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).
I don’t look like an athlete.
And I’m not talking about the fact that I’m all of 6′ 160 lbs soaking wet. I mean my facial features do not resemble the facial features of any professional athletes.
While at the gym on Sunday (hey, these 160 lbs aren’t going to create themselves!) I was wearing my TJ Houshmanzadeh Bengals jersey. As I’m doing bicep curls (you got your tickets for the gun show?!) this guy comes over, looks at THE FRONT of my jersey and says, “Oh, Housh, I thought it was Ochocinco. You know, people tell me I look like him all the time!”
Okay, 1. You didn’t need to look at the front of my jersey to confirm that. The name on the back probably could have clued you in and 2. Holy crap! You do look like Ochocinco!
I was instantly so jealous. This guy could probably get free drinks out of this genetic phenomenon. Damnit! I immediately cursed my parents for not enabling me to pretend to be Clayton Kershaw at local bars. You are literally taking free drinks out of my mouth, parents!
Alright, onto the games…
Can either undefeated run the table?
I say no. The Saints have the easier schedule (@ StL, @ TB, NE, @ Was, @ Atl, Dal, TB, @ Car) and there are still three or four really tough games on that schedule. After watching them struggle to stop Carolina’s run game this week, and having watched them struggle to stop the Dolphins in the ground, other teams are going to use that for a blueprint for taking down the Saints. The Colts probably should have lost this past week, but lucked out (you need a lot of luck to go 16-0 in the NFL) but I just don’t see it happening. With Sanders out for the year, they are going to struggle to stop the run and their remaining slate of games (NE, @ Bal, @ Hou, Ten, Den, @ Jax, NYJ, @ Buf) is no cakewalk.
What happened to the Giants?
That’s four losses in a row for the G-Men, after looking dominant to open the season. I think the drop off is due to two reasons: 1) Their secondary is terrible. 2) There is a significant letdown after you lose that first game. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like I see it happen all the time. “Oh, we’re not undefeated anymore? Then I’ll take it easy to save energy for the marathon that is the entire season…” and then you lose a few games you probably shouldn’t. Coughlin needs to whip these guys into shape, and get them refocused before they are mere afterthoughts in the NFC East.
Who is currently the worst team in the league?
There will be no 0-16 this season, as the Bucs won their first game yesterday (I’m still reeling from that upset). If I had to rank the bottom of the barrell right now, it’d probably look something like this:
32. Browns – no playmakers on either side, and starting to lose belief in team/coach.
31. Bucs – I know they are high off that impressive win, but this team is not good.
30. Rams – Get ranked ahead of the Bucs because they have Steven Jackson.
29. Chiefs – You lost to the Raiders? Yikes…
28. Redskins – Losing Portis is bad. Then again, these guys should be used to losing…
27. Lions – Some potential for the future, but still bad right now.
Wait, Dallas is in first place?!
Apparently. First, New York looked like they were giong to run away with it. Then Philly looked liket he dominant team. Now, it’s Dallas’ time to shine. Romo has shaken off some early poor starts to be a very good QB the last few weeks, and now that their running backs are healthy, they are able to mix the rush and the pass very well. Oh, and they found a little guy by the name of Miles Austin who can actually play like a ture #1 receiver. Perhaps you’ve heard of him? The secondary still has some holes in it, but it’s clear that Dallas will probably have a chance to put those “Tony Romo can’t with the big game” claims to rest.
Who are the current Wild Card teams?
If the season ended today (sorry for the cliche) we would be looking at the Steelers and the Chargers representing the AFC, and the Falcons and the Eagles representing the NFC. Those are some scary teams that someone is going to have to host in round 1.
Fantasy Question of the Week
How crucial is the QB/WR handcuff?
I have the QB/WR combo in two leagues (McNabb/Jackson in one and Brees/Colston in another) and it’s feast or famine. It is great when they connect, because you’re essentially getting double the points for one play. But if they have a subpar game (like both pairings did this weekend) you suffer double as well. Next year, when I draft, I will definitely keep an eye on it (it’s kind of cool) but won’t reach for a player to make sure it happens.
Un-Perfect Season Watch ‘09!
Each week we will hilight the lowliest of the NFL landscape. Why? Because it’s fun to laugh and point at other people’s misfortune.
Un-unbeaten teams: Tampa Bay Bucs All teams have won at least one game. Boo!
Bottom of the barrel (teams that failed to score an offensive TD in the past week): Cleveland Browns Everyone who played scored an offensive TD. Double boo!
Race for the #1 pick: If the 2010 draft was held today, here is how the top 10 would be layed out:
1a. Chiefs
1b. Browns
1c. Lions
1d. Bucs
1e. Rams
6a. Raiders
6b. Titans
6c. Redskins
9-10. 5 teams tied with 3 wins
Monday Night Sneak (Preview) Attack
Pitt @ Den – Denver lost it’s first game last week to Baltimore, and lot pretty soundly. I expect them to still be a little hungover from that loss (see my thoughts above) and drop another one tonight to a Pittsburgh team who has looked very good the last couple of weeks.
2009 Sneak attack record: 8-1