Is football the new soccer?

By Dan Rodgers

After watching tons of hours of numerous games in the NFL through three weeks, I am getting frustrated with the officials. I guess it isn't completely the officials fault because they are just enforcing the idiotic rules that the NFL is creating.

It is becoming so ridiculous that any contact is a penalty, for example:

• A defensive back can't make any sort of real contact with the receiver outside of five yards past the line of scrimmage.
  
• It is up to the officials discretion on whether the defensive player intentionally went too low to tackle the quarterback.
• The defense can't hit the quarterback above the head, regardless of whether or not it is helmet-to-helmet.
• Any helmet-to-helmet contact is an immediate 15-yard penalty (I agree with to an extent).
  
• No player can be jacked up unexpectedly, primarily receivers, or it is a personal foul. Basically, this takes away Steelers WR Hines Ward great blocks which a lot of people think are dirty plays, but they are just good blocks.

These are just a few, feel free to comment with anymore you can think of.

I'll probably be writing more about this later in the season when I watch more games. I just get frustrated with all of the stupid things that players get penalized for. I feel like everytime a player goes down without the ball they get up motioning for a flag to be thrown.

Rodgers That

Wow, it's Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Wow, I can't believe it is Sunday already. I'm sorry for letting this week slip by without a post. I obviously have been a bit out of it and had a rough night of work last night. I forgot to do the games to watch, so I am going to take care of that right now with the late games.


Game 1

Colts at Broncos - This isn't that good of a game because I think the Colts are going to come out, still upset over losing to Houston in week one, and just unload on Denver. Manning showed that the Colts hadn't lost a step by destroying his brother last week. Denver looked great last week killing Seattle. However, they are going against the cream of the crop in the AFC. If Denver wants to show they can compete with the best they will keep it within a touchdown, but I don't even think that will happen. Look for Addai/Brown to rush for over 100 yards combined and Manning to throw for over 300 yards.

My Prediction: Colts (-5.5) 34 Broncos 20

Game 2

Jets at Dolphins - This is a huge game for both teams. It is the Sunday night game and both teams are looking to make a statement. The Jets defense has looked phenomenal and looks to shut down the Dolphins dynamic running game, as well as big-play receiver Brandon Marshall. The Phins passing game hasn't amounted to much this year, but they will look to take advantage of a Jets defense that is without Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins and Darrelle Revis. Mark Sanchez looks to follow up a strong effort against the Pats, against a Miami defense that has allowed an average of 10 points per game. This should be a smashmouth game; look for some blood.

My Prediction: Jets (+2.5) 20 Dolphins 13

Game 3

Packers at Bears - This is without a doubt the game of the week. Chicago's offense has been on fire with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Jay Cutler looks like he did when he made the pro bowl back in Denver. However, they are going up against the Packers. Green Bay has one of the best offenses in the NFL with Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings being the main combo for them. They have a lot of talent on defense, but typically don't shut out their opponents so Chicago will be able to put up points. This should be a fairly high-scoring affair and it could come down to last possession.

My Prediction: Packers (-3) 31 Bears 27

Enjoy the late games, I'll be back later with a fantasy update.

Rodgers That