PRESEASON IS OVER

FOOTBALL

Although we have a certain relief this afternoon because the Titans not only won the game (albeit against the poor Packers) but they played like they were a team. The past week, after a significant loss to the Falcons, management caused a bit of angst when they brought in Kerry Collins to “compete” for the QB job. We assume the power brokers think we are not only naïve but dumb, however, that’s has always been their assumption about the fans so no point in changing their mindset. Kind of like the coach that only gets excited on 3 yards and a cloud of dust. It’s embedded.

Anyway, I hope Volek and Bennett will break new records wherever they end up. It’s not a given that either will be cut or traded, but it would appear their Titan appearances are just about over and the curtain is slowly descending. One of the sportscasters said something interesting during the game today. He indicated someone on the Titan staff said that no matter what a player’s performance was during this game that “no one could earn their way on or buy their way off.” The cuts have to be done by tomorrow afternoon and evidently the decisions had already been made before the game. However, the players were certainly in a position to showcase their skills for other teams needing some help. I hope good teams will find a place for Jarred Payton (Walter’s son), Tyrone Calico, Andrew Woolfok and, of course, Drew and Billy if they’re cut.

Brett Favre played three downs, hit a touchdown and left the game. Very brief exposure, but he sure looked good even though his curtain has almost reached the stage. Seeing him in person has always been a thrill. Don’t you think he’ll make the Hall the first year he’s eligible? During my lifetime I have seen many legendary sports figures and they always emit some kind of “magic.” It can’t be defined, it just IS and I’m always in awe.

POLITICS

Well, it appears pre-season is also over in the world of politics. The President left his vacation home and visited Nashville to raise money for the election Bob Corker who is trying to get Bill Frists’s Senate seat. Now President Bush is another one of those guys who has “magic.” You may blast him and make fun of him, but if you would personally see him working a crowd or giving a speech to partisans, you would feel the stardust. When he’s in a comfortable group, he comes across so much more fluid and fluent in his language and speech patterns then he does on a televised or "canned" speech.

He is very passionate about the U.S. position in the world whether it is Iraq or Iran. It’s a dicey time right now and we hope the gain toward democracy in Iraq won’t dissolve in sectarian violence. If they can just get through a year or so of self-government, this may become the greatest legacy the U.S. could give any country. George Bush has this vision and we hope it’s on target. We shall see, won’t we?

Don’t count him out just yet.