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.
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