SWAMI SAYS: Swami's picks are food for thought  

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Saturday, November 15, 2008 5:22 PM PST ∞

Swami is eager to rebound ---- that's just how he rolls.

Because wrestling with Pops last week resulted in a two-game loss. So now Swami turns to Mama.

Make that "Mama" Lyn Asaro.

That's not Swami's mama. But she's the type of mama everyone likes because she likes to cook, cook and cook Italian grub.

When was the last time a steaming bowl of pasta didn't come with a side plate of "feel good"?

"It's that basic comfort food,'' said Mama Lyn of Oceanside. "So many of us were raised with some kind of spaghetti and meatballs.''

Speaking of meatballs, Mama Lyn likes the underachieving Chargers. And who's Swami to argue with someone with a culinary zest and a gift for a zap?

"My crystal ball has a few splatters of spaghetti sauce on it,'' she said before revealing her picks.

Hey, we'll do the jokes here. Ah, what the heck, you can't argue with Mama Lyn.

She's a busy and bubbling 69-year-old gal in retirement. She's living the good life in Oceanside, running Mama Lyn Cooks, a catering business leaning like the Tower of Pisa toward Italian fare.

Then there is her volunteer work with first-graders as a teacher's aide at Oceanside's Reynolds School.

Mama Lyn is as at ease in the classroom as she is in the kitchen. She spent some 39 years on Orange County high school campuses doing everything from teaching physical education to being a counselor for at-risk kids before moving south.

And just which direction are Mama Lyn's Chargers headed? The Bolts will bundle up in Pittsburgh on Sunday, looking to escape the 'Burgh with a big victory.

Mama Lyn hopes Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera cooks up more than he did in last week's win over Kansas City.

"I didn't see a lot of change in the defense,'' she said. "And LaDainian (Tomlinson) ... I still think he is the best runner around. I don't think he has lost a step, but he is not getting any help.''

What Tomlinson's teammates need is some of Mama Lyn's vittles.

"I would make them so much lasagna ---- lots of lasagna and fill their tummies,'' she said. "That would give them some good carbs and some protein and make their tummies happy and make them smile.''

Smile? How about some sizzle.

"I'd throw some pepperchinis in there,'' she said, "and give them some spunk.''

If Mama Lyn can make them move like her, coach Norv Turner might make it a 52-man, one-woman roster.

She's on the go again, heading out to sing bass for the Pacific Belles Chorus. Mama Lyn can boom it, her voice offering plenty of hang time despite coming from a 5-foot frame.

Her only sour note on the Chargers is for general manager A. J. Smith.

"I stick with them every year and I like the players, but I'm not a real big A.J. Smith fan,'' she said. "He get rid of the popular players: (Doug) Flutie, (Junior) Seau,  Donnie Edwards. And what happened to (Lorenzo) Neal? He was a good player, and the guy we have now (Mike Tolbert) is a munchkin.

"There's no loyalty."

Oh, those Italians ---- they embrace loyalty. Now before Swami, the Godfather of picks, gets an offer he can't refuse, let's begin. 

Chargers at Steelers: Steelers; Guest Picker, Chargers ---- Guess Mama Lyn overlooks Franco Harris' Italian roots on this one.

Broncos at Falcons: Falcons; GP, Falcons ---- Think Mama Lyn still has a hot plate for Michael Turner at the ready?

Eagles at Bengals: Eagles; GP, Eagles ---- Bengals are well-rested for another version of slapstick football.

Bears at Packers: Packers; GP, Packers –--- Mama Lyn not showing any love for Al Capone's favorite NFL team in going against Chicago.

Texans at Colts: Colts; GP, Colts ---- If Swami keeps agreeing with Mama Lyn, maybe he'll get a heaping of pasta.

Saints at Chiefs: Saints; GP, Saints ---- Then again, K.C. is the best 1-8 team in history. Ask the Chargers.

Raiders at Dolphins: Dolphins; GP, Dolphins ---- The Raiders stink, but Swami figures Mama Lyn still thinks Marino flings it for the 'Fins.

Ravens at Giants: Ravens; GP, Ravens ---- Both picking a road upset against the world champs? Mama Mia!

Vikings at Buccaneers: Buccaneers; GP, Buccaneers ---- But stopping Vikes' Peterson is tougher than eating spaghetti with a spoon.

Lions at Panthers: Panthers; GP, Panthers ---- The Cat Bowl! Give us the felines with only two losses. 

Titans at Jaguars: Jaguars; GP, Titans ---- Swami smells an upset, or maybe he left the SpaghettiOs on the stove too long. 

Rams at 49ers: Rams; GP, 49ers ---- Swami goes with Rams as 49ers coaches synchronize their watches.

Cardinals at Seahawks: Seahawks; GP, Cardinals ---- But rising Arizona remains among NFL's favorite guests.

Cowboys at Redskins: Cowboys; GP, Redskins ---- Romo comes back, and dismal Cowboys ditch disappointed Dallas (Swami likes that).

Browns at Bills: Bills; GP, Bills ---- The thinking is that Buffalo has one more stand to snap a three-game skid.

Last week: Swami 10-4; Guest Picker Jack Paris 12-2. Season: Swami 75-63; GP 77-61.

Time is running short to match picks with the Swami. Send him an e-mail at jparis8@aol.com.