The Crystal Ball Week 17

Originally Posted on Quick Thoughts on December 29, 2006.


I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I surely did, spending the day with family, opening gifts and stuffing my face like a fool. The payback will come next week when I have to work harder to take off the holiday weight, but hey, that is part of the fun, right? I sure hope so. As we head toward the close of the year, we are also heading for the end of something else, a much sadder end.

This is the last week of the season. There are only 16 regular season games remaining, and then all but 12 teams will go home until next year. Like most fans, I am one of one of the teams going home; I know this is the week to cherish every play. It is the last you will see from your team for 7 long months, until training camp starts anew in July. Look back fondly of the memories of the previous season. Did they go all the way? No, but they gave you some good times, a few things to cheer about, possibly some hope. And in the competitive, and parity ridden world of the NFL, that is all that one can hope for each season. For some teams, it is nothing more than a conclusion to another season of mediocrity. For others, it will be a painful conclusion, when hopes of a post season were dashed. A lucky few will find themselves preparing to play next week. It will be a wild, raucous weekend where it will be difficult to say goodbye to the season for many, and a time for hope for a few.

Unfortunately for me and the girlfriend, Pittsburgh did not come through for us in our inaugural trip to Heinz Field. The fat man obviously did not have a win for me in his bag of gifts. They were creamed, again, by Baltimore 31-7. It was sad to watch the season end there at home, knowing that to keep their already thin playoff hopes alive how desperately they needed to win. It was the last stumble in a season full of them. Sure, at times they showed life, heart and the tenacity and ferociousness that made them the Super Bowl champions. But overall, it was one stumble after another all season for the champs. They got a taste of what it is like to be on top, and how much more difficult it is to defend a title than it is to win one. Hopefully these are lessons they will take with them into the off season, as they watch from the comforts of their homes others compete to take the mantle of Super Bowl champions. Hopefully, that sting will set in and drive them next year. Hopefully, since they are a great team and I would hate for them to short change themselves. They have the tools and talent to reel off a few more championships, and I would love to see another one.

Now, despite the outcome of the game, we had a great time. The stadium is even more beautiful in person than it is on TV. It is situated right on the river with outstanding views of all three rivers, Point Park, the Incline and downtown Pittsburgh. The views alone and the architectural beauty of the stadium itself are enough of a reason to go. I may take a side trip to Pittsburgh this summer to take in a Pirates game and wander around the field again. It was that beautiful. Once we were inside, the experience intensified tenfold. We took in all the sites and smells Heinz Field had to offer. We ate burgers and brats, wandered around the concourse, checked out our seats and even watched a few players begin their pre game warm ups. We drank hot chocolate to keep warm and toasty. Now, it was not too cold comparatively, but being spoiled by warm California weather will cause you to lose your cold weather conditioning. We wandered the Great Hall, looking at all the memorabilia of Steelers great. We trundled through the Walk of Fame, where they have lockers of all the Steelers past hall of famers and greats. I knew Pittsburgh had quite a few hall of fame members, but it was stunning to see them all together honored by their former team. It was a great trip down memory lane. Most importantly, I saw in person all five Super Bowl trophies. I took pictures of each and every one. Stood in front of each of them and marveled at the work, dedication and sacrifice that was put forth by so many men to bring these trophies to Pittsburgh. I got my picture taken with two of them, the first one that started it all, and was won the season I was born, and the last one, that I saw happen before my very eyes.

We watched the stadium fill over the two hour time period before kickoff. The gates were stormed by the Black and Gold faithful, ready to cheer their team to greatness once again. The stands filled as game time approached, each person ripe with excitement. The walkways and standing room only areas teemed with fans giddy with anticipation for a little pay back. The stands rocked as the captains moved to mid field for the coin toss, and exploded once Pittsburgh won the toss and elected to receive. The masses vibrated with anticipation as the teams took the field, readying themselves for the battle ahead. A sea of Black and Gold consumed each person, merging them into a single being, roaring at the opponents and cheering the home team in the same instant. The wind swirled as the seconds ticked down to kickoff, aided by thousands upon thousands of towels waving in the air their terrible power to smite the intruders. The whole scene reached its fevered pitch, the moment was here, and with one last window shattering howl, the faithful poured out all their joy, hopes, dreams, happiness and frustrations into the air in one cacophonous roar as the ball sailed into the air, marking the beginning of the contest. I watched the whole scene unfold, at the same time both in awe of the proceedings around me and as much a part of the pandemonium as everyone else in attendance. The moment produced goose bumps that were not caused by the chill in the air. My hair stood on end and chills of excitement ran up and down my spine. The moment was electric and it was one of the few times in your life you feel the excitement of being a part of something larger than yourself. It was one of the times where if you looked upon something rationally, you would think of those participating as foolish or childish. But if you let yourself go, fall into the moment and let yourself roll with the tide, it is one of the most exciting and exhilarating moments you can have. I only wish the moment was not so fleeting, and that there were more during the course of the game. Alas, that was not to be. There was one other moment in the game that matched the kickoff, and that was during the sequence when Pittsburgh intercepted the ball and then marched down the short field for their only score right before halftime. I felt that excitement then as well, when the faithful, feeling as though things were slipping away and beginning to mourn the lost season, saw one small spark of hope, and rallied around it. They paused momentarily the thoughts of next year, and allowed themselves, even if briefly, to rush back to the moment with the force of a tidal wave, enveloping everything within the confines of the stadium in a roar of joy and approval. They allowed hope back in and focused the power of it back to the field, pushing it out to wash over the combatants they call their team. The roar of the faithful reverberated off of the stadium and rolled out, consuming the rivers and the city. For one last moment, they still had hope, still had the dream of being champions again, still had hope of being on top. As anyone who watched the second half of the game knows, that moment did not last. But it was exhilarating, and I am sure there will be times when it will last. Personally, I cannot wait to do it again.

In other Steeler news, Cowher said a decision concerning his future with the team could come as early as next week. This tells me that not only has he made up his mind, he is not staying. I know I could be wrong, but I do not think so. He knows that with the season ending, his assistants, mostly Whisenhunt and Grimm, will be courted by teams looking for a new leader. He does not want either of them to miss a chance to coach the Steelers. Plus, I think he is just ready for a change. There is a small part of me that thinks he will stay, that he does not want to end his time in Pittsburgh on a sour note or a sour season. But that is a very small part of me. I believe we will see Cowher’s last game on Sunday. I hope they give him a win to ride on into the sunset.

This week, I am an idiot. Seriously, what was I thinking picking Dallas, when Philly obviously has that look about them, TO has been rendered moot by his own stupidity AND there is a new Rocky movie in theaters? Either I hit my head or I was too distracted by going to the game.

Well, I suppose the other 31 teams in the league did something of consequence last week. The Jets are still fighting hard for a playoff spot, and the Eagles are making a run at an unexpected division title. But we can cover anything of consequence in the picks. Besides, there are not that many people playing for much during the last week of the season.

So, not only did I get knocked down by watching the Steelers lose at home, I got killed in poll as well. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Last Week: 8-8
Season to Date: 139-101

At t his point, I am five points out of a money spot in the poll. I still have a chance, but it looks thin. Having a bad week at this stage really hurt my chances, of course that does not include following the Steelers blindly nor having a few other bad weeks this season. Perhaps I am like Pittsburgh as well this season. However, I still have an outside chance, so let’s throw the Hail Mary and see what happens.

Saturday

N.Y. Giants at Washington

New York has something to play for, with their post season hopes hinging on a win and a little help. However, they have taken the inspiration of Tiki’s last season and flushed it away long ago with petty bickering and infighting, and the unfortunate bad luck of ill timed injuries. This is one of those games where they will stink up the place, and the Redskins will play just good enough to start the much improved talk for next season. Plus, it puts a capper on the crappy slate of games shown by the NFL Network. If they keep this up next season, this experiment will fail faster than the USFL.

Washington over N.Y. Giants


Sunday New Years Eve

Carolina at New Orleans

Carolina has Delhomme back for the season finale in New Orleans. Will it make a difference? Nope. I’ve seen too many quarterbacks in their return from injury stink up the joint in their first game back. New Orleans does not really have anything to play for at this point, with their post season locked up, but I think they will want to give the people of New Orleans a season ending gift.

New Orleans over Carolina


Cleveland at Houston

Woof. There really isn’t much to say about this game. There are not many games left on the schedules that have zero impact, but this is one of them. Since only the people of Cleveland and maybe 25 people in Houston will give a crap, let’s not linger on this one.

Houston over Cleveland


Detroit at Dallas

I really cannot see Detroit putting up much of a fight, and Dallas desperately needs the win, especially after losing to Philadelphia last week. Hopefully, for the sake of the good people of Detroit, Matt Millen’s tenure as GM will soon be over. I mentioned before how I would fix the team, and if the Ford family is still interested, I am still available.

Dallas over Detroit


Jacksonville at Kansas City

I think the only thing that will help the Jags this week is the suit, and Del Rio already wore his suit the allowed two times. KC is still holding on to some faint playoff hopes, and the atmosphere in Arrowhead will reflect this situation. Plus, since Herm Edwards is working on running Larry Johnson into the ground, their pass offense will have lots of room to work. KC will win, but miss the playoffs. Enjoy the game Chiefs fans, this is as close to the post season as you will get, I hate to say.

Kansas City over Jacksonville


New England at Tennessee

That Vince Young train is fun to ride, isn’t it? Always thrilling, sometimes unpredictable, but always roars into the station ahead. The Patriots have little to play for, are already banged up and need to try to get somewhat healthy for the playoffs. Not that it will help, since I do not see them going far relying solely on Tom Brady to save the day. But that is a discussion for next week. This week, Tennessee will be playing to make an unexpected trip to the playoffs, and Vince will once again get the job done.

Tennessee over New England


Oakland at N.Y. Jets

Speaking of playing for an unexpected playoff spot, allow me to introduce the New York Jets! Eric Mangini has really done a number with this group, pushing them further and putting them in a position to continue their season that at the beginning of the year, no one thought was possible. They have been a group of overachievers who never quit, and could be scary come post season time. Oakland, well, what is there really to say at this point? Hopefully, the NFL will just get it over with and disband them due to the cruelty that they inflict upon the viewing public. Hmmm, maybe they could just swap them out with the Rhein Fire or a semi-pro team. It could not be worse.

N.Y. Jets over Oakland


Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Ok, so the short lived flicker of hope has been rudely snuffed out. Yes, the dream is over, there will be no post season, no magical run to the championship, and no real title defense. But, there is one thing they can still do this season, one task left that will not only bring up their record to .500, but also exact some nice revenge. They should have beaten Cincinnati earlier this year, no doubt about it. But they gave the game away, and ultimately it cost them dearly. But now, they can cream the Bengals, and send them packing for home, or a halfway house or just the local lock up, whichever they prefer. They knocked them out of the playoffs last year, time to do it again.

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati


Seattle at Tampa Bay

Seattle backed into the playoffs on losses rather than wins. I do not see them staying there long. But this week? I do not know. Tampa Bay has played pretty well of late, going into overtime against the Bears, and pounding on Cleveland. Seattle has looked like garbage lately, even with Alexander and Hasselbeck back from injury. Tampa is playing for a small bit of pride, Seattle, to try to turn things around before the first round and not become one of the worst division champions in history at 8-8.

Seattle over Tampa Bay


St. Louis at Minnesota

Another crappy game between two crappy teams who will do nothing but take up three hours of someone’s time on Sunday. I really cannot see which team is worse. The Rams have the firepower, but never seem to be able to use it. Minnesota obviously has a long way to go if Green Bay can hold them to 7 measly points. Usually, I go with the home team, but I think Childress has more work ahead of him to do until I can feel good about the team. Plus, there is an outside chance the Rams could make it to the wild card round as cannon fodder.

St. Louis over Minnesota


Arizona at San Diego

Yeah, like anyone thinks Arizona will do anything against the San Diego back ups. Everyone, just watch and enjoy the last time we see San Diego dominant, since Rivers and Shottenheimer will likely choke somewhere in the playoffs. I am guessing it will be in the same game. Probably the conference championship, but perhaps the divisionals. We will just have to wait and see. And for those Arizona fans, sit back and enjoy Denny Green’s last game, and cross your fingers they get an offensive line and a better coach in the off season.

San Diego over Arizona


Atlanta at Philadelphia

Speaking of future coaching changes, allow me to introduce the Atlanta Falcons! Does anyone really feel secure in thinking that Jim Mora will be roaming the Falcon sideline next season? Neither do I. But, the team is sorely underperforming, and considering the money invested in Vick, I doubt Arthur Blank is going to side with the coach. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is rolling, overcoming key injuries and playing like a team on fire. After giving this for just a slight amount of thought, which I did not last week, there is no way I can pick against them for two reasons. One, if they win, they win the division; and if that is not motivation, I have no idea what could be motivation. And two, Rocky is back in theaters, and Invincible is out on DVD. With these two Philly underdogs everywhere, who can stop the underdog Eagles?

Philadelphia over Atlanta


Buffalo at Baltimore

I was toying with taking Buffalo, since they have been playing well, and Baltimore has nothing more to prove. But a few things keep bugging me. One, they are in Baltimore, and that cannot be easy for anyone. Two, Buffalo could not take care of Tennessee, a lesser team compared to Baltimore, last week at home. And three, Baltimore had no real reason to win last week, but they still hammered a 7-7 team. It seems too easy to pick the Ravens, but there are many good reasons for that.

Baltimore over Buffalo


Miami at Indianapolis

Indianapolis still has a crappy run defense, a mediocre running game and looks much weaker than they have in the past few years. However, they are going up against Miami, who has benched Joey Harrington in favor of Cleo Lemon. Personally, I am not taking Cleo Lemon on the road, even if he ends up facing Jim Sorgi for most of the game.

Indianapolis over Miami


San Francisco at Denver

Well, perhaps the switch to Cutler may have been the right call after all. He seems to be getting his feet under him. But I am not sold yet. He did well against a determined Bungles team last week, so perhaps there is hope. However, going hard after the 49ers could be a nice last chance warm up before the playoffs.

Denver over San Francisco


Green Bay at Chicago

Da Bears have wrapped everything up, and have no reason to do anything but make it to the playoffs healthy. Green Bay, however, has everything to play for. The list is long; a chance to finish at .500 which is a 4 game improvement over last year; A chance to showcase their young talent, with a chance for more next year and possibly attract an influx of veteran talent; an opportunity to make the playoffs; and of course, the possibility of the last time Favre suits up for the Pack. Now, typically I try to avoid the nonsense of is this the last year for Brett or not. I think it distracts from the team, from his accomplishments and is usually nothing more than nonsensical white noise. But, this could be it. And if it is, you know he will go out with both barrels, and that could give him the edge. I hate to go against Da Bears, but this could be the upset of the day.

Green Bay over Chicago