If the Cowboys go into New York Sunday and take a loss, the December talk is going to be even hotter. We all know that is true.

Zimbio.com

But looking at Bradie James’ locker room interview from a practice this week, I cannot see a letdown. I have never seen anyone on the Cowboys seem so adamant about beating the Giants and getting the win in general.

There are a lot of factors for why Bradie would feel this way.

One factor is the way in which the Cowboys lost to the Giants in the inaugural game at Cowboys Stadium.

But now it has come out that some Giants players, including Eli Manning, wrote inside the visiting locker room. Then it is also rumored that Brandon Jacobs danced on the star after the game.

The major reason that Bradie is so fired up is that he knows the importance of getting wins at the end of the season and he is one of the few players who is recognizing their past struggles in December.

“We need to win”, Bradie said emphatically. “It’s no need to say ‘we’ll get ‘em next time’ or ‘we have more games’ because if you look at it in that way, we’ll never turn the corner. This team needs to win.”

It is finally good to hear a long time Cowboys player say these things. Most of the players give us the generic response of “We are a different team”, “We do not look at the past” and the new one: “We are undefeated this December”.

Come on. You have to understand that you have struggled in this month over the past several years and use that on the field, punish opponents and bring that mentality that you are going to cause the opposing team pain and get these wins in the final month of the season.

“Nobody is exempt from the criticism if you don’t take care of business in December and go to the playoffs and do what we need to do. That’s what time it is now so that’s what we’ve gotta do.”

Bradie’s unintentional mantra is that the Cowboys need to win now. There can be no letdowns going down the stretch. He knows, he has been here since 2003. He has been through everything this team has gone through from that time on.

One has to assume that the entire team feels the same way as Bradie even though most of them will not say it publicly.

I agree and have said before that this team feels like such a different team. On and off the field. They have a more focused talk and the defense is playing solid on the field.

This defense is also becoming a disrespected unit through the media. You will rarely hear a member of the media speak about how good this defense is really becoming. Teams have had and will continue to have trouble scoring against this defense.

This Giants game seems like it could be a feast for the Cowboys. The Giants are stumbling around on their last leg and they are hanging by a thread. The Cowboys need to knock them down and cut that thread.

And Bradie James may be the one to do that. Expect some big plays from Bradie on Sunday.

Bradie James locker room interview

…baby.

Yep. That was Ollie’s first word. It happened this morning at 7:40. He clearly articulated the word and Jill said, “I heard that.” It was as clear as day that this was his first word — and it was one of the most exciting and enjoyable things I have ever heard. Accompanied with this word was a big ‘ol smile which made the moment even more special.

There was also a palpable sense of relief. There were some words I was hoping he wouldn’t choose as his first. They included: Tony Romo, New York Mets, languid, repository, George Bush, clambake, T.O., USC, Eli Manning (I would have been OK with Peyton Manning, though — I love that guy) and a few choice foul words that have managed to flit about the house after stubbing toes, hammering fingers and watching the Eagles play poorly. But, as most people have been telling me, those words will come soon.

I remember the first time I actually cursed. It was when I was eight years old on a ski trip to Northern Minnesota. I was watching a younger guy play pinball in the arcade (for those of you under 35, please Google “pinball” and “arcade”) and he was cussing up a storm. Being a somewhat impressionable lad, I though that was normal behavior for playing pinball. After he was done, I walked up, plopped in my quarter and started playing — and I started cursing away like a sailor on a 17-day gin bender. I had NO idea what I was saying, but I did so with fervor, verve and a big smile. My brother and two other people we were with looked at me, eyes wide open, mouths agape and said, “what are you doing?” I replied with, “playing pinball.” (Yes, I was a smart aleck even at that age) They just shook their heads and walked away. Later, I was told to never say those words again — or at least in front of my mother.

So, we got the first word out of the way. Now, I’ll be taking bets on when the first “not so cute” word will be uttered. Right now, the over/under is 15 — we’re trying VERY hard to not say sassy things in front of the boy. We’ll see how that works out.

And we’ll see how long that lasts.

SOURCE

Tim McMahon, ESPNDallas.com, reports that Bradie James, MLB for the Dallas Cowboys, is upset with Eli Manning and the New York Giants.   James (no relations to Rick or Lebron) refers his displeasure to an “autograph” by Manning on the wall of the Visitor Locker Room after the Giants defeated the Cowboys at the grand opening of the “Spaceship from V”…I mean Cowboys Stadium.

Manning wrote:

First win in the New Stadium.”

Confirming sources and reports maintain that the spelling and grammar was correct.  Nonetheless, James disagrees and feels this was wrong.  Upon arriving to the stadium, James desired to be the first one in the locker room prior to a game.  He ran so fast he missed the Home Team locker room, and arrived in the visiting locker by accident.  Unknown to him at the time, he wondered where his team was as he sat there for two hours and five minutes.  It was then he discovered the writing on the wall, and immediately became upset.

James says:

We won’t forget that,” said James, a defensive captain who ranted Wednesday about his dislike of the Giants. “It just makes for a more intense game.”

Manning disagrees and countered saying it was gesture all in fun.

Yeah, it’s a pretty common thing,” Manning told reporters at the Giants’ practice facility. “I was asked to sign it, it wasn’t like I just went there and signed it. I didn’t have a pen on me or anything. It was all supplied.”

It may be assumed that Tiki Barber or his older brother Peyton, may have put him up to it.  These theories have no backing, and are subject to being considered “false”, but it remains to be seen why Eli would commit such a sophomoric act.

Wade Phillips, Head Football Coach of the Dallas Cowboys and Local Oaf, had some remarks of his own.

Things come back around in this league”

Phillips’ remarks clearly show displeasure of Eli’s signature.  It was also in reference on how the Cowboys and Giants play at least twice a year, as is the custom with all division foes.  In the end, these two teams have a game to play this is very meaningful.  For the Cowboys, they would like to remain atop the NFC East, while the Giants look to remain in the Playoff hunt.  Eli, being cool, calm, and collected had to say this in closing:

I figure they’ll eventually get over it.”

This will be a good one to watch.

ESPN.com:

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning acknowledged Thursday that the autograph on the wall of the visiting locker room at Cowboys Stadium is authentic. Manning confirmed that the signature was his, but he said he didn’t intend the autograph as a taunt. He said he just granted the request of a locker room attendant. “Yeah, it’s a pretty common thing,” Manning told reporters at the Giants’ practice facility. “I was asked to sign it, it wasn’t like I just went there and signed it. I didn’t have a pen on me or anything. It was all supplied. “We won’t forget that,” said Bradie James, a defensive captain who ranted Wednesday about his dislike of the Giants. “It just makes for a more intense game.” 

“Things come back around in this league,” Phillips said.

This story is very confusing on many different levels. What isn’t confusing is that the Giants went into Dallas and torched the Cowboys defense in week 2 when they opened the “eighth” wonder of the world. Weeks leading into the game all you could hear about was Jerry Jones this and Jerry Jones that, it became a point as fellow blogger Frank O’Brien stated, “the game became more about the stadium and Jerry Jones than the team, and more importantly the division race.” So if it offends anyone that Manning signed a wall in the AWAY locker room, well suck it up. In every old football stadium things are written all over the walls, do you think teams went into Iowa and got all crazy because the away locker rooms were painted pink.

This leads to the biggest concern for all you Cowboy fans out there. Is your team really using this for motivation heading into a game with the New York Giants in December? Do you really need any additional motivation than the fact that over the past three seasons you have collapsed each year in December. Tony Romo turns into Jay Cutler, and more importantly your team hasn’t won a playoff game since 1996. Compare that to the Giants, two super bowl appearances including a win over the Patriots; and The Eagles, five NFC championship appearances and a super bowl appearance.

this should make for a more intense game? Are you kidding me Bradie James? This is the Cowboys and Giants, what could possibly add onto the drama and intensity of this game. I mean the fact that a win would finish off the Giants year and put you in the driver’s seat for the division title might make it more intense. James instead will use the fact that Manning autographed a wall in the away team locker room back in week 2 as motivation, thats pretty brilliant. While your at it, I dont know if you remember in the preseason when Manning said that the giants were a pretty solid team, but that kinda got under my skin too, put that up on the bulletin board while your at it.

While I’m at it, who the hell are you Wade Phillips? Not only are you the biggest cheerleader on that Cowboys sideline, but to say a ridiculous quote like, “Things come back around in this league.” By that are you referencing personal experiences, such as when your team lost to the Giants in the playoffs after continuously stating they would beat the patriots (patrick crayton) the second time around that year, and for everyone to get their popcorn ready when they took on the Giants.

More than likely he was talking about how every time he challenges he gets a time out taken away from him, if thats the case then yes, things do come back around in this league to kick your ass. I may not have completely given up on the Giants yet, but they have sucked something awful this year. If the Cowboys go into the meadow lands and beat them, the last thing I will be concerned about is if they dance around or autograph a stupid wall. I’ll probably be thinking two things, why does Troy Aikman want to be gay for Jay Ratliff? And two, what the hell happened to the most complete team in football with the supposed best offensive and defensive lines?

By Raimundo Ortiz

The horses are heading down the stretch.  The NFL season has officially entered the red zone.  This is when all the teams that have been messing around get down to business and make their push.  This is when the teams that have dominated all season fine-tune themselves while weathering the storms of desperate middlemen.

Most of the divisions are up for grabs.  I’ll highlight the one player who will be the difference in each.

AFC East: Tom Brady

Easy one.  Mark Sanchez is a rook learning the ropes on a Jets team that lost its anchor in Kris Jenkins.  The Dolphins seem stuck in neutral with their own young quarterback Chad Henne.  The Bills……eh.  However all three teams below New England are in striking distance, record-wise.  Anyone with a brain realizes that the Pats are winning this division with Tom Brady at the helm.  But if he goes down…well by golly it’s a whole new ballgame.  This isn’t the dominant 16-0 version of the Patriots.  The Saints showed that loud and clear last week.  If Brady goes down and the Jets or Dolphins win out…then it’s a fight.  Don’t count on it though.

AFC North: Cincinatti’s Defense

At 8-3, the Bengals have shocked many and seem poised to not only win the division but lock up a high seed.  Ochocinco, Palmer, and the tale of reclamation that is Cedric Benson have stole all the headlines, but what keeps this team chugging along is a shockingly efficient defense.  Ranked number one in the entire NFL, they’re only surrendering 16 points per game.  They’ve got a shut-down corner in Leon Hall and a very capable defender at the other corner in Jonathan Joseph, who leads the team in interceptions with 5.  The Steelers and Ravens aren’t going away, but they’ve had their cracks at Cincy.  If this D keeps ticking, expect to see the Bengals with a home game this postseason.

AFC South: Vince Young

The Colts are 11-0 and have clinched the division.  So why highlight Peyton Manning.  You know about him.  The story in this division is the Tennessee Titans frantic march past respectability back into the realm of good teams.  They’re 5-6.  Big wow.  How about they started 0-6??!!!  Since Vince Young has taken over all they’ve done is won.  Jeff Fisher must be kicking himself harder than Jim Carrey in Liar Liar right about now. This team is a must-watch anytime they’re on simply because of VY.  Driving 99 yards for a TD on the final drive against the Super-Bowl runner-up Cardinals?  Wow.  All of a sudden nobody’s laughing at Vince’s confident comments anymore.

AFC West: Knoshown Moreno

The Broncos made us take them seriously after 6-0.  Then they validated all our doubts after dropping four straight.  Then comes Thanksgiving.  They absolutely throttle the Giants 26-6.  Who are they???  They’re an inconsistent but talented bunch.  With Kyle Orton hurting, and really not anything more than a solid game manager when healthy, Moreno’s got to be ready to carry the load.  If he isn’t, expect Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson, and a revived LT to run away with the AFC West.

NFC East: Brandon Jacobs

Where has Brandon Jacobs gone?   Only one 100-yard rushing game this year, and an injury to Ahmad Bradshaw has left this year’s Giants looking like an alternate-universe version of themselves.  The stingy defense and run-oriented team has been replaced with an air-reliant team trying to win shootouts.  Only Eli Manning feeds off the run and they don’t have elite wide receivers.  They still can win the NFC East.  But they need the real Jacobs to stand up.  Without him their swagger’s gone and they’ll be licking their Donovan McNabb-inflicted wounds.

Honorable Mention:  Tony Romo.

America’s Team feeds off this guy.  And he’s a roller-coaster.  I felt the need to put him in here not because I think he’s good enough to carry the Cowboys.  He’s not.  But he can be bad enough to lose games for them.  And he probably will.  The Cowboys losing is just as important as the Giants or Eagles winning.

NFC North: Adrian Peterson

This division race is over.  And before all the Favre fanboys start the hysterics let me make this clear.  The Vikings are ADRIAN PETERSON’S TEAM.  End of story.  He’s the most dominant player in the league not named Peyton Manning as well as Minny’s MVP.  The division’s over because he stomps and snorts all over every defense he faces and frees up Favre to wing it to speedsters like Percy Harvin and Sydney Rice.  Furthermore, I think Jared Allen is also more important to Minnesota than Favre.  But hey, that isn’t what we’re talking about here.

NFC South: Drew Brees

M hm.  Sure you’re shocked.  Almost didn’t even include this division in here, except for the fact that these guys really look poised to go undefeated.  They are scoring at will.  I think their lineman might be able to work the middle and score with Brees.  I’m saying it here.  These guys are going 16-0.

NFC West: Frank Gore

I know the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl last year.  I know they’re two games up on San Francisco.  I know.  But I look at Arizona and just don’t feel the same as I did last year.  They look……soft.  Distracted.  The defensive talent hasn’t meshed.  Their D is like the Texans’.  Funny…the Cardinals are like the Texans.  So much so that I’d liken it to the Simpsons when they go to Shelbyville.  It’s freaky how similar they are.  The only difference is the Cardinals don’t have to get bashed in the heads by Peytn Manning, Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson, etc.  Anyway…the 49ers play their hearts out.  They aren’t the most talented but Frank Gore can will them to victories.  If Alex Smith can keep up his play and Vernon Davis keeps scoring touchdowns I really think that San Fran can pull this out.  A Cardinals meltdown isn’t out of the realm of possibility.  9-7 may take this division.

It has taken me a full week to digest the Giants’ Thanksgiving stink bomb laid in Denver. I am now ready to write about how Big Blew.

When the offense scores 6 points, you’re not going to win the game. When the team has 3 turnovers, you’re not going to win the game (unless the other team is even less competent at home, which is less likely than Pittsburgh accepting a concussion as an acceptable injury).

Yes, the Giants ruined Thanksgiving evening by playing an ugly, terrible game while causing injuries in the process. Running backs Ahmad Bradshaw (more successful this season than Brandon Jacobs), and Danny Ware (formerly Derrick Ward) are not two heads of a three-headed monster, or two parts of a classic group, but are two more kind-of injured Giants.

Losing Antonio Pierce to injury is clearly not working out for the New York football Giants. Eli Manning’s foot is back in question, as is the season. Eli and the offense are out of sync. They have their moments, but those moments are few and far between… none of which seem to show up in the Red Zone.

A pathetic loss in an already inconsistent season doesn’t feel good. Even if the ship is righted by sweeping the NFC East in the next three games, the G-men are not a playoff caliber team.

Maybe I lied, I’m not ready to write about this.

Also posted on National Lampoon’s Splog, and on Empire Sports Now

Power Thursday

Se dice que la temporada no inicia si no hasta terminada la semana de acción de gracias, así que entonces empieza la acción de la postemporada con muchos equipos en la pelea, otros ya eliminados y unos ya calificados buscando la perfección y entrar en rachados a los playoffs para ser considerados serios contendientes. 5 semanas restan de juego y en unas cuantas horas tendremos el juego que da inicio a la 13va semana

32. Browns

[1-10] Perdieron una vez mas contra los Bengals pero pierden a Shawn Rogers por el resto de la temporada y esperemos tome su tiempo y reciba mas ayuda para la siguiente temporada ya que seguramente tendrán la primera selección del draft

31. Rams

[1-10] Marc Bulger fuera por el resto de la temporada y Kyle Boller tendrá una oportunidad de iniciar en los controles

30. Buccanners

[1-10] Jugaron decentemente el partido pasado, entonces creo que puedan tener una o dos victorias mas esta temporada, pero es importante notar que la culpa es mas que nada de couch ya que el roster no suena tan lleno de estrellas como otros equipos pero es un roster competitivo que ha demostrado luchar pero se queda corto estratégicamente

29. Lions

[2-9] Me parece una estupidez el haber iniciado a Matthew Stafford para este partido que desde inicio estaba perdido, después de una dislocación de hombro sin importar lo que tu QB te diga (teniendo un equipo de 2-9) tienes que sentarlo y que descanse, Daunte Culpepper debió de haber iniciado este partido

28. Raiders

[3-8] Muy mala semana ya que dejo de funcionar lo poco que funcionaba, la defensa que te estaba dando algo dejo de hacer por completo su trabajo y Dallas aprovecho todos los huecos que tuvo (muchos por cierto) y eso le abrió espacio a su juego aéreo y te destrozaron. Mejor apague la TV al medio tiempo y me fui a la posada de la facultad (para aburrirme igual o peor)

27. Redskings

[3-8] Un decente partido en contra de las águilas que al final les falto un plan estratégico para mover la ofensiva de los 2min. y terminaron intentando pases que no debieron de haber intentado.

26. Bills

[4-7] Una sorpresiva victoria en contra de unos Delfines que se vieron sin ganas de llevarse la victoria (estratégicamente hablando)

25. Chiefs

[3-8] Al parecer se viene abajo su defensa ya que no lograron detener a nadie en contra de San Diego y ahora enfrentan a unos Broncos que después de una importante victoria sobre los Gigantes sigue deseoso de victorias para seguir adelante en sus aspiraciones y se les complicara suficiente

24. Seahawks

[4-7] Una victoria, felicidades venciendo a los Rams… bla bla

23. Bears

[4-7] Apaleados por Favre y posiblemente (casi seguro) tendrán un nuevo jefe desde las diagonales para la siguiente temporada

22. Panthers

[4-7] Podría sonar como buenas noticias pero me parece cruel: Jake Delhomme posiblemente este fuera para este siguiente partido con un dedo roto y Matt Moore tendrá su oportunidad tras los controles

21. Dolphins

[5-6] Dio pena su derrota en contra de los Bills

20. Jets

[5-6] Victoria al fin, bueno contra las Panteras pero de todas formas cuenta como victoria… no me agrada tanto su defensa como al principio de la temporada pero deben de mejorar en definitiva para una siguiente campaña

19. 49ers

[5-6] Importante victoria en contra de unos Jaguares que no me convencen en lo absoluto pero su récord los tiene en zona de calificación en estos momentos. Estos 49’s no serán equipo de playoffs esta temporada pero buena noticia es que Alex Smith jugo decentemente

18. Texans

[5-6] Un equipo que no sabe amarrar victorias y deja ir 14 puntos de ventaja obtenidos en el primer cuarto

17. Jaguars

[6-4] Un equipo que no me gusta en lo absoluto (excepto Jones-Drew) pero su récord lo tiene en posición de calificación. Esta un sus manos pero ahora que van contra unos Tejanos que están ardidos podría dificultarse

16. Titans

[5-6] Una semana muy buena para Vince Young y esta semana tienen un gran reto en contra de los Colts, y si Chris Johnson mantiene el paso podría romper la marca de mas yds en una temporada

15. Giants

[6-5] Al parecer Eli Manning no estará para este partido, y Antonio Pierce es colocado en la lista de IR pero pues como su defensiva no estaba de por si deteniendo a nadie pues no debe de afectar tanto el rendimiento de algo que no tenían. Esta semana enfrentan a los vaqueros en un duelo clave para ver si este equipo se mantiene con vida en algo que veo poco probable a como están jugando

14. Falcons

[6-5] Victoria es victoria no importa en contra de quien, esta victoria podría significar algo ya que Matt Ryan esta fuera y sera un juego importante en contra de las Águilas

13. Ravens

[6-5] Una victoria importante los mete en la pelea, creo que si el Big Ben hubiera estado en los controles esto hubiera sido diferente pero una victoria es una victoria y están en la lucha

12. Broncos

[7-4] Buena victoria, posiblemente se dirijan a una fila de dos ganados ya que van en contra de los jefes y después enfrentan a los Colts

11. Steelers

[6-4] Dura derrota pero no quisieron iniciar al Big Ben por su propia seguridad y tendrán que rifarla en serio con esa derrota de mas que puede significar los Playoffs, bueno para ellos es que enfrentan a los Raiders y los Ravens a los Packers

10. Cardinals

[7-4] Una derrota en contra de los Titanes que muy seguramente hubiera cambiado la historia de haber tenido a Warner en los controles, muy seguramente no estará tampoco en contra de los Vikingos y esta temporada podría empezarse a escapar de las manos

9. Cowboys

[8-3] Aun no creo completamente en este equipo y tienen un calendario complicado ya que visitan a los Gigantes, reciben a los Cardenales, visitan a los Santos, de ahí visitan Washington y cierran contra las Águilas. Mas complicado casi imposible, y como Romo juega horrible en diciembre posiblemente este equipo termine 8-8

8. Packers

[7-4] Una gran victoria los sigue manteniendo en la pelea por clasificar, y este lunes por la noche tienen un juego duro en contra de los cuervos… a proteger a Rodgers! lo bueno que es en Lambeau y esperemos ver el pasto blanco

7. Eagles

[7-4] Buena victoria divisional y ahora enfrentan a unos Falcons… partido que de ser victoria prácticamente los estaría colocando en la pelea directa por el titulo de la división

6. Patriots

[7-4] Espantoso partido defensivamente hablando, y tampoco tuvo una ofensiva que lograra algo de yds! Vimos una vez mas al equipo del inicio de temporada lo cual me preocupo intensamente (no solo por tener a Brady en mi equipo de fantasía) si no porque este equipo jugando bien tiene posibilidades de partidazos en los playoffs y jugando así no pasa de primera ronda. Ahora enfrentan a los delfines en Miami cosa que podría llegarse a complicar

5. Bengals

[8-3] Me agrada como ahora están yendo con los ojos cerrados al juego terrestre… me agrada y creo que eso solamente los hace un mejor equipo

4. Chargers

[8-3] Aplastaron a los jefes y ahora irán a aplastar a los cafés

3. Colts

[11-0] No creo aun en los ojos cerrados a este equipo, ya mencionaba anteriormente que aun que fueran invictos no los veo como campeones de la NFL aun que fueran al Superbowl… y quizá ni rivales en la postemporada porque si fueran los Chargers los que te hubieran hecho los 14pts en el primer cuarto no creo que hubieras logrado remontar con la “facilidad” contra los Tejanos. Pero un buen equipo encuentra la forma de ganar

2. Vikings

[10-1] Si el Gral. Favre se mantiene a ese ritmo impresionante con un buen apoyo por tierra y varios hombres a los cuales lanzarle. Obvio con esa defensa de miedo que tienen este equipo esta para cosas importantes

1. Saints

[11-0] Un gran partido de su secundaria, una gran partido de Brees y obviamente les hace bien que los baje al #2 porque en ambas ocasiones han demostrado que ellos deben de estar la posición de honor. Esta semana enfrentan a los pieles rojas para conseguir la victoria numero 12

Brees and Saints march to 11-0

This week, the Ledger will focus solely on the Sunday and Monday games. As published earlier, I went 2-1 on Thanksgiving, and there’s no sense in re-hashing the events of games that are nearly a week-old at this point.

As it turned out, the best part of the long weekend was Thursday, both from a food and a football standpoint. The highlight of my week was watching the Broncos dismantle the New York Giants while eating some apple pie. In terms of picks, it was all downhill from there. Between Sunday and Monday night, I went 4-9, running my season record to 97-79.

While I like the symmetry of the overall record, I don’t like posting an ugly week with the selections. Here’s the rundown of where I (mostly) went wrong:

Colts 35, Texans 27 (Houston, +3.5)

This pick was looking good until Matt Schaub hit Indianapolis linebacker Clint Session right in the chest with a pass, and Session returned the errant pass for a touchdown, giving the Colts a 28-20 lead with about 8 minutes to go.

The ensuing Texans’ possession resulted in a forced fumble as Schaub dropped back to pass. Indianapolis recovered the fumble and eventually scored another touchdown a few plays later.

The Texans seemed on their way to a signature win for the 2009 season, leading 17-0 over Indianapolis at one point. Instead, it was another frustrating loss for the Texans. Meanwhile, the Colts have won 20 straight games in the regular season. Yawn. (0-1)

Bengals 16, Browns 7 (Cleveland, +14)

This was a game for fans of rushing-oriented offenses and good defensive play. The Bengals, behind new addition Larry Johnson, topped 200 yards rushing against the Browns. Cincinnati also limited the awful Browns offense to just 169 total yards.

Cincinnati’s conservative gameplan was effective, and it was enough to get them the win. The big spread allowed the Browns to cover. (1-1)

Eagles 27, Redskins 24 (Philadelphia, -9)

I had a bad feeling about this game the moment the Eagles started the game with an onside kick that the Redskins recovered, giving them a short field to start off with. Four plays later, Washington led 7-0, and any hope I had of the Eagles covering a nine-point spread went kaput.

To the Eagles’ credit, they wound up making a spirited comeback to win the game and go to 7-4 on the season. With the playoff picture in both conferences becoming muddied by some poor performances from contending teams this week, the Eagles, and Donovan McNabb, stepped up when it mattered most. (1-2)

Bills 31, Dolphins 14 (Miami, -3)

Count the Dolphins among the “contenders” who had a bad week.

Miami led 14-7, following a 16-play, 83-yard touchdown drive that covered over nine minutes of game time at the start of the second half. The Bills responded with an impressive drive of their own, one that spanned 75 yards in 13 plays and tied the score at 14-14 early in the fourth quarter.

From there, the Bills’ defense clamped down on the Dolphins, allowing just four first downs the rest of the way. After taking a 17-14 lead late in the fourth quarter, the Bills intercepted Miami QB Chad Henne on the Dolphins’ final three possessions.

Buffalo capitalized on Henne’s miscues, scoring two quick touchdowns in the waning minutes of the game to put the game out of reach, and eliminating any chance of Miami winning, or covering the spread. (1-3)

Seahawks 27, Rams 17 (St. Louis, +3)

My pick was based on Seattle’s struggles running the ball and their poor track record on the road this year. Seattle RB Justin Forsett had 130 yards rushing and two touchdowns, and he was a big reason why the Seahawks stopped their five-game road losing streak against the Rams. So much for my powers of prognostication.

Forsett’s big day was his second in three games; he had 123 yards and a touchdown in a Seattle loss to Arizona two weeks ago. In what has turned into a disappointing season for the Seahawks, Forsett may be developing into a productive running back for the rest of this season and beyond. (1-4)

Falcons 20, Buccaneers 17 (Atlanta, -12)

Matt Ryan left the game early in the first quarter. Michael Turner re-injured his right ankle in the third quarter. Any hope of the Falcons covering a 12-point spread left once their stars were sidelined.

Chris Redman filled in admirably for Ryan in leading the Falcons to a come-from-behind win. However, the Falcons’ chances of reaching the playoffs suffer with Ryan and Turner out.

Josh Freeman played well, throwing for a career-high 250 yards and playing error-free ball. The Buccaneers continue to challenge their opponents and cover spreads in their recent games. I’ll be curious to see what the line is for their game against the Panthers next week. (1-5)

Jets 17, Panthers 6 (Carolina, +3)

I was uncomfortable picking either of these teams. The Jets had lost five of six, while the Panthers had turnover-prone Jake Delhomme doing the heavy lifting under center. I believed the Panthers were the lesser of two evils.

One 67-yard interception return for a touchdown by the Jets’ Darrelle Revis changed that perception pretty quickly. The Jets’ defense played with renewed vigor against the run, too, forcing the Panthers to throw the ball more, which lead to four Delhomme interceptions. (1-6)

Vikings 36, Bears 10 (Minnesota, -11)

As expected, the Vikings dominated the Bears. Jay Cutler tossed two more interceptions. Brett Favre had another big day. The Bears didn’t get their running game going. None of this was unexpected.

One note of concern for the Vikings: Adrian Peterson fumbled twice, turning the ball over once. He’s lost five fumbles this year through eleven games, something that bears watching the rest of the way and in the postseason, too. (2-6)

Titans 20, Cardinals 17 (Tennessee, -2.5)

Now, the Vince Young Comeback Tour includes a game-winning, 99-yard drive, capped by a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Britt as time expires.

While the world wonders if Young will walk on water for an encore, Chris Johnson reeled off his sixth-straight game with 125 or more rushing yards, tying a NFL record in the process.

Without entering into a debate over who has been more important, what is known is that the play of Young and Johnson, coupled with the struggles of several other teams, has elevated the Titans back into the AFC playoff picture. The AFC South title is long gone, but the Titans are in the mix for a wildcard spot, something that seemed impossible five weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals have some issues to tend to. Despite the close score, they gave up well over 500 yards of offense to the Titans, and a similar defensive effort next week against the Minnesota Vikings will result in another loss. (3-6)

49ers 20, Jaguars 3 (Jacksonville, +3)

If I were picking games outright, instead of against the spread, I’d be able to call this a winner, as I predicted the 49ers to edge the Jags.

For the Jaguars, they will reflect on this game as one filled with missed opportunities. Jacksonville kicker Josh Scobee missed field goals of 40 and 21 yards, and the Jags fumbled twice, on consecutive possessions, as they were mounting sustainable drives into San Francisco territory. (3-7)

Chargers 43, Chiefs 14 (Kansas City, +13.5)

One fumble recovery was converted into a touchdown for the Chargers. Three other Kansas City turnovers indirectly led to Chargers TDs as well.

Any chance the Chiefs had of covering the spread evaporated by halftime. I was not pleased. (3-8)

Ravens 20, Steelers 17, OT (Baltimore, -2.5)

Baltimore had a lot going for them in this game, simply because Dennis Dixon was making his first NFL start in place of Ben Roethlisberger for the Steelers. As it turned out, Dixon played a solid game and the Ravens needed two short field goals, one late in the fourth quarter and the other in overtime, to win a game they probably should have won handily.

The Ravens moved the ball well against the Steelers defense, but two fumbles and two missed chances at touchdowns while in Pittsburgh’s red zone area, cost Baltimore. Pittsburgh’s defense sacked Baltimore QB Joe Flacco five times, and knocked him down on seven other occasions.

With both teams now at 6-5 on the year, the next game between these rivals in a few weeks could be for the final AFC playoff berth. (4-8)

Monday Night

Saints 38, Patriots 17 (New England, +2.5)

Living in Massachusetts has provided me the opportunity to see many New England Patriots games in the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick Era. This game against the Saints is about as bad as I’ve seen the Patriots play in a long time.

I’m not going to jump on the “New England is no longer an elite team” bandwagon at this juncture. There’s a lot of football to be played. However, the Patriots’ game against the Dolphins in Miami this coming week takes on new significance: they’ve yet to win a “true” road game this season, and a loss to Miami would allow their division rivals to cut the deficit in the division to one game.

It’s easy to root for the Saints; they are the personification of a “Madden NFL 10” team. Now at 11-0, New Orleans, like Indianapolis, has a clear path to an undefeated regular season. If either (or both) makes it that far, the idea that the NFL is driven by parity can get thrown out the window.

And, with the strong possibility of a 2010 season without a salary cap, the divide between great teams and bad teams could grow further and diminish these gaudy regular seasons we’ve seen in recent years. (4-9)

Bonus Thursday Night Pick

Week 13 Thursday Night (home team in bold)

 NY Jets (-3) over Buffalo

The Jets lost the previous meeting between these teams due in large part to Mark Sanchez’s five interceptions. The Jets ran for over 300 yards in that game, and should again enjoy success against a porous Bills’ defense.

The Bills, to their credit, have played better football in the last couple of weeks, and they should be able to move the ball on a weakened Jets’ defense. However, the key matchup will feature Terrell Owens against the Jets’ DB Darrelle Revis. If Revis again shuts Owens down as he did earlier in the season (13 yards receiving on three catches), then the Bills could lose by quite a bit.

Here’s hoping for a good start to week 13!

Jets 24, Bills 14

Analysis of Week 12 of the NFL

Game Recaps

Packers 34 Lions 12

Matthew Stafford’s first game on national television and he started out quick… only to have the Packers come back and completely overwhelm them. Stafford showed America and their Thanksgiving Day viewers that he is terribly inconsistent and has all the potential in the world. The Packers had another solid performance, especially the Aaron Rodgers/Donald Driver connection and Charles Woodson who caught two interceptions on the day. Green Bay is still in the hunt, and they are playing like they want the wild card spot.
Game Ball: Donald Driver had seven catches for 142 yards and one touchdown.

Dallas 24 Oakland 7

Before the game, announcers kept spewing stats on the Cowboys and how they win big on Thanksgiving. Their tradition continued in 2009. What they don’t tell you, however, is that their record the week after is abysmal. Dallas looked good, but they were playing Oakland who is starting brand new quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Their offense is coming along well and Tony Romo is consistent (for the last couple of weeks), but let’s wait and see what happens in the coming weeks when they take on the Giants, Chargers, and the Saints.
Game Ball: Tony Romo went 12 for 29 with 309 yards and two touchdowns.

Giants 6 Denver 26

Two teams were skidding, only one could come out alive. What we are so surprised about is how much of a rout this was. The matchup with the most possible excitement was one-sided, leaving Thanksgiving football fans with no hope for a competition. The Giants looked tired and Eli Manning looked lackluster (which is a sentence that we are getting used to these days) throwing for only 230 yards with one interception. The Broncos looked fired up and went to work on New York, and while Kyle Orton wasn’t amazing, he controlled the game and minimized the mistakes so the Broncos, along with their surging defense, got back on track.
Game Ball: Knowshon Moreno came back from much criticism for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Buccaneers 17 Falcons 20

It took a last minute touchdown to overcome the Bucs, and it looks like Atlanta’s problems are just beginning. They lost Matt Ryan for at least a week due to turf toe,  and although replacement Chris Redman threw two touchdowns, he did not have nearly the same effect at Ryan does in the pocket. Michael Turner also was injured on the day, which made Atlanta’s Sunday quite possibly the worst Sunday for them this season (we mean, winning Sunday). The Buccaneers and Josh Freeman still have kinks to work out, but behind the rookie quarterback they seem rejuvenated.
Game Ball: Stylez White energized Tampa Bay’s defense with 2.5 sacks and three QB hits, two of which were for a loss.

Dolphins 14 Bills 31

Ok, so who in TO’s camp is going to go on the record and say “I told you so”? Doesn’t matter who is throwing it, when Terrell Owens decides he wants to play, he makes waves. He is also proving he isn’t completely a lost cause. A huge fourth quarter helped the Bills overcome their NFC East rival, but Chad Henne’s three interceptions almost gave then the game (and we are amazed that even in a loss Ricky Williams accrues over 100 yards). The Bills broke their losing streak, but the Dolphins are just beginning theirs, especially with New England, Houston, Titans, and Pittsburgh on the horizon.
Game Ball: Owens had five receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown including another big 51 yard touchdown pass.

Browns 7 Bengals 16

Ok, they won, but why didn’t they cream Cleveland? The answer: Not very much offense from Carson Palmer and way too many penalties. One hundred yards from each quarterback doesn’t constitute a good showing, but Cincinnati made up for it with their newest addition, Larry Johnson, who started and ran for 107 yards in his first game. In a game with just two touchdowns, that is about all your’re going to get from us. The Bengals need to right some of the things that are going wrong, before the Ravens wake up and realize they aren’t in the playoffs.
Game Ball: Shayne Graham had three field goals, and was arguably the most productive guy on the field.

Seahawks 27 Rams 17

Every week, we have to report on a game like this. You have to admit, no one thought Seattle’s rushing offense could beat out one-man-wrecking-crew Steven Jackson, but Justin Forsett ran for 100+ yards and essentially was the offense that got the Seahawks the win. Well, that and Kyle Boller’s two interceptions (one that was returned for a TD). Seattle had only 95 yards passing, which shows they are still on the decline still and Matt Hasselbeck is not coming back from this. Sloppy game, sloppy game plan… what more can you say?
Game Ball: Forsett ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns

Panthers 6 Jets 17

There have been reports that Mark Sanchez has an arm band that is color coded as to how careful he should be with the ball. But they won, so does it matter?  Don’t lie to yourself Jets fans, this wasn’t an offensive win. Two words for you: Darrelle Revis. Revis held Carolina’s top receiver Steve Smith to only five yards. The defense is there, but the offense isn’t and New York will continue to have problems with that. Carolina saw Jake Delhomme throw another four interceptions, and anything we thought about them getting a little better seems like it was pretty silly.
Game Ball: Revis was unstoppable.

Redskins 24 Eagles 27

The Eagles are a strong team that is great on paper, but they always find a way to screw it up. Jason Campbell and the skins lost another close division game this week, but they earned this loss by letting the Eagles back in it. Donovan McNabb isn’t consistent (he’s caught Tony Romo’s disease) and Andy Reid’s refusal to run the ball constantly ends in despair. They have six different receivers on the board, as well as Shady McCoy and Leonard Weaver on the ground, and the Eagles are still not playing to their potential. The Redskins’ defense was strong again, but the Eagles squeaked by again.
Game Ball: Jason Avant had five catches for 94 yards, averaging 18.8 yards per catch.

Colts 35 Texans 27

The Colts had to come back for this to happen, and the first thing that comes to mind with Houston is their problems with consistency. Unfortunately, Matt Schaub caught that disease, throwing two interceptions that eventually led to their downfall. Peyton Manning wasn’t on his game again, but Indy can’t lose and it all comes down to what he said after the game: They never panic. They never lose their composure. When they do, that’s when there will be problems. Manning had three touchdowns to three different receivers, showing the NFL once again that they are impossible to plan for.
Game Ball: Austin Collie was the only major receiver who didn’t have a touchdown, but he had four catches for 70 yards.

Chiefs 14 Chargers 43

Try watching Red Zone with this game on. Someone woke up LT and told him to go back to basics, and his stats show just how they used him today. Let’s be honest, the Chargers didn’t have to attack Kansas City on the ground, they went through the air and did just fine. Antonio Gates didn’t drop a pass, going for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Matt Cassell is a mess, and rotting away from any attention by doing worse each week, but we have to say three wins are much more than we thought they would get.
Game Ball: LaDainian Tomlinson had only 39 yards, but rediscovered himself in the end zone, rushing for two touchdowns.

Jaguars 3 49ers 20

Just when we think David Gerrard has taken a turn for the better, he goes and becomes the most fumble-prone quarterback in the league. Both quarterbacks just had to eliminate turnovers, and the difference was that Alex Smith did it, while Gerrard simply couldn’t. Jacksonville’s defense couldn’t hold San Fran from the scoring, especially Vernon Davis and Frank Gore who both had touchdowns on the day. They are one win away from being .500 once again, but the Niners have a lot of work to do.
Game Ball: Vernon Davis caught six passes for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Cardinals 17 Tennessee 20

By far the most exciting game of the day. We can’t lie, we are were glued to the screen as we watched Vince Young get set back to the one repeatedly. Then he comes out, and manufactures the best drive (and the best game) of his career, and we aren’t even surprised. The Titans ran all over Arizona, with 154 tailored Chris Johnson rushing yards and 387 yards through the air to eight different receivers. The only dark spot on the day was a Kenny Britt fumble, but 128 yards and that one amazing touchdown catch to end the day was more than enough to gain forgiveness.
Game Ball: Young may have gone 27 for 43 with 387 yards and one touchdown, but that last drive was the thing that careers (and seasons for that matter) are made of.

Bears 10 Vikings 36

Once the Chargers were off of the air, Red Zone was only covering the Vikings for the rest of the day. Brett Favre keeps getting better and his receivers look amazing… what more could you ask for? What is more amazing is that the Vikings aren’t nearly relying on Adrian Peterson as much as much as they usually do, partially because of his fumble issues. As for Jay Cutler and the Bears, with no offense and a defense that is missing it’s anchor, what can they do? They need a better running back, better receivers, they need better everything and it is becoming more and more apparent.
Game Ball: Percy Harvin had six receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown.

Pittsburgh 17 Baltimore 20

Dennis Dixon played pretty well, but he was splitting the snaps in practice because Ben Roethlisberger was expected to play. What happens when he doesn’t? His teammates questioned him and the Steelers are beginning to implode. They were pointing fingers while Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, and that ferocious defense picked them apart. Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason, as well as Ray Rice, stayed smart and caught the balls that were in their hands (which is saying a lot, because they often drop balls that are right in their numbers) and that was the end of it. Pittsburgh really has to watch it, they’re losing their grasp on the wild card spot.
Game Ball: Ray Rice had 19 rushed for 88 yards, alone with 5 catches for 67 yards.

Patriots 17 Saints 38

This really showed how incredible the Saints are playing. In the last few weeks, New Orleans has been playing catch up and Drew Brees may have looked a little tired… but tonight they came out and with their perfect season on the line, they took it. Not only did Brees play well, but their make-shift defense stopped Tom Brady and Wes Welker and Randy Moss all night. Like Peyton Manning and his many targets, Brees threw five touchdowns and 371 yards to seven different receivers. The Pats and Tom Brady didn’t look powerful tonight… and when is the last time you saw Tom Brady on the bench?
Game Ball: Drees had a passer rating of 158.3 after throwing for 371 yards and five touchdowns, but Marquis Colston caught five passes for 121 yards and one touchdown. Pick one.

Week 12 Wrap Up

-          Injuries: Two more Redskins players (Jeremy Jarmon, and Clinton Portis), will reportedly sit out for Washington’s game next week. Portis is still recovering from a concussion, while Jarmon injured his knee Sunday… Matt Ryan will sit out for next week’s game against the Eagles with a case of turf toe he injured on the Falcon’s first series Sunday… Cleveland’s Pro Bowl tackle Shaun Rodgers will be on the IR for the rest of the season because he needs surgery. The injury was not specified by the Browns or Eric Mangini…Mark Sanchez was limited in practice due to a sore left knee… Panthers QB Jake Delhomme has broken finger on his throwing hand that may finally put him on the bench. Carolina expects him out at least one week…Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a concussion in the Eagles’ win Sunday. It is not clear how long he will be out, although it will be at least one game…Kurt Warner will see an eye doctor concerning his concussion symptoms and issues with his eyes.
- Chiefs coach Todd Haley insists that Kansas City has not contacted Charlie Weiss to fill their open offensive coordinator slot. Not that we think they did anyway… Hailey considers himself an offensive genius and may actually need another person to help him.
- Carolina linebacker Jon Beason was arrested Monday night after reportedly punching another man in a strip club. He was charged with assault.

And the UDU Game Ball Goes to…

Based on pure excitement, we have to give it to Vince Young. Their last-minute come-from-behind win was incredible, as was that touchdown pass. Young only threw one touchdown, but it was the one that counted. Young’s arrival has energized the Titans, who have won five straight in dramatic fashion. They went from looking limp and lifeless to an offensive and defensive monster, and it is Young that has triggered it.

After the Green Bay Packers disposed of the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving day in a 34-12 rout, they were able to sit back and enjoy Sunday’s slate of NFL games.  At 7-4, the Packers find themselves in good position to nab one of the two NFC Wildcard spots at the end of the season.  They sport a decent conference record at 6-3, better than any Wildcard contenders other than the Eagles (6-2).  Still, the Packers were looking for a little extra help this weekend from some of the bottom teams in the NFC.  Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.  Here’s a look at the Packers’ situation and reviews of how each Wildcard contender did this past weekend.

Green Bay Packers, currently 7-4

The Packers play the Ravens and Steelers over the course of three weekends and, while it looked more difficult at the beginning of the season, both games will be difficult.  Both teams sit at 6-5 and are very beatable, especially the Ravens at home and the Packers will most likely need to take one of them to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers hold their own destiny in making the playoffs this season. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

If they lose one of those games, the good news is it will not count against their conference record, the first tiebreaker in determining the Wildcard spots.  They also play two games in which they should be favored against the Seahawks and Bears.  To close the season out, they go to Arizona to play the Cardinals.  The caveat there is that the Cardinals, who hold a two-game lead on the division, could very well have wrapped up the NFC West by then and will be resting their starters, making for a much easier game.

1. Dallas Cowboys, 7-3 entering Week 12

The Cowboys were sure thankful for whoever scheduled them to play the Raiders on Thanksgiving Day.  America’s Team pummeled the Raiders 24-7 and now find themselves in the driver’s seat to win the NFC East at 8-3.  Someone has to win the NFC East by rule, but Packers’ fans were hoping that it would be the Cowboys vying for a Wildcard spot due to the head-to-head advantage they hold against them from the Week 10 victory in Lambeau Field.

The Eagles sit at 7-4 and are still very much alive in the NFC East hunt, but instead of worrying about tie-breakers and conference records and such, it would be best if the Cowboys won the rest of their games, including match ups against the New York Giants and Eagles.  Their schedule the rest of the way is tougher than their NFC East counterparts, but they should win the East if they win their division games.

2. Philadelphia Eagles, 6-4 entering Week 12

If it weren’t for some 4th quarter heroics from Donovan McNabb, the Eagles would have been looking at a 6-5 record and a 2-game difference in the NFC East.  They trailed the Redskins by eight points in the fourth quarter but ended up winning the game in the last two minutes, 27-24.  It would have been a huge gain for the Packers if the Eagles had tripped up, but alas they pulled it out.

The Eagles kept their division title hopes alive with a late rally against the Redskins. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

The Eagles have a better conference record than the Packers because they have played one less game and do not play the Packers head-to-head.  They will face Atlanta next weekend who is also fighting for their playoff life as well as the Giants and Cowboys, so chances are the Eagles will either knock out one of the NFC East opponents or be knocked out by one of them.

3. New York Giants, 6-4 entering Week 12

After beginning the year 5-0, the wheels are starting to come off for Eli Manning and the Giants.  They missed a golden opportunity to stay tied with Philadelphia and within a game of the Cowboys, but dropped their Thanksgiving Day match up against the Broncos, 26-6.  They face the Cowboys next week who they already beat in Dallas, meaning they could have taken possession of first place had they won last week.

However, a win in Dallas would not only keep their playoff hopes alive, but their division hopes alive as well.  The next week they play the Eagles, meaning that the next 14 days will all but determine the playoff hopes for the Giants.  If they win both, they will be in very good shape to win the division.  Lose both and they will probably be on their couches for the second season.

4. Atlanta Falcons, 6-4 entering Week 12

The Falcons were about 30 seconds and one down away from seeing their 2009 playoff chances fade away, but a Roddy White touchdown catch to beat the Bucs 20-17 kept them alive in the hunt.  They now sit at 6-5 and are still on the outside looking in, but face the Eagles next week in a matchup that, if won, would let them leapfrog the Eagles in the standings.

After the Eagles, the Falcons play the Saints at home and then do not face a team with a record over .500 the rest of the year.  Sounds good for them if they can beat the Eagles, right?  Not so fast.  Quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner both left Sunday’s game with injuries and the offense will go nowhere fast, regardless of who they play, if the two of them can not go.  They could sneak in the playoffs with a win over the Eagles, but keep a very close eye on those injuries.

Pour rappel des faits, Eli s’était blessé durant le match contre les Chiefs et un IRM avait montré une inflammation de la voute plantaire.

Les médecins l’avaient autorisé à jouer et c’était à lui de voir si il supporterait la douleur ou pas. Jusqu’à présent il a joué mais on le sentait plus ou moins gêné.

D’après Matt Mosley d’ESPN la blessure de Manning se serait aggravée et risquerait d’aboutir à une fracture du pied mettant fin à sa saison. Voici son article:

Compensating for the plantar fasciitis he battled for much of this season, New York quarterback Eli Manning has developed a stress reaction in his right foot that could be even more problematic for the Giants, according to sources close to the situation.

A recent MRI on Manning’s foot revealed the stress reaction in the cuboid bone, which makes Manning susceptible to a stress fracture that could end his 2009 season.

Before any stress fracture develops, the Giants are aggressively treating the stress reaction, trying to get Manning to stay off it as much as possible, having him wear extra supportive shoes and using a bone stimulator on the injured area.

For now, the stress reaction is not enough to sideline Manning. But Manning has been spotted favoring the foot, which he was doing as recently as Thursday night, when he was seen limping at times.

After consulting with other foot specialists in recent weeks, the Giants are not surprised — they had come to expect that the plantar fasciitis could lead to the stress reaction.

Cela expliquera pas mal de choses sur les performances de Manning ces derniers temps mais ça n’excuse pas tout.

Ceci dit la situation est tout de même inquiétante parce que les Giants n’ont pas de confortable avance dans le course pour les playoffs pour confier les rênes de l’attaque à David Carr si jamais Manning ne peut pas jouer. J’ai confiance en David Carr mais bon il n’est pas backup pour rien.

Les Giants ont suffisamment de problèmes pour en plus perdre leur franchise QB.

After Eli Manning was drafted by the San Diego Chargers, he was traded to the New York Giants because he didn’t want to play in San Diego. Here’s what his rookie card may have looked like if he chose to play for the Chargers.

I’ve been trying to put off this post as long as humanly possible, but I now realize the truth must be told.

New York is going to blow their playoff birth. That sentence wouldn’t be startling if it was describing the Mets or the Jets, but it concerns the Giants who teased their fans with a 5-0 start this season and aren’t prone to blowing good starting seasons. After being dominated by a stumbling Denver Broncos team, the Giants’ record in the last six games became an appalling 1-5.

Who’s to blame for this debacle? Somebody has to be at fault. Brandon Jacobs has been acting like a trampled mouse in the run game the entire year. He is supposed to be leveling lineman not being leveled by them. Instead, he seems to believe that he is playing pee wee ball. Jacobs has yet to produce a 100 yard rush game and that statement alone is the crux of the problem as Giant losses result from poor rushing games.

Giants fans should be missing the presence of Derrick Ward more and more as the Giants continue to lose.

In 2008, when the Giants had a 100 yard rusher, either Jacobs or Derrick Ward, they had a record of 5-1 (four 100+ yard games for Jacobs and two for Ward). When neither Ward or Jacobs had 100 yards worth of rushing, the Giants’ had a record of  7-4 including playoffs.

In doing the same for 2009 this, when either Jacobs or Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 100+ yards, the Giants’ have a record of 2-0 (both 100+ games from Bradshaw). When neither had a 100+ yard rush game the Giants have a record of 4-5.

If you truly think about it, Jacobs only thrives when he is the primary of two backs. He needs a number two guy to help with the load. In 2007, his first year as a starter, Jacobs had 202 carries for 1009 yards while Derrick Ward, the number two, 125 carries for 602 yards. Both of their numbers increased in 2008 as the Giants had more trust in their running backs and suffered a huge loss in the passing game with the absence of Plaxico Burress. In 2008, Jacobs carried the ball 219 times for 1089 yards, similar numbers to 2007, compared to a huge spike in Ward’s carries. Ward had 182 carries for 1025 yards. Let’s not forget the Giants had a fantastic season in 2008 as they were the number one seed in the NFC playoff bracket.

This year, Jacobs is not the primary back, and his number two, Ahmad Bradshaw, is just not as talented as Ward. Eleven games through the season, Jacobs has 174 carries for 683 yards and Bradshaw is not far behind 115 carries and 549 yards. Plus, Bradshaw missed a game due to injury. The reason why the Giants were so effective last year is because defenses knew that it was the Brandon Jacobs show with Derrick Ward as a supporting actor. The 2009 Giant team is the Brandon Jacobs show as much as it is the Ahmad Bradshaw show. People may think that it’s more Jacobs than Bradshaw, but the moment that Jacobs was struggling during a game, which was quite frequently, Bradshaw would come in faster than any Giant fan could say: “Where is Derrick Ward?” Plus, Bradshaw has been more effective when on the field, averaging 4.8 yards per carry compared to Jacobs’ 3.9.

Maybe Eli Manning is partially to blame for this mess. The Giants did begin their downhill slide two weeks after Manning was confirmed to have plantar fasciitis. He also has a pretty horrendous touchdown to interception ratio of 9:5.

As of now I truly understand how it felt to be a Jet fan back in late 2008. Defeat sucks. Real bad. Over the last month of watching football, I can’t help thinking that I’m a Saints fan. I’m not a front runner. I just am craving success.

Brady and the Pats have their hands full this week.

Off to a solid 2-1 start for week 12, thanks to the Packers and Broncos, I’m hoping to see that success continue into the rest of the weekend. It’s been a while since I’ve scored a big week I must admit. Following an 8-8 week 11 showing, and the 2-1 start to this week, my record on the season is now 93-70, which isn’t bad. However, after starting off hot, I’ve essentially been a 50-50 bettor in the last month or so.

For those who might be interested, here’s my picks for Thursday’s games:

http://masterprocrastinator.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/pass-the-gravy-thanksgiving-day-picks/

As always, remember the picks are for entertainment purposes only. Here’s the remainder of week 12 now:

Houston (+3.5) over Indianapolis

The Texans are talented enough to knock off the Colts. They are also maddeningly inconsistent and highly untrustworthy, if you’re planning on gambling on them.

When these teams played each other three weeks ago, the Texans had the Colts on the ropes, but between penalties and turnovers, Houston sabotaged their chances of pulling off the upset.

Knowing the Texans, it’s more likely they’ll find a way to lose than pull out the win. Their season has been littered with close calls. Four of their five losses have been by a touchdown or less. I’m betting on them to cover, nothing more.

Colts 24, Texans 21

Cleveland (+14) over Cincinnati

I suppose the Bengals were due for a clunker. Cedric Benson was unavailable for last week’s stinker against the Raiders, and that played a huge role in the outcome of the game.

In fact, the Bengals’ fortunes have been tied directly to how Benson has played. In Cincinnati’s eight wins, Benson has averaged over four yards per carry. In the Bengals’ other two losses, Benson was under four yards per carry. That seems to be Cincinnati’s barometer for success.

Of course, that may not matter much against the Browns, who are among the worst teams in the league and lost a heart-breaker last week to the Lions. Still, assuming Benson plays hurt and the Browns follow up last week’s performance with another strong game, I see Cleveland covering here.

Bengals 27, Browns 17

Minnesota (-11) over Chicago

Remember at the beginning of the season, when the Bears were going to contend for the NFC North title?  Jay Cutler’s been one of the big culprits in the Bears’ lost season but, at the same time, Matt Forte’s disappearance and some key injuries haven’t helped matters.

Chicago’s road woes will definitely continue this week. The Bears are 1-4 on the road, and Cutler’s interception issues are at their worst away from Soldier Field.

The Vikings have played dominant football lately, and Brett Favre has become part of the story instead of hogging the headlines. Some believe the Vikings are the best team in the NFL. While I’m not that much of a believer in them, this should be a relatively easy win for them.

Vikings 31, Bears 17

Philadelphia (-9) over Washington

Washington is down to their third string running back (Rock Cartwright), and their offense is limited already to begin with. The Redskins will need to throw the ball in order to score points, something they’ve been unable to do all season.

The Eagles will be without Brian Westbrook as well, but LeSean McCoy has proven to be a capable fill-in.

It will be interesting to see if the Eagles’ wide receivers can make some big plays against a Redskins’ passing defense that has allowed fewer than 200 yards passing on average. If DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin can break free for some big gains, this game will be a blowout, because the Redskins are unlikely to match the Eagles’ firepower on offense.

Eagles 27, Redskins 9

Miami (-3) over Buffalo

The Dolphins have rallied from an 0-3 start to 5-5 on the season, and a win over the Bills would put them squarely in the playoff picture in the AFC.

The Bills have become a train wreck. The once-proud franchise is on their second coach of the season, has an unsettled quarterback situation, and has basically become irrelevant on the NFL landscape.

I doubted the Dolphins last week, after they lost Ronnie Brown for the season. I won’t make the same mistake this week.

Dolphins 28, Bills 17

Even the normally impartial are swooning over Vince Young these days.

Tennessee

(-2.5) over Arizona

The Vince Young Comeback Tour is so amazing, even referees can’t stop themselves from getting swept up in the euphoria, as evidenced by the picture to the right.

The Cardinals’ run defense will get a challenge from Titans’ RB Chris Johnson, who has an outside shot at a 2,000 yard season. The game will come down to how well Arizona can contain Johnson. If Johnson and the Titans can sustain long drives and keep the Cardinals’ offense off the field, they’ll win.

As great as Arizona has been against the run, and as great as they’ve played on the road this year, it seems that the Titans have momentum, along with Johnson and a rejuvenated Young, on their side. I’m not betting against them here.

Titans 27, Cardinals 21

St. Louis (+3) over Seattle

It appears Mike Holmgren knew what he was doing when he walked away from the Seattle Seahawks after last season. With each passing week, it seems the Seahawks get worse. In the final game of a three-game road swing, the Seahawks get their best shot at their first win away from Seattle all season (they’re 0-5 thus far).

Of course, this matchup represents the best chance for the Rams to win a home game this season. Additionally, the Rams haven’t beaten the Seahawks since a January 2005 playoff game in Seattle. Since then, St. Louis is 0-9 against the Seahawks.

The best player on either team is the Rams’ Stephen Jackson, and Seattle hasn’t done well against the run for much of the season. I’ll bet on Jackson and the Rams to come out on top this week.

Rams 17, Seahawks 14

Atlanta (-12) over Tampa Bay

Sure, Atlanta’s lost four of their last five, but the Falcons are 4-0 at home. Beginning with this week’s game against the Buccaneers, Atlanta begins a crucial three-game homestand. This is a game the 5-5 Falcons absolutely have to have.

Tampa Bay seems to be the perfect foil for a Falcons team desperate for a win. The Buccaneers are a team building for the future and they start a rookie at quarterback. I view this as an opportunity for the Falcons to get back on track. They need it, if they view themselves as a serious playoff contender.

Falcons 31, Buccaneers 13

Carolina (+3) over NY Jets

This game features two 4-6 teams with turnover-prone quarterbacks and offenses built around strong running games.

I hate picking the Panthers, but I believe in the Jets even less. They have lost six of their last seven and seem to be in a tailspin. There is no safe pick here, but the Panthers have the veteran quarterback and coach, while the Jets have rookies in both spots. Perhaps that will make a difference in the outcome.

Panthers 24, Jets 13

Jacksonville (+3) over San Francisco

The Jaguars and 49ers are teams that play close games, for the most part, and the spread reflects that. It also reflects the Jags’ penchant for playing down to their competition lately; they’ve beaten the Bills, Chiefs and Jets respectively by a combined eight points over the last three weeks.

The 49ers have the necessary ingredients to beat the Jaguars. They run the ball well and play solid defense against the run.

I’m surprised the Jaguars are 6-4 and in the mix for a wildcard berth in the AFC at this point. They’ve survived against some awful teams in the last few weeks, and I’m betting this week, on the road, 3,000 miles from home, all the close calls catch up to them. However, as is the nature of these two teams, I’m expecting yet another tight game.

49ers 21, Jaguars 20

Kansas City (+13.5) over San Diego

After a week filled with stories of how the Chargers have regained their mojo, and how the Broncos have collapsed yet again, San Diego goes home to take on the Chiefs.

There is no doubt that the Chargers are hot, having won five straight. Still, they don’t run the ball well, and San Diego was lucky to eek out wins against the Giants and Raiders during their hot streak. I’m not sold on them as a two-touchdown favorite against anyone.

Divisional games go beyond the gambling point spread sometimes. The Chiefs have won two straight themselves, including a surprising, and rousing, win over the Steelers last week. They won’t win this game, but they’ll put up more of a fight than many think.

Chargers 27, Chiefs 17

Baltimore (-2.5) over Pittsburgh

Ben Roethlisberger wants to play against the Ravens, despite suffering a concussion last week. The Steelers, sitting at 6-4, need Roethlisberger to play in this, the first of two matchups against the Ravens this season.

Baltimore, at 5-5, need this game to draw even in the standings with Pittsburgh and push themselves back in the playoff picture. When it gets this deep into the season, most often than not the desperate team wins. The Ravens are at home and are desperate. Enough said.

Ravens 24, Steelers 18

Monday Night

New England (+2.5) over New Orleans

The Patriots and Saints are similarly explosive on offense. Many are predicting a shootout in this one.

In fact, viewers could see a game similar to the one played two weeks ago between the Patriots and Colts, in which Bill Belichick made his controversial decision to try for a first down on a 4^th-and-2 at their 28 yard line. When that failed, the Colts drove for the winning touchdown.

Their recent close calls against teams such as the Rams and Panthers lead me to believe the Saints are ripe to suffer their first loss.

Patriots 34, Saints 31

1. Matthew Gilroy

2. Micheal Vick

3.  Tiger Woods

4. Eli Manning

5. Derek Jeter (The seasons over but he wont move, hes awesome)

6. Daniel Sunden

7. Tom Brady

8. Martin Broduer

9. MARCUS NAUSLAND

10.  Tim Thomas

On a day when the finger-pointing should have been at the relative who snatched the last turkey leg, the Giants and their fans were pointing fingers at every aspect of yesterday’s game (and this was before the game) and finding fault. Note to Giants – how ’bout shutting up and playing? Big Blue fans are turning into spoiled brats and the worse part about it is the team is reflecting the attitude.

Nothing worked in the 26-6 loss to the Broncos last night and you could sense that the Giants and their fans were defeated before the game began. I can’t tell you the number of babyish complaints that were registered (note I am a Giant fan) Here are some of them – its not fair to travel across country and play on a Thursday, the air is thin in Denver, the game is not on national television, we have no running game, Eli looks lost, Denver’s line plays dirty. You get my drift. We all know that excuses are for…

The Giants are 6-5 and have home games remaining with Philly and Dallas. Both teams have their own sets of issues and Tony Romo is harder to find in December than a sales clerk in Best Buy. The Giants are playing poorly but the real issue is our beloved BLUE collar giants have become overrated, over-exposed underachievers. Both the Giants and their fans have come to expect success and this is the dangerous part.

The Giants team that won the Super Bowl was a talented group of players, motivated to prove they belong  against a more talented Pats squad. The current same group of players is a self-satisfied group of bullies. Capable of beating the bad teams but backing down when punched in the face by teams as good and talented as they are.

After the latest defeat, it’s past time to put aside all of the accolades and past accomplishments and realize we are 6-5. As Bill Parcells says, you are what your record says you are – mediocre.

By Anthony Vertucci,

The New York Giants and Denver Bronco’s 2009 seasons have taken similar, roller coaster-like ups and downs.  Both, despite each starting the season with impressive undefeated streaks, currently stand at  6-4 and trail in their respective divisions.  With kickoff of their Thanksgiving Day showdown about an hour and a half away, both teams look to solidify their playoff chances in a match-up with major implications.

The seasons of New York and Denver are practically mirror images of one another.  The Giants looked poised to qualify for the postseason after starting the season an impressive 5-0.  They then went on the drop their next four, including a 21-20 heartbreaker to the Chargers in Week 9.  The Giants snapped their seemingly endless losing streak with a win four days ago over the Falcons.

Meanwhile Denver won its first six games of the season, before dropping a 30-7 game to the Ravens in Week 8.  Denver are now in the midst of their own four game losing streak, which they hope to snap out of at the Giants expense.  The two teams, currently in playoff limbo with both still technically clinging the sixth and final playoffs spots in their respective conferences, will start their Turkey Day gridiron war at 8:20 at Invesco Field at Mile High.

The aforementioned “technically” stems from the fact that neither team is in sole position of sixth place in either the NFC or AFC, as the Giants remain tied with rival Philadelphia Eagles while the Broncos are locked in a three-way tie with Jacksonville and Pittsburgh.

Eli Manning looks to lead his Giants to victory, and continue the woes of the Broncos and their mix-and-match combo of Kyle Orton and Carlson Palmer.

We just finished taping our Football Blitz online sports betting TV show over at BetRepublic.com, breaking down all the Thanksgiving Day NFL games.

Yes, we have to endure the annual Detroit Lions Turkey-Day matchup (this year hosting the Green Bay Packers), but there are two other games on the schedule to fill the day up with football action until late into the evening. That said, all three games do have playoff implications, but only the Giants at the Broncos matchup features both teams competing for a playoff spot.

Watch Thanksgiving Day NFL Live Online

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
Line: Packers -11
Total: 47.5

Detroit is coming off its second win this season, in a crazy game against the Browns. Matthew Stafford threw the winning touchdown with no time left on the clock and with his left shoulder separated. It was a heroic effort but unfortunately he won’t be around for the annual Lions Thanksgiving game. He is out with the shoulder injury. The Lions could also be without WR Calvin Johnson. Without these two in the lineup there won’t be a lot of celebrating in Michigan.

The Packers have righted the sinking ship winning two straight games beating Dallas and the 49ers. Aaron Rodgers is getting rid of the ball quicker and the Pack have amended the playbook to include more shorter passing routes. Unfortunately for the Packers, they lost two of the top defenders when LB Aaron Kampman and CB Al Harris were both lost for the season with knee injuries. These two injuries could derail the Packers hopes of getting to the post season but they should still have enough to overcome the Lions without Stafford and Johnson.

NFL Trends

- The total has gone over in six of the Packers last nine games.
- Detroit is 3-11 against the spread in their last 14 home games

Packers: 6-4 SU, 5-4-1 ATS
Lions: 2-8 SU, 2-7-1 ATS

NFL Picks: We’re staying away from the side and total on this one. We won’t lay the big points on the Packers and certainly can’t put our money on the Lions.

Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys

Line: Cowboys – 14
Total: Over 40

The Raiders are coming off their biggest win of the year when they battled back to put up ten points in the last minute to beat the Bengals. Bruce Gradkowski started in place of the embattled JaMarcus Russell and made just enough plays to win. The strength of the Raiders is their defense and they played their best game of the year against Cincy.

Meanwhile, Dallas barely beat the Redskins 7-6 last week in a game that they were outplayed, but did get the win over a very mediocre (read: bad) team. Tony Romo was harassed all day long and the Redskins secondary contained the Cowboy receivers all day, side from that critical final drive. In this matchup, the Cowboy running game should be enough to provide them with some balance on offense, as the Raiders will be forced to bring eight men up to support stopping the run, which should allow the passing game to produce more plays than last week. Oakland struggles stopping the run (giving up 157 yards per game) and that will be their undoing this week as early success will allow for the passing game to open up as well.

We also think the Raiders will find ways to score some points, not enough for a win, but they’ll push the Cowboys.

NFL Trends

- The total has gone under in six of the Raiders’ last nine games.
- Dallas is 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 home games

Raiders: 3-7 SU, 5-5 ATS
Cowboys SU, 5-5 ATS

NFL Picks: We lean to the underdog getting 14 points, but the BetRepublic.com TV hosts gave out a play on the “Over” 40 in this one.

Check ESPN for updated injury reports, particularly for Richard Seymour

New York Giants at Denver Broncos
Thursday, November 26, 2009

Line: Broncos – 7
Total: Over 42

The Giants finally stopped their four game slide with an overtime win against the Falcons in New York last Sunday. Eli Manning played a great game tossing for three scores and making a number of difficult throws. The Giants still can’t get their running game going and now could be without Ahmed Bradshaw who injured his ankle last week. Brandon Jacobs is not putting up the numbers that he did last year and he missed all of the fourth quarter and overtime against the Falcons with a leg injury but will go this week. The lack of running game is forcing Manning to put the team on his shoulders. LB Antonio Pierce is the heart, soul and brains of the defense and he is out with a back problem. The Giants still can’t stop the pass and Denver will look to get WR Brandon Marshall in the game early.

Denver will be looking to stop their own four-game slide. The Broncos have fallen out of first place and could be in a big free fall if they don’t win this game. Kyle Orton will play with his injured ankle because the NFL quarterback gene didn’t get passed down to Chris Simms. The Broncos have a huge advantage of playing at home on a short week in the mile-high air of Denver. New York is beat up and traveling across the country with only three days to prepare, but no way can we lay a full touchdown with this Denver team.

NFL Trends
- The total has gone under in eight of Denver’s last ten games.
- The NY Giants are 17-4 against the spread in their last 21 road games
Giants: 6-4 SU, 4-5-1 ATS
Broncos: 6-4 SU, 6-4 ATS

NFL Picks: Looking at this one, we have a small lean to the home team getting the seven points.

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving from BetRepublic.com. Enjoy all the football action, the food, and family fun.