RACING STRIPES

Real NFL officials are back to work this weekend and nobody will complain about a blown call ever again.

Pardon me while I laugh hysterically.

Yes, the lockout is over and outcome-changing calls like the touchdown involving Seattle and Green Bay never will occur again. But lest we forget that officials are involved in coin flips (see Pittsburgh-Detroit, Thanksgiving 1998) and tummy tucks (see Tom Brady in 2001 playoffs).
The professional officials won’t get every play called right but at least they’ll be in the right position. That’s something that didn’t happen in weeks 1-3.

GAME OF THE DAY

New Orleans (0-3) at Green Bay (1-2) 3:25 p.m. The NFC’s top two offenses a year ago meet in a possible early-season elimination game. Saints QB Drew Brees has thrown a touchdown pass in 46 consecutive games, one shy of tying Johnny Unitas for the longest streak in NFL history. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 35 for 312 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in last year’s 42-34 win.

STAT OF THE WEEK

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman, who had a forced fumble in the Bears’ last game against Dallas in 2010, is the only player to notch 25 or more interceptions and forced fumbles since 2005.

IOWA CENTRIC

• Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey has 10 career interceptions, including a touchdown return in week two against New Orleans
• When Jets running back Shonn Greene rushes for 100 yards, his team is 4-0
• Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark has caught 46 touchdowns since 2003, third most by an NFL tight end
• Raiders tight end Brandon Myers already has surpassed his career high for receiving yards with 206 so far this year

ON THE AIR TODAY

• Chargers at Chiefs, KGAN, noon
• Vikings at Lions, KFXA, noon
• 49ers at Packers, KFXA, 3:25 p.m.
• Giants at Eagles, KWWL, 7:20 p.m.