ET phones home

From Buccaneers.com,

Statement Regarding False Report

Oct 29, 2009 -

Statement by Joel Glazer, Co-Chairman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

“The report today by WDAE’s Dan Sileo about our family and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is 100 percent false.

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not, nor have they ever been for sale. In addition, our family or any of our related companies have never invested one penny with Bernie Madoff.

"The report is baseless, irresponsible and slanderous. This type of behavior by Mr. Sileo and his company Clear Channel will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.”

I find this response to be a bit odd. Dan Sileo works for WDAE 620 in St. Pete/ Tampa area and I listened to their programing while I lived in the area for nearly 3 years. The afternoon drive time guy, Steve Duemig was an absolute douchebag and the Bucs never responded to any of his claims. He "always had" inside sources and the team was about to be sold yada yada yada.
Granted, Sileo is no gem either. But it will be interesting to see if the Bucs organization files suit against their flagship station in the Bay area with no one attending home Bucs games any longer.

I am still not buying the denial. Of course you need to come out with an immediate response saying it's false. If you are trying to sell something, you want to be from a position of strength. If people know you can't make a big call from the bank January 2010, then, you are going to get a hell of a lot less in asking price for what you are trying to peddle. And what the Glazers are trying to peddle is a piss poor football team with no direction. They do have a rider in the fact they didn't buy Jon Gruden's contract out and his rights are still retained by the Bucs for the next two years. Hmmmm.

I'm not buying into the comments from Joel Glazer. Ownership duties have been transferred over to the two sons after Malcom suffered a stroke a few years ago. This team is in trouble and I stand by my belief that it is for sale.

Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus

Since 1976, I have missed only 6 Tampa Bay Buccaneer games on either television or radio. I have no sources, I'm not an insider, I just have gut feelings about my beloved team and sometimes it appears I am dead on correct.

On August 22nd, I blogged the following,
Junior appears , from all reports, he's going with Byron Sandwich, and he'll be the ragdoll for the first 7 games. Then I suppose on week 9, the Messiah, Josh Freeman will emerge. Hope you season ticket holders remaining, enjoy your ride. SUCKAS...................

Yesterday, Junior announced that Freeman will be the starting quarterback on week 9. I say, why the hell not, it's not like this season means anything any longer, let's see what he's got. Based on what Junior has shown so far, I'm not expecting much from his handpicked quarterback.

Now today, a nugget of hopefully fantastic news has emerged.
http://www.businessinsider.com/nfls-buccaneers-put-on-the-block-2009-10

Did I not opine that this was a possibility on August 15th 2009?
Junior is well over his head going into this year. Bucs fans have just seen this team sink to where it was in the 1990's. After watching the first pre-season game tonight, tons of single season game tickets are stillavailable. Junior isn't helping. I believe Junior is a stop gap coach as the Glazers are trying to sell the team. The Glazers made their money. They bought a cheap team. Got a new stadium, extorted the stadium on season ticket holders, collected revenue on every non football related event in Ray Jay. Interesting tonight, the announcers kept talking about how fan friendly the Bucs stadium is. The Bucs were 60 million under the salary cap going into the free agent season and didnt spend shit. Bucs ownership wonders why no one wants season tickets?

This story was reported this morning on Tampa sports radio station 620 WDAE, which is the Bucs flagship station in the Bay area. If the Glazers are in a financial hardship, I am all for getting a committed ownership team in at One Buc Place. One Tampa resident I would love to see at the helm is Eddie DeBartolo. All he accomplished as owner of the San Fransisco 49ers was to record 5 Super Bowl wins. He's made comments that he would like to return to the ownership ranks again. This story also gives credence to why I think Gruden was fired after a 9-7 season. I believe the Glazers knew that Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden would want to spend as much of the salary cap space which was available.

If DeBartolo does buy the team, the Bucs still have a Super Bowl winning coach under contract, Jon Gruden. DeBartolo has a history with Gruden, when he was with the 49er's in 1990. Gruden has said during Monday Night Football this season that he is really studying the spread and wildcat offense. I would love to see the wildcat offense in Tampa with Carnell Williams, Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. Hell, I'd like to see ANY offense in Tampa. 2010 is an looking like an uncapped salary year. With DeBartolo as owner, willing to spend money to get the players on the field needed, Gruden would flourish as head coach. Will the Bucs get a fantastic Christmas gift this off season or a lump of coal?

Week 8 already

Last week, I again went 8-5. I went out on a limb by picking Kansas City, Oakland and Carolina to win, and those three teams lost by a combined score of 95-13. Ouch. My combined record for the season so far is 74-29. This past Sunday saw the point favorites in Vegas go 9-2-2 (two pushes).

As we head towards the midpoint of the NFL season, some teams are starting to shake out as contenders, some as pretenders, and then there are the teams which are like the crazy aunt in the basement which no one can understand.

Lets look at my picks for this week-

Bye week @ Tampa Bay- The Vegas line opened with the bye week giving 7 1/2 points over the Bucs at home. Junior Morris responded in a presser today, " Even though we are an underdog in the bye week, are going to have to continue to self evaluate, get stronger as a team, figure out who gives the best chest bumps, who has crunk, and simply move forward from there. Anyone wanna go to Channelside and have drinks?" Bucs lose in the bye, 34-9.

Houston @ Buffalo. Andre Johnson might miss this game with a chest injury but it won't matter. Steve Slaton has really picked up on the catches out of the backfield in the past few weeks with this pass first offense. Houston is making it's run for a playoff spot. Houston's water boy rushes for 100 yards and a score as Houston cruises easily.

Cleveland @ Chicago. The Bears just had 45 points dropped on them and are angrier than Bertha Lewis facing an audit of ACORN by Congress. At the receiving end of that anger, will be the Browns. This game will be ugly, early. Bears, 38-10.

Seattle @ Dallas. Seattle is one of those crazy aunt in the basement teams. Hasslebeck is back, and they are coming off a bye. However, Dallas is playing pretty good right now and I've got to go with Jerry Jone's work release squad wearing the blue stars on their helmet this week.

St Louis @ Detroit. Great news for Detroit, a new GM plant was opened today using stimulus money to fund the re-tooling. Unfortunately, the plant was in Delaware. Joe Biden is from...........Delaware. Good news for beleaguered Lions fans is, regardless if Stafford or Culpepper is under center this week, you will increase your winning percentage 200% this season. Talk about a stimulus. St Louis plods towards the Bucs all time loss record of 26 consecutive games.

Denver @ Baltimore. This just might be the lowest scoring game of the week. Both Baltimore and Denver are coming off a bye and these teams match up really well. Baltimore is scoring 29 per game on offense and giving up 22 on defense. Denver scores 23 per game and yields 11. Baltimore needs to stop a slide of three consecutive losses. Defense wins championships and I'm going with Denver in a game which very well might be 13-9.

San Fransisco @ Indy. Mike Singletary has done some stellar work in San Fran, trying to turn this team around, but it's a year early to crown them as playoff caliber. Alex Smith has replaced Shaun Hill at quarterback. Hill's arm was so weak, his 5 yard out patterns looked like an attempt to go 50 yards down the field. San Fran will score some points and will hover around .500 for the season, but not yet Niner fans.

Miami @ J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets. So, up 38-0 over the Raiders, Sanchez is eating a hot dog on the sidelines and catches hell for it? Atleast now, we know he likes his wiener with mustard only.
This game features almost two identical teams. Good run defenses. Good running offenses. Both teams have rookie quarterbacks. But, the Miami Mullets don't have a legitimate wide receiving threat and the Jets have the best cover corner in the league in Darrelle Revis. The Jets win this home game. Jets 24 Miami 20, Revis returns an interception for a touchdown to win the game.

New York Football Giants @ Philly. Philly and the Giants. The Phillies and the Yankees all together as a great big happy family on Sunday in the same town. If I were the mayor, I think I'd ask for some funding for extra police officers. Sure, it looks like Brian Westbrook won't be playing in this game, but it won't matter. LeSean McCoy will step just fine, DeSean Jackson will light up the secondary, and Eli Manning's heel injury will finally become evident. Philly makes the push for the NFC East division title with this game. Philly 34 New York 20. Could someone please tell Andy Reid to take Geno's Cheesesteaks off speed dial? Dear lord, he's starting to look like Vince Wilfork.

Jacksonville @ Tennessee. One of these weeks, you'd expect Tennessee to win a game. This is a team which went 13-3 last season and won 10 games in a row. Titans owner, Bud Adams, came out today and said he wants Vince Young to start at quarterback. Sorry Bud, he was a bad draft decision and he isn't going to turn it around this week against Jacksonville if he does start. Jacksonville wins this game by 17 points.

Oakland @ San Diego. Talk about the crazy aunt in the basement, San Diego more likely resembles the 3 faces of Eve this season. Norv Turner has greatly underachieved with the talent on this squad during his tenure and, as I said yesterday, get ready to see Jon Gruden in San Diego next year, I'm just sayin. The Chargers are 3-3 currently, and hanging around in the wildcard hunt, and this is a must win game for them. The Vegas line opened at 17 points the Chargers are giving. As chaotic as the Chargers have been this year I might take the 17 points, but in the end the Chargers will win this game.

Carolina @ Arizona. It's sounding more and more like Matt Moore will be the Carolina starting quarterback this week out west in the desert. The 20 million guaranteed money in the Jake Delhomme contract extension in the off season isn't looking so wise now is it? 1200 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The running tandem of Williams and Stewart aren't going to overcome Arizona this week. Arizona wins 31-17.

Minnesota @ Green Bay. Well, we football fans all know the significance of this game. The return of the Favreanator, Favrea-palooza, and the ultimate end, Favreageddon to the frozen tundra of Green Bay. Then again, the tundra won't be frozen, game time temps are forecast to be hovering around a balmy 40. Green Bay quarterback, Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 25 times already this season with a porous offensive line. Jared Allen and the Williams twins will have a field day in Green Bay. Minnesota wins in one of the best games of the week.


Monday Night-
Atlanta @ New Orleans. Atlanta's defensive backfield is hurting badly. Enough said. New Orleans hangs at least 38 points on Atlanta and continues their quest to their first ever Super Bowl appearance.

7 down, 9 to go, mercifully.

What do Detroit, Cleveland, Oakland and Kansas City all have in common? They all have more wins than the Tampa Bay Bucs. Way to go Junior. The defense is giving up 29 points per game, with 9 plays over 40 yards in just 7 games. The offense isn't faring much better, scoring just 14 points per game. I guess it could be worse, we could be the St Louis Rams who have lost 17 straight games. The Bucs hold the second longest losing streak, at 11 in a row.

Junior had some great quotes yesterday in the post game presser. The bye week will allow for some self evaluation and the team will get better on fundamentals. He also mentioned that one day the Bucs will return to the playoffs. That's right Junior, they will return when your happy ass is down the road. My jaw hit the floor when he looked at a reporter and said, "We got 9 more games to go here Bro." Bro? This is the head coach not some second year special teamer interviewed in the locker room. His ability to destroy the English language this year in pressers really grates on me not to mention how he rudely walks away from the podium.

Next up for the Bucs is the bye week and then in week 9, the Green Bay Packers will be coming to town as the Bucs wear their throwback uniforms from the 1970/1980's and Tito Jackson made his debut in garbage time yesterday and will most likely be under center for week 9. I'm glad I have the Packers D on one of my fantasy teams.

As we reach the midway point of the season, I have a few observations around the league.

New Orleans Saints- This team is going to be tough to beat and I expect to see them win the NFC crown this year. They are scoring 34 points a game and the defense leads the league in takeaways. They are currently 6-0 and have 6 division games upcoming with Carolina, Atlanta and Tampa. I think they end the season no less than 13-3.

Buffalo- They have won a few games lately, most likely saving Dick Juaron's job until the end of the season, but the three wins they have are over Carolina, Tampa and the Jets. 6-10 final record.

Chicago- What has happened to the offensive line in Chicago? Have they all gone to work for Acorn? Matt Forte is having a horrible season. Cutler is second in the league for turnovers.

Denver- In the preseason, I predicted this team would only win 5 games, and each week I keep waiting for them to fold. This team was in turmoil in the preseason, but Kyle Orton keeps plodding along, continuing to win while under center. It looks like the AFC West is Denver's to lose.

San Fransisco- They started the season out strong, but their youth is starting to show. Singletary has the team going in the right direction, but another year away before they make a serious run at the playoffs.

Cincinnati- Perhaps the best 5-2 team no one is talking about. This could be a dark horse team in the AFC.

New York Giants- The G-men started out of the gate 5-0, but I wasn't buying the undefeated record. The first five victories were against, Washington, Dallas, Tampa, Kansas City and Oakland. Then New Orleans hands them a serious beat down last Sunday and last night, Arizona (who has a horrible record on east coast night games) beats the G-men at home. New York's schedule over the next five weeks will determine their season. Brandon Jacobs is not running with authority and perhaps Eli's heel injury is worse than reported and I wouldn't be surprised to see Dallas or Philly end up winning the division.

San Diego- This is the team I really thought was poised to make a run for the Super Bowl this season. But, just as in years passed, they are failing to meet expectations. LT is really showing his age. Chris Chambers has really lost a step. Sproles is not an every down back. If Norv Turner doesn't get it in gear, he might very well be looking for a job on January 4th, 2010 (along with Junior Morris) And don't be shocked to see Jon Gruden on the sidelines in San Diego next year if Turner gets fired. You heard it here first!

Sometimes, good material just can't slip away

Health and Human Services Director, Kathleen Sebelius testified before Congress regarding the status of the Swine flu on Tuesday. This is the woman who instructed all of you loyal to the Motherland, how to sneeze. She mandated a few weeks ago that you WILL get the Swine flu vaccine. She has presented the perfect photo op with some captions. Supposedly, she had some sort of surgery, perhaps a lobotomy would have been in order.

Possible captions,

- Kathleen auditions for the lead role of Bea Arthur in the movie remake of the Golden Girls.

-HHS Secretary warns the American public, once tequila is consumed, sex should never be an option.

-Kathleen has her eye on you.

-Just before her testimony to Congress, Kathleen Sebelius sat on a Magic Bullet left behind from the previous person testifying. Twist and turn, just 10 seconds and you're done.

-If "O" can smoke in the White House, why the hell can't I light up my Sharpie here?

-Witchland, North Dakota Holiday Inn lounge singer Sarah Sunrise petitions the court for custody of her children.

- (with some SS collar tabs on her shirt) "Veee have Vayyys to make you talk.......

-(Thinking to herself...) How long to I have to play along with this shit before I can get a gig over at Fox and not have to deal with you aholes any longer?

-the right eye for the left guy

-I wonder if those internet ads claiming no botox really do work.........

-Congressman? Did you just sneeze improperly? Can I get security in here NOW.

-HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was on her way to Capitol Hill to testify on Swine Flu when she was hit in the eye with a snowball from children out of school on a snow day, during Global warming.

This administration just keeps giving great material. Maybe Kathleen just sneezed in the wrong elbow and caught her eye on a stray button. Damn, I'm glad Al Gore created the Internet so we all can share these funnies.

Week 7 picks almost halfway though the regular season????

Well, I've had two 9-5 weeks back to back. This week, I've got to break out of this funk and I'm going with some bold picks. I did pick Kansas City to defeat Washington last week correctly. 9-5 and a season record of 66-24.

San Diego v. Kansas City- I picked San Diego last week to defeat Denver on Monday night. Denver inflicted a beat down. I have a feeling that Matt Cassell is getting familiar with his team, Dwayne Bowe had a great game finally last Sunday. San Diego has little defense and this game will be a shootout between division rivals but Kansas City wins it's second game.

Indy v. St Louis- Rush, be glad the NFL and the media ran you out of the Rams ownership deal, you wanted to buy an NFL team, the Rams aren't a Division I-A NCAA team, 16 loses in a row and counting. Peyton Manning will have time to film another commercial by the 4th quarter of this one. Is there a product the Manning family WON'T endorse?

Chicago v Cincinnati- This is a trap game. Chicago lost on MNF and is coming off a short week. Cincy lost a game they should have won at home last week to a manic Houston Texans team. I can't go against Cincy, having their second consecutive home game, (and now that we have a Bengal cat in the house, if I went against the Bengals, I'd not get a decent night's sleep until the end of football season)

Green Bay v. Cleveland-The only easier pick this week is the New England/Tampa game. Green Bay large, and Aaron Rodgers is wishing he had a commercial to film on the sideline by the 4th quarter.

Minnesota v. Pittsburgh- This might be the toughest game of the week to predict. Minnesota had a large lead on Baltimore last week, then late in the game, the Ravens clawed their way back within a missed last second field goal attempt of winning. Cleveland hung with the Steelers last week for a while and covered the 14.5 point spread. Both teams have quarterbacks able of slinging the ball around and both teams have issues with pass defense. As a football fan, I look forward to watching this match up, then again, I was looking forward to watching the Giants and Saints last week too, we know how that turned out. Minnesota wins this in a very close but high scoring game.

New England v. Tampa Bay- Please. 41-6 New England as we watch Junior Morris continue to complete his one and done season ruining the Bucs.

San Fran v. Houston- Mike Singletary no doubt had a few words to say to his team during the bye after getting crushed at home by the Atlanta Falcons. But, I've got to go with Houston at home after being on the road for two weeks and Schuab to Johnson will light it up this Sunday.

NY Jets v. Oakland- After watching the first three games of the Jets season, I was about ready to pencil them into the playoffs, but a funny thing happened on the way to grab the pencil. Matt Sanchez realized he's a rookie. I was forced to watch the Jets/Bills late game on Sunday, and as Sanchez threw up 6 picks, I had flashbacks to Vinny Testaverde in the 80's launching picks in orange and white. Oakland shut down a good Philly team, limiting them to only 9 points. Jets Dline anchor Kris Jenkins is done for the year and Oakland wins it's second in a row.

Buffalo v. Carolina- If this game were the only NFL game I could see this week, I'd rather watch competitive cup stacking on ESPN, I rather watch the magic bullet infomercial, hell, I'd rather watch anything on Lifetime than watch this game. Trent "the human concussion" Edwards, who is rapidly competing with Marc Bulger for the league leads in concussions, will most likely not be playing. Carolina's quarterback, Jake Delhomme has seemingly been playing with a concussion for 6 weeks of this season, both defenses are playing poorly, Carolina wins by a safety, 25-23.

New Orleans v. Miami- regular readers of the blog know I picked New Orleans as the NFC representative team to go to the Super Bowl which is in Miami this year. Brees and company will have a walk through in Miami on Sunday as they get ready for the big game in February. Miami's wildcat makes for an entertaining game in the first three quarters, but Brees throws 4 scores for 365 yards and the Saints put up 40 on the Miami Mullets.

Atlanta v. Dallas- This is another trap game. Dallas plays well coming off a bye. Atlanta won Monday night and winners on MNF don't fare well the following week. I'm playing the odds and going with the Cowboys, but this pick might bite me in the ass.

Arizona v. NY football Giants- Arizona won on the road last week in Seattle, which is a damn tough place to play, however, the Cardinals do not travel well to the East Coast and with the way Eli is throwing the ball and the Birds 31st ranked pass defense, the G-Men win this hands down.

Philadelphia Felons versus Washington Crackheads. Donovan McNabb recovers from whatever funk he was in last Sunday and send the Crackheads into their bye week with a loss and no head coach as Zorn is fired after they lose 37-9 on MNF.

0-6 and nothing on the horizon

I usually do my Bucs breakdown later in the week, but why bother? This team is atrocious. I actually went to a bar yesterday so I could watch the team I've predicted all along to make it to the Super Bowl from the NFC, the New Orleans Saints play the Giants. Off to the side, the Bucs game was on a small tv. With 8 1/2 minutes to go, the Bucs scored on an interception return for a touchdown and the game was tied. I was wearing my Bucs jersey, with Williams name covered over with my protest sign, FIRE MORRIS NOW. My friend looks at me and said, "The Bucs are looking good, their going to win this" Fat chance. I bet him a beer that Carolina would march down the field and win the game. March they did. 16 plays, eating up the 8 1/2 minutes. What was impressive for Carolina (damn, did that just come out of my mouth?) was it was 16 consecutive running plays and a systematic move right down the field.

This team is now surrendering over 170 yards of rushing by opponents per game and on pace to set a league record at this rate. The Bucs had 245 yards of total offense versus a poor Carolina team. New Orleans had 355 yards in the first half. I read an online story this morning that Derrick Ward is upset over his lack of carries on his Facebook page. Channel 10 out of Tampa had video of Antonio Bryant walking off the field yesterday mouthing the words, Tell him to throw me the F-ing ball. The Football Post, this morning, reported that GM Mark Dominik and Director of Personnel, Doug Williams are at odds. A National FOX reported yesterday on rotowire.com reported that he has already heard from inside the staff, Junior Morris is "one and done" this season.

I hope that for the final four remaining home games, that the Bucs ownership will see blackouts. There is no reason to patronize the crap that this team is presenting every Sunday. There is talent on this team, but there is a serious lack of coaching. The team is disjointed. There is no fluidity to the offensive play calling. The defense is flying to the ball on occasions, but there is no tackling and the Bucs might very well lead the league in plays given up over 30 yards this year. (although yesterday's Pats/Titans game might have changed that)

I have watched some pretty terrible football in Tampa. Since 1976, I've only missed 7 games on either tv or radio, so I know from where I speak. Some of those 3-13 teams, 5-11 teams, didn't have the talent that this team has, and that is why this is why this simply comes down to the fact that Junior Morris doesn't have the respect of the players or Jim Bates. I read a report online this afternoon which said the sports radio host on 1040am Tampa, said Junior Morris was seen in a suite with several Bucs players for the USF Thursday night game between the Bulls and Bearcats. Last week on October 15th, Todd Haley, the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and disciple of Bill Parcells, demoted wide receiver coach Dedric Ward and replaced him with Richie Anderson. When asked why, he said, never let the coaches get too close to the players. Jay Glazer on the Fox pregame show stated as much. Parcells has a slightly higher resume than Junior, who was fetching coffee for the Bucs coaches during the Super Bowl run in Tampa, so I'd tend to embrace his philosophy.

I'm not even going to bother breaking down this weeks game after Brady tossed 6 scores for nearly 400 yards and the Patriots put a massive smack down on the Titans, 59-0. Not to mention the two teams have to play in London and it gets charged as a Bucs home game. I think this game will be close for about the 4-5 minutes during the coin toss and initial kickoff, after that all bets are off. I predict 41-3, and the Bucs are lucky to get three. So after this week, the Bucs have a bye, then Green Bay comes to town. Fittingly, that is the game the ownership chose to wear the throwback uniforms of the 1970-1980's. We are watching it on the field, why not wear the colors. I predicted in August that the Packer game would see the debut of K-State phenom quarterback (NOT) Josh Freeman. That remains to be seen. After the Packers beatdown, the Bucs are at Miami. Did you see how Carolina ran on the Bucs yesterday? How does this team stop the Wildcat? Then 2 games with Atlanta, 2 games with New Orleans, Seattle in Seattle in December, @ Carolina and a home game with the Jets. By the end of the season, the Bucs will be on the end run of a 20 game losing streak. The final game of the season is played on January 3rd 2010. If Junior isn't fired by January 4th, 2010, I really don't think I can follow this team anymore because it will have shown me that the Glazers are making previous Bucs owner High Culverhouse look like a big spender. Hell, the Glazers are making Bill Bidwell in Arizona look like Donald Trump. This was a team which was 8-3 going into December last season and lost the final 4 games to finish 9-7. Wouldn't 9-7 look good about now? Wouldn't some direction for the future look good right about now?

Gaines "Ole" Adams off to the Windy City

With the NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching next Tuesday, teams are positioning themselves to release players. Normally, the trade deadline in the NFL isn't a big deal but with the 2010 season having the possibility of being an uncapped season, trades in the NFL this season might look like MLB at the August 31st deadline.

The first trade happened tonight and I couldn't be happier. The 4th pick of the 2007 draft, Gaines Adams, Clemson, was sent packing to Chicago where he can either play on the defensive line or ACORN, I could care less. In return, Junior Morris and his wander crew get a second round pick in return. SWEET! The number 9 pick of the 2007 draft was Adrian Petersen. Enough said.

Good bye Gaines, you are another Eric Curry or Keith McCants. Sure you will be reunited with Rod Marinelli who was the D-line coach here in Tampa but he was the head coach in Detroit and bombed, but I hope he can get something out of you in Chicago. As this Nation has learned, it doesn't take any experience to become something as long as you come from Chicago. Before your first practice Gaines, make sure to register with SEIU and ACORN, the rest is gravy regardless of how badly you suck on the field. Good bye and good riddance.

Week 6 picks

As I mentioned last week, there were 5 tossup games. I mentioned I wanted to go with Cleveland but I went with Buffalo at home. That game really stunk, Cleveland won while Anderson completed 2 passes for the entire game. If I had sat in the stands for that game, I'd have demanded my money back. Then again, season ticket holders in Buffalo should demand all of their money back once Ralph Wilson decided to play two "home" game across the border in Canada. So, here we go with this weeks picks and a surprise upset special. I was 9-5 last week and the current record is 57-19 overall for the season.

Houston-Cincy. Cincy is one tipped ball in Denver away from being 5-0. Houston is not playing consistent football. Cincy wins in a shootout.

Detroit-Green Bay. Detroit is a much improved team over last year's offering. They have scored over 20 points in the last two games. Green Bay is coming off a bye and wins this game, but I wouldn't give the 13.5 points if you want to bet the spread.

Baltimore-Minnesota. After a record run of 30+ games, the Ravens surrendered a 100+ rusher last week. Cedric Benson. Yes, Cedric Benson ran for 136 yards and a score on the Ravens. Now here comes Adrian "All Day" Petersen. Flacco will need to air it out as the Williams wall will most likely contain the Ravens running attack. This will be a great game to watch, but Favre and company come out on top.

Cleveland-Pittsburgh. If you are reading this blog to make picks and can't see a given, you shouldn't be betting money. Steelers in a romp.

Carolina-Tampa Bay. This game is close because they both suck but Carolina's running game and a long touchdown pass to Steve Smith does the Bucs in, again.

Kansas City-Washington. This is my upset special. Bowe is starting to get dialed in with Cassell who is starting his third game after missing a few with injury. Washington is not a good team. They beat Tampa at home and beat the Rams in St Louis by 3 points. Jim Zorn is scared, and I think the Chiefs beat the Crackheads by 10 this weekend. Jim Zorn is fired Monday morning.

St Louis-Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a 9 1/2 point favorite, take that bet because they will beat the Rams by 16 on Sunday.

Arizona-Seattle. Matt Hasslebeck is back under center, Arizona's pass defense is 29th in the league, Seattle is a tough place to play for visitors, especially when the weather will suck. Seattle starts their push for the NFC West division crown this week.

Philly-Oakland. McNabb throws another 3 td's and Philly covers the 14 point Vegas line.

Tennessee-New England. Tennessee was 13-3 last season, and at one point won 10 games in a row. Jeff Fisher is one hell of a NFL coach, but I have no idea what has happened to the Titans this past offseason. Their pass defense is horrible and this game will make Lord Brady look like Brady of 2007. How many children had he fathered then? I've lost count. Randy Moss and Wes Welker will have a field day this weekend at home.

Buffalo-NY Jets. Sanchez recovers after the loss in Miami on Monday night versus the Mullets. This will be the game where TO finally has a meltdown in the post game presser.

Chicago-Atlanta. This will be a close game, but Tony Gonzalez will exploit the loss of Brian Urlacher.

Monday night-
Denver-San Diego. Denver has come out of the gate strong, winning games they shouldn't have won(see Cincinnati) and beating weak opponents (see Dallas) and last week winning a game outright against the overrated Patriots in overtime. I don't see the Broncos going into San Diego this week, after a bye and beating the Chargers. Phillip Rivers should have a large game. 37-34 final score. Could Denver be a team which starts the season 5-0 and fails to miss the playoffs? I think so.

If you are betting points this week
Detroit-Green Bay-13 1/2 nope
Cleveland-Pittsburgh-14 yes yes yes
Philly-14-Oakland yes yes yes, hell yes
Jets-91/2- Buffalo yes.

Hey Junior, Got Carolina on your mind?

You should. Carolina has owned the Bucs and have won 4 of the last 6 games the Bucs and Panthers have played. And before my Panther friends who read this blog want to talk smack, let me see your Super Bowl ring first, then we'll go into deep conversation. What? No ring? That's right you guys made it to the big dance and lost. Sorry about your luck. I still hate Carolina.

That being said, it's time to evaluate this weeks upcoming Bucs game. I didn't have time last week. I went back and watched Junior's pressers on Monday and Wednesday and I have a few comments. If anyone reading this blog is an expert in body language, I'd like you to review the last four pressers and tell me what his body is telling you, because it's telling me he is afraid, scared, uncomfortable and over his head. He constantly brings drinks with him to the press conferences, sometimes taking many sips during the presser. Usually water or Gatorade. I figure when the Bucs are 0-10, he'll show up with a Coors light so they can work him right into the stupid faux coaches press conferences Coors uses for ads on Sundays. He'll need to find work after this season.

He is constantly touching his face, scratching his nose, running his thumb over his lips, during this weeks presser on Wednesday, he showed up wearing a hat, and was constantly pulling at the hat. He was really pulling at the hat after he was asked about the reports which surfaced linking Tony Dungy returning to the Bucs. He responded by saying he felt bad for Tony who was just living in Tampa and trying to raise his family. You felt bad for Tony??????? Junior, you can't coach you're way out of a wet paperbag and you feel bad for Tony Dungy because he was linked to a story about his possible return to the Bucs? I feel bad for you, because you don't see the hammer about to hit you on January 4th 2010.

And what is up with the Monday presser, in Tampa, at 11:30, and you show up wearing a full sleeve length hoodie sweatshirt while it is 93 degrees outside of One Buc Place? Are you trying to channel Big Bad Bill in New England? It ain't working. On Wednesday, Junior informed reporters that he was no longer piping in his music from his IPOD during practice. Man. That's the way to lay down the law. And once again, in no presser I've watched this season does Junior ever say thank you or is there another question, he simply grabs his drink and rudely walks away. Why don't you rudely walk out of One Buc Place, make a left, then make another left on Dale Mabry and walk away. You are not worthy of being a head coach in this league.

Well, here come the Carolina Panthers. Sure, they have had issues this season. QB Jake Delhomme has turned the ball over more frequently than an ACORN volunteer can register a voter this season, but he has his number one Buc killer, Steve Smith alive and well at the wideout position. In the last 6 games against the Bucs, Smith is, 40-571-1, for a 15 yard average and has to be drooling at the prospect of matching up against Aquib "treadmarks" Talib this weekend. Last week, Philly's tightend, Brent Celeck posted respectable numbers against the Bucs across the middle. Carolina's TE Dante Rosario will have 7 catches for 100 yards and a score come Sunday. Julius Peppers has only 3 sacks so far this year, but he should get a few this week, especially going against Falsestart Trueblood. Finally, the last Buc killer on this squad is kicker, John Kasay. On September 24th, 2006, I was sitting in section 128, row g in blistering heat and watched him kick 4 field goals and the shortest one was 48 yards to defeat the Bucs 26-24, the last one as time ran out. Bastard. This guy has kicked forever, retire already!

Carolina is a 3.5 point favorite in Tampa this week as the road team. I wouldn't lay any money on either of these teams, but Carolina will win. I predict 23-20. And, Tampa fans won't see it because they will most likely experience the first blackout since Ray Jay was built in 1996. Great job Glazers. Way to build for the future.

Go Figur- YA Mon is signed

Word coming from One Buc Place this afternoon is the season is saved, an eleven game run is coming up next. The wide receiver/kick returned drafted 74th overall by the Baltimore Ravens and released by the Detroit Lions, (cue Bob Marley) Yamon Figurs was signed after a workout.
Junior called out the wide receivers after the pasting the Philly Felons put on the Bucs. Does any Bucs follower really expect to see Mike Clayton sit this week or be cut? Nah, he's got crunk according to Junior. He's a gamer. No one will likely see the Bucs at all this week because the B-word is looming. The first possible blackout since Ray Jay was built is looming this weekend.

Clayton sucks and the fans know it. Someone beat me to the punch and started the website, www.80sucks.com. After his comments last week about having his checks in the bank already and the fans have no clue as to what it's like on the field were the final nail in the coffin for Claytons' tenure for me. Junior might have signed you for 3 years jack but next year when the Bucs see a real head coach at the helm, your happy ass will be down the road. I'm sure you'll get a contract from Seattle, they love washed up has beens and never weres.

So, congrats to Junior and those at One Buc Place. This signing today sets in place the groundwork for an 11 game win streak and a push deep into the playoffs. Yeah right, cue the Bob Marley again and have the 12th Red Stripe. 1-15 is reality.

With the 1st pick in the 2010 NFL draft...........

The Tampa Bay Bucs select.................

Those words will be heard soon enough Bucs fans. This team is pitiful. I was having flashbacks to 1983 today. Even Cleveland won today, in what had to have been a joy to watch, 6-3 over Buffalo. Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson complete TWO passes for the entire game. How do you win a game when you're quarterback completes 2 passes? And the Bucs lost to Buffalo?

Things I'm proud of, being a Bucs fan.

Ownership of the team hired a genius like Mark Dominik to be the General Manager. Mark's decision to re-sign Mike Clayton for 3 years and 16 million was brilliant. Clayton couldn't catch clap in a whorehouse. Stone hands were on display three times today. Why does this team always seem to have a wide receiver who believes their own press releases on how great they are? (see Meshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell, Alvin Harper)

We filled the 53 man roster with a kicker after Mike Nugent was rightfully released last week. Although, no one must have mentioned to Junior that a kicker actually travelled to Philly this week. Twice in the first half, the Bucs could have kicked a field goal and the dynamics of the game would have been changed with 6 more points in the first half. If Junior has no confidence in the kicker, why did they sign him to replace Nugent?

8 touchdown plays over 30 yards. This stat is just FANTASTIC! Jerry Maclin had Elbert Mack turned around so much on the post route, he looked like he was on Dancing with the Stars. This team is horrible folks. Does Ronde Barber still play defense?

Gaines Adams should now be labeled as the next Eric Curry. The Bucs selected Gaines Adams over Adrian Peterson because Cadillac Williams was already on the team. All I can say is, WOW. There really is no way Peterson would be able to crack into the already crowded, talent-laden Bucs backfield.


A few questions for the front office:

Will Defensive Linemen Dre Moore and Kyle Moore ever be active for a game this season? Moore really is less.

Since you want Gaines Adams to have double digit sacks this year, will you be appealing the league to extend the regular season to 20 games?

Can Junior motivate this team to play for 60 minutes?

Can Junior "get crunk" with his wide outs this week and perhaps coach some basics. This is a football, these are your hands. Hands, meet football.

So Bucs fans, here we are, 0-5 as I predicted back in August. The only remaining game on the schedule I believe the Bucs could win is coming next week. Then again, I am watching my 10th straight hour of football currently, consuming the remaining Anheiser-Busch products from our wedding reception and reality will set in tomorrow morning and the Bucs might keep the Carolina game at least close next week, but a win is highly improbable. This season was lost back in July. I am willing to fall on the sword. Tank the season, go 1-15, hell, since we are adopting the ways of the past, go 0-16. ANYTHING to get this joke of a coaching staff out of town.

I have a feeling that Ray Jay might finally see it's first blackout coming this week. The 1-4 Panthers playing the 0-5 Bucs. Club level seats will most likely be 20.00 a piece outside of the stadium at 12:00pm on Sunday. There are a record number of Super Bowl winning coaches out of work currently, and if the Glazers retain Junior after this train wreck of a season when they win 3 games or less, I will have a difficult time supporting this franchise moving forward until changes are made for the positive. Hey Joel, how's that season ticket waiting list working out for ya? Go Manchester United mate.

Week 5

Going into week 5 and things are a bit busy around here, and 4 games in my eyes are virtual toss-ups this week. 47-14 record after 4 weeks but things might change this week.

Cleveland v Buffalo. This is one of those toss up games. I nearly picked Cleveland but I've got to go with Buffalo.

Dallas over Kansas City.
Minnesota over St Louis.
Philly over Tampa Bay. Philly wins 38-6
Carolina over Washington. Another toss up game but Carolina has a good record after a bye.
Baltimore over Cincy
San Fransisco over Atlanta, another toss up very close
Seattle over Jacksonville, tossup betting on Hasslebeck playing
Houston over Arizona. Which Houston squad shows up?
Denver over New England
Indy over Tennessee. A trap game for Indy. Tennessee is due to break out one week
J-ET-S jets jets jets over the Miami Mullets.

Junior grows a set

A day after the Bucs had their best shot this season to win a game, only to see it slip away with an inept kicker, the 2 million dollar Mike Nugent was released today. It was the right call from Junior. Not that the Bucs are so deep that the kicking position will put this team over the top this season, but was Matt Bryant asked to come back? Nope. Junior continues to show his disdain for every player that was on Jon Grudens' roster. While Junior brought in Nugent and cost the team two million dollars, the team will be working out superstar kickers Shane Andrews and Brandon Coutu. Hmm? What? You've not heard of these superstars? Well, stand in line, because no one else has. Rest assured, with Junior on the helm at OBP, they will be no one older than 25 years old and will be willing to chest bump on the 50 yardline after kicking a 25 yard field goal kicking for the Bucs. The Bucs faithful miss you Matt Bryant. Especially going into this weeks game with Philly. I was sitting in section 118 Row r seat 1 on October 22, 2006 when you booted a chip shot 62 yarder to beat the Felons 23-21. McNabb also left a bit of himself on the south end zone when he deposited some Chunky soup on the 23 yard line.

I predicted this would be a train wreck of a season, but it is really getting out of control. The Bucs were in position yesterday to win the game, but failed execution and piss poor play calling doomed the Bucs. This weeks game with the Philly Felons will be ugly. Philly will hang 38 points on the Buccos.

48-14 so far on the straight up picks after 4 weeks. I told you you take the Bucs and the points, and the game would come down to a field goal.
The Crackheads will win this game but the score will be close. Take the Bucs and the 8 points the Heads are giving at home. I see this game coming down to a field goal. I guess it came down to a couple of field goals, missed ones at that.
This week the Bucs are 14.5 point underdogs. Enough said.

Week 4

Sorry for the delayed post this week, I was on the water for a few days. This will be my last weekend of making football selections as a free man, next week, the gonads go into a lockbox.
But let's get down to business. My record after 3 weeks now is 37-11. NONE of the ESPN experts have that record. However, there are some trap games on the schedule this weekend as we enter into the first of the bye weeks.

Chicago over Detroit. The Windy City is pissed after losing the 2016 games and Detroit can't put 2 wins in a row yet.

Cincy over Cleveland. Jesus, Himself could be under center for Cleveland and not solve the problems facing this team.

Indy over Seattle. Is there a product left on the face of the earth, other than feminine hygiene products, that Peyton Manning won't endorse? No game description because this will be a blowout.

New York Football Giants over KC. Take the Giants and give the 9 points, Please.

Baltimore over New England. Baltimore will blitz, blitz, blitz. The last team the Pats faced that did that was the NY Jets. How'd that work for ya Pats fans?

Tennessee over Jacksonville. Tennessee is 0-3 and was a 13-3 team last season. They MUST win Sunday and Jeff Fisher will have them ready to play.

Houston over Oakland. Houston's run defense has been horrible so far this year and the Raiders have 2 great backs in Bush and McFadden. However, JaMarcus Russell is under center.

New Orleans over the J-E-T-S, jets jets jets. Jets are playing great defense and are 3-0 under Rex Ryan. But, I feel that Drew Brees and his ultra fast release will neutralize the pressure from the Jets defensive front four. Saints are in the dome.

Miami Mullets over the Canadian Bison's. The Bisons have been hit hard with injuries on both sides of the ball. Chad Henne starts for the Mullets but I believe the wildcat and the running offense of Miami will be too much for the Bisons.

San Fransisco over St. Louis. San Fran is one play with 8 seconds remaining in the game away from being 3-0. Mike Singletary has this squad playing well. Don't be scared that Frank Gore is out, his replacement Glenn Coffee will fill his void well against a hapless Rams team.

Denver over Dallas. I know. Denver has played 3 very weak teams so far this season. However, Denver's defense has only given up 16 points in 3 games and Denver was predicted to be in the basement of the AFC West. Dallas does not fare well on the road after winning at home on Monday Night Football. I'm playing the odds and taking the Mile High City.

Pittsburgh over San Diego. West coast teams traveling East have not fared well this year. San Diego will most likely be without LT for the third straight week. Sproles and Bennett won't bring down the Steelers at home, but Rivers will most likely light it up through the air, but the Steelers win when the dust settles.

Green Bay over Minnesota. I know it sounds like a cliche, but this game will have a playoff feel to it. Adrian Petersen will have a good night against a soft Packers run D but Favre will have some difficulty against the pass D. It's the inverse for the Packers. No team runs well against the Williams wall on the Vikings line but Rodgers will be able to go downfield at will. The Packers know how to beat Brett Favre and you know the front office and Aaron Rodgers wants to get this monkey off their back.

Finally.
Washington Crackheads over Tampa Bay. Josh Johnson starts this week which gives the Bucs offense a different dimension with a mobile quarterback. Jabba the Hut is now the third string quarterback. But, all three running backs for the Bucs are listed on the injury list and there was no infusion this past week on the defensive side of the ball which will increase any sort of pass rush. Washington has their own problems. Head coach Jim Zorn is on the hot seat after a 1-2 start and losing to the Lions last week. Running back Clinton Portis is running out of gas, he has severe bone spurs in both ankles according to reports this week. The Crackheads will win this game but the score will be close. Take the Bucs and the 8 points the Heads are giving at home. I see this game coming down to a field goal. Josh Johnson will surprise alot of folks on Sunday.