So how did the telephone call go?  We’ll give you Braylon Edwards for, let’s see… who do you have that doesn’t take every other play off, isn’t prone to the dropsies and hasn’t thrown a punch outside a nightclub in the last calendar year?  Make no mistake, Eric Mangini was out to do his former bosses a favor.  The Braylon Edwards experience has rolled into the limelight.  Just ask him: “Cleveland is Cleveland.  This is New York!”  And don’t think for a moment that was a geography lesson.

Speaking of the New York groove, Braylon’s first game as a Jet will be in Miami on Monday night.  Channing Crowder of the Dolphins can’t wait.  He’s on record this week talking about his high regard for Jet RB Leon Washington that goes back to their college days, his respect for Jets coach Rex Ryan and his deep mastery of the art of cursing.  Speaking of QB Mark Sanchez, Crowder has this to say: “He’s probably the only guy I haven’t cussed out because he’s a rookie.  But I’ll cuss him out on Monday night.”  ESPN better have their finger on the “beep” button.

And while we’re on the subject of tender words, Cowboys QB Tony Romo is beginning to hear a few directed his way.  He says the chatter doesn’t matter.  It’s important to note that, at this point at least, it’s coming from fans and not his teammates—another reason he’s happy T.O. is no longer in the locker room.  Besides, fans are throwing the love around—head coach Wade Phillips and OC Jason Garrett wear bigger targets.  It was Garrett who called two throws in a row at Champ Bailey last week in the closing seconds of the loss to Denver.  Here’s something: The Chiefs are next on the Cowboys schedule.  Nothing can bring back the love as quickly like a contest against the 0-4 Chiefs.

Unless it’s a contest against the 0-4 Rams.  They are playing so bad Rush Limbaugh wants to buy the team.  Yep, and when he does, his first move as an owner will be to attempt a trade for Donovan McNabb.

How about D Mac?  He’s coming back in time to play the Bucs.  Perfect.  The Bucs D-Line started last week’s game by generating a lot of pressure on Jason Campbell, but by the second half they ran out of steam.  The only shot the Bucs have at getting out of Philly with respect is to get pressure early, often and continually.  Tanard Jackson is back from his league-imposed exile—hope he gets totally jacked up for this game.  I mean that in a completely drug-free way, of course. 

Let’s get down to business.  A 9-5 week for the preacher (and my friend Mark S. as well… kudos!).  My British friend also managed a 9-5, strangely picking exactly the same slate that I did.  You know what they say: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  This is a week that will distinguish between the men and the boys.  Let’s get to it.  In honor of Channing Crowder and Braylon Edwards, here are my @#$%@#$%^ picks for week five: Ravens over Bengals, Bills over Browns, Panthers over Redskins, Steelers over Lions, Cowboys over Chiefs, Giants over Raiders, Bucs over Eagles, Vikings over Rams, Falcons over 49ers, Cardinals over Texans, Patriots over Broncos, Seahawks over Jaguars, Colts over Titans, Jets over Dolphins.  Resting: Bears, Packers, Saints and Chargers.