I know. It's Friday, not Thursday. The fact is, well, I fumbled. I typed up a perfectly good Cocktail Thursday post, then in my haste to add one more link, I failed to save my progress before switching browser windows. I was so upset with myself that I immediately performed 20 "up downs" right there in the middle of the living room as punishment, which really scared the living daylights out of our dog. But I'd like to think she understood. Because when you're hosting the #4 team in the country (or blogging about the team playing the #4 team in the country), discipline is critical.
Of course, it's a short leap from playing disciplined to playing uptight. Joe Cox is a prime example of this. If you saw him after throwing his first interception against Arizona State last week, you probably noticed that he appeared ready to blow a gasket. He then went out and threw a second interception. If there were times over the past three seasons when Matthew Stafford's nonchalant air made him appear not to care, Joe Cox seems to have the opposite problem. He seems determined to show anyone and everyone that he really can be The Man for this team. He appears to really press sometimes when it would be best for him to take a step back and cool off. Joe's interceptions have come when he was trying to make throws that he may not actually have in his arsenal, trying to either singlehandedly bring us back from behind or get us out of trouble.
While you're waiting for Joe Cox to turn into Joe Cool, I suggest you enjoy a Joe Kooler. Just mix 3 ounces of Kahlua coffee liqueur, 3 ounces of vodka, 1 and 1/2 ounces of butterscotch schnapps, 8 ounces (1 cup) of milk, a tablespoon of sugar and a drizzle of chocolate syrup in a blender. Then add a handful of ice cubes and blend again until smmooooooooth. Then? Drink it slowly. Relax. And don't throw into double coverage when the tight end is wide open underneath. Stay cool, gang. Until after the game . . .
Go 'Dawgs!!!