Mark Brunell. I've been brutal on him this season. Deservedly so. He's looked lost on the field, and hasn't been very productive. I've been calling for Jason Campbell to get the start in Washington.
Ben Roethlisberger. I've been very high on him since he came into the league. Deservedly so. He's a proven winner. He's managed games well, he's won games well. He's got a Super Bowl ring.
So what happened to these guys Sunday?
Brunell breaks an NFL record for consecutive completions in a game and leads his team to victory, while Big ben looks feeble on the field throws a couple of back breaking interceptions and hands a game to his team's toughest in-division rival.
I'm sure they were just blips on the radar. I have confidence that by the end of the season, Brunell will be riding the pine and Ben will be playing well and fighting for a playoff spot, if not fighting in the playoffs. I'm sure it's a product of shaking off rust for Ben, and playing against the Texans for Brunell.
I sure hope so.
Around the NFL
Three weeks in, what do we know?
The Colts are going to have a phenominal regular season. I've never doubted that. They'll probably win 12-14 games. Of course, I'll be waiting to try to predict which lower seed they flame out against in the playoffs this year.
Arizona was over-hyped. Seattle looks good, and St. Louis looks decent, and San Fransisco is much better than predicted. So, all-in-all, when (not if) the Madden curse strikes Alexander, that division could be a free-for-all. I'm pulling for the 49ers, personally ... I can't believe how much progress they've made.
John Fox might be in line for the "Tony Dungy" treatment. That is, he might get fired. This guy consistently has a team that competes with the best, but they never seem to show up for 16 weeks. Odds are, he gets fired, and then quickly snatched up by another team (maybe Dallas or Arizona).
College Football
I'm not going to over react the way a lot of analysts do (and why should I? I'm a fan, not an analyst). Georgia's scare against Colorado was just that ... a scare. They're still undefeated, still have one heckeva defense, and can still run the tables in the SEC. No need to drop them in the ratings. I've seen too many good teams pull out close wins (OSU in 2002, Auburn two years ago) to knock a team for finding a way to win in gut-check time.
My Top 25:
1. Ohio State
2. Auburn
3. Florida
4. Michigan
5. USC
6. Georgia
7. Louisville
8. West Virginia
9. Iowa
10. Virginia Tech
11. TCU
12. Oregon
13. Texas
14. Notre Dame
15. LSU
16. Boise State
17. Cal
18. Oklahoma
19. Clemson
20. Tennessee
21. Nebraska
22. Missouri
23. Purdue
24. Arkansas
25. Rutgers
26. Akron
And, my Heisman ballot:
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State
2. Mike Hart, Michigan
3. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
4. Steve Slaton, West Virginia
5. Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois
Monday, September 25, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
In-Game Thoughts (College Football)
Thought I'd do a post here and give thoughts on games as they progress.
What is it about Michigan receivers? They don't fight for the ball, they make routine drops, and they hurt their QB's stat sheet. Manningham, not Henne, was to blame for the first INT in that game. Although, to now, the real story in that game is the Wisconsin run blocking. That's a very nice O-Line.
Officiating is off to another bad start ... just look at the Iowa-Illinois game.
I'll update as I have more thoughts and flip between games (I've got Iowa-Illinois, Michigan-Wisconsin, and Purdue-Minnesota).
Kick early, go for it late, Lloyd Carr. I hope those three points come back to haunt you.
Manningham is definately a Michigan receiver. He drops the easy ones, and then makes the spectacular.
Anyone else disappointed whenever they pan to the sideline during a Minnesota game and it's not Craig T. Nelson?
Ron Zook is not a good head coach (not news, I know, but it sure is being reinforced)
I hate stupid announcers. With a passion. 1:02 to go in the first half, Wisconsin gets a third-down stop on Michigan. The referee winds the clock and the seconds start to tick off, even though the stop went out of bounds. Wisconsin calls timeout (obviously, the clock was running and the ref wound it), and the announcers proceeded to spend the rest of the half talking about the "mistake" of calling timeout. Stupid announcers.
Manningham is Richie Sexson. He's either gonna hit a homerun, or he's gonna strike otu. Lucky for him, his latest homey has Michigan up.
How about that Georgia-Colorado game? Did anyone see that coming? I have a theory: Karma. Last time Han Hawkins played Georgia? They ran up the score on Boise State and trashed talked like it was a title game.
Michael Hart is going on my Heisman ballot. Anyone who gets that many after-contact yards and after-contact chances is a beast.
What is it about Michigan receivers? They don't fight for the ball, they make routine drops, and they hurt their QB's stat sheet. Manningham, not Henne, was to blame for the first INT in that game. Although, to now, the real story in that game is the Wisconsin run blocking. That's a very nice O-Line.
Officiating is off to another bad start ... just look at the Iowa-Illinois game.
I'll update as I have more thoughts and flip between games (I've got Iowa-Illinois, Michigan-Wisconsin, and Purdue-Minnesota).
Kick early, go for it late, Lloyd Carr. I hope those three points come back to haunt you.
Manningham is definately a Michigan receiver. He drops the easy ones, and then makes the spectacular.
Anyone else disappointed whenever they pan to the sideline during a Minnesota game and it's not Craig T. Nelson?
Ron Zook is not a good head coach (not news, I know, but it sure is being reinforced)
I hate stupid announcers. With a passion. 1:02 to go in the first half, Wisconsin gets a third-down stop on Michigan. The referee winds the clock and the seconds start to tick off, even though the stop went out of bounds. Wisconsin calls timeout (obviously, the clock was running and the ref wound it), and the announcers proceeded to spend the rest of the half talking about the "mistake" of calling timeout. Stupid announcers.
Manningham is Richie Sexson. He's either gonna hit a homerun, or he's gonna strike otu. Lucky for him, his latest homey has Michigan up.
How about that Georgia-Colorado game? Did anyone see that coming? I have a theory: Karma. Last time Han Hawkins played Georgia? They ran up the score on Boise State and trashed talked like it was a title game.
Michael Hart is going on my Heisman ballot. Anyone who gets that many after-contact yards and after-contact chances is a beast.
The Week That Was
Well, I suppose this is a down week for me in sports. I don't really care about the potential of a NY-NY World Series, I don't have quite the golf knowledge to talk about the Ryder Cup (although I am pulling for team USA ... and not just because I'm a Tiger fan), and my Stillers got it handed to them on Sunday.
Still, a pretty much slow sports week, at least from my perspective. A couple of interesting articles popped up on ESPN this week, though. So, I thought I'd comment on them.
NBA Future Predictions ... *sigh* ... I really wish ESPN would get off the "Lebron wants to play in New York" thing. UGH! Do you really think the man really would keep investing millions into the Cleveland community if he was thinking "man, I can't wait till I can blow this town and play in a real city"? Do you really think a man who grew up experiencing heartbreak after heartbreak in that city would want to bring another and possibly the largest to it? I don't. Lebron is committed to Cleveland. Could there be a greater lecagy than "I won a major sports championship for a franchise in Cleveland?" I doubt it. Get the heck off that boat.
An Article about rooting against your team. I disagree with some of his points. Fantasy sports are never as important as real sports. Nor is a single player worth rooting against your team. But, other than that, it was a decent read.
College Football Preview
Not many great games this week, but ... I might as well offer a few predictions
I like Arizona State to edge out Cal. Ohio State should blow out, yes blow out by at least 4 touchdowns, Penn State. Likewise, I think Notre dame blows out Michigan State.
Oh ... and a random thought ... could this year's Oakland Raiders be the worst professional sports team in my lifetime?
Still, a pretty much slow sports week, at least from my perspective. A couple of interesting articles popped up on ESPN this week, though. So, I thought I'd comment on them.
NBA Future Predictions ... *sigh* ... I really wish ESPN would get off the "Lebron wants to play in New York" thing. UGH! Do you really think the man really would keep investing millions into the Cleveland community if he was thinking "man, I can't wait till I can blow this town and play in a real city"? Do you really think a man who grew up experiencing heartbreak after heartbreak in that city would want to bring another and possibly the largest to it? I don't. Lebron is committed to Cleveland. Could there be a greater lecagy than "I won a major sports championship for a franchise in Cleveland?" I doubt it. Get the heck off that boat.
An Article about rooting against your team. I disagree with some of his points. Fantasy sports are never as important as real sports. Nor is a single player worth rooting against your team. But, other than that, it was a decent read.
College Football Preview
Not many great games this week, but ... I might as well offer a few predictions
I like Arizona State to edge out Cal. Ohio State should blow out, yes blow out by at least 4 touchdowns, Penn State. Likewise, I think Notre dame blows out Michigan State.
Oh ... and a random thought ... could this year's Oakland Raiders be the worst professional sports team in my lifetime?
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Separation Saturday
Wow. What an amazing day of college football. It's days like these that remind us why we love the game. And why we watch it and follow it so intently.
Ohio State had a very good showing. They struggled in the first half of a classic trap game coming off the high of last week, but the second half showed, once again, that they are the #1 team in the country. That, coupled with M*ch*g*n's drubbing of Notre Dame (which made me sad), has me dreaming of another (albeit unlikely) 1 vs 2 matchup this season, this time in Columbus (how great would that be???).
I thought going into the game that the Auburn-LSU winner would be the #2 team in the nation, and I was proved right. That was a heck of a defensive struggle. It might have severely hurt Kenny Irons' Heisman hopes, but I think he'd trade that for a trip to the Fiesta Bowl.
If the season ended right now, we'd have an amazing National Title Game. The amazing defense of Auburn against the explosive offense of Ohio State. I know we've got a long way to go still, but I can see both teams holding on and giving us that match-up. Still, Ohio State has to get through Michigan, Iowa, Penn State, and a couple of Big Ten trap games, while Auburn's got plenty of heavy hitters and the big 'Bama game. Here's hoping Ohio State and Auburn make it, though.
Other teams making big impressions with me: Florida, Louisville, and Georgia. Georgia's D looks suffocating, I guess Louisville doesn't miss Bush all that much afterall, and it looks like Urban's system might be starting to click. That Georga-Florida cocktail party is going to be a great match-up, another amazing O vs. amazing d match-up. And is there anyone willing to bet the under when West Virginia plays Louisville?
Here's my updated top 25
1. Ohio State
2. Auburn
3. Florida
4. Michigan
5. West Virginia
6. Georgia
7. Louisville
8. USC
9. Virginia tech
10. Oregon
11. TCU
12. Iowa
13. Texas
14. LSU
15. Notre Dame
16. Boston College
17. Boise State
18. Arizona State
19. Michigan State
20. Penn State
21. Cal
22. Oklahoma
23. Tennessee
24. Clemson
25. Nebraska
26. Akron
And, my updated Heisman Ballot:
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State
2. Steve Slaton, West Virginia
3. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
4. Mario Manningham, Michigan
5. Mike Klinkenborg, Iowa
Ohio State had a very good showing. They struggled in the first half of a classic trap game coming off the high of last week, but the second half showed, once again, that they are the #1 team in the country. That, coupled with M*ch*g*n's drubbing of Notre Dame (which made me sad), has me dreaming of another (albeit unlikely) 1 vs 2 matchup this season, this time in Columbus (how great would that be???).
I thought going into the game that the Auburn-LSU winner would be the #2 team in the nation, and I was proved right. That was a heck of a defensive struggle. It might have severely hurt Kenny Irons' Heisman hopes, but I think he'd trade that for a trip to the Fiesta Bowl.
If the season ended right now, we'd have an amazing National Title Game. The amazing defense of Auburn against the explosive offense of Ohio State. I know we've got a long way to go still, but I can see both teams holding on and giving us that match-up. Still, Ohio State has to get through Michigan, Iowa, Penn State, and a couple of Big Ten trap games, while Auburn's got plenty of heavy hitters and the big 'Bama game. Here's hoping Ohio State and Auburn make it, though.
Other teams making big impressions with me: Florida, Louisville, and Georgia. Georgia's D looks suffocating, I guess Louisville doesn't miss Bush all that much afterall, and it looks like Urban's system might be starting to click. That Georga-Florida cocktail party is going to be a great match-up, another amazing O vs. amazing d match-up. And is there anyone willing to bet the under when West Virginia plays Louisville?
Here's my updated top 25
1. Ohio State
2. Auburn
3. Florida
4. Michigan
5. West Virginia
6. Georgia
7. Louisville
8. USC
9. Virginia tech
10. Oregon
11. TCU
12. Iowa
13. Texas
14. LSU
15. Notre Dame
16. Boston College
17. Boise State
18. Arizona State
19. Michigan State
20. Penn State
21. Cal
22. Oklahoma
23. Tennessee
24. Clemson
25. Nebraska
26. Akron
And, my updated Heisman Ballot:
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State
2. Steve Slaton, West Virginia
3. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
4. Mario Manningham, Michigan
5. Mike Klinkenborg, Iowa
Friday, September 15, 2006
Go Away
Go Away.
Your 15 minutes are up.
Actually, they were up a while ago. I don't know why you're still here.
I'm talking to you, Michelle Wie.
You finished dead last at the European Masters a week ago.
This week, you finished dead last, again, this time at the 84 Lumber Classic
You are not revelant.
You are not entertaining.
You are not worthy of my time.
You should not be be getting the face time you get on ESPN.
Go play on the LPGA tour
Win something there.
Then, maybe, maybe, take another shot at a PGA tour event.
But for now, just go away.
And take Danica Patrick with you
Your 15 minutes are up.
Actually, they were up a while ago. I don't know why you're still here.
I'm talking to you, Michelle Wie.
You finished dead last at the European Masters a week ago.
This week, you finished dead last, again, this time at the 84 Lumber Classic
You are not revelant.
You are not entertaining.
You are not worthy of my time.
You should not be be getting the face time you get on ESPN.
Go play on the LPGA tour
Win something there.
Then, maybe, maybe, take another shot at a PGA tour event.
But for now, just go away.
And take Danica Patrick with you
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
PTI
Alright, so in addition to sporting news, one thing I'd like to start doing on this blog is reviewing, commenting, and so on Sports Writers, Columns, Shows, and the such. And, I'll start with my personal favorite among Sports TV Shows, Pardon the Interruption (PTI).
Obviously, by my saying that it's my "personal favorite", you know that I give it at least favorable reviews. The question for me is ... why?
The hosts of the Show are Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. Neither of which, on their own, are what I'd call entertaining nor insightful. Prior to PTI, I very much disliked Kornheiser, seeing him as a bumbling idiot who didn't have much to offer. PTI was my first exposure to Wilbon, but he's done nothing and said nothing that makes me say "wow, this guy gets it".
So, clearly, what makes PTI great can't be PTI, right?
So we look at the formula ... a handful of "quick-hit" topics, an interview, a goofy segment with shorter quick hits, errors, happy-happys, and a big finish. None of these seem to add to the charm. There's usually no great knowledge displayed, neither of them have interview skills that are that great, and they flip-flop on predictions so frequently, that it's hard to count on those for anything.
So, clearly, it can't be the formula.
Yet, if I turn on the TV at 6:30 (to catch the ESPNews replay), and either (or both) of them is missing for the day, I often turn it off, because the show isn't nearly as good.
I guess ... it's just that unknown "it" factor. We talk about it all the time with players (Tom Brady has "it" ... his arm isn't as good as Peyton Manning, his legs aren't as good as Vick, but he wins because he has "it"). Part of it is their chemistry together, but it goes beyond that. Tom Jackson and Chris Berman have great chemistry, but they are nowhere near (for me) as watchable and entertaining as PTI.
It really is that "it" factor.
So what are your thoughts? What makes PTI so good? Or am I totally wrong and PTI sucks? Who/what else in sports has that "it" factor?
Obviously, by my saying that it's my "personal favorite", you know that I give it at least favorable reviews. The question for me is ... why?
The hosts of the Show are Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. Neither of which, on their own, are what I'd call entertaining nor insightful. Prior to PTI, I very much disliked Kornheiser, seeing him as a bumbling idiot who didn't have much to offer. PTI was my first exposure to Wilbon, but he's done nothing and said nothing that makes me say "wow, this guy gets it".
So, clearly, what makes PTI great can't be PTI, right?
So we look at the formula ... a handful of "quick-hit" topics, an interview, a goofy segment with shorter quick hits, errors, happy-happys, and a big finish. None of these seem to add to the charm. There's usually no great knowledge displayed, neither of them have interview skills that are that great, and they flip-flop on predictions so frequently, that it's hard to count on those for anything.
So, clearly, it can't be the formula.
Yet, if I turn on the TV at 6:30 (to catch the ESPNews replay), and either (or both) of them is missing for the day, I often turn it off, because the show isn't nearly as good.
I guess ... it's just that unknown "it" factor. We talk about it all the time with players (Tom Brady has "it" ... his arm isn't as good as Peyton Manning, his legs aren't as good as Vick, but he wins because he has "it"). Part of it is their chemistry together, but it goes beyond that. Tom Jackson and Chris Berman have great chemistry, but they are nowhere near (for me) as watchable and entertaining as PTI.
It really is that "it" factor.
So what are your thoughts? What makes PTI so good? Or am I totally wrong and PTI sucks? Who/what else in sports has that "it" factor?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
CFB
As promised, a college football post. I'll hold my tongue on this post for my rant about the lack of a playoff system, about the lack of good scheduling, and just do some analysis. I'll rant later.
Top 25
Here's what my top 25 would look like if I had a ballot to fill out:
1. Ohio State
2. LSU
3. Notre Dame
4. USC
5. West Virginia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Georgia
9. Florida State
10. Virginia Tech
11. Texas
12. Tennessee
13. Iowa
14. Michigan
15. TCU
16. Oklahoma
17. Boston College
18. Miami (Fl)
19. Louisville
20. Boise St.
21. Nebraska
22. Oregon
23. Arizona State
24. Texas Tech
25. Clemson
26. Akron (see below)
(Disclaimer: I think polls this early in the season are stupid. We really haven't seen enough out of most teams to say "that's a top five or a top ten team" ... we have out of Ohio State, but that's about it. However, it's done and it's done, so there's mine).
Heisman
If I had a Heisman Ballot, it'd look a little something like this:
1. Troy Smith
2. Ted Ginn Jr.
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Steve Slaton
5. Kenny Irons
(Dislaimer: As the season wears on, the true best players in the nation will emerge. This will, in all probability, be an offensive lineman. As such, my Heisman ballot will reflect the actual best player in the nation, not just the best QB/RB and maybe WR. As of now, though, with mainly cupcake games played, the skill positions are shining the brightest, and as such, my ballot reflects that)
Upsets
I'd also love to give mad props to Akron for going for the win, rather than playing for overtime on Saturday. I'd say the odds that you score from that far out are, at worst, 50/50. If you kick the field goal and go to overtime, the talent difference between a middle-of-the-pack (no pun intended) ACC team and a lower-rung MAC team will be enough that the ACC team will win 90-99% of the time. And then your long, hard-fought day becomes a foot note of "gave a scare to" instead of "pulled off a great upset". So, major props for going for the win, doing the smart thing and getting rewarded. For that reason, you get honorary placement at #26 on my ballot this week, and will remain there until another team knocks you off (or you do something stupid to knock yourself off).
Props also to Air Force for attempting a similar feat, even though they fell short. Two point conversion rates are somewhere around 58% I believe, while OT success is, at best, 50/50 (lower, probably, given the talent difference between AFA and UT). The gamble didn't pay off, but I still give you mad props and great respect.
Top 25
Here's what my top 25 would look like if I had a ballot to fill out:
1. Ohio State
2. LSU
3. Notre Dame
4. USC
5. West Virginia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Georgia
9. Florida State
10. Virginia Tech
11. Texas
12. Tennessee
13. Iowa
14. Michigan
15. TCU
16. Oklahoma
17. Boston College
18. Miami (Fl)
19. Louisville
20. Boise St.
21. Nebraska
22. Oregon
23. Arizona State
24. Texas Tech
25. Clemson
26. Akron (see below)
(Disclaimer: I think polls this early in the season are stupid. We really haven't seen enough out of most teams to say "that's a top five or a top ten team" ... we have out of Ohio State, but that's about it. However, it's done and it's done, so there's mine).
Heisman
If I had a Heisman Ballot, it'd look a little something like this:
1. Troy Smith
2. Ted Ginn Jr.
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Steve Slaton
5. Kenny Irons
(Dislaimer: As the season wears on, the true best players in the nation will emerge. This will, in all probability, be an offensive lineman. As such, my Heisman ballot will reflect the actual best player in the nation, not just the best QB/RB and maybe WR. As of now, though, with mainly cupcake games played, the skill positions are shining the brightest, and as such, my ballot reflects that)
Upsets
I'd also love to give mad props to Akron for going for the win, rather than playing for overtime on Saturday. I'd say the odds that you score from that far out are, at worst, 50/50. If you kick the field goal and go to overtime, the talent difference between a middle-of-the-pack (no pun intended) ACC team and a lower-rung MAC team will be enough that the ACC team will win 90-99% of the time. And then your long, hard-fought day becomes a foot note of "gave a scare to" instead of "pulled off a great upset". So, major props for going for the win, doing the smart thing and getting rewarded. For that reason, you get honorary placement at #26 on my ballot this week, and will remain there until another team knocks you off (or you do something stupid to knock yourself off).
Props also to Air Force for attempting a similar feat, even though they fell short. Two point conversion rates are somewhere around 58% I believe, while OT success is, at best, 50/50 (lower, probably, given the talent difference between AFA and UT). The gamble didn't pay off, but I still give you mad props and great respect.
Monday, September 11, 2006
MNF Game 1
0-1 on predictions made on this blog. Great start.
A couple of reactions from the game
A couple of reactions from the game
- Sean Taylor needs to grow up, and stop making stupid mistakes. Aggression is good (and neccessary to be a good safety in the NFL), but you have to know how to cap it and not take a ton of personal fouls.
- Mark Brunell is just not a good NFL QB. He doesn't strike fear into the heart of anyone on the defense, and that means they don't have to respect him. No way should a team featuring Randle El, Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd, Cooley, and Clinton Portis barely scrape by to score 16 points. No way.
- Troy Williamson looked good. Looks like he just might develop into an NFL WR afterall.
- Brad Johnson ... is ugly. But he's efficient. He's like the poor man's Big Ben. Only, he's been around longer, so it's not a perfect analogy. Maybe Big Ben is the rich snob's Brad Johnson?
- Joe Theisman ... is horrible. I really don't have much to say beyond that. Except thank God that he's not paired with John Madden. That might cause me to chuck my television out the window. And I can't afford to replace either.
NFL Thoughts for Week 1 and Monday Previews
I love, absolutely love Football season. No other pro sport gives you one day per week to have so much to feast on, and have so much build up for every game. The 16-game season makes every single game count, unlike other sports where one loss can never be too damaging all by itself.
Anyways ...
THURSDAY
Pittsburgh 28, Miami 17
Dante Culpepper looked good for a half ... maybe even for three-quarters. But he never looked spectacular. And that's why Miami brought him in ... to be spectacular. He lost his cool and through a game-ending pick after being handed the game back after what seemed to be a game-losing pick. Amazing.
On the Steelers side, Fast Willie Parker looked good ... very good. Has anyone gotten less love for a 1000 yard seaons than Willie? Hopefully this year, everyone takes notice.
SUNDAY
New Orleans 19, Cleveland 14
The Browns looked impressive in defeat. I didn't see all of this game, but from what I saw, it looked as if a few minor things (like WRs) holding onto the ball would have helped. The two biggest things in this game for me were: Kellen Winslow showing up and performing and Reggie Bush living up to his hype with 100+ yards of total offense. Bush and Brees are nice puzzle pieces for the saints.
Seattle 9, Detroit 6
I was able to watch a good chunk of this game. Seattle looked tentative and out of sync. I think the NFC Superbowl curse will live on. They couldn't score double-digits on Detroit ... they'll never survive a first-place schedule ... even in the creampuff NFC West. Maybe Detroit's defense is that good, but I doubt it.
New York Jets 23, Tennessee 16
UGH @ Kerry Collins. Why is he playing? The Titans are going nowhere, why keep playing a journeyman quarterback who's lost it?
As to the Jets ... I wonder if Pennington is as good as he looked, or if it was the bad Titans D. I personally hope for the former, because I'm a big Pennington fan. Go MAC QBs!
Cincy 23, KC 10
Rudi Johnson is a beast. Marvin Lewis seems to be growing as a coach and learning the finer points of game management. That's scary.
Chad Johnson's hair ... also scary, but for a different reason.
St. Louis 18, Denver 10
I'm glad I didn't get to see any of this game. Looks like we're back to Bad Jake Plummer. I knew it wouldn't be long until he showed up again. Just wonder if the rest of Denver can carry them to respectable, or if they'll be floundering before too long. Should we start the "Countdown to Cutler?"
New England 19, Buffalo 17
How ... how ... how do you lose a game on a safety in the 4th quarter? I would have fird Jauron right after that play. Other than that, the only real revelation coming from this game is that, yes, the Patriots are going to miss Branch. Maybe it would help if they got rid of the distraction, but I think even more than that, they need his talent to open up the field for the tight ends.
Baltimore 27, Tampa Bay 0
Ummm ... way to get spanked, Tampa. I'm still not sold on Steve McNair as still being a viable quarterback, but for now I guess I have to eat my crow about him being way past prime. Just wait till he gets injured ... again.
Atlanta 20, Carolina 6
You have to think that this game would be different if Steve Smith played. Still, the A-T-L running game looked good and Michael-Mike Vick looked good, too. He'll never be a great quarterback, but if he (and the coaches) accept his role as a game-manager who can make a great play once a half, they are very good and very dangerous.
Philadelphia 24, Houston 10
Think this game might have been different if Reggie Bush was in Houston? Or if Dante Stalworth wasn't in Philly? He looked good.
(As an aside ... I want Mario Williams to succeed and to be better than Reggie Bush. If only to shut up so-called experts. But it isn't going to happen. The Texans talked themselves out of a difference maker to get a guy who is going to be closer to Courtney Brown than Julius Peppers. And why didn't anyone mention Brown during the draft? Every comparison was to Peppers ... wasn't Courtney Brown a can't-miss Defensive End?)
Arizona 34, San Fransisco 27
Then again, maybe Vernon Davis is the real offensive steal from the last draft. He made Alex Smith look like an NFL Quarterback! I didn't think anyone could make that happen.
And if the Cards are going to struggle to beat the 49ers (!!!) there is no way they'll live up to their "sleeper" hype ... again. Welcome to 7-9 land, Cards fans. You've been here a while, and you're not gonna leave.
Jacksonville 24, Dallas 17
I am going to boycott all things TO. That includes reactions from any game he plays in.
Indianapolis 26, New York Giants 21
I, for one, am glad this game is over, so I can stop hearing about Manning vs. Manning. It was even more hyped than any (and I mean any) Red Sox-Yankees game. The actual game itself provided some clarity for the NFL season.
1) The Colts are going to miss Edge. Welcome back to the playoffs, Peyton. You'll be 0-1 here again.
2) Plexico Burress stinks. He never fights for a ball in the air. He just runs his patterns and catches what comes to him naturally. What a worthless punk.
3) Eli needs to work on clock management. Welcome to 8-8 and missing the playoffs, kid.
Monday Night
Is Phillip Rivers the most blessed young QB since Big Ben? Seriously. He gets a team with Antiono Gates, LT, and a very good defense. Plus, he gets his first game against the Raiders. Not only the Raiders, but the Raiders quarterbacked by Aaron Brooks. The same Aaron Brooks he nullfies the Raiders best weapon, Randy Moss, and allows them to key on their next best weapon, Lamont Jordan. The chargers should take this one easily. Somewhere around 38-3 (expect LT to have 2 TDs and a buck-fiddy).
Minnesota vs. Washington should be a better game, but there's no denying which team has more talent. The only problem with that team, is that it has a QB I have no faith in ... and who seems to be declining rapidly, and might not be able to involve that talent in the game. Why doesn't Washington bite the bullet and start Jason Campbell? Surely, he can manage a game, hit short passes to Cooley and the speedy wideouts and involve the running game and get 11 wins this year, right? Even will noodle-arm Brunell, the Skins have too much talent (and too good a coaching staff) to lose this game. Should be somewhere around Redskins 17, Vikings 7.
Please leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments section. I'll get some college football thoughts up next, along with my rankings (not sure if I'll do top ten, 16, or 25 yet though).
Anyways ...
THURSDAY
Pittsburgh 28, Miami 17
Dante Culpepper looked good for a half ... maybe even for three-quarters. But he never looked spectacular. And that's why Miami brought him in ... to be spectacular. He lost his cool and through a game-ending pick after being handed the game back after what seemed to be a game-losing pick. Amazing.
On the Steelers side, Fast Willie Parker looked good ... very good. Has anyone gotten less love for a 1000 yard seaons than Willie? Hopefully this year, everyone takes notice.
SUNDAY
New Orleans 19, Cleveland 14
The Browns looked impressive in defeat. I didn't see all of this game, but from what I saw, it looked as if a few minor things (like WRs) holding onto the ball would have helped. The two biggest things in this game for me were: Kellen Winslow showing up and performing and Reggie Bush living up to his hype with 100+ yards of total offense. Bush and Brees are nice puzzle pieces for the saints.
Seattle 9, Detroit 6
I was able to watch a good chunk of this game. Seattle looked tentative and out of sync. I think the NFC Superbowl curse will live on. They couldn't score double-digits on Detroit ... they'll never survive a first-place schedule ... even in the creampuff NFC West. Maybe Detroit's defense is that good, but I doubt it.
New York Jets 23, Tennessee 16
UGH @ Kerry Collins. Why is he playing? The Titans are going nowhere, why keep playing a journeyman quarterback who's lost it?
As to the Jets ... I wonder if Pennington is as good as he looked, or if it was the bad Titans D. I personally hope for the former, because I'm a big Pennington fan. Go MAC QBs!
Cincy 23, KC 10
Rudi Johnson is a beast. Marvin Lewis seems to be growing as a coach and learning the finer points of game management. That's scary.
Chad Johnson's hair ... also scary, but for a different reason.
St. Louis 18, Denver 10
I'm glad I didn't get to see any of this game. Looks like we're back to Bad Jake Plummer. I knew it wouldn't be long until he showed up again. Just wonder if the rest of Denver can carry them to respectable, or if they'll be floundering before too long. Should we start the "Countdown to Cutler?"
New England 19, Buffalo 17
How ... how ... how do you lose a game on a safety in the 4th quarter? I would have fird Jauron right after that play. Other than that, the only real revelation coming from this game is that, yes, the Patriots are going to miss Branch. Maybe it would help if they got rid of the distraction, but I think even more than that, they need his talent to open up the field for the tight ends.
Baltimore 27, Tampa Bay 0
Ummm ... way to get spanked, Tampa. I'm still not sold on Steve McNair as still being a viable quarterback, but for now I guess I have to eat my crow about him being way past prime. Just wait till he gets injured ... again.
Atlanta 20, Carolina 6
You have to think that this game would be different if Steve Smith played. Still, the A-T-L running game looked good and Michael-Mike Vick looked good, too. He'll never be a great quarterback, but if he (and the coaches) accept his role as a game-manager who can make a great play once a half, they are very good and very dangerous.
Philadelphia 24, Houston 10
Think this game might have been different if Reggie Bush was in Houston? Or if Dante Stalworth wasn't in Philly? He looked good.
(As an aside ... I want Mario Williams to succeed and to be better than Reggie Bush. If only to shut up so-called experts. But it isn't going to happen. The Texans talked themselves out of a difference maker to get a guy who is going to be closer to Courtney Brown than Julius Peppers. And why didn't anyone mention Brown during the draft? Every comparison was to Peppers ... wasn't Courtney Brown a can't-miss Defensive End?)
Arizona 34, San Fransisco 27
Then again, maybe Vernon Davis is the real offensive steal from the last draft. He made Alex Smith look like an NFL Quarterback! I didn't think anyone could make that happen.
And if the Cards are going to struggle to beat the 49ers (!!!) there is no way they'll live up to their "sleeper" hype ... again. Welcome to 7-9 land, Cards fans. You've been here a while, and you're not gonna leave.
Jacksonville 24, Dallas 17
I am going to boycott all things TO. That includes reactions from any game he plays in.
Indianapolis 26, New York Giants 21
I, for one, am glad this game is over, so I can stop hearing about Manning vs. Manning. It was even more hyped than any (and I mean any) Red Sox-Yankees game. The actual game itself provided some clarity for the NFL season.
1) The Colts are going to miss Edge. Welcome back to the playoffs, Peyton. You'll be 0-1 here again.
2) Plexico Burress stinks. He never fights for a ball in the air. He just runs his patterns and catches what comes to him naturally. What a worthless punk.
3) Eli needs to work on clock management. Welcome to 8-8 and missing the playoffs, kid.
Monday Night
Is Phillip Rivers the most blessed young QB since Big Ben? Seriously. He gets a team with Antiono Gates, LT, and a very good defense. Plus, he gets his first game against the Raiders. Not only the Raiders, but the Raiders quarterbacked by Aaron Brooks. The same Aaron Brooks he nullfies the Raiders best weapon, Randy Moss, and allows them to key on their next best weapon, Lamont Jordan. The chargers should take this one easily. Somewhere around 38-3 (expect LT to have 2 TDs and a buck-fiddy).
Minnesota vs. Washington should be a better game, but there's no denying which team has more talent. The only problem with that team, is that it has a QB I have no faith in ... and who seems to be declining rapidly, and might not be able to involve that talent in the game. Why doesn't Washington bite the bullet and start Jason Campbell? Surely, he can manage a game, hit short passes to Cooley and the speedy wideouts and involve the running game and get 11 wins this year, right? Even will noodle-arm Brunell, the Skins have too much talent (and too good a coaching staff) to lose this game. Should be somewhere around Redskins 17, Vikings 7.
Please leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments section. I'll get some college football thoughts up next, along with my rankings (not sure if I'll do top ten, 16, or 25 yet though).
Sunday, September 10, 2006
What is this?
This is my new, sports-only blog (obviously).
Man, I hate when I do that. When I just state the obvious.
Anyways, I'll use this for a variety of reasons. Previews and reviews of games and seasons, reactions, opinions, article reviews, news reactions, links, and whatever else. It'll all be sports-related, and it'll all be biased.
Just the way sports should be.
I'll probably have some NFL Week 1 stuff up soon, as well as some College Football stuff.
Man, I hate when I do that. When I just state the obvious.
Anyways, I'll use this for a variety of reasons. Previews and reviews of games and seasons, reactions, opinions, article reviews, news reactions, links, and whatever else. It'll all be sports-related, and it'll all be biased.
Just the way sports should be.
I'll probably have some NFL Week 1 stuff up soon, as well as some College Football stuff.
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