Via the Erie Reader
For three consecutive road playoff games, I have retreated upstairs to my room to watch the Green Bay Packers.
By myself, with no interruptions.
On Sunday night, I took a risk, bundled up and walked down the street to my uncle and aunt’s house to watch Super Bowl XLV.
“If things start to get bad,” I said, guzzling a glass of wine, “I’m going home.”
“Just sip your wine and sit down,” my grandfather said, “Get comfortable, you’re not going anywhere.”
I sat in a black office chair for the entire game. I cheered, I cursed, I screamed, I bit my nails down to nothing.
For the entire week, I kept a deep, dark secret to myself: I had doubt that my beloved Green Bay Packers wouldn’t get it done against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Any fan would say that’s blasphemy, I say it’s realistic thinking.
With 1 minute, 59 seconds left to go in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh got the ball back on its 13-yard line, desperately needing a touchdown. Pittsburgh pushed it to its own 33-yard line, but Green Bay’s defense forced Roethlisberger to make three consecutive incomplete passes.
No matter how in-depth analysts get, no one can predict turnovers. The Steelers committed three costly ones. Despite the valiant second-half comeback by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, it was not enough as Green Bay defeated the Steelers 31-25.
Poor execution: I was stunned how poorly the two-minute drill was executed by Pittsburgh. You can blame it on the quarterback, the offensive coordinator or the head coach, but in the end, this is not what a so-called ‘experienced’ football team should be showcasing. Roethlisberger, unfortunately, picked the wrong day to have a bad game.
Mike Tomlin, one classy guy: Tomlin came right out and said there were no excuses for how his team played. Pittsburgh just didn’t get it done.
"What I will do is say Green Bay played a pretty good game and made the necessary plays to be world champions."
Class act.
Green Bay’s offense: Aaron Rodgers finished the game with 304 yards, three touchdowns and named the game’s Most Valuable Player. In just his third season as a starter, Rodgers has emerged as a quarterback wise beyond his years.
The offensive game plan for Green Bay was simple: Spread the field, take Troy Polamalu out of the game.
Mission accomplished.
Polamalu finished with just three tackles, no sacks. The Defensive Player of the Year was an absolute non-factor.
Let’s just stop comparing Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers: Comparing these two quarterbacks is like comparing apples to oranges. I’m going to leave it at that.
With the 2010-11 season in the books, there is a more serious matter to attend – The Collective Bargaining Agreement between players and owners.
The hope is that both sides come to a mutual agreement and meet somewhere in the middle. If and when that happens remains unknown.
However, after this year’s Super Bowl, how can anyone entertain the thought of no football?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday's Divisional Championships
When I got into work this morning, I received this e-mail from my Uncle Dan:
“Bresee Chevrolet car service confirmation for Friday, January 21 at 8:30 a.m.”
I scroll down.
“PACKER-JETS IN THE SUPERBOWL. YOU’RE GOING DOWN!”
Nothing like some friendly sports banter at 7:00 a.m. Unfortunately at that hour the creative juices aren’t flowing. I needed my coffee before I even thought about responding.
Anyone who knows my Uncle Dan knows that he bleeds green and that he prefers Grey Goose and tonic with a slice of fresh orange- two constant staples. A Jets and suffering Mets fan since I can remember, he has had his share of turbulent times.
Needless to say, my response was rushed and not clever ... at all. Work beckoned.
As we draw closer to finding out this year’s NFC and AFC representatives for Super Bowl XLV in Dallas, we can sum up this season in one word: parity. Anything can happen, especially this weekend.
NFC
Green Bay Packers at the Chicago Bears: Aaron Rodgers had himself one fine performance on Saturday night as he shredded the Falcons defense for 366 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 48-21 victory. Rodgers and the team are on the road at Soldier Field and looking for its third consecutive road win.
Weather won’t be a factor: This type of weather is nothing out of the ordinary for these two teams. The worst case scenario? Players will have to adjust. Instead long strides, short, choppy footwork is key. Familiarity on one of the worst fields (behind Heinz Field in Pittsburgh) doesn’t hurt either.
Tale of the two defenses: As the saying goes, “Offense sells tickets, defense wins games.” Green Bay (273 yards a game) and Chicago (276 yards a game) rank no. 3 and 4 respectively in defense. The addition of Julius Peppers in the defensive lineup is partly why the Bears are one of the top five defenses.
Key match-up: The quarterbacks and the defensive lines. Both quarterbacks had their time against relatively weak defenses. This weekend is drastically different. Will the Bears get Cutler on a good or bad day? Will Rodgers be able to maneuver and escape and find the open man down field?
Prediction: Green Bay 21-14.
AFC
The New York Jets at the Pittsburgh Steelers: The Jets have already accomplished two amazing feats – defeat both Peyton Mannion and Tom Brady at home. Now the third and final test awaits them- The Pittsburgh Steelers. Only in his second season, quarterback Mark Sanchez has been a sophomore sensation this postseason. Accuracy will be even more important now going up against freak-of-nature safety Troy Polamalu . Overthrown passes now become fair game. Sanchez will have to relax in the pocket and make sound choices.
Player to watch: Steelers’ Heath Miller. With Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis going against Hines Ward and/or Mike Wallace, look for Miller to get some opportunities down field.
The running game: Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson, Shonn Green and Rashard Mendenhall can be solidifying factors in who wins Sunday night’s game. In the regular-season meeting, Tomlinson and Green made up for 106 rushing yards while Mendenhall had 99 of Pittsburgh’s 146.
Prediction: Jets 24-17
“Bresee Chevrolet car service confirmation for Friday, January 21 at 8:30 a.m.”
I scroll down.
“PACKER-JETS IN THE SUPERBOWL. YOU’RE GOING DOWN!”
Nothing like some friendly sports banter at 7:00 a.m. Unfortunately at that hour the creative juices aren’t flowing. I needed my coffee before I even thought about responding.
Anyone who knows my Uncle Dan knows that he bleeds green and that he prefers Grey Goose and tonic with a slice of fresh orange- two constant staples. A Jets and suffering Mets fan since I can remember, he has had his share of turbulent times.
Needless to say, my response was rushed and not clever ... at all. Work beckoned.
As we draw closer to finding out this year’s NFC and AFC representatives for Super Bowl XLV in Dallas, we can sum up this season in one word: parity. Anything can happen, especially this weekend.
NFC
Green Bay Packers at the Chicago Bears: Aaron Rodgers had himself one fine performance on Saturday night as he shredded the Falcons defense for 366 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 48-21 victory. Rodgers and the team are on the road at Soldier Field and looking for its third consecutive road win.
Weather won’t be a factor: This type of weather is nothing out of the ordinary for these two teams. The worst case scenario? Players will have to adjust. Instead long strides, short, choppy footwork is key. Familiarity on one of the worst fields (behind Heinz Field in Pittsburgh) doesn’t hurt either.
Tale of the two defenses: As the saying goes, “Offense sells tickets, defense wins games.” Green Bay (273 yards a game) and Chicago (276 yards a game) rank no. 3 and 4 respectively in defense. The addition of Julius Peppers in the defensive lineup is partly why the Bears are one of the top five defenses.
Key match-up: The quarterbacks and the defensive lines. Both quarterbacks had their time against relatively weak defenses. This weekend is drastically different. Will the Bears get Cutler on a good or bad day? Will Rodgers be able to maneuver and escape and find the open man down field?
Prediction: Green Bay 21-14.
AFC
The New York Jets at the Pittsburgh Steelers: The Jets have already accomplished two amazing feats – defeat both Peyton Mannion and Tom Brady at home. Now the third and final test awaits them- The Pittsburgh Steelers. Only in his second season, quarterback Mark Sanchez has been a sophomore sensation this postseason. Accuracy will be even more important now going up against freak-of-nature safety Troy Polamalu . Overthrown passes now become fair game. Sanchez will have to relax in the pocket and make sound choices.
Player to watch: Steelers’ Heath Miller. With Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis going against Hines Ward and/or Mike Wallace, look for Miller to get some opportunities down field.
The running game: Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson, Shonn Green and Rashard Mendenhall can be solidifying factors in who wins Sunday night’s game. In the regular-season meeting, Tomlinson and Green made up for 106 rushing yards while Mendenhall had 99 of Pittsburgh’s 146.
Prediction: Jets 24-17
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday Sound Off: A look at today's NFL playoff games
As many of you know, I have been a long-time Green Bay Packers fan. I have bled green and yellow since my mother introduced me to the game of football at a young age. She, too, is a Packers fan. Like mother, like daughter, I guess. As I grew older, I began to familiarize myself with the iconic history. To this day I still believe Brett Favre is a Packer and refuse to hear anything else. I was surprised when Al Harris was released to the Miami Dolphins this season. Reggie White and Antonio Freeman remain my favorites. “When Pride Still Mattered: Lombardi” is the next book in line. (I have been on a politics kick lately.)
I will be watching the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers game at my cousin’s house with some of the guys later this afternoon. We all have something in common: We detest the Steelers. Afterwards, I will walk back up to my house, put my Green Bay pajamas on and watch the game from the confines of my own house. By myself. Why change it up now?
Just like last weekend's thrillers, I think we are in for another treat. One thing is for sure, entertainment won't be an issue.
Baltimore Ravens at the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Over the course of the week, I’ve heard and read about countless statistics on this particular match up. Both teams finished the regular season 12-4 and have combined for 27 points-a-piece. In the 17 meetings since 2003, the Ravens and Steelers have each scored 302 points. Statistics don’t mean anything at this stage of the game. The most intriguing storyline is the amount of respect that these two teams have for each other may outweigh the hate by a very small margin. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still going to be your classic clash of the titans match up.
There are two factors that will determine this game: Quarterback play and which team will have the ball last.
Joe Flacco vs. Ben Roethlisberger: Flacco is 0-5 against Roethlisberger. There is no question that Roethlisberger is the one QB people would take if they had to choose between the two. The Steelers QB has two Super Bowl rings and has shown time in and time out that down the stretch he can get the job done. However, I’m going to take Flacco in this match up. If Flacco wins on Saturday he will have captured his third playoff win. With two highly stout defenses, throwing the ball is going to be crucial. The run game will factor to some degree, but I don’t see it making a profound impact. I think Flacco gets his first win against Roethlisberger.
Prediction: Ravens 17-14
Green Bay Packers at the Atlanta Falcons:
There is no question the Green Bay Packers are on a roll and riding the momentum wave. While momentum is a factor, let’s give credit where credit is due: Head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff. With countless injuries, McCarthy has found out how to get the most out of his players and maximize their talents to fit the game plan accordingly.
With the emergence of a running game, the Packers have found another offensive weapon in James Starks and another dimension of its game that has otherwise been a problem throughout the season. Starks torched the Eagles defense with 123 yards. Hopefully, for the Packer’s sake, the running game is not smoke and mirrors.
Last weekend’s 21-16 win at Philadelphia, the defense – once again – came up big for the Packers. I said in last Friday’s USTREAM broadcast that in order to be successful the defense would need to contain Michael Vick in the pocket. Mission accomplished. Vick and the Eagles were held to 81 yards on the ground. The Packers defense will have another challenge in rising quarterback star Matt Ryan and the one-two punch of Michael Turner and Roddy White. I look for Packers cornerback Tramon Williams to play a role in blanketing White.
Prediction: Green Bay 24-21
I will be watching the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers game at my cousin’s house with some of the guys later this afternoon. We all have something in common: We detest the Steelers. Afterwards, I will walk back up to my house, put my Green Bay pajamas on and watch the game from the confines of my own house. By myself. Why change it up now?
Just like last weekend's thrillers, I think we are in for another treat. One thing is for sure, entertainment won't be an issue.
Baltimore Ravens at the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Over the course of the week, I’ve heard and read about countless statistics on this particular match up. Both teams finished the regular season 12-4 and have combined for 27 points-a-piece. In the 17 meetings since 2003, the Ravens and Steelers have each scored 302 points. Statistics don’t mean anything at this stage of the game. The most intriguing storyline is the amount of respect that these two teams have for each other may outweigh the hate by a very small margin. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still going to be your classic clash of the titans match up.
There are two factors that will determine this game: Quarterback play and which team will have the ball last.
Joe Flacco vs. Ben Roethlisberger: Flacco is 0-5 against Roethlisberger. There is no question that Roethlisberger is the one QB people would take if they had to choose between the two. The Steelers QB has two Super Bowl rings and has shown time in and time out that down the stretch he can get the job done. However, I’m going to take Flacco in this match up. If Flacco wins on Saturday he will have captured his third playoff win. With two highly stout defenses, throwing the ball is going to be crucial. The run game will factor to some degree, but I don’t see it making a profound impact. I think Flacco gets his first win against Roethlisberger.
Prediction: Ravens 17-14
Green Bay Packers at the Atlanta Falcons:
There is no question the Green Bay Packers are on a roll and riding the momentum wave. While momentum is a factor, let’s give credit where credit is due: Head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff. With countless injuries, McCarthy has found out how to get the most out of his players and maximize their talents to fit the game plan accordingly.
With the emergence of a running game, the Packers have found another offensive weapon in James Starks and another dimension of its game that has otherwise been a problem throughout the season. Starks torched the Eagles defense with 123 yards. Hopefully, for the Packer’s sake, the running game is not smoke and mirrors.
Last weekend’s 21-16 win at Philadelphia, the defense – once again – came up big for the Packers. I said in last Friday’s USTREAM broadcast that in order to be successful the defense would need to contain Michael Vick in the pocket. Mission accomplished. Vick and the Eagles were held to 81 yards on the ground. The Packers defense will have another challenge in rising quarterback star Matt Ryan and the one-two punch of Michael Turner and Roddy White. I look for Packers cornerback Tramon Williams to play a role in blanketing White.
Prediction: Green Bay 24-21
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
“In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends”- John Churton Collins.
Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate frontrunner Cam Newton knows a thing or two about adversity. His coaches and teammates have endured it, too, they have been by his side through it all.
According to the NCAA, Cecil – Cam’s father – tried to shop his son’s football talents to the highest bidder at the collegiate level. Newton has since declined knowing about his father’s wrongdoings.
In a time of crisis, family and friends come together. The same can be said for teammates. Teammates are extended family. They are the first ones to comfort you when homesickness creeps up unexpectedly, they are there to listen to you when the roommate situation isn’t going accordingly and accepting of the imperfections that we cannot change.
Collectively, the Auburn football team has come together and rallied around one of their own. Together, they have accomplished an undefeated regular season at 13-0 and find themselves in the BCS National Championship against the Oregon Ducks.
Besides his magical individual run at his position, Newton has carried himself in a manner that would make any college institution proud. He has said all the right things. Newton has put the team’s accomplishments and goals ahead of his personal problems. Whatever dilemma he may have encountered behind the scenes is hidden behind that infectious smile.
The statistics are staggering and worth noting: 20 rushing touchdowns for 1,409 total yards and 28 passing touchdowns for 2,589 yards.
Auburn will win the National Championship and raise the coveted glass football. The Tigers are simply a better team. They have been through the rigors of competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Oregon is playing in the Pac-10, a conference that's down this year. Auburn has been challenged throughout the regular season and has mastered the art of the comeback. The better quarterback isn’t up for discussion, Cam Newton wins that category. The similarity? Both have high-powered offenses that can put points on the board. Entertainment will not be a problem.
Newton will raise another piece of the hardware, the Heisman Trophy. He is, no question, the best college football player in the nation.
Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate frontrunner Cam Newton knows a thing or two about adversity. His coaches and teammates have endured it, too, they have been by his side through it all.
According to the NCAA, Cecil – Cam’s father – tried to shop his son’s football talents to the highest bidder at the collegiate level. Newton has since declined knowing about his father’s wrongdoings.
In a time of crisis, family and friends come together. The same can be said for teammates. Teammates are extended family. They are the first ones to comfort you when homesickness creeps up unexpectedly, they are there to listen to you when the roommate situation isn’t going accordingly and accepting of the imperfections that we cannot change.
Collectively, the Auburn football team has come together and rallied around one of their own. Together, they have accomplished an undefeated regular season at 13-0 and find themselves in the BCS National Championship against the Oregon Ducks.
Besides his magical individual run at his position, Newton has carried himself in a manner that would make any college institution proud. He has said all the right things. Newton has put the team’s accomplishments and goals ahead of his personal problems. Whatever dilemma he may have encountered behind the scenes is hidden behind that infectious smile.
The statistics are staggering and worth noting: 20 rushing touchdowns for 1,409 total yards and 28 passing touchdowns for 2,589 yards.
Auburn will win the National Championship and raise the coveted glass football. The Tigers are simply a better team. They have been through the rigors of competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Oregon is playing in the Pac-10, a conference that's down this year. Auburn has been challenged throughout the regular season and has mastered the art of the comeback. The better quarterback isn’t up for discussion, Cam Newton wins that category. The similarity? Both have high-powered offenses that can put points on the board. Entertainment will not be a problem.
Newton will raise another piece of the hardware, the Heisman Trophy. He is, no question, the best college football player in the nation.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Ah, Thanksgiving, the time of the year where it is perfectly acceptable to be under the influence by noon, pants unbuckled at 3p.m. and knowing the bathroom colors to a T before dessert. Besides being grateful for my friends, family and health, there are some other things that I am appreciative for:
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson: After last Sunday’s trouncing of the Minnesota Vikings, Thompson’s decision to let the legendary quarterback Brett Favre go was confirmed. Thompson got the last laugh. Like the oracle in 300, he knew what was coming. How could this general manager even fathom paying Favre the big bucks for part-time work? Way to stay strong, Mr. Thompson.
Never fully understanding “the line”: “What’s the line for (insert team name) today?”
I never knew there were x’s and o’s when it came to betting. Under, over, parlays – a few words I chose not to have in my everyday vocabulary. I have learned a lesson, though – always pick opposite of my grandfather.
“I really like this game today. It’s senior night and the atmosphere is great up there.”
Really?
You know it’s time to hang it up when you have a significant amount of money riding on week 10’s matchup against the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. We all know how that game ended.
Bristol Palin not winning Dancing With The Stars: The good news is my mom’s still in for season 12. The bad news? If Bristol won, she was convinced that the Tea Party and Republicans alike were plotting world domination.
Here is to a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Eat dangerously.
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson: After last Sunday’s trouncing of the Minnesota Vikings, Thompson’s decision to let the legendary quarterback Brett Favre go was confirmed. Thompson got the last laugh. Like the oracle in 300, he knew what was coming. How could this general manager even fathom paying Favre the big bucks for part-time work? Way to stay strong, Mr. Thompson.
Never fully understanding “the line”: “What’s the line for (insert team name) today?”
I never knew there were x’s and o’s when it came to betting. Under, over, parlays – a few words I chose not to have in my everyday vocabulary. I have learned a lesson, though – always pick opposite of my grandfather.
“I really like this game today. It’s senior night and the atmosphere is great up there.”
Really?
You know it’s time to hang it up when you have a significant amount of money riding on week 10’s matchup against the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. We all know how that game ended.
Bristol Palin not winning Dancing With The Stars: The good news is my mom’s still in for season 12. The bad news? If Bristol won, she was convinced that the Tea Party and Republicans alike were plotting world domination.
Here is to a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Eat dangerously.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
If there is anything that I have learned from keeping up with Tiger Woods’ storyline is that society is evolving. It’s a ‘now’ society composed of quick fixes and second chances.
As fans, it is the entertainment value that turns us on. We express our dissatisfaction when our team loses, shout from the rooftops when they win, show disgust when these athletes betray us, forgive, but don’t forget. (Here’s looking at you, Michael Vick, Ben Roethlisberger and LeBron James.)
To quote ESPN’s Colin Cowherd, “Fan is short for fanatic.” It’s true, we are selfish. At times, we are caught up in the notion that these athletes owe us something. They do. They owe it to fans to perform at the highest level and exude maximum effort. However, where does it say that have to welcome us into the confines of their homes at the end of the day?
Woods owes the public no explanation to what happened that night before Thanksgiving. No matter how polarizing he is -- the little privacy he has -- he deserves.
With the fall from grace behind him, Woods is busy redefining himself. Victories will eventually come.
As the motto goes in professional sports, "Winning cures all."
How quickly we will forget ...
As fans, it is the entertainment value that turns us on. We express our dissatisfaction when our team loses, shout from the rooftops when they win, show disgust when these athletes betray us, forgive, but don’t forget. (Here’s looking at you, Michael Vick, Ben Roethlisberger and LeBron James.)
To quote ESPN’s Colin Cowherd, “Fan is short for fanatic.” It’s true, we are selfish. At times, we are caught up in the notion that these athletes owe us something. They do. They owe it to fans to perform at the highest level and exude maximum effort. However, where does it say that have to welcome us into the confines of their homes at the end of the day?
Woods owes the public no explanation to what happened that night before Thanksgiving. No matter how polarizing he is -- the little privacy he has -- he deserves.
With the fall from grace behind him, Woods is busy redefining himself. Victories will eventually come.
As the motto goes in professional sports, "Winning cures all."
How quickly we will forget ...
Sunday, November 14, 2010
NFL Games to watch this weekend
Dallas Cowboys (1-7) at New York Giants (6-2): Interim head coach Jason Garrett is not only auditioning to become Jerry Jones’ next hire of the Dallas Cowboys, but has the challenge of motivating 53 men who have totally tuned out this year’s 2010-11 season. Can Garrett embody something that Wade Phillips wasn’t? Phillips in the past has been criticized of being spineless and avoiding confrontation with his former players. However, all is not put on coaches; player accountability needs to be factored in. Where is Jason Witten? Austin Miles? DeMarcus Ware? Jay Ratliff?
In the beginning of the season, many had written off the New York Giants. At 6-2, New York has emerged as one of the best teams in the league. Balance on both offense and defense has been the key to the Giants success. Eli Manning leads his second-ranked offense against while defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has the team playing smash mouth football. The Giants accumulated three sacks and seven quarterback hits -- including the hit that sidelined Tony Romo with a broken collarbone -- during week seven’s matchup at Dallas.
Prediction: Giants 28-14
Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) at Washington Redskins (4-4): Is it possible for Michael Vick to be considered for Most Valuable Player even if he has only played in a total of five games? Yes. Vick has emerged as one of the great comeback stories this season. The quarterback leads the league as the highest-rated passer (105.3) and seems to have gotten his legs underneath him. Vick’s mobility causes a problem for Washington’s 31st ranked pass defense. Look out for Eagles wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to make out big with Vick on the field.
Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb returns to the starting lineup since being benched for Rex Grossman during a Detroit Lions loss in week eight. It is the second time he has faced his former team this year since being traded.
Prediction: Eagles 27-10
Tennessee Titans (5-3) at Miami Dolphins (4-4): Wide receiver Randy Moss – this year’s 2010 NFL traveling nomad – is now with his third team in less than two months. If there is anyone who can get through to Moss it would be head coach Jeff Fisher. Upon arriving at the Titans facilities, Fisher made it a point to meet with the misunderstood receiver to set rules and guidelines. It’s obvious; Moss likes a coach that knows what he is doing. Clearly, Vikings head coach Brad Childress did not have those qualities in Minnesota. Moss’ presence on the field instantly changes the dynamic of defenses. Running back Chris Johnson and receiver Nate Washington will reap the benefits of having this Hall of Famer on their team.
Longtime Packer Al Harris has found a new home in Miami after being released by Green Bay this past week. Adding the cornerback into defensive shuffle will give the Dolphins a chance to make plays. However, the biggest storyline is the changing of the quarterbacks. Veteran quarterback Chad Pennington starts in place of Chad Henne this Sunday in hopes to provide some consistency with the offense.
Prediction: Tennessee 27-24
Detroit Lions (2-6) at Buffalo Bills (0-8): As Chris ‘Boomer’ Berman would say, “No one circles the wagon like the Buffalo Bills.” This week I say they get it down against an up-and-coming Lions team. The Bills have lost three consecutive games three-point games and in the process have played with nothing but heart and passion. Something has to give. In order for Buffalo to notch its first win of the season, solid quarterback play is needed from Ryan Fitzpatrick against a Detroit defensive line that has compiled 20 sacks so far. Buffalo will also have something else working in its favor – the loss of Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. One thing is for sure, points will be plentiful as both offenses have no problem scoring.
Prediction: Bills 37-34
In the beginning of the season, many had written off the New York Giants. At 6-2, New York has emerged as one of the best teams in the league. Balance on both offense and defense has been the key to the Giants success. Eli Manning leads his second-ranked offense against while defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has the team playing smash mouth football. The Giants accumulated three sacks and seven quarterback hits -- including the hit that sidelined Tony Romo with a broken collarbone -- during week seven’s matchup at Dallas.
Prediction: Giants 28-14
Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) at Washington Redskins (4-4): Is it possible for Michael Vick to be considered for Most Valuable Player even if he has only played in a total of five games? Yes. Vick has emerged as one of the great comeback stories this season. The quarterback leads the league as the highest-rated passer (105.3) and seems to have gotten his legs underneath him. Vick’s mobility causes a problem for Washington’s 31st ranked pass defense. Look out for Eagles wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to make out big with Vick on the field.
Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb returns to the starting lineup since being benched for Rex Grossman during a Detroit Lions loss in week eight. It is the second time he has faced his former team this year since being traded.
Prediction: Eagles 27-10
Tennessee Titans (5-3) at Miami Dolphins (4-4): Wide receiver Randy Moss – this year’s 2010 NFL traveling nomad – is now with his third team in less than two months. If there is anyone who can get through to Moss it would be head coach Jeff Fisher. Upon arriving at the Titans facilities, Fisher made it a point to meet with the misunderstood receiver to set rules and guidelines. It’s obvious; Moss likes a coach that knows what he is doing. Clearly, Vikings head coach Brad Childress did not have those qualities in Minnesota. Moss’ presence on the field instantly changes the dynamic of defenses. Running back Chris Johnson and receiver Nate Washington will reap the benefits of having this Hall of Famer on their team.
Longtime Packer Al Harris has found a new home in Miami after being released by Green Bay this past week. Adding the cornerback into defensive shuffle will give the Dolphins a chance to make plays. However, the biggest storyline is the changing of the quarterbacks. Veteran quarterback Chad Pennington starts in place of Chad Henne this Sunday in hopes to provide some consistency with the offense.
Prediction: Tennessee 27-24
Detroit Lions (2-6) at Buffalo Bills (0-8): As Chris ‘Boomer’ Berman would say, “No one circles the wagon like the Buffalo Bills.” This week I say they get it down against an up-and-coming Lions team. The Bills have lost three consecutive games three-point games and in the process have played with nothing but heart and passion. Something has to give. In order for Buffalo to notch its first win of the season, solid quarterback play is needed from Ryan Fitzpatrick against a Detroit defensive line that has compiled 20 sacks so far. Buffalo will also have something else working in its favor – the loss of Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. One thing is for sure, points will be plentiful as both offenses have no problem scoring.
Prediction: Bills 37-34
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