Tebow to Jets, Why You Ask?

By Dan Rodgers

The Jets have officially traded for former Florida Gators savior Tim Tebow. I'm hearing that the Jets gave up a 2012 fourth and sixth round pick for Tim Tebow and a 2012 seventh round pick.

This move initially made zero sense to me. The Jets just gave Mark Sanchez a three-year extension to show their faith in him as the starting QB. Bringing in Tebow could have been done because the Jets want Sanchez to feel more pressure to perform instead of coasting because Mark Brunell was the second string QB. However, WR Jeremy Kerley played well last season as a rookie Wildcat QB.

Tebow needs to understand that he is not the starting QB of the New York Jets. He is a proven winner and leader, but he needs to understand this is Sanchez's team. One issue with this move is the impact it will have on the locker room. Sanchez is in the process of becoming the leader and needs to demand the respect of the team, and Tebow joining the team might hinder that process and cause Sanchez to lose some of the team that likes Tebow.

As I've said in the past, I do not like Tebow. I think he is a phenomenal athlete, leader and winner, but I think he is an absolutely terrible NFL QB. My opinion on this trade will be determined by how the Jets use Tebow during the season. If they want him to be a change-of-pace Wildcat QB, or they change him to be an H-back/tight end, I would be OK with the trade. I said before he was drafted that Tebow should be switched to another position to fully utilize his abilities and hopefully the Jets do that.

The biggest reason I dislike the trade right now is because of the issues the media will bring throughout the season. If Sanchez gets hurt, or struggles early in the season, the media and all of Tebow's followers will be calling for him to start like they did in Denver. The media could be the primary reason that this trade doesn't work out.

If Sanchez can live up to the hype and respond to the pressure by winning and the Jets use Tebow correctly, this COULD work out OK. But I have my doubts...

Not to mention, in my opinion Sean Payton getting suspended for the entire season, among the other punishments that the Saints got, is way bigger news than Tebow to the Jets.

Only time will tell if this trade isn't a bust, but all I know is that I wish the Jets were on HBO's Hard Knocks this summer.

Rodgers That

Can't Wait

By Dan Rodgers

At the post-game conference following the Jets win over the Patriots in the second round of the AFC playoffs, LB Bart Scott was congratulated on the victory and the reporter said, "See you in Pittsburgh." Scott's response, "Can't wait."

Of course, now the entire Jets organization is using it and Sports Center is currently mocking the hell out of it and it's hilarious.

We'll see how that goes this Sunday at 6:30. The Jets travel to Pittsburgh for the second time this season and look to beat the Steelers to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl III.

Two notable injury updates are that Pitt DE Aaron Smith will not play and NY QB/WR/KR Brad Smith is likely to play.

Two game breakers in this one will the Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Jets receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes returns to Pittsburgh for the second time this year and faces the team that dumped the Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick. Holmes didn't have a big game last time so he will look to get some payback against his former team.

Polamalu is the kind of guy that can give Chezmo tons of issues. He blitzes whenever he wants and is probably the best player left in the playoffs. He is phenomenal against the pass and a great tackler. Chezmo needs to know where he is on the field at all times.

I think my Jets have a solid chance of beating the Steelers as they did so earlier in the season. I expect some big plays out of both defenses.

As for the NFC, I'm in love with the Packers. I think they'll cover their field goal spread (-3).

Rodgers That

Chezmo ends Brady Bunch's season

By Dan Rodgers

Mark Sanchez, commonly known as Chezmo in my group of friends, has beaten Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the road in back-to-back weeks.

The Jets advance to the AFC Championship for the second time in as many years and it's Rex Ryan's third straight year there. In a post-season filled with rematches, the AFC Championship will provide us a rematch of the Jets @ Steelers. The Jets defeated the Steelers 22-17 in their regular season match, but of course that doesn't count because King Head and Shoulders wasn't available to play.

It will be interesting to see how the Jets approach this week because they don't have any grudge against the Steelers that I know of. In fact, it might have been better motivation right now for the Jets if the Steelers had beaten them earlier this season. Regardless, look for Rex Ryan to make it "personal" because he lost to the Steelers in the 2008 AFC Championship game as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator.

Look for more on both conference's title games later this week.

Rodgers That

GO JETS!

I will not really write about this game. The Jets are +9 and I think they'll cover. Their keys to victory are to run the hell out of the ball and for Sanchez to not turn it over. Oh wait, everyone is saying that? Yeah, because everyone picks out the obvious stuff. The most important thing that needs to happen for the Jets to win: disrupt Brady's flow and timing. Don't allow him to take a three-step drop and release. Make him second guess himself.

The Jets can run and score all they want, but if the Pats aren't stopped it won't matter. Limit Brady's possessions like they did with Manning last week.

The Pats will look to force Sanchez into turnovers, stop the run and look for favorable matchups in the passing game. Rob Gronkowski figures to be a huge X-Factor for the Pats given his size and receiving ability. On the defensive side of the ball, Kyle Arrington is going to have to be a difference maker against the Jets passing offense. The Jets will look to expose him.

I would say the offensive factor for the Jets is Shonn Greene. He is a tough, physical runner that the Jets will need to rely on to pound the ball and wear down the New England defensive front. On defense the two things I'll be looking for are the non-existent pass rush and Antonio Cromartie's play. Cro is talking a lot and was exposed on a deep route against the Colts. The Jets will need to generate a pass rush without blitzing to more effectively throw Brady off of his game.

Wild Card Saturday

By Dan Rodgers

This is an interesting year for the NFL because all four Wild Card teams have better records than the team that is hosting them, except one. The Jets have a better record than the Colts by a game, the Ravens by two games over the Chiefs, the Saints by four games over Seattle, and Green Bay has the same record as Philly but beat them earlier this year.

This means that if the team the better record (or tiebreak) were to host, all four Wild Card teams would be hosting the division winners this week.

Game 1

Saints (-10) @ Seahawks - This is an interesting game because everyone is all over New Orleans since Seattle is, record-wise, the worst playoff team in NFL history. A lot of the Saints offensive weapons are banged up, with TE Jimmy Graham inactive and RBs Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory on IR. I don't think this will matter too much because Brees could turn me into a 1,000-yard receiver. I expect for Reggie Bush to make some big plays in the passing game on a few screen plays. The screens, dump-offs and other short passes will act as the Saints rushing game today because of the injuries to the running backs.

The Seahawks will look to run-run-run and keep Brees off the field. Lynch has had some fumbling issues this year as he did twice in the regular season game against the Saints. I don't think it will work because the Saints should force Hasselbeck to beat them...which he won't.

My Prediction: Saints (-10) 34 Seahawks 16


Game 2

Jets (+2.5) @ Colts - In a rematch of last season's AFC Championship game, the Jets look to avenge their loss. The Colts are definitely not the same team as the only playoff team they defeated this season was the Kansas City Chiefs. The Colts run defense has vastly improved in the last four games and will look to continue that against the smashmouth run game of the Jets led by Shonn Greene. The Colts will hope to stop him and LT to force Mark Sanchez to beat him like they did last season. Sanchez did have some success against Indy's defense throwing for over 250 yards and two touchdowns in last year's contest.

I think the Jets will find some success but the game will be determined by Manning. Reggie Wayne will take a vacation to Revis Island like he did last year, so Manning will have to use other targets like Jacob Tamme, Blair White and Pierre Garcon. Dallas Clark and Austin Collie are both out which should make the Jets feel a bit better.

My Prediction: Jets (+2.5) 24 Colts 23

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

NFL Week 2: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Last week I was 2-1 in my "games to watch" predictions. This week, we have two great games and one interesting one.

Game 1

Ravens at Bengals - This game is very interesting because the Bengals played like crap in the first half last week and their defense got absolutely destroyed by the Pats. The Ravens also didn't look too good, but a pathetic Jets offense couldn't take advantage. The Ravens could to anything in the running game, so look for them to try and establish that early on. The Bengals should try and do what the Jets couldn't and attack a vulnerable Baltimore seconary. Look for the Cinci receiving core to have another good day if they can give Carson Palmer any protection. Baltimore's favored in this game, but I like Cinci to win straight up at home.

My Prediction: Bengals (+2.5) 27 Ravens 24

Game 2

Pats at Jets - This game is much more important to the Jets than the week one game against Baltimore. They face New England at home in an early season division game. The Pats came out last week and lit up the Bengals supposedly solid secondary. The Jets cornerbacks (minus Revis) got completely owned last week by an above average Ravens receiving core. Cromartie and rookie Kyle Wilson will have to step up against a Pats passing offense that boasts Randy Moss (to be stranded on Revis Island), Wes Welker, Julian Edelman (Welker Jr.), and the best tightend trio in the NFL (Crumpler, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski). It will be interesting to see how the Jets' secondary plays in this game. Also, look for Mark Sanchez to try and open up the field a bit more against another suspect secondary.

My Prediction: Pats (-3) 23 Jets 16

^What I think will happen, what could happen?: Jets (+3) 17 Pats 16

Game 3

Giants at Colts - Oddly enough, the Colts have already been defeated in the 2010 season, while the Giants look to go 2-0. This is a battle of the Manning brothers and you better believe that Peyton is in F.U. mode. It doesn't matter that this game is against

his little brother, the Colts will bring it beyond anything we've seen from them recently. Coming off an embarrassing loss to the Texans, the Colts need to step up and show everyone who's boss. The Giants simply got unlucky, and they're not that good. They will probably try to run the ball given what Arian Foster did against Indy last week. It probably won't work since they focused on that this week in practice; hopefully that means Nicks gets a lot of touches for my fantasy team. Regardless, Peyton easily takes this matchup and the Colts get back in the win column.

My Prediction: Colts (-5) 38 Giants 23

Enjoy another wonderful Sunday in the NFL, and be sure to root for my fantasy!

Rodgers That

Previews, reviews and more

By Dan Rodgers

Sorry everyone for not posting again last night. I forgot I had a fraternity meeting to attend and didn't have time to write.

The first Sunday of the season didn't disappoint, here are a few notable headlines:

• Bears edge Lions on controversial non-touchdown catch by Calvin Johnson.
• Patriots show up, blowout Bengals in first half.
• Texans shock NFL, beat Colts by double digits.
• CJ2K doesn't disappoint, Titans blow out Raiders.
• Green Bay holds on against Vick-led Eagles, Kolb out with concussion.
• Seattle surprises San Fran, blows them out 31-6.
• Skins beat 'Boys in a SNF sleeper, 13-7.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

MNF has finally arrived and my Jets take on the Baltimore Ravens. This game is going to be a ground-n-pound, grind it out, hard-hitting contest. Mark Sanchez, better known as Nacho Taco (reference to him wearing a Taco Bell hat in "Hard Knocks"), looks to prove his doubters wrong by not making too many costly mistakes.

The Sanchise looks to take advantage of a supposedly-weakened Ravens secondary. This is the biggest key to the game. It will be the Ravens biggest weakness against the Jets biggest weakness, and whichever one can take advantage of the other should have a large advantage in this game. Both teams will look to run the ball effectively, but both teams will be passing situations eventually.

It will be interesting to see how the Ravens use their new acquisitions of WR T.J. Housh and CB Josh Wilson. Both players have only been with Baltimore for a few weeks, and will not be as familar with the playbook etc. Also, Flacco will not have the type of chemistry that would be ideal against a team with a good pass defense.

Personally, I think the Jets will win in a close one, but if they come out flat the Ravens could beat them handily.

My Prediction: Jets (-2.5) 20 Ravens 17

Watch Out For:

• Ray Rice and screen plays.
• Vernon Gholston to maybe make a tackle?
• Mark Sanchez, one mistake might lead to more?
• Jets secondary against a revamped Ravens receiving corps.
• Jets trying to run against the Ravens front seven.

Rodgers That

Sorry, Preseason doesn't mean much

By Dan Rodgers

Has it really been 10 days? Jeez, I'm sorry about that everyone who is probably not reading right now. However, my girlfriend is now off to New York for school so I'll have a lot more time on my hands...

This post is pretty much going to consist of a link. This link will direct you to a post on Gang Green Nation, a website devoted to the Jets that I check numerous times each day. The post gives a few examples of why only but so much can be taken from preseason stats.

Small example, LT had 86 yards on 11 carries last night against Washington. Now while that is the kind of production we want to see out of him, and it looks very good, we still have to see how he does in the regular season in full speed. The opposite example would be Mark Sanchez (not going to put his stats down because it would make me sick).

Click the link above if you haven't already and if you think preseason matters, these stats will blow your mind. Only 10 days until the season starts!

Rodgers That

HBO's Hard Knocks: starring Sexy Rexy

By Dan Rodgers

Week one of HBO's Hard Knocks premiered this evening. Let me tell you it was beyond cool seeing this different aspect of the NFL and of my team in particular.

However, it was weird hearing all the players and coaches curse so much and talking so inappropriately. To us fans they are just players and coaches playing football, but it was interesting to see that human side of all of them.

The Jets, since I was born, haven't really gotten a lot of media attention because they haven't been good or done anything crazy/media worthy. All that has changed now that "Sexy Rexy", as the players call him, has taken over. Coach Ryan is very outspoken and not afraid to make predictions about anything regarding the Jets.

There were a few things involving Revis; Rex made a joke looking for him in his dorm room. Mike T also saw his commercial and seemed to deeply miss the All-Pro defensive back; encouraging news for us. However, we saw the frustration Mike T was experiencing after the meeting with Revis' agents.

A funny aspect involved the various fines that were handed out to players and coaches for random things. For example, Rex received a one-dollar "snack fine" for eating a snack that was not healthy for him. One of the coaches brought in tanning spray and was jogging without his shirt on, so he received a few five-dollar fines.

On the other hand, HBO captured the heart-breaking aspect of training camp, showing the Jets releasing two undrafted free agents. One of the two was released after performing very well in the first few days in camp. Doctors had informed Jets personell that he didn't have good knees and would most likely not have a long, productive career.

Week two (Wednesday at 10) should make for a great episode after a phenomenal introduction episode. Look for a possible Revis-update, maybe another player getting released, a Sanchez update, and hopefully some "Rexedy" (Rex induced humor).

Rodgers That

Holmes to the Jets?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, now this is definitely a confusing one on me. It has been reported that the Jets have traded a fifth round pick in this year's NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for troubled receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, has great talent but has had some run-ins with the law. He has tested positive for marijuana, and was also accused for throwing a glass at a woman's head at a night club.

Personally, a former Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick is an absolute steal. Holmes, I believe, is already suspended for the first four games of the season due to violating the susbstance abuse policy. If Holmes doesn't go to prison for whatever reason and puts up good numbers this is a phenomenal trade for New York. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is just cutting their losses and getting whatever they can? I don't know. What I do know, is that this is a chance I would be willing to take.

The Jets now have a ridiculously talented receiving corps in Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, and Holmes. Cotchery is the only one without off-the-field issues and he is now probably going to be put in the slot. Mark Sanchez now has plenty of targets to throw to including Dustin Keller. Don't expect outrageous numbers though because Sanchez is still only a second year player with a second year head coach. I would definitely expect some sort of improvement though. Gotta love Gang Green.

Rodgers That

Championship Sunday *Quickie

By Dan Rodgers

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.

My prediction: Jets (+8) 16 Colts 20

Rodgers That

Jets, Vikes advance

By Dan Rodgers

Divisional Round - Sunday

Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) 3 Minnesota Vikings 34

My prediction: Cowboys 27 Vikings 20

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.

Rodgers That

Looking ahead: NFL Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Cowboys (+2.5) at Vikings

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

Rodgers That

NFL Saturday Recap

By Dan Rodgers

I just want to apologize to the Dallas Cowboys and their fans for the lack of faith I had in them. I do want to say I was thoroughly convinced that they can win in the playoffs now with that blow out win over division rival Philly. Not only did the Cowboys win, but they did so over a division foe for the third time this season. Beating a team three times in one season is extremely difficult to thing to accomplish.

AFC Wild-Card:

New York Jets (+2.5) 24 Cincinnati Bengals 14

My prediction: Jets 26 Bengals 17

I would say that I was fairly accurate in my prediction with this game. I said that Mark Sanchez was the difference and I was right. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he did not turn the ball over, and he wasn't even close. Sanchez played smart football and handed the ball off like a pro. Thomas Jones had limited action due to injury, but they Jets didn't miss a beat because rookie Shonn Greene ran for 135 yards including a 39-yard touchdown. I also said the defense would have to control Benson, which they absolutely did not. I have to give Benson credit because he is the only one that showed up. He had a phenomenal game breaking the Bengals franchise post-season record for rushing yards in a single game. Carson Palmer was the lesser of the USC quarterbacks as he only completed 18 of 36 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown to ex-Jet Laverneous Coles and an interception to Darrelle Revis.

Simply, the Jets outplayed the Bengals (again) in every aspect of the game. Look for an interesting matchup next week against either the Colts or Chargers.

NFC Wild-Card

Philadelphia Eagles (+4) 14 Dallas Cowboys 34

My prediction: Eagles 30 Cowboys 23

Basically, I expected the Eagles to show up. Plain and simple, they didn't. The Cowboys dominated the entire game on both sides of the ball. Tony Romo looked as good as he's ever looked and even Roy Williams contributed. The Cowboys won their first playoff game since 1996 and have been on fire of recent. They really proved that tonight with their domination over a division rival for the second time in as many weeks. I was correct with a 40-plus yard touchdown but it was to Jeremy Maclin and not DeSean Jackson. Jackson did catch a meaningless three yard touchdown. On a note for next week's games, I love the Cowboys to upset the reeling Vikings. Minnesota has been inconsistent of recent, especially the play of Brett Favre, who thankfully didn't win MVP this year.

Look out later for Sunday's predictions.

Rodgers That

January Football

By Dan Rodgers

My sincerest apologies. It has been quite a while since I've posted, but by now you must be up to date with the NFL playoff situation.

Today the Jets travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. Later the Eagles take a trip to Dallas to battle their division rival. Both games are rematches of week 17. The Jets beat the Bengals and the Cowboys beat the Eagles. Both games were shut outs.

Many people figure Wild-Card Weekend to be a different story in both games. The "experts" seem to think that Cincinnati laid down for New York and that the Jets showed every trick in their book and that the Bengals will be ready. It is also tough to think that the Cowboys can beat the Eagles three times in one season. However, if you remember back to last season, the Steelers reached the Super Bowl by beating the Ravens for a third time in the AFC Championship.

Personally, I believe that if the Jets can stop Cedric Benson they should be able to keep the Bengals in check. However, Mark Sanchez proves to be the wild card pick every week. If he doesn't turn the ball over the Jets are 5-2 when Sanchez doesn't turn the ball over, both of those losses were to Miami and by a combined total of eight points. So if Sanchez can protect the ball and the defense can stop the run, I believe the Jets have a realistic chance to win.

Jets (+2.5) 26 Bengals 17

The Eagles go to Dallas with the hopes of developing some sort of momentum. They've lost the last two to the Cowboys and face them for a third time tonight. I think the Eagles will come out strong because they were shut out last week in Dallas. It is also unbelievably difficult to beat a division rival three times in one season. I like the Eagles to not only cover the spread in this game by also win the game out right. The defense will be ready and their offense will finds way to strike deep. Look for a 40-plus yard touchdown from DeSean Jackson.

Eagles (+4) 30 Cowboys 24

Look back tomorrow because I will have a blurb on the Sunday games.


Rodgers That

NFL Week 13: The Down and The Dirty

By Dan Rodgers

Hey everybody, finals week is approaching fast. This week and next week will be the last two mini editions of this segment. The rest of the season and the playoffs will be a more in depth look. Enjoy.

Week 13

The Down

Hooray, now all three first-round quarterbacks have thrown five (5) interceptions in a game this year. Matt Stafford, my very own Mark Sanchez, and most recently, Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman. He did throw for 321 yards, however, he was unable to come through in a very winnable game against division foe Carolina. Congrats to Freeman for joining the club, I'm sure Stafford and Sanchez will welcome him with open arms. Better luck next time.

The Dirty

Due to the lack of impressive performances this week, the winner of the award goes to Bruce Gradkowski of the Oakland Raiders. Yes, you heard me correctly, the quarterback of the Raiders just won this award. This is mainly because he threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 27-24 Oakland victory. However, I also want to give recognition to Tony Romo who threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns, and to Jason Witten who had 14 receptions for 156 yards in a loss to the Giants.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 11/12: The Down and The Dirty *mini edition

By Dan Rodgers

What's going on everybody?

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.

Rodgers That