The games keep getting better!

We’re getting into the meat of the NFL schedule and Week 7 did not disappoint. A week after the Concussion Bowls, NFL fans were greeted with upsets, controversial calls by the officials, teams who were unable to hold onto the ball and an unexpected blowout.

While this season continues to prove unpredictable, one thing’s for certain: this year is wide open and the team that gets hot at the right time, can get a few calls to go their way and can avoid the injury bug, they're going to be your Super Bowl champion come February.

Top 10 thoughts on yesterday’s games:

10. Controversy in Miami: The Steelers escaped with a victory in Miami and Dolphins fans were left with a bitter taste in their mouths. While replays showed that Roethlisberger fumbled the ball at the 1 yard line, the referees had blown the play dead and did not see which team recovered the ball. While Miami may have been robbed, they shouldn’t have been in that position where it came down to one play. Had Miami converted just one of those 5 field goals into touchdowns, they probably get the win. By the way, Brandon Marshall only has 1 TD this year…that’s a problem.

9. In the pre-season, I joked about Colt McCoy not being tall enough for the League. After two weeks of pretty decent play (against Pittsburgh and New Orleans, no less), I may owe Colt an apology. He’s not lighting the world on fire but he’s a competitor and at the QB position, sometimes that’s all you need. What’s going on w/the Saints? I wonder if Sean Payton is losing sight of this season because he has his eyes on the soon-to-be-vacant Cowboys head coaching gig.

8. What to make of Baltimore? They go down early to a bad Buffalo team, stage a remarkable comeback and nearly lost the game. Granted, Buffalo played Baltimore tough and looked like a reinvigorated team. If you’re a Ravens fan, you have to be concerned about the focus of this team. They blew a 10 point lead to New England last week should have lost yesterday.

7. Forget the Vick/Kolb controversy. What was the defensive coordinator for the Eagles thinking yesterday? How in the world does an aging and injured Kerry Collins torch the Eagles? And how does a receiver who didn’t play in the first quarter get 200+ yards and 3 touchdowns? The Eagles definitely let one get away from them yesterday and they should be concerned about other teams going deep on them early and often. As for Kolb, I’m not sure what Reid saw in him over the summer but what I’ve seen over the past 7 weeks is a QB that can not throw the ball accurately at 40+ yards. His throws look like ducks; there's no zip and defenses will start to key on his inability to throw the ball deep.

6. A win is a win. You don’t get style points for winning pretty and the Redskins sure won ugly. In a turnover filled game, including a horrible early pick-6 by McNabb, the Redskins defense stepped up and forced at least 5 Bears turnovers. While DeAngelo Hall’s 4 interceptions tied an NFL record, the play by the much maligned Albert Haynesworth has to be top story. Haynesworth has been in Shannahan’s doghouse for most of the season and his play should erase some of these hard feelings. However, before we crown Haynesworth the next Deacon Jones, keep in mind that Chicago is extremely overrated and their offensive line is terrible.

5. The fat lady is singing for Mike Singletary. After falling to 1-6 in a disappointing loss to Carolina, this season can’t end well for Singletary. The NFC West is now Seattle’s division to lose and all the 49ers can do is begin planning for next year. The team just looks uninspired out there and a coaching change may be the only option to right this sinking ship.

4. Speaking of coaching hot seats, things must be getting pretty warm for Norv Turner as San Diego dropped yet another close game yesterday. Yes, the Chargers were down to New England and mounted a furious comeback, including a successful onside kick. However, a late false start that turned a makeable 45 yard field goal attempt into a 50 yard try highlighted the lack of discipline that has plagued San Diego throughout the season. Even if they put together a late run (as they have the last few years), they would also need Kansas City to go cold and that does not appear likely to happen.

3. Still not sure what to make of Cincinnati. Inconsistent? Inept? Here’s another team with plenty of talent that just can’t seem to put it all together for a full four quarters. At one point during yesterday’s game, they reeled off 22 unanswered points. While a close, near comeback win may have saved Marvin Lewis’ job in the past, I get the feeling that his days in Cincinnati are numbered – as in 9 more weeks.

2. The Favre era could very well be over. He’s injured after being run over by a bus driven by his coach and Favre’s passion for the game just doesn’t seem to be there. While it would have been nice to see Favre make another run at a championship, it would have been more fitting to see him retire last year after giving it his all. This season feels hollow and while I’d hate to see him go, it’s time.

1. The Oakland Raiders demolished Denver yesterday. I don’t know what gameplan Josh McDaniels worked on this week but his team seemed woefully unprepared for Oakland. The Raiders came in, ran up and down the field and left Denver with more questions than answers. What ever happened to that 6-0 start last year? Was the media too anxious to anoint McDaniels the next big thing? Did he buy into all that hype and forsake his team for his pride? This was a definite must-win for Denver and their schedule does not get much easier.

Week 6 was Full of Excitement!

Just when you think that you have the season figured out, you have several teams that lost games that they were supposed to win and a few "bad" teams that played good teams close. It's still premature to start writing the eulogy for any team but these have to be difficult times for Cowboys, Panthers, Browns and Lions fans. Sure, they can turn it around and make a run for the playoffs but conventional wisdom tells us that these teams can start looking forward to the 2011-12 season.

Thoughts from yesterday's games:

10. Detroit played another close game and if you’re a Lions fan, you have to ask questions: “How would this season have gone if the Calvin Johnson catch against Chicago is ruled a touchdown?” and “Would the Lions have won at least two more games with a health starting QB?”

9. The big story from yesterday’s games seems to be the helmet-helmet hits. A few of the hits seemed extra violent and I’m sure that fines will be levied against those players that lead with their helmets. A part of me wonders if the increase in helmet-helmet hits can be correlated with the increase in players “diving” before contact.

8. I agree with Andy Reid. I’ve been critical of Reid for years but he’s absolutely correct to start Kevin Kolb next week. In the two games that Kolb has started since Michael Vick got injured, the Eagles are 2-0. You go with the hot hand here and right now, Kolb has the hot hand. If Kolb begins to struggle, it’s good to know that you have a serviceable back-up in Vick.

7. Welcome back to the League, Big Ben. You played extremely well in your debut (against an underwhelming Cleveland Browns team) and we all look forward to seeing you hang in the pocket and take the big hits while delivering huge throws. All is forgiven when you’re winning…Unless you fight/kill dogs, then you’re never forgiven.

6. Randy Who? New England looked impressive (if not better) without talented receiver Randy Moss. The Patriots brought back Deion Branch and he proceeded to torch the Ravens yesterday. Baltimore was up in this game and should have sealed the deal. Not sure what to make of Baltimore? I’m putting out an APB for Houshmandzadeh? I don’t get he’s so quiet when they have so many weapons. Is he not getting open? What gives?

5. With an inexplicable home loss to Seattle, Lovie Smith is squarely on the hot seat (again!). I just want to know what Cutler sees out there. Does he not see the blitz? Are there no 5-7 yard passes in the Martz playbook? At this rate, things are not going to end pretty in Chi-town.

4. Tampa Bay and Kansas City are indeed better than anyone thought at the beginning of the year but they’re not ready for the New Orleans’ and Texans’ (well, maybe they’re as good as Houston) of the NFL. Both teams played strong games yesterday but New Orleans needed to win in order to get their season on track. As for Houston, their defense is still porous but they needed this win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

3. The Redskins defense looked terrible against the Colts. Granted, Peyton Manning has a penchant for making most defenses look bad but last night was a pure clinic. Manning found the open spots in the Redskins zone and for some reason, the Redskins had no answer for the Colts hurry-up offense. Never thought that Jim Haslett was a smart coach and I don’t think that he’s a good defensive coordinator. Throw in the fact that the Redskins personnel is suited for the 4-3 as opposed to the 3-4 and you have a recipe for a long season.

2. I am still blaming the San Diego GM for their tepid start. At 2-4, the Chargers can still win their division. However, the stubbornness of the GM to release LT (who lit up the Broncos) and not signing Vincent Jackson have left the Chargers with holes in their offense. Philip Rivers can still light it up but the Chargers would definitely be more explosive with Tomlinson and Jackson.

1. While I would love to write the eulogy for Dallas, there’s plenty of football left to be played. However, Jerry Jones made a mistake when he forced Parcells out and hired Wade Phillips it seems that he’s paying the price for that decision. Phillips was a loser with the Oilers, he was a loser with Buffalo and he’s a loser in Big D. Dallas is plenty talented and with three top receivers (Austin, Williams and Bryant), they should be blowing teams off the field. Not sure if the blame should be shared by Phillips, Garrett and Romo but I can guarantee that if Dallas doesn’t make the playoffs this year, more than a few heads will roll.

Random Thoughts on Sports - October 14

10. Shawn Merriman has been deactivated by the Chargers. Injuries, sub-par seasons, dating Tila Tequila, more injuries, steroids – all of the above make a once dominant player replaceable.

9. The only thing that will keep John Wall and the Wizards from success is Gilbert Arenas. He has the perfect opportunity to play with and mentor a young phenom and he’s already up to his old antics. Over/under on Arenas being traded by the All-star break.

8. Major props to the Rangers for not soaking Josh Hamilton in the bubbly last night. He’s a recovering alcoholic/substance abuser and instead of celebrating w/champagne, they used ginger ale.

7. I’m actually looking forward to the NBA season. Maybe it’s to see the new young players (Wall), second year/first year players (Griffin), improved players (Durant), or maybe it’s just to see how the league deals w/the Miami’s super team. It’s a long grind from November to June but it should be exciting.

6. NFL parity – overrated. I’m thinking that nothing new or innovative has happened in the league for a few years now. Yeah, there was the Wildcat but that was more trendy/grasping at options than innovative. Maybe teams have gotten use to what their opponents are going to do and what we’re seeing is more knowing your opponent than parity.

5. If you’re not going to play college athletes, create a development league. I think college sports would be more collegiate if they were played by students who have an interest in athletics. If college sports is going to generate millions (if not billions of dollars), there’s no emphasis on college. For high school athletes who want to major in sports, let them play in a developmental league where they can get paid and learn the art of a professional sport.

4. I know it’s historical but why do baseball teams celebrate after winning the divisional and championship series? Maybe because it’s only two rounds until the World Series but in no other sport do teams celebrate just for winning a playoff series.

3. Not sure how to deal w/this Brett Favre situation. Yeah, he may have sent some inappropriate pics and a suspension is warranted. However, my question is why now? This happened two+ years ago and we’re just hearing about it? I need to hear from the former reporter before I join the suspension pitchfork parade.

2. I support the interest in a BCS playoff system but this year, it may not be necessary. If you want to talk about parity, look no further than college football. There really is no dominant team and the title is literally up for grabs.

1. Terrelle Pryor is finally legit. Yeah, it took him a few years but he looks comfortable in the offense and has a chance to be this year’s version of Vince Young.

Keeps on getting better!

What an exciting Week 5! The 2nd quarter of the season was full of surprises. There were upsets, thrashings, late game heroics and an overtime thriller. One thing is for certain: there is no dominant team this year. For any team that you think can win it all, I can find 5 reasons to agree with you and another 5 for why that team may not even make the playoffs.

But, there are a few front runners. Barring injury, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Atlanta figure to make a lot of noise come playoff time. It’s a crapshoot trying to pick the other teams trying to punch a ticket to Dallas come February.

Top 10 Thoughts for Week 5:

1. Either the Giants are underrated or the Texans are overrated. The Giants have played like gangbusters the last two weeks. That’s either a sign of a team coming together or the Bears and Texans are just average.
2. It was good to see the Redskins win a game we’ve seen them lose so many times in the past. If you would have told me that either Rodgers or McNabb would throw an interception in OT, 9/10 I would have picked McNabb…maybe the Redskins fortunes are turning.
3. Not sure which team is worse – Carolina or Buffalo. At least Buffalo is admittedly in a rebuilding year. The million dollar question is whether Coach Fox makes it through the year in Carolina.
4. Detroit is definitely better than their record implies. They were robbed in Chicago, were competitive in their other three losses and have been playing with their backup QB. Look for them to make some noise the rest of the way.
5. That loss by Cincinnati to Tampa Bay could mean the end for Carson Palmer and Coach Lewis. Throwing the ball with a chance to salt the game away? Costly interceptions? And where is Ochocinco? With Baltimore and Pittsburgh in their division, Cincinnati could ill afford to lose a game they had in the bag.
6. Either the AFC South is the toughest division or it’s the division that wins ugly. All four teams are 3-2 and all four teams have impressive wins and terrible losses on their resumes this year.
7. The Saints are another example of why repeating in the NFL is difficult. After bad losses to Atlanta and Arizona (and a rookie QB!), Sean Payton has to be shaking his head. Brees has looked good but the offense is missing that explosiveness from last year. It looks like the offense benefited from the defense producing turnovers and short fields and that isn’t happening this year.
8. Not that it’s all his fault but the “when will he be fired” watch is on full tilt in San Fran. The 49ers are 0-5 in a completely winnable division. If they go 0-6, I think that’s a wrap for Singletary.
9. San Diego/Oakland had to be the game of the day. Rivers had a monster game, Oakland had, lost, and regained the lead and Campbell had a decent game. If I’m a Charger (or a fan), I’m pissed at the GM for playing hard ball w/Jackson. With Jackson in the lineup, they would be at least 4-1, if not 5-0. Just saying.
10. Looking forward to Moss-Revis II. Actually, I want to see how Favre and his new toy do in their first game together. Will Favre force it to Moss and throw 3 INTs? Will the Childress game plan include feeding AD 25-30 times? While this is a pivotal game for both the Vikings and the Jets, you get the feeling that it’s a must win for the Vikings.

10 Thoughts from Week 4

Observations, critiques and general 

thoughts about Week 4 in the NFL:

1. Vick has to slide instead of taking that huge hit. While he was trying to make a play, as a quarterback, you have to do what you can to stay on the field. And getting hit like that will definitely keep you out of the lineup. For all of you Kolb fans, looks like you get your wish.
   
2. Peyton Hillis looks like Mike Alstott 2.0.
   
3. Jacksonville ALWAYS either plays Indianapolis close or beats them. Not sure how Jacksonville can lose the way they have this year and then can turn around and take it to Indy. Jack Del Rio clearly has the formula for beating Indy; too bad that formula doesn’t extend to him beating the rest of the league.
   
4. Even after losing their #2 and #3 quarterbacks, Pittsburgh is in great shape at 3-1 AND they get Roethlisberger back. Not bad when you think that most of the talking heads had Pittsburgh at either 2-2 or 1-3.
   
5. Did you see the move that LT put on Dante Whitner? The critics will say he put up 100+ yards on a bad team. For someone who was “washed up” in San Diego, putting up 100 yards and having the type of impact that he’s had for the Jets, LT has more than a little left in the tank.
   
6. Sam Bradford looks better than I thought he would AND he’s doing it with a bunch of no name receivers. Granted, his last two games have come against suspect defenses (Washington and Seattle) but he’s managed the game well.
   
7. The Giants had 9 sacks - in the first half? Either their defense is stepping up or Chicago is extremely overrated.
   
8. More teams should have ignored the media’s blacklisting and given T.O. another look. He is still a beast and he could have made a difference for a number of teams this year.
   
9. Arizona looks terrible. Letting Anquan Boldin go was a bad move. Looks like letting Leinart go was a bad move as well.
   
10. That hit that Ryan “All Terrain” Torrain put on Quentin Mikell was worthy of the numerous replays. RBs running over safety’s are always classic moments.