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Seattle Smashed...Vikings on a roll 35-9
Winfield was out and still dealing with his foot injury that he suffered in week 6 against Baltimore, with 1 more weekend off Corner Back Benny Sapp replaced him.
Percy Harvin made the Vikings 1st touchdown, Shiancoe made the 2nd, Berrian 3rd & Sidney Rice made the 4th bringing the Vikings to a 28-0 lead. I honestly wanted to shut Seattle all the way out, but Seattle got on the board with a Field Goal late in the 3rd quarter. While Favre rested T-Jack came in at QB for the Vikings & hits Sidney Rice for another Vikings touchdown, which made it 35-3. Seattle gets a TD, but missed the field goal ... and we walked away with 35-9 Another VICTORY.
I'm not worrying about the running game. The Vikings were held scoreless in the 1st quarter in part because of Seattle’s defensive scheme, focusing line play inside. That stops the run. The Vikings were able to turn to the passing game to spread things out and counter what the Seahawks defensive line was doing. Beginning with the 3rd possession Favre dropped back to pass on 11 of 16 plays, resulting in 2 TDs. In the 1st 13 plays, Favre dropped back only 5 times. That’s what a balanced offense gives you. Vikings don’t necessarily have big flashy numbers in the passing game every week or huge numbers on the ground. But being multi-dimensional with a capable defense, should take the Vikings a long way in the playoffs
I don't see any more cake-walks for the rest of the season. Although Chicago isn't playing well, Cutler has the potential to rip off a great game and with one of those games in deep December outside we shall see. With AZ and the Panthers on the road 2 very different teams, I could see us losing one of those or both if we don't play good pass defense in one and run defense in another. Yes I said it, I CAN SEE US LOSING :( but all you Viking HATERS don't get excited...We got this baby!
FINDING A WAY
On November 15th I did celebratory dances around my living room (in a fuzzy pink robe) – like Terrible dance moves you see your boss do on the dance floor at the company Christmas party. The win against the Pats meant so much more to me than anyone would recognize. Like most sports fans I have gone crazy watching games but NO other team has brought me pain like the New England Patriots. Yes the rivalry of the decade is fun to watch for football lovers but for COLTS fans it has been maddening. Even the sight of Belichick’s stupid cut off hoodies made the playoff losses even harder to bear. So when he decided to take a gamble with 2:08 left on the clock and go for it on a 4th down on his own 28…I was stunned and NEVER thought he would take such a risk so deep in his territory - one that has been discussed, argued and analyzed since. So while I was lying in bed that same night (in my Manning T-shirt by the way) I thought about how New England played that night, the success they’ve had winning 3 Super Bowls and also how I love to hate them but recognize their brilliance; which is why I’m not scorning Belichick for a play that came up a half-yard short of the marker! P.S. Melvin Bullitt I could kiss you! The fact of the matter remains though that the miss gave Manning one minute 57 secs and all 3 timeouts to get a TD and there is no one else I trust more in the league to accomplish this! Rightfully so, Manning threw to a diving Wayne for a one-yard touchdown pass with 13 secs remaining for the win.I must admit I was worried and sweating in preparation for this game because of our injuries and our inability to run the ball. But after the Colts took a 7-0 lead when Manning threw a screen pass to Addai I -was feeling good. However, the Pats responded tying the game up with a beautiful 55-yard pass to Dandy Randy (aka Wolverine) and Laurence Maroney's 1-yard run. The Pats scored a field goal, making it 10-7 and then during the next series, Moss beat out Colts safety Antoine Bethea for a long pass from Brady, and ran the final 10 yards for a 63-yard TD to give New England a 17-7 lead. I was at this point seething with anger and it got worse once Brady threw his second TD pass of the game making it 24-7. Thank Goodness Peyton made it Wayne (someone had that sign in the stand LOL LOL) and the duo trimmed the lead to 10 points with a 20-yard TD pass. After trailing 24-14 at halftime, Gary Brackett recovered an important fumble to keep the Boys only down by 10 at the end of the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter Brady connected again with “Mr. Long Hair Don’t Care” Moss making it 31-14 but Manning fought through finishing the next drive with his third TD pass of the game to my Frenchy Pierre Garcon making it 31-21. After the Pats booted a 36-yard field goal, Manning gave the ball to Addai for a 4-yard TD run with 2:23 to go making it 34-28. You all know what happened next – instead of the Pats kicking a field goal, this sets up the play to complete the most memorable victory for the Colts in their 18-game regular-season winning streak.
This was a great game and I sure LOVE when we are winning games; especially CLOSE GAMES! But I didn’t feel that way with our win over the Ravens. Despite committing three turnovers and being held to three second-half points, The Colts 17-15 win was ugly in my opinion. And ya’ll know I Love Peyton but his rhythm is OFF and this win goes out to the following: 1) Our Kicker Matt Stover, 2) Our Linebacker Gary Brackett and 3) Our WONDERFUL defense that has helped us remain undefeated. The Ravens, who finished with 354 total yards, drove inside the Colts 30 on seven of nine possessions, but the first six such possessions ended in field goal attempts – ALL in part to our Good D Now I have been saying for years if only our defense could get to be as good as our offense we would be indestructible…hmmm now look what we got here! Well next up is the Texans and I’m looking for another win – I got new dance moves to try out! Go BLUE
G.Dunn
Green Bay’s Big Win includes 2 Major Losses
At 5-4 for the season, it was imperative that the Packers win Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. The good news is that we did win and are now 6-4. Bad news is we loss two veterans and key players on Defense. Both Line Backer Aaron Kampman & Corner Al Harris are out for the season.
The Packers dominated the first half of the game 23-3. Just when all seemed well, Pack fans were devasted in the 3rd quarter when Kampman dropped like a fly! I’m not sure if it was a hit, but his knee just seemed to buckle. About 5 minutes later Harris is covering a pass and is suddenly holding his knee in extreme pain. This is a major blow to our defense that seemed to be getting into a real groove. Luckily all of our LB’s have been having a great season. With Kampman gone, I’m have 100% faith in Clay Matthews, Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk. I know they will make even bigger plays to fill the void. Matthew’s draft mate, BJ Raji may even begin to make a name for himself.
Tramon Williams is said to fill Harris’s roll at Corner. I have some apprehension about this because Tramon is unimpressive on special teams. I really think there HAS to be someone else who can make better plays on punt return. However, that’s special teams, and defense is another story. Williams has contributed at Corner and with Harris gone, maybe we will find that is Williams is best at Corner. We will find out in 3 days.
In the fourth quarter the Pack worked hard to keep the momentum. Jeremy Kapinos does his thing and puts a major foot on the punt and lands the ball on the 2 yard line. The 49ers are in terrible field position and Nick Collins intercepts and it seems the game is in the bag for the Pack. The 49ers rallied back with two TD’s and came within one touchdown for the win, but it wasn’t enough. Packers win 30-24.
The issues I have had with our Offense seems to get less and less apparent with each week and that’s all a girl can ask for. Aaron Rodgers was sacked only twice which was a much needed improvement. He was starting to really get on my nerves (reminiscent of Favre’s affinity to interceptions which has magically disappeared now that he’s in Minnesota, ugh!). Greg Jennings had the type of game we need him to have more often and Jermichael Finley came back better than he left after missing three games. Offense also did a great job reading the 49ers defense and making opportunities for Grant to do what he does best (1TD, 21 carriers 129 yards). His impressive performance earned him Hall of Fame featured player of the week in Wisconsin.
75% of my Family are Packer fans (most of the others are Raider fans) so the Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions will be a lot of fun. We’ve beaten the Lions twice this year but Coach McCarthy is not taking them lightly. I believe we will be ready and if we can get to 7-2, who knows what we can pull off for the play offs! GO PACKERS!
Sunset Brown
Victory in Defeat...
I’ve been dodging blogging about the Buffalo Bills, like most folks duck bill collectors. Don’t act like I’m the only one. SMH…where to begin…. Dick Jauron was fired, Trent Edwards was benched and we still loss to the Jags 15 - 18. I don’t mean to sound like “Debbie Downer” but seriously folks, after losing for so many years, you become immune to it. It’s probably the reason why I just LOVE the NFL and refuse to despise another team. I need to feel some type of joy. Don’t judge me. Okay, back to the Bills and Jags. There’s victory in defeat. Although the Bills are 3 – 7, the change at QB was just what we needed. I’m convinced that Terrell Owens had something to do with Trent Edwards being benched. Since becoming a Buffalo Bill, T.O. had his best game, with 197 yards and a TD. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 297 yards and 1 TD and 2 INTs. That’s a remarkable improvement…trust me. The defense held there own against a very strong offense, anchored by Maurice Jones -Drew. QB David Garrard's TD pass to Mike Sims-Walker with 56 seconds remaining did the Bills in.
I'm more concerned about the injury bug that apparently has set up shop in the Buffalo Bills' locker room. Every game the Bills lose key players for the year due to injury. RB Marshawn Lynch was carted off the field with a shoulder injury. Guard Eric Woods suffered a compound fracture of his left tibia and fibula and will miss the rest of the season. CBS wouldn't show the replay of Wood's injury, but thanks to the Internet, you can see it here.
OUCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Did Joe Thiesman come to mind? Geez…I feel bad, that probably ended his career. The Bills were already hurting on the o-line and then this happen.
Alas, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The Bills converted on third downs, took shots down the field, had a chance to win in the 4th quarter, and last but certainly not least, we’re pursuing Mike Shanahan to be our coach. Football gods do you hear me? Mike Shanahan! Do this for me!!
All jokes aside, I’ve been a fan of football long enough to understand that winning and losing is all cyclical. Why it may not be the Buffalo Bills turn just yet, our time is coming. You just wait and see!!
I Can't Even Watch Anymore
You know that little jingle they play on "The Price Is Right" when you don't win your pricing game? That's becoming the Jets theme music.
This week, Sanchez and Co. offered up a five turnover special to the New England Patriots, and gave them a pretty easy time in order to tune up and gain confidence heading into their next game with the Saints.
For the Jets? Another game ruined by rookie mistakes and not enough offense. These weren't the Patriots that the Jets beat on week 2. These are the Patriots that have been beating the Jets with impunity for years.
Of course this loss was expected by most of us with an iota of logic or common sense. The Jets had lost two in a row, and were going up against a team who was looking to get well after a last second loss to the Colts. They had also won the week 2 matchup, so yeah, Skeletor and company were definitely going to come out firing. They also had Welker and Moss for this game, and Welker caught a career high 15 receptions for 192 yards.
The Jets? Jokes. Sanchez went 8/21 for 136 yards with one TD to Cotchery and 5 turnovers-1 fumble and 4 interceptions.
The defense showed flashes as usual, and held NE to only 7 points in the second half. The problem? No offense, and some of the most ill advised passes in recent history (okay recent history being yesterday).
It was a bad day for the Jets, sure to be followed with lots of rhetoric and talk from Rex Ryan that won't be backed up in any way. I wonder if he'll let me borrow his box of Kleenex.
Where Art Thou, Ravens Offense???
If a picture is worth a million words, than this picture tells a grooming story.
The Ravens offense, once ranked as high as 3rd in total offense this season, has taken a serious nose dive. And if you ask for a reason why, I'm not sure anyone has a clear cut answer to that question.
Before I go any further, let me say this. Ed Reed did not lose yesterday's game for the Ravens when he fumbled a punt return at the end of the game. Neither did Ravens newly acquired K Billy Cundiff, who missed an easy FG that would have had the Ravens ahead in the 4th qtr. I blame this loss squarely on Cam Cameron, Joe Flacco, and anyone who was involved in the inept offense we saw on the field yesterday.
The Ravens had so many opportunities to score during yesterday's game against the Colts. The Ravens were at the 1 yard line and made 3 rushing attempts into the end zone. All failed. The Ravens were also able to move the chains but came to a critical 3rd and 1 situation. They handed off the ball to FB LeRon McClain. Stopped. Instead of scoring TDs, the Ravens converted 5-of-6 FGs, which ultimately wasn't enough to win. It's hard to say if the Ravens would have won, had at least one of those scores were a TD. But chances are, they could have pulled out a win.
Stats don't always tell the story. But I think my next point tells exactly why the Ravens are losing games. In the first 6 games, the Ravens had an average of 393 total yards per game, while scoring an average of 28 points during that span. In the last 4 games, the Ravens have averaged 284 yards of offense and 17 points per game. Usually, this is the time that an offense finds a rhythm and starts to build their momentum, because the playoffs are near. But the Ravens have taken a big step back, something fans weren't expecting to see.
Some speculate that QB Joe Flacco may be playing hurt. Flacco had his foot stepped on during the Week 6 game against the Vikings and has also had knee and ankle issues as well. Others have speculated offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has gotten too pass happy and strayed away from the run once Flacco started to show his potential. Both could be an issue, along with the fact that the Ravens still do not have a true #1 wide receiver for Flacco to throw the ball to.
Whatever the reason may be, the Ravens need to fix it and fast. They play the Steelers twice, along with the Packers and Bears, all games that will be hard fought. If the Ravens want any chance of making the playoffs this year, they literally have to win all but one of the rest of their games and then play the waiting game, or theymay be looking outside of the playoff picture, come January. The Ravens of 2009 are reminding fans of the Ravens of 2000, when they only scored FGs and relied heavily on defense. But this story has already been written, and the Ravens current defense couldn't hold a finger to the dominant squad of 2000. The defense can't bail the offense out like they used to.
It's time for this offense to look in the mirror. It's now or never. Your season depends on it.
A Full Moon and a Much Needed Win in Chicago!
It was one of those Sunday’s where I really have to pace myself. You know the kind where you try not to pack too much into the day, so you make it through the afternoon games and the Sunday night game too. Was I successful? Well, yes and no. Of course I watched the entire Sunday night game because the Eagles were playing but I didn’t go so light on the day’s activities. I packed it full then wondered why I was dragging the next day! Whatever, I’ll rest once the Superbowl is over!
After getting my two miles in around the track and some pre-Thanksgiving shopping done, I made one last check on my Fantasy Football rosters and then turned on the early afternoon games. I like to switch between the NFL Redzone, plus the AFC and NFC game unless it’s my team. There is no channel switching when the Eagles are on. I checked out the Indy-B’mo game on CBS while enduring the pitiful game on Fox between Washington and Dallas.
Dallas won 7-6.
Bummer.
I continued multi-tasking and segued into the Jets-Pats game before the main event took place at night, the Eagles and the Bears. It worked out well because I was able to get some things done and get everything out of the way by the time 8pm rolled around. Then it was time to sit down, pay attention, and divert all of my interest to my team!
And I was so impressed by my Birds!
They hit the ground running and passing with such an intense focus. Boom! They scored on the first possession and then quickly jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Chicago’s native son, Donovan McNabb may not have been welcomed back home but I sure loved it! It was evident that the team used their time to work on some of the areas that left them with L’s instead of W’s. They did better on third down conversions and Michael Vick stepped in to help out on a couple of them with a pass completion and a quarterback sneak that netted over 30 rushing yards.
McCoy and Weaver stepped up to fill those big Westbrook cleats and did their thing. DeSean Jackson continued to show why he’s a force to be reckoned with and Macklin, Avant, and Celek came through with key catches as well. The offensive line was much more protective this week, although there were moments when things broke down a bit with them, but they were able to rebound and put the wall back up around Don. Our defense and special teams came away with interceptions and blocked kicks.
Did we perform to the best of our ability? I wouldn’t go that far but we refused to lie down and lose. There was definitely fight in our claws this week! We got some help from our opponent as the Bears offense looked lost. Cutler looked more like a doe in the headlights than a bear! Their defense worked hard for very little pay off. They forced a few fumbles, sacked McNabb a few times and grabbed an interception and then Cutler would come back on the field and waste the opportunity for the most part.
Overall it wasn’t the prettiest game to watch unless you’re a girl who likes a nice rear end! Usually we get to admire the form fitting football uniforms, specifically the pants. However, we got to see a little more than we counted on when Devon Hester’s derriere was exposed on national TV by our defense. I’m convinced there was a woman on the camera and producing in the booth. If so, thanks Ladies for the chocolate treat!
Now that’s what I call a win-win! LOL! Ok, ok…I’ll stop. Maybe…LOL!
No doubt, it was a must win week for us. It was our first ever win on a Sunday night so after eight tries we finally got rid of that jinx. At 6-4 we still remain a game behind Dallas in the NFC East and take on the Redskins at home next week. The key to victory for the Eagles is focused execution and to keep the pants up high and tight around the waste! DeSean, this could have been you so pull ‘em up a bit.
By the way defense, next week if you guys want to expose someone on the Skins team, I vote for Santana Moss! Just sayin’!
Have a great Thanksgiving week! Remember to express gratitude for all that we have to be thankful for this holiday, including the traditional gridiron games on Thursday!
I’m thankful for so much, including this blog, being able to post here, and for those of you who have taken the time to read it. I truly appreciate it and thank you so much.
Helen “Love My Eagles” Little
No No Ocho, its a Kowski Combo!
Before I get into my blog, I must say that it saddens me to write this. I had a softball game yesterday so I wasn’t home when the game started. I hit record on my TiVo and at the end of the day as I sat down to watch it, it DIDNT RECORD. My heart dropped and I was nauseated instantly. Hoping the NFL ticket would do like Pay-Per-View and replay it the whole night long...it didn’t happen. I had to rely on Sportscenter and the NFL ticket to fill me in on the particulars. So with that said, I’ll be writing based highlights I saw and my personal feelings as opposed to game I watched the night before. For that fans, I do apologizeThe year hasn’t been pretty for us, I’m the first to admit but that doesn’t mean that we can’t play. The fact of the matter is we CAN play and we play hard. Our nucleus is not where it should be. The majority of that has to do with the owner and his lack of trust he has in the competency of the people he has hired. I can’t say it enough "In the fall of Al Davis, the Raiders shall rise" I use the word fall because my mother told me 'death of Al Davis' isn’t a nice thing to go around saying. Most people say go to Oakland if you want to kill your career. I hate to hear things like that about my team. From day one, I’ve cussed and fussed about JaMarcus Russell. In the 9 games he’s played, only 3 have been a good show on his part. Those 3 games would be against the Chargers, the Eagles and the Chiefs. It amazed me and ticked me off that in the Kansas City game it would be the rest of the team that was out of sync. My question of 'When are we going to do something' was answered on November 18, 2009, we I saw @RAIDERS tweet at 2:35 stating "Coach Cable has named Bruce Gradkowski the starting QB" I immediately went to Behind the Shield and saw that in a press conference, Coach Cable said that it would be for the rest of the season. Coach said that Gradkowski gave us the "best chance to win" using words like "leadership, management and accuracy". It was then that I felt Al Davis might have had a epiphany.
I looked forward to this game all week. I wanted to see the matchup between Nnamdi and Ocho. In an Ochocinco tweet he said the match up would be like "Ali-Holmes" and he "damn sure I no Holmes". I must say, I like Chad Ochocinco but this week he was my enemy. He finished 4/67 without a touchdown. I kept telling people that the Raiders were going to do the Bengals like they did Philly and no one wanted to believe. I purposely did not use them in my Fantasy Football because of it. Heading into this game the Bengals were 0-9 in Oakland as the Eagles were. When the clock hit 00:00, the Bengals would leave the same way Philly did, winless. We entered the fourth quarter down by a touchdown. We were faced with a 4th and 10 on the Cin 45. Hell, if the Pats can go for it on 4th and 2...why not. Gradkowski completes the pass to Schilens for a gain of 16 yards. Were still alive. Gradkowski throws a pass to my favorite Oakland Rookie Louis Murphy for 29 yards and a TD with 33 seconds left. They wouldn’t rob the first year player of this touchdown like they did against San Diego. Janikowski ties the game. I always say anything can happen. November 17, 1968, the Raiders scored 2 touchdowns in 50 second to win the match up over the J-E-T-S, known as the Heidi Bowl. Until the clock says 00:00, it’s still a game. This last series of Special Teams play is amazing. Andre Caldwell receives the kick and HE TRICKS IT OFF! He had it and fumbled it on his own 17 yard line, thanks to a great play by Brandon Myers. The field goal unit is sent on after kneels by Gradkowski and Janikowski nails a field goal to give us a 3 point lead. The Bengals are back on the field with 15 seconds in play. I’m not even watching the game but I’m nervous. Palmers throws the ball and ole faithful (Nnamdi) is there to pick it off. GAME OVA! Raiders win! Gradkowski and Janikowski are alright with me.
It was said that Gradkowski "got everybody in good rhythm" during practice. I think he brings a spark to the huddle. A person of confidence who I thinks wants to help this team just win and not collect a check, worried about his starting spot or a the lime light. With Gradkowski, we should be alright.
This game was also dedicated to our brother ST player Marquis Cooper who died in a boating accident. His family was in attendance and awarded the game ball. It was a good day for Raider Nation....This one’s for you Coop!
Girls LOVE Good D. =)
Girls LOVE Good D…Defense that is. With Green Bay’s exceptional defense and great win against the Dallas Cowboys, every Packer fan had a reason to smile. Neither team scored any points in the first quarter so no one knew exactly what the outcome would be. On paper the Cowboys are the better team. They were 6-2 and on a four game winning streak. Most expected the Packers would suffer a 3rd loss in a row. Charles Woodson and the Pack had other plans.
I am one of the biggest critics of defensive coordinator Dom Capers 3-4 defense, but I imagine that when he implemented it, he expected it to work as it did against the Cowboys. The second quarter begins looking like a defensive highlight reel for the Pack. Romo is sacked at the very beginning of the quarter for LB Nick Barnett. Veteran, and player of the game, Charles Woodson knocks the ball out of Romo’s hands and USC’s LB Matthew recovers.
The Offense hits the field and is disappointing. Aaron Rodgers is sacked 2 times in 2 plays. UGH! I’ve been blaming the O-Line for his now 38 sacks of the season, but now I think Rodgers is taking too long to make a play. The O-Line has improved and is giving Rodgers much more time to throw the ball but he won’t get rid of the damn thing!! Offense is only able to put 3 points on the board before the half with a beautiful 48 yard kick by Mason Crosby. 3-0 Packers.
The Pack comes back after half-time with a vengeance. It felt like deja-vu when Nick Barnett sacks Romo on the 1st play after the half. By now I’m on my 3rd glass of Jack Daniels, the chicken links are smelling good on the grill and I’m talking MAJOR SH*T to my uncles friends who are Cowboy Fans. Defense puts Rodgers and the offensive in great position and Rodgers sneaks, passing the ball to TE Spencer Havner for a TD (Havner is having a great 1st season with the Pack).
Offense finally shows up. They came back for a 80 yard drive and Rodgers gets a 1 yard TD. The Cowboys began to rally back and received help from the refs with a P.I. call against Barnett, giving them 1st and goal. WOODSON WASN’T HAVING IT!! He strips the ball from Romo, and LB Matthews recovers and its over for the Cowgirls. Just as it looked like we might give the Cowboys their 1st shut out in 94 games. They score. But it’s too late. We end Dallas’s 4 game winning streak. 17-7.
Things are looking up for the Pack but here is the harsh reality. We’ve only been able to pull out 5 wins, 4 were against weak teams. We are 13th in the entire league and we seem to be unable to beat the Vikings who are first in our league. Our special teams and Tramon Williams are unimpressive. Lastly, just like when Favre was our QB and he was the King of throwing interceptions, Rodgers is the King of getting sacked. A lot has to change to get us where we need to be, but with that win against the Cowboys, The Pack is on the right track.
Sunset Brown
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Torture...
I thought we had something going here. At first. Now I see it's the same old-but worse, because the fans have been treated to yet another crushing defeat, snatched from the jaws of victory.The short version? The Jets came from behind and took the lead, only to botch a two point conversion. The defense then allowed a previously 0-4 road team to march down the field and kick a field goal with seconds left on the clock. Sinking the Jets to 4-5.
It started off horribly-the first play of the game, Mark Sanchez helped to spot the Jaguars an early touchdown, by tossing an interception to . It was all downhill from there, as the Jets gave up 21 points in the first half.
They made a nice run in the second half, as the defense held the Jaguars scoreless until the last minute of the game. The Jets actually looked decent in stretches, scoring enough points to actually take the lead, but a lack of execution on defense when it counted the most left them sitting on the losing end of the field, yet again.This is getting harder and harder to stomach. It's one thing to start and finish as bottom feeders, another entirely to start at the top and freefall into oblivion. Oh well. Maybe next weeks drubbing will actually be entertaining.
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Excuse Me For Being Cynical.............
Watching last night's Monday Night game with the Ravens and Browns showed me some harsh realities about the team that I love so dearly. It's amazing how, before the season started, I was convinced the Ravens were a great team, ready to become a force in the AFC on a consistent basis, instead of the every-other-year pattern that they have shown in years past. But what a difference 4 weeks makes. The Ravens went from being called a great team, to not even knowing what their identity is.
The Ravens used to thrive on playing aggressive, strong defense and a great running game. The defense was ranked 2nd overall in 2008 and was 4th in the league in rushing on offense. This year, the identity of the Ravens have changed. The Ravens have become a pass happy team, going for more passing plays than running plays. Flacco has had 3- 3oo yds pass games already, something he wasn't able to do during his rookie season. And the Ravens defense is currently ranked 7th overall. But they have also played the likes of Kansas City, Cleveland (twice), and the Broncos. All teams who don't have a high powered offenses. Against quality teams like the Chargers, Vikings and Bengals, the Ravens have given up over 400 yards in total offense.
Last night against Cleveland, the Ravens confirmed the following things: They have extremely slow starts, waiting until the 2nd half to create rhythm in games. They have a defense that is no longer dominate, due to age, lack of size in the secondary and yes, even the scheme. And they have a kicker that can't consistently make field goals inside the 40 yard line.
The Ravens also tend play on the level of their opponent, something that they do way too often and last night was no different.
The Ravens play the Colts, Steelers and Packers the next 3 weeks. This will be a test to see what team we have in the land of Johnny U. But pardon me for being cynical.... I'm still looking for a reason not to be.
We Are Who We Should Have Been!
Good day to all football fans, and particularly the fans of the BIG D…Dallas Cowboys. Sorry it has been so long since I have been compelled to update my blog entries. Well what do you want to know? We are currently posted up at the top of our division with a record of 6-2. We are 1-1 in the division, and most of our division games are near the end of the season. We will see the Skins twice, and the Eagles and Giants one more time.
I guess the main thing for me to point out is what has changed since the beginning of the season, when “DEM COWBOYS” were barely getting away with their lives. Well let’s follow along with my list and see.
- Tony Romo – Folks hate on Tony, even those who have him as their QB in Fantasy. They hate on him. He has done nothing right and everything wrong in the eyes of most. He is the constant butt of jokes from Jessica Simpson to homosexual slurs. But guess what? Have I said this before? Oh well listen again. IF TONY ROMO IS PLAYING WELL THE COWBOYS WILL WIN. The end. Out of the 32 teams in the league with 32 starting QBs, Tony is definitely in the Top Cluster. There are about 5-6 that I would choose over him if I had to create my own team. That leaves a lot. My biggest gripe with Tony is that his mistakes come at the most inopportune times *shakes fist* So far so great keep it up Tony.
- Defense stepped ALL the way up. They are stopping the run, they are stopping the pass, they got QBs scurrying around like mice trying to get away from the bee line that D. Ware, Brookings, Ratliff and co are making towards them. They are helping each other out! Now if I can get some more pics from Mr. Newman I’d be totally thrilled. You too Sensebough.
- Miles Austin.
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- Patrick Crayton has found his niche and OWNED it. My friend Stephen White of http://www.passingthegame.com made a good summation about P.Crayton, he said he looks like he is being controlled by a joystick out there. I love him on returns.
- My favorite Cowboys player #24 Marion Barber aka The Barbarian aka Find a hole or make one aka MOVE, has been overshadowed in the media by my #3 and has made a change for the better amongst the Blue Stars. He came back off injury and had to feel his way back into things. The game against the Falcons, where Miles Austin had 2 TDs; Marion had 2 TDs as well. In this last meet up against the Eagles, Marion was scoreless but he converted some very important downs. I think the biggest difference in MB is that folks are hip to him. So his days of carrying 5 defenders across the line into the End Zone may less frequent. I also feel he is a more versatile player and he will get the job done. Downs are important…CRUCIAL..convert convert convert. He is the man that can get you closest to that conversion.
- I think Wade Phillips actually may have cussed at a few people.
- So these are just some of the reasons why we are actually playing like America’s Team. Week 10 is upon us, and we are just over the halfway mark. Playoff contention is there, but what to do when we get there is the big answer. We have some extremely important division games to clinch. No matter how bad the Skins are playing they actually play their best against the Cowboys. The Eagles and Giants continue to make me nervous. One of our last games is against the almighty New Orleans Saints. Work cut out for us? Of course, but can we handle it? It’s really nothing. I hope.
Chelsia aka “Bag Lady”
@FoxxyBagLady - Twitter
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