After 10 postseason games, 254 regular season games, and even 65 preseason games, we've finally arrived at the only one that truly matters. The Super Bowl. Forget the hype, forget the pagentry, and even forget the weather. Steelers-Packers promises to be a classic for all-time. When was the last time you really considered the Super Bowl a toss-up? Both teams are so evenly matched, don't be surprised if we see the best Super Bowl ever played. Here is the position-by-position breakdown plus the pick for the game:
Quarterbacks
Big Ben has been here before. He has done an admirable job of dealing with all the questions regarding his checkered past leading up to the game. He led one of the great game-winning drives in NFL history two years ago in Tampa. He has the potential to do it again here. And you know for a fact he will produce a huge play or two on improvisation alone. On the other side is a pure passer with scrambling skills, Aaron Rodgers, whom as I have stated before, is better than his legendary predecessor. I expect him to put up huge numbers on a fast turf, indoor weather, and a mediocre Steelers secondary. Take your pick here. Edge: EVEN.
Running Backs
Let's not go there with Green Bay's running game producing much against the Steeler D. Don't expect many KUUUUUUUUUHN chants, either. One of the keys for the Steelers to win this game is Rashard Mendenhall. If he can produce a 100-yard plus game with efficiency the way he did against the Jets, Pittsburgh will have a chance. Big Ben can make the big plays, but Mendenhall has to set him up. Edge: STEELERS.
Wide Recievers
Like Mendenhall, Mike Wallace will also have to make a couple of big plays. Let's not forget that Hines Ward is a former Super Bowl MVP, so expect some key catches from him. Ditto rookies Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. With the potential absence of a running game, Aaron Rodgers will be throwing to his big play recievers all night long. Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and co. will be very busy Sunday night, and don't be surprised, if the Packers win, one of Rodgers' recieving corps will win MVP honors instead of him. Edge: PACKERS.
Tight Ends
Heath Miller just may be Big Ben's favorite target. Not to mention he is one of the most underrated tight ends in the business. Andrew Quarless has filled in nicely for the injured Jermichael Finley, but don't be surprised if Finley's absence has an impact. Edge: STEELERS
Offensive Line
All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey has officially been ruled out for the Steelers, creating a huge void in an already depleted O-line. Doug Lagursky will make his first NFL start at center. No pressure. Flozell Adams is returning to the place he called home for more than a decade, so expect some extra motivation from him. The bottom line is, Green Bay's O-line is three times as healthier than Pittsburgh's, and if they neutralize the Steeler pass rush, it could be a long night for Pittsburgh. Edge: PACKERS
Defensive Line
Aaron Smith will not play for the Steelers, but they have survived without him. Caveman Brett Kiesel, Ziggy Hood, and Casey Hampton are all capable of wearing down the Packer O-Line with their relentless physicality. With the depleted Steeler O-line, expect B.J. Raji to be the X-factor for Green Bay. Just hope he doesn't pull one of his ridiculous dances. Edge: EVEN
Linebackers
James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons. The four horsemen. Pick your poison, Green Bay. Clay Matthews alone makes the Green Bay linebacking corps a force. His containment of Rashard Mendenhall and rushing of Ben Roethlisberger are vital to the Pack's success. A.J. Hawk will help as well. Edge: EVEN
Defensive Backs
Troy Polamalu is a household name. Ryan Clark ain't bad either. But if the mediocre Steeler cornerbacks can't cover the Packer recievers, the Steelers may have to engage in a shootout, something they probably are not built for like the Packers are. The Packers have three, possibly four household names in their secondary: Charles Woodson, breakout stars Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, and Nick Collins. The Steelers recievers have their hands full. Edge: PACKERS
Special Teams
Shaun Suisham is still questionable in a big spot. The coverage team, especially on punt returns, is suspect. Tramon Williams or Sam Shields are capable of bringing one to the house. Either way, neither unit is anything to write home about. Edge: EVEN
Coaching
It's been there, done that for Mike Tomlin, coaching his second Super Bowl at only age 38. Mike McCarthy should probably have won Coach of the Year honors for the way he kept his team together through a litany of injuries to key players. The matchup between defensive coordinators Dick LeBeau and Dom Capers is very fascinating. Both coached together in the 90s with the Steelers, and are very good friends. Edge: STEELERS
The Pick (2-0 Championship Sunday, 27-27 overall)
The one major prediction other than the winner is that for the first time in Super Bowl history, the game will go to overtime. You read it here first. This is such a great matchup historically, logistically, and player-wise that it will only be fitting that a game made for the state of Texas will be even bigger. The keys to the game were listed above. The Steelers must run the football, and the Packers must make plays through the air. Two big plays per team on both sides of the ball will be made, and at least one team will score a defensive touchdown. A late field goal will push the game to overtime, where I believe the big game experience of Big Ben and his teammates will prevail over the young, promising Packers. The greatest Super Bowl ever played ends with the final score of..........................
STEELERS 26, PACKERS 23 (OT); PIT +2 1/2
Enjoy the game, folks!
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thoughts on Championship Sunday and BELIEVE in the New York Rangers.
Green Bay 21, Chicago 14.
- STOP!!! Stop hating on Jay Cutler!
I couldn't believe the amount of NFL players outraged over Jay Cutler not returning to the NFC title game after ripping apart his MCL. All of this anti-Cutler backlash is not about a football player not playing an enormous game hurt. It is an opportunity for those that dislike Cutler to jump all over him. Let me ask a question to these players: did you see the way Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey's ankle was injured in the AFC title game? Where's the backlash over him not playing on one leg. Also, Hines Ward, one the toughest, most hard-nosed players in the NFL injured his knee in the '09 title game and stood on the sideline the remainder of the game. Where was the backlash then? I rest my case.
-Aaron Rodgers' tackle on Brian Urlacher saved the game for the Packers.
By far the most important play of the game. If Urlacher goes all the way, it's very possible the Bears win that game. Other than the first drive of the game, Rodgers did nothing the rest of the game offensively.
-If that score had happened, Caleb Haney (who?) would have won the NFC title for Chicago.
Give the kid props. He overcame some early jitters to make some key plays in the fourth quarter, including two TD passes, to keep the game interesting. He may have earned a 2nd-string job somewhere next year.
-The Steelers should take notice on how the Bears' D flustered Aaron Rodgers.
In the Week 17 game at Lambeau and the NFC title game, Rodgers was clearly not at his best. The Steelers shoulds study game tape of both games to see how the Bears' D confused him all day long.
Pittsburgh 24, NY Jets 19.
-The Steelers are lucky they didn't complete one of the worst choke jobs in playoff history.
If not for a couple of key Ben Roethlisberger passes, and a major goal line stand in the 4th quarter, chances are we may be seeing the Jets in Dallas, and not Pittsburgh. The Steelers did NOT bring their A-game in the 2nd half. It was almost as if they were counting down the minutes instead of playing football. If they want to beat Green Bay on Feb. 6 in Dallas, they must play a FULL 60 minutes, not 30-35.
-On 4th and goal during that goal line stand, why are the Jets running an old, beat up LaDainian Tomlinson instead of the bigger and more athletic Shonn Greene or even a quarterback sneak from Mark Sanchez? I personally did not have a problem with the passes on 2nd and 3rd down; they just simply weren't executed.
-Give Mark Sanchez credit for not letting his team quit after getting down 24-3. If the second half of this game and the Patriot game are any indication, the Jet franchise is in good hands with Sanchez for the next decade. He will be better next year.
-Big Ben does not need the gaudy stats as long as he makes the big plays and show the heart of a lion.
He threw two interceptions (and should have thrown at least 4 or 5) and no TD passes. But he made many key 3rd down rushes and completed two key passes to Heath Miller and Antonio Brown on 3rd down to ice the game for the Steelers in the final minutes. He may not be glamorous, but Roethlisberger simply knows how to win.
****Full Super Bowl Preview next week!!!****
Believe in the 2010-11 New York Rangers.
I don't want to jinx anything, but this New York Rangers team is capable of something special this year. Disclaimer: I am NOT guaranteeing a Stanley Cup or even a finals apperance, but don't be surprised if either happen. Here's why:
1. This team's blue-collar work ethic is putting the league on it's toes. Their games may not always be pretty, but they will play 60 hard minutes night in and night out, and every single man in the lineup contributes, whether on the score sheet or on the intangible side. You want the greatest example? The team's leading goal scorer is Brian Boyle, a career 4th liner, with 18. He hadn't scored more than 10 in a season ever before.
2. They have proved they can beat the elite. A 1-0 grindfest against Vancouver. A 7-0 home win against Ovechkin and the Capitals, plus a 2-1 shootout win in D.C. last night. Two wins against Pittsburgh on the road, with Sidney Crosby in the lineup both times. They are capable of beating anyone at any time.
3. Martin Biron has been excellent as Henrik Lundqvist's backup. Ranger fans no longer have to cringe when King Henrik doesn't play. Biron has played like a #1 on most nights that he gives Hank a rest. This will benefit him greatly come playoff time.
4. No Ranger fan wants to admit it, but give Glen Sather credit for stocking a very, very deep farm system. This is something this franchise has never had. Interchangeable parts coming to and from Hartford to fill in for injured veterans. More than half the lineup is homegrown, and more potential stars are waiting in the wings. Lundqvist, Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky, and Ryan Callahan make up a core of hard-working, blue collar players that will guide the Blueshirts through the next decade. Others include Dan Girardi, Michael Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy, and Artem Anisimov. This season alone, the majority of the Rangers' top prospects have tasted NHL Life: Derek Stepan, Mats Zuccarello, Ryan McDonagh, and Evgeny Grachev. Stepan and Zuccarello are now major components of this unit. More, such as Chris Kreider, are on the way soon. Also, give Sather credit for ridding the Rangers of some horrible contracts, such as Scott Gomez, Wade Redden, and now Michal Roszival. The only bad one remaining is Chris Drury.
5. That all being said, they need more consistent play from their best player, Marian Gaborik. A 4-goal game to break out of a slump is nice, but a goal per game for Gabby will catapult this team to the next level. Come playoff time, him and Lundqvist will have to be on their A game.
6. If this team is fully healthy come playoff time, they will be scary. Look at all their injured players. Ryan Callahan has missed a month and a half. Brandon Dubinsky is likely out until Mid-February. Vinny Prospal hasn't played a game yet. Marian Gaborik missed a month. Chris Drury nearly missed two. Erik Christensen has been out a long time. Ruslan Fedotenko is hurt. Alex Frolov is out for the season. Dan Girardi and Brandon Prust are banged up. Despite all that, the Rangers are on the verge of 30 wins before the All-Star break. They didn't reach their 30th win of last season until March 12. And they finished one point out of a playoff spot. Believe, Ranger fans. Believe. It's going to be a fun second half and playoff run.
- STOP!!! Stop hating on Jay Cutler!
I couldn't believe the amount of NFL players outraged over Jay Cutler not returning to the NFC title game after ripping apart his MCL. All of this anti-Cutler backlash is not about a football player not playing an enormous game hurt. It is an opportunity for those that dislike Cutler to jump all over him. Let me ask a question to these players: did you see the way Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey's ankle was injured in the AFC title game? Where's the backlash over him not playing on one leg. Also, Hines Ward, one the toughest, most hard-nosed players in the NFL injured his knee in the '09 title game and stood on the sideline the remainder of the game. Where was the backlash then? I rest my case.
-Aaron Rodgers' tackle on Brian Urlacher saved the game for the Packers.
By far the most important play of the game. If Urlacher goes all the way, it's very possible the Bears win that game. Other than the first drive of the game, Rodgers did nothing the rest of the game offensively.
-If that score had happened, Caleb Haney (who?) would have won the NFC title for Chicago.
Give the kid props. He overcame some early jitters to make some key plays in the fourth quarter, including two TD passes, to keep the game interesting. He may have earned a 2nd-string job somewhere next year.
-The Steelers should take notice on how the Bears' D flustered Aaron Rodgers.
In the Week 17 game at Lambeau and the NFC title game, Rodgers was clearly not at his best. The Steelers shoulds study game tape of both games to see how the Bears' D confused him all day long.
Pittsburgh 24, NY Jets 19.
-The Steelers are lucky they didn't complete one of the worst choke jobs in playoff history.
If not for a couple of key Ben Roethlisberger passes, and a major goal line stand in the 4th quarter, chances are we may be seeing the Jets in Dallas, and not Pittsburgh. The Steelers did NOT bring their A-game in the 2nd half. It was almost as if they were counting down the minutes instead of playing football. If they want to beat Green Bay on Feb. 6 in Dallas, they must play a FULL 60 minutes, not 30-35.
-On 4th and goal during that goal line stand, why are the Jets running an old, beat up LaDainian Tomlinson instead of the bigger and more athletic Shonn Greene or even a quarterback sneak from Mark Sanchez? I personally did not have a problem with the passes on 2nd and 3rd down; they just simply weren't executed.
-Give Mark Sanchez credit for not letting his team quit after getting down 24-3. If the second half of this game and the Patriot game are any indication, the Jet franchise is in good hands with Sanchez for the next decade. He will be better next year.
-Big Ben does not need the gaudy stats as long as he makes the big plays and show the heart of a lion.
He threw two interceptions (and should have thrown at least 4 or 5) and no TD passes. But he made many key 3rd down rushes and completed two key passes to Heath Miller and Antonio Brown on 3rd down to ice the game for the Steelers in the final minutes. He may not be glamorous, but Roethlisberger simply knows how to win.
****Full Super Bowl Preview next week!!!****
Believe in the 2010-11 New York Rangers.
I don't want to jinx anything, but this New York Rangers team is capable of something special this year. Disclaimer: I am NOT guaranteeing a Stanley Cup or even a finals apperance, but don't be surprised if either happen. Here's why:
1. This team's blue-collar work ethic is putting the league on it's toes. Their games may not always be pretty, but they will play 60 hard minutes night in and night out, and every single man in the lineup contributes, whether on the score sheet or on the intangible side. You want the greatest example? The team's leading goal scorer is Brian Boyle, a career 4th liner, with 18. He hadn't scored more than 10 in a season ever before.
2. They have proved they can beat the elite. A 1-0 grindfest against Vancouver. A 7-0 home win against Ovechkin and the Capitals, plus a 2-1 shootout win in D.C. last night. Two wins against Pittsburgh on the road, with Sidney Crosby in the lineup both times. They are capable of beating anyone at any time.
3. Martin Biron has been excellent as Henrik Lundqvist's backup. Ranger fans no longer have to cringe when King Henrik doesn't play. Biron has played like a #1 on most nights that he gives Hank a rest. This will benefit him greatly come playoff time.
4. No Ranger fan wants to admit it, but give Glen Sather credit for stocking a very, very deep farm system. This is something this franchise has never had. Interchangeable parts coming to and from Hartford to fill in for injured veterans. More than half the lineup is homegrown, and more potential stars are waiting in the wings. Lundqvist, Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky, and Ryan Callahan make up a core of hard-working, blue collar players that will guide the Blueshirts through the next decade. Others include Dan Girardi, Michael Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy, and Artem Anisimov. This season alone, the majority of the Rangers' top prospects have tasted NHL Life: Derek Stepan, Mats Zuccarello, Ryan McDonagh, and Evgeny Grachev. Stepan and Zuccarello are now major components of this unit. More, such as Chris Kreider, are on the way soon. Also, give Sather credit for ridding the Rangers of some horrible contracts, such as Scott Gomez, Wade Redden, and now Michal Roszival. The only bad one remaining is Chris Drury.
5. That all being said, they need more consistent play from their best player, Marian Gaborik. A 4-goal game to break out of a slump is nice, but a goal per game for Gabby will catapult this team to the next level. Come playoff time, him and Lundqvist will have to be on their A game.
6. If this team is fully healthy come playoff time, they will be scary. Look at all their injured players. Ryan Callahan has missed a month and a half. Brandon Dubinsky is likely out until Mid-February. Vinny Prospal hasn't played a game yet. Marian Gaborik missed a month. Chris Drury nearly missed two. Erik Christensen has been out a long time. Ruslan Fedotenko is hurt. Alex Frolov is out for the season. Dan Girardi and Brandon Prust are banged up. Despite all that, the Rangers are on the verge of 30 wins before the All-Star break. They didn't reach their 30th win of last season until March 12. And they finished one point out of a playoff spot. Believe, Ranger fans. Believe. It's going to be a fun second half and playoff run.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Divisional Round Recap and Championship Sunday Preview
Pittsburgh 31, Baltimore 24.
Was this a choke job by the Ravens or simply the Steelers outplaying them? The answer is, a little bit of both. Joe Flacco played the second half of Saturday's game as if he hadn't played a game of football in his life. Three turnovers, including one by Ray Rice that changed the course of the game. Plus a holding penalty that negated a punt return for a touchdown. Easy to suggest choke, right? Well, give the Steelers more credit than that. The hallmark of the Mike Tomlin era is that this team NEVER panics. And they didn't. They stuck to their game plan in the second half despite all the first half physical and mental mistakes, and took advantage of every opportunity their opponents gave them. That is the mark of a championship-calibur team. You want another example? Big Ben's 58-yard pass to rookie reciever Antonio Brown on 3rd and 18 with less than two minutes to go, in their own territory, is one of the gutsiest calls in playoff history. THAT is how you win in January.
Green Bay 45, Atlanta 21.
Did the Falcons get the number of that truck that flattened them like a pancake Saturday night? It's ARGB12. Aaron Rodgers' postseason career, after only three starts, is beginning to mirror those of Joe Montana and Tom Brady. His counterpart, Matt Ryan, has a LOT of work to do to reach that level, after two playoff losses in three seasons. His inexplicable throw to Tramon Williams at the end of the first half to essentially put a dagger in the Dirty Birds defies logic. The Packers look like a Super Bowl winner, don't they? Everything is going their way right now. And get ready for this one, Packer Nation: your current quarterback is BETTER, yes, BETTER than Mr. Favre in his prime.
Chicago 35, Seattle 24.
All you can say about this one is that Seattle's magic simply ran out. Jay Cutler did not make any fatal mistakes during his first playoff game, but he will have to be nearly flawless next week against the Packers for Da Bearsss to have a chance to make it to Dallas. As I said last week, Seattle needed to play another near perfect game like the one they had against the Saints in the first round, and after getting down 7-0 very quickly, you could sense it was over for them.
NY Jets 28, New England 21.
On behalf of all Patriot haters worldwide, I'd just like to say THANK YOU to the Jets for knocking off football's Evil Empire. The Jets didn't just back up all their smack talk to the Pats Sunday night, but they recieved bragging rights for at least the next calendar year, no matter what happens the remainded of the postseason or next regular season! This was, without a doubt, the Jets' greatest victory since Super Bowl III (for now), and for the first time, we can actually question the greatness of Brady and Belichick! Consider this, folks. The Pats have NOT won a playoff game since the 2008 AFC title game against the Chargers. Three calendar years. They still have not recovered from the Super Bowl loss to the Giants. And with Brady nearing his mid-30s, and the remaining cornerstone from their old dynasty gone, it's time to ask yourself: can B&B win one more Super Bowl? I doubt it! This year was their best chance, and they played their worst game of the season against their archrival.
Conference Championship Picks (2-2 last week; won with PIT and GB, lost with SEA and NE; 25-27 overall)
Green Bay 34, Chicago 17. (GB -3 1/2)
Aaron Rodgers and Tramon Williams are playing the best football of their lives right now. The Packers are getting contributions from so many second-string players that they should name a string-cheese after guys like James Starks. On a historic run like this, you can't have a doubt in your mind that the Pack will go into Soldier Field against their oldest rival and take care of business on the road to Dallas. How can the Bears win this one? Generate a pass rush and attempt to fluster Rodgers. If somehow they can accomplish that, wonderful. But the other key will be, as mentioned before, if mistake-prone Jay Cutler can throw a flawless game. If these things happen, Chicago has a fighter's chance. But at the end, Green Bay is simply better, top to bottom.
Pittsburgh 17, NY Jets 13. (PIT -3 1/2)
This game is a toss-up. Both teams feature excellent defenses. One (Steelers) can stop the run better than anyone, and another (Jets) can stop the pass better than anyone. Also, the biggest difference between this game and the 22-17 Week 15 Jet win at Heinz Field: the best defensive player in the sport, Troy Polamalu, is playing for Pittsburgh. Heath Miller, their All-Pro tight end, will be playing as well. Perhaps their heart and soul on the D-line, Aaron Smith, may return from torn triceps. So what will this game come down to? The quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl rings to his credit already, and is arguably the best big-game quarterback in the game today. Mark Sanchez is one win away from the most road playoff wins by a quarterback in history. These players will have to make one huge play in order for their teams to have a chance. The special teams, especially if Brad Smith can't go for the Jets, will be an X-factor as well. This is going to be an exciting game.
Was this a choke job by the Ravens or simply the Steelers outplaying them? The answer is, a little bit of both. Joe Flacco played the second half of Saturday's game as if he hadn't played a game of football in his life. Three turnovers, including one by Ray Rice that changed the course of the game. Plus a holding penalty that negated a punt return for a touchdown. Easy to suggest choke, right? Well, give the Steelers more credit than that. The hallmark of the Mike Tomlin era is that this team NEVER panics. And they didn't. They stuck to their game plan in the second half despite all the first half physical and mental mistakes, and took advantage of every opportunity their opponents gave them. That is the mark of a championship-calibur team. You want another example? Big Ben's 58-yard pass to rookie reciever Antonio Brown on 3rd and 18 with less than two minutes to go, in their own territory, is one of the gutsiest calls in playoff history. THAT is how you win in January.
Green Bay 45, Atlanta 21.
Did the Falcons get the number of that truck that flattened them like a pancake Saturday night? It's ARGB12. Aaron Rodgers' postseason career, after only three starts, is beginning to mirror those of Joe Montana and Tom Brady. His counterpart, Matt Ryan, has a LOT of work to do to reach that level, after two playoff losses in three seasons. His inexplicable throw to Tramon Williams at the end of the first half to essentially put a dagger in the Dirty Birds defies logic. The Packers look like a Super Bowl winner, don't they? Everything is going their way right now. And get ready for this one, Packer Nation: your current quarterback is BETTER, yes, BETTER than Mr. Favre in his prime.
Chicago 35, Seattle 24.
All you can say about this one is that Seattle's magic simply ran out. Jay Cutler did not make any fatal mistakes during his first playoff game, but he will have to be nearly flawless next week against the Packers for Da Bearsss to have a chance to make it to Dallas. As I said last week, Seattle needed to play another near perfect game like the one they had against the Saints in the first round, and after getting down 7-0 very quickly, you could sense it was over for them.
NY Jets 28, New England 21.
On behalf of all Patriot haters worldwide, I'd just like to say THANK YOU to the Jets for knocking off football's Evil Empire. The Jets didn't just back up all their smack talk to the Pats Sunday night, but they recieved bragging rights for at least the next calendar year, no matter what happens the remainded of the postseason or next regular season! This was, without a doubt, the Jets' greatest victory since Super Bowl III (for now), and for the first time, we can actually question the greatness of Brady and Belichick! Consider this, folks. The Pats have NOT won a playoff game since the 2008 AFC title game against the Chargers. Three calendar years. They still have not recovered from the Super Bowl loss to the Giants. And with Brady nearing his mid-30s, and the remaining cornerstone from their old dynasty gone, it's time to ask yourself: can B&B win one more Super Bowl? I doubt it! This year was their best chance, and they played their worst game of the season against their archrival.
Conference Championship Picks (2-2 last week; won with PIT and GB, lost with SEA and NE; 25-27 overall)
Green Bay 34, Chicago 17. (GB -3 1/2)
Aaron Rodgers and Tramon Williams are playing the best football of their lives right now. The Packers are getting contributions from so many second-string players that they should name a string-cheese after guys like James Starks. On a historic run like this, you can't have a doubt in your mind that the Pack will go into Soldier Field against their oldest rival and take care of business on the road to Dallas. How can the Bears win this one? Generate a pass rush and attempt to fluster Rodgers. If somehow they can accomplish that, wonderful. But the other key will be, as mentioned before, if mistake-prone Jay Cutler can throw a flawless game. If these things happen, Chicago has a fighter's chance. But at the end, Green Bay is simply better, top to bottom.
Pittsburgh 17, NY Jets 13. (PIT -3 1/2)
This game is a toss-up. Both teams feature excellent defenses. One (Steelers) can stop the run better than anyone, and another (Jets) can stop the pass better than anyone. Also, the biggest difference between this game and the 22-17 Week 15 Jet win at Heinz Field: the best defensive player in the sport, Troy Polamalu, is playing for Pittsburgh. Heath Miller, their All-Pro tight end, will be playing as well. Perhaps their heart and soul on the D-line, Aaron Smith, may return from torn triceps. So what will this game come down to? The quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl rings to his credit already, and is arguably the best big-game quarterback in the game today. Mark Sanchez is one win away from the most road playoff wins by a quarterback in history. These players will have to make one huge play in order for their teams to have a chance. The special teams, especially if Brad Smith can't go for the Jets, will be an X-factor as well. This is going to be an exciting game.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
First Round Recap and Divisional Round Preview
Seattle 41, New Orleans 36.
We just witnessed one of the great upsets in NFL playoff history, but that fact has been forgotten. Why? Everyone is still talking about Marshawn Lynch's now legendary 67-yard TD run that effectively won the game for the Hawks. In fact, the run was so epic that it made the Earth shake. Literally. And if you did not jump up and down in euphoria after that stiff arm of Tracy Porter, you are NOT, repeat, NOT a true football fan. That is included with eight, EIGHT broken tackles. It will be on highlight reels for years to come.
NY Jets 17, Indianapolis 16.
No surprise here, honestly. The Colts simply had to deal with too many injuries this year, and the Jets are simply the better team. Mark Sanchez grew up as an NFL quarterback in this game, although he did recieve a little help on the Jets' final drive from the Colts' Jim Caldwell, who will be on the hot seat next season. One immortal quarterback down for Rex Ryan, another one on deck next week.
Baltimore 30, Kansas City 7.
Again, no real surprise in terms of the victor here, but it's surprising how Kansas City unraveled so quickly. Rumors indicate that Head Coach Todd Haley stripped now-former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis of his play-calling duties. The truth is, the entire team, players and coaches, forgot how to play the game Sunday. That all being said, this Chiefs team took a huge step forward this season, and is far ahead of schedule in terms of reaching their ultimate goal: a Patriots-esque dynasty. As for the Ravens, this is their billionth postseason road win in the last couple of years, and it especially felt good for them to do it for the troubled Ed Reed.
Green Bay 21, Philadelphia 16.
It's easy to blame David Akers for this loss, missing two makable field goals that turned out to be the difference in the score. But in all honesty, the entire Eagles team fell apart after the Miracle in the New Meadowlands, losing their last three games. Michael Vick was no longer his electric self, the running game was non-existent, and the defense couldn't make the big stop when necessary. Now, my original NFC favorite is out, and a new one is in: the Green Bay Packers. This team is deep enough and talented enough despite a laundry list of injuries to make it to Dallas. If they beat Atlanta next week, bet on them heading there.
Divisional Round Picks (2-2 last week; won with NYJ and BAL, lost with NO and PHI; 23-25 overall)
Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 16. (PIT -3)
The best rivalry in the NFL, hands down. No arguments. When these two get together, you will see the most physical, bruising football possible, and this is the way the game is meant to be played. Every single game between these two is a thriller, and this one should be no exception. Both meetings in the regular season were decided by three points, both road wins. Does this bode well for the Ravens? Probably. But if Ed Reed's family problems prevent him from playing, a bigger edge goes to the rested, presumably healthy Steelers. For now, based on the big play abilities of Big Ben and Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh gets a slight edge.
Green Bay 27, Atlanta 21. (GB +2)
As stated before, the Packers are my new NFC favorite, and they will show why against Atlanta. If the physical defense of Green Bay can stop Atlanta's running game and put the game in Matty Ice's hands, they have an excellent chance of winning. The key here will be if Ryan can make one big play through the air to either Roddy White or Tony Gonzalez. If so, it will give the Atlanta offense confidence it can compete with Aaron Rodgers in a potential shootout. Atlanta's time will come in the Mike Smith-Matt Ryan era, but right now the Pack seem to be on a magic carpet ride.
Chicago 23, Seattle 17. (SEA +10)
A 7-9 team can't possibly make a conference championship game, can it? Well, if you watched the Seahawks last week, they looked like a completely different team than the one that played in the regular season, beating the defending champs. If they can beat New Orleans, they should have the confidence to beat anybody. But this one will not be easy. If a transformed Jay Cutler can shred apart the Seattle defense early, which may be simple for him, is it fair to expect Matt Hasselbeck to duplicate by far the best performance of his career again in this one? This one will be closer than you think, but I believe Seattle's magic runs out at Soldier Field, setting up the oldest rivarly in the NFL for the NFC title game.
New England 31, NY Jets 18. (NE -8 1/2)
Let Rex Ryan do all the smack talking he wants. His Jets are still not any better than the team he brought to Foxboro a few Monday nights ago, only to promptly get embarrassed 45-3. That won't happen again this time, but the Jets simply don't have the firepower to compete with a Tom Brady-led offense. Effectively, the Jets will have to play a game similar to what Seattle played against New Orleans last weekend. If that happens, the Jets can pull off their greatest upset since Super Bowl III. But come on, it's almost impossible to bet against Brady and Belichick in January.
We just witnessed one of the great upsets in NFL playoff history, but that fact has been forgotten. Why? Everyone is still talking about Marshawn Lynch's now legendary 67-yard TD run that effectively won the game for the Hawks. In fact, the run was so epic that it made the Earth shake. Literally. And if you did not jump up and down in euphoria after that stiff arm of Tracy Porter, you are NOT, repeat, NOT a true football fan. That is included with eight, EIGHT broken tackles. It will be on highlight reels for years to come.
NY Jets 17, Indianapolis 16.
No surprise here, honestly. The Colts simply had to deal with too many injuries this year, and the Jets are simply the better team. Mark Sanchez grew up as an NFL quarterback in this game, although he did recieve a little help on the Jets' final drive from the Colts' Jim Caldwell, who will be on the hot seat next season. One immortal quarterback down for Rex Ryan, another one on deck next week.
Baltimore 30, Kansas City 7.
Again, no real surprise in terms of the victor here, but it's surprising how Kansas City unraveled so quickly. Rumors indicate that Head Coach Todd Haley stripped now-former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis of his play-calling duties. The truth is, the entire team, players and coaches, forgot how to play the game Sunday. That all being said, this Chiefs team took a huge step forward this season, and is far ahead of schedule in terms of reaching their ultimate goal: a Patriots-esque dynasty. As for the Ravens, this is their billionth postseason road win in the last couple of years, and it especially felt good for them to do it for the troubled Ed Reed.
Green Bay 21, Philadelphia 16.
It's easy to blame David Akers for this loss, missing two makable field goals that turned out to be the difference in the score. But in all honesty, the entire Eagles team fell apart after the Miracle in the New Meadowlands, losing their last three games. Michael Vick was no longer his electric self, the running game was non-existent, and the defense couldn't make the big stop when necessary. Now, my original NFC favorite is out, and a new one is in: the Green Bay Packers. This team is deep enough and talented enough despite a laundry list of injuries to make it to Dallas. If they beat Atlanta next week, bet on them heading there.
Divisional Round Picks (2-2 last week; won with NYJ and BAL, lost with NO and PHI; 23-25 overall)
Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 16. (PIT -3)
The best rivalry in the NFL, hands down. No arguments. When these two get together, you will see the most physical, bruising football possible, and this is the way the game is meant to be played. Every single game between these two is a thriller, and this one should be no exception. Both meetings in the regular season were decided by three points, both road wins. Does this bode well for the Ravens? Probably. But if Ed Reed's family problems prevent him from playing, a bigger edge goes to the rested, presumably healthy Steelers. For now, based on the big play abilities of Big Ben and Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh gets a slight edge.
Green Bay 27, Atlanta 21. (GB +2)
As stated before, the Packers are my new NFC favorite, and they will show why against Atlanta. If the physical defense of Green Bay can stop Atlanta's running game and put the game in Matty Ice's hands, they have an excellent chance of winning. The key here will be if Ryan can make one big play through the air to either Roddy White or Tony Gonzalez. If so, it will give the Atlanta offense confidence it can compete with Aaron Rodgers in a potential shootout. Atlanta's time will come in the Mike Smith-Matt Ryan era, but right now the Pack seem to be on a magic carpet ride.
Chicago 23, Seattle 17. (SEA +10)
A 7-9 team can't possibly make a conference championship game, can it? Well, if you watched the Seahawks last week, they looked like a completely different team than the one that played in the regular season, beating the defending champs. If they can beat New Orleans, they should have the confidence to beat anybody. But this one will not be easy. If a transformed Jay Cutler can shred apart the Seattle defense early, which may be simple for him, is it fair to expect Matt Hasselbeck to duplicate by far the best performance of his career again in this one? This one will be closer than you think, but I believe Seattle's magic runs out at Soldier Field, setting up the oldest rivarly in the NFL for the NFC title game.
New England 31, NY Jets 18. (NE -8 1/2)
Let Rex Ryan do all the smack talking he wants. His Jets are still not any better than the team he brought to Foxboro a few Monday nights ago, only to promptly get embarrassed 45-3. That won't happen again this time, but the Jets simply don't have the firepower to compete with a Tom Brady-led offense. Effectively, the Jets will have to play a game similar to what Seattle played against New Orleans last weekend. If that happens, the Jets can pull off their greatest upset since Super Bowl III. But come on, it's almost impossible to bet against Brady and Belichick in January.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Random Thoughts from the Passionate Sports Fan's Mind IV
The Jets get destroyed by the Patriots 45-3.
If this doesn't humble the Jets, nothing will. Also, for those that believe the Jets have been lucky, this kind of loss may cripple their season.
Steelers defeat the Ravens 13-10.
The more talented team didn't win Sunday night. The team with the most heart did.
Josh McDaniels out as Broncos head coach.
Can one man single-handedly ruin a great franchise? This man came damn near close. It will take years to clean up the mess he made.
Boston acquires Adrian Gonzalez.
If they can sign Carl Crawford and get bullpen help, pencil them in for a 115 win 2011 season, assuming they stay healthy. God help us all if so. Oh by the way, do any more Red Sox Nation members want to continue to complain about the Yankees' payroll?
Nationals sign Jayson Werth for 7 years, $126 million.
Similar contracts: Giambi, Jason (NYY); Zito, Barry (SF); Hampton, Mike (COL); Wells, Vernon (TOR). I thought Washington needed to curb reckless spending? Enjoy this contract, Washington. Which brings us to the Nationals potentially...
...Offering Cliff Lee a 7 year deal.
1. Can we call the Nats Yankees South if this happens?
2. Good luck signing Ryan Zimmerman!
The Knicks are playing competitive basketball again.
YAWWWWNNNN. Wake me up if they make the finals.
The Rangers have the best road record in the NHL, but one of the worst home records.
Can this team get some consistency, please? Then, trade for Brad Richards and make a deep playoff run, perhaps? Oh yeah, fire Sather, too.
Rutgers misses out on a bowl game for the first time since 2004.
Not to split hairs with Greg Schiano, but where is this great football program we all expected?
And my non-sports thought of the week:
The fact that President Obama had to bow down to the GOP and allow for an extension for tax cuts for the wealthy in exchange for an extension for unemployment benefits is an out and out disgrace. It brings several things to mind:
1. The Republicans want the lower and middle classes to die in this country.
2. This economy won't be fixed during this current administration.
3. For the first time, I am leaning toward not voting for Obama in 2012. He caved in to the pressure and showed that he doesn't have the guts to take a stand or make difficult decisions in the White House. But that will NOT mean I am voting Republican. The day I vote Republican for anything is the day the sky turns green.
NFL Picks for Week 14 (2-2 last week, 14-14 overall)
DAL +3 1/2 over Phi
Cle +1 over BUF
Atl -8 over CAR
NE -4 over CHI
If this doesn't humble the Jets, nothing will. Also, for those that believe the Jets have been lucky, this kind of loss may cripple their season.
Steelers defeat the Ravens 13-10.
The more talented team didn't win Sunday night. The team with the most heart did.
Josh McDaniels out as Broncos head coach.
Can one man single-handedly ruin a great franchise? This man came damn near close. It will take years to clean up the mess he made.
Boston acquires Adrian Gonzalez.
If they can sign Carl Crawford and get bullpen help, pencil them in for a 115 win 2011 season, assuming they stay healthy. God help us all if so. Oh by the way, do any more Red Sox Nation members want to continue to complain about the Yankees' payroll?
Nationals sign Jayson Werth for 7 years, $126 million.
Similar contracts: Giambi, Jason (NYY); Zito, Barry (SF); Hampton, Mike (COL); Wells, Vernon (TOR). I thought Washington needed to curb reckless spending? Enjoy this contract, Washington. Which brings us to the Nationals potentially...
...Offering Cliff Lee a 7 year deal.
1. Can we call the Nats Yankees South if this happens?
2. Good luck signing Ryan Zimmerman!
The Knicks are playing competitive basketball again.
YAWWWWNNNN. Wake me up if they make the finals.
The Rangers have the best road record in the NHL, but one of the worst home records.
Can this team get some consistency, please? Then, trade for Brad Richards and make a deep playoff run, perhaps? Oh yeah, fire Sather, too.
Rutgers misses out on a bowl game for the first time since 2004.
Not to split hairs with Greg Schiano, but where is this great football program we all expected?
And my non-sports thought of the week:
The fact that President Obama had to bow down to the GOP and allow for an extension for tax cuts for the wealthy in exchange for an extension for unemployment benefits is an out and out disgrace. It brings several things to mind:
1. The Republicans want the lower and middle classes to die in this country.
2. This economy won't be fixed during this current administration.
3. For the first time, I am leaning toward not voting for Obama in 2012. He caved in to the pressure and showed that he doesn't have the guts to take a stand or make difficult decisions in the White House. But that will NOT mean I am voting Republican. The day I vote Republican for anything is the day the sky turns green.
NFL Picks for Week 14 (2-2 last week, 14-14 overall)
DAL +3 1/2 over Phi
Cle +1 over BUF
Atl -8 over CAR
NE -4 over CHI
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Previewing the Two Biggest Games of the NFL Season.
Steelers v Ravens, Sunday Night.
Quarterbacks
PIT: Big Ben's numbers since the end of his suspension have been typical of his career, but he needs to get rid of the ball quicker against the relentless Baltimore pass rush, especially with a bad foot.
BAL: Joe Flacco has yet to take the next step toward superstardom, but a huge performance will go a long way.
Advantage: Steelers
Running Backs
PIT: Rashard Mendenhall has had a breakout season, but the Steelers' overall run game has been inconsistent at times.
BAL: Ray Rice is Mr. Consistency, and Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McLain will tough out the short-yardage situations.
Advantage: Ravens
Wide Recievers
PIT: Hines Ward is banged up, and they may have to rely on a big play by Mike Wallace to have a chance to win this one.
BAL: The big three of Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and Derrick Mason have been inconsistent at times, but Boldin can run off a big play at any moment.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
Heath Miller and Todd Heap are mirror images of each other. Expect key roles from both players for their teams Sunday night.
Advantage: EVEN
Offensive Line
PIT: They are missing three starters, and needs to stop taking careless penalties.
BAL: Michael Oher is banged up, but is more trustworthy and healthy.
Advantage: Ravens
Defensive Line
PIT: They really miss Aaron Smith, but Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley are as feared as anyone in the game.
BAL: Haloti Ngata is one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the league.
Advantage: Steelers
Linebackers
PIT: James Harrison apparently could care less about being fined for helmet-to-helmet hits, and Sunday should be no exception. James Farrior is still a force at age 36.
BAL: He may be on the downside of his career, but Ray Lewis is still as feared as ever.
Advantage: EVEN
Defensive Backs
PIT: Major weakness at the corners. William Gay should not be on an NFL roster. But the long-haired one still patrols the backfield.
BAL: Ray-Ray may be the spiritual leader of the Baltimore D, but Ed Reed is the quarterback.
Advantage: Ravens
Coaches
PIT: Mike Tomlin's team has shown a lack of discipline in the second half of games, especially with dumb penalties and a lack of killer instinct. They will need both if they have a lead late Sunday night.
BAL: John Harbaugh sometimes does not get the credit he deserves. All the Ravens have done under his tutelige is win.
Advantage: Steelers
Prediction: Steelers 13, Ravens 10.
Jets v Patriots, Monday Night.
Quarterbacks
NYJ: Mark Sanchez is maturing week by week and is showing remarkable poise when faced with adversity. Monday could be a defining moment in his career.
NE: Tom Brady is the NFL MVP at this point of the season.
Advantage: Patriots
Running Backs
NYJ: L.T.'s renaissance has made folks forget a disappointing season from Shonn Greene.
NE: Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are capable, but nothing to write home about.
Advantage: Jets
Wide Recievers
NYJ: Jerricho Cotchery is banged up, but Santonio Holmes can always be counted on in crunch time.
NE: Deion Branch has resurrected his career back with the Pats and Brady, and Wes Welker is the most dangerous slot reciever there is.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
NYJ: Dustin Keller is one of the most underrated TE's in the game. He is Mr. Dependable for Mark Sanchez.
NE: Despite a great game in Pittsburgh, what else has Rob Gronkowski done?
Advantage: Jets
Offensive Line
NYJ: Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson are studs.
NE: Virtually a no-name line, but will protect Brady 100% every single play.
Advantage: Patriots
Defensive Line
NYJ: Shaun Ellis and Vernon Gholston can overpower anyone at any time.
NE: Vince Wilfork is an excellent player, but nothing to write home about besides that.
Advantage: Jets
Linebackers
NYJ: David Harris, Bart Scott, Jason Taylor, and Calvin Pace. 'Nuff Said.
NE: Quick! Name a Patriot linebacker!
Advantage: Jets
Defensive Backs
NYJ: We all know about Revis Island, but how about the year Antonio Cromartie has had for Gang Green? Oh yeah, Jim Leonhard is a very underrated player, and Kyle Wilson looks like the real deal.
NE: One of the worst secondaries in the league, and could be a massive liability come playoff time.
Advantage: Jets
Coaches
NYJ: Don't be surprised if Rex Ryan pulls a page out of Broadway Joe's book and guarantees victory Monday. So far, his team has backed up nearly all of his talk.
NE: Bill Belichick is still Bill Belichick. You know he wants to destroy his opponent this week. When he is angry, watch out.
Advantage: Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 27, Jets 20
Picks for Week 13 (3-1 last week, 12-12 overall)
KC -8 over Den
NO -7 over Cin
Stl -2 over ARI
ATL -3 over TB
Quarterbacks
PIT: Big Ben's numbers since the end of his suspension have been typical of his career, but he needs to get rid of the ball quicker against the relentless Baltimore pass rush, especially with a bad foot.
BAL: Joe Flacco has yet to take the next step toward superstardom, but a huge performance will go a long way.
Advantage: Steelers
Running Backs
PIT: Rashard Mendenhall has had a breakout season, but the Steelers' overall run game has been inconsistent at times.
BAL: Ray Rice is Mr. Consistency, and Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McLain will tough out the short-yardage situations.
Advantage: Ravens
Wide Recievers
PIT: Hines Ward is banged up, and they may have to rely on a big play by Mike Wallace to have a chance to win this one.
BAL: The big three of Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and Derrick Mason have been inconsistent at times, but Boldin can run off a big play at any moment.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
Heath Miller and Todd Heap are mirror images of each other. Expect key roles from both players for their teams Sunday night.
Advantage: EVEN
Offensive Line
PIT: They are missing three starters, and needs to stop taking careless penalties.
BAL: Michael Oher is banged up, but is more trustworthy and healthy.
Advantage: Ravens
Defensive Line
PIT: They really miss Aaron Smith, but Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley are as feared as anyone in the game.
BAL: Haloti Ngata is one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the league.
Advantage: Steelers
Linebackers
PIT: James Harrison apparently could care less about being fined for helmet-to-helmet hits, and Sunday should be no exception. James Farrior is still a force at age 36.
BAL: He may be on the downside of his career, but Ray Lewis is still as feared as ever.
Advantage: EVEN
Defensive Backs
PIT: Major weakness at the corners. William Gay should not be on an NFL roster. But the long-haired one still patrols the backfield.
BAL: Ray-Ray may be the spiritual leader of the Baltimore D, but Ed Reed is the quarterback.
Advantage: Ravens
Coaches
PIT: Mike Tomlin's team has shown a lack of discipline in the second half of games, especially with dumb penalties and a lack of killer instinct. They will need both if they have a lead late Sunday night.
BAL: John Harbaugh sometimes does not get the credit he deserves. All the Ravens have done under his tutelige is win.
Advantage: Steelers
Prediction: Steelers 13, Ravens 10.
Jets v Patriots, Monday Night.
Quarterbacks
NYJ: Mark Sanchez is maturing week by week and is showing remarkable poise when faced with adversity. Monday could be a defining moment in his career.
NE: Tom Brady is the NFL MVP at this point of the season.
Advantage: Patriots
Running Backs
NYJ: L.T.'s renaissance has made folks forget a disappointing season from Shonn Greene.
NE: Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are capable, but nothing to write home about.
Advantage: Jets
Wide Recievers
NYJ: Jerricho Cotchery is banged up, but Santonio Holmes can always be counted on in crunch time.
NE: Deion Branch has resurrected his career back with the Pats and Brady, and Wes Welker is the most dangerous slot reciever there is.
Advantage: EVEN
Tight Ends
NYJ: Dustin Keller is one of the most underrated TE's in the game. He is Mr. Dependable for Mark Sanchez.
NE: Despite a great game in Pittsburgh, what else has Rob Gronkowski done?
Advantage: Jets
Offensive Line
NYJ: Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson are studs.
NE: Virtually a no-name line, but will protect Brady 100% every single play.
Advantage: Patriots
Defensive Line
NYJ: Shaun Ellis and Vernon Gholston can overpower anyone at any time.
NE: Vince Wilfork is an excellent player, but nothing to write home about besides that.
Advantage: Jets
Linebackers
NYJ: David Harris, Bart Scott, Jason Taylor, and Calvin Pace. 'Nuff Said.
NE: Quick! Name a Patriot linebacker!
Advantage: Jets
Defensive Backs
NYJ: We all know about Revis Island, but how about the year Antonio Cromartie has had for Gang Green? Oh yeah, Jim Leonhard is a very underrated player, and Kyle Wilson looks like the real deal.
NE: One of the worst secondaries in the league, and could be a massive liability come playoff time.
Advantage: Jets
Coaches
NYJ: Don't be surprised if Rex Ryan pulls a page out of Broadway Joe's book and guarantees victory Monday. So far, his team has backed up nearly all of his talk.
NE: Bill Belichick is still Bill Belichick. You know he wants to destroy his opponent this week. When he is angry, watch out.
Advantage: Patriots
Prediction: Patriots 27, Jets 20
Picks for Week 13 (3-1 last week, 12-12 overall)
KC -8 over Den
NO -7 over Cin
Stl -2 over ARI
ATL -3 over TB
Monday, November 8, 2010
NFL Midseason Report
I have been watching this sport for almost 20 years now, and I can honestly say this has been the most unpredictable NFL season in years. Basically this NFL season is like a blind date. It will either be incredibly bad or incredibly great. The girl could be pure gold or a total psycho. One week, a team could be showered with accolades and crowned the next Super Bowl champion. The next week it will be ridiculed left and right and calls from angry fans to sports radio stations calling for the coach's head fly left and right. But then again, who has a stable relationship anymore?
But if anything else, I've learned that the NFL season flys by like no other sport in the world. The baseball and hockey regular seasons are grueling, often boring marathons. The NFL season ends in the blink of an eye. We've already reached the halfway point of the season, and like a bad relationship, it's time to give praise but take a lot of shots at the same time. And for a diehard NFL fan like myself, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's my awards, wrist slaps, and 2nd half predictions for this grueling relationship.
Biggest Surprise: AFC West
If you had told me that by Week 10 the CHIEFS and RAIDERS would reign supreme in the AFC West, Lamar Hunt would roll over in his grave and I'd advise you and Al Davis to seek some counseling. But it's true. Kansas City has emerged as a playoff contender due to outstanding running from Jamal Charles and Thomas Jones, and big plays from Matt Cassel. Not to mention their defense has staked its claim to being one of the best in the league this year. The Raiders, while half as talented, have recieved outstanding play from quarterback Jason Campbell, and the team seems to have shaken off the stench left behind by the JaMarcus Russell epic fail. Even Darrius Heyward-Bey (yeah, him) has stepped up. But the key behind the revival of the Silver and Black has been the play of the league's #2 rushing offense with a breakout year from Darren McFadden) and #3 pass defense, led by Nnamdi Asomugha. This all being said, expect a revival of the Chargers and eventual overtaking of both teams by the Bolts by the end of the season. But the revival of two old AFL rivals makes for a nice first-half story.
Biggest Disappointment: Dallas Cowboys
I was going to lump the Minnesota Vikings into this category as well, but after all the drama surrounding Mr. Favre and Mr. Moss and Mr. Childress, they saved their season with a dramatic comeback against Arizona last Sunday and set themselves up for a possible 2nd half surge. But wasn't this supposed to be the year Jerry Jones got a Super Bowl in his own back yard? Wasn't this supposed to be the year Tony Romo rose to the elite? Wasn't this supposed to be the year the Cowboys broke through with their sixth Super Bowl title, proving Wade Phillips could win? Guess what, Cowboy haters? CELEBRATE! The 'Boys are 1-7, Jones had to fire a head coach within the regular season for the first time after Sunday's 45-7 disgrace in Green Bay, Romo is possibly out for the season, and the team is not inspired to even leave the locker room on Sundays. You could point the finger at the coach, the owner, or the players, but the truth is you should point the finger at the business model of the Cowboys: make money, lots and lots of money, and pray the team on the field delivers a Super Bowl. Major changes are in store for this franchise.
Best Team
Last week it was the Patriots. The week before it was the Jets. The week before it was the Steelers. Week before the Ravens. Week beforrrreeee......
In other words, take your pick. There are no elite teams in the pack of simply good to very good teams in the league after four weeks. They are as follows: The Jets, Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Giants, Eagles, Packers, Saints, and Falcons. That's a heckofalota teams right there. As per the theme of this season in my intro, you just don't know week after week.
Worst Team
Tie between the Bills and Cowboys. The Cowboys for the reasons explained above, and the Bills simply because they are 0-8. However, the Bills come to play week after week, and are no pushover. They will eventually get a win as long as Ryan Fitzpatrick plays out of his mind. The Cowboys simply don't compete. So if you put a gun to my head, I'd lean toward Dallas. God, it feels good to be a Cowboy hater these days.
Best Player
Once again, it is Mr. Manning from Indianapolis. His offensive weapons have been decimated by injuries. His favorite target, Dallas Clark, is out for the season, and arguably the poor man's Wes Welker, Austin Collie, is hurt once again. Other than Reggie Wayne, his options are the overrated Pierre Garcon, Blair White, and Jacob Tamme. Strikes a lot of fear in your heart, doesn't it? But of course, it is Peyton's place, and he is the glue, the heart, the soul, the foundation, and the infrastructure of the Colts. Without him, they are nothing. He is showing why once again.
Honorable mentions: Tom Brady, Clay Matthews, Eli Manning, Michael Vick, Matt Ryan, Chris Johnson, Arian Foster.
Worst Player
Randy Moss. He is already on his third team this season. The circumstances behind his departure from the Patriots were simply business. The circumstances behind his departure from the Vikings are simply despicable. Whatever the situations, Moss has simply quit on two different teams this year. If he is quitting on Tom Brady and Brett Favre, how in the world can Vince Young or Kerry Collings possibly make him happy?
Best Coach
Tom Coughlin, Giants. After a 1-2 start from the Giants, Coughlin survived calls from the media and fans for his head and enormous pressure from within to lead the G-Men to the top of the NFC and a 6-2 record. Coughlin gets beaten and tortured in the media day in and day out, and is roundly criticized by fans, but he continues to go about his business with class and dignity, and has not only saved his job, but put New York in position for a Super Bowl run. Honorable mention: Mike Smith, Falcons; Mike McCarthy, Packers; John Harbaugh, Ravens; Rex Ryan, Jets; Tom Cable, Raiders; Todd Haley, Chiefs.
Worst Coach
Now that Wade Phillips is out of the picture, the overwhelming choice is Brad Childress. Amid in-fighting with his recievers, conflicts with ownership, questionable play calling, and an overall mediocre record, Chilly is the next to go with one more bad loss.
Breakout Player
If you drafted Arian Foster of the Texans for your fantasy team, you look like an absolute genius. Foster has established himself as an elite running back in the NFL, leading the league in rushing (864 yards) and touchdowns (10), including 231 yards and 3 TD's on opening day. Honorable mentions: Darren McFadden, Peyton Hillis, Kenny Britt.
Top Storylines for the Second Half
1. Can the Vikings rally for a playoff spot? Yes, but if any only if: the ancient Favre can stay upright, Brad Childress can get out of his own way, and they can beat the Bears and Packers the next two weeks. The Randy Moss drama ended, and the Brett Favre sexting drama appears to be on the shelf for now. Is this Favre's last hurrah? Please. But if so, and we're not sure, he will want to go out with a bang. They will be dangerous in the second half.
2. Can the Chiefs or Raiders or both make the playoffs? I think the Raiders will fall just short, but I believe the Chiefs are talented enough and hungry enough to squeak in. I believe the Chargers will end up winning the AFC West despite another mediocre start, but in a wide-open AFC playoff picture, it's possible Kansas City can sneak in.
3. Can Donovan McNabb lead the Redskins to the playoffs? McNabb's benching by coach Mike Shanahan in Detroit created unnecessary controversy in the Nation's Capital. With the Giants pulling away and Eagles showing signs of a playoff team, the time is now for both to co-exist and guide their new team to the playoffs. It won't be easy, though.
4. Can the Houston Texans finally take that next step? It's still too difficult to tell. They have all the talent in the world on the offensive side of the football, but it's the defense that has prevented Houston from taking that next step. Betty White could throw for 500 yards against that secondary, and how much longer can Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster survive shootout after shootout? I still say they make it in.
5. Will the NFC West champion have a sub-.500 record? It would be sad yet fascinating at the same time. Any one of the four teams can still win this awful, awful division. Imagine, for instance, the 49ers fighting their way to a 7-9 record, finishing tied for first with Seattle. But by virtue of a tiebreaker, they miss out on the division title? I believe the division winner, no matter whom it is, will finish 7-9.
And now, my favorite part of this unhealthy relationship: the 2nd half predictions!
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Sam Bradford, Rams
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Lions
Offensive Player of the Year: Arian Foster, Texans
Defensive Player of the Year: Clay Matthews, Packers
Coach of the Year: Todd Haley, Chiefs
Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, Colts
Playoff Predictions
Seeds in ( )
AFC East: Jets (2)
AFC North: Steelers (1)
AFC South: Colts (3)
AFC West: Chargers (4)
AFC Wild Cards: Patriots (5) and Texans (6)
NFC East: Giants (1)
NFC North: Packers (3)
NFC South: Saints (2)
NFC West: Seahawks (4)
NFC Wild Cards: Falcons (5) and Eagles (6)
First Round
Colts 30, Texans 24
Patriots 20, Chargers 18
Packers 27, Eagles 21
Falcons 37, Seahawks 14
Divisional Round
Steelers 17, Patriots 14
Jets 23, Colts 21
Giants 30, Falcons 27
Packers 35, Saints 28
Conference Championships
Steelers 24, Jets 14
Giants 28, Packers 23
Super Bowl
Steelers 31, Giants 24
Picks for Week 10 (1-3 last week, 5-7 overall)
NYG -15 over Dal
Min -1 over CHI
ATL -2 over Bal
Hou +1 over JAX
But if anything else, I've learned that the NFL season flys by like no other sport in the world. The baseball and hockey regular seasons are grueling, often boring marathons. The NFL season ends in the blink of an eye. We've already reached the halfway point of the season, and like a bad relationship, it's time to give praise but take a lot of shots at the same time. And for a diehard NFL fan like myself, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's my awards, wrist slaps, and 2nd half predictions for this grueling relationship.
Biggest Surprise: AFC West
If you had told me that by Week 10 the CHIEFS and RAIDERS would reign supreme in the AFC West, Lamar Hunt would roll over in his grave and I'd advise you and Al Davis to seek some counseling. But it's true. Kansas City has emerged as a playoff contender due to outstanding running from Jamal Charles and Thomas Jones, and big plays from Matt Cassel. Not to mention their defense has staked its claim to being one of the best in the league this year. The Raiders, while half as talented, have recieved outstanding play from quarterback Jason Campbell, and the team seems to have shaken off the stench left behind by the JaMarcus Russell epic fail. Even Darrius Heyward-Bey (yeah, him) has stepped up. But the key behind the revival of the Silver and Black has been the play of the league's #2 rushing offense with a breakout year from Darren McFadden) and #3 pass defense, led by Nnamdi Asomugha. This all being said, expect a revival of the Chargers and eventual overtaking of both teams by the Bolts by the end of the season. But the revival of two old AFL rivals makes for a nice first-half story.
Biggest Disappointment: Dallas Cowboys
I was going to lump the Minnesota Vikings into this category as well, but after all the drama surrounding Mr. Favre and Mr. Moss and Mr. Childress, they saved their season with a dramatic comeback against Arizona last Sunday and set themselves up for a possible 2nd half surge. But wasn't this supposed to be the year Jerry Jones got a Super Bowl in his own back yard? Wasn't this supposed to be the year Tony Romo rose to the elite? Wasn't this supposed to be the year the Cowboys broke through with their sixth Super Bowl title, proving Wade Phillips could win? Guess what, Cowboy haters? CELEBRATE! The 'Boys are 1-7, Jones had to fire a head coach within the regular season for the first time after Sunday's 45-7 disgrace in Green Bay, Romo is possibly out for the season, and the team is not inspired to even leave the locker room on Sundays. You could point the finger at the coach, the owner, or the players, but the truth is you should point the finger at the business model of the Cowboys: make money, lots and lots of money, and pray the team on the field delivers a Super Bowl. Major changes are in store for this franchise.
Best Team
Last week it was the Patriots. The week before it was the Jets. The week before it was the Steelers. Week before the Ravens. Week beforrrreeee......
In other words, take your pick. There are no elite teams in the pack of simply good to very good teams in the league after four weeks. They are as follows: The Jets, Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Giants, Eagles, Packers, Saints, and Falcons. That's a heckofalota teams right there. As per the theme of this season in my intro, you just don't know week after week.
Worst Team
Tie between the Bills and Cowboys. The Cowboys for the reasons explained above, and the Bills simply because they are 0-8. However, the Bills come to play week after week, and are no pushover. They will eventually get a win as long as Ryan Fitzpatrick plays out of his mind. The Cowboys simply don't compete. So if you put a gun to my head, I'd lean toward Dallas. God, it feels good to be a Cowboy hater these days.
Best Player
Once again, it is Mr. Manning from Indianapolis. His offensive weapons have been decimated by injuries. His favorite target, Dallas Clark, is out for the season, and arguably the poor man's Wes Welker, Austin Collie, is hurt once again. Other than Reggie Wayne, his options are the overrated Pierre Garcon, Blair White, and Jacob Tamme. Strikes a lot of fear in your heart, doesn't it? But of course, it is Peyton's place, and he is the glue, the heart, the soul, the foundation, and the infrastructure of the Colts. Without him, they are nothing. He is showing why once again.
Honorable mentions: Tom Brady, Clay Matthews, Eli Manning, Michael Vick, Matt Ryan, Chris Johnson, Arian Foster.
Worst Player
Randy Moss. He is already on his third team this season. The circumstances behind his departure from the Patriots were simply business. The circumstances behind his departure from the Vikings are simply despicable. Whatever the situations, Moss has simply quit on two different teams this year. If he is quitting on Tom Brady and Brett Favre, how in the world can Vince Young or Kerry Collings possibly make him happy?
Best Coach
Tom Coughlin, Giants. After a 1-2 start from the Giants, Coughlin survived calls from the media and fans for his head and enormous pressure from within to lead the G-Men to the top of the NFC and a 6-2 record. Coughlin gets beaten and tortured in the media day in and day out, and is roundly criticized by fans, but he continues to go about his business with class and dignity, and has not only saved his job, but put New York in position for a Super Bowl run. Honorable mention: Mike Smith, Falcons; Mike McCarthy, Packers; John Harbaugh, Ravens; Rex Ryan, Jets; Tom Cable, Raiders; Todd Haley, Chiefs.
Worst Coach
Now that Wade Phillips is out of the picture, the overwhelming choice is Brad Childress. Amid in-fighting with his recievers, conflicts with ownership, questionable play calling, and an overall mediocre record, Chilly is the next to go with one more bad loss.
Breakout Player
If you drafted Arian Foster of the Texans for your fantasy team, you look like an absolute genius. Foster has established himself as an elite running back in the NFL, leading the league in rushing (864 yards) and touchdowns (10), including 231 yards and 3 TD's on opening day. Honorable mentions: Darren McFadden, Peyton Hillis, Kenny Britt.
Top Storylines for the Second Half
1. Can the Vikings rally for a playoff spot? Yes, but if any only if: the ancient Favre can stay upright, Brad Childress can get out of his own way, and they can beat the Bears and Packers the next two weeks. The Randy Moss drama ended, and the Brett Favre sexting drama appears to be on the shelf for now. Is this Favre's last hurrah? Please. But if so, and we're not sure, he will want to go out with a bang. They will be dangerous in the second half.
2. Can the Chiefs or Raiders or both make the playoffs? I think the Raiders will fall just short, but I believe the Chiefs are talented enough and hungry enough to squeak in. I believe the Chargers will end up winning the AFC West despite another mediocre start, but in a wide-open AFC playoff picture, it's possible Kansas City can sneak in.
3. Can Donovan McNabb lead the Redskins to the playoffs? McNabb's benching by coach Mike Shanahan in Detroit created unnecessary controversy in the Nation's Capital. With the Giants pulling away and Eagles showing signs of a playoff team, the time is now for both to co-exist and guide their new team to the playoffs. It won't be easy, though.
4. Can the Houston Texans finally take that next step? It's still too difficult to tell. They have all the talent in the world on the offensive side of the football, but it's the defense that has prevented Houston from taking that next step. Betty White could throw for 500 yards against that secondary, and how much longer can Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster survive shootout after shootout? I still say they make it in.
5. Will the NFC West champion have a sub-.500 record? It would be sad yet fascinating at the same time. Any one of the four teams can still win this awful, awful division. Imagine, for instance, the 49ers fighting their way to a 7-9 record, finishing tied for first with Seattle. But by virtue of a tiebreaker, they miss out on the division title? I believe the division winner, no matter whom it is, will finish 7-9.
And now, my favorite part of this unhealthy relationship: the 2nd half predictions!
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Sam Bradford, Rams
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Lions
Offensive Player of the Year: Arian Foster, Texans
Defensive Player of the Year: Clay Matthews, Packers
Coach of the Year: Todd Haley, Chiefs
Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, Colts
Playoff Predictions
Seeds in ( )
AFC East: Jets (2)
AFC North: Steelers (1)
AFC South: Colts (3)
AFC West: Chargers (4)
AFC Wild Cards: Patriots (5) and Texans (6)
NFC East: Giants (1)
NFC North: Packers (3)
NFC South: Saints (2)
NFC West: Seahawks (4)
NFC Wild Cards: Falcons (5) and Eagles (6)
First Round
Colts 30, Texans 24
Patriots 20, Chargers 18
Packers 27, Eagles 21
Falcons 37, Seahawks 14
Divisional Round
Steelers 17, Patriots 14
Jets 23, Colts 21
Giants 30, Falcons 27
Packers 35, Saints 28
Conference Championships
Steelers 24, Jets 14
Giants 28, Packers 23
Super Bowl
Steelers 31, Giants 24
Picks for Week 10 (1-3 last week, 5-7 overall)
NYG -15 over Dal
Min -1 over CHI
ATL -2 over Bal
Hou +1 over JAX
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