There were a number of candidates for Blowout game in Week 6, including Packers/Lions, Jags/Rams, Steelers/Browns, and Pats/Titans. However, there is only one that I considered an absolute lock to not only win, but also to beat the spread, and that is:
Philadelphia Eagles @ Oakland Raiders
Over/Under: 40 1/2
Line: Eagles by 14
My Thoughts:
As far as the line is concerned, the Eagles could easily win this game 14-0 and get the push. They really only need 2 touchdowns and a field goal to cover the spread against the Raiders. Oakland was simply embarrassed against the New York Giants last week, putting out a stinker of a team effort. No single phase of their team played well against New York, and Philly is a very good team in their own right.
Donovan McNabb is the quarterback the Raiders hoped Jamarcus Russell would be. I made the point in an earlier post that McNabb is one of the greats of this generations when healthy, and this uninspired Raiders team will do nothing but pad his stats. Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin will consistently challenge Oakland's secondary deep, and Brent Celek has turned himself into a pretty good target over the middle. Brian Westbrook and Lesean McCoy are a dynamic running tandem, with the agility and athleticism to give the Raiders linebackers fits.
Philly's defense has not lost its aggression despite losing their long-time defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson, to cancer this off season. While the pressure isn't as consistent and the linebacker play hasn't been as good, this is still an extremely effective group. The secondary has been very good, despite letting Brian Dawkins go to the Broncos. Asante Samuel will go down as one of the better free-agent pickups of the decade, and has to be licking his chops at the thought of all the errant Russell passes.
Let's face it, there's really nothing the Raiders do well anymore. Last year they ran well; this year, especially with McFadden injured, they can't do much of anything on the ground. Jamarcus Russell might be the worst NFL quarterback ever, all the more egregious because he was the first overall pick! The defense, which I expected to be a pretty good unit this year, has been horridly disappointing.
Much like last week, I don't think this game will even be competitive. Expect the Eagles to get off to a fast start on offense, taking anywhere up to a 17 point lead in the first quarter alone. The defense will go after Russell hard, taking a page out of New York's playbook. Asante Samuel can expect at least one INT, and Philadelphia will dominate this one from beginning to end.
Prediction:
Eagles 38
Raiders 9
~Freeze
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Week 6 Pick: Upset
On the menu for Week 6, there aren't a whole lot of games that seem ripe for an upset. Maybe Ravens/Vikings, but the low line of 3 for Minnesota at home doesn't work for me. Bears/Falcons maybe, but again, that's a low line (3 1/2) to call an upset. So in the name of being bold, after a miserable week of picks for Week 5, I'm throwing caution to the wind with:
Kansas City Chiefs @ Washington Redskins
Over/Under: 37
Line: Redskins by 6 1/2
My Thoughts:
Interesting fact about this game: if you count the 0-0 Giants in Week 1, the Redskins have opened the season against 6 teams who were all winless at the time. That's an NFL first. Against those teams, they are 2-3 thus far, with the sixth game on Sunday. Sorry Daniel Snyder, but your crappy team is destined to be 2-4 against the NFL's winless group.
Before I beat down the Redskins, let me address the Kansas City Chiefs. First, they have a much classier name that is way less insulting to Native Americans, so I'll pick them over the Redskins based solely on that. Second, I know they're 0-5, but this team is better than their record. Matt Cassel can play, Dwayne Bowe is a pretty good receiver, I think Todd Haley is a pretty good coach, and the defense will come around. The real tipping point for this game is the offense. They showed against a very good Giants D that they can move the ball, and even score a couple of points. This Washington defense isn't as talented or well-coached as the Giants, and the Chiefs are getting better.
KC's defense isn't a particularly good unit, but there is some ability there. Tyson Jackson, while not a top-flight pass rusher, is a pretty good run stopper at defensive end. At linebacker, Corey Mays and Tamba Hali are quietly playing pretty well. And despite a few unimpressive performances so far, I like their secondary, with Flowers and Carr. What gives them an edge this week is that they get to sharpen their game against a basically inept Washington offense. Jason Campbell simply isn't that good, the offensive line isn't helping either him or Clinton Portis, and the receivers have disappointed. Chris Cooley is really the only great player on that offense, and he's being wasted in a West Coast attack with the wrong quarterback.
I believe that Brandons Carr and Flowers can hold their own against Santana Moss and Antwan Randle-El, allowing Clancy Pendergast's defense to bring some extra pressure on a banged-up and just-not-that-good Redskins offensive line. Kansas City's offense will be able to score just enough points to win this game, and the defense will do what they have to to keep Washington about where they belong. Jim Zorn's seat gets even hotter as he grants yet another winless team with their first victory on the year.
Prediction:
Chiefs 21
Redskins 17
My Record:
Last Week - 1-3 Straight Up, 0-4 Against the Spread
Overall - 15-4 Straight Up, 11-8 Against the Spread
If not for the incredible amount of spunk from the Bengals and Lions, that record looks a lot better. I'm really going for it on the picks this week, and I'm hoping for a good rebound from last week's embarrassment.
~Freeze
Kansas City Chiefs @ Washington Redskins
Over/Under: 37
Line: Redskins by 6 1/2
My Thoughts:
Interesting fact about this game: if you count the 0-0 Giants in Week 1, the Redskins have opened the season against 6 teams who were all winless at the time. That's an NFL first. Against those teams, they are 2-3 thus far, with the sixth game on Sunday. Sorry Daniel Snyder, but your crappy team is destined to be 2-4 against the NFL's winless group.
Before I beat down the Redskins, let me address the Kansas City Chiefs. First, they have a much classier name that is way less insulting to Native Americans, so I'll pick them over the Redskins based solely on that. Second, I know they're 0-5, but this team is better than their record. Matt Cassel can play, Dwayne Bowe is a pretty good receiver, I think Todd Haley is a pretty good coach, and the defense will come around. The real tipping point for this game is the offense. They showed against a very good Giants D that they can move the ball, and even score a couple of points. This Washington defense isn't as talented or well-coached as the Giants, and the Chiefs are getting better.
KC's defense isn't a particularly good unit, but there is some ability there. Tyson Jackson, while not a top-flight pass rusher, is a pretty good run stopper at defensive end. At linebacker, Corey Mays and Tamba Hali are quietly playing pretty well. And despite a few unimpressive performances so far, I like their secondary, with Flowers and Carr. What gives them an edge this week is that they get to sharpen their game against a basically inept Washington offense. Jason Campbell simply isn't that good, the offensive line isn't helping either him or Clinton Portis, and the receivers have disappointed. Chris Cooley is really the only great player on that offense, and he's being wasted in a West Coast attack with the wrong quarterback.
I believe that Brandons Carr and Flowers can hold their own against Santana Moss and Antwan Randle-El, allowing Clancy Pendergast's defense to bring some extra pressure on a banged-up and just-not-that-good Redskins offensive line. Kansas City's offense will be able to score just enough points to win this game, and the defense will do what they have to to keep Washington about where they belong. Jim Zorn's seat gets even hotter as he grants yet another winless team with their first victory on the year.
Prediction:
Chiefs 21
Redskins 17
My Record:
Last Week - 1-3 Straight Up, 0-4 Against the Spread
Overall - 15-4 Straight Up, 11-8 Against the Spread
If not for the incredible amount of spunk from the Bengals and Lions, that record looks a lot better. I'm really going for it on the picks this week, and I'm hoping for a good rebound from last week's embarrassment.
~Freeze
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wednesday Feature: If They Played in the NFL
From some of the feedback I've gotten, this seems like a feature people are having some fun with. The suggestion I've gotten most often is:
Lebron James
Small Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers
6'8" 250 lbs.
Position: Tight End
Lebron James has been a hot topic in football conversations for a few years. A world-class athlete with a good basketball IQ, generally good team player, great hands, and superior toughness, James is built to be an outstanding football player. The hard part is picking a position for him.
Following the mold of guys like Antonio Gates, James would likely be the next big basketball-player-turned-tight-end superstar. His height seems to lend itself best to the wide receiver position, but Lebron simply doesn't have the straight ahead speed or lateral quickness to match up with NFL cornerbacks. However, his height/weight combination would allow him to be a very effective tight end.
Imagine, if you will, a 6'2" linebacker having to cover Lebron James in space. Height advantage notwithstanding, there's no way any linebacker has the ups to beat LBJ to a jump ball. Safeties? Forget about tackling that 250 pound guy with the ball. And while James doesn't have the speed to be a real effective wide receiver, he has more than enough for the tight end position. Lebron James would be a great target over the middle and number one in the red zone. Everyone loves a tall receiver in the back of the end zone. The 6'8" James, who can jump better than even many in the NBA, would win almost every match up.
Of course, scoring touchdowns isn't all there is to being a tight end in the NFL. The real question about Lebron James as a tight end is simple: can he block? James has long arms and big hands, so he should be able to really get into the pads of defensive ends and linebackers in run blocking. Being an interior basketball player, he also has quick feet and can slide well, which would be especially helpful when he's asked to pass-block, then slip out for screen passes. Just looking at the guy, you have to think he has the strength to at least hold his own against good defenders. While I believe Lebron James would be a better pass-catcher than blocker, I think he would actually be a good, well-rounded tight end more in the form of Jeremy Shockey at his best, or a better-blocking Owen Daniels of the Texans.
Who would he play for, though? Given his freakish athleticism, I'm tempted to drop him on the Raiders (that's gonna come up a lot), but they already have a pass-catching tight end. Considering the balance of his ability, and his red zone capabilities, I think the Ravens would be a good fit. Imagine a two TE set with Todd Heap and Lebron James! The Browns are an obvious choice, as they're in Cleveland and have no TEs, but for Ohio teams, I'd have to side with the Bengals. Cincinnati doesn't have a standout at the position, so they could use his help. He would help Cedric Benson in the run game, and would be an ideal target for a smart, big-armed quarterback like Carson Palmer.
Any other thoughts on Lebron? Any more suggestions for players? Someone mentioned some MMA guys, and I could use some more names from that sport to look through. Keep the feedback coming, and remember to click the ads every once in a while!
~Freeze
Lebron James
Small Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers
6'8" 250 lbs.
Position: Tight End
Lebron James has been a hot topic in football conversations for a few years. A world-class athlete with a good basketball IQ, generally good team player, great hands, and superior toughness, James is built to be an outstanding football player. The hard part is picking a position for him.
Following the mold of guys like Antonio Gates, James would likely be the next big basketball-player-turned-tight-end superstar. His height seems to lend itself best to the wide receiver position, but Lebron simply doesn't have the straight ahead speed or lateral quickness to match up with NFL cornerbacks. However, his height/weight combination would allow him to be a very effective tight end.
Imagine, if you will, a 6'2" linebacker having to cover Lebron James in space. Height advantage notwithstanding, there's no way any linebacker has the ups to beat LBJ to a jump ball. Safeties? Forget about tackling that 250 pound guy with the ball. And while James doesn't have the speed to be a real effective wide receiver, he has more than enough for the tight end position. Lebron James would be a great target over the middle and number one in the red zone. Everyone loves a tall receiver in the back of the end zone. The 6'8" James, who can jump better than even many in the NBA, would win almost every match up.
Of course, scoring touchdowns isn't all there is to being a tight end in the NFL. The real question about Lebron James as a tight end is simple: can he block? James has long arms and big hands, so he should be able to really get into the pads of defensive ends and linebackers in run blocking. Being an interior basketball player, he also has quick feet and can slide well, which would be especially helpful when he's asked to pass-block, then slip out for screen passes. Just looking at the guy, you have to think he has the strength to at least hold his own against good defenders. While I believe Lebron James would be a better pass-catcher than blocker, I think he would actually be a good, well-rounded tight end more in the form of Jeremy Shockey at his best, or a better-blocking Owen Daniels of the Texans.
Who would he play for, though? Given his freakish athleticism, I'm tempted to drop him on the Raiders (that's gonna come up a lot), but they already have a pass-catching tight end. Considering the balance of his ability, and his red zone capabilities, I think the Ravens would be a good fit. Imagine a two TE set with Todd Heap and Lebron James! The Browns are an obvious choice, as they're in Cleveland and have no TEs, but for Ohio teams, I'd have to side with the Bengals. Cincinnati doesn't have a standout at the position, so they could use his help. He would help Cedric Benson in the run game, and would be an ideal target for a smart, big-armed quarterback like Carson Palmer.
Any other thoughts on Lebron? Any more suggestions for players? Someone mentioned some MMA guys, and I could use some more names from that sport to look through. Keep the feedback coming, and remember to click the ads every once in a while!
~Freeze
Giants v Raiders Recap
I'm a little late doing this, but that's okay, because I can sum up this game review really quickly.
New York Giants
This was a full-team domination on Sunday. The Giants ran and passed with impunity to the tune of 44 points. The defense was outstanding, racking up 6 sacks, 3 fumbles, and holding Oakland to under 200 total yards of offense and 7 points. Even that touchdown shouldn't be there, as it was a lousy call by the refs. I'll forgive the defense for giving up a touchdown when Oakland gets the ball at our 13. This had trap game written all over it, with a daunting game against the Saints on the horizon, but Coughlin and his coaches has this team well prepared to kill the Raiders. Special shout-outs to David Carr, Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwanuka, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Eli Manning for particularly impressive showings.
Oakland Raiders
Seriously, as a team, what did the Raiders do well? They ran the ball ineffectively. Jamarcus Russel might be the worst quarterback I've ever seen. The offensive line couldn't protect him (or run block). The defense simply wilted. Even Nnamdi Asomugha didn't have a great game (granted, we threw at him, like, once). When Tom Cable took over as coach last year, he really had this team playing for him, giving great effort. Now it looks like they don't even want to play anymore. That's really a shame, because there are some really good players on this team (McFadden, Louis Murphy, Asomugha, Richard Seymour, Kirk Morrison, Greg Ellis). This whole franchise just needs to start over.
Sinorice Moss
Moss is a guy who just drives me insane. I know he has talent, I can see the game-breaking speed. Somehow, he just can't make it work in games. His punt returns have been sub-par all season, and Sunday's were truly awful. He muffed one on what should have been a routine "let it drop" kick, and almost messed up another one. He's done nothing as a receiver, and he contributes nothing on special teams. Sorry, but there is no place on a championship caliber team for Sinorice Moss.
The Officiating Crew
Anyone watching the game clearly saw Justin Fargas fumble that ball in the second quarter. He was never down by contact. And they can't say they ruled "forward progress" when the whistle didn't blow until after CC Brown had the ball and was off running. That was a horrid bit of officiating that caused a 14-point swing in this game. I'll always consider the final score of this one 51-0.
~Freeze
Highlights
New York Giants
This was a full-team domination on Sunday. The Giants ran and passed with impunity to the tune of 44 points. The defense was outstanding, racking up 6 sacks, 3 fumbles, and holding Oakland to under 200 total yards of offense and 7 points. Even that touchdown shouldn't be there, as it was a lousy call by the refs. I'll forgive the defense for giving up a touchdown when Oakland gets the ball at our 13. This had trap game written all over it, with a daunting game against the Saints on the horizon, but Coughlin and his coaches has this team well prepared to kill the Raiders. Special shout-outs to David Carr, Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwanuka, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Eli Manning for particularly impressive showings.
Lowlights
Oakland Raiders
Seriously, as a team, what did the Raiders do well? They ran the ball ineffectively. Jamarcus Russel might be the worst quarterback I've ever seen. The offensive line couldn't protect him (or run block). The defense simply wilted. Even Nnamdi Asomugha didn't have a great game (granted, we threw at him, like, once). When Tom Cable took over as coach last year, he really had this team playing for him, giving great effort. Now it looks like they don't even want to play anymore. That's really a shame, because there are some really good players on this team (McFadden, Louis Murphy, Asomugha, Richard Seymour, Kirk Morrison, Greg Ellis). This whole franchise just needs to start over.
Sinorice Moss
Moss is a guy who just drives me insane. I know he has talent, I can see the game-breaking speed. Somehow, he just can't make it work in games. His punt returns have been sub-par all season, and Sunday's were truly awful. He muffed one on what should have been a routine "let it drop" kick, and almost messed up another one. He's done nothing as a receiver, and he contributes nothing on special teams. Sorry, but there is no place on a championship caliber team for Sinorice Moss.
The Officiating Crew
Anyone watching the game clearly saw Justin Fargas fumble that ball in the second quarter. He was never down by contact. And they can't say they ruled "forward progress" when the whistle didn't blow until after CC Brown had the ball and was off running. That was a horrid bit of officiating that caused a 14-point swing in this game. I'll always consider the final score of this one 51-0.
~Freeze
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Week 5 Knee Jerk Reactions
Emphasis on jerk. Here are some of the things that occurred to me while taking in this week of NFL madness.
We Can Stop Asking if the Bengals are for Real
A thrilling last-second win over the Baltimore Ravens, which put Cincinnati atop the AFC North, pretty much settles that debate. The Bengals have beaten the Packers, Steelers, and now the Ravens to plant themselves among the teams not to be taken lightly. I'm still not convinced they'll end this season having won their division and in the playoffs, but Cincy is getting better, and is once again a very good team to contend with.
No One Runs the Wildcat Like the Dolphins
There has been no more widely copied trend in recent years than Miami's fabled "Wildcat" package, which basically just puts Ronnie Brown in at quarterback instead of, well, a quarterback. After they schooled the Patriots with it last year, the Wildcat took the league by storm, and now almost every team has some version of it. Monday night's win over the Jets, though, reminded us all where all this nonsense came from. Teams have varying success running forms of the Wildcat, and no one else has yet to commit to it as a big part of their offense. What Miami has been able to accomplish with the Wildcat is amazing; that Jets defense was ranked best in the league two weeks ago, and Miami made them look ridiculous. I believe that the Wildcat will ultimately just be a flash in the pan, and isn't likely to be nearly as big a year or two from now, but Miami runs is far-and-away better than anyone else at the moment.
I Learned Two Things From Broncos/Patriots
First: The Broncos are better than I thought. I saw this team as a complete mess that was winning games with luck and surprise. Apparently, that defense really is extremely good. Brian Dawkins added that element of intimidation that Champ Bailey has lost a bit over the years. Elvis Dumervil is a hell of a pass rusher. That defense can really play. As for the offense, I still don't think they're better with Kyle Orton than Jay Cutler, but the offensive line and a motivated Brandon Marshall make them a scary group. Knowshon Moreno has had some growing pains, but he will be the next star to roll off the the Broncos assembly line. It's hard to admit, but that 5-0 record the Broncos are sporting is legit.
Second: The Patriots aren't nearly as good as we thought. New England was a hot Super Bowl pick in the preseason; everyone expected a healthy Tom Brady to make that an automatic bid. The Pats' offense may still have some pop, but the defense has been surprisingly un-Belichick. The secondary is a liability, the pass rush is non-existent, and they simply can't hold a lead. It's hard to believe a defensive guy like Bill Belichick will let that continue, but my eyes don't lie: the window appears to have closed for the Patriots.
Donovan McNabb Is One of the Greats
Granted, it was the Bucs, but coming off a two week break from broken ribs and passing for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns is tremendous. All that, and he's distracted and off-rhythm with the whole Michael Vick thing. Philly fans have never appreciated McNabb, but he's been nothing but awesome his whole career. Does he choke in huge games? Yeah, but at least he gets them there. He molded himself into a pocket passer, has one of the best arms in the game, and moves better in the pocket than just about anyone. As a Giants fan, I hate his guts, but I gotta give D-Mac some respect.
Peyton Manning Will Be the NFL's Only 4-Time MVP
Manning opened the season with 5 300-yard games. He's without his long-time target Marvin Harrison. His number 2 receiver, Anthony Gonzalez has missed games due to injury. His head coach retires, and there's a ton of off season turmoil around the offensive coaches. All that, and Manning is still probably the best there is. While this week's win over the Titans (who have given him trouble in the past) was typically impressive, it's even better when taking into account that he beat the Dolphins last week with only 15 minutes time of possession. Five weeks into the season, the Colts look unstoppable, and that's all thanks to Manning. If MVP really means most "valuable," who in the NFL is more valuable to their team than Peyton? Brady went down last year, and New England won 11 games. Anyone think Indy wins 6 with Jim Sorgi behind the wheel? Me neither. They should be starting his bust in Canton now, just to be prepared. It'll take a lot of bronze to sculpt that forehead.
We Can Stop Asking if the Bengals are for Real
A thrilling last-second win over the Baltimore Ravens, which put Cincinnati atop the AFC North, pretty much settles that debate. The Bengals have beaten the Packers, Steelers, and now the Ravens to plant themselves among the teams not to be taken lightly. I'm still not convinced they'll end this season having won their division and in the playoffs, but Cincy is getting better, and is once again a very good team to contend with.
No One Runs the Wildcat Like the Dolphins
There has been no more widely copied trend in recent years than Miami's fabled "Wildcat" package, which basically just puts Ronnie Brown in at quarterback instead of, well, a quarterback. After they schooled the Patriots with it last year, the Wildcat took the league by storm, and now almost every team has some version of it. Monday night's win over the Jets, though, reminded us all where all this nonsense came from. Teams have varying success running forms of the Wildcat, and no one else has yet to commit to it as a big part of their offense. What Miami has been able to accomplish with the Wildcat is amazing; that Jets defense was ranked best in the league two weeks ago, and Miami made them look ridiculous. I believe that the Wildcat will ultimately just be a flash in the pan, and isn't likely to be nearly as big a year or two from now, but Miami runs is far-and-away better than anyone else at the moment.
I Learned Two Things From Broncos/Patriots
First: The Broncos are better than I thought. I saw this team as a complete mess that was winning games with luck and surprise. Apparently, that defense really is extremely good. Brian Dawkins added that element of intimidation that Champ Bailey has lost a bit over the years. Elvis Dumervil is a hell of a pass rusher. That defense can really play. As for the offense, I still don't think they're better with Kyle Orton than Jay Cutler, but the offensive line and a motivated Brandon Marshall make them a scary group. Knowshon Moreno has had some growing pains, but he will be the next star to roll off the the Broncos assembly line. It's hard to admit, but that 5-0 record the Broncos are sporting is legit.
Second: The Patriots aren't nearly as good as we thought. New England was a hot Super Bowl pick in the preseason; everyone expected a healthy Tom Brady to make that an automatic bid. The Pats' offense may still have some pop, but the defense has been surprisingly un-Belichick. The secondary is a liability, the pass rush is non-existent, and they simply can't hold a lead. It's hard to believe a defensive guy like Bill Belichick will let that continue, but my eyes don't lie: the window appears to have closed for the Patriots.
Donovan McNabb Is One of the Greats
Granted, it was the Bucs, but coming off a two week break from broken ribs and passing for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns is tremendous. All that, and he's distracted and off-rhythm with the whole Michael Vick thing. Philly fans have never appreciated McNabb, but he's been nothing but awesome his whole career. Does he choke in huge games? Yeah, but at least he gets them there. He molded himself into a pocket passer, has one of the best arms in the game, and moves better in the pocket than just about anyone. As a Giants fan, I hate his guts, but I gotta give D-Mac some respect.
Peyton Manning Will Be the NFL's Only 4-Time MVP
Manning opened the season with 5 300-yard games. He's without his long-time target Marvin Harrison. His number 2 receiver, Anthony Gonzalez has missed games due to injury. His head coach retires, and there's a ton of off season turmoil around the offensive coaches. All that, and Manning is still probably the best there is. While this week's win over the Titans (who have given him trouble in the past) was typically impressive, it's even better when taking into account that he beat the Dolphins last week with only 15 minutes time of possession. Five weeks into the season, the Colts look unstoppable, and that's all thanks to Manning. If MVP really means most "valuable," who in the NFL is more valuable to their team than Peyton? Brady went down last year, and New England won 11 games. Anyone think Indy wins 6 with Jim Sorgi behind the wheel? Me neither. They should be starting his bust in Canton now, just to be prepared. It'll take a lot of bronze to sculpt that forehead.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Week 5 Pick: Marquee Game
Looking for a Marquee game for Week 5, a not-so-obvious choice really hit me from way out in left field. If "Marquee" is defined (by me, for football) as two good teams in a game with serious implications, you'll understand why I chose:
Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
Over/Under: 42
Line: Ravens by 8 1/2
My Thoughts:
Think Ray Lewis and the Baltimore defense are still pissed about getting jobbed by the officials last week? Think ol' Ray Ray is going to use that as big time motivation to get his group amped up for a big time division game? Think Cincinnati wants to prove they're the real deal after a surprising 3-1 start? Could this game be an early indicator of who will win the suddenly competitive and neck-and-neck AFC North? Sign me up!
I began this by talking about Baltimore's D. However, I'm far more interested in their suddenly sizzling, high flying offense. The Ravens have always been a team that runs the ball well, and they are continuing that tradition magnificently this year. The passing game, though, has been nothing short of a revelation. Change one badly dropped fourth down pass last week, and Baltimore is 4-0, and has beaten some really good teams on the strength of their offense. The defense has looked surprisingly out of sync, and has yet to really hit their stride. Joe Flacco, with his impressive play, has been able to hide that surprising weakness really well.
Cincinnati has been pretty much firing on all cylinders this year. The offense has returned to its explosive form, and Mike Zimmer's defense has been playing sound, inspired football. No one could look at the over-the-summer zoo in Cincinnati and say they saw this kind of start coming. This game is a chance for the Bengals to prove to the rest of the league that they're serious about this "playing-good-football" thing. I think they have the talent and inspiration to really take it to the Ravens, even when playing in Baltimore.
Of course, if you've been reading the blog for a few weeks, you know I really believe in the Ravens in 2009. I think the Bengals are way better than people expected, and that it's for real, not just a flash in the football pan. However, the Ravens are just the better team at the moment, and will take this one in solid, if unspectacular, fashion.
Prediction:
Ravens 27
Bengals 17
~Freeze
Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
Over/Under: 42
Line: Ravens by 8 1/2
My Thoughts:
Think Ray Lewis and the Baltimore defense are still pissed about getting jobbed by the officials last week? Think ol' Ray Ray is going to use that as big time motivation to get his group amped up for a big time division game? Think Cincinnati wants to prove they're the real deal after a surprising 3-1 start? Could this game be an early indicator of who will win the suddenly competitive and neck-and-neck AFC North? Sign me up!
I began this by talking about Baltimore's D. However, I'm far more interested in their suddenly sizzling, high flying offense. The Ravens have always been a team that runs the ball well, and they are continuing that tradition magnificently this year. The passing game, though, has been nothing short of a revelation. Change one badly dropped fourth down pass last week, and Baltimore is 4-0, and has beaten some really good teams on the strength of their offense. The defense has looked surprisingly out of sync, and has yet to really hit their stride. Joe Flacco, with his impressive play, has been able to hide that surprising weakness really well.
Cincinnati has been pretty much firing on all cylinders this year. The offense has returned to its explosive form, and Mike Zimmer's defense has been playing sound, inspired football. No one could look at the over-the-summer zoo in Cincinnati and say they saw this kind of start coming. This game is a chance for the Bengals to prove to the rest of the league that they're serious about this "playing-good-football" thing. I think they have the talent and inspiration to really take it to the Ravens, even when playing in Baltimore.
Of course, if you've been reading the blog for a few weeks, you know I really believe in the Ravens in 2009. I think the Bengals are way better than people expected, and that it's for real, not just a flash in the football pan. However, the Ravens are just the better team at the moment, and will take this one in solid, if unspectacular, fashion.
Prediction:
Ravens 27
Bengals 17
~Freeze
Week 5 Pick: Most Interesting Game
As far as games with scintillating storylines go, there was really only one that popped out at me on the Week 5 schedule, and that is:
New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
Over/Under: 41
Line: Patriots by 3 1/2
My Thoughts:
How much better does a story get (outside of Favre vs. teh Packers)? Josh McDaniels, New England's wunderkind prodigal son, facing his old hoodie-clad Yoda. A Denver team that was in complete disarray a month ago, sitting at 4-0 atop their division. A Patriots team that features McDaniels' former star quarterback coming back from injury. Drama and intrigue abound in this match up, so watch closely.
The off the field intrigue is really, to me, all this game has going for it. I don't expect a hyper-competitive outing here. The Broncos are good, far better than anyone expected, but they are not Patriots good. Denver's defense is much better that it was last year, but is simply not equipped to stop Brady's offense. Champ Bailey is the second-best cover corner in the league (third if you buy the Darrelle Revis hype), and should effectively take Randy Moss out of the game. Wes Welker is the deciding factor here, and he is primed for a big performance.
The Broncos' linebackers are a reasonably fast, athletic group, and Elvis Dumervil has been reinvented as a pass rush specialist. But Wes Welker tearing across the middle of the field will be a nightmare for the poor Broncos. Denver's offense, aside from Brandon Marshall lacks any real pop. Kyle Orton is serviceable at best, and will not be able to carry his team against a very good New England defense. The Pats will win this one cleanly, but not by a ton.
Prediction:
Patriots 24
Broncos 17
~Freeze
New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
Over/Under: 41
Line: Patriots by 3 1/2
My Thoughts:
How much better does a story get (outside of Favre vs. teh Packers)? Josh McDaniels, New England's wunderkind prodigal son, facing his old hoodie-clad Yoda. A Denver team that was in complete disarray a month ago, sitting at 4-0 atop their division. A Patriots team that features McDaniels' former star quarterback coming back from injury. Drama and intrigue abound in this match up, so watch closely.
The off the field intrigue is really, to me, all this game has going for it. I don't expect a hyper-competitive outing here. The Broncos are good, far better than anyone expected, but they are not Patriots good. Denver's defense is much better that it was last year, but is simply not equipped to stop Brady's offense. Champ Bailey is the second-best cover corner in the league (third if you buy the Darrelle Revis hype), and should effectively take Randy Moss out of the game. Wes Welker is the deciding factor here, and he is primed for a big performance.
The Broncos' linebackers are a reasonably fast, athletic group, and Elvis Dumervil has been reinvented as a pass rush specialist. But Wes Welker tearing across the middle of the field will be a nightmare for the poor Broncos. Denver's offense, aside from Brandon Marshall lacks any real pop. Kyle Orton is serviceable at best, and will not be able to carry his team against a very good New England defense. The Pats will win this one cleanly, but not by a ton.
Prediction:
Patriots 24
Broncos 17
~Freeze
Friday, October 9, 2009
Week 5 Pick: Upset
Looking at the schedule, I found very few contendersfor a real upset special. There were a couple of close lines that I was curious about, but I got burned by that last week by my Ravens. So rather than pick the underdog with a close line, I'm going full-blown Upset this week with:
Houston Texans @ Arizona Cardinals
Over/Under: 50
Line: Cardinals by 5 1/2
My Thoughts:
Laying 5 1/2 points AT HOME against a struggling Houston team isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for the Cardinals. Arizona is coming off a bye week, so you have to think coach Ken Whisenhunt worked them pretty hard on the little things that cost them 2 of their first 3 games. The Cards looked muddled and inconsistent so far, while Houston has rebounded from a miserable start against the Jets to get their offense clicking and showing some real fight.
This is not one of those games which will be decided on the ground. Neither team runs the ball particularly well, and neither is exactly adept at stopping the run. No, much like the Colts/Cardinals Sunday Nighter of yesterweek, this should be an absolute air-show. If you like good wide receivers, tune in to this beast. Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, and Anquan Boldin are likely to put on a great show. Points will be plentiful, and the NFL Films highlight reels will be burning up after this one.
After a great postseason performance, Arizona's defense seems to have really come back to earth in 2009. They have been vulnerable to big passing plays, haven't been amazing run-stuffers, and just have generally underachieved. While they spent their bye week (hopefully) fixing problems, Houston's offense has been finding their rhythm against better defenses than Arizona's. The Texans' D, of course, isn't quite a wonder to write home about. They have been miserable against the run, which is moot against a Cardinals team with an aversion to running the football. Their secondary is decent and, when healthy, Dunta Robinson is a pretty good corner. I think Houston's D is up to the task, and the suddenly-mortal Cardinals are still unable to find their way.
Prediction:
Texans 34
Cardinals 28
~Freeze
Houston Texans @ Arizona Cardinals
Over/Under: 50
Line: Cardinals by 5 1/2
My Thoughts:
Laying 5 1/2 points AT HOME against a struggling Houston team isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for the Cardinals. Arizona is coming off a bye week, so you have to think coach Ken Whisenhunt worked them pretty hard on the little things that cost them 2 of their first 3 games. The Cards looked muddled and inconsistent so far, while Houston has rebounded from a miserable start against the Jets to get their offense clicking and showing some real fight.
This is not one of those games which will be decided on the ground. Neither team runs the ball particularly well, and neither is exactly adept at stopping the run. No, much like the Colts/Cardinals Sunday Nighter of yesterweek, this should be an absolute air-show. If you like good wide receivers, tune in to this beast. Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, and Anquan Boldin are likely to put on a great show. Points will be plentiful, and the NFL Films highlight reels will be burning up after this one.
After a great postseason performance, Arizona's defense seems to have really come back to earth in 2009. They have been vulnerable to big passing plays, haven't been amazing run-stuffers, and just have generally underachieved. While they spent their bye week (hopefully) fixing problems, Houston's offense has been finding their rhythm against better defenses than Arizona's. The Texans' D, of course, isn't quite a wonder to write home about. They have been miserable against the run, which is moot against a Cardinals team with an aversion to running the football. Their secondary is decent and, when healthy, Dunta Robinson is a pretty good corner. I think Houston's D is up to the task, and the suddenly-mortal Cardinals are still unable to find their way.
Prediction:
Texans 34
Cardinals 28
~Freeze
Week 5 Pick: Blowout
I wish I was allowing myself to pick Giants games this year, as the 15 1/2 point spread is reeeeally tempting for my blowout pick. Also, the Eagles/Bucs spread of 15 points was enticing, but I found the line too high, therefore a little too easy. So my Blowout pick for Week 5 is:
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Detroit Lions
Over/Under: 44
Line: Steelers by 10 1/2
My Thoughts:
Yeah, it's not a huge stretch to call this one a blowout, but I don't think it's as much of a lock as the above-mentioned two. These aren't last year's Lions, as evidenced by that "1" in their win column. However, they are likely to be without Matt Stafford for this game, which completely torpedoes their chances of an actual upset. Detroit's offense isn't a disaster, even with Daunte Culpepper throwing the ball. They can run reasonably well, and have a respectable passing attack. All those statements mean nothing, though, in the face of a very good and very angry Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The Steelers D is a proud group that has not performed up to their own standards yet this year. You can bet they're looking at this Detroit game as a chance to get back to form. I expect they will.
The real weakness on this Lions team, in my opinion, is a porous defense that (much like last year) struggles against the run and is susceptible in the secondary. Louis Delmas will some day be a star Safety in this league, but asking that rookie to hold up against Pittsburgh's explosive vertical offense just isn't fair. The Lions have talented linebackers, and should thus be able to contain Rashard Mendenhall (or whoever Mike Tomlin hands the ball to). That's all well and good until you remember that this iteration of the Pittsburgh Steelers is not a team that lives and dies by their run game. Ben Roethelsberger likes to air the ball out, and has a number of capable receivers who will be a nightmare match up for the Detroit corners.
I think Detroit will put up a fight in this game, especially in a suddenly re-energized Ford Field. However, their defense will fail them spectacularly, giving up a lot of early points. I think Detroit's defense will stiffen as the game goes on, but it will be too late. A garbage time touchdown drive makes this game look closer than it really was.
Prediction:
Steelers 38
Lions 20
Record:
Last week: 3-1 straight up, 1-3 against the spread (ouch)
Overall: 14-1 straight up, 11-4 against the spread (still pretty good, not awesome though)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Detroit Lions
Over/Under: 44
Line: Steelers by 10 1/2
My Thoughts:
Yeah, it's not a huge stretch to call this one a blowout, but I don't think it's as much of a lock as the above-mentioned two. These aren't last year's Lions, as evidenced by that "1" in their win column. However, they are likely to be without Matt Stafford for this game, which completely torpedoes their chances of an actual upset. Detroit's offense isn't a disaster, even with Daunte Culpepper throwing the ball. They can run reasonably well, and have a respectable passing attack. All those statements mean nothing, though, in the face of a very good and very angry Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The Steelers D is a proud group that has not performed up to their own standards yet this year. You can bet they're looking at this Detroit game as a chance to get back to form. I expect they will.
The real weakness on this Lions team, in my opinion, is a porous defense that (much like last year) struggles against the run and is susceptible in the secondary. Louis Delmas will some day be a star Safety in this league, but asking that rookie to hold up against Pittsburgh's explosive vertical offense just isn't fair. The Lions have talented linebackers, and should thus be able to contain Rashard Mendenhall (or whoever Mike Tomlin hands the ball to). That's all well and good until you remember that this iteration of the Pittsburgh Steelers is not a team that lives and dies by their run game. Ben Roethelsberger likes to air the ball out, and has a number of capable receivers who will be a nightmare match up for the Detroit corners.
I think Detroit will put up a fight in this game, especially in a suddenly re-energized Ford Field. However, their defense will fail them spectacularly, giving up a lot of early points. I think Detroit's defense will stiffen as the game goes on, but it will be too late. A garbage time touchdown drive makes this game look closer than it really was.
Prediction:
Steelers 38
Lions 20
Record:
Last week: 3-1 straight up, 1-3 against the spread (ouch)
Overall: 14-1 straight up, 11-4 against the spread (still pretty good, not awesome though)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A Brief Reminder
First off, thanks for reading the blog, guys. Almost 120 visits after just about a month is awesome. Remember, if you like what you're reading spread the word to people you think might be interested. I'd love to get some discussions going in the Comments.
Also note the new poll, based on the ongoing Wednesday feature: If They Played in the NFL.
And speaking of "if you like what you're reading," please take a minute every now and then to click the ads. Just let the follow-up page load, and be on your way. I can make a tiny bit of money from that, so think of it as your way of giving back, without giving anything at all (except 30 seconds you'll never get back).
Thanks so much, everyone!
~Freeze
Also note the new poll, based on the ongoing Wednesday feature: If They Played in the NFL.
And speaking of "if you like what you're reading," please take a minute every now and then to click the ads. Just let the follow-up page load, and be on your way. I can make a tiny bit of money from that, so think of it as your way of giving back, without giving anything at all (except 30 seconds you'll never get back).
Thanks so much, everyone!
~Freeze
Wednesday Feature (Delayed): If They Played in the NFL
Sorry for the late post. We're breaking in a new cat here at the homestead, and she's taken up a lot of time. Anyway, here's a name that had been suggested quite a bit, so I'm excited to "tackle" this one:
Shaquille O'Neal
Center, Cleveland Cavaliers
7'1" 325lbs
Position: Left Tackle
Shaq had been suggested to me as a Defensive Tackle, which I thought about considerably. However, I have to put him at the ever-important left tackle spot for some very specific reasons. First, his weight is just about perfect for an NFL LT, though he's a little on the tall side (duh). Second, one of the most prized traits in left tackles is arm length, as longer arms allow him to keep pass rushers at a safe distance, increasing the length of their path to the QB. Shaq's arms, at over 7 feet tall, are plenty long to make even the likes of Dwight Freeney or Jared Allen work extra hard.
Another aspect of playing center in the NBA that translates well to NFL left tackle-dom is foot movement. Left tackles specialize in a move often called the "kick-slide," where they kick out of their stance to the left, then slide their right foot to shoulder-width, making their first step very wide without having both feet off the ground. Sounds a bit like guarding someone in basketball, doesn't it? Shaq is accustomed to having to keep his feet constantly moving and sliding to not get caught flat-footed in the paint. While not the dominant defender he used to be, O'Neal would definitely still have the athleticism to work against speed rushers in spurts.
Strength has always been a prime attribute for Shaquille O'Neal, and it would serve him well in the NFL. He has always had a great balance of upper- and lower-body strength which is essential for a left tackle. Powerful legs and proper weight distribution help a LT maintain proper leverage when combating a pass rush, and Shaq would likely excel at that.
The only real downside to Shaq protecting a QB's blindside is his attitude. When he's motivated, he's still one of the best centers in the business. However, Shaq has shown a penchant for losing focus and motivation if he doesn't feel sufficiently involved. It would be a challenge for Shaq to play second attention-fiddle to a quarterback, and he might lose his motivation by not being in the spotlight. He's also very egotistical, which could be a benefit at this position. A LT has to believe he can match any pass rusher lined up across from him, and Shaq always thinks he's the best. However, NFL offensive lines do not suffer diva personalities lightly, and Shaq would have to work extra hard to win over his team mates.
I think Shaquille O'Neal would be a very good, though not Pro Bowl, left tackle in the NFL. I'd expect him to excel at pass protection, though he's not likely to be a crushing run blocker (too much dirty work for Shaq!). If he kept his ego in check, he would be a solid contributor on an offensive line, and a complete crack-up at post-game press conferences.
Imagine last week's pick of Tim Lincecum with his blindside guarded by Shaq! Now we're on to something!!
Whaddya think? Disagree completely? Other suggestions (don't worry, Lebron James is already on my list)?
~Freeze
Shaquille O'Neal
Center, Cleveland Cavaliers
7'1" 325lbs
Position: Left Tackle
Shaq had been suggested to me as a Defensive Tackle, which I thought about considerably. However, I have to put him at the ever-important left tackle spot for some very specific reasons. First, his weight is just about perfect for an NFL LT, though he's a little on the tall side (duh). Second, one of the most prized traits in left tackles is arm length, as longer arms allow him to keep pass rushers at a safe distance, increasing the length of their path to the QB. Shaq's arms, at over 7 feet tall, are plenty long to make even the likes of Dwight Freeney or Jared Allen work extra hard.
Another aspect of playing center in the NBA that translates well to NFL left tackle-dom is foot movement. Left tackles specialize in a move often called the "kick-slide," where they kick out of their stance to the left, then slide their right foot to shoulder-width, making their first step very wide without having both feet off the ground. Sounds a bit like guarding someone in basketball, doesn't it? Shaq is accustomed to having to keep his feet constantly moving and sliding to not get caught flat-footed in the paint. While not the dominant defender he used to be, O'Neal would definitely still have the athleticism to work against speed rushers in spurts.
Strength has always been a prime attribute for Shaquille O'Neal, and it would serve him well in the NFL. He has always had a great balance of upper- and lower-body strength which is essential for a left tackle. Powerful legs and proper weight distribution help a LT maintain proper leverage when combating a pass rush, and Shaq would likely excel at that.
The only real downside to Shaq protecting a QB's blindside is his attitude. When he's motivated, he's still one of the best centers in the business. However, Shaq has shown a penchant for losing focus and motivation if he doesn't feel sufficiently involved. It would be a challenge for Shaq to play second attention-fiddle to a quarterback, and he might lose his motivation by not being in the spotlight. He's also very egotistical, which could be a benefit at this position. A LT has to believe he can match any pass rusher lined up across from him, and Shaq always thinks he's the best. However, NFL offensive lines do not suffer diva personalities lightly, and Shaq would have to work extra hard to win over his team mates.
I think Shaquille O'Neal would be a very good, though not Pro Bowl, left tackle in the NFL. I'd expect him to excel at pass protection, though he's not likely to be a crushing run blocker (too much dirty work for Shaq!). If he kept his ego in check, he would be a solid contributor on an offensive line, and a complete crack-up at post-game press conferences.
Imagine last week's pick of Tim Lincecum with his blindside guarded by Shaq! Now we're on to something!!
Whaddya think? Disagree completely? Other suggestions (don't worry, Lebron James is already on my list)?
~Freeze
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Giants v Chiefs Recap
Games like these feel sort of like preseason games to me. You hope to work out some kinks, fix some things you haven't been doing well, and come out of it healthy. Well, that was almost true for this one. Let's get to it, shall we?
Eli Manning
20 of 34 for 292 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Not bad for a guy who wasn't supposed to have any weapons on offense this year. As I mentioned in an earlier post, GM Jerry Reese told Eli he had to step up not only his game, but his receivers' games as well. I think it's safe to say that Manning has answered that call. He has wavered between efficient and dominant through four games so far, and is making a strong case for another Pro Bowl. Here's hoping that Plantar Fasciitis isn't going to be a lingering problem.
Steve Smith
11 catches for 134 yards and 2 TDs
I think we can all stop wondering who the Giants go-to receiver is going to be. Though pegged to be only a possession receiver, Smith has emerged as a consistent threat in the red zone as well. He's been so good this year, people may have to stop referring to him as "the other Steve Smith."
Michael Boley
5 Tackles (4 for a loss), 1 sack, and 1 pass defense off his helmet
Now we see why the Giants really targeted this guy in free agency. His athleticism and football IQ have really amped up this defense. It seemed like Boley was everywhere on Sunday, and the analysts kept calling his name. Boley is a playmaker, and should be a big part of this defense going forward. After he recovers from his knee surgery of course (noticing a theme here?)
Brian Kehl
(another) fumble recovery, onside kick recovery
Continuing the trend of players who stood out and are now injured, Kehl has been a demon on special teams this year. In 4 games, he's recovered 2 fumbles on kick returns (this time on the opening kickoff). And you have to watch pretty closely, but his onside kick recovery was extremely well done. Succop sold it well, but Kehl reacted extremely quickly and got his hands on the ball. He might be the best non-starter on this team...when he gets back from his finger surgery.
Kevin Boss
Heads up play when he got up after an injury to line up for the spike. If Boss stayed down, there would have been a 10 second clock runoff because the Giants were out of time outs, and the half would have ended. Getting up with a screwed up ankle couldn't have been easy, but that just shows how well-coached this team is. Naturally, he's probably out this Sunday with that injury.
Hakeem Nicks
1 catch for 54 yards, 1 TD
One catch isn't much, but one has to remember that he's coming back from a foot injury (sound familiar?). Of course, that catch and run of his was a thing of beauty, and a nice reminder why the Giants dropped a first rounder on the receiver from North Carolina. Pre-draft reports often likened Nicks to Anquan Boldin, and that nifty, highlight-reel run down the sideline sure looked like Boldin in blue.
Lowlights
Lawrence Tynes
What is it with Giants kickers? Jay Feely misses 3 in Seattle 3 years ago, and now Tynes caught the bug? Frankly, I've see enough of this guy to know he doesn't really have an NFL leg, and his accuracy this year has been awful. The Giants brought in Matt Stover (formerly of the Ravens) for a tryout. They should just sign Stover (who I like anyway) and move on.
Kansas City Offensive Line
Coach Todd Haley called out this unit last week, specifically LT Brandon Albert, for their poor play thus far. Well, the NY Giants defense isn't exactly who you fine-tune your pass protection against. This group gave up 6 sacks, and did very little of note in the run game. It's not like there are no good players on this line, they just need to get it together. A few more games against the Raiders ought to help.
Mario Manningham
After "Super Mario" got off to a super start, he fizzled out of sight in this game. Several difficult but catchable balls bounced right off his hands, once into a waiting defender for a non-Eli interception. I hope he bounces back against the Raiders, as the Giants really have high hopes for this kid. Of course, Oakland's secondary is extremely good, so he better get in a lot of practice this week.
Four weeks, and we're still waiting for the run game to pop. Jacobs has been effective, if unspectacular, and Bradshaw has been slightly more explosive. With our O-line playing well, and much more difficult games coming up, practice time is over. It's time for this unit to step up and play the way we know they can. Especially if Eli's foot is going to be a problem.
Perfect segue: these injuries are bordering on comical at this point. Every game, guys are going down. It feels like the 2009 Mets in helmets and pads. We've heard all summer about the great depth the Giants have, and we're seeing it. Backups and role players have been outstanding in these early weeks, but it's tough sledding after this, and we need to be getting guys back. A week 10 bye doesn't help, either.
By the way, my picks for Week 4 went 2-2, 1-3 against the spread. That brings the record to a much more reasonable level, so I can't brag anymore.
~Freeze
Highlights
Eli Manning
20 of 34 for 292 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Not bad for a guy who wasn't supposed to have any weapons on offense this year. As I mentioned in an earlier post, GM Jerry Reese told Eli he had to step up not only his game, but his receivers' games as well. I think it's safe to say that Manning has answered that call. He has wavered between efficient and dominant through four games so far, and is making a strong case for another Pro Bowl. Here's hoping that Plantar Fasciitis isn't going to be a lingering problem.
Steve Smith
11 catches for 134 yards and 2 TDs
I think we can all stop wondering who the Giants go-to receiver is going to be. Though pegged to be only a possession receiver, Smith has emerged as a consistent threat in the red zone as well. He's been so good this year, people may have to stop referring to him as "the other Steve Smith."
Michael Boley
5 Tackles (4 for a loss), 1 sack, and 1 pass defense off his helmet
Now we see why the Giants really targeted this guy in free agency. His athleticism and football IQ have really amped up this defense. It seemed like Boley was everywhere on Sunday, and the analysts kept calling his name. Boley is a playmaker, and should be a big part of this defense going forward. After he recovers from his knee surgery of course (noticing a theme here?)
Brian Kehl
(another) fumble recovery, onside kick recovery
Continuing the trend of players who stood out and are now injured, Kehl has been a demon on special teams this year. In 4 games, he's recovered 2 fumbles on kick returns (this time on the opening kickoff). And you have to watch pretty closely, but his onside kick recovery was extremely well done. Succop sold it well, but Kehl reacted extremely quickly and got his hands on the ball. He might be the best non-starter on this team...when he gets back from his finger surgery.
Kevin Boss
Heads up play when he got up after an injury to line up for the spike. If Boss stayed down, there would have been a 10 second clock runoff because the Giants were out of time outs, and the half would have ended. Getting up with a screwed up ankle couldn't have been easy, but that just shows how well-coached this team is. Naturally, he's probably out this Sunday with that injury.
Hakeem Nicks
1 catch for 54 yards, 1 TD
One catch isn't much, but one has to remember that he's coming back from a foot injury (sound familiar?). Of course, that catch and run of his was a thing of beauty, and a nice reminder why the Giants dropped a first rounder on the receiver from North Carolina. Pre-draft reports often likened Nicks to Anquan Boldin, and that nifty, highlight-reel run down the sideline sure looked like Boldin in blue.
Lowlights
Lawrence Tynes
What is it with Giants kickers? Jay Feely misses 3 in Seattle 3 years ago, and now Tynes caught the bug? Frankly, I've see enough of this guy to know he doesn't really have an NFL leg, and his accuracy this year has been awful. The Giants brought in Matt Stover (formerly of the Ravens) for a tryout. They should just sign Stover (who I like anyway) and move on.
Kansas City Offensive Line
Coach Todd Haley called out this unit last week, specifically LT Brandon Albert, for their poor play thus far. Well, the NY Giants defense isn't exactly who you fine-tune your pass protection against. This group gave up 6 sacks, and did very little of note in the run game. It's not like there are no good players on this line, they just need to get it together. A few more games against the Raiders ought to help.
Mario Manningham
After "Super Mario" got off to a super start, he fizzled out of sight in this game. Several difficult but catchable balls bounced right off his hands, once into a waiting defender for a non-Eli interception. I hope he bounces back against the Raiders, as the Giants really have high hopes for this kid. Of course, Oakland's secondary is extremely good, so he better get in a lot of practice this week.
Notes
After next Sunday, the "easy" part of the schedule is over. The Giants have done exactly what they needed to: fatten up on bad teams. However, it worries me that they haven't exactly made these wins look easy, though that may just be them easing off the gas late in games they easily have won. However, Oakland's defense is better than advertised, so Eli and company need to be very careful with the ball.Four weeks, and we're still waiting for the run game to pop. Jacobs has been effective, if unspectacular, and Bradshaw has been slightly more explosive. With our O-line playing well, and much more difficult games coming up, practice time is over. It's time for this unit to step up and play the way we know they can. Especially if Eli's foot is going to be a problem.
Perfect segue: these injuries are bordering on comical at this point. Every game, guys are going down. It feels like the 2009 Mets in helmets and pads. We've heard all summer about the great depth the Giants have, and we're seeing it. Backups and role players have been outstanding in these early weeks, but it's tough sledding after this, and we need to be getting guys back. A week 10 bye doesn't help, either.
By the way, my picks for Week 4 went 2-2, 1-3 against the spread. That brings the record to a much more reasonable level, so I can't brag anymore.
~Freeze
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