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It’s hardly surprising that Vick is struggling under the weight of high expectations

Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick holds his broken hand on the bench during fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadephia on September 25, 2011. New York defeated Philadelphia 29-16. UPI/John Anderson

Injuries, sloppy play, and failed expectations: Gee, where have I seen this Michael Vick before?

It’s natural that when things are going well for a person that they’re often viewed as untouchable. Conversely, when things start to unravel, frustration sets in and problems become magnified.

Now multiple both of those sentences by about 50 when it comes to Vick.

When everything is right in his world, he’s “revolutionizing the quarterback position” or putting up “video game numbers.” He’s unbelievable. One-of-a-kind. A $100 million quarterback. He’s sick. He’s Mike Vick.

Everyone bought into the same hype surrounding Vick on draft day in 2001 that they did last year when he started to light up the league again. But someone please explain to me what has actually changed besides his uniform color, because I don’t see much.

Remember when the media couldn’t stop putting a microphone in front of his face last year? Oh, how the public ate it up. He was a changed man. A more mature man and a more mature player. It was going to be different in Philadelphia because quite frankly, he and everyone said it was.

But what happened? He led the Eagles to the playoffs only to come up just short in the end. Then again, he did just enough to have a lot of people believing he and the Eagles were destined for big things in 2011. Super Bowl-type things.

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Top 6 Gifts for Your Sports Fanatic Husband

Stadium.

Let’s face it. Everyone likes to get a gift, for special days or just for no reason at all. But, some women might ask themselves, what sort of gift should I get my sports-crazed husband? Worry not ladies, here are a few tips that can give you the answers that you seek.

  1. 1. Sports Tickets. Letting your man be there in person, cheering for his favorite team is best. You can get them through your local ticket vendor, or you can buy sports tickets on eBay. In addition, if the sports event is further than a typical drive, plan to set your hubby up with a hotel stay too.
  2. 2. Jerseys. Most guys have a favorite or lucky jersey they wear to almost all their games. But, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t want a new one. Sometimes you can find signed jerseys on auction sites or purchase them from an individual. These means so much to your guy – especially if it’s signed by his favorite player.
  3. 3. Subscription to Sports Magazine. Most teams have magazines that keep up with their latest news and happenings. You can also look at e-zines that he can read online. However, if his team doesn’t have a magazine, opt for the general sports magazines.
  4. 4. Fun Fan Merchandise. Another excellent gift is gag-gift sports merchandise gift. They can often accompany a big gift such as tickets, and they can brighten up your guy’s face, or make him laugh. These gag-gifts are beer bottle openers, key rings, shot glasses or even piggy banks.
  5. 5. Gift Baskets. Yet another great option for a sports fan. The best part is you can dress it up to match whatever sport your husband loves. If he like to watch the big game on his big-screen TV, a basket full of popcorn, beer and pizza money is ideal. Alternatively, you can also stuff a basket with fishing gear – especially if he’s a fisherman kind of guy!
  6. 6. Portable Media Player. We’re not talking about the portable DVD player. We’re talking about tablet PCs. Give your guy the ability to watch his favorite sports team on a tablet PC. With mobile internet access, he can get the latest updates for his teams. Or, he can participate in fantasy sports games with his friends all through his mobile device.

Give these gifts at any time. But, it makes it even more special if they’re given to him on his birthday, or anniversary. Giving him sports gifts lets him know you’re interested in something he really enjoys. Who knows? He may just sit through that chick flick with you.

Sunday Evening Quick-Hitters: Reactions from Week 3 in the NFL

Every Sunday evening throughout the 2011 NFL season I’ll compile quick-hit reactions from the day that was in football. I vow to always overreact, side with sensationalism over rationalism, and draw conclusions based on small sample sizes instead of cold, hard facts. It’s the only way I know how to write…

DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING…

New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) chases Buffalo Bills cornerback Drayton Florence, as he runs an interception in for a touchdown, in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Orchard Park, New York September 25, 2011. REUTERS/Doug Benz (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

– Raise your hand if you had the Bills sitting atop the AFC East standings alone after Week 3. I can hear someone right now: “Actually, I did call the Bills being 3-0.” LIAR! Nobody had the Bills at 3-0 because that would mean they would have had to beat the Patriots at home in Week 3 and pfff, like that was going to happen. Well, it did happen. Not unlike last Sunday against the Raiders, the Bill spotted the Patriots a 21-0 lead and then proceeded to storm back, intercepting Tom Brady four times as Ryan Fitzpatrick led the comeback of all comebacks. And what a great decision by Chan Gailey at the end. He knew with the score tied 31-31 and the Bills well within field goal range that he could bleed the clock, kick the field goal and leave Brady with no time to respond. Outstanding coaching move. Outstanding game. Outstanding win.

– I definitely thought the Giants would keep things closer than the 9-points that Vegas gave them heading into Philly, but wow. Didn’t see an outright win coming. With most of his receivers out due to various injuries, Eli Manning had one of the better games of his career. You really have to hand it to the Giants, who were playing on a short week and who have been banged up all year. Instead of lying down like many expected, they took the fight to the Eagles’ front doorsteps and then delivered a knockout in the fourth quarter. I don’t care if Michael Vick stays in this game or not: The Eagles weren’t winning it.

– What do you mean Cam Newton didn’t throw for 400 yards? See, total bust. Just like everyone predicted…

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Fade Material: NFL Week 3 Predictions

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play to the offense while warming up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on September 18, 2011. UPI/Matthew Healey

Brutal, brutal, brutal – as in, my picks last Sunday were brutal. This column lived up to its name, as all four of my picks were true “fade material.” The Colts and Chiefs were blown out, while the Eagles lost outright and the Redskins failed to cover the 4-point spread against the Cardinals. OUTSTANDING.

Hopefully you have enough time to play these losers today…

Patriots @ Bills, 1:00PM ET
I think the feel-good story that has been the Buffalo Bills will suffer a setback today when the Patriots come to town. Buffalo’s offense has been highly entertaining to this point but this isn’t a very good defense that Tom Brady will have the opportunity to shred today at Ralph Wilson. The Pats are 7-0 against the spread in their last seven trips to Buffalo and 7-2 ATS in their last nine games against the Bills. The road team in his series is also 5-0 against the number in the last five meetings.
THE PICK: PATRIOTS –7

Jets @ Raiders, 4:05PM ET
The Jets just spent two weeks at home and now have to travel cross-country to play an Oakland team that’s better than everyone realizes. I think the Raiders could win this game outright, as Mark Sanchez is due to have one of “those” games where he throws for about 105 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns. The Raiders are 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 games as an underdog and 4-1 ATS in their last five games against the AFC.
THE PICK: RAIDERS +3.5

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