Happy Thanksgiving everyone. For the first time since a 30-3 loss in Dallas in 1992, the Giants will be playing on Thanksgiving day. Both teams come in at 6-4 and hungrey for a win. The Broncos have lost four straight, have seen there once enourmous division lead evaporate. They need to right the ship, and do it fast. As for the Giants, they have confidence heading into Denver after beating Atlanta last week in overtime. The team is most definatly mad they are spending their Thanksgiving on the road, and will take it out on the Broncos. If there is a game the Giants can "afford" to lose, it would be this one, an non conference game. However, they still need to win, and keep that confidence going heading into the game against Dallas on dec. 6.
How will the Giants prevail? Well, they need to keep the ball out of Brandon Marshall's hand. Corey Webster will be on Marshall all game, and he needs to shut him down like he shut down Roddy White last week. Other than that, Kyle Orton is banged up, Knowshon Marano has not played well at all, the Broncos lack a big game player besides Marshall on offense.
The Giants on offense need to run the ball better. Jacobs was terrible last week, and no Bradhsaw this week means Danny Ware will be showcased for the first time. They need to pound the ball and often and wear down the Broncos solid defensive front. Diehl will have his hands full with Elvis Dumervill, so running to the oppiste side will be key. It is a clam, windless day in Denver, so Eli will be able to throw the ball as well as he did last week. Look for a big game out of easy E.
I like where the Giants are headed, I like this matchup, the Giants just regained confidence and the Broncos are reeling, I think the Giants take this game and head into a matchup with Dallas that will possibly decide the NFC East.
- Lew
Showing posts with label Giants Preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giants Preview. Show all posts
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Giants-Cardinals History (Can be read at inreesewetrust.com)
As the Giants prepare to take the field tonight against the Arizona Cardinals, it will mark the 124th time the Giants will have played the Cardinals franchise, including stops in Chicago, St. Louis, and now Arizona. That ranks third all-time behind the Redskins (153) and the Eagles (150).
The Giants have historically dominated the Cardinals, posting an 80-41-2 record since 1925, which equates to a .660 winning percentage for the Giants. The Giants and Cardinals have never met in the postseason, and the Cardinals are currently on a two game skid against the Giants, last beating them in 2004. As most of you know, the Cardinals were a member of the NFC East starting in 1970 all the way until 2001. Prior to that, the Cardinals won the 1925 and 1947 league titles while in Chicago. It took until 2008 for the Cardinals franchise to win another title again (NFC Title).
In the 14 years the Cardinals were in the Arizona, they swept the Giants only once, which was in 1999. Amazingly, in the 32 years the Cardinals were part of the NFC East, they swept the Giants only five times, and four of those were in the second half of the 1970's (1974-1976, 1979). Conversely, in that time period of the two teams being in the NFC East, the Giants swept the Cardinals 13 times.
Few games have been memorable between the so called "rivals" but the Cardinals were the first game after Jim Fassel's infamous, "this team is going to the playoffs speech" in 2000. The Giants ended up winning that game 31-7 and went on to win the next 6 games in route to a Super Bowl apperance. Another memorable game was back in 1995 when the Giants rallied from a 14 points down to beat the Cardinals 27-21 in ovetime. Another was back in 1990. The Giants were 5-0 and down 19-3 to the then Phoenix Cardinals. The Giants rallied back behind Jeff Hosteler who came in for an injured Phil Simms, and won the game on a last second field goal 20-19 and keep their perfect season alive.
The last time these two met was last year in Phoenix, where the Giants took care of the eventual NFC Champs by the score of 37-29. The last meeting between the two teams at Giants Stadium was back in the regualr season opener in 2005, a 42-19 Giants win. The last time the Cardinals beat the Giants at Giants Stadium, you have to go all the way back to November 28th, 1999, a 34-24 beat down of the Giants, led by Jake "the Snake" Plummer. In fact, the Giants are 5-0 at home Vs the Cardinals this decade, and going back to 1976, the first year of Giants Stadium, the Giants are 20-6 at home vs. the Cards including a consecutive winning streak at home from 1984-1994. So, if going by numbers alone, the Giants have a good shot of beating the Cardinals tonight.
-Lew
The Giants have historically dominated the Cardinals, posting an 80-41-2 record since 1925, which equates to a .660 winning percentage for the Giants. The Giants and Cardinals have never met in the postseason, and the Cardinals are currently on a two game skid against the Giants, last beating them in 2004. As most of you know, the Cardinals were a member of the NFC East starting in 1970 all the way until 2001. Prior to that, the Cardinals won the 1925 and 1947 league titles while in Chicago. It took until 2008 for the Cardinals franchise to win another title again (NFC Title).
In the 14 years the Cardinals were in the Arizona, they swept the Giants only once, which was in 1999. Amazingly, in the 32 years the Cardinals were part of the NFC East, they swept the Giants only five times, and four of those were in the second half of the 1970's (1974-1976, 1979). Conversely, in that time period of the two teams being in the NFC East, the Giants swept the Cardinals 13 times.
Few games have been memorable between the so called "rivals" but the Cardinals were the first game after Jim Fassel's infamous, "this team is going to the playoffs speech" in 2000. The Giants ended up winning that game 31-7 and went on to win the next 6 games in route to a Super Bowl apperance. Another memorable game was back in 1995 when the Giants rallied from a 14 points down to beat the Cardinals 27-21 in ovetime. Another was back in 1990. The Giants were 5-0 and down 19-3 to the then Phoenix Cardinals. The Giants rallied back behind Jeff Hosteler who came in for an injured Phil Simms, and won the game on a last second field goal 20-19 and keep their perfect season alive.
The last time these two met was last year in Phoenix, where the Giants took care of the eventual NFC Champs by the score of 37-29. The last meeting between the two teams at Giants Stadium was back in the regualr season opener in 2005, a 42-19 Giants win. The last time the Cardinals beat the Giants at Giants Stadium, you have to go all the way back to November 28th, 1999, a 34-24 beat down of the Giants, led by Jake "the Snake" Plummer. In fact, the Giants are 5-0 at home Vs the Cardinals this decade, and going back to 1976, the first year of Giants Stadium, the Giants are 20-6 at home vs. the Cards including a consecutive winning streak at home from 1984-1994. So, if going by numbers alone, the Giants have a good shot of beating the Cardinals tonight.
-Lew
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Giants Hit the Big Easy
Finally, football is back, well for the Giants at least. After taking a five week hiatus playing teams not worthy of playing Don Bosco Prep, the Giants march into the Big Easy to face the 4-0 Saints. This is not your father's 'Aints anymore, the Saints possess the leagues most octane offense, and a playmaking defense led by Giants killer Darren Sharper. The subplot of this game is Eli Manning's return to his hometown of New Orleans, but really the theme is if the Giants could beat a competant team. Lets look at the matchups:
Eli Manning vs New Orleans Secondary
So far in this young season, Eli Manning has had the best start of his career. He is currently the second highest rated passer behind his brother, and has 10 TDS to only 2 INTS, a fantastic ratio that until last year, no Giants fan could have believed would be possible. The thing he does now more than ever, and this really started during the 2007 Postseason run, is that he looks off recievers until he finds someone open. His go to guy is Steve Smith, but if he is covered he will check down to Boss, Bradshaw/Jacobs, or Manningham if he cuts across the middle. Something you cannot say about Eli is that he is not clutch, and returning home this week will probably motivate him more than ever. Eli is not a rah-rah guy, but he is firey, the players say that, and I expect him to have a big game. Just look at what he did in his last "home coming" vs the chargers in 2005, he lit them up, and though the Giants lost pretty handly, Eli proved for the first time that he could play on the big stage.
Now, going against the Saints secondary is no walk in the park. When you think of the Saints you think of their offense, but believe me, do not sleep on this secondary. Led by Pro Bowler and Giants killer Darren Sharper, who has picked off five passes already for an Ed Reed like 275 yards, the Saints possess a secondary that is capable of the big play, just ask Mark Sanchez or Kevin Kolb. The difference is that Eli Manning is just a bit better than those two quarterbacks, but remember Sharper lurking at the saftey position. Remember 2005, and 2007 when Sharper had three INTS returning two of them to the house. I would not be surprised, in fact, I expect Sharper to pick off an Eli pass tomorrow afternoon. The Saints corners are not nearly as good as their safties Jabari Greer and Porter need some help from Sharper and Roman Harper if they are going to shut down Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. Former Pats corner Randell Gay could give the Giants some problems, but really if the Giants stay away from Darren Sharper, Eli should be fine. However, that is easier said then done.
Is the Rest of the Saints Defense as Good as Advertised?
How Can the Giants Defense Stop The Saints?
Ranked number one overall in defense, the Giants are out to prove that the Saints bark is worse than their bite. Since the Saints first two games, they have scored a respectable, but not outrageous, 51 points, which comes out to about 25.5 points a game. The Giants know this, and know the Saints strength by far is Drew Brees and the passing game. Brees has completly reinvented himself after arm surgery a few years back, and has turned the Saints franchise around from the days when they were known as the 'Aints. Brees has completed and amazing 68% of his passes, and what makes the Saints so dangerous is that he has weapons out of the back field along with Marques Coleston. Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas are explosive and love to catch swing passes out of the backfield. Though the big threat is Coleston, Devery Henderson, and Jeremy Shockey are very real threats that the Giants must take seriously. Now, how can the Giants limit this offense? Well, a good pass rush. If Tuck and Osi get around Jermon Bushrod and Jon Stinchcomb, the Saints could be in alot of trouble. The one thing about the Saints is that this Giants pass rush DESTROYS the Saints line, and you saw that against the ferocious Jets pass rush that disrupted Brees. If not for Mark Sanchez, the Jets might have won that game, and you can bet the Giants watched film of that game and will blitz Brees left and right.
The one thing that worries me is the Giants linebacking core. Michael Boley, who really was coming on strong, is of course out, and I am worried Shocky is going to physically man handle AP. Danny Clark/Chase Blackburn or complete non factors, and the middle could be wide open. However, the Giants secondary has been great so far, and though I am not solid on Terrell Thomas yet despite him playing well, Corey Webster has been simply fantastic and if he shuts down Coleston, could mean the game for the Giants. Send blitz packages left and right, get pressure with Tuck and Osi, and do not let Shockey beat you, and that could mean a "W" for the Giants.
How Can The Giants Win?
How Can the Saints Win?
The Saints could win if Brees passes through the Giants defense like he did against the Eagles and Lions and to an extent the Bills and Jets. The Giants are going to be playing pass first, so if the Saints ever get Thomas or Bush going on the ground, it could be a long day for the Giants. As I said before, I am not sold on this Saints line, but if they ever give Brees time, it could be over rather quickly. A great QB with time, and Brees right now is definatly a great QB, becomes a legend. So if the Giants give Brees time to pick them apart, he could put up over 30 points. Also, if the Saints defense plays like they played all year; make the big play and score, then the Giants could be in trouble.
Injury Report
What a surprise, Chris Canty and Aaron Ross are not playing, and Michael Boley is still out from having surgery on his knee. Everyone else will suit up and are ready to go.
Who Wins?
This is the prime game on this weeks schedule, a possible NFC Championship preview and in my opinion the two best teams in the NFC. Shockey has been talking all week, whats new, and the Saints finally feel confident enough on defense that they could make a serious run in the NFC. To be the best, you have to beat the best, and that is how the Saints are approaching this game. However, I just dont buy the Saints corner's and offensive line, and if the Giants have pressure on Brees they could wreck havoc all day long. I also feel the Giants will give Eli plenty of time to throw and he will come up big in his return to New Orleans. Since the 2007 Postseason the Giants are 21-5, so going against them, not believing in them, just doesnt make much sense. The Giants know how to win big games, it remains to be seen with the Saints, that is why I am picking the Giants.
Giants 27 Saints 23
Eli Manning vs New Orleans Secondary
So far in this young season, Eli Manning has had the best start of his career. He is currently the second highest rated passer behind his brother, and has 10 TDS to only 2 INTS, a fantastic ratio that until last year, no Giants fan could have believed would be possible. The thing he does now more than ever, and this really started during the 2007 Postseason run, is that he looks off recievers until he finds someone open. His go to guy is Steve Smith, but if he is covered he will check down to Boss, Bradshaw/Jacobs, or Manningham if he cuts across the middle. Something you cannot say about Eli is that he is not clutch, and returning home this week will probably motivate him more than ever. Eli is not a rah-rah guy, but he is firey, the players say that, and I expect him to have a big game. Just look at what he did in his last "home coming" vs the chargers in 2005, he lit them up, and though the Giants lost pretty handly, Eli proved for the first time that he could play on the big stage.
Now, going against the Saints secondary is no walk in the park. When you think of the Saints you think of their offense, but believe me, do not sleep on this secondary. Led by Pro Bowler and Giants killer Darren Sharper, who has picked off five passes already for an Ed Reed like 275 yards, the Saints possess a secondary that is capable of the big play, just ask Mark Sanchez or Kevin Kolb. The difference is that Eli Manning is just a bit better than those two quarterbacks, but remember Sharper lurking at the saftey position. Remember 2005, and 2007 when Sharper had three INTS returning two of them to the house. I would not be surprised, in fact, I expect Sharper to pick off an Eli pass tomorrow afternoon. The Saints corners are not nearly as good as their safties Jabari Greer and Porter need some help from Sharper and Roman Harper if they are going to shut down Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. Former Pats corner Randell Gay could give the Giants some problems, but really if the Giants stay away from Darren Sharper, Eli should be fine. However, that is easier said then done.
Is the Rest of the Saints Defense as Good as Advertised?
Led my former Jet Jonathan Vilma, the Saints defense has actually outperformed their vaunted offense of late. In the last two games the Saints have given up 17 combined points, and seven of them were on a fake field goal pass for a TD. The Saints have a good linebacking core with the beforementioned Vilma, and Scott Shanle who is second in the team in tackles and in INTs. Roman Harper is the other saftey beside Darren Sharper and leads the team in tackles. The front four consists of Will Smith, Charles Grant, Kendrick Clancy, and Sedrick Ellis, which gets a good push up front, but have only resulted in 10 sacks. 6.5 have come from Grant and Smith, so the Saints need to improve their pass rush, especially against one of the top lines in football in the Giants.
Ranked number one overall in defense, the Giants are out to prove that the Saints bark is worse than their bite. Since the Saints first two games, they have scored a respectable, but not outrageous, 51 points, which comes out to about 25.5 points a game. The Giants know this, and know the Saints strength by far is Drew Brees and the passing game. Brees has completly reinvented himself after arm surgery a few years back, and has turned the Saints franchise around from the days when they were known as the 'Aints. Brees has completed and amazing 68% of his passes, and what makes the Saints so dangerous is that he has weapons out of the back field along with Marques Coleston. Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas are explosive and love to catch swing passes out of the backfield. Though the big threat is Coleston, Devery Henderson, and Jeremy Shockey are very real threats that the Giants must take seriously. Now, how can the Giants limit this offense? Well, a good pass rush. If Tuck and Osi get around Jermon Bushrod and Jon Stinchcomb, the Saints could be in alot of trouble. The one thing about the Saints is that this Giants pass rush DESTROYS the Saints line, and you saw that against the ferocious Jets pass rush that disrupted Brees. If not for Mark Sanchez, the Jets might have won that game, and you can bet the Giants watched film of that game and will blitz Brees left and right.
The one thing that worries me is the Giants linebacking core. Michael Boley, who really was coming on strong, is of course out, and I am worried Shocky is going to physically man handle AP. Danny Clark/Chase Blackburn or complete non factors, and the middle could be wide open. However, the Giants secondary has been great so far, and though I am not solid on Terrell Thomas yet despite him playing well, Corey Webster has been simply fantastic and if he shuts down Coleston, could mean the game for the Giants. Send blitz packages left and right, get pressure with Tuck and Osi, and do not let Shockey beat you, and that could mean a "W" for the Giants.
How Can The Giants Win?
If the defense steps up and does what I wrote a paragraph before, and Brandon Jacobs gets it going. It goes without saying, if Jacobs ever gets it going, this team is nearly unstoppable. He is still #9 in rushing despite having 3.4 yards per carry. If the Giants run the ball well, and use Jacobs as a boulder, that will tire the defense and let Bradshaw do his thing. I dont really see the heel being a problem for Eli, but the line needs to step up and make sure it is not a problem. They did that last week, but again, last week was not a real game. If they protect Eli, and keep him out of trouble, Eli could have time to dissect this defense and move the ball down the field.
The Saints could win if Brees passes through the Giants defense like he did against the Eagles and Lions and to an extent the Bills and Jets. The Giants are going to be playing pass first, so if the Saints ever get Thomas or Bush going on the ground, it could be a long day for the Giants. As I said before, I am not sold on this Saints line, but if they ever give Brees time, it could be over rather quickly. A great QB with time, and Brees right now is definatly a great QB, becomes a legend. So if the Giants give Brees time to pick them apart, he could put up over 30 points. Also, if the Saints defense plays like they played all year; make the big play and score, then the Giants could be in trouble.
Injury Report
What a surprise, Chris Canty and Aaron Ross are not playing, and Michael Boley is still out from having surgery on his knee. Everyone else will suit up and are ready to go.
Who Wins?
This is the prime game on this weeks schedule, a possible NFC Championship preview and in my opinion the two best teams in the NFC. Shockey has been talking all week, whats new, and the Saints finally feel confident enough on defense that they could make a serious run in the NFC. To be the best, you have to beat the best, and that is how the Saints are approaching this game. However, I just dont buy the Saints corner's and offensive line, and if the Giants have pressure on Brees they could wreck havoc all day long. I also feel the Giants will give Eli plenty of time to throw and he will come up big in his return to New Orleans. Since the 2007 Postseason the Giants are 21-5, so going against them, not believing in them, just doesnt make much sense. The Giants know how to win big games, it remains to be seen with the Saints, that is why I am picking the Giants.
Giants 27 Saints 23
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Giants Preview
Ok guys, we havent talked much Giants recently since the Giants have been rolling, and the Yankees are playing in October. Well, you guys probably have to wait another week until we really get into full Giants mode when they go to New Orleans to play the 4-0 Saints. That will put the Yankees in the back seat...for at least 3 hours.
What to Watch For:
JaMarcus Russell and his historically bad rate he is on. As a Bill Simmons reader pointed out, and this was just too funny "a reciever who threw an incomplete pass has a 39 rating, JaMarcus Russell a former number 1 overall pick who has started all 4 games this year has a 42 rating." I mean that is just insane. Russell is turning into the black Ryan Leaf, as I said before, all he needs is one MONUMENTAL breakdown in front of the cameras to either a fan or a memeber of the media. Then he will forever be the black Ryan Leaf. I dont know why scouts fell in love with this guy, yes his arm is absolutly insane, but if you cant hit your target, then why bother.
More importantly, Eli Manning and his heel. Eli practiced friday and today, most likly will be ready to go sunday. All this guy does is play and win games period. Look for him to not even bother going long or throwing that much, I would guess 35 run or so run plays tomorrow to get Jacobs on the right track as well as keeping Eli out of harms way against this middle school team.
Who is Out:
Well, we know Chris "Big P****" Canty wont go, and Aaron Ross wont go. Neither will Hixon, or Michael Boley or Bryan Kehl both had surgery, Boley out until the Atlanta game, Kehl out until next week. For the Raiders Darren McFadden as well as former first round pick and bust Robert Gallery are both out.
The Giants will win if:
They show up. Thats it. Steve Smith vs Nnamdi Asomugha is going to be a great matchup to watch. Asomugha is probably the best corner in the league, yet nobody knows who he is because he plays for the Raiders and has a ridiculous African name that nobody can pronounce. If he changed his name to lets say, "Nathan Aso" he would be getting deals from Nike, Gatorade etc. The onyl deals he gets no is from Dicks sporting goods and everytime that ad airs everyone goes "who the hell is that." Steve Smith is now the "real" Steve Smith, and slowly becoming a top reciever in the league. I am not completly sold on that by any means, but he has been so reliable and so effective, that until he slows down I cant expect anything less than a huge game.
The Raiders will win if:
The Raiders will only win if the Little Giants show up instead of the real Giants. That means Becky the Ice Box at middle linebacker, the pretty boy blonde kid at QB and they start chanting Giants, Giants HELP US GOD. The anexsation of Puerto Rico has to be run, and Rick Moranis is the coach. That is the only way the Raiders win this game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo3k1wVPARc
What Will Happen:
Well the likly hood of the Little Giants showing up is slim, so I am going to pick the Real Giants in a game that will be over at the end of the first quarter and everyone will be looking forward to a Yankees sweep at 7:00.
Giants 30 Raiders 9
-Lew
What to Watch For:
JaMarcus Russell and his historically bad rate he is on. As a Bill Simmons reader pointed out, and this was just too funny "a reciever who threw an incomplete pass has a 39 rating, JaMarcus Russell a former number 1 overall pick who has started all 4 games this year has a 42 rating." I mean that is just insane. Russell is turning into the black Ryan Leaf, as I said before, all he needs is one MONUMENTAL breakdown in front of the cameras to either a fan or a memeber of the media. Then he will forever be the black Ryan Leaf. I dont know why scouts fell in love with this guy, yes his arm is absolutly insane, but if you cant hit your target, then why bother.
More importantly, Eli Manning and his heel. Eli practiced friday and today, most likly will be ready to go sunday. All this guy does is play and win games period. Look for him to not even bother going long or throwing that much, I would guess 35 run or so run plays tomorrow to get Jacobs on the right track as well as keeping Eli out of harms way against this middle school team.
Who is Out:
Well, we know Chris "Big P****" Canty wont go, and Aaron Ross wont go. Neither will Hixon, or Michael Boley or Bryan Kehl both had surgery, Boley out until the Atlanta game, Kehl out until next week. For the Raiders Darren McFadden as well as former first round pick and bust Robert Gallery are both out.
The Giants will win if:
They show up. Thats it. Steve Smith vs Nnamdi Asomugha is going to be a great matchup to watch. Asomugha is probably the best corner in the league, yet nobody knows who he is because he plays for the Raiders and has a ridiculous African name that nobody can pronounce. If he changed his name to lets say, "Nathan Aso" he would be getting deals from Nike, Gatorade etc. The onyl deals he gets no is from Dicks sporting goods and everytime that ad airs everyone goes "who the hell is that." Steve Smith is now the "real" Steve Smith, and slowly becoming a top reciever in the league. I am not completly sold on that by any means, but he has been so reliable and so effective, that until he slows down I cant expect anything less than a huge game.
The Raiders will win if:
The Raiders will only win if the Little Giants show up instead of the real Giants. That means Becky the Ice Box at middle linebacker, the pretty boy blonde kid at QB and they start chanting Giants, Giants HELP US GOD. The anexsation of Puerto Rico has to be run, and Rick Moranis is the coach. That is the only way the Raiders win this game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo3k1wVPARc
What Will Happen:
Well the likly hood of the Little Giants showing up is slim, so I am going to pick the Real Giants in a game that will be over at the end of the first quarter and everyone will be looking forward to a Yankees sweep at 7:00.
Giants 30 Raiders 9
-Lew
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Giants-Bucs Preview Plus NFL Picks
Close your eyes if your a Giants fan because your not going to want to read this. The Giants current injury report is the following: Chris Canty (out), Keving Dockery (Doubtful), Justin Tuck (Doubtful), Kenny Phillips (IR), Hakeem Nicks (out), Aaron Ross (out), Danny Ware (out), Domenik Hixon (out) and Michael Johnson (Q). That means the Giants are probably going to have to play without their starting corner, safety, two d-lineman, and two of their top recievers. That is pretty ridiculous. However, the Giants are going at Tampa Bay tomorrow, maybe one of the worst teams in the NFC, and should come out with a win despite all the players who are not playing.
What To Watch For:
The return of Derrick Ward vs his old team. I expect Ward to be fired up and that is evident by the fact Ward has been talking trash the whole week. Ward is a solid back, but nothing special, so watch for him to rack up about 70-80 yards on the day. Also, watch for Bryon Leftwich, depsite no Tuck, Canty, Phillips, and Ross, still throw three picks. Leftwich has by far the slowest delievery of any QB I have ever seen. The guy looks at one reciever longer than anyone in the NFL. He is an embaressment, and the fact he was taken that high shows you how much a crap shot the NFL draft is.
For the Giants, watch Eli shread this Bucs defense. This is the same Bucs defense that gave up 33 points to the vaunted Buffalo Bills last week. Come on, your telling me that Eli and the Giants cant put up 35 on this team?
The Giants, though, MUST solve this red zone ineptness. They have been in the red zone 8 times this year scoring, get ready for this, ZERO touchdowns. Could this bite the Giants back in the ass? I dont know, I think they will be smart enough to figure it out, but with Kevin Gilbride anything is a possibility. One thing is for sure, dont give me the "where is Pharoah Ramses Barden?" Just because the guy is 6'6 doesnt mean he is ready to run a fade against a NFL corner. Its much harder than it seems, and if you know Coughlin you know he hates throwing rookies in the fire immediatly. One thing I would change in the red zone is throwing more to Big Boss Man 89, Kevin Boss. I want to see them run more routes to him and maybe try a bubble screen to Manningham at like the 15 or 20.
The Giants Will Win if:
The Giants will win if they run the ball well, and protect Eli. Honestly, thats it. They dont have to play that well, thats how bad I think this Bucs team is. They are in classic rebuilding mode and the only thing this team is playing for is for the number 1 pick....And its week 3. Run the ball well with Jacobs, who has not played well so far, and protect Eli so he has time to throw and dissect this Bucs defense, the Giants will come out on top.
The Bucs Will Win If:
The Bucs will win if they come out and take advantage of the depleated Giants defense. That means, throwing early, throwing often, and mixing in some runs. Throw over the top and take advantage of C.C (I am no Sabathia) Brown and run up the middle and to the side of Osi. If the Buce block well and run to Osi's side, they should have a lot of success considering Osi is a worse run stuffer than William Joseph is his prime. However, the Giants are going to blitz the hell out of the ridiculously immobile Leftwich so giving Leftwich time to dissect the Giants thin secondary probably wont happen.
Who Will Win:
This one looks pretty simple on paper, but as we know the game is not played on paper and the Giants a ton of injuries. Still, the Giants are overwhelmingly better than the Bucs, and if anything the coaching staff should dominate the very inexperienced Buce staff. This one should be a walk in the park.
Giants 30 Bucs 17
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NFL PICKS
Ravens (-13.5) Over Browns
-This Browns team might go 2-14, its getting that bad. It feels like ever since the Jets were 8-3, Eric Mangini's career has went in the toilet. He is personally 1-6 and has gotten worse publicity than John Gotti, Phil Spector, and O.J (O.J DID IT-Cendric the Entertainer in Barbershop) combined. This guy has gotten KILLED in the media.
Ravens 34 Browns 10
Packers (-7) Over Rams
-Hey, the Rams actually showed up last week, well, not really but only 9 points given up!! We are looking for imporvement. Aaron Rodgers reminds me of Christian Slater in his prime. Nobody ever knew why Christian Slater was famous, and the same goes for why everyone loved Aaron Rodgers when he has never done anything.
Packers 20 Rams 10
Giants (-7) Over Bucs
- Dont be lazy, just read my preview.
Falcons (+4) Over Pats
- Am I really picking against the Pats at home vs an NFC South team? Why yes I am. Read Simmons' column on the downfall of the Pats, but I am serious, I think this team is headed towards the end. Remember the 2001 Yankees. Epic postseason, captivated the nation, and lost one of the best Game 7's in World Series history. Well the Pats 2001 World Series was the 2007 Super Bowl. Yea, the Yankees made it back to the 2003 World Series, but they did not win, and they never REALLY recovered. Well, look for that from the Pats, plus it is 10 times harder to reach the Super Bowl than the World Series. Bottom Line. Meanwhile, the Falcons look like a team that WILL reach the Super Bowl in the next three years. I can practically guarentee that. This will be a statement game for the Falcons, and the beginning of the end for the Pats.
Falcons 23 Pats 17
Chiefs (+8.5) Over Eagles
- At this point it doesnt matter if Kevin Kolb starts, or Jeff Garcia, the Eagles have some problems at QB. The good news is that it is week 3 and this team will be fine, but that migh mean costing them a couple games that might hurt them down the road. Eagles win, but it will be a surprisingly close game.
Eagles 24 Chiefs 19
Lions (+6.5) Over Redskins
This is the week. After losing 19 in a row, the streak will end. The Lions have dropped 25 of their last 26 but it will all end tomorrow. The Redskins are a sinking ship, beating the Rams in a baseball score 9-7 last week, and their coach is coming under fire, their inactives are making more noise than the actives, and the Redskins offense have looked about as bad as Kevin Connelly acting. Lions win OUTRIGHT!!
Lions 16 Redskins 13
Bills (+6) Over Saints
-The only reason I am doing this is a favor towards my friend Andy, a diehard Bills fan who is going to this game. What do I really think of the Bills? Well, I wont say that in this space, but lets just say I have a planned upcoming column about them. The Saints offense looks like the greatest show on turf a good 10 years ago, and you can just hand Drew Brees the 2009 MVP trophy. I have no real basis for making this pick, so lets just say the Bills pull out a minor miracle.
Bills 26 Saints 24
Titans (+ 2.5) Over Jets
- Classic battle of the overconfident 2-0 team vs the need-to-win 0-2 team. The Jets are good, but not that good. The Titans are much better than they have played, that equals to a Titans victory. I understand the Jets hoopla, but its getting kind of nausating . Its week 3, rookie QB and Coach, what you really think this team is going places. Please. Kerry Collins knows better than anyone the winds of the Meadowlands.
Titans 27 Jets 17
49ers (+7) Over Vikings
- To me this is the most ridiculous line of the week. The Vikings have played a schedule the compares to Don Bosco Prep. This is FAR AND AWAY the most overrated team in the league. The Vikings do not have a home field advantage, and the 49ers are catching everyone off guard with a solid running attack and an unknown QB in Shaun Hill. O and by the way Shaun Hill is 9-3 as a starter, Brett Favre is almost 93 years old and has retired 93 times. Give me the niners in an upset.
49ers 28 Vikings 27
Texans (+3.5) Over Jags
- The Jags are done. I cannot believe I picked them over Arizona with that embaressing home field advantage. Their crowd is worse than a Rasheed Wallace guarentee. Its pathetic and they should not allow to have fans their. The Texans are on their way to a typical 7-9/ 8-8 Texans season.
Texans 37 Jags 20
Bears (-2) Over Seahawks.
- Check that, THIS is the most ridiculous line of the week. Hasselback hurt, the Seahawks are bad anyway, Da Bears coming off a big win, HOW IS THE LINE -2 SEATTLE!! I DONT UNDERSTAND. I hope for Vegas' sake the Bears win by 40. In fact, after my near perfect outrageous prediction in the Saints-Eagles game where I said the Saints would score 52 and they scored 48, I am going to make an outragous-final score-pick of the week. This is it.
Bears 47 Seahawks 17
Steelers (-4) Over Bengals
- If the Bengals had the rolley-polley cutting guy playing on the o-line, maybe the Bengals would have a chance. Everyone would just bounce off of him. Sadly, this will not take place. Depsite no Troy P., and zero running game, the Steelers are still much better than the surprising-almost 2-0-if not for a ridiculous play and even better braodcast call by Gus Johnson-Bengals.
Steelers 17 Bengals 10
Broncos (-1.5) Over Raiders
- I said this from the begininng, but now its coming to fruition: JaMarcus Russell is Ryan Leaf bad. So what if he has an arm if he cant hit water if he fell out of a boat. Another horrendous Al Davis decision and its upsetting to me he went to Syracuse. How bout them Broncos!! 2-0 and I think they will make it to 3-0. Could you imagine the s*** the Bears and especially Jay Cutler will get if the Broncos make the playoffs and the Bears dont? I cant wait.
Broncos 20 Raiders 6
Dolphins (+6) Over Chargers
- Did you happen to see how bad the play calling was for the Chargers last week? On a 3rd and 2 they pass the ball out of shotgun. Incomplete. On 4th and 2 they run up the middle, which of course is the strength of the Ravens defense. Stopped for a loss of 3 by Ray Lewis. I have said it before, and I will say it again, NEVER TRUST A NORV TURNER COACHED TEAM. Still, Tony Sprano's play calling vs the Colts last week was equally as bad. I dont know which terrible coach to take?
Chargers 30 Dolphins 27
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Colts (+1.5) Over the Cards
- Seriously, is there any doubt the Colts dont win this game? The Cards played well against a crummy Jags team. The Colts have Peyton Manning, and well come into that Space ship looking stadium and show them what a good team is all about. By the way, if there is such a thing as a reverse Gus Johnson, this is it, courtesy of Chris Meyers. This might be the single worse call in NFL history. (Good job Simmons)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcLR0-gdHS8
Colts 31 Cards 27
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Cowboys (-9) Over Panthers
-Tony Romo is becoming the single biggest choke artist in the last 20 years for a guy who is somehwhat good. However, this is how bad I think Carolina is this year. The line, some say is insane, is really not. The Cowboys of course are not a prime team team, a group of chokes, but they are still better than Carolina. Also, what is ESPN going to do that NBC did not last week? Why does this Cowboys Stadium need two prime time games on two different networks two weeks in a row? Extreme Jerry Jones ego thats what. I SOOOO want to pick against Dallas, but I cant because Jake Delhomme is Carolina's incompetant QB. However, it wont be without 3 more Romo picks.
Cowboys 34 Panthers 19
I will be back monday with Giants recap, tuesday with NFL recap, and throughout the week serving the miserable workers going 9-5 aka me next year.
-Lew
What To Watch For:
The return of Derrick Ward vs his old team. I expect Ward to be fired up and that is evident by the fact Ward has been talking trash the whole week. Ward is a solid back, but nothing special, so watch for him to rack up about 70-80 yards on the day. Also, watch for Bryon Leftwich, depsite no Tuck, Canty, Phillips, and Ross, still throw three picks. Leftwich has by far the slowest delievery of any QB I have ever seen. The guy looks at one reciever longer than anyone in the NFL. He is an embaressment, and the fact he was taken that high shows you how much a crap shot the NFL draft is.
For the Giants, watch Eli shread this Bucs defense. This is the same Bucs defense that gave up 33 points to the vaunted Buffalo Bills last week. Come on, your telling me that Eli and the Giants cant put up 35 on this team?
The Giants, though, MUST solve this red zone ineptness. They have been in the red zone 8 times this year scoring, get ready for this, ZERO touchdowns. Could this bite the Giants back in the ass? I dont know, I think they will be smart enough to figure it out, but with Kevin Gilbride anything is a possibility. One thing is for sure, dont give me the "where is Pharoah Ramses Barden?" Just because the guy is 6'6 doesnt mean he is ready to run a fade against a NFL corner. Its much harder than it seems, and if you know Coughlin you know he hates throwing rookies in the fire immediatly. One thing I would change in the red zone is throwing more to Big Boss Man 89, Kevin Boss. I want to see them run more routes to him and maybe try a bubble screen to Manningham at like the 15 or 20.
The Giants Will Win if:
The Giants will win if they run the ball well, and protect Eli. Honestly, thats it. They dont have to play that well, thats how bad I think this Bucs team is. They are in classic rebuilding mode and the only thing this team is playing for is for the number 1 pick....And its week 3. Run the ball well with Jacobs, who has not played well so far, and protect Eli so he has time to throw and dissect this Bucs defense, the Giants will come out on top.
The Bucs Will Win If:
The Bucs will win if they come out and take advantage of the depleated Giants defense. That means, throwing early, throwing often, and mixing in some runs. Throw over the top and take advantage of C.C (I am no Sabathia) Brown and run up the middle and to the side of Osi. If the Buce block well and run to Osi's side, they should have a lot of success considering Osi is a worse run stuffer than William Joseph is his prime. However, the Giants are going to blitz the hell out of the ridiculously immobile Leftwich so giving Leftwich time to dissect the Giants thin secondary probably wont happen.
Who Will Win:
This one looks pretty simple on paper, but as we know the game is not played on paper and the Giants a ton of injuries. Still, the Giants are overwhelmingly better than the Bucs, and if anything the coaching staff should dominate the very inexperienced Buce staff. This one should be a walk in the park.
Giants 30 Bucs 17
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NFL PICKS
Ravens (-13.5) Over Browns
-This Browns team might go 2-14, its getting that bad. It feels like ever since the Jets were 8-3, Eric Mangini's career has went in the toilet. He is personally 1-6 and has gotten worse publicity than John Gotti, Phil Spector, and O.J (O.J DID IT-Cendric the Entertainer in Barbershop) combined. This guy has gotten KILLED in the media.
Ravens 34 Browns 10
Packers (-7) Over Rams
-Hey, the Rams actually showed up last week, well, not really but only 9 points given up!! We are looking for imporvement. Aaron Rodgers reminds me of Christian Slater in his prime. Nobody ever knew why Christian Slater was famous, and the same goes for why everyone loved Aaron Rodgers when he has never done anything.
Packers 20 Rams 10
Giants (-7) Over Bucs
- Dont be lazy, just read my preview.
Falcons (+4) Over Pats
- Am I really picking against the Pats at home vs an NFC South team? Why yes I am. Read Simmons' column on the downfall of the Pats, but I am serious, I think this team is headed towards the end. Remember the 2001 Yankees. Epic postseason, captivated the nation, and lost one of the best Game 7's in World Series history. Well the Pats 2001 World Series was the 2007 Super Bowl. Yea, the Yankees made it back to the 2003 World Series, but they did not win, and they never REALLY recovered. Well, look for that from the Pats, plus it is 10 times harder to reach the Super Bowl than the World Series. Bottom Line. Meanwhile, the Falcons look like a team that WILL reach the Super Bowl in the next three years. I can practically guarentee that. This will be a statement game for the Falcons, and the beginning of the end for the Pats.
Falcons 23 Pats 17
Chiefs (+8.5) Over Eagles
- At this point it doesnt matter if Kevin Kolb starts, or Jeff Garcia, the Eagles have some problems at QB. The good news is that it is week 3 and this team will be fine, but that migh mean costing them a couple games that might hurt them down the road. Eagles win, but it will be a surprisingly close game.
Eagles 24 Chiefs 19
Lions (+6.5) Over Redskins
This is the week. After losing 19 in a row, the streak will end. The Lions have dropped 25 of their last 26 but it will all end tomorrow. The Redskins are a sinking ship, beating the Rams in a baseball score 9-7 last week, and their coach is coming under fire, their inactives are making more noise than the actives, and the Redskins offense have looked about as bad as Kevin Connelly acting. Lions win OUTRIGHT!!
Lions 16 Redskins 13
Bills (+6) Over Saints
-The only reason I am doing this is a favor towards my friend Andy, a diehard Bills fan who is going to this game. What do I really think of the Bills? Well, I wont say that in this space, but lets just say I have a planned upcoming column about them. The Saints offense looks like the greatest show on turf a good 10 years ago, and you can just hand Drew Brees the 2009 MVP trophy. I have no real basis for making this pick, so lets just say the Bills pull out a minor miracle.
Bills 26 Saints 24
Titans (+ 2.5) Over Jets
- Classic battle of the overconfident 2-0 team vs the need-to-win 0-2 team. The Jets are good, but not that good. The Titans are much better than they have played, that equals to a Titans victory. I understand the Jets hoopla, but its getting kind of nausating . Its week 3, rookie QB and Coach, what you really think this team is going places. Please. Kerry Collins knows better than anyone the winds of the Meadowlands.
Titans 27 Jets 17
49ers (+7) Over Vikings
- To me this is the most ridiculous line of the week. The Vikings have played a schedule the compares to Don Bosco Prep. This is FAR AND AWAY the most overrated team in the league. The Vikings do not have a home field advantage, and the 49ers are catching everyone off guard with a solid running attack and an unknown QB in Shaun Hill. O and by the way Shaun Hill is 9-3 as a starter, Brett Favre is almost 93 years old and has retired 93 times. Give me the niners in an upset.
49ers 28 Vikings 27
Texans (+3.5) Over Jags
- The Jags are done. I cannot believe I picked them over Arizona with that embaressing home field advantage. Their crowd is worse than a Rasheed Wallace guarentee. Its pathetic and they should not allow to have fans their. The Texans are on their way to a typical 7-9/ 8-8 Texans season.
Texans 37 Jags 20
Bears (-2) Over Seahawks.
- Check that, THIS is the most ridiculous line of the week. Hasselback hurt, the Seahawks are bad anyway, Da Bears coming off a big win, HOW IS THE LINE -2 SEATTLE!! I DONT UNDERSTAND. I hope for Vegas' sake the Bears win by 40. In fact, after my near perfect outrageous prediction in the Saints-Eagles game where I said the Saints would score 52 and they scored 48, I am going to make an outragous-final score-pick of the week. This is it.
Bears 47 Seahawks 17
Steelers (-4) Over Bengals
- If the Bengals had the rolley-polley cutting guy playing on the o-line, maybe the Bengals would have a chance. Everyone would just bounce off of him. Sadly, this will not take place. Depsite no Troy P., and zero running game, the Steelers are still much better than the surprising-almost 2-0-if not for a ridiculous play and even better braodcast call by Gus Johnson-Bengals.
Steelers 17 Bengals 10
Broncos (-1.5) Over Raiders
- I said this from the begininng, but now its coming to fruition: JaMarcus Russell is Ryan Leaf bad. So what if he has an arm if he cant hit water if he fell out of a boat. Another horrendous Al Davis decision and its upsetting to me he went to Syracuse. How bout them Broncos!! 2-0 and I think they will make it to 3-0. Could you imagine the s*** the Bears and especially Jay Cutler will get if the Broncos make the playoffs and the Bears dont? I cant wait.
Broncos 20 Raiders 6
Dolphins (+6) Over Chargers
- Did you happen to see how bad the play calling was for the Chargers last week? On a 3rd and 2 they pass the ball out of shotgun. Incomplete. On 4th and 2 they run up the middle, which of course is the strength of the Ravens defense. Stopped for a loss of 3 by Ray Lewis. I have said it before, and I will say it again, NEVER TRUST A NORV TURNER COACHED TEAM. Still, Tony Sprano's play calling vs the Colts last week was equally as bad. I dont know which terrible coach to take?
Chargers 30 Dolphins 27
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Colts (+1.5) Over the Cards
- Seriously, is there any doubt the Colts dont win this game? The Cards played well against a crummy Jags team. The Colts have Peyton Manning, and well come into that Space ship looking stadium and show them what a good team is all about. By the way, if there is such a thing as a reverse Gus Johnson, this is it, courtesy of Chris Meyers. This might be the single worse call in NFL history. (Good job Simmons)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcLR0-gdHS8
Colts 31 Cards 27
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Cowboys (-9) Over Panthers
-Tony Romo is becoming the single biggest choke artist in the last 20 years for a guy who is somehwhat good. However, this is how bad I think Carolina is this year. The line, some say is insane, is really not. The Cowboys of course are not a prime team team, a group of chokes, but they are still better than Carolina. Also, what is ESPN going to do that NBC did not last week? Why does this Cowboys Stadium need two prime time games on two different networks two weeks in a row? Extreme Jerry Jones ego thats what. I SOOOO want to pick against Dallas, but I cant because Jake Delhomme is Carolina's incompetant QB. However, it wont be without 3 more Romo picks.
Cowboys 34 Panthers 19
I will be back monday with Giants recap, tuesday with NFL recap, and throughout the week serving the miserable workers going 9-5 aka me next year.
-Lew
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Giants-Cowboys Preview
This column will have no pictures. I am being lazy and I also have other stuff to do so this preview is not going to be as comprehensive as last weeks. But dont worry, the recap will be very long and full of information.
What Is On the Line
The Giants open up the "Jerry Jones Half-Dome" today which cost $1.2 Billion to construct. It is full of bells and whistle and of course that HUUUUUGE screen. The Cowboys come into this game 1-0 off of a dominating win over the Bucs. The Giants are also 1-0 in which they dominated the Redskins. For the Giants, opening up 2-0 in the NFC east would be a very, very good start and would already be in prime position in the conference after only two weeks.
Who to Watch For
Watch for Tony Romo's ankle. Reports have surfaced that his ankle is really bothering him though he will play through it. This is good news for the Giants though as Romo will be limited in his mobility. The Giants should pressure Romo into making poor throws and try to get him to make mistakes. I would be very dissapointed if Romo had time to throw the ball like he did the last time the Giants and the Cowboys met.
Speaking of that last time, the Cowboys won 20-8 on Sunday Night Football with everyone on the team out except for Eli. That was the last game at old Texas Stadium, while today is obviously the first at the new Dome.
The Giants Plan
The Giants plan on running the ball like they always do and mix it up with Jacobs carrying the load and Bradshaw coming in as the shifty back. Look for a lot of the same type of plan the Giants ran last week vs Washington. They will run a lot of swing passes, short throws to Boss, and maybe some over the middle medium throws to Manningham/Hixon/Smith. I dont see the Giants throwing deep at all in this game like they did in the opener in 2007. Defensivly, look for a lot of blitzes and pressure on Romo, and beware of the deep ball Dallas is going to throw today.
The Cowboys Plan
As I just mentioned, they are going to pass, pass, and pass. Jason Garrett is smarter than the Redskins staff was and he is going to play against the Giants weakness, which right now is the Secondary. Look for Garett to throw some elaborate offensive schemes at the Giants, and call for Romo to throw a lot of deep balls to Williams or Crayton. Also, look for Romo to try to go vertical with the incredibly fast reciever out of Mommuth Miles Austin. Defensivly, the Cowboys will try to create one on ones for Demarcus Ware and try to stuff the vaunted Giants rushing attack.
Who Wins
When I first looked at the schedule, I immediatly thought we would lose this game. Throughout training camp I thought the same thing. However, after I saw what we did to Washington last week, I feel like we are going to pound the Cowboys in the mouth. The problem is no Chris Canty, and no Aaron Ross, which hurts, but thats not like no Cory Webster and no Justin Tuck. I can definatly see the Giants coming out flat, no pass rush, no running game and get destroyed. But, I feel like that was more of the old Giants team. This is a new guard, and I think they will prove that they are the best team in the NFC.
Giants 27 Cowboys 20
-Lew
What Is On the Line
The Giants open up the "Jerry Jones Half-Dome" today which cost $1.2 Billion to construct. It is full of bells and whistle and of course that HUUUUUGE screen. The Cowboys come into this game 1-0 off of a dominating win over the Bucs. The Giants are also 1-0 in which they dominated the Redskins. For the Giants, opening up 2-0 in the NFC east would be a very, very good start and would already be in prime position in the conference after only two weeks.
Who to Watch For
Watch for Tony Romo's ankle. Reports have surfaced that his ankle is really bothering him though he will play through it. This is good news for the Giants though as Romo will be limited in his mobility. The Giants should pressure Romo into making poor throws and try to get him to make mistakes. I would be very dissapointed if Romo had time to throw the ball like he did the last time the Giants and the Cowboys met.
Speaking of that last time, the Cowboys won 20-8 on Sunday Night Football with everyone on the team out except for Eli. That was the last game at old Texas Stadium, while today is obviously the first at the new Dome.
The Giants Plan
The Giants plan on running the ball like they always do and mix it up with Jacobs carrying the load and Bradshaw coming in as the shifty back. Look for a lot of the same type of plan the Giants ran last week vs Washington. They will run a lot of swing passes, short throws to Boss, and maybe some over the middle medium throws to Manningham/Hixon/Smith. I dont see the Giants throwing deep at all in this game like they did in the opener in 2007. Defensivly, look for a lot of blitzes and pressure on Romo, and beware of the deep ball Dallas is going to throw today.
The Cowboys Plan
As I just mentioned, they are going to pass, pass, and pass. Jason Garrett is smarter than the Redskins staff was and he is going to play against the Giants weakness, which right now is the Secondary. Look for Garett to throw some elaborate offensive schemes at the Giants, and call for Romo to throw a lot of deep balls to Williams or Crayton. Also, look for Romo to try to go vertical with the incredibly fast reciever out of Mommuth Miles Austin. Defensivly, the Cowboys will try to create one on ones for Demarcus Ware and try to stuff the vaunted Giants rushing attack.
Who Wins
When I first looked at the schedule, I immediatly thought we would lose this game. Throughout training camp I thought the same thing. However, after I saw what we did to Washington last week, I feel like we are going to pound the Cowboys in the mouth. The problem is no Chris Canty, and no Aaron Ross, which hurts, but thats not like no Cory Webster and no Justin Tuck. I can definatly see the Giants coming out flat, no pass rush, no running game and get destroyed. But, I feel like that was more of the old Giants team. This is a new guard, and I think they will prove that they are the best team in the NFC.
Giants 27 Cowboys 20
-Lew
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