No false starts with these NFL-inspired iPhone apps

Two weeks into the NFL season, prognosticators who picked the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys to go deep in the playoffs are all thumbs. Here are five iPhone apps to help slow-starters recharge their batteries and carve their way out of early holes.

Dig Dug Remix

When the classic arcade version of this $2.99 iPhone game came out in the early 1980s, the Vikings, Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers were the cream of the NFC. Although all three teams were expected to make the playoffs this year, with 0-2 starts they will all have to dig their way out of divisional cellars. Among the game’s new “remixed” features are Big Boss Battles which may be based on the relationship between Brett Favre and Vikings coach Brad Childress.

Personal Development Gurus Exposed

The Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to fast 2-0 starts this year, and in the parity-tethered NFL anything is possible. To keep their confidence high and maximize their potential, players from each squad should download this 99-cent app. Featuring famous quotes and words of wisdom from the likes of Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra, this app is an audible away from including Hall-of-Fame quarterback-turned motivational guru Fran Tarkenton.

DUI-alyzer [iSpillBeer]

Despite being able to dial up a free cab anytime he wants, New York Jets receiver Braylon Edwards allegedly got behind the wheel this week with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Next time Edwards feels like powering up with a few pops, he should download this $1.99 novelty app – which serves as a virtual breathalyzer. Better yet, like his quarterback Mark Sanchez, Edwards would be better off riding shotgun more often.

Nonviolence NOW

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis rightly believes that virtual hits of the quarterback should not constitute personal fouls. Having said that, in a QB-driven league that has seen Tom Brady and Carson Palmer lose years due to freak injuries, Lewis should know that even a love tap to the guy behind center will draw 15 yards. Accordingly, Lewis should download this free app which honors the 64 days between the assassination anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi (Jan 30th) and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4th).

Decide

Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid needs to make up his mind between the iPhone of NFL quarterbacks Michael Vick (capable of stunning innovations but all-too-often boots important connections) and Android-like Kevin Kolb (functional and built to be part of a longer-term system of success.) Rather than going back on his word week-to-week, Reid should download this 99-cent app that will help him decide and then stick with one coherent game plan.

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