First Down

HE SAID WHAT?

I think we have every right to think that we will be a better team than we were last year. — Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, evidently unaware his coach is Wade Phillips, not Bill Parcells

TONIGHT’S BEST BET ON TV

Is it me or does Barry Bonds in motion look older than Paul Newman in Slap Shot? The Giants play host to the Braves. 7 p.m., TBS

AREA POWER RANKINGS

1. Jason Bergmann

He became the second Nationals starting pitcher to get hurt running the bases. Maybe the team can appeal the league to use courtesy runners, a la American Legion baseball.

2. Ralph Friedgen

The Terps are picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Division and are unsettled at quarterback. Good thing Ralph starts with Florida International and Villanova.

3. Mark Brunell

The veteran quarterback has been floated by the Georgia media as a possible replacement for Michael Vick. Wow, Joey Harrington must be really bad.

4. Gregg Williams

Our sixth candidate to replace Joe Gibbs should he retire after this season. A year ago, he appeared to be the front-runner. Not so much now.

5. Ronnie Belliard

The Nationals’ utility infielder reupped for two years. It’s a clear sign guys like playing for Manny Acta. Maybe that will have an impact in free agency.

TWT FIVE Top Movies of 2007 (So Far)

1. Knocked Up: How cool would it be if this got an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay?

2. A Mighty Heart: Angelina Jolie can already pick out her Academy Awards night outfit.

3. Sicko: Michael Moore’s latest is at times over the top, but some of the scenes are hilarious.

4. Shooter: Hopefully the first of a series with Mark Wahlberg starring as Bob Lee Swagger.

5. The Namesake: The guy from that movie about the White Castle drive-through shows he can act.