Every football writer in the country is probably leading off their column by covering the mini-Super Bowl that occurred between the Patriots and the Colts on Sunday. I will definitely get to that later. However, I would like to call attention to last night's game between the Steelers and the Ravens first.
When I first tuned in to the game and saw the sheets of rain pelting the stadium in Pittsburgh, I figured we were in for a low scoring, defensive battle. After all, the footing was terrible, the visibility was virtually nil and the ball was as slick as it would've been had it been covered in grease. Therefore, I was truly impressed to see Ben Roethlisberger turn in a Brady-like performance by throwing FIVE first-half touchdowns. Big Ben has quietly performed at an elite level this season and often goes unnoticed when the discussion about who is among the Top Ten quarterbacks in the game is held. Like Glenn Close's psycho character in Fatal Attraction, he "will not be be ignored" for much longer.
On to the other thoughts:
- The Pats and Colts certainly fought an entertaining battle, didn't they? I believe that a healthy Marvin Harrison would've made the difference for the Colts. Reggie Wayne was the only elite receiver the Colts had ( he really should've made that catch though....that drop was a killer) and they still stayed stride for stride with Mighty New England for nearly the whole game. As for the Patriots, what more can one say? They have to be considered the overwhelming favorites to win the Super Bowl and have an excellent chance to go undefeated.
- My friend had this to say about Bill Belichick: "He's the kind of guy you want something bad to happen to." While I wouldn't go as far as to say that, I do find it rich that he accused the Colts of piping in stadium noise to disrupt his team. I can't believe he would find a sympathetic ear in the entire league who would listen to him. Your behavior has caused nearly everybody to hate you, Bill. Justified or not, you have made your own bed here. Have a nice nap.
- Adrian Peterson just continues to exceed the already-lofty expectations for his rookie year. Breaking the single game rushing yardage record is yet another bit of icing on the Rookie of the Year cake. He is truly the most talented RB in the league not nicknamed "LT."
- I think the Jets have cause for a little optimism. Yes, they are still horrible and probably will finish is the bottom three in the league. But Kellen Clemens is going to be a very good quarterback in this league. His ability to squeeze the ball into tight spaces with velocity and accuracy is a huge improvement over Chad Pennington's feeble tosses. I'm not blaming Chad...he never had a strong arm to begin with and he certainly deserves respect for coming back after two major shoulder injuries. But having a QB who can gun the ball downfield is going to eventually make the Jets harder to play against. Now if they could just do something about all those horrific drops by the receivers.
- You could have timed Shaun Rogers' touchdown run with a calendar. I still can't believe they didn't need to perform CPR on the big man in the end zone.
- Do you get the feeling that someone kidnapped Drew Brees in the beginning of the season, shoved him a root cellar somewhere and replaced him with a doppelganger out on the field? He must have have escaped his shackles during the bye week because he looks like a completely different quarterback out there.
- You know what, T.O? There's less "love" in those boos that you hear at Lincoln Field than you think. You may want to look into purchasing a bullet-proof vest for your next visit.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Celebrating Arbour Day
Al Arbour returned for a one game stint to coach the Islanders against the Penguins last Saturday night and the organization sure put on one hell of show during and after the game.
As a fan of the Islanders since 1976, I well remember Radar and the Cup winning teams he coached. Critics will scoff that he had a ridiculously talented team to work with during his tenure. I won't argue that the players on his teams had talent, to put it mildly (Potvin, Bossy, Trottier, Billy Smith and Clark Gillies spring to mind.) But I don't think those same critics give Al enough credit for getting the very best out of those players.
Having talent is one thing...there are plenty of special players, both today and in the history of the sport. These players can dazzle you with their brilliance on a nightly basis, pulling off feats of athleticism that the fan can only dream about. They can impress you with their ability to fight against adversity. They can amaze you with their mental toughness and stamina, staring down pressure filled games without batting an eyelash.
But how many of those hundreds of skilled players in the history of the league have won multiple Stanley Cups with the same teams? How many of them were able to harness their immense gifts to not only provide entertainment, but to fit within a system so that they were part of a bigger picture? I'll tell you who they were...the guys who had great coaches.
Arbour took a team of stars and got them to perform every night as a unit. Egos were checked at the door. Mike Bossy busted his butt as much as Billy Carroll, a fourth line center who barely got any ice time. Bryan Trottier put in as much work as Duane Sutter did. Al Arbour was noted during his playing time as a hard worker who never took a shift off. He passed that same work ethic onto his players.
It has been said about those Cup winning teams from the early 80's that they could beat you in any style you wanted to play them. You want to outmuscle them? Good luck. You're going to confound them with your speed? Nice try. Beat them with a suffocating defense? Go ahead and give it your best shot.
So, how does that happen? How does a team become so proficient in every area of the game that they can adjust to the style of every opponent?
Coaching....which is what Al Arbour did as well as any who have ever submitted a lineup card and stood behind a bench.
The Islanders deserve the league's respect for celebrating this man's unique accomplishments and giving him one final moment in the spotlight. It was a night full of class from top to bottom.
Oh, by the way, the Islanders won the game with a gritty, third period comeback against a very talented Pittsburgh team with a couple of current superstars you may have heard of. They simply outworked the Pens, sacrificing the body and refusing to give in to the ready-made excuse that their star goaltender was knocked out of the game by an accidental high stick.
Sounds like the playing career of a certain coach.
As a fan of the Islanders since 1976, I well remember Radar and the Cup winning teams he coached. Critics will scoff that he had a ridiculously talented team to work with during his tenure. I won't argue that the players on his teams had talent, to put it mildly (Potvin, Bossy, Trottier, Billy Smith and Clark Gillies spring to mind.) But I don't think those same critics give Al enough credit for getting the very best out of those players.
Having talent is one thing...there are plenty of special players, both today and in the history of the sport. These players can dazzle you with their brilliance on a nightly basis, pulling off feats of athleticism that the fan can only dream about. They can impress you with their ability to fight against adversity. They can amaze you with their mental toughness and stamina, staring down pressure filled games without batting an eyelash.
But how many of those hundreds of skilled players in the history of the league have won multiple Stanley Cups with the same teams? How many of them were able to harness their immense gifts to not only provide entertainment, but to fit within a system so that they were part of a bigger picture? I'll tell you who they were...the guys who had great coaches.
Arbour took a team of stars and got them to perform every night as a unit. Egos were checked at the door. Mike Bossy busted his butt as much as Billy Carroll, a fourth line center who barely got any ice time. Bryan Trottier put in as much work as Duane Sutter did. Al Arbour was noted during his playing time as a hard worker who never took a shift off. He passed that same work ethic onto his players.
It has been said about those Cup winning teams from the early 80's that they could beat you in any style you wanted to play them. You want to outmuscle them? Good luck. You're going to confound them with your speed? Nice try. Beat them with a suffocating defense? Go ahead and give it your best shot.
So, how does that happen? How does a team become so proficient in every area of the game that they can adjust to the style of every opponent?
Coaching....which is what Al Arbour did as well as any who have ever submitted a lineup card and stood behind a bench.
The Islanders deserve the league's respect for celebrating this man's unique accomplishments and giving him one final moment in the spotlight. It was a night full of class from top to bottom.
Oh, by the way, the Islanders won the game with a gritty, third period comeback against a very talented Pittsburgh team with a couple of current superstars you may have heard of. They simply outworked the Pens, sacrificing the body and refusing to give in to the ready-made excuse that their star goaltender was knocked out of the game by an accidental high stick.
Sounds like the playing career of a certain coach.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Start/Sit: Week 9
Quarterback:
Start- Matt Hasselbeck- Hasselbeck and the Seahawks play Cleveland this week and that translates to only one thing: Fantasy Gold. He's coming off a bye week and battling a strained oblique muscle, but he does get promising WR D.J Hackett back this week. He'll have to air it out all day to keep up with the Browns' explosive offense. Forecast: 280 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Sit- Kurt Warner- Brenda, I mean KURT, Warner draws a tough Jacksonville unit who are only allowing an average of 235 yards a game to opposing passers. They know that they'll have to win with defense due to their offensive situation and will be primed for the task. Warner is about as mobile as the Statue of Liberty and the Jaguars' fearsome pass rush should encounter few problems reaching him. Forecast: 185 yards, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown.
Running Back:
Start- Marshawn Lynch- Lynch takes on the woeful Bungles Defense this week and is probably tickled pink about it. He ran for 84 yards and a touchdown in Week 7 against Baltimore, who is roughly three times as good as Cincy's D is. With quarterback J.P Losman back and raring to go, Marshawn will have more room to run and should take advantage. Forecast: 125 yards, 1 touchdown.
Sit- Frank Gore- It's been a really trying season for Gore. He lost his mother, he has been dealing with an ankle injury and his offensive line cannot open a hole for him if their lives depended on it. Though, on paper, a matchup against Atlanta seems tasty, I think Gore is more hurt than he's letting on and will struggle even against the Falcons. Don't give up entirely on him yet, but you probably have a better option on your bench. Forecast- 50 yards, 2 receptions, 15 yards.
Wide Receiver:
Start- Brandon Stokley- Stokley makes for a sneaky start against Detroit this week. He has proven to be one of QB Jay Cutler's favorite targets in recent weeks (He caught a combined ten balls for 141 yards and a touchdown the last two weeks.) With Javon Walker out for several more weeks, look for this trend to continue. Forecast: 5 receptions, 70 yards, 1 touchdown.
Sit- Steve Smith- To say that Smith has had a rough season thus far would be a ridiculous understatement. Things don't get much better this week against a resurgent Tennessee defense. David Carr, never one of football's most accurate quarterbacks, will likely having flashbacks to his Texans' days and will be running for his life. Sadly, Smith will probably be open as he is still one of the WR's out there, but he will produce another lousy performance for his owners. Forecast- 3 receptions, 30 yards
Tight End:
Start- Vernon Davis- Davis is a superstar whose career is still waiting to take off. He's been hampered by injuries and truly bad quarterback play. However, with San Francisco's main weapon, Frank Gore, hobbling around on one good ankle and WR Darrell Jackson doing his usual "You paid me a lot of money, but I'll be constantly injured" routine, someone has to step up and that man is V.D (ouch...unfortunate initials.) Forecast- 6 receptions, 50 yards, 1 touchdown.
Sit- Eric Johnson- It seems like everyone else on New Orleans has gotten in on Drew Brees' Rise from the dead except Johnson. He came up short last week with just two catches for 12 measly yards on a day when Drew threw for 4 touchdowns. Johnson is, at the best of times, an safety outlet for a struggling quarterback and is often an afterthought in the game plan. There ought to be at least two TE's who have a better situation this week. Forecast- 3 receptions, 20 yards
Defense:
Start- Washington- The Redskins are mad as hell and won't be taking it anymore. They got destroyed by the Patriots last week and are looking for a team to take their frustrations out on. Along comes the Jets with their anemic offense, patchwork offensive line and newbie quarterback. The Redskins really couldn't ask for a better matchup than this one. Forecast- 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery.
Sit- Minnesota Vikings- The Vikings have been...well, "Vikings"...when it comes to defending the rush this year. However, they haven't yet had to play a guy named LaDainian yet, who is kryptonite to opposing defenses. San Diego's Phillip Rivers is also managing the game better, making key throws when he needs to compliment the hurricane force of Tomlinson's running. Oh yeah, they also have some guy named Gates who's supposed to be pretty good at catching footballs. Forecast- 1 sack
Start- Matt Hasselbeck- Hasselbeck and the Seahawks play Cleveland this week and that translates to only one thing: Fantasy Gold. He's coming off a bye week and battling a strained oblique muscle, but he does get promising WR D.J Hackett back this week. He'll have to air it out all day to keep up with the Browns' explosive offense. Forecast: 280 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Sit- Kurt Warner- Brenda, I mean KURT, Warner draws a tough Jacksonville unit who are only allowing an average of 235 yards a game to opposing passers. They know that they'll have to win with defense due to their offensive situation and will be primed for the task. Warner is about as mobile as the Statue of Liberty and the Jaguars' fearsome pass rush should encounter few problems reaching him. Forecast: 185 yards, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown.
Running Back:
Start- Marshawn Lynch- Lynch takes on the woeful Bungles Defense this week and is probably tickled pink about it. He ran for 84 yards and a touchdown in Week 7 against Baltimore, who is roughly three times as good as Cincy's D is. With quarterback J.P Losman back and raring to go, Marshawn will have more room to run and should take advantage. Forecast: 125 yards, 1 touchdown.
Sit- Frank Gore- It's been a really trying season for Gore. He lost his mother, he has been dealing with an ankle injury and his offensive line cannot open a hole for him if their lives depended on it. Though, on paper, a matchup against Atlanta seems tasty, I think Gore is more hurt than he's letting on and will struggle even against the Falcons. Don't give up entirely on him yet, but you probably have a better option on your bench. Forecast- 50 yards, 2 receptions, 15 yards.
Wide Receiver:
Start- Brandon Stokley- Stokley makes for a sneaky start against Detroit this week. He has proven to be one of QB Jay Cutler's favorite targets in recent weeks (He caught a combined ten balls for 141 yards and a touchdown the last two weeks.) With Javon Walker out for several more weeks, look for this trend to continue. Forecast: 5 receptions, 70 yards, 1 touchdown.
Sit- Steve Smith- To say that Smith has had a rough season thus far would be a ridiculous understatement. Things don't get much better this week against a resurgent Tennessee defense. David Carr, never one of football's most accurate quarterbacks, will likely having flashbacks to his Texans' days and will be running for his life. Sadly, Smith will probably be open as he is still one of the WR's out there, but he will produce another lousy performance for his owners. Forecast- 3 receptions, 30 yards
Tight End:
Start- Vernon Davis- Davis is a superstar whose career is still waiting to take off. He's been hampered by injuries and truly bad quarterback play. However, with San Francisco's main weapon, Frank Gore, hobbling around on one good ankle and WR Darrell Jackson doing his usual "You paid me a lot of money, but I'll be constantly injured" routine, someone has to step up and that man is V.D (ouch...unfortunate initials.) Forecast- 6 receptions, 50 yards, 1 touchdown.
Sit- Eric Johnson- It seems like everyone else on New Orleans has gotten in on Drew Brees' Rise from the dead except Johnson. He came up short last week with just two catches for 12 measly yards on a day when Drew threw for 4 touchdowns. Johnson is, at the best of times, an safety outlet for a struggling quarterback and is often an afterthought in the game plan. There ought to be at least two TE's who have a better situation this week. Forecast- 3 receptions, 20 yards
Defense:
Start- Washington- The Redskins are mad as hell and won't be taking it anymore. They got destroyed by the Patriots last week and are looking for a team to take their frustrations out on. Along comes the Jets with their anemic offense, patchwork offensive line and newbie quarterback. The Redskins really couldn't ask for a better matchup than this one. Forecast- 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery.
Sit- Minnesota Vikings- The Vikings have been...well, "Vikings"...when it comes to defending the rush this year. However, they haven't yet had to play a guy named LaDainian yet, who is kryptonite to opposing defenses. San Diego's Phillip Rivers is also managing the game better, making key throws when he needs to compliment the hurricane force of Tomlinson's running. Oh yeah, they also have some guy named Gates who's supposed to be pretty good at catching footballs. Forecast- 1 sack
Guest Column: Against the Spread picks- Week 9 by William Jones
Ok kids.....I'm back with the picks for the NFL Week 9. A quick reminder that these picks are for entertainment purposes only. Don't put your hard earned money on players who get paid regardless of the outcome. And, if you do, there is one key element to pay attention to: Don't let your wife find out.
Cincinnati -1 @ Buffalo - This may be the lock of the century. Ocho Cinco is not pleased with his recent lack of opportunities to showcase his entertaining end zone antics and will look to rectify the situation post-haste. He needs the ball and shall receive it this week. I have no idea who is running the ball for the Tiger-Cats, but with their air attack, who cares? The Cinci Offense outpaces the suspect Bills O and wins by a landslide!
Washington - 3.5 @ NYJ - OK, the Jets are my boys and I hate picking against them but their best player (L. Coles) is out. Gunslinger QB Kellen C. gets a shot and that should spell turnovers all day for Jersey's second team. The Redskins' D will be itching to erase last week's embarrassment against the Pats. Washington runs the ball all day, Los Jets can't stop the run...any questions?
UPSET SPECIAL!!!
Green Bay +2 @ Kansas City-Yeah, I know they had a short week, a tough overtime win at Mile High and Arrowhead is an impossible place to visit and win but you can't count the Pack out...I love the D and Favre is having the time of his life. LJ is nice, but I can't see the QB situation in KC overcoming that fierce D. So much against them and Green Bay gets the win anyway!
Cincinnati -1 @ Buffalo - This may be the lock of the century. Ocho Cinco is not pleased with his recent lack of opportunities to showcase his entertaining end zone antics and will look to rectify the situation post-haste. He needs the ball and shall receive it this week. I have no idea who is running the ball for the Tiger-Cats, but with their air attack, who cares? The Cinci Offense outpaces the suspect Bills O and wins by a landslide!
Washington - 3.5 @ NYJ - OK, the Jets are my boys and I hate picking against them but their best player (L. Coles) is out. Gunslinger QB Kellen C. gets a shot and that should spell turnovers all day for Jersey's second team. The Redskins' D will be itching to erase last week's embarrassment against the Pats. Washington runs the ball all day, Los Jets can't stop the run...any questions?
UPSET SPECIAL!!!
Green Bay +2 @ Kansas City-Yeah, I know they had a short week, a tough overtime win at Mile High and Arrowhead is an impossible place to visit and win but you can't count the Pack out...I love the D and Favre is having the time of his life. LJ is nice, but I can't see the QB situation in KC overcoming that fierce D. So much against them and Green Bay gets the win anyway!
Friday, November 2, 2007
"Do you believe in miracles?" Part Two
Ok, so perhaps it wasn't nearly as impressive as Team USA's Olympic stunner over the ridiculously talented Soviet squad in 1980. However, the Islanders did manage to defeat a very good Tampa Bay Lightning team for the first time in two years last night.
The Lightning have always had some sort of mystical hold on the Isles. Even the dreadful Tampa Bay clubs of the past have managed to stomp all over New York. Recently, the Lightning have just outright dominated the series. Martin St. Louis, in particular, has used these games to pump up his stats.
However, a corner may have been turned. New York turned in an inspired performance, outplaying the struggling Lightning in most facets of the game. True, they needed an outstanding Rick Dipietro in goal (as well as a couple of lucky goalposts) to do it, but shutting out Tampa Bay requires an entire team effort.
What was the reason for such a gritty, on-the-same-page response? Was it the occasion of Mike Sillinger's 1,000th contest and the team wanted to play well? Was it the upcoming one game return to coaching of Al Arbour that had them "jacked up"? Or were they simply tired of always losing to Vinny LeCavalier & Company and decided to take a stand?
Whatever the reason, the Islanders demonstrated that, when they're firing on all cylinders, they are a competitive team to be reckoned with. It is coach Ted Nolan's job to make sure that efforts like last night's are the norm and not just an anomaly.
The Lightning have always had some sort of mystical hold on the Isles. Even the dreadful Tampa Bay clubs of the past have managed to stomp all over New York. Recently, the Lightning have just outright dominated the series. Martin St. Louis, in particular, has used these games to pump up his stats.
However, a corner may have been turned. New York turned in an inspired performance, outplaying the struggling Lightning in most facets of the game. True, they needed an outstanding Rick Dipietro in goal (as well as a couple of lucky goalposts) to do it, but shutting out Tampa Bay requires an entire team effort.
What was the reason for such a gritty, on-the-same-page response? Was it the occasion of Mike Sillinger's 1,000th contest and the team wanted to play well? Was it the upcoming one game return to coaching of Al Arbour that had them "jacked up"? Or were they simply tired of always losing to Vinny LeCavalier & Company and decided to take a stand?
Whatever the reason, the Islanders demonstrated that, when they're firing on all cylinders, they are a competitive team to be reckoned with. It is coach Ted Nolan's job to make sure that efforts like last night's are the norm and not just an anomaly.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Guest Column: College Football Picks by William Jones
This week looks to pick up where we left off last week when we went 2-1 (Texas A&M went down the tubes, taking their coach with them!) with a three-play of picks.
Kansas State (-14) @ Iowa State - The numbers indicate K-State to be a 34.5 point favorite in this one with I-State giving up an average of 32 points per game. Since upsetting rival Iowa in week 3, I-State has lost all their conference games. K-State, coming off a last second loss to Oklahoma State two weeks ago, drubbed Baylor by 38 this past Saturday, a Baylor team that beat it's I-AA opponent while I-State lost to theirs. K-State covers no problem vs. a team with nothing left to win.
LSU(-7) @ Alabama - OK, we know LSU is, most likely, the best team in the country. But this game will hinge on one thing and one thing only...Saban gets to play his first game against LSU after leaving them to go to the Dolphins in 2005. This will be the first and only time some of his former recruits (class of 2009) at LSU will get a chance to show up the man who promised them the moon and then left for Miami. I'm sure, given a do-over, each and every one of the players he recruited would still have picked LSU but they have to feel some level of betrayal. Interestingly, media pieces quoting Alabama players discussing the LSU game have been plentiful, but LSU player quotes are in scarce supply. Hmmmm. Last time I saw this in a rivalry game, UCLA upset USC last year, killing any shot the Trojans had of getting to the Championship Game. Take the grudge, LSU's battle to regain a BCS championship berth and the fact that they are a statistical 11 point favorite and the Tigers will get their revenge on Saban. Go with LSU.
The UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK!!! Georgia Tech (-2.5) v. Virginia Tech (Thursday Nov.1) - Both teams have been going up and down the polls this year for different reasons. GT had a storybook season last year, but lost superstar WR Calvin Johnson to the NFL. VT, a perennial ACC favorite, entered the season reeling from the tragedy that occurred there. Both teams have adjusted nicely, with GT leaning on stud RB Tashard Choice and VT easing into a groove after a bad early loss to LSU. Both teams are near equals statistically, with the math working GT out to be a true 2.5 point favorite. The x-factor to this game will be Choice and his #1 backup sitting out this game with injuries. The third option has a better yard per rush average and as many TD's as Choice, but we'll see if he can carry the load. After thumping their last two opponents (Clemson and Duke) by 18+ points each, VT was ready to prove they were emotionally ready to take hold of the ACC. They went up to play BC in the rain and let their guard down in the final two minutes after dominating a sloppy, run oriented game. They won't take their foot off GT's throat this week. VT wins outright!
We've been 2-1 but this week's slate had so many generous games, I'm thinking we should go 3-0.
Kansas State (-14) @ Iowa State - The numbers indicate K-State to be a 34.5 point favorite in this one with I-State giving up an average of 32 points per game. Since upsetting rival Iowa in week 3, I-State has lost all their conference games. K-State, coming off a last second loss to Oklahoma State two weeks ago, drubbed Baylor by 38 this past Saturday, a Baylor team that beat it's I-AA opponent while I-State lost to theirs. K-State covers no problem vs. a team with nothing left to win.
LSU(-7) @ Alabama - OK, we know LSU is, most likely, the best team in the country. But this game will hinge on one thing and one thing only...Saban gets to play his first game against LSU after leaving them to go to the Dolphins in 2005. This will be the first and only time some of his former recruits (class of 2009) at LSU will get a chance to show up the man who promised them the moon and then left for Miami. I'm sure, given a do-over, each and every one of the players he recruited would still have picked LSU but they have to feel some level of betrayal. Interestingly, media pieces quoting Alabama players discussing the LSU game have been plentiful, but LSU player quotes are in scarce supply. Hmmmm. Last time I saw this in a rivalry game, UCLA upset USC last year, killing any shot the Trojans had of getting to the Championship Game. Take the grudge, LSU's battle to regain a BCS championship berth and the fact that they are a statistical 11 point favorite and the Tigers will get their revenge on Saban. Go with LSU.
The UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK!!! Georgia Tech (-2.5) v. Virginia Tech (Thursday Nov.1) - Both teams have been going up and down the polls this year for different reasons. GT had a storybook season last year, but lost superstar WR Calvin Johnson to the NFL. VT, a perennial ACC favorite, entered the season reeling from the tragedy that occurred there. Both teams have adjusted nicely, with GT leaning on stud RB Tashard Choice and VT easing into a groove after a bad early loss to LSU. Both teams are near equals statistically, with the math working GT out to be a true 2.5 point favorite. The x-factor to this game will be Choice and his #1 backup sitting out this game with injuries. The third option has a better yard per rush average and as many TD's as Choice, but we'll see if he can carry the load. After thumping their last two opponents (Clemson and Duke) by 18+ points each, VT was ready to prove they were emotionally ready to take hold of the ACC. They went up to play BC in the rain and let their guard down in the final two minutes after dominating a sloppy, run oriented game. They won't take their foot off GT's throat this week. VT wins outright!
We've been 2-1 but this week's slate had so many generous games, I'm thinking we should go 3-0.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse and other thoughts from Week 9
Another week, another blowout by the Brady Bunch. So what makes this one so noteworthy? Try 52 points scored against a formerly decent Redskins defense. As one of the football-crazed British folks who watched the Giants-Dolphins game on Sunday might say, "What's Belichick playing at, eh?"
Are all these games Billy's revenge against the league for punishing him over Spygate? Is he not only going for a perfect season, but one so dominant that it leaves no question in anyone's mind as to who the greatest coach who ever lived is? Whatever his reasons, he did show a lack of class in continuing to keep the pedal to the metal throughout the 4th quarter. Mark my words: An injury will occur at some point if he continues to leave his starters on the field that late in blowouts and he will have no one but himself to blame. He should also remember that, if the Pats ever find themselves in a similar situation as the teams they've beaten up so badly, those same teams will not hesitate to dunk their heads in the toilet the way New England has done to them. Paybacks could be a you-know-what.
On the the Week's thoughts:
- I've written plenty over the course of the season about Brett Favre's joie de vivre and how great it is to see the enthusiasm he displays on a weekly basis, so I won't bore you with more of it here. Instead, let's talk about the way that Brett can still sling the pigskin at his age. That scoring strike to Greg Jennings that ended last night's overtime thriller was a thing a beauty to behold.
- Boy, Jeff Garcia sure made up for lost time this week, didn't he? He hadn't thrown an interception all season long, then puts three picks up on Sunday.
- Speaking of rare occurrences, did we have a Matt Jones sighting this week? You bet your booty we did. Fantastic play by the invisible Jags WR. We look forward to his next catch sometime in the 2009 season.
- Guess the rumors of the death of Joseph Addai's Fantasy Value were greatly exaggerated, eh?
- Of all the ways the Pats humiliated the Redskins this week, the greatest was the fake spike turned in by Brady to Moss. Criss Angel doesn't sell illusions any better than Tom Terrific.
- I can't imagine the London game captured the imagination of too many new fans across the pond. An Englishman who plays in my fantasy league remarked that pretty much everyone in the UK who is interested in American football was in attendance. 90,000 out of 60 million? Not great, but still a much better ratio than Americans who care about the NHL.
- Is everyone buying Drew Brees' resurgence now? I am.
- Lastly, the San Diego Chargers deserve credit for the heartfelt tribute they gave to the firefighters of the area who battled the horrible blazes. There was much talk about how distracted the players would be and how they were ripe for an upset, but I likened this game to the Saints return to the Superdome. There was no way this team was going to let down the fans of their hometown that had suffered so much recently. Does a win make up for losing your house? No, of course not. But Sports are supposed to give the fans an outlet to forget their problems and the Chargers responded brilliantly.
Are all these games Billy's revenge against the league for punishing him over Spygate? Is he not only going for a perfect season, but one so dominant that it leaves no question in anyone's mind as to who the greatest coach who ever lived is? Whatever his reasons, he did show a lack of class in continuing to keep the pedal to the metal throughout the 4th quarter. Mark my words: An injury will occur at some point if he continues to leave his starters on the field that late in blowouts and he will have no one but himself to blame. He should also remember that, if the Pats ever find themselves in a similar situation as the teams they've beaten up so badly, those same teams will not hesitate to dunk their heads in the toilet the way New England has done to them. Paybacks could be a you-know-what.
On the the Week's thoughts:
- I've written plenty over the course of the season about Brett Favre's joie de vivre and how great it is to see the enthusiasm he displays on a weekly basis, so I won't bore you with more of it here. Instead, let's talk about the way that Brett can still sling the pigskin at his age. That scoring strike to Greg Jennings that ended last night's overtime thriller was a thing a beauty to behold.
- Boy, Jeff Garcia sure made up for lost time this week, didn't he? He hadn't thrown an interception all season long, then puts three picks up on Sunday.
- Speaking of rare occurrences, did we have a Matt Jones sighting this week? You bet your booty we did. Fantastic play by the invisible Jags WR. We look forward to his next catch sometime in the 2009 season.
- Guess the rumors of the death of Joseph Addai's Fantasy Value were greatly exaggerated, eh?
- Of all the ways the Pats humiliated the Redskins this week, the greatest was the fake spike turned in by Brady to Moss. Criss Angel doesn't sell illusions any better than Tom Terrific.
- I can't imagine the London game captured the imagination of too many new fans across the pond. An Englishman who plays in my fantasy league remarked that pretty much everyone in the UK who is interested in American football was in attendance. 90,000 out of 60 million? Not great, but still a much better ratio than Americans who care about the NHL.
- Is everyone buying Drew Brees' resurgence now? I am.
- Lastly, the San Diego Chargers deserve credit for the heartfelt tribute they gave to the firefighters of the area who battled the horrible blazes. There was much talk about how distracted the players would be and how they were ripe for an upset, but I likened this game to the Saints return to the Superdome. There was no way this team was going to let down the fans of their hometown that had suffered so much recently. Does a win make up for losing your house? No, of course not. But Sports are supposed to give the fans an outlet to forget their problems and the Chargers responded brilliantly.
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