Columnist Sal DeFilippo: A vote for Al … Groh

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Nov. 3, 2000 | 10:16 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at 259-4076 or by e-mail at sal@lasvegassun.com

It was probably a football fan who came up with this trendy option that allows citizens to vote early.

After all, who wants to get up after Monday Night Football and go vote? Couldn't they make Election Day on a Thursday in June or something?

Anyway, I took advantage this week, hitting the booths early. I don't pay too much attention to those TV ads and debates -- why don't they hold these in the off-season? Still, when I saw the ballot, I knew immediately who I liked.

I proudly voted for Al Groh.

What's not to like? The first-year Jets coach is 6-2 at the season's midway point, and hasn't garnered that much publicity outside of New York. They even misspelled his name on my ballot, transposing a couple of letters and having an E on the end instead of an H. Who handles these things, Dan Quayle?

Apparently, I'm not alone, either. After voting, another prospective early bird approached me, and I told him who I chose.

"Yeah. I think he has a good chance. I was watching this big rally on TV for him the other night," the man said.

Obviously, he was referring to New York's miraculous come back against Miami a couple of nights ago, one of several rallies the Jets have staged. But then he mentioned something about inventing the Internet and I figured it was time to move on. Al's run a lot of inventive gadget plays, but that's a bit much.

Another voter came over with a different opinion.

"I've said all along that George is the man we want in Washington, no question."

I told him he was finally getting his wish -- Jeff George is starting for the Redskins at quarterback this week, replacing the inconsistent Brad Johnson. I did tell him that I thought the defense was a bigger problem in Washington. He countered by mumbling something about cutting their budget, and I fired back by telling him he was crazy -- the Redskins spent more on free agents this offseason than any team in recent memory. Then he looked at me funny and walked away.

Politics, politics. Geez.

Last week

A third straight horrid week -- 1-4 -- drops the season mark to 19-24-2. Ouch.

My top five

TAMPA BAY -7 at Atlanta -- The Bucs start here: Tampa Bay's win over Minnesota should kickstart a winning streak. Tampa Bay 31, Atlanta 13.

PHILADELPHIA -3 vs. Dallas -- Randall Cunningham, who played for Philadelphia for 11 years, makes his first return trip to Veterans Stadium. I'm not sure how the fans will react, but the Eagles' defense certainly will be ready to welcome him. Philadelphia 27, Dallas 16.

KANSAS CITY +3 1/2 at Oakland -- Maybe the first round pick of Sebastian Janikowski is starting to pay off. He comes up big late, but the Chiefs cover. Oakland 23, Kansas City 21.

ST. LOUIS -14 vs. Carolina -- Trent Green is getting more comfortable, and why shouldn't he? The Rams even look fast on instant replay. St. Louis 38, Carolina 21.

GREEN BAY +3 1/2 vs. Minnesota -- Brett Favre isn't ready to Pack it in just yet. Green Bay 23, Minnesota 22.