Just A Reminder That We Won't Be Seeing Vincent Jackson For Awhile

Mixed in with this morning's reports of George Steinbrenner's death, the Spurs' signing of Tiago Splitter, Mike Tomlin's extension with the Stillers, Derek Fisher's decision to stay with the Lakers and Big Papi's win in last night's HR Derby, are reports confirming that the NFL has indeed suspended Vincent Jackson for three games next season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

This isn't really news as reports of the suspension leaked over two weeks ago.

Nor does it matter much because Vincent is planning to sit out until the 10th game of the season in a contract dispute with the Chargers. He'll serve his suspension in games he wasn't even planning to attend.

The Bolts have a bye Week 10 this season, so their 10th game is Week 11, on November 22, at home against the Broncos on Monday Night Football. I don't want to put too fine a point on it, but that is likely a critical game.

VJ better be in game shape and ready to go.

Scouting The Jets - Bungles Game

Spent the late afternoon scouting the Jets - Bengals game at the Village Pourhouse on Amsterdam Avenue up near Columbia's campus (not the one pictured above, that's in the actual Village). Father D.P. McGillicutty, a notorious Jetsies fan, showed up and helped me house some angus beef sliders, hot wings and numerous Bud Louie's.

Based on the Jets 24-14 victory, I note the following in a potential Bolts-Jets matchup:

- the Jets defense is strong but Rivers could throw up and over their smaller corners to the likes of Antonio, Malcolm and Vincent;

- Shon Greene and Thomas Jones would be difficult to stop, assuming Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer continues his creative play calling (the counter-pitch to Greene that went for a touchdown in the first half was choice);

- Dustin Keller, the Jets TE, would likely be able to exploit the Bolts LB core and pick up some big gains underneath and on bootlegs, as he did today against the Bengals; and

- LT and Sproles would have some daylight to pick up yards in the ground game, in theory opening up Philip even more for some deep tosses to Vincenzo, Antonio and Malcolmo.

We'll know tomorrow after the Pats-Ravens game whether the Bolts will indeed play the Jets, or if there will be a Bolts-Pats rematch from the 2006 playoff debacle.

Oh my.

Best. Uniforms. Ever.

Those All Whites the Bolts wore on Sunday were the best uniforms I - or anyone else - has ever seen.

Vincent, You're The Man

Vincent,

I was sorry to hear about your run in with the Diego PD earlier this week. Reports are they pulled you over early in the morning on suspicion of DUI. They also say you are currently on probation for a previous DUI charge back in '06. You've said you're innocent and so far the city has not filed charges.

So you know what I think, Vincent? I think it's time to set this business aside and play some football.

And from what I know about you, I don't doubt that you agree.

I expect you will hit the field Sunday in Pittsburgh and have a monster game. I expect this because I know you are a competitor with a ton of character, a ton of heart, and the will to make big plays.

This game needs someone to play the role of Beast. And I'm casting you for the part.

So get after it on Sunday, Vincent.

I know you will.

Best,
Bevormo