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thoughts and observations |
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WEEK FOUR REVIEW
Another week goes by, and a team that keeps impressing me is the Cleveland Browns. While I really felt the Chargers blew some opportunities, the Browns can take some credit. Considering the defense is still without their top Brown, Courtney, things will improve when he returns, and this should be a solid unit for the next few years. But even more than all that, Tim Couch has taken charge of the offense, and this side really continues to improve. I would still like to see what Benjamin Gay could do in that backfield, but you cannot discount James Jackson, who is coming on as well. When WR Dennis Northcutt is healthy, it should help the offense more. I believe Northcutt is the reason the Browns are willing to trade Kevin Johnson.
I think you can stick a fork in the Vikings. They're done. I really feel for the Vikings fans, because things should be better, but I couldn't help but laugh at Cris Carter pitching a fit after he fumbled the ball going into the endzone. For someone who tries to portray himself as the ultimate class player, I think we know all to well now that Carter is a hypocrite, self serving player.
And while I'm on the Vikings, here's another thought. Many coaches are brilliant. Dennis Green is one. However, at some point, sooner or later, each coach loses his players interest. Players have seen it all before, and there is nothing new the coach brings to the table. I think Dennis Green is at that point with the Vikings. It doesn't make him a bad coach now. It's just a change of scenery would do him a world of good. And probably the Vikings, too.
A team I will continue to keep an eye on is the 49ers. How good are they? The will likely lose two to the Rams (they have already lost one, and the next is at St. Louis), but can they match up with the Saints? Sure, they haven't really beaten anyone, but they don't have a lot of somebodys on their schedule. Watch closely, because the Vikings are down, and if they can win a couple big ones, they could be around in the wild card chase.
A look around...
Sans Chandler
While Michael Vick played admirably being pushed into early action for a whole game, he was far from being ready. I guess by admirably I mean he was no Quincy Carter (see below). Still, for someone that mobile he sure was hit a lot. So, Falcons fans can clamor for Vick all they want, but their team's best chance of winning is still with the frail Chris Chandler, who moves this team from sub-par to above average all by himself. Too bad he's made of origami.
More of The Bucs Offense.
I don't even know if I can write about this anymore. I hope the people who wrote me saying I was wrong about Brad Johnson being overrated can now see the light. The Bucs would have trouble moving the ball against the Sooners.
Dilfer, Dilfer, He's Our Man
Dilfer can't do this, and can't do that, but he can win. Just think of how the Seattle crowd will react when Matt Hasselback throws his next interception. I still think it's ironic that the Bucs didn't want him anymore. Tampa should put up a bronze bust of him now, because he could be the best of his position that ever played for that team.
Hey, Quincy, Stay Down!
You have to figure that is what the Cowboys' veteran players are saying. With Anthony Wright in, the Cowboys have a chance to win games. With Carter in, it will take three more full seasons before Emmitt Smith breaks the career rushing mark...if he can. You would think that even Jerry Jones could figure out that instead of seeing if the team had a future in Carter, they would see if they have a future in Wright.
A New York State of Offense
Okay, all you fantasy people need to pay close attention to December 30, the rematch between the Jets and Bills. That's when it will be safe to play all your players from those teams. Just remember, don't start any of them before or after that date. With the exception of Curtis Martin.
Zona This
How is it that the Cardinals can beat the Eagles but they fold so often elsewhere? Or vice-versa for the Eagles? What's really bad about it is this match-up gives the Cardinals fans hope that Jake Plummer can play quarterback, and then the following Sunday reality sets in.
That Toddlin Town
The Bears can play football. Both offensively and defensively. We knew the defense could play, but Jim Miller really changes the look of this offense. Of course Miller isn't the only one. WR Marty Booker may be the second-best quarterback on the team. Booker is having a breakout year, and will continue to make plays. He won't throw the ball every week, but he can make plays receiving and running too. The team really has enough in place that they could make some noise in the division.
Toe The Line, Shoulder the Load
Say it however you want, but the Titans are in trouble. Did you ever think you would have to mention the Titans in the same breath as the Cowboys, Redskins, Detroit and Buffalo? Like it or not, you do. I'm sure they'll break the slump, and could still end up .500 or better, but don't bet on it. They just don't have the offense now that Eddie George is going nowhere.
MIKE LIKES
Week Five (Bye: Buffalo, Jacksonville, Philadelphia):
Arizona at Chicago (-7)
Coming off a big upset, the Cardinals would need everthing to go their way again to beat the Bears. Won't happen.
Pick: Bears
Baltimore at Green Bay (Even)
An intriguing match-up and a game to watch. Lambeau Field is the big advantage here.
Pick: Packers
Cleveland at Cincinnati (-2.5)
Battle of Ohio may finally be one. You have to go with the hot hand in this one.
Pick: Browns
Detroit at Minnesota (No line yet)
The futility bowl. Actually, one of several this year. As screwed up as the Vikings are, they still have the talent edge.
Pick: Vikings
New Orleans (-4.5) at Carolina
I see this one being tougher than it looks on paper. That doesn't mean there will be an upset.
Pick: Saints
N.Y. Giants at St. Louis (No line yet)
The Giants never play the Rams well in New York, so they will really struggle in St. Louis.
Pick: Rams
Pittsburgh at Kansas City (-2.5)
Neither team has stepped it up, but the Steelers find ways to win without being dynamic. It's in KC though.
Pick: Chiefs
San Diego (-3.5) at New England
I think there could be a scare here, and a possible upset, but maybe it was just my lunch.
Pick: Chargers
San Francisco at Atlanta (No line yet)
If Chandler plays, the Falcons have a chance. If not, the 49ers are too much.
Pick: 49ers.
Tampa Bay at Tennessee (-2.5)
Finally, a defensive match-up with no shot at offensive heroics. I now have my nap time set for Sunday.
Pick: Bucs
Denver (-7) at Seattle
The Broncos are not putting up the points they were, and the Seahawks looked improved. No, I can't do it.
Pick: Broncos
Miami (-3) at N.Y. Jets
Let's see, the Jets are 0-2 at home, and 2-0 on the road. This home game will be better, but same outcome.
Pick: Dolphins
Oakland at Indianapolis (-3.5)
Colts blew the game in the forth quarter last year. Will try to pour it on through the game...and will.
Pick: Colts
Washington at Dallas (-2.5)
Does anyone really care? Okay, from top to bottom the Cowboys are better...unless Quincy plays.
Pick: Cowboys
Moving on...
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THINGS I KNOW:
The difference between Jerry Jones and Mike Brown is three Vince Lombardi trophies...and Jimmy Johnson.
The Jaguars are not as good as their first two games.
In a chessmatch, Daniel Snyder and Jerry Jones would have to play by checkers rules.
The Jets and Bills couldn't score that well on anyone else even in a basketball game.
The Dolphins are more than glad to have another game under their belts.
THINGS I CAN PREDICT:
Bruce Smith's shoulder injury is career ending. But doesn't need to be.
The Browns and Chargers will meet again in the wild card round.
Vikings trainers will start bringing boxes of tissues to games for their receivers.
Daniel Snyder will soon go the way of Victor Kiam in NFL lore.
The Cardinals will propose an offer to opponents that includes spotting the other team seven points, but starting the game with the fourth quarter.
Mike owns and publishes SkillPositions.Com, along with a big, expensive, and talented staff. Don't use this work without permission in writing. Mike has been known as the world's only living heart donor. He also thinks morals are paintings on walls, and scruples are money in Russia.
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