Predictions Divisional Round

Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games. I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week. Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

The crystal ball was mediocre last week, posting a 2-2 record. Not great, but we will take it! Now that we are ensconced in the playoffs, the crystal ball assures me it will rebound this week with a better performance. The crystal ball is now 35-28-1 for the season; which is seven games over .500 (.555 to be exact). With all the great match-ups before us, this week is going to be a challenge for the crystal ball. Let’s see what’s in store for us this weekend.

Last Week: 2-2

Playoffs: 2-2

Overall: 35-28-1


Baltimore @ Tennessee: Last week, the Ravens had an easy time with the Dolphins, while Tennessee rested up on a bye week. The Titans have been a bit of a surprise this season, and Kerry Collins has found the fountain of youth. Kerry is playing at his best, and the Titans have a dynamic 1-2 punch in the running game. The vaunted Baltimore defense, led by Ray Lewis, will be up to the challenge though. Joe Flacco has been playing beyond his years, and has the Ravens offense on the right track. This game will be played close to the vest, and I don’t anticipate much scoring. Baltimore will win, but the Titans will make them earn it. Baltimore 18, Tennessee 13.

Arizona @ Carolina: The Cardinals took care of the Falcons last week in a well-played game by both participants. Carolina was using the bye week to rest up some lagging bumps and bruises. Arizona has played well this year, but not on the road, especially when traveling to the East Coast! Carolina is a well-balanced machine on offense. They have two quality RBs, as well as a solid WR core, lead by Steve Smith. The Panthers defense has played very well also. Arizona does have some firepower on offense, so never count them out. In the end, the Panthers will prove to be too much for the Cards! Carolina 29, Arizona 27.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants: This will be the most heated game of the weekend. These teams are only a two-hour drive down the turnpike from each other, with no love lost between them! This is the rubber match, as each team has won on the other teams turf. This bodes well for the Eagles, as they have had success at the Meadowlands. The G-Men have struggled offensively without Burress, while their defense has been solid. The Birds have been on a roller coaster ride all season. One week they look unstoppable, the next they look mediocre at best! They have been on a high note for several weeks now. These NFC East division foes have much history between them, and the crystal ball is a little hazy on this one. In a toss-up game, the winner will be the G-Men. New York Giants 24, Philadelphia 20.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh: San Diego has had a difficult season. They struggled early in the year (with some questionable officiating), but they bounced back to win their division at 8-8. Last week they were able to hold off the mighty Colts. The Steelers should be well rested coming off the bye week. Big Ben looks ready to go. I expect the Chargers to put a lot of pressure on the QB. Sproles has played well with LT being limited due to injury. If the Bolts want to win, they will need to get the ball down the field. The Steelers have a great defense, so it will be tough sledding in the ground game. The Bolts will find a way to win; the crystal ball sees a huge victory for Norv! San Diego 27, Pittsburgh 17.


Short Shots:

There has been much speculation if Terrell Owens will return next year to the Cowboys, because he is due a roster bonus of 3.1M on June 1st. Lat year, Owens was due a similar bonus in March…Jerry paid it! This year…Jerry will pay it again! Owens was given a contract extension earlier in the season. He is still a talented receiver at his ripe old age, but more importantly, who would replace him in the line-up? I see Terrell staying in Dallas and finishing out his career; he likes being a Cowboy!

Reggie Bush had to undergo microfracture surgery on his left knee, rather than arthroscopic surgery. The microfracture surgery is a more invasive procedure, where the recovery time is lengthier. Bush has been a disappointment after his sensational rookie season. This is just another major setback for Bush and the Saints. This is not a surgery that many players return from in full form. Good luck to Reggie!


From The Mail Room:

Samuel Z., Fort Worth, Texas: The Cowboys dont have a 1st pick because of Williams trade. What should they do in the draft?

Utopia1dc: Samuel, you are correct! The Cowboys sent a 1st and 3rd round pick to Detroit for Roy Williams. The thought was that an accomplished receiver, like Williams, would be better than what they would be able to draft in the 1st round of the draft. This theory remains to be seen, as Roy, did nothing while wearing the star on his helmet, to suggest that Jerry made a wise decision. It’s still too early to tell, but Roy needs to step it up next season. As for the draft, it’s a little premature to speculate, but I’ll do it anyway. The Cowboys need a QB to back-up Romo, and a WR as well. A quality safety would be nice also. It will be clearer in which direction the ‘Boys go, once free agency is in full swing!



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Reality Mail Bag - 01/08/09

Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers. I personally read every single email I receive. I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them. I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well. Now it’s time to open the mail!


Troy J., Miami, FL: The Cowboys have cut Pacman Jones. This punk was a waste of draft picks and money.

Utopia1dc: Troy, I will have to agree that Pacman is a punk, but he really wasn’t a waste of money or draft picks. He did not receive a signing bonus, nor did he get paid for the games he was suspended. As far as the draft picks go, the Cowboys are getting a pick back from the Titans (because of the suspension). They have actually already used the pick in the Roy Williams deal, so it might be a wasted pick anyway…but that’s a whole different alligator?


Rosario J., Dallas, Texas: Owens had a horrible year. The Cowboys should clean house and get rid of TO and Tank Johnson and any other trouble makers!!!!

Utopia1dc: Rosario, Owens did have a sub-par season…for T.O. He did have 69 receptions for 1052 yards and 10 TDs. He also averaged 15.2 yards per reception…not too shabby for an old man! His numbers were very similar to Randy Moss (69 REC, 1008 YDS, 11 TDs, and 14.6 YPR), but nobody is giving him a hard time? Tank Johnson was somewhat of a disappointment, but that’s on the field. He has done nothing as far as any off the field issues. And what other troublemakers?


Kurt B., Warminster, PA: Do you think the Eagles have a legitimate shot at beating the Giants on the road?

Utopia1dc: Kurt, the Eagles have a decent chance at defeating the Super Bowl Champs. I don’t think that the Birds being on the road is that much of a factor. The weather is similar, as the teams are only a two-hour drive in distance. Traveling shouldn’t be an issue either. The Eagles have already defeated the G-Men this year in the Meadowlands. With Plaxico Burress out, the Giants run game has struggled, as teams are stacking the line to stop the three-headed RB Monster! Stay tuned for my predictions tomorrow.


Jane B., Obelisk, PA: Who is your superbowl favorite? It looks like an open race to me. Go Eagles!!!

Utopia1dc: The NFC is wide open. If the Eagles can get past the G-Men, I think they have a real chance at advancing to the big dance. Carolina is also a team to be reckoned with. The G-Men won’t get to the Super Bowl! In the AFC, the Ravens are the team to beat, but don’t count out the Bolts. The Chargers have been playing well in the second half of the season and in the playoffs. They have done this with little help from LT! I will be rooting for Norv and his Bolts…I just think it’s his turn. Wouldn’t it be something if an 8-8 team won the Super Bowl?


Eagleman, South Philly: Yo cowgirl your cowboys suck. When are you gonna eat all that crow you were serving up?

Utopia1dc: Eagleman, any relation to Birdman? I used to have season tickets at the Vet in Birdman’s section several eons ago. Anyway, I’m not sure what crow I was serving? I call it like it is. If you have been reading my Blog, you would know that I have picked the Eagles on many occasions. I also defended Reid and McNabb when everybody had their bags packed for them. The Eagles beat the Cowboys to get in the playoffs, now it’s time for them to do something with this opportunity. As an Eagles fan, you may want to worry about the team they face this week, not who they beat several weeks ago!


Short Shots:

Eric Mangini has been named the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. I’m not sure why the Jets fired him in the first place? The Jets are a decent team, but Favre just faded down the stretch…he’s just too old. I’m not sure Mangini was entirely onboard with Farve’s acquisition in the first place. I bet the Jets are kicking themselves for cutting Pennington.

The Cowboys have cut Adam Jones. I’m not sure that was a good move. He played decently at times, and he was rusty some of the time. But that should have been expected, as he missed nearly a year and a half due to suspension the past two seasons. He may have been an asset next year with a little more time in adjusting back to football. I guess Jerry has had enough of the drama, and is appeasing his fan base with this move?



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Wildcard Weekend Review

The crystal ball had a mediocre performance this past week, going a mere 2-2. This is playoff time, so that is unacceptable! The crystal ball took its lumps on the Colts game, but it’s okay with it since Norv’s our buddy! Anyway, that puts the crystal ball at 2-2 for the post-season, and 35-28-1 overall. That’s seven games over .500 (.555 to be exact). Hopefully the crystal ball will perform better this coming week, as the pressure mounts in post-season play! Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.

Last Week: 2-2

Playoffs: 2-2

Overall: 35-28-1

Atlanta @ Arizona: (LOSS) The Atlanta Falcons had a good run, but their season came to an end. The Cardinals were able to use the home crowd to their advantage. QB Kurt Warner had a good game. The Cards brought Edge off the bench, and he rewarded them by grinding out the tough yards. Fitzgerald reeled in 6 receptions for 101 yards and a TD. The Cardinals pulled away in the 3rd quarter with 2 TDs. The Falcons fought hard to the bitter end, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Arizona moves on to play at Carolina. The Falcons exceeded everyone’s expectations this year, and they will be a team to be reckoned with for several years to come.

Indianapolis @ San Diego: (LOSS) What a game this was! Anytime a game goes to OT in the playoffs…it becomes an instant classic. These teams battled all day. MVP Peyton Manning had a good game with over 300 yards passing, but little man Sproles stole the show for the Bolts. Darren Sproles rushed for 105 yards on 23 carries and scored twice. He also had 5 grabs for 45 yards as well. The Chargers may want to get him a long-term deal and not let him get away like they did with Michael Turner. With LT being banged up lately, he would be a good insurance policy, as well as a great change of pace RB. Norv was relieved to get this win, but he looks as if he has aged 10 years this season. The Bolts will travel to Pittsburgh next week. Indy…you better hope that Tony Dungy stays for another year!

Baltimore @ Miami: (WIN) The Ravens defense was the difference in this game, but that’s no surprise. The Ravens are known for their defense, and they came to play against the Fins. The Miami Dolphins only had 13 turnovers all season; they had 5 against the Ravens! Pennington had only thrown 7 INTs all season; he had 4 against the Ravens! You cannot do that against the Baltimore Ravens and expect to win. It’s just not going to happen! Ed Reed is by far the best safety in the NFL today. By the time he’s done playing, we may have to use him in the same sentence as Ronnie Lott…that’s a mouthful! The Dolphins had a tremendous season, but it’s now over. With Parcells staying in South Beach, look for the Fins to make a serious run next year! The Ravens will travel to Tennessee next week…that’s going to be a gooden!

Philadelphia @ Minnesota: (WIN) The Eagles may have needed a prayer to make the playoffs, but the aren’t counting on divine intervention any more. They took matters into their own hands and were able to hold off the Vikings. Minnesota was able to hang tough, with Peterson carrying the rock, for a while. The inexperienced Jackson, at QB, showed its hand in the 2nd half, as the Eagles came after him. Westbrook had 38 yards on 20 carries…that’s some tough sledding! He was able to contribute with 83 yards receiving on 3 receptions. McNabb had another stellar performance with 300 yards passing. The Birds broke it open in the 4th quarter, and they never looked back! Minnesota should have stuck with Frerotte, as his experience could have come in handy. The Eagles will take a ride up the turnpike to visit the G-Men.


Short Shots:


James Harrison ( LB Pittsburgh) was awarded with Defensive Player Of The Year. DeMarcus Ware of the Cowboys should have won the award…hands down! He did finish second in the voting. Ware had 20 sacks this season. He is only the 5th player in NFL history to register 20+ sacks in a single season! Hmm?

There are many coaching vacancies this time of year. Can anyone entice Cowher out of retirement? Where is Shanahan going to end up? I know he has his sights on Dallas, but they still have a head coach? Stay tuned!


From The Mail Room:


Patrick J., Hazelton, PA: Jason Garrett is drawing alot of interest around the league. Is he gonna stay in Dallas or will he jump at a chance to be a head coach elsewhere?

Utopia1dc: Patrick, that’s a good question. Jason was a hot commodity last season as well, but Jones stepped up and gave him a fat contract to stay. This year, the Cowboys offense struggled for many reasons, but Garrett should shoulder some of the blame. If the right situation presented itself, Jason might take it. But, Jerry thinks he is the long-term answer for the Cowboys…just not yet. Wade Phillips will be back for another year. After that, I could see Jerry pulling the trigger and handing the reigns over to Garrett. Don’t be surprised to see Wade stay on as the defensive coordinator either, if and when Garrett is promoted!

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Where Are All The Nay Sayers Now?

Wildcard weekend had an interesting lineup of games this year. All four road teams (wildcard teams) were favored to win over the home teams (division winners). That’s unusual, but this year it actually makes a lot of sense. Many of the wildcard teams had better records than the division winners. In the end, the underdogs won two of the four games (both 6th seeds defeated the 3rd seeded teams).

As I was watching the games, I found myself rooting for the underdogs in several games, but none more than in the Indianapolis-San Diego game. Norv Turner has been maligned at all his head coaching stops. He wasn’t the favored choice after Marty was fired. After all, who fires a legendary coach after a 14-2 season? The Bolts did…so enter Norv. The Chargers didn’t live up to expectations last year, as they failed to reach the Super Bowl. All eyes were on Turner. This season, Norv ran into a roadblock that is very difficult to negotiate…the referees. But, the Chargers persevered, and they were able to capture the division crown at a mere 8-8.

The Philadelphia Eagles were left for dead after the infamous tie with Cincinnati and the subsequent loss to the Ravens. Donovan McNabb was scrutinized for not knowing the rules to OT, as well as his benching for half of a game. Andy Reid was much maligned as well. WIP (local sports radio in Philly) wanted Reid and McNabb gone. They pretty much had packed their bags for them. I asked myself why? McNabb and Reid are the best that this franchise has ever had at their respective positions. They have given the Eagles fans a decade of optimism. They have taken them to four NFC Championship games. And that’s not to mention the Super Bowl in which they lost to the Cheaters! But that wasn’t enough, was it? For the fans, it was get out of town…you bums!

It was very easy to root for the Bolts. How can you not feel bad for Norv and the dark cloud that hovers over his head? He has ties to my favorite team (Cowboys). The current Cowboys coach (Wade Phillips) has ties to the Chargers…it was simple to root for them, even though I had picked the Colts to win the game (and the Super Bowl). As for the Eagles, it was a little harder. They are the archenemy of the Cowboys, but that wasn’t my stumbling block! What made it difficult was the way I get treated day after day, week after week, and year after year by Eagles fans.

During and after the game in which I had not only picked the Eagles to win, but was actually rooting for them as well, I still received several emails and voicemails telling me how much the Cowboys suck! These were the same people who had left the Eagles for dead and had packed the bags of their coach and franchise QB. I wish the Eagles luck, as they move forward in the playoffs and their quest for a championship, not that their fans deserve it! What I’d like to know is…where are all the Nay Sayers now?


Short Shots:

After battling all season just to get to .500 (8-8), the Chargers were able to upend the heavily favored Colts in the 1st round of the playoffs. Turner had a big sigh of relief on his face, as he has been on the hot seat all year! Rivers showed why he should be going to the Pro Bowl (and not Favre). I bet Peyton manning would give that MVP award up for another chance at the Lombardi Trophy!

Andy Reid got his team into the playoffs, even though he was under the microscope all season long. Everything the man did was dissected. The man could do nothing right, according to the experts. With his bags packed and airline ticket in hand, Andy is having the last laugh. Just one thing Big Red…shave!


From The Mail Room:

Allen, Sunneyvale, California: Hey buddy, sorry to tell you this but as long as you got T.O on your team you will NEVER have TEAM chemistry. I am a big Eagles fan and nothing made my day more than seeing the Eagles beat the crap from your boys. That was some Ass kicking don't you agree? I hope your owner gives T.O another 5 year extension. Merry Christmas.

Utopia1dc: Allen, first of all they are not my team, as I do not have any ownership in them. Just as you don’t have any ownership in the Eagles either! I root for my team, feel free to do the same. I am not a big proponent of team chemistry! These are professional athletes; pride, determination, and money are their chemistry! And yes, it was an ass kicking, but thanks for reminding me, as I had forgotten. Happy New Year to you too!

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