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Inside Out: Week 1
09.10.2007
Oh yeah, that felt awesome. Sunday was made for the NFL. And since I know some of you love the NFL almost as much as myself, I must pass along the greatest thing since the Steel Curtain. What you are looking at is 4 games streaming live over the internet to my computer. You will also see that I arranged the broadcasts so I could still see the real time NFL scoreboard, for the handful of games I couldn't watch. At one time I got an error message from the video streaming program telling me, that I had reached the limit and could not open another player. Oh yeah I had a game on the television too. Some people may call this unhealthy. I call it fucking awesome. Check out
this site to join in the party next week. Let me tell you, it came in handy catching all the last second victories that took place on opening Sunday.Holy ToledoNothing like catching Gus Johnson calling the end of a very exciting game. In a game that saw Jason Elam miss two field goals, he managed to redeem himself following a very impressive 2-minute drill from Jay Cutler. After nearly throwing the drive away in near ridiculous Brett Favre fashion, Cutler connected on two huge fourth downs the keep the drive alive. But most impressive was the speed in which the field goal team got set up (it was under 10 seconds) to allow Elam to knock through the game winning field goal as time expired. Yes, Holy Toledo, Gus!But the Broncos weren't the only team to win on last second field goals. After nearly winning the game at the end of regulation, on a crazy Hail Mary, the Redskins took the opening overtime drive into field goal range to dispatch of the Miami Dolphins.The Packers followed suit booting a game winning field goal following a late muffed punt by the Philadelphia Eagles. In a game that lacked conventional offense, the Packers managed to make the most of two muffed Eagles punts.Pat DownAfter a nearly flawless 91 yard opening drive that ended with a touchdown, the Patriots offense decided to take the rest of the first half off. I'm not sure what happened at halftime, but Ellis Hobbs' took the opening kickoff an NFL record 108 yards for a TD and the beat down was on. Making a huge appearance was a yet to be disgruntled Randy Moss. Showing flashes of his Vikings years, Moss had 9 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown. But its only one game from Week 1, so I'm not about to convince myself he won't spout off some time soon. However, he had a great debut and lets not lie to ourselves, but Brady has never had a receiever of Moss' caliber to play catch with. Oh yeah, the Patriots defense didn't seem to lose a beat with some key defenders missing the game.Old Big BenGranted, the Steelers played a team that may have the talent of a Football Championship Division team, but they looked impressive. While Big Ben completed just over 50% for only 161 yards, he made the most of it. Four of his 12 completions went for scores. But this is the type of Big Ben the Steelers need. One who manages the game, while connecting on the occassional big play, because with Willie Parker in the backfield, the offense has plenty of weapons working for it.Quick HitsThey play the games for a reason. The supposed top teams in the NFC all stumbled this weekend. It started with the Saints on Thursday and the Eagles and Bears picked up on the pattern. The Bears defense was its usual stellar self, but you have to have some semblance of an offense to compete at the highest level.The Raiders have already tallied 25% of their 2006 offensive touchdown total, after only one game. In a game they trailed by 17 into the 3rd quarter, they had multiple chances to win, but per usual costly penalties and poor protection from the offensive line kept them from winning. But its watchable football again.And with the #1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons take Brian Brohm, quarterback, University of Louisville. Maybe the Vikings are better than I suspected, but even still what a pitiful performance from the Vickless Falcons. That's not saying it would've been any better with Vick, but they need a real quarterback.The Texans looked like a real NFL team. Matt Schaub will be a viable NFL quarterback and if 2006 #1 pick Mario Williams can replicate this performance week to week, then things will be okay.If you need anything else, check out NFL.com where you can find all the stats, recaps, and video from today's action. The new format and layout is great.
The Picks: Week 1
09.07.2007
Well things got off to a great start as I had the Colts over the Saints for 10 points. What are my picks for the remaining 15 games and just how confident am I about those games? Check it all out below. You can also check out the rest of the Gridiron Challenge participants picks by clicking the link at the bottom of the right column.Falcons over Vikings (2)Panthers over Rams (6)Broncos over Bills (12)Texans over Chiefs (5)Redskins over Dolphins (4)Patriots over Jets (13)Eagles over Packers (14)Steelers over Browns (15)Jaguars over Titans (7)Chargers over Bears(9)Raiders over Lions (1)Seahawks over Buccaneers (16)Cowboys over Giants (11)Bengals over Ravens (3)49ers over Cardinals (8)I'm shooting for a .700 winning percentage this year. Thats a very high goal to obtain, but it is within reach at this point in the season. Alright, enjoy the games on Sunday and check back Monday for "Inside Out"!
Hail Mary: Week 1
09.06.2007
So here it is, the day we've been waiting for. The NFL returns after its hard-to-bear 7 month hiatus. And boy does it kick off with a doozy! The New Orleans Saints visit the defending Super Bowl champs, Indianapolis Colts so expect some fireworks. But its not just about tonight. There's a full slate of games awaiting us on Sunday and a Monday Night doubleheader. Let's check out Week 1.If you have to know what games you'll be seeing before sitting down on Sunday, as I do, then bookmark the NFL TV Distribution Map. Its a must for hardcore viewers. And per usual I'll be avoiding FOX except when they have the doubleheader since it'll be usually be the Bears for me.Coaching DebutsThere are seven new head coaches this year in the NFL. Only two of those coaches have previous NFL head coaching experience. They are Wade Phillips and Norv Turner. Both are primarily known for losing. However both of them are setup this year for success. One coachs the Cowboys and the other the Chargers. If they can't manage to win and win often with theirs teams, then they aren't NFL head coaches.The newcomers include Bobby Petrino (Falcons), Ken Whisenhunt (Cardinals), Cam Cameron (Dolphins), Mike Tomlin (Steelers), and Lane Kiffin (Raiders). Of all those guys only Mike Tomlin is setup to succeed immediately. The rest have some years of building in front of them. All of them are offensive coaches, except Mike Tomlin. It should be interesting to see how each coach implements his offense, especially Petrino and Kiffin who both come immediately from the college ranksThe RulebookA few minor changes to some rules this year. They are as follows:- The use of instant replay is now permanent. Referees are allowed 60 seconds to review plays on new high definition monitors.- Anybody who spikes the ball outside the endzone is subject to a five yard penalty. So no more spikes after 5 yard first downs or takeaways. Thank god.- Only deliberate illegal touching will be a penalty. No longer will a bad pass that hits an offensive lineman be a penalty. I see no problem there.- Apparently the roughing the passer penalty has been tweaked so that players who have a beat on the QB at push with arms extended won't be penalized. I'll believe it when I see it. #1 vs. #2We'll not really considering JeMarcus Russell is still without contract. Had he at least been on the roster the Week 1 matchup between the Lions and Raiders would be the 2007 draft's #1 selection against the #2 pick, Calvin Johnson. In the long run I think Russell is the better player (and the guy the Raiders had to take) but Johnson will prove instant success on the Lions team with Mike Martz calling the plays. And while its not #1 vs. #2, a draft day acquisition will play a role in this game. It's Josh McCown who was acquired from the Lions in a draft day trade.Quick HitsLooking way ahead, the loser of the Falcons/Vikings game could have a beat on the first pick in the 2008 draft.There are 6 divisional games this weekend and the Ravens/Bengals looks like the best. An explosive offense against a perennial top defense. Should be a great start to the MNF doubleheader.The Jaguars will see if their decision to go with David Garrard was the right one against NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Vince Young. Game of the WeekChicago Bears @ San Diego Chargers. Check out the Game of the Week podcast in the upper right column for my thoughts and analysis on this game. Week 1 Schedule Thursday September 6thSaints @ ColtsSunday September 9thFalcons @ VikingsPanthers @ RamsBroncos @ BillsChiefs @ TexansDolphins @ RedskinsPatriots @ JetsEagles @ PackersSteelers @ BrownsTitans @ JaguarsBears @ ChargersLions @ RaidersBuccaneers @ SeahawksGiants @ CowboysMonday September 10thRavens @ BengalsCardinals @ 49ers |
Week 1
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