Nfl

During the 2008-2009 season, an encouraging pattern appeared.  The Steelers would start the game well, at some point fall behind, and in the 4th quarter, Big Ben would engineer a game winning drive.  This phenomena reared its head during the regular season, but in the biggest game of the year, Super Bowl XLIII.  Why is the leader of such a sub par offense (22nd in the league during the regular season) the engineer of so many come from behind wins? When examined, two major reasons can be found.

Continue reading "Why Ben Roethlisberger Will be the ..."

Coming off a super bowl victory last season, hopes couldn't be higher for the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers, as they should be.  While the team is returning 20 out of 22 starters from that super bowl run (only losing Larry Foote and Bryant Mcfadden), things begin to look bleak as we look at the possible roster a year from now.  In 2010, the Steelers will have an alarming number of key players that will be free agents if these players do not re-sign.

Continue reading "Trouble Ahead for the Steelers"

I waited a few days after the NFL draft to post my thoughts on how the Broncos did because I needed time to digest their selections and determine whether or not I truly liked the moves the team made.  The truth is, like with every draft, it will be a minimum two seasons and probably three before we can really assign a grade to this or any team’s draft, so any opinion expressed now is really a shot in the dark.  For example, it looks like the Broncos’ draft of 2008 is good for the time being, as Ryan Clady and Eddie Royal both had outstanding rookie seasons.  We still need to wait another year or two however before we can truly evaluate that draft as a whole.  That said, I have a few thoughts on the Broncos’ selections from last weekend:

Continue reading "Broncos' Draft Thoughts"

It says something about the popularity of the NFL that the release of the schedule is now a two hour prime time event.  I somehow feel less stupid knowing I can’t possibly be the only one who eagerly anticipates the release of the schedule.  If nothing else, it’s nice to know what it is so I can plan around it.  For instance, I know that the Broncos will be playing on Thanksgiving night, so my family will know they shouldn’t plan to see me, things like that.   At any rate, my initial thoughts on the  Broncos’ 2009 slate:

Continue reading "Thoughts on the Broncos Schedule"

Welcome, to the first of many enlightening articles from your’s truly.

I’m sure you’ll find something here that you can at least chew on for a while. I hope that you will find thought provoking commentary on some of your favorite topics. The first thing that I want to touch on is the up coming draft and how the home town Broncos will approach it. I’m going to be writing primarily about the Broncos because that’s what I’m exposed to. I live in Denver, Colorado, but I’m a Green Bay Packer fan. Have been since the age of seven. Being a Denver native I have been following the team for most of my life. I’ve seen all the highs and lows since 1975. Including the gut wrenching Super Bowl victory over my Packers. This being said, lets begin the Bronco talk.

Continue reading "Throw out the baby with the bath water."

http://theghostwriter.today.com/2009/03/01/nfl-quarterback-draft-class-

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2006 vs 2005"

As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  This is part III in the series:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2004 vs 2003"

 As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  This is part II in the series:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2002 vs 2001"

As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  First up, we have the class of 1999 taking on that of 2000:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2000 vs 1999"

And with the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select…

A) Matthew Stafford, QB, UGA

B) Eugene Monroe, OT, UVA

C) Aaron Curry, LB, WF

D)  Jason Smith, OT, BAY

Continue reading "And with the first pick in the 2009 ..."

 Talk all you want about the “potential” of Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez, but if you’re looking for an immediate impact quarterback in the 2009 draft, look no further than the diminutive Pat White of West Virginia. To use the old cliche that probably became a cliche because it used to be considered an invaluable trait, the guy is simply a play-maker. Sure, he “only” stands 6′0 1/4 and weighs 197 lbs., but this is a player who isn’t afraid to put the team on his back in crunch time and make the game-deciding play. Still, the story of his life has been one of under-appreciation, and the tale of this year’s draft is looking like yet another chapter.

Continue reading "Standing Pat: The Case for Mountaineer #5"

The stage was officially set after Sunday's two Conference games for the 43rd Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers both jumped over their last hurdles to go to the big dance. But don't ask either coach if they'll be satisfied with just making it. They want to win it! I'll bring you a in-depth 7 part preview of the big game as I'll give my prediction on the game on the 7th and final post. So let's get to it! This is the 'intro' post to the 7 part series.

Continue reading "Setting the Stage: Arizona Cardinals"

                        An era has ended in Denver.  The firing of Head Coach Mike Shannahan took many by surprise, but some  saw this one coming.  Could it have been the lack of post-season play for the past three years?  Possibly, but most  think the last straw was giving up a three-game division lead with three games left that finally ended Shannan's blue and orange days.  Say what you will about the man, but what he did for Denver was amazing.  Other than Mr. Elway, his name is probably going to be the most mentioned name in Bronco history. 

Continue reading "The end of a long road."

From Week 12 to Week 15 the Houston Texans showed great poise and determination. They started a 4-game winning streak in Cleveland in a defensive battle. Not overly impressive, but a win is a win in the National Football League. The team then dominated a displaced looking Jacksonville Jaguars team at home in the first Monday Night game in franchise history.

Continue reading "Still Important"

Week 16 is off and rolling as the NFL season continues to wind down. Due to a busy schedule and some internet difficulties I was not able to bring you a Week 15 prediction post. But have no fear I'm back this week with a Week 16 post (yip yip hooray!) I went a miserable 1-3 in Week 14. With the season winding down, theirs several big games with playoff implications on the line. So without further a due....let's take a look at the games and predictions of the week.

Continue reading "NFL Week 16 Predictions"

A 1-point win never seemed so mammoth.

Yesterday the Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 13-12 in front of a jam-packed crowd at Reliant Stadium. With the win the Texans evened their season record at 7-7 and recorded their first 4 game winning streak in franchise history. Playoff chances have been done for weeks, but the Texans are still playing tough and like a team with a lot on the line.

Continue reading "Not This Time"

Another week is in the books in the National Football League as we head to Week 15. But first let's take a look back at the week that was...Week 14! (my tongue is getting twisted) Several surprising outcomes this past Sunday including a few of the games I picked. I went a disappointing 1-3 in my picks. Very poor performance on my part. I'm finally realizing I'll never have a grip on the NFL. It's the most inconsistent professional sport out there. Any team can lose on any given week. But enough sulking, let's get on to this week's Fallout Report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 14 Fallout"

Week 14 rolls along as Week 13 is officially history. I went 2-2 last week, picking again without any assistance from a Crystal Ball or a Crypt Keeper. Not a great performance by me, but I'm confident that my record will be better this week. So with that said, again without any assistance....let's kick things off with the Texans/Packers!

Continue reading "NFL Week 14 Predictions"

Week 13 is in the books as we are getting closer to the playoffs in the National Football League (still 4 weeks away, but with the way this season has flown bye, it won't be long!). Before I begin I want to apologize to my 3 readers for not keeping up with the Fallout Report. I'll have it on time (every Tuesday) from now until the playoffs. With that said, let's see how I did!

Continue reading "NFL Week 13 Fallout"

Happy Thanksgiving all. The NFL is already in its 13th week of the season (hard to believe isn't it?). I went 3-1 in Week 12 (without any assistance from the Crypt Keeper once again, mind you). Since I've had luck with out any help from a Crystal Ball or a Crypt Keeper, I'll go at my picks alone again this week and hope the wins keep on coming! So let's dig in!

Continue reading "NFL Week 13 Predictions"

 

           Last night, on Sunday Night Football, the Cowboys and Redskins met in a heated NFC East rivalry.  The ‘Boys came to Washington, sporting a 5-4 record, while the ‘Skins were 6-3.  The Cowboys welcomed back their offensive leader, Tony Romo, as well as Pro-Bowl corner, Terence Newman.  Dallas had already lost to the Redskins earlier this season, and this was a must-win game for the Cowboys. 

Continue reading "Back In The Saddle"

I’m looking over Sunday’s games for week 11 of the NFL and I am slightly bored. Seriously, I am struggling to find a compelling storyline to follow.

I love the NFL and have for years, yet I hardly care about one single game that will be played tomorrow.

Continue reading "Planning A Long Nap On Sunday"

  

As America (and London) prepare for the NFL’s week eight schedule tomorrow, these are bleak times. I know that this isn’t a political or social venue, but I just wanted to fire off some quick words of appreciation for our beloved sport. 

Continue reading "Why Americans need Football"

Crime and Punishment in Big D 

           You don’t have to be a die-hard fan to know that the biggest reason for the Cowboys’ recent struggles has been Brad Johnson. As bad as the offensive line and defensive secondary have played at times, the fact that the former Super Bowl quarterback hasn’t looked like he could throw a stone in the ocean this season has to be Wade Phillips’ worst oversight since coming to Dallas two years ago. 

Continue reading "Crime and Punishment in Big D"

I was watching the end of the Sunday Night Football game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.  I was trying to figure out what to take from the game about the two teams, then John Madden said it perfectly.

Continue reading "Madden Sums Up Colts Versus Patriots Perfectly"

MID-SEASON NFL AWARDS & RECOGNITION

MOST OVER-PUBLICIZED
5. Jeremy Shockey (NO)—When he was acquired in the off-season from the Giants, many lauded the move. On paper, it truly seemed like a “win-win” scenario for both teams. One expert even went so far as to say that the outspoken tight end would have the same type of impact on the Saints as Randy Moss had on the Patriots in 2007 (sorry, Mr. Jaworski). Thus far, having played in 5 of 8 games, Shockey has 200 receiving yards, zero touchdowns, and two lost fumbles. Recently, he lashed out at his new organization for rushing him back on the playing field after he suffered a sports hernia earlier in the season. Even with crucial injuries at skill positions, the 4-4 Saints have had little trouble moving the ball on offense. If Shockey doesn’t score a touchdown shut up soon, he might find out the hard way just how expendable he actually is.

Continue reading "THE ULTIMATE MID-SEASON NFL BREAKDOWN ..."

From the moment in 2006 when Larry Johnson was spewing his dislike towards white coaches and applauding Herm Edwards because he's a black head coach and "gets it" his on-field performance took a nose dive.  After his fourth incident with the law involving women over the bye week I believe Dick Vermeil had Larry's personality pegged long ago.  Vermeil didn't want to draft him preferring to take a defensive player such as Polamalu or a D-lineman in the draft but Peterson insisted. 

Continue reading "Think Larry Johnson Might Want to ..."

MID-SEASON NFL ALL-PRO TEAMS

2nd TEAM

QB = Drew Brees (NO): 2563 YDS 15 TD 7 INT 69% CMP 101.6 RTG

RB = Michael Turner (ATL): 655 YDS 6 TD 4.5 YPC, 3 CTH 11 YDS
         Marion Barber (DAL): 611 YDS 5 TD 4.0 YPC, 32 CTH 276 YDS 2 TD

Continue reading "MID-SEASON NFL ALL-PRO TEAMS"

A week filled with late game nervousness and dominant performances. The Texans were the ones doing the prowling as they tore apart the Bengals. 'America's Team' didn't look so sharp, but they found a way to win. The NFL brought a real shootout to London (hopefully no one was hurt!) and Brett Favre didn't look good for the second consecutive week, but thankfully for the Jets, they played the Chiefs. I'll cover those games in this week's Fallout report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Fallout"

Tyler Thigpen played his heart out Sunday.  I was frantically dialing all my friends on my cell phone to see if anyone else was watching the spectacle that Thigpen was making of the Jets defense.  Of course only one friend picked up the phone and his response was "no I don't watch that joke of a team". 

Continue reading "Fourth Quarter of Chiefs at Jets ..."

The Carolina Panthers are rolling! Led by Jake's new Arm the two heading monster at running back, and the Best Receiver in the League Steve Smith. He is Just amazing! For the Third straight game is ha

Continue reading "Steve Smith is my Hero!!"

This should be your lock of the week. The new trend in the NFL is teams out west coming east and playing has lost every game this year when the game is at 1:00 and this one is. Plus the Panthers are u

Continue reading "Panthers Vs. Cards"

In the Kansas City Chiefs continuing game of "Let's Make a Deal" they have chosen Quinn Gray over Daunte Culpepper and Bruce Gradkowski.  I watched Gray play a game or two for Jacksonville last year and while it wasn't spectacular he couldn't be any worse than Tyler "CFL" Thigpen.  Gray brings a combination of size and mobility, something the Chiefs sorely lacked in their quarterback options on the roster. Croyle and Thigpen are mobile but both are smallish quarterbacks.  Croyle can't stay healthy and Huard is an immobile weak-armed veteran. Thigpen doesnt step into his throws causing them to sail high and has awful pocket presence. Gray can't do any worse than these jokes that have been filling out the roster.     

Continue reading "The Chiefs Will Take QB Behind Door Number Two!"

Wednesday Blast!

Somewhere the Tuna is smiling…

Hello Blast fans,

    It’s that time again, time to do some blasting and we got some great stuff from Frisco, KC and everywhere else. Now since there are an extremely large amount of blasts with a number of unsavory words. I take it upon myself to replace them and still keep the original statements intact.

Continue reading "Blasting Away!"

The jobless quarterback VW-Bus keeps on rolling with stale snacks and odd jobs on the side.  That's what I picture when teams start auditioning out of work quarterbacks.  I picture them all in the same VW-bus traveling city to city showering at rest stops hoping for a job somewhere in the NFL.  It looks like Culpepper and Gradkowski pulled their VW-Bus up to One Arrowhead Drive this week for tryouts. 

Continue reading "Daunte Culpepper? Is Moss coming too?"

All year long everyone have been on the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and the rest on the NFC East bandwagon! Now with the Dallas Debacle and the Redskins now back to earth, except for

Continue reading "NFC South is the Best"

NFC EAST

The Day After the Blowout

Hello East fans,

    Okay so my predictions were way off, well not by much except for the thrashing in St. Louis, I really think it is code red in Big D. The Skins got away with one at home against the resurged Brownies. The G-men handled the Whiners the way you should, let them beat themselves. Let’s start off with the biggest upset in the NFL since the previous week.

Continue reading "The East...the day after the blowout"

Someone put this team out if its misery. Are there enough adjectives to describe just how poor this team is? In summary, a portly, short-yardage back burst off-tackle untouched for an 80 yard touchdown. That's right Lendale White the guy who has been getting grief from Titans fans for his out of shape body and slow feet burst untouched for an 80 yard touchdown. He averaged 8.8 yards per carry on the day. The Titans' "feature" back Chris Johnson in an attempt to run down the clock followed up that 80 yard plodding touchdown with a 66 yard effort. In all the Chiefs allowed 323 yards rushing. They allowed two backs to top 100 and each back averaged 9 yards a carry. Those are video game stats.

Continue reading "Put The Chiefs Out of Their Misery"

Crystal Croyle limped off the field in the second quarter and the Chiefs' "QB of the Future" proved once again he is not capable of remaining healthy through a single game let alone an entire season.  I think it is time to cash in your chips on that hope.  Croyle was 9 for 10 on the day so he was having a promising start but promising starts don't equate to wins and has been said many times availability is sometimes better than raw ability.

Continue reading "Crystal Croyle Out in 2nd Quarter"

The Wednesday Blast

 

H

Continue reading "Blast AWAY!!!!!"

It was a Sunday of last second heroics. 5 games were decided in the closing seconds. A few of them killed me in my pick-ems. I went 1-3 in my picks in my weekly dig here! Bah humbug as Ebenezer Scrooge would say. Despite my hideous pick skills again (grr!) it was a good Sunday of professional football. Instead of covering each game like I did last week here, I'll cover the games that were the more 'exciting on the weeks' slate'.

Continue reading "NFL Week 6 Fallout"

A new found rivalry with this expansion team(well, they always will be to me) the Jacksonville Jaguars have always put up a good fight. Very Excited for this game.

 Within the first 5 drives between both teams we've seen a touchdown pass, two fumbles, and a field goal. I love this stuff! Now if only one of those fumbles hadn't been ours. Our offense and defense started out with a bang. Cutler and the O driving for 80 yards. Only to be dulled in comparison to Webster's DEVESTATING blow to Taylor making him cough up the ball. BUT, yes, with the orange and blue there is ALWAYS a but, Cutler as we have all noticed this season, has grown his required set of extremities necessary for all NFL quarteback. Balls. But with these balls come responsibility Jay. Yes, you did make one succesful sprint. But trying to do this all the time will come back to bite you in those previously mentioned balls. Like today. You just fumbled man!!! Now we're only ahead by 4! AHH!!!! You just through and interception too!! Sounds like someone's trying to step on their OWN balls. Ouch! Alright, end of the 1st quarter. I'm gonna grab a beer.

Continue reading "Broncs vs. Jags"

NFC East

Week 6

Hello East Fans,

Well after a week of Hiatus to curse the football gods for my team’s embarrassing losses. I felt a preview of the Best division in Football was the only way to quench the thirst. Every team in the division except for Washington is on the road, let’s start with the leaders of the pack.

Continue reading "The East!"

Week 5 is in the books. I went 2-2 last week (3-1 if the Texans would have hold on to the lead) but anyways...We put Week 5 in the history books and we open up a new chapter: Week 6! Just like last we

Continue reading "NFL Week 6 Predictions"

Wow! In five short weeks we went from the Cowboys as the Super Bowl Favorites, to are they even the best team in the NFC East.  Now I will give you this, the Redskins are shocking every

Continue reading "America's Team"

 

Once again, Adam don’t call me “Pac-man” Jones has made the headlines.  And when Mr. Jones makes the headlines, it usually isn’t good news!  Early Wednesday morning, Pac-man allegedly got into a “scuffle” with one of his security guards at a hotel in Dallas (read more here).  The police were called, but no charges were filed.  Is this much ado about nothing…or is Adam facing a possible suspension! 

Continue reading "Rush To Judgment"

Last night, we lost another star to the pre-season. Antawn Jamison went down with a knee injury after playing only 4 mins. Which begs the question why do we need a pre-season anyway. Now the Washin

Continue reading "I hate Pre season"

Since Mr. Reggie Bush has been in the League he has been in the new a lot. From the Scandal at USC, to dating Kim Kardashian, to being over-hyped. Last night he was in it for the right reasons. During the Monday Night Game The Saints VS the Viking, it was build as Peterson Vs Bush, and everybody thought that All Day was going to do just that and run all day and night against the saints and that lowly defence. To everyone's surprise it was Mr. Bush that sole the show with almost 300 yards of total offence which is more that twice the Kansas City put up in the defeat at the paws of my Carolina Panthers Sunday. In the second he took over the game in i way in my 27 years i never seen a scat back as the call him do with two punt returns that he was clocked at running over 21 mph with 20lbs of equipment on.Reggie Bush no matter what they try to call him scat back, specialty player, or whatever  he is none other that a football player.  He single took the game over and if it was for the saint kicking game and their penants and turnovers they would have won the game. He also set two NFL records most receptions by a player to start a carrer, and two punt returns in the same game is one also he hold that with others. Since he has been drafted they have been waiting for him to live up to the hype. Let me be the first to tell you the wait is over. Church

Continue reading "Reggie, Reggie, Reggie"

          The crystal ball was two up and two down for the week.  Even though that is an improvement, it still doesn’t cut it!  Good thing this is for entertainment purposes only…or I would be in the poor house!  Let’s take a look back and see what happened: 

Continue reading "Week 5 Review"

It was an interesting week in the National Football League. A few surprises, a big meltdown by one team and one bruised and battered team found a way to win a big prime-time game. Let's get right to it--game by game.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Fallout"

 

           Yesterday, the Eagles lost another heartbreaker to a division foe, the Washington Redskins, 23-17.  The Eagles stand at 2-3 and in 4th (last) place in their division.  They have now lost two division (3 conference) games…and that does not bode well for play-off considerations.  Though it’s still early in the season…the sky may be falling! 

Continue reading "Bridges"

First off, I want to introduce myself. My name is Jake, I live in Houston. I'm glad I found this place. I've read a lot of bloggers material today from predictions to their favorite teams' rants, it's great. I enjoyed it. Sports, baby sports!

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

The Crying Game pt. 2

Hello NFL fans,

    Here we are again with the on going drama that is the Valley of the Departed, or as you know them, the Dallas Cowboy fan base. You see after the critically acclaimed article The TO Story, there was only one thing I could do, make a crappy sequel! This sequel would not have been if not for the despicable actions of the Dallas Cowgirls and their equally brain dead fan base.

Continue reading ""

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Week 5"

    Kellen Clemens never saw him. When the young quarterback dropped back in the pocket with six minutes left in the second quarter, he thought he had Jerricho Cotchery open on an out route. With little hesitation, he gunned the ball in the direction of his top receiver and watched it go for six. Unfortunately, for Clemens and Jets fans, those six points belonged to the opposing team, the Dallas Cowboys. Cornerback Terence Newman easily undercut the route and used his world-class speed to return the pass 50 yards down the sideline for his first touchdown of the season. Broken and overmatched, the Jets would lose the contest 34-3.

Continue reading "PICKING ON THE BENGALS"

          

           Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots, was accused by Al Davis of “tampering” with Randy Moss prior to their trade a year ago.  The Raiders received a 4th round pick as compensation in the deal.  Davis alleges that the Patriots had a secret workout with Moss prior to the negotiations, which would violate NFL rules.  Bill (here’s a surprise) denies the accusation. 

Continue reading "...Then It's Probably A Duck!"

Much has been said and written about Terrell Eldorado Owens…so why should this week be any different?  It shouldn’t!  Mr. Owens had some comments that he made after the Cowboys lost to the Redskins.  He wants the ball more…gee, that’s a surprise?  He wants the offense to go through him…again, I was shocked?  He wants to be involved early and often…okay, now I am just down right astonished? 

Continue reading "Much Ado About Nothing"

           This week two head coaches were relieved of their duties…fired!  First, Scott Linehan of the St. Louis Rams, and now, Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders, why?  Jim Haslet replaced Linehan.  What’s the difference, the Rams are horrific!  Kiffin is being replaced with O-line coach, Tom Cable…who?  Yeah, that’s right, I never heard of him either! 

Continue reading "Instant Gratification"

The Crying Game

The Terrell Owens story

Hello NFL fans,

Well here we are, week four of the third year with his last team. This will be his last team, I truly believe that. If I were an owner I would rather get a letter full of anthrax and then imprisoned IN Cuba to spend the rest of my days. The continuous onslaught of reporters and fans condemning my name and wanting my head on a stick would be too much for me to bare.

Continue reading ""

By mistake I only entered two of the teaser in, thankfully since all three were losers.  I am still not sure how Univ. of Wis was able too blow that 4th quarter lead but oh well.  Duke got i

Continue reading "Week # 1 Recap from Experiment in Bets"

Eagles -VS- Bears

Windy city Debacle

Hello Eagles fans,

Well what can we say after that wonderful gift we delivered to the city of Chicago. I felt sick for about three hours after the game, I didn’t want to be talked to or even wanted anything to do with stats and sports of any kind. After the Dallas game I knew we let one get away. After last night it became infuriating and now I just want Sunday to come so we can really find out what kind of team we have.

Continue reading ""

           Once again, my crystal ball failed me.  I don’t understand what happened…I shined it up last week.  I even purchased a stand for it…so now it sits on top of the mantel.  I’ve treated it with the utmost respect.  For who?  For what?  (Yes…that was a shot at Ricky Watters!)  Once again, I was one up and three down last week…not good…awful…embarrassing even!  I have to do something different for next week…maybe I will punish it…have it stand in the corner…or give it a time-out!  Something has to give…and I’m not backing down!  Let’s take a closer look and see what went wrong: 

Continue reading "Week 4 Review"

NFC East

Week 4

Hello East fans,

Since there was only on division game this week the world was focused in Dallas.

The G-men were off this week and off out scowering jail cells for their great wide receiver. I am sure they will have enough time to bail him out since he ahs been suspended for a game for missing a team meeting. The Skins were in town to try and upset the undefeated Cowgals.

Continue reading "NFC EAST"

           The other day, Rashard Mendenhall (Rookie RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers) sent his buddy, Ray Rice (Rookie RB for the Baltimore Ravens) a text message.  So why is that football news?  Because LB Bart Scott of the Ravens made it so!  Mendenhall’s text was only intended for his buddy Ray.  It claimed how great of a day Rashard was going to have against the vaunted Raven’s Defense.  Ray Rice took it upon himself to let his defense know about the text message…Bart Scoot took offense.

Continue reading "Bulletin Board Material"

The Blast 1.5

Hello Blast fans,

I know I was making this a weekly blog for all those problems with everyone’s teams. But the response to the Blast has been overwhelming and some of these are just to funny to wait any longer. Keep on emailing and commenting I love posting up what you guys want to say about your teams.

Continue reading "More blasting!"

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!           

Continue reading "Predictions Week 4"

           On Saturday night, I relearned a lesson I already knew.  Often times, we need to be reminded of lessons we learned as a child.  When we were children, things were simpler.  We didn’t judge, we just played with everyone…all the other children were our friends.  We learned to judge, as we grew older.  Our teachers always taught us right from wrong…but did we listen? 

Continue reading "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover"

 The position in the NFL that is the most highly over paid and speculative has to be the WR's.  This position is solely dependent on the rest of the team and can rarely achieve greatness wit

Continue reading "News and Notes From NFL"

BLAST WEDNESDAYS

Hello NFL fans,

Well I am going to start up something new for all those NFL fans who have a lot to say but can’t get it out, enough. I have a lot of people writing, calling and just talking to me about the things that irk them about the NFL to include players, coaches, mascots, ticket prizes, play calls, cheerleaders…yes even that. I recently decided why not make a weekly manuscript about the things that hurt the fans, I know many legions of people out there are upset about their teams in some way shape or form. This is how we are going to do it every Wednesday, since it is the most boring day of the football week. Mondays and Sundays are game days. Tuesdays are layovers from the previous games and we seem to have nothing available in the middle of the week, until Friday when you get into college football mode.

Continue reading "Wednesday Blast!"

             Just the other day my cousin Domenic (Cuz) called me.  He wanted to let me know that our cousin from Italy was coming for a visit in October, and to call me a cockroach.  The term cockroach was coined, or at least he uses it the most, by Howard Eskin of WIP (local sports radio).  Eskin uses the term to refer to Cowboys fans, mostly who live in the Philly area.  This got me to thinking (dangerous, isn’t it?)…In today’s politically correct society, and the diverse society we live in, I, a cockroach, was offended.  At my wife’s school (she is a school teacher), they promote diversity with a huge campaign.  In a nutshell, it’s to let everyone know that we are different and that we should understand and respect others points of view.   

Continue reading "Cockroaches"

NFC East

Week 3

Hello East fans,

After some great games this Sunday, it is time to analyze the teams in our great division, because no other division really matters in this league. Well let’s start off by evaluating the G-men, whom I really don’t know what to make of just yet. They struggled against a winless, defenseless Bengals team that looked like their season has just started. They went in at halftime losing by three but in reality it could have been more if their D-line had not stepped up and sacked Palmer at the end of the half. Their offense looked somewhat anemic against the bottom feeding defense, if we can even call it a defense of the Bengals.

Continue reading "NFC east"

           Today I am taking my lumps, and licking my wounds.  I was 1-3 on my predictions for Week 3.  Though I take great pride in my prognosticating skills, I must blame the crystal ball for this one.  Granted, I should have known better, because I purchased it at Dollar Tree…what do you expect for a dollar?  Maybe I will “Windex” it before this week’s prediction, so it isn’t so cloudy and hazy.  Lets take a closer look at what happened: 

Continue reading "Week 3 Review"

     Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball! 

Continue reading "Predictios Week 3: Round-Up"

           The NFL, in my opinion, is the best sport in the world.  It is a violent game played by phenomenal athletes, who by the way, get paid handsomely for it.  Every year the NFL Competition Committee comes up with new rules to “improve” the game.  For instance, this year, they got rid of the 5-yard facemask penalty.  Now it’s either a 15-yard personal foul, or incidental contact and no penalty…what genius came up with that one? 

Continue reading "The No Fun League"

Today is a seasonable mild day in beautiful Gilbertsville, PA.  There are leaves falling and a calm breeze.  As I sit on my patio, I hear the birds chirping, and the wind howl occasionally.  It is almost an eerie feeling.  The kids are in school and the streets and backyards are empty.  So, I thought to myself, timing is everything.  A few weeks ago, at this time, kids were running in their yards, playing on their swing sets, and horse playing as youngsters do.  Today, nothing! 

Continue reading "Timing Is Everything"

           Last night I saw one of the best games ever.  If for some ungodly reason you didn’t see it…shame on you!  The Dallas Cowboys outlasted the Philadelphia Eagles 41-37.  This game had everything imaginable.  The offenses were unstoppable, yet the defenses made plays when needed.  This game defined the season for both teams.  The Cowboys thought they were good, now they know that they are, and it could turn out to be a magical season.  The Eagles, they weren’t too sure where they stood.  They have a young core of receivers (some nursing injuries) and a beefed up offensive line, and a maligned quarterback just a year removed from a major injury.  Now, they know they can hang with the Cowboys and have a legitimate shot this year. 

Continue reading "A Game For The Ages: An Instant Classic"

The signing of Robert James does a lot to help the linebacking corps.  Yes, everybody wants James to produce this year.  I do, too.  But James's contributions to the LBs this year will

Continue reading "Signing James Just Makes the Strong Stronger"

     John Clayton's July 9th blog ( http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=clayton_john) about the state of pre-camp signings portends more possible trouble for the Falcons organization leading into training camp on July 25.  Clayton explains that agents trying to get pre-camp signings for first and second round draft picks have encountered what the military calls a snafu.  Without getting too down and dirty, the sticking point in contract talks regards a rule that regulates increases in rookie salaries to 25 per cent, annually.  Agents have made a practice exploiting a loophole in this rule that allows bonus money to be guaranteed for the final year of a contract in a lump sum.  This protects players who bust out of the NFL before their contract expires and helps players who outperform the built-in strictures of their contracts.  However, with the CBA ending in 2011, first and second round picks--who typically sign contracts of four, five, or six years--can't be guaranteed any money because there is no framework in place to do so.  The bottom line: we're at an impasse.    

Continue reading "Unsigned Picks in Unsettling Circumstances"

Going into training camp, there are always a lot of question marks for a team in a rebuilding phase.  The 2008 Atlanta Falcons are no exception.  Will Matt Ryan start week 1?  Is Sam Baker an elite (or even starting) left tackle at the NFL level?  Looking beyond these common questions, however, lies another set of questions, the resolution to which will go as far as any other in determining the Falcons success in 2008 and beyond.  These questions revolve around the guys you haven’t heard much about.  That you haven’t heard about them is the scary part.

Continue reading "Paying the Piper: Ghosts of the 2006 ..."

Yes!  Favre has returned to save my fantasy football team!  I knew drafting him in my 12 Team Keeper league would pay off.  I am a fantasy football genius!

 Not really.  I had a horrible season last year.  But enough about that . . .

Continue reading "Brett Favre Un-Retires"

After 17 years as the Green Bay Packers quarterback, the legendary and future hall of famer 3 time MVP Brett Favre is set to retire.

"I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired," Favre, a three-time NFL MVP, told ESPN's Chris Mortensen in a voice mail message.

Continue reading ""Iron Man" Set to Retire"

I have never claimed to be an expert when it comes to predicting outcomes of football games, although last year I nearly predicted the exact final score of the Super Bowl while hitting on seven of my nine prop bets. (My prediction was 26-17, the final was 29-17.) For whatever reason I had a very good feel for that game. This year's Super Bowl, however, remains a mystery to me. Part of the reason I am having trouble getting a good feel for this game is that I am a bitter Jets fan and I can't stand either team. I'm finding it difficult to put my personal feelings aside and look at the game objectively. I think right now I am as close to objectivity as I am going to get, and with that being said, here is my official Super Bowl XLII prediction.

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII Prediction"

Well, it's over. Thank goodness! Shoot the horse and put it to rest. And while you're at it shoot Chicago Bears' management, and let's not leave out the man we all love - Lovie Smith! All should take equal responsibility for absolutely, positively throwing away probably the best defense in the NFL and the genius of Devon Hester and special teams.

Continue reading "What a Shameful Waste of a Great ..."