So back in the springtime, one of my fellow gangstas Jim came up with the idea that my fellow Niners fans and I should trek out to Frisco to catch a Niners game. Larry, Vi, and I jumped at the chance, seeing Saturday December 15 as a home night game against Cincy. Catch the Niners during a playoff campaign! Smith and Gore vs. Ocho Cinco! Dreams coming true, as we got tickets and made flight reservations, and after a 2-0 start, we were ready to celebrate an NFC West title live on the Bay.
It'll still be a fun trip. But this has got to be the worst letdown season I've ever been part of as a fan. Of any team. Astros '00? Bucks '01-02? Avs '02-'03? UConn '04-05? Oh I'm used to playoff meltdowns or chokes or name-brand rebuilding seasons. The Niners haven't played one quality game all year. Not one, not even in the two wins. And after tonight's debacle, one thing is clear: we are the worst team in football.
Coach Nolan was doing all the right things, improving the win total each year. Smith and Gore were healthy. The schedule was ridiculously soft. The rest of the division was down. And yet, now, after ten weeks, it's completely over. We're on the clock (for Round 2 of the Draft, remember). I'll stash further ranting until the end of the season, but that's all we Niners fans have right now. Hope for next year.
Hopefully we'll get good seats next year too.
Strange week in the NFL otherwise, as nine road teams won, many of whom had no business winning. One team that did have business winning: the Cowboys, who locked up a division I thought they'd finish third in. Face it, Giants fans, this game proved (a) your six wins are overrated, (b) Eli ain't Romo, and (c) a handful of Osi sacks can't stop good offenses. But a win in Detroit against a Lions team that gave up 31 in Arizona can ease doubts of making the playoffs. And honestly, the team that loses that game still has a good shot to make the playoffs...
...because the Redskins and Saints played absolutely pitiful defense at home against two sub-.500 teams. Now N'Awlens can still win the division, especially because the Panthers have officially started to mail it in (still no home wins). But the 'Skins might have let the Eagles back into the race. Most likely not, because Philly's remaining schedule is extremely tough. Nevertheless, we know my pick of Washington to win the division is looking comical. Hilariously enough, the Bears could creep back in thanks to Rex. I don't buy it though. Gimme the Saints and Giants as the NFC wildcards as of now.
Two games really defined the AFC this week: first, the Steelers showed why they are (a) a huge threat to beat the Pats, and (b) if successful there, as likely a team as any to make a Super Bowl run. You don't just shut down a solid Browns offense in the second half like that. Very gritty, a lot of heart, and all with a first-year coach. The black-and-gold made the Leap onto the Super Bowl contenders list this week. Game #2: the Colts-Bolts game was the stuff of legends. One team with all of its weapons healthy staked out to a 23-0 lead. Another team with half of its roster on the trainer's table and a makeshift offensive line. So what do we see? Despicable coaching by Norv. Horrendous quarterbacking by Rivers. A hero in Peyton Manning. And a dramatically tragic ending with Vinatieri. It was enough to mollify criticism for Turner and Rivers, which may not be such a good thing for San Diego. Other AFC notes: the Jags are certainly capable of a first-round upset on the road, the Ravens and Chiefs proved you can't win without a QB, and something tells me Mangini and Belichick did not get together for cake and coffee during the Bye week.
Last words...Ben Roethlisberger. It's time to give credit where credit is due. This guy was picked after Eli and Phil Rivers in the 2004 draft. If not for the motorcycle accident, his career stats would be tremendous for a quarterback in his fourth season. As it is, Big Ben is known for one thing: winning. In my opinion, he is the #3 QB in the NFL. The third-most trustworthy quarterback in the entire league, behind you-know-whom. Yes, even over Favre, just because age could catch up to Favre at any instant. Even over Romo, who's had some turnover problems this season. Roethlisberger willed the Steelers to a huge comeback this week. When his 10-2 Steelers travel to Foxboro on December 9, not a single Pats fan will be comfortable watching #7 under center for the visitors.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Gut check
Lots to talk about. A real standout week. Good and bad.
As usual I'll start with my team. In a word, horrible. Now there are no good losses, not for a team that's supposed to be a playoff contender. But this was a wretched defeat today at the hands of a terrible team in Georgia. And normally you can just blame the whole team for a poor effort. But today, it was all about one man. The quarterback.
In 2005, we could've drafted Braylon, Ware, or Merriman had we traded down in the first round. Sure we nabbed Gore in Round 3. And in Mr. Smith's defense, the best QB taken that year was...Derek Anderson? But no matter how you slice it, one thing's for sure: thus far, Alex Smith, out of Utah, #1 overall in 2005, has been a bust. An absolute bust. Yes he improved last season after a putrid '05, but the guy is not ready to be an NFL starting QB. Nobody wanted to admit this for the '07 season, but it's true. Sure he matriculated a gutty fourth-quarter comeback against the Cardinals at home, but today's performance was horrendous. 3 picks, no TDs, no ability at the end of the game, even with all the receiving weapons healthy. All this against the Falcons???!!? Yes Gore was out, but Robinson and Hicks did an admirable job filling in. We have no choice but to stick with ASmith, but I for one don't like the way this has turned out at all.
The turnaround has to come now, and in a big way. As usual, I have hope. Thanks to the Browns showing some heart and the Bucs playing some D, both other non-winless NFC West teams fell on the road today. Man am I ever thankful we play in the worst division in football. In fact, all West teams (AFC included) lost today, a nifty 0-7 against seven teams that didn't make the playoffs last year. Perhaps the Oregon Ducks are the best football team on the west side this season. Yikes. Anyways, next week's Monday Night tilt (you can hear ESPN shouting for joy...) between the Niners and Seahawks is a playoff game. If the Niners win, and they did last year in Seattle when no one thought they could, then the division title can still be captured. If not, we're on the clock. And hey, if our first-round pick is a QB, I wouldn't be shocked...but OH SNAP no first-round pick this year (goes to the Pats). Unbelievable.
There's my Niners rant, but a lot of the happenings this week focused on the performances of the quarterbacks. The two best in the game (and the decade) squared off today, and by all accounts, this game was a letdown. Too many turnovers, no clean drives, questionable penalties...just no continuity with the passing game. It even got to a point where I would've switched to the Browns-Seahawks game if possible. But of course, the Pats will go undefeated now, while the Colts will have that injury excuse in their backpockets up until the rematch in Foxboro in late January. I do give a shoutout to both defenses though. That's what made this game so amazing: not only were the two offenses explosive, but the two defenses came in as the best in the league. It's just too bad the QBs didn't live up to the hype. But a win is all that matters, and Brady got it done.
Other notes: how about the NFC North going 3-0 against the AFC West today? Looks like Eric might be correct with regards to the "second-tier" teams. The Packers, now 7-1, just won games in Denver and Kansas City, after beating the Chargers at home earlier in the season. The Lions, now 6-2 (really!?) proved to the NFL they belong after basically ending the Broncos' season. And the Vikes proved that Philip Rivers can't be trusted to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl. Shoutout to Antonio Cromartie's 109-yard return though. Also coming up big: the Saints, now back in the race, the team no one wants to play, the team likely to win the division. You can see there will be some fantastic finishes in the NFC this year: the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins still have four games against one another, the Bucs and Saints will play in N'Awlens in a month, and the Pack and Lions have TWO games left, including a tremendous Thanksgiving matchup. And oh yeah, to repeat, the West is a joke.
Two AFC teams made leaps this week: Are the Bills for real? Are the Browns seriously poised to grab a playoff spot? For Buffalo, two games against Miami help, but a tough schedule will likely keep them around 7-9. Still, that's about three times as many wins as I thought they'd have. And hey what can I say, it's just Cleveland's year this year, with the Cavs and Tribe unfurling breakout seasons too. It'll prolly turn out the same way for the Dawgpounders: make the playoffs or come close, but choke at the end. Still, it is nice to see the kids Braylon, Kellen, and Derek Anderson revive Cleveland football. Doesn't hurt to have ex-con Jamal score four. The Chiefs missed a chance to catch up on the Chargers, but that battle isn't over; remember, KC went to SD and won there. Either way, they'll be in a nice race with Jax, Cleveland, and Baltimore at year's end for the last spot.
Last words...all in all, a refreshing Sunday of football with some exciting finishes and stellar play. But it's time to put Adrian Peterson's season into perspective. He's a rookie on a team with no quarterback and a shaky coach. He's on pace for over 2,000 yards. He broke the single-game rushing record in his eighth game as a pro. He's going to lead the league in rushing, earn a trip to Honolulu, and likely finish #2 in the MVP voting to Brady. Who can stop him? The Chargers entered the season with one of the toughest run defenses in the league. Today they looked like a high school team from Kansas (the ones on the other side of 72-0). Bottom line: "Purple Jesus" is now the standard for any RB in the NFL. Not just rookie RBs either. Let's just hope the ride continues on through when the Vikings actually get a productive QB.
As usual I'll start with my team. In a word, horrible. Now there are no good losses, not for a team that's supposed to be a playoff contender. But this was a wretched defeat today at the hands of a terrible team in Georgia. And normally you can just blame the whole team for a poor effort. But today, it was all about one man. The quarterback.
In 2005, we could've drafted Braylon, Ware, or Merriman had we traded down in the first round. Sure we nabbed Gore in Round 3. And in Mr. Smith's defense, the best QB taken that year was...Derek Anderson? But no matter how you slice it, one thing's for sure: thus far, Alex Smith, out of Utah, #1 overall in 2005, has been a bust. An absolute bust. Yes he improved last season after a putrid '05, but the guy is not ready to be an NFL starting QB. Nobody wanted to admit this for the '07 season, but it's true. Sure he matriculated a gutty fourth-quarter comeback against the Cardinals at home, but today's performance was horrendous. 3 picks, no TDs, no ability at the end of the game, even with all the receiving weapons healthy. All this against the Falcons???!!? Yes Gore was out, but Robinson and Hicks did an admirable job filling in. We have no choice but to stick with ASmith, but I for one don't like the way this has turned out at all.
The turnaround has to come now, and in a big way. As usual, I have hope. Thanks to the Browns showing some heart and the Bucs playing some D, both other non-winless NFC West teams fell on the road today. Man am I ever thankful we play in the worst division in football. In fact, all West teams (AFC included) lost today, a nifty 0-7 against seven teams that didn't make the playoffs last year. Perhaps the Oregon Ducks are the best football team on the west side this season. Yikes. Anyways, next week's Monday Night tilt (you can hear ESPN shouting for joy...) between the Niners and Seahawks is a playoff game. If the Niners win, and they did last year in Seattle when no one thought they could, then the division title can still be captured. If not, we're on the clock. And hey, if our first-round pick is a QB, I wouldn't be shocked...but OH SNAP no first-round pick this year (goes to the Pats). Unbelievable.
There's my Niners rant, but a lot of the happenings this week focused on the performances of the quarterbacks. The two best in the game (and the decade) squared off today, and by all accounts, this game was a letdown. Too many turnovers, no clean drives, questionable penalties...just no continuity with the passing game. It even got to a point where I would've switched to the Browns-Seahawks game if possible. But of course, the Pats will go undefeated now, while the Colts will have that injury excuse in their backpockets up until the rematch in Foxboro in late January. I do give a shoutout to both defenses though. That's what made this game so amazing: not only were the two offenses explosive, but the two defenses came in as the best in the league. It's just too bad the QBs didn't live up to the hype. But a win is all that matters, and Brady got it done.
Other notes: how about the NFC North going 3-0 against the AFC West today? Looks like Eric might be correct with regards to the "second-tier" teams. The Packers, now 7-1, just won games in Denver and Kansas City, after beating the Chargers at home earlier in the season. The Lions, now 6-2 (really!?) proved to the NFL they belong after basically ending the Broncos' season. And the Vikes proved that Philip Rivers can't be trusted to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl. Shoutout to Antonio Cromartie's 109-yard return though. Also coming up big: the Saints, now back in the race, the team no one wants to play, the team likely to win the division. You can see there will be some fantastic finishes in the NFC this year: the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins still have four games against one another, the Bucs and Saints will play in N'Awlens in a month, and the Pack and Lions have TWO games left, including a tremendous Thanksgiving matchup. And oh yeah, to repeat, the West is a joke.
Two AFC teams made leaps this week: Are the Bills for real? Are the Browns seriously poised to grab a playoff spot? For Buffalo, two games against Miami help, but a tough schedule will likely keep them around 7-9. Still, that's about three times as many wins as I thought they'd have. And hey what can I say, it's just Cleveland's year this year, with the Cavs and Tribe unfurling breakout seasons too. It'll prolly turn out the same way for the Dawgpounders: make the playoffs or come close, but choke at the end. Still, it is nice to see the kids Braylon, Kellen, and Derek Anderson revive Cleveland football. Doesn't hurt to have ex-con Jamal score four. The Chiefs missed a chance to catch up on the Chargers, but that battle isn't over; remember, KC went to SD and won there. Either way, they'll be in a nice race with Jax, Cleveland, and Baltimore at year's end for the last spot.
Last words...all in all, a refreshing Sunday of football with some exciting finishes and stellar play. But it's time to put Adrian Peterson's season into perspective. He's a rookie on a team with no quarterback and a shaky coach. He's on pace for over 2,000 yards. He broke the single-game rushing record in his eighth game as a pro. He's going to lead the league in rushing, earn a trip to Honolulu, and likely finish #2 in the MVP voting to Brady. Who can stop him? The Chargers entered the season with one of the toughest run defenses in the league. Today they looked like a high school team from Kansas (the ones on the other side of 72-0). Bottom line: "Purple Jesus" is now the standard for any RB in the NFL. Not just rookie RBs either. Let's just hope the ride continues on through when the Vikings actually get a productive QB.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Halfway there
Eight weeks down, nine to go. Essentially the midpoint of the season. And really what a lackluster week of football this was. Three games featured a pair of winnings teams: in one, the Pats won by 45; in another, the Colts won by 24; and in the third, the commentators were Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots, demonstrating the unpopularity of the matchup (TB-Jax).
For the Niners, it was more of the same from last week. Pitiful. Pathetic. Poor play lining the entire home game against the Saints. A really awful job on defense, and while ASmith put together a couple good drives, the offense isn't trustworthy at all right now. It really can't get much worse than this.
And that's why I have hope.
2-5 is never good, and nothing from October inspires any sense of a turnaround. But now it's November. A big fat nine games remain. And looking at the remaining opponents (Arz, StL, Sea, Atl, TB, Car, Min, Cle, Cin) it's NOT impossible. Honestly, how many of those nine teams are locks to make the postseason? Can't the Niners find a way to win six of those games, regardless of where they're played? If the Niners can sweep the division games, I still think they can win the NFC West with an 8-8 record. That's my hope. I'm not saying they'll go to the Super Bowl or make anyone forget the Montana Niners. But a turnaround is not impossible. Keep the faith. Looks extremely improbable right now. But it ain't over.
Meanwhile, not even a soccer field and London rain can stop the Giants, although a 3-point win against Cleo Lemon's Dolphins won't make anyone believe the Giants are actually better than the Cowboys. Either way, I think it's fair to say the G-men and Cowpokes are the two best teams in the NFC right now. The Redskins and Eagles just aren't there yet, in terms of consistency. Jason Campbell can't be trusted yet in a big game, certainly not to win, but even to play well. The collective lousy play of Carolina (winless at home???), Atlanta, and TB has opened the door for the Saints to steal the South. Incredible win by the Pack tonight, while the Lions showed they can hold their own. Meanwhile, the Bears and Rams are on the clock...only ten minutes this time.
The real power in the NFL still lies in the AFC, as evidenced this week. I'm not concerned about the dregs of the leagues; it's the different layer of class that resides in the AFC. The Colts and Pats POUNDED a pair of NFC playoff hopefuls. The Steelers and Chargers round out an indomitable top 4 in the league, all ahead of Dallas. Essentially, New England, Indy, Pitt and SD can win anywhere against any other opponent. Moving to the next layer, as of now I would trust Tennessee, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Cleveland, and Baltimore over the NFC's "upper middle" class of Green Bay, Detroit, Seattle, New Orleans, and Tampa. There's just a completely different amount of trust here. You feel the NFC teams can collapse at any time. The AFC teams play better defense and have better running games. That's a good formula.
Basically, the AFC will feature a fun playoff race, whereas the NFC will generate more of a "whoever wants it can have it" feel. But hey, only one half has gone by. A lot can change.
Last words...I mean, here we are. The best regular season game in history? Certainly the most-hyped. This probably deserves its own post, but given all the drama with the Pats running up the score and Brady going after Manning's record and conf. champ. game homefield at stake...this is going to be amazing. Honestly, Week 8 in the NFL basically didn't exist. You just got the sense that the entire league was looking ahead to this matchup. For good reason. And of course, the teams held serve by combining for a 69-point margin of victory. They come in with guns blazing. Indeed, here we are.
For the Niners, it was more of the same from last week. Pitiful. Pathetic. Poor play lining the entire home game against the Saints. A really awful job on defense, and while ASmith put together a couple good drives, the offense isn't trustworthy at all right now. It really can't get much worse than this.
And that's why I have hope.
2-5 is never good, and nothing from October inspires any sense of a turnaround. But now it's November. A big fat nine games remain. And looking at the remaining opponents (Arz, StL, Sea, Atl, TB, Car, Min, Cle, Cin) it's NOT impossible. Honestly, how many of those nine teams are locks to make the postseason? Can't the Niners find a way to win six of those games, regardless of where they're played? If the Niners can sweep the division games, I still think they can win the NFC West with an 8-8 record. That's my hope. I'm not saying they'll go to the Super Bowl or make anyone forget the Montana Niners. But a turnaround is not impossible. Keep the faith. Looks extremely improbable right now. But it ain't over.
Meanwhile, not even a soccer field and London rain can stop the Giants, although a 3-point win against Cleo Lemon's Dolphins won't make anyone believe the Giants are actually better than the Cowboys. Either way, I think it's fair to say the G-men and Cowpokes are the two best teams in the NFC right now. The Redskins and Eagles just aren't there yet, in terms of consistency. Jason Campbell can't be trusted yet in a big game, certainly not to win, but even to play well. The collective lousy play of Carolina (winless at home???), Atlanta, and TB has opened the door for the Saints to steal the South. Incredible win by the Pack tonight, while the Lions showed they can hold their own. Meanwhile, the Bears and Rams are on the clock...only ten minutes this time.
The real power in the NFL still lies in the AFC, as evidenced this week. I'm not concerned about the dregs of the leagues; it's the different layer of class that resides in the AFC. The Colts and Pats POUNDED a pair of NFC playoff hopefuls. The Steelers and Chargers round out an indomitable top 4 in the league, all ahead of Dallas. Essentially, New England, Indy, Pitt and SD can win anywhere against any other opponent. Moving to the next layer, as of now I would trust Tennessee, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Cleveland, and Baltimore over the NFC's "upper middle" class of Green Bay, Detroit, Seattle, New Orleans, and Tampa. There's just a completely different amount of trust here. You feel the NFC teams can collapse at any time. The AFC teams play better defense and have better running games. That's a good formula.
Basically, the AFC will feature a fun playoff race, whereas the NFC will generate more of a "whoever wants it can have it" feel. But hey, only one half has gone by. A lot can change.
Last words...I mean, here we are. The best regular season game in history? Certainly the most-hyped. This probably deserves its own post, but given all the drama with the Pats running up the score and Brady going after Manning's record and conf. champ. game homefield at stake...this is going to be amazing. Honestly, Week 8 in the NFL basically didn't exist. You just got the sense that the entire league was looking ahead to this matchup. For good reason. And of course, the teams held serve by combining for a 69-point margin of victory. They come in with guns blazing. Indeed, here we are.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
NFC vs AFC
After reading Neeraj's post, I had to respond to two incredibly poor comments amongst an otherwise solid post. First of all, the Niners are done. I'm a big fan of Frank Gore, but you need a passing game in this year's league, and they don't have it. As bad as Arizona and Seattle are, both are better than the Niners. Its ok Neeraj, my Eagles are saving a spot for your Niners in the first half of the draft. The other big thing is this whole concept that the AFC is sooo much better than the NFC. I just don't get this. While New England and Indy are obviously far and away the best two teams in the league, there is a huge falloff after that. The Steelers are good, but obviously not great with losses to Denver and Arizona. Who else is good in the AFC? Jacksonvillle? Again, you need a passing game to win this year. Baltimore? Got dismantled by a rookie-led Bills team. San Diego? Maybe, but they managed to find a worse playoff coach than Marty, so no thanks. Meanwhile the NFC might not have a superstar team like the Pats or Colts, but good luck figuring out who the 6 playoff teams are going to be. Any of the non-Eagles teams from the NFC East could make it, you've got Detroit and GB brining respectability back to the North, and the South is always a dogfight. If you look at interconference games, the AFC has won 14 and the NFC has won 12, so while they clearly have an advantage, don't sell me this "The NFC is terrible" nonsense anymore.
Monday, October 22, 2007
It's not over
Horrible game on Sunday. No way we were gonna lose to the Giants. That's what I thought when they announced the schedule months ago, and after the outstanding draft and quality FA signings, in addition to the Tiki and Coughlin scenarios, I was feeling extremely confident. Add to this the first two games of the season, and I'd say you were a fool if you thought the Giants would win this one by 18.
However, it is what it is. The Giants can continue to ride this easy schedule to a 6-2 mark and a few wins away from clinching a playoff spot in a very weak NFC. For the Niners, it ain't over. It can't be. It isn't. Things will change. They have to. ASmith will definitely be back for New Orleans. Gore will be fine. The defense will get hot again. Still got ten games to go, and none of them are impossible. This is rock bottom. Losing to the Giants? It doesn't get any worse.
Just one game back of the Seahawks, and man is that NFC terrible. Really no standout games this week; we knew the Cowboys were good, we knew the Rams were terrible. Everything else in between was quite ho-hum. No huge wins or killer losses, although I credit the Eagles and Cardinals for bowing out of the playoff race so early. Helps to clarify some things, at least. Lions? 'Skins? Bears? Vikes? Teams that be beaten anywhere anytime. But hey now, don't count the Saints out of the South. On the other hand, home games against the Falcons should not be close. It's still the Cowboys' conference.
So the Pats and Colts travel down to Florida into places that developed into mild houses of horrors for those two franchises, and they blew the doors off of each one. Not good for the rest of the AFC. Titans have been very sloppy the past few weeks. I definitely want to see KC make the playoffs over the Ravens. This is such a good conference; despite a big loss by Jacksonville, the Jags, Steelers, and even the Texans are playing far better than most AFC teams. Still not impressed by the Broncos or Bengals despite two big wins at home by both.
Last words...does it get any better than November 4? Final score of That Game: 52-49? It's really amazing to think of how Brady and Manning have transformed these two franchises. I remember the days of the old AFC East when Jim Kelly and Dan Marino were making the playoffs while Hugh Millen's Pats and Jeff George's Colts were stuck at the bottom. Complete 180 now. Memorable playoff clashes, broken records, Super Bowl rings, smart coaching, clutch play...this just might be the best regular season game we've ever seen. And it's still thirteen days away. Don't anyone miss it.
However, it is what it is. The Giants can continue to ride this easy schedule to a 6-2 mark and a few wins away from clinching a playoff spot in a very weak NFC. For the Niners, it ain't over. It can't be. It isn't. Things will change. They have to. ASmith will definitely be back for New Orleans. Gore will be fine. The defense will get hot again. Still got ten games to go, and none of them are impossible. This is rock bottom. Losing to the Giants? It doesn't get any worse.
Just one game back of the Seahawks, and man is that NFC terrible. Really no standout games this week; we knew the Cowboys were good, we knew the Rams were terrible. Everything else in between was quite ho-hum. No huge wins or killer losses, although I credit the Eagles and Cardinals for bowing out of the playoff race so early. Helps to clarify some things, at least. Lions? 'Skins? Bears? Vikes? Teams that be beaten anywhere anytime. But hey now, don't count the Saints out of the South. On the other hand, home games against the Falcons should not be close. It's still the Cowboys' conference.
So the Pats and Colts travel down to Florida into places that developed into mild houses of horrors for those two franchises, and they blew the doors off of each one. Not good for the rest of the AFC. Titans have been very sloppy the past few weeks. I definitely want to see KC make the playoffs over the Ravens. This is such a good conference; despite a big loss by Jacksonville, the Jags, Steelers, and even the Texans are playing far better than most AFC teams. Still not impressed by the Broncos or Bengals despite two big wins at home by both.
Last words...does it get any better than November 4? Final score of That Game: 52-49? It's really amazing to think of how Brady and Manning have transformed these two franchises. I remember the days of the old AFC East when Jim Kelly and Dan Marino were making the playoffs while Hugh Millen's Pats and Jeff George's Colts were stuck at the bottom. Complete 180 now. Memorable playoff clashes, broken records, Super Bowl rings, smart coaching, clutch play...this just might be the best regular season game we've ever seen. And it's still thirteen days away. Don't anyone miss it.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Like lambs to the slaughter...
Fresh off the beatdown of the hapless Falcons, the Giants prepare to bury the Niners deeper than Jimmy Hoffa in the Giants Stadium end zone. Yes, the Giants have beaten lowly teams such as the Jets and Falcons, but they also beat Washington and have played 2 NFC "elite" teams in Dallas and GB (the former of which was a 3 point game until the very end.) The Niners have walloped such creampuffs as St. Louis (by 1 point) and Arizona (3 points) while going down to "powerhouses" like Baltimore and Seattle. There is no comparison of the schedules. In addition, the Giants have a confident Eli Manning and a 3-headed RB monster, a (soon to be) Pro Bowl wide receiver with 8 TDs, and an angry defense that is coming into its own and boasts the most sacks in the league. San Fran has two QBs who are completing under half of their passes and have thrown exactly 2 TDs to this point (and 4 picks; not a good ratio.) Frank Gore is averaging a whopping 3.6 yards per carry, and the SF defense scares no one. The Niners will be lucky to escape with a score within 14 points of NY.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Thanks Bye
Much-needed bye week for the Niners. Looks like ASmith will be healthy despite experiencing some pain. Just hope that pain doesn't spread to the audience on Sunday. Either way, three straight losses to tough teams is not fatal, but also not the mark of a winning team. This upcoming game will be a statement game for both squads.
The other team I'm referring to is of course, the Giants. Now say what you want about this team making the playoffs and winning the division but let's get real now. The Giants' last two wins came against the Jets and Atlanta? Come on. Yes they'll destroy the Dolphins in London too. But I don't wanna hear anything about how this team is a force in the NFL. The schedule will toughen up and I frankly don't expect the Giants to do the same. They have to prove me wrong on Sunday.
Kind of a dry week in the NFL, with the exception of Pats-'Boys. The result is about as self-explanatory as you can get. Yes the Cowboys are still the team to beat in the NFC, but once the Pats get past the Colts on November 4, I mean, the undefeated talk can begin. Dallas fought hard, and I think they'll win the NFC easy, but no one's gonna forget how the Pats dominated on Sunday. Still leaves a stamp of doubt on the Cowboys' title chances.
What's evident now is just how terrible the NFC is. No winning teams in the NFC West. Vinny Testaverde is a starting QB for a "quality" team. The Redskins played a horrible game in Green Bay and lost by just three. The Bears' D gives up 34 points to a Vikings team at home? Honestly, nine or ten of the twelve best teams in football play in the AFC. And yet, the NFC will get five of those postseason bids. Yikes.
You gotta like what the Jags are doing this year, playing smart football and taking chances on offense. What a Monday night game against Indy next week. Good job by the Ravens and Chargers, righting the ship with consecutive wins. VY should be fine; the Titans (not the New York Titans) are still a playoff team. Chiefs and Browns are intriguing. Bengals and Dolphins, not so much. Speaking of the 'Fins, just how horrible of a coach is Cam Cameron?
Last words...if the Pats get by the Colts on November 4, obviously much of the talk will center on the Pats running the 16-0 table. Will Belichick rest his starters, how they overcame the videotaping, the rejuvenation of Randy Moss, etc. But how's this for a thought: this Pats' season may be the greatest season for any NFL team that we'll ever see. This is an absolutely unstoppable offense, and no QB is better at his craft than Brady. The defense continues to grow stronger now that Rodney Harrison is back and Adalius Thomas is making plays. Simply put, there are zero weaknesses. I'd be shocked if they lose, even in Indy. When your only chance to win is to hope for injuries or suspensions, you know you're facing a team for the ages.
The other team I'm referring to is of course, the Giants. Now say what you want about this team making the playoffs and winning the division but let's get real now. The Giants' last two wins came against the Jets and Atlanta? Come on. Yes they'll destroy the Dolphins in London too. But I don't wanna hear anything about how this team is a force in the NFL. The schedule will toughen up and I frankly don't expect the Giants to do the same. They have to prove me wrong on Sunday.
Kind of a dry week in the NFL, with the exception of Pats-'Boys. The result is about as self-explanatory as you can get. Yes the Cowboys are still the team to beat in the NFC, but once the Pats get past the Colts on November 4, I mean, the undefeated talk can begin. Dallas fought hard, and I think they'll win the NFC easy, but no one's gonna forget how the Pats dominated on Sunday. Still leaves a stamp of doubt on the Cowboys' title chances.
What's evident now is just how terrible the NFC is. No winning teams in the NFC West. Vinny Testaverde is a starting QB for a "quality" team. The Redskins played a horrible game in Green Bay and lost by just three. The Bears' D gives up 34 points to a Vikings team at home? Honestly, nine or ten of the twelve best teams in football play in the AFC. And yet, the NFC will get five of those postseason bids. Yikes.
You gotta like what the Jags are doing this year, playing smart football and taking chances on offense. What a Monday night game against Indy next week. Good job by the Ravens and Chargers, righting the ship with consecutive wins. VY should be fine; the Titans (not the New York Titans) are still a playoff team. Chiefs and Browns are intriguing. Bengals and Dolphins, not so much. Speaking of the 'Fins, just how horrible of a coach is Cam Cameron?
Last words...if the Pats get by the Colts on November 4, obviously much of the talk will center on the Pats running the 16-0 table. Will Belichick rest his starters, how they overcame the videotaping, the rejuvenation of Randy Moss, etc. But how's this for a thought: this Pats' season may be the greatest season for any NFL team that we'll ever see. This is an absolutely unstoppable offense, and no QB is better at his craft than Brady. The defense continues to grow stronger now that Rodney Harrison is back and Adalius Thomas is making plays. Simply put, there are zero weaknesses. I'd be shocked if they lose, even in Indy. When your only chance to win is to hope for injuries or suspensions, you know you're facing a team for the ages.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Retool
It's tough writing about football on a day where the Glynn's Gangstas 3-year franchise is now officially retired. The men and women who played on this team were warriors. But the NFL does go on, and with five weeks in the books, it's time to forecast what the rest of the season will look like.
I'll start with the Niners, and I suppose there could be a moral victory here for hanging tough with an '06 division champ, but, no. It's a loss. A bad loss at home to a shaky team. Yes Dilfer got us a TD, but when we absolutely needed ten yards for a manageable FG, he couldn't deliver. So now we're 2-3, limping into a much-needed bye week. The saving grace is that the NFC West is once again proving to be a lousy division, what with the Seahawks getting kicked out of Pittsburgh and the Rams giving up 34 points at home to the Cards. Will any of these teams win a playoff game?
Big comeback by the Giants today. I don't get how they flipped the switch for three straight wins, but I still think the Giants are a last-place team. Are they just on a hot streak, or is this a sign of things to come? I'll go with the former. At least the Bye didn't beat the Eagles this week.
How will the AFC look the rest of the season? Pats and Colts, of course. But gigantic wins today for Pitt and SD; the Steelers proving that they are the third-best team in football (yes, over the Cowboys), and the Chargers quieting pundits who thought there'd be a changing-of-the-guard in the AFC West. Still, don't put it past the Bolts to finish a mediocre 9-7, what with Norv Turner and all. It's time to anoint the Titans as a "lock" for the postseason. Yes they're only 3-1 but VY doesn't know how to lose football games. The race for the sixth AFC spot will come down to the Ravens and Jags. The Broncos can take a hike, while the Bengals and Texans aren't ready to compete with the big boys.
Just when you wanna kick em out, the Bears find a way to save their season. Once again that NFC North takes a big twist and turn, and while the Packers sound like a confident pick, the Sunday Night loss will always keep 'em hearing the Chicago footsteps. Then again, I could see the Bears finishing 7-9. How 'bout that NFC East? I had a feeling the Redskins had it in 'em. Tough game for the Bucs, while the Panthers continue to play their strange brand of football. I think Tampa is the more trustworthy team to take the South, while the 'Skins will battle the Panthers, Bears, Seahawks, and Cards for the wild-card spots (yes I STILL like the Niners to win the West).
Last Words: No no New Orleans, no! 0-4? Really? The 'aints? At this time last year, they were 4-1 and playing like an offensive juggernaut. A good portion of the city was brought to life, and for a perennially awful franchise, it was terrific to see some success. But I suppose this year is the hangover, with the Deuce injury and Brees playing like the young Drew Brees. Tough fall for them; maybe they can play the role of dangerous spoiler down the stretch, but I for one miss last year's Saints.
I'll start with the Niners, and I suppose there could be a moral victory here for hanging tough with an '06 division champ, but, no. It's a loss. A bad loss at home to a shaky team. Yes Dilfer got us a TD, but when we absolutely needed ten yards for a manageable FG, he couldn't deliver. So now we're 2-3, limping into a much-needed bye week. The saving grace is that the NFC West is once again proving to be a lousy division, what with the Seahawks getting kicked out of Pittsburgh and the Rams giving up 34 points at home to the Cards. Will any of these teams win a playoff game?
Big comeback by the Giants today. I don't get how they flipped the switch for three straight wins, but I still think the Giants are a last-place team. Are they just on a hot streak, or is this a sign of things to come? I'll go with the former. At least the Bye didn't beat the Eagles this week.
How will the AFC look the rest of the season? Pats and Colts, of course. But gigantic wins today for Pitt and SD; the Steelers proving that they are the third-best team in football (yes, over the Cowboys), and the Chargers quieting pundits who thought there'd be a changing-of-the-guard in the AFC West. Still, don't put it past the Bolts to finish a mediocre 9-7, what with Norv Turner and all. It's time to anoint the Titans as a "lock" for the postseason. Yes they're only 3-1 but VY doesn't know how to lose football games. The race for the sixth AFC spot will come down to the Ravens and Jags. The Broncos can take a hike, while the Bengals and Texans aren't ready to compete with the big boys.
Just when you wanna kick em out, the Bears find a way to save their season. Once again that NFC North takes a big twist and turn, and while the Packers sound like a confident pick, the Sunday Night loss will always keep 'em hearing the Chicago footsteps. Then again, I could see the Bears finishing 7-9. How 'bout that NFC East? I had a feeling the Redskins had it in 'em. Tough game for the Bucs, while the Panthers continue to play their strange brand of football. I think Tampa is the more trustworthy team to take the South, while the 'Skins will battle the Panthers, Bears, Seahawks, and Cards for the wild-card spots (yes I STILL like the Niners to win the West).
Last Words: No no New Orleans, no! 0-4? Really? The 'aints? At this time last year, they were 4-1 and playing like an offensive juggernaut. A good portion of the city was brought to life, and for a perennially awful franchise, it was terrific to see some success. But I suppose this year is the hangover, with the Deuce injury and Brees playing like the young Drew Brees. Tough fall for them; maybe they can play the role of dangerous spoiler down the stretch, but I for one miss last year's Saints.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Bring back the ugly unis!
and while you're at it, get us a new coach. i know this seems like a knee jerk reaction, but i've been thinking this for 3 years now and its time for Andy Cheesesteak to look elsewhere. He has proven time and again that he is incapable of making game time changes. The single biggest error he makes each and every week is that he still refuses to acknowledge the strength of a run game. With the passing game struggling this year, its magnified that much more. Last night Correll Buckhalter of all people led a rushing attack that averaged over 5 yards per carry, while the passing game averaged 2.5 yards per carry. Despite this and a game that was never out of reach until the end of the game, we still did not get to 20 carries. Secondly, anyone watching the game last night could see two things: Justice could not block Osi by himself and McNabb looked scared behind that offensive line. So did Reid adjust, putting in max protection or more run plays to help McNabb get in his rhythm? No, he continued to call 5 and 7 step drop backs, many of which ironically had play-action to give the Giants blitzers more time to get to McNabb before he could even get set. Finally, McNabb just doesn't look right. He is tentative and slow on his feet, and his accuracy is bad even for him. I'm not saying its time for the Kolb era to begin, but at the rate we're going it might be better for McNabb to focus on healing that knee so he's ready for next year. The sad part is the defense is playing amazingly well this year considering half our secondary is hurt and we have a bunch of nobodies or old slow vets in the front 7. Maybe the bye will fix things but right now I'm just ready to have a coach who acknowledges the strength of a run game and Reid just isn't that coach.
Bonus post re: Kris Jenkins rant
Reprinted in its entirey, my favorite part is the line about Tampa Bay:
*****
In perhaps the most emotional locker room outburst in franchise history, Kris Jenkins ripped his teammates. Jenkins wasn’t asked a question to start the outburst and he wouldn’t take questions at the end. But here’s the entire text of what he had to say in between:
"You all ready (clears throat)? All right, I’m going to be honest. I think the players owe the fans an apology. I would be as upset as they are if I had to sit in the stands for four hours and look at that garbage. I’m going to be honest with you. That’s what it was, garbage.
I apologize to you Pat because I didn’t put everything out as far as the issue (in an Observer story last week, where Jenkins challenged his teammates to handle prosperity better). This is our issue as a team. As a team collectively, we have no heart. We have no energy. We have no drive. Football is about pride and passion. I’m going to repeat that again. Football is about pride and passion. The pride and the passion that you have for this game makes you want to win. It’s not about the money. It’s not about looking the part. It’s not about standing on the field so everybody can see you on TV and that you look good. It’s about pride and heart. If you have those two, if you win or lose, you’re going to look like a football team.
That’s why we have issues with prosperity. That’s why we have issues when things look good. That’s why we can’t get enough together to look and act like a football team. This is not a 9-to-5 job. This is a game. It is a street fight. It is a gladiator sport and I apologize that sometimes I don’t look the part for what people want me to be. I’m not the weight that everybody wants me to be. But when I step on that field, what you are going to see is pride and heart because I value this game. I love it and that is what is frustrating me. We don’t have that.
We went out there and I felt embarrassed. I walked out the little line or whatever you come through to go play and I walked out and basically, in certain way, I challenged their team. And I challenged my team, because when you step out there like that and you do something like that, you better back it up and we didn’t. We got broke off. We really got broke off and I’m embarrassed to say so.
Right now, my heart hurts. It really does. It’s hard to sit there week after week and go through this. This is what’s not being addressed. Week in and week out, we might say this and we might say that or we need to change this. It’s not that you can’t pay for pride and heart. It might good when you look at the stats or when you look at someone’s 40 time or you look at everything else. But it doesn’t matter how many skills you have. It doesn’t matter how good you look when you catch a pass or when you run the ball or when you tackle somebody or cover somebody.
It’s not going to matter if you don’t have those two things, because this is the NFL. It is the National Football League. It is a professional sport and you have people out here, such as myself, who love this game enough that they’re going to put it all out on the field.
Tampa Bay came and they did that and they royally broke their foot off in our butt. I have nothing else to say. I’m upset about this, but I wanted to say that."
*****
In perhaps the most emotional locker room outburst in franchise history, Kris Jenkins ripped his teammates. Jenkins wasn’t asked a question to start the outburst and he wouldn’t take questions at the end. But here’s the entire text of what he had to say in between:
"You all ready (clears throat)? All right, I’m going to be honest. I think the players owe the fans an apology. I would be as upset as they are if I had to sit in the stands for four hours and look at that garbage. I’m going to be honest with you. That’s what it was, garbage.
I apologize to you Pat because I didn’t put everything out as far as the issue (in an Observer story last week, where Jenkins challenged his teammates to handle prosperity better). This is our issue as a team. As a team collectively, we have no heart. We have no energy. We have no drive. Football is about pride and passion. I’m going to repeat that again. Football is about pride and passion. The pride and the passion that you have for this game makes you want to win. It’s not about the money. It’s not about looking the part. It’s not about standing on the field so everybody can see you on TV and that you look good. It’s about pride and heart. If you have those two, if you win or lose, you’re going to look like a football team.
That’s why we have issues with prosperity. That’s why we have issues when things look good. That’s why we can’t get enough together to look and act like a football team. This is not a 9-to-5 job. This is a game. It is a street fight. It is a gladiator sport and I apologize that sometimes I don’t look the part for what people want me to be. I’m not the weight that everybody wants me to be. But when I step on that field, what you are going to see is pride and heart because I value this game. I love it and that is what is frustrating me. We don’t have that.
We went out there and I felt embarrassed. I walked out the little line or whatever you come through to go play and I walked out and basically, in certain way, I challenged their team. And I challenged my team, because when you step out there like that and you do something like that, you better back it up and we didn’t. We got broke off. We really got broke off and I’m embarrassed to say so.
Right now, my heart hurts. It really does. It’s hard to sit there week after week and go through this. This is what’s not being addressed. Week in and week out, we might say this and we might say that or we need to change this. It’s not that you can’t pay for pride and heart. It might good when you look at the stats or when you look at someone’s 40 time or you look at everything else. But it doesn’t matter how many skills you have. It doesn’t matter how good you look when you catch a pass or when you run the ball or when you tackle somebody or cover somebody.
It’s not going to matter if you don’t have those two things, because this is the NFL. It is the National Football League. It is a professional sport and you have people out here, such as myself, who love this game enough that they’re going to put it all out on the field.
Tampa Bay came and they did that and they royally broke their foot off in our butt. I have nothing else to say. I’m upset about this, but I wanted to say that."
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Parakeets clipped!
Sure they were missing half their team and got penalized 15 times, but the Eagles were just getting a taste of what the Giants have to deal with on a regular basis. As Bushy feared, it seems the Eagles left everything they had on the field with the Lions, and didn't have much left in the tank (not to mention the super powered Parakeet unis). But, as Deion Sanders noted on the nfl.com recap highlights (available here), Winston Justice is going to be yelling "Osi" in his sleep for a while. Talk about getting schooled. Anyway, the Giants offense and kick game is now struggling (Tynes can't kick worth a crap, how did he win the competition in camp!?!?), but the defense seems to be rounding in to shape. Next up are the Jets, and I salivate to think about what Osi & Co. will do to Pennington. Have a good week!
Maybe we're not ready yet
As I watched the Niners fall to the Seahawks today, I had the same thought Ben Kingsley (playing Gandhi) had in the '82 classic film, after hearing of violent outbreaks in India: Maybe we're not ready yet.
Maybe the Niners aren't ready to compete with the NFL powerhouses. Of course, it makes my stomach turn to think of Seattle as a powerhouse, and we Niners fans can take solace in the fact that the remaining schedule isn't tough. Still, what the heck was that today? No offensive line, absurd penalties, horrible turnovers, and a sudden cry for Alex Smith? But I'm not even sure ASmith could've led a TD drive today. Or Peyton Manning for that matter. The offensive line was THAT bad. Even though Gore did all he could, even though the defense came up with some big stops and stopped Seattle for losses a bunch of times, it just wasn't there.
Nothing sums up the game better than Dilfer throwing a pick right after the Niners recovered an onside kick at the start of the second half. We had better see a much better effort (and a win) against the Ravens next Sunday. Think the NY market will want to put another Niners game on TV any time soon? Good grief.
As for the "big" game, here's all you need to know about the Sunday Night affair: I turned it on with under 3 mins left in the 4th and only then did I realize the game was being played in the Meadowlands, not Philly. From the looks of it, a garbage game. Dunno what was more surprising: the Giants' D or the Eagles' lack of O. In any case, don't expect either team to play in January.
So while the Niners and Eagles join the teams that "are not what we thought they were," they can feel comfortable knowing that that group is a big one. San Diego, Chicago, Baltimore, the Jets, Houston, Carolina, Minnesota...all teams that suffered very disappointing losses today. Could the Chargers miss the playoffs? Would anyone bet against a 9-7 season losing tiebreakers to Jacksonville and/or Cincy? Nice to see the Bills get a win. But don't be fooled by what you saw today from the Chiefs, Browns, or Raiders. All we know is what we've always known: the Colts and Pats own the AFC, no questions asked. Ho-hum.
But crazy is as crazy does in the NFC, where I suppose we can make plans for a good ol'-fashioned Packers-Cowboys NFC title game in Dallas...? Don't miss their Nov. 29 tilt on a Thursday night in Big D. I wouldn't have been shocked had the Cowboys been forced to win a very close game against the Rams, but Romo and co. left no doubt about who's the best team in the conference with that drubbing. It's amazing how well the Bucs played today; given the ineptitude of the rest of the NFC South, they will contend for the remainder of the year. Finally, how the heck is the NFC North completely upside-down? If the Bears can't hold the Lions under 37 points, you know they're not cut out for a return trip to the Supe. For some reason, this Bears team reminds me of the September Mets. All hype. The Lions will at least make things interesting and exciting the rest of the way. And the Cards are no pushover.
Last words: Brett Favre. When I first saw him play in the early 90s, I was in awe of his ability and leadership of a Packers team that hadn't been good since the 60s. Then the Packers got really good and started beating the Niners, so naturally I've disliked Favre since then. But now I can't help but appreciate what he's doing. A Packers team with no running game and supposedly no chance of competing is 4-0 thanks to a graybeard QB showing no signs of slowing down. Congrats on breaking the record.
Maybe the Niners aren't ready to compete with the NFL powerhouses. Of course, it makes my stomach turn to think of Seattle as a powerhouse, and we Niners fans can take solace in the fact that the remaining schedule isn't tough. Still, what the heck was that today? No offensive line, absurd penalties, horrible turnovers, and a sudden cry for Alex Smith? But I'm not even sure ASmith could've led a TD drive today. Or Peyton Manning for that matter. The offensive line was THAT bad. Even though Gore did all he could, even though the defense came up with some big stops and stopped Seattle for losses a bunch of times, it just wasn't there.
Nothing sums up the game better than Dilfer throwing a pick right after the Niners recovered an onside kick at the start of the second half. We had better see a much better effort (and a win) against the Ravens next Sunday. Think the NY market will want to put another Niners game on TV any time soon? Good grief.
As for the "big" game, here's all you need to know about the Sunday Night affair: I turned it on with under 3 mins left in the 4th and only then did I realize the game was being played in the Meadowlands, not Philly. From the looks of it, a garbage game. Dunno what was more surprising: the Giants' D or the Eagles' lack of O. In any case, don't expect either team to play in January.
So while the Niners and Eagles join the teams that "are not what we thought they were," they can feel comfortable knowing that that group is a big one. San Diego, Chicago, Baltimore, the Jets, Houston, Carolina, Minnesota...all teams that suffered very disappointing losses today. Could the Chargers miss the playoffs? Would anyone bet against a 9-7 season losing tiebreakers to Jacksonville and/or Cincy? Nice to see the Bills get a win. But don't be fooled by what you saw today from the Chiefs, Browns, or Raiders. All we know is what we've always known: the Colts and Pats own the AFC, no questions asked. Ho-hum.
But crazy is as crazy does in the NFC, where I suppose we can make plans for a good ol'-fashioned Packers-Cowboys NFC title game in Dallas...? Don't miss their Nov. 29 tilt on a Thursday night in Big D. I wouldn't have been shocked had the Cowboys been forced to win a very close game against the Rams, but Romo and co. left no doubt about who's the best team in the conference with that drubbing. It's amazing how well the Bucs played today; given the ineptitude of the rest of the NFC South, they will contend for the remainder of the year. Finally, how the heck is the NFC North completely upside-down? If the Bears can't hold the Lions under 37 points, you know they're not cut out for a return trip to the Supe. For some reason, this Bears team reminds me of the September Mets. All hype. The Lions will at least make things interesting and exciting the rest of the way. And the Cards are no pushover.
Last words: Brett Favre. When I first saw him play in the early 90s, I was in awe of his ability and leadership of a Packers team that hadn't been good since the 60s. Then the Packers got really good and started beating the Niners, so naturally I've disliked Favre since then. But now I can't help but appreciate what he's doing. A Packers team with no running game and supposedly no chance of competing is 4-0 thanks to a graybeard QB showing no signs of slowing down. Congrats on breaking the record.
Why Jimmy Rollins is Your NL MVP
My friend John Ferrari said it best:
"30 hr, 20 triples, nearly 40 doubles, 200 hits, almost 100 rbi, 40 steals, and great defensive stats to go along, started all 162 games at short stop, on top of carrying the phils to the last day of the regular season and making the playoffs for the first time in 14 years, how can he not be MVP"
If that's not a convincing argument, I don't know what is.
"30 hr, 20 triples, nearly 40 doubles, 200 hits, almost 100 rbi, 40 steals, and great defensive stats to go along, started all 162 games at short stop, on top of carrying the phils to the last day of the regular season and making the playoffs for the first time in 14 years, how can he not be MVP"
If that's not a convincing argument, I don't know what is.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Eagles Learn About Fashion and TDs in Same Week, Prefer the TDs
The only reason I liked the horrible throwbacks (seriously, when did the Eagles ever wear those?) is because I could see them easily from half way across the room in Red Lobster while they were destroying the Lions (for the record Bushy, I hate you for being at this game, what a treat). Of course I'm still concerned that Andy doesn't think a 49-21 lead isn't enough to start running the ball in the 4th quarter more than he passes, but I guess that ship has sailed. And considering we get to play an even easier defense next week, we should be back to "almost legitimate" by next Monday (assuming of course that we don't lose the rest of our secondary by then). In other news, am I the only one who misses Martyball? At least that made the Charger losses interesting, they were kind of like those movies where you know how its going to end, but its still fun to watch simply because its so predictable. I really feel for Tomlinson, I hope he doesn't pull a Barry Sanders on us and quit in frustration. Having said that, I'm glad I took the year off from fantasy football after look at the top rushers in the game after 3 weeks: Parker, Jordan, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry (in only 2 games) and Westbrook. Gosh I love this league (especially after a big win).
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Crash, but no Burn
It's hard to call a 21-point blowout in Pitt a "good loss," especially given the subpar play by ASmith, injuries and complaints from both Gore and VD, and a defense that gave up 133 to Willie Parker on only 24 carries. But consider this: this was the toughest game on the Niners' schedule, and a big loss like this can only motivate the team to play harder and smarter when the Seahawks come to town next Sunday afternoon. All of a sudden, that game becomes a must-win, if the Niners are to prove they belong. Go out and knock off the reigning West champs in your own building, or else take your place in the pretenders circle.
Yep, big wins for the Giants, Eagles and Jets. I'll give credit to the Giants' D, which made Redskins fans palpitate over the prospect of Jason Campbell having to start big games down the stretch. The win for Big Blue sets up a gi-normous game against the Eagles next week, who got to clean out the cobwebs against an atrocious Lions defense. Loser goes to 1-3. As for the Jets, big offense today, but the defense giving up 28 at home to Miami raises all sorts of red flags. Trust me, Ronnie Brown is really not THAT good.
Let's take a look around the rest of the league...I'd be shocked if the Patriots lose a game this year. The Steelers have replaced the Chargers as the "third wheel" in the AFC. Whereas the Broncos and Bengals are proving their overrated status, the Chargers are quickly learning what bad coaching can do to a team no matter the talent. However, it's worth noting that games in New England and Green Bay are no cupcakes; I still expect San Diego to win the division going away. Jury's still out on the other AFC contenders: Bal, Ten, Jax, Hou??? Last note on the AFC - typical, typical Raiders.
The team they call the Cowboys has officially taken over the title as best in the NFC. Hope folks in Minnesota didn't spend dough on postseason tickets. Yes, the Packers are for absolutely real and will engage the Bears in a fun race down the stretch. Raise your hand if you really thought the Lions could play D. Still not convinced the Bucs are for real, but we sure as heck know the Rams aren't. Two teams that will drive the pundits nuts are Carolina (no consistency as usual) and Seattle (ditto). How bout a very very quick shoutout to the Cards, who only lost by 3 in Baltimore and have suffered two three-point losses on the road (okay that was more than very very quick).
Last words: the Good (Kevin Everett can walk again within weeks) the Bad (we hope the Texans' Cedric Killings isn't seriously hurt after that headfirst collision) and the Ugly (not even Rick Moranis' little Giants would've worn those hideous Eagles uniforms today).
Yep, big wins for the Giants, Eagles and Jets. I'll give credit to the Giants' D, which made Redskins fans palpitate over the prospect of Jason Campbell having to start big games down the stretch. The win for Big Blue sets up a gi-normous game against the Eagles next week, who got to clean out the cobwebs against an atrocious Lions defense. Loser goes to 1-3. As for the Jets, big offense today, but the defense giving up 28 at home to Miami raises all sorts of red flags. Trust me, Ronnie Brown is really not THAT good.
Let's take a look around the rest of the league...I'd be shocked if the Patriots lose a game this year. The Steelers have replaced the Chargers as the "third wheel" in the AFC. Whereas the Broncos and Bengals are proving their overrated status, the Chargers are quickly learning what bad coaching can do to a team no matter the talent. However, it's worth noting that games in New England and Green Bay are no cupcakes; I still expect San Diego to win the division going away. Jury's still out on the other AFC contenders: Bal, Ten, Jax, Hou??? Last note on the AFC - typical, typical Raiders.
The team they call the Cowboys has officially taken over the title as best in the NFC. Hope folks in Minnesota didn't spend dough on postseason tickets. Yes, the Packers are for absolutely real and will engage the Bears in a fun race down the stretch. Raise your hand if you really thought the Lions could play D. Still not convinced the Bucs are for real, but we sure as heck know the Rams aren't. Two teams that will drive the pundits nuts are Carolina (no consistency as usual) and Seattle (ditto). How bout a very very quick shoutout to the Cards, who only lost by 3 in Baltimore and have suffered two three-point losses on the road (okay that was more than very very quick).
Last words: the Good (Kevin Everett can walk again within weeks) the Bad (we hope the Texans' Cedric Killings isn't seriously hurt after that headfirst collision) and the Ugly (not even Rick Moranis' little Giants would've worn those hideous Eagles uniforms today).
Week 3 thoughts
My thoughts from this weekend:
- Being at the Linc for the 56-21 drubbing of the Lions was sweet
- After the 6th touchdown, singing the Eagles fight song starts to get old
- I hope the Eagles saved some offense for next week, especially since Westbrook is already questionable for the game against the Giants
- The Giants looked good in the second half of their win
- With the way that Derrick Ward is playing, who needs Tiki?
- Green Bay is going to the playoffs
- San Diego isn't going to the playoffs
- How long until Norv Turner gets fired?
- Having Marc Bulger as my QB in two fantasy leagues is killing me
- I hate Michigan
- Jimmy Rollins is the NL MVP
- Rollins is only 1 HR away from being the 30th person to belong to the 30-30 club
- Rollins is 2 triples away from a 20-20-20-20 season
- Unfortunately the Phillies will finish the season a game out of the Wild Card
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Another record!
Strangely enough, almost every time there's a record broken in the NFL, it comes against the Giants. This time it's Brett Favre getting his record-setting 149th career win. I wish I could say the Giants made him work for it, but alas, Brett basically snoozed his way to the record today. I've not seen a Giants defense this bad in all my years of following them; the old timers report that this year's team is on pace to surpass the 1966 Giants in terms of ineptitude. The sad part is that Eli is basically carrying the offense on his back and is doing a terrific job despite his injury, but it's all for naught as Michael Strahan and his cohorts look like they wouldn't be able to stop a PeeWee football offense at this point. I'd say a high draft pick next April would be nice, but that's a crapshoot. Coughlin will almost certainly be fired, but aside from Bill Cowher, there aren't any good coaching candidates out there for next year it seems. Not a good season brewing in the Meadowlands! But hey, the Rangers' first pre-season game is this Friday. Catch the fever!
Mah drink and mah two step
There was a time when we'd lose these games. From 1999 to 2006, the Niners played eight games in St. Louis, winning only once. Blowouts by Warner and Faulk, their comebacks against our weak D, suspicious plays and calls all around...whatever the cause, we found a way to lose.
But your SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS are now 2-0, surviving yet another close one, thanks to a muffed punt return by Dante Hall (Dante Hall!), tough defense producing a Bryant Young sack when we needed it the most, and a missed FG at the end by Wilkins. We gave up the lead and somehow got it back. Gritty performance by the offense, defense and special teams.
Still, the real reason we won this game is the man that is Frank Gore. Tremendous run on 4th and 1 for the touchdown, all a few days after losing his mother. The man is putting the entire offense on his back right now, and given the way ASmith has played, we have to rely on these huge Gore games. Next week won't be so easy - this good fortune will probably come to an end at Heinz.
Leading me right to the Steelers, who look really good right now, albeit against the Browns and Bills, but to me there's no doubt that Mike Tomlin's team is winning the North. Anyone really think Norvell Turner was gonna be able to win that game tonight? Break up the Texans! We'll find out a lot more in Week 3 when they host Indy; the stomping of Carolina might've just been the whole AFC-NFC thing. What's wrong with the Saints? They just need a home game...besides, can you trust anyone else to run away with the South? Explain to me why no one in the NFC North is under .500. Last but not least, hats off to Kellen Clemens, but it'll be that type of season for the Jets, just a lot of hearbreak...as for the Giants? Wait 'til next year. Sorry to pour it on, but they just got blown out in the easiest game on their schedule. It's just what happens in the NFL, folks...tejada dey rise, tejada dey fall. Unless you cheat (and man is that debate over).
P.S. Doctors say that Kevin Everett will likely walk again. After what we heard a week ago, that kind of news will uplift anybody, no matter what team you root for.
But your SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS are now 2-0, surviving yet another close one, thanks to a muffed punt return by Dante Hall (Dante Hall!), tough defense producing a Bryant Young sack when we needed it the most, and a missed FG at the end by Wilkins. We gave up the lead and somehow got it back. Gritty performance by the offense, defense and special teams.
Still, the real reason we won this game is the man that is Frank Gore. Tremendous run on 4th and 1 for the touchdown, all a few days after losing his mother. The man is putting the entire offense on his back right now, and given the way ASmith has played, we have to rely on these huge Gore games. Next week won't be so easy - this good fortune will probably come to an end at Heinz.
Leading me right to the Steelers, who look really good right now, albeit against the Browns and Bills, but to me there's no doubt that Mike Tomlin's team is winning the North. Anyone really think Norvell Turner was gonna be able to win that game tonight? Break up the Texans! We'll find out a lot more in Week 3 when they host Indy; the stomping of Carolina might've just been the whole AFC-NFC thing. What's wrong with the Saints? They just need a home game...besides, can you trust anyone else to run away with the South? Explain to me why no one in the NFC North is under .500. Last but not least, hats off to Kellen Clemens, but it'll be that type of season for the Jets, just a lot of hearbreak...as for the Giants? Wait 'til next year. Sorry to pour it on, but they just got blown out in the easiest game on their schedule. It's just what happens in the NFL, folks...tejada dey rise, tejada dey fall. Unless you cheat (and man is that debate over).
P.S. Doctors say that Kevin Everett will likely walk again. After what we heard a week ago, that kind of news will uplift anybody, no matter what team you root for.
Friday, September 14, 2007
New England Cheaters
See the funny thing is, I've always defended the Pats. It all goes back to the '02 Super Bowl against the despised Rams. As a Niners fan, I hoped against hope that an underdog Pats team would take out this overrated Rams team, and, well, they did. Amazing game, sweet victory.
And even before '02, I didn't mind the Pats, with Hugh Millen and Irving Fryar. Respected Belichick too - heckuva coach, very smart man, always saying the right things to the media. And lately against the Colts, Broncos and Chargers, I definitely wanted the Pats to win. For some reason, I just felt the NFL was better when the Pats won.
Now in the wake of this cheating scandal, for me at least, the success of the Belichick Patriots is partially tarnished. Not completely tarnished, because cheating doesn't necessarily guarantee victory (see Raiders, or Rams). You still need to play tremendously well to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. That being said, the fact that the Pats cheated takes away their luster. They're not the same as the 70s Steelers, 80s Niners or 90s Cowboys. I think Belichick deserved the harsh punishment from Goodell, although I agree with Mad Dog in that a suspension wouldn't be out of line either.
Still, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that the Patriots, and the rest of the NFL, are moving forward. Let's see what happens to the Pats now. Do they completely forget how to win? Do they continue this amazing run and destroy teams with Moss? If so, it'd definitely restore their credibility, unless of course they continue to cheat in some other fashion. Either way, while we can't look back on the past with the same awestruck feeling, we have to move on and look at everything anew. It's a brand new season with some really cool players and teams. We trust the Commish is cleaning up the garbage; yes the Pats cheated, but try to tell me you won't be watching this Bolts-Pats game on Sunday night on the edge of your seat.
And even before '02, I didn't mind the Pats, with Hugh Millen and Irving Fryar. Respected Belichick too - heckuva coach, very smart man, always saying the right things to the media. And lately against the Colts, Broncos and Chargers, I definitely wanted the Pats to win. For some reason, I just felt the NFL was better when the Pats won.
Now in the wake of this cheating scandal, for me at least, the success of the Belichick Patriots is partially tarnished. Not completely tarnished, because cheating doesn't necessarily guarantee victory (see Raiders, or Rams). You still need to play tremendously well to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. That being said, the fact that the Pats cheated takes away their luster. They're not the same as the 70s Steelers, 80s Niners or 90s Cowboys. I think Belichick deserved the harsh punishment from Goodell, although I agree with Mad Dog in that a suspension wouldn't be out of line either.
Still, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that the Patriots, and the rest of the NFL, are moving forward. Let's see what happens to the Pats now. Do they completely forget how to win? Do they continue this amazing run and destroy teams with Moss? If so, it'd definitely restore their credibility, unless of course they continue to cheat in some other fashion. Either way, while we can't look back on the past with the same awestruck feeling, we have to move on and look at everything anew. It's a brand new season with some really cool players and teams. We trust the Commish is cleaning up the garbage; yes the Pats cheated, but try to tell me you won't be watching this Bolts-Pats game on Sunday night on the edge of your seat.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
One down
Going into the game last night, the Niners had two objectives:
1. Win
2. Play well
I didn't care if it turned out to be a close game. After all, the Cards have talent and would be fired up for their new coach. As it turned out, neither team looked anything like a playoff team...Playoffs? PLAYOFFS? Are you kidding me - PLAYOFFS? I just hope we can win a game!
Win we did, but it was absolutely ugly. Magical, lucky, but ugly. 66 passing yards for Mr. Smith before the last drive. What if the Cards made that 3rd and 10? What if Alex didn't get the 4th and 1, or Battle didn't make that catch, or DJax didn't recover that fumble? Disaster. But the Niners secondary played exceptionally well, and Pat Willis is a major force. I think the offense will play a better game in St. Lou, but it'll be tough to win against the cheating Rams. Good to see Gore is healthy though. And most importantly, we won for Coach Walsh.
Some other thoughts from around the league:
It's only Week 1, so wins and losses don't mean much. Big thing at this stage is injuries. I'll start with Kevin Everett - terrible news. Just reminds us how dangerous this sport is, and I'm sure we all hope for any good news and progress. Bears losing Mike Brown (again???) and Dvoracek: the defense is still solid, and they should still win the division handily. Unlike....the Giants and Jets, who are both basically done. I know it's only Week 1, but, can you trust either team to win a tough game? Or even a road game? No, I never thought Eli Manning would be a "devastating loss" either, but, Lorenzen isn't a starting QB. Cowboys losing Ferguson is big news; in a 3-4 defense, you can't afford to lose your star nose tackle. Orlando Pace is a big loss for the Rams too. And the Ravens had better hope the McNair/Ogden/Ray Lewis injuries are minor. Otherwise, it'll be a long autumn in Baltimore.
One last theme to consider: the Colts blew out the Saints, the Chargers smothered the Bears, and even the Dolphins kept it close against a better Redskins team. The AFC rules right now, no doubt about it. Pats, Colts, Bolts, Steelers...should be a fun year for that conference.
1. Win
2. Play well
I didn't care if it turned out to be a close game. After all, the Cards have talent and would be fired up for their new coach. As it turned out, neither team looked anything like a playoff team...Playoffs? PLAYOFFS? Are you kidding me - PLAYOFFS? I just hope we can win a game!
Win we did, but it was absolutely ugly. Magical, lucky, but ugly. 66 passing yards for Mr. Smith before the last drive. What if the Cards made that 3rd and 10? What if Alex didn't get the 4th and 1, or Battle didn't make that catch, or DJax didn't recover that fumble? Disaster. But the Niners secondary played exceptionally well, and Pat Willis is a major force. I think the offense will play a better game in St. Lou, but it'll be tough to win against the cheating Rams. Good to see Gore is healthy though. And most importantly, we won for Coach Walsh.
Some other thoughts from around the league:
It's only Week 1, so wins and losses don't mean much. Big thing at this stage is injuries. I'll start with Kevin Everett - terrible news. Just reminds us how dangerous this sport is, and I'm sure we all hope for any good news and progress. Bears losing Mike Brown (again???) and Dvoracek: the defense is still solid, and they should still win the division handily. Unlike....the Giants and Jets, who are both basically done. I know it's only Week 1, but, can you trust either team to win a tough game? Or even a road game? No, I never thought Eli Manning would be a "devastating loss" either, but, Lorenzen isn't a starting QB. Cowboys losing Ferguson is big news; in a 3-4 defense, you can't afford to lose your star nose tackle. Orlando Pace is a big loss for the Rams too. And the Ravens had better hope the McNair/Ogden/Ray Lewis injuries are minor. Otherwise, it'll be a long autumn in Baltimore.
One last theme to consider: the Colts blew out the Saints, the Chargers smothered the Bears, and even the Dolphins kept it close against a better Redskins team. The AFC rules right now, no doubt about it. Pats, Colts, Bolts, Steelers...should be a fun year for that conference.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Note to Andy Reid....
Put down the cheesesteak and put Tony Hunt in the game. Buckhalter has proven over and over that he is not a pro running back, so while he's losing yards on key drives, we could have a rookie who's at least making the defense work on those 3rd and 1's. Oh, and why did you let Rod Hood go when you knew Sheppard averages more injuries per year than games played? Maybe someday you'll learn to have your team ready for week 1 (3-6 all time as our coach, thanks for that). On the plus side, at least we're the only team in our division that's heard of defense (too bad we haven't heard of offense yet). Please take some notes from Jeff Fisher, who realizing he was in a defensive slug fest, ran the ball 38 times to wear out the defense for the win. In close games, Westbrook needs to be getting 25+ carries, 20 just won't cut it, unless of course you like losing. And obviously you do.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
So, yeah, about that defense...
The Giants apparently got so wrapped up in the Strahan/Tiki scandals that they forgot to bring pressure packages to Dallas. Because, you know, it's rude to get in the QB's face and not let him have his choice of wide open targets down the middle of the field. We've come 180 degrees from the Giants of the '80s; now we have a great offense and an entirely clueless defense. This season is not going to be pretty if a mediocre team like Dallas can rack up that much yardage that quickly. Yikes!
Great GMing by the Eagles
Hey, I have an idea. Let's cut a guy (Jeremy Bloom) who does only one thing well (returning kicks) and replace him with some guys (Greg Lewis and J.R. Reed) who don't return kicks well. Brilliant idea! I can't wait to see how this turns out!
They would have been better off saying "Let's just give the game away to the Packers." Oh, wait. That's what they did. What a waste of 3 hours a 15 minutes.
They would have been better off saying "Let's just give the game away to the Packers." Oh, wait. That's what they did. What a waste of 3 hours a 15 minutes.
Friday, September 7, 2007
My shot at a Preview
Before we get into this "homeless man's Sports Guy" preview, a couple things need to be said: (1) In accordance with previous reports, the new Bruce single is outstanding, and (2) Tiki Barber is a joke.
To elaborate on point #2, check out his interview with Mike and the Mad Dog this afternoon (should be posted on wfan.com soon). What does Tiki want, and why do we care? In this half hour-plus interview, he managed to flip-flop on Tom Coughlin, rip Mike and Dog for being hypocritical, and basically blame the media for blackballing his entire season last year. At the end, he challenged Mike and Dog to repeat what he himself said to the media. Mike/Dog did just that, and Tiki denied it. Huh? In a related story, Tiki's new book is now in stores. He'll publish the rebuttal in time for the holidays.
Between the fall of Tiki, Pacman making it rain, Michael Vick's rape stand and Jerramy Stevens getting busted, what an atrocious offseason. But it's over. Let's get to the good stuff. Wins in parentheses.
AFC EAST
So the Pats (13) were ripped off by the refs against Denver in '06 and were basically one play away from winning the Super Bowl in January. They're hungry. And quite good. Eric Mangini is a genie, but it's seriously unrealistic to expect the Jets (7) to repeat their success from last year. Miami (5) and Buffalo (4)? Going nowhere fast. Just look at their QB situations. Don't like the Bills' defense at all.
AFC NORTH
The Ravens can play solid D (9), the Bengals can run up the score (8), but only the Steelers (10) have the personnel to do both. It really is that simple. Nice try, Browns (3). At least they got Brady Q.
AFC SOUTH
Yes, this preview is after last night's stampede, so go ahead and grill me because I really was gonna pick the Colts (11) to go winless. Still, a young defense won't be perfect, and hangovers do happen. Everyone thinks the Titans (9) will have a down year, but VY is the real deal and Pacman was most likely a negative influence in the clubhouse. Lots of young talent here + outstanding coach. The Jags (9) are your classic D+run team, but Garrard isn't the answer. Still waiting for the Texans (6) to get an acceptable offensive line, although Shaub to Andre J will be deadly.
AFC WEST
I don't like Norv Turner as a head coach either but with the talent on the Chargers (12) there really isn't much to coach. An OVERRATED team for once: The Broncs (9). Cutler-Henry-Walker just doesn't feel right, and Shanahan is in his twilight years as a coach. Terrible Darrent Williams tragedy; I do see the Broncs playing very inspired football. The Chiefs (7) are going downhill, the Raiders (5) uphill, at least on defense.
NFC EAST
...AND the answer to your biggest question will treat everyone reading this the same. Cowboys? Giants? Eagles? NO to you all; the Redskins (10) will steal the division behind a solid Campbell season, reliable running game, young tough D and smart coaching. The birds (9) will have some trouble getting O and D to play well in the same game, the 'Boys (8) lose some luster following the Tuna's departure...plus I really really don't appreciate Tony Romo, and the Giants (7) really aren't that good, and have to perpetuate their cycle of finishing in a different place every year.
NFC NORTH
Come on. This is an NFL division? Absolutely no suspense here. Same as the past couple years. Bears (13) by "default" as my buddy Sunil would say, the Vikes (8) still have Childress as coach, although TJax won't be as bad as Favre will be for the Pack (6), who'll steal some games thanks to their up-and-coming D. Finally, the Lions (5) have no chance. Did you realize the NFL had to put a Thanksgiving night game on the NFL network just so fans could get the ugly Detroit taste out of their collective mouths? Come on.
NFC SOUTH
The Saints (10) will have a letdown year, but in this easy NFC, that means ten wins and a division crown. I figure nine wins for the Panthers (9) is about right, what an absolute nightmare to predict. No weapons, no stars, no future for the Bucs (5), and while I agree the Dirty Birds (5) stir up some Ewing Theory-intrigue, the defense was going downhill anyway and Joey Harrington wasn't good regardless of the Lions receivers, as I saw for about five straight years on Thanksgiving morning.
NFC WEST
The time is now and the window is open. Yes they went from being underrated to overrated faster than VD's 40 time, but the Niners (10) have it set up. And they are the single biggest reason why I'm pumped for this season unlike any other. Meanwhile, the Rams (9) will cheat their way to a winning record. The Seahawks (8) are getting old fast, and now without any sense of a fearsome D, they're not going anywhere. Finally, the Cardinals (7) ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE.
SECOND SEASON
I take the Colts over Tennessee in the first round to spoil VY's playoff welcome. Another spoiled welcome will be in Pittsburgh, where the Ravens come in and beat Mike Tomlin. Taking the chalk the rest of the way: Pats over Ravens, Chargers over Colts, Pats over Chargers.
In the NFC, it's the same pattern: Rams lose in New Orleans while the Eagles go down to Washington and shock the Redskins. Now I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints come into Frisco and beat the Niners, but I gotta go with my team. But no team other than the Bears is winning in Chicago this season, so the Eagles and Niners are toast. By default.
Finally, the Pats beat the Bears in SB 42. Maybe by a very familiar 46-10 score.
So there you have it. Five repeat division winners compared to four last year. Pats and Bears sounds too easy, but here in the NFL, the rich seem to get richer. Watch out for a Niners-Titans Super Bowl in '09 though.
Enjoy the season folks.
To elaborate on point #2, check out his interview with Mike and the Mad Dog this afternoon (should be posted on wfan.com soon). What does Tiki want, and why do we care? In this half hour-plus interview, he managed to flip-flop on Tom Coughlin, rip Mike and Dog for being hypocritical, and basically blame the media for blackballing his entire season last year. At the end, he challenged Mike and Dog to repeat what he himself said to the media. Mike/Dog did just that, and Tiki denied it. Huh? In a related story, Tiki's new book is now in stores. He'll publish the rebuttal in time for the holidays.
Between the fall of Tiki, Pacman making it rain, Michael Vick's rape stand and Jerramy Stevens getting busted, what an atrocious offseason. But it's over. Let's get to the good stuff. Wins in parentheses.
AFC EAST
So the Pats (13) were ripped off by the refs against Denver in '06 and were basically one play away from winning the Super Bowl in January. They're hungry. And quite good. Eric Mangini is a genie, but it's seriously unrealistic to expect the Jets (7) to repeat their success from last year. Miami (5) and Buffalo (4)? Going nowhere fast. Just look at their QB situations. Don't like the Bills' defense at all.
AFC NORTH
The Ravens can play solid D (9), the Bengals can run up the score (8), but only the Steelers (10) have the personnel to do both. It really is that simple. Nice try, Browns (3). At least they got Brady Q.
AFC SOUTH
Yes, this preview is after last night's stampede, so go ahead and grill me because I really was gonna pick the Colts (11) to go winless. Still, a young defense won't be perfect, and hangovers do happen. Everyone thinks the Titans (9) will have a down year, but VY is the real deal and Pacman was most likely a negative influence in the clubhouse. Lots of young talent here + outstanding coach. The Jags (9) are your classic D+run team, but Garrard isn't the answer. Still waiting for the Texans (6) to get an acceptable offensive line, although Shaub to Andre J will be deadly.
AFC WEST
I don't like Norv Turner as a head coach either but with the talent on the Chargers (12) there really isn't much to coach. An OVERRATED team for once: The Broncs (9). Cutler-Henry-Walker just doesn't feel right, and Shanahan is in his twilight years as a coach. Terrible Darrent Williams tragedy; I do see the Broncs playing very inspired football. The Chiefs (7) are going downhill, the Raiders (5) uphill, at least on defense.
NFC EAST
...AND the answer to your biggest question will treat everyone reading this the same. Cowboys? Giants? Eagles? NO to you all; the Redskins (10) will steal the division behind a solid Campbell season, reliable running game, young tough D and smart coaching. The birds (9) will have some trouble getting O and D to play well in the same game, the 'Boys (8) lose some luster following the Tuna's departure...plus I really really don't appreciate Tony Romo, and the Giants (7) really aren't that good, and have to perpetuate their cycle of finishing in a different place every year.
NFC NORTH
Come on. This is an NFL division? Absolutely no suspense here. Same as the past couple years. Bears (13) by "default" as my buddy Sunil would say, the Vikes (8) still have Childress as coach, although TJax won't be as bad as Favre will be for the Pack (6), who'll steal some games thanks to their up-and-coming D. Finally, the Lions (5) have no chance. Did you realize the NFL had to put a Thanksgiving night game on the NFL network just so fans could get the ugly Detroit taste out of their collective mouths? Come on.
NFC SOUTH
The Saints (10) will have a letdown year, but in this easy NFC, that means ten wins and a division crown. I figure nine wins for the Panthers (9) is about right, what an absolute nightmare to predict. No weapons, no stars, no future for the Bucs (5), and while I agree the Dirty Birds (5) stir up some Ewing Theory-intrigue, the defense was going downhill anyway and Joey Harrington wasn't good regardless of the Lions receivers, as I saw for about five straight years on Thanksgiving morning.
NFC WEST
The time is now and the window is open. Yes they went from being underrated to overrated faster than VD's 40 time, but the Niners (10) have it set up. And they are the single biggest reason why I'm pumped for this season unlike any other. Meanwhile, the Rams (9) will cheat their way to a winning record. The Seahawks (8) are getting old fast, and now without any sense of a fearsome D, they're not going anywhere. Finally, the Cardinals (7) ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE.
SECOND SEASON
I take the Colts over Tennessee in the first round to spoil VY's playoff welcome. Another spoiled welcome will be in Pittsburgh, where the Ravens come in and beat Mike Tomlin. Taking the chalk the rest of the way: Pats over Ravens, Chargers over Colts, Pats over Chargers.
In the NFC, it's the same pattern: Rams lose in New Orleans while the Eagles go down to Washington and shock the Redskins. Now I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints come into Frisco and beat the Niners, but I gotta go with my team. But no team other than the Bears is winning in Chicago this season, so the Eagles and Niners are toast. By default.
Finally, the Pats beat the Bears in SB 42. Maybe by a very familiar 46-10 score.
So there you have it. Five repeat division winners compared to four last year. Pats and Bears sounds too easy, but here in the NFL, the rich seem to get richer. Watch out for a Niners-Titans Super Bowl in '09 though.
Enjoy the season folks.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
The kids are fine!
The media (and Neej) are stirring up drama where there is none. Eli has looked pretty sharp this pre-season and in camp; I have no doubts that he'll be fine. I'm still puzzled over Tiki's shot at him out of the blue, but I chalk that up to Cris "Giant hater" Collinsworth egging him on. Tiki is gone and done; he's not on the field so he's no concern to the team. Strahan has always been egotistical; this fake play at retirement is just the latest in the line. He didn't want to show up to camp, so he fakes contemplating retirement so he gets more time off. He'll probably report this weekend, play well in Weeks 1 and 2, hurt himself and be done for the year again. He's 35, overpaid and fading. I can only speak to myself, but my loyalty to the team comes before any player. I am grateful for the good plays by Tiki and Strahan while they wore blue, but that's as far as it goes. The Giants will win the NFC East, with the Eagles, Cowboys and Redskins following in their wake. Eat our dust!
The Meadowlands is Burning
I have to say, I don't know how you Giants fans do it.
Over the past 10 years, in the Fassel/Coughlin era, the two Giants "leaders" have undoubtedly been Tiki and Strahan. You might suggest Amani Toomer, but he's clearly the #3. But you Giants fans have enjoyed Tiki's clutch 150-yard games and Strahan's monster sack totals, leading the G-men to Super Bowl XXXV and consecutive playoff berths over the past two seasons.
Well what do we have this offseason? Strahan holding out, effectively pushing the Giants organization down a flight of stairs. Tiki bashing the man responsible for leading the Giants to...six wins...but regardless. Already Giants fans are having a tough time accepting Eli, and Jeremy Shockey is almost done with his transition from "high-energy player" to "knucklehead clown." It's tough enough as it is. Your leadership was vested in Tiki and Strahan. Now your two best horses are not only letting you down, they're destroying your team.
So whom do you sympathize with? Are you ready to burn your Tiki jerseys and root for Eli? I just can't wait to see Tiki return to the Giants next season; ESPN might as well set up cameras in the clubhouse for a new dramatic series.
And frankly, this is the least of the Giants' problems. Meanwhile, in Niners land, we're very happy with Alex Smith and VD and Coach Nolan, thank you very much.
Good-bye Michael Vick, hello Vince Young.
Over the past 10 years, in the Fassel/Coughlin era, the two Giants "leaders" have undoubtedly been Tiki and Strahan. You might suggest Amani Toomer, but he's clearly the #3. But you Giants fans have enjoyed Tiki's clutch 150-yard games and Strahan's monster sack totals, leading the G-men to Super Bowl XXXV and consecutive playoff berths over the past two seasons.
Well what do we have this offseason? Strahan holding out, effectively pushing the Giants organization down a flight of stairs. Tiki bashing the man responsible for leading the Giants to...six wins...but regardless. Already Giants fans are having a tough time accepting Eli, and Jeremy Shockey is almost done with his transition from "high-energy player" to "knucklehead clown." It's tough enough as it is. Your leadership was vested in Tiki and Strahan. Now your two best horses are not only letting you down, they're destroying your team.
So whom do you sympathize with? Are you ready to burn your Tiki jerseys and root for Eli? I just can't wait to see Tiki return to the Giants next season; ESPN might as well set up cameras in the clubhouse for a new dramatic series.
And frankly, this is the least of the Giants' problems. Meanwhile, in Niners land, we're very happy with Alex Smith and VD and Coach Nolan, thank you very much.
Good-bye Michael Vick, hello Vince Young.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Preseason Football
As much as I'm excited for football season to be here again, I am so sick of hearing about all the latest preseason hype. These games mean nothing unless there is a serious injury involved and I've learned that I could be a better NFL analyst than most of the yo-yos that get to do this for a living (you know, the geniuses who said Randy Moss was going to make the Raiders a Super Bowl contender, or saw New Orleans as being the worst team in the league last year before the season started). So as much as I hate the fact that my Eagles looked awful against the Ravens and loved that they were brilliant against the Panthers, it means nothing until September 6th.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Good Start for ASmith
yeah I concur, Amir. Offense looked sharp. Alex Smith was very accurate, which is what you want to see. The D might take a lil while to adjust to the 3-4, but they'll keep getting stronger throughout the season. No worries.
But the big story was the QB. ASmith played like a #1. Hopefully he'll continue that transition from a homeless man's Ryan Leaf ('05) and a poor man's Tommy Maddox ('06) to "the next Carson Palmer" ('07).
Realized something as I was eating some Buffalo wings in Buffalo on Wednesday: the Bills should be the worst team in the NFL this season. {No RB}+{no QB}+{wrong conference} = 3-13 max.
But the big story was the QB. ASmith played like a #1. Hopefully he'll continue that transition from a homeless man's Ryan Leaf ('05) and a poor man's Tommy Maddox ('06) to "the next Carson Palmer" ('07).
Realized something as I was eating some Buffalo wings in Buffalo on Wednesday: the Bills should be the worst team in the NFL this season. {No RB}+{no QB}+{wrong conference} = 3-13 max.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Niners were ok
Well, the offense was solid. Alex looked like a legit QB ... Djax is looking good ... and Battle showed off his great hands ... what was with the defense though? Lawson running AWAY from the RB is never good
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Eagles Disappoint
I've only watched a quarter of the Eagles first preseason game and I already want to roll over and die. I'd like to take this time and congratulate the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Giants for winning the NFC East. I don't count the Redskins because they're a joke.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
So how bout them G-Men
saw two plays tonight that'll define the Giants season: Eli throwing an inaccurate third-down pass, and the Giants' backup secondary getting burned by the Panthers' backup offense. BURNED. It's only preseason, but that ain't the last time I'll see that.
Dear Vince Young: Please stay out of trouble. Thank you, the fans.
Dear Vince Young: Please stay out of trouble. Thank you, the fans.
#1
wassup, just to avoid all the emails, here's a blog for this NFL season. You'll notice most if not all of my posts will discuss one of the following subjects:
(1) How the Niners can sneak into the Super Bowl.
(2) How the Giants are nothing short of an absolute disgrace.
Enjoy.
(1) How the Niners can sneak into the Super Bowl.
(2) How the Giants are nothing short of an absolute disgrace.
Enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)