The Crystal Ball 2009 Week 3

After watching the Sunday night game, I think Jerry Jones should follow in Peyton Manning’s footsteps and become a corporate pitchman. I’ve decided to help him out and wrote his first MasterCard commercial.

A star studded opening night home game in prime time – millions made in ad revenue and concession sales.

Filling the stadium with Cowboy legends, a former president and John Madden – thousands spent in added security and VIP accommodations and accoutrements.

Outfitting the stadium with food, beverages and amenities for over 100,000 people to celebrate a colossal opening night – several million seemingly well spent dollars.

Building one new ground breaking football palace - $1.15 billion.

Being caught by the cameras on national television sitting in your luxury suite picking your nose – priceless.


Opening Kickoff

Sunday night was spent peeling my jaw off the floor from the shock of witnessing two Jeff Reed field goal shanks. This is as shocking and unthinkable to Steeler fans as finding out Al Davis was still alive would be to Raider fans.


The Way It Was

Well, you must give Chad Ochocinco, I love saying that, his due. He is a man of his word. He kept his promise and did the Lambeau Leap after scoring a touchdown in Cincinnati’s surprise victory over the Packers. And Packer fans all around the area where Chad leapt must have felt some sort of affection for the fun loving receiver, as they happily signaled Chad as number 1 with a special one fingered salute. You stay classy Green Bay.

JaMarcus Russell went 7 for 24 and still managed to win the game. And those numbers really do not reflect how bad he played and how much of a poor leader he has become. They had a super talent when they drafted Russell, yet this terrible organization is taking this man and developing him into a scrub. So how, exactly, did he win that game? Oh, right, Oakland played the rapidly imploding Chiefs.

Speaking of Kansas City, Todd Haley had a wonderful little sideline meltdown during the game. I think we’re only a few weeks away from Todd having a Dennis Green style post game interview. It’s inevitable, especially since he probably has lost the team.

Well, for their big home opener, Miami trotted out their star studded ownership group. How did the Colts counter? They had Tiger Woods on the sideline, looking ready to hit the back nine. I think that Tiger closing mojo helped the Colts finish off the Dolphins. It’s the only way I can figure they won since they held the ball offensively for less than 15 minutes. Well, that and Dwight Freeney smacking Jake Long around for most of the game.

The Jets scored a big win over Patriots, although with the way everyone was celebrating, you would have thought it was for the AFC championship instead of one regular season game. Color me glad I gave them a chance to back up their big talk. But how long will that high last?

Did you see Tom Brady against the Jets? Did you not see how he looked like he’d rather be anywhere but on that field most of the time? Did you see him hesitate on potential long pass attempts? Did you see him waver when a pass rush came at him? I told you, he will not be the same quarterback until he feels he can trust his knee and gets past the fear of reinjuring it. And right now, his mind is losing that mental battle. I told you it would be a long while before he was right again, and so far, he’s not there or even close. If Belichick were smart, he’d protect Brady and work hard to build his confidence by taking the pressure off of him and focusing on a strong running game. But I doubt Belichick’s ego would allow him to do such a thing.

I didn’t get to watch all of Football Night in America, but what I did see was startling. Peter King was noticeably absent from the stage. I know he had air time, so I can only imagine it was difficult staying composed when all he wanted to do was curl up in a ball and sob over the Patriots loss. Its ok Peter, hang in there camper!

Matt Schaub threw for 4 touchdowns against Tennessee? When did he morph into Al Bundy?

I know Albert Haynesworth is a big body and causes a ton of commotion, but his absence cannot be the reason the Tennessee defense became as porous as a food strainer. And no way is Houston that good. The curse of the Terrible Towel continues.

Just a quick question, is there any way Drew Brees and the Saints offense can be stopped? You know, short of having it banned as an assault weapon.

Give Kevin Kolb some credit. Short of a few errors, he did a darn good job in relief and was not the reason Philadelphia lost. The Eagles defense was strafed mercilessly by the Brees aerial assault. You know what; we need to come up with a wicked cool nickname for the Saints offense. Ok, that’s the mission for next week. What do we call this potent offensive attack? Feel free to drop suggestions and ideas.

Who is that guy who punts for Philadelphia? I didn’t catch his name, but by the trajectory and distance of his punts, I’d swear it was Mitch Berger.


The Steel Pit

Bears 17 – Steelers 14

Yuck. Normally, I would not care so much about a loss. I mean the Bears are a tough team and historically Pittsburgh has stunk in the Windy City. What bothered me most about the loss was losing to that whiny brat Jay Cutler. It took a few days for me to stop my tourettes tirade.

But there were a few bright spots. The running game looked slightly better. Mendenhall looks like he wants to try and realizes if he just hits the hole, he’ll get yardage and maybe the full time job. Parker still keeps tippy toeing around, although he did better. The defense did hold the mighty Bears to only 17 points. The offensive line was much improved in pass blocking and had some great run blocks too.

So, what happened? What was the key to the loss? What turned the tide? Where does the problem with the Steelers reside? Who is the goat? Sports radio has been aflame all week trying to determine just that, and the suspects are notable.

Candidate #1 Jeff Reed – two shanked field goal attempts will definitely put you into the driver’s seat here, but I do not blame Jeff. First, he’s made a ton of pressure kicks over the years with no issue whatsoever. Everyone once in a while has a bad game, and Sunday was just that for Jeff. Considering the last time he missed two in a game was 5 years ago, I’ll give him a pass. As long as the next time it happens is 5 years from now.

Candidate #2 Santonio Holmes – Somehow, Tone developed an awful case of butter fingers, dropping three passes including one that would have been the go ahead touchdown late in the game. But, in his defense the conditions were poor and the ball was wet. And, sometimes you just have a bad day.

Candidate #3 Ben Roethlisberger – Actually, Big Ben played a pretty good game, but people tend to blame the quarterback so I didn’t want him to feel left out. He certainly cannot control whether others can hold onto a ball he puts right in their hands.

Candidate #4 the running game – yes, it would be nice to convert in short yardage situations, but they did show improvement. And considering right now they’re not being relied upon so heavily, it’s hard to have them carry the burden of blame.

Candidate #5 the defense – ok, yes stupid penalties on Chicago’s second touchdown drive did not help at all. But, they did keep the game close and only gave up 17 points. I’m sure Titan fans would have been thrilled with such a defensive performance.

Candidate #6 OC Bruce Arians – everyone loves to pick on Arians, my dad included. And Ben’s throw to Tone in the end zone on 3rd and 2 was a major flashpoint all week with fans crowing Arians should have just gone for the first down. First, why not take a chance? As a wise man once said, you play to win the game. Second, perhaps that was his play call. Big Ben said after the game he changed the play because he saw Holmes in single coverage and took a chance. If you really want to get on Arians case, then get on it for not going for it on 4th and 2 on the very next play. He did on 4th and 1 from the goal line, and that resulted in a touchdown. Come on Bruce, fortune favors the bold!

Candidate #7 Willie Colon – ok, he’s not a real candidate. But I did have to slip in my newly created Colon watch. And what happened? Yes, thanks to a false start penalty on the “star” right tackle, one promising Steeler drive was short circuited. I do not understand his accolades, as every week he makes at least one terrible mental error that destroys momentum. And by now, he’s been in the league and a starter long enough to not be making these dumb mental errors. Colon watch will continue next week where we fill out this crackpot idea more.

Now, you could go through the entire roster and assign blame, I’m looking in your direction Ike Taylor, but none of the above reasons or anyone on the roster is to blame in particular. You know what ails the Steelers? The team is missing something vital and we need to bring it back but fast.

Pittsburgh looked flat and lost the game because not once in 60 minutes of football did I see Hines Ward smile. Without him flashing those pearly whites, the offense loses its mojo, guys cannot relax and know all will work out and then they play tight and flat. Come on Hines, give us a smile we need one!


Only In Faux NFL Reality…

This week, former receiver Plaxico Burress began his 2 year jail term by reporting to Riker’s Island. Ok, I know Plax broke the law; I do not dispute or argue with that. And yes, I believe he should be punished for such things. But receiving two years in jail, and starting his term in such a notoriously hard prison as Riker’s Island? Doesn’t that seem like more than a bit of overkill for someone who ended up in this situation for being stupid?

Do you wonder if when he suits up this Sunday, Antonio Pierce will feel bad at all that despite being a part of the Plaxico circus, he runs free and gets to make a living while Burress languishes in a tiny cell?

You know the Browns are in good hands with Eric Mangenius. The brilliant motivator fined a player $1,701 for not paying for his $3 bottle of water at the hotel. With that kind of attention to nonsensical detail, there’s no way Cleveland can fail.

Oh, and it seems there’s been some fighting going on in the Browns locker room. Not a full blown donnybrook, just guys dumping water on each other and then swinging a punch or two. Somewhere, Drew Carey is weeping.

During a radio interview, Redskins head coach Jim Zorn and Redskins legend Sonny Jurgensen got into an argument over Zorn’s play calling regarding a failed half back pass attempting for a touchdown. Being a former quarterback, Sonny obviously took exception to the idea of putting such a key play in the hands of a running back. Zorn defended his play calling with zest and stated he would do the same if Sonny were his quarterback. I say good for Zorn, obviously things weren’t working and he was willing to try something new. And anyway, what does he have to lose anyway? Will anyone be surprised come January when the impulsive Dan Snyder cans Zorn and hires Mike Shanahan? I think not. Go out with your guns blazing Jim!

The NFL fined Steeler safety Tyrone Carter for his hit on Bear tight end Greg Olsen. What I do not understand is why fine a guy if the hit was legal and not penalized during the game? I understand the NFL wants to curb ultra violent hits and keep guys from getting hurt, but they need to be consistent in how they mete out punishment.

Why is Marcus Fitzgerald, brother of uber wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, twittering about how he thinks Kurt Warner and Larry are fighting and Warner is snubbing Larry? Heck why is this even a story? Why are we looking at Twitter for news? This is the dumbest thing ever and yet we treat every milquetoast post from asinine individuals as though it were earth shattering news. And more importantly, why do we even care about the crackpot thoughts of those who have absolutely no more insight into the internal workings of a team than you or I? Come on people, sniff the smelling salts, come to your senses and ignore this nonsense I beg you!

Cris Collinsworth made a brilliant suggestion on air this week. In regards to non sell outs and empty seats, Cris suggested the NFL fill those empty seats with kids. I think this is a brilliant idea. Not only would it be a great PR move for the league, but it would also give kids an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. And maybe they can get a seat for that girl from their United Way commercials with the crazy hair!


In The Merry Old Land Of Oz

In a bitter sweet moment, I logged my first victory with a thorough trouncing of my opponent, although my joy was tempered because of Pittsburgh’s loss. Thank you Chris Johnson. I must admit, this fantasy thing, at least for the first few weeks, has been wickedly addictive.

What did I learn this week? Well, nothing of any strategic value other than make sure who you play will actually play in Sunday’s matchups. Not that I messed it up, but I saw someone who did, and the lost points cost them dearly. So, mental note before tomorrow’s contests, check your injury reports.

Next up, I face off against a gentleman who is undefeated. This should be interesting.


Upon Further Review

The NFL recently fined Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for speaking publicly about upcoming labor issues. Specifically, Jones made comments about revenue sharing and how, according to him, that will be on the way out during the new bargaining agreement talks. If this comes to pass, the NFL we know it will be destroyed.

Jones, and owners of his ilk such as Washington’s Dan Snyder, hates the idea that money they bring in is shared with smaller market teams like Kansas City and Green Bay. His thought process is that if he makes it, why should he share it and help out the competition. Since we live in a capitalist society, this is a rational thought that makes a ton of sense. However, Jones misses the big picture as to how this applies to the NFL.

Right now, all Jones can see is an expensive, yet underachieving football team that he feels can be fixed by throwing more money at the problem. As well as a very hefty price tag for a brand new stadium. And shilling out cash he could use for his own issues is rubbing him the very wrong way.

Now mind you, it’s not like all the money Jones brings in under the Cowboy brand goes back into the NFL pool. Actually, he has been very creative in finding new and innovative revenue streams that remain untouched by anyone but him. But still like anyone of wealth, he cannot stand the idea of sharing what he has with others, no matter how much such sharing in this instance may benefit him in the long run.

If revenue sharing is removed from the NFL, it will cause a horrid domino effect that will end up destroying even the premise of competitive balance, cause more than a few teams to shutter their operations and ruin the popularity of the sport.

Without additional money, small market teams will spend less on players, facilities and development in order to stay solvent, leaving them at a major disadvantage when playing against teams that can afford nothing but the very best. And with the added money in their coffers they no longer have to share, large market teams will spend ridiculous amounts of money on players knowing others in small markets could never match such prices. This will drive up free agent costs, leaving players who want and can command the biggest payday with only a few options to look at, and thus those few big spending teams will continue to be fully stocked with the best talent.

When fans begin to see how their favorite team has become nothing but a doormat or dumps players to save a buck or cannot compete with rising player prices and stop trying, they will turn away not only from that team, but also the league in disgust. When fans begin to fall away, popularity will drop, overall revenue for the league will fall and before you know it, the NFL will be fighting with the NBA, MLB and NHL for position of top dog.

Yes, revenue sharing is contrary to a capitalist system, but it has been a boon to the NFL and all franchises involved for many years. It is one of the key reasons the NFL skyrocketed to the top of the professional sports heap and has not been seriously challenged for that spot for many years now. If it should disappear, so will the competitive balance the NFL has enjoyed for so long as well as the dominance the sport has had over the other professional leagues in North America.

One of the reasons people tend to steer away from Major League Baseball is because they become sick of watching the Yankees and Red Sox and 28 also rans every single year. And why do we see these two teams constantly? Because they have all the revenue and resources and the other teams just become nothing more than farm teams to funnel players toward these teams. If Jones has his way, that is exactly what the NFL will become, just replace Yankees with Cowboys and Red Sox with Redskins.

The NFL will become 6 big spending big market teams and 26 also rans who operate as nothing more than talent development clubs. And after a few years that number will drop from 26 to 20 or perhaps even lower. Sadly, some of those teams that disappear will be long time NFL franchises that have been historical cornerstones of the league. If they should disappear, then Jones will not only have destroyed competitive balance and the NFL’s dominance, but also altered and perverted the history of the NFL.

If we have learned anything of Jones’ acumen over the years, it’s that he is a talented business man who should keep his nose out of the specifics of football operation. The more he becomes involved and monkeys with his own team, the worse it gets. He enjoyed his greatest successes as an owner when he let others with more football knowledge do the dirty work. When he got tired of sharing the spotlight with Jimmy Johnson, he canned him in order to be lauded for making a champion himself. Since then, his team has languished between mediocrity and irrelevant. Jones lets his ego speak for him, and the results have ranged from silly to damaging. If he continues on this path to eliminate revenue sharing, those results will extend to disastrous.

Perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps if revenue sharing such sky is falling predictions will not come true. I know with a new collective bargaining agreement there will be multiple financial layers that will play important roles in the direction of each team and the league itself. And since nothing is written on paper yet, who knows what the final result may be. But just watching how the NFL has run, and succeeded, and taking away a key part of that success only tells me nothing good can come from it.

I urge Jones and the other large market owners who support such a plan to think this issue through before acting further. Because, right now these men have the knife poised at the throat of the golden goose that funds them, their teams, lifestyles and egos. And the more they move forward with this eliminating revenue sharing, the closer they come to pulling that knife and killing that goose. And if that should happen, everyone will lose in the end.


Idiot of the week

Well, I think I’m gonna have to give this week’s award to master egomaniac Jerry Jones. Oh I know, the reasons are multiple and this could be an easy call. So what pushes Jerry above all others?

Was it losing at home during his night in the spotlight? Or getting caught on camera picking his nose? Maybe spending such a ridiculous amount of money on a football stadium? Or having a gigantic TV above the field that could interfere with the ball in play? Might it be his constant meddling in the football side of the Cowboys has assembled a team unable to win big games and a coaching staff unable to build a championship caliber team? Was it his ridiculous, and potentially dangerous, comments regarding the elimination of revenue sharing? They contributed, but none was the clincher.

No, what really got Jones this week was having Jordin Sparks sing the national anthem. Now, mind you I thought Sparks did a great job and would love to see her belt out our national anthem and many more games. That young lady has a great voice and really knows how to sing. But the Cowboys were playing the Giants. And Sparks is the daughter of former Giant defensive back Phillippi Sparks. So to inaugurate your stadium, you tab for the anthem the daughter of a man who played for your opponent. Odd choice to say the least, and may have played a factor in the Giants win, karma-wise. When you add in all those other elements from above our choice this week was crystal clear. Jerry Jones, you are an idiot.


On Tap This Week

So, for the second week in a row, someone in my house was tied for the lead Monday night and needed to win the points tiebreaker to take the week. This week it was me! But unfortunately, I fell to the same fate as the Lady K and missed by 4 points. Number 4, you are my bane! And for once, I’m not referring to you Favre!

Last week: 11-5
Season to date: 24 - 8

The plus side is that after two weeks, the Lady K and I are 1 and 2 in the poll. How’s that for sweet! Ok, let’s not screw it up this week…

Sunday

Kansas City (0-2) at Philadelphia (1-1)

McNabb will most likely be sidelined again, and Kevin Kolb will get another start. Michael Vick, however, will be available to play. If Kolb screws up in any way, the quarterback controversy will strike like a hurricane. As it is, and knowing how reactionary Philly fans can be, it most likely will strike with some force come Monday regardless. It will especially happen if Vick gets into the game and does something special. No matter what, it should be an interesting day in Philadelphia. Sorry KC, you are part of the side show now.

Eagles over Chiefs

Green Bay (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2)

Like all Packer fans, I did not like what I saw from Green Bay last week. However, there is no way to like anything from a team that has scored a total of 7 points in two weeks.

Packers over Rams

San Francisco (2-0) at Minnesota (2-0)

Hmmm, now here is an intriguing match up. Both have yet to be tested. And I have mentioned I do love the Singletary way. But I’m going to give the edge to All Day Peterson at home.

Vikings over 49ers

Tennessee (0-2) at New York Jets (2-0)

I’m going out on a limb here. Tennessee is reeling, desperate and cheesed off. The Jets, however, are soaring high after disposing of Brady and company. I smell a let down game.

Titans over Jets

Atlanta (2-0) at New England (1-1)

New England has porous offensive line and a quarterback with some serious doubt issues. They also have a defense devoid of leadership and perhaps their best player. And yet, I still have doubts. But you know what, fortune favors the bold.

Falcons over Patriots

Jacksonville (0-2) at Houston (1-1)

If anything, I can learn from past mistakes. Houston has owned Jacksonville in recent years. And since they finally found their offensive mojo, I do not see that trend ending.

Texans over Jaguars

New York Giants (2-0) at Tampa Bay (0-2)

After two weeks, it would seem Tampa Bay is a bigger mess than Denver. Facing a hot Giants team will not help reverse that trend.

Giants over Buccaneers

Washington (1-1) at Detroit (0-2)

Usually when everyone jumps on a band wagon, that’s a good sign to avoid said band wagon at all costs. But I do actually, for once, like Detroit’s chances against the offensively challenged Washington squad. Ok, give me another cup of that Kool-aid.

Lions over Redskins

Cleveland (0-2) at Baltimore (2-0)

Look Cleveland fans, a successful young quarterback and a real defense.

Ravens over Browns

Chicago (1-1) at Seattle (1-1)

Jay Cutler is not good on the road in a hostile environment. But Matt Hasselbeck makes the Seattle offense go, and if he cannot then I like them even less no matter where they play.

Bears over Seahawks

New Orleans (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)

Buffalo bounced back nicely from their week one loss. But until some team finally shows everyone else how to harass Drew Brees into a mistake, I’m all about grabbing some beads and heading toward Bourbon Street.

Saints over Bills

Miami (0-2) at San Diego (1-1)

Wasn’t it last year, when Miami hit 0-2, that they went nuts? Yes it was. Eh, three time zones on a short week is difficult to overcome. Even if you’re facing Norv Turner.

Chargers over Dolphins

Denver (2-0) at Oakland (1-1)

I am far from convinced Denver is a functional, top tier team. However, I’m even further from being convinced Oakland is an NFL team.

Broncos over Raiders

Pittsburgh (1-1) at Cincinnati (1-1)

Do you realize that if not for a fluke play, the Bungles would be undefeated? Weird, right? That kind of nonsense cannot last. Much like Pittsburgh’s rather flat performances as of late. I say Tomlin and company gets nice and healthy against a familiar punching bag, I mean foe.

Steelers over Bungles

Indianapolis (2-0) at Arizona (1-1)

I know Peyton took that game away from Miami last week, and I liked his ice cold assassin nature at the end of the game. But even he cannot save a game if his defense is on the field for ¾ of the game, especially if his opponent has a two dimensional offense.

Cardinals over Colts

Monday

Carolina (0-2) at Dallas (1-1)

Jerry Jones will get his big fancy victory in his big fancy new stadium. Oh happy day.

Cowboys over Panthers