With only three weeks left to go in the NFL Regular Season and no one has earned a playoff spot yet, though several teams are fighting for their right to represent their division or conference in the post-season.
With Seattle slowing down the Eagles defense the Dallas-Philadelphia contest this Sunday evening has even more riding on it. It is likely that the winner of this game could end up winning the NFC East. The final two games Dallas hosts the Indianapolis Colts and play at Washington. Dallas is 6-0 on the road this year, while struggling at AT&T Stadium, to a 3-4 record. The Colts are beatable, they've been good, but inconsistent all year. Philadelphia, in their final two-games, play at Washington and at NY Giants. I'm sure when the schedule makers stuck those at the end of the season, they looked really intriguing. They still are, but the only hope Washington or the Giants have is to play spoiler, no doubt Dallas fans will feel really dirty, not really rooting for, but hoping for either Washington or the Giants to win those games.
Arizona travels to their old home of St. Louis to face the Rams tonight (on Thursday Night Football) at what has to be the worst time ever for them. The Cardinals have struggled some and the Rams are coming off two-straight fantastic defensive performances. This will be a really interesting game to observe.
Interesting statistic: Green Bay first played in Buffalo in 1979 and they've met there 5-times. Buffalo has never lost to the Packers while playing in Buffalo. In fact, the average score is: about 25-12. Rodgers and his bunch is smoking hot, the Bills are fighting for a chance to be in the playoffs.
No one would have imagined a Cincinnati-Cleveland game in week 15 would have an playoff implications for BOTH teams. It does. The Bengals are holding onto a 1/2 game lead in their division while the Browns, 1 1/2 games behind their intra-state rivals, are trying for their first post-season appearance since 2002, when they appeared, then quickly exited, in the wild-card game.
Houston heads to Indianapolis for a divisional game on Sunday. This is a toss up. Both clubs flash signs to brilliance at times, then, at other times, we wonder what bowl game they might be playing in min-December.
Can we really say enough about New England? They have owned the Dolphins for the last several seasons, especially playing in Foxboro.
Ahhhh, San Francisco-Seattle. This decades version of Dallas-San Francisco from the '90's or the Pats-Colts in the '00s. Up until they met two weeks ago on Thanksgiving night, the home team had won the last 5-games. Seattle didn't like that stat so they held the Niners without a touchdown playing at beautiful Levi's Stadium. San Francisco seems like they're crumbling. Just two years ago they were a touchdown pass away from winning the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Situation makes me think of what happened to Marino, only he was in his 2nd year. Kaepernick took over for Alex Smith mid-season, lit the San Francisco up and got them excited and took them to a Super Bowl. I wonder if he'll ever get back. Marino did not. Mr. Kaepernick is a good quarterback that needs to learn to rely on his teammates, only then will he live up to the potential every thinks he has.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Week 13
Kind of a shock that the Cowboys didn't show up for their annual Turkey-Day game against Philly. Understandably, though, since they played a SUNDAY NIGHT game in New York just a few days before. Not a good move by the schedulers, but they have a near impossible job to do.
Seems Seattle has peaked at the right time, they are smoking all their opponents, either via blowout or defensively, like they did to San Fran Thursday night.
Is Johnny Football the answer in Cleveland? He debuted Sunday against Buffalo but the spark he brought didn't really ignite anything in a slumping Browns squad. Browns' coach Pettine has already announced that Hoyer will be back under center Sunday vs the Colts.
Jacksonville embarrassed the Giants on Sunday. I would be seriously surprised if Tom Coughlin is on the sidelines in New York next year. With that in mind, the Jets stink! Rex Ryan may also be out of a job when these season ends as well. Not sure when the last time, if ever, both New York coaches were new at the start of a season.
My apologies to any who suffer from mental disease, but the Saints look bi-polar. They are sluggish one week, then come into Pittsburgh this week and shock the Steelers.
Are the Rams for real? Yeah, it was only the Raiders, but 52-0? Wow!! Impressive, Jeff Fisher shows he's turning things around. They have the right ingredients to make a splash in the already tight NFC West division next season.
Cardinals really sliding that much? They lost to the Falcons by 11 in the Georgiadome. Atlanta is helping with the mediocrity in the NFC South.
How 'bout those Packers? Had more in their tank than the aging Patriots.
Playoff races are really heating up, looking forward to this.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Week 12
Season is over half done and playoff races are heating up. Some teams we thought might be contenders are slumping, some we knew were are forging ahead, some we thought we pretenders are making huge pushes.
To be fair, the first touchdown the Giants scored Sunday night against the Cowboys was absolutely amazing. Chris Collinsworth, of the NBC Sports, said that was easily in his top two spectacular catches of all-time. But I was really impressed with how Dallas clawed their way out of the cellar in that game and came back to win. That's what championship teams do, win the close ones, and sometimes doing so after being behind. I was down on Dallas at the first of the season, I was wrong. They are good and a team to be reckoned with this season, they combat the Eagles on their annual Thanksgiving Day game at 330p. This should be interesting. These two teams play each other twice over the next three weeks. Could be a playoffs or bust type situation.
Green Bay continues to show-off their power. Not necessarily with the same force against Minnesota as they have in previous weeks, but they are in control of what happens to them. Unfortunately for the Packers, the Lions are really good this year. This is another playoff race we will want to keep our eyes on.
As for the Lions, they got in the way of the Patriots and were steam-rolled. They are still a good team, just that New England is better.
Oh, the lowly NFC South. The leading team in that division is Atlanta, and they're 3-games below .500. This is pitiful. New Orleans looked flat against Baltimore Monday night, they had no motivation it seemed. Makes me wonder how much longer Sean Payton will be walking the sidelines of the Mercedes Superdome.
Arizona was handed only their 2nd loss Sunday when they went to Seattle, who, I think I'm safe to say, played the best they've played all year. Seahawks defense was swarming, never allowing the Cardinals to get into a rhythm. San Francisco escaped with a close win against Washington, that game should never been as close as it was. The team that calls the capital it's home has not got a whole lot of talent, the 49ers do.
Over in the AFC, the Patriots are demolishing everyone they play. Buffalo and the Jets had to go to Detroit on Monday to play their game, which Buffalo easily won. Miami is playing really well right now, nearly sneaking a win in Denver.
Here is an interesting tidbit, the AFC North has all teams at either 7-3-1 (Cincinnati) or 7-4 (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland). The Bengals have the best divisional record at 2-1, and every one of those teams are riding winning streaks.
Denver plays Kansas City Sunday night. Should be a really good game, I always like watching Peyton Manning play ball. Oh, we can't get away without stating that the Raiders finally won a game. Last Thursday night, they defeated the Chiefs in Oakland.
To be fair, the first touchdown the Giants scored Sunday night against the Cowboys was absolutely amazing. Chris Collinsworth, of the NBC Sports, said that was easily in his top two spectacular catches of all-time. But I was really impressed with how Dallas clawed their way out of the cellar in that game and came back to win. That's what championship teams do, win the close ones, and sometimes doing so after being behind. I was down on Dallas at the first of the season, I was wrong. They are good and a team to be reckoned with this season, they combat the Eagles on their annual Thanksgiving Day game at 330p. This should be interesting. These two teams play each other twice over the next three weeks. Could be a playoffs or bust type situation.
Green Bay continues to show-off their power. Not necessarily with the same force against Minnesota as they have in previous weeks, but they are in control of what happens to them. Unfortunately for the Packers, the Lions are really good this year. This is another playoff race we will want to keep our eyes on.
As for the Lions, they got in the way of the Patriots and were steam-rolled. They are still a good team, just that New England is better.
Oh, the lowly NFC South. The leading team in that division is Atlanta, and they're 3-games below .500. This is pitiful. New Orleans looked flat against Baltimore Monday night, they had no motivation it seemed. Makes me wonder how much longer Sean Payton will be walking the sidelines of the Mercedes Superdome.
Arizona was handed only their 2nd loss Sunday when they went to Seattle, who, I think I'm safe to say, played the best they've played all year. Seahawks defense was swarming, never allowing the Cardinals to get into a rhythm. San Francisco escaped with a close win against Washington, that game should never been as close as it was. The team that calls the capital it's home has not got a whole lot of talent, the 49ers do.
Over in the AFC, the Patriots are demolishing everyone they play. Buffalo and the Jets had to go to Detroit on Monday to play their game, which Buffalo easily won. Miami is playing really well right now, nearly sneaking a win in Denver.
Here is an interesting tidbit, the AFC North has all teams at either 7-3-1 (Cincinnati) or 7-4 (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland). The Bengals have the best divisional record at 2-1, and every one of those teams are riding winning streaks.
Denver plays Kansas City Sunday night. Should be a really good game, I always like watching Peyton Manning play ball. Oh, we can't get away without stating that the Raiders finally won a game. Last Thursday night, they defeated the Chiefs in Oakland.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Week 11
Adrian Peterson is out for the rest of the season, per the NFL, for disciplining his child. Was it excessive to use the small part of a stick? I'm not going to debate that as this could be a hot issue, I will so, though, that I had a switch used on me and I turned out fine. The Vikings season is pretty much done anyway, despite a pretty impressive win over Washington a few weeks ago, and fighting with the Bears this past week, in a loss.
I saw a report recently that asked if the New England Patriots are the best team in the NFL right now. Don't we always wonder this at this point in the year? Especially recently the Pats have struggled a little early (and by struggled I mean they either lose a game they should have won, or won a game by not as much as we thought they should) and then dominate to finish the season. Tom Brady is playing some of his best ball right, with their balanced run/pass attack. In the AFC, I'm not sure they can be beat...at least not in the regular season.
With Denver's upset loss to St. Louis and Kansas City's thumping of Seattle, put the Chiefs into a statistical tie (same record) with the Broncos. Denver holds the edge with an earlier defeat of KC, but this is shaping up to be one of the best rivalries this season has to offer. Manning was shocked by a ferocious Rams defense and that's exactly what the Chiefs needed to see to stop Peyton and his brood in order to have a chance to win their division.
Dallas and Philadelphia are sitting at the top of the NFC East and they've not even played each other yet this season. In fact, they are scheduled to meet for the first time on the Thanksgiving game in Dallas. With Nick Foles out the 'Boys are going to look to rattle Mark Sanchez. Remember the last time the Eagles signal-caller started a Thanksgiving game? The hapless Jets faced the Patriots, Sanchez ran into his own offensive lineman and fumbled the ball, leading to a ton of "butt" jokes, eventually leading to New York going with rookie Geno Smith.
Green Bay looks unstoppable, but they still have to contend with those pesky Lions. This will no doubt be a fun division to watch, at least between Green Bay and Detroit, as the season progresses.
In a sign of pure mediocrity, the NFC South leader is 4-6. I enjoy parity but can't stand a "losing" team making the playoffs, especially when a team with a better record is eliminated.
Finally, how 'bout those Cardinals? Facing the top defensive team in the league, the Lions, Arizona's sensational backup quarterback showed everyone that possibly, just possibly, it's time for a home-team to actually host the Super Bowl. The two powerhouses from last year, San Francisco and Super Bowl champion Seattle are, at best, floundering. In fact, if the playoffs started today, neither of those teams, representatives of the NFC for the last two Championship games, would even be in the post-season. The 4-6 Falcons, however, would be (see previous paragraph).
I saw a report recently that asked if the New England Patriots are the best team in the NFL right now. Don't we always wonder this at this point in the year? Especially recently the Pats have struggled a little early (and by struggled I mean they either lose a game they should have won, or won a game by not as much as we thought they should) and then dominate to finish the season. Tom Brady is playing some of his best ball right, with their balanced run/pass attack. In the AFC, I'm not sure they can be beat...at least not in the regular season.
With Denver's upset loss to St. Louis and Kansas City's thumping of Seattle, put the Chiefs into a statistical tie (same record) with the Broncos. Denver holds the edge with an earlier defeat of KC, but this is shaping up to be one of the best rivalries this season has to offer. Manning was shocked by a ferocious Rams defense and that's exactly what the Chiefs needed to see to stop Peyton and his brood in order to have a chance to win their division.
Dallas and Philadelphia are sitting at the top of the NFC East and they've not even played each other yet this season. In fact, they are scheduled to meet for the first time on the Thanksgiving game in Dallas. With Nick Foles out the 'Boys are going to look to rattle Mark Sanchez. Remember the last time the Eagles signal-caller started a Thanksgiving game? The hapless Jets faced the Patriots, Sanchez ran into his own offensive lineman and fumbled the ball, leading to a ton of "butt" jokes, eventually leading to New York going with rookie Geno Smith.
Green Bay looks unstoppable, but they still have to contend with those pesky Lions. This will no doubt be a fun division to watch, at least between Green Bay and Detroit, as the season progresses.
In a sign of pure mediocrity, the NFC South leader is 4-6. I enjoy parity but can't stand a "losing" team making the playoffs, especially when a team with a better record is eliminated.
Finally, how 'bout those Cardinals? Facing the top defensive team in the league, the Lions, Arizona's sensational backup quarterback showed everyone that possibly, just possibly, it's time for a home-team to actually host the Super Bowl. The two powerhouses from last year, San Francisco and Super Bowl champion Seattle are, at best, floundering. In fact, if the playoffs started today, neither of those teams, representatives of the NFC for the last two Championship games, would even be in the post-season. The 4-6 Falcons, however, would be (see previous paragraph).
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Week 10
Romo goes out with a broken back and the Cowboys get embarrassed at home by the Cardinals. The very next week the Cardinals lose quarterback Palmer to a torn ACL, while Romo played in London and played very well, leading his team to a victory over the Jaguars.
It's been a busy couple of weeks. With family I got to enjoy the Cowboys loss to Arizona in Arlington. That started off really exciting with a pick-six on the Cardinals' first drive of the game, only to see the team sputter with no offense the rest of the way.
Seemed to me this past weekend (November 6-10) there were more blowouts than I've seen in the NFL a long time. The Browns shredded the Bengals on Thursday night ball, Dallas tore apart Jacksonville, Seahawks over the Giants, Cardinals over the Rams, Broncos over the Raiders...and let's not forget Green Bay's scrimmage against the Bears. What were the Packers on Sunday night? Give some to the Bears, please.
No major trades coming up, haven't even heard any rumors, but things are about to get exciting with the playoffs looming.
Keep in mind, too, that Carson Palmer hasn't been behind center the entire season for Arizona, his backup has played admirably in helping the Cardinals get to the 8-1 record where they sit now. If the season were to end today, Arizona would have homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs...which leads to another interesting tidbit. A team has never played a home game for the Super Bowl. The closest the NFL got was in the 80's when San Francisco hosted Miami in Palo Alto, CA, at Stanford Stadium.
As far as coaching changes, I think Rex Ryan might have bought himself some time with the Jets' win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, but he's on a thin string. I'd be surprised to see Tom Coughlin walking the sidelines for the Giants next year, too.
Suppose the Patriots, who are likely the best team right now in the NFL, win the Super Bowl this year. Would that not be the ideal way for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to end their run in New England, or even the NFL? Elway went out that way and now everyone remembers him as a Super Bowl quarterback, as opposed to a player who tried to hang on too long and ended up struggling the last few years.
It's been a busy couple of weeks. With family I got to enjoy the Cowboys loss to Arizona in Arlington. That started off really exciting with a pick-six on the Cardinals' first drive of the game, only to see the team sputter with no offense the rest of the way.
Seemed to me this past weekend (November 6-10) there were more blowouts than I've seen in the NFL a long time. The Browns shredded the Bengals on Thursday night ball, Dallas tore apart Jacksonville, Seahawks over the Giants, Cardinals over the Rams, Broncos over the Raiders...and let's not forget Green Bay's scrimmage against the Bears. What were the Packers on Sunday night? Give some to the Bears, please.
No major trades coming up, haven't even heard any rumors, but things are about to get exciting with the playoffs looming.
Keep in mind, too, that Carson Palmer hasn't been behind center the entire season for Arizona, his backup has played admirably in helping the Cardinals get to the 8-1 record where they sit now. If the season were to end today, Arizona would have homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs...which leads to another interesting tidbit. A team has never played a home game for the Super Bowl. The closest the NFL got was in the 80's when San Francisco hosted Miami in Palo Alto, CA, at Stanford Stadium.
As far as coaching changes, I think Rex Ryan might have bought himself some time with the Jets' win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, but he's on a thin string. I'd be surprised to see Tom Coughlin walking the sidelines for the Giants next year, too.
Suppose the Patriots, who are likely the best team right now in the NFL, win the Super Bowl this year. Would that not be the ideal way for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to end their run in New England, or even the NFL? Elway went out that way and now everyone remembers him as a Super Bowl quarterback, as opposed to a player who tried to hang on too long and ended up struggling the last few years.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Week 8
We're halfway through the season and there are some surprises and not-so-surprises.
Although the Cowboys lost this past Monday against divisional rival Washington, they are still a very talented team that could make some waves in the NFC playoffs this year.
Detroit is doing a fantastic job, being ranked near the top in the entire league in defense.
New Orleans and Carolina are floundering, though the Saints are playing a bit more consistently as of late, seems like the Panthers are suffering from poor play. The Buccaneers are lousy in Lovie Smith's first year as their coach.
San Francisco and Seattle are relatively consistent, but the Cardinals are running away with that division.
In the AFC New England got their stuff together and are now doing what they usually do, winning in championship fashion.
The Bengals have righted their ship and look like they are for real.
Indianapolis is inching their way up the standings, leading Houston by a game.
Manning and the Broncos are as awesome, if not more, than they were last year. Can they repeat as AFC Champs? Looks like there is really nothing stopping them, but the game against this Patriots this week could really show us something about both of those clubs.
Others big games going on this week: Dallas and Arizona face-off Sunday in Arlington in what is one of the biggest contests of the season in the NFC, this could have huge implications for homefield advantage for post-season play. As far as Dallas they have had some injury issues that crept up on them this week, with Romo missing some playing time in their loss to Washington on Monday, and missing some practice this week.
Denver travels to New England for an AFC Championship re-match, and yet another Manning-Brady contest. This will be a great game to watch.
Sunday nights contest will be Baltimore visiting Pittsburgh, this is one of the more recent rivalries that has manifested itself. After Rothliesberger's near record-setting performance against Indy this past week, no doubt the Steelers will want to build on their confidence gained.
Although the Cowboys lost this past Monday against divisional rival Washington, they are still a very talented team that could make some waves in the NFC playoffs this year.
Detroit is doing a fantastic job, being ranked near the top in the entire league in defense.
New Orleans and Carolina are floundering, though the Saints are playing a bit more consistently as of late, seems like the Panthers are suffering from poor play. The Buccaneers are lousy in Lovie Smith's first year as their coach.
San Francisco and Seattle are relatively consistent, but the Cardinals are running away with that division.
In the AFC New England got their stuff together and are now doing what they usually do, winning in championship fashion.
The Bengals have righted their ship and look like they are for real.
Indianapolis is inching their way up the standings, leading Houston by a game.
Manning and the Broncos are as awesome, if not more, than they were last year. Can they repeat as AFC Champs? Looks like there is really nothing stopping them, but the game against this Patriots this week could really show us something about both of those clubs.
Others big games going on this week: Dallas and Arizona face-off Sunday in Arlington in what is one of the biggest contests of the season in the NFC, this could have huge implications for homefield advantage for post-season play. As far as Dallas they have had some injury issues that crept up on them this week, with Romo missing some playing time in their loss to Washington on Monday, and missing some practice this week.
Denver travels to New England for an AFC Championship re-match, and yet another Manning-Brady contest. This will be a great game to watch.
Sunday nights contest will be Baltimore visiting Pittsburgh, this is one of the more recent rivalries that has manifested itself. After Rothliesberger's near record-setting performance against Indy this past week, no doubt the Steelers will want to build on their confidence gained.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Week 7
Last week was a doozy, with a tie game and lots going on. Let's see what's going on this week.
The NFL trade deadline is close, only a week or so out. What could happen? We really don't know, but have seen "hypothetical" trade situations involving Tom Brady and the Houston Texans. I don't know if this has any merit or if it's just a sports network filling air-time.
How 'bout those Cowboys? Did anyone think the Dallas Cowboys would be one of the top teams in the league this year? I for sure didn't. They have handily beat everyone they've faced, including the defending Super Bowl Champions in their own home. They play a Washington team this Monday night in what is always a tough game (remember back in '90 when the Cowboys went 1-15? That 1 was against Washington). That being said, this is always a tough fought game and we can't really determine who will come out on top. Dallas does host the smokin' hot Cardinals in a couple of weeks. That should be the game of the week, if not the month. That mid-season contest will have homefield implications for the playoffs, for sure. I'll be there, up in the nose-bleeds, live-tweeting during the game (@PIX_inc), at least until my phone dies.
The Bengals have tanked it seems like since they got hammered by New England a few weeks ago. A tie and a shutout followed, leaving everyone wondering why they thought Cincinnati was the hottest team playing. Lots of holes they need to fix.
Shout-out to the Jacksonville Jaguars for not only winning, but doing so in a convincing way against a decent Browns team. They didn't just squeak one out, but outscored the Browns by 3-scores, 24-6. Not only did they get their first win, but did so at home, allowing their fans to enjoy this victory with them. Only direction from here is up, gentlemen.
This week pits the Cardinals and Eagles against each other. Based on their records, this should be a really good game. Think of this, though, the Eagles have only played two teams (49ers and Colts) that have winning records (they've defeated both of those teams), whereas the Cardinals have gone up against three clubs with winning records (49ers, Broncos, and Chargers) and have won two of those (against the 49ers and Chargers). Can't wait to watch this one.
The NFL trade deadline is close, only a week or so out. What could happen? We really don't know, but have seen "hypothetical" trade situations involving Tom Brady and the Houston Texans. I don't know if this has any merit or if it's just a sports network filling air-time.
How 'bout those Cowboys? Did anyone think the Dallas Cowboys would be one of the top teams in the league this year? I for sure didn't. They have handily beat everyone they've faced, including the defending Super Bowl Champions in their own home. They play a Washington team this Monday night in what is always a tough game (remember back in '90 when the Cowboys went 1-15? That 1 was against Washington). That being said, this is always a tough fought game and we can't really determine who will come out on top. Dallas does host the smokin' hot Cardinals in a couple of weeks. That should be the game of the week, if not the month. That mid-season contest will have homefield implications for the playoffs, for sure. I'll be there, up in the nose-bleeds, live-tweeting during the game (@PIX_inc), at least until my phone dies.
The Bengals have tanked it seems like since they got hammered by New England a few weeks ago. A tie and a shutout followed, leaving everyone wondering why they thought Cincinnati was the hottest team playing. Lots of holes they need to fix.
Shout-out to the Jacksonville Jaguars for not only winning, but doing so in a convincing way against a decent Browns team. They didn't just squeak one out, but outscored the Browns by 3-scores, 24-6. Not only did they get their first win, but did so at home, allowing their fans to enjoy this victory with them. Only direction from here is up, gentlemen.
This week pits the Cardinals and Eagles against each other. Based on their records, this should be a really good game. Think of this, though, the Eagles have only played two teams (49ers and Colts) that have winning records (they've defeated both of those teams), whereas the Cardinals have gone up against three clubs with winning records (49ers, Broncos, and Chargers) and have won two of those (against the 49ers and Chargers). Can't wait to watch this one.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Week 5
Okay, okay, I hear you New England. You're not losing anything on the competition chart and you're still dominant. The Bengals had nothing against a very sharp Patriots team this past Monday, proving that anytime you count out Belichick and Brady, you've made a mistake.
Dallas is continuing to surprise everyone, this time against a very solid, stacked Texans team. The Cowboys pulled out an overtime win over Houston on Sunday after dominating most of the game. The South-Texas team clawed themselves back into the game played away from their home at Reliant Stadium and tied the game. Bryant and Romo put on a clinic on how to put up numbers when it counts. Are the 'Boys for real? I stated in week 1 of my blog that I didn't think Dallas would win more than 5-games this season. I could be wrong since they are already sitting at 4-1 heading into this battle they face in the Pacific Northwest with the defending Super Bowl Champs Seahawks.
Tampa Bay nearly pulled another upset out of their bag of tricks, taking the Saints to overtime before apparently deciding they didn't need to play defense any longer. New Orleans simply walked over the Bucs into the end zone.
I have actually learned something about the Jaguars team, they're resilient. They have some building to do, but they have been in each of the games they've played this year, just haven't been able to stay in. They start early and strong, only to flounder in the 2nd half and lose the game. The young talent they have should give all Jags fans something to look forward to.
Peyton Manning is a beast!! He threw for his 500th career touchdown this past Sunday afternoon, facing a formidable Cardinals defense. In the 500 TD class there are only two...Manning, and some guy named Bret Favre. They will both be next to each other in Canton before too long. What the Broncos qb did to the Cardinals was nothing short of amazing, typical Manning-like precision, hitting the guys he needed to when he needed to. Like a skilled medical examiner using his/her scalpel in a way to completely dissect a corpse. This win by Denver left the NFL with one undefeated team heading into the Monday night contest...then the Pats handed Cincinnati their first win in a dominant way...which leads us back to the first paragraph...
Dallas is continuing to surprise everyone, this time against a very solid, stacked Texans team. The Cowboys pulled out an overtime win over Houston on Sunday after dominating most of the game. The South-Texas team clawed themselves back into the game played away from their home at Reliant Stadium and tied the game. Bryant and Romo put on a clinic on how to put up numbers when it counts. Are the 'Boys for real? I stated in week 1 of my blog that I didn't think Dallas would win more than 5-games this season. I could be wrong since they are already sitting at 4-1 heading into this battle they face in the Pacific Northwest with the defending Super Bowl Champs Seahawks.
Tampa Bay nearly pulled another upset out of their bag of tricks, taking the Saints to overtime before apparently deciding they didn't need to play defense any longer. New Orleans simply walked over the Bucs into the end zone.
I have actually learned something about the Jaguars team, they're resilient. They have some building to do, but they have been in each of the games they've played this year, just haven't been able to stay in. They start early and strong, only to flounder in the 2nd half and lose the game. The young talent they have should give all Jags fans something to look forward to.
Peyton Manning is a beast!! He threw for his 500th career touchdown this past Sunday afternoon, facing a formidable Cardinals defense. In the 500 TD class there are only two...Manning, and some guy named Bret Favre. They will both be next to each other in Canton before too long. What the Broncos qb did to the Cardinals was nothing short of amazing, typical Manning-like precision, hitting the guys he needed to when he needed to. Like a skilled medical examiner using his/her scalpel in a way to completely dissect a corpse. This win by Denver left the NFL with one undefeated team heading into the Monday night contest...then the Pats handed Cincinnati their first win in a dominant way...which leads us back to the first paragraph...
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Week 4
Is this a changing of the guard in the NFL? New England has been dominant for over a decade, now they're starting to slide. After struggling last week against a lackluster Raiders team, the Patriots were steamrolled by a resurgent Chiefs group. Makes one wonder if Brady is nearing his end and preparing his induction speech for Canton. If that were to happen, what would happen to Bill Belichick? Did Brady make him? Or was it the other way around? We need not think too far into the past with John Elway and Mike Shanahan. After Elway's retirement, Shanahan never won another playoff game.
Dallas played like a team possessed Sunday night. Prognosticators said the Cowboys would have a pitiful defense this season, but they've proved just the opposite. They were swarming around Saints runners and receivers in Arlington, and the offense was smooth and sharp. My earlier statement about the 'Boys not winning 5 games may have been premature, seems like they may give the Iggles a run for their money in the division. Things are going to get very, very interesting in the NFC East, I believe.
Tampa Bay had an amazing rebound in the 2nd half of their game against the Steelers. The Bucs had troubles doing anything in the first half at Heinz Field, but made the needed adjustments and rallied to win with a Glennon-to-Jackson touchdown with 12-seconds left in the game. Seems like young Mr. Glennon is making a name for himself in comeback wins.
Where was the awesome Falcons team we've seen the first three weeks? They went to Minnesota and were shocked by rookie quarterback sensation Teddy Bridgewater. Are the Vikes for real? Can they win without Peterson in the backfield? We'll find out Thursday night when they travel to Green Bay to take on the red hot Packers.
Dallas played like a team possessed Sunday night. Prognosticators said the Cowboys would have a pitiful defense this season, but they've proved just the opposite. They were swarming around Saints runners and receivers in Arlington, and the offense was smooth and sharp. My earlier statement about the 'Boys not winning 5 games may have been premature, seems like they may give the Iggles a run for their money in the division. Things are going to get very, very interesting in the NFC East, I believe.
Tampa Bay had an amazing rebound in the 2nd half of their game against the Steelers. The Bucs had troubles doing anything in the first half at Heinz Field, but made the needed adjustments and rallied to win with a Glennon-to-Jackson touchdown with 12-seconds left in the game. Seems like young Mr. Glennon is making a name for himself in comeback wins.
Where was the awesome Falcons team we've seen the first three weeks? They went to Minnesota and were shocked by rookie quarterback sensation Teddy Bridgewater. Are the Vikes for real? Can they win without Peterson in the backfield? We'll find out Thursday night when they travel to Green Bay to take on the red hot Packers.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Week 3
This season is moving right along. Lots of things happened this week in the NFL: Cowboys rally for a huge come from behind win; Broncos lose in OT; Patriots are getting old; and the Steelers aren't quite done yet.
In what turned out to be the largest come from behind win in team history, the Dallas Cowboys spotted the flat St. Louis Rams a 21-point lead in the first half, then fought back and won the contest 34-31. Does this say anything for Dallas? Are they now for real? No one really knows what kind of an affect this can have on a team, to rally from that big of a deficit. It could give them the confidence they need to contend in the NFC East (they're only a game behind the Eagles), or it could mean nothing more than the Rams are really not that good, especially since they're having major issues at quarterback. I'd love to see the 'Boys do something with this, build and capitalize...I just don't have that much hope in them, based on recent history.
Peyton Manning took his Denver Broncos team, who was embarrassed in February by a superb Seattle Seahawks defense, to CenturyLink Field in Northwest Washington state. Manning was given opportunity after opportunity to fix what happened in New York in the Super Bowl but, when it really mattered, in overtime, the future hall-of-fame quarterback was not given a chance. The 'Hawks took the extra kickoff 80-yards to the end zone, where Marshawn Lynch bullied his way in for 6-yards, and kept their home record nearly perfect for the last two years (the only loss was to the Cardinals last season). The Seattle football franchise, who used to play the Broncos twice a year when they were in the AFC West, has had but 2-losses at home since week 16 of the 2011 season (the other was to the 49ers in 2011).
New England used to be a powerhouse, destroying any and everyone that got in their way. The Raiders of the 1970's and early 80's were similar to that. Seems neither of these teams is even close to how they once were. The Patriots showed as though they might be starting to lose their touch a bit against the winless "Raideh's." Brady was sloppy, at best, and only pulled out the win with help from his defense, DT Vince Wolfork intercepted a pass deep in Oakland territory to help his team win. Oakland's team has not been good for some time, and it doesn't seem they will be getting good anytime soon.
Seems like every year the Steelers are counted out, saying they've made too many changes in the off-season to be any good. Then, they play championship-caliber teams, i.e. Carolina Panthers, and completely dismantle them. Pittsburgh looked good from the get-go, Big Ben kept his team in the thick of the race the entire game and eventually pulled away from what seemed like a confused Panthers squad.
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Next week the NFL will start it's International Series with the Oakland Raiders hosting the Miami Dolphins. Should be an interesting matchup. You're Welcome, London, for the 1-5 records we've sent you.
In what turned out to be the largest come from behind win in team history, the Dallas Cowboys spotted the flat St. Louis Rams a 21-point lead in the first half, then fought back and won the contest 34-31. Does this say anything for Dallas? Are they now for real? No one really knows what kind of an affect this can have on a team, to rally from that big of a deficit. It could give them the confidence they need to contend in the NFC East (they're only a game behind the Eagles), or it could mean nothing more than the Rams are really not that good, especially since they're having major issues at quarterback. I'd love to see the 'Boys do something with this, build and capitalize...I just don't have that much hope in them, based on recent history.
Peyton Manning took his Denver Broncos team, who was embarrassed in February by a superb Seattle Seahawks defense, to CenturyLink Field in Northwest Washington state. Manning was given opportunity after opportunity to fix what happened in New York in the Super Bowl but, when it really mattered, in overtime, the future hall-of-fame quarterback was not given a chance. The 'Hawks took the extra kickoff 80-yards to the end zone, where Marshawn Lynch bullied his way in for 6-yards, and kept their home record nearly perfect for the last two years (the only loss was to the Cardinals last season). The Seattle football franchise, who used to play the Broncos twice a year when they were in the AFC West, has had but 2-losses at home since week 16 of the 2011 season (the other was to the 49ers in 2011).
New England used to be a powerhouse, destroying any and everyone that got in their way. The Raiders of the 1970's and early 80's were similar to that. Seems neither of these teams is even close to how they once were. The Patriots showed as though they might be starting to lose their touch a bit against the winless "Raideh's." Brady was sloppy, at best, and only pulled out the win with help from his defense, DT Vince Wolfork intercepted a pass deep in Oakland territory to help his team win. Oakland's team has not been good for some time, and it doesn't seem they will be getting good anytime soon.
Seems like every year the Steelers are counted out, saying they've made too many changes in the off-season to be any good. Then, they play championship-caliber teams, i.e. Carolina Panthers, and completely dismantle them. Pittsburgh looked good from the get-go, Big Ben kept his team in the thick of the race the entire game and eventually pulled away from what seemed like a confused Panthers squad.
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Next week the NFL will start it's International Series with the Oakland Raiders hosting the Miami Dolphins. Should be an interesting matchup. You're Welcome, London, for the 1-5 records we've sent you.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
WEEK 2
I will start off by saying that I completely don't agree with how Ray Rice handled his situation, or how his now-wife allowed the situation. I am in no way saying Ms. Rice is in anyway at fault, just that the situation sickens me.
Next, I'm not sure yet what my thoughts are about Adrian Peterson. Seems there is a lot more evidence that needs to be released before, personally, I can comment one way or another. I will say that child abuse has no place in society today, but discipline should be administered.
Okay, on to football...
One of the most intriguing match-ups this week in the Arizona-San Francisco game. Seems that the Cardinals have quietly started the season with a 2-0 record, while their division rivals Seahawks and 49ers have both lost one game. It is very early in the season, true, but these early wins, or losses, can end up determining homefield advantage at the end of the season when the playoffs start. After this week Arizona gets a bye, along with the Seahawks, then comes back to face the Broncos. The Cards could really surprise a lot of people this year. They were the best team to not make the playoffs last year and seem like they're willing to prove they deserve that spot this year. Makes me wonder, though, at who's cost? Will the NFC West have three teams in the playoffs? Green Bay is a good team, Chicago has shown some fight. Philadelphia is the only team in the East that will likely enter the post-season...Maybe the West will be represented by the Cardinals, Seahawks, and Niners.
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As far as PIX goes, Darrell is in the top spot, with Severin and the Worm (our highest-ever ranked 4-year-old...or three, depending on who you ask). So congrats to all three of them. This is a long season, so I'm sure we'll see some changes.
Next, I'm not sure yet what my thoughts are about Adrian Peterson. Seems there is a lot more evidence that needs to be released before, personally, I can comment one way or another. I will say that child abuse has no place in society today, but discipline should be administered.
Okay, on to football...
One of the most intriguing match-ups this week in the Arizona-San Francisco game. Seems that the Cardinals have quietly started the season with a 2-0 record, while their division rivals Seahawks and 49ers have both lost one game. It is very early in the season, true, but these early wins, or losses, can end up determining homefield advantage at the end of the season when the playoffs start. After this week Arizona gets a bye, along with the Seahawks, then comes back to face the Broncos. The Cards could really surprise a lot of people this year. They were the best team to not make the playoffs last year and seem like they're willing to prove they deserve that spot this year. Makes me wonder, though, at who's cost? Will the NFC West have three teams in the playoffs? Green Bay is a good team, Chicago has shown some fight. Philadelphia is the only team in the East that will likely enter the post-season...Maybe the West will be represented by the Cardinals, Seahawks, and Niners.
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As far as PIX goes, Darrell is in the top spot, with Severin and the Worm (our highest-ever ranked 4-year-old...or three, depending on who you ask). So congrats to all three of them. This is a long season, so I'm sure we'll see some changes.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Welcome to 2014 NFL Regular Season
Greetings all! I hope everyone has enjoyed the off-season and is ready for another fun-filled football season, unless, of course, your favorite baseball team is still in the hunt (seems like mine is always out of contention by the end of May).
What did the first week of the season tell to you? Only thing I learned is not to count on Jacksonville this year. The Jags came out to a strong start, leading the Eagles 17-0, then choking and letting Philly come back and win that game.
The Dallas Cowboys are going to be lucky if they happen to match last-years 8-game win total. I texted this to friends during the game Sunday that I'd be surprised if the Cowboys win 5-games, and I'd anticipate a coaching change no later than the end of October. I've heard reports that Vegas has odds on that Garrett will be the first coach let go this year, and based on what I saw on Sunday, I would not be surprised. That, along with Washington and the Giants choking mightily in their games, I'll go on a limb and predict the Eagles to win that division, possibly with a #2 or #3 seed in the playoffs...but that isn't until January.
Is the power changing in the AFC East? Brady and the Patriots lost to a swarming Miami (-ami) team with a very stout defense. Peyton Manning looked as good as he usually does, so that's not really a surprise. But he's nearly 40, how long can this last?
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As far as PIX is concerned, I want to welcome all of our newcomers, Joe, Severin, Sean, Joni, Mahayla (maybe, if she decides to pick), and Savanna.
Feel free to comment on anything you like, or don't like; agree or disagree. I'd appreciate feedback.
What did the first week of the season tell to you? Only thing I learned is not to count on Jacksonville this year. The Jags came out to a strong start, leading the Eagles 17-0, then choking and letting Philly come back and win that game.
The Dallas Cowboys are going to be lucky if they happen to match last-years 8-game win total. I texted this to friends during the game Sunday that I'd be surprised if the Cowboys win 5-games, and I'd anticipate a coaching change no later than the end of October. I've heard reports that Vegas has odds on that Garrett will be the first coach let go this year, and based on what I saw on Sunday, I would not be surprised. That, along with Washington and the Giants choking mightily in their games, I'll go on a limb and predict the Eagles to win that division, possibly with a #2 or #3 seed in the playoffs...but that isn't until January.
Is the power changing in the AFC East? Brady and the Patriots lost to a swarming Miami (-ami) team with a very stout defense. Peyton Manning looked as good as he usually does, so that's not really a surprise. But he's nearly 40, how long can this last?
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As far as PIX is concerned, I want to welcome all of our newcomers, Joe, Severin, Sean, Joni, Mahayla (maybe, if she decides to pick), and Savanna.
Feel free to comment on anything you like, or don't like; agree or disagree. I'd appreciate feedback.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Conference Championships
Again, sorry for last weeks' lack of post...it's been hectic here.
What an amazing two weeks of the playoffs, though. Indy's near-record-breaking comeback against KC; Chargers shock an error-filled Bengal team; New Orleans wins on the road; Niners brave the chill to win in Green Bay.
Then...Saints lose at Seattle; San Francisco wins in Carolina; Denver and New England both win at home. That brings us to...
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
New England @ Denver. Brady v Manning. We've seen it before, we've seen different outcomes, but this is for all the marbles in the conference. Brady's post-season record on the road isn't as remarkable as one would think, and Manning could be playing the last two games of his career.
San Francisco @ Seattle. The NFC West has been the best for these two teams that know each other so well. This is such a fun matchup that even the coaches have a history when they coached against each other in college, Carroll at USC and Harbaugh at Stanford. This is always a tough game with good defense and lots of strategy.
This is going to be a good weekend for these two games, and I'm really looking forward to it.
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Brenna and Larry are tearing up the pre-season standings so far with only 1 loss, both of them hitting a 100% for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
What an amazing two weeks of the playoffs, though. Indy's near-record-breaking comeback against KC; Chargers shock an error-filled Bengal team; New Orleans wins on the road; Niners brave the chill to win in Green Bay.
Then...Saints lose at Seattle; San Francisco wins in Carolina; Denver and New England both win at home. That brings us to...
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
New England @ Denver. Brady v Manning. We've seen it before, we've seen different outcomes, but this is for all the marbles in the conference. Brady's post-season record on the road isn't as remarkable as one would think, and Manning could be playing the last two games of his career.
San Francisco @ Seattle. The NFC West has been the best for these two teams that know each other so well. This is such a fun matchup that even the coaches have a history when they coached against each other in college, Carroll at USC and Harbaugh at Stanford. This is always a tough game with good defense and lots of strategy.
This is going to be a good weekend for these two games, and I'm really looking forward to it.
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Brenna and Larry are tearing up the pre-season standings so far with only 1 loss, both of them hitting a 100% for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Wild-Card Weekend
Sorry for the delay, PIX headquarters has permanently moved and we were in the process of doing that, which prevented me from updating the blog.
This is the first time ever that PIX has ended the regular season in a tie. Congratulations to Brian and Michael for ending the season in the top spot. One thing about which I wondered was what happened to Shana...she dropped way down from her usual strong showing.
Now, on to the first week of playoff games:
INDIANAPOLIS @ KANSAS CITY. The Colts looked very strong and are 4-0 against teams in the playoffs this year. They are undefeated against the Chiefs all-time in the NFL Playoffs. The Chiefs started the season with 9-straight wins, before facing Denver twice in three weeks, during the last 7 games of the season the Chiefs dragged to a 2-3 record.
NEW ORLEANS @ PHILADELPHIA. Although the Saints have won their last two games against the Eagles, New Orleans has struggled in road games this season and have never won a road playoff game in their entire history. Philadelphia defeated the hapless Cowboys last week to win their division and have completed clawing up from last place a season ago.
SAN DIEGO @ CINCINNATI. These teams have only met each other once in the playoffs, in 1981, and the Bengals won 27-7. The wind-chill for that game dropped to a bone-chilling -59, which had to shock the systems of the Chargers players since the previous week they had played, and won, what many consider one of the most exciting playoff games ever against the Miami Dolphins. They game went into overtime and Kellen Winslow, Chargers TE, had to be assisted off the field by teammates due to exhaustion. Forecast doesn't show this will be as cold, or as humid as it was in Miami, but should be an interesting matchup pitting the Bengals D against a quick-striking Chargers offense.
SAN FRANCISCO @ GREEN BAY. Wow!! That's all I can say. Last season the Niners shocked the Packers, in San Francisco, with their new quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Green Bay was unable to stop him. Game one of this season, San Francisco again got the best of Green Bay 34-28. This is different, though, a new season, new players. Remember the cold I mentioned in the previous game highlight? It's going to be chilly in Green Bay on Sunday night. Both times San Francisco has visited Green Bay in the playoffs, the Packers have come out on top.
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Of the teams playing this weekend, only four were in the playoffs last year, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Green Bay.
This is the first time ever that PIX has ended the regular season in a tie. Congratulations to Brian and Michael for ending the season in the top spot. One thing about which I wondered was what happened to Shana...she dropped way down from her usual strong showing.
Now, on to the first week of playoff games:
INDIANAPOLIS @ KANSAS CITY. The Colts looked very strong and are 4-0 against teams in the playoffs this year. They are undefeated against the Chiefs all-time in the NFL Playoffs. The Chiefs started the season with 9-straight wins, before facing Denver twice in three weeks, during the last 7 games of the season the Chiefs dragged to a 2-3 record.
NEW ORLEANS @ PHILADELPHIA. Although the Saints have won their last two games against the Eagles, New Orleans has struggled in road games this season and have never won a road playoff game in their entire history. Philadelphia defeated the hapless Cowboys last week to win their division and have completed clawing up from last place a season ago.
SAN DIEGO @ CINCINNATI. These teams have only met each other once in the playoffs, in 1981, and the Bengals won 27-7. The wind-chill for that game dropped to a bone-chilling -59, which had to shock the systems of the Chargers players since the previous week they had played, and won, what many consider one of the most exciting playoff games ever against the Miami Dolphins. They game went into overtime and Kellen Winslow, Chargers TE, had to be assisted off the field by teammates due to exhaustion. Forecast doesn't show this will be as cold, or as humid as it was in Miami, but should be an interesting matchup pitting the Bengals D against a quick-striking Chargers offense.
SAN FRANCISCO @ GREEN BAY. Wow!! That's all I can say. Last season the Niners shocked the Packers, in San Francisco, with their new quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Green Bay was unable to stop him. Game one of this season, San Francisco again got the best of Green Bay 34-28. This is different, though, a new season, new players. Remember the cold I mentioned in the previous game highlight? It's going to be chilly in Green Bay on Sunday night. Both times San Francisco has visited Green Bay in the playoffs, the Packers have come out on top.
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Of the teams playing this weekend, only four were in the playoffs last year, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Green Bay.
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