MARK IT DOWN IN YOUR BOOKS, ANDY REID TO BE CUT

The 2012 NFL Preseason is officially in the books.  Teams are cutting down to their final 53 today, and Fantasy Football rosters are set.  In the midst of all this chaos, Philadelphia Eagles Jeffrey Lurie indicated that if the Eagles finish with no better than an 8-8 season, head coach Andy Reid will be fired.  Pretty tough for the soon-to-be-divorced owner to be issuing that proclamation right after coach buried his son Garrett earler this month, but this is football.  There is no crying, or sympathy in football.

Philadelphia Armchair Quarterback Football Binder 
by JackFact

 

CODE PINK AT THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION?

The big question this morning is not the results of the NFL preseason games that were played last night, not the status of hurricane Isaac, but who issued the CODEPINK last night at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.  It wasn't Jack Nicholson, wasn't a few good men either.  You can be damn sure the order didn't come from Guantanamo Bay.  That much is certain.

Retired Colonel Ann Wright flipped Paul Ryan the following verbal full-bird, “You cannot be compassionate and kill people in the war of choice, the war on Iraq. I’m an Army Colonel, I am a former US diplomat, and these wars of choice that both the Republicans and the Democrats have had are terrible for our national security.”

Later, Rae Abileah, the co-director of CODEPINK erupted with “The blood of Iraqi children is on your hands. Thousands of young soldiers my age have lost their lives unnecessarily in a war based on Condoleezza Rice and the Bush administration’s lies. True patriotism does not look like illegal bombing and lying into war that kills innocent civilians.”

Now I'll be the first to admit that I don't know Jack about this woman's group, but I do know that political dissent is healthy and necessary.  I don't believe in unicorns, pretty pink ponies, or I imagine the views of the feminazi chicks that belong to this group, but these outbursts added a nice touch of drama to the scene at the NPR.

PINK HORSE available on a wide variety of great productsat CafePress

ACTOR JEFF DANIELS VISITS DETROIT LIONS

Not exactly big news, but actor Jeff Daniels made what is apparently his annual trip to Detroit Lions training camp.  The visit was highlighted by Coach Jim Schwartz commenting on Daniels range as an actor, and Jeff Daniels in turn commenting on how impressed he is with the Lions organization.  Heard some guy in the office, a Green Bay Packers fan, calling this encounter 'Dumb and Dumber'.  Personally I think it's pretty cool that Daniels still passionate about his boyhood team.

Regardless of how insignificant this story is in the grand scheme of things, particularly the 2012 campaign of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Armchair Quarterbacks are looking forward to a winning season.  Given the woeful economy in the Motor City and the country as a whole, what else is there but following our team?

 

THE ARMCHAIR QB - Detroit Tshirt 
by JackFact

TEXAS SIZED BABY BLANKET FOR DEZ BRYANT

The Dallas Cowboys have devised a set of rules for troubled WR Dez Bryant that amounts to a Texas-sized baby blanket.  The rules which Bryant must adhere to are as follows:

• Midnight Curfew.  If he is going ot miss curfew, team officials must be notified in advance.
• No drinking alchohol.
• No strip clubs
• Only nightclubs approved by the Cowboys, provided he has a security team with him
• Mandatory counseling sessions, twice a week
• A rotating 3-man security team that must leave at least one man with Bryant at all times
• Driven to practices, games and team functions by his security team

Apparently there are additional rules in place that will govern virtually every aspect of Bryant's life.  All of this amounting to what is essentially a huge security (or baby) blanket to help ensure that Bryant functions as a responsible adult.

Armchair quarterbacks, particularly Dallas Armchair Quarterbacks are rumored to be showing support for Dez Bryant by purchasing these unique baby blankets.  Guessing that they will double as rally towels too.

Dallas Armchair QuarterbackBaby Blanket

RUSSELL WILSON HEAVING THE PIGSKIN FOR SEATTLE

Sports Illustrated and other media outlets are reporting that Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.  Drafted in the third round, the undersized Wilson will be lining up under center on September 9th when the Seahawks take on the Cardinals.  Granted, Russell Wilson is not your prototypical NFL quarterback, lies somewhere outside the parameters of what many consider the "official size and weight" for a stud QB, but if nothing else, he certainly has a certain name pedigree.

There are doubts that Russell Wilson is, and can really be the man, but the Seattle Armchair Quarterback says, "Don't go to sleep on this guy".  If you do find yourself nodding off, do it on a Seattle Armchair Quarterback pillow, especially one made by American Mojo.  Their pillows are the best.

Seattle American MoJo Football Pillow
by JackFact

THE IDIOCIES OF JIM IRSAY

The tweets of Indianapolis Owner Jim Irsay have been incredibly infuriating, inexplicably infantile, and astonishingly amusing, all depending on your perspective.  If you have the proverbial 'dog in the hunt' and find yourself dissecting every tweet, speculating on what his cryptic messages might mean for your team, it can be frustrating.  If you're an innocent observer, the ability of Irsay to get the masses all spun up can be mildly entertaining.

Mike Freeman of CBSSports is reporting that several team executives have indicated that they do not find Irsay humorous or cute on Twitter, and have gone so far as to say that he can actually hurt the Colts by leaking news of impending trades while negotiations are still in progress.  They've even speculated that teams could (and actually may have) avoided dealing with the Colts out of fear that their negotiations would be made public on Irsay's twitter feed.

Is Jim Irsay simply having fun on Twitter, or is "IRSAY" becomming the new word for "IDIOCY"?

Nobody can be completely sure, and it's anybody's guess what device Mr. Irsay prefers for his infamous tweets.  However, one thing to be sure of is that this iPhone 3G Hard Case emblazoned with the INDIANAPOLIS Armchair Quarterback logo, will make anyone look smart.

Indianapolis Armchair Quarterback
 iPhone 3G Hard Case

MIKE "60 MINUTES" WALLACE SET TO RETURN TO STEELERS

Well, it's about damn time!  Reports are starting to trickle in that Mike "60 Minutes" Wallace will be rejoining the Pittsburgh Steelers sometime this weekend.  This is BIG!  The return of RB Isaac Redman, LT Max Starks and firing of special teams coach Al Everest are certainly news worthy, but nothing gets this particular Pittsburgh Armchair Quarterback wound up than the return of WR Mike Wallace.  My guess is that Big Ben is pretty excited too.  Granted it will be several weeks before he gets into the swing of things, and often times returning hold-outs are seemingly vulnerable to injury, but if you're a Steelers fan, you've got to be excited.

All I can say Mike, is I'm glad you got that wake up call.  It's about time, my brother...

Pittsburgh Armchair Quarterback - Large Wall Clock

THE APPROPRIATELY NAMED BARTOLO COLON HAS HIS HEAD UP IT, SO SAYS JIM LEYLAND

 Oakland Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon was given a 50-game suspension after testing positive for testosterone, according to MLB.  Jim Leyland, who doesn't comment on other team's players, stated that, "It's hard for me to feel sorry for anybody in that situation" when asked about the Colon.  At least the one who plays for the Athletics.

Sad, but despite my excitement over the resurgence (if that's what you want to call it) for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, my enthusiasm for attempting to write anything more about Bartolo Colon, former Bucco manager Jimmy Leyland, or chemically enhanced players, simply does not exist.  Seems as though there is a continuous procession of baseball players testing positive for testosterone or other performance enhancing drugs.

Whenever these stories come to light, I am always reminded of the banner that someone in Philadelphia hoisted in defiance of Barry Bonds and his breaking of Babe Ruth's record, "BABE DID IT ON HOT DOGS AND BEER".  I fault Philly fans for a lot of things, but this was one of their finer moments.  It might have been an out of town fan, perhaps someone from the 'Burgh, but the sentiment rang true for baseball purists everywhere.

You can own that slogan on a wide variety of products.  The fine print states:

"On May 25th, 1935 at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Ruth went 4-for-1, drove in 6 runs and hit 3 home runs in an 11-7 loss to the Pirates.  These were the last three home runs of his career. His last home run, number 714, cleared the roof at the old Forbes Field - he became the first player to accomplish that feat."

Ruth did it on hotdogs and beer tshirts
by JackFact

HAS TERRELL OWENS FINISHED HIS "CUP OF COFFEE" IN SEATTLE?

Not surprisingly, several Seattle Armchair Quarterbacks have added to the rumors that Terrell Owens will not make the final 53 with the Seahawks.   Truth is, he'll be lucky to be with the team that long.  His poor showing in his first preseason action, going without a catch despite having been targeted five times, has convinced many that his 15-year career in the NFL is drawing to a close.

The star known for bucking the system and alienating his teammates had his proverbial "Cup-of-Coffee" with Seattle, and what a bitter brew it has been.  Love him or hate him, he was great for the game, at least in entertainment value.

The Seattle Armchair Quarterback mug is great for coffee, whether it be a fine Seattle-based blend, an Irish Coffee, or some other swill.

THE ARMCHAIR QB - Seattle Coffee Mug
by JackFact

VICK HIT AND A PLATE FOR YOUR RIBS

Michael Vick took a shot early in the Philadelphia Eagles 27-17 'win' over the New England Patriots, apparently injuring his ribs in the process.  It was the second straight game in which Vick was shaken up.  X-rays taken of both his ribs and left thumb from the previous week, were both negative.

Speaking of ribs, looking for an excellent plate to serve up ribs, chicken, burgers, dogs or any other assortment of tailgate food?  Well, look no further.  Check out this gem from the Philadelphia Armchair Quarterback collection.

Philadelphia Armchair Quarterback Plate 
by JackFact

GIANTS BEST JETS IN SCRIMMAGE SATURDAY NIGHT

The New York Football Giants...  Correction, the World Champion New York Giants, the ones that have piled up the wins as the other New York NFL team racked up the headlines, looked the part last night in their 26-3 'win' (if anybody truly wins or loses a preseason game) against the New York J-E-T-S.  

The media coverage out of NYC this summer has been dominated by Tim "Lord and Saviour" Tebow, his competition with Mark Sanchez, and those training camp fights.

If you're a fan of the NEW YORK 2011 WORLD CHAMPIONS, you'll want to flaunt your team's dominance over that other New York based NFL team buy purchasing one of these great (and original) shirts.  T-shirts aren't really your thing?  No sweat, the design is featured on a variety of other products.

New York 2011 World Champions Tees 
by JackFact

U.S. OLYMPIC SPRINTER JEFF DEMPS TO THE PATRIOTS

The New England Patriots signed Olympic medalist Jeff Demps.  The former RB from the University of Florida opted out of the NFL draft in order to concentrate on track.  He won a silver medal in the 4x100 meter relay as part of the team that finished second to Usain Bolt and the Jamaicans. The dude is 5' 9", weights 180, and although I don't know his time in the 40, safe to say that he is quicker-than-shit. 

Figures that Belichick and the Patriots snagged him up.  No sense crying like a baby about it, but I agree it kind of stinks that he ended up in New England.

Break a leg, Demps. 

THE ARMCHAIR QB - New England T-shirts 
by JackFact

THE "NFL REFEREES ASSOCIATION" OR "NFLRA", WHO KNEW?

The NFL Referees Association, a.k.a., the "NFLRA" disputed claims made by the NFL regarding their ongoing negotiations as "false and/or misleading".  Seems the NFLRA is the latest party to join the New Orleans Saints, Jonathon Vilma and a growing conga line of others making claims about dishonesty from either Roger Goodell or the league. 

It is being rumored that another obscure, or at least rarely mentioned group, the Professional Armchair Quarterbacks or "PAQ", is also preparing to file a motion against the league.  However, the subject of their complaint is not known.   

The four main issues that the NFLRA is disputing were reported in the Chicago Tribune, and are as follows:

1) It claimed the NFL's desire to hire three additional crews under the stated goal of providing more rest for referees and more options for the league represents a major reduction in the proposal without also increasing the aggregate compensation allocated among all officials.

2) The NFLRA took issue with the NFL's stance that issues remain in the concept of "full time" officials and additional officials. The NFLRA stated it is not opposed to full-time officials as long as they are compensated fairly, but the NFL has never made a proposal.

3) The NFLRA said the most recent proposal from the league includes "aggregate game fee compensation" increases of 2.82 percent per year, in contrast to the 5-11 percent the NFL has claimed the proposal represents.

4) The NFLRA claims the league's pension plan has been "unchanged during the entire 10 months of negotiations," while the NFL has said its pension plan "has been aggressively fair."

Whether you're filing your own legal brief, keeping score or managing your fantasy football team, keep track with a customizable Professional Armchair Quarterback binder  

Professional Armchair Quarterback Football Binder
by JackFact

NFL MAY START SEASON WITH THE REPLACEMENTS

Not surprisingly, the start of the NFL regular season will be played with replacement referees, including the first female official, Shannon Eastin.  What would REALLY be a surprise, is if the NFL switched things up a bit by getting Paul Westerberg, Chris Mars, and Stinson brothers Bob and Tommy of The Replacements, to officiate games.  These are the only 'replacements' I want to be acknowledging on NFL Kickoff Weekend. 

Speaking of bands, and as if the replacement referee issue was not bad enough, I heard a rumor that the NFL is in negotiations with Sheena Easton.  Seems someone in the league offices would like to have her sing the national anthem on kickoff weekend.  I'm just hoping that the venue they're discussing is some dive bar in Jersey, and not an NFL stadium.

Regarding the real NFL officials, as a Professional Armchair Quarterback, I say stop the semi-professional 'part-time' status for these guys, and make them full time PROFESSIONALS. Oh and by the way, drop the publicity stunt with the female referee before somebody gets hurt...

...or headbutted. 

 

THE ARMCHAIR QB - Professional T-shirt
by JackFact

OH NO, OCHOCINCO INCARCERATED

Chad Johnson, the Miami Dolphins player formerly known as Ochocinco, was arrested on a domestic violence charge after his blushing bride (of about a month) accused him of head-butting her during a marital spat.

Rather than throwing the book at him, the judge set bond at $2,500.  Curiously, despite posting bond, our boy Chad has apparently elected to stay behind bars – for his own safety.  Records from the jail indicate that he has not yet been released, and some are speculating that Chad’s merely laying low and keeping out of the way of his wife, Evelyn Lozada.

One might have kept  track of all of Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson's antics in Miami Armchair Quarterback journal.  Now that Chad has been kicked off of the team, the pages will have to filled with something much more mundane.

MIAMI Armchair Quarterback Journal

e

DON'T SLEEP ON VINCE YOUNG

If you caught the Redskins game against the Bills you were probably underwhelmed and focused your attention on RG3.  He was the story going in and struggled a bit, as did Buffalo QB Vince Young.  Casual observers could see that Young had a tough time with his reads and accuracy.  However, Armchair Quarterbacks of  the Buffalo Bills, and fans the world over (okay, at these the thousands who tuned in to watch these two featherweights scrimmage...) could see that Vince Young is still a dangerous dude.   He led the Bills in rushing with 37 yards on five attempts and showed his trademark skills in picking up a long third-down conversion.  

Granted Vince Young will be riding the pine, but should Ryan Fitzpatrick get injured...  Well, let's just say, don't sleep on Vince Young. He's still very much a player.

Speaking of sleeping, these pajamas are available for casual, committed and bona fide armchair quarterbacks the world over.

Buffalo Armchair Quarterback - Men's Light Pajamas

THE INSANE USAIN BOLT

I've been watching the Olympics religiously since the opening ceremony until last.  No, last night, through the wonders of MyP2P, I watched the Steelers-Eagles game on my PC with NBC's coverage of the Olympics flickering on my television off in the distance.  The rest of the family is still faithfully following the international five-ring circus, while I am quickly ramping up for another NFL season.

That all said, I must say that I tuned in to catch the historic antics of Jamaica's Usain Bolt. Found a couple of t-shirts paying homage to the man. 

INSAIN TSHIRT by TheLaughStore

Wi Ready Again! Shirts by LoveJamaicaGiftware

Usain Bolt Berlin 2 WR Jamaican Flag Tshirts by WearFlags

SOME SAY SAINTS DON'T HAVE A PRAYER

There are some dyed-in-the-wool New Orleans Saints fans...  Stop.  After all those years of the paper bag wearin' Ain't fans, can anyone refer to any Saints fan as 'dyed-in-the-wool"? Their mystical ascension was the result of a fan base fueled by the karma of some national support thrown their way in the wake of hurricane Katrina.  Granted, there are plenty of die-hard Saints fans floating around, many of them coming out of the closet on the heals of the victory in Super Bowl XLIV.

Anyway, despite a solid showing Sunday night (beating the Cardinals 17-10 in the Hall of Fame Game) New Orleans Armchair Quarterbacks are reporting that the team looked sluggish in recent practices.  

It will be interesting if the Saints take on an "us-against-the-world" mentality with Bountygate and the suspensions of head coach Sean Payton and LB Jonathon Vilma.  Adding to the doom and gloom is the six game suspension of interim coach Joe Vitt and realization that Steve Spagnuolo will be taking the reigns for the first part of the season.

Given these setbacks, even some of those die-hard, dyed-in-the-wool, fans are saying that the Saints don't have a prayer.  That may be so, but New Orleans will always have 2009 and Super Bowl XLIV.  There are still plenty of great New Orleans Saints championship gear available to those wishing to relish the past with such a bleak future.

NEW ORLEANS - World Champions 2009 Tshirt by JackFact

WASHINGTON REDSKINS ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK

There is a lot of excitement in Washington this year with the addition of RGIII, and understandably, more than a few Washington Armchair Quarterbacks have specifically made a point of observing him at camp.  Word is, he's been pretty inconsistent in all of his throws; short, intermediate and deep.  The Washington Redskins have been handling him with kid gloves, to the extent that there is a coach that stands in the huddle with him singing kumbaya, holding his hand, or whatever else is required to make him feel comfortable.  On these occasions he subsequently throws a good ball.  However, whenever they remove the coach and communicate with him via his helmet, that's when the fun begins.  His passes become inaccurate among other things.  I'm not saying he's on par with Donovan McNabb in the errand throw department, but again, he was never asked to do the things in college that he will be expected to do in the NFL.  This has been giving some fans reason for concern.  

Whether these unsubstantiated observations give you cause for alarm or not, look sharp giving your opinion to whomever will listen in this awesome Washington Armchair Quarterback shirt.

THE ARMCHAIR QB - Washington T Shirts by JackFact

BLOG FAILURE TURNS TO HAWKING HIS WARES

My attempts at spouting off about sports and stuff has been an abject failure. So, at least for the foreseeable future, I plan on hawking my Zazzle and CafePress wares here instead. Basically focusing on the "...Stuff".  I'm also changing the Look and Feel of this blog a bit in order to shake things up..

Today I'm posting a Pittsburgh Armchair Quarterback plate.  This is perfect for tailgating at Heinz Field.  Not going to the game?  No problem, throw out that Pottery Barn crap and grace your table with a whole set of these fine dishes.  

Pittsburgh Armchair Quarterback Plate by JackFact

DID ANDY FAIL TO READ SON GARRETT REID

Multiple media outlets (ESPN article) have reported that Garrett Reid, the oldest son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, was found dead Sunday morning in his room at training camp at Lehigh University.  His death does not come as a huge surprise to many, given his widely publicized bouts with drugs and the law.

The civil thing is to offer condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Reid family.  I trust the ravenous Philly faithful will give Andy and couple of days before questioning whether Andy failed his sons, particularly Garrett.

I am not the biggest fan of the Eagles, loathe their quarterback, but losing a child has got to be jacked up...

I sincerely wish Andy Reid and his family the best in these difficult times.

Philadelphia Armchair Quarterback Plate by JackFact
Browse other Philadelphia tailgate Plates

NO HASH FOR TYLER SASH, BUT STILL SUSPENDED

Safety Tyler Sash of the New York Football Giants was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s “Performance Enhancing Drug Policy”.  According to the NFL, he will still be eligible to participate in all of the preseason games and practices.

According to an article in the Columbus Dispatch this morning, Sash went on record claiming that “I took a prescription drug (Adderall) legally under a doctor’s care for an anxiety condition during the offseason in March of this year. The purpose was to help me with public-speaking appearances. I had no idea that this prescription drug was banned by NFL policy. Although I take full responsibility for this situation, I also want to state that I have never cheated or taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I frown on those who do.”

Not surprisingly, Sash added: “I am highly disappointed by the league’s decision.”

New York Armchair Quarterback Sticker by JackFact
Make photo stickers at zazzle.com.