The Crystal Ball 2012 Week 10

Well, so much for the Redskin Rule. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that once again, Dan Snyder's charges let down a portion of NFL fans.

Opening Kickoff

Who says the NFC is stronger than the AFC? Last time I checked, Pittsburgh is a sweet 3-0 against NFC competition this season.

The Way It Was

Did you see Chuck Pagano's post game speech to his team after the Colts win? I feel for Chuck, since he finally got his shot as a head coach, and then gets pummeled with leukemia. But that man is a fighter, and his speech was inspiring. On three, one...two....three.....CHUCK!

In other heart warming news, Pagano's leukemia has been diagnosed as in remission. Good luck Chuck!

in remission

So let's add this up. Pittsburgh is resurgent, a team on the rise heading toward a post season berth. Indianapolis is the feel good story of the year, with interim head coach Bruce "Retired from Pittsburgh" Arians leading the Colts to a 5-1 record as head coach. Yeah, this is heading toward an AFC Divisional Round playoff matchup.

Peyton Manning, doing his best Jerry Seinfeld impression......:"Newman!"

Doug Martin. Beast extraordinaire. Holy crap 25 carries for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns and 4 receptions for 21 yards. Just...wow...

Did anyone in the new Oakland regime teach the basic skill of stopping the run? They did? It didn't look like it.

Does Baltimore ever play a good team? Of course, I mean other than Houston.

Do you think that perhaps instead of firing Juan Castillo, Andy Reid should have moved him to a job where he could do some good, as say the offensive line coach?

Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel fired Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and named Gary Gibbs defensive coordinator. I doubt this will help.

See Jerry Jones? You can fire yourself from a position at which you are incompetent. Yes, there will be more on this later.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 24 - Giants 20

That was the final score, and it was never that close. A true dominating performance by the boys in Black and Gold, on the road and facing uphill battles in travel arrangements, hostile crowds and inept officiating. Yet despite that, they overcame each challenge and came out as victors.

See Seattle? A good team overcomes bad officiating to win. Now get over Super Bowl XL.

The special teams were for once, truly special with big returns and bigger stops. The defense was stifling, especially in the 4th quarter against a team that excels in the final period. Pittsburgh's defense held New York to a total of -18 yards in the final 15 minutes. That's astounding.

The offense was a perfect mix of run and pass, with Ben running a finely tuned machine and yet another running back breaking off a 100 yard game. The only complaint, which is barely even a complaint, is it's ok to take a deep shot now and again. Todd, incorporate a few deep passes and the offense is perfect.

And finally, I'm starting to see national attention for Roethlisberger. ESPN has pulled out an old SportsCenter add with a young Big Ben and has thrown it into heavy rotation. No, it's not as funny as the John Clayton one, but still. And Foxsports.com columnist Jason Whitlock said this:

Big Ben is my favorite NFL player. He’s the modern-day John Elway. Roethlisberger is never going to put up Peyton Manning-like stats. But Roethlisberger is a winner. His willingness and ability to hang in the pocket, move around in the pocket and deliver the ball downfield is unmatched.

Pittsburgh’s more conservative, dink-and-dunk offense has Big Ben on pace for the best season of his illustrious career. He’s completing 67 percent of his passes and has thrown just four interceptions.

There are a lot of good candidates for MVP – Peyton Manning, JJ Watt, Matt Ryan. Let’s add Big Ben to the list of contenders. In my opinion, he’s leading the best team in football.

I love it.

A few weeks ago, this team looked left for dead, and I, like many fans, shamefully were ranting and raving and ready to throw in the towel. Oh we of waning faith. I was wrong, and fully admit it. You would think that by now, after watching this team that's so well run, I should know better. I do, but I forgot. Well, no more. No matter what, I'm not getting up from my seat on the bandwagon again. Now, if they blow another winnable game or two, I still reserve the right to complain to the high heavens.

In other news, the NFL fined the Steelers for Emmanuel Sanders' faking an injury. I don't know why they'd fine him, that was a convincing acting job. If anything, they should nominate him for an Emmy.

Win Watch: By demolishing the defending champs, Pittsburgh increased it's season's victory total to 5, and it's overall victory total to 596, 4 shy of 600. The remaining 4 will come fast and furious.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Any fans of The Walking Dead out there? You may recognize a future zombie, by way of the NFL and Dancing With The Stars.

In a recent poll, Rex Ryan was named the NFL's most overrated coach. I wonder how many Jets participated in the survey.

Titans owner Bud Adams put his team on notice. Has anyone ever fired an entire team midseason?

Referee Tony Corrente was busted swearing at his officiating crew on television. What's the big deal? I guarantee at least 90% of all NFL fans swear at the officials every week.

Fox Sports broadcaster Terry Bradshaw made a ridiculous comment during highlight plays, saying Dolphins running back Reggie Bush was "chasing that bucket of chicken that the wind was blowing the other day." The comment only seemed to make sense to Terry and Jimmy Johnson, so I'm guessing Terry is so dumb, he couldn't spell chicken if you spotted him the chick and the n.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft and a few players Skyped with an astronaut this week. Dang it, I knew you got to do cool things as a professional athlete, getting to talk with astronauts in space! My inner nerd is uber jealous!

Upon Further Review

"Well, I think so."

That was the response Dallas owner Jerry Jones gave to Bob Costas when Costas asked him if Jerry Jones the owner would have fired Jerry Jones the general manager by now.

Jones further clarified his statement, saying that the way he's set up the Cowboys, firing himself as GM is not an option, and he would always be in charge of personnel. He went further saying this has how it's always been, and it worked out during the three Super Bowl wins. Everyone knows that's a load of bumpkis, and former coach Jimmy Johnson agreed.

Johnson then retorted in the press, saying that he was in charge of all football decisions during that time and his player evaluation is what built the Cowboys dynasty, not Jones'.

Jones' massive ego is what keeps his football team nothing more than a mediocre squad consistently underperforming. He hated that Jimmy Johnson got all the credit for restoring the Cowboys to glory. That's why they fought so much and why Johnson was eventually dismissed. Johnson built such a powerful team, it managed to win a Super Bowl with Barry Switzer at the helm.

Jones has never let a head coach come into Dallas since Johnson with the same amount of power and sway over the football team. He refuses to hire anyone who would have any kind of real power, or for that matter backbone enough to stand up to Jones when the owner/GM is doing things wrong. Sure, you could argue that Bill Parcells would negate that theory, but if anything he reinforces it. By the time Parcells took the head coaching job, it was obvious he was merely a name looking for a paycheck. He was never his fiery self there and the results showed on the field.

Jerry Jones wants the credit. His ego demands it. And it's not like he doesn't deserve it. You don't become a billionaire by being timid and gracious. Jones has done wonders to the Cowboy franchise, raising it's name recognition, making it a world wide brand, increasing it's value exponentially and building a modern marvel of a stadium that rivals any sporting venue on Earth. As a business man, he has few equals.

But he doesn't know football as well as he believes, and that inability to admit this has cost the Cowboys playoff berths and winning seasons for years now, and with his defiant statement that he will always be general manager it will continue to cost them for years to come. If you doubt this, just look at Oakland who has been worse than mediocre for years due to Al Davis playing dictator over team operations.

I bring his up as a warning to Sean Payton. The Saints head coach had his contract invalidated by the NFL and with Payton's contract ending after this season, rumors have abounded that he may sign a contract to coach the Cowboys.

I know Payton has strong ties to the Cowboys and Dallas, and he owes the Saints nothing. But if I were him, I'd think this through several times before committing to Jerry World. The NFL is littered with stories of coaches failing when they return to their roots, and a micromanaging owner like Jones would make success that much harder to come by. If he does take the job, Payton could turn out to be the exception of coaches that proves the rule. And perhaps his ego is big enough to take on Jones'. But whatever his decision, he should keep in mind that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. The question is, how green is the money?

He Said He Said

"This is a Steeler offense I've seen so many games, watching them". - CBS color analyst Phil Simms

Excellent analysis there, Phil.

“We had a lot of NFL superstar millionaires sleeping on the floor, with rolled-up shirts as pillows, but football is football. Put the ball down on grass, and we’ll play.” - Steelers linebacker Larry Foote on Pittsburgh's odd game day travel schedule

If that's what it takes for the Steelers to dominate a game so thoroughly, then perhaps we need to have more same game day travel schedules.

“This game is important to me, but after what we went through … it will always be second or third in my life. That was a great lesson learned, to teach me that family — when I’m done playing football — my family will always be there for me.’’ - Bears defensive back Charles Tillman on his decision to miss Sunday's game if his wife should go into labor

I'm not sure why there's even a discussion about this. Kudos to Mr. Tillman for putting true priorities first. This is how a role model acts.

"I didn't ask for an explanation. I can't figure out some of this stuff now. I just tried to move on as best I can, because that's what our guys need to do.'' - Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on the officiating in the Steelers/Giants tilt

I'm still waiting for an explanation.

"We were grossly outcoached and outplayed from start to finish today." - Titans owner Bud Adams on Tennessee's comedy of errors against Chicago

It was pretty gross from what I saw.

"I've never been more insulted in the NFL until today. The Redskins schedule us for their HOMECOMING game! This isn't college." - Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams on his Facebook page before the Panthers/Redskins tilt.

I think, maybe, Carolina was a bit fired up for the game.

“When you lose a game like that, now you’re playing to see who, obviously, is going to be on your football team for years to come. Now we get a chance to evaluate players and see where we’re at.” - Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2012 Washington Redskins!

“My dad many years ago started to sit beside Wellington at league meetings, and that continues today. We go to a league meeting, you sit with the Giants and you compare notes on things. It’s been a great relationship and something that’s a special part of being in the National Football League.” - Steelers owner Art Rooney II

Is it any wonder that the Steelers and Giants are two of the classiest and most successful organizations in the NFL?

“Oh-(for)-five in the red zone, seven sacks and your tackling is terrible, you’re going to struggle to win football games in this league. As coaches and players, we’ve obviously got to do a better job and that starts with me." - Eagles head coach Andy Reid

Ok, let's take odds on Reid's job security, who gives it more than two more games?

Idiot of the Week

Oh do I love weeks like this. It's almost like people jockey to grab the title of idiot. Let's run down the nominees.

Referee Bill Leavy - Ok, I know he screwed up Super Bowl XL, and admitted to it. But I have to ask, was he trying to make up for that debacle by creating a new one? Apparently, the Tuck Rule only applies to Tom Brady.

Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan - His post game comments indicated he was bagging the rest of this season. Then he immediately backtracks. I guess he doesn't realize that people don't buy tickets if they know the team will no longer be in contention for the post season.

Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio - He made ridiculous comments regarding Bears defensive back Charles Tillman's decision to prioritize family over football, basically stating that Tillman's choice is wrong and as a professional football player he should put his team first. Considering how often we demonize professional athletes for their selfish behavior, why would someone put down an athlete for setting a good, and appropriate, example? Plus, please show me an industry that demands their employees come to work when their spouse is about to deliver a child? Oh yeah right, there ISN'T one. Honestly, if this were a normal week, Florio would win hands down for being such a massive douchebag. And to be honest, from a personal standpoint from here on out I will question every piece of football information I hear from Florio since now I know how out of whack his priorities are.

But this isn't a normal week. This week I want to take a moment to recognize some tremendous people, specifically the 2012 Indianapolis Colts. This team, expected to do nothing, has been playing their butts off and has achieved a 6-3 record thus far, a fantastic accomplishment considering they were expected to fail. An eclectic mix of veterans and rookies, the team has bonded over their respect and concern over their rookie head coach Chuck Pagano, who early in the season was diagnosed with leukemia.

The team led by rookie quarterback Andrew Luck who leads like a 10 year veteran, in support of their stricken coach, has shaved their heads. No matter your favorite team or your allegiances, you just feel good watching this season unfold in Indianapolis. So to all of you in the Colts organization, I tip my hat to you. You are all winners.

On Tap This Week

I owned this week, it was mine to win. Then Mike Shanahan was outcoached by a 1-6 team. Stupid Redskins.

Last week: 11-2

Thursday: 1-0

Season to Date: 81-52

That's ok. The renaissance continues.

Sitting at home, evaluating 2013 and beyond….

Arizona, Cleveland, Green Bay, Washington

Sunday

San Diego (4-4) at Tampa Bay (4-4)

Let's see, Norv Turner, on the road. Nah.

Buccaneers over Chargers

Tennessee (3-6) at Miami (4-4)

Boy did Bud Adams have a fit about his team losing to Chicago. I'm sure he's not going to like this week either.

Dolphins over Titans

Buffalo (3-5) at New England (5-3)

Gee, I wonder what Tom Brady will do to Buffalo after having a week off.

Patriots over Bills

Oakland (3-5) at Baltimore (6-2)

Well, if you can't beat a mediocre Tampa Bay team at home, let's say I have my doubts winning in Baltimore.

Ravens over Raiders

Denver (5-3) at Carolina (2-6)

The Peyton Manning love story continues.

Broncos over Panthers

New York Giants (6-3) at Cincinnati (3-5)

Something tells me New York will play a wee bit better this week.

Giants over Bengals

Detroit (4-4) at Minnesota (5-4)

Detroit should give Minnesota a friendly wave as they speed past them in the standings. You know, just to be polite.

Lions over Vikings

Atlanta (8-0) at New Orleans (3-5)

Ok, I know, this will seem foolish, and I'll probably feel the bigger fool afterward. But I just have a feeling this is the week Mercury Morris gets to pop champagne.

Saints over Falcons

New York Jets (3-5) at Seattle (5-4)

Come on Rex, when will it be Tebow Time? We've waited long enough!!! Tebooooooowwww!

Seahawks over Jets

Dallas (3-5) at Philadelphia (3-5)

This game will come down to one factor, who mismanages the clock worse, Reid or Garrett? I'm going with Reid, he has more practice at it.

Cowboys over Eagles

St. Louis (3-5) at San Francisco (6-2)

A quiet buzz and a San Francisco win.

49ers over Rams

Houston (7-1) at Chicago (7-1)

Now Charles Tillman insists he'll play since the baby isn't due until Monday. Yeah, babies are notorious for being on time. In actual game news, well you saw what another NFC North opponent did to Houston on its own field. Draw your conclusions from that.

Bears over Texans

Monday

Kansas City (1-7) at Pittsburgh (5-3)

While he says this game is no different or important than any other game, you just know there's a part of Todd Haley that wants to stick it to Kansas City. Personally, I hope he sticks it to them huge, which would set the table for salivating Pittsburgh fans and next week's big showdown. It's starting to feel like football season.

Steelers over Chiefs

Thursday

Miami at Buffalo

Even if Miami wasn't having such a good year, you think Buffalo would be able to keep up?

Dolphins over Bills