Fire from the Hip: Thoughts on Sports & Real Life

Top 5 Offensive Impact Rookies

2008-10-31T12:14:00.001-04:00

AS SEEN ON NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM

With Week 8 in the rearview mirror, some teams have reached the halfway point of their season and others are on the cusp. I thought we might take a look back at the five biggest offensive acquisitions from the 2008 NFL Draft and how each player has impacted their respective teams.

1. MATT RYAN, QB, ATLANTA

It’s an absolutely remarkable achievement when an argument can be made for a rookie quarterback as the most valuable player on his team. And that’s been the case in Atlanta from the first snap in week 1. On literally the third snap from scrimmage, his first NFL pass went for a 62-yard touchdown and the unbelievable renaissance of the Atlanta franchise has continued as the Falcons find themselves at 4-3 after a tough loss in Philadelphia on Sunday. Against a tough Eagle defense that limited the Steelers to just 6 points and 179 total yards earlier this season, Ryan threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-14 defeat. Ryan is on track for a 3,000-yard season, an achievement that few, if any, pundits thought possible when the season began. More impressively, he has become the face of the franchise just a little more than a year after Michael Vick, the previous franchise quarterback, was sentenced to prison time for his role in a dog-fighting ring.

2. CHRIS JOHNSON, RB, TENNESSEE

In what could be looked back upon one day as one of the best drafts for running backs in recent history, Chris Johnson was the fifth running back taken behind Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, and Rashard Mendenhall as the 24th overall pick to the Titans. His speed was unquestioned but some draft experts wondered whether he had the size to stand up to the physical pounding of the NFL. Seven games into the season in the Titans ball-control offensive system, Johnson has been the game-breaker Tennessee has long lacked in the backfield. He is averaging nearly 90 yards per game, has scored four times, and has two runs of 40 or more yards for the undefeated Titans. Not even halfway into his first season in the NFL, defenses are being forced to game plan for him, a compliment that few rookie running backs receive.

3. MATT FORTE, RB, CHICAGO

With their second round pick, the Bears selected Matt Forte out of Tulane. With former first round pick Cedric Benson officially a bust, the Bears found themselves once again searching for a running back in the 2008 Draft. Although lacking the breakaway speed of Johnson, Forte won the starting job in Chicago during training camp and proved he deserved it in week one, rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown in a surprising road win over the Colts. Forte is on pace for a 1,000-yard season and his productivity has forced defenses to crowd the line of scrimmage, allowing QB Kyle Orton to find success down the field with play-action passes. Forte is a major reason the Bears are averaging 28 points per game, third in the NFL and seven points per game more than in 2007.

4. DESEAN JACKSON, WR, PHILADELPHIA

Other than the season and a half when the Eagles had Terrell Owens, Philadelphia has long searched for a receiver who could stretch the field and create big plays for Donovan McNabb and the offense. Jackson, a second round pick out of California, is averaging almost 16 yards per reception, leads the team in receiving yards, and appears likely to crack the 1,000-yard receiving barrier. McNabb is on pace for a career high in passing yards, a stat that can be directly traced to Jackson’s ability to make plays down the field. He also has added an element on special teams where he has had two returns of over 40 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown against Washington in Week 5.

5. JOE FLACCO, QB, BALTIMORE

Though his numbers pale in comparison to fellow rookie Matt Ryan, Flacco has also been impressive in the young season, earning the starting job for the rest of the year with his performance in the season’s first half. With Troy Smith and Kyle Boller felled by an illness and shoulder injury respectively, Baltimore turned to the rookie out of Delaware to start the season. He has managed the game admirably and avoided crucial mistakes in leading Baltimore to a 4-3 record, good enough for second in the AFC North. He is completing over 60% of his passes and has shown incredible arm strength, most recently against Oakland Sunday when he hit Demetrius Williams for a 70-yard touchdown. Flacco may not take Baltimore to the postseason in his first season, but Jon Harbaugh and the Raven coaching staff can rest easy knowing their rookie quarterback has a bright future in the NFL.

An Early Look at the Top of the 2009 Draft

2008-10-22T10:23:00.001-04:00

AS SEEN ON NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM

As we near the midpoint of the 2008 season, parity is the buzz word in describing the NFL. But what about those bottom-feeding teams that are already looking ahead to 2009? With them in mind, I decided to take a look at some of the teams who will be at the top of the 2009 draft: What are their needs and which college players could potentially fill them?

CINCINNATI (0-7)

The Cincinnati Bengals are an utter disaster and at 0-7, figure to compete for the first pick overall. As the amount of guaranteed money has skyrocketed in recent years at the top of the draft, the number one pick has become a less-valued commodity. With fickle owner Mike Brown likely unwilling to spend the kind of money required to sign a top pick, the Bengals might look to deal the pick. But most general managers agree that the first pick isn’t as valuable as it once was, especially when there isn’t a consensus number one pick, which looks to be the case again in 2009. The Bengals have a number of needs on both sides of the ball: running back, offensive line, and another impact player along the front seven, to name a few. Rookie linebacker Keith Rivers, a first round pick in 2008, performed well this year before he was lost for the season with a broken jaw on Sunday, but he could use some help. If the Bengals keep the pick, I could see them following the blueprint of the Dolphins in 2008 when they selected Jake Long first overall and had him agree to a deal prior to the draft. Cincinnati could select offensive tackle Michael Oher out of Mississippi, a potential franchise tackle that might remind Bengal fans of Anthony Munoz or more recently, Willie Anderson.

DETROIT (0-6)

The Bengals figure to be challenged for the number one pick by the perpetually inept Detroit Lions. With team president Matt Millen finally out of the picture in Detroit, the Lions hopefully will not spend another top pick on a wide receiver. By trading WR Roy Williams, the Lions have started the massive overhaul that is necessary by stockpiling draft picks. Most NFL observers believe that interim general manager Martin Mayhew received excellent value by picking up a first and a third round pick in addition to a sixth round selection for the former Pro-Bowl receiver. Detroit will likely look to trade down in the draft in an effort to gain more picks that can help bring in impact players to expedite the rebuilding process. The Lions need help at almost every position on defense and need to identify whether or not Dan Orlovsky or Drew Stanton is the quarterback of the future. The offensive line needs help too. It’s not hard to imagine the Lions targeting Oher, or perhaps trading down into the middle of the top ten and selecting a dynamic defensive talent for the front seven like LB Rey Maualuga of USC or DE Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech.

KANSAS CITY (1-5)

Speaking of a dysfunctional team, the once-proud Kansas City Chiefs have quickly become one of the worst teams in the NFL. The team recognized the need to rebuild before the 2008 draft by trading All-Pro DE Jared Allen to the Vikings for a bevy of picks. General Manager Carl Peterson probably should have dealt TE Tony Gonzalez before the trade deadline last Tuesday but Kansas City will need to continue to garner picks through any means in an effort to bring in some offensive talent. The Brodie Croyle experiment as the future franchise quarterback is officially over after he was knocked out for the season with a knee injury. The only thing he proved during his stint with Kansas City was his brittleness and his inability to lead the team to a win (0-8 in his career as a starter). The Chiefs need help for their porous offensive line but let’s not forget to acknowledge the front seven of the defense, which has been torched this season and is ranked dead last in stopping the run. The Chiefs could use a defensive playmaker like Maualuga, Johnson, or LB James Laurinaitis of Ohio State. If he was to declare for the draft, the Chiefs would have to take a look at Matthew Stafford, the dynamic junior quarterback from Georgia, in an effort to solve their recent woes at the quarterback position.

SEATTLE (1-5)

Unlike the three teams above, the Seahawks made the playoffs a year ago and were expected to contend in the weak NFC West in Mike Holmgren’s last season as head coach. Next year, Jim Mora Jr., who has already been tabbed Holmgren’s successor, will inherit a team in flux. Just three years removed from a conference title, the Seahawks are in need of a pass rusher, secondary help, and a future successor for QB Matt Hasselbeck. Injuries have been a factor in the team’s struggles this season but the bottom line is the team doesn’t have enough depth at the skill positions. A number one receiver has long eluded the franchise as Deion Branch hasn’t been the same player since he arrived via a trade from New England and Nate Burleson hasn’t proved he can stay healthy. A player like CB Malcom Jenkins from Ohio State or a safety like William Moore from Missouri to replace the aging Brian Russell would be excellent picks for Seattle. A speed rusher off the edge a la Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech could provide the Seahawks with a sack specialist in the mold of Julius Peppers. WR Demetrius Byrd of LSU could fill a need although he figures to go later on in the draft.

An Unpleasant Fact

2008-10-20T15:05:00.003-04:00

AS FIRST SEEN ON NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM

When Romeo Crennel was named Head Coach of the Browns in February 2005, Browns fans were generally pleased by the hire. After the disastrous Butch Davis era (a college coach in over his head), Crennel had the NFL coaching experience and Super Bowl pedigree many observers thought was needed to turn around the moribund franchise. Personally, I thought he would instill the values necessary to consistently win in the NFL: mental toughness and team discipline. But three plus years into his tenure, he has failed to implant those characteristics on his Cleveland team. And in his fourth year as head coach with a roster many pundits thought was talented enough to make the playoffs, the Browns are woefully short both on mental acuity and discipline. Yes, the time has come in Cleveland for a change at the head coaching position.

After a scintillating performance on Monday Night Football last week, the Browns and in particular, Derek Anderson were pathetic against Washington Sunday. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Browns beat writer Tony Grossi described watching the team as comparable to "jamming a stick into your eye." Despite having time to throw, Anderson was tentative with his passes and out-of-sync with his receivers. His 14-37, 136 yard performance was atrocious and belied a player that lacks the mental strength to overcome adversity and perform with the game on the line. After keeping the ball and rushing for a first down at the Washington 36, Anderson ran to the sideline to get a play from the sideline because his helmet radio wasn't working. With the final minute ticking away, Anderson wasted 24 seconds by going to the sideline to get a play called instead of spiking the ball. Why weren't two plays called in the huddle before the sneak? Why didn't he think to spike the ball to stop the clock? His failure to pick up even a few yards in the final minute forced a 54-yard field goal try by Phil Dawson instead of a more managable distance. Anderson's lack of confidence leads to inconsistent play and at this point, it's enough to warrant a change at quarterback.

Anderson's inconsistency is a microcosm of the entire team's inability to consistently perform to their potential. And that falls squarely on the shoulders of the head coach. Braylon Edwards repeated mental breakdowns has led to him leading the league in drops. The team constantly commits mistakes that illustrate a lack of attention to detail. Last Monday night, it was the numerous illegal motion and false start penalties on offense. This week, the team looked confused about where to line up on several occasions and the receivers and the quarterback were often on the wrong page about passing routes. There is no excuse for a performance like Sunday's game against Washington.

Worse, Sunday's performance defines the Romeo Crennel era in Cleveland. The Browns failed to take control of a winnable game, fought hard and rallied, but ultimately lost when the team was neither able to execute nor manage the clock in the final moments of the game.

What is Going on in the NFC South?

2008-10-14T14:12:00.003-04:00

AS SEEN ON NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM

Who would have ever thought before the season began that through six weeks, every team in the NFC South would be at or better than .500? On Sunday, Drew Brees continued his pursuit of Dan Marino’s record for most passing yards in a season and Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan led Atlanta to a jaw-dropping last second victory over Chicago. The division deserves a closer look and perhaps, some accolades.

Tampa Bay (4-2)

Starting in place of injured Brian Griese, Bucs QB Jeff Garcia secured the starting job for at least one more week after Tampa Bay’s dominant performance in a 27-3 win over Carolina. Garcia returns to the starting lineup after being benched in favor of Griese following a season-opening loss to New Orleans. Head Coach Jon Gruden isn’t Garcia’s biggest fan as demonstrated by his quick benching after week one and by Gruden’s rather public pursuit of Brett Favre in the offseason. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine Garcia starting the rest of the season unless he makes it impossible for Gruden to make a change with his play and the team’s performance. Continuity at the quarterback position is a key factor to a team’s success in the NFL. Tampa Bay’s lack of a clear number one QB concerns me but a stout defense and a favorable schedule that includes Seattle, Kansas City, Detroit, and Oakland down the line gives reason to believe that the Bucs will vie for a second consecutive division title.

Carolina (4-2)

Wow, it’s hard to overstate just how bad Carolina was Sunday in Tampa Bay. The Bucs blocked a punt (the third time Carolina has had a punt blocked this year!) and returned it for a touchdown early in the first quarter and Jake Delhomme tossed three interceptions, all of which went off the hands of intended receivers, in a lopsided 27-3 defeat. Much like the Bucs, the Panthers depend upon a normally stingy defense and steady turnover-free football from their quarterback. This season, Jake Delhomme has thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions. He must protect the football and get the ball to play-makers Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams for Carolina to have success on offense. Last year, good defense and consistent play from the quarterback was the key to Tampa Bay’s division title run. The Panthers will need to follow the same strategy. But Carolina’s division aspirations will ultimately be decided in December when they’ll host Tampa Bay and Denver before taking on the Giants and Saints on the road to end the season.

Atlanta (4-2)

I have to admit that I didn’t give the Falcons much of a chance against the Bears at home Sunday. I thought I had Atlanta figured out. Entering week six, the Falcons had won games against the 27^th, 31^st, and 32^nd ranked run defenses in the league and their two loses had come against teams with rush defenses ranked in the top half of the league. With the Bears ranked fourth (now fifth) against the run, I figured the Bears would shut down Michael Turner and Matt Ryan would struggle against an athletic and opportunistic defense. I was partially right; Michael Turner rushed for just 54 yards. However, rookie QB Matt Ryan threw for 301 yards and led the Falcons to a thrilling victory on a last second field goal by Jason Elam. More impressive, the Falcons had lost the lead, and what looked like the game, when the Bears went ahead 20-19 with 11 second to go in the fourth. But the Falcons received the ball on their own 44 after a squib kick and Ryan, standing tall in the pocket under pressure, made a perfect throw to Michael Jenkins for a 26-yard pass as he went out of bounds with one second to go to set up the winning kick. Head Coach Mike Smith is the coach of the year thus far in 2008 and Ryan is the hands-down rookie of the year. As for the rest of the season, the only thing you can say about Atlanta is that anything is possible, and as future opponents should take note, the team believes it too.

New Orleans (3-3)

Dan Marino threw for 5,084 yards in 1984, an average of just under 318 yards per game. In 2008 through six games, Drew Brees is on pace to break Marino’s fabled record, averaging more than 332 yards per game. Brees completed his first 16 passes Sunday and finished 26-30 for 320 yards and three touchdowns, another workman-like performance for the MVP of the first half of the season. Brees who is on his way to eclipsing 4,000 yards passing for the third consecutive season has been putting up impressive numbers ever since his arrival in New Orleans prior to the 2006 season. The problem with the Saints always seems to be whether or not they have enough defense to win games when the offense isn’t scoring thirty points. Turnovers also tend to be a problem as last week’s loss against Minnesota proved. The major issue with the Saints is the chemistry of this team is just like the 2007 squad that missed the playoffs: a mediocre defense buoyed by a high-scoring offense. Another concern is the team’s inconsistent special teams play. Martin Gramatica was placed on IR last week after converting just six of ten field goal tries this season, including critical misses in the final minutes in defeats against Minnesota and Denver earlier this season. Unproven rookie Taylor Mehlhaff converted two of his three kicks Sunday against the Raiders but I am not sure the Saints have a team formula in place that will take them very far in the playoffs, if they can even get there.

Breaking Down the NFC East

2008-10-13T13:52:00.002-04:00

AS SEEN ON NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM

10/10/08

After watching the Redskins surprise Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field and the Cowboys slip past the Bengals, it was high time to take an in-depth look at the strongest division in football right now, the NFC East. Did I mention the undefeated Super Bowl champions reside in the division?

1. New York Giants (4-0)

Often in sports, the phrase, “making the leap” refers to a young team that realizes their ability to be one of the elite teams in their sport. Though the Giants won the Super Bowl last year, their championship run, which included victories at Tampa Bay, at Dallas, at Green Bay, and culminated in a stunning victory over the vaunted Patriots was a true shock even to Giant fans. In 2008, the team has made the proverbial leap and is playing with a tremendous amount of confidence on both sides of the ball. Nowhere is this more evident than in the play of Eli Manning. He’s thrown just one interception in 2008 after tossing 20 in 2007 and his quarterback rating of 99.7 is nearly 25 points better than his career rating. Though its first four opponents combined record stands at 5-13, the fact is the Giants should be in the running for the number one seed in the NFC come playoff time.

2. Washington Redskins (4-1)

After a poor performance against New York in a season-opening loss, the Redskins have reeled off four straight victories, including two consecutive wins on the road against division rivals, Dallas and Philadelphia. Did I mention the Redskins offense has yet to turn the ball over this season? The Redskins completely dominated the line of scrimmage against the NFL’s top-ranked rush defense entering Sunday. Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards and a touchdown as the ‘Skins finished with 203 yards against the Eagles who had allowed just 215 yards on the ground in their first four games. What I like about the team going forward the rest of the season is their depth. Veteran Jon Jansen stepped in for injured Stephon Heyer at tackle and was a key component in protecting Jason Campbell from an Eagle defense that entered the game leading the league in sacks. At one point during Sunday’s game, Washington’s defense was without four starters, but still held the Eagles largely in check after Philadelphia’s opening drive. One other important fact to note: the Redskins remaining division games will all be played at home. Whether it be Washington or Dallas, the second best team in the NFC may end up the five seed in the NFC playoffs if they can’t overtake the Giants for the division crown.

3. Dallas Cowboys (4-1)

The Cowboys might be the most maligned 4-1 team in history. Such is the case when the expectations are nothing less than a Super Bowl triumph, and the roster is as star-studded as Dallas. The Cowboys jumped out to an early 17-0 lead over the winless Bengals before playing poorly for nearly two full quarters. The team woke up in the fourth quarter to preserve a 31-22 victory. After an impressive 3-0 start, the Cowboys have been sloppy on offense the past two weeks. Tony Romo and the rest of the offense needs to work on ball security. Meanwhile, the defense is in the bottom half of the NFL, giving up too many third down conversions while allowing more than 20 points per game. Luckily for the Dallas defense, the league’s most dynamic offense is averaging 30.2 points per game. Led by Tony Romo, the offense is difficult to defend with Marion Barber and rookie phenom Felix Jones on the ground, and the talented but mercurial Terrell Owens and Pro-Bowl tight end Jason Witten through the air. No matter what Dallas does the rest of the season, the soap opera in Dallas will be well-chronicled as the season goes forward.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)

Perhaps it’s something in the Eagles makeup, but I don’t understand how Philadephia always seems to underperform in big games. Two weeks ago, the Eagles were sitting at an impressive 2-1 despite a heartbreaking loss to Dallas on Monday night in week two. Philadelphia has since dropped two winnable games, culminating Sunday in a defeat against Washington, in which it led 14-0 in the first quarter. With an 0-2 record in the division, the team’s road to the playoffs appears very difficult, despite a healthy Donovan McNabb and the emergence of rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Another developing problem for Philadelphia falls on the foot of David Akers. Andy Reid can’t like his team’s chances of winning close games when his kicker is 3-14 from 40+ yards since the start of the 2007 season. What must be particularly galling for Philadelphia fans is the likelihood that the team would almost certainly make the playoffs if it was in any other division in the NFC. At least the Phillies are taking some of the sting away.

Breaking Down Week 6

2008-10-10T12:52:00.002-04:00

Week 5 was as unpredictable as any other this season: the Colts rally from certain defeat to an inexplicable cover, the Saints get two Reggie Bush punt returns for touchdowns and lose, the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger gut out a win on the road in Jacksonville without the hint of a running game. When I first looked at last week's slate of games, it looked like a straight-forward week with few chances for upsets. I touched on some of the headlines above but I didn't even mention the Dolphins defeating the Chargers for their second straight win or the Falcons behind rookie QB Matt Ryan getting a win at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. What is going on? This week's matchups on paper lack a headliner much like a week ago except perhaps the Patriots/Chargers game. Expert picks on ESPN.com reflect the seemingly predictable nature of this week's games. For nine of 14 games, the eight pundits either all or all but one of them pick the same team. But what the games thus far in 2008 have shown is that parity continues to flourish in the NFL and that matchups are never as clear cut as they appear on paper. On to the picks...

LAST WEEK: 9 - 5
SEASON: 47 - 23

CHICAGO AT ATLANTA - CHICAGO

I can't fully appreciate what the Falcons are doing because I haven't seen them play very much this season. The only thing I can really go on is their record and their success against teams with poor run defenses. Their wins have come against the 27th- (Packers), 30th- (Lions), and 31st- (Chiefs) ranked rush defenses in the league. Their two losses have come against teams with rush defenses ranked in the top half of the league. The Bears are ranked fourth in the league against the run and as I've been saying about the Falcons, Matt Ryan is not yet capable of carrying the Falcons to a win.

MIAMI AT HOUSTON - HOUSTON

How do the Texans respond after Sage Rosenfels' collapse against the Colts? I have no idea, but I like the way Houston played on defense last Sunday. Holding the Colts to just ten points for nearly 56 minutes impressed me. Steve Slaton looks real solid running the ball and I look for Matt Schaub to lead the Texans to their first win of the season against Miami. What a fall for Sage Rosenfels! He played error-free football for all but the final minutes of the Colts game but his comedy of errors cost him an opportunity at the starting job in Houston.

BALTIMORE AT INDIANAPOLIS - INDIANAPOLIS

With Troy Smith's improving health coinciding with Joe Flacco's recent struggles, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh squelched any possible quarterback controversy in Baltimore by announcing that Flacco would start the rest of the season. In doing so, Harbaugh mortgages the 2008 season in the hopes of getting Flacco the necessary experience to find success in 2009. I believe that Harbaugh is also sacrificing the best defense Baltimore has had since their Super Bowl season in 2000. I wonder how happy 33-year old Ray Lewis is with the decision.

DETROIT AT MINNESOTA - MINNESOTA

Not much to say about this one, the Lions are horrible. Last week's effort against Chicago was abysmal. And worse, Calvin Johnson, of the District 5 Marauders fantasy football team, had just two catches for 16 yards. Rod Marinelli, I know you're biding your time on head coach death row, but please, get the ball into the hands of your best receiver.

OAKLAND AT NEW ORLEANS - NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans hasn't caught a break all year from the officials: the poor spot on 3rd and 1 in Denver and then the missed facemask call Monday night that cost New Orleans the ball in the red zone. Drew Brees continues to put up numbers comparable to Tom Brady in 2007 but with little fanfare. I am not sure Tom Gable, interim head coach for the Raiders after the ouster of Lane Kiffin, sparks his team on the road to a victory. I don't know what happened in Oakland between Al Davis and Kiffin, but the young head coach seemed to get maximum effort from his players.

CINCINNATI AT NEW YORK JETS - NEW YORK JETS

I am trying to be real careful here in picking this game. I've watched the Bengals play two games in a row that they could have won. And I willingly admit that I haven't given the Jets any credit in 2008. I am taking the Bengals; one of the winless teams get off the schneid...a term that I hear originates from the card game Gin Rummy. UPDATE: Twenty minutes ago, Marvin Lewis announced that Carson Palmer will not play Sunday against the Jets.

CAROLINA AT TAMPA BAY - CAROLINA

The last thirty seconds as they happened in my head:

Ohh, tough game...I don't know...physical game...Tampa at home maybe...I don't trust Jake Delhomme...but do I trust Brian Griese...Yeah, Tampa (typing Tampa Bay)...wait a second...JEFF GARCIA!!!...Tampa Bay??? (out loud)...Carolina.

ST. LOUIS AT WASHINGTON - WASHINGTON

At two different moments this week, I remembered St. Louis was playing Washington this week. On Tuesday when I first thought of the matchup, I picked up the Redskins defense in my fantasy football league. The second time I remembered this matchup was last night at about midnight. I picked up Washington's place kicker Shaun Suisham. I like the Redskins to win on Sunday.

JACKSONVILLE AT DENVER - JACKSONVILLE

This game and my pick proves that I am truly a forgiving person willing to give people and football teams second chances. Watching the Jaguars slowly and painfully lose to the Steelers was laughable. As the game went into the fourth quarter still within Pittsburgh's reach, I just waited impatiently for Ben Roethlisberger to lead the Steelers to an another inevitable "improbable victory." I like Jacksonville's ability to control the clock against Denver who looked sluggish for the second straight week in a victory over Tampa Bay. Denver's offense, which will have to outscore Jacksonville, has slowed down since it's explosive start to the season.

DALLAS AT ARIZONA - DALLAS

I would love to take Arizona here and the Cardinals are a difficult team to play at home. But the Cowboys have too many weapons on offense. It'll be a high-scoring affair but the athleticism on both sides of the ball for Dallas will be the difference. Look for Kurt Warner to put up big numbers but lose a fumble or throw a pick at the most inopportune time (as he is known to do) to cost Arizona a chance to pull the upset.

PHILADELPHIA AT SAN FRANCISCO - PHILADELPHIA

With Brian Westbrook now suffering from two broken ribs, you have to wonder if the Eagles are snake-bitten for the second consecutive season. Donovan McNabb has rarely shown throughout his career an ability to carry the Eagles in the absence of Westbrook. I do think the Eagles have enough offense to get by San Francisco but in the brutal NFC East, this team may not finish better than 8-8.

GREEN BAY AT SEATTLE - GREEN BAY

The NFC West is a refreshing division. No matter how poorly a team plays, they are just one win from contention. I am not even sure you can rule out the Rams yet. Despite Seattle's pathetic performances on the road where they've been outscored 78-16, the Seahawks are just a win and an Arizona loss from being a half game out of first place. Unfortunately, Green Bay is in desperate need of a win and has more talent on the offensive side of the ball than Seattle.

NEW ENGLAND AT SAN DIEGO - SAN DIEGO

At 2-3, San Diego needs a win this week before they head out on the road to Buffalo and then across the pond to London where they'll take on the Saints. But the Chargers haven't played well the last couple weeks. They needed 25 points in the fourth quarter to down Oakland two weeks ago before losing 17-10 in a sloppy game last Sunday in Miami. Meanwhile, the Patriots will play their second straight game on the West Coast after winning against the 49ers 30-21 last week. The Chargers are a better team than San Francisco and will be looking to avenge their AFC title game defeat from January. Matt Cassel will struggle against the Charger defense as San Diego prevails in a close, hard-fought, and physical game.

NEW YORK GIANTS AT CLEVELAND - NEW YORK

So I just typed Cleveland in and I took a moment to compose myself and take a sip of coffee...I should eat breakfast soon. It's nearly 3 p.m. Yup, I have to take the Giants as much as it disheartens me. Even if the Browns play well and have a lead late in the game, it won't be more than a one possession game. And as Browns Beat Writer Tony Grossi said in his podcast earlier this week, there is no way that I see Cleveland's defense stopping the Giants in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. Browns lose a heart-breaker. OR DO THEY???

Some Thoughts on the MLB Playoffs

2008-10-07T13:08:00.002-04:00

So a friend of mine contacted me earlier this week, asking for a column about the baseball playoffs. I thought that I ought to oblige her although I am watching this postseason through the lens of last year's playoffs, which involved my Cleveland Indians.

1. Last night, while watching the Angels rally against the Red Sox in the eighth inning while simultaneously witnessing my friend, a die-hard Boston fan, suffer a complete meltdown, I was struck with one overwhelming thought: I am glad I am not experiencing what he is right now. Maybe this is an unrealistic goal, but I hope the next time the Indians are in the playoffs, I can watch in a detached manner. What's the major obstacle to this goal? Die-hard fans watch so many games during the regular season that when the playoffs roll around, the amount of time invested in a team becomes a psychological force so that the team's fortunes dramatically affect the mental state of the die-hard fan.

2. On the subject of the Red Sox, as I said just moments after Jason Bay slid home with the winning run in the ALDS, Boston fans are living a charmed life right now. Despite the fact that Boston has one of the best front offices in baseball and a plethora of talent on the field, results like Monday night's win go beyond talent. There has been an aura around this franchise since October 2004 and it has yet to dissolve, even though as Tom Verducci noted today, the stars from past postseason squads are no longer with the club. Treasure the ride New England.

3. You know the network executives are just praying for a Dodgers/Red Sox matchup in the Fall Classic: two teams with storied traditions, large television markets, and another thing they have in common: a future Hall-of-Famer happened to be traded from one team to the other this season. The Joe Torre-led Dodgers with the red-hot Manny Ramirez against the "scrappy" Red Sox could keep Peter Gammons, Joe Buck, and countless other postseason pundits talking endlessly...for better or worse.

4. Sure, the Brewers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. And yes, C.C. Sabathia didn't pitch well allowing a 300-foot pop fly grand slam to Shane Victorino in Game two. However, I still believe he deserves serious Cy Young consideration in the N.L. Sabathia was the reason the Brewers made the playoffs, going 11-2 in 17 starts with a 1.65 ERA. The Brewers went 14-3 in Sabathia's starts after he was acquired, 11 games over .5oo. In that period, Milwaukee went just 36-29 on days C.C. didn't start. His importance to the Brewers playoff run and his dominance of the N.L. cannot be understated. Are his stats impressive enough to sway voters? We'll see.

5. Though I am not sure the Red Sox are the best team in baseball, I think they'll win the World Series. Tampa Bay is a young team and they'll need to win at least one and I think, probably two games in Boston to defeat the Red Sox in the ALCS. I don't see it. The Boston lineup is filled with hitters that wear down pitchers by working the count. I don't see that same plate discipline for Tampa Bay. Their inexperience will get the best of them and Boston will take advantage winning the series in 6 games. As for the Dodgers or Phillies, Boston will have homefield advantage and are just too fundamentally sound to be defeated by teams that don't have the pitching depth to overcome the Sox lineup.

Week 5 Picks

2008-10-03T13:16:00.003-04:00

Though not a fan of the Ravens or Steelers, I remained very curious to see how the teams matched up. I was interested to see how Joe Flacco would hold up against the Steelers defense on the road in primetime and I also hoped to learn whether the Ravens secondary could be exploited by Ben Roethlisberger and the Steeler receivers. Flacco was surprisingly good at times but made the kind of rookie mistakes you'd expect, especially in the second half. Roethlisberger was under extreme duress most of the game but made the plays he always seems to make on the move with the game on the line.

However, one person really stood out to me in the game. A number of pundits including the Monday night commentators praised the play of Ray Lewis. He is playing much better than he did last season but I don't think enough credit is being given to Nose Tackle Haloti Ngata. The man is occupying two interior linemen almost every play and is on pace for career highs in solo tackles, and passes knocked down at the line of scrimmage. Against the Steelers, he was an absolute force, finishing with five tackles and a rare interception. His ability to occupy offensive linemen is freeing up Ray Lewis to pursue the play and permitting the linebacker to follow his instincts and flow to the ball. The front seven's performance for the Ravens has helped them hide a mediocre secondary that is susceptible to the big play.

Now, on to the picks...

WASHINGTON AT PHILADELPHIA - PHILADELPHIA

Washington was impressive last week, controlling the line of scrimmage against the Cowboys, which enabled them to keep the Dallas offense on the sideline. The Eagles are coming off a tough road loss that might have turned out differently if Brian Westbrook had played. This week, I don't see the Redskins having the same success on offense against Jim Johnson's blitz-happy defense.

SEATTLE AT NEW YORK GIANTS - NEW YORK

The NFC West is atrocious while the NFC East is easily the best division in the NFL. The Giants are too much for Seattle at home even without Plaxico Burress.

SAN DIEGO AT MIAMI - SAN DIEGO

Peter King likes the Dolphins this week because he thinks Chad Pennington's accuracy will play a key role in deciding the outcome. I think Pennington's lack of mobility will play a part in the game's outcome. The Charger defense was dominant in the second half last week against the Raiders and I look for them to carry that success over this week in Miami.

INDIANAPOLIS AT HOUSTON - INDIANAPOLIS

Houston finally has a home game after having it's home opener canceled due to Hurricane Ike. But Indianapolis was able to get healthy last week thanks to an early season bye week. The Colts are rested and I suspect Peyton Manning is tired of hearing about how the Jaguars and Titans have passed the Colts by in the division.

ATLANTA AT GREEN BAY - GREEN BAY

The Falcons are where an NFL observer would expect them to be with a rookie quarterback. The team has relied on the running game en route to winning a couple of home games against two of the worst teams in football. Against superior opponents, defenses are taking away the run and forcing Matt Ryan to beat them. That isn't going to happen at this point in his career, especially on the road.

CHICAGO AT DETROIT - CHICAGO

I guess this game is scary. I've heard this game referred to as a "trap game" because the Bears are coming off a big win against Philadelphia last week and could come out flat. They may indeed come out flat but the Lions have yet to be competitive this season except for one ten minute stretch against Green Bay in Week 2.

KANSAS CITY AT CAROLINA - CAROLINA

The Chiefs organization recognizes the fact that Damon Huard isn't the quarterback of the future in Kansas City. However, I think they realize now that neither is Brodie Croyle nor Tyler Thigpen. I think that Herm Edwards will stick with Huard so that the team is competitive. Carolina has quietly gotten off to a 3-1 start and should compete for the division title in the NFC South.

TENNESSEE AT BALTIMORE - TENNESSEE

This game between two former AFC Central rivals promises to be a defensive struggle with similar storylines as last week's Ravens/Steelers matchup. The key to this game will be turnovers and field position. Which ever team's quarterback can avoid the crucial mistake in the face of a very aggressive defense I suspect will win. I give the nod in terms of protecting the ball to Kerry Collins. Actually that's not true, I just think Joe Flacco makes more mistakes against the Titans defense.

TAMPA BAY AT DENVER - DENVER

Tampa Bay, led by the defense, always seems to keep games competitive. But this week, Denver's offense rebounds from a sloppy performance against Kansas City and plays well. I don't think Brian Griese can put up enough points on Denver's defense to stay with Jay Cutler and the Broncos.

NEW ENGLAND AT SAN FRANCISCO - NEW ENGLAND

The Patriots are coming off a bye week and it would be absolutely shocking not to see them play better on offense after two weeks of installing a game plan suited to Matt Cassel's abilities. Although, you wonder if the 49ers might give the Patriots some matchup problems in the passing game and on the ground with Frank Gore. The game will be close but I still like the Patriots.

CINCINNATI AT DALLAS - DALLAS

The Bengals are not an awful team. Terrible teams are hard to find in the league right now. Last week, the Chiefs surprised the Broncos. On the road, Houston nearly defeated Jacksonville before falling in overtime. The Bengals with Carson Palmer are a dangerous team who almost beat the Giants in Week 3. If Palmer plays, Dallas will win but it'll be a ten point game. With Ryan Fitzpatrick as the team's quarterback, the Bengals are indeed a horrible team.

BUFFALO AT ARIZONA - ARIZONA

This might be a bad omen but I accidentally typed Buffalo as my pick at first. No, I am sticking with my gut feeling. The more I watch the Bills, the more I see the 2007 Browns. Getting down 14-0 in St. Louis before rallying to win might not ring a bell to many fans but it's exactly what the Browns did last season in Week 8. The Browns also lost to the Cardinals in Arizona last season and I suspect a similar outcome when the Bills travel to the University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday.

PITTSBURGH AT JACKSONVILLE - JACKSONVILLE

This game officially sets the precedent that Jacksonville and David Garrard have the Steelers number. Last season, Jacksonville defeated the Steelers twice last season at Heinz Field, once in December and then again in the playoffs in January. The Jaguars win a very physical game. The key matchup in this game will be the Steelers much-maligned offensive line, which will go up against the Jaguars front seven, which has been injury-riddled much of the season.

MINNESOTA AT NEW ORLEANS - NEW ORLEANS

Drew Brees is currently the best quarterback in football. His statistics are off the charts and the 2008 Saints defense is not the same as the 2007 Saints defense. The team played well against San Francisco last week and is better than people think. There is no way Gus Frerotte can put up enough points to stay even with Drew Brees and the Saints in the Superdome Monday night.

Quarterback Controversies to Watch

2008-09-30T13:50:00.003-04:00

AS SEEN FIRST PUBLISHED ON NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM

Quarterback Controversies to Watch

Headed into week four, the most popular player in town in several NFL cities was the backup quarterback. Wins in some cases (Derek Anderson), and strong performances for others (Matt Schaub) may have quieted the furor but quarterback controversies continue to simmer across the league. Here are the top five to watch as the season goes on:

1. Cleveland: Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn?

In Cleveland where the Browns have started sluggishly, local-boy Brady Quinn was already a fan favorite entering the season. But spurred by the offensive ineptitude of the Browns and the struggles of incumbent Derek Anderson, the calls for Quinn have grown steadily louder. Anderson leads the AFC in interceptions and the team is averaging just 11.5 points per game after averaging more than 25 in 2007. Quinn, a 2007 first round draft pick out of Notre Dame is considered by many inside of the organization to be the franchise’s long-term answer at the position. The question of changing quarterbacks isn’t if, but when and if the Browns and Anderson continue to play poorly, Quinn will become the team’s starter in the coming weeks.

2. St. Louis: Trent Green vs. Marc Bulger?

The Rams finally put head coach Scott Linehan out of his misery, firing him Monday after yet another loss. Linehan, desperate to save his job, started Trent Green Sunday against Buffalo in place of former Pro Bowler Marc Bulger. The experiment with Green who hadn’t won as a starter since 2006 likely went out the door with Linehan, especially given the fact that Bulger is in the second year of a six year, $65 million dollar contract.

3. Miami: Chad Pennington vs. Chad Henne?

Fresh off a bye week and their big win against New England, a change in quarterbacks is probably the last thing people are thinking when they consider the Dolphins. But Pennington was pulled after a horrendous performance against Arizona in week two. And against New England in week 3, it was the wildcat formation and Ronnie Brown that helped produce the victory. The Dolphins are going to want to find out about second-round pick Chad Henne before the season is over. He relieved Pennington and completed 7-12 passes for 67 yards, leading the Dolphins to their lone scoring drive against Arizona and figures to get more opportunities to play as the season progresses.

4. Baltimore: Joe Flacco vs. Troy Smith?

A less noticeable but still intriguing quarterbacking issue resides in Baltimore where the 2-0 Ravens travel to Pittsburgh Monday night. QB Joe Flacco, the rookie out of Delaware has started the season under center for the Ravens due to injuries to both Kyle Boller and Troy Smith. Flacco has led the team admirably but the passing game has been anemic. Flacco threw two horrendous interceptions last week against a mediocre Cleveland defense, and is up against a strong Pittsburgh defense at home in Heinz Field. With Smith nearing full strength after a tonsil infection, keep an eye out for the 2006 Heisman winner out of Ohio State in the coming weeks as the Ravens schedule toughens considerably with games against Tennessee and Indianapolis in the next two weeks.

5. Detroit: Jon Kitna vs. Drew Stanton?

The general feeling among Lions fans about their hapless 0-3 team is euphoria. Europhia, you wonder? Yes, fans are absolutely ecstatic over the firing of Matt Millen who somehow lasted as the general manager for more than 7 years despite a dismal 31-84 record under his leadership. With the Lions going nowhere in 2008, the Lions may decide to give 2007 second round pick Drew Stanton a chance to find out whether he can be the team’s starting quarterback in 2009 or if the Lions need to add the position to their long list of off-season needs.

Week 3 Picks Are In

2008-09-26T13:53:00.005-04:00

In years past, I used to burn myself out with these ridiculously long columns predicting each game during the NFL season. In an effort to cut down on the word count, I am attempting a new format. More concise commentary or at least extensive analysis will be limited to just a few games. With that in mind, we start in on this week's picks.

SEASON: 29 - 14
LAST WEEK: 11 - 4

ATLANTA @ CAROLINA - CAROLINA

I haven't seen Atlanta play yet this season but Michael Turner does reside on one of my fantasy teams and he's been a very nice surprise thus far. Matt Ryan has managed the game very well in Atlanta's two victories, but Atlanta is a young team that will struggle all season on the road. Carolina's defense, which has yet to play well, enters this contest ranked 27th in yards allowed but will likely move up a few spots after this matchup.

CLEVELAND @ CINCINNATI - CLEVELAND

The Browns must win this game to save their season. Many Cleveland sportswriters said the same thing about the Pittsburgh game and again last week against Baltimore. But this time, it's true. Derek Anderson needs to play well and the Browns have to find a way to win. Anderson's job and perhaps, Crennel's could be on the line Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

HOUSTON @ JACKSONVILLE - JACKSONVILLE

For some reason, Houston always plays Jacksonville tough but Houston has looked awful this season. Matt Schaub is getting hit almost as often as David Carr did when he was under center for the Texans. He's been sacked eight times and has thrown five interceptions in two games. If things don't get better Sunday against the Jaguars and it doesn't seem likely, Schaub may give way to Sage Rosenfels for the Texans home opener in Week 5 against the Rams.

DENVER @ KANSAS CITY - DENVER

Somebody dropped Selvin Young this week in one of my fantasy leagues. What was he thinking? Denver's top-ranked offense enters the game, averaging 38 points per game and this week, Young and company will have a crack at the Chiefs defense, which is allowing over 200 yards per game on the ground.

SAN FRANCISCO @ NEW ORLEANS - NEW ORLEANS

I think it was Rich Eisen who said earlier this week that J.T. O'Sullivan might be the Derek Anderson of 2008. O'Sullivan has gotten off to a solid start in the early going of 2008, averaging 235 yards per game passing while leading the 49ers to a 2-1 record. His counterpart this week, Drew Brees is averaging a ludicrous 327 yards per game. This game figures to be a high-scoring affair but I think the Saints at home in the Superdome are too much for San Francisco.

ARIZONA @ NEW YORK JETS - ARIZONA

I know I am going to regret this but for some reason, I am irritated by all the people in the tri-state area who continue to believe that the Jets are a potential playoff team. I don't believe the addition of Brett Favre to a 5-11 team a year ago is enough to overcome an average defense with average talent at the skill positions. That said, Arizona has an awful time winning on the road. The last time the team won more than two road games in a season was in 2001. After a tough loss in Washington last week, Ken Whisenhunt will have his team ready against the Jets Sunday.

GREEN BAY @ TAMPA BAY - GREEN BAY

Everybody off the Aaron Rodgers train! The media's favorite story after Week 2 came back to Earth against the Cowboys when he was sacked five times and failed to put the ball in the end zone on several trips deep into Dallas territory. Maybe, people need to calm down about Rodgers but I don't know why people are jumping on the Brian Griese bandwagon. I like Green Bay to bounce back and find a way to win this game at Raymond James Stadium, always a tough place to play.

MINNESOTA @ TENNESSEE - TENNESSEE

Gus Frerotte versus Kerry Collins...what year is this? This game features two stingy defenses that figure to play a prominent role in the outcome. Tennessee is allowing the fewest points per game in the league and they're especially tough at home. Gus Frerotte can't produce enough points for the Vikings to win this game.

SAN DIEGO @ OAKLAND - SAN DIEGO

Oakland rarely receives any positive press and with their meglomaniacal owner, it's really no surprise but the team is showing signs of incremental progress. The Raiders were blown out against Denver at home the first game of the year but since then, they've played well enough to be 2-1. I am a fan of Lane Kiffin who seems to be getting the most out his young players. Of which, there are many...JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, the list goes on. It's too bad Al Davis won't keep him around long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

BUFFALO @ ST LOUIS - BUFFALO

St. Louis is an absolute train wreck. Scott Linehan needs to be fired. Franchise quarterback Marc Bulger, in his second year of a $65 million dollar deal, has been benched for Trent Green and all-pro running back Steven Jackson is openly questioning the decision. There are rumors that Bulger no longer wants to play for Linehan. Sounds like the two marquee players of the franchise aren't very pleased with Linehan. I don't think that bodes well for his future. The Rams are committed to Bulger and Jackson (to the tune of $109 million), I don't think either of them are going anywhere. The same cannot be said for the coach.

WASHINGTON @ DALLAS - DALLAS

I watched the Redskins play pretty uninspired football for most of their game last week against the Cardinals. They were fortunate to get a win after letting the Cardinals recover from a 10-0 first half deficit. The Redskins will have to play much better this week on the road in Dallas just to be competitive. The Cowboys passing attack is much too strong for the Redskins suspect defense and inconsistent offense.

PHILADELPHIA @ CHICAGO - CHICAGO

No McNabb, No Westbrook, no chance for Philadelphia on the road in Chicago. The Bears defense was embarrassed last week by the Bucs and Brian Griese. They won't let it happen again to a backup quarterback in primetime. The Bears win in a low-scoring defensive battle.

BALTIMORE @ PITTSBURGH - PITTSBURGH

The blueprint for defeating the Ravens remains the exact same for the tenth consecutive year. Don't turn the ball over and put eight men into the box and force whoever is playing quarterback for the Ravens to beat you through the air. The Steelers know that and will capitalize on Joe Flacco's mistakes. Baltimore's defense remains strong but the secondary is susceptible to the big play. Pittsburgh finds a way to win without Willie Parker and maybe even without Ben Roethlisberger.

Random Thoughts on Cleveland Sports 9/25/08

2008-09-25T17:57:00.005-04:00

On a rather overcast day in New York, I've been thinking about sports and as usual, it's about Cleveland sports. With that in mind, here are some of the things that have crossed my mind...

I wonder if Travis Hafner will ever be the player he was in 2005 and 2006. In those two years, he hit .305 and .308 respectively with a total of 77 home runs and 225 runs batted in. Since '06, chronic shoulder and elbow pain, presumably the reason, has caused him to struggle. In 2007, he hit .266 and this year, he has played in just 55 games, hitting a paltry .205 with 5 home runs. Now that Hafner is back and supposedly healthy, his bat continues to look slow and he's struggled to drive the ball. It's beyond depressing for a player who looked like a dominant power hitter a few short years ago.

Does Romeo Crennel who I defended yesterday really know what he's doing with Derek Anderson? I based my argument yesterday on the idea that Phil Savage was involved in the decision and that they came to the conclusion that this team needs to keep Brady Quinn on the bench for at least another game because once the switch is made, it's going to be impossible to go back to Anderson and the Quinn era will begin. But the more I read, the more I get the sense that Crennel will go to Quinn at some point Sunday in Cincinnati. That is a disastrous idea in my mind. A possible quarterback switch handled in such a way will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

All in all, I am satisfied with a .500 record for the Tribe in 2008. I know that it's a disappointment for the team and its fans after advancing to the ALCS in 2007. But realistically, the C.C. Sabathia contract issue was going to loom over this team no matter how successful the team was on the field. Injuries were a problem and the bullpen was horrendous. All in all, a pretty good recipe for disaster. The team has played well in the second half, 36-22 since the Sabathia trade, and Cliff Lee looks to win the team's second straight Cy Young Award. More amazing, the team was swept by an awful Mariner team Labor Day weekend. Take two out of three against that team and Cleveland is suddenly on the periphery of the A.L. Central division race.

Many pundits believe the Browns are completely done. And I am not exactly sure how I feel on the subject but I just refuse to think that these past three games accurately define this team. If Cleveland can steal a win in Cincinnati on Sunday, the Browns have two weeks to pull themselves together and get healthy for a Monday night affair against the Giants. I think Sunday's game will define Romeo Crennel, Derek Anderson, and the 2008 Browns. It's going to be a difficult game, a very easy game to lose. Carson Palmer always plays well against the Browns and the Bengals have won four straight at home against the Browns. Maybe I am wrong but somehow the Browns are going to find a way to win this game. If they don't, a season which began with such high hopes will have morphed into a runaway train, to steal a line from former head coach, Chris Palmer.

Crennel Sticking with Anderson

2008-09-24T12:45:00.004-04:00

Today, Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel announced that Derek Anderson would remain the starter of the 0-3 Browns when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium Sunday. The decision comes just two days after hinting that a change would be made: "I think we'll definitely get the other guy [Quinn] ready to go and we'll see how it progresses from there." Anderson has struggled this season, throwing 2 touchdowns and five interceptions for a quarterback rating of 43.5. The offensive ineptitude reached its zenith Sunday afternoon, when Anderson threw three interceptions - two which resulted in Baltimore touchdowns in the decisive third quarter - and was sacked five times in a 28-10 loss.

In lieu of such high expectations and the dismal performance thus far by Anderson and the Browns, many pundits have suggested that Quinn should get the start Sunday for the Browns. However, I don't think Crennel made the final call. I think Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel sat down and decided that starting Quinn now isn't the right thing to do. The offensive line has performed poorly this year and injuries have drastically reduced the play-making ability of the receiving corps. No, putting Quinn in now isn't fair to Quinn or Anderson.

Anderson should be benched only when the Browns are ready to turn the corner and give the team to Quinn, the 2007 first round pick the team annoited as the next franchise QB before Anderson's breakout performance last season. After the step towards respectability the Browns took last season, Cleveland can ill-afford to throw this season away with a quarterback change and a possible coaching change. Yes, the Browns are 0-3 but for better or worse, 13 games remain and Crennel has to find a way to keep this team competitive.

Anderson is the starter and I don't believe Savage wants to see a player he paid $18 million to in the off-season benched after three games, not with the number of injuries the team has suffered. That said, the game Sunday is an absolute must win. Provided that the Browns can somehow come out of Cincinnati with a victory, the team will have two weeks to prepare for the Giants who will visit Cleveland Browns Stadium for a Monday Night Game in Week 6, which will be a pivotal game for the future of Crennel and Derek Anderson.

The Tribe Sucks But I Still Believe

2008-05-27T23:52:00.002-04:00

After last night's effort, a 6-3 loss to the White Sox, I went ballistic, going so far as to wish bad things upon Jhonny Peralta. Prior to that twelfth inning meltdown, I wrote a post during a miserable bus ride to Boston. Here it is.

I've failed in a noble yet unrealistic endeavor. My goal of writing daily about the Tribe was a pipe dream and even writing bi-weekly has proved a bit too ambitious. Disgusted by the effort of Cleveland hitters recently, I've been moved to write once again. Seriously, the team is hitting .230 and in the last ten days, it's below the Mendoza Line.

I wish I could just shut them out of my life and come back in August when they're in first place. What a pleasant thought that is but honestly, that's my thinking. The team didn't start hitting until May 21st in 2005, and not until early August in 2007. And you could argue that they didn't come around in '05 till after a four game sweep at the hands of the first place White Sox the first weekend after the All-Star Break. I point to May 21st because that was the day I returned to Ohio after studying abroad in France for six months. (C.C. homered in a victory over Cincinnati that night).

Bottom line, pitching wins championships and it will decide the A.L. Central in 2008. Am I worried about the White Sox? Sure but I am more curious to see how they feel after we sweep them this week. (A bit off the mark there). To be honest, I can't believe what I am saying.

The team looks completely lifeless. Travis Hafner is dead to me as he continually takes first pitch strikes and never recovers. I blame his wife Before he was married, Hafner was a menacing and aggressive hitter. He's gone soft. And don't get me started on Jhonny Peralta. Casey Blake is hitting .236 but leads the team in RBI. Peralta has hit 10 homers but has only 17 RBI. .236 batting averages dot the lineup.

The reason I remain optimistic is because I am not accustomed to winning. Every little hiccup, slump or even hot streak is portents to inevitable disaster or triumph in September and October. After reading Bill Simmons "Now I Can Die in Peace," I see the ups and downs of the season as simply a piece of a larger puzzle. Can you tell what the larger picture is going to look like by these snippets? Sure, but I still see a team with an excellent pitching staff and a decent lineup. As far as our shaky bullpen is concerned, no worries. Joe Borowski is back. Problem solved.

See, the larger picture just got a bit clearer...I see a Borowski 87 mph fastball and Manny Ramirez getting together in a Game 7 sometime in October. You down?

Thoughts From a Disappointing Split with the Yankees

2008-04-30T10:59:00.004-04:00

Well, I said it last week. I didn’t think the Indians had the horses to pull off a series win over the Yankees. That said, anybody who watched the four game series would have been struck by two things. The Indians put themselves in position to win in all four games despite iffy starting pitching matchups coming into the series. Tribe fans everywhere can only be pleased in the pitching efforts of southpaws Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey who were called up from Buffalo to make spot starts. But the question remains: when is this team going to start to hit?!?

Travis Hafner and Ryan Garko looked God-awful in the series. Hafner is missing fastballs that are right down the middle and up in the zone. He keeps fouling them off. I don’t understand. Why aren’t meatballs ending up in the second deck in right? I know they used to end up there. Check this one out. I called this home run by the way. Yeah, I was 21 years old, still calling a home run on every pitch to the plate when my favorite players were hitting. (http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=430232&w=2005/open/topplays/archive06/061405_colcle_hafner_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/06/14/colmlb-clemlb-1&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp350&v=2) Hafner is in a 7 for 37 slump although Garko’s got him beat with his 0 for 23 streak. I promise to take some time over the next several days and analyze what I think Hafner might be doing wrong. Below are some other thoughts that hit me while watching the games from the Yankee series.

While watching Friday’s game:

Yankee commentator Michael Kay loves to reference crappy television sitcoms:
“An interesting thing about Paul Byrd, he bears a striking resemblance to Kelsey Grammer, the star of the hit show Frazier.” Just moments later while the camera pans the crowd, a woman wearing glasses in the likeness of Drew Carey is spotted: “I think somebody stole Drew Carey’s glasses,” Drew Carey, star of the hit sitcom, The Drew Carey Show.

WOULD YOU STOP CALLING OUR FIELD THE PROG, Michael Kay? It’s bad enough the naming rights of the stadium were sold to Progressive Insurance but now we have idiots coming in calling it the Prog. Moments later, as if to drive an icicle into my eye, Kaye spits out this gem: “Welcome back to the Prog, that’s what they call it here in Cleveland now. I’ve listened to or watched 85% of the games this year and I have yet to hear this God-awful phrase. Even the radio voice of the Indians, Tom Hamilton rarely calls it Progressive Field. Nope, he likes to use the phrase, “At the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.” I love Tom Hamilton. This guy likes Tom Hamilton too: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bi9mRcjtICY

Despite giving up three monster home runs, Paul Byrd tightropes through 5 2/3 innings. Jhonny Peralta comes up big with a three run homer off a poor changeup from Andy Pettitte. Peralta’s homer masks another mediocre performace by the offense, but a big win nevertheless.

While watching Saturday’s matinee:

David Delucci, I mean Jeremy Sowers, is charged with three earned runs after Jorge Posada’s three run triple to left. Delucci’s poor read and route to Posada’s liner turns a lineout into the slow catcher’s first triple. It spoils a fine effort by Sowers who ends up with a no-decision. Any other runner and we would have had an inside-the-park grand slam. That would have been interesting.

The Tribe seems to be having better at-bats over the last several days. Joe Buck mentions that the Yankees have $45 million dollars on their bench. Ohh yeah, I’ll take Jason Michaels as our ace in the hole any day.

What’s wrong with HAFNER!? Ian Kennedy is throwing 90 mph fastballs up in the zone and he’s late on it. In ’05, he’d already have a homer and a double off this guy. All of a sudden, his contract looks like a disaster. Get pissed already Hafner.

Most inventive product pushed on us today: A Touch of Gray
I didn't realize that dying your hair “a little less gray” get you a “Summer of Love!” I wonder if I would see equal success were I to give the product a try.

Victor Martinez, the only guy who I really trust at the plate, wins a back-and-forth affair with a basehit to left. He’s such a good hitter. I rest easy when he’s up to bat. Although I’d be lying if I wasn’t a bit concerned by his inability to drive the ball thus far in 2008. He’s hitting .364 but only slugging .416. That’s four extra-base hits and zero homers.

Favorite part about Saturday’s game: Grady Sizemore hurting his ankle in the ninth inning. The trainer comes out and starts trying to lead him off the field. Sizemore refuses to leave the middle of the diamond. You see the trainer make this face as if to say, “Yeah right, you can stay in this game.” So Sizemore walks out to the outfield grass behind second base and starts doing sprints back and forth. The trainer leaves the field and Sizemore scores the winning run. He is so good.

Sunday

This loss falls squarely on my shoulders. If I blow off a birthday brunch for a friend, we scratch a run off Wang. This guy will never impress me. Sinkerballers are great but they are truly dominant. Wang is like a Derek Lowe, a guy who can pitch really well but who you really don’t feel that great about pitching in a big game. Although, I don’t know how the Tribe manages to strike out nine times against him. This offense is truly befuddling. At least, C.C. is back pitching well. Sizemore doesn’t play for the first time since 2004.

Monday

The Indians decided they were content with a split when they woke up this morning. The team had every opportunity to pound Mike Mussina into oblivion and they let him off the hook and handed him a generous victory. The Yankees score four runs in the top of the sixth and manage to hit the ball out of the infield once. Our left side of the diamond, Peralta and Blake are where “deer and antelope play” and infield hits too. This team is driving me insane. That five game winning streak from last week seems like a mirage. This team is not hitting. Let’s fire our hitting coach. It worked in 2005. http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050604&content_id=1075793&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

Bob Walcott and the Yankees

2008-04-25T12:24:00.005-04:00

I could talk about the scintillating three-hitter that Cliff Lee threw at the Royals last night to complete a series sweep in Kansas City. I could also rant about the fact that the doubleheader started at 6 p.m. EST last night instead of 3 p.m. for no reason. As a result, Indians fans attending tonight's game can expect the starting nine to be comatose against the Yankees. But to be honest with you, Bob Wolcott is on my mind. Perhaps, you don't remember the right-hander who had a career ERA of 5.86.

Shall we revisit October 10, 1995? The scrubby right-hander had loaded the bases on three straight walks to start Game 1 of the ALCS. The next four hitters included a surefire hall of famer, two hitters with hall of fame credentials, and another whose candidacy was ultimately derailed by injuries. The four hitters? Albert Belle, Eddie Murray, Jim Thome, and Manny Ramirez. Walcott escaped the inning unscathed. I find that as amazing today as I did when I was 11 years old, watching it. Wednesday night, it's 2 a.m. and I'm wide awake, not thinking about life-changing decisions, but rather Bob Walcott's 7 inning gem in the fall of 1995. Nobody can debate the insanity of Manny Ramirez but I really think that if you mentioned Bob Walcott's name to him, he'd remember his effort at the Kingdome.

Anyway, big series tonight. It's the Yankees only visit to the Jake (ohh wait, it's called Progressive Field now) in 2008 and something tells me there'll be about ten thousand empty seats for it. I don't see any scenario in which the Indians can take 3 of 4 with Byrd, Sowers, Sabathia and most likely Aaron Laffey pitching in the series. Nice to see the Indians grind out a win last night in the second game. David Delucci is starting to string together some good games. I'll take a .275 batting average with fifteen to twenty homers.

Just a reminder that Grady Sizemore is good.

2005	Cle	158	640	111	185	37	11	22	81	52	132	22	10	.289	.348	.484	.832
2006	Cle	162	655	134	190	53	11	28	76	78	153	22	6	.290	.375	.533	.908
2007	Cle	162	628	118	174	34	5	24	78	101	155	33	10	.277	.390	.462	.852
2008	Cle	22	87	10	24	2	1	2	11	10	18	6	0	.276	.373	.391	.764
Total	--	547	2148	388	607	132	30	80	270	255	492	85	26	.283	.369	.484	.853

Happy For an Off-Day?

2008-04-22T22:36:00.004-04:00

That's an unequivocal yes! Monday was a welcome respite from the Tribe. Sure, arguably our best pitcher in the young season in Jake Westbrook went on the DL but at least, we didn't have to watch the team bat. Five runs over the weekend in Minnesota equaled another lost series to the mediocre Twins. Coming into Tuesday night's game against the Royals, the team was hitting a paltry .235. Slumps like 2 for his last 21 (Travis Hafner) and 3 for his last 30 (Jhonny Peralta) were sprinkled throughout the lineup. The corner outfield spots were hitting a squalid .210, with three home runs. Westbrook's injury proved bittersweet for Indians fans as many were pleased to see OF prospect Ben Francisco called up to replace Westbrook.

Tuesday night proved therapeutic for Cleveland fans. How good was Tuesday game against Kansas City for the Indians offense? Three hitters raised their averages above the Mendoza line. Casey Blake of all people went 4-4, knocking in six runs. And best of all, C.C. Sabathia, who had been hammered in his four starts in 2008, struck out 11 Royals in six shutout innings. Sure, it wasn't perfect. The big lefty threw too many pitches and Jorge Julio is still a disaster waiting to happen in the bullpen. But for one night, things seemed alright for the Tribe.

It only takes a night like Tuesday before my head is running through scenarios. Suddenly, Carmona and Cliff Lee pitching the next two games means a possible sweep, with the Yankees coming to Cleveland Friday for their only visit in 2008. So we should be back to .500 by ohh I don't know, Saturday. Or this game could just be a tease and the bats will disappear Wednesday against Brian Bannister who sports a 2.42 ERA in the young season.

"Bout Time, 8-0"

2008-04-17T21:23:00.005-04:00

Perhaps you've seen the baseball classic, Major League, the best sports movie ever made about Cleveland. Indians commentator Harry Doyle uttered the words above after Cleveland Pitcher Rick Vaughn beans a Yankee hitter following a grand slam to nemesis Clue Haywood. With the score 8-0, Doyle was pleased to see the Indians express some frustration.

While watching the listless Tribe for the last two and a half weeks, frustration has been growing. Even the Cleveland Plain Dealer was advocating a display of some emotion but it wouldn't come before three straight losses, the last a shellacking at the hands of division-rival Detroit. Well tonight, the Tribe finally came alive.

The Indians rose to the occasion, hammering the Tigers. Not only did they beat them, they knocked around Tiger ace Justin Verlander. Further more, Indian Starting Pitcher Fausto Carmona plunked two Detroit hitters after Verlander had beaned two Indians. Intentional or not, Carmona's actions showed that team would not go quietly into the night. (Sorry, I love Bill Pullman and the Fourth of July) Cleveland needed a win tonight, desperately. Putting some runs up sends a statement that maybe they can produce enough runs to compete against the high-powered offenses of Detroit, New York, and Boston.

A win tonight gives me hope that maybe Fausto Carmona can step in for a struggling C.C. and keep this team out of prolonged losing streaks. It gives me hope that the team isn't going to fold like a cheap tent in a rain storm. Maybe they're not the '06 Indians. At least, I don't see Guillermo Mota in the bullpen, not yet anyway.

Tribe's 2007 Encore

2008-04-16T20:38:00.006-04:00

Watching the Cleveland Indians isn't an easy hobby. I sure it’s not for fans in Baltimore or Pittsburgh either. Last season's collapse against the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series damaged my psyche more than Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. Even though I recall griping about how the Marlins bought a World Series with talent they couldn’t afford, the 90s-era Indians, fueled by revenue generated from a sellout streak that would eventually reach 455, could at least keep up with big market teams’ spending.

Not so for the Indians of today. Sure, they can keep it close against teams that spend twice as much but sooner or later, the $160 million dollar left fielder or even the under-achieving $75 million dollar right fielder is going to outperform the out-of-nowhere second year starter or the closer who was only signed after he failed a physical for another team. Sound like sour grapes? Perhaps, but it’s true.

Like many fans, my team’s track record plays a part in how I perceive them. Specifically, the history that I’ve personally witnessed. The Tribe has collapsed at critical moments in the playoffs since I was 11. And they’ve failed to live up to expectations at every turn, especially in 2000 and 2006. After overachieving in 2005, the team of young talent and over-achieving veterans struggled to string together hits as the bullpen imploded. So through thirteen games, I am ready to peg this team as a 2006 redux. Too early, perhaps but you try watching a game like Monday night’s against the Sox.

The only thing I was assured of as Manny Ramirez stepped to the plate against Cleveland closer Joe Borowski was a free beer courtesy of the bartender for pain soon to be inflicted. Interestingly enough, it was the same bar where I witnessed Borowski’s implosion against the Yankees last April. The one where the Yankees scored six runs with two outs to shock the Indians in the Bronx. I received several free shots for my troubles that day.

So am I pegging them as a disappointment in 2008 a bit too early? Do I already assume C.C. Sabathia is as good as gone as a free agent this winter? The answer to both questions is a definitive yes.

Hey, that’s my team. Only four months till the Browns play the Giants in the first of six primetime appearances they’ll make in the 2008 season. They’re my other team, the team in a league with a salary cap. I heart salary caps and Grady Sizemore.

Thoughts Following Super Bowl XLII

2008-02-05T12:36:00.000-05:00

Before we get started, I think it’s important to acknowledge my mistake. I was sure that the Patriots were going to bludgeon the Giants. I am very happy that I was wrong. With two weeks to prepare, I assumed that Bill Belichick would come up with a game plan that would confuse the Giants on both sides of the ball. It didn’t happen. Instead, it was New York’s defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo who formulated a brilliant game plan that stymied the Patriots high-powered offense.

To the winner go the accolades I suppose. And Eli Manning certainly deserves credit for his efforts in Super Bowl XLII. But did anyone else notice that on the final drive, he was throwing off his back foot almost exclusively? The Patriots had two very good opportunities for interceptions during the final drive and the throw to David Tyree was hardly what I’d call a good decision with the football. Manning's throws had people like me, rooting for an upset, screaming, “How ‘bout something safe…like a draw play??!!

It’s real easy to second guess Bill Belichick right now for not kicking the field goal on 4^th and 13, but my questions might go to Josh McDaniels. All week, the Giants talked about the need to pressure Tom Brady. McDaniels tried to exploit that aggressiveness early on with screen passes but without much success. I expected more delays and draws to RB Laurence Maroney. Furthermore, as the game went on and Brady continued to get hit, why didn’t the Patriots go to a no-huddle or hurry up offense? A more up tempo strategy would have worn out the Giants front seven, which is what I saw on the Patriots fourth quarter scoring drive.

My first memory of the Super Bowl was the event’s twenty-fifth edition, featuring the Bills Scott Norwood missing a last second field goal that would have given the Bills a victory over the Giants. I still remember the sheer drama of that moment. As a young Bills fan (I was obsessed with their run-and-shoot offense), my sister chose the wrong time to walk into the room and declare, “I am rooting for the Giants.” Following Norwood’s miss, I gave her the silent treatment for about six weeks. In this Super Bowl, with the Pats having an opportunity to make history, the sheer drama of XXV reappeared. On two separate plays, it stood out. The first was a play midway through the fourth quarter when Eli Manning scrambled to his left and overthrew a wide-open Plaxico Burress. It had fans from both sides screaming in excitement and dismay and back again. The second play was the catch by David Tyree, a fabulous catch at such a pivotal moment on the game’s biggest stage. For me, it was the best game since Super Bowl XXV.

A Quick Look to January 2009? Last night, I had a dream about the AFC Divisional playoff round. I was watching the second game, Titans at Patriots, a defensive struggle when I had to run out for some Barbecue chips. I returned home just in time to see the postgame. Strange that I would run out for chips in the fourth quarter, no? Although, I also think it peculiar, having vivid dreams of the AFC Divisional playoff round. Anyway, the Patriots beat the Titans 19-12 to set up a Colts/Patriots AFC Championship game in Foxboro. The Colts won their game 10-3. It was on the Sportsticker at the bottom of the screen as I was watching the postgame. Oddly, the Colts were playing the Chiefs. So, there you have it. If you think that means anything, buck up Pats fans, you’ll have another shot at a Manning in January ’09.

Thoughts From Championship Sunday

2008-01-21T11:36:00.000-05:00

By far the most irritating thing going into Sunday’s championship games were the endless stories about the cold gametime temperatures expected in Foxboro and Green Bay. On Saturday evening, a story on the home page of CNN/SI hollered: “Giants/Pack Unlikely to be Coldest Game Ever.” A mere ten hours later: “Giants/Pack Getting Set to Play in Frigid Lambeau.” Are you serious? Nobody can come up with something better than these trite articles. Absolutely, weather was a factor in the games yesterday but the week long brouhaha was completely overblown. With that said, it’s with an impending sense of doom that I mentally prepare for two weeks of God-awful reporting on the Super Bowl. Thinking back on it, Hunter S. Thompson’s The Great Shark Hunt includes a piece about his covering of the Super Bowl back in the early 70s. Even then, sports reporters had nothing to do in the week(s) leading up to the Super Bowl. Thompson’s tales is laugh out loud funny.

The roughing-the-passer call against Green Bay in the third quarter was exactly what that penalty used to be before the phrases “blow to the head” and “hit below the knee” entered the fray. Ten years ago, roughing-the-passer was a hit on the quarterback well after he had released the ball. It was such a foreign experience to see a legitimate roughing-the-passer call that confusion reigned. Fans at Lambeau Field were understandably furious with the call and Fox showed the play several times, with Troy Aikman and Joe Buck debating the penalty. I swear Joe Buck was thinking: “Wait a second, they didn’t touch his head. Is that still a penalty?”

Peter King wrote in his Monday Morning Quarterback that he believes the early line of 13 in favor of the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII is ridiculously high and he sees it coming down. I said this following the Giants win, I think this Super Bowl will have one of the largest spreads in the forty-two year history of the event. I am not sure it will reach the epic number of 18 that the 49ers were giving the Chargers in 1995 but 15 or so seems reasonable. Though, the Patriots inability to cover the spread in the last five weeks might give me pause.

What sweet redemption for Lawrence Tynes to hit the game-winning 47 yard field goal after missing a pair of short ones in the fourth quarter. Sometimes, it’s a bit easier to hit the one nobody expects you to make, isn’t it Lawrence?

I really didn’t care for all the shots of the Manning family watching in the skybox on Sunday high above Lambeau Field. And thinking on it, the Mannings are rather spoiled. Peyton wins a Super Bowl last year, Eli silences his doubters in New York by taking the G-men to a Super Bowl (in which they are soundly defeated). All around, not a bad twelve months for that clan. The family patriarch, Archie is probably wondering what it’s like to play for a Super Bowl bound team after all those years suffering for the Saints. We should call them the Manning clan, they’re from the South and the extended family seems to travel as a singular unit.

As for the Chargers and Patriots, the game was decided in the red zone where the Chargers boosted Nate Kaeding’s confidence by settling for chip shot field goals instead of touchdowns. That’s obvious, but I want to take a look at the biggest play of the game in my opinion. Midway through the third quarter, the Chargers are driving after a stunning second interception of Tom Brady. Third-and-one from the Patriots 5. A touchdown vaults San Diego into the lead. Chargers line up heavy, allowing the Patriots to crowd the line of scrimmage. San Diego’s RB Michael Turner carries it off tackle left but penetration forces him further outside. DONE. He loses a yard and the Chargers are forced to settle for 3 in lieu of 4^th and a long two. Why not run between the tackles? I won't even propose the crazy idea of play-action. At worst, a run up the middle virtually assures you a doable fourth-and-one. Instead of a shocking two point lead midway through the third quarter, the Chargers still trail and the tone of the game remains the same: the Patriots are still in control.

The Bus: Where Hope Goes to Die

2007-12-27T14:15:00.000-05:00

Looks pretty harmless doesn't it? Friendly blue sky, big, sturdy and reliable bus ready to roll. No angry hordes of people, no mass of humanity trying to board one sole bus, headed west. No 3 a.m. pit stops in Milesburg, PA where everybody must get off the bus. Four days before Christmas, I had my first real Greyhound experience. Below is the story of that journey, recounted through my journal.

My Itinerary: 10:15 p.m. > Depart New York, NY
10:00 a.m. > Arrive Toledo, OH

So misleading...just get on a bus and sit on it for twelve hours. I could do that...maybe I'd even take a flask and take a couple of swigs now and again whenever I'd come to. I imagined fifteen to twenty hearty souls, headed West along dreary I-80, with more empty seats than full ones and the occasional crazy. But otherwise, a trip that would provide me with an experience from a bygone era. Ohh how wrong I was.

8:23 p.m. - After several episodes of Wonder Years and a bowl of 3 Lentil Chile from Bagel World, I leave my apartment, turn on my ipod and envision myself in fourteen hours at home in Ohio, a place I haven't seen in a year. The Manhattan-bound F pulls into 7th Ave just as I finish descending the stairs.

8:56 p.m. - Having entered Port Authority, I arrive at the Greyhound ticket counter where 75 to 100 people are waiting for one of three agents to help them. To my left, 20 to 30 people stand in a line for two Greyhound agents under a sign with the vague title: Information. I hesitantly get in the longer line, checking the clock. Trouble's abrewin'. I turn my Ipod off. Moments later, several people in front of me go get out of line, heading for the Information line. I yell to one of the people standing in the other line, asking what the difference between the lines are. Several people shrug their shoulders. I make the jump into the other line. After a few minutes more and as more people jump into the Information line, a husky woman behind the counter shouts: "Hey, you!," pointing to the women behind me. "What are you doing in this line?" "I don't know," she responds, "I bought my ticket online." The tsar behind the counter divides the line with no verbal explanation or categorization for the various lines.

9:12 p.m. - Nearing the counter, I overhear the guy two people in front of me, mentioning that he is headed to Ohio. I inform him of our similar destination. Sure enough, the kid lives ten minutes away from me in Sylvania and we share way too many common acquaintances for my comfort level. I prod him for information on the ride as he's made the trip several times. He casually mentions that he tried to get here earlier, but "...we should be early enough to make this bus." "What?!?, I ask confusedly. "Well, this bus is usually pretty full."

9:17 p.m. - "I'll see you at the gate," he says as he picks up his ticket. I check-in, having successfully (and luckily) guessed that the Information line was where you could pick up tickets, already purchased online. "Alright, sir, you're all set. Just go around the corner to check your bag," the woman behind the counter says to me. I turn the corner, anxious to check my bag and get to the gate, only to see a line of about 50 people, snaking between two glass doors, above which a sign hangs, "Baggage Check."

9:41 p.m. - During the interim between the time it has taken me to reach the front of the baggage check line, the number of people behind me has quadrupled and now disappears around the corner towards the ticket counter. I impatiently wait at baggage check, wondering if my tiny suitcase really needs to be checked. After an interminable wait, a guy in a Greyhound sweatshirt asks me where I am headed. "Toledo,Ohio" I say. He offers me a flimsy tag, on which 'Toledo' is scribbled and tells me, "You're all set." As I book it towards the stairwell to Gate 70, I hear and see people pushing to the front of the line, telling the luggage guys, "We're going to miss our bus, waiting in this god damn line." Things are getting ugly. I feel lucky.

9:50 p.m. - FUCK GREYHOUND. After harrowing fifty minute ordeal where chaos was the rule, I manage to get my ticket and check my bag. Now, I find myself in a sea of humanity in some sort of indecipherable order. As I write, 5 seperate but ill-defined lines of people are waiting for Gate 70 and Ohio...300, no 400 people and no clue where the line ends or where it begins. Just a mass of human bodies , no panic though, at least where I am, only good, old-fashioned, agreeable Midwesterners in my line. Two lines form to my left and two to the my right. I already know the names of the people around me, their destinations, and why they're going where they're going. Neal to my front, Greg to my left. The kid from Sylvania is nowhere to be seen. Grandma purchased the tickets for the mother and daughter in the line to my left (affectionately known as line B). The girl four people behind me on her Iphone is sooooooo mad right now that "...she doesn't even want to come home anymore." Cute girl at 11 o'clock high. Depending upon which way these lines move, I may get closer to her shortly. First break of the evening...

10:10 p.m. - (Five minutes from original departure time of the bus that I thought would have fifteen to twenty people on it) A line of people move to my far left. I can only dream of such movement. As that line moves, two other lines meander forward, converging on each other with nobody certain what the legitimate line is. I spot the Sylvania kid in the line to the far left and he spots me. I wish him good luck for getting on the bus. He wishes me luck. Bastard, I mumble to myself. My line slowly starts to curl behind the line to my left. It is paramount I snake into the line to my left before the line to my right tries to or we'll be cut off. And I've sucessfully curled into what the majority recognize as the official line. Suddenly, I see several people coming down the stairs and cutting to their right, my left. Jostling and yelling commences. Moments later, a younger guy stands on the bottom step but above the masses and yells to nobody in particular, "Where the hell does the line end?" Simultaneously, several people shout, "Over there!" pointing in several different directions. Crowd is getting testy.

10:20 p.m. - Cute girl's line heads the other way. Iphone girl, still complaining to her significant other on the line about how awful this is, "I am so tired and pissed right now!" Maybe if you wore normal shoes as opposed to those boots with 6" heels, you'd be less angry, I think to myself.

10:40 p.m. - Bus is long gone. 3 new lines are formed for 11:15 p.m. bus. One line for Gates 70, 71, and 72. All are hoping to get on the 11:15 p.m. bus. A roll of the dice where this bus parks. Enfant three people behind me, now screaming shrilly. Misery level is triple what it was at luggage check. Never thought it possible. I wish I had brought any sort of booze...bottle of wine, flask, anything! An episode of Wonder Years would do the trick. And there you had it...

10:48 p.m. - WHAT THE FUCK? Who takes the bus? I expected 15 to 20 people on this bus. Seriously, how far off could I have been? I may take a survey, "Why did you choose to take the bus?"

11:05 p.m. - I just boarded a bus to Cleveland. Apparently, Greyhound called for reinforcements. Three buses will now take this mass of humanity to Cleveland. This reminds me of the movie Day After Tomorrow. "You'll probably end up in Cleveland." If only I could be so fortunate. So far, I've put my book and my glasses case on the ground. Clearly a mistake, I pick them up and they are hardly recognizable and disgusting to the touch, with a layer of dirt and grime on each.

11:20 p.m. - The skyline of New York is awe-inspiring. It's so cool to see at night. It reminds me that I live in one of the most unique and cool cities in the world. Stomach is arumblin'.

Sometime near midnight - The girl sitting in front of me starts to feel around my knee which is out in the aisle near her armrest. Unsure of what she is doing, I move it further into the aisle and she finds what she is looking for. She pulls up on a lever and drops the hammer. Her damn seat is now reclined in my lap. My right knee is jammed between the two seats in front of me now. My left leg is splayed out into the aisle. Are you serious?

Sometime near 1 a.m. - Wohhh, we're not the only ones tired on this bus as we ride the rumble strips for several seconds.

Sometimes near 2 a.m. - It is so cold in here. What happened? It's like the damn windows are open. This is ridiculous. My coat is in the luggage bin topside. I don't want to stand up, but I am not sure if I can go much longer like this.

Little while later - Retrieve my coat from storage bin after indiscriminate time period.

2:55 a.m. - "Everybody off the bus, we've reached Milesburg, PA. Hells yeah. Trailways Reststop is blasting Wannabe Your Lover and it seems oddly appropriate for the hour. Hmm... sourdough pretzels.

3:15 a.m. - My mouth is so dry. No water clearly a mistake. Greyhound is the seedy underbelly of American transportation methods. A hearty soul makes his way to the bathroom in the back of the bus. That gets me thinking:
5 Worst Spots/Times for a Restroom Stop (in no particular order)

1. Bus (Such close proximity to strangers who by circumstance are third-party to your bathroom experience)
2. Gas Station in rural South Carolina (Fear level is unparalleled, especially if after dark)
3. Plane (See Bus plus turbulence)
4. Housewarming of Apartment with 1 Bathroom (Basically a bus experience except with people that you either know or are trying to impress)
5. 1st night in a Host Family's House in a Foreign Country (Try explaining in French that the toilet appears to be broken )

7:00 a.m. - Hello Cleveland. What a night. Went by pretty quickly all things considered. Four buses from New York disgorge their passengers all at once, clogging the Cleveland terminal. More ill-defined lines with people unsure where to go and what line they're in. The kid from Sylvania who made the 10:15 p.m. bus is somehow behind me in line. My how the tables have turned.

7:50 a.m. - Security for the bus to Detroit is tight. A handlebar mustachioed man with a pull cart uses a metal detector on each individual in the 100 or so person line for Detroit at Gate 3. People do not receive this intrusion well. Finally past the security guard, I am pulled out of line, just four people from the front and put into another line in front of Gate 5. I am put on a bus and I am off on the final leg of my journey two hours west to Toledo. My parent's mini-van with the vanity plate, "OUR TIME" pulls up and the flash of my mom's camera welcomes me home, inconceivably just one half hour from my anticipated arrival time.

I wouldn't wish the experience upon anyone. Round 2 in four days. I can't express to you the sense of impending doom I feel.

Week 9 Picks

2007-11-04T02:46:00.000-05:00

Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills – Bengals

It’s easy to place the blame for the Bengal’s poor record on their defense. And that would be correct. I wonder about the security of Head Coach Marvin Lewis’ job. I even heard a rumor the other day about the Bengals cleaning house starting with WR Chad Johnson. I can’t imagine Cincinnati giving up on their current nucleus of talent. Owner Mike Brown ought to consider a change but my guess is that Lewis stays after this season.

Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions – Broncos

The Broncos are a maddening 3-4, entering a critical road game against the resurgent Detroit Lions. The Broncos need this game as they can ill afford to fall too far behind in the nascent AFC Wild Card race. The Broncos have an offense that has yet to reach its potential. Against an average Detroit defense, they should be able to score enough points to squeak by at Ford Field.

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Falcons

I am one of the few people that think Joey Harrington is still capable of putting points on the board in Atlanta. He is a better fit in the Falcons offense than Byron Leftwich. The game is a toss up but I am suddenly overcome with a feeling that Atlanta will win this game.

Carolina Panthers at Tennessee Titans – Titans

For his sake, I hope David Carr plays better than he did last week. When a 43-year old can come in off the street on Wednesday and put up better numbers on Sunday than you, despite six months in the system, you shouldn’t expect to be in the league much longer. What a strange year in the NFL.

Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs – Packers

I can’t decide whether or not Green Bay deserves consideration for the top spot in the NFC. They shocked me with their dramatic victory over Denver last Monday night at Mile High. Will there be a hangover after such an emotional win? Maybe, but I can’t envision the Chiefs putting up enough points to win this game.

San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Chargers

The Chargers are hitting their stride right now while the Vikings have Tarvaris Jackson under center. I’ll take the Chargers who I like over Pittsburgh as the third best team in the AFC.

Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints – Saints

The Saints continue their march to the NFC South Division championship. The Jaguars can’t possibly win two straight with Quinn Gray as their quarterback.

Washington Redskins at New York Jets – Redskins

The Jets finally made a change at quarterback as Coach Eric Mangini installed Kellen Clemens as the starter. This team is going nowhere fast and it’s tough to recognize how this team made the playoffs a year ago. The substitution of Clemens was the first positive step for the Jets in 2008.

Arizona Cardinals at Tampa Bay Bucs – Bucs

Can the Cardinals possibly win with a banged up Kurt Warner as their starting QB on the road in Raymond James Stadium? Even with the bye week, I don’t see it. The Bucs defense will force the Cards to win through the air and with Warner hurting, I expect the Bucs to blitz aggressively. The Bucs win with a decent start from Jeff Garcia who played terribly last week against the Jags.

Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns – Browns

Who would have thought the Browns would be 4-3 entering Week 9? Well, how about 5-3 entering Week 10?

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders – Raiders

In an epic battle, Sage Rosenfels starts against the Raiders Josh McCown. Similar to Manning against Brady, ehh? Hmm, I think I’ll take the Raiders. The Raiders defense combined with a strong running game on the other side of the ball should be enough for Oakland at home at McAfee Stadium.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – Cowboys

A sudden image just popped into my head, Tony Romo being interviewed by Suzy Kolber on ESPN following a Sunday night victory in Philadelphia. Yes, it is true that I have lost faith in Donovan McNabb and the Eagles, but the Cowboys will be ready for this game. This game kicks off an important three game stretch for Dallas against divisional opponents. By the end of it, I see Dallas a game up on New York and two behind Philadelphia in the standings.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – Steelers

I don’t know how anyone can take Steve McNair or Kyle Boller seriously. Against the Steelers defense on Monday night in Heinz Field, I don’t see any possible scenario that includes Boller or McNair playing well. The Steelers have enough big play potential in Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward to get by Baltimore at home.

New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Patriots

One of my good friends is from Indy; another is from Concord, New Hampshire. Each put $100 on their squad for Sunday’s AFC Championship preview. Am I going too far? Am I speaking a bit too soon? Probably, what, with the way the Browns are playing. I like the Patriots ability to stop the Colts in key situations. As I told my friend earlier this week, I can’t envision Pats Head Coach Bill Belichick coming up with a way to disguise his schemes against Manning who has faced the Pats and Belichick fourteen times in his career.

Sunday Stew: Thoughts Following Week 8

2007-10-28T22:56:00.001-04:00

Enough is enough. I don’t care what kind of excuses Bill Simmons is making; there is absolutely no reason for Tom Brady to be in a 38-0 game at home against a completely overmatched Redskins team. That aside, this is one of the greatest teams ever. The numbers that Tom Brady and many others on the offensive side of the ball are putting up will never be matched. Gaudy doesn’t even begin to describe the numbers of the video game-like Pats offense. Brady has 30 touchdowns and two interceptions!!!

Philadelphia got a big win in Minnesota this week, but they’ll need next week’s game at home against Dallas as well if they are going to be a player in the playoff hunt. The East is by far the most complete division in the NFC, with one of the two wild cards most certainly emerging from that division.

I can’t get over how desperate the quarterbacking situation in the NFL has become. Look at some of the guys who started or played in Week 8: Gus Frerotte, Vinny Testaverde, David Carr, Kelly Holcomb, Cleo Lemon, Brian Griese, Quinn Gray, and Sage Rosenfels. Their combined efforts led to a 1-6 record with 4 touchdowns and 7 interceptions thrown. Throw the numbers of Vince Young, Daunte Culpepper, and Alex Smith into the mix and that’s some terrible quarterbacking.

Let’s talk for a minute about the nascent race for wild card berths in the AFC. Halfway through the season, the Colts and Patriots find themselves in control of their respective divisions. After a slow start, the Chargers are finally starting to play to their talent level, and their division lead should only grow in the second half. Meanwhile, the favorite in the AFC North has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers with an intimidating defense and a smash-mouth offense. Despite the Steelers and Colts, the AFC South and AFC North each hold three teams capable of winning at least 9 games. Eyeballing the AFC North race, the Ravens have already played the soft part of their schedule. Visits to Pittsburgh, Seattle, and San Diego await them as well as home dates against the Colts and Patriots. Meanwhile, the Browns still have the Jets, 49ers, Bills, Cardinals, and Texans on their schedule. If Derek Anderson can continue his Pro-Bowl-caliber play behind center for Cleveland, I like their chances to stay in contention for the final playoff spot in the AFC. However, the Broncos, Titans, and Jaguars are also solid candidates for the Wild Card. If the Browns don’t make the playoffs, the defensive will be to blame.

Mighty content on this Sunday to see the Saints win their third straight game. It looks as if their 0-4 start didn’t doom them at all. They find themselves just one game behind the first place Panthers, led by David Carr. Remember three weeks ago when I said the Saints weren’t dead yet, that prediction went well. If I am a Saints fan, I sleep pretty well this week, knowing that my team still has a very dynamic offense and more importantly, New Orleans resides in the AFC South.

Week 8 PICKS!!!

2007-10-28T05:18:00.001-04:00

Last Week: 8 - 6
Overall: 62 - 40

So I am feeling pretty good after my prediction of the Saints revival. Some other games didn't exactly go my way last week but sometimes, you have to ruffle some feathers. Picking Week 8 starts now!

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears - Bears

Bears are on their way to an 8-8 season, which means 4-4 is halfway there.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - Steelers

Everyone is on the Steelers case this week and discussing this game as a potential upset. Think again. The Bengals defense is horrendous.

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans - Titans

Even if Vince Young plays poorly, the Titans defense is good enough to shut down the one-dimensional Raiders offense.

Cleveland Browns at St. Louis Rams - Browns

Browns win two in a row for the first time since 2003. Impressive streak.

New York Giants at Miami Dolphins - Giants

This game is in London. I wonder if people will eat fish and chips at the game instead of hot dogs. Giants are happy not to be playing at the dump that is the Meadowlands.

Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings - Eagles

Taking the Eagles is an iffy proposition considering a loss here would be appropriate for the most disappointing team in the NFC. And yes, that includes the Saints and Bears.

Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers - Colts

Who do you take Vinny Testaverde or Peyton Manning? Colts it is.

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets - Jets

The Jets are bad but the Bills are terrible even with their win over Baltimore at home last Sunday. Jets win the turnover battle and move into a tie for second place in the AFC East at 2-5.

Houston Texans at San Diego Chargers - Chargers

Chargers beat the struggling Texan by a wide margin.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Bucs - Bucs

Quinn Gray = terrible. Jaguars can't win with him at QB. Bucs by default.

Washington Redskins at New England Patriots - Patriots

Does anybody give the Redskins any chance to cover the spread??? Let alone win the game.

New Orleans Saints at San Fransisco 49ers - Saints

Trent Dilfer is to Tim Rattay is to Vinny Testaverde is to Brian Griese is to Kelly Holcomb. Bad.

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos - Broncos

Broncos win on a last second field goal by Jason Elam...again.

Quick Hit Thoughts Following the ALCS

2007-10-23T12:58:00.000-04:00

It was with resignation that I sat down to watch Game 7. After following this team for six and a half grueling months, I couldn’t believe how ready I was for the end. Normally I can envision them winning. No matter how hard I tried throughout the day Sunday, I couldn’t imagine a scenario, enabling them to defeat Boston Sunday night. It was as if the collapse had already been completed. That said it was awesome to watch the team battle for six and a half innings against a superior opponent.

I don’t know what to make of the series: whether it was a collapse on Cleveland’s part or a stirring comeback for the Red Sox? Looking back at 2004, I would deem the Red Sox series with the Yankees a comeback. The Yankees had several games in their grasp, particularly Game 4 and Game 5, in which Boston rallied to stave off elimination. The Indians never had the Red Sox on the rope after Game 4. So I guess I would call it a collapse. Although, one major difference between New York of 2004 and Cleveland of 2007 is that the Indians weren’t supposed to win this year’s ALCS.

As I bemoaned the fate of the Tribe Sunday night and Monday afternoon, I kept coming back to the same agonizing conclusion. Every year, the Indians are playing against a stacked deck. I am not blaming the Red Sox or Yankees for spending a ton of money on players. Teams that generate as much revenue as each of those teams should use the money to field the best team possible. However, it’s hard to be optimistic as a mid-market team.

The Indians won the 2007 AL Central crown because a couple of guys came out of nowhere to become key contributors. Without surprises Rafael Perez, Jensen Lewis, Asdrubal Cabrera, Franklin Gutierrez, and most importantly Fausto Carmona, the Indians don’t make the playoffs. So many things went right for the Indians, which enabled them to get to a seventh game in the ALCS. A Boston fan told me yesterday: “Sorry man, there is always next year.” Unfortunately, the reality is that next year’s Tribe will need just as many things to go right for them to get back to the playoffs. The Indians closer this season, the infamous Joe Borowski failed an MRI for the Phillies and only after that, did he sign with Cleveland. He won the closer’s job by default when his only other competition, Keith Foulke retired because of problems with his arm. They will be only slight favorites ahead of the Tigers and Twins next season in the AL Central.

Each spring, the Red Sox and Yankees head to Florida, knowing and expecting to make the playoffs. Could you imagine being a Blue Jay fan or an Oriole fan? To be honest, if I was a die-hard fan of one of those teams, I would quickly become disinterested due to my team’s complete irrelevancy year in and year out. The Indians are very fortunate to play in the American League Central where no one team arrives in Spring Training, appearing impregnable. Let alone two! Though much of this particular thought was driven by the painful defeat of the Indians ALCS, I can’t help but feel like every season, the Indians and teams like them will face a stacked deck in their quest for a World Series. That is my major gripe with Major League Baseball.

What team and when was the last time a team besides the Yankees or Red Sox made the playoffs from the American League East? Answer below.

There isn’t much to say about the game other than two key plays didn’t go the Indians way. The first play happened at second base after Kenny Lofton hit one of the left-field wall. Lofton slid into second base just ahead of Dustin Pedroia’s tag of his right arm. The umpire ruled him out on what was a very close play. The Indians scored a run that inning after consecutive singles and a sacrifice fly, but the game would have been tied had Lofton been ruled safe. The second play happened in the top of the seventh. With Lofton on second, Franklin Gutierrez lined a base hit down the left-field line. The ball ricocheted back towards shallow left-field and the speedy Lofton was held by third-base coach, Joel Skinner. After watching the play repeatedly, it is safe to say that Lofton would have scored. Casey Blake, the next batter, promptly hit into an inning-ending double play. That was all she wrote for the Indians as the Red Sox went to work on Cleveland ‘pen in the seventh and eighth innings, turning the game into a laugher.

Two Other Quick Thoughts: Rafael Betancourt had one of the most amazing postseasons ever for a reliever who wasn’t a closer. He was so dominant throughout the ALCS that if he had shut the door on the Red Sox in Game 7 and the Indians had come back to win, he would have been in the conversation for series MVP. The only other arguments you could make for MVP would have been Jhonny Peralta or Jake Westbrook. When a middle reliever deserves consideration for MVP of a series, he deserves mentioning in a low-level and little-read blog post. Speaking of Jake Westbrook, his performance in Game 7 was jaw-dropping to Cleveland fans across the country. I never gave him a chance and he proved to be the best Indians starter in the series.

It’s hard to sum up my thoughts in just a few words on the ALCS and the Indians season in general. It’s a weird feeling to be proud of people that you don’t even know. But I found myself appreciating this team, even in the top of the ninth as the season came to an end. The bottom of the order ripped three balls in a row that the Boston outfield made terrific plays on, helping making the final moments a little more palatable.

The Red Sox are an unbelievably good team. Many are writing about the Indians bright future in the wake of their defeat. But the Red Sox are going to be a World Series contender for years to come. With Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jonathan Papelbon and Jacoby Ellsbury, it’s hard to envision this team not winning several World Series over the next decade.

Answer to 4: The Baltimore Orioles in 1997 though the Yankees won the Wild Card that season. The last time neither the Red Sox nor the Yankees made the playoffs was 1993.

Picks for Week 7, but Hard to Focus with Tribe Revvin'

2007-10-19T17:04:00.000-04:00

“How Can You Not Love This Guy?” Player of the Week: Kerry Collins RECORD
Last Week: 9 - 4 Year: 54 - 34

So another week has passed and again, the Indians are on the forefront of my mind. Unable to clinch the ALCS in Game 5 last night at home, they have me supremely worried as the teams travel back to Boston for Game 6. But with the changing of the clocks coming up, the NFL season is heating up and it’s time to start picking out the contenders in each conference. With the season nearly half over, things are relatively murky in each conference. But one thing is for sure; the Patriots and Colts are the class of the AFC and the NFL. Following those two in the AFC, the Steelers and Chargers are in a class by themselves, clearly ahead of teams like the Jaguars, Ravens, and Titans. The Chargers stand above the Jaguars and Ravens because the offense as well as the defense has played much better in the last couple of weeks and if either of those teams were playing head to head against San Diego, I’d take the ‘Bolts. The Ravens 4-2 record is ridiculously misleading as their victories have come against the Jets, Cardinals, Rams, and 49ers. Impressive. To be honest, I’d take the Browns over the Ravens right now. Baltimore also remains winless within the AFC North, which could hurt them down the road.

In the NFC, I like the Cowboys although their performance against the Patriots, or rather Tom Brady’s performance in Dallas, illustrated the large gap between the two teams. After the Cowboys, I have to take the Packers by default. Their record is pretty good and they’ve found ways to win games despite an inconsistent offense. After Green Bay and Dallas, there are a bundle of teams with decent records but few noteworthy wins: Carolina, Tampa Bay, and New York. The best win by any of these teams I guess would be New York’s victory over the Redskins in Week 3, but their record is an unimpressive 3-2. When I look at this conference, I still like the Saints. They beat the disinterested Seahawks in Seattle last Sunday for their first win of the season and they play in a poor division. Sure, it would take some luck but I could see a late-season run. Of the 3-win teams, I like Washington most of all, though Seattle’s division is such a joke that they’ll make a run at 10 wins. My 2-win team is Philadelphia. If Westbrook can stay healthy, this team has a shot in the brutal NFC East.

That was therapeutic. That’s the first time in the last twelve hours that I haven’t thought about Fausto Carmona’s prospects in Fenway tomorrow if the home plate umpire doesn’t give him the low strike. I laid in bed last night, tossing and turning, thinking about what umpire would be calling the strikes in Game 6. Am I unstable or what!? On to the picks…

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills – Ravens

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again. The Ravens are in the middle of a three game stretch where their biggest obstacle to victory is their own QB. If Trent Edwards can somehow manage to hold on to the ball and pick up some first downs, I could see the Bills winning this game. Whoever scores 15 points first wins this crap sandwich of a game.

Tampa Bay Bucs at Detroit Lions – Lions

It doesn’t get much better than this old NFC Central rivalry between two overrated teams with winning records. I would watch the Texans and Titans play before I’d watch this game. We could see a six way tie at 8-8 for the NFC Wild Card this season. Mediocrity...I mean parity is good for the NFL.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Patriots

Monday’s Headline from the Boston Globe: Pats bludgeon Dolphins, Clinch Outright Division Title.

Red Sox Season in Review Page 4

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Saints

I wonder what kind of odds Las Vegas would give on the Saints ending up with more victories than two of the following three teams: Lions, Seahawks, and Bucs. The Saints take their first step towards turning some heads. Following the Bucs “surprising loss in Detroit,” I wonder how many people will jump back on the Saints bandwagon in the coming week.

San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants – Giants

It’s amazing what a soft schedule can do for a quarterback’s stats and his support in the media. I heard three or four different NFL pundits, lauding Eli Manning this week, following his scintillating 2 TD, 2 INT performance against the hapless Falcons at the Georgia Dome Monday night. I remain unsold, especially after he cost me a fantasy championship last season. I am petty till the end.

Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins – Redskins

This longtime NFC East rivalry has always been a treat to the several fans who watch these games. I miss these old rivalries: Bucs taking on the Lions in the NFC Central and somehow Arizona playing on the Atlantic Seaboard in the NFC East. Fond memories of days long since passed.

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – Texans

With Vince Young iffy, I can’t see the Titans winning this game without him. Kerry Collins doesn’t exactly bring the same skill set to the table. The Texans need to rebound after struggling of late losing three of their last four games.

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals – Bengals

Here is a game I would be interested in watching. Sure, the teams have a combined record of 2-9 but there are so many subplots. For the Jets, you have Chad Pennington and his likely final stand before backup Kellen Clemens takes over. For the Bengals, Marvin Lewis’ job looks anything but secure after a disappointing 1-4 start. The Bengals offense is dynamite but Lewis is a defensive specialist and their defense is by far their fatal flaw. The Bengals could be a dangerous team against opponents with playoff aspirations down the stretch in November and December.

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – Raiders

Sure, the Raiders were manhandled last week in San Diego. But the Chargers are finding their groove. Oakland is a talented young team with a good running game and a better than average defense. The Chiefs have found ways to win ugly in the last couple of weeks, evening their record at 3-3. On the road in Oakland, I don’t like their chances. Wait a second, an image just popped into my head; it was of Larry Johnson, running all over the Bengals last week. Now I am nervous. Hmm, I’ll stick with the Raiders and complain later.

Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys – Cowboys

How good is Adrian Peterson? You haven’t heard one person question his durability recently, which was all the rage in April. But let’s be realistic, it’s only been seven weeks. He is far and away the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. Despite his efforts, Tavaris Jackson can’t hold on to the ball on the road in Dallas. Cowboys get back to their winning ways after their loss to New England last week.

Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles – Eagles

I think it’s fair to say that this is an elimination game for each team. The Eagles can’t possibly expect to come back from a potential 2-5 record in the rugged NFC East. With a loss, they’d be at least two games behind third place! A must-win for the Eagles. For the Bears, they too can ill-afford a loss. Their schedule down the stretch is fairly mild but a division crown would be very unlikely if they fell 3 ½ games behind the idle Packers this week.

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks – Seahawks

A week ago, I called the NFC West slightly better than the NFC South. What was I thinking? The pathetic NFC West is fast becoming a pillow fight. The Seahawks and Cardinals find themselves at 3-3 but neither team is exhibiting any reasons why they deserve to win this division. Something tells me that this division battle is going to be a long drawn out affair with the division winner at 8-8 and certainly no better than 9-7.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos – Steelers

This is a dangerous game for the Steelers on the road at Mile High. It’s a difficult place to play and the Steelers still haven’t defeated a quality opponent yet. I like them here simply because I sat next to a Bronco fan last Sunday at the bar. After three hours, he had presented a fairly convincing and all-encompassing argument on why I shouldn’t have an ounce of confidence in the Broncos this week against Pittsburgh. He started with their defense. Willie Parker may be in for a good week.

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – Jaguars

The Colts have to lose sometime. They always do. I legitimately think the Patriots could go 16-0 but not the Colts. Now with their defense. The Jaguars had a ton of success last year running the football against the Colts defense. Indianapolis has had two weeks to prepare and equally important, get their defense healthy in preparation for this game. However, I like the Jaguars chances of winning a slugfest. Maurice Jones-Drew will be the difference for the Jags.

Quick Hit Thoughts after Game 5 ALCS

2007-10-19T00:32:00.000-04:00

Eric Wedge has pulled all the right strings in this series but Game 6 was the exact opposite. In a critical 7^th inning with the Sox up 2-1, Wedge trotted out C.C. Sabathia after 106 pitches to face the top of the Red Sox lineup. Sure, he had set down the paltry bats of Jason Varitek, Coco Crisp, and Julio Lugo in the 6^th but he seemed gassed. The Indians pen has given up one run in the entire series! Use them. Rafael Betancourt relieved two batters later, but two runs charged to Sabathia gave Josh Beckett all the breathing room he would need.

Taking out reliever Rafael Perez in the 8^th in favor of Tom Mastny was simply dumbfounding. With the bases loaded thanks to an error, a bunt single, and a walk, Perez should have been allowed to work out of it. Since giving up back-to-back homers in Game 2, Perez, a key cog in the Indians pen, had not appeared. By pulling Perez in this situation in favor of a mediocre middle reliever, the Indians manager showed a complete lack of confidence in the young lefty. If Wedge was trying to keep the deficit at three runs, why not go to Jensen Lewis? Besides throwing gas on a fire by bringing in Mastny, any confidence Perez had after his rough Game 2 performance has now been completely eroded.

Josh Beckett is good. Real good. He is intimidating and dominating and once again, pitched superbly tonight. Too bad, Cy Young Award voting concludes before the playoffs. Sabathia, the likely winner, would certainly be a distant second at this point to Beckett. A nightmare keeps flashing through my head: Beckett jogging out of the Sox pen in Game 7 a la Pedro Martinez in 1999 and shutting the Indians down, keying a Sox series win.

Travis Hafner will have to go to the video room after this season. What a disaster. I have never seen him so completely out of whack. He is guessing on what pitches are coming…with nothing to show for it. He is zero for his last eight with six strikeouts. He’s lost all feel for the strike zone. He has just two walks and eight strikeouts in the ALCS. He must pick it up at Fenway Park this weekend or the Indians’ job is going to be much more difficult.

With Jake Westbrook taking the ball in a potential Game 7, one could argue…I will argue that the Indians season is on the line in Game 6 and rests on the right shoulder of 23-year old Fausto Carmona. There are two ways to look at that: 1) he is young and perhaps, unaware of the pressure of a fan base, thirsting for their first championship in 59 years, or 2) if things don’t go his way early, he unravels at raucous Fenway Park.

J.D. Drew will make more money over the course of his contract than the entire Indians team this season. Just so you’re aware, journeyman outfielder Bobby Kielty played in his place tonight with the Red Sox season on the line. No team has ever vanquished the Red Sox and Yankees in a single postseason. It would be a momentous effort, by a team built economically, to beat the payroll behemoths of the East.

I know, I know…the ravings of an angry and very nervous Tribe fan. I wonder if the Red Sox will buy Alex Rodriguez to replace Julio Lugo. So bitter. But that is the life of an Indians team. We’ll see what’s in store for Game 6.

Quick Hits Following ALCS Game 2

2007-10-14T02:40:00.000-04:00

1. It’s an interesting experience to watch a playoff game with a fan of the opposing team. Tonight, I watched the game in my apartment with my roommate who is a huge Red Sox fan. We had our spats especially with the inconsistent strike zone of Home Plate Umpire Kerwin Danley. The humor reached a high point when in the ninth, Ryan Garko popped one down the first base line with the go-ahead run at second. Shouts of “Get outta play!” and “Come on…get over there Youk,” filled our apartment. I think we’re still friends…

It’s not surprising that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are having incredible postseasons. They are locked in and the strike zone has been tight in almost every AL playoff game I have watched thus far. In Game 2, I believe there was only one called strike three. While we’re talking about the Red Sox lineup, how about the at-bats of Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis? They have an eye for the strike zone that is unparalleled in my opinion.

Maybe I am wrong but the drama of the eleven pitch at-bat by Kevin Youkilis against reliever Rafael Betancourt with the winning run on second and two outs was unbelievable…and shouldn’t have been taking place at midnight on the East Coast. Why is this game starting at 8:23 p.m. on a Saturday night? Regarding the AB, afterwards, I was able to take a step back and appreciate the intense drama of that moment. ALMOST. I had to take two Maalox to settle my stomach.

I would be curious to know how many Indians fans were comfortable with a seven run lead and Joe Borowski on the mound…especially after two singles and the top of the Red Sox lineup looming. This guy is taking years off my life and thousands of others! There should be compensation for this sort of thing…a class action suit of some sort?

The key to the series may very well be the bullpen. Boston had to like their chances once Rafael Perez, Jensen Lewis, and Rafael Betancourt were spent. And if you had to guess who was more likely to get hammered by the opposing team, Tom Mastny or Eric Gagne, not many people would say Tom Mastny. What a performance in the tenth retiring David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Lowell in order, especially when you consider that he went 2-0 on both Ortiz and Ramirez.

Right now, every string Indians Manager Eric Wedge is pulling is working. Allowing Trot Nixon to hit against Javier Lopez seemed questionable at the time but worked out as Nixon singled in the go-ahead run. Starting Franklin Gutierez after a dismal performance at the plate thus far in the postseason also seemed dicey but didn’t cost the Tribe.

Throwing Together Picks for Week 6

2007-10-13T17:04:00.000-04:00

Last Week: 10 -3
Overall: 45 - 30

Can you feel it? Fall has finally arrived on the East coast. And I couldn't be happier. A cold wind and a brisk fall day embraced me as I left my apartment this morning. Despite autumn's introduction this morning, baseball still monopolizes my time, thanks to the Tribe's postseason run. Yet this week, I couldn't help but note an event that illustrates the overwhelming popularity of the NFL. Last Sunday, I trudged into my local bar to take in the Browns matchup with the Patriots. As the early games neared their conclusion, a couple of baseball fans entered the bar, looking to catch Game 3 of the ALDS between the Red Sox and Angels. The bartender could not find a television that didn't have people watching the NFL game being shown. Even the Cardinals tussle with the Rams could not be changed, despite the lack of fans for either team. And it got me thinking what a huge boon fantasy football has been to the NFL's popularity. It has given football fanatics more reason to watch teams outside their favorites. No matter what teams are playing or how bad a matchup is, there will always be some individual on a particular squad that draws fans' attention. Take that Rams-Cardinals matchup for example, fantasy owners watched with vested interest as key players like Torry Holt, Edgerrin James, and Larry Fitzgerald put up good numbers in what was otherwise an ugly game.

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs – Bengals

I was just thinking to myself, "What have the Bengals been up to lately?" They certainly needed the bye week, last week after that pummeling on MNF at home against the Patriots. It's strange to be picking the Bengals who aren't very good on the road at Arrowhead but that's how far the Chiefs have fallen this year with a dreadful QB and an equally bad offensive line. Plus, the Bengals love going 7-9 or 8-8 and just missing the playoffs. They start their traditional mid-October to mid-November run this week.

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – Jaguars

This is ridiculous. What a brutal game to have to pick. But I am going to take them. I said it at the start of the year how I am not going to get caught singing Jacksonville's praises the same week they drop a winnable game at home. But alas, here I am six weeks later. Their defense was impressive last week and I am confident they can score enough points to win this game. If the Jaguars are going to win this game, QB David Gerrard must not turn the ball over. It is as simple as that. If he turns the ball over a couple of times, I like the Texans. Wouldn't it be great if you could pick the teams to win conditionally? So basically, it would look like this:

Houston wins if David Gerrard's turnovers ≥ 2

Jacksonville wins if David Gerrard's turnovers ≤ 2

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Bears

Last week at Lambeau Field, the Bears reminded fans that their defense is still a talented, ball-hawking unit as they surprised the Packers 27-20. Following their bye week, the Vikings look to Tavaris Jackson who returns after missing the previous two games with a pulled groin. Until Jackson learns to hold onto the ball, Vikings fans won't have much to cheer about besides the play of rookie RB Adrian Peterson.

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns – Browns

The Browns have shocked their fan base this year with wins against Cincinnati and Baltimore at home. Since a dismal opening game against the Steelers, the offense has performed well thanks in large part to the superb play by the offensive line. No game is a sure thing for the Browns but this week at home is about as close as it gets. Who would have thought that Cleveland could be 3-3 at the end of Week 6 after watching the Week 1 debacle?

Washington Redskins at Green Bay Packers – Packers

Boy, talk of the Packers being the real deal and Brett Favre being the MVP sure slowed this week after the loss at home to the Bears. Maybe now, people can start to recognize that this team isn't as good as people want to believe. The unproven Redskins travel to Green Bay this week where Head Coach Joe Gibbs will hope to see continued growth from his young QB Jason Campbell. Each team currently has a record that belies major areas of weaknesses. For the Packers, it's the running game which is 31^st in the NFL. For Washington, their offense has been inconsistent, moving the ball at will on occasions and disappearing at other times. Please see Week 3 for a prime example. Packers at home are too tough for Washington.

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets – Eagles

It occurred to me this week that the Eagles are in a bit more trouble than I have been willing to admit. They are 1-3 in a NFC East Division that boasts a 5-0 Cowboys team and the Giants and Redskins, both three-win teams. There aren't any gimme wins this year within the division. If the Eagles want to have any chance of clawing back into the NFC playoff race, it'll have to start this week. The season is riding on the health of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Each must stay healthy and produce for this team to have any chance.

Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Bucs – Titans

In the NFC South, things are pretty mediocre. After the Bucs, you have the Falcons, Saints, and the David Carr-led Panthers. For the foreseeable future, the NFC South will enjoy a reserved spot as the worst division in football. There isn't another division quite like it. The NFC West? Nah, they have the Seahawks and the Cardinals are kind of competitive. The NFC North? Maybe, but deceptively decent records in that division skew the depth of miserable football that resides there. I can't take the Bucs over a talented team that finds ways to win…even when their QB throws three interceptions and looks horrendous. Titans in a close defensive struggle.

St. Louis Rams at Baltimore Ravens – Ravens

Whatever the under in this game is, take it! Here are two teams with putrid offenses. I am not sure if I've ever seen as dull a game as the one witnessed last week in San Francisco. Okay, perhaps I have. But as crazy as it sounds, last week's 9-7 snoozer at Monster Park was between two possible playoff teams! Can you imagine Steve McNair and Trent Dilfer leading teams to the playoffs? Neither can I. Can the Ravens really make it to the playoffs using the same formula year after year? With games likes last week's, they might.

Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals – Cardinals

The Panthers are so desperate for a QB following injuries to Jake Delhomme and David Carr to a lesser extent that this week, they signed the ancient Vinny Testaverde who may get the start in this game. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are putting along in the weak NFC West with three wins, despite the loss of Matt Leinart to a fractured collarbone. The Cardinals have the better back-up QB in Kurt Warner and a better team right now.

New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys – Patriots

Critics are quick to point out that the Patriots haven’t defeated a quality opponent yet this season. Their victories have come over teams with a combined record of 7-17. But the Cowboys haven’t exactly faced the most talented teams in the league either. Their wins have come at the expense of the Giants, Dolphins, Bears, Rams, and Bills – who boast a combined record of 6-19! Don’t talk to me about the Patriots being untested. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that the Patriots are the best team in the NFL.

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers - Chargers

The sweeping changes that followed the 2006 season for the Oakland Raiders have paid dividends much sooner than many pundits expected. With LaMont Jordan and Justin Fargas running the ball, the offense has earned a degree of respectability and were it not for a late timeout by Broncos Head Coach, Mike Shanahan, the Raiders would be 3-1. However, the Chargers found themselves in a big way last week, throttling the Broncos in Denver 41-3. The Raiders are making progress but the Chargers prove too tough at home.

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks – Saints

When you think about the biggest disappointments of the year, the Saints certainly take the cake. What happened to Drew Brees? His touchdown to interception ratio of 1:9 is the most shocking statistic of the season. Everything has gone wrong for the Saints. RB Deuce McAllister is out for the season, the team has committed costly penalties at key moments, and the magic of the 2006 season just isn’t there. In spite of all that, I still like the Saints to turn it around and make a run at an 8-8 season.

New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons – Giants

How about these two matchups for national television: Saints versus Seahawks and Giants versus Falcons? I can’t imagine either of these games faring well opposite postseason baseball games on TBS and Fox. The Giants haven’t convinced me that they are for real yet. However, I am not feeling that good about Atlanta’s chances this week. The Giants need to keep winning in order to keep pace with the Redskins for second place in the NFC East.

Random Scott Player Fact of the Week: P Scott Player was waived by the Browns earlier this week.

Rethinking Game 4 of the ALDS

2007-10-07T22:26:00.000-04:00

So as we go to the top of the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium, both the Indians and the Yankees must start looking ahead to Game 4. But first, let us reflect on Eric Wedge’s management of his pitching staff tonight. Against a potent Yankee offense, SP Jake Westbrook skated through his first four innings thanks in large part to four double plays. In the fifth things fell apart as the Yankees strung together four straight hits, concluding with a three-run home run from Johnny Damon.

Eric Wedge faced a difficult decision in the bottom of the sixth: bring Westbrook back for one more inning or go to the pen and try to keep the game within striking distance? Hoping to sneak him through the sixth and save the pen, Wedge let the starter start the sixth. He induced a groundball off the bat of Alex Rodriguez that Johnny Peralta failed to turn into an out, to put it nicely. Curiously, Wedge yanked Westbrook and handed the ball to Aaron Fultz. Fultz proceeded to give up a base hit to Jorge Posada. A sacrifice bunt by Doug Mientkiewicz and an intentional walk to Hideki Matsui followed. Robinson Cano hammered a single to right that RF Trot Nixon misplayed allowing three runs to score. To all intents and purposes, the outcome of the game was decided.

I can respect the fact that Wedge faced a very difficult decision. Should he use his best relief pitchers in a game with the series at 2-0 with a likely Game 4 on the horizon the very next night? There isn’t a right answer. But if you are going to try to sneak Westbrook through an extra inning, he might as well have stuck with him than bring on Fultz. And once the bases were loaded, he needed to go to his best relievers. Even if LP Rafael Perez had given up the hit to Cano, you could have gone to a less important reliever in the later innings with the game out of hand. To leave Westbrook out there and then go to Fultz was poor management.

Now the question that ought to be considered by Wedge is whether to bring ace C.C. Sabathia back Monday night on three days rest for Game 4 Monday night? Even if Indians were to lose Game 4, Fausto Carmona would still be available on Wednesday on full rest in Game 5 at Jacobs Field. It would be a gutsy decision for Wedge to go with Sabathia instead of scheduled starter Paul Byrd. But Byrd is a soft-thrower who the Yankees hit hard earlier in the season and while Byrd has been with the Tribe. In three starts against New York the past two seasons, he is 0-3 and has allowed seventeen runs in twelve innings.

An interesting side note has arisen since I started this article: why is the Yankees most valuable reliever other than Closer Mariano Rivera in the game with a five run lead? Now, Joba Chamberlain has thrown thirty-eight pitches tonight and one must wonder about how long he’ll be able to go if needed tomorrow night.

Picking Week 5 and Digressions about Week 4 and Scott Player!

2007-10-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

Last Week: 7 – 7
Season: 35 - 27

For the first time since I was a senior in high school, the Indians will play October baseball. Often questioned whether I was a bigger Browns or Indian fan, I always replied that it depended on the year. During the mid-1990s when the Indians were so good, the Browns weren’t around. And the brown and orange have been so bad since their return that never have I encountered the predicament that I now face. With the Indians opening tonight against the Yankees and further energized by a couple of coffees, it’s a struggle to focus. Thirty minutes later….alright, so I just watched the Braylon Edwards 78-yard touchdown reception against the Ravens about a half dozens times, I am focused and ready to forge ahead with my picks for Week 5.

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Patriots

I was talking to a friend of mine recently who is a huge Red Sox and Patriots fan. He said: “Boy, they made it look so easy. It didn’t even seem like that big of a deal…it was kind of anti-climactic.” He is talking about:

the Patriots domination over the Chargers in Week 2
the Patriots domination over the Bengals in Week 4
Game 1 of the Division Series between the Red Sox and Angels.
All of the Above.

Now imagine his surprise, when Derek Anderson (the D.A. who is prosecuting defenses across the land) shocks his Patriots in Foxboro. Only in my dreams I’m afraid.

Atlanta Falcons at Tennessee Titans – Titans

I know they haven’t played since Week 3 and so I haven’t had a chance to comment about it, but the Titans really took it to the Saints in the Superdome a few weeks back. The Falcons meanwhile surprised the Texans for their first win of the season. The offense looks much better in the last two weeks. However, I really like how the Titans are playing and they’ll be prepared with the extra week to stop Joey Harrington and the Falcons.

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams – Cardinals

Quick thoughts about everybody who is belittling Matt Leinart, especially Peter King…

It’s rare that a player like Leinart will speak his mind to the media but he certainly won’t do that any more thanks to Michael Silver.
You want your QB to be confident and want the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.
I find it very bizarre that somebody as media-savvy as the young QB would make comments like that in a dinner with a columnist. He must have known those would come out. Big mistake.
I like Leinart and think he’s going to be a great player. Sharing his inner thoughts about the situation was a mistake. However, I found the article by Silver interesting and enlightening thanks in part to the former Heisman winner’s honesty.

Gus Frerotte is starting for the Rams! I had to double-check the spelling of his name. Your team was expected to compete for a division championship Coach Linehan and at 0-4, you’re nearly dead. Is Gus Frerotte a better option than Marc Bulger at 75%? The way this season is going; Frerotte pulls off a Warner-esque job replacing Bulger.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs – Jaguars

Alright Jacksonville, you don’t like me and I don’t like you. I know you like to lose games that you’re supposed to win and lose games I have you winning but can’t we get along just this once? I like the Jaguars mostly because I was impressed by their performance two weeks ago in Denver. And quite frankly, I still don’t really understand how the Chiefs beat the Chargers last week. So I am just going to put that aside and remember what the Chiefs looked like the first three weeks of the season.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Saints

Wow, was David Carr, and the entire Panther team for that matter, terrible last week or what? I was fooled into thinking this team could still win with or without Delhomme. Word on the street has Carolina’s starter missing this game. The possibility of Delhomme missing this game gives me enough confidence to take the winless Saints. Besides, I believe Sean Payton is going to roll out a new offense this week, now that Deuce McAllister is out for the year. Payton’s also had two weeks to come up with something better than the stuff that we saw in the first three weeks of the season, which wasn’t good.

New York Jets at New York Giants – Giants

I like the Giants for one reason: home-field advantage. No but seriously, I like the Giants because I think they’re more likely to win. Okay, that wasn’t serious either. To be honest, it’s a tossup game, of which few have gone in my favor. I’ll take the Giants based on their defense…and the Jets defense…which is poor.

Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers – Steelers

In the last several years, these are the kind of games people build up that end up a disappointment. Sure, the Seahawks look good but let’s be honest. The AFC’s top teams are head and shoulders above the NFC with the possible exception of the Cowboys. The Seahawks will have difficulty running the ball this week against the Steelers. Balance is the key to the NFC’s third best offense. The Steelers do an excellent job, stopping the run led by Nose Tackle Casey Hampton who is a rather large man. This game will be like Super Bowl XL: a boring, lackluster Steeler victory.

Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins – Redskins

The Lions happen to be 3-1 but they haven’t looked particularly inspiring with the exception of the fourth quarter in the Oakland, Minnesota, and Chicago games. With a bye week, I expect the Redskins to have a good game plan to defend Mike Martz’s high powered offense. The Redskins secondary is above average and the Lions haven’t shown they can consistently pick up yardage on the ground. I suspect the Redskins will pound the ball on offense with Ladell Betts and Clinton Portis and control the clock. Jason Campbell and the Redskins win a close one late.

Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans – Texans

Who would have ever thought the Dolphins defense could be so bad? It’s disappointing to watch. I thought they would bounce back at home last week against the Raiders but their defense was a joke. The front seven is getting blown off the ball and it certainly doesn’t help when Zach Thomas is hurt. The Dolphins are in trouble and it might soon be time to make a change at QB for no other reason than an audition for 2008. Coming off a disappointing loss against Atlanta, Houston needs this game.

Tampa Bay Bucs at Indianapolis Colts – Colts

Year in and year out, the Colts find a way to win. It’s pretty impressive. Although when you have one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, it sure makes things easier. Colts are banged up on both sides of the ball with key injuries to Bob Sanders and Joseph Addai. If Sanders doesn’t play, the Colts run defense becomes very porous. However, Manning will find a way to win this game, outscoring Jeff Garcia and the Bucs offense.

Let’s go back to greatest quarterbacks ever debate. How spoiled are NFL fans right now? We are watching three of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the game currently. Granted, Brett Favre is in the final stages of his Hall of Fame career. But when you look at Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, you’re looking at two QBs who are as good as they come. I think Brady will be compared to Joe Montana when he’s done. His focus and determination are unparalleled. With Manning, I think what’s most amazing about him is how much he studies and understands the game. His ability to identify defensive schemes at the line of scrimmage is the most amazing (and annoying) characteristic of his game.

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Broncos

I don’t know what to think about either of these teams. The Broncos lost a hard-fought game last week after a lackluster effort against the Jaguars at home the week before. Meanwhile, the Chargers have looked just terrible in three straight losses. Everybody keeps talking about how talented the Chargers are but things just aren’t clicking right now. I don’t particularly like the Broncos as nothing hurts a team’s chances of winning more than settling for field goals in the red zone and that has defined this team’s season thus far. But they’re at home this week in a must win against a division rival. I expect them to win a hard-fought game on a late field-goal by Jason Elam. Sound familiar?

Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers – Ravens

I have been screaming at the top of my lungs that this Ravens team is just not that good. Their defense is stout as always but so susceptible to the big play. Last week, they were really never in the game against Cleveland. However, they have three winnable games lined up here through the end of October starting this week at San Francisco, then home against St. Louis, and then on the road in Buffalo. They’ll probably be 5-2, heading into their bye week at the end of October and the press will fawn all over their defense. Their offense just isn’t capable of putting up enough points. The team’s success is just too dependent on big plays from their defense and special teams.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – Packers

Well, I think the Bears may have hit rock bottom last week. The Bears were in control of a rather ugly game at Ford Field last week 13-3 headed into the fourth quarter. 34 Lions points later, the Bears defense had shown they were about as dependable as Rex Grossman. The question has become, “What now?” And I don’t there is an easy answer. Brian Griese clearly isn’t the answer at QB but you can’t really go back to Grossman now. It’s a perfect mess in Chicago right now. At least the Cubs are still playing…for now. They face arch-rival Green Bay who has had everything go right thus far in the young season. If Green Bay doesn’t turn the ball over, expect the Packers to win by a comfortable margin. Although I can’t help but feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop for a team that has no running game and whose offense is entirely dependent upon a soon-to-be 38 year old QB.

Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills – Cowboys

This game could be similar to those Super Bowls back in the early 90s…except the Bills were actually good back then. To the Bills defense, they played very well against a very under-whelming Jets squad. This week, they play the best the NFC has to offer. I don’t think the Bills can hang with Tony Romo and the Cowboys, especially with the rookie QB Trent Edwards at the helm.

This week, we’re adding a new feature this week. It’s called the Scott Player Fact of the Week. This week’s fact:

Did you know that Scott Player made the Pro Bowl in 2000? Shocking…

Ten Visions for the 2007 Division Series

2007-10-02T23:54:00.001-04:00

If the game between the Rockies and Padres are a sign of things to come, we could be in for one fantastic month of baseball. Before we get into some scenarios I foresee in the first round, I'll start with the Rockies game.

1. Does anyone else feel that Tim McClelland should be made to offer his side of the story of what sure looked like a terrible call last night when Matt Holliday attempted to score on Jamey Carroll's flyball to right field? His delayed call left me and I'm sure countless others feeling a bit hollow at the end of one of the most dramatic games in recent postseason memory. If that call had been made against New York or Boston, I can't help but think that public outrage and media attention would have forced a statement by McClelland.

1A. Where were all the cameras last night? It's the playoffs and we can't see a definitive angle on a close play at home and a disputed home run? A bad omen.

2. Red Sox/Angels - Vision 1. Boston jumps out to an early lead and feeds off the Fenway Faithful taking the first two games behind strong starting pitching and the bullpen that performs as they did back in May and June. Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia prove to be the bane of the Angel pitching staff by working counts and getting on base while Ramirez and Ortiz get the key hits.

3. Red Sox/Angels - Vision 2. Angels earn a split in Boston and head home where they managed the best home record in baseball. Angels play small ball and the Red Sox fail to execute in key situations similar to the 2005 Division Series against the White Sox.

4. Yankees/Indians - Vision1. Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu, and Jorge Posada continue to foul off pitches from Cleveland pitchers' Sabathia and Carmona. Each leaves after 5 plus innings, putting the strain on the Indians middle relievers. Yankees get key knocks and take care of the young Indians who struggle against Wang and Pettitte. 4A. Insert Yankee hitter here _________ hits game-winning home run in Games ____ and ___ off Indians closer Joe Borowski, breaking the hearts of Indians fans everywhere.

5. Yankees/Indians - Vision 2. Yankees and Indians split the first two games, the Indians behind a dominant pitching performance, the Yankees by way of clutch-hitting late. They split in New York in two heart-stopping one-run games. Game 5 sees Sabathia dominate and the Indians pull off a thrilling series win.

6. Phillies/Rockies - Vision 1. Phillies jump the emotionally-drained Rockies in front of a raucous home crowd and win the series in a slugfest. Neither team's starters produce a win as the Phillies patchwork pen finds a way to get it done against Colorado.

7. Phillies/Rockies - Vision 2. Colorado manages a split in Philadelphia and returns home to magical Coors Field. With a starting staff of unknowns, the Rockies hold the psychological edge against the Philly pitchers at home. The offense continues to produce with Troy Tulowitzski and Matt Holliday, propelling Colorado into the NLCS.

8. Diamondbacks/Cubs - Vision 1. Behind sterling starting pitching from Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly, the Cubs shock the Diamondbacks in the first two games. On offense, the Cubs take advantage of a few mistakes up in the zone against Brandon Webb and Doug Davis. Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez lead the Chicago offense. Arizona can't overcome some tough luck and even tougher losses.

9. Cubs/Diamondbacks - Vision 2. Brandon Webb sets the tone in Game 1 with a scintillating performance, shutting down the hit-or-miss Cubs offense. Arizona starters' Doug Davis and Livan Hernandez battle the Cubs starters to a draw in Games 2 & 3. The Diamondbacks bullpen holds the Cubs in check while the offense scratches out a couple of runs against Ryan Dempster and Chicago's pen. Diamondbacks win a tight series as Cubs fans experience heartbreak once again.

10. I have a heart-attack watching Joe Borowski pitch in the ninth inning of Game 1 against Alex Rodriguez with the bases loaded and the Indians clinging to a one run lead. Thus, I am unable to witness any of the events above. At any rate, as I said before, we should be in for a thrilling month of baseball.

Helpless Witness to a Collapse

2007-10-01T17:47:00.000-04:00

As an Indian fan, I can attest to feelings of heart-break and adversity. One of the most painful memories for me was the stunning final week of the 2005 season when the Indians squandered their Wild Card lead and missed the playoffs, losing six of their final seven games. Now living in New York, I have watched with wonder as the Mets have stumbled through the past three weeks. Yesterday, they completed their collapse, losing 8-1 to the lowly Marlins. I am not writing to break down how it happened or who is to blame for such an epic downfall. No, I want to share my thoughts as a witness to two collapses, one as a die-hard fan, and the other as a rather impartial observer. For me, I don’t think there is anything worse than the helpless feeling of watching your team collapse.

Watching the Indians during 2005 was one of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever had as a Tribe fan. This was better than the dominant teams of the mid-90s. This was my team. I had watched Victor Martinez, Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, and Coco Crisp, to name a few, become major-league talents during the trying seasons of 2003 and 2004. They hovered around .500 through the first half of the season and following a four game sweep at home to the division-leading White Sox following the All-Star break, a division championship appeared impossible. Suddenly, the team got hot, red hot, going 35-13 from August up till the final week of the season.

Up by 1 and a half games in the Wild Card on Sunday, the Indians hosted the Devil Rays and Chicago White Sox to end the season. With their main competitors, the Red Sox and Yankees facing off in the final weekend, the Indians were in excellent position to win the Wild Card. Suddenly against Seth McClung and a Devil Rays pitching staff that was the worst in the majors, the Indians suddenly stopped hitting. They went just 7-56 with runners in scoring position in those final seven games, losing six of seven games, five of which were by one run. I still remember Ronnie Belliard hitting into a double-play with the tying run at third in the first game against Tampa. I remember Ben Broussard striking out with the bases loaded and one out that Friday against the pale hosers.

Watching in horror while still clinging to hope, I tried every little foible that I’ve been doing since I was 10 years old in an effort to rally that team. It wasn’t to be. When the season finally ended with a 3-1 loss, I just sat there dumbfounded. If only there had been more games, they would have come out of that slump. It was the first time that I didn’t watch a single playoff game. I didn’t have any interest. When you miss the playoffs by a single game, you can’t help but sit there and wonder about games that slipped away or plays that weren’t made. The collapse of 2005 hurt me as much as losing game 7 of the World Series to the Marlins.

Fast forwarding ten years, I dragged myself out of bed Saturday morning and headed off to Shea Stadium to watch the Mets. Amazingly, no pun intended, New York had lost the night before to Florida, dropping one game behind the Phillies in the division. It was the first time since mid-May that they weren’t in first. As I took the 7 train out to the game, I looked and listened quietly to fans discussing the Mets chances. I was struck by how those comments echoed back to my feelings in ’05. “They just need to play the way they’re capable of playing.” Or “All we need to do is find our way in and we can make some noise.” After their win Saturday, the Mets had a chance. A win Sunday would have given them a playoff game against Philadelphia but it wasn’t to be.

Across New York, thousands of Mets fans are mourning a devastating end to a season that looked so promising. Ingrained in their minds will be Tom Glavine, walking off the mound Sunday after just 1/3 of an inning pitched having given up seven earned runs. Or the countless leads that slipped away in the final weeks. Rarely in baseball is their such a helpless feeling for fans than the one felt after a late-season collapse.

Breaking Down Week 4

2007-09-28T16:05:00.000-04:00

Last Week: 9 – 7
Year: 28 – 20

The last weekend of September might be my favorite for that very reason. The last weekend in September brings us the final weekend of regular season baseball and ushers in the real start to fall, October. I will soon be able to fully devote my Sunday afternoons to football without concern for my fantasy baseball team, the crazy NL playoff situation, and the race for home field advantage in the AL Playoffs. Soon, football will rule the day with playoff baseball games going late into the evening. What could be better?

It’s been a slow start to the year in terms of my picks. This week, I come storming back. The Rams and Saints look like they’re in serious trouble. Fortunately for the Saints, they have a bye. The Rams, not so much to be thankful for. This week’s loser of the Giants/Eagles game will have major cause for concern as well. But without further fanfare, I present my picks for week 4.

Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons – Texans

Coming off a tough loss at home last week, the Texans visit the Georgia Dome to take on the Falcons. The game will also feature Matt Schaub’s return to Atlanta following the off-season trade that sent him to Houston. Schaub and the Texans defense will both be looking to rebound from sub-par efforts last week against Indy. The Falcons cooperate and the Texans recover with a victory. Everybody wins!

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – Jets

On this week’s edition of Remember When, “Do you remember when the AFC East was competitive?" Besides the Patriots, teams in the division (Bills, Dolphins, and Jets) are 1-8 with the lone win coming when the Jets and Dolphins squared off last week. The Jets are the least terrible team out of the three. Besides being injury-riddled, the Bills have been terrible on both sides of the ball with the lone bright spot being the play of rookie RB Marshawn Lynch.

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Browns

Still riding high after their win over the Bengals two weeks ago, the Browns host their third division rival in four weeks. Nevermind that bad loss in Oakland. The Ravens strong defense likes the big play whether it be making them or allowing them. Browns QB Derek Anderson likes to throw the ball down the field. Look for a couple of big plays from Browns receivers and a few interceptions from the Browns QB. If Anderson throws more touchdowns than picks, the Browns win. A rather simple formula, don't you think?

St. Louis Rams at Dallas Cowboys – Cowboys

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for the Rams, they lose star RB Steven Jackson to a partially-torn groin and it’s revealed that Marc Bulger is playing with two broken ribs. Nothing has gone right for the Rams who have been decimated by injuries along the offensive line and now the backfield. On the bright side, the Rams team page on NFL.com reports no injuries. Hooray. Everything must be fine. Bulger and the Rams offense will have to play as they did circa 2004 to stay close to the Cowboys this week.

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – Dolphins

In a loss last week against the Jets, I thought the Dolphins offense made some major strides. First, they (hopefully) realized that Ronnie Brown needs to be the focal point of the offense. He has great speed, can run in between the tackles, and exhibited improved pass-catching skills. Last week, he racked up 211 yards in total offense with three touchdowns. After watching each of these teams last week, I like the Dolphins’ talent on offense against a suspect Raider defense that was supposed to be the strength of the team.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Bears

To some including myself, a Bears/Lions matchup doesn’t appear all that appealing. But this game really stands out to me this week. There are a number of different angles that interest me. First, how will Brian Griese respond to his first NFL start since 2005? How will the Lions defense respond after giving up 56 points to the Eagles last week? Are the Lions the confident team that appeared in the first two games or the same old Lions who struggle to overcome adversity?

For Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith, now couldn’t be a better time to make a switch at the quarterback position. Griese will face one of the worst pass defenses in all of football this week in Detroit. The defense should be able to keep the game a low-scoring affair. I like the Bears with Griese managing the game and Bears RB Cedric Benson chewing out yards on the ground.

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Packers

I think this is a dangerous game for the Packers. Are they as good as their 3-0 record? NO! As I broke down this game, I just couldn’t bring myself to pick the Vikings. The Packers defense has been solid during the first three weeks of the season. Meanwhile on offense, the Packers have been dependent on QB Brett Favre as the running game has been for the most part non-existent. Going into the Metrodome where they traditionally struggle gives me pause. But the Vikings offense outside of Adrian Peterson is just atrocious.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – Seahawks

Remember when the 49ers acted like Ashley Lelie and Darrell Jackson would cure their offensive ills and give Alex Smith the additional weapons he’d need to succeed? Three weeks into the season, Lelie is a non-factor and listed as fifth on the 49er depth chart. Jackson leads the club with 186 receiving yards, but Alex Smith and the passing game has looked out-of-sync. As a result, teams are stacking the line to stop All-Pro RB Frank Gore who managed just 39 yards rushing last week in a loss in Pittsburgh. As long as Smith struggles, the 49ers offense as a whole will struggle. The Seahawks are a better defensive team than they were a year ago. This time around, they should be able to contain Gore and the 49ers.

Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers – Bucs

I can’t believe I am doing it. Maybe it’ll be a curse to the team. But for the first time since Jazzy Jeff Garcia left Cleveland, I am picking his team to win. He has shocked me with his sound decision-making in the young season. He has yet to throw an interception and been a model of efficiency, completing 66% of his passes. Surprisingly for the 2-1 Panthers, the offense has outperformed the defense. New Offensive Coordinator Jeff Davidson has done an excellent job of rotating RBs’ DeShaun Foster and D’Angelo Williams. A steady mix of play-action has helped Jake Delhomme put up better-than-expected numbers too. However, Delhomme suffered a strained shoulder last week and is questionable this week. But my major concern is a defense that is allowing over 20 points and 342 yards per game. Bucs win in a squeaker.

Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts – Colts

To put it nicely, the Broncos have struggled against Indianapolis at the RCA Dome. In their last two games played there, (when it mattered), the Colts have defeated the Broncos by scores of 41-10 and 49-24. This week, a resurgent Colts defense that has played incredibly since the start of the 2006 playoffs faces off against Denver’s fledgling offense. Led by young QB Jay Cutler, the Broncos have moved the ball well enough and can’t be unhappy about being 2-1. However, they are struggling to score in the red zone and with as much talent as they have on the offensive side of the ball, they should be better. For instance, they are the sixth best offense in football in yards per game. Every team in the top ten in offense is averaging at least 24 points per game. The Broncos are putting up 17 per game. To have any chance in this game, they’ll need to double their current scoring average. I don’t see that happening against the Colts.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals – Steelers

The unbeaten Steelers travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals this week. The Steelers have been dominant in their first three games against clearly inferior opponents. This week, we’ll get a chance to see how good the Cardinals are. They’ve lost two close games at San Francisco and in Baltimore late, but sandwiched in between those losses was a big win at home against Seattle. The Cardinals must contain Willie Parker to have any chance in this one. The key to the Steelers is forcing them to beat you through the air. Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger has been solid but untested thus far. He is prone to making mistakes, especially on the road. Games against Oakland and Cleveland last year come to mind. The Cardinals will need a fast start against a tough defense. I expect to see former Steeler Offensive Coordinator and now Cardinals Head Coach, Ken Whisenhunt start the Cardinals in the no huddle. The Cardinals will play tough at home but through three weeks, the Steelers seem too formidable on both sides of the ball for Arizona.

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Chargers

The Chargers return home this week after consecutive losses against New England and Green Bay. Their pass defense has been atrocious in the past two weeks while neither the offensive unit nor the defensive unit has displayed the explosiveness and play-making ability displayed in 2006. Luckily for them, they return home to sunny San Diego to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite a win last week at home against Minnesota, the Chiefs offense has played horrendously. The Chargers are looking to vent some of their frustrations from the past two games and the Chiefs should prove to be the proverbial punching bag.

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants – Eagles

Is there a more entertaining division in football than the NFC East this season? You have the under-achievers, Eagles and Giants and the over-achieving Redskins and Cowboys. Thus far, the only team that looks as good or as bad as their record would seem to be the Cowboys, coming off a convincing win against the Bears at Soldier Field. Meanwhile, the Giants rose from the dead with 24 unanswered points and a dramatic come-from-behind victory against Washington. It was a bad loss for the ‘Skins who were in control of the game at home and let it slip away. They still had a chance late but poor clock management by QB Jason Campbell cost them a play inside the Giants five-yard line with under a minute to go. In Philadelphia, the Eagles finally played like the team everybody expected this year by crushing the Lions 56-21. Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook continue to be the two keys to that offense. Each must be healthy and playing well for this team to be anything better than a Wild Card hopeful.

With that said 1-2 Philly and 1-2 New York battle on Sunday night. After their excellent second half, one wonders whether the second half was a sign of things to come for the Giant defense or an aberration. 97 points allowed through five halves of football really offsets any positives from one good half. A big question for the Eagles will be the availability of Westbrook who is questionable. If he can’t go, beating the Giants in a must-win game on the road will be much more difficult. As it stands now, I like the Eagles.

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals – Patriots

The Bengals and their bumbling defense and special teams play host to the New England Patriots on Monday night. I don’t know where to start in criticizing the Bengals. I guess I’ll start with their special teams. They allowed 183 yards in kickoff returns against the Browns, worked all week to correct deficiencies, and then allowed a 72-yard kickoff return to start the game against Seattle. Nice work. Fumbling away the ball on a return late in the fourth quarter thus preventing one of the best QBs in football a chance to tie the game also wasn’t good. Lost in all this was a less terrible performance by the Cincinnati defense. But let’s cast all that aside and realize that this week, they host the Patriots. I expect the Bengals to put up points even with RB Rudi Johnson out of the lineup. However, I don’t see any chance of the Bengals slowing down Tom Brady and the Patriots juggernaut offense.

Weighing in on Bill Belichick and Other Thoughts From Week 3

2007-09-24T12:28:00.001-04:00

Settling in for another quiet day at work this morning, I made my routine visit to my fantasy league home pages, the Cleveland sports pages, CNNSI, and ESPN. What I came across on one of the league messageboards irked me tremendously. A person in our league posted these comments about Bill Belichick: "Who the hell knows if he's a good coach? We know that he's a good coach when he cheats. But what about when he has to play by the same rules as everybody else?"

As a Browns' fan, my feelings for Belichick are predictably hostile. Surrounded by Patriots' fans when I was in college, I ripped Belichick whenever possible for his horrendous coaching job in Cleveland. With enough talent that SI predicted the Browns would win the conference, Cleveland's teams consistently under-achieved in Belichik's five seasons to the tune of a 36-44 record. "Spygate" has left me with mixed feelings when talking about Belichick's legacy and the Patriots' legacy under his tutelage.

I think his reputation has been tarnished in a more permanent way than many people realize. He has jeopardized his Hall of Fame candidacy due to the fact that "guardians of the Hall of Fame" (bombastic sportswriters) will now debate how much influence "ethics" should have as a category for HoF candidates. The voters didn't seem to have a problem voting for Lawrence Taylor and Michael Irvin, who were well-known for their off-the-field activities. It will be intriguing to see if the voters zero in on this incident, especially coming from a guy like Belichick who isn't known for his media-savvy.

Despite his transgressions, Bill Belichick has become one of the best Head Coaches of the modern-era. Since taking over in New England, he has done a fantastic job, hiring capable assistants and delegating responsibility to them. Coaches that got their start under Belichick include: Nick Saban, Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Kirk Ferentz, and Al Groh. His speciality has always been defense. Even in Cleveland. The team had the 7th best D in 1994, and were number one in points allowed per game at 12.8. To put that in perspective, only the Ravens (12.8) and the Bears 12.4 have managed such a number in the last three seasons. The biggest mistake he made in Cleveland was trying to be the Offensive Coordinator.

Now, that I've gotten that off my chest, I offer my thoughts from yesterday's slate of games.

1. Right back to the Patriots...the only person doing a better job than Belichick in New England is Scott Pioli, VP of Player Personnel. The guy has accumulated countless picks in trades the past few seasons and netted Randy Moss, a guy who is going to rewrite the Patriots' receiving record book, for a fourth round pick!

2. The Patriots are one of the most complete teams that I've ever watched. Think hard about the best teams in the league the last five or ten seasons? I can't think of a better team. Granted, it's only been three weeks but I think we may be watching one of the most dominant teams of the modern era.

3. As disappointing as the Chargers have been, I am disgusted by the play of the St. Louis Rams. Their offense was horrible yesterday. The only thing worse was the defense. The Rams are allowing 150 plus yards a game on the ground, good enough for 28th in the NFL. I am just shocked by their start.

4. My friend remarked to me yesterday as we glanced over at the Packers/Chargers game, "Look at Tomlinson, doesn't he look angry at life right now?" CNN/SI's Don Banks thinks Larry Johnson is going to blow his top soon but L.T. may not be too far behind. For a competitor like Tomlinson to be not producing and losing, it's only a matter of time before he erupts.

5. Of all the victories for teams who were 0-2 yesterday, no victory surprised me more than the Giants in Washington. Down 17-3 and the season hanging in the balance, they found a way to score 21 unanswered points, stealing a victory from the Redskins at home.

6. Last week, I declared the Jaguars as the team most likely to frustrate people by winning games unexpectedly and losing games in much the same fashion. Seems right on, but perhaps, let's throw the Giants into that group too.

7. That might be all she wrote for lil' Rexy Grossman in Chicago.

8. The Texans are a legitimate team this year and beyond. That's good news for Houston fans who deserve a competitive team after years of ineptitude.

9. The formula for beating the Ravens is so simple. It's a real tribute to the Ravens coaching staff that rarely are teams neither able to completely stop the Ravens one-dimensional offense nor exploit their susceptible secondary.

10. Did anybody else notice the ridiculous white Fu Manchu mustache of Browns Punter Scott Player? In a word: AWESOME!

Picks are In for Week 3

2007-09-21T11:21:00.001-04:00

RECORD

Last Week: 9 - 7
Season: 19 – 13

What a week it was in the NFL this past Sunday with numerous upsets, thrilling finishes, and out-of-nowhere performances. On to Week 3 now and I have to say, prognosticators like myself are growing concerned about teams off to slow starts while eying 2-0 teams, looking to separate the pretenders from the contenders. A trio of teams in the NFC who were popular picks to win the conference currently sport records of 0-2. One of those teams is the Saints whose defense has allowed 65 points in two games. There offense is another issue which I'll address later. The other two are the Rams and Eagles. The Eagles have traditionally started strong, owning a 7-2 record the past three seasons in the month of September. QB Donovan McNabb has appeared sluggish and a bit rusty following a grotesque knee injury last season. Usually a team tough to beat at home, St. Louis has lost two games in a row at the Edward Jones Dome in which they were the favorites. The rush defense, a question mark coming into the season, has been exploited in both losses. Each of these teams need a win in Week 3 as 0-3 is a hole from which, few teams recover.

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Patriots

Bills QB J.P. Losman is in desperate need of a good game, star receiver Lee Evans has just 22 yards receiving, and the Bills offense has looked wretched in the first two weeks. Unfortunately for Buffalo, they travel to Foxboro to take on the Patriots. New England's defense stymied the Chargers last week, forcing three turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The news doesn't get any better on the other side of the ball either. The Bills defense will try to slow down the best offense in football thus far led by Tom Brady who is completely nearly 80% of his passes. New England has won each of their first two games by a score of 38-14. That could be a conservative prediction for this game.

San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Steelers

The 49ers travel to Heinz Field to take on the 2-0 Steelers who thrashed Buffalo last week 26-3. The Steelers face there first real test of the young season against San Francisco who will rely heavily upon RB Frank Gore who turned in a gutsy effort against the Rams last week. Just days after his mother's funeral and suffering from a leg strain, the 3rd year man out Miami scored twice including an electrifying 43-yard scamper on fourth-and-1. The 49ers are 2-0 in spite of QB Alex Smith who has struggled thus far. The Steelers will challenge the young QB with an array of blitzes. Smith must not turn the ball over to have any chance in pulling off the upset. The Steelers prove too tough at home.

Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens – Cardinals

The formula for success against the Ravens is simple. Stop the run, force whichever mediocre QB the Ravens have under center to throw, and don't turn the ball. If the Cardinals can do this, I believe they can grind out a win.

San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers – Chargers

The Packers defense has proven to be a force in the first two weeks of the season. This week, they face their biggest test when Ladainian Tomlinson and the Chargers come to town. Chargers win a tough game on the road late.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Colts

The Texans have never beaten the Colts. This game, they'll play Peyton Manning's squad tough but the absence of Matt Schaub's favorite target, Andre Johnson will certainly hurt their chances.

Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs – Chiefs

Tarvaris Jackson is a turnover machine. Last week, Minnesota lost a heart-breaker in Detroit thanks in large part to Jackson's four interceptions. The Chiefs have looked horrendous as well but at home, they should be able to grind out a win against the turnover-prone Vikings.

Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks – Seahawks

One would think 72 points in a team's first two games would be good enough for a 2-0 record. Not so for the Bengals. Cincinnati's offense led by QB Carson Palmer looks as potent as ever but unfortunately, the defense is once again as bad as the offense is good. The Seahawks defense should slow down the Bengals offense just enough to escape with a victory.

Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders – Browns

What do QB Derek Anderson and the Browns have for an encore following their 51-point outburst against Cincinnati? We'll find out Sunday in Oakland. Derek Anderson went from a backup QB turned starter with a short leash to AFC Player of the Week following his 5 TD performance against the Bengals. They'll be going up against one of the better defensive teams in the league in the Raiders. After watching the game last week, it's hard not to like the weapons the Browns have on offense.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Jets

This is a must win game for a pair of 0-2 teams. A win for one of the starting QBs is just as important as both Chad Pennington and Trent Green are fighting to stave off challenges from recent draft picks. For the loser of this game, the calls for his backup will only get louder.

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles – Eagles

When the schedule came out, most experts probably thought this would be a matchup of a 2-0 team and a 0-2 team. However, few must have thought that the 0-2 team would be the Eagles. Donovan McNabb and the Eagles offense have managed just one touchdown through eight quarters of play. On the other hand, Kicker David Akers is making fantasy owners happy with six field goals thus far. The Lions, 2-0, face a stiff challenge, traveling to Philadelphia in hopes of their first 3-0 start since 1980.

St Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Bucs – Rams

A revamped defense and All-Pro RB Steven Jackson were supposed to lead the Rams back into the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Through two games, Jackson has been bottled up. But the real problem is on the defensive side of the ball. Head Coach Scott Linehan thought he had addressed the run defense when he drafted DE Adam Carriker with their first pick in the 2007 draft. Unfortunately, the former Nebraska Cornhusker has been outmuscled, contributing only 3 tackles through two games. The Rams are giving up 137.5 yards per game on the ground. Jeff Garcia has played mistake free football thus far for Tampa but that will come to an end this week. The Rams need this game too much not to have it.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos - Broncos

Jacksonville travels to Denver this week to take on the Broncos who are incredibly fortunate to be 2-0 instead of 0-2. First, there was the Chinese Fire Drill-esque kick against Buffalo. With no timeouts left, the Field Goal unit rushed onto the field, managing to snap the ball just as time expired as K Jason Elam sent the ball through the uprights for a 15-14 win. In overtime last week, they called timeout just as Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski kicked a game-winning field goal. Do over. Janikowski’s second try hits the left upright. Broncos Elam booted the winning field goal on the ensuing possession. This week, the Broncos host the Jaguars. Jacksonville’s defense must shut down the cutback lanes that were exploited by Tennessee’s Chris Brown in Week 1 to the tune of 175 yards. The Broncos’ zone-blocking scheme will give the Jaguars fits all day.

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Panthers

Every time I checked in on the Falcons/Jaguars last week, Falcon QB Joey Harrington was getting sacked. He’s been sacked 13 times in just sixty-five dropbacks. That’s twenty percent of the time! Head Coach Bobby Petrino’s offense stresses three-step drops and quick passes. Harrington must get rid of the ball. It doesn’t figure to get any better this week as the Falcons face DE Julius Peppers and the Carolina Panther’s defense.

New York Giants at Washington Redskins – Redskins

Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin entered the season, knowing that he was on the hot seat. But could he have ever expected the seat to get this hot this quickly? A stout defense has always been a staple of Coughlin-coached teams but the Giants defense has been atrocious thus far giving up eighty-points through two games. The injury bug hit the Giants, especially hard but the snake-bit Giants have already lost their starting RB while QB Eli Manning and lone receiving threat Plaxico Burress try to play through their own injuries. The Giants will have to come up with a Herculean effort to defeat the Redskins this Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears – Cowboys

I feel pretty stupid having not picked the Cowboys to be at the top of the NFC. In the vastly weaker conference, each contender had major issues coming into the season. The Seahawks had Shaun Alexander coming back from an injury-riddled 2006 campaign. The Saints had a very suspect pass defense. The Eagles had Donovan McNabb attempting to return from a serious knee injury. The Bears have Rex Grossman as their QB. The Cowboys This is a tough pick this week but I can’t in good conscience take the Bears with Wild-Eyed Rexy running the show. He has been terrible in his first two starts and it doesn’t figure to get much better this week.

Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints – Saints

This game is a must win for the Saints. They’re at home after two tough road games but they face a well-coached Titans team that nearly beat the Colts last week. Somebody recently said something about Vince Young that I thought was pretty accurate: “It’s never pretty with Vince Young but they’re never out of the game with him either.” Seems about right to me…especially on turf. New Orleans needs this game. I think they’ll make more of an effort to run the ball in order to open up the vertical passing game. Head Coach Sean Payton is a good game-planner and I think he’ll find a way to neutralize Young and get a Saints victory.

Tigers/Indians with the AL Central on the Line: My Perspective

2007-09-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

With the Indians hosting Detroit and their AL Central lead a mere four and a half games, I thought it would be a perfect time to keep an online journal of the game. It turned out to be a spectacular game that featured a little bit of everything.

6:52 EST: As I walked home from the Carroll Street stop , I had one thought that I couldn't shake out of my head as I looked forward to the Indians game against the Tigers. How confident can a Tribe fan be when the best offense in the league is going against your starter whose fastball tops out at 85 miles per hour?

7:24 EST: Travis Hafner strikes out with a runner at third and one out. What happened to the guy who managed a .308 batting average with 34 homers and 111 runs batted in his past three seasons? Suddenly, he is a .250 hitter who continually strikes out with runners in scoring position. In the midst of his worst season as an Indian, he signed a four year contract extension in July. However, if the Indians make the playoffs, he is a guy that is capable of carrying a team like David Ortiz did for the 2004 Red Sox. Mark my words. All is forgiven as Asdrubal Cabrera comes home on a wild pitch. 1-0 Indians.

8:15 EST: The Indians are playing defense like it's 2006 all over. The team is booting balls left and right. Lofton, who manages to recover on his gaffe, Peralta, and last but not least, Jason Michaels who overruns a ball in right. This all happens while I am on the phone, trying to clarify my order with the woman at the Chinese place down the block.

ME: Uhhh... I'd like..." Peralta bobbles it...throws...not in time, a run scores)
Moment of silence as I try not to swear out loud.
HER: Hello? Hello?
ME: Uhh...yeah. we'd like one Unagi Udon, one Buri, and one Dau Dua Xam Tom.
HER: Buri, yes? What Buri?
Santiago up to the plate...bunts to the first side of the rubber. Martinez in, nobody covers first, anothe runs scores. A perfect drag bunt and the Tigers now lead 4-1.
I throw up my hands as I look at my roommate as I try to keep it together. I walk into his bedroom in order to maintain focus and complete the order.
ME: Yeah, uhhh, I guess we'd like a Buri with chicken???
HER: Okay...so we have one Buri Kawon (?), one Unagi Udon, and a Dau Dua Xam Tom (Inaudible).
ME: Uhh, sure. Sounds about right, thanks.
I come back out of the bedroom to see the final out of the inning as the Indians now trail 5-1.

8:27 EST: Peralta hits a solo shot. Typical, the guy never gets a big hit when it matters. Following two back to back singles and a lineout, the inning comes to an end when Catcher Kelly Shoppach grounds into a double play. Why isn't Ryan Garko in the lineup? The Tribe never hit soft-throwers like Kenny Rodgers well. Why not have your best hitters in the lineup for the most important game of the year thus far???

8:35 EST: Watching Paul Byrd pitch against Gary Sheffield is like watching the cow getting dropped into the velociraptor's pit in Jurassic Park. Bad news for the cow, and similar news for Byrd. Sheffield just misses one as he takes a ferocious cut and hits the ball a mile high on the infield.

9:27 EST: The Indians continue to produce against the Tigers bullpen. What a difference a year makes. Zumaya made Indians hitters look foolish last year. They beat him back in Detroit just last month with three runs in the tenth. They'll need three here. Two on, nobody out.

9:32 EST: Jhonny Peralta swings and belts one to right. Ordonez looks up and it's gone! Tie game. The most unlikely of heroes, Peralta lives to strike out in key situations. I assumed he'd be overmatched against Zumaya. My roommate Justin creates a new nickname just moments before the blast: J-Honey. Iffy at best, but after the home run, it sticks.

9:33 EST: We go to the 9th...please don't put in Joe Borowski.

9:34 - 9:45 EST: Borowski, sporting a 7.18 ERA against the Tigers this year, tightropes through the 9th, getting Brandon Inge to end the inning. The inning causes more curses and stress than can be related in this column. BIG SIGH OF RELIEF.

10:08 EST: Going extras...if this was a Yankee/Red Sox game, it would be 11:30 EST.

10:37 EST: Where would the Indians be without Rafael Betancourt. He comes on to face Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco, Gary Sheffield, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, and Pudge Rodriguez over two innings. His line: 2 innings pitched, one hit, and four strikeouts. He was dominant again tonight.

10:44 EST: Casey Blake, a run-of-the-mill average joe in this lineup, hits his second walk-off home run in four nights. The guy is hitting like .130 with runners in scoring position. He hits a 1-2 curve over the fence in left-center field. He is mobbed at home plate and receives a pie in the face during the postgame interview, a celebratory act that has become a staple of Cleveland last at-bat victories this season.

10:45 EST: My father calls to see if I had been watching. "Didn't miss a minute of it Dad," I say as we rehash the game one more time.

A Stand Up Day for Browns and their Fans

2007-09-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

Nursing a bit of a hangover, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with my friend in a packed bar in Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon, questioning my decision to watch the Browns game. After a couple of minutes of pleading, I had finally convinced the bartender to turn one of the thirty televisions in the place to the Bengals/Browns game. Ten minutes later, I remarked to my friend: "This could be worse than last week. The defense looks like they don't want to be out there." Carson Palmer and the Bengals offense had waltzed down the field and scored a touchdown with neither an incompletion nor a third down situation. On their subsequent possession, Browns QB Derek Anderson had missed two open receivers and Cleveland had punted. It looked like the game would be another ugly loss to a division foe.

But suddenly, the defense held. And the Browns managed a couple of field goals. Then, something happened that nobody could have anticipated: the game became a shootout. Up and down the field each team went. Long kick returns, open receivers, and little defense resulted in a jaw-dropping fifty-nine points in just over twenty minutes of action between the second and third quarters. For Browns fans who witnessed last week's debacle, it was like watching a completely different team. The statistics, staggering in any situation, are down right ridiculous when compared to Week 1. Against Pittsburgh, seven sacks allowed, this week: zero. Jamal Lewis and the rushing attack totaled 170 yard more than last week by posting a gaudy 226 on the Bengals. The 554 total yards more than doubled the 221 the offense managed against the Steelers.

Numbers aside, three instances during the game stand out to me as key moments that went right for the Browns that Cleveland fans are unaccustomed to seeing. The first one happened late in the third quarter. The Bengals blitzed with their cornerback from Derek Anderson’s blindside, while the safety tried to roll over to cover Braylon Edwards. But the former first-round pick from Michigan streaked down the field by the safety. Anderson launched the ball out just a bit too far for Edwards but the lanky receiver laid out horizontally and brought the ball in for a touchdown. Too often, the highly-touted receiver has dropped passes at key moments in games. His catch restored a ten point lead for the Browns. The second moment came with just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Clinging to a six point lead, the Browns faced a crucial 3^rd and 7. Edwards caught a five yard pass and turned upfield where he was stood up by a trio of Bengals. A moment later, the ball came loose. The Bengals started jumping up and down, clamoring to the referees that the ball was theirs. Not only did the referees say that the ball came out after the play, they gave Cleveland a favorable spot on forward progress. By the nose of the football, the Browns managed to secure a crucial first down. The final moment came on Cincinatti’s final offensive play. With Carson Palmer and the Bengals on the move, CB Leigh Bodden intercepted a pass on the far sideline, dragging both feet inbounds to preserve the win.

Since their return in 1999, the moribund franchise has seemed cursed by ineptitude, poor execution, and just plain bad luck. For the first time in recent memory, the Browns performed in crucial situations and gave the fans arguably the most exciting win since the franchise’s rebirth. It was a remarkable (and rare) day that Browns fans everywhere will savor for some time. I for one haven’t stopped smiling since 4 p.m. Sunday.

Chargers Head to Foxboro and More; Week 2 Picks

2007-09-14T11:09:00.000-04:00

Record after Week 1
Week: 10-6
Season: 10-6

5 Things I learned from Week 1:

1. No matter how much I love the Browns, I can't pick them in any game against a team that was better than 5-11 a year ago.

2. Randy Moss looked unstoppable on the field for the first time since he was in Minnesota. He may shatter most of New England's single season receiving records. He was scary good against the Jets. Kind of like this Randy Moss mask.

3. The Texans look to be a dark-horse candidate for a AFC Wild Card spot. Their defense is young, opportunistic, and talented.

4. Ben Roethlisberger will not throw for four touchdowns in a game again this season. Mark it down. It's not happening. He completed twelves passes on Sunday and had a completion percentage just a notch above fifty percent. Sorry Peter King, he is not a Pro Bowl Quarterback.

5. Of all the quarterbacks looking to take their game to the next level, (J.P. Losman, Matt Leinart, Alex Smith, Rex Grossman, to name a few) Jay Cutler may be the one most likely to do so. He has a ton of talent surrounding him and a solid running game. He still needs to learn how to put the ball in the endzone. He won't win many games 15-14. But a 300 yard passing effort on the road and more importantly, a victory, is a good way to start for the second year player out of Vanderbilt.

Now on to this week's games...

Houston Texans vs Carolina Panthers - Panthers

This game is particularly difficult for me to pick because I have adopted the Texans as my out-of-nowhere playoff contender. Their offense isn't where they want it to be whose is after one week. Besides with a revamped offensive line that only allowed two sack on Sunday and a new RB and QB in Ahman Green and Matt Schaub, it will be a few weeks before the team's offense really begins to jell. You have to like their defense. They were quick to the ball on Sunday and opportunistic, forcing four turnovers and collecting three sacks. Granted it was the Chiefs but look for more of the same throughout the year. Enough fawning over the Texans, I like the Panthers in a physical game. Whichever team can control the line of scrimmage will win this game. I like the talented Panthers front four to stymie the Texans run game. I think the Panthers tandem of D'Angelo Williams and DeShaun Foster will wear the Houston defense. I see a late field goal by John Kasey being the difference in this one.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns - Bengals

The only reason Browns fans have to go games for the rest of the season is the possibility of seeing rookie QB Brady Quinn. Already hailed as the soon-to-be savior of the franchise, look for Browns fans to begin the chant early in the first half. In lieu of last week's debacle against bitter rival Pittsburgh, the Browns made a flurry of decisions. First, they traded Charlie Frye; second, they installed Derek Anderson the starting QB, and third, resigned Quinn's mentor Ken Dorsey after he was cut at the end of the preseason. This might seem like a team in chaos considering Frye was named the starter after a long training camp battle and then pulled after a quarter and unceremoniously traded two days later. But Head Coach Romeo Crennel assures fans that there is a plan. For the sake of Browns fans, let's hope it includes starting Brady Quinn sooner rather than later. Bengals by a couple touchdowns as the Browns will be hard-pressed to match last week's show of incompetence.

Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans - Colts

Until somebody proves otherwise, the Colts are the class of the AFC South. Since the NFL divided each conference into four divisions, the Colts have gone 23-7 against AFC South opponents. Not bad. Until somebody knocks them off, I will steadfastly remain in the Colts corner. A talented team that is up and coming, the Titans hope to be the team that challenges the Colts for divisional supremacy. The last time these two teams met, the Titans stunned the Colts, winning on a dramatic 60-yard field goal from Ron Bironas as time expired. The Titans will employ a similar strategy to the one they had last year. Control the clock by running the ball, wear down the Colts defense, and most importantly, keep Peyton Manning off the field. I think they will execute their plan successfully but in the end, it's too hard to go against Peyton Manning. Especially when you have Vince Young across the ball who in his second season, lacks the consistency and sound decision-making that is needed to beat a superior team like the Colts.

New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Bucs - Saints

Wouldn't be interesting if the Bucs upset the Saints this week? All of a sudden, the most trendy pick for NFC Super Bowl is in an 0-2 hole and people are suddenly questioning the team's offensive strategy. I am not saying it's going to happen but it would make for interesting reading. I can certainly imagine Peter King and Don Banks of SI piecing together a thousand word analysis on the team's struggles. Back to the game, Bucs QB Jeff Garcia simply cannot function outside a pure West Coast offense. If he isn't in the Eagles offense under Andy Reid or the 49ers scheme under Steve Mariucci, the guy is a QB with average arm strength who makes poor decisions with the football. I don't believe him to be a good fit in Tampa. He did little to prove me wrong last week as the Bucs offense produced just six points in a loss to Seattle. The Saints should come out firing after a bad loss at Indianapolis a week ago. Look for them to establish the running game early on in an effort to control the line of scrimmage. I also suspect they will challenge the Bucs secondary with a vertical passing attack. I found that to be one of the most surprising things to come out of last week's loss against the Colts. I can't remember a single throw by Drew Brees that was over fifteen yards. Look for that to change this week against the Bucs.

San Francisco 49ers vs St. Louis Rams - Rams

The Rams look to rebound after a disappointing loss at home last week against the Panthers. Their defense really struggled last week against Carolina, allowing 186 yards on the ground and three touchdown passes from Panther QB Jake Delhomme. Throughout the preseason, the Rams claimed that first round pick DE Adam Carriker would shore up the porous run defense the Rams had last season. If one game is any indication, Carriker and the Rams are going to see teams pounding the ball between the tackles in an effort to control the game and keep the Rams talented offense off the field. It sure worked for Carolina as they controlled the ball for almost sixty percent of the game. This week, the Rams host the 49ers in what becomes an important game for the Rams who can ill-afford two straight losses at home to start the season. Last season, Frank Gore averaged 178 yard per game in his two matchups against St. Louis. Expect the 49ers to give him the ball early and often. If you have Gore this week in fantasy, you can anticipate a 100 yard plus day with a couple of touchdowns. However, I am taking the Rams in this game. They really need this game and will put eight man in the box in an effort to stop Gore and force 49er QB Alex Smith to win the game with his arm.

Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers

What a tough opening week it was for the Bills. They played a hard-fought game at home before losing a heart-breaker 15-14 against the Broncos as Jason Elam nailed a 42-yard field goal as time expired. Trumping the loss was a devastating injury to backup TE Kevin Everett who suffered a spinal cord injury midway through the second half. He lay motionless on the field for several minutes before being carted off the field. This week, the Bills travel to Heinz Field to battle the Steelers. Aaron Schobel and the Bills front seven will face a stiff challenge in trying to stop Willie Parker and the Steelers rushing attack. On the offensive side of the ball, the Bills must not turn the ball over to have a chance in this game. J.P. Losman struggled mightily last week at home against Denver. He must connect with Lee Evans on a couple of deep balls to pull the upset. Ultimately, I think Pittsburgh is too tough at home for the Bills. I do think it will be a close game. I think the Bills will wake up Monday morning thinking that their 0-2 record could easily be 2-0 if not for a couple of plays.

Green Bay Packers vs New York Giants - Packers

The Packers travel to the Meadowlands to take on the Giants in New York's home opener. Last week, the Packers defeated the Eagles 16-13 on a last minute field goal at Lambeau Field. Meanwhile, the Giants were sliced and diced by the Cowboys' Tony Romo en route to a 45-35 defeat. In that game, Giants QB Eli Manning bruised his shoulder. He is iffy for Sunday's game. If he can't go, the Giants will turn to Jared Lorenzen, the mammoth (285 lbs) backup quarterback. If he gets the nod, he may become the heaviest quarterback to ever start an NFL game. Elias Sports Bureau, I need you! I like the Packers in this game but I really don't have a good grip on this game. The two reasons I am taking the Packers are 1) the possibility that Jared Lorenzen starts for New York and 2) the Packers defense, which played exceptionally well last week against Philadelphia. I think Green Bay's ability to stop the Giants rushing attack putting the burden on the New York QBs to win the game. The Packers win a low-scoring affair.

Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars - Jaguars

The Jaguars are right on schedule. One must credit their consistency. They have another season where they'll hover around .500 all lined up. QB David Gerrard is not a significant upgrade over Byron Leftwich, the receivers still drop too many passes, and the team always finds a way to lose close games. This week however, the Jaguars host the Falcons who look to be in the running for the number one overall pick in the 2008 draft. Last week, they managed a field goal in a 24-3 loss in Minnesota. The offense looked terrible. If Joey Harrington doesn't play better than last week, somebody…anybody is going to get a look in his place under center for the Falcons.

Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals - Seahawks

I still have some hope left for my darling Cardinals. But last week's performance against the 49ers cost them some of my confidence. Matt Leinart played particularly poorly, going 14-28 through the air with two interceptions. This was the guy I was saying was preparing to make the jump into the next level a la Carson Palmer a few years ago. One game does not make a season but he must play better this week against a Seahawks defense that allowed just two field goals in a win over Tampa last Sunday. Look for the Cardinals to play well at home. Unfortunately, the Seahawks look more like the 2005 Seahawks when they won the NFC Championship than they resemble last year's inconsistent, injury-riddled squad. I like the Seahawks in a tight, back and forth game.

Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins - Dolphins

Dallas travels to Florida to meet the Dolphins in Miami's home opener. Miami is coming off a heart-breaking loss to the Redskins in overtime while the Cowboys are coming off a big win at home against the Giants. Many believe the Cowboys to have the upper hand in this matchup. But I think the Cowboys defense was exposed last week. Their secondary gave up a ton of big plays while the defense surrendered 35 points. Meanwhile, Miami's defense is perennially stout. Look for the Cowboys offense to come back to Earth a bit. I see a physical game that will be won by whoever is able to run the ball with more success. What this will do is open up the play-action passing game. With each team possessing a pedestrian secondary, QBs Trent Green and Tony Romo will take their shots down the field. I think the Dolphins pull the upset with a couple of big plays and a late field goal.

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions - Lions

Is this the year that the Lions finally emerge from nearly ten years of chaos? The Lions have been horrendous for several seasons now. They've haven't made the playoffs since 1999 and at one point, managed to lose a record-setting twenty-four straight games on the road. However, second-year Head Coach Rod Marinelli has instilled confidence throughout the organization through his no-nonsense demeanor and attention to detail. With Mike Martz running the offense, the 2007 Lions should put up some gaudy offensive numbers. For one game at least, the offense looked good as the team ran up almost 400 yards of total offense and 36 points in a win on the road in Oakland. Meanwhile, the Tavaris Jackson experiment in Minnesota passed the first test last week. The second year QB out of Alabama State managed the game well last week, throwing a touchdown pass as the Vikings beat the hapless Falcons 24-3. The Lions defense will be a much more difficult test. Look for Detroit to stack eight in the box to slow the Minnesota running game. With an eight man front, the Lions will have an array of options with which to blitz. If the young QB gets into trouble and turns the ball over a couple of times, it could get ugly. Even if he doesn't, I suspect the Lions to put enough points on the board against an underrated Vikings defense to get the win.

Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos - Broncos

At Mile High, the Broncos host rival Oakland in their home opener. The Broncos return home 1-0 after a heart-stopping last second victory in Buffalo last week. The Raiders played tough before fading late losing at home 36-21 to the Lions. Raiders QB Josh McCown is questionable this week following an injury sustained in the second half last week. If he can't go, Daunte Culpepper will get the call. Realistically though, the Raiders defense must play much better than last week to have a chance in this game. One of the best defensive teams in the conference last season, the Raiders gave up 392 yards to the Lions and twenty-six second half points. Against Denver, they will need to stop a well-balanced attack that features Travis Henry at RB along with Pro Bowl-caliber receiver Javon Walker. They rolled up well over 400 total yards in offense last week in Buffalo. Look for another solid performance from Denver's offense and more touchdowns in the red zone this week as Jay Cutler settles in under center.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears - Bears

There couldn't be a better elixir to heal the Bears' wounds after a tough loss in San Diego last Sunday. Rex Grossman should play much better than a week ago against a below average defense. Meanwhile, the Bears defense led by Brian Urlacher will feast on the miscues that are quickly becoming a staple of the Chiefs offense. Each year, the Bears seem to get one or two patsies at home to feast on. Last year, it was Buffalo and San Francisco. This year, it's Kansas City. This looks to be ugly. Cedric Benson should also get on track this week. The Bears couldn't have asked for a better opponent to play this week. Except perhaps the Browns.

New York Jets vs Baltimore Ravens - Ravens

Like the Bears, the Ravens lost a tough road game in the NFL's first week. This week, they take on the Jets at home. The Ravens match up very well with the Jets who have an immobile QB (Chad Pennington) who might not be able to go, in which case Kellen Clemens would get the nod in his first NFL start. Possessing one of the best defenses in the league, look for Rex Ryan's unit to blitz early and often against the vulnerable Jets. The Ravens offense was supposed to be vastly improved from a year ago. However, QB Steve McNair looked no more comfortable in the offense than he did a year ago as the Ravens committed six turnovers. The Jets will have a tough time running the ball against Baltimore and with the Ravens aggressive defense, look for a number of turnovers from the Jets no matter who is playing quarterback.

San Diego Chargers vs New England Patriots - Patriots

In a rematch from last year's playoffs, the Chargers battle New England in Foxboro. The Patriots are coming off an impressive victory against the Jets. The victory was overshadowed when it was discovered that a Patriot employee was illegally videotaping the signals of the Jets defensive coordinator. On Thursday, Patriot Head Coach Bill Bellichick was fined $500,000 and the organization docked a draft pick. I suspect the veteran squad will be unfazed by all the controversy. The Chargers emerged victorious last week against Chicago in a hard fought physical game. M.V.P. Ladainian Tomlinson once again did it all for the Chargers tossing and running for a score in the fourth quarter. Phil Rivers is the guy I think will be the key to the entire Charger season. He must perform better than he did in Week 1 for the Chargers to make it through the AFC playoffs. Yes, I already have a spot in the playoffs for the Chargers. Their victory Sunday over Chicago just goes to show you how good Tomlinson is. This week, I like the Patriots for a couple of reasons. They are at home where they always play well. Two, I think they have more offensive weapons and are better offensively than when these teams met last January. And three, I don't think Phil Rivers can beat the Patriots. And by stacking the line against Tomlinson, that is what the Patriots are going to make him do. Pats win in an entertaining Sunday night game.

Washington Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles - Eagles

The Eagles return home after a tough opening week loss to the Packers. In his first game back from knee surgery, Donovan McNabb was noticeably rusty. However, the team was still in excellent position to win the game or at the least go to overtime till a muffed punt late sealed their fate. This week, they host archrival Washington at raucous Lincoln Financial Field. Washington comes in with young Jason Campbell making the start at QB. He managed last week's game against Miami nicely but will need to do more if the Redskins are to have any chance of knocking off the Eagles. I see a big day for Eagles RB Brian Westbrook and McNabb returns to form as the Eagles win going away.

A Tranquil Cleveland Playoff Run?

2007-09-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

For the last few weeks, a marvelous feeling of tranquility has overtaken me. No, I still don't have a job. No, I haven't found my "center." And no, I haven't paid my ever-growing credit card bill. But what I have discovered is an Indians team that is cruising towards a Central Division title and a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2001. I feel that I am getting a rare glimpse of what it's like to be a Red Sox or Yankees' fan. It is the expectation that your team will win, that your team is going to perform when it matters most, and that a fear of the team self-destructing isn't necessary. In the 2007 regular season at least. It isn't a completely foreign feeling as I recall something similar back in the mid 1990s. However, this is unique.

I still remember Cleveland's last playoff game in 2001. So does my fraying Tribe hat. I vividly recall the sunny fall day in October as I watched the Indians looked utterly hapless against Jamie Moyer at Safeco Field in Seattle. My hat received it's first four stitches that day. The bill came apart from the rim of the hat after I tossed it in frustration after Robby Alomar grounded into a crucial inning-ending double play with the bases loaded. I can't believe we started Chuck Finley in that game. What a mistake! Okay...enough reminiscing.

Since that October day, GM Mark Shapiro dismantled the team and rebuilt it around a core of young players. I witnessed their potential in 2004 when they clawed to within two games of Central-leading Minnesota before losing ten straight games, ceding the AL Central title to the Twins. In 2005, I was so nervous as the Indians rolled through August and early September looking like a playoff team. I couldn't dare trust the Tribe to play with a lead. And sure enough they broke my heart, losing six out of their final seven games and missing the playoffs. With that painful memory still very fresh in my mind, you might understand why I think no lead is safe with this squad.

However, watching last Thursday's afternoon game in Minnesota, I couldn't help but notice how calm I felt. No longer was I comparing the Indians and Tigers schedules. I hardly panicked as we left countless runners on base against Twins pitcher Kevin Slowey. And I started to slowly come to the realization that this team is different. They don't need to be examined closely for fear of finding the cracks. I find myself enjoying the games and the contributions of young players like Asdrubal Cabrera, Franklin Gutierrez, and Rafael Perez.

The last two nights in Chicago provide good reasons for why I am composed. The Indians were on the road playing their 21 and 22 consecutive game without a day off, in U.S. Cellular Field where they tend to struggle. At critical junctures in each game, unsung players made big contributions. With the Indians trailing 2-1 Monday night, minor league call-up Ben Francisco lined a game-tying single into left. Two batters later, Cabrera hammered a two-run go-ahead homer down the left-field line. In a ten minute span, the Indians had taken control of the game. Last night with the Indians seemingly in control at 8-3, Jensen Lewis came on with runners on second and third with one out. It was an opportunity for the Sox to claw back into the game. The rookie right-hander who started the season at Double A Akron struck out the next two batters on six pitches to thwart Chicago's final scoring threat. Performances such as those highlighted above have left me awkwardly calm as the season winds down.

That's not to say that this team doesn't have flaws. Closer Joe Borowski is a heart-attack, waiting to happen, as he continually walks a tightrope in the 9th inning of games as evidenced by his 5.40 ERA. Their platoon at each of the corner outfield positions also leaves something to be desired. While, I can still tell you the remaining schedule for both Detroit and Cleveland and how many games each squad will play against teams with a record above .500, I am starting to believe it won't matter. I won't completely relax until the Tribe clinches but at least for the time being, I am enjoying the Indians September stretch run without the benefit of an oxygen tank. A pleasant change of pace.

The Rest of Week 1

2007-09-07T13:57:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers – Eagles

The Eagles travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, making it the fifth straight times these two teams have met in the regular season. Andy Reid, who got his start in coaching as a mentor to Brett Favre under Mike Holmgren in the mid-90s, leads the Eagles back to take on his former protégé. The Eagles come in as slight favorites over Favre’s pack while Brett returns for one more season (once again) in hopes of leading his team back to the playoffs.

Donovan McNabb starts at quarterback for the Eagles and eyes will be on him as he makes his first start in more than nine months since a devastating knee injury. Dynamic RB Brian Westbrook also will be a focal point of a Packers defense which must contain the well-balanced attack of the Eagles. The young defense struggled at times last season but defensive stalwarts Aaron Kampman and A.J. Hawk anchor a unit that should be much improved. The key to the game rests in their hands as Westbrook and McNabb are traditionally September stars.

This is a big test for the Packers young defense. I don’t believe they’ll be able to contain Westbrook and McNabb. I do see the Packers keeping it close as they traditionally play well at Lambeau Field, but the Eagles prevail in this one.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns - Browns

Upset special for Week 1. Sure, this doesn't look like much of a game. However, history is on the Browns side. No Steeler coach has ever defeated Cleveland in his first game between the two rivals. I could attempt to feed you some lines about the Browns ability to play tough at home or a revamped defense and an improved offensive line, which is all true but I won't. I taking the Browns because I have a gut feeling that they are going to come out and take control of this game early. If the Browns can build a lead and force the Steelers to abandon the running game, opportunities for turnovers will be there as Roethlisberger led the league in interceptions a year ago. The key to the game will be whether or not the Browns can stop Willie Parker and if the offense under Charlie Frye can move the ball against a traditionally strong Steeler defense.

Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings - Vikings

Here is the first Friends & Family game of the year...meaning the only people watching this game outside Atlanta and Minnesota will be the friends and family of the players and coaches. An old woman will utter, "That's my baby Tarvarius!" as the Viking QB will complete his first pass of the game sometime midway through the third quarter. I can't think of a better antithesis to Drew Brees/Peyton Manning than Tavarius Jackson/Joey Harrington. Anyway, to the game. Both defenses will stack the line and make the other quarterback beat them. Big plays will determine this game's outcome. Whichever defense can force a key turnover or a big kick return may be enough to swing this game in one direction or another. Jerious Norwood, the explosive Falcons RB, and highly-touted rookie Viking RB Adrian Peterson are both talented game-breakers. If one can bust through into the secondary, each is capable of taking it to the house. I like the Vikings defense, playing in front of a boisterous crowd in the Metrodome, to force some turnovers, leading to an ugly win.

New England Patriots vs New York Jets - Patriots

An intriguing early season matchup, these two rivals figure to be competing all season long for AFC East supremacy. With the Jets acquiring Thomas Jones, you can now argue that they are closer to the Jets at the skill positions. EXCEPT for one major difference: one team has Tom Brady and the other doesn't. Chad Pennington is in a precarious situation with Kellen Clemens, the backup quarterback who performed splendidly in the preseason, breathing down his neck. Don't be surprised if Pennington struggles early, calls for Clemens will quickly grow in number at the Meadowlands. The key factor in this game will be whether or not the Jets defense will be able to stymie the Patriots well-balanced offense. With Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker, Ben Watson, and Laurence Maroney, Patriot QB Tom Brady truly has a bevy of offensive weapons from which to choose. However, former New England defensive coordinator Eric Mangini now coaches for the Jets and his team played the Patriots extremely close three times last season. Expect the Jets to keep it close. However, I just can't see the Jets staying with the Patriots fire-power. New England wins a hard-fought affair.

Miami Dolphins vs Washington Redskins - Redskins

Both teams trot out different starters than at this time last season. Trent Green comes over to Miami from Kansas City, replacing Joey Harrington et al. However, the preseason has been a horror show for Green as he struggles to adapt to the offensive scheme of Cam Cameron. The offense has looked out of sync. Green and his receivers have been struggling to connect and former second overall pick Ronnie Brown showed up to camp out of shape. This team's performance on the road in Washington should provide a good litmus test to that old adage that preseason trends mean nothing. Expect the Dolphins to struggle on offense. The key will be establishing Ronnie Brown to ease some of the pressure of Green.

For the Redskins, Jason Campbell starts at QB for the Redskins, after having replaced Mark Brunell midway through last season. The Redskins will also try to run the ball to set up the pass in an effort to protect Campbell's psyche early in the season. Both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts will carry the ball for the 'Skins as they hope to start fast in what should be a very competitive NFC East division. With similar strategies, the game should be a close one. But I give the edge to the Redskins at home by a field goal.

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills - Bills

A bold statement you say? Perhaps, but Buffalo looks to be much improved this year and I suspect Jay Cutler will have his fair share of struggles in raucous Ralph Wilson Stadium. I think the key will be field position and the ability of the Bills to stop the run. The always formidable Bronco rushing attack will be spearheaded this year by Travis Henry, the former Bill. Many observers are predicting a 1,500 yard season. If the Bills defense is able to slow down Henry and force Denver into third and long, the Broncos offense will struggle. Making only his sixth NFL start, I don't believe Jay Cutler will be able to win the game on his arm alone. On the other side of the ball, Denver's defense has struggled to adapt to the new defensive scheme implemented by Jim Bates. Again, how much stock can you put in preseason? But in this case, I think it will play a part. The Bills must run the ball with rookie rusher Marshawn Lynch in order to set up the play-action passing game. An exciting matchup to watch in this game will be Bills star receiver, Lee Evans, lining up against Champ Bailey, the premier cornerback in the league. Look for Losman to challenge the Broncos secondary down the field. Bailey will have his share of picks but he will give up a big one once in awhile. To sum it up, I like the Bills in a hard-fought and close game.

Carolina Panthers vs St. Louis Rams - Rams

The Panthers travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams led by Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson. The Panthers defense will face a major challenge against the explosive Rams offense who always play well at home on the carpet of Edward Jones Dome. In regards to stopping Steven Jackson, the onus falls upon the Panthers front seven. In order for them to have a chance in this game, they have got to contain the Rams All-Pro running back. In passing situations, their front four led by Julius Peppers must get to the quarterback as the Panthers will employ a nickel defense to slow down the talented trio of receivers for the Rams: Drew Bennett, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt. On offense, the Panthers will try to control the ball and the clock by running the football with D'Angelo Williams and DeShaun Foster. To have any chance to stay with the Rams, they will have to convert their red zone opportunities. The Panthers scored just fifteen touchdowns in their thirty-two trips into the red zone last season. Jake Delhomme must cut down on his turnovers this season or he'll find himself out of the job. It's a make or break season in Carolina and Delhomme and Head Coach John Fox have jobs on the line. A win in St. Louis would be a fantastic start. But I don't see it.

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars - Jaguars

A matchup of AFC South foes collide on Sunday in Jacksonville. Both teams finished 8-8 last season but their roads to those records were very different. The Titans started 2-7 before inserting rookie QB Vince Young led the team on a five game winning streak and nearly took them to the playoffs. The Jaguars, a playoff team in 2005, looked to take the next step in 2006 but once again, instability at the quarterback position doomed them. 2006 starter and former first round pick Byron Leftwich was cut just after the final preseason game and David Gerrard, his long-time backup, was named the starter. Gerrard has never shown the consistency Head Coach Jack Del Rio has desired in numerous stints filling in for Leftwich. If Gerrard and the Jaguars don't perform well this season, a new quarterback and perhaps a new head coach could be in the cards in Jacksonville. The Jaguars will look to take control of the line of scrimmage by pounding running backs' Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. The Titans will look to Young and an opportunistic defense as their primary formula for success. We'll see how teams adjust to seeing Young for a second time around. Look for the Jaguars to try to keep him in the pocket and make him throw the ball downfield to an unproven receiving corps. I like the Jaguars in a physical game.

Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders - Lions

In Oakland, a battle of teams traditionally battling for top pick honors face off. For all the talk about how Al Davis was going to let Lane Kiffin run the show in Oakland, the decision to cut a third-round pick and the question surrounding who will start the season at quarterback seems to evidence the contrary. This team continues to be run into the ground. The number one pick in the draft, JaMarcus Russell remains unsigned and will as a result be a non-factor in 2007. Anyway, the decision to start Josh McCown over Daunte Culpepper boggles my mind. I thought the Raiders were quietly putting something together but all seems lost in Oakland. I like the Lions as the less terrible team in this game.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - Texans

This is an intriguing game between two teams who really aren't sure what they have yet. After a long drawn out quarterback competition, Damon Huard triumphed over Brodie Croyle in Kansas City thanks in large part to Croyle's complete ineptitude. I like the Texans because Herm Edwards has taken a team in good shape and turned it into a disaster.

MORE TO COME...

And We're Back...Week 1

2007-09-06T11:31:00.001-04:00

Week 1

My, oh my, does it feel good to be back. Another year of football. I know you haven't heard from me recently. April to be exact but I was just saving up my strength for the grueling NFL season. We are talking two (hopefully) columns a week for five months. Well, autumn is nearly here. I spent Labor Day weekend in Falmouth, Massachusetts and you could smell the traces of fall in the brisk evening air. So many reasons to love the months of September and October: the crisp nights, the pleasant days, the leaves changing. For me though, pennant-races, postseason baseball and the onset of football season are what make this the best time of the year.

Saint vs Colts - Colts

We'll get to baseball in another column shortly but first we have the New Orleans Saints and Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts kicking off the season Thursday night. We couldn't ask for a more exciting season opener than these two teams led by gunslingers Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. The pair combined to throw for over 8800 yards last season with 57 touchdown passes. Neither QB lacks play-makers as Indianapolis wideouts Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison formed the most prolific duo in football at their position, topping 1300 yards each in receiving. In the Colts backfield, rookie first-round pick Joseph Addai impressed in 2006, rushing for over a thousand yards with seven touchdowns.

On the Saints side, Brees has a multitude of weapons that first-year coach Sean Payton employed brilliantly last season. In the backfield, Deuce McAllister returned to form in 2006 after a grotesque knee injury forced him to miss the majority of the 2005 season. Splitting time with the rookie phenom and former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, McAllister rushed for 1,057 yards and ten touchdowns. As for Bush, he did not disappoint in his first NFL season. The USC alum set a record for NFL rookie running backs with 88 receptions and lived up to his big play ability with several electrifying plays out of the backfield and in the return game. At the receiver position, Marques Colston, a sixth round pick out of Hofstra, came out of nowhere to lead the Saints in receiving with 1,038 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Teaming up with Colston are two highly-regarded receivers, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Each is a former first round pick with Meachem being the Saints top selection in 2007. Both are speedsters and with the Saints explosive offense, look for one of them to step up and produce in the absence of Joe Horn, a fixture at receiver for the Saints this decade who departed to Atlanta via free agency.

With so much offensive firepower, the key to the game will be which defense can slow down the opposing team's offense. With both teams extremely well-balanced on offense, it will be important for each team to get off to a good start in the hopes of forcing the other to become one-dimensional. The Colts, already reeling from losing several starters in the offseason, endured a major blow in training camp, losing DT Anthony McFarland, an important cog in their rush defense. For the Saints, their defensive backfield must find a way to contain Harrison and Wayne and prevent the big play. Jason David, the former Colt who signed with New Orleans in the offseason, will have primary responsibility on one of his former teammates.

As much as I like the Saints balance and ability to move the ball against the Colts defense, I think playing on the road against the Super Bowl champions will prove too much for the Saints. I think Manning and the Colts prevail in a high-scoring affair with each team putting up gaudy offensive numbers. Colts by a field goal, 34-31

The rest of Sunday's slate will appear tomorrow.

A Deal to Forget

2007-04-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

With the Cardinals officially parting ways with left-handed reliever Ricardo Rincon by eating the 1.9 million dollars still owed to the 36 year-old, I thought it necessary to take a look back nine years ago at one of the most one-sided trades in recent memory. The Indians and General Manager John Hart (and fans as well) were still suffering from their fourth straight elimination from the playoffs. The team and Hart were searching for answers.

After reviewing the team from top to bottom, the GM earmarked the team's bullpen, long a source of trouble for the Cleveland teams of the mid to late 90s, for an overhaul. With a loaded team and prospects aplenty, Hart dealt away a young outfielder who had played in 102 games the previous year, hitting .266 with 16 homers in a part-time role. Brian Giles was a can't miss prospect that was trying to find a spot in a very crowded outfield that included: Manny Ramirez, Marquis Grissom, and David Justice.

Ricardo Rincon, a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates at the time, was a hard-throwing southpaw who dominated left-handed hitters, and who many scouts thought could be a closer down the road. Infatuated with hard-throwers and a lefty to boot, John Hart pulled the trigger on a deal that sent OF Brian Giles to the Pirates for the reliever. Pigeon-holed as a lefty specialist by managers Mike Hargrove and his successor Charlie Manuel, Ricardo Rincon never reached the potential he flashed in his two seasons prior to the trade with the Pirates. His ERA jumped a point and half from 3.91 in his last season with the Pirates to 4.43 in his first season with the Indians. Though he had 14 saves as a part-time closer for the Pirates in 1998, he would manage just two saves in his three and a half years with the Tribe.

Finally given a chance to play every day, Giles became what everybody in Cleveland thought he would: an excellent power-hitter and an above-average left-fielder. In his first three seasons in Pittsburgh, Giles averaged 37 home runs, with 111 RBIs and a .313 batting average. A two-time all star, Giles continues to be a serviceable outfielder and middle-of-the-order batter in San Diego. As for Rincon, well, at least he received the 1.9 million he was owed without having to be the mediocre lefty specialist in St. Louis that he became after 1998.

What the Hell Happened?

2007-01-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

Recently, I was thrown to the wolves and left for dead. Basically anyway. I graduated from Bates College (Lewiston, Maine) in May. Faced with the daunting task of entering the real world, I panicked. Why you ask? Well, where do I start?

In the hopes of providing a little commiseration to those experiencing similar post-college struggles, I offer you my story. First, let's start with the tumult that results from graduating college. In my case, an unceremonious 4 P.M. deadline to leave campus (six hours after graduation) marked my departure from a home I had known for four years. Not exactly blessed with foresight, I had few options: head home to Ohio or find any reason to remain in New England. I bought two weeks by volunteering to work reunion weekend. Faced with impending doom twelve days later, I once again beat back the specter of home. A French professor needed a catsitter through the end of June. Being the catlover that I am, I jumped at the chance, and called my parents with the unexpected news that they would not be seeing me or their car until July. Through June, I continued my dedicated job search in New England. However, with expenditures far greater than my income, things were getting a little harry.

Thankfully, I had the force of a B.A. in History and a French minor to power my search for employment. My email box was full and my cell phone was ringing off the hook with human resources people fighting to offer me jobs. I couldn't have asked for more, what with all the insurance sales positions beckoning. I even had a contract on the table as an independent contractor. The earning potential from June to August was tremendous, but I was unsure of the potential for advancement as an ice cream man.

Living off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Easy Mac, I was the poster child for post-graduate success, besides the whole lack of employment thing. Living off the fat of the land, my credit card, I traversed New England, visiting friends and basking in the afterglow of graduation. I earned it; I wrote a seventy-five page History thesis afterall (including the bibliography).

While contemplating my future as an Ameriprise financial advisor on June 26th, I received a call from Art and Jan in Ohio. My credit card bill had come home and they weren't pleased. They also informed me that they had bought a new car and that Big Red was all I was going to see in terms of help from them for awhile. So it was decided: with little money, a problematic credit card bill, and angry parents, I concluded that I would have to return home. The drive from Portland to Toledo is 857 miles, 730 of those miles spent on lonely I-90. The only company you find on that isolated stretch are the semi-trucks out of Syracuse and Utica making their way west towards Erie and Cleveland.

As I pulled into my driveway in Toledo, an overwhelming feeling of melancholy fell over me. Don't get me wrong: I was mildly proactive in the job search. But nevertheless two and a half months later, that luckless feeling had become full-blown depression. No job, no prospects besides temp work in a lifeless town, I spent most of my waking hours buried in self-pity. Then, the Toledo Storm came calling. Not really, a friend of my father facilitated a lunch meeting with the General Manager of Northwest Ohio's minor league hockey team. And so a few weeks later on October 2nd, I began my life as an Account Executive with the Toledo Storm.

To Be Continued...

Three Weeks and Counting...

2006-12-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

RECORD

Last Week: 8-8
Overall: 101 - 74

Week 15 has arrived and with it, despair or faint hope for football fans around the country. Fans in Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Carolina, whose teams are on life support for the 2006 playoffs, are already trying to calculate what needs to happen over the next three weeks for the teams to qualify for a wild card spot. Hope, coupled with anticipation abound for fans in Arizona, Tennessee, and Buffalo. Out of contention weeks ago for the 2006 season, optimism for the 2007 season has been bolstered by strong performances from each team over the last month. Strong play by rookie QBs Matt Leinart and Vince Young in Arizona and Tennessee has reinvigorated both franchises faithful, and instilled confidence in both team's front offices for their decisions in last April's draft. Then, you have other teams who offer only the offseason as a gift. It is a sort of reprieve from brutal week-to-week frustration. Fans in Detroit, Cleveland, and Oakland know of what I speak. Week 15 and not an ounce of excitement to be drummed up for fans in these respective cities. With that abbreviated look at fan perspectives for the 2006 and 2007 season, let's get to this week's games, shall we?

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - Seahawks

A young team on the road in primetime against last year's NFC champion who has a chance to clinch the division, I like the home team. The 49ers have really shown some fight this year but are realistically a year away from competing against the upper-echelon teams of the NFC on the road. We saw what happened to San Francisco in Chicago. It certainly won't be a repeat of that demolition but I suspect the Seahawks to win going away. I have in my mind right now an image of that stereotypical division-clinching game that isn't all that pretty to watch. And while seeing highlights of the game, you realize the newly-crowned division champion are going to have their hands full in the playoffs. Something along those lines.

Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons - Cowboys

Despite the poor performance last week against New Orleans, the Cowboys remain one of the stronger teams in the mediocre NFC. The Falcons are a team meandering towards a final week disappointment in terms of a playoff spot. Inconsistent play on defense and poor execution on offense has doomed the 2006 Falcons and maybe, Jim Mora Jr. who has received anything but a vote of confidence from owner Arthur Blank.

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens - Ravens

The thing that is so amazing about the Browns is their inability to consistently compete week in and week out. Every third week, they assure their fans a pathetic performance. The Cardinals, Texans, and other teams are bad but nobody seems to perform as poorly as the Browns do once every several weeks or so. Thursday night in Pittsburgh was awful as was the Cincinnati game two weeks before that. It really is amazing that this team has any fans left.

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - Bills

I am really proud to take the Bills in this game. For most of my life, they have been my second favorite team. A team that plays outdoors in a city near the Lake Erie shore, they were also pretty good during my impressionable years, which made it easy to be a fan. Miami rarely plays well in Buffalo and the Bills have been playing well recently. I think Buffalo finds a way to win in a close, defensive struggle.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans - Jaguars

The Jeckyl and Hyde of the NFL travel to Tennessee where they meet the red hot Titans. This game is a tough one because the Jaguars have proved themselves adept at losing games at the most inopportune times. Besides that, the Titans have been playing inspired football for the last month. But I think the running attack of the Jaguars will wear down the Titan defense as Jacksonville escapes Tennessee with a hard-fought win.

Tampa Bay Bucs at Chicago Bears - Bears

So the Bears have pretty much hosted every rookie or second-year quarterback in the NFL this season at Soldier Field. Today, they get Bruce Gradkowski. On Saturday, a good friend of mine made quite a spirited case as to why the Bears should have my respect. But despite his best efforts, I just can't do it. Bears big over the Bucs in a boring one.

New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings - Vikings

A game between two teams that I don't like, this is a tough one because I think each team is capable of playing horrendously on any given occasion. I'll take the Vikings at home because the Metrodome is a tough place to win on the road. I am not sure that Pennington can win this game through the air. Although the Vikings have been susceptible through the air, I think they manage to control the clock and win this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers - Steelers

Some thought this a possible Super Bowl matchup at the beginning of the season. Both teams now find themselves essentially out of the playoff hunt. I thought about taking the Panthers but I heard rumors that Chris Weinke might be starting for Carolina. After much thought, I like the Steelers to win this game. Overall, they are playing much better than the Panthers much to my chagrin.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots - Patriots

The Texans have really dropped off my radar in terms of surprising teams. They haven't played as well as I thought they would down the stretch. New England will handle them with ease at Foxboro on Sunday. The Texans are kind of like the Browns in that they often get manhandled once a month or so.

Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints - Saints

The Redskins travel to New Orleans where they meet the Drew Brees-led Saints. It is amazing the hype a good week gets you in the NFL. Following his five touchdown game against the Cowboys last week, ESPN commentators are clamoring for Brees to receive MVP consideration over Ladainian Tomlinson. Let's be serious. Anyway, it will be a close vote. I am not done with this whole gushing after players after one good week. Everybody this week was debating who the rookie of the year should be after fantastic weeks by Maurice Jones-Drew and Devin Hester of Jacksonville and Chicago respectively. I found that irritating.

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers - Packers

It's hard to drum up any interest in this game. Now, imagine if Brett Favre wasn't playing in this game with a shot at some of Dan Marino's passing records. Just imagine. I am not sure this game would even be mentioned in pre-game shows or receive highlights on Sportscenter on Sunday night. That's how meaningless this game is at Lambeau Field today. Unless you're a Favre or Lion fan.

St. Louis Rams at Oakland Raiders - Rams

Wow, and I thought the previous game was bad. Strike that. Somebody should just tell the Raiders they don't have to play their final three games. It would avoid some injuries and perhaps, embarrassment. This game will be superbly awful as the Raiders have a good enough defense to keep this game low-scoring. As a result, two teams that are playing out the string won't score very many points. I wonder what commentating team received the privilege of calling this game.

Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals - Cardinals

I know what you are thinking...why on Earth would he take the Cards? Well, I am starting Matt Leinart ahead of Eli Manning in fantasy football this week despite the solid Bronco defenes. It's a high risk/reward play. I am desperate and Eli isn't going to get it done against the Philly defense. Maybe, Arizona's talented receiving corps can get behind the Broncos secondary for some big plays. I know that I am reaching here. But with a record as good as mine, you can afford to lose one here and there. Right? And what if for some odd reason, the Cardinals win?

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants - Giants

I wish I could go back to the beginning of the season when Eli Manning and the Giants had my complete confidence. After the last two months, they are a soap opera that I don't care to watch. For me, the game rests on the play of the quarterbacks. Manning managed last week's game in Carolina well and the Eagles have Jeff Garcia. Garcia is a hot-headed, brash quarterback who is good for a couple of mistakes a game. The most shocking stat about his play in recent weeks is that he is yet to throw a pick. That changes Sunday. Give me the Giants and call it one final grasp on my part for the innocent days of September.

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers - Chargers

So the big news this week about this contest was the comment by LT that the Chiefs disrespected the Chargers, badmouthing them following their win last month at Arrowhead. Hmm, that was the last time the Chargers lost. San Diego has to find a reason to motivate themselves for this game following last week's division-clinching win. Although they are still playing for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. For that, I like the Chargers to win a physical game. Essentially, Larry Johnson versus Ladainian Tomlinson. I take LT because the Chargers have a better defense.

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts - Colts

Yeah, the Colts got hammered last week in Jacksonville. This week, they are at home and know they need a win to keep pace with the Chargers and Ravens in the race for homefield in the AFC. I feel like the Bengals are a younger version of the Colts two or three years back. And when teacher meets student, I like the teacher in the first couple of contests. Carson Palmer is certainly the student to the teacher, Peyton Manning. So I take the Colts in a high-scoring affair. I am not 100% convinced that it will be a track meet but scoring will be plentiful. Anyway, Colts win by a field goal 34-31.

Week 14: Any Answers this Week?

2006-12-07T13:47:00.000-05:00

RECORD
Last Week: 7-9
Overall: 93 - 66

Just when you thought that this year couldn't get any stranger, it did. The Panthers and Giants again managed to prove their ineptitude losing late against the Eagles and Cowboys respectively. Jeff Garcia kept the Eagles faint playoff hopes alive with a spectacular game, throwing for 312 yards and three touchdowns. The Jets surprised me with their effort in Lambeau, but I still think you can't consider them a serious playoff contender. And how about the Tennessee Titans? So before this season, there had been four field goals in NFL history of sixty plus yards. In the last ten weeks, there have been two sixty plus yards to win games in the final seconds. A crazy season that just keeps getting more and more bizarre. I offer you my abridged rundown of the games this week.

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers

This game is one of the more difficult that I have been faced with in recent weeks. I can't help but believe in the Browns. It would be so fitting for them to find a way to win this game behind the play of likely starter, Derek Anderson. Charlie Frye remains questionable with a severely bruised wrist and if he can't go, Anderson will make his first NFL start. The second year QB out of Oregon State stepped in for Frye last Sunday and rallied the Browns to a dramatic 31-28 victory over the Chiefs. However, it will be a much different atmosphere under the lights at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh Thursday night.

Oakland Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals - Bengals

This game looks like a mismatch on paper. I think the score might bear a striking resemblance to the paper.

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans - Titans

The Titans have been amazing recently going 5-2 over the last seven weeks. Vince Young seems to be turning the corner and suddenly, Jeff Fisher is the most underrated head coach in the league. With their remaining schedule, finishing with a five hundred record is not inconceivable. Who would have believed that after five consecutive losses to start the season?

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins - Patriots

Well, the Dolphins finally came back to Earth last week with their showing against the Jaguars. Those tricky Jaguars keep finding ways to hurt my record. I should go and take a look at what my record is in games involving the Jaguars. That actually would be quite a little experiment. Anyway, the Patriots continue to win in very underwhelming fashion. They squeak by the Lions last week in the fourth quarter? Unimpressive. But I like them here and they have played well in Miami in recent years. I could see an overtime touchdown pass from Brady to Troy Smith like the one two or three years ago. 19-13 Pats.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions - Vikings

Does anybody have any idea which week the Vikings are most likely to show up ready to play? Although, you can't really blame them for losing to a better team last week at Soldier Field. However, they certainly had their opportunities to make that game interesting. What a horrendous game fans were treated to last week between the Vikes and Bears last week. Seven interceptions combined between the starting quarterbacks? This matchup has boring written all over it. The Lions are certainly capable of winning this game but I will stick with the favorites...if they are indeed favored.

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins - Redskins

I know it sounds crazy but I like Washington in this game. I am not sold on Garcia whatsoever and I think Ladell Betts will find running room against the Eagles defense. If there is any discernible trend this season, it is a letdown by playoff hopefuls the week after a big win.

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs - Ravens

Here is a game that the Ravens will steal. Whenever people get down on the Ravens and their offense, Steve McNair does just enough to restore the faith, inspiring pundits to fawn over Baltimore as dark-horse Super Bowl contenders.

New York Giants at Carolina Panthers - Panthers

To write off a team like the Giants is a risky proposition. However, their incompetence last week was mind-boggling. They steal the momentum away from Dallas with a brilliant scoring drive, seemingly sending the game to overtime. Then, their defense gets caught flat-footed and gives up a huge pass play to the Cowboy tight end, Jason Witten. What a disaster this team is. Although, not much more can be said for the Panthers. It is a battle of the two most inconsistent teams in the NFC. Which team will hand the other the game at the last possible second? I think the Giants can manage that operation.

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars - Colts

The Colts seem to have the Jaguars number. Indianapolis has major defensive issues and are most certainly vulnerable against the Jaguars rushing attack. But Peyton Manning will find a way to win this game and clinch the division. And let's be honest, last week aside, the Jaguars have not given many reasons with their play recently to produce speculation about this game.

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Bucs - Falcons

The Falcons win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. But really, who cares? This contest has uninteresting stamped on it.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers - 49ers

This game is the matchup of the week...ten years ago.

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals - Seahawks

The Seahawks are returning to their 2005 form. They seem like the only team capable of being called a Super Bowl team out of the NFC. I am sorry but I won't consider a team whose QB throws for 34 yards and three interceptions. That is embarrassing. When will we see Brian Griese in Chicago?

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets - Jets

Two teams that could be decent in 2007 play in December 2006. Why you ask? Because these two teams play twice a year, believe it or not.

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers - Chargers

Remember a few weeks back when this game was for the division. My, how the Broncos have fallen. I had to remind myself to put in the Chargers defense in fantasy football against the Jay Cutler-led Broncos.

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys - Cowboys

The Cowboys may be the best team in the NFC right now. What a name Tony Romo has made himself in less than two months? Simply amazing.

Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams - Bears

Rams are done. Bears continue to stumble towards the number one seed in the NFC with a disastrous quarterback situation. I don't think the Bears realize how much trouble they are in. Ohh well, they will find out in mid-January.

Week 13: The Battle for Playoff Spots Begin

2006-11-30T13:31:00.000-05:00

RECORD
Week 12: 12 - 4
Overall: 86 -57

Two weeks ago following a devastating loss in which his team blew a 21 point lead, Bengals WR Chad Johnson challenged his team to overcome the adversity of losing four out of five games. He, and his team have responded emphatically with a two game winning streak coming into tonight's key divisional game with the Baltimore Ravens. In his last three games, Johnson has 573 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Following a crushing loss in which the Giants blew a 21 point lead in the fourth quarter, Michael Strahan issued a similar proclamation this week. More particularly, he questioned the effort of WR Plaxico Burress who failed to make a real attempt at preventing an interception against the Titans on Sunday. Strahan has missed the last three games, all losses, and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's showdown with the Cowboys. Like the Bengals, at home against the division-leader, the Giants must win this week. If Strahan can go, it would bolster a pass rush that was unable to seal a victory during the fourth quarter against Tennessee, enabling Vince Young to rally the Titans. In a broader scope. we'll see if either of these two teams can take a definitive step towards the playoffs in Week 13.

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - Bengals

So I am back on board with this squad. But unlike the fools who seem to think Cincinnati's defense is suddenly dominant based on last week's performance turned in against the woeful Browns, I like the Bengals tonight based on their offense. In particular, the passing game is clicking right now. Three and a half weeks ago, I took the Bengals in Baltimore based on their big play capability. I am sticking with that reasoning here because the Ravens defense remains susceptible to the vertical passing game of the Bengals, especially when Cincinnati goes with their three receiver formations. Billick is bound to lose sometime, right?

Detroit Lions at New England Patriots - Patriots

The Lions may have reached a new low on Thanksgiving, losing to the Dolphins who were led by former Lions first-round pick, QB Joey Harrington. It gets even worse for the Lions who were ripped this week by the national media for their mean-spirited introduction of Harrington during pre-game warmups. So Matt Millen, how exactly do you still have your job? Without dragging politics into this column, I will just say that the relationship between Matt Millen and William Clay Ford Jr. must be something comparable to that of Donald Rumsfeld and President George Bush. There might be more to this actually. Millen and Rumsfeld came on the scene eleven days apart in January 2001. One down, the other has to fall soon. There is a limit to how much poor leadership a team or country can endure.

New York Jets at Green Bay Packers - Packers

For the last few minutes, I have been trying to justify picking the Jets in this game because they are statistically the better team. I then remembered they lost to the Browns. So that cinched it for me. Packers it is. Green Bay played a whale of a half against the Seahawks. Let's see if they can play like that for a full game this week. The thing about the 2006 Jets is that they don't really have a strength. It's amazing really; they are rated in the bottom half of the league in Rushing, Passing, and Total Offense and Defense. How does this team have a winning record? For getting six Ws in eleven weeks when most thought this team would contend for the first pick in the 2007 draft, Head Coach Eric Mangini deserves consideration for Coach of the Year.

Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns - Chiefs

Here is something humorous for you: Peter King picked the Browns to beat the Chiefs. I can tell you a million reasons why the Browns will lose this game. However, I will give you just one: I will be unable to view this game as I am traveling to New York City this weekend. The rest of this preview was going to be dedicated to John Tait, the Chiefs offensive lineman who ended up with the ball during the last play, the second to last play I should say, in the Dwayne Rudd game. However, he now plays for Chicago. So I'll just make this wish: here is hoping that somewhere in a plush living room on Sunday, Dwayne Rudd is forced to see his bone-headed play over and over and over again. Ohh by the way, you might have heard that the Browns laid an egg last Sunday and suddenly, the team appears undisciplined, disinterested, and HORRENDOUS.

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans - Colts

What a job Jeff Fisher does year after year with the Titans. No matter the situation, whether a lack of talent or besieged by injuries, he always gets maximum effort from his team. The Titans refusal to quit against the Giants and stunning fourth quarter comeback ought to be reason enough for Owner Bud Adams to bring Fisher back for a twelvth season. This week, the Colts come to town, which presents a difficult task for Tennessee. However, they surprised everybody in Week 5 with a gutsy effort against the Colts, losing 14-13 on a late fourth quarter touchdown drive engineered by Peyton Manning. It will be close but c'mon.

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams - Rams

The Rams finally rewarded my faith in them with a hard-fought victory over the 49ers last week. The Cardinals put forth a heck of an effort in the Metrodome last week in a 31-26 loss to the Vikings. I like the Rams to win this game because the Cardinals have one victory this season for a reason. However, I think it means something when I can honestly say that I think the Cardinals have more reasons for optimism than Cleveland. Matt Leinart is playing better of late, which is in direct relation to an offensive line that has allowed just two sacks in the last three games. A side note: I have finally given up on the Rams ever trying to get the ball downfield to Torry Holt who I traded for Texans WR Andre Johnson. Talk about desperate but Scott Linehan has built the Rams offensive scheme around Stephen Jackson, not the down-field ability of the St. Louis receivers.

Atlanta Falcons at Washington Redskins - Falcons

Do you really think we have heard the last of the Falcons? The beauty of the NFL in recent years is the fact that you can count on fifteen teams still being mathematically alive for a playoff spot in Week 17. Mark my words. In the NFC, teams like Green Bay won't be eliminated until Week 16. The Falcons will find a way to rally around Michael Vick and put together a decent defensive effort against Jason Campbell who is making his third straight start for the Redskins. The entire NFC is a great snapshot of parity at its finest. Yeah, the Bears are good and the Seahawks and Cowboys are pretty good but is anyone 100% confident in picking any from this trio to win each week? This week is a great example. Looking at trends, the Cowboys should take care of the Giants, but really? And the Bears hosting the Vikings? I could see 5 turnovers from Grossman and a Minnesota W. Seattle at Denver who is starting a rookie QB? Last time I checked, Denver was the favorite! There you go...

San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints - Saints

Although I picked the Rams last week, I was a bit disappointed to see the 49ers lose last week on the road in St. Louis. I think this team is close to turning the corner. Although, maybe Mike Nolan is the next Butch Davis. Davis always got the most out of his teams when they were young and impressionable but proved unable to manage expectations or figure out how to take the next step. The 49ers will need a momentous effort from their defense to steal this game from the Saints. With Carolina's loss last week in Washington, they have once again exhibited their penchant for mediocrity. They have opened the door for the Saints to regain control of the division and I am not sure the Saints will relinquish the division lead again.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears - Bears

The Bears will go as far as Rex Grossman takes them. The Vikings have a very solid rush defense but their secondary is pretty ordinary. Grossman's receivers (Berrian, Muhammed, et al.) will find open spaces and I suspect the Bears QB will turn in a steady performance. The Vikings offense lacks the potential for the big play and the Bears aren't a team that gives up many sustained drives. Chester Taylor will be hard pressed to duplicate the 136 yards he put up last week versus the Cardinals.

San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills - Chargers

For the first time in as long as I can remember, I wished for CBS to cut coverage of the Browns game against the Bengals. And for a split second, my wish was granted. With a minute left in the Jaguars/Bills game, the game suddenly appeared as David Garrard scrambled to the Bills eight yard line. A split second later, I was watching Chuck Frye throw another incomplete pass. Long story short, the Bills played well against a playoff-caliber team in Jacksonville, pulling the upset on a last second field goal. Rumor has it that during their current two game winning streak, J.P. Losman has played pretty well. Didn't somebody say the same thing about Michael Vick after those two games against the Bengals and Steelers? We'll see how he holds up against the Chargers who will have Shawne Merriman back following his four game suspension for steroids. Tough break, J.P.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins - Dolphins

The Dolphins continue to justify why I picked them as my second half team to watch. But more importantly, the Jaguars continue to show the inconsistency that will ensure an interesting final week of the season in the AFC. I swear Denver and Jacksonville are determined to keep every five win team hanging around in the conference. The only difference I see between Jacksonville and Carolina right now is the fact that the Panthers still have a chance at the NFC South division crown. But each team's inability to win on the road against bottom-feeders in the league is astonishing. Neither team had any business losing against Washington and Buffalo last week who had a combined record of 7-13 before last Sunday. Two of my four losses came as a result of those games so you can understand my bitterness.

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders - Raiders

Well, this game and the Texans meeting with the Browns at the end of the season could go a long way in determining who will have the number 1 pick next April. The Texans have surprised me a little in back to back losses against New York and Buffalo the last two weeks. I thought they were really starting to put things together and I was thinking of somewhere around six to seven wins. That now seems out of reach. I know that picking the Raiders is a bold statement but they are playing hard for Art Shell of late. Tough losses against Kansas City and San Diego show that the team hasn't quit on him. Perhaps, they manage to win this weekend at home.

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants - Giants

So last week, I predicted that New York would rebound from all the adversity with a win against Tennessee. Well, they were close. Unfortunately, they blew a 21 point lead in the fourth quarter. It was a monumental collapse and this week, more adversity faces the Giants. DE Michael Strahan called out Plaxico Burress, and followed that up by berating a reporter when asked about his comments. To put it bluntly, the team is a mess. Some are saying that the team has lost confidence in Head Coach Tom Coughlin. Well, I don't know if Tom Coughlin has anything to do with Eli Manning's struggles but the team has looked flat at crucial times the last few weeks. With their season on the line against the archrival Cowboys, I have a hunch the Giants will bring their A game. If Eli can regain his composure and let the game come to him, the Giants offensive weapons will start producing. Shockey, Barber, and Burress have been quiet the past few weeks. At least on the field. What about the Cowboys you ask? Dallas is playing well right but they haven't played a close game recently. I don't like their kicking situation and I like it even less now with Mike Vanderjagt gone. On top of that, this season has been filled to the brim with drama and I expect a loss at New York to continue that trend. They have to lose just to maintain the unpredictable nature the team seems to enjoy. And then they will win the division. Follow me?

Tampa Bay Bucs at Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers

And to think, the Browns could have been the ones to extinguish the playoff aspirations of the Steelers. I wonder if the Bucs have peaked and are now just waiting for the season to end. It wouldn't surprise me. They got off to a rough start from which they were never really able to recover. For the Steelers, I am curious to see how they perform now that the team is officially done. Will the veteran team pack it in as they are used to playing for something in December? What about Bill Cowher's future? I think how the team plays will give us a good idea on the approach Bill Cowher is taking towards the long-term future. Will the team coast to the finish as he retires to North Carolina with his family? We'll have to wait and see.

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos - Broncos

With ten days to prepare for the Seattle, I can't imagine Mike Shanahan having a game plan that won't produce some point on offense. I imagine he'll will renew his commitment to the running game in an attempt to protect Jay Cutler. Cutler, the first rounder out of Vanderbilt, will be making his first career start in place of the ineffective Jake Plummer. This is a big decision for the Broncos as they hold a tenuous grip on one of the two wild card spots in the AFC. Seattle, on a short week after their win on Monday night, will have a difficult time of it in boistrous Mile High. The Seahawks are just getting healthy again with Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander, showing flashes of their 2005 forms against the Packers. But I am going with the Broncos in this one. Rookie QBS have had a surprising amount of success this year and perhaps, Cutler will continue the trend.

Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles - Panthers

The Eagles present me with a difficult challenge the rest of the year: by starting Jeff Garcia, I am not sure I can pick them the rest of the season. He is that bad. Did you watch him Sunday night? I said it here last week that he can't throw the ball more than fifteen yards. I guess completing 19-23 swing passes is impressive. Jake Delhomme has not played up to par this season. But if he can just turn it on the next six weeks, Carolina fans will quickly forget about his struggles. This is a team that will only go as far as their quarterback. He must find a way to cut down on turnovers and do a better job of getting the ball to their receiving threats: Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Smith.

NOTE: Though this article has posted after the start of the Raven/Bengal game, you needn't worry because my picks have been uninfluenced. Let's be honest here, the games on NFL Network can be seen in what, 40 million homes? If I were the NFL, I would be concerned because they are alienating a large number of fans with this line in the sand they have taken with broadcasting companies. Needless to say, I wish I could watch the Baltimore/Cincinnati game right now...So there are my picks for Week 13.

Week 12 Picks (continued)

2006-11-26T01:35:00.000-05:00

RECORD
Week 11: 10 - 6
Overall: 74 - 53

You can't help but feel good on a Saturday evening, making your predictions for Sunday's games with three games already in the win column. Miami, Dallas, and Kansas City all delivered for me on Thursday. An important point of clarification in regards to the Thanksgiving football article. While our cable provider does offer the NFL Network, the deal does not include the airing of Thursday night games. So Browns/Steelers in 12 days may not be on in my house. My father and I continue to debate the pros and cons of DirectTV. Anyway, to sum it all up, add two more to the thousands of disgruntled fans who are upset with the NFL for putting games on their obscure and overpriced channel. Another issue I am struggling with tonight has to do with that wonderful word game, Boggle. Despite being dedicated to the daily crossword puzzles, I struggled mightily tonight in seven games of Boggle. I was defeated by my opponent 84 to 38. Mind-boggling. Anyway, I am feeling much better about this week's picks. I think I have finally emerged from that midseason funk I experienced for several weeks.

San Francisco 49ers at St Louis Rams - Rams

Here are two teams going in opposite directions. The Rams have lost five straight while the 49ers evened their record at 5-5 with an upset win last week against the division-leading Seahawks. The 49er defense has been playing incredibly well, giving up just ten points a game during their current three game winning streak. Despite evidence to the contrary, I can't help but think we haven't heard the last of the Rams just yet. Their offensive line is struggling but Bulger continues to perform well. Their defense is cause for concern and must stop San Francisco's Frank Gore to have any chance in this game. I like the Rams offense to get back on track as St. Louis triumphs late in this, a must-win game.

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons - Saints

I, like most football analysts, see and are quick to point out the Saints shortcomings. It is in style at the moment to abandon the New Orleans bandwagon, which many football pundits enjoyed riding during the first half of the season. However, I think this team, in spite of their weaknesses, has a ton of character. Veterans Deuce McAllister, Joe Horn, and Drew Brees will continue to lead this team to gritty victories in the second half of the season. This is one of those games. The Falcons have major issues and though this is a must-win and at home for Atlanta, I still like New Orleans in this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens - Steelers

First off, I can't stand either of these teams. Watching the Browns/Steelers game last week was devastating as usual. Another late collapse by the team that I profess to love. Anyway, I like the chances of Pittsburgh stealing this game. Their defense should be able to control the Baltimore offense, which has been playing well in recent weeks. But C'mon, this is the Ravens we are talking about. I can't help but think that Ben Roethlisberger will turn the ball over a couple of times. But Matt Stover field goals are not going to win it for the Ravens. For that reason, I like the Steelers to win a close, hard-fought contest.

Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins - Panthers

It was nice to see Jason Campbell play well in his first career start last week for the Redskins against Tampa Bay. I think the Redskins will finish the season the way Tampa played initially after rookie Bruce Gradkowski took over for injured QB Chris Simms. There will be some surprising wins but inconsistency and poor outings will be the norm. This game is too important for Carolina to lose. The rest of the season though will be a struggle for me with Carolina. I don't have as strong a feeling about them as I did earlier in the year. If you asked me five or six weeks ago if I liked Carolina in the divisional round in the playoffs over Chicago at Soldier Field, I wouldn't have hesitated with my affirmation. I am not so sure anymore. Their offense needs to start clicking a little better, especially on third down for me to like their chances in the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns - Bengals

The Bengals have established themselves as a weekly troublemaker to my predictions. I tried to ride them out during their slump. After watching them against Baltimore four weeks back, I finally had my fill. So I gave up on them. I was concerned with the matchup last week against New Orleans but I figured Drew Brees could handle their defense. He did throw for 510 yards but three costly interceptions helped the Bengals pull the upset. The Browns continue to break my heart, week after week, year after year. I just don't see how they can bottle up all the offensive weapons the Bengals boast. Whether it's Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson, or T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Cincinnati's offense will have a good day in Cleveland. But maybe just maybe, the Browns will do something to ease the pain of fans still feeling last week's loss against Pittsburgh.

Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings - Vikings

Typical Vikings. They provide a decent impersonation of the Wayne Fontes-era Detroit Lions. You can pretty much peg them at 8-8 every season with an outside shot at the playoffs in week 17 with a win and losses by two other teams. Their strength of schedule or talent level doesn't really matter, it's just who they are. They find a way to get back on track against the hapless Cardinals although Matt Leinart's performance last week made me a very happy person. If this game was played in Arizona, I am taking the Cards but in the Metrodome, Minnesota gets it done.

Houston Texans at New York Jets - Jets

This year, there certainly is a chasm between the good teams and the average ones. I think all the upsets this season are a result of teams playing down to their opponents. I am using this principle to explain away New York's victory over the Patriots two weeks ago. The Jets fall in the mediocre column. I was disappointed in the Texans for dropping a winnable game at home against Buffalo. I thought they were interested in a mildly successful season. Now a Top 5 pick in the 2007 NFL draft looks to be a certainty. A shame to be sure. New York wins a boring game at the Meadowlands.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills - Jaguars

Jacksonville is such an easy team to pick each week. They have a great defense, balanced offense, and are well-coached. But for some reason, once every two to three weeks, they lay an egg. I could see that happening this week but I think the weather forecast is a good omen for Jacksonville. Unseasonably warm temperatures are predicted, which seem too fortuitous for the Jaguars to let this one slip away. As long as David Garrard doesn't throw four interceptions like he did two weeks ago against the Texans, they win.

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers - Chargers

Ladainian Tomlinson is kind of good. And the Broncos have fallen apart, leaving the Chargers with a pretty solid handle on the AFC West. The Raiders offense showed a spark last week with Aaron Brooks back at quarterback in place of Andrew Walter. And NO sacks allowed, a first for the Raiders offensive line this season. I am not sure that momentum, if you want to call it that, will carry over to San Diego. It is interesting to note that usually, this is the time of year when you start to get a feeling about certain teams and their chances at winning the Super Bowl. Well...I don't have any idea who I like in either conference. I don't possess any confidence in the Chargers with Phil Rivers at QB and more importantly, Marty Schottenheimer calling the shots. No matter for now, they win Sunday against Oakland.

New York Giants at Tennessee Titans - Giants

The Titans are a tempting proposition this week. The Giants have been decimated by injuries and Eli Manning has looked terrible in recent weeks. In times of crisis, which the Giants currently find themselves, I take a look at the coach in trying to predict how the team will respond. Tom Coughlin is a good football coach. Having responded to and overcome adversity all season, I can't help but feel the Giants rebound against Tennessee this week after an ugly loss last week in Jacksonville on Monday night. Don't let me down Eli, you're back in my fantasy starting lineup.

Chicago Bears at New England Patriots - Patriots

Here is the game of the week. You have to like the odds that Bill Belichick will produce a defensive scheme that will bewilder the young Bear QB, Rex Grossman. He hasn't looked brilliant in several weeks, to put it nicely. Tom Brady has been prone to turnovers this season as opposed to past years. The Pats also haven't played well at home against good teams this season (see Denver and Indianapolis games). To be honest, I am taking the Patriots because I spent four years going to school in New England, watching Tom Brady guide his team to win after win over seemingly better teams. He hasn't been able to do it this year, but I am going to go with his track record in this case. The Patriots get just enough points on offense and the defense shuts down Grossman and the Bears for the win.

Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts - Colts

My old friend, Jazzy Jeff makes his return to the starting lineup of an NFL team. With Donovan McNabb out for the season after a devastating knee injury last week against the Titans, Jeff Garcia takes the helm for the Eagles. They are in trouble. Jazzy Jeff is good for a couple of things: happy feet, forcing the football into tight spots, and regularly spouting off under the guise of being a competitor. Unfortunately, he can't throw a fifteen yard out pattern. Watch him, he can't. Needless to say, I like the Colts. Coming off a loss in Dallas last week, I think the Colts are going to have to adjust to the blueprint teams are using to beat them. Despite their all world QB Peyton Manning, the defense is susceptible to a physical running game. They must address this issue if they want to contend for the Super Bowl.

Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks - Seahawks

That was some shootout between the Packers and Patriots last week. I am glad we got excited about that matchup between Tom Brady and Brett Favre. For people who had to watch it and weren't Patriot fans, I heard words like "brutal" and "awful" in describing the experience. I bet it was pretty similar to the Patriots/Browns game of December 2004. Lucky Luke McCown showed that he could throw the ball a long way in that game, but that was about all the entertainment that could be mustered in that game. I think the final was 42-15. Something like that. Ohh yeah, the Seahawks get back Matt Hasselbeck for this one as they look to rebound from a disappointing loss to San Francisco last week. This game should offer him the opportunity to ease back into form. Brett Favre will play as his streak of starts will remain intact. That is about the only good news for the Packers.

Football and Thanksgiving

2006-11-22T15:35:00.000-05:00

I could write some contrived article about the tradition of Thanksgiving football. But I am not feeling so nostalgic. We have three games on tomorrow, yeah that's right, three games. Now you are probably thinking, "No Nate, that can't be right, only Detroit and Dallas host games on Thanksgiving." Well, if you don't have a premium cable package, your Thanksgiving routine will not be altered. I am one of the fortunate, depending on how excited you get about the Broncos/Chiefs matchup, that will be able to view the aforementioned game, which will be aired on the NFL Network. The station will broadcast another seven games through the end of the season but some seventy million people will not see these contests because of stalled negotiations between the network and cable providers, most notably TimeWarner. The Browns rematch with the Steelers happens to be one of these contests, which is why this Thanksgiving, I am most thankful for my father's cable package.

Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions - Dolphins

I normally try to pick the Lions on Thanksgiving when they are only slight underdogs. However, Detroit remains as unpredictable as ever. And maybe you recall that the Dolphins are my team of the second half. They made me look good again last week, squeaking out a victory against Minnesota. Despite a new franchise low of negative three yards rushing, Miami once again found a way to win with big plays on defense. I foresee Miami's front seven led by Jason Taylor, who is playing as well as Julius Peppers was earlier this season, stifling the Detroit offense and Joey Harrington, making enough plays in his return to Ford Field to secure another Miami win.

Tampa Bay Bucs at Dallas Cowboys - Cowboys

I am disgusted that I was so unsurprised by the Dallas victory last week over the Colts. I should have been bold enough to pick them. I went with safe picks in an attempt to get my record back over .500. Enough with excuses, Tony Romo has provided a spark to the entire Cowboy team. Now tied with the Giants for first in the NFC East at 6-4, the Cowboys seem poised to pass the slumping New York squad. Dallas is just starting to hit their stride and could really make some noise in a wide open NFC behind Chicago. Besides Chicago who is 9-1, the Cowboys, Giants, Seahawks, Saints, and Panthers all find themselves with the second best record in the conference at 6-4. Talk about mediocre. Right now, I think Dallas is in a great position to separate themselves out of that group.

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - Chiefs

So was anybody else as shocked as I was that Denver blew a 17-point second half lead against the Chargers last Sunday night? Another thing, Jake Plummer looked completely inept during the second half. There was a three play sequence that bordered on horrific in terms of execution. But more pointedly, the play calling seemed conservative, perhaps a sign that Mike Shanahan has lost confidence in Jake the Snake. Against Oakland, Kansas City found a way to win late but the game hardly inspires me to heap superlatives on the Chiefs. Trent Green, in his first game back since Week 1, managed the game but will need to play much better this week. However, he is not the reason I am taking K.C., no, Larry Johnson is the reason for me. Denver's defense has shown itself susceptible in recent weeks to a balanced attack and Larry Johnson is a double threat who can take a screen pass to the house as easily as he can a run.