Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Two words describe last night's Monday Night Football showdown between the Eagles and Cowboys: Instant Classic.

---With the Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys, the NFC East is loaded.

---You think Jim Zorn is regretting taking that Redskins job right about now?

---Awesome, thrilling win for my 49ers over the weekend. An overtime win at Seattle will hopefully provide us with a big jolt of momentum. Gooooooooooooo Niners!!!

---I feel for all of the Chargers faithful. Nothing is more painful for a sports fan than being hosed by a horrendous call in the final seconds of a critical game. However, you have to give Mike Shanahan, Jay Cutler, Eddie Royal, and the Broncos a ton of credit for scoring a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the game's final seconds.

---And despite the unfortunate call, Ed Hochuli remains one of the very best officials in the game.

---There are plenty of rumors regarding the possible firing of Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin. Is Al Davis ever satisfied?

---It's a magnificent time of year for baseball fans. The pennant races are in full swing, and already the Mets look extremely vulnerable. Might another September collapse be in the cards?

---I can't tell you how much I hope the Dodgers miss the postseason, but it looks like they will make it, thanks in large part to terrible play by the D'Backs.

---Still, I remain optimistic that Manny and company will fall on their faces.

---Congratulations, Carlos Zambrano. Big Z's no-hitter against the Astros in Milwaukee was mighty impressive.

---However, it wasn't entirely fair to have Houston play a home game in Milwaukee, with a park full of diehard Cubs fans.

---Speaking of Milwaukee, their firing of manager Ned Yost was a ridiculous decision sparked by a great deal of panic. As I have said before, I do not think the Brewers will make the playoffs.

---Does this sound familiar? USC looks like the best team in college football, and Ohio State once again fails to get off the bus in a big game.

---Maybe Jim Tressel should mix his style up and ditch the classic vest and tie look. Maybe that would bring better results.

---Other than a dominant showing from USC, it was an awful week for the Pac-10.

---Especially for Rick Neuheisel's Bruins.

---The Ryder Cup begins this weekend. Can the Americans finally be competitive? Without Tiger, it won't be easy.

---And finally, a few thoughts on Michael Phelps' hosting duties on "Saturday Night Live". While I do not think the legendary Olympian was as bad as many believe, I do think Phelps would be smart to stick with swimming. Hey, comedy isn't for everybody.