On Monday I was ready to jump on the Steeler's bandwagon and talk exclusively about "the Steel City toughness", "underdogs", "David and Goliath", Randy Moss being a premadonna and how the Pats can't run the rock to win a ball game. But, as it turns out...there is absolutely no room left on the bandwagon. From ESPN analysts to no-name-guarantee-making Steeler's CBs the Pitt wagon is so over crowded that the only thing left for it to do is bust at the seams.
Why am I the one playing devils advocate when I say..."Moss is still the best WR in the league" and "the Pats are clearly a better team"? Why am I the only one mentioning that Mike Tomlin is a rookie head coach who has already been out-smarted by folks in the desert? Isn't this the same team that missed the playoffs last year and then lost their best LB, the very same team who lost to the lowly Jets somewhere in the swamps of Jersey?
For me the Pitt/Pats game is simply a painful catch 22...I wanted everyone to hate the Pats. Hell, I spelled their name Patriots* for 3 weeks. I got what I wanted, football fans everywhere outside NE hate the Pats. The hate then became an obsession which has caused pundits collectively to blow NE's minor flaws out of proportion. America loves hearing about "the blue print" to beat the Patriots, the low red-zone efficiency and the lack of rushing yards piled up. Blinded by minor flaws and love for the "underdog" we expect the Steelers to win this game. As far as Vegas is concerned the Pats are still the "favorite" but it sure doesn't feel like it.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Power Rankings
1. Patriots – Came out of a close one, now the talk has to shift to this. Either this game exploited weaknesses in the Patriots game plan or this something that the Patriots will correct and the Eagles game was a fluke...only time will tell.
2. Cowboys – The thumping they put on the Jets for Skanksgiving was exactly what they should have done, they are the best in the NFC right now no doubt about it....until they play Thursday however.
3. Packers – This team is playing like a machine, the defense has been playing at a level that no other team is playing right now. this Thursdays game is a great one...
(Lets take a time out to get pissed off at teh NFL network, the NFL for some reason has decided they dont make enough money. So they try to incorporate the NFL Network, a all NFL all the time channel. It isnt a terrible idea, they could make some money off that but to deny football fans the chance to see games because they want more money is absurd. Same goes for the Cable networks but i can't really fault them since the NFL is expecting a premium for presenting the channel that the networks cant give unless they package it at a higher pay.)...AWFUL)
4. Jaguars – They will beat the Colts this weekend, they have the running, and Garrard has been a great QB this year. Amazing call to drop Leftwhich and start the guy who has Zero int's this year. very exciting team to watch.
5. Colts – Their injuries are killing them. I would not be suprised in the least to see Garrard and the Jags run over the colts. Jacksonville may be too much for them
6. Steelers – You cant really do much about that game Monday night, what a mess. Although having a guy like Willie Parker should have countered that a little. but it was a mess. Pats Steelers will be a great game when that finally comes.
7. Chargers – took care of business last weekend, did what they should have done and blown out their opponent. Rivers also took a swing at the crowd telling them to shut up before halftime...that cant be good, QB is yelling at the crowd to stop booing them...
8. Browns – Took care of business with the Texans coming in, this team just looks great. Anderson is playing like a champ and is getting great play out of Braylong Edwards and Kellen Winslow. Winslow has finally arrived....about time
9. Buccaneers – They have the division locked up. Earnest Graham is playing well, although Garcia looked a little iffy with the back thing (problems of starting an old QB) but I still like this team.
10. Giants – The loss to the Vikings was terrible, Manning looked awful throwing 4 interceptions three running back for touchdowns. he looked like Daunte Culpepper throwing to Moss out there...they need to bounce back since they have a pretty tough schedule left. They will still make the playoffs but they have no chance at the division now.
11. Seahawks – They barely got away with a win last week, Branch came back and had a good game receiving for 98 yards and a TD but they were playing the Rams, who are also much improved with Steven Jackson much healthier.
12. Lions – Due to weakness of the NFC they still have a full game lead in the race for the WC. they are going to need to win some important games to stay ahead of the curve
13. Titans - Their losses are piling up, it may be over for this bunch. VY has been a bust this year.
14. Redskins – Their loss to Tampa was harsh, but they were the lesser team. The loss of Sean Taylor is awful. It is a terrible thing for a man as young as he was. Our deepest thoughts go out to his family and friends.
15. Denver – Loss to Chicago may have sent them back to the doghouse. What a great game though.
honorable mention. - this section is a little different since these teams played well but has no chance of getting into the playoffs, no real order.
Philly – What a great game plan Andy Reid came up with, it was smart and exploited weaknesses in the Patriots team.
San Fran – Frank Gore finally came out to play. 116 rushing 2 tds and 98 receiving...Fantasy owners better hope that continues.
2. Cowboys – The thumping they put on the Jets for Skanksgiving was exactly what they should have done, they are the best in the NFC right now no doubt about it....until they play Thursday however.
3. Packers – This team is playing like a machine, the defense has been playing at a level that no other team is playing right now. this Thursdays game is a great one...
(Lets take a time out to get pissed off at teh NFL network, the NFL for some reason has decided they dont make enough money. So they try to incorporate the NFL Network, a all NFL all the time channel. It isnt a terrible idea, they could make some money off that but to deny football fans the chance to see games because they want more money is absurd. Same goes for the Cable networks but i can't really fault them since the NFL is expecting a premium for presenting the channel that the networks cant give unless they package it at a higher pay.)...AWFUL)
4. Jaguars – They will beat the Colts this weekend, they have the running, and Garrard has been a great QB this year. Amazing call to drop Leftwhich and start the guy who has Zero int's this year. very exciting team to watch.
5. Colts – Their injuries are killing them. I would not be suprised in the least to see Garrard and the Jags run over the colts. Jacksonville may be too much for them
6. Steelers – You cant really do much about that game Monday night, what a mess. Although having a guy like Willie Parker should have countered that a little. but it was a mess. Pats Steelers will be a great game when that finally comes.
7. Chargers – took care of business last weekend, did what they should have done and blown out their opponent. Rivers also took a swing at the crowd telling them to shut up before halftime...that cant be good, QB is yelling at the crowd to stop booing them...
8. Browns – Took care of business with the Texans coming in, this team just looks great. Anderson is playing like a champ and is getting great play out of Braylong Edwards and Kellen Winslow. Winslow has finally arrived....about time
9. Buccaneers – They have the division locked up. Earnest Graham is playing well, although Garcia looked a little iffy with the back thing (problems of starting an old QB) but I still like this team.
10. Giants – The loss to the Vikings was terrible, Manning looked awful throwing 4 interceptions three running back for touchdowns. he looked like Daunte Culpepper throwing to Moss out there...they need to bounce back since they have a pretty tough schedule left. They will still make the playoffs but they have no chance at the division now.
11. Seahawks – They barely got away with a win last week, Branch came back and had a good game receiving for 98 yards and a TD but they were playing the Rams, who are also much improved with Steven Jackson much healthier.
12. Lions – Due to weakness of the NFC they still have a full game lead in the race for the WC. they are going to need to win some important games to stay ahead of the curve
13. Titans - Their losses are piling up, it may be over for this bunch. VY has been a bust this year.
14. Redskins – Their loss to Tampa was harsh, but they were the lesser team. The loss of Sean Taylor is awful. It is a terrible thing for a man as young as he was. Our deepest thoughts go out to his family and friends.
15. Denver – Loss to Chicago may have sent them back to the doghouse. What a great game though.
honorable mention. - this section is a little different since these teams played well but has no chance of getting into the playoffs, no real order.
Philly – What a great game plan Andy Reid came up with, it was smart and exploited weaknesses in the Patriots team.
San Fran – Frank Gore finally came out to play. 116 rushing 2 tds and 98 receiving...Fantasy owners better hope that continues.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Power Rankings Week 12
One more team bites the dust....after a win?
1. Patriots – Best defense ever, definitely not. Best offense ever, probably not. Best football team ever, probably.
2. Cowboys – T.O. is happy through week 11. I have to think that will carry him into the post-season. Romo is on fire and the defense has stepped up their game. Scary.
3. Colts – Due to the injury factor I am going to drop team MasterCard down for the first time all season.
4. Steelers – Choke-job. They had a chance to snatch the number 3 spot and missed it. Also, missed a slim shot at home-field advantage.
5. Packers – I thought we would have seen “pick-happy” Favre at some point this season, if only for one game. He is in there somewhere.
6. Jaguars – Great running game + great defense + getting QB back = Playoffs…this equation is still true.
7. Giants – There is probably a large drop-off in ability between 6 and 7. Especially with Kiwanuka done for the season, and every RB hurting. Lucky for them they get an Adrian Peterson-less Vikings team at home. The Lions are very good at home, that truly was a quality win for the G-Men.
8. Titans – Who would have thought that the first time VY showed up to play QB the Titans would lose? It looks like they will miss out on the playoffs now due to their schedule. They really need the Browns to choke.
9. Chargers – Tough loss, but Jax is a better team which is why they don’t get dropped too far. The NFC West is going to be a roller-coaster to the end. I am really looking forward to it. (Why am I giving the Chargers a 9 ranking?...I think I would take them over any of the following teams this week)
10. Browns –The cupcake schedule is still in tact. The Browns just need to go out and take of business and they will be in.
11. Buccaneers – They have the division locked up. They are now playing to position themselves for the WC round.
12. Seahawks – Seahawks are getting some sort of consistency going which could make them a lot more dangerous in the playoffs.
13. Lions – Due to weakness of the NFC they still have a full game lead in the race for the WC. They will need to take at least one from the Pack.
14. Redskins – One of their two games with Dallas down and one to go. My prediction would be a dog fight between the Skins and Lions for the final playoff spot. At Tampa this week is a must win.
15. Denver – A dishonorable mention team from last week, but they saved their season on MNF. They don’t have to get over .500 to make the playoffs but they will have to sweep the last three games with their division. (Yes, I have moved them out of the grave, but judging where I ranked the Chargers you can tell I don't expect them to be breathing for long, lets just call Monday night's game "Night of the Living Dead")
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dishonorable Mentions
Philly – The second dishonorable mention from last week moves into striking distance with a Redskins and Lions loss. Normally a surging team within 1 game of the WC spot would make the "living" cut. But logic would indicate they are still done…at NE and at Dal is too big a hill to climb. McNabb has gotten injured again in November (did he break the record for that?...instead of just his ankles).
Saints – The Saints are all but done in the chase for the playoffs. They have to win out. Which isn’t as impossible as it sounds, they have to beat Tampa at home in two weeks. Then it is smooth sailing until week 16 with the Eagles (who might be done at that point) at home.
Chiefs – The Chiefs are done.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Predictions for Skanksgiving Day:
Green Bay (-3)
Dallas (-14)
Indy (-11.5)
1. Patriots – Best defense ever, definitely not. Best offense ever, probably not. Best football team ever, probably.
2. Cowboys – T.O. is happy through week 11. I have to think that will carry him into the post-season. Romo is on fire and the defense has stepped up their game. Scary.
3. Colts – Due to the injury factor I am going to drop team MasterCard down for the first time all season.
4. Steelers – Choke-job. They had a chance to snatch the number 3 spot and missed it. Also, missed a slim shot at home-field advantage.
5. Packers – I thought we would have seen “pick-happy” Favre at some point this season, if only for one game. He is in there somewhere.
6. Jaguars – Great running game + great defense + getting QB back = Playoffs…this equation is still true.
7. Giants – There is probably a large drop-off in ability between 6 and 7. Especially with Kiwanuka done for the season, and every RB hurting. Lucky for them they get an Adrian Peterson-less Vikings team at home. The Lions are very good at home, that truly was a quality win for the G-Men.
8. Titans – Who would have thought that the first time VY showed up to play QB the Titans would lose? It looks like they will miss out on the playoffs now due to their schedule. They really need the Browns to choke.
9. Chargers – Tough loss, but Jax is a better team which is why they don’t get dropped too far. The NFC West is going to be a roller-coaster to the end. I am really looking forward to it. (Why am I giving the Chargers a 9 ranking?...I think I would take them over any of the following teams this week)
10. Browns –The cupcake schedule is still in tact. The Browns just need to go out and take of business and they will be in.
11. Buccaneers – They have the division locked up. They are now playing to position themselves for the WC round.
12. Seahawks – Seahawks are getting some sort of consistency going which could make them a lot more dangerous in the playoffs.
13. Lions – Due to weakness of the NFC they still have a full game lead in the race for the WC. They will need to take at least one from the Pack.
14. Redskins – One of their two games with Dallas down and one to go. My prediction would be a dog fight between the Skins and Lions for the final playoff spot. At Tampa this week is a must win.
15. Denver – A dishonorable mention team from last week, but they saved their season on MNF. They don’t have to get over .500 to make the playoffs but they will have to sweep the last three games with their division. (Yes, I have moved them out of the grave, but judging where I ranked the Chargers you can tell I don't expect them to be breathing for long, lets just call Monday night's game "Night of the Living Dead")
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dishonorable Mentions
Philly – The second dishonorable mention from last week moves into striking distance with a Redskins and Lions loss. Normally a surging team within 1 game of the WC spot would make the "living" cut. But logic would indicate they are still done…at NE and at Dal is too big a hill to climb. McNabb has gotten injured again in November (did he break the record for that?...instead of just his ankles).
Saints – The Saints are all but done in the chase for the playoffs. They have to win out. Which isn’t as impossible as it sounds, they have to beat Tampa at home in two weeks. Then it is smooth sailing until week 16 with the Eagles (who might be done at that point) at home.
Chiefs – The Chiefs are done.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Predictions for Skanksgiving Day:
Green Bay (-3)
Dallas (-14)
Indy (-11.5)
In the Mix
The Washington Redskins signed WR Anthony Mix off of the NYG practice squad this week, why is this relevant? It's probably not.
However, Mix had a very strong preseason for the Giants and actually saw some time early in the season when Plax was down. He has freakish size and length and decent hands but for some reason never completely caught on. He will be reunited with his college QB, Jason Campbell in Washington. Judging by the amount of injuries and lack of production in the red-zone for the current Skins WRs, Anthony Mix is a long shot to have an impact this year. But someone to keep your eye on for next season.
However, Mix had a very strong preseason for the Giants and actually saw some time early in the season when Plax was down. He has freakish size and length and decent hands but for some reason never completely caught on. He will be reunited with his college QB, Jason Campbell in Washington. Judging by the amount of injuries and lack of production in the red-zone for the current Skins WRs, Anthony Mix is a long shot to have an impact this year. But someone to keep your eye on for next season.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Picks Week 11
Minny -4.5
Philly -9.5
SD +3.0
Cle -2.5
No -1.5
Tampa -3
GMen +2.5
GB -9.5
KC +14.5
Pitt -9.5
St. Loo -3.0
Seattle -5.5
Dal -11
NE -16
Tenn +2
Philly -9.5
SD +3.0
Cle -2.5
No -1.5
Tampa -3
GMen +2.5
GB -9.5
KC +14.5
Pitt -9.5
St. Loo -3.0
Seattle -5.5
Dal -11
NE -16
Tenn +2
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