Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson will never let his iPhone touch the ground again after downloading these apps that are designed to get ready for the second week of the NFL season.
Football Rule Book
While 50 out of 50 people in a bar believe that Johnson scored a touchdown in the final moments of last week’s game against the Chicago Bears, NFL rules show that he did not maintain a reliable connection with the ball for the duration of the play. Professional and college players hoping to better sync with league regulations best download this free app, which includes rule books for the NFL and NCAA.
Panic Button
With only six first downs against the Ravens last Monday night, it is not too late for the New York Jets offense to panic. While this $5.99 app will not improve Mark Sanchez’s throwing accuracy, its ability to make loud noises during emergencies will come in handy against the New England Patriots recharged defensive line. Also, the multitasking capability of the iPhone 4 can keep a line open for Jeff Garcia (currently playing in the UFL) or any warm body who can manage a game. Female journalists visiting the Jets locker room also may want to keep this app handy.
Philadelphia Map and Walking Tours
With Michael Vick again showing elite ability behind center, the Philadelphia Eagles may want to file away ineffective starter Kevin Kolb in an unused folder. Kolb may soon spend his Sunday afternoons touring the streets of Philadelphia with this free app. Further, as Kolb and teammate Stewart Bradley each suffered concussions in last week’s loss to the Eagles, a popular navigation app like this may actually help them find their way home from practice.
Shoulder-Doctor
St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford dialed up 55 pass attempts in his NFL debut. If his team doesn’t get Stephen Jackson and its running game in place, Bradford may reach for this app every Monday morning. Equipped with a YouTube tutorial tool, Peyton Manning (who had 57 attempts in a loss against the Houston Texans) may also want to include this app in his mobile playbook.
MapQuest 4 Mobile
Don’t expect disgruntled Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to remain with the team after the trading deadline. As Haynesworth has tapped out any meaningful relationships in D.C., he’ll need to download this free app for his drive back to Nashville (where he’ll likely resume his career as a Tennessee Titan.)
Hallmark Mobile Greetings
Upon watching his San Francisco 49ers get spanked by the Seattle Seahawks last week, head coach Mike Singletary thanked Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for “kicking our tales.” If Samuari Mike wishes to extend pleasantries with future opponents who swype away any of his team’s playoff chances, he can do so with this free app.
Magical Getaways
Speaking of Carroll, the former USC coach is this week’s biggest winner. Not only did Carroll avoid any NCAA-driven hangups with his old team, it looks as if the Seahawks may actually contend in the weak NFC West. On his downtime, Carroll may want to contribute to this 99-cent app which captures famous getaways and turns them into smartphone wallpaper.
Grand Theft Auto China: Chinatown Wars
As the Baltimore Ravens were the only team to lose the turnover ratio and still win their game last week, stealing the ball from opponents remains the most reliable way for teams to win games. Defensive coordinators across the league should add this $9.99 breakout hit to their playbooks immediately.
Ethics
New England Patriots tackle Logan Mankins is letting a perceived ethical lapse from owner Robert Kraft stand in the way of a $57 million contract and from getting on the field. To help sort out who is in the right in this affair, Mankins and Kraft should each tap into this $2.99 app, which goes old school with advice from philosopher Benedictus de Spinoza.
Mirror’s Edge
Apple’s favorite iPhone app of the week may help Minnesota Viking quarterback Brett Favre reflect on a great career that shows no signs of finishing on a high note this season. The $4.99 Electronic Arts game may help him relive the glory of his John Madden days, and prove that he is more fit for a living room than a Metrodome a few months short of 41.
