The Crystal Ball 2012 Week 8

Thanks to a balky back, a bathroom renovation project oh so tantalizingly close to completion, and of course Hurricane Sandy and the impending East Coast "Frankenstorm", which has already canceled Paul Tagliabue's appeal hearings, this week will be short and sweet. Mostly.

Opening Kickoff

Aaron Kromer was relieved as the Saints interim-interim head coach this week by Joe Vitt, who returns from suspension to become the interim head coach. Thanks to Aaron for a job, done.

The Way It Was

Game statistics for Joe Flacco against Houston: 21 of 43 passing for 147 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown) and 1 fumble. Elite indeed.

Game statistics for Ray Rice: 9 rushing attempts for 42 yards and 5 receptions for 12 yards. Wow, congratulations John Harbaugh for completely marginalizing your best offensive player.

I so thoroughly enjoyed Houston stomping a giant mudhole in Baltimore, I may have liked it even more than Pittsburgh extending it's record in Paul Brown Stadium to 12-2.

Buccaneers safety Michael Jenkins hustled downfield to prevent a touchdown by making a saving tackle inside the 5. I can think of 10 teams off the top of my head who's coaching staff should show this play to their team on a continuous loop.

Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew was injured Sunday, and will miss significant time. Does this make Jacksonville completely irrelevant for the remainder of the season, or were they already there?

Kevin Kolb will be out for weeks with detached ribs. Yuck! That sounds disgusting and extremely painful. How did I miss that story? Oh yeah, Cardinal football barely registers on my radar. My bad.

Ben Roethlisberger stated to the press, while talking up tight end Heath Miller, that he wants Miller for president. Finally a candidate that doesn't make me want to vomit.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 24 - Bungles 17

Nice job in primetime by the Black and Gold boys. They seized the moment, and grabbed momentum in the division where both the Bungles and Ravens seem to be unraveling at the seams. Hope springs eternal. Breaking down the key movers and shakers:

Willie Colon - Everyone was raving about Colon's pile-driving pancake block on Vontaze Burfict. Ignoring the fact that he looked like he was humping Burfict on the ground, I don't think the block was all that amazing. What was truly a marvel was that Colon went 4 quarters without drawing one penalty.

Mike Wallace - See Mike, that's why you go to training camp. At this point, if we can only afford to keep 2 of the 3 receivers from the Young Money crew, I think I'll go with Catch Money and Hustle Money. Drop Money can hit the bricks.

Baron Batch - You're not going to get too many opportunities with 4 other running backs, especially when the top two come back from injury. You need to make that catch, no matter who throws it.

Antonio Brown - Catches and smiles like Ward, throws like Randle El. Love this kid more and more. The Steelers were smart to get him under contract.

Dick LeBeau - Excellent defensive adjustments by the crafty coordinator. Yes it helped having Woodley back, but Hampton wasn't out there every snap and safety help for Ike worked wonders. Plus, we found out Keenan Lewis might be able to do the job on the other side. Now, how's about a smidgen more Steve McClendon?

In other Steeler news, a recent survey by Forbes magazine revealed Troy Polamalu is NFL's most popular player. Duh, who'd you think it would be, Ray Lewis? I didn't need a poll to tell me the soft spoken, highly spiritual, extremely intelligent, deeply thoughtful and deceptively funny Polamalu is well liked. And yes, while I may be biased, all of the above are true descriptors of Troy.

Win Watch: By knocking off the Bungles, Pittsburgh increased it's season's victory total to 3, and it's overall victory total to 594, 6 shy of 600. Getting there, oh so slowly but surely.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

The NFL is investigating the San Diego Chargers for allegedly using an adhesive substance similar to the long banned, Stick'um. If this is true, could they send some to Mike Wallace?

The Carolina Panthers fired long time general manager Marty Hurney this week, raising hopes in Kansas City that the Chiefs will play copy cat and do the same to Scott Pioli.

With time on his hands now that he is no longer a part of the BountyGate appeal process, Roger Goodell turned his attention to once again bitching about the quality of play in the Pro Bowl. I love that he complains about the level of play in the Pro Bowl, an all-star exhibition game, with the same straight face he uses when he's touting his player safety campaign.

Ok, Mike Holmgren isn't retiring, he's stepping down, and hinting at a return to coaching. Hey, maybe before he packs up his office in Cleveland, he can slip his coaching resume under owner Jimmy Haslam's door.

The star crossed romance of Mark Sanchez  and Eva Longoria is no more. Gee, what will Sanchez do now to keep him from focusing on football?

Upon Further Review

This week, in lieu of my typical offering of ranting on something annoying or some screwball idea, I would like to recommend this article, written by Jill Lieber Steeg, which chronicles the last few years in the life of Junior Seau. No one will truly understand the mindset that led Seau to take his own life, but this excellent story illuminates Seau's post football life, and how an person's transition from star athlete to regular person can lead to their life unraveling to tragic results. It is a compelling read, and I highly recommend it.

He Said He Said

"You want to feel like you're super out there. I don't picture myself as a normal person when I play football. I like to think I can do things that normal people can't." - Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III

Did someone make sure to order the Kryptonite for today's game?

“The past couple of games has been the same script, by the same director. ... It’s kind of getting boring. This taste, this vibe ... I’m not buying it. And I don’t know what it is, but something’s gotta change. Something’s going to have to change real fast.” - Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

Hey Cam, try this. Quit moping and sulking when things get tough, stop laying blame everywhere else, don't make excuses, man up, and lead your team.

“If you want to compare him to someone because of his demeanor, compare him to Jay Cutler. There are a lot of guys who whine and moan. Cam’s not biting anybody’s head off or pushing his linemen. He’s just disgruntled, and not handling losing well, because, think about it, he basically didn’t lose in college." - former NFL quarterback Warren Moon on Cam Newton

I agree with that, they both seem like whiny pouters. But Moon may have touched on something. Maybe if Cam had lost in college, he would have learned how to lead through adversity. Just a thought.

''You watch film and not everybody was playing hard every snap. And that's unacceptable. It's a blessing to be in this league. And then to go out there and lay an egg, there's no excuses for it.'' - Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay

Sounds like someone in the Bills locker room is going to get Kelsay's foot in their behind.

“There’s still a little missing. You guys probably think I’m crazy, but it is.” - Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on his performance this season after returning from last season's ACL tear.

There's still something missing? Yikes he's scary good.

"Jim has a mediocre quarterback he protects with Frank Gore and a running game. John has a mediocre quarterback he exposes by abandoning his running game. John, call Jim for advice." - Fox Sports Jason Whitlock on the coaching styles of the Harbaugh brothers

John, don't listen to Whitlock. Continue thinking Flacco is an elite quarterback and game plan accordingly.

“I think I’m pretty damn good. I don't need to go out and tell everybody that and show it on every given Sunday.” - Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in July of 2011

Ha ha ha! Well Joe, you certainly didn't show it last Sunday in Houston.

Idiot of the Week

This week, we place the crown of idiot upon the troubled brow of Marvin Lewis. The Bungles head coach lost a challenge during the Sunday night tilt against Pittsburgh, on trying to overturn a 2 yard Steeler pass completion. I understand in the NFL, every yard is precious and it is, as it has been said for years, a game of inches. But what blew my mind is that it was obviously a completion, and there was no video evidence that would have overturned the call on the field.

Plus, challenges are far more precious than two yards, and can make the difference late in the game. With blowing the challenge, he also blew a time out, which might have helped in the 4th quarter. And to top everything off, the wasted challenge was on, as I stated, a 2 yard reception, that didn't even result in a first down. Marvin Lewis, you've been here before so you know how this works, you are an idiot.

On Tap This Week

Ok, the previous week wasn't, shall we say, optimal. How did we rebound?

Last week: 11-1

Thursday: 0-1

Season to Date: 58-47

Now I like how those numbers are trending! Let's do it again!

Sitting at home, with everyone singing "One of these things just doesn't belong here"….

Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston

Sunday

Indianapolis (3-3) at Tennessee (3-4)

Apparently, reports of the demise of Matt Hasselbeck were untrue.

Titans over Colts

Miami (3-3) at New York Jets (3-4)

Let's just be honest. Right now, Miami is a better team.

Dolphins over Jets

New England (4-3) at St. Louis (3-4)

London baby! The NFL's annual sojourn across the pond this season features the Patriots and Rams. You can almost hear the British chippies swooning over the handsome visage of Tom Brady.

Patriots over Rams

San Diego (3-3) at Cleveland (1-6)

I must be nuts, since Norv Turner on the road sounds like a good bet.

Chargers over Browns

Carolina (1-5) at Chicago (5-1)

Which quarterback will look more disinterested during the game, Cutler or Newton? I'm going Cutler, Newton will be spending too much time moping and whining.

Bears over Panthers

Atlanta (6-0) at Philadelphia (3-3)

Will the smokescreen of a new defensive coordinator cover up the ineptitude of the offense? How about no.

Falcons over Eagles

Jacksonville (1-5) at Green Bay (4-3)

And let's begin the race for the Number 1 draft pick. Jacksonville, your turn to show us what you need next April.

Packers over Jaguars

Seattle (4-3) at Detroit (2-4)

Which would be more painful for the citizens of Motown; the realization that the Lions are reverting to previous form, or watching the Tigers get swept out of the World Series?

Seahawks over Lions

Washington (3-4) at Pittsburgh (3-3)

Please let RGIII have a bad day. Please let RGIII have a bad day. Please let RGIII have a bad day. Please let Dick LeBeau's record of 13-1 against rookie quarterbacks be extended to 14-1. Please let those stupid new throwback uniforms not be a bad luck charm. Yes, I'm a bit nervous. Does it show?

Steelers over Redskins

Oakland (2-4) at Kansas City (1-5)

I really thought about taking KC in this game, coming off of a bye and having the home field advantage. Plus, Oakland is streaky at best. But, I just couldn't do it. I mean, they're starting Brady Quinn for goodness sake!

Raiders over Chiefs

New York Giants (5-2) at Dallas (3-3)

Here's all you need to know about these two teams. After losing a game to Baltimore they should have won, Jerry Jones went to the media to tout  his team, again, as a Super Bowl contender. The Giants never say a word to the press about their post season chances or aspirations; they just put the beat down on teams like the 49ers. Does that clue you in on who will win the rematch?

Giants over Cowboys

New Orleans (2-4) at Denver (3-3)

I like me some Saints, but come on. Their defense is awful. And Peyton seems to have found a wayback machine somewhere.

Broncos over Saints

Monday

San Francisco (5-2) at Arizona (4-3)

Hee hee hee. Don't let the records fool you.

49ers over Cardinals

Thursday

Kansas City at San Diego

Norv Turner continues his save my job tour!

Chargers over Chiefs

The Crystal Ball 2012 Week 7

Hey Fox, October and playoff baseball are supposed to be my respite for a few weeks from Joe Buck. How dare you work the schedule so he can do a football and baseball game in the same city on the same day. And really, are you really feeling good about this whole Foxtoberfest nonsense.

Opening Kickoff

Let me get this straight. J.J. Watt can leap, from a standing position, onto an object 55 inches high. I can barely fall off of something that high, let alone jump onto one.

The Way It Was

San Francisco's combined scores against the Jets and Bills: 79-3

Score against Giants: 3-26

Its called karma, Harbaugh

It's been firmly, and delightfully, established that Tom Coughlin is in Bill Belichick's head. Is he now in Jim Harbaugh's too? Double your fun.

The AFC East contains 4 teams, all with identical 3-3 records. Pete Rozelle's dream of parity has been achieved.

I just knew Cleveland had it in them. Well, at least for one game.

We've established the Colts as an inspired team. But I momentarily forgot they're being coached by Bruce Arians. Stupid stupid stupid.

Oh, so there's the Jets running game.

Well Cardinals, that was fun while it lasted. At the Whisenhunt diner, I'll take a Kolb/Skelton combo platter, hold the competent running backs, and give me a side of the weak old offensive line.

I'll never understand how a team that has two weeks to rest and prepare loses it's first game after a bye week. Dallas, I'm looking at you.

I feel bad, since so many dinkus fans will blame Dan Bailey for the Cowboys' loss, when Tony Romo and Jason Garrett screwed up the end game. You had time for 3 plays, you ran two and then made the kid come out there at his max distance.

Me, out loud, Sunday afternoon: When will Baltimore's luck run out?

Me, out loud, Sunday evening: AAAAAH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.

But then I thought about it. Why am I so happy? Without Ray Lewis in the middle, the Ravens run defense most likely will improve. Crap. Personally, I think Ray Ray looked at the game film of himself from the previous 5 games and realized he was getting manhandled. Heck, he was being stopped so thoroughly he barely had time to jump on the pile after the tackle. So he got "hurt" during the game with a "torn triceps" and now is out for the season. That I would believe.

Mike Holmgren announced he is retiring at the end of the season. Funny how the news came out just after the Browns sale was finalized and new owner Jimmy Haslam hired former Eagles executive Joe Banner.

And speaking of the Eagles, Andy Reid attempted to cover his ass by firing defensive coordinator Juan Castillo after the Eagle defense managed to blow 4th quarter leads in 4 games. That move was long overdue. Raise your hand if you're surprised making an offensive line coach a defensive coordinator failed. Funny. no hands. The question now is, will this be a significant enough distraction to make people stop talking about his turnover prone quarterback and woefully underperforming offense.

The Steel Pit

After Week 6, only 2 AFC teams had winning records; the exposed Texans and the MASH unit formerly known as the Ravens. The remaining teams are all at .500 or lower. I started to feel a ton better about Pittsburgh's chances going forward. Yes, the defense still has serious issues and the running back situation seems as though it was torn from a horror film. But everyone else seems rather putrid too, and at least we have a top tier quarterback so hey, I like my chances.

But then, I started adding up all the nonsense that has surrounded the Steelers since dropping a winnable game in Tennessee, and my enthusiasm, shall we say, waned a bit. Let's take a look:

• ·         Rashard Mendenhall called out Steeler fans on Twitter for a lack of support.
• ·         Ike Taylor blamed the media for their lack of support and for picking on him.
• ·         Former Steeler Hines Ward was the victim of attempted extortion.
• ·         A former team doctor appeared in federal court facing 185 charges ranging from health care fraud to drug trafficking, including steroid trafficking.
• ·         Starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert joined injured teammates Troy Polamalu, Isaac Redman and Rashard Mendenhall on the sidelines, as well as David DeCastro, Sean Spence and David Johnson, all gone for the season. And don't forget the one bad setback away from being out indefinitely list, which includes LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, James Harrison and Maurkice Pouncey.
• ·         Oh, and Ben Roethlisberger rolled his ankle at practice, giving him one more obstacle to overcome.
• ·         Ian Rapoport of NFL.com wrote an article detailing the underachieving Steeler offense and the contentious relationship between Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Rapoport also stated how Kirby Wilson was in line for the position, thus creating potential riffs amongst the coaching staff.
• ·         Scuttlebutt around town has been that Art Rooney II ordered Mike Tomlin this past offseason to run a tighter ship. Apparently, that was more important than back to back 12-4 playoff seasons. That sounds like the edict of a man who wants credit for successes achieved with things run his way, not always the best way. It reminds me of something Jerry Jones would say.
• ·         And most spectacularly, rookie Alameda Ta'amu was arrested after tearing up the South Side, an entertainment district near downtown Pittsburgh. Ta'amu racked up 5 felony and 10 misdemeanor charges, wrecked 5 cars, almost ran over two or three police officers and had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Tight ship indeed.

These are the kind of headlines bad teams make. It's already a long season.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Hey, Bill Simmons ripped off my idea of having teams that play on a Thursday night have their bye week preceding their Thursday appearance! I'd be mad, but heck I've ripped him off enough times I probably owe him at least a dozen more ideas.

If you get tossed from an NFL game, you had better start studying. Because if you want to get back into the good graces of the NFL and back in your seat, you'll have to take a fan conduct class. I wonder if the class covers the fundamental differences between a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense.

Tim Tebow has trademarked "Tebowing", to make sure it's used right. Hey Tim, that might have been useful, last year.

Steelers neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon is attempting to conduct a clinical study regarding the protective effects of adding Kevlar padding to the interior of NFL helmets. James Harrison, and a dozen other Steelers, have already added the padding to their helmets and their experiences have been positive. Funny how Roger Goodell's poster team for dangerous hits is the one at the forefront at trying to combat head injuries and concussions.

Michael Vick once again is a dog owner. He stated in his statement that this is to break the cycle and teach his children how to have healthy relationships with pets. Say what you will, and I know plenty of people already have, but I'm still rooting for his off the field redemption story. I want to believe he can grow, learn, and atone for his horrific actions. Now, as for his on field actions, he's toast and should be benched.

The NFL announced that Beyonce will play this season's Super Bowl halftime show. Whoa, wait a minute. That's an artist relevant in the last 10 years. Has Heir Goodell lost his marbles?

The NFL also announced this week there will be two games in London next season. The additional game will be on September 29th, pitting the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Minnesota Vikings at Wembley Stadium. I've always wanted to see England. LONDON BABY!

Upon Further Review

"The commissioner says he is disappointed in me. The truth is, I'm disappointed in him. His positions on player health and safety since a 2009 congressional hearing on concussions have been inconsistent at best. He failed to acknowledge a link between concussions and post-career brain disease, pushed for an 18-game regular season, committed to a full season of Thursday night games, has continually challenged players' rights to file workers compensation claims for on-the-job injuries, and he employed incompetent replacement officials for the start of the 2012 season. His actions or lack thereof are by the league's own definition, 'conduct detrimental.'" - Browns linebacker Scott Fujita

Over the past season and into this season, I have made many fumbling attempts at pointing out the hypocrisy of Roger Goodell and his supposed stance on player safety. Scott Fujita managed to sum it up far better than myself, or anyone else who has written on the subject, in one devastating salvo.

Goodell's single minded focus of punishment for Bountygate has gotten so far out of control, he's lost sight of how badly he's being hammered on every other front, and looking like the most incompetent commissioner in professional sports.

To add to that perception, this week Goodell recused himself from the appeal hearing of the 4 suspended players. He appointed his predecessor, Paul Tagliabue, to hear the players' appeals. How bad must things be if you have to get your former boss to do your job.

Then to add insult and injury to injury, the NFLPA filed papers in federal court claiming in the mid 1990's the NFL allowed a similar pay for hits program, led by Reggie White. If this evidence turns out to be factual, it makes everything Goodell has done to the Saints look extremely hypocritical and vindictive. But that's my point all along. Goodell didn't drop the hammer on New Orleans because they had a bounty program. He did it because they lied to him and made him look like a fool.

Add to all of this Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against Goodell and growing dissent amongst the players regarding the new Thursday night schedule, Roger Goodell's year keeps getting more difficult by the minute. Personally, I am very intrigued regarding the outcome of Vilma's case. If he succeeds, it could change NFL player discipline policy drastically.

Goodell could fix all of this, rather easily, if he just acted in accordance to his oft-spoken mantra of player safety. I know his main goal, per the owners, is increase revenue. Hey, that's the main goal of any successful business. But if he just cycled any new idea through a player safety filter, he could find a way to make money and look like a hero. You want games every Thursday? Fine, then have those teams on a bye the weekend before. More revenue and safer players. And that's just one idea.

Goodell cracked down on violent hits because the paying public got squeamish and outraged, and he feared losing his dream of a revenue bonanza 18 game schedule. So under the guise of player safety, he began eradicating the NFL of helmet to helmet hits, and neutering the league's most visible purveyors in hopes of not only keeping his dream alive, but also help the league in its concussion related battle with former players. But now he's being attacked on all fronts, more former players are joining the lawsuits against the league and his player safety initiative is looked upon as a joke and a sham. The only way to turn the tide at this point is to actually care about player safety, and implement real changes designed to keep the players as safe as possible, not just keep the cash flowing.

Goodell started this campaign to save revenue, save face, battle lawsuits and keep the public buying the product. You've talked the talk as far as it will go, Roger. Now it's time to walk the walk.

He Said He Said

"Homo, uh Romo.." - Dan Patrick, referring to Dallas quarterback Tony Romo during a highlights portion of Football Night in America

Careless slip of the tongue or Freudian slip of what Dan really thinks of Tony. You decide.

"I have so much respect for you as a player and a person. It's great to play against you." - Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson to Tom Brady after Seattle's victory over New England

I'll bet that was easy to say after winning.

"Tony was going to get them the ball as quick as he could, knowing he had a timeout in his hip pocket ... It just took too long for everyone to get unpiled,'' Garrett said

"The stats are the stats. Y'all look at numbers, y'all throw numbers out, the numbers don't lie. And, if you want to go by numbers, we're not doing as bad as what they say we're doing." - embattled Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor stating the Steelers defense is statistically doing better than people realize

Hey Ike, you know what number I'm focused on right now? 2-3.

"We're built for a heavyweight fight. I don't think they're built for a heavyweight fight.'' - Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, on the Patriots

Umm, Richard, you had better hope you don't see New England in the Super Bowl. Tom Brady remembers stuff like that. And by the way, how did that heavyweight fight Thursday work out?

"I think I am sick of those in and out of the football business telling me Ben Roethlisberger gets no respect. Stop. Just stop." - Si.com's Peter King

"All of those things give us a chance to take a team that is evolving into, if you look at the pluses against the Ravens, evolving into a team that can be a team that can compete for the championship. Not next year, this year." - Cowboys owner Jerry Jones

If Jerry Jones really believes the 2012 Cowboys are a Super Bowl contending team, then I'll see them in New Orleans come February when they face off against Cleveland. Give me a break.

I'll tell you what Peter. When officials throw a roughing the passer flag the next time Roethlisberger gets punched in the face, and doesn't throw one the next time a defender gets within 3 feet of Tom Brady, then I'll believe he gets respect. But I must ask, if so many people are saying this to you, doesn't that make you wonder? How does the old saying go, where there's smoke, there's fire?

"We're six games into the season and average isn't good enough. I know the potential of our team and insist on maximizing it." - Eagles head coach Andy Reid in his statement announcing the firing of defensive coordinator Juan Castillo

And yet, Michael "Turnover" Vick is still the starter.

Idiot of the Week

I was going to give this award to Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and quarterback Tony Romo for screwing up the play calling and timing at the end of their game against the Ravens so bad they managed to blow a game they should have won.

But then I watched with disturbed fascination as Norv Turner allowed his team to blow a 24 point lead, giving up 35 points in 30 minutes without scoring a single point in response. Without a doubt, this week's hands down winner is Norv Turner. Norv, you are an idiot.

A first runner up award goes to Texan Daniael Manning for throwing a punch in the pile right in front of an official. Look everyone knows the referee needs glasses joke, but it's just that, a joke. They typically notice someone throwing haymakers on the field. And that, Mr. Manning, is why you're an idiot.

On Tap This Week

Ok, what's the damage from acting nutty....

Last week: 6-7

Thursday: 1-0

Season to Date: 47-45

Not bad, not great either. Most of my "crazy" picks paid off. It was the "expected" winners that left a turd in my tub.

Sitting at home, contemplating playoff runs and coaching changes….

Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego

Sunday

Dallas (2-3) at Carolina (1-4)

Ok, Jason Garrett, you think you can handle crappy Carolina? If the game is close, I have my doubts.

Cowboys over Panthers

Cleveland (1-5) at Indianapolis (2-3)

What a great win for Cleveland, and on Brandon Weeden's birthday no less. He'll probably get another one before his next birthday, but not this week.

Colts over Browns

New Orleans (1-4) at Tampa Bay (2-3)

Now, it's time for Drew Brees to get his.

Saints over Buccaneers

Washington (3-3) at New York Giants (4-2)

Why do I have a feeling that New York is going to lay a fat egg one week after putting on a virtuoso performance? Because that's how this team seems to work best.

Redskins over Giants

Baltimore (5-1) at Houston (5-1)

I'm willing to bet Houston is one ticked off team. Could Baltimore's timing, with their latest rash of injuries, be any worse? Good thing they have the greatest quarterback in the NFL on their roster.

Texans over Ravens

Green Bay (3-3) at St. Louis (3-3)

Now, can Green Bay continue this new found dominance? I vote yes.

Packers over Rams

Arizona (4-2) at Minnesota (4-2)

Have you seen the quarterback situation in Arizona? Yikes. Here's the perfect opportunity for Minnesota to wash the taste of RGIII's cleats out of their mouth.

Vikings over Cardinals

Tennessee (2-4) at Buffalo (3-3)

Buffalo needed overtime to defeat a team with a crappy offensive line, no running backs and a revolving door of ineptitude at quarterback. Let's just say they don't thrill me.

Titans over Bills

New York Jets (3-3) at New England (3-3)

Mark Sanchez had his stave-off-Tebow-for-a-few-more-weeks game. With his starting job once again secure, it's back to mediocrity! And just in time to face the ticked off Patriots too!

Patriots over Jets

Jacksonville (1-4) at Oakland (1-4)

Oh good gravy, like anyone cares.

Raiders over Jaguars

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

Yeah, I said Pittsburgh stinks. But that doesn't mean I don't believe they can turn it around. Now, I'm off to find some windmills.

Steelers over Bengals

Monday

Detroit (2-3) at Chicago (4-1)

I wonder that the Chicago defense can get up to with a week to rest and heal.

Bears over Lions

Thursday

Tampa Bay at Minnesota

Oh, heck. I suppose let's go with the team that doesn't have to travel.

Vikings over Buccaneers

The Crystal Ball 2012 Week 6

Ok, I don't want to keep mining the same well, but this one is too good, I can't believe I didn't think of it before. So, allow me just one more Peyton commercial idea....

Olive Garden - He could bring in Archie and Eli and maybe even Cooper, the Manning family answer to Chuck Cunningham (star points if you get that reference). And hello, more noodle arm jokes. Eli holds up a fork full of spaghetti and says, hey Peyton, this looks like your arm in pre-game warm-ups! Peyton then grabs a breadstick and throws it at Eli, but the breadstick falls short, landing in a bowl of tomato bisque and splashing Archie. As they all laugh, the narrator throws out, at Olive Garden, when you're here you're family. Bingo. There's your CLIO Award.

Opening Kickoff

Hmm, well the referee situation has been corrected, Drew Brees has another NFL record. What possibly could occur now to keep the media obsessing? I got it. With one big win, we're now officially overdue for the coronation and overhyping of Andrew Luck.

The Way It Was

I got home from the Steeler game around 6:45 Sunday evening and turned on what was left of the Broncos/Patriots game. In the 1+ quarter of the game I did manage to catch, was nauseous from the constant fawning, attention and accolades ladled upon Brady and Manning. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms seem to be having some sort of competition as to who could suck up the most. Personally, I hope this is the last time these two play each other in this contrived-by-the-NFL rivalry. Because if its the end, then I won't have to hear about HOW THE NEXT GAME COULD BE THE LAST TIME. Was I watching a football game, or an overly dramatic romance movie on lifetime about the unfortunate parting of two long distance lovers?

Well, how about the Colts stunning the Packers. Huh, good thing Bruce Arians didn't "retire" for long. The only problem I had with the win was now we will hear constantly about how Luck is on his way to being next Manning. ugh.

Boy, for as much as the NFL loathes the Saints right now, it sure looked like they wanted to make sure they won the game in which Drew Brees broke Unitas' record. The calls against San Diego during their last drive couldn't have been more ticky tack if they were covered in Stick'um.

Denver ball, 4th-and-1 at the New England 47 a quick Manning toss McGahee in the right flat, who promptly muffs the catch and the Broncos turn over the ball. Who do you think Peyton missed more right then, Dallas Clark or Joseph Addai?

The Redskins cut kicker Billy Cundiff. Man, miss one kick in the AFC Championship game, and its all downhill from there.

RGIII took a wicked hit and left the game with a mild concussion. Yes, I know, funny how they can describe brain trauma as mild. Anyway, it makes me wonder. Does anyone else ever think certain head coaches, specifically Andy Reid and Ron Rivera, are going to get their athletic, running quarterbacks killed before they figure out best how to deploy them? I do, and I think now we can add Shanahan to that mix.

Roger Goodell, after reviewing all the evidence again, reissued the punishments in the BountyGate case. While like many I just feel fatigued of all of this, I am extremely intrigued still to see what happens with Jonathan Vilma's defamation case. Now there's where the real drama, and precedent, for the future lies.

Former Detroit Lion, actor, broadcaster, and all around renaissance man Alex Karras passed away this week. He had to have one of the most interesting lives related to professional sports. I'd say if everyone strived to accomplish and experience half of what Mr. Karras did, this would be one fascinating planet.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 16 - Eagles 14

Nice win, way too sloppy, entirely too many penalties, but a win is a win. Although if I see another annoying performance by Willie Colon (5 holding calls, 4 accepted) I'm gonna smack him upside his head.

Although the loss of Woodley and Polamalu will be painful. But at least James Harrison looked good in his return.

Oh, and attention Ryan Mundy. You now have a reputation. Yes your hit was clean, but if there's any doubt, officials will error on the side of you taking a penalty. I know it will seem next to impossible, but you have to find a way to make cleaner hits and tackles, or you are going to get tagged for a personal foul every game.

Steelers 23 - Titans 26

It's official. Pittsburgh stinks. If you're a fan like me, it's already a long season and only going to get longer. Just wait until we face a few good teams. Ugh.

All I heard all week from every media outlet and every person on the street was how terribly crappy the Titans were. Their offense was anemic, and now led by Matt Hasselbeck who couldn't run for 5 yards in 5 minutes. Their defense was a sieve who had averaged giving up 36 points a game, which the vaunted Pittsburgh passing game would exploit. And yet, we lost. The humiliation is palpable. But as we all know, if you let a bad team hang around, they will find a way to beat you. If you doubt this, see Steelers vs. Raiders, 2012 or Titans vs. Lions, 2012. And now, see Steelers vs. Titans, 2012.

I cannot wrap my head around how crappy Pittsburgh looked in this game. Let's look at it this way.

What I liked:

            The Big Play - Ben's bomb to Mike Wallace was long overdue. The only problem was it put the defense back on the field too soon. That and they only ran it once. Most likely because Wallace would have just muffed the catch.

            Record breaking - Big Ben passed Terry Bradshaw to become the all time Steelers passing yards leader. It's a shame he did it in yet another losing cause.

            Heath Miller - That catch on Pittsburgh's last drive was insane. It wasn't that it was just a one handed catch, which by itself is impressive. It was that he caught the ball by the end of it. How hard is that? Level of difficulty: 11.

And that's it.

What I didn't like:

            Keenan Lewis - Strutting around after making one tackle - You're supposed to do that moron. Cover a receiver! How many times did you get burned Keenan?

            Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace, Drew Butler, Isaac Redman (retroactively) - It's called ball security. Learn it you clowns. Hey, here's a thought. How about starting to act like you've been there before instead of celebrating like an 8th grader at his first dance after every pedestrian play.

            Injuries - Really, now Pouncey, Redman, Mendenhall, Clark and Gilbert?

            Attitude - The entire first half the team had a lackadaisical look like all they needed to do was show up, and it's a win in the bank. Guess what? Tennessee had a different idea.

            Dick LeBeau - Dick, I know you run the zone coverage to limit the big play. But when your defense is getting nickel and dimed to death down the field for drives of 16 plays and 80+ yards and the opponent, in this case the horrific Titans who may never win ANOTHER GAME, this season, and still they manage to score a touchdown, perhaps it's time to try something else.

            Bubble screen - Come on Todd Haley, no one liked it, nor did it work, when Bruce Arians ran it. Why keep going to a dry well?

            Cee-Lo Green - Ok, this had nothing to do with the game, but damn, I just cannot stand that crap he's selling.

            Penalties - This is getting out of control.

            Defense - WRAP YOUR ARMS. I know you guys know how to tackle. How about you prove it to me. Also, way to make Chris Johnson look like a real running back again. Plus, congratulations on reviving Matt Hasselbeck's career and making him look 8 years younger. You'd think he hit the Fountain of Youth before the game.

            Kickoff team - seriously, how is a runner coming from 8 yards deep in his own end zone consistently getting out past the 20?

            Brad Nessler - Did you learn the pronunciation, or names, of any of the Steelers players before the game?

            Blaming Suisham - I know he missed that last kick. But it was 2 yards beyond his career long, which he matched earlier in the game. If this offense with it's high powered receiving corps cannot get closer than 54 yards from a field goal, then the blame should be laid at their feet, not Shaun Suisham. His kick may have been short, but at least it was on target.

And you thought the loss to the Raiders was humiliating. It's gonna be a long season, and now, I'm openly wondering if we'll make the 600 win plateau. I know it's early, and there's lots of season left. But with how busy life is,

It may be time to detach. I cannot take yet another crappy Pirates season, which at one point held such long awaited hope, followed by a crappy Steelers season without a soon-to-be cancelled Penguins season to balance it out. My brain, and emotions, need a break.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Unemployed receiver Terrell Owens tweeted for the Jets to call his agent during New York's Monday Night Football game. T.O., Tebow, New York....Oh my goodness. This is like a tabloid come to life. What do I need to do, as a football fan, to make this train wreck a reality?

Redskins defensive end Adam Carriker lost a bet with wrestler Bill Goldberg, so Carriker had to dress up as a wrestler. I don't know, from the picture, Carriker doesn't look all that upset at paying off his debt.

A group of Chiefs fans paid to have a banner flyover the stadium prior to kickoff. The banner called for GM Scott Pioli to be fired and Matt Cassel to be benched. The KC natives are beyond restless.

Buccaneer head coach Greg Schiano's son has been suspended for the season in High School football. The younger Schiano swore at a referee during a game, and the punishment in Florida for such behavior is an automatic 6 game suspension. I guess bad sportsmanship runs in the family

I found this hilarious link on the front page of NFL.com on\Monday.

'Coaches Show': Arians needs balance

Balance, that made me laugh out loud. Isn't a lack of balance why he "retired" from Pittsburgh?

Upon Further Review

I have a question for Roger Goodell. How is making teams play consecutive games in 4 days helping player safety? Did you watch the Steelers/Titans tilt Thursday night? Players from both teams were dropping like flies.

This is actually a growing point of contention with more than a few observers of the NFL. There is a growing cadre of journalists that have started banging the drum of hypocrisy at the NFL, openly questioning how a league can be concerned about player safety yet sending teams out to play on three days rest with barely a time to heal nagging injuries. Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette penned this commentary on the practice, which was published on Thursday. Considering the content, and the injuries the Steelers suffered later in the evening, Collier has either a well-timed article or the ability to see into the future. If it's the latter, Gene, quick, what are next week's lottery numbers?

But I'm nothing if not pragmatic, and a fan of more football, so I will take a different route. The NFL wants Thursday Night Football. The players, fans, media and other assorted groups want improved safety conditions. Everyone relax, I have a solution.

As the NFL schedules it's annual London tilt, both teams that play in merry old England are given a bye week after the trip to help combat the travel, game, exhaustion and other logistics of playing overseas. Why not apply the same rules to Thursday night scheduling?

Teams can only be eligible to play on Thursday if they' were on a bye the previous week. It would work like this. Let's use a recent week for example. In Week 4, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis had the bye, the first one of the season. Since they were off on the Sunday of Week 4, they would be eligible kick off Week 5 on Thursday night. Then neither team would be required to play again until the Sunday of Week 6. So their schedules would be:

Week 3 - Sunday Game

Week 4 - Bye

Week 5 - Thursday Game

Week 6 - Sunday Game

No, it wouldn't be two full weeks between games, as bye weeks typically award. But it would keep teams from having to stack games 4 days apart and create an increased risk of injury. Considering how many players went out of the game injured Thursday night, I'm imagining Pittsburgh would be the first one to sign up for this plan.

And yes, unless we start bye weeks right away, most likely Week 2 through Week 4 would be without Thursday night games. But isn't part of the fun of getting something you really want the anticipation?

This plan can appease everyone. The players get a little extra rest and don't have to plow through 2 games in 4 days. Yet they still would be playing only 2 games in a three week period. Goodell gets to keep making extra money while still pretending he gives a crap about the safety of the players. The media get another game to cover, and the time to find something new to complain about. And as fans, we get to keep having ridiculous amounts of football each week.

Now was that so hard?

He Said He Said

“That has been an issue with Willie at times, in terms of over-aggression,” Tomlin said. “But I’d rather say ‘Whoa’ than ‘Sic ‘em.’ ” - Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on guard Willie Colon and  his repeated holding penalties

Hey Mike, it's time to say Whoa.

"A little sprinkle of Tebow. That's pretty much what we are expecting." - Colts defensive end Cory Redding

Well, as the song says, just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in a most delightful way.

"Ray Lewis, who really got pushed around by the Chiefs. That weight loss looks like it's hurting him a lot. He just isn't a factor against the run the way he used to be." - Si.com's Peter King

I'm glad I'm not t he only one who can see it. Although I'm probably enjoying it more than most.

"I'm just not someone to tolerate Pulp Fiction." - Rams COO Kevin Demoff, on fainting during a staff meeting while hearing details regarding receiver Danny Amendola's impending surgery

I don't consider myself overly squeamish, but I'm with Demoff here. If I had to hear in detail about how Amendola's clavicle popped inward, was close to his heart and the surgery would be risky and how the surgeon would go about...Ok, just giving the highlights is making me queasy.

"It's kind of nice to stick it in Bill's face every once in a while. So this is definitely a good one." - Patriots receiver Wes Welker

Oh I don't care whether it was a joke or not. I still found it funny hearing a Patriot stick it to Belichick.

"When you cheer someone getting knocked out ... it's sickening. It's 100 percent sickening. I've been in some rough times on some rough teams, and I've never been more embarrassed in my life to play football than in that moment right there ... We're not gladiators. This is not the Roman Coliseum. It is not OK. It is not OK." - Chiefs tackle Eric Winston on Chiefs fans cheering Matt Cassel getting injured.

You stay classy, Kansas City

"You know, I don't feel so sick right now." - Colts head coach Chuck Pagano when the game ball was delivered to him by owner Jim Irsay

A few more of those will go a long way to help the healing. A positive attitude always helps the body.

"If I were you, I would learn how to be a little bit nicer. I know you don't care and nor do I care if I ever sit down and do an interview with you -- which I have yet to do. Maybe there's a reason for that. I like everybody. I'd like to like you but right now I don't like you. Grow up, young man." - Terry Bradshaw on Jay Cutler during the FOX pregame show Sunday

Ooooooooh BURN! Ha ha ha. I love it. Sic 'em Terry!

Idiot of the Week

Obviously, the award goes to a small group of select Chiefs fans for cheering when quarterback Matt Cassel was injured.

I know, easy target. And more than a few people have stood on their soapboxes to chastise the disgruntled fans letting their frustrations out in unproductive ways. Not that I blame them. The Chiefs are a mess right now, their upper management is screwed up, their ownership seems hands off at best, and their coaching staff are inept and bumbling. Unfortunately, this is not a new situation for Chiefs fans. And it's hard to blame them for letting their frustrations bubble over.

But come on guys, you're better than that. We as fans are better than that. At least I hope we are. Don't cheer when a player gets hurt. I know you're ticked off and want something to change. But be better than the lowest common denominator. Be creative, like the fans who hired the plane before the game. That's thinking outside the box. Try other things to get ownership to notice they have a problem. Dress in the visiting teams colors. Stage a walk in, and by that I mean everyone hang out in the parking lots and tailgate through the first quarter., When the team has been forced to be seen on television with a mostly empty stadium, then enter to watch the game. Think of this kind of thing. Turn that frustration into a positive.

By cheering when a player gets hurt, your own player of whom you're incredibly disappointed, you prove that you are no better than Philadelphia fans, and for that you are all idiots.

An alternate idiot crown is awarded to Eagles defensive back Kurt Coleman. During Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, Coleman jumped up and landed, spikes first, on center Maurkice Pouncey's back and ripped off Antonio Brown's shoe off after tackle and threw it out of bounds, forcing Brown to sit out a play. Nothing like acting like a child during the game. Come on Coleman, there's no way these tactics will work. If they did, I'd be encouraging Ike Taylor to try them.

On Tap This Week

Ok, it's been so brutal lately, I'm afraid to look.

Last week: 9-4

Thursday: 0-1

Season to Date: 40-38

Wow, look at that! A good showing, and I'm finally back in the plus column for wins and losses. Hey, let's say we screw it up by making some wacky picks right out of left field? Yeah? Ok then let's do it!

Sitting at home, three teams with quarterbacks trying to figure out how they can get themselves traded to the fourth team….

Carolina, Chicago, Jacksonville, New Orleans

Sunday

Kansas City (1-4) at Tampa Bay (1-3)

So far, it would seem the Patriots West experiment is going poorly.

Buccaneers over Chiefs

Dallas (2-2) at Baltimore (4-1)

I think it's time, well overdue actually, for everyone to see that Baltimore's defense is a shell of it's former self and can be exploited. And what better team to do it than Dallas coming off a bye and feeling like they have to prove something.

Cowboys over Ravens

St. Louis (3-2) at Miami (2-3)

Ok, I've seen enough to say, I'm intrigued by Miami.

Dolphins over Rams

Oakland (1-3) at Atlanta (5-0)

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Falcons over Raiders

Detroit (1-3) at Philadelphia (3-2)

Call it overconfidence for what a bye week can do.

Lions over Eagles

Cincinnati (3-2) at Cleveland (0-5)

I'm probably going to pay for this dearly. But I think this might be time for the Browns to finally get a win. I'm already regretting this....

Browns over Bengals

Indianapolis (2-2) at New York Jets (2-3)

I'm not sure if I believe more in the inspired Indianapolis team or I believe less in Rex Ryan's charges.

Colts over Jets

Buffalo (2-3) at Arizona (4-1)

Yes, there are some obvious smoke and mirrors in Arizona, but Buffalo doesn't even have those.

Cardinals over Bills

New England (3-2) at Seattle (3-2)

Home field advantage my fanny. You think Belichick gives a crap about that?

Patriots over Seahawks

New York Giants (3-2) at San Francisco (4-1)

Oh my goodness, it's the meaningless NFC Championship game rematch! Don't you just love how they make such a big deal about nothing? Well, 49er fans, you'll get your meaningless moral victory.

49ers over Giants

Minnesota (4-1) at Washington (2-3)

Minnesota still has my attention.

Vikings over Redskins

Green Bay (2-3) at Houston (5-0)

This is Green Bay's season. They lose, and it's all over. They get lucky since Brian Cushing is out for the season, and I think they have the stones to stand up and make it happen.

Packers over Texans

Monday

Denver (2-3) at San Diego (3-2)

This game will decide who's more overrated.

Chargers over Broncos

Thursday

Seattle at San Francisco

Barring something crazy....

49ers over Seahawks