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!!
Around the world of the NFL faster than Reggie Bush turning the corner and gaining huge yardage, Crappafoni Pictures presents to you, the avid NFL fan, this week's version of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Surf and Turf style. Enjoy!
THE GOOD
Dallas Cowboys: they went into Lambeau Field and totally throttled a very good Packers team for the nation to see. The Cowboys may have found a #2 receiver in Miles Austin. And their X-Factor so far? Felix Jones. All this guy does is make big plays. For all the talk of the Cowboys' offense, their defense is big, strong, fast, and PHYSICAL. They beat up the Packers into submission.
Miami Dolphins: for a team that was 1-15 last season, they have already matched their win total from last season. RB/QB Ronnie Brown threw as many TD passes than Matt Cassel. Not to mention gashing the Patriots' defense for FOUR rushing TDs. Ricky Williams got into the act, rushing for close to 100 yards (98, to be exact).
Jacksonville Jaguars: to go into Indianapolis and beat the Colts is DEFINITELY good. This was a must win game for the Jags.
Philadelphia Eagles: they pounded a very good Steelers team into submission. Jim Johnson threw everything at the Steelers, including the kitchen sink. I think the sink got a sack in that game. The Eagles recorded nine sacks and a safety. Totally dominating. Not to be overlooked was the punting of Sav Rocca, who kept the Steelers pinned deep in their own territory, allowing the Eagles to keep the pressure on Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
New York Giants: they survived a close, hard-fought game with the Cincinnati Bengals at home, doing what they needed to prevail. They showed the heart of a champion in defeating the Bengals and keeping their undefeated record intact.
Cincinnati Bengals: I'm going to break with tradition and put them in the Good category, despite losing. They went toe to toe with the defending Super Bowl champs and went to overtime before losing. Could they take this game and use it as motivation to turn around their season? Only time will tell.
San Diego Chargers: they won a wild shootout against the New York Jets, bringing back memories of Air Coryell. The Chargers punted only once in the game, meaning Mike Scifres had time to check out the hot babes in the stands. Good win by the Bolts.
Honorable Mention: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos.
THE BAD
Kansas City Chiefs: these guys are threatening to make this category their permanent home. Granted, they lost to a good Atlanta Falcons team, but they weren't competitive. This team is God-awful BAD.
Detroit Lions: bad, bad team. They were outmatched and outclassed by an up and coming 49ers team.
St. Louis Rams: nothing like some Lamb Chops for the Seattle Seahawks to fatten up on. The Hawks are still licking their chops after that sumptuous meal.
New England Patriots: this team is in SERIOUS trouble. Their defense is old, slow, and a shell of what they were five years ago. Miami just pushed them around the field and b-slapped them all day long.
Cleveland Browns: losing to a rookie QB is bad enough. But they were not competitive. There should have been a DefCon 5 alert for the citizens of Baltimore due to Derek Anderson stinking up the joint so badly. He was BRUTAL.
THE UGLY
Carolina Panthers: Jake Delhomme lost TWO fumbles, one that directly led to a TD. The defense turned journeyman Gus Frerotte into Joe FREAKING Montana. Was that Gus Frerotte or Joe Montana back there? The coaching staff abandoned the run early in the game when it was working. The Panthers also shot themselves in the feet too many times by committing numerous penalties. In short, the Panthers sleepwalked through the entire game. They weren't ready to play. My question is: did someone spike the Panthers' water with Lunesta?
Houston Texans: Matt Schaub threw three picks, including a Pick Six Special to Cortland Finnegan with 1:17 remaining in the game. Finnegan returned the gift a franchise record 99 yards to put the game away. Schaub was BRUTAL, going 17 for 37 for 188 yards.
Those are my Week 3 nominees. Feel free to come in with yours!
It's that time of week again, sports fans. Is there a sports entity that has you in such an uproar that you want to SCREAM? Do you want to call them out for it? Here is your chance to do so! The young lady will take your requests and the offending party will be thrown under that Bus behind her. I have a few requests.
NFL
Carolina Panthers: WHAT THE HELL KIND OF EFFORT WAS THAT? You have a battering ram in Jonathan Stewart that SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE BALL 25-30 times today! His total: seven carries for 15 yards! SEVEN FREAKING CARRIES!! Jake Delhomme doesn't escape blame for this, either. He was sacked about 100,000 times, or so it seemed (he was actually sacked five times), and fumbled THREE TIMES, losing ALL of them. Stewart getting the ball a MINIMUM of 20 times would have slowed down the Vikings' defense. Look at what the Dolphins did against New England--they gave the rock to THEIR battering ram Ronnie Brown, and he gashed the Patriots for FOUR TDs and passing for another TD. Dolphins WHIPPED the Patriots at Foxborough. YOU CAN LEARN FROM THAT!
Now let's get to the defense. Aside from Julius Peppers, everyone SUCKED. YOU TURNED A JOURNEYMAN QB INTO FREAKING JOE FREAKING MONTANA! Why didn't you blitz more? Frerotte had ALL FREAKING DAY to pick apart the suspect Panthers' secondary. The coaching staff doesn't escape my wrath, either. FREAKING LIFELESS AND NO IMAGINATION! What did you think, that just by walking out there, you would win? How did you win your first two games? BY PLAYING WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY AND FLYING TO THE BALL. There was none of that today. With a 10-0 lead, you should have been able to choke out the Vikings. You would have if you had fed Jonathan Stewart the rock 20-25 times. SEVEN TIMES IS INEXCUSABLE!! NO WONDER YOU GET THROWN UNDER THE BUS!!
Detroit Lions: this is the saddest sack team in the NFL. But the way Carolina played, the Lions would win their matchup. They were thoroughly dominated by the 49ers. Then to make matters worse, Jon Kitna got injured late in the game. I'll just throw them to the side of the bus.
This blogger: I'm throwing myself under the Bus this week for saying that Carolina would beat Minnesota.
MLB
Colorado Rockies: I'm throwing them Under The Bus for rolling over and laying down to die against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and at home, no less. Arizona came into the series at Colorado having lost 11 road games in a row. Then they go in and sweep the Rockies, two of the games being routs and the middle game being tied going into the ninth, when the Snakes scored two runs. All that good will you earned last year for that amazing run is gone. #### YOU ROCKIES!!
Los Angeles Dodgers: this is for losing half your lead to the D-backs by losing 2 of 3 to the lowly Giants. You turned the Giants' pitching staff into the 1971 Baltimore Orioles' staff. Now it appears you're going to have to win IN San Francisco, NEVER an easy thing to do. For nearly giving back the NL West lead, you get thrown under the Bus.
NASCAR
Robby Gordon: he was racing Jamie McMurray while a lap down. Foolish. Give McMurray the position, and you don't take out a car that could have won the race. McMurray is racing for his future, and finishes like today make it easier for Jack Roush to decide. You get thrown under the Bus twice: for foolishly racing McMurray and for being an ####.
Those are my nominees. Feel free to come in with yours!
New England Patriots: this team will have a stranglehold on this division for the foreseeable future. As long as Tom Brady is under center, the Patriots will be a Super Bowl contender. While I don't think they'll put up epic numbers like they did last year, they'll still put up huge numbers. There are questions on defense, particularly in the secondary. They did sign Deltha O'Neal, and he gives them a veteran presence in the secondary. I think they'll fall off slightly, but they'll still treat this division as their own fiefdom. Predicted record: 13-3, division champions (#2 seed).
New York Jets: Brett Favre has brought an excitement to this franchise that has not been seen in a long time. He has a solid RB behind him in Thomas Jones, above-average WRs in Jerricho Cotchery and Lavernaues Coles. The O-line is improved. The defense has the proper pieces in place. Kris Jenkins should be more than adequate as NT. OLB Calvin Pace should flourish in the 3-4. They could contend for a wild card spot. Not only could they contend, they will get a wild card spot. Predicted record: 10-6 (wild card #6 seed).
Buffalo Bills: Jason Peters' holdout is turning VERY ugly VERY fast. His replacement, Langston Walker, went down with an arm injury, giving Peters leverage in his holdout. Don't be surprised if he sits out the season. The Bills have picked up where they left off: getting injured. If not for this giant distraction (no pun intended), I would consider the Bills as a playoff contender. Peters' holdout will hurt the Bills both now and in the long run. This came at the worst time, when this young team was starting to gell. No playoffs, at least not this year. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
Miami Dolphins: the acquisition of Chad Pennington and the reemergence of the Ricky Williams of 2002 has Phin phans optimistic. Certainly they will be a lot better than last year. Pennington will be a good mentor to Chad Henne. Jake Long will be a franchise LT for the next decade or so. The defense is a good mixture of youngsters and veterans. While a break-even record is asking a bit much, they won't be too far behind that. Predicted record: 6-10 (no playoffs).
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts: I've gotta go with them until Jacksonville (or another division team) beats them out. We know about Peyton Manning. We know about that defense. We know about Adam Vinatieri. Manning won't let them lose the division. Predicted record: 12-4 (division champion, #3 seed).
Jacksonville Jaguars: too bad they weren't in the NFC South; they'd be the #1 or #2 seed. But alas, they have to contend with Indy. David Garrard is a winner, pure and simple. He's won in the postseason. Can the Jags take the next step? It wouldn't surprise me. The defense is stout as usual. Pencil them in for the playoffs. Predicted record: 11-5 (wild card, #5 seed).
Houston Texans: this is the year they climb out of the division cellar. Matt Schaub is healthy, and he's got something to prove. Ahman Green is an old warhorse, but when healthy, is still very productive. Steve Slaton brings an added dimension to the running game. Defensively, they need to develop a better pass rush. That is the one area of the defense that will keep them from making the playoffs. However, they will break even. Predicted record: 8-8 (no playoffs).
Tennessee Titans: this team is an enigma. One moment Vince Young is poised to join the elite, next moment he plays like a raw rookie. I'm not sold on them. While their defense is still solid, questions about on offense. They take a step back this season. Predicted record: 7-9 (no playoffs).
The 2008 NFL Draft is finally over. Let the analyzing begin. What began yesterday with the official selection of Jake Long by the Miami Dolphins ended a few minutes ago with the selection of Mr. Irrelevant, #252 overall to the St. Louis Rams. The Rams selected David Vobora, LB, Idaho.
Now you may ask, who the hell is David Vobora? Simply put, this guy can play football. He was a first-team all-WAC LB. While he may be a bit undersized, he has a relentless motor that pro teams look for. He gives the Rams depth at LB. He can play special teams in the pros. The Rams didn't hurt themselves by drafting this guy.
I look for Vodora to not only make the Rams, but to be a key contributor on defense and special teams.
Sports fans, it's that time again to call out those idiots, miscreants, and all around dumbasses that so #### you off. I KNOW you have several that you want to throw under the Bus! Call them out for their idiocy. This is your forum to throw these idiots under the Bus. Remember, you can call out a player, coach, team, owner, a team's fans, or any sports personality and throw them under the Bus. I know I have my share!
NFL
Brett Favre: ENOUGH about coming back already! You made your decision to retire, stick with it!! Brett, I loved watching you play, you were one of my all-time favorite players, but when you made the decision to retire, it was time to move on. Aaron Rodgers is ready to helm the Packers' ship. Just by HINTING at a comeback, you threw Rodgers under the bus. Now it's Rodgers' turn to throw YOU under the Bus.
Reagan Mauia: this will most likely be the only time in the history of the world that Mauia and Favre will show up on the same blog. For those who don't know who Mauia is, he is the Miami Dolphins' starting FB. This bozo punched a man in the face without provocation and fled the scene. A witness took a picture of Mauia's license plate with his phone. Mauia was tracked down and arrested. I don't have to wait for more information to throw Mauia under the Bus.
NBA
Detroit Pistons: losing to the New York Knicks is bad enough, but at HOME? You lost to the Knicks when you ABSOLUTELY had to WIN in order to stay alive for home court advantage? AND on a night where the all-time greats of the Pistons franchise was honored? For all that, you get thrown under the Bus not once, not twice, not three times, but FOUR times! Hopefully we won't hear the worst chant in the history of the world, "Detroit Basketball!" in the Finals when the Celtics work you.
New York Knicks: they have begun the annual Save Isiah campaign. Donations are accepted. They are playing their BEST basketball of the season in order to Save Isiah. I imagine there are buildings all over New York that say, "Save Isiah." (Much like in the movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, there were signs painted all over Chicago that said, "Save Ferris.") The Knicks get thrown under the Bus.
Miami Heat: just quit already. D-Wade has. Oh wait, he's out for the year with injuries. Pat Riley has. He spent the NCAA Tournament scouting Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. He hearts D-Rose. He hearts him MUCH more than coaching the band of misfits known as the Heat. Mercifully, the season will end this week for the Heat. Until then, the Heat get thrown under the Bus yet again.
MLB
Tampa Bay Rays: for all the hype that went into the Rays this year, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The Rays are looking up at the FREAKING Orioles this year. For that matter, they're looking up at everyone else in the division. This was supposed to be their breakout year. It also doesn't help when a veteran pitcher like Al Reyes gets into a fight in a bar. On his birthday, no less. Some veteran leadership there, Al. He not only got into a fight, he got his #### kicked. Then he got Tasered TWICE. Reyes gets his #### kicked, gets Tasered, AND gets thrown Under The Bus all in the same week. The Rays get thrown under for letting us down.
Fox Sports: for treating the NASCAR fans of this nation to a slap in the face. Yes, it wasn't your fault that the Yankees-Red Sox was delayed by rain. But you could have switched the game to FX and kept the NASCAR fans and the baseball fans somewhat happy. But NOOOOOOOOO, you had to milk the Yankees-Red Sox for every moment AND you had the game SIMULCAST on FX!! AND you pre-empted the NASCAR pre-race show! Because it was Yankees-Red Sox, you cut into the ACTUAL RACE. Ryan Newman was going into Turn 3 of the first lap of the race when Fox switched from the game to the race. For poor planning and for pissing a LOT of race fans off, Fox Sports goes under the Bus.
Yankees-Red Sox rivalry: yes, I get that it's a historically bitter rivalry. Yes I get that both teams are good. But they're not the only two teams in baseball!! It's an endless and breathless hype machine! For my money, the NL West rivalry is just as good, if not better, than Yankees-Red Sox. Yankees-Sox rivalry goes under the Bus.
NCAA
#### Vitale haters: been drinking the anti-Dickie V grape-flavored Haterade again? There was one guy (Fox Sports' own Mark Kriegel) that got drunk on it. Love or hate #### Vitale, his contributions to college basketball as a commentator and ambassador to the game cannot be denied. I admire Vitale's enthusiasm and passion for the game of college basketball (even though he's too much of a Duke homer). All the Dickie V haters (Kriegel included) are to be thrown under the Bus of Dickie V's choice.
Jeff Ehrhardt, QB, Murray State: this genius was charged with second-degree robbery for "a prank gone bad." So now that's what we call pushing and assaulting a campus police officer and taking his book away, a "prank gone bad"? If it were up to me, dude would be in the clink for a MINIMUM of five years. He won a $20 bet for the "prank gone bad". Sure hope that $20 was worth it, E. My bet is that he skates like Dorothy Hamill. He'll probably be suspended for the first play of the season. For such a #### prank, Ehrhardt gets thrown under the Bus.
Around the world of the NFL faster than Andre Davis taking not one, but TWO kickoff returns to The House, Crappafoni Pictures presents, spaghetti western style, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Week 17.
THE GOOD
New England Patriots: what more can be said? Perfection. 16-0. And the way they beat the Giants is the stuff legends are made of. Tom Brady got sharper as the game went on. But the playoffs are a totally different animal. The Pats better be prepared to win when they score in the teens.
Carolina Panthers: as has been a recent tradition under John Fox, the Cats went out and won their last game of the season on the road. Matt Moore was efficient, throwing for 174 yards and 2 TDs. DeAngelo Williams rushed for 121 yards and a TD. Granted, Tampa Bay was resting its starters after the first half of the game, but a win is a win, and the Cats will take it.
Washington Redskins: was that a DOMINATING defensive performance, or WHAT? The Skins defense held the Cowboys to one yard rushing. FOR THE GAME. Watching the game, I could sense the late Sean Taylor encouraging his mates; they played very inspired ball, particularly on defense. I saw the Redskins' D-line pushing the Cowboys' O-line around all game long. Now they're on to Seattle, and I think it's a very winnable game for the Redskins.
Green Bay Packers: they put an ####-kicking on the Detroit LLLLLLLLLLLLLions, plain and simple. They seemed to shake the hangover of the loss to the Bears from their systems.
Tennessee Titans: they got it done, on the road, in a hostile environment, minus Vince Young for the last third of the game. Granted, it was against the Colts' second and third string, but a win is a win in the NFL. Kerry Collins was sharp, keeping the chains moving, and extending drives. Now they're on to San Diego next weekend.
Atlanta Falcons: one of the rare times this season I've put them in the Good category. They did beat a playoff team, and scoreboard is everything in the NFL.
Houston Texans: or more specifically, Andre Davis. He returned two kickoffs to The House in a 42-28 win over Jacksonville. The Texans finished 8-8 for the first time in franchise history. The AFC South is the only division to have all four of its teams finish .500 or better.
THE BAD
Dallas Cowboys: one of the REALLY rare times (maybe the ONLY time this season) I've put them in the Bad category. They proceeded to set a franchise low for yards rushing in a game: ONE yard. Thirty-six inches. Three feet. That broke the previous low of seven yards set in 1998 against New Orleans. Tony Romo was not sharp. The Redskins' defense had a lot to do with that. The Cowboys' O-line was pushed around by the stout Redskins' D-line all game long.
St. Louis Rams: I know you wanted the season to end, but I didn't realize how desperate you were to finish it. They threw in the towel and were ready for their tee times. Now you're picking second overall.
Miami Dolphins: you were watching the back of Chad Johnson all game long as he was blowing by you. Ocho Cinco took a short pass and took it to The House from 70 yards away. You couldn't WAIT for the season to end; it couldn't end soon enough. Now comes the inevitable purging by The Big Tuna, Bill Parcells.
Detroit LLLLLLLLLLLLions: you, too, couldn't wait for the season to end. Ford Field will be a ghost town come tomorrow as the players can't leave fast enough. Many of them will be attending their alma maters' bowl games. Others will be taking a much-needed vacation. Still several others have played their last game in a LLLLLLLLLions' uniform, as they will either be released or leave via free agency.
THE UGLY
Kansas City at N.Y. Jets: this epic battle of bad teams was compounded by this game going into overtime. What, did neither team WANT to win?
Buffalo at Philadelphia: a 17-9 yawnfest played in rainy, chilly weather. It would be one thing if both teams were in the playoffs. But neither team is in the playoffs.
NOTE: this blog will expand into other sports starting this week. You can still include your NFL nominees to throw Under The Bus, but I will open it up to the other sports as well. So if you have a team, player, coach, manager, team executive (including owner), that you want to vent about and throw Under The Bus, here is your forum to do so!
NFL
The 1972 Dolphins: how does it taste now, now that your record is ripped by the 2007 New England Patriots? No champagne popping this year! The Patriots just ripped your raison d'etre from you, so the next step is throwing your #### under the damn Bus!!
The 2007 Dolphins: if you guys hadn't stumbled and actually WON, we'd be talking about you going 0-16 and running the table in reverse. Today would have been a good day to make a statement and win two of your last three games. But you guys, in typical Dolphins fashion, went out and sucked. So under the Bus you go with the 1972 Dolphins.
Seattle Seahawks: you went 1-3 against a weakened NFC South this year? Ironically, your lone win against the division came against the eventual division champion (Tampa Bay) in Week ONE of the season. Meanwhile, Carolina went 4-0 against the NFC West. Yes, you're in the playoffs, but the NFC Worst is that, the worst division in football. And you LOST to the woeful Atlanta Falcons today? Your practice squad players should have beaten the Falcons! So Under The Bus you go!
New Orleans Saints: or more specifically, their special teams. WHY on God's Green Earth do you (or anyone else for that matter) PUNT to Devin Hester? So he can Hesterize you to the tune of TWO punt returns for TDs? I think Sean Payton threw P Steve Weatherford once under the Bus, so I'll pile on and throw Weatherford under the Bus again.
Detroit LLLLLLLLLLions: weak effort against the Pack. Enough said about this sorry team.
Those are my nominations for this week. Come in with your nominations. Thank you for reading and responding.
In an interview with 60 Minutes that aired last night, New England QB Tom Brady told Steve Kroft that there is something greater than winning three Super Bowl rings. Yes there is. How about winning three or four more rings? How about being the QB that has won the most Super Bowls in history and perhaps DOUBLING the number of rings that Joe Montana won. Brady is barely 30, and he hasn't even reached his peak as a QB yet. He already has three rings, with a fourth one likely this year.
The NFL, more than any other sport, is driven by titles. For all of his individual accolades and records he set while playing, Dan Marino only played in one Super Bowl, with the Miami Dolphins losing 38-16 to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XIX. Yet you have QBs like Trent Dilfer, Doug Williams, et.al. that have rings. When a player, particularly a QB, enters the Hall of Fame, the discussion invariably comes around to how many rings they have won. When Brady does get elected into the Hall of Fame (he could retire after this year and five years later, be elected to Canton), he could well be the QB with the most titles/rings.
In conclusion, there is still a lot left for Tom Brady to conquer in the NFL. There are more rings to be won. He is a winner, and a winner is never satisfied until he has conquered the summit. Once he has conquered one summit, it's on to the next summit. Brady's summits are measured in Super Bowl rings. A fourth ring is very likely this season, with possibly two or three more to follow.
I must come correct about the Miami Dolphins. In my preseason preview of the Dolphins, I picked them to go 5-11. I thought they had some talent, but clearly not enough to compete in the AFC East. Even though they beat the Ravens yesterday, ultimately they will be judged to be one of the worst teams in NFL history.
Yesterday's game against Baltimore appeared to be no different than the previous 13 games. They fell behind and appeared to be on their way to their 14th loss in a row.
Can't face it An unidentified Miami Dolphin fan, wearing a bag over his head, hopes the winless Dolphins will beat the Ravens. (J. Pat Carter/Associated Press)
However, something was VERY different than the previous 13 games. The Dolphins showed grit and determination.
Out of reach Dolphins cornerback Will Allen is unable to come up with the ball after knocking away a pass intended for the the Ravens' Derrick Mason. The Dolphins won their first game of the season in overtime. (J. Pat Carter/Associated Press)
Slowly but surely, the Dolphins gained momentum. They carried a 16-13 lead late into the game. Troy Smith, filling in for an injured Kyle Boller, drove the Ravens down the field and it appeared the Ravens would pull this one out, after all. But the Fins held and Matt Stover kicked the game-tying FG with mere seconds left in regulation.
You got it A Miami fan shows her support as the Ravens take on the Dolphins, who won their first game of the season in overtime. (Doug Benc/Getty Images)
The young girl in the photo captured the hopes of the Dolphins fans in Dolphins Stadium and across the country as the Fins and the Ravens entered overtime. The Ravens won the toss and received. Smith drove the Ravens down the field and were in position to win, but Stover missed a 44-yard FG in OT for the first time in his career. As I was following the game on GameTrax, I shuddered involuntarily. I KNEW that the door was opened for the Dolphins to win. On third down, Cleo Lemon fired a laser beam to Greg Camarillo, who caught it in stride and ran to the Fins' first win of the season.
We did it! Running back Lorenzo Booker (20) and wide receiver Greg Camarillo of the Dolphins celebrate after a big catch by Camarillo. The Dolphins defeated the Ravens 22-16 for their first victory of the year. (Doug Benc/Getty Images)
The Dolphins' victory was just as much execution by the Fins as mistakes by the Ravens. Going into this game, I actually thought this was a game the Dolphins COULD win. They had to play error-free football and force the Ravens into turnovers and mistakes. In all fairness to the Fins, they have been decimated by injuries. Trent Green, Ronnie Brown, and several others are out for the season with various injuries. Zach Thomas has been ####ed up all season. While I thought they would be at or near the bottom of the AFC East, even 0-13 surprised me. I figured they would have at least won one game by the halfway point of the season. I'm not a Dolphins' fan but have to give props where props are due, and the Dolphins earned that first win of the season.
Around the world of the NFL faster than the San Diego Chargers’ scoring rampage, Crappafoni Pictures brings you, the fan, the NFL’s version of the spaghetti western, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
THE GOOD
San Francisco 49ers: they played their best game of the season in yesterday’s win over Cincinnati. Shaun Hill, in his first NFL start, was superb. Frank Gore rushed for a season-best 138 yards. While it’s too early to tell, the 49ers definitely played better than they have all season.
Carolina Panthers: the defense brought back memories of the 2003 season, when the team made its only Super Bowl appearance. They swarmed all over the Seahawks’ potent offense, limiting the Hawks‘ ground game to 44 yards for the game. Richard Marshall made a key fumble recovery late in the game to set up the Panthers’ only TD. Matt Moore was efficient in his first NFL start. He became the fourth Panthers’ QB to win a game this season.
Miami Dolphins: you earned this win. Cleo Lemon was stellar, passing for over 300 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. And he didn’t throw an interception. Lemon gets my nomination for AFC Player of The Week.
Philadelphia Eagles: the defense showed up to play BIG-TIME. They harassed a normally stellar Tony Romo into three interceptions. And they sacked him four times and forced two fumbles. Brian Westbrook made a heads-up play just before the end of the game. Rather than scoring, he fell down at the Cowboys’ one yard line, denying the Cowboys a shot at coming back.
San Diego Chargers: was it a football game or a track meet? It’s kind of the football equivalent of teammates getting into a fight at the bat rack because they want to be the first to take their hacks at a struggling pitcher. It seemed like the Chargers couldn’t wait to get on offense to batter the LLLLLLLLLLLions’ defense. The Chargers’ defense also battered the LLLLLLLLLLLions’ offense, too. If it were a heavyweight fight, it would have been stopped in the first round.
Jacksonville Jaguars: great win by the Jags. To go into a hostile environment and beat the Steelers in their house speaks volumes about this team. They pounded the Steelers’ defense to the tune of over 200 yards rushing on a snow-covered field. Be very wary of this team in the postseason. They CAN move the ball on the ground. David Garrard is vastly underrated, but he gets the job done. He takes care of the ball and is very efficient.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: yes, they beat a demoralized Atlanta Falcons team; they were supposed to. But what stands out is the first kickoff return for a TD in FRANCHISE HISTORY. Since the Bucs came into the league in 1976, OVER 300 times a kickoff has been returned for a TD. And until today, not one by the Bucs. Michael Spurlock did the trick, returning a first quarter kickoff 90 yards for a TD. He will forever be etched into Buccaneers’ lore, something he can tell his children and grandchildren.
Cleveland Browns: or more specifically, Jamal Lewis. In a blizzard, Lewis rushed for 163 yards. Lewis also broke the 1,000 yard barrier for the season. Lewis was a battering ram and battered the Bills’ defense into submission.
THE BAD
Baltimore Ravens: pathetic. That’s all I’ll say. Your play spoke VOLUMES about how bad you really are.
Cincinnati Bengals: they have given up on this season. Remember, there is no “D” in Cincinnati. Time to blow this team up and start over. Start at the head coach. While I think Marvin Lewis is a good man, he has lost this team. Time for him to go. They had their opportunity and it’s slammed shut with the window boarded up.
Detroit LLLLLLLLLLions: you had golfing at Torrey Pines on the brain. Might as well make reservations for tee times at Torrey Pines, the TPC at Summerlin, Pebble Beach, etc. You’re not making the playoffs. So much for Jon Kitna’s guarantee of double-digit wins.
Atlanta Falcons: while I feel for the fans who felt betrayed by their franchise QB and a coach with no loyalty, the bottom line is that the players are professionals and owe it to the fans to give an honest effort. No wonder it’s ugly in the ATL.
THE UGLY
Buffalo at Cleveland: this game was better suited for the Iditarod dog sled race. The snow was coming in sheets and blowing sideways. Cleveland won 8-0; it was the first 8-0 game since 1929. Snow was THREE inches deep in some spots on the field. On the other hand, it was good old-fashioned smash mouth football.
Atlanta Falcons: UGH. They’re players in the Darren McFadden Sweepstakes.
Around the world of the NFL faster than a Richard MarshallPick Six Special, Crappafoni Pictures brings you the fan, in living color, the NFL's version of the spaghetti western, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. And away we go!!
THE GOOD
Carolina Panthers: it's been a LONG time since I've been able to put the Cats in the Good category. For the first time all season, the defense showed up and BALLED. Coming into the game, the Panthers forced only 10 turnovers. Today, they forced SIX turnovers, including the Pick Six Special that turned the game around. The defense harassed Trent Dilfer and the 49ers all game long, causing four picks and recovering two fumbles. Throw in six sacks, and you have a complete game by the Panthers' defense.
Oakland Raiders: for beating their archnemesis, the Denver Broncos. Justin Fargas was once again the star, rushing for 146 yards on 33 carries. The Raiders as a team rushed for 175 yards. This game also marked the NFL debut of the first pick in the draft, JaMarcus Russell. He was 4 of 7 for 56 yards. Simply put, they put a good old-fashioned beatdown on the Broncos.
Dallas Cowboys: even though this game was played last Thursday, they are in this category because they are the best team in the NFC. Tony Romo was stellar again, throwing 4 TD passes. Terrell Owens was superb, grabbing 7 of Romo's passes for 156 yards and a TD. They did what they had to do to win. Now they have the inside track for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. At 11-1, the Cowboys are off to the best start in the franchise's storied history.
Minnesota Vikings: don't look now, but they are one of the hottest teams in the NFC right now. The two-headed beast of Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson is clicking on all cylinders. The Vikings have the inside track to the playoffs right now. They would be a #6 seed if the season ended today. Another bright spot was rookie Aundray Allison. Allison, filling in for an injured Troy Williamson, set a Vikings' franchise record with a 103-yard kickoff return for a TD.
Seattle Seahawks: this was a HUGE win for the Hawks. Any time you can beat the Eagles IN Philly, you'll be put into the Good category. The Hawks' defense rose to the occasion, picking off A.J. Feeley four times, three by Lofa Tatupu. Tatupu was all over the field, amassing 11 tackles in addition to the three picks. Good win by the Hawks. This puts them in the driver's seat in the NFC West.
THE BAD
San Francisco 49ers: simply put, they played WORSE than the Dolphins, and that's saying something. Dilfer had the game from hell, Frank Gore was MIA, and the Niners' "skill" players had a severe case of the dropsies. Patriots Nation was rooting HARD for the Panthers. (The Patriots have the Niners' first round draft pick in next year's draft, and they'll probably draft Darren McFadden, rendering them unbeatable for the next decade. Imagine McFadden behind the Pats' O-line--I can see him becoming the NFL's first 300-yard rusher in a single game)
Miami Dolphins: the streak is alive! Zero and 12 and counting! They could well become the first team in history to lose 16 straight games in the regular season. At least you'll have Glenn Dorsey next year.
Detroit Lions: what kind of effort was that? Kiss your playoff aspirations bye-bye. I'm convinced that unless the Ford family sells the team, the Lions will continue to foster the culture of losing.
Atlanta Falcons: or more specifically, Joey Harrington. Harrington was pulled for Chris *(*#@&*(*^@ Redman. Being pulled for Redman will get you in the Bad category every single time. Joey, take comfort in the fact that you weren't pulled for a QB with NO experience, like last week, when David Carr was pulled for Matt Moore.
THE UGLY
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: this game is the only reason San Francisco at Carolina wasn't included in the Ugly category. As one who lives on the West Coast, I'm glad I wasn't subject to this game. The Jets got their third win of the season at the expense of the hapless Dolphins.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers: it was a sloppy game, the weather and the turf being great equalizers. At the same time, it was old-school football, lining 'em up and smashing them in the mouth.
Those are my nominations! Your nominations are more than welcome.
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.
I've been sitting here, thinking, what should I write about tonight? I feel the inspiration to write, but am not sure what to write about. Well, I found something to write about. I'm ruminating about what is happening in the sports world, and I have some random musings.
The NFL Network ended up striking gold TWICE this season: New England vs. Pittsburgh and Dallas vs. Green Bay. Of course, they also struck fool's gold with San Francisco vs. Cincinnati.
In order to ensure Adrian Peterson's long-term NFL survival, it's imperative the Vikings shut him down for the season. His knee injury will set him back at least six weeks. The Vikings will be playing for position in the NFL Draft, so to shut him down could ensure them playing for a stud O-lineman or QB.
Don't look now, but the Falcons are playing like the second-best team in the NFC South. In what was essentially a throw-away season due to the Michael V**k fiasco, the Falcons have won two in a row. Of course, the NFC South is garbage this year.
Stephon Marbury has QUIT on the Knicks. He is NOT a leader. If I'm Isiah, I put him on the inactive list for the season. I don't trade him, I don't release him, I just inactivate him without pay until further notice. I don't buy him out, either. He can #### and moan all he wants, but you, Isiah, have to get tough on him.
Suddenly the Boston Celtics are relevant. Too bad the Los Angeles Lakers are irrelevant. The NBA needs BOTH the Lakers AND the Celtics to be elite teams.
Is Adam Jones' new attorney the new Johnnie Cochran? Jones' attorney cut a deal with the Clark County D.A. and all Jones has to do is community service. If you're a gang-####ing thug, or a wannabe gang####er, you want that attorney's name and phone number on speed dial. He'll get YOU community service and keep you out of the hole.
.JPG)
