The writing and story lines in FNL are some of the best on TV today. The show is also blessed to have a group of great young actors who are given lots of freedom to ad-lib from the script. One particular actor, Zach Gilford, who plays Matt Saracen had one of the most amazing acting jobs I’ve seen on TV earlier this season. In an episode entitled “The Son,” Matt deals with losing a father he never really knew…and struggles with how he should remember and honor a man he didn’t like. Incredible job.

Other great young actors include Taylor Kitsch, Aimee Teegarden and Minka Kelly. The show has a lot of hot chicks pass thru it, which doesn’t hurt it’s standing with me. Coach Taylor is played by Kyle Chandler, when I hear some of his locker room speeches I want to go out and play.

FNL is currently running its 4th season on DirecTV. It will start airing on NBC in late April. I recommend you tune in to watch and get Seasons 1-3 on DVD to catch up.

Happy birthday Scott McGregor. Scott played his entire 13 season career for the Orioles from 1976-1988. A crafty lefthander who wore #16, Scott won 138 career games, ranking 6th on the O’s all-time list. Scott’s best season came in 1980 when he won 20 games and had a 3.18 ERA. Scott was a great post season pitcher, compiling a 1.63 ERA in 6 starts, including a shutout to clinch the 83’ World Series against the Phillies. Scott retired after the 88’ season with a 3.99 career ERA and 82 complete games. In retirement Scott got into coaching and is currently the pitching coach for the Orioles single A Aberdeen Ironbirds. Happy 56th Mr. McGregor

Happy birthday Rick Krivda. Rick played parts of 3 seasons with the Orioles from 1995-97. Another lefty pitcher who wore #38, Rick had a career record of 9-14 as an Oriole. Rick was a member of the 2000 US Olympic baseball team that won a gold medal. Rick is the only Oriole pitcher that I can claim I got a hit off of. I went 2-3 against him at Cal Ripken’s Fantasy Camp a few years back. In retirement Rick is a General Manager for Extra Innings in Baltimore. Happy 40th Mr. Krivda.

Happy birthday Randy Thomas. Randy just completed his 7th season as a Redskin, a season cut short by a torn triceps. Randy has played well (when healthy) at RG over those 7 seasons. He was signed as a free agent from the Jets back when the Redskins purged the Jets roster in the offseason of 2002-03. Randy has appeared in 82 games for the Redskins during his tenure. Known as a great cook and big eater, Randy knows his way around a grill/kitchen. He also owns a restaurant named RT’s and has taken on professionals in eating contests. Happy 34th Mr. Thomas.

Happy birthday Tony McGee. Tony played 3 seasons for the Redskins from 1982-84’. A defensive end who wore #78, Tony had 21 sacks in his 3 seasons. Tony appeared in 41 games and appeared in 2 Super Bowls, winning 1. For his career Tony played 14 seasons and played 202 games. In retirement Tony has hosted the “Tony McGee Show” and is also an enforcer for the “uniform police.” Happy 61st Mr. McGee

Happy birthday Reggie Brooks. Reggie played 3 seasons for the Redskins from 1993-95. A running back who wore #40, Reggie appeared in 29 games. Reggie was drafted in the 2nd round out of Notre Dame, where he was an All-American. His best season was his rookie campaign in 93’ when he rushed for 1,063 yards and had 1,261 yards from scrimmage. Reggie had a fumbling problem and he quickly got in the dog house after 93’, dropping to 297 yards in his 2nd season then -2 yards in his 3rd. Happy 39th Mr. Brooks.

Happy birthday Derek Smith. Derek played 4 seasons for the Redskins from 1997-2000. Derek wore #50 and was a 3rd round pick out of Arizona State, where he was teammates and friends with Pat Tillman and Jake Plummer. Derek did not miss a game in those 4 seasons, appearing in 64 games at OLB and MLB. Derek amassed 372 tackles, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 INT and 4.5 sacks during his tenure. Derek has not officially retired and has now played 12 seasons in the NFL. Happy 35th Mr. Smith.

Happy birthday Michael Adams. Michael played 4 seasons for the Bullets from 1986-87 & 1991-94. Michael played PG and wore #10. Michael appeared in 281 games for the Bullets, averaging 13.3ppg and 6.6apg. His best season came in his all-star 1991-92 season when he averaged 18.1ppg and 7.6apg. For his career Michael led the league in 3 point attempts 4 times. In retirement Michael got into coaching and is currently an assistant at Maryland. Happy 47th Mr. Adams.

“Fat guy in a little coat, fat guy in a little coat”

“Housekeeping, you want mint for your pillow”

“Did you eat a lot of paint chips when you were a kid?”

“Richard, who’s your favorite little rascal? Alfalfa…or is it SPANKY?

“I used to grab bear claws as a kid, 2 at a time, and I’d get them lodged in this region here.”

“Richard, do I have a mark on my face? It really hurts. Right here. Not here or here so much. Right here.”

“Do you know where the weight room is?”

“The next thing you know there’s money missing off the dresser and your daughters knocked up.”

“Bees, bees, bees in the car! Bees everywhere! God they’re huge…they’re ripping my flesh off. Run away, your firearms are useless against them.”

“R.T. I lost my virginity to your daughter for crying out loud. Rob, you were there.”

Farley left us far too early, having appeared in only 10 movies (4 as the lead) at the time of his death. Black Sheep, Beverly Hills Ninja and Almost Heroes had their moments, but never came close to the pure gold that was Tommy Boy. His supporting roles in Billy Madison and Dirty Work produced some memorable scenes as well. It’s hard to believe that Chris has been dead going on 13 years. He will live on forever in my life in some of the quotes I listed above. Enjoy these YouTube clips of the great Chris Farley.

ARI @ NO-7

The Cardinals game last week was like a playing in a game of Madden where you know that the last team that gets the ball is going to win. You don’t even want to kick it to the other team after you score. This game will be similar, except I think a couple ugly turnovers (Warner fumble, a Hightower/Wells fumble) will not only mean a Saints win…but also a cover.

NO 33 ARI 24

BAL @ IND -6

I’m in the majority of people that would like to see Indy fall on their faces. Not because they rested their players, I don’t have a problem with that and I don’t think it’s going to affect their play. I didn’t like the fact that they threw the ball 5 or 6 straight times to Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, just so each could get to 100 receptions on the year. Now you’re saying W’s don’t matter but stats do. Don’t like it. Anyway, none of that matters now…the Colts will win, on a FG by longtime Raven Matt Stover.

IND 23 BAL 20

DAL @ MIN-2.5

I have Dallas winning this game but 2 things have to happen to do so. First, Favre has to play out of the system and make a couple of the stupid throws he tends to make this time of year…I think that happens. Second, I have the game finishing 24-23. The FG by Dallas better come early in the game, because if it’s late…Suisham misses it and the Vikings win 23-21.

DAL 24 MIN 23

NYJ @ SDC-7

I hear some folks calling for an upset here, I just can’t see it happening. You have an East Coast team with a rookie QB heading to San Diego to play perhaps the best team in the NFL. I will give the Jets the cover, as long as Sanchez’s INT’s stay below 2.

SD 24 NYJ 20

Happy birthday Stephon Heyer. Stephon just wrapped up his 3rd season as an offensive tackle with the Redskins. Stephon started all 16 games and has appeared in 37 games during his career. Stephon came to the Redskins from Maryland as an undrafted free agent. While at Maryland Stephon appeared in 50 games. Happy 26th Mr. Heyer.

Happy birthday Shawn Barber. Shawn played 4 seasons at outside linebacker for the Redskins from 1998-2001, he wore #59. Shawn came to the Redskins as a 4th round pick out of Richmond University. Shawn appeared in 49 games as a Redskin, accumulating 281tackles, 3 INT’s and 3 sacks. His best season came in 99’ when he appeared in all 16 games for the NFC East Champions and had 148 tackles. Shawn retired after the 2007 season, his 10th in the NFL. In retirement Shawn got into coaching and is the running backs coach at Baker University. Happy 35th Mr. Barber.

Happy birthday Delino Deshields. Delino wore #11 and played 3 seasons for the Orioles from 1999-01. Primarily a second baseman, Delino also played some OF for the Orioles and appeared in 305 games during his O’s tenure, batting .269. Delino’s best season as an Oriole came in 00’ when he batted .296-10-86 and stole 37 (thirty-seven!) bases. Delino retired in 2002 after 13 seasons and 1,548 hits and 463 stolen bases. In retirement Delino founded the Urban Baseball League (with Oil Can Boyd) and got into coaching. In 2009 he was the hitting coach for the Billings Mustangs in the Reds organization. Delino also has a son (Delino Jr.) who is a nationally recruited RB out of Georgia. Happy 41st Mr. Deshields.

Happy birthday Don Maclean. Don wore #34 adn played 3 seasons at forward with the Bullets from 92-95. Don came to the Bullets in exchange for John “Hot Plate” Williams. While at UCLA, Don broke Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s record for career points. As a Bullet Don appeared in 176 games, averaging 12.5ppg and 4.3rpg. His best season came in 93-93 when he averaged 18.2ppg and 6.2rpg and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. Don was traded to the Nuggets in 95’ in exchange for Robert Pack. Don retired after the 2000-01 season, a season in which he tested positive for steroids. This led to the famous Charles Barkley quote “I’ve seen Don Maclean naked, he ain’t on steroids.” In retirement Don is an analyst for UCLA basketball games. Happy 40th Mr. Maclean.