The Warbirds Take Flight

Driving the Suburban, or as I call it  “The Tank,” definitely has its ups and downs so far as the Rolling Palace decided it didn’t want to continue the trip with us.   The Tank is nice that it doesn’t cost as much to fill up as the RV; can go over 75 mph; gets double to triple the gas milage; and smaller so we can actually park in lots that aren’t designated for oversize vehicles.  On the contrary, the Rolling Palace has places of slumber, a full bathroom, kitchen, and lots of storage area; as the Tank has none of this, often having to stop for food and bathroom breaks.  It doesn’t take us nearly as long to get from city to city driving in a vehicle designed for the battlefield.  I call it the Tank because if an accident occurs, it’s the other person’s car that gets damage and not ours, as I have gotten into a few accidents with it, definitely not my fault though (at least none involving insurance claims)!

As you all know or don’t, I didn’t attend the Oakland or the San Diego game as I helped my dad out with getting the RV back to Phoenix so we could figure out what was wrong with it.  That ride back to Phoenix was about as weird as a three dollar bill.  If you want the full story, you have to come and meet me for a beer, as it is too ridiculous to write about.  However, its good seeing a team get their first win, as the Raiders did against the Eagles, and not so happy about the poor play the Chargers had against the Broncos.  Maybe the Broncos are legit and maybe Josh McDaniels is the next great coach as he learned under Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots.  I think the real story of why the Broncos are doing so well is that Mike Nolan, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, is a defensive genius.  He blitzes almost every down, commands his warriors to what he envisions a great defense must do to win, and has great leadership out of his veterans (such as the fearless Brian Dawkins).  I can see them winning their division over San Diego, at least make it an interesting race, but they will not go undefeated; because Kyle Orton isn’t that strong of a QB and Brandon Marshall is unpredictable in games (he is capable and probably willing to punch a referee for an incorrect call).  I think the Broncos are talented enough to go far in the playoffs but they have to deal with the Patriots or the Colts to make it to the Super Bowl and I doubt that will happen even though their defense is the best in the league so far.

We were in Kansas this past weekend, attending the Kansas State-Colorado game and the Kansas City Chiefs-San Diego Chargers blowout.  Tailgating for the KSU-CU game was pretty fun as we had fans from both teams in attendance.  A police officer almost ruined our day by not letting us in the parking lot because we had alcohol and apparently that is illegal for a college game in Kansas…strange.  We got to park and it was a fun time even though I decided not to go to the game to let some other people watch it first hand.  On Sunday, another bright and early day, we tailgated with some people from the VFW, got hooked up with 50 yard line tickets and enjoyed the day with strangers that turned out to be great people who are our friends now.  The game was pretty sloppy because it was raining.  Arrowhead is a great stadium, a lot of history; plus the fans are dedicated to a pitiful Chiefs team.  Cassel is a good QB and has proven himself especially last year when QB god Tom Brady went down with a knee injury the first game of the season; however the Chiefs seem to not be able to put points on the board as their defense can’t stop teams.

The Cardinals won, the first time in the East Coast in who knows how long.  The game was a great defensive win for the Warbirds as Bill Davis proved himself to be a top Defensive Coordinator after leaving the Steelers as the Linebackers coach.  The Cardinals still have some work to do; the offensive line needs to protect Warner better so he has time to get the ball down field to Fitzgerald, Boldin, and Breaston.  He is getting too old to get sacked a few times a game.   If the Card’s defense plays like they did this past week they have a good shot at running the playoffs.  My Wildcats are #20 in the BCS and #23 in the AP poll the first time since 2000.  Its about time as the Cats are back and ready to roll Vegas or Rose Bowl.