Every year from 2001-2012, I would head down to the store to buy the latest installment from the Madden series, the day it was released. After humiliating my brother in an inaugural head-to-head contest (he won once, in 2009), I would set my sights on a different aspect of the game.

The fantasy draft feature on franchise mode was the greatest thing that could have happened to a boy without neighbors. More than I enjoyed butchering my friends in games, more than I enjoyed creating ‘Ron Mexico’ and leading him to a half dozen titles and more than I enjoyed replaying devastating loses with lopsided, reverse outcomes, I enjoyed drafting a team the most.

Typically, I would not even make it a full week before re-picking a new team. The idea of controlling my team’s fate was wonderful. The most important aspect of these fictional squads was the quarterback. With 32 starting quarterbacks at my disposal, I could pick anyone in the game. Ruling out age, salary and attitude, I could select the guy I wanted to carry my fake team to the fake promise land.

This is the first year I have chosen not to purchase the game. Despite being sixty dollars richer, I find myself longing for the power that comes with selecting a roster. Which quarterback would I take in 2013? Would I still pick Tom Brady, first? Would I go with a read-option stud like Russell Wilson? Would I give Phil Rivers a change of scenery? These questions got me thinking; if I could pick ONE quarterback to win a Super Bowl, THIS season, who would it be? 

It was a simpler time. We were so innocent on Sunday night. We were coming to terms with the Orioles missing the playoffs and hoping to take one from our division rival Rays. Then it happened. Our hearts were ripped out with the violent twist of a knee. It was officially the end of the world for us as Orioles fans.
Listen to this week's OBP Podcast to be reminded of a simpler time, when our biggest worry was runners in scoring position.

Oh, and please, please, get well soon, Manny.

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The Rundown: The guys talk the Dodgers flopping around in the D-Backs pool and the always controversial Trent Richardson trade

Ravens Talk: Joe Pa gives his first-hand analysis on the game, the guys talk Ray Lewis' impact and how the game reminded them more of the contests from the early 2000's

O's Talk: The fact that there will be no October baseball finally sets in for the guys. But that doesn't mean the season was a failure. Cal, Sal & Joe Pa share why they look at this season as a "glass half-full" year.

The OBP Question Of The Day:   The OBP Podcast prides itself on being Baltimore's Most Interactive Podcast. This week, the guys reveal the winner of the "Best Defense in Baltimore" poll and read the best feedback we received from listeners.

Confessions and Signoff: Joe Pa is fashionably inept, Sal has a questionable attraction to a sitcom legend, and Cal disappoints Joe with his dislike for one of the 90's most popular alternative bands.

Thanks as always for listening! Like something? Hate something? Leave us a comment or tweet us at @OBPpodcast, @OBPApparel, @SalTeamSix or @JoePappa.
Make sure you subscribe to us on iTunes and give us a review and as always don’t forget to check out the OBP Apparel store!

We want to know who you think is Baltimore's best defense of all time? Is it the record breaking 2013 Orioles or the stone-cold championship squad of the 2000 Ravens?  Does the lack of an offense and a championship make the Ravens the clear-cut winner? Does the length and amount of games the O's have had without an error and stark contrast to the teams of the early 00's make them untouchable? Vote below and leave your reasons in the comments section and we may read your answer on the next OBP Podcast! Use the Hashtag #OBPQofTheDay to join in the discussion on Twitter

12) Colder Weather: Nobody likes cold weather, especially not in September. It seems like just days ago, that people were splashing in their pools, cranking the air conditioning and thinking Cam Newton would be a stud fantasy quarterback. This team may be a little cold, but sometimes a man must hit rock bottom before making an incredible, improbable comeback. Josh Cross (Preseason Rank: 12th). 

11) Exams: School just started, but there is always that one professor that decides to crack the whip early. Unfortunately for this student, they will be tested in the early weeks. Injuries have decimated a fairly capable group, leaving this owner behind the 8-ball. If he is going to succeed, he must ace the multiple choice format, and know when to plug in which player. He has the depth to make a run, but at 0-2, he will be playing catch-up for the rest of the semester. Josh Jacyna (Preseason Rank: 1st). 

10) Pumpkin Spice Lattes: The PSL is one of the most popular parts of fall. Most girls would cut off their left hand, if it meant forever holding a PSL in their right. Just like this beverage of choice, I think this team will heat up as the season moves along. Bitches love their lattes, but fantasy football loves this roster. Do not count this team out. Eric Gregson (Preseason Rank: 2nd).

If you're worried that either the guys can't spell "Grand Prix" or that this episode of the OBP Podcast is dedicated to everyone's favorite late-summer headache, don't be. The guys tackle the awfulness that is the Grand Prix in the Rundown, but go on to talk the NFL's most underrated and over-hyped teams, a fascinating stat involving Nate McLouth, Michael Morse, Matt Wieters in September and Joe Pa drops a bomb of a confession in the final minutes of the podcast that may have you asking "Has Joe Pa ever seen a real chicken?"

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Intro and The Rundown: Joe Pa and Sal recall an awkward interaction with a young lady at Hightopps Bar & Grille, the yearly disaster that is the Grand Prix and the laziness of the O's playoff push slogan.

(Don't forget if you have a funny or serious idea that should replace the Grand Prix or the "Buckle Back Up" slogan, tweet them to@OBPpodcast and we may share them on the next episode!)

NFL TALK : The guys give their most over-hyped and underrated teams for the 2013 season


Joe Pa's Stat of The Day : Nate McLouth is a HUGE part of why the Orioles win, says Joe Pa

O's Talk: The guys discuss the addition of Michael Morse, the importance of the comeback against the Yankees on Sunday, and talk about Matt Wieters' success in the month of September

Confessions and Signoff : Cal & Sal make Joe Pa fly solo on this confession that is sure to make the Orioles Spastics shed a few tears...


Thanks as always for listening! Like something? Hate something? Leave us a comment or tweet us at @OBPpodcast, @OBPApparel, @SalTeamSix or @JoePappa.
Make sure you subscribe to us on iTunes and give us a review and as always don’t forget to check out the OBP Apparel store!