The Mondays: So about Tennessee...

Tennessee Titans 20 - Arizona Cardinals 17- The Titans are no doubt hotter than Hansel right now. I think Mugatu would agree with that. Vince Young has turned this 0-6 cellar team into something amazing. I said the Titans were the best 0-3 team at one point. Of course, I also lost my faith in the Titans. They get Indy on the road next week. If the Titans can beat Indy, they'll be 6-6. Their toughest opponent is San Diego in their final four games. If the Titans can go 3-1, to go along with the Indy win, they have a very good shot at gaining a wild card spot. Considering how the Titans started, it would be one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

Indianapolis Colts 35 - Houston Texans 27- Peyton Manning showed why he's one of the best. He really pulled the Colts out of their first half lag and took them to a win in Houston. The Texans. Manning didn't play too great in the first half, but hey they pulled it together and that's what counts.

Atlanta Falcons 20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17- No Matt Ryan and Michael Turner for the Falcons. Chris Redman helped get the Falcons to victory on Sunday. So...yay Chris Redman!

New York Jets 17 - Carolina Panthers 6- A 12.7 QB rating for Jake Delhomme? I think time's running out for Delhomme in Carolina.

SUNDAY NIGHT RECAP: Baltimore Ravens 20 - Pittsburgh Steelers 17- The Ravens won it in OT. They needed the win and got it. The Steelers might be having some issues though. We have to wait and see though.

MONDAY NIGHT PREDICTION: New England over New Orleans

See you Tuesday!

Tuesdays with Romo: Saints are 7-0

New Orleans Saints 35 - Atlanta Falcons 27- This was an interesting game for most of the night. The Saints looked like they were in control when they led at halftime 28-14.

The Falcons scored in the third quarter when Matt Ryan connected with Roddy White on a 68-yard touchdown pass. Jason Elam kicked a field goal in the fourth to get the Falcons within four points of the Saints. Elam missed two field goal kicks prior.

A New Orleans fumble gave the Falcons the ball in Saints territory. However, Ryan was picked off in the end zone. Pierre Thomas cushioned the Saints lead with a one-yard run for a touchdown.

The Falcons nailed a field goal late and recovered the onside kick. However, Ryan was picked off by Darren Sharper with eight seconds left in the game.

Drew Brees completed 25-of-33 for 308 yards and two touchdowns. Brees has now crossed the 2,000 yard plateau for the season. Ryan completed 19-of-41 for 289 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Michael Turner rushed for 151 yards and one touchdown in the Falcons loss.

The Saints could easily go 10-0 at this rate. They get Carolina this week, St. Louis and Tampa after that. Right now, the Saints just look great.

As for the Falcons, they're 4-3. They get Washington at home this week. If something were to happen and the Falcons lost, there would be a lot of issues. We'll see what happens though. That's why they play the games.

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Atlanta Falcons

It's hard to believe that the Falcons have gotten so far from where they were at the end of the 2007 season. The team had to go through the Michael Vick case, which can be tough on anybody. The Falcons also lost Bobby Petrino, when he bolted for Arkansas before the end of the season. It seemed like the team was in disarray going into the next season.

However, things got better for the Falcons. Led by rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and rookie head coach Mike Smith, the Falcons clinched a wild card spot in the playoffs. It was the Falcons first trip to the playoffs since the 2004 season.

Ryan passed for more than 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns, as he won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Of course, give some credit to the success of Michael Turner. After playing under the shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego, Turner went out and had a breakout year in 2008. The Northern Illinois product rushed for almost 1,700 yards (1,699 to be exact) and ran the ball in to the endzone 17 times. If it wasn't for Turner, maybe the Falcons are 7-9 or even 6-10.

But don't give all of the credit to Turner. This team looks a lot better than ever before and are among the favorites in an always crazy-competitive NFC South (yes I made that word up off the top of my head).

With the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez to the mix, Ryan has another weapon to throw to. It helps he has Roddy White back too. Could the man many call "Matty Ice" go out and have another terrific season? It is most certainly possible. I am eager to see what the Falcons do in 2009.

Most Offensive Player: Michael Turner
Most Defensive Player: Mike Peterson
Best New Guy: Peria Jerry
Coolest Twitter Page: Chandler Williams
Team Song: "Hard to Handle"- The Black Crowes
Coolest Names (Top 3): Ovie Mughelli, Brent Grimes, Kroy Biermann
Most Likely to Succeed: Michael Turner
In 2009, the Falcons will go: 11-5

We'll continue to profile the NFC South and should have it wrapped up by early next week.

The Mondays: Falcons clinch spot in Wild Card

Atlanta Falcons 24 - Minnesota Vikings 17- Congratulations goes to the Falcons for clinching a berth in the NFC playoffs. This team has made the ultimate turnaround. The 2007 season was awful. Whether it was the Mike Vick trial or Bobby Petrino leaving for Arkansas, this team had a lot to overcome. Head coach Mike Smith has this team on the right track. With players like Michael Turner, John Abraham, Roddy White and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, this team has a chance to be a force in the NFC for quite a few years.

Tennessee Titans 31 - Pittsburgh Steelers 14- This game should have been closer, but the Steelers had a terrible day with turnovers, particularly Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers quarterback was picked twice (one returned for a touchdown) and fumbled several times (losing the ball twice). The Titans are the top seed, the Steelers are the second seed. These teams are both very good, but neither in my opinion are a solid contender for the Super Bowl in this unpredictable AFC.

San Diego Chargers 41 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24- The Bucs chances are hurt by the loss on Sunday. The Chargers are still alive in the AFC West hunt. Here's why...

Buffalo Bills 30 - Denver Broncos 23- Two fourth quarter touchdowns by the Bills in the fourth quarter made the ultimate difference in the game. Now the Broncos find themselves with their backs against the wall. They face the Chargers this week to determine the AFC West champion. The Chargers are a game back. We're witnessing a collapse by the Broncos. They've had a chance to wrap up the division for a couple of weeks now and they still haven't done it. I'll be amazed if the Broncos beat the Chargers, because they are not playing like a playoff team. The Broncos have a lot of growing up to do.


Miami Dolphins 38 - Kansas City Chiefs 31- A valiant effort by the Chiefs in a freezing cold Arrowhead Stadium, but the Dolphins weren't about to have their playoff chances frozen. Chad Pennington had another three touchdown pass day for the Dolphins. Meanwhile, Tyler Thigpen threw for 320 yards in the Chiefs loss. The Dolphins now hold all the cards in the deck. They will face the Jets on Sunday in what could very well determine who wins the AFC East.


New England Patriots 47 - Arizona Cardinals 7- My brother said the Patriots would win by 40 before the game and he was right. Props to him.


Seattle Seahawks 13 - New York Jets 3- Not a good loss for the Jets, but then again all losses aren't that great. It was indeed the final home game for Mike Holmgren as head coach of the Seahawks. It was snowy in Seattle. Whether or not Holmgren comes back, there's no denying how great his coaching career has been. If he comes back, hey great. If he doesn't come back, happy trails and I hope the next time we see him, it will be at his enshrinement in Canton. Hopefully, Holmgren can close out his coaching career in Seattle with a win.

SUNDAY NIGHT RECAP: New York Giants 34 - Carolina Panthers 28- Out of all the games played during week 16, this one had to be the best one. Believe me, there was a lot of great games played over the weekend. Both teams rushed for a combined 459 net yards. The Giants now have the top seed and homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs. Meanwhile, the Panthers need to beat the Saints on Sunday, or else they risk falling into the no.-5 seed in the NFC playoffs.

MONDAY NIGHT PICK: Oh come on, Bears over Packers! Do you really need to ask?

Enjoy your Monday (Unless you're getting snowed on or you're freezing like I am, or both)

The Mondays: Jason Elam likes to win

Atlanta Falcons 22 - Chicago Bears 20- This was a great game from start to finish. In the end, the Falcons came out on top. Falcons kicker Jason Elam kicked a 48-yard field goal, as time expired, to win the game. Elam missed a 33-yarder two minutes earlier, which gave the ball back to the Bears. After the Kyle Orton touchdown pass to Rashied Davis with 11 seconds left in the game, it looked to be all but over for the Falcons. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw a 26-yard pass to Michael Jenkins with one second left on the clock. Jenkins landed out of bounds with possession. The play led to the Elam field goal. Elam made 5-of-6 field goals on Sunday. Ryan threw for 300 yards for the first time in his NFL career. No doubt this is a huge win for the Falcons. The NFC South is turning into a very tough division. Things are looking up for the NFC South.

Houston Texans 29 - Miami Dolphins 28- A three yard draw by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub made the ultimate difference in the game. Schaub went for it on fourth down and got in for the score. Meanwhile, Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter isn't happy about a blown call by referee Ed Hochuli. The popular ref seems to be having some bad string of luck this season. It's hard to say what's wrong with him. Hopefully he can get back on track, because right now, no team wants to play while Hochuli is reffing.

St. Louis Rams 19 - Washington Redskins 17- A Josh Brown 49-yard field goal gave the Rams their first win of the season. Brown made four field goals on the day. In a way, Sunday was a day for field goal kickers.

Romo Alert: Arizona Cardinals defeat Dallas Cowboys in overtime- The man formerly known as Antonio threw for three touchdowns today, but it wasn't enough to stop the Cardinals.

Sunday Night Recap: San Diego Chargers 30 - New England Patriots 10- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had a huge night, last night. Rivers threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He had a quarterback rating of 141.9. The big question is, how far will the Patriots fall?

Monday Night Prediction: New York Giants over Cleveland Browns

Enjoy your Monday

Oh No Romo

Photo Credit: Atlanta Journal Constitution

Friday Briefs: NFL Picks- Week 4

It was another great week for yours truly. I went 4-1 for the week. After three weeks, I am 11-4. Things are looking up for me. Hopefully, I can keep things going.

Tennessee over Minnesota- It makes perfect sense.

Denver over KC- Like KC has a chance?

Carolina over Atlanta- I like that the Falcons are 2-1, but the Panthers are a tough team.

Jacksonville over Houston- The Jags are back on track.

UPSET: San Francisco over New Orleans

Enjoy the weekend.

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Atlanta Falcons

Because of the Brett Favre situation and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being a potential candidate in the Favre sweepstakes, I'm holding off on their preview for now. Today though, we will focus on, the ATLANTA FALCONS. This will be the last one before the weekend.

Could there have been any other team that has suffered more in 2007 than the Falcons? This team fell apart in 2007. Nobody could wish that amount of bad luck on a franchise like the Falcons. First was the Mike Vick dogfighting situation. I won't go further.

Then there was the issue of who would play quarterback. It came down to Byron Leftwich and Joey Harrington. I'm sure you know how that turned out, so I won't bother you with that.

The worst thing and I mean THE worst thing that could have ever happened to the Falcons happened when head coach Bobby Petrino left town with THREE GAMES LEFT in the season to go and coach the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. I'm sorry, but that is about as low as low can possibly get. It was a shameful move by Petrino to begin with. He basically ditched the team and it's terrible that it had to happen to the Falcons. Okay now, time to get off the soap box.

The Falcons open up the regular season at home when they face the Detroit Lions. They have some notable home games against Chicago, Denver and St. Louis. On the road, the Falcons will face Philly, Oakland and Green Bay.

Now it is time for the always popular, always crazy, burnin' questions (Yearbook style):

• Matt Ryan will: Get potato'd! (Sacked a bunch of times)
  
  
• QB who starts the most games: Ummmmm, Matt Ryan?
  
  
• Michael Turner will: Be the best producing back for the Falcons (1421 yards for scrimmage)
  
  
• Coach Mike Smith will: Last a lot longer than Petrino, but sadly only two seasons
  
  
• Leading receiver for Falcons: Umm, I don't know
  
  
• TV Movie to describe team: Falling Without Style
  
  
• Coolest names (Top 3): Todd Weiner, Ovie Mughelli, Todd "Son of Troy?" McClure (Von Hutchins, Jerious Norwood and Montavious Stanley all get honorable mention)
  
  
• 80s song to best describe team: I Ran (So Far Away)- Flock of Seagulls
  
  
• In 2008, the Falcons will go: 5-11

Enjoy the weekend--and the vid

Oh No Romo



Photo from Razorback Legacy

The Mondays: Some Movie Posters to Describe The NFL Draft

I decided to get a little creative with the NFL Draft, which took place over the weekend. I made three movie posters for the moment. Take the time to look at them and enjoy...

Tuesdays with Romo: Considering a voluntary stay in a mental health institution

New York Giants defeat Atlanta Falcons, 31-10

This is without a doubt a story of two teams going in two different directions. The Giants have won four straight games after losing their first two. Eli Manning looked great. This may very well be the Giants team we have been waiting to see start playing. This team looks great. They are playing great football, even with all the questionmarks.

As for the Falcons, I don't know what to say. Words cannot describe my feelings toward the Falcons season. It seemed imminent that this team would have a bad year. This team is just not good at all. They're 1-5 and in last place in the NFC South. They can't score, they can't stop the run (but they're still better at it than the Bears), they can't protect their quarterback Joey Harrington, who has been sacked 17 times in six games this season. The most times Harrington has been sacked in one season, 36.

I'm not sure what to make of this team. I feel bad for the team and the city. I'm not going to call this a greek tragedy just yet, but I'm not too confident in seeing this team go up against the New Orleans Saints next week.

See ya

Nos

Hump Day: The Loser Rankings

It's week two and boy do we have plenty of losers.

Let the countdown and total fun-ness (I made that word up) begin.

10. Philadelphia Eagles- Forget about the Donovan McNabb comments for a minute here. This team has one star and his name is McNabb. They have Westbrook, but they worry about injuries with him. POP QUIZ: Name a wide receiver on the Eagles? Regardless, I still believe they can win the NFC East.

9. New Orleans Saints- They're 0-2. What happened? I picked them in my Survival Football pool and here they go losing, to the Buccaneers.

8. St. Louis Rams- They're 0-2 and making my pick for them to win the Wild Card, look really stupid.

7. Oakland Raiders- Ohhhh the agony of losing to the Denver Broncos in overtime. It's unfortunate to the Raiders that it went down that way.

6. Kansas City Chiefs- Not looking good for the Chiefs right now

5. San Diego Chargers- No cameras and you still lost. I need a reason to believe that they're going to win the division. How will they do it, if LT averages 1.9 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown (Only through two games, but he had three touchdowns and a 4.04 yards per carry).

4. Atlanta Falcons- Welcome aboard Mr Leftwich. We hope you fare better than this guy (Before he entered the pros).

3. Cincinnati Bengals Defense- 50 points to the Cleveland Browns.....and you call yourself an AFC North team.

2. Rex Grossman- 32 for 57, 305 yards. It's not out of the realm of possibility. But to put up that total in two games, that's like me shooting a 60 on the front nine. I'm not sure how much more of Grossman I can take.

1. The AFC East (Minus the New England Patriots)- The Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets are a combined 0-6 to start the season. Meanwhile, the Patriots are 2-0. Good news is on the way though. The Dolphins and the Jets play this week, while the Bills play the Patriots. At least we know one of those three will win.

Later

Nos

The Rise and Fall of Michael Vick

As Michael Vick acknowledges his guilt on Federal dog fighting charges, it’s hard to imagine a quarterback with so much talent and skill, would fall from the mountain that took him so long to climb.

He was once a player who excited fans everywhere he went. Now he’s lucky if anybody likes him.

It doesn’t seem like that long ago, Vick was a star player at Virginia Tech. He was a mobile quarterback that was a threat on every offensive play. Vick led the Hokies to the Sugar Bowl in the ‘99 season, only to lose the National Title game to Florida State.

In the 2001 NFL Draft, all the talk was about Michael Vick. He was the biggest storyline going into that year’s draft. It was at that time that San Diego, who owned the top pick, swapped first round picks with the Falcons, who held the fifth slot.

With the first pick, the Falcons chose Vick and the Chargers took a RB out of Texas Christian University, who once ran for over 400 yards in a game, you know him now as LT, LaDainian Tomlinson. What a difference that trade made, what if the trade never happened?

Vick was set to take over the team from an aging quarterback and play under a coach who never won a Super Bowl, despite many tries. It wasn’t too long after the Falcons 14-2 Super Bowl run, give that team a few years and the new guy will lead them to the “Promise Land,” right?

Vick showed some signs during his rookie year, but the Falcons didn’t make the playoffs. The 2002 season would lead to the meteoric rise of Vick. Vick would lead the team to the playoffs for the first time since the Super Bowl season.

The cold, snowy conditions of Lambeau Field would be Vick’s playoff test. Vick shined brighter than the snow that fell on Lambeau Field that night. He gave the Falcons their first playoff victory since 98-99.

A loss to the Eagles, who have a quarterback with similar styles in Donovan McNabb, would end the team’s dream run. The loss didn’t matter, Vick was an instant hit in the NFL. Everybody came down with Vick fever, especially the folks in “Hot-lanta.” Vick would be on the ‘Madden 2004’ cover.

The next season would prove to be the first obstacle in Vick’s career. A knee injury in a preseason game ended most of Vick’s season. He would return that December, but nevertheless, the Falcons missed the playoffs.

The 2004 season brought about changes, new Head Coach Jim Mora, Jr., came to town, along with a new offense for Vick to work with, the West Coast Offense. The questions came up as to whether Vick could be a drop-back passer.

The questions were never really answered, but the Falcons did win the NFC South and would play in the NFC Title game. Once again, the Falcons would lose to the Eagles, ending any hope of making it to their second ever Super Bowl.

The 2005 season was no different than the previous year. The questions kept piling on as to whether or not Vick could be a drop-back passer. The Falcons would miss out on the playoffs.

The 2006 season saw plenty of turmoil. The Falcons once again missed out on the playoffs, Jim Mora was fired from the Falcons and questions were raised as to whether or not Vick should be the Falcons quarterback.

After one game last season, Vick, out of frustration, flipped off the Atlanta fans. He would be fined for those actions.

This offseason has been the worst yet for Vick. First was the water bottle compartment incident, in January.

Then came the dog fighting allegations in April. Then the indictment, last month. Now today, the world hears about Vick pleading guilty.

There is a sense of betrayal when it comes to Vick and the dog fighting scandal. For six years, the city of Atlanta has had a love affair with Vick. He was considered to be the guy to make the Falcons relevant in Atlanta.

Not only was he exciting in Atlanta, but he was exciting everywhere else. Fans paid lots of money to go and see the phenomenon that was Michael Vick.

Vick not only betrayed the fans, but he betrayed the one man who gave him what he needed, Falcons owner, Arthur Blank.

Blank has always been enamored by Vick and has always acknowledged him to be the guy the team would be built around. Who could forget Blank wheeling around an injured Vick during the 2003 regular season.

Blank gave a long-term contract to Vick, making him one of the richest players in all the game. Is this how Vick thanks his owner, his team and most importantly, his fans?

The justice system will determine how long Vick goes to jail. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will determine how long Vick stays out of the game. The same game we watched him play at Virginia Tech.

Friday Briefs: The *ATLANTA FALCONS*: Michael Vick Free Edition

We reach the final team in the NFC South. I will not once mention the name of the quarterback in all of the legal trouble (except in the title).



So without 'You Know Who' in the picture, it's time to get on with the show. The Falcons finished third in the NFC South, going 7-9 and getting rid of their Head Coach, Jim Mora, bringing in Louisville Head Coach, Bobby Petrino.



The Falcons drafted Jamaal Anderson (No not him), the DE out of Arkansas. The Falcons will open the season on the road, as they take on the Vikings. Other notable games include, the Rams and the Cardinals on the road and the Giants and Colts at home. The Colts game will be on Thanksgiving night.



Time for some burning questions, you know the drill by now:

1. Warrick Dunn will: Run for 800 yards


2. Jerious Norwood will: Run for 300 yards


3. Falcons leading receiver for 2007: Joe Horn


4. The Falcons defense will: Have larger holes than the O-Zone


5. Jamaal Anderson will: Run for 1,000 yards and score 17 TD's (Oops wrong one)


6. Most likely to sing a rendition of 'Piano Man': Joey Harrington


7. Most likely to play the song on the piano: Joey Harrington


8. 'Kiss' song that best describes the team: 'A World Without Heroes'


9. Falcons 2008 1st round draft pick: Brian Brohm


10. In 2007, the Falcons will: Finish at the bottom of the division, going 4-12, earning the right to pick #1 in 2008 draft.