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HIGHLIGHTS

The Packers Big Bounce Back- A week after getting beat by the Vikings, it looked like the Packers wanted no part of Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. Although they won the first game of this eventual rubber match, after watching Adrian tear them up for two games in a row I doubt anyone in Packerland wanted to play this team (especially after the loss in the last week of the regular season). But then what happened in the playoffs is something you hope happens to any serious contender, they got it done. Although their season has been rockier then most playoff teams in recent memory, the Rodgers-led Packers played lights out football when it mattered most, and actually beat the Vikings much worse than the final score indicated. Yes, having Christian Ponder out had some effect I’m sure on the outcome of this game, but I think his absence was over emphasized. The Vikings offense has faced teams lining up 7-8 in the box to try and stop Peterson all season, and as such, I doubt having a quarterback you know can’t throw replace a quarterback you know can’t throw made little difference.

Hats off to the Packers, for not only getting back to executing on offense, but having their defense step up and do what most teams couldn’t all season, stop manage Adrian Peterson. Lastly, there is something very similar about this Packers team to the one that won the title two years ago. If Charles Woodson can stay healthy and help vaunt the notoriously lackluster Packers defense at least to one level higher, this could be very dangerous team down the strecth.

The Texans Texas-Size Win- Although it shouldn’t be surprising when a number 3 seed knocks off a 6 seed at home in the playoffs, but for a while there it did not look good for the Texans. Over the course of the game it looked like the Bengals were doing everything they could to hand the W to the Texans but for much of the game the end result was still in doubt. In fact, if Andy Dalton could have hit AJ Green in stride on that endzone pass late in the 4^th, this tight contest might have had a completely different result. But alas, the Bengals are the Bengals and Andy Dalton looked especially awful in this game so it is only fitting that he missed that throw. With the win the Texans beat the Bengals for the second year in a row and managed to escape (for at least a week) much of the criticism they have faced of late. This week, they themselves go on the road to face the Patriots in Foxboro, so sufficed to say they are facing a much tougher task. While those in the Houston area are hoping for something special on Sunday, I think the Texans have done all they are going to do this season and losing to New England seems deserved for the way they gave away the NFL’s best record over the last few weeks of the season.

LOWLIGHTS

Those Ridiculous Redskins- Well it finally happened, RG3 came crashing down to Earth and that loud thud you heard was everyone jumping off the bandwagon. Look, while I have been a notorious RG3 skeptic from the beginning, mainly because I do not trust mobile quarterbacks in the NFL due to their propensity for injury, he did impress me at various points throughout the season. However, even I could plainly see that with the way the Redskins brass was using and over-using him this season, that whatever NFL career he was going to have would be drastically shortened. If you thought it was moronic for the Redskins to put him back in the lineup after his concussion issues  (including the absolutely deranged decision to line him up as a WR during this period), the Redskins’ stupidity was that much more pronounced when they trotted their quarterback out into games late in the season after he got hurt. I don’t care if its the playoffs, this guy is your franchise, if he has to sit four games now then so be it. If his tenure at the helm of your team is hoped to be at least 10 years what sense does it make to put him out there on one leg? Not only is he not going to perform the way you expect, but the chances of injury are sky-high. Who doesn’t know this?

To no one’s surprise RG3 of course got hurt and it is believed that he tore both his LCL and ACL in the process. For a franchise quarterback, couple these injuries with the devastating injuries he already suffered in college and it probably won’t be long before its back to the drawing board for these same old Redskins.

Ray Lewis’ Goodbye Party- What do you mean this was Ray Lewis’ last home game and how come nobody told me? The previous sentence was of course spoken by no one as any analysis or legitimate coverage of this game was forgone the second Ray Lewis announced his “retirement” last week. If this truly was Ray Lewis’ last game at home than I guess it was bearable to watch Ray Lewis monopolize every ounce of this game including the way he managed to get back on the field during the final kneel down and repeat his tired dance one more time. However, if Ray Lewis pulls a Brett Favre and were to somehow un-retire and  we have to go through these shenanigans again there must be some sort of reprisal. Fans cannot take much more of this nonsense. Banning players from fake retirements and the shameless self promotion it creates can and should without a doubt be the next item on the agenda for the commissioners of all major sports.

My apologies for not having posted any picks since my successful mid-season run, but I am back. And hopefully with a vengence. Ok, now that I have sufficiently jinxed myself here are my picks….

As always home team in Caps..

BRONZE PICK

Bengals (+4.5) OVER TEXANS- I know Houston is the tougher team on paper, but ever since they got stomped by the Patriots they have not looked right. Add that to the fact that they always let down in big games (especially in the playoffs) and you have a recipe for a huge Cincy win on the road.

SILVER PICK

Colts (+7) OVER RAVENS- While I am aware that Ray Lewis will be making his “return” in this contest I am not afraid, and nethier should you. Ray Lewis even if he returns is likely to be a a shell of his former self and the Ravens have been a mess for about 7 weeks now. Add to this the fact that Andrew Luck (my MVP) is playing out of his mind and the whole Chuck Strong movement and there is no way the Ravens should be getting 7 points even if they are at home. Be smart and take the points and Indy.

GOLD PICK

SEAHAWKS (MONEYLINE) OVER Redskins- I know the media has been falling all over itself to pat RG3 on the back but I am not sold. Yes, the Redskins are coming in hot, but RG3 is banged up and barely escaped with a win last week against my beloved Cowboys who were just dying to give that game away. Seattle might not traditionally be a good road team, but they are red hot right now, have played hard in every game this year and did travel across the country (two countries in fact) and stomped the east coast Bills in Toronto just a couple weeks ago. I would take the spread, but something about this game is screaming taking the safe play and only taking the money line.

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEK AND PLEASE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY

HIGHLIGHTS

My Mile High Salute- Although I consider myself to be right far more often than I am wrong, I am still man enough to admit when the latter occurs. As such, to Peyton Manning, John Elway and the entire Broncos organization you have my sincerest apologies for stating at the beginning of the season that the Manning signing would be something regretted. While I still do not believe that the Broncos will win the title, Manning has played some of the most amazing ball played by anyone this season, especially given his set of circumstances. I do not think he’s the MVP mainly because his team made it to the playoffs last year (and won their first game), he plays in an incredibly easy division and the Broncos have yet to beat anyone significant, but to win 11 games straight to close out the season and come back at such an advanced age the way Manning has is simply amazing.

Those Indy Colts- Do they ever give up? Even in games against superior opponents this year, they have found ways to win in impressive fashion. I know it seems that every week I praise the Colts and state emphatically how Andrew Luck is not only my Rookie of the Year and MVP, but at this point what else am I to say? At this point what can anyone say? Again I know all the hype is around RG3, Manning and Peterson, but Luck is doing things the best NFL players of all time could not do. Not only has he shattered the rookie record for wins in a season, but he has single handedly turned around a 2-14 franchise, taken his team into the playoffs and unlike Manning, is actually beating quality opponents. This past week he disintegrated the number one team in the league in Houston (now fallen to 3 in their own conference) and a few weeks ago beat the reigning MVP in Aaron Rodgers who many consider to be leading one of the two best teams in the NFC. Forget what you know, Luck is the MVP, he was weeks ago, he is even more-so now.

They be Riding that Vikings’ Back- If you looked up workhorse in the dictionary, as of Monday the picture featured and the named underlined would be that of Adrian Peterson. I have been somewhat of an AP cynic over the years, but what he has done over the last year coming off that ACL tear is simply amazing. To bare witness to the feats that Manning and Peterson are performing really is a testament to the state of medical science today. What is going on really does bare some serious questions. Are there even such things as serious injuries anymore? Will any player not named Greg Oden ever have to fear getting hurt again? How many great careers could have been saved if this science was around when so many hall of famers went down prematurely in their primes? Anyway, these are all valid questions but back to Peterson. The man is simply a freak, medical science or not because even if doctors can fix his leg without issue in this day and age, he should not also be able to get back on the field after so little time off and crush it the way he has all season. I still do not know if having Christian Ponder as your quarterback help AP (he gets the ball all the time) or not (they stack 8  box to stop him), but if the pros and cons cancel each other out, then you are left with a running back who was 9 yards away from one of the most sought after records in NFL history. Congrats Peterson, now lets get you a quarterback.

LOWLIGHTS

Those Crashing Jets- If I got the Manning situation in Denver wrong, than I certainly will pat myself on the back for calling the Jets acquisition of Tebow and the ensuing implosion of the team spot on. Now of course I cannot pat myself on the back too hard, but unlike some who though this would be a minor negative, I knew this would be a massive Hindenburg-esk disaster. Even looking back now I do not know what the Jets were thinking. Their “franchise” quarterback Sanchez although he went has taken his team to two AFC championship games, is utterly terrible, at least using any modern day statistical QB metric. His numbers stink, his mechanics stink, his leadership stinks, his resolve stinks, so what exactly did the Jets brass think was going to happen when they brought in an equally flawed sideshow to only burn the media spotlight that much brighter on their franchise guy. Maybe they thought they could engineer one decent quarterbacks out of two half-ones, but as the old edict goes, when you have two quarterbacks, you really have none.

Anyway since the Jets were on a collision course all year there really isn’t anything left to say other than, at least their terrible GM has been fired, Tebow and Sanchez both seem to be out the door and maybe now Jets have something to look forward too.

Why No One is Scarred of Houston- On Sunday, the Houston Texans (or the AFC version of the Atlanta Falcons as I like to call them) proved exactly why no one fears playing them (or the Atlanta Falcons). The reason? Well if you watch any big game they (or the Falcons) play, they will almost always blow it. They are like a more successful version of the Dallas Cowboys (please wait, that break down is coming). In this latest example, the Texans sporting one of the best records in the league and with a chance to wrap up the number one seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, found a way to blow another statement game they needed to have. The result? The Texans are now a 3 seed that has lost 3 straight and instead of having the week off must play a seemingly rejuvenated and hot Bengals team. Do the Bengals think they can win? Of course they do!! Only the mainstream media tends to give credence to anything done by phony team like the Texans (and Falcons). The real sports fan of course knows different.

Dallas Chokes Again- If ever you want to know if its cold outside you need not bother going outside to check or pulling up the Weather Channel, all you need to do is see if the Cowboys are losing another do or die game and you will know it is December. I was sort of joking last week when I advised my readers to put everything they had against the Cowboys in their Sunday win or go home game against the Redskins for the divisional title and a home game in the playoffs, but really I wasn’t. I put a bunch of money down myself, and if my emotions were not so invested in the Cowboys being my favorite team I probably would have bet hundreds (if not thousands) more. Hell, I could have bet my house. Why? Well the reason is simple, the Cowboys have for the better part of two decades now stunk and/or not been able to win a critical game when they have had too!! I do know what is wrong with the water in Dallas, but they never seem to have the look of a team that wants and/or is prepared to be there. I cannot put it always on Tony Romo because sometimes the safeties stink (like this Sunday), or  sometimes the corners stink (like this Sunday), or sometimes the offensive line can’t block for shit (they were ok this Sunday), or sometimes the mostly decent defense just can stop anyone on the run (LIKE THIS SUNDAY), but more often than not Romo is deserving of a significant amount of blame (LIKEEE THIS SUNDAYYYYY!!!!!!!?!!!!!).

In this latest Cowboys debacle, despite their best efforts to give the game away, the Cowboys were still in it. Despite the fact that they were blitzing non-stop on defense, on offense it seemed like the Redskins were refusing to go for the kill shot and were content to just run up and down on the Cowboys. Even late in the fourth, if it were not for the Romo’s brutal 3^rd pick or Jason Hatchers moronic personal foul on third down deep in their own end, the Cowboys had a real shot at winning this game. But of course, this is Dallas in December and of course there was no way they were winning this game.

This will be a long offseason for Cowboys fans, because once again on paper the Cowboys looked good enough to take on anybody. But like I said last week, there is a real difference between on paper and what works in reality. As such while I do not have all the answers to fix the Cowboys, having watched almost every Cowboys game over the last 15 years I can state the following with confidence;

-Dallas needs a new coach- Jason Garrett is not a head coach, and he is at the very least the head coach for the Dallas Cowboys. He cannot handle the pressure, and seems to bumble when it matters the most. If he is to coach let him go to the Browns or the Panthers. For Dallas to win they need a coach with a winning pedigree (i.e. Bill Parcells, John Gruden, Bill Cowher etc.)

-Miles Austin must go- Dallas is paying way too much for this injury prone and not number one receiver. With the emergence of Dez Bryant, Dallas can afford to cut this guy and put his money to better use.

-Tony Romo must also go- Look I have been through the dark days, also known as the post Troy Aikman days, when it seemed like a different guy off the street was quarterbacking my beloved Cowboys. However, Romo is getting paid FAR too much money for not getting his team into the playoffs. Not only that, for whatever reason, Romo seems to be a living contradiction in that he is a great comeback quarterback but can never do it in real do or die situations. As such, if I can find a suitable replacement or at least a decent quarterback who may not be as talent but at least is consistent, I would cut or trade Romo immediately and put that Romo money into the needs of the team. If I cannot find the replacement guy right away, I would wait the year scout someone and then let Romo walk when his deal is up next year unless he can do something major like a deep playoff run.

-Beef up the Offensive line- Back in the hayday of the Cowboys dynasty one of the most notable things about the Cowboys was the strength of their offensive line. For years it was the best in the NFL and was one of the prime reasons Dallas won although titles in the 90s. Now, because of the money tied up in underperforming skill positions the line has suffered and so have the prospects for the Cowboys. As such  I would immediately put some of that Miles Austin and Tony Romo money into the line and do all that I could to make some noise in the draft with the goal of getting that line back close to where it should be.

-Get some safeties who can play- I know I have ripped the Cowboys secondary for years, but at least this year I can say that Dallas  moved in the right direction and signed some playmakers in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne to play the corner positions. Now it is time for Dallas to take the next step and find at least one guy who can play safety. Every season I see a ton of big plays go against safeties who can’t cover and who can’t tackle. Enough is enough. It is time for the Cowboys to use whatever money is left from beefing up the O-line, and put that into the safety slots and then draft as needed to fill any vacancies.

HIGHLIGHTS

Seattle’s Sonic Boom- For those of you that thought Seattle was just another NFC West creampuff for San Fran to pad their stats with, think again. The long culture of losing in Seattle to be at an end, at least when it comes to football, given the impressive run the Seahawks have had this season (especially of late). It is amazing when any team turns itself around despite a long culture of losing and the Seahawks are doing it in such a special way that even Marv from Home Alone 2 would be proud (sorry this movie has been making the rotation non-stop for the last month). Indeed, in their quest to get out the basement, the Seahawks are doing it with a rookie quarterback, no notable “superstar”, a defense that has seen its best player(s) absent and/or in jeopardy of being absent (I hear Adderal is a helluva drug), a surprisingly tough division and a shifty coach. However, in reference to the latter, while Pete Carroll is perhaps the shiftiest person in sports not named Nick Saban, he has somehow found a way to bring the best out his players. The result? Almost every Seahawks is playing over their heads and now they are even poised to wrestle the division title away from a San Fran team most everyone thought was headed to the Superbowl. I guess being shifty has its advantages.

Ravens Resurrection- Ever since the Ravens lost Ray Lewis to what was then-thought to be a season ending injury, they have not looked the same. Of course, the Ravens could have moved forward with the loss of but one, but the Lewis loss coupled with the losses of other defensive playmakers like Ladarius Webb and Terrell Suggs seemed like too much to recover from especially if you are a defensive powerhouse like the Ravens. Their play on the field immediately reflected their mounting injuries as losses too started to mount. Joe Flacco was proving himself to be the non-elite quarterback everyone knows him to be, and everyone except Ray Rice seemed to be playing with a total lack of urgency. However, last week just when the Ravens were at their worst (and somehow backed into the playoffs despite their latest loss), word surfaced that Ray Lewis might not be done after all, and would likely be back for the playoffs. In truth I do not know what kind of hold Lewis has over the Ravens, but it must be something spectacular as the Ravens this past week played like the team they were before his injury. The Ravens got it done in all three phases of the game, and soundly beat the World Champion Giants who were playing in a game they absolutely had to have. It truly is amazing how one player can affect the fortunes of a team composed of over 50 players, but in this respect guys like Ray Lewis, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck really are in a class by themselves.

Colts win Again- At the start of the season along with many others I predicted that Andrew Luck was the best player to come out of college in many years and that he would have an immediate impact on the Colts. As the year progressed and people started to jump all over RG3 and his bandwagon, I reiterated my position, emphatically announced that Andrew Luck was the Rookie of the Year and that if he could get his team into the playoffs he should be given serious consideration for MVP. Well here we are, and at season’s end Andrew Luck has gotten his team into the playoffs with a game to go, and in doing so has managed to set the rookie mark for wins and completely turn around a franchise that at 2-14 last season was in complete disarray. With all the kudos to RG3, Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan or whomever else, Andrew Luck is clearly the MVP this year. I just can’t understand an argument for anyone else. RG3 has a ton of help and a coach with a winning pedigree, Peyton Manning’s squad went to the playoffs last year, is in the weakest division in football and he also has a ton of help around him, Matt Ryan is leading an Atlanta squad that no one is scared of, has won nothing and also too has a ton of help. I am sorry but for Luck to do what he is doing with the 2-14 talent around him and a coach dealing with tragic circumstances, there is no way he is not the MVP let alone not the rookie of the year. I know I am certainly in the minority on this, but RG3 a.k.a. Michael Vick 3.0 a.k.a. Cam Newton 2.0 will see his luster fade soon enough given his style of play, Manning is likely going to get bounced from the playoffs by New England and if Matt Ryan wins a playoff game I will be shocked, but what Andrew Luck is doing is not only historic, but it is laying the groundwork for a championship franchise to come for many years. I have not seen one player do it alone like this since maybe Tom Brady (and even he had Bill Belichek). Andrew Luck is the definition of an MVP, so it should be all his.   

LOWLIGHTS

The Cowboys Expected Implosion- Just when you thought it was safe to be a Dallas Cowboys fan again, they go out, lose a game right there for the taking and in so doing find a way to kick you square in the nuts. If anyone expected the Cowboys to utilize the fact that they were playing at home as an advantage, you must not have watched a Cowboys game in the last 16 years. Somehow the Cowboys have managed to turn their gaudy new palace into nothing more than a shrine to mediocrity and disappointment. They are truly the Bizzaro Seattle Seahawks of the NFL.

In any event, back to the game. While on paper it would appear that this was a close game, do not let the final score fool you. Dallas was getting torched for over 60 minutes, and if it weren’t for Dez Bryant and Tony Romo this game could have easily been 607 to 3. As expected Dallas’ secondary, more specifically their safeties, couldn’t break up a Taylor Swift relationship let alone a big play, and that coupled with the injuries to the Cowboys’ linebacking core allowed the Saints to feast on the middle of the field all day long. However, not to be outdone, Jason Garrett found a way to upstage even the terrible Dallas defense as he made numerous suspicious calls all day long. However, of the most offensive was some dubious play calling that went undetected by the announcers during the game and most of the media after it. At the close of the second half, New Orleans in desperate need of a score to bring them back to even from 7-14, was running out of time to get the touchdown they needed. However, Garrett being Garrett was actually CALLING TIMEOUTS despite the fact that Drew Brees is one of only a handful of quarterbacks who can score on you in about 5 seconds given that time. I have no idea what Garrett was thinking, but his moronic timeouts allowed the Saints and Drew Brees to get comfortable and execute whatever they wanted without fear of the clock. The result? Not only did New Orleans get their equalizing touchdown, but given Garrett’s further bumbling of the clock (i.e. throwing on third down when the Cowboys had the ball back on the ensuing drive), allowed the Saints to get the ball again and get another 3 points with a field goal to close the half. Forget Mike Brown’s offense, Jason Garrett is the one making Princeton look bad.

In sum, the Cowboys do what they always do; lose important games they can and should win. However, by the grace of fate, somehow they find themselves in a game this Sunday against Washington that if they win, would give them the division title and a home-game in the playoffs. As such, I would immediately advise anyone reading this entry to put whatever money they can on the Washington Redskins. While I of course make this statement in jest, I have already put down my money on the Washington Moneyline myself and am counting on a nice payday Sunday night.

How did the Giants win the Superbowl again? -In contrast to the fading Bears and Ravens, the Giants do not really have a hurt fallen leader to point to as the catalyst for their misfortunes. In truth, something has just looked off about the Giants this season and despite a couple of bright spots, they really have been a shell of their former selves from last season. Are the Giants really like the Olympics, in that they only show up every four years? After their performance in Baltimore one really has to wonder. 

Those Greedy 49ers- Although losing a game on the road to a tough divisional opponent is nothing to be ashamed of, what the 49ers have done is symptomatic of one the biggest problems afflicting our society today-greed. Instead of being content with their incredible performance over the last 2 years during the Jim Harbaugh era, the 49ers decided to tempt fate and bench the man largely responsible for getting them there, their on-field leader, Alex Smith. Now do not get me wrong, Alex Smith is certainly no Tom Brady, hell he isn’t even Andy Dalton from a skills perspective, but what he is was the right person for that system. How do I know this? Well the results and Smith’s record over the last two years speak to that. He is the right person for that system and the chemistry of that team worked. If he was in Green Bay, New England or New Orleans, than things would probably be different. But he isn’t, he plays on the 49ers, and the 49ers play around a tough defensive scheme, with a ground and pound offense facilitated by a game manager (i.e. Alex Smith) who will through the odd ball here or there to keep defenses honest. This system was clearly working, and Alex Smith had no reason to get benched (at least this year he didn’t) in favour of another guy who plays a completely different style of ball. I can’t remember the last time a winning team change their prescription for success so drastically on the fly in this manner and it worked. I can concede that Colin Kapernick is flashier and even the better quarterback on paper, but what works on paper and what works in the real world are often two totally different things. If they were the same, Jamarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf would be perennial MVPs and the Philadelphia Eagles would be on their way to their second Superbowl title. You have to look at systems, you have to look at chemistry and most importantly you have to look at results. If something is working well, to needlessly alter it drastically speaks to greed and arrogance.

I am not sure of many things, but this move is likely to come back and bite the 49ers because it displays a total lack of loyalty, football chemistry and common sense.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cowboys Beat a Good Team?- Miracles, apparently still do happen as my beloved Cowboys actually won a game against a team with a winning pedigree. I know I tend to give the Cowboys a hard time, but there was something truly special about this game. Usually, in games against superior opponents (especially in December), one of two things happen; either the Cowboys get totally blown out or they hang in there long enough, only to lose it at the end. While Sunday’s match-up against the Steelers had all the makings of the latter, they strangely did not blow it. Not only that, but on the strength of two critical back-to-back sacks late in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys were able to force overtime and beat and clinch victory with another Dan Bailey field goal. If you are a true Cowboys fan, you know that this never happens and that maybe, just maybe, we are witnessing something special.

The 49ers Big Road Victory in New England- Although week 15 in the NFL saw some of the worst collection of football games of all-time, the Sunday night game in Foxboro was a real gem. The game saw the 49ers come into New England and lay the smack down on New England for almost three quarters, only to see the Patriots wake up and make a game of it late. It truly was a spectacular game for anyone who didn’t turn it off 10 minutes after half-time, and while New England valiantly attempted to fight back, they were gassed late and allowed a brutal kick-off return which turned into an even more Brutal Michael Crabtree touchdown late. The decision to bench Alex Smith late in the season was seen as a suspect move by many (myself included), but Colin Kapernick seems to be proving the naysayers wrong in fantastic fashion so far. The question is, if he gets hurt, will Alex Smith be able to comfortably take back the reins with his confidence and disposition now shot?

Seattle for real??- There must really be something in the water in Seattle, because a week after beating Arizona 58-0, the Seahawks came into Buffalo Toronto and laid 50 points on the Bills. Usually the Seahawks have their edge at home, but in their last two games are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with no matter where they play. Although the Seahawks have been solid all season, they somehow seem to have rallied around the loss of their best defensive player in Brandon Browner (due to suspension) and have taken their play to the next level. This week however, the Seahawks are no longer teams in the basement but rather a division leading 49ers team who just came off their biggest win in years. This game promises to be a big one.

LOWLIGHTS

Raiders v.s. Chiefs- Do I really need to write anything more? If I am trying to put a positive spin on this game without descending into madness, all I can say is that of all the games played this weekend, this one is probably the only one that met its pre-game expectations. Although, the Chiefs played their hearts out under highly emotional circumstances against Carolina two weeks prior, from wire to wire this Chiefs team might end up being one of the top 5 worst teams of all time. As for the Raiders, when your best player is your kicker, you know you’ve got problems. However, when your kicker is your best player and the only person on your team to put up any points, you know you’ve really got some serious issues.

Those Bungling Bears- Six weeks ago, the Chicago Bears seemed like not only the best team in their Division or Conference, but the way they were playing lights out defense, you could have made a case that they were the best team in the NFL. What a difference six weeks can make, as now their defense is getting booed at home and the team is in complete disarray. In this latest bungle, the Bears once heralded defense managed to yield 154 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to Adrian Peterson. And I know Adrian Peterson is the best back in football, but no football team can expect to win games consistently giving up that kind of yardage on the ground at home. However, more troubling for the Bears appears to be the play they are getting from the Quarterback position, as something has seemed wrong with Cutler since he first went out with injury a couple of weeks ago. The Bears have already coughed up the Division title to the Packers, and if they don’t right the ship soon enough in their next two winnable games, it could make for a very long off-season.

The Champs Were Here- A week after torching the Saints on the road, the Giants went into the Georgia Dome and absolutely got pummelled by the Falcons. Usually, this is the type of game the Falcons love to lose (i.e. playing a good team at home with something to prove), but the Giants seemed to want none of it, and put on possibly the worst display of their entire season (although their loss at home against the Bengals is a contender). If you are a fan of either the Redskins or the Cowboys you have to love watching the Giants 2012 implosion, but if you reside anywhere in the tri-state area you have to be worried. This week the Giants go on the road to face Baltimore, so while both they and the Bears are in similar positions, the G-men face a much tougher road to the playoffs.

HIGHLIGHTS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ROLLING- After a rocky start that included suspect losses to the Ravens and the Cardinals, the Patriots have quietly rebounded with four straight wins. At 7-3, and with three games up on their next closest division rival, the Patriots have essentially secured the division and a trip to the playoffs with 6 weeks to go in the season. I am not saying things are perfect in New England, especially given their atrocious secondary, but they have already have a solid shot at securing a first round bye in the playoffs and the way they are playing also have a solid shot at a very deep playoff run. They play Houston in a couple weeks, and if they can beat them they are the team to beat in the NFL.

RG3’s CAREER DAY- While I am still not a fan, having long given my rookie of the year vote to Andrew Luck, RG3’s 4 touchdown romp at home against the Eagles deserves some credit. Not only did RG decisively lead his team to victory against a divisional opponent (yes, even if that opponent happens to be the downtrodden Eagles), but he did so with some of the most perfectly executed plays madeby anyone this season. I will admit, I have come down hard on RG for his “mobile” play which often leads to immobile results, but he made everyone take notice of what fantastic in the pocket potential he has with those two 60 yard throws for touchdowns he had in this one. For RG3’s sake lets hope he keeps it going from the pocket.

JAGS HANG TOUGH- At 1-8, the Jacksonville Jaguars do not have much to play for at this point in this season. In fact, at this point last year bad teams actually had something to look forward to by playing bad what with the Andrew Luck sweepstakes just a couple of months away. This year however, don’t count the Jags as one of those teams looking to lay down as they went on the road and took it to the league’s best team the Houston Texans. In fact, not only did they lose their starting quarterback, but the team seemed to rally around the loss, took on a new persona, and lead by Chad Henne and his 4 TDs gave the Texans all they had and actually led for much of this game. While they did not win, the Jags can at least look back on one game this season with some pride.

LOWLIGHTS

MATTY ICE’S CREDIBILITY- For the second week in a row, despite all their self-imposed hype, the Falcons came in a dud performance in a game they should have won. The only difference, is that this week the Falcons were lucky enough to escape with a win despite the brutal day from their leader Matty (no-)Ice. Just how lucky were the Falcons? Well, the Falcons were so lucky that they were the only team in 40+ years to win a game in which their quarterback threw 5 picks and no TDs. And while Ryan did throw for just over 300 yards, this sort of horrible showing overall against an inferior team is precisely the reason no one with any football sense gives any praise to the Falcons. Sorry Roddy White.

CLEAVLAND STEAMMED- Really, I could have put either of the participants in this contest in this low-lights section, but given that Dallas did just enough to win I will leave them off the list for now. The Browns however, absolutely belong on this list as they blew a 13 point half-time lead against a Cowboys team that has perhaps the worst homefield advantage in all of sports and an offensive line so porous that they make the average spaghetti strainer look good. This game was right there for the Browns, but as they have done all season, they gave away a game they could have easily won with miscues and bad penalties. The good news for the Browns is that unlike other bad teams in the league, they actually play very hard for much of the game and their first round pick Trent Richardson looks fantastic. If this team ever finds a coach and a quarterback, look out AFC North.

PITTSBURGH SNOREFEST- ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ….huh? what? There was a game being play in Pittsburgh for real? Wow, with the way this game went you sure could have fooled me. While I love a defensive slug-fest as much as the next person, this game was not that. This game was a game played by two totally inept offenses that for an evening made the Kansas City Chiefs look good. In their defense, even though they were at home, the Steelers are a team totally infested with the injury bug on both sides of the ball and are a team barely holding it together. Anytime Byron Leftwich is your starting QB your team should get a pass. The Ravens however, have no excuse, because even though they have lost LeDarrius Webb and Ray Lewis, defense and special teams are not their problem. Once again the self-proclaimed “elite” Joe Flacco looked totally ordinary and ran some of the most stagnant ball played this season against a depleted defense Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees would have totally torn to shreads. Newsflash Flacco: YOU ARE NOT ELITE.

HIGHLIGHTS

THE COWBOYS BIG WIN?-I cannot give the Cowboys flack when they lose, if I did not also give them their due credit when they win. The Cowboys came into this one, like the Eagles, needing a big win to save their season. Indeed at 3-5, and facing the prospect of going 3-6, the Cowboys could essentially write off the rest of the season and start cleaning house now if they lost another one. But alas, Tony Romo and Jason Garrett saved themselves for another week, as the desperate Cowboys were able to vanquish their division rivals in convincing fashion with big plays in all three phases of the game (offense, defense and special teams). Michael Vick might get the assist in this game, going out with a totally inevitable concussion on another one of his “scrambles”, but given the way he’s played this season and the signficance of his injury is greatly minimized.

At 4-5 the prospects of Dallas making it to the post-season show are still slim, but at least they won a critical game they had too, and are within striking distance of the Giants.

PITTSBURGH’S PULLS IT OUT UGLY- You might be wondering why I decided to give kudos to a Steelers’ team that trailed KC, a team that never held a lead at any point in the season coming into this one. it is a fair question, but it is the same reason I will give the Patriots’ respect in their close call against Buffalo, good teams find ways to win ball games they should no matter what.  In this game, the Steelers were in the midst of tight game, when their best player and leader was taken out of the game with an awful looking shoulder injury. Down their quarterback and on the scoreboard the vast majority of teams, often concede defeat by letting their level of play fall dramatically, however, as I have said before truly good teams find a  win. In this contest, the Steelers relied on perrential question mark Byron Leftwich to keep them in the game, and capitalized on the (inevitable) bad play by Matt Cassell to win an important game at home and keep their playoff hopes alive.

THOSE RELENTLESS RAMS- Ordinarily I do not praise teams that do not win, but the Rams not losing to a much superior San Francisco team on the road is worthy of some praise. The Rams played refuse to lose ball for 60 minutes and then, played another 15 minutes of refuse to lose ball in overtime. Yes, there were some missed field goals, but the suspect calls by Jeff Fischer, most notably not calling time out on a crucial field goal attempting thus electing to have his kicker kick from 58 yards instead of 53, should more than negate San Fran’s miscues. While this team probably won’t make it to the playoffs this year, there is plenty to like in St. Louis’ future. If Daryl Richardson fills the void that will be left by Stephen Jackson, and the team can find a star-calibre receiver to line-up opposite Danny Amendola things should be good soon in Rams-Land.

LOWLIGHTS

THE GIANTS LOSE ANOTHER STINKER- The Giants have for the second week in a row, dropped a game they could have and should have won. Last week they allowed Pittsburgh to run all over them and while losing to the Steelers is nothing to be ashamed of, losing to the Bengals is. The Bengals despite their impressive start have had some big loss in their last 4 games coming into this one.  The Giants however, to the shegrin of thier fans, would not let that stand and absolutely gifted the Bengals a win Cinncinatti had no business winning. In the process, the Giants allowed the winner of the Cowboys-Eagles game back in the race for the NFC East crown with the gap now shrunk to 1.5 games. Now I am in no way saying the Giants won’t still win the division and make a deep post-season run, but the Giants should not be letting their foot off the throats of anyone.

THE RAVENS CLASSY WIN- While winning big is certainly a part of football, there is such a thing as sportsmanship right? Well, over the last couple years I am not so sure anymore. Teams of late have tried to flout conventions on sportsmanship with examples ranging from running up the score, blitzing the other team in victory formation, players laughing at the injuries of their peers etc. In this one, the Ravens tried to further add credence to the notion that sportsmanship is a relic of the past by humiliating their opponents the Raiders, with a fake field goal that was run in for a touchdown. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not against sticking it to your opponent, but the Ravens need to take a long hard look at themselves before they stick it to anyone. They missed a chance to go to the Superbowl last year by shooting themselves in the foot, and aside from the year they won the title, have looked pretty dissapointing the last fews seasons.

FLOGGING THE FALCONS- I knew it. I knew it all along. Not only were the Falcons bound to lose a game, but this is a team that is chronically inflicted with losing big games it is supposed to win. They are like a much more successful version of my beloved Dallas Cowboys. While the Falcons dropping games they should be winning is nothing new, this loss is of particular significance given the way in which Roddy White and some of the other Falcons were patting themselves on the back and declaring this game over before it begun. The result? The Falcons allowed a division opponent, who were all but counted out of the playoffs, to beat them amid all of their big talk and pre-game showboating. While I love a bravado as much as the next person, unless you have at least have a title, you should be keeping your mouth shut. Period.  The Falcons should absolutely take this loss as a lesson hard learned, and next time, not count their falcons before they hatch.

HIGHLIGHTS

CHICAGO BEARS DEFENSE- I know fans of the ’85 Bears go on and on about how great this team was, but I really want to know how they are better than this 2012 Bears squad, at least on Defense. This defense has been absolutely suffocating, because not only do they shut teams down from scoring points, it is them who are the ones scoring points.  And while they are tremendous as a unit, the biggest playmaker of them all has to be Charles Tillman. Not only has Peanut Tillman got the interceptions (and returned two of them for touchdowns), but in the Titans game alone he had four forced fumbles to bring is league leading total up to 7 though 8 games(which is astounding for a defensive back). This Bears team actually reminds me of the Ravens team that won the Superbowl in the early 2000s because of the way they their defense sets up big plays and seems to score points at will. The only difference between these two squads is that this Bears team has tremendous special teams play (led by the best return man in the game in Devin Hester) and a half-way decent offense (sorry Trent Dilfer). I know it has only been 8 games but if things keep going like this, the only team mutli-dimentional enough to stop them from going to the Superbowl is maybe the Giants.

COLTS WIN AGAIN- I cannot say enough good things about Andrew Luck. I know he does amazing things week after week, but until I am satisfied that he is the unanimous choice for rookie of the year I will continue to plead his case. On Sunday, Luck not only did the most important thing he could which was win the game (please take note hype-hogs Cam Newton and RG3), but he did so while setting a rookie passing record against a Miami Dolphins team many had picked to get into the playoffs. Luck has not only managed to rejuvenate the careers of his downward spiraling teammates like Reggie Wayne and Donald Brown, but he has totally rejuvanted the entire franchise and its fanbase. I have said it once and I’ll say it again, if Luck can take his team into the playoffs (or gets them to 9 wins) he should not only win rookie of the year, but MVP as well. Not even Peyton Manning turned this franchise around quick.

DOUG MARTIN’S BIG DAY- I know there was some hype around Doug Martin to start the year, but even the biggest Martin fan could not have imagine that he would have a game like this in his entire career let alone his rookie year. But alas, the league’s new Ray Rice found a way to put up 251 rushing yards and 4TDS on a much improved Raiders defense (or at least it was before this game). And while Carson Palmer and his critical turnovers were helpful in Martin getting the big opportunities he did, Martin has looked solid all season and this game might have been his coming out party. The Bucs spent big money this offseason on revamping their squad, but their best decision to this point has been taking the little man out of Boise state with the 31 pick in the draft. The Bucs play another suspect AFC West team this weekend, so there is a very good chance he’s able to keep the gravy train rolling.

LOWLIGHTS

EAGLES GROUNDED- I must have been off my rocker to think the Eagles were going to pull this game out (or at least cover the spread), but of course the Eagles blew the last chance to save their season in epic fashion last night. Not only was Andy Reid absolutely brutal with his playcalling as usual (how does a team that was averaging 7.6 yards per carry pass the ball 41 times in a game???), but also like clockwork Michael Vick turned the ball over at the worst possible instance with that redzone pick-6 that went for 99 yards. If the Eagles could not win a must win game against a 2-5 team with a brutal pass defense in a dome I do not know who they are going to beat for certain this year (although I have a feeling they will still trounce my beloved Cowboys on Sunday). On paper this was the Eagles’ year, but somehow they have carelessly tossed away their last great shot at glory. However, given Reid’ coaching and the way he carelessly tosses challenge flags this should come as no surprise to anyone.

BENGALS BUNGLE ANOTHER ONE- This game was right there for the Bengals. Despite big plays against them, like Trindon Holidays’ 105 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, they Bengals hung in there, made the smart plays when they had to, came back from 17-3 down and were actually up  20-17 against the heavily favoured Broncos at the start of the 4^th quarter. However, just as they always do the Bengals found a way to lose, with a combination of bad play calling, terrible defense, unnecessary (albeit suspect) penalties and a back-breaking turnover at the worst possible time via Dalton’s pick by Champ Bailey which set up the final Denver touchdown. The Bengals looked good to start the season, but have lost the last 4 in a row. I am not saying things are over for the Bengals, but in a division that includes the Ravens, they had better pick up the slack quick if they want a shot at one of those wildcards.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS SKINNED AT HOME- Due to the fact that I refuse to address the Cowboys and their issues this week, I will turn my attention elsewhere in the division. And since everyone, else in the division save the Giants is 3-5, finding fault is not hard to do. However, while everyone in this division except for the world champions have underperformed this season, no one takes underperforming more seriously than the Washington Redskins. As disturbing as their on-field performance was in losing to a hapless Panthers team at home, the most egregious thing about the Redskins this week has stemmed for their coach Mike Shanahan. For a change though it is not his playcalling which has people in the Washington area calling for his job, but rather his mouth (And really, if he’s not getting fired for having his concussed franchise quarterback open himself up to taking another brutal hit as a wide receiver he is probably not getting fired for playcalling anytime soon). It takes a lot for an overrated big mouth like Shannahan to get himself into trouble, but when you announce to the world that you are essentially giving up on the season half way in, you kind of open yourself up to getting axed (especially since, you know his terrible play calling kind of had something to do with them being where they are). However, in the spirit of taking buffoonery to the next level, Shanahan flip-flopped and said that he hadn’t actually given up on the season even though he had said he was now simply evaluating players for next year less than 24 hrs ago. Truly, epic coach Shanahan, and by that I of course mean epic fail.

NFL PICKS

I have been really busy of late so I was not able to post my San Diego pick, which turned out to be right. Sorry to my loyal readers (and fellow gamblers).

While I am still quite busy, but I will post the remaining picks, but without my usual commentary. Good luck to all and please be responsible.

AROUND THE LEAGUE (HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BENGALS (+4) over Broncos

COLTS (+1) over Dolphins

BRONZE PICK

Cowboys (+4) over Falcons (look there is absolutely no reason to take the Cowboys, due to Murray being out and Romo being Romo. However, Dallas usually plays well against good teams in November, they are coming off a tough loss against the Giants, and for whatever reason they seem to play more competitively outside of Jerry world. This is the season for the Cowboys, plus they have had luck against undefeated “good teams” in the past like the Colts who were 13-0 won season, beating the Saints they won the Superbowl, beating the Giants twice the time they won the Superbowl, so Dallas does have somewhat of a track record here. Plus you are getting points, the Falcons have looked shaky in some of their wins and Dallas’ defense is solid. So for all these reasons take a risk and take the Cowboys).

SILVER PICK

RAIDERS (-1) over Tampa Bay Bucs

GOLD PICK

Eagles (+3) over Saints ( I know, I know, I absolutely rip the Eagles on a weekly basis and did so even winning and pulling out those miracle wins, but this game is Michael Vick and Andy Reid’s career maintaining game. If the Eagles don’t make the playoffs, and they won’t if they lose this one, Reid is gone, and if Michael Vick has another terrible game he might be benched and it could signal the last of his tenure in Philly at season’s end, which of course means no more fat paydays!!) The Saints are a little overrated even though they are playing at home. So be smart, take the points, and hope Reid can win one for himself.

HIGHLIGHTS

PATRIOTS INTERNATIONAL WIN- Continuing in their tradition of overseas success, the Patriots once again beat a hapless team into the ground at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. While the Patriots have looked shaky in spots this season, they have deceptively been an offensive juggernaut on the road this season, and it doesn’t get more on the road then Merry Ol’ England. It is unfortunate that this Rams squad that had some momentum to them this season, had to not lose a “home” game by playing abroad, but also that the team they had to play happened to be the class of the AFC. I feel confident in my latter statement despite the many Patriot detractors because Pittsburgh has not heated up yet, Baltimore appears lost without Ray Lewis and Houston has not proven anything yet. While they probably won’t say it, the Patriots play their best ball when they are flying under the radar and that is just where they are right now. Watch out Patriots opponents.

COLTS KEEP IT GOING- Given their team on paper and of course NFL history, there should be no reason why they Colts have a winning record right now. The team finished last in the NFL, lost its franchise (and four time MVP-first ballot Hall of Fame) quarterback, also lost several perennial probowlers (Dallas Clark, Jeff Saturday), has no run game, has a suspect defense, and of course a rookie quarterback, but is still posting a record above .500. To say that Andrew Luck has played anything short of amazing is an absolute understandment as he has the poise, football IQ and leadership skills that you would expect out of an 8 year vet, not a rookie. While all they hype is around RG3 and what he’s doing for his sub .500 team, not only should luck win the rookie of the year award in a landslide, but if he can get his team to 9 wins and/or into the playoffs there should be some serious talk for him as the league’s MVP.

THE FALCONS REMAIN UNDEFEATED- I have long ago stated that until this Matt Ryan led Atlanta team does something meaningful in the playoffs, or at least wins a game, I will never drink the Kool-Aid with this squad. And while this has become a little more difficult to do each week, last week’s absolute dismantling of the Eagles was certainly the most trying. While the score of the game ended up being 30-17 and looking respectable, don’t let the numbers fool you. The way the Falcons played in this one coupled with how Eagles quit in this one the score might as well have been 88-2 (Assuming Matt Ryan fell at his own 20 and accidently kicked the ball out of the endzone). While I don’t know how long I will resist what the Falcons are selling, I do know that Andy Reid will be lucky if he last another 10 days as the Eagles coach. After that Michael Vick your clock in Philly is definitely ticking as well.   

LOWLIGHTS

STEELERS THROWBACKS- I do know who was in charge of the decision to allow the Steelers to wear those old school jerseys but they should be fired on the spot (where they will be free to join Andy Reid should they so choose). I know throwbacks are supposed to be fashionable, and usually are, but the only thing these jerseys did was want to make me throw up. I won’t say much more, but I will close with a message to the Steelers organization, when your uniforms look like a cross between Charlie Brown and Alcatraz there is a reason they have not been worn since the 1930s.

THE CHARGERS LOSE AGAIN- Almost as offensive as Pittsburgh’s uniforms this past Sunday, was the horrendous game played between the Chargers and the Browns. I understand this game was on television in some parts of the country, so to those of you unfortunate enough to watch this stinker you have my sincerest apologies. While I was fortunate enough not to have caught this game live, San Diego’s continued implosion did effect me as it cost me another perfect of NFL picks.  I know the weather played some part on the outcome of this game, but it was not enough to let perennial goats Phillip Rivers and Norv Turner off the hook, nor was it enough to excuse new goat Robert Meachm off the hook from dropping that touchdown pass (HOW COULD YOU NOT CATCH THAT BALL MEACHEM????). San Diego should have trounced the Browns by at least 25 points even if this game was played in a volcano, so to assume anything other than the Chargers as a team have totally quit on Norv Turner is anything but a fallacy. But still,  HOW COULD YOU NOT CATCH THAT BALL MEACHEM???.

THE COWBOYS EPIC FAIL, YET AGAIN- Unfortunately for me, I had a university convocation to attend this past Sunday so I missed most of the NFL action live. Fortunately, however the Giants-Cowboys game was on at the exact same time as the degrees were being handed out so I missed having to watch my beloved Cowboys get trounced live. I was checking my phone periodically but once they were down 23-0 nothing in a matter of moments I gave up and quietly slid my phone away. However, about an hour later at dinner I glanced at my phone to see that my team was back in the game and only down 23-17. By the time I had wolfed down my food and asked for the check the Cowboys were actually ahead 24-23 in the fourth. As I was pushing everyone out the door I thought to myself was this possibly the greatest comeback in Cowboys history, or merely the next kick in the stomach in a long line of kicks to the stomach Cowboys fans have had to endure since the glory days of the mid-90s. By the time I got home, and frantically turned on the T.V. I quickly realized that this was going to be the latter. I will spare you and myself the anguish of reliving all of the blown plays of the final two minutes wherin the Cowboys basically gave this game back to the Giants, but there is one thing I know, Tony Romo has got to go. Troy Aikman made the point perfectly during the final moments of the telecast, “you can’t spot a team like the Giants (or any team for that matter) 23 points and expect to win football games.” It really is as simple as that. Tony Romo to be fair is incredibly talented, has all the raw tools to win, but unfortunately can never seem to get over the hump and win a critical game when it counts. Maybe the problem is as simple as the succinct assessment Michael Corleone gives to Moe Greene in Godfather One, maybe he’s just unlucky. Whatever the reason it is time for Tony Romo and Dallas to part ways. For Tony Romo its an opportunity to start fresh and capatilize on your few remaining years in the NFL (remember Romo did not become a starter until quite late). For Dallas a team that has a reasonably young squad maybe the best move is, instead of disheartening your core completely, it is more logical to hand the reins to a game manager like Kyle Orton who won’t rip your heart out every Sunday until you can find your next franchise guy, than it is give Romo another opportunity to embarrass the franchise. Either way something’s gotta give in big-D.