NFL Sunday Ticket is a wonderful thing but it's a rip off and a monopoly. Way too much for one house. They need to make it cheaper and give it to all other providers. Why does DirectTV get to horde it? I'd like the anti-trust guys who looked into Microsoft to look into this. Let more people enjoy a reasonably priced product. Thirty bucks a month, that's half of what it is now. The whole season for $120 - done.
This has gotta be connected to the potential lockout some way. Too much money going one place. Figure this broadcasting problem out along with the black-out and lack of stadium participation. All this is tied up together with the rest of the billions of dollars that might shut this thing down next year.
Let me say this: I've put my head in the sand on this lockout thing. I don't buy it, don't want to hear about it, don't believe it. Only when it's actually shut down will I buy it. These owners and player representatives are smart, based on the positions they hold, they have to be. So how could they be dumb enough to shut down the most popular league in sports?
BUT THE POINT WAS.... you don't need Sunday Ticket some weeks. Not if you're in the Des Moines/Central Iowa region tomorrow. The four best games are on the locals.
No. 4: Giants at Colts - NBC Sunday night
I'm not into the Manning Bowl hype but would like to see where these teams are at. I'll take the Colts here.
No. 3: Bears at Cowboys - FOX 12:00
If the Cowboys start 0-2 people will be up in arms. The Bears will show their true colors here. I'm going with Bum's son, like everyone else.
No. 2: Dolphins at Vikings - CBS 12:00
Dolphins are an intriguing team. I like watching their personnel and Sparano on the sidelines, yelling. Home opener in Minnesota. The Favre and Chili Show is back in town! Take the Vikings.
No. 1: Patriots at Jets - CBS 3:15
Seems like everyone is taking the Pats here but I'm going Jets. I'm with the home team in a bitter division rivalry. I haven't been convinced the Pats are back to '07 form after one game against the Bengals, who played like dogs in the first half and gave away the game easy and early. Jets run it better, play tough D and squeak out a close one, 16-13.
The best game I don't get: Ravens at Bengals. Division game - means a lot to both teams. Cincinnati can't fall in that 0-2 hole. If so, they'll never get out. The other division game, only 3 this weekend, is Bucs at Panthers. Hard-hitting NFC South action. I'm going Ravens and Panthers in those two.
Other notables:
Texans at Redskins - which team is for real? Either? Redskins to win
Steelers at Titans - Pittsburgh is dinged up and Titans could be rolling this year. Titans win at home.
Showing posts with label Cowboys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cowboys. Show all posts
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
NFC East Preview
The rivalries are what carry this division, as it will be among the most watched and competitive divisions in football this year.
DALLAS 11-5
Once again the Cowboys have the talent to be one of the best teams in the league but it will come down to execution. They have the skill players on offense and defense to be considered the best in the league. However, the offensive line continues to be an issue with its protection and run blocking. With Romo established, three capable running backs and a receiving corps that gained Dez Bryant, the offense will go as far as the line can block.
The defensive line and pass rush will be at the top of the league again and the Cowboys will use it to generate turnovers. Wade Phillips' specialty is defense so expect another strong season from that side of the ball.
The Cowboys looked rusty in preseason, perhaps just biding their time. Either way, the Cowboys have a tough schedule and always get their opponent's best effort. Bum's son's laid-back approach can result in a let-down from time to time but, ultimately, the Cowboys should win the division. However, don't expect a home game in the Super Bowl.
NEW YORK 9-7
The Giants were a tale of two teams last year. Out the gate quickly at 5-0, they stumbled badly in the second half, especially on defense, going 3-8 after getting hit hard with injuries. Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning are anxious to get back to the playoffs but must get better line play on both sides of the ball.
The defense looked awful much of the time last year, allowing the second most points in the league. The Giants spent four draft picks on defense, including DE Jason Pierre-Paul with the 15th pick. The defensive line used to be the strong point of the team and will need to return there if the Giants are to be successful. Picking up S Antrel Rolle in free agency will be a great pick up on the back end.
New York must get back to a more formidable rushing attack to compete within this division. Manning is coming off his best year but needs a ground game to keep defenses honest. He was also sacked a career-high 30 times, so protection must improve.
The Giants will have its work cut out but should be able to improve from last year's disappointment.
WASHINGTON 8-8
Major turnover happened in DC this offseason, and not a moment too soon. The Redskins had become the butt of jokes during last year's forgettable 4-12 campaign. But now they have a veteran coach and veteran QB to lead the way.
Things have been tumultuous for the entire summer thanks to disgruntled employee Albert Haynesworth. His relationship with the new staff started bad and still hasn't improved. Haynesworth doesn't want to play nose tackle in Mike Shanahan's 3-4 defense and it appears to be a stalemate in the battle of wills that has gone on for months. The Redskins are still trying to trade Haynesworth and Shanahan has said he will not start the $100 million man opening weekend.
With McNabb now under center, the offense will dramatically improve. He's being looked at as a savior of sorts, but he must be protected and stay healthy to accomplish anything. The Redskins offensive line was very porous last year and must perform better to allow McNabb to distribute the ball. The running game also fell off with the lack of blocking up front and will need to be re-established this year. No. 4 overall pick OT Trent Williams can hopefully contribute immediately.
With new management and a proven quarterback now leading the 'Skins, dramatic improvement should be seen. Doubling last year's win total is well within range, as well as a run at the division title.
PHILADELPHIA 7-9
The Eagles are in the heart of a youth movement. Andy Reid will turn things over to Kevin Kolb to fill the shoes of McNabb. Kolb is unproven but has potential to do what Aaron Rodgers did in his first year after patiently waiting. Kolb will have the receiving weapons and experienced play-callers, but will have a tough challenge in such a competitive division.
DeSean Jackson has established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Hopefully Kolb can throw the deep ball as well as McNabb because Jackson can fly past defenses. Kolb will need solid offensive line play and RB LeSean McCoy to build on his impressive rookie season carrying the ball.
The defense will be the question mark with a lot of holes to fill. They will blitz and harass the quarterback, as they always have, but may not have the manpower to be as effective as they have been in the past.
The Eagles have potential to compete in the NFC but will take a step back as its young players get accustomed to the NFL.
DALLAS 11-5
The defensive line and pass rush will be at the top of the league again and the Cowboys will use it to generate turnovers. Wade Phillips' specialty is defense so expect another strong season from that side of the ball.
The Cowboys looked rusty in preseason, perhaps just biding their time. Either way, the Cowboys have a tough schedule and always get their opponent's best effort. Bum's son's laid-back approach can result in a let-down from time to time but, ultimately, the Cowboys should win the division. However, don't expect a home game in the Super Bowl.
NEW YORK 9-7
The defense looked awful much of the time last year, allowing the second most points in the league. The Giants spent four draft picks on defense, including DE Jason Pierre-Paul with the 15th pick. The defensive line used to be the strong point of the team and will need to return there if the Giants are to be successful. Picking up S Antrel Rolle in free agency will be a great pick up on the back end.
New York must get back to a more formidable rushing attack to compete within this division. Manning is coming off his best year but needs a ground game to keep defenses honest. He was also sacked a career-high 30 times, so protection must improve.
The Giants will have its work cut out but should be able to improve from last year's disappointment.
WASHINGTON 8-8
Things have been tumultuous for the entire summer thanks to disgruntled employee Albert Haynesworth. His relationship with the new staff started bad and still hasn't improved. Haynesworth doesn't want to play nose tackle in Mike Shanahan's 3-4 defense and it appears to be a stalemate in the battle of wills that has gone on for months. The Redskins are still trying to trade Haynesworth and Shanahan has said he will not start the $100 million man opening weekend.
With McNabb now under center, the offense will dramatically improve. He's being looked at as a savior of sorts, but he must be protected and stay healthy to accomplish anything. The Redskins offensive line was very porous last year and must perform better to allow McNabb to distribute the ball. The running game also fell off with the lack of blocking up front and will need to be re-established this year. No. 4 overall pick OT Trent Williams can hopefully contribute immediately.
With new management and a proven quarterback now leading the 'Skins, dramatic improvement should be seen. Doubling last year's win total is well within range, as well as a run at the division title.
PHILADELPHIA 7-9
DeSean Jackson has established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Hopefully Kolb can throw the deep ball as well as McNabb because Jackson can fly past defenses. Kolb will need solid offensive line play and RB LeSean McCoy to build on his impressive rookie season carrying the ball.
The defense will be the question mark with a lot of holes to fill. They will blitz and harass the quarterback, as they always have, but may not have the manpower to be as effective as they have been in the past.
The Eagles have potential to compete in the NFC but will take a step back as its young players get accustomed to the NFL.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Cowboys Embarrassed
The Cowboys got their first playoff win last week. As predicted, that would prove to be satisfactory for this season as they were embarrassed by Minnesota Sunday.
Dallas went from looking like "the best team remaining in the playoffs" (quoted from a lot of "experts" at ESPN and NFL Network) to looking like the bumbling team that went 13 years without a playoff win.
The game barely started and Romo lost a fumble. Never gave them a chance. When Fozell "The Hotel" went down with a leg injury, which allowed Jared Allen to get loose, the game was over. When they got in FG range, Suisham missed.
Favre connected early on a deep pass to Sidney Rice that fired him up, which is what everyone in the whole state feeds off. If Favre isn't into the game, the Vikings chances are slim.
Romo looked like Aaron Rodgers did versus Minnesota. He looked confused, he couldn't get rid of the ball, he was fumbling and taking a lot of sacks. The difference is Rodgers still produced numbers and kept his team in the game. The Cowboys rolled over. Romo was sacked six times, the most ever in his career.
The most bothersome thing of the game: Keith Brooking trying to start a fight after Favre's 4th TD. Brooking said after the game that play call was "classless." How about you stop them, Keith? How about you "hit 'em in the mouth" like you say before each game? Running up the score doesn't exist in the NFL. Especially in the playoffs. Take your beat down like a man.
Dallas went from looking like "the best team remaining in the playoffs" (quoted from a lot of "experts" at ESPN and NFL Network) to looking like the bumbling team that went 13 years without a playoff win.
The game barely started and Romo lost a fumble. Never gave them a chance. When Fozell "The Hotel" went down with a leg injury, which allowed Jared Allen to get loose, the game was over. When they got in FG range, Suisham missed.
Favre connected early on a deep pass to Sidney Rice that fired him up, which is what everyone in the whole state feeds off. If Favre isn't into the game, the Vikings chances are slim.
Romo looked like Aaron Rodgers did versus Minnesota. He looked confused, he couldn't get rid of the ball, he was fumbling and taking a lot of sacks. The difference is Rodgers still produced numbers and kept his team in the game. The Cowboys rolled over. Romo was sacked six times, the most ever in his career.
The most bothersome thing of the game: Keith Brooking trying to start a fight after Favre's 4th TD. Brooking said after the game that play call was "classless." How about you stop them, Keith? How about you "hit 'em in the mouth" like you say before each game? Running up the score doesn't exist in the NFL. Especially in the playoffs. Take your beat down like a man.
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