Week 9 Monday Night Football Live Blog

Eagles Week 10 Recap: One For The Record Books

Onto the bullet points.

• I was born in 1989.  I have not watched every single NFL football game.  No one has.  But, what we just witnessed may have just been the best NFL quarterbacking performance in the history of the league.  Before you scoff and label me a blind homer who doesn't know shit, listen to some of the facts here.  Michael Vick became the 1st quarterback in NFL history history to have 300+ passing yards, 50+ rushing yards, 4+ passing TDs, and 2+ rushing TDs in a single football game.  In addition, Michael Vick compiled more fantasy points in one game than any quarterback has ever had post NFL/AFL merger.  Yes, people keep track of this.  Yes, this is a legitimate broken record.  Adam Caplan called it the best he has ever seen.  Steve Young claimed in the ESPN post game show it was "one of the most defining games at quarterback I've ever seen.".  Again, you can say I am blinded by homerism, but there is a reasonable argument to be made that this was the best single-game QB performance of all time.
• The pre-game featured the Eagles and the Redskins getting in a skirmish reportedly because Laron Landry and DeAngelo Hall mocked DeSean Jackson getting concussed and knocked out cold.  Landry reportedly made "pillow gestures" saying "night, night" to DeSean before the game, again referencing him getting knocked out by Dunta Robinson's hit.  How did the Eagles respond?  First play from scrimmage, Vick throws a deep bomb to DeSean Jackson who was 1-on-1 with Landry.  Caught.  Touchdown.  (VIDEO).  That would certainly explain why DeSean Jackson turned around and waltzed into the endzone the way he did.  When he turned around, he was staring  right at Landry.  DeSean Jackson 1, Laron Landry 0.
• Laron Landry's less than respectful behavior did not end with that.  Reportedly he spit in the face of Eagles center Mike McGlynn twice during the game.  Just remember Laron:  Eagles 59, Redskins 28.
• As much as I want to list every record that was broken in this game, I can't.  Go read the live blog.  As they kept coming in, I made a note of it there.  I will highlight though that 59 ties an MNF record and 59 is the 2nd most in Eagles history, behind the 63 they put up against the Cincinnati Reds  in 1934.  The Reds folded the following the day.
• The Redskins signed Donovan McNabb to a ridiculous 5-year extension worth $78M with $40M being guaranteed.  Donovan McNabb will play quarterback while 39-years old.  I hold no beef with McNabb (outside of the fact he did not fit the Eagles direction anymore and his drama was becoming tiresome), but I just don't see how this is possible.  He is not Peyton Manning.  McNabb is injury prone and McNabb seems to be well past his prime as it is.  He is evidently not the same QB he was 5 years ago and if he ages like most normal human beings, he will not reach that level again.  Without a doubt this is a mind-boggling move that screws the Redskins, screws McNabb, and screws the Vikings or Cardinals who may have signed McNabb this off-season, presumably to a shorter contract.
• If that's the contract McNabb got, I now have to wonder what contract Vick will get.  At this point, I am just hoping he signs it with the Eagles.
• A lot was made about whether or not Wisconsin "ran up the score" against Indiana.  In this game, I don't think such an argument can be made.  Sure it was an ugly blow out, but 42 of the Eagles 59 points came in the first half.  The first of the Eagles 2 2nd half TDs came on the drive immediately following a Redskins TD while the other was a pick 6 by Dimitri Patterson.  The 2nd half offensive play-calling was a bunch of running plays to back-up running back Jerome Harrison mixed with some short passes.  Then again, I don't whine about teams running up the score.  But even still, I am having trouble finding arguments that the Eagles "ran up the score" in this game.  The final margin of victory was 31-points, for what it's worth.
• I think it is safe to say that Dimitri Patterson has taken Ellis Hobbs's as starting CB opposite Asante Samuel.  Hobbs has been injured the past couple weeks and Patterson has come in and played better than Hobbs ever has.  To check out some of Ellis Hobbs' best work, check out the Tennessee game earlier this year.  Remember all those Kenny Britt plays?  Yep.  He made a complete mockery out of Ellis Hobbs that game.  While Hobbs has not played a snap since then because of injury, I don't think he has many to look forward to after injury, unless he wants to be a kick returner because......
• Jorrick Calvin is all sorts of awful as a returner.  End of story.  I now trust Nick Cole more with that job more than I trust Calvin at this point.
• The Washington Redskins did not convert a 3rd down this game.
• I admit, I was a tad worried when the Redskins cut the 35-0 lead to a 35-14 one early in the 3rd quarter.  Just a tad.  
• As historic as it was, a win is just a win.  The result of the standings would be just the same if the Eagles won 3-0.  They are now tied for 1st with the Giants, and will face them in a huge showdown on Sunday Night Football in their next game.
• On a more personal note, massive changes are coming to the blog later this week.  And by massive, I mean hugely incredibly massive that goes beyond just changing the design.
• Lastly, here is a right angle the win probability graph. (advancednflstats.com)

2010 NFL Season Week 10 Monday Night Football Live Blog

2010 Eagles And Primetime NFL Schedules

Personally, I am not a fan of evaluating how difficult a schedule is 2 days before the NFL Draft, but the schedules were released today so for that much, I will post them. Here below is the Eagles schedule, as well as the Sunday Night Football schedule, Monday Night Football Schedule, and Thursday Night Football schedule.

Eagles

September 12: vs. Green Bay 4:15 (Fox)
September 19: @ Detroit 1:00 (Fox)
September 26: @ Jacksonville 4:05 (Fox)
October 3: vs. Washington 4:15 (Fox) (<-- OMG MCNABB BOWL)
October 10: @ San Francisco 8:20 (NBC)
October 17: vs. Atlanta 1:00 (Fox)
October 24: @ Tennessee 1:00 (Fox)
November 7: vs. Indianapolis 4:15 (CBS)
November 15: @ Washington 8:30 (ESPN) (<-- OMG IT'S ANOTHER MCNABB BOWL)
November 21: vs. New York Giants 8:20 (NBC)
November 28: @ Chicago 1:00 (Fox)
December 2: vs. Houston 8:20 (NFL Network)
December 12: @ Dallas 8:20 (NBC)
December 19: @ New York Giants 1:00 (Fox)
December 26: vs. Minnesota 1:00 (Fox)
January 2: vs. Dallas 1:00 (Fox)

Sunday Night Football (all games at 8:20 unless otherwise noted)

September 9: Minnesota vs. New Orleans 8:30
September 12: Dallas vs. Washington
September 19: New York Giants vs. Indianapolis
September 26: New York Jets vs. Miami
October 3: Chicago vs. New York Giants
October 10: Philadelphia vs. San Francisco
October 17: Indianapolis vs. Washington
October 24: Minnesota vs. Green Bay (<-- OMG A FAVRE BOWL)
October 31: Pittsburgh vs. New Orleans
November 7: Dallas vs. Green Bay
November 14: Pittsburgh vs. New England
November 21: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia (1st Flexible Game)
November 28: San Diego vs. Indianapolis
December 5: Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore
December 12: Philadelphia vs. Dallas
December 19: Green Bay vs. New England
December 26: Cincinnati vs. San Diego

As always, no SNF game is even penciled in for Week 17. That decision will be made by December 27.

Monday Night Football (all games at 8:30 unless otherwise noted)

September 13: Baltimore vs. New York Jets 7:00
September 13: San Diego vs. Kansas City 10:15
September 20: New Orleans vs. San Francisco
September 27: Green Bay vs. Chicago
October 4: New England vs. Miami
October 11: Minnesota vs. New York Jets
October 18: Tennessee vs. Jacksonville
October 25: New York Giants vs. Dallas
November 1: Houston vs. Indianapolis
November 8: Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
November 15: Philadelphia vs. Washington (<-- OMG MNF MCNABB BOWL THIS GUY WILL MAKE IT GREAT)
November 22: Denver vs. San Diego
November 29: San Francisco vs. Arizona
December 6: New York Jets vs. New England
December 13: Baltimore vs. Houston
December 20: Chicago vs. Minnesota
December 27: New Orleans vs. Atlanta

Thursday Night Football Schedule (all games at 8:00 unless otherwise noted)

November 11: Baltimore vs. Atlanta
November 18: Chicago vs. Miami
November 25: Cincinnati vs. New York Jets
December 2: Houston vs. Philadelphia
December 9: Indianapolis vs. Tennessee
December 16: San Francisco vs. San Diego
December 23: Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
December 25: Dallas vs. Arizona 7:30

I've seen numerous schedules where the Eagles had 5 primetime games in a season, but I don't ever recall one where they were giving 6 right from the get-go like they were this year. And the funny thing is, I can't even tell you if this is going to be a playoff team or not. They have gotten considerably younger and I have absolutely no idea what to expect from this team now, mainly because, our oldest player is Juqua Parker and he (ironically) got off on a pot charge yesterday (April 20). Oh, and Juqua is not exactly Brett Favre old. He's 31.

Aspeaking of football, do join us as we live blog the entire NFL Draft, which on Thursday will consist of me trying (and likely failing) to follow and talk about both the draft and the Flyers game, which starts 30 minutes before the Draft.

Jay Cutler Is My Hero Tonight!

Last year, the Eagles needed to help to achieve something they wanted. Last year they wanted a playoff spot. They needed outside help. Michael Bush provided that help as he was instrumental in the Raiders beating the Buccaneers which helped to allow the Cowboys-Eagles game later that day to be a game to advance to the playoffs. This year, the Eagles are in the playoffs, but could really use a 1st round bye as their bye week this season was Week 4. Enter Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears. If the Bears win, then all the Eagles need to do is beat the Cowboys on Sunday in order to secure a first round bye (more on this tomorrow).

The Bears jumped out to a 17-point lead but Brett Favre did his Brett Favre thing and clawed the Vikings back in the game and tied it at 23. Immediately following that, Danieal Manning returned the kick to the Viking 20. Cutler followed that up with a TD pass to give the Bears a 30-23 lead with over 4 minutes left in regulation. Brett Favre once again did his Brett Favre thing and methodically drove down the field throwing a game-tying TD pass to Sidney Rice with 11 seconds left.

The Bears elect to take a knee following the kickoff and we go to overtime. Bears win the toss and receive. They drive down the field and set up Robbie Gould for a 48-yard field goal only to see him just miss it wide right. The Bears defense would step up afterwards and force a three and out. Bears get the ball back again but they go three and out themselves. Next Vikings possession, Favre throws a pass to Peterson who makes the catch out of the backfield and runs down the sidelines but he has the ball punched out of his hands by Hunter Hillenmeyer and it's recovered by the Bears. The first play after that, this happened. Take it away, Jay Cutler!



PHILLY LOVES YOU JAY CUTLER!!!!!!!!!!

Now all the Eagles have to do is beat Dallas and they will be the #2 seed in the NFC. Thank you Jay Cutler. Regardless of what happens in the near and not-so-near future, you can be sure that I won't soon forget this.

The Washington Redskins, Monday Night Football, And Football In General Hit Rock Bottom Last Night

....When this play happened. Not only did Zorn line-up in this formation, but after a Giants timeout, he went right back to the same odd formation, and this happened. If you get red-faced, embarrassed, or feel awkward easily, I suggest you turn away from this video.



As if that was not cringe-worthy enough, there was moment that the WAshington Redskins actually did decide to show up more than in just and physical sense and show some emotion this game. Of course, that only happened when Brandon Jacobs and DeAngelo Hall got in a scrum and a huge fight broke out.



Simply pathetic. And that's just referring to the fact that I still have not figured what the heck play was run in that first video. I'll tell you this much, that play, along with the fight and the entire game in general, whether intentional or inadvertent, that game was nothing but a huge middle finger to Dan Snyder. And come to think of it, I can't say that he does not deserve it.

Week 1 Monday Night Choke Job Part 2

The Oakland Raiders had the San Diego Chargers right where they wanted them, but then, the Chargers marched down the field in the final minutes to win the game. This truly was a typical week 1 game. Horribly boring game, worse announcers, and a fantastic finish. Here are your highlights, oh, and I guess I should warn you that this video is over 6 minutes of Mike, Mike, and Steve. I can't just surprise my readers out of nowhere with such annoying, awful announcers.



Even though the refs did have a few big time calls in the game, the Raiders deserved to lose it. Russell needs to play better at QB and they need to avoid stupid penalties. They may have a star in McFadden, but JaMarcus Russell is proving time and time that he was not worth the 1st round draft pick.

Blame Peyton Manning and Chad Pennington

(Guest posted by James Craven of The O Files)

So, why are wondering that the Phillies and the Marlins are playing a four-game series that begins tonight (7/16) instad of a three game series tomorrow (7/17)? Simple, squatters' rights.

Let me explain. Last September when the baseball schedules came out, the Phillies and the Marlins were slated to have four off days following the All-Star Break. There were three games to have been played on September 21, 22 and 23 in Dolphin/Joe Robbie/Pro Player/Dolphins/Dolphin/LandShark Stadium/Park/Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Fast forward to April, and the release of the 2009 NFL Schedule. September 21: Indianapolis Colts at Maimi Dolphins. Ruh-roh. The Dolphins own the stadum, and forced the Marlins to move that game to tonight, citing eniment domain (they own the stadium). The Marlins for the moment are renters until 2012 when their new park opens at Little Havana on the site of the old Orange Bowl Stadium, and change their name to the Miami Marlins.

There's your answer.

The Good Doctor Is Leaving Us!

I must admit that when I first read the news this afternoon (right now is the first I've been around any sort of news for the day so bare with me here). But alas, we gathered here today to say goodbye to the one, the only, the man, the myth, the legend himself, Dr. Tony Kornheiser.

I have been crying for the past 3 hours over learning of this news. I just can't believe it. Why must he leave me like this? Why??? Why???? SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME WHY ON EARTH THE GREATEST ANALYST OF ALL TIME WOULD LEAVE US LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!!!

Wait a minute! Thanks to Awful Announcing, we finally have the reason why Dr. Kornheiser would ever do such a thing!!!! (oh, yeah, and something about a replacement named Jon Gruden Chucky)

Former Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden is joining ESPN’s Monday Night Football. The dynamic, outspoken and often fiery Gruden will join commentators Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski in the booth when sports television’s signature series kicks off its 40th season this fall. Gruden will also contribute analysis throughout the year on ESPN Radio and other platforms, in addition to being a part of ESPN’s 2010 Pro Bowl telecast and Super Bowl and NFL Draft coverage.

Gruden replaces Tony Kornheiser, who has decided to step down after three years in the Monday Night Football booth.

“I would like to thank Tony Kornheiser for his many contributions to Monday Night Football the past three years,” said John Skipper, ESPN executive vice president, content. “He has been a big reason for the show’s success on ESPN. Pardon the Interruption is one of ESPN’s most important franchises and fans will continue to see Tony on the show and involved in other future ESPN projects for many years to come.”

Kornheiser added: “I am totally grateful for the MNF opportunity that I truly enjoyed the last three seasons. I feel we got better each year. My fear of planes is legendary and sadly true. When I looked at the upcoming schedule it was the perfect storm that would've frequently moved me from the bus to the air. I kept looking at the schedule the past month and wanted to find a way to quietly extricate myself. If I could handpick a replacement of a football guy, I would cast a net and drag in Jon Gruden. He is the two things you most want -- smart and funny -- and has the two things I don't -- good hair and a tan. I love PTI and am looking forward to continuing to yammer and yodel with Wilbon until the end of time.”

I still can't get over it!!!! Dr. Kornheiser is leaving us!!!!! NOOOO!!!!! I may never get over this national day of tragedy! Never! NEVER! NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, enough of the over-the-top ridiculous sarcasm. And as surprising as it is (one would think ESPN would go with the experienced Matt Millen) that The Leader chose former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, Jon "Chucky" Gruden, he probably will be better in the booth than Dr. Kornheiser was. And for those that are late to the party and don't know why I call him Dr. Kornheiser, it's because of a quote during the Pats-Broncos MNF game last year where he said that he likes being in the broadcast booth because he likes to play doctor when players get injured and tries to diagnose their injuries. I'm pretty sure that everyone knows this running gag, but for those that are late to this party, here is why Jon Gruden is called Chucky.



The resemblemce is so.......scary. And to those who believe that Jon Gruden is just another new analyst for ESPN, consider this thought, everyone thought that Chucky was just a doll......

The 2009 NFL Schedule in Primetime

Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM on NBC, unless otherwise noted). (asterisk next to those that could be flexed)
Week 1 (Opening Thursday): Titans vs. Steelers, 8:30
Week 1: Bears vs. Packers
Week 2: New York Giants vs. Cowboys
Week 3: Colts vs. Cardinals
Week 4: Chargers vs. Steelers
Week 5: Colts vs. Titans
Week 6: Bears vs. Falcons
Week 7: Cardinals vs. Giants
Week 8: No game
Week 9: Cowboys vs. Eagles
Week 10: Patriots vs. Colts
*Week 11: Eagles vs. Bears
*Week 12: Steelers vs. Ravens
*Week 13: Patriots vs. Dolphins
*Week 14: Eagles vs. Giants
*Week 15: Vikings vs. Panthers
*Week 16: Cowboys vs. Redskins
*Week 17: TBD

Monday Night Football (8:30 on ESPN unless otherwise noted
Week 1 (doubleheader part 1): Bills vs. Patriots, 7:00
Week 1 (doubleheader part 2): Chargers vs. Raiders, 10:15
Week 2: Colts vs. Dolphins
Week 3: Panthers vs. Cowboys
Week 4: Packers vs. Vikings
Week 5: Jets vs. Dolphins
Week 6: Broncos vs. Chargers
Week 7: Eagles vs. Redskins
Week 8: Falcons vs. Saints
Week 9: Steelers vs. Broncos
Week 10: Ravens vs. Browns
Week 11: Titans vs. Texans
Week 12: Patriots vs. Saints
Week 13: Ravens vs. Packers
Week 14: Cardinals vs. 49ers
Week 15: Giants vs. Redskins
Week 16: Vikings vs. Bears
Week 17: No game

Thursday Night Football (8:20 on NFL Network unless other specified)
Weeks 1-9: No game
Week 10: Bears vs. 49ers
Week 11: Dolphins vs. Panthers
Week 12: Giants vs. Broncos
Week 13: Jets vs. Bills
Week 14: Steelers vs. Browns
Week 15: Colts vs. Jaguars
Week 15 (Saturday Night Special): Cowboys vs. Saints
Week 16: Chargers vs. Titans
Week 17: No game

And per usual, SNF > MNF > ThNF, although I must say that this looks like the strongest year of MNF on ESPN to date, but of course, you really can't tell right now, but the matchups are certainly eye-appealing thus far. Pats-Saints, Jets-Fins, Cowboys-Panthers, Cardinals-49ers (oh wait, scratch that last one, although it has become an MNF staple and the game last year was thrilling).

Oh, and Bears-Falcons, NBC? I can pretty much guarantee you that that is going to rival for lowest rated SNF on NBC game to date.

Primetime schedule (NFL.com)

Monday Night Football Eagles Week 15 Preview

Who: Browns @ Eagles
When: Monday Night at 8:30
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What Channel: ESPN (The game will be simulcast in the local markets of Cleveland and Philadelphia with 6ABC simulcasting in Philly and Fox 8 in Cleveland.)
Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Dr. Tony Kornheiser (He's not a real doctor, he just likes to play one in the booth on MNF when players get hurt).

Are you ready for some football? Some Monday Night Football? Some Eagles Monday Night Football? I certainly am. And this should be a fun one from the standpoint of an Eagles fan. Although, I'll admit, the last time I thought an AFC North team would be easy, we tied the then 1-win, now 2-win Cincinnati Bengals.

The Eagles should not take this game totally lightly, though. The Browns do have some offensive potential with their running back, Jamal Lewis, and in their highly underachieving receiving corps consisting of Ex-Eagle Donte Stallworth and Braylon Edwards. That threat does go away though when the fact that Ken Dorsey is the Browns' quarterback becomes apparent.

One thing that cannot be overlooked though is the fact that the Browns are a team that do seem to get up and show up at Monday Night Football. They have won 2 of their 4 games this year on MNF, which includes beating the 11-3 Giants and going on the road and beating the Toronto, er, Buffalo Bills (in their old home of Buffalo, that is). The Eagles, on the other hand, are a team that have seemingly NOT gotten up for prime time games. Well wait, that's false. Andy Reid has not gotten up for MNF and SNF games this year. The Eagles are 0-3 this year in night games and they have all come down to the last 2-minutes and the Eagles had a game-winning drive going in all 3 of them and in all 3 of them they failed to convert a 4th down play.

Will the streaks continue tonight? The answer is simple. No, they won't. The Browns are going to be without back-up running game James Harrison and without the services of Kellen Winslow. And most of all, Ken Dorsey is going to be going up against a Jim Johnson defense. Can you say, blitz blitz blitz? Aspeaking of blitz and how the Browns are going to protect it, today marks the return of Ex-Eagle Hank Fraley to the Linc. May his highlight of the night be Eagles fans giving him an ovation of the beginning of the game.

As far as the Eagles offense vs. the Browns defense goes, the only way this game gets remotely interesting is if the Browns defense can actually defend the Eagles' potentially explosive offensive attack. The Browns defense has not been very solid at all this year and they are 28th in total rushing defense, which, would not bode well for them against a healthy Brian Westbrook.

The Eagles, if they are playoff contenders, should turn this into a statement game. I'm not saying they're going to pull an Oklahoma and score 63 pints, but this could have the potential of a beatdown. And if the Eagles offense doesn't show up, this also has the potential to be a 6-6 tie. But in the end, if the Eagles are a remotely credible team (which having not thought so a month ago but now do think so), this game shan't be a problem. Eagles 31, Browns 6

I will not be live-blogging this game, however, assuming SSR can get an internet signal in the frigid Pacific Northwest, he will be live-blogging this game at http://www.badnewsbloggers.blogspot.com/ I won't be there, but seeing as it's the site's first live blog, I encourage you to be there and chip in your thoughts. Me, well I'll be watching with me family without a computer in the room. I may check in with you guys at halftime if I'm not in the mood to hear the same Bermanisms for the 645,509th time.

Monday Night Football Live Blog Tampa Bay @ Carolina, 2nd Half

Well, it hasn't been a high-scoring game, but it's been entertaining thus far. The Panthers lead the Bucs 10-3 as we start the 2nd half.

Jones has difficulty handling the kickoff, as he takes it to the 21. Penalty flag down. Illegal block in the back on Carolina. From the 6, Williams gets the carry to the 11. 2nd and 6, Williams gets the carry again and is tripped up a yard shy of the marker. 3rd and 1, Delhomme hands to Williams who gets the first down. Delhomme's pass on 1st down is deflected straight up into the air but falls harmlessly to the ground.

2nd and 10, Delhomme hands to Williams and OH MY, HE JUST BARRELED THROUGH SOME BUCS AS HE TAKES IT TO THE 42! 1st and 10, Delhomme goes deep and he way overthrows his man, but there's a flag down. Illeagal contact on the Bucs.

"You can't understand football if you make that call." - Jaws

Whoa! Tell us how you really feel. 1st and 10 from the TB 48, Delhomme fires, IT'S TIPPED AROUND AND INTERCEPTED BY PHILLIPS! WHAT A CATCH!

"That gets you a graduate degree at the Troy Polamalu School of Making Interceptions." - Dr. Kornheiser

The world would be a better place if you would leave TV forever. 1st and 10 and Dunn loses a yard. 2nd and 11, Garcia FIRES DOWN THE FIELD AND IT'S CAUGHT BY ANTONIO BRYANT ON THE COMEBACK! HE TURNS AROUND, AND MAKES IT INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN TAMPA BAY! The extra point is up and good we are tied at 10.

Jones takes the kickoff to the 27. Williams takes the carry and loses a couple. 2nd and 12, Delhomme to Smith who gets 7. 3rd and 5 and it's caught by Muhammad who gets 12 and a first down. Smith makes the catch for 11 and another first down. From the TB 45, Williams gets 7. 2nd and 3, Delhomme fires it DEEP FOR STEVE SMITH WHO MAKES THE CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN CAROLINA! The extra point is good and it's 17-10 Panthers.

Kickoff is taken to the 30. 1st and 10, Dunn takes the pass for a couple. 2nd and 8, Dunn takes the carry and he has a Tampa first down. 1st and 10, Garcia throws to Bryant for 4. 2nd and 6, Dunn gets maybe a yard. 3rd and 5, Garcia throws it to Stevens who makes the catch, turns and dives for the marker, but is just short!

"Those markers are the real ones." - Mike Tirico on the sideline markers.

Thanks Capt. Obvious. Tampa's going for it on 4th down, Askew takes it up the middle and he's got it! Garcia on first down is firing deep and it's CAUGHT BY BRYANT AT THE 7! A stupid penalty by Bryant after the play will back them up 5. Williams won't get much on 1st down but a personal foul penalty will put the Bucs at the 4. It's now 1st and goal for the Bucs. Garcia hands it off to Cadillac Williams who BURSTS THROUGH INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN BUCS! The extra point is good and we are tied at 17.

Kickoff is taken by Jones who takes it to the 27. 1st and 10, Delhomme fires it to Smith who makes the catch at the 37 for a first down. Williams takes Delhomme's pass and he picks up 6. 2nd and 4 from the CAR 44, Delhomme hands it off to Williams who has the first down at midfield.

And here comes the Panthers again. Damn, talk about a back-and-forth battle. Williams takes the carry and gets no gain. 2nd and 9, Delhomme hands it to Stewart who has a huge hole and takes it all the way to the TB 30! 1st and 10, Delhomme throws it to Steve Smith who gets to the outside and gets 11!

Is it just me or has Dr. Kornheiser is abnormally quiet this half?

That's the end of the 3rd quarter and we are tied at 17.

1st and 10 from the 19, and Stewart takes it all the way to the 10. 2nd and 1, Stewart gets the carry and a first down at the 8. 1st and goal Panthers. Delhomme fires for the endzone incomplete, but there's a penalty down. Holding on Tampa Bay and that'll place the ball at the 4. Delhomme hands it to Stewart who DIVES FOR AND GETS INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN CAROLINA! The extra point is up and good and the Panthers lead 24-17.

What a fun game this has turned out to be. (Via SSR)

This game has had a bit of everything. Defense in the first half, offense in the 2nd half, and a few officiating controversies. Smith on the kickoff return takes it to the 28. Dunn on the carry gets 6 yards to the 34. 2nd and 4, Garcia to Smith is incomplete. 3rd and 4, Garcia completes it to Stevens who has a first down. Cadillac Williams on the carry gets a couple. 2nd and 8, Garcia's pass is incomplete.

"It would help if some of the receivers caught the ball." - Dr. Kornheiser

Really? Never knew that. Garcia on 3rd down is SACKED! And for the first time this half we'll see a punt. Bidwell booms one into the endzone for the touchback. Holding on Carolina and the Panthers will take over at the 10. 1st and 10, Delhomme hands it to DEANGELO WILLIAMS WHO GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND A HUGH GAIN OF 41! Stewart on 1st down picks up 3. 2nd and 7, STEWART GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND HE TAKES IT TO THE 17! There's just no stopping these Carolina running backs.

"This game is crucial if Carolina wants home-field advantage throughout the playoffs." - Dr. Kornheiser

But it won't mean squat if they lose next week. Delhomme hands it off to Williams who GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! The extra point is good and the Panthers lead 31-17.

"This is they're way of saying 'Hello America, this is who we are'." - Dr. Kornheiser

Must you always try to be funny?

"This is a first time I've seen a Monte Kiffin defense just getting whipped." - Jaws

Jaws isn't kidding. This is a butt whopping and Tampa's defense is supplying the butt. Kickoff is taken to the 35 so the Bucs will have good field position. 1st and 10, Garcia has his pass dropped by Dunn. 2nd and 10, Hilliard makes the catch for a first down.

"This is not a Buccaneer team that's built to come from behind." - Jaws
"But they have, on the road. 3 times." - Mike Tirico

So they must be a team built to come from behind then! 1st and 10 and Dunn drops another. 2nd and 10, Garcia from the shotgun and it's incomplete again. 3rd and 10 for the Bucs and this is 4-down territory in my opinion.

3rd and 10, Garcia is under pressure and SACKED! Holding on Tampa Bay and they will punt it away. Bidwell's punt is taken by Jones who makes it to the 14. Delhomme's pass to Smith is caught for a gain of 9. 2nd and 1, and Stewart goes nowhere on the carry. 3rd and 1 and Dr. Kornheiser has nothing better to talk about than Rosario Dawson's, er, Dante Rosario's catch in week 1 to beat the Chargers. 3rd and short and Bucs get the stop on 3rd down! Hoover went nowhere.

Timeout Tampa Bay.

Punt is taken by Smith but an illegal block in the back will force them back to the 18. 1st and 10 and Jeremy Stevens drops a pass. 2nd and 10, Garcia fires incomplete again and now it's 3rd and 10.

"I see him as someone who gets bored very easily." - Dr. Kornheiser making no sense.

Garcia's pass is caught by Bryant who gets 14 and a TB first down. Dunn on the carry takes it to the 44 for another Tampa first down.

"You have to score once to score twice, but you have to score twice." - Dr. Kornheiser making no sense. Garcia throws to Alan Smith down the field and he catches it for a first down in Panther territory. 1st and 10 from the 36, Hilliard makes the catch at the 28. 2nd and 3, Garcia to Dunn who catches it at the 23 for a first down.

1st and 10, Garcia to Stevens who takes it to the 15. Clock under 3-minutes. 2nd and 3, Garcia from the shotgun passes it to ANTONIO BRYANT WHO MAKES A SPECTACULAR DIVING CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! WHAT A CATCH! TOUCHDOWN TAMPA BAY! The extra point is up and BLOCKED! NO GOOD! 31-23 Panthers.

ONSIDE KICK! RECOVERED BY CAROLINA! 1st and 10 from the TB 43. Bucs have 2 timeouts with 2:28 to go. Williams picks up 3.

Timeout Tampa Bay.

Williams picks up 3 on 2nd down. Timeout Tampa Bay. 2:17 to go. 3rd and 4, Delhomme pitches it to Williams who BREAKS IT TO THE OUTSIDE! BUC AFTER BUC FANS ON THE TACKLE AS WILLIAMS TAKES IT INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! OVER 300 RUSHING YARDS TODAY FOR THE PANTHERS! Unreal. The extra point is good and the Panthers lead 38-23.

Smith takes the kick to the 37.

Williams should've done a Brian Westbrook there. (Via SSR)

Agreed. Now Tampa has a one-in-a-million chance of winning as opposed to no chance.

"And yes, Mike, I do have my gloves on." - Stu Scott

Congratulations. 1st down carry gets 7. Garcia to Stevens gets 7. Williams will pick up a couple. 3rd down and GARCIA'S PASS IS INTERCEPTED! This will be reviewed by the booth and overturned though. I know it's nearly impossible for the Bucs to win this, but the fact that it hardly looks like they're trying when there is a chance, is not good news for Bucs fans.

"It's one thing to get [2 running backs over 100 yards] against the Lions, it's another thing against Tampa's defense." - Dr. Kornheiser

Most high schools could get 2 running backs over 100 yards against the Lions. The play is overturned as the ball clearly hit the ground and it's now 4th down for the Bucs. 4th and 1, Garcia's pass is INCOMPLETE! AND THAT'S IT!

Jake Delhomme will come out and take knees as the Carolina Panthers have defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-23. Thank you for joining me for this live blog and every live blog I have done this year. SSR will take over Monday Nights from here on out. Good night and good luck.

Monday Night Football Live Blog Tampa Bay @ Carolina, 1st Half

It's showdown time! The 9-3 Carolina Panthers are set to take on the 9-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. We'll kick things off here at 8:30 when Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Dr. Kornheiser (Remember he's not a real doctor, he just likes to play one in the MNF booth) hit the air.

JFein's Prediction: This should be a good game. However, it seems like that Tampa Bay is a more well-rounded team than the Panthers. Therefore, I will pick the Bucs in this one 28-24.

Countdown's picks
Steve: Panthers
Emmitt: Panthers
Stuart: Panthers
Coach: Buccaneers
Key: Panthers
Cris: Panthers
TJ: Buccaneers
Boomer: Buccaneers

"That's the biggest deficit Carolina has lost by this year." - Tony Kornheiser
Well yeah......they've lost only 3 games. (Via SSR)

I had my hopes up that because this was such a big game, that Dr. Kornheiser would just shut up and keep the idiocy to a minimum. Apparently I was wrong.

"He took the Frankfurt Galaxy to the World Bowl, which I suppose made him All-World." - Dr. Kornheiser

Clifton Smith is back to return and the kick goes out of the endzone for a touchback. And on comes Jeff Garcia. 1st and 10, Garcia passes to Gilmore for a gain of 5. Garcia on 2nd down is SACKED! Loss of 8 and it's 3rd and 13. Handoff to Dunn who gets a couple.

The punt is returned to TB territory. And the Panthers have good field position. 1st and 10, Williams gets nothing. Williams gets 5 on 2nd down and it's 3rd and 5.

"You think Tampa Bay remembers they lost by 24 points in the first game?" - Kornheiser (Via SSR)

No, I don't. I think Carolina remembers losing by 24 to Tampa Bay, though. 3rd and 5 and Delhomme finds Muhammad over the middle for a 1st down! 1st and 10 and Delhomme agains find Muhammad for 19 yards! DeAngelo Williams on the carry takes it to the 8 with a pick up of 3. 2nd and 7, Delhomme , scrambles and is SACKED BY KEVIN CARTER! Loss of 8. 3rd and 15 for the Panthers. Delhomme throws it behind his tight end who dropped it. 4th down and on will come John Kasay. The 34-yard field goal IS UP...AND GOOD! 3-0 Panthers.

Kornheiser finally made a comment about Jaws' stupid "Catching the ball with your hands" comment. (Via SSR)

You mean to say you can't catch the ball with your nose?

"How does he get to keep his hair at 85 when you and I have had such trouble with that?" - Dr. Kornheiser

My heart bleeds for you. The kickoff is taken to the 27 by Smith. And on will come the TB offense.

Is there some producer at ESPN that is professional enough, with enough skill and talent, to tell those two morons to not devolve into giggling...it's because WE CAN'T FUCKING UNDERSTAND THEM WHEN THEY GIGGLE YOU IDIOTS. (Via Hollywood Wags)

Dunn picks up a couple. 2nd and 8, Garcia throws to Antonio Bryant for a gain of 8 and a first down. Cadillac Williams picks up a yard. 2nd and 9, Garcia throws to Askew for a pick up of 9 and another Tampa Bay first down. Dunn gets a yard on 1st down. 2nd and 9, Garcia swings to Cadillac Williams who gets 7. 3rd and 2, Garcia scrambles, will run for it, and he gets the first!

Timeout Tampa Bay.

"[Jon Gruden] loves quarterbacks, like antique cars." - Ron Jaworski (Via SSR)

Well that's one thing Jaws and Jon Gruden have in common.

"That was my homework assignment for the week." - Mike Tirico on learning Spanish.

We'll be awaiting his awkward 4th quarter apology. 1st and 10, Garcia fires incomplete for Clayton. Dunn takes the carry close to the first down marker. 3rd and 1, Askew picks up 3 and the drive continues. 1st and 10 from the CAR 30. The Cadillac picks up 5 on the carry.

Garcia throws it to Askew who can't get back to the line. Flag on the play and it's a tripping penalty on Tampa Bay. 2nd and 15, Garcia fakes it the handoff, scrambles past the line and gets 3.

"He's rumbling, bumbling, stumbling down the field." - Jaws on Garcia

Never say that again, Jaws. Garcia finds Antonio Bryant on 3rd down who gets 10 but that's not enough for a first down. On will come Matt Bryant to attempt a 40-yard field goal. The kick is up and IT'S OFF THE LEFT UPRIGHT AND NO GOOD! Still 3-0 Panthers.

1st and 10 from the 30, Delhomme hands it off to Jonathan Stewart who gets 2.

That brings us to the end of the 1st quarter, the Panthers lead the Bucs 3-0.

2nd and 8 and Stewart picks up 6. 3rd and a couple. Delhomme throws it to Steve Smith who has a first down at the 45. 1st and 10, Delhomme with tons of time, fires to to Brad Hoover who DROPS IT! Oy ve, Attention Captain Butterfingers. 2nd and 10, Stewart takes it into TB territory with that pick up of 5. 3rd and 5, Delhomme throws it to Jarrett who has the first down.

"Does that mean that, Delhomme, he went to Jarrett?" - Dr. Kornheiser

I'm speechless. And Doc, that was only obvious to you. 1st and 10 and Stewart loses a couple. Oh man, Hoover drops it again! Delhomme's pass on 3rd down is caught by Steve Smith inside the 30 for the first down! But wait, Tampa's challenging it.

My opinion is that it should be upheld, but we'll see what Walt Anderson says. It stands! Delhomme on 1st down fires and it's INTERCEPTED BY RONDE BARBER!

"Isn't Cincinnati also a queen city? How can you have two?" - Dr. Kornheiser

I don't know, Dr. Kornheiser, I don't know. John Fox is challenging the Barber interception. This one stands. Dunn picks up 4 on first down. Garcia throws to Dunn who gets near the first down marker. They measure it and he's just short. 3rd and inches, Garcia hands it to Askew who easily picks up the first down. 1st and 10 from the TB 35, Garcia fires and it's nearly picked off by Diggs! 2nd and 10, Garcia from the gun has his pass deflected and incomplete.

3rd and 10, Garcia from the shotgun again, throws it to Hilliard who makes the catch at the 47! First down Tampa Bay. Williams gets the carry, LOSES THE BALL, but the whistle blew and oh my, that was definitley a legit fumble. The refs blew that one. 2nd and 10, Garcia FIRES DEEP FOR IKE HILLARD WHO MAKES THE CATCH AND SPRINTS DOWN THE FIELD, DIVES FOR THE ENDZONE, BUT IS OUT OF BOUNDS AT THE 2! Wow, what a turn of events! And let me tell you what, I don't think he ever stepped out of bounds!

Timeout Tampa Bay. And it looks like the ball is a yard and a half behind where it should be. 1st and goal and Garcia fires for Smith in the back of the endzone, incomplete. 2nd and goal, Williams tries to go up the middle and doesn't get anything. Carolina says they have the ball, but the refs ignore them.

"That's how you stroke it up in there as a linebacker." - Jaws

3rd and goal. Garcia scrambling, fires to the endzone....incomplete! 4th and goal and on will come Matt Bryant for a 20-yard field goal. To tie the game, Bryant's field goal IS UP...AND THROUGH! We are tied at 3 in the Queen City as Nickelback's "Burn it to the Ground" off their new album Dark Horse, bumps us to commercial.

"Saved by the Westbrook" - Mike Tirico promosting next week's MNF game between the Eagles and the Browns. SSR will be live-blogging that one next week.

The kickoff is taken by Jones to the CAR 27. 1st and 10 for the Panthers. Williams takes the first down carry and picks up 9. DeAngelo Williams picks up the first down. 2nd down and WILLIAMS BREAKS FREE FOR A BIG GAIN OF 40 YARDS! Stewart gets a yard on first down and 7 on second down. Wiliams on 3rd down picks up the first.

Sorry for the delay of the update. Blogger's giving me hell. There we go, all better. Delhomme passes to Steve Smith who gets 7 yards and is down at the 2!

2-minute warning.

2nd and goal, Delhomme hands it to STEWART WHO WALKS INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! The extra point is up and good and the Panthers lead it 10-3.

Clark takes the kickoff the 25 yard line and here comes Tampa with 1:49 remaining in the 1st half and no timeouts. Garcia to throw it to Jeremy Stevens who gets 5 and out of bounds. 2nd and 5, Garcia throws it to Antonio Bryant who has a first down at the 39. Garcia from the shotgun and GARCIA IS SACKED! Loss of 6 and the clock continues to tick.

Dunn takes the ball to the 40. 3rd and 8, as the clock is now at 10, Garcia scrambling and is SACKED AGAIN! Carolina decided not to call a timeout to try for a punt block and/or return.

That's the end of the first half. The Panthers lead the Buccaneers 10-3. I'll see you in the second half thread.

Monday Night Football Live Blog Green Bay @ New Orleans, 2nd Half

Well, the shootout and on this one could get crazy.

Crosby kicks it off and we are underway in the 2nd half. Brees launches one for Miller who drops it but who can blame him for dropping that bullet. 3rd and 8 and Brees connects to Shockey for a Saints first down. 1st and 10 and Brees is SACKED! Loss of 5. 2nd and 15 and Brees' pass is deflected and incomplete. Timeout Saints.

3rd and 15 and Brees finds Moore for 15 yards and a generous spot gives them a first down! Packers are challenging.

My apologies for not having any picture up but outside of last Monday Night, whenever I've tried to post a picture, Blogger has fucked up my spacing.

"He goes five-hole on the official to the side." - Mike Tirico on Mike McCarthy's challenge.

The refs do in fact overturn the call but it looks like they moved him back too much!

"Can I challenge the challenge?" - Mike Tirico

I never knew announcers could challenge. Must be a new rule implemented today by the NFL's newest employee, Bud Selig. Yes, that was a joke. Feel free to laugh at anytime.

4th and 1 and the Saints are taking a big gamble here. Stupid move but IT WORKS! Pierre Thomas squeezes through the middle for a 1st down. Billy Miller makes the catch for a gain of 7. 2nd and 3 and Thomas takes the carry all the way to the GB 35! 1st and 10 and Thomas picks up a yard. Brees airs it out deep incomplete but an illegal contact penalty on the Pack will give the Saints an automatic first down.

Thomas takes another carry and he picks up 8. Who would have thought Pierre Thomas would have a better year this year than Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister. 2nd and 2 and Thomas picks up 4 and a first down.

Brees on first down FIRES TO A WIDE OPEN BILLY MILLER WHO MAKES THE CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN NEW ORLEANS! Hartley's extra point is good and the Saints now lead by 10. 31-21 over the Pack.

Blackmon from the kick from the 6 takes it to the 27.

"A lot of cheese heads down here. A lot of Packers fans made the trip." - Mike Tirico
"And a lot of Brees-heads." - Dr. Kornheiser

May your chair explode and you get shot a mile into the air and land somewhere in the middle of nowhere, completely lost and stuck there for the rest of your life.

Grant takes the first down carry for a couple. 2nd down and RODGERS IS INTERCEPTED BY JASON DAVID! DAVID DOWN THE SIDELINE IS WHACKED OUT OF BOUNDS BY RODGERS AT THE 3!

1st and goal and Brees throws it to Moore but Moore slipped and it's incomplete. 2nd and goal and MCALLISTER POUNDS HIS WAY INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! The extra point from Hartley is good and the Saints now lead the Packers 38-21.

Congratulations to the Saints new leading touchdown leader, Deuce McAllister. Blackmon takes the kickoff to the 20. 1st and 10 and Rodgers from the shotgun passes to Jennings for a gain of 4 yards. 2nd and 6 and Rodgers from the shotgun avoids the rush, scrambles to the sideline, and gets a few yards. 3rd and 3 for the Pack and they need this. Rodgers fires and IT'S PICKED OFF AGAIN BY JASON DAVID! And this one's beginning to get ugly.

Brees to Miller and he gets 4. 2nd down and Brees laterals it Lance Moore who throws it deep....PICKED OFF BY AARON ROUSE! ROUSE HAS ROOM TO RUN AND HE TAKES IT TO THE 43! A 37 yard return and the Pack are not dead.

And this is getting as ugly as lipstick on a Rotweiler! (Via JamesCraven)

No more J.R. for you young man. Grant on the 1st down carry and he loses a couple. Rodgers to Nelson on 2nd down and he gets 7. 3rd and 5 and Rodgers rolls out and it's nearly intercepted again! The Pack just cannot find a 2nd half rhythm. Frost to punt it away and Lance Moore jukes and jives to the NO 27.

"The Saints have never won consecutive games. They've won 5 games, but never followed any win up with another win." - Dr. Kornheiser

Attenton Department of Redundancy Department! McCallister takes the 1st down carry for a yard. 2nd down and McCallister takes it for a couple. 3rd down and 7 and Oh, MY! BREES AIRS IT OUT DEEP FOR COLSTON WHO MAKES THE CATCH AND THE PACK ARE NOT.....GONNA.....GET HIM! INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! The extra point is good and our shoot out has turned into a blowout. 45-21 Saints.

Whoa! Colston nearly had a DeSean Jackson moment. I'm surprised the Pack didn't challenge that. That would have been a touchback and Green Bay ball! Blackmon takes the kickoff only to the 14. 1st and 10 for Green Bay and Jordy Nelson makes the catch to the 20. 2nd and 4 and Rodgers is a couple yards shy of a first. 3rd and 2 and how in the blue fucking hell are the Saints 5-5? This team looks like the' 07 Patriots tonight.

Rodgers connects with Driver and the Pack finally have a first down this quarter. 1st and 10 and Rodgers is incomplete. 2nd and 10 and it's nearly picked off again.

"Meanwhile the Lions season continues." - Mike Tirico

"A tradition unlike any other." - Mike Tirico on the Lions losing. Or the Masters. Wouldn't surprise me if they talk about that here.

3rd down and Rodgers finds Humphrey for a gain of 31 and a big third down. Rodgers to Nelson and he gets 8.

That's the end of the third quarter. The Saints have blown this one open, leading the Pack 45-21.

2nd and 2 and Rodgers pass is knocked down at the line and it's 3rd and 2 for Green Bay. 3rd and 2, Rodgersfrom the gun goes deep for Ruvell Martin but it's incomplete. 4th and 2 and the Pack will go for it. Rodgers from the gun, they hand it off to Jackson whose forward progress gets them a first down. Timeout New Orleans. 1st and 10 from the NO 33 and Rodgers is SACKED! Loss of 8.

"Cedrick Ellis, who is auditioning for Warren Sapp's role on Dancing with the Stars." - Mike Tirico

2nd and 18 and Rodgers throws a strike to Jackson for a first down WHO GETS HIS CLOCK CLEANED AND SOMEHOW MANAGES TO HANG ON TO THE BALL!

"I don't think I would have hung on to catch." - Dr. Kornheiser

1st and 10 from the NO 17 and Rodgers slides at the 11 for a gain of about 6. 2nd and 5 for the Pack and Rodgers will scramble again and pick up a first down at the 5.

"This is the Packers' version of the wildcat." - Ron Jaworski

So QB draws = wildcat? Rodgers on 1st down connects with RUVELL MARTIN IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! Pack going for 2 and Rodgers AGAIN PASSES IT TO MARTIN AND HE CATCHES IT AND THE CONVERSION IS GOOD! 45-29 Saints over the Packers.

"He's wearing a blue sharpie instead of a red one." - Dr. Kornheiser (Via SSR)

He's that desparate for talking points, eh? I knew we had a lot of points this week, but damn, more points this week than any other week in the NFL. Wow!

ONSIDE KICK IS RECOVERED BY THE SAINTS! Saints ball at the 42. Thomas on the carry takes it to the 35 for a gain of 7. 2nd and 3. Brees hands to Thomas who get a couple. 3rd and 1 now for Nawlins. Saints toss to Thomas and the Pack bring him dowin in the backfield and that's big. Let's see what the Saints do. They're going for it on 4th and 1. Handoff to Thomas and he gets the first down!

1st down and WATCH OUT! THOMAS BREAKS FREE AND HE'S GONE! TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! They're going for 2 to try to completely cancel out the Pack score but McAllister is stuffed in the backfield. 51-29 Saints.

"Are they trying to get a higher rating on the BCS standings?" - Dr. Kornheiser

Will Blackmon takes the kickoff to the 29 and here comes Rodgers back on the field, down by 22. Rodgers over the middle and Jennings makes the catch 48. 1st and 15 after a false start penalty and Martin makes the catch for a gain of 10. 2nd and 5 and Rodgers throws to Jennings who dances along the sidelines for a big gain. Jackson takes it to the NO 24. Rodgers throws a bullet in the endzone that falls incomplete.

"Will you bite my head off, Jaws, if I mention Brett Favre one more time?" - Dr. Kornheiser
"Yes!" - Jaws

DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! SHUT THE FUCK UP AND DRINK! BITE OFF DR. KORNHEISER'S HEAD WHEN YOU SEE HIM AND DRINK!

Rodgers overfires again and it's 3rd and 10. Rodgers under pressure and SACKED! 4th and 16 and the Pack are going for it. Rodgers with all day to throw and he heaves one to the endzone that's INTERCEPTED! And I think you can call this one a game. But alas, I'll continue!

"I hear we're inviting Jimmy Kimmel back. The ban has been lifted." - Mike Tirico

And that's when you know you have a blowout. 1st and 10 gets a yard. Bell again on the carry, gets a couple this time. 3rd and 6 and Bell takes the hand off and gets 3. Sheesh, how many running backs can one team have? Timeout New Orleans.

Anyone sensing a Monday Night miracle? It's the Saints defense, it can happen. Blackmon takes the punt to the GB 45. 1st and 10 and Rodgers pass for Driver is incomplete. Rodgers is SACKED on 2nd down and the miracle is looking more and more unlikely, especially as the Pack are just running the clock out. Rodgers on 3rd and 19 misses his target. 4th and 19 and I just want to see more points.

Damn, they punt. 1st and 10 from the NO 39 and here comes Mark Brunnel who backed up Brett Favre. The fun never ends! DRINK!

Good thing that I myself don't drink cause otherwise I'd be completely shitfaced right about now. 2-minute warning.

"Becuase you can't watch every single game, we'll show you highlights." - Stu Scott

Bell gets the carry for a yard. 3rd and 11 and Bell stumbles back to the line of scrimmage and we'll get one more chance to see some points as the Pack are gonna get the ball back.

Blackmon muffed the punt, got it back, and took it to the 24. And we have a Matt Flynn sighting. That play gets a yard.

And that's it. In the 5th highest scoring game in MNF history, the Saints beat the Packers 51-29. Thank you for sticking this one out with me, SSR will be live blogging MNF next week. Happy Thanksgiving to all, good night and good luck!

Ugh, Stu Scott just said "Nawlins"...

Monday Night Football Live Blog Green Bay @ New Orleans, 1st Half

Are you ready for some football? Some Monday Night Football? Well I certainly am and this one should be a dandy.

My prediction: Packers 38, Saints 35. Feel free to leave your predictions in the comments section.

The fun gets underway at 8:30. See you then!

Picks
Steve: Green Bay
Emmitt: Green Bay
Stuart: New Orleans
Coach: Green Bay
Key: New Orleans
Cris: Green Bay
TJ: Green Bay
Boomer: Green Bay

Tony with a lot of hyperbole already. (Via 49er16)

That surprises you somehow? Hyperbole is the Doc's speciality.

"Feels a little different than last week in open-air Buffalo where it was minus 45 degrees." - Dr. Kornheiser

More hyperbole!

The kickoff is taken to the 21 and here comes Aaron Rodgers. 1st and 10 and Rodgers throws to Jennings for 5.

"It's the Sarah Palin moment for John McCain." - Dr. Kornheiser on the Pack switching to Rodgers.

Methinks the Doc loves Sarah Palin. Grant takes the run for a couple on 2nd down and it's 3rd and short for the Pack. Timeout Green Bay. 3rd and short and Rodgers tries to get it to Driver but it's incomplete and on will come Frost to punt and it's downed at the 23.

Deuce McAllister takes the 1st down carry for a yard which he loses and then one more on 2nd down. 3rd and 11 for Nawlins and Brees will throw for the first time and it's incomplete for Pierre Thomas.

"This is what Green Bay will do to you, spread you out with 3 wide receivers."-Jaws Ummm, Jaws, doesn't every NFL team do that? (Via J)

Yeah, yeah they do. The punt by Pakulak is taken by Blackmon all the way into Saints territory at the 37! Rodgers throw is incomplete on 1st down. Screen to Ryan Grant on 2nd down puts the Packers a couple yards short of the marker.

Ryan Grant with a big run on 3rd down and they are at the NO 12! Grant takes the carry on 1st down for 6.

"It's kind of a prehistoric formation" - Jaws on the I-Formation

Yeah, when cavemen played football, they used the I. Grant picks up a 1st down and it's 1st and goal for the Pack at the 2.

Kuhn on the carry gets to the 1. They hand it off again to the full back and HE GETS IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN GREEN BAY! Crosby connects with the extra point and it's 7-0 Packers.

Who knew Tony would know more about hockey than football? (Via 49er16)

Dr. Kornheiser knows more about quantum physics then football. Coby takes the kickoff to the his own 30 and Brees will come back on the field.

Does ground beef taste the same as beef on the ground? It's a question I ponder everyday.

On 1st down, Brees passes it to Lance Moore who MAKES THE CATCH AND RUNS AWAY FROM EVERYBODY INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! Hartley kicks the PAT and it's tied at 7.

"At least you know there's a crowd here." - Tony Kornheiser (Via SSR)

Oh yeah, so many empty seats. Kickoff is taken to the 30 and Grant is stuffed in the backfield on 1st down for a loss of 6! Rodgers pass is knocked down on 2nd down. 3rd and 16 for the Pack. Rodgers throws it down the seam on 3rd down and it's nearly picked off. Frost shanks one out of bounds and the Saints will have the ball at the Pack 41.

"Tonight Bobby McCrae is going to have to play well." - Jaws (Via SSR who wants to be killed.)

From the GB 41, Brees fires it to Pierre Thomas who gets to the outside Pierre Thomas who takes it to the GB 27. Jeremy Shockey sighting! He catches the 2nd down pass for 3 yards. Pierre Thomas catches one for the 1st down at the 13.

"That's a pretty graphic." - Dr. Kornheiser

No comment. Brees throws over the middle to Devry Henderson who takes it to the 4 and is a yard shy of the marker.

"He's completing passes to guys found on Bourbon Street." - Dr. Kornheiser
"Bourbon Street?" - Jaws
"Well maybe St. Louis Street" - Dr. Kornheiser

Pierre Thomas takes the handoff AND HE TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE! TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! The PAT is good and the Saints now lead 14-7.

"They rushed only 3. That means they dropped 8 into coverage." - Jaws...who think our football intelligence is no higher than a Turkey. (Via SSR)

Gobble Gobble. Blackmon takes the kickoff to the 28 and on 1st down Rodgers scrambles for 7. Grant and Rodgers each pick up 2 for a GB 1st down. Grant bounces one to the outside and he picks up 6. 2nd and 4 and Rodgers drops back and Jennings just dropped a touchdown pass!

3rd and 4 and Rodgers from the gun finds Driver who takes it all the way to the 30! 25 yards on that one and here come the Pack.

"McCarthy with a red pen today. I don't know if this a political statement." - Tony Kornheiser He is on fire tonight, and my TV could be the same if he keeps up with this. (Via SSR)

Grant gets a yard on 1st down. 2nd and 9 and a gain of 8 by Grant and it's 3rd and a yard. Timeout Nawlins.

"Gotta get a little rub element there." - Jaws (Via SSR)

"11 seconds left in the longest 1st quarter in the NFL. This game's been going on for an hour." - Dr. Kornheiser

Um, you hit the air at 8:30 ET. It's now 9:20 ET. You've been on the air for less than 50 minutes, and remember, the 10-minute open? Sigh.....3rd and one and Grant has the first down.

That's the end of the first quarter and the Saints lead the Packers 14-7.

"A shot of Brees. He may pass Dan Marino tonight." - Dr. Kornheiser

1st and 10 from the 21 and Rodgers completes it to Driver who seriously looked like he was being humped by Young on that tackle. 2nd and 1 and Rodgers hands it to Grant who takes it to the 7 and another Green Bay first down. Rodgers drops back on first down AND HE THROWS IT TO GREG JENNINGS IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! The extra point is good and we're now tied at 14.

Why is there a blimp for a dome game? Phone call, be back in a bit.

Sorry about that. The Saints have an impressive drive going and that carry by McAllister puts them at the GB 23. Thomas takes it to the outside and he'll pick up a first down at the 14! 1st and 10 and Brees drops back and connects with LANCE MOORE AT THE 3, TURNS AROUND AND GOES AIRBORNE INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN NEW ORLEANS! The PAT is up and through and the Saints lead 21-14.

Well it took awhile, but these two, as expected are lighting it up now. Kickoff is taken by Blackmon to the 17. 1st down Grant picks up 4. 2nd down and Grant picks up another 4 and it's 3rd and 2. Rodgers rolls out and connects with Driver for a Packer first down. Rodgers airs it out way deep for Jennings.....Incomplete! Overthrew him. I spy with my little eye a non-pass interference call. Rodgers finds Jennings on the pass for a gain of 9 and it's 3rd and 1.

Grant busts one up the middle and he has a Packer first down at the GB 48! Grant takes the handoff on 1st down into Nawlins territory.

"Green Bay was so desperate in their runniing bakc search." - Mike Tirico

Yeah, that generally happens when you turn to Samkon Gado. Rodgers throws it deep and he finds Jennings for a 22 yard catch to the Saint 26! And here we go again. Grant picks up a yard on 1st down. 2nd and 9 and Rodgers from the gun connects with Donald Lee who's a yard shy of the yard marker.

Favre reference by Dr. Kornheiser! DRINK! 3rd and a yard. Rodgers hands it off to Brandon Jackson and will you look at that Andy Reid? A big running back who easily plows his way through the pile for a 1st down on a 3rd and short situation. How incredible is that! Sorry about that, no more. I promise.

Grant picks up a yard on 1st down and that's the 2-minute warning. Pack ball at the 12 when we come back.

"40:30 that's the number that sticks out to me. The amount of time the Jets had the ball." - Mike Tirico
"I thought you were talking about today's score." - Dr. Kornheiser

Rodgers to Grant on 2nd down and that picks up 4. Timeout Saints. 3rd and 6. Will the Pack convert again on 3rd down? Rodgers out of the gun, can't find a man, SCRAMBLES AND FINDS HIS WAY INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN GREEN BAY! The PAT is good and now we're tied at 21.

"He laid out, nothing touched the ground." - Ron Jaworski

And now we've got more Favre talk! DRINK TIL YOU DIE!

"They're a high-fiveing, back slapping bunch of guys." - Jaws
"I agree and I know you're going to poo-poo this..." - Dr. Kornheiser

Ah, I love a good poo-poo. Rody takes the kickoff return AND HE BOUNCES TO THE OUTSIDA AND TAKES IT ALL THE WAY TO THE PACKER 32!

Shockey makes the catch for the first down inside the redzone having dragged a Packer for 5 yards. Brees over the middle for Moore for 5. Thomas picks up 7 and the Saints have a first down at the Packer 5.

False start on the Saints move them back 5. And once again Drew Brees is threatening Donovan McNabb's record of 22 consecutive completions. It was over 2 games, but that's the record. 1st and goal for the Saints and Brees throws an incompletion. You can thank me later, Donovan. Brees under pressure, still alive, and he fires one into the endzone but it's incomplete!

Here's Hartley from 30-yards out. It's up....IT'S GOOD! 24-21 Saints.

"That would have been good all the way from 32." - Dr. Kornheiser

Jordy Nelson takes the kickoff to the 25 and that's the end of the 1st half.

One half down and one to go. The Saints lead the Packers 24-21 at the break and I will see you in the second half thread.