If you're a football fan, this is the greatest time of the year. College bowl games on television everyday, and the next stop for the pro game brings the playoffs. Of course, if your favorite team didn't make the playoffs you might not share my enthusiasm. Trust me, last year the Bucs went 4-12 and this year have qualified for the playoffs. With the NFL draft loaded with quality players coming straight out of college, free agency and the ever increasing salary cap, your team might just go from worst to first next year too.
Alright, time to get down to the nuts and bolts of this weekends game. This past Sunday, the Giants played a great game in the national spotlight against the Evil Empire. The Bucco's fielded basically a pre-season team and almost pulled out a win again our arch enemy Kitty Kats from Carolina. There has been an ongoing debate about whether you play starters or rest them. Momentum or no momentum going into the post season tournament. Bucs fans have been very critical of coach Gruden in resting his starters during the past two meaningless games, but yesterday, Seattle, Dallas and Indy all had their starting quarterbacks in during at least the first half, and all those teams lost games. The Evil Empire, Colts, Cowboys and Packers all have bye weeks next week, does this mean all these teams are going to come out rusty? I think not.
Yes, the Bucs have lost 3 of the last 4 games. But at one point this season, they won 5 of 6 games. Going into 1997 post season, the Bucs lost 2 of 3 and advanced to the divisional playoff game vs the Packers. In 2002, Tampa lost 48-21 on a trip to Oakland in the final week of the season, but we all know how that season ended up. (see the world championship ring)
The Bucco fans are quick to argue that the team really hasn't won but one game against a team with a winning record. Actually it's two teams, but what is the Giant's record? 1 win versus a winning record team. Then the high paid sports pundits will easily dismiss the Bucs and follow up their comment by stating they play in the NFL's weakest division. Weakest division huh?
Lets look around the league. The 4 teams of the NFC South combined for a 27-37 win loss record. The NFC and AFC west divisions were both a 26-38 combined record. And surprise, the AFC East which contains the Evil Empire and ESPN's favorite team was 28-36, 1 overall win better than the Bucs division in a division where one team went 16-0.
The Giants are 7-1 on the road, but the Bucs are 6-2 at home (if you consider Sunday's scout team as a loss)
It's not how you start, but how you finish-
In the second half of the season, the G-Men wound up 4-4 and the Bucco's, 5-3. New York scored 176 points and gave up 192. Bucs scored 187 and yielded 136 in the same period. The Giants seem to always start out the season strong, and always coast into the playoffs. In the past, coach Coughlin has been accused by his players of practicing the team too hard and there is nothing left in the players tanks at the end of the season. This year, there seemed to be a new found love affair between coach and players, but the same result. This is a first half/second half team. The Giants were 6-2 at the halfway mark of the season and ended up 10-6. The Giants were leading the Pats Saturday night and ended up losing. In fact in games this year against the Packers, Patriots and twice against the Cowboys, they lead at halftime and then lost the second half by a combined score of 92-39. Never mind the fact Eli Manning has never won a playoff game in his career.
M*A*S*H Unit-
The Bucs have had to re-adjust their roster from week to week this season and wound up week 17 with 14 players on IR. Some key offensive players got a much needed rest Sunday. BJ Askew, which has been a key lead blocker at fullback this season. Joey "the Jet" Galloway, Ike Hilliard with a neck/shoulder injury. Aaron Sears did suffer an ankle injury Sunday and he has started all 16 games this year as a second round draft choice coming out of Tennessee.
The Giants did have a few injuries Saturday night, C Shaun O'Hara and LB Kawika Mitchell both suffered sprained MCLs. And, former Miami Mullet CB Sam Madison suffered an abdominal muscle strain. His injury led to the 65 yard bomb from Brady to Moss to set personal season records.
Game Prediction-
I could go into all the stats here such as, Manning (13 times) and Jacobs (5 times) fumble the ball like crazy, the Bucs are +15 and the Giants are -9 in the turnover ratio, Garcia has only 4 ints this season while Manning has 20, but I'm not going to.
This is how I see this match up playing out. Tiki Barber calls his brother Ronde, and shares a few things about the Giants since he seems to have such a dislike to Tom Coughlin. The Bucs will come to play. Brandon Jacobs creates a problem for the Bucs in the first half of the game, running up the middle for about 70 yards in the first half. The Giants running game opens up some passing by Eli who hits Plaxico Burress for a score right before halftime. 13-10 Bucs. Adjustments are made at halftime and then the Bucs shut down the running game at the start of the 4th quarter when the Bucs are up 19-10, Eli throws a pick on a route Ronde Barber jumps and returns it for a touchdown. Giants score late in the 4th, but the Bucs win 27-17.
Greg White gets 2 sacks and causes 1 fumble. Eli throws two ints and fumbles once. Brandon Jacobs ends the game with 106 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Burress-5/66yds, Toomer4-34, Boss 4-56.
The Bucs have game planned the Giants defensive line, which has a league high 53 sacks this year, perfectly. They establish some running game mixed in with three step drops in the passing game and quick slants from the wideouts. I expect to see Bennett in the offensive spread using his speed on draws and trap plays.
Prediction on final stats-
Manning 17-30-240yds 1td 1int
Burress 5-66-1
Toomer4-36
Jacobs 22-106-1
Bradshaw 8-46
Garcia 19-30-217 1 td
Galloway 5-78
Stevens 3-38-1td
Graham-27-98
Bennett-6-34/ 4-42
The final score might be 27-17, but this is going to be much closer than the final score reveals.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
16-0 props to the Pats
During the course of the regular NFL season, you see alot of games. Good ones, bad ones, close ones and blow-outs. Tonight's game had the post season feeling in both hype and intensity on the field. These types of games come down to just a few plays really making the difference in the outcome. Tonight's game was no different. Yes, the Pats set the single season total points record, Brady and Moss both set personal scoring totals as well. But let's review where I think the game changed.
Mid-way through the 3rd quarter, the Giants have the lead but the Pats are driving. The Giants have been putting LB Wilkinson on Moss for coverage and it worked for a few plays but at this crucial point in the 3rd when Brady throws to Moss in the corner of the endzone, Wilkinson commits pass interference in the endzone. One play later, Maroney scores on a draw play and you had that feeling "Big MO" was getting ready to change.
After the kickoff, on 1st and 10, Eli Manning sets up a perfect screen pass on the left side to Brandon Jacobs who drops the pass. (Can you hear that knocking? The wolf is getting closer) The dropped pass leads to a 3 and out series.
The start of the 4th sees each team trade possessions. At the 12 minute mark in the 4th, the Giants gain 4 yards in 3 plays and then punt back to the Pats. You can just sense it's coming. Death and taxes are inevitable but at least they are a little more subtle. At this point in the game with the perfect season on the line, Tom Brady would have fought a circle saw and most likely won.
11:19, Brady under throws a wide open Moss for the potential to set personal records.
EH, no bother, next play at 11:09 same play, 65 yard TD. Pats score. 2 point conversion good. (was there a question it wouldn't be?)
Giants get the ball back, at 9:53 to go, Eli throws a pick. I know I've been hard on Eli this year and he played a good game tonight, but this is a problem he has to overcome. Critical turnovers at crucial times.
The Pats do a brilliant job of play calling and grind down the clock before Maroney scores his second of the night at 4:35 to go in the game. Is it me, or did Wes Welker have about 32 catches in this game? The Pats had a coup last offseason in getting Moss for a 4th round pick and landing Wes from the Miami Mullets. Do you think he's happy to be out of South Florida this football season?
The G-Men get ball back with over 4 minutes to go in the game, start moving the football, but the play calling and clock management resembled more of a preseason game than a week 17 game.
For the Giants, this game was a microcasm of the regular season. They played great in the first half, but fell apart in the second. Tom Caulghlin is on the hotseat once again this year, and hopefully they will have an early exit from the playoffs next weekend vs the Bucs. The Patriots now get their place in history albeit it remains to be seen just where that will be in this season as the post season unfolds. Hmmm, the only team to beat the Patriots this season? The Bucs. (Yes, I know it was preseason but it was still a win!)
Just a few picks for Sunday's games tommorrow.
Buzzards over the Bisons 31-21 Is this McNabb's final game in Kelly green?
Cincy over the Mullets- No, the Mullets will not be inspired with Parcells on the sidelines and Marvin Lewis has said it might be time for a major overhaul in Cincy. You think? Are there some starters which haven't been arrested yet? Cincy 34-10
J-Ville over Houston Jack Del Rio wont rest any starters and risk fooling with the chemistry happening with this team right now. Jax wins 30-13
Chicago beats New Orleans and eliminates them from post season play.
Minnesota loses a close game to Denver and Washington edges Dallas to earn the 6th seed into the playoffs. Pittsburg and San Diego both win outright. Tennessee wins a close one against Indy to edge Cleveland out of the playoffs.
Time to start analyzing the playoffs. Happy New Year. Congrats again to the Pats, thats one hell of a feat.
Mid-way through the 3rd quarter, the Giants have the lead but the Pats are driving. The Giants have been putting LB Wilkinson on Moss for coverage and it worked for a few plays but at this crucial point in the 3rd when Brady throws to Moss in the corner of the endzone, Wilkinson commits pass interference in the endzone. One play later, Maroney scores on a draw play and you had that feeling "Big MO" was getting ready to change.
After the kickoff, on 1st and 10, Eli Manning sets up a perfect screen pass on the left side to Brandon Jacobs who drops the pass. (Can you hear that knocking? The wolf is getting closer) The dropped pass leads to a 3 and out series.
The start of the 4th sees each team trade possessions. At the 12 minute mark in the 4th, the Giants gain 4 yards in 3 plays and then punt back to the Pats. You can just sense it's coming. Death and taxes are inevitable but at least they are a little more subtle. At this point in the game with the perfect season on the line, Tom Brady would have fought a circle saw and most likely won.
11:19, Brady under throws a wide open Moss for the potential to set personal records.
EH, no bother, next play at 11:09 same play, 65 yard TD. Pats score. 2 point conversion good. (was there a question it wouldn't be?)
Giants get the ball back, at 9:53 to go, Eli throws a pick. I know I've been hard on Eli this year and he played a good game tonight, but this is a problem he has to overcome. Critical turnovers at crucial times.
The Pats do a brilliant job of play calling and grind down the clock before Maroney scores his second of the night at 4:35 to go in the game. Is it me, or did Wes Welker have about 32 catches in this game? The Pats had a coup last offseason in getting Moss for a 4th round pick and landing Wes from the Miami Mullets. Do you think he's happy to be out of South Florida this football season?
The G-Men get ball back with over 4 minutes to go in the game, start moving the football, but the play calling and clock management resembled more of a preseason game than a week 17 game.
For the Giants, this game was a microcasm of the regular season. They played great in the first half, but fell apart in the second. Tom Caulghlin is on the hotseat once again this year, and hopefully they will have an early exit from the playoffs next weekend vs the Bucs. The Patriots now get their place in history albeit it remains to be seen just where that will be in this season as the post season unfolds. Hmmm, the only team to beat the Patriots this season? The Bucs. (Yes, I know it was preseason but it was still a win!)
Just a few picks for Sunday's games tommorrow.
Buzzards over the Bisons 31-21 Is this McNabb's final game in Kelly green?
Cincy over the Mullets- No, the Mullets will not be inspired with Parcells on the sidelines and Marvin Lewis has said it might be time for a major overhaul in Cincy. You think? Are there some starters which haven't been arrested yet? Cincy 34-10
J-Ville over Houston Jack Del Rio wont rest any starters and risk fooling with the chemistry happening with this team right now. Jax wins 30-13
Chicago beats New Orleans and eliminates them from post season play.
Minnesota loses a close game to Denver and Washington edges Dallas to earn the 6th seed into the playoffs. Pittsburg and San Diego both win outright. Tennessee wins a close one against Indy to edge Cleveland out of the playoffs.
Time to start analyzing the playoffs. Happy New Year. Congrats again to the Pats, thats one hell of a feat.
History awaits.
After all the questions this football season, Can the Patriots go undefeated? Will they stay healthy? Are they the greatest team of all time? Is Brady the best ever? Will Randy Moss beat Jerry Rices' all time touchdown receiving record? Will the Pats break the all time single season point record? It all comes down to tonight. 60 minutes of football. Saturday nights game has become epic. This game won't be seen on just one channel, but rather on 3 networks at the same time. Giants fans have been selling off their tickets for ridiculous amounts of money and Giants players are torqued off at their fans saying it's no wonder why they play better on the road. (well, lets hope they don't play that well on the road next week when they come to Tampa) There have been several "big" games this year. Patriots and Cowboys, Green Bay and Dallas, the game of the century as it was billed, Indy vs New England and now this. The G-Men v The Evil Empire. All these games are going to make the Super Bowl seem sort of anti-climatic.
I'll admit, like many in America these days, I'm suffering a bit of New England sports fatigue. These things work in cycles though and I'm hoping that soon, sports will return to an even keel distributing championship teams to other cities across the fruited plain. But this evening when the lights go on and the cameras start rolling, the night will once again belong to the Pats.
As I bang away here on the keyboard this afternoon, I just looked out my window overlooking the intracoastal waterway and in a matter of five minutes, a thick blanket of sea fog has rolled in. Clear, sunny, blue skies one minute and 100 feet of visibility the next. It's an omen. The Hoodie and the Pats will roll into the Meadowlands tonight, and blanket the Giants while under the national spotlight. Brady and Moss will get their records. The Patriots will get the five points they need to set the single season scoring record. ( all they need is a field goal and a two run homer from Mike Lowell) And finally, they will have achieved the 16-0 perfect regular season. Like them, love them, or despise them, it will be a great achievement. It's a remarkable feat. But, in the world of instant gratification measured in nano seconds in which we live these days, it will have been all for naught if they don't win it all. Crazy things have a way of happening in the playoffs. About a decade ago, the Minnesota Vikings looked unstoppable going 15-1 only to lose to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game. Could it happen this year? Nobody knows, and thats why this is the greatest time of the year for football fans.
Evil Empire 37 G-Men 17
I'll admit, like many in America these days, I'm suffering a bit of New England sports fatigue. These things work in cycles though and I'm hoping that soon, sports will return to an even keel distributing championship teams to other cities across the fruited plain. But this evening when the lights go on and the cameras start rolling, the night will once again belong to the Pats.
As I bang away here on the keyboard this afternoon, I just looked out my window overlooking the intracoastal waterway and in a matter of five minutes, a thick blanket of sea fog has rolled in. Clear, sunny, blue skies one minute and 100 feet of visibility the next. It's an omen. The Hoodie and the Pats will roll into the Meadowlands tonight, and blanket the Giants while under the national spotlight. Brady and Moss will get their records. The Patriots will get the five points they need to set the single season scoring record. ( all they need is a field goal and a two run homer from Mike Lowell) And finally, they will have achieved the 16-0 perfect regular season. Like them, love them, or despise them, it will be a great achievement. It's a remarkable feat. But, in the world of instant gratification measured in nano seconds in which we live these days, it will have been all for naught if they don't win it all. Crazy things have a way of happening in the playoffs. About a decade ago, the Minnesota Vikings looked unstoppable going 15-1 only to lose to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game. Could it happen this year? Nobody knows, and thats why this is the greatest time of the year for football fans.
Evil Empire 37 G-Men 17
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Week 16 playoffs are in view
With the exception of a few games this week, there isn't much drama left for the regular season. In the NFC, it appears the Giants, Crackheads, America's favorite team last season and Vikings are vying for the last two wildcard seatings. It seems to be a bit clearer in the AFC with the Brownies and Jags leading the way, and Tennessee is hanging around coming on late in the season but it's going to be a little too late for them. So let's check out this weeks games:
Saturday night:
Cowpokes vs Carolina Kittycats. WOW! Who knew Mandy Moore could play qb? Who knew the Cowpokes would have such a collapse. It's amusing to read in the media talking heads (guess talk radio needs something to talk about) and TO trying to blame Romo's new flame, Jessica Simpson, for his poor performance. Stories which go on about the other worst game Romo had was when his last flame Carrie Underwood was in attendance. I guess the way to defeat the Cowpokes is to fill the stadium with young blondes wearing his jersey. There won't be enough hot blondes in the stands though Saturday night, there were 20,000 empty seats as the Kittys beat the Seahawks. Cowboys win, 24-16. Romo doesn't play the whole game, but it could create a problem in the playoffs.
Sunday's games:
Raiders at J-Ville- I predicted last week that the Jags would upset the Steelers. The Jags went on the road, in the snow, and beat the Steelers at their game-running the football. Expect no let up this week from Jack Del Rio and crew. J-Ville closes this one out early 38-13
Buzzards of Philly vs Last years favoite team from New Orleans- Donovan McNabb created a bit of controversy this week in his comments to Fox broadcaster Pam Oliver last week. Rumors swirl about Donovan and/or Coach Reid leaving the City of Brotherly Love this offseason. The Eagles were on the road last week in Dallas, and won an emotional divisional game and long standing rival. It's tough to win back to back games on the road in the NFL. The Saints have no running game and no pass defense. Donovan might be able to light up the Saints secondary for a couple of big scores, but I see the Saints playing with more heart as they have something to play for. Saints win 31-27
Chefs vs Detroit's Murderer's Row Larry Johnson isn't going play and most likely is done for the rest of the season. This game at least gives Jon Kitna the chance to win game 7 this year. Detroit wins 27-16
Brownies vs Bungles Talk about the tale of two cities. Two teams headed in opposite directions. A few years ago, Marvin Lewis was all the buzz, then one by one his players all get arrested. Romeo Crennel, Clevelands' coach was under scrutiny this offseason. His rebuilding program wasn't coming along as fast as everyone thought. The Browies drafted a stud left tackle this season in Joe Thomas along with hometown hero Brady Quinn. Thomas has seen plenty of the field this year while Quinn still waits. Along the way, the Brownies discovered a potential budding superstar in Derek Andersen. Cleveland and Jamal Lewis run all over the Bungles 30-17
Packers vs Da Bears The oldest rivalry in the NFL. December in Chicago, last years NFC representatives from the Super Bowl facing this years likely NFC representatives in the Super Bowl. Brett Farve's legacy continues on, another consecutive start and padding all the records he already owns. Da Bears are a mess. They showed such promise last season but the weakness at the quarterback position was exposed as well as free agency and criminal behavior picking apart the nucleus of last years team. Talk about taking one step forward and two steps back, Da Bears went back a yard. Da Packers and their defense wins this one 23-9
New York Giants vs Buffalo. What a game Buffalo played last week in Cleveland. At one point, the officials couldn't even find the correct yardline to spot the ball. Spot the ball? The replays of this game looked more like the running of the Iditirod. This week Buffalo comes to play. This is a proud team with a strong coach in Dick Juron. Eli, Eli, Oh! Eli, ever wonder why your brother is on seemingly every commercial on television and the only time you appear is WITH your brother? You can't deliver. Now you just lost your safety valve, Jeremy Schockey with a broken leg. Coach Coughlin is all of a sudden on the hot seat again after yet another 6-2 start at the beginning of the season. Now you are 9-5 and at risk of slipping right out of the post season. Lose at Buffalo this week, and then you have to face New England at home next week, facing the possibility of a perfect season. Giants could end up 9-7 and out of the playoffs totally.
Buffalo wins this game 19-10 and Eli throws three interceptions.
Houston vs Indy- Houston is another team which is finally coming on but a little too late. Andre Johnson comes back, Sage and Thyme encrusted Veal Rosenhaus is playing pretty well at qb and that defense can bring it. Sure looks like the Texans made the right choice for long term in choosing Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. 13.5 sacks and game changing speed. Gary Kubiak is a good coach, Indy has nothing to play for and they have 5 players already which aren't going to play. Houston wins their third in a row in a road game. Texans 28-24
Atlanta vs Arizona If this is the game which will be shown on your local tv channel, PLEASE, do something else. Go to a sports bar. Clean the garage. Go to Home Depot under the guise of Christmas shopping and buy your wife the hammer drill you've always wanted. Hammer drills are fun for the whole family. Arizona wins and no one cares, along with all the empty seats.
Baltimore vs Seattle Yup, both these teams are coming off a loss last week. Seattle lost to a rookie quarterback and Baltimore lost to a team which lost 16 straight games going back to last season. Seattle is tough at home and Baltimore is on it's second consecutive road game. Seattle does enough to win the game and maintain the #3 seed in the NFC playoff seedings. Seattle wins 23-13.
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS vs Tennessee Chad Pennington returns as QB for the Jets and will be a free agent in the offseason. He has two games remaining to try to make himself look good and salvage this disastrous personal season. Clemens looks like he is the direction the coaching regime wishes to work but injuries will prevent Kelly from hitting the field again this season. Tennessee and their coach, Jeff Fischer, are still in the hunt for one of the wildcard spots in the AFC. The Titans will come to play. I predict this will be one of the best viewing games of the weekend. Titans win 29-26
Miami Mullets vs The Evil Empire So the mullets floundered around long enough against Edgar Allan Poe's team last week to mussel out a win. Today, Bill Parcells, the Big Tuna, which is respected as a "Cod" in the football community was hired as VP of football operations. The Tuna tends to clam up during press conferences so he most likely wont reveal much info. Hopefully for the mullet fans which have suffered ever since Marino left, the tuna won't "snook"er them and be a bass just as he has done to other teams. Parcells was coming to Tampa several years back, and today, the Bucs fans would love to have some tuna sushi. I wish all the best for the mullet fans, but you might want to google Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino and Parcells resume. 3 years at the most. None of this matters, the Evil Empire wins, 31-13
Tampa Bay vs SF Bay Looks like a classic letdown game for the Bucs. West Coast game, just clinched the division. The team can't play on the West Coast. (What was that Super Bowl 37 in San Diego?) Yada Yada Yada. This team has formed a chemistry this season. They realize they must win some playoff games on the road if they want to get to the Big Game. The 49er's cast Garcia away years ago and now he gets to come back for a visit. This game will be different from other west coast games, the Bucs cover the spread with SanFran starting a rookie QB. Bucs 24-10. Bucs defense scores a TD.
Sunday night 8:30 Flex game
Crackheads vs Minnesota Washington has been playing tough the past few weeks, but so have the Vikings. Everyone at the 4 letter sports network are in love with the Vikings but I wasn't impressed with the win last week over the hapless Bears. Washington has Todd Collins starting at QB for the second game, for the second time in 10 years. There is a reason he didn't stick around in the NFL. Minnesota gets another prime time game in two weeks and they win again, edging closer to a playoff spot. Vikings win 26-19
Monday night-
Denver vs The Bolts Jay Cutler might be the second coming of John Elway in the future, but he needs some play makers. The Broncos defense isn't very good. LT has a chip on his shoulder and this should be another Monday Night Football blowout. The only reason the football fans of America aren't outraged out the current cast on MNF is because the games have sucked all year long. Keep Ron Jaworski (still see Lee Roy Selmon sacking you in 1979 in the playoffs) and sack all the rest. MNF simply stinks anymore.
Bolts win, 34-14
Saturday night:
Cowpokes vs Carolina Kittycats. WOW! Who knew Mandy Moore could play qb? Who knew the Cowpokes would have such a collapse. It's amusing to read in the media talking heads (guess talk radio needs something to talk about) and TO trying to blame Romo's new flame, Jessica Simpson, for his poor performance. Stories which go on about the other worst game Romo had was when his last flame Carrie Underwood was in attendance. I guess the way to defeat the Cowpokes is to fill the stadium with young blondes wearing his jersey. There won't be enough hot blondes in the stands though Saturday night, there were 20,000 empty seats as the Kittys beat the Seahawks. Cowboys win, 24-16. Romo doesn't play the whole game, but it could create a problem in the playoffs.
Sunday's games:
Raiders at J-Ville- I predicted last week that the Jags would upset the Steelers. The Jags went on the road, in the snow, and beat the Steelers at their game-running the football. Expect no let up this week from Jack Del Rio and crew. J-Ville closes this one out early 38-13
Buzzards of Philly vs Last years favoite team from New Orleans- Donovan McNabb created a bit of controversy this week in his comments to Fox broadcaster Pam Oliver last week. Rumors swirl about Donovan and/or Coach Reid leaving the City of Brotherly Love this offseason. The Eagles were on the road last week in Dallas, and won an emotional divisional game and long standing rival. It's tough to win back to back games on the road in the NFL. The Saints have no running game and no pass defense. Donovan might be able to light up the Saints secondary for a couple of big scores, but I see the Saints playing with more heart as they have something to play for. Saints win 31-27
Chefs vs Detroit's Murderer's Row Larry Johnson isn't going play and most likely is done for the rest of the season. This game at least gives Jon Kitna the chance to win game 7 this year. Detroit wins 27-16
Brownies vs Bungles Talk about the tale of two cities. Two teams headed in opposite directions. A few years ago, Marvin Lewis was all the buzz, then one by one his players all get arrested. Romeo Crennel, Clevelands' coach was under scrutiny this offseason. His rebuilding program wasn't coming along as fast as everyone thought. The Browies drafted a stud left tackle this season in Joe Thomas along with hometown hero Brady Quinn. Thomas has seen plenty of the field this year while Quinn still waits. Along the way, the Brownies discovered a potential budding superstar in Derek Andersen. Cleveland and Jamal Lewis run all over the Bungles 30-17
Packers vs Da Bears The oldest rivalry in the NFL. December in Chicago, last years NFC representatives from the Super Bowl facing this years likely NFC representatives in the Super Bowl. Brett Farve's legacy continues on, another consecutive start and padding all the records he already owns. Da Bears are a mess. They showed such promise last season but the weakness at the quarterback position was exposed as well as free agency and criminal behavior picking apart the nucleus of last years team. Talk about taking one step forward and two steps back, Da Bears went back a yard. Da Packers and their defense wins this one 23-9
New York Giants vs Buffalo. What a game Buffalo played last week in Cleveland. At one point, the officials couldn't even find the correct yardline to spot the ball. Spot the ball? The replays of this game looked more like the running of the Iditirod. This week Buffalo comes to play. This is a proud team with a strong coach in Dick Juron. Eli, Eli, Oh! Eli, ever wonder why your brother is on seemingly every commercial on television and the only time you appear is WITH your brother? You can't deliver. Now you just lost your safety valve, Jeremy Schockey with a broken leg. Coach Coughlin is all of a sudden on the hot seat again after yet another 6-2 start at the beginning of the season. Now you are 9-5 and at risk of slipping right out of the post season. Lose at Buffalo this week, and then you have to face New England at home next week, facing the possibility of a perfect season. Giants could end up 9-7 and out of the playoffs totally.
Buffalo wins this game 19-10 and Eli throws three interceptions.
Houston vs Indy- Houston is another team which is finally coming on but a little too late. Andre Johnson comes back, Sage and Thyme encrusted Veal Rosenhaus is playing pretty well at qb and that defense can bring it. Sure looks like the Texans made the right choice for long term in choosing Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. 13.5 sacks and game changing speed. Gary Kubiak is a good coach, Indy has nothing to play for and they have 5 players already which aren't going to play. Houston wins their third in a row in a road game. Texans 28-24
Atlanta vs Arizona If this is the game which will be shown on your local tv channel, PLEASE, do something else. Go to a sports bar. Clean the garage. Go to Home Depot under the guise of Christmas shopping and buy your wife the hammer drill you've always wanted. Hammer drills are fun for the whole family. Arizona wins and no one cares, along with all the empty seats.
Baltimore vs Seattle Yup, both these teams are coming off a loss last week. Seattle lost to a rookie quarterback and Baltimore lost to a team which lost 16 straight games going back to last season. Seattle is tough at home and Baltimore is on it's second consecutive road game. Seattle does enough to win the game and maintain the #3 seed in the NFC playoff seedings. Seattle wins 23-13.
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS vs Tennessee Chad Pennington returns as QB for the Jets and will be a free agent in the offseason. He has two games remaining to try to make himself look good and salvage this disastrous personal season. Clemens looks like he is the direction the coaching regime wishes to work but injuries will prevent Kelly from hitting the field again this season. Tennessee and their coach, Jeff Fischer, are still in the hunt for one of the wildcard spots in the AFC. The Titans will come to play. I predict this will be one of the best viewing games of the weekend. Titans win 29-26
Miami Mullets vs The Evil Empire So the mullets floundered around long enough against Edgar Allan Poe's team last week to mussel out a win. Today, Bill Parcells, the Big Tuna, which is respected as a "Cod" in the football community was hired as VP of football operations. The Tuna tends to clam up during press conferences so he most likely wont reveal much info. Hopefully for the mullet fans which have suffered ever since Marino left, the tuna won't "snook"er them and be a bass just as he has done to other teams. Parcells was coming to Tampa several years back, and today, the Bucs fans would love to have some tuna sushi. I wish all the best for the mullet fans, but you might want to google Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino and Parcells resume. 3 years at the most. None of this matters, the Evil Empire wins, 31-13
Tampa Bay vs SF Bay Looks like a classic letdown game for the Bucs. West Coast game, just clinched the division. The team can't play on the West Coast. (What was that Super Bowl 37 in San Diego?) Yada Yada Yada. This team has formed a chemistry this season. They realize they must win some playoff games on the road if they want to get to the Big Game. The 49er's cast Garcia away years ago and now he gets to come back for a visit. This game will be different from other west coast games, the Bucs cover the spread with SanFran starting a rookie QB. Bucs 24-10. Bucs defense scores a TD.
Sunday night 8:30 Flex game
Crackheads vs Minnesota Washington has been playing tough the past few weeks, but so have the Vikings. Everyone at the 4 letter sports network are in love with the Vikings but I wasn't impressed with the win last week over the hapless Bears. Washington has Todd Collins starting at QB for the second game, for the second time in 10 years. There is a reason he didn't stick around in the NFL. Minnesota gets another prime time game in two weeks and they win again, edging closer to a playoff spot. Vikings win 26-19
Monday night-
Denver vs The Bolts Jay Cutler might be the second coming of John Elway in the future, but he needs some play makers. The Broncos defense isn't very good. LT has a chip on his shoulder and this should be another Monday Night Football blowout. The only reason the football fans of America aren't outraged out the current cast on MNF is because the games have sucked all year long. Keep Ron Jaworski (still see Lee Roy Selmon sacking you in 1979 in the playoffs) and sack all the rest. MNF simply stinks anymore.
Bolts win, 34-14
Quick forecast for Thursday nite
Expect the Steelers to come out with a vengance with the Brownies and Jaguars breathing down their neck. Steelers win in a blowout. 31-14
Sunday, December 16, 2007
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After 1865 kickoffs, the futility has ended for the Bucs. Sunday, a player no one knew of a month ago, Michael Spurlock has engraved his name in Buccaneer legacy. The first player to return a kickoff for a touchdown. It looked as if he might break one last week, but we've seen those flashes before. Holding calls, illegal blocks in the back, stepping out of bounds, all the things we've grown accustomed to in Bucsland, but not this Sunday. THANK GOD. I'm no longer going to have to listen to some third tier Fox Sports broadcasters bring that stat up each and every week. Is it just me or does Michael Spurlock look alot like Chris Rock?
Going into this season, there was alot of media coverage about Gruden being on the hotseat this year. Granted, I'm critical about Gruden and the Bucs front office, but even those which are the most skeptical should acknowledge that this years coaching job and front office moves have been the finest job done by the Gruden/Allen duo. During the off season there were some questionable moves. Kevin Carter. 13 years in the league, how much gas is left in the tank? Ryan Sims, former first round underachieving pick from Kansas City. Javon Haye- who? The release of Simeon Rice. Greg White, head of Best Buy security in Orlando. As this season has progressed, this unit has really come together. There is still some work to be done, but Monte Kiffin has rotated the front four in and out of the game and down the stretch these guys are really coming on. Greg White is a forced fumble and sack machine. Sign him now to a long term contract.
Some random thoughts on this week's contest.
Michael Bennett finally saw some action. Albeit at the later stage of the game and the happless Falcons defense had been on the field for what seemed like an eternity, but he looked good. We are going to need him to get some touches in the playoffs, world class speed. I look forward going into next season with an EG and MB backfield.
Michael Spurlock was a college quarterback. Buffalo's return man this year, Josh Cribbs was a quarterback in college as well. A trend emerging?
Is Ronde Barber not one of the best big play cornerbacks in the league in the months of December and January?
Did Bruce "The Polish Pop-gun" Gradkowski actually orchestrate a drive where there was a first down? I really don't want to see him take another snap in the pewter and red.
I believe the Bucs controlled the clock for a team record, non-overtime game. The record was 42:14 vs Washington 12/4/1994.
If given a 16 game season, Earnest Graham could challenge the Bucs single season rushing record of 1544 put up by James Wilder in 1984. Wilder that year also set the team rushing td record of 13. That record could fall this year if EG gets some touches in the next two games.
EG also set a team record today with 6 straight games scoring a rushing td. He passed Errict Rhett in 1995.
Brett Farve breaks Dan Marino's all time passing yardage. If the Bucs don't make it to the Super Bowl, I'm rooting for the Pack.
The Lions. Good lord. The Bolts put up 51 points on Detroit. I guess no one will mistake Jon Kitna for Joe Namath. 10 wins huh? Yeah. Maybe there will be a great wide reciever available in the first round of the draft next year for you to draft. And how the hell did we lose to these bums?
The Mullets. How could you screw up the perfect season...........and WIN???? Here's to Jason Taylor wearing pewter and red next season.
Buzzards beat the Cowpokes. I predicted it here yesterday. Tony Romos' love interest, Jessica Simpson was looking a bit nappy up in the skybox seat. I wonder if she's figured out that whole tuna fish in a can thing yet?
J-ville taking down the Steelers, predicted it here too. Watch out for this team in the post season. Great running game, nasty D-Line, can win on the road. This team is going to make some noise in the playoffs this year.
Okay, I've gloated about some of the upsets I predicted, but I have to address some of the picks I made which fell flat.
Pats/Jets. This team will go 16-0. Dammit.
Seattle/Carolina Kittys- Who knew Mandy Moore could play quarterback?
GB/Rams- Pack on the road, in a dome, I love green eggs and ham
Ravens/Mullets- Stover misses the kick? Gimme a break.
Cards/America's new favorite team from last year- Brees was red hot 26-30
One thing to keep in mind Bucs fans. Once the playoffs start, we are 4 wins away from a world championship!
Going into this season, there was alot of media coverage about Gruden being on the hotseat this year. Granted, I'm critical about Gruden and the Bucs front office, but even those which are the most skeptical should acknowledge that this years coaching job and front office moves have been the finest job done by the Gruden/Allen duo. During the off season there were some questionable moves. Kevin Carter. 13 years in the league, how much gas is left in the tank? Ryan Sims, former first round underachieving pick from Kansas City. Javon Haye- who? The release of Simeon Rice. Greg White, head of Best Buy security in Orlando. As this season has progressed, this unit has really come together. There is still some work to be done, but Monte Kiffin has rotated the front four in and out of the game and down the stretch these guys are really coming on. Greg White is a forced fumble and sack machine. Sign him now to a long term contract.
Some random thoughts on this week's contest.
Michael Bennett finally saw some action. Albeit at the later stage of the game and the happless Falcons defense had been on the field for what seemed like an eternity, but he looked good. We are going to need him to get some touches in the playoffs, world class speed. I look forward going into next season with an EG and MB backfield.
Michael Spurlock was a college quarterback. Buffalo's return man this year, Josh Cribbs was a quarterback in college as well. A trend emerging?
Is Ronde Barber not one of the best big play cornerbacks in the league in the months of December and January?
Did Bruce "The Polish Pop-gun" Gradkowski actually orchestrate a drive where there was a first down? I really don't want to see him take another snap in the pewter and red.
I believe the Bucs controlled the clock for a team record, non-overtime game. The record was 42:14 vs Washington 12/4/1994.
If given a 16 game season, Earnest Graham could challenge the Bucs single season rushing record of 1544 put up by James Wilder in 1984. Wilder that year also set the team rushing td record of 13. That record could fall this year if EG gets some touches in the next two games.
EG also set a team record today with 6 straight games scoring a rushing td. He passed Errict Rhett in 1995.
Brett Farve breaks Dan Marino's all time passing yardage. If the Bucs don't make it to the Super Bowl, I'm rooting for the Pack.
The Lions. Good lord. The Bolts put up 51 points on Detroit. I guess no one will mistake Jon Kitna for Joe Namath. 10 wins huh? Yeah. Maybe there will be a great wide reciever available in the first round of the draft next year for you to draft. And how the hell did we lose to these bums?
The Mullets. How could you screw up the perfect season...........and WIN???? Here's to Jason Taylor wearing pewter and red next season.
Buzzards beat the Cowpokes. I predicted it here yesterday. Tony Romos' love interest, Jessica Simpson was looking a bit nappy up in the skybox seat. I wonder if she's figured out that whole tuna fish in a can thing yet?
J-ville taking down the Steelers, predicted it here too. Watch out for this team in the post season. Great running game, nasty D-Line, can win on the road. This team is going to make some noise in the playoffs this year.
Okay, I've gloated about some of the upsets I predicted, but I have to address some of the picks I made which fell flat.
Pats/Jets. This team will go 16-0. Dammit.
Seattle/Carolina Kittys- Who knew Mandy Moore could play quarterback?
GB/Rams- Pack on the road, in a dome, I love green eggs and ham
Ravens/Mullets- Stover misses the kick? Gimme a break.
Cards/America's new favorite team from last year- Brees was red hot 26-30
One thing to keep in mind Bucs fans. Once the playoffs start, we are 4 wins away from a world championship!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Will this be THE weekend?
It's saturday night. As I watch the weather forecast, my love of football and dislike of the Patriots have my head swirling. Will this finally be the week the Pats lose? On a weekend where my beloved team, the Buccaneers, are giving the most points (13.5) of any home team on the vegas line, perhaps anything could happen. In reality, Monday morning we'll pick up the sports page and the Bucs will have clinched thier division in a 6 point win and the Patriots will have dispatched with the J_E_T_S JETS JETS JETS handily. AH yes, but one can dream. Imagine how sweet it would be for the Pats to lose to the team which created the whole spygate scandal this season. The Jets exposed the spygate scandal at the start of the season, and should rightly be credited with creating the juggernaut which is the Patriots. For 10 weeks they resembled a Caterpillar D3 bulldozer while their opponents looked like a broken down Kia Sedona on the shoulder of the interstate.
I try not to let my emotions interfere with my weekly picks for football. However, this weekend, I believe, is the best opportunity for the Pats to lose a regular season game. Blizzard conditions. 16 degree gametime temps, ice and snow. Mangini vs the Hoodie. The Pats are averaging 425 yds of offense per game versus the Jets at slightly under 300 ypg. I believe the wildcard in this game will be the Jets defense and their ability to stop the Pats running game. You put the Pats in a perfect weather scenerio and their pass happy spread offense is unstoppable. I feel that the Jets and the inclement weather are the last obstacle in their path to the unbeaten regular season. Next week, the Pats play the happless Miami Mullets, (which are reportedly as of today up for sale along with all the other property here in Florida) The final week of the season, the Pats play the Giants, which at that point in the season, the Giants will have clinched a wildcard spot and will be resting their starters by atleast halftime. Won't suprise me though to see Brady still in the game, pulling a play action pass at their own 6 yard line, up by 29 with 6:30 to go in the 4th. Go hoodie go. Jets 19 Pats 13 Brady has 4 ints.
Some other random football thoughts for the weekend.
Buffalo at Cleveland. Does the calender really read 2007? How long has it been since a matchup between these two teams had playoff implications in week 15 of the season? I am a big Romeo Crennel fan and can't be happier for the Cleveland fans this year. They really deserve to be treated to some post season football. I also have some ties to Buffalo and I have some family members which had to endure the same losing seasons we had to here in Tampa with the Bucs. Now there is talk about moving some of the Bills home games to Toronto. I'm not too happy about that.
Cleveland drafted Brady Quinn, while their starting quarterback was third sting at the start of the season. Derek Anderson is going to get alot of attention in the free agent market during the offseason this year. So the Brownies must wonder- you have a proven quarterback in Anderson for this season. You have alot of money wrapped up in Brady Quinn (Who is doing Subway commercials. Why does he have any endorsement deals? Never played a down in the NFL?)
In another cold weather game, Cleveland prevails 24-20.
Tampa bay vs the coachless Falcons. Ah yes, as this is a divsional game and I cant become emotionally involved while making my pick. I have to say, I'm enjoying watching the Falcons emplode. I feel for Arthur Blank, but Rich McKay isnt the creator he was made out to be and he should be held accountable. McKay created a salary cap hell for the Bucs before he moved on to Atlanta and he has created the same situation in Atlanta. Bucs win 30-24 on a late touchdown score.
Seattle/Carolina- Seattle has won 4 straight games. Carolina has asked Jim Plunkett to come in for QB tryouts this weekend. Seattle wins this game by 2 touchdowns.
Packers/Rams- Interesting setup. Rams play great football at home, Bulger will be back. Farve doesn't play so well on turf and in domes. Picking an upset here. Rams 31-27
Ravens/Mullets- Ravens win 22-13 Ravens kick 5 FG's and return an interception for a td.
Arizona/Last years Americas team- The Saints pass defense is horrible. The quarterback of the Cardinals has been horrible in the past few weeks. This week however, he lights up the secondary of the saints for 400 yards 3tds and cards win 35-20
Jax/Pitts This is a really great football game that the majority of the football fans around the country will never see. Two physical football teams. Jacksonvilles qb has only thrown one interception this year. Fred Taylor, in his 10th season, isnt slowing down. He's on pace to be over 1000 yards again this season and has three consecutive 100 yd games the past three weeks. Pittsburg is tough at home but they are feeling a hangover from last week at New England. Jacksonville wins on a late FG 31-28
Tenn/KC- Tennessee runs away with this game. KC is in disarray and most likely couldn't beat LSU. Tennessee wins 41-14
Indy/Oak- As a Bucs fan, I feel for Lane Kiffin, son of Monte. I also feel nothing for Al Davis, the crypt keeper of the league. Al has a hatred for the Bucs but we gave them a kings ransom for our coach. But we kicked you a** in the SuperBowl didn't we Al? You lose this game big too. Indy wins 38-13
Detroit/SD LT will run for over 140 yds and 3 tds on this detroit team which has folded quicker than a snakeoil salesman getting served with a supeona. San Diego wins 34-17
Crackheads/Giants. This is always a good game, regardless of schedules or standings. Todd Collins looked great last week against the Bears. The Giants have the best DL in the NFL leading in sacks. Collins moves around in the pocket as quickly as the moon orbits the earth. This game is a tossup in my mind but I'm going with the G-Men since its a home game, low scoring, 20-17
Cowpokes/Buzzards- Another great matchup from the old NFC East. Buzzards are undergoing some issues this year. Cowpokes might be on cruise control here, might be a classic trap game. Buzzards win 31-30.
Monday night-
My god, how many monday night games have just sucked over the past few years? Almost all of them. This week will be no different. And this game will be no different. Minnesota walks away at home in this one 27-10.
Finally,
Arkansas fans, don't think Bobby Petrino will stay longer than one season.
Ohio State, get ready for another beat down from an SEC opponent in the championship game.
As a Florida State supporter, I have no confidence in Jimbo Fischer. Then again, who do you replace the legend of Bobby Bowden with?
I see today that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have reportedly signed Cliff Floyd, and the annual payroll is nearing 35 million. Whoo Hooo! You're making some moves but, signing a 35 year old outfielder isn't making me want to come to the Trop, or any other venue you want.
You want to build a new stadium downtown, how about putting a team on the field which might win 80 games a year. Reality is, the only way the Rays will ever make the playoffs is as a wildcard team and that is years in advance. You're trying to build this team's pitching but these youngsters are going to get schooled by the hitters from the Yankees, Red Sox and all the others in our division.
My sunday predictions for the Bucs, Garcia 16-28 228 yds 2 tds. Galloway 5 catches 102 yds 1 td Graham 30 carries 118 yds rushing 42 yds rec 1 td.
I try not to let my emotions interfere with my weekly picks for football. However, this weekend, I believe, is the best opportunity for the Pats to lose a regular season game. Blizzard conditions. 16 degree gametime temps, ice and snow. Mangini vs the Hoodie. The Pats are averaging 425 yds of offense per game versus the Jets at slightly under 300 ypg. I believe the wildcard in this game will be the Jets defense and their ability to stop the Pats running game. You put the Pats in a perfect weather scenerio and their pass happy spread offense is unstoppable. I feel that the Jets and the inclement weather are the last obstacle in their path to the unbeaten regular season. Next week, the Pats play the happless Miami Mullets, (which are reportedly as of today up for sale along with all the other property here in Florida) The final week of the season, the Pats play the Giants, which at that point in the season, the Giants will have clinched a wildcard spot and will be resting their starters by atleast halftime. Won't suprise me though to see Brady still in the game, pulling a play action pass at their own 6 yard line, up by 29 with 6:30 to go in the 4th. Go hoodie go. Jets 19 Pats 13 Brady has 4 ints.
Some other random football thoughts for the weekend.
Buffalo at Cleveland. Does the calender really read 2007? How long has it been since a matchup between these two teams had playoff implications in week 15 of the season? I am a big Romeo Crennel fan and can't be happier for the Cleveland fans this year. They really deserve to be treated to some post season football. I also have some ties to Buffalo and I have some family members which had to endure the same losing seasons we had to here in Tampa with the Bucs. Now there is talk about moving some of the Bills home games to Toronto. I'm not too happy about that.
Cleveland drafted Brady Quinn, while their starting quarterback was third sting at the start of the season. Derek Anderson is going to get alot of attention in the free agent market during the offseason this year. So the Brownies must wonder- you have a proven quarterback in Anderson for this season. You have alot of money wrapped up in Brady Quinn (Who is doing Subway commercials. Why does he have any endorsement deals? Never played a down in the NFL?)
In another cold weather game, Cleveland prevails 24-20.
Tampa bay vs the coachless Falcons. Ah yes, as this is a divsional game and I cant become emotionally involved while making my pick. I have to say, I'm enjoying watching the Falcons emplode. I feel for Arthur Blank, but Rich McKay isnt the creator he was made out to be and he should be held accountable. McKay created a salary cap hell for the Bucs before he moved on to Atlanta and he has created the same situation in Atlanta. Bucs win 30-24 on a late touchdown score.
Seattle/Carolina- Seattle has won 4 straight games. Carolina has asked Jim Plunkett to come in for QB tryouts this weekend. Seattle wins this game by 2 touchdowns.
Packers/Rams- Interesting setup. Rams play great football at home, Bulger will be back. Farve doesn't play so well on turf and in domes. Picking an upset here. Rams 31-27
Ravens/Mullets- Ravens win 22-13 Ravens kick 5 FG's and return an interception for a td.
Arizona/Last years Americas team- The Saints pass defense is horrible. The quarterback of the Cardinals has been horrible in the past few weeks. This week however, he lights up the secondary of the saints for 400 yards 3tds and cards win 35-20
Jax/Pitts This is a really great football game that the majority of the football fans around the country will never see. Two physical football teams. Jacksonvilles qb has only thrown one interception this year. Fred Taylor, in his 10th season, isnt slowing down. He's on pace to be over 1000 yards again this season and has three consecutive 100 yd games the past three weeks. Pittsburg is tough at home but they are feeling a hangover from last week at New England. Jacksonville wins on a late FG 31-28
Tenn/KC- Tennessee runs away with this game. KC is in disarray and most likely couldn't beat LSU. Tennessee wins 41-14
Indy/Oak- As a Bucs fan, I feel for Lane Kiffin, son of Monte. I also feel nothing for Al Davis, the crypt keeper of the league. Al has a hatred for the Bucs but we gave them a kings ransom for our coach. But we kicked you a** in the SuperBowl didn't we Al? You lose this game big too. Indy wins 38-13
Detroit/SD LT will run for over 140 yds and 3 tds on this detroit team which has folded quicker than a snakeoil salesman getting served with a supeona. San Diego wins 34-17
Crackheads/Giants. This is always a good game, regardless of schedules or standings. Todd Collins looked great last week against the Bears. The Giants have the best DL in the NFL leading in sacks. Collins moves around in the pocket as quickly as the moon orbits the earth. This game is a tossup in my mind but I'm going with the G-Men since its a home game, low scoring, 20-17
Cowpokes/Buzzards- Another great matchup from the old NFC East. Buzzards are undergoing some issues this year. Cowpokes might be on cruise control here, might be a classic trap game. Buzzards win 31-30.
Monday night-
My god, how many monday night games have just sucked over the past few years? Almost all of them. This week will be no different. And this game will be no different. Minnesota walks away at home in this one 27-10.
Finally,
Arkansas fans, don't think Bobby Petrino will stay longer than one season.
Ohio State, get ready for another beat down from an SEC opponent in the championship game.
As a Florida State supporter, I have no confidence in Jimbo Fischer. Then again, who do you replace the legend of Bobby Bowden with?
I see today that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have reportedly signed Cliff Floyd, and the annual payroll is nearing 35 million. Whoo Hooo! You're making some moves but, signing a 35 year old outfielder isn't making me want to come to the Trop, or any other venue you want.
You want to build a new stadium downtown, how about putting a team on the field which might win 80 games a year. Reality is, the only way the Rays will ever make the playoffs is as a wildcard team and that is years in advance. You're trying to build this team's pitching but these youngsters are going to get schooled by the hitters from the Yankees, Red Sox and all the others in our division.
My sunday predictions for the Bucs, Garcia 16-28 228 yds 2 tds. Galloway 5 catches 102 yds 1 td Graham 30 carries 118 yds rushing 42 yds rec 1 td.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
drugs in baseball?
I was amused with the media's obession about the Mitchell report this afternoon. There were drugs or enhancements used in MLB? Oh no!!!!!!! No one thought there was anything wrong with Roger Clemens sitting out a half a year, at 40+ years of age. That big ole melon he's sporting was supported by some chemical enhancement. Just like all the others in baseball pulling down outrageous salaries. It's time for baseball to step in, Bud Selig, resign. If baseball wants to remain viable with all the current clubs, performance enhanced players cannot be allowed to extort clubs for money without comprenensive testing. Mandatory drug testing should be put in place for all drugs, HGH, steriods, pot, coke, etc.
Baseball ownership, BPLA, and the maggot player representatives, here is a message for you:
All of you should come together, baseball is getting ready to fall apart. I used to watch every Braves game on TBS a few years ago, and now, baseball has the credibility of wrestling.
You sports agents, just keep getting outrageous amounts of money for average-sub-average players, and before long, there wont be any baseball left except for 8-9 teams.
Baseball ownership, BPLA, and the maggot player representatives, here is a message for you:
All of you should come together, baseball is getting ready to fall apart. I used to watch every Braves game on TBS a few years ago, and now, baseball has the credibility of wrestling.
You sports agents, just keep getting outrageous amounts of money for average-sub-average players, and before long, there wont be any baseball left except for 8-9 teams.
Michael Bennett
Can someone explain to me why the Bucs gave up TWO future draft picks to Kansas City to bring in Michael Bennett? I understand, Williams and Pittman go down with injuries, the club is up against the trade deadline, not knowing where the next feature back could come from and decisions must be made.
I was very happy when the trade was completed to bring Bennett to the Bucs. I believed this would be the prototypical back Gruden would LOVE.
I also have to say, I'm from Ft Myers and have followed E. Grahams career since he was in high school. I'm one of the largest EG supporters you'll ever find.
This afternoon on a local radio station, Gruden was asked about whether or not Bennett would get more carries this coming week, and the answer was Michael was progressing and in regards to increased carries, Gruden said he (mike) could receive more carries and that he (gruden) could also win the lottery this week.
I really believe that Mike Bennett can be a major part of this team. His speed is something which Gruden has to love. I understand he wasn't in camp from the get go, but since Michael Bennett was signed, how many times has Lionel Gates and Kenneth Darby been signed to the squad? Then never appear in a game? Why give up 2 draft picks for a player which has world class speed and never use him while the team simply keeps signing and releasing Lionel Gates and Kenneth Darby? Combined, Darby and Gates have been on and off the active roster, and the practice roster? Bennett doesn't know the offense? Gimme a break. You think Gates or Darby understand the offense? These two dont know if they'll be walking into Ray Jay on the weekend or Best Buy inorder to pay the bills for the week.
Jon, Bennett has been with the team since October. We have a window here in the next three weeks, and let's see what he has to offer.
I was very happy when the trade was completed to bring Bennett to the Bucs. I believed this would be the prototypical back Gruden would LOVE.
I also have to say, I'm from Ft Myers and have followed E. Grahams career since he was in high school. I'm one of the largest EG supporters you'll ever find.
This afternoon on a local radio station, Gruden was asked about whether or not Bennett would get more carries this coming week, and the answer was Michael was progressing and in regards to increased carries, Gruden said he (mike) could receive more carries and that he (gruden) could also win the lottery this week.
I really believe that Mike Bennett can be a major part of this team. His speed is something which Gruden has to love. I understand he wasn't in camp from the get go, but since Michael Bennett was signed, how many times has Lionel Gates and Kenneth Darby been signed to the squad? Then never appear in a game? Why give up 2 draft picks for a player which has world class speed and never use him while the team simply keeps signing and releasing Lionel Gates and Kenneth Darby? Combined, Darby and Gates have been on and off the active roster, and the practice roster? Bennett doesn't know the offense? Gimme a break. You think Gates or Darby understand the offense? These two dont know if they'll be walking into Ray Jay on the weekend or Best Buy inorder to pay the bills for the week.
Jon, Bennett has been with the team since October. We have a window here in the next three weeks, and let's see what he has to offer.
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