Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The NFL is Poop - Week 7

How About Dem Cowboys
I can never remember a team falling apart this completely this quickly. There were already cracks in the offensive line but Tony Romo's injury, Pacman's suspension and T.O.'s big mouth (the last 2 were to be expected) have really put this team in a tenuous position. They have now lost three of their last four games and the one win was a struggle against the Bengals. They face a tough Tampa team at home, but if they don't win that they'll go into the Meadowlands to face the Giants in big big trouble. And Tony Romo is unlikely to play in either of those games. And Wade Phillips is unlikely to still be the coach when they play the Redskins in Week 11 after their bye week.

On the Other Hand
A coaching change seemed to work out just fine for the Rams. After eking out a victory against the Redskins the Rams proved they were for real by dominating the Cowboys. They were finally able to get Stephen Jackson going, to the tune of 160 yards and 3 touchdowns. They're in a really bad division with a really good running back and they seem rejuvenated. They've already played all 4 NFC East teams (and went 2-2) so maybe big things are ahead for this team.

Where Have All the Close Games Gone?
After one of the most exciting weeks in NFL history, came this. Only two games were decided by less than a touchdown, and one of those wasn't really all that close. Six games were decided by 20 or more points.

Game of the Week
Chicago Bears 48 Minnesota Vikings 41

A big win for the Bears but sort of discouraging for their defense. They forced 5 turnovers and still only won by a touchdown. Is this the same defense that used to outscore opponents by itself? They only forced one punt, and it was blocked. The Vikings had 5 scoring drives of longer than 60 yards, and had they taken better care of the football they might have won this game. But on the other side of the coin, Kyle Orton had a huge day and he is looking to be a pretty good NFL quarterback. That has to make Bears fans wonder what might have happened if they hadn't wasted so much time with Rex Grossman.

Game of Next week
San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints

The fact that this game is in London adds a little drama, but the real reason why it is interesting is because these two teams are so perennially disappointing. One of them has to win here to get back to .500 but with these squads the next disappointment is likely around the corner.

A Brief Rant About the Redskins
I'm actually not all that disappointed with this close win to a bad team at home. I'm disappointed that the offense has gone back in its conservative shell and despite a huge game from Clinton Portis they seemed content to play field position throughout the first half, putting together a decent drive then stalling on the one 3rd down conversion that would have put them in field goal range. But the defense was absolutely dominating. They played as perfect a game as a defense can play (without forcing any turnovers) until they went to the prevent in the 4th quarter. The Browns didn't get the ball inside the Redskins 40 until 4 minutes left in the third quarter. Their first play of more than 10 yards came just a minute before that. If the defense plays that well again this week they can avoid another huge disappointment by beating the Lions.

Cheerleader of the Week
Angeline of the St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders
Angeline's goal is to establish equality between the sexes. I take that to mean she likes to be on top. She feels very strongly about being happy, and making others happy. Once again I take that sexually.



If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
New York Giants 21 Tennessee Titans 20
It keeps getting closer every week. The Giants eked out another one while the Titans dominated another opponent. Both teams have tough games this week (giants at Pittsburgh and Titans host the Colts), so things could change in this space next week.

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