NFC Conference Championship Preview

In the NFC we have the upstart Giants fresh off their beat-down of Green Bay at Lambeau traveling to face the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are playing at a high-level right now and I expect this game to be almost as good as the New Orleans-San Francisco game from last week.

 

Giants Offense vs. 49ers Defense: Eli Manning is playing out of his mind right now (607 yards, 67.7  completion %, 6 touchdowns, 1 interception in the two playoff games this season) and despite the 49ers great run defense (league best 77.3 yards per game) their pass defense is average and with a great QB like Eli that defense becomes even more susceptible. The Giants must be wary, however, of the 49ers great turnover margin. The 49ers rank in the top 10 in both interceptions (23) and forced fumbles (20). Eli must be sure to avoid the turnover issues that can ruin a game for him.

Advantage: Giants Offense

49ers Offense vs. Giants Defense:Alex Smith has had doubters his entire career and throughout this entire season he has been putting them to rest. He had perhaps the best game of his career in his biggest test to date (299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions) and is playing with a lot of confidence right now. The 49ers also have bruising tailback Frank Gore who also had a big day against the Saints (89 yards) despite only carrying the ball 13 times. The battle here will be to see if the 49ers offensive line can stop arguably the best pass rush in the NFL. The cleaner Alex Smith's jersey is the better chance the 49ers have to win. 

Advantage: Despite the Giants shutdown of Green Bay last week, the 49ers Offense is more balanced than the Packers' and is playing their best football of the year right now.

Special Teams: Some of you may remember the last time these two teams met in the playoffs (for those of you who don't: The Giants muffed two snaps on field goals and the 49ers won 39-38). So the game could very well come down to special teams and if it does the 49ers have the edge. David Akers is one of the best kickers in the league and is 7-9 from 50+ this season. The Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes can be clutch (see his game winning kick that sent the Giants to the 2008 Super Bowl) but does not have the consistency to give him the edge over Akers. In the return game there is virtually a wash as the 49ers and Giants rank almost identical in yards allowed.

Advantage: 49ers

Final Score Prediction: San Fran stays hot and moves into the Super Bowl as they best the Giants thanks to great defense and Alex Smith having another great game. 49ers 27-19

NFC East Breakdown?

Here we are half way through the season and its time to discuss who will win the NFC East. For those of you who do not know the current rankings right now have the New York Giants first, the Philadelphia Eagles 2nd, the Dallas Cowboys 3rd and the Washington Redskins last. These current rankings are mildly meaningless because no teams have really hit their in conference games streaks.

New York is at 5-2 and has done it very humbly falling to Seattle and barely coming from behind against a winless Miami Dolphins and a terrible Arizona Cardinals team. You do have to win the games you are supposed to win but the combined record of the teams they have beat are 10-25. The combined record of all 7 teams they have played are 15-34. I have them missing the playoffs though even with their two game lead in the East because of there rough schedule coming up. Their remaining schedule is against teams with a combined record of 39-24. They have 4 NFC East games and also are AT New England, San Fran., New Orleans, Dallas, and the NY Jets. They have the undefeated Packers and a refreshed and motivated Philadelphia Eagles. I would not put too much stock in a team run by the lesser of two Mannings with such hard defenses coming up for the remainder of the season.

Prediction: The Giants will go on a 6 game skid against really the class of the NFL and finish the season 7-9 missing out on the party.

The Philadelphia Eagles are always an interesting team to look at and this has not changed for this season. They started at 1-4 and had nearly resigned to miss the playoffs when they beat Washington holding a 4th point lead for the first time all season and then handily accomplished their first home victory against the rival Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia also has a winnable schdule coming up against cupcakes like Arizona, Seattle and Miami. They also have tougher teams such as Chicago, New England, and the Jets at home which will play into their advantage. They still have to play AT the Giants and Cowboys so we will see how they can finish out. Philadelphia turns the ball over way to much and eventually McCoy's legs will get tired or he will get banged up.

Prediction: Philadelphia will be hard pressed to win more than the next 5 games which will put them at 8-8 and missing the party.

The Dallas Cowboys and the Romo coaster are very erratic. The only solace is that Romo didn't cost Dallas the win the Dallas defense did. The last game against Philadelphia was not a sign that the Rex Ryan defense was gone. They chose the wrong game plan. Dallas may have the easiest remaining schedule in the NFC East. The combined records of the teams left for Dallas is 28-34. With this in mind only and the fact that only Big Red's Eagles have been able to beat Dallas' defense they should be able to win a fair amount to the games remaining. Dallas is pressuring QBs and overall playing great defense.

Predictions: Dallas will win 6 or their remaining 9 games and sneak past Philadelphia to win the NFC East.

The Washington Redskins were fun at the beginning of the year but the are no more smiles in Washington. Washington has lost their last 3 games and is about to get a red hot San Fransisco 49s team who will hand them lose number 4 in a row. This will drop the Redskins to 3-5 and almost completely erasing them from the playoff picture. They have lost Hightower and Cooley and cannot compete on defense like they used to.

Predictions: Washington will make not compete in the playoffs but will change the face of the playoffs. They play NY in week 15 and Phili in week 17. Look for them to dent the Giants and make the last day of the season very scary for Philadelphia.

Week 8 NFL

Here are the picks for the only games that matter on Sundays. Football. Once again the green name is our guest picker of the week.

Marshall: Tennessee over Indianapolis 24-10
Rob: Tennessee over Indianapolis 21-3
Ned: Tennessee over Indianapolis 31-14
Griff: Tennessee over Indianapolis 17-3
-Look for Tennessee to take this game and continue the Colts winless streak.

Marshall: New Orleans over St. Louis 38-10
Rob: New Orleans over St. Louis 48-10
Ned: New Orleans over St. Louis 45-16
Griff: New Orleans over St. Louis 24-7
-New Orleans is coming off an incredible win and will look to continue the domination over a St. Louis team with an identity crisis.

Marshall: NYG over Miami 17-10
Rob: NYG over Miami 24-3
Ned: NYG over Miami 23-10
Griff: NYG over Miami 17-10
-The Giants get Miami at home. They should be able to pull a win out of it but look for this to be a close game.

Marshall: Minnesota over Carolina 24-21
Rob: Minnesota over Carolina 21-20
Ned: Carolina over Minnesota 16-13
Griff: Carolina over Minnesota 20-17
-As bad as these teams are this promises to be a good game. Ponder is searching for his first win and Minnesota is feeling like they can win after their close lose to Green Bay. Cam Newton though is looking to extend his Rookie of the Year candidacy by putting up huge numbers against a bad Vikings secondary.

Marshall: Baltimore over Arizona 24-10
Rob: Arizona over Baltimore 21-17
Ned: Baltimore over Arizona 27-10
Griff: Baltimore over Arizona 17-6
-With Cool Jo on the slump right now this game will be closer than it needs to be put look for Baltimore's run game to put this away late in the 4th.

Marshall: Houston over Jacksonville 24-12
Rob: Houston over Jacksonville 28-10
Ned: Houston over Jacksonville 23-9
Griff: Houston over Jacksonville 24-17
-I would avoid this game. Houston will win a sloppy game here.

Marshall: Buffalo over Washington 24-10
Rob: Buffalo over Washington 28-6
Ned: Buffalo over Washington 23-19
Griff: Buffalo over Washington 14-10
-This game may be fun to watch. Buffalo has a great passing game that Washington will have some trouble with but you never know who is going to play QB for Wash.

Marshall: Detroit over Denver 28-10
Rob: Detroit over Denver 17-10
Ned: Detroit over Denver 21-9
Griff: Denver over Detroit 24-21
-Don't buy into Tebow's win streak. Detroit is too good and will wreak havoc on Tebow.

Marshall: New England over Pittsburgh 35-17
Rob: New England over Pittsburgh 35-28
Ned: New England over Pittsburgh 37-17
Griff: New England over Pittsburgh 17-13
-This game is incredibly over hyped. New England will win this by two scores and the 4th quarter will be desperate attempts of Big Ben trying to score.

Marshall: San Fransisco over Cleveland 31-19
Rob: San Fransisco over Cleveland 21-7
Ned: San Fransisco over Cleveland 22-16
Griff: San Fransisco over Cleveland 30-17
-San Fran is too hot to not beat an ok Cleveland team. Look for San Fran to take this handily.

Marshall: Seattle over Cincinnati 13-12
Rob: Cincinnati over Seattle 21-3
Ned: Cincinnati over Seattle 12-10
Griff: Seattle over Cincinnati 13-10
-Here are two of the worse teams in the league so naturally this will be a great game. Either team can win this so it will be interesting to see who can score last and win the game.

Marshall: Dallas over Philadelphia 31-27
Rob: Philadelphia over Dallas 42-10
Ned: Philadelphia over Dallas 30-26
Griff: Dallas over Philadelphia 27-13
-Probably the best game on the schedule today. Phili has everything to lose and Dallas has everything to prove. Look for a high scoring emotional game. Turnovers decide this one for both teams.

Marshall: San Diego over Kansas City 21-17
Rob: Kansas City over San Diego 14-10
Ned: San Diego over Kansas City 23-16
Griff: Kansas City over San Diego 24-13
-Two teams still trying to prove they belong in playoff talks. High passing offenses coupled with week secondaries.

Sports Redemption. Dr. Rob's Absense

It’s been a while Danger Zone readers. I've been distracted with certain things this week (social life, ladies, high school football, and work). First I’d like to make a shout out to my old HS Football team, the Rockbridge County Wildcats who are having a great season thus far. Keep it up guys. I almost can forget the winless season….ahem.

Beer in the Clubhouse?

Regardless, first off I’d like to address Joe Torre looking into the Red Sox as well as the 12 other teams that allow drinking in clubhouses. First off I want to point out, we, as viewers get to see what happens in clubhouses during baseball games, and by the 5th inning the average American is asleep in his recliner. The fact is, sports celebrations consist of champagne (unless Josh Hamilton is on your team). Regardless, the idea of banning beer in the clubhouse is definitely a stretch, unless it means that Melky Cabrera goes to A-A (never gonna happen). Look, these guys are pitchers; they pitch maybe once, sometimes twice a week. They have days off where they are nice enough to spend with their teams, it would be one thing if Jon Lackey was in the bullpen polishing off a quick game of Edward 40 hands with Buster Posey, but let’s be honest. What goes on behind closed doors is never seen by viewers. I personally believe its unfair to even imagine banning alcohol in the clubhouse. Until we have a situation that involves an intoxicated player, this is an untouchable subject, and if Torre even tip-toes the line of banning beer in clubhouses, I demand Pete Rose get his lifetime ban lifted, because trading one ridiculous thing, for another is only fair.

Occupy Stern Street

Second, I’ve been watching this Occupy Wall Street nonsense, and it’s given me an idea. Despite Brian Gumble’s idea that somehow David Stern is trying to become a modern day plantation owner, actually can someone get Gumble a text book so he can fact check himself into seeing that slaves never got multi-year multi-million dollar contracts. Terrible analogy. If Hank Williams Jr. can compare Obama to Hitler, but Gumble can call Stern a racist in such a sense…Oh never mind I hate mainstream media.

Regardless, why not have a March on David Stern’s office. I want my NBA. I want to see Kobe go for 40, I want to see Dwayne Wade break ankles and have a vicious dunk. I want to see LeBron choke during a big game. Basketball is my favorite sport, and if I don’t see them dribble up and down the court. I will be quite displeased. Greed is a helluva drug.

Tebow: Good or Product of Playing the Dolphins?

Did anyone see Tim Tebow’s start at Miami? During Gator appreciation day, which I’m pretty sure would have jumpstarted anyone’s career, Tebow kind of reopened the idea of a ‘Football Closer’ I want to erase any previous judgments and whatnot’s you have of Tebow for just a moment. We have something in the NFL called ‘3rd Down Running Backs’ such as veteran L.T. for the Jets, Danny Woodhead for the Pats, and Toby Garhart for the Vikings. These are guys that are usually ‘clutch’ in situations, have speed to get out, can run the ball, and catch. I’m not saying these teams don’t have backs that aren’t already good. But look at it, we bring in situation players. So look at it this way, if trailing in the 4th quarter isn’t a situation, then what is. The fact is Tebow isn’t Manning, or Brady, or well Josh Freeman (how many comebacks does that guy have.) but what he showed in Miami has opened the doors to a quiet idea in the NFL. The idea of a Closer. Tebow showed up, and showed why he has talent; the kid has a knack for winning, and his rushing TD. An Audible. He’s a smart, talented, charismatic kid. Maybe he can’t go all 3 quarters, but when it boils down to it. If under center, or shotgun if that kid is winning games in the 4th quarter. What more can you ask for? Needless to say it was against the winless Miami Dolphins (I hope Mercury Jones is crying, I really hate that guy). Regardless, Football Closer just some food for thought.

Player Awards Thus Far

MVP

Can you give the MVP to anyone other than Aaron Rodgers, it seems I can’t watch a Green Bay game, or highlights without someone on ESPN saying, “If you’re a kid wanting to be a Quarterback, watch Rodgers play. He’s playing prototype football.” The fact is, I watched the Green Bay-Minnesota game today, and it looked like Aaron Rodgers was playing Madden 12 on Rookie Difficulty. No hate on the Vikings, because Adrian Peterson is my twin brother, but A-Rodg went 7-7 on an 8 play drive, and each pass completion was to a different receiver. Did your jaw drop yet? No? Alright Nerds let’s look at the stats 17 TD’s to 3 interceptions? How about 2037 yards to week 6? Or, averaging 339.5 yards per game? In the 3 games he threw an interception, he followed up by passing 3+td’s. This guy is playing out of his mind, Favre never had a season like this, Favre was a gunslinger, Rodgers is picking defenses apart with ease. He’s leading the league in passer rating, which I’m sure is just a mathematical magic trick. Rodgers went 24-30 against the Vikings for 3TD’s no INT, and 335 yards. Again Bonkers I say. Give this kid the MVP already.


Defensive Player
My defensive player of the year, is the Vikings Jared Allen. The Rodeo had 2 sacks against the Packers bringing his total on the year to 11.5, Allen is playing out of his mind right now, being one of the lone sparks on a struggling team. I’ve said it a lot in some of my talks with people on how good Jared Allen is, but he’s on pace to break the single season record. Let’s just hope by the time Jay Cutler has to meet the Vikings again, that Allen is healthy and the Bears O-line is still holding a grudge for Cutler not picking up their dinner ticket. (Completely realistic assumption)



Rookie of the Year
If I said anyone other than Cam Newton I deserve to be dragged into the streets and beaten with a stick. This kid in 6 of 7 games has thrown for over 100 yards, and 1,847 passing yards, 207 rushing yards, with 13 total TD’s. The kid is a game changer, and a breath of fresh air for Carolina fans. Right now he’s not winning many games, but the kid is rolling in stats, and is revitalizing Steve Smith’s career. He’s going to put people in seats, and with the right kind of growth, not only as a player, but if the team keeps drafting smart (particular on defense, maybe get him another WR option) Cam Newton has a bright future. He can make any throw, he is athletic as they come, and Tebow needs to drink some of the Newton Gatorade.

Flacco's Performance on MNF

Joe Flacco: The product of a great defense, or the product of poor offensive coaching?
It’s simple to say that the Baltimore Ravens have one of the best defenses in NFL history, anchored by veteran Ray Lewis roaming the middle like a monster. I remember flashing back to a few weeks ago when Terrell Suggs was on ESPN First take, and talked about how much faith they put into Joe “Cool” Flacco. Bringing in one of the best slot receivers in Anquan Bolden, and this year acquiring former Buffalo Bill Lee Evans who has been a stand out on a poor team his entire career. Yet I sit back and wonder why Flacco isn’t a premiere quarterback? He has the weapons from receivers, to a great offensive line, and a great running back in Ray Rice. Yet, I look at his mediocre performances; he never really has a standout game. We can relate him a lot to Mark Sanchez in the sense that a good defense has bailed a QB out of situations, and given them a lot of success. Sanchez has 2 AFL championship appearances under his belt with only being in the league 3 years now.

Joe Cool has thrown for 3,000+ yards twice in his 3 years (obviously not counting this year), he hasn’t thrown more than 12 interceptions in a season, and has 20+ TDs twice (same year as his 3000+ yard seasons.) So I wonder if maybe Flacco is just a bit…mediocre for the hype he receives, the fact is he has the weapons that a lot of QBs could drool over (imagine what Phillip Rivers could do in this situation…) I really enjoy Joe Flacco, I think he is a great QB, but if we look at it…maybe the Ravens need to take a hard look at the way the Steelers do. Run the ball, play great defense, and when you go to, trust your QB’s arm. The fact is I think Harbaugh is trying to MAKE Flacco an elite QB and is having mixed results thus far. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens bring in T.O. after letting Veteran Derrick Mason go, Owens despite his locker room problems, would have a lot of ‘issues’ with his mouth when Ray Lewis is in the locker room. I think Owens would be a great fit in Baltimore, plus it gives Joe Cool another target who still has some talent left in him to squeeze out.

I’m keeping my eye on Joe Flacco, and as much as I want to be sold on him. It’s so damn hard to be.

• Speaking of T.O. here are my top 5 teams to sign him.

1. Ravens. Flacco gets another target, a savvy vet who showed flashes of a good season last year in Cinci, before blowing his knee out.
2. St. Louis. The fact is, Bradford needs help, he needs talent to get the ball out to. T.O may bring baggage with him, but he’s got talent regardless. A 1 year deal can’t hurt them, can it?
3. Patriots. Bill “The Brain” Bellick. That’s all.
4. Minnesota Vikings* okay, this is more of a I want to see the Ponder to T.O. connection, and the first TD Owens hands the ball to McNabb….
5. Washington Redskins. Shanahan just lost Tim Hightower, and Chris Cooley, with the trade deadline passed, I feel like Ol Mikey Mike will be reaching for anything he can get at this point.


Code Red(Skins)
I just addressed in the T.O. think that Hightower who was doing so well, and standout Chris Cooley the target for many years in Washington have both been placed on the I.R. Shanahan has enough trouble reeling from the McNabb trade, on top of the fact that he has two QB’s that he’s started, that would be a third stringer anywhere else in the league. Once was a bright look to a season, comes crashing down in a few short weeks. Sorry Ned.

NFL Week 6 Picks

This is the start of a weekly feature where this blog's author's pick the upcoming slate of NFL games. (Lines reflect the current line on October 13 according to bodog.eu)

San Francisco (4-1) @ Detroit (5-0), 1:00, Line: Detroit + 4.5
In a matchup of surprise teams, the NFC West leading 49ers travel to Ford Field to take on 2011's NFL darlings in a battle for conference supremacy.


Ned: San Francisco 24-20
Marshall: Detroit 21-17
Rob: Detroit 17-14


Carolina (1-4) @ Atlanta (2-3), 1:00, Line: Atlanta + 4.0
The disappointing Falcons host the young Panthers in what should be an interesting game. Atlanta needs to win this game to right their ship and challenge for the NFC South title.

Ned: Atlanta 41-24
Marshall: Atlanta 24-14
Rob: Carolina 21-10



Indianapolis (0-5) @ Cincinnati (3-2), 1:00, Line: Cincinnati + 7.0
The Colts are awful. Plain and simple. But! They have steadily improved from game to game and Cincinnati is not the strongest team, so look for this game to be closer then expected.

Ned: Indianapolis 17-16

Marshall: Cincinnati 13-10

Rob: Cincinnati 13-10

St. Louis (0-4) @ Green Bay (5-0), 1:00, Line: Green Bay + 15.5
The winless Rams head up north to face the undefeated Packers and they're spectacular offense. This game could get very ugly, very fast.

Ned: Green Bay 45-17

Marshall: Green Bay 33-14

Rob: Green Bay 38-10

Buffalo (4-1) @ New York (3-2), 1:00, Line: New York + 3.0
The Bills face in-state foe the Giants in a game that could shape the season for both teams. Both teams need to win this game to stay in the thick of their division races.

Ned: Buffalo 27-20

Marshall: Buffalo 27-21

Rob: Buffalo 24-20

Jacksonville (1-4) @ Pittsburgh (3-2), 1:00, Line: Pittsburgh + 13.0
Pittsburgh and hobbled quarterback Ben Roethlisberger host the stumbling Jaguars in an AFC battle. The Jaguars are not getting much going on offense and the Steelers look to continue that trend.

Ned: Pittsburgh 27-13

Marshall: Pittsburgh 21-6

Rob: Pittsburgh 10-7

Washington (3-1) @ Philadelphia (1-4), 1:00, Line: Washington + 2.0
In a game that will be highly scrutinized both by local media and fans, but the NFL as a whole. Can the "Dream Team" wake up from its nightmare against the division leading Redskins? It will come down to turnovers and the league will watch in earnest.

Ned: Washington 27-20

Marshall: Washington 24-21

Rob:Washington 35-27

Cleveland (2-2) @ Oakland (3-2), 4:05, Line: Oakland + 7.0
The Raiders won an emotional game last week and look to ride the wave to a victory over the bye-week rested Browns. Expect a knock down drag out game

Ned: Oakland 31-16

Marshall: Oakland 24-10

Rob: Oakland 17-14

Houston (3-2) @ Baltimore (3-1), 4:05, Line: Baltimore + 8.0
The Texans stumbled last week and the Ravens are riding high coming out of their bye week. The game will pit the Texans high flying offense against the Ravens stout defense, and the difference could come down to Joe Flacco and the Ravens receivers.

Ned: Baltimore 26-10

Marshall: Baltimore 24-13

Rob: Baltimore 21-17

Dallas (2-2) @ New England (4-1), 4:15, Line: New England + 7.0
In a battle of the two most talked about quarterbacks, the Cowboys head into New England to take on the Patriots and Tom Brady. The Cowboys might have to win this game to stay relevant, but as we know, the Patriots are not a merciful team and want to win this game just as badly.

Ned: New England 45-30

Marshall: Dallas 35-27

Rob: New England 24-3

New Orleans (4-1) @ Tampa Bay (3-2), 4:15, Line: PUSH
In perhaps the game of the week, the New Orleans Saints travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers. These two teams are battling for NFC South supremacy. This late game should be worth it as both offenses are potent and led by exciting quarterbacks.

Ned: New Orleans 40-24

Marshall: New Orleans 27-17

Rob: New Orleans 24-21

Minnesota (1-4) @ Chicago (2-3), 8:20, Line: Chicago + 3.0
The Sunday Night game pits the Bears against the hapless Vikings. The Bears have been playing tough competition all season long and have to watch out for the Vikings, who could pounce on the Bears and emerge victorious

Ned: Chicago 17-10

Marshall: Chicago 21-10

Rob: Minnesota 14-10

Miami (0-4) @ New York (2-3), 8:30 (Monday), Line: New York + 7.0
In the Monday Nigh Football game, the Jets host the Dolphins in the Dolphins' first game without starting quarterback Chad Henne. The Jets hope to feast on the weak Dolphins in order to stay in the AFC East race.

Ned: New York 24-21

Marshall: New York 17-10

Rob: New York 21-10

Week 5 in Review. Dream Team's Nightmare, Super Tebow, and Raiders Remember.

The Vince Young, christened 'Dream Team' has been living a Nightmare as they fall to 1-4 (0-1 in NFC East). After a devastating loss to the Buffalo Bills, on the wake of 5 turnover performance (Vick throwing 4 Interceptions, and Avant losing a Fumble). Vick had called last week, for a 'Gut Check' for his team, leaving Andy Reid and his coaching staff to sit back, and apparently hope for the best. Vick may have turned in one of the more foul performances of his career, the problem has rested on the arms of the defense. Giving up a 4th Qtr lead to 49ers, and then losing to a beatable Giants team.

Problems, in my belief, rest in the idea of the 'Wide 9' defensive scheme that newly instated Juan Castillo (the former Offensive Line Coach for the Eagles). At first, the idea of using our newly acquired Jason Babin, and Cullen Jenkins, paired up with Trent Cole, and Mike Patterson, having the ends going full force, and resuming a hard amount of pressure on the interior. However, as years past the weakness lies in the LB's being weaker, the Wide 9 opens up holes, especially in Zone Running schemes. Rookie LB Casey Matthews playing on the weak side, Fokou playing on the strong side, and Jamar Chaney roaming around the middle. Mostly, the underutilized of huge free agent acquisition of Nmandi Asomugha, putting him on TE in certain coverages, or leaving him in zones. (Note: In the past, Tight Ends were the weak point in the Eagle's defense). However, as a whole the defense seems to lose focus on the 4th qtr, and has trouble tackling throughout the entire game. Now at 1-4, heading to Washington against the huge surprise, division leading Washington Redskins. Vick and the Dream Team, look rebound and go to 1-1 in the Division.

Remember, the Seahawks got into the playoffs at 8-8. Anything's possible.




Tim Tebow gave Merrill Hoge a little something to choke on this weekend, Vs. The San Diego Chargers. Tebow had drawn a lot of attention, becoming a huge fan favorite in the Denver area, to the point where fans were chanting for Tebow, even wanting to put billboards up to get him the starter job. But Tebow wanted it on his own merit, and showed a great amount of brilliance against the Chargers D.

After replacing Kyle Orton, in the 2nd half, Tebow led a comeback charge, after only scoring 10 points in the first half, Tebow rushed for a TD, and passed for a TD, bringing the score to 29-24. In the last seconds, Tebow scrambled, making time, looking for an open player in the end zone. One game is never enough merit to judge anyone by, nor are college accomplishments. Orton is a veteran, who has a heck of an arm, who hasn't really proven his worth. Tebow, the unproven college star finally has a chance to take the starting reigns of the Broncos and show the world that he was worth the 1st round pick. There are a lot of Tebow haters and doubters. Yet, he has so far proven more useful than Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, Akili Smith, or Tim Couch.

Tebow's life could have been easier, without the Bronco's losing star wideout Brandon Marshall under the Josh McDaniel's long era (Sarcasm is fun isn't it?) Yet, Tebow has a lot of heart, and a good amount of talent. So let's see what this Gator can do.


The Oakland Raiders lost the center of their universe Saturday, with the passing of Al Davis. Davis was easily the most involved owner in sports history, he had been at every level of the game, from scout, to assistant coach, head coach, general manager, and was even the Commissioner of the AFL, who made such drastic moves that forced the NFL to buy them out and give us the football league we have today. But nothing was more important to Mr. Davis than his Oakland Raiders. He took a hand in scouting, in drafting players. Each person who has ever worn black and silver, knew their owner, and knew he had brought them here for one purpose. To Win.

Many may have looked at Al Davis, and would have a confused look raise on their brows. However, Davis believed in what he thought was correct, and wouldn't let anyone phase him. He hired the first black head coach in former Raider, Art Shell. He was known from scouting from all black colleges before anyone else. Al Davis wanted a QB who could throw a deep ball, and have receivers fast enough to get under it, which is why he was greatly criticized for putting so much stock in 40-yard dash times.

The day after Al Davis's death, the Raiders took host of the Houston Texans. Missing Andre Johnson, The Texans were having to rely on QB Matt Schaub, and RB Arian Foster. Though despite being beaten in almost every statistical category, The Raiders managed to win one for The Maverick. On the Texan's potential game winning drive, Matt Schaub had led them to the redzone, where it seemed that the emotional victory was just about to be taken away.

Michael Huff begged to differ.

Picking off Schaub's pass in the endzone, Huff sealed the victory for the Oakland Raiders, but more importantly. For his boss, which many of the Raider's players believed hadn't completely left the team in a spiritual sense. The Raiders are now 3-2 for the year, and with heavy hearts and despite that the real nucleus of that team is gone, look for the Raiders to explode and finish this year in the playoffs, and attempting a run at the Superbowl for Al Davis.

"Just Win, Baby."


Monday Night Football: Detroit vs. Chicago

Detroit has started the season off 4-0, behind Matthew Stafford aka "The Infection" and Calvin Johnson Jr. The defensive line, stacked with The Monster, Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley who will receive his first start tonight. Jay Cutler, hopes to remove the monicker of most sacked QB in the NFL, but things aren't looking up with Detroit being an overwhelmingly statistically better defense, and Matthew Stafford is outplaying Cutler thus far in the season.

Detroit 27 Chicago 10

Detroit controls the game in all 4 quarters. Cutler gets knocked out like a Mike Tyson opponent in the mid-90's.

Who Said Life Was Fair?

Lets be honest with each other, there is a disconnect between blame and credit of athletes in modern sports. Some just file it into the category of "Star Players get Star Calls" and the media is to blame but its time to sort everything out. There is an unfair treatment of athletes in getting blame and credit.

Tony Romo: Tony Romo gets blasted, absolutely destroyed by writers and analysts after his 4th quarter collapse in week 1. Before you send in angry emails do not make the argument on whether or not he deserved it. What I want to point out is that in week 2 he punctures a lung and leads a 4th quarter comeback and then in week 3 he hands the Washington Redskins their only loss. Yes, he was not phenomenal but he was good enough to win. All I hear from the same Romo bashers after week 1 is "Oh well its all about Washington's penalties, Jones 125 yards, Ware and Spenser's pressure." NO. If you want to hand out all the blame for 1 bad interception it is also your responsibility to give credit where credit is due.

Aj Burnett: Aj Burnett got the tap on the shoulder to pitch the elimination game 4 against the Detroit Tigers. This sent writers and Yankee fans alike into a frenzy. Headcase has lacked command, velocity, and a cool nerve nearly all year. Aj walked 3 batters in the first inning and gets saved by an incredible Granderson 2 out catch the some have said "saved New York's season." Instead of Aj getting credit for the rest of his game pitched there are anchors that are asking if the credit should go to Aj of Grandy. OF COURSE IT GOES TO AJ! Pitchers occasionally need a fantastic defensive play on a nightly basis. This is understood. Please everyone who pressed the doomsday button when they heard Aj was starting game 4 find a friend and admit to them that he pitched well and deserves credit for that game.

These are not the only two examples of this happening in sports. The media simply needs to learn how to give blame and credit to the same athletes. People are tired of hearing how Brady can do no wrong. I heard anchors trying to justify that all 4 interceptions were someones (not Bradys) fault. Please grow up and sometimes the same athlete can be spectacular and win and then they can implode and lose a game. Learn to divvy up honors and hatred.