Ok, now that I've got your attention, "Are you ready for some football?" Yes it's that time of year, where we can now look forward to a new NFL season. The sights (oh yeah) and the sounds will soon be upon us as the opening weekend is just a couple of days away. Every team has a shot at a Super Bowl right now, but it will not take long to determine the contenders from the pretenders.

So many new and exciting things to look forward to this year. My man brett Favre has a new home....the Big Apple. How will the country boy from rural Mississippi handle the media throng that is New York? He was god in Green Bay, but New York is NOT Wisconsin. It does not take long for the average New York fan to declare you a "zero" when just a few days before, you were the "hero".  He has his work cut out for him, the jets were pathetic last year, but if anyone has a shot at putting a charge in them, it's Favre. He is one of a select few that play this game with the ultimate passion and zeal. In the least, it will be fun to watch.

Can the Patriots match last years incredible run of 16-0 in the regular season? I doubt it.  What a disappointment, though, to scoot through the regular season unscathed, only to fall flat on your face to the Giants. I don't care what anyone says, the pats loss in the Super Bowl after what they accomplished in the regurlar season has to go down as one of the worst choke jobs in NFl history. Sorry Bill, sorry Randy, sorry Tom....you guys blew it big time. But hey, it's a new year and they will have to be one of the favorites to come out of the AFC......again.

Another team to watch in the AFC has to be the Colts. With the offensive assault that they can put up with the likes of Manning and Reggie Wayne and a healthy Marvin Harrison, anything is possible in Indy. And their defense is one of the best in the conference as well.

Teams that are going nowhere in the AFC.............Kansas City, Oakland, Cincy.....all horrible. Chad Johnson is a cancer and he will only cause more problems for his team. Watch out.

Over in the NFC, the toast of the conference is NOT the home-team. The Rams, well, they're just plain awfull. Every publication I've read has them, at best, 6-10. Ouch. Like the Cubs in baseball......wait 'till next year. No, the toast of the NFC has to be the Dallas Cowboys. LT, that's for you baby. Strong all the way around. Hard to argue with Tony Romo and Terrell Owens. As long as T.O. doesn't go over the deep end they have the best chance in the conference. Their defense ain't too shabby either.

Close behind the 'boys has to be the Vikings. Is there a more exciting player to watch in the league than Adrian Peterson? I think not. As long as he's healthy, I think he's better than L.T. in San Diego. Just one fans humble opinion. Watch out for the Vikes.

And don't count out the defending champs either. The Giants could surprise again, although they lost their top defensive end last week. Lawrence Taylor want to re-up....cocaine and all? Would be very exciting to see a Manning vs. Manning in the Championship.

The pre-season is great. Everyone has a shot. What is more exciting than tailgaiting, having a few frosty cold ones, grilling some brats...burgers...steaks. I can see it all now. This is a great time of year if you're a football fan. Hell.....if you're just a sports fan in general, these next couple of months is not doubt THE BEST TIME OF YEAR for everything. Look at what you got:

Pro and College Football.....a complete weekend experience

Major League baseball is winding down the regular season and the playoffs start in less than a month. Who's going to be the next Mr. October.

Hockey will start it's training camp soon...and the puck will drop for real in early October. The regular season is a grind, but it is without a doubt the toughest championship to win in all of sports.

Even pro and college basketball is just around the corner, that'll be in full swing come November.

I so love this time of year.

Enjoy the moment....................CG