This has been a good year for PIX so far. Have had some surprises, some disappointments, but lots of football. The Broncos and Chiefs have been leading the way in the AFC, while Seattle and New Orleans are topping the NFC. Podcast, I hope, will be up tomorrow (if I can figure this thing out) and I'll let you my PIX for end-of-season awards.
In the meantime, here is a review of some of the top games to start the 2nd half of the season:
Cincinnati @ Miami: Earlier this season this looked like a top-notch game, when the Dolphins were at 3-0...they have lost four straight since and seem like they're spiraling.
Atlanta @ Carolina: How the tide has turned. The Falcons last year breezed through nearly everyone they played while earning home field advantage in the NFC playoffs. This year, the Panthers are playing strong and the Falcons are faltering with lots of key injuries.
Kansas City @ Buffalo: The last four times these two teams have played in Buffalo, the Bills were on the winning end. The Chiefs need one win to match their winning total of the last two seasons. Coaching has been a key factor in the success in each of these two teams this year.
Tampa Bay @ Seattle: Seattle has won 11 straight at home with no signs of slowing down. Tampa Bay has lost 7 straight games and 12 of their last 13, not a good sign for a team coming apart at the seams.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Chicago @ Green Bay: This rivalry dates back to 1921, when the Decatur Staleys defeated the Green Bay Packers 20-0. The Bears lead the series 91-87-6, but have lost the last 6, including a 21-14 playoff loss in 2010 in Chicago.
PIX shout out to The Monkey for going 12-1 this week, a 92% HUGE victory. MJ is still leading the pack, while Darrell and ML are sneaking up at 2 and 3 games back, respectively.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Week 6 Is In the Books
The Denver Broncos have done it again, but Jacksonville held them to the lowest points this season. Did the Jaguars expose a weakness? Or were the Broncos just taking it easy in preparation for the Colts this week? Sunday night will tell, that should be a really good game.
Are the Chiefs for real? Seems it, they have one of the strongest defenses on the gridiron this year, keeping their opponents to an average of 10.8 points per game. NFL.com showed this week that if the playoffs were to start today, the Chiefs would have the number 1 seed in the AFC, with the Broncos at number 5.
One of the biggest stories this week was how the Houston Texans fans reacted when struggling quarterback Matt Schaub went down with an injury. Reports show that not all the fans cheered, but a large enough group that it angered many of the players, teammates and other players around the league. NFL ticket prices are not inexpensive. It's common practice to send boo's to your team when they aren't playing up to expectations, perfectly okay with that. But what kind of fan would ANYONE be to cheer if a player is down on the field injured.
I remember when the Dallas Cowboys were playing in Philadelphia against division rival Eagles. Michael Irvin, hall-of-fame wide receiver, was tackled with his head being pushed into the ground. He lay there motionless while being attended to, while many of the fans in Veterans Memorial Stadium. It's the top of classlessness when anyone is happy when someone else is injured. Are we as a society that low that we get excited when someone with whom we're not happy is hurt that we cheer for that? Is it good that the NFL is starting to curtail head hits to prevent concussions? Or are we okay with that, too? Violence is all around us, TV shows, the news, even our entertainment is filled with violence. Video games now have ratings, preventing young people from purchasing them. Matt Schaub took the Texans to their only two playoff berths. Let's just all be nice and good fans.
For a brief preview of this weeks' games:
Cowboys @ Eagles: This is for the lead in the NFC East, one of the most mediocre divisions in football right now. Reports indicate, though nothing is confirmed, that Nick Foles will be starting under center for the Eagles.
Patriots @ Jets: Jets show flashes of brilliance, like their dismantling of the Falcons in week 5. Can they and their rookie quarterback hold off Tom Brady and the Patriots?
Texans @ Chiefs: No one imagined when the schedule was released last April that the records would be what they are, maybe the other way around. But the Chiefs can go 7-0 for the first time since 2003.
Browns @ Packers: Green Bay has won 22 of their last 23 games at home. The Browns have a 30-year-old 2nd year quarterback who has struggled mightily.
Broncos @ Colts: This is Peyton Manning's trip to Indianapolis as a non-Colt. Will he be affected by seeing former teammates on the other sideline? Colts' quarterback Andrew Luck has something to prove, that Indy's front office didn't make a mistake by letting Manning go to sign Luck as a rookie quarterback. This could truly be a changing of the guard in the AFC. Primetime on Sunday Night Football.
Vikings @ Giants: This is your Monday Night Football game. Combined record of 1-10. If you've been wanting to take your spouse out for a nice evening, this is your opportunity.
PIX shout-out to MJ who is still leading the pack by 2-games. Also, DJ and HL for having the highest weekly percentage for the week.
Are the Chiefs for real? Seems it, they have one of the strongest defenses on the gridiron this year, keeping their opponents to an average of 10.8 points per game. NFL.com showed this week that if the playoffs were to start today, the Chiefs would have the number 1 seed in the AFC, with the Broncos at number 5.
One of the biggest stories this week was how the Houston Texans fans reacted when struggling quarterback Matt Schaub went down with an injury. Reports show that not all the fans cheered, but a large enough group that it angered many of the players, teammates and other players around the league. NFL ticket prices are not inexpensive. It's common practice to send boo's to your team when they aren't playing up to expectations, perfectly okay with that. But what kind of fan would ANYONE be to cheer if a player is down on the field injured.
I remember when the Dallas Cowboys were playing in Philadelphia against division rival Eagles. Michael Irvin, hall-of-fame wide receiver, was tackled with his head being pushed into the ground. He lay there motionless while being attended to, while many of the fans in Veterans Memorial Stadium. It's the top of classlessness when anyone is happy when someone else is injured. Are we as a society that low that we get excited when someone with whom we're not happy is hurt that we cheer for that? Is it good that the NFL is starting to curtail head hits to prevent concussions? Or are we okay with that, too? Violence is all around us, TV shows, the news, even our entertainment is filled with violence. Video games now have ratings, preventing young people from purchasing them. Matt Schaub took the Texans to their only two playoff berths. Let's just all be nice and good fans.
For a brief preview of this weeks' games:
Cowboys @ Eagles: This is for the lead in the NFC East, one of the most mediocre divisions in football right now. Reports indicate, though nothing is confirmed, that Nick Foles will be starting under center for the Eagles.
Patriots @ Jets: Jets show flashes of brilliance, like their dismantling of the Falcons in week 5. Can they and their rookie quarterback hold off Tom Brady and the Patriots?
Texans @ Chiefs: No one imagined when the schedule was released last April that the records would be what they are, maybe the other way around. But the Chiefs can go 7-0 for the first time since 2003.
Browns @ Packers: Green Bay has won 22 of their last 23 games at home. The Browns have a 30-year-old 2nd year quarterback who has struggled mightily.
Broncos @ Colts: This is Peyton Manning's trip to Indianapolis as a non-Colt. Will he be affected by seeing former teammates on the other sideline? Colts' quarterback Andrew Luck has something to prove, that Indy's front office didn't make a mistake by letting Manning go to sign Luck as a rookie quarterback. This could truly be a changing of the guard in the AFC. Primetime on Sunday Night Football.
Vikings @ Giants: This is your Monday Night Football game. Combined record of 1-10. If you've been wanting to take your spouse out for a nice evening, this is your opportunity.
PIX shout-out to MJ who is still leading the pack by 2-games. Also, DJ and HL for having the highest weekly percentage for the week.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Week 5 Is Upon Us
Wow! That was quick! We're over a month into the football season and we've seen some surprises. Peyton Manning is breaking all sorts of records, Kansas City is fantastic, the Giants and Steelers are both horrible. Let's look at a couple of the highlights from this past week.
Seattle @ Indianapolis: The Colts look like they're for real. Seattle has proven it's a tough place to play, but the Seahawks now seem a little more vulnerable on the road. Indy looks like they've really come to build on last season.
New England @ Cincinnati: Patriots show up undefeated and walk out without even having scored a touchdown, the first time that's happened in years. Are the Bengals that good, or are the Patriots really struggling?
Kansas City @ Tennessee: This has got to be the first 4-0 @ 3-1 game in history that most people didn't pay much attention to. The Chiefs continued their domination over a very good Titans team, in Nashville.
Detroit @ Green Bay: Maybe some day the Lions will win in Wisconsin...but not this year.
Houston @ San Francisco: The Texans have looked lackluster at best this season, prompting coach Kubiak to bench his starting qb Matt Schaub, at least for part of the game Sunday night. Is this a sign of things to come? Since a throttling last year in New England, Schaub has seemed to lack confidence and poise.
Denver @ Dallas: A game for the ages, over 1000 passing between the two quarterbacks. Was fun to watch, if you don't like to see any defense.
Here is a brief preview of what we've got to watch this week:
Green Bay @ Baltimore: Both teams are struggling to find their personality. Baltimore is not the friendliest place to play, and Green Bay is looking to build on a non-offense win over the Lions last week.
Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay: If Dallas loses to Washington, and Philadelphia defeats the Bucs, that puts the Eagles in first place all by themselves in the woeful NFC East. Interesting, huh? Tampa Bay, as dysfunctional as they are, have yet to win a game.
Detroit @ Cleveland: This is an old school game between two teams that have been around a very long time. Currently, Detroit is not sure what they want to do, Cleveland has shown some remarkable resilience over the last few weeks. The Dawg Pound is fired up and ready to cheer their team to more victories.
Cincinnati @ Buffalo: If a team keeps Tom Brady from throwing a touchdown pass for the first time in over 50-games, the logical conclusion would be that they have a fantastic defense. It's not that bad, but they have won some games no one expected them to, and lost some they were supposed to win. In Northern New York they may have some troubles with the Bills...but they may not.
Jacksonville @ Denver: Could there be teams any more diverse than these? Jacksonville can do nothing right, their quarterback situation is suspect, at best. Denver is 5-0. Manning is having a career year, and the Broncos are supposed to be getting back some key defensive personnel soon.
New Orleans @ New England: This could very well be the game of the week. New Orleans has their coach back and they look sharp and efficient, thought without a running game. New England has Tom Brady under center, guiding and directing a young receiving corps as they learn the ropes in the NFL.
Washington @ Dallas: Always a good game, regardless of records or what's at stake. The Redskins are hoping RGIII is back in form to start doing what he did last year, the Cowboys are hoping they win a game. First place is at stake in the division, if Washington wins, they own at least a partial share of first place. If the Eagles win...this just makes things that much more interesting. Wait...you said there is another team in this division? Oh, yeah, the Giants. No worries. They are horrible and will not be a threat.
Indianapolis @ San Diego is the Monday Night game. Should be a decent game, but Indy is on fire and the Chargers are confused. One week they fight back and win at home, the next they go on the road against a mediocre, at best, Raiders team and lose. Andrew Luck is for real folks, this is a kid we'll be talking about for years to come.
PIX Shoutout to our leader, yet again, MJ. He pulled away and is leading the pack by 2 games, he also had the highest percentage for anyone this week with 79%.
Seattle @ Indianapolis: The Colts look like they're for real. Seattle has proven it's a tough place to play, but the Seahawks now seem a little more vulnerable on the road. Indy looks like they've really come to build on last season.
New England @ Cincinnati: Patriots show up undefeated and walk out without even having scored a touchdown, the first time that's happened in years. Are the Bengals that good, or are the Patriots really struggling?
Kansas City @ Tennessee: This has got to be the first 4-0 @ 3-1 game in history that most people didn't pay much attention to. The Chiefs continued their domination over a very good Titans team, in Nashville.
Detroit @ Green Bay: Maybe some day the Lions will win in Wisconsin...but not this year.
Houston @ San Francisco: The Texans have looked lackluster at best this season, prompting coach Kubiak to bench his starting qb Matt Schaub, at least for part of the game Sunday night. Is this a sign of things to come? Since a throttling last year in New England, Schaub has seemed to lack confidence and poise.
Denver @ Dallas: A game for the ages, over 1000 passing between the two quarterbacks. Was fun to watch, if you don't like to see any defense.
Here is a brief preview of what we've got to watch this week:
Green Bay @ Baltimore: Both teams are struggling to find their personality. Baltimore is not the friendliest place to play, and Green Bay is looking to build on a non-offense win over the Lions last week.
Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay: If Dallas loses to Washington, and Philadelphia defeats the Bucs, that puts the Eagles in first place all by themselves in the woeful NFC East. Interesting, huh? Tampa Bay, as dysfunctional as they are, have yet to win a game.
Detroit @ Cleveland: This is an old school game between two teams that have been around a very long time. Currently, Detroit is not sure what they want to do, Cleveland has shown some remarkable resilience over the last few weeks. The Dawg Pound is fired up and ready to cheer their team to more victories.
Cincinnati @ Buffalo: If a team keeps Tom Brady from throwing a touchdown pass for the first time in over 50-games, the logical conclusion would be that they have a fantastic defense. It's not that bad, but they have won some games no one expected them to, and lost some they were supposed to win. In Northern New York they may have some troubles with the Bills...but they may not.
Jacksonville @ Denver: Could there be teams any more diverse than these? Jacksonville can do nothing right, their quarterback situation is suspect, at best. Denver is 5-0. Manning is having a career year, and the Broncos are supposed to be getting back some key defensive personnel soon.
New Orleans @ New England: This could very well be the game of the week. New Orleans has their coach back and they look sharp and efficient, thought without a running game. New England has Tom Brady under center, guiding and directing a young receiving corps as they learn the ropes in the NFL.
Washington @ Dallas: Always a good game, regardless of records or what's at stake. The Redskins are hoping RGIII is back in form to start doing what he did last year, the Cowboys are hoping they win a game. First place is at stake in the division, if Washington wins, they own at least a partial share of first place. If the Eagles win...this just makes things that much more interesting. Wait...you said there is another team in this division? Oh, yeah, the Giants. No worries. They are horrible and will not be a threat.
Indianapolis @ San Diego is the Monday Night game. Should be a decent game, but Indy is on fire and the Chargers are confused. One week they fight back and win at home, the next they go on the road against a mediocre, at best, Raiders team and lose. Andrew Luck is for real folks, this is a kid we'll be talking about for years to come.
PIX Shoutout to our leader, yet again, MJ. He pulled away and is leading the pack by 2 games, he also had the highest percentage for anyone this week with 79%.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Week 4
Upsets galore. 49ers looked alive against a very weak St. Louis team. Kansas City is blowing out everyone they play, can't wait until they play the Broncos. The Broncos are very, very good! Strong efficient offense, tough defense. On their defensive side they will be getting back two top players within the next few weeks in Von Miller and Champ Bailey. Dallas is mediocre, Giants are horrible, along with the Steelers and Jaguars.
With Cleveland defeating the Bengals it makes one wonder if they're for real. They've looked good with Brian Hoyer under center and their defense has been very stingy. Don't look now, but they are tied for first in their division. You might remember a few years ago when Derek Anderson took over as Cleveland's qb, they looked very good and even made the playoffs. Then they went back to their losing ways. In the meantime, however, lets enjoy the success the Browns are enjoying, as their very loyal fans are doing.
What happened to Chicago? Did Detroit get hot in one win over Washington? Jay Cutler looked like he was having a career, and still may. But the Detroit defense made him look very shaky and nervous behind is offensive line. It will be fun to see if the Lions can hold on to this until Thanksgiving, when they host their annual nationally televised game.
Houston looked they were going to blow out the might Seahawks. Russell Wilson and his team had different plans, however. Pete Carroll guided Seattle to an overtime win against the Texans IN Reliant Stadium.
How good would Adrian Peterson be if he played for a good team, with an offensive line? Vikings looked better with Matt Cassel at the helm, but they are still lacking in several areas. Even so, they beat the hapless Steelers, who have not been 0-4 since 1968. Is Mike Tomlin's job in jeopardy? Rumors are it may be, but the Rooney family in Pittsburgh is very loyal sticking with their coaches through tough times. A prime example of that is their dealings with Bill Cowher, who eventually won two championships for them.
Tennessee is looking like they have things clicking, then they lose quarterback Jake Locker to a hip injury (it was reported via the Titans official Twitter feed, @TennesseeTitans, it's likely Locker could miss only about 3 games and there was no serious injury found in his MRI). They fight and defeat the Jets in convincing fashion (who lost their own ex-starting qb Mark Sanchez to season-ending surgery.
I always enjoy how Jerry Jones says the Cowboys are Super Bowl ready right when baseball is about to start in the spring. They look like they've been playing since then and they're worn out. San Diego was able to rally and beat the 'boys.
New England and New Orleans both looked very good in their wins over Atlanta and Miami on Sunday and Monday nights, respectively. The Pats defense stopped a last-minute Falcon drive and the Saints didn't give the Dolphins a chance to rally.
Highlights for Week 5:
Buffalo @ Cleveland: This should be a real good game featuring two up-and-coming teams. If you're not scheduled for a meeting on Thursday, you should try to take this game in.
Seattle @ Indianapolis: 4-0 @ 3-1, Indy is showing signs that they are a very well balanced team and can now play with the big boys. The Big Boys are coming to town are bringing one of the top defensive backs with them, Richard Sherman.
Detroit @ Green Bay: The Lions have not won in Wisconsin since 1991. Think of that, Barry Sanders never beat the Packers in Green Bay. Detroit seems focused to win this season, taking care of the mighty Bears last week.
Philadelphia @ NY Giants: Please wake me up when this is over.
New Orleans @ Chicago: Bears have some strong defensive backs; New Orleans is back where they were a couple of years ago, scoring seemingly at will.
Denver @ Dallas: Tony Dungy mentioned on Sunday Night Football that defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was in Indianapolis when Payton Manning was there, so Manning is familiar with the Dallas Tampa 2 defense. In all likelihood, Denver will dissect Dallas' suspect secondary.
Houston @ San Francisco: This is the highlight of the week, a couple of troubled teams who lose games their supposed to win. This is broadcast on NBC on Sunday Night Football.
San Diego @ Oakland: Nothing real exciting about this except that due to the Oakland Athletics being in the MLB Playoffs this game was rescheduled for a later start time (1035 central) and will be broadcast on the NFL Network.
PIX gives a special shout-out Scott who battled and is now tied for first place with Michael in our PIX standings. Several others have moved up...several have moved down and lost some footing.
With Cleveland defeating the Bengals it makes one wonder if they're for real. They've looked good with Brian Hoyer under center and their defense has been very stingy. Don't look now, but they are tied for first in their division. You might remember a few years ago when Derek Anderson took over as Cleveland's qb, they looked very good and even made the playoffs. Then they went back to their losing ways. In the meantime, however, lets enjoy the success the Browns are enjoying, as their very loyal fans are doing.
What happened to Chicago? Did Detroit get hot in one win over Washington? Jay Cutler looked like he was having a career, and still may. But the Detroit defense made him look very shaky and nervous behind is offensive line. It will be fun to see if the Lions can hold on to this until Thanksgiving, when they host their annual nationally televised game.
Houston looked they were going to blow out the might Seahawks. Russell Wilson and his team had different plans, however. Pete Carroll guided Seattle to an overtime win against the Texans IN Reliant Stadium.
How good would Adrian Peterson be if he played for a good team, with an offensive line? Vikings looked better with Matt Cassel at the helm, but they are still lacking in several areas. Even so, they beat the hapless Steelers, who have not been 0-4 since 1968. Is Mike Tomlin's job in jeopardy? Rumors are it may be, but the Rooney family in Pittsburgh is very loyal sticking with their coaches through tough times. A prime example of that is their dealings with Bill Cowher, who eventually won two championships for them.
Tennessee is looking like they have things clicking, then they lose quarterback Jake Locker to a hip injury (it was reported via the Titans official Twitter feed, @TennesseeTitans, it's likely Locker could miss only about 3 games and there was no serious injury found in his MRI). They fight and defeat the Jets in convincing fashion (who lost their own ex-starting qb Mark Sanchez to season-ending surgery.
I always enjoy how Jerry Jones says the Cowboys are Super Bowl ready right when baseball is about to start in the spring. They look like they've been playing since then and they're worn out. San Diego was able to rally and beat the 'boys.
New England and New Orleans both looked very good in their wins over Atlanta and Miami on Sunday and Monday nights, respectively. The Pats defense stopped a last-minute Falcon drive and the Saints didn't give the Dolphins a chance to rally.
Highlights for Week 5:
Buffalo @ Cleveland: This should be a real good game featuring two up-and-coming teams. If you're not scheduled for a meeting on Thursday, you should try to take this game in.
Seattle @ Indianapolis: 4-0 @ 3-1, Indy is showing signs that they are a very well balanced team and can now play with the big boys. The Big Boys are coming to town are bringing one of the top defensive backs with them, Richard Sherman.
Detroit @ Green Bay: The Lions have not won in Wisconsin since 1991. Think of that, Barry Sanders never beat the Packers in Green Bay. Detroit seems focused to win this season, taking care of the mighty Bears last week.
Philadelphia @ NY Giants: Please wake me up when this is over.
New Orleans @ Chicago: Bears have some strong defensive backs; New Orleans is back where they were a couple of years ago, scoring seemingly at will.
Denver @ Dallas: Tony Dungy mentioned on Sunday Night Football that defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was in Indianapolis when Payton Manning was there, so Manning is familiar with the Dallas Tampa 2 defense. In all likelihood, Denver will dissect Dallas' suspect secondary.
Houston @ San Francisco: This is the highlight of the week, a couple of troubled teams who lose games their supposed to win. This is broadcast on NBC on Sunday Night Football.
San Diego @ Oakland: Nothing real exciting about this except that due to the Oakland Athletics being in the MLB Playoffs this game was rescheduled for a later start time (1035 central) and will be broadcast on the NFL Network.
PIX gives a special shout-out Scott who battled and is now tied for first place with Michael in our PIX standings. Several others have moved up...several have moved down and lost some footing.
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