Thanksgiving Games

            Every year on November 25th, Thanksgiving, their are several football games for people to enjoy for the holiday. Have you ever wondered how this tradition started? The Thanksgiving day NFL games were started in Detroit, Michigan back in 1934. The new owner of the team George A. Richards planned a game on Thanksgiving as a marketing stunt to increase attendance and the game was also shown on television on NBC so everybody could watch. Since the game was such a huge success the game is still played every Thanksgiving and the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys always play on this day. This year during the Lions turkey day game they were winning over the New England Patriots entering the second half 17 to 10 but the Patriots came back and won the game 45 to 24 so it was another loss for the Lions something the Dtroit fans are used to. Thanksgiving day games are personally my favorite games of the year because their is nothing like food, football and family to make the day perfect. The Thanksgiving day games are always the best games because it always seems like the teams try harder because everyone is watching on Thanksgiving and the games are always good games. This was a wonderful tradition that was started 70 years ago and millions of people enjoy it every year and it brings families together around the television every year.

http://detroit.about.com/od/sportsrecreation/a/Lions_Thanks.htm

Troubles in Tennessee

        Vince Young                                                                                                               Jeff Fischer

 

This week in the NFL their has been some drama in Tennessee. During their loss to the Washington Redskins, the Titans quarterback Vince Young was injured. Young had a torn tendon in his thumb but he wanted to return to the game. Titans coach Jeff Fischer did not allow him to or did he know that Young was able to return and in  frustration at the end of the game he threw his uniform and shoulder pads into the stands. Fischer aknowledged that Young was no longer the starter of the Titans. After the game "Young reportedly ran out of the locker room after telling Fisher he was quitting on him, not his teammates." This is a tough situation because obviously no one wants to be taken out of a game that they think that they can play in or even win the game and emotions just got hot but I dont think that this is anything to worry about and I think that the Titans will be fine. Young is now out for the season after deciding to have season ending surgery on his thumb so this situation will blow over in a couple of days and everything will be back to normal.

Brett Favre

        Over the past couple of years the NFL has had a lot of drama over Brett Favre. Favre is definitely going to be a Hall of Famer and is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Favre who has retired twice in his career looks like he can play forever at the age of 41 years old. This season Favre has been facing more injuries then normal that could hold his career in jeopardy. 
        Favre's contract is up at the end of the year and when asked if he would return next year he replied "No," . This would end his career after 21 seasons in the NFL. But he still has to make it through this year first. This season Favre has been beaten up pretty bad but has player through all of his injuries. In week 7 Favre was sacked hard against the Green Bay packers and suffered two fractures in his left ankle but he still played through it. In week 8 Favre was not as fortunate he was sacked hard again and received a laceration to his face from the opposing players helmet. There was a lot of blood coming from his chin so he left the game and did not return. He still did start the next week keeping his consecutive starting streak alive at 212 games which is unbelievable especially after all of these injuries that he has had. 

                                                                  ( Brett Favre above )
      In my opinion I think Brett Favre is one of the greatest players that has ever played the game, he is also one of the toughest players. Just the fact that he is in the starting line up gives his team a chance to win that is how effective he is. If Favre does decide to retire after the season the NFL will lose one of the greatest players to ever play the game. 

Moss And Others On The Move

         Earlier this week the Minnesota Vikings released Randy Moss Just 4 weeks after trading for him. Moss returned to his original team but never really felt welcome when he returned. Another player that switched teams this week is Shawne Merriman who was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. Merriman has been injury prone but is looking for a fresh start in Buffalo.

                                                                  Randy Moss #81
          Moss after a controversial press conference on Sunday Oct. 31 was released on monday November 1 and was then picked up by the Tennessee Titans later in the week. Moss was released by the Vikings because of his bad attitude and his presence in the locker room. Jeff Fischer, the coach of the Titans, says  "We've got a great locker room. They'll accept him. I'm confident he'll accept his new teammates as well." This looks like a great fit for Moss as the Titans are a great team and our currently in first place so I think Moss will be a big help for the Titans now that he is on a contending team. Moss will also be a go to reciever as some of the current Titan recievers are currently injured.
         Merriman another player on the move this week is moving from the west coast to upstate New York and will be playing for the Buffalo Bills. Merriman was one of the best linebackers in the league his first 3 seasons but in that last couple seasons he has been injured and has not been the same player. The Bills are hoping he can return to form and help out the pass rush and help the Bills win which is something the Bills have yet to do this year. Current linebacker for the Bills, Chris Kelsay says "We need more playmakers," Shawne Merriman is a big playmaker and if he can return to the Merriman of old then he will help the Bills out immensely.

                                                                 Shawne Merriman #56