Yearly Archives: 2009
2010 NFL Pro Bowl Snubs
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The annual Pro Bowl rosters were released yesterday and like every year there are tons of players who will miss out on the trip down to Miami.
Let’s take a look at who got snubbed this year:
Vincent Jackson, Chargers
The Chargers have lacked an elite number one option for some time until Jackson blossomed this year. He has averaged over 17.2 yards per catch and caught nine touchdowns. His presence has also opened up more space for Antonio Gates, who has had arguably his best season as a pro.
London Fletcher, Redskins
It’s a shame Fletcher didn’t make it. Year after year he consistently gets snubbed and time may be running out for the 34 year old linebacker. The tackling machine has been the leader of Redskins defense and deserved the spot over Jonathan Vilma.
Leon Hall, Bengals
The AFC North champion Bengals did not send a single player to the Pro Bowl. Hall, in his third year as a pro, has developed into a shutdown corner this year and is a key cog in a vastly improved Bengals defense. A similar case could be made for fellow corner back and teammate Jonathan Joseph. Either would have been more deserving than Champ Bailey, who made it mostly on reputation.
NFL Week 17 Power Rankings
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The Colts may have lost, but they still remain atop the power rankings. The reason being if their starters play the whole game they’re 15-0 and going for a perfect season against Buffalo this week.
Other than that a few changes at the top, but the top 10 remains the same.
32. St. Louis Rams (1-14) –
Their only win has come against the Lions.
31. Detroit Lions (2-13) –
Their quarterback play without Stafford has been abysmal.
30. Kansas City Chiefs (3-12) -1
Since Larry Johnson was released only Chris Johnson has more rushing yards than Jamaal Charles.
29. Washington Redskins (4-11) -3
Jim Zorn’s assistants are interviewing for the head-coaching job while he still has a job.
28. Seattle Seahawks (5-10) -1
It may be one and done for Jim Mora Jr. in Seattle.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-12) +3
Coming back from down 17-0 in New Orleans is no easy task.
26. Cleveland Browns (4-11) +2
Why hasn’t Jerome Harrison been playing all season?
25. Buffalo Bills (5-10) -1
This team has a lot to address in the off-season.
24. Oakland Raiders (5-10) -1
Al Davis may have to decide between Tom Cable and JaMarcus Russell in the off-season.
23. Chicago Bears (6-9) +2
That’s the Jay cutler the Bears thought they were getting.
22. San Francisco 49ers (7-8) -1
A .500 season wouldn’t be all too bad for the 49ers.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) -4
This team has fallen apart in the past few weeks.
20. Miami Dolphins (7-8) -4
This team just can’t seem to get over .500.
19. New York Giants (8-7) -6
The Giants should be embarrassed after that pitiful performance on Sunday.
18. Atlanta Falcons (8-7) –
With a win on Sunday the Falcons will have back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history.
17. Carolina Panthers (7-8) +5
Would the Panthers be in the playoffs if Matt Moore had started the entire season?
NFL Week 16 Picks Against the Spread
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I had a so-so week going 7-8-1 with my picks in Week 16.
Let’s see if I can get on the winning side this week.
San Diego Chargers (+3) over the Tennessee Titans
As hot as the Titans have been, the Chargers have been playing even better.
Buffalo Bills (+9) over the Atlanta Falcons
As bad as their quarterbacks have been playing, another change can’t do much worse.
Miami Dolphins (-3) over the Houston Texans
Both teams playoff hopes are on the line here. I’m taking the home team.
Kansas City Chiefs (+13.5) over the Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have only won one game by more than ten points.
New York Giants (-7) over the Carolina Panthers
While the Giants aren’t as good as they played Monday night, they should be able to handle the Panthers at home.
Oakland Raiders (+3.5) over the Cleveland Browns
There’s no way the Browns win three in a row. Right?
Green Bay Packers (-14) over the Seattle Seahawks
The Packers have feasted on poor opponents all season long.
New England Patriots (-8) over the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pats haven’t lost a game at home all year.
NFL Week 16 Suicide Pick
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Last week was a little closer than I would have preferred, but the Cardinals still pulled it out in the end.
With now just two weeks left you should look ahead to next week and plan out that pick now.
There are a few mice matchups this week, so you shouldn’t have to much trouble finding a good team.
Now to this weeks pick:
Teams already used:
Week 1: Seattle Seahawks: Win
Week 2: Green Bay Packers: Loss
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens: Win
Week 4: New York Giants Win
Week 5: Dallas Cowboys Win
Week 6: Pittsburgh Steelers Win
Week 7: Carolina Panthers Loss
Week 8: Chicago Bears Win
Week 9: Atlanta Falcons Win
Week 10: Miami Dolphins Win
Week 11: Minnesota Vikings Win
Week 12: San Diego Chargers Win
Week 13: Cincinnati Bengals Win
Week 14: Tennessee Titans Win
Week 15: Arizona Cardinals Win
My suicide pick for Week 16 is the
NFL Week 16 Power Rankings
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After a nine weeks of no change at the top, we have a new leader. Following their loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night the Saints nine week reign at the top has ended as the Indianapolis Colts take over the top spot.
We also have two more changes in the top 5 as the Vikings fell out of the top 3 and the Bengals fell out of the top 5.
Also the Buccaneers found their way out of the cellar with their win in Seattle.
32. St. Louis Rams (1-13) -1
At least the Rams will likely get the number one pick.
31. Detroit Lions (2-12) -2
Daunte Culpepper should have stayed retired.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12) +2
A nice win in Seattle, a tough place to play.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (3-11) -1
Their defense and special teams performance was terrible against the Browns.
28. Cleveland Browns (3-11) +2
What took Eric Mangini so long to give Jerome Harrison the ball?
27. Seattle Seahawks (5-9) -1
This is a bad football team. Jim Mora Jr. may be out of a job in a few weeks.
26. Washington Redskins (4-10) -4
After a couple of nice showings, the Redskins laid an egg on Monday night.
25. Chicago Bears (5-9) -1
Jay Cutler continues to throw more interceptions.
24. Buffalo Bills (5-9) +1
It now looks like Brian Brohm will close the season out as the starter.
23. Oakland Raiders (5-9) +4
The Raiders continue to be the king of the upset.
22. Carolina Panthers (6-8) +1
Matt Moore and Steve Smith had a nice connection going on against the Vikings.
21. San Francisco 49ers (6-8) –
Alex Smith was eaten up by the Eagles defense.
20. Houston Texans (7-7) -1
An ugly win against the Rams.
19. New York Jets (7-7) -3
The blew a golden opportunity missing three field goal attempts.
18. Atlanta Falcons (7-7) +2
After Michael Turner aggravated his ankle injury for a second time, they better shut him down for the season.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) -3
Played the Colts very tough, but couldn’t come out on top.
NFL Week 15 Recap
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Like watching the second-to-last episode in a thrill-packed drama series, or the 2nd movie in a trilogy, week 15 of an NFL season can be a frustrating one for fans. You know they’ll be little guaranteed, few final results, and in the back of your mind it’s hard to be completely focused knowing the last image for the week is guaranteed to be a cliff-hanging “To be continued…”
Rarely do the Monday-morning conclusions of week 15 stand firm at seasons end. Teams once thought dead find themselves in the playoffs, while others with seemingly insurmountable leads find ways to get an early vacation.
Despite its inconclusiveness, week 15 of this NFL season turned out to be the most dramatic yet. Seven games were decided by a scoring drive in the final two minutes or in overtime. Eleven of the fifteen games played were decided by a total of 46 points. While some questions were answered…. five of the eight divisions have now crowned champs… the game-by-game intensity this Sunday was unmatched by any weekend this season.
In San Diego the Bengals and Chargers both had chances to clinch their respective divisions with a victory. It was hard not to root for the Bengals, playing their first game after the tragic death of wide receiver Chris Henry.
No Cincinnati player appeared more affected by Henry’s passing than close friend Chad Ochocinco. After catching a 49-yard touchdown pass in the 2nd quarter, the usually well-rehearsed Ochocinco appeared unsure of what to do next. After a moment of hesitation, Ochocinco dropped to one knee, pointed to the sky, and simply looked upward. It was a touching moment from a player usually recognized for chuckle-worthy antics and disproportionate fines.
The emotional effort was not enough to secure a victory, however, as a 52-yard last-second kick by Nate Kaeding put San Diego on top, 27-24. Hope is not lost for the Bengals, who still hold a one-game lead over Baltimore in the AFC North.
NFL Week 15 Picks Against the Spread
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I had a decent week last week going 2-2 with my picks. I missed on the Saints who didn’t cover and the Bengals who got blown out. I did however, get my upset special in the Chargers correct and also correctly picked the 49ers over the Cardinals.
I’m going to switch it up a bit this week as I’ll be giving you my picks for every game. Let’s hope that cures my recent losing streak.
Dallas Cowboys (+9) over the New Orleans Saints
Despite losing two in a row the Cowboys haven’t been playing bad football. They’ll keep this one close, but the Saints will remain undefeated.
Buffalo Bills (+7) over the New England Patriots
It’s never easy to play in Buffalo in December and the Pats aren’t exactly on fire.
Arizona Cardinals (-12) over the Detroit Lions
The Lions have been outscored 74-3 in Daunte Culpepper’s two starts this season.
Tennessee Titans (-3) over the Miami Dolphins
This game should go down to the wire. I can’t bet against Chris Johnson though especially when their home.
Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) over the Cleveland Browns
Congrats to the Browns for beating the Steelers, but there’s no way they’re going to win two games in a row.
Houston Texans (-11) over the St. Louis Rams
Keith Null threw five picks last week as the Rams lost 47-7. He might not have Steven Jackson this week.
New York Jets (-6) over the Atlanta Falcons
Sanchez will be back and the Falcons may be without Matt Ryan and Michael Turner against the leagues number one ranked defense.
NFL Week 15 Suicide Pick
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Another easy week as the Titans blew out the Rams last week.
Now only three games left in the regular season and if your still alive in your pool be sure to plan out your picks for the remaining weeks.
There are some nice matchups this week and hopefully you still have some decent teams left.
Now to this week’s pick:
Teams already used:
Week 1: Seattle Seahawks: Win
Week 2: Green Bay Packers: Loss
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens: Win
Week 4: New York Giants Win
Week 5: Dallas Cowboys Win
Week 6: Pittsburgh Steelers Win
Week 7: Carolina Panthers Loss
Week 8: Chicago Bears Win
Week 9: Atlanta Falcons Win
Week 10: Miami Dolphins Win
Week 11: Minnesota Vikings Win
Week 12: San Diego Chargers Win
Week 13: Cincinnati Bengals Win
Week 14: Tennessee Titans Win
The pick for Week 15 is the
NFL Week 15 Power Rankings
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Another week in the books and we have no change at the top. The top five remains the same with the Green Bay Packers on the outskirts after rising to the six slot.
As we get closer to the playoffs we are really starting to see the rankings crystallize. No team moved more than two slots up or down this week, a first for the Power Rankings.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-12) -1
Didn’t get a first down until midway through the third quarter and it was on a penalty.
31. St. Louis Rams (1-12) -1
The first career start for Keith Null was a forgettable one.
30. Cleveland Browns (2-11) +2
Props to Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan for a nice win over the Steelers.
29. Detroit Lions (2-11) –
Maybe Daunte Culpepper should have stayed retired?
28. Kansas City Chiefs (3-10) –
The fans are starting to give up on the Chiefs.
27. Oakland Raiders (4-9) -1
JaMarcus Russell will get another shot after Bruce Gradkowski’s injury.
26. Seattle Seahawks (5-8) -1
An embarrassing effort against the Texans.
25. Buffalo Bills (5-8) +2
An ugly win, but a win nevertheless.
24. Chicago Bears (5-8) –
The Bears have now lost seven of their past nine.
23. Carolina Panthers (5-8) -1
The offense has no firepower.
22. Washington Redskins (4-9) +1
The offense has really come around since Sherm Lewis has come aboard.
21. San Francisco 49ers (6-7) –
The 49ers holding on to their slim playoff hopes.
20. Atlanta Falcons (6-7) -1
A valiant effort without Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.
19. Houston Texans (6-7) +1
The Texans ended their four game losing streak, but not in time to save their playoff hopes.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7) -2
The ship has sailed for defending champs. I’d expect some coaching changes in the offseason.
17. Tennessee Titans (6-7) –
Kept their extremely slim playoff hopes alive and get the Dolphins next week.
Wide Receivers Making Headlines
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Like a soap-opera, the wide receiver position constantly displays personality coupled with controversy. As the NFL season winds down and the playoff picture comes into focus, it’s the wide receivers who continue to present the most intriguing storylines.
Here’s a look around the league at some of the more fascinating aspects… including record-breaking performances, frustrating ailments and questions of effort… involving the leagues most attention-seeking position:
Oh, Randy
The Patriots Randy Moss made headlines during the week when he was sent home early by Coach Bill Belichick for being late to practice. The disciplinary move was intended to sharpen the Patriots focus as they attempted to keep ahead in their division.
While New England defeated the Panthers by a score of 20 to 10, Moss had arguably his worst game as a Patriot. The future Hall-of-Fame wide receiver finished with just one catch for 16 yards (which he then fumbled). He also was responsible for a dropped pass, a fourth-quarter false start penalty, and was booed by the home crowd.
More worrisome than his performance, however, were the comments after the game by members of the Carolina secondary suggesting Moss wasn’t giving it his all.
“He’d just give up a lot,” Panthers Cornerback Chris Gamble told the Boston Globe afterwards. “Slow down, he’s not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell (from) his body language.”
The idea that he would quit on his team is nothing new for Randy Moss. These kinds of accusations were responsible for ruining Moss’ reputation during his time in Minnesota and Oakland.
However, this is the first time these claims have been made since Moss joined New England in 2007. The idea that Moss would quit on his team the same week he was reprimanded by the Head Coach is a discomforting one for Pats fans, who have no interest in a locker room concern this close to the playoffs.
Overshadowed by the Moss controversy was the accomplishment of Wes Welker, who joined Marvin Harrison, Jerry Rice, and Herman Moore as the only receivers with at least three consecutive 100-catch seasons.
Action Jackson
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has had a knack for big plays this season. Sunday night, however, marked Jackson’s first game back from a concussion injury that kept the young wide-out home the previous week, and it was fair to wonder how effective he would be in his return.
The man ESPNs Matt Mosley referred to as “the most explosive player in the league” showed no ill-affects from the injury, scoring on a 72-yard punt return as well as a 60-yard reception. He finished the night with six catches for 178-yards.
“There’s no player like him in the league,” said Eagles tight-end Brent Celek. “There are some great receivers out there, but no one’s as quick and fast as him.”
Jackson’s performance tied an NFL record for most touchdowns from 50+ yards in a single season with eight. The second-year wide receiver now shares the record with Chicago Bears’ Devin Hester and Los Angeles Ram Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch.
“I feel like I’m kind of the big play, the go-to receiver at crucial moments,” Jackson said after the game. “(The Giants) were doing some single coverage a couple times and I was like, ‘There’s no way they can single coverage me.’ ”
In fact, Jackson was so open during his touchdown reception that he was able to backpedal the final ten yards into the end zone. With three games remaining and an injury to Jeremy Maclin that may sideline the Birds second receiving option for the remainder of the regular season, look for Jackson to get plenty of opportunities to claim this record as his own.
The “Other” Steve Smith
Lost in the Giants 45-38 defeat at home to the Eagles was Steve Smith, who broke the franchise record for most catches in a season with 85 receptions.
Smith topped long-time New York Giant Amani Toomer, who had 82 receptions in 2002. With the inconsistency of Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, Smith gives Quarterback Eli Manning a consistent option for the future.
With three games remaining and the Giants still a playoff-hopeful, look for Smith to add to his already impressive reception total.
Ocho-No-Go
