Saturday, December 25, 2010
Michael Vick Argument...
It's hard to argue against Brady at this point given the fact he has played all of the games this season. With Michael Vick missing portions of a couple games and three all together he is definitely behind Brady as of now. But if he were to have another performance similar to that of week 10 where he went off and scored a remarkable 50 fantasy points for yours truly, I'd have a hard time not calling him MVP. Having the week he did last week and leading a 28 point fourth quarter comeback against a division rival is hard to argue about. When he's playing well he is the biggest impact player in the league. He's a dual threat in a league of three step drop passers and has managed to bring an Eagles team, who traded Donovan Mcnabb (arguably the equal of the Yankees trading Jeter) to another division rival for the prospect of greener pastures with Kevin Kolb, to the forefront of the NFC playoff picture. There isn't a team in this league who looks forward to the possibility of facing the Eagles in any round. The other side is the Patriots, who also are feared nationwide. Tom Brady will probably be the MVP because they both will be benched for the last game of the season at least and that puts Vick 4 complete games behind Brady in playtime. This considered, if Michael Vick goes full blown Jihad on the the Minnesota defense this week it could be a much closer vote than it is now. Regardless of MVP outcome he will undoubtedly be the Comeback Player of the Year.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tom Brady is the MVP and I don't want to hear Vick about it.
Tom Brady is the NFL MVP. Period. Taking the Patriots to first place in the AFC and sitting at 12-2 they are tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the NFL's best record with two games left. 31 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. Brady hasn't played this well since the infamous 2007 season, and in some ways he has played better. In the '07 season Brady not only had 50 touchdowns, but only threw 8 interceptions. Through 15 weeks Brady has only thrown a remarkable four; his last interception coming in week 6, which is good for a record-breaking pace. Yet Brady's most impressive performance is what he has done with his supporting cast. For starters, Deion Branch has returned to the Patriots and replaced Moss by catching 5 touchdowns in ten games, tying his career high giving him 6 total for the season. Wes Welker the year after his season ended with a torn ACL, two rookie tight ends, a starting running back who never had topped 275 yards coming into the year, and a 5'9 utility back who was cut by the Jets at the beginning of the year. Toss tom Brady into the mix and you have the NFL's most potent offense at 31.9 points per game. That is MVP like stuff.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why the Magic Turned their lineup upside down
Chuck:Losing five of their last six, the Orlando Magic turned their lineup upside down. When the dust settled the Magic had traded Vince Carter, Michael Pietrus, Marcin Gortat, Rashard Lewis, a first round pick and cash considerations. In return they received Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark. That is a lot of names. A total of eight players moved in the two trades in which the Magic essentially traded away their their starting shooting guard and small forward as well as their backup center and back up forward. When looking quickly at the names a person might wonder if the Magic are any better? Turkoglu hasn't been able to return to his 2007 form, Richardson is no better than average on defense, and Arenas.... is well Arenas and comes with a two year deal which is due to pay him 37 million dollar deal this season. The Magic did this trade for one reason: Dwight Howard.
It has spread like wildfire in the NBA that you cannot win a title with only one star. As the Celtics set the precedent making the big three; the Miami Heat followed. As trade talks with the Hornets for a Chris Paul deal failed and things fell through with the Knicks for Carmelo Anthony the Magic had to do something to keep their 25 year old center happy. Orlando cannot waste away the prime of Howard's career as the rest of the east stack up. Carter was aging, Pietrus is irrelevant on offense and there has been whispers about why Brandon Bass (13.9 ppg, 6.1rpg in December) doesn't start over Rashard Lewis as it is. The only real value lost was the 26 year old Goratat who was their backup center to their superstar anyways. The last thing the Magic want is Howard jumping on the next flight and going to team up with a buddy, or telling the media he is not happy with losing every game in the super-competitive, top-heavy eastern conference.
The winner of the eastern conference will come from the formula of getting every star you can on one roster (Miami or Boston). The Magic did this so Dwight knows they are trying and want to build their team around his presence. The problem is the new formula is better than the old one. Howard may only temporarily be happy, but at least it is better than nothing.
It has spread like wildfire in the NBA that you cannot win a title with only one star. As the Celtics set the precedent making the big three; the Miami Heat followed. As trade talks with the Hornets for a Chris Paul deal failed and things fell through with the Knicks for Carmelo Anthony the Magic had to do something to keep their 25 year old center happy. Orlando cannot waste away the prime of Howard's career as the rest of the east stack up. Carter was aging, Pietrus is irrelevant on offense and there has been whispers about why Brandon Bass (13.9 ppg, 6.1rpg in December) doesn't start over Rashard Lewis as it is. The only real value lost was the 26 year old Goratat who was their backup center to their superstar anyways. The last thing the Magic want is Howard jumping on the next flight and going to team up with a buddy, or telling the media he is not happy with losing every game in the super-competitive, top-heavy eastern conference.
The winner of the eastern conference will come from the formula of getting every star you can on one roster (Miami or Boston). The Magic did this so Dwight knows they are trying and want to build their team around his presence. The problem is the new formula is better than the old one. Howard may only temporarily be happy, but at least it is better than nothing.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Power in the MLB
BAM: Thankfully, this off season has left the New York Yankees in the position of "Biggest Loser". That being said, the preseason projection of a Phillies/Red Sox World Series match-up has me giddy to say the least. With the Sox making acquisitions that made George Steinbrenner turn in his grave, the reestablished relevance of a team fraught with injuries last season is undeniable. The Phillies, who silently managed to grab the most sought after pitcher on the market, also have improved their team immeasurably this off-season. If the consistency that both teams have shown on either side of the ball over the last few years continue, we can expect a match up for the ages.
With Cliff Lee choosing the Phillies over the wealth that New York and Texas were so willing to endow him with, he has created arguably the greatest rotation in recent history. Not that his 5 year, $120 million contract is anything to scoff at(If he pitches as many innings as last season he will make over 107k per inning). With the exception of the Braves' Smoltz, Maddox, Glavine rotation there has never been a paralleled assembly of talent in a pitching staff. With all but the 5th starter having an ERA 3.2 last season and a winning percentage over .500, there is little to debate. The idiocy of considering Cliff Lee a number 2 starter is beyond belief and in a 3 game series there is almost no way that a team will compete if the offense is there to support this pitching staff. The possibility of numerous teams facing Halladay, Lee, and either Oswalt or Hamels in a series is bad news for the National League along with anyone in their division who faces them on a frequent basis. As proven many times over you can't win a championship without pitching, the Phillies have got it.
This separation of power between the elite and the rest of the league is also apparent in the American league. The Red Sox, with potentially the best offensive line-up in baseball next season, are the clear favorites for the American League World Series bid. Any line-up that has 4 MVP candidates in it takes the pressure the Red Sox pitching staff, who can now afford to have an ERA north of 3.50 and still win the majority of games. With the combination of Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury on the base paths the Red Sox will look to steal early and often to give their big hitters opportunities to drive them in. With the line up being similar to that below, the Sox hitters will have more than their fair share of opportunities with RISP. The return of Pedroia and Youkilis, and arguabley the best 1st/3rd combo in the game of baseball on both sides of the ball, there are few holes to be exposed on the field or at the plate.
This World Series match up, being in essence inevitable, will place two teams with potency in every category at each others throats. The Sox with the advantage on offense and the Phillies in pitching will brew over the course of the season a battle that even the most casual of fans will be drooling over. Not to discount either team in these categories, with the Sox rotation still be among the strongest in baseball, and season veterans such as Howard and Utley for Phillies' offense, this is a season that will be remembered for years to come.
Potential Batting Order of Boston
1. Pedroia
2. Crawford
3. Youkilis
4. Gonzalez
5. Ortiz
6. Drew
7 Lowrie
8. Saltamachia/Varitek
9. Ellsbury
With Cliff Lee choosing the Phillies over the wealth that New York and Texas were so willing to endow him with, he has created arguably the greatest rotation in recent history. Not that his 5 year, $120 million contract is anything to scoff at(If he pitches as many innings as last season he will make over 107k per inning). With the exception of the Braves' Smoltz, Maddox, Glavine rotation there has never been a paralleled assembly of talent in a pitching staff. With all but the 5th starter having an ERA 3.2 last season and a winning percentage over .500, there is little to debate. The idiocy of considering Cliff Lee a number 2 starter is beyond belief and in a 3 game series there is almost no way that a team will compete if the offense is there to support this pitching staff. The possibility of numerous teams facing Halladay, Lee, and either Oswalt or Hamels in a series is bad news for the National League along with anyone in their division who faces them on a frequent basis. As proven many times over you can't win a championship without pitching, the Phillies have got it.
This separation of power between the elite and the rest of the league is also apparent in the American league. The Red Sox, with potentially the best offensive line-up in baseball next season, are the clear favorites for the American League World Series bid. Any line-up that has 4 MVP candidates in it takes the pressure the Red Sox pitching staff, who can now afford to have an ERA north of 3.50 and still win the majority of games. With the combination of Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury on the base paths the Red Sox will look to steal early and often to give their big hitters opportunities to drive them in. With the line up being similar to that below, the Sox hitters will have more than their fair share of opportunities with RISP. The return of Pedroia and Youkilis, and arguabley the best 1st/3rd combo in the game of baseball on both sides of the ball, there are few holes to be exposed on the field or at the plate.
This World Series match up, being in essence inevitable, will place two teams with potency in every category at each others throats. The Sox with the advantage on offense and the Phillies in pitching will brew over the course of the season a battle that even the most casual of fans will be drooling over. Not to discount either team in these categories, with the Sox rotation still be among the strongest in baseball, and season veterans such as Howard and Utley for Phillies' offense, this is a season that will be remembered for years to come.
Potential Batting Order of Boston
1. Pedroia
2. Crawford
3. Youkilis
4. Gonzalez
5. Ortiz
6. Drew
7 Lowrie
8. Saltamachia/Varitek
9. Ellsbury
The Trip and Fall of the Jets
The Jets have finally proven that in a season that seemingly was destined to belong to Rex Ryan, not all that glitters is gold. Not only have they fallen two weeks in a row, but they ironically have their assistants trying to trip up the other team in hopes they might actually achieve a win. The line-up of the Jets is as riddled with superstars in varying stages of their careers as the Yankees pitching staff is with holes and recent losses to AFC East rivals proves that their early successes this season could not be sustained.
Revis, Holmes, Tomlinson, and a budding Mark Sanchez make up a line-up that screams success on both sides of the ball. Not only are there issues defensively (see week 13), but they have also only managed to score 9 points in 2 games. Now a team that "had it together" is even less potent on offense than the Tennessee Titans with Kerry Collins at the helm, and even they managed to score 28 points against the Colts last week.
These shortcomings, coupled with the large amount of penalty yards received on both sides of the ball and lack of clutch play lately, discredit any evidence of their Super Bowl contention. All signs point to the crushing defeat at the hands of the New England patriots as the catalyst for this seemingly sudden change. The receivers have been dropping passes more frequently and this inconsistency down the stretch leads me to believe the honey moon is over. They still will manage to limp into the playoffs but no one limps into a Super Bowl. A team that had found it's stride among the coy comments of Rex Ryan has lost its step as if tripped up on the sidelines. With only a couple weeks from the playoffs this leaves the expectation of an early exit. Sorry New York, but you can only hope the Knicks find a way to acquire Carmelo because none of your teams have a chance at a Championship otherwise. For now it seems that teams hailing from the "City that Never Sleeps" are being systematically put to bed.
Revis, Holmes, Tomlinson, and a budding Mark Sanchez make up a line-up that screams success on both sides of the ball. Not only are there issues defensively (see week 13), but they have also only managed to score 9 points in 2 games. Now a team that "had it together" is even less potent on offense than the Tennessee Titans with Kerry Collins at the helm, and even they managed to score 28 points against the Colts last week.
These shortcomings, coupled with the large amount of penalty yards received on both sides of the ball and lack of clutch play lately, discredit any evidence of their Super Bowl contention. All signs point to the crushing defeat at the hands of the New England patriots as the catalyst for this seemingly sudden change. The receivers have been dropping passes more frequently and this inconsistency down the stretch leads me to believe the honey moon is over. They still will manage to limp into the playoffs but no one limps into a Super Bowl. A team that had found it's stride among the coy comments of Rex Ryan has lost its step as if tripped up on the sidelines. With only a couple weeks from the playoffs this leaves the expectation of an early exit. Sorry New York, but you can only hope the Knicks find a way to acquire Carmelo because none of your teams have a chance at a Championship otherwise. For now it seems that teams hailing from the "City that Never Sleeps" are being systematically put to bed.
Paradise in Beantown
The winter meetings for the Boston Red Sox could not have gone any better. Not because they pulled off a deal for slugging stud Adrian Gonzalez without giving up their prospect of the future. Not because they stole Crawford from the Angels in free agency. But because for the first time in a long time, Cliff Lee proved to the Yankees it isn't just about money. Unlike C.C who didn't want to play in New York but couldn't turn down all those zero's, ditto Teixeria. Lee didn't want to be a part of what is turning out to be a bridge year for the Yankees. The left side of the infield is getting older and older. Jeter had a tumultuous off-season after a season in which he had his worst fielding percentage of his career and his worst batting average since his rookie debut in which he played only 15 games. As much as the Sox success makes Boston fans happy, nothing makes Red Sox fans smile ear to ear like watching the Yankees fail. Usually the Red Sox and the rest of the league watch Brian Cashman take his wallet out and ask who has got the biggest? Like a flock of rock groupies waiting to get into the VIP room; free agents ohh and ahh over Cashman's giant wad. Not Cliff Lee. It was more than money for Cliff, he loved Philadelphia the first time around and would take a pay cut to play there. Now the Yankees rotation is listed as Sabathia, Hughes, Pettite,and fourth pitcher Ivan Nova. Nova is 1-2 career with a 4.50 era, I think I would rather have Mr.Lee.
The off-season has almost made a Red Sox vs. Phillies world series match-up inevitable. The addition of Lee for the Phillies might give them the best rotation in the last 20 years. Their rotation includes the top right and left handed combo in all of baseball and maybe ever. It is strike out city with Doc Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels, and Happ. An unbelievable rotation. Yet, a lot can happen between now and October. There is one thing that is for sure, Cliff Lee won't be wearing pinstripes anytime soon.
Rejoice Sox fans, rejoice.
The off-season has almost made a Red Sox vs. Phillies world series match-up inevitable. The addition of Lee for the Phillies might give them the best rotation in the last 20 years. Their rotation includes the top right and left handed combo in all of baseball and maybe ever. It is strike out city with Doc Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels, and Happ. An unbelievable rotation. Yet, a lot can happen between now and October. There is one thing that is for sure, Cliff Lee won't be wearing pinstripes anytime soon.
Rejoice Sox fans, rejoice.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Least Favorite Players in the NFL (On Going Conversation)
Last Post by Bam on 12/12
Bam: Chuck continues to mention whenever the Dolphins are the topic of conversation that his least favorite player in the NFL is Chad Henne. He refuses to look down field and checks down to whoever is closest to him it seems... but I leave the description to Chuck because in my opinion his careful play has left them weak on offense but may have kept them in games.
So, my official and first player in this category (working towards least favorite) is Shawne Merriman. I choose him first because a) its an obvious choice due to the steroid controversy but also b) because post-steroids he has been irrelevant. He's easy to hate and I don't feel bad putting a cheater on blast when he's essentially proven he is incapable of performing without the juice. Since his suspension the games he has played he has been a non factor and seems more content doing guest spots hosting the occasional radio show in the off season or after his team has been inevitably eliminated from the play-offs. Here's to you Shawne, congratulations on your steroid driven performances and your irrelevance as of late... I think it's safe to say the lights are out on your career.
Chuck: You know I don't like Chad Henne, or the mentally challenged version of Roethlisberger. Ill talk about him another time. I want to talk about another quarterback that grinds my gears. Jon Kitna. There was a time when Kitna was pretty good.....it was in college! There are a few things you can expect to get from Kitna no matter the year, and no matter his age; turns 39 this season. He will get a big win that no one expects making the whole room chuckle when they see Kitna lead the rally of the week, see week ten. The Cowboys are 0-8 and they knock off the Giants under the first game that Wade Phillips is fired. No matter how much we hope teams will just bury Kitna on their depth chart eventually releasing him until he gets picked up next season in week four. Games like week ten didn't make me mad because I hate the Giants, but because I knew I would have to watch the CFL talented Jon Kitna for at least another 4 games in the 2010-2011 season. I'm sorry I don't root for career backups, I'm sorry I don't like inconsistency, and I'm sorry I don't like people who have their best year's for the Detroit Lions. You can't represent the Lions any better than Jon Kitna. If Jon Kitna is on the field expect pictures of him with an unbuckled chin strap limping off the field, or ambulance lights as he placed on IR once again. Certainly don't expect success because if Kitna is on the field your season is defiantly in turmoil.
Bam: Good response, have to agree with that assessment. My next least favorite player is... Albert Haynesworth. I don't dislike him because he doesn't get along with his coaches or because he doesn't do as they say. I hate him because he is getting paid, or was, to play a game. Not just any game mind you, the beautiful game of football. The game we all love so dearly in the fall and have grown accustomed to watching on Sundays when maybe we should be repenting. He gets paid to do what any number of adolescents, college kids, young men would love to do and dream of frequently. Not only does he get paid, he gets paid extravagantly and since his huge contract he has contributed nothing and been completely unremarkable to watch. Players paid as he is are not only supposed to perform but should perform at a level where they are amazing to witness on the field. High School coaches should be able to use any game tape of his to demonstrate how the game should be played and the effort that it requires to be great. Instead he fails to pass a conditioning test in preseason, refuses to play in the 3-4, and will not accept the challenge to learn a new system or approach to the game that he to should love.
Bam: Chuck continues to mention whenever the Dolphins are the topic of conversation that his least favorite player in the NFL is Chad Henne. He refuses to look down field and checks down to whoever is closest to him it seems... but I leave the description to Chuck because in my opinion his careful play has left them weak on offense but may have kept them in games.
So, my official and first player in this category (working towards least favorite) is Shawne Merriman. I choose him first because a) its an obvious choice due to the steroid controversy but also b) because post-steroids he has been irrelevant. He's easy to hate and I don't feel bad putting a cheater on blast when he's essentially proven he is incapable of performing without the juice. Since his suspension the games he has played he has been a non factor and seems more content doing guest spots hosting the occasional radio show in the off season or after his team has been inevitably eliminated from the play-offs. Here's to you Shawne, congratulations on your steroid driven performances and your irrelevance as of late... I think it's safe to say the lights are out on your career.
Chuck: You know I don't like Chad Henne, or the mentally challenged version of Roethlisberger. Ill talk about him another time. I want to talk about another quarterback that grinds my gears. Jon Kitna. There was a time when Kitna was pretty good.....it was in college! There are a few things you can expect to get from Kitna no matter the year, and no matter his age; turns 39 this season. He will get a big win that no one expects making the whole room chuckle when they see Kitna lead the rally of the week, see week ten. The Cowboys are 0-8 and they knock off the Giants under the first game that Wade Phillips is fired. No matter how much we hope teams will just bury Kitna on their depth chart eventually releasing him until he gets picked up next season in week four. Games like week ten didn't make me mad because I hate the Giants, but because I knew I would have to watch the CFL talented Jon Kitna for at least another 4 games in the 2010-2011 season. I'm sorry I don't root for career backups, I'm sorry I don't like inconsistency, and I'm sorry I don't like people who have their best year's for the Detroit Lions. You can't represent the Lions any better than Jon Kitna. If Jon Kitna is on the field expect pictures of him with an unbuckled chin strap limping off the field, or ambulance lights as he placed on IR once again. Certainly don't expect success because if Kitna is on the field your season is defiantly in turmoil.
Bam: Good response, have to agree with that assessment. My next least favorite player is... Albert Haynesworth. I don't dislike him because he doesn't get along with his coaches or because he doesn't do as they say. I hate him because he is getting paid, or was, to play a game. Not just any game mind you, the beautiful game of football. The game we all love so dearly in the fall and have grown accustomed to watching on Sundays when maybe we should be repenting. He gets paid to do what any number of adolescents, college kids, young men would love to do and dream of frequently. Not only does he get paid, he gets paid extravagantly and since his huge contract he has contributed nothing and been completely unremarkable to watch. Players paid as he is are not only supposed to perform but should perform at a level where they are amazing to witness on the field. High School coaches should be able to use any game tape of his to demonstrate how the game should be played and the effort that it requires to be great. Instead he fails to pass a conditioning test in preseason, refuses to play in the 3-4, and will not accept the challenge to learn a new system or approach to the game that he to should love.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
NFL Picks for week 14
CHUCK
Thursday night- Colts at Titans
The Colts have the fourth worst rushing defense and Chris Johnson has been struggling of late. Expect Johnson to turn things around to the enjoyment of his fantasy owners for the fantasy playoffs (please, please, please Chris I need you). Manning, who has thrown 11 picks in the last three weeks, will be able to get back on track against the Titans. They don't cover well which doesn't bode well against Manning. It will be a shoot-out, but the Titans are a mess right now. It is Peyton Manning on a Thursday night.
Colts 31 Titans 24
Sunday
Raiders at Jaguars-The Jaguars win games at home (4-2) and the Raiders don't really win on the road (2-4). Jones-Drew is scorching hot and Raiders quarterbacks are as trustworthy as Edward Norton in Italian Job.
Jaguars 20 Raiders 10
Bengals at Steelers-People thought the Bengals would be good this year with their pre-madonna receivers. They must have forgot that Carson Palmer sucks.
Steelers 38 Bengals 10
Patriots at Bears-This is a very tough game. What Cutler will we get? Can the Peppers control the game on defense? A question of a Patriots hangover is out of the question with a focused Brady. Yet, Chicago is for real and their speedy receivers could cause huge problems for the third worst pass defense. I hate to do this because I love the Patriots but I don't think they win this game.
Chicago 23 Patriots 20
Browns at Buffaloe-The Bills will win three games this year, this will be the 3rd. I see a late Peyton Hillis fumble and a Fitzpatrick drive for a win after he throws his 55th pass of the game. The Bills could also lose this game by 30.
Bills 28 Browns 20
Giants at Vikings- Why don't the Vikings take out grampy Farve and just play Tarvaris Jackson? Because who has seen Jackson do well? In 2007 the only season he really played, granted he was young, he finished with a qb rating of 70 and threw 9 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. There is a reason Jared Allen flew to meet Farve to beg him to come back.
Giants 24 Vikings 14
Packers at Lions-Maybe the most cozy of Lion's dens for Mr.Rodgers and his neighborhood. There looking to week 15 and the showdown in Foxboro.
Packers 38 Lions 20
Falcons at Panthers-Umm...Carolina who do you want with the first pick?
Falcons 30 Panthers 7
Buccaneers at Redskins- Is Mcnabb old or does he just miss the genius of Andy Reid like a baby misses his mommy? The Bucs are legit because Josh Freeman is the future. They should have beat the Falcons last week.
Buccaneers 20 Redskins 13
Rams at Saints-Who Dat! The Saints are over the superbowl hangover are on a fast track back, scary team to face in the playoffs if the offense is on all cylinders.
Saints 30 Rams 17
Seahawks at 49ers- If I have learned anything it is don't bet on the Seahawks on the road. Yet, after week three it was common knowledge that Mike Singletary wants to go Bobby Knight on Alex Smith and that the 49ers are here for press conferences not football games. It is the NFC west, they can only beat each other.
49ers 17 Seahawks 13
Dolphins at Jets- Jets are pissed off at home. Henne is my least favorite player to watch in football. Stop checking down! Learn how to throw a post! You have Brandon Marshall just throw it his direction Henne! Just because you look like Roethelisberger doesn't mean you like play him. The best player on the Dolphins is kicker Dan Carptener.
Jets 30 Dolphins 9
Broncos at Cardinals-There is nothing funny about this game so don't laugh!!! Derek Anderson is listed as questionable for this game lol why? Emergency therapy session on Sunday dealing with the fact that pro-bowl years do come as a fluke and there actually is nothing funny about a 65.9 quarterback rating.
Broncos 31 Cardinals 30
Chiefs at Chargers-The Cheifs have the easiest schedule in the NFL and they won easy games. They may not be very good but you can't fault them for an easy schedule. It doesn't matter who Rivers is throwing to he can put up 400 yards with his best receiver being Seyi Ajirotutu (that is not a typo). Sorry Rodgers, Rivers is the best quarterback under 30. I think the Chargers could still make the playoffs despite last week's hiccup.
Chargers 31 Chiefs 20
Eagles at Cowboys-"We came out like pitbulls" said Desean Jackson after the win against the Redskins on Monday night. Poor word choice my man, but expect the Eagles to put the Cowboys back in their place, there were more problems in big d than that pussy of a coach Wade Phillips.
Eagles 27 Cowboys 14
Ravens at Texans- The Texans play games with nine players on defense, there safeties are irrelevant. Flacco should have a big day against the worst passing d in the NFL. Without Arian Foster the Texans would have finished this year with 4 wins.
Ravens 28 Texans 13
Thursday night- Colts at Titans
The Colts have the fourth worst rushing defense and Chris Johnson has been struggling of late. Expect Johnson to turn things around to the enjoyment of his fantasy owners for the fantasy playoffs (please, please, please Chris I need you). Manning, who has thrown 11 picks in the last three weeks, will be able to get back on track against the Titans. They don't cover well which doesn't bode well against Manning. It will be a shoot-out, but the Titans are a mess right now. It is Peyton Manning on a Thursday night.
Colts 31 Titans 24
Sunday
Raiders at Jaguars-The Jaguars win games at home (4-2) and the Raiders don't really win on the road (2-4). Jones-Drew is scorching hot and Raiders quarterbacks are as trustworthy as Edward Norton in Italian Job.
Jaguars 20 Raiders 10
Bengals at Steelers-People thought the Bengals would be good this year with their pre-madonna receivers. They must have forgot that Carson Palmer sucks.
Steelers 38 Bengals 10
Patriots at Bears-This is a very tough game. What Cutler will we get? Can the Peppers control the game on defense? A question of a Patriots hangover is out of the question with a focused Brady. Yet, Chicago is for real and their speedy receivers could cause huge problems for the third worst pass defense. I hate to do this because I love the Patriots but I don't think they win this game.
Chicago 23 Patriots 20
Browns at Buffaloe-The Bills will win three games this year, this will be the 3rd. I see a late Peyton Hillis fumble and a Fitzpatrick drive for a win after he throws his 55th pass of the game. The Bills could also lose this game by 30.
Bills 28 Browns 20
Giants at Vikings- Why don't the Vikings take out grampy Farve and just play Tarvaris Jackson? Because who has seen Jackson do well? In 2007 the only season he really played, granted he was young, he finished with a qb rating of 70 and threw 9 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. There is a reason Jared Allen flew to meet Farve to beg him to come back.
Giants 24 Vikings 14
Packers at Lions-Maybe the most cozy of Lion's dens for Mr.Rodgers and his neighborhood. There looking to week 15 and the showdown in Foxboro.
Packers 38 Lions 20
Falcons at Panthers-Umm...Carolina who do you want with the first pick?
Falcons 30 Panthers 7
Buccaneers at Redskins- Is Mcnabb old or does he just miss the genius of Andy Reid like a baby misses his mommy? The Bucs are legit because Josh Freeman is the future. They should have beat the Falcons last week.
Buccaneers 20 Redskins 13
Rams at Saints-Who Dat! The Saints are over the superbowl hangover are on a fast track back, scary team to face in the playoffs if the offense is on all cylinders.
Saints 30 Rams 17
Seahawks at 49ers- If I have learned anything it is don't bet on the Seahawks on the road. Yet, after week three it was common knowledge that Mike Singletary wants to go Bobby Knight on Alex Smith and that the 49ers are here for press conferences not football games. It is the NFC west, they can only beat each other.
49ers 17 Seahawks 13
Dolphins at Jets- Jets are pissed off at home. Henne is my least favorite player to watch in football. Stop checking down! Learn how to throw a post! You have Brandon Marshall just throw it his direction Henne! Just because you look like Roethelisberger doesn't mean you like play him. The best player on the Dolphins is kicker Dan Carptener.
Jets 30 Dolphins 9
Broncos at Cardinals-There is nothing funny about this game so don't laugh!!! Derek Anderson is listed as questionable for this game lol why? Emergency therapy session on Sunday dealing with the fact that pro-bowl years do come as a fluke and there actually is nothing funny about a 65.9 quarterback rating.
Broncos 31 Cardinals 30
Chiefs at Chargers-The Cheifs have the easiest schedule in the NFL and they won easy games. They may not be very good but you can't fault them for an easy schedule. It doesn't matter who Rivers is throwing to he can put up 400 yards with his best receiver being Seyi Ajirotutu (that is not a typo). Sorry Rodgers, Rivers is the best quarterback under 30. I think the Chargers could still make the playoffs despite last week's hiccup.
Chargers 31 Chiefs 20
Eagles at Cowboys-"We came out like pitbulls" said Desean Jackson after the win against the Redskins on Monday night. Poor word choice my man, but expect the Eagles to put the Cowboys back in their place, there were more problems in big d than that pussy of a coach Wade Phillips.
Eagles 27 Cowboys 14
Ravens at Texans- The Texans play games with nine players on defense, there safeties are irrelevant. Flacco should have a big day against the worst passing d in the NFL. Without Arian Foster the Texans would have finished this year with 4 wins.
Ravens 28 Texans 13
Patriots and NFL Thoughts...I think I think
CHUCK
The win was a statement game for the Patriots there is no doubting that. They embarrassed the Jets and showed that when they are in Foxboro they are the best team in the NFL. That is 26 wins in a row at home for Brady, that is more than three years in the regular season without a loss at home; ridiculous. There were a few things that standout for the Patriots success and the Jets looking forward.
The most anticipated game in week 13 was Patriots vs. Jets. Yet, the most telling about the AFC playoff picture was the Sunday night slug fest between the Steelers and Ravens. Those team scare the shit out of me. I don't trust Mark Sanchez, and I'm not saying that just because of his poor display against the Patriots, but because I don't trust him. Can Mark Sanchez win a super bowl? He is good, real good, but Quarterbacks win games in the playoffs. Will he come in re-born and knock off the Patriots or Steelers in the playoffs in Pittsburgh or Foxboro, no way.
That brings me to my next point. The best quarterbacks are Ben Roethelisberger and Tom Brady in the playoffs and that is why they are the best teams. The two best teams in the NFL have two things in common: quarterbacks that win and respected coaching. The Steelers listen to Mike Tomlin and his team is always jacked up for games, but disciplined more than anything (not you James Harrison). The Steelers have a winning mentality and despite the Ravens ferocious defense it comes full circle to quarterbacks. These teams may meet again, and expect the Steelers to win again. Everyone that watched Sunday night saw Roethelisberger escape from the caged animal that is Terrell Suggs and win that ball game while Flacco spiked a fourth down pass to a wide open receiver to end the game. For team's that play almost exactly the same, the Steelers have the advantage at quarterback. Expect a Steelers and Patriots AFC matchup with whoever is at home playing for the Lombardi. Brady has turned into Braveheart and you can't stop him, players lean and believe in Brady so much because his decision making is unmatched. 27 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, this is one of Brady's best season ever. If people thought he was just banging Giselle and eating ice cream in the off season you were obviously wrong. Fellow Patriots love Brady because of his work ethic. Don't forget he was drafted as a backup at the end of the sixth round; rumor is if you saw Brady at the combine he shouldn't have even been drafted. He worked his ass off to get where he is.
I think....
When Cutler is on, he is on. I think the Bears play in the NFC championship after Cutler goes off in the playoffs throwing for three touchdowns and looking like a stud. Contrary to most players, when Cutler starts yelling at refs and his players he improves his play. He will always take chances and if he connects he can be unstoppable.
I think the Packers get into the playoffs in the NFC behind Aaron Rodgers, he and Greg Jennings go together like Pastrami and swiss.
I think Brett Farve will leave an NFL stadium for the last time in an ambulance as the Giant's Justin Tuck actually tears his arm off making him the 6th quarterback to not return to action against the Giants this season.
The win was a statement game for the Patriots there is no doubting that. They embarrassed the Jets and showed that when they are in Foxboro they are the best team in the NFL. That is 26 wins in a row at home for Brady, that is more than three years in the regular season without a loss at home; ridiculous. There were a few things that standout for the Patriots success and the Jets looking forward.
The most anticipated game in week 13 was Patriots vs. Jets. Yet, the most telling about the AFC playoff picture was the Sunday night slug fest between the Steelers and Ravens. Those team scare the shit out of me. I don't trust Mark Sanchez, and I'm not saying that just because of his poor display against the Patriots, but because I don't trust him. Can Mark Sanchez win a super bowl? He is good, real good, but Quarterbacks win games in the playoffs. Will he come in re-born and knock off the Patriots or Steelers in the playoffs in Pittsburgh or Foxboro, no way.
That brings me to my next point. The best quarterbacks are Ben Roethelisberger and Tom Brady in the playoffs and that is why they are the best teams. The two best teams in the NFL have two things in common: quarterbacks that win and respected coaching. The Steelers listen to Mike Tomlin and his team is always jacked up for games, but disciplined more than anything (not you James Harrison). The Steelers have a winning mentality and despite the Ravens ferocious defense it comes full circle to quarterbacks. These teams may meet again, and expect the Steelers to win again. Everyone that watched Sunday night saw Roethelisberger escape from the caged animal that is Terrell Suggs and win that ball game while Flacco spiked a fourth down pass to a wide open receiver to end the game. For team's that play almost exactly the same, the Steelers have the advantage at quarterback. Expect a Steelers and Patriots AFC matchup with whoever is at home playing for the Lombardi. Brady has turned into Braveheart and you can't stop him, players lean and believe in Brady so much because his decision making is unmatched. 27 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, this is one of Brady's best season ever. If people thought he was just banging Giselle and eating ice cream in the off season you were obviously wrong. Fellow Patriots love Brady because of his work ethic. Don't forget he was drafted as a backup at the end of the sixth round; rumor is if you saw Brady at the combine he shouldn't have even been drafted. He worked his ass off to get where he is.
I think....
When Cutler is on, he is on. I think the Bears play in the NFC championship after Cutler goes off in the playoffs throwing for three touchdowns and looking like a stud. Contrary to most players, when Cutler starts yelling at refs and his players he improves his play. He will always take chances and if he connects he can be unstoppable.
I think the Packers get into the playoffs in the NFC behind Aaron Rodgers, he and Greg Jennings go together like Pastrami and swiss.
I think Brett Farve will leave an NFL stadium for the last time in an ambulance as the Giant's Justin Tuck actually tears his arm off making him the 6th quarterback to not return to action against the Giants this season.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Patriots
Bam: The Colts have faltered and don't appear to be a threat to make the playoffs but the Patriots on the other had seem to be the favorite to win it all this year... again. With Tom Brady at the helm it seems that there is only one outcome for them and that is the playoffs. Beating who many thought to be a title contender by 42 points, or 15 times their score, the Jets no longer seem to be the impermeable force that they were as late as last week. No fourth quarter magic, No scoring at all really, and the Patriots defense emerges looking like that of old holding what many thought to be a dangerous offense to only 3 points. This is not just a big victory for the regular season, this is the start of a rekindled blood feud that raged long before Mark Sanchez ever put on pads for USC and the cheating college powerhouse known as the Trojans.
Among the best parts of the victory was that there was no jovial press conference after from Rex Ryan who has had a lot to smile about. Coming into this game were two teams with identical records both of which looking to prove their validity as the AFC favorite. Given the outcome we know who the clear favorite is and that though the Jets remain a powerhouse in the conference there is no match for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. This domination by the Patriots will set up one of the best post season games in history if the Jets are able to fend off the Ravens for the Wild Card spot in the AFC.
Among the best parts of the victory was that there was no jovial press conference after from Rex Ryan who has had a lot to smile about. Coming into this game were two teams with identical records both of which looking to prove their validity as the AFC favorite. Given the outcome we know who the clear favorite is and that though the Jets remain a powerhouse in the conference there is no match for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. This domination by the Patriots will set up one of the best post season games in history if the Jets are able to fend off the Ravens for the Wild Card spot in the AFC.
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