Roll-up roll-up, the circus is in town…

There are few people happier than me to see the NFL coming back to London for another go. Despite the rain, the worst team in the league and the relatively unremarkable game that played out it was quite the success. And now, we get to see a true crunch match-up between two teams that were touted as possible Superbowl opponents come February. With both teams at 3-4 it’s looking unlikely but as long as the pitch holds up, it should be a tremendous game.

But…

While the stadium would sell out numerous times over, is it really all worth it? From a selfish point of view, of course, a couple of years ago I would have given anything to see a proper NFL game, as in a regular season game that actually meant something. Now, I’m preparing to see my fourth (I’ve seen two in America). But think of the furore of the possibility a 39th game for the Premiership. Yes it was a ludicrous proposal (there are 38 games for a reason), but it isn’t a mile away from the NFL. You get 8 home games a season, and in a league where margins are so fine, just think of what New Orleans are losing by uprooting from Louisiana to play a home game 4,500 miles away.

It’s not just a home game they’re losing. They’re losing a game at the Superdome, a place which arguably gives the Saints a home advantage like no other. You’ve got the cold of Green Bay, the altitude of Mile High and the terrible towels in Pittsburgh, but in terms of fan power, no other team compares to New Orleans. 

Instead of that, they’re the designated home team in a stadium of 80,000 fans mostly containing supporters of 31 other teams, so that’s including Carolina, Tampa Bay, Atlanta etc. 

The fans will get behind the Saints, they are the home team but it’s nowhere near the same as a real home game. Furthermore, it’s as if the Chargers only have to play 7 away games, with 1 neutral, surely a major help in the playoff race (and let’s face it, they need it). 

I can’t wait for the game, I just hope it doesn’t spark a home-field advantage debate. Go Saints!

—-

Aside from the obvious, what really gets me about the International series is the bandwagon nature of… well everyone. At first it might sound like I’m acting defiant because “I liked it before it was cool to like it”, but it really is as if the circus is coming through. Condescending news articles, out of date stories and ludicrous interviews for a couple of weeks before the NFL passes through and we hear nothing of it for a year. Case in point, Times2 today featured a double page spread on the Saint’s role in the revival of New Orleans. It’s a fantastic story but this was 2-3 years ago, it should have been a fantastic story then as well. 

I’m not exactly thrilled with the BBC barging in to claim a place on the bandwagon either. Bringing in Mike Carlson was a great move but Jake Humphreys? Please…

If anything, the real praise should go to Sky, and to a lesser extent Five for their brilliant coverage that’s been consistent for years. The International Series will always drum up some interest but it’ll be the likes of Sky and Five that help sustain it. The addition of NFL Gameday to Sky’s programming is what Britain’s needed for years in terms of the NFL, authentic American coverage of the game condensed into a highlights show that anyone can watch. Perhaps it’ll be the catalyst for at least an amateur-level revival, we’ll have to wait and see.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 7

Surprisingly little change in the rankings this week as for the first time there is no movement in the top five with just three new entrants into the top 10. Despite the “any given Sunday” philosophy of recent weeks that saw Chicago and Minnesota share 89 points and the supposedly done for Patriots explode for 41 on the Broncos, many of the leagues newly established big guns held their own to pick up wins. And it is New England and Chicago who are our biggest risers with both joining the top 10 after their impressive victories. Meanwhile, things aren’t looking so good for struggling San Diego and Indianapolis who both find themselves without winning records heading into Week 8.

2008 Power Rankings: Week 7
	RK (Last week)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (1)	Giants	5-1-0	Make or break time for that proud away record when they visit Pittsburgh next.
	2 (2)	Titans	6-0-0	If the Titans can get past Indy at home, they’ll be 4 and a half games ahead…
	3 (3)	Steelers	5-1-0	Who needs Willie Parker when you’re playing an opponent like that? Well Mewelde might not cut it next week.
	4 (4)	Redskins	5-2-0	That defense wasn’t making the same mistake twice. Gritty win that they needed.
	5 (5)	Bills	5-1-0	Give that man Trent Edwards his big contract, that was a sensational performance against the supposed class of the AFC.
	6 (7)	Bucs	5-2-0	There’s no doubt that Jeff Garcia is this team’s Quarterback.
	7 (8)	Panthers	5-2-0	Well that’s one way to bounce back from getting crushed by a divisional rival. Crush another one.
	8 (9)	Cardinals	4-2-0	They may just have to watch their backs now with the Rams rampaging
	9 (17)	Bears	4-3-0	That was some nice “game management” from Kyle Orton…
	10 (18)	Patriots	4-2-0	The reported demise of New England has been greatly exaggerated. Don’t forget Brady struggled initially, they finished 11-5.
	11 (17)	Cowboys	4-3-0	Remember when this team was the best in football? This team needs to show some character to rebound.
	12 (12)	Falcons	4-2-0	Look at the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s where this team is *supposed* to be.
	13 (10)	Broncos	4-3-0	Said it once and I’ll say it again, that defense is not good enough.
	14 (15)	Packers	4-3-0	The bye has finally arrived, and with news of a possible Al Harris return, this team could sweep the North yet.
	15 (14)	Jaguars	3-3-0	The Jags return from the bye healthier, but a Matt Jones suspension is not the start they need.
	16 (16)	Eagles	3-3-0	You can only be potential for so long. Time for the Eagles to kick on before they fall too far back.
	17 (11)	Chargers	3-4-0	And once again, the Chargers play the Jekyll and Hyde routine. However, would you discount them in the playoffs?
	18 (13)	Saints	3-4-0	How can a supposed MVP be on a 3-4 team? You know, only 1 in 5 3-4 teams makes the playoffs. London awaits…
	19 (19)	Jets	3-3-0	I’m sorry, as impressive as the Jets have been, you cannot play 5 quarters in Oakland and score 13 points.
	20 (15)	Colts	3-3-0	Where’s the fight? It’ll need to appear fast with a Monday night date in Tennessee looming.
	21 (21)	Browns	2-4-0	As much as I want to believe in Derek Anderson, he’s just far too erratic. You can’t leave it that late.
	22 (22)	Vikings	3-4-0	It was bound to happen, two grind-it-out teams put up 89. If the Vikings were for real, they would have won that, in Chicago and made a statement.
	23 (24)	Ravens	3-3-0	I question Flacco’s number’s one week, he comes back and is near flawless the next. Carry on keeping that bench warm Troy.
	24 (28)	Rams	2-4-0	I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more emphatic mid season turnaround after a firing. Another win and they’re practically at .500…
	25 (25)	Texans	2-4-0	Another good win, Schaub can certainly put up number. I’d love to see this team in a division like the East.
	26 (29)	Raiders	2-4-0	It was slow and steady, but Jamarcus Russell actually looked pretty good this week. Maybe it’s because he isn’t missing his receivers by 10 yards.
	27 (23)	Dolphins	2-4-0	I wouldn’t give up on the Wildcat yet, there are few defenses as good, or as clever as Baltimore.
	28 (26)	49ers	2-5-0	So Mike Nolan’s gone, but will it really help this team? Time will tell
	29 (27)	Seahawks	1-5-0	And another meek performance. At least Seneca Wallace is getting some playing time, I think he can be a legitimate starter in this league.
	30 (31)	Chiefs	1-5-0	That’s twice they’ve given up 300 yards rushing in one game. Bet their passing D stats are great.
	31 (30)	Bengals	0-7-0	Despite the rich Bengal tradition of losing, I kinda feel sorry for them, put who do you point the finger of blame at?
	32 (32)	Lions	0-6-0	The Bengals have lost a game more, but this team is far more embarassing

Stubborn Spurs need a change in Philosophy

Trust me when I say this, Spurs are not too good to go down. They’re not even close.

Yesterday’s 2-1 loss to Stoke City capped a record 8th straight game without a win for Juande Ramos’ side, leaving them stranded at the bottom of the Premier League. Five points adrift at this early stage of the season, it’s a far cry from the optimism of pre-season that saw starry eyed Spurs fans talking of 4th place.

Spurs’ start to the season is a startling reminder that games are not won on paper. While there is plenty of time to turn it around, it’s a slippery slope they’ve embarked on. And it’s not one that’s easily escapable.

The problem is, it’s all well and good losing a few games. It’s a blip, once you get that win, you’re back on track and confidence grows. But when you start losing and keep losing like Spurs have, luck doesn’t just sometimes go against you, it keeps going against you. Negativity sets in, you begin to wonder if the win will ever come, you’re so focused on not making a mistake that you’ll make more mistakes. Teams seem to get more clinical. And before you know it, it’s Xmas, you’re bottom, and it’s a massive hole you’ve got to dig yourself out of.

It’s a downward spiral, and unlike West Ham, Spurs can’t start their season after the New Year, let alone in Marsh like West Ham did. Why? Spurs will panic buy, and that rarely comes off. It nearly backfired on West Ham (see Nigel Quashie).

When you look at the situation, it’s understandable why Spurs find themselves in this predicament. Their efforts to distance themselves from the rest of the mid-table and join the upper echelons has only seen them sink further and further.

Spurs seem to think, with their continental set up, their big ambitions and their lavish spending, that they are too good to have to yield their best players to better clubs. Rather than sell their talent to the bigger clubs, they are a big club, they buy the talent from those below them, snap up whoever is hot at the moment. For example, Danny Murphy, Wayne Routledge, two players bought solely because they were on form. Neither were used much, money was wasted and were sold on. Murphy at the time was talismanic for Charlton and the move benefitted nobody.

And on the flip side, their attitude did nothing but hinder them when Manchester United and Liverpool came calling for Berbatov and Keane respectively. Spurs did the usual, stall and complain for a few weeks until finally realizing that there wasn’t much they could do. They couldn’t realistically keep players of that quality in reserve, so they spent another couple of weeks squeezing an extra million out, and sold the player on.

The result? A long running transfer saga that overshadowed Spurs preseason and limited the time they had in finding a replacement. Not to mention their complete lack of strikers in the first place was their own fault as well. Again willing to snap up the flavour of the month, Charlton managed to sell on Darren Bent for a whopping 16 million at a time when Spurs already had 3 quality strikers. Within weeks it became clear that Bent couldn’t live up to the price tag, but because Spurs didn’t want to admit that, they decided to sell Defoe on, not Bent. Bent would surely only command a fee of 8 million tops, a loss Spurs couldn’t face making. So Defoe was sold, and currently is scoring for fun at Portsmouth. Keane and Berbatov chose to go, leaving Spurs with a £16 million misfit, unable to fit their system.

Even so, Spurs looked a decent side on paper. The Berbatov saga didn’t help but they surely had the talent to go far in the UEFA Cup, achieve a top-six finish.

But look at it closer; £16 million for Modric, a player Arsene Wenger didn’t want. £5 million for Giovani, a player Barcelona didn’t want. £12 million on a Russian striker who we’d never heard of before Euro 2008. £17 million on David Bentley and then not allowing him to play his own game. A £10 million Brazilian goalkeeper who had a reputation for being erratic. Dawson who persistently looks like a League 1 player unless beside a calming influence like Ledley King. King himself unable to string two matches together. A disinterested looking Woodgate. A midfield lacking no bite or creativity whatsoever. Aaron Lennon who’s failing to live up to the potential of 2-3 years ago. Didier Zokora.

The result is a disjointed team that’s unable to play together. They certainly have talent in the squad but no matter how disinterested Berbatov looked, how erratic Robbie Keane could be, they could win Spurs games. Who can they look to now to pull 3 points out of a hat? They don’t even have a captain…

Ramos finally conceded last week that realistically King could only play once every 2 or 3 weeks. Keane brought goals but he also brought a hunger and a leadership that Spurs are now sorely missing. Who in that locker room would you look to to give a rousing half time speech? Jonathan Woodgate? Tom Huddlestone? Jermaine Jenas?

It was Jenas that led the team out against Stoke and as solid a player as he’s become, he just isn’t captain material. A key, and very much unheralded factor in West Ham’s survival last year was the role of Lucas Neill. While only a full back, he galvanized the side, inspired a previously shaky defence and played a huge part in West Ham staying up. Blue collar may not be Spurs’ style, but it’s just what they need come January.

For the record, I think Spurs will get out of it. Newcastle on the other hand might not find it so easy. But what is quickly becoming apparent is that unlike last year, there aren’t a surplus of bad teams to save “giants” such as Newcastle and Spurs. It’s still early but unless Tottenham buck their ideas up quickly, they could have a real fight on their hands.

Some Week 6 observations..

Just some thoughts on the week that was in the NFL…

Cowboy Panic

Ok, you’ve lost the last two, pretty much every performance has gotten worse since week 2 and your star QB (who continues to make at least one mistake every game) is ailing. That ticking time bomb Pacman Jones has imploded early and you have even less recievers than you started the season with.

Time to panic in big D? NO! Good lord but the Cowboys seem determined to.

Let’s look at the facts. The Cowboys have an incredibly talented team but have been plagued by bad play-calling and bonehead mistakes (see Tony Romo fumbling around with the ball in the endzone, see even thinking about trusting Adam Jones). How about you get your house in order and sort out the play calling on offense. Yes Romo may be out, but it’s for 2 weeks, let it be. Let Brad Johnson manage the game and simply give the ball to Barber, one of the best backs in the NFL. Beat the 1-5 Rams this week and you’re 5-2 and sailing.

Yet rather than take a step back and calm down, Dallas decided to blow half it’s draft (1st rd, 3rd rd and 7th rd picks) on Roy E Williams from Detroit. Looks like it really is superbowl or bust…

Now, Dallas have lacked WR depth since day 1, and the loss of Sam Hurd didn’t help. But, Miles Austin is still emerging and your two starting WRs, Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton, are still available. Both of these are top WRs capable of catapulting you into the playoffs. This isn’t the Seahawks corps of 2005 that burdened them all season, Crayton would walk into most teams in the NFL.

But now that’s half your draft gone on a player who won’t be ready for at least a couple of weeks. And you’ve sent out a message. Not one of intent, but of panic.

And NFL teams can smell fear.

Behind the Numbers

- Jay Cutler threw for “just” 192 yards in a losing effort to the Jags last week. Thats higher than what 12 NFL teams are averaging in terms of passing yards per game…

- The Jaguars are 3-3, yet every single game has been decided by 8 points or less – one score. Considering the length of the Jags injury list and strength of their pre-bye week schedule, I’d say thats a pretty strong indicator that they’re playing hard.

- Joe Flacco hasn’t looked terrible behind centre for the Baltimore Ravens, who many would say are quite unlucky to be 2-3. But take a look at his numbers. 1 TD, 7 Interceptions, 5 fumbles with 1 lost. Is it time to give Troy Smith a go?

- Philadelphia outscored the 49ers 23-0 in the 4th quarter after trailing 17-26. Frank Gore rushed for just 3 yards in the 4th, what were San Francisco thinking?

- Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski has missed from 76, 64, 59 and 57 yards in the last two seasons. Do the Raiders not realise short kicks can be returned?

Baffling plays of the week

-Dallas tied Arizona 24-24 in OT, ready to punt. Arizona’s Sean Morey lined up right, and ran untouched towards punter Mat McBriar, blocking the punt, allowing the Cards to recover and score the game-ending TD.

It’s overtime, it’s next point wins and you can’t even get your blocking assignments right on a simple punt?

- It’s an obvious but Dan Orlovsky. You’re a professional Quarterback, how on earth can you run not 1, but a full 3 yards out the back of your own endzone without even noticing?

Furthermore, Lions coaches, what on EARTH are you doing calling a play action at your own 1?

- Washington lead 17-16 with 1:13 remaining. The Rams have a 3rd and 13 on their own 41. It’s coming up to the last chance saloon for St. Louis. Stop them here twice, game over.

So why oh why would you, as a defensive coordinator, call a double safety blitz?! Is this one of those double bluff kind of things? They should be passing so we expect run? Drop 10 men into coverage, protect against the deep pass, let them have 10 yards. It’s free yardage but it brings up fourth down, lets the clock tick down and you’ve practically run the game. But no, double safety blitz, forty three yard completion, and the Rams kick the FG to win.

Seriously, how can you give up a 43 yard pass on 3rd and 13?

NFL Power Rankings: Week 6

2008 Power Rankings: Week 6
	RK (Last week)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (1)	Giants	4-1-0	Their first road loss in like, forever. They’re still the best though, and the visit of the 49ers should get them back on track
	2 (3)	Titans	5-0-0	They shouldn’t look past KC, but they might as well.
	3 (6)	Steelers	4-1-0	Thats the bye week done with, and hopefully it will see the return of Willie Parker.
	4 (2)	Redskins	4-1-0	Let this be a lesson to them, one team at a time. Turnovers and mistakes just killed them on Sunday.
	5 (7)	Bills	4-1-0	Trent Edwards gets thrown back in at the deep end with the visit of the Chargers. Time to see if the Bills are for real
	6 (4)	Cowboys	4-2-0	Is it time to panic? Who cares, because that’s exactly what the ‘Boys are doing.
	7 (11)	Bucs	4-2-0	Crushing win from the Bucs in the ultra-competitive south. Garcia may be back, but how about that defense.
	8 (5)	Panthers	4-2-0	That has to hurt…
	9 (17)	Cardinals	4-2-0	Is there a better team at home in the NFL right now? The West is theirs to lose
	10 (8)	Broncos	4-2-0	The Denver offense can’t keep making mistakes, because that D will not be there to bail them out.
	11 (14)	Chargers	3-3-0	Now that was the Chargers everyone expected to see on Sunday night, but only .500? Still work to do.
	12 (23)	Falcons	4-2-0	Matt Ryan looks mature well beyond his years. How many QBs would make that throw with 7 seconds left?
	13 (20)	Saints	3-3-0	Drew Brees is making a strong case for MVP
	14 (12)	Jaguars	3-3-0	Considering that schedule and that injury list, a 3-3 record isn’t bad heading into the bye.
	15 (15)	Colts	3-2-0	Big win, but with Addai out, questions over the run game remain
	16 (13)	Eagles	3-3-0	Massive 4th quarter from McNabb, but where were they for the 1st 3 quarters?
	17 (9)	Bears	3-3-0	How on earth did they lose that game against the Falcons? This team just keeps shooting themselves in the foot.
	18 (10)	Patriots	3-2-0	I’m pretty sure Tom Brady didnt play defense as well..
	19 (22)	Jets	3-2-0	Favre returns to the scene of one of his finest hours, may not be so easy this time around.
	20 (21)	Packers	3-3-0	A win, albeit over perhaps the one team more depleted than them.
	21 (25)	Browns	2-3-0	And finally the Browns turn up, but you get the sense it may all be for nothing unless they can beat the Skins
	22 (23)	Vikings	3-3-0	After an 0-2 start, they find themselves somehow in a 1st place tie.
	23 (19)	Dolphins	2-3-0	A heart-breaking loss but at least the Dolphins are now anything but a laughing stock. Can they make a run for the playoffs?
	24 (16)	Ravens	2-3-0	That proud defense just got humiliated and completely exposed their rookie QB.
	25 (28)	Texans	1-4-0	It’s a shame they got off to such an awful start, because this team has potential. Schaub, Slaton, Johnson, Walters…
	26 (24)	49ers	2-4-0	Frank Gore, give the ball to Frank Gore…
	27 (26)	Seahawks	1-4-0	This team is pretty much finished, maybe a couple more wins left in them.
	28 (32)	Rams	1-4-0	Hmm, well the coaching change worked against a complacent Niners team. Can’t begrudge them that victory though.
	29 (27)	Raiders	0-5-0	So i guess the “let Russell loose” plan didn’t work Al. What you got next up your sleeve?
	30 (29)	Bengals	0-6-0	Winning is hard enough, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick?
	31 (30)	Chiefs	1-4-0	Guess it’s still rebuilding then eh?
	32 (31)	Lions	0-5-0	Orlovsky runs 3 yards out the back of his own endzone. Without realising. That just IS the Lions

NFL Power Rankings: Week 5

2008 Power Rankings: Week 5
	RK (Last week)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (1)	Giants	4-0-0	The Giants are just steamrolling teams right now, and Manning is making any reciever look good, 44 without Plax?
	2 (7)	Redskins	4-1-0	4-1 and already played all 3 road division games. This team, and more importantly Jason Campbell, look to be for real.
	3 (2)	Titans	5-0-0	A quarterback controversy is not what you need at 5-0, but Kerry Collins did nothing to help his cause.
	4 (3)	Cowboys	4-1-0	This team looks like it’s losing confidence fast. Going into Arizona will be a huge test of character.
	5 (6)	Panthers	4-1-0	34-0, job done there, now a massive game in Tampa. Win that, and the division is surely theirs to lose.
	6 (4)	Steelers	4-1-0	Even with the injuries, they went into Jacksonville and won. This team is a contender.
	7 (5)	Bills	4-1-0	A timely bye week, they need a healthy Edwards back as JP will just not cut it.
	8 (11)	Broncos	4-1-0	So they do play defense…
	9 (13)	Bears	3-2-0	I love this team’s character, and Kyle Orton is 3-2… Just don’t read anything into that 334 yard performance against Detroit
	10 (15)	Patriots	3-1-0	A loss against San Fran could have killed their season. Brady may be gone, but they’re still 3-1.
	11 (8)	Bucs	3-2-0	Huge game on Sunday, Brian Griese needs to get this offense in order and start putting up the points again.
	12 (11)	Jaguars	2-3-0	I just don’t think this team has what it takes any more, they have to beat Denver.
	13 (10)	Eagles	2-3-0	Hard to believe this team started 2-0. McNabb needs to once again put this team on his shoulders
	14 (9)	Chargers	2-2-0	How much longer can we hold this team in high regard? LT can’t run if there aren’t any holes.
	15 (14)	Colts	1-2-0	That win told us nothing positive about the Colts. Baltimore’s defense could prove a large problem
	16 (16)	Ravens	2-2-0	This team should be 3-1 and challenging Pittsburgh for the division lead. What a horrible call by the refs. Props to Harbraugh though.
	17 (20)	Carinals	3-2-0	You sort of expected that rebound from Warner… Which means you sort of expect another turnover-fest against Dallas
	18 (23)	Falcons	3-2-0	Time to stop condescending this team and admit that they’re here to play.
	19 (26)	Dolphins	2-2-0	Can you say most exciting offense in the NFL?
	20 (17)	Saints	2-3-0	When is this team going to stop feeling sorry for themselves and win the close ones? You make your own luck.
	21 (18)	Packers	2-3-0	Injuries are killing this team, and it’s sad to see.
	22 (19)	Jets	2-2-0	The week of rest has allowed Favre to get even more in sync with this offense. The Bengals could be in trouble
	23 (22)	Vikings	1-3-0	Well they’re off the mark, but is it too little too late?
	24 (21)	49ers	2-3-0	It really doesn’t get any easier after that loss to New England.
	25 (25)	Browns	1-3-0	Bye week over and done with, now we will see what this team is made of… against the Giants.
	26 (24)	Seahawks	1-3-0	Recievers are starting to return but now Hasselbeck out? Could be a sad end to Holmgren’s tenure.
	27 (27)	Raiders	1-3-0	The teams playing hard, they aren’t far from being respected again but how on earth can firing Kiffin help that progress?
	28 (29)	Texans	0-4-0	That was plain embarassing.
	29 (30)	Bengals	0-5-0	They’re still playing hard, but without Palmer it just doesnt get any easier.
	30 (28)	Chiefs	1-4-0	Followed a division win with a total of 0 points against Carolina. Now that’s backbone
	31 (31)	Lions	0-4-0	They’re doing their best to stake a claim as “Worst team in the league”
	32 (32)	Rams	0-4-0	Does anyone think Haslett’s promotion will mean anything?

Booed? Get over it

So the players are biting back eh? Yesterday Rio Ferdinand described England’s boo-boys as “immature, ignorant and shameful” as once again the fans were cast as the villains, setting them up for a convenient excuse the next time England fail.

Plenty of “holier than thou” fans will tell you that booing a team is an action a “true” fan would never take, but I’ve had enough with all this over reaction, Ashley, Rio, get over it.

Of course i understand that booing a player can have a negative effect, destroy morale etc etc but I think at times fans are perfectly entitled to vent their feelings. We are in age where Rio Ferdinand is probably earning close to 100,000 a week, Premiership players average at least 20,000 while fans are expected to give up anything up to £50-£60 to watch a single Premiership game. Heaven knows how much an England ticket is. And how many of those players actually keep this fact in mind? Few I’d say. Even the youth of today are inheriting the arrogance that plagues so many of the Premierships footballers.

I don’t begrudge the money they earn, it’s a market economy, supply and demand etc. But what I do begrudge is players seen not to be trying, a lack of effort. And it’s something that’s universal for all fans. All clubs have players that aren’t necessarily the best, but the 100% effort will always ensure they remain a favourite. But players who don’t even seem bothered, I don’t have a problem in booing them off. If i’ve forked out £35 or so to see my team not even seem to care, I’ll let them know it.

And so we come to Ashley Cole, and there’s few players more disliked than this man. Greedy, arrogant, selfish, obnoxious- stop me any time you want. He’s made little effort to endear himself to the fans so why on earth should fans care about his feelings? He made a stupid mistake because of complacency, but any other player on that England team, would they have been booed?

You’ve made your bed Ashley, now lay in it. You obviously cared little what people thought when releasing that autobiography, why start now?

NFL Power Rankings: Week 4

2008 Power Rankings: Week 4
	RK (Last week)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (2)	Giants	3-0-0	You’d think an early bye week may hinder them on the stretch, but this is the team who won 11 straight on the road
	2 (5)	Titans	4-0-0	Another tricky but winnable game this week against the Ravens, it could well be a 5-0 start.
	3 (1)	Cowboys	3-1-0	And suddenly, they look mortal again. It just seemed pretty arrogant/dumb on offense to run just 12 running plays.
	4 (7)	Steelers	3-1-0	An ailing Parker, no Mendenhall, it looks like Mewedle Moore may have to step up for this banged up Steelers offense. Can they last the season?
	5 (8)	Bills	4-0-0	That one was a gimme, but thats 3 straight 4th Qtr comebacks. This team does need testing, but you can’t argue with 4-0.
	6 (9)	Panthers	3-1-0	Good news, the Panthers look like a real contender. Bad news, so do the Bucs.
	7 (112	Redskins	3-1-0	I’m still in disbelief at the contrast from that week 1 performance. If Zorn can get them out of that division, surely it’s Coach of the Year honours.
	8 (14)	Bucs	3-1-0	Not necessarily pretty and built around a stifling, hard-hitting defense. You’d have to believe when it comes to consistency, they have the edge in the division
	9 (10)	Chargers	2-2-0	LaDanian Tomlinson just loves to torch the Raiders, they’re dangerous but Miami could be a potential banana skin.
	10 (3)	Eagles	2-2-0	Tough loss, especially without Westbrook and Guard Shawn Andrews. But feeling sorry for yourself gets you nowhere, crunch game with Washington coming up.
	11 (6)	Broncos	3-1-0	There’s a lot of people who can be afforded a smug “told you so” after that loss. I mean, the Chiefs?!? Yes, the defense is that bad.
	12 (11)	Jaguars	2-2-0	Gutsy win over the perennial parade soakers Texas. David Garrard’s showing true leadership qualities out there.
	13 (21)	Bears	2-2-0	Lovie Smith really has instilled some great character in this team, and with Green Bay ailing, they might, just might be able to win the North.
	14 (12)	Colts	1-2-0	They’ve had the bye week to get their house back in order and a win in Texas should be routine. But a loss? Disastrous
	15 (13)	Patriots	2-1-0	Maybe the Fins game was a fluke, they can test the theory against the 49ers. But lose? and the whole New England mystique can say bye-bye
	16 (18)	Ravens	2-1-0	Flacco looks the real deal, but that Titan’s defense will be a whole new proposition.
	17 (19)	Saints	2-2-0	Could Deuce McAllister’s return see Reggie Bush an even more explosive player than he already is? It’s an exciting prospect.
	18 (4)	Packers	2-2-0	How things can change,Rightall of a sudden, Rodgers hurt, Al Harris and Cullum Jenkins out for the season. The outlook isn’t so rosy anymore
	19 (22)	Jets	2-2-0	Their defense may have gotten 6 turnovers, but they’re 28th in total points allowed
	20 (15)	Cardinals	2-2-0	Well thats the Kurt Warner we all remember. And to be honest, the Cardinals we all remember. But still, 472 passing yards? Don’t toos this guy yet.
	21 (20)	49ers	2-2-0	The Pats have something to prove, but then again so do San Francisco. This one could be interesting.
	22 (17)	Vikings	1-3-0	Gus Frerotte is not the answer, neither is a Monday Night trip to the Superdome.
	23 (23)	Falcons	2-2-0	While tempting to air it out, you’ve got to trust in Michael Turner.
	24 (24)	Seahawks	1-2-0	People forget, they may be banged up, but they’ve got one talented o-line and it could just about keep them in the race while the WRs recover.
	25 (25)	Browns	1-3-0	Maybe that win was the monkey off their shoulder. Or maybe it was just the Bengals and this team thinks it’s far better than it actually is.
	26 (27)	Dolphins	1-2-0	Right, beating the Patriots in style was one thing. But can they follow it up by beating the mighty Chargers?
	27 (26)	Raiders	1-3-0	Just when you think it’s getting better, it gets so much worse. I feel sorry for the fans.
	28 (30)	Chiefs	1-3-0	Ah! So Larry Johnson is still playing football.. and leading the league in rushing as well.
	29 (28)	Texans	0-3-0	Sleighton looks like stud, but will this team ever get over that hump?
	30 (29)	Bengals	0-4-0	Cedric Benson. Cedric Benson is the answer to your problems. Really?
	31 (31)	Lions	0-3-0	Hey, at least they didnt lose last week
	32 (32)	Rams	0-4-0	So Bulger’s back in there, does it really matter anymore? Just get that one win and go home.