The Crystal Ball Week 14

Originally Posted on Quick Thoughts on December 6, 2006.

I thought long and hard about what I wrote last week, with me coming down so hard on my team and their coach. I even spoke to a few others, big Steelers fans themselves, about it. Some said the team needed it, other said they could never write bad things about the team. I was conflicted, but ultimately, it was not so much for them, but for me. I felt it cathartic to get all of those negative feelings out about the team. Sure they stink this year, but that does not change how much I like them. They stunk in 2003, but I still dug watching the Tommy Maddox air show. And even each year they lost the AFC championship game, I always came back the next season, believing that this year will be the year. It finally paid off last year, didn’t it? See, it always pays to believe. Plus, who knows. Maybe a few of the players are blog addicts, found this one and got inspired. Now that is a pipe dream.

I watched my DVD of the 2005 season again recently, remembering all the good times from last year, all the good feelings and all the joy it brought to Steeler fans everywhere. Before the season I put the DVDs away, I did not want to look back with another season here. I wanted to focus on a new season, a new chance and new opportunities, not old memories. But with this season winding down, and no great memories coming from it, I wanted to be inspired, to remember why I was a fan, and why I continue to watch through so much thin rather than thick. And as I watched, I remembered. Because that one time when everything comes together just right, and the team rolls right to the top, all those years of dashed hopes and short seasons seem to melt away with that one glorious moment when your team is on top. You can say, yes, that is my team, and they are number one, all others are number two or lower. And it feels great. I can only imagine how good it must feel to be a part of it. Perhaps one day I may know, but in the meantime, I will take comfort in the joy of being a fan, and remember those good times when doubts creep in when it seems that they cannot win a game or even get a first down.

But this week, well, what do you know, a certain team won a certain game. My Steelers finally showed some of that heart I knew was in there, yet began to doubt. Why cannot they play like that every week? It was not flashy or overly exciting, but they did what they had to do. They were efficient, methodical and physical. The offensive line had the exact opposite game from the previous week; they were strong, punishing and kept Ben in business. The running game was not spectacular, but it did enough to get the job done. It was nothing anyone would write home about except for one, important fact, it was a win, and that is all I wanted and ever want. Brady can have his GQ covers and Peyton can have his records, I just want wins, and this week those Steelers gave me one, and I thank them kindly.

Tampa Bay cheaped out with a lame field goal as time expired to avoid the shut out. A very bush league move by Gruden, and he knows it too. I hope that after the season, the Bucs management sees that game for what it was and shows Gruden that it should have been a shut out, and he played for the meaningless points. Gruden has shown he may be more over rated than previously thought. He has led this team, after winning the Super Bowl in 2002, to one winning season, completely dismantled a winner and has done nothing but complained relentlessly about it. He has been setting the bar low all season by complaining about their schedule since it was first revealed, and he and the team have lived up to those low expectations. His worst complaint, and one of the dumbest complaints I have ever heard, is he commented that it was poor management by the Buccaneers for spending 8 million dollars and four draft picks, two first rounders and two second rounders, to acquire him from Oakland. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. I know he is trying to shift blame and make excuses so he can remain employed, but that may be going too far. The big bosses do not want excuses, they want wins. And while they will tolerate a certain level of ineptness and excuses, they certainly will not when that finger of blame is being pointed at them. Now, his point was that it is hard to keep a team loaded with talent with diminished resources, and it is correct. But the point of acquiring him was to lead the team, no matter the personnel, to a winning record and ultimately a championship. What people tend to forget with Gruden is he left Oakland probably knowing that the Raiders went as far as they could and was about to start sinking soon. And I think he was probably more surprised than most that they faced each other in the Super Bowl. And he won that Super Bowl with Tony Dungy’s team, not John Gruden’s. Once Gruden started putting his stamp on the team, it fell apart and fast. Now, they are mired in losing, and he is just trying to shift the blame away from where it belongs, squarely on his shoulders.

Anyway, Pittsburgh has a short week this week, and that could be detrimental to having a healthy roster against the Browns. Injuries to Cedrick Wilson and Ryan Clark could hurt, and since Cowher has already listed them as out for Thursday night, here is hoping they can get healthy for Carolina on the 17th. At least the team does not have to travel, with the game being played in Pittsburgh. But they finally made a few things happen off the field too. Willie Reid had his season come to an end by being placed on injured reserve, allowing them to re-sign receiver Lee Mays. And they also did something about the never used Duce Staley, cutting the back to create roster space. In his place they signed Chidi Iwuoma, whom they should have never cut in the first place. Iwuoma will be a help in the depleted secondary, as well as bring a spark to the special team units. Hopefully, this will plug some holes until a few guys get better.

Now a few other things, but not many, since I want to get right to the games this week.

Who in their right mind would want to play the Tennessee Titans right now? They have won 5 of their last 6 games, and Vince Young is blowing up all previous expectations. As a starter, he is 5-4, and if this was an NFC team, I would say they would have playoff aspirations. This is one of the most dangerous teams right now in the NFL. Part of me just KNEW I should have picked them over the Colts. Ahhhh, shoulda coulda woulda.

I guess the Jay Cutler era did not get off to the banner start for which Shanahan was hoping. I cannot say I am totally surprised, since throwing a rookie quarterback into the line up against a quality team late in the season in primetime is not necessarily the best way to win games. Sure, his potential is much higher than Plummer’s, but does he have what it takes to win now? From what I saw, he is not yet ready. Shamefully, the best pass I saw all night was the flick pass that Plummer tossed to Elam on the fake kick attempt. And by the way, that was a stupid move. Why would you risk unnecessary injury to your kicker with a pointless play like that? I wonder if Shanahan’s brain has frozen over.

How far will the Giants fall? At least they did not look pathetic last week, Dallas just looked better. But in a must win division game, that was not a good performance. If they have any hope of making it to the playoffs, they need to play much better than that. On the other side of the field, how happy did Parcells look over his choice to sign Gramatica? He looked like Ralphie after he opened up the Red Rider.

And speaking of the NFC, how lame is this conference? Do you realize there are only 4 teams in the entire conference with a winning record? 4. that is just sad. And 4 teams are tied for the 2 wild card spots with identical 6-6 records. I know there is still a quarter of the season left, but that is kind of pathetic. I see another AFC Super Bowl winner this year.

Bob Costas is the idiot of the week. The team was interviewing Chad Johnson on Football Night in America, during halftime of the Sunday night game. Bob asked him about Saints head coach Sean Payton getting Chad tickets to the Bengals/Saints game for some friends and family. Payton had said he got him the tickets no problem, but he was still waiting to be paid for them. Costas found this to be an amusing little story, and throws it to Chad, wanting to know if he will pay Payton. First, what kind of question is that? It seemed odd to me and to be implying Johnson is some sort of cheapskate who welches on his debts. Second, Chad responded that of course he would pay the coach, and Costas did not hear his response, since he was still babbling away, and then there was dead air, during which Costas makes some remark about silence from the normally talkative Chad Johnson. Chad reiterates his response, and the interview wraps up. Afterwards, Costas makes another stupid comment saying he hopes Chad will pay or something of the sort, completely ignoring the fact that Johnson answered that he would repay Payton TWICE. Collinsworth was going to win, since first he asked a stupid question of why Chad, who is normally so gregarious and outgoing, has been so serious of late. Meanwhile, while he was asking the question he had this dopey grin on his face. You know why Cris, because his team is fighting to make the playoffs, and if Chad has shown us one thing, other than his excellent play, is that he is a team first guy and will always try to push the team more than promote himself. His team needs him at the top of his game and concentrating on reeling off wins, not coming up with celebrations. Chad knows this and is working hard to make it happen, and has been delivering. What a dumb question. Scratch that, they are both idiots

SI’s sportsman of the year for 2006 was selected, and Dwayne Wade was their choice. I read through the reactions of readers to the choice. Some were in agreement, some in disagreement, and some were downright venomous against the choice. I have no issues with the choice of Wade as the Sportsman of the year. He is a good choice, a great player who has shown he can improve his game when the stakes are at the highest. Many of the other candidates mentioned, Steve Nash, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Tony Dungy, Jim Leyland, the Detroit Tigers, Drew Brees and the entire Saints team, all would have been equally compelling choices. However, I would like to put forth a choice that has been overlooked, mostly because his sporting days are over.

Jerome Bettis would have been an excellent choice for sportsman of the year. His greatest contributions were overlooked, since most of them happened after the 2005 sportsman was selected. At the start of Pittsburgh's run, he put the team on his back and gave them his last 100 yard game. After that, he was the on field role player he had become and the off the field leader he always had been. Part tank, part teacher, part cheerleader, part general and part mentor, he became the rallying point for a team and a city on a mission. His presence alone helped spur an entire team to reach greater heights. His mere absence this year has shown all of us how much he is truly missed in that locker room.

Plus, part of being a sportsman is not merely your on the field accomplishments, but also your off the field achievements. Bettis has been a fixture in the NFL, Pittsburgh and all over with his various charity work, including his the Bus Stops Here Foundation, which has been reaching out and helping underprivileged children since 1997.

He is a man who came from humble beginnings, and never forgot those who helped him achieve all that he has in life. He never let those who said he could not make it get him down. He knew he would be something. For these reasons and many more, I would have used my vote, if given one, to select Jerome Bettis.

I would like to send out my condolences to Jerome and the entire Bettis family on the loss of their patriarch, Johnnie. The elder Bettis passed away, leaving an unfillable void in many lives. I hope you find some peace Jerome, and know that we are thinking of you.

Also, here is hoping Al Wilson has a full recovery after a frightening collision with a teammate during the Broncos/Seahawks game on Sunday night. Football is a violent game, and for all the pounding and hits these men take and deliver, it is a testament to their training and conditioning that serious injuries like Wilson’s are as rare as they are. Because of that, we sometimes forget that these men have a very dangerous profession and risk their lives on each play. But it is not until we see a scary injury like Wilson’s that we are reminded of how dangerous it really is on that field.

See, this is why I never pick Oakland. The one time I do it, and see where it gets me? Creamed, that’s where. Stupid Raiders. Besides that, I got KILLED this week.

Last Week: 8-8
Season to Date: 109-83

That is nothing to be proud of, or even impressed by. How about we start this week out right?


Thursday

Cleveland at Pittsburgh

The champs back in primetime, in a game only Cleveland or Pittsburgh fans will want to watch! Looks like the NFL Network is not getting the exciting games they had hoped for in order to force Time Warner and Comcast to put them in their cable packages. Oh well, maybe next year. This should be a good one, though, since both are coming off wins and Pittsburgh will be playing for their infinitesimally small playoff hopes. Plus, Cleveland will be feeling their oats after topping KC last week and desperately wants to breaks Pittsburgh’s current 6 game winning streak against them. Yeah, the champs are reeling a bit this season, but not this week.

Pittsburgh over Cleveland


Sunday

Atlanta at Tampa Bay

Is there life in Atlanta? Maybe, but I think Vick and his passing last week is more the exception than the rule. Until I see him doing stuff like that every week, I am not buying into him being the next great evolution in quarterbacks. Vince Young looks more like the next evolution than Vick. But Tampa Bay really sucks this year, and someone has to win.

Atlanta over Tampa Bay


Baltimore at Kansas City

How bad did the Ravens offense look against the Bengals? Horrid, which is how they looked for years until this year. Their defense did well, holding the high powered Bengals to 13 points, but suffered the same fate their defense always has, a great defensive performance submarined by a lousy offensive showing. But was this an aberration, or a sign of things to come, that is the real question. Meanwhile, in a must win game for the edge in the wild card race, Kansas City crapped the bed and blew a game they were winning handily in Cleveland. So, we have two teams fighting for the playoffs and positioning, and both come up short. Who goes the extra mile this week? Baltimore has had an extra few days off to tweak things, and more importantly, watch KC and see exactly how the Browns pulled off the upset. Yes, the game is in Kansas City, but for some reason, I do not think, for once, that will make all that big of a difference.

Baltimore over Kansas City


Indianapolis at Jacksonville

Jacksonville managed to keep its playoff hopes, no matter how slim, alive with a win over the Dolphins. The Colts lost on a last second 60 yard field goal, although they had trouble with the Titans and their running game all day long. However, they have not locked anything up yet, and I do not see them letting off the gas just yet. Nor do I see them losing two in a row.

Indianapolis over Jacksonville


Minnesota at Detroit

Will anyone be watching this game? Other than team owners and maybe a few people around Detroit who find themselves out and about on a Sunday afternoon and bored to tears for something to do. I doubt it. Detroit blew a totally winnable game last week in New England. Will they do it again at home against a sinking Viking team? Well, here is hoping they play against form.

Detroit over Minnesota


New England at Miami

I thought this might be an intriguing match up, until Miami reverted to form last weekend against Jacksonville. If they had won, I might have picked them this week, since they would be fighting for a playoff spot. Since they did not, I have trouble seeing them beating a rolling Patriots team eyeing a chance at a first round bye.

New England over Miami


N.Y. Giants at Carolina

So which team to go with, the Panthers who have zero consistency, or the Giants who are reeling after 4 straight losses? Tough call indeed. You know what? Let’s go out on a limb with this one. I have a feeling that the Giants are gonna break out of that slump this week. And if I am wrong, I can blame it on indigestion.

N.Y. Giants over Carolina


Oakland at Cincinnati

Cincinnati is coming on strong, fighting to get a playoff spot, and possibly even catch Baltimore in the division, if they get a few breaks. Plus, in case you just joined us, allow me to reiterate something. I will never pick Oakland again this season. Taking that knowledge in hand, who do you think?

Cincinnati over Oakland


Philadelphia at Washington

So, the Eagles have not given up yet on the season? Damn good for them they play in the NFC; they may be able to make a playoff season of this yet. After an impressive win against Carolina, now they take on a division foe in the Redskins. Washington has been maddeningly inconsistent and underachieving all season. Last week, they could not even hold a lead at home against the also maddeningly inconsistent Falcons. The Eagles have their backs against the wall, and are fighting. The Redskins, they just seem to be looking forward to some time off.

Philadelphia over Washington


Tennessee at Houston

At the beginning of the season, this looked like a stinker game. It still does, but with an opportunity to see the electrifying Vince Young and the steamrolling Titans. I know the Texans probably feel pretty good with a win last week, but I doubt it will last long. There is a big difference between beating Oakland and beating Indianapolis.

Tennessee over Houston


Green Bay at San Francisco

San Francisco seems to be on the upswing, with some impressive wins and tough play all season. Although after getting spanked by the Saints, they realize they have a long way yet to go. This week, however, Frank Gore will have a field day with the Green Bay defense, since it still has a long way to go as well. Although I think A.J. Hawk will be the keystone of that defense for years to come. Unfortunately, Brett still tries to do things he can no longer do, and until he realizes that and stops taking too many crazy chances, they will not go far.

San Francisco over Green Bay


Seattle at Arizona

Is it just me, or does Hasselbeck look not quite right in the pocket? He just seems like he is not back in the groove of things. Perhaps after some more game time, he will be alright, but if I were a Seahawks fan, I would be hoping that time comes sooner rather than later. Arizona is looking like some lucky dogs for getting Leinart in the draft, but if they do not get him a decent offensive line in the off season, games like last week will be few and far between.

Seattle over Arizona


Buffalo at N.Y. Jets

Buffalo is playing some tough football, against some very tough opponents. If they stay on course, I do not think it will be long before we start seeing the Bills again at the top of the AFC East. The problem right now is they do not have all the weapons they need, and the jury is still out on whether or not Losman is the answer at quarterback. The Jets, well, they just keep finding new ways to win, and are fighting their way into the playoff picture. They are not done yet, and may decide the picture one way or another before this season is over.

N.Y. Jets over Buffalo


Denver at San Diego

I feel bad for Jay Cutler. He has the potential to be a really good quarterback. Who knows, maybe in two or three years, hardly anyone will even remember his first game as a pro. But what a hellacious way to start a career, having to face the NFC champions in your first game followed by one of the toughest and hottest teams in the AFC the next. I doubt those rookie jitters are going to get any better once Steroid Boy, I mean Shawne Merriman, comes charging across that line. Denver may be letting their season slip away before their very eyes. I bet Tomlinson tacks on a few more touchdowns too, just for good measure.

San Diego over Denver


New Orleans at Dallas

Now this is a great match up for Sunday Night. Dallas is rolling with Tony Romo under center, and looks as though they have finally found a permanent replacement for Troy Aikman. The Saints are in uncharted territory, leading their division and on target for a playoff spot and perhaps even a first round bye. So who wins this game? Who has more on the line? Who has more desire to win? Me? I am picking the team with the sublime seventh round wide receiver, and not the one with the overpaid, over hyped wide receiver that leads the league in dropped passes.

New Orleans over Dallas


Monday

Chicago at St. Louis

What is the story with Rex Grossman? This guy looked like the 1985 Jim McMahon to start the season, now he looks like an end of his career collecting a ring backing up Brett Favre Jim McMahon. If he does not find his groove, this could hurt them come playoff time. But for now, their defense and special teams are keeping them on top. St. Louis has obviously given up on their season, and players are publicly calling each other out as quitting on the team and infighting are tearing them apart. I cannot with any confidence to pick them, even at home.

Chicago over St. Louis