Apologies for the last couple of days...Thanksgiving combined with moving have made it harder to post. I recognize also that I need to make picks again. So...here we go. Quick but sweet...bold team is the winner.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
Miami at Buffalo
Cleveland at Cincinnati
Seattle at St. Louis
Carolina at NY Jets
Washington at Philadelphia
Indianapolis at Houston
Kansas City at San Diego
Jacksonville at San Francisco
Chicago at Minnesota
Arizona at Tennessee
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
New England at New Orleans
And to be honest about the other games, had I picked them, I would have wound up 2-1 on the day. I would have picked the Giants.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
It's Crazy
I don't know what happened...
I woke up this morning, showered, dressed and left the house with no sweater or jacket.
It was 44 degrees out.
This Cali kid a few months ago would have never done that. Ok, well that's not completely true...I might have. But I would have lamented the cold for sure. Today, not so much.
I know it's just the tip of the iceberg, what if...I've already assimilated?
Cwazy thought.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Unknown
If I had the answers to many of life's (in particular, my own) questions, things would be much easier, obviously.
I would already know just why God wants me in Chicago.
I would know just what He wants for my life.
I would be able to sell my services out to everyone because we all have those questions.
But if I did have all the answers, nothing would be unknown. I'd be more likely to take the little things for granted because I know the end result. A few of my friend have run marathons recently and during their trainings, they take things slowly. They don't just go out and run a full marathon, they start little and work their way to the end result. Life needs to be like that.
We need to work and trust that the end result will be what we think it can be. I need to do that...and work for the glory of the Lord.
It would be nice to know, but then there'd be no surprise.
I love surprises.
I would already know just why God wants me in Chicago.
I would know just what He wants for my life.
I would be able to sell my services out to everyone because we all have those questions.
But if I did have all the answers, nothing would be unknown. I'd be more likely to take the little things for granted because I know the end result. A few of my friend have run marathons recently and during their trainings, they take things slowly. They don't just go out and run a full marathon, they start little and work their way to the end result. Life needs to be like that.
We need to work and trust that the end result will be what we think it can be. I need to do that...and work for the glory of the Lord.
It would be nice to know, but then there'd be no surprise.
I love surprises.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
In It To Win It
Chances are, when she won the 2008 World Junior Championships race some 13 months ago, South African runner Caster Semenya didn't think she was trying to fool anyone. She entered as a woman because that's what she is.
But following the 2009 World Championships in Berlin in early August, the 18-year-old's gender was called into question after she shattered her previous personal record for the second time in two races, flexing her protruding biceps in celebration.
That's where it got interesting for the young woman with the rippling abs and innocent smile, who was so affected by the scrutiny she was receiving, she couldn't take her college finals. A rumor came out that she had both male and female sex organs. She was asked to take more gender tests.
So many people cared about what she was, not so much about who she was.
"She is my little girl," her father Jacob Semenya told a Sowetan newspaper as speculation mounted. "I raised her and I have never doubted her gender. She is a woman and I can repeat that a million times."
I can't imagine what it would be to have a daughter whose very gender is questioned, but I know how vehemently I would defend it.
On Thursday, it was announced that the International Association of Athletics Federations would allow her to keep her medal and prize money. No word yet on whether or not she'll still be allowed to compete with women. The South African sports ministry also said they would not release the findings of her gender test.
"Whatever scientific tests were conducted legally within the IAAF regulations will be treated as a confidential matter between patient and doctor," it said. "As such there will be no public announcement of what the panel of scientists has found. We urge all South Africans and other people to respect this professional ethical and moral way of doing things."
Whatever the results, she shouldn't be made some public spectacle or cheater. She didn't cheat. She played within the rules her body allowed her, whatever that may mean.
No matter what they say, those results don't change the fact that she's a human being just like the rest of us. And that's more important than any race she could ever win or the results of any test.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Mini Pick - Week 11
Another week, another Thursday game to catch people off guard. It'd be nice to bounce back from my 8-6 effort last week and there's no better time than the present!
Miami at Carolina: I'm not sure why some analysts are so fired up about the Panthers now that they've won a couple of games. They're still 4-5 and, to me, are just as good as their record indicates. They'll finish either 8-8 or 7-9. Good, just not good enough. The Dolphins are supposed to be better than they are defensively and more limited offensively than they appear to be. They took a big hit losing Ronnie Brown for the rest of the year, but they should be OK with the rejuvenated Ricky Williams taking over the lead role. At least this week...and against the Panthers and interception waiting to happen, Mr. Jacob Delhomme.
Dolphins, 24-17
Miami at Carolina: I'm not sure why some analysts are so fired up about the Panthers now that they've won a couple of games. They're still 4-5 and, to me, are just as good as their record indicates. They'll finish either 8-8 or 7-9. Good, just not good enough. The Dolphins are supposed to be better than they are defensively and more limited offensively than they appear to be. They took a big hit losing Ronnie Brown for the rest of the year, but they should be OK with the rejuvenated Ricky Williams taking over the lead role. At least this week...and against the Panthers and interception waiting to happen, Mr. Jacob Delhomme.
Dolphins, 24-17
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Week 10 Picks
Fresh off my fairly mediocre first week of picking, I'm confident this week will be better for me, despite some pretty tough games on the schedule. I've already gotten one in the books, so hopefully 14 more follow.
New Orleans at St. Louis: Could we see the first game in NFL history where one offense plays for both teams? That's the only way that the Rams could possibly win this game. That offense is sooo, so bad. If only Steven Jackson could clone himself.
Saints, 38-10
Tampa Bay at Miami: Coming off their first win of the season, the Bucs take on the Dolphins and that Wildcat offense. Tampa has the No. 30 rushing defense in the league and Miami's strength is running the ball. What could we see? Is 300 yards too much to ask? We'll see.
Dolphins, 27-13
Detroit at Minnesota: Let me just say that this is my survivor pick this week. I just don't see any way the Vikings lose. They're fresh off the bye. They have AP. They have some old dude at QB. They're tough at home. Detroit is better, but it still sucks. Writing's on the wall.
Vikings, 31-10
Jacksonville at NY Jets: I've seen some people make this their "upset special" in favor of the Jaguars and I can understand why. Ever since that quick start, the Jets have been underwhelming, losing four of their last five games. Coming off the bye, though, they should have righted the ship and have a good game against a tougher-than-their-record Jags team.
Jets, 16-14
Buffalo at Tennessee: The Vince Young Revival Tour returns home to face a Buffalo team that plays hard on defense, but can't figure things out on offense. I don't think the first two games with non-schitz VY were a fluke. I think it continues and the Titans take another step toward erasing that dreadful start.
Titans, 24-17
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: One of the first big, big games of the week. I wish it was the Monday night game. Anything but seeing the Browns. As it stands, this game will go a very long way toward determining who wins the AFC North, especially if the Bengals win. The Steelers have just been laying in the weeds, beating team after team and seem to be firing on all cylinders. Cincinnati still has people wondering if they're for real, even after all the people they've beaten. Unfortunately for them, I think they'll still have to answer those questions after this game.
Steelers, 24-20
Denver at Washington: In my survivor picking, I've adhered to one policy: stay as far away from the Redskins as possible. They're impossible to select with confidence. The Broncos, on the other hand, are just...well, they're not as good as their record and until they realize that they have one of the most explosive players in the league on their roster, then they'll remain that way. The will, however, get a win.
Broncos, 28-14
Atlanta at Carolina: Whether or not DeAngelo Williams plays will factor greatly into this one. Atlanta is better than its record and if Williams doesn't play, it might be tough for them to control the clock, which is necessary when you have Jake Delhomme as your quarterback. If he does, it still might be a long day.
Falcons, 31-21
Kansas City at Oakland: All of one team's strengths are the other one's weaknesses. Who knows what happens. I'm a reformed Raiders fan, so I may have some pent up aggression towards Al Davis in this pick. They're both in turmoil, they both have holes everywhere. I don't know who to pick, honestly, but since the Raiders are home, I'll go with them.
Raiders, 17-10
Seattle at Arizona: The Cardinals are terrible at home. The Seahawks are terrible on the road. Who knows what will happen in this one. Last week's win against the Bears should propel Arizona to the win.
Cardinals, 23-20
Dallas at Green Bay: The Packers' loss last week to the Bucs was the nail in their coffin. They'll win more games, but emotionally, that game was tough to take. It won't get any better for them this week against a Cowboys team that realizes just how good it is. Dallas' pass rush will make it a long day for Rodgers, getting to him early and often.
Cowboys, 31-24
Philadelphia at San Diego: This could be a great one, with two offenses that can score from anywhere on the field. The Eagles always lose some tough ones and people count them out and then they win and win and win some more. This could be the beginning of their late-season run they always seem to make.
Eagles, 35-27
New England at Indianapolis: The other HUGE game of the week. I could probably write a full blog about this one on its own, but I'll keep it short and sweet. The Colts have plenty of issues, more than the Patriots, actually. But they also have Peyton Manning, who has made a career of making up for Indy's deficiencies. Nothing seems to affect him, be it poor defense over the years or lack of proven receivers outside of Reggie Wayne this year. New England is hitting its stride, and Tom Brady seems to have forgotten about his bionic knee. It'll be as good as advertised, that's for sure, with it coming down to a late-game drive by Peyton to decide it one way or another.
Colts, 24-21
Baltimore at Cleveland: Ugh. I refuse to waste finger-typing calories on the Browns. Ray Lewis will destroy Brady Quinn and laugh about it. Ravens win.
Ravens, 30-12
New Orleans at St. Louis: Could we see the first game in NFL history where one offense plays for both teams? That's the only way that the Rams could possibly win this game. That offense is sooo, so bad. If only Steven Jackson could clone himself.
Saints, 38-10
Tampa Bay at Miami: Coming off their first win of the season, the Bucs take on the Dolphins and that Wildcat offense. Tampa has the No. 30 rushing defense in the league and Miami's strength is running the ball. What could we see? Is 300 yards too much to ask? We'll see.
Dolphins, 27-13
Detroit at Minnesota: Let me just say that this is my survivor pick this week. I just don't see any way the Vikings lose. They're fresh off the bye. They have AP. They have some old dude at QB. They're tough at home. Detroit is better, but it still sucks. Writing's on the wall.
Vikings, 31-10
Jacksonville at NY Jets: I've seen some people make this their "upset special" in favor of the Jaguars and I can understand why. Ever since that quick start, the Jets have been underwhelming, losing four of their last five games. Coming off the bye, though, they should have righted the ship and have a good game against a tougher-than-their-record Jags team.
Jets, 16-14
Buffalo at Tennessee: The Vince Young Revival Tour returns home to face a Buffalo team that plays hard on defense, but can't figure things out on offense. I don't think the first two games with non-schitz VY were a fluke. I think it continues and the Titans take another step toward erasing that dreadful start.
Titans, 24-17
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: One of the first big, big games of the week. I wish it was the Monday night game. Anything but seeing the Browns. As it stands, this game will go a very long way toward determining who wins the AFC North, especially if the Bengals win. The Steelers have just been laying in the weeds, beating team after team and seem to be firing on all cylinders. Cincinnati still has people wondering if they're for real, even after all the people they've beaten. Unfortunately for them, I think they'll still have to answer those questions after this game.
Steelers, 24-20
Denver at Washington: In my survivor picking, I've adhered to one policy: stay as far away from the Redskins as possible. They're impossible to select with confidence. The Broncos, on the other hand, are just...well, they're not as good as their record and until they realize that they have one of the most explosive players in the league on their roster, then they'll remain that way. The will, however, get a win.
Broncos, 28-14
Atlanta at Carolina: Whether or not DeAngelo Williams plays will factor greatly into this one. Atlanta is better than its record and if Williams doesn't play, it might be tough for them to control the clock, which is necessary when you have Jake Delhomme as your quarterback. If he does, it still might be a long day.
Falcons, 31-21
Kansas City at Oakland: All of one team's strengths are the other one's weaknesses. Who knows what happens. I'm a reformed Raiders fan, so I may have some pent up aggression towards Al Davis in this pick. They're both in turmoil, they both have holes everywhere. I don't know who to pick, honestly, but since the Raiders are home, I'll go with them.
Raiders, 17-10
Seattle at Arizona: The Cardinals are terrible at home. The Seahawks are terrible on the road. Who knows what will happen in this one. Last week's win against the Bears should propel Arizona to the win.
Cardinals, 23-20
Dallas at Green Bay: The Packers' loss last week to the Bucs was the nail in their coffin. They'll win more games, but emotionally, that game was tough to take. It won't get any better for them this week against a Cowboys team that realizes just how good it is. Dallas' pass rush will make it a long day for Rodgers, getting to him early and often.
Cowboys, 31-24
Philadelphia at San Diego: This could be a great one, with two offenses that can score from anywhere on the field. The Eagles always lose some tough ones and people count them out and then they win and win and win some more. This could be the beginning of their late-season run they always seem to make.
Eagles, 35-27
New England at Indianapolis: The other HUGE game of the week. I could probably write a full blog about this one on its own, but I'll keep it short and sweet. The Colts have plenty of issues, more than the Patriots, actually. But they also have Peyton Manning, who has made a career of making up for Indy's deficiencies. Nothing seems to affect him, be it poor defense over the years or lack of proven receivers outside of Reggie Wayne this year. New England is hitting its stride, and Tom Brady seems to have forgotten about his bionic knee. It'll be as good as advertised, that's for sure, with it coming down to a late-game drive by Peyton to decide it one way or another.
Colts, 24-21
Baltimore at Cleveland: Ugh. I refuse to waste finger-typing calories on the Browns. Ray Lewis will destroy Brady Quinn and laugh about it. Ravens win.
Ravens, 30-12
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Mini Pick
Ok, so I'm not prepared to summarize the entire week's slate of games, but I'll be able to before the end of the week. But since there's a game tomorrow, I'll make sure to pick that one here right quick...
Bears at 49ers: Kind of ironic that the first Thursday night game, which will give both teams only three days to prepare for each other, is a game between two teams that desperately need to win if they're to find a way into the playoffs. I knew I should have picked against the Bears last week even though they'd won the week before because they are probably the most inconsistent team in the league right now. Given how consistently inconsistent they are, I should pick them to win this game on the road against a team more physical than them. It only makes bizarro sense. I almost want to pick them just because of that. Alas, I actually do think the Niners will win. They need it too much and I just can't believe that Mike Singletary won't have his team ready, despite the impossibly short week.
49ers, 27-21
By the way...I went 8-5 last week. I got some bad beats, but on a few (like the Colts) I was almost perfect. Here's to hoping I do better this week!
Bears at 49ers: Kind of ironic that the first Thursday night game, which will give both teams only three days to prepare for each other, is a game between two teams that desperately need to win if they're to find a way into the playoffs. I knew I should have picked against the Bears last week even though they'd won the week before because they are probably the most inconsistent team in the league right now. Given how consistently inconsistent they are, I should pick them to win this game on the road against a team more physical than them. It only makes bizarro sense. I almost want to pick them just because of that. Alas, I actually do think the Niners will win. They need it too much and I just can't believe that Mike Singletary won't have his team ready, despite the impossibly short week.
49ers, 27-21
By the way...I went 8-5 last week. I got some bad beats, but on a few (like the Colts) I was almost perfect. Here's to hoping I do better this week!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
S.O.S.
For many student athletes, the playoffs are the one of the most fun times of their lives.
For me, however, it just means extra work.
Help!
For me, however, it just means extra work.
Help!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Answer Me This
I've heard it said, by people who would know better than me, that Allen Iverson -- all 6-foot, 165 lbs. of him -- is one of the ultimate competitors in the NBA.
For 12 seasons, he has put his body on the line against players taller and wider than himself. Towards the end of last season, after he'd been traded to his third team in three years, the daily beatings took their toll and his back began to act up.
Things aren't as easy when you're playing with teammates who were born in a different decade than you. The paint seems to close up a little quicker when those defenders grew up watching you star at Georgetown or cross up MJ as a rookie.
When you're in your mid-30s in the NBA and were playing with a style predicated on quickness and toughness, things are bound to catch up with you. Kobe Bryant -- who was never the highest leaper or quickest player in the NBA, just the most lethal -- has already realized this, even at age 31, and has begun to make changes to his game. He spent time with center Hakeem Olajuwon during the offseason to help develop his post-up game. He knew that in this league, only the proactive survive.
Iverson seems shocked to be forced to react to his current reality: he's no longer viable as a starter. He may be one of the most competitive players of this era, but when age is your opponent, it's not a matter of winning or losing. It's a matter of minimizing your losses.
He has gone on record as saying he'll never come off the bench. He'd rather retire than be a long-term reserve. After a long offseason, in which many teams were interested in Iverson -- just not enough to sign him for the money for which he was asking -- Allen signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for a one-year deal. Presumably, it would give them a year of bolstered attendance and him a chance to plug in the respirator to his ailing career.
Instead, it may be the end.
The Grizzlies never guaranteed him a starting spot and, sure enough, he started the season on the bench after getting injured during the preseason. Now he's requested to take a leave of absence from the team for "personal reasons." Who knows what's behind those personal reasons. It could be something benign. It could have nothing to do with his immense disappointment in the fact that he's stuck coming off the bench on a team with one win.
For his sake, I hope it has nothing to do with that. But if it is about that, then we may have seen one of the most shocking moments of the season:
The day one of the most competitive men in the NBA quit.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The New Neighborhood
Northside.
About a 10-15 minute walk from Wrigley.
Thank you, Lord.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
I Pick'em
I'm hoping to parlay my accuracy with my survivor picks to every NFL game. I'll keep track during the rest of the season, so we can see just how good (or bad) I am. I'll try to keep these short since there are so many. Alright, there we go:
Redskins at Falcons: Since this is my survivor pick, I'm going to stay with Atlanta. I just don't trust Washington and I don't think any person who isn't a sadist could be a Redskins fan right now. They just...I can't even put into words the frustration that comes with thinking about the Skins. They're talented, but they have zero cohesion. Atlanta is too good to let this team beat them.
Falcons, 35-17
Cardinals at Bears: Living in Chicago, I almost feel compelled to say Bears without even thinking about it. Deeper inspection tells a similar story. The Bears, who are as consistent week to week as a sun dial on a cloudy day, always play better at home. I'm going to give this one to Chicago against the Boldin-less Cards.
Bears, 28-24
Ravens at Bengals: The first matchup this season featured the Bengals winning in thrilling fashion. I don't think this one is as exciting. Baltimore is always tougher the second time around, regardless of where it is. Ray Lewis may not be the player he once was, but he's still good enough to rise to the occassion when his team needs it. Here's saying the Ravens get that win they need to stay in wild-card contention.
Ravens, 21-10
Texans at Colts: This is an interesting little game. If the Texans are ever going to quit being an 8-8 team and finally reach the playoffs, they'll have to start winning games like this, against Indianapolis on the road. Meanwhile the Colts look to stay perfect and do so without Bob Sanders. It's not as easy to pick as you might think. Indy is only getting 4.5 by the linemakers and you automatically get 3 for being at home. I agree.
Colts, 21-17
Dolphins at Patriots: The Pats still remember how Miami ran all over them last year. Belichick doesn't forget; robots are funny like that. I think they'll have a little something cooked up for Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams and that Wildcat offense. New England is beginning to hit its stride at the perfect time with the Colts coming up next week.
Patriots, 31-19
Packers at Buccaneers: Everything points to Green Bay winning this game. It's rookie QB Josh Freeman's first start as a pro, Tampa is just awful this year and the Packers will look to bounce back after the bitter taste of losing to Brett Favre last week. But I just have a feeing...playing at home...in those disgusting creamsicle jerseys...that the Bucs find a way to pull off the upset.
Bucs, 17-14
Chiefs at Jaguars: Ugh...I don't like this game. The only thing worse than having to pick this game is having to watch it. I hope I don't have to. It's probably God's grace that keeps this game blacked out in Jacksonville. Spare them the horror. Let's move on...
Jaguars, 19-10
Lions at Seahawks: The only thing going for the Seahawks at this point is that Matt Hasselbeck isn't hurt right now and that they're playing at home. Since I have Calvin Johnson, I'm going to pick him to get two TDs, especially against that poooooor Seattle pass defense. Alas, it won't be enough.
Seahawks, 21-14
Panthers at Saints: Just when you think they're done, Carolina keeps on kicking. They just...wont...die! Oh, but they will against New Orleans, which has one of the only true homefield advantages left in the NFL. I've never been, and I sure hope to go some day, but I've heard the Superdome is loud, especially when full. Jake Delhomme can only be successful in quiet places when the opposition only has eight guys on the field, none of which are DBs. Saints win going away.
Saints, 34-13
Chargers at Giants: Earlier, Tom Coughlin said this week this game would be a "one-game season." They have to win this week to keep pace in the playoff race. This is a team built for the postseason, not being the third-best in its division. If New York has any moxie left from its Super Bowl team, it'll get the win. San Diego is just as in need of a win, but I don't think it'll matter.
Giants 24-20
Titans at 49ers: Let me just say that I love Mike Singletary. He's very close to reaching the list of "Men I try to model my life after." The only people on that list right now are Tony Dungy, Derek Fisher and my mentor. He's a man of conviction and I believe will be a great coach in this league. I think he gets the Niners get past their recent issues and the Titans, despite Vince Young not wanting to die anymore.
49ers, 24-21
Cowboys at Eagles: This will probably be the best game of this week. I'm truly excited, and not just because I have Donovan McNabb on my fantasy team. The scoring should be plentiful, the excitement should be high and the drama should be right up there with the best games of this year. The Cowboys are back playing well, but there's just something about these Eagles. I have them going to the Super Bowl this year. They need to win these kinds of games for that to happen.
Eagles, 35-31
Steelers at Broncos: I remain unconvinced about Denver and last week's loss to the Ravens only pushed me further to thinking they're a sham. Pittsburgh is always good in those games they have to have and I don't think this will be any different. They will harass and confuse Kyle Orton and Ben Roethlisberger will do more than he needs to to get the road win.
Steelers, 24-14
Redskins at Falcons: Since this is my survivor pick, I'm going to stay with Atlanta. I just don't trust Washington and I don't think any person who isn't a sadist could be a Redskins fan right now. They just...I can't even put into words the frustration that comes with thinking about the Skins. They're talented, but they have zero cohesion. Atlanta is too good to let this team beat them.
Falcons, 35-17
Cardinals at Bears: Living in Chicago, I almost feel compelled to say Bears without even thinking about it. Deeper inspection tells a similar story. The Bears, who are as consistent week to week as a sun dial on a cloudy day, always play better at home. I'm going to give this one to Chicago against the Boldin-less Cards.
Bears, 28-24
Ravens at Bengals: The first matchup this season featured the Bengals winning in thrilling fashion. I don't think this one is as exciting. Baltimore is always tougher the second time around, regardless of where it is. Ray Lewis may not be the player he once was, but he's still good enough to rise to the occassion when his team needs it. Here's saying the Ravens get that win they need to stay in wild-card contention.
Ravens, 21-10
Texans at Colts: This is an interesting little game. If the Texans are ever going to quit being an 8-8 team and finally reach the playoffs, they'll have to start winning games like this, against Indianapolis on the road. Meanwhile the Colts look to stay perfect and do so without Bob Sanders. It's not as easy to pick as you might think. Indy is only getting 4.5 by the linemakers and you automatically get 3 for being at home. I agree.
Colts, 21-17
Dolphins at Patriots: The Pats still remember how Miami ran all over them last year. Belichick doesn't forget; robots are funny like that. I think they'll have a little something cooked up for Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams and that Wildcat offense. New England is beginning to hit its stride at the perfect time with the Colts coming up next week.
Patriots, 31-19
Packers at Buccaneers: Everything points to Green Bay winning this game. It's rookie QB Josh Freeman's first start as a pro, Tampa is just awful this year and the Packers will look to bounce back after the bitter taste of losing to Brett Favre last week. But I just have a feeing...playing at home...in those disgusting creamsicle jerseys...that the Bucs find a way to pull off the upset.
Bucs, 17-14
Chiefs at Jaguars: Ugh...I don't like this game. The only thing worse than having to pick this game is having to watch it. I hope I don't have to. It's probably God's grace that keeps this game blacked out in Jacksonville. Spare them the horror. Let's move on...
Jaguars, 19-10
Lions at Seahawks: The only thing going for the Seahawks at this point is that Matt Hasselbeck isn't hurt right now and that they're playing at home. Since I have Calvin Johnson, I'm going to pick him to get two TDs, especially against that poooooor Seattle pass defense. Alas, it won't be enough.
Seahawks, 21-14
Panthers at Saints: Just when you think they're done, Carolina keeps on kicking. They just...wont...die! Oh, but they will against New Orleans, which has one of the only true homefield advantages left in the NFL. I've never been, and I sure hope to go some day, but I've heard the Superdome is loud, especially when full. Jake Delhomme can only be successful in quiet places when the opposition only has eight guys on the field, none of which are DBs. Saints win going away.
Saints, 34-13
Chargers at Giants: Earlier, Tom Coughlin said this week this game would be a "one-game season." They have to win this week to keep pace in the playoff race. This is a team built for the postseason, not being the third-best in its division. If New York has any moxie left from its Super Bowl team, it'll get the win. San Diego is just as in need of a win, but I don't think it'll matter.
Giants 24-20
Titans at 49ers: Let me just say that I love Mike Singletary. He's very close to reaching the list of "Men I try to model my life after." The only people on that list right now are Tony Dungy, Derek Fisher and my mentor. He's a man of conviction and I believe will be a great coach in this league. I think he gets the Niners get past their recent issues and the Titans, despite Vince Young not wanting to die anymore.
49ers, 24-21
Cowboys at Eagles: This will probably be the best game of this week. I'm truly excited, and not just because I have Donovan McNabb on my fantasy team. The scoring should be plentiful, the excitement should be high and the drama should be right up there with the best games of this year. The Cowboys are back playing well, but there's just something about these Eagles. I have them going to the Super Bowl this year. They need to win these kinds of games for that to happen.
Eagles, 35-31
Steelers at Broncos: I remain unconvinced about Denver and last week's loss to the Ravens only pushed me further to thinking they're a sham. Pittsburgh is always good in those games they have to have and I don't think this will be any different. They will harass and confuse Kyle Orton and Ben Roethlisberger will do more than he needs to to get the road win.
Steelers, 24-14
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
I'm a Survivor
At work, we've got a little survivor pool for the football season. For
anyone who doesn't know how it works, basically, every person who
entered the pool at the beginning of the season picks a team to win
that week. If their team loses, they're out. If they win, they live to
pick another week, but can never use that team again.
anyone who doesn't know how it works, basically, every person who
entered the pool at the beginning of the season picks a team to win
that week. If their team loses, they're out. If they win, they live to
pick another week, but can never use that team again.
I'd like to think I'm pretty knowledgable when it comes to the NFL
(and just football in general) so picking has been pretty easy for
me...so much so that I'm going to start picking games on here every
week. I'm not sure which day between tomorrow and Saturday, I'll
figure it out soon.
As far as the one at work is concerned, I'm still very much alive with
plenty of good teams from which I can still choose. It's fun, it's
(becoming more) challenging and, well, let's just say I hope I win.
I like my chances.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
No Excuses
I've been grossly negligent.
It's been about a week since I've posted and, while there are plenty of reasons for that absence, the could also probably be seen in some way as excuses. I used to make some for myself, but I'm trying to get away from that, take ownership of the reasons why things are the way they are and then correct that symptom.
So...no excuses. I'll try to be better, no matter how long that means I've got to stay up or write. I committed to this, so I've got to see it through. I've also got to make these more substantive....I realize sometimes I just don't talk about much of anything. I'll correct that one as well.
That said, here are some thoughts from today:
Thanks to my (not so new) job, I've made some friends, one of which happens to be Web designer, so be on the look out for seanmoses.com. It should be coming some time in the near future. Well, at least the future. haha.
It's been about a week since I've posted and, while there are plenty of reasons for that absence, the could also probably be seen in some way as excuses. I used to make some for myself, but I'm trying to get away from that, take ownership of the reasons why things are the way they are and then correct that symptom.
So...no excuses. I'll try to be better, no matter how long that means I've got to stay up or write. I committed to this, so I've got to see it through. I've also got to make these more substantive....I realize sometimes I just don't talk about much of anything. I'll correct that one as well.
That said, here are some thoughts from today:
- I kind of want to see that James Cameron movie, Avatar.
- I'm totally excited to be moving into the city. More on that later.
- As much as I love it, I'm glad baseball is over. Once the Dodgers lost, I lost all focus there.
- Totally thankful Holly is OK.
- When is Pau Gasol coming back? Ugh.
Thanks to my (not so new) job, I've made some friends, one of which happens to be Web designer, so be on the look out for seanmoses.com. It should be coming some time in the near future. Well, at least the future. haha.
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