Video: Referee Carl Cheffers Real Life ‘Wanna Get Away’ Moment

Being a ref in the NFL is a tough job and keeping up with the different players each week can be a task. In the fourth quarter of the Cowboys and Texans game, referee Carl Cheffers seems to get a bit confused.

It seems like a real-life version of those Southwest Airlines “Wanna Get Away” commercials. After there are multiple penalties on the play, Cheffers starts to announce the fouls when he gets a bit flustered. He stops and converses with the other refs only to come back and stumble through the rest of the announcement.

The fun starts about 24 seconds into the video.

San Francisco 49ers fire offensive coordinator

After an 0-3 start, the San Francisco 49ers have decided to part ways with their offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. Expectations were higher in San Francisco 49ers. In the last few years, the team has looked like one of the slow-risers in the NFL. Despite not having a winning record since 2002, the 49ers have floated around mediocrity and it’s been presumed they’d take the next big step for what seems like many years now.

No season brought a higher fever pitch. Mike Singletary was entering his third season as head coach. The team had finally settled on Jimmy Raye at offensive coordinator, providing stability in the coaching staff that had been missing for the better part of the decade.

Football is a results-based business. It’s simple numbers too. 0-3. Something had to change.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, it’s not the offensive coordinator. Sure, perhaps San Francisco could find a better coach to fulfill the position. But quarterback Alex Smith just isn’t an NFL QB. This is his sixth NFL season, he’s not a rookie anymore. Smith is an NFL veteran with no talent and no success.

As for Raye, he’s a lifer. He’s been a coach in the NFL for 33 years. Sure, he has experience, but he hasn’t experienced a lot of success. For any year that he was the offensive coordinator, there was one season that finished better than 18th in the NFL in offense.

So what’s left to do for the 49ers? It’s hard to say. Singletary was relatively successful before this season began (13-12 W-L) and has created a certain identity for the team. Is his job next? How much time does this afford him? Does it give him two more seasons?

San Francisco isn’t exactly the dynasty it was once was where it command any big-time coach to come in. The 49ers defense isn’t the problem; they’re as tough as ever. Led by Patrick Willis, nobody can complain.

The offense has been stagnant since Jeff Garcia left. And yes, even Jeff Garcia was much better in his prime than Alex Smith will ever be. The 49ers may be forced to release Smith after this off-season if something doesn’t drastically change on offense because there are only so many coordinators in the league.

NFL Top 5 Plays Week 3

Week 3 is about the time we start to see what the individual teams are made of. Several teams, like Tampa and Pittsburgh, head into the week with a 2-0 record. Are they as good as their record?

Other teams that we have high expectations of, like Minnesota and Dallas, have yet to get a win.

While it’s too early to hit the panic switch just now, it is time to see what these teams have under the hood and going 0-3 is a big hole to get out of. In the end, KC and Pittsburgh moved to 3-0 to remain the undefeated teams and keep us impressed. The Pack and the Bears play Monday night (both are 2-0) so we’ll have another team to add to that group.

The big news is that Dallas and Minnesota have finally found a way to break into the win column with a convincing win over the Texans and Lions, respectively. Now with the crazy weekend over here’s a look at some of the top plays of the weekend with our Top 5 Plays of the Week.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 plays of week 3 mentioned in the video.

5. Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings helps his team get their first win of the season with this fantastic 80-yard TD run. Adrian Peterson rushed the ball 23 times for 160 yards and 2 touchdowns in a win vs. the Lions on Sunday.

4. Chargers TE Antonio Gates snatches the ball with one hand before it can hit the ground.

3. Steelers Brett Keisel intercepts Josh Freeman of the Bucs and rumbles to a TD.

2. Washington kickoff return for a TD, again. Seahawks RB Leon Washington returns a second kickoff for a TD against the Chargers to help the ‘Hawks win and improve to 2-1.

1. Chiefs TE Tony Moeaki stretches out to make a ridiculous one-handed catch for a touchdown.

Holmgren to Brett Favre : No More Rocket Balls, Please

Earlier I looked at some great archive footage of Brett Favre and his first passes. The success of Brett Favre during his Packer years can be directly attributed to the stellar coaching of Mike Holmgren. The two made a great pair with Holmgren’s talent for offensive and tolerance of Favre’s wild playmaking abilities.

But we all know that Favre is no stranger to throwing an INT. He also seems to enjoy ribbing Holmgren as seen in this collection of soundbites between the two legends during their time in Green Bay leading up to their Super Bowl victory.

Stumbling, Bumbling, and Touchdown at Boise State

You know, I’m all for the Boise State Broncos being able to contend for the BCS Championship.  But only if they change their field.  I know it’s a gimmick that started way back in 1986 and just kinda stuck.  I’ve also heard tales of ducks dive bombing the field and killing themselves thinking it’s a pond.  See, the field is dangerous.

The blue field, known as the Smurf Turf, just hurts my eyes.   That’s why this play between the Oregon State Beavers and BSU Broncos is so fitting. It’s as ugly as the field.

Here’s a summary of what happened. OSU’s Ryan Katz passed to Darrell Catchings down the middle for stunning 28 yard gain. Darrell Catchings then fumbled on the 1-yard line. OSU’s Joe Halahuni was there, however, to recover the fumble for a TD.

Just like coach drew it up.

Stumbling! Bumbling! Touchdown!

Week 3 NFL Fantasy News and Picks

Week 3 of the NFL season rolls into town and there are some great matchups. But first, let’s take a look at some of the players that have injuries or news that might make you want to think twice when arranging your fantasy team.

OUT

Colts Pierre Garcon out vs. Denver
Garcon and joins Anthony Gonzalez, linebacker Ramon Humber and safety Bob Sanders as Colts players staying in Indy for the trip to Denver.

Broncos Moreno Out
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno has been scratched for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Correll Buckhalter and Laurence Maroney, just picked up from the Patriots, will share the load.

Matthew Stafford, Lions
The shoulder injury is still acting up and Stafford is out again against the Vikings. Shaun Hill will get the start again.

QUESTIONABLE/PROBABLE

Jake Delhomme, Browns
Cleveland Browns QB Jake Delhomme isn’t practicing this week, but coach Eric Mangini hasn’t ruled him out for Sunday’s game in Baltimore. Check the roster updates before the game if Jake is on your Fantasy team to see if he’s in or out.

Michael Turner, Falcons
Atlanta RB is listed as Questionable with a groin injury. Jason Snelling stepped in last week to the tune of 129 yards so look for both backs to get some time.

Ray Rice, Ravens
Baltimore’s RB is listed as Probable with an ankle injury but he’s been practicing so he should be able to get the go ahead against the Browns for some big numbers

Jason Witten, Cowboys
Despite a head injury, Witten was able to practice. Look for him to play this weekend. The Cowboys offensive is sputtering right now so they will need them in the War for Texas against Houston.

Andre Johnson, Texans
Johnson’s ankle is acting up and the wide reciever has been missing practice this week. Word from the Texans is that despite the injury, Johnson will play this Sunday against the Cowboys.

Joseph Addai, Colts
Addai is listed as Questionable with a knee injury. He’s been limited in practice this week but is expected to start this Sunday according to reports.  The Colts will need him with their 2 receivers out (Garcon and Gonzalez) as well as safety Bob Sanders.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
MJD’s ankle is hurting but he practiced fully on Friday.  Jacksonville will need him as Philadelphia and Michael Vick come to town and are expected to pile on some points against the weaker Jags.

Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Brett Favre – Vikings
All three are listed as Questionable with nagging injuries but all three practiced during the week. Expect them to play but if the Vikings cannot get their stagnant offense on track look for the Lions to sneak away a victory.  Or at least cover the 10 point spread.

Fred Taylor, Patriots
Fred Taylor is listed as probable with a hurt toe. This is significant because the Pats lost Mauroney (now a Bronco) and Kevin Faulk (out for season, ACL). Taylor looks to play but expect a bunch of RBs to get playing time as the Pats look for someone to step up and fill the void.

Malcom Floyd, Chargers,
Floyd is probable with a leg injury. Expect him to start against the Seahawks who have played great (week 1) and absolutely horrible (week 2).

Steven Jackson, Rams
The Rams RB is limited in practice with a knee injury but is expected to play as normal.  The Rams will host the 49ers who seemed to find their defense last week against the Saints.

Cadillac Williams, Bucs
Cadillac is probable with a hamstring injury but expected to play as normal. He will have to play the Steelers Defense this week so don’t expect huge numbers from him.

Pigskin Doctors Games of the Week

Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans
The War For Texas pits the red-hot Texans against the struggling Cowboys. Rumors have been circulating all week that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is ready to can coach Wade Phillips but that’s a song we’ve been hearing for awhile now. Phillips, no matter how bad the offense performs, still controls the defense. Changing coaches now would be worse than sticking it out until the end of the year.

Our Prediction: The Texans passing D is horrible despite a great pass rush. Don’t worry. The Cowboys are having offense troubles so the two should equal out. Look for the crazy passing of Matt Schaub to lift the Texans over the ‘Boys 35-24.

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
This matchup is not only one of the best games of the week but it will be highlighted on Monday Night Football. Although I think the Pack are one of the most complete teams in the NFL right now, I have to swing toward the hot Bears who are playing some monster D. They knocked out Matthew Stafford in game 1 and Jason Witten in game 2 to come into the game with a 2-0 record.

Both teams can hit hard and pass the ball around so look for some wild action and a full injury report on Tuesday morning. I like the Bears to win 21-17.

Chargers LT McNeill ends holdout, loses $2.5 Million

Holdout left tackle Marcus McNeill has reported to the San Diego Chargers after signing a one-year, $630,000 tender, according to ESPN.

McNeill held out in hopes of signing a long term deal. He had a chance to sign a tender with the team earlier in the year for almost $3.2 million.  The big kicker is the uncapped year this year which added a few years to his chance to become a restricted free agent.

McNeill’s original four-year contract expired at the end of last season. But because this is an uncapped year, he would have needed six seasons to become an unrestricted free agent.

When McNeill hadn’t signed his $3,168,000 tender as a restricted free agent by June 15, the Chargers were entitled to reduce the tender to 110 percent of his 2009 salary, or $630,000. That will be further reduced by each game he doesn’t play.

The veteran left tackle must sit out the next three games, however, because he and wide receiver Vincent Jackson were placed on the roster exempt list by general manager A.J. Smith on Aug. 20. McNeill will be eligible to play in Week 6 at St. Louis. [via]

Weekend Pigskin Doctors Links Shotgunning the Tim Tebow Facebook Page

Hells Yeah! Coors Light to Release New Shotgunnable Can with Second Tab on Side

The Coors Brewing Company announced today that they will soon begin offering Coors Light in a new “shotgunnable can” that will feature a second tab on its side to allow for easy shotgunning.

Fantasy Football: 10 Week 3 Pickups That Will Get You Back on Top

Fantasy football Week 3 is here, and help could be on the way for many fantasy owners looking for a spark. Week 2 provided an abundance of fantasy revelations, including the rushing outbursts of Atlanta’s Jason Snelling and San Diego’s Mike Tolbert. Both players stepped in for injured starters and racked up yards while helping their teams to blowout wins. Here’s a look at 10 waiver wire pickups you should consider making before Sunday.

The Office Returns!

Michael Scott and Co. return for another season of crazy, madcap adventures.  Plus Jenna Fischer.

Tebow’s Facebook Page

What the Tim Tebow Facebook Page will look like

The 15 Most White-Trash Fictional Athletes of All Time

Our friends at Things That Are White Trash noticed Waffle’s Top 10 list of white trash baseball pitchers. They decided to send along their own list of 15 fictional white trash athletes from TV shows and movies. Go ahead and guess who’s number two?

When mascots attack! Bobcat tackles Brutus Buckeye

via Guyism

Time Lapse Video Changing Meadowlands from Giants To Jets

The New York Jets and Giants share a common home in the New Meadowlands Stadium. The modern facility even has the ability to customize the lighting to reflect the team playing. When the Giants play there will be blue walls and ceilings and green for the Jets.

But a few lighting tricks can’t switch out the fields between games. For the opening weekend of the NFL season both teams played in the New Meadowlands within 24 hours. A crew worked hard to make sure that the field and banners around the inside of the stadium reflected the correct team as seen in these time-lapse videos.

The overhead view shows the crews working all over the stadium. Here’s a closeup of the crew swapping out the endzone turf with forklifts.

As the field is being changed another crew inside switches out signs and banners to the individual teams. Here the banners in the Coach’s Club gets switched from Giants to Jets followed by a video of the outside graphics banner being swapped.

New Meadowlands Trivision Change Over Time-Lapse from Ken Friberg and Daniel Life on Vimeo.

The Know-It-All Culture of Fantasy Football

What do you get when you combine fantasy football, the NFL, hourly player updates, statistics and a bunch of men? A bunch of clowns who feel they understand everything there is to know about fantasy football, the NFL, the draft, offensive and defensive play-calling, upside, downside, who’s hot, who’s not and every other miserable topic to be found on the internet, in magazines, on TV, on the radio, etc.

Like mastering the stock market, translating the Voynich Manuscript, or fully understanding the complexities of a woman’s emotions, some things will never be completely understood.

Of course, there is no big secret, no grand bit of information; it’s almost all completely random. Almost. Or is it?

Fantasy football advice is and isn’t an oxymoron. On one hand, there are people who feel the game is totally random and all you can do is get yourself the best players with the best stats and hope they outperform the other guy’s team. Then there is a group who feel the game can be understood. That if one can understand all the factors at play, it’s possible to closely predict the outcome. They play matchups, analyze previous performances, check the weather, and use their wealth of football knowledge to make a seemingly educated guess.

But like poker, fantasy football is a game of both skill and luck. I may be doing a disservice to poker’s complex strategies, but to be fair, football is pretty complicated too.

1) There are no right answers in fantasy football

There are assumptions and presumptions. There are hunches. There are inklings, clues, hints, pieces of the puzzle and so on. But even after the fact, after the results are in, the results are just as meaningless as they are meaningful.

Take Arian Foster’s Week 1 performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Here’s a difficult question that really has no answer: Did Foster play so well because of his individual talent, his team’s talent, both he and the team, due to a lack of talent in Indy’s defense, due to poor game-planning by Indy, due to good play-calling by Houston and so on and so on.

There are so many moving parts here, all a fantasy expert can do is pick a side: “Foster’s a beast!” or “Indy is awful at run defense this year” or “BOTH!”

2) Trends and flukes

Last season, the Carolina Panthers only allowed four touchdowns to wide receivers. In Week 1 this season, they allowed three touchdowns to New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks.

An expert may have benched Nicks for another player, while the noob may have started him with confidence. Moral of the story: It’s still a game of chance.

Things don’t always play out how the stats say they are “supposed” to. As they say, that’s why they play the game.

3) The Know-It-All vs. The Blind Luck

Know-it-alls are everywhere. As an NFL fan, it’s important to grasp that while it’s easy to memorize the matchups, the stats, and the minutia. The advantage is so slight versus someone who just plays their best players every week that it can easily blow up in your face. Relying too heavily on either end of the spectrum (knowledge or luck) is not a smart way to play the game. It’s somewhere in the middle. A very grey, very wide and murky middle.

Keeping in mind that anything can happen, while also noting special instances where information is advantageous is all you can do. Say a team is missing a veteran middle linebacker due to injuries. You know that he is his team’s leading tackler and is also responsible for calling audibles and getting guys in position. His backup is an unproven rookie. On paper, that sounds like a good matchup, especially for a running back. If that RB does great, you get to pat yourself on the back. If he doesn’t, oh well, you were wrong. All that can be done is identifying these matchups and hoping they play out.

Rely on your knowledge but respect the luck involved.

As a guy who won 11 of his 13 fantasy football leagues last year, some might say I’m a know-it- all expert. Or maybe, I got really lucky. I’m still not sure.

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