Leyden's Log - Week Eight

Week Eight of the NFL season features the year's most highly anticipated matchup,plus a handful of other potential classics. Wake up Orville Redenbacher and find a spot on the couch. This is a must-watch week of action.


Inside This Edition:

The All-Time Jets/Fins team
An unprecedented day in Philly
How do you go 2-39? Ask Rams & Lions
Happy Birthday Fernando Valenzuela


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Halloween is upon us and you came up with a number of creative costumes we could see in the NFL.

Patrick Manwiller of Reading, PA went literary with, “I'd love to see Mike Vick dressed up as Timmy to see if Lassie would come and rescue him like the Eagles did!!!!”

Brian King of Chicago, IL takes two points for this cogent observation: “Brad Childress goes out in a suit and tie and voila…Tony Kornheiser. Ever notice they are never in the same place at the same time?” No, I hadn’t… but I’ll keep an eye on that now.

Cinda Yasso of Allentown, PA takes the top prize with, “William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry because he would also serve the dual critical role of being my own portable beer cooler....CHEERS.” Mmmmm, beer. Three points.

This week’s question – Leaves are changing, leaves are falling, leaves are cluttering my yard. What’s the best clean-up strategy?


SONG OF THE WEEK

It’s close to midnight, and something evil’s lurking in the LOG…


FOUR TOPS The best four games of the week

Less than a month ago, it was one of the most exciting games of the year, so are you surprised Jets/Dolphins II enters the Four Tops yet again? This matchup has a spot permanently reserved in the penthouse. The NFL should create an All-Time Jet/Fin team –Wesley Walker, Mark Duper, Dan Marino, Mark Clayton, Dwight Stephenson, Lorenzo Hampton, Erik McMillan, Chad Cascadden, Chad Pennington, Ken O’Brien, AJ Duhe, Vinny Testaverde, Jumbo Elliott, Mark Ingram. Miami and New York fans know exactly why each of those guys is on the roster. Will someone else earn a spot? Chad Henne? Ricky Williams? Mark Sanchez? You have a feeling the answer will be yes.

Another rematch will be the headliner this week – Brett Favre’s return to Green Bay is unparalleled in NFL history. No other legend who spent the bulk of his career with one team has returned as an enemy in such a meaningful game. I’m not buying Emmitt Smith with Arizona in 2003. This is unprecedented and you’ll see that reflected in the ratings. With 91% of America getting this game on the tube – only Carolina and Arizona aren’t – you know it’s a big deal.

I’m putting Sunday’s game against Denver in the must-win column for Baltimore. Here’s a team that many think is still among the best in the NFL, but if the Ravens lose they’ll be 3-4 – unthinkable with talent such as Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and an offense led by Joe Flacco that’s scoring 28 points a game. How ingenious is Josh McDaniels? He gets my vote for Coach of the Midseason if he figures out a way to win on the road and get the Broncos to 7-0 for the first time since the dominant 1998 season.

Who’s going to be in Philadelphia this Sunday? What a remarkable day – Giants/Eagles at 1, Yankees/Phils at 8. Let’s just hope everything stays civil because tensions will be high and the booze will be flowing. The G-Men haven’t lost three straight since 2006, but they’re facing a quarterback in Donovan McNabb that’s gone 9-4 in his last 13 starts against New York. This next month - NY, Dallas, @ San Diego and @ Chicago – will define the Eagles season. Will they fly on the road to victory, or will they crash down with a resounding thud?


HOW’D I DO Grading last week’s Four Tops

Vikes/Steelers – Defensive battle, defensive touchdowns, close game. A

Saints/Dolphins – Fins big lead, Saints big comeback. Drama, suspense. A

Niners/Texans – You counted the Niners out early, didn’t you? B

Bengals/Bears – Incredible execution by Cincy… did I just write that? C

Season totals – 16 A’s, 5 B’s, 5 C’s, 1 D, 1 F


OVERTIME Other games to watch

Rams/Lions – Because they’ve combined to go 2-39 in their last 41 games. You’re bound to see something ridiculous.

Hawks/Cowboys – Which Seattle team shows up?

Texans/Bills – Houston’s an entertaining team to watch.

Falcons/Saints – Nice Monday Nighter to end the week.


HOME RUN

Niners/Colts, Raiders/Chargers, Panthers/Cards, Matsuisan


STRIKEOUT

Jaguars/Titans, Browns/Bears, A-Rod


HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Lisa McClellan, Therese Potter, Dave Baumann, Kathleen Garbarino, Mike Thomas, Steve Wilson, Kelly Leyden, Rita Leyden, Ed Bruderman, Dan Viafore, Katherine Carttar and Fernando Valenzuela, who turns 49 this Sunday.