So whatifsports.com has declared that the Philadelphia Eagles are going to the Superbowl. Hey, they’ve got the computers and the simulators. Who are we to disagree.
Give those Eagles yet another NFC Championship Trophy
Maddenisms:
- Coaches have to watch for what they don’t want to see and listen to what they don’t want to hear.
- Don’t worry about the horse being blind, just load the wagon.
- Here’s a guy, that when he runs, he goes faster!
- I think comparisons are odious.
- If you see a defense team with dirt and mud on their backs they’ve had a bad day
- Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
- The fewer rules a coach has, the fewer rules there are for players to break.
- The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else.
- The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.
- When your arm gets hit, the ball is not going to go where you want it to.
- Here’s a guy, that when he wears his contacts, he see’s better.
- A team should never practice on a field that is not lined. Your players have to become aware of the field’s boundaries.
- Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they’re bigger than everybody else, and that’s what makes them the biggest guys on the field.
- He feels the pressure real and pressure imagined.
- Here’s a guy who can use his arms and legs at the same time.
- He would have scored a touchdown if he hadn’t been tackled right there.
- This offense is all about scoring points.
- In order for this team to win the game, the QB has to throw the ball.
- To make mud, you mix water and dirt, and then you have mud.
I’ve got a new guest post up today at Stuff Christians Like today that breaks down the 5 Tiers of Christian End Zone Celebrations.
See if you can guess which 3 celebrations are in the top two tiers. Here they are in alphabetical order:
You can read the full post here to see how I slotted them.
Final Four games and MLB Opening night…have a great sports weekend everyone!
Now that the Super Bowl is set and the Eagles are playing golf, it’s become clear who came through with the best preseason predictions of 2008. He’s the only guy with 3 check marks in his row of prognostication.
Let’s look at this busy graphic one last time…
By my calculations, our NFL King for 2008 is none other than singer/songwriter Andrew Osenga, who described football to us last week as “millionaires in tights playing games“.
I will now tie anchors to my legs and drown myself in the Kankakee River. (and if you don’t get that joke, go get yourself some free Andy Osenga music right now.)
Here he is ladies and gentlemen: praise him, congratulate him, or mock him. Your NFL King for 2008:
Oh wait,one last thought. I was walking out of the grocery store last weekend and I saw this display. Take a close look at which 2 teams they have playing in their Super Bowl advertisement:
Hmmm, could it be the Jaguars and Cowboys! The 2 teams that I predicted would be in the big game! You know what, maybe I need to take that crown off Andy’s head and stick it on The Schnoz. He might have bested me in the prediction game, but I had Frito-Lay and Pepsi craft a multi-million dollar advertising campaign around my picks!
Take that toothbrush boy!
Well, well, well. Who would have seen that coming? Both #1 seeds – gone. 3 of the 4 home teams – see ya. The answer, of course is Matt Ralph, the lone PFB Member who correctly picked all 4 winners this weekend.
Good job, Matt!
In Baltimore it was tough to tell who was responsible for the outcome. Was it the Ravens D that won it or was it the Titans Offense that fumbled it away? One thing is clear: Jeff Fisher needs to ditch the goatee and go back to the ’stache.
Later that night the Cardinals rolled over the Panthers in a game that I’m still scratching my head about. NFC Divisional playoff wins should never be that easy. John Fox, I’m looking at you.
On Sunday, the Eagles broke the will of the Giants, one defensive stop after another. You can blame Plaxico, you can blame the wind, or you can blame Rod Blagojevich, but in the end, the Eagles have the look of a united team playing with purpose right now.
Finally in Pittsburgh, the Steelers Offense controlled the clock while their defense kept the Mighty Sproles to only 15 yards of rushing. I’d say more about this game, but I was stuck at a neighbors house for a “we’re moving out of the neighborhood and we’ve never had you over, so why not now?” party. Good times.
Before we get to your thoughts on the weekend, let’s take an updated look at our pre-season predictions:
In the end, Chadd Gibbs, Mark Batterson, and I predicted nothing correctly. Not sure what this means. If you have any ideas for the penance we should pay for our ineptitude, let us know in the comments.
On the flip side, Larry has a great shot of finishing with the best predictions, all he needs is two more wins from the Eagles and he will stand alone as the wisest of all the PFB Predictors.
But if the Eagles lose? Well, if the Eagles lose then Andy Osenga probably has the best case for supremacy. And honestly folks, if that happens I might have to shut the site down. Andy’s a good friend of mine, and I love him to death…but I’m not sure I want to run a website where Andrew Osenga reigns as the king of NFL predictions.
So yeah, it’s your turn. Thoughts on the games this weekend? What surprised you, disappointed you, and made you pump your fist in jubiliation?
Fascinating article in the Baltimore Sun last month about the 1958 Baltimore Colts and the six (and only six) black players on their roster. When speaking of the way he was mistreated by his teammates, Lenny Lyles does make one exception:
If there was one white player who was truly colorblind, it was wide receiver Raymond Berry. Berry went out of his way to try to help Lyles, driving to his apartment in West Baltimore on the Colts’ days off. For hours at a local park, Berry would show Lyles how to run routes and catch passes.
“He was a Christian and a real straightforward guy,” Lyles said. “He was the only person on the whole team who went out of his way to try and help me.”
Worth a few minutes to read if you have the time.
(h/t: getreligion.org)
Way back in August we ran NFL Predictions from Mark Batterson, Andrew Osenga, and the writers here at PFB.
Let’s take a peek, shall we?
+ The Cowboys and Patriots missing out on the playoffs really hurt everyone’s conference championship predictions.
+ Exactly 2/3rds of us figured out which team would regress out of the playoffs this year (myself not included).
+ Only Andy Osenga knew that the Detroit Lions would be as bad as they were. Good on ya, Andy!
We’ll take one last look at this in 5 weeks to see who did the best psychic Dionne Warwick impression.
And while we’re here…have you heard that the NFL plans on playing the Pro Bowl during the off week between the Conference Championships and the Super Bowl at the Super Bowl site? It’s a brilliant move that will elevate the Pro Bowl from irrelevant to mildly interesting. Good move by the NFL.
There are only two story-lines that matter coming out of this past weekend of the NFL. Anyone who tells you different sells advertising spots for Sports Center.
First, Detroit has achieved perfection and have gone the distance. I don’t hate Detroit. I do appreciate beauty wherever its found in nature. Detroit is proof that social Darwinism can’t explain everything. The NFL maintains a vicious food chain of playoff predators, yet Detroit remains in the league, unscathed by the instincts of pride, competitiveness, or aggression. The Jim Rome Radio show just became appointment listening today.
Second, it’s a Christmas-miracle! The Eagles are in the playoffs. Their playoff fate was in the hands of the lowly Oakland Raiders. Could it have gotten any worse? The Birds took Oakland’s gift and capitalized on it with a 44-6 drubbing of the Cowboys.
The Cowboys are the Yankees of the NFL. They grabbed Pac Man Jones and Roy Williams to get the team over the top. Both players hurt their team greatly yesterday.
It was absolute joy to watch Dawkins force two fumbles that were returned for TD’s. McNabb? Maybe not a “great” season as he suggested. But yesterday, he was magic.
Notice: Throughout the playoff run, you’ll be tolerating one obnoxious, biased Eagle fan. If you protest I’ll place a Santa hat on you and pelt you with snow balls. Be warned.
Here at Prayers For Blowouts we love to let our members spout off their opinions on anything and everything.
Recently we asked them to tell us which of these 4 NFL teams currently outside of the playoff picture – Patriots, Dolphins, Bears, and Falcons – would sneak in.
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Patriots, because they’re my favorite team and because they’ll win out and Miami will lose to the Jets in week 17.
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Patriots, because I’m friends with Sammy Morris.
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The Falcons will most likely sneak in as an NFC wildcard because their competitors (Bears, Cowboys, & Redskins) can’t perform consistently against the big teams. Matt Ryan & Michael Turner have surprisingly turned into a powerful combination.
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I pick the Dolphins, but only because I think it would be cool to see them make it instead of the Patriots. It would be an extreme case of “what a difference a year makes” – the Dolphins from 1-15 to playoffs; the Patriots 16-0 to running up the score against the Dolphins…on Madden 2007.
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Probably the Patriots…b/c Belicik has a way of working some magic that crushes everyone else in the nation. A lot of people in the South think he just might be a direct spawn of satan.
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But the Dolphins would be the most interesting to see slide into the play-offs
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Logic calls for the Pats, but everyone I know is SO tired of their victories that we actually enjoy seeing them not make it. That said, even without their fearless leader (and, in my opinion, the scariest guy in the league), they’ve still managed to squeeze out more wins
than some of my preferred teams. In the end, I’m rooting for the Falcons. They deserve it.
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Most likely the Patriots because of a guy named Bill. If not them, the Fins will probably make it because of a guy named Bill.
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The Falcons
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Da Bears! Honestly I think they have the easiest road in. The 3 games they have left are all against non play off teams while the Vikings, who they trail by one game, all have very difficult teams left to play. I think the NFC North is there for the Bears taking.
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The Dolphins have the best shot at winning their division. If both they and the Patriots win out, the Dolphins would actually have a better conference record, which would give them the division in a tiebreaker. There is no shot of them getting in as a Wild Card, but they can steal their division simply by winning out. They are the most in control of what happens to them.
I think I picked the Saints and Chargers to play in the Super Bowl this season, so does it really matter who I pick here? I’ll go with the Patriots, only because I don’t want them to make it, and I seem to be the curse of death.
I think the Falcons have the best chance of sneaking in, because Matt Ryan is for real and they are emotionally driven to avenge the Vick era.Not a member? Leave your answer in the comments.
Better yet, join the team at PFB! Send your name, favorite team, and a headshot to prayersforblowouts(at)gmail.com. Unlike trying to be a politician in Illinois, membership here is still free.
The Schnoz Report’s coming back with another game by game breakdown of Week 13 in the NFL, with a few random thoughts thrown in.
The Thanksgiving Day Specials
Tennessee @ Detroit – If the turkey doesn’t put you to sleep, the second half of this game just might. Prediction: Titans 27, Lions 10.
Seattle @ Dallas – Things you will see on the Dallas sideline: 78 Tony Romo smiles, 29 T.O. smiles, an early 3rd quarter Jerry Jones appearance in which he makes facial expressions that may or may not be a smile, and Wade Phillips drinking gravy out of a Riptide Rush Gatorade bottle. Prediction: Cowboys 47, Seahawks 17.
Arizona @ Philadelphia - I feel like this game will be decided in the first 10 minutes. If the Eagles start slow, McNabb might puke Chunky soup all over the field and get himself pulled. We can always hope. Prediction: Cardinals 34, Eagles 24.
Random Thought #1 – It’s an interesting crop of QBs that will potentially be on the market in the off-season. You could have McNabb, Cassell, and Derek Anderson all looking for jobs with new teams. Potential suitors will probably include the Lions, Vikings, Niners, and Eagles. I could see Matt Cassell in Philly, Derek Anderson in San Fran, and Donovan McNabb reunited with Brad Childress up in Minnesota where they could have fun underachieving together for years to come.
Sunday’s Early Games
Indianapolis @ Cleveland - Once again the Colts win a game in which they were down 7 points. Like the Sports Guy mentioned in this week’s podcast, Indy could be going into Denver or San Diego in the first week of the playoffs as a 3 point favorite or more. And you know what, I’d take the Colts and give the points. Prediction: Colts 30, Browns 14
Baltimore @ Cincinnati – I’ve been high on this Ravens team for a while now. The thing about their defense is they are good for at least 1 defensive TD per game. Look at Ed Reed’s pick-6 in the end zone last week. That’s a 14-point swing in 1 play. This team is buying whatever newbie head coach John Harbaugh’s selling, and so am I. Prediction: Ravens 34, Bengals 13
Miami @ St. Louis – No team has scored fewer points than the Rams this year, and only the Lions have given up more. They’re being outscored by a league-worst 18 ppg, and they’re playing a Miami team desperate for a win to stay in the AFC Playoff picture. Tony Sparano, if your Dolphins can’t take care of business in this one, Principal Parcells is going to give you detention and smack you around with a big tuna. Prediction: Dolphins 28, Rams 17
Carolina @ Green Bay – 30-degrees with a chance of snow showers. 30 total points scored with a chance of Jake Delhomme interception showers. Prediction: Packers 24, Panthers 6.
Random Thought #2 – Crazy to think that of these 4 teams – Colts, Jets, Patriots, and Ravens – only 3 are getting into the playoffs. Who’s the odd man out? Right now I’d say New England, despite their cake schedule the rest of the way. If Cassell can do it against that Steeler D this week, I’ll become a believer. But more on that in a minute…
San Francisco @ Buffalo – 40-degree forecast with a chance of snow showers (though I don’t even know how that’s possible). 40 total points scored with a chance of blood showers from Mike Singletary’s head exploding when his team fails to score a touchdown on all 6 red zone possessions. Prediction: Bills 28, 49ers 12.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay – Never thought I’d see the day where I got excited about every NFC Intra-Division game. Late Drew Brees pick seals this one for my new Super Bowl sleeper. Prediction: Bucs 31, Saints 27.
New York Giants @ Washington – They’ll be honoring Sean Taylor on Sunday, but the Skins will still fall short to the best team in the league. Prediction: Giants 34, Redskins 21.
Denver @ New York Jets – Just remember Jets fans, Favre is always a difference-maker…it’s just that it’s not always in a positive way. I can picture Baltimore going into New York in the first week of the playoffs and picking him off 3 times to stun the J-E-T-S. Not saying it’s going to happen, just throwing it out there. As for this game, Shanny keeps it close, but not close enough. Prediction: Jets 33, Broncos 27.
Sunday’s Late Games
Atlanta @ San Diego – Just when you’re convinced San Diego really does suck, they pull one out in the closing minutes to stun the Falcons. Prediction: Chargers 27, Falcons 24.
Random Thought #3 – If I made a list of jobs I would NOT want to have under any circumstances, “NFL Punt Returner” would easily make the top ten. Every time there’s a punt in the air I’m watching the descent of the ball with one eye, the oncoming defenders with the other eye, and trying to calculate if someone is about to die. Frightening job, I tell you.
Kansas City @ Oakland – Oakland’s just not good enough to win two in a row. It’s that simple. Prediction: Chiefs 30, Raiders 16
Pittsburgh @ New England – Like I said earlier, this is a huge test for Cassel. Flacco had a similar test in week 11 against the Giants Defense and failed. Aaron Rodgers threw for over 300 yards in Week 9 against Tennessee’s Defense, but couldn’t get the win. I see Cassell having similar problems in this one, with Lamar Woodley picking off 2 of the 3 INTs that Cassell throws. Despite Pittsburgh’s O-line issues, I see them holding on in a great game on Sunday in Foxboro. Prediction: Steelers 23, Patriots 20
Sunday Night and Monday Night Games
Chicago @ Minnesota – I say instead of 11 on 11, we just line up Adrian Peterson 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage on one side and line up Brian Urlacher on the other and let them go at it. You’re telling me you wouldn’t stop what you were doing to watch that? Prediction: Bears 31, Vikings 24
Jacksonville @ Houston – Do any of the Texans go to Joel Osteen’s church in Houston? These are the things I wonder about when I am completely bored at the thought of watching one snap of this game. Prediction: Texans 21, Jaguars 17
Random Thought #4 – Is Thanksgiving dinner overrated? Not the holiday, just the dinner itself. I’m not saying it’s not great year after year, it’s just that the hype is so big at this point, maybe it’s not quite as good as we think. Discuss…
If Betting were Legal
Last Week: 8-8
Year to Date: 90-87
Here’s my picks for Wk 13:
Enjoy Thanksgiving and Week 13 everyone!
-The Schnoz