I know he didn't get along with some of his players (Chris Simms comes to mind), and perhaps the team chemistry is eventually what did him in; the Bucs played schizophrenically all season, ending in a slow decline and a final implosion against the 5-11 Oakland Raiders. Well, rather, the team just imploded. Gruden promptly exploded, or spontaneously combusted, or launched himself into orbit. The Buccaneers have weird psychology with the Raiders.
In addition, the Detroit Lions hired former Titans DC Jim Schwartz to replace Marinelli (although the latter sounds like a model of car that would've rolled out before Detroit got all post-apocalyptic, doesn't it?) All I have to say to him is good luck. Trying to coach the Lions after last season to me seems almost as difficult as telling Bill Belichick to NOT run up the score, or something.* I admire the guy's fortitude, and maybe he'll bring the Lions a new perspective (either that, or whatever Kerry Collins is taking).
There also were rumors swirling around that San Diego's (Warning, choking hazard!) LaDainian Tomlinson (Also known as "There's #21 in for the touchdOWWW MY [Insert body part here]") was going to be traded. Tomlinson has said that these rumors are preposterous (or, at least, that's what I heard him say last night when I was at B-dubs watching some basketball). In my opinion, after being plagued by injuries, LT has one season left at most, given the short lifetime of a running back in the NFL these days. Although I think he might get a healthy endorsement contract from StairMaster (or whatever other exercise equipment he's always using on the sidelines).
Anyway, my picks for this week:
Cardinals @ Eagles: The Eagles are hot after dropping the Giants in Giant-land. The Cardinals are hot after embarrassing the Panthers/playing defense while the Panthers embarrassed themselves. Anquan Boldin is probable for the Cards. Who knows about Westbrook anymore. The Eagles positively Belichicked the Cardinals (vide infra) in their first contest this season, and could easily do it again, but the latter are coming in who could quite possibly be the NFL's best WR, and with momentum harder than Andy Reid's gravitational pull. Sure, they still have a feeble, aging run game and a defense that jumps/slides/lines up offsides every other play, but just because, I'm going to pick the Cards, and probably regret it.
Ravens @ Steelers: Is there any team hotter than the Pittsburgh Steelers right now? Terrible Towels! Dancing to techno music at Heinz Field! All of the hullaballoo about Hines Ward! Roethlisbergwhats-His-Name still being cogent enough to throw a ball! Luke Ravenstahl removing "Ravens" from his name! Enter the Baltimore Ravens, with a secondary more complicated than the BCS and a line that won't let you move the ball two Angstroms on a good day! Ed Reed! Joe Flacco on target to become the Rookie of the Millenium (and the Second Coming in Baltimore) if he's, well, on target! As compared to the dry, pedestrian prose that is the NFC, The absolute poetry that is these two teams would make E.A. Poe spin his grave. I'm going to go with the Steelers, because as much as I like the Ravens, their offensive inconsistency may mean they are living on borrowed time. Thenagain, this one could just as easily end in a 0-0 tie.
Who will go to the Big One? Cravens? Steagles? Cardineelers? Eagravens?
Remember kids: Anyone can pass a football...but only if they've swallowed it first!
*2nd and 1's Degrees-O-Defeat: I have slightly modified it from the original version.
If you are losing by 7 points, it's anyone's game.
If you are losing by 14 points, you're losing.
If you are losing by 21 points, you're getting shellacked.
If you are losing by 28 points, you're getting pasted.
If you are losing by 35 points, you're getting steamrolled.
If you are losing by 42 points, you're probably playing the Patriots.
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