Week 12

Well it’s obvious that I have some physic ability after I talked about the losing culture the Cardinals have and seeing them play this weekend. Well, maybe not, it is the Cards. How do you make a field goal in overtime to win the game and then have it waved off because you didn’t hike the ball soon enough? How do you shank a field goal from only 5-yards deeper to win the game? How do you get sacked in the end zone to lose the game? If you answered it’s because you’re the Cardinals to any of those above questions go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. Let’s not jump all over the Cardinals just yet though. They have lost five games this year by three points or less and a sixth loss came this week in OT. So give the Cardinals a break and give them another couple of seasons. At least they’re moving in the right direction.

Well since Michael Vick is in jail, the most explosive/fun player to watch in the NFL has to be Devin Hester. Just in case you don’t know he is the kick/punt return man for the Chicago Bears and sometimes jumps in as a receiver, in an effort to give him more touches. This week he was absolutely electric against the Broncos. He returned a punt for a touchdown, a kickoff for a touchdown, and was also the catalyst for blocking a Denver punt, as Todd Sauerbrun moved right trying to kick it away from Hester having his punt smothered by the defender. Poetic justice I guess after Sauebrun said Denver wasn’t afraid of kicking to Hester. Not to mention he hurdled over Sauerbrun both times en route to the end zone.

Lastly, our prayers and thoughts go out to Sean Taylor, defensive back for the Washington Redskins, who died from a gunshot wound early this morning.

Week 11

How is it that some teams/organizations are always the doormats of the leagues they play in? It has to be the culture that surrounds them. Some teams on Sunday expect to win, no matter how dim their hopes look, or what experts have predicted them to lose. On the other hand you have teams like the Lions, Browns, or Cardinals that have been indoctrinated in a different culture, one that is trying to turn the corner from consistent losers to weekly winners.

First, let’s take a look at the Detroit Lions. In the past five seasons they have never won over six games and two of those seasons they only won three games. This season seemed to be different with quarterback Jon Kitna predicting his Lions would win 10 games this season. They were well on their way at 6-2 two weeks ago, and then they got spanked by the Arizona Cardinals and fell this week to the Giants. They were down most of the game, but had an opportunity at the end to squeak out with a win. As in usual Lion fashion they fell short. Now why is it that they consistently fall short? Losing culture. If that was the Colts, Patriots, or Packers I have to think that the outcome would have been different. The issue is not that these teams are more talented, but all of them have been surrounded by a winning culture, that always expects a positive outcome.

Next, we have the Cleveland Browns. This week they matched up against the Baltimore Ravens who they have gone 3-7 against the last five years. Obviously, the Ravens have been the better football team in the past, but this year behind quarterback Derek Anderson the Browns are actually a stellar football team. The Browns led the game this week by 13 points late in the third quarter and by 10 points in the fourth, but managed to give up the lead and eventually have to hit a 51-yard field goal, that at first look, was called no good before it was reviewed, as time expired to send it into overtime. (Check out this video on the right side of the link. One of the most bizarre plays I’ve ever seen. If you want to go right to the field goal it happens at about 2:45. Good ‘ol NFL took all the videos off of U-Tube.) The Browns won in OT. Watching this game you could see the comeback happening with Cleveland struggling to stop Baltimore from rallying against them. Now, did Cleveland believe they were going to win I think not, Baltimore on the other hand, they’ve created a winning culture that says were going to win no matter how many chips are against us.

Lastly, we have the Arizona Cardinals. For anyone that has lived here in the Valley for any amount of time knows the pain and suffering the Cardinals have caused their fans. They are .500 this year, so not many complaints yet, but if you have spent any time watching Arizona, it’s almost as if they try everything in their power to lose. Networks have to love the Cardinals because no matter how big of a lead they have they are most likely going to give it up. The Cards were up by two touchdowns two times in the second half, but managed to get Cincy back in the game both times. Lucky for the Cards Antrel Rolle had the game of his life with three interceptions, all ran back for touchdowns, although the last one got called back because of a stupid penalty.

Week 10

Another wacky week of NFL football, leaving fans scratching their heads in dismay. The first team that was a big surprise this week would be the Detroit Lions. In Week 9 they dominated the Broncos 44 to 7. Dominating the Broncos on defense, only giving up a late fourth quarter touchdown, while the offense was potent as well, continuing to put points on the board. This week they struggled mightily as they fell to the Arizona Cardinals 31 to 21. The Lions ended up with negative rushing yards, and the Cardinals controlled the time of possession, making it difficult for the Lions to get their explosive offense on the field. Just as the Lions started to look like everything was clicking and may be a worthy playoff opponent, they lose to the ARIZONA CARDINALS!

Next, we have the Denver Broncos, who in Week 9 got absolutely trashed by the Detroit Lions. The Broncos were unable to stop the Detroit offense, and the Detroit ‘D’ continued to put constant pressure on Denver’s quarterbacks. So headed into Week 10, the Broncos are playing the Kansas City Chiefs at home.

A team that is notorious for playing well at Arrowhead Stadium and has beaten Denver at home for the past four years. So what happens? You guessed it; Denver manages to win 27 to 11. The Broncos ‘D’ finally plays well, knocking out starting quarterback Damon Huard and putting the Chiefs in long-yardage situations by stuffing the run on first down, which is quite an accomplishment for the worst-ranked run defense in the NFL.

Now, to the wackiest game of the week, the Indianapolis Colts versus the San Diego Chargers. There was a rainy fog that covered the field when play began, a symbol of an ominous beginning. The game began with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Darren Sproles, who also had a first quarter, 45-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Charges led 23-0, till late in the second half when the Colts finally scored their first touchdown, but that wasn’t till after Peyton Manning had thrown five interceptions. Yes, that’s not a typo, FIVE first-half interceptions. He had thrown three all year until this game. The first half also held the most amazing play of this year so far, as Gary Brackett tipped a pass by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, the pass was then tipped by another Colts defender, then bounced around on the backside of Brackett as he was laying in the end zone, eventually intercepted by Clint Session on a diving fingertip catch in the end zone, and then Session’s ran it all the way back to the Chargers 6-yard line, where he was eventually tackled by fullback Lorenzo Neal as he attempted a spin move. The play was eventually called a touchback as a referee blew the whistle when Session’s dove for the interception in the end zone. The second half the Colts made a comeback, scoring two touchdowns converting, 1 of 2 2-point conversions, being down only 2 points 21-23. Manning led the Colts down to a chip shot field goal attempt for Adam Vinatieri with just over a minute left to win the game. This wild game wouldn’t have been complete without a blown field goal to win the game. Vinatieri didn’t disappoint and choked on a 29-yard field goal. Manning ended up throwing one more interception as time expired to end up with six in the game.

So, to anyone who actually thinks they have a formula figured out for weekly winners in the NFL must be delusional. All NFL teams are filled with so much talent that the worst team, the Miami Dolphins, can beat the best team, the New England Patriots, on any given Sunday, and any team that seems to be peaking and playing well can easily be derailed by the hapless teams like the Cardinals or the St. Louis Rams.

NFL Week 9

Just in case you missed the Patriots vs. the Colts this weekend, the game actually lived up to the hype. The Colts had a 10-point lead going into the fourth quarter, but Tom Brady led the Pats down for a pair of touchdowns, taking the lead 24-20, with just over three minutes left in the game. Manning had a chance, but being void his go-to-guy (Marvin Harrison) and his top rookie receiver (Anthony Gonzales), he ended up throwing an interception as he was fighting off tacklers.

I have to admit that I was wrong on who I thought would win the game. I was betting if Manning had the ball as time dwindled, he would for sure lead his team down for the necessary score to win the game. The opportunity was there, but Manning uncharacteristically failed. Although the outcome favored the Patriots, the Colts missed on a couple of plays earlier in the game that would have sealed the victory. I hate playing the “what if game,” but the Colts still look like the best team in the NFL (weather permitting).

Next, although ESPN has already run this into the ground, Minnesota’s rookie running back Adrian Peterson set a new NFL record with 296 rushing yards. That’s running the length of the football field three times! He also leads the entire league in total rushing yards this year with 1,036, 268 yards ahead of the next closest rusher. Not bad for a rookie. Quick side note, he was passed over by six teams in this year’s draft, going 7th overall to the Vikes. (The Cardinals were one of those teams. Not that the Cards could use the top running back in the NFL to compliment their strong receiving core??????)

Week 8

Another week has passed, with the highlight of the week, being Bret Favre throwing an 80-yard touchdown bomb on the first play from scrimmage in overtime to win the game and set the new record for most touchdown passes.  Favre continues to look younger than ever, leading his team through the air, to a 6-1 record. 

The biggest news this weekend in the NFL was both the Colts and Patriots winning their games in dominating fashion.  This set up for a match-up of both teams coming in undefeated, while also featuring probably the best two teams in the NFL.  The hype for this game began at the beginning of the season, it was marked as a must see early in the year by NFL fanatics.  Now that both teams are coming in without a blemish on their record, anticipation is at a maxim.  This might be the best game in the NFL this season.  Both teams are healthy and playing great football.  They will probably end up playing each other at some point in the playoffs, but who knows if both teams will be as healthy as they are now. 

 

This is why the NFL is the most marketable sport in the U.S.  This game will draw in millions of viewers, in the middle of the season. Just a regular season game, keeping fans excited about

football, for weeks to come. The game will be touted as a pair of offensive juggernauts, going to battle against one another, at the highest possible level. Manning and Brady will be battling, zinging balls all over the filed, as they hope to leave Sunday with their record untarnished. 

 

P.S. For all my fans, especially you #1 Fan, I’ll post again on Thursday, and go out on a limb and pick some winners for ya’ll this week. 

Week 6

So week six brought out the most anticipated game of the young season. It pitted the undefeated Dallas Cowboys against the undefeated New England Patriots. The game was close for awhile, but the 4th quarter was dominated by the Patriots giving them a 48-27 victory over the Cowboys.

The two most notable receivers in the game would have to be Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, although Moss’s star power isn’t as high as it once was, now that he has adapted to the Patriots style of just go out and get the job done. Owens has been successful in the league due to his pure athletic ability. Moss on the other hand is a great athlete, but succeeds because he is truly a great receiver. He has the ability to outrun defenders when he needs to and also jump up and catch the ball over them.
Owens is different, his skills come from his ability to catch the ball and rack up yards after the catch. He uses his natural ability to overpower defenders. The thing that is the most different with these two is the number of dropped passes that Owens continues to accumulate. He led the league last year in dropped passes and is well on his way this year in leading the league again in this dubious statistic. So how can a receiver that is supposed to catch the ball that continually drops easy catches, be considered one of the greatest? There is no way. T.O. has incredible athletic skills that allow him to make up for his constant mistakes.

Moss is what a receiver should be. He makes the catches that make fans ooh and awe. He catches balls that shouldn’t be caught. To me this is what a great receiver should be.

P.S. I told everybody two weeks ago that Denver wasn’t the Broncos town anymore. The Rockies are headed to the World Series and the town is painting itself purple in anticipation.

Week 5

So much for all that first week excitement, of jumping up and down watching football, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one in America giving my couch a serious beat down.  Yes, I was literally beating the crap out of my couch for the first three opposing team scores, but after a while you begin to accept your teams defeat. You just sit there in a depressed silence, because you have already exhausted more than enough profanity at your TV for one Sunday afternoon.  Yes, I am a Denver Bronco fan and yes, we got beat 41-3 this week. 

I hate to keep harping on the idea of offensive production, but it was rather obvious this week that there are a few teams in the NFL that can’t put it in the end zone.  Lets begin with the most obvious.  The Buffalo Bills forced the Dallas Cowboys into six turnovers on Monday night, with two of those being defensive interceptions returned for touchdowns.  They also got another touchdown, on a kick-off return.  Their total points in the game: 24; which means their dismal offense could only produce a field-goal, even though on multiple times they were given great field position by Dallas turnovers. Three offensive points people!!!!!  This is an NFL team that can’t score.  How many wins do they have this season?  One.  It’s not going to get much brighter from there with their offensive prowess.   

Next, we have the defensive game of the week, San Francisco vs. Baltimore. Ha, ha ha.  I love when the announcers try to sugar coat it and say this is going to be a great defensive game.  What they really mean is, the offenses can’t do squat.  Let’s look at the 49ers.  Total yards in the first half 33, and that’s not a typo.  How can a team only manage 33 yards in 30 minutes of play?  Oh, I forgot Trent Dilfer is their new starting quarterback.  The Ravens weren’t much better only scoring three field goals.  Head coach Brian Billick referred to his offense as ‘survival’. Their offense doesn’t actually go out and try to make plays and win games like other teams; instead they just try to not hurt the defense too bad. At the end of the game that’s exactly what they were doing.  They weren’t even trying to score, just move the ball for maybe a first down or two, and then punt to San Francisco who couldn’t do a thing on offense.  That would be awesome to be a part of an offensive unit whose only goal is to not do anything that was critical to your defense.

 P.S.  Our prayers and best wishes are with Trent Green and all of his family members, but after two concussions, two-years in a row, it might be time to call it quits?

Week 4 in the NFL

Four weeks into the season and already you can go to Vegas and put money on the Super Bowl bound teams.  Yes, I said it Super Bowl bound teams!   The Colts, Patriots,Cowboys are by the far the three superior teams in the NFL this year.  The main reason for these teams 4-0 start is simple, offensive production.  These teams are each averaging well over 30 points a game.  Fifteen of the 32 NFL teams don’t average over 20 points a game.  I don’t mean to sound like Bill Walton here, but when you score more points then the other team you’re usually going to win. 

There is one more 4-0 team that has also surprised many fans and that is the Packers.  Somehow 37-year-old Brett Favre has been rejuvenated and now looking to end a four year playoff drought.  This season he now holds the record for winningest quarterback of all-time and has thrown the most touchdown passes.  Favre may be playing the best football of his life, but even his greatness isn’t going to overcome a lack of running game.  The Cowboys are headed to the Super Bowl to either play the Colts or the Patriots depending on who comes out victorious in the AFC Championship game. 

P.S.  It looks like the Colorado Rockies, after one of the greatest playoff runs ever, are going to be the team to root for in Denver this year, because the Broncos are hype more than reality.  Although some playoff team will have to emerge out of the West this year and the Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers are garbage.  So maybe, the Broncos will finish at 8-8 and make the playoffs for a first round beating from whomever.

Week 3 in the NFL

What a difference a year makes.  The two biggest disappointments in the NFL thus far would have to be the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers.  It’s early, only three weeks into the season, so there is plenty of time to turn a season around.  New Orleans was referred to last night during Monday Night Football as the ‘New Orleans Aints’ and viewers were also reminded of a time when Saints fans would come to the game with brown paper bags over their heads.  A symbol of how painful the Saints were to watch.  The team resurrected itself last year going 10-6, making it into the playoffs, only one game from the Super bowl and boasted the league’s most prolific offensive team.  This year is quite the opposite.  The Saints have a goose egg in the win column and the offensive has struggled mightily.  Last year, the Saints averaged almost 400 yards per game on the offensive side this year they are below 300.  They averaged just over 25 points a game and this year they are scoring at a whopping pace of 12.7 points per game.

The San Diego Chargers are also struggling out of the gate going 1-2 to start the season.  In three games they now have equaled their total losses from last year.  They were the number one rush offense last year averaging 161 yards per game this year they are averaging a dismal 67.3 yards per game.  Their scoring has also greatly dropped from 30 points a game from last year to 17 points a game this year.

This is the NFL, so lots of things can change before the end of the year, but if these two stellar teams from last year don’t get it going quick they will be playing for draft picks at the end of the year instead of fighting for a playoff spot.

P.S.  Thank you to whoever out there in ‘computer land’ told me how bad my blog sucked.  At that exact moment I felt like a real blogger, getting some real feedback from my audience.  So to those that fire away unmercifully, thank you.

Drama Its Why We Watch

So hopefully I wasn’t the only one in America screaming at the TV set, jumping wildly around the living room, hoopin’and hollerin,’ and slappin’ high fives with my football buddies.  Yes, it is official the NFL is now back in full effect.  The reason this game is so great is the amount of drama that each individual game holds.  Although it was an exciting weekend of football action, there were three extra tense moments that stuck out in my mind.  The first was Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills going limp after a vicious hit against Broncos return man Dominque Hixon.  It was hard to watch his entire body lose all power as he dropped to the ground, head twitch a few times, and then be carted off the field.  The next, was Bill Belichick using cameras on the sidelines to try and steal signs from the New York Jets.  How long has this been going on? Is Belichick really a great coach or has he just been using better ‘tactics’ than the rest of his opponents?  Lastly, and it’s hard to compare this one with the previous two, but how about the no call on the Green Bay Packers punt team when they laid out Philadelphia return man JR Reed. Maybe I’m just bitter about this no-call because I picked Philly to win this week over Green Bay, but it did seem pretty blatant that this was bad refereeing and it affected the outcome of the game.  If there are any other incidents from Week 1 that are worse or more appalling in some manner that I missed please feel free to put me in my place.