The Crystal Ball 2007 Week 4

Overreaction. That is the word of the week. And it reared its ugly head with a vengeance.

There was much pontificating that the Giants, Eagles and several other winless teams saved their season by posting their first win last week. No, for most it was merely just postponing the inevitable. Those teams still have same problems that caused them to drop to 0-2 after two weeks; they just managed to overcome them this week.

Coupled with that were the cries for quarterbacks heads on a platter. Now, the good people of Chicago have reason to scream, since Rex Grossman has been, well, far from stellar. But screaming for Matt Leinart and Alex Smith to take a seat? Let’s hold up on the judgments for a moment. Leinart played poorly, but remember he is only in his second season. And if I recall, there was ample reason to start him ahead of Kurt Warner last year. As for Smith, well, the poor kid has yet to find consistency through his coaching, as he is already on his third offensive coordinator in three seasons. Peyton Manning has had one, his entire career. Think there might be something to working in the same system? Before we show Smith the bench, let’s also remember his team is 2-1, and their one loss came against one of the toughest defenses in the league.

On top of that, there is talk, after only three games, that the Patriots will go 16-0. I’m sorry, but they have only played one talented opponent thus far, and it’s questionable whether or not that opponent is even good. And if I checked their schedule correctly, they do have a few tough games coming up this season. Plus, you cannot discount a random team playing over their heads or injuries striking the Pats. So, let’s hold off this talk until December, shall we?

So to all who stand on the ledge screaming, stop, step back, take a deep breath and realize it’s just one week and one game. Chill pills all around, please.


Recap

There were no overtime games last week. I feel lost in a barren land. No extra football.

Ok, I have not been high on Green Bay, since they seem to have no real running game. But I guess you do not need one if you have Bionic Favre. Seriously, he either has bionic implants, or has the fountain of youth tucked away down in Kiln.

Big props go out to the Bills for holding the greatest team of all time to only 3 points through most of the first half. Once Posluszny was hurt, though, their last shred of defense went with him.

So New England has scored 38 points in each of their first three games. Big whoop. If they’re so great, how come it’s only 38, especially considering the level of competition?

Did it take the embarrassment of the uniforms to wake the Eagles up? If so, slate those for the rest of the season.

Was it just me or did those atrocious things look like baby puke? Just me? Think NFL Shop will stock them? No? Let’s just move on.

So that was the McNabb everyone was crowing about. Yeah, he does look good. Perhaps it was the boos, or the flap about his comments on Inside the NFL, or thinking about Kevin Kolb taking his job. Whatever it was, McNabb played better mad. He is the secret TO; he needs the drama but doesn’t want anyone to know it.

Overheard in Lions headquarters on Monday: Wait, we need an offense AND a defense?

Nice Brett Favre impression from Kurt Warner.

The Texans put up a fight, even without Andre Johnson and losing Ahman Green. Could they be a real team?

Boy, Joseph Addai sure can get some air.

Hmmm, poor clock management, suspect play calling, listless performances, teammates fighting, and lifeless expressions. Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for your 2007 Art Shell Memorial Coaching Award winner, Mr. Norv Turner!

The Chargers have already equaled this season their total amount of losses from the 2006 regular season. Norv Turner is such an improvement over Marty Shottenheimer. How much do you want to bet Marty is experiencing a nice bit of schadenfreude?

I can almost guarantee it when he saw Tomlinson and Rivers arguing on the sidelines.

Lane Kiffin learns quickly. He garnered his first NFL victory, and disposed of the visiting Browns, in almost exactly the same fashion as Denver disposed of his Raiders the week before. A nice bit of serendipity for the young coach.

If you doubt the importance of special teams, please note this. Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Houston and the Jets all scored touchdowns on kickoff returns. Three of those four teams won the game. Coincidence, I think not.


Steelers 37 – 49ers 16

They looked fantastic. I know detractors will say they have yet to play anyone, but the 49ers are no slouch. And, they did exactly what a good team is supposed to do, beat teams of lesser talent or quality. Tomlin has created an effective and balanced attack for this team. I think it helps too that he has let LeBeau run rampant with the defense and allowed Arians freedom in his play calling. It shows, as they have outscored opponents 97-27 this season.

For his efforts, Tomlin has won the NFL coach of the week for the second time this season. Just thought I’d throw that out there for others to nibble on.

Fantastic job by Allen Rossum to kick start the game. Steeler fans had not seen a kickoff return touchdown in, oh, say five years.

Anyone see the non catch call on Vernon Davis in the third quarter? I think both teams got jobbed on that review.

Hines Ward got popped twice, hard. The second one I think knocked the smile off of his face. He has a sprained knee and leg bone bruise, and will not play this week. You know it must really be a bad injury if Hines doesn’t play.

Ok, I did not mind the crew in the booth, but I cannot stand Tony Siragusa. It’s bad enough to hear his oddly placed ramblings throughout the game, which provide zero knowledge insight or pleasure to the fan, but now to see him? They had a picture in picture during the game, with Goose written under him. The damn thing took up almost a quarter of the screen, showing the thrilling scene of Siragusa standing by a goal post watching the game and making asinine commentary. They left it up until a split second before the play, almost causing me to have an aneurysm. Why, why, why do the networks do this sort of crap? Here, I’ll clue you in now so we do not have to suffer this for the next 10 years. Siragusa will not, ever, be the next Art Donavon. You know, the funny, entertaining, gruff tell it like it is former defensive lineman with a wealth of stories. Will not happen, so let’s all just move on, please?

One credit to the announcing crew, they finally mentioned Jeff Reed’s picture from the Steelers 2007 media guide. I saw it during preseason, and almost did a spit take I laughed so hard. Kickers are a strange breed.

Willie Parker logged his third 100 yard game this season. He is so fast, especially when he turns the corner on an outside run. Fantasy owners rejoice as Parker leads the league in rushing with 368 yards.

My player of the game is Bryant McFadden. Sure, the interception return for a touchdown was nice. But for me he secured the honor by saving the ball from a touchback and pinning the 49ers deep on punt coverage. Great work.

Fun fact number 1: Big Ben is 11-1 against NFC teams for his career including playoffs.

Fun fact number 2: Since 1970, the winningest franchise in the NFL has been the Miami Dolphins. The second place team, and the one closing fast on that record, is the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are only nine games behind the Dolphins for the record. With the way the two teams are playing, that record could fall this season.

Fun fact number 3: Since 2000, the Steeler defense has allowed a total of 13 100 yard rushers.
Fun fact number 4: Jeff Reed leads the league in scoring with 37 points.

What I liked from Pittsburgh: Scoring from all three teams, offense, defense and special teams. Smothering defense and yet another big back stuffed for less than 100 yards. Players contributing in roles other than their usual ones, like Daniel Sepulveda on the hands team.

What I did not like from Pittsburgh: It’s getting harder to find stuff for this section. The slow start on the first drive of the game was bad, by both the offense and defense. Roethlisberger fumbling the ball away; I could stand to see less of that. The cheapo touchdown they allowed the 49ers in the fourth quarter. Although I really cannot complain about that, since it was only their 2 touchdown allowed in 32 opponent possessions this season.

Giants 24 – Redskins 17

Funny note I wrote during the first half: “Love Redskin Defense – Fast, tough and excellent corner coverage.”

Shame that defense did not come out for the second half.

What the deuce happened? The Redskin offense, which looked so good in the first half, suddenly could not make a first down. The offense almost seemed to be clamoring to get off the field, like it was cursed. No one could catch a pass, and the running game dried up faster than water in the desert. And after the Giants took the lead and things became desperate, they did a one step forward two steps back drive to end the game. I thought I was watching the Keystone Kops the last few minutes of the game.

On first down in the red zone, they get a holding penalty. They dig out of that hole to make it 4th and 3, and then get slapped with a false start, on the CENTER. How the hell does the center false start? They manage to convert, continue the drive and get to the Giants 3. Then on first down, they almost fumble the ball away. After a dropped pass and a sweep left to the one yard line, they face their final play of the game. Fourth and goal from the one, they run the exact same play they did on third down, in a hurry up offense even though there were 40 seconds on the clock and they had time to huddle and plan. The end result was a three yard loss to end the game. I will not pile on about their poor clock management, nor about their suspect play calling, lack of mental discipline or even their atrociously run hurry up offense. But I will pile on about the elephant in the room. If it is 4th down and you need one yard to get a touchdown, why is Clinton Portis on the bench? He is your feature back and your star. What possible explanation, other than injury, can you have to keep him sidelined when you need him the most? That last drive looked so bad with so many questionable decisions; I kept scanning the Redskins sideline thinking Art Shell had somehow replaced Joe Gibbs.

The Redskins were not all bad, though. Their throwback uniforms were quite nice, much better than the Eagles. Their defense did play well in the first half. And Portis had a great block in the first quarter to spring Campbell for 10 yards. Plus, Jason Campbell did look excellent in the first half. Now, if they can just figure out a way to get first downs in the third and fourth quarters, they’ll be ok.

And despite their second half performance, I still think the Giants could use a few more sets of reliable hands in their receiving corps. And I don’t care what anyone says, Plaxico Burress is not a top flight receiver. He’s too lackadaisical and hates contact.

Also one note for Eli, sometimes it is better to just take the sack.


Cowboys 34 – Bears 10

What a rough day for the Bears. The boos began mid second quarter, when there was still plenty of game left. You’d think the game was in Philly by their reaction.

The story of the night was Rex Grossman. The constant speculation of which Rex would show up, how he would perform, can he be the quarterback in Chicago. And Rex did nothing to help his cause. In the first quarter, he had tons of time and still managed to throw an interception. In the fourth quarter in desperation mode, he threw a horrible lollipop into triple coverage. He looked awful and confused. I think he has now officially supplanted Eli Manning for having the most overwhelmed and lost facial expressions in the NFL.

Andrea Kremer did not help perceptions of Rex by reporting his sideline habits, which include being away from the offense to collect his thoughts and review the previous drive. Yeah, that’s the kind of guy I want leading my team, the one who has habits of a disturbed loner. And by the way, did I really need to know this? Was there absolutely nothing better going on down there that Andrea could have reported on? What’s next, the water boy’s pregame setup? Perhaps we can learn about the groundskeepers Ipod play lists. Yikes.

Desperate for something, the Bears attempted a fake field goal in the second quarter. I can understand the need to try anything to jump start the offense, but this was poorly executed. The defense picked it up right away and almost killed Robbie Gould.

And the Bears problems continued as uber return specialist Devin Hester had three muffs and was stripped once. Has the shine rubbed off Hester’s star, or just too much work learning the offense?

By the fourth quarter, the crowd was loudly chanting for Brian Griese. Bears fans, I know Rex is awful, but is that really the solution? Remember, Griese was cut by THREE teams.

The Bears weren’t the only one with issues Sunday night, as the officiating was absolutely terrible. The officiating crew looked like obvious homers until the second half when they actually started calling penalties on the Bears. I started keeping track of them, until it made my head hurt and made Ed Hochuli mad. You never want to do that. Here is a nice sampling from the second quarter.

Called Cowboy TE Jason Witten for an illegal block in the back. Witten ran sideways into the side of the Bear defender, never touching his back.

Called Cowboy WR Terrell Owens for offensive pass interference. Call could have gone either way, and with the amount of contact between Owens and the DB, nothing should have been called.

Did not call Bears DB Charles Tillman for pass interference, even though it was painfully obvious.

Let the last two seconds of the half run out, without giving the ball back to the Cowboys.

Everyone has wondered who will compliment Owens in the receiving corps with Terry Glenn injured; well the answer is Sam Hurd. He laid a killer block on Adam Archuleta in the third quarter to spring Owens for additional yardage. Then Hurd followed that up the next play by burning Archuleta for a big catch. In Archuleta’s defense, he did break his wrist in the third quarter; perhaps that was affecting his concentration. I know it would affect mine.

I know it’s trite to say, especially since John said it about a million times, but Tony Romo does seem to be having fun. The only person I’ve seen smile more on a football field is Hines Ward.

And speaking of John and Romo, at one point he compared the Dallas quarterback to Brett Favre. Now, it is WAY early in Romo’s career to make that comparison, but I can see why he said it. But the more important issue is what would Brett say? Has he lost Madden’s love? Has the world gone mad?

Am I the only one, or did other people hear Al Michaels use the word goddamn in talking about Urlacher after he sacked Romo in the fourth quarter? I swear I heard it, but have yet to see it mentioned anywhere.

Why do John and Al always focus on offensive players, read quarterbacks running backs and receivers, when they pick players for the horse trailer? How about some love for the defense and offensive linemen? Romo did a great job, but he would not have done anything without the guys who keep the defense off his back or the guys who made that score stick. I’m just saying.


Titans 31 – Saints 14

I need to have this tattooed on my forehead so I do not forget. Vince Young wins football games, period. I know the team overall is not that good, but they are so much better because Young gives them a chance. Why do I keep ignoring this painfully obvious fact?

The Saints woes were compounded by losing Deuce McAllister for the season with a torn ACL, thrusting Reggie Bush into the starter role. This will not bode well, since it was painfully obvious that Bush does not like contact. I watched him duke and dodge and run out of bounds so many times to avoid the big hit, it made me want to run into him myself.

Marques Colston sure has some snazzy looking gloves. Where can I get a pair of those?

Titan fans almost had heart failure when they saw Kerry Collins taking the field at the end of the second quarter and Vince heading toward the locker room. There was speculation that Vince had injured his right wrist severely, but he merely was cramping up and needed fluids. Or so we were told.

Ok, before I go on, I must say I really like Ron Jaworski. Replacing Theismann with Jaws is like going from a Yugo to a Ferrari. But I noticed that even Ron can slip into those ridiculous stale statements that all broadcasters make. The Saints are driving at the end of the first half. They have looked terrible all night and need a score to stay in the game. Jaworski, who typically has extremely intelligent and knowledgeable commentary, states that this drive is critical for the Saints. Really Jaws, you think so? Come on Ron, you’re better than that.

By the end of the game, Sean Payton was pursing his lips so hard they completely disappeared.

Hey, ESPN, nice job with the complete lack of celebrity interview during the game. See, you CAN do a broadcast where the focus is on the game. Although they did not get off scot-free as we did have to endure a chat with Archie Manning. Seriously, is there no escape from the Manning family at this point? How soon until they control the world?

NFL, the alternative Universe

CameraGate, Beli-cheat, SpyGate, whatever you want to call it, I am now letting it go. There is nothing I can do to change it, nor is there any way to replay games that may have been influenced by Belichick’s actions. Heck, thanks to the thoroughness of the League, fans cannot even find out if there was cheating going on, since they destroyed all the evidence in less than two days after receiving the material from the Patriots. Fishy? You bet it is. However, I can still enjoy the smug satisfaction of questioning every victory by the Patriots over the last few years, including their Super Bowls, and bringing it up whenever I am face to face with a rather arrogant Boston fan, which is almost all of them. But other than that, nothing will really change. The NFL has seen to that with their quick sweeping under the rug of the scandal. Their particular assertion that there is nothing left to talk about without giving any real answers to the big questions, like did the Patriots cheat to get to or in the Super Bowl, makes myself and other wonder if perhaps there is something more to talk about.

But if the scandal does resemble Watergate, as more than a few commentators have compared it to and looks more likely with each passing week, then Gregg Easterbrook must be auditioning for the role of Bob Woodard. I encourage anyone with an interest in sports, cover ups, conspiracies or deception to read his article. It will definitely make you pause when watching games this weekend and wonder if perhaps the golden goose has been killed.

Of course, since they are cheaters, and more information could potentially come out, I reserve the right to resurrect this issue at any time. And considering how much I cannot stand the Pats, that’ll probably be as soon as next week.

In other crackdown news, the NFL has issued an edict stating that cheerleaders are no longer allowed to warm up near the opposing team sidelines, so as not to cause a distraction. And here I thought the league had more important matters to address. Glad they solved the Camera Gate issue, so important problems that could really impact the game like this could be addressed.

Fox Sports sure does love ex-Cowboys.

I have noticed a dangerous lack of Peyton Manning commercials of late. What is going on? Did Peyton not have enough time to shoot enough advertisements this year, due to his extended season and many appearances as a Super Bowl MVP? Is his price too high? Did Eli complain to Archie that Peyton was getting all the attention? Whatever the reason, it must be rectified before too many people start going into withdrawal.

Upon Further Review

After Denver and Oakland won games in consecutive weeks by a well placed timeout, people have been arguing that the rules need to be changed. I have read, and heard, more people pipe up about this than about how damaging Belichick’s cheating could be for the league. Honestly, with the amount of space wasted on this topic, you could fill an entire cable channel. I need to ask the question, why?

The crux of the issue is that many feel it is unfair and wrong for a coach to stand by the sideline judge, poised to call the timeout but waiting until the last possible second, almost assuring that the kicker will go through with the kick and potentially lose their edge or become thrown off by the killed play. It is said that the rule should change so the coach cannot call a time out with less than 10 seconds on the game clock or that the timeout must be signaled to the referee. But I do not see a problem with this at all.

Sure, it can kill you if you lose a game because your kicker shanks the second kick, but sometimes you benefit from it. Ask Oakland fans about that, since such timeout chicanery killed them in Week 2, but brought them the sweet taste of victory in Week 3.

Look, it may be a cheap way to win a game, but its still gamesmanship. Plus, it’s not like it is some secret only a few people know about. All the teams know this tactic, and at some point or another all have employed it. It’s not underhanded, dirty or some form of cheating. It’s just another way to win a game. And let’s not forget one important point. If the game comes down to the final seconds, and you lose on a field goal and complain because your kicker was iced, perhaps you should have played better for the other 59 plus minutes to avoid that situation.

Steelers Around the World

This week we head down under to fabulous Sydney Australia. Established in 1788, Sydney is home to 4.28 million Sydneysiders. Built around Port Jackson, Sydney is the financial and corporate center of Australia. The harbour city is also a popular tourist destination. Tourists come from all over the world to partake in Sydney’s beaches, parks, rivers and bays as well as their thriving arts and music scenes and cultural landmarks. Who could go to Australia without seeing the Sydney Opera House?

Sydney has a rich history in sports, with rugby and soccer being extremely popular amongst Aussies. In 2000, the city hosted the summer Olympics, building Telstra Stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies, the soccer final, track and field competitions and other events. It is here where we will play.

Telstra Stadium is a multi purpose stadium that can hold 83,500 screaming cheering sports fans when the field is in its rectangular form. In this remote land of beauty, the Steelers will take on the Miami Dolphins. Honestly, I have no particular reason, except I figure the Dolphins could use a change of scenery lately.

Idiot of the week

A favorite from last year has returned, with our award this week going to the immortal Joe Buck. During the Giants/Redskins game, Joe said Eli looked like Peyton during the game as he changed plays and protection at the line of scrimmage. He looked like Peyton so much I thought the Manning brothers had switched teams! By the way I was being sarcastic. There is no way you can confuse the two, even for an instant. Just because Eli has picked up Peyton’s habit of standing under center for 10 minutes pointing, waving and screaming it does not make him an elite quarterback like his brother. First, Peyton tends not to heave ho ducks into the secondary and hope for the best. Second, Peyton tends to complete passes with accurate throws to open receivers, as opposed to lucky shots into triple coverage. Third, Peyton can string together 4 good quarters, all in a row. Fourth, Peyton can step up and lead his team in moments of crisis and not look confused or constipated.

But for fun let’s see how the two compared on Sunday.

Eli – 21 of 36 for 232 yards, 1 touchdown and two interceptions.
Peyton – 20 of 29 for 273 yards, 1 touchdown and zero interceptions.

Its like they’re twins!

This alone may have garnered Joe the award, but he just could not stop himself. He also kept saying that a first down would depend on the spot of the ball. Really Joe? Wow, I would have never guessed that. I thought a first down was granted arbitrarily, depending upon the mood of the refs and which coach had given them the nicer gift basket before the game. Of course it depends on the spot of the ball you nimrod. Can we get a moratorium on games called by Buck, please?

Taking The Week Off

Week 4 begins the bye weeks. This only means one thing, less football games each week. Nothing but a sheer travesty.

Tennessee – Feeling pretty good at being 2-1, the Titans will spend their week fretting over Vince Young’s wrist and looking for a way to get Peyton Manning traded to the Bills.

New Orleans – If they have any hope, they’ll spend the week finding a way to improve or disguise their horrible secondary, fix a ridiculously broken offensive line, and for Pete’s sake, someone teach them how to tackle properly. They looked like jelly fish flailing in the surf against the Titans.

Washington – The Redskins will be bored and ready to play by Monday, since their defense started the bye week two quarters early.

Jacksonville – The Jags will spend the week walking around Jacksonville reminding the city they have an NFL team.


On Tap This Week

For sheer entertainment, make sure to watch the CBS pregame show this week. Dan Marino will be talking the entire time through gritted teeth now that Favre only needs one touchdown pass to claim the record outright. Marino in his rage might grab Mark Clayton and head back to Miami to reclaim the record from Favre, especially if Boomer Esiason needles him too much. Actually, that’s not a bad idea; the Dolphins could use the help and ticket sales.

As for the poll, check it out.

Last week 10-6
Season to date 30-18

I did not win the week, but I did well and kept myself in a good position for later in the season. Consistency is the key, folks. Write that down, there may be a test later.


Baltimore (2-1) at Cleveland (1-2)

Yes, I know. I had trouble taking the Ravens on the road against an AFC North opponent already this season. I think this time they’ll be better prepared.

Ravens over Browns


Chicago (1-2) at Detroit (2-1)

What happens when Detroit’s new offense goes against the Bears defense? Wait; remember this defense will be ticked off since Roy Williams called them out this week. What is with people running their mouths? Dumb move no matter how you look at it. Bears fans finally will get their wish to see Griese in action. Their offense will probably get a spark, but how long will it last? Remember, Griese is merely a band-aid, and a poor one at that.

Bears over Lions


Houston (2-1) at Atlanta (0-3)

Sorry, I can’t go against Matt Schaub when he has a chance to remind Falcon fans, and more importantly Arthur Blank, what they could be watching as opposed to the Joey Harrington debacle.

Texans over Falcons


Oakland (1-2) at Miami (0-3)

Last week, I cheered when the Raider blocked the Browns field goal attempt. I have showered all week and I still feel so very dirty. Joey Porter, so unfamiliar with losing, has guaranteed a Dolphin win. Yeah, that’s going out on a limb, assuring a win against the Raiders. Still, I wouldn’t go against an angry Joey, I’ve seen the effects. But if new starter Daunte Culpepper pulls out a win, I may have to rethink this year’s Raiders.

Dolphins over Raiders


New York Jets (1-2) at Buffalo (0-3)

How can you not feel for the Bills? They lost Losman for two weeks with a knee injury and Paul Posluszny for the season with a broken forearm. What more can happen to this team?

Jets over Bills


St. Louis (0-3) at Dallas (3-0)

Stephen Jackson will be out 1-2 weeks with a groin injury. Now the Rams are reeling with no offensive line and no running game and an extremely suspect defense. Top this off with Isaac Bruce guaranteeing a win, a lot of that going around this week, against one of the hottest teams in football? Smells like a disaster in the making

Cowboys over Rams


Green Bay (3-0) at Minnesota (1-2)

I’m sorry, I know Minnesota is at home and the prohibitive favorite, but I’m going with the hot hand and the more experienced quarterback.

Packers over Vikings


Pittsburgh (3-0) at Arizona (1-2)

Brett Keisel said. "I think it's going to be our biggest test of the year."

He could be right, especially against their old coaches and a few former teammates motivated to knock off an elite team and establish themselves. Cardinal center Chukky Okobi feels it was ridiculous the team cut him, and that he should be starting for the Steelers over Sean Mahan. Hey, Chukky, I got news for you. If you were the better player, you would be. As it stands, you cannot even secure the starting position on your new team, and the center there is banged up. But I digress.

So the Cardinals, and their coaches, have plenty of motivation to beat a team they are intimately familiar with. But Pittsburgh has motivation too. Over the last 53 games, they have allowed only one 100 yard rusher. That rusher was Edgerrin James.

Steelers over Cardinals


Tampa Bay (2-1) at Carolina (2-1)

Jake Delhomme has an elbow injury suffered last week that makes him doubtful to play. I know Carolina is at home, and their defense is a might better than what Tampa has faced thus far. But can you trust David Carr? There’s only one way to find out.

Panthers over Buccaneers


Seattle (2-1) at San Francisco (2-1)

I like what I’ve seen from San Francisco thus far. Except for one problem, they have trouble scoring points. Seattle has a bit better offense. Still a tough call.

Seahawks over 49ers


Kansas City (1-2) at San Diego (1-2)

Tomlinson is averaging 2.3 yards a carry. That is karmic payback for calling himself LT. But something tells me the Bolts will get real healthy in a hurry this week.

Chargers over Chiefs


Denver (2-1) at Indianapolis (3-0)

Denver wins two games with last second field goals, and then gets pummeled at home. Indy has owned them in recent years in the RCA Dome. I don’t feel good for the Broncos this week.

Colts over Broncos


Philadelphia (1-2) at New York Giants (1-2)

Yeah, I’m not getting suckered again by two good quarters by Eli and company. I made that mistake last year. Both of these teams have a multitude of problems, but the Eagles seem to be slightly more resilient.

Eagles over Giants

Monday

New England (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2)

Rudi Johnson is out for the game, leaving the Bungles with no running game and no defense to face New England. I wonder, if the Browns can hang 51 points on the Bungles, how many can Tom Brady and company put up? Since there is very little interesting about this game, I have an idea I want to put forth.

Sunday Night Football has the horse trailer, where they predictably pick some offensive star and call them the MVP of the game. They take a nice pre-prepared picture and slap it on the side of this trailer, and then make sure to interview them about their performance in the game. I think Monday night should have something like this too, but a vehicle befitting ESPN and most of their analysts. The most appropriate one I can think of would be a hot dog cart. Who’s with me on this one?

Patriots over Bengals