Divisional Round Review

The crystal ball had a dreadful performance this past week, posting a woeful 1-3 record. This is playoff time, so that is totally unacceptable! The crystal ball started off 1-0, but then dropped its last three for the weekend! Anyway, that puts the crystal ball at 3-5 for the post-season, and 36-31-1 overall. That’s five games over .500 (.537 to be exact). Hopefully the crystal ball will perform better this coming week, as the pressure mounts in the Championship games! Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.

Last Week: 1-3

Playoffs: 3-5

Overall: 36-31-1

Baltimore @ Tennessee: (WIN) This was a classic defensive struggle. Both teams did rack up some yards, especially the Titans (391). That’s a lot of yards against the Ravens defense, but the name of the game is to score points. The Titans had their share of opportunities, but they didn’t get the job done! The Titans had the edge in yards and time of possession, but the three turnovers they committed sealed their fate! The Ravens offense wasn’t great, but it doesn’t need to be. They played tough, hard-nosed football, and Flacco managed the offense. More importantly…he had no turnovers. In the playoffs, it’s hard to win when you lose the turnover battle. The Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh for the AFC title.

Arizona @ Carolina: (LOSS) What the (bleep) was Jake Delhomme doing out there? He had five picks…are you kidding me? He sure picked the wrong week to have the worst day of his life! The Panthers looked sharp on their first scoring drive, but then they must have gotten amnesia, because the entire team forgot how to play football! Goodell…test the Gatorade! Arizona, led by the geriatric kid (Warner) played well. Once they got the lead, they never looked back. Even without Boldin, the Cards offense was unstoppable. The Cardinals will now host the NFC Championship game…I can’t believe I just typed that!

Philadelphia @ New York Giants: (LOSS) The Eagles were firing on all cylinders. The offense had its moments, but played well enough to win. The Birds defense stole the show though. They harassed Eli all day long, even though they didn’t register any sacks. The pressure was there, and Manning was off his game and threw two costly picks! The Giants played with no heart whatsoever…they looked like a deer in headlights. Dawkins was all over the field and he has been the motivation behind the Eagles success on defense. That guy is a baller…even at his ripe old age! The Eagles might have needed a lot of breaks to get into the tournament, but they sure are making the most of their opportunity. The Birds will fly west to meet up with the Cardinals for the NFC title.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh: (LOSS) The Steelers are simply the most consistent team in the NFL. They come to play each week. They ran the ball well, and Big Ben had a good day as well. Ben didn’t light it up, but when you can run the ball and your defense is the best in the league, you don’t have to…just avoid the mistakes! The Bolts kept it close, and they rallied to make it interesting late, but they never really had a chance. Rivers tried to carry the team on his back, but it was just too much of a burden on him…he misses LT’s production! Sproles was a non-factor in the running game, as Pittsburgh held him to 15 yards on 11 carries…ouch! The Steelers now have a date with the Ravens for the AFC Championship. They have defeated the Ravens twice this season, but can they make it thrice?


Short Shots:


Yesterday, Tony Dungy retired from coaching after a 7-year run in Indy. He has turned that franchise into a winner. He never got his Lombardi Trophy in Tampa, but he made it happen in Indy. His coaching career will surely land him in Canton, but Dungy will be remembered more for his work that doesn’t deal with football. If you get the chance…read his book!

The Eagles are flying high with their Super Bowl run, but I have to say I am disappointed with Donovan McNabb. What was he thinking of when he picked up the telephone on the Giants sideline? If that were Terrell Owens or Pacman Jones, Goodell would have suspended them by now. D-Mac…you know better, don’t you?


From The Mail Room:


Nate S., Glenside, PA: Are you surprised to see both of the 6 seeds make it this far in the play offs?

Utopia1dc: Nate, no I’m not really that surprised. The Eagles are playing very well. It didn’t surprise me that they could beat Minnesota and the G-Men on the road. The Vikings are an average team, and the Giants aren’t the same without Plaxico. As for the Ravens, they are a very dangerous team. The Ravens may have been a 6th seed, but they were 11-5 on the season. Two of their five losses came at the hands of the Steelers. The Ravens also have a rookie coach and QB, but they sure aren’t acting like rookies! The Ravens will give the Steelers all they can handle. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see both 6th seeds advance to the Super Bowl either!



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Reality Mail Bag - 12/12/08

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!


Chris T., Lansdale, PA: I just saw on ESPN that TO is stirring the pot again. Is he insane to think that Romo and Whitten are designing secret plays behind his back?

Utopia1dc: Chris, I saw the same piece that ESPN did. Ed Werder broke the story, so I’m not too concerned with it. Werder has a way of exaggerating the truth to fill his time on ESPN. Wade Phillips did confirm that Owens, Williams, and Crayton did meet with Jason Garrett to discuss their roles in the offense. But that’s a far cry from Romo and Witten designing secret plays…come on people!


Tom B., Warminster, PA: Jerry Jones is out of line with his comments about Marion Barber. If he says he's hurt then he's hurt.

Utopia1dc: Tom, I tend to agree that Jones was out of line for saying that publicly. He did do his best Jerry spin control to try to diffuse the situation. Barber is known as “the Barbarian” , because of his running style. I do agree with Jones though, I was expecting that a player like Barber would tough it out. Where there’s smoke…there’s usually fire! For Jones to say this publicly, I believe there is some merit in questioning Barber’s toughness!


Kaylee F., Brooklyn, NY: The Giants are going to put your precious Cowboys out of their misery. Go Giants!

Utopia1dc: Kaylee, I suppose if your G-Men beat the Cowboys on Sunday night, they will be put out of their misery. If the ‘Boys lose, their playoff hopes go out the window. But, don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched. Your G-Men are having their own issues and that can’t bode well for them heading into the playoffs!


Mike D., Philadelphia, PA: Your Cowboys suck. If your such a big Cowboys fan why don't you move down there with all your cowgirls fans?

Utopia1dc: Mikey, if you read my profile you would have seen that I did live in Tulsa, which is a hop, skip, and a jump or two from Dallas. I enjoyed my time down there, as I was able to go to many games. I also enjoyed 2 Super Bowl victories while living down there, but I moved back because the heat was more than I could handle!

Shawn R., Abilene, TX: The Cowboys currently hold the 6th seed in the NFC but they have a hard schedule ahead of them. Are they going to be able to hang onto that final spot?

Utopia1dc: Shawn, that’s good question! It’s going to be tough because the ‘Boys play the Giants, Ravens, and the Eagles, to finish out the season. If they can win all three, they are in the tournament. If they lose Sunday to the G-Men, things could get a little crowded in the NFC. It could come down to the final game against the Birds; in a winner take all game!



Short Shots:


The ESPN machine is at it again with all the propaganda they are feeding us about the Cowboys. Now, I know that it’s good for their ratings. But if they want to talk about the Cowboys all day long, they should have taken my suggestion from earlier in the season! They should create an ESPNCowboys network. That way, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Classics, and ESPN News can resume with their normally scheduled programming!

It appears that Pacman Jones received some good news regarding his neck injury. After getting a second opinion, he may not need surgery for his bulging disk. If things go well, he may be able to return to action in a few weeks. If the Cowboys can squeak into the playoffs…that is!

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Week 14 Review

The crystal ball was brought back down to Earth this past week by going 2-2. That puts the crystal ball at 25-22-1 for the season. That’s three games over .500 (.531 to be exact). The Cowboys and the Jets let the crystal ball down this past week. The crystal ball assures me it will rebound this coming weekend. Let’s review and see what happened last week.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 25-22-1

Dallas @ Pittsburgh: The Cowboys had the lead for most of the game. The ‘Boys had the Steelers on the ropes all afternoon. Dallas out-gained Pittsburgh in every statistical category, except the turnover battle. The Cowboys committed 5 turnovers, while the Steelers turned the ball over twice. It was over when Romo threw a pick-6 in the final minutes of the game. The ‘Boys played a tough game, but they could not put the Steelers away when they had the chance.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants: The Eagles played their best game of the year. The offense was balanced, as Andy Reid mixed up the play calling very well. The Giants were not the same offensively without Plaxico Burress. The Eagles stacked the line and kept the potent New York running attack in check. The G-Men scored on a blocked field-goal attempt right before halftime, but they couldn’t keep the momentum going in the second half. If the Birds make the tournament, they could be a dark horse in the NFC!

Minnesota @ Detroit: The Lions gave the Vikings all they could handle for most of the game. Gus Frerotte was injured in the game, and Tarvaris Jackson came in off the bench to pull out the victory. I didn’t think it was going be this close of a game. I will give Detroit credit for not quitting on the season, but 0-16 is staring them in the face. It doesn’t look good for the Lions the rest of the season either, but the 1st overall pick is their consolation prize!

New York Jets @ San Francisco: I thought this game was going to be a blowout. I didn’t give the 49ers a chance in the world to be able to beat the Jets. Favre was not on top of his game in this contest. The Jets got away from the running game to early, which was a surprise, since Thomas Jones has been lighting it up this year. Give Mike Singletary credit for keeping the 49ers focused. Having a coaching change in mid-season is not an easy task for a team, but Singletary is making a case for having the interim tag removed from his title!


Short Shots:


Pacman Jones suffered a herniated disk in his neck during the Steelers game. It appears he will be done for the season. The Cowboys medical staff believes that it could be even worse. The injury could be career threatening, not just a season ending injury. That’s too bad, because whether you like the guy or not, I wanted to see if he could make amends for his past indiscretions. Now he may never have the chance to do so!

Jerry Jones is taking some heat in the media for questioning Marion Barber’s toughness for not playing last week due to his dislocated pinkie toe. I agree with Jerry to some degree; for being called “the Barbarian”, you would think he could play with a little pain!


From The Mail Room:


Marcy P., Gilbertsville, PA: Just wondering your thoughts on the OJ verdict. A lot of people have said he was given such a hard sentence to make up for "getting off on killing two people". I certainly don't claim that he is innocent in the former incident, but I do think his sentence is a bit harsh for the crime committed. What do you think?

Utopia1dc: Marcy, you bring up a very good point. I don’t know whether OJ committed the murders he was acquitted of or not. There’s a lot of evidence that says he did those crimes, but he was found not guilty. It would appear that the sentence he received in Las Vegas was a make-up verdict for the previous trial. OJ says he was trying to recover his stolen memorabilia items. He claims that he didn’t intended to break any laws. I believe him…this time, anyway!

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Chokers

This past Sunday, the Cowboys had a 10-point lead against the Pittsburgh Steelers, late in the 4th quarter. Then disaster struck, as the Cowboys were not able to finish off the Steelers. All the Cowboys needed were a couple of first downs and the game would be over. Nope…didn’t happen! The Cowboys let the Steelers tie the game with about 2 minutes left in regulation. Then, Romo gave the entire Steeler Nation an early Christmas present by throwing a pick-6…game over!

The Cowboys are now 8-5, and they are hanging by a thread to the 6th (and final) play-ff spot in the NFC. If the ‘Boys were to win the rest of their games, they would be assured of making the tournament. That’s not an easy task, as the Cowboys have faltered in December the past few years. They must right the ship if they want to be playing in January.

The Cowboys out-gained the Steelers in rushing yards, passing yards, and in total yards. They also had the edge in time of possession. The ‘Boys also had 5 sacks compared to the Steelers 3. The Cowboys lost the most important statistic…the turnovers. The Cowboys had 5 turnovers (the Steelers had 2), and the last one sealed their fate. Deshea Townsend picked off an errant Romo pass to Witten, and returned it for the winning TD!

Last week, I wrote that this game would tell us everything we need to know about the 2008 Dallas Cowboys…What They Are. The Cowboys have under-achieved this year, as they were the preseason favorites to win the Super Bowl. Now, they are battling just to make the playoffs. Maybe, everyone just overrated the Cowboys from the beginning? Maybe, they’re just not good enough? Maybe, they’re just…chokers?



Short Shots:

On a positive note, Tashard Choice of the Cowboys proved to be a capable RB. Choice gained 88 yards rushing (the most allowed by the #1 Steelers defense all season) and another 78 yards receiving on 5 receptions. Not too bad for a rookie RB drafted in the 4th round, in his first NFL start!

Matt Jones (Jaguars) will finally serve his 3-game suspension that was handed out several months ago. Jones had appealed the suspension, but now he will miss the last 3 games of the season!


From The Mail Room:

Frank G., Philadelphia, PA: Your cowgirls are cooked. E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!

Utopia1dc: Frank, I don’t know if the Cowboys are quite cooked just yet…maybe simmering a little? I applaud your enthusiasm for your Eagles chant, but aren’t they currently trailing the Cowboys?



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Predictions Week 14

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). 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 on fire last week, going 4-0 for the week. Not too shabby, huh? The crystal ball is now 23-20-1, which is 3 games over .500 (.534 to be exact). Well, enough of the horn tooting…let’s get down to the task at hand. This week is going to be tough because there are a lot of games with play-off implications. The crystal ball is ready for the challenge. Let’s take a peek into the future and see what will happen this Sunday.

Last Week: 4-0

Overall: 23-20-1

Dallas @ Pittsburgh: The Cowboys will travel to Pittsburgh short-handed this week. Marion Barber was left behind to heal his toe, as he did not make the trip to the Steel City. The Steelers are sporting the No. 1 defense in the league, so Romo will have his work cut out for him. Not having Barber may be a blessing in disguise, as it will force the ‘Boys to come out with all their guns blazing. Pittsburgh will pound the rock, as they will try to dominate the line of scrimmage. The ‘Boys will find a way to win, because they must! Dallas 24, Pittsburgh 23.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants: The Birds are in a do or die situation, as they don’t have any room for error. The Eagles find themselves on the proverbial play-off bubble, and that’s being kind. The Birds must win out, and hope for some help to make the tournament. Now that McNabb is back on track, he will keep the offense at full speed ahead. The G-Men are due for a letdown, especially with all the Plaxico Burress distractions this past week. The Eagles will stun their division foes. Philadelphia 31, New York Giants 17.

Minnesota @ Detroit: The Vikings caught a break, as a Judge has given the Williams Brothers a stay of execution. Well, they’re not actually brothers, and they’re not getting executed either. They will be active Sunday, after that…who knows? The Lions are due for a win, as they can’t actually go 0-16…can they? Well, their losing streak will continue, as the Vikings will manhandle them, easily! Minnesota 27, Detroit 9.

New York Jets @ San Francisco: The Jets are reeling from their loss last week against the Broncos. Favre and company will be ready for the 49ers. Look for Thomas Jones to have huge game against a lackluster 49ers defense. Favre will pick apart the secondary as well. The Jets will win in a laugher. This will be a blowout from the get-go. New York Jets 34, San Francisco 13.


Short Shots:


I can’t believe a Judge has actually intervened and blocked the suspension of several players. Sheriff Goodell waited too long to make a decision, and now these players will be able to play when they should be punished…unreal! Where was this Judge when Pacman Jones was suspended?

The San Diego Chargers played well on Thursday night against the Raiders. I think it might be too little, too late for a play-off push. However, they may be able to save Norv his job…if they can win out!



From The Mail Room:


Joe P., Edison, NJ: The barbarian is out for the game versus Pittsburgh. Do you think your Cowboys have a chance?

Utopia1dc: Joe, the loss of Marion Barber will hurt the Cowboys for sure. Tashard Choice will take his place in the line-up, but he is a relative unknown. The ‘Boys will have to rely on Romo and the passing game a little more than they might have if Barber were available. But, I think that this will actually be a good thing…let Romo sling it and hope for the best. Go Cowboys!



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Reality Mail Bag - 12/04/08

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!


Eric F., Philadelphia, PA: What do you think of Kyle Eckel? Have the eagles finally found a true fullback?

Utopia1dc: Eric, Kyle Eckel is a hometown product out of Haverford. He attended Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia, and then went on to star at Navy. He was named MVP of the Army-Navy game two years in a row. He is 4th all-time in rushing at Navy, so he knows how to carry the rock. He is a good blocker as well. What’s not to like? The Eagles would be wise to give him a shot at being their starting fullback…everyone knows they could use one!


James S., San Diego, CA: Norv Turner is the worst coach ever and he has destroyed a great team. Bring back Marty ball!

Utopia1dc: James, I don’t know about Turner being the worst coach ever, but the Chargers have struggled this year, especially defensively. LT doesn’t seem to be running with the same vigor as in previous years either. I was shocked when Marty was fired 2 years ago, but that’s the way it is in the NFL. The Chargers really don’t have a prayer to make the play-offs, even if they win out the rest of their games. Norv will probably be fired after the season…but be careful of what you wish for!


Marc P., Fort Washington, PA: Do the Eagles have any chance in hell to beat the Giants this week?

Utopia1dc: Marc, the Eagles played very well last week, and the Giants may be due for a letdown game. The G-men have had a lot of distractions this week with the Plaixo Burress situation. If the Eagles have any desire of making the play-offs, they must win this game. The G-Men have pretty much locked up the division, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Birds got the win!


Richard P., Wheeling, WV: Out here in Pittsburgh country we will destroy your cowgirls.

Utopia1dc: Richard, I take it you’re a Steelers fan. Well, your Steelers have been playing very well. They have a balanced attack on offense and a stellar defense to boot. It will be a tough game for the ‘Boys. I don’t think the Steelers will destroy the Cowboys…it should be a close game. We shall see what happens!


Harry S., Ada, Oklahoma: What do you think about McNabb using the excuse about being preoccupied about his wifes pregnancy as his reason for his poor play the past few weeks?

Utopia1dc: Harry, I don’t know where you’re getting your information from, but I heard that interview live, and that’s not what I came away with. McNabb was asked a question, and he answered it. He wasn’t making excuses for his poor play. If that were the case why did he play so well on Turkey Day? I’m sure his wife expecting twins was on his mind, but it had nothing to do with his play on the field. I know that D-Mac has done and said many stupid things…this is not one of them!



Short Shots:


A Judge ruled in favor of Kevin and Pat Williams (Vikings) lawsuit against the NFL. He issued a temporary restraining order, blocking their 4-game suspensions imposed by Sheriff Goodell. This is a very bad precedent being set here. The NFL and the Vikings cannot let these guys play this weekend!


With four weeks left in the regular season, it’s going to go down to the wire for the last few play-off spots. In the AFC, there are 5 teams vying for 2 spots. In the NFC, there are 7 teams vying for 2 spots. It’s time to put up or shut up!



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What They Are

The Cowboys find themselves in the middle of the herd for the play-off race. They have won three straight games, and four out of their last five. The ‘Boys stand at 8-4, which is a decent record. This year, if the season ended today, the Dallas Cowboys would be watching on TV…like you and me. The Cowboys trail the Giants by three games, with four to play. The division is out of reach. The ‘Boys must travel via the wildcard route.

The Cowboys actually have a better record than two of the division leaders. The Vikings and Cardinals are both 7-5, but they would be in the tournament, and the ‘Boys would be out! I don’t think that it’s fair, but that’s the rules…and you can’t argue the rules! They are what they are!

Being a wildcard isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The G-Men (last season) and the Steelers (three seasons ago), where both wildcards, and they both advanced to and won the Super Bowl. It’s not an easy task, as you must win on the road in the play-offs!

The Cowboys face the Steelers this Sunday. Pittsburgh is 9-3, and in first place in their division by one game over the Ravens. The ‘Boys must travel to the Steel City, and face the No. 1 defense in the league, and come home with a win. That’s not an easy task for any team, but if the Cowboys want to be considered serious Super Bowl contenders…than that’s what they must do!

Bill Parcells would often tell us to wait until after Thanksgiving to evaluate the team. I recall him saying, “You are what you are” many times. Well, it’s a week past Turkey Day, and the ‘Boys will face a formidable Pittsburgh Steelers team on the road. Come Sunday, we will all know…what they are!


Short Shots:


Sheriff Goodell was a busy man, as he finally dished out the 4-game suspensions to the players who were caught taking the “water” pills…it's about time! Those players are filing a suit in court for an injunction on the Sheriff’s ruling…good luck on that one!

Plaxico Burress was fined, suspended (without pay) for the remainder of the season (including the play-offs), and put on the non-football injury list by the Giants. His days as a member of the New York Giants is numbered…and that’s the least of his worries!


From The Mail Room:


Kyle P., Willow Grove, PA: Pacman is back on the team will he be a factor?

Utopia1dc: Adam Jones is now officially back as a member of the Cowboys. To make room for Pacman, the Cowboys placed Pat Watkins on IR. Jones will contribute mainly on punt returns. He will also play on the defensive sub-packages when the ‘Boys go into the nickel and dime. I wouldn’t expect a lot from him, as he has been away from “live” action for some time now!



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Week 13 Review

The crystal ball had a stellar week by going undefeated at 4-0. That puts the crystal ball at 23-20-1 for the season. That’s three games over .500 (.534 to be exact). The crystal ball has a slightly sore back this week. You know…with all that patting itself on the back stuff! Let’s review and see what happened last week.

Last Week: 4-0

Overall: 23-20-1

Seattle @ Dallas: The Cowboys looked good from start to finish. That’s what is expected when you play a team like the Seahawks. Once the ‘Boys had the lead, they never looked back. They kept the pedal to the metal, and didn’t let Seattle back in the game. The only downer was the injuries to DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber. Both left the game and didn’t return, but they should be fine for this week’s match-up against the Steelers.

Arizona @ Philadelphia: The Eagles got a big win against the Cards. Arizona is a formidable team and the Eagles never let Warner get in a rhythm. The Birds put up a 40-burger (48 points to be exact) on the Cards, as McNabb proved himself as the leader of the team. McNabb was flawless, as he threw for 260 yards and 4 TDs. That’s not too shabby for a QB that everyone wants to run out of town. By winning, the Eagles also kept their play-offs hopes alive.

Tennessee @ Detroit: The Titans disgraced the Lions in a blowout! Tennessee has a well-balanced offense with two quality running backs. Kerry Collins is a very good manager of the offense, but he can still make all the necessary throws when needed. The Titans defense is playing well also. Jeff Fisher has his club firing on all cylinders heading into the play-offs!

Pittsburgh @ New England: At halftime, this game was knotted at 10-10. Offensively, the Steelers hammered the ball with Moore and Parker. Big Ben did his job, but he did have a couple of picks. The Patriots kept it close for a while, but their 5 turnovers sealed their fate. Matt Cassel didn’t stand a chance against the Steelers defense once they fell behind. You just can’t give the ball away that many times to a quality team and expect to win…not in the NFL!


Short Shots:


The Cleveland Browns suffered another injury at QB. After losing Brady Quinn a few weeks ago, they have now lost Derek Anderson as well. It’s now up to Ken Dorsey to try and salvage Romeo Crennel’s job…not a pretty site in Cleveland! Romeo…start packing!

Plaxico Burress posted $100,000 bail yesterday. He is now back out on the streets until March 31, 2009…when he goes back in front of the Judge! Unfortunately for Plaxico, Goodell won’t take as long to render judgment! Plax…just stay inside your house! Shop online if you get bored!


From The Mail Room:


Henry D., Carlstadt, NJ: How can Burress be so stupid. He is gonna cost the giants the superbowl.

Utopia1dc: Henry, I agree 100%…Plaxico Burress is a first rate fool! He has been a distraction to the G-Men all season long. The Giants may be better off without him. As far as costing the Giants the Super Bowl…I don’t know about all that! I don’t see the G-Men repeating!

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Reality Mail Bag - 12/01/08

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!


Johnny A., Norristown, PA: I am a diehard Eagles fan. The Eagles looked great on Thursday but do you think they can squeak into the playoffs?

Utopia1dc: Johnny…that’s going to be a tough task. D-Mac was on fire and Westbrook looked a lot better than he has in several weeks. If the Eagles continue to play like that, anything is possible. They could be dangerous if they can make it into the tournament. It doesn’t look too promising, as the Birds have dug a huge hole for themselves.


Andrew P., Atlanta, Georgia: Michael Vick just plead guilty to state dog fighting charges. Do you think he will get a shot to play again soon?

Utopia1dc: The reason Vick plead guilty was to have some of the charges dropped. He was also able to avoid more jail time. When Vick gets out of jail, he will be facing several years of probation. On top of that Sheriff Goodell isn’t just going to let him back in right away. I have a feeling Goodell will be very stern with Vick. With all that being said, some team will give him a chance, but he will be on very thin ice!


Big Tex, Paris, Texas: The cowboys are cooked if they lose Ware and the Barbarian to injuries.

Utopia1dc: Big Tex…calm down there, big fella! Ware is the heart and soul of the defense and he should be fine. MRI results were negative. Ware should be good to go, especially with the additional three days rest. Pretty much the same goes for Barber. His pinkie toe is dislocated, but not fractured. He will wear a protective steel toe shoe and a good tape job should keep him in the line-up!


Willy S., Ponca City, Oklahoma: I'm a big Patriots fan and you always bust on them especially matt casel. What gives man?

Utopia1dc: Slick Willy, you’re right…I do bust on the Patriots all the time. I lost respect for the entire organization because of Spy-gate, especially Bill Belichick. I have given Matt Cassel a lot of grief, but I also gave him some props and apologized to him in a previous post…maybe you missed that one! Read this post...Exploding!


Michelle, Gilbertsville, PA: So, now that Donovan had such a good week, do you think Reid may have been right in pulling him at half-time last week? Do you think that was what McNabb needed to get back on track?

Utopia1dc: Michelle, I see you reside in my neck of the woods! McNabb had a good week because he’s a good QB…it had nothing to do with his benching! Reid was wrong in benching his franchise QB…dead wrong! He disrespected the man who has defended the Eagles organization from day one. D-Mac has had Andy’s back on many occasions, too bad Big Red couldn’t return the favor! McNabb will be out of Philly after the season is over…it will do him a world of good. The Bears could use D-Mac’s services!



Short Shots:


Plaxico Burress…what the heck were you thinking? You shot yourself, in the leg, with a gun, in a bar…come on dude! Stupid…stupid…stupid! He will surely be suspended for the remainder of the season and the play-offs. Idiot!

The Cowboys are inching their way closer to a play-off spot each week. It seems as though they have been spared another catastrophe, as both DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber will not miss any time due to the injuries they sustained on Turkey Day.



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Week 12 Review

The crystal ball had a mediocre week, to say the least. The crystal ball went 2-2 for the week, and is now 19-20-1 for the season. That’s just slightly under .500 (.488 to be exact). We need to give it props for predicting the upset of the year (in my opinion). On the other hand, we must chastise it for the debacle in Denver. Let’s review what happened.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 19-20-1

San Francisco @ Dallas: This game started out close, but the 49ers were only able to convert 2 field goals early in the game. The Cowboys defense did their job by not allowing the game to get out of reach, while the offense was struggling. In the 2nd quarter, the ‘Boys offense exploded, as Romo hit Owens on a 75-yard bomb for a TD. After that, it was smooth sailing for Dallas, as Owens had a career-type day with 7 receptions, 213 yards, and a TD. The ‘Boys seem to be back on track to make a push for the play-offs!

Philadelphia @ Baltimore: The Eagles and the Ravens were in a classic defensive struggle at half time, with the Ravens leading 10-7. Then, the unthinkable happened…D-Mac was benched in favor of Kevin Kolb. Reid was so ashamed that he had the QB coach tell McNabb, as he was not man enough to do it himself! Now, I grant you that McNabb was struggling, but to pull him like that…that’s disrespectful! I know I have ripped D-Mac about the OT thing…but he didn’t deserve this! Kolb didn’t fare much better, as Baltimore ran away with this one in the 2nd half.

New York Jets @ Tennessee: The mighty have fallen…just as I had predicted. Favre was tremendous in this game, but the Jets defense held the Titans in check. It took Favre and his new buddies about a month to get used to each other, but now they are hitting on all cylinders. With Thomas Jones and Leon Washington leading the way on the ground, Favre’s aerial attack, and the defense playing well, the Jets are the team to beat in the AFC!

Oakland @ Denver: Boy, was the crystal ball wrong about this one. The Broncos picked a bad week for a let down, because the Raiders came to town ready to rumble. Fargas led the Raiders in the ground game, but McFadden was able to finish the job with 2 TDs. Russell only threw 11 passes, completing 10 of them, as he led his team to victory. Johnnie Lee Higgins returned a punt 89 yards for a TD. That’s his 2nd in as many weeks, as he had a 93-yard punt return for a TD last week against the Fins!


Short Shots:


Brady Quinn will miss the remainder of the season with a broken index finger. That’s too bad, as the Golden Domer had finally gotten his shot to strut his stuff a few weeks ago, when he took over for Derek Anderson. Quinn is clearly the QB of the future in Cleveland, so for the next 5 weeks, Derek will be auditioning for a new job next season.

Adam Jones is back and practicing this week with his fellow Cowboys. He will not be allowed to play on Turkey Day, as he is finishing up his suspension, which ended up being 6 games. This time, Pacman will have to stay out of trouble with no help from the Cowboys. Jerry Jones has taken away the security guards that were assigned to Adam. That’s not necessarily a bad thing…since that’s what got him in trouble in the first place!



From The Mail Room:


Fred S., Amarillo, Texas: Hey, I'm a displaced Eagles fan down here in Amarillo but I am originally from Pottsville. Anyway what the heck is going on with Donovan Mcnabb?

Utopia1dc: Fred, how did you end up in Amarillo? I’ve never been to Pottsville, but it’s not too far from me, but I have been through Amarillo on my way to the Texas Grand Canyon. As for McNabb, he has been given his starting job back for the Turkey Day game. McNabb was severely disrespected by Andy Reid, in my opinion. I don’t see D-Mac returning to Philly next season. The McNabb era is over. The Reid era is in serious jeopardy, as well!



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Exploding

Yesterday, the Cowboys defeated the San Francisco 49ers, at Texas Stadium, by a score of 35-22. Don’t let the score fool you, the ‘Boys were in cruise control mid-way through the 2nd quarter. The Cowboys defense started off a little shaky, but they were able to limit the 49ers to field goals. After the 1st quarter, the boys trailed 6-0, but that’s when it happened…the game changed in an instant!

The Cowboys got the ball at their own 23-yard line to start the 2nd quarter. After an incomplete pass by Romo, and a 2-yard dive by Barber, the ‘Boys were faced with a 3rd and 8 from their own 25-yard line. The Cowboys were in shotgun formation. Romo was flushed to his right; he looked up and found Owens streaking down the sideline. Romo fired a bomb that landed in Owens hands. Owens broke a tackle and took it to the house, for a 75-yard TD.

From that point on, the Cowboys were unstoppable. Romo threw for 341 yards and 3 TDs. Owens had a career day with 7 receptions for 213 yards and a TD. Until yesterday, 89 yards were the most Terrell had recorded this season, which was against Philadelphia, in week 2. That play alone, could be the spark that the Cowboys needed to get to their ultimate goal!

Owens has been frustrated this year…no doubt! He has remained a good teammate, and has towed the company line. He bit his lip and didn’t throw Brad Johnson under the bus (though he very well should have). Terrell sees the big picture…he sees the prize! Owens knew that he would get his chance, once “his quarterback” was healthy. Terrell knew that when they got their timing back, there was nothing to stop T.O. from…exploding!


Short Shots:


Andy Reid pulled D-Mac in favor of Kevin Kolb to start the 2nd half yesterday. The Eagles only trailed the Ravens 10-7 at half-time. I’m not sure what Big Red was thinking? As expected, Kolb didn’t fare much better, and the Birds laid another egg! For those that want the Kolb era to begin will have to wait, as Reid has named McNabb the starter for the Turkey Day game!

Matt Cassel threw for over 400 yards yesterday. Actually, he has thrown for 400+ yards, 2 weeks in a row…a feat that has only been accomplished four other times. Cassel…I apologize for calling you a professional clipboard holder…sorry!


From The Mail Room:


Josh D., Topeka, Kansas: The cowboys played good and beat san fran but they stink. Do you really think da boyz have a chance to win superbowl?


Utopia1dc: Josh, I do agree that the 49ers are a poor team, but nonetheless, the Cowboys took care of business. You can’t control whom you play, but when you play a lesser team…you got to beat them. And the ‘Boys did just that! As far as the Super Bowl goes…why not? If Romo stays healthy and Roy Williams can get more involved, I think that the Cowboys offense is unstoppable!



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Predictions Week 12

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). 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 a little off last week by going a measly 1-2-1 for the week. The Eagles debacle in Cincy cost me dearly (but not as much as it did McNabb). That leaves my disgraced crystal ball and me at 17-18-1 for the season, a tad under .500 (.486 to be exact). This week the crystal ball was given a few extra days off to regain its composure. Let’s see what’s in store for us this week.

Last Week: 1-2-1

Overall: 17-18-1

San Francisco @ Dallas: The Cowboys got a much-needed victory against archrival Washington last week. The Cowboys find themselves right back in the mix for a play-off spot, at 6-4. Romo looks to be back on track after his mid-season hiatus. His pinkie should continue to heal as the weeks go by. The 49ers are coming off a big win as well, but I don’t see them keeping pace with the rejuvenated Cowboys. The Cowboys will look to get Williams and Owens involved early and often. Dallas 34, San Francisco 16.

Philadelphia @ Baltimore: It’s a good thing that the Birds are on the road this week; I just can’t imagine what kind of reception McNabb would be confronted with if this game were at the Linc. The Eagles were brutally disgraced last week by the Bengals. The Ravens didn’t fair much better, as they got thrashed by the G-men. Philly needs a win desperately as McNabb and Andy Reid are fighting for their jobs. Philadelphia 20, Baltimore 17.

Oakland @ Denver: The Raiders played well against the Fins last week but they still couldn’t manage to get a win. Offensively, they are a pathetic, to say the least. Their defense has played well at times. Al Davis shelled out big time cash in the off-season; I’m sure this isn’t the team he had envisioned. The Broncos got a huge win by knocking off the Falcons in Atlanta last week. Denver has a 2-game lead in their division and now is not the time for a let down. Denver 27, Oakland 13.

New York Jets @ Tennessee: The Titans are standing tall at 10-0 and they are ripe to be knocked down. The bigger they are, the harder they fall! Look out Tennessee; the original Titans (the New York Titans changed their name to the New York Jets in 1963) are coming to town to reclaim their nomenclature. Favre and his new buddies will get it done somehow, someway. Upset special…New York Jets 27, Tennessee 26.


Short Shots:


Shout out to D-Mac the trendsetter…this week’s game is in Baltimore at 1:00 PM. If you need directions, here’s a link to MapQuest.

The Cowboys got hit with another bit of bad new this week. Rookie sensation Felix “the cat” Jones will be placed on IR, as he needs surgery on his toe. Ironically, he injured his toe while rehabbing his quad. Felix will have to wait until next year for us to hear him meow!

Je’Rod Cherry is raffling off his Super Bowl ring, the first of the three he won as a member of the New England Patriots. No this is not another star down on his luck…read why here. Mr. Cherry, if you were part of the cheating in New England…all is forgiven!



From The Mail Room:


Vet, Ambler, PA: Will having two people by replay booth help correct issues? I personally think if one screws it up they both will.

Utopia1dc: Vet, I see that you’re a fellow Amblerite. I agree with you that having two officials at the booth won’t help one bit. If the refs don’t know how to interpret the rule, what’s the difference if they stand next to each other or not. They’ve always been able to confer with each other prior to announcing their final decision anyway.



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Reality Mail Bag - 11/20/08

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!


Jake O., Tulsa, Oklahoma: I live in tulsa but i am a eagles fan. Is the meddia going crazy in philly about mcnabb?

Utopia1dc: Jake the media is always crazy in Philadelphia. They usually tend to blow things out of proportion, but this time they are ripping McNabb on a daily basis…deservedly so!


Trina K., Chicago: Now that pacman jones is back, will he replace Henry as a starter?

Utopia1dc: Trina…hold on there! Adam Jones was reinstated by Goodell, but he won’t be able to play until after Thanksgiving. He’s got to prove himself, on and off the field, before we start handing him Anthony Henry’s job. He will be used as the punt returner and he will also contribute on the nickel and dime sub-packages.


Phil P., Abington, Pa: I have been a cowboys fan for my whole life but i live in Pennsylvannia. Do you think that they will make the play offs?

Utopia1dc: Phil, I’m glad to see all these Cowboys fans in Pennsylvania. I hope that was a typo…as I hope you know how to spell our home state? To answer your question…yes, the ‘Boys will make the tournament!


Dave C., Plano, TX: Howdy! You a cowboy fan I gather all the way up there. You alright I guess for a yankee.

Utopia1dc: Dave…thanks…I guess! I take a lot of heat from the “Yankees” up here for being a Cowboys fan, so I am glad to see that I have a fan in Plano!


Billy, Philadelphia: you know what you are a disgrace for being a cowgirl fan cause you live near philly. You should move your coward [bleep] down there with all those other loser cowgirls.

Utopia1dc: Billy from Philly…why the hate? Isn’t this the “City Of Brotherly Love”? Go back and read this post…Cockroaches.


Short Shots:


Sheriff Goodell reinstated Adam Jones…with strings attached, once again. Why is it that Goodell always has to dangle a carrot in front of Pacman? If he is reinstated, why can’t he practice and play this weekend? Several other players were issued 4-game suspensions several weeks ago and they are still playing? Come on…Goodell…why don’t you just say that you are a Cowboy hater!

It has been four long days since McNabb uttered those infamous comments about the rules of OT. Now, McNabb claims to be a “trend setter” because his comments have made the entire league have a better understanding of the OT rules. Newsflash…D-Mac…everyone else already knew!



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No Respect For The Game

Just this past Sunday (November 16th), something occurred in the NFL during a post-game news conference that has left me dumbfounded. The Eagles and Bengals played to a 13-13 tie. Usually that would be news in of itself, since ties are very rare in the NFL. In fact, the last tie came in 2002. The last time an Eagles game ended in a tie was, coincidentally, on November 16, 1997 against the Baltimore Ravens. But what’s got my panties all up in a bunch is what Donovan McNabb had to say after the game.

By now, I’m sure you have heard his idiotic statements regarding OT. McNabb did not know that the game would end in a tie, if neither team scored during the 15-minute period…pathetic! If that’s not bad enough, he went on to wonder how the NFL would handle that situation in the Super Bowl or the play-offs…oh my God, he was actually serious when he said this! I am flabbergasted!

Maybe I am being to hard on Donovan? Should he be expected to know every single rule in the NFL? The referees don’t get the rules correct all the time (as in the TD at the end of the Pittsburgh-San Diego game). Should the players be held to a higher standard? Is it even possible to memorize the entire NFL rulebook? Probably not!

As the QB, and leader of his team, D-Mac should know the rules about OT. I don’t expect him to know every nuance of the rulebook, but I do expect him to have knowledge of the game he plays professionally! A game in which has rewarded him financially beyond his dreams. A game in which has made him a household name. A game that he clearly enjoys playing. What’s clear to me is that Donovan McNabb has…no respect for the game!


Short Shots:


Roger Goodell will be one busy man this week as he is about to rule on the fate of several players. Deuce McAllister, Will Smith, Charles Grant, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, and Grady Jackson are all waiting to see if the Sheriff will rescind their 4-game suspensions. Pacman Jones is also on deck to find out if he is reinstated, so he can rejoin his fellow Cowboys.

Today on my morning commute; I was listening to WIP (local sports talk radio). They were taking a poll to see if the fans wanted the Eagles to win or lose against the Ravens this Sunday. The reasoning was that if the Eagles keep losing that they might fire Andy Reid. It was about a 50-50 split! If it were up to the fans…Andy…start packing!


From The Mail Room:

Bill R., Ft. Worth, Texas: I herd that miles Austin injured his knee against the redskins. Will this hurt the cowboys being able to stretch defenses?

Utopia1dc: Bill, it’s true. Miles Austin sprained his knee against the ‘Skins and he is due to miss 2-4 weeks. With Romo’s pinkie still not being 100%, I don’t know how much the Cowboys will be going deep anyway. The Cowboys spent a lot for Roy Williams; he needs to step up. Austin will be missed mostly as the kick returner.


Ken S., Horsham, PA: i read ur posts alot. Do you think the eagles will fire coach Reed if they not make the playoffs.

Utopia1dc: Ken, thank you for reading, and you’re not too far from me, in Horsham. The Eagles aren’t that bad of a team and I personally like Andy Reid as a coach. If I were the owner…I’d keep him on board. But if the ‘Birds do fall below .500 and miss the play-offs; then maybe it’s time for the organization to go in a different direction.



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Week 11 Review

The crystal ball bit off a little more than it could chew this past week. After all was said and done, the crystal ball was 1-2-1. That puts me at 17-18-1 for the season, a little under .500 (approx. .486)…not very good! I went out on a limb with two major upsets, and I got burned…not to mention the debacle (by Philadelphia) in Cincinnati. What’s done is done…so let’s move on; but first, let’s see what went wrong.

Last Week: 1-2-1

Overall: 17-18-1

Dallas @ Washington: This was a typical NFC East showdown. These two teams don’t like each other…okay, they downright hate each other! The Cowboys got a much-needed jolt from QB Tony Romo. He wasn’t perfect, as he threw 2 INTs in the red zone. The Redskins let the ‘Boys hang around in the first half, and that came back to bite them. Portis did play, but he wasn’t his usual self, as he is nursing a knee injury. The Cowboys closed out the game by feeding Barber the ball…he is a horse! The ‘Boys got a much-needed victory, and they are back in the hunt!

Philadelphia @ Cincinnati: The Eagles just flat out laid an egg! The ‘Birds only managed to score 13 points against the Cincy defense…that’s a disgrace. Westbrook just doesn’t seem to be himself after suffering his rib injury earlier in the season. McNabb takes too long to get going, and this game…he never got going at all! The game ended in a 13-13 tie after the OT period. Unbeknownst to McNabb, as he wanted to play some more! Donovan didn’t know that the game would end in a tie, if neither team scored in 15 minutes of OT…are you kidding me? Please!

Baltimore @ New York Giants: The G-Men are unstoppable right now. I figured that the Baltimore defense would rise to the occasion, but I was wrong. The Giants have too many weapons. As long as Eli keeps playing well, the G-Men are going to run away with the East and should lock up home-field advantage with ease. Flacco has been a nice find for the Ravens, but he needs more seasoning. Baltimore, at 6-4, is in the thick of things for the wild-card, and only trail the Steelers by 1-game in the division.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville: The Tennessee Titans, of all teams, are the only undefeated team in the NFL at 10-0. Jeff Fisher has his guys believing and playing as a team. Collins has taken over as the leader of the team…Vince who? The Jags had the Titans on the ropes, leading 14-3 at the half, but the Titans scored 21 unanswered points to maintain their spotless record. The Jaguars fall to 4-6, and have an uphill climb to get back in the mix for a play-off spot.


Short Shots:

Sheriff Goodell is supposed to make his ruling about suspended CB Adam Jones early this week. Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips have stated that they would welcome Pacman back, once he is reinstated. Adam would be an added bonus to the Cowboys defense, as they have struggled at times!

Donovan McNabb…the game ends after one OT period in the NFL…except in the play-offs! Oh yeah…there’s a 2pt conversion rule in the NFL. By the way, each team gets 4 downs to gain 10 yards for a 1st down. Come on, dude…show some respect for the game that has made you a multi-millionaire! Maybe Goodell should make players pass an “NFL Basic Knowledge Test” before they can cash their paychecks!


From The Mail Room:


Scott, Phoenix, AZ: The Cowboys traded for Roy Williams when is he gonna step it up? BTW, I read your blogs every day.

Utopia1dc: First, thanks for reading my Blog on a daily basis. Secondly, you have to keep in mind that Roy has only been with the team for about 4 or 5 weeks. It will take some time for him to get acquainted with the system and get his timing down with Romo. Look for Williams to be a major factor down the stretch and in the play-offs!



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Back In The Saddle

Last night, on Sunday Night Football, the Cowboys and Redskins met in a heated NFC East rivalry. The ‘Boys came to Washington, sporting a 5-4 record, while the ‘Skins were 6-3. The Cowboys welcomed back their offensive leader, Tony Romo, as well as Pro-Bowl corner, Terence Newman. Dallas had already lost to the Redskins earlier this season, and this was a must-win game for the Cowboys.

To say that the Cowboys offense struggled without Romo the past few weeks is an understatement. Though the Cowboys only managed 14 points against the ‘Skins, the offense moved the chains, which kept their defense fresh. Romo was far from perfect, as he threw for two interceptions in the red zone. Romo threw for 198 yards and a TD pass to Rookie TE Marcellus Bennett. Newman contributed as well, as he held Santana Moss to 5 receptions for only 29 yards. T-New also recorded an INT, which stalled a Redskin drive deep into Dallas territory.

The Cowboys took the lead in the 4th quarter (14-10) and never looked back. The Redskins went for it on 4th and 4 at the Dallas 37-yard line. Newman deflected the pass…Cowboys take over on downs with 6:40 left in regulation. The Cowboys milked the clock like they were on a dairy farm. They fed Marion Barber the ball 11 times in a row (1 short dump-off pass from Romo and 10 running). After Barber secured a 4th and 1 play with 1:02 left, Romo kneeled twice in victory formation. The “Closer” (Barber) did his job!

The Cowboys got a much-needed victory, on the road, against a formidable football team in the Washington Redskins. The ‘Boys are now 6-4, and they are in the hunt for a wild-card berth. For the Cowboys to win the division, it would take a miracle, as the G-Men won, once again, and they are now 9-1. Did the Cowboys turn the corner? Are they the same team that started 3-0? Are they the Super Bowl favorites, once again? Hardly! But, they are definitely…back in the saddle!


Short Shots:


Tennessee is now 10-0…that’s amazing considering that they are doing it with Kerry Collins as their QB. Good thing Vince Young had some issues at the beginning of the season!

The Eagles and the Bengals played to a tie. A tie in the NFL is extremely rare, as the last tie came in 2002. What’s amazing is that Donovan McNabb didn’t know that the game ended after 15 minutes if no team scored! What’s more amazing, is that after McNabb was told that by a reporter during the post-game press conference, he wondered what would happen if that occurred in a play-off game or the Super Bowl. Are you kidding me? A QB who has been in the NFL for 10 years, and counts $9.3M against the Eagles cap, doesn’t know this? This is absurd!


New Feature Coming Soon:

I now have an email link set up so that you (my loyal readers) can ask questions directly to me. I will read every question or comment submitted. I will answer them (as many as possible) in a weekly post, called…Reality Mail Bag.

I will also answer questions on a daily basis (when applicable) at the bottom of each post (right after the Short Shots). This section will be called…From The Mail Room.



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Predictions Week 11

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). 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 a little off his game last week, as he finished at 2-2. That’s not bad, but we can do better than that. We are 16-16 (.500) for the season, but we are 9-3 in the past three weeks…not bad? Let’s see what’s in store for us this week.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 16-16

Dallas @ Washington: The NFC East division title is a pipe dream for either of these teams, as the G-Men appear to be running away with it. The wild-card race though, that’s on...in full force. A win for either team would go a long way in achieving their respective goals. The Cowboys will have the services of Tony Romo and T-New for this contest, while Portis looks like a no-go for the ‘Skins. This game is a must win for the ‘Boys, and I don’t see it as a close game at all. Dallas 34, Washington 17.

Philadelphia @ Cincinnati: The Eagles are licking their wounds trying to recover from their loss against the Giants; a game they could have won…if they could only gain a yard! The Birds need to be careful, because the Bengals are on a 1-game winning streak (hehe)…I think not! The Eagles will rebound easily here. It will be close for a little while, but then the Birds will pull away. Philadelphia 26, Cincinnati 13.

Baltimore @ New York Giants: The G-Men are standing tall after their big win against the Birds, while the Ravens are flapping their wings with authority after their whipping of the Texans last week. Baltimore is tied for 1st place in their division (along with the Steelers) at 6-3. Joe Flacco has been a pleasant surprise for the Ravens, and their defense (even though they have been banged up) has been keeping them in games, while Flacco learns on fly. Upset of the year…the Ravens will down the Giants in OT! Baltimore 23, New York Giants 20.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville: The Titans are the surprise team of the 2008 NFL season. They sit at 9-0 with a 4-game lead over the Colts (and a 5-game lead over Jacksonville). The Jags have been struggling this year at 4-5. Jack Del Rio was expecting more out of his club this year, but he finds himself on the hot seat, as his job is in serious jeopardy. His team will play hard for him and they will hand the Titans their first loss of the season. If you listen closely, you will be able to hear the popping of champagne corks (pop…pop…pop) in Miami, as the ’72 Dolphins celebrate! Jacksonville 17, Tennessee 16.


Short Shots:


Put up or shut up? It’s time for the Cowboys to show why they were the pre-season favorites. No more excuses, as Romo and others return from injury. The time to win is…now!

Jerry Jones said he would welcome back Adam Jones, if Sheriff Goodell reinstates him. That decision could come early next week, but I wouldn’t count on it. I think Goodell will make both Jones’ sweat it out for another week or three! For some reason, Goodell likes making an example out of Pacman!

On the other hand, Matt Jones is still playing football, even after Goodell gave him a 3-game suspension. Whatever Matt Jones has on Goodell…could you please pass it along to Pacman?

All week, the Redskins have been playing up that Portis is 50-50 to play against the Cowboys. Are the ‘Skins trying to hoodwink the ‘Boys, or are they being truthful about his injury situation? Either way, I don’t have time for this gamesmanship, as Portis is on my fantasy team…and I need to know the truth!

Last night, the Jets beat the Patriots to take sole possession of 1st place in the AFC East. Mangini had a smile, from ear to ear, on his face…Belichick looked like he had a bad wedgie. Down with the CHEATERS!

Too Little, Too Late

The Cowboys have a big game coming up this weekend against the Redskins. But aren’t they all big games? Yes, but this is a defining game for the 2008 Cowboys. If the ‘Boys lose…the season is all but over. If they win…they are back in the hunt for the wild-card race. The Cowboys were the pre-season favorites to win the Super Bowl…but that’s why they play the games!

The Cowboys should be in better position (at-least one would hope) than they have been in the previous three games. They will have most, if not all, of their guns a blazing, come Sunday. The Cowboys went 1-2 in Romo’s absence and now they find themselves three games back of the G-Men. The division race is all but done, but the ultimate prize, the Super Bowl, is still within reach. A far reach…but a reach none the less!

If the Cowboys can just win enough games (probably 10) to get into the tournament, they will be a wild-card team that no one will want to face. When the Cowboys have all of their weapons on offense healthy, they should be unstoppable…at-least on paper! Where does a defense start? Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Terrell Owens, Roy E. Williams, Jason Witten, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin…oh yeah…Tony Romo…that’s a nightmare for a defensive coordinator!

But, first things first, is Romo going to come in after a 4-week lay-off and be at the top of his game? Will Romo and Williams have their timing down, considering they have only practiced a few times together? No and no…but that’s okay! Anything has to be better than what we have seen since Romo has been out of the line-up. Let’s just hope, that it’s not…too little, too late!


Short Shots:


If you were an NFL player, what would be worse…playing for the Lions or the Raiders? It’s a toss up…but at-least the weather is better in California!

Last night, Terrell Owens was on Dave Letterman to promote his new book. Terrell is racking up some frequent flyer miles this week. Dallas to New York, then back to Dallas, and then to Washington, D.C. for Sunday night’s game, and then back to Dallas again.

The Tennessee Titans are 9-0…can they go 16-0? Probably not, but then again, that’s probably a good thing…just ask the Patriots!

The Jets and the Patriots square off tomorrow night in Foxborough, MA. The winner will be in sole possession of 1st place in the AFC East. I bet NFL Network is happy with this match-up! The only person disappointed is John Madden, since he won’t be able to say “Brett Favre” 247 times on national TV!

Week 10 Review

The crystal ball was a little off this past week, going 2-2. That now puts me at 16-16 for the season, right at the .500 mark. Not exactly great, but we will take it, especially since we didn’t get off to a great start. We even had to have a changing of the guard a few weeks back, but this crystal ball knows that it could be next if it falters! Let’s take a look back and see what happened this past weekend.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 16-16

Buffalo @ New England: We totally got this one wrong…just downright blew it. The Bills struggled to generate any kind of consistency on offense against the depleted Pats defense. Matt Cassel is starting to resemble an NFL QB, and I may have to eat my own words, as I have ripped him from day one. I’m not quite ready to do that…just yet! The Patriots seem to have found something in RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (yeah, that’s his real name) as he has been producing when called upon. Buffalo has squandered its 4-0 start by dropping 4 out of their last 5…ouch!

Seattle @ Miami: The ‘Hawks came ready to play and they almost pulled off the upset. I didn’t think it was going to be that close, but Miami hung tough and got the job done. Pennington managed the game fairly well, but it was Ricky and Ronnie that led the way to victory. Williams had his best day in years, topping the 100-yard mark. Both RBs scored while the Fins were in the wildcat formation…Roar! Sparano has them on the right track…only one game back of the Patriots and Jets!

Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh: The Colts went on the road to a hostile Heinz Field and got the job done. Big Ben was hobbled somewhat by his bum shoulder and he cost them the game with several ill-advised throws, which led to three picks. The most costly INT came on the last play of the game on 4th and 5 from the Colts 27-yard line. The Steelers had a shot at the end to pull it out, but it wasn’t meant to be. The Colts got the much-needed victory to get to 5-4. It looks like they must go the wild-card route as the Titans improved to 9-0, and have a 4-game lead over the Colts.

New York Giants @ Philadelphia: The Philly faithful were out in full force to support the Birds in the City of Brotherly Love…but in the end, they got the cold shoulder instead! It was a back and forth game, but the offensive line of the Giants was too much for the undersized Philly front seven. The 3-headed RB monster got the best of the Birds, as they just kept running down the gut of the Philly defense. The Eagles had a chance for redemption late in the game. But on 3rd and 3, and then again on 4th and 1, Andy Reid got to cute for his own good. Two straight running plays by Westbrook were sniffed out by the Giants defense (as well as the entire viewing audience), and the Eagles turned the ball over on downs…game over! Maybe even the season and the Andy Reid era in Philadelphia?


Short Shots:


It looks as if Romo (and many of the injured Cowboys) will be available for this weeks match-up against the Redskins. Felix Jones didn’t practice on Monday, but the consensus is that he will be good to go by Sunday night. Hopefully, this will get the ‘Boys back on track…time is running out!

Andy Reid and his stubbornness have cost the Eagles at-least two games this year. Why is a passing team trying to be a smash-mouth running team on the most crucial plays of a game? I just don’t get it…and neither do the Philly fans!

The woman, who alleges that RB Larry Johnson (KC) spit in her face, is suing him in court for damages. Good for her…that’s just downright nasty!

Today is Veterans Day. I would like to thank all the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces!

Same-old, Same-old

Last night, on Sunday Night Football, the Philadelphia Eagles wasted a golden opportunity. The Birds lost to the New York Giants 36-31, at home. Lincoln Financial Field (The Linc) was as loud as ever. The Philly faithful were out in full force, only to be let down, once again, by the Eagles. Many fans are fed up and frustrated with the team.

If you look at the statistics, the Eagles faired fairly well offensively against a top-notch Giants defense. The Birds managed 300 yards of offense. McNabb threw for 194 yards and 3 TDs (1 INT), with a QB rating of 80.1. That’s not a bad days work, usually! But the Eagles were facing the defending Super Bowl Champions, their defense and turnovers let them down.

The Eagles, even though they were over-matched all game, had a chance to steal a victory. With 3:14 left on the clock, the Eagles had one last chance, starting from their own 14-yard line. The Birds managed to get to the 43-yard line at the 2-minute warning, facing a 3rd and 3. What happened next, still befuddles me this morning, as much as it did last night. Westbrook took the hand-off and bounced outside to the right and gained 2 yards while managing to get out of bounds to stop the clock. 4th and 1…Andy, don’t do it…Andy, don’t do it. He did it anyway!

We all knew what was going to happen next. The fans at the Linc, the announcers, and all of us glued to our TVs…we all knew it! Westbrook to the right…stuffed! Game over! Why…Andy…why? The Eagles were burned earlier in the year with a similar situation in Chicago. You would think that Andy Reid would have known better? He did and he does…he’s just too stubborn…it’s just the same-old, same-old!


Short Shots:


The G-Men are now the clear-cut favorites to win the NFC East and have home field advantage in the play-offs…thanks Eagles!

Matt Jones (Jags) and Joey Porter (Miami) are having a verbal squabble over comments made by Porter. Joey doesn’t understand why Matt is still playing football, since Sheriff Goodell gave him a 3-game suspension? Neither do I!

The Dolphins unleashed the wildcat on Seattle. The ‘Fins scored two TDs in the wildcat formation. Parcells…you pussycat…you! I could have sworn Big Bill was a dog person?

Herm Edwards tried to pull off a “Shanahan” yesterday by going for 2 while only trailing by one, with 23 seconds left in regulation. KC failed on the 2-pt conversion and Herm failed his team. Kick the PAT and go to overtime!