After dismantling two of the top contending teams, the Browns lose in a heartbreaker. A mental error and a lapse in agressive tackling turned a great effort into a loss. Santonio Holmes took a pass from Sanchez and proceeded to weave around the frozen in their tracks Browns coverage for the winning score in OT. The mental error was rookie cornerback Joe Haden intercepting a ball he should have knocked down to force the Jets to punt with just over a minute left in OT. Who knows what the result of that punt would have been, but in all fairness to Haden, when you are in the heat of the moment and the adrenaline is pumping the obvious isn't so clear and defining. He did what a cornerback is supposed to do when the opportunity presents itself, intercept the ball. Any other time in the game it would have been an oustanding defensive play, just not in overtime when one play can mean your demise.
The Browns had a chance of winning their third straight, but a Chansi Stuckey fumble at New York's 32 yanked that chance away. Aside from that fumble, the Browns offense put in a decent day. Colt McCoy was error free and threw a touchdown in a pivotal moment of the game. Peyton Hillis ran for 82 yards and one touchdown. Joshua Cribbs looked good until an injury removed him from the game. The other offensive player that helped the Browns cause was Nick Folk of the Jets. His three missed field goals made it possible for the Browns to stay alive in regulation time.
The Browns may not make it into the playoffs, though it is still a remote possibility. But they are making a show of it. They have been handling a tough schedule remarkably, which at the beginning of the year you could have very easily been looking at an merciless string of losses these few past weeks. Hopefully, this loss didn't take the air out of the balloon. Cleveland next goes to Jacksonville. The Jaguars are bursting at the seams with hot air after pulling off a well conceived desparation pass against Houston for a win. The Jets game is history, Jacksonville is the next first step towards the playoffs.
It was a spectacle, a marvel. Just when you thought the Vikings were ascending into the deep abyss the hand of something, a something I can't give an identity because I don't know what to call it, reached down and pulled them out to play another day. Favre threw for a career-high 446 yards and completed 36 of 47 passes with two touchdowns. The Raiders topped the Chiefs in OT thus proving they are now legitimate contenders for their division title. Sebastian Janikowski took the game ball in this one. The Colts receiving core took another hit while Manning fell short in a last ditch effort in their loss to The Eagles. The Lions shot themselves in the foot again. An over aggressive hit on Tomlinson going out of bounds put the Jets in a position to tie the game in the last seconds of regulation. Then in overtime you could have blinked your eyes and missed the final outcome. That's how quickly the Jets moved into field goal range for Nick Folk to kick the winning score. Dare I mention the results of the Dallas Cowboys game? Does the new movie with Denzel Washington "Unstoppable" bring anything to mind? Another weekend in the books.
I was 10-3 for Week Nine. I am getting closer to the perfect score. Some last minute heroics changed the outcome of several games, otherwise I could have been 7-6. Week to week you think the picks should be easy, but this year is anything but easy. Baltimore at Atlanta is first on the list since it is a Thursday night game. Atlanta is coming off a big win and feeling their Cherrios or Wheaties, whichever one you favor. This one will be entertaining. Atlanta has only one weakness and that is passing defense. Baltimore is steady across the boards offensively and defensively. Atlanta is playing at home, that is the edge in this one. Cincinnati showed a spark of life against the Steelers. Peyton Manning acquired a sliver called Michael Vick he is going to want to extract. Indianapolis should beat the Bengals despite their receIver woes. Dallas is going to New York to play the Giants. Nothing more needs to be said other than it will be brutal, the flight back for the Cowboys.
The two games I have selected as ones to watch are the New York Jets at Cleveland and New England at Pittsburgh. All Pittsburgh has to do is review the game highlights of the Patriots verses the Browns last weekend. It was a thing of beauty. Belichick no doubt is painfully reviewing them also, attempting to figure out how he can patch up the big whole in his defense. It won't be an easy victory for either team, but the Steelers will prevail in the end.
Finally, the match up between the Jets and Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Cleveland fans will be expecting a repeat performance. Hillis is coming off a huge display of running prowess, but the Jets are strong against the run. Colt McCoy will be tested in this game as to whether he can carry the the team to victory. My suggestion to Mangini is get Joshua Cribbs involved in a big way to give support to McCoy. Mangini has listened and gotten imaginative in the play calling and needs to continue to step it up. Do that and I will take the Browns all the way to the end.
THU, NOV 11 TIME (ET) Baltimore 20 at Atlanta 21 8:20 PM NFL W
Georgia Dome SUN, NOV 14 TIME (ET) Detroit 23 at Buffalo 20 1:00 PM FOX L
Ralph Wilson Stadium Minnesota 24 at Chicago 21 1:00 PM FOX L
Soldier Field NY Jets 24 at Cleveland 27 1:00 PM CBS L
Cleveland Browns Stadium Tennessee 23 at Miami 18 1:00 PM CBS L
Travel Sun Life Stadium Cincinnati 20 at Indianapolis 30 1:00 PM CBS W
Lucas Oil Stadium Houston 23 at Jacksonville 24 1:00 PM CBS W
EverBank Field Carolina 15 at Tampa Bay 24 1:00 PM FOX W
Raymond James Stadium Kansas City 28 at Denver 17 4:05 PM CBS L
Invesco Field at Mile High Seattle 18 at Arizona 24 4:15 PM FOX L
U of Phoenix Stadium Dallas 14 at NY Giants 28 4:15 PM FOX L
New Meadowlands Stadium St. Louis 23 at San Francisco 16 4:15 PM FOX L
Travel Candlestick Park New England 24 at Pittsburgh 28 8:20 PM NBC L
Heinz Field MON, NOV 15 TIME (ET)
The Cleveland Browns accomplished the unimaginable, a convincing win over the hot New England Patriots. It was a treat for Brown's fans everywhere, but a special gift to the fans at Cleveland Browns Stadium, easing some of their pent up frustrations. The offense and defense were as steady as a rock in this one playing smashed-mouthed football from beginning to end.
Colt McCoy had one of his better days topping Brady in the rating column. He was 14-19 for 174 yards. McCoy didn't have a passing touchdown, but did take one in on a 16 yard run. Most of the offense was accumilated by Peyton Hillis on the ground. He had 29 carries for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adding to the success of McCoy and Hillis, you have to give alot of credit to the offensive line for creating the opportunities and not allowing a single sack or even a hit on McCoy. The Browns also controlled the clock.
The defense and special teams of the Browns also played an acceptional game. One interception was recorded against Hoyer, but two fumble recoveries were key where one prevented a Patriot score and another set up a Browns score. The defense kept Brady and Company out of sync and stymied their run game. The Patriots were 3-11 on third down efficiency, which forced them to punt 5 times.
The Cleveland Browns have now shocked the Saints and dominated the Patriots. Three weeks ago you would have said this was an impossible outcome and things were looking all too familiar. Now, in light of these two latest convincing victories one has look forward with a different perspective in mind on the rest of the season. Next week the Jets come to Cleveland Town. The Jets have been stumbling somewhat, just barely edging out the mistake proned Lions. Do it again Browns and make us all believers.
The Cowboys tipped the ball and the game to the Jaquars as they continue to self destruct their season. The Vikings are hopelessly sinking into a quagmire and Favre continues to get brutalized. Green Bay didn't score a single touchdown in their confrontation with the Jets, but neither did the Jets, not even a field goal. Tampa Bay leaped over Arizona in a close one and the beginning of the year prophecy is looking believable. Oakland and St Louis are looking like the new threat on the block. The Detroit Lions finally got their just reward, a victory. Indianapolis is looking like, Indianapolis. The Bazzaro World of NFL 2010 is getting freakier with every passing weekend. There is a cold wind of change blowing through the the corridors and tunnels of the National Football Leagues stadiums.
We are at the half way point of the season. Week Eight was predictable, but at the same time unpredictable. My picks were 8-5. If Carolina beats the Saints and Seattle beats the Giants this coming Sunday I will not shave for the rest of the season, unless the Browns beat New England and Detroit beats the Jets to keep things in balance, then the deal is off. Come on Mangini, let's see Joshua Cribbs in the wild "Dawg" formation. What can you lose, the game? Or how about a few shots down field to Cribbs, air it out. Think big. Use your imagination. Bill Belichick is coming to town and he now has a running attack to compliment his passing assault.
Putting Ochocinco and Owens on the same team is asking for trouble and that is what the Bengals are in, a heap of trouble. Cincinnati has lost four in a row and in the cellar of the AFC North. Pittsburgh is their next opponent and prime time Monday Night Football is the venue. Will TV celebrities Ocho and Owens, the big O's, shine in the spotlight or will the Steeler defense steal the show? Pittsburgh is coming off a stinging loss and will be looking for redemption. Polamalu verses Palmer, and the winner is Polamalu by a knockout.
Dallas is going to Green Bay. Although the Packers have not been impressive, the Cowboys are less impressive, to put it mildly. The truth of the matter is they have been embarrassing themselves to the extent Cowboy fans are wearing paper bags over their heads. The Cowboys are befuddled, bewildered, and beaten. Sometimes it looks like players have quit on the season and that's where the Cowboys are at. That having been said, Kitna is going to put it together this Sunday, if his receivers don't sabotage his efforts, but will still fall short of victory in the Packers house.
Can you sensibly explain how the Giants won their outing against Dallas on Monday Night Football? Three interceptions and three fumbles and still scored 45 points to outlast the pathetic Cowboys. Brett Favre has become totally discombobulated. He now has ten interceptions to seven touchdowns for the year. When he looks out over the secondary he envisions himself running through tall green grass on the sand dunes of a faraway beach. Retirement is looking better all the time. San Diego is suffering a complete meltdown adding four more turnovers to their list of mishaps. Then, finally there is the Saints, who suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the lowly last place Browns. Great defense was the final analysis, but I think there is something more sinister happening here. The 2010 Football Follies continue.
Week Seven I was 9-5. Somewhat better, but considering the craziness, that is not bad. Washington is at Detroit. Detroit has been experiencing woes of its own, but you expect that out of the Lions. They are better than their record shows. Washington should win on good defense and Detroit gives up alot of run yardage. Can Cincinnati live up to their expected potential against Miami? Tune in Sunday to find out. Tampa Bay is fulfilling what was said of it at the beginning of the season, that it would take its division. Maybe, the jury is still out. The Bucs should win against Arizona. Indianapolis was beaten by Houston the first time around. It's not going to happen this time even with Clark and Collie out and Reggie Wayne left to be double teamed. The Colts will persevere.
Games to watch are Green Bay at NY Jets, Tennessee at San Diego, Minnesota at New England, Seattle at Oakland, and Pittsburgh at New Orleans. Oakland's Darren McFadden had a monster Sunday against Denver and should have a decent outing against Seattle. Seattle is 4-2. It should be close. I favor the Raiders. Collins and Young are both questionable with injuries. The Tennessee and Charger game is a tough one. The Chargers should prevail if they correct the disorder called the "muffs". The Pack is back and the Jets are on a roll. The Jets have alot going for them with the home advantage included. Roethlisberger is back and Pittsburgh appears unstoppable. Drew Brees was fleeced by the Brown's defense and the Steelers look to do the same. That brings us to Minnesota at New England. Favre has stress fractures in his ankle and Moss is probably looking for some pay back against New England. It is a tough call. Minnesota's defense will have to step up to win this.
SUN, OCT 31 TIME (ET) Washington 23 at Detroit 20 1:00 PM FOX L
Ford Field Jacksonville 24 at Dallas 21 1:00 PM CBS W
Cowboys Stadium Miami 24 at Cincinnati 27 1:00 PM CBS L
Paul Brown Stadium Buffalo 18 at Kansas City 20 1:00 PM CBS W
Arrowhead Stadium Carolina 17 at St. Louis 21 1:00 PM FOX W
Edward Jones Dome Denver 23 at San Francisco 24 1:00 PM CBS W
Wembley Stadium Green Bay 24 at NY Jets 27 1:00 PM FOX L
New Meadowlands Stadium Tennessee 20 at San Diego 30 4:05 PM CBS W
Qualcomm Stadium Tampa Bay 20 at Arizona 17 4:15 PM FOX W
U of Phoenix Stadium Minnesota 27 at New England 23 4:15 PM FOX L
Gillette Stadium Seattle 21 at Oakland 26 4:15 PM FOX W
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Pittsburgh 28 at New Orleans 24 8:20 PM NBC L
TSuperdome MON, NOV 1 TIME (ET)
Who Dat? What Dat? Where Dat? Why Dat? How Dat? Who, is the Cleveland Browns. What, was a big victory. Where, was the Superdome. Why, was great defense. How, was two interceptions for touchdowns. The Browns future before New Orleans looked bleak, but now the sky is the limit. The Browns stunned the Saints 30-17. Cool Brees got stiffled with a total of four interceptions and the Super Bowl Champs looked like chumps.
There wasn't much in the way of offense for the Browns. Phil Dawson was the top point getter on the offense with three field goals. Hillis had a touchdown off of a short run that was set up by an interference call on an attempted pass to Joshua Cribbs. Colt McCoy passed for only 74 yards and that is about it for the rookie other than catching a 13 yard pass from Hillis.
It was defense and special teams for the Browns all the way. Linebacker David Bowens intercepted Brees twice and scampered across the goal line on both. Scampered maybe a little much, more like trotted and skipped for the touchdowns. Perhaps Scott Fujita, who had an interception near the goal line, was a secret weapon seeing he is a former Saint and was familiar with their schemes. Maybe, maybe not. Sheldon Brown had the other pick. The defense was all over Brees and kept the Saints non-existent running game in check.
Drew Brees was passing like a bull let loose on a crowded street flailing and thrashing in all different directions looking to hit someone. Even though Brees had four picks he threw 56 times with 37 completions amounting to 356 yards, plenty enough to win any other game. The Saints are looking unchampion like through their first seven games and are 4-3. Still very much alive in spite of the mishaps.
The Browns are 2-5. They are still very much in need of an offensive attack. I still say Mangini needs to get Joshua Cribbs more involved in the offense, but with Colt McCoy at the helm getting the ball to Cribbs on a deep route will be a challenge. Until the offense is capable of doing that the only wins from here on out will be when the opposing team has a complete meltdown like the Saints. Cleveland is on a bye this week so they have some extra time to come up with some imaginitive schemes to dazzle their opponents. Come on Mangini, entertain us.
The Browns, Detroit, and Tampa Bay all lost last Sunday, so the 2010 season is returning to some resemblance of normality. Remember last week I said if those three teams won their games it would only confirm it will be a wacky Bizzaro World season. No apologies are necessary. The Brown's, who entered the season with higher expectations than what their record reflects, have been shredded by offensive injuries. Colt McCoy did a decent job considering the receivers he was left with in the Pittsburgh game. Detroit has been showing a desire to win, but is sabotaged weekly by unfortunate turn of events. Tampa Bay had been looking like a contender, but got clobbered by the Saints. St Louis on-the-other-hand beat San Diego and is in the thick of it in their division.
I was 8-6 in Week Six. Even the darts aren't helping in my quest for a perfect week. St Louis is playing Tampa Bay. I am taking the Buccaneers for no particular reason other than playing at home. You might say Jackson could be a factor in favor of the Rams and the Buccaneers running game has been non-existent, but Sunday that will change in what will be a close game. Baltimore should be able to handle the Bills and New Orleans will dominate the Browns mercilessly. Cincinnati at Atlanta and Washington at Chicago are both tough calls, but I am going with the home teams to win. Arizona at Seattle will decide the number one team in the division. Seattle will overcome.
The games to watch this week will be New England at San Diego, Minnesota at Green Bay, and NY Giants at Dallas. San Diego has been hurting itself by continous costly mistakes and New England has a strong offensive attack with the addition of Branch. It will be close and high scoring. New England will prevail with a strong blitz attack. Minnesota is strong all around defensively and offensively and Green Bay has been struggling. If Brett Favre can avoid the one costly pick the Vikings will win. The Giants offense is coming together, but their defense has been stepping up and Dallas is lacking the winning spark. Romo will be harassed and the Cowboys will trip over their own feet again.
This past week was controversial with all the concussions. The cameras can go into slow motion, but the players cannot. Once a player commits themselves there is no turning back and anything can happen. You have people moving in different directions and collisions are inevitable. Receivers and quarterbacks are often in vulnerable positions and you can tell a flagrant head shot from just plain aggressive football. Those should be flagged and fined. I have played football and butted heads on several occassions. That is the nature of the game.
SUN, OCT 24 TIME (ET) Cincinnati 20 at Atlanta 24 1:00 PM W
Georgia Dome Washington 23 at Chicago 24 1:00 PM L
Soldier Field St. Louis 20 at Tampa Bay 21 1:00 PM W
Raymond James Stadium San Francisco 20 at Carolina 18 1:00 PM L
Bank of America Stadium Buffalo 15 at Baltimore 24 1:00 PM W
M&T Bank Stadium Philadelphia 21 at Tennessee 24 1:00 PM W
LP Field Jacksonville 28 at Kansas City 17 1:00 PM L
Arrowhead Stadium Pittsburgh 30 at Miami 23 1:00 PM W
Sun Life Stadium Cleveland 17 at New Orleans 34 1:00 PM L
Superdome Arizona 18 at Seattle 23 4:05 PM W
Qwest Field New England 28 at San Diego 27 4:15 PM W
Qualcomm Stadium Oakland 24 at Denver 20 4:15 PM W
Invesco Field at Mile High Minnesota 27 at Green Bay 24 8:20 PM L
Lambeau Field MON, OCT 25 TIME (ET)
NFL football is back. Every week I will be making my picks for the week just for fun. Check back every week to see how I did. Match your picks against mine. There will be polls for you to participate in. Kick off is about to begin.
After dismantling two of the top contending teams, the Browns lose in a heartbreaker. A mental error and a lapse in agressive tackling turned a great effort into a loss. Santonio Holmes took a pass from Sanchez and proceeded to weave around the frozen in their tracks Browns coverage for the winning score in OT. The mental error was rookie cornerback Joe Haden intercepting a ball he should have knocked down to force the Jets to punt with just over a minute left in OT. Who knows what the result of that punt would have been, but in all fairness to Haden, when you are in the heat of the moment and the adrenaline is pumping the obvious isn't so clear and defining. He did what a cornerback is supposed to do when the opportunity presents itself, intercept the ball. Any other time in the game it would have been an oustanding defensive play, just not in overtime when one play can mean your demise.
