The Armchair Quarterback’s Take Of The Week The Armchair Quarterback’s Take Of The Week The Armchair Quarterback’s Take Of The Week

The Armchair Quarterback’s Guide To The NFL: Week 12

Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) and quarterback Derek Anderson (3) pose for a photo during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) and quarterback Derek Anderson (3) pose for a photo during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Armchair Quarterback’s Odds And Ends Of The Week

Nov 10, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) celebrates third quarter touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Oakland Raiders 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Nov 10, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) celebrates third quarter touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Oakland Raiders 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

Fantasy Player To Start This Week:

Andre Brown – RB – New York Giants

The Giants were desperate for a running game, so as soon as Andre Brown was healthy he was thrown into the feature back roll. He’s been solid, but not spectacular in his first two games in that role. This week he goes up against a Dallas defense that has been horrible against the run in recent weeks. In their past three games against the Saints, Vikings, and Lions they have given up 184.7 yards rushing per game, 5.77 yards per carry, and almost 3 rushing TDs per game. The Cowboys defense will have their hands full dealing with Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Rueben Randle in the passing game with their poor pass defense, so Brown becomes the forgotten man and will probably be able to pick up some big runs.

Beer Review Of The Week:

Empyrean Brewing Company’s Dark Side Vanilla Porter

Although Empyrean sounds like some exotic import, it’s actually located right in America’s heartland (Lincoln, Nebraska). Here’s their description of this porter:

"An infusion of an old-world beer style and contemporary soul. Smooth, dark and roasted with highlights of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Pair with Indian or Asian cuisine, beef, and chocolate or vanilla desserts."

I would classify this as a dessert beer. The second sentence of the brewery’s description pretty much sums it up. The taste is a mix of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of vanilla. It’s very creamy and goes down very smooth. There is definitely a roasted malt flavor that is reminiscent of a stout, but the mouthfeel is a little thinner. If you like to sit back after dinner and enjoy a beer that is both dark and sweet, this might be for you. While I prefer the better stouts to this, it is a very good beer that I will definitely have again.

My Rating (1-10): 8

Random Thought Of The Week That Has Nothing To Do With Anything:

Hey! Taco Bell! Why did you do away with your kids meals? Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to convince a five and eight year old that we should make a run for the border instead of hitting up Mickey D’s when they know they get a toy at the golden arches? They don’t care about the food. Their entire purpose in life at that age is to acquire as many tiny little pieces of plastic junk that will disappear into their toy boxes after two days and won’t resurface until it’s thrown into the 5 for 25 cents bin at the next garage sale. Why are you trying to deprive them of their worthless junk? Look, your Doritos Locos tacos are addictive, but a kid will take a three inch tall plastic figure from Smurfs 7 over a taco any day. You don’t even have to have plastic figures (although they are considered the mother load). Just throw their taco into a cheap little box with some cartoon characters on it and include some of those cinnamon twist things. I can sell that. It still will be a second choice to a Mickey D’s, but at least I won’t have to listen to “But Daaaaaaaaaaad, they don’t even have kids meals!”

You’re killing me Taco Bell, killing me!

Well, that’s it for this week’s Armchair Quarterback. As usual, if you read something you loved, hated, or you think is just plain wrong, let me hear about it in the comments below.

Until next week, find yourself a comfortable chair and enjoy some football.

Follow me on Twitter: @LyleGraversen