The Crystal Ball 2007 Week 3

You know that one week during the season where everything seems to go haywire at once, and a multitude of unexplainable things happen? It happens every year. Typically it occurs somewhere around the mid point of the season, say week 8 or 9. Not this year. This year, it happened in week 2. Let’s take a look at a few of the oddest and most astounding happenings in this week’s recap.

Recap

The Texans, Lions and Redskins, 49ers are 2-0.

Two more games this week were decided in the overtime period. At this rate, every game in the last week of the season will go into overtime.

The Denver/Oakland clash was suspended for 10 minutes due to lightning.

Browns win shootout. In recent history when did you ever think you’d hear that sentence? 51-45???? Did I not say the Bungles had no defense? Tell me how they can win a division when their defense gives up a touchdown to Braylon Edwards who slid 5 yards on his back into the end zone, which by the way was pretty cool to watch. I feel justified in my assessment of the Bungles this season.

85 decided to celebrate one touchdown by jumping into the Dog Pound. That takes some balls. Those Cleveland fans really must hate Johnson to waste an $8 cup of beer throwing it on Chad. The whole thing made me laugh.

TO, not to be outdone, decided to celebrate a touchdown mimicking CameraGate. Now, Owens drives me up the wall since I find him a terrible teammate. But that was funny.

In a related note, the Patriots, the previous role model franchise, are still being besmirched by haters everywhere for being cheaters.

Sebastian Janikowski did an awesome job hitting the top of the left upright. The skill and precision of such a kick is amazing. The problem is it’s supposed to go through the uprights. I guess icing the kicker does work.

Lions quarterback John Kitna completed a pass to himself for a nine yard gain.

Kitna also suffered concussion in the second quarter. By the fourth quarter, it had magically disappeared. Kitna is a very religious man, and attributed the remarkable event to God. I’m sorry, but something tells me God has more important things to worry about than whether the Lions win a game. Somehow I cannot imagine God sitting in heaven saying, “Dang, I had the Lions in a three team teaser, I need Kitna back out there!” But His presence would go a long way toward explaining the Lions 2-0 record thus far. So what’s your impression; is Kitna tough or stupid? I’m leaning toward the latter.

LaDainian Tomlinson was once again a non-factor for the Chargers, being stonewalled by the New England defense in a rout. Also a non factor was the well paid Larry Johnson. Through the first two weeks of the season, the two uber backs had a combined 166 yards rushing on 61 attempts. But unheralded Chris Brown has been tearing it up for the Titans, rushing for 209 yards on 31 attempts during the same period. Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a fantasy owner.

Buffalo wide receiver Lee Evans was called for a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for, “getting in the official’s face.” Is that the technical term?

Just as a side note for defensive coordinators, a prevent defense prevents nothing.

The Falcons were busy this week, signing Byron Leftwich and Morton Anderson. Leftwich will obviously be the starting quarterback soon, as Joey Harrington has been, shall we say, less than impressive. Anderson was signed as per the collective bargaining agreement which states he must be on an NFL roster at least once a season since he was on a roster during the inception of the league.

Frank Gore put on an inspiring performance this week. He mom passed away and he went out and played tough in a win for the 49ers. Hang in there Frank.

Kevin Everett will soon leave Buffalo to go to Houston to begin rehabilitation. Doctors now say that Everett could be walking again in a matter of weeks. Just such an amazing turnaround from when his accident first happened, and the initial prognosis of the then paralyzed Everett was that he would never walk again. A gigantic job well done goes out to all the doctors who did such an incredible job and to Everett himself as well displaying his personal strength and willpower. I know he still has a long road ahead, but is nice to see he will be walking that road.


Steelers 26 – Bills 3

That is just the home debut I like to see from my team. You know things are going well when you see Charlie Batch in with four minutes left in the game. When the fourth quarter comes and its Charlie Batch time, the game is in hand.

The throwback uniforms to celebrate the 75th anniversary team were on display. The jerseys were pretty snazzy, but I’m not so sure about the helmets. Kind of made the team look like giant egg yokes on burnt toast.

This win was historic as it was the 500th win in Steelers history. Their overall record is 500-474-20, and they are the first team in the AFC to reach the 500th win mark. Congratulations to the team and the Rooney’s for such a fantastic track record.

Also with the win, the Steelers took control of the AFC North. Now, there are still 14 games to go, but it’s nice to jump in the pole position early. Just as long as they stay there.

The Bills did play tough, especially given the circumstances, but it they were outgunned from the start. One thing I did like from them, Marshawn Lynch. That kid is a tough, strong runner. He’s fast, elusive and great between the tackles. With some experience behind him, he could be great.

What I liked from Pittsburgh: The defense was fast, tough and opportunistic yet again. Receivers were much better at holding onto the ball, especially Nate Washington who had a fantastic catch. The offense and Roethlisberger did a fantastic job spreading the ball around, with Big Ben completing passes to nine different receivers. Plus their third down conversion rate went up dramatically as they regularly converted to keep drives alive.

What I did not like from Pittsburgh: Only one thing, they need to close out drives better. The game was a blowout, and the scoreboard should have reflected as much. But too many times early on they settled for field goals. While this worked out well, if they let a better team hang around like that it will come back to burn them.


Patriots 38 – Chargers 14

The Pats sure can strike fast on offense. They are just scary potent, and it pains me to admit that but its true. The scariest part of their offense, though, is easily Wes Welker. He is ridiculously good. He did such an effective shake and bake on a Charger defensive back during the game, I think the DB is still wandering around Gillette Stadium looking for Welker. Most impressive.

The only way John Madden’s man love for Tom Brady could have been any more evident was if he went down to the field and started making out with Tom. Geez John, we know he’s good we don’t need to hear it every other second. Dial it down a bit. If you don’t, I’m telling Brett.

I think it should be mandated that Ed Hochuli wear a muscle shirt for every game. Who’s with me on this one?

I have a quick question after watching another stellar Phillip Rivers performance. Tell me again the best quarterback from the 2004 draft? Was it Rivers or Manning? Perhaps it is J.P. Losman? Matt Schaub is making a case for himself in Texas, could it be him? Hmmm, no I think it’s the guy taken 11th overall, you know, the one with a Super Bowl ring.

Brady, in his post game interview, stated that the team has shifted into us against the world mode. Teams will look for motivation everywhere, and with everyone labeling them cheaters and hating them more than ever, they now have an inexhaustible supply of motivation. How long before we start hearing things from them like, no one thought we could do it. Hey Pats, everyone thinks you can do it, that’s why you were dubbed preseason Super Bowl favorites. Everyone thinks it even more now that we know you cheat.


Redskins 20 – Eagles 12

Boy was this was just painful to watch. Eagle fans tended to agree, as the boos began raining on the Birds in the second quarter. It took less than two quarters for the home crowd to turn on the team. I think that’s a new record in Philly.

McNabb looks horrible. I don’t know what McNabb people were seeing in the off season that made them proclaim he’s back, but it wasn’t the one under center on Monday night. Perhaps the Eagles video department slipped them tapes of McNabb from 2004.

Their defense looked decent, but they end up staying on the field far too long. The offense cannot sustain a drive to save their lives.

ESPN obviously feels the guest celebrity in the booth is a good thing, and revived it again this season. At least they had someone interesting, trotting out Charles Barkley. Now, I love Chuckie, I find him entertaining, engaging and funny. And Barkley did not disappoint. His best moment came when Mike Tirico stated that the Eagles should have won the previous week against Green Bay. This is an absurd statement, since every team has at least one game a season they should have won and did not. Pittsburgh should have won in Oakland last year, but they didn’t. What you should do means absolutely nothing compared with what you actually do. Barkley jumped right on this, and Tirico attempted to clarify by stating if they had not had a few special team flubs, the Eagles would have won. Barkley retorted that if he did not eat so much, he would not be so fat. Luckily I was not drinking anything at that moment. Easily, this was the best part of the game. This is not saying much considering how low the Eagles placed the bar.

Coaching notes for Andy Reid:

If you are down 11 points with a little over six minutes left in the fourth quarter and the ball is on the opponent’s 4 yard line and you need two yards for a first down, you need to go for it. Kicking a field goal on fourth down does nothing, as proven by the result of the game. You get that touchdown, or first down, then getting the second score becomes much easier. If you do not, you keep your opponent pinned deep and turn up the defensive heat.

Also, if your running back is finding holes in the defense, and your quarterback is having trouble hitting the broadside of a barn with each throw, perhaps maybe you should run more than pass.


NFL, the alternative Universe

The CameraGate story got crazier, and mercifully died down a bit this week. It started Sunday night with Goodell doing a media blitz and laying the hammer down on Sunday Night football. He said he sent the message to all teams this sort of behavior was unacceptable, and demanded all videotapes, notes and any other corresponding information from the Patriots regarding other teams. He also stated he did not buy Belichick’s assertion that he misinterpreted the rule and would be handing out larger sanctions and penalties if any other form of cheating was found and that any team caught up to nefarious activity would suffer the consequences.

This was followed by unfounded allegations that the Patriots illegally recorded opposing offensive audibles by miking defensive players and recording those on the sideline using wireless transmissions. This is beyond unbelievable. What is this, the cold war? I am actually glad to hear this was unfounded. What’s next though, does Brady’s shoe turn into a phone? Does a mini helicopter jet out from the top of Moss’s head? Is Tedy Bruschi secretly bionic?

Team owner Robert Kraft got into the mix as well during a Sunday Night football halftime interview, conveniently absolving himself of the situation.

"Before last Sunday's game, I had no knowledge of this practice. I must tell you, it was really disappointing, especially after such a great game.”

"What made it particularly disheartening, in our group of companies we hold people to very high standards, and this isn't what we're about. I've discussed that with coach Belichick."

Should I say it now? Ok. I call bullshit. Can Kraft honestly sit there with a straight face and say he had absolutely no idea what someone so vital to his team and organization was doing? I believe Kraft even less than I believed Arthur Blank and his protestations of ignorance regarding Michael Vick. Do these men who are worth millions upon millions of dollars and who have worked their entire lives to build financial empires by crossing every t and dotting every I really expect us to believe that they do not know what is going on with the most important people in their employ? They must really think we are brain dead sheep. They might not be wrong, though, as many are buying their lines.

Tom Brady decided to chime in and defend his coach and team. Big surprise there, since Tom’s legacy is now questioned by some thanks to Belichick. Since their in the same boat, Tom had best back Bill. Tom stated that he found it hard to believe people in and out of the league he respects were making jokes at the Patriot’s expense. He went on to say he’s now lost a lot of respect for these people. Hey Tom, think maybe they’re making those jokes because now they have no respect for you or your team?

To add to the weirdness, I read an article in Sports Illustrated by Peter King this week that states Mangini broke the coaches’ code by ratting out his former boss. The article likened what Mangini did to a mobster who squeals to the Feds about the family. What? Coaches have a code that states they cover for each other when they cheat? What kind of twisted logic is this? Look, I understand it is an exclusive fraternity, and that you should never go against those who helped you rise through the ranks. But there should be a difference between disrespecting a mentor or stealing his free agents and condoning activity that gives a team an unfair competitive edge by keeping silent. It all seems a bit ridiculous if you ask me. I thought the point was to compete against one another and may the best coach win. Oops, sorry, my naiveté is showing. The best quote of the article came from Rex Ryan, the defensive coordinator for the Ravens and son of legendary coach Buddy Ryan. Here’s what Ryan said.

“I’m not sure sports are supposed to be about who can cheat the best. I should be worrying about how to beat a team, not spending hours figuring out how to disguise what I’m doing. I hope this gets us back to football the way it should be.”

Hear hear, Mr. Ryan.

Belichick himself has basically refused to go into any detail regarding the situation, and has yet to answer a question in an interview about it. He seems satisfied that his short statement regarding the scandal will satisfy a sports news world always starving for the next big story. Funny, you would think someone as smart as Bill would realize how far off that assessment really is. But with the way sports stories break, it probably will go away if he just ignores it long enough. As we all have the attention span of a gnat that just might work. But I doubt it will disappear as quickly as Bill would like. With the magnitude of the scandal, the fact that one of the marquee teams of the league is involved and the one looked upon as the model franchise of the NFL, I do not know how it will go away quickly. If they make the playoffs, which considering their performance so far this season looks likely barring injury, it will follow them through the entire season. Long after the decisions are laid down. And well past the season too, especially come draft time when they’re pick or picks are taken away. Once again, how can you expect athletes to be honest and forthcoming when those tabbed to lead them cannot do the same? Goodell knows things like this do not just go away, and hit it head on. Belichick would be wise to take the same advice instead of just saying, I’m focusing on the game this week, next question.

Belichick may get his wish though, as the league concluded its investigation of the Patriots material and determined there was no further evidence of cheating and there would not be any further sanctions placed on the team. That is good news for the Patriots, and hopefully they play fair from now on. Hopefully other teams follow suit, as it is suspected the Patriots are not the only team to engage in this sort of chicanery. I still think Goodell should have banned Belichick from wearing that stupid hoodie.

Ok, moving on…

Tired of punks like Vick and Pacman getting all the press, OJ took matters into his own hands and was arrested in Las Vegas for stealing his own memorabilia, which he contends was really his. When asked why he just didn’t call the cops, he stated that since his previous troubles, cops have not really helped him. Big surprise there, since he threw the LAPD under the bus to save his own hide from jail. Now some are wondering if OJ was set up to take a fall for armed robbery. Wait, I thought Johnnie Cochran passed away, who is creating this buzz?

Tank Johnson signed a two year deal with the Cowboys to shore up their defensive front. The problem is, he is on an eight game suspension and cannot play until November 11th.


Upon Further Review

Gregg Easterbrook in his weekly column on ESPN.com wrote that the cheating scandal is far more serious than anyone seems to realize. He states that the NFL could potentially blow its position as the number one sport in America, and things like this are driving it toward the precipice of a fall. Check out his article for a more in depth look at his stance, as well as the rest of his excellent column.

Easterbrook does raise an excellent question, is the NFL in trouble? Considering how powerful and profitable the league is, it is hard pressed to imagine them falling from grace. I mean, last year the NFL brought in $3.75 billion in television revenue alone. That is almost an unfathomable number. How could they possibly fail? As we all know, nothing lasts forever and football’s position as top dog sport could go away. It happened to baseball, and is that not America’s pastime? Keeping this in mind, let’s take a look at a few issues the league has faced recently recently.

The Patriots cheating scandal - Cheating would be bad enough, but to have such a situation involve one of the marquee teams of the league and the one looked upon as the model franchise makes this far worse. If people think the outcome of the game is not genuine, they tend to turn away. Ask Major League Baseball about this.

Criminal Behavior – Michael Vick, Tank Johnson, Pacman Jones and the Bungles have all kept the new commissioner busy over the last year. Each one adding their own stain to the league and turning fans off from the game and the egomaniacal players who participate. Sure, most players are great guys, but it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the bunch.

The concussion issue – The NFL purports to be working to correct this problem, especially since they have received a lot of bad press about it and the damage repeated concussions have done to former players. Yet they still have not mandated anti-concussion helmets for all teams, and then we see Kitna going back into the game after a concussion. Now, it was his decision, but were not the new policies put in place this season regarding concussions created to take such a decision out of the hands of players for their own good? Just two weeks into the season and this new policy is already failing.

Disability for retired players – A growing problem without a doubt, and one that has now grown so big that a Senate committee called in Goodell and representatives for former players this week to have a little chat about it. You know things are not going well when Congress decides they need to butt in. Not only is this a problem with how they treat those on whom the league was built, but it is also a public relations nightmare. Fans tend to become turned off by organizations they perceive as using and mistreating employees. Former players and coaches are now coming forward more and more speaking on behalf of those who need help. One of the most outspoken has been Mike Ditka, who was also at the committee hearing. Ditka stated the problem is not about money, since everyone knows there is money available; it’s about getting it into the hands of those who need it the most.

"The system is broken," said Ditka. "Don't make proud men beg. Don't make them jump through hoops."

Agreed. The committee made no actions, other than the threat of intervention if the NFL does not find a solution and soon.

Now taken individually, each of these things would not be that daunting. Time and effort could be put into each of these issues to resolve them quickly and correctly. Education and prevention measures could be put into place to make sure some incidents do not happen again, or happen at a much less frequent rate. The issue is these have all come to a head or to the surface in the last 12 months one on top of the other. People love the sport, but the nonsense surrounding it is starting to dominate the headlines from Monday to Saturday and take away from the games on Sunday. Eventually, people will tire of such distractions, and will turn away from the game itself. Roger Goodell seems to understand this better than most, and has been quick, decisive and diligent in working to keep these issues from causing a fall from happening. I think these, and other potential unknown obstacles could cause the NFL to stumble, as Easterbrook points out. However I tend to have a more optimistic, or perhaps naïve, view of things and I feel with people like Goodell in charge who know a downward slide is only a few bad press clippings and moments of inaction away, I doubt it will happen soon.


Steelers Around the World

This week, the Steeler world tour moves to beautiful Berlin, Germany. This capital city of Germany is home to 3.4 million people and is the second largest city in the European Union. Known for world renowned universities, sports, orchestras, museums and much more, Berlin is a destination full of culture, landscape, architecture and history.

Some sites of note to see are the Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag, the seat of German Parliament, the few remaining remnants of the Berlin Wall and Schloss Charlottenburg the largest surviving historical palace in Berlin.

Berlin has over 150 museums and 50 theaters within the city which show every kind of art and performing arts one could imagine. From paintings of ancient masters and fare of a more modern flair to opera, ballet and the orchestra, one can find something to whet their artistic appetite in Berlin.

Berlin has a diverse history and a long love of sports. The city famously hosted the 1936 Olympics, and was the host of the FIFA World Cup Final in 1974 and 2006. Berlin is home to professional teams in soccer, basketball, hockey, volleyball and handball.

The game would take place at the Olympiastadion, or Olympic Stadium. Originally build in 1934 to replace the first Olympiastadion. This structure has survived World War II to host many a sporting events through the years. In 2000, a renovation began to bring the historic stadium into the 21st century. The newly renovated stadium reopened in 2004 with the latest in sound and illumination technology and the ability to seat 76,000 pumped up fans.

For this game, the Steelers would face the Green Bay Packers. Wisconsin history is full of German heritage and the Packers would be a treat for Berliners. Plus, traveling Packer fans would enjoy the German breweries, probably as much as traveling Steeler fans.

Idiot of the week

Although they are idiots every week if you ask me, this week they get a special nod. This week’s award goes out to Patriot fans. They just do not get how bad a cheating scandal is, and how much damage it could possibly do not just to the Patriots and their legacy, but also to the NFL. All they do is complain that everyone is picking on their team just because they win. Yeah, that’s why. Hey, don’t you guys have to get over to Fenway and complain about the Red Sox collapsing? How far back are the Yankees now, only 2 1//2 games is it?

On Tap This Week

Boy, were perceptions blown up last week. Now who do you pick in some of these games? Is Tampa really that good? How about Houston? Are the Saints really that bad? Is Arizona turning a corner? Does Detroit have what it takes to really compete for once? You got me. I had a hard enough time last week when the picks looked painfully obvious. Speaking of which….

Last week 11-5
Season to date 20-12

I went down to the wire in my poll, but lost because the stupid Eagles failed to score a touchdown at the end of the game. Oh well, it’s about consistency every week.

The only thing I’m sure about is that half the teams below will lose this weekend. After that, you got me.

Sunday

Miami (0-2) at New York Jets (0-2)

Well, someone has to win. Since the Jets can actually produce some semblance of offense, I’ll take them.

Jets over Dolphins

Arizona (1-1) at Baltimore (1-1)

The Kyle Boller era is reborn! Rejoice one and all. Well, at least those with allegiances to Pittsburgh. It’s like someone said Christmas was coming early this year. Arizona showed some mettle winning against Seattle, but if it weren’t for a timely mistake by Seattle, this would not seem so difficult. And Baltimore has bested a Ken Whisenhunt coached offense before.

Ravens over Cardinals

San Diego (1-1) at Green Bay (2-0)

Favre is now the winningest quarterback in league history. His next target in the record books is Dan Marino’s 420 career touchdowns. I like Green Bay, but they have played two crappy teams and I still do not know how good they are or how good their running game can be. At least San Diego’s loss came against an elite team. Tough choice, as the Chargers have much more established talent. If they hadn’t been so lackluster the first few weeks, this would not be so difficult. This has the feel of either a monumental win for Green Bay or a reestablishment of power for San Diego.

Chargers over Packers

Buffalo (0-2) at New England (2-0)

Now I really feel bad for Buffalo.

Patriots over Bills

Indianapolis (2-0) at Houston (2-0)

A much bigger game than anyone anticipated. As many sports talking heads have been crowing, Houston was the last team to beat the Colts, defeating them 27-24 last December. What no one fails to also mention is that it was a late December game when the Colts were shifting into playoff mode and were on Jim Sorgi time. This is a different game, but also a much different Texans team. I like their chances against Peyton, especially with their much improved defensive front. But without Andre Johnson, Schaub has no one reliable for the quick strike.

Colts over Texans

St. Louis (0-2) at Tampa Bay (1-1)

If St. Louis makes that field goal last week, does this become a tough decision? Since they got housed by a team in week one with a passing game, what does that mean for this week, since Jeff Garcia is starting to find his rhythm? Eh, does it really matter?

Buccaneers over Rams

San Francisco (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0)

I’ll be happy to see the regular home black jerseys in effect. It’s about time someone on the team wear them this season. Kind of stupid when it’s just me.

Steelers over 49ers

Minnesota (1-1) at Kansas City (0-2)

You got me. Kansas City looks awful, but Minnesota has not been overwhelming either, and may be without Tarvaris Jackson. But they still have Adrian Peterson.

Vikings over Chiefs

Detroit (2-0) at Philadelphia (0-2)

McNabb is currently a shell of himself, the team was despondent and silent by halftime last week and no receiver on the team looks even remotely effective. Now LT Smith is out, Lito Sheppard is doubtful and Brian Dawkins and Brian Westbrook are both banged up for this week. That gives me warm and fuzzies. The over/under on boos from Eagles fans is five minutes into the game. I’ll take the under.

Lions over Eagles

Cleveland (1-1) at Oakland (0-2)

Ok, so Cleveland was impressive last week. But what happens when they go up against a team that fields a defense again? And remember, they gave up 45 points. I know I said never last week, and already hate myself for this, but…

Raiders over Browns

Jacksonville (1-1) at Denver (2-0)

Ok, Jacksonville loses in week one at home to the Titans, and then ekes out a victory in week two against the lowly Falcons. Not exactly setting the world on fire are they. Denver has had to rely on the magic of Jason Elam two weeks in a row, also not exactly world beaters. At least Denver is finding a way to win, as messy as it is.

Broncos over Jaguars

Cincinnati (1-1) at Seattle (1-1)

I’m sorry, but when you get strafed for 5 touchdowns through the air from Derek Anderson and pounded for 216 rushing yards from a cast aside Jamal Lewis, I cannot trust you on the road in arguably the loudest stadium in the league. Even factoring in the difference in quality between the NFC and AFC I still cannot do it.

Seahawks over Bengals

New York Giants (0-2) at Washington (2-0)

I think the Giants will wait until after their London trip to can Coughlin.

Redskins over Giants

Carolina (1-1) at Atlanta (0-2)

So Steve Smith scores three touchdowns and they still get schooled by the Texans. Everyone knows Steve plays out of his mind when he’s mad and wants to prove a point. How mad you think he’ll be this week? On the plus side for Falcon fans, it should be only about two weeks before Leftwich is the starter.

Panthers over Falcons

Dallas (2-0) at Chicago (1-1)

Here is where we really find out how strong the Cowboys are. Since I know Rex is still starting, unfortunately, for the Bears, it will all depend on which Rex shows up. I’m afraid it might be the one who had trouble with the Chiefs.

Cowboys over Bears

Monday

Tennessee (1-1) at New Orleans (0-2)

So, was last year all about emotion for the Saints, or were they just able to better disguise their horrible secondary. I do not know when I can feel comfortable picking them again with everybody and their dogs banging away at their defense. I especially do not feel good about them this week, when they play Vince Young who took his Titans to the wire against the Colts. Of course, the Saints are playing their first game at home with their backs against the wall and desperate.

Saints over Titans