New England Patriots

It’s time to give Tebow the reigns for the rest 2011 and see what he can do.(4-1) New England Patriots 30
(2-3) New York Jets 21

Suck it Jets. Yet another opponent that causes me to root FOR the Patriots. I feel dirty. Wes Welker picked up another 124 yards and BenJarvus Green-Ellis put an impressive 136 yards and two TD’s as the Patriots handled their division “rival.” The Jet offense looked slightly better than in recent weeks, but against that soft New England D it should have excelled. Now they slip below .500 and look out-of-sorts.(5-0) Green Bay Packers 25

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 5, 2011"

Does that make me a bad person?

(2-2) New York Jets at
(3-1) New England Patriots
Ooo…. Jets/Patriots. Who doesn’t love it when these two teams go to town on each other? I mean, this will probably be a total pounding, but maybe the Jets can keep it close? Their defense might slow down Brady a bit, but I’m convinced that Mark Sanchez won’t be able to keep pace anyway. Wes Welker will likely go off again this week. Get your fantasy team ready.

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: Week 5, 2011"

ill think the Eagles can pull this one out, but he could get rocked for a third straight week.(2-1) New England Patriots at
(2-1) Oakland Raiders

If the Raiders focus on their ground game with Darren McFadden, they could be playing right into New England’s hands. The Patriots have issues in the secondary, so they’d probably welcome a team that prefers to hand off. Jason Campbell is a statue in the pocket, so they might even get a pass rush on him. Oh yeah, and Brady and Belichick don’t like losing back-to-back.(2-1) New York Jets at

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: Week 4, 2011"

Well played G-Men.

(3-0) Buffalo Bills 34
(2-1) New England Patriots 31

This was EPIC. I’m not completely sold on the Bills as a contender, but they’ve certainly opened some eyes in the early weeks by putting up points in bunches and picking off Tom Brady FOUR times. That takes some talent.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 3, 2011"

can figure out how to throw for 400 yards and win, perhaps that spotlight gets re-directed.

(2-0) New England Patriots at
(2-0) Buffalo Bills 

When’s the last time THIS match-up featured undefeateds? Or was even that relevant? Well… it still might not be that relevant. We’ll find out. But if the Bills are going to break the 0 for 1000 streak they’re on against Belichick’s Pats, today has to be the day to do it. A home game against a depleted Patriot defense? Now or never. (Or next year.)

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: Week 3, 2011"

Where all the haters at now? (Well, it was just the Niners, but still.)(2-0) New England Patriots 35
(1-1) San Diego Chargers 21

The self-destructive Chargers were handled by the Patriots yet again. There were too many miscues and too much Tom Brady for San Diego to overcome. Brady’s on a wicked tear right now.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 2, 2011"

Nor did that fumble near the goal line. Hm.

 
Getty Images 

(1-0) New England Patriots 38
(0-1) Miami Dolphins 24

Even better than watching Brady go for 517 yards or the Wes Welker 99 yard reception was Ron Jaworski’s “shit” slip. I love live TV. And now I love old “Jaws.” Miami’s “top 5” defense got schooled.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 1, 2011"

Previews commence!New England Patriots

After failing to make any noise in the postseason yet again, the Patriots took a few chances on some big names in the offseason, trading for Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco and signing Andre Carter and Shaun Ellis. The acquisitions of Haynesworth and Carter signal a shift to more of a 4-3 focus on Belichick’s part, trying to make up for the lack of pass rush in recent years and a weaker linebacker unit. Devin McCourty is awfully good, but that Patriot secondary is awfully young and still can get exposed. The release of Brandon Meriweather may bite them eventually. No matter the defensive quandaries, the New England offense will be true to form yet again, with an emphasis on the tight ends this season. The 6’6” Rob Gronkowski and the speedy Aaron Hernandez will be on the field as often as Belichick can manage. Oh, and Tom Brady is good for another 35+ touchdowns. It’ll happen. Effing Patriots.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The AFC East"

he 25th spot, but that’s what happens when you win a crappy division and get to the playoffs. New England Patriots

Okay… I have NO idea what the Patriots were doing in this draft. Nate Solder was a solid pick, if only to develop down the road as the successor to Matt Light at left tackle. I did like the Ras-I Dowling selection, but how young can the Patriot secondary get? From there, they draft two running backs in a row with Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley. Vereen will be the speedster and Ridley will serve as the hammer. There might be value with these selections but I think taking two backs this early (and consecutively) was a mistake.

Continue reading "The Best and Worst Classes of the 2011 NFL Draft"

hocker of the Night: QB Ryan Mallett falls into the third round, where he’s scooped up by the New England Patriots. Really? Tom Brady is under contract for FOUR more years, which will be the same length as Mallett’s rookie deal. I’m not really sure what the Patriots are doing in these past few rounds, but the Mallett pick is near useless.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: The 2011 NFL Draft, ..."

It is time, once again, to gather at Radio City Music Hall and judge/praise players who haven’t even stepped on an NFL field yet. Isn’t it grand? Here are a few storylines to watch for during round one of the NFL Draft, airing Thursday night on ESPN and the NFL Network.

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: The 2011 NFL Draft, Round One"

(That and everyone else probably flubbed too.)

AFC East

New England Patriots

My prediction: 11-5
What actually happened: 14-2
My result: ***

So I didn’t think they’d be THAT good. I guess it’s the Patriot-hater in me. The early playoff exit brought his team back down to earth, but there’s no questioning the talent of Tom Brady, who was unanimously awarded the MVP, and rightly so. If that defense keeps getting better, look out.

Continue reading "How Much I Effed Up: The 2010 AFC Edition"

Thanks to my boys!(13-5) New York Jets 28
(14-3) New England Patriots 21

Ugh. It’s finally over and I’m still upset. I mean, I’m happy the Patriots got owned, but I didn’t need to see (or hear) the Jets for another week. After an early interception from Brady (the first in nine years apparently) that resulted in a (sorta) missed field goal, the Patriots got on the board with a Shayne Graham field goal. In the second quarter, the Jets bounced back and put two touchdowns on the board, taking an 11-point lead into halftime. It was shocking to see the vaunted Patriot offense struggle to put together back-to-back positive plays. Rex Ryan’s defense superbly executed their pass coverage, leaving Brady in the pocket for the Jet pass rush to (eventually) get there. When the corners cover that well, who needs a good pass rush?

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Final Drive: Divisional Round"

Wait for it.

4:30 PM ET, CBS

(12-5) New York Jets at
(14-2) New England Patriots

The Breakdown:

Can this game just start already? I can’t breathe through this thick hype. As much drama and trash-talking has led up to this game (punctuated nicely by Wes Welker’s “foot” press conference), the

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Opening Drive: Divisional Round"

ard discussion, but they can’t slip up if they want to stay there.

Getty Images(12-2) New England Patriots 31
(8-6) Green Bay Packers 27

That was a lot closer than anyone could have possibly expected. Back-up QB Matt Flynn had a chance in the fourth quarter to win it, but some awful game/clock/life management cost the Packers 20 seconds and any chance at getting it to the endzone. In the end, it ended like we thought it would. It’d be next to impossible for the Patriots to keep up that break-neck pace they were on. Though at 12-2, who cares?

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Final Drive: Week 15"

ally more than 400 yards of offense and 26 points in the second quarter.

AP Photos

(11-2) New England Patriots 36
(9-4) Chicago Bears 7

Every time the Bears almost made a game-changing play, the Patriots would come right back on the next play and burn them for a long gain or a score. That’s how they operate. Tom Brady was masterful, cutting the wind with each of his throws to wide open receivers who found the holes in a defense that couldn’t get any pressure on number twelve. The Patriots’ return men gashed the Bear kick coverage units routinely, setting up Brady with excellent field position. As soon as the Patriots got up two scores, I had little faith in a comeback. Bill Belichick doesn’t lose when you give him a lead.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Recap: Patriots 36, Bears 7"

In the match-up of the week, the New England Patriots carry their momentum into a snowy Soldier Field Sunday afternoon to face-off with the Bears in a game that has playoff implications for both squads. Now to break it down!

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Patriots at Bears"

Why go for it on fourth and call THAT play? So confusing.)

(10-2) New England Patriots 45
(9-3) New York Jets 3

The Jets made way too many mistakes to even keep this close. A red zone pick from Sanchez, bad challenges/lack thereof from Rex Ryan and a defense that couldn’t even slow down Tom Brady all helped the Jets lose this one. To say that was a poor effort would be a massive understatement. For one week, there should be no debate as to who the best team in the AFC is. And that Tom Brady guy? Scary good right now.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 Final Drive: Week 13"

I’ve ever seen on Thanksgiving, thanks to Dallas’ inadequacy.

So dumb.

(8-2) New England Patriots at
(2-8) Detroit Lions

Always a good one to start the day, the Detroit Lions shouldn’t have any trouble getting pounded by the Pats. Without Matthew Stafford under center the Lions are going to struggle to put up points, despite the inexperience of the Patriot secondary. Does anyone really think this game is going to be less than a ten-point win for Tom Brady? Sure, it LOOKS like one of those games the Patriots might not take seriously, but they’ve already had that game recently when they lost to Cleveland. They’re not doing it again so soon. This should be over by halftime.

Continue reading "Joe's Thanksgiving Day NFL Quickie"

to do in today’s NFL, and Raheem Morris has been getting the most out of this squad.

(8-2) New England Patriots 31
(6-4) Indianapolis Colts 28

Okay Peyton, this loss is on you… but so was the wickedly awesome point barrage the Colts put up after it looked like Belichick’s Patriots were going to run away with it. Every now and again the machine is going to malfunction. It happens. I’d be awfully afraid of the Patriots if they end up with home field advantage in the playoffs. Tom Brady is a killer at Gilette Stadium.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 11"

I wouldn't be surprised if they get a win at home today, but I'm not expecting it.

(6-2) New England Patriots at
(6-2) Pittsburgh Steelers

This game should be a dandy. Two of the best teams in the NFL face off tonight with interesting match-ups to watch for. The Steeler defense is phenomenal, but the Patriots' short passing scheme could be the best way to attack it. The Patriot D is playing hard and the Pittsburgh offensive line is injured and struggling. I wouldn't hesitate a guess on the outcome, but Heinz Field is an awfully tough place to play. That could be all the difference.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 10"

e Falcons are quietly asserting themselves in the NFC South.

(3-5) Cleveland Browns 34
(6-2) New England Patriots 14

Oh if only I could have watched this game. I would have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the beatdown Mangini's Browns handed the Pats, who were clearly looking past this game to the Steelers, who they've got next week. Colt McCoy didn't have to do much more than hand off to Peyton Hillis, who is running like every team he faces is coached by Josh McDaniels, the man who traded him. McCoy hasn't been named the starter officially yet, but can you really go back to Jake Delhomme or Seneca Wallace? Please Mangini.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

 looked this season, that offense just isn't good enough to hang with the Falcons yet.

(6-1) New England Patriots at
(2-5) Cleveland Browns

The Belichick versus Mangini drama has lost its luster in recent years after Mangini was fired by the Jets. Now the league-best Patriots face a Cleveland team that is playing hard and finding any way it can to win games. Hmm... doesn't that sound a lot like the Patriots? How ironic. There are a few teams in the league that can outplay the Patriots for 60 minutes... I just don't think the Browns are one of them.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 9"

pbell may be earning back the starting job with these impressive back-to-back outings.

(6-1) New England Patriots 28
(2-5) Minnesota Vikings 18

Looking past the loss we all saw coming, the Vikings are embroiled in chaos. Brett Favre can't avoid getting jacked up (dude looked like he had a concussion), Randy Moss can't avoid being Randy Moss (and therefore got cut today), and the defense can't get any pressure on the quarterback. Sidney Rice may be on the way back, but the Vikings are on the way down. Don't look now, bu the Patriots are 6-1 and have returned to the style of play that won them three titles. If the defense can keep improving week to week, the Pats will be difficult to slow down.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 8"

They just don't have the talent.

(2-4) Minnesota Vikings at
(5-1) New England Patriots

News Flash: Brett Favre WILL start in New England today. As if there was any doubt. If it gets out of hand (which it very easily could), he'll sit eventually. New England has been getting timely turnovers and great special teams play the past few weeks, putting their opponents in early holes. While they're getting healthier (except Favre, natch) problems will arise in Minnesota if they drop to 2-5. Just wait for it.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

oss say more about the Raider offense or the Denver defense?

Getty Images

(5-1) New England Patriots 23
(2-5) San Diego Chargers 20

It ended up being closer than I'd expected, but the better team won this game. Still, when will Bill Belichick finally NOT go for the fourth down when the game is close? Beyond that, when will his team actually convert one? Also, it's officially time to stop caring about the Chargers. Philip Rivers is a good quarterback on a bad team that desperately misses Vincent Jackson and the 2005 Shawne Merriman. Simply not enough playmakers.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

Seattle's at home. 'Nuff said. Pfft.

(4-1) New England Patriots at
(2-4) San Diego Chargers

I hesitated to even put this game in the article. This can't be close. The Chargers can't hang with the Pat' offense and their special teams are likely to make bone-headed plays with consistency. I'd say keep an eye on Tom Brady's stat line, but I think Belichick's going to try and establish the run.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

Even if they turn it around, they're not a serious contender for much of anything.

(4-1) New England Patriots 23
(4-2) Baltimore Ravens 20

Did you see Tom Brady trash-talk at Terrell Suggs? I don't like Brady at all, but that was AWESOME. Hair-flapping behind his helmet and everything. Down by ten in the fourth quarter, Brady and the newly re-acquired Deion Branch fought back against an under-staffed Raven secondary that had avoided being exposed in their first five outings. Has anyone else noticed how happy Bill Belichick is lately? It's weird. It's like he's cheating somehow...

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

he season, as opposed to the tundra they might get later on.

(4-1) Baltimore Ravens at
(3-1) New England Patriots

Baltimore came into NE last year and just embarrassed the Patriots like they had never seen before. With two weeks to prepare, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are nearly unbeatable. After trading Randy Moss, they won't be able to stretch the field against the Ravens as well, which means look for the short passing game that was so effective during the Pats' Super Bowl runs. Joe Flacco and the Raven offense will decide this outcome. If they can take advantage of a suspect Patriot defense, they can repeat last post-season's success.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 6"

It'll be a slug-fest all season long.

(3-1) New England Patriots 41
(2-2) Miami Dolphins 14

That was a complete butt-whooping. Patriot special teams made a mockey of the Dolphins on Monday night, blocking a punt, blocking a field goal for a touchdown and returning a kick-off for a touchdown. Did anyone else see a Patrick Chung-fest coming? No? Alright then. I would cut the entire Dolphin special teams unit and elevate my practice squad to take their place after a performance like that. Tom Brady didn't need to light it up on offense with bonus scores like that. After losing two division games at home, Miami has give themselves a tough road the rest of the way.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

t will be if the Eagle defense can keep their former QB in check and expose his weaknesses.

(2-1) New England Patriots at
(2-1) Miami Dolphins

On Monday night the AFC East is on displa

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 4"

There's no excuse for that.

(1-1) New York Jets 28
(1-1) New England Patriots 14

Man, now the Jets have a reason to talk a big game again. They shut down Randy Moss even after Darelle Revis left the game with a hamstring injury and made the Patriot defense look mediocre. Mark Sanchez played his best game as a pro, rebounding from the awful week one performance. It seems the AFC East isn't the Patriots' playground. On a personal note, I actually cheered for the Patriots in this one. I needed twelve showers.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

b can find his groove in Shanahan's system then we could have ourselves a fun one in DC. (1-0) New England Patriots at(0-1) New York Jets Okay, who else enjoyed the Jets getting the trash-talk kicked out of them last week? I loved it. Now they host the division rival Patriots who just dominated the similarly-styled Bengals in the first half of their opener. Tom Brady knows this Jets defense and will find Wes Welker when in trouble, but the match-up to watch is obviously corner Darrelle Revis on receiver Randy Moss. If Moss is to stay in NE or get a new contract in the offseason he needs to play big in games like these. If Revis isn't exclusively on Moss throughout the day, then you know his hamstring is bothering him significantly. Maybe that's why you should come to training camp? Oh, and if Mark Sanchez stinks for a second straight week the Jets have NO shot of beating the Pats. (1-0) Jacksonville Jaguars at

Continue reading "Joe's NFL Opening Drive: Week 2"

Overreactions begin!

(1-0) New England Patriots 38
(0-1) Cincinnati Bengals 24 

Don't let the final score fool you, this one was over in the third quarter when it was 31-3. That Patriot offense came in and blew the doors off the vaunted Bengal defense, led by Tom Brady and his favorite target, the miraculously-healthy Wes Welker. What was the biggest surprise however, was the play of New England's defense. Holding the Bengal offense in check is a strong start for a young unit. For the Bengals, let's keep an eye on T.O. and Ocho if they start to lose. Drama!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

ks one through twelve, that's as close to an automatic win as you get.

Cincinnati Bengals at
New England Patriots

Is your popcorn ready? No? What are you waiting for? In the AFC North, winning your division games isn't an easy task, but the Bengals managed to go 6-0 last season. That won't happen again, so racking up wins outside the north is paramount. Their defense gets an early test against a Patriot offense that appears in mid-season form, so Carson Palmer can't wait a couple weeks to hit his groove. There could be an aerial display today in Boston.

Continue reading "Joe's NFL Opening Drive: Week 1"

Their defense will be great, but this team goes as Sanchez does.

 

New England Patriots 

Amidst Jets fever, it's easy to forget that the New England Patriots won this division last year. Tom Brady is two years removed from his injury and should be completely healthy. Banged up in 2009, the now 33 year old Brady still threw for 4398 yards and 28 touchdowns. With Randy Moss in a contract year, the receiver will be out to impress the NFL in case he moves on in free agency. Wes Welker is back from his knee surgery, but won't get close to the 123 catches of last season. Luckily, Julian Edelman came on strong in his absence and will see an increased role in this offense. The offensive line isn't as dependable, weakened by injuries and guard Logan Mankins' holdout. Tight ends Alge Crumpler and Rob Gronkowski will see plenty of throws their way. What remains to be seen is if the running game becomes effective enough during the course of the season to take some of the pressure off Brady and that high-powered passing attack. If Laurence Maroney and Fred Taylor don't have the holes in front of them or can't break a big one, Brady won't get any help.

Continue reading "Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: AFC East"

Well that happened. 

From the very first play from scrimmage, it was obvious: These aren't your dad's Patriots. (If you dad was a Pats fan two years ago.) Ray Rice took the opening hand-off 83 yards to the endzone to put the Ravens up 7-0 en route to embarrassing Bill Belichick's Patriots 33-14.

Continue reading "WTF of Wild-Card Weekend: Ravens ..."

Here's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Sunday!

(9-7) Baltimore Ravens at (10-6) New England Patriots
1:00PM ET CBS

After a deep playoff run last year, the Ravens struggled to find consistency this season on the defensive of the ball, much to everyone's surprise. Running back Ray Rice has the ability to pound the ball as well as catch passes out of the backfield for sophomore QB Joe Flacco. Receiver Derrick Mason hasn't been as dependable in recent weeks, but he still managed another 1000-yard season. Tight end Todd Heap caught 6 touchdowns this season, second on the team. Keep an eye on wide-out Demetrius Williams, who might be Flacco's best downfield threat. On defense, safety Ed Reed should be healthy enough to play after nursing a groin injury for part of the regular season. Ray Lewis is as demonstrative as ever, but that defensive line featuring Haloti Ngata and Trevor Pryce will be the biggest factor in whether Baltimore can pull off the upset.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Sunday"

We'll see how that plays out in two weeks.

(9-7) Houston Texans 34 
(10-6) New England Patriots 27

The biggest injury of the weekend is clearly the loss of Wes Welker for the Pats. For those of you screaming that Belichick shouldn't have been playing his starters, Welker was injured on the first drive of the game without being contacted. It could have happened warming up. His loss will leave QB Tom Brady without his favorite receiver and plenty of double coverage for Randy Moss. For the Texans, congratulations are due for the first winning season in franchise history, but they couldn't sneak into the playoffs. Regardless, QB Matt Schaub, who led the league in passing yards, gives them hope for the immediate future.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 17"

Maybe you shouldn't have lost five straight?

(10-5) New England Patriots at (8-7) Houston Texans

If the Texans are going to make their first ever playoffs, they need losses from two of the following three teams: the Jets, Ravens, or Broncos. Matt Schaub has taken great strides to become a top signal-caller this season and he'll be staring at a weak New England secondary today.  The real question is how long the Patriots will feel like playing. Tom Brady says he expects to play the entire game, but I'm not convinced. Perhaps a half, but anything beyond that would be foolish. Bill Belichick's Pats aren't playing for anything other than the 3 or 4 seed, so unless they prefer to play San Diego I don't envision more than a half for Brady, Welker and Moss. Houston should get the win unless Belichick has a second coach-fart this season. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 17"

I have an urge to take the Texans for the win.

(7-7) Jacksonville Jaguars at (9-5) New England Patriots

Anyone want to place a bet as to what Jaguars team we'll going to see on Sunday? They're so wildly inconsistent (backed up by their 7-7 record) that I can't possibly see them stringing two wins in a row to end the season. The Patriots would secure a three or four seed with a win, ensuring them a home game to start the post-season. Bill Belichick's defense will have a stiff challenge trying to slow down the Jacksonville ground attack, but they'll get the win thanks to Brady and the offense.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16"

I'll be sure to cover this stunner in the Final Drive.

(8-5) New England Patriots at (5-8) Buffalo Bills 

Don't look now, but the rest of the AFC East is catching up to the Patriots. If Bill Belichick's squad loses another road game (which they've done consistently this season) and Miami or the Jets win, the Pats will fall out of the division lead and risk a playoff berth entirely. In a up-and-down season in Buffalo, this could be a signature win to carry them over into next year.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15"

ew weeks, Minnesota will be in prime playoff position, even if they can't catch the Saints.

(8-5) New England Patriots 20
(5-8) Carolina Panthers 10

The game was meh, the drama afterwards was fantastic. All this talk about Randy Moss "giving up" and quitting on the field is nothing new. It's just new to New England. Benching Adalius Thomas is exactly what I expected from Bill "Control Freak in a Hoodie" Belichick. They're certainly not the elite team everyone expected them to be.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

Keeping Manning on the sideline is the only way to win.

(4-5) New York Jets at (6-3) New England Patriots

Speaking of last Sunday night, how incredibly furious are the Patriots going to be? As if they needed any extra excuse to pound on a division rival that beat them earlier in the year and then yapped about it to anyone that would listen. Since that win the Jets have gone completely south and are just trying to get keep pace with the 5-5 Dolphins. New England still holds the reins on the division and have a great shot at 11 or 12 wins. Look out New York. I'm just warning ya. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 11"

Sit him down. 

(9-0) Indianapolis Colts 35
(6-3) New England Patriots 34 

So much to say about this wondrous, wondrous game. When the Colts were down 31-14 in the second half, I’ll admit I thought the game might be too far out of reach, even for Peyton Manning. But Bill Belichick’s idiotic call to go for it on fourth and 2 from his own 29 was too much of a gift for Manning to send away! That just says “My defense won’t stop them from 70 yards out so I might as well only give him 30 yards. Maybe I’ll get the ball back quicker.”  

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 10"

e doesn’t have time to get downfield the Chargers offense will grind to a halt. 

(6-2) New England Patriots at (8-0) Indianapolis Colts 

For teams that aren’t in the same division, these two sure play a lot! I love this rivalry, and it gets the national spotlight tonight on Sunday Night Football. Manning’s Colts have been undermanned for what seems like all season and there will be no difference tonight. Their secondary is banged up and missing key performers Bob Sanders and Marlin Jackson, so covering Wes Welker and Randy Moss downfield will be a daunting task. Still, they’ve got Peyton Manning and they’re at home. So they have a chance. A lot of folks are picking the Patriots to walk away with a victory, but I’m still not convinced their defense will hold up against Manning’s onslaught.  

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

(3-4) Miami Dolphins at (5-2) New England Patriots

If Miami loses this game, any shot of taking the division for a second straight year is lost. New England will be squarely in the driver’s seat as Tom Brady gets more acclimated to the speed of the game again. Doesn’t bode well for the rest of the AFC East. Still, Miami has another chance to turn some heads with a strong performance. I expect to see some new Wildcat tweaks against the team Miami used as the guinea pig for the formation a year ago. To Miami's Joey Porter: we all knew Tom Brady had his own set of rules way before you said it. Thanks for arriving late to the party, motor-mouth.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

ince he’s had Donovan McNabb! This is how Reid rolls: through the air.

  

(4-2) New England Patriots 59
(0-6) Tennessee Titans 0 

I was so excited to see my first snowy game of the year, but I got this ugly blow-out instead. I don’t care what Jeff Fisher says, the Titans gave up in this one. And who could blame them? It was 45-0 by halftime! The fact the Patriots didn’t get to 70 should be a moral victory for them even after Belichick brought in the back-ups. I think it’s safe to say Tom Brady is back. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

‘Hawks can still make some noise in the NFC West. 

(5-0) Denver Broncos 20
(3-2) New England Patriots 17 

Yes, this was a shocking overtime victory for Denver. Yes, I was simultaenously rooting against the Broncos and the Patriots. Yes, Tom Brady had a bad game. Yes the Broncos now have to be considered one of the best teams in the AFC. Yes, Josh McDaniels' post-game crowd-pumping was refreshingly genuine. Let’s just move on already. I feel sick.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 5"

New England Patriots (3-1) at Denver Broncos (4-0) 

Drama! The Patriots’ former QB coach and O-Coordinator Josh McDaniels welcomes his mentor Bill Belichick into Mile-High for an AFC showdown that could place his Broncos among the conference’s elite. Against Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, Denver’s defense will meet its biggest challenge so far this season. Without running back Fred Taylor, the Patriots will struggle on the ground, forcing Brady to air it out against Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey, and the Denver secondary. Lucky for him he has Randy Moss and Wes Welker as receivers. This is without question the game of the weekend.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 5"

I wrap up week four in the NFL with the Final Drive! 

(3-1) New England Patriots 27
(3-1) Baltimore Ravens 21 

Okay, so has everyone gotten the “don’t touch or breathe on Tom Brady’s legs” memo? Ray Lewis, you can complain all you want about bad penalties or ball spots; it still doesn’t change that fact that your defense let Tom Brady get fourteen points in the second quarter. You’re 3-1; it wasn’t the AFC Championship game. Man up and take the loss.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

Horrible call from a good coach.

  
Bunk.

(2-1) New England Patriots 26
(2-1) Atlanta Falcons 10 

Regardless of their wide receiver troubles (Brady yelling at them was fun), New England racked up plenty of yards on the ground on their way to beating a solid Falcon squad. Moss caught another ten passes for 116 yards while veteran Fred Taylor rushed for 105 yards. If this Patriot offense can find balance, look out. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

needs to go above and beyond if they’re going to stay undefeated.

Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at New England Patriots (1-1)

Matt Ryan has a chance to prove he’s an elite quarterback this Sunday, and there’s no better way to do it than to out-duel Tom Brady. The Patriots are struggling on defense, but Wes Welker’s return to action should do wonders for Brady and their underneath passing attack.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

-0) New York Jets             16
(1-1) New England Patriots   9

Shocker. Holding down Tom Brady and the Patriots to three field goals? That’s impressive. Rex Ryan’s defense is the real deal, but let's hold off on putting Mark Sanchez in the hall of fame. There’s still time, but things have to get right in Bean-town if the Pats want to win this division.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

Falling to 0-2 behind the Texans and Colts would dig them a shallow but ugly hole.

New England Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)

Jets safety Kerry Rhodes says his team wants to “embarrass” the Patriots. We’ll remember that when Randy Moss, Wes Welker or Joey Galloway is burning you for a score. Honestly, no one needs to give Bill Belichick’s team more bulletin board material. With rookie QB Sanchez facing an exotic Patriot defense, this one could be over early.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 2"

With only 16 carries, Clinton Portis was wasted.

New England Patriots 25, Buffalo Bills 24

That’s why they’re the Patriots. Despite being down 11 points with only four minutes to go, Tom Brady found a way. Randy Moss caught 12 balls for 141 yards, proving that he’s still a difference maker. Still, I don’t think Belichick wanted Brady to throw 53 times.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

ould be primed for the postseason, but they have an uphill battle awaiting them.

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots

On Monday Night, the T.O. show heads into New England for what could be a slaughter in the first quarter. Dick Jauron and the Bills fired offensive coordinator Turk Schonert less than a week ago after a dismal offensive performance in the preseason. The first team offense only scored three points in its 15 series in those four games. Buffalo’s no-huddle offense moved the chains, but couldn’t reach the endzone. Newly promoted OC Alex Van Pelt must find a way for QB Trent Edqards to get newly acquired receiver Terrell Owens the ball 83 times a game or there will be a blow-up by week four. Buffalo’s defense is solid if nothing else, but Tom Brady and the Pats will carve them up.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 1"

Calm down Tannenbaum.

-Staying in the AFC East, the New England Patriots stockpiled picks like there was no tomorrow, taking 12 players in the ’09 draft. They even accumulated multiple picks in NEXT year’s draft. Unfortunately, the way Bill Belichick operates, only four or five of these incoming players may actually make the team. Sorry guys.

Continue reading "Chicago Bears Draft Day Two: Angelo ..."

Obviously, going from an abysmal 1-15 to 11-6 and AFC East Champions was quite the storybook turnaround. But, it wasn't enough, and the team still has a long way to go before it can compete with the AFC powerhouses like the Steelers and the Ravens. 

Continue reading "Dolphins 2009-10 needs — what do you think?"

  

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 17"

 

           Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers.  I personally read every single email I receive.  I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them.  I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well.  Now it’s time to open the mail!  

Continue reading "Reality Mail Bag - 12/25/08"

  

           On Saturday night, the Cowboys had a golden opportunity to close out Texas Stadium in style.  This was the final game to be played at the stadium.  A Cowboys win would have been a fitting end to a stadium that has had many classic games.  A win, and the Cowboys would have been one step further in their quest for a playoff berth, and a Super Bowl run. 

Continue reading "Not Dead Yet"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 16"

hind him in order to lead his team to victory and the number one seed.

Arizona Cardinals (8-6) at New England Patriots (9-5)

Even though the Cardinals have already clinched the NFC West title, beating the Patriots would be a much-needed confidence boost. No one is respecting the Cardinals anymore, as they’ve been hammered in multiple games by legitimate playoff contenders. New England is in a dog-fight in the AFC East, and could be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Only two teams will make it out of the AFC East, so Bill Belichick has to keep his veteran squad on point. With the Jets and Dolphins playing 2 and 3-win teams this weekend, New England has the tougher road to hoe.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Week 16"

 

           Last year, the Cowboys sent 13 players to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl.  Granted, a few of those players made it by name alone, but for the most part they deserved it.  When you go 13-3, as the Cowboys did last year, you tend to get a lot of coattail votes.  This year the ‘Boys will be sending only 5 players. 

Continue reading "Snubbed"

 

The crystal ball, once again, had a stellar performance this past week, going undefeated at 4-0.  Truly a tremendous achievement, as many of the games had playoff implications.  That puts the crystal ball at 29-22-1 for the season.  That’s seven games over .500 (.567 to be exact).  Not many prognosticators gave the Cowboys much of a chance against the G-Men, but the crystal ball took a chance on them.  The ‘Boys rewarded the crystal ball, and pulled off the upset.  Let’s review and see what happened last week.    

Continue reading "Week 15 Review"

 

           Last night, on NBC’s prime time Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants, 20-8.  The Cowboys desperately needed the win, as they are fighting for their playoff lives.  The Cowboys are now 9-5, but so are the Vikings, the Bucs, and the Falcons.  The Eagles and Bears aren’t that far behind either.  With the Cowboys facing the Ravens and the Eagles in their next two games, the ‘Boys needed a win…desperately. 

Continue reading "Sack-alicious"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 15"

 

           Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers.  I personally read every single email I receive.  I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them.  I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well.  Now it’s time to open the mail!  

Continue reading "Reality Mail Bag - 12/12/08"

 

The crystal ball was brought back down to Earth this past week by going 2-2.  That puts the crystal ball at 25-22-1 for the season.  That’s three games over .500 (.531 to be exact).  The Cowboys and the Jets let the crystal ball down this past week.  The crystal ball assures me it will rebound this coming weekend.  Let’s review and see what happened last week.    

Continue reading "Week 14 Review"

  

           This past Sunday, the Cowboys had a 10-point lead against the Pittsburgh Steelers, late in the 4th quarter.  Then disaster struck, as the Cowboys were not able to finish off the Steelers.  All the Cowboys needed were a couple of first downs and the game would be over.  Nope…didn’t happen!  The Cowboys let the Steelers tie the game with about 2 minutes left in regulation.  Then, Romo gave the entire Steeler Nation an early Christmas present by throwing a pick-6…game over! 

Continue reading "Chokers"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 14"

Pittsburgh Steelers 33, New England Patriots 10

New England has been teasing its fan base with outrageous offensive output and an opportunistic defense the past few weeks. That ideal shattered last Sunday against the Steelers, as Matt Cassel was sacked five times, picked off twice, and was made to fumble twice. They may still be in the playoff hunt, but maybe Tom Brady is as valuable to the Patriots as we think. Pittsburgh got back to running the ball, racking up 161 yards and averaging 4.7 a carry. At 9-3, the Steelers are going to be a dangerous team in the playoffs, especially if they get to play at Heinz Field.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 13"

 

           The Cowboys find themselves in the middle of the herd for the play-off race.  They have won three straight games, and four out of their last five.  The ‘Boys stand at 8-4, which is a decent record.  This year, if the season ended today, the Dallas Cowboys would be watching on TV…like you and me.  The Cowboys trail the Giants by three games, with four to play.  The division is out of reach.  The ‘Boys must travel via the wildcard route. 

Continue reading "What They Are"

 

The crystal ball had a stellar week by going undefeated at 4-0.  That puts the crystal ball at 23-20-1 for the season.  That’s three games over .500 (.534 to be exact).  The crystal ball has a slightly sore back this week.  You know…with all that patting itself on the back stuff!  Let’s review and see what happened last week.    

Continue reading "Week 13 Review"

  

           Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers.  I personally read every single email I receive.  I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I wont be able to answer all of them.  I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well.  Now it’s time to open the mail!  

Continue reading "Reality Mail Bag - 12/01/08"

;t be enough for a team with all this supposed “talent.”

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at New England Patriots (7-4)

In one of the best games on tap this weekend, the physical Steelers will try to flex their muscle against the finesse Patriots. Running back Willie Parker is listed as questionable, but fully practiced on Thursday and Friday, setting up his much-anticipated return to a sloughing Pittsburgh ground game. He’ll be called on to pound an aging Patriot front seven. New England has stayed in the playoff and division hunt without Tom Brady thanks to Matt Cassel’s shockingly solid play at quarterback. A win over the Steelers would return them to the best of the AFC and give more questions as to resigning Cassel, especially if Brady isn’t ready to start next year.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Week 13"

It might be hard to believe, but the Titans could be in trouble come playoff time.

New England Patriots 48, Miami Dolphins 28

Two straight 400 yard passing games for Patriots QB Matt Cassel in key divisional contests have all but ensured he’s going to be snared in the off-season for big money. The Patriots are now at 7-4 and in the thick of the AFC Wildcard hunt. Miami’s road to the post-season has gotten significantly more difficult with the loss, putting them behind the pack at 6-5. Despite their troubles, the ceiling in Miami has increased exponentially this season. Chad Pennington looks to be a stable presence in their huddle for the foreseeable future.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week Twelve"

 

           Yesterday, the Cowboys defeated the San Francisco 49ers, at Texas Stadium, by a score of 35-22.  Don’t let the score fool you, the ‘Boys were in cruise control mid-way through the 2nd quarter.  The Cowboys defense started off a little shaky, but they were able to limit the 49ers to field goals.  After the 1st quarter, the boys trailed 6-0, but that’s when it happened…the game changed in an instant! 

Continue reading "Exploding"