A friend once told me a story about a conversation he had with his sister while watching a football game on television.

After witnessing a team try to move the ball with little success for several plays, she asked what she probably thought was an innocent question.

"There's an end zone behind them. Why don't they go that way? There's no one to tackle them."

Sure, she was channeling her inner Jim Marshall. But inquiring minds want to know.

There are many things that need to be questioned, but aren't.

Here are some of them.

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Are the N.Y. Jets trying to become the most hated team, well, ever?Coach Rex Ryan comes off as a cocky buffoon. Despite getting squashed by the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Mark Sanchez said, "There's nothing wrong with being 15-1."Toss in some harassment of a female reporter, a reality show that tests my gag reflex on a weekly basis and the Jets are loathsome.They are so disliked in the Kilroy household that my wife and I are rooting for, gasp, New England.What's next? Are they going to walk around Central Park and kick puppies? Steal Salvation Army kettles at Christmas? Sign LeBron James?•

When's a catch not a catch?When you are Calvin Johnson and you play for the Detroit Lions.Everyone with two eyes and an ounce of common sense knows Johnson made a game-winning touchdown grab against the Chicago Bears in the season opener.But the letter of the law got in the way.Rules are good, but when they trump reason, they need to go.See: Tuck rule.•

Still think an 18-game schedule is a good idea, NFL owners and Roger Goodell?This weekend proved that getting through Week 1 is tough enough, let alone 18 of them.Four players suffered significant concussions. Four others had minor ones.Some stars saw their seasons end: Eagles fullback Leonard Weaver, Packers running back Ryan Grant, Colts safety Bob Sanders and Jets defensive tackle Kris Jenkins.Let me answer this question with a question: How's the quality of play going to be in Week 18 and 19 when dudes like Kregg Lumpkin and Mike Kafka are going to be starting at running back and quarterback for contenders?•

Do players really think standing in the middle of the field with their fingers pointed up will make a difference when it comes to negotiating a new contract?The NFL isn't a textile factory in Alabama. The players aren't Norma Rae.Most will side with the players on this one. They don't need any grand gestures.•

Why can't the makers of the Madden video game get injured reserve right?Fellow Maddenites understand. Oh, and get rid of Gus Johnson. My ears hurt.Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.