Indianapolis Colts vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Indianapolis Colts(0-3) take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers(2-1) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay tonight, with 7:30CST kick off, televised on ESPN.  The Peyton Manning-less Colts are shown for the team people thought they were with Peyton artificially holding up the shell of the team they were just five years ago.  The 2006 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a situation very similar to that of the Dallas Cowboys last year.  Both teams were hopeful to play for the Lombardi trophy in their home stadium, with a franchise quarterback.  Both teams lost their franchise quarterback, and although the Colts still have time to salvage their season, it appears that the Colts will follow the path the Cowboys went in their abysmal six win 2010 season.

Jon Gruden will be announcing the game tonight, announcing the team that he, himself brought to the Super Bowl in 2003 (2002 season).  You might wonder whether he will be rooting for the team he once led, or against the team that fired him in 2009.  Some say the Super Bowl victory against his old team, the Oakland Raiders was largely due to the team that Tony Dungy built before him.  Gruden was fired in 2009 after getting knocked from the playoff hunt by the team he defeated in the Super Bowl six years before.

The post-Gruden Buccaneers surprised the football world, by going 10-6 without him.  The young talent, featuring rookies LeGarrette Blount (1,007 rushing yards in 2010) and Mike Williams (964 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns in 2010), largely made this happen. 

If Josh Freeman can prevent turnovers (to date he has 4 picks and 2 fumbles), and get the ball into Mike Williams hands, they should be able to defeat the deflated Colts easily.  If the Bucs O-Line can't contain the two weapons the Colts did not lose this year, Dwight Freeney (3 Sacks in 2011) and Robert Mathis (2 Sacks in 2011), we should have another one of those games that are fun to watch, but not because of expert play. 

Kevin

End of the Week NFL Picks – Week Four

Record: 10-6

All times are Central Standard Time

Washington (2-1) vs. St. Louis (0-3)

12:00 FOX St. Louis, Missouri

The Rams are a mess and Washington is hungry after letting one slip away in Dallas. Watch for Washington’s running game to take advantage of the weak front seven of the Rams.

Prediction: Washington 24 St. Louis 14

San Francisco (2-1) vs. Philadelphia (1-2)

12:00 FOX Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I see the Eagles getting back on track against the 49ers. It will be a tough cross country trip for the Niners and Michael Vick and the Eagles are looking for something to prove.  If the 49ers have a shot at winning it is dependent on whether they have success running the football and setting up play action for Alex Smith. I just don’t see that happening.

Prediction: Philadelphia 28 San Francisco 10

Pittsburgh (2-1) vs. Houston (2-1)

12:00 CBS Houston, Texas

This could be the game of the weekend. Pittsburgh struggled against an inferior team last week and the Texans had a lead in the fourth quarter in New Orleans last week. I think both defenses have the advantage in this game. This will be the Texans coming out party and they will show everyone that they are a serious threat to win the AFC.

Prediction: Houston 20 Pittsburgh 17

New Orleans (2-1) vs. Jacksonville (1-2)

12:00 FOX Jacksonville, Florida

The Saints are clicking on offense but the defense is giving up too many points and yards. They are licking their chops because of the Jags and rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Greg Williams will confuse the young man behind center and the Saints will win easily.

Prediction: New Orleans 31 Jacksonville 13

Carolina (1-2) vs. Chicago (1-2)

12:00 FOX Chicago, Illinois

This game will be closer than most think. Cam Newton is the real deal at quarterback and Chicago has a hard time defending a mobile quarterback. The Panthers will hang around long enough for the Chicago faithful to boo and moan about how bad their team is but then the Bears will force a key turnover late to secure a Bears victory.

Prediction: Chicago 21 Carolina 17

Detroit (3-0) vs. Dallas (2-1)

12:00 FOX Arlington, Texas

Detroit has been impressive on both sides of the ball. Dallas has disappointed me on offense but their defense is why they are 2-1. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer are playing out of their minds pressuring opposing quarterbacks and Jay Ratliff is a beast in the middle of an underrated defensive line. Detroit will get a shot of reality this week but it may benefit them. Don’t believe the hype, Detroit, or you will fall victim to it.

Prediction: Dallas 34 Detroit 17

Minnesota (0-3) vs. Kansas City (0-3)

12:00 FOX Kansas City, Missouri

There are very few guarantees in life but one of them is that after Sunday either the Vikings or Chiefs will have their first win of the year. Kansas City showed great resolve last week in a close loss to the Chargers and the Vikings collapsed in the second half for a third straight game. This game will not be pretty to watch but in the end Adrian Peterson is the difference and the Vikings earn their first win of the year.  I use the term "earn" loosely here.

Prediction: Vikings 28 Kansas City 14

Buffalo (3-0) vs. Cincinnati (1-2)

12:00 CBS Cincinnati, Ohio

This could be a letdown game for the Bills after a huge win at home against the Patriots last week. I think this game stays close right down to the end and see the Bengals pulling off a huge upset in front of their home crowd. Buffalo has been porous in coverage and I see AJ Green having a big game.

Prediction: Cincinnati 21 Buffalo 14

Tennessee (2-1) vs. Cleveland (2-1)

12:00 CBS Cleveland, Ohio

This will be another close game but in the end it will come down to who can control the line of scrimmage and give their quarterback enough time to air it out. Chris Johnson could be an X factor in this game. I say he gets it going in this game and the Titans win by a couple touchdowns.

Prediction: Titans 27 Browns 13

New York (NFC) (2-1) vs. Arizona (1-2)

3:05 FOX Glendale, Arizona

The Giants are on a roll and that will continue in the dessert on Sunday. I just don’t trust Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals offense. They only scored 10 points against the Seahawks last week and turned the ball over when it matter most. Eli Manning will protect the football and make big plays down the field to lead his team to a convincing victory in Arizona.

Prediction: New York (NFC) 34 Arizona 17

Atlanta (1-2) vs. Seattle (1-2)

3:05 FOX Seattle, Washington

The Falcons play bad on the road and the Seahawks play well at home. Regardless, I just don’t see Atlanta losing two in a row to inferior teams. Seattle will keep it close for the first half but Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will lead the Falcons to a much needed victory.

Prediction: Atlanta 23 Seattle 10

New England (2-1) vs. Oakland (2-1)

3:15 CBS Oakland, California

This will be a tough game for the Patriots because of the travel. Tom Brady will put up his numbers but he has to protect the football. Oakland is one of the best rushing teams in the NFL and that will be on full display against a very bad New England defense. In the final minute, Tom Brady will be Tom Brady and pull it off for the Pats.

Prediction: New England 38 Oakland 35

Denver (1-2) vs. Green Bay (3-0)

3:15 CBS Green Bay, Wisconsin

Please see my Broncos vs. Packers Late Week Report for my analysis and breakdown of the game. (coming soon!)

Prediction: Green Bay 42 Denver 17

Miami (0-3) vs. San Diego (2-1)

3:15 CBS San Diego, California

Three of San Diego’s first four games have been against winless teams (Minnesota, Kansas City, and now Miami). Miami’s offense is non-existent and their defense gives up way to many yards. Expect this to hold true on Sunday and for Phillip Rivers to have a field day against the Dolphins.

Prediction: San Diego 33 Miami 13

New York (AFC) (2-1) vs. Baltimore (2-1)

7:20 NBC Baltimore, Maryland

This is going to be a physical, hard hitting football game. Both defenses will be the key figures in the game. The Jets couldn’t stop the run last week in Oakland and Ray Rice could be the difference maker in this one. The Jets have trouble late and leave Baltimore with a second consecutive loss.

Prediction: Baltimore 17 New York (AFC) 10

Indianapolis (0-3) vs. Tampa Bay (2-1)

7:30 ESPN Tampa, Florida

Tampa Bay got a huge win against the Falcons last week but can they sustain the success that they had? They are the youngest team in the NFL and will be playing on Monday Night Football. They are going up against an opponent that will possibly be without their starting quarterback. If Tampa Bay can keep Josh Freeman clean they will win. I bet they do.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 26 Indianapolis 17

Matt

Romo to Grossman: "Check-Mate"

Dallas D wins a close one!  Romo was hurt and playing with inexperience.  He looked like a great coach, teaching his players the ins and outs of the game…. During the game.  “We had a million mistakes tonight, but we had a lot of young guys , but they are out there for a reason, we depend on them,” Romo told America after the game.  “It’s football season, usually we play football.”

 

Nine field goals were kicked tonight.  Six by rookie kicker Dan Bailey.  He tied a rookie record and I’m really impressed by his play.  He sure captivated the eager Dallas fans.  A few sacks, an interception and a blocked kick gave the Cowboys defense 9 fantasy points in one league I’m in.  I only needed 8.5, the rest is just icing on the cake. 

It just made me quite happy seeing Rex play like the way I remember he did when he was on the Bears.  When the team needs him most, he gets sacked and fumbles.  That is expected of Indianapolis Colts third string quarterback Curtis Painter, but not you my friend!  My prediction holds true, Cowboys magically hold off the Redskins and give their home crowd a show worthy of the billion dollar stadium protecting them.

Kevin

Monday Night Football - Cowboys and Redskins

Cowboys and Redskins.  Great divisional match-up in the NFC.  In Madden 2007-2009, I would start a franchise using the Redskins.  Their playbook was very similar to the Packers.  Perhaps that’s why Sexy Rexy knows how to operate it.  I really liked playing that team.  I really liked Jason Campbell and often I would select him when moving forward in the franchise as my eventual starting quarterback.  Until I drafted someone with 92 speed that is.  

Any ways, Rex I still see in a Bears uniform, and I remember him well.  The Rex I remember would not perform they way the Redskins quarterback is now.  Not consistently, and not long term.  However, seeing how the Vikings have been playing (all four quarters people), I think the Redskins are definitely better off with Grossman (They wouldn't be better off with #Tebow , know what I'm saying @kyleortonary and @FoxyJohnFox? )  I'm getting ahead of myself with the Packers v. Broncos next week, forgive me!

I can’t see how long this Redskins streak lasts, and as much as I would like to root for the lesser of two evils, I’m afraid I’m going to have to side with the Cowboys winning at home.  The Cowboys have never won at home in their new stadium, and what a better shot at redemption for Romo if he can knock off the undefeated Redskins… with a punctured lung and fractured rib no less.  

Romo’s fractured rib, Ausin out, Rex Grossman,… it sounds like a pitcher’s duel tonight gentlemen.  It should be a quick one, but it will definitely be one to watch.  I will be rooting, although, hell, I will admit it.  Two of my fantasy teams need the Cowboys defense to hold up to win this week.  This game will probably be more exciting to me than most!  

Good luck,

Kevin 

Orton, and the Broncos fumble with Raiders (#Tebow)

Big day tomorrow.  Gotta get there early.  Just havin’ a couple drinks and finishing up the last MNF game.  There’s a nfl.com/ticketexchange that intrigues me.  Every time I see it actually.  Start of 4^th quarter.  Silly fumble by Kyle.  Wide open #86, but Horton – weather undoubtedly excuse, although there is no real excuse, that he dropped the ball.  Less than 2 minutes later Darren McFadden breaks a 47 yard run to the Broncos’ 1 yard line.  Man that guy is fast.  I can’t believe he didn’t get in tbh.  Imho he should have made it.  The booth should review that, it was close enough.  Or is it only when he gets in that it gets reviewed?  Review every play.  These refs are done.  147 yards on the day.  McFadden is doin’ pretty damn good tonight.  I started really liking this guy ever since he was on my fantasy football team.  I don’t know if it was last year or two years ago.  I don’t remember what league it was in frankly.  QB sneak, touchdown Raiders.  22-13.  Most likely 23, unless their kicker is hurt as well.

Kick is good.  12 minutes to play.

I would fumble probably 40 times on 32 pass plays if you put me out there in the rain.  But if you asked me to count the players ( I went to school for accounting) , I would have counted them perfectly and could attest to my accuracy.

I’ve never liked Papa Johns.  Sorry.. Papa John.  Actually very recently had Dominoes.  Heh.

Countin’ down the probably sleep level in my head.  6, maybe 7 hours?  Busy day tomorrow though.. maybe I’ll just stay up til the end of this game.  Kickers are too strong.  I’m sick of these touch backs.  Content is too easy when you can type 100 words per minute.  Orton gets sacked, then fumbled (2 consecutive plays).  3^rd and 3, 11:49 to play.  Denver’s ball, their own 27. 

Fumble or dropped ball.  My initial thought.  Dropped ball.  Wow, no doubt in my mind after one replay, at how wrong I was.  Fumble recovered by himself.  These guys are trying to do way too much with the football (risky juke moves).  There will be a fumble every play.  Time is of the essence though.  I hated playing in stuff like that.  I could choose to slide past an otherwise easy pop-out, or fall on my face trying to stop.  10:14 to go in the game.  After midnight.  That’s it for me.  Or is it?

Ah hell, I can probably make it to the end of it.

Kevin