"It's a running joke going for three years," Ornstein said. "First of all, I don't have $5,000 to put down. When I wrote that email, I was in jail. How was I going to pay for it? In stamps?

Just as I surmised weeks ago.

"I've had several people tell me 'You need to do this,' and I've had a few who have their doubts," Parcells told Mortensen. "Let's see what develops over the next couple of weeks. All I can tell you is this guy [Payton] is my friend and that means something to me. I want to be there for him..."

Sounds like Tuna has decided to go for it. Just waiting for Benson to call.

"Somebody has been reading Machiavelli..."

Which is exactly why I hope this hire happens.

Warning: John Clayton
This smug SOB's article really takes the cake. Here's a taste:
"NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's strong and wise ruling regarding the Saints' violations of the bounty rules effectively eliminates them from Super Bowl contention.

So am I, Wang. So am I.

A link to our SB Nation bretheren at Niners Nation.

After a long drought, Wang has started off the season as hot as Mickey Loomis.
3 classic posts churned out since the end of the lockout:
The first installment, 'I'm getting stupid loose' is an offseason recap in which CSC makes a cameo. I'll be the first to admit I've fallen victim to the 'flirt bot'.
The second edition, 'Phinally' is a must read for Taydigga and the rest of the Reggie mourners.
The latest installment, 'Das Fruit' addresses the nickname oversight for Morestead.
Enjoy.

Gonzalez says he would retire if the Falcons win a Superbowl.

I s*** you not.
Be prepared to suspend all belief, then have fun trolling commenting on the "editor's pick" story on the Falcoholic.

Rumors of Philly pursuing Reggie once the lockout ends.
Discuss.

Thank Jesus1000, I was beginning to think Wang was locked-out too. Always a good read.

*face-palm*
Well that's not a good start to negotiations.

Wang delivers another masterpiece to kick start the offseason.
He offers a buffet of all our favorite topics including: the alleged need for more rushing, blowing up the roster, is Sean Payton an idiot? and, of course, Reggie sucks. Is it just me, or does Message Board Guy seem really familiar?
Thanks, Wang!

Sit Down. Rise Shut Up.

Well, that didn't take long. None and done. The natural order of the universe has been restored. Many on this blog predicted the Falcons would be exposed in the playoffs. Some of you Falcons apologists have some explaining to do.
Were the Falcons the worst first seed in NFC history? What was your favorite Falcon gaffe last night? Relive the glory in the discussion below.

Let's hope it's no big deal.

It looks like its going to be hard to attend all the events and still make the game.

Let's face it. . .the Minnesota Vikings were the best team in the National Football League in 2009. I know it, you know it, anybody that watched the NFL last year knows it, and deep down the rest of the NFL probably knows it, too. They proved, beyond the shadow of any reasonable doubt, that the only team in the NFL capable of stopping the Minnesota Vikings is the Minnesota Vikings. And don't think for one second that it isn't going to infuriate every person on that sideline on 9 September when they stand there and watch the New Orleans Saints raise a championship banner that everyone on that team knows damn well should be going up in their house instead.

--Christopher Gates, doing his best Florio imitation.

Detroit Lions fans:
Please do not get angry with me for any reason. My heart is good toward you. I do not very much care about what team wins or loses, but I care about people in general and distributing joy and happiness to people. Some fans of New Orleans Saints didn’t like me before. Now most of them love me.

Since its the most boring time of the offseason, and Chris Gates can't take a joke, I dug up this little J1000 gem. It brought back warm memories of our predestined championship. As always, the comment section is a riot. J1000, why hast thou forsaken us?

...You're old enough to know better...
The Vikings fans are at it again over at the 'Daily Menstruation Norseman'.
Here's an excerpt from a recent post titled 'A Post Seeking Closure':
Football is meant to be a sport, sport is the key word there. And in any sport, there are rules, the saints broke those rules. When you break rules you should not be rewarded, but the saints were. This is what i have been thinking of for the past 3 months. Every time i hear news about the vikes, all i can remember is that game and how we deserved it. Now i know, we also contributed to our loss, but it does not excuse what the saints did.
Thought a few of you CSCers might enjoy commenting. Shake off the stagnation of the offseason and get in a few 'remember me hits' in anticipation of the season opener.

Not sure how reliable this source is, but interesting if true...

Sorry, Stuj04.
I'm just the messenger of the messenger.
Also, Quinn traded to Denver, thanks to Jake.
I guess that leaves Derek Anderson as the last viable veteran backup to uprade ol' lefty Brunell.

Well, dat settles dat.