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
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