HURRICANE RELIEF WEEKEND

THE American Football stadiums in New Orleans and Houston were the focus of much of the news coverage of Hurricane Katrina, and now the NFL is dedicating this weekend’s schedule to support the victims of the devastating storm.

Under the theme of “Recover & Rebuild,” the NFL, its clubs, network television and sponsors will use Week Two’s games in a special way as part of an ongoing initiative to raise funds and bring attention to the massive needs of the Gulf Coast region.

Every NFL game this weekend will include elements that will highlight and contribute to the national relief effort. The weekend’s activities will culminate with a fund-raising telethon from ABC’s Times Square studio in New York City.

The New Orleans Saints-New York Giants game, originally scheduled for the Louisiana Superdome on Sunday, will be played on Monday night at Giants Stadium.

On the pitch Week One got off to a wild start and fans can expect another topsy-turvy, season-long series of surprises.

Among the featured games this week will be the visit of the New England Patriots to Carolina. The last time these teams met they produced one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever – XXXVIII in February ’04.

A Super Bowl record for scoreless play at the beginning of a game was set in the first 26:55. The clubs then scored four times with 3:05 left in the half. In the fourth quarter, there were two lead changes and a tie.

“It was terrific to watch,” said winning Patriots coach Bill Belichick, “but not to coach.”

The emotional Monday night game, when the Saints got to Giants stadium, has the Saints come off a thrilling 23-20 road victory, a win dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. “We’re going to put those people on our backs and try to carry them through the season,” said Saints wide receiver Joe Horn.

- Don't forget, Blob fans are seeing this column two days before it appears in Ireland's Saturday Night