I didn't really have predictions for the West, because I thought neither division was worth talking about. I was (kind of ) wrong.
NFC West
Actual
1. Arizona (6-3)
2. San Francisco (4-5)
3. Seattle (3-6)
4. St. Louis (1-8)
Arizona has overcome early season struggles to regain a stranglehold on the division. SF is still in the mix for a wild card at 4-5, but they need to win this weekend at Green Bay. Crabtree finally signed and is looking mighty fine. Seattle needs to fix its problems all over the field, and St. Louis needs a better defense and more weapons.
AFC West
Actual
1. Denver (6-3)
2. San Diego (6-3)
3. KC (2-7)
4. Oakland (2-7)
Denver surprised everyone and came out 6-0. However, they have lost their last three (including to the Skins) and San Diego is looking like it has hit its mid-season stride. KC and Oakland are both bad. Just plain bad. But hey, at least they are done playing against each other.
Friday, November 20, 2009
How Wrong Was I? The South
NFC SOUTH
Predictions-
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11 or 6-10)
Actual-
1. New Orleans (9-0)
2. Atlanta (5-4)
3. Carolina (4-6)
4. Tampa Bay (1-8)
Again, I did a pretty good job here. New Orleans is going to win this division and possibly have home field throughout the playoffs. They looks great, and can win even when Drew Brees isn't having the best day. Atlanta has looked sluggish, but should still finish around .500. The dagger might have been stuck in Carolina with their loss to Miami last night. In Tampa, Byron's been benched, Josh Johnson did nothing, and the Josh Freeman era has begun. A rebuilding team that should have a nice spot in the draft to get some protection and weapons for their young QB.
AFC SOUTH
Predictions-
1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
2. Tennessee Titans (12-4)
3. Houston Texans (10-6)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
Actual-
1. Indianapolis (9-0)
2. Jacksonville (5-4)
3. Houston (5-4)
4. Tennessee (3-6)
Obviously the Titans are the biggest disappointment in the NFL. They were 13-3 last season. Vince Young has managed to get the team back to some relevance by winning the last 3. Indy is still amazing, and Peyton is looking like an MVP again. Houston and Jacksonville are still in the mix for Wild Cards, but need to keep winning.
Predictions-
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11 or 6-10)
Actual-
1. New Orleans (9-0)
2. Atlanta (5-4)
3. Carolina (4-6)
4. Tampa Bay (1-8)
Again, I did a pretty good job here. New Orleans is going to win this division and possibly have home field throughout the playoffs. They looks great, and can win even when Drew Brees isn't having the best day. Atlanta has looked sluggish, but should still finish around .500. The dagger might have been stuck in Carolina with their loss to Miami last night. In Tampa, Byron's been benched, Josh Johnson did nothing, and the Josh Freeman era has begun. A rebuilding team that should have a nice spot in the draft to get some protection and weapons for their young QB.
AFC SOUTH
Predictions-
1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
2. Tennessee Titans (12-4)
3. Houston Texans (10-6)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
Actual-
1. Indianapolis (9-0)
2. Jacksonville (5-4)
3. Houston (5-4)
4. Tennessee (3-6)
Obviously the Titans are the biggest disappointment in the NFL. They were 13-3 last season. Vince Young has managed to get the team back to some relevance by winning the last 3. Indy is still amazing, and Peyton is looking like an MVP again. Houston and Jacksonville are still in the mix for Wild Cards, but need to keep winning.
How Wrong Was I? The North
NFC NORTH
Predictions-
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
3. Chicago Bears (7-9)
4. Detroit Lions (4-12)
Actual-
1. Minnesota (8-1)
2. Green Bay (5-4)
3. Chicago (4-5)
4. Detroit (1-8)
I guess Favre has a whole lot more left in his tank than I thought. The Vikings are the second best team in the NFC, and are looking like a team that can go all the way. Green Bay has been in almost every game, but they need to learn how to play defense and protect Aaron Rogers. Chicago is looking good for 7-9, because Cutler throws way too many INTs. Detroit, well, they won one game, so that is already better than last year. They should start looking at left tackles in this year's draft class.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2)
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
3. Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Actual-
1. Cincinnati (7-2)
2. Pittsburgh (6-3)
3. Baltimore (5-4)
4. Cleveland (1-8)
No one thought the Bengals would be this good. Credit to Marvin Lewis for finally making his team tough. Carson Palmer has been healthy and doesn't turn the ball over. Cedric Benson looks like a new man, though he is now injured. Pittsburgh keeps rolling along and should end up with at least a Wild Card spot. The Ravens have let me down a little, but have a chance to make a statement against Peyton Manning and Co. this weekend. Cleveland... I got nothing. They are just horrible, and might be the worst run franchise in the NFL,which is saying a lot when the Bills, Redskins, Rams and Raiders all still exist.
Predictions-
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
3. Chicago Bears (7-9)
4. Detroit Lions (4-12)
Actual-
1. Minnesota (8-1)
2. Green Bay (5-4)
3. Chicago (4-5)
4. Detroit (1-8)
I guess Favre has a whole lot more left in his tank than I thought. The Vikings are the second best team in the NFC, and are looking like a team that can go all the way. Green Bay has been in almost every game, but they need to learn how to play defense and protect Aaron Rogers. Chicago is looking good for 7-9, because Cutler throws way too many INTs. Detroit, well, they won one game, so that is already better than last year. They should start looking at left tackles in this year's draft class.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2)
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
3. Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Actual-
1. Cincinnati (7-2)
2. Pittsburgh (6-3)
3. Baltimore (5-4)
4. Cleveland (1-8)
No one thought the Bengals would be this good. Credit to Marvin Lewis for finally making his team tough. Carson Palmer has been healthy and doesn't turn the ball over. Cedric Benson looks like a new man, though he is now injured. Pittsburgh keeps rolling along and should end up with at least a Wild Card spot. The Ravens have let me down a little, but have a chance to make a statement against Peyton Manning and Co. this weekend. Cleveland... I got nothing. They are just horrible, and might be the worst run franchise in the NFL,which is saying a lot when the Bills, Redskins, Rams and Raiders all still exist.
The NFL- How Wrong Was I? The East
Just over halfway through the season, it is time to look back and see how wrong I was in my preseason NFL predictions. And, yes, I was quite wrong on numerous occasions. Lets take a look.
NFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New York Giants (11-5)
2. Washington Redskins (10-6)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
4. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Actual-
1. Dallas (6-3)
2. Philly (5-4)
3. NY (5-4)
4. Washington (3-6)
There is a small, minute chance that all of this could still happen. The Redskins would have to win out, the Giants could only lose one. The Eagles and Cowboys could only win 5 more games between them. Possible, sure. Probable, no chance. This went from one of the strongest divisions in football to one of the weakest in a year.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New England Patriots (11-5)
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
3. New York Jets (7-9)
4. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Actual-
1. New England (6-3)
2. Miami (5-5)
3. NYJ (4-5)
4. Buffalo (3-6)
I am doing alright in this division. New England looks on pace to get 10 to 11 wins. Miami just showed last night that it can win without Ronnie Brown and Chad Henne has controlled the ball very well. Furthermore, how about the play of Joey Haynos, Miami tight end and graduate of Gonzaga College High School. The Jets have swooned after a fast start, and look great to finish around .500. Stunningly, I may have given the Bills too much credit. They have only won 3 games and have fired their head coach. 6 is still possible, but I am thinking 4 or 5.
NFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New York Giants (11-5)
2. Washington Redskins (10-6)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
4. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Actual-
1. Dallas (6-3)
2. Philly (5-4)
3. NY (5-4)
4. Washington (3-6)
There is a small, minute chance that all of this could still happen. The Redskins would have to win out, the Giants could only lose one. The Eagles and Cowboys could only win 5 more games between them. Possible, sure. Probable, no chance. This went from one of the strongest divisions in football to one of the weakest in a year.
AFC EAST
Predictions-
1. New England Patriots (11-5)
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
3. New York Jets (7-9)
4. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Actual-
1. New England (6-3)
2. Miami (5-5)
3. NYJ (4-5)
4. Buffalo (3-6)
I am doing alright in this division. New England looks on pace to get 10 to 11 wins. Miami just showed last night that it can win without Ronnie Brown and Chad Henne has controlled the ball very well. Furthermore, how about the play of Joey Haynos, Miami tight end and graduate of Gonzaga College High School. The Jets have swooned after a fast start, and look great to finish around .500. Stunningly, I may have given the Bills too much credit. They have only won 3 games and have fired their head coach. 6 is still possible, but I am thinking 4 or 5.
FHF
A new FHF winner today. This man has won 3 Super Bowls, one with the Redskins and two with the Denver Broncos. He is now, in my opinion, the best football analyst on ESPN. Mr. Mark Schlereth. Congrats sir. Keep up the good work and the good facial hair.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Nats News and 200th Post
Apparently this is my 200th Post. Woohoo! Thank you to the 10 of you that read this on a somewhat consistent basis. I encourage any/all of you to tell me to write about certain topics or respond to what I say on here. I'll keep writing, I promise.
Some real quick Nats thoughts. Hooray for the offseason-
1. Zimmerman Gold Glove: Booyah!
2. Zimmerman Silver Slugger: Booyah! And my condolences to Kung Fu Panda for losing.
3. Riggleman is our official manager. He did a good job at the end of last year, and earned a shot. Would have loved Bobby V, as long as he wears his disguise.
4. A report came out today that said the Nats were going to go after John Lackey. I would love it if it happened, but I don't expect it to.
More to come, I promise.
Some real quick Nats thoughts. Hooray for the offseason-
1. Zimmerman Gold Glove: Booyah!
2. Zimmerman Silver Slugger: Booyah! And my condolences to Kung Fu Panda for losing.
3. Riggleman is our official manager. He did a good job at the end of last year, and earned a shot. Would have loved Bobby V, as long as he wears his disguise.
4. A report came out today that said the Nats were going to go after John Lackey. I would love it if it happened, but I don't expect it to.
More to come, I promise.
Friday, November 6, 2009
FHF
Well, we will have a non-Facial Hair Friday this week. To honor the Yankees not allowing facial hair, we won't have any winner here either. Next week, though, I promise a really good one.
THEEEEE Yankees Win!
OK, two days ago the Yankees won their 27th World Series, as I predicted they would. I waited until now to talk about it because it seemed all the Yankees fans I know were too busy filling up Facebook with their celebratory statuses. So, not being a Yankees fan, here are the reason why I am happy the Yankees won-
1. The delicious tears of Phillies fans.
2. The delicious tears of Red Soxs (Fake) Nation
3. ESPN can finally talk about something other than the Yankees not winning a World Series. They won it, and maybe (just maybe) they can talk about teams not named the Yankees or Red Soxs.
4. ESPN can finally talk about something other than A-Rod's lack of playoff power and prowess. He was amazing this postseason. He has 18 RBI, 8 of which either tied the game or gave the Yankees a lead. He is great, and now everyone can get off his back.
5. The Founding Four, or whatever they are called. Jeter, Posada, Pettitte and Rivera. They are the stuff that every team wished they had- prospects that have carried their franchise to 5 championships in their time with the team.
6. More on Mariano. How bad ass is he? Virginia Tech can say that their entrance to "Enter Sandman" is the best in sports. I think it is really overrated because they don't finish the song. Mariano? His entrance to the same song is amazing. Its the 9th inning. 50,000 people are hoping the Yankees can hang on to a game. Some pitchers are warming up in the bullpen. Then, you hear those first notes from Hetfield's and Hammet's guitars. One man bringing thousands to his feet, then quickly saying goodnight and goodbye to all the batters he faces. Boom.
7. Face it, the Yankees have been good my entire life. I am used to them winning. They are supposed to win. There isn't anything offensive about it, it is just how the world works. I can deal with it. So congrats Yankees. Maybe one day, before I die, the Nats can win one too.
1. The delicious tears of Phillies fans.
2. The delicious tears of Red Soxs (Fake) Nation
3. ESPN can finally talk about something other than the Yankees not winning a World Series. They won it, and maybe (just maybe) they can talk about teams not named the Yankees or Red Soxs.
4. ESPN can finally talk about something other than A-Rod's lack of playoff power and prowess. He was amazing this postseason. He has 18 RBI, 8 of which either tied the game or gave the Yankees a lead. He is great, and now everyone can get off his back.
5. The Founding Four, or whatever they are called. Jeter, Posada, Pettitte and Rivera. They are the stuff that every team wished they had- prospects that have carried their franchise to 5 championships in their time with the team.
6. More on Mariano. How bad ass is he? Virginia Tech can say that their entrance to "Enter Sandman" is the best in sports. I think it is really overrated because they don't finish the song. Mariano? His entrance to the same song is amazing. Its the 9th inning. 50,000 people are hoping the Yankees can hang on to a game. Some pitchers are warming up in the bullpen. Then, you hear those first notes from Hetfield's and Hammet's guitars. One man bringing thousands to his feet, then quickly saying goodnight and goodbye to all the batters he faces. Boom.
7. Face it, the Yankees have been good my entire life. I am used to them winning. They are supposed to win. There isn't anything offensive about it, it is just how the world works. I can deal with it. So congrats Yankees. Maybe one day, before I die, the Nats can win one too.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
3 Up 3 Down for NCAA and NFL
Happy November. Been really busy at the office, so here is a quick 3 up 3 down for both the NCAA and NFL from this past weekend.
NCAA 3 Up
1. Temple- Bowl-eligible for the first time since 1990
2. Cincinnati- Still undefeated and back in the BCS Top 5
3. Georgia Tech- The ACC is a one-team conference. The Yellow-Jackets are that team.
3 Down
1. Indiana- They had Iowa for 3 quarters, then allowed 27 points in the 4th.
2. Michigan- Lost to Illinois. That was the Juice Williams everyone has been looking for for 2 years.
3. USC- The Trojans got taken to the wood shed by the Ducks.
NFL 3 Up
1. Baltimore- The Ravens will soon become the favorite team of the entire mid-Atlantic if they keep playing like they did against the previously-undefeated Broncos.
2. Indianapolis- The Colts beat a tough 49ers team without a TD pass from Peyton. That's championship-caliber football
3. Brett Favre- He has now beaten the Packers in Green Bay. His soul can move on.
NFL 3 Down
1. Larry Johnson- Not only is he suspended, but now the fans don't want him to play anymore so he can't break the Chiefs all-time rushing record currently held by Priest Holmes.
2. Detroit- They lost to the Rams. Ouch.
3. NY Teams- At least the Jets kept it close. The Giants got blown out. Too busy worrying about the Yankees I guess...
NCAA 3 Up
1. Temple- Bowl-eligible for the first time since 1990
2. Cincinnati- Still undefeated and back in the BCS Top 5
3. Georgia Tech- The ACC is a one-team conference. The Yellow-Jackets are that team.
3 Down
1. Indiana- They had Iowa for 3 quarters, then allowed 27 points in the 4th.
2. Michigan- Lost to Illinois. That was the Juice Williams everyone has been looking for for 2 years.
3. USC- The Trojans got taken to the wood shed by the Ducks.
NFL 3 Up
1. Baltimore- The Ravens will soon become the favorite team of the entire mid-Atlantic if they keep playing like they did against the previously-undefeated Broncos.
2. Indianapolis- The Colts beat a tough 49ers team without a TD pass from Peyton. That's championship-caliber football
3. Brett Favre- He has now beaten the Packers in Green Bay. His soul can move on.
NFL 3 Down
1. Larry Johnson- Not only is he suspended, but now the fans don't want him to play anymore so he can't break the Chiefs all-time rushing record currently held by Priest Holmes.
2. Detroit- They lost to the Rams. Ouch.
3. NY Teams- At least the Jets kept it close. The Giants got blown out. Too busy worrying about the Yankees I guess...
Monday, November 2, 2009
An Early HOF Preview
So J.C Penny is doing some thing where you can vote on who you think is the most deserving nominee to the Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Check it out here. Obviously, Jerry Rice and Emmit Smith lead the list. What intrigues me is the other candidates that are there but are not getting the same attention. Really, it boils down to four players- Russ Grimm, Joe Jacoby, Brian Mitchell and Ray Guy.
Grimm and Jacoby are both members of the Hogs, arguably the greatest offensive line in the history of football, Grimm at guard and Jacoby at tackle. They each won three Super Bowls with the Redskins. They were each selected to 4 straight Pro Bowls. They were elected members of the All-Decade team for the 1980s. It baffles me that there is no representative for the Hogs in the Hall of Fame.
Ray Guy and Brian Mitchell are examples of the bias against special teams players in the NFL. They are, simply put, the greatest players to ever play their position. Guy was such an amazing punter that they named the punting award after him. Mitchell is not only second in total yards in the NFL's history (behind Rice and ahead of Walter Payton), but he is first in both kick-off and punt return yardage, second in punt returns for touchdowns and was easily the most effective special teams player of the 1990s and early 2000s. Again, these two belong in the Hall. Maybe the voters will listen.... but I doubt it.
Grimm and Jacoby are both members of the Hogs, arguably the greatest offensive line in the history of football, Grimm at guard and Jacoby at tackle. They each won three Super Bowls with the Redskins. They were each selected to 4 straight Pro Bowls. They were elected members of the All-Decade team for the 1980s. It baffles me that there is no representative for the Hogs in the Hall of Fame.
Ray Guy and Brian Mitchell are examples of the bias against special teams players in the NFL. They are, simply put, the greatest players to ever play their position. Guy was such an amazing punter that they named the punting award after him. Mitchell is not only second in total yards in the NFL's history (behind Rice and ahead of Walter Payton), but he is first in both kick-off and punt return yardage, second in punt returns for touchdowns and was easily the most effective special teams player of the 1990s and early 2000s. Again, these two belong in the Hall. Maybe the voters will listen.... but I doubt it.
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