Denver’s Josh McDaniels is quickly turning into biggest little fireball head coach the NFL has seen in some time. On Sunday he was busy “owning” the Chargers’ linebackers before a 32-3 loss and yesterday was caught wishing his team a Happy Thanksgiving while mic’d up on the NFL Network. Nice editing job, by the way…

By the way, the Broncos, behind the return of Hall of Fame quarterback Kyle Orton, got back on track with a 26-6 win over the Giants in that motherf—— game. Elsewhere, the Cowboys beat the Raiders 24-7 and the Packers downed the Lions and a poised Matthew Stafford 34-12.

11-27  Update – We’ll update again at 1:06PM after the announcement has been made.

The expected 24-hour extension was granted yesterday, pushing the deadline to 1:05 p.m. today for the Chargers to sell more than 3,000 tickets and get the blackout lifted for the CBS telecast.

Read More…

11-26 Update

By Kevin Acee

Thursday, November 26, 2009 at midnight

SAN DIEGO – Chargers players’ ticket orders were processed yesterday, significantly dropping the number needed to be sold to avoid a local television blackout.

Still, about 3,500 tickets remain for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs to be considered a sellout. If those tickets are not sold by today (or, more likely, tomorrow) at 1:05 p.m., a Chargers regular-season game will not be on local TV for the first time since Nov. 7, 2004.

“Waiting and seeing,” is all Chargers COO Jim Steeg would say yesterday.

Even if the Chargers receive the expected 24-hour extension, likely to be granted due to the Thanksgiving holiday, this is by far the most tickets remaining this late in the week. Steeg estimated there were 1,500 left the Wednesday before the home opener.

In some ways this game was set up to be the biggest draw of the season, as it is a celebration of the team’s all-time 50 greatest players (plus three coaches). Of the 49 living players and coaches, 43 are expected to participate in the pregame ceremony.

Junior Seau (Patriots) and John Carney (Saints) are still playing, Gill Byrd is coaching (Bears) and Rodney Harrison works for NBC on “Sunday Night Football.” Willie Buchanon and Bobby Ross are unable to attend due to personal reasons.

Read The Article

11-25 Update

I just called the Chargers’ ticket office.  No update was available for today yet, but the count at the end of yesterday was around 6,000.  That doesn’t bode well for SD Chargers fans.  I am still holding out hope that the local CBS affiliate will buy up any remaining tickets, but if not; I heard you can watch the Chargers game online at www.chargers.com

11/23 – Update

There are approximately 7,000 seats available for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs Nov. 29th.  This is the first time in a long time the Chargers have faced a legitimate blackout possibility.  The Chiefs are not a good team this year and got destroyed by the Chargers in Kansas City on Oct. 25th.  That being said, neither of these teams are the same now as they were then.  The Chargers were 2-3 last time they played and are now 7-3 after a five game win streak.  The Chiefs released problematic running back, Larry Johnson two weeks ago and just defeated the World Champion Steelers in OT yesterday by a score of 27-24.  I think the Chargers will be heavily favored in this match-up, but there is no predicting what can happen on any given Sunday in the NFL.

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In case you missed it, the Chargers slaughtered the Donkeys and made this Donkey look good.

We are finally back to watching the type of Chargers football we expect to see.  Every year we hear about how “talented this team is”, but we haven’t gotten off to a good start since Schottenheimer left.  Norv Turner finally has this team headed in the right direction before the midway point of this season, which is something he hasn’t been able to do the past two years.

This is fun!  This is the type of football I like to see from the Chargers.  It is such a treat when I don’t feel like tearing my heart out and having a heart attack.  Every team has close games, but the Chargers made every game close last season and its nice to have a few blowouts… especially against AFC West rivals, The Donkeys.

1ST QUARTER
- Chargers (QB)Philip Rivers passes to (WR)Legedu Naanee for TD
- Bengals (QB)Carson Palmer rushes for TD
- Cardinals (QB)Kurt Warner passes to (WR)Anquan Boldin for TD
- Patriots(D/ST) Patriots (CB)Leigh Bodden 53 Yd. Interception Return for TD

2ND QUARTER
- Cardinals (QB)Kurt Warner passes to (WR)Larry Fitzgerald for TD
- Patriots (QB)Tom Brady passes to (WR)Randy Moss for TD
- Bengals (QB)Carson Palmer rushes for TD
- Patriots (RB)Laurence Maroney rushes for TD
- Cardinals (RB)Chris Wells rushes for TD
- Raiders (QB)Bruce Gradkowski passes to (TE)Zach Miller for TD
- Jets(D/ST) Jets (WR)Brad Smith scores TD on blocked punt by (S)Eric Smith

3RD QUARTER
- Chargers (RB)LaDainian Tomlinson rushes for TD
- Jets (QB)Mark Sanchez passes to (WR)Jerricho Cotchery for TD

4TH QUARTER
- Rams (RB)Steven Jackson rushes for TD
- Patriots (RB)Laurence Maroney rushes for TD
- Chargers (FB)Mike Tolbert rushes for TD
- Raiders (QB)Bruce Gradkowski passes to (WR)Louis Murphy for TD

I like football. No, I like football a lot. That being said, I want to run through some of the match-ups for week 11 in the NFL and discuss who I like in each game and why.

Indianapolis @ Baltimore
This is my team(the Colts) going up against the team that has moved into their old house, so to speak. Baltimore was formerly the home for the Colts and, because of this these two teams don’t really get along. I may be somewhat biased, but I cannot understand why the line for this game is Baltimore by 1. Didn’t the colts just beat one of the best teams in the league, and their arch rival, with a 4th quarter comeback for the ages? Aren’t the Colts 9-0? Isn’t Peyton Manning the quarterback for the Colts? What suggests that Baltimore, a team that struggled against the Browns (who failed to score a single point on them after having 2 weeks to prepare for them), has what it takes to take down one of the two undefeated teams in the league? I see the reasoning that it’s “time” for Indy to falter, and they are rather beaten up(especially in their defensive secondary), but Baltimore has not looked like the cinderella team they turned into at the end of the season last year. Their defense has only shown flashes of the greatness they showed last season and they are missing a key defender in Terrell Suggs. That’s not going to cut it against the offense of the Colts and the leadership of the one and only Peyton Manning. If Baltimore is going to stand a chance, they will need to establish the running game behind Ray Rice early in this game and force the Colts to respect the run. That will open up the passing lanes for Joe Flacco to send the ball deep down field. I still have trouble believing the Ravens can win in a shootout with the Colts. If this doesn’t turn into a defensive stalemate, the Colts should come leave Baltimore(and not in the middle of the night this time) with a win. I’m taking the Colts to win in Baltimore. (Go Colts!)

San Francisco @ Green Bay
I’m hoping for a good match-up between these two teams. This may sound like a redundant statement, but the game will most likely fall on the two quarterbacks in this match-up. Aaron Rodgers has been impressive this year, when he has remained vertical. If Green Bay wants to win, the offensive line has to hold up long enough to allow Rodgers to get rid of the ball. All season he has proven that if he has time he can make the play. The problem is that he hasn’t had time, because the offensive line has folded like a wet paper towel.
On the other side, Alex Smith will most likely be the pivotal player for the 49ers. With the Packers only allowing 3.5 yards per carry, the onus will fall on Smith to get this team down field. Frank Gore can help him by gashing the Packers early, forcing them to respect the run and giving Smith an opportunity to get the ball to Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.
The Line on this game is Green Bay by 6 1/2. I’m gonna take the points, and say that San Francisco will make it close if not win outright. (Go 49ers!)

San Diego @ Denver
This game is a conundrum to me. I feel like it depends on which Denver team shows up. If the Broncos from before the Bye week( the team that went 6-0 to start the season) show up, then I don’t think the Chargers can win even with a resurgent LT and a streaking Rivers. That Broncos team was as good as any in the NFL. That said, they lost to the Washington Redskins last week… They have been a different team altogether since the Bye week. As much as I hate to say it, the game really depends on the Broncos and whether or not they decide to show up. Additionally, it doesn’t help that their quarterback, Kyle Orton, may or may not be playing. At the moment, its still undecided if he will start or not. The odds against the Broncos only get longer if Chris Simms starts behind center. This game will be a turning point in the Broncos season. Should they win this, they have a shot at winning the AFC West and making the playoffs. If they drop this one, they may continue their downward spiral and I believe the Chargers will come out of the AFC West.
I’m going to take the Chargers to win this. (There is no line on this game… I don’t know why.) I wouldn’t be surprised, however, if the Broncos come out like gangbusters and end the Chargers surge for the playoffs in Denver.

I could talk about football for hours, especially with some of the good games on the schedule for this weekend. Unfortunately, I can’t waste the entire day. Unfortunately, I have things that need doing. There may be more coverage ( recaps and a look at the Sunday and Monday night games) coming up later. Enjoy!

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I am going to be at the game tomorrow, while I am in Colorado to visit some family and so I will be tweeting live from the game. Until then though, I am going to be breaking down the game for you all. Starting with the story line, here is the Broncos vs Chargers game handbook:

Story Line: Both the Broncos and the Chargers, who are in the same division are 6-3. The Broncos currently have control of the division because we won our last game against the Chargers, but the winner of tomorrows game will take control of the division and put the other team in a very tight spot. Let’s hope it is the Chargers though in the tight spot.

The second story line in tomorrows game, is Eddie Royal and whether he will be able to dominate like he did last time against the San Diego Chargers. Last time he played them. he had two return touchdowns off of both a punt and a kick return. If he can contribute like he did last time, it will make it a lot easier for the Broncos to win. 

Injury Report: 

Oh the big question: Will QB Kyle Orton play? Missing three practices in the Mike Shanahan era meant no chance of playing on Sunday, but it might be different with Josh McDaniels. It also wouldn’t surprise me if McDaniels was exaggerating the extent of the Orton injury in hopes of confusing the Chargers defense. 

Weather Report:

Weather shouldn’t be a factor for the Broncos, but the thin air and the cold temperatures might cause some problems for the weather-spoiled San Diego Chargers. 

Key Question:

Q: Should and will the Broncos play Kyle Orton? 

A: No and no. The Broncos shouldn’t play Kyle Orton, and chances are they won’t. In my opinion a Kyle Orton at only 70% is better than a Chris Simms at 100% but if Kyle Orton is played, we risk having him out for longer. If Josh McDaniels thinks that he can play, he should start him, but if he has any doubts, putting Chris Simms in would be the right move in the long run. Remember, we still have plenty of time left to take back the division even if we lose.

Key Matchups: 

Antonio Gates vs Broncos Linebackers: Last time the Broncos played the Chargers they were manhandled by Antonio Gates. If the Broncos put linebackers on Antonio Gates like they did last time, it should be an interesting matchup to watch. Hopefully, Josh McDaniels and Mike Nolan have Ty Law cover him a good amount of time but there will be situations where we see Antonio Gates going against the Broncos linebacking core. Watch out for it.

Tyler Polumbus vs Shawne Merriman: Tyler Polumbus who has not started many games in his career, will have his handful tomorrow as the Chargers will try to pick on him using Shawne Merriman. Obviously the weaker tackle compared to Clady, Shawne Merriman will blitz that side often especially because it is Chris Simmss’ blindside. 

Prediction: 

Chargers 21, Broncos 17: The Broncos should and might win this one, but since I am wrong almost every week on this prediction, I am going to predict the Chargers in hopes of getting it wrong. So if I am wrong? right?… Let’s just say the Broncos are more than capable of winning this game. 

Power Thursday

Dos semanas de atraso, tantas noticias, alegrías y decepciones que nos hemos perdido de anunciar… pero ahora regresamos para presentar en orden ascendente, desde el mas malo hasta el indiscutible primer lugar de la liga

32. Browns

[1-8] Un equipo espantoso, esta jugando realmente mal y rompiendo records que ningún equipo quiere romper que son las estadísticas negativas

31. Lions

[1-8] Matthew Stafford no esta jugando bien, pero no son graves noticias ya que no esta jugando tan mal y esta aprendiendo y seguramente mejorara para el 2010

30. Rams

[1-8] Pierden a su líder en recepciones por el resto de la temporada gracias a una lesión en la rodilla

29. Buccanners

[1-8] Josh Freeman esta jugando interesante, 1-1 bajo su mando y están anotando puntos… interesante equipo que al parecer esta mejorando un poco

28. Raiders

[2-7] Tom Cable es un desastre, Russell estará iniciando el partido en la banca; cosa que no me agrada en lo absoluto ya que la temporada esta perdida numéricamente hablando cuando vamos a enfrentar a los Bengals y a los Acereros en linea. Así que colocar a alguien que no va a lograr tener un futuro por la edad en esa posición, mejor dejar a Russell para ver si en realidad puede hacer algo, de lo contrario dejarlo hacer algún intercambio con algún equipo y no mas Russell en el equipo, pero sentarlo ahora no me parece correcto… dale la oportunidad de terminar la temporada que ya esta perdida y si mejora su juego se queda, si no se va del equipo. Así de simple

27. Chiefs

[2-7] Arriba de los Raiders gracias a su victoria sobre ellos

26. Bills

[3-6] Otro equipo que no esta jugando a ganar, luchas en la posición de QB que podrían estar volteando los vestidores, cosa que no es anda bueno para ningún equipo

25. Seahawks

[2-5] Julius Jones con dolor de pecho en lugar de una costilla lastimada es buena noticia ya que podrá jugar en las siguientes semanas, y con Haselbeck en los controles este equipo no es tan malo como sus números lo dicen

24. Redskings

[2-4] Después de una sorprendente victoria sobre los Broncos, y si continúan jugando de la forma como jugaron la semana pasada este equipo puede apretar. Las malas noticias es que Portis sigue lesionado y cuando regrese sano sera interesante la combinación de HB’s

23. 49ers

[4-5] Después de una victoria contra los Bears en donde Frank Gore corrió interesante y obviamente cuando el esta este equipo es diferente pero no creo estén a nivel de ganarle a los Cards

22. Jets

[4-5] Una derrota ante unos Jaguares que no fue agradable para ellos, ya que tuvieron oportunidades durante el juego pero las dejaron pasar

21. Bears

[4-5] Jugaron muy aburridamente el jueves pasado anotando solamente 3pts. en todo el partido, donde Cutler es espantoso una semana y juega bien al siguiente… esta matando a este equipo el dejar lanzar a Cutler todas las semanas y no basar su juego en Matt Forte, y aun peor es que se tendrán que enfrentar a las águilas el domingo por la noche

20. Panthers

[4-6] Este equipo esta jugando mucho mejor, DelHome esta logrando lanzar la bola especialmente a Steve Smith y por tierra están 2 monstruos realmente logrando lo necesario y esta noche se enfrentan a Miami en lo que suena un partido muy interesante

19. Titans

[3-6] Un equipo que viene mejorando como me canse de decir, un equipo que no merecía estar 0-6 al igual que Denver no merecía el 6-0. Esta corriendo extremadamente bien  gracias a Chris Johnson y el lunes por la noche habrá trabajo en contra de Houston y Vince Young ha ayudando

18. Packers

[5-4]  Una importante victoria pero aun me preocupa el hecho que no pueden proteger mucho a Rodgers

17. Wild Cats

[4-3] O los Delfines, como a uds. les guste después de una cerrada pero al final victoria en contra de los Bucs, esta noche enfrentan a las panteras y sin R. Brown posiblemente este equipo baje un poco… todo depende de Ricky Williams y sin Brown

16. Jaguars

[5-4] JonesDrew? sera acaso gracias a el? una importante victoria en contra de los Jets y esta semana posiblemente consigan otra victoria en contra de los Bills

15. Texans

[5-4] Salen de una semana libre y enfrentan con demasiado descanso este lunes a los Titanes

14. Ravens

[5-4]  Muy complicada derrota contra los Colts que los siguió afectando en contra de los Browns y posiblemente en contra de un equipo bueno hubieran perdido, así que ojo con este equipo

13. Giants

[5-4] Salen de una semana libre, que esperemos hayan utilizado sabiamente y regresen a la senda del triunfo en un partido que se puede complicar en contra de los Falcons

12. Eagles

[5-4] Derrota dolorosa en contra de San Diego y Westbrook sigue lastimado y no buena noticia en lo absoluto, así que lo importante para este equipo es que Westbrook este sano y que deje de jugar esta campaña posiblemente; ya que en este momento estar sano es mejor que el juego en estos momentos

11. Falcons

[5-4] Están en 11 pero este equipo viene bajando de nivel y tendrán que enfrentarse a unos Gigantes que tienen ganas de regresar a la senda del triunfo. Matt Ryan no esta jugando bien y les dolió la derrota en contra de las panteras y sin Turner corriendo suenan malas noticias

10. Broncos

[6-3] HAHA perdieron en contra de los Redskings, así que los Titanes sin merecer estar 0-6 están 3-6 ahora… y ustedes sin merecer estar 6-0 están ahora 6-3, interesante. De todas formas lo positivo es que su defensa esta aguantando y esta semana tendrán que regresar a la senda de la victoria o dejar de sus propias manos el liderato de la división en un duelo por el mismo en contra de San Diego

9. Cowboys

[6-3] Dolorosa derrota en contra de Rodgers y compañía, un equipo que venia jugando bien y de pronto se acabo la magia en ambos lados del ovoide y tienen un juego para no perderse en contra de los Ravens

8. Chargers

[6-3] Interesante victoria en contra de las águilas y esta semana posiblemente le ganaran a los Broncos para conseguir legítimamente el liderato de la división

7. Cardinals

[6-3] Un equipo que esta mejorando y jugando bien de visitante

6. Steelers

[6-3] Una increíble derrota en contra de los Bengals que terminaron por barrer a este equipo en la temporada, aun que posiblemente tengan una ultima oportunidad para enfrentarlos en los Playoffs

5. Patriots

[6-3] Perdieron pero merecían totalmente la victoria en contra de los Colts, un error “técnico” (cosa extremadamente rara en Nueva Inglaterra) les quito una legitima victoria

4. Bengals

[7-2] Importante victoria en contra de los acereros, Larry Johnson entra a este equipo y con Cedric Benson no creo que fuera necesario pero JJ es muy malo y posiblemente ahora tenga que mejorar ya que en este equipo la presión no esta en sus piernas y sera una interesante banca

3. Vikings

[8-1] Un día de campo en contra de los Leones, ahora en contra de los Seahawks es una victoria mas, después contra Chicago (a como esta jugando Cutler) otra victoria mas y con eso los Playoffs están asegurados para el Gral. Favre; y ya con los Playoffs asegurados tendrán 2 buenos juegos para prepararse en contra de los Cards y los Bengals

2. Colts

[9-0] Mantienen in-merecidamente el invicto gracias a un “error técnico” de los Pats, con contra de los cuervos no creo tengan demasiados problemas para mantenerlo. Y de ahi su calendario es este: Tejanos, Titanes, Broncos, Jaguares, Jets y Bills…  posiblemente en contra de los Broncos tengan algo de trabajo… de ahí en fuera, este equipo podría terminar invicto sin enfrentarse a rivales peligrosos al final de la temporada

Ccosa que podría ser peligroso para ellos ya que el bye-week de los playoffs y después enfrentarse a un rival duro… mmm ojo con estos Colts que podrían terminar invictos ya que no enfrentan equipos complicados y eso esa es una mala noticia

1. Saints

[9-0] Interesante primera mitad en contra de los Rams ya que iban 14-14 jaja increíble! Ahí fue simplemente que se confiaron, esta semana otra victoria en contra de Tampa y después el lunes por la noche un gran juego en contra de los Pats que posiblemente sea el único juego en donde podrían perder el invicto; ya que después siguen los Redskings, Falcons, Cowboys, Tampay cierran contra las Panteras

A diferencia de los Colts este equipo por lo menos enfrenta 4 juegos divisionales que siempre pueden complicarse y enfrentan a los Vaqueros y a los Pats… equipo que no creo termine invicto pero es candidato seguro para Superbowl

Indianapolis Colts to beat the Baltimore Ravens
This will be another tough game for the Colts but they have the offence to cope with all the schemes that the Ravens will bring. They will need another huge game from Manning and either Wayne or Clark but these players are capable of producing big numbers every week.

Dallas Cowboys to beat the Washington Redskins
For some reason I think that this will be a lot closer than many people think since I was impressed with the Redskins last week and totally unimpressed with the Cowboys offence last week. Plus the Redskins have a pretty good record in recent years down at Dallas. Look for Santana Moss to have his usual big game versus the Cowboys secondary but I still think Dallas should be good enough to win this game.

Detroit Lions to beat the Cleveland Browns
Surely even the Lions can beat the Browns, since they are easily the worst team in the NFL right now.

Green Bay Packers to beat the San Francisco 49ers
The Packers showed they still have enough quality to win against tough opposition last week and the 49ers are nowhere near as good as the Cowboys are. So I will be looking for the defence of the Packers to have another big game and for Rodgers to get some more points on the board.

Jacksonville Jaguars to beat the Buffalo Bills
The Bills finally did the right thing and fired Jauron but that isn’t going to instantly make this team any better though you may get the odd player uping their game to show off to the new coach. Not so sure about them signing Brohm either but I’ll wait a while before passing judgement on that. MJD and the Jags should have more than enough to beat the Bills.

Pittsburgh Steelers to beat the Kansas City Chiefs
This is an ideal game for Pittsburgh after their huge loss to the Bengals last week. Playing the Chiefs should allow them to get ahead early and let their defence have some fun. I will be looking for big games from Mendenhall and Roethlisberger.

Minnesota Vikings to beat the Seattle Seahawks
Favre and co will be looking for another win this weekend versus a poor Seahawks team. Percy Harvin will also be looking to impress yet again.

Atlanta Falcons to beat the New York Giants
Matt Ryan and Roddy White will have been looking forward to playing this banged up Giants secondary all week and I just don’t see things getting any easier for Eli and the Giants.

New Orleans Saints to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yes Josh Freeman has played well so far but the Tampa defence is still not good enough to cope with an offence like the Saints. Well done Reggie Bush last week who showed so of the magic that made him such a high draft pick.

Arizona Cardinals to beat the St Louis Rams
Kurt Warner will show the Rams fans why his new team has been compared to his Rams team in the past. Fitzgerald will look to have a big game. Only question remain is whether or not the Cardinals can slow down Jackson who is playing great.

San Diego Chargers to beat the Denver Broncos
Denver is in free fall and the Chargers are on the charge. Then you add in the fact that Orton is unlikely to start and this looks like an easy victory for Rivers and co.

New England Patriots to beat the New York Jets
The Jets early season form is a thing of the past and they just don’t look like a team that can go to New England and get a result.

Cincinnati Bengals to beat the Oakland Raiders
Finally Tom Cable did something right in Oakland and that was to bench the biggest draft pick for ages, JaMarcus Russell. Yet again Russell has shown that arm strength just isn’t that important in the NFL. Cutler and Russell seem to be fighting to be the next Jeff George. The Bengals while beat up will easily take care of this poor Raiders team.

Philadelphia Eagles to beat the Chicago Bears
Cutler is a joke and the Eagles are playing well so this should be an easy win for the Eagles plus all of Cutlers bad games have come during evening games.

Tennessee Titans to beat the Houston Texans
Now if the Titans wear their old uniforms for this one will the locals know who to support? The Titans are on a roll and I expect them to keep it going with a win versus the Texans. Though this could turn into a bit of a shoot out.

I welcome comments on my blog because it means I have readers (which is probably not true) and that people react to what I am saying. I even enjoy the criticism. It pushes the argument. Make me prove what I am saying. Well today I got my first comment in a while. An apparent Saints fan disagreed with my analysis of his Saints when I said they were looking “overrated.” Which is funny because technically when you haven’t lost a game yet it is hard to criticize a team deeply. But nonetheless I felt the Saints had been playing very mediocre ball lately especially when you compare it to their performances from early in the season.

Now simply criticizing my opinion is one thing but this reader said I did not take into account injuries. Now hold on a second. Injuries are part of every sport, football more than any other. I bet I am not alone in wondering how more people do not get hurt on a weekly basis. The last thing a team should say is holding them back is injuries. EVERY teamfaces injuries. Here take a look at the top 10 teams in terms of records in the NFL. I will list prominent players on their teams who have had  injuries…

Saints

• Tracey Porter (starting CB)
• Darren Sharper (starting CB)
• Sedrick Ellis (starting DT)

Colts

• Bob Sanders (a former Defensive player of the year, starting Safety)
• Marlin Jackson (starting CB)
• Kelvin Hayden (starting CB)
• Anthony Gonzalez (starting WR)

Vikings

• Antoine Winfield (starting CB)

Bengals

• Cedric Benson (new injury, but starting RB)
• Chris Henry (one of the best 3rd WRs in the league)
• Roy Williams (starting Safety)
• Antwan Odom (starting DE, led league in sacks at time of injury)

Broncos

• Kyle Orton (starting QB)
• Knowshon Moreno (starting RB)

Cardinals

• Adrian Wilson (starting Safety)
• Karlos Dansby (starting LB)
• Anquan Bolden (starting WR)
• Steve Breaston (starting WR)

Cowboys

• Marion Barber (starting RB)
• Felix Jones (3rd down RB)
• Mark Colombo (staring OT)
• Mike Jenkins (starting CB)

Patriots

• Ego (bruised since 2005)
• Stomach (punched last weekend)
• Ty Warren (starting DE)
• Jarvis Green (starting DE)
• Wes Welker (early in season, best slot WR in league)
• Fred Taylor/Sammy Morris (starting RBs)

Steelers

• Troy Polomalu (startign Safety)
• Aaron Smith (starting DE)
• Willie Parker (starting RB)

Chargers

• LT (starting RB)
• Jamal Williams (starting DT)

These are just a few of the injuries faced by teams. Some of these guys missed games early. Others missed games recently. Look at the list. Even casual fans know most of the guys I mentioned. And if you think these are the only injuries these teams faced you are wrong. In fact a lot of the guys I mentioned are on Injured Reserve and done for the year. So my apologies to Saints’ fans or any other team who think we should judge them differently because of injuries.

There is no doubt that the Steelers are much worse defensively without Polomalu and have had all their loses in games he either did not play in or had to leave due to injury. But you do not get any points for playing without your starters. No one gave last year’s Pats a break when Brady went down. No one is going to give the Saints a break because some guys are hurt. Everyone’s guys are hurt. You might be better with the injured guys, but you are only as good as who you put on the field.

Things that are good at the moment:

The new Defeater record ‘Lost Ground’, the fact that the new Blacklisted record is due to drop very, very soon, the Bruins winning 4 games in a row, Defeater, Dead Swans, Ruiner & Strike Anywhere tees for $6 on B9, the Chargers beating the Donks to go first in the AFC West, holidays coming soon, Ruiner show in 2 weeks, growing facial hair to keep extra warm, beanies, tofu stirfry with garlic noodles, a venti Starbucks gingerbread latte with soya milk, getting 4 month extensions on when my Uni work has to be submitted.

Things that are not so good at the moment:

The cat waking me up at 5 am on days when I don’t have to get up at 4 am to go to work, not having a warm coat when it’s freezing cold, not being able to find Tofurkey in shops, all ‘music’ that is shown on the tv, the current obsession with celebrity culture, not knowing being told about a 4 month extension for Uni work and spending hours at night getting it done.

The good outways the bad at the moment. I’m OK with that.

Power Thursday

Increíble semana sin muchos juegos importantes, pero después de todo resulto ser una semana muy importante con todos los equipos del norte de la americana viéndose mal, los leones y los cafés brindaron un juego muy interesante sin aspiraciones a playoffs y los vaqueros y los Redskings uno muy aburrido. Los Titanes siguen ganando y los broncos siguen perdiendo…

Y para una semana en la que este jueves tendremos 3 partidos, un domingo mas ligero con los partidos de las 12 teniendo cero importancia, los de la tarde quiero verlos todos (menos el de los jefes) y el de la noche un platillo interesante en un duelo divisional entre los Acereros y los Cuervos. Y el lunes por la noche el plato principal:  Santos vs. Patriotas, Brees vs. Brady… oh yeah!

Como nota extra se aprobó en el presupuesto de los equipos el sueldo para un neurólogo, cosa que es una medida de seguridad muy importante… solo falta que los equipos y los jugadores tomen en cuenta la opinión medica.

32. Browns

[1-9] Un equipo espantoso, lesiones al por mayor pero posiblemente falsas; salían del partido dos jugadas y después absolutamente nada… pero pues pese a todo eso, me gusto el partido ya que fueron dos QB que quieren lucir pero aun no están listos contra dos defensivas espantosas

31. Rams

[1-9] Corrieron con suerte de no recibir una increíble paliza, ya que el QB rival salio por lesión y el rival bajo el nivel de juego. Muy seguramente no ganaran ni un solo partido mas y se quedaran con la primera selección para intentar juntar muchas selecciones y poner gente que ayude a Steven Jackson que es mucho jugador para tan poco equipo

30. Buccanners

[1-9] Después de recibir una increíble paliza y con un cierre de calendario que suena muy complicado este equipo que no es tan malo como los dos anteriores podría sufrir pero ser beneficiado; posiblemente no gane ningún partido mas, los cafés tienen un calendario mas flexible y por ahí ganarle a los Chiefs y Tampa tendría la segunda selección del draft y ayudarse para la siguiente temporada

29. Lions

[2-8] Matthew Stafford sigue con molestias en el hombro izquierdo después de la separación de hombro sufrida el domingo pasado, seria una estupidez completa que jugara contra los empacadores… y si las molestias continúan es mejor dejarlo sanar tranquilamente

28. Bills

[3-7] Regresa TO? naaa tuvo muchas yds pero no logro ayudar a su equipo con alguna escapada importante, y en su calendario pues simplemente recibes a los Patriotas y recibes a los Colts…

27. Seahawks

[3-7] Los Vikingos les hasta por abajo de la lengua y ahora tendrán una oportunidad de victoria ante los Rams

26. Redskings

[3-7] En un partido muy aburrido contra los Vaqueros en el cual no hicieron absolutamente nada por intentar ganar (tampoco los vaqueros), con un roster sufriendo con muchos lesionados y con un calendario complicadísimo al cierre contra equipos como águilas, santos, gigantes y chargers… pues no podremos esperar una mejora

25. Chiefs

[3-7] Están en el top25 después de ganarle a un equipo que la semana pasada estaba en el 6to puesto

24. Raiders

[3-7] Suben 4 lugares y crean una interesante situación ya que después de un buen juego por Bruce Gradkowski el futuro de JaMarcus Russell con el equipo esta en duda, Gradkowski sera el que inicie el resto de la temporada. Mejoro increíblemente la ofensiva, sin estar tantos puntos abajo la defensiva aguanto y consiguieron una victoria que hizo ver mal a muchos de los “psíquicos” (al igual que contra las águilas). Veremos que noticias nos trae este equipo que dentro de unas horas enfrentan a los Vaqueros que vienen bajando de nivel y el resto de su calendario le permitiría conseguir una o dos victorias mas; cosa que seria de mucho beneficio para la confianza del equipo para la siguiente temporada y porque es importante no estar en buena posición en el draft no nos valla a tocar otro Russell cuando pudimos haber elegido un Peterson

23. 49ers

[4-6] Derrota ante los Packers pero no se vieron tan tirados pal monte… van contra los Jaguares con posibilidades importantes de la victoria y un calendario que incluye a los Leones y a los Rams que posiblemente pueda meterlos en la pelea si se ponen las pilas

22. Jets

[4-6] Mark Sanchez después del incidente del hotdog no puede levantar y se habla de que tendrá que disfrutar de algún tiempo en la banca

21. Bears

[4-6] Cutler necesita jugar mejor y punto, esta matando a este equipo ya que solamente quiere lanzar la bola sin dejar correr a Forte

20. Panthers

[4-6] Visitan a los Jets y estoy esperando un buen juego por parte de las panteras

19. Texans

[5-5] Bajan 4 lugares ya que se vinieron abajo al final del partido sin poder logar nada

18. Titans

[4-6] Una importante victoria y Chris Johnson es una maquina, con Vince Young se le abre un poco de hueco porque también tienes que cuidar que Young no sea el que corra. Y quizá podrían levantar su temporada ya que esta semana reciben a los Cards y quizá podrían llevarse la victoria y digamos que ganan (5-6), pierden en Indianapolis (5-7), recibes a los Rams (6-7), recibes a los Delfines que sin R. Brown no sabemos si puedan aguantar ya que la gente estará preparada contra Ricky Williams y digamos que ganan (7-7), los Chargers dependiendo de como decidan cerrar su temporada seria otra derrota (7-8) y contra los de Seattle una victoria (8-8) y cerrar 8-8 para un equipo que arranco la temporada con 0-6 son muy buenas noticias

17. Dolphins

[5-5] ¿Estarán con vida estos delfines? Tienen un calendario que les permitiría con un buen juego terminar la temporada con récord positivo, una vez mas si juegan bien podrían estar aunque se ve complicado

16. Ravens

[5-5] Es difícil jugar contra Peyton y los Colts, pero este equipo que empezó bien podría quedarse fuera de posibilidades numéricas ya que tienen un calendario que se podría complicar (pese a tener dos posibles, bueno… casi victorias seguras en contra de los Raiders y los Leones). Pero aun tienen que enfrentar dos veces a los acereros y este domingo es una de ellas… duelo directo que es clave para ambos equipos

15. Falcons

[5-5] Este equipo viene en caída libre. Posiblemente despierte su ofensiva pero su defensiva no esta logrando jugadas clave en el mano a mano, pero tienen la “suerte” de tener un calendario que si se ponen las pilas podría volverlos en la pelea ya que tienen que enfrentar 2 veces a Tampa y a los Bills, y prácticamente son tres victorias que los dejarían (8-5), así que la responsabilidad esta en sus manos enfrentando a las águilas y jets que con una victoria ante alguno de ellos los pondría 9-7 (incluyendo una derrota contra los Santos) y ese 9-7 los puede poner en la pelea

14. Jaguars

[6-4] JonesDrew es una maquina juego tras juego, esta semana tuvo una “baja” en su juego ya que solamente corrió para 66yds y 1TD (si eso es baja de juego pues felicitaciones). Equipo que tiene en sus manos la calificación pero no me agradan como equipo

13. Broncos

[6-4] Una tremenda barrida que recibieron por parte de los cargadores los pone de vuelta en el lugar, derrota tras derrota para tener una racha de cuatro consecutivas. Equipo que esta demostrando lo que la mayoría creíamos, pero gracias al buen inicio tiene la calificación en sus manos ya que aun puede lograr nueve victorias ya que enfrentan 2 veces a los jefes y reciben a los Raiders. Dos derrotas en contra de los hermanos Manning respectivamente (Giants y Colts) y jugarse la calificación en contra de las águilas.

Honestamente no creo que sean capaces de conseguirlo, pero tambien honestamente preferiría ver a los broncos que a algún otro del este o sur de la americana (excluyendo a los Pats y a los Colts obviamente)

12. Packers

[6-4] Interesante victoria en contra de los 49es, su defensiva esta muy lesionada… pero creo que su ofensiva es tan buena que si logran proteger un poco las a Rodgers este equipo puede despreocuparse de las lesiones y concentrarse en un puesto de playoffs

11. Steelers

[6-4] Una dura derrota contra un equipo tan débil como Kansas que podría afectar sus aspiraciones a calificar, ya que no solo es la derrota si no que pierdes a tu QB suplente para la temporada y posiblemente al Big Ben en un partido CLAVE contra los cuervos. Aunque ese posiblemente es falso, Big Ben jugara si o si

10. Giants

[6-4] Regresan a la senda del triunfo, esta semana van a ganarle a Denver lo que los pone en lucha seria y si aprendieron de sus errores como candidatos serios para la final de la NFC, y con tres juegos divisionales restantes en su calendario la calificación esta completamente en sus manos

9. Eagles

[6-4] Interesante victoria en contra de las águilas y esta semana posiblemente le ganaran a los Broncos para conseguir legítimamente el liderato de la división

8. Cowboys

[7-3] Una victoria muy aburrida en contra de los Redskings pero al final es una victoria que los sigue manteniendo empatados en victorias de su división. Buenas noticias es que Romo aparenta esta mejor y listo para enfrentar a los Raiders en algunos minutos

7. Bengals

[7-3] Dolorosa derrota en contra de los Raiders, y esperemos para bien de ellos que perder contra equipos de “abajo” no sea cosa de quedarse porque enfrentan en semanas consecutivas a los cafés y a los leones, y en la 16 a los jefes. De ser victorias estas tres estarían amarrando posiblemente un boleto

6. Cardinals

[7-3] Un partido interesante en contra de los Titanes, digo… interesante si no juega Warner, de lo contrario van a ganar y van a clasificar; si no fuera por ayudarlos mas, aun tienen partidos en contra de los Rams y los Leones

5. Chargers

[7-3] Enfrentan a los jefes, de ahí a los cafés para prácticamente amarrar la división. De ahí vaqueros, bengals, titanes y redskings

4. Patriots

[7-3] Un equipo que se viene viendo consistente durante las ultimas semanas y este lunes enfrenta la prueba de fuego ante los Santos en un partido de si o si…  y sin importar una posible derrota el lunes, de mantener el paso (sin lo de regalar juegos como contra los Colts) este equipo amarra la división y descansa la primera semana

3. Colts

[10-0] Siguen ganando, y como mencionábamos la semana pasada que no son buenas noticias… si ganan y pierden los Jaguares aseguran la división. Su defensa no me agrada y gracias al calendario que tienen posiblemente logren mantener la temporada invicta… y OJO! NOSTRADAMUS! bueno, obviamente descansan la primera semana, y después… eliminados!

2. Saints

[10-0] Un día de campo en contra de TampaBay, la ultima vez que los baje de #1 le dieron una paliza a los Gigantes… así que veremos este lunes si logran retomar la punta ya que no merecen el #1 pese a seguir invictos a como han venido jugando

1. Vikings

[10-0] Nuevo líder! Un día de campo en contra de los Seahawks es importante que el resto de su calendario no esta regalado pero tampoco en un día de campo, lo que serainteresante para mantener a ritmo de juego a Favre pero sin exigirlo al máximo y descansando la primera semana, ojo con el general en los playoffs con ayuda de su gran defensiva y el solido juego por tierra. Con una posible adelanto de playoffs en la semana 16 en contra de los Gigantes

Posted: November 25, 2009

I’ll take another round turkey, a heaping pile of mashed potatoes and a mound of stuffing.  I’ll go for seconds, maybe thirds, on yams and cranberry.  I’ll make room for a slice of pie or three, and then it’s on to dessert and a plate full of Sleepers for Week 12:

QUARTERBACK

Alex Smith (San Francisco) vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 21-35, 220 yards, 2 TD
Smith didn’t look great on Sunday against Green Bay, but still threw for 227 yards and 3 TD.  Jacksonville ranks 25th versus the pass, so another solid performance is a high probability.

Vince Young (Tennessee) vs. Arizona – Projection: 13-21, 155 yards, 1 TD, 5-35 rushing
Young is not an exciting fantasy option, but it’s surprising how little it takes to get double-digit fantasy points from the guy.  With just 116 passing yards in Week 11, Young was still good for 14 fantasy points thanks to 73 rushing yards and a passing TD.

RUNNING BACK

Justin Forsett (Seattle) @ St. Louis – Projection: 13-71 rushing, 5-31 receiving, 1 TD
Even if Julius Jones returns from his bruised lung, Forsett has more than proven his worth in Seattle, and will get his touches.  The Rams are 28th in the league against the run, so this will probably be the last week Forsett qualifies as a “Sleeper”.

Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) @ San Diego – Projection: 14-65 rushing, 3-11 receiving, 1 TD
Against a tough Pittsburgh D, Charles still found a way to be a viable fantasy option by catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel and returning a kickoff for 6.  San Diego is 21st against the run, so Charles could have another solid day.

Danny Ware (New York Giants) @ Denver – Projection: 9-51 rushing, 3-24 receiving
When the Giants travel to Denver for a Thanksgiving night showdown with the Broncos, Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) will not make the trip.  With Brandon Jacobs (leg) a bit hobbled, the door could swing open for the Giants’ number three back.

WIDE RECEIVER

Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay) @ Atlanta – Projection: 5-67 receiving, 1 TD
Bryant had 1248 yards and 7 TD just one season ago.  After battling injuries for much of this year, he’s healthy and could start to build a rapport with Tampa Bay rookie gunslinger, Josh Freeman.  It doesn’t hurt that Atlanta is 29th against the pass.

Earl Bennett (Chicago) @ Minnesota – Projection: 7-84 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Chicago’s leading ypc receiver (12.8) has a modest 15 grabs for 177 yards.  Not exactly a trend that would suggest a big game versus Minnesota, but here we go again, putting up the bucks for a guy who always fails to deliver a TD.  This could be the week…

Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis) @ Houston – Projection: 5-72 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Garcon is tied with Roddy White for 13th in the NFL in WR targets (28).  Over that span, he has 14 catches, 218 yards and 1 TD, including 108 yards last week.  By the way, he has Peyton Manning throwing him the ball.

TIGHT END

Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) @ Detroit – Projection: 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
How can I not go with Finley (again)?  He’s owned in less than 20% of fantasy leagues, yet, per game, is outperforming Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey and John Carlson, all of whom are owned in more than 75% of leagues!  Plus, here comes Detroit.

KICKER

Dan Carpenter (Miami) @ Buffalo – Projection: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
It’s time to see if Carpenter can be a cold weather kicker.  Safe bet, the Montana alum will be fine, and the Dolphins will get him into range at least twice against the Bills.  Carpenter has scored 74 (real life) points thus far in 2009, and has a big leg.

DEFENSE

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay – Projection: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
The Buccaneers have shown flashes of ability on offense, and there could be some again on Sunday.  That said, Atlanta is averaging 2 sacks and nearly 2 takeaways per game, and Tampa will really be no match at home.

4 teams declined to sign Jon Runyan for the 2009 season as he had microfracture surgery on his knee after last season in February.  Even though Runyan was gearing up for a possible Congressional campaign, he kept himself in shape for an opportunity just like this.

“The 35-year-old free-agent offensive tackle, who had microfracture surgery on his right knee in February, was cleared for full contact Monday by Dr. James Andrews, the Birmingham, Ala., orthopedist who operated on him. “I can play,” Runyan said. Asked yesterday whether the Eagles had any interest in re-signing Runyan, an Eagles executive told the Daily News, “I wouldn’t rule it out, but right now, it’s unlikely.” Runyan said he is willing to wait for the right offer. “It has to be right,” he said. “Ultimately, the game is about making a bunch of money. If it’s not there now, at some point in the first couple months of the season I’m pretty sure it’s going to be there. It’s just a matter of mentally preparing yourself for that and keeping yourself ready to go.” Runyan and his family live in Mount Laurel, N.J., but he said he will play wherever the best opportunity – and offer – presents itself.”

Well, if you’re healthy Jon, I welcome you to San Diego and hope you can help our oft injured O-Line.  Here is Jon’s official statement, courtesy of Hugging Harold Reynolds.

Below is the official statement of Jon Runyan regarding his decision to sign with the San Diego Chargers for the remainder of the NFL season and its impact on his plans to seek the Republican nomination for the US House of Representatives in NJ’s 3rd Congressional District:

“Yesterday, I received an offer to pursue my professional dream of winning a Super Bowl, and have decided to sign with the San Diego Chargers for the remainder of this season through the playoffs. Win or lose, these will be my final games as an NFL player. Last night, I personally informed the Republican County Chairmen in NJ’s 3rd Congressional District that after the season is over I plan to officially retire from football and pursue a campaign for the United States Congress. I want to thank all of the people who have been encouraging me to run next year and let them know that I look forward to a successful end to my career on the field, and a spirited campaign against Congressman Adler in 2010.”

Its being almost 8 years I am following football (American Football) and loving it more and more, year by year, day by day. When I think about the game everything about the game seems just amazing. The strategies and custom plans, passion of the players as well as their fans, the attitude to never say die and always fight, perfect team work with players contributing and compensating down falls and gaps of each others on the team, and many more make me feel so very attached to the game. As software professional, more than anything else, the closeness of the game to my profession makes me love the game more than anything else. It just makes me feel like a part of it.

Football has three separate teams, the offense that tries to outscore opponent; the defense that tries to hold the opponents to less than their own team, the special teams that try to get the best possible head start to their offense as well as helps the defense by keeping the opponent offense as away from the goal line as they possibly can.

Now consider a typical software outsourcing engagement. The way football has a large number of teams, IT has numerous number of service providers, more popularly known as competitors. The way some football teams are better than others in some aspects, some software provider companies are better than others in some genuine or bizarre ways. Some are great offensive companies who make great sales but fail to defend their projects, i.e. fail to deliver. These companies are like San Diego Chargers, the team with a great offense but absolutely no defence at all. Some companies perform very limited engagements, i.e. deliver services to limited customers or work on limited number of products, but do a tremendous job in terms of delivery, like Miami Dolphins, a great defense with offense almost completely absent. Some companies specialize on one or two products but monopolize market in that area completely. This is same as Terryl “TO” Ovens in Buffalo Bills or Jason Taylor in Miami Dolphins.

Some software companies beat others based on talent, like Pittsburgh Steelers on defense, New England Patriots on offense, Indianapolis on both, offense and defense, etc. Some companies beat others on only size, which in NFL world would be money to buy any number of players any time, like, our dear American Team, Cowboys from Dallas. 

In spite of presence of great talent as such, some NFL teams win games only on individual heroics of great team members. Look at the recent upsets of Bengals from Raiders and Steelers from Kansas City Chiefs. Some IT companies also deliver some projects successfully, outside their reach and capacity, only due to some individuals on the team and their passion and attitude to fight in spite of all odds. On the contrary, some companies also fail to deliver simple projects well within their reach in over confidence, like Patriots losing to Colts last week.

Thinking more about it, I am sure, you can also find tremendous resemblance between software companies and professional football teams in your day to day experience. If not already, when you start following the game, you start loving the same, especially if you are in the Software Profession like me. The game is not just the entertainer, it is story of our lives…

Martin and Me

Admittedly, it was an embarrassing encounter for me.  My girlfriend and I were waiting to be seated at The Cheesecake Factory, and I saw this guy sitting at a nearby table.  I knew right away he was no ordinary man, he had to be a football player, and he was likely a Charger.  I also knew he had to be a new player, one of the two defensive linemen we drafted this year.  Problem was…I didn’t recognize his face!

When we were seated, we ended up right next to him!  For about 10-15 minutes I racked my brain, trying to remember the faces from our most recent draft, and finally leaned over and asked him if he was Ogemdi.  He started chuckling and said, “He thinks I’m OG!  Hi, I’m Vaughn.” After he said that I knew right away who he was, Vaughn Martin.  But that isn’t what I said.  I said “Vince Vaughn?” Please shoot me if you see me, I couldn’t believe myself!  After he politely corrected me, he went on to tell me how he’s been good friends with Ogemdi since before their days on the Chargers.

As dinner went on, my girlfriend Whitney kept asking me if I wanted to get a picture with him, but I was too embarrassed to ask him for one.  Finally I said yes, and she told him how huge of a fan I am and how it would make my night if I could get a picture with him.  He told us how he was a huge Chargers fan too and agreed to the photo.  After a minute of  standing in our photo pose while Whitney tried to figure out was wrong with her camera, we got the pic!  It was the first time I’ve met a Charger in person out on the town.

Lesson of the story?  ALWAYS have your teams’ players memorized by face, especially ones as important to the Chargers’ future as Vaughn Martin is.  You know how I feel about the defensive line’s importance to the defense.

Week 11

1. Colts – they remain unbeaten and have had a tougher schedule than the Saints.
2. Saints – Big game this week in fact make it a huge game this week and I have to say I think they will go down to their first lose of the season.
3. Vikings – This team is not getting alot of attention which is surprising with Favre in it but they continue to win and win well.
4. Patriots – Pretty much sealed up the division this weekend and can now look forward to ruining the Saints perfect start to the season.
5. Bengals - They are praying the lose to the Raiders doesn’t hurt them too much.
6. Chargers - Looked good beating up the Broncos and should win the division now.
7. Cardinals – This team still seems to surprise people even after last season.
8. Cowboys – Warning signs are up since they struggled to beat the Redskins.
9. Packers - How could would this team be if they could protect Aaron Rodgers?
10. Giants - Got the win they needed after the bye week even though they tried their hardest to lose it.
11. Eagles – The Bears game was closer than it needed to be.
12. Steelers - Must stop losing so silly teams like the Chiefs.
13. Broncos – Simms was so bad he made Orton look like Elway.
14. Jaguars - Nearly losing to Buffalo shows how bad this team can be at times.
15. Falcons – Not surprised by the news they are seeking a new kicker.
16. Ravens - They need to win a game against a good team to be taken seriously.
17. Dolphins – Still winning even with all those injuries.
18. Texans - Things looked so good a few weeks ago but know they look like the .500 Texans we all love.
19. Titans – Being winless seems like a long long time ago now.
20. Panthers – Run the ball in the red zone please.
21. Bears - They are only this high because there are so any bad teams right now.
22. Jets - Looks like a team coached by a rookie head coach and with a rookie starting QB.  Nice to see the disrespected us quote coming out this week.
23. 49ers - Smith looks ok at last.
24. Chiefs - Big win last week.
25. Raiders - Finally they have a QB who can throw the ball.
26. Bills - When do they move to Canada now?
27. Seahawks – Time to start worrying about next season.
28. Redskins – See above.
29. Lions - How do you lose so many yards and points to the Browns?
30. Rams - I still feel sorry for Steven Jackson.
31. Buccaneers - Man this team is bad.
32. Browns - and this team is even worse.

Some Festive Games and Some Turkeys

We’ve arrived at Thanksgiving week, and the NFL season has become one of haves, have-nots, and mediocre teams.  The haves (New Orleans, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Cincinnati, San Diego, Arizona, and New England) figure to be the eight teams playing in the second round of the NFL playoffs. 

 The have-nots (Cleveland, Detroit, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Washington, Kansas City, Oakland, Seattle, and Buffalo) have nothing to play for at this point.  To wager on these teams, one must find a reason to believe these teams’ players will have a reason to give everything they’ve got.

 The 15 mediocre teams remaining are the ones competing for the final four playoff berths.  These are the teams that must be watched carefully as the stretch drive begins.  Be careful playing against one of these teams when they are playing a have or have-not.  They can be dangerous.

 This week presents some interesting contests.  On Thanksgiving night, the Denver-New York Giants game features two of the aforementioned mediocre teams.  A match-up of two mediocre teams in essence becomes a playoff elimination game.  The loser of this game has very little chance of recovering to make the playoffs this year.

 Indianapolis plays at Houston, and the Texans find their backs up against the wall.  After losing a close Monday night game, Houston is in a must-win position.

 Arizona plays at Tennessee, and if the Titans win this one to get to 5-6, they would have to be considered a dark horse candidate to finish 9-7 and sneak in as the final AFC Playoff team.  No NFL team has ever started a season at 0-6 and finished 8-8 must less 9-7.  The 1970 Cincinnati Bengals began the season 1-6 and won seven games in a row to win the AFC Central Division at 8-6.

 Baltimore and Pittsburgh face off in a blood and guts battle that could easily be a playoff elimination game.

 The Monday night game is the best MNF game of the year.  New England plays at New Orleans.  It could easily be a preview of the Super Bowl.

This is going to be my longest post yet. I will not be posting the rest of the week. This is going to top 25 pages when you include all the pictures and videos. I’d like to think it is worth the read (there are no bottom-line takeaways, but trust me there is enough to read already). So take a look, find the game or teams you want to read more about and read up. I hope you read it all, maybe a couple of games a day. Nonetheless enjoy…

Patriots 31

Jets 14

Let me start with my analysis with what has become just a mess of a Jets team. Early in the season they were treating their week 2 match-up with the Pats as if it was the Super Bowl. Rex Ryan even called all the season ticket holders with this message…

It worked…in week 2. But, when you pull out all the stops every week things inevitably go wrong. Ryan got the Jets too emotional too early. Now after a 3-0 start they 4-6 and look toast. SanCHEZ has played incredibly poorly as of late, and he might need to take a seat. I do have to give props to Darrelle Revis who once again had a big game against Moss. But, I have to wonder if he was able to shut down Moss in single coverage (the apparent claim) why were they not double and triple teaming Welker?

Let us take a quick look at the Patriots. This was a solid win, but I felt it still left a lot to be desired. We all saw their collapse in the Colts game and they came out a little slow in the second half of this game. I am not a fan of their offensive play caller, QB Coach Bill O’Brien. He does have a mean cleft chin though…

However, looking at his play calling I think he gets tight late in games and on big plays. I chronicled his 4th quarter against the Colts last week, and I do not have the time to really break down every week like that, but this is about the “eye” test. His play calling does not pass it.

Next week’s game just became a lot bigger than it should have been to be honest. With the Bengals and Steelers losing, the Patriots are in the driver seat for the second seed in the AFC and a bye. While a loss to out of conference Saints does not affect the tiebreakers (obviously record is the number 1 tiebreaker, but given two teams tie, record against the opposite conference is never a determining factor), it is important to keep pace.

Dolphins 24

Panthers 17

Wow interesting game. Ricky Williams ran wild and looked like the old Ricky Williams. The Dolphins are now at 5-5 and still have a chance to make a playoff run. In fact, if they win the next week and the Pats lose the two teams will meet with the AFC East’s first place on the line. Moreover, the good news for the Dolphins…if they win that game they would be 5-1 in the AFC East and hold the tiebreaker over the Pats.

If you were wondering how Ricky Williams stayed is such good shape apparently he practices something called Pranic Healing. What is Pranic Healing? I am glad you asked…

Please tell me you did not just watch that whole video. The quick definition for Pranic Healing is…

“Pranic healing encompasses a broad array of therapeutic approaches, both ancient and modern, based on the notion that illnesses of body or mind involve an imbalance and/or blockage in the flow of vital life energy.”

In other words Ricky is on some good stuff (note: I have nothing to back that up).

As for the Panthers…well not much to say really. They lack consistency and look to be finished. At 4-6 they have an outside shot at a playoff spot, but it is not likely. Jim Fox might be on the hot seat, but in actuality if his past performances are any indication the Panthers will bounce back next season. When Fox took over the team went 7-9, but the next season they finished 11-5 (and made the Super Bowl). Then they went 7-9 again but rebounded with another 11-5 record (making the NFC Championship game). They then had back-to-back mediocre seasons, 8-8 and then 7-9, but last year they went 12-4. Fox seems to coach a team that is either strong or mediocre, but never bad.

If I am the owner of the Panthers I actually give Fox more chance with the caveat that the next QB he picks to lead the team will dictate his future. Delhomme is not the answer, and yes I understand their next QB, if a rookie, could take a while to develop, but Fox has been stuck with Delhomme (an up and down QB, who is now on the downside) in 6 of his 8 seasons. I want to see how he does with someone with more upside.

Colts 17

Ravens 15

The Colts are playing in so many tight games that it is hard to look at them at 10-0 and feel truly confident. Even with their huge win last week seemed overshadowed by the 4th and 2 call by the Patriots. Look at the scores of their last 4 games…4 points, 3 points, 1 point, 2 points, not exactly domination station. So what has been the problem?

I think it has been a mix of things. Outside the Pats game 4th quarter they really have not had that Colts mojo going. Manning has been great but the running game is still struggling . In addition, they have had 7 turnovers the last three games. I could see the Texans pulling the upset next week, so many close games is a recipe for a loss.

I do have to give Dallas Clark props for this ridiculous catch…

For some reason this has inspired me to show some of my favorite catches of all time, check it (I have already shown Moss vs. the Colts, and Wayne vs. the Texans in past blogs)…

Moss vs. the Jets last year (the ultimate I want it more catch)…

Tyrone Prothro from college (too bad he had one of the worst leg injuries ever recorded, first video is the catch, second is the injury, hide your eyes)…

Santonio Holmes in the Super Bowl (this is to win the “F’n” Super Bowl)

Calvin Johnson in college (dude is Megatron)…

The Antonio Freeman MNF catch…

Lastly the Torry Holt catch from a couple years ago (he is running full speed when he makes it)…

I know there are others, if you find a good one send it my way.

So back to the game and specifically the Ravens…After their blowout win vs. the Broncos everyone thought they would make a “run,” but they have struggled with consistency especially on offense. Flacco is having the good old “Sophomore Slump,” which by the way is a saying I hate. It implies he is playing poorly because he is in his second year. Maybe he is playing poorly because he was not asked to do much last year and this year he has to do more and is not able to do it. It also has to be said that his WRs are not exactly world-beaters.

So looking ahead, the Ravens season comes down to one opponent. They have two games against the Steelers. Their other 4 games are against the Packers, Lions, Bears, and Raiders. The Packers are the only team in there that might be a threat and if you read this blog you know I think the Packers are not for real. If the Ravens win those four games and can take 1 of the 2 Steelers games they will finish 10-6, which might be good enough for a Wildcard birth.

Lions 38

Browns 37

Look at these two teams having themselves a regular old barnburner. The Mangina must have been enraged that his enemy Belichick was getting all the attention for a questionable play call and felt he had to beat his old mentor. For those who do not know let me “review” the end of the game…

Lions down 37-31 running the “final play of the game” from a little outside the Helmets 30 yard line. Stafford, who already has 4 TDs is rolling around avoiding the rush and throws to the endzone as time expires. Stafford gets nailed and seriously injures his non-throwing shoulder. The ball is incomplete BUT there is a pass interference penalty in the endzone placing the ball at the 1-yard line. Stafford however is hurt and there is an injury timeout to take him off the field. By rule unless either team calls a timeout Stafford cannot come back into the game for the final play. The Lions are out of timeouts, and remember both teams have had plenty of time because there was a penalty and then an injury. It would be hard to not have the “right” personnel on the field. So as a “cold as ice” Daunte Culppeper comes running onto the field the Mangina calls a timeout, effectively allowing Stafford, who has his adrenaline flowing, to come back into the game. The Lions score a TD and win the game. That timeout is INEXCUSABLE.

Any competent coach would take their chances with a cold Culppeper on that play. But don’t worry, the Mangina really put the nail in the coffin Monday when he “questioned whether the Lions faked injuries throughout the game.” The only thing I question after this game is the Mangina’s mental capacity.

I have to give Stafford credit for really gutting out this win. It was a huge performance by the rookie. Who knows where he will go from here. I was going to drop this stat at some point and I guess this is the right time. Peyton Manning threw 100 INTs in his first 5 seasons. Sometimes if a guy shows promise you have to give him time (unless his name is JaMarcus Russell).

Packers 30

49ers 24

Here comes Green Bay winning on that easy schedule and putting themselves in position to take a playoff spot in the NFC. But I have not been a fan of this Green Bay team from the beginning and for those who do not know they just lost two of their top defensive players with ACL tears, Aaron Kampman and Al Harris. They have three winnable games and three tough games left on the schedule. If they can beat the Lions, Bears, and Seahawks then they will have 9 wins and probably only need one win vs. the Ravens, Steelers or Cardinals. I really am not a big fan of this team, but I think it would be hard to bet against them. Then again it is the NFL and you never really know.

The 49ers really could have won this game had they played a full game. It was inexcusable especially because they were able to get a meaningless cover and continue my epic downfall in my picks league. Alex Smith is too inconsistent and the 49ers should not take solace in his most recent half. Consistency wins in the NFL, not a good half or a good game. It’s a 16 game season.

The 49ers did get their first Michael Crabtree TD and Vernon Davis has gone from super-specimen malcontent to team leader this year. He is putting up outstanding stats this year. He has even begun curling…

How that helps the 49ers? It doesn’t, but you have to admit it’s kind of cool.

Jaguars 18

Bills 15

If the playoffs started today the Jaguars would make it. There is no doubt that the Jags are the worst 6-4 team I have seen in a long time. MJD is an absolute stud, but there is no way this Jags team is playoff worthy. They have won their games by the following margins…7 points, 20 points, 3 points, 3 points, 2 points, 3 points. Watch out folks this team is a killer! They have a -36 points differential, meaning they have let up 36 more points than they have scored. The last team with a negative scoring margin to make the playoffs was the 2006 Seattle Seahawks who won the NFC West with a 9-7 record. They had a -6 margin. The Jags are -36 and it has only been 10 games. That is horrible. They have lost by 2 points, 14 points, 41 points, and 17 points. It does not exactly scream playoff team.

Completely unrelated…MJD has to be the most stubby star in the NFL. Look at this picture

He is so difficult to tackle and has been their X-Factor, even more than the emergence of Mike Sims-Walker. Still I cannot see them going anywhere, and if they make the playoffs it will not last long.

The Bills continue their downfall. They are now 3-7 and have an interim coach running the show. What could Terrell Owens be thinking right now about his decision to join the Bills? I always loved his attire when they first introduced him as a member of the Bills…

What is with the green shirt? It just does not make sense. I guess it is better than when he was doing crunches in his driveway…

I would expect Owens to be happy with this loss. I mean he had a big game and that’s all that matters.

Steelers 27

Chiefs 24

Do not get confused about this game. Roethlisberger did get hurt and that did enable the Chiefs to win the game, but he did not get hurt until OT. This game was a 24-24 game. The Chiefs played an even game with a team many thought was going to come out take it to an inferior team. This loss is bad for the Steelers because it came after a loss and it will be difficult for them to get in position for a bye in the playoffs. The Steelers are definitely a weaker team with out Troy Polomalu and all of their loses have come in games where he was either out or limited by injury.

Really Big Ben says he is going to be fine, but this is his 4th concussion. That is not a good thing for a QB who runs around a lot and takes a lot of hits. No one really seems to know the long-term effects of concussions, but I doubt that it is something good, I would even go as far to say it is something “not good”. Rashard Mendenhall has not exactly taken the world by storm as of late, and it looks like we all have to calm down a little bit about anointing him the next Jerome Bettis, not in the “I am fat” kind of way, but in the “lead RB of the Steelers” kind of way.

Bettis by the way is one of my least favorite backs of all time. There is no doubting he had a great career, but I always felt like he could be stopped by a good defense. Look at this Sports Illustrated cover picture…

Trust me he put on a lot more weight than that at the end of his career. The guy was basically a quick DT at RB. I found nothing more pleasing then his fumbles against the Patriots in those big games back in the early 2000s. Remember those days, when the Patriots would win big games and close out games defensively. I will now stab myself repeatedly with a pen.

The Chiefs have a winning streak and have played some solid ball the last two weeks. Interesting note for the Chiefs…every time I spell their name I mess it up. I spell it Cheifs. You see over the summer I was in a position known as “Chief Judge.” We were ordering jerseys and my buddy, also a Chief Judge, misspelled the Chief as Cheif on the jersey, or so he thought. We ended up getting the jerseys too late anyway and much to our surprise Chief was spelled correctly. Needless to say we returned the jerseys so the people who bought them could get their money back (haha yea right).

Please note the previous paragraph is entirely for one of my friends and will make no sense to anyone else reading it. The Chiefs have not lost since Larry Johnson was cut for using gay slurs and criticizing the coaching staff. Good for them.

I have to ask…Why is the word Nevertheless three words as one, but the words Needless to say are split up? These are the important things we should all take into account when writing blogs and analyzing the Cheifs (yes that is misspelled on purpose).

Vikings 35

Seahawks 9

By this point you probably know it, but it is worth repeating, Brett Favre is playing some ridiculous football. He has 21 TDs and only 3 INTs. His strong play has led to this team being considered by many as the top team in the league. You will hear people say: Are the Vikings at 9-1 really the best team in the league?!?! Let me answer the question, no. Maybe it is my hatred of Favre, my knowledge that Brad Childress is a bad coach, or the fact that their pass defense is overrated, but I do not trust this team.

With that said, can this team prove anything to us over the next 6 weeks? Probably not, which could likely create an inflated perception of this team’s actual ability. So when it comes to playoff time it is all going to be about Brett Favre. Favre has not done well in his last couple playoff appearances (the year denotes the date of the playoff game)…

2008 Packers 20 Giants 23 (OT) at Green Bay

2 INTs including one in OT

2005 Packers 17 Vikings 31 at Green Bay

4 INTs

2004 Packers 17 Eagles 20 (OT) at Philly

Packers take 14 to 0 in 1^st quarter, end up losing in OT…15-28 180 yards, 2 TDs, 1INT

2003 Packers 27 Falcons 7 at Green Bay

2 INTs

2002 Packers 17 Rams 45 at St. Louis

6 INTs

Favre’s poor play could be deemed a direct cause of his team’s playoff loses in each of the last 5 playoff loses his team has faced. His teams have won only 2 playoff games in this time span, never winning more than 1 in a given year. Three of the loses came at home (or what used to be home), a place that had never seen a loss before the Falcons came in and destroyed them. I would not feel safe if I was a Vikes fan rooting this team in the playoffs.

The Seahawks are as big a mess as any team in the league and I did not see this coming at all. On paper this team looks all set. I know, I know I say that every week but seriously. Is this really all on Jim Mora Jr.? For one thing Hasselbeck has not been healthy for an extended period of time recently. The Seahawks definitely need a new QB of the future. They used to have one of the best rushing attacks in the league, but a mix of mediocre RBs and an aging O-line have killed that. They relied on Walter Jones for so long and just hoped that he would not “get old.” Well get this…he got old. He is 35 and has been placed on Injured Reserve ending this season. He says he wants to play again next year but he is probably more of a liability at this point. Offensive line is usually looked at as a place where longevity is attainable, but I think that holds truer for interior offensive lineman. You rarely hear of the 35+ year old OTs dominating. Even Orlando Pace fell of the map after a slew of injuries and oldness.

The good news for the Seahawks? They have two first round picks next year. They traded away an early 2^nd rounder last year for the Broncos first round pick this year, and if the Broncos recent play is any indication, that pick could also be on the higher end. If I was the GM of this team I would target a QB, OT, and a defensive playmaker with my top 3 picks (two 1s and a high 2). Now, that is obviously easier said than done, but those are the trouble spots. Defensively they have struggled against the pass, which seems to be a factor of poor coverage and lack of pressure. Patrick Kerney is on milk cartons in the Seattle area.

Giants 34

Falcons 31

This is a win the Giants desperately needed. After starting 5-0 against a cupcake schedule they lost 4 straight and many had written them off. They benefited from a week 10 bye and were able to win this game even with the Falcons mounting a wild comeback at the end. Eli Manning played very well and threw for 3 TDs, but the Giants still have some very big issues. Brandon Jacobs is not the Brandon Jacobs we all thought he was. Where did this guy go…

Instead he has gone to the Shaun Alexander and Larry Johnson school of old RBs, where players learn to dance and fall. I have to go on a quick tangent and tell my favorite Alexander story for a second. Alexander was arguably the best RB in the league for a couple years. Well as he started to get old he got hurt. One year specifically he broke a bone in his foot. Alexander, a delusional person to begin with, came to the practice facility the next day and was raving how he “prayed the night before and God healed him.” I am not making this up. Alexander was convinced he had been cured. The Seahawks thought this was great, but also thought it might be wise to take an x-ray to make sure this miracle did indeed happen. X-rays were taken, the bone was still broken, and now Alexander is remembered as much for his epic fall as he is for his MVP season. I believe in God, but give me a break Alexander. I would have laughed in his face.

With the Cowboys playing very tight vested and Philly being so inconsistent it is not out of the picture for the Giants to make a run at the NFC East title. They still face the Cowboys again, with a chance to sweep the season series, and the Eagles at home. Before the season we all thought this would be the “best division in football.” I do not think anyone thinks that now, but it could still end up being one of the most competitive. Even if the Giants can’t win the division this win gives them the “head-to-head” tiebreaker with the Falcons.

The Falcons are an incredibly flawed team right now, even though they almost were able to come out and win this game. Ryan had a good game and I will give him his credit for that. Mike Jenkins has to make that catch in the endzone, a TD that likely wins them the game. Still my fundamental flaw with this team is there inconsistency with their offense. If you watch the Falcons it is almost as if they are scared to run plays they know will work. When Turner was running all over the Panthers last week (before the injury) they almost seemed to rather pass than hand the ball off to him on back to back possessions.

I may be wrong with this but next time you see a Falcons game watch what they do on 3rd down. I have seen only a handful of their games but they run a QB Roll Out to the right a ton of the time (they might call it a waggle, but I am unsure if they pull the guards or the exact play call). This is their key 3rd down play it seems. To me that screams a lack of trust in their QB. A Roll out cuts down options and is basically something I call a “layers option.” Here is what I mean, take a look at this image, I made it in paint so it isn’t great but you can get the idea of it…

This is a basic play with the options simply being different distances from the QB. The read is much simpler. Ryan can read it either long to short, 4 to 1, or short to long 1 to 4 depending on the distance needed on the play. My problem with the play is the simplicity. The elite QBs do not run this as their “go to” play. Trust me I have seen enough Brady and Manning games to know this. They might have it as an option, but it is not their 3rd down play. If Ryan cannot consistently pick up key 3rd downs from inside the pocket, he will never be a top QB in this league.

The Falcons are now 5-5 and will have to play very well down the stretch to make the playoffs. In the NFC there always seems to be at least one 9-7 team to make the playoffs. The Falcons have a relatively easy schedule but they do face the Eagles and Saints, that could be two loses right there. Win the other games and they are 9-7. Unfortunately it would be 9-7 with 6 loses coming to conference foes (a big tie breaker is record against conference opponents). Worst off would be those losses would coincide with much of their competition for the wildcard spots. If they lose to the Eagles they would not own tie breakers against the Giants, Eagles, or Cowboys, and one has to assume at least 2 of those teams make the playoffs.

Saints 38

Buccaneers 7

The Bucs took an early 7-0 lead and I have to admit I was thinking we might see an upset in the works. Obviously that did not end up being the case, not by a long shot. The Bucs are still the same Bucs we thought they were. Freeman has played well for a rookie QB, but I am still worried about this team in the long run. I really think things will get worse before they get better, which is a scary thought for a team that started 0-7. Offensively they are relying on two 29 year old RBs (30 is the age of despair) and 27 year old who has been hurt every season since he came in the league. Needless to say they will likely need a new RB sooner than later.

At WR they extended Michael Clayton even though he has done nothing since his rookie season and is a marginal WR at best. Their best WR has character issues and has been hurt this year. He played well in a contract year (stop me if you haven’t heard that one before) but never showed consistency in his career. Their top TE has all the talent in the world but thinks he is a soldier, remember this…

Not exactly build your team around material. So there you have it, I have completely broken down their offensive talent. Defensively they are not scaring anyone. Their best player, MLB Barret Ruud, is more of the sure-tackler type than a game changing defensive presence, and Ronde Barber is getting old and slow. Old and slow is a bad combo for a CB. There has only been one corner I know to stay super fast his whole career and that was not Deion Sanders, but Darrel Green. Check out this video of the former CB of the Redskins…

Green was no joke. Ronde has never been known for his speed and he always excelled in Tampa’s Cover 2, which had safety help over the top. I think it’s time for him to either move to safety or go.

The Saints have their biggest test of the season this week, at least psychologically. How will they hold-up against a very hungry Patriots team? It is unclear. It appears both teams do what is usually done the week before a big game. Very tight to the vest play calling, no big tricks. The Saints rushed the ball 36 times in this game. The Pats ran the ball 35 times in their game. I do not think either team would be considered a run first team. But they got the leads and ran the clock, buying time until they face a real test.

I mentioned earlier that this game is bigger in the sense of “who is the best argument” than seeding. Although the win has gotten bigger because of what opposing teams are doing. The Vikes are nipping at the Saints heals and the Patriots are in 2nd place in the AFC and have benefited from other teams losing. Neither team wants to give up its hold in the seedings. I think this is a tough match-up to predict, obviously I am a homer and will pick the Pats, but a Monday night game in the Super Dome is no easy task. I would not feel very secure if I was the Saints and had to sign Mike McKenzie off the scrap heap to play in your secondary. When people don’t make teams to begin the season it is not because they are “too good.”

Cardinals 21

Rams 13

If Warner is hurt for any considerable time I would be considerably worried (you like what I did there with the word considerable). He really makes this offense tick, and I think the trick he has mastered as well as any QB in this league is the ability to “move on.” There is a saying that you are only as good as your next play. Warner has had an up and down career to say the least. He started out as nothing, made it to the top, fell to the bottom, and now is back. He knows that one mistake will not define him and that is his strength. I would not put him in the class of Manning and Brady obviously. Both of them have the “I have done it before factor,” where they can play poorly for an entire game and you are still scared to death of them if the game is close late. Warner is more of the “I wouldn’t be surprised if he did factor.” He just never lets anything get to him. His backup Matt Leinart on the other hand has faced his adversity in other ways…

Like the “which girl to choose quandary”…

…or the “I better hold this high enough even if my arm hurts” problem…

Not exactly a guy who has experienced a ton of in game adversity and proven to be a leader. The Cards do not have to rush Warner back though if he is hurting. They have a 3 game lead in their division the 49ers, Lions and Rams. I like this team as a potential dangerous team in the Playoffs. They have experience after last year, and might have the “no one believes in us” card going. The Cardinals also now lead this blog in quotation’ed sayings. Good for them.

The Rams do not have much to be thankful for right now. They have played a couple teams tough, but besides that they have not done much. Their coach Steve Spagnuolo also does one of the weirder sideline routines of any coach. Those Pats fans who did not commit suicide after the Super Bowl loss might remember images of him “praying” or at the least kneeling on the sidelines as he coached the Giants defense. He can routinely be seen in this crouched down like this…

I feel like a coach’s body language is a very big deal, and although it’s not like he looks like Art Shell out there…

Not many men can look that clueless at all times.

Spagnuolo’s sideline demeanor doesn’t exactly look how  head coaches are known to carry themselves. Now I think he is an outstanding coach to be honest. In New York he did very well with what he had and played to his team’s strengths, an underrated skill for a coach, it might seem obvious but a lot of guys don’t do it. We’ll see how it turns out for him in St. Louis.

The Rams are in position to get a top QB in the draft, and they really need to hit on this pick. I have always been a fan of picking an OT high when your team is bad, especially if you do not like any of the QB options. Last year they took Jason Smith, who should be a solid OT for years. Now they need a QB. Seeing as I cannot predict who wins each week, I will not even try to predict which QB coming out this year will be the best pro. Nonetheless they need to get a guy for the future in their soon.

Chargers 32

Broncos 3

The Broncos started 6-0 and since then have gone 0-4. I have not seen a transformation like that since Sammy Sosa showed his face again recently…

No, that is not a vampire outfit for Halloween. Sosa is apparently turning white. Look at this picture of him a few years back…

I too am scared right now. But as for the Broncos they are a mess. Apparently Head Coach Josh McDaniels also told Chargers’ LBs that his team “owns them.” I have to say that his team did not back him up. It is always a mistake when a head coach talks trash. I don’t think we are going to see much of this any time soon…

The Broncos are playing the memory game. The entire team remembers who they are (not good), and it has definitely hurt them. How bad is Chris Simms that he got replaced after one series by an injured Kyle Orton. Talk about a big sample size. The Broncos face the Giants Thursday night, and then also face the Colts and Eagles. That could be three loses right there and thus the end to their magical season.

I am most scared of the Chargers right now. Everyone loves Drew Brees and talks about him making the “leap” to Manning and Brady status. I think Phillip Rivers is the guy who could make that leap this year. I never liked him, and still don’t. He talks trash, has a cocky swagger, and looks like Jason Street from Friday Night Lights (the tv show), check it out…

vs.

But the bottom-line is this guy is tough. I talked earlier about the gutsy performance by Stafford. Well Rivers played in the AFC Championship game with a torn ligament in his knee. This guy has earned the respect of his entire locker room and has backed it up with great games on the field.

If anything holds back the Chargers it will be their lack of a running game and lack of a competent head coach. If you read this blog you know I doubt Norv Turner almost religiously, and bash LT like it’s my job, which it’s not but it is fun. I still say watch out for the Chargers. That warning is for the rest of the league and their own fans. The Chargers have a way of lowering expectations and winning, then choking when people believe in them.

Raiders 20

Bengals 17

This is the NFL. That pretty much sums up this game. Upsets in the league really should not shock people like they used to. Think of it like this. There are 32 teams in the NFL and let’s say 50 guys on a roster (I know it’s 53, but for math sake). That means there are 1600 players in the NFL. That number seems large but it really isn’t when you compare it to how many people play college football, and it is especially small when you compare high school football. That means these guys are the best of the best.

Realistically what is the difference in skill level between the #1 and the 1600^th player? Yeah, most of you would say it’s pretty high, but what about the 800^th player and the 1400^th player? What I am trying to say is that the sample size is so small that even if a team is made up of only top 500 players and another team is made up of players between 600 and 1000 the difference is not huge, and further more it is hard to necessarily distinguish differences in the middle.

Now my examples are extreme and very simplified, and yes the team of top 500 players should win every time, but better teams do not always win. JaMarcus Russell might be the 1600^th player in the league but the Raiders have some very talented players. Factor in things like emotions, coaching, injuries, and on any given week there will be an upset.

The Raiders should actually be disappointed with this win. They now have a 3 wins and are really out of the top 3 pick race. If you can sense the disappointment setting in you are not alone. Russell finally took a seat and for the first time all season did not hurt the Raiders. I just found this clip of Russell and Ravens QB Troy Smith. Listen carefully, and to think I thought Russell only struggled on the field…

Good talking JaMarcus!

If the Bengals were any other team people could write this game off as a let-down game after an emotional couple weeks. But the Bengals are the Bungles. This is their history. People thought things would be different this year, but with a loss like this you have to wonder…How can you trust this team against the Pats, Colts, or Chargers in the playoffs?

I understand Cedric Benson was hurt, but this game scares me if I am a Bengals fan. The Raiders are a bad team and you had a 14-0 lead on them. Why did you stop? What happened? No one knows and now the Bengals have a lot more questions than answers with 6 games left in the season. Luckily the Steelers and Ravens lost as well, but still.

Eagles 24

Bears 20

What a mess of a season this has been for the Bears. They lost Urlacher the first game and gave the most mistake prone QB in the league a huge extension. Their RB of the future looks like Mr. Mediocrity, and they have turned maybe the leagues greatest return man ever into a middle of the road WR. At least America got to see Devin Hester’s ass Sunday…

The Bears might be in one of the worst positions of any of the “stuck” teams out there. I know that is my go to word on this blog but look at them right now. Their defense is getting old fast. They invested in a QB who looks like a bust, and they have no offensive weapons. Lovie Smith should be on the chopping block. This team needs to start over. Too bad their fans have unreal expectations, and they are not bad enough to get a top pick, and worse they don’t have their first round pick anyway (Cutler trade).

The Eagles are winning tight again and I think their offensive woes have crystallized at least in my mind. They have big play threats. McCoy, Macklin, and Jackson. But they lack the ability to put up consistent drives. I like their TE Brent Celek, but they need a WR who can get open on short routes, not only running fly patterns and deep posts.

The Eagles face one of the tougher final 6 games of teams making the playoffs, but the right wins will get them in. They face the Falcons, Giants, and Cowboys. Those teams qualify as their direct competition for the playoffs (every contender except the Packers). I think most people put the playoff benchmark at 10 wins, but in a tight race it is about wins and who you own tiebreakers against. Those games will help determine the tiebreakers.

Titans 20

Texans 17

Rhianna must have really effected Kris Brown. He has missed huge FGs the last two weeks. In fact he missed 2 huge FGs in this game. The loss seriously hurts the Texans odds at a playoff birth this year. They are now 5-5 and to make things worse this was a HOME GAME. A must win home game on a Monday Night, with your chance to make a statement. Well they did make a statement…”Were not good enough yet.” The funny thing is either because of my hatred of the Colts or just because the Texans are so inconsistent I still think they win next week vs. the Colts.

But this column has been built of long-winded explanations, stupid stories and looking ahead, so to keep that going I think the Texans should fire Head Coach Gary Kubiak and hire one of these “big gun” head coaches. Change the atmosphere and bring in a guy who instills a sense that anything but winning is unacceptable. I mean it is hard to argue that they do not have the talent. Andre Johnson is a beast, Mario Williams is a freak of nature, Matt Schaub puts up big numbers (that might be all he does, but he has to be good enough to at least make the playoffs as a Wildcard). The Texans took a step in the right direction with Kubiak at the helm. Now it is time to break down the door with someone else.

The Titans remind me of the 2001 Redskins. The Skins that year started 0-5 then won their next 5, but eventually finished 8-8 for the season. I think 8-8 is a real possibility for this team. I have gone back and forth with my friend about whether Jeff Fisher should get canned. I think factors against him are that he has never won the big game, he has been given 16 years to do it, and his team went 0-6 to start and clearly has the talent to make the playoffs this year. Now what is funny is that as I write this I envision that Fisher would be a great fit for the Texans as a coach who knows how to get teams to the playoffs. I have mentioned change of scenery guys like Dungy and Belichick who have done better with their second stop.

Now understand this, because Dungy and Belichick won a Super Bowl after getting fired does not mean that the Titans should fire him. Me stating those coaches success is to point out that for Fisher he might benefit from a change. My gut feeling is that Fisher does not get fired.

The guy who is impressing me a lot this year is Vince Young. I made fun of him and questioned his desire, but he has played extremely well as of late. He has a nice poise to himself in the pocket recently. I am interested to see if it holds up, but as of right now him and Chris Johnson make a great duo in the backfield. Even Jon Gruden got overwhelmed by them when he dropped this great quote on MNF…

“I may not be a chemist but I am seeing a lot of explosions in the backfield”

Thanks Jon! With that said you can be an Adrian Peterson lover all you want, give me some of Chris Johnson. It is rare to see someone so fast. He is on pace for almost 2000 yards and has a 6.2 yards per carry average. This team had no QB for 6 weeks and he put up these numbers.

Last week’s blog I posed the video of Titans owner Bud Adams making a fool of himself flipping the bird to Bills fans. This past week as a way to apologize he took out the following ad in the local Buffalo paper…

In other words he did not apologize at all. This guy makes no sense if you ask me, but what do I know I just wrote a 20 page blog about one week of football, which in a  couple days will be proven completely non-telling to the rest of the season. Either way enjoy the holidays. I know I will miss John Madden and his turkey inside a chicken inside a rabbi inside a priest on top of a duck.

- The Lions and Browns should just play each other the rest of the year, that way each team can feel good about their squads, and the fans can be treated to an entertaining game.

- The Browns are still the worst team in the NFL this year. That won’t change.

- The Patriots will be the most dangerous team in the playoffs this year. Maybe not the best, but with the experience and coaching, definitely the most dangerous.

- The Jaguars are now 6-4. Holy crap. I doubt most people outside of Jacksonville even know who’s on this team expect for David Garrard and Maurice Jones Drew.

- Just when you think the Bengals are for real, they choke in the last minute against the Raiders, allowing 10 points in the last minute (!!) of the game and losing 20-17. Few teams could pull that kind of feat off, one of them is unfortunately the Bengals. Anyone remember Week 1 against the Broncos? Bengals are still in the driver’s seat for the AFC North crown, but it’s not a lock yet (would’ve been with a win yesterday).

- There’s either something wrong physically with Jay Cutler or something wrong mentally. Take your pick, but he had a flat out bad game against the Eagles, missing 3 wide open WR’s that would’ve all gone for TD’s. Not the kind of performance you want from a QB you just traded two 1st round picks for.

- Broncos are officially in trouble. I didn’t think they would fold like the Jets last year. I was wrong. I’d actually be shocked if they make the playoffs at this point, with remaining games against the Giants, Colts and Eagles. They’ll have to win at least 1 of those games and beat the Raiders, and Chiefs twice to get in.

- Eli Manning actually had a good game. I’m sure the media will let you know.

- Favre is still playing at a high level (4 TD’s Sunday) unlike last season when his play took a nosedive with the Jets. I’ll say it for the hundredth time, the Vikes will only go as far as Favre goes.

- The Dolphins are still very alive for the one of the Wildcard spots after beating the Panthers. Carolina is pretty much out at this point.

- The Cowboys offense is now the weak link of their team. That and Wade Philips. They’ve scored something like 2 TD’s in two games.

Other Observations

- The Steelers have now allowed in 8 straight games a return for a TD. That’s a new NFL record. That’s a big reason the team is 6-4 right now and a big reason the Chiefs beat them yesterday. That all points back to the questionable coaching on the Steelers team right now. The Steelers are still one of the most talented teams in the NFL right now but without the proper coaching any team can lose to anyone in this league.

- I used to think that Ravens coach Cam Cameron was one of the better offensive coordinators in the league. Not so sure after watching the Ravens this year and most notably yesterday against the Colts. It seemed like every 1st down the Ravens were running the ball directly up the gut against the Colts. Yes, the Colts run defense is suspect, but when they know you’re going to run it, the run game will not be as effective. Whenver Flacco was throwing the ball it seemed like it was all deep outs, that’s a pretty tough pass to complete over and over again. The Ravens offense couldn’t score a TD all game and the final game-deciding INT by Joe Flacco was a result of Cameron calling the same play he had called earlier in the game and the Colts recognizing it.

Bad Coaching Decision of the Week - With the game tied 24-24 in OT, the Steelers face a 3rd and 2 at the Kansas City 35 yard line. Getting at least a yard or even no yards would allow for a long FG attempt. What does head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator call Bruce Arians call in this situation? A slow developing pitch play to Mewelde Moore, the slowest running back on the team. Recieving the pitch literally 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage, he stands no chance and is tackled for a 3 yard loss. Just a horrible, horrible call. The Steelers can’t even line up for a FG attempt and have to punt the ball. The Chiefs score on the ensuing drive and shock the Steelers in OT.

Horrible Officiating Watch – Basically, it’s the Ron Winters officiating crew watch. Winters and his crew did just a horrible job in the Broncos-Chargers game with tons of questionable officiating calls all game long. I won’t do a run down of the calls, but anyone that saw this game knows exactly what I’m talking about.

THIS STORY SOUNDS LIKE HORSESHIT!

TMZ has obtained a photo of the bloody wound suffered by the man allegedly hit in the head with a champagne bottle last night by San Diego Chargers star Antonio Cromartie.

UPDATE: Cromartie’s agent, Gary Wichard, seems to be throwing Antonio’s teammates under the bus, telling TMZ, “This is absolutely not a story. Antonio didn’t throw the bottle. There were actually three other players involved. Antonio is at a complex working out. Again, this is not a story.”

UPDATE #2: After we posted Wichard’s statement, his story changed. Here is what he’s telling us now: “he was there with 2 other players … no one was involved in the fight.”

Holy Sh*t!

That pretty much sums up my feelings to week 11 of the NFL so far.  The AFC North collapse in unbelievable fashion with the Steelers losing to the mighty Chiefs, the Bengals losing to the mighty Raiders, the Browns losing to the mighty Lions and the Ravens losing to the highly impressive Colts.  And that is only one division!

Things got crazy in other places with the Redskins holding the Cowboys to 7 points with half a team, the Bills beating an improving Jacksonville and the Giants trying their hardest to throw a game away.  Yes it really has been a special weekend.

Lets start with the AFC North, out of the 4 teams that lost only Baltimore can have any pride in itself since they at least lost to an unbeaten team.  If you ever wondered about the importance of Peyton Manning then watch this game.  Yes he throw a couple of INTs but when he was in the red zone the Colts came away with TDs and not field goals something Baltimore failed to do.  The Bengals managed to give up 10 points in 33 seconds which defies logic.  Pittsburgh managed to allow the Chiefs to score 27 points and Cleveland scored hundreds but still lost with no time remaining.  This game proved yet again how important Troy Polamalu is to the Steelers, he actually defines what an MVP player means to a team.  He plays they win, he doesn’t play they lose to some awful teams.

After watching the Colts beat the Ravens I settled down to watch the Chargers destroy the Broncos.  Three points struck me from this game, 1) Simms is only on rosters because of who his father was 2) McDaniels likes to try his luck, which is something I don’t have a problem with and 3) Orton truly is the leader of the offense, as soon as he stepped onto the field the whole attitude of the team changed and he was unlucky not to get some points on the board before the rookie fumbled on the goal line.  Denver needs Orton fit for Thursday or they are going to get thrashed again.

Yes I really did enjoy the NFL this weekend and I think we could be in for an even better game tonight between the Titans and the Texans.

The Chargers claimed the lead in the AFC West yesterday with a 32-3 victory over the hapless Broncos, who are now looking every bit the team many pundits expected to see this season.  After attempting fruitlessly to get inside our players’ minds, Josh McDaniels and Co. proceeded to put on a terrible show of football.  Not since the Oakland Raiders started their current commitment to horrible football had I seen a team look so allergic to the end zone.

The Denver Broncos offense showed signs of life early, running the football effectively and moving into the San Diego red zone on their first drive.  The unit came crashing back down to earth when Chris Simms was asked to pass, and he fumbled away the ball and the drive.  From that point on it must have been a carnival of horror for Denver fans, as no drive could beat the stout San Diego defensive showing until they managed a field goal in the third quarter.  In fact, the Broncos’ season seemed to be epitomized when Knowshon Moreno fumbled the ball right at the goal line, with the Chargers recovering for a touchback.

Philip Rivers did not have a prolific statistical game, but the running game certainly did.  Earlier this season, who would have thought that we would rush for over two hundred yards in a game?  Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester made sizable contributions to the running game, which is still ranked among the league’s lowest.  Going forward, contributions from all our running backs will make the Chargers even more of a force to be reckoned with.  The passing game, while good, did not need to light up the sky and it was good to see a blow out that rested on the shoulders of our running game.

There is not much to critique about this game, as all phases were thoroughly dominated by the bolts.  I can say that I wish Kyle Orton had been healthy and the starter, as it would be much more satisfactory to see the Chargers stomp a healthy team.  Still, there seems to be nothing the Broncos can do right while the Chargers do everything they need to in order to win.  My uncle, who is a life long Kansas City Chiefs fan, gave me a hard time about the Chargers’ slow starts.  He told me that they can’t be considered an elite team when they start out so slow, unlike the Colts or Patriots.  I was very happy at the time and in no mood to dive into an argument, but I wanted to ask him who beat the “elite” Colts in the playoffs the past two years.  Watch out NFL, an early 2-3 record did not finish this Chargers team and neither will your fancy early season “elite” success.

Next week: Kansas City.  Did this team really just beat Pittsburgh?  Truly amazing, considering they had not won a home game in over a year.  The Chiefs won with several big plays, and knocked Ben Roethlisberger out of the game.  They may have defeated the injury hobbled defending Super Bowl champs, but now fly into San Diego to face a team that is on a roll that started in Kansas City.