* Shout outs to Phillip Ely and Matt Jones, two local high school products, for some early season NCAA and NFL success. Ely, from Plant High, has now quarterbacked the undefeated University of Toledo Rockets in consecutive upset wins over the SEC’s Arkansas and the Big 12’s Iowa State. Jones, a running back from Armwood High (and the University of Florida), ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the Washington Redskins win over the St. Louis Rams.
* Granted, Jameis Winston’s Buccaneer debut was a bummer. But his next outing, in the Bucs road win over New Orleans, was solid. Some context: After two rookie starts, Winston’s overall QB rating actually surpasses that of John Elway, Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Matt Ryan and Andrew Luck. But, yes, it’s early–in the season and in the career.
* Nice gesture on the part of the Rays to bring back Carlos Pena to sign an honorary contract and accommodate his request to officially retire as a Ray. Here’s hoping one of the most popular, likeable and important players in Rays’ history–including the 2008 transition to competitive franchise–also finds a marketing/outreach niche with the Rays.