Greetings, loyal minions. Your Maximum Leader, regrettably, didn’t get to watch much football this weekend. He was out with family most of Sunday. He did catch the New England game on Thursday night. (Mrs. Villain is a big New England fan.) The game showed that the Patriots are serious about getting to the Super Bowl again this year. The addition of Corey Dillon added another weapon to Belichek’s arsenal that he seems (so far at least) to be using sparingly. Probably a wise move. Keep the other coach guessing. (Of course it could also be a sign that Belichek hasn’t fully updated his playbook to include plays made for a stud running back.)

Your Maximum Leader, in addition to following the exploits of New England for Mrs Villain, also enjoys Redskins games. He grew up in the greater DC area and considers himself something of a fan. (Though not to the extent of the AirMarshal and Smallholder.) He heard some of the Redskins game on the radio while in the car with family. From that description and tv highlights, it would appear as though the Skins could win about 8-9 games this year. It would be a good start for the return of Joe Gibbs.

It was last night that gave your Maximum Leader great joy. As many readers know, your Maximum Leader is a big Green Bay fan. Last night’s game was great. Favre was in good form and his thumb didn’t seem to be bothering him too much. How long he can keep his thumb healthy is up for debate. But the real power of the Packers game now is Ahman Green. Their strong running game is their power.

Your Maximum Leader believes firmly that a strong running game can still win you championships. This year, as John Madden said over and over last night, the Packers will use the run to set up the passing game. Which is as it should be. While your Maximum Leader has high hopes for the Pack, he isn’t sure that they can make it to the Super Bowl. The competition from Philly will be intense in the NFC. And both Indianapolis and New England are looking strong in the AFC.

And on a final note. Your Maximum Leader saw a number of really really fine slant plays last night. Both the Panthers and Packers executed very well on a number of slants in the 2nd and 3rd Quarters. The slant is probably your Maximum Leader’s favourite passing play. It highlights the need for speed and strength in your wide recievers or tight ends. The receiver always takes a beating when the secondary catches up to him, but if it is done right you can pick up a few yards.

But, being a traditionalist, your Maximum Leader’s all-time favourite play is a running play. It is the old power sweep. Your Maximum Leader just loves the power sweep. Pulling the extra blockers off the line, spreading out the defence, and creating that seam for the running back. It is a beauty to behold.

Ahhh… Football…

Carry on.