NFL Gridiron Gab staff member Jenn Sterger may not be with us very longer - at least if you jump on the Sterger for President bandwagon that is running across America. Check out the video above.

Watch for the end when our girl gives love to the gab!

They are the team you love to hate. You really don’t understand the mechanics of these feelings.. or why you have them.. you just do. Maybe it’s the school-boy smirk on Tom Brady’s face as they pull another fourth quarter win out of their butt, or the swagger of Randy Moss as he crosses the goal line to break three records in one catch.. or maybe you just can’t stand Bill Belichick’s cut-throat tactics. Sure.. it could be any one of those things. But if you ask me… it’s the cold hard fact that…

No one likes a cheater.

Every nerd, band dork, and socially awkward kid in America will be rooting for the Jaguars to end the season of perfection that the Patriots have managed to string together. Why?… Because we’ve all been there. We’ve watched the cool kids, the athletes, and the bullies cheat for as long as we can remember, yet stood idly by so as to not get our asses thrown into our lockers. Now my friends the time has come for us to all unite for the greater good.

We must stop the Patriots.

But how?..

The good faith of the little people rests in the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars as they march into Foxboro this weekend to face the Tom Brady and his band of brothers. Leading the fight in his first season as a starter is David Garrard. (Can you say dramatic irony?…) Garrard has not only earned the respect of his team, but has proven that he has the skills it takes to lead a team into the post season. He has the mobility and the athleticism to compete against the toughest teams in the AFC South, and had relatively few interceptions considering the defenses he faced. But Saturday, he’ll have to do better. Saturday will be his Super Bowl.

No team in the NFL has the ability to capitalize off of their opponents errors like the Patriots. Just ask Eli Manning or the slew of other quarterbacks whose mistakes proved to be costly errors in the waning minutes of their potential upsets. They are an opportunistic defense, no doubt, with the likes of Teddy Bruschi and Junior Seau, but they are not invincible.

So what do you do if you are the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense?… You run the ball. Keep your game on the ground!!!… With guards like Vince Manuwai to open up the backfield you’re giving your two most powerful weapons in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones Drew plenty of running room. And by running the ball… you limit your mistakes.
You limit your mistakes, you keep your offense on the field and Tom Brady’s ass on the bench. The Patriots offense has yet to be well-defended, even by some of the best in the league. So in this case… the best defense is a good offense.

Despite the nasty odds I still like the Jags in this game. Why?.. They never get shut out, they aren’t heavily penalized, and they don’t turn the ball over often. But the main reason I like the Jags is… because this is the play offs and anything can happen.

Maybe it was just an “off” night. Yeah. That’s it. Maybe T.O. wasn’t running his routes fast enough. Maybe the Eagles defense was just well prepared. Or maybe… the curse is real.

I’m not one to buy in to all the hocus pocus, but something can be said for the singing starlet’s effect on.. well, pretty much everything she touches.

Her record sales.
Her cosmetics line.
Her “acting” career.
Her marriage to Nick Lachey.
Her relationship with John Mayer.
Her relationship with Dane Cook.
Her relationship… with.. well, anyone for that matter.

The evidence speaks for itself. The demise of her marriage to Nick Lachey was blamed largely on the overexposure they received with MTV. Her last record tanked in the music stores. Her clothing line was a total wash since she hardly took the time to promote it. Her cosmetics line “Dessert” was a bigger hit with sugar addicts than it was with make up connoisseurs. And her two latest film collaborations are heading straight for a video rental shelf near you, completely bypassing the whole theatre thing. Must be Oscar winners. Maybe even a Razzie!!!…

But lately, it seemed the daughter of Murphy’s Law had stumbled upon some good luck. She’s reuniting with her Dukes of Hazzard co-star Willie Nelson and making a country album—“returning to her southern roots” as she calls it. Her shoe and accessory lines are doing rather well with retailers. Hell, even I will admit to owning a pair of shoes…or five. And now it seems the beauty has found her Prince.

Tony Romo was just your average dude. He was that goofy kid that was always smiling, that just so happened to throw a football well. He wore the number 9, for his favorite character from his favorite movie, Roy Hobbs in The Natural. Cute, right? Then one day, that same goofy kid became the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. And just like that… the Cowboys had found their own Wonderboy. The people of Dallas rejoiced in his name, as the coming of Romo was hailed a new era in Cowboy football. It wasn’t long before his talents attracted some of the hottest women Hollywood has to offer, the latest of course being none other than the aforementioned Miss Simpson.

Simpson took her rumored beau, Dallas Quarterback Tony Romo home to meet the fam at Thanksgiving. The two seem to have really hit it off as they have been spotted together numerous times since.

So it’s only appropriate that they make their relationship public at only one of the biggest games of the season, Dallas vs. Philly, with huge play-off implications (and home field advantage) on the line. I mean, love is in the air and everything is perfect. What could possibly go wrong?

Dallas’ boy prince went 13 for 36 passing, 3 interceptions, and 4 sacks in a 10-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. He didn’t just play poorly.

He straight up sucked.

A good friend of mine calls it the “Hey Mom!” Effect. Sounds scientific doesn’t it?… However, the “Hey Mom! Effect” seems to have some real clout. Remember when you were younger and were playing hoops with your buddies and nailing three pointers like it was no one’s business???.. Yeah?.. Well, remember what happened when you finally got your mom’s attention, and she watched you attempt to demonstrate your skills??.. Sure you do. You choked. It’s the guys’ natural desire to prove his skills and athletic abilities to impress the female in his life whom he cares about. And when that lady is no longer a mother, but a significant other???… Well, the “Hey Mom! Effect” is magnified to the Nth degree. Animalistic??.. Sure. But we are talking about male athletes here, people. He’s supposed to be a PROFESSIONAL athlete, but a male is still a male… regardless of his occupation.

Cowboy fans have witnessed a similar scene before: A beautiful blonde A-lister wearing a number 9 jersey, sitting in a pressbox as she cheers on her man to his worst playing stats of the season. Then it was Carrie. Now, it is Jessica. The good people of Dallas recognize the pattern. And they are NOT happy.

The Natural may be his favorite movie, but clearly Romo’s never read the book. While I won’t go so far as to spoil the ending or do some highschooler’s book report for them, I will say this: Things don’t end so well for Mr. Roy Hobbs in the end. And his downward spiral… well, it all started with a girl.

“I got a hunch that girl’s a curse,” said Roy’s pop.

You’re damn right she is, Pop. You’re damn right.

So forget the chicks, and quit throwing picks Wonderboy!!!!

Until then, it’s ok Tony. Tomorrow begins a new week. Besides, Joey Harrington wishes he had your problems.

Despite their 2006 playoff appearance and promising outlook for this year, the New York Jets 2007 season has been plagued with a variety of problems. But lately, things have been looking up in the Meadowlands. With a new stadium in the making, the Jets are taking steps to beautify the state of New Jersey and breathe new life into the franchise.

Enter: The New York Jets Flight Crew.

Don’t call these girls cheerleaders, because in their inaugural year, they have proved themselves to be so much more. Aside from good looks, this group of girls was hand-selected from an invite-only closed audition based on their dance experience and expertise. Many of the girls are students at universities in the surrounding New York and New Jersey areas, but some have full time jobs and participate in community projects as well.

“My everyday life is dancing,” says Gina C. “I am a hairdresser during the day, and teach dance on our days off. I also make sure I train everyday even if it’s in my house.”

She’s used her position as a Flight Crew member to motivate the kids she teaches. “It (being a Flight Crew member) makes me a huge role model for my kids. It shows that if you work hard enough you can dance your life away!”

This is the first year the Jets have had their own dance squad. Up until now, the team had flag carriers and such, but no real faces you could associate with the team. This year, management and the powers that be decided it was time for a change. The Jets brought in Denise Garvey, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, New Jersey Nets dance team member, and Knicks City Dancer. With her expertise and experience in performance and dance, Garvey and the organization held closed auditions, inviting 50 or so young women from the surrounding areas.

However, Garvey had very specific expectations of future Flight Crew members.

“They must be athletic, entertaining, poised, well spoken and a great dancer.”
After grueling hours of auditioning, she narrowed down the masses to an elite corps group of ten: The very first official New York Jets Flight Crew.

“My craziest experience for me was the very first home opener game when we ran out of the tunnel. The fan’s that were cheering for us sounded like one huge roar, it was definitely an adrenaline run. I never ran so fast in my life, haha! I loved it!”

Getting used to practice schedules, game day performances, and earning the adoration of the masses can be tasking for anyone, but accomplishing all of these in a program’s infancy???..

Well, that takes guts. The ladies seem to be taking all the attention in stride, and handling themselves with the utmost confidence. And believe me when I say, that’s not an easy task in the Meadowlands, given the ups and downs Jets fans have endured this season.

“No matter what the outcome of the game is, the fans always give us a positive reaction,” says Gina. “They give us so much love and support. The attention is always overwhelming, you’re constantly reminded how much you’re cared for at every game.”

I got a chance to spend an afternoon with the ladies and observe as they interacted with fans and signed autographs. They posed for pictures, signed headshots, and shared a smile with those that stopped by their meet and greet tent. Many organizations keep the fans from interacting with their cheerleaders, mascots, and players, so it was nice to see fans getting to meet the people that make watching a Jets game on a chilly Sunday in December, that much more enjoyable.

As the Flight Crew wraps up their inaugural season, one can only imagine what lies in store for them in the months ahead.

“We are expanding the idea of the Flight Crew for next year,” says Garvey. “What that means exactly is yet to be finalized, but it will be very exciting to see the Flight Crew grow and develop in 2008.”

The girls too are excited to see how the Flight Crew matures as a part of a well respected NFL franchise. They aren’t taking the off season lightly either.

“I have huge hopes for next season!” says Gina. “I want us to come back even more aggressive and stronger! You can never get lazy is this business, and you should always strive to be better!”

Now that is something to cheer for!…

Tom Brady is set to pretty much break every single NFL record for Quarterbacks: 4,895 yards, 61 TD’s, and only seven INT’s. One would assume that puts him in a prime position to be named league MVP.. but.. not so fast. The true definition of MVP would be the Most Valuable Player, but is Brady even the MVP on his own team?… I guess it all goes back to a modified “Chicken or the Egg” argument. Would Tom Brady be the passing-efficient enigma he is if it weren’t for Randy Moss?.. Moss is on pace to have 106 catches, 1,683 yards, and 26 TD’s this season. Prior to Moss’s arrival on the New England scene, Tom Brady’s career high was 28, where Moss is on point to accomplish that himself. Is Brady’s success a result of experience or having a better target to throw to?.. So, I guess the argument is… Tom Brady is not single handedly the best player on his team, as his success can’t be directly attributed to himself.

So who should be MVP???… What single player in the NFL is responsible for the majority of his team’s success?…

My answer: Brett Favre.

The guy has got to be smiling all the way to Arizona at all of the nay-sayers that said he should have hung up his helmet years ago. His success in Green Bay can’t be attributed to his supporting cast or his offensive line, most of whom were probably in high school when he won his first MVP. Not to mention Green Bay’s success on offense certainly isn’t due to a particularly stellar running game. In fact, Green Bay is ranked dead last in rushing yards—make that a non existent running game. So you see, the Packers have put all their faith in the aging arm of their veteran quarterback. And it seems to be paying off. 22 TD’s, 3356 yards, and only eight INT???.. Sure, they aren’t Brady’s numbers, but he is throwing to a bunch of kids that were relatively unknowns until this season. There is some food for thought.

So maybe Brett’s numbers don’t match up to those of Brady and his bunch, but he and his Pack have figured out a way to consistently make something from nothing. And if that doesn’t merit a shot at MVP.. I dunno what does.

November 29th will undoubtedly one of my favorite days of the year. That’s because 24 years ago—yours truly was born.

But there will be no elaborate birthday dinners, no girls night out, and certainly no drinks that end with the suffix “-tini.” No, instead, I will be parked on my couch or at the local sports bar partaking in all you can eat wings, dollar beers, and of course watching two NFC titans battle for Thursday night supremacy: The Cowboys vs. The Packers.

Now that the Pats/Colts game is out of the way, that Thursday night game is shaping up to be one of the biggest games left in the regular season. At 8-1 right now, both teams boast two of the best offenses in the league. But aside from their records, the two teams share little else.

Green Bay is led by NFL legend Brett Favre, who you know has to be smiling to himself as he continues to prove that his skills are like a fine wine—they get better with age. He has the experience, but does he have the supporting cast (AKA their bottom-ranked running game) to get them all the way to Arizona? My heart says yes.. my head says .. no chance. Because while the tundra at Lambeau Field may have frozen over, hell… has not.

The Cowboys guns are just too loaded, even for a team as good as the Packers. Last Sunday’s game against the Giants proved just that. In a “New Jersey-ian” packed hostile environment, the Cowboys’ defense overwhelmed Manning. Peyton’s little brother spent so much time with his face in the dirt, I think he may have found Jimmy Hoffa.

It’s been a while since this match-up has carried a significant amount of weight in terms of a trip to the Superbowl–1997 to be exact. The match-up of Tony Romo and Brett Favre may just prove to be more enticing than the current Brady/Manning storyline or even the Favre/Aikman ones of the 90s. So the ultimate test of youthful talent vs. veteran experience will come to fruition in Dallas on Thursday Night Football in a couple weeks.

Site Editor Matt Loede and CNN/SI & NFLGridironGab.com Columnist Jenn Sterger are back with another edition of Gridiron Gabbin. In this edition, Jenn and Matt discuss her latest projects with Sprint and ABC, as well as give a little mid-season report on who’s taking home the Lombardi Trophy, can anyone challenge the Pats, and who may surprise in the NFC. Click below to hear Matt and Jenn in this latest edition of Gridiron Gabbin.

 

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What happened… Oh Captain.. my Captain?…

If there has been one consistent spot on the Bucs dwindling offense it’s been none other than “replacements-esque” Quarterback Jeff Garcia. But during last Sunday’s game against Detroit, Garcia’s normal efficiency was overshadowed by his two blunders deep in Bucs territory. One fumble is forgivable, two.. makes you wonder who crisco’ed the football.

And it didn’t help matters that Detroit did something totally uncharacteristic of Mike Martz style offense: They ran the ball. No, I didn’t stutter. The Lions’ offensive coordinator not only opened the game with four Kevin Jones running plays, but he continued to run the ball all day. Head coach Marinelli’s squad not only ran the ball effectively, but threw it well also. Top that off with three made field goals, and you’ve got yourself a win over a NFC team with a winning record, not to mention… your old QB.

So what does one make of last week’s debacle in Motor City?.. Just call it a case of bad luck. The Bucs seem to have had plenty of it since the season began, eliminating many of the playmakers on offense. But while the Bucs may be down, they certainly aren’t out. Granted, one of their losses was to their ex-coach Tony Dungy—who’s kinda like that hot girlfriend you let get away because you’d rather spend time playing Halo with the fellas. But who HASN’T lost to the Colts???.. Exactly.

This week, Tampa Bay is at home, where they’ll face off the kids from North Florida—The Jacksonville Jaguars. After the brutal @$$-kicking the Jags received from Peyton and the boys, they will be without their starting Quarterback David Garrard. FAMU alumni Quinn Gray will get his first NFL start in front of a packed house at Raymond James. This is the third Quarterback Jacksonville has seen this year, as the Jag’s ended the Byron Leftwich era during preseason. Though he really hasn’t seen playing time the Jags are still hopeful that Quinn can fill Garrard’s cleats quickly.

“He hasn’t been in this situation before. We’re dealing with some unknowns. We don’t want him to carry the team. We want him to be a good distributor and play his role.” –Del Rio, Assoc. Press.

Not to mention Maurice Jones Drew’s fate is still in question for Sunday.

And while most would think the Bucs would be smooth sailing this Sunday—think again. Tampa Bay is in the market for a few good receivers, with Michael Clayton out on ankle injury. His status for Sunday is still undetermined.

So once again, the burden of the weight lies on the shoulders of NFL veteran Garcia. He’s done his part in integrating seamlessly into Gruden’s West Coast offense, even despite the personnel shortages and injuries. But a Captain can only keep a ship afloat for so long without a crew to help him man it. Let’s just hope for Tampa’s sake that ship hasn’t set sail just quite yet.

No, the NFL isn’t going on strike, but the absences of some of its marquee players would have many fans thinking otherwise. Names like Deuce McAllister, Trent Green, Jake Delhomme, Matt Leinart… all riding the pine pony thanks to some hard hits at the hands of their competitors. The Bucs are no exception. Chris Simms is still sidelined from last year’s splenectomy. Cadillac Williams may have just played his last football game… EVER. And Mike Alstott is more mascot than man these days, as he is more a fixture on the sideline than goal line.

To say the Bucs’ offense is anemic would be a vast understatement. Til last week, they had some chance of recovery with the help of veteran running back Michael Pittman. But that was last week. Pittman suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday’s game against his former coach, Tony Dungy and his Colts. He still has a space on the roster, but will probably be out at least a month. Now, the Bucs’ running game is limited to just three running backs: Ernest Graham, Kenneth Darby, and B.J. Askew. This gave Coach John Gruden little choice but to officially put Simms on the Injured reserve, to make room for a new running back.

It’s not like Simms was the starter or anything. Hell, he was probably third or fourth at best. Tampa went a little quarterback crazy in the off season anyway, snagging both current starter Jeff Garcia and the “retired” Jake Plummer. Garcia is actually meshing quite well with Chucky’s West Coast offense, and has proved himself to be a great leader in those tight spots. But with injuries at both the lineman position and lack of depth in run game, Garcia’s options are shrinking. He does appear to have found his go-to aerial guy in Joey Galloway, who in past weeks has tormented both the Rams’ and Saints’ defense with the long ball, and his playmaking abilities. Sure, it works now, but this won’t last long.

As far as fresh blood being added to the roster, the Bucs are looking very closely at several candidates to fill the ‘back position. Zack Crockett, a former Raider was released early last month by Oakland. He and Gruden however already have a good rapport, not to mention he fits nicely in the type of offense Gruden likes to run. They are also expected to re-sign Lionel Gates to the practice squad as he was with the Bucs during preseason. And while other names are being tossed into the hat (Eric Shelton, Kevan Barlow, Ciatrick Fason), these two seem most likely to get the nod.

Last weeks match-up in Indy proved the Bucs still have a long way to go if they want to stay alive in the NFC playoff race. Even with two of their superstars (Joseph Addai and Marvin Harrison) out for the game, the Indianapolis Colts outplayed, outwitted, and outlasted the Bucs. The Colts defense proved it had beefed up its game, capitalizing on the Bucs’ tackle Donald Penn. The result?.. Jeff Garcia was harassed more than a band dork getting stuffed into a locker by the cool kids.

This week the Bucs look to regroup after last weeks injuries, as they face Tennessee at Raymond James. Don’t get me wrong.. the Titans are no slouch, but they certainly aren’t the Colts either. And while they are still licking their wounds, the Bucs and their fans alike are eager to see if Chucky and his rag-tag band of misfits are the “real deal” or if their winning ways have come to an end.

My thoughts?… There is no joy in Tampa, the Bucs luck has just run out.