VCU uPDaTe WeEk 3 – Games Ending September 22, 2008

WHO IS THIS TEAM? 

The Birds’ defense was helpless against the Cowboys, and then looked liked monsters against Pittsburgh. Nine sacks! For sure, Dallas has a better offensive line and better weapons all around, but the turnaround was remarkable. Dawkins, looking washed-up last week, may well have been caught on camera trailing plays as he was trying to cover a coaching error or miscue by a teammate. Notably, this week, JJ had one great scheme after another, and not many of them included Sean Considine. Dawk looked like SuperMan again. The offense played really well for a while, but the scoring was undermined by the 3 turnovers. And the beating they took! Westbrook, LJ, Hunt, and Dmac all missed time. Great win, hope they don’t have a trap game let down against the lowly Bears.

THE DANGEROUS INJURY.

Westbrook ought to make a full recovery from his ankle twist, even if he misses a week or two. Not really that concerned. My big worry is Donovan. He will keep playing, but will he be close to 100%? Last time this happened, it was part of a big ugly downturn.

HEY, HOW ABOUT THEM PHILS?

This time last week, we said, “tied for the Wild Card and just a half-game behind the Mutts. Never say never!” As we go to press, now they are 1.5 games ahead of the Mutts and 2.5 ahead of the Brewers. Five to play! We’d actually LIKE the Mutts to get into the post-season, to extend the life of Shea Stadium and to give the Phils one more chance to whomp on them.

GNATS ALERT!

Gnats have a bye this week, but have suspended Plaxico Burress for one game for “violation of team policy.” Burress will miss the Oct. 5 game against Seattle. The suspension takes effect immediately, meaning Burress will not be allowed to return to team activities until the day after the Seahawks game.

CULTURE CORNER.

On the heels of Joss Stone and the brilliant yet erratic Amy Winehouse, there is a flood of young blue-eyed soul singers coming from across the pond. The best of this new crop is probably Duffy, and you may have heard this Wales native singing “Mercy.” Also: Jamie Lidell, from Cambridge, England, has been compared to Otis Redding, Prince and Sly & the Family Stone, among others; and James Hunter, who looks rockabilly but channels Sam Cooke. All worth checking out!

READ KEN FISHER. CLICK THE LINK. http://www.forbes.com/fisher Don’t be an investor without reading Fisher!

GO PHILS! but…..THE STANDINGS