So three weeks are complete in this NFL season and we are down to only three undefeated teams. Green Bay. Check. Detroit. A surprise, but OK. Buffalo. What? Please repeat that as you must be mistaken. No mistake as the Bills comeback from 21 down to upset the New England Patriots. We'll cover the Bills victory and the rest of the games from the NFL weekend. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 27, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Showing posts with label Peyton Manning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peyton Manning. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
NFL 2011 Preview - The SFB Podcast (9/7/2011).....
The NFL season starts tomorrow night with a match-up of the last two Super Bowl champions, when the Saints visit the Packers. After a summer of lockout talk, it is great to have real football so close. So, who will emerge from the 2011 season and become the champions. My pick is for the Packers to repeat adn I'll discuss why and who I think will join them in the playoffs. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 7, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 7, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wild NFL weekend - The SFB Podcast (1/10/2010).....
What a great playoff weekend with three of the four games coming down to the final possessions, while the Raven - Chief game was close for three quarters before Kansas City imploded. Who had the Seahawks as the only home winner this weekend? Not many. Mike joins me to take a look at the four games from the weekend and why they were won or lost. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 10, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 10, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Fantastic Finishes - The SFB Podcast (12/21/2010).....
On Sunday, four NFL games were determined on the last play of the game (led by the Eagles comback over the Giants), while a few others were still up for grabs with a minute or so to go and all had some playoff implication attached to them. We'll look back at last week's games and discuss those great endings. Also a preview of the next to final week of the NFL season's schedule and a look at the playoff picture as it starts to get into better focus. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: December 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: December 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
NFL 2010 - Week 14 picks.....
We are down to the last quarter of the NFL season and there is still a large amount of good football and important football remaining. In the NFC it is starting to look like a very ggod team will miss the playoffs, while in the AFC we might be seeing the end of the Colts playoff run, but I for one will not bet against Peyton Manning until they are officially gone. As for the slate of games, it is good, but the game of the week will be the clash between the Patriots and Bears in Soldier Field.
As for the picks, Mike had a great week and we are tied going into these last four weeks. Should be fun on who gets bragging rights. For my picks against the spread, an even week is ok with me and keeps the record 14 games above the balance line for the season.
Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Cody.
NFL Week 14 picks (Home Team in CAPS)
Colts (-2) over TITANS
Browns (+1 1/2) over BILLS
Packers (-6 1/2) over LIONS
Giants (+1) over VIKINGS
STEELERS (-9) over Bengals
REDSKINS (+1) over Buccaneers
Falcons (-7) over PANTHERS
JAGUARS (-4 1/2) over Raiders
SAINTS (-9 1/2) over Rams
Seahawks (+4) over 49ERS
Patriots (-3) over BEARS
Dolphins (+6) over JETS
Broncos (+5 1/2) over CARDINALS
CHARGERS (-7) over Chiefs
COWBOYS (+3) over Eagles
Ravens (-3) over TEXANS
Week 13 picks: 8-8
2010 season: 98-84-10
Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Cody
Week 13 results: Mike (13-3) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (120-72) / Sal (120-72) / Guest (105-87)
Week 14 picks:
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Colts at Titans ---
Sal / Cody --- Browns at Bills --- Mike
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Packers at Lions ---
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Giants at Vikings ---
--- Bengals at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Buccaneers at Redskins --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Falcons at Panthers ---
--- Raiders at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Cody
--- Rams at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Sal --- Seahawks at 49ers --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Cody --- Patriots at Bears --- Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Jets --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Broncos at Cardinals ---
--- Chiefs at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Eagles at Cowboys --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Ravens at Texans ---
As for the picks, Mike had a great week and we are tied going into these last four weeks. Should be fun on who gets bragging rights. For my picks against the spread, an even week is ok with me and keeps the record 14 games above the balance line for the season.
Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Cody.
NFL Week 14 picks (Home Team in CAPS)
Colts (-2) over TITANS
Browns (+1 1/2) over BILLS
Packers (-6 1/2) over LIONS
Giants (+1) over VIKINGS
STEELERS (-9) over Bengals
REDSKINS (+1) over Buccaneers
Falcons (-7) over PANTHERS
JAGUARS (-4 1/2) over Raiders
SAINTS (-9 1/2) over Rams
Seahawks (+4) over 49ERS
Patriots (-3) over BEARS
Dolphins (+6) over JETS
Broncos (+5 1/2) over CARDINALS
CHARGERS (-7) over Chiefs
COWBOYS (+3) over Eagles
Ravens (-3) over TEXANS
Week 13 picks: 8-8
2010 season: 98-84-10
Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Cody
Week 13 results: Mike (13-3) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (120-72) / Sal (120-72) / Guest (105-87)
Week 14 picks:
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Colts at Titans ---
Sal / Cody --- Browns at Bills --- Mike
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Packers at Lions ---
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Giants at Vikings ---
--- Bengals at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Buccaneers at Redskins --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Falcons at Panthers ---
--- Raiders at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Cody
--- Rams at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Sal --- Seahawks at 49ers --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Cody --- Patriots at Bears --- Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Jets --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Broncos at Cardinals ---
--- Chiefs at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Eagles at Cowboys --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Ravens at Texans ---
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
NFL Week 11 review - The SFB Podcast (11/23/2010).....
Ten games down for each of the NFL teams and we still don't have a team that we can point to and say they are the best of the bunch. Know what? It's ok as we have many good teams and that will make these last six weeks of games very entertaining for those of us who like jockeying of teams as the playoffs get near. We might get a little better feel of the NFC teams with the Packer / Falcon and Eagle / Bear match-ups this weeks. As for week 11, how great is it when the Colts and Patriots get together and did we see the last meaningful game that involved Brett Favre? Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: November 23, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: November 23, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
NFL 2010 - Week 11 picks.....
The bye weeks are done and all teams have now played the same amount of games as we start the seven week home stretch. It is impossible to name a top team this year without finding flaws that make you question the selection. New England whips Pittsburgh after looking bad in losing to Cleveland. Dallas fires its coach, then goes into New York, knocks them around and looks like the team with thought they would be at the start of the season. Now we have Philadelphia looking like the kings of the NFL. Guess we will see.
As for the picks, I also did the impossible by being 3 games better against the spread than in straight picking of the winner. Hard to do.
Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Casey.
NFL Week 11 picks (Home Team in CAPS)
DOLPHINS (-1 1/2) over Bears - Short week with a new starting quarterback does not look good for Miami, but they didn't have to travel so they have a slight advantage. The key will be if the Dolphin defense can put pressure on Jay Cutler to cause turnovers.
BENGALS (-4 1/2) over Bills - Buffalo finally got their first victory last week and look for two in a row against a reeling Cincinnati team. At home I expect the Bengals to show a little pride in their season and get a much needed victory.
COWBOYS (-7) over Lions - The only team without a home win this season resides in Dallas, but that will change this week as the Cowboys keep up the good play for new coach Jason Garrett and go into their Thanksgiving game on a little winning streak.
TITANS (-6 1/2) over Redskins - Washington seems to be a mess and were embarrassed last week by Michael Vick and now they get Chris Johnson and Randy Moss. Tennessee has two beat up quarterbacks, but whoever is back there needs to find Moss to help stretch the defense for Johnson.
Cardinals (+7 1/2) over CHIEFS Kansas City loses a tough one to the Raiders then gets blown out by Denver. They look to get back to the friendly confines of Arrowhead and back in the win column. Chiefs win, but the Cardinals give them a scare.
Packers (-2 1/2) over VIKINGS - A part of me wants to give Minnesota one more shot to gather themselves, but they get a Green Bay team coming off the bye and starting to get healthy. The Packers take advantage of the rest and help bury the Vikings for the season.
JETS (-5) over Texans - Houston's defense has been one of the worst in the league and their offense has not been as productive as prior years. New York has been sluggish the past 4 games, but will get healthy this week at home against the struggling Texans.
Raiders (+9) over STEELERS - Oakland has been a pleasant surprise and have been doing it behind the running of Darren McFadden. That will be tough against the Steeler running defense. Pittsburgh is coming off getting whipped by New England and will bounce back,but the Raiders will keep it close.
Ravens (-10) over PANTHERS - Carolina is down to their 3rd string quarterback against a Baltimore defense that can get after their opponents. The Ravens were stung in losing late last week to Atlanta, but had ten days off since then to get right. Expect a big game from Ray Rice.
Browns (+3) over JAGUARS - Cleveland loses a heartbreaker to the Jets, while Jacksonville wins on a deflected "Hail Mary". Have been very impressed by Colt McCoy managing of the Brown offense. The Browns have been playing tough and will take advantage of the Jaguars poor running defense with the big armed Peyton Hillis.
Falcons (-3) over RAMS - I so wanted to back St. Louis here, but I just couldn't pull the trigger. Again, the ten day layoff that Atlanta received is a plus this late in the season that they will take advantage of against the Rams.
SAINTS (-12 1/2) over Seahawks - The defending champions are "under the radar" sitting a game behind Atlanta in the NFC South. They are also coming off their bye week, getting Reggie Bush back and just getting healthy in general. Seattle has been poor on the road and it won't get any better against the rested Saints in the Superdome.
Buccaneers (+4) over 49ERS - I have been very late getting on Tampa Bay, while holding on to San Francisco. That gets reversed this week as I think the Buccaneers are playing well enough to go cross country and keep up this surprising season. The Bucs defense will be the reason they keep it close and could get the win.
PATRIOTS (-3) over Colts - Not a fan of giving points to Peyton Manning, even in New England, but the Colts are still beat up and will have a tough time against Tom Brady and the Patriots. New England rides their offensive success from last week at Pittsburgh to outscore Manning and the Colts.
EAGLES (-3) over Giants - Don't like be a "prisoner of the moment", but last week's results have to give you pause. While I think the Giants are not as bad as they looked or the Eagles as good, Philadelphia will ride momentum and the home field advantage to move to the top of the NFC East standings. Key for Michael Vick will be to avoid the big hitters on the Giant defense.
Broncos (+9 1/2) over CHARGERS - Are we seeing another San Diego late season surge in the making? Sure looks that way and they are being led by MVP candidate, Philip Rivers. The Charger offense is still without Antonio Gates, but will be getting Malcom Floyd back for the game and Vincent Jackson returns next week. Denver can score points and will score enough to keep this close, but the Chargers get the home win.
Week 10 picks: 9-5
2010 season: 72-63-9
Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 11: podcast listener, Casey
Week 10 results: Mike (7-7) / Sal (6-8) / Guest (6-8)
2010 season: Mike (89-55) / Sal (84-60) / Guest (73-71)
Week 11 picks:
--- Bears at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Bills at Bengals --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Lions at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Redskins at Titans --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Cardinals at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal / Casey --- Packers at Vikings --- Mike
Mike / Casey --- Texans at Jets --- Sal
--- Raiders at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Ravens at Panthers ---
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Browns at Jaguars ---
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Falcons at Rams ---
--- Seahawks at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal --- Buccaneers at 49ers --- Mike / Casey
Mike --- Colts at Patriots --- Sal / Casey
--- Giants at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Casey --- Broncos at Chargers --- Sal / Mike
As for the picks, I also did the impossible by being 3 games better against the spread than in straight picking of the winner. Hard to do.
Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Casey.
NFL Week 11 picks (Home Team in CAPS)
DOLPHINS (-1 1/2) over Bears - Short week with a new starting quarterback does not look good for Miami, but they didn't have to travel so they have a slight advantage. The key will be if the Dolphin defense can put pressure on Jay Cutler to cause turnovers.
BENGALS (-4 1/2) over Bills - Buffalo finally got their first victory last week and look for two in a row against a reeling Cincinnati team. At home I expect the Bengals to show a little pride in their season and get a much needed victory.
COWBOYS (-7) over Lions - The only team without a home win this season resides in Dallas, but that will change this week as the Cowboys keep up the good play for new coach Jason Garrett and go into their Thanksgiving game on a little winning streak.
TITANS (-6 1/2) over Redskins - Washington seems to be a mess and were embarrassed last week by Michael Vick and now they get Chris Johnson and Randy Moss. Tennessee has two beat up quarterbacks, but whoever is back there needs to find Moss to help stretch the defense for Johnson.
Cardinals (+7 1/2) over CHIEFS Kansas City loses a tough one to the Raiders then gets blown out by Denver. They look to get back to the friendly confines of Arrowhead and back in the win column. Chiefs win, but the Cardinals give them a scare.
Packers (-2 1/2) over VIKINGS - A part of me wants to give Minnesota one more shot to gather themselves, but they get a Green Bay team coming off the bye and starting to get healthy. The Packers take advantage of the rest and help bury the Vikings for the season.
JETS (-5) over Texans - Houston's defense has been one of the worst in the league and their offense has not been as productive as prior years. New York has been sluggish the past 4 games, but will get healthy this week at home against the struggling Texans.
Raiders (+9) over STEELERS - Oakland has been a pleasant surprise and have been doing it behind the running of Darren McFadden. That will be tough against the Steeler running defense. Pittsburgh is coming off getting whipped by New England and will bounce back,but the Raiders will keep it close.
Ravens (-10) over PANTHERS - Carolina is down to their 3rd string quarterback against a Baltimore defense that can get after their opponents. The Ravens were stung in losing late last week to Atlanta, but had ten days off since then to get right. Expect a big game from Ray Rice.
Browns (+3) over JAGUARS - Cleveland loses a heartbreaker to the Jets, while Jacksonville wins on a deflected "Hail Mary". Have been very impressed by Colt McCoy managing of the Brown offense. The Browns have been playing tough and will take advantage of the Jaguars poor running defense with the big armed Peyton Hillis.
Falcons (-3) over RAMS - I so wanted to back St. Louis here, but I just couldn't pull the trigger. Again, the ten day layoff that Atlanta received is a plus this late in the season that they will take advantage of against the Rams.
SAINTS (-12 1/2) over Seahawks - The defending champions are "under the radar" sitting a game behind Atlanta in the NFC South. They are also coming off their bye week, getting Reggie Bush back and just getting healthy in general. Seattle has been poor on the road and it won't get any better against the rested Saints in the Superdome.
Buccaneers (+4) over 49ERS - I have been very late getting on Tampa Bay, while holding on to San Francisco. That gets reversed this week as I think the Buccaneers are playing well enough to go cross country and keep up this surprising season. The Bucs defense will be the reason they keep it close and could get the win.
PATRIOTS (-3) over Colts - Not a fan of giving points to Peyton Manning, even in New England, but the Colts are still beat up and will have a tough time against Tom Brady and the Patriots. New England rides their offensive success from last week at Pittsburgh to outscore Manning and the Colts.
EAGLES (-3) over Giants - Don't like be a "prisoner of the moment", but last week's results have to give you pause. While I think the Giants are not as bad as they looked or the Eagles as good, Philadelphia will ride momentum and the home field advantage to move to the top of the NFC East standings. Key for Michael Vick will be to avoid the big hitters on the Giant defense.
Broncos (+9 1/2) over CHARGERS - Are we seeing another San Diego late season surge in the making? Sure looks that way and they are being led by MVP candidate, Philip Rivers. The Charger offense is still without Antonio Gates, but will be getting Malcom Floyd back for the game and Vincent Jackson returns next week. Denver can score points and will score enough to keep this close, but the Chargers get the home win.
Week 10 picks: 9-5
2010 season: 72-63-9
Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 11: podcast listener, Casey
Week 10 results: Mike (7-7) / Sal (6-8) / Guest (6-8)
2010 season: Mike (89-55) / Sal (84-60) / Guest (73-71)
Week 11 picks:
--- Bears at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Bills at Bengals --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Lions at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Redskins at Titans --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Cardinals at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal / Casey --- Packers at Vikings --- Mike
Mike / Casey --- Texans at Jets --- Sal
--- Raiders at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Ravens at Panthers ---
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Browns at Jaguars ---
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Falcons at Rams ---
--- Seahawks at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal --- Buccaneers at 49ers --- Mike / Casey
Mike --- Colts at Patriots --- Sal / Casey
--- Giants at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Casey --- Broncos at Chargers --- Sal / Mike
Thursday, September 9, 2010
NFL 2010 - Week 1 picks.....
AFC and NFC previews:
NFC: The SportsFan Buzz: NFC 2010
AFC: The SportsFan Buzz: AFC 2010
Playoff Team Predictions:
AFC: Patriots / Bengals / Colts / Chargers / Ravens* / Texans*
NFC: Cowboys / Packers / Saints / 49ers / Giants* / Vikings*
Super Bowl: Colts / Packers
2010 Champion: Packers
NFL Week 1 picks (Home Team in Caps)
SAINTS (-4 1/2) over Vikings
Rematch of the NFC Championship, but the Vikings have many questions entering the season. No Sidney Rice and how healthy is Brett Favre's ankle lead the list. The Superdome will be rocking and that helps Drew Brees and the Saints roll to a comfortable victory.
Panthers (+7) over GIANTS
I like the Giants to rebound but a touchdown is too much. The Giants will look different on offense with Ahmad Bradshaw now the starting running back. Was that pre-season "sack attack" by the Panther defense for real? New York wins, but the Panthers keep it close by running DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to help protect first year starter Matt Moore.
Dolphins (-3) over BILLS
Expect heavy doses of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and look for Brandon Marshall to make a nice debut for his new team. Be interesting to see how much the Bills use CJ Spiller, but Buffalo does not have any other offense and that helps Miami get an opening day victory.
STEELERS (+2 1/2) over Falcons
Rashard Mendenhall for Pittsburgh and Michael Turner for Atlanta will get plenty of carries, so it will be a matter of which defense stops the run better. Look for the Steeler defense to step up and help while Dennis Dixon steps in for suspended Ben Roethlisberger.
BEARS (-6) over Lions
The Mike Martz / Jay Cutler marriage gets off to a good start against the Detroit defense that will be better with Ndamukong Suh anchoring the middle of that line. I like the Lion offense with Matthew Stafford be better, but he might see lots of Julius Peppers on Sunday.
Bengals (+4 1/2) over PATRIOTS
This has game of the week written all over it. Four great receivers on the field between Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. The Bengal running game and defense is better then New England and keeps it close. Could also be a straight upset.
Browns (+3) over BUCCANEERS
An ugly opening week game. Both teams in the full rebuilding mode, but Cleveland has just enough offense to beat Tampa Bay.
JAGUARS (-2 1/2) over Broncos
Two teams that are going to struggle mightily this year. Denver got really beat up during the pre-season and will struggle to score and put any pressure on the Jacksonville offense.
Colts (-2 1/2) over TEXANS
This is a very important game for the Texans, but it is still Peyton Manning on the other side of the field. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Mario Williams are ready to get Houston over the hump, but this Colt game will be a little detour to that destination.
TITANS (-6) over Raiders
The Raiders are an improved team, but the Titans have Chris Johnson and he is on a mission. Tennessee is looking to reverse the terrible start they had in 2009 and they should with a home victory over Oakland.
Packers (-3) over EAGLES
A tough test for the Kevin Kolb era in Philadelphia against Green Bay. He catches a break with Al Harris missing the first six weeks, but Aaron Rodgers shows why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL as the Packer offense rolls against a suspect Eagle defense.
49ers (-3) over SEAHAWKS
Pete Carrol starts his Seattle coaching debut against the team favored to win the NFC West. While Seattle is improved, the 49ers will be much better and that starts showing here in week 1. Frank Gore starts off what could be a huge year for one of the league's best running backs.
Cardinals (-4) over RAMS
Derek Anderson leads the Cardinals, replacing the retired Kurt Warner, and the lowly Rams is the perfect foe to help get off to a good start. St. Louis fans get to see Sam Bradford's first NFL start and can hope it is the start of a bright future.
Cowboys (-4) over REDSKINS
The Cowboy offensive line looked terrible during the pre-season, but with the Redskins not sure about Albert Haynesworth's playing time, Tony Romo and the O-line dodge a week one problem. Not sure if Donovan McNabb and the Redskin offense can score enough against a tough Cowboy defense lead by DeMarcus Ware.
Ravens (+2 1/2) over JETS
The pre-season hype is over for the Jets and it is time to play the games for real. The Ravens have really improved their offense with the addition of Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice running the ball and will not be afraid to attack the Darrelle Revis led New York defense. The Ravens are beat up in the secondary, but their front seven is still excellent and will harass Mark Sanchez into mistakes.
Chargers (-5) over CHIEFS
Kansas City will run the ball with Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles at that Charger defense, but can they be effective in the air? Philip Rivers has his own new weapon in Ryan Mathews to hand off to, and the Charger passing game (even minus Vincent Jackson) will be too much for the Chiefs and propel San Diego to an opening night divisional victory.
NFC: The SportsFan Buzz: NFC 2010
AFC: The SportsFan Buzz: AFC 2010
Playoff Team Predictions:
AFC: Patriots / Bengals / Colts / Chargers / Ravens* / Texans*
NFC: Cowboys / Packers / Saints / 49ers / Giants* / Vikings*
Super Bowl: Colts / Packers
2010 Champion: Packers
NFL Week 1 picks (Home Team in Caps)
SAINTS (-4 1/2) over Vikings
Rematch of the NFC Championship, but the Vikings have many questions entering the season. No Sidney Rice and how healthy is Brett Favre's ankle lead the list. The Superdome will be rocking and that helps Drew Brees and the Saints roll to a comfortable victory.
Panthers (+7) over GIANTS
I like the Giants to rebound but a touchdown is too much. The Giants will look different on offense with Ahmad Bradshaw now the starting running back. Was that pre-season "sack attack" by the Panther defense for real? New York wins, but the Panthers keep it close by running DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to help protect first year starter Matt Moore.
Dolphins (-3) over BILLS
Expect heavy doses of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and look for Brandon Marshall to make a nice debut for his new team. Be interesting to see how much the Bills use CJ Spiller, but Buffalo does not have any other offense and that helps Miami get an opening day victory.
STEELERS (+2 1/2) over Falcons
Rashard Mendenhall for Pittsburgh and Michael Turner for Atlanta will get plenty of carries, so it will be a matter of which defense stops the run better. Look for the Steeler defense to step up and help while Dennis Dixon steps in for suspended Ben Roethlisberger.
BEARS (-6) over Lions
The Mike Martz / Jay Cutler marriage gets off to a good start against the Detroit defense that will be better with Ndamukong Suh anchoring the middle of that line. I like the Lion offense with Matthew Stafford be better, but he might see lots of Julius Peppers on Sunday.
Bengals (+4 1/2) over PATRIOTS
This has game of the week written all over it. Four great receivers on the field between Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. The Bengal running game and defense is better then New England and keeps it close. Could also be a straight upset.
Browns (+3) over BUCCANEERS
An ugly opening week game. Both teams in the full rebuilding mode, but Cleveland has just enough offense to beat Tampa Bay.
JAGUARS (-2 1/2) over Broncos
Two teams that are going to struggle mightily this year. Denver got really beat up during the pre-season and will struggle to score and put any pressure on the Jacksonville offense.
Colts (-2 1/2) over TEXANS
This is a very important game for the Texans, but it is still Peyton Manning on the other side of the field. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Mario Williams are ready to get Houston over the hump, but this Colt game will be a little detour to that destination.
TITANS (-6) over Raiders
The Raiders are an improved team, but the Titans have Chris Johnson and he is on a mission. Tennessee is looking to reverse the terrible start they had in 2009 and they should with a home victory over Oakland.
Packers (-3) over EAGLES
A tough test for the Kevin Kolb era in Philadelphia against Green Bay. He catches a break with Al Harris missing the first six weeks, but Aaron Rodgers shows why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL as the Packer offense rolls against a suspect Eagle defense.
49ers (-3) over SEAHAWKS
Pete Carrol starts his Seattle coaching debut against the team favored to win the NFC West. While Seattle is improved, the 49ers will be much better and that starts showing here in week 1. Frank Gore starts off what could be a huge year for one of the league's best running backs.
Cardinals (-4) over RAMS
Derek Anderson leads the Cardinals, replacing the retired Kurt Warner, and the lowly Rams is the perfect foe to help get off to a good start. St. Louis fans get to see Sam Bradford's first NFL start and can hope it is the start of a bright future.
Cowboys (-4) over REDSKINS
The Cowboy offensive line looked terrible during the pre-season, but with the Redskins not sure about Albert Haynesworth's playing time, Tony Romo and the O-line dodge a week one problem. Not sure if Donovan McNabb and the Redskin offense can score enough against a tough Cowboy defense lead by DeMarcus Ware.
Ravens (+2 1/2) over JETS
The pre-season hype is over for the Jets and it is time to play the games for real. The Ravens have really improved their offense with the addition of Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice running the ball and will not be afraid to attack the Darrelle Revis led New York defense. The Ravens are beat up in the secondary, but their front seven is still excellent and will harass Mark Sanchez into mistakes.
Chargers (-5) over CHIEFS
Kansas City will run the ball with Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles at that Charger defense, but can they be effective in the air? Philip Rivers has his own new weapon in Ryan Mathews to hand off to, and the Charger passing game (even minus Vincent Jackson) will be too much for the Chiefs and propel San Diego to an opening night divisional victory.
NFL 2010 Kickoff - The SFB Podcast (9/9/2010).....
It is the start of the NFL season and I am joined by Mike to go over the week 1 games and give our thoughts about who will be the playoffs teams at the end of the season. Also, we start a segment of picking the winners of each week's games and also invite a "guest" to pick with us each week. This week, Mike's wife Kerri sent me her winners for week 1 in the NFL. If you would like to be the "guest", just contact us and we will set it up. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 9, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Week 1 picks:
Mike / Kerri --- Vikings at Saints --- Sal
--- Panthers at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Dolphins at Bills ---
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Steelers at Falcons ---
--- Lions at Bears --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal --- Bengals at Patriots --- Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike --- Browns at Buccaneers --- Kerri
Kerri --- Broncos at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Kerri --- Colts at Texans --- Mike
--- Raiders at Titans --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal / Kerri --- Packers at Eagles --- Mike
Sal --- 49ers at Seahawks --- Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Cardinals at Rams ---
Sal / Kerri --- Cowboys at Redskins --- Mike
Sal / Mike --- Ravens at Jets --- Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Chargers at Chiefs ---
The SportsFan Buzz: September 9, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Week 1 picks:
Mike / Kerri --- Vikings at Saints --- Sal
--- Panthers at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Dolphins at Bills ---
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Steelers at Falcons ---
--- Lions at Bears --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal --- Bengals at Patriots --- Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike --- Browns at Buccaneers --- Kerri
Kerri --- Broncos at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Kerri --- Colts at Texans --- Mike
--- Raiders at Titans --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal / Kerri --- Packers at Eagles --- Mike
Sal --- 49ers at Seahawks --- Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Cardinals at Rams ---
Sal / Kerri --- Cowboys at Redskins --- Mike
Sal / Mike --- Ravens at Jets --- Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Chargers at Chiefs ---
AFC Preview 2010 - The SFB Podcast.....
Will all the off-season publicity and signings push the Jets to their second Super Bowl appearance? Will Tom Brady and the Patriots regain their past glory? Will the Ravens offense be better than their talented defense? How does Pittsburgh survive the start of the season without Ben Roethlisberger and does the defense again play like "Steeler D"? Will the Chargers contract problems with some of their stars hold this very talented team back from greatness? Or in the end will everyone again be chasing Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts? Enjoy.
AFC 2010 Preview (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
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The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
AFC 2010 Preview (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Let's Play Two (more) - The SFB Podcast (8/27/2010).....
When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants something, he usually gets it, and although not a done deal, it sure does look like the NFL will start playing 18 regular season games starting with the 2012 season. Putting aside whether this is good or not for the league, it sure will have an effect on the other sports and television schedules / viewing. I'll take a look at those effects.
Plus, Stephen Strasburg will be needing Tommy John surgery, and while this is bad news, it is not terrible news. Also, Tiger comes back to the pack at The Barclays, Payton Manning doesn't like a new NFL rule, Albert Pujols hits home run number 400 of his career and Pete Rose is giving Roger Clemens advice. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: August 27, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
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The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Plus, Stephen Strasburg will be needing Tommy John surgery, and while this is bad news, it is not terrible news. Also, Tiger comes back to the pack at The Barclays, Payton Manning doesn't like a new NFL rule, Albert Pujols hits home run number 400 of his career and Pete Rose is giving Roger Clemens advice. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: August 27, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Bowl 44 & The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (2/8/2010).....
Super Bowl 44 is over and the New Orleans Saints are the NFL Champions after defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 down in Miami. Mike Tricarico joins me as we review the game and discuss why the Saints won, the Colts lost, and what we thought were the key plays in the game. We also talk about The Who's halftime show and the Super Bowl commercials. Got to love Betty White and Abe Vigoda. Enjoy.
Has a sports team or athlete broken your heart? Do you have a sports related romance story, or romance rlated sports story? Let us know here in a comment of on The SportsFan Buzz page on Facebook.
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: February 8, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Has a sports team or athlete broken your heart? Do you have a sports related romance story, or romance rlated sports story? Let us know here in a comment of on The SportsFan Buzz page on Facebook.
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: February 8, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (2/4/2010).....
Mike Tricarico joins me on the podcast as we preview Super Bowl 44 between the Colts & Saints. Both of us give our thoughts about who will win the game and why. We also babble about the Pro Bowl, Rex Ryan's "one finger salute" and Kim Kardashian being "famous". We also go over some Super Bowl prop bets including Carrie Underwood's national anthem.
Has a sports team or athlete broken your heart? Do you have a sports related romance story, or romance rlated sports story? Let us know here in a comment of on The SportsFan Buzz page on Facebook.
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: February 4, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Has a sports team or athlete broken your heart? Do you have a sports related romance story, or romance rlated sports story? Let us know here in a comment of on The SportsFan Buzz page on Facebook.
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: February 4, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Monday, January 25, 2010
The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/25/2010).....
All that's left standing after three weeks of NFL Playoffs are two teams, the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. The Colts defeated the New York Jets 30-17 to take the AFC crown, while the Saints worked overtime in taking care of the Minnesota Vikings 31-28, to claim the NFC crown. Mike joins me on the podcast to review what happened on Championship Sunday, and thinks I set my daughter's bedtime too early. Enjoy.
*** I was incorrect when stating The Beatles did not win any musical Grammys prior to their breakup in January 1969. In fact they won five musical Grammys along with the many techincal ones I thought they had only won before they separated. This is why I talk sports and not music. ***
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 25, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
*** I was incorrect when stating The Beatles did not win any musical Grammys prior to their breakup in January 1969. In fact they won five musical Grammys along with the many techincal ones I thought they had only won before they separated. This is why I talk sports and not music. ***
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 25, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Divisional Round Picks & The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/16/2010).....
NFL Divisional Playoff round is here and we have four teams rested and waiting for their opponents. Flying solo on this podcast, I give you Mike's picks for the games, and the reasoning behind my choices for this week. Plus I cover a few news stories from this week in the NFL. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 16, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
(home team in CAPS)
Cardinals (+7) over SAINTS
Ravens (+6 1/2) over COLTS
Cowboys (+3) over VIKINGS
CHARGERS (-7) over Jets
Wildcard Weekend (2-2)
2009 Playoff record (2-2)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
The SportsFan Buzz: January 16, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
(home team in CAPS)
Cardinals (+7) over SAINTS
Ravens (+6 1/2) over COLTS
Cowboys (+3) over VIKINGS
CHARGERS (-7) over Jets
Wildcard Weekend (2-2)
2009 Playoff record (2-2)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
One Hundred is Better than Perfect.....
After week 16 when the Indianapolis Colts gave away their chance at a perfect season, Mike Tricarico and I blasted the team on our weekly podcast. At the time, I went through a laundry list of reasons why I thought the Colts should have gone for perfection, with history (both all time and the Colts own) playing a major part of my reasoning.
Being remembered forever as a perfect team (What can you name faster, the winner of Super Bowl XIX or the only perfect team?) is forever, while unless you are part of the fan base for the team, or have the Elias Sports Bureau seared into your brain, it takes even the most ardent sport fan a little while to match Super Bowls played more then five years ago with its winner. (BTW, SB 19 winner was the 15-1 San Francisco 49ers)
Also the Colts history of coming out flat for their first playoff game after having rested players to finish the regular season and having the bye week has been the opposite of perfect. As a matter of fact, they are 0-2 in that scenario with losses in 2005 to Pittsburgh and to San Diego in 2007. So if I’m the Colts, maybe I try something different and let it all hang out to see if history can be made for the first time in 37 years.
Other parts of my thinking included the fact that Indianapolis had won many of their first fourteen games in comeback style and seven of them by four points or less. Besides Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark (more on them later), the rest of Peyton Manning’s weapons on offense had never been through the “playoff wars” before, so keeping them in rhythm and allowing them and Manning to keep their magic going in game situations seems like a good idea. Also, for Manning, while Super Bowls are how quarterbacks are measured, a perfect season capped by a Super Bowl would virtually lock him in as the greatest QB of all time.
Garbage, we were told by the Colts organization after their “white flag” effort against the Jets. “None of that personal stuff means anything to us” was the mantra coming from the locker room. Even Peyton Manning followed marching orders and did not sway the conversation to allow for any controversy. But what about the looks of disbelief on the sidelines as their first loss was being secured that Sunday, with their own home crowd booing them unmercifully? “Cameras didn’t capture the true picture” and the “fans are fans, and don’t realize the organization has a plan” were the bullet points used to answer those inquiries.
In the hours and days after the game there were many “pundits” (like what Mike and I did on the podcast and many others) along with former NFL players who questioned the Colts’ game plan and the discussions got loud. It was so bad in Indianapolis that the General Manager, Bill Polian, had to cut short his weekly radio show and the Colts website put out a request asking their fans to “let it go”. These were Colt fans who were upset at their own team. We haven’t even delved into the facts that by allowing the Jets a free pass; it blew up the AFC playoff picture.
Well, I still believed I was correct with my thoughts as the week progressed, but if the organization truly believed that ignoring history (theirs and the NFL’s) and focusing on the Super Bowl Championship was the way to get the job done, who was I say it was wrong? Bill Polian and Peyton Manning have more rings then I will ever have, so record be damned, the Colts were focused on a Super Bowl victory.
Now before I go any further, I can already hear the “Well, see what happened to Wes Welker’s injury”, or the “What if Peyton got hit and was lost for the rest of the year” arguments. First, the Welker injury was a non contact injury and could have happened to anybody, at any time, especially if playing on a poor turf (more later), and could easily have occurred during a practice. Second, if we are going to pull the Peyton getting hit card, shouldn’t there be some evidence to back up that this could occur? The Colts and Manning have a great history of not allowing sacks of Manning, so why in the world does anybody think that it was all of a sudden going to change?
Anyway, on Sunday morning, I’m all on the Colts’ “forget history, let’s get the ring” bandwagon, and I’m ready to take the reigns. Let Peyton (to keep his consecutive game streak alive) and the offense run a series and then it’s off to the showers and maybe another commercial or two for Manning to help increase his Q rating.
Really, what else would the team do after pulling the starters the prior week from a game in front of their own home crowd, which they came into undefeated with possible history in front of them, which they were leading at the time of the substitutions, and with an opponent playing for their playoff lives? Then add the week’s worth of “talking points” and the fact that the game was in cold, snowy Buffalo, and their opponent, the Bills, were done with their season weeks ago. I mean, come on, maybe one series was even too much.
Here is where the story takes a turn and ankles break from jumping off the “records mean nothing, rings are the thing” bandwagon.
Seems Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark needed five and seven receptions respectively to reach the one hundred catch mark for the season. While nice, with the top seed wrapped up, the perfect season given away, and snowy conditions in Buffalo, there is no way the Colts would risk anything for personal milestones, would they? Well, it seems they would, and the Colts did just that on Sunday against the Bills. Wayne got his five catches, while Clark got his seven with Manning as their quarterback while playing in the snow.
I didn’t see a red practice jersey on Manning to tell the Bills not to hit him during the game. Nor did I see any “no touch” markings on Wayne or Clark, or anybody making sure they did not slip and injure themselves while route running in the Buffalo snow. Was there something going on that we were not privy to, to prevent any of those injuries the team was so concerned about the week prior while they went for these individual records.
So while the organization says perfection was not important, it does seem that keeping its top players happy and hitting milestones is important. How else can you describe what went on in getting Wayne and Clark those receptions? Claiming to not want to risk a Manning injury one week, was thrown aside to force passes to his two receivers to hit personal benchmarks. We are not even talking about NFL records on the line here. Just one hundred catch seasons for each player.
While getting to 100 receptions is nice, there is another question to add to the mix, and that is why not try to complete those passes to Clark and Wayne the prior week, at home in front of their fans, while still pushing an opponent that needed to win the game? Trying to get those receptions against the Jets would have knocked quite a few items off their “to do” list as the Colts could have achieved personal milestones while possibly keeping their perfect season alive in front of the home fans, and make a team earn its possible victory that was desperately needed for its playoff chances.
Instead we got a lay down against the Jets and a week’s worth of words that by the following Sunday’s actions on the field were all shown to be not quite so believable anymore.
I also wonder if some players on the team, who may have wanted to try for an undefeated season and may not play a position that has those type of milestones (offensive linemen, punter, etc.), are questioning why certain players were allowed to risk injury for personal milestones, while their own claim to fame of being part of a possible undefeated season was tossed aside?
If you want to go full throttle cynic and conspiracy theorist, you could wonder if the Colts would have rather given the Jets the playoff shot, while at the same time hurting the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, who could be considered a tough match-up for the Colts, and had once before knocked them from the playoffs when Indianapolis had the AFC’s top seeding.
While I don’t believe that to be the case, I do believe that the Colts’ actions the past two Sundays raise more questions for the organization than it answers. In the end, none of this will probably matter to most sport fans if Peyton Manning and the Colts are the winners of Super Bowl 44, while others who wanted to witness perfection will wonder, “what if and why”.
Being remembered forever as a perfect team (What can you name faster, the winner of Super Bowl XIX or the only perfect team?) is forever, while unless you are part of the fan base for the team, or have the Elias Sports Bureau seared into your brain, it takes even the most ardent sport fan a little while to match Super Bowls played more then five years ago with its winner. (BTW, SB 19 winner was the 15-1 San Francisco 49ers)
Also the Colts history of coming out flat for their first playoff game after having rested players to finish the regular season and having the bye week has been the opposite of perfect. As a matter of fact, they are 0-2 in that scenario with losses in 2005 to Pittsburgh and to San Diego in 2007. So if I’m the Colts, maybe I try something different and let it all hang out to see if history can be made for the first time in 37 years.
Other parts of my thinking included the fact that Indianapolis had won many of their first fourteen games in comeback style and seven of them by four points or less. Besides Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark (more on them later), the rest of Peyton Manning’s weapons on offense had never been through the “playoff wars” before, so keeping them in rhythm and allowing them and Manning to keep their magic going in game situations seems like a good idea. Also, for Manning, while Super Bowls are how quarterbacks are measured, a perfect season capped by a Super Bowl would virtually lock him in as the greatest QB of all time.
Garbage, we were told by the Colts organization after their “white flag” effort against the Jets. “None of that personal stuff means anything to us” was the mantra coming from the locker room. Even Peyton Manning followed marching orders and did not sway the conversation to allow for any controversy. But what about the looks of disbelief on the sidelines as their first loss was being secured that Sunday, with their own home crowd booing them unmercifully? “Cameras didn’t capture the true picture” and the “fans are fans, and don’t realize the organization has a plan” were the bullet points used to answer those inquiries.
In the hours and days after the game there were many “pundits” (like what Mike and I did on the podcast and many others) along with former NFL players who questioned the Colts’ game plan and the discussions got loud. It was so bad in Indianapolis that the General Manager, Bill Polian, had to cut short his weekly radio show and the Colts website put out a request asking their fans to “let it go”. These were Colt fans who were upset at their own team. We haven’t even delved into the facts that by allowing the Jets a free pass; it blew up the AFC playoff picture.
Well, I still believed I was correct with my thoughts as the week progressed, but if the organization truly believed that ignoring history (theirs and the NFL’s) and focusing on the Super Bowl Championship was the way to get the job done, who was I say it was wrong? Bill Polian and Peyton Manning have more rings then I will ever have, so record be damned, the Colts were focused on a Super Bowl victory.
Now before I go any further, I can already hear the “Well, see what happened to Wes Welker’s injury”, or the “What if Peyton got hit and was lost for the rest of the year” arguments. First, the Welker injury was a non contact injury and could have happened to anybody, at any time, especially if playing on a poor turf (more later), and could easily have occurred during a practice. Second, if we are going to pull the Peyton getting hit card, shouldn’t there be some evidence to back up that this could occur? The Colts and Manning have a great history of not allowing sacks of Manning, so why in the world does anybody think that it was all of a sudden going to change?
Anyway, on Sunday morning, I’m all on the Colts’ “forget history, let’s get the ring” bandwagon, and I’m ready to take the reigns. Let Peyton (to keep his consecutive game streak alive) and the offense run a series and then it’s off to the showers and maybe another commercial or two for Manning to help increase his Q rating.
Really, what else would the team do after pulling the starters the prior week from a game in front of their own home crowd, which they came into undefeated with possible history in front of them, which they were leading at the time of the substitutions, and with an opponent playing for their playoff lives? Then add the week’s worth of “talking points” and the fact that the game was in cold, snowy Buffalo, and their opponent, the Bills, were done with their season weeks ago. I mean, come on, maybe one series was even too much.
Here is where the story takes a turn and ankles break from jumping off the “records mean nothing, rings are the thing” bandwagon.
Seems Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark needed five and seven receptions respectively to reach the one hundred catch mark for the season. While nice, with the top seed wrapped up, the perfect season given away, and snowy conditions in Buffalo, there is no way the Colts would risk anything for personal milestones, would they? Well, it seems they would, and the Colts did just that on Sunday against the Bills. Wayne got his five catches, while Clark got his seven with Manning as their quarterback while playing in the snow.
I didn’t see a red practice jersey on Manning to tell the Bills not to hit him during the game. Nor did I see any “no touch” markings on Wayne or Clark, or anybody making sure they did not slip and injure themselves while route running in the Buffalo snow. Was there something going on that we were not privy to, to prevent any of those injuries the team was so concerned about the week prior while they went for these individual records.
So while the organization says perfection was not important, it does seem that keeping its top players happy and hitting milestones is important. How else can you describe what went on in getting Wayne and Clark those receptions? Claiming to not want to risk a Manning injury one week, was thrown aside to force passes to his two receivers to hit personal benchmarks. We are not even talking about NFL records on the line here. Just one hundred catch seasons for each player.
While getting to 100 receptions is nice, there is another question to add to the mix, and that is why not try to complete those passes to Clark and Wayne the prior week, at home in front of their fans, while still pushing an opponent that needed to win the game? Trying to get those receptions against the Jets would have knocked quite a few items off their “to do” list as the Colts could have achieved personal milestones while possibly keeping their perfect season alive in front of the home fans, and make a team earn its possible victory that was desperately needed for its playoff chances.
Instead we got a lay down against the Jets and a week’s worth of words that by the following Sunday’s actions on the field were all shown to be not quite so believable anymore.
I also wonder if some players on the team, who may have wanted to try for an undefeated season and may not play a position that has those type of milestones (offensive linemen, punter, etc.), are questioning why certain players were allowed to risk injury for personal milestones, while their own claim to fame of being part of a possible undefeated season was tossed aside?
If you want to go full throttle cynic and conspiracy theorist, you could wonder if the Colts would have rather given the Jets the playoff shot, while at the same time hurting the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, who could be considered a tough match-up for the Colts, and had once before knocked them from the playoffs when Indianapolis had the AFC’s top seeding.
While I don’t believe that to be the case, I do believe that the Colts’ actions the past two Sundays raise more questions for the organization than it answers. In the end, none of this will probably matter to most sport fans if Peyton Manning and the Colts are the winners of Super Bowl 44, while others who wanted to witness perfection will wonder, “what if and why”.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Best of the Decade - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (12/30/2009).....
It is the end of the decade and Mike and I are covering the sports best players and the memorable events from the last ten years. In part one we discuss the NBA, the NHL, and some "fringe" sports. I also talk about an incident during the 2006 NHL Playoffs that will not get me on any Father of the Year lists. In the second part of the discussion, Mike and I cover the NFL and MLB, along with some sports fan tech.
Some highlights of the best and memorable that we discussed:
Golf: Tiger Woods
Tennis: Roger Federer and Serena Williams
NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt's death
Others: Michael Phelps, Lance Armstrong, World Cup Soccer
NBA: Kobe Bryant / Los Angeles Lakers / "The Brawl"
NHL: Nicholas Lindstrom / Martin Brodeur / Detroit Red Wings / The Lockout
MLB: Barry Bonds / Mariano Rivera / New York Yankees / steriods / many highlights
NFL: Peyton Manning / New England Patriots / many, many highlights
The SportsFan Buzz: December 30, 2009 (Part A)
The SportsFan Buzz: December 30, 2009 (Part B)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
Some highlights of the best and memorable that we discussed:
Golf: Tiger Woods
Tennis: Roger Federer and Serena Williams
NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt's death
Others: Michael Phelps, Lance Armstrong, World Cup Soccer
NBA: Kobe Bryant / Los Angeles Lakers / "The Brawl"
NHL: Nicholas Lindstrom / Martin Brodeur / Detroit Red Wings / The Lockout
MLB: Barry Bonds / Mariano Rivera / New York Yankees / steriods / many highlights
NFL: Peyton Manning / New England Patriots / many, many highlights
The SportsFan Buzz: December 30, 2009 (Part A)
The SportsFan Buzz: December 30, 2009 (Part B)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (12/28/2009).....
16 NFL weeks down and one to go in the 2009 season. Mike Tricarico and I go over the week 16 games and discuss the NFC playoff teams and how the AFC playoff picture is shaping up. Mike and I also rant on the Colts giving up their pursuit for an undefeated season.
The SportsFan Buzz: December 28, 2009
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
The SportsFan Buzz: December 28, 2009
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
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