Intentional Foul» Russell Westbrook Had an Active Weekend

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While Team USA’s“B Team” continues to perform at a successful rate, save for a quarter or two of not playing to their abilities, one player I’ve enjoyed watching is Russell Westbrook. Talk about making the most of your opportunities. While his play hasn’t been perfect, Westbrook has been an incredibly athletic spark-plug for Coach K and the crew. While his jumping ability has been well-documented, his floor speed has actually surprised me. For some reason, I didn’t realize Westbrook was as fast as he is, and unlike some athletic basketball players, Westbrook, for the most part, keeps himself under control on the court, even when he’s blazing down it. There’s purpose to Westbrook’s speedy trips up and down the court.

In other words, he’s not running fast and jumping high simply because he can. He’s polished that genetic package into a very nice professional (and FIBA) ballplayer. Because of that, Coach K has no problem using Westbrook as one of his first substitutes, and Westbrook has rewarded that trust, while providing some highlight reel-worthy material for us to enjoy.

First, there was that nasty crossover/dunk he had against Croatia. The move was so nasty, it should make Allen Iverson jealous:

Say“bye” to those ankles.

And then there was the blocked shot, one that saw the 6-3 Westbrook smash the dunk attempt of a 6-11 opponent:

Two words for that dunk attempt: Hell no.

Westbrook finished off his weekend converting a nice dunk, courtesy of a behind-the-back pass from Stephen Curry:

While I don’t think Curry’s extra mustard was necessary, it didn’t become a turnover. I credit Westbrook and the mounds and mounds of athletic ability he’s been blessed with.

Next up for Team USA is what should be a hotly-contested game against Brazil later this afternoon. If Westbrook continues to be the Human Spark-Plug off the bench, a win will be much easier to come by.

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Intentional Foul» The Real Reason Favre Returned

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Was it the disappointment in the interception against New Orleans? Was it the allure of being around his teammates again? Was it his desire to play like a kid again? None of the above. The reason Brett Favre returned to Minnesota, a return that was done completely on Favre’s schedule and not the Minnesota Vikings’, must be money. Perhaps that’s easy to scoff at, but once you understand just how much of a raise Favre stands to receive, it shouldn’t be.

ProFootballTalk has the details:

Per a league source, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre got his new contract on Monday. He received a signing bonus of $4.4 million, and he reduced his base salary from $13 million to $11.6 million… Favre also is eligible to earn $4 million in incentives, which allows him to make up to $20 million in 2010.

If the Vikings are anywhere near as good as they were last season, Favre should reach those incentives, especially if they are performance-based, fairly easily. Even if he doesn’t, he still stands to earn $16 million for the 2010 season, and a number like that is reason enough for most people to leave their palatial confines of their Hattiesburg, Mississippi compound.

Especially if they don’t have to attend training camp.

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Intentional Foul» Kevin Durant’s Monster Finish Against Greece

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The exhibition portion of Team USA’s run-up to the FIBA World Championship ended yesterday, playing their last game against the Greek National Team. Perhaps surprisingly, Team USA rocked Greece to the tune of 87-59. During the game, Fran Fraschilla repeatedly hinted about the Greek not going full strength against the Americans, in order to save something for the real tournament, while not revealing their entire game plan. To further that point, the Greeks sat out two players 6-10 and taller who would be counted on to give Team USA trouble in the paint.

Be that as it may, an almost 30-point win is an almost 30-point win.

Leading the way for the US was Eric Gordon with 18 points (four 3-pointers) and Kevin Durant, who had 15 points, seven rebounds and perhaps the best dunk of Team USA’s exhibition run. Granted, Durant’s one-handed Statue of Liberty dunk came courtesy of a beautifully executed fast break, and Durant’s impressive finish was just an awesome finish to a great all-around play:

While the US still has issue with interior depth, no other team they will meet in the FIBA World’s has perimeter players to match up, especially with a player like Durant. Does this guarantee gold for Team USA? Considering how competitive the Spain game was, a guarantee will not be forthcoming, especially from me; although, if Kevin Love keeps putting up double-doubles (10 and 12 against Greece)…

The quest for World Championship gold begins on Saturday against Croatia.

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Intentional Foul» Sam Bradford Looked Pretty Damn Sharp

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In his first start as an NFL quarterback for theSt Louis Rams, whatever tests he had to take, Sam Bradford passed them, and he did so with flying colors, to the tune of completing 15 of 22 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. His play garnered a QB rating of 125.0. With that in mind, perhaps all of the pundits should have the same excited perspective— if only for one game— concering Bradford’s performance, if, for nothing else, the lack of big-time talent around him at the skill positions (Steven Jackson notwithstanding).

That being said, the preseason grain of salt is still in effect hear, no matter how glowing a report Bradford sees. Nevertheless, with the Rams having issues at almost every position on offense,especially the offensive line— they surrendered 44 sacks last season— Bradford’s play against the New England Patriots, who were using their first-team defense, was eye-opening.

These are highlights from the Rams/Patriots, and all of Bradford’s memorable plays are featured, especially his touchdowns— speaking of, has Bradford’s affection for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (caught both of Bradford’s TD tosses) make Hoomanawanui a viable fantasy football tight end? Definitely something to keep an eye on.

As for the excitement, praise and hype, take a quick look around the various sports outlets around the web and find statements and titles like this:

-King Sam(NFL.com)

-Bradford passes test in first pro start‎(Yahoo Sports)

-Bradford Dazzles in Surprisingly Exciting Pre-Season Game(Riverfront Times)

No Doubt About It, Sam Bradford Already Makes Rams Better(FanHouse)

And I haven’t even mentioned on the St Louis papers; but you’d better believethey’re excited:“It really does look like the Ramshave themselves a franchise quarterback.” Considering the last two or three seasons St Louis sports writers have had to endure, the excitement is very easy to understand.

Unfortunately for Bradford’s development, it looks like he’ll be without the services of wide receiver Donnie Avery, who injured his knee last night. According the Rams’ staff, the injury appears to be“significant.”

It should also be noted Bradfordhasn’t been namedthe regular season starter by coach Steve Spagnuolo, and considering the questions concerning the offensive line and the limited offensive weapons, this, too, is understandable. Clearly, Spagnuolo wants to keep Sam around long enough to fulfill the potential he showed last night, and putting him behind a line that almost surrendered 50 sacks last season isn’t the best way to assure that.

However, if the Rams draft correctly in the coming seasons, the primary need being a big-time receiver— A.J. Green, anyone?— and a stout offensive line, it certainly appears as if they have the foundation in place with Bradford. The key is protecting him until the a few more necessary parts are added.

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Intentional Foul» Ochocinco’s Wild Reeboks

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That there is one half of Chad Ochocinco’s new shoes, courtesy of Reebok’s new ZigTech design. Whatever your feelings on Reebok’s new style, the one thing you can most assuredly say about this particular version is they definitely match Ochocinco’s team colors. Hey, at least he’s notrunning naked through the woods, right? Of course, considering his reality show and the amount of women followershe has on Twitter, another commercial of a naked Ochocinco in his new ZigTechs probably isn’t a bad idea. If sex sells for men, it’s bound to work on women, too, right? Unfortunately, they won’t be the ones buying these shoes, even if they do get a naked commercial.

Maybe they’ll buy a pair for their men, expecting similar results.

Whatever the case, a hat-tipto Ochocinco’s Facebook pageis in order.

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Intentional Foul» Perception is a Wonderful Thing (Eli Manning)

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Eli Manning’s forehead was opened up last night during theNew York Jets/New York Giantspreseason game. While there was a lot of blood coming out of Manning’s noggin, reports are he’ll bejust fine; although, I’d like to the size of the knot on his forehead. The splitting of Manning’s wig came courtesy of a screw up in communication between Manning and his running back, Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs thought he was receiving a hand-off— not the case— and ran into his quarterback, dislodging his helmet.

From there, Jets linebacker Calvin Pace absolutely destroyed Manning with a hard hit from behind, pushing the Giants quarterback’s unprotected forehead against another Jets defender who was in the path of Manning’s fall. The results of the initial gaffe between Jacobs and Manning were awfully bloody, and as usual, when people see blood, the natural reaction is to assume the worse.

Fortunately for Giants fans, the worse part of the head gash seen around the world is the potential scar Manning will have once his stitches are removed.

As our culture is now wont to do, video of Manning’s bloody forehead hit YouTube in an exponential manner, and it’s here where you find just how differently people perceived the hit. Was it dirty on the Jets part, or was it a result of Brandon Jacobs screwing the play up? Depends on which video you watch, because it’s the title that gives their disposition away. Take, for instance, this first one:

If you can’t tell, the title of this particular video isEli MANning Gets Destroyed byClassless Jets. Apparently, the YouTube user responsible for this upload either really, really likes the Giants or really, really hates the Jets. Evidently, Calvin Pace isnotsupposed to make that tackle. It is preseason after all, right?

In this next video, the blame is placed more appropriately:

The title of this one isEli Manning gets destroyed, blame Brandon Jacobs, which seems much more accurate than the first description.

Other uploads include predictable titles like:Eli Manning Gets Owned,Eli Manning INJURY Blood Spews From Injured QB(Why is“INJURY” capitalized?), andEli Manning gets killed by Jets 08/16/10. Apparently, the date was added to the title so we’d never forget.

If the significant reaction to Manning’s forehead gash isn’t an indication just how desperate the American public is for football, I’m not sure what else is. Oh, and to Giants fans wondering whether or not to worry about their quarterback taking such a hit, some Cincinnati Bengals fans havea few words of advice.

Of course, Palmer’s bloodied face came courtesy of bad offensive line play and not from the mistake of a running back.

H/t to Jane McManus (@janesports)for the twitpicof Eli’s bloody night.

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Intentional Foul» The Video Name Says it All (LeBron)

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This is what happens when you mix an acoustic guitar playing comedian,Mike Polk, and disenfranchised city, mourning the loss of their best athlete since Jim Brown: You get songs like“LeBron James Is A Bitch,” something I’m sure will result in Polk’s name being added toLeBron’s list.

Are we at the point where we can tellCavaliersLeBron fans in Cleveland to just let it go, or do they have to suffer from what looks like one of the worst seasons by an NBA team ever— Seriously, doesthis rosterlook like one that can win 10 games next season?— before the true healing can begin? Considering the Cavaliers’ luck keeping players, I’m not entirely sure winning the next NBA Draft lottery would salve their wounds.

Maybe Dan Gilbert can interject his team into the Carmelo Anthony stakes.Oh, wait.

I can only hope the hate Cleveland residents feel for James keeps them warm during what is looking like a long, hard, cold winter.

H/t to 64 And Countingfor the video.

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Intentional Foul» Patrick Willis Welcomes Brett Favre Back

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Brett Favre made his preseason debut this past weekend against theSan Francisco 49ers, and even though he was only in the game for only four offensive plays, it’s safe to say Favre will remember his first game back, thanks in large part to 49ers linebacker, Patrick Willis. The 49ers are getting a lot of love as NFC West favorites, and if their defense is any indication, there might be truth to those rumors. Granted, it’s hard to take anything from preseason games, so let’s just enjoy the highlight:

One could look at the hit as a karmic payback for Favre’s“make me feel wanted, while giving me lots more money” actions. In fact, I think it’s the preferable way to interpret Willis’ Favre smash.

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Intentional Foul» C.J. Spiller Looks Ready For The Season

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In just about every NFL season, there’s a rookie who comes in and makes the league take notice. Names like Randy Moss, Ben Roethlisberger, Terrell Suggs, Calvin Johnson, Jerod Mayo, and Matt Ryan immediately come to mind. Thanks to a nifty little run fromBuffalo Billsrookie, C.J. Spiller, we now have a strong nominee for the 2010 season. Spiller showed why he’s bubbling over with break-out potential against the Indianapolis Colts, when he unleashed a 31-yard touchdown run, one that carved up the Colts’ d-line and the supporting cast behind them.

Spiller’s run demonstrated his superior balance, his ability to change direction on a dime, and simply-put, his ability to make defenders miss. The result: Touchdown Buffalo, which undoubtedly rang like sweet music to the ears of Bills fans. It looked pretty sweet, too:

The question I have is, do the Bills have enough additional talent around Spiller, which would prevent opposing defenses from loading the box, with ideas of taking away the running game? That remains to be seen, but Trent Edwards didn’t look bad at all either. Of course, Edwards’ (and Spiller’s) performances could very easily be chalked up to“It’s only preseason,” especially with Edwards.

Nevertheless, the ability and potential Spiller showed on his touchdown run should give Bills fans plenty to salivate about, at least until the season starts. Then they can worry about the rest of the talent surrounding him.

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Intentional Foul» The New Spokesperson For Safe, Responsible Sex

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By now, you’ve probably heard about New York Jets defensive back Antonio Cromartie, he of theeight children by seven different women, and his attempt to name all of his crotch fruit on HBO’sHard Knocks. If not, watch and laugh. Understand something, I’m quite serious about Cromartie’s role as a, if not THE, spokesperson for safe, protected sex; because if you don’t, you might find yourself on HBO, struggling to remember all their names, clearly looking like an irresponsible athlete who’d rather spread their seed to all who are willing.

In case you forgot, Cromartie had to ask foran advance from the Jetsin order to square his child support bills.

So yeah, the motto for the Antonio Cromartie/Safe Sex/Responsible Parenthood campaign has to be something like this:“Don’t Do What I Did: Use a Condom. Trust me, struggling to remember the names of your various children is hard work.” The acronym excites me: DDWIDUACTMS2RNVCHW, or DDWID for short.

I’d definitely wear it if it was available as a Livestrong/WWJD-type of bracelet.

H/t to, well, everyone who posted the video, starting withRobert Littal of Black Sports Online.

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Intentional Foul» Terrell Owens Writes Promissory Note To Bengals Fans

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Say what you will about Terrell Owens, most of it earned, no doubt, but he’s trying hard to be a fan-favorite for the Cincinnati Bengals, the fifth team of his career. Besides saying all the right things, except, perhaps, that stuff about Dallas— he was being honest, conversely—a love-letterfrom Owens to Bengals fans appeared inthe Cincinnati Enquirer, thanking his new TEAM for the support they’ve given thus far, as well as talking of Super Bowl glory.

There’s also a moment of introspection for the one they call T.O.:

With my“me against the world” mentality as a young man, I’ve learned that life can be more challenging but I’ve matured.

Of course, the surest way to impress both the fans and the new establishment quickly is to make plays. Catch (the key word here, I think we can all agree) touchdowns, block well for your promising running game, and be— *gasp*— a beacon of light and knowledge in a locker-room full of talented newcomers.

Perhaps that last one is snicker-inducing, but if he follows the parameters he put in his letter, it’s not too much to ask; but if it is, then asking him not to become a cancer, especially if Jordan Shipley gets Wes Welker-like attention from Carson Palmer, ala, Tom Brady, isn’t.

Aside: Shipley can get openandcatch just about every ball thrown near him, and with the Ochocinco/Owens bookends on the field, Shipley (and Jermaine Gresham) are going to have a lot of room to work with.

Now we get to see if Owens is a man of his word.

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Intentional Foul» I’m On The Bull’s Side

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As a passive/aggressive pacifist— try living with that walking contradiction— I’m opposed to pretty much any situation that allows for unnecessary violence and injury. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t apply that kind of thinking to sports like football, boxing and MMA, because the participants arewillingto endure whatever punishment they take. The same is not true for bulls when it comes to bull-fighting.

The sacrificial bull never asks to participate in the blood sport devoted to their existence, so when if a bull happens to get the upper-hand in these displays of cruelty, I immediately root for the rampaging bull. Even if one goes into the stands and injures spectators, as demonstrated in the lead video.

And this is where the passive/aggressive side of me being a pacifist comes into play:

Normally, I wouldn’t want to see any spectators injured, but in this case, these folks were willingly attending the senseless slaughtering of a bull; and so, when the bull turned the tables and goes into the stands, I don’t feel a deep sense of sorrow for the people who were in its path. Yeah, it’s a hypocritical stance, but I stand by what I feel.

Conversely,in an article discussing the incident, it says a 10-year old boy is in intensive care after he got trampled, and that’s where my sorrow would be directed. I have little doubt the hospitalized child was taken to the modern-day gladiator spectacle by his parents, so I would consider what happened to him to be regretful, but not the adults who were actively cheering for the bull’s demise.

As for the bull, it, of course, was put to death when control of the beast was regained. What a pathetic waste. If they didn’t have bull-fighting to begin with, the bull wouldn’t feel the need to escape, and there’d be no 10-year olds in the hospital due to being trampled while attending such a destructive, cruel display.

/End soap-box post.
//Hat-tip to the Boston section of Barstool Sportsfor the video.

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Intentional Foul» BFF Has a New Meaning Now

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I was perusing YouTube, looking for amusing Brett Favre videos— ones that have been uploaded recently— and I stumbled upon a new use for the acronym“BFF,” which, as far as I know, normally stands for“Best Friends Forever.” The phrase (or whatever the hell you want to call it) is primarily used by English-language-destroying teenage girls who text incessantly; but thanks to YouTube commentators, I now realize there’s a new meaning for BFF, and considering the hold he has on the sports world right now, the meaning’s much more accurate:

Brett Favre Forever.

If there was ever a more appropriate, timely alteration of an annoying“catch-acronym,” I haven’t seen it. Speaking of YouTube videos about Favre, and head-shaking abbreviations aside, it was hard not enjoy Tedy Bruschi going the hell off on the Favre circus:

Despite Bruschi’s misgivings; shared by a large portion of the sports population, no doubt, it’s easy to see this time of year— the run-up between preseason and regular season football— clearly belongs to Brett Favre.

Forever.

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Intentional Foul» I’m Going Back To Minny, Minny, Minny?

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I’m going back to Minny… Yeah, I think so. Or maybe not. Who knows? Hell, this is THE Brett Favre we’re talking about. Maybe he’s just on a plane to go hunting with Jared Allen. Whatever the case, Favre’s now the story of the day, again, as reports of (former)Vikings teammates traveling to Mississippito bring their Pied Piper back to Minnesota, and now, thanks in no small part to theTwitter powers of Jay Glazer, the mainstream media is running with the“Signs Point to Favre Returning” story.

Let’s hope this one doesn’t backfire likeText Message Gatedid.

While no one knows for sure what he’s doing, you can be sure the rest of your Tuesday has been officially hijacked by a plane featuring a passenger named Brett Favre. Speaking of, I took a quick look around the flight-tracking site,FlightAware.com, and the only plane I noticed leaving Biloxi was headed for Omaha. Granted, I’m not the most experienced user in the world when it comes to tracking airplanes, but I do know how to pick airports from a list of suggested results.

Whatever the case, I hope you enjoy your previously unannounced“Brett Favre Tuesday,” because, let’s face it, no oneexpectswants a Brett Favre takeover, especially after living through them the last two seasons or so. Just make the best of it, especially if you aren’t a Vikings fan.

Perhaps avoiding the ESPNs of the world for a day or two would help.

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Intentional Foul» Hits Like This Are More Common in the NFL, Timmy

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Tim Tebow made his NFL debut for the Denver Broncos last night against the Cincinnati Bengals, and overall,he looked pretty decent—better than Brady Quinn, anyway— but unlike college, where Tebow gets smashed by the Taylor Wyndhams of the world once in a blue moon, Wyndham-style hits are much more commonplace in the NFL. Just ask Jeromy Miles and Tebow’s blindside.

Despite the big hit/fumble, Tebow’s first game wasn’t that bad at all. The quarterbackwith the hottest shoesfinished 8-13 for 105 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Can you say“Kyle Orton’s backup because Quinn’s probably going to get himself cut?” I thought you could.

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Intentional Foul» Rex Ryan: King of F**k

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Make no mistake about it,New York Jetsfans, your coach is about one thing, and one thing only:F**king winning. Don’t believe me? Just watch the video from last night’s debut of HBO’sHard Knocks. PFT has a nice little transcript of Rex’s carpet f-bombing.

It would make Richard Pryor proud:

1. On Darrelle Revis,“He’s pretty f–king good.”

2.“It’s about leading the league in f–king wins.”

3.“If we play at our best, we will beat every team in this f–king league playing at their best.”

4.“Last year, hey, we were under the radar, that’s a good place to be. F–k that!”

5.“We know we’re better than you. We don’t give a f–k if you know it or not.”

6.“We’re gonna beat the f–k out of you.”

F**k yeah!!!!!!!!

Now, the real question is, now that the Jets have clearly embraced their hype, are they going to fizzle out in grand fashion or will they make Rex Ryan look like a f**king genius? Can/willMark Sanchize(12 TDs, 20 INTs last season) lead the team past the AFC Championship? Or was last year a flash in the pan? If the Jets are truly committed to playing without Darrelle Revis— something I find hard to f**king believe— will they even be able to at least repeat last year’s moderate regular season success?

H/t to The Sports Hernia.

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Intentional Foul» JaMarcus Russell Rocks The Epaulets

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JaMarcus Russell gave his first interview to ESPN since Purple Drank-ing his way out of the Oakland Raiders franchise and the NFL as a whole. To his credit, Russell comes across as heartfelt and contrite; however, something stood out to me that had nothing to do with the content of Russell’s message: His rockin’ epaulets. It’s takes an awfully secure individual to rock such shoulder accessories, especially when they aren’t in the military. Then again, maybe Russell wants to learn some discipline, and a stint in the military is his way of addressing such a lacking characteristic.

However, considering JaMarcus’ stylein previous photos, it’s more likely the epaulets are a simple, perhaps misguided fashion choice. I do, however, feel like Colleen Dominguez should be saluting Russell.

As for the interview, it’s easy to see the concern Russell has about the reports of his codeine use, and he denies being a habitual user of poorly-named“Purple Drank.”

Instead of worrying about what the perception of him is as a drug user, perhaps he should just concentrate on working as hard as he can to get more out his athletic talent than a nice rookie contract.

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Intentional Foul» White Offensive Linemen Can’t Jump

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Just askBaltimore Ravensoffensive lineman, Joe Reitz . To his credit, Reitz played a little college basketball, so he’s probably better at the sport than you or I am. Nevertheless, asking him to dunk a football over the uprights’ crossbar was expecting a little much, but it did make for an entertaining video— all while furthering a stereotype perpetuated by Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes.

Hey, layups count just as much as dunks do, and many times, they are the safest way to convert shots. Leave the goal post dunking to Terrell Owen and Tony Gonzalez.

H/t to Larry Brown Sportsfor the find.

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Intentional Foul» Did Peyton Ditch The Visor Already?

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Maybe he need some sunglasses last week. Maybe he got poked in the eye. Or maybe he just thought he looked silly. Whatever the case, Peyton Manning isn’t wearingthe visoranymore— however, the trained eye will notice his helmet is different. The helmet with the visor had a Colts logo on the side, while the non-visor-ed version does not. Coincidence? No, not really, but seeing how we’re gearing up for football, it is a conversation piece.

The reason Manning was wearing the visor to begin wasn’t to look like Darth Vader. Instead, it was toprotect his irritated eyes, and if he’s not wearing it in the latest round of pictures from theIndianapolis Colts‘ training camp, it’s fairly safe to say Manning’s eyes aren’t bothering him as much.

Needless to say, the visor-ed Manning was atopic of more discussionthan one would think was necessary, but considering how starved people are acting for football, and considering Manning’s place in the pantheon of recognizable NFL players, any change to his appearance or his uniform will not go unnoticed. When asked if he’d consider wearing his eye protection during the regular season, Manning responded with:

“I don’t know. I couldn’t tell you.”

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Intentional Foul» Nick Saban Blocks NFL Scouts

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After going off on what he perceives as modern-day pimps at the SEC Media Day, Nick Saban is taking some steps to protect his players from exposure to that side of the football world. TheAlabama Crimson Tidecoachhas blocked NFL scoutsfrom attending Alabama’s practices in a move many see as payback the NFL’s apparent lack of action against what Saban perceives as unscrupulous player agents.

Saban isn’t the only SEC coach to block NFL scouts either. Urban Meyer is following Alabama’s lead, although,there’s some ambiguity involved.

While these reactions are understandable, if not a little misguided—“amateur” players who cross the agent line know their actions can cause a lot of trouble for their teams— it’s reminiscent of Col. Strelnikov’s quote inRed Dawn:

“If a fox stole your chickens… Would you slaughter your pig because he saw the fox? No. You would hunt the fox.”

Apparently, identifying agents and their runners is a little harder than recognizing, and denying entrance to, official NFL scouts.

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Intentional Foul» Hines Ward: Serious Business

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Maybe it’s hot in Latrobe, or perhaps he isn’t happy about the help he’ll have at receiver. Perhaps he’s ticked at Roethlisberger’s offseason decision-making abilities, but whatever the case, Hines Ward is all about business. Serious business. See that face?

Serious. Business.

According to reports, thePittsburgh Steelersare trying to get back to a smash mouth, pound it at the defense running team— again— and considering the departure of Santonio Holmes, the firing of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, and a lack of eye-catching receivers on the roster, save perhaps Ward, it’s easy to see why a change in offensive philosophy is in order.

The question is, does their current group of running backs; Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, rookie Jonathan Dwyer; as well as lesser-known players like Stefan Logan, Isaac Redman, Frank Summers, and Justin Vincent; inspire one to think of a devastating, control-the-ball offense? Does Pittsburgh havethe offensive lineto block like such a running game will need? TheWillie Colon injurywill have a lot to say about that answer.

However, when you consider their best passer will not be playing for a few games once the season starts—although, there’s a chance that could change— the Steelers have little choice but to have an effective running game. Good thing they have“Serious Business” Hines blocking for them on the outside.

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Intentional Foul» Clearly, America Is Ready for Football

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While we as football fans probably didn’t learn much after watching the Dallas/Cincinnati Hall of Fame Game— The Bengals offense looks suspect, Dallas still has questions on their offensive line— we sure as hell watched it. In fact, the ratings for the first preseason game of the year was thehighest they’ve been in six years. Clearly, the American public is ready for some football.

According to PFT, the game drew a 7.6 rating,31% higherthan the 2009 HoF game.

So when Hank asks the inevitable question in about a month, we obviously know the answer: Football is the most popular, trendy sport going right now and the American public is most definitely ready.

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Intentional Foul» Ndamukong Suh Passes“Haynesworth”Test

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The heraldedDetroit Lionsrookie, Ndamukong Suh, made his first appearance at training camp yesterday, and one of the first things he accomplished was passing the“Haynesworth”conditioning test, the same one that’s hampering— and subsequently made famous by— Washington Redskins d-lineman, Albert Haynesworth. For all those Lions fans salivating at the idea of Suh wreaking havoc in an opponent’s backfield, here’s another reason to get excited: He passed it on his first try.

According to reports, in order to pass, Suh had to complete the first part of the test in 70 seconds and the second part in 73. Suh’s times were 65 and 67 seconds, respectively.

With Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and now Suh, the Lions have some of the more talented younger players in the NFL. The question is, can they turn that talent into a successful team for a town desperate for a good NFL team?

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Intentional Foul» Andre Johnson’s God-like Arms

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Some truths aboutHouston Texansreceiver Andre Johnson:He’s an absolute beast; perhaps thebest receiver in the NFL; he has amazing hands; and they are connected to an awesome set of upper-arms, something the lead image indicates rather well. Another plus: While Johnson is askingfor a new contract— rightfully so— he’s not holding out to do so.

Johnson is so good, if, as a non-Pro-Bowl-but-pretty-good-receiver, you aren’t salivating to play along side Johnson, you’re a fool. Being the number two for a receiver who demands so much attention means a lot of passes coming to your side of the field, as defenses adjust their schemes trying to stop Johnson.

A second receiver worth their salt could make an impressive living being John Taylor to Johnson’s Jerry Rice… Just as long as they understand Johnson will be the Rice in the relationship. He’s just that good.

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Intentional Foul» Alabama Tops Preseason Poll

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Last year’s king of college football is back on top of the preseason polls, as we get closer and closer to the start of the season.USAToday’s first pollof the upcoming college football season hit the stands today, and as expected, the team looking down on everybody else is theAlabama Crimson Tide. Bama received 55 first place votes, while the second-ranked team, Ohio State, received four.

Rounding out the top five are Florida, Texas, and everybody’s favorite non-automatic qualifier, upstart Boise State. The high preseason ranking makes Boise State’s road to the BCS trophy a little easier to achieve, provided they survive the Virginia Tech season opener.

As for the Tide, Nick Saban returns a powerful team, especially on the offensive side of the ball, which features eight returning starters , including Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram. Provided the defense performs up to Saban’s standards— not a certainty, considering the turnover; but then again, that’s what all of thosemonsterrecruitingclassesare for— Alabama is in a great position to repeat asBCS Champions.

Granted, they have to survive a fairly brutal schedule that includes games against Penn State, at Arkansas, a visit from a non-Tim Tebow Florida, and trips to Tennessee and LSU on back-to-back weekends. It’s safe to say if Bama finishes the season with an unblemished record, they’ll be at the top of the BCS rankings.

By a wide margin.

The question I’m left asking is, if they do win multiple championships, will Alabama build multipleNick Saban statues?

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Intentional Foul» Blind Peyton Tries To Play

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Apparently, the lesson Peyton Manning learned from his Super Bowl-losing interception against the New Orleans Saints was to hide his eyes— or to perhaps try playing without sight. Whatever the case, theIndianapolis Coltsstill look like the class of the AFC, the question is, can they do something with that designation when they get to the playoffs, or are we in for another awesome regular season, followed by Manning falling on his now-visor-ed face?

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Intentional Foul» Let Me Screw That Back On For You

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What we have here isKansas City Chiefsprized rookie, Eric Berry, getting his head screwed back on by Jovan Belcher. Um, Eric? Your job is to hunt heads, not lose yours.

As for the Chiefs, while a great deal depends on Matt Cassel’s performance, they have a legitimate chance to improve a great deal when compared to their previous three seasons, where they amassed an astounding 10-38 record, which is about 3.3 wins a season. The defense should be improved, as are the weapons at Cassel’s disposal; players like Jamal Charles, Dexter McCluster, a non-suspended Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers.

Is there enough talent to win the AFC West? Doubtful, but the roster looks improved enough to do better than 3.3 wins.

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Intentional Foul» Did Ronald Talley Lose a Bet?

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What we have here is, apparently,Green Bay Packersdefensive end Ronald Talley crossing a street, and the blur of the background images suggests he was close to breaking the light speed barrier. Who knew pink BMX knock-offs were so powerful? Perhaps this is an example of Packers hazing. For what it’s worth, Talley’s weight is an estimated 280-plus, and judging by the back tire of the now-tandem bicycle, the combined weight might be a little too much for the frame to handle.

If pink BMX bikes, ones ridden by oversized defensive linemen, don’t get you in the mood for football, you’re a lost cause.

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Intentional Foul» Tom Brady’s Hair Gets Us Ready for Football

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Are theNew England Patriotspositioning themselves for another Super Bowl run? If Tom Brady’s hair has anything to say about it, yes, they are. And hey,Justin Bieber likes it(via):

“Nice haircut, Brady. Dude’s got some golden locks. Haha.”

As if you needed another reason to root for Tom Brady. He quarterbacks the team you hate, his women are hotter than yours and now his hair makes Justin Bieber envious. Sounds like all you need to further focus your ire at TB12.

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