Football is Back!

Yesterday, September 11th, the Scouts had scheduled a 9/11 observance at the South Police Precinct. This is a very noble, civic minded type event, one that I definitely want my kids and the scouts in my pack to be involved with. This was something that I felt strongly about, that everyone should go, no doubt about it.

I found myself wishing they had scheduled it at 3:30.
Why? Because the Titans game wouldn't be over until right around 3.

Settle down now, OF COURSE we left on time, during the 3rd quarter. But sports are big in our house. I have always loved sports. I played Little League baseball, tried a little track in 5th and 6th grade, and high school basketball. I've always enjoyed watching and attending sporting events. Monica grew up similarly, a Bengals fan (I know, right) and Ohio State follower. DJ played football from 2nd grade until his neck fracture last year, as well as wrestling and track. Ricky tried wrestling for a season, and is considering fencing for his high school. (Who knows about Joshua.) So I guess a preoccupation with sports is normal.

Everybody in the family is a Titans fan, except Joshua who doesn't follow sports.I kid him that he was left on the doorstep. So we, especially DJ and I, watch NFL Network regularly, ESPN is on constantly, and there's frequently a discussion of how the Titans will do. (The Predators are a subject of conversation during their season, but it's not with the same intensity). We follow college, but pro sports are the biggie.

We're projecting the Titans to go 6-10 this season and miss the playoffs. The combination of new coaches, new quarterbacks, and correcting the talent problems from last year are just to much to overcome. We think they'll be competitive in most every game, meaning they'll still have a chance to win in the fourth quarter. So yesterday's first half was really disappointing (if you didn't see it, trust me, you're better off). I think that a bit more practice and game experience will help, but it reinforced my prediction.

So if my football posts get a bit... argumentative(?) during the next 16 weeks, forgive me. Warning: don't call the house on Sundays between 12-4. I will sometimes slip and say "we" when talking about the team. I keep telling myself that 6-10 would be a good season, but there's a little voice that keeps going "Well, with Peyton Manning out, who knows..."