Feeling This by blink-182 is one of my favorite songs of all time. It was on the soundtrack to the PlayStation 2 video game, Madden '04. When I was a kid, I played a ton of Madden. I specifically remember my mom being concerned that I was playing too much of the video game and she was worried I wasn’t listening to enough music. 20 years later, I find it hilarious to think about now. Isn’t it weird how sometimes you remember the most random nothing conversations?
Feeling This didn’t officially get released by Blink-182 until October of ‘03, but it was on the Madden ‘04 soundtrack (which came out in August of ‘03) and it was erroneously titled “Action!” in the video game.This Intro is actually a sample from Captain America which came out in 1990.
I feel like Robert De Niro in Meet The Parents when Focker tells him that Puff The Magic Dragon is about smoking doobies.
The chorus can be interpreted as a couple in summer love which often doesn’t last. Holding hands signifies unity in a relationship but the singer is acknowledging he knows this fling won’t last so he'll leave when he wants to knowing that it wasn’t meant to be.
Sidenote: The chorus was always my favorite part of this song because of how distinct the tone of the voice is compared to the verses. As an 8 year old, I never knew what any of these words meant.
Mark Hoppus told the LA Times, "We were the joke band. We were the dudes that ran naked in the video. We needed to prove that there was something deeper than that. We wanted to treat our music as a form of art and see what we could really do."
Tom DeLonge said that this part of the chorus was done “with me screaming at a 30-foot long living room with microphones that were 10 to 15 feet away from me.” That’s amazing and why you can faintly hear it even though it sounds like a scream.
The bridge is about the aftermath of the rendevous. Mark Hoppus said the story goes, “When it came to writing the lyrics, Tom and I went into two different rooms, and he wrote the verses, and I wrote the choruses, without discussing the subject ahead of time. It turns out we both wrote about sex. Two different sides, the passionate, lustful side (verses) and the romantic side (choruses).”
The harmonizing at the end of this song is iconic. I don’t care that the lyrics are all about the birds and bees, to me this song will always take me back to being a kid trying to win a Super Bowl with the Jets in Madden.
Alright, on to Week 4…
Warped Logic - Week 4, ‘23
Thursday Nighter Recap
Detroit Lions 34 - Green Bay Packers 20
Decent Thursday Night game. I wish it was a bit more competitive early. Detroit got off to a quick start and the score was 27-3 at the half. Green Bay came out of the 2nd half moving the ball and had an opportunity to make it a real ball game but to no avail thanks to a dumb special teams penalty by Packers LBer Quay Walker who impressively leaped over the long snapper - which drew a flag, it’s been banned for years.
Instead of counting the 4th quarter field goal, the Lions RB David Montgomery would punch in his 3rd TD of the night. Montgomery had a monster night with 32 carries for 141 total yards and the 3 TDs. It would stink if you had him on your bench in fantasy football, would hate to be the guy or girl. Packers’ Jordan Love looked a bit shakey throwing a couple of picks while also flashing some real throws to his young WR core.
I had the Lions at -1.5 and the Over/Under at 45 so 2-0 going into Week 4 weekend…
Sunday Mornin’ in London
This Sunday Morning has two interesting twists in the NFL. It marks the first NFL international game of the ‘23 season as the Falcons and Jaguars will be in London. The Jaguars have played at least one game “home” game in London every year since ‘13. They are the closest thing to America’s English Team, but they haven’t gained an advantage from the travel as they have a 4-5 record across the pond. The other twist to this game is that if you have Disney+, Toy Story Funday Football will simultaneously animate the game as if it were to be played in Andy’s room. This will be the first of its kind. Cool idea and I hope it works out. Between Swifties and children, the NFL is really trying to maximize their viewership this weekend. As for the game itself, Jags QB Trevor “Sunshine” Lawrence credits his poor London game last year as something that “flipped a switch” in him. Since his Week 8 performance last year, Lawrence has played in 12 games, throwing 18 TDs to just 4 INTs, and has thrown for 3,009 passing yards while the Jags as a team have gone 8-4. For the Atlanta Falcons, I can’t tell if Desmond Ridder is holding the offense back or if it’s coach Arthur Smith, but they are extremely fortunate to be 2-1 right now. I like Jacksonville in London in Andy’s room.
Prediction: 17-13 JAX (-3 JAX & Under 43)
1 PM Slate
After a 30-point game Week 1 win, the Rams have lost 2 straight one-score games. LA hopes to get their star WR Cooper Kupp back next Sunday in Week 5, but head coach Sean McVay stopped short of making that proclamation. While of course once Kupp returns he’ll provide a jolt to their offense, their young WR core in rookie Puka Nacua and 24-year-old Tutu Atwell have impressed. Tutu did his best tightrope act on the sidelines last Monday Night in a play that ultimately got reversed (let the record show I thought he scored). The Colts have a returning star of their own in RB Jonathan Taylor, they just aren’t sure if he’ll be returning to Indy when he’s healthy. At the moment, the list of potential suitors for Taylor are Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles (Rams), Kansas City, Buffalo, and Washington. (@TheDestinAdams) Taylor is looking for a long-term deal and it looks like the Colts don’t want to budge on paying an RB. As for players on the Colts who took the field, QB Gardner Minshew led Indy to their 2nd straight win as they beat the Ravens in OT. Their kicker, Matt Gay, set an NFL record by going 4 for 4 on field goals from 50+ yards out. I got the Rams this Sunday though.
Prediction: 26-25 LAR (+1.5 LAR & Over 44)
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has forced the most missed tackles on the run so far this season with 14. The next closest QB is Justin Fields who only has 7. Other news with the Ravens is that OBJ has not practiced this week and he has been “hanging out” with Kim Kardashian. I’m sure Kris Jenner and co. is feckin’ pissed that nobody seems to care. Cleveland’s pass rusher Myles Garrett is coming off of a monster performance against the Titans where he had 3.5 sacks. With RB Nick Chubb out of the lineup, the Browns will likely be in a shotgun formation more than before, something that QB Deshaun Watson is more comfortable with. Jackson is great at escaping tackles but Myles Garrett is a whole other beast.
Prediction: 9-6 CLE (-2.5 CLE & Under 41.5)
A battle of 0-3s, at least the good news is that one of these losers will get a W. QB Kirk Cousins is the 14th QB in NFL history to throw for 1,000 yards and 9+ TDs through the 1st 3 games of the season. Out of those 14 QBs, he is the only one with a losing record to show for it. (@DustBaker) The Vikings 1st Round WR Jordan Addison leads the NFL in average yards of separation on throws 20+ yards downfield as the USC product averages 7.2 yards in separation from his defender. The 2nd place WR in this small sample size stat is Tyreek Hill with 3.9 yards. Everybody already knows about how good Justin Jefferson is but Jordan Addison has got off to a great start for his NFL career with 13 catches for 185 yards and 2 TDs in 3 games. The Panthers Rookie QB Bryce Young is expected to play after sitting out last week with an ankle. I’d be shocked if the Vikings started 0-4.
Prediction: 28-11 MIN (-3.5 MIN & Under 46)
The Cincinnati Bengals gutted out their first win of the year on Monday Night Football. Joey Be Cool Burrow is still dealing with a calf injury that he suffered during training camp. As a result, the Bengals offense has been severely hampered. Cincinnati had to get creative last week as they deployed WR Ja’Marr Chase a career-high 22 times in the slot in Week 3. For as long as Burrow is not 100%, expect this trend to stay the same and for Chase to be fed well as it is easier to make quick easy throws to players in the slot. The Bengals will have to learn how to play in low-scoring games and their 2nd year S Daxton Hill may have to emerge as a star in their Defensive backfield as he already has a sack, an INT, and 26 tackles. The Titans are coming off a humiliating loss where their QB Ryan Tannehill threw for only 104 yards and their RB Derrick Henry only ran for 20. A 2nd Quarter field goal was the only points Tennessee could muster up against another AFC North foe in Cleveland. The Titans will have trouble with the other Ohio AFC North foe too.
Prediction: 16-12 CIN (-2.5 CIN & Under 42)
Bucs WR Mike Evans had one of the most absurd one-handed catches on Monday Night Football. It looked like an ‘04 Madden glitch where the WR floated a full 10 yards except it was in real life. Through 3 games, Evans has caught 17 passes for 297 yards and 3 TDs which averages out to 96 catches, 1,683 yards, and 17 TDs in a full season, or good for 10 straight 1,000+ yard seasons. New Orleans QB Derek Carr hasn’t practiced all week as he is taking things day by day with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. Jameis Winston would start in his stead if he’s a no-go. While the QB for the Saints is a question mark, at least the team will be getting RB Alvin Kamara back for whoever is behind center. Kamara is 1 TD away from becoming the New Orleans Saints all-time leader in TDs scored (non-QB). He is currently tied with former great Saints WR Marques Colston. The Saints have not allowed more than 20 points in a game for 11 straight and they make it 12 against Tampa Bay.
Prediction: 18-10 NO (-3 NO & Under 40)
Last week the Miami Dolphins were close to making NFL history by scoring a franchise-record 70 points in a game. They were 2 points away from breaking the all-time record of 72 points set by the Washington Redskins in 1966 against the New York Giants. At least the GMen in that game scored 41, Denver just laid there and played dead. Phins Rookie RB De’Von Achane scored 4 TDs with 203 rushing yards. Phins other RB Raheem Mostert also scored 4 TDs. Phins’ WRs Tyreek Hill and Robbie Chosen (Anderson) also scored. Could it be that WR Jaylen Waddle, who was out with a concussion last week, has been holding this offense back? Waddle is now out of concussion protocol and will play so if the Phins don’t score another 70 this weekend it’s all his fault. The Buffalo Bills last week had a shellacking of their own, beating Washington 37-3. Buffalo’s defense played out of their mind, sacking Sam Howell 9 times and picking him off on 4 occasions. Bills RB James Cook had his 2nd straight great game, running for 98 yards on an efficient 15 carries. Josh Allen in his career against Miami is 8-2 with 27 TDs to just 5 INTs. Waddle’s return starts locker-room issues for the Dolphins as the Bills win.
Prediction: 36-31 BUF (-2.5 BUF & Over 53.5)
Did you know that current Broncos head coach Sean Payton had a biopic made about himself starring Kevin James called Home Team? It scored a 21% on Rotten Tomatoes. I’m very much looking forward to the sequel, especially after the Broncos loss to the Phins. By the way, what is up with this Kevin James meme? Did I miss something? Is it a TikTok thing? This game is trash, but you have to think the Broncos were embarrassed giving up 70 points so they’ll actually show up this week, no? At least Taylor Swift won’t be in attendance for another Bear loss.
Prediction: 7-3 DEN (-3 DEN & Under 46)
The Washington Commies got stampeded upon by the Bills last week. Sam Howell lost his first game as a starting NFL QB, but the main story for the Commies this week is that the team is being sued by The Native American Guardians Association. This Native American group wants the name to be changed back to the Redskins. According to the group, “The logo on the Redskin’s helmet is an actual person, it’s Chief White Calf. Every time they go out on that field, they are honoring Chief White Calf and they are battling on the football field with the same honor integrity, and courage. They should continue to honor that.” (NBC Montana) The original organization that now resides in Washington DC started in Boston as the Boston Braves in 1932. They were called the Braves because they played in the baseball Boston Braves field back when Boston had 2 MLB teams. They changed their name to the Redskins in 1933 because the team had agreed to play their home games where the Red Sox play in Fenway Park. I always thought the Redskins logo was badass and I think the Commies as meh, but either way, just don’t call them the Washington Football Team again. Philadelphia is 3-0 for the 2nd straight year. Outside of Taylor Swift and Miami scoring all the points, the NFL world is all up in arms again for the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts ability to run a QB sneak. The debate is what they should call the play - “Brotherly Shove” or “Tush Push.” Week to Week Notes likes the Brotherly Love and does not think it should be outlawed. Too many rules, let the fellas play. I’m taking Washington for the hell of it, 9 points is a bit steep.
Prediction: 19-14 WSH (+9 WSH & Under 44)
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ pass rusher TJ Watt leads the NFL with 6 sacks on the season. He picked up 2 last week, which helped contribute to the Steelers league-leading 13 sacks as a team. Texans Rookie QB CJ Stroud won the Offensive Rookie of the Month of September. It looks like Houston got a good one as Stroud has completed 65% of his passes for 906 yards with 4 TDs and no INTs. Stroud was a stud at Ohio State, but you never know what a player will be until trot onto an NFL gridiron. Stroud isn’t the only Texans rookie to get off to a hot start. WR Tank Dell has caught 15 balls for 251 yards and 2 TDs, plus their pass rusher Will Anderson has looked good too. Anderson has the 4th most pressures (11) among all rookie defensive linemen, has the most run stops (4), and the 2nd highest overall PFF grade. (@NFLTrenchBattle) These young Texans are promising but I’m worried about Stroud against this Steelers defense. Mike Tomlin in his career as a head coach for the Steelers is 23-4 when facing rookie QBs.
Prediction: 6-2 PIT (+3 PIT & Under 41)
4 PM Slate
The Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy G returned to practice Thursday after entering the concussion protocol. Rumors started to spread that WR Davante Adams had demanded a trade from the Raiders but they would be refuted as untrue. Chargers QB Justin Herbert is the only QB in the NFL not to have turned the ball over yet this season. The Chargers lost their WR2 Mike Williams last week to an ACL. Expect their 1st-round WR Quentin Johnston’s role to expand with Williams out. Herbert and the Chargers got this.
Prediction: 37-30 LAC (-5.5 LAC & Over 48)
The Arizona Cardinals are scrappy, I’ll give ‘em that. Something to look at is how they are using WR Rondale Moore out of the backfield a bit as an RB. Moore played both positions effectively in college so he has some experience in this role. He is still unrostered in over half of fantasy leagues so he could be a guy you target on the waiver wire a week early rather than a week late, especially if he can improve upon his 45-yard TD run from last week. The 49ers are a Gold Rush Wagon. QB Brock Purdy is still undefeated as a regular-season starting QB with an 8-0 record. Purdy will be 9-0 after Sunday.
Prediction: 35-0 SF (-14 SF & Under 43.5)
Patriots QB Mac Jones is a certified pervert. Cup-checking Sauce Gardner after a play is disgusting behavior. I would make a huge deal about this calling for Roger Goodell to investigate this incident as sexual harassment in the workplace but I’d rather Mediocre Mac stick around in New England for as long as possible. Dallas is coming off of a complete no-show in Arizona, they must have hit Old Town Scottsdale the night before. Lifetime Bill Belichick is 5-1 against Dallas but it just doesn’t feel right to side with a perv from Boston.
Prediction: 23-15 DAL (-7 DAL & Under 43.5)
Prime Time
Sunday Scaries
Alright Swiftes, you made it all the way to the Sunday Night Swift Bowl! For starters, here is a bit of the fam that Taylor has now chosen as fam… The Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has a wife, Brittany, and brother, Jackson, who Taylor may now have to share boxes with. Both Brittany and Jackson will certainly not try to steal the spotlight from Taylor, they couldn’t even if they tried. As for Travis, he is well past his Reality TV Dating show days and is certainly not a F*** Boi by any means.
Sorry, I’m just preparing for the national embarrassment every Jet fan is about to have to witness on National Television in front of the whole world. Travis Kelce is going to score his 5th TD of the night and Taylor Swift will zip down using one of those invisible performance wires that gives the allusion that she is flying, although if anyone could fly it’d prob be T-Swift right? As America’s new power couple passionately makes out in the end zone, NBC decides to sneak in a Pfizer logo on the corner of the screen, and the Jets lose 73-0. I’m sorry I’ve just seen this story All Too Well before. Only the Jets.
Prediction: 21-20 NYJ (+9.5 NYJ & Under 42.5)
Moody Mondays
The Seattle Seahawks have already made history becoming the first team ever in the NFL to score 37 points twice in a row. Throughout the entire course of NFL history, 37 points have been scored by a team 46 times. No team has ever scored 37 points in back-to-back weeks until the ‘23 Seahawks. (Source: Week to Week Notes looking it up on Pro-Football-Reference) Last week RB Kenneth Walker had his 5th career multi-TD game, which is impressive considering he’s only played in 20 thus far. Seattle’s secondary will be healthy for the 1st time this season as they will have CBs Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen along with their Safties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams who are expected to play. As for the Giants, RB Saquon Barkley, edge Azeez Ojulari, and OT Andrew Thomas were all limited in practice on Thursday. According to Pat Leonard of the Daily News, Barkley started the practice running gingerly before picking up steam towards the end. The line for this game has moved to +1 Giants but when I saw it on Tuesday it was at +1.5 ‘Hawks. Hey, @GiantFans at least your team won’t lose in front of Taylor Swift.