Week 7 is in the books and the most interesting thing I’ve heard was a late bit of news that the Chargers got busted by a ref in their epic loss to the Broncos for cheating. Apparently they were using Stickum, which was banned in 1981. I guess when they put on those throwback powder blue uniforms they decided to play with a few of the throwback rules. Expect fines and a possible loss of draft picks when the punishment is handed down by the league office. “Rampaging” Roger Goodell is probably still smarting from giving up power in Bounty Gate to Tagliabue. On to week 7!
Decimated – The Ravens went into Houston decimated by injuries on defense and Flacco proceeded to pull a “Romo”. Yes, that’s a thing now. Previously the defense of the Ravens was good enough to work around those “Romo” games, but now they are merely average or worse. Suggs returned from a torn Achilles and promptly got a sack and made a bunch of plays, despite a bunch of talking heads freaking out that his foot was going to fall off during the game. I think the Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes for the year are done, they just have too many guys they need on IR. Hell, Ed Reed is even playing with a torn LAAABRUM (Jerry Lewis Voice).
The Pack is Back – Green Bay finally remembered they are supposed to be favorites in the NFC this year and started playing like it. Aaron Rodgers stopped making State Farm commercials long enough to return to form and throw a bunch of touchdowns in the last two weeks (I want to say 9). I still have to question the Packers defense but at least the offense is clicking, and Jennings is due back soon which will just make them even more dangerous. The real question is whether they woke up in time to catch the Vikings and Bears.
Brutality – I love Thanksgiving. When I was a kid the two things that made Thanksgiving special for me were the food and the football. (Ok, and the giant family around the table.) I would look forward all year to that Lions game on TV and rooting against the Cowboys and for whoever was playing them. I mention this because the specialness of Thursday games has been ruined by the NFL scheduling 13 weeks of them this year in a blatant grab for more cash. This has come at the expense of the health of the players. Anyone who saw the Niners/Seahawks game saw two exhausted teams just trying to survive to play again. I think the Ravens played 3 games in 17 days before injuries tanked their roster. The League, despite any empty gestures they make, don’t give a damn about player safety. Unless you are a star quarterback, they only care about money. Players are no better than tissues to be used and discarded when they are done with them. The NFL is the most successful sports league in the United States. By scheduling these extra games, they are playing with fire. Someone should tell them the story of Icarus, because the wax on their wings is close to melting.
Greg Schiano: Jackass, the Sequel – Someone needs to sit Schiano down and explain to him the pros are not the same as college. The rules are different for a reason. This time Schiano had his team all yell out at the same time pre-snap, which is illegal. When every ref on the field threw a flag on it, he complained. You know the rules buddy, don’t pretend like you don’t. You are in the big leagues now so it’s time to act like it. This isn’t Rutgers. He already put his offense in danger of getting hurt at the end of a game. What’s next, trying to sneak an extra football on the field?
RGIII – The kid is so good, he deserves his own mention. He may have lost on Sunday but the Giants left that game in awe of what he can do. They will have to deal with him for the next 10-15 years if he stays healthy. That has got to be something they aren’t exactly excited about. Back in week 2 I said he was the most impressive of the rookie quarterbacks, and a few of you hammered me on it saying I was crazy. He has done some pretty amazing things in 7 week,s including having the highest completion percentage. Sit down Manning(s), Rodgers and Brady, the new sheriff is in town, and when they get some more pieces for him to work with on offense we are looking at the birth of a dynasty.
Weekly Picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week – Buffalo, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Houston
Mr Ross’s Picks
VIKINGS over Bucs, BEARS over Panthers, Chargers over BROWNS, LIONS over Seahawks, RAMS over Patriots, JETS over Dolphins, Falcons over EAGLES, Redskins over STEELERS, PACKERS over Jaguars, TITANS over Colts, CHIEFS over Raiders, Giants over COWBOYS, BRONCOS over Saints, Niners over CARDINALS
Last week 10-3
Total 57-55
Mrs Ross’s Picks
Vikings, Bears, Chargers, Seahawks, Patriots, Dolphins, Eagles, Steelers, Packers, Titans, Chiefs, Giants, Broncos, Niners
Last Week 6-7
Total 56-56
