Tag Archives: Vick

If you’re trying to put together a list of traits a team needs to be successful and you gloss over the championship teams of the past, more times than not they had a good to great defense and a strong running game.

Don’t believe me? Look at the Jets of the past two years. A rookie qb not being asked to do much, a strong offensive line that made holes for a good running game and a great defense. If the last week has been evidence of anything its that Mark Sanchez has been holding them back and changing the formula to a pass heavy offense was a big mistake.

So when Ravens players are clamoring for Ray Rice to get the ball 30 times they aren’t talking smack about the passing game as they are telling the offensive game planners that the offense should do what they are successful at already. What about the Packers you ask? They didn’t go on their run until James Starks established himself and gave them the threat of a competent running game.

The Giants and Packers have success because their QBs have been playing at such a high level (Eli during the 4th and Aaron during, well, very quarter). Their running games notwithstanding are the anomaly and not the rule. Teams that run well and can hide the inadequacies of the passing game will always be more successful than teams who force the issue and go for the home run.

Teams who can run in December and January will be successful. This is why the Packers of the world, can parade themselves as world champion favorites all they want, but if they can’t run the ball and don’t give off the threat of a run game, will suffer.

Now on to week 11 games and picks:
Editors Note: I picked the Jets by -7 which I lost. New rule: never bet against Tebow.

FALCONS (-6.5) over Titans- Its difficult to pick the Titans who can bring it defensively one week and not the next. By the way, a poll conducted by Forbes said Michael Vick was the most hated man in the NFL. Now this was done by fans. Within the confines of the white lines that is the furthest from the truth. Vick is the most liked player in the NFL amongst players. Why bring up Vick? Because if you asked players they would say Cortland Finnegan. The guy is a douchebag and that’s when you just look at him. He picks fights with players. Shows you exactly who and what level fan is voting for this.

Bills (+3) over DOLPHINS- I gotta admit, the Dolphins had me going. They were looking like a pretty solid team but I see that they have 2 wins now so they can rest easy. By the way, it looks promising that they are going to end up with Matt Barkley who in my opinion is in the class of Andrew Luck. So maybe they DO KNOW what they are doing.

Bengals (+7) over RAVENS- I like this Bengal team. I really do. I think AJ Green is a beast and will play. I love their run game and without Ray Lewis, the Ravens are playing without its heart and soul. Will be interesting to see what happens..

Jags (+1) over BROWNS- next.

Raiders (+1) over VIKINGS- Carson Palmer I want to believe in you. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. Let’s see.

LIONS (-7) over Panthers- here’s a litmus test for the Lions. If they blow out the Panthers its a big deal and a huge momentum boost heading into Thursdays showdown with the Packers. If they beat the Panthers by a FG, they may not be ready for Thursday but there’s still a grey area to see where they are skill wise. If they lose, let’s quit the restore the roar crap.

PACKERS (-14) over Bucs- Trap game. Or warm up for Thursday? I pick the latter. Go Pack GO!

Cowboys (-7) over REDSKINS- This will be a litmus test for these Cowboys. Either they go in and DESTROY the Redskins after which every single waking hour on NFL Network will be dedicated to Tony Romo and the Boys being contenders and only team able to challenge the Packers. OR they are the Cowboys of old and have a let down. Let’s see.

NINERS (-10) over Cardinals- Two points:
1. I think Rodney Harrison is becoming my favorite in studio analyst. He speaks from the heart and is often proved right.
2. His opinion that the Niners MAY BE the best team in football isn’t that far off, unless you are drinking the yellow colored kool aid.

Last week, I saw Jim Harbaugh out coach, out wit and out fundamental Tom Coughlin who preaches fundies on a daily basis. As for this game, I expect the Niners to continue to unleash Alex Smith: the passer on the world with Frank Gore nursing an injury and a big game against Baltimore coming on Thursday.

Seahawks (+3) over RAMS- Hawks have an underrated D.

BEARS (-4.5) over Chargers- Its not December yet and I am aboard the Bear train. Go ahead jump on board. This may be the only team capable of knocking off the Packers.

GIANTS (-6) over Eagles- classic letdown game for the G-Men with Vick AND Maclin not coming to Metlife and Jackson playing with a broken heart. Gives way for guys who are fighting for a roster spot and those guys are the most difficult to oppose. Prepare yourselves Giants fans for the Dream Team himself: Vince Young. If the Giants can’t cover a 6 point spread at home against a disappointing Eagle team playing without two of its biggest offensive weapons, they don’t deserve to win the NFC EAST plain and simple.

PATRIOTS (-15) over Chiefs- You’re trying to tell me that Tyler Palko is his real name and not a stage name? So this isn’t a make believe game? So how come that guy Brady’s hair looks like he stepped off the set of a Vidal Sassoon commercial? Yeah ok- I’m sure this is “real.”

Enjoy week 11 football fans!