"Kerry, YOU have to BEAT US."

And he did!!!!! Coach Dungy and the Colts, by way of game plan, told Kerry Collins last night that he would have to be the one to beat the division rivals on the world stage of Monday Night Football. Another 30 point game was his answer. What an exciting game that was. Shut our run down and we still came thru. The Colts played just as predicted, like it was a playoff game. The Titans played like they deserve to be called the BEST team in the NFL. We are only half way through the season but it sure has been a great first half. The humble, one game at a time mentality of Jeff Fisher's shows in every interview with the Titans. The team gives credit to all on the field. There are going to be bigger tests in the second half now that everyone we are scheduled to play is going to be gunning to upset the winning streak the Titans are on. I say "BRING IT!!!"

Fantasy Football Update: I won again!! Took out the last undefeated team, scored the most points and sit on top of the power ranking. W00t!!!

THE BIG TEST

Well, tonight is the night. The Titans are undefeated this season, first time in franchise history going 6-0. First time in Nashville for Monday night football since 2004 and after the very exciting game on Sunday from London, this should be a very watched football game in the nation as well as the world. Not enough??? So are the Titans for real? I am a very big Titans fan and would love to see the Titans continue their win streak but, I can't help but think that a loss would be a better test than a victory.

I can't believe I just said that.

Think about it. The Titans have been on a high that could use a little shacking up and frankly, I'd much rather have the loss now as opposed to in the playoffs. Unless you believe the Titans can go undefeated, what would be a better time? OKAY, OKAY,.......Maybe tonight isn't the best time but my point is the same. If our team does get their first loss, how are they going to answer? So many things have changed in just one season. The league is proving this year that any team could beat any team. If you ask analysts right now who they think will be in the Super Bowl, they will pick teams with losses. Can you believe that after the way the Cowboys have played folks are still saying they are going to the Super Bowl? With a victory tonight do you think opinion will change about the Titans being an "all the way" team? Remember, the Colts have struggled. We will still be in the same place we are now. Having said this, I would like to apologize to all the Titans fans I know and don't know. I will be cheering them all the way. We need a good test, tonight is going to be just that. A victory will almost assure our place in the division, a loss will do almost no damage except give us a chance to see how our 2009 World Champion hopefuls can answer to adversity and criticism.

On a side note, Chris Johnson is my last player on my Fantasy team left to play. With a good night and us stopping Rhodes, I will have my sixth straight win, defeat the last undefeated team in my league and take the lead in the power ranks.

GO TITANS CODE BLUE!!!!

Set to GO BIG!!!

Everything points to Chris Johnson having a big game on Sunday. The Chiefs are in a "rebuilding year" but can never be counted out. To many teams have proved that, especially last week. We saw losing teams beat 3 teams in the undisputed, strongest division in football, the NFC East. Coach Fisher is not taking this team lightly.
“It’s a much younger team,” Fisher said. “There’s 17 rookies on the roster (actually 16) and I think there’s 26 players on the roster with two years or less of experience (actually 25.) They’re just getting better and better. Coach Edwards was upfront about their plan. They had to rebuild and were going to take their lumps and they’ve won a ball game against a very good team. Four of the five teams they’ve played this year have winning records and we can’t say that for ourselves. And they beat a team with a winning record. You can make all you want about our records right now but this is going to be a tough ball game.”

Any team can beat any team in the NFL on any Sunday. But... not this Sunday. The Chiefs cannot stop the run and with deactivation of Johnson from their roster, the Titans opponent has just lost the player with 3 of the 7 touchdowns his team has scored all year. I am also a little bias in that Chris Johnson is on my fantasy team and I need him to have a big game to keep my win streak going.

Pac-Man does it again

I used to call him Adam Jones when he wanted to be called Pac-Man. Now that he wants to be called Adam Jones, I am back to calling him Pac-Man. Here is a guy that destroyed his career with the Titans football team. He hurt the Titans by having them take a chance on him in the first round. The Titans lost him for an entire season due to his off the field issues. I will not list them all as most people interested in reading this post know too much about him already.

So the Titans do what they can to remove this cancer from the organization. They get a deal to trade him to Dallas. The deal states that if Pac-Man plays all season without getting into trouble that the Titans would get a 5th round pick in the deal. Not the greatest of deals, but it did free up salary cap room and got rid of the cancer. The other side of the deal was that if Pac-Man got in trouble then the Titans would have to give Dallas their First Round pick. I do not know who was the bright person within the Titans front office that came up with this or agreed to this part, but they really need to think next time they make a trade. Everyone knew the odds of Pac-Man getting into trouble was extremely high and Dallas knew it as well that is why the y put that in the agreement.

Pac-man is suspended from the NFL again and might be able to come back after four games. And guess what? If he comes back after four games the Titans still have to give Dallas their 1st pick in the NFL Draft. Dallas knew this suspension was coming this week that is why they traded away their 1st round pick to get the wide out from the Lions, all the time knowing they would get another 1st round from the Titans due to Pac-Man. So we get rid of Pac-man and Dallas makes out big time in the whole deal. But the Titan onces again are hurt by Pac-Man while he is wearing another uniform, and that pain did not come from great play against the Titans on the field. It came from bad choice the Titans have made in drafting him and then trading him knowing they would have to give Dallas their first round pick.

The Titans front office continues to look foolish, and hurt the team.

Kerry vs. Vince

Alright, Kerry finally had that game we all knew he would have. I'm not complaining, I've just been waiting for this opportunity to give a little insight. Kerry Collins, as well as the rest of the team, had a poor showing on Sunday in Baltimore against the Ravens. Every player has those days, every team stumbles. As a Titans fan it was not a fun game to watch but, it was a great game to see the Titans have. Confused? Let me take you back to September 9th of this year.


It was the first game of the year, a lot of expectations. We had seen the Titans perform pretty well in the preseason and was looking forward to another competitive year with a shot for the playoffs again. The defense was playing very well. Jacksonville had 189 net yards with 3 turnovers and even though they had the ball for 31 plus minutes, only scored 10 points. The new rookie, Chris Johnson, was having a great introduction to the regular season with 93 yards on the ground, his longest an 18 yard run and 34 passing with a touchdown. Our quarterback, Vince Young, was struggling, as Kerry was this last game. Here are the stats:

NAME (COMP/ATT) (YDS) (TD) (INT) (RATING)
Vince Young (12/22) (110) (1) (2) (45.6)
Kerry Collins (17/32) (163) (1) (2) (52.0)

Now, where was the difference, was it location? NO Kerry was away. Was it injuries? NO Kerry had less starters. Was it a different game plan? NO Kerry has less of the playbook to work with. Was it penalties? NO JAC game 5 penalties for 36 yds, BAL game 10 penalties for 78 yds. Was it one lost, one won?

It was the quarterbacks ability to play the position, lead their team, and show strength during adversity. The Jacksonville game was won despite Vince and his Drama Queen antics. The Baltimore game was won by a Kerry sucking it up and putting together a 10 point 4th quarter to help his team secure the victory.

Vince Young has already moved up the chart to 2nd string quarterback for the Titans. Regardless of what has been said in the media, we all know he is not stable. He is not making great strides to get his position back. The Titans do not need him. I don't think the team really even wants him. I just hope that after a couple of losses, which we all know can easily happen, that the coaching staff and administration don't bail on Kerry Collins, who is looking better than he has since his years in New York maybe ever.

JIM ZORN AND THE WEST COAST OFFENSE!!

GO SKINS!!! Well it has been an interesting start to the football season. We are coming into Week 5 and who could have predicted the current standings. Now, some teams are doing what was expected but, many are not. The Washington Redskins look like they have found the right plan and leader. Being at the top of the NFC's toughest division is an awesome accomplishment. Winning in Texas Stadium showed they are ready to compete with the other juggernauts teams in their division. Now on to the Eagles. The history of the rivalry between these two teams dates back to 1934 with them playing 2 games every year since 1936. They have played 147 times with the Redskins holding the series edge at 76-66-6, but since 2000, the Eagles have won 11 of 16 games. This weekend is a HUGE game for the Redskins. A win here puts them well in the lead, a fourth straight victory and only one lose in their division. Jason Campbell has really improved over the off season under the supervision of Jim Zorn . The Redskins and the Eagles split their games last year winning in each others stadiums. Should be a great game of football.

NFL's Thoughts on the Game.

The House That Ruth Built Is No More

The New York Yankee Stadium is no longer. It is time for them to move into a newer facility with the latest offerings to bring the crowds. Oh I forgot the new ticket prices are so high the everyday New Yorker will have to use their retirement to go see games now. The prices are higher of course to cover the cost of the stadium. And we all know ole' George needs more cash.

I hope in building this new field of dreams for the next generation of Yankee players and fans, that they do not forget those players that built the team and the stadium they play in.

The players who built this team include:

Billy Martin

Number retired in 1986
Had as much "Yankee Pride" as any player or manager to wear pinstripes and he implanted his own fierce desire to win in his teams. Played an integral part in four World Series in the 50's as a player, and added another ring managing the Yankees in 1977. His .333 lifetime series batting average is fourth with at least 75 AB on the all-time series list. Combative and daring, Martin was a brilliant baseball strategist and a legend in Yankee history.

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Babe Ruth's career stats

Number retired in 1948
Baseball's greatest slugger and the most colorful figure in the game's history. Debuted as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, winning 89 games over six seasons before being converted to the outfield because of his tremendous power. Was sold to the Yankees for $120,000 in 1920 and his 54 home runs that year were more than any other American-League team. Enroute to 714 career home runs, won 12 home run titles, hitting 60 in 1927. Added 15 home runs in World Series competition as he led the Yankees to seven Series appearances and four World titles. A member of the inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees in 1936.

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Lou Gehrig's career stats

Durable, powerhitting first baseman who played in an amazing 2,130 consecutive games between 1925 and 1939. Drove in at least 100 runs for 13 straight seasons (1926-38) and established an American-League record with 184 RBI in 1931. Compiled a .340 lifetime batting average and belted 493 home runs in a career shortened by terminal illness. Was honored at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939 and made memorable "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth" speech. Life was immortalized in classic 1942 motion picture, The Pride of the Yankees, starring Gary Cooper. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939.

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Joe DiMaggio's career stats

The "Yankee Clipper" is considered by many experts as the best all-around baseball player in history. Was a sensational hitter for average and power, a splendid, graceful, ball-hawking center fielder with a powerfully accurate arm and a daring and alert baserunner. Compiled a .325 lifetime batting average from 1936 to 1951. The two-time batting champion and three-time MVP powered the Yankees to the first of four consecutive World Championships in his 1936 rookie season. Many rate his 56-consecutive-game batting streak in 1941 as the top baseball feat of all time. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955.

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Mickey Mantle

"The Mick" was the most feared hitter on the most successful team in history. In his best seasons, and there were many, Mantle was simply a devastating player. He could run like the wind and hit tape measure homers, like his famous 565-footer in Washington in 1953. He led the Yanks to 12 fall classics in 14 years, and seven World Championships. He still owns records for most homers, RBI, runs, walks, and strikeouts in World Series play. In 1956, Mantle had one of the greatest seasons ever at the plate. He hit 52 homers with 130 RBI and a .353 average to win the Triple Crown. Mantle was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974. Beginning with Lou Gehrig's number 4 in 1939, the Yankees have retired 15 uniform numbers to honor 16 players and managers.

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Yogi Berra's career stats

Number retired in 1972.
A mainstay for the most dominating teams in history, the Yankee that played from the end of World War II until the early 1960's. Although he never led the league in a single major offensive category, he was just the third man to win three Most Valuable Player awards. Selected to play in 15 successive All-Star games. Played on 14 pennant winners and 10 World Champions, more than anyone in history. Led Yankees to the 1964 pennant as manager. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972.

Bill Dickey's career stats

Number retired in 1972
Regarded as one of the greatest catchers of all-time. A durable and tireless worker, he caught more than 100 games in 13 consecutive seasons (1929-41), an American-League record. He did not allow a single passed ball in 125 games behind the plate, another AL record. Dickey also excelled at the plate, batting over .300 in 10 of his first 11 seasons while hitting 202 homers during his career. He handled Yankee pitching staffs on eight World Series teams, winning seven championships.

Roger Maris' career stats

Number retired in 1984
In one of the most dramatic assaults on a baseball record, Maris caught, then surpassed Babe Ruth's famous home run record of 60. In 1961, Maris hit 61 home runs, a Major-League record which stood until 1998 and still the American-League mark.The two-time American League MVP (1960-'61) is also considered as one of the best fielding right fielders in Yankee history.

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Phil Rizzuto's career stats

Number retired in 1985
Playing 13 years for the Yanks, "Scooter" went to the World Series in 10 of those seasons. That stat may best explain why the diminutive shortstop is regarded as a true Yankee legend. He was a durable, outstanding shortstop, skilled bunter and enthusiastic baserunner with a solid .273 lifetime batting average. In 1950 Rizzuto earned the A.L. MVP Award, batting .324 with 200 hits, 92 bases on balls, and 125 runs scored. He batted .320 in the 1951 World Series and was named Series' MVP. Spent 40 years as a Yankee broadcaster (1957-96). Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995.

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Thurman Munson's career stats

Number retired in 1979
Was the undisputed leader and most respected man on the Yankee teams that won three AL pennants in a row (1976- 78) and two World Championships. Munson was a tremendous defensive catcher, winning the Gold Glove Award in three consecutive seasons (1973-75). From 1975-77, Thurman drove in more than 100 runs and hit better than .300 in each of those three seasons. He hit the first Yankee home run in the "new" Yankee Stadium. There is no more tragic date in Yankee history than August 2, 1979. On that date Munson passed away when the plane he was flying crashed while landing.

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Whitey Ford's career stats

Number retired in 1974.
"The Chairman of the Board" was the ace pitcher on the great Yankee teams of the 1950's and early 60's. The wily southpaw's lifetime record of 236-106 gives him the best percentage (.690) of any 20th century pitcher. He paced the American League in victories three times, and in ERA and shutouts twice. The 1961 Cy Young Award winner still holds many World Series records, including 10 wins, 33 consecutive scoreless innings and 94 strikeouts. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974.
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Don Mattingly's career stats

Number retired in 1997
"Donnie Baseball" was only the 10th captain to be named by the Yankees in their storied history. The premier first baseman of his era, Mattingly was a nine-time Gold Glove winner. The 1985 American League MVP set records for most grand slams in a season (6), most home runs in seven consecutive games (9) and eight consecutive games (10). A humble man of grace and dignity, Mattingly carried on the legacy of the pinstripe tradition and dedicated his career to the pursuit of excellence.

Elston Howard's career stats

Number retired in 1984.
Became the first black player in Yankee history when he made the club in the spring of 1955. The versatile two-time Gold Glove catcher was an important member of the A.L. pennant-winning Yankee teams in nine of his first ten seasons with the club. The 1963 American League MVP, Howard was a clubhouse leader who was respected as both a player and a man. Howard's dignified manner off the field and competitive spirit on the field were positive influences on the Yankee team.

Casey Stengel's career stats

Number retired in 1970
In a distinguished 54-year professional career, "The Old Professor" emerged as one of the game's greatest managers. His feat of guiding the Yankees to 10 pennants and seven world titles in a 12-year span ranks as the top managerial accomplishment of all time. Simply put, Casey Stengel was one of the best things to ever happen to the game of baseball. He was an authentic baseball ambassador, making the game fun for millions of Americans. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1966.

Jackie Robinson's career stats

In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American man to play in the Major Leagues.
• Number retired throughout baseball in 1997.
• Played for Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-56. From his Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque: "Leading NL batter in 1949. Holds fielding mark for second baseman playing in 150 or more games with .992. Led NL in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949. Most Valuable Player in 1949. Lifetime batting average .311. Joint record holder for most double plays by second baseman, 137 in 1951. Led second baseman in double plays 1949-50-51-52."


Reggie Jackson's career stats

Number retired in 1993.
One of the game's premier power hitters, "Mr. October" blasted 563 career roundtrippers, sixth all-time. In Game Six of the 1977 World Series, Jackson hit three home runs, all on the first pitch, as the Yankees beat the Dodgers to wrap up the club's first World Championship since 1962. Jackson was an exciting clutch player and an intimidating cleanup hitter with a .490 career slugging percentage. The 1973 American League MVP once said, "Some people call October a time of pressure. I call it a time of character." Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Ron Guidry's career stats

Number retired in 2003.
Won 20 games three times, in 1978 (25-3), 1983 (21-9) and 1985 (22-6). Compiled one of the most dominating seasons in baseball history in 1978 and became known as "Louisiana Lightning." He went 25-3 with a 1.74 earned run average in leading the Yankees to a dramatic comeback-from 14.0 games behind the Boston Red Sox-to capture their second straight World Championship. In 1978, he compiled a club-record 248 strikeouts and nine shutouts en route to a unanimous selection as the American League's Cy-Young-Award recipient. On June 17, 1978 vs. the California Angels at Yankee Stadium, Guidry shattered the club's single-game record for strikeouts with 18. The Yankees' co-captain-with Willie Randolph-from 1986 through his retirement in 1989, he remains in the Top 10 on the Yankees' all-time list in games pitched (368), innings pitched (2392.0), wins (170), winning percentage (.651), strikeouts (1778) and shutouts (26). A four-time American-League All-Star.


Yankee Stadium Footnotes - Facts & Figures

# Construction cost: $2.5 million (Osborn Engineering)
# Designed by the same architect firm that built Fenway Park.
# Construction began on May 5, 1922 and the first game was on April 18, 1923.
# Built on 10 acres of land purchased for $675,000 by the team from the estate of William Waldorf Astor.
# The Yankees owned their stadium until 1972, when they sold it for $24 million to the city of New York.
# From 1913-1922 the Yankees played in the Polo Grounds, which was located directly across the Harlem River from their current home. The Polo Grounds was demolished in 1964.
# Monument Park is located behind the left/center field fence. Since 1932, monuments and plaques have been built to honor Yankee greats. Manager Miller Huggins was the first recipient of a monument, which stood in fair play in deep center field until the 1976 renovations moved all monuments to their present location.
# The Yankees retired the number 8 twice in 1972, once for Bill Dickey and once for Yogi Berra.
# After each Yankee victory the Stadium blares a looping rendition of "New York, New York" sung by Frank Sinatra. When the Yankees lose, the song remains the same but the lyrics are sung by Liza Minelli.