WATERCOOLER CHAT: RANGERS WANT TO REST, CUTLER UNSURE OF HEALTHY, HALL TO TARGET ROMO’S RIB
BASEBALL
The Texas Rangers are practically a lock for the post-season, but they still haven’t clinched. They’re not worried about it, however, but interestingly enough, they just want to clinch so they can take the rest of the season off. Most teams try to push for the top prize — home field advantage at least in the first round. But the Rangers manager Ron Washington said he hopes to clinch as soon as possible so he can rest his star players. He said he wouldn’t try to put pressure on the Detroit Tigers to try and get home-field advantage — he’s fine starting on the road. He just wants to make sure that their pitching staff has rested arms for the post-season and are poised to make a serious run to the World Series. Most likely, the Rangers will clinch their playoff birth this weekend against Seattle.
FOOTBALL
In Chicago, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler publicly said that he’s not sure if he can finish the remainder of the season. Why? Because his offensive line isn’t doing a good job of protecting him. Just last week, the Saints sacked Cutler 6 times. This is a big deal, considering that each of those sacks is essentially akin to Cutler getting hit by a car. Most quarterbacks keep this type of news to themselves, but Cutler publicly told the media that he’s not sure he’ll stay healthy if the punishment continues. The coaching staff agrees with Cutler, knowing that the Bears offensive line has been very weak.
Finally, in Dallas, Tony Romo said he is going to try and play in Sunday night’s game against the Washington Redskins. Romo bravely led the Cowboys to an overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday, but broke his rib in the process. Now,Redskins defensive back DeAngelo Hall said he will target Romo’s rib this Sunday night. Of course this sounds vicious and downright mean, but in the NFL, it’s all about trying to STOP the other guy… whatever it takes. Hall is just saying that he’s going to attack Romo’s weakness. After all, if the Cowobys coaching and medical staff are willing to put him on the field, he’s susceptible to getting hurt. It’s not the defense’s job to purposefully protect Romo. Redskins star Brian Orakpo said it isn’t the Redskins main strategy to hurt Romo, it’s just part of the game.
