The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 16

This week, the Crystal Ball is taking a bit of time off to enjoy Christmas with family, recuperate after a very long month and recover from an unexpected roll. So please enjoy this truncated version with your sugar plums and egg nog, and look for our usual cornucopia of nonsense next week.

The Way It Was

Saints receiver Lance Moore may have the catch of the year. His heads up play, grabbing the tipped ball in the end zone and getting possession while keeping his feet in bounds was nothing short of outstanding.

Philadelphia performed a new Meadowlands Miracle, closing a 21 point deficit in the last 8 minutes of the football game to tie the score, and capping the game with a scintillating punt return from DeSean Jackson to win the game as time expired. Those 8 minutes may have destroyed the Giants playoff hopes and vaulted Michael Vick into the league MVP.

Ok, for all you seeded playoff supporters, do you really want to improve the NFC and AFC West divisions? Then realign the divisions and put a good team in each division. Bad divisions with one good team always seem to improve over time because all the bad teams work hard to chase down that one good team. What team in either the AFC or NFC West is so good the other teams feel the need to work extra hard to chase down? That's right, no one.

Well, color me surprised by Rex Grossman who torched the Dallas defense for 322 yards and 4 touchdowns. But in true Rex fashion, he showed his full gambit of skills by throwing a killer interception at the end to thwart a possible win. I’m surprised Shanahan didn’t find a way to blame that one on McNabb.

Congratulations to the Detroit Lions who won their first road game since October 2007, which is around the same time Miami last won a home game

Brett Favre made a surprise start last week against Chicago in the freezing cold. I figured the temperature was keeping the swelling of his terribly beat up body down. Unfortunately for Brett, the Chicago defense decided to use him as a rag doll and he left the game with a concussion. Brett, I beg you, stop. It’s over. Please do not try to come back again unless you are attempting to be the first player ever killed on national television.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 17 – Jets 22

Steelers 27 – Panthers 3

As Bill Cowher once said, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And Pittsburgh managed to do each in a four day span. Hey, the playoffs are assured, just against who and where is up in the air. I’ll take that for now.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Apparently, the 9 yard first down Pittsburgh obtained during the loss to the Jets has come under some scrutiny and was called a cheap first down. How about we just refer to it as an initial down payment from the officials for blowing the pass interference call on Sanders, as well as all the cheap shots Big Schnozz has taken to the head this season.

If this happens, I swear I will cry.

It would seem Donovan McNabb is feeling dissed by his benching, rightfully so I believe. I cannot think of anything more humiliating for a heathly player pulled from the starting lineup than to be a ceremonial captain.

He Said He Said

“People can say what they want, that I'm arrogant, that I'm a showboat ... but I was just trying to get to the double-zeroes [on the clock]." – Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson on his move of running along the goal line before scoring the game winning touchdown against the Giants

Personally, I think if you do something no one has ever done in the NFL before, end a game on a punt returned for a touchdown in this case, a bit of showboating is warranted.

"I picked a bad time to punt a straight line drive.'' - Giants punter Matt Dodge

Yeah, maybe.

"I would never blame Matt (Spaeth). I thought he made a great effort. He played a great game today. He made a lot of big-time catches, big-time plays. He did a great job of stepping up, not knowing especially if Heath is going to play. I'll take this one on me because I need to make more big plays. Never blame those guys or anybody else. It's on me." – Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after Pittsburgh’s loss to the Jets

Way to be a leader Big Schnozz. Perhaps he has changed.

"That's about as empty a feeling as you get to have in this business.'' - Giants head coach Tom Coughlin after their loss to the Eagles

Do you mean the loss Tom or watching your defense self destruct in the 4th quarter? I think it should be the latter.

“On the dumbest play of a mind-bending loss, Dodge, with 14 seconds left in a 31-31 tie, punted the ball to the best return man in the game (sorry, Devin Hester, but DeSean Jackson's taken over) instead of angling the ball out of bounds. Jackson ran it back for that touchdown. Now, instead of being in the driver's seat for a first-round bye and playing the divisional round game at home, the Giants will have to struggle to be the sixth seed, which will necessitate an all-road journey to the Super Bowl ... if they even make the playoffs. An inexcusable mistake by the rookie punter.” – SI.com’s Peter King

Inexcusable? Geez Peter, get some perspective. How about instead of heaping the entirety of the loss on this poor kids’ head, which I suspect will soon explode due to constant criticism, how about we remember to blame the Giants defense which gave up 21 points in less than 8 minutes. Perhaps if they had made just one tiny stop anywhere during the end of the 4th quarter, we would not be tearing apart Matt Dodge today. let’s remember he 's a rookie and he's got much to learn much like everyone else who seems to be comfortable putting all the blame on the Giants loss on the kid instead of the defense.

Idiot of the week

This week the theme of the award is bad coaching and without a doubt the worst coaching over the weekend belonged to Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. After building a substantial lead over division rival Philadelphia in a game that would decide effectively who would emerge as NFC East champions, Coughlin watched seemingly helplessly as his defense gave up 21 unanswered points in the game’s final 8 minutes. Coughlin did not change tactics when the defense started faltering, nor did he tell his defensive coordinator to try something different. They kept coming at Philadelphia with the same looks and blitzes, and the Eagles just exploited each one of them repeatedly.

To add stupidity to idiocy, when the Giants punt unit failed and allowed the winning touchdown, Coughlin ran onto the field to publically berate his rookie punter for kicking the ball to Jackson, a noted return threat. Never mind that his defense wilted under Philadelphia’s offensive pressure. Also ignore the fact that the Giants kick receiving unit was completely unprepared for an onside kick, even though the score, time remaining and game situation obviously called for Philadelphia to attempt an onside kick. And never mind that Jackson initially muffed the punt and the Giants unit had him hemmed in and pinned back.

No, in Coughlin’s mind, and for the benefit of the viewing public, the person who needed to shoulder the blame for this epic collapse was the rookie punter who did the best he could with a bad snap. So Coughlin, for letting your defense fail without changing tactics, not having your special teams units properly prepared for any contingency and laying the blame for the loss at the feet of a rookie instead of on your own deserving head, you are an idiot.

The runner up this week is Packers head coach Mike McCarthy for what may be the worst end of game clock management I have seen in some time, even though I have watched a few Eagles games this season. Yes, I know Matt Flynn was the starter for Green Bay, and not necessarily as skilled at running a two minute drill as Aaron Rodgers, but Flynn’s preparation for such situations lies on the head of McCarthy. He knew he had a young quarterback under center, and should have taken that into account as he sent in plays with time expiring and time outs being wasted.

On Tap This Week

Just because I am resting up and recuperating while downing bowl after bowl of Figgie pudding doesn’t mean I’m not picking games. After all, we’re at crunch time now.

Last week: 8-7
Thursday: 1-0
Saturday: 0-1
Season to date: 141-84

And dang it, I’m getting crunched. But I still have two weeks left, time for a final push.

Sunday

Baltimore (10-4) at Cleveland (5-9)

Oh, I think Baltimore will work to keep pace with Pittsburgh. But I’m rooting for Cleveland, at least this week.

Ravens over Browns

San Francisco (5-9) at St. Louis (6-8)

One team rising, one team sinking. Take a guess which is which?

Rams over 49ers

New England (12-2) at Buffalo (4-10)

Tom Brady is too big of a world famous super duper star to be forced to play in some backwater like Buffalo. The NFL should change all Bills games against New England to Yankee Stadium or some other large, famous and more appropriate venue for Tom’s Q rating.

Patriots over Bills

Washington (5-9) at Jacksonville (8-6)

I would love if Donovan McNabb gives Shanahan the finger from the bench when it’s time for the captains to go out for the coin toss.

Jaguars over Redskins

Detroit (4-10) at Miami (7-7)

Ok, Miami, can you at least beat Detroit at home? The only thing lower I can think of is the Panthers or maybe a Division III college.

Dolphins over Lions

New York Jets (10-4) at Chicago (10-4)

Let’s see Chicago at home against an AFC East team again. Nah, nothing can go bad this time can it?

Bears over Jets

Tennessee (6-8) at Kansas City (9-5)

Ok, did we all see how KC’s offense performed last week with Matt Cassel versus the week before without him? Can you really tell me with a straight face that he should not be a serious MVP candidate?

Chiefs over Titans

Indianapolis (8-6) at Oakland (7-7)

Oh, wow, who is surprised Indianapolis is suddenly reasserting themselves? Not me. But I must say, it may be time for Austin Collie to consider a new career. Two serious concussions in one year does not portend a healthy future.

Colts over Raiders

Houston (5-9) at Denver (3-11)

I must say, I enjoyed Tim Tebow’s debut at quarterback. Shame he cannot play defense too.

Texans over Broncos

San Diego (8-6) at Cincinnati (3-11)

How many references will we have of the infamous Freezer Bowl? I’m thinking about 8 and I’m taking the over just in case.

Chargers over Bungles

New York Giants (9-5) at Green Bay (8-6)

What an epic 4th quarter collapse last week. No, I do not blame that loss on Matt Dodge, as Tom Coughlin seemed to be attempting to do after the game ended. The fault of that loss is on a defense that gave up 21 points in less than 8 minutes. And something tells me that stink is going to still be all over New York’s defense.

Packers over Giants

Seattle (6-8) at Tampa Bay (8-6)

Tampa Bay, you’re so close. Just keep plugging away.

Buccaneers over Seahawks

Monday

New Orleans (10-4) at Atlanta (12-2)

Atlanta got the best of New Orleans in the first matchup in the Big Easy. But Falcon receiver Roddy White has been talking smack at the Saints on Twitter. This takes the rather foolish act of trash talking to a dumb new level and I think creates a very bad vibe for his team and gives New Orleans, who has definitely got their groove back, a bit of extra motivation.

Saints over Falcons

Tuesday

Minnesota (5-9) at Philadelphia (10-4)

Threat of a blizzard has pushed this game from Sunday Night to Tuesday Night. Personally, I think it’s the Threat of another Brett Favre start and he just needs two extra days to feel better is the true reason. Unbelievable.

Eagles over Vikings

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 16 Thursday Night Special

I got it! It took me almost the entire season, but I finally figured it out. I now know why Pittsburgh has been victimized by the NFL with exuberant fines, multiple penalties and quarterback assault.

It has been opined here, often, that the NFL has been targeting Pittsburgh under their new crackdown on player safety while hypocritically ignoring multiple shots by Ben Roethlisberger. And on the surface, it would certainly seem to be the case. But a logical reasoning has always escaped me and many others who have called shenanigans on the same subject. But now I realize the reason is that Goodell has carefully directed how the Steelers, and to a lesser part the Eagles, are officiated to avoid his greatest fear, a Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia Super Bowl.

At the start of the season, this was not a worry for Goodell. Roethlisberger was sitting at home with Pittsburgh facing a tough slate of games and Vick was safely ensconced on the bench behind starter Kevin Kolb. But as the season began to unfold, two things became vibrantly apparent; Pittsburgh could win games on defense alone and Vick, after replacing the concussed Kolb, was reborn as a potent NFL caliber quarterback. And when these two teams started showing real evidence of being powerhouses, and potential playoff teams, that’s when Goodell started to fear the worst.

This is also when Goodell went into action. After one week that had more than a few highlight level violent hits, he went into action calling for stricter penalties on defensive players making helmet to helmet hits, and started issuing fines as though they were paid with Monopoly money. On the surface, this sounds all well and good, since player safety should be a concern. And Goodell could use another bargaining chip at the table for the new CBA negotiations.

But what it did was put one of the best defenses in the game, Pittsburgh, on the spot and on notice. Now the team had to watch how they made every play for fear of a debilitating penalty, a potential fine or worse, the specter of the dreaded and oft threatened suspension.

Now while this should also benefit the Pittsburgh offense and their prodigal signal caller, it did not as the officials seemed hesitant at best and criminally ignorant at worst when it came to calling penalties for hits on Roethlisberger, despite the fact that any hit on quarterbacks were highlighted specifically as a major no no.

This inconsistency from the officials did two things to benefit Goodell and his plan. One, it gave sports writers both regionally in western Pennsylvania and nationally as well as the sports media in general something about which to complain as opposed to digging for the real reasons as to why Roethlisberger can be punched in the face without a penalty. And two, it gave Goodell what he needed to help shut down and shut up Vick and the Eagles.

You see, Philadelphia is not known for a stifling and shut down defense. So cracking down on defensive hits only benefits their offense. But if Vick can get hit early and often, and take a few shots that should be flagged, without repercussions, then that helps out Goodell. Vick himself has complained about taking shots that other quarterbacks never take without a flag following, and the NFL has basically shrugged its collective shoulders. The response has been well Vick, you are a running quarterback, similar to Roethlisberger, and as a runner, like Roethlisberger, defenders will hit you like a runner as opposed to a classic pocket passer.

Please also note here that this new crackdown on player safety has not once been focused on one single running back around the league. Even though these gentlemen take far more punishment than any other ball oriented player, the NFL seems to be more concerned about wide receivers and quarterbacks than running backs or, it would seem, quarterbacks prone to run on occasion.

Now, why would Goodell go through all of this trouble just to avoid Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, two teams with massive, loyal and exciting fan bases that would make any championship game between these teams memorable even before the first kickoff? These teams have a long and intertwined history that would generate a deluge of story lines for any Super Bowl build up.

He is going through the trouble because at this point, he has punished Vick and Roethlisberger as much as he can without looking biased or vindictive. He cannot ban the teams from the post season altogether like the NCAA can do to colleges that violate the rules. And he cannot be obvious in any move he makes to keep these two teams out of the Super Bowl.

So all he can do is stack the deck as subtlety as possible, and the best way he figured out how to do that is to hamstring both teams by physically punishing their quarterbacks. If Roethlisberger and Vick take extra punishment week after week, by the time they make the playoffs both players will be so beat up and fatigued by such immense pummeling, neither will be effective and their teams will fade into the off season along with Goodell’s greatest fear.

Goodell goes through this trouble to avoid having the most controversial Super Bowl of all time. With the league and players union fighting, the NFL heading for a potential shutdown and possible loss of revenue, fans and popularity the last thing Goodell needs is a Super Bowl assaulted by protesters, bans and boycotts.

Goodell does this to avoid the worst headline in his imagination: Super Bowl XLV the Dog Killer vs. the accused Sex Offender. Just the thought of having to show up for the game and wade through a throng of protesters while wearing a plastered on fake smile has woken Goodell up at nights in a cold sweat. And that is why the Steelers have been targeted by the NFL, so Goodell can avoid bad publicity. Unfortunately, by creating a new officiating controversy each week and letting the labor situation spiral to this precarious position, Goodell has done plenty on his own to tarnish the shield himself. And for that, he should be fined and suspended.

Tonight’s Special

Carolina (2-12) at Pittsburgh (12-2)

Yeah, not many people, me included, will give Carolina a chance in this game. But hey remember last year Cleveland beat Pittsburgh on a Thursday night. Personally after Sunday’s uber disappointment, I am hoping Pittsburgh will leave me a nice win in my Christmas stocking. I think they can swing that.

Steelers over Panthers

The Christmas Present

Dallas (5-9) at Arizona (4-10)

Jerry Jones cops another holiday and further pushes himself, his team, and his deluxe stadium deeper into the collective consciousness of football fans desperate for any game to drown out the craziness of family oriented holidays. We need another team to step up and start taking these games away from Dallas. I mean really, when you think of holiday football, do you want Jones’ surgically stretched features to be the first thing that comes to mind?

Cowboys over Cardinals

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 15

After spending all of the previous week playing will I or won’t I start for the umpteenth time, Brett Favre finally sat down and ended his record streak of starts. But on the same day the streak ended, his website starts selling autograph footballs with 297 emblazoned upon them. He knew he’d never start the Giants he just wanted to be a media whore one more time. And after I wrote such a nice little tome and gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Opening Kickoff

The Chicago Bears, terror of the Midway. Chipmunks maybe but Bears never.

The Way It Was

Good move NFL of letting fans into the Giants/Vikings tilt held in Detroit for free. Of course, it probably wasn’t to be magnanimous, I’m sure the league probably just thought that they’d never be able to sell a ticket with Brett Favre sitting the game out.

Shockingly, the Redskins cut punter Hunter Smith for botching the hold on the extra point attempt that could have tied the game. Never mind the kicking game had been atrocious all day and Shanahan should have just gone for two and the win instead.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the game with a concussion his second this season. That cannot be good for his long term durability. Question, who else had to look up who Green Bay’s back up was? Come on, be honest.

The Patriots/Bears game sure was fun to watch with the blowing snow. I’ll bet it was not fun to sit in or play, but it was fun in a warm living room wrapped in a blanket. Well, fun except for me repeating over and over, “I think I made a bad pick in this game”.

Didn’t Bill Belichick look like a masked marauder bundled up against the cold? I kept thinking he’d start threatening Bears players for their lunch money.

Can’t even the driving snow and freezing cold stop the Patriots? At this point my sole hope in stopping this latest juggernaut rests in knowing Belichick will continue to trot Brady out late in blowout wins, so hopefully some fed up defensive player will tear Brady’s arm off and start beating him with the bloody stump.

I imagine Eric Mangini and I had the exact same thought running through our minds on Monday morning. I can't believe I went with Jake Delhomme on the road!

I’m trying to figure out the biggest surprise, that the Atlanta defense yielded 10 points to the putrid Carolina offense or that Carolina could even muster 10 points.

Nice dropped ball in the end zone Santonio Holmes, it only cost your team the game. Hey, could you do that this week too?

I think Miami should petition the NFL to play all their games on the road.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse in Denver, they give up 43 points to the John Skelton led Cardinals. I don’t even have a snarky comment for that, it’s just sad.

I think the 49ers scored the remainder of their allotted 2010 points in the Seattle game.

I think DeSean Jackson should ask the NFL this question. How come it’s ok to somersault into the end zone but if you do the Nestea plunge you get a celebration penalty? Personally I liked it.

Well, it would seem that Leon Washington learned his lesson and kept on running for his big return touchdown. Too bad he didn’t do that about three more times and Seattle might have stayed in the game.

Can someone please explain to Deion Sanders the difference in meaning between the words elitist and elite? He’s mixing them up and sounding even dumber than usual.

Great effort by Rams quarterback Sam Bradford running down Roman Harper to prevent a touchdown after Harper picked off Bradford. But Harper, you need to do more cardio in the off season. You play below sea level in a climate controlled dome. How out of shape are you?

The Steel Pit

Steelers 23 – Bungles 7

It appears that Big Schnozz went with the Rocky special with his nose repair. How boring.

Unfortunately, the offense began the game in its usual non scoring quagmire. And even more unfortunately, it continued its recent dearth of touchdown scoring relying solely on the leg of Shaun Suisham for all offensive points. Thank goodness we signed that cat. Grasping for any positive, the team is moving the ball well, with a few spectacular catches by Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El, just not finishing drives, a development I hope gets rectified in the near future.

But fortunately, the defense took care of the rest, with all everything Troy Polamalu intercepting his former collegiate teammate and scoring a touchdown, tying the game and shifting momentum. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley continued the trend by also scoring a touchdown on an intercepted Palmer pass, and Troy sealed the game with an end zone interception late in the game as the defense stood tall allowing only 7 points all day.

But the game wasn’t all defense and poor offense. Big Schnozz played half the game with a visor to protect his broken beak, but dumped that by halftime. Good call too since it just looked silly. And the Bungles being the poor sports they are started a fight at the end of the game when Brandon Johnson hit Steeler Ryan Mundy after the whistle. Shamefully it was the only life they showed all game. And of course, yet another game in which Big Schnozz is pummeled about the head with no penalty called. But no surprise there I suppose.

The real story occurred after the game when the media spoke with Polamalu. Troy took very much to heart his actions after his second interception, where he attempted a lateral to keep the play alive.

Polamalu was upset with himself for attempting such a risky play to the point of being almost devastated. Here’s Troy in his own words.

"That was an arrogant and stupid play. It was very selfish and foolish of me."

Then when asked if the play was troubling him that much, Polamalu said with tears in his eyes and in a whisper:

"Yeah, it does."

I just want to say this to Troy. It’s ok. Yes, tossing the ball to a teammate wasn’t a good idea, and just running the ball period opened him up to potential serious injury. As it is, he re-aggravated his Achilles injury and will sit out this week. But don’t beat yourself up about it. We all get caught up in the moment from time to time, it happens. You’re still a great player and better human being and I’ll take that any day.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

With a weekend rife with amazing catches, spectacular runs and eye popping hits, for my money the best clip is watching the Metrodome roof collapse. It looked like a special effect for a disaster movie. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf finally has his compelling argument for a new stadium.

After the Cowboys loss to the Eagles, Dallas running back Tashard Choice approached Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick and asked Vick to autograph his glove. It made me think I was watching The Replacements, but I didn’t see Shane Falco anywhere.

Heir commissioner Roger Goodell feels that a new collective bargaining agreement could be in place by the Super Bowl. That sounds great, but he didn’t add the part we all know he wants to say, as long as the players shut up and play two more games for less money.

It must be mid December. How do I know? Did I look at a calendar, go to a mall or see a Christmas special on TV? No, I started seeing the annual complaints regarding sub par teams making the playoffs over better teams and arguments put forth for playoff realignment.

Speaking of Michael Vick, he stated in an interview that he would like to own a dog in the future, to help with his rehabilitation. While that may seem like a good idea for the distant future, I think Vick needs to keep such thoughts between him and his therapist. The general public has some healing of their own to do before they might accept such a thing.

It took long enough but Terrell Owens finally started yapping about his current team, laying the blame for the Bungles woes on the heads of the coaching staff and front office. I love that he blames everyone else while wearing a t-shirt that says I heart keeping it real. What you didn’t see is the back of the shirt says dumb.

Upon Further Review

As we have seen this season, the officiating in the NFL has been just this side of atrocious. Crews are calling penalties inconsistently compared to each other and per the regulations outlined by the NFL. Even despite the recent edicts put forth by the league, each week we see terrible inconsistencies in calls. As examples, on a weekly basis Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger takes at least one shot to the head with no penalty called, despite the NFL saying any shot to the head of a quarterback should be flagged. And last week, the Steelers offensive line was repeatedly called for holding, while the Cincinnati line was in the officials eyes playing a clean game.

Mind you I know Pittsburgh’s offensive line holds. A line this beat up, using this many subs and as inferior as Pittsburgh's most likely holds. My issue is not with penalizing the Steelers for their indiscretions, but rather not calling the opponents and the inconsistency of the calls. You cannot tell me Cincinnati's offensive line, those of the 2-11 record, is so good they did not hold once that game? Heck I saw linebacker LaMarr Woodley being corralled around the neck, from behind, as he closed on Bungle quarterback Carson Palmer during one play.

In my railings against the terrible officiating this season, obviously I use Pittsburgh as my most frequent example. One, because the penalties called on them and those committed against them uncalled are the most egregious. Two, because I am nothing if not an unabashed homer. And three, well I watch them more than any other team so I see these adventures in officiating every week.

But I know that every team typically ends their contests shaking their heads in frustrated befuddlement regarding what actually happened regarding officiating and why calls were made and, more importantly, why many were missed in the NFL's new world of emphasizing player safety.

I think it's time to start pounding the drum for an idea I mentioned a few years ago, and has been mentioned by many others over the years. It's time for the NFL to move into the grown up ranks of professional sports leagues and hire full time officials.

I called for full time officials in the past to increase consistency in on field calls, improved training for officials and a better understanding of the rules and penalties for all teams. I felt when I first put forth this proposal that the NFL could easily afford such a move considering the profits the league makes. I still believe all of these reasons hold true, and even more so now with the spate of calls that have come under intense scrutiny this season.

With the NFL’s increased emphasis on player safety and helmet to helmet hits, having full time officials that spend their offseason time practicing, reviewing video and studying the rules can only benefit everyone by increasing the odds for more consistent officiating.

The extra off season time full time officials would have to work would help dissipate the wild discrepancy regarding what one officiating crew deems as illegal contact or blows to the helmet, and what other crews seem to feel is merely players going for the tackle. If the rules are cut and dried, which seems to be the argument the NFL gives whenever they fine James Harrison, then the offseason work the crews do would instill consistency and regulate all calls.

No, I know this will not fix everything. There will still be missed calls and overreactions by players, teams and fans over questionable calls. But with full time officials working year round at their craft there will be far smaller occurrence of calls that raise eyebrows as opposed to now where it's a weekly occurrence.

Perhaps the NFL should use it as a bargaining chip for the collective bargaining agreement. Enough teams and players have been jobbed this season due to bad calls and hefty fines that if the NFL dangles the carrot of we'll hire officials full time if you play 18 games, that just might convince the NFLPA to go for an expanded schedule. But if the NFL is serious about protecting the shield, it’s far past time they protect their history of the game and avoid a true controversy by having an inconsistent crew work a Super Bowl and screw up a vital call that changes the course of the game. If they do not do that soon, the league will find itself in a public relations nightmare that may affect league popularity for years to come.

He Said He Said

"I can't throw the ball to myself. All I can do is go with the plays that are called and get some opportunities." - bungles wide receiver Terrell Owens finally running his mouth

I distinctly remember one specific third down pass that was thrown to T.O. that was beautifully on target and the ball sailed right through his hands. I suppose that's how you maximize your opportunities in T.O.'s world. Sorry if that hurts Terrell, I’m just keeping it real.

"When things don't go as planned and you have some guys like that, you're going to have some issues.” – Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward speaking about Terrell Owens and his rants on the Bungles

Zing!

"We know their defense is not all that good, but hey they came through today and stopped us" - Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles on the San Diego defense that shut out the Chiefs

Uhhh, Jamaal, your offense was held to a total of 67 yards. I think their defense is that good.

"If you're going to apologize, you know, you should apologize to the people in the huddle with you. He has a lot to learn. He ain't at Notre Dame anymore that's for sure." – Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith on on Jimmy Clausen apologizing for his play to Carolina linebacker Jon Beason

I’m waiting for Smith’s head to literally explode before the end of the season.

“We got our butts kicked.” - Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher on the Patriots beat down of Chicago

Gee Brian, you think?

"He's just taking after the head coach, man. It all trickles downhill. That's how I look at it, it trickles downhill. The head coach, he opened a can of worms over there and now he's got to fix it." – Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby on Jets coach Sal Alosi and the Jets culture

I don’t believe that at all. I don’t think anything Rex Ryan does would trickle; he doesn’t seem to be capable of that level of restraint or subtlety.

"If we have to pay eight coaches, too bad for us.'' - Denver chief operating officer Joe Ellis on Denver’s current head coaching situation

Hmmm I wonder if Denver may also need a new chief operating officer

“I think Ben Roethlisberger looked a little bit broken in the second half against Cincinnati. He might have a high right ankle sprain, courtesy of a pileup, and, in general, he's taken a huge beating the past few weeks. Not playing the violin for the guy, but I can only imagine how bad he might look now had he played the first four games instead of being suspended for them.” – SI.com’s Peter King

Not playing the violin? We don't want your pity Peter merely a national voice. How about calling shenanigans on this situation? He’s beat up because teams know they can hit him at will WITHOUT FEAR OF PENALTY OR FINE REPROCUSSIONS. Yeesh.

Idiot of the week

This week the hallowed crown of Idiot is bestowed on Jets strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi, for purposely tripping a Dolphins player as he ran down the sidelines and instructing inactive players to form a wall on the sidelines to disrupt opposing runners during the Dolphins triumph over the Jets.

The actual action doesn’t, in my opinion, win Alosi the award. Yes it was stupid and bush league but stupidity happens from time to time in every sport. It’s the fact that he thought he could get away with it. Do you know how many cameras the networks and NFL Films put in place for each NFL game? There’s no way something like that would just slip by. Add to that all the cameras in the stands and it’s safe to say every move is being recorded.

On top of that Alosi must be as thick as fruitcake to think he wouldn’t be made a scapegoat by the coaching staff and team. There’s no way anyone else would take the fall but Alosi. He may have just done it because it was best for the team and he was told to, but the team would also do what’s best for it if his actions were discovered and they did. They distanced themselves from Alosi at warp speed.

In the same vein, the fans, media and league officials who reacted with such righteous indignation at Alosi’s actions also grab a share of the idiot award. Come on people, this most certainly is not the first time something like this has happened during a football game. There have been several famous examples of players on the sidelines jumping out and tackling runners. But everyone has jumped overboard to condemn Alosi and demand his dismissal from the team and be heavily fined. Personally, I think if you really want to punish Alosi, make him line up as a fullback and lead the blocking for a few running plays in a game. That will teach him to mess with players on the field.

So to everyone who lost their mind condemning Alosi, and Sal Alosi himself for doing something dumb and dangerous while thinking he could get away with it, you are all idiots.

The runner up this week is Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan. The uber coach found a way to shift blame for yet another ridiculous loss onto his players, cutting punter Hunter Smith and benching Donovan McNabb as the scapegoat for the awful offense the team has fielded this season. Actually, I think Shanahan may be the true idiot this week, but we’ll wait to see how bad Rex Grossman is before promoting him.

On Tap This Week

Boy, someone would have to be a grandiose fool to pick against New England right now wouldn’t they? Wait, I did what last week?

Last week: 8-7
Thursday: 1-0
Season to date: 132-76

Yeah, I took a few foolish chances. But this week will be better. How do I know? Because it has to be since I can’t do much worse.

Sunday

Buffalo (3-10) at Miami (7-6)

Woof.

Dolphins over Bills

Arizona (4-9) at Carolina (1-12)

See above.

Cardinals over Panthers

New Orleans (10-3) at Baltimore (9-4)

Hmmm, a tough one on the surface, but considering how Baltimore’s defense fell apart against the Houston pass offense last week, let’s just say I don’t feel confident in their chances.

Saints over Ravens

Jacksonville (8-5) at Indianapolis (7-6)

I know right now Jacksonville is the better team. But I’ll take Peyton Manning at home with 11 days to prepare. Something tells me he’ll be ready.

Colts over Jaguars

Detroit (3-10) at Tampa Bay (8-5)

Tampa Bay plays great against crappy teams, this should be no problem.

Buccaneers over Lions

Philadelphia (9-4) at New York Giants (9-4)

You know what’s weird, both of these teams won games last week against teams with interim head coaches. Oh and yeah this is for the NFC East crown so I imagine it will be a big deal.

Eagles over Giants

Kansas City (8-5) at St. Louis (6-7)

This is actually a tough call because if Matt Cassel can’t play, I do not like their chances at all. You know what, screw it I’m going with the Sam Bradford express.

Rams over Chiefs

Washington (5-8) at Dallas (4-9)

Wait; let me get this straight, Rex Grossman is a better choice than Donovan McNabb? Yes, let’s ignore the sieve of an offensive line, practice squad level receivers and a running a game that in preseason featured three washed up backs. The Redskins offensive woes all rest on McNabb. Anyone else think that perhaps Shanahan got lucky in Denver with an ascending Terrell Davis and John Elway who still had something left in the tank?

Cowboys over Redskins

Cleveland (5-8) at Cincinnati (2-11)

Eric Mangini rectified his worst mistake and announced that Colt McCoy will be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. That will start paying dividends this week.

Browns over Bungles

Houston (5-8) at Tennessee (5-8)

Yeah, we know the former Houston team against the current Houston team. How many times will we have to hear about that during this game? I’m setting the over under at 25. Kerry Collins has enough left in the tank to defeat the league’s worst ranked pass defense, right?

Titans over Texans

Atlanta (11-2) at Seattle (6-7)

Another setback in the Seattle push for the division crown campaign.

Falcons over Seahawks

New York Jets (9-4) at Pittsburgh (10-3)

New York has never won in the city of Pittsburgh. I think that streak will continue.

Steelers over Jets

Denver (3-10) at Oakland (6-7)

The last time these two teams met, Oakland pummeled Denver, in Denver. I cannot imagine the rematch will be much better. Even the thrill of Tim Tebow can’t save this one.

Raiders over Broncos

Green Bay (8-5) at New England (11-2)

Green Bay decided to take a flyer on this game and sit Aaron Rodgers this week. Poor Matt Flynn, he becomes the sacrificial lamb for Green Bay.

Patriots over Packers

Monday

Chicago (9-4) at Minnesota (5-8)

Due to the damage to the Metrodome, the Vikings will play their first outdoor home game in a generation when they host the Bears at the University of Minnesota’s new football field. As exciting as this is, unfortunately for Minnesota fans it comes on the heels of finding out Tarvaris Jackson is out for the season with turf toe. Couple that with Brett Favre shelved for another week and that leaves the Vikings quarterback situation in the hands of rookie Joe Webb who has never played a cold weather game before. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Super Bowl window of opportunity slam shut so emphatically.

Bears over Vikings

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 15 Thursday Night Special

It finally happened. Brett Favre watched a game from the sidelines.

It took an energetic rookie, a body finally saying enough, and an act from the Almighty to finally do it, but Brett finally sat one out bringing to an end his spectacular streak of 321 consecutive starts, both regular season and playoffs, for a starting quarterback. And you know what? The world did not come to a screeching halt, seas did not boil and locusts did not fall from the sky.

I really wish he didn't come back. Favre was and in many ways still is a super duper star, one who can dictate his path no matter what the organization or anyone else can say about it. But his streak and possibly his career shouldn't have ended like this. It shouldn’t have ended with him sitting bored on a sideline, watching his replacement stink up the joint. It shouldn’t have ended with him embroiled in a seemly harassment investigation. And it most certainly shouldn’t have ended with him stuck on an underachieving team that fired its head coach midstream that is all but out of playoff contention and Favre left to contemplate in pain from multiple injuries why he came back for such physical punishment with nothing to show for it.

Let’s be honest, Favre has cheated Father Time and the injury report far longer than anyone else ever had. Yes, he seemed slower, less accurate over the past few years, and he was dealing with injuries that would fell your average fan to boot. But nothing was so serious he couldn’t muster himself back onto the field each week. Injury-wise, he was playing with house money for years. Unfortunately, any good gambler knows eventually the house always wins, and it finally busted Favre when he went all in.

No, I like many did not want it to end like this. But what can you do? It was not my place, and certainly no one else’s, to tell Favre how he should end his career. The man still wanted to play. He could still command big ratings, big games, big attention, big money and big fun. Through his years of constant play at an elite level, he earned the right to end his career any way he wanted to and if that meant constantly chasing after one more shining moment in the sun, so be it. He wanted to get back that feeling of being on top. To feel that joy, exultation and thrill of being a champion, and then walking away as a champion. Very few athletes get to write that story, and when they do, fans, players and media remember it forever.

But chasing such a difficult career ending can lead a player to overstay their welcome in terms of fan and teammate support. The task becomes even more difficult when the athlete must battle the ravages of time and declining skills. For most athletes that follow this path, a championship never materializes just bad play, bitter feelings and a soiling of the memory of the player they once were. Any thespian or musician will tell you that a good performer should always want to leave them wanting more. And if he walked away after getting so tantalizingly close to grabbing that elusive second championship yet again, Favre most certainly would have left everyone wanting more. But he stayed at the party just a bit too long, and had to be shuffled out the door while still diving into the chips and dip.

While I have had my differences with how Favre has gone about the latter stages of his career, and documented them often, I’ve never had a problem with him as a player. I didn’t want him to retire because I tired of his play or even his constant retirement dance, which was exhausting and aggravating the past few years. I wanted him to retire so I didn’t have to watch a sad last season, which is exactly what we’re watching.

Too many athletes just never know what to do with themselves after they retire. They’ve spent their entire lives working at their craft, focusing all of their energy and talent to reach the top of their chosen profession they do not know what to do with themselves after they leave the game or how to properly channel their intellect or competitive nature into a career outside of being a professional athlete.

Part of me thinks this is the quagmire Favre has been in the past few years. He knows he cannot play forever, but he has no idea what to do with himself. He most likely enjoys his farm, and definitely likes not getting pummeled each week. But you do not get the same rush from mowing the back 40 as you do going for it on 4th and 1 from the 40.

So these guys stick around too long and play far past their primes, occasionally showing flashes of their past brilliance but mostly just reminding us that they should have hung their cleats up years ago. I suppose it had to be this way with Brett too, having a forgettable season in a uniform foreign to the one we remember him so fondly in for so many years. It happened to many of the greats, like Franco Harris in Seattle, Joe Montana in Kansas City, Jerry Rice in Oakland, and Johnny Unitas in San Diego. So it seems fitting we add Favre in Minnesota to that list.

But now that we have had a break in Favre’s steady as a clock play each week, we can for once actually visualize an NFL world without him. And for fans and Favre alike, we’re starting to see that while it will not be the same and a small part of it we’ll never get back, ultimately it will be ok. And as for Favre’s career, with this small window of perspective that is beginning to open, we can start leaving all the nonsense of the past few seasons behind and really look at his career, and his streak of starts, as a whole. I urge everyone to marvel at what he managed to accomplish just by coming to work each Sunday. There’s a good chance something like this won’t happen again. Even if Peyton Manning breaks his record, it will not be in the same exciting, crazy, sometimes dangerous way he played with reckless abandon every single game. It still boggles my mind. Especially since I don't think my quarterback has ever started 16 games in a row.

Whether this is the end for Favre or not will not be written until week 1 of next season. Personally I hope it is so he can go out with at least a shred of dignity intact and allow us to put on our rose colored glasses as we peruse the highlights of a Hall of Fame career. Brett, as you now know it will be ok to not play. Just remember what the late, great Don Meredith said and take it to heart this time. Turn out the lights, the party’s over.

Tonight’s Special

San Francisco (5-8) at San Diego (7-6)

Ooooh look another scintillating matchup for the NFL Network. I know the network is plugging this game as a matchup between two teams that still have a chance to make the playoffs. Guess what? I’m saying no they don’t. I’d be shocked if ether team managed to make it into the post season, and that’s with taking into consideration their putrid divisions. The interesting part of this game will be watching while you imagine being in that nice San Diego weather and enjoying fish tacos and cervezas. Now that sounds like a good time.

Chargers over 49ers

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 14

So after his facial rearranging Sunday night, Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had to undergo surgery to repair his broken nose, described by doctors as reminiscent of corn flakes. I for one cannot wait to see Big Douche’s new nose. Will he get a Michael Jackson/Diana Ross special or a big honking Jimmy Durante? I suppose he’ll just get it repaired. How boring.

Opening Kickoff

Hold on, I just checked the calendar. Shouldn’t Randy Moss have changed teams by now? Five games with one team seems a bit excessive for this season.

The Way It Was

Brett Favre hurt! Alert the national media! Is anyone else surprised that after Brett left the game, the Viking offense suddenly came to life? No? I didn’t think so. Memo to all remaining Brett Favre lovers/apologists out there: If Favre starts this week, it’s not for the benefit of the team but merely to continue his consecutive games started streak and personal glory. And Viking fans remember, you asked for this.

What a fantastic touchdown catch and run by Donald Driver. It was all the more amazing since he was battling food poisoning due to some bad spicy chicken wings from the night before. Awwww chicken wings, why?

Will the real Miami Dolphins please stand up? It would make my life that much easier. Seriously, how do you smack around the Raiders on their own field then fall apart one week later against Jake Delhomme at home? I mean come on, it was JAKE DELHOMME!

Dolphin quarterback Chad Henne keeps insisting he’s a starting caliber quarterback. Chad, if that’s true then you should be able to win a close game at home instead of giving up the game changing interception.

Maurice Jones-Drew ran all over the Titans. He did such a thorough job; you could still see his cleat marks on the Titans uniforms during Tennessee’s Thursday night game against Indianapolis.

Wait, Josh McDaniels and Todd Haley hugged after the Broncos/Chiefs game? Where’s the fun in that?

Now I know it’s a time of transition and uncertainty my Bronco fan brethren, but don’t you feel better knowing Josh McDaniels is out the door? Tell the truth, I know you do. Oh, and aren’t you glad I told you this would happen last week? Eased the blow didn’t it?

I think Atlanta/Tampa Bay may be one of the most underrated rivalries in the NFL. That was one of the best and most exciting, hard hitting games I’ve seen in a while, and thanks to NFL broadcasting, I only got to see about three minutes worth.

And count me a Josh Freeman fan. Boy that guy can lay a hit. It’s not often you see a quarterback get called for unnecessary roughness.

I don't care what anyone says I dig the Tampa Bay throwback Creamcicle uniforms. In my book, they’re as sweet as San Diego’s power blues.

New Bungle kicker Clint Stitser nailed a line-drive 29-yard field goal against the Saints, just days after being signed to the team and leaving his job as a high school football coach in Nevada. I smell a heartwarming Disney movie! But I bet they change the ending to Stitser playing for a good team.

San Diego lost a December game for the first time since 2005. Let’s hope that’s the beginning of the end of the Norv Turner era, for the sake of Charger fans everywhere.

Question, are Miami’s woes on their home turf caused by lack of focus, lack of fans in the stadium or the players distracted by gawking at their celebrity owners?

Yeesh and I thought Pittsburgh’s throwback uniforms were awful, those Packer unis were atrocious.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 13 – Ravens 10

“One time I looked at (Suggs) and he was bleeding from the mouth. I was bleeding from the nose. That’s what this game is about, really.” – Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

That accurately describes this slugfest in a nutshell. In a departure from my usual breakdown, I’d like to look at this particular game in likes and dislikes. So without further preamble….

What I didn’t like about the Ravens/Steelers bloodfest was…

…Haloti Ngata giving all remaining and future opponents the blueprint and excuse to assault Ben Roethlisberger without fear of penalty and only garner a semi-minor fine.

…Or for that matter any Steeler receiver.

…And the NFL coping out and issuing far lower fines for the offending Ravens than what they slapped on James Harrison for much less.

…Losing Daniel Sepulveda to a torn ACL, again. I did dig the team signing former Penn Stater Jeremy Kapinos.

… That I now start out watching every Steeler game with the question, ok do I have any problem with the clowns officiating this game and typically I end each game with, well I do now.

…On national television without any competing games I got to see a franchise quarterback blatantly punched in the face under the guise of tackling, smacked in the helmet and hit late on three different plays, a defenseless receiver hit helmet to helmet and a lineman turned running back horse collar tackled, and not one of those offenses, very illegal under current NFL regulations, was flagged.


But with the bad comes good. And with that said…


What I loved about the Ravens/Steelers bloodfest was…

…Raven all everything tight end Todd Heap came up lame early in the game with a pulled hamstring which deprived their quarterback of a viable weapon and safety valve.

…After such a gutty and inspiring game, I am considering changing Ben’s 2010 nickname from Big Douche to Big Schnozz. He took a wicked shot to the face and the blood just poured from his rearranged honker. Yet he didn’t miss a play and really got the team behind him. You watch, seeing him gut it out will keep everyone else playing even harder the rest of the season.

…Even former Bungle and subtle Steeler hater Cris Collinsworth was calling shenanigans on the poor officiating the Steelers suffered during the game.

…Shaun Suisham, who was signed but a mere three weeks ago, has had a successful whirlwind introduction to Steeler Nation, this time by admirably taking over punting duties when Sepulveda went down with injury. Suisham does not flinch when asked to do more and he never seems overwhelmed. I must ask why this guy was sitting on his couch for 10 weeks.

…Once again watching Troy Polamalu making the play of the game. I must ask this, though. How was Troy, one of the most disruptive playmakers in the game, completely unblocked? Not that I'm complaining, mind you but you would think the offense would automatically account for such a player. Also, does anyone else find it funny/ironic that Troy came at Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco from the blind side, running past blind side poster child Michael Oher?

...That Baltimore spent all week second guessing protection and play calling decision making and wondering if they'll make the playoffs as a 6th seed wild card when they could have owned the division and dealing with the distraction of their head coach blasting nay saying fans. Har har.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Former Cowboy quarterback and Monday Night Football pioneer Dandy Don Meredith passed away this week. Personally I loved his guest starring role as himself on King of the Hill, one of the many underrated things Don did in his fascinating life. We’ll miss you Don you were a true original. Let's all have a tall glass of Lipton iced tea in Don's honor.

Could the Chargers move to LA? It seems to be a possibility. Hmmm, Norv Turner in Hollywood, no I don’t like it.

Chiefs tackle Barry Richardson got into a heated shoving match with special teams coach Steve Hoffman. Do I sense signs of trouble in Kansas City, or players just acting like jackasses in the mold of Todd Haley? Probably just the latter.

The Redskins suspended Albert Haynesworth for the remainder of the season without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. Ok, Haynesworth is a lazy, selfish player we get that and I see no issue with his suspension. But how about also suspending Mike Shanahan for acting like a two bit despot and going toe to toe with Haynesworth in public and owner Dan Snyder for being dumb enough to back up a truckload of cash to Haynesworth’s front door without thinking, will this guy get lazy with all this money now?

Hey, how about big kudos to Keith Fitzhugh, for bypassing a long shot at making the Jets team and keeping his current job in order to help out his family. This is a kid who loves his family and has his head on straight regarding priorities. Good for him, we need more young men like him.

It would seem the biggest sticking point for the new collective bargaining agreement will indeed be an 18 game schedule. These two sides are gonna screw this up, I can just feel it.

Michael Vick, Andy Reid and the Eagles organization have all complained that Vick has been hit in the helmet, speared and face masked repeatedly and referees have not been calling the appropriate penalty. Philly, are you kidding me? You’re complaining about a facemask grab? Ben Roethlisberger got his nose smashed without a single flag and you don’t hear Tomlin whining to the media. Suck it up Vick, you’re last name isn’t Brady or Manning so you’re not getting those calls. Deal with it.

Upon Further Review

With the third head coach dismissed mid season now in the books, it seems about time to start prepping the coaching carousel for the off season. But let’s be honest, after a dog and pony show, Dallas will hire Jason Garrett and Minnesota will hire Leslie Frazier. But what about Denver? They did not have a head coach in waiting like the other teams. As a matter of fact you win a cookie if you can even name their interim head coach without looking it up.

So for a bit of fun and since I know my Bronco friends out there could use something positive in a negative season, I thought I’d check the pros and cons of a few of the biggest available names and see what future hope may be coming to Denver.

Jim Harbaugh – the Stanford coach, and brother of Ravens coach John Harbaugh, has turned the Cardinal into a powerhouse and has had his name bandied about already regarding NFL positions. He could be a good choice, but then Bronco fans would have to constantly hear comparisons to the Ravens and that would just suck.

Wade Phillips – Wait a minute, we found out years ago this dog won’t hunt in Mile High. Moving on…

Jon Gruden – I know, most Bronco faithful spit bile thinking of Gruden prowling their sidelines. But before you hate on the idea too much, think of it this way. Gruden has coached a team to a Super Bowl win, has had success in rebuilding a team fallen on hard times and has shown acumen for offensive football. Now if that’s not enough let me add one more selling point. Much like Mike Shanahan, another former Raider coach who migrated to Denver, Gruden would take pleasure in sticking it to Al Davis twice a year. See, doesn’t seem so bad now does it?

Urban Meyer – Yes he says he’s retired but everyone wonders about that now after last year’s retirement/unretirement. Plus, I think Urban just misses coaching Tim Tebow.

John Fox/Marvin Lewis – It’s possible. Both coaches are at the end of their current contracts, and neither is expected to return to their current teams. While it may seem like just another retread hire perhaps all either gentleman needs is a fresh start and new surroundings. At least they’d have more experience than the previous head coach.

John Elway – no, he’s not a candidate or even a coach. I just wanted to get Bronco fans all misty-eyed and nostalgic.

Bill Cowher – Yes The Chin is now ready to resume coaching. And while he does live in North Carolina and the Panthers may be enticing Denver could be a good fit. They do have good pieces in place, they have a winning tradition, and they have an owner who works well with coaches and is much like the Rooney family in the relationship he builds with coaches. Cowher’s price tag may be a deterrent, but if the two sides can find a good number, I think this could be a great fit. Well, until they play Pittsburgh.

He Said He Said

"We know the NFL is going to protect quarterbacks — all of them except ours." – Steelers safety Ryan Clark

Michael Vick might have a contradictory argument to that.

"A hand came through my facemask and, the next thing I knew, blood was running down my face. I said to him, 'He hit me in the head.' He said, 'He was just trying to tackle you.’” – Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on his comments to referee Terry McAulay after having his nose rearranged

Perhaps James Harrison should use the same excuse the next time he draws a flag or fine.

“Did you see Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi get turned upside down by that hit put on him by Miami cornerback Sean Smith? It was almost the exact kind of play that Massaquoi got leveled on by Steelers linebacker James Harrison earlier this season, prompting a big fine for Harrison. Only this time, Smith hit him legally, and so low that it flipped Massaquoi up in the air, and somersaulted him around, before he landed on his head. Is that really a safer outcome than Harrison's hit, NFL?” – SI.com’s Don Banks

Well NFL? We're waiting for an answer.

“Next time, I'm just gonna pull a Forrest Gump and run clean through the stadium." – Seahawks punt returner Leon Washington on getting tackled on the way to the end zone while celebrating early.

Hey Leon, even Forrest knew that premature showboating only led to bad things. From now on, if you’re going somewhere you should be RUNNING.

"It hurt a lot. But that broken nose took some of the pain away." – Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger commenting on his broken/not broken foot.

Zing!

"Looks like they're the best team in football. That's what all the experts say. Except me.'' - Jets head coach Rex Ryan on the Patriots before New England beat the tar out of New York 45-3

Care to revise your statement, Rex?

Idiot of the week

This week, we had more than a few great entries for Idiot. The runners up include:

Referee Terry McAulay for not calling helmet to helmet penalties as currently dictated by the NFL and ticking off Steeler Nation.

The Baltimore Ravens, for blatantly cheating and STILL losing at home. Sorry, had to take a break to laugh uproariously.

Me for backing off my previous stance that the NFL was targeting the Steelers, only to watch the Ravens commit flagrant penalties against Pittsburgh without in game repercussions. While I may not be able to find a logical reason the NFL would allow such egregious behavior against Pittsburgh doesn’t mean it does not occur.

But the real winner is Bungles defensive lineman Pat Sims.

The Bungles were one down and two yards from upsetting the Saints at home. Yet on a now widely reported bogus play on 4th and 2 from the Bungle 3 yard line, the Saints managed to fake out Sims, draw him offside to garner a defensive offside penalty and grab a new set of downs which they used to score the game winning touchdown. Sims should have known what was coming, his fellow defensive players certainly did. His gaff cost Cincinnati a signature win in a wasted season and continued the Bungles current losing streak.

So Sims, for getting fooled by one of the oldest tricks in the book and directly causing your team to lose as well as being a Bungle, you are an idiot.

On Tap This Week

Ok so I had two good weeks in a row and have now clawed my way within two points of the overall season lead.

Last week: 12-3
Thursday: 1-0
Season to date: 123-69

You know what this means don’t you? Right about now the wheels will fall off. It doesn’t help I’m not really feeling confident this week. Let’s hope I’m just queasy from some bad chip and dip.

Sunday

Oakland (6-6) at Jacksonville (7-5)

Ok, fine Oakland beat down San Diego on their own field. Let’s see them do that against a team with a real running game and I’ll believe in the silver and black.

Jaguars over Raiders

Cleveland (5-7) at Buffalo (2-10)

I know, Buffalo plays real hard but I do like Cleveland’s running game more.

Browns over Bills

Cincinnati (2-10) at Pittsburgh (9-3)

Unless T.O. and Ochocinco punch Big Schnozz in the face at the same time, I think Pittsburgh may be in a good position to win.

Steelers over Bungles

Atlanta (10-2) at Carolina (1-11)

Did anyone see Steve Smith on the bench last week at the end of Carolina’s game against Seattle with his head in his hands? I thought not, because no one is watching this train wreck.

Falcons over Panthers

Green Bay (8-4) at Detroit (2-10)

Did anyone else see that Aaron Rodgers has now surpassed Favre in current jersey sales? Another arrow slung into Favre’s ego.

Packers over Lions

Tampa Bay (7-5) at Washington (5-7)

Man, what a deflating loss for Tampa Bay last week. But don’t give up Bucs, there’s still playoff hope. Get back on track this week! I know you can.

Buccaneers over Redskins

Seattle (6-6) at San Francisco (4-8)

Yikes, is there any good choice between these two? Wait, San Francisco is thinking of starting Alex Smith? Now the choice is clear.

Seahawks over49ers

St. Louis (6-6) at New Orleans (9-3)

Oh I do like what St. Louis is doing, what a great performance for the season thus far by a young and hungry team. But they haven’t quite learned how to win on the road, and that shows up this week.

Saints over Rams

Denver (3-9) at Arizona (3-9)

Hmmm, I’ll go with Denver being a smaller mess now that McDaniels and his faux hoodie is out the door.

Broncos over Cardinals

Kansas City (8-4) at San Diego (6-6)

Kansas City will start Brodie Croyle at quarterback because starter Matt Cassel had to undergo an emergency appendectomy this week. Without Matt Cassel and his appendix, let’s just say I do not like their chances. San Diego turnaround talk will start up again fully on Monday morning. Ugh.

Chargers over Chiefs

New England (10-2) at Chicago (9-3)

The weather in Chicago is beyond atrocious and yardage could be at a premium. Teams with a good running game would do well on a day like this. I like Chicago’s just a slight bit better than New England’s running game. Ok Da Bears you finally sucked me onto your bandwagon, show me what you got.

Bears over Patriots

Miami (6-6) at New York Jets (9-3)

Poor Rex Ryan, he was so humbled after getting his fanny handed to him by Belichick. I heard he could barely snack all week. I bet he gets his appetite and his blustery gusto back real soon.

Jets over Dolphins

Philadelphia (8-4) at Dallas (4-8)

I know, everyone says Dallas will spoil Philadelphia’s season. How so? They have no Dez Bryant who is out for the season with a broken ankle and they’re still starting Jon Kitna. You think you’re winning with Jon Kitna?

Eagles over Cowboys

Monday

New York Giants (8-4) at Minnesota (5-7)

The league moved this game to Monday due to heavy snow pummeling the Midwest, and said snow has collapsed the inflatable roof of Mall of America Metrodome, tearing the roof and pouring snow onto the field. The league has now moved the venue, and this game will be played Monday night in Detroit’s Ford Field. I like New York, clearly the better team. But all this extra travel and confusion can throw off a team. So despite the threat of another Brett Favre start…

Vikings over Giants

Baltimore (8-4) at Houston (5-7)

Yeah, Baltimore has been reeling all week from such a deflating loss, injuries from such a physical game and fighting with impatient and uninformed fans. You want to see a team ready to take out their frustrations on a punching bag, just look to Baltimore.

Ravens over Texans

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 14 Thursday Night Special

.After another devastating home loss and the third straight multiple interception game from Peyton Manning, the Colts stand at 6-6 and in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 9 years. The question du jour around the league regarding this situation is what is wrong with the Colts? There have been many theories and suppositions, all of which hold merit.

The Colts are suffering due to injuries, which have devastated their receiving corps, offensive line, secondary and running game. Their offensive line, beyond injury, has new components that are not quite the standard of what the team has fielded in the past and not as effective in clearing running lanes or maintaining pocket integrity. Their new receivers are not as pinpoint accurate with route running nor as sure handed as those whom they replace. The loss of Dallas Clark has left the offense without a tremendous receiver and blocker as well as the safety blanket for quick passing Peyton has been accustomed to over the years. Austin Collie’s absence has reduced Peyton’s reliable targets one step further. Their run defense is atrocious and their secondary is prone to giving up large gains. And personally, I do not believe Jim Caldwell is half the coach Tony Dungy was. I see parallels between Dungy’s departure and Caldwell’s ascension and that of Dick Vermeil retiring and handing the reins to Mike Martz in St. Louis 10 years ago.

Group all of these items together, and you can see how a once dominant team has hit the proverbial skids. But I think everyone is overlooking one key component. Peyton Manning does not improvise well and that is the true crux of the issue.

Through years of constant media saturation, we have come to know about Manning that he is a consummate student of the game. His preparation and study is the bar to which every other player should strive to reach. He knows everything about his offense inside and out, and with that he is able to do things leading the team that are almost indefensible. But what happens when you change things, throw him some curveballs so to speak? He falls apart.

Let’s think back to pre-2006, before Manning shed the label of cannot win the big one by becoming a Super Bowl Champion. During that time Manning would tear things up in the regular season, and his team seemed unstoppable. But when the playoffs hit, they fell apart, often at the hands of the Patriots and occasionally the Steelers. Why was that? Because those two teams in particular would throw different defensive looks at Peyton, increase the pressure on the pocket and break through the offense with defensive stunts that would either sack Manning or force him to scramble, something he does not do well. Basically, they took Manning out of his comfort zone, forced him to improvise and watched him fail.

Manning is very methodical and meticulous. He likes things a certain way, whether it’s the offensive calls or route running or even having a helmet that leaves a giant red welt on his forehead. He becomes uncomfortable in situations of which he has no answer or is unexpected. Right now, that’s exactly what he has with the team.

He doesn’t have trust in his new receivers. He feels pressure from the defense because of his now sub par offensive line even before the snap. Watch, he looks jittery and is getting the happy feet again. He knows he has no running game of which to speak, so he piles more pressure on himself to perform Herculean tasks, to increasingly disastrous results. He cannot adjust to a weakened pocket. He cannot account for receivers in the wrong position. And he does not have the capability to extend broken plays. And he is not used to the offensive coaching personnel, which have changed drastically in the past two seasons from the comfort level he’d grown with in Tom Moore and Tony Dungy over 10 seasons and 6 seasons respectively. He cannot improvise.

Until Peyton can learn how to buy time in a compromised pocket, coach up players on the field or be ready to change his throws based upon the weaknesses of his receivers, the Colts problems will continue until better personnel arrive via health or the draft. And something tells me that will be what it takes, because despite his nice turn on Saturday Night Live, I do not see Manning learning how to improvise this season.

Tonight’s Special

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

With that being said, what about tonight’s game? We know what’s wrong with Indianapolis. What about Tennessee? Let’s see, the head coach is at odds with the starting quarterback, and both are at odds with the owner’s wishes. The rest of the team seems to act as though this little melodrama has them caught in the middle and they have Randy Moss. Who seems to be a team killer by his mere presence since he hasn’t done anything remotely controversial since arriving in Nashville. I’ll take the team that shows at least a united front.

Colts over Titans

The Crystal Ball 2010 Week 13

Wow, what a fight between Cortland Finnegan and Andre Johnson. Well, more like what a beat down Andre laid on Cortland. But NFL referees need to learn from their NHL counterparts. You let them go at it until they tire themselves out or lose their drive. Don’t try to break up the fight, that’ll only ruin the entertainment value and get you hurt.

Opening Kickoff

Ok, fine I’ll admit it. The Chicago Bears are a good football team with Jay Cutler. There is everyone happy? I need to take a shower now.

The Way It Was

I don’t know what’s worse in Denver right now, the Spygate II nonsense or the horrific play on the field. I know Pat Bowlen doesn’t want to be on the hook for three coaches, but how can he justify keeping McDaniels employed now?

Dang Packers you were so close. Although now I bet no one lets Atlanta fly under the radar.

Wow, who would have thought Minnesota would suddenly win and look inspired and competent without Childress? Oh yeah, everybody.

Brett Favre gave interim head coach Leslie Frazier the game ball after the team secured Frazier’s first victory as a head coach. Brett is so generous with his head coaches. He was always giving things to Brad Childress, like the snub, the cold shoulder, attitude, and the finger. Such a giver that Brett Favre is.

Two games in four days and two interceptions by Michael Vick. So much for that no interception streak. Hey announcers, don’t you know you’re not supposed to talk about a no hitter?

Ok, perhaps I’m just a Pollyanna-pie in the sky dreamer type, but I have to ask a question to football historians and aficionados. I keep hearing about Steelers rookie receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown and how they’re very tight, how they work well together and push each other to be the best they can be. Is it just me, or does that sound like the beginnings of another pair of Steeler receivers, namely Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, who also came into the league together? Or am I just wishing for lighting to strike twice?

Frank Gore fractured his hip in the win against the Cardinals, and is now done for the season. I bet that puts a major crimp in Jed York’s prediction of the 49ers winning the division.

Nah, the 49ers may just go all the way now. They signed secret weapon Jeff Reed!

Derek Anderson has a spectacular meltdown after the Cardinals loss to the 49ers when asked why he was laughing on the sidelines during another dismal loss. I haven’t seen a meltdown that good since Dennis Green lived in Phoenix.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 19 – Bills 16 OT

Well, I guess I can't make fun of Baltimore anymore for taking almost 5 quarters to finish off the Bills.

The old axiom of if you let a bad team hang around long enough, they will make you pay came into play big time in this game. The offense never found a way to truly put away Buffalo.

Pittsburgh’s offense started off strong, looking like the game would be a blow out. But then, they started sputtering. After the initial touchdown drive, it was nothing but field goals afterward.

The offensive unit kept shooting themselves in the foot, and aggravating Big Douche’s broken/sprained/injured right foot, by getting called for multiple penalties, including three holding calls on Chris Kemoeatu who just couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

The defense did a great job, holding the Buffalo offense, which had exploded for 49 points all over the Bungles the previous week to a mere 16 points. But the true story of this game is luck and a man given a second chance.

Luck came into play in overtime, when Buffalo consistently had excellent field position to attempt to pull off the upset, yet could not find a way to drive the stake into the heart of the Steelers. Even when they had Pittsburgh punting from their own goal line, the Steelers managed to flip field position on a great punt by Daniel Sepulveda and a timely strip of the ball that drove Buffalo deeper into their own territory.

But the biggest luck, and worst moment for Bills fans, came on Steve Johnson’s drop of a sure touchdown pass. The kid took the drop horribly, and I genuinely felt bad for him. But being the homer I am, I was glad it happened.

The second chance man is newly signed kicker Shaun Suisham, who nailed every field goal attempt he faced, all over 40 yards something Jeff Reed had been unable to do this season. Each kick elicited a holding of breath from Steeler fans, used to Jeff Reed and still unsure of what Suisham was bringing to the table. But he got the job done in excellent fashion, showing some ice water in his veins.

Suisham endeared himself to his new teammates, Steeler Nation and gave everyone new confidences going forward into the stretch run of the season and playoff seeding.

Yes, the game was messy, sloppy, frightening and a lackluster performance by the offense that needs to find its rhythm as the endgame of the season takes shape. But it was a win and no matter how it happens, any Steeler fan will take it, even if it’s off the hands of a young receiver.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Steelers’ president Art Rooney II would like some clarification and discourse from the NFL to better understand the slew of penalties imposed on the team in general and James Harrison in particular. He’s not the only one.

After his heartbreaking drop of a pass that would have won the game for Buffalo, Bills receiver Steve Johnson blamed God for the dropped pass. Steve, I know you’re upset, but the Big Guy upstairs most likely did have a lesson for you to learn by missing that catch. Take a breath my man and relax. It’s gonna be ok.

Fear not Bronco fans, your time of sweet release are coming soon. And by sweet release I mean it will be sweet to watch Pat Bowlen release Josh McDaniels from his duties. Bowlen gave McDaniels the kiss of death this week, whoops I mean the vote of confidence and assured everyone he would be the head coach next season. Think I’m wrong? Jerry Jones did the same thing to Wade Phillips who is now enjoying Sundays with a bag of Cheetos.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak gave receiver Andre Johnson a game ball after Houston’s shutout win over the Titans. Now let’s just get a bit of clarification. Was the game ball for his receiving performance, or for putting a smack down on a loud mouth twit? I’m betting the latter.

This is a great story. Steelers’ players joined up with military personnel stateside and overseas as well as their families to enjoy a day of video gaming, camaraderie and general fun. Does every team do this? I hope so because our troops definitely deserve this kind of fun.

Are you wondering how playoff scenarios may work out? Well ESPN has created a deliciously addictive time waster to help you find out. Now if they could just come up with collective bargaining agreement machine and send the links to NFL headquarters, the NFLPA and all 32 owners.

Upon Further Review

To the surprise of no one, James Harrison drew a penalty for roughing the passer on a hit that occurred at least a half dozen times last weekend by other teams without incident or a flag. And to no surprise, he was fined again $25,000 for the hit. To put the fine into perspective, Harrison was fined the same amount for a hit that before week 6 of this season wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow as Andre Johnson was fined for beating the crap out of Cortland Finnegan with his fists.

At the same time, officials in the game ignored Buffalo defenders Arthur Moats and Marcus Stroud turning Ben Roethlisberger into their own personal pretzel shaped punching bag. For the first time ever, viewers witnessed Mike Tomlin lose his cool and lay into the officials regarding the questionable call on Harrison and the disparity of penalties called during the game.

But it didn’t end there. This week, the Steeler locker room blew up. Hines Ward laid into the NFL, calling the league hypocrites on a variety of subjects. Harrison questioned the league and stuck up for himself in the process. Ben Roethlisberger pointed out what we all saw, that watching film you can see the official reach for the flag before Harrison even gets to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Ryan Clark used his bitingly acerbic humor to question what defenses were supposed to do regarding quarterback contact. And many others in the Pittsburgh locker room chimed in as well.

Even Baltimore Raven and noted Steeler hater Terrell Suggs spoke up in Pittsburgh’s defense, calling out the NFL for playing favorites with league quarterbacks.

The NFL responded predictably, stating that it is not targeting the Steelers with penalty calls and fines. And you know what? I believe them.

Last week I flew off the handle and did accuse the NFL of targeting the Steelers. But after some reflection I realized I was wrong. I just could not find a logical answer to the question of why the NFL would target the Steelers. It makes no sense no matter how you look at it.

The sad truth to this ever deteriorating situation is that the NFL overreacted to a few shocking hits, painted themselves into a public relations corner they have no idea how to extract themselves from and now Pittsburgh is stuck in the middle of this quagmire and suffering the consequences.

These calls will continue because the NFL has no choice. After the media and fans blanched at the rash of violent hits and corresponding injuries that happened in Week 6, the NFL jumped on those isolated incidents to push their platform of player safety. The league wants to demonstrate they care about the safety and long term health of the players to use as a bargaining chip in the labor negotiations and needed something tangible to demonstrate their concern while still pushing their agenda for an expanded regular season, which is obviously just a cash grab. So when a few players made spectacularly frightening plays, the league jumped in with both feet before looking.

However, the NFL did not quite think all aspects of this stance through and did not formulate any consistency in either mandating correct calls, proper instruction for officials or in their fining scale. In not having clear guidelines that they could tout, the league basically left players and officials on an island of confusion. Now referees are forced to call anything even remotely close to an actual penalty to avoid media and public backlash or league scrutiny for not upholding the mandated “player safety”. To continue their charade of concern, the NFL will support every heavily aired play and call for fear that if they backtrack in any way they may lose credibility.

If the league hopes to make significant inroads during negotiations, credibility in their stances and the illusion of strong decisive leadership are major components. If the league backpedaled, they would be admitting they overreacted to a small sample of violent incidents as well as reveal they had no coherent plan to properly gauge punishment worthy contact or a viable and consistent fining schedule.

If the NFL should show weakness and admit such over reactionary mistakes, it would weaken their position in labor negotiations and show an overall weakness in the league power structure, which would in turn shift the advantage in the labor negotiations to the players.

The problem is, the inconsistency and indecision already shown by the league regarding this issue has already created confusion, and shown weakness in the NFL hierarchy. On top of that, players are galvanizing together in response to the league’s seemingly arbitrary policies regarding calling penalties and assessing fines.

Unfortunately, Commissioner Roger Goodell continues along this odd path without realizing he already has a major problem on his hands. Before the season started players were showing solidarity. Now because of the seemingly random penalties and fines long time rivals are banding together. That should be a major red flag to Goodell that the situation is degrading out of control. It may even get worse when it starts dawning on the handful of dirty players in the league that they may be able to save money by just assaulting an opposing player rather than risk a penalty and potential fine for a borderline hit.

At this point, to both save face as well as make progress toward avoiding a major labor battle, commissioner Roger Goodell should just speak up to stem the tide of back alley violence and come clean. He should outline exactly what constitutes illegal hits for the remainder of the season, and work hard to make sure every officiating crew calls each infraction consistently and fairly. Following that, he should then state for the public that the issue will be visited in the off season by the competition committee and will then be given very specific rules regarding what constitutes illegal hits and helmet to helmet contact as well as fine schedules for any and all infractions. On top of that, to really show concern for player safety, he should state for the record that concussion model helmets will be required for all players.

And finally, the time has come to at least temporarily shelve the proposal to expand the regular season. I know Goodell and the owners do not want to give up on an 18 game season, and the added revenue it would bring. But for now to maintain the integrity of the game as well as avoid a labor action it may be prudent to do just that.

Goodell speaks often, and especially to wayward players, regarding protecting the shield and not doing anything to harm the reputation or multi-billion dollar business that is the NFL. If he is serious regarding this stance, then now is the time for him to stand up and take control.

With a few well worded press releases followed by decisive action, Goodell could put a stop to the growing fractures in the league, create consistency regarding player safety and player punishment and fining. Issuing a mandatory helmet for all players, reveal a proper punishment and fining schedule before the season ends and shelving the 18 game schedule for the time being would go a long way to quieting player discord and keeping fans interested and engaged.

If Goodell continues to ignore issues growing within this team and fan base in particular and throughout all teams and fan bases in general, he will come to the realization too late that all his ill thought out player safety push is doing is ticking off the people who provide the product and alienating those who purchase it. And if you drive away fans, no number of games you add will make up for that lost revenue.

He Said He Said

"It was a lot of fun." – Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham on his clutch kicking that won the game against Buffalo

Yeah it was, welcome to Steeler Nation Shaun.

"That was practiced, that was coached, that was worked on.'' – Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels speaking of the difference between the illegal taping recently done in Denver and what was done in New England

Yeah, maybe you should have practiced it more Josh, since you still lost the game in question. Jeez if you’re gonna cheat shouldn’t it give you an advantage?

"I had the game in my hands and I dropped it," Johnson moaned. "I’ll never get over it. Ever." – Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson on his drop of a game winning touchdown pass

Stevie, don’t beat yourself up. You’ll have that opportunity again.

"Believe it or not, we were discussing what play and Brett said, 'Hey, let's just run naked,' and I wanted to do something he felt comfortable with." – Vikings interim head coach Leslie Frazier on Brett Favre’s first down run that clinched the game

So Brett is comfortable running naked? Is the Sterger investigation committee aware of this?

"For us to collectively mess this up would be criminal.'' - Patriots owner Robert Kraft speaking on the ongoing labor negotiations,

I couldn't agree more

"You think I was laughing about something? I take this serious! Real serious! I put my heart and soul into this every single week!” – Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson during his post game meltdown

That performance is Derek taking things seriously? I’d hate to see how bad he’d be if he slacked off.

"To T.O. calling Ben soft all I can say is "That's my teammate, that's my quarterback" As i cry and my lips quiver. Wait that was him. Lol'' - Steelers safety Ryan Clark, on Twitter responding to Terrell Owens questioning the toughness of Ben Roethlisberger

I don’t typically put up Twitter posts, but this one was too good not to. Hilarious.

"What he's saying is you can criminally assault someone on the football field when they don't have their helmet on." – Titans defensive end Dave Ball on the lack of suspension on Andre Johnson for his fight with Cortland Finnegan

Dave, they said that when they slapped Richard Seymour’s wrist for clocking Big Douche.

Idiot of the week

This week, we bestow the crown of idiot on Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels.

Now, any head coach can go through tough times and bad losses. That’s natural. But to get blown out seemingly week after week with the situation looking bleaker after each crushing defeat will only infuriate the owner and alienate the fans.

But fans are forgiving and owners, especially good ones, can be patient and they will give a young coach some slack to get their program and team in place before real judgment sets in. But that goodwill typically gets thrown out the window when the fans and owner find evidence of impropriety. In this case, Broncos video director Steve Scarnecchia, McDaniels pal and also former Patriot employee, caught illegally taping opponents before a game.

It’s bad enough that a former Patriot crony working for McDaniels is wrapped up in a cheating scandal that is leaving a terrible stain upon the Bronco reputation. But what’s worse is it did not even help the team as they lost to the opponent in question, the 49ers.

Top that off with McDaniels, in his attempt to try to explain how this incident is merely an anomaly and not a systematic program like it was in New England, threw former employer and mentor Bill Belichick under the bus. Hey Josh, just ask Eric Mangini, it’s not a good idea to cheese off Belichick.

So for having an underachieving and horribly losing team, employing questionable people, failing to even cheat properly, angering Bill Belichick and sullying the proud franchise that is the Denver Broncos, Josh McDaniels you are an idiot.

The runners up this week are Derek Anderson for losing his mind in post game interviews and Andre Johnson for letting Cortland Finnegan get to him to the point he felt it necessary to beat his brains in. Come on Andre, you gotta just let his nonsense go.

On Tap This Week

Ok, so perhaps the every other week drop off wasn’t that bad.

Last week: 8-5
Thursday: 1-0
Season to date: 110 – 66

The Lady K and I keep creeping closer to the top four spots. Shall we work on getting a bit closer?

Sunday

Washington (5-6) at New York Giants (7-4)

New York needs this game to keep pace with Philadelphia. What does Washington need? Well, a running back, some receivers, a decent interior defensive line….

Giants over Redskins

San Francisco (4-7) at Green Bay (7-4)

Even with the newly added Jeff Reed, San Francisco does not have enough mojo to march into Lambeau and pull off the upset.

Packers over 49ers

Denver (3-8) at Kansas City (7-4)

Oh, I hope Todd Haley scolds Josh McDaniels after the game again. But this time he pantomimes using a video camera before he wags his finger at Josh. That would be awesome.

Chiefs over Broncos

Chicago (8-3) at Detroit (2-9)

Ok, fine I’ll finally get on the Chicago bandwagon. And now that I did, watch Detroit pull the upset. Yeesh.

Bears over Lions

Cleveland (4-7) at Miami (6-5)

I was all set to start riding the Cleveland train, but two things stayed my hand. One was watching Miami explode all over Oakland last week. And two was hearing Cleveland would start Jake Delhomme over Colt McCoy. Does Eric Mangini have something against winning?

Dolphins over Browns

New Orleans (8-3) at Cincinnati (2-9)

How lucky for Cincinnati fans. They will get to see in person the results of successfully turning around a moribund program. Unfortunately, it will be featured in the visiting team.

Saints over Bungles

Jacksonville (6-5) at Tennessee (5-6)

I don’t think even Kerry Collins can save things now.

Jaguars over Titans

Buffalo (2-9) at Minnesota (4-7)

Poor Buffalo, they just cannot catch a break, or a touchdown pass. BURN!. They could win this game, I know it. But they won’t on I’m sure what will turn out to be a fluke play.

Vikings over Bills

Oakland (5-6) at San Diego (6-5)

Yeah, it’s that time of year when San Diego suddenly realizes they’re talented and time is running out. Conversely, it’s that time of year Oakland realizes they suck.

Chargers over Raiders

St. Louis (5-6) at Arizona (3-8)

Go Sam Bradford!

Rams over Cardinals

Dallas (3-8) at Indianapolis (6-5)

Indy is a mess. Their playmakers are hurt, their offensive line isn’t as good as it used to be, their defense gives up too many big plays and their head coach is most definitely not Tony Dungy. But Dallas, well, who knows what they are right now. I gotta go with the Peyton Manning edge. If it means anything anymore, it’ll mean something today.

Colts over Cowboys

Carolina (1-10) at Seattle (5-6)

Meh.

Seahawks over Panthers

Atlanta (9-2) at Tampa Bay (7-4)

Tampa Bay is playing great football. Atlanta is playing better. Tampa Bay hasn’t lost two in a row yet this season. But neither have they managed to beat a quality opponent. I want to believe this is their chance, but Atlanta is taking care of business and I think they will again.

Falcons over Buccaneers

Pittsburgh (8-3) at Baltimore (8-3)

This is THE game of the week. The animosity that exists between these two clubs is palpable and always guarantees a hard hitting, ultra competitive game, one that everyone who enjoys football is looking forward to watching. In the previous matchup the Ravens did not have Ed Reed, but the Steelers did not have Big Douche. I think Big Douche trumps Reed. But of course I would.

Steelers over Ravens

Monday

New York Jets (9-2) at New England (9-2)

Game of the week II. Let me ask you this; does anyone think Bill Belichick will allow his team to lose twice in one season to Rex Ryan? I didn’t think so either.

Patriots over Jets