Those who know me know that my favorite sport is professional football (NFL, not UFL), and that my favorite time of year is when the playoffs begin. Well boys and girls, the playoffs begin later today, so consider me a HAPPY MAN! We are officially 29 days away from the Super Bowl, and judging by most of the playoff teams, we should get a good one this year (except if somehow there is a Chiefs vs. Seahawks matchup). That being said, the twelve remaining teams have a long journey to navigate if they expect to be playing in the castle that Jerry built in 29 days. That journey begins today, and I will do my best to guide you there, beginning with my PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS (WEEK 1 EDITION).
If you aren’t scared, feel free to add yours in the comment section below this entry.
Girlfriend/Wife Special (Saints at Seahawks) – Ladies, if you want to spend time with your boyfriend/husband on Saturday, feel free to occupy their time until 8pm. That is when the playoffs officially begin. Although they may try to tell you (as I will my wife) that the 4:30 pm game is important also. If they do, feel free to call them a liar. I know that Seattle is one of the toughest places to play a road game in the NFL, but this might be the most lopsided playoff game in recent memory. I am giving the Seahawks NO CHANCE in this game, and it won’t even be close. As a matter of fact, I think the Saints went up by a touchdown as soon as their plane touched down in Seattle.
My Prediction: Saints 31 – Seahawks 10
Front Row vs. Back Row (Jets at Colts) – This matchup reminds me of high school. We will get a chance to see a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game, when the kids who always sat in the front of the classroom (Colts led by Peyton Manning) will face off against the dumb loudmouth disruptive kids that sat in the back of the class (Jets led by Rex Ryan). That being said, it should be a highly entertaining and well played game. This game will be a true test of wills between the Colts (peaking at the right time) offense and the Jets (not as good as they think they are) defense. This one will be close and a lot of fun, so fellas, put your foot down and make sure that your lady knows that 8pm Saturday night is football time. If you end up watching The Notebook instead of this game, scan you man card into your computer and email it to me at the address shown at the top of this page.
My Prediction: Colts 24 – Jets 20
Thunder vs. Lightning (Ravens at Chiefs) – What happens when the league’s best rush offense plays host to the league’s fifth-best run defense in a playoff game? I don’t know thE answer to that question right now, but I will know after the 1pm game on Sunday. This game will be strength versus strength, because the Ravens’ hard hitting defense (thunder) simply don’t let you run the ball, while Kansas City’s offense (lightning) lives by the running game. As I see it, the only way to beat the Ravens is to exploit their below average corners in the passing game (but throw at your own risk because Reed is back behind those weak corners). However, I doubt that Kansas City’s 30th ranked passing game will be able to accomplish this feat. Although Kansas City is another ridiculously difficult place to play on the road, I think that the Ravens’ been here before attitude and road warrior mentality (they are 6 – 3 on the road in the playoffs since 2000) will overpower the young, inexperienced Chiefs who will be playing their first playoff game since 2006.
My Prediction: Ravens 21 – Chiefs 10
WHY DID THEY HAVE TO PLAY IN THE FIRST ROUND?! (Packers at Eagles) – Whether my prediction for this game is right or wrong, I feel as though the winner of this game will be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. That being said, I must admit that this is the hardest game of the weekend to pick (and the reason that I am writing this blog entry so darn late). As a matter of fact, I came extremely close to not picking this game, and just saying that it was too difficult to choose a winner. For those reading this who know me personally, you know that is simply not my style. To pick this game, I had to look beyond the superficial Vick vs. Rodgers talk, and really dive into the match-ups. This is where I discovered my pick to win this game. While both teams will certainly light up the scoreboard, because there will be big play threats all over the field in Vick, Jackson, Maclin, and McCoy for the Eagles and Rodgers, Jennings, and Driver for the Packers, the difference in this game lies on the defensive side of the football. Although, the Eagles defense is a pretty good unit and has played extremely well at times this season, in my opinion the Packers defense is much better. Although Vick has proven time and time again that he can be unstoppable, the Packers defense has as good a chance as any to prevent him from scoring on every possession. He definitely won’t look like he did against Washington in that video game played earlier this season. The bottom line is that the offensive skill players in the game are ridiculous and the quarterbacks are two of the best in the business. However, I like Aaron Rodgers against the Eagles defense slightly better than I like Vick against the likes of Clay Mathews, Charles Woodson, and Nick Collins. Don’t miss this one, it will be a shootout. If you are a fan of Big 10 football and enjoy watching three yards and a cloud of dust, this is not the game for you.
My Prediction: Packers 38 – Eagles 35
Tune in next week for PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS (WEEK 2)….
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Sunday, January 4, 2009
SAN DIEGO WE MAY HAVE A PROBLEM!
I would like to start by thanking the National Football League for a very exciting weekend of football. The NFL postseason is the best in all of sports. It’s better than the NBA (too many teams make the playoffs), College Football (the bowl system is stupid and absolutely sucks), Major League Baseball (just plain boring), and the National Hockey League (does that league still exist?). The only sport whose postseason comes close to the excitement of the NFL’s is college basketball. Although March Madness is awesome, I still think that the NFL system is the best. That may simply be because I like the NFL better than I like college basketball.
While watching the Chargers and the Colts playoff game last night (an excellent football game by the way), I couldn’t help but notice how Darren Sproles completely took over the game and beat the Colts virtually single-handedly. He had 328 all-purpose yards (total rushing, recieving, and return yards). This made me wonder how AJ Smith (the Chargers General Manager) is going to handle the running back situation next season. This will have to be addressed because Darren Sproles is in a contract year, which means that he will be a free-agent when their playoff run ends. The knock on Sproles has always been that he is too small to be a feature back in the NFL. He made the league as a kick-returner, and has proven that he is so much more. Although, we don’t know if his diminutive frame (he is listed at 5’6” & 181 lbs.) can hold up for a full sixteen games schedule of 20 carries per game, he showed us last night that he is tough enough to be a feature back in spots when called upon and possibly a starter in a two back system.
This poses and interesting dilemma for the Chargers, who brilliantly drafted him in the fourth round on the 2005 NFL draft (you remember that stellar draft, THE GREAT Alex Smith was the 1st overall pick). He made a little over $1.1 million this season and will definitely be getting a raise this off-season. The Chargers on the other hand are reliving the Michael Turner situation of a year ago. Turner was a great backup to LaDanian Tomlinson for four seasons. Once he became a free-agent, the Chargers had no choice but to let him go because it didn’t make any sense for them to pay a backup running back starting running back money, especially when he is playing behind the great LaDanian Tomlinson. It seemed to be an easy decision in the case of Turner. However, the Sproles decision will be a much tougher one to make. For starters, he is a GREAT return man on special teams. He is also a GREAT third down back. On top of all of that, he has also proven to be a good every down running back. Not to mention the unmentionable question that is in the back of the mind of the members of the Chargers front office as well as all Charger fans. That question is, HOW MUCH DOES LADANIEN TOMLINSON HAVE LEFT IN THE TANK?
I am in no way questioning Tomlinson’s ability because he still had over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, but I am questioning his durability. For the second straight year, Tomlinson has been essentially ineffective in a playoff game due to injury. This basically shows that the wear and tear that he endures year in and year out takes a toll on his body. Come playoff time, he just doesn’t have anything left. The point of this entry is not to question Tomlinson’s toughness, because he is very tough. He has taken a pounding in his eight year career (over 2,600 regular season carries) and is arguably the best back in the league during that time and is in the conversation when discussing the best running backs ever. We must remember that he is fast approaching the “magical” running back age of 30. All football fans know, that once a running back turns 30 years old his career usually begins to take a nose-dive. Although there are some exceptions, Tomlinson is appearing to be the rule and not one of the rare exceptions.
I don’t know how much longer Tomlinson plans to play, but it seems as though it is time for the Chargers to implement a full-time two-back system. This will keep Tomlinson fresh for the playoffs. Tomlinson has been a workhorse his entire career and probably wouldn’t be thrilled with the prospect of splitting carries, but he must realize that it is best for him long-term and will allow him to actually be on the field when the games really count. If the Chargers elect to go in this direction, only one question remains. Is Darren Sproles the 2 in a potential Tomlinson-Sproles 1-2 punch? I’m sure they would love for him to be, but his play (especially Saturday night) has all but assured that they will have to over-pay to keep him because he will have plenty of suitors.
There are those who believe that it is possible for Tomlinson to join the long list of running backs who have retired earlier than expected. I have no idea if there is any truth to that, but if there is, the Chargers better make sure they have a suitable replacement. There is a chance that Sproles could be that guy or at least a part of the tandem that is that guy. If they think that he is, they will have to pay dearly.
To sum it all up, Sproles just made himself a lot of STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!!!! on Saturday night.
****ON A TOTALLY DIFFERENT NOTE****
I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND THE MIAMI DOLPHINS and the fans of those teams. What they did this season was truly remarkable. There isn't a person on this planet that thought they would have a combined total of 11 wins this season, and they EACH MANAGED TO WIN 11 GAMES!!!! I know that there are no moral victories in the NFL, but each of these teams had seasons to be proud of and that will be remembered for a long time.
To the fans of those teams, DON'T HANG YOUR HEADS BECAUSE OF THE PLAYOFF LOSS. It was a great season. Enjoy it and look forward to next year. YOU GOTTA LOVE THE NFL!!!!
While watching the Chargers and the Colts playoff game last night (an excellent football game by the way), I couldn’t help but notice how Darren Sproles completely took over the game and beat the Colts virtually single-handedly. He had 328 all-purpose yards (total rushing, recieving, and return yards). This made me wonder how AJ Smith (the Chargers General Manager) is going to handle the running back situation next season. This will have to be addressed because Darren Sproles is in a contract year, which means that he will be a free-agent when their playoff run ends. The knock on Sproles has always been that he is too small to be a feature back in the NFL. He made the league as a kick-returner, and has proven that he is so much more. Although, we don’t know if his diminutive frame (he is listed at 5’6” & 181 lbs.) can hold up for a full sixteen games schedule of 20 carries per game, he showed us last night that he is tough enough to be a feature back in spots when called upon and possibly a starter in a two back system.
This poses and interesting dilemma for the Chargers, who brilliantly drafted him in the fourth round on the 2005 NFL draft (you remember that stellar draft, THE GREAT Alex Smith was the 1st overall pick). He made a little over $1.1 million this season and will definitely be getting a raise this off-season. The Chargers on the other hand are reliving the Michael Turner situation of a year ago. Turner was a great backup to LaDanian Tomlinson for four seasons. Once he became a free-agent, the Chargers had no choice but to let him go because it didn’t make any sense for them to pay a backup running back starting running back money, especially when he is playing behind the great LaDanian Tomlinson. It seemed to be an easy decision in the case of Turner. However, the Sproles decision will be a much tougher one to make. For starters, he is a GREAT return man on special teams. He is also a GREAT third down back. On top of all of that, he has also proven to be a good every down running back. Not to mention the unmentionable question that is in the back of the mind of the members of the Chargers front office as well as all Charger fans. That question is, HOW MUCH DOES LADANIEN TOMLINSON HAVE LEFT IN THE TANK?
I am in no way questioning Tomlinson’s ability because he still had over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, but I am questioning his durability. For the second straight year, Tomlinson has been essentially ineffective in a playoff game due to injury. This basically shows that the wear and tear that he endures year in and year out takes a toll on his body. Come playoff time, he just doesn’t have anything left. The point of this entry is not to question Tomlinson’s toughness, because he is very tough. He has taken a pounding in his eight year career (over 2,600 regular season carries) and is arguably the best back in the league during that time and is in the conversation when discussing the best running backs ever. We must remember that he is fast approaching the “magical” running back age of 30. All football fans know, that once a running back turns 30 years old his career usually begins to take a nose-dive. Although there are some exceptions, Tomlinson is appearing to be the rule and not one of the rare exceptions.
I don’t know how much longer Tomlinson plans to play, but it seems as though it is time for the Chargers to implement a full-time two-back system. This will keep Tomlinson fresh for the playoffs. Tomlinson has been a workhorse his entire career and probably wouldn’t be thrilled with the prospect of splitting carries, but he must realize that it is best for him long-term and will allow him to actually be on the field when the games really count. If the Chargers elect to go in this direction, only one question remains. Is Darren Sproles the 2 in a potential Tomlinson-Sproles 1-2 punch? I’m sure they would love for him to be, but his play (especially Saturday night) has all but assured that they will have to over-pay to keep him because he will have plenty of suitors.
There are those who believe that it is possible for Tomlinson to join the long list of running backs who have retired earlier than expected. I have no idea if there is any truth to that, but if there is, the Chargers better make sure they have a suitable replacement. There is a chance that Sproles could be that guy or at least a part of the tandem that is that guy. If they think that he is, they will have to pay dearly.
To sum it all up, Sproles just made himself a lot of STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!!!! on Saturday night.
****ON A TOTALLY DIFFERENT NOTE****
I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND THE MIAMI DOLPHINS and the fans of those teams. What they did this season was truly remarkable. There isn't a person on this planet that thought they would have a combined total of 11 wins this season, and they EACH MANAGED TO WIN 11 GAMES!!!! I know that there are no moral victories in the NFL, but each of these teams had seasons to be proud of and that will be remembered for a long time.
To the fans of those teams, DON'T HANG YOUR HEADS BECAUSE OF THE PLAYOFF LOSS. It was a great season. Enjoy it and look forward to next year. YOU GOTTA LOVE THE NFL!!!!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
THEY AIN'T DEAD
Imagine this, it is 2nd and 4 and you are a defensive coordinator. On the other side of the line of scrimmage you see Tony Romo in the shotgun flanked by Marion “the Barbarian” Barber and Felix “Catch me if you can” Jones. You immediately start to scratch your head wondering how you are going to stop these two. Then you notice that Terrell Owens (whom I hate) and Roy Williams are lined up at wide receiver. That causes even more concern, but just when you think you know what defense to call to stop them you take another look from the booth and notice that Jason Whitten is flanked out on the side with Roy Williams. At that moment you realize that you are facing your worst nightmare and that you just wet your pants. So Mr. Coordinator, what do you call? Do you double T.O. and leave Whitten and Williams one-on-one on the other side (with a linebacker or safety covering Whitten)? Do you put eight in the box and play the receivers one on one? Do you play Cover 2 and give Barber and Jones all kind of running lanes? What do you do?
This is the problem that the Dallas Cowboys will pose to all defensive coordinators when they get their full complement of skill players healthy. There is no doubt that the Dallas Cowboys are struggling. There are many causes, but no excuses for their current struggles. They are currently dealing with the consequences of making a deal with the devil and signing Pacman Jones. The real T.O. is starting to rear his ugly head, and they have been ravaged by injuries to such players as Tony Romo, Felix Jones, Roy Williams, and Terrance Newman. Looking at their current situation, plenty of people have decided to jump off of their bandwagon and leave them for dead. There are some people that I know that are saying things like they are not going to make the playoffs. Prior to the start of the season, they were my pick to be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Although their recent struggles have puzzled me, unlike most people, I AM STANDING BY MY PICK! Now don’t get me wrong, I realize that they are not playing up to their potential. There is also a chance that they won’t make it to the Super Bowl. However, saying that they won’t even make the playoffs is absolutely ludicrous. Due to the overwhelming amount of offensive talent on this team I can see them getting everyone healthy and turning it around in time to go on an insane winning streak. When that happens, I don’t want to see anyone trying to jump back on the bandwagon and saying that they knew all along that they would make the playoffs.
I am by no means a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. I am simply looking at the situation as a person that knows a little something about football. Looking at this team objectively, I see a team that has some holes in their defensive secondary. These holes came from injuries to Terrance Newman (one of the best corners in the game) and Roy Williams (although he can’t cover his bed with a blanket, he is a devastating hitter that make receivers think twice about coming across the middle). We can also contribute some of the secondary problems to the Pacman Jones experiment. In case you didn’t hear, he was suspended again. Is anyone surprised? I guess we can now safely say that he wasn’t worth the risk. Their defensive line and linebackers are playing pretty well. They are led by DeMarcus Ware (my pre-season pick to lead the NFL in sacks) who is currently leading the NFL in sacks.
The offense is only being held back by injury. When they get everyone healthy they should be fine. We have not seen this group play together yet and when we do, they will be a treat to see. My real question to all of the naysayers is, ‘Where were you when they started 3 – 0 with three impressive showings?’
Picking the two teams in the pre-season that will play in the Super Bowl is very difficult. If you don’t believe me just think back over the past couple of years. Raise your hand if you picked the Giants to go to the Super Bowl last season, or better yet if you had the Seahawks or Steelers a couple of years ago. So there is a chance that my pick of the Cowboys could prove to be incorrect. But saying that they aren’t making the playoffs is just stupid.
The Cowboys currently have a record of 5-3 and will probably have all their key players healthy a week or two after their bye week. Therefore, we can safely say that the best is yet to come. I’m even going to go as far as to say that they will finish the season with a better record than the Giants, who are the defending Super Bowl Champs and currently leading their division. That being said if you really don’t see this team making the playoffs, please comment and name the six teams in the NFC that will make it over them. Remember your comments will be posted on this blog forever, so think carefully before counting them out and naming your six teams.
Oh, I almost forgot about my original question, ‘What defense would you call?’
I look forward to hearing from all of the doubters.
****COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION DAY****
WE ARE NOW 9 DAYS AWAY FROM ELECTING THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. NOW THAT EVERYONE IS REGISTERED TO VOTE, BE SURE TO GET OFF YOUR BUTTS AND ACTUALLY VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH. SPEAK NOW OR SHUT UP FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS!!!!
This is the problem that the Dallas Cowboys will pose to all defensive coordinators when they get their full complement of skill players healthy. There is no doubt that the Dallas Cowboys are struggling. There are many causes, but no excuses for their current struggles. They are currently dealing with the consequences of making a deal with the devil and signing Pacman Jones. The real T.O. is starting to rear his ugly head, and they have been ravaged by injuries to such players as Tony Romo, Felix Jones, Roy Williams, and Terrance Newman. Looking at their current situation, plenty of people have decided to jump off of their bandwagon and leave them for dead. There are some people that I know that are saying things like they are not going to make the playoffs. Prior to the start of the season, they were my pick to be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Although their recent struggles have puzzled me, unlike most people, I AM STANDING BY MY PICK! Now don’t get me wrong, I realize that they are not playing up to their potential. There is also a chance that they won’t make it to the Super Bowl. However, saying that they won’t even make the playoffs is absolutely ludicrous. Due to the overwhelming amount of offensive talent on this team I can see them getting everyone healthy and turning it around in time to go on an insane winning streak. When that happens, I don’t want to see anyone trying to jump back on the bandwagon and saying that they knew all along that they would make the playoffs.
I am by no means a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. I am simply looking at the situation as a person that knows a little something about football. Looking at this team objectively, I see a team that has some holes in their defensive secondary. These holes came from injuries to Terrance Newman (one of the best corners in the game) and Roy Williams (although he can’t cover his bed with a blanket, he is a devastating hitter that make receivers think twice about coming across the middle). We can also contribute some of the secondary problems to the Pacman Jones experiment. In case you didn’t hear, he was suspended again. Is anyone surprised? I guess we can now safely say that he wasn’t worth the risk. Their defensive line and linebackers are playing pretty well. They are led by DeMarcus Ware (my pre-season pick to lead the NFL in sacks) who is currently leading the NFL in sacks.
The offense is only being held back by injury. When they get everyone healthy they should be fine. We have not seen this group play together yet and when we do, they will be a treat to see. My real question to all of the naysayers is, ‘Where were you when they started 3 – 0 with three impressive showings?’
Picking the two teams in the pre-season that will play in the Super Bowl is very difficult. If you don’t believe me just think back over the past couple of years. Raise your hand if you picked the Giants to go to the Super Bowl last season, or better yet if you had the Seahawks or Steelers a couple of years ago. So there is a chance that my pick of the Cowboys could prove to be incorrect. But saying that they aren’t making the playoffs is just stupid.
The Cowboys currently have a record of 5-3 and will probably have all their key players healthy a week or two after their bye week. Therefore, we can safely say that the best is yet to come. I’m even going to go as far as to say that they will finish the season with a better record than the Giants, who are the defending Super Bowl Champs and currently leading their division. That being said if you really don’t see this team making the playoffs, please comment and name the six teams in the NFC that will make it over them. Remember your comments will be posted on this blog forever, so think carefully before counting them out and naming your six teams.
Oh, I almost forgot about my original question, ‘What defense would you call?’
I look forward to hearing from all of the doubters.
****COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION DAY****
WE ARE NOW 9 DAYS AWAY FROM ELECTING THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. NOW THAT EVERYONE IS REGISTERED TO VOTE, BE SURE TO GET OFF YOUR BUTTS AND ACTUALLY VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH. SPEAK NOW OR SHUT UP FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS!!!!
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