George Blanda, NFL Ageless Wonder Dies at 83

George Blanda, the Hall of Fame quarterback and kicker who played a record 26 seasons of professional football and once almost single-handedly won five consecutive games for the Oakland Raiders, has died. He was 83.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame said Blanda died Monday after a brief illness, and the Raiders issued a statement calling him "a brave Raider and a close personal friend of Raiders owner Al Davis."

Blanda, who career dated to an era when players routinely manned two positions, scored a then-record 2,002 points during his long career.

During a five-game stretch in 1970, the 43-year-old Blanda, led the Raiders to four victories and one tie with late touchdown throws or field goals.  He was a fan favorite and respected by all his teammates.

Blanda also played for the Bears, Colts, and Oilers in his career.

Blanda lived in both Chicago and La Quinta, is survived by his wife, Betty, and two children.

Week 3: NFL Play of the Week

I'm trying to get on the winning track here.

Let's hope the Redskins rebound off a tough loss.

They should beat the Rams by more than 4 and go over the 38 1/2 total.

Take the Redskins and the over for the 4:15 game today.

iPad Free Apps of the Week: CBS Sportsline and Words with Pirates

Two apps this week as Words with Pirates is only going to be around for a limited time.

First lets look at the CBS Sportsline Football app.  If you follow NFL football while on the go, you'll want this app, if you play Fantasy Football on the CBS Sportsline platform, you'll need this all.

First, for following all the action, this is one stop shopping.  Game scores, recaps, and updates all in motion.  Highlight one game to follow even more closely.  The scoring updates and videos are great.  Also will give you a snapshot of the stats in all of the games.

Next, this is the app to have for all your CBS Sportsline Fantasy Football action.  Do anything here that you can do on your Mac or PC.  Add and drop players, set your lineups and see your team get or lose points as it happens. 

It's easy to use and beautiful to look at. Get this for your iPhone or iPad.

Also a bonus pick this week as it is available for a limited time only.  I guess it's in honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day which was on Sunday, now we have Words with Pirates.

If you like Words with Friends and pirates you'll get a kick out of this app.  Don't take it too seriously as this is meant for fun.  Make words like "yarrrr" and "arrrgh" and earn points.  Great sound effects and a fun layout for this app.  Try it out and get a laugh.

Cowboys Start Season 0-2

After a loss to the Chicago Bears, the Dallas Cowboys are left wondering when they will get their first win.

The preseason talk of becoming the first team to play in a Super Bowl hosted at their own stadium has been reduced to the most elementary goal of all: just win one game.

The Cowboys gave the Bears three turnovers, including two interceptions off quarterback Tony Romo. They had a chance to tie the game 20-20 midway through the fourth quarter, but unproven kicker David Buehler badly missed from 44 yards out. According to the Elias Sports Bureau only 10 percent of the teams who started 0-2 in the Super Bowl era have made the playoffs. That includes the 1993 Cowboys who started 0-2 and finished as Super Bowl champs.

If they go 0-3, they should know that only three 0-3 teams have rebounded to make the playoffs makes next Sunday’s in-state showdown at the Houston Texans a must win. The whole team will have to play better to avoid going 0-3.

Week 1: NFL Play of the Week

I hate to say it but I love the Dallas Cowboys this week.  Both the line and the total should be winners.

Look for the Cowboys offense to break out against a Washington team under a new regime.  A big game for Romo and Miles Austin is on tap.

Take the Cowboys -3 1/2  and the total over 40.