Lots of goodness today.
1) Tony Romo just made one of the most idiotic plays I have ever seen. Four seconds left in the half, he decides to try a lateral, it doesn't work because the player who catches it fumbles, Washington picks up the ball and scores a touchdown. Commentators then go out of their way to call him stupid for this play, including a comment that his coach was purportedly 'furious.' Good stuff. Looks like we are off to another one of those seasons for the Cowboys.
2) Pats win! Remember back when we started the season scoring 38 points a lot? I remember that season, it was 2007. That's the number of points that we scored today.
3) Randy Moss goes on a rant and tells the media to STFU. Media response: to make this a far more ridiculous story than it actually was. Here's what I have to say: pay the man his straight cash, homey.
4) Not only do the Colts lose, they lose because they allow 231 yards on the ground (!). This is like the 2004 Colts or something. Going to be a long season if they've regressed on defense.
Showing posts with label Indianapolis Colts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indianapolis Colts. Show all posts
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
I'm feeling much better about our chances today
For some reason, I all of a sudden don't feel like we are doomed. A few possible hypotheses as to this sudden optimism:
1) We've been playing injured. (for instance, Tom's rib, shoulder, finger combo). Hopefully there is some time between now and the playoffs to recover.
2) Our record is now a respectable 9-5. So is Cincinnati's. And that seems like a good place to be.
3) While we thought Carolina would be an easy game, they then went and upset the Vikings this week. Now, you could point to the Vikings and say that there were some issues there (such as Favre refusing to be benched...classy), but the point is that they were capable of more than we allowed them.
4) Remaining games for Miami: Houston and Pittsburgh. Remaining games for the Jets: Colts and Cincinnati. I feel good about the possibility that both teams will lose at least one of these games.
Wouldn't it be great if the Colts made it to 15-0 then lost to Buffalo? Can you imagine? Ouch.
1) We've been playing injured. (for instance, Tom's rib, shoulder, finger combo). Hopefully there is some time between now and the playoffs to recover.
2) Our record is now a respectable 9-5. So is Cincinnati's. And that seems like a good place to be.
3) While we thought Carolina would be an easy game, they then went and upset the Vikings this week. Now, you could point to the Vikings and say that there were some issues there (such as Favre refusing to be benched...classy), but the point is that they were capable of more than we allowed them.
4) Remaining games for Miami: Houston and Pittsburgh. Remaining games for the Jets: Colts and Cincinnati. I feel good about the possibility that both teams will lose at least one of these games.
Wouldn't it be great if the Colts made it to 15-0 then lost to Buffalo? Can you imagine? Ouch.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saints 38, Patriots 17
We got beat. And how. Our secondary was chewed up, we didn't put together much of anything on offense, and it was a general mess. Even Gostkowski missed a field goal, which is pretty abnormal (admittedly, it was from the 50, so it was challenging).
So time to assess. We are a half hour from December and I've had my epiphany moment, like I did last year after the Steelers game. Here is my assessment. I think that we can beat almost anyone in the AFC this year. We did almost beat the Colts. The only other surging team I really see right now are the Chargers (sorry, Tennessee, I think it's going to be too little, too late). And so, were it to come down to it, I think that we would have a shot.
At the same time, I think that the NFC may have everyone in the AFC beat this year. There are the Saints. There are also the Vikings, who have come out of nowhere with Favre to be a dominant team. If the Saints or Vikings played the Colts, I have a feeling the NFC team would win. And so -- and you can read it here right now -- I think this is an NFC year.
At the same time, I'm not ready to discount the Patriots quite yet. Sure, elements of the secondary are weak, but not a disaster like last year (I am not bringing back the 'We need corners' tag quite yet). I am reminded of Arizona's game against us last year when we blew them out and we turned it around. It's not over, of course, until it is over, so there is still time to go. But right now, it sure seems to be more of an NFC year than an AFC one.
So time to assess. We are a half hour from December and I've had my epiphany moment, like I did last year after the Steelers game. Here is my assessment. I think that we can beat almost anyone in the AFC this year. We did almost beat the Colts. The only other surging team I really see right now are the Chargers (sorry, Tennessee, I think it's going to be too little, too late). And so, were it to come down to it, I think that we would have a shot.
At the same time, I think that the NFC may have everyone in the AFC beat this year. There are the Saints. There are also the Vikings, who have come out of nowhere with Favre to be a dominant team. If the Saints or Vikings played the Colts, I have a feeling the NFC team would win. And so -- and you can read it here right now -- I think this is an NFC year.
At the same time, I'm not ready to discount the Patriots quite yet. Sure, elements of the secondary are weak, but not a disaster like last year (I am not bringing back the 'We need corners' tag quite yet). I am reminded of Arizona's game against us last year when we blew them out and we turned it around. It's not over, of course, until it is over, so there is still time to go. But right now, it sure seems to be more of an NFC year than an AFC one.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Next week: the Colts
Yes, it is time for that annual epic battle yet again. I feel like we always play the Colts -- sometimes twice -- and that somehow we always play them in Indianapolis (I can recall playing them in Foxborough in 2005 and getting destroyed, so maybe I just prefer to forget. However, that was also the game with the Deion Branch Contradance against the goalpost which I cannot believe has not been preserved on YouTube).
Us against the Colts since 2002, when they went to the AFC South, meaning that theoretically, we should play them only once every three years but never seem to:
2002: we did not play them
2003: we beat them in Indy, then beat them again in the playoffs in Foxborough
2004: we beat them in Foxborough, then beat them again in the playoffs in Foxborough
2005: we lost to them in Foxborough. It was painful.
2006: we lost to them in Foxborough. Also painful because the week before we had lost to Mangini's Jets (this is the last time that we lost two games in a row as of this posting). We then lost the most painful playoff game ever -- with the possible exception of the 2007 Superbowl -- when we blew the 24-3 lead we had at the half and lost to them 38-34 in the AFC Championship game. OH THE AGONY. Note that this was the game where our aging defense was already falling apart, a problem we failed to correct until (I hope) 2009.
2007: we beat them in Indy
2008: we lost to them in Indy. Again, painful, though nothing like those 2006 games.
So yes. Despite the fact that they are not in our division, we have played them an average of 1.5 times per year since 2003. Weird, isn't it?
Us against the Colts since 2002, when they went to the AFC South, meaning that theoretically, we should play them only once every three years but never seem to:
2002: we did not play them
2003: we beat them in Indy, then beat them again in the playoffs in Foxborough
2004: we beat them in Foxborough, then beat them again in the playoffs in Foxborough
2005: we lost to them in Foxborough. It was painful.
2006: we lost to them in Foxborough. Also painful because the week before we had lost to Mangini's Jets (this is the last time that we lost two games in a row as of this posting). We then lost the most painful playoff game ever -- with the possible exception of the 2007 Superbowl -- when we blew the 24-3 lead we had at the half and lost to them 38-34 in the AFC Championship game. OH THE AGONY. Note that this was the game where our aging defense was already falling apart, a problem we failed to correct until (I hope) 2009.
2007: we beat them in Indy
2008: we lost to them in Indy. Again, painful, though nothing like those 2006 games.
So yes. Despite the fact that they are not in our division, we have played them an average of 1.5 times per year since 2003. Weird, isn't it?
And then there was none...
The Bucs won a game against Green Bay. Who would have guessed that? And a decisive win too with an interception for a TD in the last minute of play for a 38-28 victory. The Bucs were in their hawt throwback uniforms, so maybe they should stick with that creamsicle look. And with that, I can retire the 'Winless Bucs' tag.
Green Bay fans, I am sorry. That is a lousy two weeks. First you lose at home to Favre's Vikings, now this. But I have a tip for you: an offensive line would be of great benefit to the team as a whole, and Aaron Rogers in particular.
But you know what we do still have? Undefeated Colts. Today they eked out a victory against Houston with a missed field goal in the final seconds to win 20-17. How many times can this happen? How many times can things go their way in the last seconds? It's like they took the Patriots' 2007 mojo or something. I truly, truly hope that next week it will stop.
Incidentally, Carolina is currently up on the Saints 17-3. We did see the Saints come back big time against Miami a few weeks ago, so I'm not counting them out. But I am still surprised.
Green Bay fans, I am sorry. That is a lousy two weeks. First you lose at home to Favre's Vikings, now this. But I have a tip for you: an offensive line would be of great benefit to the team as a whole, and Aaron Rogers in particular.
But you know what we do still have? Undefeated Colts. Today they eked out a victory against Houston with a missed field goal in the final seconds to win 20-17. How many times can this happen? How many times can things go their way in the last seconds? It's like they took the Patriots' 2007 mojo or something. I truly, truly hope that next week it will stop.
Incidentally, Carolina is currently up on the Saints 17-3. We did see the Saints come back big time against Miami a few weeks ago, so I'm not counting them out. But I am still surprised.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Indianapolis Colts' Schedule
Here it is:
Jacksonville
Miami
Arizona
Seattle
Tennessee
St. Louis
San Francisco
Houston
New England
Baltimore
Houston
Tennessee
Denver
Jacksonville
NY Jets
Buffalo
How many challenging games do you see there? The Pats, Broncos, and maybe Baltimore? Now I realize that they are in an easy division this year (with Tennessee and Jacksonville being messes), but apart from that, they are playing two of the three teams that are currently winless (and we are going into Week 8 here). In fact, they are playing one of those two teams twice, because it's Tennessee.
Before you say something crazy like, 'Oh yeah? The Pats have played two of the three winless teams too,' let me counter with the fact that we spent the first five weeks playing teams that were undefeated when we met them. Which the Colts have had to do never this year, apart from Week 1 when everyone is undefeated.
Now, I also know that we had the benefit of playing the NFC West last year, so we also had an easy schedule. But we were playing our back-up QB and I don't think we fully understood the full awfulness of the Rams until this year.
So I think - despite the fact that typing this is making my skin crawl - that they could possibly go undefeated. I don't want them to, because I want us to shut them down (and as ever many others who want in on that action), but I fear that they could pull it off. Unless....maybe Houston will step up? They almost beat the Colts last year, right up until one of those very Schaubisch moments when he throws an interception in the last few minutes.
Jacksonville
Miami
Arizona
Seattle
Tennessee
St. Louis
San Francisco
Houston
New England
Baltimore
Houston
Tennessee
Denver
Jacksonville
NY Jets
Buffalo
How many challenging games do you see there? The Pats, Broncos, and maybe Baltimore? Now I realize that they are in an easy division this year (with Tennessee and Jacksonville being messes), but apart from that, they are playing two of the three teams that are currently winless (and we are going into Week 8 here). In fact, they are playing one of those two teams twice, because it's Tennessee.
Before you say something crazy like, 'Oh yeah? The Pats have played two of the three winless teams too,' let me counter with the fact that we spent the first five weeks playing teams that were undefeated when we met them. Which the Colts have had to do never this year, apart from Week 1 when everyone is undefeated.
Now, I also know that we had the benefit of playing the NFC West last year, so we also had an easy schedule. But we were playing our back-up QB and I don't think we fully understood the full awfulness of the Rams until this year.
So I think - despite the fact that typing this is making my skin crawl - that they could possibly go undefeated. I don't want them to, because I want us to shut them down (and as ever many others who want in on that action), but I fear that they could pull it off. Unless....maybe Houston will step up? They almost beat the Colts last year, right up until one of those very Schaubisch moments when he throws an interception in the last few minutes.
Brandon Meriweather named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
Brandon Meriweather has received the honor (or is it honour when you play in England?) of being this week's AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Tom has already won Offensive Player of the Week twice this year, but he's just Tom, so we expect that.
Meriweather had a very good game against the Bucs, with two interceptions in the first half, one returned for a TD. He's shown glimpses of this before, but it's nice that it seems to be coming together for him. Also, since he plays in the secondary, this marks a considerable improvement from last season (he's a safety, not a corner, but still, what a change from last year).
What I remember was last season, Belichick turned to him during one of their games and gave him a run-down of what to do. The next play, Meriweather went out and made an interception. It was great, and also great to see that he's continuing this level of play.
Oh, and in case there are any lingering doubts about the overhaul of the D, check out this stat:
Meriweather had a very good game against the Bucs, with two interceptions in the first half, one returned for a TD. He's shown glimpses of this before, but it's nice that it seems to be coming together for him. Also, since he plays in the secondary, this marks a considerable improvement from last season (he's a safety, not a corner, but still, what a change from last year).
What I remember was last season, Belichick turned to him during one of their games and gave him a run-down of what to do. The next play, Meriweather went out and made an interception. It was great, and also great to see that he's continuing this level of play.
Oh, and in case there are any lingering doubts about the overhaul of the D, check out this stat:
Points allowed
3rd (14.0 per game)
Last week: 3rd (15.1 per game)
Bear in mind that the two teams ahead of us, Denver and Indianapolis, have played one less game, and that Indy has the most ridiculous easy schedule, like, EVER (no, I'm not whiny/bitter).
Monday, September 21, 2009
Heh
I don't want to get all cocky here or anything, but I am loving seeing the Colts getting owned by the Dolphins. Especially on the Wildcat. Did no one get tape from last year to study this play?
From what I recall, the Pats may have sucked the first time, but after the opportunity to study some tape, basically shut them down.
Heh.
Knowing the Colts, though, they will find a way to come back on some ridiculous play and barely win. Just to spite us all.
5 minutes later: Yeah, I knew it, Colts just scored a TD. Still about a quarter of play remaining.
From what I recall, the Pats may have sucked the first time, but after the opportunity to study some tape, basically shut them down.
Heh.
Knowing the Colts, though, they will find a way to come back on some ridiculous play and barely win. Just to spite us all.
5 minutes later: Yeah, I knew it, Colts just scored a TD. Still about a quarter of play remaining.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Précis of why I dislike the Colts
Note the key component here:
"More often than not, when a coach retires amidst success and his replacement is found within the staff, many of the other assistants will remain in place. [Jim] Caldwell has only partially stuck to that formula of continuity, with defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and special teams coach Russ Purnell having left the staff. Purnell wasn’t a surprise, but Meeks’ departure was interesting. With an overwhelming amount of money invested in the offense, Meeks’ units were typically pretty good as long as they remained healthy. Injuries to the defensive line and Bob Sanders hurt the Colts now and then over the last few years, but that also speaks to the lack of financial investment in defensive depth. Now, Meeks is replaced by Larry Coyer, an intriguing veteran coach who had a very respectable run as the Broncos defensive coordinator from 2003-06. But Coyer also had a wealth of highly paid defensive stars on those teams. With Peyton Manning eating up an absurd $21.2 million of the Colts’ salary cap, there won’t be any major defensive additions this offseason." This is from a Yahoo article about the AFC off-season generally.
So Tom Brady's salary is $14M (he and Matt Cassel together are taking up $28.5M of the Patriots' salary cap combined...yes, due to weird franchising logic, Matt Cassel is technically worth $0.5M more than Tom Brady right now. Don't think too hard about it). Apparently, Peyton Manning is worth 1.5 Tom Bradys. The irony being, of course, that Tom has 2 more Superbowls than Peyton.
In case you're wondering, Colts fans, that extra $7.2M could buy you some nice defensive players, which would pay off when Peyton is in the middle of his traditional playoff choke.
"More often than not, when a coach retires amidst success and his replacement is found within the staff, many of the other assistants will remain in place. [Jim] Caldwell has only partially stuck to that formula of continuity, with defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and special teams coach Russ Purnell having left the staff. Purnell wasn’t a surprise, but Meeks’ departure was interesting. With an overwhelming amount of money invested in the offense, Meeks’ units were typically pretty good as long as they remained healthy. Injuries to the defensive line and Bob Sanders hurt the Colts now and then over the last few years, but that also speaks to the lack of financial investment in defensive depth. Now, Meeks is replaced by Larry Coyer, an intriguing veteran coach who had a very respectable run as the Broncos defensive coordinator from 2003-06. But Coyer also had a wealth of highly paid defensive stars on those teams. With Peyton Manning eating up an absurd $21.2 million of the Colts’ salary cap, there won’t be any major defensive additions this offseason." This is from a Yahoo article about the AFC off-season generally.
So Tom Brady's salary is $14M (he and Matt Cassel together are taking up $28.5M of the Patriots' salary cap combined...yes, due to weird franchising logic, Matt Cassel is technically worth $0.5M more than Tom Brady right now. Don't think too hard about it). Apparently, Peyton Manning is worth 1.5 Tom Bradys. The irony being, of course, that Tom has 2 more Superbowls than Peyton.
In case you're wondering, Colts fans, that extra $7.2M could buy you some nice defensive players, which would pay off when Peyton is in the middle of his traditional playoff choke.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Tony Dungy Retires
Finally, he actually did it. Each post-season for the past few years has featured Dungy debating whether to retire, then changing his mind. This year, he decided the time has come. While I don't wish him ill or anything, I'd have to say that the time came a while ago. He did coach the team through the Superbowl once, but only once. Considering that the Colts have put up some serious numbers during the regular season then consequently folded almost every year, I would say with change in the air and all, it's time for some change.
Now for those of you on the Tony Dungy bandwagon who want to cite the 2006 Superbowl as evidence against what I just claimed, think hard about that. The Colts were almost knocked off by the Ravens in the second game with their offense completely stuttering. In fact, if Vinatieri had not saved their butts, that game would have gone to the Ravens -- the Colts did not score a single touchdown. And I mean, the Colts are not exactly renowned for their defense, so I still say they were lucky to make it through that one. Not to mention that had Reche Caldwell just caught that freaking ball in the AFC Championship, we wouldn't even be having this conversation (however, we also probably wouldn't have Wes Welker and Randy Moss, so who am I to complain?).
Now for those of you on the Tony Dungy bandwagon who want to cite the 2006 Superbowl as evidence against what I just claimed, think hard about that. The Colts were almost knocked off by the Ravens in the second game with their offense completely stuttering. In fact, if Vinatieri had not saved their butts, that game would have gone to the Ravens -- the Colts did not score a single touchdown. And I mean, the Colts are not exactly renowned for their defense, so I still say they were lucky to make it through that one. Not to mention that had Reche Caldwell just caught that freaking ball in the AFC Championship, we wouldn't even be having this conversation (however, we also probably wouldn't have Wes Welker and Randy Moss, so who am I to complain?).
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Lion Carnage
Here is how it all went horribly, horribly wrong.
“We weren’t as sharp as we’d like to be. We couldn’t make the plays we needed to put the game away, but it’s something we expected,” coach Tony Dungy said. “You obviously can’t mishandle two punts and give them short fields. Those are situations that usually get you beat.”
Yes, they should get you beat. But you are the 2008 Indianapolis Colts. You have barely beat several bad teams in a row now. How you do it, I don't know. But you may have observed that I have given up on hunting you down for a wild card spot, you lucky bastards.
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit. This is all I have to say.
“We weren’t as sharp as we’d like to be. We couldn’t make the plays we needed to put the game away, but it’s something we expected,” coach Tony Dungy said. “You obviously can’t mishandle two punts and give them short fields. Those are situations that usually get you beat.”
Yes, they should get you beat. But you are the 2008 Indianapolis Colts. You have barely beat several bad teams in a row now. How you do it, I don't know. But you may have observed that I have given up on hunting you down for a wild card spot, you lucky bastards.
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit. This is all I have to say.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Michael Silver's column
So usually Michael Silver drives me nuts (he was the guy to print the reasons we all hate Tom Brady last season....), but this morning, I actually liked his column. He broke down why the Chargers are so terrible this year (two words: Norv. Turner.). He appealed to Roger Goodell to get rid of Detroit on Thanksgiving and schedule instead Pats vs. Colts (I am pro, or HELL YEAH as Silver's rant ended). He even didn't have the previous feature of him picking apart grammar/spelling from people writing in, which seemed a bit dumb seeing as these are football fans, not Ph.D. candidates (or as they would call them in Russian, aspirants).
However, what got me thinking was his comment about how this year, the two dominant teams in the AFC are the Steelers and Titans. And suddenly, I felt okay about this fact. I don't know why. I guess because they have both really earned these titles. They are two franchises working hard. For some reason, my hatred of Big Ben has subsided. Pittsburgh's defense is fantastic, while the Titans overall are playing very well (except in that game against the Jets, but in a way that was good because it thwarted a potential 16-0...plus I remain convinced Mangini sold his soul for that game, which was a BAD CALL because there is still a lot of football to go). Suddenly, my world is brighter, there are birds singing outside (literally), and I feel okay.
The two dominant teams this year are the Steelers and Titans. They have earned this honor.
The Pats may not make the playoffs (unless my soul-selling scenario is correct and the Jets tank). The Colts probably will, but will hopefully exit early. And the AFC Championship Game might be pretty darned good this year.
On the flip side, if the AFC Championship game pits the Colts vs. Jets, then I may have to give up. Not only would I be unable to choose sides, but either one would likely lead to my two Superbowl nightmares (Manning vs. Manning/NY, NY). So go Titans and/or Steelers!
However, what got me thinking was his comment about how this year, the two dominant teams in the AFC are the Steelers and Titans. And suddenly, I felt okay about this fact. I don't know why. I guess because they have both really earned these titles. They are two franchises working hard. For some reason, my hatred of Big Ben has subsided. Pittsburgh's defense is fantastic, while the Titans overall are playing very well (except in that game against the Jets, but in a way that was good because it thwarted a potential 16-0...plus I remain convinced Mangini sold his soul for that game, which was a BAD CALL because there is still a lot of football to go). Suddenly, my world is brighter, there are birds singing outside (literally), and I feel okay.
The two dominant teams this year are the Steelers and Titans. They have earned this honor.
The Pats may not make the playoffs (unless my soul-selling scenario is correct and the Jets tank). The Colts probably will, but will hopefully exit early. And the AFC Championship Game might be pretty darned good this year.
On the flip side, if the AFC Championship game pits the Colts vs. Jets, then I may have to give up. Not only would I be unable to choose sides, but either one would likely lead to my two Superbowl nightmares (Manning vs. Manning/NY, NY). So go Titans and/or Steelers!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
More on the wild card situation
Indianapolis's next three games are against Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit. Combined, these teams have 5 wins and 1 tie. This schedule clearly favors the Colts to get a wild card spot even though they played really badly in the first part of the season and barely squeaked by Houston and San Diego the past two weeks. I think that there should be a moral 'No you don't get to have a wild card' clause in this situation. Of these three teams, I suppose it is conceivable that Cleveland might step up; they have had some strange wins (they beat the Giants?) this season. However, their QB went on injury reserve this week, so great. I would laugh for days, *days*, if Indy lost to Detroit. *Days*
The Pats need to just win win win win win. Some of those we should be able to do (Buffalo, Seattle, and Oakland). I feel better about us being able to beat Arizona after Philly beat Arizona this week. After all, the Cards are in a relatively weak division and have had some lousy games this season. Unfortunately for us, teams tend to bring it when they play NE, but hey. That's just the reputation we've earned.
Tomorrow we need to win. I am hoping that we've started on some kind of crazy late-season run that will culminate in a good playoff season. Fingers crossed.
If you're curious, yes I am having fun using the 'Winless Detroit Lions?' label.
The Pats need to just win win win win win. Some of those we should be able to do (Buffalo, Seattle, and Oakland). I feel better about us being able to beat Arizona after Philly beat Arizona this week. After all, the Cards are in a relatively weak division and have had some lousy games this season. Unfortunately for us, teams tend to bring it when they play NE, but hey. That's just the reputation we've earned.
Tomorrow we need to win. I am hoping that we've started on some kind of crazy late-season run that will culminate in a good playoff season. Fingers crossed.
If you're curious, yes I am having fun using the 'Winless Detroit Lions?' label.
Monday, November 17, 2008
How are we doing?
We're entering the last six games of the season (for most) and I wanted to take a look at The Situation. Naturally, my look is only at The Situation in the AFC. Stuff is happening in the NFC, whatever, Giants winning a lot, Arizona comeback QB, Green Bay not dead with Aaron Rogers, Carolina tearing it up, blah blah blah.
Right now, first place by division:
AFC East: New York Jets (7-3)
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
AFC South: Tennessee Titans (10-0)
AFC West: Denver Broncos (6-4)
Divisions that cease to hold my interest awfully quickly:
AFC West: The Broncos will, in all likelihood, win this division. However, they have not exactly proven themselves to be a powerhouse this year. Other teams are all below .500.
Divisions where I think the team currently in first has a lock:
AFC South: I seriously doubt that Tennessee will go 0-6 for the last six games. There could (and likely will be) a loss or two, possibly to the Jets (although ???) or, I think more likely, Indy. Just to mess with them.
Divisions that got wicked exciting when no one was looking
AFC East: Right now, the Jets are 7-3, the Pats and Dolphins are 6-4, and the Bills are 5-4, which means that it is technically still anyone's division.
Divisions where I feel confident they shall overcome
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers. They have not been as strong as of late (and almost lost to San Diego yesterday), but I have confidence that they will pull it off.
Possible wild card teams (in the order that I feel they most deserve):
[As much as I hate to do this] Miami Dolphins: they are on a roll and have a really easy schedule remaining other than their two division games. I feel like New England can probably beat them (if they aren't caught off-guard by the same play 5 times again) and likely the Jets will too. However, other weeks include Kansas City, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Buffalo.
New England Patriots: they need to improve in the red zone and make up for losses to injury on the defense and if they play the Jets again, stop #81. That being said, they are a pretty competitive team and two of their four losses were very close (and against the Jets and Indy. And we really should have had that damned Jets game even though we played like poo in the first half). However, there are still some tough games remaining, including Arizona and Pittsburgh. Everyone take a moment and reflect back to 2001 with the 6-game win streak to end the season. You may now resume whatever you were doing.
Baltimore Ravens: unfortunately, they still have a pretty difficult schedule remaining against NFC East teams. Which is sad, because I think that they are currently fielding a better team than, say, the Broncos.
Indianapolis Colts: I was almost willing to give them a little slack after they beat New England and Pittsburgh in close games. Then they went and barely squeaked by the Houston Texans. That is no good. Still not sure on this one. They still have to play Tennessee (and I know I said above that this might be a Tennessee loss but it depends which Colts team shows up) and Jacksonville. Now, admittedly Jacksonville has mostly sucked this year, but they are divisional rivals and they did field a good effort against the Titans yesterday.
Buffalo Bills: they have been declining after their strong start. Considering that they are in a competitive division (and who would have guessed after last year), this is a bad move.
Right now, first place by division:
AFC East: New York Jets (7-3)
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
AFC South: Tennessee Titans (10-0)
AFC West: Denver Broncos (6-4)
Divisions that cease to hold my interest awfully quickly:
AFC West: The Broncos will, in all likelihood, win this division. However, they have not exactly proven themselves to be a powerhouse this year. Other teams are all below .500.
Divisions where I think the team currently in first has a lock:
AFC South: I seriously doubt that Tennessee will go 0-6 for the last six games. There could (and likely will be) a loss or two, possibly to the Jets (although ???) or, I think more likely, Indy. Just to mess with them.
Divisions that got wicked exciting when no one was looking
AFC East: Right now, the Jets are 7-3, the Pats and Dolphins are 6-4, and the Bills are 5-4, which means that it is technically still anyone's division.
Divisions where I feel confident they shall overcome
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers. They have not been as strong as of late (and almost lost to San Diego yesterday), but I have confidence that they will pull it off.
Possible wild card teams (in the order that I feel they most deserve):
[As much as I hate to do this] Miami Dolphins: they are on a roll and have a really easy schedule remaining other than their two division games. I feel like New England can probably beat them (if they aren't caught off-guard by the same play 5 times again) and likely the Jets will too. However, other weeks include Kansas City, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Buffalo.
New England Patriots: they need to improve in the red zone and make up for losses to injury on the defense and if they play the Jets again, stop #81. That being said, they are a pretty competitive team and two of their four losses were very close (and against the Jets and Indy. And we really should have had that damned Jets game even though we played like poo in the first half). However, there are still some tough games remaining, including Arizona and Pittsburgh. Everyone take a moment and reflect back to 2001 with the 6-game win streak to end the season. You may now resume whatever you were doing.
Baltimore Ravens: unfortunately, they still have a pretty difficult schedule remaining against NFC East teams. Which is sad, because I think that they are currently fielding a better team than, say, the Broncos.
Indianapolis Colts: I was almost willing to give them a little slack after they beat New England and Pittsburgh in close games. Then they went and barely squeaked by the Houston Texans. That is no good. Still not sure on this one. They still have to play Tennessee (and I know I said above that this might be a Tennessee loss but it depends which Colts team shows up) and Jacksonville. Now, admittedly Jacksonville has mostly sucked this year, but they are divisional rivals and they did field a good effort against the Titans yesterday.
Buffalo Bills: they have been declining after their strong start. Considering that they are in a competitive division (and who would have guessed after last year), this is a bad move.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday thoughts
Randy Moss's fine was rescinded because he did not actually say anything bad about the refereeing in the Indianapolis game, but hinted that he might have had bad things to say. Which I think the NFL might want to take as a sign that they are getting far too wrapped up in all of this.
My new question is, are the Colts here to stay? They pulled it off yesterday against Pittsburgh (in a close one). So perhaps they will be competitors, even though it will take a lot for them to get back on top. Also, I feel in a way that this makes the Patriots look even better considering that the Steelers (who I consider to be pretty dominant this year) didn't beat the Colts. We did hold them to fewer points, though, which I know in some ways is utterly irrelevant but still makes me happy.
I feel like every time I watch the Giants play this year, they really shouldn't quite win. Then they do. Last night only heightened that feeling.
I'm sure there will be much excitement leading up to the Jets game this week. I haven't seen them play this season (the first game against the Pats I was at the Bucs game), so no clue how they actually look. I really do hate losing to the Jets though.
My new question is, are the Colts here to stay? They pulled it off yesterday against Pittsburgh (in a close one). So perhaps they will be competitors, even though it will take a lot for them to get back on top. Also, I feel in a way that this makes the Patriots look even better considering that the Steelers (who I consider to be pretty dominant this year) didn't beat the Colts. We did hold them to fewer points, though, which I know in some ways is utterly irrelevant but still makes me happy.
I feel like every time I watch the Giants play this year, they really shouldn't quite win. Then they do. Last night only heightened that feeling.
I'm sure there will be much excitement leading up to the Jets game this week. I haven't seen them play this season (the first game against the Pats I was at the Bucs game), so no clue how they actually look. I really do hate losing to the Jets though.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Colts vs. Pats aftermath
Ugh.
I think that the good news is we can still be competitive against a very competitive team (where on earth did those Colts come from? Not the same team that played Tennessee last week!). What's irritating is that we had the opportunities and didn't capitalize. So ugh.
More good news: Matt Cassel continues to look better and better. This week the only interceptions came late, when we were reminded that yes, this is still Matt Cassel and not Tom Brady (not that Brady is infallible either...2006 AFC Championship is all I need to say there). Also, the defense was really quite good. No sacks, but they did a great job containing the run and there were not as many ugly deep plays as there could have been. Not to mention that they held the Colts to 18 points.
Jabar Gaffney........aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That really should have been a touchdown. It was an extremely well thrown ball. So again, Cassel is getting better and now it's time for everyone else to pick it up as well.
Now, I am not one to criticize Bill Belichick all that much. In fact, I'll let him off on some moves that I'm pretty sure other Pats fans were not very impressed with, such as challenging the too many men on the field call (and at any rate, that wasn't Belichick's fault, it was whoever was upstairs telling him to throw the flag). Sure, I wish he hadn't called the time out before the 4th down that would have worked. Something tells me that he wishes he hadn't done that either.
In hindsight, as irritating as this game was, it showed that the Patriots can step it up when necessary. In the end, it didn't go our way. When I think about all the games that did wind up going our way in previous seasons, we're probably due.
I think that the good news is we can still be competitive against a very competitive team (where on earth did those Colts come from? Not the same team that played Tennessee last week!). What's irritating is that we had the opportunities and didn't capitalize. So ugh.
More good news: Matt Cassel continues to look better and better. This week the only interceptions came late, when we were reminded that yes, this is still Matt Cassel and not Tom Brady (not that Brady is infallible either...2006 AFC Championship is all I need to say there). Also, the defense was really quite good. No sacks, but they did a great job containing the run and there were not as many ugly deep plays as there could have been. Not to mention that they held the Colts to 18 points.
Jabar Gaffney........aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That really should have been a touchdown. It was an extremely well thrown ball. So again, Cassel is getting better and now it's time for everyone else to pick it up as well.
Now, I am not one to criticize Bill Belichick all that much. In fact, I'll let him off on some moves that I'm pretty sure other Pats fans were not very impressed with, such as challenging the too many men on the field call (and at any rate, that wasn't Belichick's fault, it was whoever was upstairs telling him to throw the flag). Sure, I wish he hadn't called the time out before the 4th down that would have worked. Something tells me that he wishes he hadn't done that either.
In hindsight, as irritating as this game was, it showed that the Patriots can step it up when necessary. In the end, it didn't go our way. When I think about all the games that did wind up going our way in previous seasons, we're probably due.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Pats vs. Colts
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's that time of year again: the New England Patriots meeting the Indianapolis Colts. Last year I thought that this was the game that would end the win streak. However, the Pats prevailed.
Now we are in a very different situation than pretty much any of the recent match-ups between these teams. The Pats are 5-2, and coping with some pretty significant injuries -- it's worth noting that those losses came to Miami (mandatory in even-numbered years: see 2004, 2006) and San Diego. Okay, the Miami thing is not so worth noting, even though they did beat Buffalo last week, which tells us that they can be a threat even to a top team. I would say the San Diego loss is more crucial here. San Diego is in a weirdly parallel situation to the Colts: they are under .500 to start and their decline is not due to any obvious reason. If the Colts lose tonight, they will both be 3-5. They have their starting QB. They have most of their players. And yet they are not the dominant team that they have been over the past couple of years. In short, both San Diego and Indy should have been contenders, and it's becoming increasingly obvious that this season they are not.
Yet the Chargers destroyed the Pats 30-10 in what was a particularly painful game: we were beat on the long ball and Cassel was sacked four times. The Chargers played the Patriots in the past four seasons even though they are in a different division and I have to think that having pretty thorough reports on the team must have helped. So one school of thought might claim that the Pats could be in trouble this week because formerly strong teams that know them well can target their weaknesses accurately.
After seeing Indy collapse in their game last week, though, I feel like the Patriots may have the upper hand in this one. Faced with a strong defense (and Tennessee has allowed the fewest points on average this season), Peyton really fell apart as the game went on. I think that the Pats can bring enough pressure for the whole game to seriously inhibit him -- provided we don't get beat on the long ball like last week.
And if we do have to get beat on the long ball, can we please not have two of our secondary players running into each other because that was just embarrassing.
I missed Texas vs. Texas Tech last night because I was at a bar watching dueling pianos. No further comment.
Now we are in a very different situation than pretty much any of the recent match-ups between these teams. The Pats are 5-2, and coping with some pretty significant injuries -- it's worth noting that those losses came to Miami (mandatory in even-numbered years: see 2004, 2006) and San Diego. Okay, the Miami thing is not so worth noting, even though they did beat Buffalo last week, which tells us that they can be a threat even to a top team. I would say the San Diego loss is more crucial here. San Diego is in a weirdly parallel situation to the Colts: they are under .500 to start and their decline is not due to any obvious reason. If the Colts lose tonight, they will both be 3-5. They have their starting QB. They have most of their players. And yet they are not the dominant team that they have been over the past couple of years. In short, both San Diego and Indy should have been contenders, and it's becoming increasingly obvious that this season they are not.
Yet the Chargers destroyed the Pats 30-10 in what was a particularly painful game: we were beat on the long ball and Cassel was sacked four times. The Chargers played the Patriots in the past four seasons even though they are in a different division and I have to think that having pretty thorough reports on the team must have helped. So one school of thought might claim that the Pats could be in trouble this week because formerly strong teams that know them well can target their weaknesses accurately.
After seeing Indy collapse in their game last week, though, I feel like the Patriots may have the upper hand in this one. Faced with a strong defense (and Tennessee has allowed the fewest points on average this season), Peyton really fell apart as the game went on. I think that the Pats can bring enough pressure for the whole game to seriously inhibit him -- provided we don't get beat on the long ball like last week.
And if we do have to get beat on the long ball, can we please not have two of our secondary players running into each other because that was just embarrassing.
I missed Texas vs. Texas Tech last night because I was at a bar watching dueling pianos. No further comment.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Pats are part of 'a tough stretch'!
From a Yahoo article about Sanders possibly returning for this week's game vs. the Pats:
'Indy has lost two straight, fallen four games behind unbeaten Tennessee in the AFC South and begins a tough stretch against New England on Sunday night. Then Indy visits Pittsburgh, hosts Houston and has consecutive road trips to San Diego and Cleveland.'
SCORE! We're part of 'a tough stretch'! Who would have guessed that after the catastrophe against the Chargers?
I should probably be more worried about the fact that Sanders might be returning, but I still haven't quite figured out why Indy has fallen so mightily this year. I don't think his absence is the sole reason somehow.
'Indy has lost two straight, fallen four games behind unbeaten Tennessee in the AFC South and begins a tough stretch against New England on Sunday night. Then Indy visits Pittsburgh, hosts Houston and has consecutive road trips to San Diego and Cleveland.'
SCORE! We're part of 'a tough stretch'! Who would have guessed that after the catastrophe against the Chargers?
I should probably be more worried about the fact that Sanders might be returning, but I still haven't quite figured out why Indy has fallen so mightily this year. I don't think his absence is the sole reason somehow.
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