My blogger pal (check the right side of the blog) has challenged me to pick selected bowl games, although I believe our winners are the same. Except for the big one, I'm not sure which bowl is which.
Stanford 17 OKLAHOMA 24
OREGON 35 Ohio State 20 (tortoise does not beat hare)
FLORIDA 27 Cincinnati 24
TCU 35 Boise St. 31 (this one will be fun)
BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Come on!
If you read any of my commentary on college football you know!
Do I have to spell it out?
OK
Alabama 14 TEXAS 20 (I expect a similar game to the one these schools played in the 1973 Cotton Bowl I was at, tight and tense with a late defensive play by the Horns)
12/31/2009
12/30/2009
The Big Addition for the Mavericks
As you can guess from my previous Mavs post on the new guys, the big 1 I was saving for last was Shawn Marion. He gives the Mavericks something they have never really had before. A shut down defender that can certainly guard 4 and maybe all 5 positions in some situations. Don't expext Marion to check Kobe or Lebron for a full game. Do expect him to cover these guys in crunch time and be the on the ball defender for last shots. We've already seen this a few times. Anyone who thinks it unwise to have him in Chris Paul or Baron Davis in last shot scenarios has got to realize he can for them to pass or into bad shooting situations with his height.
That alone would have made him a valuable addition. But when you consider his scoring and rebounding ability he becomes a huge bonus. His offense is inside or outside, jump shot, 3 pointer or penetration. An absolute 2 way threat who doesn't have to command the ball but is there when you need him.
It's as if he has been unshackled from constraints thrown on him in Phoenix. He asked off of the Suns because he knew what he could do and how the Suns offense had degenerated into a Nash and Stoudamire dance, with no defense to back it up.
In Dallas he is a valuable, positive part of a team that I believe is poised to surprise alot of the ESPN experts this year.
That alone would have made him a valuable addition. But when you consider his scoring and rebounding ability he becomes a huge bonus. His offense is inside or outside, jump shot, 3 pointer or penetration. An absolute 2 way threat who doesn't have to command the ball but is there when you need him.
It's as if he has been unshackled from constraints thrown on him in Phoenix. He asked off of the Suns because he knew what he could do and how the Suns offense had degenerated into a Nash and Stoudamire dance, with no defense to back it up.
In Dallas he is a valuable, positive part of a team that I believe is poised to surprise alot of the ESPN experts this year.
12/29/2009
LAST WEEK IN THE NFL
9-7 and 145-79 overall.
Check my post from 11/30/09. Preditced between 2 and 4 losses in Vikings last 5. I expect the Giants to tank against the Vikings because it will help eiher the Eagles or Cowboys. They just aren't bright enough to realize that the better the division looks in the playoffs, the better they look.
Resting players for the playoffs has only ever worked in basketball, because they play so many more games. I've never seen a situation where a team lost a starting qb or rb when still playing even though playoff seeds are clinched. If losing other players to injury costs you that much in the playoffs, you probably aren't deep enough to win in the post season anyway. I've seen a few instances that resting players did more harm than good, going back to the 98 Vikings.
The thing that will hurt the Saints, and has hurt them lately, is they only score on drives that have plays of 25 or more yards. In the playoffs you have to be able to grind out some 8-15 play drives.
Check my post from 11/30/09. Preditced between 2 and 4 losses in Vikings last 5. I expect the Giants to tank against the Vikings because it will help eiher the Eagles or Cowboys. They just aren't bright enough to realize that the better the division looks in the playoffs, the better they look.
Resting players for the playoffs has only ever worked in basketball, because they play so many more games. I've never seen a situation where a team lost a starting qb or rb when still playing even though playoff seeds are clinched. If losing other players to injury costs you that much in the playoffs, you probably aren't deep enough to win in the post season anyway. I've seen a few instances that resting players did more harm than good, going back to the 98 Vikings.
The thing that will hurt the Saints, and has hurt them lately, is they only score on drives that have plays of 25 or more yards. In the playoffs you have to be able to grind out some 8-15 play drives.
12/27/2009
PLAYOFFS!
I admit panick earlier this month. It was not unwarranted. Blind belief is for the realm of religion, not the NFL. I've been a Cowboys fan since birth. I attended games in the Cotton Bowl. I have seen players and coaches that inspired blind belief in the 70's and early 90's. That blind belief was because those guys did it. They could win when they played bad. The current offensive coaching situation hasn't done it yet.
The last 2 games show that they may be turning the corner. Offensively, the Saints game was not the picture of perfection some have made it to be. But they did overcome their mistakes. Same for tonight's win in Washington.
I'm troubled by short yardage predictability. I'm encouraged that pre snap urgency is now part of the offense. Jason Garrett is showing a readiness in play calling that was missing earlier in the year.
This is the right time of the year to be improving and peaking.
The last 2 games show that they may be turning the corner. Offensively, the Saints game was not the picture of perfection some have made it to be. But they did overcome their mistakes. Same for tonight's win in Washington.
I'm troubled by short yardage predictability. I'm encouraged that pre snap urgency is now part of the offense. Jason Garrett is showing a readiness in play calling that was missing earlier in the year.
This is the right time of the year to be improving and peaking.
12/26/2009
THE NEW MAVERICKS
As previously mentioned, the Dallas Mavericks may well be the deepest team in the NBA. Add to this that the backups are not lesser version copies of the main guys, and you see how Rick Carlisle has a big advantage in matching up with teams.
This depth is driven by 5 new players that have helped push them through the early injury problems. Rodrigue Beaubois saw significant playing time early when the injuries were at there worst. Since the team is 20-9, he obviously didn't hurt.
Kris Humphries makes the team 4 deep at players who can play center. He still needs some polish on his finishing ability but he has shown his worth.
Tim Thomas brings a veteran inside/outside presence. I never knew he was the 3 point threat he has turned out to be.
Drew Gooden may turn out to be the biggest addition. Good attitude, able to come off the bench or start, rebounds and gives the team 6 legitimate threats to go off for 20 on ay night.
Later I will devote an entire entry to the big 1.
This depth is driven by 5 new players that have helped push them through the early injury problems. Rodrigue Beaubois saw significant playing time early when the injuries were at there worst. Since the team is 20-9, he obviously didn't hurt.
Kris Humphries makes the team 4 deep at players who can play center. He still needs some polish on his finishing ability but he has shown his worth.
Tim Thomas brings a veteran inside/outside presence. I never knew he was the 3 point threat he has turned out to be.
Drew Gooden may turn out to be the biggest addition. Good attitude, able to come off the bench or start, rebounds and gives the team 6 legitimate threats to go off for 20 on ay night.
Later I will devote an entire entry to the big 1.
12/25/2009
THIS WEEKS PICKS
San Diego 21 @ TENNESSEE 31
Buffalo 13 @ ATLANTA 26
Kansas City 17 @ CINCINNATI 21
OAKLAND 21 @ Cleveland 13 (although Raiders only have 1 win against sub .500 teams)
Seattle 7 @ GREEN BAY 21
Houston 21 @ MIAMI 24 (but Texans usually opposite what I pick)
Jacksonville 13 @ NEW ENGLAND 24 (may be closer than this)
Tampa Bay 7 @ NEW ORLEANS 28
Carolina 20 @ NEW YORK GIANTS 21
Baltimore 13 @ PITTSBURGH 22
St. Louis 17 @ ARIZONA 27
Detroit 13 @ SAN FRANCISCO 23
New York Jets 10 @ INDIANAPOLIS 24
DENVER 27 @ Philadelphia 20 (Philly radio hosts birth cow)
DALLAS 20 @ Washington 14 (based on last week if Skins win thats proof its rigged)
Minnesota 13 @ CHICAGO 21
Buffalo 13 @ ATLANTA 26
Kansas City 17 @ CINCINNATI 21
OAKLAND 21 @ Cleveland 13 (although Raiders only have 1 win against sub .500 teams)
Seattle 7 @ GREEN BAY 21
Houston 21 @ MIAMI 24 (but Texans usually opposite what I pick)
Jacksonville 13 @ NEW ENGLAND 24 (may be closer than this)
Tampa Bay 7 @ NEW ORLEANS 28
Carolina 20 @ NEW YORK GIANTS 21
Baltimore 13 @ PITTSBURGH 22
St. Louis 17 @ ARIZONA 27
Detroit 13 @ SAN FRANCISCO 23
New York Jets 10 @ INDIANAPOLIS 24
DENVER 27 @ Philadelphia 20 (Philly radio hosts birth cow)
DALLAS 20 @ Washington 14 (based on last week if Skins win thats proof its rigged)
Minnesota 13 @ CHICAGO 21
12/23/2009
THE AIRING OF GRIEVANCES
I realized that since it is Festivus today I should include a Festivus tradition on SlagWorld. So here are the first annual SlagWorld AIRING OF GRIEVANCES:
Jason Garrett's play calling always stinks for all or parts of games. A good, consistent coordinator would have at least 10 wins by now.
Rick Hendrick is not capable of running a 5 car team. He can only support 3 cars and still favors 1 over the others.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., you know most of the drivers are idiots so stay away from them so you don't get caught up in their wrecks.
NASCAR stop letting sponsors tell you who the drivers are. These pretty young idiots causing all the wrecks need to trade places with better drivers in lower series so races aren't ruined. Bring in a tire maker to compete with Goodyear so they will be forced to make good tires.
Roy Williams when the ball hits you in the hands, catch it!
MLB get revenue sharing, I'm sick of the Yankees and Sox.
NCAA get a FBS playoff.
I may have more grievances by 12-31.
Jason Garrett's play calling always stinks for all or parts of games. A good, consistent coordinator would have at least 10 wins by now.
Rick Hendrick is not capable of running a 5 car team. He can only support 3 cars and still favors 1 over the others.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., you know most of the drivers are idiots so stay away from them so you don't get caught up in their wrecks.
NASCAR stop letting sponsors tell you who the drivers are. These pretty young idiots causing all the wrecks need to trade places with better drivers in lower series so races aren't ruined. Bring in a tire maker to compete with Goodyear so they will be forced to make good tires.
Roy Williams when the ball hits you in the hands, catch it!
MLB get revenue sharing, I'm sick of the Yankees and Sox.
NCAA get a FBS playoff.
I may have more grievances by 12-31.
LAST WEEK IN THE NFL
10-6 and 136-72 overall.
Watch how the Redskins will try so hard against the Cowboys after not trying at all against the Giants. Either its rigged or these people do not deserved to be called professionals. Professionals in all other walks of life have to try all the time.
I believe the Favre-Childress feud marks the end for the Vikings. If they can lose to Carolina they can lose either or both of the last 2 games.
HAPPY FESTIVUS!
Watch how the Redskins will try so hard against the Cowboys after not trying at all against the Giants. Either its rigged or these people do not deserved to be called professionals. Professionals in all other walks of life have to try all the time.
I believe the Favre-Childress feud marks the end for the Vikings. If they can lose to Carolina they can lose either or both of the last 2 games.
HAPPY FESTIVUS!
12/21/2009
ENTER THE MAVERICKS
It is now time to begin meaningful discussion about basketball with most teams around 30 games played.
Look who is 20-8. The Dallas Mavericks. Many have already said so what, they are soft. These people haven't been watching. This is not the 3 pointer happy, passive jump shooting team of the past. These guys are taking it to the rack. When Dirk had the 29 point 4th quarter he had only one 3 point shot and 14 from free throws. That's aggressive play.
People paying attention will tell you about the depth of this team. Josh Howard has missed over half the season and is back now. Erick Dampier missed the first 10 games or so. Shawn Marion missed a few games and played injured in many others. Last night they beat a healthy Cleveland team without Dirk.
All that and they are playing great defense. This team is dangerous and, for now, under the radar. Later this week I'll take a look at the new additions to the team.
Look who is 20-8. The Dallas Mavericks. Many have already said so what, they are soft. These people haven't been watching. This is not the 3 pointer happy, passive jump shooting team of the past. These guys are taking it to the rack. When Dirk had the 29 point 4th quarter he had only one 3 point shot and 14 from free throws. That's aggressive play.
People paying attention will tell you about the depth of this team. Josh Howard has missed over half the season and is back now. Erick Dampier missed the first 10 games or so. Shawn Marion missed a few games and played injured in many others. Last night they beat a healthy Cleveland team without Dirk.
All that and they are playing great defense. This team is dangerous and, for now, under the radar. Later this week I'll take a look at the new additions to the team.
12/20/2009
THIS IS WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE
In 1971 a 4-3 Cowboys team came from behind in the 4th quarter to beat the Cardinals. This team won out for the franchise's first championship. A coda for some of the original greats that marked the arrival of the Dallas Cowboys.
In January 1976, Roger Staubach completed the most famous pass in NFL history. This took a team, widely predicted to finish last in their division, to the Super Bowl. They lost to Pittsburgh, but the leaders greatness was cemented and it set the stage for a group of young players that would drive the team for the next 8 years.
In January of 1993, the triplets won in San Francisco and started a dynasty that could have won 4 in a row.
These are the seminal games in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Last nights game vs the Saints could join this list if they follow through. Many have called this the most talented team in football. Hopefully this team knows it now too. The Saints did not lose, the Cowboys won. Win the next 2 and I will believe.
In January 1976, Roger Staubach completed the most famous pass in NFL history. This took a team, widely predicted to finish last in their division, to the Super Bowl. They lost to Pittsburgh, but the leaders greatness was cemented and it set the stage for a group of young players that would drive the team for the next 8 years.
In January of 1993, the triplets won in San Francisco and started a dynasty that could have won 4 in a row.
These are the seminal games in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Last nights game vs the Saints could join this list if they follow through. Many have called this the most talented team in football. Hopefully this team knows it now too. The Saints did not lose, the Cowboys won. Win the next 2 and I will believe.
12/18/2009
THIS WEEKS PICKS OF DOOM
Indy won, woohoo!
Dallas 14 @ NEW ORLEANS 42 (I have officially given up. Got the Mavs and Stars going on now, Horns national championship coming up and Daytona in February!)
NEW ENGLAND 24 @ Buffalo 10
ARIZONA 27 @ Detroit 13
Miami 17 @ TENNESSEE 27
Cleveland 6 @ KANSAS CITY 9 (gaaaa)
HOUSTON 17 @ St Louis 6 (if Texans lose they should fold it up)
ATLANTA 24 @ New York Jets 15
San Francisco 17 @ PHILADELPHIA 19 (wretch)
Chicago 10 @ BALTIMORE 17
Oakland 14 @ DENVER 28
Cincinnati 20 @ SAN DIEGO 28
Green Bay 17 @ PITTSBURGH 20 (Steelers last sign of life)
Tampa Bay 14 @ SEATTLE 17 (ungghhh)
MINNESOTA 31 @ Carolina 17
New York Giants 16 @ WASHINGTON 17 (but the Giants would beat Dallas)
Dallas 14 @ NEW ORLEANS 42 (I have officially given up. Got the Mavs and Stars going on now, Horns national championship coming up and Daytona in February!)
NEW ENGLAND 24 @ Buffalo 10
ARIZONA 27 @ Detroit 13
Miami 17 @ TENNESSEE 27
Cleveland 6 @ KANSAS CITY 9 (gaaaa)
HOUSTON 17 @ St Louis 6 (if Texans lose they should fold it up)
ATLANTA 24 @ New York Jets 15
San Francisco 17 @ PHILADELPHIA 19 (wretch)
Chicago 10 @ BALTIMORE 17
Oakland 14 @ DENVER 28
Cincinnati 20 @ SAN DIEGO 28
Green Bay 17 @ PITTSBURGH 20 (Steelers last sign of life)
Tampa Bay 14 @ SEATTLE 17 (ungghhh)
MINNESOTA 31 @ Carolina 17
New York Giants 16 @ WASHINGTON 17 (but the Giants would beat Dallas)
12/17/2009
FINALLY A THURSDAY GAME TO WATCH
That's right, a potentially competetive Thursday game. That said
INDIANAPOLIS 27 @ Jacksonville 16
May Chris Henry recieve peace. What a tragic end to a life that looked to have been recovered. God be with that family.
INDIANAPOLIS 27 @ Jacksonville 16
May Chris Henry recieve peace. What a tragic end to a life that looked to have been recovered. God be with that family.
12/15/2009
NFL WEEK IN REVIEW
9-7, 126-66 overall.
Games matching up any combination of Buffalo, Chicago, Carolina, New York Jets, Jacksonville, Seattle, Houston, Washington, Oakland and San Francisco are impossible to call. When these teams play each other, nothing that previously happened matters. Home or away, injuries, firings, benchings, who cares. Just flip a coin with these guys.
Even thought the Cowboys are done, I still can't see the Giants backing into the playoffs. NFC East will only have 1 playoff team.
I believe this years Super Bowl will be another complete surprise to the media, but maybe not to the fans of the teams that make it. Look for San Diego, Arizona, Miami, Green Bay, Cincinnati maybe even Tennessee to be the teams. Although many of you may not be surprised by the Chargers, Cards or Packers, the sports media is stuck in a New Orleans, Indianapolis, Minnesota and yes New England loop. You can read between the lines and see the pundits think the Pats will get it going in the playoffs.
Games matching up any combination of Buffalo, Chicago, Carolina, New York Jets, Jacksonville, Seattle, Houston, Washington, Oakland and San Francisco are impossible to call. When these teams play each other, nothing that previously happened matters. Home or away, injuries, firings, benchings, who cares. Just flip a coin with these guys.
Even thought the Cowboys are done, I still can't see the Giants backing into the playoffs. NFC East will only have 1 playoff team.
I believe this years Super Bowl will be another complete surprise to the media, but maybe not to the fans of the teams that make it. Look for San Diego, Arizona, Miami, Green Bay, Cincinnati maybe even Tennessee to be the teams. Although many of you may not be surprised by the Chargers, Cards or Packers, the sports media is stuck in a New Orleans, Indianapolis, Minnesota and yes New England loop. You can read between the lines and see the pundits think the Pats will get it going in the playoffs.
12/14/2009
COWBOYS DONE WITHOUT WARE
The way the team deflated after DeMarcus Ware's injury tells me the team is done again. As soon as Ware was out San Diego began attacking deep with more success. Teams now know they have the time to drop back and wait for routes to develope.
I can't completely lay this game on Jason Garrett. But earlier wasted games made this one too important. Garrett coaches scared. His game plans are set more to what he thinks he can do to the other team than what his team can do. If he thinks the running game won't work, it ain't there. He throws these tantrums of only running the ball, probably to show it doesn't work (and it did yesterday), so he can go back to his passing game.
Although better yesterday, Garrett has started every other game taking the play clock down to 1 every play. This allows the defense to be ready. Last year, Ray Lewis said they were the most predictable team in the league.
Jason Garrett needs to stop letting the defense dictate what the Cowboys can do.
I can't completely lay this game on Jason Garrett. But earlier wasted games made this one too important. Garrett coaches scared. His game plans are set more to what he thinks he can do to the other team than what his team can do. If he thinks the running game won't work, it ain't there. He throws these tantrums of only running the ball, probably to show it doesn't work (and it did yesterday), so he can go back to his passing game.
Although better yesterday, Garrett has started every other game taking the play clock down to 1 every play. This allows the defense to be ready. Last year, Ray Lewis said they were the most predictable team in the league.
Jason Garrett needs to stop letting the defense dictate what the Cowboys can do.
12/12/2009
THE REST OF THIS WEEK'S PICKS
Pittsburgh is done and have handed me an 0-1 record so far.
NEW ORLEANS 28 @ Atlanta 24 (Saints continue to scare fans early)
Green BAY 14 @ CHICAGO 17 (Cutler throws to his team)
Denver 13 @ INDIANAPOLIS 20
Buffalo 6 @ KANSAS CITY 10 (coin toss)
CINCINNATI 27 @ Minnesota 17 (let the questions begin)
Carolina 10 @ NEW ENGLAND 35
NEW YORK JETS 20 @ Tampa Bay 16 MIAMI 31 @ Jacksonville 20
Detroit 19 @ BALTIMORE 21
SEATTLE 24 @ Houston 13
St. Louis 10 @ TENNESSEE 38
Washington 14 @ OAKLAND 17 (Zorn to be replaced by the Gorn)
SAN DIEGO 29 @ Dallas 21 (Garrett shortening games becomes Garrett shortening season and career)
PHILADELPHIA 18 @ New York Giants 10
ARIZONA 28 @ San Francisco 7
NEW ORLEANS 28 @ Atlanta 24 (Saints continue to scare fans early)
Green BAY 14 @ CHICAGO 17 (Cutler throws to his team)
Denver 13 @ INDIANAPOLIS 20
Buffalo 6 @ KANSAS CITY 10 (coin toss)
CINCINNATI 27 @ Minnesota 17 (let the questions begin)
Carolina 10 @ NEW ENGLAND 35
NEW YORK JETS 20 @ Tampa Bay 16 MIAMI 31 @ Jacksonville 20
Detroit 19 @ BALTIMORE 21
SEATTLE 24 @ Houston 13
St. Louis 10 @ TENNESSEE 38
Washington 14 @ OAKLAND 17 (Zorn to be replaced by the Gorn)
SAN DIEGO 29 @ Dallas 21 (Garrett shortening games becomes Garrett shortening season and career)
PHILADELPHIA 18 @ New York Giants 10
ARIZONA 28 @ San Francisco 7
12/10/2009
Me On SportsNation!!
THURSDAY'S WORTHLESS GAME
PITTSBURGH 21 @ Cleveland 17 (but it won't feel like a win, would have picked nearly any other team to beat Steelers)
Kudos to Keith Brooking for defending Wade Phillips in attacking Steve Dennis. Why can't the Cowboys be covered by the same type of homer media that covers other teams. It's one thing to be critical, it's another to make it so obvious you hate the team you cover. Steve Dennis, go somewhere else please
Kudos to Keith Brooking for defending Wade Phillips in attacking Steve Dennis. Why can't the Cowboys be covered by the same type of homer media that covers other teams. It's one thing to be critical, it's another to make it so obvious you hate the team you cover. Steve Dennis, go somewhere else please
12/09/2009
NFL
Been a little busy this week so the wrap up is a little late.
This week 9-7, overall 117-59.
Poke a fork in Pittsburgh, they are done. Good teams now see how important Polamalu is. They will start attacking him to keep him from roving. Think of all the plays he's made in the passing game. I don't recall one where he is the primary cover guy. He never is. I a good team just starts having a reciever at him it will nuetralize him and maybe take away the primary coverage also.
Peter King picked the Texans to go to the Super Bowl. GREAT JOB!
Get ready for Minnesota to lose it's 2nd straight. Then they will beat Carolina, regardless of the blind qb the Panthers trot out. In Chicago the Bears will look for revenge and that game will be tough. The Giants may be playing for the division or a playoff spot and will be tough. But the again, New York may realize none of the rest of their games are against Dallas and go back to barely trying.
This week 9-7, overall 117-59.
Poke a fork in Pittsburgh, they are done. Good teams now see how important Polamalu is. They will start attacking him to keep him from roving. Think of all the plays he's made in the passing game. I don't recall one where he is the primary cover guy. He never is. I a good team just starts having a reciever at him it will nuetralize him and maybe take away the primary coverage also.
Peter King picked the Texans to go to the Super Bowl. GREAT JOB!
Get ready for Minnesota to lose it's 2nd straight. Then they will beat Carolina, regardless of the blind qb the Panthers trot out. In Chicago the Bears will look for revenge and that game will be tough. The Giants may be playing for the division or a playoff spot and will be tough. But the again, New York may realize none of the rest of their games are against Dallas and go back to barely trying.
12/07/2009
MY PLAYOFF PLEA
NCAA football should institute a 16 team playoff. This means not only the champion, but who gets to play for the championship, is decided on the field.
Many people favor 8 teams, which is pandering to the NCAA complaint of missed class time. Missed class time that is completely ignored in all other NCAA sports, especially basketball. And not just the tournament. ESPN had that 24 hour kickoff which had games played overnight and all day long, causing players and students to miss class.
Since we know a playoff would give automatic bids to 6 conference champs, 16 teams would guaruntee all teams that anyone could argue for would be in. You wouldn't even need polls or a BCS. 16 teams means you just get in by record. You have a tie-breaker based initially on head to head and common opponents, only resorting on a poll when all else fails.
I would bet you would rarely get teams with more than 2 losses. Big conferences would still have an advantage of being able to get 2 plus teams.
Many people favor 8 teams, which is pandering to the NCAA complaint of missed class time. Missed class time that is completely ignored in all other NCAA sports, especially basketball. And not just the tournament. ESPN had that 24 hour kickoff which had games played overnight and all day long, causing players and students to miss class.
Since we know a playoff would give automatic bids to 6 conference champs, 16 teams would guaruntee all teams that anyone could argue for would be in. You wouldn't even need polls or a BCS. 16 teams means you just get in by record. You have a tie-breaker based initially on head to head and common opponents, only resorting on a poll when all else fails.
I would bet you would rarely get teams with more than 2 losses. Big conferences would still have an advantage of being able to get 2 plus teams.
12/06/2009
PUT THIS ONE ON JASON GARETT TOO
My continued rant about the lack of flow and rhythm in the Cowboy's offensive will go on, apparently until Jason Garrett is relieved of his duties. This requirement of using the entire play clock every snap is costing the team several plays each game. What this means is with fewer plays the defense knows that if Felix Jones is in the game to key on him. Likewise, the defense always has plenty of time to see and adjust to the formation. It's as if Jason Garrett thought,'I have a 10 point lead halfway through the second quarter let's run out the clock!'
This slow play is what is taking away the big plays. It's putting too much pressure on the defense to be perfect. It is putting too much pressure on the whole team. Every single play means too much.
I'm not saying go no huddle, although a little wouldn't hurt, I'm just saying get people on the field, call a play, get to the line and run it. Like the Saints do!
This slow play is what is taking away the big plays. It's putting too much pressure on the defense to be perfect. It is putting too much pressure on the whole team. Every single play means too much.
I'm not saying go no huddle, although a little wouldn't hurt, I'm just saying get people on the field, call a play, get to the line and run it. Like the Saints do!
12/05/2009
THIS WEEKS PICKS
Just when I decided to rely on T O he let me down.
Philadelphia 16 @ ATLANTA 24 (Falcons try to start a playoff run)
St. Louis 6 @ CHICAGO 17
Detroit 10 @ CINCINNATI 27
TENNESSEE 31 @ Indianapolis 24
DENVER 24 @ Kansas City 19
New England 24 @ MIAMI 27 (Dolphins say 'I'm not a tuna')
OAKLAND 17 @ Pittsburgh 16 (Bruce says 'G'day mate')
NEW ORLEANS 37 @ Washington 20
TAMPA BAY 24 @ Carolina 17 (how many bad games are there)
HOUSTON 27 @ Jacksonvile 13
SAN DIEGO 31 @ Cleveland 10
DALLAS 34 @ New York Giants 20 (revenge!)
San Francisco 16 @ SEATTLE 19
Minnesota 20 @ ARIZONA 28 (the real Vikings stand up)
BALTIMORE 13 @ Green Bay 10
Philadelphia 16 @ ATLANTA 24 (Falcons try to start a playoff run)
St. Louis 6 @ CHICAGO 17
Detroit 10 @ CINCINNATI 27
TENNESSEE 31 @ Indianapolis 24
DENVER 24 @ Kansas City 19
New England 24 @ MIAMI 27 (Dolphins say 'I'm not a tuna')
OAKLAND 17 @ Pittsburgh 16 (Bruce says 'G'day mate')
NEW ORLEANS 37 @ Washington 20
TAMPA BAY 24 @ Carolina 17 (how many bad games are there)
HOUSTON 27 @ Jacksonvile 13
SAN DIEGO 31 @ Cleveland 10
DALLAS 34 @ New York Giants 20 (revenge!)
San Francisco 16 @ SEATTLE 19
Minnesota 20 @ ARIZONA 28 (the real Vikings stand up)
BALTIMORE 13 @ Green Bay 10
12/03/2009
TONIGHT'S UNWATCHABLE GAME AND OTHER THINGS NFL
New York Jets 17 @ BUFFALO 20 (Rex will start hating offense just like Buddy)
A friend asked why I haven't said anything about the Saints. Nothing remarkable has happened with them. I thought they would be good.
Beating the Patriots, a shell of the former team? They got no D. Will do good to win 11. Many teams can beat the Patriots.
Would New Orleans beat Minnesota? DUH! Check out my recent Vikings rant. The Saints are not afraid to fall behind. They have a defense that can give up points without giving up. They play quick and a good offense that plays quick takes pressure off the defense because it gives the offense extra possessions. This won't matter because I think Minnesota loses it's first playoff game anyway.
The Saints have to worry about teams with steady defenses that don't have to gamble but can. This team also has to have a balanced offense that can hit the big play and control the ball as well. Teams that also aren't afraid to fall behind early.
A friend asked why I haven't said anything about the Saints. Nothing remarkable has happened with them. I thought they would be good.
Beating the Patriots, a shell of the former team? They got no D. Will do good to win 11. Many teams can beat the Patriots.
Would New Orleans beat Minnesota? DUH! Check out my recent Vikings rant. The Saints are not afraid to fall behind. They have a defense that can give up points without giving up. They play quick and a good offense that plays quick takes pressure off the defense because it gives the offense extra possessions. This won't matter because I think Minnesota loses it's first playoff game anyway.
The Saints have to worry about teams with steady defenses that don't have to gamble but can. This team also has to have a balanced offense that can hit the big play and control the ball as well. Teams that also aren't afraid to fall behind early.
12/02/2009
11/30/2009
THE MYTH OF THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings are not nearly as great as people think they are. So far their opponents record is 45-69. That's .395. 4 wins against teams with 2 wins or less.
A loss against a Pittsburgh team that has no running game. Supposedly the perfect type of team for their defense to play. Barely winning against a suspect Baltimore team. A team that had to go to overtime to beat a Steelers team that was without the vaunted Troy Polamalu and starting it's 3rd string QB. Barely beating the Niners. Let's not look at these teams as how good people thought they were when they played the Vikings, but how bad they have turned out to be. That means only 2 wins against quality opponents, the Packers. Since Green Bay can't run the ball or protect the QB, how much quality is that.
The remaining schedule is Arizona, Cincinnati, Carolina, Chicago and the Giants. I can see 2, maybe 4 losses there. The Cardinals and Bengals are the best teams they will play all year. Chicago is in Chicago.
A loss against a Pittsburgh team that has no running game. Supposedly the perfect type of team for their defense to play. Barely winning against a suspect Baltimore team. A team that had to go to overtime to beat a Steelers team that was without the vaunted Troy Polamalu and starting it's 3rd string QB. Barely beating the Niners. Let's not look at these teams as how good people thought they were when they played the Vikings, but how bad they have turned out to be. That means only 2 wins against quality opponents, the Packers. Since Green Bay can't run the ball or protect the QB, how much quality is that.
The remaining schedule is Arizona, Cincinnati, Carolina, Chicago and the Giants. I can see 2, maybe 4 losses there. The Cardinals and Bengals are the best teams they will play all year. Chicago is in Chicago.
11/28/2009
THE REST OF 'EM
2-1 from Thursday. Entering the season all the pundits said the Giants would have 'the greatest front 7 ever'. At what?
Tampa Bay 14 @ ATLANTA 24
MIAMI 23 @ T Old 10 (great pick up Bills)
Cleveland 7 @ CINCINNATI 21
SEATTLE 16 @ St Louis 7 (zzzzzzzz)
Carolina 13 @ NEW YORK JETS 16 (fools rush in where angels fear to tread)
WASHINGTON 17 @ Suckadelphia 14
INDIANAPOLIS 24 @ Houston 21 (Texans bandwagon now a unicycle)
Kansas City 14 @ SAN DIEGO 24
Jacksonville 17 @ SAN FRANCISCO 23 (oh great and mighty coin which team will win this game)
Arizona 21 @ TENNESSEE 27 (VINCE!)
Chicago 13 @ MINNESOTA 27 (Cedar Hill TX High would be 9-1 against this schedule)
Pittsburgh 10 @ BALTIMORE 24 (some day Ray Lewis will injure himself doing that stupid dance)
New England 27 @ NEW ORLEANS 41 (won't loose to this weak d)
Tampa Bay 14 @ ATLANTA 24
MIAMI 23 @ T Old 10 (great pick up Bills)
Cleveland 7 @ CINCINNATI 21
SEATTLE 16 @ St Louis 7 (zzzzzzzz)
Carolina 13 @ NEW YORK JETS 16 (fools rush in where angels fear to tread)
WASHINGTON 17 @ Suckadelphia 14
INDIANAPOLIS 24 @ Houston 21 (Texans bandwagon now a unicycle)
Kansas City 14 @ SAN DIEGO 24
Jacksonville 17 @ SAN FRANCISCO 23 (oh great and mighty coin which team will win this game)
Arizona 21 @ TENNESSEE 27 (VINCE!)
Chicago 13 @ MINNESOTA 27 (Cedar Hill TX High would be 9-1 against this schedule)
Pittsburgh 10 @ BALTIMORE 24 (some day Ray Lewis will injure himself doing that stupid dance)
New England 27 @ NEW ORLEANS 41 (won't loose to this weak d)
11/25/2009
TURKEY DAY PICKS
Since I am staying up all night to smoke 2 turkeys, I had better get the early picks in before lack of sleep robs me of my senses!
GREEN BAY 24 @ Detroit 10 (if Stafford and Johnson were healthy would be reversed!)
Oakland 10 @ DALLAS 27 (surely this game will not be a struggle)
NEW YORK GIANTS 24 @ Denver 10 (will the Broncos win any more this year? Survey says!.....not much)
The rest of the truth will be posted by Saturday.
GREEN BAY 24 @ Detroit 10 (if Stafford and Johnson were healthy would be reversed!)
Oakland 10 @ DALLAS 27 (surely this game will not be a struggle)
NEW YORK GIANTS 24 @ Denver 10 (will the Broncos win any more this year? Survey says!.....not much)
The rest of the truth will be posted by Saturday.
11/24/2009
Last Week in the NFL
10-6 this week, a small improvement, 95-49 since starting week 2.
Cincinnati is the Bungles. They were always the Bungles.
Cleveland is the worst team in football. That 10-6 season a couple of seasons ago was the worst thing that could have happened to them.
Starting 3-0 was the worst thing that could have happened to the Jets, Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan. Guaruntees that Stafford and the Lions will make the playoffs before they do.
That close win over Atlanta will give the Giants a false sense of security.
Jay Cutler is now throwing scared. Bears need big changes in personnell at skill positions. There is no skill at skill positions.
Cincinnati is the Bungles. They were always the Bungles.
Cleveland is the worst team in football. That 10-6 season a couple of seasons ago was the worst thing that could have happened to them.
Starting 3-0 was the worst thing that could have happened to the Jets, Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan. Guaruntees that Stafford and the Lions will make the playoffs before they do.
That close win over Atlanta will give the Giants a false sense of security.
Jay Cutler is now throwing scared. Bears need big changes in personnell at skill positions. There is no skill at skill positions.
11/23/2009
GARRETT, PRESS BOX, PLEASE
I renew my call for Jason Garrett to get into the press box to call the plays. In my 1st post I sighted sideline distractions. Now, after 2 poorly called games, I believe it may be more important to see the field. I don't think he can see defensive spacing well enough from the limited view on the sideline.
It also looks like the run only first part of the game was a tantrum to try to prove the running game doesn't work. He needs to learn to mix it up better from a variety of formations.
It's also clear that taking up all of the play clock on every play is destroying offensive rhythm. The defense also has time to read and adjust when all that time is wasted. In both of the last 2 games, the touchdown drives were when the team was acting quickly, but not necessarily in hurry up. Just call plays, get to the line and take up a second to read the defense and run the play. Defenses make pre-snap adjustments too.
It also looks like the run only first part of the game was a tantrum to try to prove the running game doesn't work. He needs to learn to mix it up better from a variety of formations.
It's also clear that taking up all of the play clock on every play is destroying offensive rhythm. The defense also has time to read and adjust when all that time is wasted. In both of the last 2 games, the touchdown drives were when the team was acting quickly, but not necessarily in hurry up. Just call plays, get to the line and take up a second to read the defense and run the play. Defenses make pre-snap adjustments too.
11/22/2009
Les Miles Kidnapped!
Les Miles, the greatest coach in history (not), was kidnapped by his arch nemesis, Moore Kilometers. How else do you explain the clock debacle against Mississippi or Ole Miss or Mississippi State or whatever irrelevant school they were playing. What coach doesn't look at the clock when they are calling time out, to make sure the clock stops? What coach doesn't make sure he has the ref's attention?
When I said Florida would win their games up to, but not including, the BCS champioship, I did not know their remaining regular season schedule consisted of high school teams.
Oklahoma's plan of tanking to try and ruin Texas' strength of schedule has failed becuase Houston has done so well and becuase they are losing to teams Texas beat.
Remember to schedule your nap for the Rose Bowl. Slow, plodding Ohio State will be outrun by any PAC 10 team.
When I said Florida would win their games up to, but not including, the BCS champioship, I did not know their remaining regular season schedule consisted of high school teams.
Oklahoma's plan of tanking to try and ruin Texas' strength of schedule has failed becuase Houston has done so well and becuase they are losing to teams Texas beat.
Remember to schedule your nap for the Rose Bowl. Slow, plodding Ohio State will be outrun by any PAC 10 team.
11/21/2009
THE REST OF THIS WEEKS PICKS
Already lost Miami Carolina game. Never trust any pick involving Jake Delhomme.
Washington 10 @ Dallas 17 (Deadskins would win this, their super bowl, if Dallas had won last week)
Cleveland 6 @ Detroit 13 (Browns gott nothin' man)
San Francisco 21 @ Puckers 13 (Green Bay won their super bowl last week, time to lick the envelope and put a stamp on it)
Pittsburgh 24 @ Kansas City 14
Seattle 13 @ Minnesota 24 (when do Vikings have to play someone)
Atlanta 31 @ New York Giants 24
New Orleans 27 @ Tampa Bay 24 (Saints playing like Florida Gators now, will hurt them come playoff time)
Buffalo 10 @ Jacksonville 21
Indianapolis 24 @ Baltimore 13
Arizona 27 @ Spams 6
San Diego 26 @ Denver 13
Cincinnati 27 @ Oakland 7
New York Jets 13 @ New England 31 (Rex Ryan leaves tearful recorded messages for ticket holders)
Philadelphia 16 @ Chicago 24
Tennessee 27 @ Houston 21 (Vince!)
Washington 10 @ Dallas 17 (Deadskins would win this, their super bowl, if Dallas had won last week)
Cleveland 6 @ Detroit 13 (Browns gott nothin' man)
San Francisco 21 @ Puckers 13 (Green Bay won their super bowl last week, time to lick the envelope and put a stamp on it)
Pittsburgh 24 @ Kansas City 14
Seattle 13 @ Minnesota 24 (when do Vikings have to play someone)
Atlanta 31 @ New York Giants 24
New Orleans 27 @ Tampa Bay 24 (Saints playing like Florida Gators now, will hurt them come playoff time)
Buffalo 10 @ Jacksonville 21
Indianapolis 24 @ Baltimore 13
Arizona 27 @ Spams 6
San Diego 26 @ Denver 13
Cincinnati 27 @ Oakland 7
New York Jets 13 @ New England 31 (Rex Ryan leaves tearful recorded messages for ticket holders)
Philadelphia 16 @ Chicago 24
Tennessee 27 @ Houston 21 (Vince!)
I'm Confused!?!??
On ESPN First Take Charean Williams reports:
Jason Garrett under fire for only 14 running plays against Green Bay. Jerry Jones not second guessing but vows more running plays. Garrett says flow of the game dictated passing becuase Cowboys didn't have the ball much.
Tied at 0 until late in the first half. Down by only 3 until early in the fourth quarter. Facing PASS blitzes all game long. When exactly did the flow of the game dictate abandoning the running game? Isn't running the ball one way to defeat the blitz.
They say all the 'eight in he box' dictated passing. But it was for pass blitzing. Even then, how about using the 2 touted tight ends in power I or single back, shown so much in the pre season, to counter eight in the box? I believe sometimes you run the ball just to force your will and keep your defense off the field.
That said, I believe Garrett has designed a good offense and good plays. He's just has no knack for when or how to apply that in game.
Jason Garrett under fire for only 14 running plays against Green Bay. Jerry Jones not second guessing but vows more running plays. Garrett says flow of the game dictated passing becuase Cowboys didn't have the ball much.
Tied at 0 until late in the first half. Down by only 3 until early in the fourth quarter. Facing PASS blitzes all game long. When exactly did the flow of the game dictate abandoning the running game? Isn't running the ball one way to defeat the blitz.
They say all the 'eight in he box' dictated passing. But it was for pass blitzing. Even then, how about using the 2 touted tight ends in power I or single back, shown so much in the pre season, to counter eight in the box? I believe sometimes you run the ball just to force your will and keep your defense off the field.
That said, I believe Garrett has designed a good offense and good plays. He's just has no knack for when or how to apply that in game.
11/19/2009
THURSDAY GAME
Miami 19 @ Carolina 21 (no Ronnie Brown, can Pat White be the wildcat? can Delhomme figure out what color he is wearing? scary game to pick)
11/18/2009
Thank God its Free
I just got word off The Dallas Morning News Cowboys Blog that Doug Free will start at tackle to replace Marco Colombo. Cory Proctor would have wrecked the season. If Free plays well enough to hold the spot, the Cowboys should be able to win the NFC East.
Admittedly I panicked on the game day post. But I remembered last year. The coaching staff could not figure out that Proctor could not block at guard and didn't pull him until the third quarter of the debacle in Philly. Granted Proctor blocked well replacing Gurode at center vs. Atlanta, but i saw what happened at guard last year. Keep him at backup center only.
I now believe the team will get to 11-5. Maybe they can eek out 12-4. You have to remember that there are 4 division games left. No matter how horrible the Giants, Eagles and Redskins look in the rest of their games, they always come to play against Dallas. The Boys can beat all these teams if they apply themselves. They have a chance against a fading Saints team that is playing a week schedule. The Chargers may be a different story, but don't count out Dallas in this one. If they lose to Oakland December 21, 2012 will come early.
Admittedly I panicked on the game day post. But I remembered last year. The coaching staff could not figure out that Proctor could not block at guard and didn't pull him until the third quarter of the debacle in Philly. Granted Proctor blocked well replacing Gurode at center vs. Atlanta, but i saw what happened at guard last year. Keep him at backup center only.
I now believe the team will get to 11-5. Maybe they can eek out 12-4. You have to remember that there are 4 division games left. No matter how horrible the Giants, Eagles and Redskins look in the rest of their games, they always come to play against Dallas. The Boys can beat all these teams if they apply themselves. They have a chance against a fading Saints team that is playing a week schedule. The Chargers may be a different story, but don't count out Dallas in this one. If they lose to Oakland December 21, 2012 will come early.
11/17/2009
NFL WEEK IN REVIEW
9-6 this week. 85-43 overall.
Now that slack jaw is on the bench Tennessee may win 8 games. When the Titans moved they got too good too quick and spoiled those fans. They expected too nuch too soon from Vince Young and now they have what they have. If Vince had started from day 1 this season they would be a wild card team. If you are going to boo a young qb, any qb, in the first game of a season, you don't know football.
Bill Belicick's decison to go for it on 4th and 2 wouldn't bee too bad against 27 teams in the NFL. New England has a very good defense. The Colts are not one of those teams. Plus, Indy still had 3 timeouts. Even if you get that 1st down the Colts may have still gotten the ball back with about a minute left.
Looks like the clock struck midnight on the Broncos. As of now, THEY ARE WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE!
The ESPN pundits generally praised Belichick for a dumb decision that failed and slammed Del Rio for good clock management that worked. Go figure.
Now that slack jaw is on the bench Tennessee may win 8 games. When the Titans moved they got too good too quick and spoiled those fans. They expected too nuch too soon from Vince Young and now they have what they have. If Vince had started from day 1 this season they would be a wild card team. If you are going to boo a young qb, any qb, in the first game of a season, you don't know football.
Bill Belicick's decison to go for it on 4th and 2 wouldn't bee too bad against 27 teams in the NFL. New England has a very good defense. The Colts are not one of those teams. Plus, Indy still had 3 timeouts. Even if you get that 1st down the Colts may have still gotten the ball back with about a minute left.
Looks like the clock struck midnight on the Broncos. As of now, THEY ARE WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE!
The ESPN pundits generally praised Belichick for a dumb decision that failed and slammed Del Rio for good clock management that worked. Go figure.
11/16/2009
TRYING TO KEEP HOPE ALIVE
Even though my last entry was gloom and doom it wasn't about the fact the Cowboys lost to the Packers. It was the fact they lost Marco Colombo for the year. I picked a big Dallas victory because if tthings went as they should that would have happened. I was fully aware the Cowboys might have a bit of a hangover from the big win over the Eagles. I also suspected that Green Bay would come out strong after a bad loss and have a defensive game plan quite different from what they had previouisly shown. And that is what happened.
I can't help but looking back to last year. Cowboys coaches couldn't see they needed to get Cory Proctor off the field until the 3rd quarter of the debacle in Philly, wheb it was way too late. I fear Proctor has yet again practiced well following a good training camp. I believe he is the Warner Bros. frog. No one's looking and it's 'Hello my honey, hello my baby' . Turn on the cameras for a game and it's 'ribbit'.
I can't help but looking back to last year. Cowboys coaches couldn't see they needed to get Cory Proctor off the field until the 3rd quarter of the debacle in Philly, wheb it was way too late. I fear Proctor has yet again practiced well following a good training camp. I believe he is the Warner Bros. frog. No one's looking and it's 'Hello my honey, hello my baby' . Turn on the cameras for a game and it's 'ribbit'.
11/15/2009
COWBOYS SEASON ENDS
Don't bother with the Dallas Cowboys the rest of the season. My hopes and expectations were based on the team not having any more major injuried, especially to the offensive line.
With a broken leg, Marco Colombo will be out at least 6 weeks and probably the season. There are 7 weeks left. The only game they will win is against Oakland. So that is a 7-9 season.
Why so gloomy? The undoubted move will be to play Cory Proctor. Proctor can't block anyone. Sure he tries, but check the tapes. When the season went to hell last year was when Kosier and Holland were hurt and Proctor had to play. The play against Arizona when Romo got hurt was a Proctor missed block. Having him in the game is like having a 3 man offensive line. His inability erases one of the other linemen.
Unless they have a tackle I don't know about, it's over. It was good to have hope for awhile. I still have the Longhorns!
With a broken leg, Marco Colombo will be out at least 6 weeks and probably the season. There are 7 weeks left. The only game they will win is against Oakland. So that is a 7-9 season.
Why so gloomy? The undoubted move will be to play Cory Proctor. Proctor can't block anyone. Sure he tries, but check the tapes. When the season went to hell last year was when Kosier and Holland were hurt and Proctor had to play. The play against Arizona when Romo got hurt was a Proctor missed block. Having him in the game is like having a 3 man offensive line. His inability erases one of the other linemen.
Unless they have a tackle I don't know about, it's over. It was good to have hope for awhile. I still have the Longhorns!
THIS WEEK IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL
I'm sick and tired of people saying Texas can't win the national championship because they only have 2 weapons in Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley. They got alotta weapons pal. Mack brown has schmoed up his recruiting for years. They have 3 different running backs, of which one seems to rise up each week. If it weren't for injury problems, Trey Newton probabaly would have been the featured back.
I'm glad Florida keeps barely winning games. It will enforce the 'if we show up we'll win' mentallity. By the time they have to play Texas in the championship game their heads will be so huge they won't fit in the stadium. I bet if Florida played Baylor the score would be 24-13. That's about all Florida wins by anymore. Texas would have beaten the South Carolina Cocks by 40. Mainly because Spurrier can't coach'em up or recruit anymore.
No matter what happens Florida will make the championship because the BCS has polls and we all know how good Florida is at screwing up elections.
I'm glad Florida keeps barely winning games. It will enforce the 'if we show up we'll win' mentallity. By the time they have to play Texas in the championship game their heads will be so huge they won't fit in the stadium. I bet if Florida played Baylor the score would be 24-13. That's about all Florida wins by anymore. Texas would have beaten the South Carolina Cocks by 40. Mainly because Spurrier can't coach'em up or recruit anymore.
No matter what happens Florida will make the championship because the BCS has polls and we all know how good Florida is at screwing up elections.
11/14/2009
THE REST OF THIS WEEKS PICKS
I've already lost the Bears-Niners game because Jay Cutler sucks.
Buffalo 13 @ Tennessee 24 (Vince is getting better)
New Orleans 34 @ SPAMS 6 (Saints should play their second string against this D2 squad)
Tampa Bay 10 @ Miami 17
Detroit 13 @ Minnesota 27
Jacksonville 24 @ New York Jets 20 (the party's over for New York City)
Cincinnati 24 @ Pittsburgh 27 (wanted to pick Bungles but Henry is out)
Denver 17 @ Deadskins 10
Atlanta 27 @ Carolina 17
Chiefs of what? losing! 13 @ Raiders of the lost game 16
Iggles 16 @ San Diego 24 (the downward spiral begins)
Seattle 10 @ Arizona 21
Dallas 31 @ Green Bay 16 (Cowboys may set all time sack record)
New England 17 @ Indianapolis 21 (Colts defense deeper than you think)
Baltimore 17 @ Cleveland 13
Buffalo 13 @ Tennessee 24 (Vince is getting better)
New Orleans 34 @ SPAMS 6 (Saints should play their second string against this D2 squad)
Tampa Bay 10 @ Miami 17
Detroit 13 @ Minnesota 27
Jacksonville 24 @ New York Jets 20 (the party's over for New York City)
Cincinnati 24 @ Pittsburgh 27 (wanted to pick Bungles but Henry is out)
Denver 17 @ Deadskins 10
Atlanta 27 @ Carolina 17
Chiefs of what? losing! 13 @ Raiders of the lost game 16
Iggles 16 @ San Diego 24 (the downward spiral begins)
Seattle 10 @ Arizona 21
Dallas 31 @ Green Bay 16 (Cowboys may set all time sack record)
New England 17 @ Indianapolis 21 (Colts defense deeper than you think)
Baltimore 17 @ Cleveland 13
11/12/2009
EARLY GAME
I give you the thursday game 1st, the rest to follow by Saturday.
Chicago 21 @ San Francisco 17
View the picks of my friend (nemesis) I am competing against at ndtrc.blogspot.com. He blogs Notre Dame (yeck) and Cowboys too.
Chicago 21 @ San Francisco 17
View the picks of my friend (nemesis) I am competing against at ndtrc.blogspot.com. He blogs Notre Dame (yeck) and Cowboys too.
11/10/2009
NFL Weekend Wrap Up
The Pick 'em didn't go so well this weekend. 7-6 and 76-37 overall since starting week 2.
I will no longer listen to the Chicago and Denver hype machines. THEY ARE WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE!
We will now see what Tennessee lost when they put Vince Young's developement on hold to gamble on the Super Bowl with a slack jawed quarterback. It may cost Jeff Fischer his job.
Indy got lucky. There will come a point that Peyton Manning will be unable to overcome the defensive losses.
The Giants may be done. Get your fork ready.
The rest of the league just saw how to beat Philly. Pressure McNabb so the long pass routes don't have time to develope. They can't play ball control. Wide reciever screens and quick slants with some draws and delays thrown in will pull them out of the blitz. They will pretend to challenge for the playoffs but if you can't beat Oakland you have no business in the post season.
I will no longer listen to the Chicago and Denver hype machines. THEY ARE WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE!
We will now see what Tennessee lost when they put Vince Young's developement on hold to gamble on the Super Bowl with a slack jawed quarterback. It may cost Jeff Fischer his job.
Indy got lucky. There will come a point that Peyton Manning will be unable to overcome the defensive losses.
The Giants may be done. Get your fork ready.
The rest of the league just saw how to beat Philly. Pressure McNabb so the long pass routes don't have time to develope. They can't play ball control. Wide reciever screens and quick slants with some draws and delays thrown in will pull them out of the blitz. They will pretend to challenge for the playoffs but if you can't beat Oakland you have no business in the post season.
11/09/2009
Cowboys Defense Stifles Big Play Eagles
Many people are saying this game was the biggest road win ever for Tony Romo, and up til now it is. Many people will say this game was a turning point for Roy Williams, and it was. He got first downs that kept the Eagles offense off the field. This game was about the best defense in the NFC, maybe the NFL.
Face it, all Andy Reid's second half bad decisions were attempts to keep his struggling offense on the field. They were all desperate grabs to try to maintain drives because he knew Wade Phillips had taken away big plays and most of the passing game. Reid did not have enough confidence in his offense's ability to have to drive 60 to 80 yards to score.
No one should argue about the replay ruling on the 4th and inches. Watch it closely When McNabb slid off the pile he did not slide forward, he slid sideways. It didn't matter where his left arm was.
The final possession of the game showed just how much the Dallas offense, the line in particular, had beaten up the Philly defense.
Face it, all Andy Reid's second half bad decisions were attempts to keep his struggling offense on the field. They were all desperate grabs to try to maintain drives because he knew Wade Phillips had taken away big plays and most of the passing game. Reid did not have enough confidence in his offense's ability to have to drive 60 to 80 yards to score.
No one should argue about the replay ruling on the 4th and inches. Watch it closely When McNabb slid off the pile he did not slide forward, he slid sideways. It didn't matter where his left arm was.
The final possession of the game showed just how much the Dallas offense, the line in particular, had beaten up the Philly defense.
11/08/2009
NCAA
Any more questions about Texas? If you have any, just wait. The team is still improving each week. Just because they won't run up the score to pander to the polls is no indication of weekness. Texas A n M will give them a game. The Big 12 Championship will be a challenge as well. We're waiting, Tebow.
I would say forget about Alabama, because they struggled to beat an offenseless LSU, but Florida hasn't impressed me either.
Oregon is great, wha.......
How was Oklahoma ranked in the top 25 in any poll?
I would say forget about Alabama, because they struggled to beat an offenseless LSU, but Florida hasn't impressed me either.
Oregon is great, wha.......
How was Oklahoma ranked in the top 25 in any poll?
11/07/2009
WEEK 9 NFL PICKS
Deadskins 13 @ Hotlanta 34
Arizona 17 @ Da Bears 27
Baltimore 21 @ Ochonnati 24
Houston 14 @ Indianapolis 24
Miami 14 @ New England 24
Green Bay 27 @ Tampa Bay 12 (a perfect excuse for a nap)
Kansas City 17 @ Jacksonville 20 (possibly the season's most irrevelant game)
Detrit 27 @ Seattle 14 (how many meaningless games are there?)
Carolina 17 @ New Orleans 35
San Diego 17 @ New York Giants 21 (this one could go either way)
Tenneessee 16 @ San Francisoo 20
Dallas 38 @ Iggles 24 (revenge)
Pittsburgh 13 @ Denver 20 (not much confidence hereh
Arizona 17 @ Da Bears 27
Baltimore 21 @ Ochonnati 24
Houston 14 @ Indianapolis 24
Miami 14 @ New England 24
Green Bay 27 @ Tampa Bay 12 (a perfect excuse for a nap)
Kansas City 17 @ Jacksonville 20 (possibly the season's most irrevelant game)
Detrit 27 @ Seattle 14 (how many meaningless games are there?)
Carolina 17 @ New Orleans 35
San Diego 17 @ New York Giants 21 (this one could go either way)
Tenneessee 16 @ San Francisoo 20
Dallas 38 @ Iggles 24 (revenge)
Pittsburgh 13 @ Denver 20 (not much confidence hereh
11/03/2009
NFL Week 8 Wrap up
Another 11-2 week bringing me to 69-31 since starting in week 2. I may have gotten a couple right vs the spread.
Now that Vince Young is starting the Titans may not be one of the many teams with no more than 5 wins.
The Giants will have a brief resurgence either the next few weeks or the end of the season. They will pretend to challenge for a playoff spot but will miss.
With the exception of the western division winners, teams wil have to have 11 wins to get into the playoffs. This year there is not much of a middle class in the NFL. We might see 5 teams with 13 or more wins.
Now that Vince Young is starting the Titans may not be one of the many teams with no more than 5 wins.
The Giants will have a brief resurgence either the next few weeks or the end of the season. They will pretend to challenge for a playoff spot but will miss.
With the exception of the western division winners, teams wil have to have 11 wins to get into the playoffs. This year there is not much of a middle class in the NFL. We might see 5 teams with 13 or more wins.
11/02/2009
Cowboys Win a Game They are Supposed the Way They are Supposed to
All the cowboys doubters better hold off until December. That's when they have to prove something. And I think they will. For two straight Decembers they have had injuries that helped to sink them. I believe they have gotten throught the injuries this year. We know all about last year's injuries. Two years ago they ended the season with injuries to Romo's arm, T.O.'s leg and other less documented hurts.
Let's take a look at the two losses this season. They lost to the Giants (who everyone thought was so wonderful) by a point. There were about 15 plays that cost the Cowboys. The picks, the missed field goal, the penalties and the few defensive lapses. Turn any of those around and it's a win.
It's the same story against Denver. Plus, everyone now says Denver is a very good team. That means that if the Cowboys play well they win that game.
Yes they played an awful game against KC, but won. Good teams win games against bad teams when having a bad game.
Watch out Philly.
Let's take a look at the two losses this season. They lost to the Giants (who everyone thought was so wonderful) by a point. There were about 15 plays that cost the Cowboys. The picks, the missed field goal, the penalties and the few defensive lapses. Turn any of those around and it's a win.
It's the same story against Denver. Plus, everyone now says Denver is a very good team. That means that if the Cowboys play well they win that game.
Yes they played an awful game against KC, but won. Good teams win games against bad teams when having a bad game.
Watch out Philly.
11/01/2009
Longhorns Continue to Improve
The University of Texas can now claim 3 wins over quality teams that can't be argued against. At least not by a sane person. No one can say Oklahoma State lost because of suspended reciever Dez Bryant. They were unable to come close to stopping a Texas offense that is overcoming inuries and coming together at the right time. If the Horns take it one week at a time they will get to the BCS championship game.
Now that the PAC 10 is out of the championship picture only Iowa may be able to complain about the BCS. I just don't see them going undefeated in the regular season anyway.
No matter what happens this season will turn out to be the best ever argument for a playoff. We may see 4 undefeated teams.
Now that the PAC 10 is out of the championship picture only Iowa may be able to complain about the BCS. I just don't see them going undefeated in the regular season anyway.
No matter what happens this season will turn out to be the best ever argument for a playoff. We may see 4 undefeated teams.
10/31/2009
WEEK 8 PICKS
Houston 27 @ Buffalo 16 (TO irrelavence tour continues)
Cleveland 9 @ Chicago 28
Seattle 13 @ Dallas 31
St. Louis 10 @ Detroit 21 (both teams might lose to BCS top 5)
San Francisco 17 @ Indianapolis 28
Miami 24 @ New York Jets 13 (Dolphins won with more than just wildcat last time)
New York Giants 20 @ Iggles 24 (possible very ugly game)
Denver 22 @ Baltimore 27 (not much confidence here could go either way)
Jacksonville 17 @ Tennessee 20 (Vince does just enough vs bad team)
Oakland 9 @ San Diego 27
Carolina 16 @ Arizona 24 (this weeks interception bowl)
Minnesota 24 @ Green Bay 27 (Favre will start to wear out)
Atlanta 17 @ New Orleans 31 (Falcons season hangs in the balance)
Cleveland 9 @ Chicago 28
Seattle 13 @ Dallas 31
St. Louis 10 @ Detroit 21 (both teams might lose to BCS top 5)
San Francisco 17 @ Indianapolis 28
Miami 24 @ New York Jets 13 (Dolphins won with more than just wildcat last time)
New York Giants 20 @ Iggles 24 (possible very ugly game)
Denver 22 @ Baltimore 27 (not much confidence here could go either way)
Jacksonville 17 @ Tennessee 20 (Vince does just enough vs bad team)
Oakland 9 @ San Diego 27
Carolina 16 @ Arizona 24 (this weeks interception bowl)
Minnesota 24 @ Green Bay 27 (Favre will start to wear out)
Atlanta 17 @ New Orleans 31 (Falcons season hangs in the balance)
10/28/2009
WSOP
This weeks airingof the main event on ESPN took the field from 27 to 18, only 2 tables with 9 more to be eliminated to get to the final table. It looks like the final table will not be live on pay per view. I missedseeing when it was and wish I could this year.
Last nights airing showed how misplaced bravado can cost you. There has always been this feeling below the surface that you aren't a man or you give something away if you double check your cards through the hand. Phil Ivey gave up a 2+ nillion chip pot because of this. He had pocket 8's, one of them a spade. 4 spades wound up hitting the board, the ace on the river. It was checked down which made the other guy show first, A-9, neither a spade. Ivey mucked what would have been a winning flush.
If you have a stone face like Ivey, double checking your cards won't hurt you. I would venture to say it never does. Your reaction to the cards as they come is a bigger tell because people read the board for pairs first.
Last nights airing showed how misplaced bravado can cost you. There has always been this feeling below the surface that you aren't a man or you give something away if you double check your cards through the hand. Phil Ivey gave up a 2+ nillion chip pot because of this. He had pocket 8's, one of them a spade. 4 spades wound up hitting the board, the ace on the river. It was checked down which made the other guy show first, A-9, neither a spade. Ivey mucked what would have been a winning flush.
If you have a stone face like Ivey, double checking your cards won't hurt you. I would venture to say it never does. Your reaction to the cards as they come is a bigger tell because people read the board for pairs first.
10/27/2009
NFL Week 7 Wrap
This week I was 11-2 bringing my overall record to 58-29 since starting on week 2.
Here's what I learned from week 7:
The Niners will have now have a qarterback controversy all year long and this will basically give the NFC West to the Cardinals.
Before starting this blog I predicted to a friend that there could be 10-12 teams with 5 wins or less and this week did nothing to change that opinion. There may be 3 or 4 teams with 2 wins or less.
Don't put too much stock in the undefeated teams no matter how good they look now. If you look back on the past several years, most of the teams to win or get to the super bowl had slow or awful starts and got most of their injuries out of the way early.
New England still hasn't shown me anything. They blew out a team that has given up (Titans) and a team returning to its historical awfulness (Buccaneers). Beat a team that can put pressure on the quarterback and I'll be impressed.
Here's what I learned from week 7:
The Niners will have now have a qarterback controversy all year long and this will basically give the NFC West to the Cardinals.
Before starting this blog I predicted to a friend that there could be 10-12 teams with 5 wins or less and this week did nothing to change that opinion. There may be 3 or 4 teams with 2 wins or less.
Don't put too much stock in the undefeated teams no matter how good they look now. If you look back on the past several years, most of the teams to win or get to the super bowl had slow or awful starts and got most of their injuries out of the way early.
New England still hasn't shown me anything. They blew out a team that has given up (Titans) and a team returning to its historical awfulness (Buccaneers). Beat a team that can put pressure on the quarterback and I'll be impressed.
10/25/2009
Cowboys get it right for 2 1/2 quarters
It took until the middle of the second quarter but Jason Garrett finally got a good rhythm going with play calling. You should note that for the first quarter and a half it was the same symphony of false starts as the rest of the season had been. As soon as the rhythm was established the penalties became less of a factor. Better use of the I formation and power running set up effective play action. Less shotgun meant fewer boom or bust draws and delay hand offs. Most importantly there was a good mix as opposed to spells of all run that then led to longer spells of all pass.
On the other side of the ball the Cowboys controlled the game except for the three scoring drives. The opening drive I can forgive because it just showed what adjustments needed to be made. The other two drives had one thing in common: Bobby Carpenter. All season long I've noticed the team gives up points when he is on the field. Evidently AJ Hawke made him look great at Ohio State.
On the other side of the ball the Cowboys controlled the game except for the three scoring drives. The opening drive I can forgive because it just showed what adjustments needed to be made. The other two drives had one thing in common: Bobby Carpenter. All season long I've noticed the team gives up points when he is on the field. Evidently AJ Hawke made him look great at Ohio State.
10/24/2009
read the next post then come back to this one
Now to finish that thought: the coach that occasionally nearly accomplished something.
Tonight we saw the Texas team everyone thought they were. Except for UL-Monroe the Horns have really had a tougher schedule than you think. Add that to the fact that most of those were teams that will always get up to play Texas.
If there is one thing I've learned about college football it's that all you need to do is survive early and be good late. Late losses hurt more than early losses, no matter who you lose to, because of the polls. The voters can't remember more than two weeks ago. Anything further back than that is just a number in the loss column. Even if that loss is a huge blow out.
Texas has teams that either have talent, will get up for the game or both. So just keep improving so you can make everyone shut up about Tim Tebow in January.
Tonight we saw the Texas team everyone thought they were. Except for UL-Monroe the Horns have really had a tougher schedule than you think. Add that to the fact that most of those were teams that will always get up to play Texas.
If there is one thing I've learned about college football it's that all you need to do is survive early and be good late. Late losses hurt more than early losses, no matter who you lose to, because of the polls. The voters can't remember more than two weeks ago. Anything further back than that is just a number in the loss column. Even if that loss is a huge blow out.
Texas has teams that either have talent, will get up for the game or both. So just keep improving so you can make everyone shut up about Tim Tebow in January.
What I Learned About College Football This Week
First I must be clear that the Texas game is the only game I watched and I'll get to that in a minute. I split time between Notre Dame-BC and Alabama-Tennessee. Even though I am about half Irish I hate Notre Dame (but wait, Notre Dame is a french phrase?!?!?) and I don't like much, if anything, about Boston. Boston College let a golden opportunity slip through their hands and wasted a pretty good defensive performance against a team that has shown an ability to score. It's as simple as A B C - Always Be Closing.
I found the Tennesee game frustrating. They seemed to be moving the ball well on the ground but got little out of it. It should not have had to come down to a blocked field goal. Lane Kiffin's coaching legacy seems to be: the guy that sometimes nearly accom
I found the Tennesee game frustrating. They seemed to be moving the ball well on the ground but got little out of it. It should not have had to come down to a blocked field goal. Lane Kiffin's coaching legacy seems to be: the guy that sometimes nearly accom
10/23/2009
EAST COAST BIAS
This is has been a rant of mine for quite some time. East coast or more correctly east of the mississippi media bias.
Today on ESPN's Around the Horn, The Boston Globe's ancient columnist Bob Ryan said the Arizona Cardinals were irrevelant. Granted I have detested this franchise in both cities they have represented during my lifetime, but to say a team that just last year played in the super bowl is irrevelant shows his disdain for over half our country. I find it maddening how he always speaks seriously about all teams in the east, even the Browns who haven't been revelant for over 20 years and weren't around for the whole time anyway. None of the other columnists are quite as bad as Mr Ryan. But the general bias will show its head even more during basketball season with the wealth of discussions about the irrevelant Knicks. In baseballs off season the Yankees and Sox will be a constant topic, even when they haven't made news.
Just be a national network!
Today on ESPN's Around the Horn, The Boston Globe's ancient columnist Bob Ryan said the Arizona Cardinals were irrevelant. Granted I have detested this franchise in both cities they have represented during my lifetime, but to say a team that just last year played in the super bowl is irrevelant shows his disdain for over half our country. I find it maddening how he always speaks seriously about all teams in the east, even the Browns who haven't been revelant for over 20 years and weren't around for the whole time anyway. None of the other columnists are quite as bad as Mr Ryan. But the general bias will show its head even more during basketball season with the wealth of discussions about the irrevelant Knicks. In baseballs off season the Yankees and Sox will be a constant topic, even when they haven't made news.
Just be a national network!
This weeks picks
San Francisco 24 @ Houston 21
Green Bay 27 @ Cleveland 10
San Diego 21 @ Kansas City 16
Brett Favre 24 @ Worthlessberger 27 (either team causes me acid reflux)
New England 42 @ Tampa Bay 10
J E T S just shut up 13 @ shoulda got directtv 10 (very low confidence)
Buffalo 12 @ Carolina 13 (does anyone care)
Chicago 17 @ Ochocinco 28
Atlanta 20 @ Dallas 27 (Jason can you hear me?)
New Orleans 31 @ Miami 20
Arizona 27 @ New York Giants 21 (wheels start to fall off)
I hate any city that would boo Santa Clause and Dr. J 16 @ Worstington 9
There, I've said it!
Green Bay 27 @ Cleveland 10
San Diego 21 @ Kansas City 16
Brett Favre 24 @ Worthlessberger 27 (either team causes me acid reflux)
New England 42 @ Tampa Bay 10
J E T S just shut up 13 @ shoulda got directtv 10 (very low confidence)
Buffalo 12 @ Carolina 13 (does anyone care)
Chicago 17 @ Ochocinco 28
Atlanta 20 @ Dallas 27 (Jason can you hear me?)
New Orleans 31 @ Miami 20
Arizona 27 @ New York Giants 21 (wheels start to fall off)
I hate any city that would boo Santa Clause and Dr. J 16 @ Worstington 9
There, I've said it!
10/22/2009
Current Record
Every Friday or Saturday I will post my weekly NFL picks. I started picking against a friend on week 2. I will give a score but I don't measure against the spread just by win/loss (may not have won any vs spread). So far I am 47-27.
Jason Garrett get off the sideline
The main problem with the Dallas Cowboys this year is Jason Garrett. Far to many times he has shown a lack of preparedness in play calling. Why else have they been flagged for or been close to delay of game. Not to mention wasted time outs. I find this unaceptable for a team with this much tallent and high expectations.
Being solutions oriented I offer these (for starters):
On second down stop being so sensitive to yards to go. He should have the next play ready during or before the first down play. This lack of readiness is causing delays during package changes.
Get off the sideline and into the box. Take away the confusion inherent in being on the sideline and get above the fray. This will get people out of your ear.
Establish a base set for each series for first and second down. When you get a first down then change packages. This can only help to establish a better rhythm. And rhythm is sorely missing from this offense.
More to come and weekly picks too!
Being solutions oriented I offer these (for starters):
On second down stop being so sensitive to yards to go. He should have the next play ready during or before the first down play. This lack of readiness is causing delays during package changes.
Get off the sideline and into the box. Take away the confusion inherent in being on the sideline and get above the fray. This will get people out of your ear.
Establish a base set for each series for first and second down. When you get a first down then change packages. This can only help to establish a better rhythm. And rhythm is sorely missing from this offense.
More to come and weekly picks too!
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