tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering when Monday Night Football lost its relevance, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* The talks between the NHL and the NHLPA seems to have hit the wall as it appears that Emperor Bettman has issued an ultimatum that the league will not budge off of its latest proposal. Isn't that what negotiations are suppose to be about?? Give and take, right?? How does this guy keep his job beats the hell out of me.

* It has been years since Notre Dame has been relevant in college football. The big difference between this year's team and the teases of the past has been its defense. Led by Manti Teo, the Fighting Irish have one of the best defenses in football. Whether they will get a shot at playing in the BCS title game remains to be seen but kudos to Brian Kelly for what appears to be a turn around at South Bend.

* Since Emperor Bettman has taken hockey away, I sat down and watched the New York Knicks last Friday against Dallas and found the game very entertaining. It appears that the Knickerbockers may have found the right coach in Mike Woodson, who's no nonsense approach may be just what the doctor ordered. It remains to be seen how this team will perform throughout the season, but so far Woodson has them heading in the right direction.

* The Cleveland Browns have a new owner in Jimmy Haslam. Haslam has the passion that may be needed to inject some energy in a franchise that has floundered since it has come back to the NFL in 1999.

* Mike Holmgren leaving the Browns doesn't break my heart. I began to lose confidence in Holmgren as a result of his handling of the Colt McCoy concussion. I also think his hiring of Pat Shurmur as head coach was a mistake and may be corrected by Haslam at the end of this season.

* Soon the Winter Meetings will begin and I will be surprised if the Yankees do anything of note. Of course, we Yankee fans need not worry as Brian Cashman says he's not worried about filling the holes in right field, catcher and the starting rotation.

* Bills GM Buddy Nix says that he will be looking for a franchise QB in the 2013 draft. Really. Nix and Company has sold the Bills Mafia on Ryan Fitzpatrick and now Nix has realized that Fitzmagic is not the answer. The fact is that Fitzpatrick is a serviceable QB but you are not going to win anything with him. Nix has been a joke of a GM and he is lucky he works for Ralph Wilson.

* Someone should tell Bills Coach Chan Gailey that he needs to lose the facial hair.

* Had to laugh last night hearing Schoop and the Bulldog slapping down all the Chester Cheektowagas and Louie Lackawannas slamming Fitzpatrick. Typical WGR. The all-sports radio station, and home of the Bills, spent all summer selling people on how this team will make the playoffs. These two nitwits were still at it last night. But when things go bad, they can't take it when Danny Depew calls up and vents his spleen because the Bills don't look like a playoff team. The fact is that they are not a playoff team!!

* The only good thing about Emperor Bettman's cancellation of games is not having to listen to the GR loudmouths talking about how Ryan Miller is overrated.

* And finally, there are not many NFL games I really look forward to watching but I can't wait to see the Colts and Patriots next Sunday. Andrew Luck has led the Colts to a 6-3 record and it will be interesting to see him compete on the same field with Tom Brady. Hey Buddy, see what a franchise QB can do for you??