National Football Post Diner News

8 Dec 2008                    

QUOTE:  “A leader is best when people barely know he exists; not so good when people obey and acclaim him; worst when they despise him. But a good leader who talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say, "We did it ourselves!" Lao-zi  

RANDOM GAME THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS...

1.     Weather played a factor on the east coast again this week.  Besides the cold, which made catching the ball difficult, the wind was tough in some games.  The Eagles used the wind to their full advantage. 

2.     Eagles played the game very well and played a style that allowed them to win.  They controlled the time of possession and knew that the Giants could not throw the ball down the field with the wind.  But the key was the Eagles were 12 of 18 on third down and the Giants were 3 of 11, 27 percent. Eagles held the ball almost 35 minutes. 

3.     Giants ran the ball well but never had the ball -- which is the best way to deal with their run game.  This loss by the Giants had less to do with Plaxico Burress’ absence and more to do with the Eagles making plays on third down. 

4.     The Eagles’ willingness to mix some runs into their play calls allowed their offensive line to come off the ball and protect the passer.  Earlier in the game, they struggled to protect, but when they started to run, they got the Giants on their heels. 

5.     The Giants with Plaxico led the NFL in dropped passes last year, and yesterday, those drops seemed to become a part of their game again.  They killed their ability to get any rhythm going. 

6.     Coach Mike Tomlin called Pittsburgh’s win over Dallas pretty, but to me, the game was a testament to the toughness and will of the Steelers. 

7.     Roy Williams had 2 catches for the Cowboys yesterday.  This Williams trade is going to haunt them much like the Joey Galloway trade haunted them years ago.  Why do teams keep making the same mistake?  They could not get the ball to their wideouts in this game. 

8.     The Boys made too many mistakes to win on the road, and the Deshea Townsend interception cost them the game and may have cost them their season. 

9.     I have been writing this for some time, but the Dolphins-Jets game on the last day of the regular season will mean something big for both teams.  The Jets and the Fins are headed in different directions right now. 

10.  The Bills have too many skill players to be this bad on offense.  J.P. Losman just played himself into a minimum salary benefit contract next year.  He was horrible. 

11.  The 49ers dominated the game against the Jets, and the score was closer than the game.  The Jets have to be worried about Alan Faneca, their starting left guard and big free-agent signing.  His play has been subpar for a few weeks, and yesterday he struggled to protect.  He was really bad.  Even Justin Smith of the 49ers was causing him trouble. 

12.  Both Tom Jackson of ESPN and Bill Cowher of CBS said on their pregame shows that Denver is a dangerous team to play right now.  I’m not sure I agree. They are amazing on offense but as the weather turns, the defense will keep getting exposed.  They were a fourth and goal from being in a tie game with KC. 

13.  The Skins cannot score. They rank 28th in the NFL in scoring.  When the game last night went to 14-0 in the first quarter, in my mind it was over.  If it were not for Greg Blache, the defensive coordinator, the Skins would not even be contenders in the wild card race. 

14.  Yesterday was the first time that the Saints, under coach Sean Payton, have won a game after trailing going into the fourth quarter.  They were 0-17 in their past games. 

15.  I have been impressed with Falcons QB Matt Ryan, and yesterday he was sensational again.  He plays like a 10-year veteran, and his accuracy on all three levels is great.  He did all he could to help his team win. 

16.  The Cards’ defense should play the Rams every week. This was the first time since October that the Cards held a team under 20 points. 

17.  I think Wayne Weaver, owner of the Jags, is going to have a tough January.  He gave coach Jack Del Rio a new deal last year, but based on this season, he has to re-evaluate his situation and how he is going to fix the team. 

18.  I know Green Bay is hurt and missing key players on defense, but the Packers are going to have to mix more coverages into their scheme than just man to man.  They don't have the defensive line that can rush and pressure now. 

19.  Houston proved it could win on the road, and the Texans are close if they can fix their defense this off-season.  They played with great intensity and great effort.  Their final drive from their own two was well done. 

20.  I don't see how the Lions are going to win a game.  They’re so bad, and if they think Daunte Culpepper can help them, they’re crazy.  He looks like an old fighter who knows how to box but can’t move anymore. 

21.  Lions were 0-3 in the red zone, and if they had scored 7 points just once, they would have won the game.  They are so bad on so many levels, they can't find a way to win. 

22.  Is it me, or are Colts games over in two hours?  I have never seen a team play faster and quicker.  They are playing slow ball and want to limit the time their defense is on the field.  Colts only had 8 third downs for the game.  That’s amazing. 

23.  Browns quarterback Ken Dorsey had 43 attempts for 150 yards.  They had no chance to get it done throwing the ball.  You have to work the ball up the field.  He looks slow and deliberate. 

24.  The Raiders’ loss on Thursday night means this is their sixth straight 10-loss season.   And for all the Hotel fans, someone said last year that he was not going to retire until he won TWO more Super Bowls.   That is very encouraging. 

25.  I was thinking this yesterday during the game: How many takes did the 5-hour Energy Drink need to show Braylon Edwards actually catching the ball?  No chance it was done in one take. 

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