Monday, January 4, 2010
The Mondays: Playoffs are set
Saturday
New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals- The Jets blew out the Bengals to be the final team in the playoff mix. The Jets have the best defense in the NFL. They're also one of the best rushing offenses in the league. If they can do what they did on Sunday night, they'll easily defeat Cincy. However, the Bengals didn't get to this point without having a good defense as well. They need to shut down the running game and pressure Mark Sanchez. If they can do that, it certainly won't hurt their chances of winning.
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys- Another rematch from Sunday. The Cowboys won and took the wind out of the sails. It won't be as easy for our namesake as it was on Sunday. Philly will come to play on Saturday night.
Sunday
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots- We have two playoff tested teams going at each other. Baltimore lost a close game in the regular season. However, it's the Patriots. Tom Brady is one of the best playoff quarterbacks of all time. The Patriots will be ready to play. However, it looks like they'll be without Wes Welker. This could potentially work to the Ravens advantage. Suddenly, double teaming Randy Moss doesn't sound like a bad idea for Baltimore.
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals- The Cards definitely held back on Sunday against the Packers. Matt Leinart saw a lot of action. Rest assure Cardinal fans, Leinart won't be seeing action this Sunday, unless Kurt Warner gets hurt. This game could be the most exciting wild card game, or at least the highest scoring one out of the four.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesdays with Romo: NO MORE FAVRE!
See you guys on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Green Bay Packers
Rodgers had the unenviable task of playing in Brett Favre's shadow. Even Bubby Brister didn't deal with that when John Elway retired from the Broncos. Rodgers performed very well in his first full season as starting quarterback. He passed for 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Sadly, there was still some who compared Rodgers and Favre. Rodgers can be a great quarterback for the Packers franchise. Hell, he could be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. The good news is that, with the success Rodgers had last season, the comparisons might be stopping. I wish nothing but the best for Rodgers...until he faces the Bears.
The Packers were a lot better last season than their 6-10 record. In fact they outscored their opponents by 39 points in 2008. They were the only team in the NFL to outscore their opponents, despite a sub-.500 record.
The Packers offense was fifth in the NFL, but the defense was 22nd overall, in the points category. The Packers lost a lot of close games late in the season to Jacksonville, Chicago, Carolina and Houston, all by no more than four points. If just a few of those close games goes the Packers way, maybe they're 8-8, or 9-7.
The Packers plan to implement a 3-4 defense scheme for this season. If it works out, I don't see why the Packers couldn't make the playoffs. If it doesn't, well, who knows!
Time for those burnin' yearbook style questions:
Most Offensive Player (Offense MVP): Greg Jennings
Most Defensive Player (Defense MVP): Aaron Kampmann
Best New Guy (Rookie of the Year): B.J. Raji (if he ends his holdout)
Coolest Twitter Page: Nick Barnett
Team Song: The BoDeans- Closer to Free (NOTE: Also theme song for Party of Five)
Coolest Names (Top 3): Breno Giacomini, Jordy Nelson, Atari Bigby
Most Likely to Succeed (Team MVP): Aaron Rodgers
In 2009, the Packers will go: 10-6 (Make playoffs)
I'll cover the Lions on Friday.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Mondays: Titans go 8-0
Tennessee Titans 19 - Green Bay Packers 16- This game was settled in overtime when Rob Bironas kicked a game winning 41-yard field goal. The Titans are clearly the biggest surprise of this NFL season. Nobody is within a mile of the Titans in the AFC South. I'm unsure of the Titans being a legitimate contender. They have a tough defense and a good 1-2 combo at the running back position. However, it comes down to the quarterback spot. Vince Young has to return eventually. Can Kerry Collins really carry this team through the second half of this season?
New York Giants 35 - Dallas Cowboys 14- This is no time to panic yet, Cowboys fans! You have a bye week, which means you won't lose. You'll get Tony Romo back for the game against Washington. If the Cowboys lose in two weeks to the Redskins, then you can start to panic. Until then, be thankful you're 5-4. Meanwhile, this Giants team is very ferocious, especially on defense. The front four is the best in football. You know your defense is good when the defensive line can get to the quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals 21 - Jacksonville Jaguars 19- The nightmare for Bengals fans is over. The Bengals have now won one straight game. Chances are, they probably won't win the division, nor get a playoff spot. The Bengals still have a chance though to save their season though. I still think the Bengals will win four games.
Atlanta Falcons 24 - Oakland Raiders 0- The only shutout of the day came on Sunday and it was for the Raiders. JaMarcus Russell had 31 yards passing for the Raiders in the losing effort. This season is turning into a disaster for the Raiders and it doesn't seem like there's an end in sight. Meanwhile, the Falcons are 5-3. They have a tough division test against next week against the Saints. This game could see an explosion for both offenses. I'm excited!
SUNDAY NIGHT RECAP: Indianapolis Colts 18 - New England Patriots 15- The Colts scored a big win last night. They still have a ways to go before catching the Titans.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Mondays: Emotional day for Bryant
Week four saw many great moments. Some were good, some very emotional, some even surprising.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30 - Green Bay Packers 21- This day belonged to Bucs kicker Matt Bryant, who lost his infant son unexpectedly earlier last week. Bryant kicked three key field goals, including a 24-yard go-ahead in the fourth quarter to help the Bucs win. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Bryant. He goes out on Sunday and plays. Should he have stayed home? I don't know because it is not up to me. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bryant and his wife during these tough times.
Buffalo Bills 31 - St. Louis Rams 14- The Rams are falling apart. Even the Rams know that they are unraveling. The Rams actually led this game at halftime, but they were shut out in the second half. Meanwhile, the Bills are in good shape, despite two straight scares against the Raiders and the Rams. However, a win against Arizona next week will put the Bills at 5-0 for the season, going into the bye week.
San Diego 28 - Oakland Raiders 18- So...Is Lane Kiffen going to be fired now? I give the Raiders credit, they stuck with the Chargers. This team has a lot of potential, but we'll see what happens now. I don't think Al Davis will fire him. I could be senile with that thought.
Romo Alert: Washington Redskins 26 - Dallas Cowboys 24- Okay, even I admit that I never saw this coming. The big story has to be the defense on the Cowboys side. They couldn't stop Jason Campbell in the air and they couldn't stop Clinton Portis on the ground. Are teams starting to figure out the Cowboys defense?
Sunday Night Recap: Bears defeat Eagles- I never saw this coming either. This was a defensive battle, but the offenses weren't that bad. Kyle Orton threw three touchdown passes on Sunday night, which only happens once in a blue moon. The Bears are now tied for first in the North with the win.
Monday Night Prediction: Pittsburgh over Baltimore
Photo Credit: AFP
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday Briefs: NFL Picks- Week 2
Green Bay over Detroit- Detroit could very well start 0-2.
Indianapolis over Minnesota- Indy gets back on track.
Carolina over Chicago- I could see this game being close.
Seattle over San Francisco- Hey, least they're not traveling across the country.
UPSET PICK: Oakland over KC
Enjoy the weekend
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesdays with Romo: Rodgers wins, Jackson not so much
Rodgers completed 18-of-22 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown pass. I know it's not Brett Favre numbers. I really didn't think it was that big of an issue though. Rodgers didn't make a lot of mistakes. He had a far better night than Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.
Jackson completed 16 out of 35 for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson managed to run for 103 yards on 19 carries with one touchdown. Ryan Grant ran for 92 yards on 12 carries.
Friday, September 5, 2008
NFL Preview Show Extravaganza Double Feature: Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers
What do the Bucs and Packers have in common? If you said they don't have Brett Favre then you're right on the money. However, that's not what I'm talking about. Both teams won their respective divisions last season and both teams lost to the New York Giants in the playoffs.
Only the Packers have a better team all around. The Bucs are a team that played well in 2007, but decided to slow up for the playoffs once the division was clinched. This ultimately led to the Bucs being trounced at home to the Giants on Wild Card weekend.
The Packers took a 13-3 record in the regular season all the way to the NFC title game. In sub zero temperatures, the Packers stood toe-to-toe with the Giants. Ultimately, the Giants had their way and the Packers lost the game.
Believe it or not, the Packers and the Bucs will face each other this season, which is probably why Brett Favre isn't in Tampa. The Packers play Indy, Dallas and New Orleans. The Bucs play KC, Dallas and San Diego.
Once more for these previews in 2008, it's time for those burnin' questions (yearbook style):
- Better season: Rodgers or Garcia: Rodgers
- Passing yards for each: Rodgers- 2900 and Garcia 2800
- Better rusher, Grant or Graham: Ryan Grant- 1013 yards
- Better receiver: I have no clue
- Better defense: Packers only because they are younger
- Who lasts longer, McCarthy or Gruden: McCarthy
- Coolest names on both teams (Top 4): Jovan Haye (TB), Jeremy Trueblood (TB), Atari Bigby (GB) and Mason Crosby (GB)
- 80s song to best describe both teams: (I've Had) The Time of My Life- Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (AND I OWE IT ALL TO YOUUUU!!!!)
- For the last time this year, both teams will: Miss the playoffs
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Should Rodgers kick Favre in the balls?
If you're like me, then you're sick and tired of all of this Brett Favre crap. You've probably had it all up to here with this Favre fiesta. So, I leave you with this question and this question only. If you had $40, would you pay that amount to see Aaron Rodgers kick Brett Favre in the balls? This is not a hard question. Is it a yes, or a no? It's your call.
Here's the poll.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Get over yourselves America, Brett Favre is not coming back
It seems like ever since Favre has retired, there have been rumors about him making a comeback to the NFL. This new report out has to take the cake.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that Favre has an "itch" to return to the Packers. Favre would expect to be back for training camp.
First of all, if he has an itch, he should check and make sure that it's not a rash. Secondly, Favre is not coming back.
I understand the whole, 'I have an itch and I need to scratch it' policy. I just can't see Favre making a comeback though. Favre's agent has said that he isn't aware of any talks of a comeback. The following is a quote from the Mortensen story:
"As far as I know, right now, Brett Favre is retired and until he tells me something different, that's what it is," James "Bus" Cook, Favre's agent, said.I think it's time we let go of this and just admit that Favre has retired. The man has decided to move on from football. He chose to leave football while he was still in a good shape. Football didn't leave Favre behind. The Packers didn't cut him to clear cap room; they kept Favre.
In my mind, the 2007 was one of Favre's best seasons as an NFL quarterback. It was the ride of his life and he enjoyed every minute of it. Favre's final play was an interception in the NFC Title Game, but you can't look at it like that. You have to look at the positives, never the negatives.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Best of the Mondays: Week 2
- Houston Texans defeated the Carolina Panthers, 34-21- How about Matt Schaub, two touchdown passes and 228 yards passing. How about Andre Johnson, seven catches, 120 yards and two touchdowns. This team might surprise a lot of people come playoff time. Their next test will come against Indy at home, do I smell an upset?- Well it's the Colts.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints, 31-14- The Saints knocked me out of a Survival Pool. Thanks guys- Oh those Bucs! I'm never picking the Saints in a survival pool again.
- Arizona Cardinals defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 23-20- This is a joke, right?- How strange is it to see the Seahawks lose?
- Green Bay Packers destroyed the New York Giants, 35-14- I'm not a Brett Favre fan or a Packers fan, but Favre is certainly a winner- Don't worry, the re-match is better.
- ROMO ALERT: Tony Romo threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins- Yep......
- Monday Night Pick: Washington Redskins over Philadelphia Eagles- Yay!
Oh No Romo
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Moving on after a tornado
I know I promised you folks a week off from my writing, but something came up and I want to write about it. There were multiple tornadoes reported all across the Northeastern part of Iowa. For the record, I am okay, the tornadoes that occurred on Sunday were nowhere near where I lived, but I did find a lot of debris in my family's yard. This is my only post of the week.
On May 25, it was a terribly humid Sunday. People in Iowa were out and about, celebrating Memorial Day weekend, attending graduations and graduation parties. However, the town of Parkersburg, Iowa suffered one of the worst tornadoes in the history of the state.
The small town of almost 2,000 residents experienced an EF5 tornado, which is considered the highest on the Enhanced Fujita scale. The tornado occurred shortly before 5 p.m.
The tornado caused serious damage throughout the town. When it was all said and done, five of the towns citizens were dead, more than 50 were injured and hundreds of homes were destroyed, forcing an entire town to evacuate from the places that they called home. Debris flew far away and went as far as Prairie Du Chen, Wisc.
The high school didn't get off that easily either.
Aplington-Parkersburg High School suffered serious damage. The tornado rendered the high school, virtually useless. The school will have to be torn down and could take years, as opposed to months, for it to be rebuilt.
The story of AP is significant in the sense that their football team is renowned for current NFL players that are on the sidelines. AP has turned out such stars as Kansas City Chiefs center Casey Wiegmann, Green Bay Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries and Jacksonville Jaguars center Brad Meester.
All four players played under AP coach Ed Thomas, who has won 281 games in his 36 year coaching career, ninth all-time in Iowa High School football history.
Last season the Falcons, as they are known, went 8-2 on the season. They were knocked out in the first round of the 1A state tournament by Newman Catholic from Mason City. AP has multiple state championships with their last one coming in 2001.
At this point, it is unknown what will happen to AP. It is also unknown what will happen to its football team. The town is in complete disarray from the tornado. It's heartbreaking to see this kind of hardship on this small town.
At this point, football is secondary to everything else. On a smaller magnitude, Parkersburg experienced its own version of what New Orleans experienced during Hurricane Katrina. It's important for the town of Parkersburg to rebuild. Even though the memory will forever be etched in the heads of many folks, there will come a time when Parkersburg returns to its normal self.
Hopefully, the high school can be rebuilt and can be built better than before. AP can truly rise again.
If you're interested in lending a hand, please visit the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross. Just click on the link.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thursdays: Doing Week 15
Week 15- Dec. 11, 14 & 15
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears- The Bears/Saints rivalry has become a new rivalry to pop up on the NFL radar. We saw these two teams clash in the NFC Title game in 2007 and last year, the two battled it out. Now we reach this point at week 15 and the Saints already have a playoff spot wrapped up, or are still fighting for one. It will be interesting to see if the Saints are still fighting for a playoff spot, will the Bears play a spoiler?- 8:15 PM ET on NFL Network
Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars- I hope the Jags are thanking the NFL Gods right now. It's not a fun time playing December football in Lambeau Field- 1 PM ET on FOX
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts- Ohhh boy! Peyton Manning is going to have a field day passing against that Detroit secondary.
I'll see everybody on Friday!
Oh No Romo
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Weekend Edition: Gumbel out at NFL Network
Bryant Gumbel leaves the NFL Network, editor hopes he stars with brother in Gumbel 2 Gumble: Beach Justice- This is a big story that has been making the rounds. I first heard the story break on my favorite football site, Pro Football Talk. No doubt, he will be missed (not)!- Pro Football Talk
Packers Tauscher: Ready to move on- With all the talks about former Packers quarterback Brett Favre possibly returning, Mark Tauscher cleared the air Thursday night stating that the team was ready to move on with Rodgers at quarterback. Quote from article:
"I'm sure he loves playing, (but) he's made his decision and we as a
football team are ready to move forward," right tackle Mark Tauscher said
Thursday night at the Lee Remmel Sports Awards Banquet. "We're not going to
worry about all those speculations. We respect Brett. He was a great teammate.
But this is Aaron Rodgers' team right now."- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Chiefs pick up Sams- Specialist BJ Sams has a new home and it's in Kansas City. The former Raven signed a one year contract with the Chiefs on Thursday. The Chiefs needed a new specialist after not re-signing Eddie Drummond to a new deal- Kansas City Star
Kearse spending new time with old family- Jevon Kearse is back in Tennessee and is now working out with the Titans this time around. Kearse has been participating in offseason conditioning programs. In his previous stint with the Titans, Kearse would spend his workout time at his home in Florida. Things look to be different for Kearse and this could be a big year for him.
That's all I have! Enjoy the weekend!
Nos
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Brett Favre Retires
I can't help but be happy for my Chicago Bears. Now there are two more wins to add to the column, next year.
However, this now signifies the end of the previous NFL era. Favre can best be described as the last member of the Quarterback Club, an elite group of quarterbacks.
Those who were members were, John Elway, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Troy Aikman and I'm sure there were plenty more.
Some people believe Favre should have retired years ago. Consider this, Favre is 38 now and will be 39 in October. When Elway retired, he was 37, Marino was 37 and Aikman didn't even make it to 35.
Those who are great retire around there late 30's. Favre is a great quarterback and will definitely go down as one of the greatest of our time.
At least he won the Oh No Romo MVP before he retired. That was one award he needed to win before he could call it a career.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
How Wrong Am I? (The NFC Edition)
Sorry folks, I'm good now. Since the season is over, it is time to do an entire recap on my picks for how each team team would do this season. Now we will play the game otherwise known as, HOW WRONG AM I? Today, the NFC edition.
NFC East (Early Season Predictions)
Philadelphia Eagles 12-4 (Division Winner)
New York Giants 9-7 (Wild Card)
Washington Redskins 8-8
Dallas Cowboys 7-9
NFC East (Final Results)
Dallas Cowboys 13-3 (Division Winner)
New York Giants 10-6 (Wild Card)
Washington Redskins (9-7)
Philadelphia Eagles 8-8
Analysis: I'm not entirely off-base here. My first and fourth place picks were wrong, but I'm not entirely wrong for the most part. Here are some burning questions I have for the NFC East, next year:
Can the Cowboys repeat their regular season success?
Will Jim Zorn being named coach help or hurt the Redskins?
Can the Giants win the division next year?
How will the Eagles improve their offense?
NFC South (Early Season Predictions)
New Orleans Saints 13-3 (Division Winner)
Carolina Panthers 8-8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-9
Atlanta Falcons 4-12
NFC South (Final Results)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7
Carolina Panthers 7-9
New Orleans Saints 7-9
Atlanta Falcons 4-12
Analysis: Hey, I nailed the Falcons record. Other than that, the other three were somewhat close. I didn't anticipate the Saints starting the season 0-4. I do have some questions for next year:
How much longer will Jon Gruden be in Tampa?
How much longer will John Fox be in Carolina?
Will Vinny Testaverde come back? (I say yes)
Will the Saints improve their defense in the offseason?
Will the Falcons win the NFC South, or will the last place chain break?
NFC North (Early Season Predictions)
Chicago Bears 11-5 (Division Winner)
Green Bay Packers 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Detroit Lions 5-11
NFC North (Final Results)
Green Bay Packers 13-3 (Division Winner)
Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Detroit Lions 7-9
Chicago Bears 7-9
Analysis: Clearly, I was wrong about this division. The Bears fall although not surprising, still caught me off guard. I was right about the Vikings going 8-8 and I wouldn't be surprised to see them end up with the same record in 2008. Come on people, did you really think the Lions would win 10 games? Burnin for you questions:
Will the cheeseheads reign supreme in Tampa?
Will 2008 be the breakout year for Tarvaris Jackson? (If he starts)
Will Detroit go defense in the first round of the NFL Draft?
Who becomes the new Bears quarterback in 2008?
NFC West (Early Season Predictions)
San Francisco 49ers 10-6 (Division Winner)
St. Louis Rams 10-6 (Wild Card)
Seattle Seahawks 9-7
Arizona Cardinals 6-10
NFC West (Final Results)
Seattle Seahawks 10-6
Arizona Cardinals 8-8
San Francisco 49ers 5-11
St. Louis Rams 3-13
Analysis: What needs to be said? It was terrible. My worst picks. I can't say anymore. BURNING QUESTIONS...
Will 2008 be the year the Seahawks NOT win the division?
Will the Cardinals win 10 games?
Will the 49ers score a touchdown?
Will the Rams win?
That's all I have. I'll do the AFC tomorrow.
See ya
Nos
Sunday, January 20, 2008
GO BIG OR GO HOME
San Diego Chargers over New England Patriots
New York Giants over Green Bay Packers
RESPECT MAN
Nos
Friday, December 21, 2007
Friday Briefs: Making the Picks
Time for some picks.
- Carolina Panthers over Dallas Cowboys
- Jacksonville Jaguars over Oakland Raiders
- Green Bay Packers over Chicago Bears (Sorry guys)
- Seattle Seahawks over Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills over New York Giants
In case I don't see you. Have a happy holidays.
Nos
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Mondays: This Is How We Do It
- Green Bay Packers defeat Oakland Raiders, Clinch NFC North- Good for the Pack Attack. This is a big moment for this young team to make the playoffs. If you ask me, I think Brett Favre has one more playoff run in him before he hangs up the cleats on his illustrious career. This is the best way for Favre to call it a career.
- ROMO ALERT: Dallas Cowboys clinch NFC East, beat Detroit Lions in final seconds- Is there anything that the Cowboys can't do? More importantly, what happened to Jon Kitna's guarantee of 10 wins? The best the Lions can do now is finish the season 9-7. They're not out yet, but another loss might be the weld in the pick up truck.
- New York Giants defeat Philadelphia Eagles, 16-13- A big win for the Giants, they are now one step closer to solidifying their spot in the NFC playoffs.
- San Diego Chargers defeat Tennessee Titans, 23-170 The Titans are all the sudden one game out of last place. The Titans couldn't beat a junior high football team at this point.
- Buffalo Bills defeat Miami Dolphins, 38-17- This is a big victory for the Bills because they are still in the hunt for the Wild Card. Coe College star Fred Jackson ran for 115 yards for 15 carries and one touchdown. Coe is in Cedar Rapids and is in the same conference as my school. Usually I'd say Coe sucks, but hey it's the Iowa Conference.
- Cleveland Browns defeat New York Jets, 24-18- GAME OF THE WEEK NEXT WEEK: Browns vs. Bills. Winner takes high road to the sixth seed.
- SUNDAY NIGHT RECAP: The Indianapolis Colts defeat Baltimore Ravens, 44-20- Yeah, that was a boring game. We did catch a glimpse of rookie quarterback Troy Smith and he ran for a touchdown on his first drive. I hope he starts next week.
SEE YA
Nos
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday Night Game: Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers

Happy Thursday to everybody. Tonight is the big game between the Green Bay Packers and the Namesakes Dallas Cowboys. Let's do THE ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN!!!
- Romo vs. Favre- It's the man who was Tony Romo before Tony Romo.
- Ryan Grant vs. Julius and Marion- Two is better than one.
- Terrell Owens vs. Packers Receiving Corp- Push.
- Dallas D vs. Packer D- The Packers line and linebackers, push on the secondaries.
- Wade Phillips vs. Mike McCarthy- Mikey Mikey.
- Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders vs. Cheeseheads- I've met some cheeseheads, they were nice. It's the Cheerleaders by far.
- WINNER: Green Bay Packers