Sunday, September 27, 2009

NFL Week 3 Picks

Last week I didn't get my picks up on my blog in time but to inform my followers that I went . This week has some interesting games as well. The Falcons travel to New England, the Titans head up to the Jets, and San Fransisco heads into Minnesota for a possible NFC Championship preview.

Green Bay (1-1) vs St. Louis (0-2)
The Packers looked so dominate on defense in week 1 over the Bears and last week could not stop Cedric Benson of Cincinnati. Which defense shows up today is yet to be seen. If Steven Jackson gets the Rams going early the Packers may be in trouble against a dreadful Rams team. Also look for a lot of blitzes coming from Spagnuolo against a average offensive line. Green Bay holds on 24-16.

San Fransisco (2-0) vs Minnesota (2-0)
One of the biggest games of the day will be one of the more physical games as well. The Niners will not back down and will pound the ball and hope to ware out the Williams brothers with Frank Gore. Gore had a career game last week, but was a little banged up. Brett Favre may to put a little more effort into this game than just turning around and handing off the ball to Adrien Peterson. Should be a fun game to watch if you like defense and physical offensive lines. Do not expect a lot of points in this one. San Fransisco led by Coach Singletary 's attitude leave town with a victory, 20-13.

Atlanta (2-0) vs New England (1-1)
Matt Ryan returns to the northeast for a football game for the first time since he was a Golden Eagle of Boston College. Ryan has led the Falcons to a sizzling start out of the gates and looks well experienced beyond his years, almost like a young Tom Brady. Ryan will try to outscore the "Brady Bunch" that has looked anything but the 3 time Super Bowl Champions of previous years. Brady has struggled in his timing with the routes and his comfort level. I think the Pats will be fine, but this could be an interesting task for the defense of New England. I like New England in a shoot out. Patriots 34-28.

Tennessee (0-2) vs New York Jets (2-0)
The Titans were the best team for much of last season and have looked far from that this season thus far. "Broadway Joe"who?? That is what Mark Sanchez is trying to do and just might do that. Not really, it is only his third game at the helm in the NFL but Sanchez looks like Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco of last season. I like the defense the best of New York with the arrival of Rex Ryan and his boys from Baltimore. I like the Titans to win their first game of the year as they go into NY and beat the GQ Sanchez. Score reads at triple zero, 21-17.

Kansas City (0-2) vs Philadelphia (1-1)
No McNabb, and Michael Vick is back in the NFL. If it was not for playing the Chiefs I would have to go for the upset. However, DeSean Jackson has a big game and Vick shows some life and the Eagles roll but the Chiefs make it interesting in the end. Eagles winner winner Philly Cheese Steak dinner, 27-21.

New York Giants (2-0) vs Tampa Bay (0-2)
Eli did it again last week against the Cowboys in the fourth quarter and now he has the Buccaneers to deal with. Do I smell a let down? I think not. Closer than most expect here but the Giants win with their physical play at the line of scrimmage. Bucs fall to 0-3 as Eli wins again 27-20.

Cleveland (0-2) vs Baltimore (2-0)
The best team in the league thus far?? The Ravens have my vote and would agree because of the play of "Joe Cool." Flacco has displayed a numerous amount of skills and looks to take a giant step forward. Flacco vs Ryan in the Super Bowl?? Wouldn't that be nice. Ravens roll the Browns who cannot figure it out. 38-13.

Jacksonville (0-2) vs Houston (1-1)
The Texans have a great shot today and move to 2-1 on the season. The Jags will play tough and competitive against AFC South rival, but Houston has too much fire power on offense. Andre Johnson will put up 100 yards in receiving and a touchdown. Texans win Texas style, 31-17.

Washington (1-1) vs Detroit (0-2)
This is the week boys and girls. The Lions get off the streak and get the victory. The Redskins haven't put up any offense this season and the Lions have the young arm in Stafford and the Freak at wide out, Calvin Johnson. Lions win, finally, 24-16.

Chicago (1-1) vs Seattle (1-1)
Seneca Wallace starts and the Bears come in off a big win. Seattle is a tough place to play, but Jay Cutler could care less. I like the Seahawks at home because of a let down and the crowd noise at home. Seahawks win 23-17.

New Orleans (2-0) vs Buffalo (1-1)
Drew Brees continues his MVP numbers and tries to keep pace for an All Time record for touchdowns as well. I like the Saints in Buffalo to knock off Terrell Owens and the Bills, 27-19.

Pittsburgh (1-1) vs Cincinnati (1-1)
Intriguing game in the AFC North. I have not liked how the Steelers have played in 2009, and the Bengals look like they have turned a corner away from their dismal off the field behavior. The Bengals a miracle play away from 2-0 move to 2-1 with a big time upset at home. Cincinnati 24-20.

Miami (0-2) vs San Diego (1-1)
The Dolphins could not win Monday Night even though they had the ball for 45 minutes. Phillip Rivers will get a little more time with the football but the result for the Dolphins will be the same. Lightning Bolts win 31-23.

Denver (2-0) vs Oakland (1-1)
The least talked about unbeaten team in the league and for a good reason as they have not looked impressive. They have shown some good defense but on the offensive end they have work to do. I like the Raiders at home and a much more physical team with Seymour. Raiders win 16-15.

Indianapolis (2-0) vs Arizona (1-1)
Peyton again Monday Night put on a clinic of how to come from behind. In four completions he led the Colts into the end zone for the game winning score. Manning against Warner, will be a shoot out in the desert as Reggie Wayne and Larry Fitzgerald each get into the act and the end zone. Colts come into town and move to 3-0. 34-30 Peyton does it again.

Carolina (0-2) vs Dallas (1-1)
The Panthers need this one badly. They should stick with Williams and Stewart on the ground game and blitz and cause pressure and confusion on Tony Romo. The Cowboys will come out aggressive to get on top as Jerry Jones does not want to go 0-2 in his new palace. I like the Panthers to come out and play hard and lose however, Cowboys protect their house with a 27-20 victory.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

NFL Week 2 in Review

This week in the NFL gave some spectacular individual performances like Frank Gore's two touchdowns of 79 and 80 yards against the Seattle, Eli and Peyton's game winning drives in the fourth quarter, Chris Johnson's near 300 all-purpose yards in a loss to Houston, and Drew Brees' pace for TD's in a season. It's only two weeks into the season and already there are some points of interest I can see unfolding for the rest of the season.

The Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco has grown up before our eyes in one season. He went from a game manager to a man taking control of the team's offense and leading the Ravens past a superior team in San Diego. Despite for only throwing for under 200 yards Flacco has remained calm and cool in the pocket, "Joe Cool" may be an appropriate nickname for Flacco in the future. I like where this team is and the defense is surely not in mid-season form yet and that is the scary part about this team. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, opponents BEWARE!

As Joe Flacco looks advanced in years, unfortunately for the 105,000 plus at Jerry Jones' new palace, Tony Romo choked once again in a big game. Not only did the Cowboys running game look so dominant throughout the game against a good Giants defense, but Tony Romo made it look elite by throwing three, yes three interceptions against the Giants. Romo was 1-4 coming into Sunday Nights game lifetime against New York, but after last night Romo definitely has work to do to regain some respect around the league. The Cowboys will be fine if the offensive line plays like they did Sunday night and Jason Garrett keeps Tony Romo under wraps and in friendly down and distance plays that will not but a lot of strain on him for a couple of weeks to get his confidence back.

Mark Sanchez has all but written off any other possible Rookie of the Year candidate. Winning your second career start in the NFL against the Patriots and Tom Brady. Now that is saying something about your potential. I know people are going to say he has not put up the numbers or this or that, but quite frankly Mark Sanchez is a winner and that's what Pete Carroll is missing most in Southern California. The Jets with Sanchez have a chance to win 12 games this year in my eyes and their defense is resembling to that of Rex Ryan's Ravens' teams.

Some quick hits now....

Drew Brees threw three TDs against Philly Sunday, now has nine threw two games. On pace for 72 touchdowns this season. I know he will not throw 60 this year, but its fun to watch and keep notice of his progress. I will however be shocked if Brees does not break Dan Marino's pass yards record mark this season and also if he comes up short of 50 TDs this year as well.

TO's dropped pass against the Bucs Sunday was fun to see. I am a TO guy, I think he is funny and likes how he wants the ball every time he is out there, but I will admit it was fun to see TO drop a deep ball that he desperately wanted and was going to score on. He did come back and get his 43-yard TD reception later in the game as he did get his first score as a member of the Buffalo Bills. TO I'm sorry you dropped it, but I was laughing at it and you got what you have had coming to you after all of the words you have given Garcia, McNabb, and Romo over your career.

Arguably the best pair of brothers to ever play the game, Eli and older brother Peyton did it again. How good does it feel to be Archie Manning right about now. Each of his son's with Super Bowl rings, and on the same week in the NFL on back to back nights each put up a fourth quarter come from behind victory on the road must I remind you. Eli calm and casually hits his nameless receivers in Steve Smith and Mario Manningham and get the game winning field goal after Wade's timeout call. Monday Night on ESPN, big brother Peyton, with only 15 minutes of time of possession in the game leads Indy down the field 80 yards in four pass plays including an incompletion. The Mannings' may be on the top of their games right now and it is scary to see what they may do this season against the NFL. I would love to see a Manning Bowl come February.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Recap of Week 1

The NFL season has concluded its extra long kickoff week finally. It all started with a spectacular sight in Pittsburgh on Thursday and ended in a shocker of a game in Oakland late Monday night into the early morning hours of Tuesday. A week full of uncertainties and questions that have and have not been answered as well new problems that have been risen. Many teams with new quarterbacks on display and others with veterans that have shown that they are getting up there in age.

In New York the Jets showed off prized rookie sensation Mark Sanchez against the Houston Texans. Sanchez lead the Jets to a victory in his NFL debut. He was not overall that impressive of a start but getting the win is what's most important to NFL coaches and owners. He did throw a touchdown pass and had a good running game to relax him and also protect him against a defensive stud Mario Williams. Sanchez looked alright and had a great start as a rookie in the league.

Drew Brees also had a fabulous start to the NFL season with 6 TD passes in a route of the Detroit Lions. It was against the worst team in the league but still 6 TDs in an opening game is nothing to take away from a Pro Bowl player. Brees will unquestionably have an MVP type campaign with the style of play the Saints play on offense and especially with all the speed and weapons around him.

Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens also looked very good in his start against the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Flacco, who did not have to do too much last season, but up good numbers as the Ravens defense did not play particularly well against an unproven team in the Chiefs. Flacco threw for over 300 yards and 3 TDs. He also had a good rushing attack led by Ray Rice to help propel the Ravens past the Chiefs at home.

Quarterbacks on the flip side of the coin who did not have a great start of the season include Matthew Stafford, Brett Favre, and Jay Cutler. Brett, three time NFL MVP, had an average start at best, was supported heavily from third year running back and All-Pro back in Adrien Peterson. Peterson racked up three scores and nearly 200 yards on the ground. Favre on the other hand had a hard time with timing and locating with his new receiving corp. Hitting on 14 or 21 throws and only five of which went to receivers on the day. He did have a TD and threw no interceptions but only had 110 yards. Chester Taylor, second string running back, lead the Vikings with five grabs on the day. Mr. Favre has a got to get into more of a rhythm with his new receivers to spread out the defense in order to force opponents defenses to respect the outside threat of the likes of Percey Harvin and Bernard Berrian.

Matthew Stafford, the number one pick in the draft, had it rough as it was to be expected. Not only did he only complete 43% of his pass attempts against the Saints defense, but he also threw three picks to them as well. He did complete three passes that went for 90 yards to Calvin Johnson, but he needs to be more protective with the ball. It was only his first career start in the NFL and he is on the Lions, but turnovers are unacceptable for a young team to be competitive in the NFL. Stafford is going to be highly criticized throughout his career because he was the first pick in the draft and he looks like he can turn this franchise around, but it will not be overnight.

Jay Cutler wanted out of Denver and got his wish, but after his performance on Sunday Night in Lambeau Field he may want out of Chicago now as well. In his first career start with the Bears Cutler threw four interceptions to the Packers and many of them were on Cutler. He did not look comfortable throughout the game except for the first few possessions of the second half. He threw his first pick going back into the middle of the field while rolling to his right, which in the NFL is a no-no. The Johnny Jolly INT in the red zone was an absolute gorgeous and a once in a lifetime type play for the defensive lineman. However, Tramon Williams and Al Harris' picks were also inexcusable throws by a multiple time Pro Bowl player. Despite the poor performance on Cutler's part, the Bears were still in the game with their defense. However, the loss of former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Brian Urlacher will cost the Bears significantly.

The NFL has officially begun and I cannot wait for next week's action to pick up where this week's left off. It will be nice to see how teams that looked much improved in week one from last year if they can keep it up or if week one was a fluke.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

NFL Week 1 Predictions

Here it is, finally. Week 1 of the National Football League is upon us and I know that I am so ready for my life to resume once again. The off season has seen many stars shifts ships such as Brian Dawkins, Terrell Owens, and Albert "Big Bank" Haynesworth going else where and as usual the Brett Favre saga took yet another turn in his retire unretire decisions as he is of course back in the purple and gold. Jay Cutler adds another high profile quarterback into the usually run first NFC North. Well here we go as I am surely ready for kickoffs at noon central today.

Miami @ Atlanta
Both teams had absolute surprising seasons last year and nobody will see them sneaking up on anyone this year. The Falcons added a Hall of Fame Tight End in Tony Gonzalez to an already good offense. Turner should benefit from this as the fear of play action passing will keep safeties out of the box. The Dolphins had a great season in winning the division last season, but with Mr. Brady back don't get to high our horse Dolphins' fans. Today I like Atlanta to start with a home win as Matt Ryan hits his new weapon for a TD and Turner hits the century mark and a TD as well. 31-20.

Denver @ Cincinnati
The Broncos will be less dangerous on offense with Kyle Orton at the helm now that Jay Cutler went to the Windy City. Brandon Marshall is uncertain how he is going to play and Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco look as if they want to get serious again. The Bengals have a tough schedule but could have a good year. I like Ochocinco to get his feet wet in the end zone again as the Broncos continue to struggle, Cincinnati 27-15 winners.

Minnesota @ Cleveland
The Vikings are considered Super Bowl contenders as they should be and will demonstrate why that is against an uncertain and unproven Brady Quinn led Browns team. AP will rush for 150 and a pair of TDs and Number 4 will throw for a score or two. Not real close as Minnesota 35-13.

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis
The Jags always play tough against their division rivals and with a new coach in Indy this could cause a scare for an early season upset. However, I do not see that happening as Peyton Manning always gives the Colts a chance to win. He hits Reggie Wayne for a score in the 4th to put the Jags down. Colts 24-17.

Detroit @ New Orleans
Detroit looks to hand the reigns to rookie Matthew Stafford and try and avoid another lose. While on the other side Drew Brees has other ideas as he has his visions set on a MVP season and a trip to the playoffs this year. Brees will throw all over this defense and put up good numbers as the Saints march up and down to a 38-16 victory.

Dallas @ Tampa Bay
No TO no problem?? That is the question in Big D. While the Bucs won't have a good season with all the remodeling and departing players will be in rebuilding mode. Dallas on the other hand looks for another playoff berth and Super Bowl admiration on their mind. Dallas blows past the Bucs, 31-17.

Philadelphia @ Carolina
Maybe the game of the afternoon, the Eagles look to contend in the NFC as a top team while Carolina looks to get that sour taste out of their mind after last years beat down on the hands of the Cardinals in the playoffs. McNabb looks to use all his weapons whom are on display today but the Panthers have two backs with mileage to use. Williams and Stewart will control the clock and keep the game close but McNabb gets it done in a dandy of a game. 24-20 Eagles.

Kansas City @ Baltimore
Not much to say here, especially after the news of Matt Cassel not being active today. Brodie Croyle will start against an aggressive defense and a talented offense. The Ravens handle the Chiefs easily and win 27-9.

New York Jets @ Houston
The Texans have the potential to go deep this year with a good pass rush and an outstanding wide out in Andre Johnson. The Jets are a team that can go either way this year. Mark Sanchez is the key and he may have a rude welcome on the hands of Mario Williams if he gets a hold of him. The Texans start off the season right with 24-19 win at home.

Washington @ New York Giants
The Skins have the biggest and baddest nose tackle in the league but can he change the division that much? The Giants are still on top of their game, just with the lack of a big time receiver, and will that hurt them? That is to be determined. I like Eli at home and Jacobs to carry the load to propel the Giants past the Redskins 20-16.

San Fransisco @ Arizona
The new look 49ers take on the NFC Champs and still without a quarterback with much proven. Shaun Hill will lead for SF, but Frank Gore will have to do a lot to keep the 49ers in this games against the high powered Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin at home. Arizona wins 28-17.

St. Louis @ Seattle
The Rams are still near the bottom of the league and Seattle is on its way back up. Seattle doesn't keep this one close for very long as the Seahawks look to regain form from their Super Bowl run. St. Louis loses again, 24-13 Seahawks.

Chicago @ Green Bay
The Bears now have their QB but Aaron Rodgers looks to be considered for an MVP caliber season in the Green and Gold. The defense switched to a 3-4 and drafted big BJ Raji to help out. I like the Pack at home under the lights to win 34-23.

Buffalo @ New England
He's Back!! Tom Brady is back, but wait, it is Monday night, and the Bills have Terrell Owens. TO will get his on opening night as Trent Edwards looks to keep him satisfied but the Pats are back as a Title contender. Pats on MNF win 38-20.

San Diego @ Oakland
LT and the gain think this is their year. Not much off season distractions until the recent Shawne Merriman's Tila controversy. That won't stop the Bolts dismay of the Raiders who have nothing going their way now a days. Chargers win big 41-17.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Opening Night in the NFL

Leaves are about to turn color, days are becoming shorter, schools are starting, and yes, most importantly, the NFL is back. The only sport that really matters in the United States is back and looks to start off with a bang tonight the Pittsburgh. The defending champs begin their championship reign at home against a tough hard nosed Tennessee Titans team tonight on NBC.

I can see how each team has a chance in this one, starting with Tennessee. They may catch the Steelers off guard with receiving their Super Bowl rings tonight and being emotional about that, and also wanting revenge from last years loss to Steel Town in the regular season. The Super Bowl Champs however, still have the core of both offense and defense together from a dominating defense and a off season without controversy for Big Ben. Heinz Ward is getting up there in age but Super Bowl hero, Santonio Holmes looks to have a breakout season and take a big step forward in his career. Big Ben is still an elite quarterback and Mr. Polamalu on defense is a wrecking ball waiting to knock out the opposition. I like the Steelers to pull off a late drive by Big Ben to lead the Steelers into a season opening "W" at home to please the fans and taking a step forward towards a title defense. Pittsburgh 23-16.

I will be back later this week to give you my picks and breakdown of how I see the 2009-2010 season will unfold and who I like to not only win their respective divisions, but also a Super Bowl match up and winner.