King's Corner

Barber: Zorba the Greek. Sort of a life-affirming novel.

SI: Favorite TV show?

Barber: The Sopranos.

SI: Favorite Jon Grudenism?

Barber: "Guys, I need some genuine enthusiasm! If you don't got it, fake it!"

SI: Rule you would change if you were Paul Tagliabue for a day?

Barber: I'd take out the rules that make aggressive play illegal, like the defenseless receiver call. It's football, not basketball. There are supposed to be violent collisions. Receivers are supposed to be scared of hitters like John Lynch.

MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Dolphins versus the Curse of the Jets

Some things make no sense. Miami has a better overall record than New York over the past four years, but the Jets have the Dolphins' number, winning eight straight in the series. In 2000 Miami blew a 23-point second-half lead; last season New York returned two tipped interceptions for touchdowns. Miami is favored on Sunday, but that doesn't mean much: The Jets have been the underdogs in six of those eight meetings.

THE LIST
Variations on a given name among seven current NFL players