Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photos
LAS VEGAS — I rose early that Sunday to excavate NFL games over breakfast. I bolted from rug-rat-infested Circus Circus and plopped into a cafe inside the Stardust.
The Dust, to locals, of whom I wasn’t one yet; that would transpire in three years. In town to cover the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the NFL’s nine early games were my focus Oct. 3, 1999.
I analyzed each one, employing contrarian tactics, nullifying feelings, thoughts and trends. I re-reviewed them, including Saints at Bears.
I recall few details, finding the date by cross-referencing the soccer tournament with the NFL slate.