Hello Kids, I am hitting 500 so far, 3-1 during the wildcard and 1-3 during divisional. If history is any indicator, I will be 1-1 after this weekend.
NFC Championship - Packers @ Bears. Packers are 3 pt favorites going into Chicago. Aaron Rodgers is playing great, but I will be devil's advocate, he has been great against 2 lousy defenses. The Bears will get pressure on him, but I think the Bears secondary will make some mistakes. Jay Cutler is bound to make some mistakes against the Packers D, which will capitalize. I like the Packers to will pretty handily 27-13
AFC Championship - Jets @ Steelers. Steelers are favored by 3, but the Jets are playing mistake free football. LT is rejuvenated, which I am still shocked, I thought there was nothing in the tank. The Steelers are going to have to run the ball consistently and force the Jets to try and stop the run. Mark Sanchez is playing well enough to sail the ship, but this will be a huge test. The one thing is the Jets have won 1 game in Pittsburgh in forever and I don't know if they can win 2 just weeks apart. Steelers win a close one, 31 -28.
There you have it, Super Bowl 45 - Steelers and Packers
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
NFL Playoffs, who is gonna win?
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh. I like Baltimore to pull the mild upset. I think this team is starting to ride on all cylinders.
Green Bay @ Atlanta. Despite beating Philly last week, I wasn't overly impressed with Green Bay. The Eagles Maligned defense contained Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay almost loss the game with a minute to go in the game. Atlanta is the best team in the NFC and finds ways to win games. Atlanta wins.
Seattle @ Chicago. Seattle, you proved your point, but unless Matt Hasselbeck pretends he is 8 years younger, Da Bears have an answer for you. Bears win handily
NY Jets @ New England. Pats smack them early and often.
Green Bay @ Atlanta. Despite beating Philly last week, I wasn't overly impressed with Green Bay. The Eagles Maligned defense contained Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay almost loss the game with a minute to go in the game. Atlanta is the best team in the NFC and finds ways to win games. Atlanta wins.
Seattle @ Chicago. Seattle, you proved your point, but unless Matt Hasselbeck pretends he is 8 years younger, Da Bears have an answer for you. Bears win handily
NY Jets @ New England. Pats smack them early and often.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wild Card Weekend
New Orleans @ Seattle. This is going to be such an interesting game. On paper, New Orleans should destroy them, but consider this, Playing in Seattle is not easy. The Crowd will be into it, plus you have the weather conditions. Matt Hasselbeck has to be efficient, he can't turn the ball over. Marshawn Lynch needs to produce and show why the Seahawks traded for him. I don't like the Saints running game. I have no confidence in Julius Jones, even though he should be motivated to play against his old team. Reggie Bush is not an every down between the tackles back. Drew Brees will be chucking the ball all over. I like the upset here, I don't know why, I just think the Seahawks do it in ugly fashion.
NY Jets @ Indy. I am not a fan of the Jets, which usually means they will win. I think the indy defense will confuse Mark Sanchez and force the jets to try to win on the ground. Jets squeak this one out
Baltimore @ Kansas City. Very hard to play in KC, one of the toughest places in the whole NFL. Can Joe Flacco play mistake free ball? I think the Ravens stop the Run and force Matt Cassell to win it for them. I like the Ravens by a touchdown.
Green Bay @ Philly. Rematch of a week 1 game where the Packers lost their star running back and Eagles Kevin Kolb and Stew Bradley were concussed. Michael Vick showed everyone how good he is and maybe if they played another quarter, would have led them to victory. The Eagles need to control the time of possession. I like the Eagles to win by 5.
Divisional Weekend should look like this:
NY Jets @ New England
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
Seattle @ Atlanta
Philly @ Chicago
NY Jets @ Indy. I am not a fan of the Jets, which usually means they will win. I think the indy defense will confuse Mark Sanchez and force the jets to try to win on the ground. Jets squeak this one out
Baltimore @ Kansas City. Very hard to play in KC, one of the toughest places in the whole NFL. Can Joe Flacco play mistake free ball? I think the Ravens stop the Run and force Matt Cassell to win it for them. I like the Ravens by a touchdown.
Green Bay @ Philly. Rematch of a week 1 game where the Packers lost their star running back and Eagles Kevin Kolb and Stew Bradley were concussed. Michael Vick showed everyone how good he is and maybe if they played another quarter, would have led them to victory. The Eagles need to control the time of possession. I like the Eagles to win by 5.
Divisional Weekend should look like this:
NY Jets @ New England
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
Seattle @ Atlanta
Philly @ Chicago
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The State of your NFL Coaches
Some call it an elite fraternity, some call it the ultimate goal for aspiring football coaches, I call it a thankless job that you get criticized no matter what you do and 31 of 32 are considered failures at the end of the season, unless you are Tom Coughlin in 2008, than it was 32/32. Here is my grade for the 2010 season and if their job is safe.
New England Patriots - A. Is it Bellichik or Brady? I think it's both. They both make stars out of anyone and they understand how to win. When they are up, they do not take the foot off the pedal. Can't see him leaving
New York Jets - B. Rex Ryan is a funny guy, who says funny things. He is a good coach, but likes a lot of mayhem around him. I think he does it on purpose, it distracts from football. He will be around as long as he wins.
Miami Dolphins - F. This might be harsh for Tony Sparano, but the Dolphins are a huge disappointment. They finished 7-9 and in the NFC, that would have gotten them into the playoffs, but in the AFC East, that gets them a high draft pick. The team quit on Sparano and I am not surprised. When Bill Parcels left his post with the team, that spoke volumes. Parcells asking the owner to keep the coach, tells me he doesn't want this failure to go onto his resume. I think Sparano has a 5% chance of keeping his job.
Buffalo Bills - C. Chan Gailey will get two more years, they have some talent, but in their division, it will be hard to compete.
Pittsburgh Steelers - A-. When Big Ben was suspended for being stupid, nobody was sure what would happen, but the team responded, going 3-1 and that is a testament to the organization's faith in Mike Tomlin. Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL and he deserves multiple championships. The Steelers are a model organization from top to bottom and Jerry Jones needs to get his notebook and see what makes them so good. Tomlin should be the coach as long as he wants to, like Cowler and Knoll.
Baltimore Ravens - A-. John Harbaugh did a great job with an aging defense. He will be around for quite a bit
Cincinnati Bengals - C. Marvin Lewis dealing with TO gets sympathy from me. The Bengals need to give him some support and some say in the matter. I thought he would be done after this year, but all indications, he will be back.
Cleveland Browns - C-. The Mangenous was running an uphill batter that he had no chance of winning, short of making the playoffs. Was not surprised he was fired, Marty Morningwheu would fit nicely here with his ties to Mike Holmgren and I like Donovan McNabb to be their new QB.
Indianapolis Colts - B. Jim Caldwell will keep his job as long as Peyton Manning wants him to. He had a ton of injuries, but still limped into playoffs
Jacksonville Jaguars - C+. Jack Del Rio just can't seem to get over the hump. Has there been a team who has been more inconsistent than the Jags? They are on the right track and hopefully will improve next season
Houston Texans - C-. Gary Kubiak should have been fired. I think he lost the team this year. But Bob McNair is a loyal owner and will keep Kubiak for at least another year.
Tennessee Titans - C-. I like Jeff Fisher, I think he is a great coach, just had a lot of bad luck. Namely, Vince Young. Young is an enigma with tons of talent, but lacks leadership and the ability to lead. Fisher's fate should not be decided because of a QB he didn't want. Donovan McNabb would look great in a Titan Uniform.
Kansas City Chiefs - A-. Todd Haley surprised almost everyone this year. Not only did he get his team to the playoffs, he let the team develop and I think they are a real sleeper. He will get little consideration of COY, but I think he deserves more accolades than what he is getting.
San Diego Chargers - D+. Norv Turner should be fired. I kinda like the guy, but you can't go on losing so many games in September and October and hoping your November and December will lead you into the playoffs. It's a nice story for a few season, but its trouble now.
Oakland Raider - A-. Tom Cable deserves a better fate than this, but working for Uncle Al sucks, so hopefully he will land on his feet elsewhere and thrive.
Denver Broncos - C-. Josh McDaniels was hired two seasons too soon. I love the fact the team took a chance on Tim Tebow, but they are still a few years out. Their next coach needs to be a teacher and work with and build this team, they have some nice pieces, but still might be a few years away.
Philadelphia Eagles - B+. Andy Reid never gets credit, but 9 playoff appearences in 11 years is great. He deserves a championship or two, let's hope this team can put it together and win one for Andy
New York Giants - C-. Tom Coughlin sucks he is a lousy head coach and The Giants deserve him for the foreseeable future.
Dallas Cowboys - C+. Wade Phillips should have never been hired. Jason Garrett will get a chance, let's see how he does in a training camp
Washington Redskins - F. Mike Shanahan should be fired, but won't. He has no clue what he's doing, see Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb
Chicago Bears - A-. Lovie Smith did a nice job, Mike Martz did a great job
Green Bay Packers - B. Mike McCarthy is not going anywhere for a few years
Minnesota Vikings - F. Brad Childress sucks, he should have been fired two years ago. Leslie Frazier was the right hire, now time to get a QB and rebuild the Offense and get a stadium.
Detroit Lions - B-. Jim Schwartz is making strides. He deserves a few more years and hopefully Matthew Statford will stay healthy
Atlanta Falcons - A. Mike Smith is the right coach for this team, Arthur Blank is a loyal guy, I see this relationship together for several more years, maybe longer.
New Orleans Saints - B. Sean Payton. Good Coach, Good Story, Defending Champs
Tampa Bay Buccs - A. Raheem Morris. Probably coach of the year, no one expected them to compete this year. Josh Freeman is going to be a pro bowler. Morris will be here as long as Freeman produces
Carolina Panthers - D. John Fox deserves better than this. The team and owner quit on him.
Seattle Seahawks - C. Pete Carroll will only coach this team 2 more years before he either retires or goes to tv or takes a smaller college job.
St. Louis Rams - B. Steve Spagnola is doing a nice job with this young team, Sam Bradford and Spagnola is a nice team
San Francisco 49ers - D. Mike Singletary was in over his head. I think he is a very good Defensive Coordinator, but a lousy head coach. This team should have won the division, even with their QB situation
Arizona Cardinals - D. Not fair for Ken Whisenhutt, but he got lucky with the re-emergences of Kurt Warner. But unfortunately, no one to replace him. Whisenhutt will get another year, if the team doesn't improve, he will be shown the door
New England Patriots - A. Is it Bellichik or Brady? I think it's both. They both make stars out of anyone and they understand how to win. When they are up, they do not take the foot off the pedal. Can't see him leaving
New York Jets - B. Rex Ryan is a funny guy, who says funny things. He is a good coach, but likes a lot of mayhem around him. I think he does it on purpose, it distracts from football. He will be around as long as he wins.
Miami Dolphins - F. This might be harsh for Tony Sparano, but the Dolphins are a huge disappointment. They finished 7-9 and in the NFC, that would have gotten them into the playoffs, but in the AFC East, that gets them a high draft pick. The team quit on Sparano and I am not surprised. When Bill Parcels left his post with the team, that spoke volumes. Parcells asking the owner to keep the coach, tells me he doesn't want this failure to go onto his resume. I think Sparano has a 5% chance of keeping his job.
Buffalo Bills - C. Chan Gailey will get two more years, they have some talent, but in their division, it will be hard to compete.
Pittsburgh Steelers - A-. When Big Ben was suspended for being stupid, nobody was sure what would happen, but the team responded, going 3-1 and that is a testament to the organization's faith in Mike Tomlin. Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL and he deserves multiple championships. The Steelers are a model organization from top to bottom and Jerry Jones needs to get his notebook and see what makes them so good. Tomlin should be the coach as long as he wants to, like Cowler and Knoll.
Baltimore Ravens - A-. John Harbaugh did a great job with an aging defense. He will be around for quite a bit
Cincinnati Bengals - C. Marvin Lewis dealing with TO gets sympathy from me. The Bengals need to give him some support and some say in the matter. I thought he would be done after this year, but all indications, he will be back.
Cleveland Browns - C-. The Mangenous was running an uphill batter that he had no chance of winning, short of making the playoffs. Was not surprised he was fired, Marty Morningwheu would fit nicely here with his ties to Mike Holmgren and I like Donovan McNabb to be their new QB.
Indianapolis Colts - B. Jim Caldwell will keep his job as long as Peyton Manning wants him to. He had a ton of injuries, but still limped into playoffs
Jacksonville Jaguars - C+. Jack Del Rio just can't seem to get over the hump. Has there been a team who has been more inconsistent than the Jags? They are on the right track and hopefully will improve next season
Houston Texans - C-. Gary Kubiak should have been fired. I think he lost the team this year. But Bob McNair is a loyal owner and will keep Kubiak for at least another year.
Tennessee Titans - C-. I like Jeff Fisher, I think he is a great coach, just had a lot of bad luck. Namely, Vince Young. Young is an enigma with tons of talent, but lacks leadership and the ability to lead. Fisher's fate should not be decided because of a QB he didn't want. Donovan McNabb would look great in a Titan Uniform.
Kansas City Chiefs - A-. Todd Haley surprised almost everyone this year. Not only did he get his team to the playoffs, he let the team develop and I think they are a real sleeper. He will get little consideration of COY, but I think he deserves more accolades than what he is getting.
San Diego Chargers - D+. Norv Turner should be fired. I kinda like the guy, but you can't go on losing so many games in September and October and hoping your November and December will lead you into the playoffs. It's a nice story for a few season, but its trouble now.
Oakland Raider - A-. Tom Cable deserves a better fate than this, but working for Uncle Al sucks, so hopefully he will land on his feet elsewhere and thrive.
Denver Broncos - C-. Josh McDaniels was hired two seasons too soon. I love the fact the team took a chance on Tim Tebow, but they are still a few years out. Their next coach needs to be a teacher and work with and build this team, they have some nice pieces, but still might be a few years away.
Philadelphia Eagles - B+. Andy Reid never gets credit, but 9 playoff appearences in 11 years is great. He deserves a championship or two, let's hope this team can put it together and win one for Andy
New York Giants - C-. Tom Coughlin sucks he is a lousy head coach and The Giants deserve him for the foreseeable future.
Dallas Cowboys - C+. Wade Phillips should have never been hired. Jason Garrett will get a chance, let's see how he does in a training camp
Washington Redskins - F. Mike Shanahan should be fired, but won't. He has no clue what he's doing, see Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb
Chicago Bears - A-. Lovie Smith did a nice job, Mike Martz did a great job
Green Bay Packers - B. Mike McCarthy is not going anywhere for a few years
Minnesota Vikings - F. Brad Childress sucks, he should have been fired two years ago. Leslie Frazier was the right hire, now time to get a QB and rebuild the Offense and get a stadium.
Detroit Lions - B-. Jim Schwartz is making strides. He deserves a few more years and hopefully Matthew Statford will stay healthy
Atlanta Falcons - A. Mike Smith is the right coach for this team, Arthur Blank is a loyal guy, I see this relationship together for several more years, maybe longer.
New Orleans Saints - B. Sean Payton. Good Coach, Good Story, Defending Champs
Tampa Bay Buccs - A. Raheem Morris. Probably coach of the year, no one expected them to compete this year. Josh Freeman is going to be a pro bowler. Morris will be here as long as Freeman produces
Carolina Panthers - D. John Fox deserves better than this. The team and owner quit on him.
Seattle Seahawks - C. Pete Carroll will only coach this team 2 more years before he either retires or goes to tv or takes a smaller college job.
St. Louis Rams - B. Steve Spagnola is doing a nice job with this young team, Sam Bradford and Spagnola is a nice team
San Francisco 49ers - D. Mike Singletary was in over his head. I think he is a very good Defensive Coordinator, but a lousy head coach. This team should have won the division, even with their QB situation
Arizona Cardinals - D. Not fair for Ken Whisenhutt, but he got lucky with the re-emergences of Kurt Warner. But unfortunately, no one to replace him. Whisenhutt will get another year, if the team doesn't improve, he will be shown the door
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Post of '11
So here we are in 2011 and I for one hope it is a better year than 2010. My New Years Resolution is simple, less clutter in my life. Let's hope I can meet that goal.
Now that the NFL regular season is over, let's hope the NFL and Players Union can play nice and there is no work stoppage. It would be a shame to have nothing to watch on Fall Sundays. Speaking of the NFL, I need to call out a few people and set them straight.
1. Mike Shanahan. It's time for you to crawl back under the rock you came from. You are a lousy head coach, who owes everything to John Elway and the Broncos team. You are living proof, Coaches cannot win games, but sure can lose them. Let me get this straight, you trade a 2nd and 3rd round pick for Donovan McNabb and than bench him? Huh? If you had any doubts in the guy, why would you trade so much for him? And how can you blame Donovan when you had NO ONE around him. And, than you have a year long pissing contest with Albert Haynesworth, why not trade him for a 4th rd pick at the deadline? Did you honestly think he would play for you or you would get something more? Instead, you bench him the last 4 weeks of the season. Thankfully, The Redskins are in the NFC East and Mike Shanahan will be good for some more blunders in the season to come.
2. Brett Favre. What can I say about Good Ole Brett? Well, he should have retired 5 years ago (He'd be going into the HOF this year if he did) Maybe take away his cell phone or at least block his texting privileges. When he wanted to come to Minnesota, didn't he realize who the head coach was and rule number 1, Coaches do not win games, but can lose them. I don't know how many times I can keep saying that. When Brett found out he was going to be a Grand Daddy, that should have been a sign to call it a career. So, here we are, 2011 and the I want to see a press conference in Mississippi and Brett says this "It was a great career, I played a few seasons too long. I'm sorry, but I had this bug in me to see my name in lights. I apologize to my family, friends and team mates, I was selfish, I hope you will forgive me. Ted Thompson, I am sorry I held you hostage when I couldn't make up my mind. I hope you can put all of that behind you and know that I truly appreciate what you did for me. Aaron Rodgers, I am sorry I was such an ass to you, despite that, you were a helluva an understudy and I hope you break everyone on my records in Green Bay. And finally, to the fans. I know I didn't care much about you during my playing days, but looking back, I should have. Without you, there would be No Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers or NFL, thank you."
3. Michael Vick. You are a living, breathing example of second chances. Please take this seriously. You are my inspiration that people deserve second chances. I am angry at what you did, but you deserve another chance. Don't Mess Up, When you get a free minute, see Plaxico Burriss and have a talk with him. Explain to him, he has to be responsible for his actions. Be truly sorry for what you did and DO NOT DO IT AGAIN. You are a husband and father and your family needs you around.
4. Al Golden. You took a nothing program like Temple and taught them how to win a football game. The NCAA repayed you by giving you the shaft. I am glad you took the UM job. Bring them back to National Dominance. Let the world know the "U" is back. I expect National Championships. I expect writers correcting themselves about what is the best college job in coaching.
5. Cliff Lee. You shocked me. And I am rarely shocked. I commend you for sticking with your heart and I hope Philadelphia repays you. You are truly a classy individual, who has principles and you deserve multiple championships.
6. Roy Halladay. Thank you for letting me see history.
7. NBA and David Stern. Go away and don't come back until you fix the game I use to love. You should be embarrassed about letting the NBA turn into a laughing stock.
Finally,
8. Andy Reid. I have never seen or heard of anyone being this disrespected. But you deserve more respect than Philadelphia gives you. 9 playoff appearances in 11 years. Knowing when to let go someone before they cannot perform, drafting and signing the right people. Keep up the great work. You are a first ballot Hall of Famer in my book.
Now that the NFL regular season is over, let's hope the NFL and Players Union can play nice and there is no work stoppage. It would be a shame to have nothing to watch on Fall Sundays. Speaking of the NFL, I need to call out a few people and set them straight.
1. Mike Shanahan. It's time for you to crawl back under the rock you came from. You are a lousy head coach, who owes everything to John Elway and the Broncos team. You are living proof, Coaches cannot win games, but sure can lose them. Let me get this straight, you trade a 2nd and 3rd round pick for Donovan McNabb and than bench him? Huh? If you had any doubts in the guy, why would you trade so much for him? And how can you blame Donovan when you had NO ONE around him. And, than you have a year long pissing contest with Albert Haynesworth, why not trade him for a 4th rd pick at the deadline? Did you honestly think he would play for you or you would get something more? Instead, you bench him the last 4 weeks of the season. Thankfully, The Redskins are in the NFC East and Mike Shanahan will be good for some more blunders in the season to come.
2. Brett Favre. What can I say about Good Ole Brett? Well, he should have retired 5 years ago (He'd be going into the HOF this year if he did) Maybe take away his cell phone or at least block his texting privileges. When he wanted to come to Minnesota, didn't he realize who the head coach was and rule number 1, Coaches do not win games, but can lose them. I don't know how many times I can keep saying that. When Brett found out he was going to be a Grand Daddy, that should have been a sign to call it a career. So, here we are, 2011 and the I want to see a press conference in Mississippi and Brett says this "It was a great career, I played a few seasons too long. I'm sorry, but I had this bug in me to see my name in lights. I apologize to my family, friends and team mates, I was selfish, I hope you will forgive me. Ted Thompson, I am sorry I held you hostage when I couldn't make up my mind. I hope you can put all of that behind you and know that I truly appreciate what you did for me. Aaron Rodgers, I am sorry I was such an ass to you, despite that, you were a helluva an understudy and I hope you break everyone on my records in Green Bay. And finally, to the fans. I know I didn't care much about you during my playing days, but looking back, I should have. Without you, there would be No Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers or NFL, thank you."
3. Michael Vick. You are a living, breathing example of second chances. Please take this seriously. You are my inspiration that people deserve second chances. I am angry at what you did, but you deserve another chance. Don't Mess Up, When you get a free minute, see Plaxico Burriss and have a talk with him. Explain to him, he has to be responsible for his actions. Be truly sorry for what you did and DO NOT DO IT AGAIN. You are a husband and father and your family needs you around.
4. Al Golden. You took a nothing program like Temple and taught them how to win a football game. The NCAA repayed you by giving you the shaft. I am glad you took the UM job. Bring them back to National Dominance. Let the world know the "U" is back. I expect National Championships. I expect writers correcting themselves about what is the best college job in coaching.
5. Cliff Lee. You shocked me. And I am rarely shocked. I commend you for sticking with your heart and I hope Philadelphia repays you. You are truly a classy individual, who has principles and you deserve multiple championships.
6. Roy Halladay. Thank you for letting me see history.
7. NBA and David Stern. Go away and don't come back until you fix the game I use to love. You should be embarrassed about letting the NBA turn into a laughing stock.
Finally,
8. Andy Reid. I have never seen or heard of anyone being this disrespected. But you deserve more respect than Philadelphia gives you. 9 playoff appearances in 11 years. Knowing when to let go someone before they cannot perform, drafting and signing the right people. Keep up the great work. You are a first ballot Hall of Famer in my book.
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