OCTOBER 31, 2009
WATCH THIS!
There are some very competitive games on the schedule this week. I see Oregon in an upset over USC, but you saw what happened last week when I tried to predict an upset, thanks BYU. I guess I haven’t learned my lesson.
USC @ OREGON
I really love the job Chip Kelly has done with the Ducks this year. They could have folded after losing to Boise State but no, they have gone undefeated since. I can see Oregon’s multidimensional offense giving the Trojans problems. Masoli can run or pass, what ever it takes. LaMichael James is one of those short and quick scat-backs that seems to give USC problems, like Rodgers of Oregon State.
This looks to be a very even game. Both defenses are very good. The most points Oregon’s defense has allowed in the last 4 games is 19 to Washington. And the Ducks can score, their lowest total was 24 against UCLA. The Trojans are vulnerable on defense a bit more than the Ducks but they play very well on the road defensively so I would give the edge to USC. Offensively, however, the edge goes to Oregon. Multidimensional, fast and playing at home the Ducks win. The Ducks by 3.
GEORGIA @ FLORIDA ( In Jacksonville)
Florida is on a mission the rest of the year to find their offense. All this talk about revenge. Some nonsense about two timeouts by Meyer last year. If you get beat fair you take it like a football player and try to play better next time. Focus on the task at hand. For Georgia it’s to salvage a season that has them at 4-3 very Un-Georgia like. A win over the #1 team in the country can save a lot of things, like coaches’ jobs for one.
Cox for Georgia is completing 57% of his passes and has 9 picks, that is a problem against the tremendous Gator defense. I’ve not seen a defense better than the Gators, not even Alabama’s. Both teams are struggling offensively and this should be a low scoring game unless some body steps up. For Florida they really need to find someone on offense who can help Tebow. Tebow is a one man wrecking crew, luckily the defense is great or I have no doubt that Tebow would be playing LB. Florida by 6.
TEXAS @ OKLAHOMA STATE
They are having a defensive bonanza over there in Austin. And that will be the difference. The Cowboys will not score enough on offense even with Hunter back from an ankle injury. Texas will shut down Oklahoma State. The offenses are but 20 yards apart on their per game averages but defensively it’s no contest.
I don’t think Zac Robinson of OSU can threaten the Longhorns even though he is having a pretty good year, 65% completion 12 TDs 3 INTs. And of course we have to mention Shipley and the return game for Texas. I just see too much defense from Texas adding to Zac Robinson’s INT total. Texas by 7.
SOUTH CAROLINA @ TENNESSEE
The Vols are coming off a heartbreaker against Alabama. Inexcusable mistakes in the kicking game, allowing not one but two blocked kicks cost them the biggest win of year. Will this help them or hurt them. I’m not a fan of Lane Kiffin but he does get his team ready for their games and that’s why I don’t see this team hanging their heads, they will be ready to go against the Gamecocks.
Lane Kiffin said he does not believe in moral victories, and he shouldn’t , enough moral victories will get a coach fired. After losing to UCLA Tennessee showed up against Florida. After losing to Auburn they beat Georgia. Now they are coming of a loss to face South Carolina. Although South Carolina is improved offensively they still have a long way to go. The Vols are no offensive geniuses either but they are playing at home and because of that they have the edge. This will be a defensive struggle. Both teams have very good defenses but USC is vulnerable to the run as Alabama so emphatically showed. Hardesty is averaging 5 yards and may have big day. Although I think USC will be focused on the running game that is why Crompton, QB for Tennessee who is playing much better then he did earlier in the season may play a key roll in the game. The Vols by 6.
RUTGERS @ CONNECTICUT
This is not the sexy matchup everyone wants to see but these are two very good defensive teams with struggling offense. Rutgers has a freshman at QB and he’s improving with every game but this will be a tough test against the Huskies. Being that the defenses are fairly even it will come down to the offenses and Uconn is just more experienced.
Uconn has to limit the turnovers. Last week against West Virginia the Huskies had 3 TO and one late in the game, they can’t repeat that or the results will surely repeat. Uconn out gained the Mountaineers 501 to 387 but the turnovers killed their chances. Uconn by 8.
OCTOBER 30, 2009
UNLUCKY 13
In case you missed the excellent ACC match up between UNC and #13Virginia Tech, here is the recap. With the first two plays the Hokies’ drove right into UNC’s territory, unfortunately the third play which was a completed pass was fumbled. This turnover early in the game cause the Hokies points and a turnover late caused them the game.
The game was close (20-17), UNC scored first which was answered by Tech and so they went back and forth until it was 17 all with just under 3 minutes left. The game was probably headed into overtime but for Ryan Williams‘ fumble at his own 24. After a few plays UNC kicked a game winning field goal with nothing left on the clock.
I have said all along I’m not a believer in Va. Tech but big wins over Nebraska and Miami gave this team early season confidence and a top 5 ranking. But it was too early to give them that high a mark. Now the Hokies are on a 2 game losing steak. The latest loss coming at home to the Tar Heels who lost last week to the Seminoles. Tech is by no means dominant offensively, but neither is UNC, that is why this was a competitive game.
The Tar Heel defense looked formidable against this Hokie offense. The offense was missing the unpredictable running of QB Tyrod Taylor who chose to run infrequently. Instead he chose to make plays with his arm. I have to commend Taylor on trying to win the game by throwing. To me you can’t have a sustainable offense with a running QB. Although a few QB option plays did have Taylor run the ball in for scores, just barely crossing the goal line.
At the end it was the turnovers that decided the game.
IT’S ALL EVEN
The Yankees tied up the series 1-1. So far I’m seeing some tremendous pitching from both teams. Martinez was good but he gave up 6 hits that led to 3 runs and that was the difference. Phillies can usually overcome a 3 run lead but with Burnett pitching as well as he was, giving up only 4 hits, it was not to be.
The hitting has not been as good as the pitching. The hits are at a premium and as good as the pitching has been if these pitchers take a little something off the ball the batters are all over it and it’s the little things that make a big difference this time of year.
A-Rod needs to step up and so does Howard for the Phillies, as great as the pitching has been it hasn’t been perfect.
OCTOBER 29, 2009
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Game 1 of the World Series was no contest. Lee was absolutely unhitable. The boys from the Bronx could not the bat on the ball. CC was behind in the count early in the game and Utley got to him not once but twice. The Yankees are by no means out of it but CC was their best pitcher going on 7 days rest. Lucky for the Yanks they won’t see Lee until game 4 and for their sake they better win the next two because if Lee pitches like this in Game 4, you can just hand them the “W” right now.
Andre Agassi is doing a great job of promoting his book. It’s just incredible to hear what this 8 time Grand Slam champion has to say. He hates his father, he did drugs, and just any drug but crystal meth. WOW! I watched Agassi his entire career and had no respect for him in his early playing days he was not dedicated. Of course I respected him a great deal after he committed himself to the sport and started winning. Agassi could have been the greatest of all time had he taken the sport more seriously and if not the greatest then pretty damn close.
The fact that he hates his father because he would not stop pushing him is understandable. Parents who don’t know when to stop create resentful and rebellious children. It makes sense why Agassi did not win early in his career. However, he did overcome his problems to become a champion and that I have to respect.
The Chiefs have some problems. Larry Johnson made some derogatory comments regarding gays and his coach, Todd Haley. Losing brings out the worst in players and in life it is when times are that you find out who your true friends are. The same in football, when the loses pile up is when you find out who your true teammates are.
Jasper Howard’s killer was ID’d by an eye witness. Hopefully justice will be served.
OCTOBER 28, 2009
CAN THEY REPEAT?
The Los Angeles Lakers begin their title defense with new members; old foes who have now joined the ranks (Ron Artest). Will this turn over yield another championship? After all the main pieces are still there, Kobe Bryant as well as Phil Jackson and that makes the Lakers the team to beat in the west. However winning another championship will not be easy. A few teams in the east have improved, mainly Cleveland and Boston.
Being purely objective I can write that Boston looks the most capable of winning the whole thing to me. The addition of Wallace is HUGE. Wallace is a versatile player who can play the 3, 4 and the 5 positions. At 6’11” he will be the power forward (4 spot) but he can also shoot from behind the arc and post up with his back to the basket. Wallace maybe the top 6th man in the league this year.
Shaquille has joined the Cavaliers and is bring a much needed scoring and rebounding presence into the paint. With him he brings 18 pts. and 8 rebounds. At 37 O’Neal is obviously not dominant but he doesn’t have to be. The Diesel simply needs to compliment the scoring of James and some defense, he can certainly do that. Cleveland needs to keep Shaq fresh for the playoffs.
The Celtics’ Glen Davis is out for 2 month, this will hurt him more than it will the team. Davis’ availability is desired not demanded, the Cs will win without him. I, as many, see the Celtics and the Lakers in the finals again this year. I also see the Celtics in 7.
OCTOBER 27, 2009
OUT OF SYNC
How many bullets do the Redskins have to keep shooting themselves in the foot? I watched this Redskins team play against the very average Eagles team and I saw Jason Campbell be very ineffective. The play calling was much better but if it isn’t one thing with these Redskins it’s another. The execution was awful, interceptions, fumbles, muffed punts. I think Washington had every possible turnover a team can have.
When you look at this team Campbell’s poor play is the only thing that is glaringly obvious. He has had such weak offensive line play that even if the pressure is not there he remembers it from a week ago. The play calling was much improved I saw more short passes than before and that is exactly what a team with a bad offensive line needs. The short passing game is crucial under the circumstances. Washington being unable to run the ball needed the short passing game to extend the running game. But there were so many offensive line break downs that there is only so much a QB can do. The pass protection is just not there.
Sherman Lewis did a much better job than Jim Zorn. To help that short passing game even more they could use a guy like Kelly in the slot. Why is Malcolm Kelly not on the field more? The guy is 6’4” 227 lbs. Kelly can be a fantastic possession receiver. Something is not right there. Perhaps there is an attitude problem, there is some issue that is keeping him out.
The bright spot is the defense. Albert Haynesworth was terrific the entire front 7 was good. Andre Carter brought the pressure had 1 sack and several hits. Not the secondary. With a turnover in their own territory the ‘Skins held Philadelphia to a FG, and that was the second turnover of the first half. And just when you think they can put something together after the TD Randle El muffs a punt.
Like I wrote, the Redskins are on the clock.
OCTOBER 26, 2009
NFL THOUGHTS
Dallas woke up, it remains to be seen if they can stay awake. Romo played like he cared about football and the Cowboys beat a very good Atlanta team. The Cowboys have the talent now with the emergence of Ausitn, 6 rec. 171 yrd and 2 TDs Romo has a go to guy other than Witten. Dallas already had a formidable running game it is getting very interesting in the NFC East a it is every year. As we predicted before the season, this will be a three team race with just a few victories separating each team.
Arizona was in a word IMPRESSIVE. I was very impressed with the defense. The secondary was outstanding even when Rodgers-Cromartie went out. Some incredible catches were made in this game. Kevin Boss holding on to the football while being totally destroyed with a helmet to helmet hit, Fitzgerald holding on to the ball while being sandwiched by two defenders. The hits were jarring and the defenses played very well. Too many mistakes by the Giants, however, caused them the game.
New Orleans overcame turnovers and a mental nap to beat the Dolphins. MattMinucci almost had this one, his rationale was sound. Minucci said the Saints would not be as focused after really getting up for the Giants at home and he was right. However, New Orleans decided to win this game just for the hell of it, it seemed to me. Miami keeps running the Wild Cat and keeps losing. I don’t want to write there is a connection because I actually see how effective the plays are and I think most of the Dolphins’ problems are on defense. But then again everyone has problems on defense when they play the Saints.
Cincinnati really took it to a Bears team that could do nothing on either side of the ball. The Bears ran into a motivated Cedric Benson (189 yds.), “85” had 10 rec. and 118 yards and Cutler had 3 INTs. The Bengals were focused and there is enough talent on this team that they are a legitimate 5 – 2. Now you can say the Bears are not this bad, maybe not but the offense is struggling with Cutler and until he starts playing better Chicago is not going anywhere.
Minnesota played a hell of a game and would have won but for a few mistakes on offense. The Steelers on the other hand are happy with the victory but two defensive touchdowns, that is not sustainable they have to find more offense. This was a tight game that came down to which team made the fewest mistakes and the Steelers won the “mistake” game and that in turn enabled them to win the actual game.
San Francisco may have a QB controversy because Alex Smith should be starting. But before everyone gets too excited about Smith’s performance lets take a closer look at his 3 TD effort. I saw Houston playing back. With a 24-0 lead the Texans were in partial prevent defense giving Smith more time to find Vernon Davis and Crabtree. When Smith had to drive the team into field goal range Houston applied the pressure and Alex threw a pick. With that being said Smith should absolutely be the starter in SF they are wasting a lot of time not playing the guy.
Philadelphia @ Washington
A word on the Monday night game. The Eagles should win by 21 pts. If they don’t, they should return their pay checks or give them to charities. A loss to the Redskins is worse than than a loss to the Raiders, the Raiders are at least trying to win.
OCTOBER 25, 2009
THE RECAP
Boy was I wrong about TCU they really took out the Cougars. TCU would beat Boise State so their #8 ranking is too low. This is a very good football team. I thought that on the road against a quality offensive team like BYU the game would be a little closer. Ah, NO! The game was not close, BYU was out of its league in this one. TCU will beat Alabama if they play them.
Miami losing at home to Clemson at home is a shocker. This is what happens when you think you can’t lose to an unranked opponent at home. That opponent, Clemson, made the Cane defense look like they had none. Just a poor effort, they overestimated themselves, not much more you can write.
Nebraska had more turnovers than points, 8, WOW! The Cornhuskers lost to Iowa State at home and scored only 7 points. I’m at a loss of what to write about this performance. They lost to Iowa State. I really thought Bo Pelini would bring this program back this year, but this is really a devastating loss. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy, don’t these players understand this is how coaches get fired. My grandma would have fewer turnovers. Muggers couldn’t take her purse away, so I assure you she would not drop the ball.
Iowa finds a way to win. I wrote that I was not impressed with Stanzi but he really came though in the clutch. What an impressive drive to win the game. This was just an impressive on the road win for the Hawkeyes in a defensive struggle. Iowa found a way to win without taking the ball away.
Michigan has no defense but playing at home you would think they would play better than they did. But the offense is turning the ball over way too many times which is not helping this average defense any. A tight end would really help out those two young QBs of Michigan. Unfortunately Rich Rodriguez does not utilize a TE in his offense. For the sake of winning some football games maybe he should.
Pitt. blew out the one hit wonder South Florida Bulls. One victory over Florida State a season does not make. The Bulls left their game in Tampa. Daniels continues to turn the ball over. Are the Panthers really that good, ah YES. Notre Dame better be afraid they will be beaten by this Pitt. team. The December 5th game against Cincy will be something.
Alabama is the most overrated team in the country, they have no offense, and they have but one option on offense, Mark Ingram. What will they do if Ingram is stopped? Everyone says how great the SEC is, that’s because no team knows how to play offense and all the games are close. Florida is the only team, when playing well on offense that stands out. All the rest of the SEC is garbage all of these mediocre teams would lose to TCU or USC or Oregon.
A valiant Connecticut team gave all they had but as coach Edsall said came up a little short. The Huskies just had too many interceptions to overcome on the road. This Uconn team will be better next year.
OCTOBER 24, 2009
WATCH THIS!
Florida @ Mississippi State
When will the Gators come out of their offensive slump? Lucky for them they have that defense until they do. As much as has been said about Miss. State having a chance in this one, I don’t see it. Florida does a better job of concentrating on the road than they do at home. In addition they know about all the problems they have on offense. Look for the Gators to try to fix this offense against the Bulldogs.
Florida is hurting on offense and will now be doing the same on defense, possibly being without 3 starters. All this is bound to catch up to the Gators sooner or later. It just won’t be this soon. The Bulldogs have not beaten a quality opponent this year, they lost to Auburn, LSU, Georgia Tech and Houston. I can’t believe they will start their winning streak by beating the #1 team in the nation. Florida by 8.
Iowa @ Michigan State
Iowa’s pass defense takes on Michigan State’s passing game. Iowa should have had a loss by now, but that defense has taken the ball away from the other team so many times that they assure themselves of winning the close games., case in point, the wins over Michigan and Wisconsin. On the other side of the ball there is Michigan State, they have not taken the ball way from the other team just given them the ball.
I’m not impressed with Stanzi, 8 INTs to 11 TDs but the Hawkeyes have a good not great running game over 800 yds. rushing to the Spartans 542. The Spartans however boast one of the best passing offenses in the BIG 10/11. Iowa has not played well in East Lansing having lost the last 4 and they probably will not this year, but they will play better than the Spartans. So what does all this mean? Iowa by 3.
Oregon State @ USC
Unfortunately for the Beavers USC suffered their one inexplicable loss of the season to the Huskies. Oregon State has to go to LA and beat a confident but not cocky Trojan team, I don’t see it. USC is now refocused and ready to run the PAC 10 table. Their toughest test will be against the other Oregon team, the Ducks in Eugene.
If the game was in Corvallis I might entertain the thought of an upset but not at this point in the season for USC. The Rodgers brothers account for a whole lot of offense for the Beavers, try 90% of the rushing yards and 58% of the receptions. I think USC can stop 2 guys. USC by 10.
TCU @ BYU UPSET!
The battle of the BCS busters, BYU is out and they are looking to take TCU down with them. TCU’s defense will not go down. BYU’s fullback Harvey Unga brings a 5.6 yrd average, 9 TDs and 240 lbs frame to the field, TCU will have to stop him along with Dennis Pitta the TE who has 34 rec. so far this year.
The game is in Provo and that should give the Cougars an advantage. Everyone is saying TCU. But for a lopsided loss to Florida State BYU is undefeated. I have to go with the upset here. BYU by 3.
Auburn @ LSU
Auburn has lost 2 in a row, they got a little ahead of themselves with that 5-0 start. The latest loss was to Kentucky. LSU is coming off an idle week where they had time to digest their loss to Florida and work on some things. The Auburn defense is no where near as good as the Gators this is why LSU’s offense will look like it can do no wrong.
Auburn has beaten Miss. State, West Virginia and Tennessee. This opposition does not strike fear into my heart how about yours? LSU by 6.
South Florida @ Pitt.
The South Florida Bulls had a tough loss to Cincinnati in a game where the Bearcats won with a backup QB. Pitt. has looked good this year and this will be a test. I thought for most of the game South Florida outplayed Cincy last week but a few key defensive breakdowns and offensive mistakes and they wound up losing. This will be a close game.
South Florida had 12 penalties for 113 yards against Cincy at home, they will be more focused on the road in Pittsburgh. I’m not impressed with the Panthers, other than of course Dion Lewis 5.7 yard average, other than him, not very dynamic on offense. However, the way to stop the Bulls pass rush is with a good running game, and Pitt’s got that. Pitt. by 3
Uconn @ West Virginia
An emotional Connecticut team will try to make a game of it after loosing a teammate to a stabbing just a few days ago. Uconn has an excellent defense but their offense has just not evolved to a point where they can threaten a very good West Virginia team.
To me WV has way too much offense especially at home and as great as the Huskies have been playing on defense the Mountaineers should win. WV by 6.
Penn State @ Michigan
I smell a close one in Ann Arbor. Michigan’s defensive woes are known, but Penn State is not great on offense, that’s why this game will be closer than you think. Other than beating Notre Dame Michigan has lost to every quality opponent this year losing to Michigan State and Iowa. Although the games were close an this game is in the BIG House it’s hard to think Penn State is that overrated at #13 that they could not beat the Wolverines.
I just don’t think the Michigan D can get it done. Penn State by 2 in OT
OCTOBER 23, 2009
STATISTICALLY INEPT
It was a pretty good game over there in North Carolina between the Seminoles and the Tar Heels. The ESPN crew kept talking about how the Heels had the best pass defense in the ACC. Well, they gave up 395 yards to Christian Ponder of Florida State. Statistics can be so misleading, yes.
When taking a closer look at how UNC came to have the best pass defense in the ACC we discover they have not played any team with even a decent passing offense. East Carolina averages 197.7 yards in the air, Georgia Tech runs the triple option and the word “PASS” is not in the playbook. Uconn’s average is 192.8. The rest of the teams UNC played are the Citadel, Georgia Southern and Virginia.
Can we have a little better analysis from ESPN please.
SEMINOLES SPUTTERING
Now I know the Noles won, but here at Sportvent we look beyond the wins and losses to unearth the truth. I watched this Noles team go down 18 pts. in the first half and have NEGATIVE rushing yards at half time. I look at this defense which is just not that good. The defensive struggles have been document and there is no need to rehash them but it was this offense that had me puzzled. Isn’t this offense run by Jimbo Fisher the “Coach in Waiting?” As I looked at this offense I realized why they were down to the average UNC squad, there was no creativity, none. When you are struggling running the ball, BE CREATIVE! Throw a screen, try the option, set your back in motion. A short pass play like the screen is an extension of the running game. I saw one screen play towards the end of the third quarter.
I don’t doubt that Fisher understands the game because he did institute some of these plays in the second half, but this should have been attempted earlier as the alternate game plan in case the good UNC defense shut down your conventional running attack. Florida State won this time, but against a legitimate pass defense they would have had to be more creative on offense to win.
I for one would like to see a little more creativity on offense from a coach who is to make $5 million if he’s NOT the head coach in 2011.
OCTOBER 22, 2009
GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK
The SEC officiating crew that made absolutely idiotic calls in the Georgia – LSU and the Florida – Arkansas games have been suspended. It’s about time somebody made the right call. You have to applaud the SEC for suspending this crew, they were absolutely awful at their job.
This crew called the “excessive celebration” penalty on Georgia which penalized them 15 yards and gave LSU very good field position which quiet possibly helped the Tigers win the game. This made me think about how rules of the game start out one way but then get completely misinterpreted and in turn misapplied.
I remember some years ago a player would take his helmet off on the field to adjust it and would be called for it. They have since corrected it but it should have never been called in the first place. The player needs to be taunting for the flag to be thrown not just with his helmet off.
The worst is the pass interference penalty. Every time a receiver is touched beyond the 5 yards a flag comes out. COME ON there has to be INTERFERENCE, the corner has to somehow interfere with the receiver’s ability to catch the ball, not just TOUCH the receiver.
The fouls called in basketball make it almost unwatchable. Every little contact is called and inconsistently. I believe you have committed a foul if you have affected the offensive player’s shot. Not if you have grazed his skin.
These calls aren’t going to change, but I’m just venting!
OCTOBER 21, 2009
SPURRIER, LET IT GO.
Steve Spurrier has asked the SEC to look at how Alabama kicks. Apparently the Ole’ Ball Coach noticed that Alabama’s kicker uses a piece of white tape to help him spot the ball on field goals and extra points. This use of tape or any foreign material to spot the ball is illegal. Well, well, now we know why the Gamecocks gave up 246 yards to Mark Ingram, and 356 total yards, it was the WHITE TAPE.
I’m very disappointed in Spurrier, I thought he was more competitive than that. As a competitor I would see what I can do to help my team improve and not try to find some minor rule infraction committed by the other team. If Alabama used 12 men on offense that’s one thing, if they videotaped your practice, or stole your play book then you have a legitimate gripe, but they used a piece of white tape. This use of tape you think gave the Tide such a competitive advantage that you have to petition the SEC to look into it.
Let me ask you coach, if the SEC takes the win away from Alabama and gives it to you will that make your team better? Do you think your players want to win that way?
When your defense gives up over 270 yards on the ground and your QB throws an INT that leads to a TD it’s not the white tape coach I assure you.
OCTOBER 20, 2009
THIS TEAM IS SPECIAL
There were THREE special teams TDs in the first half, 2 by Denver and 1 by San Diego. WOW! How good a job has McDaniels done with the Broncos. I did not think he would be able to do anything with a team that was so bad last year, but a few new players, a new defensive coordinator and there you have it, 6 and 0.
The Broncos are clicking on all cylinders. Every facet of the game is working for them. The defense is most impressive. This defense is stout, they tackle well, they’re fast, and strong at the point of attack. Elvis Dumervil, 9 sacks. WHO THE HELL IS DUMERVIL? This guy is 5’11” 248 lbs. I’m sorry, but this is just wrong. This team should not be as good as they are, the guy is 5’11”. Well, they are as good as they are. The offensive line we already know about taught well by Alex Gibbs some years ago, they are giving Kyle Orton all the time in the world. The rest of the team is just excited and playing with emotion.
As for San Diego, they are average. I thought with Merriman coming back and the addition of Alex English they would create a lot more pressure but that has not transpired. At the beginning of the year I picked the Chargers to go the Super Bowl despite having Norv Turner as coach, but I underestimated Norv’s ineptness. The offense is not sharp even with a solid running game and very good receivers. The team is flat, especially the defense.
The officiating is becoming preposterous. Is it me or is every time there is an incomplete pass the receiver wants a pass interference call, AND GETS the FLAG. This year there is an exorbitant amount of interference calls, more than I have ever seen. It is getting impossible to play corner in this league. Let the guys play!!!
OCTOBER 19, 2009
NFL THOUGHTS
The VIKINGS are 6-0 and even though the win against Baltimore was on the lucky side (Ravens missed a 44 yard field goal indoors) you can’t take anything away from Favre and the way he’s been playing. Minnesota’s receivers are selling out to make catches for the guy which in turn makes everyone around the team play better.
The SAINTS are now the best team in football. After dismantling the Giants who by the way had one of the best defenses in the league N.O. at this point in the season has become the best team in football. I thought 6 foot QB were not supposed to make it in the NFL.
NY GIANTS have a limited offense that simply could not keep up with Brees’s passing attack, surprisingly the Giants defense could not either. The Giants’ had some players missing from the secondary and it showed. The running game is just not there for the Giants, Bradshaw, 48 and Jacobs 33. This is behind one of the better offensive lines in football. This was an off weak for them clearly because they are better than this poor showing.
NY JETS and Mark Sanchez have finally come down to earth after a meteoric rise to the top of the division Gang Green is now playing as they should have at the beginning of the season. The rookie QB is playing like one throwing picks all over the place. Sanchez will improve but there will be some pain before he plays better.
The BEARS had 3 turnovers, 2 INTs by Cutler. I have to hand it to Lovie Smith who is ultra conservative yet has opened up the offense with Cutler throwing. Chicago should shorten the passing game to limit the INTs. This defense played well without Urlacher, but the Bears came up a little short due to the turnovers.
The FALCONS are a very good football team, unfortunately for them they are in the same division as New Orleans. Tony Gonzalez is an excellent addition to the passing game. Ryan found Gonzalez many times during the game and in key situations. I was not impressed with #20 Brent Grimes, CB he was late helping out on the over the middle pass to Olsen and did not help out the second string corner who came in the 4th qtr. It was obvious that Cutler would pick on the guy who just came into the game and sure enough Olsen caught the TD.
EAGLES are toast. What can we write about the Eagles? Nothing good, so maybe we should not write anything at all.
The REDSKINS ARE OFFICIALLY ON THE CLOCK.
OCTOBER 18, 2009
THE RECAP
Texas
Tags: HOKIES YANKEES TAR HEELS Agassi Celtics Lakers Cavaliers Vikings Re
