5:05 per mile. I said "yeah...........as long as I can."

At this point we started to drop Robbie a little, but I had no idea that at 6 miles he would actually drop out of the race. I went through 10k in 31:29, a lot faster than I had envisioned myself running, still I felt good. It wasn't until 8 miles that I really started thinking about my PR for 10 miles (which was a great race for me). At that point I had dropped both of the Philly guys, and felt pretty good about my chances. As I neared the 10 mile mark I couldn't quite put away Ross Martinson. I attempted a few surges, but he hung in there. Still, at 10 miles I PR'd in 50:53. This was awesome, I started adding it up in my head and I realized that I was running the race of my life. Granted, I slowed down a little, but I was still ok. I thought about running 1:07 low, and I made the commitment to finish strong.

In the last three to four miles I started coming up some dudes including Andrew Letherby (someone a lot faster than me) and a few Kenyans. At this point I had my own camera guy on a motorcycle shooting me, just me. I was in shock and convinced myself that the lead master must have been right behind me and they were getting the wide angle. Nope, I just keep rolling and passing dudes.

Wow, did I have balls out there. Too bad I didn't have the legs to match it over the last mile or so, I just sort of ran out of gas. So Martinson and Letherby both got by me again, but I was still ok. It was all gravy, because hey I was through 20k in 1:03:24 and heading for a huge PR. I kicked around the final turn, taking it way too wide, but all I saw was the clock. I had a chance at going under 1:07. In a fury of 70 second quarter speed I willed my body to the line. I looked up and I was under. 1:06:56. Fist pump.

This was the best race of my life. If you line up all of my PR's, this one is far and away my best. It was just so un-real, and I am still in a pretty big state of shock. I was so pumped I did two short cool downs and even jogged up the Rocky steps. Yes, it was just one of those days. I ended up 17th overall and was 3rd among Americans. So, I guess the head-shot came in handy after all.

I am pretty tired of writing so I'll wait a day to post about my previous week. Wish the Patriots had won today, but hey, still a good day.

"Matt Cassel is our quarterback"

That pretty much sums up my last two weeks. It is so funny that the new Patriots season mirrors my running. I mean, I was feeling pretty good about things a few weeks ago until bam, then I wasn't. It's kind of like how I was feeling about the Patriot's season until about 7 minutes to go in the first quarter of week one, then bam, down went Brady.

So, on both fronts I have been trying to convince myself that everything is going to be all right. Unfortunately, I am not sold just yet (on either).

On the running end of things I have been taking it easy the past two weeks. I did some good training for about 3+ months and I am hoping that I can get something out of it next weekend. However, I have yet to finish a workout with some power since mid-August. This week was a complete disaster, as I attempted to do some 600's and tried to get my legs moving a little faster. In the end it was embarrassing, and didn't end well. I finally took a day off this week, with the hopes of an energy boost on Friday. Still nothing, just more tired legs and a weak body. So, what am I going to do? I'll continue to rest into next weekend, but I am not sure what to expect. I guess I'll cross my fingers and hope.

On the football end of things I have been in a state of denial for the last week. I have talked myself into the Matt Cassel era, to the point where I now believe they can win 10 games with the guy. I had observed this guy for last few years, but during this pre-season I had seen enough. Simply put, he was awful. The guy who played against the Chiefs last week was not Matt Cassel, it must have been someone else. I don't know which guy will show up for the rest of the season, but I 'll cross my fingers and hope.

Here are the last two weeks.....(try not to laugh)

8/31 - 9/6 : 71 Miles

Saturday	easy run, feeling a little tired	6
Friday	easy 12, morning run	12
Thursday	easy 8 in the heat, tired and sluggish	8
Wednesday	3 up, 8x1000 w/ 1 minute rest, the first few were in 2:59-3:00, 3:02 for 7, and 3:05 for 8, I was falling apart at the end, did a 5 mile cool down at 8 minute pace	13
Tuesday	6 easy	6
Monday	After a long morning of driving back, I made my way on the 6 loop,	6

Sunday

good solid long run, 14 of it with TUXC

20

9/7 - 9/13 : 53.5 Miles

Saturday	easy 6, not feeling good	6
Friday	easy 6, just trying to get something going	6
Thursday	day off	0
Wednesday	3 miles warm up, 2x600 (1:40, 42), 8x400 (68-69), 2 min rest on each interval, felt pretty awful throughout, 3 miles on the cool down,	11
Tuesday	did my standard 8 loop, felt tired	8
Monday	easy 6 recovery run	6
Sunday	total time of 1:48:38, short 2-3 mile tempo @ 5:20 pace towards end	16.5

NFL Kickoff 08

Here are a few things I think about the upcoming NFL season I think you should know:

* The Minnesota Vikings are good, but not that good.  Anyone who believes that they are going to A) Win their division, B) Win the NFC, or C) Win the Super Bowl is using an illegal substance.  The Vikes are apparently the trendy pick to win this year, but I just don't see it.  I think they are talented, well coached, and good defensively but they have a huge question mark at quarterback.  I love the people who say, "Tavaris Jackson will be fine, don't worry about him."  Well, let's consider that A) young quarterbacks struggle in the NFL, B) mobile quarterbacks don't win consistently in the NFL, and C) average receivers can only take you so far.  In the NFC North I still favor the Packers and Bears, with the Packers a slight favorite.

* The New York Jets are not making the playoffs.  Stop this nonsense.

* The Buffalo Bills are better, but probably won't make the playoffs.

* I still like the AFC South to have three playoff teams, Colts, Jaguars, and Titans.

* Just say no to 19-0.  No team is winning all of their games this season, not even my favorite team.

* The two best teams in the NFL are New England and Indianapolis.

* The Jaguars are good and could contend, but they have to deal with the Colts.  David Garrard is a good quarterback, Peyton Manning is great.  Let's not forget, the Patriots own the Jaguars.

* The Giants will probably (and hopefully) miss the playoffs.

* LT will get hurt, Adrian Peterson will get hurt, and so will Donovan McNabb.  Sad, but true.

* Week Five, your new Chicago Bears starting quarterback is........Rex Grossman.  Mark it down now.

* Don't sleep on the Seahawks and Redskins.

* Don't believe the Cardinals hype, they can score, but they can't defend.

* Your 2008-09 rushing leader is: Joseph Addai (IND), because why not.

* Your 2008-09 MVP is: (still) Tom Brady.  Did you watch pre-season?  Totally different team without him.

* Jerod Mayo, 51, New England Patriots, remember that name.  He is awesome.

 

* Anyone who thinks that Peyton Manning will be any less effective is an idiot.  He's Peyton Manning, he does 100 commercials at the same time, speaks all of JR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings languages, and knows all the defenses from league's 32 teams.  Granted, he'll still choke come playoff time.

* Don't bet on the Atlanta Falcons at all this season.  I have no idea what they are capable of, good or bad. 

* Carolina Panthers.  Have you ever seen a blue panther in Carolina?  Nope.

* Miami Dolphins.  Not so good this year.  It might have been a good idea to keep your best defensive player, draft a real quarterback, and not rely heavily on a burnt out stoner at running back.  I mean I am no Bill Parcells or anything, but who is making the decisions down there.  Oh yeah, that's right........

* Reggie Bush, better year this year.  Book it.

* Steven Jackson, fantasy killer.  One week he is 50 points, the next week he's out.  Don't trust him.    

* The Patriots are still the best team out there.