By Paul Gotham It was one of those "happy accidents" which The Boss likes to refer. That is the only way to explain standing in the "pit" and staring up at a column of speakers. Ending up in front of the stage seemed out of the question when the "better two-thirds" (better-half doesn't measure up) and I headed out shortly after two o'clock to "drive that dusty road from … [Read more...] about Springsteen: Reflections from the Vernon Downs pit
Bruce Springsteen
NFL Splinters | Championship Sunday, 2010
By Paul Gotham Redemption Song Twenty-nine days ago, Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning and the rest of the Indianapolis Colts endured a flock of boo birds amongst their fans at Lucas Oil Stadium. With home field advantage through the playoffs safely in hand, the Colts opted to rest their starters for the second half of their game against the New York Jets. Thus the Colts … [Read more...] about NFL Splinters | Championship Sunday, 2010
NFL Splinters | Divisional Playoffs
By Paul Gotham Born on a bayou Rumors of the Saints' demise proved untrue. So too did the rumors that New Orleans lacks a defense. Reggie Bush brought the wood. Drew Brees reminded Saints fans of what he is capable. Jeremy Shockey returned to the lineup, and the Saints' defense made like some "old hound dog barkin.' Chasin' down a hoodoo there." Bush pounded out 217 … [Read more...] about NFL Splinters | Divisional Playoffs
NFL Splinters | Wild Card Weekend-2010
By Paul Gotham No Surrender Not much was certain prior to the Jets - Bengals meeting. Were the Bengals playing possum the previous week when they fell 37-0 to the Jets? If so or if not, how would AFC North champion respond? How would rookie Mark Sanchez perform in his first playoff game? Is the Jets' defense for real? No - not well - pretty well - and yes. Rex … [Read more...] about NFL Splinters | Wild Card Weekend-2010
NFL Splinters | Week 17, 2009
By Paul Gotham There's more to the picture... "...than meets the eye." Week 17 became the question of timing versus rust, or for some health versus injury. One week after turning their back on perfection, Indy's Colts feigned deference as did Arizona, Cincinnati and New Orleans. New England, on the other hand, did not. With home field advantage in hand for the … [Read more...] about NFL Splinters | Week 17, 2009