Shame on me, for not correcting my picks to my pick 'em group. It kept me from a winning week. There are a lot of teams that have weak secondaries in this weeks matchups as will be noted in each of the notes on the game. No I didn't copy DJ's picks I do believe that our picks are nearly identical, I do think that he's been listening to me a little too much. Before I get to the picks I have to vent (With apolgozies to Scott for his informative piece) I am growing very tired of hearing people ripping on the Bengals for their 5-2 start. Yes, the Bengals have lost to both Jacksonville and Pittsburgh. They are good teams in their own right and earned the victories. My problem is with the media wonks that have derided the Bengals for who they've played. Uh, its not like Notre Dame who can pick their patsies every week (I'll rant on them in a bit) The Bengals have beaten the teams that they are supposed to beat. Its like people are uncomfortable with the notion that the Bengals are not the Bungles of old and want to pigeonhole them back to the league favorite joke. No I'm not dropping my loyalties to the Vikings. I just get tired of hearing these wonks rag on a team quantifying their win with "Oh that team is no good. A win in the NFL is a win its not like the Bengals can predict what a teams record will be when they face them. And while I'm on that tangent... Lets touch on the B.S. errr BCS. According to my power 5 USC is #1 and Texas a strong #2 with VA Tech lurking at #3, The BCS poll has Texas at #1 with USC a close second. All I have to say on this is HUH??? USC hasn't lost since the Reagan Administration, okay I'm exaggerating a bit, but a 29 game winning streak means that until someone beats you on the field. You're the #1 team in the country, period. Notre Dame gave it a go, but lost. No other team has been able to hold up in the second half. Texas is a great team, don't get me wrong on that point, but this is a prime example of why the NCAA needs a playoff. How we get to that point??? Who knows since the college presidents and bowl committees hold so much sway and loath to give up their power. Speaking of getting sick of hearing about things, I am growing sick of hearing all the "Notre Dame should go to a BCS bowl if they win out." At 9-2 any other team would get laughed out of the room if they weren't a conference champion with an auto bid. What makes Notre Dame so special. The Irish squeaked past a so-so Michigan team, lost to Michigan State at home and of course lost to USC. Name me any other "quality wins that this team has. Not to mention they still have a very good Tennessee team on their docket. Notre Dame fattens its record by beating scrub teams (Washington, Pitt, BYU) loses to good teams and whines that they should be in a BCS bowl because they bring their noisy freespending fans. I'm sorry, but unless you're bringing an undefeated or 1 loss record to the table, don't bring anything. Yeah, I know that they BCS has conference ties and that these teams also come in with weak records, but should a deserving team that is not a conference champ that has 1 loss get locked out to Notre Dame who might have as many as three losses? I know money talks but I want to see the best teams slugging it out for a national championship, not teams that think that they are great. Don't get me wrong, I like Charlie Weis and Brady Quinn is a stud, but Notre Dame has to earn its props not just show up with a name. Okay, I'm off my soapbox. Submitted for your approval are my picks Sunday, October 30 Arizona (2-4) @ Dallas (4-3) Texas Stadium; Irving, TX-1:00 FOX Favorite-Cowboys by 7.5 This looks to be a fairly high scoring aeiral based game. The Cards have a strong receiving corps, The Cowboys have a solid if unspectacular receiving tandem in vets Joey Galloway and Keyshawn Johnson. The Cards have a weak secondary, the Pokes secondary aren't world beaters but they are just a bit better. The Pokes WR tandem will get the job done. Running games for either are pretty much non-existant. Pick-Dallas Chicago (3-3) @ Detroit (3-3) Ford Field; Detroit-1:00 FOX Favorite-Lions by 3 The Lions are burning to exact revenge from the 38-6 humiliation the Bears laid on them last month. The Lions have shown improvement, if small. Steve Mariucci has the QB he wants to play in now, but the Lions offense scares no one. That bodes badly in the face of a stingy Chicago defense. With the Lions missing key components like DT Shaun Rogers and DB Dre Bly, the Bears can use Thomas Jones at will and keep things real basic for Kyle Orton. The game won't be near the blowout that it was in September, but it doesn't mean the Lions will win either. Pick-Chicago Cleveland (2-4) @ Houston (0-6) Reliant Stadium, Houston-1:00 CBS Favorite-Texans by 2 This may be the only game that the Texans are favored to win. The Texans must keep David Carr upright, and establish the run. Achievable tasks against a porous Browns defense. A couple of early scores by the Texans could put the Browns in a hole, as their offense scares no one but their fans. If the Texans can't pounce on this one, look for the comparisons to the '76 Bucs squad to ratchet up a couple of notches. Really, beyond this game find your humble scribe a winnable game for the Texans in the next few weeks beyond this game and you're closing in on Christmas. Pick-Houston Green Bay (1-5) @ Cincinnati (5-2) Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati-1:00 FOX Favorite-Bengals by 7.5 There is an article in Thursday's Enquirer about how both teams fortune more or less turned on their September 20, 1992 meeting in Green Bay when a 2-0 Bengals squad had a 17-3 4th quarter lead on the 0-2 Pack and knocked out their starting QB. The backup who came rallied the Pack to a 24-23 win and the rest is his-tor-ee. I blame the Bengals for the rise of Brett Favre, had they not knocked Don Majikowski out Favre would have rusted on the bench and...and...and. Sorry for going off on the tangent. The Bengals are a whole lot better now than in that meeting. Favre is 13 years older and has less weapons. If the Bengals establish the running game early and get the play action pass going. They build a lead and wait for Favre to throw into the teeth of the Bengals ball-hawking, big play roughneck secondary. Favre used to be able to ruff his way through a scenario like this in olden days. That won't happen this time. Pick-Cincy Jacksonville (4-2) @ St. Louis (3-4) Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis -1:00 CBS Favorite-No Line The Rams have return to the realm of the consistent offenses with the naming of Joe Vitt as the Rams' coach during the Mike Martz's recovery. Look for the Rams to establish more of a ball control offense with Marc Bulger doubtful for the game, The Jags while not an passing juggernaut can take advantage of a suspect Rams secondary and if Fred Taylor can establish a presence running it will make that task easier. Expect a rested Jags team that plays well on the road to stuff the run and dare the Rams to pass. Pick-Jacksonville Minnesota (2-4) @ Carolina (4-2) Bank Of America Stadium, Charlotte-1:00 FOX Favorite-Panthers by 7 The Vikes showed some heart with their off the canvas rally to beat their hated rival Green Bay last week. The task is considerably more difficult going against a rested Carolina team. The Panthers can ball control with the best of them and their defense while shaky in the secondary rarely gets tested because of the nasty pass rush provided by Kris Jenkins and Julius Peppers. Considering the Vikes well documented troubles with their offensive line, Daunte Culpepper will have pressure on him from the start. We all know what happens then. Pick-Carolina Oakland (2-4) @ Tennessee (2-5) The Coliseum, Nashville-1:00 CBS Favorite-No Line This was a good matchup...three years ago. The Raiders have big play potential but the Titans have a good enough pass rush on the immobile Kerry Collins to negate that. The Titans get Travis Henry back from suspension and can use him to spell Chris Brown in a solid 1-2 running combo. This is yet another game in which a good running game can soften up a solid defensive line and the redoubtable Steve McNair could pick apart a shaky Raider secondary further weakened by injuries. The Raiders are better than their record shows and the Titans can ill afford to get into a shootout. Pick-Oakland Washington (4-2) @ NY Giants (4-2) Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ-1:00 FOX Favorite-Giants by 2.5 This is one of the weeks more intriguing matchups, The G-Men are finding themselves under Eli Manning's improving leadership. Despite their 52 point performance last week don't think for a second that the Redskins are the most dazzling offensive team. They go against a Giants defense that is porous and averages but 26 minutes of time of possession a game. Look for the Skins to utilize their solid running game to exploit the time of posession advantages and wily vet Mark Brunell to pick on a weak Giant secondary. Pick-Washington Kansas City (4-2) @ San Diego (3-4) Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego-4:05 CBS Favorite The Chargers are the NFL's best 3-4 team. All of their losses are by 4 points or less. The Chiefs are the very definition of inconsistent and their record is rather deceptive. The Chargers will try to get LaDainian Tomlinson going early and set up their complementary passing game. The Chiefs want to do the very same thing with their two pronged running attack featuring Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes with Trent Green trying to get the ball to Tony Gonzalez more often. The difference here is the defense, the Chargers have one and the Chiefs perpertrate like they have one. KC has a decent run defense and it will key on Tomlinson, but Drew Brees could have a field day against the Chiefs secondary that gives up too many big plays, note that he had 378 yards against the Chiefs last year, if he gets into a rhythm with Antonio Gates it'll be a long day. Pick-San Diego Miami (2-4) @ New Orleans (2-5) Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA-4:05 CBS Favorite-Saints by 2 A homecoming of sorts for both teams. The Saints are playing in their home state for the first time this season and Dolphins coach Nick Saban returns to the stadium where he coached last in college. The Dolphins have a defense weakened by injuries and the Saints will exploit that every chance that they get. If the Dolphins fall behind it'll negate their use of their running game and depending on Gus Frerotte to carry your offense is a risky proposition at its very best. The Dolphins averaging but 15.7 points can ill afford to get into a shootout which given their undermanned defense is a real possibilty. The Saints while not a scary team offensive will get healthy enough to put more points up than the Dolphins can. Pick-New Orleans Philadelphia (4-2) @ Denver (5-2) Invesco Field @ Mile High, Denver-4:15 FOX Favorite-Broncos 3.5 The Eagles must livin right. They can't run a lick, but steal games. They won't get as lucky though against a Broncos squad still smarting over a last second loss to the G-Men. The Broncos will sit back in a number of zones and double dog dare the Eagles to run. They won't (or can't) and it'll be their downfall. Pick-Denver Tampa Bay (5-1) @ San Francisco (1-5) Monster Park, San Francisco-4:15 FOX Favorite-Bucs by 10.5 A battle of young QB's, but Chris Simms has a much better supporting cast. The Bucs can use their Caddy again and it will make them better balanced. Not like you need that much against a hapless Niner squad. The Niners look to retread Ken Dorsey to jump start their moribound offense, but he'll have no luck dealing with a rowdy Buc pass rush. This is a game so ugly that Fox is sending their D squad to cover it. Homer Simpson passed on the assignment. Pick-Tampa Bay Buffalo (3-4) @ New England (3-3) Gillette Stadium Foxboro, MA-8:30 ESPN Favorite-Patriots by 8 The better than their record Pats face a puzzling Bills squad. Kelly Holcombe looks like a stud one week and a dud the next. Tom Brady has been throwing the ball more than usual, because of an inconsistent Corey Dillon. The Bills have a tough secondary though. The Pats need for Dillon to get a good start and their defense gets a big boost if the redoubtable Tedy Bruschi can give any support. The Pats are tough at the "Razor" and a dose of nasty weather will be in their favor as well. The Bills have had to do a cross country trip before and the Pats are coming off a bye, not a good combo. Pick-New England
Monday, October 31 Baltimore (2-4) @ Pittsburgh (4-2)
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh-9:00 ABC
Favorite-Steelers by 8.5
The Steelers are feeling froggy after their beatdown of the division leading Bengals. They get a Ravens squad who is looking more and more offensively inept by the week. Here's a guess, the Steelers are going to run the ball...often and dominate time of possession. The Ravens had better hope that Anthony Wright channels the ghost of Johnny Unitas to have any kind of chance in this game. Pick-Pittsburgh
BYE WEEK: Atlanta (5-2) Indianapolis (7-0) NY Jets (2-5) Seattle (5-2)
Last Week 8-6
Overall 57-45
Friday, October 28, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
You wanna know why I love football???
From the USC-Notre Dame epic last week, to the do or die Michigan comebacks last and this week (Sorry JoePa and Captain Kirk) to the Eagles improbable comeback against the Chargers capped by the blocked field goal and touchdown to the Vikings off the canvas rally to win against the Packers. Whats not to love?
Oh yeah the White Sox are headed to their first World Series win in forever. The Sox have gotten damn near every break in the playoffs and when Scott Posednik hits walk off homeruns, you know that destiny is smiling on you Power 5
1) USC (7-0, Last Week 1 defeated Washington 37-17, next vs Washington St.) Reggie Bush making his case for the Heisman, two more patty-cakes for the Trojans before big 3 game end of season stretch.
2) Texas (7-0, 2 defeated Texas Tech 52-17 next vs Baylor)
0-4, 1-3, 0-4. Thats the respective Big 12 records of the Baylor, Kansas and Oklahoma St. the Longhorns next 3 patty-cakes.
3) Virginia Tech (7-0, 3 defeated Maryland 28-9 next vs Boston College) The grade gets a whole lot steeper now, If Hokies dare to dream national title, beating BC and Miami is very neccessary.
4) Georgia (7-0, 4 defeated Arkansas 23-20, next vs Florida at Jacksonville)
Got by Arkansas at a terrible cost, losing stud QB DJ Shockley may hamper chances of beating Florida
5) Alabama (7-0 defeated Tennessee 6-3 next vs Utah St.)
Bama gets a rare mid season out of conference foe to kick around before LSU and Auburn come calling
Teams To Watch
Miami (FL) 5-1 You hear that chuckling in the background? The U has their swagga back and this is a team that no one wants to deal with. UCLA (7-0) Speaking of teams that are getting hard to handle. The Bruins are the best kept secret in their city They could very well be unbeaten when they face their hated in city rival on December 3rd. With all that could shake out in the next five weeks. This could very well determine who goes to the Rose Bowl to face Texas. The Drew and Drew show is for real and USC had better keep a watch on them.
Overrated/Underrated
Overrated
Notre Dame
Everyone is so on the Irish bandwagon, it irks me that they didn't fall in the rankings. The much malinged BCS seems to have gotten it right at least by keeping the Irish out of any kind of thought process of the national championship. What I don't get is why the Irish think just because they have their own network and they can play who they want that it instantly makes them eligible for a national championship even with two losses (remember that loss to Michigan State?)
Underrated
Maurice Drew, RB UCLA
The best back that you've heard little about. And he's probably the third best known back in LA, he only has 605 yards through 7 games but hes a breathtaking RB who is a gamebreaker
Phat Dap/Head Slap
Phat Dap
Minnesota Vikings I know that I have been ignoring them with all of the Love Boat crap going on. But you've got to give them dap for rallying from 17 down to beat the Packers yesterday. The vultures were circling the Metrodome in the 2nd quarter and Vikings owner Zygi Wilf had a couple coaches on speed dial ready to get Mike Tice on a slow boat to nowhere. But the Vikes rallyed and an extra dap to Tice for having the foresight to pocket a timeout late in the 4th quarter despite the pleas from the home crowd as Packer kicker Ryan Longwell prepared to boot a game-tying field goal
Head Slap
Beano Cook Espn.com writer Who the hell is this guy??? I know he was the same idiot who said Ron Pawlus was going to win at least 2 Heisman Trophies. But now he's saying that Notre Dame and Miami will be playing for the national championship next year. Umm I think that there are at least five other teams that will have something to say about that.
From the USC-Notre Dame epic last week, to the do or die Michigan comebacks last and this week (Sorry JoePa and Captain Kirk) to the Eagles improbable comeback against the Chargers capped by the blocked field goal and touchdown to the Vikings off the canvas rally to win against the Packers. Whats not to love?
Oh yeah the White Sox are headed to their first World Series win in forever. The Sox have gotten damn near every break in the playoffs and when Scott Posednik hits walk off homeruns, you know that destiny is smiling on you Power 5
1) USC (7-0, Last Week 1 defeated Washington 37-17, next vs Washington St.) Reggie Bush making his case for the Heisman, two more patty-cakes for the Trojans before big 3 game end of season stretch.
2) Texas (7-0, 2 defeated Texas Tech 52-17 next vs Baylor)
0-4, 1-3, 0-4. Thats the respective Big 12 records of the Baylor, Kansas and Oklahoma St. the Longhorns next 3 patty-cakes.
3) Virginia Tech (7-0, 3 defeated Maryland 28-9 next vs Boston College) The grade gets a whole lot steeper now, If Hokies dare to dream national title, beating BC and Miami is very neccessary.
4) Georgia (7-0, 4 defeated Arkansas 23-20, next vs Florida at Jacksonville)
Got by Arkansas at a terrible cost, losing stud QB DJ Shockley may hamper chances of beating Florida
5) Alabama (7-0 defeated Tennessee 6-3 next vs Utah St.)
Bama gets a rare mid season out of conference foe to kick around before LSU and Auburn come calling
Teams To Watch
Miami (FL) 5-1 You hear that chuckling in the background? The U has their swagga back and this is a team that no one wants to deal with. UCLA (7-0) Speaking of teams that are getting hard to handle. The Bruins are the best kept secret in their city They could very well be unbeaten when they face their hated in city rival on December 3rd. With all that could shake out in the next five weeks. This could very well determine who goes to the Rose Bowl to face Texas. The Drew and Drew show is for real and USC had better keep a watch on them.
Overrated/Underrated
Overrated
Notre Dame
Everyone is so on the Irish bandwagon, it irks me that they didn't fall in the rankings. The much malinged BCS seems to have gotten it right at least by keeping the Irish out of any kind of thought process of the national championship. What I don't get is why the Irish think just because they have their own network and they can play who they want that it instantly makes them eligible for a national championship even with two losses (remember that loss to Michigan State?)
Underrated
Maurice Drew, RB UCLA
The best back that you've heard little about. And he's probably the third best known back in LA, he only has 605 yards through 7 games but hes a breathtaking RB who is a gamebreaker
Phat Dap/Head Slap
Phat Dap
Minnesota Vikings I know that I have been ignoring them with all of the Love Boat crap going on. But you've got to give them dap for rallying from 17 down to beat the Packers yesterday. The vultures were circling the Metrodome in the 2nd quarter and Vikings owner Zygi Wilf had a couple coaches on speed dial ready to get Mike Tice on a slow boat to nowhere. But the Vikes rallyed and an extra dap to Tice for having the foresight to pocket a timeout late in the 4th quarter despite the pleas from the home crowd as Packer kicker Ryan Longwell prepared to boot a game-tying field goal
Head Slap
Beano Cook Espn.com writer Who the hell is this guy??? I know he was the same idiot who said Ron Pawlus was going to win at least 2 Heisman Trophies. But now he's saying that Notre Dame and Miami will be playing for the national championship next year. Umm I think that there are at least five other teams that will have something to say about that.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Week 6 Picks
10-4 is a lot better (though I forgot to change my pick Bills-Jets pick on a couple of my online games and went 9-5. This week has a couple of intrigiung matchups and one huge matchup. There is no Sunday Night Game this week, as the NFL defers to game 2 of the World Series. Before I give you the picks, did you notice that not only did I correctly pick the winners of the respective League Championship Series but also the number of games. I'll have the World Series breakdown Saturday. I'm thinking it'll be astronomically brilliant
Friday, October 21
Kansas City (3-2) @ Miami (2-3)
Dolphins Stadium, Miami-7:00 CBS (locally viewed only in Miami and KC Areas)
Favorite-Dolphins by 1.5
A who's gonna show up on either side. The Fins are an awful Jekyll and Hyde combination and the Chiefs are a crapshoot on who will show up from game to game. I'm going with the team that at least can show some consistency offensively. The Dolphins are still trying to find their sea legs (pun intended) with their running game. The two headed monster that is Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes is too big a hammer to ignore. The Dolphins have a bit of an edge with the game being moved up to avoid a possible clash with Hurricane Wilma, but the Chiefs are good enough to overcome it.
Pick-Kansas City
Sunday, October 23 Detroit (2-3) @ Cleveland (2-3)
Cleveland Browns Stadium-Cleveland-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Browns by 2.5
There is a full fledged players war going on in Motown. Mariucci looks like he wants out and Joey Harrington is headed for the bench. The Browns are the benefactors of it. The Lions are lucky that they are in the NFC North or they would already be talking new coaches and draft picks by now. No one should mistake the Browns for a contender, but they are in much much better shape than the motor city kitties.
Pick-Cleveland
Green Bay (1-4) @ Minnesota (1-4)
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Packers by 2
Two old rivals sqaure off in another chapter of this heated and bitter rivalry. The Vikings are a mess and the Pack are a MASH unit. Someone has to win. I'm going to hate myself for doing this, but I think the fans at the Metrodome will give the Vikings a badly needed pick me up. All Loveboat jokes and Zygi Wulf votes of confidence aside; if the Vikes fall and badly, Mike "Milquetoast" Tice won't coach another game in Minnesota. A bad loss to the Packers would be the last straw.
Pick-Minnesota
Indianapolis (6-0) @ Houston (0-5)
Reliant Stadium, Houston-1:00 CBS Favorite-Colts by 15 This would be a dream for anyone who is still in an eliminator contest, The agitiator in me wants to pick the Texans to spring the stunning upset. The sensible football pragnosticator in me knows better. The Colts are double digit favorites for the third week running and the feeling here is that they will successfully cover that spread for the third week running. As long as Indy doesn't treat this game like a practice they'll have more or less two full weeks of rest and preparation for their showdown with their New England nemesis.
Pick-Indy
New Orleans (2-4) @ St. Louis (2-4)
Edward Jones Dome, St Louis-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Rams by 5.5
The Saints are looking tired and dispirited, they fought back gamely to tie the Falcons and were content to get to OT after a missed field goal. A silly penalty on that play gave the win to the Falcons and the Saints mope on. The Rams are in a world of trouble if Marc Bulger is not a go. Jamie Martin can not trigger that offense the way Bulger did, this game will be a lot closer than one will think. The Rams have the edge in home crowd only. Though the Saints will have their hands full trying to slow down a previous underutilized Stephen Jackson who should thrive in a more balanced offense.
Pick-St. Louis
Pittsburgh (3-2) @ Cincinnati (5-1)
Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Bengals by 3
Steeler fans, used to having their way in the AFC Central and now North are plenty annoyed that the Bengals are not the extra home game they have grown accustomed to. The Bengals bounced back from a tough Sunday Night loss to rally past the Titans on the road. The Steelers will try to establish the running game and grind the clock. The Bengals want to jump on the Steelers early and have their crowd sober the Steelers in the cold realiztion that Paul Brown Stadium is not Pittsburgh west. If the Bengals big play, big strike offense can get a lead early, the Steelers may have to rely on a shaky passing game. This is the Bengals first real legitimacy test. I think that they'll pass...barely
Pick-Cincinnati
San Diego (3-3) @ Philadelphia (3-2)
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Eagles by 3
Another intriguing matchup, both these teams are a lot better than their middling records would show. Look for the Chargers to try to establish the veritale LaDainian Tomlinson early. The Eagles will try to lean on their redoubtable passing game. Both teams have sturdy defenses and it might come down to who makes the most mistakes. The Chargers want to control the clock enough to frustrate the Eagles into a couple of silly mistakes. But I cant see the Chargers making a second cross country flight and beating a team on their own turf. Marty Schottenheimer must have done something to offend the NFL schedule makers. Of their eight road games 5 of them are in the Eastern time zone (New England, Philly, NY Jets Washington and Indy)
Pick- Philly
San Francisco (1-4) @ Washington (3-2)
FedEx Field Landover, MD-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Redskins by 11
The Redskins return to their spacious home after two tough losses in Denver and Kansas City. They get a well needed tonic in a young Niner squad who hasn't scored an offensive touchdown in three weeks. The Skins are the most fearsome offensive squad, but they will find enough holes and put up more points than the Niners could dream of scoring. Pick-Washington
Dallas (4-2) @ Seattle (4-2)
Qwest Field, Seatlle-4:05 FOX
Favorite-Seahawks by 3
The Pokes are riding high after their slug it out win over the Giants. The Seahwaks are equally as high after a primetime thrashing of an badly overmatched Texans squad. The Cowboys would like nothing more than another low scoring grind it out game. The Seahawks can run but they are the ones that are trying to dictate the tempo. Some say my blind hatred of Tuna clouds my pick, but I just don't think that the Cowboys are that good.
Pick-Seattle
Baltimore (2-3) @ Chicago (2-3)
Soldier Field, Chicago-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Bears by 1 Why is this a late game??? The NFL would be better suited in changing this to an early game and switching the Cincinnati/Pittsburgh game to a 4:15 game. Neither of these teams are worth late day coverage. I think the Bears are better, but not by much. The Ravens have enough of a ground game to wear the young Bears out though. This game will put you to sleep in a hurry.
Pick-Baltimore
Buffalo (3-3) @ Oakland (1-4)
Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Raiders by 3 The Bills are finding some direction with Kelly Holcomb at the helm. Mike Mularkey is no dummy, seeing that the Bills have responded enthusiatically to Holcomb's leadership. That bodes ill for a Radiers team that gives up points in bunches and with a slowed Randy Moss cannot hope to stretch the field. The immobile Kerry Collins had better take plenty of pain pills as the roughneck Bills defense will be in close quarters all day. I am amazed that the Raiders are still favored even with Randy Moss a likely no-go.
Pick-Buffalo
Denver (5-1) @ NY Giants (3-2)
Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Giants by 1.5 The Broncos win games ugly, but their Miami meltdown aside have looked very strong, The Giants have yet to beat a real squad. The Chargers and Cowboys exposed their flaws and Eli Manning will not get the time in the pocket he needs. The Broncos will sit quietly and wait for Manning to make a mistake. Jake Plummer while nowhere close to the Elway mold, does enough to keep his team in games and stays away from the mistakes. Look for the Broncos multi-head running game to dictate the tempo and frustrate the Giants into trying to force things.
Pick-Denver
Tennessee (2-4) @ Arizona (1-4)
Sun Devil Stadium Tempe AZ-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Cardinals by 3
This is a boring game and you can bet that the good people in Arizona could care less about the Cards usual slow start. The Titans are better than their record and will prove it quickly. There are spin doctors that would have you beleive that the Cards are improving and that their pass game will give the Titans fits. I would believe that if the Cards had a real QB, they don't and they won't
Pick-Tennessee
Monday, October 24
NY Jets (2-4) @ Atlanta (4-2)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta-9:00 ABC
Favorite-Falcons by 7
On paper this is a mismatch. The Jets are relying on Vinny Vida Vica to lead them to wins. All the Falcons hard hitting defense has to do is load the box and wait for the Jets to try to throw, a fact made even harder with Vinny's blindside lineman Kevin Mawae out. Atlanta's running game will give the Jets trouble from the word go. Oh and did anyone mention that Michael Vick is healthy again???
Pick-Atlanta
Last Week 10-4
Overall 49-39 (This total is lower in my pick 'em group, because I change picks on Saturday for my blog post)
Friday, October 21
Kansas City (3-2) @ Miami (2-3)
Dolphins Stadium, Miami-7:00 CBS (locally viewed only in Miami and KC Areas)
Favorite-Dolphins by 1.5
A who's gonna show up on either side. The Fins are an awful Jekyll and Hyde combination and the Chiefs are a crapshoot on who will show up from game to game. I'm going with the team that at least can show some consistency offensively. The Dolphins are still trying to find their sea legs (pun intended) with their running game. The two headed monster that is Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes is too big a hammer to ignore. The Dolphins have a bit of an edge with the game being moved up to avoid a possible clash with Hurricane Wilma, but the Chiefs are good enough to overcome it.
Pick-Kansas City
Sunday, October 23 Detroit (2-3) @ Cleveland (2-3)
Cleveland Browns Stadium-Cleveland-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Browns by 2.5
There is a full fledged players war going on in Motown. Mariucci looks like he wants out and Joey Harrington is headed for the bench. The Browns are the benefactors of it. The Lions are lucky that they are in the NFC North or they would already be talking new coaches and draft picks by now. No one should mistake the Browns for a contender, but they are in much much better shape than the motor city kitties.
Pick-Cleveland
Green Bay (1-4) @ Minnesota (1-4)
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Packers by 2
Two old rivals sqaure off in another chapter of this heated and bitter rivalry. The Vikings are a mess and the Pack are a MASH unit. Someone has to win. I'm going to hate myself for doing this, but I think the fans at the Metrodome will give the Vikings a badly needed pick me up. All Loveboat jokes and Zygi Wulf votes of confidence aside; if the Vikes fall and badly, Mike "Milquetoast" Tice won't coach another game in Minnesota. A bad loss to the Packers would be the last straw.
Pick-Minnesota
Indianapolis (6-0) @ Houston (0-5)
Reliant Stadium, Houston-1:00 CBS Favorite-Colts by 15 This would be a dream for anyone who is still in an eliminator contest, The agitiator in me wants to pick the Texans to spring the stunning upset. The sensible football pragnosticator in me knows better. The Colts are double digit favorites for the third week running and the feeling here is that they will successfully cover that spread for the third week running. As long as Indy doesn't treat this game like a practice they'll have more or less two full weeks of rest and preparation for their showdown with their New England nemesis.
Pick-Indy
New Orleans (2-4) @ St. Louis (2-4)
Edward Jones Dome, St Louis-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Rams by 5.5
The Saints are looking tired and dispirited, they fought back gamely to tie the Falcons and were content to get to OT after a missed field goal. A silly penalty on that play gave the win to the Falcons and the Saints mope on. The Rams are in a world of trouble if Marc Bulger is not a go. Jamie Martin can not trigger that offense the way Bulger did, this game will be a lot closer than one will think. The Rams have the edge in home crowd only. Though the Saints will have their hands full trying to slow down a previous underutilized Stephen Jackson who should thrive in a more balanced offense.
Pick-St. Louis
Pittsburgh (3-2) @ Cincinnati (5-1)
Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Bengals by 3
Steeler fans, used to having their way in the AFC Central and now North are plenty annoyed that the Bengals are not the extra home game they have grown accustomed to. The Bengals bounced back from a tough Sunday Night loss to rally past the Titans on the road. The Steelers will try to establish the running game and grind the clock. The Bengals want to jump on the Steelers early and have their crowd sober the Steelers in the cold realiztion that Paul Brown Stadium is not Pittsburgh west. If the Bengals big play, big strike offense can get a lead early, the Steelers may have to rely on a shaky passing game. This is the Bengals first real legitimacy test. I think that they'll pass...barely
Pick-Cincinnati
San Diego (3-3) @ Philadelphia (3-2)
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Eagles by 3
Another intriguing matchup, both these teams are a lot better than their middling records would show. Look for the Chargers to try to establish the veritale LaDainian Tomlinson early. The Eagles will try to lean on their redoubtable passing game. Both teams have sturdy defenses and it might come down to who makes the most mistakes. The Chargers want to control the clock enough to frustrate the Eagles into a couple of silly mistakes. But I cant see the Chargers making a second cross country flight and beating a team on their own turf. Marty Schottenheimer must have done something to offend the NFL schedule makers. Of their eight road games 5 of them are in the Eastern time zone (New England, Philly, NY Jets Washington and Indy)
Pick- Philly
San Francisco (1-4) @ Washington (3-2)
FedEx Field Landover, MD-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Redskins by 11
The Redskins return to their spacious home after two tough losses in Denver and Kansas City. They get a well needed tonic in a young Niner squad who hasn't scored an offensive touchdown in three weeks. The Skins are the most fearsome offensive squad, but they will find enough holes and put up more points than the Niners could dream of scoring. Pick-Washington
Dallas (4-2) @ Seattle (4-2)
Qwest Field, Seatlle-4:05 FOX
Favorite-Seahawks by 3
The Pokes are riding high after their slug it out win over the Giants. The Seahwaks are equally as high after a primetime thrashing of an badly overmatched Texans squad. The Cowboys would like nothing more than another low scoring grind it out game. The Seahawks can run but they are the ones that are trying to dictate the tempo. Some say my blind hatred of Tuna clouds my pick, but I just don't think that the Cowboys are that good.
Pick-Seattle
Baltimore (2-3) @ Chicago (2-3)
Soldier Field, Chicago-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Bears by 1 Why is this a late game??? The NFL would be better suited in changing this to an early game and switching the Cincinnati/Pittsburgh game to a 4:15 game. Neither of these teams are worth late day coverage. I think the Bears are better, but not by much. The Ravens have enough of a ground game to wear the young Bears out though. This game will put you to sleep in a hurry.
Pick-Baltimore
Buffalo (3-3) @ Oakland (1-4)
Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Raiders by 3 The Bills are finding some direction with Kelly Holcomb at the helm. Mike Mularkey is no dummy, seeing that the Bills have responded enthusiatically to Holcomb's leadership. That bodes ill for a Radiers team that gives up points in bunches and with a slowed Randy Moss cannot hope to stretch the field. The immobile Kerry Collins had better take plenty of pain pills as the roughneck Bills defense will be in close quarters all day. I am amazed that the Raiders are still favored even with Randy Moss a likely no-go.
Pick-Buffalo
Denver (5-1) @ NY Giants (3-2)
Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Giants by 1.5 The Broncos win games ugly, but their Miami meltdown aside have looked very strong, The Giants have yet to beat a real squad. The Chargers and Cowboys exposed their flaws and Eli Manning will not get the time in the pocket he needs. The Broncos will sit quietly and wait for Manning to make a mistake. Jake Plummer while nowhere close to the Elway mold, does enough to keep his team in games and stays away from the mistakes. Look for the Broncos multi-head running game to dictate the tempo and frustrate the Giants into trying to force things.
Pick-Denver
Tennessee (2-4) @ Arizona (1-4)
Sun Devil Stadium Tempe AZ-4:15 CBS
Favorite-Cardinals by 3
This is a boring game and you can bet that the good people in Arizona could care less about the Cards usual slow start. The Titans are better than their record and will prove it quickly. There are spin doctors that would have you beleive that the Cards are improving and that their pass game will give the Titans fits. I would believe that if the Cards had a real QB, they don't and they won't
Pick-Tennessee
Monday, October 24
NY Jets (2-4) @ Atlanta (4-2)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta-9:00 ABC
Favorite-Falcons by 7
On paper this is a mismatch. The Jets are relying on Vinny Vida Vica to lead them to wins. All the Falcons hard hitting defense has to do is load the box and wait for the Jets to try to throw, a fact made even harder with Vinny's blindside lineman Kevin Mawae out. Atlanta's running game will give the Jets trouble from the word go. Oh and did anyone mention that Michael Vick is healthy again???
Pick-Atlanta
Last Week 10-4
Overall 49-39 (This total is lower in my pick 'em group, because I change picks on Saturday for my blog post)
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
The Astros had better get it done tonight. Even with Roger Clemens on standby for a do or die game 7, you never can tell. It would be sad that consumate pros like Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman and Jeff Bagwell would not get into a World Series.
Now it all comes out how cheap former Vikings owner Red McCombs was. He had the most barebones staff in the NFL and was just out to make a buck. Poor Zygi Wulf inherited a mess and it will take a good while to clean it up.
The NBA is instiuting a dress code. I think its stupid. If you've ever priced some of the throwbacks that you see some of the players wearing, you'd know that they are as expensive as suits. I think that they should wear suits if they are on the bench, injured or not playing. But going to and from the arena and no headphones on is silly. The NBA wants to keep its snooty clientele who sit courtside comfortable. The hip-hop image of the players frightens them and NBA commish David Stern is very sensitive to this. If I was in the NBA (I actually declared myself eligible for the NBA Draft in 1993, but thats another story) I would wear suits all the time. But thats personal preference, I like suits but I also have a number of jerseys that I like to wear and I believe in choice. I despise the draconian way that Stern puts it. That if they won't abide by the dress code that they will not play. Lets see that fly with the players union or better still an owner who loses a star player. Stay Tuned...
As promised, though a day late here is the College Power 5, with changes in the last two
1) USC (6-0, last week 1 beat Notre Dame 34-31, next at Washington) For all those that say they barely won, remember that the Trojans won and thats all you need to know. SC has no real test till Cal in 3 weeks
2) Texas (6-0, 2 beat Colorado 42-17, next vs Texas Tech )
Horns dropped 21 on the Buffs in the 2nd and they folded, The Red Raiders can score and Horns had better be careful
3) Virginia Tech (6-0, 3 idle, next at Maryland 10/20)
The Hokies sit and bide their time as a tangle with a Terrapin on the docket looms Thursday
4) Georgia (6-0, 5 beat Vanderbilt 34-17, next vs Arkansas)
Dawgs steadily pulled away from a decent Vanderbilt and get a patty-cake game against sad sack Razorbacks before the Cocktail party vs Florida
5) Alabama (6-0, NR beat Ole Miss 13-10, next vs Tennessee)
Tide escapes with a win, if they play as bad next week, Vols will run them ragged
Dropped out Florida State (5-1, 4 lost at Virginia 26-21)
Once every 10 years the Noles go to Charlottesville and get beat, and they have no one to blame but themselves for it
Team to Watch: Miami (5-1 beat Temple 34-3 next at GA Tech) Kyle Wright threw 4 TD's in 19 minutes against a badly overmatched Temple team...yikes. After a loss to Fla. State and shootout win over Clemson, the Canes have given up 20 points total in the last 4 games...double yikes
And now a new feature. Overrated/Underrated and Head Slap/Phat Dap
Overrated
Elvis Dumeril-Louisville
The supposed all-world lineman was held to 1/2 sack in Louisville's 46-44 loss to West Va. If you are supposed to be all that, why did you do so little when the game was on the line?
Underrated
West Virginia
The Mountaineers get no kind of respect in their own conference, never mind that they have shared the Big East Conference title the last two years, they had to hear all about how the great Louisville was coming in and running things. They dealt a nice "not so fast" to the Cards and all but ended their BCS bid hopes.
Head Slap
To Minnesota punter Justin Kucek who after bobbling the punt snap in a critical series against Wisconsin tried to punt the ball and promptly had it blocked. The Badgers fell on the ball in the end zone and stole the game.Even though he is a freshman, he should have known how to handle an emergency.
Phat Daps
Matt Leinart/Albert Pujols Lineart for having the brass balls to go for broke in an equally critcal 4th and Pujols who seems to come through in the clutch when the Cards need him. I'll never be mistaken for a Cardinals fan, but Pujols is one of my favorites.
Now it all comes out how cheap former Vikings owner Red McCombs was. He had the most barebones staff in the NFL and was just out to make a buck. Poor Zygi Wulf inherited a mess and it will take a good while to clean it up.
The NBA is instiuting a dress code. I think its stupid. If you've ever priced some of the throwbacks that you see some of the players wearing, you'd know that they are as expensive as suits. I think that they should wear suits if they are on the bench, injured or not playing. But going to and from the arena and no headphones on is silly. The NBA wants to keep its snooty clientele who sit courtside comfortable. The hip-hop image of the players frightens them and NBA commish David Stern is very sensitive to this. If I was in the NBA (I actually declared myself eligible for the NBA Draft in 1993, but thats another story) I would wear suits all the time. But thats personal preference, I like suits but I also have a number of jerseys that I like to wear and I believe in choice. I despise the draconian way that Stern puts it. That if they won't abide by the dress code that they will not play. Lets see that fly with the players union or better still an owner who loses a star player. Stay Tuned...
As promised, though a day late here is the College Power 5, with changes in the last two
1) USC (6-0, last week 1 beat Notre Dame 34-31, next at Washington) For all those that say they barely won, remember that the Trojans won and thats all you need to know. SC has no real test till Cal in 3 weeks
2) Texas (6-0, 2 beat Colorado 42-17, next vs Texas Tech )
Horns dropped 21 on the Buffs in the 2nd and they folded, The Red Raiders can score and Horns had better be careful
3) Virginia Tech (6-0, 3 idle, next at Maryland 10/20)
The Hokies sit and bide their time as a tangle with a Terrapin on the docket looms Thursday
4) Georgia (6-0, 5 beat Vanderbilt 34-17, next vs Arkansas)
Dawgs steadily pulled away from a decent Vanderbilt and get a patty-cake game against sad sack Razorbacks before the Cocktail party vs Florida
5) Alabama (6-0, NR beat Ole Miss 13-10, next vs Tennessee)
Tide escapes with a win, if they play as bad next week, Vols will run them ragged
Dropped out Florida State (5-1, 4 lost at Virginia 26-21)
Once every 10 years the Noles go to Charlottesville and get beat, and they have no one to blame but themselves for it
Team to Watch: Miami (5-1 beat Temple 34-3 next at GA Tech) Kyle Wright threw 4 TD's in 19 minutes against a badly overmatched Temple team...yikes. After a loss to Fla. State and shootout win over Clemson, the Canes have given up 20 points total in the last 4 games...double yikes
And now a new feature. Overrated/Underrated and Head Slap/Phat Dap
Overrated
Elvis Dumeril-Louisville
The supposed all-world lineman was held to 1/2 sack in Louisville's 46-44 loss to West Va. If you are supposed to be all that, why did you do so little when the game was on the line?
Underrated
West Virginia
The Mountaineers get no kind of respect in their own conference, never mind that they have shared the Big East Conference title the last two years, they had to hear all about how the great Louisville was coming in and running things. They dealt a nice "not so fast" to the Cards and all but ended their BCS bid hopes.
Head Slap
To Minnesota punter Justin Kucek who after bobbling the punt snap in a critical series against Wisconsin tried to punt the ball and promptly had it blocked. The Badgers fell on the ball in the end zone and stole the game.Even though he is a freshman, he should have known how to handle an emergency.
Phat Daps
Matt Leinart/Albert Pujols Lineart for having the brass balls to go for broke in an equally critcal 4th and Pujols who seems to come through in the clutch when the Cards need him. I'll never be mistaken for a Cardinals fan, but Pujols is one of my favorites.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Not So Fast Irish...
Shake down the thund...ooops
Notre Dame fans were so full of themselves Saturday. In the 4th Quarter of the epic game vs USC. Matt Leinart gets sacked at the 15 and NBC cuts to the shot of Charlie Weis whom Golden Domers were about to apply sainthood status, celebrating. Notre Damers were talking noise en masse at that point.
"We're back!"
"National Championship comes through South Bend like it should be."
"We're going to a BCS bowl, if not play for a national championship this year."
"We beat #1 teams all the time."
"Its our destiny."
And as USC faced a 4th and 9 from its own 27. Matt Leinart flipped the script, boldly audibilzing and going to his roommate Dwayne Jarrett with a on point fade pass that Jarrett scampered 61 yards to the Irish 10, but the drama wasn't done two plays later and with 14 ticks on the clock, Leinart rolled out of the pocket under pressure and tried to get to the end zone. He dived and it seemed that the Irish had held up and kept him out of the end zone. Some jubilant Irish fans stormed the field and Charlie Weis looked as if he thought the game was over, nevermind the refs frantically waving their arms over their heads beacuse a Notre Dame player had hit Leinart and he fumbled the ball out of bounds . A clear sign that the clock should be stopped. When order was restored, the Trojans had the ball at the 1 and Pete Carroll went balls to the wall by having Leinart make the choice. Spike the ball and get the field goal unit out for a chip shot to go to OT or run a play with the high risk of it getting stopped. Lineart asked his running back Reggie Bush if they should go for it, he said yes and after Lineart wormed into the end zone for the winning score (And for all those haters that ragged on Leinart about the ballroom dnacing class that he is taking, maybe it is good for something) and was asked if Bush had said to not go for it what he would have done Leinart cooly said he would have went for it anyway. What a game The Irish did what they needed to do, controlling the clock with a punishing running game and Brady Quinn is a beast at QB. But USC is on a different level and they showed why they are still the team to measure up against. For all the talk saying "Oh USC isn't that good, they can be beat." Notre Dame didn't do it Saturday. Close don't count.
Saturday was full of down to the wire games. I was switching back and forth between the USC-Notre Dame epic and the thriller in Ann Arbor where Michigan rallied to beat heretofore unbeaten Penn State. Chad Henne's TD pass with no time remaining gave the Wolverines a badly needed win. They may not win the Big 10 this year, but they will have something to say about who does. Minnesota should hang their heads in shame after blowing a 10 point lead with less than 2 minutes to play against Wisconsin. The Badger scored, and a personal foul added 15 yards to the kickoff. The Badgers failed in the onside kick attempt but forced the Gophers to 3 and out. The punter botches the snap and up three should have run out of the end zone as the Gophers were on their 10. He tried to kick instead it got blocked, The Badgers pounced on the loose ball in the end zone and what should have been a win for the Gophers turned into a loss and a miracle for the Badgers...shameful
Quiet is kept, but the so-callled too young to compete in the Big East Cincinnati Bearcats are ahead of supposedly superior Louisville who took their 2nd Big East loss to West Virginia (That is gonna be a doozy of a rivalry) The Cards come to Cincy and a repeat of the 70-7 laugher from last year on better UC squad might happen again in front of a sullen Nippert Stadium crowd to a much poorer football team. Too bad. The Vikings are a joke and will not be further mentioned in this space until Mike Milquetoast Tice is removed as head coach.
The White Sox (I still think they Suck) are going to their 1st World Series since 1959. They won the ALCS with 4 complete games in a row. That is obscene. Some teams dont put up 4 complete games in a season. The Sox did it in a weeks time. If they face off against the Astros who are looking to get into the franchise's first World Series and are up 3-1 on the suddenly punchless Cardinals. This will mark the 4th time that Tony LaRussa has guided a team to 100+ victories and he has zero World Series titles and even worse only one game win in those seasons. I wrote a few weeks ago how overrated LaRussa was and how he boo-booed on himself at crunch time. Ill add this caveat, He has managed three teams and have had 95+ wins with each of these teams, (99 with the '83 White Sox, 104 in '88, 99 in '89, 103 in '90, and 95 in '92 with the A's and 95 in 2000, 97 in 2002, 105 last year and 100 this year with the Cards.) With 1 World Series win to show for it Say it with me...O-ver-rat-ed!!! College Power 5 comes tommorrow...wanna take a guess on who's still on top???
Notre Dame fans were so full of themselves Saturday. In the 4th Quarter of the epic game vs USC. Matt Leinart gets sacked at the 15 and NBC cuts to the shot of Charlie Weis whom Golden Domers were about to apply sainthood status, celebrating. Notre Damers were talking noise en masse at that point.
"We're back!"
"National Championship comes through South Bend like it should be."
"We're going to a BCS bowl, if not play for a national championship this year."
"We beat #1 teams all the time."
"Its our destiny."
And as USC faced a 4th and 9 from its own 27. Matt Leinart flipped the script, boldly audibilzing and going to his roommate Dwayne Jarrett with a on point fade pass that Jarrett scampered 61 yards to the Irish 10, but the drama wasn't done two plays later and with 14 ticks on the clock, Leinart rolled out of the pocket under pressure and tried to get to the end zone. He dived and it seemed that the Irish had held up and kept him out of the end zone. Some jubilant Irish fans stormed the field and Charlie Weis looked as if he thought the game was over, nevermind the refs frantically waving their arms over their heads beacuse a Notre Dame player had hit Leinart and he fumbled the ball out of bounds . A clear sign that the clock should be stopped. When order was restored, the Trojans had the ball at the 1 and Pete Carroll went balls to the wall by having Leinart make the choice. Spike the ball and get the field goal unit out for a chip shot to go to OT or run a play with the high risk of it getting stopped. Lineart asked his running back Reggie Bush if they should go for it, he said yes and after Lineart wormed into the end zone for the winning score (And for all those haters that ragged on Leinart about the ballroom dnacing class that he is taking, maybe it is good for something) and was asked if Bush had said to not go for it what he would have done Leinart cooly said he would have went for it anyway. What a game The Irish did what they needed to do, controlling the clock with a punishing running game and Brady Quinn is a beast at QB. But USC is on a different level and they showed why they are still the team to measure up against. For all the talk saying "Oh USC isn't that good, they can be beat." Notre Dame didn't do it Saturday. Close don't count.
Saturday was full of down to the wire games. I was switching back and forth between the USC-Notre Dame epic and the thriller in Ann Arbor where Michigan rallied to beat heretofore unbeaten Penn State. Chad Henne's TD pass with no time remaining gave the Wolverines a badly needed win. They may not win the Big 10 this year, but they will have something to say about who does. Minnesota should hang their heads in shame after blowing a 10 point lead with less than 2 minutes to play against Wisconsin. The Badger scored, and a personal foul added 15 yards to the kickoff. The Badgers failed in the onside kick attempt but forced the Gophers to 3 and out. The punter botches the snap and up three should have run out of the end zone as the Gophers were on their 10. He tried to kick instead it got blocked, The Badgers pounced on the loose ball in the end zone and what should have been a win for the Gophers turned into a loss and a miracle for the Badgers...shameful
Quiet is kept, but the so-callled too young to compete in the Big East Cincinnati Bearcats are ahead of supposedly superior Louisville who took their 2nd Big East loss to West Virginia (That is gonna be a doozy of a rivalry) The Cards come to Cincy and a repeat of the 70-7 laugher from last year on better UC squad might happen again in front of a sullen Nippert Stadium crowd to a much poorer football team. Too bad. The Vikings are a joke and will not be further mentioned in this space until Mike Milquetoast Tice is removed as head coach.
The White Sox (I still think they Suck) are going to their 1st World Series since 1959. They won the ALCS with 4 complete games in a row. That is obscene. Some teams dont put up 4 complete games in a season. The Sox did it in a weeks time. If they face off against the Astros who are looking to get into the franchise's first World Series and are up 3-1 on the suddenly punchless Cardinals. This will mark the 4th time that Tony LaRussa has guided a team to 100+ victories and he has zero World Series titles and even worse only one game win in those seasons. I wrote a few weeks ago how overrated LaRussa was and how he boo-booed on himself at crunch time. Ill add this caveat, He has managed three teams and have had 95+ wins with each of these teams, (99 with the '83 White Sox, 104 in '88, 99 in '89, 103 in '90, and 95 in '92 with the A's and 95 in 2000, 97 in 2002, 105 last year and 100 this year with the Cards.) With 1 World Series win to show for it Say it with me...O-ver-rat-ed!!! College Power 5 comes tommorrow...wanna take a guess on who's still on top???
Friday, October 14, 2005
Week 5 Picks
Mama said there would be days like this. I'm a logical person and figured that there are some truism in the NFL, but Jerry Glanville was on the money when said it stood for Not For Long. Playing the way some of my picks played, I was lucky to get the 4 right that I did. Some of them like Cincy (due for a loss) and Houston (trying to think outside the box) I should have known better, but no one in their right mind thought that Philly would get kicked in the head like they did or that Vinny would make like Lazarus and boost the Jets. There were too many tossups last week and I came down on the wrong side of Sunday, October 16 Atlanta (3-2) @ New Orleans (2-3) Alamodome-San Antonio, TX- 1:00 FOX Favorite-Falcons by 5.5 The Saints wandering road show heads "home" to face an Atlanta team that took the Pats to the wire. The Saints are looking more and more weary week by week, not a good sign with a Falcons team not wanting to let Tampa Bay out of their sights in the NFC South Pick Atlanta Carolina (3-2) @ Detroit (2-2) Ford Field, Detroit-1:00 FOX Favorite-Lions by 1 The Lions were the beneficiary of an undisciplined Ravens team that imploded last week. They won't get that lucky twice, especially against a strong Carolina team, eager to make hay against the softer teams before having to tangle with their stronger NFC South bretheren Pick-Carolina Cincinnati (4-1) @ Tennessee (2-3) The Colliseum, Nashville-1:00 CBS Favorite-Bengals by 3 The media has deserted the Bengals faster than the Iraqis facing the US Army. Yes the men in stripes are vunerable against teams with strong running games, but they should bounce back to whip a Titans team struggling to find its identity. The Bengals have found theirs and will have their swagger back by days end Pick-Cincinnati Cleveland (2-2) @ Baltimore (1-3) M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore-1:00 CBS Favorite-Ravens by 6 The swagger and bravado that the Ravens used have is gone. Ray Lewis is not the force he used to be and the Ravens secondary looks (and when speaking of Deion Sanders is) old. That simply won't do against a rapidly improving Browns team eager to kick their longtime divisional bully when they're down. Is that seat getting any hotter Mr. Billick? I have the feeling that he will be coaching another team in purple next year. Pick-Cleveland Jacksonville (3-2) @ Pittsburgh (3-1) Heinz Field, Pittsburgh-1:00 CBS Favorite-Steelers by 8 The Jags are feeling their oats after a fine national TV showing against a good Bengals squad but the degree of difficulty increases exponentially against a rugged Steeler squad. No Big Ben? No problemo say the Steelers who are more than happy to hand the ball off to Willie Parker, Jerome Bettis and the rest of their hardcore running game. As long as Charlie Batch doesn't try to be a hero the Steelers will wear the younger Jags down. Pick-Pittsburgh Miami (2-2) @ Tampa Bay (4-1) Raymond James Stadium, Tampa-1:00 CBS Favorite-Bucs by 4.5 The Dolphins and Bucs look to wipe the egg off their faces after lackluster showings in New York/New Jersey. If the Bucs have a hale Cadillac they'll run the Fins ragged. If not, the Dolphins deep backfield could carry the day. A game too close to call will go to the home team Pick-Tampa Bay Minnesota (1-3) @ Chicago (1-3) Soldier Field, Chicago-1:00 FOX Favorite-Bears by 3 As a Vikings fan I'm embarrassed about this team's conduct off the field and its play on it is as equally shameful. A weeks worth of distractions to the Vikes will be a big boost to a young Bears squad looking to gain momentunm and tracton in the woefully weak NFC North. I'll be happy if I'm wrong but considering the absolute brain meltdown the Vikes have had. I probably won't be. Pick-Chicago NY Giants (3-1) @ Dallas (3-2) Texas Stadium, Irving TX-1:00 FOX Favorite-Cowboys by 3.5 Which team is the real deal? The Pokes made the Eagles look one dimensional and the G-Men are looking like a contender with a strong opening quarter season. I think the 'Boys are nowhere near as good as their record suggests and Eli Manning will continue to shed his title of "the other Manning." Pick-NY Giants Washington (3-1) @ Kansas City (2-2) Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City, MO-1:00 FOX Favorite-Chiefs by 3.5 The Chiefs have had almost two weeks to stew over a fall from ahead loss to Philly. Pity the poor young Redskins fresh off a valiant effort in Denver last week. The comedown for the Skins will be as steep as the drop from Denver to KC Pick-Kansas City New England (3-2) @ Denver (4-1) Invesco Field @ Mile High-4:15 CBS Favorite-Broncos by 3.5 Week 6's best matchup has a wounded but still very dangerous Patriot squad in Denver taking on a resurgent Broncos team eager to measure itself against the leagues best. Bill Belichick must wonder what he did do deserve a death march like this Pittsburgh, Atlanta and now Denver all on the road. In another tight, taut match look for the Pats to keep it close for Tom Brady and Adam Vinatieri to once again prove why they are the best clutch performers in the NFL Pick-New England NY Jets (2-3) @ Buffalo (2-3) Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park, NY-4:15 CBS Favorite- Bills by 3.5 Both of these teams are coming off of solid if unspectacular wins over Florida teams. Look for a low scoring game, not due to the capable defenses that both teams bring, but the inept offenses that both teams have, Vinny will teach JP how to make the most of what little you have and steal a road victory. Herm Edwards will be further off the hot seat with a win. Pick-NY Jets San Diego (2-3) @ Oakland (1-3) Network Associates Colliseum, Oakland-4:15 CBS Favorite-Chargers by 2 Trust and believe that the Chargers are a whole hell of a lot better than their 2-3 record would indicate. Despite the disparity in recovery time (San Diego losing a tough one on Monday Night, Oakland having its bye week.) the Chargers are clearly the stronger team. Look for the Raiders to keep it close as they have done all season, but LT will be too much for Raider Nation to fend off. Pick- San Diego Houston (0-4) @ Seattle (3-2) Qwest Field, Seattle-8:30 ESPN Favorite-Seahawks by 9 Am I the only one annoyed that the Texans who are rapidly turning in to what the bad old days Bungles used to look like have as many prime time dates as the Bengals who are the more exciting team? Seattle needs no real incentive to build off its cornerstone win over their hated rival/bully last week. They can take real control of the NFC West with a win and will do so with only the lightest of efforts. Pick-Seattle Monday, October 17 St. Louis (2-3) @ Indianapolis (5-0) RCA Dome, Indianapolis-9:00 ABC Favorite-Colts by 13 When this schedule was made, it looked like a primo matchup. Now it looks like a rout waiting to happen. The Rams dispirited after a tough loss at home to what they regarded as a weak rival have to deal with the Colts lockdown D and an offense that looks to be hitting its stride after an slow start. The Colts have given up an average of 5.3 points a game... not yards per rush, points per. The Rams are giving up an average of 29.6 per game. The Rams better have their track shoes ready, they'll be running from the Colts D and running after their O.
Pick-Indy
Last Week 4-10 (Hey everyone is entitled to a boo-boo week)
Season 39-36
Pick-Indy
Last Week 4-10 (Hey everyone is entitled to a boo-boo week)
Season 39-36
Friday, October 07, 2005
On Wallets, Money Games and Loose Lips
Theres something to be said about kindness. If you've ever lost a wallet or purse, you're grateful to the person who returns it. I have lost wallets numerous times and everytime I see Jerry Springer, I think about how I lost my wallet at the theater watching Ringmaster. (Don't ask) In any case Trevor Hoffman the closer for the Padres didn't realize that he had lost his wallet until one of the umps working the game came to him with it. Hoffman took a taxi to Busch Stadium for Tuesday's opener of their divisional playoff with the Cards. He got out of the taxi and left his wallet. It turned out Ump Ed Montague was the next person to take the cab that Hoffman was riding in and found his wallet. Hoffman was going to send him some cash as a thank you, but thought he might be trying to buy off an ump. Thats sad, it was just person to person saying thanks, but he couldn't really express it the way he wanted to. Hockey's back, does anyone really care? I like Hockey for the record, but its been better than a year since there was a meaningful hockey game. Quick tell me who the defending Stanley Cup Champs are??? No one outside of Canada and some northern tier states follow hockey with a real fervor. The changes that the NHL made asthetically and financially make sense and will undoubtedly help the game in the long run, but a full season lost has done massive damage to the game as well as having a number of great players leave the game without getting a proper farewell. Names like Mark Messier, Al McInnis and Scott Stevens all retired during the protacted work stoppage. And the Tampa Bay Lightning have had possession of the Stanley Cup since beating the Calgary Flames in the 2004 finals. Which means in the last 12 seasons since a team from Canada won the Stanley Cup and Calgary was the first team from Canada since the Habs won that same cup to get to the final. And still America could care less. I will be interested in seeing if the new rule changes will open up the game. The ageless Mario Lemieux gets to teach young phenom Sidney Crosby the ropes, but you know Super Mario will get his. Wayne Gretzky will be behind the bench in Phoenix wishing he could play with these liberalized rules. Oh and the Tampa Bay Lightning are the defending their Stanley Cup that they won in June of 2004
The Red River Shootout is this weekend and the Texas-Oklahoma is the big game on everyones mind. I checked the ESPN web site and saw the sportsnation poll posing the question of who would win Saturday's game 49 of the 50 states picked Texas and Oklahoma pick of their own school was close. This game will be close, but I look for Texas to win.
The Georgia Tennessee game is this weekend too and should be a good'un as well
Does anyone think that Kobe will really listen to the Zen Master and share the ball??? If you do, I have some oceanfront property in Kansas and a bridge you might be interested in. Kobe is interested only in his stats and knowing that he is top dog in La-La Land. It doesn't matter Kwame Brown ain't Shaq and ain't even close. Lamar Odom is servicable but ain't a everynight threat to score. The Lake Show running the triangle is a laughable proposition at best. Phil Jax will wonder why he didn't take the Knicks job 'round February. No one fears the Lake Sho' No Mo.
John Feinstein, an author of whos works whom I greatly admire including A Season On The Brink and A March To Madness, uttered a profanity during the Navy-Duke game this past weekend. He pulled himself off of the air apologized and even offered his resignation to the Naval Academy broadacsting group. The resignation was rejected and Feinstein was allowed to keep his position. Feinstein is a class act and he did the right thing in offering his resignation with his apologies. He let the broadcasting group make the decision to keep him which they rightfully did. A person should not be punished draconally for a moment of stupidity. Being a former broadcaster myself I know how hard it is to always keep it clean. The problem with some color commentator espcecially with those affiliated with a school is they tend to act like fans. They may give expert analysis, but they sometimes react emotionally. One recalls Chuck Machock the color analysis for University of Cincinnati Basketball radio broadcasts getting the heave-ho from UC's 1st round NCAA loss to Gonzaga in 2003 for critical comments he made about the offiicals within earshot of a rabbit-eared ref. I can remember the strident "No sir!" Machock uttered as he was quizzed by the ref who threw him out. It was a tense situation to say the least. In a related note it will be interesting to see if the color analysts for UC basketball, Machock on the radio and former UC point guard Anthony Buford on TV will continue their roles now that their mentor has been fired. Machock was a former assisstant to Huggins, Buford played point guard on Huggins' 1992 final four team. Both are decent analysts, but both were big Huggins backers. The Weekend football preview comes tommorrow
The Red River Shootout is this weekend and the Texas-Oklahoma is the big game on everyones mind. I checked the ESPN web site and saw the sportsnation poll posing the question of who would win Saturday's game 49 of the 50 states picked Texas and Oklahoma pick of their own school was close. This game will be close, but I look for Texas to win.
The Georgia Tennessee game is this weekend too and should be a good'un as well
Does anyone think that Kobe will really listen to the Zen Master and share the ball??? If you do, I have some oceanfront property in Kansas and a bridge you might be interested in. Kobe is interested only in his stats and knowing that he is top dog in La-La Land. It doesn't matter Kwame Brown ain't Shaq and ain't even close. Lamar Odom is servicable but ain't a everynight threat to score. The Lake Show running the triangle is a laughable proposition at best. Phil Jax will wonder why he didn't take the Knicks job 'round February. No one fears the Lake Sho' No Mo.
John Feinstein, an author of whos works whom I greatly admire including A Season On The Brink and A March To Madness, uttered a profanity during the Navy-Duke game this past weekend. He pulled himself off of the air apologized and even offered his resignation to the Naval Academy broadacsting group. The resignation was rejected and Feinstein was allowed to keep his position. Feinstein is a class act and he did the right thing in offering his resignation with his apologies. He let the broadcasting group make the decision to keep him which they rightfully did. A person should not be punished draconally for a moment of stupidity. Being a former broadcaster myself I know how hard it is to always keep it clean. The problem with some color commentator espcecially with those affiliated with a school is they tend to act like fans. They may give expert analysis, but they sometimes react emotionally. One recalls Chuck Machock the color analysis for University of Cincinnati Basketball radio broadcasts getting the heave-ho from UC's 1st round NCAA loss to Gonzaga in 2003 for critical comments he made about the offiicals within earshot of a rabbit-eared ref. I can remember the strident "No sir!" Machock uttered as he was quizzed by the ref who threw him out. It was a tense situation to say the least. In a related note it will be interesting to see if the color analysts for UC basketball, Machock on the radio and former UC point guard Anthony Buford on TV will continue their roles now that their mentor has been fired. Machock was a former assisstant to Huggins, Buford played point guard on Huggins' 1992 final four team. Both are decent analysts, but both were big Huggins backers. The Weekend football preview comes tommorrow
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Week 5 Picks
Dat Dude has gotten deep into the plus side with his picks and the critics so vociferous in their hatred are now silent. Another solid week, though no one outside of the 619 and 858 area codes picked San Diego to beat New England and fewer still even in that area thought they would lay a woodshed like thrashing on the two-time defending Super Bowl Champs. Somewhere up in that really high up skybox Pete Rozelle is smiling. Like the wanna-be NFL type movie says On Any Given Sunday. There are four teams that remain unbeaten and I think one will fall off that list the '72 Dolphins will get to calling each other and popping the champagne round November when the Colts take their first loss. There remains two winless teams but the '76 Buccaneers won't get to send the Thunderbird as the Pack and Texans will get their first victories long before the receive any notoriety for their losing streak. Neither one of those streaks all wins or all losses will be challenged anytime soon. But anyhoo, lets get to the picks
NFL SCHEDULE – WEEK 5
Sunday, October 9
Baltimore (1-2) @ Detroit (1-2)
Ford Field, Detroit-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Lions by 1.5
The Motor City Kitties have trouble scoring, so do the B'More gooney birds. This game should be shown at insomniac clinics, it'll help. I'm thinking that Jamal Lewis is waaaay overdue for a breakout game. Detroit's defense won't get overrun but they'll give more points up than Joey and his crew can generate further weakened by the loss of Charles Rogers
Pick-Baltimore
Chicago (1-2) @ Cleveland (1-2)
Browns Stadium, Cleveland-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Browns by 3
The Browns are a puzzling team, offensive juggernaut one week offensively clueless the next. A solid Bears team better than its record will make the latter observation too true. As long as Kyle Orton remembers who his team is, the Bears should be okay
Pick-Chicago
Miami (2-1) @ Buffalo (1-3)
Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, NY-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Biills by 2.5 10 years ago I went to this matchup and watched a thriller in 25 degree snowy weather. There will be none of those type thrills this time. The Bills have sent JP Losman to the pine in favor of Kelly Holcombe, but he's in no way the long term answer and the Dolphins defense will prove this quickly. Miami's offense has no flashy parts, but Gus Frerotte is a capable QB and can get the ball to speedy WR Chris Chambers and rookie RB Ronnie Brown can keep the hard-charging Buffalo defense honest Pick-Miami
New England (2-2) @ Atlanta (3-1)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta 1:00 CBS
Favorite-Patriots by 1
The Pats get no reprieve, after taking an unexpected beating at home they head to the dirty south and take on a roughneck defense in the Falcons. Corey Dillion will have his work cut out for him and Tom Brady while still the 21st Century of Joe Montana wishes Charlie Weis could take his bye week from Notre Dame and help him. Oh, best of luck to the Pats trying to box in some guy named Vick. The Pats haven't lost back to back games since 2002, but that will change.
Pick-Atlanta
New Orleans (2-2) @ Green Bay (0-4)
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI-1:00 (12p CT) FOX
Favorite-Packers by 3
The Pack looked like a ragged team monday in Carolina but the gritty Favre wouldn't let go until the very end. The road warrior Saints looked refreshed after their "home" win against Buffalo. The Saints will put enough of a defensive front up to give the Packers problems. The Pack had better win this game, with a Minnesota team hungry for a win and a no-joke Bengals squad on the other side their bye next week an 0-7 start would be a colder than frozen tundra possibility. Pick-Green Bay
Seattle (2-2) @ St. Louis (2-2)
Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis-1:00 (12p CT) FOX
Favorite-Rams by 3
I despise the Rams even more. Mike Martz is the one coach who could take such a potentially breathtaking offense and turn it into the keystone cops. I loath picking them in any game now, but they should be able to handle a Seattle team that has had trouble containing the Rams or any coherent offense (They let Washington hang 20 on 'em) Shawn Alexander will get his, but the Rams should score enough to offset it. The Rams up and down pattern takes an upward tick Pick-St. Louis
Tampa Bay (4-0) @ NY Jets (1-3)
The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Bucs by 3.5
The Bucs are looking more and more like a force to be reckoned with, and the Jets are just the punching bag the Bucs need to pad their defensive prowess. If the Cadillac runs well the Bucs will have no problem. Ageless QB Vinny Testetaverde will keep things interesting, but until the Jets running game gets on track, they'll be looking high and low for their offense.
Pick-Tampa Bay
Tennessee (1-3) @ Houston (0-3)
Reliant Stadium, Houston-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Texans by 3
The Titans and Texans are two of the bottom feeders in the AFC and qualify as the other snoozer game of the week. The Texans are an offensive mess and the Titans while a bit more competitive aren't world beaters. Dom Capers had better brush up his resume', the honeymoon is over in Houston and a beating by their hated former team won't help matters at all. but Capers' crew will come thru
Pick-Houston
Indianapolis (4-0) @ San Francisco (1-3)
Monster Park, San Francisco-4:05 CBS
Favorite-Colts by 13
You think Peyton Manning had this date circled in bright highlighter? Manning returns to the site of his first pro game in 1998. The Niners are now what the Colts were then, a struggling team with a #1pick QB. The results will be the same a blowout
Pick-Indy
Carolina (2-2) @ Arizona (1-3)
Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ-4:15 FOX
Favorite-Carolina by 3
The Panthers didnt think that the schedule would be this easy, after a beatdown of the Packers, (comeback notwithstanding) the get a Cards team happy to get a win over a sad sack Niner team and they get the Lions after that then a bye. The Panthers are out to prove that they should be regarded as one of the NFC's elite and that makes the Cards in the crosshairs. This game could get ugly
Pick-Carolina
Philadelphia (3-1) @ Dallas (2-2)
Texas Stadium, Irving,TX-4:15 FOX
Favorite-Eagles by 3.5
On paper this game is a mismatch. The Pokes have offense trouble in spades and the Eagles defense have the answers for any possible trouble that they could cause. But this is a rivalry game and you throw the records out on any matchup in the deep NFC East. The Eagles should be able to capitalize on any Dallas miscues and exploit them to the fullest. Pick-Philly
Washington (3-0) @ Denver (3-1)
Invesco Field @Mile High, Denver-4:15 FOX
Favorite Broncos by 7
This game looks good from a standings point of view. Both teams have a multitude of questions, but the Broncos have fewer questions and if they can get to erosion-like slow Mark Brunell they will have a field day. The Skins have been living on borrowed time with their play and it will come back to bite them here.
Pick-Denver
Cincinnati (4-0) @ Jacksonville (2-2)
Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville8:30 ESPN
Favorite-Jaguars by 3
The Bengals lone regular season primetime appearance (they had 2 memorable home night games in '04) has them on the road. It would serve the Bengals well to continue to play up the "No respect factor" but that tag is fading fast. Carson Palmer and a beat up offensive line will face a true test with the Jags quick, hard hitting defense. The Jags have a fits and starts offense, but have quick strike capability with the ageless Jimmy Smith and the redoubtable Fred Taylor. If the Bengals can control the clock and the turnover battle they may steal the game and open more eyes nationally.
Pick-Bengals
Monday, October 10
Pittsburgh (2-1) @ San Diego (2-2)
Quallcomm Stadium, San Diego-9:00 ABC
Favorite-Chargers by 3
The weeks best game is on Monday night to the relief of ABC execs tired of one sided matchups. The Steelers are well rested after their bye and welcome the possible return of Jerome Bettis to complement their hot rookie Willie Parker. The Chargers are full of confidence having put up an average of 43 points in the past two games against the G-Men and P-Men respectively. This will be a slug it out game as Bill Cowher tries to best Marty Schottenheimer his former boss from their Cleveland days. Look for the Chargers to put heavy pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and us LaDainian Tomlinson to control the clock. You won't turn this one off in the 3rd quarter
Pick-San Diego
BYE WEEK: Kansas City (2-2) Minnesota (1-3) NY Giants (3-1) Oakland (1-3) Last week 8-6 Overall 35-25 Games you should Tivo, Tape, DVR or watch at your favorite watering hole
Oklahoma vs Texas at The Cotton Bowl 12:00p-ABC
The 2005 installment of the Red River Shootout sees Texas as heavy favorites, but Oklahoma having had won the last 5 in a row. This rivalry runs long and deep. It'll be interesting to see if Texas stay cool under the growing pressure of being the heir apparent and continue their march toward a January 4th national championship clash with USC.
Georgia at Tennessee-Neyalnd Stadium, Knoxville, TN 3:30p CBS Georgia is unbeaten but has a daunting task in going to Volunteer Nation and its 110,000 loud loyal supporters. If star QB DJ Shockley gets his groove on Tennessee could take its 2nd SEC loss and shut itself out of any hope of playing in the SEC Championship in December and the Sugar Bowl in January, both in Atlanta.
NFL SCHEDULE – WEEK 5
Sunday, October 9
Baltimore (1-2) @ Detroit (1-2)
Ford Field, Detroit-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Lions by 1.5
The Motor City Kitties have trouble scoring, so do the B'More gooney birds. This game should be shown at insomniac clinics, it'll help. I'm thinking that Jamal Lewis is waaaay overdue for a breakout game. Detroit's defense won't get overrun but they'll give more points up than Joey and his crew can generate further weakened by the loss of Charles Rogers
Pick-Baltimore
Chicago (1-2) @ Cleveland (1-2)
Browns Stadium, Cleveland-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Browns by 3
The Browns are a puzzling team, offensive juggernaut one week offensively clueless the next. A solid Bears team better than its record will make the latter observation too true. As long as Kyle Orton remembers who his team is, the Bears should be okay
Pick-Chicago
Miami (2-1) @ Buffalo (1-3)
Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, NY-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Biills by 2.5 10 years ago I went to this matchup and watched a thriller in 25 degree snowy weather. There will be none of those type thrills this time. The Bills have sent JP Losman to the pine in favor of Kelly Holcombe, but he's in no way the long term answer and the Dolphins defense will prove this quickly. Miami's offense has no flashy parts, but Gus Frerotte is a capable QB and can get the ball to speedy WR Chris Chambers and rookie RB Ronnie Brown can keep the hard-charging Buffalo defense honest Pick-Miami
New England (2-2) @ Atlanta (3-1)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta 1:00 CBS
Favorite-Patriots by 1
The Pats get no reprieve, after taking an unexpected beating at home they head to the dirty south and take on a roughneck defense in the Falcons. Corey Dillion will have his work cut out for him and Tom Brady while still the 21st Century of Joe Montana wishes Charlie Weis could take his bye week from Notre Dame and help him. Oh, best of luck to the Pats trying to box in some guy named Vick. The Pats haven't lost back to back games since 2002, but that will change.
Pick-Atlanta
New Orleans (2-2) @ Green Bay (0-4)
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI-1:00 (12p CT) FOX
Favorite-Packers by 3
The Pack looked like a ragged team monday in Carolina but the gritty Favre wouldn't let go until the very end. The road warrior Saints looked refreshed after their "home" win against Buffalo. The Saints will put enough of a defensive front up to give the Packers problems. The Pack had better win this game, with a Minnesota team hungry for a win and a no-joke Bengals squad on the other side their bye next week an 0-7 start would be a colder than frozen tundra possibility. Pick-Green Bay
Seattle (2-2) @ St. Louis (2-2)
Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis-1:00 (12p CT) FOX
Favorite-Rams by 3
I despise the Rams even more. Mike Martz is the one coach who could take such a potentially breathtaking offense and turn it into the keystone cops. I loath picking them in any game now, but they should be able to handle a Seattle team that has had trouble containing the Rams or any coherent offense (They let Washington hang 20 on 'em) Shawn Alexander will get his, but the Rams should score enough to offset it. The Rams up and down pattern takes an upward tick Pick-St. Louis
Tampa Bay (4-0) @ NY Jets (1-3)
The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Bucs by 3.5
The Bucs are looking more and more like a force to be reckoned with, and the Jets are just the punching bag the Bucs need to pad their defensive prowess. If the Cadillac runs well the Bucs will have no problem. Ageless QB Vinny Testetaverde will keep things interesting, but until the Jets running game gets on track, they'll be looking high and low for their offense.
Pick-Tampa Bay
Tennessee (1-3) @ Houston (0-3)
Reliant Stadium, Houston-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Texans by 3
The Titans and Texans are two of the bottom feeders in the AFC and qualify as the other snoozer game of the week. The Texans are an offensive mess and the Titans while a bit more competitive aren't world beaters. Dom Capers had better brush up his resume', the honeymoon is over in Houston and a beating by their hated former team won't help matters at all. but Capers' crew will come thru
Pick-Houston
Indianapolis (4-0) @ San Francisco (1-3)
Monster Park, San Francisco-4:05 CBS
Favorite-Colts by 13
You think Peyton Manning had this date circled in bright highlighter? Manning returns to the site of his first pro game in 1998. The Niners are now what the Colts were then, a struggling team with a #1pick QB. The results will be the same a blowout
Pick-Indy
Carolina (2-2) @ Arizona (1-3)
Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ-4:15 FOX
Favorite-Carolina by 3
The Panthers didnt think that the schedule would be this easy, after a beatdown of the Packers, (comeback notwithstanding) the get a Cards team happy to get a win over a sad sack Niner team and they get the Lions after that then a bye. The Panthers are out to prove that they should be regarded as one of the NFC's elite and that makes the Cards in the crosshairs. This game could get ugly
Pick-Carolina
Philadelphia (3-1) @ Dallas (2-2)
Texas Stadium, Irving,TX-4:15 FOX
Favorite-Eagles by 3.5
On paper this game is a mismatch. The Pokes have offense trouble in spades and the Eagles defense have the answers for any possible trouble that they could cause. But this is a rivalry game and you throw the records out on any matchup in the deep NFC East. The Eagles should be able to capitalize on any Dallas miscues and exploit them to the fullest. Pick-Philly
Washington (3-0) @ Denver (3-1)
Invesco Field @Mile High, Denver-4:15 FOX
Favorite Broncos by 7
This game looks good from a standings point of view. Both teams have a multitude of questions, but the Broncos have fewer questions and if they can get to erosion-like slow Mark Brunell they will have a field day. The Skins have been living on borrowed time with their play and it will come back to bite them here.
Pick-Denver
Cincinnati (4-0) @ Jacksonville (2-2)
Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville8:30 ESPN
Favorite-Jaguars by 3
The Bengals lone regular season primetime appearance (they had 2 memorable home night games in '04) has them on the road. It would serve the Bengals well to continue to play up the "No respect factor" but that tag is fading fast. Carson Palmer and a beat up offensive line will face a true test with the Jags quick, hard hitting defense. The Jags have a fits and starts offense, but have quick strike capability with the ageless Jimmy Smith and the redoubtable Fred Taylor. If the Bengals can control the clock and the turnover battle they may steal the game and open more eyes nationally.
Pick-Bengals
Monday, October 10
Pittsburgh (2-1) @ San Diego (2-2)
Quallcomm Stadium, San Diego-9:00 ABC
Favorite-Chargers by 3
The weeks best game is on Monday night to the relief of ABC execs tired of one sided matchups. The Steelers are well rested after their bye and welcome the possible return of Jerome Bettis to complement their hot rookie Willie Parker. The Chargers are full of confidence having put up an average of 43 points in the past two games against the G-Men and P-Men respectively. This will be a slug it out game as Bill Cowher tries to best Marty Schottenheimer his former boss from their Cleveland days. Look for the Chargers to put heavy pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and us LaDainian Tomlinson to control the clock. You won't turn this one off in the 3rd quarter
Pick-San Diego
BYE WEEK: Kansas City (2-2) Minnesota (1-3) NY Giants (3-1) Oakland (1-3) Last week 8-6 Overall 35-25 Games you should Tivo, Tape, DVR or watch at your favorite watering hole
Oklahoma vs Texas at The Cotton Bowl 12:00p-ABC
The 2005 installment of the Red River Shootout sees Texas as heavy favorites, but Oklahoma having had won the last 5 in a row. This rivalry runs long and deep. It'll be interesting to see if Texas stay cool under the growing pressure of being the heir apparent and continue their march toward a January 4th national championship clash with USC.
Georgia at Tennessee-Neyalnd Stadium, Knoxville, TN 3:30p CBS Georgia is unbeaten but has a daunting task in going to Volunteer Nation and its 110,000 loud loyal supporters. If star QB DJ Shockley gets his groove on Tennessee could take its 2nd SEC loss and shut itself out of any hope of playing in the SEC Championship in December and the Sugar Bowl in January, both in Atlanta.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Trophy Talk
The chase for the...(whats the name of the World Series trophy???) begins. The World Series is one of the oldest championship titles in America but it has no real trophy title. The Super Bowl has the Lombardi Trophy, simple yet elegant. It took the NFL five years to name it, but it was the trophy given to the first super bowl winners. It took the NFL a few years to get the name of the championship, AFL-NFL Championship was a little too wordy and to think Longtime Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt got the name from a Super Ball The NBA has a sort of clunky trophy, supposed to be a ball going into a basket, but it looks nice when an emotional player holds it and kisses it. The Laary O'Brien trophy is the name of the bauble the NBA players chase. At least they got to calling the champioship game The Finals. Better than just whatever year NBA Championship. The NHL for all its recent labor troubles have the coolest (no pun intended) trophy The Stanley Cup just has a regal look to it, And it has the best tradition, the postgame skate carrying the trophy. Which is no mean feat. I've been to Toronto home of the Hockey Hall of Fame, the trophy is about 30 pounds. (Think beer keg) They add a new ring to it every five years which means in about 35 years the Trophy may be too big to carry. The World Series trophy while nice looking (30 golden flags in a crown shape) has no real title, a least none that this hard-core sports fan knows of. Gee it seems like I told all the haters that SC would beat Arizona State, I like how they rallied from 18 down to roll to a 38-28 win. Oh and the trojans have another weapon in Lindall White. I'll give you my college power 5 now since the blog will have lots of baseball talk in it for the next three days. One team makes an appearance, one moves up and one is gone. I've also added a team that needs to be watched and has the potential to crack the power group, but for now sits on the outside.
KJ's Power 5
Week of 10/4
1) USC (4-0 last week 1, beat Arizona St. 38-28, next vs Arizona) SC tunes up for showdown with Notre Dame against hopeless, hapless Wildcats
2) Texas (4-0, 2 beat Missouri 51-20, next vs Oklahoma) Horns can validate their standing as foil to USC by beating hated rival
3) Virginia Tech (4-0, 3 beat West Virginia 34-17, next vs Marshall) Hokies dispatched backyard rival with ease, Marshall will get the same woodshed whoopin
4) Florida State (4-0, 5 beat Syracuse 38-14, next vs Wake Forest) Seminoles will continue to sleepwalk through easy conference foes
5) Alabama (4-0, NR beat Florida 31-3, next vs Ole Miss)
'Bama gets the nod here over Georgia, for thumping Florida.
Keep your eye on: Georgia 4-0 at Tennessee, Dawgs may make a move in to the power 5 if they can go into Neyland and knock off a tough Tennessee squad.
Dropped Out Florida 3-1 last week 4, lost at Alabama 31-3. Gators looked lost against Tide, first game in 15 years without a touchdown for shame
KJ's Power 5
Week of 10/4
1) USC (4-0 last week 1, beat Arizona St. 38-28, next vs Arizona) SC tunes up for showdown with Notre Dame against hopeless, hapless Wildcats
2) Texas (4-0, 2 beat Missouri 51-20, next vs Oklahoma) Horns can validate their standing as foil to USC by beating hated rival
3) Virginia Tech (4-0, 3 beat West Virginia 34-17, next vs Marshall) Hokies dispatched backyard rival with ease, Marshall will get the same woodshed whoopin
4) Florida State (4-0, 5 beat Syracuse 38-14, next vs Wake Forest) Seminoles will continue to sleepwalk through easy conference foes
5) Alabama (4-0, NR beat Florida 31-3, next vs Ole Miss)
'Bama gets the nod here over Georgia, for thumping Florida.
Keep your eye on: Georgia 4-0 at Tennessee, Dawgs may make a move in to the power 5 if they can go into Neyland and knock off a tough Tennessee squad.
Dropped Out Florida 3-1 last week 4, lost at Alabama 31-3. Gators looked lost against Tide, first game in 15 years without a touchdown for shame
Monday, October 03, 2005
Happy Birthday Katie...lets look at the MLB PLayoffs
9 years ago, I became the most blessed person in the world when a very special person came into my life. A very happy birthday to my princess, Kaitlyn.
Okay...I'm sick of the talk. Notre Dame this and Notre Dame that. Yeah, I'm digging on the classy move Charlie Weis did for the young Notre Dame fan that was dying of a brain tumor. (The only time you'll ever see this avowed Notre Dame hater cheering a play that Notre Dame does) But I will grow to loath the talk that Notre Dame will pile upon us sporting world realists in the next two weeks. "We're Notre Dame, we're the underdog who will take down the mighty college power" I'm glad that criminal Lou Holtz isn't coaching there anymore or else we'd have two weeks of "Oh we're gonna get killed by USC" and "We have no chance" and "We're the underdogs and we'll get no calls." and the one I hate "We need to win cause we're the good guys and they are the big bad guys."
I'm making myself nauseous talking about Notre Dame so lets turn our focus to baseball. The Fightin' Phils gave it a last desperate run but the Astros held on. So the Division Series are set. And all the big names are here, San Diego excepted cause the NL West had to send somebody
National League
Atlanta (East Champions 90-72) vs Houston (Wild Card Winner 89-73) This is a tighter matchup than one would think. Atlanta's kiddie corps vs. Houston's star crossed history. The Stros have the pitching, but the Braves have the playoff exper...well in name only, but the Braves lack in pitching and that might be their downfall, do you think the Bravos can ride the redoubtable Smotz and the ageless Glavine to a LDS win? I don't despite the gaudy (and clean) numbers that the irrepresable Andruw Jones puts up
Astros in 5
San Diego (West Champions 82-80) vs St. Louis (Central Champions 100-62) The Cards looked to be rounding in to playoff form with a closing rush to 100 win, the Pads won the weak west. The Cards will use this series as a tuneup to another battle with the Astros. Pity the Pads can only play one playoff game in their new park. Cards Sweep
American League
New York (East Champions 95-67) vs Los Angeles (West Champion 95-67) The Yanks look like they have their so-called swagger back after rolling to the AL East title and getting by their nemesis in Boston in the process. The Yanks are whining that they have to be on the road, because Buck Showalter pulled his starters early in the Rangers season finale against the Angels, had the Yanks won their last game or beaten the Angels head to head more it wouldn't have mattered They will have a dogged time with a scrappy Angels squad that despite being a bit injury riddled could be a major headache for the Bronx Bombers if they aren't careful. Bartolo Colon will tie the Yanks in knots at least twice, but the Angels have no one else to be a stopper and against this lineup it won't be enough.
Yanks in 5
Boston (Wild Card Winner 95-67) vs Chicago (Central Champions 99-63) The ChiSox tried to give it away but the pesky Indians ran out of gas in the last week and the Sox got in. The Bosox are full of fire and could care less that they don't have home field advantage. The Bosox have MVP candidate Papi Ortiz an The ChiSox matched their 1983 division winners with 99 wins, they'll have the same fate as the other ChiSox teams that have failed to win a postseason series since 1917 (Hell the Cubs have even done better) Nice record, but take your raggedey ass elsewhere. For all the ChiSox so-called swagger they limped home and will be quickly exposed as playoff neophytes against a veteran BoSox team burning to get to the ALCS and another showdown with the Yankees
Bosox in 4
Don't mention the Vikings pathetic showing in the the ATL and you wont lose any appendages.
Okay...I'm sick of the talk. Notre Dame this and Notre Dame that. Yeah, I'm digging on the classy move Charlie Weis did for the young Notre Dame fan that was dying of a brain tumor. (The only time you'll ever see this avowed Notre Dame hater cheering a play that Notre Dame does) But I will grow to loath the talk that Notre Dame will pile upon us sporting world realists in the next two weeks. "We're Notre Dame, we're the underdog who will take down the mighty college power" I'm glad that criminal Lou Holtz isn't coaching there anymore or else we'd have two weeks of "Oh we're gonna get killed by USC" and "We have no chance" and "We're the underdogs and we'll get no calls." and the one I hate "We need to win cause we're the good guys and they are the big bad guys."
I'm making myself nauseous talking about Notre Dame so lets turn our focus to baseball. The Fightin' Phils gave it a last desperate run but the Astros held on. So the Division Series are set. And all the big names are here, San Diego excepted cause the NL West had to send somebody
National League
Atlanta (East Champions 90-72) vs Houston (Wild Card Winner 89-73) This is a tighter matchup than one would think. Atlanta's kiddie corps vs. Houston's star crossed history. The Stros have the pitching, but the Braves have the playoff exper...well in name only, but the Braves lack in pitching and that might be their downfall, do you think the Bravos can ride the redoubtable Smotz and the ageless Glavine to a LDS win? I don't despite the gaudy (and clean) numbers that the irrepresable Andruw Jones puts up
Astros in 5
San Diego (West Champions 82-80) vs St. Louis (Central Champions 100-62) The Cards looked to be rounding in to playoff form with a closing rush to 100 win, the Pads won the weak west. The Cards will use this series as a tuneup to another battle with the Astros. Pity the Pads can only play one playoff game in their new park. Cards Sweep
American League
New York (East Champions 95-67) vs Los Angeles (West Champion 95-67) The Yanks look like they have their so-called swagger back after rolling to the AL East title and getting by their nemesis in Boston in the process. The Yanks are whining that they have to be on the road, because Buck Showalter pulled his starters early in the Rangers season finale against the Angels, had the Yanks won their last game or beaten the Angels head to head more it wouldn't have mattered They will have a dogged time with a scrappy Angels squad that despite being a bit injury riddled could be a major headache for the Bronx Bombers if they aren't careful. Bartolo Colon will tie the Yanks in knots at least twice, but the Angels have no one else to be a stopper and against this lineup it won't be enough.
Yanks in 5
Boston (Wild Card Winner 95-67) vs Chicago (Central Champions 99-63) The ChiSox tried to give it away but the pesky Indians ran out of gas in the last week and the Sox got in. The Bosox are full of fire and could care less that they don't have home field advantage. The Bosox have MVP candidate Papi Ortiz an The ChiSox matched their 1983 division winners with 99 wins, they'll have the same fate as the other ChiSox teams that have failed to win a postseason series since 1917 (Hell the Cubs have even done better) Nice record, but take your raggedey ass elsewhere. For all the ChiSox so-called swagger they limped home and will be quickly exposed as playoff neophytes against a veteran BoSox team burning to get to the ALCS and another showdown with the Yankees
Bosox in 4
Don't mention the Vikings pathetic showing in the the ATL and you wont lose any appendages.
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