Hello SESB & NFL

***Post Game Update***

I'm sure you know what I'm about to write but I'm going to write it anyway: I'm really thrilled to have been so wrong.

After having my heart trampled last Monday by the University of Tennessee's annual season-opening loss to a West coast team it is wonderfully refreshing to have my favorite NFL team come out and exceed expectations against a tough division opponent.

1. Remember that I said if Chris Johnson can be productive against Jacksonville then he can against anyone? I don't know what else to say; I tend to just smile stupidly. Let me put it like this: I think Chris Johnson today looked more like a running back than Reggie Bush ever has while at the same time displaying a lot of the same skills that allegedly make Bush so special. Having said that, I'm doing my best to temper my expectations for Johnson because it's hard to believe he can do this every week. Hopefully I'll be wrong again.

2. It is really amazing how the Titans continue to win despite having nothing resembling a passing game (unless "Hit Scaife underneath and see what happens" counts as a passing game). Last year the line beat the Jags, this year the defense and running backs stepped up to take the victory. Maybe it's time for the Titans to embrace the Bay City Wing-T.

In all honesty, Vince didn't look all that bad. He hit Justin Mac perfectly in the hands early in the third, only to see the ball drop to the turf. I know everyone says the third year is the make-or-break year for a QB but I honestly don't know how you can fairly evaluate Vince if you don't get him some receiving help.

3. Can Cortland Finnegan be any more impressive? I'm proposing a nickname for Cortland: The Ghost. I know it's cliche' but he's the anti-Pacman and his nickname should reflect the video game nemesis of the munching smiley face.

4. It's hard to estimate how valuable an early win against a divisional rival is, particularly in the uber-competitive AFC South. It could very well end up that today's win is the key which opens the gate to the playoffs for the Titans.

5. Finally - and most importantly - can I ask a personal favor? Please, if you hear anyone calling for Kerry Collins to start for the Titans do whatever is necessary to silence the speaker. Kerry Collins gives me nightmares; the man thinks the bounce pass is a legitimate football option. Yes, he played well in relief today but he completed a total of 2 (2!) passes today. This does not erase Kerry's...er...struggles on and off the field. There is a reason he has bounced around the league; leave him on the sidelines or learn the folly of making him the starter.

----Initial Post----
Hello all. It's currently 12:30 AM and I've had access to this blog for all of 10 minutes but I couldn't wait to begin posting to a blog with real live readers. I'm not entirely sure why Will invited me but I'm thrilled to be allowed an opportunity to blog about spots regularly.

Two things before I go to bed with a feeling close to what I felt as a child before Christmas:

1. Will mentioned that I'm an MMA fan. As a matter of fact I just got done watching Rashad Evans knock Chuck Liddell out with one of the most vicious right hooks I've seen in a long, long time. Here's all I've got to say: in some sports situations the athlete is allowed to decide when he or she will hang it up. For example, John Elway - he left his sport a champion and on his own terms. Sometimes the athlete's body tells them its over - think Larry Legend and his cobbled up back. Other times the sport tells the athlete when their days of competition are over.

I submit that tonight Mixed Martial Arts told Chuck Liddell it is time for retirement.

Perhaps more on this later but for now just know that he looked vulnerable, more vulnerable than I've ever seen and the Octagon is not kind to those who can't protect themselves.

2. A real quick preview and prediction for the Titans/Jaguars game:

A. I don't believe we'll see a repeat of last year's surprise victory by the Titans. I don't think the Titans' offensive line will surprise the Jags this year and it was the offensive line play that won the game last year.
B. I break the match up down this way: the Jags have a better QB, running game, and WR corp (the Titans being one of the few teams in the league this can be said about). Give the Titans the edge at TE (woo hoo!) and perhaps the defensive secondary (perhaps I said). This seems like too big of a disparity to overcome.
C. Were I a Jags WR I would immediately demand a contract renegotiation at the end of the game. This will be a rare opportunity for the Jags wideouts to look good by comparison to their opponents.
D. I was just talking myself into Chris Johnson as an immediate impact guy when Peter King predicted he'll be the Offensive ROY. Too much, way too soon. I will say this: Jacksonville is a great test for the latest greatest Titan RB. The Jax defense is huge. Even the Jags secondary is as big or bigger than Johnson. God forbid he intersect a linebacker during the course of the game - he could be spontaneously converted from a solid to a liquid state. However, if he does get off against these comparative giants then it is safe to believe he can against anyone.