Week 3: September 16, 2007
San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers
The offensive line stepped up this week and provided great protection for QB-Brett Favre. Because he had plenty of time to look at the field and let receivers get open, he had a big day passing.
The Packers ended their first possession on the Chargers 39 yard line after failing to convert on a fourth and two.
A pass interference call on CB-Charles Woodson put the Chargers on the Packers 25 yard line. QB-Phillip Rivers threw deep to WR-Vincent Jackson for a 27-yard touchdown.
Chargers were called for a personal foul--leading with the helmet--putting the Packers on the Chargers 35. Driving downfield, Favre scrambles, reaches line of scrimmage, fires and is almost intercepted in the end zone. K-Mason Crosby's 28-yard field goal is good.
* First Quarter: 3-7 ~ Chargers *
During an exciting second quarter, the Chargers reverse to RB-LaDanlian Tomlinson for a loss of five. Next play, DE-Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila sacks Rivers and the Chargers punt.
On a Packers third and 10, Favre passes to WR-Donald Driver for 46 yards. A pass to WR-Greg Jennings, back in his first game of the season, goes nine yards. First and inches, Chargers recover a Favre fumble. Packers challenge the call, it’s ruled as an incomplete pass: Packers ball. Second and goal on the five, Favre pump fakes then passes to TE-Bubba Franks for the touchdown.
Chargers drive down field. Rivers passes to Jackson for 12 yards, good for a first down. Rivers passes to Davis for 12 yards--first down. Rivers passes to TE-Antonio Gates twice for a combined 12 yards and a first down. DE-Cullen Jenkins pressures Rivers, incomplete. Rivers to WR-Craig Davis for the touchdown.
* Second Quarter: 17-14 ~ Packers *
Tomlinson scores a 21-yard touchdown on a reverse.
* Third Quarter: 17-21 ~ Chargers *
Packers give the Chargers the ball back on another turnover on downs in the redzone. But Chargers punt after a drive of 27 yards.
In the pass seen around the league, Favre hits Jennings, 57-yards for Favre's 420 touchdown, tying Dan Marino.
LB-Nick Barnett intercepts Rivers and returns the ball to the two. RB-Brandon Jackson takes it in the end zone for the score. Packers put two touchdowns on the board in 64 seconds.
Trying to come from behind, Chargers kick an onside kick after they score a 43-yard field goal. Driver recovers the kick, sealing the Packers 3-0 start to the 2007 season.
The Packers defense makes a stand, allowing 73 yards rushing, 306 passing and 2 sacks.
* Fourth Quarter: 31-24 ~ Packers *
Packer News
Coach Mike McCarthy was Week 2's Coach of the Week. Favre was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. RB-Verdand Morency still hasn't played a game.
Driver propels himself to the Packers record book with the most catches: 214 receptions.
NFL News
Miami Dolphin's Zack Thomas is out with a concussion.
New York Jets QB-Chad Pennington plays again after being booed off the field last week.
Buffalo Bills TE-Kevin Everett, who suffered a life threatening injury in the first week is transported to Houston for further recovery and rehabilitation. Doctors report he’ll be walking within a couple of months.
Bills QB-JP Lossman is injured and won’t play in week 3-5 at least.
Oakland Raiders QB-Josh McCown is out, Daunte Culpepper will start.
Four teams returned kicks for touchdowns: Texans—84-yards, Jets—98-yards, Ravens—75-yards and Steelers—98-yards.
Commentary
I wish I could go back in time to truly see how many people thought the Packers might win this games—and not just the optimistic cheeseheads. Because I certainly didn't think they had it in them. This was one of the four losses I thought they'd have.
I don’t like the new nfl.com. It takes too long to load. And I have to get used to the new arrangement.
I remember why I don’t watch FOX Sports pre game/post game shows anymore. It’s because they’re stupid. I enjoy Jimmie Johnson, and at times, Howie Long. But put the three (add Terry Bradshaw) together, remove James Brown and throw in random people that have nothing to do with sports and you just completed the recipe for crap. CBS has a much more intelligent crew that discusses the actual games, players and various implications they could have in the NFL.
They have also found the balance between male banter and testosterone. Banter is witty and fun, testosterone belongs in bars.
I came to these realizations after watching FOX’s OT. CBS didn’t have a late game, so I was relying on FOX to give the late scores. They covered the early scores (that they had covered during half time) scrolled through the early games’ stats and then went on to cover next week! I got so fed up after 10 minutes that I flipped the channel. Thankfully NBC had started their coverage of Sunday Night Football, and I was able to obtain my information.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Who would have thought? It figures.
The Simpsons should not come on at 7 p.m. What the hell is FOX thinking? The season premiere started at about 7:15 because the Giants-Redskins game and the following FOX post game coverage didn't end in time.
I didn't see the opening sequence, but didn't think anything of it because I was flipping the channels. A laugh here, a chuckle there and then the closing screen pops up. What?! That was it? How unsatisfying. I didn't realize I didn't see a full episode until I glanced at the clock: 7:30. Oh look: King of the Hill.
Click. (that was the sound of my remove flipping the channel to NBC)
On the other side of premiere Sunday and not a disappointment: Family Guy: The Star Wars Episode.
I was nervous about what it might be like, but it was freakin' sweet. I can't believe Lucas Films let them make half of the jokes--especially "the force" references and everything involving Obi Wan Kanobi/Herbert.
The whole thing made me want to watch Star Wars. And I couldn't help but marvel at the artful animation.
Yes, Seth MacFarlane continues to be my hero. Brilliant, genius, witty. (Seth's first downfall is that he doesn't like Rent)
My second hero is Shonda Rimes, creator and resident writer of Grey's Anatomy. Last season she dismantled our beloved Seattle Grace hospital staff--even those we love to hate. So flash back to the hospital--17 days later. It truly feels like we're back from summer vacation. The first episode was full of twists and turns--everything we've come to expect. We still want to keep Der-Mer together, knowing there will be those ups and downs. Curious at the prospect of Izzy and George. And if Karev can soften there's hope for all of us. Finally when everything gets just a little too heavy we always have McSteamy to cheer us up (even if it's just the memory of him stepping out of that shower).
But enough of my Grey's gushing.
CSI. I'm never watching it again. Mark my words. They teased me over the summer with the hope of Sara's demise. I flipped back and forth Thursday, just waiting to watch her die. But of course that never happened. No long, slow, painful death. While the impact of my loss of viewership may not break their hearts--they lost my loyalty nevertheless.
I stopped watching when they revealed Sara and Grissom were involved. And one season later, I haven't missed them in the slightest. I am never watching CSI again.
I didn't see the opening sequence, but didn't think anything of it because I was flipping the channels. A laugh here, a chuckle there and then the closing screen pops up. What?! That was it? How unsatisfying. I didn't realize I didn't see a full episode until I glanced at the clock: 7:30. Oh look: King of the Hill.
Click. (that was the sound of my remove flipping the channel to NBC)
On the other side of premiere Sunday and not a disappointment: Family Guy: The Star Wars Episode.
I was nervous about what it might be like, but it was freakin' sweet. I can't believe Lucas Films let them make half of the jokes--especially "the force" references and everything involving Obi Wan Kanobi/Herbert.
The whole thing made me want to watch Star Wars. And I couldn't help but marvel at the artful animation.
Yes, Seth MacFarlane continues to be my hero. Brilliant, genius, witty. (Seth's first downfall is that he doesn't like Rent)
My second hero is Shonda Rimes, creator and resident writer of Grey's Anatomy. Last season she dismantled our beloved Seattle Grace hospital staff--even those we love to hate. So flash back to the hospital--17 days later. It truly feels like we're back from summer vacation. The first episode was full of twists and turns--everything we've come to expect. We still want to keep Der-Mer together, knowing there will be those ups and downs. Curious at the prospect of Izzy and George. And if Karev can soften there's hope for all of us. Finally when everything gets just a little too heavy we always have McSteamy to cheer us up (even if it's just the memory of him stepping out of that shower).
But enough of my Grey's gushing.
CSI. I'm never watching it again. Mark my words. They teased me over the summer with the hope of Sara's demise. I flipped back and forth Thursday, just waiting to watch her die. But of course that never happened. No long, slow, painful death. While the impact of my loss of viewership may not break their hearts--they lost my loyalty nevertheless.
I stopped watching when they revealed Sara and Grissom were involved. And one season later, I haven't missed them in the slightest. I am never watching CSI again.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Season Picks
Here is my second annual evaluation of the schedule and season picks. Below are my picks in writing so I can be embarrassed or vindicated in February:
NFC:
North
Bears: 13-3 :1
Packers: 12-4 :5
Vikings: 7-9
Lions: 4-12
South
Saints: 11-5 :4
Panthers: 6-10
Falcons: 6-10
Buccaneers: 1-15
East
Cowboys: 12-4 :2
Eagles: 11-5 :6
Redskins: 5-11
Giants: 3-13
West
Rams: 12-4 :3
49ers: 11-5 :6
Seahawks: 7-9
Cardinals 2-14
AFC:
North
Ravens: 14-2 :2
Steelers: 11-5 :5
Bengals: 11-5 :6
Browns: 4-12
South
Colts: 14-2 :1
Titans: 7-9
Texans: 7-9
Jaguars: 7-9
East
Patriots: 11-5 :4
Dolphins: 7-9
Jets: 6-10
Bills: 3-13
West
Chargers: 14-2 :3
Broncos: 9-7
Chiefs: 6-10
Raiders: 1-15
NFC Wild Card
49ers vs. Rams—49ers
Packers vs. Saints—Packers
NFC Divisional
Packers vs. Cowboys—Cowboys
49ers vs. Bears—Bears
NFC Conference: Cowboys vs. Bears—Cowboys
AFC Wild Card
Bengals vs. Chargers—Chargers
Steelers vs. Patriots—Patriots
AFC Divisional
Chargers vs. Ravens—Chargers
Patriots vs. Colts—Colts
AFC Conference: Chargers vs. Colts—Colts
Super Bowl: Cowboys vs. Colts—Colts
NFC:
North
Bears: 13-3 :1
Packers: 12-4 :5
Vikings: 7-9
Lions: 4-12
South
Saints: 11-5 :4
Panthers: 6-10
Falcons: 6-10
Buccaneers: 1-15
East
Cowboys: 12-4 :2
Eagles: 11-5 :6
Redskins: 5-11
Giants: 3-13
West
Rams: 12-4 :3
49ers: 11-5 :6
Seahawks: 7-9
Cardinals 2-14
AFC:
North
Ravens: 14-2 :2
Steelers: 11-5 :5
Bengals: 11-5 :6
Browns: 4-12
South
Colts: 14-2 :1
Titans: 7-9
Texans: 7-9
Jaguars: 7-9
East
Patriots: 11-5 :4
Dolphins: 7-9
Jets: 6-10
Bills: 3-13
West
Chargers: 14-2 :3
Broncos: 9-7
Chiefs: 6-10
Raiders: 1-15
NFC Wild Card
49ers vs. Rams—49ers
Packers vs. Saints—Packers
NFC Divisional
Packers vs. Cowboys—Cowboys
49ers vs. Bears—Bears
NFC Conference: Cowboys vs. Bears—Cowboys
AFC Wild Card
Bengals vs. Chargers—Chargers
Steelers vs. Patriots—Patriots
AFC Divisional
Chargers vs. Ravens—Chargers
Patriots vs. Colts—Colts
AFC Conference: Chargers vs. Colts—Colts
Super Bowl: Cowboys vs. Colts—Colts
Packer Post -- Installment 52
Week 2: September 16, 2007
Green Bay Packers at New York Giants
QB-Eli Manning started and played the game, seemingly unhampered by the injured right shoulder.
Both teams stutter on their opening drives, K-AJ Feely and K-Mason Crosby missing 37 and 43-yard field goals.
Pass Interference was called on an incomplete pass intended for WR-Ruvell Martin, putting the ball on the Giants 25 for a Packer first down. A quick pass to WR-Donald Driver for five yards and then a play action pass to WR-James Jones got the first down for a gain of seven yards.
* First Quarter: 0-0 ~ Tie *
DE-Strahan almost intercepts the ball on a tipped pass, forcing a fourth down. S-Gibril Wilson gets called for roughing the punter, giving the Packers a first down. But a tipped pass intended for Driver is intercepted by Wilson.
On Green Bay's 19 yard line Manning throws deep on third down to TE-Jeremy Shockey. S-Atari Bigby defends the ball, knocking it away in great fashion. LB-Brady Popinga almost blocks the punt on show of special teams prowess that we haven't seen from the Packers since 1998.
Favre throws deep to Jones for 46 yards to the Giants' 30. Screen to RB-Ryan Grant for a gain of 20 and first and goal. A fake throw to RB-DeShawn Wynn, touchdown.
Manning to WR-Amani Toomer, Woodson slips on coverage, gain of 40 yards to Packers 26 yard line. Manning has a huge amount of time to get the ball 26-yards to WR-Plexico Burress for a touchdown.
The next Giants drive, on a third and three, Manning throws 19-yards to Shockey to the 38. LB-Aaron Kampman goes offsides, and in this free play, Manning throws to Shockey again, for a gain of 17 yards. After this catch Shockey spiked the ball, drawing a delay of game penalty. The Kampman-offsides and Shockey-delay of game penalties offset for a replay of third down. Giants lose the 19 yards resulting from the play and the ensuing first down. Drive ends in a 48-yard Feely field goal.
* Second Quarter: 7-10 ~ Giants *
CB-Tramon Williams takes the kickoff for 42-yards, Packers start on their own 48. RB-Brandon Jackson can't get the running game rolling, so the offense advances down the field by two 10-yard passes to FB-Korey Hall. Jones catches two passes for 22-yards. Pass Interference called of CB-Sam Madison, puts the ball on the Giants 11. Favre connects to TE-Bubba Franks for the touchdown.
Pass interference call on CB-Al Harris gives the Giants a first down on Packers 21. Four plays later Toomer gets called for unsportsmanlike conduct for a loss of 15 yards on the Packers eight. This stalls the drive and the Giants settle for a field goal.
* Third Quarter: 14-13 ~ Packers *
Favre hits four receivers for 75-yards, touchdown to WR-Donald Lee.
Packers recover a RB-Ahmand Bradshaw muffed punt return on the Giants 22. Favre hits Driver for a 10-yard touchdown pass.
Manning's short attempt is intercepted by DT-Corey Williams. Wynn runs 38-yards for a touchdown.
* Fourth Quarter: 35-13 ~ Packers *
Green Bay Packers at New York Giants
QB-Eli Manning started and played the game, seemingly unhampered by the injured right shoulder.
Both teams stutter on their opening drives, K-AJ Feely and K-Mason Crosby missing 37 and 43-yard field goals.
Pass Interference was called on an incomplete pass intended for WR-Ruvell Martin, putting the ball on the Giants 25 for a Packer first down. A quick pass to WR-Donald Driver for five yards and then a play action pass to WR-James Jones got the first down for a gain of seven yards.
* First Quarter: 0-0 ~ Tie *
DE-Strahan almost intercepts the ball on a tipped pass, forcing a fourth down. S-Gibril Wilson gets called for roughing the punter, giving the Packers a first down. But a tipped pass intended for Driver is intercepted by Wilson.
On Green Bay's 19 yard line Manning throws deep on third down to TE-Jeremy Shockey. S-Atari Bigby defends the ball, knocking it away in great fashion. LB-Brady Popinga almost blocks the punt on show of special teams prowess that we haven't seen from the Packers since 1998.
Favre throws deep to Jones for 46 yards to the Giants' 30. Screen to RB-Ryan Grant for a gain of 20 and first and goal. A fake throw to RB-DeShawn Wynn, touchdown.
Manning to WR-Amani Toomer, Woodson slips on coverage, gain of 40 yards to Packers 26 yard line. Manning has a huge amount of time to get the ball 26-yards to WR-Plexico Burress for a touchdown.
The next Giants drive, on a third and three, Manning throws 19-yards to Shockey to the 38. LB-Aaron Kampman goes offsides, and in this free play, Manning throws to Shockey again, for a gain of 17 yards. After this catch Shockey spiked the ball, drawing a delay of game penalty. The Kampman-offsides and Shockey-delay of game penalties offset for a replay of third down. Giants lose the 19 yards resulting from the play and the ensuing first down. Drive ends in a 48-yard Feely field goal.
* Second Quarter: 7-10 ~ Giants *
CB-Tramon Williams takes the kickoff for 42-yards, Packers start on their own 48. RB-Brandon Jackson can't get the running game rolling, so the offense advances down the field by two 10-yard passes to FB-Korey Hall. Jones catches two passes for 22-yards. Pass Interference called of CB-Sam Madison, puts the ball on the Giants 11. Favre connects to TE-Bubba Franks for the touchdown.
Pass interference call on CB-Al Harris gives the Giants a first down on Packers 21. Four plays later Toomer gets called for unsportsmanlike conduct for a loss of 15 yards on the Packers eight. This stalls the drive and the Giants settle for a field goal.
* Third Quarter: 14-13 ~ Packers *
Favre hits four receivers for 75-yards, touchdown to WR-Donald Lee.
Packers recover a RB-Ahmand Bradshaw muffed punt return on the Giants 22. Favre hits Driver for a 10-yard touchdown pass.
Manning's short attempt is intercepted by DT-Corey Williams. Wynn runs 38-yards for a touchdown.
* Fourth Quarter: 35-13 ~ Packers *
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Packer Post -- Installment 51
September 9, 2007 ~ Opening Day
Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers
Both teams go three and out in their opening series. CB-Al Harris is injured while on punt coverage during the Eagle’s second series. On this punt, WR-Greg Lewis muffs the catch on the 20, it squirts around and the Packers recover it in the end zone for a touchdown.
The Eagles next possession ends with a LB-Nick Barnett interception on a 3rd and 13.
Packers are driving down the field and G-Daryn Colledge is called for a false start. Third and 11, an illegal contact call is not made against the Eagles and the ball is incomplete to WR-Donald Driver. K-Mason Crosby makes a 53-yard field goal.
More mediocrity from the offense when CB-Sheldon Brown intercepts a pass intended for TE-Bubba Franks.
* First Quarter: 10-0 ~ Packers *
The defense shuts out the Eagles in the redzone, and holds them to a 33-yard K-David Akers field goal. The next series, QB-Donovan McNabb wings a nine-yard pass to WR-Jason Avant to even the score at 10.
QB-Brett Favre scrambles, is nearly intercepted then shovels the ball to RB-Brandon Jackson for a gain of six yards.
Later in the drive, Favre is sacked the first of four times, by DE-Jevon Kearse, who limps off the field.
Poor clock management, and the Packers end the quarter without a field goal attempt.
* Second Quarter: 10-10 ~ Tie *
Harris breaks up a touchdown pass and the Eagles settle for another Akers 47-yard field goal.
Crosby matches Aker’s foot by booting through a 37-yard field goal.
* Third Quarter: 13-13 ~ Tie *
DT-Cullen Jenkins sacks McNabb on a third down, but an illegal contact call on the defense gives the Eagles a first down. But DT-Corey Williams gets a sack on the 3rd down to end the drive.
Favre overthrows a deep pass to WR-James Jones on a third and one, Eagles get the ball back with six minutes left in the game.
Personal foul-unsportsmanlike conduct on the Eagles punt coverage puts Packers drive at their own 34. Drive ends when Kearse recovers a Favre fumble.
One possession later, Eagles fumble on the punt and the Packers recover on the 30. Mason kicks a 42-field goal to win the game.
* Fourth Quarter: 16-13 ~ Packers *
NFL News
In the Chargers-Bears game, the Chargers were at the inches mark in the redzone. The Bears Thomas Harris went into the neutral zone, causing the center to snap and fumble the ball, which the Bears recovered. And there was no call. It was more than clear that the Bears should have been called for encroachment, but since it was a “no call” it couldn’t be challenged. So the Chargers lost a guaranteed touchdown.
Buffalo Bills TE-Kevin Everett is injured on special teams coverage. In the replays, you can see he goes instantly limp after helmet-to-helmet contact. They bring the ambulance on the field and remove him and he undergoes emergency surgery soon after. Later in the week we learn his third vertebrae was crushed into the fourth, but the quick work from the ambulance staff and the hospital, they’re able to limit swolling so it doesn’t sever the spinal cord. Everett is able to “voluntarily move” and doctors say he’ll be able to walk again.
Injuries
Giants QB-Eli Manning separates his throwing shoulder, and leaves the game with a little more than two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
New York Jet Fans get ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike’s Just Shut Up Award for booing QB-Chad Pennington as he hobbles off the field after finishing the series injured.
Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers
Both teams go three and out in their opening series. CB-Al Harris is injured while on punt coverage during the Eagle’s second series. On this punt, WR-Greg Lewis muffs the catch on the 20, it squirts around and the Packers recover it in the end zone for a touchdown.
The Eagles next possession ends with a LB-Nick Barnett interception on a 3rd and 13.
Packers are driving down the field and G-Daryn Colledge is called for a false start. Third and 11, an illegal contact call is not made against the Eagles and the ball is incomplete to WR-Donald Driver. K-Mason Crosby makes a 53-yard field goal.
More mediocrity from the offense when CB-Sheldon Brown intercepts a pass intended for TE-Bubba Franks.
* First Quarter: 10-0 ~ Packers *
The defense shuts out the Eagles in the redzone, and holds them to a 33-yard K-David Akers field goal. The next series, QB-Donovan McNabb wings a nine-yard pass to WR-Jason Avant to even the score at 10.
QB-Brett Favre scrambles, is nearly intercepted then shovels the ball to RB-Brandon Jackson for a gain of six yards.
Later in the drive, Favre is sacked the first of four times, by DE-Jevon Kearse, who limps off the field.
Poor clock management, and the Packers end the quarter without a field goal attempt.
* Second Quarter: 10-10 ~ Tie *
Harris breaks up a touchdown pass and the Eagles settle for another Akers 47-yard field goal.
Crosby matches Aker’s foot by booting through a 37-yard field goal.
* Third Quarter: 13-13 ~ Tie *
DT-Cullen Jenkins sacks McNabb on a third down, but an illegal contact call on the defense gives the Eagles a first down. But DT-Corey Williams gets a sack on the 3rd down to end the drive.
Favre overthrows a deep pass to WR-James Jones on a third and one, Eagles get the ball back with six minutes left in the game.
Personal foul-unsportsmanlike conduct on the Eagles punt coverage puts Packers drive at their own 34. Drive ends when Kearse recovers a Favre fumble.
One possession later, Eagles fumble on the punt and the Packers recover on the 30. Mason kicks a 42-field goal to win the game.
* Fourth Quarter: 16-13 ~ Packers *
NFL News
In the Chargers-Bears game, the Chargers were at the inches mark in the redzone. The Bears Thomas Harris went into the neutral zone, causing the center to snap and fumble the ball, which the Bears recovered. And there was no call. It was more than clear that the Bears should have been called for encroachment, but since it was a “no call” it couldn’t be challenged. So the Chargers lost a guaranteed touchdown.
Buffalo Bills TE-Kevin Everett is injured on special teams coverage. In the replays, you can see he goes instantly limp after helmet-to-helmet contact. They bring the ambulance on the field and remove him and he undergoes emergency surgery soon after. Later in the week we learn his third vertebrae was crushed into the fourth, but the quick work from the ambulance staff and the hospital, they’re able to limit swolling so it doesn’t sever the spinal cord. Everett is able to “voluntarily move” and doctors say he’ll be able to walk again.
Injuries
Giants QB-Eli Manning separates his throwing shoulder, and leaves the game with a little more than two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
New York Jet Fans get ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike’s Just Shut Up Award for booing QB-Chad Pennington as he hobbles off the field after finishing the series injured.
NFL confirms that the Patriots were breaking the rules (cheating) when they video taped the Jets Defensive coaches as they were sending calls to the team. Patriots were fined $250,000 and a first round draft pick. Coach Bill Belichek was fined the maximum $500,000.
Teams have also accused the Patriots for scrambling frequencies so the opposing teams' radio equipment didn't work on key plays--which stopped players from receiving the plays.
Turns out the holy Patriots and all the "dynasty" entails isn't as shiny and as untouchable as they would like us to believe.
Commentary
I’m surprised at the penalties and poor coverage from the offensive line. Favre didn’t have enough time to let the receivers complete their routes before he had to scramble and unload the ball. He was sacked four times and hurried many more. The Eagles have always had a respectable defense, but I didn’t think that they would be capable of owning the O-Line the way they did. Pull that together a little more, and with more experience for the receivers and running backs, the offense will be less dismal than they looked last Sunday.
Okay. Why… The hell... Was… Al Harris... Covering... Punts? I heard on the radio that after he banged up his elbow in that opening punt he decided he’s not going to volunteer for punt coverage anymore. Ya think?
And what did they do to special teams to make them all shiny and good? Or were the Eagles special teams just that bad?
With the whole Tiki Barber incident, it made me start thinking about what hills Eli Manning has to climb. It must be hard to be Eli Manning in the NFL World. He’ll forever be (until he wins a Super Bowl and at least one MVP) Archie’s son and Peyton’s brother. When he plays, you always hear the commentators or pre-game guys say “Peyton would have done …”
Eli really just can’t come out on top, because to be anything in that legacy he needs reach the very top. And that apex has been set pretty darn high because of his older brother (and no, I don’t mean Craig Manning). Just think, if Drew Brees would retire today, he would be thought of as a pretty good to excellent quarterback. But match his cards up to Peyton’s? Well, then his deck is barely half full.
Like I said in a previous blog, I don’t have a soft spot for Eli Manning by any means. I’m just saying, it must be pretty tough to be Eli.
Week 1 Questions:
Are they really that bad? Saints, Falcons, Giants Defense, Cleveland?
Are they for real? Oakland, Detroit, Vikings, Cowboys?
My Week 1 NFL Picks: 13-3
Fantasyism: The first half the Charger-Bear game when the Chargers didn’t score a point (more so my No. 1 Draft Pick: LaDanian Tomlinson didn’t score a point) was karma slapping me for hating on Phillip Rivers while Brees had his tenure at the Chargers.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Enough Drama, Get to the Football
Tiki Barber, former New York Giants running back, now a commentator for NBC Sports, made comments about his former team and quarterback in August. The long and short of it, he bashed QB-Eli Manning and said he wasn't a leader. Eli respectfully defended himself, and the team rallied behind him.
I've always had respect for Tiki Barber, he seems like a good guy off the field. But, I think he's absolutely wrong for calling out his team and Manning so unprofessionally.
Now, don't think I'm saying this because I have warm and fuzzy feelings for Manning or the Giants. I don't.
I agree that Barber needs to comment and offer his opinions about his former team--it's his job. Okay. But what I take offense with is that he wasn't professional with the way he did it. Because Tiki didn't just offer his thoughts. He slammed Manning. It all felt like very personal comments, and not an objective point of view.
And isn't it funny that no one from the Giants has said that what Tiki did was okay, because he was just doing his job. Of course, they don't agree---but they don't hold any ill will against him. I think Barber crossed a line and burned a whole lotta bridges in the process.
The whole Michael Vick drama deluted the pre-season experience for me. After he made his deal, I thought everyone would settle down and move on to football. Unfortunately, Whoopi Goldberg (and since they've started talking about it on ESPN Radio again) others are defending Vick because dog fighting is ingrained in his culture. He was brought up with it so he doesn't know any better. I'm sorry, but those rationalizations are inexcusable. I would tend to agree if it was a child, high school kid or someone who's never left the "old neighborhood."
You can't say a grown man who has millions of dollars, college education, works and lives in the framework of the NFL doesn't know any better than to brutally murder a living creature. He absolutely knew that it was illegal. And entering into a contract where there are certain expectations of your behavior on and off the field, he knew that in the eyes of the NFL it was wrong.
Look at all the men who've raised themselves above that old behavior. There are so many players that do so much good with their money and celebrity.
I've never been a Vick cheerleader, but I've never had any gripes against the guy away from the field. I'm not feeling as forgiving as most. That apology wasn't enough.
I've always had respect for Tiki Barber, he seems like a good guy off the field. But, I think he's absolutely wrong for calling out his team and Manning so unprofessionally.
Now, don't think I'm saying this because I have warm and fuzzy feelings for Manning or the Giants. I don't.
I agree that Barber needs to comment and offer his opinions about his former team--it's his job. Okay. But what I take offense with is that he wasn't professional with the way he did it. Because Tiki didn't just offer his thoughts. He slammed Manning. It all felt like very personal comments, and not an objective point of view.
And isn't it funny that no one from the Giants has said that what Tiki did was okay, because he was just doing his job. Of course, they don't agree---but they don't hold any ill will against him. I think Barber crossed a line and burned a whole lotta bridges in the process.
The whole Michael Vick drama deluted the pre-season experience for me. After he made his deal, I thought everyone would settle down and move on to football. Unfortunately, Whoopi Goldberg (and since they've started talking about it on ESPN Radio again) others are defending Vick because dog fighting is ingrained in his culture. He was brought up with it so he doesn't know any better. I'm sorry, but those rationalizations are inexcusable. I would tend to agree if it was a child, high school kid or someone who's never left the "old neighborhood."
You can't say a grown man who has millions of dollars, college education, works and lives in the framework of the NFL doesn't know any better than to brutally murder a living creature. He absolutely knew that it was illegal. And entering into a contract where there are certain expectations of your behavior on and off the field, he knew that in the eyes of the NFL it was wrong.
Look at all the men who've raised themselves above that old behavior. There are so many players that do so much good with their money and celebrity.
I've never been a Vick cheerleader, but I've never had any gripes against the guy away from the field. I'm not feeling as forgiving as most. That apology wasn't enough.
"The second half was a mob hit. No one saw it coming." ~ Eric
Caslious, ESPN Radio
Referring to the Colts scoring 41 points in the season opener,
shutting out the Saints in the last half of the game.
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