Journal NFLFan's Journal: NFL Week 7 3
The Fan's Six Pack
1.) I watched the majority of the Steelers-Jaguars game and was pretty much unimpressed all the way around. I think it was just a minor bump in the road for the Steelers, I like Maddox but he played like a dog and Batch or Roethlisberger surely would of played better. Now I am seeing reports that Maddox hurt his shoulder in the game, well that could explain his poor play but why did the Steelers keep him in then? Every week, I am less sold on Willie Parker and the Steeler's offensive line. As for Jacksonville, Leftwich looked almost as bad as Maddox did. I would be surprised if the Jaguars went anywhere this season.
2.) The Patriots still have yet to win two in a row this year. New England's offense might be potent but they just cannot stop anybody. They will probably get into the playoffs just because the AFC East is so weak but asking them to string together 3-4 consecutive wins in the playoffs to win it all is too much. While it has not been much of an issue in the past, I wonder how their passing game will do when the temperature drops and the winds pick up. The dangers of relying too much on a passing game. Right now, they are not even in my top five of AFC teams! Please do not buy that manure that their opening six games is the roughest in the history of the NFL or however they are trying to it package right now; it simply is not true. When the Patriots were playing the Broncos, I wonder if Belichick ever looked across the field to see Mike Shannahan and realized there is not such thing as a genius in the NFL.
3.) After the Cowboys defeated the Giants, I was about ready to say that they are for real. However, I am not so sure since learning that they will be without their left tackle for the rest of the year. Got to like what they did on defense though, even if they did leave Shockey open to tie the game late. It is wait and see a little longer in Dallas.
4.) Jamal Lewis might be the worst starting running back in the league at the moment! I realize that Baltimore's passing game does not scare anyone and allows teams to concentrate on stopping the run but that was also true when he rushed for over 2000 yards. Remember before the season started when everybody was talking about Lewis perhaps having a 400+ carry season? That evaporated fast. Here are Lewis' rushing numbers so far: 98 attempts, 292 yards, 3.0 yards a carry average, longest run of 25 yards, 1 touchdown, and 17 first downs. Here are the rushing numbers for Baltimore's other running back, Chester Taylor: 35 carries, 202 yards, 5.8 yards a carry average, longest run of 52 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 8 first downs. I have heard that Lewis misses his fullback and that line is not playing well but all that has not stopped Taylor. I believe Lewis is in the final year of his contract also, ouch.
5.) The Redskins are a goofy team. When they get outplayed they win but when they outplay their opponent is when they lose! That make any sense? It is the truth though.
6.) What is up with the Chargers? They made two trades this week! Looks more and more likely that only one of there big money quarterbacks, Brees or Rivers, will be there next year.
Last week I went 11-3. Overall, I am 53-37 (.5889).
Sunday, Oct. 23
Detroit at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Browns. The Browns have the better offense and they are the home team.
Green Bay at Minnesota, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Packers. How can anybody like either team? I would feel a lot better about picking the Packers if this game was not being played at Minnesota in a dome. Favre might not like domes, guess it is a good thing the Falcons traded him, but the Packers find a way. There is just too much silliness going on in Minnesota to pick them and did I mention they were not playing well?
Indianapolis at Houston, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Colts. The Texans can't do much of anything right now. The Colts' defense will look good again but it really has nothing to do with the Colts.
Kansas City at Miami, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Dolphins. The upset special?
New Orleans at St. Louis, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Rams. Both of these teams seem to find a way to lose every week. The reason why I picked the Rams? They are at home.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Bengals. Tough game. I thought Pittsburgh was very lucky to have won both games last year. The game last year where the Bengals almost came back but Palmer threw an interception to Polamalu who ran it back for a touchdown and ran Palmer over in the process was the game where I decided the Bengals were going to have a very good offense this year. When healthy, I think Pittsburgh has the better team but they are far from healthy right now. I understand that Roethlisberger is going to start, good thing because he was missed more against Jacksonville than what people anticipated, but what about Ward? I understand Townsend is a bit nicked also. I don't think the Steelers are likely to lose two in a row but I have got to go with the Bengals here, it is in Cincinnati.
San Diego at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Chargers. This could be a real slug-fest. San Diego has the better offense and not much of a defense. Philadelphia has the better defense but their offense while good is one dimensional. I went back and forth on my pick here, decided on the Chargers because David Akers is not playing.
San Francisco at Washington, 1:00 p.m.
I like the Redskins. I am not convinced that Washington is as good as their record but they are better than the 49ers.
Dallas at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
I like the Cowboys. I wish I had a better feel for this game. The Seattle offense is great but the rest of the team is not. Dallas builds on last weeks big win and finds a way to win.
Baltimore at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.
I like the Bears. A game of two teams that really are not going anywhere. I know, Chicago has real playoff hopes but if they make the playoffs do you expect them to go anywhere? The Bears actually seem to have a worse offense than the Ravens but they are better on defense and special teams. Sounds like Ed Reed will not play either, ouch.
Buffalo at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.
I like the Bills. Buffalo seems to have caught fire with their new quarterback but I'm not sold on their defense or heart. I do not know if Randy Moss is going to play, so that could hurt the Raiders.
Denver at N.Y. Giants, 4:15 p.m.
I like the Giants. The Broncos are coming off a big win and that so called potent Giant offense only managed 13 points against Dallas. The Giants rebound from their disappointing loss.
Tennessee at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
I like the Titans. A battle of two rebuilding teams. The Titans have the better offense and special team units. The Titans might have problems stopping people but Arizona is not that great.
Monday, Oct. 24
N.Y. Jets at Atlanta, 9:00 p.m.
I like the Falcons. Last week, the Jets lost their center, Kevin Mawae, for the year. I understand he was not playing especially well but the center anchors an offensive line and he will be missed. The Jets were not that good with him to begin with. The Falcons could even rest Vick and his cranky knee if they wanted to.
Steelers (Score:2)
But they can't stop the run. Guess what the Steelers are good at?
I have a feeling Duce may regain control over the starting RB now that Willie can't play the part. Bettis will get lots of touches in the second half to wear down that line.
I doubt there will be much passing in this game...
Re:Steelers (Score:1)
The Steelers could definitely use Staley and it seems he is not on the injury report but there has to be a reason why he did not dress the past two weeks and Cowher said he probably won't be right for the rest of the season. Since he really has y
Rams (Score:2)
Best summary i've seen of the Rams year thus far. Suicide by turnover.