2015-16 NFL Week 1 Results

Pittsburgh @ New England 

Welp, I guess Tom Brady (25 of 32, 281 yds, 4 TDs) wanted to prove to all of us that it’s not the amount of air in the balls, but what you do with the balls that count.  The Patriots blasted the Steelers and what makes it worse if that they seem to do it with ease.  Both of their tight ends (Gronk 5 rec, 94 yds, 3 TDs; Scott Chandler 1 rec, 1 yd, 1 TD) were responsible for the 4 TDs that they scored in this game.  The defense played well until late when Big Ben’s (26 of 38, 351 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int) pass to Antonio Brown (9 rec, 133 yds, 1 TD) made the score look respectable.  We’re done with all of the whispers of the Patriots cheating and now we can move one with all of this,………or so we thought.  The Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin went on record to say that they always have issues with their communications when they go to Foxboro and the fact that the entire first half all they could hear on their headsets was the Patriots radio coverage of the game.  It wasn’t until the Steelers reported it and the Patriots were told that they would have to stop using their headsets, was the problem all of a sudden fixed.  Are you surprised about more whispers of Patriot infidelity?  If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, ladies and gentlemen, it’s probably a duck.  We’ll see how long this remains an issue and we’ll also see how much better each of these teams can get. 

Inquisitive Mind 1-0 for the week

Green Bay @ Chicago

The Bears start the season 0-1 but, they actually looked like a football team.  They actually played well,…including Cutler (18 of 36, 225 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int).  Hear me out, the Bears ran the ball well with Forte (24 carries, 141 yds, 1 TD), had great play calling, and Cutler minimized his chances on making the ‘bad’ play.  The only issue on the play calling is getting down in the red zone and not calling Forte’s number, not even once.  That drive ended with a high pass over the head of Royal (Jay had a guy in his face and didn’t have a chance to really do anything but sling the ball).  They had 4 out of 5 drives early that ended in points.  The biggest issue is that they were playing the Packers.  Aaron Rodgers (18 of 23, 189 yds, 3 TDs) is the baddest man on the planet and he proved that in this game.  James Jones (4 rec, 51 yds, 2 TDs) showed up like he never left the team and the defense finally made a play on the interception by Clay Matthews. 

All in all, this is a huge step forward for the Bears even though the season will start 0-1.  I blame the Bears for talking about switching Kyle Long to tackle and waiting until the first game of the season to actually move him to right tackle was stupid, as they should have gotten him some reps in the preseason.  The Bears had a new attitude and the arrow, at least for now is pointing up.  One bad thing for the Packers is that they weren’t able to stop the run and next up is the Seattle Seahawks and their running game.   

Inquisitive Mind 2-0 for the week

Kansas City @ Houston

Is it too late to make those ‘Free JJ Watt’ t-shirts?  This Texans team really looked like they are a QB away from being very dangerous and as we know, getting that QB is tough.  Hoyer (18 of 24, 236 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int) was terrible and Ryan Mallett (8 of 13, 98 yds, 1 TD) wasn’t much better to go along with a weak ground game (21 car, 98 yds).  Yes, the Texans were down big early, but that defense finally showed up and slowed down the Chiefs or they might have scored 60 yesterday.  When will this team be able to match the defense with performance? 

The Chiefs looked great.  They got out to a big early lead with Travis Kelce (6 rec, 106 yds, 2 TDs) leading the way.  Jamaal Charles had over 100 yards combined and this defense looked suffocating at times.  Let’s see what Andy Reid has in store for us in week 2 as we know the Broncos will make a much more difficult foe. 

Inquisitive Mind 3-0 for the week

Cleveland @ New York Jets

We actually did see Johnny Football (13 of 24, 182 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int, 2 fumbles lost) and we also saw that there isn’t much out there for the Browns on offense.  McCown thought he was John Elway in the Superbowl and got knocked out of the game and Manziel came in and threw a TD and we all thought from there, that this could go well.  3 turnovers later and lots of disappointment and now we’re looking at Week 2.  The Jets did what we expected, run the ball (C. Ivory – 20 car, 91 yds, 2 TDs; team had 36 car, 154 yds,  2 TDs) and play defense.  Ryan Fitzpatrick (15 of 24, 179 yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int) wasn’t that bad out there, but he’s gotta get better for this team to keep it up.  Good win for the Jets. 

Inquisitive Mind 4-0 for the week

Indianapolis @ Buffalo

I don’t think anyone thought it would look this bad.  I am going to say that I think the luster is finally wearing off of Andrew Luck (26 of 49, 243 yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints).  He came into the league as possibly the next savior for the Colts, but outside of Eli, he’s been a turnover machine and he looked that way in this game.  Adding insult to injury was TY Hilton (7 recs, 88 yds) and Frank Gore (8 car, 31 yds)both going down to injuries and this Colts team looked terrible.  The defense should be having open tryouts this week as pretty much none of them showed up for the game.  Props to Tyrod Taylor (14 of 19, 195 yds, 1 TD, 9 car, 41 yds) (former Raven) in his debut as he looked wonderful.  We know it’s just one game, but the kid looked poised out there and ready for the big stage.  The Bills defense looked good ladies and gentlemen, we may have to lookout for them this season. 

Inquisitive Mind 5-0 for the week

Miami @ Washington

So, the (redacted) had RGIII on the practice squad this week as the starting safety?!?!  Just let that dude go.  There is no need to keep him around when you risk him getting injured doing something silly and could cost your team $16M by guaranteeing his salary next year.  Walk away from this.  Gruden’s post game presser where he waxed poetic about the ‘success’ that his starter, Kirk Cousins (21 of 31, 196 yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints), had during this game was laughable.  Of course Gruden has to oversell this entire thing but in the end, this is just a bad sitcom.  With all of that said, I’m more disappointed in the Dolphins that it took all they had to escape with this win in a very close game.  I expected them to easily win this game and be ready for week 2, but it seems that they have more questions than anything else. 

Inquisitive Mind 6-0 for the week

Carolina @ Jacksonville

Blake Bortles (22 of 40, 183 yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints, 4 car, 26 yds), you looked like isht (I try not to curse on this here blog but Bortles and someone else pushed me this week).  I am expecting much better from you if this team expects to even be respectable this year.  The Panthers and Cam Newton (18 of 31, 175 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int, 14 car, 35 yds) showed us what they are going to have to do all season to win and that’s scrape by with bare parts and play defense.  The Panthers barely got 100 yards rushing as a team (35 car, 105 yds), and their WR production was horrible this entire game.  Tedd Ginn Jr. dropped a sure TD when he was wide open.  They are going to need people to make plays and this didn’t give anyone a warm and fuzzy feeling that they will in the future.  Add to all of this Kuechly’s concussion and this was a bad Sunday for the Panthers even though they got a ‘W’. 

Inquisitive Mind 7-0 for the week

Seattle @ St. Louis

Dear Pete Carroll, I’m getting tired of your isht (Pete is the other person that wanted me to cuss this week).  This ‘genius’ you’re supposed to have or be, just seems to get in the way of good football sometimes.  First the Superbowl and not running Lynch, but then the pooch/onside kick in overtime and the subsequent play call on 4^th and 1.  Dude, let your team, filled with talent, do what they do best and let’s stop the silliness.  The Seahawks struggled with this Rams team, but in the end, the better team won yesterday.  The Rams outplayed (and some would say out coached) the Seahawks.  Hopefully the Seahawks can bounce back next week or there may be some worry in Seattle. 

Inquisitive Mind 7-1 for the week

New Orleans @ Arizona

‘With a healthy Palmer, this Cardinals team is dangerous.’ – I mentioned this in my preview for the game and Carson (19 of 32, 307 yds, 3 TDs) must have read it because he played lights out.  I don’t think that Carson has looked this good in years.   The only bad thing from this game was the Cardinals losing Andre Ellington to a possible knee injury (PCL?) when their running game seems to struggle on a regular.  Larry Fitzgerald (6 recs, 87 yds) looked to be a part of the offense again and we’ll hope that it will continue for the remainder of the year.  The Saints looked horrible in this game.  They looked like Austin Powers without his mojo and I’m not so sure that the rest of their season won’t look the same.  Brees (30 of 48, 354 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int) may end up to be that guy that puts up a lot of numbers because they are behind so much all year. 

Inquisitive Mind 8-1 for the week

Detroit @ San Diego

The Chargers won this shootout with Philip Rivers (35 of 42, 404 yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints) tying Dan Fouts on the Chargers TD list.  Two rookie RBs Melvin Gordon (14 car, 51 yds, 3 rec, 16 yds) and Ameer Abdullah (7 car, 50 yds, 1 TD, 4 rec, 44 yds) actually looked pretty good in this game for their respective teams.  Matthew Stafford (19 of 30, 246 yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints) didn’t play his best game and was limited in hooking up with Megatron (2 rec, 39 yds).  Not sure if defense was actually a part of this game or not.  Keenan Allen(15 rec, 166 yds) had a monster game as Rivers spread the ball around to 7 different receivers. 

Inquisitive Mind 9-1 for the week

Tennessee @ Tampa Bay

Marcus Mariota, I apologize from everyone who ever thought that you wouldn’t be able to play in the NFL.  Great Game 1, and slow down out there.  Mariota (13 of 16, 209 yds, 4 TDs, no 4^th quarter play) easily won the battle between the #1 and #2 picks in the 2015 NFL Draft.  Jameis (16 of 33, 210 yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints) looked like he wasn’t ready for primetime, while Mariota seemed like he was playing in a 7-on-7 drill.  Nothing seemed to go right for the Bucs and they were embarrassed and already have their head coach Lovey Smith on the hot seat.  Bucs gotta hope this was just one bad game and that they can turn it around.  The only highlight for the Bucs was Austin Seferian-Jenkins (5 rec, 110 yds, 2 TDs, on 7 targets) who had a MONSTER game for the Bucs, but too little too late. 

Inquisitive Mind 9-2 for the week

Cincinnati @ Oakland

Dear Derek Carr, the next time you’re running out of the pocket, please understand that those are grown men on defense who don’t get a chance to normally hit you because of the rules.  Those same men welcome the opportunity to engage you in a physical confrontation and due to your size and ability to defend yourself, I’d suggest sliding as a course of action in the future.  ALSO, NEVER hit someone with your throwing hand.  Carr (7 of 12, 61 yds) left the game early and the Raiders turned into the Raiders of old, no not the good version, the sad version.  The Bengals and Andy Dalton (25 of 34, 269 yds, 2 TDs) looked good this first game of the season and they hope they can continue down this road.  Consistency has been their achilles heel in the past. 

Inquisitive Mind 10-2 for the week

Baltimore @ Denver

Let’s have a moment of silence for Terrell Suggs.  Suggs tore his Achilles tendon and is out for the year.  Tough loss in a loss for the Ravens.  Meanwhile this was a defensive stalemate for the majority of the game.  The Broncos looked like they had more options on offense, but Peyton Manning (24 of 40, 175 yds, 1 Int) didn’t look good in this game.  If there were whispers of a lack of arm strength last year, this game did nothing to silence those whispers.  It was almost like watching the fall of a great right before he heads into retirement.  Maybe Brady was right in those text messages about Manning.  The Ravens looked like they had no other targets for Flacco (18 of 32, 117 yds, 2 Ints) to throw to other than Steve Smith (2 rec, 13 yds) and even he had a rough day at the office.  This injury for the Ravens could spell doom for this team for the season but they are a resilient bunch and we’ll look forward to seeing what rabbit they are able to pull out of the hat this time. 

Inquisitive Mind 10-3 for the week

New York Giants @ Dallas

I would probably add this to the group of people who wanted me to cuss this weekend, but the Cowboys should not have won this game and it’s just not that important to me to be upset about this loss for the Giants since they gift wrapped and gave this one away.  You play to win the game.  I would have run the ball in and taken the 10 point lead and given the Cowboys that 1:45 left in the game with no timeouts and the ball.  But noooo, the Giants wanted to run clock and then inexplicably Eli (20 of 36, 193 yds) decided to kill the clock by throwing the incomplete pass late.  The Cowboys had already lost their big money receiver (Dez Bryant 5 rec, 48 yds) and only had one viable receiver left to catch the ball, the only one that Romo (36 of 45, 356 yds, 3 TDs, 2 Ints) loves, Witten (8 rec, 60 yds, 2 TDs), who wasn’t covered on back to back plays.  Touchdown Cowboys and game over.  All one can do is shake their heads on this game and the mistakes the Giants made. 

Inquisitive Mind 11-3 for the week

Philadelphia @ Atlanta

Whatever Dan Quin put in the water for the Falcons defense, they need another shot for the 2nd half next week.  This was the fastest, tackling, flying to the ball defense that we've seen in Atlanta for years.  I mean really, as bad as Atlanta was last year, they were that good in the 1st half and they were able to hold on for the win against this Eagles team. Matt Ryan (23 of 34, 298 yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints) didn't make me feel real good with those 2 picks so he has some opportunities for improvement.  Julio Jones (9 rec, 141 yds, 2 TDs) seemed to burn anyone guarding him and again the defense hit Sam Bradford (36 of 52, 336 yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints) on every opportunity they had.  

The Eagles seemed to be on the verge of blowing the game open at any point, but they just couldn't get over the hump against this Falcons D.  Jordan Matthews (10 rec, 102 yds) was on fire for the Eagles but in the end the Eagles ground game was stopped and that seemed to be the difference for the game.  

Inquisitive Mind 11-4 for the week

Minnesota @ San Francisco

Where did this 49ers team come from?!?  We all saw all of the talent they lost over the summer and we all assumed (I guess in this case that old adage came true) that they would be horrible.  Seems as though the defense under Eric Mangini is going to be ok.  The offense looked rudimentary, but Kaepernick (17 of 26, 165 yds) looked comfortable in that offense.  I even caught myself about 6 times saying, 'RGIII would look nice in this offense', but I had to leave that alone.  Don't let me forget to mention Carlos Hyde ( 26 car, 168 yds, 2 TDs) and his breakout performance.  I needed this type of play from him last year when I had him on my fantasy squad.     

For all of the hoopla we heard about Teddy Bridgewater (23 of 32, 231 yds, 1 INT) and the return of AP (10 car, 31 yds),....this game was horrible.  I mean the Vikings looked so out of sync, they just have to be better next week.  

Inquisitive Mind 11-5 for the week

Catching Up on NFL and NBA

NFL:

The New York Giants are celebrating their Super Bowl win with their ticker tape parade today.  I have to say congrats to them for a hard fought win against a good New England Patriots team.  I will say this though, I am not on board with this Eli Manning to the Hall of Fame and how he's become a top QB in the league.  I think a lot of that should be tempered as this great year that Eli had was the outlier.  His previous body of work has been somewhat middling (he's averaged 16+ INTs a year vs. 23+ TDs a year).  He's a good guy and has definitely grown as a leader, but let's all just hold off of this Eli is THE MAN for now.  (Take a look at the other QBs that we're talking about being the best in the game).

QB	Avg TDs (since 2004)	Avg INTs (since 2004)
Eli Manning	23	16
Drew Brees	31	14
Tom Brady*	28	9
Aaron Rodgers**	16	4
Ben Roethlisberger	20	12
Philip Rivers	20	9

*Includes a year of 0 TDs and 0 INTs due to injury

**Includes spot duty behind Favre; started in 2008

NBA:

LA Clippers - Count Chauncey Billups as the first person to encounter the Clippers Curse.  Billups has torn his left Achilles and will miss the remainder of the year (my opinion, but you'll see later today).  Mo Williams, now it's your turn to step in and see if you can help this team as a starter.  The big question is whether the Clippers can reach out and get JR Smith.  If so, let's just hope that he leaves his sister and girlfriend at home. 

LA Lakers - Kobe passes the Big Speed Bump (Shaq) on the Lakers all-time scoring list.  Shaq was effusive in his praise for the young Kobe, and maybe there is hope that the two of them can kiss and make up after a few years.  More importantly is Kobe is wishing for some kind of move that will get him Championship #6.  Can the Lakers pull a Howard trade, or maybe steal Deron Williams from the Nets?  If the Lakers get one or both of these deals done, look out for the Black Mamba in the playoffs. 

New York Knicks - Run out and get your Jeremy Lin jerseys now.  The Ivy League grad is actually balling for the Knicks and just helped them beat a Jazz team (above .500) without Amare and Melo (for most of the game, UPDATE - Melo will be out for 1-2 weeks with hammy injury).  I can easily say that Lin is the best POINT guard on the team.  Baron Davis is a shell of a shell of himself and no one knows if and when his back will work correctly.  Douglas and Shumpert, both ACC guys, are more scorers than true point guards.  I think going forward the Knicks gotta start Lin and bring Shump off the bench for scoring and defense. 

Dallas Mavericks - Jason Kidd is still shelved and although no one is rushing him back, one thing we can see is that this compacted schedule is no joke for these older players.  Dirk has been chided for being out of shape and we've seen from an overall level that the NBA off-season, really means what it says it means.

Denver Nuggets - Just as the creamy Nuggets were finding their legs in this compacted season they've been dealt a blow with the injury to Danilo Gallinari.  Gallinari chipped a bone in his foot and we're not sure how long he'll be out.  Gallo was ballin up until this point and although the Nuggets say they don't have that go to player, I think Gallo was that guy.  He's averaging a little over 17 pts per game and with his height and mobility he can provide several mismatches for opposing teams.  Get well soon Gallo, the Nuggets need you. 

2011-12 NFL Week 1 - Thursday Night Recap

What a game!!!!  The Packers and the Saints both played great, with some surprises and this was a great game to start the season off.  The Packers were able to get out of the gates early and take a 14 point lead on the arm of Aaron Rodgers (27 of 35 for 312 yards, 3 TDs) and the hands of Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.  Rodgers threw for 188 yards and 3 TDs in the 1st quarter. That ended up waking up the Saints and you could see that Drew Brees (32 of 49 for 419 yards, 3 TDs) was slowly getting into a rhythm. 

In the second half Brees seemed to have figured out the Packers defense and it looked like 7 on 7 drills there for a minute.  He marched them up and down the field, but their Achilles heel in this game (and anytime they lose this year) was their defense (and their running game).  The Saints couldn't stop the Packers and the Packers went deep into their playbook, several different formations, packages, and personnel.  The Packers pretty much did everything they wanted (outside of that 3rd and 4 towards the end of the game).  The Saints gained 81 yards rushing as a team last night and that just won't get it, they have to have more balance.  Fantasy owners will love having Brees throw that much, but they aren't going to win the important games if they can't run the ball.

In the end, the Packers defense stop Mark Ingram on a 4th and 1 to end the game.  The 'Game Ball' goes to Randall Cobb and the Packers offensive line.  Cobb returned a NFL record-tying 108 kickoff for a TD and scored another TD on a pass from Rodgers.  The 2nd round pick out of Kentucky looked like he belonged.  Meanwhile the Packers offensive line dominated the Saints.  The line allowed Starks and Grant to both average above 4 yards a carry and they combined for 97 yards and 1 TD.  They also kept Rodgers' jersey clean for the majority of the night.  Great game, but the best part is,......Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week. 


P.S. - @ Darryl, I'm not saying I told you so, but you were slightly wrong last night.  Since the start of the season has been moved to Thursday nights the previous years Super Bowl winner has won the majority of the games.  Be glad that you didn't bet any real money on the game and giving me 10 points. 

2011-12 NFL Week 1 Picks - Thursday Night

Yes!!!!!!!  we are officially starting the season and we got the Packers and the Saints kicking it off.  Both of these teams are expected to fight each other to represent the NFC in this years Super Bowl.  Let's get down to the picks.

New Orleans @ Green Bay - The Packers are at home and weather shouldn't be an issue (the tundra isn't cold yet).  The Saints spread it out as good as any other team and Brees can get the ball anywhere on the field when he needs to.  With the Saints it's always on the defensive side of the ball as to whether they will be good.  The Packers return almost everyone (especially the starters they lost to injury last season) and Aaron Rodgers is arguably the best QB in the game (yes, I'll argue with you that he is the best right now*).  The Packers just seem to have gotten better and they were pretty good (or lucky, depending on how you see it) last year.  I'm looking for the Packers to start the season off the way they ended it last year.  Winner - Packers.  

*For those that know me and have read here previously, I have not been an Aaron Rodgers fan.  I thought that the Packers were going to rue the day they handed the reins over to him.  I am man enough to say that I was wrong on this and that Rodgers has now put himself in the discussion of being an elite QB in the NFL. 

NFL 2010 Super Bowl Wrap Up

Well, I was partially right, but the Green Packers are your Super Bowl XLV Champions.  This was a great game with two great teams and it came down to a 4th and 5 for the Steelers to have a chance to win the game.

The Packers jumped out early on the Steelers to go up 14-0, and in my opinion (yes, I said this to everyone at the Super Bowl party) it was over then.  The Steelers looked lethargic and almost like they knew they were going to win this game by showing up.  They were able to get hits on Aaron Rodgers, but he never flinched and sat back and kept throwing the ball.  Even with the loss of Driver the Packers wideouts seemed to stay open.  A few more catches by Nelson and the final score could have been a little wider. 

This was truly a great year for the Packers and it showed that they have their organization going in the right way.  The real question is what's going to happen to this team when they get back all of the injured guys that they had this year.  They are definitely going to be dangerous next year too. 

I do have some questions about the game, just from my viewpoint:

1) If you're the Steelers, why wasn't Hines Ward more involved in the game plan, or even Heath Miller for that matter.  I mean these are two of your best pass catchers and on the 4th and 5, you don't even target either one of them (Miller looked open)? 

2) Why all of the Favre talk?  Rodgers did his thing in carrying his team to the Super Bowl and winning and getting an MVP (Favre hasn't won't a Super Bowl MVP, right?), why not just leave it at that?  Yes, Rodgers is good and yes even I doubted his ability to handle this team, but Favre is FAVRE.  No one will break his streak of consecutive starts and only a handful of his QB numbers will be broken (Peyton Manning still has some time).  Favre will (as Cris Carter said last night) go in the NFL HOF and the Packers HOF.  Right now, Rodgers will probably go into the Packers HOF.  That's the difference people, that's the difference. 

3) For those that can't appreciate what Woodson has done for the Packers, please go and look at game film.  He is the most complete corner in the game.  Yes, I said it, write it down take a picture.  He still has the ball hawking skills needed to defend passes, but he also can come up and tackle on running plays or on the blitz.  A lot has been said about Revis, Asomugha, and others but please remember that old Ric Flair saying,...'To be the man, you got to beat the man', and Woodson is that man. 

Congrats to the Packers for winning the Championship ring and the belt.

NFL 2010 Super Bowl Pick

It's been a long two weeks since we've known the Packers would be facing the Steelers in todays Superbowl, but I think that I've finally made a decision about who to pick.  The short of it is, I gotta go with the Steelers and big (10 or more points) for my prediction. 

My reasoning, well let's start here:

QBs - Both Big Ben and Rodgers are good to great QBs.  The biggest thing is Big Ben's experience in this big game.  Yes, you have to win one to get experience, but I don't think that I'm worried about the normally unflappable Rodgers.  I think both of these guys are going to play well but I doubt it comes down to either of them winning the game.  With that said, I have to go with experience. 

Defense - I like the Packers defense because they are able to bring pressure, with the blitz, and they can cover with Williams and Woodson out there.  Like my coach once told me, the quarterback can't throw if he's on his back.  I expect the Packers to get some pressure on Big Ben, but for some reason he doesn't make a lot of bad throws.  As good as the Packers defense is, I just think the Steelers are better.  That 3-4 that they run is nasty with stopping the run and although the Packers' corners are better, I like the Steelers safeties.  Polamalu will be a big difference in this game.

Coaching - Mike Tomlin exudes a confidence that doesn't even border on cockiness.  He's been here before with this team and knows what it takes to be successful.  He directs this Steeler ship and they've won when no one thought they would (first 4 games of the year).  Mike McCarthy has done a great job with getting his team prepared to make the playoffs and then go on the road and dominate the Falcons and the Bears.  I have to think that he will prepare, as usual, but I think that the experience is the factor here.  He's got enough guts to take some chances with the way Rodgers and his defense are playing so that may end up biting him in the butt. 

Keys to Winning (Steelers) - Lots of Mendenhall on the ground to establish the running game, but to also keep Rodgers on the bench.  Look for a few big plays from Wallace and Heath Miller.  The defense will have to find a way to keep these explosive Packers wideouts in front of them and they have to make tackles.  Any misses can easily turn into TDs. 

Keys to Winning (Packers) - Find a way to run the ball.  This Steelers defense is about as dominant as you can get with stopping the run, but the Packers have had success in the playoffs with the threat of the run.  The offensive line will need to protect Rodgers and keep him from taking a lot of hits and sacks.  The Packers defense will have to get some takeaways and make them count (turn them into TDs).  The Packers are going to need another big game from their defensive line (Raji and Jenkins), especially with Legursky starting for Pouncey. 

All in all, I expect this to be a good game.  Two very good teams and the game will be inside so no weather issues to worry about.  Again, I am picking the Steelers and we'll see what happens. 

Who you got?

NFL 2010 NFC Championship Game Wrap Up

Green Bay @ Chicago - As I sat and watched this game, I thought that maybe I should become the next Ms.(Mr.) Cleo.  I said that the Bears would have to limit the bad decisions and turnovers by Cutler and play well on defense.  I also said that Johnny Knox would have a big game.  I said this about the Packers 'On defense, I'm looking for a big game from BJ Raji and Cullen Jenkins.  If the two of them cause problems up front, not only will they be able to get hits on Cutler, but they may force him into some bad throws and that's all Woodson and Williams are waiting on'.  Let's get to the tale of the tape.

1.  Cutler missed on a few passes early, but his worst decision was quitting on his team.  Ask any athlete that's been hurt and had a significant injury, they can tell you when it happened.  I can't by Cutler's excuse that he hurt his knee sometime in the 2nd quarter.  This is the NFC Championship game, and by all accounts the Bears played terrible, but they were still in this game until the last INT by Hanie.  This is Cutler's first foire into the playoffs with a chance to go to the Superbowl, and this is what you do?  Number 2, you go in early at halftime and you come back out without a knee brace on?  I mean if your knee is hurt that bad, they have knee braces (and probably a shot or two) that will help you get through the next 30 minutes and try and win this game.  We can assume that Cutler chose neither.  Number 3, Unless this MRI comes back with 3 torn ligaments, I expect that Cutler will be vilified in a city where toughness is an expectation.  Number 4, if the training staff/doctor told you that you shouldn't play, a competitor would have been seen on the sideline in Lovie's ear trying to get him to reconsider or something.  There should have been a screaming match with a helmet thrown or something.  This just doesn't look good for Cutler, even with Urlacher doing what he was supposed to do by standing up for his teammate.   

2.  Johnny Knox (targeted 6 times) must not trust Cutler because he doesn't seem to go all out when Cutler is throwing him the ball.  Enter Hanie and Knox becomes a different man.  Knox ended the game with 2 receptions for 56 yards (1 pass interference call that turned into an additional play for 20+ yards for the Bears) which isn't alot but when your QBs throw for a total of 218 yard, it's pretty good.

3.  BJ Raji and Cullen Jenkins must have heard me talking about them because they started the game of disrupting things and continued for the majority of the game.  Jenkins ended the game with 1/2 a sack, 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits (maybe one on Cutler's knee), and several more disruptions.  BJ Raji ended the game with 2 QB hits, and an 18 yard interception return for a TD.

4. Woodson and Williams played well covering the Bears receivers, but it was Sam Shields who had 2 INTs (1 sealed the game) and a sack to go along with 4 tackles, that paced the Packers in the defensive secondary. 

All in all, it was a sad day for the Bears.  Their defense played well, but their offense wasn't on the right track.  I've said all year long that Hanie is a better QB for the Bears (Martz) system and someone should think about that going forward.  Cutler has more tools than Hanie, but sometimes have a utility knife that can do 20 things really isn't worth having when you trying to open a can and you have a handy dandy can opener ready and available.  The Bears as an organization will have to stand by Cutler or his career here is done, so I expect that his MRI results will be substantially worse than they really are.

Actually this was quite prophetic too -   
'In the end, the Bears are playing at home (even though the field is TERRIBLE) and I think that their special teams will need to be special for them to win this game.  I expect the Packers to get to Cutler, and I even expect the Bears to get to Rodgers.  I don't trust Cutler in this big of a game.  So, to both Mike's (at the barbershop and at Union Station), Kevin (my Ray Lewis hater, he thinks Urlacher is better than Ray Lewis), and anyone else that I run across before the game here's what I got.  Winner - Packers'.

The Packers are on their way to the Superbowl and they really proved that they were the better team yesterday. Congrats and good luck in Dallas.  Inquisitive Mind 1 - 0 for the week. 

NFL 2010 NFC Championship Game Pick

From 4 to 2.......

Green Bay @ Chicago - This is it.  Time to show up and play ball.  The Bears get the Packers at home for the right to go to the Superbowl.  The Bears come in with an offensive line that started off as terrible early in the year but has ended up being respectable as of late.  That has led to improved performance by both Jay Cutler and Matt Forte.  Cutler has looked his best in the past few weeks, a great improvement from the erratic guy we saw earlier in the season.  The key for the Bears comes down to two things:  1) Cutler and 2) Defense.  Now you might say, duh, isn't that what games normally depend on the QB and the defenses?  Cutler can't 'miss' against this Packers defensive backfield.  He had some INTs dropped against the Seahawks and he's good for throwing at least 1 pick in this game.  If Cutler limits the turnovers and bad decisions, I think the Bears win this game.  Look for a big game from the diminutive Johnny Knox, who seems to play well against the Packers.  On the defensive side of the ball, (Lovie please read this before gametime) the Bears CAN NOT sit back and let Rodgers complete passes in that Cover 2 with the whole 'bend but don't break' mantra.  The Bears are going to have to send corners, LBs, and parachute people in in order to get hits on Rodgers.  Bring out all of the plays that you haven't used all year.  When they get to Rodgers, they can't be like the Falcons and miss hitting him, they have to bring the pain.  If Rodgers is dinged or injured, it's game over for the Packers.

The Packers have got to run the ball.  Yes, that'll be hard against the Bears defense, but they have to have a commitment to running the ball, which equates to 20-25 carries.  They might actually pop a big one on the Bears.  Rodgers has all of his receivers playing at a high level, so the offensive line has got to protect Rodgers from the likes of Tommie Harris and Israel Idonije.  No I didn't say Julius Peppers because they are going to have to double team him, period.  That leaves the Idonije's and Harris' one on one and those guys are pretty good.  On defense, I'm looking for a big game from BJ Raji and Cullen Jenkins.  If the two of them cause problems up front, not only will they be able to get hits on Cutler, but they may force him into some bad throws and that's all Woodson and Williams are waiting on.  Clay Matthews is a little dinged but he'll be ready to go.  The Packers will test this offensive line to really see how well they have gotten.

In the end, the Bears are playing at home (even though the field is TERRIBLE) and I think that their special teams will need to be special for them to win this game.  I expect the Packers to get to Cutler, and I even expect the Bears to get to Rodgers.  I don't trust Cutler in this big of a game.  So, to both Mike's (at the barbershop and at Union Station), Kevin (my Ray Lewis hater, he thinks Urlacher is better than Ray Lewis), and anyone else that I run across before the game here's what I got.  Winner - Packers.

Aaron Rodgers, Watch Your Back

It seems as though former Duke point guard Greg Paulus has tried out for the Green Bay Packers. Talk about a lucky strike. Paulus was recruited, most notably, by Notre Dame coming out of high school as a college quarterback but Paulus chose to play basketball for Duke University. Paulus put up gaudy numbers at Christian Brothers Academy, 11,763 career passing yards and 152 touchdowns. Those numbers helped him become a Gatorade football player of the year. Paulus was an admirable point guard for the Blue Devils, while averaging 11.5 pts and 3.4 asts a game. He lost his starting job this year to Nolan Smith, but became an intricate part of the Blue Devils' bench.

We'll see if anything happens on the football front. Paulus has 5 other brothers, all of them football players. His younger brother Mike Paulus is a quarterback at hated rival, North Carolina.

NFL Matchup Week 6

I went 8-6 last week, so the cumulative for the year is 45-24. Again, not bad and this isn't against the spread, just straight up. So Week 6 is up next and lots of good matchups. Let's see how this week plays out.

Chicago @ Atlanta - The Bears destroyed the Lions last week, and yes it was just the Lions but they looked good. I think that the Bears go down to the ATL and shock the Falcons. I say shock because I think some people have this as a win for the Falcons because they are at home and have a good running game. Then again, those people are probably just Falcons fans. So, take 'shock' out and let's just say the Bears win this game. Winner - Bears.

Baltimore @ Indianapolis - Well, the Colts are off to a bad start. The offense hasn't clicked yet and now they get the Ravens. The Ravens lost to the Titans last week in a nail biter that saw their QB, Joe Flacco, make some bad decisions. The Colts should get their first win at home. Winner - Colts.

Detroit @ Minnesota - The Lions haven't looked good all year long. They have a decent D if their offense can put up some numbers, but they go to the Vikings this week and I don't see anything pretty happening for them this week. Look for AP or 'All Day' to have a great day against the Lions. Winner - Vikings.

Oakland @ New Orleans - Talk about inconsistent. The Saints have looked great but then they also look terrible. They have the firepower on offense, but for some reason, the D isn't doing the job. Shockey may play this week, that'll help even more on the offense, but they are going to have to stop someone. The Raiders are playing for their new coach and will play tough, but I think the Saints escape with a close win at home. Winner - Saints.

Cincinnati @ New York Jets - Carson Palmer out, hello Ryan Fitzpatrick, again. The Jets just need to come off of their bye week with some hunger and they should handle this team. Unfortunately for the Jets, their star receiver may be a little dinged, Laveraneus Coles, and Chad Ocho Cinco hasn't had a good game yet. Winner - Jets.

Carolina @ Tampa Bay - Points will be at a premium in this game. Two good defenses going at each other. Carolina has the better QB with Delhomme and possibly a better running game with Jonathan Stewart. Delhomme normally plays well against the Bucs, so I gotta go with the Panthers. Winner - Panthers.

St. Louis @ Washington - As well as the Redskins have been playing, this could be the game that derails it all. They have to come out and dominate this Rams team and not give them any hope. The Skins are for real. Who would have thunk it? Winner - Redskins.

Miami @ Houston - I have picked against the Dolphins most of the season and right now, it's been killing me. This team has showed up and has been more prepared than any of their opponents on their way to wins against teams they shouldn't have beaten (San Diego and NE). So, this week, there's got to be a let down, right? They can't keep pulling off this surprising wins? Winner - Texans.

Jacksonville @ Denver - This is the game for David Garrard to handle his business. He, and not the Jags running game, will decide this game. Denver has been up and down over the last two weeks, averaging a measly 17.5 points over the last two games. Winner - Jaguars.

Dallas @Arizona - Shootout alert! The Cowboys will be without Terrance Newman and they probably have a rattled Adam Jones based on his recent week. Romo should be hitting TO all day for big gains. Dallas, please don't forget Marion Barber. Winner - Cowboys.

Philadelphia @ San Francisco - Donovan McNabb called out his team and now they get the 49ers. The 49ers have played well over the last weeks, but come up against one of the best defenses in the league. I want this to be a shootout since I have J.T. O'Sulivan as my starting QB in Fantasy League, but I just don't see it happening. Winner - Eagles.

Green Bay @ Seattle - This should be an easy one for the Packers. They go in to Seattle after losing to the Falcons last week, so they should definitely have a chip on their shoulders. Winner - Packers.

New England @ San Diego - This is a fight for respect. The Chargers have felt slighted by the Pats for a while and now they get a chance to make a statement at home. We'll see how good Matt Cassell really is since I expect this Chargers defense to test him. Chargers watch out for Maroney, since he hasn't had a good game yet. Winner - Chargers.

New York Giants @ Cleveland - Plax is back and Giants look to be on pace to make some noise in the NFC East. The Giants are playing well and their defense should feast on the Browns. It's sad to say, but Romeo Crennell may be on his last legs in Cleveland. Winner - Giants.

NFL Matchup Week 5

So much going on and so little time for me. If you've been reading, I have been a little lax on the postings this week. Trying to get ready for some vacation time with Mrs. Inquisitive Mind and a lot has been going on. So, after Friday (October 3rd) you'll probably see the same content out here until I return on Saturday (October 11th). Last week was a terrible 5 - 8 on my picks, so it can't get any worse. For the year, I'm 37 - 23. Not bad, but still broke in Vegas. So, enjoy this week's matchups.

Kansas City @ Carolina - Fresh off of an upset against the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs look to take their act on the road. Carolina demolished the Falcons and everyone in the league was reminded that if you don't prepare and come out and play, even a team that's as good as the Broncos can be beaten by a team as bad as the Chiefs. Winner - Panthers.

Chicago @ Detroit - The Bears defense finally held (well at least on that 4th and 1) and got a win against the Eagles. For the win they are given a gift of going to Detroit to play the Lions. The Lions have had and will continue to have lots of moving parts within their organization, but I think the players are going to motivated a little to do something. The Bears are favored by 4 points and Kyle Orton seems to be in a nice rhythm. I like the Bears and I agree that this one could go either way, a Bears blowout or a Bears close win. Winner - Bears.

Atlanta @ Green Bay - The biggest question of the game is whether Aaron Rodgers is able to make his 5th consecutive start or not. This game is in Green Bay and the Packers have a lot to prove after a tough loss in Tampa. Green Bay's running game is still hurting along with Rodgers' shoulder. Michael Turner gets to run against two stout defense two weeks in a row and I like Matt Ryan, but I don't think playing on the frozen tundra (no, not frozen yet, but it'll get there) in Green Bay is going to be fun for him. Winner - Packers.

San Diego @ Miami - The Dolphins shocked the world two weeks ago, then went on a bye week where their backup running back admitted to 'wanting to puff puff pass', they still don't have Jason Taylor back, and they get to welcome a nicely tuned Chargers team to South Beach. There is nothing, including Ronnie Brown running for 4 TDs, that will make me pick the Dolphins. Winner - Chargers.

Seattle @ New York Giants - The Seahawks get to travel all the way across the country just to get to wonderful Giants stadium so that they can be introduced to the Giants defense. Their last game was a scrimmage against the Rams, but now they face a real test. The Giants escaped from the Bengals in their last game and then they got a chance to watch the rest of their NFC East foes knock each other out last week. I expect big things from Plaxico for the rest of the year (although he'll sit this game) and I hope his off the field issues don't get him suspended by the league. Winner - Giants.

Washington @ Philadelphia - The Eagles have surprised many, including me with their wins and their 'shoulda won' against the Bears last week. Westbrook returned to practice, but it's not sure whether he will play this week. My best bet is that he'll play. The Redskins pulled of the 2nd biggest shocker of the year by beating the Cowboys in Dallas. I will say this again, Jason Campbell looked good in leading that Redskin team last week. If he can continue to play like this, the Redskins are going to be very dangerous, and could possibly win the NFC East. Winner - Redskins.

Tennessee @ Baltimore - The Titans come in on a 4 game winning streak and looking 'marvelous darling'. They have played Jeff Fisher ball, a good run game, timely passing, and great defense. They go to Baltimore to take on the Ravens who have to be spent after their overtime loss to the Steelers on Monday night. I love the heart of the Ravens, but I don't think they have enough bodies to pull off a W. Winner - Titans.

Indianapolis @ Houston - Will the good football team stand up? We know that's not Houston, but at 1-3, this is a must win for the Colts. They should have most of their starters back, although still without Bob Sanders. I'm not so much concerned about the Colts D though. Their offense is getting scores, either that or I'm just used to the Colts getting 28+ a game. Houston should serve as a sacrificial lamb for the Colts season, although Matt Schaub played pretty well last week. Is he finally getting his legs? Winner - Colts.

Tampa Bay @ Denver - Two weeks in a row? After riding high the Broncos were taken down several notches by the lowly Chiefs. This time, the Broncos are playing a much better defense, but their advantage is that they are playing in Denver. I think the team with the stronger running game wins this and that means,........Winner - Bucs.

Buffalo @ Arizona - With Anquan Boldin questionable with a fractured sinus (didn't know you could fracture your sinus), I'm not sure what to do on this one. I would have said that this is one of those games that should have lots of fireworks (scores), but with the dynamic duo of Boldin and Fitzgerald down to one and the health of Kurt Warner's hand, I think this could turn into a knock 'em down, drag 'em out kind of deal. The Bills will turn to Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards is due another big game. Winner - Bills.

New England @ San Francisco - When you think about greatest teams of all time, you'd like this matchup, maybe a little of the Joe Montana 49ers against the Brady led Pats, and this would be something that would have a lot of meat on it. With these two teams as they are now, this looks like cookout food the day after the cookout. The Pats have question marks at QB, and the 49ers have a decent little team. I originally went with the Pats on this one, but something is telling me that the 49ers are able to handle the wrinkles that the Pats come up with after their bye week. Winner - 49ers.

Cincinnati @ Dallas - If Palmer is healthy then this is a good game, not a great game, but a good one. With the chances of Fitzpatrick starting again this week and no leprechaun in sight, this has the makings of a drubbing. The Bengals come to the Big D after they lose to the Redskins. Marion Barber didn't get his touches, Jason Witten didn't get his touches, and TO only got 20 opportunities,.....I think the lights on the scoreboard get tested this week. Winner - Dallas.

Pittsburgh @ Jacksonville - Another tough game for the Steelers (who did they piss off to get this schedule?). Jacksonville will benefit from getting Garrard in a flow and their running game will be tested by the Steelers D. The Steelers on the other hand have a banged up QB, a dude off the street running the ball for them, and they get to travel on a short week after having played on Monday night. Both defenses will keep this tight and I think the Jags win a close one. Winner - Jags.

Minnesota @ New Orleans - Get your popcorn. The Vikings do great at stopping the run, but their pass defense is a sieve. If they can't get a pass rush, Drew Brees might hurt himself from throwing the ball 80 times. The Saints also have Duce McAllister back which will help Reggie Bush get some better matchups against that passing D of the Vikings. The Vikings have a new/old/new again starter in Tavaris Jackson. Did the demotion light a fire under this guy so that he'll be more aggressive? I guess we'll see. Winner - Saints.