Top five NFL preseason games to watch

The NFL preseason kicks off in just two weeks.

Two weeks!

In two weeks, the phrase "hut, hut, hike!" will take over for "Brett Favre has that itch" (we hope!).

To celebrate the NFL preseason, and America, here are five preseason games to watch this August ...

Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins, Aug 3 -- Hall of Fame Game will feature Jim Sorgi in an unfamiliar role ... as the Colts' starting quarterback.

Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers, Aug. 10 -- With football pundits/experts/gurus already penciling in the Cowpokes to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLIII, this colossal preseason showdown could be a Super preview.

Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers, Aug. 11 -- This prime-time Monday night spectacle was supposed to be Aaron Rodgers' first game as the new starting quarterback of the Packers. Will Brett Favre steal some of Rodgers' thunder? Stay tuned.

Cleveland Browns at New York Giants, Aug. 18 -- The Browns have been served a heaping helping of high expectations this offseason. How will this up-and-comer fare against the defending Super Bowl champions? You can find out if you're tuned in to ESPN for this Monday night show.

New England Patriots at New York Giants, Aug. 28 -- The Patriots can finally get vengence for that embarrassing loss in Super Bowl XLII that interrupted their quest for a perfect season.

Day off

Of the 365 days in a calendar year (and one more bonus day in this very special leap year), only one is empty of any meaningful sporting event.

That is today, the day after baseball's all-star game. No sports of note will take place on this unique day on the sports calendar (there are two WNBA games tonight, but we said "sports of note").

For the record, today checks in at No. 10 on the list of Top 10 sports days of the year. Here's a recap ...

10. Day before/after baseball's All-Star Game: There are 365 days in a calendar year (366 on those special Leap years, 2008 is included on that fun), and each contains some sort of sporting event. Err, actually, 363 days a year contain some sort of sporting event. This is actually a non-sports day entry in the greatest sports days of the year. The day before, and after, Major League Baseball's All-Star Game contain no sports (we don't count the home run contest —- held the day before the All-Star Game —- that's just an exhibition). For those of us working in sports journalism, it gives us a much-needed breather.

What are pennant races like?

"We're going for it ... it was all about now." -- Milwaukee Brewers GM Doug Melvin.

Suddenly, by acquiring C.C. Sabathia from the Cleveland Indians, the Milwaukee Beermakers have become the team other NL teams don’t want to face in the playoffs. Ben Sheets-C.C.-Manny Parra sounds a heck of a lot better than Sheets-Parra-Suppan, Jeff.

What is becoming a bit humbling is the thought that the Brewers -- who haven't been to the playoffs since 1982 -- figure that their window of championship opportunity is so short, especially given all the young players on the roster. Sheets and Sabathia will leave in the offseason (and the Brewers aren’t even acquiring Sabathia with the hope of signing him after the season … though, I would imagine that if they like him that they’ll at least extend some sort of tender, heart-felt, token contract offer). It also doesn’t appear as if they will be able to keep Prince Fielder from going to the Yankees or some other evil money-hoarding team. Suddenly, that window for title contention appears to be … this year.


Is this the biggest trade in team history?

Right now, it has to rank relatively close to when the team pried Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Pete Vukovich away from the Cardinals for Sixto Lezcano, Lary Sorenson, Dave LaPoint and David Green before the 1981 season? Fingers and Vukovich both won Cy Young awards. Simmons played in two All-Star Games while with the Brewers. All threw helped the Brewers reach the 1982 World Series. I don’t think dealing Matt LaPorta and three minor leaguers for Sabathia quite ranks with that deal. Though, if the Brewers go on to do great things this year …

Is Packer coming a backer?

"I'm pretty boring really." -- Brett Favre.

Big news in the world of football today ...

Brett Favre is back!

Back reportedly apparently possibly contemplating a heroic return to the gridiron.

"Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" got to the bottom of this big sports news story, speed-dialing Favre on the old text message machine*.

Here's what transpired:

Greatest Pro Bowls ever: R U? Or R U not?

Brett: Not...LOL! ;-)

* This text message conversation did not acually happen, though it could have if "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" actually had Favre's cell number.

Check back for further updates on this Favre situation.

Until then, let's pass some time by presenting a top 10 list of highlight videos to remember ol' No. 4 by ...

10. Favre does some wild improv in playoff game

9. Favre watches 'Super Bowl Memories with Steve Sabol' before Super Bowl XXXI

8. Favre says 'put it in the old vice!'

7. Favre's first Super Bowl TD pass

6. Favre's last postseason victory

5. Favre beats Broncos in OT on MNF

4. Favre's first comeback, way back in 1992

3. Favre's emotional MNF victory

2. Favre sets new career TD record

1. Favre leads Packers to Super Bowl XXXI win