The Crystal Ball 2012 Week 9

Thoughts and prayers go out to all of those still digging out from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. I have just one question, from a sports standpoint. While I'm sure the game will provide a needed distraction, was it a good idea to keep the Steelers/Giants game in New Jersey, and not move the location, when so many people in that area are still without power or even basic essentials?

Opening Kickoff

The NFL Network since Monday has plugged relentlessly the most exciting quarterback matchup of the week. That's right, Cam Newton vs. RGIII. Come on NFL, these two guys have a combined record of 4-11. You do know that Eli vs. Big Ben, who have a COMBINED 4 Super Bowl rings, are facing off in New Jersey, right? Cripes, if it were Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady, we'd be so fatigued by the hype it would feel like election coverage. But Peyton's little brother vs. that guy from the evil Steelers, you know, the two guys from the same draft class who each have more rings than Manning, let's not talk about that. Yeesh.

The Way It Was

Norv. Turner. Sucks. You can't muster more than two measly field goals against Cleveland? If Chargers GM A.J. Smith has any hope of saving his job, he had best fire Turner before the end of the season.

I guess that Matt Hasselbeck magic ran out.

I was under the impression Seattle had a stout defense, yet they couldn't hold a 4th quarter lead. Playoff team my fat fanny.

The week after the Eagles fired Juan Castillo, they gave up the most points in any game so far this season. On the plus side, at least Michael Vick didn't turn the ball over.

Note to Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell: With less than a minute to go, the Dallas offense is only going to throw the ball to one of two places, either the sideline or the end zone. Why weren't those two areas better defended? If not for Dez Bryant's errant fingers, that would have been a loss.

Hey Todd Haley, did you watch the Giants/Cowboys game? That defense can be had. Please plan accordingly.

Wow, Tony Romo, 4 picks. He's as elite as Joe Flacco. Dallas committed a total of 6 turnovers. Think about this, if that team played more fundamental football, this game is not even close enough for it to matter that Bryant's hand is out of bounds.

Ok, I don't think this can be said enough. Peyton Manning, seriously, get a better fitting helmet.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 27 - Redskins 12

Opening night of Shawshank The Musical was a rousing success!

The game was a complete effort from every aspect. The defense contained the run, allowing the Redskins to run a total of 88 yards, and RGIII's scrambling ability. The secondary limited the pass well, causing the Redskins to drop a total of 9 passes.

The offense was effective and efficient, with Roethlisberger throwing for 3 touchdowns and Jonathon Dwyer running for over 100 yards.

One correction, Dick LeBeau is now 15-1 against rookie quarterbacks since becoming Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator in 2004. I mistakenly said he would be 14-1 with a Pittsburgh victory.

I loved watching Gregg Easterbrook of ESPN's theory of Cold Coach Wins come into play. Mike Tomlin coached the game in nothing heavier than a sweatshirt while Mike Shanahan was bundled up for an arctic expedition. Before the opening kickoff I knew who would win. Thanks Mr. Easterbrook.

And speaking of Shanahan, he auditioned to be Idiot of the Week when he sent RGIII out for a pass. Not only did Griffin not make the catch, unsurprisingly he got pasted by Ryan Clark. Hey Mike, the kid's already had one concussion. Do you want him to retire before he hits 25? Maybe not send your franchise quarterback through a hard hitting secondary.

Win Watch: Thanks to this burgeoning winning streak, Pittsburgh increased it's season's victory total to 4, and it's overall victory total to 595, 5 shy of 600. The turn around is here.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

Chiefs fans are organized and mobilized to take back their franchise. Cowboy and Charger fans, take note.

Peyton Manning is feeling his oats on the field. He is off the field as well, purchasing 21 Papa John's franchises in the Denver area. I bet now he won't be so quick to give away pizzas. I wonder if he'll add pasta to the menu.

The Baltimore Ravens, always sticklers for details, accidently sent their game plan to Dennis Pitta, the college professor, and not Dennis Pitta, their tight end. Did anyone think to make sure the email address ended in @ravens.com?

Reggie Bush called out the Jets, saying they laid down in their matchup against Miami. How could you tell?

When old Cleveland Municipal Stadium was razed, the city used the rubble to create some man made reefs in Lake Erie. Nothing special there, this happens often, many times with old decommissioned ships. However, Hurricane Sandy whipped up the weather to the point where the lake regurgitated pieces of the old stadium this week. How soon before someone starts putting this stuff on eBay?

Super Bowl XX MVP Richard Dent blamed Mike Ditka for the Bears failing to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Richard, you have to let these things go eventually.

Have you heard of the Redskins Rule? The Redskins rule, applicable during presidential elections years, is a predictor of who will win the election. If the Redskins win their last home game before the election, the incumbent candidate will win. If the Redskins lose, the challenger will capture the presidency. Think this is bogus? The rule has accurately predicted the election results an astounding 17 out of 18 elections. If I may make a suggestion, once we see the results of Washington's game today, can we pull the plug on all political advertisements two days early? Please?

Upon Further Review

Patriots owner Robert Kraft, flush from the excitement generated by his team pasting the Rams, stated it's time for the NFL to have a London franchise. London mayor Boris Johnson stated he thinks the Olympic Stadium would make a perfect new home for an NFL franchise. Everyone is all abuzz and ready for the NFL to take up permanent residence in jolly old England.

But, I wonder, if it is time for the NFL to make the international leap. Did no one notice the huge swaths of empty seats at Wembley Stadium? Or the overall lack of knowledge of the game itself? Some Rams players met with some kids, showing them how to play the game. Take a look at these telling quotes.

"It was surprising just how little they knew about our game. Some of the kids, it was the first time they'd ever seen an American football." - Rams quarterback Sam Bradford

"And they're like — they have this puzzled look on their face. They don't even know what to ask after that." - Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis when asked what position he plays

Does that sound like a populace clamoring for more NFL football? When the NFL first started their annual adventure across the pond, a regular season NFL game was a new treat. British fans looked upon it as a rarity, something special, like perhaps a comet. But with each passing year, and more games played, this rare delicacy becomes less unique, more like the annual visit from a traveling carnival. Sure, it's still fun, but if they miss the show its no great loss because it'll be back again next year. If they have 8 games a year, how much will interest wane once the initial excitement passes?

If the demand is truly there, then sure, go for it. Why not? Many companies look to expand their customer base overseas. But honestly, at least from casual observation the demand doesn't seem to exist. And based on the Rams' comments, it's not an interest being nurtured from a young age, when sports take hold of people. You cannot force a product on someone that has no interest. Why do you think soccer is not bigger here? Oh, it's made tremendous inroads, and there are now more kids interested than ever before. But even should their interest continue into adulthood, it's still 15-20 years before a true explosion of interest.

The day may come when British sports fans grow up with NFL football, and develop a desire for a team of their own. But despite the protestations of the NFL power brokers, now may not be that time. Perhaps more inroads are needed to make the NFL a bigger presence in British culture. May I suggest perhaps a cameo appearance by Peyton Manning on Dr. Who? Or Tom Brady hitting the track on Top Gear. That ought to get the ball rolling in making the UK love American Football.

He Said He Said

“Generally, umm, if the other team is able to score, you know, that puts you down.” - Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel after Kansas City's loss to Oakland

The first step is always identifying the problem.

"The little Nutcracker dude, guarding the house, the palace. I like how he just sits there and stays still. It's pretty cool.” – Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski on his London touchdown dance

It must be fun to be a clueless douchebag.

"I didn't lose my composure. I just called him a punk, and that's exactly what he is." - Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie on Reggie Bush

Well, Antonio, that punk's team won the game, and his team is also above you in the standings. Who's the punk now?

"I just think he gives us the best chance to win. That's my opinion, and it's the only one that matters." - Jets coach Rex Ryan on keeping Mark Sanchez as the starting quarterback

Whatever you say, big guy. If I may make a suggestion; it's time to update your resume.

"Seriously, NFL: We know why you do these throwback uniforms. (Throwup, in this case.) You want fans to go buy another type of Steelers jersey for the holidays. That's what this about. And I defy you to find one self-respecting Steeler fan who would be caught dead in those mustard-and-mud striped jobs with the stupid numbers." - Si.com's Peter King

I couldn't agree more! Although I hate to tell Peter this, but there are some jagoffs who have purchased those jerseys. Why, I'll never understand.

“I think it's just a lot of gobble, gobble, turkey. Just gobble, gobble, funk-jive turkey gobblers.” - 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh on talk that Alex Smith has a fragile psyche

Now, who's surprised that Jim Harbaugh speaks fluent turkey.

"I hope we get some holding calls because they have gotten away with murder. They've done a very good job protecting Ben, they don't hold on every play. But we've seen a whole lot of it." - Giants defensive end Justin Tuck on the Steelers offensive line

Guess who just stepped up to be this week's winner of......

Idiot of the Week

Well, this week I figured this was a lock on Sunday. DeAngelo Hall pretty much nailed it with his profanity laced performance in going after an official during the Redskins/Steelers tilt. I mean, having your team assessed multiple penalties and getting thrown out of the game in one fell swoop is impressive. But sorry DeAngelo, you're a loser again because you have been upstaged.

Justin Tuck of the New York Giants complained in the press this week that the Steelers offensive line gets away with holding, and that he hopes the referees are watching more closely.

Wait, is he serious? Does he really think the Steelers offensive line gets away with holding? Has he ever met Willie "10 yards for holding" Colon? The only penalty Willie likes more is false starts. If Pittsburgh were really getting away with something, Willie would never be called.

I'd take this more seriously if the Giants weren't complaining about holding just two weeks ago, when Kevin Gilbride complained about Justin Smith of the 49ers holding. Apparently, The Giants this year are big on bitching about things.

Come now Justin, there is holding by offensive AND defensive lineman on EVERY SINGLE PLAY. It's a reality of which you should be intimately aware. Most players hide it well. That's how they get away with it.

So Justin, for making an absurd allegation, accusing officials of failing to do their job, forgetting a key part of your own job, and pathetically trying to politick in the press to get favorable calls for your own team instead of just playing the game, you are an idiot.

On Tap This Week

Don't call it a comeback...

Last week: 10-3

Thursday: 1-0

Season to Date: 69-50

Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good upping my performance over the last few weeks. But that self satisfaction is tempered when I check the pool and see that the Lady K won her second week of the season.

Sitting at home, thinking of fish and chips and Tebow….

New England, New York Jets, San Francisco, St. Louis

Sunday

Miami (4-3) at Indianapolis (4-3)

It's bizarre, Robert Griffin III has commercial endorsements, the hot topic of conversation on every sports talk show, shows up in magazine after magazine, yet has only managed to guide his team thus far to a 3-5 record. Yet Andrew Luck, the man taken ahead of RGIII in the draft, never seems to garner even the slightest attention from any media outlet and has quietly led his team to a 4-3 record. Go figure.

Colts over Dolphins

Buffalo (3-4) at Houston (6-1)

I'm curious as to the reaction Mario Williams will get upon his return to Houston. Will there be a polite applause, as a thank you for his years with the team, boos, since he left for the big pay day, ore a loud ear-shattering cheer because he left and cleared the way for J.J. Watt.

Texans over Bills

Arizona (4-4) at Green Bay (5-3)

Ok, was I having a weird dream, or was Arizona really 4-0 at one point this season? They were? Really? Weird.

Packers over Cardinals

Baltimore (5-2) at Cleveland (2-6)

Oh I'll be rooting for Cleveland to continue their winning streak, but how can they going up against an elite quarterback like Joe Flacco?

Ravens over Browns

Chicago (6-1) at Tennessee (3-5)

Do you think Richard Dent blames Ditka for Jay Cutler's surly attitude?

Bears over Titans

Carolina (1-6) at Washington (3-5)

Cam vs. RGIII! Feel the excitement! I wonder how closely Mitt Romney and Barack Obama will be watching this game.

Redskins over Panthers

Denver (4-3) at Cincinnati (3-4)

Two teams on very different season trajectories.

Broncos over Bengals

Detroit (3-4) at Jacksonville (1-6)

Maybe Jacksonville should have pulled the trigger on a Tebow deal. It couldn't have hurt.

Lions over Jaguars

Minnesota (5-3) at Seattle (4-4)

Yeah, let's just say I am not sold on the feel good story of the 2012 Minnesota Vikings.

Seahawks over Vikings

Tampa Bay (3-4) at Oakland (3-4)

I'm not convinced either team is very good, but I'll give Oakland a chance thanks to home field advantage. It'll be their revenge for Super Bowl XVXVII.

Raiders over Buccaneers

Pittsburgh (4-3) at New York Giants (6-2)

Due to power outages, Pittsburgh will not be staying overnight in Jersey, but flying in the morning of the game and flying out the same day. Once again, maybe moving the game elsewhere might have been a prudent idea.

Steelers over Giants

Dallas (3-4) at Atlanta (7-0)

How many interceptions can Tony Romo throw this week?

Falcons over Cowboys

Monday

Philadelphia (3-4) at New Orleans (2-5)

Yeesh, the team with no defense or the team with the turnover problem.

Saints over Eagles

Thursday

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

Give me Andrew Luck on the road. He's on his way to doing something the almighty Peyton Manning couldn't; lead his team to the playoffs in his rookie year.

Colts over Jaguars