As all us football junkies know, the season kicks off tonight with the Niners and the Jints. But I gotta say, I really don't like starting the season on a Thursday night. There was always something special about the opening Sunday. It seems like this season opener is kind of getting lost in the shuffle. While I don't mind the mid-season Thursday games, the season should open on Sunday. What do you all think?

I like it, Ike Hilliard is going to catch 3 TD passes tonight.

Anyone know if the NFL is going to subject us to another hour-long "Tribute to NY" pre-game show? I've already gone a little numb from the bombastic tributes of late (and it's only Sept. 5th!); a short, thoughtful, MEANINGFUL tribute would be greatly appreciated, then CUE THE KICK-OFF!

Is Bon Jovi performing pre-game or at half-time? More importantly, has Bon Jovi recorded a song in the past 5 years?

Every NFL telecast this week (as well as the video screens in the stadiums) will feature a taped address from the president, among other 9/11 tributes.

Bon Jovi is supposed to perform before the game in Times Square, then be transported to the Meadowlands to perform at halftime.

[ September 05, 2002: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

According to the radio this morning, Bon Jovi is performing at halftime after flying over from the Times Square party.

And Bon Jovi did have an album about 2 years ago, I think. I vaguely remember a horrible single -- "It's My Life" or something.

Head full of useless.

--Mike (who prefers Jon's appearance and acting to his singing)

[quote]Originally posted by gp43:
Hilliard is going to catch 3 TD passes tonight.

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Thanks for the laugh -- 'cause that means Kerry Collins would have to throw 3 TD passes -- no way.

I agree with George -- I always liked going into my favorite sports bar on the first Sunday of the season to catch the Pack (and the Steelies with my bf). There was always excitement in the air - -we'll see what happens this Sunday -- since the bulk of the games will be played then. (And this year we have to wait until Mon. for the black & gold to exact their revenge on the Pats)

I may be in the minority but I agree with George and am opposed to starting the season on Thursday night....having one or two Thursday games (in addition to Thanksgiving, of course) throughout the season is fine but despite all the media hype I think having one game only on "opening day" takes something away from the true Sunday openers....especially if tonight's game is a blowout with the G-men being dominated by Garcia, Owens, Hearst and co.

The true reason behind the single game opener involves the huge sum of money (big surprise there, huh?) being made by ESPN and the NFL while Tagliabue and the league brass smile all night long as the prime-time ratings and league "cash register" (thanks to the new television contract) makes Jerry Lewis' toteboard look like lunch money.

I'll watch tonight's game of course but not with the same aniticipation as for a full Sunday slate of games.