The Crystal Ball 2009 Week 10

I’ve determined if anything could trump my distaste for Favre vs. Packers hype it’s Patriots vs. Colts hype. So who’s playing this week? Oh crap.

Opening Kickoff

Now, how much joy did you get watching Jay Cutler melt down Thursday night? Admit it, it’s ok. You don’t have to be a Bronco fan to love it. I’m sorry, but the man may have a big arm, but he is no leader. You can tell by the way he carries himself onto the field and off of it. Would you follow a guy who carries himself like someone just took away his favorite blankie? Me either. And he just looks like no matter what happens, he doesn’t care. I’m not saying if you have a bad game to throw a tantrum like Tom Brady. But if Peyton Manning has a bad game and you see him on the sidelines, you can tell it bothers him. Jay looks like he’s only concerned if his extra chin gets pinched in his chin strap.

The Way It Was

You know I love Joey Porter. I mean, the man has no qualms about running his mouth at an opponent, and it’s always entertaining. However, if you trash talk an opponent, you best back it up. Joey had no issues ripping on the Patriots, but in the actual game he recorded no tackles, no assists, no sacks, no passes defended, and no fumbles forced or recovered. Joey, where’d ya go when the microphones went away?

Wow, big surprise Andy Reid got outcoached in a big game with big ramifications. Come on Andy, you have to try for the end zone once in a while, field goals alone do not win games. Fortune favors the bold, which probably explains your NFC championship game record.

Easily the most maddening teams must be the Eagles and Cardinals. I wonder each week who will show up, Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde. One week they get pounded, the next they explode. Grrrr.

Wow, the Cardinals let Matt Leinart play for one down and he promptly threw an interception. And now, the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Locomotives, Matt Leinart!

The Cardinals deactivated Anquan Boldin for the Bears game due to an ankle injury, yet no one apparently told him until he found uniform removed from his locker. You think that might just happen one day except everything will be gone?

Hmmm, Chris Chambers looks pretty good as a Chief. Might have to tuck that knowledge away for future use, like this week.

Oh, so that's Vince Young. Right I forgot.

Hmmm, I guess the Ravens defense is only good after a week off now. What a shame they do not have anymore weeks off.

Wow, look, Tampa Bay found a quarterback. Now they only need…well everything else.

The Bungles lost Chris Henry for the season with a broken forearm. At least they’ll have something to use as an excuse when they collapse.

Why did the umpire in the Eagles/Cowboys game have little black pom poms on his hat?

I have a question. How can Asante Samuel get flagged for taunting after the play, when both he and Marion Barber, the alleged tauntee, were laughing afterwards? It doesn’t seem to make sense.

Steve Mariucci stated, in discussing the Bears loss to the 49ers, that eventually Jay Cutler will be a superstar quarterback. Is that not the argument that has been used since Cutler’s first game? This is now his 4^th season in the NFL. At some point, eventually must turn into now, and I just do not see it.

The Steel Pit

Steelers 28 – Broncos 10

I could not have been more impressed with not only the win on the road, but how the team came back from a lackluster first half.

While the defense got knocked around the entire first half, they clamped down the second half and after one score and never allowed Denver another offensive score.

The offense, after starting off sluggish and out of rhythm, exploded in the second half for three touchdowns. Easily my favorite had to have been after Big Ben was stripped on a sack and Denver returned it for a defensive touchdown. Ben drove the offense 80 yards in 4 plays for the go ahead touchdown. Spectacular and I request more of that this week.

I loved Brett Keisel giving the mile high salute after a sack of Orton. Although I bet Bronco fans didn't though.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is now 5-0 on Monday Night Football.

I have nothing particularly special to say this week. The team looks like it’s really starting to come together, and reach its potential. And if they do, the rest of the NFL should look out. Everyone seems to forget that no matter how great the Colts, Patriots, Bungles or anyone else is, Pittsburgh is still the defending champion. They have not, and look like they feel it’s their duty to remind everyone each week. You can color me excited about that prospect.

Only In Faux NFL Reality…

So in looking up some Jeff Reed stuff a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon one of my new favorite websites. Go ahead, check it out, its hilariously addictive and will cause you to ask, do I look that stupid when I go out and party? The answer is a drunken heck yeah! And try to tell me honestly you don’t bust out laughing at the picture of Reed with a bride to be sash on.

Ok, fine, we get it, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will have a show down this week in Indianapolis. I might actually be slightly more interested if A) we didn’t have this shoved down our throats for the past 7 years B) either team had one the championship in the past two (quick who’s the current defending champion and no they do not play on Sunday night this week) and C) if they actually took the field at the same time and really did have to compete head to head. This storyline is beginning to get as tiresome as Yankees vs. Red Sox. Shocking that two Boston teams are involved in two of the most over-hyped and annoying rivalries in sports.

Texans safety Bernard Pollard, yes that Pollard, had two picks last week in a losing cause against the Colts. But Pollard, who has helped the Texans secondary greatly, seems to be overcoming more than just a change of address from Kansas City. According to Jason Whitlock, Pollard told him Herm Edwards had to call teams, including the Texans, and assuage fears raised from information disseminated by Scott Pioli and Todd Haley after they cut Pollard. Do you just wonder if Pioli did it because of the Tom Brady injury?

Speaking of the Chiefs, they finally wised up and cut ties with underachieving and over insulting malcontent Larry Johnson. Now, this is a smart move just for the type of person Johnson has shown himself to be. But let’s be honest, if he were anything approaching the player he was in 2006, the Chiefs would have sent him to counseling and found a way to smooth everything over. But results trump all.

In weirder Johnson news, rumors have swirled that the erstwhile running back may sign with the Steelers. Yeah right. Why would a team with four good to great running backs pick up a lazy, foul mouthed, woman beating malcontent who doesn’t block and is long past is best years, despite his age? This is more detestable than the Michael Vick to Pittsburgh rumors. Yes, kids it is worse to beat on women than kill dogs. I just know ranking Johnson as more repugnant than Vick will get the Vick haters fired up.

Redskins’ cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scrum with Falcons head coach Mike Smith after Hall’s teammate LaRon Landry laid a late hit on Falcon’s quarterback Matt Ryan. Smith has been subsequently fined for the altercation and Hall still looks like a fool.

ESPN’s Rick Reilly has had a mission recently to bring to light the increasingly restricted and ever dwindling experience of tailgating. Rick is attempting to rally the troops to not let this tradition be shackled quietly. Rick, you’re fighting a losing battle here. Tailgating is being restricted for obvious reasons, to lessen liability. And come on, lawyers always trump fun.

Ben Roethlisberger had an interview on ESPN’s E:60, where he talked about his first few seasons in the league, the sexual assault case against him and why he’s fighting back to protect his name and life as a Steeler. I find it interesting he felt he was a bad teammate his first few years and has worked hard to change that. I also find it very interesting that at the point he started to change, his game became unbelievably good.

The previous week before the Bungles showdown with the Ravens, the wacky Chad Ochocinco send deodorant to the Ravens secondary, so they would not sweat going up against him. This week, Chad wanted to send a case of mustard to the Steelers defensive backs because they could not “ketch-up” to him. Marvin Smith talked him out of that one. Why Marvin? Mustard goes great on a “hot dog”.

In more Ochocinco news, jeez I may have to start a new section just for him; Chad attempted to “bribe” an official during the game. The call was going to be on Chad and he lingered around the officials with a dollar bill in his hand. Now, I’ve heard about this from almost every angle, how it’s fun, not fun, disrespectful, sends the wrong message, was it planned and if so why would he commit a penalty like that on purpose, blah blah blah. Why is no one asking the most pertinent question? Where exactly did he keep the dollar?

In The Merry Old Land Of Oz

Hold the phone, don’t keep the champagne on ice and let’s start the celebration early! Despite going up against an opponent with some stellar Steelers on his roster, and despite those same Steelers playing magnificently, I still managed to win my showdown! That marks two straight weeks of winning. Wow, I feel like a champion. I wonder what it will feel like if I ever should reach .500? Must be bliss.

Well, it’s helped that lately my big guns, the players I got assigned after missing the draft, finally started playing consistently huge as advertised. Even better, the ones not advertised are chipping in big time. Boy, winning sure is fun. Although this week, I’m sure I’ll get pasted.

I must admit at this point I’m not learning as much as I have at the beginning of the season. I saw two cats trade their entire wide receiving corps and still cannot figure out why. But hey, it’s an enjoyable sideline thus far, now that I’ve learned to take it with the grain of salt it deserves. The Lady K would agree.

Upon Further Review

One of the ever growing stories on the periphery of the NFL right now is the link between on field injuries and concussions and the long term impact multiple concussions causes in players post game lives. The NFL is playing duck and dodge with this issue, because if more attention was paid to this, and they needed to make serious changes as to how policy goes on teams and in the league in general, it could drastically change how the game is played, and how teams are built with players. Actually many of the ramifications I can think of without being an insider on this discussion are somewhat mind boggling. But that is a discussion for another day.

Also for another day are the specific numbers, studies and congressional hearings that have come forth in recent months and years. Others with more access and a better skill with a pen have properly captured this issue, and I shant attempt to rehash their work. But what I would like to address today is one key component to the argument about this issue. The largest obstacle those who work to lessen and eliminate the dangers of concussions face is the an attitude that either these things happen or only a wimp would let such a thing sideline them put forth from the NFL as a whole and players in particular. And overcoming this attitude may be the one thing that makes actual progress toward real change.

Proponents to change use studies and medical evidence to push for widespread usage of better helmets now available, mandatory bench time after a concussion, better diagnosis on the field and treatment afterward. But players know that they are one snap away from possibly being replaced. They want to get back on the field as soon as possible to show they are the man for that job and no one else. Leads to a dangerous situation where they make themselves more susceptible to further injury and a shortened career.

While this seems counterintuitive on the surface, why would you risk shortening your career in order to play today, it happens. And it’s justified by players looking at concussions as, they happen, it’s a violent game, what are you gonna do? Writing a guest column for Sports Illustrated this week, Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley touched upon the issue of concussions. Woodley stated amongst other items that,

“No matter how many rules or equipment changes you have, I just don't think you can eliminate concussions from the game.”

This very attitude, which displays ignorance, acceptance of status quo and resistance to change, is at the core of the hindrances facing the problem. If players just accept these things as a fact of life, and do not open themselves to new treatments, new equipment or new ideas, yes concussions will always be a part of the game. And most likely, part of many players post game lives.

But perhaps worse than a lack of knowledge is the manly man attitude that just because you got your bell rung doesn’t mean you should sit out. In last week’s action, Redskins running back Clinton Portis suffered a concussion and did not return. During the NFL Network post game show, Deion Sanders, a man I already have issues with, set forth mocking Portis for sustaining the injury. This reckless behavior causes these testosterone fueled competitors to not only want to prove the idiot commenting wrong, thus rushing back too soon and risking further injury and debilitation, but also causes other players quietly suffering to keep their mouth shut in fear of being labeled weak. Yes, it’s juvenile, stupid and ridiculous but it happens. No one wants to show weakness in front of an opponent, and with attitudes like Sanders’ prevailing, many players look upon such things as showing weakness.

Look, you have to be a tough guy to play in the NFL. No argument there. But this isn’t some old school thing where you tape it up, rub dirt on it or walk it off. Long term consequences include dementia, early onset of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, seizures and premature death. Just ask Mike Webster’s family how bad things can get.

I know NFL players feel they could lose their spot in the line up, and no one wants to be perceived as weak. But a smart coach will know who is the best on the field and will not forget it injury or no. I mean, Bob Sanders always seems to be wrecking a knee or pulling something, yet he still gets his spot back in the line up when healthy. And the true sign of a strong man is one willing to stand up and say no, I am not right, in the face of those too short sighted to see the big picture.

He Said He Said

"Let me start out by saying that I'm responsible for all of the decisions that are made with our football team. The [red] zone decisions are my responsibility. They are nobody else's. No one else made a mistake. The quarterback did not make a mistake. The decision was mine.'' - Giants head coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants 4^th consecutive loss

Very admirable falling on the sword Tom, I always dig a cat with a buck stops here mentality. However the question remains, just how do you turn into this wave and break through?

I officially declare Patriots-Colts Hype Week kicked off. – SI.com’s Peter King

I officially declare myself nauseous.

"Well, there's times when I think I'm open, and I wish I'd get the ball. But I'm not Tony. And I have no idea what he's going through back there. Usually he's got some 300-pound guy back there chasing him, trying to rip his head off. So no, I don't get too upset by that. Right now, we've got a good thing going. Guys are making plays when they're called.'' - Dallas receiver Miles Austin

Wait a minute, a humble receiver with common sense? Is that one of the seven signs of the apocalypse?

"I stay in Atlanta during the offseason, so if Mike Smith wants to see me, he can definitely find me." – Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall in response to his scrum with Falcons head coach Mike Smith

I guess Hall has gotten tired of getting beat by guys his own age and wants to try a new way to get humiliated.

"Not much I can do about it, and I'm pretty used to it by now. But it does piss me off. If I was a dirty player, would my coach [Mike Tomlin] tell me, 'Don't change a thing you do?'” – Steelers receiver Hines Ward on the subject of being voted the NFL’s dirtiest player.

Hmmm, I thought Hines took this with a grain of salt, but it seems to have cheesed him off. Wait, a cheesed off Hines scored two touchdowns last week…. Hey Hines, you smell and your mama dresses you funny too! That ought to be good for at least one touchdown.

"We didn't let 'em off the hook." - Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt wrapping up his postgame press conference with a slap to the microphone

Brilliant, no words are necessary.

"I just work here. If Jake's the guy, Jake's the guy. It's not my call." – Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith

Yeah, that makes me soooo want to believe in Carolina. Bad times are a coming.

"We're legit. The tape doesn't lie. That's our whole thing is to earn respect. We don't care if we're underdogs. At the end of the day, our job is to make you or whoever is out there a believer." – Bungles safety Chris Crocker

You tell ‘em Chris. LEAVE CARSON ALONE! (I cannot be the only one who made the Chris Crocker connection, can I? Or am I just that behind the times?)

Idiot of the week

Hmmm, who could possibly be the idiot this week….

Could it be DeAngelo Hall for picking a fight with Mike Smith? Could be, that is pretty dumb getting into a scuffle with the opposing teams head coach. But it’s not.

Could it be Deion Sanders for scoffing at Clinton Portis after he suffered a concussion? Could be, but Sanders seems to enjoy the taste of foot, so I’ll let him pass.

Oh I know, Bears defensive lineman Tommie Harris.

Harris, in all his brilliance, took out his early frustration last week against the Cardinals by punching Cardinal guard Deuce Lutui in the head. I argued the last few weeks that players can sometimes deliver hits or blows in the heat and speed of the moment they normally would not. But this does not fall in that category. It occurred after the play and Harris obviously was trying to make a point. I suppose the point was look at how dumb I am. Point duly noted. Now, this was bad enough, but what made it worse was it was 64 seconds into the game so how frustrated could he be.

Compounding his stupidity, Harris performed said moronic act right in front of Ed Hochuli, and we all know you just don’t mess with Ed. Even Chuck Norris has yet to mess with Big Guns Hochuli.

Ed of course tossed Harris, and the Bears defense had to play the remainder of the game short handed on the line. With less pressure coming at him, Kurt Warner eviscerated the Bears defense on the way to a rout.

So Tommie, for bone headedly punching a guy, and doing it in front of Ed Hochuli, getting tossed from the game and leaving your teammates to pick up the slack from your stupid move, you are an idiot.

Taking the Week Off

Giants – And boy do they need it. At the very least, it will take an extra week to pull the slings and arrows out of Coughlin that he absorbed taking responsibility.

Texans – There’s not enough salve in the world to dissipate the sting of losing a close one to the Colts. Although taping kicker Kris Brown to the goalposts for a few days may help.

On Tap This Week

Well, last week was not so great. But this week has started off on the right track.

Last week: 8-5

This week: 1-0

Season to date: 93-37

Thanks to last week turning out decent, despite me monkeying with my picks at the last minute, again, and a good start to this week I still hold the top spot. Now, let’s see if I can once again avoid screwing that up.

Sunday

Detroit (1-7) at Minnesota (7-1)

Yeah right. This might be AP’s big day, the one missing for a while now.

Vikings over Lions

Tampa Bay (1-7) at Miami (3-5)

If Tampa Bay does not win in regular uniforms, will they go back to the creamsicle specials? I hope so, because despite being in the minority on this I think they’re sweet.

Dolphins over Buccaneers

Buffalo (3-5) at Tennessee (2-6)

Hmmm, I wonder what the top running back in the league will do this time.

Titans over Bills

New Orleans (8-0) at St. Louis (1-7)

Drew Brees will be chowing on a po’ boy by halftime.

Saints over Rams

Jacksonville (4-4) at New York Jets (4-4)

Ok, the Jets have had a week to think about what they’ve done. But will it be enough to contain a burgeoning Jax team? I hope so.

Jets over Jaguars

Denver (6-2) at Washington (2-6)

Now this will be the salve that stops a two game losing streak.

Broncos over Redskins

Cincinnati (6-2) at Pittsburgh (6-2)

Despite what you may have heard, this is the real game of the week. A grudge match game between bitter rivals with the division on the line. Now one more time with feeling Joey, who dey say gonna beat dem Bengals?

Steelers over Bungles

Atlanta (5-3) at Carolina (3-5)

I’m sorry, I know Carolina has played better, but I just do not trust them when there’s a chance Delhomme could be called upon to save the day.

Falcons over Panthers

Kansas City (1-7) at Oakland (2-6)

And now, the game that no one watched. The Chiefs have now added a good wide receiver and jettisoned a locker room cancer. I’m going to go out on a limb here.

Chiefs over Raiders

Dallas (6-2) at Green Bay (4-4)

I want to pick Green Bay. I really do. I want to believe in them. I know they need this so badly. But after last week, how can I trust them?

Cowboys over Packers

Seattle (3-5) at Arizona (5-3)

Ok, I’m going to cautiously predict that the Arizona team that trampled the Bears will show up, and not the one that laid a turd against the Panthers. But your guess is as good as mine as to which team takes the field.

Cardinals over Seahawks

Philadelphia (5-3) at San Diego (5-3)

Speaking of bipolar teams, ladies and gentlemen your 2009 Philadelphia Eagles! Here’s how I picked this one. San Diego barely beat the Giants. Philadelphia dissected the Giants. Therefore the Eagles are better than the Chargers. If you have a better way of figuring out this team, go right ahead. Because the only other way I know, choose between head coaches, has me stymied. I mean, how do you pick the worse coach between Andy Reid and Norv Turner? It’ll be moronic challenges, ill advised timeouts and nimrod level play calling for three hours. NFL fever, catch it!

Eagles over Chargers

New England (6-2) at Indianapolis (8-0)

Remember way back at the beginning of the season when I said Tom Brady would not look good until the middle of the season when he was surer of his knee? And how does Tom look now? Yeah I thought so. And how will Tom look against a weak Colt secondary? Yeah, I thought so too. The real question is, will Peter King’s head explode on Football Night In America in joyous anticipation.

Patriots over Colts

Monday

Baltimore (4-4) at Cleveland (1-7)

The Browns will be starting Brady Quinn at quarterback. Yeah, that’ll help. Finally the Baltimore defense will have an opportunity to look good.

Ravens over Browns