It's funny how wrong preseason predictions are - already. Here's what it looks like after week 2:
AFC Division Winners
Colts
Chargers
Bengals
Patriots
AFC Wildcard Spots
Jaguars*
Steelers*
Ravens
There's 7 teams fighting for 6 playoff spots. I really don't see a team not listed here making it to the AFC Playoffs. The Ravens look good now, but I'm not sold. I expect Cinci to win the division, and the Steelers to get in the wild card.
NFC Division Winners
Seahawks
Bears
Giants
Falcons
NFC Wildcard Spots
Cowboys*
Cardinals*
Eagles
Vikings
Saints
Panthers
The NFC is a little more wide open, with 10 teams looking to get in 6 spots. I'm not counting out Carolina, but right now I see the Giants winning the East, and the Cowboys and Cardinals getting in.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Week 2 Recap: I'm money
Ravens -11.5
Vikings +2.5
Browns +10.5
Lions +8.5
Giants +3.5
Bills +6.5
Saints -1.5
Colts -13.5
Falcons -4.5
Seahawks -6.5
49ers +3.5
Broncos -10.5
Patriots -5.5
Chargers -11.5
Cowboys -5.5
Steelers -1.5
Week 2
Dave: 12-4 = Up $160
Mark: 7-9 = Down $40
Sports Guy: 8-8 = Even
Sports Gal: 11-5 = Up $120
On the Season
Dave: 21-11 = Up $200
Mark: 7-9 = Down $40
Sports Guy: 15-17 = Down $40
Sports Gal: 16-16 = Even
Friday, September 15, 2006
Aaron Brooks Glitch Amazingly Accurate
As noted by The Sports Guy, this is the "Aaron Brooks Glitch" from European Madden 07, where the quarterback throws the ball behind him. The people who discovered it decided to name the glitch after the real-life QB who's most likely to throw the ball 35 yards backward during a game.
Sure enough, Week 1, guess what happens:
Sure enough, Week 1, guess what happens:
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Week 2 Picks
I'll get my picks in today, before the Sports Guy does. (lines via nfl.com)
Ravens -11.5
Vikings +2.5
Browns +10.5
Lions +8.5
Giants +3.5
Bills +6.5
Saints -1.5
Colts -13.5
Falcons -4.5
Seahawks -6.5
49ers +3.5
Broncos -10.5
Patriots -5.5
Chargers -11.5
Cowboys -5.5
Steelers -1.5
Ravens -11.5
Vikings +2.5
Browns +10.5
Lions +8.5
Giants +3.5
Bills +6.5
Saints -1.5
Colts -13.5
Falcons -4.5
Seahawks -6.5
49ers +3.5
Broncos -10.5
Patriots -5.5
Chargers -11.5
Cowboys -5.5
Steelers -1.5
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
It's Wednesday
Which means it's too late to still be thinking about the games from 3 days ago, but a little too early to start predicting Week 2 games. I wonder how I should spend my imaginary $40 bucks that I won...
Monday, September 11, 2006
Week 1 Recap
Picks in bold were correct.
Dolphins +1
Broncos -4
Titans -2.5
Bills +9
Bucs -3
Chiefs -2.5
Seahawks -6.5
Falcons +5
Eagles -5.5
Saints +3
Jaguars -2.5
Bears -3.5
49ers +7.5
Giants +3.5
Vikings +4.5
Chargers -3
Week 1
Dave: 9-7 = Up $40
Mark: no picks
Sports Guy: 7-9 = Down $40
Sports Gal: 5-11 = Down $120
Dolphins +1
Broncos -4
Titans -2.5
Bills +9
Bucs -3
Chiefs -2.5
Seahawks -6.5
Falcons +5
Eagles -5.5
Saints +3
Jaguars -2.5
Bears -3.5
49ers +7.5
Giants +3.5
Vikings +4.5
Chargers -3
Week 1
Dave: 9-7 = Up $40
Mark: no picks
Sports Guy: 7-9 = Down $40
Sports Gal: 5-11 = Down $120
My Wedding Bling
I love my wife.
I love being married to her.
I love my wedding ring.
The third statement is not independent of the first two. I am proud of my ring. I like to show it off. I tip-tap on the handrail in the elevator. I adjust the way I cross my arms in meetings to make sure it shows.
I never take it off. I am proud to be married to my wife at all times. Whether I am sleeping or showering or playing basketball or forming hamburgers, I'm always connected to my wife.
Sure, sometimes it needs cleaning so I have to take it off. And I didn't wear when I played softball because I didn't want to pinch my fingers when I was batting. But I was still married. Geez.
It is not clothing. It is not an accessory. It is not jewelry. It is a symbol of my wife that is with me at all times. And even if I have to take it off for a little while, I'm just looking forward to putting it back on.
I love being married to her.
I love my wedding ring.
The third statement is not independent of the first two. I am proud of my ring. I like to show it off. I tip-tap on the handrail in the elevator. I adjust the way I cross my arms in meetings to make sure it shows.
I never take it off. I am proud to be married to my wife at all times. Whether I am sleeping or showering or playing basketball or forming hamburgers, I'm always connected to my wife.
Sure, sometimes it needs cleaning so I have to take it off. And I didn't wear when I played softball because I didn't want to pinch my fingers when I was batting. But I was still married. Geez.
It is not clothing. It is not an accessory. It is not jewelry. It is a symbol of my wife that is with me at all times. And even if I have to take it off for a little while, I'm just looking forward to putting it back on.
A Frustrating Drive
Preface: Often fans will complain about a offensive line holding penalty that negates a long play, saying if only he hadn't held, that would have been a touchdown. When in reality, often if that line hadn't held, that play wouldn't have gone for a touchdown in the first place. See also: illegal blocks on touchdown returns.
Now I am no New York Giant fan, but I couldn't help empathize with their fans after an excruciating series of plays, in front of their home town crowd last night in the Manning Bowl.
Giants down 6-0, 12:17 2nd quarter, 1st and 10 at NYG 20.
Jacobs 25 yard run. Penalty.
Eli converts on 3rd down.
Barber 17 yard run. Penalty. (Bad Call)
Jacobs 11 yard run.
Eli converts on 3rd down amazing, one handed tip to himself while diving, catch on the ground by Burress.
40 yard field goal attempt by Feely, wide left.
The Giants, down only 6 points, had a 5-minute drive that started on their own 20. They ran plays that gained 111 yards and committed no turnovers, and among a top ten catch on all-time NFL highlight reel. And ended up with no points off a 40 yard field goal attempt.
111 yards. No points. They lost by 5.
Now I am no New York Giant fan, but I couldn't help empathize with their fans after an excruciating series of plays, in front of their home town crowd last night in the Manning Bowl.
Giants down 6-0, 12:17 2nd quarter, 1st and 10 at NYG 20.
Jacobs 25 yard run. Penalty.
Eli converts on 3rd down.
Barber 17 yard run. Penalty. (Bad Call)
Jacobs 11 yard run.
Eli converts on 3rd down amazing, one handed tip to himself while diving, catch on the ground by Burress.
40 yard field goal attempt by Feely, wide left.
The Giants, down only 6 points, had a 5-minute drive that started on their own 20. They ran plays that gained 111 yards and committed no turnovers, and among a top ten catch on all-time NFL highlight reel. And ended up with no points off a 40 yard field goal attempt.
111 yards. No points. They lost by 5.
Good Thing I Waited 7 Months For This
What a terrible weekend to be a fan of Illinois Football or Kansas City Chiefs Football. The Illinois loss was to be expected. And it wasn't so much that the Chiefs lost, but how they lost, that has me depressed.
Which is worst?
1) That the new coach called for our average to below average kicker to kick a 51-yard field goal, on grass, in the rain.
2) That Larry Johnson had a active streak of 100-yard games (9). The record was at 14 and with last years team, there was no doubt he would continue that streak. That streak ended yesterday.
3) The new coaching staff ran these plays on the second drive of the game:
1st and 10 at CIN 16 (L.Johnson left end to CIN 15 for 1 yard)
2nd and 9 at CIN 15 (L.Johnson up the middle to CIN 11 for 4 yards)
3rd and 5 at CIN 11 (L.Johnson up the middle to CIN 11 for no gain)
4) That the brutal hit on Trent Green has put the 36-year old's status in doubt and we have no quarterback for the future.
5) That Larry Johnson is an absolute beast - everybody can't help but call him that - and it looks as if he will waste away on an aging, mediocre team and not carry this team to a championship. What is this? The 1990's Detroit Lions?
Which is worst?
1) That the new coach called for our average to below average kicker to kick a 51-yard field goal, on grass, in the rain.
2) That Larry Johnson had a active streak of 100-yard games (9). The record was at 14 and with last years team, there was no doubt he would continue that streak. That streak ended yesterday.
3) The new coaching staff ran these plays on the second drive of the game:
1st and 10 at CIN 16 (L.Johnson left end to CIN 15 for 1 yard)
2nd and 9 at CIN 15 (L.Johnson up the middle to CIN 11 for 4 yards)
3rd and 5 at CIN 11 (L.Johnson up the middle to CIN 11 for no gain)
4) That the brutal hit on Trent Green has put the 36-year old's status in doubt and we have no quarterback for the future.
5) That Larry Johnson is an absolute beast - everybody can't help but call him that - and it looks as if he will waste away on an aging, mediocre team and not carry this team to a championship. What is this? The 1990's Detroit Lions?
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Week 1 Predictions
I will be picking winners with spreads this year, and my goal is just to get over %50 right. All lines via sportsbook.com.
Dolphins +1
Broncos -4
Titans -2.5
Bills +9
Bucs -3
Chiefs -2.5
Seahawks -6.5
Falcons +5
Eagles -5.5
Saints +3
Jaguars -2.5
Bears -3.5
49ers +7.5
Giants +3.5
Vikings +4.5
Chargers -3
And for the sake of whatever, I always imagine putting $20 on every game, and betting a magical casino that doesn't take a cut. So I'll keep track of how much money I am up or down throughout the year. If you know any better you can show off in the comments.
Dolphins +1
Broncos -4
Titans -2.5
Bills +9
Bucs -3
Chiefs -2.5
Seahawks -6.5
Falcons +5
Eagles -5.5
Saints +3
Jaguars -2.5
Bears -3.5
49ers +7.5
Giants +3.5
Vikings +4.5
Chargers -3
And for the sake of whatever, I always imagine putting $20 on every game, and betting a magical casino that doesn't take a cut. So I'll keep track of how much money I am up or down throughout the year. If you know any better you can show off in the comments.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Preseason Polls, Tomatoes, and 98 Other Things That Are Ruining America
Chapter One: Preseason Polls
Well, we've played 1 week of college football, and let's look at the polls. Wait, how can we have a realistic ranking of teams after just 1 game? Could we have a NFL playoff picture after 1 game? Or a wild card race? Heck, we don't even need to play a game of college football to know who's good, we can just tell who's better based on their rosters, and presumably, logos on the helmets.
What's the problem? Notre Dame. Or should I say #4 Notre Dame. I watched a little bit of football over the weekend, and one thing I am sure of, is that Notre Dame did not play like the fourth best team in the country. Throughout the game, they didn't play like the best team on the field. So why are they #4? Because people thought they would be better, or that they are better than what they played like.
In my poll, Notre Dame isn't in the top 25. They sure didn't play like it. But Notre Dame fans might say that's not fair. "We have a chance to play for the Nat'l Championship this year. We should be in the top 10 all year long."
Then maybe we should wait unti we at least play some conference games before ranking the teams. Otherwise, my answer would be I'll put Notre Dame in the top 10 when they play like a top 10 team. And this isn't related to the fact that Notre Dame is who they are -- it could just as easily have been Texas or Ohio State - it's related to the fact that Texas won by 50 and Notre Dame played like crap.
Well, we've played 1 week of college football, and let's look at the polls. Wait, how can we have a realistic ranking of teams after just 1 game? Could we have a NFL playoff picture after 1 game? Or a wild card race? Heck, we don't even need to play a game of college football to know who's good, we can just tell who's better based on their rosters, and presumably, logos on the helmets.
What's the problem? Notre Dame. Or should I say #4 Notre Dame. I watched a little bit of football over the weekend, and one thing I am sure of, is that Notre Dame did not play like the fourth best team in the country. Throughout the game, they didn't play like the best team on the field. So why are they #4? Because people thought they would be better, or that they are better than what they played like.
In my poll, Notre Dame isn't in the top 25. They sure didn't play like it. But Notre Dame fans might say that's not fair. "We have a chance to play for the Nat'l Championship this year. We should be in the top 10 all year long."
Then maybe we should wait unti we at least play some conference games before ranking the teams. Otherwise, my answer would be I'll put Notre Dame in the top 10 when they play like a top 10 team. And this isn't related to the fact that Notre Dame is who they are -- it could just as easily have been Texas or Ohio State - it's related to the fact that Texas won by 50 and Notre Dame played like crap.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
The Allure of Improvement
Often times, I enjoy a nice meal and I think to myself how could I have made it better. What would I order next time? At Potbelly, I should say no mustard. And get the cookie, but not the chips. And instead of root beer, maybe cream soda. At chipotle, this time I got steak, but next time it's back to barbacoa. And I won't get the chips or the guacamole, it's unneccessary.
Why do I enjoy thinking about what to change? It gives me something to look forward to. That this could be even better. And sometimes you order things that take a couple tries to get right, do you get the ribs and the pork, the beef, the sausage or chicken. But when you sit down and enjoy a nice meal of pulled pork, chicken, bbq beans, french fries, and cornbread muffins, and you say "I wouldn't change a thing"... there is something satisfying but yet you realize that it won't get any better.
And I think that we all like to look forward to things getting better, no matter how good they already are.
Why do I enjoy thinking about what to change? It gives me something to look forward to. That this could be even better. And sometimes you order things that take a couple tries to get right, do you get the ribs and the pork, the beef, the sausage or chicken. But when you sit down and enjoy a nice meal of pulled pork, chicken, bbq beans, french fries, and cornbread muffins, and you say "I wouldn't change a thing"... there is something satisfying but yet you realize that it won't get any better.
And I think that we all like to look forward to things getting better, no matter how good they already are.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Future of the Chiefs
I waited as long as I could, but I've got to dive back in to the Kansas City Football Chiefs.
The Chiefs are coming off a 10-6 season and with Larry Johnson at the helm, things seem to be in pretty good shape. Unfortunately, this team is not Championship ready and things may get worse before they get better.
Obviously, it is a challenge to get groups of talented players together at the same time. It's easier to focus on one side of the ball, or focus on skill positions, but it's hard to focus on every area at once.
The Chiefs have had one of the best offenses and offensive lines in the last 5 years or so. But the future of that looks not so great. The O-line has gone from "old" to old with holes in it, as Roaf has just retired. Gonzo's getting older. Trent Green can only play high level for maybe 2 more seasons. And they've never had any great receivers.
But they do have Larry Johnson. But if they don't get the line repaired, and get a Quarterback of the future, it could be hard for LJ to do what everyone expects.
On the defensive side, it's been a struggle. And they've been showing signs of progress, but not fast enough. If the defense could have come together last year, with Roaf, and not blown the Eagles game, the Chiefs would have been 11-5 - the Steelers wouldn't have made it into the playoffs - and they were red hot at the end of the year.
But the defense will need a couple years under Herman Edwards to really play the Cover 2 well. By that time, who knows if the offense will still have any life left in it.
The Chiefs are coming off a 10-6 season and with Larry Johnson at the helm, things seem to be in pretty good shape. Unfortunately, this team is not Championship ready and things may get worse before they get better.
Obviously, it is a challenge to get groups of talented players together at the same time. It's easier to focus on one side of the ball, or focus on skill positions, but it's hard to focus on every area at once.
The Chiefs have had one of the best offenses and offensive lines in the last 5 years or so. But the future of that looks not so great. The O-line has gone from "old" to old with holes in it, as Roaf has just retired. Gonzo's getting older. Trent Green can only play high level for maybe 2 more seasons. And they've never had any great receivers.
But they do have Larry Johnson. But if they don't get the line repaired, and get a Quarterback of the future, it could be hard for LJ to do what everyone expects.
On the defensive side, it's been a struggle. And they've been showing signs of progress, but not fast enough. If the defense could have come together last year, with Roaf, and not blown the Eagles game, the Chiefs would have been 11-5 - the Steelers wouldn't have made it into the playoffs - and they were red hot at the end of the year.
But the defense will need a couple years under Herman Edwards to really play the Cover 2 well. By that time, who knows if the offense will still have any life left in it.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Complete (ly Worthless) NFL Predictions: Part Two
AFC Championship:
Patriots vs Colts
NFC Championship:
Giants vs Panthers
Super Bowl:
Colts vs Panthers
Super Bowl Winner:
Colts
I'm not sure why I bother with these ridiculous preseason picks. If you think you can do better, let's see it in the comments.
Patriots vs Colts
NFC Championship:
Giants vs Panthers
Super Bowl:
Colts vs Panthers
Super Bowl Winner:
Colts
I'm not sure why I bother with these ridiculous preseason picks. If you think you can do better, let's see it in the comments.
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