Happy NFL Kickoff folks. It’s glad to have a real sport back in our midst. Too bad NBC tried to ruin it when...
They decided to have nothing but god-awful music blare for their 30 minute “pregame” show. From Kelly Clarkson (who looks like she ate the anorexic Katharine McPhee) to Faith Hill...dynamic and intriguing.
Moving on. Nice to see the banner raised for the Indianapolis faithful...that is until the owner dubbed them the “World Championship Colts”...so there’s that.
And on to football.
The game really started with more of a focus on running than most people would expect. With Joseph Addai leading the way, even though he appeared to be injured on the first possession. You could hear the collective air whisked out of the RCA Dome when Addai went down clutching his mid-section. Though he missed only the rest of that possession you get the feeling that if Joseph goes down, the Colts might be in serious trouble. Their backups include two guys who have never carried the rock in an NFL game (until Kenton Keith got three). Oh, and their third string back? A white guy who looks like he’s balding so badly he needs a comb-over, and how. At any rate, he ended up totaling 118 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown (which he celebrated by throwing up the Westside gang sign?) against the extremely porous Saints defense. They need to get it together back there, but when you’re starting castoffs from the rest of the NFL on your defense, it’s sometimes tough to compete.
Note: I’ve already begun rethinking my NFC champion pick (Saints over Cowboys) at this point, but I’ll give Sean Payton at least halfway through the season to get it figured out before I pull the plug on them.
I’m sure we’ll all read in Gregg Easterbrook’s TMQ about the Saints interesting decision to attempt a 52 yard field goal on 4th and nine inside the Colts territory. I personally would’ve done the same thing, but he missed, and it really swung the momentum early, although Reggie Wayne fumbled it back for a touchdown. Sean Payton was much more conservative than people are used to, even punting on fourth and one on down seventeen with a little under thirteen minutes remaining. His only game plan seemed to be to get Reggie the ball on third and short in the flat...problem is, it rarely worked. Seems they got distracted trying to get him the ball instead of letting Drew Brees sling it around the field.
Another weird note about the play-calling tonight is the inordinate amount of end-arounds and double reverses (even Dallas Clark had one), although, Reggie Bush subscribes to the same theory of throwing the defense off its game by completely running in the wrong direction every time he get the ball in his hands. Of course, that is...if he can hold onto it. On a very strange third and short, Bush caught the ball, ran past the first down marker, only to cut backwards and lose the first down. Has he not learned anything in training camp? Or all of last year? Until this guy runs downfield, he’s going to be nothing more than high-risk high reward. It’s like he hasn’t figured out that NFL defensive units understand the game and play at a pace that isn’t seen at the college level.
The interesting story for Mr. John Madden tonight is the offensive line! Gasp! Tony Ugoh, the new left tackle, who was decidedly decent, only had one holding penalty. His run blocking seemed far superior to his pass protection, yet, he managed to not give up a sack for the entirety of the game. Being put up against a guy like Will Smith in your first game starting one of the three most important positions on the field isn’t easy, and he handled himself more than well.
Chris Collinsworth and Tiki Barber think that Jason David is the story of the right. Absolutely correct, he sucks. He couldn’t even guard Chris Henry with his prison anklets on. Not sure why everybody thought that the Colts defense would suffer from losing two mediocre cornerbacks. Just because they were on a Super Bowl caliber team, doesn’t mean they’re of that same stock. Ask Jerry Jones how he feels about Larry Brown (Super Bowl MVP). David ended up being the victim of all three of Peyton Manning’s touchdown passes and probably feels like he did way back when on the practice field opposite Harrison and Wayne. And the thing is, the receivers are holding up on the routes. It’s so mind-blowing that he’s getting paid to do that, I could’ve let them run past me. Trust me, I’m plenty slow.
A completely dominating performance with the first half only being close due to a freak fumble and return for a touchdown. So the Colts get off to another championship caliber start to the season. While the Saints now have more questions than they do answers after only putting up 10 points on 244 yards while giving up 41on 457 yards and turning the ball over three times (a fumble and two picks by Drew Brees, one for a TD).
Is it too late to change my NFC pick?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
NFL Week 1 Picks
In this strange, cold, and sometimes cruel NFL season, no one is safe picking games. However, so far this season I am undefeated. Let’s see if I keep up the “streak” as it’s become known around the world. Tune in this weekend and find out! Without further adieu...here’s my week one picks.
Indianapolis Colts over New Orleans Saints 31-27
Buffalo over Denver 23-20
Pittsburgh over Cleveland 24-10
Philadelphia over Green Bay 38-20
St. Louis over Carolina 27-20
Minnesota over Atlanta 17-13
New England over New York Jets 31-14
Washington over Miami 21-13
Jacksonville over Tennessee 14-10
Houston over Kansas City 20-17
Detroit over Oakland 30-14
San Diego over Chicago 31-20
Seattle over Tampa Bay 23-13
Dallas over New York Giants 27-23
Cincinnati over Baltimore 21-17
San Francisco over Arizona 35-31
Indianapolis Colts over New Orleans Saints 31-27
Buffalo over Denver 23-20
Pittsburgh over Cleveland 24-10
Philadelphia over Green Bay 38-20
St. Louis over Carolina 27-20
Minnesota over Atlanta 17-13
New England over New York Jets 31-14
Washington over Miami 21-13
Jacksonville over Tennessee 14-10
Houston over Kansas City 20-17
Detroit over Oakland 30-14
San Diego over Chicago 31-20
Seattle over Tampa Bay 23-13
Dallas over New York Giants 27-23
Cincinnati over Baltimore 21-17
San Francisco over Arizona 35-31
NFL Preview and Picks
Finally. We are two days away from the NFL season opener. It’s time to take some unnecessary predictions. Feedback welcome.
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots 12-4
Tough to imagine the Pats losing many games this year, however, I feel like they could easily lose early on in the season to the Chargers at home, at Cincinnati, and at Dallas while they’re waiting to get Harrison and Seymour back. They will win at least one of those three, but will lose to the Colts in Indianapolis late in the season.
2. New York Jets: 9-7
Rough schedule for the Jets. With the addition of Thomas Jones, I imagine they will play teams extremely tough, however, facing a schedule that includes the Patriots (twice), the Ravens, the Bengals, and the Cowboys on the road, and the Steelers at home...it’s not going to be peaches and cream.
3. Buffalo Bills: 5-11
Not sure what people expect out of these guys...they have an atrocious schedule, and are completely dependant upon two unproven guys in J.P. Losman and rookie Marshawn Lynch. They need to beat the Broncos at home in the opener, or things could get ugly fast as their next seven games include the Steelers and Patriots on the road, the Jets twice, and the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bengals at home.
4. Miami Dolphins: 4-12
Old defense and an old quarterback. A team in complete transition with a new coaching staff in place, led by Cam Cameron. I feel like we might be seeing John Beck at some point this season, which isn’t a good thing for the Fins fans.
AFC North:
1. Baltimore Ravens 11-5
Can Steve McNair stay healthy? Will the loss of Adalius Thomas hurt them immensely, or will Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott pick up the slack? Maybe they should be taking a look at Byron Leftwich, just in case, or just hand the ball off to Willis McGahee 25 times a game.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
If Ben Roethlisberger gets back to his previous form and the transition from the coaching change goes as smoothly as it seems to be, this team could make some noise. Dick LeBeau is still calling the defensive plays and Troy Polamalu is healthy again. Couple that with “Fast” Willie Parker and you’ve got a recipe for a playoff team.
3. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
They have got to figure out a way to stop other teams from scoring. With that said, this offense is going to be one of the best in the league, even though Chris Henry will miss half the season. The Bengals will go as Carson Palmer goes. He’s got to be an MVP candidate for this team to make the playoffs.
4. Cleveland Browns 4-12
This team is awkward and comical. Coin flips to decide starting quarterbacks, a holdout over $250,000 on Brady Quinn’s contract, and a coach on the hot seat. It sounds like a team looking forward to the draft...or not. Ouch. On the bright side, they do have a promising young core on the rise, and they did add Jamal Lewis. Look for them to play teams tough, but lose most of them.
AFC South:
1. Indianapolis Colts 11-5
They lost so many guys, it hurts to think about. But they do have the same offense, and a more experienced Joseph Addai to go along with it. Hard to question Polian’s ability to create a championship team anymore, and it’s tough to say that Tony Dungy can’t patch up their defensive shortcomings. And they got that guy Peyton Manning, you may know him from Saturday Night Live and Gatorade commercials, the best quarterback in the game today.
Tough schedule. Have to play the Jags, the Panthers, the Pats, and then the Chargers in 4 straight weeks.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 9-7
David Garrard? Get out of here. Jack Del Rio had it in for Byron Leftwich from day one, and I hope he catches on somewhere, because I’ve always thought he can throw the ball with the best of them. Jacksonville fans should get excited about watching MoJo making some magic again this season. Problem with this team, is they never seem to play to their ability, just their opponents.
3. Houston Texans 7-9
Love Matt Schaub. After being my “fantasy sleeper” for years while waiting for Vick to get hurt, his time has finally come. With the addition of both he and Ahman Green, they’ll be one of the more improved teams in the league. Watch out for Jacoby Jones opposite Andre Johnson, who should have his best year yet. Fairly easy opening schedule which gives them an opportunity to gain early momentum.
4. Tennessee Titans 6-10
Sophomore slump is in store for Vince Young and the Titans. They lost a lot of playmakers and they’ll be hard pressed to cover up for them. Although I find it hard to doubt Vince Young because he always makes everyone look stupid afterwards, they won’t get back to the .500 mark this year.
AFC West:
1. San Diego Chargers 12-4
Norv Turner will make Phillip Rivers better, get the ball to Antonio Gates, and LT will touch the rock 30+ times in each playoff game. I said each. This team is stacked with talent and is on the verge of a Super Bowl season. Barring injury, I don’t see why not. Thing is, they’re not winning 14 games this year, their schedule is far too tough. I can see them pulling out 12 though and gaining home field advantage with a tiebreaker over New England from the week two showdown.
2. Denver Broncos 9-7
This all hinges on Jay Cutler, they will go how he goes. Travis Henry is one of the best pickups of the off-season and should thrive in Mike Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Look for him to end up with at least 1400 yards this year.
3. Kansas City Chiefs 5-11
Thankfully they signed Larry Johnson, because that’s all they’ve got. He’ll have to run for 150 yards a game to give them a chance in most games. Chiefs fans better pray they don’t see Brodie Croyle this year, because he has looked nothing but horrible so far.
4. Oakland Raiders 5-11
Why isn’t Daunte Culpepper starting? The man looks good and healthy and he’s their only shot to do something this year. If Culpepper can get a handle on the offense soon, these guys might surprise some people with a resurgent running game and a stellar defense. No more bed and breakfast offense or that damn Art Shell blank stare.
NFC East:
1. Dallas Cowboys 11-5
Must win more divisional games than they have in recent years. Tony Romo will be better than good, but they will only contend if their defense can wreak havoc. Look for Demarcus Ware to have his breakout season. Biggest concern right now is Terrence Newman’s heel which could be a hindrance all season long. They have the “fifth hardest schedule” but their talent level matches up with anyone, anywhere. Watch their offensive line come together because of “Bigg” Davis.
2. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
They will go as McNabb does. If they utilize Westbrook like they should and keep the play-calling out of Andy Reid’s hands, they will be there come playoff time. Key is to not get too pass happy and utilize their weapons...err Westbrook. Defense is another year older and that should worry some.
3. New York Giants 7-9
I’m pretty sure it’s always do or die for Eli Manning, but this time, the bell tolls for Coughlin. This team seems to always be a distraction disaster, however, they do have very good skill players. Their defensive backs are horrible and will be eaten all year long. Even in the weaker NFC, they will not make the playoffs.
4. Washington Redskins 7-9
With as many head/assistant/whatever coaches as they have, they need results. Look for Jason Campbell to be more than serviceable, but to experience growing pains as well. He will be a good quarterback for years to come. Couple that with what should be a good running game and solid defense, and you’ve got a competitive team.
NFC North:
1. Chicago Bears 10-6
No way will they win as many games as they did last year. They will win based off of defense, again. Grossman can barely field the snap, hard to trust the guy to win some meaningful games on his own. They will be there in the playoffs, the goal for the rest of the NFC is to keep homefield advantage out of their hands. Chicago’s merciless in January.
2. Green Bay Packers 9-7
The Brett Favre retirement tour. Too bad he throws as many gunslings (INTs) as he does touchdowns most of the time. I like Brandon Jackson, the rookie out of Nebraska, but he’s a year or two away from becoming a good NFL back. Watch out for James Jones, Greg Jennings, and Donald Driver. Their defense is getting very good, but it’s hard to imagine them making too much noise.
3. Detroit Lions 6-10
No, they’re not winning 10 games. They’ll score some points, but won’t be able to stop teams from doing the same thing. And considering they have games in Chicago, Green Bay, Philly, Washington, and San Diego, they’ll lose plenty. Here’s to hoping Calvin Johnson is the real deal.
4. Minnesota Vikings 5-11
Man, Tavaris Jackson looks horrible. I maintain they made the right decision by taking Adrian Peterson over, well, anybody. That guy’s going to be a handful. Unfortunately, Bill Simmons is right...they’ll face the first ever 11-0-0 defensive formation until Tavaris learns how to throw. Could be a long year.
NFC South:
1. New Orleans Saints 11-5
Drew Brees is great. Reggie Bush should be better. Marques Colston is no longer Mr. Irrelevant! Things are going great here, and their directed by one of the most exciting coaches in the league in Sean Payton. Look for these guys to be right back in the thick of things this year. Their schedule isn’t anything to write home about so they’ll have a chance at home field advantage.
2. Carolina Panthers 9-7
I hate Jake Delhomme. Always have, probably always will. And as long as their running back carousel keeps going, their offense will rely solely on Steve Smith. But, that’s not a good thing. Dan Morgan’s back which should help out their defense, but I can’t see this team doing much more than another up and down roller-coaster type season.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-10
Jeff Garcia will make the offense run, and if Cadillac returns to his rookie year form, these guys could be a handful every Sunday. Defense is getting so old it’s sad, but, at least they won’t make rookie mistakes! Jon Gruden might get the axe if he can’t get any one of his dozen quarterbacks to perform.
4. Atlanta Falcons 3-13
I can barely pick them to win a single game this year. Michael Vick was never really human when running the ball, and well, not much has changed off the field. Bad luck for new coach Bobby Petrino, but...do you guys smell Brian Brohm? I do. Unless Joey Harrington mans up and drops the ‘Y’ and becomes Joe...they’ll be atrocious this year.
NFC West:
1. St Louis Rams 9-7
Steven Jackson will steamroll this division. Marc Bulger’s got his money, he will be as good as he always is. However, how much their run defense improves will be the key to the playoffs for them. It’ll be a knock-down drag out battle in the NFC West all season long.
2. San Francisco 49ers 9-7
How much will they miss Norv Turner? One of the major players throughout free agency, their defense should be much improved. The problem here, is this team can only go as far as Frank Gore can take them, so best not to run him into the ground too early on. Look for Vernon Davis to finally break out onto the scene.
3. Seattle Seahawks 8-8
Don’t trust these guys. Never seem to make any significant moves and they’re going to have a lot of close games in the division. Shaun Alexander should be healthy, but when a guy sets his goals at 32 touchdowns and 2100 yards...he’s probably going to have his ACL sliced by the football gods. They’ll be right in every game, but they won’t be winning the division this year.
Note: This opinion is heavily biased based on the results of a certain playoff game last season in Seattle where a certain quarterback of a certain country’s team...well...you get it.
4. Arizona Cardinals 7-9
The Cardinals are headed in the right direction! I know, I know, it’s hard to believe. But with Leinart, Boldin, and Fitzgerald, these guys WILL score. You can crown their offense, but their defense is going to get manhandled again. Watch for a lot of depressing, long, clock-killing drives against their defensive eleven.
AFC Wild Card NFC Wild Card
Colts (3) over Bengals (6) Eagles (3) over Panthers (6)
Ravens (4) over Steelers (5) Bears (4) over Rams (5)
AFC Divisional Playoffs NFC Divisonal Playoffs
Chargers (1) over Ravens Saints (1) over Bears
Patriots (2) over Colts Cowboys (2) over Eagles
AFC Championship NFC Championship
Chargers over Patriots Saints over Cowboys
Super Bowl XLII
Chargers 34 Saints 27
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots 12-4
Tough to imagine the Pats losing many games this year, however, I feel like they could easily lose early on in the season to the Chargers at home, at Cincinnati, and at Dallas while they’re waiting to get Harrison and Seymour back. They will win at least one of those three, but will lose to the Colts in Indianapolis late in the season.
2. New York Jets: 9-7
Rough schedule for the Jets. With the addition of Thomas Jones, I imagine they will play teams extremely tough, however, facing a schedule that includes the Patriots (twice), the Ravens, the Bengals, and the Cowboys on the road, and the Steelers at home...it’s not going to be peaches and cream.
3. Buffalo Bills: 5-11
Not sure what people expect out of these guys...they have an atrocious schedule, and are completely dependant upon two unproven guys in J.P. Losman and rookie Marshawn Lynch. They need to beat the Broncos at home in the opener, or things could get ugly fast as their next seven games include the Steelers and Patriots on the road, the Jets twice, and the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bengals at home.
4. Miami Dolphins: 4-12
Old defense and an old quarterback. A team in complete transition with a new coaching staff in place, led by Cam Cameron. I feel like we might be seeing John Beck at some point this season, which isn’t a good thing for the Fins fans.
AFC North:
1. Baltimore Ravens 11-5
Can Steve McNair stay healthy? Will the loss of Adalius Thomas hurt them immensely, or will Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott pick up the slack? Maybe they should be taking a look at Byron Leftwich, just in case, or just hand the ball off to Willis McGahee 25 times a game.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
If Ben Roethlisberger gets back to his previous form and the transition from the coaching change goes as smoothly as it seems to be, this team could make some noise. Dick LeBeau is still calling the defensive plays and Troy Polamalu is healthy again. Couple that with “Fast” Willie Parker and you’ve got a recipe for a playoff team.
3. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
They have got to figure out a way to stop other teams from scoring. With that said, this offense is going to be one of the best in the league, even though Chris Henry will miss half the season. The Bengals will go as Carson Palmer goes. He’s got to be an MVP candidate for this team to make the playoffs.
4. Cleveland Browns 4-12
This team is awkward and comical. Coin flips to decide starting quarterbacks, a holdout over $250,000 on Brady Quinn’s contract, and a coach on the hot seat. It sounds like a team looking forward to the draft...or not. Ouch. On the bright side, they do have a promising young core on the rise, and they did add Jamal Lewis. Look for them to play teams tough, but lose most of them.
AFC South:
1. Indianapolis Colts 11-5
They lost so many guys, it hurts to think about. But they do have the same offense, and a more experienced Joseph Addai to go along with it. Hard to question Polian’s ability to create a championship team anymore, and it’s tough to say that Tony Dungy can’t patch up their defensive shortcomings. And they got that guy Peyton Manning, you may know him from Saturday Night Live and Gatorade commercials, the best quarterback in the game today.
Tough schedule. Have to play the Jags, the Panthers, the Pats, and then the Chargers in 4 straight weeks.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 9-7
David Garrard? Get out of here. Jack Del Rio had it in for Byron Leftwich from day one, and I hope he catches on somewhere, because I’ve always thought he can throw the ball with the best of them. Jacksonville fans should get excited about watching MoJo making some magic again this season. Problem with this team, is they never seem to play to their ability, just their opponents.
3. Houston Texans 7-9
Love Matt Schaub. After being my “fantasy sleeper” for years while waiting for Vick to get hurt, his time has finally come. With the addition of both he and Ahman Green, they’ll be one of the more improved teams in the league. Watch out for Jacoby Jones opposite Andre Johnson, who should have his best year yet. Fairly easy opening schedule which gives them an opportunity to gain early momentum.
4. Tennessee Titans 6-10
Sophomore slump is in store for Vince Young and the Titans. They lost a lot of playmakers and they’ll be hard pressed to cover up for them. Although I find it hard to doubt Vince Young because he always makes everyone look stupid afterwards, they won’t get back to the .500 mark this year.
AFC West:
1. San Diego Chargers 12-4
Norv Turner will make Phillip Rivers better, get the ball to Antonio Gates, and LT will touch the rock 30+ times in each playoff game. I said each. This team is stacked with talent and is on the verge of a Super Bowl season. Barring injury, I don’t see why not. Thing is, they’re not winning 14 games this year, their schedule is far too tough. I can see them pulling out 12 though and gaining home field advantage with a tiebreaker over New England from the week two showdown.
2. Denver Broncos 9-7
This all hinges on Jay Cutler, they will go how he goes. Travis Henry is one of the best pickups of the off-season and should thrive in Mike Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Look for him to end up with at least 1400 yards this year.
3. Kansas City Chiefs 5-11
Thankfully they signed Larry Johnson, because that’s all they’ve got. He’ll have to run for 150 yards a game to give them a chance in most games. Chiefs fans better pray they don’t see Brodie Croyle this year, because he has looked nothing but horrible so far.
4. Oakland Raiders 5-11
Why isn’t Daunte Culpepper starting? The man looks good and healthy and he’s their only shot to do something this year. If Culpepper can get a handle on the offense soon, these guys might surprise some people with a resurgent running game and a stellar defense. No more bed and breakfast offense or that damn Art Shell blank stare.
NFC East:
1. Dallas Cowboys 11-5
Must win more divisional games than they have in recent years. Tony Romo will be better than good, but they will only contend if their defense can wreak havoc. Look for Demarcus Ware to have his breakout season. Biggest concern right now is Terrence Newman’s heel which could be a hindrance all season long. They have the “fifth hardest schedule” but their talent level matches up with anyone, anywhere. Watch their offensive line come together because of “Bigg” Davis.
2. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
They will go as McNabb does. If they utilize Westbrook like they should and keep the play-calling out of Andy Reid’s hands, they will be there come playoff time. Key is to not get too pass happy and utilize their weapons...err Westbrook. Defense is another year older and that should worry some.
3. New York Giants 7-9
I’m pretty sure it’s always do or die for Eli Manning, but this time, the bell tolls for Coughlin. This team seems to always be a distraction disaster, however, they do have very good skill players. Their defensive backs are horrible and will be eaten all year long. Even in the weaker NFC, they will not make the playoffs.
4. Washington Redskins 7-9
With as many head/assistant/whatever coaches as they have, they need results. Look for Jason Campbell to be more than serviceable, but to experience growing pains as well. He will be a good quarterback for years to come. Couple that with what should be a good running game and solid defense, and you’ve got a competitive team.
NFC North:
1. Chicago Bears 10-6
No way will they win as many games as they did last year. They will win based off of defense, again. Grossman can barely field the snap, hard to trust the guy to win some meaningful games on his own. They will be there in the playoffs, the goal for the rest of the NFC is to keep homefield advantage out of their hands. Chicago’s merciless in January.
2. Green Bay Packers 9-7
The Brett Favre retirement tour. Too bad he throws as many gunslings (INTs) as he does touchdowns most of the time. I like Brandon Jackson, the rookie out of Nebraska, but he’s a year or two away from becoming a good NFL back. Watch out for James Jones, Greg Jennings, and Donald Driver. Their defense is getting very good, but it’s hard to imagine them making too much noise.
3. Detroit Lions 6-10
No, they’re not winning 10 games. They’ll score some points, but won’t be able to stop teams from doing the same thing. And considering they have games in Chicago, Green Bay, Philly, Washington, and San Diego, they’ll lose plenty. Here’s to hoping Calvin Johnson is the real deal.
4. Minnesota Vikings 5-11
Man, Tavaris Jackson looks horrible. I maintain they made the right decision by taking Adrian Peterson over, well, anybody. That guy’s going to be a handful. Unfortunately, Bill Simmons is right...they’ll face the first ever 11-0-0 defensive formation until Tavaris learns how to throw. Could be a long year.
NFC South:
1. New Orleans Saints 11-5
Drew Brees is great. Reggie Bush should be better. Marques Colston is no longer Mr. Irrelevant! Things are going great here, and their directed by one of the most exciting coaches in the league in Sean Payton. Look for these guys to be right back in the thick of things this year. Their schedule isn’t anything to write home about so they’ll have a chance at home field advantage.
2. Carolina Panthers 9-7
I hate Jake Delhomme. Always have, probably always will. And as long as their running back carousel keeps going, their offense will rely solely on Steve Smith. But, that’s not a good thing. Dan Morgan’s back which should help out their defense, but I can’t see this team doing much more than another up and down roller-coaster type season.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-10
Jeff Garcia will make the offense run, and if Cadillac returns to his rookie year form, these guys could be a handful every Sunday. Defense is getting so old it’s sad, but, at least they won’t make rookie mistakes! Jon Gruden might get the axe if he can’t get any one of his dozen quarterbacks to perform.
4. Atlanta Falcons 3-13
I can barely pick them to win a single game this year. Michael Vick was never really human when running the ball, and well, not much has changed off the field. Bad luck for new coach Bobby Petrino, but...do you guys smell Brian Brohm? I do. Unless Joey Harrington mans up and drops the ‘Y’ and becomes Joe...they’ll be atrocious this year.
NFC West:
1. St Louis Rams 9-7
Steven Jackson will steamroll this division. Marc Bulger’s got his money, he will be as good as he always is. However, how much their run defense improves will be the key to the playoffs for them. It’ll be a knock-down drag out battle in the NFC West all season long.
2. San Francisco 49ers 9-7
How much will they miss Norv Turner? One of the major players throughout free agency, their defense should be much improved. The problem here, is this team can only go as far as Frank Gore can take them, so best not to run him into the ground too early on. Look for Vernon Davis to finally break out onto the scene.
3. Seattle Seahawks 8-8
Don’t trust these guys. Never seem to make any significant moves and they’re going to have a lot of close games in the division. Shaun Alexander should be healthy, but when a guy sets his goals at 32 touchdowns and 2100 yards...he’s probably going to have his ACL sliced by the football gods. They’ll be right in every game, but they won’t be winning the division this year.
Note: This opinion is heavily biased based on the results of a certain playoff game last season in Seattle where a certain quarterback of a certain country’s team...well...you get it.
4. Arizona Cardinals 7-9
The Cardinals are headed in the right direction! I know, I know, it’s hard to believe. But with Leinart, Boldin, and Fitzgerald, these guys WILL score. You can crown their offense, but their defense is going to get manhandled again. Watch for a lot of depressing, long, clock-killing drives against their defensive eleven.
AFC Wild Card NFC Wild Card
Colts (3) over Bengals (6) Eagles (3) over Panthers (6)
Ravens (4) over Steelers (5) Bears (4) over Rams (5)
AFC Divisional Playoffs NFC Divisonal Playoffs
Chargers (1) over Ravens Saints (1) over Bears
Patriots (2) over Colts Cowboys (2) over Eagles
AFC Championship NFC Championship
Chargers over Patriots Saints over Cowboys
Super Bowl XLII
Chargers 34 Saints 27
Monday, September 3, 2007
Hell, Heal the Heel
It was head scratching. Confusing. Even ridiculous? Maybe, maybe not, but at the very least the release of Aaron Glenn by the Dallas Cowboys is going to be one of the most scrutinized decisions made by Wade Phillips this year. And it’s tough to justify, really. The only veteran with real experience on the depth chart behind the starters is now gone, and possibly a trip to the playoffs with it.
If you hadn’t previously noticed, the fact that Newman is arguably the most important player on the team should be smacking Dallas fans right upside the head right now. How his heel, well, heals could very well determine their fate at this point. With no legitimate man to man defenders behind him, it’s certainly going to put a lot of pressure on the rest of the defense to step up, particularly in the Nickel formation when he moves into the slot.
So now we turn to the likes of Jacques Reeves, Nate Jones, and newly signed Evan Oglesby, a Ravens castoff, to patch the secondary together. Sounds like Brian Stewart, defensive coordinator, and Wade Phillips will have the work cut out for them disguising their gaping weakness (hopefully with a pass rush the likes of which we’ve never seen).
There is a thin, microscopic like organism called the silver lining.
Word is that if Newman’s ready for the opener at home against the Giants, he’ll start, and if he’s not good and healthy, he’ll start anyway. Thank you cortisone, shots, thank you.
Random thoughts after the college football weekend:
Possibly the most boring offense I’ve ever seen put up 31 points, ever. How Tennessee expects to beat anyone good without testing them downfield is, at best, ridiculous. Their play calling on one goal line possession included, a dive over the line from the four, another slam up the middle for a one yard game, an option play that involved Erik Ainge at wide receiver, and a pass in the flat on fourth down that wouldn’t have resulted in a touchdown even if he did catch it. The next time down there? Play-action pass for a touchdown...wide open. When will they learn?
Oh Michigan. I’m not going to rag on you too badly. Maybe Chad Henne...he needs to help his boy Mike Hart out. And really, it’s not THAT bad a loss. Appalachian State has quite the winning streak and the old Wolverines were just another victim on the path of an unstoppable juggernaut. I mean that.
After seeing both Oklahoma and Louisville both put up over 70 points, I get the feeling I can’t take college football too seriously until they start playing real teams. I guess it’s like a pre-season type atmosphere, but when teams brag about going undefeated and it includes teams like Murray State...well, I don’t really care. Down with the BCS, in with a playoff system, then teams can’t escape quality opponents, ha
Coming soon, some nifty NFL picks.
If you hadn’t previously noticed, the fact that Newman is arguably the most important player on the team should be smacking Dallas fans right upside the head right now. How his heel, well, heals could very well determine their fate at this point. With no legitimate man to man defenders behind him, it’s certainly going to put a lot of pressure on the rest of the defense to step up, particularly in the Nickel formation when he moves into the slot.
So now we turn to the likes of Jacques Reeves, Nate Jones, and newly signed Evan Oglesby, a Ravens castoff, to patch the secondary together. Sounds like Brian Stewart, defensive coordinator, and Wade Phillips will have the work cut out for them disguising their gaping weakness (hopefully with a pass rush the likes of which we’ve never seen).
There is a thin, microscopic like organism called the silver lining.
Word is that if Newman’s ready for the opener at home against the Giants, he’ll start, and if he’s not good and healthy, he’ll start anyway. Thank you cortisone, shots, thank you.
Random thoughts after the college football weekend:
Possibly the most boring offense I’ve ever seen put up 31 points, ever. How Tennessee expects to beat anyone good without testing them downfield is, at best, ridiculous. Their play calling on one goal line possession included, a dive over the line from the four, another slam up the middle for a one yard game, an option play that involved Erik Ainge at wide receiver, and a pass in the flat on fourth down that wouldn’t have resulted in a touchdown even if he did catch it. The next time down there? Play-action pass for a touchdown...wide open. When will they learn?
Oh Michigan. I’m not going to rag on you too badly. Maybe Chad Henne...he needs to help his boy Mike Hart out. And really, it’s not THAT bad a loss. Appalachian State has quite the winning streak and the old Wolverines were just another victim on the path of an unstoppable juggernaut. I mean that.
After seeing both Oklahoma and Louisville both put up over 70 points, I get the feeling I can’t take college football too seriously until they start playing real teams. I guess it’s like a pre-season type atmosphere, but when teams brag about going undefeated and it includes teams like Murray State...well, I don’t really care. Down with the BCS, in with a playoff system, then teams can’t escape quality opponents, ha
Coming soon, some nifty NFL picks.
San Diego, Son
The Chargers are led by a man most players only dream of touching. He's broken a record amount of ankles and in addition, set some pretty ridiculous records last season. The guy is only recognized by his victims through the study of the back of his jersey as he scampers in for more touchdowns. He's LaDainian Tomlinson. And he's carrying the load for a loaded team looking forward to a Super season. While they’re stacked at nearly every position, and have the most explosive offense coupled with the most disrupted defense in the NFL, some still doubt they have what it takes to get it done. And not just some, pretty much everybody. Is there any other sport where people bet against the best player on the field (or court, or ice, or whatever)? Do people like betting against Tiger Woods? Michael Jordan? Roger Federer? Of course not, it’d be ridiculous. And so is this. To put it in my dad’s words: He’s due, the law of averages...
Why not?
First and foremost, every football “expert” on earth says that to win the ball in the post-season, you have got to run the football effectively. Yet these same geniuses are picking the Patriots or Colts to win the Super Bowl and are completely ignoring the team led by the best player in the NFL. Neither New England nor the Colts have the running game the Chargers do. The Pats are going to feature Laurence Maroney this year, a second year back who split time with since gone “Clock Killin’” Corey Dillon last season, and the Colts are also featuring a sophomore in Joseph Addai who shared the load with Dominic Rhodes. I guess I need to put this in perspective…
All FOUR of those players didn’t produce as many points as LT did last year. And no, that’s not a typo, or some gross exaggeration for that matter. Check it out…The Patriots tandem produced a total of 20 touchdowns (13 for Dillon,7 for Maroney) all of last year. The Colts duo put up 13 (8 for Addai and 5 for Rhodes). Combine the two (for the mathematically challenged) and up get a grand total of 33 touchdowns.
Wait…
I can hear it already. “LT only scored 31 touchdowns last year”, you cry. Right,, well he threw for two more, so according to common sense…he equaled the production of the four top backs on the two favored teams coming into this season…and both of their starters are no longer with their respective clubs. And his backup Michael Turner added another two scores (and is as held in high regard by about every coach in the league).
Their defense was ridiculous…it’s a completely offensive unit gifted in the ways of beheading quarterbacks. With a league leading 64 sacks last season, which could’ve been even more had their leading sack artist Shawne Merriman not been suspended for four games due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and rank in the top 10 in points allowed, turnovers forced, and yards allowed per game, you don’t need to score too many points. But they do.
As a matter of fact, they scored more than anyone. And that was with a coach who most consider conservative. Ok, they did lose their offensive coordinator (Cam Cameron) when the Dolphins head coaching gig opened up. I get that. But they’ve finally gotten rid of that pesky “Martyball” moniker. And what could be better than that? Time and time again, Schottenheimer took the ball out of his best player’s hands when it mattered most (23 carries in the postseason loss last year. Two touchdowns, 123 yards. Why not give it to him all day?) When you have the best RB in the entire league, you use him. And you use him often. And then you use him again.
Enter Norv Turner. Skilled in the ways of repeatedly running the same plays over and over. He’s the man who gave the ball to Emmitt Smith nearly every play in overtime of his gutsy, injured 1993 season finale victory over the New York Giants…in New York. Why? Because his philosophy is, if he’s still in there, he must be good enough to get the ball. And it’s true. No great player wants to be watching the game unfold. They want to will their team to victory, and sometimes being a good coach is just letting your great players do the work for you. Let them make YOU look good. And Norv Turner gets that. And so LT will get the ball in crunch time. And the defense will know it’s coming, and it’s not going to matter.
It’s become so sickening that it’s not a matter of if he’s going to score, but how many times in a single game. And while opposing teams continually try to bolster their defense with increasingly maddening results, what else can they do? They game plan for him, they try to simulate him in practice, but what’s the point? One of the few guys that has a legitimate shot at stopping him one on one, Shawne Merriman, is on the Chargers. It’s just not in the cards.
So what’s the big deal? They still haven’t gotten it done. Blame Marty-ball. Blame LT’s teammates. Hell, blame him. But he knows, more than anybody, it’s time to pony up and get it done.
The clock is ticking. LaDainian Tomlinson is not getting any younger, and with key players like Phillip Rivers, Malcolm Floyd, and Antonio Cromartie coming into their own, they’ve got the skill positions locked in place. As a matter of fact, top to bottom, they’ve got the best lineup in the league bolstered by the game’s best player. And if you want to talk about hungry, well, look no further then #21. The man so disturbed by the Patriots victory dance on their logo last postseason that you know he has week 2 circled on his schedule. So go ahead and place your bets on Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, everyone else seems to be. But just watch the man you thought couldn’t get any better…get better and prove everyone wrong.
Why not?
First and foremost, every football “expert” on earth says that to win the ball in the post-season, you have got to run the football effectively. Yet these same geniuses are picking the Patriots or Colts to win the Super Bowl and are completely ignoring the team led by the best player in the NFL. Neither New England nor the Colts have the running game the Chargers do. The Pats are going to feature Laurence Maroney this year, a second year back who split time with since gone “Clock Killin’” Corey Dillon last season, and the Colts are also featuring a sophomore in Joseph Addai who shared the load with Dominic Rhodes. I guess I need to put this in perspective…
All FOUR of those players didn’t produce as many points as LT did last year. And no, that’s not a typo, or some gross exaggeration for that matter. Check it out…The Patriots tandem produced a total of 20 touchdowns (13 for Dillon,7 for Maroney) all of last year. The Colts duo put up 13 (8 for Addai and 5 for Rhodes). Combine the two (for the mathematically challenged) and up get a grand total of 33 touchdowns.
Wait…
I can hear it already. “LT only scored 31 touchdowns last year”, you cry. Right,, well he threw for two more, so according to common sense…he equaled the production of the four top backs on the two favored teams coming into this season…and both of their starters are no longer with their respective clubs. And his backup Michael Turner added another two scores (and is as held in high regard by about every coach in the league).
Their defense was ridiculous…it’s a completely offensive unit gifted in the ways of beheading quarterbacks. With a league leading 64 sacks last season, which could’ve been even more had their leading sack artist Shawne Merriman not been suspended for four games due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and rank in the top 10 in points allowed, turnovers forced, and yards allowed per game, you don’t need to score too many points. But they do.
As a matter of fact, they scored more than anyone. And that was with a coach who most consider conservative. Ok, they did lose their offensive coordinator (Cam Cameron) when the Dolphins head coaching gig opened up. I get that. But they’ve finally gotten rid of that pesky “Martyball” moniker. And what could be better than that? Time and time again, Schottenheimer took the ball out of his best player’s hands when it mattered most (23 carries in the postseason loss last year. Two touchdowns, 123 yards. Why not give it to him all day?) When you have the best RB in the entire league, you use him. And you use him often. And then you use him again.
Enter Norv Turner. Skilled in the ways of repeatedly running the same plays over and over. He’s the man who gave the ball to Emmitt Smith nearly every play in overtime of his gutsy, injured 1993 season finale victory over the New York Giants…in New York. Why? Because his philosophy is, if he’s still in there, he must be good enough to get the ball. And it’s true. No great player wants to be watching the game unfold. They want to will their team to victory, and sometimes being a good coach is just letting your great players do the work for you. Let them make YOU look good. And Norv Turner gets that. And so LT will get the ball in crunch time. And the defense will know it’s coming, and it’s not going to matter.
It’s become so sickening that it’s not a matter of if he’s going to score, but how many times in a single game. And while opposing teams continually try to bolster their defense with increasingly maddening results, what else can they do? They game plan for him, they try to simulate him in practice, but what’s the point? One of the few guys that has a legitimate shot at stopping him one on one, Shawne Merriman, is on the Chargers. It’s just not in the cards.
So what’s the big deal? They still haven’t gotten it done. Blame Marty-ball. Blame LT’s teammates. Hell, blame him. But he knows, more than anybody, it’s time to pony up and get it done.
The clock is ticking. LaDainian Tomlinson is not getting any younger, and with key players like Phillip Rivers, Malcolm Floyd, and Antonio Cromartie coming into their own, they’ve got the skill positions locked in place. As a matter of fact, top to bottom, they’ve got the best lineup in the league bolstered by the game’s best player. And if you want to talk about hungry, well, look no further then #21. The man so disturbed by the Patriots victory dance on their logo last postseason that you know he has week 2 circled on his schedule. So go ahead and place your bets on Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, everyone else seems to be. But just watch the man you thought couldn’t get any better…get better and prove everyone wrong.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
San Diego, Son
The Chargers are led by a man most players only dream of touching. He's broken a record amount of ankles and in addition, set some pretty ridiculous records last season. The guy is only recognized by his victims through the study of the back of his jersey as he scampers in for more touchdowns. He's LaDainian Tomlinson. And he's carrying the load for a loaded team looking forward to a Super season. While they’re stacked at nearly every position, and have the most explosive offense coupled with the most disrupted defense in the NFL, some still doubt they have what it takes to get it done. And not just some, pretty much everybody. Is there any other sport where people bet against the best player on the field (or court, or ice, or whatever)? Do people like betting against Tiger Woods? Michael Jordan? Roger Federer? Of course not, it’d be ridiculous. And so is this. To put it in my dad’s words: He’s due, the law of averages...
Why not?
First and foremost, every football “expert” on earth says that to win the ball in the post-season, you have got to run the football effectively. Yet these same geniuses are picking the Patriots or Colts to win the Super Bowl and are completely ignoring the team led by the best player in the NFL. Neither New England nor the Colts have the running game the Chargers do. The Pats are going to feature Laurence Maroney this year, a second year back who split time with since gone “Clock Killin’” Corey Dillon last season, and the Colts are also featuring a sophomore in Joseph Addai who shared the load with Dominic Rhodes. I guess I need to put this in perspective…
All FOUR of those players didn’t produce as many points as LT did last year. And no, that’s not a typo, or some gross exaggeration for that matter. Check it out…The Patriots tandem produced a total of 20 touchdowns (13 for Dillon,7 for Maroney) all of last year. The Colts duo put up 13 (8 for Addai and 5 for Rhodes). Combine the two (for the mathematically challenged) and up get a grand total of 33 touchdowns.
Wait…
I can hear it already. “LT only scored 31 touchdowns last year”, you cry. Right,, well he threw for two more, so according to common sense…he equaled the production of the four top backs on the two favored teams coming into this season…and both of their starters are no longer with their respective clubs. And his backup Michael Turner added another two scores (and is as held in high regard by about every coach in the league).
Their defense was ridiculous…it’s a completely offensive unit gifted in the ways of beheading quarterbacks. With a league leading 64 sacks last season, which could’ve been even more had their leading sack artist Shawne Merriman not been suspended for four games due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and rank in the top 10 in points allowed, turnovers forced, and yards allowed per game, you don’t need to score too many points. But they do.
As a matter of fact, they scored more than anyone. And that was with a coach who most consider conservative. Ok, they did lose their offensive coordinator (Cam Cameron) when the Dolphins head coaching gig opened up. I get that. But they’ve finally gotten rid of that pesky “Martyball” moniker. And what could be better than that? Time and time again, Schottenheimer took the ball out of his best player’s hands when it mattered most (23 carries in the postseason loss last year. Two touchdowns, 123 yards. Why not give it to him all day?) When you have the best RB in the entire league, you use him. And you use him often. And then you use him again.
Enter Norv Turner. Skilled in the ways of repeatedly running the same plays over and over. He’s the man who gave the ball to Emmitt Smith nearly every play in overtime of his gutsy, injured 1993 season finale victory over the New York Giants…in New York. Why? Because his philosophy is, if he’s still in there, he must be good enough to get the ball. And it’s true. No great player wants to be watching the game unfold. They want to will their team to victory, and sometimes being a good coach is just letting your great players do the work for you. Let them make YOU look good. And Norv Turner gets that. And so LT will get the ball in crunch time. And the defense will know it’s coming, and it’s not going to matter.
It’s become so sickening that it’s not a matter of if he’s going to score, but how many times in a single game. And while opposing teams continually try to bolster their defense with increasingly maddening results, what else can they do? They game plan for him, they try to simulate him in practice, but what’s the point? One of the few guys that has a legitimate shot at stopping him one on one, Shawne Merriman, is on the Chargers. It’s just not in the cards.
So what’s the big deal? They still haven’t gotten it done. Blame Marty-ball. Blame LT’s teammates. Hell, blame him. But he knows, more than anybody, it’s time to pony up and get it done.
The clock is ticking. LaDainian Tomlinson is not getting any younger, and with key players like Phillip Rivers, Malcolm Floyd, and Antonio Cromartie coming into their own, they’ve got the skill positions locked in place. As a matter of fact, top to bottom, they’ve got the best lineup in the league bolstered by the game’s best player. And if you want to talk about hungry, well, look no further then #21. The man so disturbed by the Patriots victory dance on their logo last postseason that you know he has week 2 circled on his schedule. So go ahead and place your bets on Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, everyone else seems to be. But just watch the man you thought couldn’t get any better…get better and prove everyone wrong.
Why not?
First and foremost, every football “expert” on earth says that to win the ball in the post-season, you have got to run the football effectively. Yet these same geniuses are picking the Patriots or Colts to win the Super Bowl and are completely ignoring the team led by the best player in the NFL. Neither New England nor the Colts have the running game the Chargers do. The Pats are going to feature Laurence Maroney this year, a second year back who split time with since gone “Clock Killin’” Corey Dillon last season, and the Colts are also featuring a sophomore in Joseph Addai who shared the load with Dominic Rhodes. I guess I need to put this in perspective…
All FOUR of those players didn’t produce as many points as LT did last year. And no, that’s not a typo, or some gross exaggeration for that matter. Check it out…The Patriots tandem produced a total of 20 touchdowns (13 for Dillon,7 for Maroney) all of last year. The Colts duo put up 13 (8 for Addai and 5 for Rhodes). Combine the two (for the mathematically challenged) and up get a grand total of 33 touchdowns.
Wait…
I can hear it already. “LT only scored 31 touchdowns last year”, you cry. Right,, well he threw for two more, so according to common sense…he equaled the production of the four top backs on the two favored teams coming into this season…and both of their starters are no longer with their respective clubs. And his backup Michael Turner added another two scores (and is as held in high regard by about every coach in the league).
Their defense was ridiculous…it’s a completely offensive unit gifted in the ways of beheading quarterbacks. With a league leading 64 sacks last season, which could’ve been even more had their leading sack artist Shawne Merriman not been suspended for four games due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and rank in the top 10 in points allowed, turnovers forced, and yards allowed per game, you don’t need to score too many points. But they do.
As a matter of fact, they scored more than anyone. And that was with a coach who most consider conservative. Ok, they did lose their offensive coordinator (Cam Cameron) when the Dolphins head coaching gig opened up. I get that. But they’ve finally gotten rid of that pesky “Martyball” moniker. And what could be better than that? Time and time again, Schottenheimer took the ball out of his best player’s hands when it mattered most (23 carries in the postseason loss last year. Two touchdowns, 123 yards. Why not give it to him all day?) When you have the best RB in the entire league, you use him. And you use him often. And then you use him again.
Enter Norv Turner. Skilled in the ways of repeatedly running the same plays over and over. He’s the man who gave the ball to Emmitt Smith nearly every play in overtime of his gutsy, injured 1993 season finale victory over the New York Giants…in New York. Why? Because his philosophy is, if he’s still in there, he must be good enough to get the ball. And it’s true. No great player wants to be watching the game unfold. They want to will their team to victory, and sometimes being a good coach is just letting your great players do the work for you. Let them make YOU look good. And Norv Turner gets that. And so LT will get the ball in crunch time. And the defense will know it’s coming, and it’s not going to matter.
It’s become so sickening that it’s not a matter of if he’s going to score, but how many times in a single game. And while opposing teams continually try to bolster their defense with increasingly maddening results, what else can they do? They game plan for him, they try to simulate him in practice, but what’s the point? One of the few guys that has a legitimate shot at stopping him one on one, Shawne Merriman, is on the Chargers. It’s just not in the cards.
So what’s the big deal? They still haven’t gotten it done. Blame Marty-ball. Blame LT’s teammates. Hell, blame him. But he knows, more than anybody, it’s time to pony up and get it done.
The clock is ticking. LaDainian Tomlinson is not getting any younger, and with key players like Phillip Rivers, Malcolm Floyd, and Antonio Cromartie coming into their own, they’ve got the skill positions locked in place. As a matter of fact, top to bottom, they’ve got the best lineup in the league bolstered by the game’s best player. And if you want to talk about hungry, well, look no further then #21. The man so disturbed by the Patriots victory dance on their logo last postseason that you know he has week 2 circled on his schedule. So go ahead and place your bets on Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, everyone else seems to be. But just watch the man you thought couldn’t get any better…get better and prove everyone wrong.
Friday, July 20, 2007
NBA Scandal
A law enforcement official on the condition of anonymity broke the news of an NBA officiating scandal, that’s nice. It’s exactly what the world of sports needs right now, right? I mean, a steroid-monster is about to break the most hallowed records in sports, the NBA ruined their own playoffs with suspensions, Michael Vick's fighting dogs with his bare hands, Barbaro died, and the Cubs are above .500! Nothing makes sense anymore!
But what clearly does is a referee making calls to incorporate covering the spread. The only part of this that might be considered sad is no one noticed. No one pissed and moan. Why? Well, either because they’ll get fined, or because the officiating is just so awful, that no one saw a difference. The NBA tells its employees to shut their damn mouths, and do their jobs. Corporate America’s watching. So you’ve got to wonder, if any players are sitting around right now betting on who it is, I would be. I’m sure they’ve got a memory or two of a weird call going down in a part of the game where it probably didn’t matter if there was a whistle or not.
So how does this happen? The New York Post says that the referee in question has a gambling problem (what a surprise) and has been doing this over the past two seasons now. Not only that, but supposedly the mob is involved as well. He was approached by low-level mob member through an acquaintance, and of course he accepted, and began shaving points to cover the spread.
What can we do? The officiating has always sucked, but now it’s crooked too? Is he the only one involved? What games did he affect? Was he allowed in the playoffs? How did no one know? How many weird calls does it take to get into any amount of trouble with Lamell McMorris, the head of the NBA Referees Association. Does anybody watch game tape and judge these guys? Shouldn’t they get paid according to how little they screw up so things like this can be avoided?
No, obviously not. Keep your mouth shut, mind your business, and let Commissar Stern take care of it. We don’t pay you for your opinion.
But what clearly does is a referee making calls to incorporate covering the spread. The only part of this that might be considered sad is no one noticed. No one pissed and moan. Why? Well, either because they’ll get fined, or because the officiating is just so awful, that no one saw a difference. The NBA tells its employees to shut their damn mouths, and do their jobs. Corporate America’s watching. So you’ve got to wonder, if any players are sitting around right now betting on who it is, I would be. I’m sure they’ve got a memory or two of a weird call going down in a part of the game where it probably didn’t matter if there was a whistle or not.
So how does this happen? The New York Post says that the referee in question has a gambling problem (what a surprise) and has been doing this over the past two seasons now. Not only that, but supposedly the mob is involved as well. He was approached by low-level mob member through an acquaintance, and of course he accepted, and began shaving points to cover the spread.
What can we do? The officiating has always sucked, but now it’s crooked too? Is he the only one involved? What games did he affect? Was he allowed in the playoffs? How did no one know? How many weird calls does it take to get into any amount of trouble with Lamell McMorris, the head of the NBA Referees Association. Does anybody watch game tape and judge these guys? Shouldn’t they get paid according to how little they screw up so things like this can be avoided?
No, obviously not. Keep your mouth shut, mind your business, and let Commissar Stern take care of it. We don’t pay you for your opinion.
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