Joe Ciolli:
The Miami Dolphins’ star running back Ricky Williams recently retired after only five seasons, citing stress and the desire to smoke more marijuana as reasons. Let’s hope this isn’t a sign of things to come for pro athletes. If every pothead in the NBA decided to retire, the Portland Trailblazers would cease to exist and the entire league might fold.
Game of the week:
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins
With Williams gone and wide receiver David Boston out for the season with an injury, the Titans should easily have their way against a demoralized Miami squad. Who would’ve thought that only after the loss of Williams the Dolphins would start getting smoked?
Jeff Novack:
Before missing the final seven games of the season with a foot injury last year, Giants TE Jeremy Shockey had made a reputation not only as one of the most talented pass catchers at his position but also as one of the biggest loudmouths in the entire league. This year, he’ll have company in both respects with Browns rookie TE and fellow University of Miami alumnus Kellen Winslow entering the league. The two will get a chance to find out just who is the bigger talker in week three when their two teams meet.
Game of the week:
Indianapolis at New England
The former AFC East rivals meet in the first game of the NFL season in what could be an AFC Championship preview.
Pankaj Chhabra
Say what you will about Deion Sanders. Yes, Prime Time hasn’t played since his sub-par 2000 season, and he’s likely to have lost a few steps. But if there was a Ph.D. in Talking Smack, he’d have it. And he’d be prestigious enough to leave his teaching post at WU for a more glorious position elsewhere.
Game of the week:
Green Bay vs. Carolina
I’m a Bears fan, but I cannot in good conscience advise you to watch the Chicago-Detriot Lions opener. Please stay away. Watch anything else. For the love of Vishnu!
Max Kaftal
This football season promises to be another exciting one. With super-star role models like Ricky Williams retiring because of a supposed drug-test failure, and Keyshawn “give me the ball” Johnson reuniting with his former coach Bill Parcells, this year will prove to be even more competitive than last.
Game of the week:
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Michael Vick returns for his first meaningful game action since his broken leg last year. If he’s back to his old self, the Falcons could be a threat in the NFC. If not, the Eagles seem to be set for a run to the Super Bowl.