Take notice.
Minggu, 17 Desember 2006
The Tarvaris Jackson Era has arrived
14/23, 177 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT in a little over a quarter.
Take notice.
Take notice.
Jumat, 15 Desember 2006
NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 14
Well, in case you noticed I've been absent here for the past couple days, due mainly to having finals to take and all that stuff. But, I'm happy to report that I'm back, finals are over, and I'm on Christmas vacation. I think that's something we can all be happy about. But enough talking, let's get to the picks.
Cowboys (-3.5) over Falcons
How quickly those bandwagons go. One bad game by Tony Romo and we haven't heard much talk about him. A couple of wins by the Falcons in a row and everyone thinks Michael Vick is good again. Well, almost everyone.
Dolphins (+1) over Bills
It's the second half of the season, which means the Dolphins are pretty much unbeatable. JP Losman is finally looking like an actual NFL Quarterback, but the Dolphins are looking like a tough out right now. Jason Taylor has been the best defensive player in the NFL this year, and Joey Harrington is doing just enough to win games. I'll take Miami here.
Saints (-9.5) over Redskins
I just can't get the picture out of my mind of the Saints just pulverizing the Cowboys defense last week. Brees is playing unbelievably well, Deuce is running well, Reggie Bush is a weapon no matter how he's used, and the receivers are making plays. This is the best offense in the NFL right now, and they are fun to watch.
Panthers (+2.5) over Steelers
This just sorta seems like the way things go for the Panthers. Three straight losses where they have not looked good at all leaving them on the edge of playoff contention, it just makes sense in the NFL today that they should beat a Pittsburgh team that is playing pretty well lately. Certainly they have the talent to do it, at least.
Bears (+13.5) over Bucs
Bears should win easily but this line is just too big for me. Sorry, I'll take the Bucs to cover.
Vikings (-3.5) over Jets
Mostly a homer pick. I do think the Vikings will win, but I would be a lot more confident if Brad Johnson wasn't starting. I'm not sure Chad Pennington is good enough to carry the offense, which is what QBs have to do against the Vikings, because their run defense is historically good, led by Pat Williams, who better get a Pro Bowl spot this year. He's an absolute beast.
Browns (+11.5) over Ravens
See the Bears description. Just a little too big of a spread for me in a League where a lot of funny things have happened this year.
Titans (+3.5) over Jaguars
For all of the Jags impressive victories, they've also lost twice to Houston and once to Tennessee this year. I've definitely become a Vince Young believer, and I think that with this game in Tennessee the Titans will pull it out. That's just how the Jags season has gone this year.
Texans (+11) over Patriots
Much like the Bears and Ravens game, this spread is a little big for me. Especially since New England is coming off of a game in which they lost 21-0.
Lions (+5) over Green Bay
Even if no one else will say it, I will... it's not just the rest of the offense that's the problem in Green Bay, Brett Favre plays a pretty big part in it as well. Uncatchable passes, poor decisions, etc. Not that they have anywhere better than him right now that should be playing because they definitely don't, but Favre is a shell of his former self at this point.
Broncos (-3) over Cardinals
Interesting battle of the rookie QBs, though I think this one is decided by the fact that Denver's defense is better than the Cardinals defense. But man, did you ever think that after the start the Broncos had this year, especially defensively, that they'd be 7-6 and on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs are concerned? I certainly didn't, but again, it's the NFL, so I should probably just expect the unexpected now. Which I guess means I should be picking the Cards instead of the Broncos. Oh well.
Rams (+2.5) over Raiders
Oakland is the favorite? OAKLAND? They're 2-11, have lost 6 straight, and haven't scored more than 14 points during that losing streak. And they're the favorite? Certainly the Rams are no world-beaters, but I'm not taking the Raiders to beat the spread in a game that they're favored to win. No sir.
Eagles (+5.5) over Giants
I can see it now... Garcia continues his strong play, gets rewarded with a multi-year deal from some team looking for that veteran influence at QB, then he sucks again. It's almost too predictable.
Chiefs (+8.5) over Chargers
As awesome as the Chargers look at times, they can also be pretty inconsistent. And with the Chiefs loss last week their backs are firmly against the wall. Which isn't a good reason to pick a team to beat the spread, but that's all I got right now.
Colts (-3) over Bengals
Honestly, I have no idea what to say about this that everyone doesn't already know. It should be very high scoring and very entertaining. I'll take the home team, even if their run defense is incredibly bad.
Last Week: 7-7
Season: 86-95-8
Cowboys (-3.5) over Falcons
How quickly those bandwagons go. One bad game by Tony Romo and we haven't heard much talk about him. A couple of wins by the Falcons in a row and everyone thinks Michael Vick is good again. Well, almost everyone.
Dolphins (+1) over Bills
It's the second half of the season, which means the Dolphins are pretty much unbeatable. JP Losman is finally looking like an actual NFL Quarterback, but the Dolphins are looking like a tough out right now. Jason Taylor has been the best defensive player in the NFL this year, and Joey Harrington is doing just enough to win games. I'll take Miami here.
Saints (-9.5) over Redskins
I just can't get the picture out of my mind of the Saints just pulverizing the Cowboys defense last week. Brees is playing unbelievably well, Deuce is running well, Reggie Bush is a weapon no matter how he's used, and the receivers are making plays. This is the best offense in the NFL right now, and they are fun to watch.
Panthers (+2.5) over Steelers
This just sorta seems like the way things go for the Panthers. Three straight losses where they have not looked good at all leaving them on the edge of playoff contention, it just makes sense in the NFL today that they should beat a Pittsburgh team that is playing pretty well lately. Certainly they have the talent to do it, at least.
Bears (+13.5) over Bucs
Bears should win easily but this line is just too big for me. Sorry, I'll take the Bucs to cover.
Vikings (-3.5) over Jets
Mostly a homer pick. I do think the Vikings will win, but I would be a lot more confident if Brad Johnson wasn't starting. I'm not sure Chad Pennington is good enough to carry the offense, which is what QBs have to do against the Vikings, because their run defense is historically good, led by Pat Williams, who better get a Pro Bowl spot this year. He's an absolute beast.
Browns (+11.5) over Ravens
See the Bears description. Just a little too big of a spread for me in a League where a lot of funny things have happened this year.
Titans (+3.5) over Jaguars
For all of the Jags impressive victories, they've also lost twice to Houston and once to Tennessee this year. I've definitely become a Vince Young believer, and I think that with this game in Tennessee the Titans will pull it out. That's just how the Jags season has gone this year.
Texans (+11) over Patriots
Much like the Bears and Ravens game, this spread is a little big for me. Especially since New England is coming off of a game in which they lost 21-0.
Lions (+5) over Green Bay
Even if no one else will say it, I will... it's not just the rest of the offense that's the problem in Green Bay, Brett Favre plays a pretty big part in it as well. Uncatchable passes, poor decisions, etc. Not that they have anywhere better than him right now that should be playing because they definitely don't, but Favre is a shell of his former self at this point.
Broncos (-3) over Cardinals
Interesting battle of the rookie QBs, though I think this one is decided by the fact that Denver's defense is better than the Cardinals defense. But man, did you ever think that after the start the Broncos had this year, especially defensively, that they'd be 7-6 and on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs are concerned? I certainly didn't, but again, it's the NFL, so I should probably just expect the unexpected now. Which I guess means I should be picking the Cards instead of the Broncos. Oh well.
Rams (+2.5) over Raiders
Oakland is the favorite? OAKLAND? They're 2-11, have lost 6 straight, and haven't scored more than 14 points during that losing streak. And they're the favorite? Certainly the Rams are no world-beaters, but I'm not taking the Raiders to beat the spread in a game that they're favored to win. No sir.
Eagles (+5.5) over Giants
I can see it now... Garcia continues his strong play, gets rewarded with a multi-year deal from some team looking for that veteran influence at QB, then he sucks again. It's almost too predictable.
Chiefs (+8.5) over Chargers
As awesome as the Chargers look at times, they can also be pretty inconsistent. And with the Chiefs loss last week their backs are firmly against the wall. Which isn't a good reason to pick a team to beat the spread, but that's all I got right now.
Colts (-3) over Bengals
Honestly, I have no idea what to say about this that everyone doesn't already know. It should be very high scoring and very entertaining. I'll take the home team, even if their run defense is incredibly bad.
Last Week: 7-7
Season: 86-95-8
Selasa, 12 Desember 2006
Best NFL Coaching Tirades
With finals in full swing I don't have much time to write, so I'll just point you in the direction of a couple of excellent videos. The first is just a hodgepodge of the best tirades of NFL coaches, including Dennis Green, Jim Mora, and Mike Ditka.
The second one is just the best of Jim Mora. I once linked to the Jim Mora Playoffs Clip, but this one is longer and has a greater variety. Though for my money you can't beat: "Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs. Are you kidding me? Playoffs? I'm just hoping we can win a game."
The second one is just the best of Jim Mora. I once linked to the Jim Mora Playoffs Clip, but this one is longer and has a greater variety. Though for my money you can't beat: "Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs. Are you kidding me? Playoffs? I'm just hoping we can win a game."
Senin, 11 Desember 2006
NFL Power Rankings
I gave my top 10 a couple weeks ago, and it's time to bring it back again this week because, well, I can. So here's my NFL top 10 after week 14.
1. San Diego Chargers - I don't even really need to explain this. LaDainian Tomlinson is pretty good, in case you haven't noticed.
2. Baltimore Ravens - I still have a couple of doubts about Steve McNair, but he's erasing more and more of them every week. As long as McNair can avoid stupid mistakes they can use the same formula they've used in the past... play great defense, control the clock, make plays late. So far that formula has worked for a 10-3 record.
3. Indianapolis Colts - I know, I know. 375 yards rushing allowed. But still, Peyon Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, etc. If they can just stop the run a little they'll still a Super Bowl contender. But at this point you definitely have to put them behind San Diego and Baltimore, but no one else really jumps out at me as being ahead of them (unless Rex Grossman can find consistency).
4. New Orleans Saints - That performance at Dallas was just extremely impressive to me. They may have the best and most diverse offense in the NFL... they can just hurt you in so many different ways and Drew Brees is so good right now. But they also displayed a surprisingly solid and opportunistic defense. These guys will be hard to beat, especially if they can get a 2nd round playoff game in the Superdome.
5. Chicago Bears - Much better, Rex Grossman. If I was more convinced he can play that solidly (no turnovers!) the Bears would move up to #3 for me. But I'm not, not yet. Of course, with Devin Hester and the Bears defense he doesn't have to be that good. Devin Hester: Rookie of the Year? I'm not so sure any other rookie's been as valuable as he has.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - I contemplated putting them higher but they wind up at #6. Their defense is playing very well right now (granted it's been against weaker competition) and Carson Palmer is getting more comfortable on that knee every week. Rudi could have a big day against the Colts D next week that as mentioned is a little porous against the run. Cincy at Indianapolis next Monday night should tell us a lot about both teams.
7. Dallas Cowboys - Last week everyone (including me) was saying they could be the best team in the NFC, but things have quieted after Tony Romo showed he was, in fact, very human. But still, they've got a balanced offense and the defense is not as bad as it looked against New Orleans. They're still going to be a very tough out come playoff time.
8. New England Patriots - Their record indicates they should be higher up on this list, but I just don't see it. I love Bill Belicheck, I love Tom Brady, but I don't love the rest of the team. In a game against Miami that had them still in the running for a first-round bye they put up less than 200 yards of offense including 66 net yards passing. I just don't know at this point that they'll be able to sustain drives long enough to be a real force come playoff time.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Hard to go against them after the dismantling of the Colts. But still, they won't be able to run like that every week and David Garrard's numbers were pretty pedestrian. And I still can't get out of my mind the fact that they lost twice to Houston and once to Tennessee. There's just no real telling what these guys will do from week to week.
10. Miami Dolphins - They won't be going to the playoffs, but once again they're finishing strong. I'm still not a big Joey Harrington guy, but he's been ok. But the defense has been superb. Jason Taylor had another sack and Forced Fumble in the shutout of the Pats, and really has been the best defensive player in the NFL so far this year.
Who are your top teams?
1. San Diego Chargers - I don't even really need to explain this. LaDainian Tomlinson is pretty good, in case you haven't noticed.
2. Baltimore Ravens - I still have a couple of doubts about Steve McNair, but he's erasing more and more of them every week. As long as McNair can avoid stupid mistakes they can use the same formula they've used in the past... play great defense, control the clock, make plays late. So far that formula has worked for a 10-3 record.
3. Indianapolis Colts - I know, I know. 375 yards rushing allowed. But still, Peyon Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, etc. If they can just stop the run a little they'll still a Super Bowl contender. But at this point you definitely have to put them behind San Diego and Baltimore, but no one else really jumps out at me as being ahead of them (unless Rex Grossman can find consistency).
4. New Orleans Saints - That performance at Dallas was just extremely impressive to me. They may have the best and most diverse offense in the NFL... they can just hurt you in so many different ways and Drew Brees is so good right now. But they also displayed a surprisingly solid and opportunistic defense. These guys will be hard to beat, especially if they can get a 2nd round playoff game in the Superdome.
5. Chicago Bears - Much better, Rex Grossman. If I was more convinced he can play that solidly (no turnovers!) the Bears would move up to #3 for me. But I'm not, not yet. Of course, with Devin Hester and the Bears defense he doesn't have to be that good. Devin Hester: Rookie of the Year? I'm not so sure any other rookie's been as valuable as he has.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - I contemplated putting them higher but they wind up at #6. Their defense is playing very well right now (granted it's been against weaker competition) and Carson Palmer is getting more comfortable on that knee every week. Rudi could have a big day against the Colts D next week that as mentioned is a little porous against the run. Cincy at Indianapolis next Monday night should tell us a lot about both teams.
7. Dallas Cowboys - Last week everyone (including me) was saying they could be the best team in the NFC, but things have quieted after Tony Romo showed he was, in fact, very human. But still, they've got a balanced offense and the defense is not as bad as it looked against New Orleans. They're still going to be a very tough out come playoff time.
8. New England Patriots - Their record indicates they should be higher up on this list, but I just don't see it. I love Bill Belicheck, I love Tom Brady, but I don't love the rest of the team. In a game against Miami that had them still in the running for a first-round bye they put up less than 200 yards of offense including 66 net yards passing. I just don't know at this point that they'll be able to sustain drives long enough to be a real force come playoff time.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Hard to go against them after the dismantling of the Colts. But still, they won't be able to run like that every week and David Garrard's numbers were pretty pedestrian. And I still can't get out of my mind the fact that they lost twice to Houston and once to Tennessee. There's just no real telling what these guys will do from week to week.
10. Miami Dolphins - They won't be going to the playoffs, but once again they're finishing strong. I'm still not a big Joey Harrington guy, but he's been ok. But the defense has been superb. Jason Taylor had another sack and Forced Fumble in the shutout of the Pats, and really has been the best defensive player in the NFL so far this year.
Who are your top teams?
Minggu, 10 Desember 2006
NFL Week 14 Thoughts
Quick thoughts from the week that was in the NFL:If you're a Texans fan look away:
- Reggie Bush - 6 carries, 37 yards, 6 receptions, 125 yards, 1 TD. Saints win
- Vince Young - 19/29, 218 passing yards, 1 INT, 86 rush yards, 39 yard TD run in OT, Titans win
- Matt Leinart - 21/34, 232 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, Cardinals win
- Mario Williams - 2 tackles, Texans loss
- Congratulations to LaDainian Tomlinson, who already has the record for most TDs in a single season. Oh yeah, and there's three games left in the season.
- Congratulations Drew Brees, the only guy that can reasonably challenge LT for the NFL MVP award this year. Just another incredible day against a good Cowboys defense... 26/28, 384 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT. And that was with Joe Horn out and Marques Colston still not quite 100%.
- It says here that Sean Payton is the NFL Coach of the Year. It also says here that the New Orleans Saints are the class of the NFC. That could very well be the best offense in the NFL.
- The New York Giants have lost 4 of 5 games, and if the season ended today they'd be the 5th seed in the NFC. What a world. By the same token, Brad Johnson is the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and they're 1 game back of a playoff spot right now.
- I knew the Colts had problems stopping the run, but this was a little ridiculous. Jones-Drew runs for 166 yards, Fred Taylor gets 131 yards, and Alvin Pearman gets 71 yards just for good measure. As a Maurice Jones-Drew fantasy owner, I thank the Colts.
- As Bill Parcells himself might say, let's not put Tony Romo in the Hall-of-Fame quite yet.
- Thanks for playing San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos. Better luck next year.
- Bears vs. Rams on Monday night. I can't wait [to do something else instead of watching that]!
Sabtu, 09 Desember 2006
NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 14
Pretty busy this weekend, so I'll just give my picks as I continue my drive to .500!
Bengals (-10.5) over Raiders
Titans (Even) over Texans
Falcons (-3) over Bucs
Giants (+3) over Panthers
Ravens (+3) over Chiefs
Patriots (-3.5) over Dolphins
Vikings (+1.5) over Lions
Colts (Even) over Jaguars
Seahawks (-3) over Cardinals
49ers (-4) over Packers
Broncos (+8) over Chargers
Jets (-3.5) over Bills
Saints (+7) over Cowboys
Rams (+6) over Bears
Last Week: 10-5
Season: 79-88-8
Bengals (-10.5) over Raiders
Titans (Even) over Texans
Falcons (-3) over Bucs
Giants (+3) over Panthers
Ravens (+3) over Chiefs
Patriots (-3.5) over Dolphins
Vikings (+1.5) over Lions
Colts (Even) over Jaguars
Seahawks (-3) over Cardinals
49ers (-4) over Packers
Broncos (+8) over Chargers
Jets (-3.5) over Bills
Saints (+7) over Cowboys
Rams (+6) over Bears
Last Week: 10-5
Season: 79-88-8
Kamis, 07 Desember 2006
#25 Scottie Pippen
This is part of my list of the 50 Greatest NBA Players Ever, where I will go through each player in a random order. #25 on the list is Scottie Pippen.
When you mention Scottie Pippen, you tend to get a lot of varying opinions. Typically what I hear most is that Scottie Pippen is very overrated and wouldn't have been nearly the player he was had he not been with Michael Jordan his whole career. I tend to take the complete opposite position.
Scottie Pippen is one of the most underrated players ever because he played with Michael Jordan. Some people might say 25 is too high of a spot for Pippen, but honestly I would be more likely to make him higher on the list than I would to put him lower. Obviously Michael Jordan was great, I think he was the best NBA player ever, but he's not winning all those titles without Scottie Pippen.
Scottie was a jack-of-all-trades. He was never a great scorer or great shooter, but he didn't have to be. And that's just a small complaint against a guy that did almost everything else well.
What was it that he did well? For starters, he's one of the best defensive players ever. He was quick enough to guard and disrupt PGs such as Mark Jackson in the 1998 playoffs, his long arms wreaked havoc with offensive players on the wing, and at 6'7'' he was tall enough and quick enough to guard guys down low. He's 5th in the NBA in career steals, nearly had 1000 career blocks, and was on either the 1st or 2nd team All-NBA Defense every year from 1991 to 2000.
But he was far from a defensive specialist. With his unique skills he practically started the concept of a "point forward." With his size and ballhandling skills that added another dimension to whatever offense he was in. He was also a great passer that averaged over 5 assists a game for his career. In 1992 he averaged 21 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 7.0 APG. Which reminds me, he was a pretty darn good rebounder as well, averaging 6.4 a game for his career but pulling down 7 or 8 a game during his prime.
And this was not all because of Jordan. In 1994 when Jordan retired for the first time, Pippen stepped up his game. He averaged 22 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 2.9 SPG, and finished 3rd in the NBA MVP voting. The team didn't do so bad either, winning 55 games on a team whose 2nd and 3rd leading scorers were Horace Grant and BJ Armstrong.
Later in his career as he joined Portland he lost a step or two athletically but still did whatever he could to help the Blazers come within a quarter of going to the Finals.The points when down a little as Pip scaled back shooting, but he kept rebounding, passing, and playing excellent defense.
Those that don't like Scottie will point out how he refused to re-enter the end of a playoff game after not having the final shot drawn up for him... and while I can't defend that action, I'm willing to forgive.
So while some might call Scottie Pippen overrated, I lean the opposite way. He was one of the great all-around players ever... he scored some, played great defense, rebounded, and was unselfish with the ball. He played with the greatest player ever, but that doesn't make him any less of a player.
When you mention Scottie Pippen, you tend to get a lot of varying opinions. Typically what I hear most is that Scottie Pippen is very overrated and wouldn't have been nearly the player he was had he not been with Michael Jordan his whole career. I tend to take the complete opposite position.
Scottie Pippen is one of the most underrated players ever because he played with Michael Jordan. Some people might say 25 is too high of a spot for Pippen, but honestly I would be more likely to make him higher on the list than I would to put him lower. Obviously Michael Jordan was great, I think he was the best NBA player ever, but he's not winning all those titles without Scottie Pippen.
Scottie was a jack-of-all-trades. He was never a great scorer or great shooter, but he didn't have to be. And that's just a small complaint against a guy that did almost everything else well.
What was it that he did well? For starters, he's one of the best defensive players ever. He was quick enough to guard and disrupt PGs such as Mark Jackson in the 1998 playoffs, his long arms wreaked havoc with offensive players on the wing, and at 6'7'' he was tall enough and quick enough to guard guys down low. He's 5th in the NBA in career steals, nearly had 1000 career blocks, and was on either the 1st or 2nd team All-NBA Defense every year from 1991 to 2000.
But he was far from a defensive specialist. With his unique skills he practically started the concept of a "point forward." With his size and ballhandling skills that added another dimension to whatever offense he was in. He was also a great passer that averaged over 5 assists a game for his career. In 1992 he averaged 21 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 7.0 APG. Which reminds me, he was a pretty darn good rebounder as well, averaging 6.4 a game for his career but pulling down 7 or 8 a game during his prime.
And this was not all because of Jordan. In 1994 when Jordan retired for the first time, Pippen stepped up his game. He averaged 22 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 2.9 SPG, and finished 3rd in the NBA MVP voting. The team didn't do so bad either, winning 55 games on a team whose 2nd and 3rd leading scorers were Horace Grant and BJ Armstrong.
Later in his career as he joined Portland he lost a step or two athletically but still did whatever he could to help the Blazers come within a quarter of going to the Finals.The points when down a little as Pip scaled back shooting, but he kept rebounding, passing, and playing excellent defense.
Those that don't like Scottie will point out how he refused to re-enter the end of a playoff game after not having the final shot drawn up for him... and while I can't defend that action, I'm willing to forgive.
So while some might call Scottie Pippen overrated, I lean the opposite way. He was one of the great all-around players ever... he scored some, played great defense, rebounded, and was unselfish with the ball. He played with the greatest player ever, but that doesn't make him any less of a player.
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