Is it really Week 10 already?? Is that possible? Where did the season go? Will the Browns ever score again?? What was Bill Belichick smoking?? These are the questions that are on the mind of PTS, but don't worry, we're here to tell you like it is in the National. Football. League.
Overrated Story of The Week: The Worst Call of the Century
You know, I was actually on the other side of the fence on this one until this morning. I thought that the Hoodie might have made the worst coaching call of the decade. But, after getting away from angry ex-Pats like Harrison and Bruschi, and talking to the real people, I get what Belichick was thinking and understand his decision. Ok, it might still not be the "correct" decision, but I think it was the right one. Think about it....
Indianapolis had no timeouts. If you do pick up the first down and have 1st and 10 after the 2 minute warning, the game is effectively over. No discussion, no worries, game over. However, if you punt in that situation, you give Indy 2 minutes to drive the field 60-70 yards and win the game. Put yourselves in Bill Belichick's shoes... what one person do you want in control with a chance to clinch the game on the line?
Tom Brady. Duh.
If a game, season, or championship rides on Tom Brady getting me two yards, I would take that gamble everytime. Sure, ex-Pats can whine and complain that coach doesn't have enough faith in his defense all they want, but that's putting their emotional involvement into play. Objectively, when you look at the situation, the right thing to do is to let Brady try and win the game. If it would have worked, he would be a genius. But, then again, isn't that the blessing and the curse of coaching in the NFL?
Underrated Story Of The Week: The Fall of the Broncos
-The Broncos aren't just falling, they're plummeting towards the earth without a parachute. 3 straight losses, all by double digits, including one to... hello... Washington... have them perilously at 6-3 and the Chargers nipping at their heels. It's not just that the Broncos are losing now, it's the way that they're losing. Gone is that fearsome defense led by Mike Nolan (let's face it, if Jason Campbell is lighting you up, there are issues), and now Kyle Orton might be missing for the big San Diego encounter next week. Stepping on the Broncos bandwagon never seemed like a comfortable idea, now we might all be finding out why.
3 Stars:
3rd Star: Donovan McNabb (QB-Eagles)
-Hopefully our 3rd star award is enough for Donovan McNabb to take solace from the Eagles defeat in San Diego. Throwing for 450 is impressive win or lose, but Philly has to be very concerned with the concussion problems of Brian Westbrook and the lack of a balanced attack if they want to make the postseason.
2nd Star: Chris Johnson (RB-Titans)
-Maybe if Vince Young were inserted into the lineup a month ago, the Titans would be in the Wild Card race and Chris Johnson would be in the thick of the MVP race. He leads the NFL in rushing and Sunday had 132 yards rushing and 100 receiving against the Bills. Two thumbs up for you Chris, unlike your owner (more from him later).
1st Star: Marvin Lewis & Mike Zimmer (HC/DC - Bengals)
-These two guys deserve all the credit in the world for keeping the Steelers out of the endzone in Pittsburgh. Zimmer's tragic story is well documented, coaching at all throughout this time is a testament to his character, let alone having a D capable of leading the Bengals resurgence. The culture in Cincy has dramatically improved for the better, so please don't ruin it by bringing in Larry Johnson.
Fab 5:
1. Indy
2. New Orleans
3. Minny
4. Cincy
5. San Diego
-A thought about our rankings: The Saints drop to #2 because I don't want to jinx them by staying at #1 after barely holding on to beat the Rams. Plus, the Colts deserve the top spot after such a great win against NE. Minny stays at #3 for whipping the tame Lions while Cincy stays at #4 (where we've had them for a while now, thanks for catching up America). Out of the 3 loss teams, the Chargers make their first appearance in the Fab 5. We'll see how long Norv lets that last.
11 Random Observations:
1) So many observations, so little time... let's start with this piece of genius from Titans owner Bud Adams. Now this is southern hospitality at it's finest (obscene gesture warning)...
I love the fan asking, "who was that?" Oh, that's your owner who's going to get clocked with a well-deserved 250,000$ fine by Don Goodell. Bud earned every penny of that one folks.
2) People keep asking me if I'm concerned that the Saints have had to come back from deficits in their last 3 games... and that they barely held on to beat the Rams. When you're a Saints fan, you live in a world of worry and concern, even at 9-0. I'll chalk that performance up to injuries on the defense. But, I'm starting to think a loss or two wouldn't be such a bad thing.
3) Jon Gruden signed an "exclusive" contract with ESPN, and there was a meteor shower to celebrate the occasion. Good for him and MNF, he's very good... as long as he keeps the cheesy nicknames to a minimum.
4) Let's play Jon Gruden for an observation, what would he say about Brady Quinn? "I call Brady Quinn the Waterpistol, because the only throws he completes are inside the range of a Super Soaker." Too bad the Browns aren't on MNF anymore this year!
5) What cheesy nickname would he give Jay Cutler? The Apple Turnover? Get it... turnovers... cheesy nicknames... you see, what I'm trying to say is that he throws too many interceptions...
6) In all seriousness though, look what surrounds Cutler. Sure he threw a couple boneheaded red zone picks, but he might have the worst O-Line and WR core in the league. Give him just a little protection and running game, and maybe an offensive coordinator/head coach/GM who know offense, and see what he can do then.
7) I nearly vomited in my mouth when I actually heard a question posed if Dallas was the best team in the NFC last week. Ha, ha, ha. Don't worry, Jimmy Johnson still thinks they're the Super Bowl favorites.
8) Raise your hand if you saw that titanic Chiefs/Raiders struggle, anyone? Bueller??
9) Good and bad week for Reggie Bush. He scored two TDs in the Saints' win on Sunday, but then he tweeted this:
"My prayers go out to Michael Westbrook who suffered another concussion. A great player and true veteran of the NFL."
Whoops.
10) Speaking of Brian Westbrook... wasn't he the first to pull the MoJo dive at the 1? Except 1 difference, Westbrook was ahead! Never, ever, turn down a chance at taking the lead. There are too many botched kicks to turn down a for sure chance at the lead. Selfless, inspirational, but dumb.
11) Two 4-5 teams going in opposite directions, the Jets and Panthers. King Rex and Prince Mark have gone from toast of the town to dog meat in a matter of weeks. Meanwhile, the Panthers looked good nearly beating the Saints last week, and downing Atlanta this week. If there's one team I don't want to play down the stretch, it's Carolina.
What Happened In Week 10 That Will Change The Season: Kings of the North
-Cincy's win in Pittsburgh effectively gave them a 2 game lead in the AFC North over the Steelers. Their season sweeps of Pittsburgh and Baltimore have made them the unquestioned kings of the AFC North. Look at the rest of the Bengals sked and tell me if you think there's any way they drop 2 games to Pitt the rest of the way. Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit, KC, and the Jets should be 5 easy wins. But, with the D and running game looking like championship material, this team has loftier goals than just a division title. Remember, the Bengals looked destined for greatness the last time they made the playoffs until Carson Palmer went down (see above). If they can stay healthy, we might see a Bengals v Saints Super Bowl. Yes, I'm just as amazed as you are.
Check back for the continuation of the Top 10 Games of the Decade Countdown!
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