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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
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?
-------------------------
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.
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