NFL fans are quick to say that pre season games don’t matter. Minnesota Vikings fans may disagree when it comes to tonight’s game. Brett Favre returns to Monday Night Football and will play a full half for the Vikings. Anything less than a good effort from the gunslinger could officially rip this team apart at the seams.

There are no more excuses tonight for Brett. Favre’s debut performance for the Vikings last week was awful. It didn’t help matters when Tarvaris Jackson came into the game and had an outstanding performance. Favre chalked it up to a lack of time with the team. That isn’t going to fly tonight for concerned Vikings fans and players.

To say that the signing of Brett Favre has been anything short of a disaster thus far would be an understatement. I read and heard many ex-NFL players predict fallout from the start. These analysts predicted that head coach Brad Childress would lose the team with this decision. Reports of a “schism” in the locker room followed which solidified the words from these analysts. A perennial Super Bowl favorite has gone from contender to pretender in less than two weeks.

The problem here is that Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels were promised an open competition for the job. Rosenfels signed as a free agent due to those intentions. Childress told his players that Favre wasn’t coming and 24 hours later he is there. These are the kinds of actions that have divided that locker room.

This team could be in big trouble on Tuesday morning with a sub-Favre performance and another lights out showing from Jackson. The team committed $12 million to Favre. No matter what happens, he won’t be sitting. Players will have to endure a losing season due to a bonehead decision by the coach and management. Favre will probably do himself no favors and keep his distance from the team. Remember what Thomas Jones said?

This is a pre season game that definitely counts. Favre needs to show his teammates and the fans that he does belong behind center for the Minnesota Vikings. Favre needs to lead several steady drives down the field. Favre doesn’t necessarily need a touchdown, but he has to at least get them into field goal range. If Favre pulls out one of his many pick six tricks, he is going to be in for a long week.

Green Bay Packer fans are likely loving the latest turn of Favre events. I put myself in their positions and imagine what it would be like if Brian Westbrook played for the Dallas Cowboys. I’d be bitter my team let him go, but it would be even harder to stomach seeing him in blue and silver. I would breathe a sign of relief if I saw that he didn’t have it anymore and my team got the chance to show him up twice a year. I am guessing that Packer fans are feeling the same about their former hero.

I know what Brett Favre said about his legacy, but this isn’t good for anyone. Like him or not, he should be remembered for this great Monday night moments and playoff heroics. Unfortunately he may be remembered as a laughing stock which isn’t necessarily fair. Regardless, it will be a lot easier to mend fences with Packers fans when he gives them two wins a year just by playing for the other team.

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There are enough articles about SummerSlam on the 23rd, so I’ll keep most of my thoughts about SummerSlam to myself for the time being. I want to talk about couple of the big returns to WWE television and WWE wrestling at SummerSlam or since. The returns are of the Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Mr. McMahon (to in-ring competition-even if it’s just for one night). Another news is of the send off of Jeff Hardy, having his last pay-per-view match at SummerSlam and his last match at the Smackdown tapings on Tuesday, both matches against C.M. Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.

The Undertaker

The last time we really saw the Dead Man was on the first episode of the returning WWE Superstars on WGN America after WrestleMania XXV when he defeated Matt Hardy in the show’s main event. The Undertaker returned in his normal way at SummerSlam, and that’s when after CM Punk recaptured the World Heavyweight Championship for the third time, he was standing over Jeff Hardy, the lights went out, couple of seconds later, the lights came back on, Hardy isn’t laying on the floor, underneight Punk, it’s Undertaker, and he choke slams him for his ultimate return.

Now, at WWE’s newest September pay-per-view, the Undertaker is challenging CM Punk for the World’s Heavyweight Championship, at Breaking Point.

Shawn Michaels

The last match that the Showstopper had was at WrestleMania XXV against the Undertaker, and we haven’t heard anything from him until Triple H said he’s “one call away” from bringing in a partner, referring to the Heartbreak Kid himself, to team up with him against Legacy’s Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. The match at SummerSlam with D-Generation X and Legacy was pretty decent, but a letdown for me because I was hoping that Legacy would get a pinfall victory over D-Generation X, making them look better than what they do deserve.

But with the Heartbreak Kid back, let’s hope that we can see one last great run from him and hopefully some young kid gets a rub off of him.

Mr. McMahon

The Chairman has been around off and on ever since the whole Chris Benoit (the guy that shall not be named in the eyes of the WWE) incident, which is a tragic case, none-of-the-less. But the Chairman came the night after SummerSlam and made a special appearance in a match, teaming up with D-Generation X to face Legacy. At the end of the match, we saw McMahon get the pin fall victory over the WWE Champion Randy Orton, and the show went off air.

In the end, I really don’t know if this special appearance by the Chairman hurts the heat for the WWE Champion, but it was nice to see McMahon get a pin fall victory, even on his 64th birthday.

Jeff Hardy

Going back and forth on a extension of his contract, there was no decision of keeping Jeff Hardy around after one show after SummerSlam. I am happy that the WWE did sent this guy out being in the main event over on Smackdown and I am happy that this guy got a chance to run with the World Heavyweight and WWE Championships before he left again from the company. Even though I never really got behind this guy’s wrestling style, but I am sadden to know that a face for the new main eventers is leaving, because the business today needs new main eventers, and we’re going to truly miss Jeff Hardy.

But I am happy to have seen Jeff Hardy as World Heavyweight Champion twice and seen Jeff Hardy as WWE Champion. I hope Jeff Hardy has great success in his future endeavors.

For the most part, I’ll get excited on getting a three-for-one shot of returns to goodbyes, but nothing against great wrestlers like the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, but guys like Jeff Hardy are the new faces of fans these days and are the new faces of the next legendary wrestlers like the Dead Man and the Heartbreak Kid. And I’ve always been a marked for Vince McMahon whenever he came out, but I do think it’s getting way too much for him to wrestle and defeat the top guy. Undertaker and Michaels can always go, and I hope we see them as World Champs one more time before they leave once and for all. And Jeff Hardy, thank you for the memories and the great times you’ve given us fans. This is Eric Darsie from Minnesota, sitting in my living room while my buddies play Guitar Hero, goodbye!

Check out more of Eric’s blogs at http://jericholic2009.blogspot.com.

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There is a very interesting story unraveling in the WWE. WWE announced the suspension of WWE I-c champion and SmackDown star, Rey Mysterio. Mysertio’s suspension is a result of violating the WWE Wellness Policy. Things got real interesting over the weekend when Mysterio finally told his story.

Mysterio gave an interview to a Mexican newspaper called The Record. Mysterio claims that he is innocent of all charges in the interview. Mysterio gives a very interesting defense to his violation. Mysterio refutes claims from the WWE that he did not have a prescription for prescribed medications.

Mysterio claims in the interview that he did not find out about the violation until last Wednesday. According to Mysterio, the WWE gave him until Thursday to provide proof of the prescriptions. Mysterio claims that he did not have enough time due to being away on vacation. Mysterio says he does posses proof but the WWE will not accept it past the Thursday deadline. Mysterio also claims he will tell more of his side of the story at a later date on his website.

This is going to get messy. Mysterio is still scheduled to appear at this week’s WWE SmackDown tapings. The suspension is scheduled to begin following the taping. It is entirely possible that the WWE begins his suspension immediately and not allow him to wrestle Tuesday. This is a situation that could turn into a public relations nightmare for both parties depending upon who is telling the truth and who isn’t.

The problem here is that this isn’t Mysterio’s first dance when it comes to WWE Wellness Policy issues. A few years back Mysterio was linked in a Sports Illustrated article to a steroid and HGH ring. An investigation also  linked Mysterio to Dr. Astin who was the doctor of Chris Benoit during the time of the Benoit family tragedy. Not too mention that Mysterio’s physique is noticeably much different than his WCW and lucha days.

I think the WWE is both right and wrong at this point. If Mysterio was truly on vacation, the company should have allowed him a little more leeway to deliver a script. I also understand why WWE posts Wellness Policy violations on their website. At the same time, they need to be 100% solid on these violations before they make them public. It is really unfair for the wrestlers not to be expected to defend themselves if they truly believe they have been wronged and allow WWE free reign to say what they want.

On the other hand, this could get dicey in a hurry for Rey Mysterio. Mysterio’s history immediately raises flags in a situation like this. I also don’t completely absolve Mysterio simply with a prescription. We all learned in the Dr. Astin case that just because a doctor is dumb enough to give you a prescription, it doesn’t always make it right. Chances are good that Mysterio could find any doctor who is a WWE fan to give him a script if he needs it.

The bottom line here is that the WWE and Rey Mysterio need to get this thing under control quick. This is something that can immediately divide the locker room. Rey is very popular among his peers and the last thing that the WWE needs is even more separation between management and talent. It also isn’t completely out of the question to see this end in a divorce between both parties. There are several cases of high profile WWE talents walking out of the company over issues with the Wellness Policy.

Between merchandise sales and the Mexico market, the WWE can’t afford to lose Rey Mysterio. Conversely, the WWE also can’t afford to have an accident on their hands or evidence of a cover up for one of their superstars. It is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved in this one.

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UFC fans gave Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira a 27% chance to win Saturday night. The former champ shocked the world! Minotauro put on an outstanding performance at UFC 102. Nogueira won a un animous decision over UFC future Hall of Fame fighter, Randy “The Natural” Couture. Let the Nogueira vs. Brock Lesnar talk begin.

I had my doubts about Nogueira going into UFC 102. Nogueira has not looked at all since coming over from Pride to UFC. Frank Mir dominated Nogueira at UFC 92. There were fan reports that Nogueira was limping around at the UFC 100 Fan Expo. All I know is that the Nogueira that beat Couture Saturday night looked like he was back to Pride FC form.

Nogueira showed a ton of resilience in the win Saturday night. He had Couture finished several times in the fight, yet could not pull off the submission or TKO. Some fighters may have gotten frustrated, yet Nogueira showed a lot of patience in the fight. Nogueira also absorbed some heavy blows from Couture, including one that opened up a cut.

The obvious question here is what is next for Nogueira. Nogueira is a former UFC heavyweight champion. By all rights, beating Couture should have nailed him a UFC title fight with Brock Lesnar. UFC officials jumped the gun and scheduled Lesnar’s next fight for November. This means that a potential fight won’t happen for at least another five months. Should Nogueira wait or roll the dice and take a fight before then?

The second obvious choice here would be a Nogueira vs. Frank Mir rematch. Unfortunately, it looks like Mir already has a fight scheduled with Cheick Kongo in December. UFC officials changed things around last minute to make Shane Carwin vs. Brock Lesnar happen. It is not completely out of the question to think that UFC may do the same and schedule Mir vs. Nogueira II in December.

As it stands right now, Nogueira is Lesnar’s toughest competition. The biggest factor in the equation would be Nogueira himself and his health. At close to 100%, he is going to be extremely dangerous in a five-round fight. Fedor Emelianenko in his prime couldn’t finish Nogueira in two Pride FC matches. Is Brock Lesnar 2009 better than Fedor 2003? Nogueira is no joke and is a serious threat here to Lesnar.

I would recommend that Nogueira sits out and waits for Lesnar in February, unless he can get a fight with Mir in December. Nogueira is not the flashiest fighter in UFC, but he is one of the best at 100%. Nogueira by all rights should get the next UFC heavyweight title fight. Either way, Pride Fighting fans can rejoice that the Minotauro Nogueira they remember is finally back!

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Check out this video featuring Fedor Emelianenko vs. Gegard Mousasi in an exhibition MMA match from M1 Breakthrough. Honestly, this isn’t much of a match at all. Both guys look like they are just going through the motions and trying to avoid injury. Fedor will have a much tougher time when he fights Brett Rogers for Strikeforce in October. However, I can’t imagine the result will be much different.

Thanks to CagePotato.com for the tip!

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Headlocks and Eye Gouges –I will be back on Pro Wrestling Radio Wednesday September 02 at 7 PM/EST. Listen live and ask questions from the chat room clicking here. Check out Prowrestlingradio.com for more information on the radio show and archived show downloads. Listen to my75 mn minute uncut interview with the Dan “The Beast” Severn on Pro Wrestling Radio by clicking here.

So who’s ready to hear how it’s REALLY going to go down this year? Who wants to know what the NFL will offer before the season even starts? Well we all do, so I’ve decided to bring to this blog my crystal clear, crystal ball forecast of the 2009 NFL season.

For some of you who may have been with me through the “Myspace” years and even through the beginning of my Facebook Era, or even in my days as a mere amateur, you will remember “The Sharks Picks”. Yes Jeff “The Shark” Porrini is back to bring to you educated guesses,much like every other predictor on the planet. Words to live by or just a hunch, you read and you decide.

NFC East: Eagles
To me this division looks like four teams who are all very similar and one will break out of this pack. The Giants, now two years removed from the Super Bowl have a boat load of nothing at WR, and the defense seems aged suddenly to believe that they can come back as divisions champs. The Cowboys are quite a question mark with the departure of Terrell Owens, although the defense looks to be improved. Than there are the Redskins with another year of big name free agents as they pursue mediocrity.

Why the Eagles?
Well the offense looks to have some new and exciting young weapons. It appears that after years of fans begging they have turned attention to lightning fast wideouts and complimentary RBs. The defense does have some question marks, but it seems to every year, and somehow always finds its way to the top 10. This is a unit under Andy Reid that makes changes but always has a similar core. I expect about 10 to 11 wins, enough to win the East.

1. Eagles
2. Giants
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins

NFC North: Bears
The good ol NFL Norris Division ( as ESPNs Chris Berman would call it) looks like a three horse race again. The Vikings have now done “The Favre Thing” and are many peoples favorites here, but unexplosive WRs and Favres health seem to be big issues. The Packers were red hot last year at the start and then just faded. No real big moves on defense to support a team that ended up last in the league against the pass last year. The Lions, well they wont go 0-16 this year, but they are nowhere near the top.

Why the Bears?
It is alot more then just Jay Cutler, but you have to admit, in the past the Bears had very little play at QB and still made noise in this division. Matt Forte looks to be the real deal at RB, TE Greg Olsen is becoming one of the best at his position and the WRs have speed for Cutler to work with. The defense is starting to age, but you cant argue with the playmakers they have. Lovie Smith usually gets his teams to come out and play hard. This Bears team will win 9 to 10 games and eek out this division.

1. Bears
2. Vikings
3. Packers
4. Lions

NFC South: Panthers
Ok so this division is becoming the NFCs best in my opinion. The Falcons have recovered quickly,but will have a tougher schedule to face this year and teams now know that Matt Ryan and Michael Turner can play. Also they have lost some names on defense that can hurt for sure. The Buccaneers seem to be slowly stepping toward a rebuild. The Saints, as much as it hurts to say, just DO NOT make the big moves on defense that it needs to become and elite team. Yes the offense can make huge splashes, but they have to, because they can’t stop anyone!

Why the Panthers?
Yes, everyone saw them get dismantled by the Cardinals in the playoffs last year. Yes they have had yet another tough pre-season of contract disputes and injuries. Coach John Fox does get these guys ready in good fashion. This is a team that, if anything has heart. Guys like Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith let you know you’re playing a mans game. The defense will be its usual self, and young linebacker Jon “the beast” Beason is becoming an NFL star. If all goes right this team can win 11 to 12 games this year and walk away rather easily, though it NEVER seems to work that way?

1. Panthers
2. Saints
3. Falcons
4. Buccaneers

NFC West: Seahawks
Yes, Seahawks. I am not to believe that last years goat team is the true Seattle bunch. The Cardinals were in the Super Bowl last year I know, but I have seen little this off season to correct whatever kept them from winning it all, and alot was lost as far as morale with trade demands and coaches lost. The 49ers are making some nice moves, but are far from ready for this spot. The Rams should be the worst team in the NFC (a bold prediction I know).

Why the Seahawks?
Well Jim Mora Jr. steps in as head coach, a nice change of pace and enthusiasm that the team had seem to lose behind Mike Holmgren. Mora in the past has done good things with some average teams. Matt Hasselbeck will need to stay healthy, and if he does he inherits a good looking group of wideouts led by free agent T.J. Houshmanzadeh. RB is a bit of a question but the west coast scheme tends to fix that. On defense they still have some good playmakers, and with defense being Moras strong suit this team seems ready for one last go around. I see the Hawks winning 9 to 10 games and winning it by at least 1 game.

1. Seahawks
2. Cardinals
3. 49ers
4. Rams.

Next time I will bring you the AFC outlook, then we will look at Award winners and standouts!

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at phillyphan1971@yahoo.com

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