What happened last week?
Well, I took a bye week! To make up for it, I will try to be more diligent this week.
One topic that has come up more and more this NFL season is the number of quarterback changes due to injury and poor play. What follows is a quick look, by division, at each team's quarterback picture six weeks into the season. (* indicates team has made a change)
NFC EAST
Dallas - Tony Romo has been excellent, with the exception of one game vs. Buffalo
NY Giants - Eli Manning is improving, particularly in his consistency
Philadelphia - Donovan McNabb appears slow, as if he's not fully recovered from knee surgery. But he is still an elite quarterback
Washington - Jason Campbell is improving and seems like he will give the Redskins very good quarterbacking for years to come
NFC NORTH
* Chicago - A mistake-prone Brian Griese has replaced a mistake-prone Rex Grossman
Detroit - Jon Kitna is taking a lot of hits, but he's also passing for a lot of yards for the surprising Lions
Green Bay - Brett Favre. Enough said.
* Minnesota - Tavaris Jackson-Kelly Holcombe-Tavaris Jackson. Not sure that it matters, and whoever stands under center has no one to pass to anyway.
NFC SOUTH
* Atlanta - Bryon Leftwich, who was cut by Jacksonville before the season, is replacing Joey Harrington, who was released by Miami after last season. Harrington replaced Michael Vick, who isn't even released to leave home
* Carolina - Vinny Testaverde has not cashed his most recent social security check because he replaced the injured David Carr, who replaced the injured Jake Delhomme
New Orleans - After a 0-4 start that included 1 TD pass and six picks, Saints fans probably were wishing Drew Brees had been replaced. Brees did show signs of life on Monday night as the Saints finally won.
Tampa Bay - Jeff Garcia has elevated the Bucs to playoff contender
NFC WEST
* Arizona - Tim Rattay has replaced the injured Kurt Warner, who replaced the injured Matt Leinart
* San Francisco - Trent Dilfer replaced the injured Alex Smith
Seattle - Matt Hasselbeck has been healthy, his receivers haven't been.
* St. Louis - Gus Frerotte has Rams fans wanting to bang their heads against an end zone wall after replacing the injured Marc Bulger
AFC EAST
* Buffalo - Trent Edwards replaced the injured JP Losman, and it appears the rookie is going to keep the job now even though Losman could play
* Miami - Cleo Lemon has replaced the concussed Trent Green for the winless Fins
New England - Tom Brady. Enough said.
NY Jets - Injury-prone Chad Pennington is the starter for now, but calls for Kellen Clemons are increasing
AFC NORTH
* Baltimore - Kyle Boller has replaced the injured Steve McNair. The two likely will alternate the rest of the season
Cincinnati - Carson Palmer is healthy again.
* Cleveland - Derek Anderson replaced Charlie Frye, who was so bad in Week 1 that he was traded. My question is what were Browns coaches watching during training camp?
Pittsburgh - Big Ben Roethlisberger is healthy, and the Steelers are rolling
AFC SOUTH
Houston - Think Atlanta wishes it hadn't traded Matt Schaub
Indianapolis - I think this Peyton Manning guy has a future in the league
Jacksonville - David Garrard IS an upgrade over Byron Leftwich. The Jags enjoy a big advantage in the turnover department
* Tennessee - Vince Young, who has a leg injury, might be replaced by Kerry Collins this week
AFC WEST
Denver - David Cutler has looked very uncomfortable in what could be a very long season in the Mile High City. At least the Rockies are in the Series
Kansas City - Damon Huard has held off Brodie Croyle. You're an NFL fanatic if you know what that means
* Oakland - Daunte Culpepper has replaced the injured Josh McCown, both of whom are keeping the seat warm for JaMarcus Russell
San Diego - Philip Rivers has looked a lot better once the Bolts started calling LaDainian Tomlinson's number more.
So 13 teams have different starting quarterbacks than they had at the start of the season, and there is the potential for a few more changes this week.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Early look at the NHL's Western Conference
Generally considered the more competitive of the NHL's two conferences, the West has several solid Stanley Cup contenders and should feature a heated battle for its final 3-4 playoff spots.
An overview of the West:
Best Division: The Pacific, home to Stanley Cup champion Anaheim, San Jose, Dallas - all three playoff teams, and the up-and-coming Kings.
Worst Division: The Central. After Detroit, it's tough to envision another team aside from Nashville or St. Louis possibly sneaking into the playoffs.
Most Balanced Division: The Northwest. Aside from Edmonton, any of the other four teams could win it, and it would not shock me if Calgary, Colorado, Minnesota and Vancouver all made the playoffs.
Cup Contenders: Anaheim, San Jose, Detroit, Minnesota and possibly Calgary.
The skinny: If D Scott Niedermayer and/or F Teemu Selanne return at some point, the Ducks' chances improve. Anaheim must not fall too far back as it deals with early season injuries. ... If the Sharks' young players continue trend upward, particularly on defense, they will be a force to be reckoned with. ... The Red Wings are putting a lot of faith in goalie Dominik Hasek, but they play in a bad division and will pile up points and get a high postseason seed. ... The Wild have the best goaltender you've never heard of - Nicklas Backstrom - solid systems and great team speed. As they develop complementary scoring and toughness to their top line, they will be very difficult to play against. ... Either the Mike Keenan experiement in Calgary will be a rousing success or cause the Flames to implode. I question their offseason personnel moves (smell like "Keenan guys"), but they have great on-ice leaders and one of the top goalies in Mikka Kiprusoff.
Have Holes: Colorado, Vancouver, Dallas, Nashville
The skinny: The Avalanche need improved goaltending and defense, though signing D Scott Hannan and getting D Jordan Leopold back from injury helps. Offense will not be a problem. ... The Canucks have the opposite problem - great goaltending and defense, but not nearly enough offense. ... Ditto the Stars, whose best offensive players are getting long in the tooth. Still, Dallas is hard to play again. ... The Predators need a lot of young players to step to offset massive losses in the offseason, but the cupboard is far from bare - particularly on defense. A playoff berth is not out of the question.
Not Yet: Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago, Columbus, Phoenix, Edmonton.
The Skinny: Of these five, Los Angeles and St. Louis are best-positioned to make the leap into the playoffs. ... The Kings added a lot of complementary players to their young offensive stars. If they get consistent goaltending, they'll be better than expected. ... The Blues' signing of Paul Kariya will help their offense. St. Louis' play picked up dramatically under Coach Andy Murray. I question if they have the horses to keep up in the West. ... Chicago has good young talent and an excellent goaltender in Nikolai Khabibulin, but the Hawks need more time and more consistent scoring. ... Columbus has some questions in net and lacks scoring depth, but F Rick Nash should grow into a dominant player under Coach Ken Hitchcock. ... The Coyotes will be the West's worst team by virtue of weak goaltending, suspect offense and playing in the toughest division. ... The Oilers are in rebuild mode, and it's tough to see where they will get their offense from. If goalie Dwayne Roloson goes down, it could get ugly again.
An overview of the West:
Best Division: The Pacific, home to Stanley Cup champion Anaheim, San Jose, Dallas - all three playoff teams, and the up-and-coming Kings.
Worst Division: The Central. After Detroit, it's tough to envision another team aside from Nashville or St. Louis possibly sneaking into the playoffs.
Most Balanced Division: The Northwest. Aside from Edmonton, any of the other four teams could win it, and it would not shock me if Calgary, Colorado, Minnesota and Vancouver all made the playoffs.
Cup Contenders: Anaheim, San Jose, Detroit, Minnesota and possibly Calgary.
The skinny: If D Scott Niedermayer and/or F Teemu Selanne return at some point, the Ducks' chances improve. Anaheim must not fall too far back as it deals with early season injuries. ... If the Sharks' young players continue trend upward, particularly on defense, they will be a force to be reckoned with. ... The Red Wings are putting a lot of faith in goalie Dominik Hasek, but they play in a bad division and will pile up points and get a high postseason seed. ... The Wild have the best goaltender you've never heard of - Nicklas Backstrom - solid systems and great team speed. As they develop complementary scoring and toughness to their top line, they will be very difficult to play against. ... Either the Mike Keenan experiement in Calgary will be a rousing success or cause the Flames to implode. I question their offseason personnel moves (smell like "Keenan guys"), but they have great on-ice leaders and one of the top goalies in Mikka Kiprusoff.
Have Holes: Colorado, Vancouver, Dallas, Nashville
The skinny: The Avalanche need improved goaltending and defense, though signing D Scott Hannan and getting D Jordan Leopold back from injury helps. Offense will not be a problem. ... The Canucks have the opposite problem - great goaltending and defense, but not nearly enough offense. ... Ditto the Stars, whose best offensive players are getting long in the tooth. Still, Dallas is hard to play again. ... The Predators need a lot of young players to step to offset massive losses in the offseason, but the cupboard is far from bare - particularly on defense. A playoff berth is not out of the question.
Not Yet: Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago, Columbus, Phoenix, Edmonton.
The Skinny: Of these five, Los Angeles and St. Louis are best-positioned to make the leap into the playoffs. ... The Kings added a lot of complementary players to their young offensive stars. If they get consistent goaltending, they'll be better than expected. ... The Blues' signing of Paul Kariya will help their offense. St. Louis' play picked up dramatically under Coach Andy Murray. I question if they have the horses to keep up in the West. ... Chicago has good young talent and an excellent goaltender in Nikolai Khabibulin, but the Hawks need more time and more consistent scoring. ... Columbus has some questions in net and lacks scoring depth, but F Rick Nash should grow into a dominant player under Coach Ken Hitchcock. ... The Coyotes will be the West's worst team by virtue of weak goaltending, suspect offense and playing in the toughest division. ... The Oilers are in rebuild mode, and it's tough to see where they will get their offense from. If goalie Dwayne Roloson goes down, it could get ugly again.
Friday, October 05, 2007
NFL Week 5
I like to think of the NFL season in terms of quarters, and this weekend we enter the second quarter of the season. So what does that mean? Adjustments.
There will be some teams who have gotten off to unexpected slow starts that begin to pull it together, while others continue their fade. And some of the fast-starters might be in for rude awakenings.
I believe this is a week we'll start to see that, and I will address that in selected games.
Remember, too, that the impact of injuries can't be overstated.
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Detroit (3-1) at Washington (2-1): It's tough for me to believe the Lions will win 12 games, which they're on pace to, or even the 10 that QB Jon Kitna predicted. Here's why - their defense has been terrible, which is masked by the amount of turnovers they're forcing. Their offense is explosive, but for a club that relies on the pass as much the Lions do, they must protect Kitna better - he's on pace to be sacked more than 80 times. The Redskins are rested after an early bye week, and I believe they will return to a ball-control-style of offense. And Washington's defense is showing some improvement. Factor in that the Redskins have the horses in the secondary to keep up with Detroit's passing game, and I see the Lions' bubble beginning to burst.
Tampa Bay (3-1) at Indianapolis (4-0): The Bucs certainly qualify as a surprise team. Their defense has been revitalized, and QB Jeff Garcia is playing nearly mistake-free football. However, losing RB Cadillac Williams for the season to injury is going to hurt because I believe the Colts can be run on. If this game turns into a shootout, Indy will expose Tampa's defense. And don't forget, Colts coach Tony Dungy knows Tampa's defense better than most of its players do. I would be surprised if this isn't close because Tampa appears better than most (including myself thought).
Seattle (3-1) at Pittsburgh (3-1): This will be a huge test for both of the Super Bowl 40 participants. Can the Seahawks win another big game on the road and stamp themselves as a Super Bowl contender? How do the Steelers respond after a disappointing road loss at Arizona? Expect a low-scoring, ground-based game because both teams have ferocious pass rushes.
Chicago (1-3) at Green Bay (4-0): Are the Packers for real despite having the league's worst ground game? Can the Bears overcome an array of injuries and an offense that appears completely out of sync? Answer to question No. 1 - yes, Green Bay's defense and special teams are excellent, and so far Brett Favre has been outstanding enough to compensate for a lack of a ground game. Chicago has looked horrible two weeks in a row, but this is a rivalry game, and the Bears' season is riding on it. If Chicago loses, it's four games out of first place and it has two division losses after only one all last season (to Green Bay). The Bears must blitz Favre silly and control the ball behind RB Cedric Benson or they're staring at 1-4.
GAMES OF THE WEAK (and some upsets):
Carolina (2-2) at New Orleans (0-3): Before the season I would have pegged this as one of the NFC's top games, but not now. The Saints have not been able to do much right offensively or defensively, but the most telling stat is they do not have a sack yet this season. But the Panthers are without QB Jake Delhomme, and backup David Carr looked awful last week against the Bucs. Somehow the Saints, who are coming off a bye, are favored, but they haven't proved they can stop anyone, so I predict Carolina will run the ball at will.
Arizona (2-2) at St. Louis (0-4): Both teams are banged up, but the difference is the Cardinals have an aggressive defense and RB Edgerrin James. Tough to see the Rams winning without RB Steven Jackson and QB Marc Bulger. Also tough to see Coach Scott Linehan lasting more than a few weeks as things continue to implode under the arch.
ANOTHER UPSET SPECIAL:
San Diego (1-3) at Denver (2-2): Two more teams I was high on at the beginning of the season, and I think the Chargers will pull it together if they start running LaDainian Tomlinson more. The Broncos offer the perfect team to do that against. I also think the Chargers' defense has far more ability than it's shown thus far. The Chargers get their season back on track.
Upset picks:
Carolina over New Orleans
San Diego over Denver
Season record on upset specials: 3-1
There will be some teams who have gotten off to unexpected slow starts that begin to pull it together, while others continue their fade. And some of the fast-starters might be in for rude awakenings.
I believe this is a week we'll start to see that, and I will address that in selected games.
Remember, too, that the impact of injuries can't be overstated.
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Detroit (3-1) at Washington (2-1): It's tough for me to believe the Lions will win 12 games, which they're on pace to, or even the 10 that QB Jon Kitna predicted. Here's why - their defense has been terrible, which is masked by the amount of turnovers they're forcing. Their offense is explosive, but for a club that relies on the pass as much the Lions do, they must protect Kitna better - he's on pace to be sacked more than 80 times. The Redskins are rested after an early bye week, and I believe they will return to a ball-control-style of offense. And Washington's defense is showing some improvement. Factor in that the Redskins have the horses in the secondary to keep up with Detroit's passing game, and I see the Lions' bubble beginning to burst.
Tampa Bay (3-1) at Indianapolis (4-0): The Bucs certainly qualify as a surprise team. Their defense has been revitalized, and QB Jeff Garcia is playing nearly mistake-free football. However, losing RB Cadillac Williams for the season to injury is going to hurt because I believe the Colts can be run on. If this game turns into a shootout, Indy will expose Tampa's defense. And don't forget, Colts coach Tony Dungy knows Tampa's defense better than most of its players do. I would be surprised if this isn't close because Tampa appears better than most (including myself thought).
Seattle (3-1) at Pittsburgh (3-1): This will be a huge test for both of the Super Bowl 40 participants. Can the Seahawks win another big game on the road and stamp themselves as a Super Bowl contender? How do the Steelers respond after a disappointing road loss at Arizona? Expect a low-scoring, ground-based game because both teams have ferocious pass rushes.
Chicago (1-3) at Green Bay (4-0): Are the Packers for real despite having the league's worst ground game? Can the Bears overcome an array of injuries and an offense that appears completely out of sync? Answer to question No. 1 - yes, Green Bay's defense and special teams are excellent, and so far Brett Favre has been outstanding enough to compensate for a lack of a ground game. Chicago has looked horrible two weeks in a row, but this is a rivalry game, and the Bears' season is riding on it. If Chicago loses, it's four games out of first place and it has two division losses after only one all last season (to Green Bay). The Bears must blitz Favre silly and control the ball behind RB Cedric Benson or they're staring at 1-4.
GAMES OF THE WEAK (and some upsets):
Carolina (2-2) at New Orleans (0-3): Before the season I would have pegged this as one of the NFC's top games, but not now. The Saints have not been able to do much right offensively or defensively, but the most telling stat is they do not have a sack yet this season. But the Panthers are without QB Jake Delhomme, and backup David Carr looked awful last week against the Bucs. Somehow the Saints, who are coming off a bye, are favored, but they haven't proved they can stop anyone, so I predict Carolina will run the ball at will.
Arizona (2-2) at St. Louis (0-4): Both teams are banged up, but the difference is the Cardinals have an aggressive defense and RB Edgerrin James. Tough to see the Rams winning without RB Steven Jackson and QB Marc Bulger. Also tough to see Coach Scott Linehan lasting more than a few weeks as things continue to implode under the arch.
ANOTHER UPSET SPECIAL:
San Diego (1-3) at Denver (2-2): Two more teams I was high on at the beginning of the season, and I think the Chargers will pull it together if they start running LaDainian Tomlinson more. The Broncos offer the perfect team to do that against. I also think the Chargers' defense has far more ability than it's shown thus far. The Chargers get their season back on track.
Upset picks:
Carolina over New Orleans
San Diego over Denver
Season record on upset specials: 3-1
Friday, September 28, 2007
NFL Week 4
Everywhere you look this weekend there are intriguing storylines in NFL games.
Start with the eight intradivision games:
In the AFC, the former Browns (Baltimore Ravens) play the current Browns, who have been sparked by a former Raven (RB Jamal Lewis). Got it? ... The Chiefs visit the Chargers in a battle of two disappointing teams seeking to avoid 1-3 starts in the West. ... And the banged-up Bills play host to a Jets team that can get itself back in the hunt in the East with a second consecutive East victory.
In the NFC, the Central team pair off. Brett Favre can set the all-time touchdown pass record in Minnesota, but more importantly, the Packers can improve to 4-0 with a victory over the Vikings. Meanwhile, the banged-up Bears (who might be without DL Tommie Harris, LB Lance Briggs and three-fourths of their starting secondary) turn to QB Brian Griese at Detroit, where the Lions can score points in bunches but also give them up in bunches. ... In the East, the Eagles and Giants are coming off their first victories, and both need one here to keep pace with the Cowboys. ... In the South and the West, first place is on the line when the Bucs visit the Panthers and the Seahawks pay a call on the 49ers.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Pittsburgh (3-0) at Arizona (1-2): The Steelers pay a visit to the desert and renew acquaintances with the two assistants passed over for their head coaching vacancy in favor of Coach Mike Tomlin (Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm).
Houston (2-1) at Atlanta (0-3): The Matt Schaub Bowl. Think the Falcons regret trading the QB now?
THAT 70s SHOW (aka GAMES OF THE WEAK)
Turn back the clock three decades and you'd have two marquee matchups - the Raiders at the Dolphins and the Rams at the Cowboys. Instead you get the Games of the Weak.
Oakland (1-2) will start Daunte Culpepper at QB against one of his former teams, Miami (0-3). The Raiders have established a running game with LaMont Jordan, and RB Ronnie Brown showed signs of life for the Dolphins last week. Whomever gets the best of that battle against two decent defenses likely will lead his team to victory.
The beleagured Rams (0-3) will be without two of their top offensive linemen and RB Steven Jackson against a Cowboys team (3-0) that is clicking on all cylinders. Compounding things for St. Louis are QB Marc Bulger's broken ribs and the Rams defense's inability to stop anything. It won't be pretty.
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Denver (2-1) at Indianapolis (3-0): The Broncos have to run the ball well and control the clock to have a chance. Running might be a strategy the Colts want to adhere to this week - Denver's secondary is good, but the Broncos can't stop the run.
New England (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2): I think the Patriots will win, particularly if Bengals RB Rudi Johnson can't play, but this Monday night game will be a blast to watch because of all the points being scored. I expect to see at least 70.
UPSET SPECIAL:
Oakland over Miami. Yes, the Dolphins are favored, but I think the Raiders might be better than many (including yours truly) expected at the beginning of the season. Unless Ronnie Brown has a huge day running the ball and Miami can force at least three turnovers, I think Oakland will win handily.
Upset season record: 2-1.
TAKING A BREAK: New Orleans, Washington, Jacksonville and Tennessee.
Start with the eight intradivision games:
In the AFC, the former Browns (Baltimore Ravens) play the current Browns, who have been sparked by a former Raven (RB Jamal Lewis). Got it? ... The Chiefs visit the Chargers in a battle of two disappointing teams seeking to avoid 1-3 starts in the West. ... And the banged-up Bills play host to a Jets team that can get itself back in the hunt in the East with a second consecutive East victory.
In the NFC, the Central team pair off. Brett Favre can set the all-time touchdown pass record in Minnesota, but more importantly, the Packers can improve to 4-0 with a victory over the Vikings. Meanwhile, the banged-up Bears (who might be without DL Tommie Harris, LB Lance Briggs and three-fourths of their starting secondary) turn to QB Brian Griese at Detroit, where the Lions can score points in bunches but also give them up in bunches. ... In the East, the Eagles and Giants are coming off their first victories, and both need one here to keep pace with the Cowboys. ... In the South and the West, first place is on the line when the Bucs visit the Panthers and the Seahawks pay a call on the 49ers.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Pittsburgh (3-0) at Arizona (1-2): The Steelers pay a visit to the desert and renew acquaintances with the two assistants passed over for their head coaching vacancy in favor of Coach Mike Tomlin (Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm).
Houston (2-1) at Atlanta (0-3): The Matt Schaub Bowl. Think the Falcons regret trading the QB now?
THAT 70s SHOW (aka GAMES OF THE WEAK)
Turn back the clock three decades and you'd have two marquee matchups - the Raiders at the Dolphins and the Rams at the Cowboys. Instead you get the Games of the Weak.
Oakland (1-2) will start Daunte Culpepper at QB against one of his former teams, Miami (0-3). The Raiders have established a running game with LaMont Jordan, and RB Ronnie Brown showed signs of life for the Dolphins last week. Whomever gets the best of that battle against two decent defenses likely will lead his team to victory.
The beleagured Rams (0-3) will be without two of their top offensive linemen and RB Steven Jackson against a Cowboys team (3-0) that is clicking on all cylinders. Compounding things for St. Louis are QB Marc Bulger's broken ribs and the Rams defense's inability to stop anything. It won't be pretty.
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Denver (2-1) at Indianapolis (3-0): The Broncos have to run the ball well and control the clock to have a chance. Running might be a strategy the Colts want to adhere to this week - Denver's secondary is good, but the Broncos can't stop the run.
New England (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2): I think the Patriots will win, particularly if Bengals RB Rudi Johnson can't play, but this Monday night game will be a blast to watch because of all the points being scored. I expect to see at least 70.
UPSET SPECIAL:
Oakland over Miami. Yes, the Dolphins are favored, but I think the Raiders might be better than many (including yours truly) expected at the beginning of the season. Unless Ronnie Brown has a huge day running the ball and Miami can force at least three turnovers, I think Oakland will win handily.
Upset season record: 2-1.
TAKING A BREAK: New Orleans, Washington, Jacksonville and Tennessee.
Friday, September 21, 2007
NFL Week 3
In this week's edition of Sports Illustrated, NFL writer Peter King, who is one of the most decent, hard-working men in the business, writes a piece about the "code" among NFL coaches and how the Jets' Eric Mangini broke that by turning in the Patriots and Bill Belichick for their video spy tactics.
Unnamed source after unnamed source said how bad it was, what a slap in the face it was to Belichick, who helped jump start Mangini's career. Without directly saying it, the piece inferred it's irresponsible to turn in a former mentor for cheating. And let's call it what it is. Belichick and the Patriots cheated. Whether it affected the outcome of the game or whether or not any other teams do it (they do) isn't pertinent for argument's sake.
Also cited was a time when Mangini and the Jets signed a player, a free agent, off the Patriots' roster whom Belichick wanted to retain. That also broke the "code", according to King.
And what of Mangini? Doesn't he have a responsibility to the guys who sign his paycheck? The fans who make that paycheck possible? And to the 53 men plus staffers he faces each week on the field and in the locker room? That responsibility counts for more than " the code" - it's just that few, including King unfortunately, seem to get that.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Chicago (1-1) at Dallas (2-0): The Bears have allowed the fewest points in the NFC, the Cowboys score an average of 13 more per game than any other NFC team. What will give? It comes down to can the Bears establish a ground game to control the clock, and can QB Rex Grossman he limit his mistakes?
GAMES WORTH A PEEK
San Diego (1-1) at Green Bay (2-0): The Packers have two wins over playoff teams from a year ago in two weeks. Their defense and special teams have been so strong they've helped overcome a non-existent running game and a passing game that relies on dink-and-dunk plays. The Chargers are smarting after a rough Week 1 victory over the Bears and a rougher Week 2 loss in New England. LaDainian Tomlinson really can't have three bad games in a row, can he? He has to carry the load, literally, because QB Philip Rivers appears to have no feel for the rush and he's going to see a lot of it.
San Francisco (2-0) at Pittsburth (2-0): The team of the 80s faces the team of the 70s. The 49ers defense was dealt a blow when LB Manny Lawson was lost for the season with a knee injury. If the Steelers stop RB Frank Gore, they'll roll because the Pittsburgh offense appears formidable. So much for new coach Mike Tomlin's break-in period.
Indianapolis (2-0) at Houston (2-0): Yes, the AFC South title might be on the line. OK, that's an exaggeration, but if the Texans beat the Super Bowl champs, they will have an early lead in the division and stamp themselves a legitimate playoff contender. Unfortunately for the Texans, star WR Andre Johnson will miss the game because of injury. Houston beat Indy at home last season without QB Matt Schaub, however, and he has been a difference-maker for the Texans offense.
GAMES OF THE WEAK
Miami (0-2) at NY Jets (0-2): The good news is one of these teams will pick up a victory. The bad news: They more than likely will still be two games behind the Patriots.
Cleveland (1-1) at Oakland (0-2): Unlike last week, when the Browns rang up 51 points on Cincinnati's crummy defense, they face a team with a real defense. The problem for the Raiders is their offense (RB LaMont Jordan being the exception).
UPSET SPECIAL
Jacksonville (1-1) at Denver (2-0): What's puzzling about the Jaguars is their lack of a running game thus far (they're ranked 21st). The Broncos lead the NFL in yards and are second in yards allowed, yet they've scored just 38 points in two games and have needed a last-second field goal and an overtime field goal to beat teams that are a combined 0-2. I like the Jaguars to take it.
Last week: The Dolphins hung tough for about two and a half quarters then disintegrated vs. the Cowboys, making me 1-1 in upset picks.
Unnamed source after unnamed source said how bad it was, what a slap in the face it was to Belichick, who helped jump start Mangini's career. Without directly saying it, the piece inferred it's irresponsible to turn in a former mentor for cheating. And let's call it what it is. Belichick and the Patriots cheated. Whether it affected the outcome of the game or whether or not any other teams do it (they do) isn't pertinent for argument's sake.
Also cited was a time when Mangini and the Jets signed a player, a free agent, off the Patriots' roster whom Belichick wanted to retain. That also broke the "code", according to King.
And what of Mangini? Doesn't he have a responsibility to the guys who sign his paycheck? The fans who make that paycheck possible? And to the 53 men plus staffers he faces each week on the field and in the locker room? That responsibility counts for more than " the code" - it's just that few, including King unfortunately, seem to get that.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Chicago (1-1) at Dallas (2-0): The Bears have allowed the fewest points in the NFC, the Cowboys score an average of 13 more per game than any other NFC team. What will give? It comes down to can the Bears establish a ground game to control the clock, and can QB Rex Grossman he limit his mistakes?
GAMES WORTH A PEEK
San Diego (1-1) at Green Bay (2-0): The Packers have two wins over playoff teams from a year ago in two weeks. Their defense and special teams have been so strong they've helped overcome a non-existent running game and a passing game that relies on dink-and-dunk plays. The Chargers are smarting after a rough Week 1 victory over the Bears and a rougher Week 2 loss in New England. LaDainian Tomlinson really can't have three bad games in a row, can he? He has to carry the load, literally, because QB Philip Rivers appears to have no feel for the rush and he's going to see a lot of it.
San Francisco (2-0) at Pittsburth (2-0): The team of the 80s faces the team of the 70s. The 49ers defense was dealt a blow when LB Manny Lawson was lost for the season with a knee injury. If the Steelers stop RB Frank Gore, they'll roll because the Pittsburgh offense appears formidable. So much for new coach Mike Tomlin's break-in period.
Indianapolis (2-0) at Houston (2-0): Yes, the AFC South title might be on the line. OK, that's an exaggeration, but if the Texans beat the Super Bowl champs, they will have an early lead in the division and stamp themselves a legitimate playoff contender. Unfortunately for the Texans, star WR Andre Johnson will miss the game because of injury. Houston beat Indy at home last season without QB Matt Schaub, however, and he has been a difference-maker for the Texans offense.
GAMES OF THE WEAK
Miami (0-2) at NY Jets (0-2): The good news is one of these teams will pick up a victory. The bad news: They more than likely will still be two games behind the Patriots.
Cleveland (1-1) at Oakland (0-2): Unlike last week, when the Browns rang up 51 points on Cincinnati's crummy defense, they face a team with a real defense. The problem for the Raiders is their offense (RB LaMont Jordan being the exception).
UPSET SPECIAL
Jacksonville (1-1) at Denver (2-0): What's puzzling about the Jaguars is their lack of a running game thus far (they're ranked 21st). The Broncos lead the NFL in yards and are second in yards allowed, yet they've scored just 38 points in two games and have needed a last-second field goal and an overtime field goal to beat teams that are a combined 0-2. I like the Jaguars to take it.
Last week: The Dolphins hung tough for about two and a half quarters then disintegrated vs. the Cowboys, making me 1-1 in upset picks.
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