Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Sunday, November 18, 2012
NFL week 11 (and beyond)
First thing first...
To Patriots doubters, and Patriots haters, it's LONG past time to STFU.
Inconsistent?
Yes
Infuriating?
Absofrikkenlutely
But anything other than a top five team in the NFL
Yeah... no
Those of you who were in your little happy dance mode when the Patriots were below .500... for all of a week... crowing about how Tom Brady was past it, how the time of the Patriots was over...
Yes... three losses total, by a maximum of 2 points...
Past it... right...
Thou hast beclowned thyselves...
Week 11 stats
Win/Loss: 7-3
Win pct: .700
Total Pts: 358 (nfl leader by 56 points)
Total Pts allwd: 225 (nfl leader by more than 20 points)
Diff: 133
Highest score: 59 (franchise record)
Lowest score: 18
Opp highest score: 31
Opp lowest score: 7
Avg score: 35.8 (nfl leader by more than 5 points)
Avg opp score: 22.5
Avg margin: 13.3
Highest margin of victory: 38
Avg margin of victory: 19.6
Avg margin of loss: 1.3
remaining stats as of week 10 (the week 11 stats aren't complete yet)
Takeaways: 23 (3rd in NFL s of last week, but I believe tonights 4 makes them first)
Giveaways: 7 (NFL leader)
Take/Give: 16 ( NFL leader)
total yards offense: 3873 (nfl leader by over 200yds)
yards offense game: 430.4 (nfl leader by 25 yds game)
passing yards: 2559 (8th in nfl)
pass yards game: 284.3 (7th in NFL)
rushing yards: 1314 (7th in NFL)
rushing yards game: 146 (5th in NFL)
Third down conversion: 50/112 44.6% (2nd in NFL)
Forced Fumbles: 17 (NFL leader... plus two more tonight)
Look at those numbers for a second... Those three losses, 1 point, 1 point, and 2 points? The record could EASILY be 10-0.
Oh and 2 of those 3 of those losses were under the replacement refs thankyouverymuch.
They've massively outscored their opponents... in fact they've massively outscored the entire NFL. Their next highest scoring competitor is 56 POINTS DOWN (as of tonight). They have by far the highest average score margin, the highest average margin of victory, the lowest average margin of defeat...
And they did it while having only the 8th highest passing and 7th highest rushing in the league...
But 8th and 7th add up to first total offense in this case; again by a huge margin.
The defense?
Currently ranked 15th or 16th overall (depending on how you want to count it), 13th in points allowed... but first in fumbles forced, first in fumbles recovered, third in interceptions (four more takeaways tonight, to no giveaways, which I think moves them up to second or first).
That comes out to having the best take to give ratio in the NFL; the most yards gained, and most points scored off of takeaways; and the least yards lost and points lost off of giveaways.
So yeah... All y'all thinking that they're anything but at LEAST a division championship caliber, if not conference or superbowl champion team...
It's past time for y'all to wake up and shut up.
Week 12 and Beyond:
Ok, now for the rest of the season?
Week 12: @ Jets... I'm expecting an easy win here
Week 13: @ Miami... Should be a walkover
Week 14: Houston @ That's a tough game... but despite a 9-1 record, I think the Pats are the better team
Week 15: San Fran @ again, a tough game, but again, I think the Pats are the better team
Week 16: Miami @ I don't expect the Dolphins will be getting any better the rest of the season.
Yes, Gronkowski is probably out for the rest of the regular season, and that's a big loss no doubt; but this season has proven that we can win without depending so much on Gronk (which we COULDN'T do last superbowl unfortunately, basically losing because Gronkowski had a bad day).
My full season record prediction: 11-5 or better (we could very well see 12-4 or even 13-3).
As to who looks like a playoff team to me (top six per conference)?
AFC:
Patriots
Ravens
Steelers
Texans
Broncos
Colts
My pick of the Colts... Frankly I don't think they're much of a team this year (look at the absolute destruction of them by the Pats tonight for example)... but looking at their wildcard competition... I don't think anyone else is any better.
NFC:
Giants
Bears
Packers
Falcons
Niners
Seahawks
Honestly, I think the second NFC wildcard is a tossup between the Buccs, Vikings, and Seahawks; I just picked the Seahawks based on who they've beaten (though who they have lost to isn't impressive). Both the Buccs and the Seahawks have beaten the vikings, and it wasn't very close; and I think the Seahwaks have beaten better teams than the Buccs.
Conference Championship Games:
AFC:
Patriots
Ravens
NFC:
Bears
Falcons
This year is really muddy, I am not in any way confident in these predictions.
In the AFC I really do believe that the Ravens and the Pats are fundamentally better teams than the Texans or Broncos... but frankly, I have no confidence in the consistency of any of them.
In the NFC... well... I think the NFC overall is more competitive, and more consistent than the AFC right now... but again, I have no real confidence.
Right now... these are gut level picks.
Superbowl:
Don't even ask. It's not in any way shape or form predictable right now.
Ask me what I'd LIKE to see? That's easy...
I'd like revenge for Superbowl XX
Bears over Patriots 46-10... I'd like to reverse that.
Monday, August 27, 2012
The NY Jets are on Crack
So, the Jets acquired Tim Tebow, while keeping Mark Sanchez; and they plan to play them both, picking their starters on game day...
They're on crack.
If you're going to go with a two QB strategy (a stupid idea in general, but there are certain specific situations where I suppose it MIGHT work), you want to pick two players whose strengths and weaknesses offset each other.
In Tebow and Sanchez, they've got two players with basically the same weaknesses and strengths.
Tebow doesn't have a field read, plain and simple; and most of the time neither does Sanchez. Because of their inconsistent read and feel, while they both have natural leadership abilities, they can't consistently be a leader on the field, able to rally the team to a greater performance than they otherwise might have achieved.
THAT is what is needed to be a great quarterback. Not arm strength, not accuracy, not scramble, not just plain natural talent... There have been plenty of first round draft pick quarterbacks who have had all that, and just couldn't make it in the NFL, ending up as busts, or just middling talents (or most frustrating, the "almost" or "coulda been" greats).
Leadership, situational awareness, game feel, and instant read, are what separates great quarterbacks from good ones.
Brady isn't great because of his arm, he's great because of his field read, and because of his on field leadership.
The instant field read is what lets Brady know when he CAN hold it for what seems to be WAY too long (especially behind a mediocre pass protect line) and still make the long yardage pass... or when he needs to dump it off. The leadership and game feel, are what lets him take a team that's down, disorganized, demoralized... Rally them up, and come back and win.
Tebow doesn't have it. Sanchez sometimes shows a little bit of it, but sometimes he's clearly in his own head, or he just doesn't have the situational awareness.
Both of them are still playing college ball; and playing college ball in the NFL is a good way to become a legendary draft bust.
They both try to use their footwork and toughness, to get out of trouble. They both alternate between dumping off too soon, and missing major opportunities; and holding on too long and taking a sack, a down, or a short pitch where they could have had 10 or 15 yards if they'd seen the earlier opening.
There were some great QBs who just had that read naturally from minute one (Joe Montana, Dan Marino)... But most guys had to learn it. It can sometimes take years, but most of the really great guys pick it up pretty fast ONCE THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY'RE DOING WRONG.
Drew Bledsoe could have been one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He had an incredible arm. He threw long passes and quick pitches better than anyone playing with him... But he had inconsistent situational awareness, field read, and game feel. It made him one of the most intercepted QBs, and one of the most sacked QBs (in 1994, his second season, he threw more passes than any other QB had in history, was fourth in touchdowns, but also first (or last) in interceptions).
But he could have had it. You could see it in pressure situations when he wasn't overthinking it, and wasn't second guessing; he was just reading the field and responding fluidly... And he got the Patriots into the superbowl with it.
November 13th 1994, week 11, with a 3-6 record; the Patriots are losing to the Minnesota viking 20-3 at the half. Bledsoe comes out of halftime in two minute drill, firing left right and center, going 45/70 with no interceptions, leading the the Patriots to win the game 26-20 in overtime. In one of the greatest full season comebacks in NFL history, the Patriots then go undefeated the remainder of the season, basically running every game in two minute offense, trying to salvage the playoff chances for the first time since 1986.
The problem with Bledsoe was, he didn't have a strong enough coach/management team to break him of his bad habits, and get him out of his ego, show him what he was doing wrong and make him work to change it.
This isn't to say that Bill Parcells was weak, far from it; but Parcels wasn't allowed to discipline Bledsoe properly, particularly in his first season under old owner James Orthwein. Bledsoe was allowed to become a "superstar", and was handled too gently.
After buying the Pats from Orthwein, Bob Kraft gave Parcells more leeway to discipline Bledsoe in his second season, but not enough, and by his third season the pattern was set... he wasn't coachable anymore (Bledsoe is why for all his subsequent contracts, Parcells insisted on having full control and leeway over personnel).
Thus, Bledsoe may not even make the hall of fame, never mind be in anyones top ten lists (except maybe top ten "could have been an all time great but wasn't" list).
Tebow and Sanchez both need some really great coaching. Tebow in particular should respond well to it... But not if they're splitting duties with each other. They both need the kind of individual attention and focus that only comes with experience at being the starter, and the leader on the field.
Both are salvagable as potentially great quarterbacks... but not in this system.
They're on crack.
If you're going to go with a two QB strategy (a stupid idea in general, but there are certain specific situations where I suppose it MIGHT work), you want to pick two players whose strengths and weaknesses offset each other.
In Tebow and Sanchez, they've got two players with basically the same weaknesses and strengths.
Tebow doesn't have a field read, plain and simple; and most of the time neither does Sanchez. Because of their inconsistent read and feel, while they both have natural leadership abilities, they can't consistently be a leader on the field, able to rally the team to a greater performance than they otherwise might have achieved.
THAT is what is needed to be a great quarterback. Not arm strength, not accuracy, not scramble, not just plain natural talent... There have been plenty of first round draft pick quarterbacks who have had all that, and just couldn't make it in the NFL, ending up as busts, or just middling talents (or most frustrating, the "almost" or "coulda been" greats).
Leadership, situational awareness, game feel, and instant read, are what separates great quarterbacks from good ones.
Brady isn't great because of his arm, he's great because of his field read, and because of his on field leadership.
The instant field read is what lets Brady know when he CAN hold it for what seems to be WAY too long (especially behind a mediocre pass protect line) and still make the long yardage pass... or when he needs to dump it off. The leadership and game feel, are what lets him take a team that's down, disorganized, demoralized... Rally them up, and come back and win.
Tebow doesn't have it. Sanchez sometimes shows a little bit of it, but sometimes he's clearly in his own head, or he just doesn't have the situational awareness.
Both of them are still playing college ball; and playing college ball in the NFL is a good way to become a legendary draft bust.
They both try to use their footwork and toughness, to get out of trouble. They both alternate between dumping off too soon, and missing major opportunities; and holding on too long and taking a sack, a down, or a short pitch where they could have had 10 or 15 yards if they'd seen the earlier opening.
There were some great QBs who just had that read naturally from minute one (Joe Montana, Dan Marino)... But most guys had to learn it. It can sometimes take years, but most of the really great guys pick it up pretty fast ONCE THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY'RE DOING WRONG.
Drew Bledsoe could have been one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He had an incredible arm. He threw long passes and quick pitches better than anyone playing with him... But he had inconsistent situational awareness, field read, and game feel. It made him one of the most intercepted QBs, and one of the most sacked QBs (in 1994, his second season, he threw more passes than any other QB had in history, was fourth in touchdowns, but also first (or last) in interceptions).
But he could have had it. You could see it in pressure situations when he wasn't overthinking it, and wasn't second guessing; he was just reading the field and responding fluidly... And he got the Patriots into the superbowl with it.
November 13th 1994, week 11, with a 3-6 record; the Patriots are losing to the Minnesota viking 20-3 at the half. Bledsoe comes out of halftime in two minute drill, firing left right and center, going 45/70 with no interceptions, leading the the Patriots to win the game 26-20 in overtime. In one of the greatest full season comebacks in NFL history, the Patriots then go undefeated the remainder of the season, basically running every game in two minute offense, trying to salvage the playoff chances for the first time since 1986.
The problem with Bledsoe was, he didn't have a strong enough coach/management team to break him of his bad habits, and get him out of his ego, show him what he was doing wrong and make him work to change it.
This isn't to say that Bill Parcells was weak, far from it; but Parcels wasn't allowed to discipline Bledsoe properly, particularly in his first season under old owner James Orthwein. Bledsoe was allowed to become a "superstar", and was handled too gently.
After buying the Pats from Orthwein, Bob Kraft gave Parcells more leeway to discipline Bledsoe in his second season, but not enough, and by his third season the pattern was set... he wasn't coachable anymore (Bledsoe is why for all his subsequent contracts, Parcells insisted on having full control and leeway over personnel).
Thus, Bledsoe may not even make the hall of fame, never mind be in anyones top ten lists (except maybe top ten "could have been an all time great but wasn't" list).
Tebow and Sanchez both need some really great coaching. Tebow in particular should respond well to it... But not if they're splitting duties with each other. They both need the kind of individual attention and focus that only comes with experience at being the starter, and the leader on the field.
Both are salvagable as potentially great quarterbacks... but not in this system.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Holy crap, did the Patriots get the easiest schedule in the NFL?
And this is coming from a hardcore lifelong Pats fan... but seriously?
Date............................Opponent....................Time.........................Affiliate........Network
Sunday, Sept. 9..........at Tennessee.................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Sept. 16........Arizona...........................1:00 p.m. ET........WFXT..............FOX
Sunday, Sept. 23........at Baltimore...................8:20 p.m. ET........WHDH............NBC
Sunday, Sept. 30........at Buffalo........................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 7............Denver.............................4:15 p.m. ET.......WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 14.........at Seattle........................4:05 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 21..........New York Jets................4:15 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 28.........at St. Louis (London)......1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Nov. 4............BYE WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 11..........Buffalo.............................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS
Sunday, Nov. 18..........Indianapolis....................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS*
Thursday, Nov. 22.......at New York Jets.............8:20 p.m. ET.......WHDH...........NBC
Sunday, Dec. 2.............at Miami..........................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ.............CBS*
Monday, Dec. 10..........Houston..........................8:30 p.m. ET........WCVB...........ESPN
Sunday, Dec. 16...........San Francisco................8:20 p.m. ET........WHDH...........NBC*
Sunday, Dec. 23...........at Jacksonville...............1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 30...........Miami..............................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS*
Lesse, the Jets will be a couple of hard games, but generally wins for the Pats. The Colts are dead in the water. San Francisco was a fluke last season. Miami is a joke. Buffalo is always a joke. Houston, J'ville, the Cards, the Titans, Baltimore, Denver, St, Louis...
I mean, there's no such thing as a guaranteed win, any given Sunday and all that (lord knows last season proved it) but still.
I wouldn't be surprised to see 13-3 or 14-2. I would expect 12-4 at the very worst.
Date............................Opponent....................Time.........................Affiliate........Network
Sunday, Sept. 9..........at Tennessee.................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Sept. 16........Arizona...........................1:00 p.m. ET........WFXT..............FOX
Sunday, Sept. 23........at Baltimore...................8:20 p.m. ET........WHDH............NBC
Sunday, Sept. 30........at Buffalo........................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 7............Denver.............................4:15 p.m. ET.......WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 14.........at Seattle........................4:05 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 21..........New York Jets................4:15 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Oct. 28.........at St. Louis (London)......1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ...............CBS
Sunday, Nov. 4............BYE WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 11..........Buffalo.............................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS
Sunday, Nov. 18..........Indianapolis....................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS*
Thursday, Nov. 22.......at New York Jets.............8:20 p.m. ET.......WHDH...........NBC
Sunday, Dec. 2.............at Miami..........................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ.............CBS*
Monday, Dec. 10..........Houston..........................8:30 p.m. ET........WCVB...........ESPN
Sunday, Dec. 16...........San Francisco................8:20 p.m. ET........WHDH...........NBC*
Sunday, Dec. 23...........at Jacksonville...............1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 30...........Miami..............................1:00 p.m. ET........WBZ..............CBS*
Lesse, the Jets will be a couple of hard games, but generally wins for the Pats. The Colts are dead in the water. San Francisco was a fluke last season. Miami is a joke. Buffalo is always a joke. Houston, J'ville, the Cards, the Titans, Baltimore, Denver, St, Louis...
I mean, there's no such thing as a guaranteed win, any given Sunday and all that (lord knows last season proved it) but still.
I wouldn't be surprised to see 13-3 or 14-2. I would expect 12-4 at the very worst.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Last Minute Prediction
Kickoff if a couple minutes away, and my prediction for the superbowl tonight is...
27-21 Patriots
Vegas is saying 28-25 pats.
UPDATE: Well... I was half right
27-21 Patriots
Vegas is saying 28-25 pats.
UPDATE: Well... I was half right
Thursday, October 27, 2011
So, how well did I handicap the NFL this past week
Last week, I laid out my picks for the upcoming weekends NFL games.
Let's see how I did shall we? If I got the game right, I'll mark it green. If wrong, red.
I was surprised by this one. The Jets really played a great game offensively (though a sloppy one).
So, I went 8 for 12... not bad; and three of those games were... freakish outliers shall we say?
Actually, this whole season is kind of a freakish outlier. Week 8, and there are still three teams with 0 victories... And one of them is the Colts... And given the schedules, and the teams performances thus far, it's entirely possible any of them... perhaps even all three... go winless for the whole season.
Meanwhile, Green Bay who have been very inconsistent in the post Favre era (going from 6-10 in 2008, to winning the superbowl last year on a 10-6 record)... they're 7-0 coming into a bye week, and then what should be three breezers against San Diego, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay. They don't have a hard game coming until thanksgiving vs. Detroit. We may see them go undefeated into week 12, or 13. Hell... It's possible, given the rest of their schedule, that they may run the table this year. It's unlikely, but it's possible.
What a season
Let's see how I did shall we? If I got the game right, I'll mark it green. If wrong, red.
Chargers over Jets:
I think this is a no brainer. Top ten rushing AND passing offense of the Chargers, against a bottom five rushing defense on the Jets (good pass defense though). On the other side, the Jets are a bottom ten passing and rushing offense (31st in rushing) vs. the second best pass defense (only mediocre on rush defense though).
I was surprised by this one. The Jets really played a great game offensively (though a sloppy one).
This really could have been a redskins win. Stupid mistakes, turnovers, not capitalizing on good drives; turning good drives into field goals not touchdowns...
Chicago vs. Tampa Bay:
Honestly I'm having a hard time calling that... maybe a slight edge to Tampa Bay because their offense is better.. but something gut level says Chicago.
Skins over Panthers:
Two mediocre teams (Carolina isn't as bad as their record suggests. They've got a solid offense, but a crap run defense); but Washington has a little less negative and a little more positive.
Detroit over Atlanta:Wow... there could have been worse third down conversion... somewhow... Every detroit drive ended up a 3 and out so... can't really win that way.
Not even a question. Detroit is just playing better than Atlanta by far (even after Sundays RIDICULOUS loss to one of the worst teams in football).
Cleveland over Seattle:6 to 3? Was this a football game or a soccer match? No touchdowns for either team, with Seattle going 2 for 12 on 3rd down, and 12 for 30 on pass attempts.
On the pure numbers they're almost even... But I think Cleveland has a small edge on offense, and Seattle has a crap pass defense.
Denver over Miami:An epic, battle royale of shit vs. shit, into OT. They went toOT not because of great play, but because of how bad both teams are.
Shit vs. Shit, but Miami is stinkier shit.
Houston over Tennessee:In a 41-7 blowout, Tennessee makes me a liar; because their defense didn't even show up... and neither did their offense. Lessee a 5-1 first down advantage, 3 to 1 (almost 4 to 1) third down conversion advantage, 3.5 to 1 total yardage advantage, 2 to 0 turnover advantage... Frankly it's a wonder it was only a 34 point victory.
I realize that Tennessee is technically ranked over Houston, but I think Houston is the better team (barely). Tennessee has NO rush at all; while Houston is decent on both the pass and the run. Tennessee has a solid defense though.
Oakland over KC:Lessee... don't score any points at all... that's bad... Get two touchdowns scored on you off of the SIX interceptions you throw... that's worse.
Two good rushing teams with crap pass offense and mediocre defenses... It's going to come down to morale, and it's a hell of a lot harder to play in Raider nation; and that Oakland has better run blocking.
Pittsburgh over Arizona:Arizona played surprisingly well; fighting back and forth much more than the score suggests... they just couldn't produce, and Pittsburgh did.
Not even a question. Good team vs. crap team. Best defense in the NFL vs. crap offense. Solid offense vs. mediocre defense. Not even a question.
Green bay over Minnesota: Great team vs. Crap team.Surprisingly close. If it weren't for the 91 yards in penalties and two interceptions...
This one isn't even a question either. Though Green Bay is a weird team. Spectacular passing record, great run defense; but they have no rush, and the worst pass rush in the league. Minnesota on the other hand has no passing at all (second worst in the league), but a great running game, and a great run defense. Unfortunately, they have one of the worst pass defenses, against one of the best passing teams.
Dallas over St. Louis:Nothing surprising here at all
Yeah... St. Louis is quite possibly the worst team in football, Dallas is... not. I'm not going to say they're great, but they did almost take the Pats, and their three losses this season have all been by less than a toughdown.
New Orleans over Indy:Wow... 62-7... That's.. epic suck. 11 first downs to 36. 252 total yards to 557. 12 completions to 31. 49 yards in penalties to 10... and that's hard to do when you have so little time of posession (only 22 minutes vs. 38)... Oh and 3 turnovers. What a perfect example of how an NFL team can't play without an actual NFL quarterback.
Uh... yeah, not even gonna bother explaining this one.
Baltimore over Jacksonville:I think this one was a shock to everyone; with the Jags defense holding the Ravens to just one score; and with four offensive fieldgoals... Both teams going worse than 20% on third down conversions. Both teams with less than 20 first downs. Total yards combined from both teams under 350... I'm not sure what this was exactly... It was a win though and that's what counts.
Again, one of the best teams, vs. one of the worst teams. There's nothing particularly outstanding about Baltimore, but they do everything pretty well, and don't do anything particularly badly. They've got a top ten defense, a top half offense... one of the best run defenses in the game. J'ville on the other hand doesn't do anything well but run (worst passing game in football this year).
So, I went 8 for 12... not bad; and three of those games were... freakish outliers shall we say?
Actually, this whole season is kind of a freakish outlier. Week 8, and there are still three teams with 0 victories... And one of them is the Colts... And given the schedules, and the teams performances thus far, it's entirely possible any of them... perhaps even all three... go winless for the whole season.
Meanwhile, Green Bay who have been very inconsistent in the post Favre era (going from 6-10 in 2008, to winning the superbowl last year on a 10-6 record)... they're 7-0 coming into a bye week, and then what should be three breezers against San Diego, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay. They don't have a hard game coming until thanksgiving vs. Detroit. We may see them go undefeated into week 12, or 13. Hell... It's possible, given the rest of their schedule, that they may run the table this year. It's unlikely, but it's possible.
What a season
Monday, October 17, 2011
Football is finally getting interesting this season
This was a weekend full of interesting games, including one hell of a performance by Dallas, coming just short of beating the Patriots at home.
The Cowboys offenses didn't really step up, but their defense... On the other side, the Pats defense sucked ass; and Brady compensated for it.
Such is the way of things.
The cowboys defense played INCREDIBLY. No-one has held Brady to under 30 points in TWO SEASONS. Not only that, but they pulled two interceptions and three sacks (and two of the three forced a punt), and this was on a day when the Pats line was playing well. That was one hell of a defensive performance.
The problem was, Brady played up to his level; while Romo didn't.
The Cowboys didn't capitalize on the poor performance of the Patriots defense. Plain and simple. Too many 3 and outs. Not enough clutch conversions. Too many little mistakes.
The interception count was certainly unusual. Brady is historically one of the least intercepted quarterbacks; particularly among the heavy passers... but you have to actually capitalize on a turnover to win a game.
If you want to know exactly why the 'boys lost Sunday, look at the stats. On most thing the two teams were either in a dead heat, or Dallas was a bit ahead... but the critical issue was third down conversions. Cowboys were 4/12, Pats 8/13. Take that with the Cowboys 10 penalties for -77 yards...
On those third and fourth down situations, Brady makes it happen in the clutch. Romo... sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Two interceptions, two fumbles, and three sacks... but 'boys offense still couldn't make it happen.
The next two weeks are really going to be interesting.
Since the Pats are on a bye week (but I think they're going to spank the Steelers in two weeks) I'm thinking:
The Cowboys offenses didn't really step up, but their defense... On the other side, the Pats defense sucked ass; and Brady compensated for it.
Such is the way of things.
The cowboys defense played INCREDIBLY. No-one has held Brady to under 30 points in TWO SEASONS. Not only that, but they pulled two interceptions and three sacks (and two of the three forced a punt), and this was on a day when the Pats line was playing well. That was one hell of a defensive performance.
The problem was, Brady played up to his level; while Romo didn't.
The Cowboys didn't capitalize on the poor performance of the Patriots defense. Plain and simple. Too many 3 and outs. Not enough clutch conversions. Too many little mistakes.
The interception count was certainly unusual. Brady is historically one of the least intercepted quarterbacks; particularly among the heavy passers... but you have to actually capitalize on a turnover to win a game.
If you want to know exactly why the 'boys lost Sunday, look at the stats. On most thing the two teams were either in a dead heat, or Dallas was a bit ahead... but the critical issue was third down conversions. Cowboys were 4/12, Pats 8/13. Take that with the Cowboys 10 penalties for -77 yards...
On those third and fourth down situations, Brady makes it happen in the clutch. Romo... sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Two interceptions, two fumbles, and three sacks... but 'boys offense still couldn't make it happen.
The next two weeks are really going to be interesting.
Since the Pats are on a bye week (but I think they're going to spank the Steelers in two weeks) I'm thinking:
Chargers over Jets:
I think this is a no brainer. Top ten rushing AND passing offense of the Chargers, against a bottom five rushing defense on the Jets (good pass defense though). On the other side, the Jets are a bottom ten passing and rushing offense (31st in rushing) vs. the second best pass defense (only mediocre on rush defense though).
Chicago vs. Tampa Bay:
Honestly I'm having a hard time calling that... maybe a slight edge to Tampa Bay because their offense is better.. but something gut level says Chicago.
Skins over Panthers:
Two mediocre teams (Carolina isn't as bad as their record suggests. They've got a solid offense, but a crap run defense); but Washington has a little less negative and a little more positive.
Detroit over Atlanta:
Not even a question. Detroit is just playing better than Atlanta by far (even after Sundays RIDICULOUS loss to one of the worst teams in football).
Cleveland over Seattle:
On the pure numbers they're almost even... But I think Cleveland has a small edge on offense, and Seattle has a crap pass defense.
Denver over Miami:
Shit vs. Shit, but Miami is stinkier shit.
Houston over Tennessee:
I realize that Tennessee is technically ranked over Houston, but I think Houston is the better team (barely). Tennessee has NO rush at all; while Houston is decent on both the pass and the run. Tennessee has a solid defense though.
Oakland over KC:
Two good rushing teams with crap pass offense and mediocre defenses... It's going to come down to morale, and it's a hell of a lot harder to play in Raider nation; and that Oakland has better run blocking.
Pittsburgh over Arizona:
Not even a question. Good team vs. crap team. Best defense in the NFL vs. crap offense. Solid offense vs. mediocre defense. Not even a question.
Green bay over Minnesota: Great team vs. Crap team.
This one isn't even a question either. Though Green Bay is a weird team. Spectacular passing record, great run defense; but they have no rush, and the worst pass rush in the league. Minnesota on the other hand has no passing at all (second worst in the league), but a great running game, and a great run defense. Unfortunately, they have one of the worst pass defenses, against one of the best passing teams.
Dallas over St. Louis:
Yeah... St. Louis is quite possibly the worst team in football, Dallas is... not. I'm not going to say they're great, but they did almost take the Pats, and their three losses this season have all been by less than a toughdown.
New Orleans over Indy:
Uh... yeah, not even gonna bother explaining this one.
Baltimore over Jacksonville:
Again, one of the best teams, vs. one of the worst teams. There's nothing particularly outstanding about Baltimore, but they do everything pretty well, and don't do anything particularly badly. They've got a top ten defense, a top half offense... one of the best run defenses in the game. J'ville on the other hand doesn't do anything well but run (worst passing game in football this year).
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Pats Jets... one hell of a game
Well, as a lifelong Patriots fan, I was very much looking forward to the pats/jets game today, and I was not disappointed; it was a hell of a game.
I have to give the Jets a lot of credit. Their linebackers and ends really did a great job at pressuring Brady on the outside (4 sacks... that NEVER happens); but the Pats o-line (Solder is really turning out to be a huge asset, as I'd hoped) just killed the jets inside.
Benjarvus Green-Ellis may have one of the stupidest names in the NFL (and frankly, that's saying something); but he's an incredible player, and he showed just how good he was today. He's averaging just under 5 yards a carry career, and 6 yards a carry this season; and he's NEVER fumbled the ball in over 800 career carries.
NEVER
It still amazes me Green-Ellis was undrafted in 2008. I mean his draft reports weren't spectacular, but they weren't bad either; and he was an all SEC runningback his junior year, and alternate his senior year. It just goes to show how much of a judge of talent Bellichick (and staff of course) is.
Overall, I'm really impressed with the Jets this season. Sanchez... I said last year I thought we were seeing the birth of a star, and it looks like I (and just about everyone else) was right. This kid really has the goods... now he just needs some better receiver support. The talent is actually there, but I think the coaching and the coordination isn't.
Meanwhile... Pats defense was certainly much better this game, but this season as a whole... I'm really not impressed guys.
The next two months are the hardest schedule in the NFL. If we can't get our defense where it needs to be, we're in serious trouble.
I have to give the Jets a lot of credit. Their linebackers and ends really did a great job at pressuring Brady on the outside (4 sacks... that NEVER happens); but the Pats o-line (Solder is really turning out to be a huge asset, as I'd hoped) just killed the jets inside.
Benjarvus Green-Ellis may have one of the stupidest names in the NFL (and frankly, that's saying something); but he's an incredible player, and he showed just how good he was today. He's averaging just under 5 yards a carry career, and 6 yards a carry this season; and he's NEVER fumbled the ball in over 800 career carries.
NEVER
It still amazes me Green-Ellis was undrafted in 2008. I mean his draft reports weren't spectacular, but they weren't bad either; and he was an all SEC runningback his junior year, and alternate his senior year. It just goes to show how much of a judge of talent Bellichick (and staff of course) is.
Overall, I'm really impressed with the Jets this season. Sanchez... I said last year I thought we were seeing the birth of a star, and it looks like I (and just about everyone else) was right. This kid really has the goods... now he just needs some better receiver support. The talent is actually there, but I think the coaching and the coordination isn't.
Meanwhile... Pats defense was certainly much better this game, but this season as a whole... I'm really not impressed guys.
The next two months are the hardest schedule in the NFL. If we can't get our defense where it needs to be, we're in serious trouble.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thank you to the New Orleans Saints...
For getting Atlanta fans to SHUT THE HELL UP about how the Falcons are better then... or even as good as... the New England Patriots.
Seriously Falcons fans, this game shouldn't even have been close (especially after that giveaway), never mind them pulling it out on you in the last 4 minutes.
Seriously Falcons fans, this game shouldn't even have been close (especially after that giveaway), never mind them pulling it out on you in the last 4 minutes.
Monday, December 06, 2010
First little bitch to whine about "piling on" or "running up the score" gets slapped
Just watched the Patriots prove that the Jets are the most overrated team in the NFL, quite convincingly.
What exactly was the score? 173-2 or something like that?
27 turnovers?
Might as well have been. Brady and the boys made the jets their bitches, and that was that.
Oh and the actual numbers? 45-3 on three interceptions, four touchdown passes by Brady... but time of possession was almost equal, so obviously the pats defense proved something.
Nice to be number one... Well, tied for number one with Atlanta, but the Pats are certainly the better team.
What exactly was the score? 173-2 or something like that?
27 turnovers?
Might as well have been. Brady and the boys made the jets their bitches, and that was that.
Oh and the actual numbers? 45-3 on three interceptions, four touchdown passes by Brady... but time of possession was almost equal, so obviously the pats defense proved something.
Nice to be number one... Well, tied for number one with Atlanta, but the Pats are certainly the better team.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
The Patriots Defense need to collectively kill themselves....
Of course, Colt McCoy has done a pretty damn good job of it already.
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?
Four turnovers, at least a dozen good passes dropped.... The Patriots just fell apart on the field. The time of possession alone...
Hell, if we could have got the offense on the field every once in a while, maybe we could have done something (though our frozen fingered receiver corps didn't help in that regard).
I haven't seen the Pats defense perform so badly in years.
On the other hand, I think I just saw the first proof that Colt McCoy is one of the few NCAA quarterbacks who has the ability to translate his skills, experience, and talent, into the entirely different playing environment of the NFL.
From what I saw today, McCoy has all the talent and potential of Marino or Elway. Let's hope he can keep that going, and have the team around him to make it work (and last). Otherwise he'll end up another Jake Plummer, or Matt Leinart.
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?
Four turnovers, at least a dozen good passes dropped.... The Patriots just fell apart on the field. The time of possession alone...
Hell, if we could have got the offense on the field every once in a while, maybe we could have done something (though our frozen fingered receiver corps didn't help in that regard).
I haven't seen the Pats defense perform so badly in years.
On the other hand, I think I just saw the first proof that Colt McCoy is one of the few NCAA quarterbacks who has the ability to translate his skills, experience, and talent, into the entirely different playing environment of the NFL.
From what I saw today, McCoy has all the talent and potential of Marino or Elway. Let's hope he can keep that going, and have the team around him to make it work (and last). Otherwise he'll end up another Jake Plummer, or Matt Leinart.
Monday, November 01, 2010
The Great Misspelled One Isn't Quite Done
So, there is massive speculation flying around that Brett Favre won't be returning to play in the NFL.
After breaking two bones in his foot and ankle one week, then a mild concussion (the team isn't reporting it, but there's no way with that kind of shot he didn't get some brain jouncing), and possible jaw dislocation the next week...
People are asking, how can he possibly play... He has to quit now doesn't he?
Not a chance in hell.
Childress says Favre will start next week.
Brett Favre isn't playing football today because he needs the money.
He's beat all the records he's going to beat. He's won all the superbowls he's likely to win... though another would be nice...
There are three QBs playing today that will almost certainly make it onto everyones "top 10 of all time" list 20 years from now: Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.
Favre is the only Quarterback to have 180 wins (he's got 183 as of today with a .627 pct. Elway is second with 148 and .643. Manning is second active with 135 and .682)
Favre is the only QB to throw for 70,000 yards (70,779 as of today. Marino is second at just over 61k. Manning is second active at just over 52k)
Favre is the only quarterback to have over 500 touchdowns (504 as of today. Marino is second with 420. Manning is second active with 379)
Favre is the only quarterback to have over 10,000 pass attempts (10,023 as of this week, Marino is second with 8358. Manning is second active with 6,492)
Favre is the only quarterback to have thrown 6,000 completions (6,209 as of this week for a .620. Marino is second with 4,967 for a .594 and Peyton Manning is second active with just over 4,204 for a .648)
...are you seeing a pattern here by any chance?
Favre is also the only QB to have thrown more than 300 interceptions (328 as of today averaging 1.12 per game and 3.3% of all passes thrown... the second worst 100 start QB in the game today after John Kitna; though only 100th worst of all time. Manning is 35th on the list, with only 183, and 2.7% averaging just under 1 per game. Brady is 98th, and is the third least intercepted 100 start QB of all time, and second least active - both behind Donovan McNabb - at 2.3% for 103 total interceptions, averaging only .75 per game)
Favre is the only QB to have more than 130 fumbles, and one of only 7 to go over 100. He also loses over 50% of all his fumbles, one of the worst 100 start QBs of all time (Manning has only 53 in his entire career, and his loss precentage is only 30%. Brady has fumbled 12 more times than Manning, and has lost about 45% of those fumbles).
Favre is the only QB besides Elway to have taken more than 500 sacks (he's at 518 right now, and likely the only one to ever hit 525 or even 550 as he averages 1.8 sacks per game on 5.2% of his plays, averaging 6.7 yards lost per sack 6th worst active 100 start QB. Actually Favre is tied for percentage with Tom Brady, who has 10 more sacks than Manning, for 62 fewer games, but who runs far more plays per game and FAR fewer yards lost per sack. Brady actually loses less yards per sack (avg 6.1) than any other 100 start QB. Manning is 8th worst in total sacks at 221 just behind Brady, 9th worst in percentage, and averages 6.5 yards lost per sack)
Favre is one of only four QBs to have lost more than 3400 yards (though he's only fourth at 3445, behind Dave Krieg at 3794, Elway at 3785, and the all time sacks per start champion - 164 starts, 485 sacks - in the 100 starts club, Randall Cunningham 3537. Manning isn't even in the top 50, having only been sacked 221 times for 1423 yards lost in 198 starts. Brady has lost 10 more yards than Manning, on 10 more sacks, and is essentially tied).
Again, do you see a pattern here?
Brett Favre is playing football today for one reason: Peyton Manning
He does that, by continuing his streak, until Manning misses a game.
Favre started at QB game four of 1992, and has started every regular season game played in the NFL by the team he was signed to ever since. That's 19 seasons of consecutive starts, a record no-one is close to matching... YET
Favres record currently stands at 292 consecutive starts. He is one of only five QBs to make more than 100 consecutive starts, and the only quarterback to make 200...
Until two weeks from now, when Peyton Manning hits 200 that is.
The problem is, Manning started the first week of his first season, Favre only played two games in his first season, then played the second and third game and started the fourth game of his second season. If Manning completes as many seasons as Favre does (which seems likely) without missing a game, he will beat Favres streak.
Not only that, but Manning is on a pace to exceed Favres total wins, total yards, total touchdowns, and total completions record; and already has a higher completion percentage, a lower interception and sack rate, and a higher win percentage.
Manning will almost certainly have more superbowl starts than Favre, by the end of his career, and likely more victories; as they are both currently tied at 1:1 (vs. Brady at 3 for 4, the third best quarterback in superbowl history behind Bradshaw and Montana both at 4 for 4. Elway started 5 but only went 2-3).
Mannings career QB rating at 95.5 is a full 10 points higher than Favres (in fact it's the second highest of any QB with more than 100 starts behind Steve Young) and is still going up, while Favres is going down.
At the end of this season, Favre will have had 301 starts for 305 games, and Manning 208 starts for 208 games. If Favre retired today, and Manning kept his own streak going, in 2016 he would beat Favres streak... and that is just unacceptable to Favre.
If all football were to end right now today, Brett Favre would go down in NFL history as the greatest quarterback of all time. If Manning were to beat his streak, AND any of his other major records (especially since he is intercepted and sacked so little) then Manning will go down as the greatest.
And that friends, is why Brett Favre still puts the pads on every Saturday.
He will not willingly retire until either he, or Peyton Manning, misses a game; or he tanks his QB rating so bad to continue would be an embarrassment.
I fully and firmly believe that the day either one misses a game, will be the day before Favre announces his retirement.
After breaking two bones in his foot and ankle one week, then a mild concussion (the team isn't reporting it, but there's no way with that kind of shot he didn't get some brain jouncing), and possible jaw dislocation the next week...
People are asking, how can he possibly play... He has to quit now doesn't he?
Not a chance in hell.
Childress says Favre will start next week.
Brett Favre isn't playing football today because he needs the money.
He's beat all the records he's going to beat. He's won all the superbowls he's likely to win... though another would be nice...
There are three QBs playing today that will almost certainly make it onto everyones "top 10 of all time" list 20 years from now: Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.
Favre is the only Quarterback to have 180 wins (he's got 183 as of today with a .627 pct. Elway is second with 148 and .643. Manning is second active with 135 and .682)
Favre is the only QB to throw for 70,000 yards (70,779 as of today. Marino is second at just over 61k. Manning is second active at just over 52k)
Favre is the only quarterback to have over 500 touchdowns (504 as of today. Marino is second with 420. Manning is second active with 379)
Favre is the only quarterback to have over 10,000 pass attempts (10,023 as of this week, Marino is second with 8358. Manning is second active with 6,492)
Favre is the only quarterback to have thrown 6,000 completions (6,209 as of this week for a .620. Marino is second with 4,967 for a .594 and Peyton Manning is second active with just over 4,204 for a .648)
...are you seeing a pattern here by any chance?
Favre is also the only QB to have thrown more than 300 interceptions (328 as of today averaging 1.12 per game and 3.3% of all passes thrown... the second worst 100 start QB in the game today after John Kitna; though only 100th worst of all time. Manning is 35th on the list, with only 183, and 2.7% averaging just under 1 per game. Brady is 98th, and is the third least intercepted 100 start QB of all time, and second least active - both behind Donovan McNabb - at 2.3% for 103 total interceptions, averaging only .75 per game)
Favre is the only QB to have more than 130 fumbles, and one of only 7 to go over 100. He also loses over 50% of all his fumbles, one of the worst 100 start QBs of all time (Manning has only 53 in his entire career, and his loss precentage is only 30%. Brady has fumbled 12 more times than Manning, and has lost about 45% of those fumbles).
Favre is the only QB besides Elway to have taken more than 500 sacks (he's at 518 right now, and likely the only one to ever hit 525 or even 550 as he averages 1.8 sacks per game on 5.2% of his plays, averaging 6.7 yards lost per sack 6th worst active 100 start QB. Actually Favre is tied for percentage with Tom Brady, who has 10 more sacks than Manning, for 62 fewer games, but who runs far more plays per game and FAR fewer yards lost per sack. Brady actually loses less yards per sack (avg 6.1) than any other 100 start QB. Manning is 8th worst in total sacks at 221 just behind Brady, 9th worst in percentage, and averages 6.5 yards lost per sack)
Favre is one of only four QBs to have lost more than 3400 yards (though he's only fourth at 3445, behind Dave Krieg at 3794, Elway at 3785, and the all time sacks per start champion - 164 starts, 485 sacks - in the 100 starts club, Randall Cunningham 3537. Manning isn't even in the top 50, having only been sacked 221 times for 1423 yards lost in 198 starts. Brady has lost 10 more yards than Manning, on 10 more sacks, and is essentially tied).
Again, do you see a pattern here?
Brett Favre is playing football today for one reason: Peyton Manning
Note: Obviously, Bradys career overall numbers aren't going to ever get close to Mannings or Favres, because he spent his first couple seasons as a backup, and has had a couple of major injuries, leading to missing a large number of games... and Neither Manning nor Favre have ever missed a game. However, on a play per play, or game per game basis, Brady is probably the better player, as most of his stats show, and as the record of the Patriots with Brady shows.Favre has only one thing left to protect... His position as the greatest career NFL quarterback of all time.
He does that, by continuing his streak, until Manning misses a game.
Favre started at QB game four of 1992, and has started every regular season game played in the NFL by the team he was signed to ever since. That's 19 seasons of consecutive starts, a record no-one is close to matching... YET
Favres record currently stands at 292 consecutive starts. He is one of only five QBs to make more than 100 consecutive starts, and the only quarterback to make 200...
Until two weeks from now, when Peyton Manning hits 200 that is.
Note: Originally I wrote Favre was the only player to have broken 200 consecutive starts. This was incorrect. The stats I was looking at apparently broke pre-merger and post-merger into discontinuous blocks. Defensive end Jim Marshall had 270 consecutive starts (across the merger) from 1961 to 1979 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Thanks to Heartless Libertarian for the tip.You see, Favre preceded Manning into the league by seven years (though he didn't start any games, and only played in two games, in the 1991 season he was signed to the falcons), and is 94 games up.
The problem is, Manning started the first week of his first season, Favre only played two games in his first season, then played the second and third game and started the fourth game of his second season. If Manning completes as many seasons as Favre does (which seems likely) without missing a game, he will beat Favres streak.
Not only that, but Manning is on a pace to exceed Favres total wins, total yards, total touchdowns, and total completions record; and already has a higher completion percentage, a lower interception and sack rate, and a higher win percentage.
Manning will almost certainly have more superbowl starts than Favre, by the end of his career, and likely more victories; as they are both currently tied at 1:1 (vs. Brady at 3 for 4, the third best quarterback in superbowl history behind Bradshaw and Montana both at 4 for 4. Elway started 5 but only went 2-3).
Mannings career QB rating at 95.5 is a full 10 points higher than Favres (in fact it's the second highest of any QB with more than 100 starts behind Steve Young) and is still going up, while Favres is going down.
At the end of this season, Favre will have had 301 starts for 305 games, and Manning 208 starts for 208 games. If Favre retired today, and Manning kept his own streak going, in 2016 he would beat Favres streak... and that is just unacceptable to Favre.
If all football were to end right now today, Brett Favre would go down in NFL history as the greatest quarterback of all time. If Manning were to beat his streak, AND any of his other major records (especially since he is intercepted and sacked so little) then Manning will go down as the greatest.
A side note: if I have been differentiating between "Best" and "Greatest", because I think they are two different things. Best is about talent and exceptional performance. Greatest may not be the single highest performer, but if they're in the top few, for 20 years, you just have to count them as "greatest"
Tom Brady makes it two more seasons to beat Steve Young on games and starts, and remains performing at his current level or higher, he will probably be regarded as the "best" quarterback in terms of "talent" in the history of the NFl, though NOT the "greatest" in terms of overall career.
As of today, I personally believe Brady is the most "talented" ever (with Marino just behind, who never turned the talent into victories; and Elway who lost as much as he won, and who was intercepted nearly as many times as he made touchdowns), and if he continues his career in this way he WILL be the "best"; but Young, Montana, Marino, Bradshaw, and Elway are currently all ahead of him because of the totality of their careers.
Young, and Montana would still be on the list if it weren't for the teams they were playing with; but on any other team, including todays Patriots, they'd be lower down on the list. On the other hand, Kurt Warner might have been on this list, if he had played with better teams.
Neither Manning, nor Favre are as talented as Brady or any of the list above (though Manning is very close), and are not competing with the others for "Best", but because of their careers, one or the other must be considered the "Greatest". Right now it's Favre, but if Manning plays as many seasons as Favre, it will be Manning.
But Brady, with 3 for 4 superbowl victories, and holding every single game, and single season passing record in the NFL and the superbowl, and probably several more superbowls left in him; barring injury I don't think it's in doubt.
Brady has the second highest career active QB rating at 93.5, 2 points behind Manning (and .2 behind Kurt Warner and 3.3 behind Steve Young). On any given Sunday, Brady he is a better QB than Manning, or Young (I discount Kurt Warners second highest passers rating, as his career overall doesn't warrant being rated so high).
Bradys career rating is also still going up; and on average he makes more completions, touchdowns, and yards per game than either Manning or Steve Young, with fewer interceptions, and lower lost yardage.
Brady is 62 games behind Manning, though only two seasons behind; because he started out the first two years of his career as a backup QB, and has had a few serious injuries missing 20 some games over his career as a starter. If he can avoid more serious injuries and maintain his performance for say, four more years, he is likely to retire with the highest QB rating of all time, as well as the third best superbowl record even presuming no more superbowl appearances. If he has one more start that ties him with Elway for starts, and even a loss beats Elways record. A victory would make him 4-1 in superbowls, tieing Montana and Bradshaw on appearances and beating them on victories.
That still won't make him "the greatest", which will have to go to Favre, or Manning if he matches Favres longevity; but it will make him "the best"
And that friends, is why Brett Favre still puts the pads on every Saturday.
He will not willingly retire until either he, or Peyton Manning, misses a game; or he tanks his QB rating so bad to continue would be an embarrassment.
I fully and firmly believe that the day either one misses a game, will be the day before Favre announces his retirement.
Monday, October 04, 2010
41-14 .... S'all I got to say...
Well, that and TWO turnovers, TWO touchdowns, TWO minutes...
Offense, Defense, Special Teams... Don't matter... All scoring, no waiting...
Offense, Defense, Special Teams... Don't matter... All scoring, no waiting...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Consistency and effort wins championships... Coasting won't do it.
I'm a bit irritated with my boys, the New England Patriots.
Yes, they had what, by the numbers, might be considered an impressive win this week, but I'm not buying it.
Frankly, everyone paying attention expecting the Pats to blow out the Bengals, no matter what the color commentators were trying to sell.
The Bengals were outplayed from minute 1 to minute 60, by a Patriots team that wasn't even giving 75%, and a quarterback who'd been in a car accident right before the game.
The Pats barely even show up out of the tunnel for the second half (after running up 24 unanswered points in the first half); allowing the Bengals to make up 18 points from a 31-3 deficit at the 32 minute mark, with 17 unanswered points, before finishing the Bengals off with a fourth TD at minute 53. The Bengals final TD was just to reduce the humiliation.
Frankly, they coasted, as they have shown an unfortunate tendency to do when they come up against a "weak" team over the past few years (which has bit them in the ass more than once).
The problem is, the Patriots think they can get away with that kind of thing. The sad part is, against the Jets, Buffalo, and Miami, they actually might be able to.
The Pats have one of the easiest schedules in the league the first half of the season; finishing it out with a bye, Baltimore, San Diego, and Minnesota, with game 8 at Cleveland.
I'm not calling these walkover games; but I'd expect at worst 5-3 out of the first 9 weeks, likely 6-2, and maybe 7-1 or even 8-0.... IF THEY STOP THIS COASTING.
The first half of the season, I expect a very tough game against Minnesota, and no idea how San Dog, or the Ravens, are going to perform. Both are teams with consistency issues, and SD had an awful pre-season (though frankly, the Pats weren't so hot either, I don't generally consider the pre-season very indicative of regular season performance).
Cleveland... OK I'll call it a walkover right now. As of today, there isn't a less impressive team in the AFC, except maybe KC.
The second half of the season gets a bit tougher; with what should be strong challenges from Pittsburgh in week 10, and Indy in week 11.
Week 12, another walkover against Detroit, the worst team in the NFL (used to be the Saints and Cardinals were worse, but that was while they still had Barry).
Week 13, at home against the Jets on Monday night, I'm not too worried.
Week 14 at Chicago... who knows. Chicago is another team with consistency issues. I'm not confident enough to call it right now, but frankly I'm not expecting a playoff performance from da Bears this season.
Week 15 at home against Green Bay should be a tough one. Again, they've had consistency problems since losing Favre (hell, even with Favre), but they're never an easy game.
Week 16 at Buffalo I'm expecting a win, just like in week 3.
The regular season final at home against Miami... Frankly, when has Miami ever been able to perform in New England, in winter?
So, I'm thinking worst case season, 10-6; best case, 14-2; likely, 12-4; and I expect to take the division, again (As we have done eight years out of the last nine. 2002... Just not a good year. 2008 was an example of coasting hurting us, though frankly, at 11-5 we had what would have been a playoff season most seasons).
Yes, they had what, by the numbers, might be considered an impressive win this week, but I'm not buying it.
Frankly, everyone paying attention expecting the Pats to blow out the Bengals, no matter what the color commentators were trying to sell.
The Bengals were outplayed from minute 1 to minute 60, by a Patriots team that wasn't even giving 75%, and a quarterback who'd been in a car accident right before the game.
The Pats barely even show up out of the tunnel for the second half (after running up 24 unanswered points in the first half); allowing the Bengals to make up 18 points from a 31-3 deficit at the 32 minute mark, with 17 unanswered points, before finishing the Bengals off with a fourth TD at minute 53. The Bengals final TD was just to reduce the humiliation.
Frankly, they coasted, as they have shown an unfortunate tendency to do when they come up against a "weak" team over the past few years (which has bit them in the ass more than once).
The problem is, the Patriots think they can get away with that kind of thing. The sad part is, against the Jets, Buffalo, and Miami, they actually might be able to.
The Pats have one of the easiest schedules in the league the first half of the season; finishing it out with a bye, Baltimore, San Diego, and Minnesota, with game 8 at Cleveland.
I'm not calling these walkover games; but I'd expect at worst 5-3 out of the first 9 weeks, likely 6-2, and maybe 7-1 or even 8-0.... IF THEY STOP THIS COASTING.
The first half of the season, I expect a very tough game against Minnesota, and no idea how San Dog, or the Ravens, are going to perform. Both are teams with consistency issues, and SD had an awful pre-season (though frankly, the Pats weren't so hot either, I don't generally consider the pre-season very indicative of regular season performance).
Cleveland... OK I'll call it a walkover right now. As of today, there isn't a less impressive team in the AFC, except maybe KC.
The second half of the season gets a bit tougher; with what should be strong challenges from Pittsburgh in week 10, and Indy in week 11.
Week 12, another walkover against Detroit, the worst team in the NFL (used to be the Saints and Cardinals were worse, but that was while they still had Barry).
Week 13, at home against the Jets on Monday night, I'm not too worried.
Week 14 at Chicago... who knows. Chicago is another team with consistency issues. I'm not confident enough to call it right now, but frankly I'm not expecting a playoff performance from da Bears this season.
Week 15 at home against Green Bay should be a tough one. Again, they've had consistency problems since losing Favre (hell, even with Favre), but they're never an easy game.
Week 16 at Buffalo I'm expecting a win, just like in week 3.
The regular season final at home against Miami... Frankly, when has Miami ever been able to perform in New England, in winter?
So, I'm thinking worst case season, 10-6; best case, 14-2; likely, 12-4; and I expect to take the division, again (As we have done eight years out of the last nine. 2002... Just not a good year. 2008 was an example of coasting hurting us, though frankly, at 11-5 we had what would have been a playoff season most seasons).
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Are you kiddin me? In Mass? He's lucky they didn't set his house on fire...
Of course I live in North Idaho now, and there are no local football franchises or rivalries to deal with. The nearest pro team is the Seahawks, and they're 6 hours away. Closest after that is San Francisco or Oakland.
Frankly, the people up here hate Washington and California so much, they'd rather be caught dead than supporting a team from either state so...
I've got my Sunday ticket ready to go for the 12th (I never watch pre-season).
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Sunday, November 15, 2009
That was a FUCKING FIRST DOWN!
And not having a challenge left... What. The. Fuck...
Going for it on fourth I can see, but without having a TO left to challenge in case something went wrong?
He had both feet down, and the ball under control, on the other side of the line. He was pushed back by the tackle. The ball should have been spotted about a yard further forward than it was; and if he had been able to challenge, the call would most likely have been reversed, and the game would have gone for New England.
Instead, WTF?
In fact, WTF was that whole 4th quarter?
Going for it on fourth I can see, but without having a TO left to challenge in case something went wrong?
He had both feet down, and the ball under control, on the other side of the line. He was pushed back by the tackle. The ball should have been spotted about a yard further forward than it was; and if he had been able to challenge, the call would most likely have been reversed, and the game would have gone for New England.
Instead, WTF?
In fact, WTF was that whole 4th quarter?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Won and Lost by a Toe Pick
And in other news, a massive upsurge in suicides, car accidents, broken windows, broken hands and broken legs to be expected in Las Vegas and the entire state of New Jersey.
Seriously, this is going to be about the biggest loss the bookies have ever taken.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Hell Has Frozen Over
The second (or maybe third) worst team in NFL history, is going to the superbowl.
Why do I say the second (or maybe third) worst?
Well, they are the oldest franchise, and have never been in a superbowl for one. in the pre-superbowl era they never won a league championship; and as of today, have won their only conference championship in 110 years...
Though to be fair they have won their division five times, this year being the only time since 1975.
They have the second most seasons at .500 or under (behind the New Orleans Saints), the fewest playoff appearances (it was the second fewest, but the Saints have been on a roll these past few seasons), and until this year, haven't made it past the first round of the playoffs in the superbowl era. They have finished last in the league more than anyone except the Saints.
The only reason I list them as second worst, is because the Saints have lost even more, and won even less. They're maybe third, because of course, this year the Detroit Lions proved it was possible to lose all 16 regular season games; a feat no other team has ever managed (Tampa Bay lost 14 when the season was only 14 games long however).
Arizona is where good players get drafted to, so they can can build their numbers up to ask for more money from their next team; and where formerly good, washed up players go instead of retiring, when their ex-wives need more alimony.
Arizona went 9-7 this year, and are in the superbowl; when New England, at 11-5 did not even make the playoffs.
Such is football. Any given Sunday.
So how are Arizonans feeling right now?
It's not joy, or happiness... though I 'spose the Cards few hundred fans will feel that a bit later... No, it's UTTER SHOCK AND AMAZEMENT.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Fantasy Football
My best friend doesn't have internet access at home or work (or rather his access is limited and intermittent) and he's bad with statistics and the like. I on the other hand spend pretty much 24/7 online (I've got an iPhone after all) and I'm very good with numbers.
So, he wanted to try and play fantasy football last year, but couldnt figure out the details in time to get into a draft. This year he got an invite a couple weeks early, and roped me in to managing the team with him.
Now, no man has a greater love for football than me, but I'm not so sure about the whole fantasy thing... I mean it seems kinda interesting and all, but also kinda wanktastic.
Anyway, our fantasy league is through Yahoo, which has you pre-rank all your players, priorities and positions, and does an autodraft. We have 8 teams in our league, so I made 8 primary and a couple of secondary choices for each position and then put them in our pre-draft player list.
Then I decided where I wanted to put each player in our priorities; which is kinda hard actually, given you have no idea what the other teams are going to do... You could put all your top picks for a particular position up front, but you'd end up week in other positions if you do etc...
Here was our pre-draft list in preference order by position (not in draft preference order which was messy, and I no longer have my notes on it):
Offense
QB - Tom Brady
QB - Peyton Manning
QB - Tony Romo
QB - Eli Manning
QB - Carson Palmer
QB - Jake Delhomme
QB - Ben Roethlisberger
QB - Donovan McNabb
TE - Vernon Davis
TE - Antonio Gates
TE - Tony Gonzales
TE - Dallas Clark
TE - Heath Miller
TE - Jeremy Shockey
TE - Greg Olson
TE - Ben Watson
WR - Randy Moss
WR - Santonio Homes
WR - Calvin Johnson
WR - Reggie Wayne
WR - Sidney Rice
WR - Ted Ginn Jr.
WR - Kevin Walter
WR - Vincent Jackson
RB - Ladanian Tomlinson
RB - Adrian Peterson
RB - Brian Westbrook
RB - Clinton Portis
RB - Joseph Addai
RB - Marchand Lynch
RB - Frank Gore
RB - Marian Barber
PK - Stepehen Gostowski
PK - Adam Viniateri
PK - Josh Brown
PK - Nate Kaeding
PK - Nick Folk
PK - Phil Dawson
PK - Shayne Graham
PK - David Akers
Defense
Defense - Patriots
Defense - Steelers
Defense - Vikings
Defense - Chargers
Defense - Giants
Defense - Bears
Defense - Jets
Defense - Cowboys
Well, our draft was yesterday, and we got first pick (randomly selected):
Starting:
QB: Eli Manning
WR: Vincent Jackson
WR: Santonio Holmes
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson
RB: John Paul Foschi
TE: Vernon Davis
W/R: Hines Ward
K: Steven Gostowski
Defense: Indianapolis Colts
Bench:
QB: Jake Delhomme
WR: Nate Burleson
WR: Marvin Harrison
TE: Ben Watson
K: David Akers
Defense: Jacksonville Jaguars
Waivers:
RB: John Paul Foschi
WR: Marvin Harrison
Adds:
RB: Ricky Williams
RB: Rashard Mendenhall
Overall though I'm happy with the draft, with a couple of exceptions (that I'm trying to fix with waivers and adds).
We got our top pic in Ladainian Tomlinson, which I'm very happy about, and our top pick for kicker in Gostowski. I'm also pleased we got Holmes, Jackson, and Davis
Unfortunately, it seems that most of the other teams in our league put our top few choices for RB and QB in their lists, at higher priorities than ours, so we ended up with a two middle of the road QBs, a secondary runningback I've never even heard of (he wasn't on our list at all), and we ended up heavy on wide recievers.
Also we didn't get any of our choices of defense, which is weird because two of our top 8 picks went undrafted; but I'm not really unhappy with what we've got either.
It seems that the autodraft software is a bit buggy. Somehow we ended up with a couple players I put on the exclusion list as definitely NOT wanting. Also some of our picks weren't chosen by any other team in the league, but we were given players lower in our priority list, and the players we prioritized higher went undrafted... and for some reason we cannot now pick those players to replace the ones we got.
Anyway, I'm trying to compensate for that by adding and dropping as best I can before this weekend (the first trade/add/drop deadline is Friday).
Overall though, I think we're looking very competitive. I just need to shore up that secondary running back (I REALLY wanted Addai, Westbrook, Lynch, Gore, or Barber... and who the hell is Foschi?)... and we've got a nice deep bench, with good trade prospects.
So, he wanted to try and play fantasy football last year, but couldnt figure out the details in time to get into a draft. This year he got an invite a couple weeks early, and roped me in to managing the team with him.
Now, no man has a greater love for football than me, but I'm not so sure about the whole fantasy thing... I mean it seems kinda interesting and all, but also kinda wanktastic.
Anyway, our fantasy league is through Yahoo, which has you pre-rank all your players, priorities and positions, and does an autodraft. We have 8 teams in our league, so I made 8 primary and a couple of secondary choices for each position and then put them in our pre-draft player list.
Then I decided where I wanted to put each player in our priorities; which is kinda hard actually, given you have no idea what the other teams are going to do... You could put all your top picks for a particular position up front, but you'd end up week in other positions if you do etc...
Here was our pre-draft list in preference order by position (not in draft preference order which was messy, and I no longer have my notes on it):
Offense
QB - Tom Brady
QB - Peyton Manning
QB - Tony Romo
QB - Eli Manning
QB - Carson Palmer
QB - Jake Delhomme
QB - Ben Roethlisberger
QB - Donovan McNabb
TE - Vernon Davis
TE - Antonio Gates
TE - Tony Gonzales
TE - Dallas Clark
TE - Heath Miller
TE - Jeremy Shockey
TE - Greg Olson
TE - Ben Watson
WR - Randy Moss
WR - Santonio Homes
WR - Calvin Johnson
WR - Reggie Wayne
WR - Sidney Rice
WR - Ted Ginn Jr.
WR - Kevin Walter
WR - Vincent Jackson
RB - Ladanian Tomlinson
RB - Adrian Peterson
RB - Brian Westbrook
RB - Clinton Portis
RB - Joseph Addai
RB - Marchand Lynch
RB - Frank Gore
RB - Marian Barber
PK - Stepehen Gostowski
PK - Adam Viniateri
PK - Josh Brown
PK - Nate Kaeding
PK - Nick Folk
PK - Phil Dawson
PK - Shayne Graham
PK - David Akers
Defense
Defense - Patriots
Defense - Steelers
Defense - Vikings
Defense - Chargers
Defense - Giants
Defense - Bears
Defense - Jets
Defense - Cowboys
Well, our draft was yesterday, and we got first pick (randomly selected):
Starting:
QB: Eli Manning
WR: Vincent Jackson
WR: Santonio Holmes
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson
RB: John Paul Foschi
TE: Vernon Davis
W/R: Hines Ward
K: Steven Gostowski
Defense: Indianapolis Colts
Bench:
QB: Jake Delhomme
WR: Nate Burleson
WR: Marvin Harrison
TE: Ben Watson
K: David Akers
Defense: Jacksonville Jaguars
Waivers:
RB: John Paul Foschi
WR: Marvin Harrison
Adds:
RB: Ricky Williams
RB: Rashard Mendenhall
Overall though I'm happy with the draft, with a couple of exceptions (that I'm trying to fix with waivers and adds).
We got our top pic in Ladainian Tomlinson, which I'm very happy about, and our top pick for kicker in Gostowski. I'm also pleased we got Holmes, Jackson, and Davis
Unfortunately, it seems that most of the other teams in our league put our top few choices for RB and QB in their lists, at higher priorities than ours, so we ended up with a two middle of the road QBs, a secondary runningback I've never even heard of (he wasn't on our list at all), and we ended up heavy on wide recievers.
Also we didn't get any of our choices of defense, which is weird because two of our top 8 picks went undrafted; but I'm not really unhappy with what we've got either.
It seems that the autodraft software is a bit buggy. Somehow we ended up with a couple players I put on the exclusion list as definitely NOT wanting. Also some of our picks weren't chosen by any other team in the league, but we were given players lower in our priority list, and the players we prioritized higher went undrafted... and for some reason we cannot now pick those players to replace the ones we got.
Anyway, I'm trying to compensate for that by adding and dropping as best I can before this weekend (the first trade/add/drop deadline is Friday).
Overall though, I think we're looking very competitive. I just need to shore up that secondary running back (I REALLY wanted Addai, Westbrook, Lynch, Gore, or Barber... and who the hell is Foschi?)... and we've got a nice deep bench, with good trade prospects.
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