Packers at Vikes - This game has to be on the list due to the ever-popular Brett Favre factor. However, it should be different from how it was last season when Brett came out and played like a champ. The Vikings have been struggling all season and Green Bay is starting to get into a rhythm. Look for A-Rod to put up big numbers as usual, but especially because the Packers aren't a running team and Minnesota's strength on defense is against the run. Brett will probably do what we expect and throw two INTs. Look for Jennings to catch a deep ball or two.
My Prediction: Packers (-3) 27 Vikings 16
Game 2
Indianapolis at New England - This is clearly the game of the week, as it has been every season for a while. Some how, even though these teams aren't in the same division, they manage to play every season. Brady vs. Manning is what everyone wants to see. Personally, Manning is a much better QB, but Brady has benefitted more from a better team and especially a better defense. Manning would have at least two more rings if his defense had been decent. Today is an interesting matchup because Brady doesn't have Moss and have of the Colts team is on the IR. Manning will have to win this on his own, but he has won five of the last six.
My Prediction: Pats 30 Colts (+3.5) 28
Game 3
Giants at Eagles - I'm going to keep this one short. New York played awful last week against a disgraceful Dallas team. Philly set records in a rout of the Redskins last week; Vick is playing out of his mind. The Eagles are at home, and they're going to win. Period, the end.
So, since the Jets are on a bye, I figured I would take one as well.
Actually, that isn't true. I worked an event for CBS Radio this morning, Lot O as we call it. I was at the parking lot working, so I didn't get home until 3 p.m. (highly unfortunate) I also didn't get home from my other job last night until 1:30 a.m. so I got almost no sleep.
I apologize for not putting up any games, but last week I was awful and this week my picks were fairly bad again. I definitely need to study better, so I won't let you down. I have to admit I have been slacking a bit. I'm going out of town this coming week for my girlfriend's birthday and I'm going to the Jets vs. Packers game on Halloween.
I do want to throw in my prediction for the SNF.
The Packers have something to prove after suffering consecutive overtime losses to teams that weren't supposed to be on their level. The Vikings are coming off a win in the game called the "win or go home." Brett Favre has a ton of drama going on right now, and the Packers are playing at home in a much needed revenge game. They got swept by Minnesota last year and have probably been waiting for this game all season.
Look for Favre to make his typical mistake at some point in the game. It will prove costly against a Green Bay defense that likes to make big plays.
So we have reached week six, which means: Big Ben is back, Favre is injured, and we have some do-or-die games...
Game 1
Ravens at Pats - I will thoroughly enjoy watching this game because if all goes well, the Pats will fall to 3-2. I understand they are at home, but the loss of Randy Moss combined with a weak defense should be enough for a loss. The Ravens have been playing fairly well, nothing super impressive, but enough to win the game. Boldin and Heap should have nice days against the Pats defense and that will likely open up some holes for Ray Rice. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats were able to sneak away with the win at home, but in order to do that Brady will most likely have to have a big day. It is not unheard of, as others have semi-exploited the Ravens secondary, but he will need some time in the pocket against their vicious pass rush.
My Prediction: Ravens (+2.5) 24 Pats 20
Game 2
Falcons at Eagles - This game isn't as intriguing as it should have been because if Vick was playing it would be interesting to see his reception in Atlanta. However, he isn't playing, so you can take away the emotional aspect of the game. Due to that, Atlanta should take care of business. Philly has been decent, but Kolb hasn't developed that chemistry with his receivers yet to really take advantage of the ATL secondary. Don't be surprised if speedsters DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin grab a couple deep balls though. I still like Atlanta to take care of business on the road.
My Prediction: Falcons (+2.5) 27 Eagles 21
Game 3 after I get some lunch...
Game 3
Cowboys at Vikes - This game is labeled "You lose, your season's over." Basically, these two 1-3 teams face off in a 2009 playoff rematch. The loser will have a 5 % chance of making the post-season. I believe it's been six years since a 1-4 team has made the playoffs. I think that 1-4 team will be the Vikings. While they showed signs of life against the Jets, Favre is hurt and Big D has something more to prove. Look for a convincing win by Dallas as they look to turn their season around.
Week five has a ton of intriguing match ups and we're definitely in store for some upsets as no spread this week is double digits.
Game 1
Chiefs at Colts - Being the last undefeated team, the Chiefs have something to be proud of. However, they've only played three games. They have a tough match up this week against an Indy team who is beyond furious with the fact that they have two losses already. Look for Indy to come out firing on a weak KC defense. Don't count the Chiefs out though, Indy's defense is extremely weak and they could do some damage. Look for rookie Dexter McCluster to make some big plays for KC.
My Prediction: Colts 28 Chiefs (+8) 23
Game 2
Giants at Texans - This is going to be an extremely good game between a defense that sacked the QB 10 times last week and the No. 1 ranked...rushing offense? That's right folks, Houston leads the NFL in rushing yards, primarily because of the fast start Arian Foster has gotten of to. The Giants will have to slow down an explosive Texans, that will get WR Andre Johnson back this week, and hope to get Matt Schaub out of his comfort zone. The Giants will be missing their starting Center, Defensive End and Linebacker. The Giants might have a chance if they can put up the points, but don't count on that with LB Brian Cushing hopefully returning to the field for Houston. The Texans should improve to 4-1.
My Prediction: Texans (-3) 34 Giants 17
Game 3
Vikes at Jets - This is the MNF game and it has no shortage of storylines, including but not limited to:
Brett Favre's return to New York
Moss to the Vikings, will play 17 games this year
Santonio Holmes returns from suspension
Revis and Pace return from injury
Jets 4-0 all-time at home against Vikings
As you can tell, tomorrow night will be a very exciting time in my life and football in general. I think this is a winnable game for the Jets. They are playing great football, while Minnesota struggled the first two weeks of the season. The Vikes haven't found their groove yet, and being in New York, I don't see how the Jets will lose. I like them to cover the spread handily in a revenge game for the Jets organization.
Of course, the Minnesota Vikings trade for a HOF receiver the week before they play my NY Jets. I am not worried though because the Jets could be as close to full strength on Monday night as they'll get all season. Darrelle Revis, Calvin Pace and Santonio Holmes all should return to the lineup against the Vikings.
Revis, an All-Pro CB, signed with the team late and then pulled his aggrivated a hamstring against the Pats. The Jets have faired well without him, going 3-0, but he is clearly their best defender and need him back ASAP. Pace is the best pass rusher on the team, and he is desperately needed back on a Jets team who only has eight sacks in four games.
Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, is said to potentially the best player on the Jets offense and without a doubt their best receiver. It will be hard to live up to those expectations with the way Sanchez, Keller, Edwards and LT are playing, but I certainly look forward to him trying. Holmes has electrifying speed and accelerates to the ball. He is a fantastic deep threat and should add to Sanchez's success.
Wow, a lot was said about the Jets in a post that I thought was going to be about Randy Moss and the Minnesota Vikings. Basically, if Brett Favre keeps sucking, it won't matter whether they have Moss or not. Maybe all Favre needs is another weapon since Sidney Rice is injured, but I doubt Moss alone will turn the Vikes around.
Moss is second in Vikings history in just about every statistical category possible for receivers. He was essentially stolen away from the Pats for only a third round pick, practically nothing compared to what he can bring to a squad.
I don't think Moss will be enough to get the Vikings past the Jets, in New Jersey nonethless. However, if they were going to make a push (I know it's only week five), having Moss certainly won't hurt.
Side note: Moss will be only the second player in NFL history to play in back-to-back Monday night games...can you name the other?
So we are officially 25% done with the regular season, well, at least most teams have played four games by now.
There have been a few surprises this season and personally, I don't think too many of them will last:
The Kansas City Chiefs, the last unbeaten team, are 3-0 heading into their week five game against the Colts.
The Dallas Cowboys are 1-2 heading into their week five game against the Titans.
The Colts are 2-2, with two divisional losses to the Texans and Jaguars, respectively.
The San Francisco 49ers are 0-4 heading into their week five game against the Eagles.
The Houston Texans are 3-1, off to the best start in franchise history, and now get star LB Brian Cushing back from suspension.
The New York Jets are 3-1, only loss being by 1 pt. to the Ravens, get back LB Calvin Pace, CB Darrelle Revis, and WR Santonio Holmes going into a revenge game against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.
Speaking of the Vikes, Favre has thrown six interceptions in three games (one shy of total of last season) and doesn't appear to have the magic of 2009.
The Chiefs should come down to Earth, while the Cowboys and Colts should both get back on track. Look for Houston to stay on track and have a good shot to make the playoffs, they'll give Indy a run for their money. The 49ers are arguably the biggest shock because many "experts" picked them to win the NFC West. Who knows what will happen with them...
Of course, I'm praying that my Jets stay on fire. They have already won more games in the division this year than they did all of last. They get to face a banged up Minnesota team this coming week, and they'll look to make a statement on national television.
Season Predictions:
AFC East: 2 Representatives - Jets and Pats AFC North: 1(2) Representative(s) - Ravens and/or Steelers AFC South: 1(2) Representative(s) - Colts and/or Texans AFC West: 1 Representative - Chargers
Three out of four teams between the Ravens, Steelers, Colts and Texans will advance to the playoffs.
NFC East: 1 Representative - Giants NFC North: 2 Representatives - Bears and Packers NFC South: 2 Representatives - Falcons and Saints NFC West: 1 Representative - Rams or Cardinals
The Rams or the Cards will win the division with a mediocre record, the other won't make the playoffs.
Even though we have only experienced a small sample of this NFL season, it has still proven to be crazy...over the next 13 weeks we will see if the ship will right itself for some teams or they can shock the NFL world.
So out of depression I'm not going to talk too much about this one. The Saints won 14-9.
They did nothing but throw the ball in the first half. The game showed promise as New Orleans scored in two minutes on their opening drive. Brees threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson. Minnesota responded with a field goal in the second quarter, and then a touchdown to Shiancoe with under a minute to play in the half (XPT blocked).
The Saints punched it in again on a one-yard run by Pierre Thomas. Thomas got the bulk of the carries but Reggie had two carries and five catches.
Jon Vilma intercepted Favre on a play in which Brett got destroyed (see left). The INT didn't lead to any points because Hartley missed the field goal (46 yards). He missed another one in the second half (32 yards). Uh oh, issues in the kicking game?
Favre completed three passes in the second half, all on their final drive of the fourth quarter which amounted to no points. He was forcing balls into coverage and didn't seem to move around the pocket too well. It will be interesting to see if Favre continues to throw the ball 25+ times per game if he is having issues. AP only had 87 yards on 19 carries and three catches for 14 yards. Peterson will most likely see an increase in workload as the season progresses. Bodes well for fantasy owners.
Brees seemed to be mostly on point with his receivers. Checked down quite a bit but didn't take too many risks. He made a few really nice throws down field. One thing I did notice, the Saints had 25 carries. They seemed to want to pound the rock a bit more often than last season. It is a solid formula for victory, but they won't cover too many spreads that way.
Well, the rest of my week one picks end up a bit better than that.
Okay folks, the time has finally arrived! Opening night of the NFL season minutes from going underway and I couldn't be more excited. I have a few more days to wait until my Jets play the opening MNF game, but I just love football in general.
Spread: Saints -5.5 Over/Under: 48.5
The Saints are opening the 2010 NFL season at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Since the Super Bowl champs started consistently hosting the opening game in 2004, they haven't lost. I don't think New Orleans will break that trend.
Vikes: A lot of people are saying that the Viking defense is going to bring some payback for the beating that Brett Favre took during the NFC Championship game. I don't think too much will happen outside of the ordinary. In terms of the offense, don't be surprised to see a lot of Adrian Peterson. This means you could expect a lot of fumbles, we'll have to wait and see if AP made the necessary adjustments.
Nawlins: The Saints are coming off of the first Super Bowl in franchise history. They have a high-flying offense and a big-play defense. Their offense is compiled of Brees, and he just makes everyone better. There is no one special, Colston is a damn good receiver and they have other talented players. Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Robert Meachem are nothing to brag about but Brees' ability increases their value. The same goes with their defense. Jon Vilma and Will Smith are good players but it's the big play they make that changes games. They don't shut teams down, they just force turnovers when necessary.
I like the Saints to repeat what they did in the NFC Championship game, just with a bit more authority. Look for the Saints to try to strip the ball like they did last season. The game will be a big test for AP. The Saints should cover the spread, but I think the over/under will be close because the odds maker people are good at their job.
Call it what you want, loyalty, fashion, honor, fanaticism, whatever.The odds are if you are reading this blog, you most likely own at least one, probably multiple sports jerseys. I bet each one cost a lot more than the shirt you are wearing now. Unless you are wearing a jersey now, if so, bravo!
The whole thought of jerseys and their cost came to mind today because of the Lebron James circus and secondly, because Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov announced he is changing his number from 40 to 1.Those events made me think of all the people with James’ Cavaliers jersey, and the masses of people who own jerseys of teams that they love, with player names on them that have changed numbers or moved on long ago. My twitter feed is going nuts with Caps fans complaining about owning a Varlamov #40.
I remember the feeling of buying my first jersey. It was a Caps jersey, the white one with the Eagle on the front, and I was so proud to have #55 and Sergei Gonchar on the back.I picked him because everyone had Jagr or Bondra at the time, and I figured Gonchar would be around for a while and my wife already had a Kolzig.
I was a new partial plan holder and I wanted something to wear to the games.Less and four months later Gonchar was a Bruin, and I was initiated into the club of people who now had “throwback” jerseys.My situation got worse because Gonchar then went and signed with Pittsburgh, whom I can’t stand, so the jersey went to the back of the closet.
I feel for the millions of folks who spent their hard earned money on Lebron James jerseys, both authentic and replicas.Just think, you can sell it on Ebay for 1/3 of what you paid for it. Lord knows you should try and get some of that small fortune back. Most of those costs are licensing fees and profit.
The New Jersey Devils were selling authentic jerseys at their equipment sale a few weeks ago for $100, which is considered a deal for a jersey with no name or number, but has the heavy material and fight strap that a replica lacks.
Basketball and football jerseys are the same way, if you want the nice ones with the names and numbers stitched on, you better be prepared to part with several hundred dollars.Heck even the replicas with silkscreened names and numbers still go for over one hundred dollars, and are wrecked after several trips through the washing machine.
Players these days are so superstitious or are just plain head cases, but we love sports and are more than willing to pay the price for a jersey with their name on it. Take a look on Ebay, you can find almost any jersey you can think of there.The folks who rushed to buy Brett Favre Jets jerseys also come to mind today, heck I saw people with Brett Favre Vikings jerseys before he even announced he was going to play there.Crazy.
The only way to avoid being in this situation is to not buy jerseys at all, and that will never happen, so frame that LaDanian Tomlinson powder blue Chargers jersey, and if you are lucky he’ll get into the Hall of Fame and you won’t feel so bad.
ESPN Analyst John Clayton came out with a list of the NFL QBs that he thinks are on the elite level, and I disagree with a lot of them. Let us break down the list and see where we stand.
Tom Brady, unfortunately, is a three-time Super Bowl champ. So clearly, he should be on the list. However, Joe Flacco has two years of experience on a team that is built primarily on the rushing game. This will be an important year for him because of all the weapons he now has on offense (i.e. Anquan Boldin/Donte Stallworth). Flacco is just too inexperienced to be given a crown yet, sorry bud.
No one will argue with Peyton Manning, end of story. Carson Palmer is on the edge for me because he is so talented, but he has yet to reach the next level. He hasn't done anything in the playoffs or put up 4,000 yard and 30 touchdown seasons every year, so this will be a make or break year for him. Top 10 yes, but not yet elite.
Phillip Rivers is definitely one of the best young QBs in the league, and if I had a top 10 list he would be on it. However, if I had an elite list, he wouldn't be on it. Roethlisberger has to be on it because he is a two-time Super Bowl champ. Schaub is a tough one though. I love this kid and all the amazing work he did for my fantasy football team last season, but given a few wasted seasons in Atlanta and then back to back injuries in 2008 and 2009, he has only put together one amazing season (4,700 yards and 29 TDs). If he can do it again, and again, he should be on the list but not yet.
Drew Brees is amazing and just continues to put down all of the critics, I absolutely love him. Favre, even though he screwed the Jets over, I can definitely admit is a great QB and most definitely elite when he is on the field. McNabb is someone you might not think about, but he only had one losing season his entire career in Philly and that should tell you something. He is a playmaker with his legs and his arm and will possibly bring some life to a dead Washington team.
Eli Manning I'm not really a fan of, but I do give him credit because he beat the Pats in the Super Bowl when people were talking about that New England team being the best of all-time. Not elite yet though...sorry. Aaron Rodgers is the man. He is a gun-slinger and reminds me of Favre. He is a playmaker and is only getting better, sitting on the bench behind Favre for a few seasons couldn't have hurt. He definitely belongs on the list.
Ever since Romo took over in Dallas he has done nothing but put up very impressive statistics, for an undrafted free agent nonetheless. The only question mark that could leave him off the list is what has he done for me lately...in the playoffs. He took it one step further last season and I think he belongs on the list because Dallas is a contender with him at QB.
Matt Ryan, see Joe Flacco.
So, in conclusion I've decided that John Clayton should be much tougher in his decisions and not just give it out to make sure the list if full. Just because a QB belongs in the top 10 doesn't mean he is elite.
Top 10: 1. Manning - The Best 2. Brees - Showed he can play with and beat the best 3. Favre - Who knows how long he'll play 4. Brady - Shown can be beaten...and embarrassed 5. Roethlisberger - Gosh he is ruining his career 6. McNabb - Sucks he hasn't won a Super Bowl...and got traded to Washington 7. Rodgers - Arguably the best young QB in the league 8. Romo - Proved he can win the playoffs...kind of 9. Rivers - Can't take over a game...yet 10. Palmer - This is his year...or he could be done
Hey all, I'm 20 years old now and I don't feel any different, oh what a surprise. I will be in Tennessee this weekend for a Bar Mitzvah so I am not sure if I will be back in time to write before the games.
NFC
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints (-3.5)
The Saints offense proved last week that they didn't miss a beat after benching their starters and having a bye week. Even though Arizona's defense has been dreadful, you have to execute against bad defenses before you can do so against the good ones. Minnesota's defense was as good as can be against Dallas last week but I think Drew Brees can find any holes that might be in the defense. The Vikes have been stopping the run fairly easily so I see Brees throwing at least 45 times including an attempt to utilize Reggie Bush's unique ability in space by throwing some screen passes. Due to the Brett Favre factor the game will be close, but I do like the Saints to cover the spread in a game that might look closer than it is.
My prediction: Saints (-3.5) 27 Vikings 23
AFC
New York Jets (+8) @ Indianapolis Colts
The Jets have been hot as hell and with San Diego/Dallas out of the mix, they look to be the hottest team. The Colts looked mediocre last week against Baltimore, but came away with a win due to the ineffectiveness of the entire Ravens team. I look for the Jets to run the heck out of the ball not only to move it down the field but also to keep Peyton on the sideline. They should have a good day since Indy isn't to good at stopping the run, but might be in trouble if they have to throw. Sanchez has been playing well but the Colts have filled in their injury-shaken secondary nicely. Look for the Jets to cover the spread and the Colts to get demolished in the time-of-possession statistic. Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones should both surpas 75 yards while Peyton will throw a touchdown or two.
Ugh, not exactly "on" with my picks involving the NFC. This has been a pretty frustrating post-season because a team might show up one week and then just blank the very next without reason. The Cowboys were outplayed in every aspect of the game and shot themselves in the foot numerous times when they were unable to convert in their opponents territory. Tony Romo threw an interceptions and lost two of his three fumbles. Favre had another good game picking up the slack from AP. He threw for four touchdowns, three of them to Sidney Rice. They play the Saints on Sunday for the NFC crown.
New York (+7) 17 San Diego 14
My prediction: Jets 20 Chargers 24
So I was definitely on target with my Jets covering the spread, but they did one better...the won the game straight up. I'll be damned it was quite remarkable if you ask me. Down seven at half, the Jets showed poise and allowed the Bolts to make the majority of the mistakes so Gang Green could capitalize. Mark Sanchez turned the ball over for the first time in three weeks, but responded well by throwing the go-ahead touchdown pass to Dustin Keller. Shonn Greene had another great game scoring on a Jets franchise record 53-yard touchdown pass that nearly put the game out of reach. However, the game truly over when Nate Kaeding missed his third field goal of the day in an attempt to cut the lead to seven. Kaeding also missed the potential game winning field goal in a 2004 playoff game against the Jets. I guess we're his kryptonite.
The Jets head to Indy to face the NFL's MVP. Should make for a great match up.
This is an interesting game because, I can't believe it's actually true, it's playoff time and the Dallas Cowboys are red hot. Besides the Chargers I think Dallas is the hottest team in the NFL right now. Right now Tony Romo is playing very well and even Roy Williams is getting into the mix. Miles Austin is having a break out season (sucks for the Jets who chose not to sign him) and the Cowboys are using all three running backs very effectively. The defense, led by DeMarcus Ware, is playing very well as they were second in the NFL in points per game (15.6). The Vikes are winning games but not playing their best football. The defense is playing well as expected but I don't see how they can slow down the Dallas offense which is ranked in the top 10 in passing and rushing. I like Dallas to edge out the Vikes in a game that will have more offense than expected. Look for Brett the...Viking...to turn the ball over a time or two.
My prediction: Cowboys (+2.5) 27 Vikings 20
Jets (+7) at Chargers
The Jets come into this game winning six out of their last seven, impressive right? Well, it would be if the team they were facing hadn't closed out the season winning their last 11 in a row. The Chargers momentum might have been slowed due to the bye week, but that doens't mean that they aren't playing great football. They are my AFC Super Bowl pick. Unfortunately that means they will have to go through my Jets which is going to be devasting for me. I can be realistic though and and see right now that the Chargers are the better team. However, don't be surprised to see my Jets put up a hell of a fight because they match up so well. They play stellar pass defense which is San Diego's strong point. The Chargers aren't too good at stopping the run (117.8 ypg) and the Jets lead the league in rushing with over 170 yards per game. The primary match up is going to be Phillip Rivers combined with his three targets of six foot four inches or taller against Darrelle Revis and the Jets undersized defensive backs. However, also keep an eye on Mark Sanchez and his ability to pass the ball and potentially stretch the field with Braylon Edwards.
My preciction (unfortunately): Jets (+7) 20 Chargers 24
I once again apologize due to the lack of posts. It is crunch time for college students because finals are approaching fast. This will be an abbreviated version of Weeks 11 and 12.
Week 11
The Down
Unfortunately, I am going to be unbiased because this week's award definitely is going to my New York Football Jets QB Mark Sanchez. Once again, he had an atrocious game adding to his most-likely record setting interception pace with four more against the Patriots suspect defense. He did throw one touchdown but on many of his throws he did a nice job scrambling and just tried to do too much by throwing into tight coverage. In fact, a few of his picks didn't even look like a Jets receiver was in the area. Hopefully, he will get his act together, but what do I know? I'm a Jets fan...
The Dirty
I can't believe this, but somehow Brown's QB Brady Quinn has just beyond convinced me that he more than deserves his award. I don't even care that it was against the Lions because the fact he threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Somehow the Browns blew a 24-3 lead and lost on a touchdown pass by Matt Stafford with no time on the clock. Who knows if Quinn will ever have a game even close to that ever again, but props to him. I would also like to send a shout-out to Wes Welker who had 15 receptions for 192 yards, and to T.O. who had nine receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown.
Week 12
The Down
I am proud to say that this week's The Down goes to a player that faced my Jets. Jake Delhomme stole the award, just barely, from Matt Stafford. Delhomme threw four interceptions against New York, two to Revis and two to Rhodes. Revis, one of the best corners in the NFL, took one back to the house. Delhomme had to win due to him throwing for 83 less yards and Stafford at least had one touchdown. Delhomme was just all around awful and Carolina's defense actually kept them in the game for the most part forcing three turnovers of their own.
The Dirty
While some people might disagree with Brett Favre not winning the award this week, those people obviously missed the Monday Night Football showdown in the Big Easy. The unbeaten Saints took it to the Patriots by exploding on offense and embarrassing the normally fluid Pats offense. The Saints defense picked off Tom Brady twice but it didn't even matter because Drew Brees threw five (5) touchdown passes. He showed that the Patriots are more than beatable and just put on a clinic with his right arm. He shared the love because each touchdown was to a different reciever. Oh, he also threw for 371 yards and had a perfect 158.3 QB rating. Congrats to the 11-0 Saints.
After every week in the NFL I will be doing a new segment called "The Down and The Dirty". It will consist of two players that have surprised the NFL that week. One player will be recognized for their poor performance, "The Down", and the other for their impressive performance, "The Dirty". Unfortunately, we will be starting this segment a bit late and our first week will be Week Eight of the NFL season.
NFL Week Eight
The Down
This award was a bit tougher to hand out due to the fact that so many players deserved to be in the discussion. However, looking at the big picture, Kurt Warner easily had the most shameful week.Even though he might not have been as absolutely atrocious as Derek Anderson, Kurt Warner is on the Arizona Cardinals.Warner threw for 27 of 46 for 242 and 2 TDs. Oh, forgot to mention his five (5) interceptions. Kurt Warner, the quarterback for the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals threw five picks.The main reason he won the award is because much better is expected of him, and five interceptions for anyone is unacceptable.
Honorable Mentions:
QB Derek Anderson (CLE) – 6 of 17 for 76 yards and 2 INTs
QB David Garrard (JAX) – 14 of 27 for 139 yards and 2 INTs
RB Ronnie Brown (MIA) – 11 for 27 yards
RB Mike Bell (NO) – 17 for 49 yards 1 FUM
The Dirty
.
Maurice Jones-Drew, hands down, wins this week’s “The Dirty” award due to his 177 yards on only eight (8) carries.Yes, that’s right MJD averaged 22.1 yards-per-carry; an absolutely astonishing number.Not to mention, he had two touchdowns to go along with it.Some people might disagree with MJD receiving this award compared to Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, however, Johnson had more opportunities (24 attempts) so it is a safe assumption that if MJD had more tries he would have easily broken Johnson’s 228 yards.
Honorable Mentions:
RB Chris Johnson (TEN) – 24 for 228 yards and 2 TDs
RB Ryan Moats (HOU) – 23 for 126 yards and 3 TDs
QB Brett Favre (MIN) – 17 of 28 for 244 yards and 4 TDs
