Week 13 NFL PIcks-The Playoff Picture Is Getting Clearer

It's not going to get any easier for the Detroit Lions, who are hanging on tentatively to their playoff hopes. Buffalo is fading fast. San Diego is nowhere to be found. The New York Giants can't score enough points. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are neck and neck. Green Bay is packing for the Super Bowl and New Orleans is Breesing along. And Cleveland, they just seem to be content with living in the cellar of the AFC North.

Green Bay is playing the frustrated Eli Manning Giants. Eli Manning just can't catch a break. He threw for more yards than Brees and still lost. Maybe, this Sunday, going up against a Packer secondary that gives up yardage, will be his day. He will need to have a good day because Aaron Rodgers just has too many options, and the Giant defense can only double cover so many recievers a down. It is inevitable Rodgers will score and not just score, but continue to score. The key to beating Green Bay is disrupting the source, Aaron Rodgers. Blitz, blitz, blitz, and after you blitz, blitz some more.

Cam-not win a game finally won a against the everybody-beats'em Colts. Everyone makes a fuss over Cam Newton and I just don't see it. Yah, he is big and can run the ball. Whoopty doo. Box him in and he will throw the mistake. If Tampa Bay accomplishes that, victory will follow. If they don't, Cam-not win a game Cam-win another one against a weaker defense in the Buccaneers. Carolina's defense has been shredded by opposing offenses, so it will come down to who puts out the better offense with the least turnovers.

Andy Does-win is facing the tough-on-offenses Steelers. Who would have thought the Bengals would be contenders this year. Cincinnati has a good solid defense and a balanced offensive attack with Dalton guiding the way. The Steelers will be focusing on A. J. Green for obvious reasons. Pittsburgh likewise has a balanced attack on offense with Mendenhall running and Roethlisberger passing, but Roethlisberger has more consistent receivers to throw to and the uncanny ability to get out of tight situations when the opposing team brings the blitz. Steelers will come out throwing with the hopes of scoring quickly to take the Bengals out of their game plan.

If Cleveland beats Baltimore, they will win the rest of their games. Ha Ha. That is a mighty big if. As a comparison, that would be like getting a hole in one on the 18th of Pebble Beaches Spyglass Hill Golf Course. As far as winning the rest of their games, they play Baltimore one more time and Pittsburgh twice. That would be like getting a hole in one on the 13th of Spyglass Hill. I think you get the picture.

The Cleveland coaching staff just doesn't want to play Joshua Cribbs on offense and that is getting down right offensive. I remember an announcer once said, "If you don't air it out at least three times a game, you are doing your team an injustice." Cleveland, make something happen or at least look like you are trying to. Send Cribbs long and throw it to him.

THU, DEC 1                         TIME (ET)  TV      LOCATION
Philadelphia at Seattle             8:20 PM   NFL      CenturyLink Field
SUN, DEC 4                         TIME (ET)  TV      LOCATION
Carolina at Tampa Bay            1:00 PM   FOX      Raymond James Stadium
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh           1:00 PM   CBS      Heinz Field
Atlanta at Houston                  1:00 PM   FOX      Reliant Stadium
NY Jets at Washington            1:00 PM   CBS      FedEx Field
Indianapolis at New England  1:00 PM   CBS      Gillette Stadium
Oakland at Miami                   1:00 PM   CBS      Sun Life Stadium
Denver at Minnesota               1:00 PM   FOX      Mall of America Field
Tennessee at Buffalo              1:00 PM   CBS      Ralph Wilson Stadium
Kansas City at Chicago          1:00 PM   CBS      Soldier Field
Baltimore at Cleveland          4:05 PM   CBS      Cleveland Browns Stadium
Dallas at Arizona                   4:15 PM   FOX      U of Phoenix Stadium
Green Bay at NY Giants        4:15 PM   FOX      MetLife Stadium
St. Louis at San Francisco     4:15 PM   FOX      Candlestick Park
Detroit at New Orleans          8:20 PM   NBC      Mercedes-Benz Superdome
MON, DEC 5                      TIME (ET)  TV      LOCATION
San Diego at Jacksonville      8:30 PM   ESPN     EverBank Field

Week 10 NFL Picks-The Season Begins For Cincinnati

After what I thought was one of the best Sundays of football in the NFL's long illustrious history the saying, "That is a tough act to follow," is apropos. Teams like Baltimore, NY Giants, and Arizona proved "It ain't over till it's over." San Diego fell short of putting their game into overtime against Green Bay, but it was entertaining. The Chargers stand at a crossroads in their division. Cincinnati continues to surprise, but will be tested when they faceoff with Pittsburgh. Chicago exstinguished the fires of Philadelphia on Monday Night Football, but will be jumping into the frying pan against Detroit this Sunday. The line up looks good.

The Bengals success this year covers the huge mistake they made last year, and that was putting Noshow-Cinco and TOed-Owens in the same lineup. Enough said about that. Two rookies have taken center stage in Cincinnati, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. They have been the catalyst for the offense, but have been supported by a good defense. It has been said their schedule for the first half of the season might have something to do with it, but their first 8 games may have given them the time to prepare for what's coming.

The Pittsburgh game will test whether they can cut the mustard. Pittsburgh had victory snatched away from them by Baltimore and will be looking for redemption or someone to hit. It will be a good game, but in order for Pittsburgh to lose this one, they will have to seriously stumble.

San Diego is in a three way tie in their division. Philip Rivers doesn't like to lose. No suprising revelation in that statement. He puts his heart and soul into every game and when he does lose, you see the disappointment written all over his face. Mistakes have plagued his game play. He has been trying to force the ball into passing situations that backfire. San Diego takes on Oakland Thusday night. Injuries have been disruptive, but good teams overcome. Well, maybe if your not Indianapolis. What may help the Chargers cause, Ryan Matthews is expected to play.

San Diego's injuries will be offsetting because Oakland has injuries of its own in key positions, like running back Darren McFadden, who was having a great year. Michael Bush has been filling in very nicely. Carson Palmer is now calling the plays and is listed as probable. Despite San Diego's woes, the only way I see Oakland winning this one is by their defense stepping up and creating mistakes.

Detroit destroyed Denver before their bye, but Denver is not Chicago. The Lions are a dominate passing team with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. Chicago's defense just shut down Michael Vick and company on Monday. So, Stafford and company will have their hands full, hopefully footballs. If their defense plagues Jay Cutler like they did Tim tebow, half the battle will be won.

Chicago's challenge will be to shut down Stafford and cover Johnson. The easier of the two would be to strike at the point of attack, Stafford. Chicago has the defense that can harrass and disrupt the quarterback via Julius Peppers, and Brian Urlacher dropping back into coverage. Jay Cutler has a rifle arm and if he is in rythmn with his receivers, Detroit will be looking from behind. All in all, if both teams live up to their expectations, it will be a good game. Maybe, one of those down to last minute thrillers.

I don't know what to say about the cleveland Browns. Luckily, they are playing St. Louis in Cleveland. At least they won't be in a hostile environment, but that could change. The Browns defense will have to control Steven Jackson, the Rams main offensive weapon. Unfortunately, they couldn't stop Arian Foster and Ben Tate last Sunday. Both Houston backs had a hundred yard plus day. Jackson will be like a fired up thoroughbred race horse waiting for the gates to open. The Browns coaching staff has finally wised up to using Joshua Cribbs at wide receiver. It's about time. This week the Browns are even giving consideration to using him at the running position.

THU, NOV 10                      TIME (ET)   TV     LOCATION
Oakland at San Diego             8:20 PM     NFL    Qualcomm Stadium

SUN, NOV 13                      TIME (ET)   TV     LOCATION
Arizona at Philadelphia          1:00 PM    FOX    Lincoln Financial Field
Tennessee at Carolina            1:00 PM     CBS    Bank of America Stadium
Houston at Tampa Bay           1:00 PM    CBS    Raymond James Stadium
Washington at Miami             1:00 PM    FOX    Sun Life Stadium
Jacksonville at Indianapolis   1:00 PM     CBS    Lucas Oil Stadium
Denver at Kansas City            1:00 PM    CBS    Arrowhead Stadium
Buffalo at Dallas                     1:00 PM    CBS    Cowboys Stadium
New Orleans at Atlanta          1:00 PM    FOX    Georgia Dome
St. Louis at Cleveland            1:00 PM    FOX    Cleveland Browns Stadium
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati          1:00 PM    CBS    Paul Brown Stadium
Baltimore at Seattle                4:05 PM    CBS    CenturyLink Field
NY Giants at San Francisco   4:15 PM    FOX    Candlestick Park
Detroit at Chicago                  4:15 PM    FOX    Soldier Field
New England at NY Jets        8:20 PM    NBC    MetLife Stadium

MON, NOV 14                    TIME (ET)   TV    LOCATION
Minnesota at Green Bay         8:30 PM    ESPN   Lambeau Field

Week 8 NFL Picks-Game Of The Week Patriots vs Steelers

The onetime "Kardiac Kids" are looking like the "Kouch Potato Kids." No touchdowns scored in their last game. Four quarters of zero, zip, zilch, and pass me the popcorn, nothing else is happening, and what other games are on. I have to admit, they did win. Only one other game looked worse and that was Jacksonville against Baltimore, and that was a Monday Nighter. Even embarrassed-off-the-charts Indianapolis scored a touchdown. New Orleans showed them no mercy. Green Bay found themselves in a bit of a tussle with Minnesota, but figured things out to win. Kansas City shut out a McFaddenless Oakland. Denver's whoop-tee-do Tebow led the Broncos to victory and Cam-not win a game finally won for Carolina. That's pretty much a wrap for last week in the NFL. My picks looked as bad as the Colts, 6-7. The worst I have ever done. Time to use the throw the dart at the schedule system.

Cleveland will be going to San Fran this Sunday at 4:15. I have said it over and over, the Browns need to get Joshua Cribbs involved in the offense and use him like Pittsburgh uses Wallace. They are waisting a wide receiver in a position where kickoffs have been taken out of the equation because of the new rule. Shurmur or whomever needs to get off the couch on this one. Defense will not be enough to win against a prolific 49er offense led by Frank Gore. Jim Harbaugh won't be getting too excited about beating Cleveland like he did Detroit.

New England will be facing the Steelers in Pittsburgh. This will be a good game to watch. Tom Brady will have to be at his best and he usually is against the Steelers. You can be sure the Steelers defense will be going after him in a big way. The Brady Bunch will score despite the Steelers efforts. Look for the Pittsburgh offense to make an attempt at establishing a running game from the start to keep the Brady Bunch off the field. If that should fail, Ben Roethlisberger has been on fire as of recent with a deep threat in Wallace, so the running game is of no consequence. Will Roethlisberger and Company be able to match the Patriots point for point? This question will be answered Sunday.

Arizona will be at Baltimore. Baltimore can't afford to lose another one like they did against Jacksonville. The Ravens are looking to rectify the embarrassment they suffered at the hands of the Jaguars. The Cardinals are the unfortunate ones to be next in line on their schedule. The Ravens defense is breathing fire and the Cardinal offense is going to get burned. Kevin Kolb won't have anywhere to hide and he better have his dancing shoes on. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice will definately have a better day in comparison to last week, and that is not saying much.

New Orleans will be at St Louis. Could be another 60+ outing for the Saints. Cincinnati faces Seattle. You never know what Seahawk team will show up, but you do know what Bengal team will be there. Denver will host Detroit. Detroit has to get back on track. Tim whoop-tee-do Tebow will be facing a Lion defense stronger against the pass, so he will have to think about running and that would be no surprise. Minnesota gave the Packers a scare last week and seeing it is Halloween, Carolina should be also, scared that is. That's a wrap for now. I held off using the darts. I anticipate doing better in my picks this week.

SUN, OCT 30                       TIME (ET) TV       LOCATION
Arizona at Baltimore W            1:00 PM  FOX      M&T Bank Stadium
Minnesota at Carolina W          1:00 PM  FOX      Bank of America Stadium
Jacksonville at Houston W       1:00 PM  CBS      Reliant Stadium
Miami at NY Giants W             1:00 PM  CBS      MetLife Stadium
New Orleans at St. Louis L       1:00 PM  FOX      Edward Jones Dome
Indianapolis at Tennessee W     1:00 PM  CBS      LP Field
Detroit at Denver W                  4:05 PM  FOX      Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Washington at Buffalo W         4:05 PM  FOX      Rogers Centre
Cincinnati at Seattle W             4:15 PM  CBS      CenturyLink Field
Cleveland at San Francisco W  4:15 PM  CBS      Candlestick Park
New England at Pittsburgh L   4:15 PM  CBS      Heinz Field
Dallas at Philadelphia L           8:20 PM  NBC      Lincoln Financial Field
MON, OCT 31                    TIME (ET)  TV      LOCATION
San Diego at Kansas City L    8:30 PM  ESPN     Arrowhead Stadium

Week 7 NFL Picks-Some Good Matchups And Some It's Over Before It Starts

Week Six Monday Night Football saw a game that was pretty much even across the board when it was over. Darrelle Revis and Brandon Marshall battled all night in the end zone. Marshall had several scoring opportunities foiled as well as dropped. Matt Moore was pummeled by the Jets rush, forcing him to come up short on some of his passes. Revis picked off one of those passes and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Its those little things that make a difference in winning and losing and it was the Jets who ended on top. The Week 7 lineup is probably split between obvious wins and it's anybody's guess.

Detroit's game against Atlanta this Sunday will be a crucial one since they are coming off a loss. It will be a test of their resilience and ability to overcome a setback. Playing at home is one on the plus side for them, although they are 3-0 on the road. The Lions had a problem stopping Frank Gore and will be facing another tough runner in Michael Turner. It is a glaring statistic that when Turner has a 100+ game and scores, Atlanta wins. Detroit's defense must stop Turner and put the ball into Matt Ryan's hands, which if Detroit is not careful could be tricky. Matthew Stafford has proven his ability to put it the endzone with Calvin Johnson. It didn't happen in the San Fran game because the 49er's did a good job checking Johnson in the endzone. Atlanta isn't San Fran defensively, so Stafford will be looking that way.

The Jets are playing for their playoff life. One thing in their favor is they have a defense that can tear the opposing team apart and create crucial mistakes, as they did in the Miami game. San Diego is not Miami when it comes to offense. Philip Rivers has only 6 passing touchdowns for the season, but the Chargers find a way to win despite, usually with the help of Nick Novak. The Chargers can move the ball offensively, but without Antonio Gates they are missing an important part of their scoring attack. There is a possibilty Gates will play, so watch out Jets. Revis will have to step it up again and the defensive line will have to apply the pressure. For the Jets offensively, Sanchez will have to avoid the critical mistake and Shonn Greene must have a good running game, San Diego's weak spot. If Santonio Holmes has a touchdown, the Jets will be competitive.

Seattle Seahawks shocked the Giants this past week. The Cleveland Browns are on the bottom in their division again after being bested by Oakland. This is an anybody's guess. The Browns will no doubt be missing Hillis, maybe, and continue to play silly games with the wide receiver position. Joshua Cribbs is still used sparingly in the passing attack, which baffles me. The Browns just need to let it all hang out and use Cribbs like the Steelers use Wallace. Colt McCoy can win if he is given the green light and a go to guy. The Seahawks will be without Tarvaris Jackson, weakening their offense even more. This is an opportunity for the Browns to get on the winning road. Whether they stay on it depends on their willingness to go for broke and do the obvious, out of the ordinary, move to Cribbs at wide receiver permanently.

Baltimore needs to take Jacksonville seriously even though it may look like a cake walk. Can Cam-do or Cam-not, that is the question? Stay tuned Sunday. Green Bay at Minnesota, not like it used to be with Farve, Minnesota that is, not Green Bay. The battle of the Titans against the Texans, a possible shoot out. I'm looking for a 100 percent pick this week with no surprises.

SUN, OCT 23                           TIME (ET) TV       LOCATION
San Diego at NY Jets L               1:00 PM  CBS    MetLife Stadium
Chicago at Tampa Bay L             1:00 PM  FOX    Wembley Stadium
Washington at Carolina W           1:00 PM  FOX    Bank of America Stadium
Atlanta at Detroit L                      1:00 PM  FOX    Ford Field
Seattle at Cleveland W                 1:00 PM  FOX    Cleveland Browns Stadium
Denver at Miami L                       1:00 PM  CBS    Sun Life Stadium
Houston at Tennessee L               1:00 PM  CBS    LP Field
Kansas City at Oakland L            4:05 PM  CBS    Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Pittsburgh at Arizona W              4:05 PM  CBS    U of Phoenix Stadium
Green Bay at Minnesota W         4:15 PM  FOX    Mall of America Field
St. Louis at Dallas W                  4:15 PM  FOX    Cowboys Stadium
Indianapolis at New Orleans W  8:20 PM  NBC    Superdome

MON, OCT 24                         TIME (ET)  TV     LOCATION
Baltimore at Jacksonville L        8:30 PM  ESPN   EverBank Field

Cleveland Browns Had Plenty Of Wasted Offense and Lose To The Titans

If you throw 61 times in a game and only connect for one touchdown, something ain't right. On top of that, if you achieve 25 first downs to your opponenets 13 and lose 31-13, something definitely ain't right. Add to that, time of possession for the Browns was over 36 minutes to the Titans 23 minutes and they could only manage two field goals and one touchdown out of all that offense. It just catagorically ain't right. Unless they come up with a solution, Cleveland is headed into an offensive sinkhole of their own making.

Colt McCoy was chased around all afternoon and managed 350 yards on 40 completions. His longest pass play was 27 yards. Nine of his completions amounted to gains of between 10 to 27 yards. The rest, 31 passes, amounted to gains on an average of 6 total yards. That will not get the job done. McCoy threw passes to just about everybody on the bench. Hillis didn't help the cause either with only 46 yards of rushing. Needless to say, the line definately didn't help the cause either, or maybe, the Titan defense was that good. I'll let you decide that one for yourself.

Matt Hasselbeck, on the other hand, only needed half a game to beat the Browns. Hasselbeck managed three touchdowns out of a total of 10 completions. The Titans did get a good running game out of Chris Johnson. He ran for 101 yards. The Titans only touchdown in the second half was on an 97 yard interception by Jordan Babineaux. The Titan defense was on the field a good portion of the game, but were steady as a rock through it all. They only allowed the Browns to score their one and only touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Browns seriously need a vertical threat. I don't know who is the problem when it comes to this missing feature, Mccoy, the line, the wide receivers, or the coaching staff. Probably alittle of everything, but I am going with the coaching staff. They have to unleash Colt McCoy and take shots down field. They need to make up their minds on Joshua Cribbs and utilize his speed as a wide receiver. If you want a go to guy, you got to throw to that guy. The opposing defenses are showing no fear of the Browns passing attack. Pin the opposing secondary's ears back and strike some terror into them. Do that, and maybe you will be surprised at what may happen. At least the fans will be, surprised that is.

Week 4 NFL Picks-Will The Former Losers Continue To Be Winners

A change of scenery is good. It's refreshing. It's engaging. It gives the eyes a different perspective and challenges the senses. The scene of the NFL maybe under going a change. Although Green Bay, New Orleans, New England, and Pittsburgh are familiar landmarks, it is good to see former downcasts like Buffalo, Detroit, Cleveland, and Oakland entering as possibles in the playoff scene of NFL football. And, one thing this young season has shown us is the top choices are all very vulnerable. So, with this welcomed change the picks should get more difficult. I was 12-4 in Week Three.

Buffalo's offense has been a running and passing juggernaut and going up against Cincinnati should not change that. It's a good thing because the Bills are seriously lacking a defense. If their offense should faulter, the door may open for the Bengals, who must strike quickly to take advantage. In order for Cincinnati to have even a remote chance of making it a competition, their running game with Benson must be relied upon or hope their better defense can force a mistake deep in Buffalo territory. Buffalo has been playing smart ball. Just look at how they kept Brady from getting back on the field in the last minutes of play.

Detroit will be tested this week in confused, don't know what I am supposed to do Dallas. Maybe, the Dallas offense should all wear detailed diagrams on their wrists, showing exactly where they are supposed to be on any given play. Or better yet, on each down Tony Romo should do it the old fashioned way in the huddle and draw on their jerseys where he wants each one of them to go. If Dallas achieves some resemblance of order on their offense, the Lions will have their hands full. It could be the battle of the tightends or the slaughter of the quarterbacks.

Cleveland was fortunate in their meeting with the Dolphins. Two great catches was all they needed and realistically was all they had all game long. Peyton Hillis will be back on the field and should have an impact on what the Browns will do. Protecting Colt McCoy from the blitz will be crucial or it will be a long day for the Browns in the negative, but the presense of Hillis should keep the Titans off balance. And what can you say about a team who loses to the Jaguars one week and beats the Ravens the next. The Titans have been a surprise and are dangerous, even without the dominant running game of Chris Johnson. Tennessee has been defensively good. All in all, the Browns and Titans look eerily similiar. Cleveland, get Joshua Cribbs involved, he is the trump card in this game.

Darren McFadden has been shredding opponents defenses and New England's defense doesn't look to be an exception. New England will go to the run more against an Oakland defense that has been giving up yardage on the ground, which will also take some of the heat off of Brady. It is highly unlikely Brady would have two weeks in a row where his picks equal his touchdowns. Ball control and time of possession will be key for Oakland, keep McFadden on the field and Brady off.

SUN, OCT 2	TIME (ET)	TV	RESOURCES	LOCATION
Detroit at Dallas L	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Cowboys Stadium
Carolina at Chicago W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Soldier Field
Buffalo at Cincinnati L	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Paul Brown Stadium
Tennessee at Cleveland L	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Cleveland Browns Stadium
Minnesota at Kansas City L	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Arrowhead Stadium
Washington at St. Louis W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Edward Jones Dome
New Orleans at Jacksonville W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	EverBank Field
Pittsburgh at Houston W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Reliant Stadium
San Francisco at Philadelphia L	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Lincoln Financial Field
NY Giants at Arizona W	4:05 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	U of Phoenix Stadium
Atlanta at Seattle W	4:05 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	CenturyLink Field
Miami at San Diego W	4:15 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Qualcomm Stadium
New England at Oakland W	4:15 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Denver at Green Bay W	4:15 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Lambeau Field
NY Jets at Baltimore W	8:20 PM	NBC	Tickets | Travel	M&T Bank Stadium
MON, OCT 3	TIME (ET)	TV	RESOURCES	LOCATION
Indianapolis at Tampa Bay L	8:30 PM		Tickets | Travel	Raymond James Stadium

Browns Top Dolphins 17-16 On Two Sensational Catches

It is said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." After their win against the Dolphins, Colt McCoy summed up their play this way, "We played like garbage for the most part of the day. As ugly as it was, it was a huge win for us." From a statistical point of view, the Browns looked like the Mona Lisa with a bad hair day, but from the vantage point of the fans, it was a beautiful win with some defining moments, one of them associated with Joshua Cribbs. Cribbs didn't return kickoffs or punts because of a groin problem, but on his spectacular leaping touchdown catch he must of had a miraculous recovery.

Colt McCoy was right about one thing, his play was ugly. He went 19-39 with 210 yards. For most of the game, exactly a little over 56 minutes, McCoy's passing looked like a person trying to throw a cracked wiffle ball. It is near impossible and ridiculously inaccurate. That pretty much described his attempts to target Cleveland receivers. Still, he got the job done with alot of help from Cribbs and finally, Massaquoi. Massaquoi hauled in the go ahead touchdown in the final minute of play.

The Browns defense got the job done. They totaled 5 sacks on Henne and 8 other hits. They caused Reggie Bush to fumble twice, one of which they recovered. With Miami on the Cleveland 47 and the game on the line, all Henne needed to do was complete a few passes to put them in field goal range. The Browns defense rose to the occasion and it was an interception by Mike Adams that sealed the victory.

Next Sunday, the Browns will be hosting the high flying Tennessee Titans, who are coming off victories against Baltimore and Denver. Baltimore dismantled Pittsbugh in their first game and took apart St Louis. What does that tell us about Tennessee? The Titans are dangerous. Colt McCoy cannot afford to have a 50 per cent completion rate in this one. Hopefully, Hillis will be back to take some of the pressure off McCoy, who can't handle the blitz very well.

Finally, the answer to the wide receiver issue is a groin pull away. Start using Joshua Cribbs as a wide receiver and he can have more of an impact than just being used as the kick-punt returner. He could be to the Browns offense what Wallace is to the Steelers, a viable long threat.

Week 3 In The NFL-Rivals Weekend

Indy Colts just can't get cut a break, but who really cares. They face the Steelers on Sunday. So, the hometown fans won't have much to cheer about unless Manning, due to frustration from watching the massacre, runs out onto the field and grabs the ball from Kerry to take the snaps. It's a good thing there isn't any snow to make snowballs, if you get my drift. The rest of the games are not as obvious when it comes to picking the winner. I was 14-2 in Week Two.

The Houston at New Orleans game features two strong offenses. Houston's number one rated defense against the pass will be put to the test by Brees, but he has the uncanny knack of finding the open man. To prevent that from happening, the Texans will have to keep Brees from leaving the pocket and gaining extra time. In the Dome, at New Orleans, I give the edge to the Saints.

The New York at Philadelphia matchup is a division rival game with no real clear winner. Michael Vick is scheduled to start, but whether he will finish this one will be up to the Giants defense, who will be looking to take him out. The Eagles will be looking to establish a running attack, but that is the Giants defensive strength. The Giants receiving core is battered, so they will be relying on Jacobs and Bradshaw to set the tempo. If that fails, Eli Manning will be hard pressed to establish any kind of passing attack making him an easier victim to the turnover.

The New England at Buffalo matchup is a good one to watch. The Bills have a strong run game with Jackson, so if they can keep Brady off the field, their chances of surviving definately increases. That being said, Brady doesn't need alot of time because he can strike quickly with the deep on talent receiving core he has to work with. Both teams can put up the points, but the Patriots will put up more.

Another rival game is Green Bay at Chicago. Jake Cutler will have to avoid the turnover if the Bears want any kind of chance to win this one. The Packers will be putting the heat on Cutler, so the Bear offense will have to get Forte involved more to prevent that from happening. As seen in the Saints game, the Packers secondary can be picked apart by a capable quarterback. Aaron Rodgers will be facing a tougher defense in the Bears than he has faced in the first two games.

Finally, the Washington at Dallas game. The question at hand, will Tony Romo survive, if he plays? The Dallas line will have to protect him alot better than they have in prior games. If they do, Dallas will come off the victor. The Redskins have a balanced offensive attack, so the Dallas defense will have their hands full. Rex Grossman has been getting the job done, but will have to avoid making that crucial mistake, which he has conmmitted three times in the past two games.

Its going to be a good weekend of NFL football. There are alot of evenly matched teams where it could go either way, and that includes the Baltimore at St Louis game, considering what happened to the Ravens last Sunday. It is also good to see the Detroit Lions finally giving their fans a legitimate reason to cheer. Jacksonville's new slogan, "You're darn tootin', we gotta blitz Cam Newton. One game to keep a close eye on is the Miami at Cleveland. Will the Browns make in two in a row? It's Henne-one's guess, so to speak.

SUN, SEP 25	TIME (ET)	TV	RESOURCES	LOCATION
Houston at New Orleans W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Superdome
NY Giants at Philadelphia W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Lincoln Financial Field
Jacksonville at Carolina L	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Bank of America Stadium
New England at Buffalo L	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Ralph Wilson Stadium
Miami at Cleveland W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Cleveland Browns Stadium
San Francisco at Cincinnati L	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Paul Brown Stadium
Denver at Tennessee W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	LP Field
Detroit at Minnesota W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Mall of America Field
Baltimore at St. Louis W	4:05 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Edward Jones Dome
NY Jets at Oakland W	4:05 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Kansas City at San Diego W	4:05 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Qualcomm Stadium
Arizona at Seattle W	4:15 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	CenturyLink Field
Atlanta at Tampa Bay L	4:15 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Raymond James Stadium
Green Bay at Chicago W	4:15 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Soldier Field
Pittsburgh at Indianapolis W	8:20 PM	NBC	Tickets | Travel	Lucas Oil Stadium
MON, SEP 26	TIME (ET)	TV	RESOURCES	LOCATION
Washington at Dallas W	8:30 PM		Tickets | Travel	Cowboys Stadium

Week Two-First Victory In The Book For The Browns

Can one person make that much difference in a way a team succeeds? If your name is Peyton Manning, apparently it does. The Browns were able to get on the road of victory after taking advantage of that fact. The Steelers beat up on a what-a-difference-a-year-makes 0-2 Seahawks. The Lions and Bills happily maintain their winning ways. New England, Green Bay, and New Orleans continue to offend or is it, continue to be offensive. There were some blowouts and there were some close ones. All-in-all it was a good weekend of football.

In one recent article by a certain sports website, the Browns were referred to as a "below-average team". Well, the below-average Browns walked away from Indy with a win with the help of Peyton Hillis. Hillis ran for 94 solid yards and two touchdowns. Colt McCoy had just an ok day throwing for 211 yards and one touchdown. The Brown's defense was more alert for this one and it was Reggie Wayne who got caught taking a nap on a third down interception by Usama Young.

On the negative side, the Browns had a serious case of the muffs, but fortunately only lost one of them. The offense is still missing that crucial piece of the puzzle called a premier wide receiver. I am still at a loss as to why Joshua Cribbs is not being used more as a wide receiver. Are they afraid he might get hurt or something?

Going against Miami this weekend, the Browns can prove they are more than just a below-average team. Colt McCoy has an opportunity here to have a greater impact with a Miami defense that is 30th against the pass, but that rating may be slightly deceiving since New England racked up huge passing yardage against them in the first game. No doubt the Browns will also try to test the waters of a weak-on-the-run Miami defense and establish the run game early with Hillis. It is definately a plus the Browns are playing at home on top of it.

All this having been said, Miami will not be a push over after losing their first two games. Chad Henne was superb against New England, but abysmal against Houston. It depends on what Henne will show up.

Week Two Picks-Will It Be Offense Or Defense?

The quarterbacks ruled Week One. Will they continue their domination going into Week Two? A few of them may, like Brady, Rodgers, and Brees, but Cam Newton had his day in the sun, and jury is still out on Henne-who. The defenses of New England, Green Bay, and New Orleans were offensive, what will Week Two reveal? The Cleveland Browns need to do only one thing? What is that one thing? And the Pittsburgh Steelers need to continue doing only one thing? What is that one thing?

The Packers are going to rain on Cam Newton's parade this week when they bring relentless pressure on the rookie quarterback in the form of Matthews and company. Newton will have no where to throw and no where to run. On the otherhand, Aaron Rodgers should continue his winning ways with a deep on talent receiving core. The Saints first game revealed a vulnerable secondary, so they will have to step up their pressure on Cutler via the pass rush or it may be a long afternoon, forcing the Saints to abandon the run and rely strictly on Brees to equalize the score, which he has the ability to do.

The Cleveland Browns start the season once again on the bottom, so they need to reverse their direction and that can only be accomplished with a win. Mistakes and miscues dominated their game play both on defense and offense. Indianapolis was extremely inept in their first game and that was understandable because they are suffering from an identity crisis with Peyton out. They are like a boat without a rudder. Cleveland is favored to win, but I am not so sure. Kerry Collins could have a Henne day. Pittsburgh needs to continue their losing ways, but facing Seattle, in Pittsburgh, and looking like a dog that just got its tail stepped on, unlikely.

San Diego is taking on New England this week. Could it be another shoot out? The Chargers barely survived their meeting with the ho-hum Vikings and they will be in hostile territory. The key to victory for them will be how much pressure they put on Brady, but even if they accomplish that, Brady adapts quickly, making a victory a long shot. Philip Rivers will have to be on the top of his game to overcome the point differential. Philadelphia is visiting Atlanta. Michael Vick will be returning home to what will be an unfriendly environment. Anyway you look at it, it is going to be a dog fight. The game is favored to be run dominant, but I think it will be decided by the pass.

SUN, SEP 18	TIME (ET)	TV	RESOURCES	LOCATION
Kansas City at Detroit W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Ford Field
Oakland at Buffalo W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Ralph Wilson Stadium
Tampa Bay at Minnesota L	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Mall of America Field
Chicago at New Orleans W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Superdome
Baltimore at Tennessee L	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	LP Field
Cleveland at Indianapolis W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Lucas Oil Stadium
Jacksonville at NY Jets W	1:00 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	MetLife Stadium
Seattle at Pittsburgh W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Heinz Field
Arizona at Washington W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	FedEx Field
Green Bay at Carolina W	1:00 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Bank of America Stadium
Dallas at San Francisco W	4:05 PM	FOX	Tickets | Travel	Candlestick Park
San Diego at New England W	4:15 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Gillette Stadium
Houston at Miami W	4:15 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Sun Life Stadium
Cincinnati at Denver W	4:15 PM	CBS	Tickets | Travel	Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Philadelphia at Atlanta W	8:20 PM	NBC	Tickets | Travel	Georgia Dome
MON, SEP 19	TIME (ET)	TV	RESOURCES	LOCATION
St. Louis at NY Giants W	8:30 PM		Tickets | Travel	Metlife Stadium

The First Week Of NFL Football Was A Real Eye Opener

Does explosive or inept describe the game play of the first week of the NFL? Were the offenses that good or were the defenses that bad? The new kickoff rule, did it take away some of the thrill? All good questions. In any rate, the first week of football was very entertaining from the first kickoff of the New Orleans at Green Bay opener to the final play of Denver at Oakland closing the week out.

Now, to answer the question about the new kickoff rule. It really doesn't matter unless you are playing in Denver where the kickoffs were going into the stands. Well, maybe not quite that far, but pretty close. Randall Cobb's kickoff return of 108 yards in Green Bay is proof the thrill of a monster return is still ever present. Maybe, the returners will take more chances at bringing the ball out of the end zone creating longer runs like Cobbs.

Some of the offenses ran up big numbers like New England, Miami, Buffalo, Houston, New Orleans, and Green Bay. Probably, no surprises here with quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers and their ability to methodically take apart a secondary. But the fact that their own teams defenses were also shredded reveals an apparent weakness, an Achilles heal that other seemingly lesser teams can exploit to overcome the offensive juggernaut they face. One simple mistake could tilt the game in any direction, like the Saints and Packers game proved.

The Cleveland Browns disappointed again in a game they should have won despite themselves. They were caught daydreaming and A.J. Green waltz into the end zone like he was on "Dancing with the Stars." Shurmur complained that the Bengals did something illegal, but the fact still remained, the Browns defense that was on the field didn't have a clue and Green tippy-toed past the secondary. The only bright spot for the Browns this week was the fact the Steelers looked even worse than they did, and who got obliverated by the Ravens. The Browns can only go up from here. Cleveland plays Indianapolis this week, thank goodness.

I was 100 percent on the picks I made this week. This coming week I will be making my picks for the whole schedule. I glanced over it and the only game that looks like a sure win is Detroit over Kansas City, but despite everything said and done it was only the first games of the season. Glad the strike got settled.

Week 1 of 2011-12 NFL Season Is Set To Kickoff

What did the final preseason game for the Browns reveal? Absolutely nothing. Now, it's showtime. The Browns will open the season against the Bengals, a division rival. It's an opportunity for Cleveland to make a statement, that they are here to play and here to stay. This weeks opening schedule to kickoff the season matches up teams who will be hotly contesting rivals. It almost looks like the playoffs are already beginning. You have New Orleans at Green Bay, Pittsburgh at Baltimore, Indianapolis at Houston, Minnestoa at San Diego, and Dallas at NY Jets. Well, maybe alittle like the playoffs.

No Brett Favre and no Peyton Manning to open the season. It just won't be the same. Indianapolis will be without Manning for the first time in 13 years. Kerry Collins will be taking the snaps against division rival Houston, who by the way are heavily favored to be the AFC South winners. Peyton Manning, being the competitive person he is, relishes that revelation like a horse fly on a fishing trip that just won't leave you alone and you can't get rid of, unless you kill it. If Collins is unable to pull off a Manning, Houston should take this one.

Green Bay and New Orleans are also heavily favored to take there divisions, and going a step further, popular choices to be facing each other in the Stuper Bowl. By the way, that is not a typo. Alot can happen between now and then and NFL predictions are like hurricane forecasts, they have an idea where it may go, but until it goes there, its anybody's guess. Green Bay should top out New Orleans in the opener.

Now we come to Pittsburgh at Baltimore. It's getting pretty tiresome seeing these two teams in the playoffs year after year and the predictions aren't helping any. Hopefully, in this season opener, the two of them will knock each other seriously silly so neither of them will be able to recover to their full senses in time for the seasons ending. Since that is highly unlikely, Cleveland and Colt McCoy are going to have to help us with this one and that would be a welcome change. I am giving the edge to Baltimore, only because it is a home game.

San Diego, no hands down, is picked to be the winner of their division, but like so many times before, that is where it ends for them. Minnesota doesn't figure into the final analysis even though Donavan McNabb is taking the snaps for them this year. They still look like last years team, just different quarterbacks. Philip Rivers and the Chargers should win the opener.

The teams that may surprise this year are the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. Just a footnote out of history: They were the two teams that took their divisions with a losing record in the strike shortened season of 1982. Well, there was a strike this year, but happily all parties settled and the NFL is ready to play a complete schedule. Let us flip flop that idea. Maybe, these two teams will take their divisions with a losing record in a full season. Why not, Seattle did it last year. The Browns need a wide receiver, like Joshua Cribbs for example, to step up and they will be complete. Honest, I am not drinking any achoholic beverages as I am writing this piece. I am going to throw the Buffalo Bills in for good measure.

Finally, these are only some of the predictions found on Fox Sports. Other commentators heavily favor the New England Patriots as the Super Bowl Champions when all is said and done and that probably makes alot of people wish for a strike. No-Show Cinco and Bill Belichick are an unlikely fit in my books and if Moss decides to join the Patriots, watch out, No-show will be acting like an out of control brat if he doesn't get all the attention.

The Browns Blew Into Philadelphia And Lost To The Eagles 24-14

This game showed the Browns have a ways to go. The offense was a no-show, which brings us to the next glaring observation and an obvious problem.  The Bowns offense is in trouble against a team that knows how to play the West Coast offense. With that having been said, all of this preseason stuff is like watching the Weather Channel predict the track of Hurricane Irene. It changes day by day, hour by hour. At times it is pretty laughable and sometimes pathetic. Nobody knows exactly where it is going, until it goes there.

Colt McCoy threw his first interception of the preseason and couldn't put the ball across the goal line. The Eagle defense kept him out of sinc. The running game wasn't much of a help, but with the preseason nearing an end they were being shuffled in and out like a bad hand of five card stud. At least, Hillis is back into the mix. Now it is up to him as to what impact he may have. No stand out among the wide receivers in this one, except maybe Robiskie. The only two scores came late in the game on passes to Alex Smith and Chris Matthews. Joshua Cribbs was out with an injury and will remain out. That is an ouch.

The Browns may have lost, but the defense didn't look that bad. Two Eagle touchdowns came from quarterback runs and another off a short screen pass. A glaring weakness that needs to be looked at very seriously so future opponents can't exploit it.  The Browns Phil Taylor forced a fumble out of Vick on the Eagles 18 early in the game, but the Browns offense couldn't put the ball in for a score and the field goal attempt was blocked.

Where are the Browns going? The various prediction models show the possible track the Browns may take. It will change month by month, week by week. It may get pretty laughable and sometimes pathetic. You won't know where the Browns are going until they go there. So stay tuned, not to the Weather Channel, which turns people into zombies, and watch the Browns to see where they will go. My prediction, I will let you know.

Colt McCoy Wins And The Browns Lose To The Lions

Don't get concerned or excited, preseason games count as much as your check does before taxes, and it was only a Detroit Lions win after Colt McCoy left the game. There is something to be alittle concerned about and that is the antics of Greg A-Little. He is like a dog that has been left in the house to long and when it finally gets out, goes alittle crazy. Somebody needs to give him a bone to chew on, or maybe, the Browns should consider using him as a back-up punter.

Colt McCoy threw three touchdowns in only half the time on the field. While you might consider that impressive, remember it was only the lowly Detroit Lions they were playing in a preseason game. Still, it looks as if McCoy is fitting into the West Coast style of offense nicely where timing and accuracy are crucial. Where was the long ball threat the Browns badly need? The jury is still in deliberation on this one.

Tightend Evan Moore seemed to get more attention from McCoy in this one with two touchdown receptions. This combination could prove to be a valid threat when the season begins. The other touchdown toss from McCoy was to Greg Little and the little bit I have already wrote about him is sufficient for now. Where was Joshua Cribbs in this game? Only two receptions to show for his limited effort.

The running game is still up in the air, for now at least. Although, the one big highlight in the game came when Armond Smith blew past the Lions defensive line and out ran the secondary for an 81 yard touchdown in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the big run was overshadowed by his two lost fumbles.

Preseason number two is done, two to go. These games are just a look-see experience and entertainment to pass the time until the regular season begins. The Browns have alot to sort out in these next to games, but I think that scenario will continue into the regular season. Hopefully, they will be able to get their act together before time has passed and everyone will be saying, "Where did the season go." Pittsburgh will be looking to repeat the humiliation they handed the Browns in their final outing last season. The Browns have plenty of time to prepare for those rival confrontation. It would be nice if those two games would be for division domination and the playoffs. Dreams can come true.    

Browns Beat Packers As NFL Preseason Gets Underway

A win is a win, but preseason is preseason. The Browns beat the Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium by a score of 27-17. The high-powered first-string offense of the Packers made only a brief appearance in the first quarter, as would be expected in the first preseason game. While on the field, the Packer offense was outshined by the Browns offense led by the "quarterback controversy is over" Colt McCoy. The big question mark of the Browns offense, the wide receiver position, may have found the answer.

Shurmur and his West Coast offense made use of an asset that has been there all along at wide receiver. Joshua Cribbs hauled in a 27 yard TD pass from Colt McCoy in the beginning stages of the Packer game. This is something I have adamantly suggested year after year for the answer to incorporating a long ball threat into the offense, Joshua Cribbs at wide receiver. In the past, Cribbs has only been used sparingly in that position.

While it is good to have an excellent kick-punt returner who can give you good field position, which Cribbs has done, it is even more vital to have an offense that can consistently put the ball across the goal line. I look forward to seeing more of Cribbs running patterns and chasing down McCoy passes.

The season of NFL football is under way and the Browns are off to a positive start. Alot has to be answered before the Browns can say they are a legitimate contender. Colt McCoy has secured the quarterback position and is looking like the leader the offense needs. Everything else is a wait and see. Still, the Browns could very well surprise us this coming regular season, but then, any surprise in the positive direction is welcomed with open arms by fans who have been disappointed for too many years.

What Is The Big Question Mark Facing The Browns As Preseason Begins Against The Packers?

Well, the world hasn't come to an end and I haven't heard of any significant stories regarding NFL players turning to a life of crime. The settlement has eliminated those concerns and fears. Now it is time to get down to football business. At least the Browns are entering this season with one less question mark to deal with, no quarterback controversy. Colt McCoy has secured that position on the roster. The big question mark looming in the Browns camp is at the wide receiver position.

It has been many years since the Browns have sported a wide receiver who will put up big numbers game after game. The quarterback controversy has played into that weakness somewhat because a receiver likes to know who will be throwing the ball to them on a regular basis. Added to that glaring fact, of the receivers on the roster, none have stepped into the crucial role of No. 1 go to guy. It would be nice to see the long ball threat as an option going into this season.

Joshua Cribbs would have been a likely candidate, but his duties have been split between returning kickoffs and punts, which he has done very successfully. Shurmur, with his west coast style of play, appears to be giving Cribbs a shot at wide receiver and that is a good thing. Cribbs was injured early in training camp, but has returned since. Another consideration is the newly acquired Greg Little. Little is alittle shacky in the personel department and is already showing he is a bit of a show-boater with his reverse dunk TD celebration that he named “Boomshakalaka!” Forget the Hollywood stuff and just concentrate on catching the ball, please.

The Browns kickoff preseason against the Green Bay Packers this Saturday, Aug 13 at 7:30 PM. Cleveland Browns Stadium will be the venue. Hopefully, the Browns will be able to shrug off the pounding they took in their final engagement against the Steelers last January. This year the Browns don't face the Steelers until December, so they have alot of season to prepare for their reengagement. Maybe, by then, Colt McCoy will stroll into Pittsburgh with a No. 1 wide receiver he can count on to make the big catch when it is needed. In order for McCoy to be successful, that is a necessary ingredient, along with a matching running threat.

NFL Strike 2011-What It Could Mean For The Browns And The World

There is talk of a shortened regular season for the NFL. The NFL is planning for a regular season as short as eight games. The eight-game season would start in late November and culminate with the Super Bowl in Indianapolis Feb. 12. What does it mean? It means fewer chances of winning the Power Points Game sponsored by The News Herald, for one thing. Ray Lewis said crime will go up if there is no NFL season, that's another thing.

Yes, with fewer chances to win money, people will have to turn to crime to supplement their income and amuse themselves. Las Vegas will have to become more creative. How about betting on how many banks will be robbed between the hours of 1 PM and 11 PM on Sundays and 8 PM and 11 PM on Mondays. Throw in the 7-Eleven's, Go-Mart's, Speedway's, Hess's, and every other convenience store. On top of that, NFL fans will have to find other reasons to drink beer and eat pizza.

Another point to consider, just think of the tension it will create between couples and family members as fans blankly stare at tv screens burnt out on searching for a fix and AMC reruns. Why, the very fabric of society will be strained. There would be outright panic, leading to the collapse of humanity, especially so in the vulnerable city of Pittsburgh. Why Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh is the nexux of NFL football. Just think, that guy who predicted the end of the world in 2011, may turn out to be right after all.

Cheer up Cleveland fans. There is a silver lining to this scenario. This may work in the Browns favor. The last time there was a strike shortened season, the Browns went to the playoffs, and they did it with a losing record of 4-5. That magical year was 1982. Unfortunately, they didn't go very far, but it could be different this time. The quarterback controversy is finally over, or Browns fans everywhere at least hope so. The Browns have a new coach and Holmgren promised he is going to give him a chance to prove himself. They have a couple new draft choices they are high on. Indianapolis here we come.

Well, it hasn't happened yet. Besides, there is always college football, and high school football. Oh, I almost forgot. If society implodes, and humanity tanks, parents won't be able to send their kids to college and the school systems will have to cut their football programs. It could be the end of the world. I have always said, when the Browns finally achieve the right to play in the Superbowl, the world would come to an end.