The New Logo

The New Logo
Showing posts with label New Orleans Saints. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Orleans Saints. Show all posts

Thursday, February 25, 2010

5 Places LDT Takes His Slide

I am trying a new thing here on Chuck's Corner.  I want to be involved more with the NFL/NBA/MLB Free Agency and I like to be right about things so I am doing the "5 Places" game with certain players.  This week, it's LaDainian Tomlinson and Julius Peppers.  Once I know Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos will be dealt, I will probably include him too.  I didn't add Brian Westbrook because I feel he has nothing left in the tank compared to LDT.  I think Tomlinson could be a number one for a bad team and a great second option for a good team, making them a great team. 

a.)  New Orleans Saints- The King of New Orleans' Drew Brees has been publicly campagining on his Twitter account to get Tomlinson back as a teammate and right now, I think Brees can really do whatever he wants. Although, LDT is a bigger, older version of Reggie Bush who let me add is owed a bunch of money this year so if Tomlinson there, it means Mr. Kim Kardashian is somewhere else.  Odds:  40 to 1

b.) Minnesota Vikings- This has been another team whose talking heads have been talking about the prospects of bringing in Tomlinson to convince Brett Favre to play another season with the Vikes.  I think the combination of Peterson-Tomlinson is Super Bowl good but honestly, I could see them bringing in a guy like Westbrook who knows the Chris Hanson Predator Watchlist's own Brad Childress' offense.  I have a hard time seeing this happen.  Odds: 100 to 1 

c.) New England Patriots- I think this is too easy of an option, I mean the Pats have been known in the past to bring in old running backs (see Corey Dillon, Fred Taylor) in hopes that they have something left.  Dillon helped them win a Super Bowl and Taylor was well... Fragile Freddy again. They could use a running back to complement Quarterback Tom Brady and LDT would work out with the Pats' short passing offense. Odds 7 to 1

d.) Seattle Seahawks- This is probably one you might not have expected but think about it, Pete Carroll has always used his running back in the passing game throughout the years at USC.  LDT is a carefree type of a guy who would totally buy into Carroll's relaxed atmosphere and the Seahawks need to make a splash for their fans because let's face it they play in the "WNBA of divisions".  They can win the division with a couple moves.  Odds 10 to 1

e.) Green Bay Packers- People have been campaigining for this to happen, but let me tell you I HATE the offseason for the Packers is always about "hey this guy would be good or this guy would be the difference."  It never fails, every year this happens. I think LDT would be a nice addition to the Packers, but I did like Brandon Jackson's production at the end of the year.  Who knows maybe this will be year that Ted Thompson decides to do something in the offseason.  Odds 50 to 1  

-Charlie.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

America is a Part of Who Dat Nation

Rarely in sports do you ever see the Hollywood story play out before our eyes, but Sunday was one of those special days that we got to see the story book ending if the last four years of the New Orleans Saints franchise had been a book. It started with Hurricane Katrina and the team having to play in New Orleans then taking a chance on Drew Brees, building the franchise from the ground up with the combination of all the great players, and ending with a Super Bowl win.

When the playoffs started if the Green Bay Packers got eliminated, I wanted the Saints. I loved Reggie Bush in college and hoped that he would break out in the pros.  I also thought Brees was a complete class act before seeing all the stuff pre-Super Bowl now I know he is the definition of role model in professional sports. Not to mention, I watched him a fair amount in college at Purdue.  The duo of Bush-Brees gravitated me towards this team and even though, we heard about too much if one team was to go unbeaten... I prayed it would be the Saints.

The thing that I never realized until this week is how strong thir fan base really is.  But if you look at, there are only a few NFL teams in the Southeast part of the United States.  In addition, the fact that Carolina and Jacksonville weren't  franchises until 1994 therefore anyone growing up in decades before chose cheering for Atlanta, Miami, or New Orleans, which would expand their fan base even more.  The WHO DAT?! chants are great and you can tell these people geniunely care about their football team in New Orleans.

The sexy question about the Saints are can they maintain this run or is this another one-year wonder Super Bowl team?  I think the Saints will be featured in the NFC Championship a couple times and back in the Super Bowl at least once in the coming decade.  The reasons why?  Sean Payton is an offensive mastermind and with a somewhat young offense, they could dominate that side of the ball for the next decade.  Drew Brees could be the best quarterback in football right now with all things considered and when you have that kind of quarterback, you wonder if anybody will challenge the Saints.  Finally, I think you haven't seen the last of Reggie Bush, I think next season will be a break out year for Bush.  

My question is will the Saints get annoying like the New England Patriots did when they won their second Super Bowl.  People LOVED the Pats in the same way they loved the Saints this year. Will people start to find Who Dat a bit annoying or see Brees as too much a pretty boy creating some sort of dislike for the Saints. Honestly, this will not happen for at least five years because even though, it happened four years ago Katrina is still fresh in people minds and it's something that has stuck with people for many years to come.  People understand that football is a release for some people who are still trying to pick up the pieces from the horrific disaster.

I do know one thing, the Saints are no longer the Aints

-Charlie.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Super Bowl Pick: WHO DAT vs. The Fightin' Peyton Mannings

I apologize that I am not like every blogger out there who probably has posts about the game every day of the week but to be honest, I have heard about the Super Bowl for the last two weeks, it started to wear on me therefore I decided to write nothing on it. I think this is going to be a great game (sorry Tony Dungy) for a variety of reasons.

It's very important that the New Orleans Saints hit the Indianapolis Colts right in the mouth in the first possession of the game.  I am not saying they need a touchdown, but if they drive the ball down a bit maybe get stalled still okay for that to happen, rather than a simple three and out giving the Colts the immediate momentum.  The Colts need a couple big plays, and they are off and running with the momentum, which they rarely lose after having it.  All you have to do is look at the New York Jets game when they were down 17-6, Peyton Manning slices through the defense for a 2 minute drill touchdown.   

People have began to question if Peyton wins this game does that make him the best ever?  I hate to put someone in that category when they are still playing the game and you have a guy like New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady that has made it to three Super Bowls. In addition, former San Francisco 49er Joe Montana won three Super Bowls, which is something neither of them has done.  Overall in America, we are too quick to say "so-so is the greatest ever" in whatever we are talking about.  Yes, Manning heads into another level of the Best of All-Time, but he isn't the best.   

The other thing that has been talked about more than me talking to people about Jersey Shore while intoxicated is the Dwight Freeney injury.  Obviously, we all knew he is going to play this game because it's the Super Bowl, no brainer unless you are in a coma.  Freeney will struggle in the game though, I cannot think of the pain that will take on him and you might see him great in spurts but in no way at his usual level. Good news for the Colts is they have a great defensive end in Robert Mathis who doesn't get enough love and Raheem Brock is a hell of a back-up.  I think the injury doesn't hurt the Colts as much as people are making it out to be. 

The reason people feel the injury affects things is because of the Saints' three-headed rushing monster known as Mike Bell, Reggie Bush, and Pierre Thomas.  I think if you are the Saints, you need to think run first. Keep Manning on the sidelines as much as possible and let the clock drain. I know Drew Brees is a difference maker but if you try down the Colts defense, that will do wonders for the passing game as well.

Lets also talk about Reggie Bush.  I love the guy, one of my favorite college players and followed him pretty closely in the pros.  In big games, Reggie wants the ball and to be the center of attention. Remember the botched lateral in the National Championship game versus Texas?  Sometimes Bush tries too hard in the spotlight.  But I do agree with some who feel he can have a Desmond Howard-like impact on the game and maybe wind up Super Bowl MVP if the Saints do win this one. 

Now for the prediction, I think this game is somewhat like the 2002 Super Bowl between the St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots.  You have one team who people do not really want to see win and a team everyone was pulling for (remember, the whole team concept and Tom Brady rise to glory?).  The exact same thing is happening with the Saints, people want this for a tortured franchise and a city who got destroyed by Hurricane Katrina four short years ago.  Even though, I do not like him Peyton Manning is almost too good to say he will lose.  The team could have been undefeated and Manning is a mastermind behind center. I have a hard time seeing the Saints stopping him and especially, Dallas Clark after the kind of game Vishante Shincoe had in the NFC Championship.  But I love the underdog and I love the passion Brees brings to the game so I am going with my heart not my brain.  WHO DAT.

Saints 41  Colts 38 

PS: Don't worry you are getting a good Super Bowl because I am getting Eric, my roommate as drunk as possible to ensure a great game.

-Charlie.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Ragnar is on Suicide Watch

If you are wondering who Ragner is, he is the big creature that comes in hot into the Metrodome on his motorcycle.  I am doing a separate post about Brett Favre, but this is more dedicated to the Vikings who had the ghost of Denny Green in the Superdome as the fans felt just like 1998. 

It's funny because I told Viking fans, "Remember 1998."  They sort of shuttered at me like this couldn't happened again to us could it?  The Vikings outgained the Saints by 218 yards had possession most of the game but they couldn't hang on to the football.  Just think if the Vikings score after the Reggie Bush turnover or if they do not lose the Bernard Berrian fumble right around the red zone.  They win the game, but turnovers happen in football making it awesome personally.  

I honestly thought it was over and had to endure the worst Super Bowl ever in terms of being a fan because really do not like the Vikes and Colts. We get to third down and its a 50 yard Field Goal for Ryan Longwell who I have watched for many years, I cannot remember a time where he missed a big game situation kick. All the sudden like Gary Anderson and Green entered the building, they get a high school-like penalty with twelve men in the huddle.  Then, the Favre interception which I will get to later on.  But there is a bigger problem in Minnesota, the realization that Adrian Peterson is overrated.

People are probably moving on from this article, but the Purple Jesus doesn't deserve that nickname. He is overhyped because he can run over people and physically has the muscles to intimidate anyone on Jersey Shore.  But hear me out, how can you trust a running back that fumbles over 10 times this year?  Peterson is awfully inconsistent and last night was the first time he rushed for over a 100 yards in nine games.  Can you really call that a top five running back?   To add to that, he rarely catches the ball out of the backfield, which is why Chester Taylor is in on most third downs.  

I am sure people will compare 2010 and 1998 but in no way was this worst than 98'.  They were at home and were 15-1.  Everybody was preparing for an uber-Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings.  People were so giddy that year for that to happened because both teams were so good that year.  Not to mention, Gary Anderson was automatic the entire season (hadn't miss!) shanks a field goal. But now a new generation has a gut-wrenching loss to lean on.  

Finally, I would like to congratulate the New Orleans Saints on winning the game because their defense despite giving up all the yardage, played a hell of a game.  A couple of those fumbles they forced and they made great interceptions by Tracy Porter and Jonathan Vilma.  Personally, I felt Vilma was one of the top three player on the field last night.  He played a hell of a game and definitely a difference maker in two weeks. But some of the things that happened last night cannot be repeated in two weeks against the Indianapolis Colts.

-Charlie.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Championship Week To Remember

Well it's come down to this...  four teams who have dreams of the going to the Super Bowl in Miami in two weeks and I really think we are going to have two great games because I feel the teams match up pretty nicely.

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts- I usually do not like teams based out of New York because the media overhypes them to levels I cannot stand.  But I absolutely love the Jets, Mark Sanchez is a USC boy, Darrelle Revis is one of the best cover corners I have seen since Deion Sanders, their defense is gritty tough as nails, Shonn Greene was one of my favorite players last year at Iowa, and Rex Ryan talks a lot of shit while backing it up.  I really think it's got to a point where I cannot doubt them but seriously, go in to Indy and beat Peyton Manning?  The Colts need to find a way to run the ball to create some space for Manning and his receivers. The Jets cannot in any way shape or form turn the ball over because giving Manning extra chances is like letting the Situation talk to your girlfriend, just not a good decision.  I think the Jets will outplay the Colts and have the lead going into the fourth, but as we've seen this year with Indy, they find a way to win. A late Manning drive puts the Colts in the Super Bowl.  INDY 21-17  

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints- Can the Old Man do it?  That's the big question and honestly, I would be cheering on Brett Favre if he wasn't playing for a bitter NFC North rival.  Sadly, he is a Viking and I cannot fathom seeing them winning.  Sean Payton may be the smartest coach in football right now in my opinion it's time to pass the torch.  He will expose Antoine Winfield and Jasper Brinkley on the defensive side of the ball, both are complete liabilities for the Vikes in this one.  In addition, remember how much Favre would struggle in domes when he was on the road?  Always had problems communicating and getting rattled very easily, I think that has to be a worry.  I predict a high scoring affair with things going back and forth for the first three quarters until the Saints pull away late.  NO 38-27 

-Charlie.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Divisional Ramblings

Doing somewhat of the same thing as last week.  Contemplating a Favre post later on today but we shall see if I want to do it.  But still give you some thoughts about all four games especially since I told you the Jets would win.

New Orleans 45 Arizona 14
- This game was once again a boring game and I think it can be said that the NFL Playoffs have flat-out sucked. I would compare the playoffs to going to the strip club expecting at least three to five good looking strippers that look like they shouldn't be there but instead, you knew all these girls were destined for this job. 

-Anyways, the one thing that pleased me about the Saints game was the outburst of Reggie Bush.  He played as good as I have ever seen him in the NFL.  He dominated the game as a running back and punt returner. In addition, more touchdowns means more Kim Kardashian on TV, good times. 

- Sean Payton may be the smartest mind in football, the guy is a complete genius. I am impressed every week when watching him dissect a defense is awesome.

-The block on Kurt Warner was one of the hardest hits I have seen and reminded me of Warren Sapp's hit on Chad Clifton years ago, which led to "PUT A JERSEY ON!" comment, personal favorite of mine.  

- Adding on to the Warner hit, I think he will retire and that will lead the Cards to bringing in a free agent or a drafting some QB in 2010 Draft. As much as it pains me to say it, Matt Leinart cannot do it for an NFL team. Loved him like Bush but he just doesn't have it.

Indianapolis 20 Baltimore 3
-Honestly, I didn't watch a single down. I went to see my high school play our rival and I am glad I did, we lost but still it was better that watching this game.

-Joe Flacco was hurt yes but if he was healthy, I doubt it will make a difference against the Colts. He is not there yet as a quarterback in the NFL.

-I cannot believe Ed Reed is thinking about retiring, one of the best players in the last ten years and has probably a top-five sound clip, if you haven't seen this... your welcome.

Minnesota 31 Dallas 3
-One more week of talking about how great Brett Favre is and can he do it?  Well probably but we do not need to discuss where I am at the point of puking, thank you. 

-Probably one of the worst FU touchdown I have seen in a while.  No reason to do play action and to even throw the ball is insane, I hope Favre plays another year and Dallas gets him good in that game next year.

-If you look back on my picks, I said Flozell Adams is good enough to hold down Jared Allen... well Adams went down, and all hell broke loose.

-Therefore it wasn't Tony Romo's fault that he couldn't handle the pressure of the Vikes rush. It was very reminiscent of the first Packer game. 

- I do wonder if Wade Phillips decides to pooch punt instead of throwing Shaun Shusiam out there for a forty-eight yard field goal. I think the Vikes still win because of the Adams injury but still, it could have changed things.

NY Jets 17 San Diego 14
-I told you so!  I told you so!  

-The Chargers are the new Miami Dolphins of the 1990s, could always get to the playoffs and have a lot of promise but can never win the big game plus known for big time chokes. 

-Darrelle Revis was only thrown at six times, which means that people really need to start realizing the Jets secondary is doing some special things. 

-The Shonn Greene/Thomas Jones combo is lethal and when you add Leon Washington next year, you have a three-headed monster unless the Jets decide to get rid of one of the older guys.

Thats all for now and look forward to a hopefully fun Championship weekend.

-Charlie.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Divisional Picks: Where Anything Can Happen

I think there is a possibility that every team has a valid chance to win this weekend and that should excite the fans who do not have teams in the round of eight because that means we are going to get four really good games hopefully.  Arizona vs. Minnesota and Baltimore vs. NY Jets/San Diego wouldn't be fun at all next week, I think those games are the kiss of death for the NFL  

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints- The Cardinals were impressive last weekend but let's remember how old Kurt Warner is... I could care less about his postseason stats, he has been proven to be inconsistent all year with good and bad games.  Once again, not having Anquan Boldin will hurt them unless Early Doucet plays out of his mind again this week. The Saints are a better passing/rushing team than the Green Bay Packers who they gave up forty-five points.  I think Drew Brees wants this Super Bowl more than any quarterback right now and I think the Saints will play inspired football in the Superdome.  I see the Saints getting a key defense stop in the third proving to be the difference maker.  NO 42-34  

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts- I don't know why but I have a feeling this going to be a game where millions of people are left wondering what the hell happen as if they were in The Hangover of something. Maybe it's Bill Simmons' theory on the wackiness of the Saturday Night game or just that Ed Reed is at full health making this team a lot better. I live with a Colts fan and I remember him always weary of teams with strong running games making the Ravens a prime example. The Colts I feel need a big game out of their running attack because if they can get a couple big gains that will allow Manning to expand the field. I think this game will rely on Billy Cundiff only to miss to the field goal, breaking the Ravens hearts.  IND 23-21  

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings- People have been discussing on how this is the best game of the week, which I would agree I am the most excited for this particular game but I could see this game being a blowout either way with some help. I am taking the Cowboys and here is why... Antoine Winfield is a step slower since coming back leading Miles Austin to have a big day, the Vikes line has been shaky all of December and once DeMarcus Ware came back the Boys' front seven looks unbeatable. Finally, Flozell Adams is good enough to contain Jared Allen. Funny, I didn't mention Mr. Favre or Mr. Romo because I think they cancel each other out, both play well.  DAL 28-24 

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers- I think this game is just as interesting as the one above because people still do not trust in the Jets and that might be a mistake. People are talking about Vincent Jackson's height at 6'5, but Andre Johnson is 6'4, so is Marques Colston, Darrelle Revis shut them down plus I could see him playing with a chip on his shoulder.  The Chargers allowed 4.5 yards per rush, which could mean a big day for Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones.  I completely agree with the ESPN folk that Antonio Gates is the difference maker in the ball game and could have big game, the offensive line for the Chargers is also key. I think Sanchise leads a final drive for the ages on Sunday.  NYJ 24-20 

-Charlie.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Could Care Less About a Pursuit of Perfection

Well I need to give you my picks for the weekend's games about the NFL and thankfully, the NFL Network is carrying both of the undefeated teams in the early part of the football weekend.  I am not thankful that I have to go to either the Doz's house or a bar to see the games although I am glad because it gives me a chance to rant about how much I hate now when teams go towards to perfection. 

Its awful.  We have two NFL teams, the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts are making their push towards a perfect unbeaten season, which doubles the chances that one of those teams will actually go unbeaten for the regular season.  This also means that we have to see Mercury Morris, and Bob Griese plus different members of the 72' Dolphins team.  The only reason why I would like to see the Saints or Colts do the unbeaten season is to see Morris go away for good.  Officially burying his 15 minutes of fame because personally, no one I hate more than Morris in terms of pseudo-NFL celebrities. 

I am not a fan of the undefeated seasons (see 2007 rant) because ESPN and other sports networks work round the clock to compare the schedules seeing if the teams can really do it. Why not just go by a week-by-week basis dissecting the games the Colts/Saints play and then break it down like usual game win or lose? No that would be too easy.  Now this isn't half as bad as the Patriots run for the unbeaten season for a couple of reasons... a.) There are so many other things going on the sports world, no one realizes that the Saints/Colts could do something only two other teams have done, b.) the Saints/Colts are not doing it in the same fashion as the Patriots did. 

That category b. is something that I have been big on the whole year.  I find it weird that I am not as impressive with either team that much.  I like the Saints but unless you count the New England game, they haven't looked like world beaters on both sides of the ball.  The Colts really haven't had that standout game, rather just Peyton Manning playing at another level that the rest of the NFL.  I have picked both teams to lose countless times for the reason of it, it has to be this weekend.  But they are good teams finding alternative ways to win ball games.  

Now it's the whole play/rest starters question but that is absurd to think about because honestly, you have to keep the players fresh to try to win the Super Bowl. The starters playing is not neccessarily going for the undefeated season, more like not letting our playoff arch-enemy the San Diego Chargers beat us in three to four weeks.  Anyways here are the perfection picks...

Indianapolis (13-0) at Jacksonville (7-6)-  The Colts have struggled in Jacksonville at times in the past decade and I think the Jaguars need to show the world that they are deserving of that six seed of the playoffs in AFC. I think the Colts are going to treat this like any other game and Peyton Manning will do work against the Jags by the fourth quarter.  IND 24-14

Dallas (8-5) at New Orleans (13-0)- Another team that has prove they belong in the postseason talk, the Dallas Cowboys who look the Dan Marino Dolphins who were classically known for collapsing in the month of December. The Saints crowd should be jacked and the Saints offense is facing likely a DeMarcus Ware-less Cowboy team, rut roh.  This will be a classic Tony Romo shitting the bed game, not close.  NO 38-14

Sorry everyone, one more week of perfection talk.

-Charlie.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

When the Saints Go Marching In....

Cheesy title but I am really not in the mood to make a creative title.  If you want a non-paying job creating titles for me, let me know.  Anyways, the New Orleans Saints dominated the New England Patriots last night in a rousing 38-17, there were so many things that impressed me last night about the Saints.

First off, their secondary impressed me playing without a couple of their key cogs, I thought Touchdown Tom was set for a monster day and the Pats would expose some things that we haven't seen about the Saints. Mike McKenzie and Darren Sharper look like the versions that we as Packer fans all saw in the early 2000s. Also I commented on this but I wish the Packers could have taken a look at McKenzie after Al Harris went down for the season.

New Orleans' overall defense has been better than anyone could have imagined.  Gregg Williams is a mastermind and Jonathan Vilma in my opinion is one of the better middle linebackers in the NFL.  Vilma makes the defense go and if he is getting into the mix, it will be a long night for offenses. 

Next, the Saints rushing attack is about as lethal as Mark "the Shark" Titus' three-point jumper.  If you dont know Titus then we aren't friends.  The combination of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell alone makes it so hard for teams to scheme against New Orleans because you have to worry about both the running/passing game.  Add a healthy Reggie Bush that is when the New Orleans offense becomes really dynamic.  One of my readers Mike commented on this last night and believes this is why the Saints would win.  Good call Mike.

Quick notes about the Patriots... They will only win their first round playoff game if they play Jacksonville, Baltimore, or maybe Denver again. It would be a road game and those are opponents in my opinion that the Pats defense could stop. Tom Brady is fine, just rattled by the Saints overall defense and their offense isn't the problem.  The fact the once-strong Patriot D isn't the same anymore is a whole world of hurt for them. 

The final comment I have is Devery Henderson is a real fantasy asshole.  He puts up two points against Tampa Bay who is the equivalent to New Zealand's army then plays an AFC East leader New England, he goes off for 20.  This is the difference between going 2-1 this week instead I go 0-3. Damn you Devery.  

-Charlie.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Impressions from the 2009 NFL Season

I am just giving basically a bunch of quick hitters for the NFL season.  Just things that I have noticed during the season.  Its been a really strange year with many bad teams with probably seven teams who might hope they get the number one pick.   Here we go...

-The Green Bay Packers have disappointed me so far.  I believe I said a Pop-Warner pimple faced eleven year old could probably get three sacks against anyone on the Packers offensive line.  Aaron Rodgers might die against Dallas, Baltimore, or Pittsburgh.  Also the 3-4 hasn't been a success so far. Aaron Schatz of Football Insiders said on the BS Report on Monday, the Pack does have the easiest schedule for the rest of the year.  I will continue to pick the Packers because its against my religion to do otherwise. 

-The New Orleans Saints are the best team in the NFC.  No questions ask.  Drew Brees, in my opinion is the MVP so far.  They need to stop making turnovers though if they think they can win the Super Bowl.  Also their secondary gets no credit, they are the x-factor. 

-The Bears might be the same disappointment level.  People expected this NFC North to be the most competitive division in football and it's been a bigger flop than the new Boondock Saints movie (why even go there by the way?).  No defense whatsoever and I fear Lovie Smith may be looking for work next year. 

-The Vikings get two lines from me... They look like the third best team but I am still on a wait and see before crowing them.

-Dallas fans, I just want to remind you how much Tony Romo sucks in December.  Just keep remembering that. I know he tears up the Packers in the two games they have played. I think the Cowboys make the playoffs but no playoff wins for Romo. 

-Eagles/Falcons/Cardinals have a chance to be pretty good teams by the end of the year but who really knows. The inconsistencies of all three teams doesnt make any of these teams contenders by no means. I think Arizona will win the NFC West and one of those teams makes the Wild Card.

-I am not sold on Indianapolis yet.  I feel they need to show me something this weekend to call me a believer. Peyton Manning is playing his ass off but the secondary injuries will come back to haunt them. I am willing to bet they do not get the one seed.

-My roommate Brett feels the Patriots are playing at that "2005 Level", which I agree with because they are doing it with nobodies on defense plus they are running the ball.  They will run away with the AFC East. 

-The AFC North and West will provide the most excitement for division races.  The Steeler-Bengal game will tell us a lot about both teams and the Chargers will come back to win the AFC West, sorry Broncos I am starting to fade off.  Also Houston, and Baltimore miss the playoffs. 

-Charlie.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

NFL Playoffs Predictions and a Super Bowl Winner

Heres how I see the rankings going by the end of the year....

NFC: 1. Philadelphia 2. Green Bay 3. New Orleans 4. Seattle 5. New York Giants 6. Minnesota I honestly see that happening with GB/Philly flip-flopping. I cannot see the Saints or the Seahawks pushing for the two top spots. I could see the two wild card poising a threat. The NFC is by far the tougher division this year. There are multiple teams who can be that sixth team as is the same for the division winners.

AFC: 1. San Diego 2 Pittsburgh 3. New England 4. Indianapolis 5. Baltimore 6. Tennessee I think the Chargers has a schedule as easy as Shawne Merriman's girlfriend and they almost have six wins sown up already. Also the Steelers/Ravens get to play those three teams too, trust me its not even fair. The AFC has the better top teams but they have nowhere near the parody.

Wildcard Weekend
(3) New Orleans beats (6) Minnesota- The end of Favre? Who really knows but it would dash the hype of Favre returning to Lambeau for the playoffs. Also Favre's body will be almost a corpse at this point therefore Adrian Peterson will not be able to do it all.

(5) New York Giants over (4) Seattle- I am not that impressed with the Hawks' its don't have a forty-year old running QB. They get a bit of home field advantage with playing far from NYC but the Giants D will be too good.

(3) New England beats (6) Tennessee- The Patriots have always been able to stop the run and that is the one thing the Titans need to win ball games. Also Tennessee doesn't have enough secondary to contain Brady.

(5) Baltimore over (4) Indianapolis- I think the Ravens have a chance to be a very good team this year and the Colts have enough to get them to the playoffs yet not enough to beat a team like Baltimore.

Divisional Round
(1) Philadelphia beats (5) NY Giants- Second straight year, this time at their crib. The Eagles should be able to pressure Eli Manning all day and the offense will have enough to carry them to another NFC Championship visit.

(2) Green Bay over (3) New Orleans- A dome team from the South coming to Lambeau in the dead of winter... rut roh. There is no Mike Vick on the Saints therefore we should win handily in Aaron Rodgers first playoff game.

(5) Baltimore beats (1) San Diego- We will see this game at the same venue and I could see whatever team loses first comes back in the playoffs to win. Anyways, I think the make-up of Baltimore spells disaster for the Chargers.

(2) Pittsburgh over (3) New England- I have trouble taking the Pats farther than this because their defense is a bunch of no-ones plus the Steelers bring back so damn much. Big Ben will prevail in this one.

Championship Games
(2) Green Bay beats (1) Philadelphia- This might be a homer pick but seriously, the Packers are clicking already (its only September!) They can get this done in the house of horrors known as Philly.

(2) Pittsburgh beats (5) Baltimore- Much of the same of last year, the Steelers will out physical the second-best physical team. Hopefully just another huge hit-fest.

Super Bowl
Pittsburgh beats Green Bay- I gotta do it. There is no way I could see the Masters of the 3-4 get outsmarted by the newly 3-4 beasts. I think it would take a big game from Willie Parker though to get it done.

Now on to the picks for both sides.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

NFL Preview: NFC South/West

On to the next part, I will try to get the AFC done by Thursday. A lot of homework on my hands to keep me busy so stay tuned.

NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: Key Players- QB Drew Brees RB Reggie Bush WR Marcus Colston Key Games- at Philadelphia (9/13) vs. NY Jets (10/4) vs. NY Giants (10/18) at Miami (10/25) vs/at Atlanta (11/2, 12/13) New England (11/30) vs. Dallas (12/19) Outlook- Their offense is probably one of the best in the league and I do worry some about their hard opening schedule. I think they can get past that and slide into the fourth spot in the playoffs.


2. Atlanta Falcons: Key Players- QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White, RB Michael Turner Key Games- vs. Miami (9/13) at New England (9/27) vs. Chicago (10/18) at Dallas (10/25) at/vs New Orleans (11/2, 12/13) at NY Giants (11/22) Outlook: There is a part of me that hates the Falcons schedule but Ryan seems to be doing all the right things in the Hotlanta so we shall see. They will fight for the final Wild Card spot.


3. Carolina Panthers: Key Players: RB DeAngelo Williams WR Steve Smith LB Jon Beason Key Games- vs. Philadelphia (9/13) at Atlanta (9/20 11/15) at Dallas (9/28) at Arizona (11/1) at/vs. New Orleans (11/8, 1/3) at New England (12/13) vs. Minnesota (12/20) at NY Giants (12/27) Outlook- Very challenging schedule and I am convinced that Jake Delhomme is as close to washed up as you can get. Carolina win around 7-8 games.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Key Players: DE Gaines Adams WR Antonio Bryant CB Ronde Barber Key Games: vs. NY Giants (9/27) at Philadelphia (10/11) vs. New England (10/25) vs. Green Bay (11/8) vs/at New Orleans (11/22, 12/27) at/vs Atlanta (11/29/1/3) Outlook- I wasnt a big fan of the Bucs deciding to scrap their offensive coordinator and I believe they will have many problems on the offense side of the ball.

NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks: Key Players- QB Matt Hassleback WR T.J. Houz (saving space) LB Lofa Tatupu Key Games-vs. Chicago (9/27) at Indianapolis (10/4) vs/at Arizona (10/18, 11/15) at Minnesota (11/22) at Green Bay (12/27) vs. Tennessee (1/3) Outlook: The NFC West is really a two horse race and I think the Seahawks have the edge. I like the overall team if they stay healthy, they will take the fourth spot.

2. Arizona Cardinals: Key Players- WR Larry Fitzgerald QB Kurt Warner Wr Anquan Bolden Key Games- vs. Indianapolis (9/27) at/vs Seattle (10/18 11/15) at NY Giants (10/25) at Tennessee (11/29) vs. Minnesota (12/6) vs. Green Bay (1/3) Outlook- The Cards may contend for the division but that will be it. Tough road games to NY and Nashville loom and you have to worry about a near forty-year old QB.

3.St. Louis Rams: Key Players- RB Stephen Jackson QB Marc Bulger WR Donnie Avery Key Games- at/vs Seattle (9/13, 11/22) vs. Green Bay (9/27) vs. Minnesota (10/11) vs. Indianapolis (10/25) vs. New Orleans (11/15) vs. Arizona (11/22) at Tennessee (12/13) Outlook- The Rams are a bunch of nobodies but they have a favorable schedule facing most of their challenging opponents at home.

4. San Francisco 49ers: Key Players- RB Frank Gore LB Patrick Willis CB Nate Clements Key Games- at/vs Arizona (9/13 12/14 ) vs. Seattle (9/20 12/6) at Minnesota (9/27) at Indianapolis (11/1) vs. Tennessee (11/8) at Green Bay (11/22) at Philadelphia (12/20) Outlook- Could be a real ugly year for the Niners with a tough as nails schedule. They could really benefit from Michael Crabtree if he ever signs but they are looking at a top ten pick again.

-Charlie