Every Monday, our very own DLamp will be taking a look at what just happened the day before in the NFL, and looking ahead to the Monday night game(s).
Just three weeks left in this glory we call the NFL regular season, and things are starting to wrap up nicely. Some teams are securing their places at the ‘big boys table’ that is the postseason, and some of us fans are having our hopes dashed against the rocks as our fantasy teams crap out on us at the worst possible time. But as far as real football is concerned, we know a few things for certain:
1) The Giants, Cardinals, and Titans will all be in the running for the Lombardi. The Steelers, Ravens, Colts, Broncos, and two teams from the NFC South are probably going to join them.
2) The Lions probably won’t be invited to the party.
That leaves just a precious few playoff slots unfilled, which means these next few weeks will have a few very exciting, meaningful games sprinkled in amongst the crap. Here’s to flex scheduling, and networks being smart enough to cut away from a boring ass Chicago/Jacksonville game in the third quarter.
What happened to the Giants this week?
Nothing spectacular, just the odds catching up with them. Look, I never believed that the Giants were unbeatable, but many were painting them with such a brush. But eventually you had to know that they would play in a weird game (3 blocked kicks?!?!) and the ball just wouldn’t bounce in their direction. And to me, that just illustrates a very scary thing about the NFL: one bad game can ruin your season. Come playoffs, if your squad just happens to have a bad day, you are going to lose. There is no best of 5 or best of 7 like in MLB and the NBA to help balance out good nights and bad nights. It’s be on your game every Sunday for a couple months or go home. Just ask the 2007 Patriots…
When did Kansas City become competitive?
About the same time Tyler Thigpen took over under center. I don’t know why, but this kid that no one has heard of has seemingly energized this team. Or maybe he sapped all hope from them so they started playing loose and having fun and that has led to better results. Either way, the Chiefs have been better with him than without. Before he took over, the Chiefs were terrible (outside of their upset win over Denver) and got outscored 131-65. Since he took over (a span of 8 starts) he has posted a passer rating of 81.3 while completing 57% of his passes for 13 TDs against 7 INTs and the Chiefs have only been outscored 233-168. If this guy isn’t in the discussion to be the starter in ’09 then Herm Edwards is, well, Herm Edwards.
Is Brees done, as far as the record is concerned?
Probably. I went more in depth into this last week, but by only throwing for 230 yds this week Brees now needs to throw for 328 (on average) in each of his next three games. With Chicago and Carolina being two of those teams, I just don’t think it’s going to happen. Although Detroit is the third, and who knows how many he is capable of dropping on that laugh factory.
When is the right time to call off the dogs?
There is no definite answer, but here is the spectrum that you should be between: Indy up 28-3 on Cincy at the start of the 4th = go ahead and pull Pey-Pey out of there. Dallas up on Pitt 13-3 at the start of the 4th? Maybe we should go ahead and close this game out, ‘Boys. If Tony Romo keeps this up, he’ll never live down the A-Rod comparisons, no matter how unjustified (for A-Rod, not Romo).
Why isn’t anyone scared of the Cardinals?
Well, I mean, who’s going to be scared of a freakin’ bird?! And not even a bird with lasers on his head! I think people are just assuming that the Cards are soft and will fold under the pressure/cold weather of the playoffs. But put yourself in an NFL team’s shoes: do you really want to travel to play a team that could drop 40+ points on you like *that*? I wouldn’t either.
Fantasy Question of the Week
Schaub to victory?
No. Although, if you’re like me and left Schaub on your bench and it cost you your playoff game, you’d probably call me crazy. Schaub put up some pretty good numbers before injuries starting slowing him down. And this week, his first week back, he put up really nice numbers (414 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT). But look at the upcoming schedule: Tennessee, @ Oakland, Chicago. Those are not friends passing D’s. Again, as I said last week, don’t try to out-think yourself in the playoffs (right, Westbrook owners?)
Un-Perfect Season Watch ‘08!
Still un-un-beaten: Detroit
Monday Night Sneak (Preview) Attack
TB @ Car - Lot riding on this game. Not only do I need DeAngelo Williams to get less than 11 points for me to remain in any of my fantasy leagues, but I hear there’s also something regarding real-life playoffs going on. Whatever, GO BUCS D!!!!!
2008 Sneak Attack record: 8-6