Saturday’s slate of college football games is about as bad as you’ll see all year (with the exception of OU-FSU at 8pm ET) so if you have chores to do, in-laws to see, or work to catch up on, this is the day to do it.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Week 1: Jets Recap
Was there ever a doubt the Jets would pull off a miracle victory on 9/11? Ok, yes there was a lot of doubt, but for some unexplainable reason I knew they would make a comeback. I really can’t explain it. It’s like the football gods wouldn’t allow a Jets loss.
Overarching theme of the night for the Jets: resilience. The Hets fell behind by two possessions three different times last night. Each time, they answered with a score on the very next drive. They fell behind 10-0, then scored a touchdown to close out the first half. Then they went down 17-7 only to answer with a field goal to cut the deficit back to seven.
After falling behind 24-10 early in the fourth quarter, Sanchez led a seven-play, 84-yard scoring drive to put them back within striking distance. A huge drive that seems to get lost in the shuffle.
Then, after the Jets forced a Dallas turnover on the ensuing drive, Sanchez lost a fumble of his own. The defense then manned up to force a punt, which was blocked.
Welcome to relevance, Joe McKnight. In a game where the Jets only rushed the ball 16 times for 45 yards, their third-string running back made an enormous difference by blocking a punt which directly led to the tying touchdown. I apologize for suggesting the Jets should trade you last week.
This guy justified his roster spot.
Antonio Cromartie really struggled on Sunday night. He was beaten on both of Dallas’ passing scores, including one in which Miles Austin out-willed and out-muscled the ball away from Cro in end zone. It’s a great sign the Jets were able to win without him playing his best.
The Jets reallllly lucked out with the Dez Bryant injury. In the first eight minutes of the game Dez, had three catches for 71 yards and a touchdown along with a 12-yard punt return. Soon thereafter, he started cramping and had no impact on the game’s remaining 53 minutes.
The Jets committed zero penalties. Very disciplined football out of Gang Green. Have to give Rexy credit.
The Jets LBs combined for 19 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. This is a top-2 linebacking corps in the NFL. I love watching Bart Scott-David Harris-Calvin Pace-Bryan Thomas do their thing every play. They bring the heat at the quarterback, they lay big hits on anyone in their way, and they change the game outcomes on a weekly basis.
Tony Romo is about as unclutch as pre-2009 ARod. The play of the game was Romo’s boneheaded goal line fumble with under nine minutes to play and the ‘Boys leading by a touchdown. A field goal would have made it a two-possession game and could have put the game out of reach. I like Tony Romo, but if he keeps this up, he’ll be slapped with the “can’t win the big one” stigma before too long. Dallas’ playoff record with Romo at the helm is 1-3 including the disastrous botched snap in Seattle which was 100% Romo’s fault. Granted, this was not a playoff game, but miscues like this in front of a national audience cannot make Jerry Jones’ plastic face happy.
Peter King Reads "11 Things"
At this point, it's pretty obvious PK reads my 11 Things column before he produces his MMQB column.
Avid reader of the Banter.
Today's proof-
My predicted socres of tonight's Monday night games:
Patriots 36, Dolphins 23
Raiders 20, Broncos 19
Peter King's picks:
Patriots 37, Dolphins 20
Raiders 21, Broncos 20
For those keeping score at home, that's less than a touchdown difference in total points. Unheard of.
I couldn't be more flattered.
Avid reader of the Banter.
Today's proof-
My predicted socres of tonight's Monday night games:
Patriots 36, Dolphins 23
Raiders 20, Broncos 19
Peter King's picks:
Patriots 37, Dolphins 20
Raiders 21, Broncos 20
For those keeping score at home, that's less than a touchdown difference in total points. Unheard of.
I couldn't be more flattered.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
11 Things I Know I Know: Week 1
1. I know I couldn't be prouder to be an American on days like today. The pregame ceremonies across the league were heartfelt. An incredible way to start the season. I love this country.
2. I know the NFC Central race will be the most exciting contest in all of football. Everyone knows about the defending champ Packers. The Lions lived up to the billing as a potential sleeper as they went into Tampa Bay and defeated the Bucs, and the Bears, a team many people -me included - wrote off, dismantled the conference favorite Falcons. Even the Vikings gave the Chargers a scare on the road.
On a related note, I really though Aqib Talib was still in jail. Apparently, he's not as he returned an interception for a touchdown today.
3. I know the most boring race will be held in the AFC South. The Texans are the class of the bunch as exhibited by their slaughter of the Colts today while the Jags-Titans game set organized football back a decade with their sleep-inducing play.
4. I know Fox should have used some discretion when giving us the soundbite of Michael Vick screaming "kill, kill, kill, kill" while changing the play at the line of scrimmage. Sure, it's part of the game, but the guy is trying to rebuilding his image.
Other than that, however, the Eagles have very little to complain about. After falling behind 7-0, they thoroughly and methodically dominated the Rams for three and a half quarters. I was able to watch the majority of this game, and Philly didn't look like they were even firing on all cylinders which is either a great sign for them or a terrible one for the Rams or both.
Speaking of the Rams, they lost four key offensive contributors to injury on Sunday: QB Sam Bradford (appears fine after injuring his hand), WR Danny Amendala (out 10 weeks with a destroyed elbow), OT Jason Smith (sprained ankle), and RB Steven Jackson (week-to-week with a strained quad). Not exactly what they had in mind for Week One.
5. I know Rashard Mendenhall and Hines Ward are lucky to be alive tonight. Haloti Ngata almost beheaded Mendenhall in the backfield while causing a fumble that Ngata also recovered. A few plays later Jarret Johnson absolutely crushed Hines Ward as he came across the middle of the line of scrimmage. (I'm guessing no one in the NFL is losing any sleep over that hit.) Very impressive game for Baltimore today forcing seven turnovers and running all over Pittsburgh.
6. I know that it's going to be a long season in Kansas City, Cleveland, and Seattle. Losing at any point to the Bills, Bengals, and 49ers is unacceptable. Losing by double-digits to each of these teams on Opening Day is just pathetic.
7. I know Cam Newton deserves a ton of credit. Yes, he was throwing against the Little Sisters of Poor defensive backfield, but to put up 422 yards in your NFL debut speaks volumes. Unfortunately, he and the Panthers couldn't spring the upset in Arizona, but number 89 in Carolina just got a lot happier.
8. I know the New York Giants are looking more and more like the New York Mets. Justin Tuck was inactive today, and they've already lost a boatload of defensive starters. Losing on Opening Day is just an extra kick in the teeth. The G-Men play host to the Rams on Monday Night Football in what has to be considered a must-win game. Maybe Rex Grossman wasn't crazy after all when he suggested the Redskins could win the NFC East.
9. I know a lot of people got knocked out of their survivor pools this week by picking the Browns (you deserve your fate if you took Cleveland) and Kansas City and a whole lot more sweated out close games in San Diego and Arizona. God, I love the NFL.
10. I know the Patriots will beat the Dolphins, 36-23. There are a finite number of opportunities that we the betting public will have to wager against Chad Henne. Let's take advantage of them.
11. I know the Raiders will beat the Broncos, 20-19. I will believe the Broncos are good when I see it. Vegas has them as a three-point favorite, but they need to earn my respect before I back them. I'm hoping to see some Tebow on Monday Night too. Touchdown Jesus is good for the game.
2. I know the NFC Central race will be the most exciting contest in all of football. Everyone knows about the defending champ Packers. The Lions lived up to the billing as a potential sleeper as they went into Tampa Bay and defeated the Bucs, and the Bears, a team many people -me included - wrote off, dismantled the conference favorite Falcons. Even the Vikings gave the Chargers a scare on the road.
On a related note, I really though Aqib Talib was still in jail. Apparently, he's not as he returned an interception for a touchdown today.
3. I know the most boring race will be held in the AFC South. The Texans are the class of the bunch as exhibited by their slaughter of the Colts today while the Jags-Titans game set organized football back a decade with their sleep-inducing play.
4. I know Fox should have used some discretion when giving us the soundbite of Michael Vick screaming "kill, kill, kill, kill" while changing the play at the line of scrimmage. Sure, it's part of the game, but the guy is trying to rebuilding his image.
Other than that, however, the Eagles have very little to complain about. After falling behind 7-0, they thoroughly and methodically dominated the Rams for three and a half quarters. I was able to watch the majority of this game, and Philly didn't look like they were even firing on all cylinders which is either a great sign for them or a terrible one for the Rams or both.
Speaking of the Rams, they lost four key offensive contributors to injury on Sunday: QB Sam Bradford (appears fine after injuring his hand), WR Danny Amendala (out 10 weeks with a destroyed elbow), OT Jason Smith (sprained ankle), and RB Steven Jackson (week-to-week with a strained quad). Not exactly what they had in mind for Week One.
5. I know Rashard Mendenhall and Hines Ward are lucky to be alive tonight. Haloti Ngata almost beheaded Mendenhall in the backfield while causing a fumble that Ngata also recovered. A few plays later Jarret Johnson absolutely crushed Hines Ward as he came across the middle of the line of scrimmage. (I'm guessing no one in the NFL is losing any sleep over that hit.) Very impressive game for Baltimore today forcing seven turnovers and running all over Pittsburgh.
6. I know that it's going to be a long season in Kansas City, Cleveland, and Seattle. Losing at any point to the Bills, Bengals, and 49ers is unacceptable. Losing by double-digits to each of these teams on Opening Day is just pathetic.
7. I know Cam Newton deserves a ton of credit. Yes, he was throwing against the Little Sisters of Poor defensive backfield, but to put up 422 yards in your NFL debut speaks volumes. Unfortunately, he and the Panthers couldn't spring the upset in Arizona, but number 89 in Carolina just got a lot happier.
8. I know the New York Giants are looking more and more like the New York Mets. Justin Tuck was inactive today, and they've already lost a boatload of defensive starters. Losing on Opening Day is just an extra kick in the teeth. The G-Men play host to the Rams on Monday Night Football in what has to be considered a must-win game. Maybe Rex Grossman wasn't crazy after all when he suggested the Redskins could win the NFC East.
9. I know a lot of people got knocked out of their survivor pools this week by picking the Browns (you deserve your fate if you took Cleveland) and Kansas City and a whole lot more sweated out close games in San Diego and Arizona. God, I love the NFL.
10. I know the Patriots will beat the Dolphins, 36-23. There are a finite number of opportunities that we the betting public will have to wager against Chad Henne. Let's take advantage of them.
11. I know the Raiders will beat the Broncos, 20-19. I will believe the Broncos are good when I see it. Vegas has them as a three-point favorite, but they need to earn my respect before I back them. I'm hoping to see some Tebow on Monday Night too. Touchdown Jesus is good for the game.
Friday, September 9, 2011
College Football: Week 2 Picks
One quick note on last week’s picks, then we’ll get to week two.
I happened to be in Vegas this past weekend celebrating this season’s kickoff. After seeing the lines for the Troy-Clemson (lower than expected) and South Florida-Notre Dame (higher than expected) games, I actually decided to back USF and not Troy. I should have posted my pick change but did not. You’ll just have to take my word for it. I digress.
On to the picks….
Ball State +22.5 - BSU is coming off a huge (for them) victory against in-state rival Indiana while South Florida is feeling really good about themselves after a win at Notre Dame. I don’t think the Bulls played great though and might take this opponent lighter than they should.
Michigan +4.5 - Brian Kelly and the Irish are desperate after only one week and have benched starter Dayne Crist for Tommy Rees. Rees, however, is no savior. This would be a huge win to start the Brady Hoke era.
Auburn +6.5 - The Tigers survived last week, and I am betting that was the wake-up call they needed.
Stanford -21 - Andrew Luck against a team that lost to Richmond last week? Yes, please.
Pick of the Week: Alabama -10 - I really can’t see any reason this spread is so low. What players does Penn State have? They can’t even decide on a QB (truth be told, ‘Bama hasn’t “officially named one either” but everyone knows AJ McCarron will be under center come Saturday).
Upset of the Week: BYU +7 – After an incredible, albeit ugly, road victory over Ole Miss, the Mormons are riding high. Texas didn’t wow me against a weak opponent (Rice) and I think they are primed to be upset.
Record: 4-2 (PoW: 1-0; Upset: 0-1)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
NFL: Week 1 Picks
Each week, I will be making exactly five picks against the spread. I wanted to participate in the Las Vegas Hilton’s SuperContest but could not find a proxy that I trusted to hand deliver my picks each week. Maybe, one day I’ll move to LV, but until then I’ll see how I would have done.
Rams +5 - The Eagles may look like some sort of Dream Team on paper, but I need to see it to believe it. Sam Bradford is in for a big year and I think he starts his sophomore season with a bang.
Titans +3 - Releasing your starting quarterback four days before Week 1 makes less sense than me trying to make it as a model: none. Gimme the points.
Seahawks +5 - With their putrid offense, the 49ers should not be more than a field goal favorite over any team in the NFL at this point.
Cardinals -7 - The Kevin Kolb era starts with a bang against a team that will be lucky to win three games this year. Welcome to the NFL, Mr. Newton.
Redskins +3 - This is more a bet against an injury-depleted Giants team than a bet on the Rex Grossman led ‘Skins but the crowd will be insane.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
College Football: Week 1 Picks
Kent State +38 and Kent State/Alabama Over 46.5: This is a wager on Kent State scoring at least nine points. If they can do that, we guarantee at least a split of these two.
Miami (OH) +17: The Redhwaks went from one win in 2009 to 10 wins in 2010. Missouri - a team lacking a tested quarterback - might overlook them.
Troy +16: The Trojans are good, and the Tigers are notorious underachievers. I think this ends up being a close game.
Pick of the Week: Boise State -2.5 - Despite this a home game for Georgia, I am going with the veteran Broncos over the freshmen-led Bulldogs. The "Dream Team" recruiting class is in for a rude awakening.
Upset of the Week: SMU +16 - I'm a believer in June Jones and his offense. The Mustangs don't have to travel far for this game, and I think they can actually spring an upset here against an Aggies squad that has received top-10 accolades despite accomplishing very much to date.
Miami (OH) +17: The Redhwaks went from one win in 2009 to 10 wins in 2010. Missouri - a team lacking a tested quarterback - might overlook them.
Troy +16: The Trojans are good, and the Tigers are notorious underachievers. I think this ends up being a close game.
Pick of the Week: Boise State -2.5 - Despite this a home game for Georgia, I am going with the veteran Broncos over the freshmen-led Bulldogs. The "Dream Team" recruiting class is in for a rude awakening.
Upset of the Week: SMU +16 - I'm a believer in June Jones and his offense. The Mustangs don't have to travel far for this game, and I think they can actually spring an upset here against an Aggies squad that has received top-10 accolades despite accomplishing very much to date.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
NFL Playoff Predictions and Award Winners
AFC
| 1 | Patriots |
| 2 | Steelers |
| 3 | Texans |
| 4 | Chargers |
| 5 | Ravens |
| 6 | Jets |
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| WC: | Jets over Texans |
| WC: | Chargers over Ravens |
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| D: | Jets over Patriots |
| D: | Chargers over Steelers |
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| C: | Jets over Chargers |
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| NFC
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| 1 | Packers |
| 2 | Falcons |
| 3 | Eagles |
| 4 | Rams |
| 5 | Saints |
| 6 | Cowboys |
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| WC: | Eagles over Cowboys |
| WC: | Saints over Rams |
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| D: | Saints over Packers |
| D: | Falcons over Eagles |
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| C: | Falcons over Saints |
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| Super Bowl: |
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| Jets 31 |
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| Falcons 30 |
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| MVP: | Jamaal Charles, KC |
| ORoY: | Julio Jones, Atlanta |
| DRoY: | Marcel Dareus, Buffalo |
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