Every Wednesday, it’s time to play the NFL odds. Today: Jerry Jones’ scapegoats, Wes Welker, the Redskins’ collapse and more. Matt Bowen
Every Wednesday, it’s time to play the NFL odds. Today: Jerry Jones’ scapegoats, Wes Welker, the Redskins’ collapse and more.
WEEK 15
3- Players/Coaches Jerry Jones is going to call out before Christmas (OVER)
OK, let’s look a little more closely at this one. After the Cowboys decided to fold their tents in the fourth quarter and allow the Steelers to come back and take a crucial win right out of their hands (nice going, Tony), Jerry Jones — the most powerful man in Texas besides G.W. — looked for someone to blame. We all know the story: Marion Barber, at home on Sunday nursing his dislocated toe (a serious injury if you play running back in this league), thousands of miles from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, became the fall guy. Jerry thought he could play; head coach Wade Phillips and the medical staff thought he couldn’t. Let’s just get this out in the open — Jerry was pissed off about the loss. That’s it. Now, we try to figure out who will be next. Most likely it will be Wade first, Terrence Newman second, the equipment guy third, a super-hot Cowboys cheerleader fourth and so on. T.O. will avoid the wrath of Jerry (for now), and Jones knows better than to call out Tony — because then he has to call out Jessica Simpson, her ethical father, the Backstreet Boys … should I keep going?
1-Redskins’ Victories over the next three weeks after Portis rant (PUSH)
Sorry, Redskins fans. Look, I played there for three years, but I can’t sit here today and say that you guys are going to suddenly turn it on these remaining weeks of the season. Just can’t do it. Add in the fact that Clinton Portis (a guy I thought was going to win the MVP in October) is now taking punches at the head coach in the media, and this franchise is once again falling apart. I’m not going to waste your time (or mine) by breaking down the last month and a half of the Redskins’ season, but y’all know the story here. So, do they have any chance of making that one last push? Probably not. The Skins should win this weekend against Cincy, then drop their last home game to Philly, then lose a throw-away game across the country against the Niners, who are a pretty tough match-up right now. So much promise and then …
175-People who would show up at Lions’ Dominic Raiola’s house to fight (OVER)
I hope you heard the story about Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola. No? Well, here it is in brief. Raiola flashed the “bird” at some fans last week after another loss — out of disgust. I’m with you on that one, buddy. However, Raiola then went on to say he didn’t regret the move and would offer up his home address for anybody who wanted to come by and talk about it. Come on, dude. That is pretty lame. One thing a pro has to understand is that fans are going to boo you and your team if you play like garbage. Where did all this sensitivity come from NFL players today? I know, Vince Young started it (and it cost him his job, by the way), but to challenge the fans to a fight? What is this, high school? Meet me at the bike rack for an old-fashion fist fight? Get out of here with that. I wouldn’t go because he would probably beat my skinny butt; however, I’m sure there are some guys who would show up ready to square off. Man, I love the Lions.
130- Receptions for the Patriots’ Wes Welker at season’s end (UNDER)
In case you haven’t noticed, Wes Welker is leading the league in receptions with 96, just ahead of the Texans’ Andre Johnson (92). I know, and you know, Welker doesn’t get the credit or respect he deserves. We label him a “slot” receiver. Translation: He isn’t the No. 1 or No. 2 guy. Garbage, folks, garbage. This guy is a player — a big-time player in this league -- and without him, the Pats would be terrible. Let’s take a peak at the schedule to figure this out. This week, the Pats are in Oakland. OK, that’s 12 receptions right there. The following week, they host the Cardinals at home. Arizona has played better defense of late, but they aren’t the Steelers just yet. There’s 12 more for Welker. That gives him 120 receptions going into the final game of the season (a game the Pats are going to need to get that division title). Outside at the Ralph after Christmas? I think it’s safe to say the weather is not going to resemble spring break in Cancun (the cheerleaders might help, but not enough). Welker gets 8 in a Patriots victory. That’s 128 receptions, not a bad season for a “slot” guy.
300- Passing Yards for Drew Brees against the Bears tomorrow night (UNDER)
It’s going to be 19 degrees tomorrow night here in Chicago. I am going to shovel snow as soon as I send this post to my editor, so I’m going with the under. But it isn’t all about the weather when you play the Bears. Last week, their defense played pretty solid football. Ganted, it was against a Jacksonville team that is making off-season vacation plans, but I still think they will come to play tomorrow night. Plus, the Saints ran a pretty balanced attack in their win over the Falcons on Sunday. Brees threw for 230 yards, and the team ran for 184 yards. Where that came from I have no idea, but it worked. However, the Saints are brutal outside of the Superdome (1-5). Coming up to Chicago, on a short week, away from that haunted dome, I am going to have to take the under. I am a huge Drew Brees fan, but the Saints are going to have to run the football if they want to win this game.
I gotta go over on Brees on this one. An interesting stat - more passes have been attempted against the Bears than against any other defense in the league. A weak pass rush against a line that's only allowed 10 sacks all year. And a sloppy field where the Saints runners won't have traction. I'll take their vertical passing game all day on that one - he threw for 296 in Tampa. Like you said, they have to run to win - they won't be able to run and they won't win, but Brees will break 300. Also note that all five of those road losses were against good teams that were good at the time they played (Redskins, Broncos, Falcons, Bucs and Panthers).
Scott- I am praying for the UNDER right now on Brees
Go Bear.
Joey- Appreciate the comments...
Wade is as good as gone if the Cowboys fizzle out--which they will--and J Garret will take over this circus...
Welker is a SLOT guy dude....you think if he was on the edge, playing elite corners game in and game out, he'd be having this kind of impact?
Dont gemme wrong, he's an amazing receiver, but as a SLOT guy..not a big play edge guy.
Coach - actually, I think the OVER is a better chance of your Bears winning the game. If the Saints can run it, you're hosed but I don't see them being able to run in Chicago in this weather. Brees will get to throwing but there's going to be receivers and corners falling down. Winner will be who falls less - most likely going to be the Bears there.
Matt - on Garrett, can you recall any player in the modern era going from player to HC quicker than what he's looking at? He didn't actually quit playing until 2004 - how the heck does he jump that far that fast in this day and age?
Sammy- Maybe so, that Welker is a slot guy, but they play with 3 wides a lot, so he is still on the field. I am calling a "slot" guy who comes in on 3rd downs...
Good comment though.
Scott- He is the next "Big Thing" in coaching. If you watch ESPN, those guys (Clayton, Mort, etc) will tell you all about it.
Who knows if he is going to be any good, but he better have some thick skin to coach in Dallas and try and control T.O.
I would rather have Singletary
I wouldn't be so quick to coronate Garrett as the next HC. He may have missed his opportunity last year because he has gone from being lauded to lampooned in Dallas. T.O. should keep his mouth shut but some of the shots he took at Garrett had merit. I thought they should've hired Singletary back when they hired Phillips. He was interviewed but JJ was wanting something different from Parcells strict disciplinarian style of coaching at the time.
Too bad about the 'Skins troubles...NOT.
Also, I doubt I'm the only Dallas fan that wishes Jerry would kiss and make up with Jimmy Johnson and bring him back. This collection of talent is perfect for Jimmy to use to add to his ring collection. I know it will never happen though. Just say NO to Cowher, I don't think it would work with him in Dallas.
B Roo- What about Swtizer?
He is just sitting around these days...
Seems to me that the Cowboys need some discipline from the head coach.
Bring back DITKA!
Ditka is a BEAR.
Oh yeah - Ditka and JJ in the same building. Wouldn't be ANY ego clashing there at all. That image of Ditka in the dreadlock wig right after his draft debacle is still burned into my skull like a bad acid trip. Ditka... JJ... TO... dreads and Bermuda shorts... there's a friggen picture for a Wednesday...
On a side note Matt, how bout an over/under on the Pats breaking the NFL record for fewest penalties in a season? Pretty darn remarkable considering the number of bodies they've had to swap out over the course of the season. They've had like 9 false starts this year - that's a good game for the Pack. They're at 44 today and the record for a 16 game season is 59.
Three picks for Bears D tomorrow night against Brees
Bear 27
Saint 20
That's pretty impressive Scott about the Pats
Lots of discipline under Belichick
I'm not sure if I am feeling Garret anymore as well.
He can operate if we unload T.O., which might not be a bad idea. We have Roy and can get another receiver
Witten is Tony's main target anyway--that is what is so upsetting to T.O.
I'm shocked about Garret... I thought everyone in Dallas loved this guy.
Brutal.
Matt - Switzer isn't coming back, he has that sweet "BCS expert" job on FOX...
Coach - Ditka was a player and special teams coach for the 'Boys, but you're right he is a Bear first and foremost
Scott M. - Thanks a lot, buddy, now I have that picture etched in my brain, too.
I think the only way you could make the Cowboy fans truly happy would be to bring back Tom Landry....
Switzer and Ditka are both about 80 years old aren't they? Interesting comparison between Phillips and Switzer. After a few years of a disciplinarian type coach who exerts more authority than JJ he hires another puppet.
b roo - having a coach that is stronger than you is bad for the ego...
My point exactly Paul. Very unique situation you Wisconsinites have with fans owning the team. Although Teddie seems to be an egomaniac, too, even though he's just an employee instead of a billionaire owner.
Yeah, we are very lucky that way. I really don't think Teddy is that much of an egomaniac. I think he has very little personality and that makes him come off as aloof. I also think he gets a bad rap from alot of people because he was the one who "did the deed", telling Favre he couldn't come back. But as far as egos go you guys are over the top down there with JJ.
I'll take JJ over Hotel Davis any day.
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Dec 10, 2008
12:08 PM
Matt,
I got on you yesterday about not having Mario in your All Pro Vote. If I am going to complain about a problem I have to compliment a nice job. Nice post, how about the over under for the amount of days Wade keeps his job following the Cowboys final game of the season. Hopefully, that game will be against the Eagles in Week 17. I put the number at 5.