My take: Listen, I get paid to watch sporting events and I haven't watched this game since Kurt Warner was working in the deli section. Maybe if the NFL loosens up and adds a strip club skills competition to Pro Bowl weekend, I'll consider coming back.
News item: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin told USA Today on Thursday that his relationship with the team is irreparable, no doubt hoping to shame the club into trading him.
My take: Don't get too excited, Ravens fans. I think this gets worked out in Arizona, especially after Warner hinted he might retire if the Cardinals don't bring back Boldin for next season.
News item: The New England Patriots have placed the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel to keep him from becoming a free agent after his breakout performance in 2008.
My take: Nice work if you can get it. Cassel, who didn't even start in college, will earn $14.65 million next season to be the backup again if Tom Brady is healthy.
Bonus take: That ought to tell you one of two things: Brady isn't going to be healthy next season or Cassel is going to be traded before then.
News item: Maryland announced Friday that offensive coordinator James Franklin has been designated as the head football coach in waiting under Ralph Friedgen.
My take: That's a smart move because Franklin is in some demand right now, but with no specified timetable for his promotion, there's still no guarantee he ever takes the job.
News item: Superstar Manny Ramirez remains unsigned, and no one seems interested in giving him more than a two-year contract at his old salary.
My take: What exactly did he expect after proving to the baseball world with his behavior last year in Boston that he can't be trusted to fully honor a long-term contract?
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM).
