The Crystal Ball 2009 Week 15

Christmas is but a few scant days away, I have none of my shopping done, the driveway is full of freshly fallen snow that needs shoveled, the busy holidays are ramping up and I need to prepare for my annual cornucopia of joy that is 24 hours of A Christmas Story. But hey, there’s always time for football, no?

Opening Kickoff

Hey I was right! I said Randy Moss would be a potential distraction and cancer to the Patriots and it was a foolish move by Belichick to bring on such a malcontent. I just happened to be a few years off as to when this would come to pass. I’m ahead of my time.

The Way It Was

Broncos’ receiver Brandon Marshall broke the single game reception record by catching 21 passes against the Colts. Unfortunately the Broncos lost. But lost in this story? How about that passing by Kyle Orton!

The Ravens beat up on the poor little Lions. Boy they are just big mean bullies.

DeMarcus Ware sprained his neck in a scary moment during last weeks Cowboys game. Thankfully, Ware will be ok

Oh look, Dallas is collapsing, Christmas must be coming! Every time a bell rings the Cowboys lose a game. Ding, dong, ding, dong….

The Patriots look like a shell of themselves lately. And if they are not careful, the hard charging Dolphins will overtake them in the AFC East. I’m just glad Steeler fans are not the only ones suffering this season.

What? Randy Moss was not playing hard? Moss quit on the team? I’m stunned.

Awww Ochocinco hugged the Viking. He’s so sweet.

The Colts set a regular season record for consecutive regular season victories with 22, while establishing the most wins of the decade, 115 and counting, and clinching home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Not bad for a team with young receivers, a young defense and a new head coach.

Boy the Eagles got a steal when they drafted DeShawn Jackson.

I’ve said it before and will say it again. Andy Reid sure can drag out the end of a half. I swear he turns 2 minutes into 30 in a blink of an eye.

Oh come on Arizona, give me a break. You cream the Vikings, but then turn the ball over against the 49ers like it was filled with H1N1? Really?

Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck had 10 tackles, two interceptions and a pass broken up against the Rams and has been lauded this week.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had a 65 percent passing day and throwing for 548 yards against the Lions and has been lauded this week.

Yes, these were great performances, and many have said the ills that suffered these two teams have now been eliminated. But let me just point out one thing. These big games came against the Rams and Lions respectively. So, is everything fixed, or did two teams just beat up thoroughly on two NFL doormats? You decide.

The Steel Pit

After losing their 5^th game in a row a week ago Thursday, things have been relatively quiet. Not only has the team not been very talkative, but most of the national press has pretty much ignored them as well. No news is good news right?

Oh, most everyone has healed as well as they are going do with 10 days off, and the team will have most of its full complement of players ready for Sunday. There will be a few personnel changes for the game, some most likely way overdue. But hey things are quiet, so there may be some peace for a change.

Oh wait, what’s that? Yup, I thought so. It’s a bomb.

I wonder if Tomlin will be able to keep this team from a total meltdown now. Sorry Mike, but the honeymoon’s over.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

The Cowboys tried a little 3-D experiment on the big screens at Cowboys Stadium. I guess the actual 3-D game wasn’t enough for Jerry.

Uh oh, the Yinzers are getting restless.

Drew Brees was elected to ride on a 2010 Mardi Gras float and chosen as King of Bacchus. Wouldn’t it be great if he were also carrying the Lombardi Trophy during the parade?

Robert Sormanti, the Patriots' mascot, was arrested in a prostitution sting in Rhode Island. I bet he could party with Steely McBeam.

Colts head Coach Jim Caldwell never moves, never gets excited, rarely makes a facial expression, doesn’t rant at players or referees and I’m not sure if he’s even breathing. I’m wondering if he’s just a robot created in the off season by Peyton Manning, who then programs the Caldwell-Tron 2010 to call the plays he wants to run. Show me proof this is not so. Because now the Caldwell-Tron 2010 has been programmed for Peyton to go for 19-0, and with Peyton at the helm I think they’ve got a shot.

The Giants and Jets will submit a proposal to the NFL to host the 2014 Super Bowl in their new stadium. Yeah, that’s where people want to go in February, New Jersey.

The Redskins general manager Vinny Cerrato resigned this week, and was immediately replaced by Bruce Allen. Jim Zorn, get that resume ready.

Upon Further Review

This week, Bengals receiver Chris Henry died from injuries suffered in a strange car accident. Henry had been away from the team as he recovered from a broken arm suffered in a game earlier this season. The NFL will hold a moment of silence for Henry before each game this weekend.

I think most people who follow the NFL are aware of the checkered past Henry has had. I shall not use the occasion of this young man’s death to revisit them. Neither will I ignore his transgressions of the past. Henry was not a saint and for the majority of his adult life, facts that are well recognized. And if not for a benevolent, and desperate for a receiver, Bengals organization he would not even have been in the league this season.

Despite his past, Henry did seem sincere in both words and actions to turn his life around with this latest second chance. And it is because of this I feel for his family, friends and loved ones and send my heartfelt condolences.

Some people take longer to learn the lessons of life. And often they must learn those lessons the hard way. Henry seemed to me to be one of these people. But it appeared that finally, some of life’s lessons had sunk in and the realization of what it took to be a man and take his special gifts seriously had dawned upon him.

The sad part is when he finally turns this corner, his life was extinguished. Never will he get the chance to live the new life he had started to build. Never will those who loved and cared for him finally get to see the man they knew he could be. And never will those who believed in him see that promise pay off.

You always hope to see those misguided souls that contain great talent to finally reach their potential and become all we hope they can be. And with their success, spread to the rest of us the hope and give us an example that we too can overcome the odds against us in our own lives to achieve more. And when that promising light is snuffed too soon, no matter from whom it shown, it dims all of our worlds and pushes hope for ourselves further out of reach.

No, we shouldn’t look to others as a guide to how to live our own lives. The onus of that remains firmly on each person and each person only. But knowing that others as flawed as us can overcome problems similar to our own has always been inspirational and motivating. And when one who starts to walk the path of personal redemption is taken from us, it also takes away that motivation and inspiration from those who could really benefit from it. And that only adds to the overall tragedy, of which we need no more.

He Said He Said

“This is gonna be the best game of my life. I can feel it.'' - Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall before the Colts game where he set the single game record for receptions with 21.

How did he know that? I wonder if he can do that with lottery numbers…

"I'm not worried. His useless banter really doesn't amount to much at all.'' - Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis on the antics of Chad Ochocinco

Why worry? Just sit back and enjoy the stylings of Ochocinco.

"I would turn in all three Super Bowl rings and my Hall of Fame bust for one undefeated season.'' - Former Cowboy Michael Irvin

Gee, with statements like that, I cannot imagine why no one takes Irvin seriously as an analyst.

"I don't see the big deal about it. The president cheated on his wife. We're all human. Human beings are the only ones that have just one partner. You watch National Geographic and the lions, they have like five or six partners. The human race is the only being that is monogamous with partners.'' - Seattle wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh commenting on the Tiger Woods situation

T.J. you’re as wrong about this as you were about leaving Cincinnati. Penguins mate for life.

“Best records in football since the start of 2007: Colts 38-7, Patriots 35-10” – SI.com’s Peter King

And the total Super Bowl wins combined during that time? Zero.

"Wouldn't it be smart if he took $30,000 and, oh, I don't know, bought winter coats for 1,000 kids in Cincinnati? Can't he find a better use for that money than continue to hand it to the league?'' – CBS’s Randy Cross on the fines levied against Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco

Yes Randy that would be a good idea. You know what he does do? Well Chad does things like when he was here in Pittsburgh, he offered on Twitter that if someone would come to his hotel and drive him around he’d treat them to a shopping spree. Which he did happily. He also likes to act wacky and goofy and bring a bit of fun to a league a bit too stuffy and image conscious. You know what he doesn’t do? Crimes, drugs, drink or commit violent acts against people. And the NFL puts the money from player fines into various disease research centers, charitable initiatives and player assistance funds. So get a sense of humor Cross you douche bag.

“I can't get over Randy Moss. If you didn't see the game, find someone who TiVOed it. Disgraceful.” – SI.com’s Peter King

Disgraceful? Come on Peter, you couldn’t catch a cold let alone a football so withhold judgment of someone who actually can catch. And jeez, you’ve seen this man’s body of work, are you really that surprised he’d suddenly make it all about Randy? King’s just mad because he put Moss on his all decade team and a performance like that makes King look dumb.

"The Steelers are done." – Former Steeler Jerome Bettis on Dan Patrick’s radio show

"Jerome who?" – Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s initial reaction when asked about Bettis’ comments.

Idiot of the week

This is getting really repetitive, and annoying, but once again a Steeler must be awarded this dubious honor.

Our winner this week is safety Ryan Clark, for his bizarre meltdown during a press conference this week. Now, with the team freefalling into the abyss, the players in an angry funk, and the coaches and management unable or unwilling to take command and turn this thing around I do not begrudge Clark for unraveling. Heck, if someone didn’t show how much the situation was getting to them, I’d wonder if any of them were human.

So why is Ryan here? Well, because he lashed out at the media, who has loved him since he became a Steeler. He railed on their coverage of the team and how it’s been unfair and they do not understand how hard the team is working. He even said they are held to a higher standard and how other markets are not as critical of their teams.

Ryan, that’s just dumb. Most other markets are more critical or they just don’t care. And we know you’re working hard, but there are no results to show for it. You want the press to write something good? Win a game.

Then he lashed out at the fans, which is just a dumb mistake. Steeler Nation is one of the most fiercely loyal fan bases of any team in any sport. And despite the team collapsing like a flan, they’ve still been behind the team. To question them may be one of the most idiotic things a player can do.

The dumbest part of all this is easily that Clark lashed out at everyone outside the organization whilst his play has been a major contributor to the defense’s 4^th quarter collapse and while he’s in a contract year and looking for a new deal with the team. Ryan, do you really think they can sign you again now after dumping on the fans?

So Ryan Clark, while I like you as a person and a player, you’ve given me no choice. You are an idiot.

On Tap This Week

Ok, so we had a few set backs recently, but last week, a rousing performance has narrowed the gap between 1^st and 4^th place and the pressure just increased tenfold.

Last week: 13-3

Season to date: 145 - 62

I cannot say it enough, I want that Wii Fit. Let’s see who blinks first. The final push begins…

Saturday

Dallas (8-5) at New Orleans (13-0)

This game on the NFL Network is a special Saturday edition of Thursday Night Football. Why they couldn’t just call it Saturday Night Football, you’ve got me. Regardless, it matters not what nomenclature they use, it still means the same thing at the end of the game.

Saints over Cowboys

Sunday

New England (8-5) at Buffalo (5-8)

Hmmm, Belichick seems to have a few problems on his hands. Somehow, I do not think Buffalo qualifies as one of them.

Patriots over Bills

Miami (7-6) at Tennessee (5-7)

Miami is coming on strong and fighting not just for a playoff spot, but the division as well. But they have yet to see Chris Johnson in person.

Titans over Dolphins

Houston (6-7) at St. Louis (1-12)

Oh look, Houston wins a meaningless game when all pressure of a playoff opportunity has been removed.

Texans over Rams

Arizona (8-5) at Detroit (2-11)

Ok, if Arizona screws me this week, I’m totally putting coal in their stockings.

Cardinals over Lions

Atlanta (6-7) at New York Jets (7-6)

Yes, Chris Redman has played well in relief of Matt Ryan. But hey, the Jets have a shot at the division. So who has more at stake?

Jets over Falcons

Cleveland (2-11) at Kansas City (3-10)

Ewww.

Chiefs over Browns

Oakland (4-9) at Denver (8-5)

I still miss how Shanahan made it his personal mission to stick it to Al Davis. At least somewhere he will watch proudly as the Neck Beard continues the tradition.

Broncos over Raiders

Cincinnati (9-4) at San Diego (10-3)

I don’t know where the Bungles passing game went, but they’re not going far without something to distract from the run.

Chargers over Bungles

Chicago (5-8) at Baltimore (7-6)

What’s the over/under on interceptions made by Ed Reed on Jay Cutler? 10? 11?

Ravens over Bears

San Francisco (6-7) at Philadelphia (9-4)

I was impressed by Philadelphia by showing resolve after losing the lead last week against the Giants. Perhaps they may finally have found a pair.

Eagles over 49ers

Tampa Bay (1-12) at Seattle (5-8)

Well, it is a home game. I suppose that means Seattle will dominate by double digits.

Seahawks over Buccaneers

Green Bay (9-4) at Pittsburgh (6-7)

Do I honestly believe Pittsburgh has a team capable of beating Green Bay? Yes. Do I believe Pittsburgh will defeat them? I have my doubts. But hey, it’s Christmas, a time of miracles. So be of good cheer and pure of heart Steeler Nation. Sometimes Christmas comes early if you only believe.

Steelers over Packers

Minnesota (11-2) at Carolina (5-8)

I don’t care anymore what Carolina team shows up. I’m going with the Minnesota team that has that one quarterback, you know, the one who does Wrangler commercials? I’ve heard he’s pretty good.

Vikings over Panthers

Monday

New York Giants (7-6) at Washington (4-9)

Oh I have no idea. I suppose it’s time for New York to win something.

Giants over Redskins