Around the world of the NFL faster than a Texans' collapse, Crappafoni Pictures presents Week 5 of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, complete with hot wings and a cold draft on the side. Enjoy!
THE GOOD
Carolina Panthers: when you toss a shutout, particularly the first one of the season, you get the first listing every single time. But it wasn't just the shutout. The Panthers' defense held Larry Johnson to TWO YARDS rushing. Seven carries, two yards. Six feet. Seventy-two inches. The Chiefs were limited to 127 total yards. FOR THE GAME. Offensively, the Panthers amassed 441 total yards and enjoyed a nearly 2 to 1 advantage in time of possession. Their offensive explosion came despite both of their starting OTs out for the game. Yes, it was the Chiefs, but the Chiefs were coming off a surprising win against the Broncos last week. Could this be the 2003 season all over again?
New York Giants: they methodically administered a beatdown to the Seattle Seahawks. Now unlike the Chiefs, the Seahawks have been a recent playoff contender. The G-men had their way with the Hawks, to the tune of 523 total yards on offense. Brandon Jacobs couldn't be stopped, amassing most of his yardage in the first half, including a 44-yard run that set up the Giants' first TD. Defensively, they held the Hawks to 187 total yards. The G-men are the team to beat in the NFC, if not the entire NFL. Carolina may have something for them when they meet later in the season.
Tennessee Titans: like the Giants, they are still unbeaten. Unlike the Giants on Sunday, they won with a suffocating defense. Their game against the Ravens was a classic case of smash mouth defense. I can guarantee you both teams needed extra Advil this morning! They forced two turnovers, and limited the Ravens to 210 total yards.
Miami Dolphins: could this team be a PLAYOFF team? Judging by how they played, yes. They certainly have improved. Props to the Fins for winning back to back games against the Patriots and Chargers. To hold an explosive team like the Chargers to 10 points, and holding LT to 35 yards on 12 carries, speaks volumes about their defense. Not to mention holding the Bolts to 202 total yards. An extra good goes to their goal-line stand to start the fourth quarter. And it seemed like the Fins had the ball all afternoon, as they held the ball for just over 36 minutes. Ronnie Brown was the stud, gaining 125 yards on 24 carries. Chad Pennington did a great job in managing the game, keeping the Fins out of trouble, and throwing a block that sprung Brown for his TD run. With this win, the Fins have more wins this season already than all of last season.
Arizona Cardinals: to beat a previously undefeated Bills team definitely gets you in this category. The way they did it impressed me! There's so many props to go around, where do I start? I'll start with the defense. They forced four Bills turnovers. They limited Marshawn #### to 55 yards rushing. Kurt Warner was sharp, throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs. Warner is looking like the Warner of the 1999 season. Steve Breaston has emerged as a third receiver. This team could be very dangerous in January.
Washington Redskins: once again, the Skins did not commit a turnover. They remain the only team in the league to not commit a turnover. Jason Campbell continues to impress, leading the Redskins to a HUGE road win. The Redskins gashed the league leading Eagles' rush defense to 204 yards on the ground. Clinton Portis gained 145 of those yards, including a HUGE fourth down conversion late in the game that allowed the Redskins to run out the clock. Game, set, and match.
Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons.
THE BAD
Detroit Lions: they are an absolutely putrid team. Granted, they lost to a good Bears team, but they got WORKED. And at HOME, no less. No offense, no defense. Perhaps they should change their city name to the Etroit Lions, since there's no D in Etroit. Could they go winless this season?
Kansas City Chiefs: after being so good last week, they return to form. It was like they were clueless on how to game plan against the Panthers. Nothing they tried worked.
Seattle Seahawks: this couldn't go any worse in Mike Holmgren's final season. Even with Bobby Engram and Deion Branch back from injury, that didn't help much. Granted, they did play the defending champs, but there's NO excuse for not being competitive. The BENGALS pushed the G-men to OT before falling. The Seahawks gave up after the Giants' first TD. They are DONE. Stick a fork in 'em.
THE UGLY
Houston Texans: what a colossal meltdown! They had a win practically wrapped up against a front-line team like Indianapolis. Then they proceeded to play giveaway with the Colts. Sage Rosenfels was putrid, committing three turnovers late in the fourth quarter. David Carr thought Rosenfels was putrid. The Colts took FULL advantage, scoring 21 points in a two-minute span late in the fourth quarter.
Those are my nominees for Week 5. Feel free to come in with your nominees!!
It's that time of week again. Time to call out those idiots, miscreants, malcontents, and ingrates for their idiocy, arrogance, dumb-A$$ery, and general stupidity. The lovely young lady will take your requests and call them forward. Simple as that!
NFL
San Francisco 49ers: OMG, what the HELL was THAT? FIVE turnovers? It was a miracle you didn't get run out of Candlestick Park! If it wasn't for the Arizona Cardinals' offensive ineptitude, you would have. And your defense bailed the offense's sorry #### out. If it wasn't for Frank Gore, it would REALLY be putrid. I expected a competitive game. Not a good way to start by getting thrown under the Bus.
Seattle Seahawks: what was that allowing a TD on a fake FG? Then on the ensuing kickoff fumbling the ball away? Then on the very next play allowing ANOTHER TD? If this is any indication, it's going to be a VERY long year in the Pacific Northwest. And it starts by throwing the Seahawks under the Bus.
St. Louis Rams: keeping up with the theme of the NFC Worst West, I offer as Exhibit 3, the St. Louis Lambs Rams. Granted, the Eagles are a good team, but I expected a better effort. Both Donovan McNabb AND Kevin Kolb passed on the Lambs Rams at will. I'll state the obvious: the NFC Worst West is the WORST division in the NFL. The Lambs Rams get thrown under the Bus for their lack of effort and their suckiness, at least this week.
Detroit Lions: throughout preseason, this team was hyped as a possible playoff contender. Well, if you were a TRUE playoff contender, you wouldn't be losing have lost to the Atlanta Falcons! And to a rookie QB making his FIRST NFL start! And you wouldn't have let Michael Turner gash you for 220 yards rushing. New season, same old Lions. See the Lions defense. See Michael Turner. See Michael Turner gash the Lions defense for 220 yards rushing (a franchise record). See the Lions get thrown under the Bus.
Carolina Panthers' haters: this is to all those that said the Panthers would be 6-10, or worse, like finish LAST in the NFC South (you people KNOW who you are). I EXPECTED the Panthers to compete, but like just about everyone else, I expected the Chargers to win. Well, the Panthers are 1-0 after beating one of the BEST teams in the AFC, and on the road, no less. Suddenly, the game against Chicago will be very tough next week. I throw all you Panthers haters under the Bus, and deprive you of your supply of Panther-flavored Haterade.
NBA
Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur: the two ex-Jayhawks teammates were kicked out of an NBA rookie transition program for deciding to get high on the hippie lettuce and having women in their room and getting caught. Save that for the regular season. The NBA kicked them out of the program and now they have to repeat the program next year. But in the meantime, the wannabe hippies get thrown under the Bus.
MLB
St. Louis Cardinals: their bullpen failed to hold leads TWICE against Arizona. I thought the Mets’ bullpen was bad; the Cardinals bullpen is 20 times WORSE. This is why they’ll be watching the playoffs from home after the season is over. They had a GOLDEN opportunity to get back into the playoff hunt. Now it’s all but over. With a sweep, they would have made the NL Central a tight race. Now the opportunity is lost. Now they get thrown under the Bus.
Those are my nominations for the week. Feel free to come in with yours!
Minnesota Vikings: they have a very stout defense, and with the addition of Jared Allen, got that much better. However, I have a HUGE question mark at QB. If Tarvaris Jackson takes the next step forward in his development, this team has the look of a Super Bowl contender. But if he plays like the Jackson of last year, they could struggle to make the playoffs. My guess is he'll be good enough to lead the Vikings to the NFC North title. Predicted record: 10-6, division champion (3).
Green Bay Packers: no Brett Favre for the first time since 1991. They go in with an unproven QB in Aaron Rodgers. They have everything else in place: strong defense, good running game, good receiving corps. Rodgers will take his lumps early in the season, but get better as the season progresses. IF he were to get hurt, the Pack would be in a world of hurt, as they have two unproven rookie QBs backing him up: Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. Because Rodgers will take his lumps early, it will end up costing the Pack the division title. Predicted record: 9-7 (no playoffs).
Detroit Lions: while this team has some good young players to build around, this team will be spotty and inconsistent. While Rod Marinelli may be a good coach, he alone can't improve the team's fortunes. Perhaps a change in GMs would help. This team is much closer to ten losses than ten wins. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
Chicago Bears: only a few short years ago, this team was in the Super Bowl. Why have they fallen so far? Poor free agent acquisitions and some bad drafting decisions. (Tommie Harris isn't one of those bad decisions) The strength of this team is the defensive line. Brian Urlacher, while still very good, isn't quite the player he was in that Super Bowl run. Too many losses on the defensive side. They have failed to draft a potential franchise QB and RB in recent years. They lost Bernard Berrian, their best receiver, to the Vikings. It all adds up to a LONG season for the Bears. Predicted record: 4-12 (no playoffs).
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks: they still have Matt Hasselbeck under center, a strong and improving offensive line, and a very stout defense. Justin Forsett looks like a keeper at RB. Question marks still abound at receiver. They will send Mike Holmgren out a divisional champion. Predicted record: 10-6 (divisional champion).
Arizona Cardinals: Kurt Warner will start the year as their starting QB. They still have the Dynamic Duo WRs of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. They have an improving defense. They have the offensive firepower. However, Boldin is a VERY unhappy camper. It remains to be seen how that will impact the team. With the improved defense, they could push the Seahawks. They will fall short, but have a winning record. Predicted record: 9-7 (no playoffs).
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson is back, and he's a happy camper. I expect a huge year from Jackson. Marc Bulger is healthy. The defense is improved. They drafted well, with all their drafted rookies expected to stick with the team and make contributions. Chris Long will be a Rookie of the Year candidate. Expect this team to be greatly improved. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
San Francisco 49ers: they have a new QB under center in J.T. O'Sullivan. Frank Gore will be the focal point of the offense, getting plenty of touches. Manny Lawson returns on defense after missing last season with a torn ACL. Josh Morgan, a sixth-round draft pick out of Virginia Tech, has been the best rookie in training camp and could push Bryant Johnson for a starting job. However, too many doubts still abound. They will be better than last year, but not by much. Predicted record: 6-10 (no playoffs).
Wild Card Playoffs: Carolina (6) over Minnesota (3); Philadelphia (5) over Seattle (4).
Divisional Playoffs: New Orleans (1) over Carolina; Philadelphia (5) over Dallas (2).
Since the demise of NFL Europe, the NFL is needing a developmental league. The NBA has its D-league. Major League Baseball has its minor leagues, as does the National Hockey League. NASCAR has the ARCA Series and regional series. A couple of prominent players that started their development in NFL Europe include Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals) and Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers).
With the vast resources of the NFL, there is NO reason that the League cannot develop a D-league here in the United States. This D-league would play a 10-game schedule and have eight teams in the League, composed of two four-team divisions. They would play under NFL rules, with prospective NFL officials or current NFL officials that are not as experienced officiating the games. (Psst, NFL, hire FULL-TIME officials!) The games would run from early April until mid-June, with the championship game one week after the regular season featuring the division winners.
A proposed breakdown of the divisions could go like this:
Western Division: Los Angeles, Sacramento, Portland, Tucson.
Each team would be in a city that doesn’t have an NFL franchise in its city. Los Angeles, for example, would play the other three teams in its division twice (home and away) and would host two Eastern Division teams and travel to the other two teams.
This has been rolling around in my dome for some time but until now I haven’t formulated my thoughts. What do you think of this?
Around the world of the NFL faster than an Ahmad Bradshaw 88-yard TD run in the snow at Buffalo, Crappafoni Pictures presents this week's vignette of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
THE GOOD
Pittsburgh Steelers: they made some big plays, particularly early in the game. They found a complement to Fast Willie Parker in Najeh Davenport. Ike Taylor had a Pick Six Special late in the game that sealed the win.
Jacksonville Jaguars: they thoroughly dominated an overmatched Raiders team. On the ground, in the air--it didn't matter. With a playoff berth on the line, they were going to get it done right, and they did.
Cincinnati Bengals: or more specifically, their defense. They picked off Derek Anderson four times, leading to three TDs, including two TDs within the last two minutes of the first half. Then the defense withstood a furious Browns rally.
Philadelphia Eagles: they put the Saints' playoff hopes on life support with their huge win in New Orleans. Donovan McNabb came up huge, including a 40-yard run to set up a score. McNabb also threw for 3 TDs.
New York Giants: they withstood a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter and dominated from that point on, outscoring the Bills 38-7. Both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs rushed for over 145 yards. Bradshaw ripped off the NFL's longest run of the season, 88 yards for a TD in a driving snowstorm.
San Francisco 49ers: their game against Tampa Bay was one of the hardest hitting, most physical games in recent memory. They stared into the eyes of the Big Bad Bucs and didn't flinch. It was good old-fashioned, old-school smash mouth football. In the end, the Niners executed enough to pull out the win. Patrick Willis was the Stud of the Game, registering 20 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
Chicago Bears: it looked like THEY were the #2 seeded team in the NFC and the Packers were the cellar dwellers. The Bears' special teams blocked two punts and forced a 9-yard punt. Brian Urlacher returned a Pick Six Special for the first time in his career.
Washington Redskins: in a game they HAD to have, they put forth a great team effort and got it done. Todd Collins was sharp, Clinton Portis ran and passed all over the Vikings' defense, rushing and passing for a TD. Now with a win over the Cowboys next week, they're in the playoffs.
New England Patriots: it looked like they were going to run and hide from the Dolphins, leading 28-0 at halftime. The Fins actually outscored the Pats in the second half, holding the Pats scoreless. Laurence Maroney rushed for a career high 156 yards on just 14 carries.
THE BAD
Oakland Raiders: after that effort against the Jaguars. They were outplayed in every facet of the game. The Jags made the Raiders look like the bad team that they are.
Baltimore Ravens: are they the worst team in the NFL, or what? I think they're worse than the Dolphins, and that's saying something.
Green Bay Packers: sure, you're the second-best team in the NFC. Could have fooled me. You played like the second-WORST team in the NFC. That was ca-ca.
THE UGLY
N.Y. Jets at Tennessee: 16 total points between the teams. It seemed like neither team wanted to win. From Tennessee's perspective, style points aren't rewarded in the NFL; just wins and losses. The Titans' win means they control their own destiny. Win, and they're in.
Atlanta at Arizona: this was a matchup from hell. A bad team against another bad team. Depending on your perspective it was either a shootout or just bad defenses. I tend to lean towards the latter.
Those are my nominations. Feel free to opine with your nominations.
Around the world of the NFL faster than two Will Blackmon returns for TDs, Crappafoni Pictures presents for you the fan, in living color, the NFL version of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
THE GOOD
Green Bay Packers: they dismantled the Oakland Raiders in every aspect of the game. Will Blackmon was the special teams stud, returning a punt and a fumble for a touchdown. Blackmon became the first player since 1974 and only the fourth in NFL history to return a punt and fumble for a touchdown in the same game. The Pack amassed 445 total yards for the game and dominated the game from start to finish.
Jacksonville Jaguars: they were dominant in beating a Panthers team that basically gave up from the second quarter on. More on that later.
Dallas Cowboys' final drive: the 'Boys were lucky when Paris Lenon kicked the ball to Andre Gurode. If Lenon just falls on the ball, Detroit wins and gets put in the Good category. Lenon's colossal mistake gave Tony Romo new life, and he took advantage of it.
New England Patriots: way to shut up Anthony Smith! Tom Brady is now within a few TD passes of breaking Peyton Manning's single season record of 49. They went so far ahead of Pittsburgh that the Steelers became a one-dimensional team.
Seattle Seahawks: they looked sharp in dismantling Arizona. With five picks, the defense made several big plays, nothing bigger than in the third quarter after Arizona recovered an onside kick. They will be formidable in the postseason, regardless of where they play.
Indianapolis Colts: they are making this game look too easy. The first quarter isn't even over and they're winning 21-0 against the Ravens.
Houston Texans: simply put, they administered a beatdown to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For some inexplicable reason, they do well against NFC teams.
Denver Broncos: I couldn't forget the Broncos' thrashing of Kansas City. They outgained the Chiefs 453 to 129. The Broncos rushed for 215 yards. They led in time of possession by nearly 10 minutes. They forced three turnovers and didn't commit a turnover. A complete game like that will get you in the Good category every single time.
THE BAD
Carolina Panthers: this may have been one of the worst games the franchise has ever played. They were outgained in total yards 457 to 149. The Jags had the ball nearly twice as long as the Kittens. They were so ineffective that Vinny Testaverde was pulled for Matt Moore. This is a team that gave up in the second quarter. I'd have granted that they would probably lose, but I expected a better effort than this!!
San Francisco 49ers: granted, they did lose to the Vikings, a playoff-caliber team. But they were THRASHED. And on their home turf, no less. FIVE turnovers?? Trent Dilfer was knocked woozy by a Vikings' defense that forced those five turnovers.
Miami Dolphins: 0-13 and counting. Three more and you make history in reverse!! Buffalo just did you again. And with games against New England, Baltimore, and Cincinnati, you just might do it.
THE UGLY
Kansas City Chiefs: this is one of those bad games that you just forget about and go on. Every team has one of those, except New England. I can imagine that the Kansas City Film Festival will supply the filmgoers with PLENTY of Maalox and Pepto-Bismol.
Pittsburgh Steelers: it started with Mr. Motormouth, Anthony Smith, guaranteeing a Steelers victory. Son, don't write checks with your mouth that your #### can't cash. There were several breakdowns in the secondary in this game.
Cleveland at N.Y. Jets: it seemed like the Browns wanted to let the Jets win this game. The Jets hung in this game FAR TOO LONG. The Browns should have won by AT LEAST TWO TDs. Cleveland was fortunate to escape with a win.
Carolina Panthers: see Bad category.
Those are my nominations for Week 14. Your nominations are appreciated. Thanks for reading and responding.
We have come to the conclusion of a crazy college football season, the NFL is winding down, and both college and pro basketball are approaching mid-season. However, even though it's early December, there are ALWAYS players, teams, coaches, managers, owners, AD's, executives, and fans to throw under the Bus. (Jerome Bettis Limited Edition, 800 hp) Here is your forum to vent! This week's nominees:
NCAA
BCS Honks: apparently they are the only ones that think the BCS works. While I'm at it, I'll also throw the university presidents, the conference commissioners, and other assorted NCAA executives, including Miles Brand, under the Bus. Putting in a 16-team playoff while incorporating the current bowl system is the only reasonable and fair solution. Divisions 1-AA, 2, 3, and the NAIA have playoffs; why shouldn't Division 1?
BCS Selection Committee: for putting Illinois, a THREE loss team, into the Rose Bowl, because they're the Big 10 runners up. The Biting, er, Fighting Illini got a gift-wrapped invitation to a beatdown at the hands of the USC Trojans. Why not invite Arizona State to the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, and put Hawai'i into the Rose Bowl? Arizona State lost to both Oregon and USC when both teams were at or near the top of the rankings. NO FREAKING WAY should the Big 10 get two BCS representatives.
ESPN: for putting out an erroneous report that LSU head coach Les Miles was going to be the next Michigan head coach RIGHT BEFORE the SEC Championship Game against Tennessee. Are ESPN secret Vols honks?
NFL
The officiating crew in the Browns-Cardinals game: on the last play of the game, Derek Anderson threw a desperation pass to Kellen Winslow, who miraculously came up with the catch as he was being shoved out of bounds. The officiating crew called Winslow out of bounds. It was CLEARLY a bad call, as he was FORCED out of bounds. The Browns were ROBBED of a W. For this reason, the officials get thrown Under The Bus.
Detroit Lions: granted, Minnesota is a much better team with Adrian Peterson in the lineup, but to suffer a BEATDOWN like that? What kind of effort was THAT? I think they remembered they were the Detroit Lions. For this reason, the Lions get thrown Under The Bus.
Joe Gibbs: as much as I like the Hall of Fame coach and NASCAR team owner, he gets thrown Under The Bus for calling consecutive timeouts. YOU CANNOT DO THAT!! Instead of a very difficult 51-yard game-winning FG in the rain, Rian Lindell of the Buffalo Bills made a much easier 36 yarder.
Those are my nominees. Come on in with your nominees!!
Around the world of the NFL faster than two Antrel Rolle Pick Six Specials, Crappafoni Pictures presents, in living color, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
THE GOOD
Arizona Cardinals: granted, they DID beat the Bungles, errrrrr, Bengals, but this team looked sharp. As stated above in the opening, Antrel Rolle had two Pick Six Specials in the game. Kurt Warner looked sharp again. Is this 2007, or 1999? Warner is playing like it WAS 1999.
New England Patriots: they are making it look too easy. They are NOT running up the score tonight; in fact, they're making every effort to call off the dogs. They're just too good right now. Even their defense is scoring TDs, as evidenced by Ellis Hobbs' 35-yard fumble return. Can New England run the table? I think they can.
New York Jets: beating one of the league's better teams will get you in the Good column every single time. They whipped the Steelers in the special teams aspect; in fact, a Leon Washington return set up the winning FG in OT.
Green Bay Packers: they are clicking on all cylinders now, and now they have discovered a running game. They beat an outmanned Panthers team minus Steve Smith (on a good note for the Panthers, they have discovered a #2 receiver in Dwayne Jarrett). Brett Favre is probably having the best season of his illustrious and stellar career. He has young studs that he can throw to, and young studs that can tote the rock, and young studs up front to protect him. This team is going to be an elite team for the next 3-5 years.
Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo has been playing much better since his contract extension. He proved it by throwing for four TDs to Terrell Owens. Speaking of Owens, he's been a MUCH happier guy since Romo has become the Cowboys' starting QB. And the Cowboys have become a much better team since RomoCop took the helm.
Jacksonville Jaguars: or more specifically, Maurice Jones-Drew. I put him in here because he LIT UP Shawne Merriman on a blitz. He decleated Merriman; that allowed David Garrard to throw a TD pass.
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens: this was one of the most bizarre, wackiest, and best games you'll ever see. Joshua Cribbs accounted for OVER 300 return yards, the first time that's happened in 34 years. But it was the 52-yard FG at the end of regulation that has people talking. That's going to be talked about as one of the most bizarre plays in NFL history. And it just may be the impetus to send Cleveland to the playoffs this season.
THE BAD
Pittsburgh Steelers: you lost to the J!E!T!S! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK!? What the HELL was that?? And just when you were going to become permanent residents of Goodville, you toss in this rotten egg!!
San Francisco 49ers: NO TDs in the last two-plus games? The 2000 Ravens offense thinks you're pathetic. The St. Louis Rams made some big plays on defense to get this win.
Miami Dolphins: still NO wins! You'll be in this column from here until you get your first win, which will be sometime next season. Granted, John Beck made his first start against a tough Eagles' defense. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they only have one winnable game, against the Jets.
THE UGLY
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks: last year or two years ago, this was a great matchup. Now it's between a bad team and mediocre team. It seemed like neither team wanted it that bad. Yecccccch!
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts: 13-10? It was an ugly win, but in the NFL, you don't get style points. Indy won, bottom line.
Around the world of the NFL faster than two Darren Sproles returns for touchdowns, Crappafoni Pictures presents the Spaghetti Western NFL version of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
THE GOOD
Cleveland at Pittsburgh: this was one of the better games on the docket today. Derek Anderson threw for 3 TDs and Joshua Cribbs took one to the house for 100 yards. The Browns jumped out to a huge lead in the first half and it looked like they were going to steal one in the Burgh. The Steelers coaching staff made the necessary adjustments and shut down the Browns' potent offense. Big Ben's 30-yard TD run swung the momentum the Steelers' way. The Steelers rallied and won a HUGE divisional game.
Dallas Cowboys: they keep getting better each week. After falling behind early, the defense clamped down, and Tony Romo got into a rhythm. Any road win is huge, but to beat your division rivals on the road is doubly huge. The Meadowlands is never an easy place to win, and the 'Boys win in effect gives them a three game lead (two actual games and 2-0 against the G-men).
Green Bay Packers: pitching a shutout in the NFL is very difficult against anyone. To shut out a divisional rival deserves props. Brett Favre looks happy again; having young studs like RB Ryan Grant and WRs James Jones and Greg Jennings are a large reason why. And that defense was gunning for Adrian Peterson, eventually knocking him out of the game.
St. Louis Rams: it was bound to happen sooner or later; this team is much too talented to be 1-8. Injuries, injuries, and more injuries. Once this team is healthy, I expect them to finish strong. They put a good old-fashioned ####-kicking on the Saints. At the Superdome, no less. Marc Bulger had one of his best games of the year, passing for 302 yards and 2 TDs. Steven Jackson even threw a TD pass and ran for a TD. Torry Holt had 8 receptions for 124 yards and a TD. The Rams' defense put the clamps on the Saints. The Saints could have had a chance to tie the game late in regulation, but an onside kick slipped through Josh Bullocks' hands and went out of bounds, giving the Rams possession and preserving their first win of the season.
Denver Broncos: they dominated Kansas City at Arrowhead, forcing four turnovers. Selvin Young rushed for 109 yards and a TD. Jay Cutler had a pedestrian game, passing for 192 yards and a TD to Daniel Graham. The defense also knocked Damon Huard out of the game, forcing the Chiefs to go with Brodie Croyle.
Arizona Cardinals: they are the most schizophrenic team in the NFL. You NEVER know which Cardinals team will show up from game to game or even series to series. Today's Cardinals looked like the team that many picked to win the NFC West. Kurt Warner looked like the Kurt Warner that QB'd the Greatest Show on Turf. Leonard Pope emerged as a red-zone target for both Warner and Tim Rattay, snagging 2 TD passes. Larry Fitzgerald also snagged 2 TD passes, both from Warner. The Cardinals defense did the rest, holding the Lions to MINUS 18 yards rushing FOR THE GAME, including a minus 15 yard effort by Shaun McDonald.
San Diego Chargers: or more specifically, Antonio Cromartie and Darren Sproles. Sproles returned BOTH a kickoff and punt to the house. Sproles' 89-yard kickoff return sparked the Chargers. He later added a 45-yard punt return for a TD. Cromartie picked off Peyton Manning THREE TIMES. The Chargers' defense picked off Manning six times overall. Maybe the powder-blue uniform had something to do with this. The Chargers seem to play better when they wear their powder blues.
Philadelphia Eagles: major props to them for a gritty win at Washington. Brian Westbrook was his usual stellar self. Is it possible he's one of the most UNDERRATED RBs in the league? Reggie Brown made a GREAT TD catch, a "Look Mom, look what I found" type catch. Donovan McNabb made big plays when needed. But it was the Eagles' defense that made the difference, coming up with key stops when needed and giving the offense a chance to win.
THE BAD
Miami Dolphins: until they win a game, they will be residents of this category. This was a VERY winnable game for the Fins, and for awhile, it looked like they were going to win their first game of the season. Alas, they lost on a late FG by Rian Lindell. At one point, they led 3-2.
Minnesota Vikings: a goose egg on the scoreboard. Enough said.
Carolina Panthers: they allowed the Falcons to run the ball down their throats time and again. On the last Falcons' TD, the two Panthers' DBs looked at each other while Alge Crumpler walked into the end zone FROM 30 YARDS AWAY. This is one of the worst teams in the NFL right now. Mediocre would be a compliment.
Indianapolis Colts: yep, I have to include the defending Super Bowl champs here. Yes, they moved the ball, but SIX Peyton Manning interceptions killed their chances of winning.
Oakland Raiders: while their defense is still solid, the starting CBs are ####ed up. They need to learn how to finish games. They play well for the first 55 minutes or so, then in the last 5 minutes they let up.
THE UGLY
Chicago at Oakland: it was even at 3 entering the fourth quarter. I found it hilarious that the broadcast highlighted the Hall of Famers from both franchises. NEWSFLASH: NONE of them are playing for either franchise! Griese vs. McCown does not exactly conjure memories of Young vs. Aikman. I found myself falling asleep through this snoozefest.
Indianapolis at San Diego: this was a game that bordered on the surreal. NINE combined turnovers for two of the better teams in the AFC. Not to mention MANY missed opportunities. The two teams combined for more turnovers than you see at Rene's French Bakery. Adam Vinatieri missed two FGs, including a 29-yarder late in the game. Add in a heavy rainfall in the second half.
Come in with your nominations for the Good, Bad, and/or Ugly!
Around the world of the NFL faster than an Antonio Cromartie 109-yard return of a missed FG, Crappafoni Pictures gives you this week's spaghetti western version of Week 9 in the NFl.
THE GOOD
New England at Indianapolis: unlike most big games, this one lived up to the hype. It took a great comeback by Tom Brady and Company to pull out a 24-20 win, preserved by a late turnover. The Pats were 10 points down going into the fourth quarter. Good job, Pats. The 1972 Dolphins should be VERY worried about the Pats running the table, since the Pats' remaining schedule has only two winning teams on it (Pittsburgh and the NY Giants).
Minnesota Vikings: or more specifically, Adrian Peterson. Even though it's been a couple of days since he set the single-game rushing record, it becomes more and more amazing. He SINGLE-HANDEDLY beat the San Diego Chargers.
Dallas Cowboys: they carved up the Eagles IN Philly like John Madden carving up his turducan back in the day. The Cowboys have to be considered the favorites in the NFC to be playing in Glendale in early February.
Detroit Lions: they simply put a good old-fashioned ####-kicking on the Denver Broncos. The ironic thing is that the Broncos actually had the edge on time of possession. But four turnovers did in the Broncos, including a 66-yard Pick Six Special by DT Shaun Rogers. The Lions knocked Jay Cutler out of the game with a leg injury.
New Orleans Saints: is it safe to say, "THEY ARE BACK?" Drew Brees came up HUGE, passing for 445 yards and 3 TDs. Reggie Bush added a 1-yard TD run in the first quarter. I will say that they are back, especially considering the NFC South is very weak this year. The Buccaneers are inconsistent, Carolina has QB issues, and the Falcons are in disarray.
Pittsburgh Steelers: they made a statement by the way they carved up the Ravens' once-vaunted defense. I know I'm not overlooking the Steelers. They are the ONE team that CAN hang with the Patriots and possibly beat them. They have a very strong, balanced offense, the defense is stout, physical, and will smash you in the mouth, and are well-coached by Mike Tomlin and his staff.
Cleveland Browns: Derek Anderson was stellar yet again, passing for 364 yards and four Browns receivers each had 67 yards or more in receiving yards. Jamal Lewis only rushed for 37 yards but had four TDs. It helps a young QB like Anderson immensely to have a battering ram like Lewis back there to punch it in from short yardage. This team is for REAL. Look for them to be playing in January as a wild card.
THE BAD
Carolina Panthers: they weren't just bad; they were PATHETIC. David Carr passed for a MEASLY 107 yards. For the GAME. He's the only player in the history of the NFL to contain a future Hall of Famer in Steve Smith. The Panthers can't stop anyone, and they can't move the ball. A VERY bad combination. I see this team going 6-10 and missing the playoffs yet again. I predict that John Fox will lose his job over this, either by resignation or by firing. The next Panthers' head coach? Bill Cowher.
Oakland Raiders: you can't expect to win by turning the ball over three times. But that is what the Raiders did. Josh McCown was picked off three times, including once in the red zone by LB DeMeco Ryans as the Raiders were driving for a touchdown.
San Francisco 49ers: even with four turnovers, they STILL had a chance to win, but QB Alex Smith threw his third pick of the day to seal it for the Falcons. Frank Gore did not play due to an injury, and that hurt the Niners' ground game.
Baltimore Ravens: this is a team that got old suddenly. Ray Lewis, while still a good LB, is clearly not the LB he used to be. He simply doesn't have the talent around him that he used to have. Steve McNair is on his last legs as an NFL QB. I admire his competitiveness but his tank is dry. The Steelers exposed the Ravens as an old team.
THE UGLY
San Diego Chargers: giving up nearly 300 yards to Adrian Peterson still boggles my mind, since the Chargers have a good, swarming defense.
Arizona at Tampa Bay: this game won't be making ESPN Classic any time soon. Earnest Graham did have a good effort, rushing for 124 yards and a TD.
San Francisco at Atlanta: okay, this wasn't exactly New England at Indy, but this game set the NFL back many years. And it wasn't that long ago both of these teams were in the playoffs.
Crappafoni Pictures takes you around the world of the NFL faster than the participants in The World's Greatest Race. Here we go!!
THE GOOD
New England Patriots: granted, they did play the Miami Dolphins. But throwing for 6 TD passes like Tom Brady did today was freaking incredible! It was like playing Madden 08. At this pace, Brady will obliterate the single season record currently held by Peyton Manning. Brady is on pace for 60 TD passes.
New York Giants: while Eli Manning was efficient and is getting better each week, the G-men's defense was swarming. They forced the 49ers into four turnovers. Michael Strahan was a beast with 2.5 sacks, Osi Umenyiora scored on a fumble return and had a sack, and Brandon Jacobs rushed for a career-high 107 yards and a TD.
Tennessee Titans: or more specifically, Rob Bironas. Bironas kicked 8 FGs, setting an NFL single-game record. The record setter came as time expired, lifting the Titans to a thrilling win over the host Houston Texans. Lost in all that was that Kerry Collins was nails on that final drive to set up Bironas' record breaker.
Dallas Cowboys: they dominated the Vikings in every single aspect of the game but needed a TD return of a blocked FG to put away the pesky Vikings. Tony Romo was superb, going 31 for 39 for 277 yards and a TD. Marion Barber rushed for 96 yards and a TD in the 24-14 win.
Cincinnati Bengals: if not for Kenny Watson's strong effort (31 carries, 130 yards, 3 TDs), the Bengals would have been put in either the Bad or Ugly category. Watson was the stud of the game. They should have beaten a putrid Jets team by at least 2 TDs. More on the Jets later.
Chicago Bears: the win today over Philadelphia may have salvaged their season. In the event a tiebreaker comes into play with the Eagles, the Bears have the advantage. Brian Griese coolly engineered the clinching drive, throwing a TD pass to Muhsin Muhammad with 9 seconds left in the game. The TD pass capped a 97-yard drive. While the Bears still need help in the ground game, Griese gives them a better chance to win.
New Orleans Saints: it looks like they are breaking out of their season-long funk. They won a close game they had to win. While Reggie Bush wasn't spectacular, his TD late in the game was one of pure determination. He caught a short swing pass and bulled over three Atlanta Falcons defenders for the winning TD with less than 5 minutes remaining in the game.
Denver Broncos: they played inspired football in beating a tough Pittsburgh Steelers team. The Steelers' comeback fell short, as Jason Elam kicked a 49-yard FG as time expired. Jay Cutler made the big passes when he needed to. He was 22 of 29 for 248 yards and 3 TDs and 2 INTs.
Kansas City Chiefs: this team has surprised me. I had picked them to be one of the worst teams in the league in the preseason. They are now 4-3. Another good: Priest Holmes returned to the lineup after missing nearly two seasons with head and neck injuries. Combine Holmes and L.J. and this team could possibly make the playoffs.
THE BAD
St. Louis Rams: 0-7. Enough said.
Miami Dolphins: see above.
New York Jets: this is an absolutely putrid team. If not for the Rams and Dolphins, they would be the worst team in the league. They had opportunities to beat the Bengals and let them slip away. Let the Kellen Clemens era begin. How could a team that was a playoff team last season sink to such depths of ineptitude?
Baltimore Ravens: how could a team that says its a playoff team lose to a one-win team going into the day? Simple: you don't make the plays you need to and the now two-win team makes those same plays.
THE UGLY
Arizona at Washington: the Redskins had a two TD lead and very nearly gave it all back. Credit Arizona for making a furious comeback that fell wide left. The Redskins very nearly sel####estructed. Jason Campbell played like a rookie starting his first NFL game. After playing well much of the season, he played very poorly today.
San Francisco 49ers: Yikes! FOUR turnovers leading to 24 NY Giants points? You're not going to win playing like that! Four turnovers will give any hard-core football fan indigestion. Definitely not a game for the ages.
Oakland Raiders: while their defense kept them in this game, the offense sputtered yet again. Aside from their only TD, the offense didn't show up. What happened to the Raiders' ground game? Fifty-five yards for the game will not win you many games.
Another spaghetti western edition of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, brought to you by Crappafoni Pictures....
THE GOOD:
Green Bay Packers: or more specifically, Brett Favre. With his first quarter TD pass to Greg Jennings, Favre broke the NFL record for most TD passes in a career. He added another TD later in the game to add to his record. He now has 422 TD passes and counting. He also was 32 of 45 for 344 yards as the Packers ran their record to 4-0.
Oakland Raiders: they pounded out nearly 300 yards rushing against the hapless Dolphins’ defense. Daunte Culpepper ran for 3 TD’s and passed for two more. The defense was superb as well, limiting the Fins to under 300 yards in total offense for the game.
Dallas Cowboys: they ran and passed at will on the St. Louis Rams, amassing 502 yards in total offense in a 35-7 beat down. Tony Romo was superb as usual, passing for 339 yards and three TD’s, and adding a 15-yard TD run for good measure. The Cowboys’ defense limited the once-Greatest Show on Turf to 187 net yards.
Atlanta Falcons: or more specifically, Joey Harrington. Harrington played well last week in a tough loss to Carolina. This time he gets to enjoy the Falcons’ first win of the season. I’ve come around on the Falcons. I think this team is better than their record indicates. Harrington went 23 for 29 for 223 yards and two TD’s. Good job Joey.
Indianapolis Colts: although Peyton Manning had pedestrian numbers, he distributed the ball well, completing passes to eight different receivers. The Colts’ ground game gashed the Denver Broncos to the tune of 226 yards.
Arizona Cardinals: any time you beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, you deserve to be in the Good category. Enough said.
Detroit Lions: they scored 34 points in the FOURTH QUARTER, setting an NFL record for most points scored by a team in the fourth quarter. They came from 10 points down to beat the Chicago Bears 37-27.
Cleveland Browns: despite being dominated by the Ravens in every facet of the game, they found a way to win against a better team. They made enough big plays, and a 3-3 record going into their bye week is realistic.
New York Giants: or more specifically, their defense. They sacked Donovan McNabb 12 times. TWELVE TIMES! That tied an NFL record for most sacks by a team in a game. McNabb was coming off a perfect game against the Detroit Lions. Osi Umenyiora (sp?) had SIX OF THEM. That's one shy of the NFL record for a game, held by the late, great Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs.
THE BAD:
Carolina Panthers: for a game that determined the NFC South lead, they came out flat and uninspired. They let the Tampa Bay Buccaneers run and pass all over them. This is why I included them in my Teams That Have Jumped The Shark blog yesterday. Their window is slamming shut and may have slammed shut already. They didn’t play inspired until about 3 minutes remained in the game. They FINALLY scored with less than a minute to go and avoided being shut out at home.
San Diego Chargers: how can a team that has been chirping that they’re among the NFL’s elite come out and play so crappy? They have officially jumped the shark. It’s one thing to lose to New England and Green Bay (both elite teams); it’s QUITE another to lose to Kansas City! AND in your own crib, no less!! Not only was it a loss, it was a BEAT DOWN. As a blogger, I have officially jumped the shark for picking this sorry team to go to the Super Bowl.
Chicago Bears: I knew this team was in trouble when they traded their best RB in Thomas Jones. He was Rex Grossman’s safety valve, bailing Grossman out numerous times last season. No Jones, no Grossman, no win. The defense is ####ed up and hurt, the offense sucks, and this team is rudderless. But to allow 34 points in the FOURTH QUARTER?? To a team you should have beaten in your sleep? The 34 points scored by the Lions in the fourth quarter set an NFL record for most points by a team in a fourth quarter.
THE UGLY:
St. Louis Rams: in all fairness, they are the NFL’s MASH unit. SO many players that are either out or on injured reserve. That being said, they are not a very competitive team.
New York Jets: I don’t know what to make of this team, except they’re not very good. Individually, they have players that have talent. This is a team that just last season made the playoffs as a wild card. To lose to a previously winless team IS ugly.
Baltimore Ravens: what was THAT? To allow Derek Anderson to channel Brett Favre and Tom Brady when you are one of the league’s best defenses puts you into this ignomious category. Anderson is a decent enough QB, but this is a game the Ravens should have won in their sleep. The Ravens dominated the game in EVERY facet BUT the scoreboard. Scoreboard is what matters, and the Browns have it over the Ravens.
Chime in with your nominees for The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!
This fourth installment of predictions/prognostications for the NFC West wraps up the NFC. The next installment begins the AFC. Note: this is the most wide-open division in the NFL; with a few breaks and good health ANY of the four teams can win the division.
NFC WEST
San Francisco: they made a HUGE splash in the off-season, signing UFA’s Nate Clements and Michael Lewis. While I liked those signings, the one I really liked was LB Tully Banta-Cain, formerly of the New England Patriots. He brings a championship pedigree to the 49ers’ defense, having won rings with New England. He also brings many intangibles to their defense. They then proceeded to draft super-stud LB Patrick Willis with their first pick. Willis will benefit from having mentors like Banta-Cain, Derek Smith, and Assistant Head Coach Mike Singletary. Their defense got better in a HURRY. The offensive line got better as a result of drafting Joe Staley. Frank Gore should be even better as a result. Alex Smith will take that next step up and establish himself as one of the league’s better QBs. This team will make great strides to establish itself as a Super Bowl contender in the next year or two. Predicted record: 11-5 (division champion).
.JPG)