The Crystal Ball 2007 Week 12

Once again, we arrive at the time of year in which families come together and break bread and share drink and stories, coming together in the warmth of love and home and give thanks for those things good in their lives and in the world. Some may say there is not much to give thanks for this year, but I believe that to be merely a pessimistic view. If one just examines their lives a little more closely and with an open mind and positive outlook, suddenly many things to be thankful for will flood into their consciousness.

I hope all are able to spend this holiday with family and friends, and share in the joys of a good meal, great company and a relaxing and enjoyable time.

Since last year I needed a cheap and easy column thanks to the short week, I threw out the cheesy concept of what I am thankful, and not thankful, for in the NFL universe. So in keeping with tradition, after all who am I to break holiday traditions, I present the Crystal Ball NFL Thanksgiving. Hopefully better than last year, but even cheesier; after all what are the holidays without cheese?


This year, in the surreal world of the NFL, I am thankful for the following….

….Turducken. What would Madden talk about on Thursday otherwise? Well, besides Brett Favre.

…..Games from now on are played three days a week. Can someone say football overdose?

….Norv Turner replacing Art Shell as the most inept coach in the league. The unintentional comedy he produces each week as he drags the team lower into the mud is priceless. Especially once you factor in Tomlinson’s post game moping.

….Finding out Travis Henry not only enjoys weed, on a Ricky Williams level, but also has 9 kids by 9 women. It still fascinates and boggles the mind.

….Ricky Williams returning to the NFL. Hello comedy gold mine.

….The Ravens and Bungles falling apart faster than Britney Spears on a bender.

….The Browns tasting success again. Clevelandites deserve as much.

….Ed Hochuli and his fabulous guns.

….Brett Favre and his bionic/fountain of youth season and showing he can still unleash a bomb to win a game, especially in overtime.

….Kevin Everett.

….Jon Kitna’s Halloween costume. Brilliant.

….Kurt Warner and his almost bionic arm and his big time guts.

….The Dolphins still pursuing history. I still think this is a bigger deal than 16-0.

….As always, DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket. Although I could have stood to not have it last weekend.

….Moss and Owens shutting up and just playing the game. Amazing results when they stop running their mouths and start running routes.

….That OJ might finally go down.

….The fight and spirit of the Buffalo Bills.

….Being 7-3 after 10 weeks with a big edge in the race for the division crown.

….that we got such a damn good coach in Mike Tomlin that no one knew could be so good.

….also that he looks so much like Omar Epps. It’s like we’re coached by a football genius movie star.

….. The Patriots monster game last Sunday night kept people from talking about Pittsburgh’s terrible game Sunday afternoon.

….I am 14 points better in my picks than at this point last season, and am tied with the leaders on ESPN’s Football Expert Picks. To think they get paid to determine the winners and are no better than I.


Wait a minute.


This year, in the surreal world of the NFL, I am NOT thankful for the following….

…..I do not get paid to divinate winners. I’m just as good as the ESPN guys who manage to do this with inside knowledge. Come on!

….The Patriots sucking the joy and life out of the game. What fun is it knowing they will win big every week?

….And the Patriots have destroyed an opportunity for people to enjoy their domination. By becoming embroiled in the camera-gate issue and then turning completely unlikable, arrogant, unsportsmanlike and unapologetic, they’ve made it almost impossible for the casual fan to appreciate, and enjoy, how good they really are. We should be reveling in watching an historic team, but they make it impossible to find a shred of something redeemable for which to cheer, especially when they do not take any joy from victory.

….The Patriots, despite being punished for cheating, still may have a top 5 pick in next years draft thanks to the ineptitude of the 49ers. Like they need the help.

….That I cannot let it go when it comes to the Patriots.

….Continued lip service being played regarding concussions and disability benefits. Come on NFL, you are better than this, let’s see some action.

…..The game keeps getting overshadowed by the troublemaking of a few bad apples.

….Michael Vick and his sordid tale. Although I am thankful he seems to finally understand and accept responsibility for his actions.

….Andy Reid’s family issues.

….Everyone quick on the draw to condemn Reid and his parenting.

….Trent Green and his concussed head.

….Monday Night Football continuing the asinine celebrity interviews.

….Then banning Jimmy Kimmel from appearing on Monday Night Football because he refused to be bland or stand in awe of perceived sacred cows.

….The suit trend has not caught on with more coaches.

….It’s week 12 and I still have not seen Kyle Orton starting.

….Fewer Peyton Manning commercials this year.

….Still no movement, nor even a peep, from the League regarding the Super Bust.

….Don Shula’s cranky bitterness at the potential of his undefeated season no longer being singular. Get over it.

…..I am not the only one with an NFL column too lazy/uncreative to use this concept.


Recap

Maurice Jones-Drew taught Shawne Merriman a valuable lesson. Dynamite comes in small packages.

I have yet to see a stranger sequence than Cleveland’s game tying, ruled no good, improbably ruled good field goal, bring the teams back to the field for overtime victory. Just an amazing turn of events that has been discussed all week. Except in Baltimore.

I liked Cleveland’s improbable win, but one fact has been overlooked. That is two weeks in a row in which they had the game and let the other team off the hook. It cost them in Pittsburgh, but they salvaged things, miraculously, in Baltimore. They need to learn how to finish.

Hey Ray Ray, that is another division opponent that came to Baltimore. How’d that one work out? By the way, what’s your division record again? Oh yeah, 0-5. Nice.

Favre is making it look easy.

So is Tony Romo. I like his improvisation skills. On 3rd and 4 he took a bad snap in shotgun formation and the ball went sailing over his head. Tony, quick as a jackrabbit, turned heel, tracked down the ball, scooped it up, set himself, and with pressure coming threw a dart to Owens for the first down. Smooth.

I told you Whisenhunt would know what to do versus the Bungles.

McNabb suffered a bad injury to the thumb of his throwing hand as the Eagles struggled with the Dolphins. Think he’ll be an Eagle next season?

Moss and Owens seem to be in a personal touchdown battle at this point. I wonder what will happen when a winner is declared.

I know missing Marvin Harrison and Tony Ugoh hurts, but they cannot be the only reason the Colt offense suddenly looks so pedestrian, and mortal.

I figured it out. Adam Vinatieri is not doing a Vanderjagt impression. Bill “Dr. Evil” Belichick traveled back in time and stole his mojo. Quick, someone tell Vinatieri he had his mojo all along.

Despite a miraculous comeback, Priest Holmes suffered another neck injury Sunday, and is expected to retire. Priest, what you did to come back was nothing sort of amazing. But leaving the game now, while you can, is perhaps even more noble and prudent. We wish you well.


Jets 19 – Steelers 16

''We've got to come out and play Steelers football. I don't feel we did that today. They were probably the more physical team. I think it showed.'' – Ben Roethlisberger

That says it all. But there are a few more things I’d like to add about the embarrassment on Sunday afternoon.

First, this bothered me because it was not a team that had a bad stretch and is coming on, or one led by a former coach. No, this was a crappy team, one they should have beaten handily. And if you cannot beat the teams you are supposed to, then you cannot be taken seriously as a championship contender.

Second, why are they so hot at home, as they were in the Baltimore game, and so cold on the road? So far this season they are 2-3 away from Heinz Field. This does not bode well with three remaining road games scheduled, and one against the Patriots.

And third, what was wrong with the team where they looked so inept in every aspect of the game?

They allowed Thomas Jones grind the defense for 117 yards rushing, something no one had done over the past 34 games? They could not score a touchdown more than once despite repeated trips to the red zone. Willie Parker could only muster 52 yards on the ground, and half the time had trouble keeping his own feet under him. The line allowed Roethlisberger to be sacked seven times. When they did force a turnover, all they did was cough the ball back up again. They got fooled and smoked on the second play of the game by a flea flicker. They made multiple mental errors that lead to penalties that kept Jet drives alive. When they did not extend drives through penalties, they played soft and allowed the Jet offense to march up the field almost unmolested.

"Over the course of 16 games, you're bound to have one bad game." – Hines Ward

Hines makes a point, but this is the third bad game, and possibly fourth if you count getting behind early against Cleveland last week. What bothers me most about this statement is the simple fact that good teams overcome mistakes and bad games, especially against sub par teams.

I hope I do not see a trend developing.

What I liked from Pittsburgh: Townsend’s interception, Holmes’ catch off a Ward deflection and there is always next week.

What I did not like from Pittsburgh: The offensive line play and protection; allowing the Jets to travel 76 yards in 2 minutes to tie the game; special teams breakdowns; the running game; the run defense; Polamalu and Holmes suffering significant injuries that will keep them out this week and perhaps longer and pretty much everything else.


NFL, the alternative Universe

"We are going to come to work and we are going to be thankful that we have an opportunity to do so." – Steeler coach Mike Tomlin when asked how he would handle Thanksgiving with the team.

Kevin Everett was released from hospital last week and moved home to continue his rehabilitation. Before the game on Sunday night, the Bills played a taped message from Everett for the team and fans.

"How are you doing Buffalo? This is Kevin Everett. I just want to say, 'Come on, let's beat the Patriots.'”

It was not enough to overcome the mighty Patriot machine, but it still may be best story of the year seeing him come back from paralysis.

It turns out that no one knows the extent and type of injury Larry Johnson sustained to his foot because Larry wishes to keep it a secret. I’m still not sure how that helps his rehab and return, but I guess Larry would know more than I.

The Packers are under investigation by the NFL on a suspicion that players offered payments to teammates to achieve goals on the field. According to reports, the defensive backs offered the defensive linemen $500 each to keep Adrian Peterson under 100 yards and another $500 each to keep the Panthers under 60 yards rushing as a team.

This sort of bonus fraternization is prohibited by the NFL and could mean serious trouble. This sounds more like sour grapes than anything. Considering how much these gentlemen make in a year, $500 is mere pocket change and I doubt would motivate any of them to tie their shoes.

New Jersey lawmakers are urging an investigation, and Giants Stadium officials are increasing security, over rowdy Jet fans. Apparently, but to no surprise, drunken fans gather during halftime of games on a ramp and urge women to flash their breasts. On occasion, one will oblige bringing cheers from the crowd. Ok, I agree this is not the appropriate venue for such behavior. But do we really need state government investigations because a few liquored up fans are clamoring for a flash of titty? The solution is simple, folks. When they start up, and here’s a clue it’s at halftime, go break up the rowdy festivities and toss the troublemakers. Problem solved.

Michael Vick surrendered to authorities three weeks before his sentencing. Vick turned in himself in anticipation of a prison term to come during the sentencing. I have said much about Vick, but I will say this. No matter how deplorable his actions were, he is now taking full responsibility for them. It does not justify them or clear him of anything, but at least he is stepping up to take the punishment. I can find a redeeming quality and an ounce of hope for him in that.


Upon Further Review

A leader able to ascertain the weaknesses of his or her charges, admit to them and work to eliminate them is a leader ready to win and succeed.

Mike Tomlin is such a leader. This week he has sugarcoated nothing and exposed the warts of his team, baring them for the world, and more pointedly, for the team to see. He has put the onus to win where it belongs, on the team itself. He has pulled no punches in stating exactly what is wrong, and what the team needs to do to become great.

In his weekly press conference, Tomlin listed the key priorities of the team in moving forward toward a successful season.

"If we are going to be a good offensive team we've got to be able to get first down in critical junctures of the game, in the last five minutes of the game, is definitely one of them."

"If we are going to be a great offense, we've got to score touchdowns as opposed to field goals in red zone situation."

"When we touch balls we've got to catch them." – referring to defensive touches and opportunities for interceptions. Pittsburgh is tied for last in the AFC with eight interceptions on the season.

"You change the face of two-minute football when you tackle people in bounds. And we didn't do a good enough job of that toward the end of regulation on Sunday."

"I don't hope it is a one-game thing, I expect it to be a one-game thing." – referring to the poor tacking displayed by the team on Sunday.

"The reality is that if we are going to be a good football team we need to kick the ball away, we've got be able to run down, cover it and tackle people, on or inside the 20. That's what good teams do."

Tomlin has shown amazing growth and acumen for a job he has not held for a year. His assessments of personnel and situations have been remarkably good for someone learning on the job the difficult task of leading 53 men and numerous coaches and staff to victory every week. He still has a ways to go, but with the ability to break down and address problems, objectively analyze situations, expose weaknesses and correct them and keep each player motivated not only when things are going well but also when things are going poorly, I imagine we see him up for coach of the year in the not to distant future, possibly the same year he hoists his first Lombardi Trophy as a head coach.

Does anyone pick better coaches than the Rooney’s?


Steelers Around the World

This week, the Steelers return home for some down home Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings. I think at this point they have earned a holiday at home with family and loved ones. All that world travel tends to take it out on one. But still, even in this odd season where they will play less than 16 games, they do need to squeeze one in, so what better place than home.

As any football fan knows, the Steelers call Pittsburgh home, and have since 1933. Known for decades as a steel city, Pittsburgh earned a reputation as a hard city filled with blue collar men and women of good stock and a tough but fair demeanor. While the city still calls itself home to these people, its steel industry has been replaced by a multitude of other companies. Pittsburgh is now known more as a home to healthcare, education, technology and financial companies and industries and is a hub of robotics as well. The city has strived to reinvent itself, while keeping its small town feeling in a big city atmosphere.

The city has thrived during its renaissance, becoming a beautiful gem nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. Thanks in large part to its low cost of living, economic opportunities, education, transportation, medical infrastructure and the natural beauty that surrounds and spreads throughout the city, Pittsburgh consistently ranks high in multiple livability surveys. In 2007, Pittsburgh was named “America’s most livable city” by Places Rated Almanac.

Many see Pittsburgh as a big sports town, and while this is true the city does offer many other arts and cultural fare for the non sports inclined. Pittsburgh houses the Andy Warhol Museum, who was a native son of the city, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Art Gardens of Pittsburgh. The city also boasts a symphony, opera and Ballet Company for those inclined for more artistic fare. If one is looking for architectural beauty, the skyline of Pittsburgh is one of the most unique and beautiful in the country. If one wishes for something more amazing, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is a short drive southeast of the city itself. The film and television community of Pittsburgh also thrives, providing a home for a multitude of talented and creative professionals and locations for numerous movies, television shows and commercials, most notably Gung Ho, Night of the Living Dead, Dogma and Silence of the Lambs.

But for those wishing for sports, Pittsburgh is a haven. Home to three professional teams, Pittsburgh has long been steeped in sports lore and heroes. The list of native Pittsburgh sports heroes, and those transplanted to the area, reads like a hall of fame roster. Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Mike Ditka, Johnny Unitas, Jim Kelly, Marc Bulger, Randy White, Russ Grimm, Mercury Morris, Jason Taylor, Tony Dorsett and Ty Law just scratch the surface, and just with football. Expanding past football, such stars and coaches as Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr., Honus Wagner, Curt Shilling, George Karl, Marvin Lewis, Mike Ditka, Mike McCarthy, Bill Cowher, Barry Alvarez, Chuck Knox, Terry Francona, Chuck Daly, Ken Macha, Dick Nolan, Chuck Tanner, Jim Leyland and Arnold Palmer have all called Pittsburgh home. City of Champions indeed.

One interesting fact about Pittsburgh is that it is the only city in which all of their professional teams share the same colors, black and gold. The Penguins switched to a different shade of gold than the Pirates and Steelers, and red plays a role in the Pirates uniforms now, but all three still take their respective fields of play in those colors. The color combination of black and gold is also the unofficial colors of the city itself. The police and fire departments use this color scheme, and black and gold are the most dominant colors on the city’s flag and seal. No other city can boast such unity, and it helps foster a united community that makes Pittsburgh so unique and livable.

Stationed on the banks of the Allegheny River, Heinz field will see its first action this strange season. Host to the Pittsburgh Panthers collegiate team as well as numerous high school playoff and championship games, Heinz Field opened its doors in 2001 to raucous celebration, fanfare and critical acclaim. Seating 64,450 rabid Steeler fans, Heinz Field meshes seamlessly the architectural beauty of the stadium with the surrounding city and landscape.

For this homecoming of sorts, no opponent would suffice but Pittsburgh’s oldest rival, the once again relevant Cleveland Browns.


Idiot of the week

The distinctive honor of weekly idiot falls to Baltimore coach Brian Billick. Now, Billick could have easily garnered the title for his horrible game management Sunday. Seriously, you have the ball on 2nd and 1 with 38 seconds left and 1 time out. Why did you pass twice, both incompletions, and then kick the field goal, leaving Cleveland with 31 seconds remaining and an opportunity for the craziest finish to a game all season? All you had to do was run, run, call a timeout and kick the field goal, game over. But I digress.

Yes, Billick could have won for that performance alone. But what truly pushed him over the top was filing a report with the NFL regarding the conclusion of the game. Mind you, by the rule book Billick does have a complaint. The call on the field was a failed field goal, and since field goal attempts cannot be reviewed that call should have stood, no matter how screwed up it would have been. The officials conferred far too long, but did get the correct call. By now Billick should have seen multiple shots of the kick, and knows this to be true. But since he failed to snag victory, he wants to complain about it.

"We'll lodge the normal concerns we had not only with the way the end of the game was administered, but also a couple of calls leading up to that and let the appropriate people handle it. For us, it's a matter of moving on. Very disappointed, surely as unique a circumstance as I've ever been a part of.”

Billick, if you wanted to move on, you would not be complaining. And if you really wanted to lodge a report and complaint with the league, how about they investigate just how in the heck you managed to capture the title of offensive genius. Sounds like sour grapes and an infantile temper tantrum from a man mad he screwed up and wishing to place blame for a loss any place but where it belongs, squarely on his own shoulders.


On Tap This Week

No satisfaction, no victory in the Meadowlands, no winning the week. Yeesh how crappy can one week get?

Last week 13-3
Season to date 104-56

Ok, not entirely crappy but still nothing to smile about. Thank goodness for Turkey day, and more importantly, Turkey day Football!!!!


Thursday

Green Bay (9-1) at Detroit (6-4)

Sorry Detroit, I know this is the first Thanksgiving Day game in a long time in which you were relevant, but that matters not this year. This season it’s all about the Brett and his magic. Next stop for the Packer Express, Ford Field.

Packers over Lions


New York Jets (2-8) at Dallas (9-1)

Something tells me Dallas will not be overlooking a crappy team.

Cowboys over Jets


Indianapolis (8-2) at Atlanta (3-7)

Even with their currently anemic offense, the Colts still have more than enough to put away Atlanta. How many people at the NFL Network sat at their desks this week, sobbing about what a game this might have been to open their broadcast schedule if it were not for Michael Vick and his atrocious actions? We’ll know Thursday if Rich Eisen appears puffy eyed on camera.

Colts over Falcons


Sunday

Denver (5-5) at Chicago (4-6)

The toughest call to make all week, I think. Denver looks to be coming on strong, and the Bears are weak and still rely on Rex Grossman. I have more faith in the road team on this one for some reason. I think whomever I pick will turn out to be wrong, so why not go with the gut.

Broncos over Bears


Tennessee (6-4) at Cincinnati (3-7)

Ok, the Titans lost, but Vince Young flashed some incredible potential. If he can just avoid the turnovers, he’ll be fine. Luckily, he gets to play against a mess of a team this week known as the Bungles. Potential, meet opportunity.

Titans over Bengals


Houston (5-5) at Cleveland (6-4)

This could be a good game against two up and coming teams. I give Cleveland the edge based on the thrilling victory last week to keep them pumped and the Dawg Pound.

Browns over Texans


Oakland (2-8) at Kansas City (4-6)

No Larry Johnson and No Priest Holmes, thinks keep degrading for the Chiefs. At least they get the salve known as Oakland this week.

Chiefs over Raiders


Seattle (6-4) at St. Louis (2-8)

No running game, no problem. Hasselbeck through the air for victory is the new Seattle mantra. Even with Matt banged up a bit; I think they can pull off one on the Rams. But if the Rams are returning to competency, they could beat the depleted Seahawks. Definitely competitive, but I think the Seahawk defense keeps the St. Louis at bay just enough.

Seahawks over Rams


Washington (5-5) at Tampa Bay (6-4)

Washington seems to have much trouble finishing out games. They had opportunity last week for the upset, but could not capitalize. Tampa Bay has quietly put together a decent season, and control of the NFC South. I think they maintain both.

Buccaneers over Redskins


New Orleans (4-6) at Carolina (4-6)

Tough call to say the least and both teams have burned me this year. But New Orleans has a bit more to offer on the table than Carolina. A tough call, but I think I’ll take the road team. It could mean playoff position.

Saints over Panthers


Buffalo (5-5) at Jacksonville (7-3)

Buffalo tries so hard. They do so much with so little, but it is difficult when you go against teams with much more. As they do again this week.

Jaguars over Bills


Minnesota (4-6) at New York Giants (7-3)

I’m still not buying into the Giant juggernaut, but I do believe them better than the Vikings, even if Chester Taylor is tearing it up.

Giants over Vikings


San Francisco (2-8) at Arizona (5-5)

The team tabbed to win the NFC West versus the team that just may win it. Ken Whisenhunt flexes his football acumen once again.

Cardinals over 49ers


Baltimore (4-6) at San Diego (5-5)

Honestly, I do not like either team. Baltimore is not the same team as last year and San Diego seems to have no desire to win. I guess home field and travel issues will play a part. Sure, why not.

Chargers over Ravens


Philadelphia (5-5) at New England (10-0)

If Tom Brady can throw 7 touchdowns against a scrappy team that tries, imagine what he can do against a team that looks as though it has already given up. And has trouble with the Dolphins to boot. McNabb’s injured thumb will make no difference.

Patriots over Eagles


Monday

Miami (0-10) at Pittsburgh (7-3)

Joey Porter returns to Pittsburgh. Ricky Williams returns to the NFL. A certain team clad in black and gold had dang well better return to the win column. I better see a complete game this week, and not the complete train wreck from last week or I may have a conniption fit. Yeah, I know Polamalu and Holmes are out, and could be for a few weeks. So what? Suck it up and toughen up. Tomlin laid down the law this week and made protecting Roethlisberger a top priority. Good call. The man can’t complete a pass with his face driven into the turf.

Steelers over Dolphins