MNF Recap: Horrible Choice of Words From Blank

By Brian Powell

Pregame:
First observation of the night is that Stu Scott is obviously still missing and no one knows when our favorite poet will be back. Sal Palantonio is doing a fine job, but I'm starting to miss Stu a bit. No one can keep Emmitt going like Scott can. I mean, how long does it take to recover from an appendectomy?

As far as the rest of the pregame convo, it centered around someone named Michael Vick. Don't know if you knew this or not, but he apparently fought dogs or something and could be facing some hard time. Crazy.

The rest of the Countdown surrounded Reggie Bush's supposed season ending injury. On multiple occasions, ESPN referred to him as both on the IR and "waiting it out". I know they're worried about the accuracy of Chris Mortensen's reports, but let's go with one or the other, OK?

Quote of the Pregame: "I'm not authorized to use the word 'booyah,' but I can pick the Saints for Stu."- Sal Pal

During The Game:
I took it upon myself to keep track of every time the names "Mike" or "Vick" were mentioned during the contest. The first quarter went by with nary a mention, but they opened it up in the second quarter. An appearance by Falcons' owner Arthur Blank helped our tally, but probably didn't do much for Blank's reputation.

When Tony Kornheiser posed the question of Vick returning to the Falcons, Blank referred to many things which could factor into this decision. One of those being the amount of fried chicken Vick eats in jail:



Blank is obviously in a tough position, and certainly meant no harm with his comments, but methinks he could have chose his words a little more wisely.

For the record, the final count on Mike Vick mentions during the game: 43(!).

Quotes of the Night:
"I'm all lathered up for this one Mike. It's going to be a throw-ball game."- Ron Jaworski

"He's started as many games at quarterback in the past four years as Hilary Clinton has."- Tony Kornheiser referring to Falcons' QB Chris Redman

"And Brady's throw is complete for the first down and David Patten in the red zone."- Mike Tirico wishfully thinking ESPN carried Pats games

"He was body surfing like a concert mosh pit across offensive linemen."- Mike Tirico
"Ah, what?"- Jaws
"Don't date yourself."- TK

"How about that fan ... he was very excited. Sampling the egg nog at the holiday party on the way over."- Mike Tirico on the lone happy Atlanta fan

"The beatboxer! Blake Lewis!!!"- Tony Kornheiser
"Is that who that was?"- Mike Tirico
"Lost to Jordan in the Finals."- TK
"Of?"- MT
"American Idol?"- TK
"Oh, OK."- MT

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