New England Patriots

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"

uo;Rod Cherry is raffling off his Super Bowl ring, the first of the three he won as a member of the New England Patriots.  No this is not another star down on his luck… read why here.  Mr. Cherry, if you were part of the cheating in New England…all is forgiven!    

Continue reading "Predictions Week 12"

I’m just sayin’.

New England Patriots (6-4) at Miami Dolphins (6-4)

Shockingly, the Patriots are 6-4 without Tom Brady. Matt Cassel has filled in admirably and will surely cash-in this off-season. Tom Brady better be healed up for 2009, or the Patriots may have quarterback troubles. A win in this division match-up will not only keep them in the running for the division title behind New York, but for the AFC wild card slots as well.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Twelve Preview"

Week eleven was insane, featuring some last second wins, exciting divisional match-ups with major playoff implications, and some unexpected blow-outs. Here’s week eleven’s Final Drive!

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

The crystal ball bit off a little more than it could chew this past week.  After all was said and done, the crystal ball was 1-2-1.  That puts me at 17-18-1 for the season, a little under .500 (approx.  .486)…not very good!  I went out on a limb with two major upsets, and I got burned…not to mention the debacle (by Philadelphia) in Cincinnati.  What’s done is done…so let’s move on; but first, let’s see what went wrong.  

Continue reading "Week 11 Review"

 

           Last night, on Sunday Night Football, the Cowboys and Redskins met in a heated NFC East rivalry.  The ‘Boys came to Washington, sporting a 5-4 record, while the ‘Skins were 6-3.  The Cowboys welcomed back their offensive leader, Tony Romo, as well as Pro-Bowl corner, Terence Newman.  Dallas had already lost to the Redskins earlier this season, and this was a must-win game for the Cowboys. 

Continue reading "Back In The Saddle"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend 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 11"

the way, we’re in the stretch run to the playoffs! I love this game.

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

The Jets and Patriots are meeting for the second time this season, but now the winner will occupy first place in the AFC East. The Jets aren’t the same team that fell to New England in week two. Brett Favre has an improved control of the offense, Thomas Jones is tearing up the turf, and the defense is in the top third of the league. Beating the Patriots in Gillette Stadium would confirm their legitimacy.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Eleven Preview"

Even Brett Favre would be 4-5 with these Packers.

New England Patriots 20, Buffalo Bills 10

I’ve been waiting to dance on the grave of the Patriots all season since Brady went down, but they simply aren’t dying. Matt Cassel has proven to be a serviceable NFL quarterback, fronting an offense that scores enough points to win. New England has fought through numerous injuries, but losing linebacker Adalius Thomas for the season could hurt more than any other. Still, at 6-3 with a game coming against the Jets (whom they are tied with in the standings), the Patriots are in a position to take control of a surprisingly tough AFC East.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 10"

 

           The Cowboys have a big game coming up this weekend against the Redskins.  But aren’t they all big games?  Yes, but this is a defining game for the 2008 Cowboys.  If the ‘Boys lose…the season is all but over.  If they win…they are back in the hunt for the wild-card race.  The Cowboys were the pre-season favorites to win the Super Bowl…but that’s why they play the games! 

Continue reading "Too Little, Too Late"

 

The crystal ball was a little off this past week, going 2-2.  That now puts me at 16-16 for the season, right at the .500 mark.  Not exactly great, but we will take it, especially since we didn’t get off to a great start.  We even had to have a changing of the guard a few weeks back, but this crystal ball knows that it could be next if it falters!  Let’s take a look back and see what happened this past weekend.  

Continue reading "Week 10 Review"

cross country, they lose.

Winners - Miami Dolphins

3) Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots

This is a big AFC East showdown. Both teams are coming off loses. Matt Cassel is 5-3 as a starter which is definitely respectable. The Bills defense is good, but for some reason my gut is telling me to go with the Pats with this one. New England still has veteran players, they still have grumpy old Bill on the sideline who knows the game. This game will be close, but I say Pats win.

Continue reading "NFL Week 10 Predictions"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend 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 10"

or Childress may still be on the hot seat by the end of this season. 

Buffalo Bills (5-3) at New England Patriots (5-3)

With the Bills, Patriots, and Jets tied for the lead at 5-3 and the Dolphins sitting at 4-4, the AFC East has become one of the most exciting divisions in football. The Bills have fallen off sharply after a 4-0 start. The obvious reason has been turnovers. With 11 turnovers in their three losses, Dick Jauron’s strategy should be clear. Protect the ball and play solid defense, and his team will win.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Ten Preview"

 

           The Cowboys have a bye this week and it could not have come at a better time.  The ‘Boys are in a tailspin, as they have plummeted to the bottom of the NFC East, at 5-4.  All hope is not lost though!  Heading into this season they were the “en vogue” pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.  They were the clear-cut favorite to win the whole enchilada!  Now, they must regroup, get healthy, and somehow salvage the season. 

Continue reading "Good Bye...Not Goodbye"

 

The new crystal ball is on a roll.  Last weeks debut at 3-1, was followed with perfection…4-0 this week!  That brings our prognosticating record to .500 for the season.  We had a slow start to the season, but now we are on a mission.  I am not one to gloat (yes I am!)…so let’s see what happened:  

Continue reading "Week 9 Review"

 

           Yesterday, the Cowboys got their collective butts kicked at the Meadowlands by the G-Men.  There is plenty of blame to go around for sure.  But, did we not expect this?  Wasn’t it obvious (it was to me… read more here) that the ‘Boys had no shot at winning this game?  Everyone knew it…the coaches…even the players! 

Continue reading "Bottom Of The Barrel"

can put the beat-down on big D, will it be too early to crown them as repeat NFC Champions? 

New England Patriots (5-2) at Indianapolis Colts (3-4)

These two teams are perfect examples of what injuries can do to an offense. Without Tom Brady, the

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week 9 Preview"

 

Heading into Sunday’s game against the Giants the Cowboys find themselves in a must-win game that they have no chance of winning.  The Cowboys are struggling, no doubt because of their many injuries…but that’s too easy of a cop-out.  Let’s take a look at why the ‘Boys are struggling even before the injuries started piling up:  

Continue reading "Why The Cowboys Are Struggling"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend 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 9"

Patriots fans... don't miss this event! 

Heath Evans, starting fullback for the New England Patriots will be appearing at an autograph signing event on Saturday, November 15th from 2 PM - 4 PM.  Heath will meet fans and sign autographs.  Photographs will be permitted.

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Louis Rams (2-4) at New England Patriots (4-2)

Yes ladies and gentlemen, this is a game. Now that St. Louis is on a two-game winning streak against the NFC East, they have to be taken seriously by wildly inconsistent New England. Jim Haslett has his team playing inspired football, and the NFC West is always up in the air, no matter how good Arizona seems right now. It’s a significant match-up for the Rams, because if they can take advantage of an aging defense by wearing them down with Steven Jackson, a third win could be theirs for the taking. Jackson has gotten more productive under Haslett, and quarterback Marc Bulger is reaping the benefits. He has shown why former coach Scott Linehan never should have benched him. He is accurate and on-time when he gets protection from his offensive line. With a solid running game to threaten defenses, Bulger will continue to pick defenses apart.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Eight Preview"

rsquo;s level of production, the Packers will be in contention for the NFC North all season long.

New England Patriots 41, Denver Broncos 7

This game featured another pair of teams that can’t show any consistency whatsoever. The first few weeks of the season Denver appeared to be a great offense that rarely turned the ball over matched with a defense that couldn’t stop anyone. With 13 turnovers in their last four games, their offense has regressed tremendously, along with quarterback Jay Cutler.  They handed possession to the Patriots five times, and never took it away. No team in the NFL can overcome a minus five turnover differential. The real problem for Denver has been holding onto the ball, as they fumbled three times in this one. Your young gunslinger quarterback is going to throw interceptions every now and again, but fumbling this consistently is just a joke. It got worse for Denver with the loss of the Bailey brothers on defense, as corner Champ injured his groin and linebacker Boss hurt his knee. That means an already suspect defensive unit is without two of its best players. If Denver can’t curb their turnover problems, they might not even be able to maintain first place in a disappointing AFC West.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 7"

Week 7 is officially in the books as Tuesday, the 21st of October rolls around today. This week's Fallout report will cover the most interesting games from the week 7 slate in the National Football League. The alarm is going off in Big D as the Cowboys struggle for the second week in a row to find a win, the Vikings put up 41 in a loss, and Brett Farve gets the ball three times in overtime against the struggling Raiders, but can't chip any points in. I'll cover those happenings....right now!

Continue reading "NFL Week 7 Fallout"

Denver Broncos (4-2) at New England Patriots (3-2)

I only have one question for Broncos v. Patriots: Whose defense can actually make a play? Jay Cutler and the high-flying Broncos are anxious to make up for their loss to Jacksonville. They have good news as well, for rookie stand-out wide receiver Eddie Royal is probable after missing last week. Tony Scheffler and Brandon Stokley are still questionable, so the Denver receiver corps is only minimally healthier. It might not matter against a Patriot secondary that got torched by the Chargers’ average wide-outs. Cutler threw a costly interception versus the Jaguars, which is what the New England defense is hoping for this time around. If he can eliminate his turnovers, look for a points bonanza by Denver. They might need it if their defense can’t pressure Matt Cassel into mistakes.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Seven Preview"

o put up points, but there may be too many injures for Dallas to overcome.

San Diego Chargers 30, New England Patriots 10

This game clearly revealed these teams’ true identities. San Diego is a talented team on both sides of the ball, and they excel at the big play. New England is old on defense, and Matt Cassel is no Tom Brady. Philip Rivers hit Vincent Jackson 48 yards deep on the first play from scrimmage and the Chargers never looked back. They dominated this game, and never was it more evident than their defensive goal line stand as the Patriots were attempting to get the game within one score. Even without a dominant LaDainian Tomlinson rushing performance, the Chargers had no problem pulling themselves back up to .500, only one game behind the division leading Denver Broncos. Charger defensive tackle Jamal Williams penetrated the Patriot offensive line all night, wreaking havoc in the backfield on running plays as well as on Cassel drop-backs. New England’s secondary was exposed as corner Deltha O’Neal was a favorite victim of Philip Rivers’ precise passing. Bill Belichick better figure out his quarterback situation or his Patriots may not even sniff the postseason.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 5"

blitzes early, or the most sacked quarterback in the league will have another painful afternoon.

New England Patriots (3-1) at San Diego Chargers (2-3)

Who knows what we’re going to

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Six Preview"

However, if one examines some of the finer points of the New England Patriots' fate, it may prove to explain why the AFC has taken such an unexpected turn this season.

Since the Ravens demolished the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV (2000) - and the perennial playoff-contender Giants finished their 2001 campaign with a meager 7-9 record - there has loomed a bewildering psychological cloud over every Super Bowl loser. The once proud Oakland Raiders haven't won more than five games per season since their dismantling in Super Bowl XXXVII to Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Andy Reid's Eagles had winning seasons through three consecutive losses in the NFC Championship Game (2001-2003) before they finally made it to Super Bowl XXXIX, lost, and then had an unfortunate 6-10 record the next year. The Greatest Show on Turf - returning to its dominant Super Bowl form in 2001 - was handed a loss by the

Continue reading "Patriots' Super Bowl Loss Could Signal ..."

It was an interesting week in the National Football League. A few surprises, a big meltdown by one team and one bruised and battered team found a way to win a big prime-time game. Let's get right to it--game by game.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Fallout"

First off, I want to introduce myself. My name is Jake, I live in Houston. I'm glad I found this place. I've read a lot of bloggers material today from predictions to their favorite teams' rants, it's great. I enjoyed it. Sports, baby sports!

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

Doesn't the Patriots defense realize that with Brady out for the year that they not only need to show up, but they need to play well for NE to have any chance of winning.

Cassel was no Tom B yesterday, but things could have been much worse, on the offensive side anyway. 

Continue reading "Patriots absent in New England Yesterday??"

Well, the Patriots certainly looked human on Sunday. Scoring only 19 points, their offense didn’t come close to resembling the juggernaut of last season. If you were Eric Mangini and the Jets, there was no better possible situation to ask for coming into this game. The Jets had Brett Favre and an improved defense, while New England had Matt Cassel and an aging defense. Unfortunately, the Jets couldn’t make the Patriots pay for settling for field goals most of the game.

Continue reading "Patriots win it Ugly"

Look for the Lions to implode early this year.

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

Quite possibly the most interesting game on the schedule, Brett Favre welcomes the Brady-less Patriots. The Jets are going to look to establish themselves as the team to beat in the AFC East, which is wide open. New England needs to find a way to run the ball, as Matt Cassel isn’t going to attempt thirty-five passes from the shotgun formation.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Two Preview"

Any who knows me is aware of how much I dislike the New England Patriots.

Well, maybe dislike is a weak word. I loathe them. Their players are regarded as indentured servants, they treat the injury report like it’s a Tom Clancy novel, and they are so over-covered by the sports media that my TV gets upset when it shows Tedy Bruschi. And it all starts with their sneaky media-toying genius of a coach. Or is he? (Well, he’s definitely sneaky and loves to toy with the media, but is he a genius?)

Continue reading "Was it Belichick or Brady? We’ll ..."

o see.  Will we already start to see the Parcells effect in the first season with this team?

New England Patriots – How will a team that suffered the most devastating loss in NFL history respond this year?  Is this the year the defense goes from being “experienced” to “old”?  How hurt is Tom Brady’s foot?

Continue reading "NFL Opening Weekend = Christmas in September"

They don’t have an easy schedule. They’ve got the Superbowl Champion Giants, the New England Patriots, and the Dallas Cowboys to play this year. It’s not going to be a fun yea

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #23: The St. Louis Rams"

This amazing role would end in a loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The Chargers were again without Ladainian Tomlinson and also had to deal with an injured Phillip Rivers. Maybe that game would have ended differently with both of the Charger’s stars healthy. Despite that, the fact is that they lost and there is no getting around that.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #20: The ..."

They are a great team. One of the best teams every year in the NFL. They have one of the top 3 Quarterbacks in the league every year. And 2 seasons ago, they won the Superbowl. They are the Indianapolis Colts lead by the poster boy of the NFL, Peyton Manning. Last season ended in misery for the Colts as they lost in a shocker to the San Diego Chargers. A Chargers team that did not have star running back Ladainian Tomlinson and starting quarterback Phillip Rivers playing at the time. The Colts are looking to not let that happen this year. Peyton Manning and his team are determined to once again win the championship and add another piece of jewelry to their fingers. However, they will not have it as easy as it has been over the last few years. The Colts will now have to battle to earn their spot in the playoffs. The AFC South as emerged as the toughest division in the AFC. With the breakout team in Jacksonville, the team that is missing only a few playmakers in Tennessee, and the up and coming team in Houston, the AFC South has become a division that can go any way. I love it.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #9: The ..."

They want to defend their title and prove to the world that beating the 18-0 New England Patriots was no fluke. The New York Giants shocked the world when they pulled off that miraculous upset. It seemed as though in one game, Eli Manning grew up, jumped out of the shadow of older brother Peyton, and suddenly became a great Quarterback. You have got to be kidding me. Yeah they were good last year at the right time, but the New York Giants in no way earn my respect. They are a team that got lucky. End of story.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #5: The New York Giants"

It’s a tough division for the 3 teams that are not the New England Patriots. Having to play the Patriots twice a year is not ideal, but they are forced to do it and thats whats going to h

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #4: The Buffalo Bills"

J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! Yes the New York Jets are coming into another year of football with hopes of winning it all!... or at least of making it back to the playoffs in a division where they are forced to play Tom Brady and the Patriots twice in the regular season and by all intents and purposes would most likely have to beat them in the playoffs to get to the big game. But lets be real for a minute, the Jets aren’t making it to the Superbowl and if they by some miracle make the playoffs it will be by the skin of their teeth. The AFC is too hard of a conference and there are so few spots in the post-season.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #3: The New York Jets"

1-15. The worst team in the league last season. The Miami Dolphins are looking to get back to relevance and what a chore that is for them competing in the same division with Tom Brady and the Patriots and also having Ladainian Tomlinson and the Chargers on their schedule. The Dolphins are going to have to dig deep and put in the work that is needed to make any sort of impact this season. However, perhaps the point of this season is not to make an impact. Perhaps the point of this season is just to get some wins to their record and rebuild a franchise that was once great.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #2: The Miami Dolphins"

Its just a shame that the 1 happened at the only game that matters, the Superbowl. The New England Patriots are coming back looking for vengeance, looking for meaning, looking to get back to that place where they could have mattered. Spygate is behind them now, but is the sting from the Superbowl loss behind them too? The Patriots will come into this season ready to answer all the questions they need to answer.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #1: The ..."

It's over, or is it?

If Brett Favre has really chucked his last off-balance, ill-advised pass downfield into three defenders and an opening the size of a kicking tee while being draped by two hoggies thrice his size,  somewhere there's a fat lady singing.

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Which means that his contract expires on February 28, 2008. Which also means that the star receiver is free to sell his services to any team in the league, including the Patriots. However, there is reason to belive that Moss and the Patriots are interested in reaching an accord that will enable Moss to end his career in a New England uniform. Technically speaking, the 2007 NFL season ends on Thursday, February 2008. Until then, the two sides are unable to consummate a long-term deal and Moss could conceivably sign with another team without that team having to offer the Pats compensatory draft picks. The primary allure for Moss to remain in New England - Tom Brady. If and when a new deal is reached, it's official announcement is expected on or after February 29, 2008. See story link below:

Continue reading "NO Franchise label for New England ..."

As so-called "Spygate" continues to engulf the New England Patriots, it seems useful to examine an oft-repeated alibi that "everyone does it." According to Atlanta Falcons team president Rich McKay this is decidedly not the case. McKay's exact words and the full text of the New York Times article on this subject appear in the link below. Just click and read:

Continue reading "Videogate - An Atlanta Falcons Perspective"

The New Tork Times is reporting that The New England Patriots practice of videotaping the hand signals of opposing coaches and teams began in 2000. Specifically, a "former Patriots player" alleges that the practice began during head coach Bill Belichick's inaugural coaching season in 2000. The article goes on to state that the information obtained was applied to the Patriot's season opener against The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The direct link to the article:

Continue reading "Fresh Videotaping Allegations Strike ..."

The Browns lost on Sunday to the New England Patriots to the tune of 34-17.  But did anyone really expect them to win?  Despite many opportunities to stay in the game, the Browns tallied up mistakes and turnovers which led to the defeat.

Continue reading "Braylon Edwards Becoming a Star (Written ..."

I have never claimed to be an expert when it comes to predicting outcomes of football games, although last year I nearly predicted the exact final score of the Super Bowl while hitting on seven of my nine prop bets. (My prediction was 26-17, the final was 29-17.) For whatever reason I had a very good feel for that game. This year's Super Bowl, however, remains a mystery to me. Part of the reason I am having trouble getting a good feel for this game is that I am a bitter Jets fan and I can't stand either team. I'm finding it difficult to put my personal feelings aside and look at the game objectively. I think right now I am as close to objectivity as I am going to get, and with that being said, here is my official Super Bowl XLII prediction.

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII Prediction"

And just for the record, I am a Raiders fan.

I absolutely, positively hate the New England Patriots. I hate their logo, I hate their quarterback, I hate their owner and their stadium is named after a razor company. I hate them. And worst of all they win too damn much; they’ve become the Yankees of football. But I’m not here to talk about the Yankees, that’ll just open up another can of worms.

Continue reading "I HATE TOM BRADY"

You New England Patriots players are a laugh riot! Imagine, Donté Stallworth or Wes Welker taking over as quarterback from Tom Brady. Actually, it was rather amusing. Each of these players calmly answered the speculation of their MVP’s health by saying Bill Belichick had asked them to take over the helm. Each never flinched, as if to say how absurd the speculation is. I agree, Tom Brady is likely just fine and will play remarkably in Glendale, Az on February 3. In case you haven’t noticed, QBs often play when hurt – case in point Philip Rivers. Don’t forget that the offensive line gives Brady all day to throw the ball, so even if his leg hurts a bit he’ll likely play up to par.

Continue reading "Hardy Har Har – How to Laugh at the Super Bowl"

h statistics and the law of averages on their side, they have a shot at ruining perfection for the New England Patriots.

Maybe Eli Manning will get to have more speaking roles in the comme

Continue reading "I stand corrected!"

I knew they could do it! They had their number earlier in the year and they did it again today! The San Diego Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts in a 28-24 victory that came down to the wire at the RCA Dome. Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie were key in the defense against Peyton Manning, both making big plays when it really counted. I was truly worried when LaDainian Tomlinson went out of the game and even more pessimistic when Philip Rivers had to be sidelined – but the rest of the team made me a believer! I take back every less than flattering statement I have ever uttered about Norv Turner!  He really is an NFL coach that deserves respect.  

Continue reading "Go Bolts!"

It seems during the season as the New England Patriots were rolling over some opponents many in the press were saying this team is unbeatable. I will admit at times they do look that way, but at other times they look like a normal football team. Three times this season they could have got beat by teams that really played them well. The

Continue reading "Perfection? Has New England Got What It Takes?"

Someone is bound to blow the fact that they have control of their own destiny as well. The New England Patriots will also be interesting to watch and see if they can get into that elite class that is only occupied by the 1972 Miami Dolphins. They are playing the New York Giants so if they sit their starters out there is always the chance they’ll lose…we’ll see.

Continue reading "The playoffs are almost here!"

It sure is peculiar how things change. The San Francisco 49ers stink and the New England Patriots are a dynasty, oh and wait – the Indianapolis Colts are the reigning Super Bowl Champs.

Continue reading "Random NFL Rumblings…"

the past thirty-seven years, sees the only way the Denver Broncos can compete with the likes of the New England Patriots is to gut the squad.  He said, "The Broncos need to replace te

Continue reading "Denver Broncos Fan Guts Squad"

It was the last one before the start of the regular season – Bucs vs. New England Patriots. Being the smart-ass I normally am, I purchased a Bucs shirt and Pats hat from some parking lot vendors and proceeded to go into the game. I’ll never forget the look on the faces of many of the fans. It was a strange mix of delight and disgust. I can’t blame ‘em though. In my defense - I have always been a football fan. It has been hard for me to get totally behind one team since Georgia’s greed ruined the one I grew up with and the only one that won a Super Bowl in my city abandoned me. I don’t have the luxury of the team I was behind as a child being here today like many of you lucky folks.

Continue reading "My Guilty Pleasure"