Free-fallin' O's have fans ready for Ravens

News item: The Ravens just completed an undefeated preseason and have a long week to prepare for their regular-season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium.

My take: To quote Tom Petty, the waiting is the hardest part, especially when your opening act is the Orioles.

Related news item: The Chiefs fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey just two weeks before the team's Week 1 matchup against the Ravens.

My take: The Chiefs also might be without starting quarterback Matt Cassel, who is sidelined two to four weeks with a knee strain. Is it just me, or could this be turning into a "reverse lock" situation?

News item: Reports that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League had signed Adam "Pacman" Jones apparently were premature. The team announced Thursday that it has ended its pursuit of the troubled former NFL player.

My take: It really wasn't a football decision. Turns out, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police already are having budget problems.

News item: Former major league pitcher Curt Schilling is expressing interest in running for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Ted Kennedy.

My take: I've heard he already has his campaign slogan - "I'm a red-blooded American and I've got the sock to prove it."

News item: Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez has been linked to an unsavory Clemson booster and a questionable development deal just days after facing accusations of NCAA practice violations.

My take: This reminds me of the old saying "When you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas." I'm guessing the folks at Michigan are wondering why they ever got into bed with this guy.

Bonus take: I bet if you asked Ravens broadcaster and former Ohio State star Stan White, he'd tell you this couldn't have happened to a nicer team.

News item: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is predicting that - because of the unlikelihood of a quick labor settlement - the 2010 season will be played without a salary cap.

My take: It's only a matter of time before the New York Yankees petition the NFL to join the AFC East.

News item: Goodell has informed suspended Eagles backup quarterback Michael Vick that he will become eligible to play in Week 3 of the regular season.

My take: That means Eagles fans won't be able to start campaigning for him to replace Donovan McNabb until at least mid-October.

News item: Running back Ricky Williams told The Miami Herald recently that he plans to retire from the NFL after this season, complete his bachelor's degree and apply to medical school.

My take: This is an obvious opportunity for a medical marijuana joke, but I refuse to grab for the low-hanging fruit. I hear he's a decent guy, so I'll just wish him the best in his future endeavors.

News item: Boise State opened the 2009 college football season by dominating Pacific-10 power Oregon and Utah opened with its 15th consecutive win, extending the longest winning streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision to 15.

My take: I hope both teams end up going undefeated so they can play each other in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

News item: NFL quarterback Daunte Culpepper has been sidelined after requiring stitches to repair a gash, which he suffered when he stubbed his foot on the carpet at his home.

My take: Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009 Detroit Lions.

News item: The Pittsburgh Pirates are a lock for their 17th consecutive losing season, which would be the longest run of sub-.500 finishes in the history of baseball - or the other three major American professional sports, for that matter.

My take: I don't think this qualifies as a count-your-blessings moment for Baltimore sports fans, but a couple of wins over the Steelers this year might do the trick.

News item: Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell, whose terrific career passed through Baltimore, has been diagnosed with incurable cancer.

My take: I'm not going to dwell on the tragic aspect of this, because Ernie wouldn't. He's a wonderful man who has led a life most could only dream of, and done so with class, distinction, humanity and a commitment to family, friends and baseball. If only we could all spend 90-plus years that way. Godspeed.

Listen to Peter Schmuck weeknights at 6 on WBAL (1090 AM) and check out "The Schmuck Stops Here" at baltimoresun.com/schmuckblog.