"I think that's the mark of a great football team," said center Jeff Saturday, referring to the close calls. "We've won eight games so far, and we're ahead in our division, which is really our main focus and goal."
New Orleans Saints: The Saints improved to 8-0 with a 30-20 win over the Carolina Panthers Sunday. Jumping out to an early 14-0 lead, it looked like the Panthers were set to pull the upset until New Orleans got it together at halftime and outscored Carolina 24-3 in the second half. The win marks the first time the Saints has ever started a season 8-0.
"That's great. I mean, 1967 until now and we're the only [Saints] team to have done that," Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. "That's really special. I feel like we've got a special group of guys, a special team, and certainly we're not satisfied with just being 8-0. We have what it takes to just continue to win."
If It Isn't For Real, Don't Tell Them!
Those surprising Cincinnati Bengals did it again Sunday, putting up an impressive 17-7 win against divisional foe Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals did it by air (QB Carson Palmer was 20-33, 224 yds, 1 td), they did it on the ground (RB Cedric Benson galloped for 117 yds and a td) but most importantly, they did on defense (holding the Ravens to 7 pts and 215 total yards). The win moves them to 4-0 in the division and sets them up for a pivotal team-defining game against the Pittsburgh Steelers next weekend.
As One Brother Rises, Another Falls...
While Peyton Manning has lead his Colts to an 8-0 mark halfway through the season, his brother Eli Manning has found himself on the bitter half of a four game losing streak with the New York Giants. The latest loss, a 21-20 affair by the San Diego Chargers, puts the Giants at 5-4 and sitting third in their division behind Dallas and Philadelphia. While the Giants have put up four straight losses since starting 5-0, the Chargers have rattled off three straight win and are a Denver Broncos loss on Monday night away from getting back in the divisional race.
LeBron Speaks About 2010...
When asked about his upcoming free-agency in 2010 after the Cleveland Cavaliers easily manhandled the New York Knicks Friday night, the King, LeBron James, had the following to say...
"It's the first time I'm going to be in this position," said James, who scored 33 points in the Cavaliers' 100-91 win at the Garden. "There is no timetable. I'm not going to rush it. I'm definitely going to stay in shape, stay in the gym and we'll see what happens."
"This season, I feel that our team is set to where we can play deep into the playoffs and possibly for an NBA championship," he added. "That's the main thing I'm focusing on now, and when those dates come upon me next summer, I'll be able to look at all my options."
What's Up With A.I.?
It appears that the Marriage between Allen Iverson and the Minnesota Grizzlies is going to end up like one of those that happen in Vegas after having a tad to much to drink (ie. It's not going to last for those who aren't following me). Citing personal reasons and frustration over his role with the team, A.I. Has left the Grizzlies and is contemplating retirement. His departure Saturday comes after being reduced to a bench presence in his three games back after returning from a hamstring injury. Before leaving, Iverson brushed away questions about not fitting in with his new team.
"I'm not trying to figure out how to contribute to no team," Iverson told the Associated Press last Friday before the Griz lost to the L.A. Lakers. "I contribute to a team by just playing. That's it. ... I don't have to figure it out. Obviously, they signed me for a reason. They've been watching me play this game for 13 years, and they know what I do on the basketball court, so I don't have to figure out how I'm going to play or anything like that. I just go out and play basketball."
