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The Armchair Quarterback

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 NFL Picks: Week 4
 

I'm looking forward to several games this week probably highlighted by the Bears/Seahawks and Bengals/Patriots. Plus Mike Martz and the Lions visit my Rams. I wonder if he will forget what team he works for now and try and call a timeout for Bulger.  It's not as farfetched as you might think. 
Colts over the Jets
The Jets haven't looked too bad, but Pennington isn't Manning.

Panthers over the Saints
The emotion has worn off and they are on the road against a tough defense.

Bills over the Vikings
I really don't know how good either of these teams are. I'm picking the Bills at home.

Falcons over the Cardinals

The Falcons are angry and they'll take it out on Warner in the first half and Leinart in the second half.

Chargers over the Ravens
Two tough defenses, a wiley old veteran QB, an inexperienced young QB, and two coaches that often do stupid things. Rivers has looked solid so far but he has yet to face someone like Ray Lewis. So why the Chargers? I'm taking a leap of faith with Rivers. I like his arm and poise so far.

Dolphins over the Texans
With the way Miami has played so far you might think this would be a possible win at home for Houston. Or not.

49ers over the Chiefs
How much will K.C. miss Green and how many yards will Larry Johnson rack up against San Fran? I'm not sure but I like the progress Alex Smith has made and Frank Gore just might pick up a few yards himself.

Cowboys over the Titans
T.O. and controversy? Shocker. Dallas still has more weapons and a defense that will eat Collins alive.

Rams over the Lions
The Rams are at home and if they lose to the Lions and Mike Martz I just might be on suicide watch myself.

Jaguars over the Redskins
I've seen more good things from Jacksonville than I have Washington.

Browns over the Raiders
Just what the doctor ordered for the Dog Pound.

Bengals over the Patriots
It's crazy to underestimate Brady's ability to bounce back from a bad game. But the striped kitty cats look pretty good.

Bears over the Seahawks
Was last week's points and yardage explosion an indication that Seattle has finally gotten on track offensively? I'm not sure playing against the Bears D will help answer that. I do believe Hasselbeck is capable of carrying this team.....just not this week.

Eagles over the Packers
Favre and Monday night is a dangerous combo but the Eagles have a better team and it looks like McNabb is on a mission this year.


Last Week 11-3

Season 34-12

Posted by The Armchair Quarterback at 11:37 AM - 3 Comments   Add a Comment  
 

 NFL Thoughts: Week 3 in the NFC
 

NFL Thoughts: Week 3 in the NFC

Saints 23/Falcons 3
I'm mildly surprised that the Saints dominated this game. Granted, there was a lot of emotion and obviously these aren't your daddy's Saints. It's not a secret why they are better on the offensive end. After going through the QB Hell (otherwise known as the Aaron Brooks Era) , New Orleans now has Drew Brees who brings credibility to the QB position. They've got a loaded backfield with McAllister and Bush, and Joe Horn is a nice go-to receiver. And although their defense has yet to be tested in the air, they have looked good against the run so far. It will be interesting to see how they fare against some of the other quality opponents left on their schedule (Carolina, Baltimore, Philly, Pittsburgh & Cincinnati are coming up in the next two months).
This game should be the wake up call yet again for Atlanta in regards to the passing game. Vick is not going to win games with his arm if they fall behind more than 2 TDs. For those who thought they'll be just fine bulldozing over (and sprinting around) defenders all year long; think again. For the Falcons to be successful in the playoffs (if they get that far this year), Vick will have to make plays with his arm and his legs. And just for the record, he doesn't have to have 300 yards passing to prove he can throw the ball effectively. He just has to make throws when it counts. Thus far he hasn't shown the ability to do that.


Packers 31/Lions 24
A banner day by Favre gives all Packer fans a warm fuzzy. I'm not a true Packer fan but even I got one. But then again I'm easy to please. Apparently so is the Lion's owner. After all Matt Millen is still around.


Bears 19/Vikings 16
The Vikings played the Bears tougher than I thought they would. Could they really contend for this division? I'm doubtful still. Brad Johnson isn't exactly tearing it up yet, but he isn't killing them either and not every team can say that about their QB. Their defense has been solid enough that even the Bears could be proud of it. Of course the Bears D is the cream of the division (and perhaps the NFL) when it comes to stopping people. And despite Grossman's interceptions (they don't call him a gunslinger for nothing) he still played well down the stretch in this game. If they can run the ball better in games to come then their play action passes will be even more wide open.


Panthers 26/Bucs 24
John Kasey kicked field goals of 51, 50, 46, & 49 yards for Carolina. As an ex-kicker I just want to give him a hug. Or shine his shoes. Or maybe we could just hang out and watch a copy of Walt Disney's "Gus" together (If you haven't seen it shame on you. I mean who doesn't like a movie about a mule that can kick 90 yard field goals?!). But I digress. Anyway I think we saw that having Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson both out on the field for the Panthers is a good thing (Johnson 97 yrds, Smith 112). Now I know Chris Simms was getting killed all day (what's a spleen by the way and why can we do without it?) but what's the deal with Carnell Williams? They're running game is almost non-existent. And it should be obvious by now that not too many QBs can be successful without a running threat. Not Simms and certainly not their rookie-and soon to be starter- Gradkowski.


Redskins 31/Texans 15
Is Brunnell back on track or are the Texans that bad? Well it might just be both. You know, 22 straight completions (5 yard variety or not) is not bad against anybody. He's got receivers that can do a lot with their legs so why not let them use them. It helps that Portis is back as well. His TD run shows you just how dangerous he can be. And by the way, the Texans David Carr is not looking too bad (compared to... well....himself) and his receiver Andre Johnson is a guy that should be talked about more.


Rams 16/Cardinals 14
"Just hold on to the ball and we win this thing". That's what Cardinal fans were thinking at the end of this game. But alas, Kurt Warner is your QB. We Rams fans know all about Warner's fumble problems and we giggle over your misfortune in the desert. Sorta. I mean Bulger sometimes looks like he's taking lessons from Warner. After all Bulger gave it up just minutes before in the exact same way and set up the Cardinals for the win. As I watched the end of the game it was with a small trace of sadness (but again mostly giggles) because I used to cheer for Warner when he was a star for St. Louis. But it was exactly that type of play that got him run out of town. Warner can throw for 300 yards almost every week, especially with his two stud receivers. But he's gonna kill you more times than he'll thrill you.

Eagles 38/49ers 24
Brian Westbrook is trying to silence all us doubters who say he can't be the do it all back for Philly. 8 carries for 117 yards (3 total TDs) is a nice statement. McNabb continues to impress as well. The 49ers are also making progress. They would have lost this game 38-3 last year. Tough luck for TE Vernon Davis (breaking his leg). Smith needs him for his safety valve.


Seahawks 43/Giants 30
What smells? Oh yeah-- it's that giant turd NY laid in Seattle. Holy crap they looked bad for 3 quarters. Hasselbeck was awesome until he started getting sloppy. 3 picks? 5 TDs helps ease the pain. Except for the pain of Alexander's foot which will keep him out for a while. Will it hurt the Seahawks in the meantime? I sure the hell hope so. Go Rams
Posted by The Armchair Quarterback at 10:38 PM - No Comments   Add a Comment  
 

 NFL Thoughts: Week 3 in the AFC
 

I'll post the NFC tomorrow but for now the AFC Thoughts:

Colts 21 /Jaguars 14

I see that some are saying this is a statement games for the Colts. Sure. How about a statement that they can't freaking stop the run? I can't believe how they were bulldozed in the first half. Still they did manage some stops in the second half and forced key mistakes from Leftwich so it wasn't all bad. I tell you what though, the Jags need to keep finding ways for Maurice Drew to get his hands on the ball. He's hard to tackle and quick as lightning. I think he could be one of the best rookie offensive players out there. This was a game that could have been there for Jacksonville. They controlled the clock and they kept the scoring down. But you can't beat the Colts when you don't take advantage of those things by throwing interceptions and allowing a punt return TD. I'm looking forward to the next meeting between these two.


Jets 28/Bills 20
I didn't watch this game but the stats seem to favor the loser. Losman over 300 yards. McGahee rushes for 150 yards. What the hell happened to them? It was the usual suspects of course. Turnovers and not converting in the clutch. The Bills were 3-12 on third down and on 1-4 on 4th down. I'm not a genius but I know that's bad.


Dolphins 13/Titans 10
I'm very disappointed in the Dolphins so far. Their offense looks like it hit a time warp and emerged in the Jay Fiedler era. Culpepper is so bad it's almost hard to describe. Miami fans are thirsting for a QB who can pass the ball with efficiency. This is like throwing water colored confetti at a de-hydrated man in a desert. I really thought Culpepper was going to improve this week. I see now that I should have listened to those who really understood the debacle he had become in Minnesota before he got hurt.



Bengals 28/Steelers 20
Amazingly this went about the way I expected. In other words, kinda ugly but ultimately a win for the tiger stripes. The Steelers defense have a way of making everything tough. Two of Palmer's TDs were outstanding catches by Henry and Houshma-whatever. And here's an obvious understatement: If the Steelers are going to repeat they are going to need Roethlisberger to start playing better. And you know what? He just might. I wrote the Steelers off last year and they sure made me feel stupid. Not that I need any help in that area.


Ravens 15/Browns 14
Great defense. Struggling offense. That's not exactly what Raven fans are hoping for this year with McNair in town. But lets be honest. He hasn't looked great so far at QB. Maybe the dollar signs weren't the only reason the Titans were willing to let him go to the Ravens. He does have a lot of mileage on that body. Still, he wasn't bad on the final drive that led to Stover's very cool 52 yard field goal. But the guys in orange and dirt colored unis have to be disgusted. Cleveland dominated most of this game and if Frye makes a TD play instead of getting hit and intercepted in the end zone then we're talking about a surprising win for Cleveland. Baltimore says a win is a win. And maybe they're right. I mean after all it wasn't too many years ago that they won games like this all season long and then went and won a Super Bowl.

Broncos 17 /Patriots 7
A few things we learned in this game. 1. The Packers should have tried harder to hang on to Javon Walker. 2. The Broncos defense is still pretty good (not a good trend in the NFL this year --look at the scores for the past three weeks, it's getting uglier and uglier out there). and 3. Shanahan and Belichick are just damn creepy looking.
Posted by The Armchair Quarterback at 12:43 AM - 1 Comment   Add a Comment  
 

 NFL Picks: Week 3
 

Here's my picks for this week. I don't pick the spread because: 1. I have no money to gamble with and 2. I'm not smart enough.

NFC

Bears over the Vikings
With Chicago being nasty on both sides of the ball I'd be crazy to pick against them.

Panthers over the Bucs
Both have been less than impressive. In a low scoring affair Carolina will squeak one out.

Packers over the Lions
I don't have a good reason for picking the Packers. But could you really make a strong case for the Lions either?

Redskins over the Texans
I should pick the Texans against an underachieving Skins team. Especially at home. But I won't.

Rams over the Cardinals
The offense will finally start to come together (I hope) and although the game will be high scoring, the Rams will outlast Arizona.

Eagles over the 49ers
Philly is still pissed over last week.

Falcons over the Saints
A good defense and a running game will mean Brees and Bush don't see the field that often.

Seattle over the Giants
I wouldn't be surprised if NY pulls this one out.. Having said that I just don't see them getting lucky two weeks in a row against a tough road opponent.

AFC

Patriots over the Broncos
Facing New England is not the remedy for Jake Plummer. Brady will show him how it's done.

Ravens over the Browns
Baltimore's defense will cream Charlie Frye.

Dolphins over the Titans
Culpepper can't look as bad against the Titans as he has the first two weeks....can he?

Colts over the Jaguars
I just don't think the Jags can score enough points to win this game.

Bengals over the Steelers
Cincinnati won't score as much as they're used to but they'll still pull out a win.

Bills over the Jets
The D is back in Buffalo and it will make Pennington's life hell on Sunday.

Last Week: 12-4

Season: 23-9
Posted by The Armchair Quarterback at 6:23 PM - No Comments   Add a Comment  
 

 NFL Thoughts: Week 2 in the NFC
 

Bears/Lions
I thought Grossman had a chance to be good last year. Then came the preseason and I wasn't so sure. But if he can play like he has been for the first two games then the Bears officially become the bad asses of the NFC. Their defense was already at that stage but their offense was sorta like the little wimpy brother that tells bullies he'll sick his tough older brother (Urlacher and Co.) on them. While being scared of the older brother everybody pretty much still taped the younger sibling to the goal post. Well now the little brother is taking names along with a stick to the side of some heads. It's nice to see. Keep it up Rex. I like Griese but I'm sure the Bears hope he never sees the field this year.


Saints/Packers
It's weird, I was watching this and in the first half I thought "wow Brees isn't playing to well". He wasn't very aware in the pocket with seemingly everybody stripping the ball from him. Then he and the Saints pick things up and before you know it he has 353 yards passing. Not a bad day's work. Bush still hasn't busted lose but he's been a solid receiving option. Packer fans brace yourself for a long year.


49ers/Rams
If the Rams lose again to San Fran I may just have to stick my head in an oven and set it to broil. These losses are driving me nuts. I'm losing faith in Bulger. He's basically Drew Bledsoe at this point. I get that he's immobile and slow. But does he have to quit on the play every time the pressure amps up? That's what getting killed in Mike Martz's system did to him I guess. I've got to go throw up.


Seahawks/Cardinals
The neon green boys are just getting warmed up. They haven't looked especially good yet but I think it's coming. On the flip side, the Cardinals are failing to live up to the hype. Again.


Vikings/Panthers
Brad Johnson has never gotten enough credit for being a decent QB. Even by me. No he's not great, but with a decent team around him he can be a winner. Chester Taylor is surprising me and the defense has been good. I still think the Minnesota is going to come back down to earth and I think it will be this coming week against the Bears. But they played Carolina tough and despite their rough start I think the Panthers are still a good team (just not a playoff team this year) But can't the Panthers do anything on offense without Steve Smith?


Giants/Eagles
Manning gets too much hype and credit due to his name. Burress and Toomer bail him out plenty. What happened to the Eagles offense in the second half of this game? It was like they quit playing.



Falcons/Bucs
Looks like my preseason pick for the Bucs to take this division is really working out well. Simms can't seem to get a pass over the arms of a defender and their defense has some issues with the running game. Or is the Falcons running game just that good? Obviously Dunn is great in their system and I like the option stuff they are doing with Vick. Why not use that to their advantage? Sometimes NFL coaches get it in their head that certain college style elements will never work. And sometimes they just don't give it chance to work. Give Mora the brass nuts award for going against the grain. Of course you wouldn't try it unless you had a guy like Vick. But they do, so they ought to use him accordingly.



Cowboys/Redskins
No T.O for a few weeks. Fine by me. Glenn's their best receiver anyway right now. He and Bledsoe are really in sync. And like I've said, I think this Dallas defense is pretty good. Brunnell is proving so far that last season was a fluke and the washed up tag might stick. They need Portis bad
Posted by The Armchair Quarterback at 1:55 PM - No Comments   Add a Comment  
 
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Author: The Armchair Quarterback
From Utah, USA
Age: 36
 
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