You Play To Win The Game

This very well could be the most overused phrase in sports.

It's also the #1 goal of every NFL player when he steps onto the football field. When they slip on their pads, uniform, and helmet in the locker room, they know nothing else. This mantra is what propels these athletes to relinquish all accessible firepower while down in the trenches and out in the open field of each gridiron battle.

All coaches will tell you that this is the bedrock where their coaching philosophies are built. Every strategy and nugget of information that is taught to the players is for the sole purpose of winning every game that they play.

But, in recent history, it has become customary by many coaches to scale back and take a different approach to the last one or two games of the season when their team has clinched the playoffs and cannot alter its current position in the upcoming post-season. That strategy involves resting starters for all or a certain percentage of the game.

While I understand the common-sense approach that produced this decision, I simply don't agree.

Yes, I get it --- There's nothing else to play for so why start your star players and run the risk of them getting hurt and being out for the playoffs? Here's a thought. Don't they run the risk of getting hurt every time they step on the field? What's worse: Tony Romo getting hurt in Week 10 and, as a result, Dallas missing the playoffs or Romo getting hurt this week in Washington and having a Super Bowl-winning QB in Brad Johnson taking over? Give me the former.

The Cowboys are pretty deep all around the board so an injury to a player who has started all or most of the season is going to be treated like any other injury. You simply bring in the back-up and trust that he's ready to perform to the max as he would in any game of the season.

If someone is nursing an injury like T.O., Terence Newman, etc. then I can understand developing a game plan without them, but if I was Wade Phillips, I would start Romo, Barber, Witten, etc. and give it 120%!

Why wouldn't you want to end the season on a high note with a ton of momentum knowing that you have the next two weeks off to rest from all the aching muscles or minor injuries?

Personally, I'm more concerned if Romo doesn't play this Sunday. That would mean that he would not play for three weeks and then you have to look at the issue of him not being rusty. I simply see this game vs. the Skins as a tune-up for the playoffs; an opportunity to hone your game and work on some things that you may think is a detriment right now. And, who better to be out there than the same personnel that is going to be used in the playoffs? The last time I checked, if you lose one game in the playoffs, then you get to stay home for 7 months.

I don't think it's old-school thinking when you play all of your starters for every regular season game regardless of what your goals are for that game. It's called respecting the integrity of the game by giving it your all for 16 games.

As a head coach, when you start looking at whether to start your regulars, how long they should play, etc., then you are communicating the notion that if the team loses, it doesn't matter. You've met all your goals for the regular season so let's "baby it" the last game and be very conservative.

If you do that, then you aren't taking what's worked for you before and simply not playing to win.

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 17

Playoffs. Pride. Perfection.

One of these or a combination of the three is the goal for each of the NFL teams this weekend as this 2007 NFL season hangs up its "CLOSED" sign.

There are a couple of teams that control their own destiny if they want to play in January as they must win in order to play next weekend. One team needs to win while someone else loses, and yet another needs to win and also have divine intervention.

The pride factor is going to be prevalent among several teams who are looking to next season while others will be going for team or individual records if it doesn't jeopardize their health going into the playoffs. The "Pride" games can also be seen as auditions for upper management to help them determine what course of action they need to take in the off-season to put themselves in a better position this time next year.

Forget Spygate. Forget Belichick's arrogance. You cannot discredit the magnificent machine that is the New England Patriots as they head to NY standing at the portal of pure greatness. To go undefeated in today's NFL is unthinkable. It's like someone not having a cell phone; it's possible, yet rare, and you just can't wrap your mind around it.

Regardless of what happens this week, one thing is very certain. If the 2007 NFL regular season is any indication of what we can expect in the 2008 playoffs, then you better create a "Do Not Disturb" sign for your front door, screen your calls, and be ready to dial 9-1-1 for physical assistance.

• New England Patriots (15-0) at NY Giants (10-5): NFL Network/NBC/CBS, 8:15pm EST, Saturday Night - Commissioner Goodell's passion for the game strikes again in deciding to let all of America watch NFL history by simulcasting the game on NBC and CBS. What an extraordinary year for the Patriots. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Seattle Seahawks (10-5) at Atlanta Falcons (3-12): FOX, 1pm EST - A turbulent season is finally over. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• New Orleans Saints (7-8) at Chicago Bears (6-9): FOX, 1pm EST - A win AND a Skins and Vikings loss will get the Saints into the playoffs, but I think their season will end where it did last year. EDDIE'S PICK - CHICAGO
• Detroit Lions (7-8) at Green Bay Packers (12-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Expect the Packers to give some starters some much-needed rest and the Lions to lose their 16th straight game in Lambeau. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• Carolina Panthers (6-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6): FOX, 1pm EST - A date with the NY Giants next weekend will be the only thing on coach Gruden's mind as he rests his starters again. The Panthers will look to give rookie QB Matt Moore his first NFL win. EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• San Francisco 49ers (5-10) at Cleveland Browns (9-6): FOX, 1pm EST - It doesn't matter what happens at the Dawg Pound vs. the fragile Niners as the Browns' destiny lies in Indy where the Titans must lose for Cleveland to cap off this amazing year with a playoff berth. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) at Miami Dolphins (1-14): CBS, 1pm EST - New VP of football operations, Bill Parcells, will be on hand to watch his new investment take on a Benglas team that has won one road game this year. Oh, why not ---- EDDIE'S PICK - MIAMI
• Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at Houston Texans (7-8): CBS, 1pm EST - It's tune-up and rest time for J-town as they prepare for their next road game vs. Pittsburgh or San Diego. EDDIE'S PICK - HOUSTON
• Buffalo Bills (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-8): CBS, 1pm EST - This is the ultimate Pride Bowl as each team strives to finish at .500. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILADELPHIA
• Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-11): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Don't expect the Steelers to play all their starters for the whole game, but I'm not sure it will matter against a horrible Ravens team trying to avoid their 10th straight loss. A win and San Diego loss gives the Steelers the #3 seed and a chance to avoid New England for an extra week. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• San Diego Chargers (10-5) at Oakland Raiders (4-11): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Look for Pittsburgh to get a swing at New England first. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Kansas City Chiefs (4-11) at NY Jets (3-12): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Coach Herm Edwards returns to his old stomping grounds for the first time, and should experience the same ole' routine. EDDIE'S PICK - NY JETS
• Dallas Cowboys (13-2) at Washington Redskins (8-7): FOX, 4:15pm EST - A win would give Dallas its franchise-record 14th victory for this season, but a win by the Skins gives them an improbable playoff berth. A vehement crowd and the spirit of Taylor should be enough to give this laborious season a Hollywood ending. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• St. Louis Rams (3-12) at Arizona Cardinals (7-8): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Win or lose, the city of St. Louis will breathe a large sigh of relief when the gun sounds ending their migraine season. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Minnesota Vikings (8-7) at Denver Broncos (6-9): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Minnesota's focus in some ways might depend on what Washington does, but in other ways, it simply comes down to this being one lame Broncos team. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Tennessee Titans (9-6) at Indianapolis Colts (13-2): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Every square inch of pressure is on Tennessee as they come into the RCA Dome to face an Indy team that will mostly play their second team. If the Titans win, they're in. A loss hands the playoff slot to Cleveland. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS

STANDINGS

Cris Collinsworth: 11-5, 164-76

Bob Costas: 10-6, 160-80

Cris Carter: 12-4, 158-82

Dan Marino: 11-5, 158-82

Eddie Chinn: 10-6, 157-83

Chris Mortensen: 10-6, 151-89

Sean Salisbury: 10-6, 150-90

Week 16 Reflections

When Sean Taylor died on November 27th, the Washington Redskins season went into a tailspin.

They had just lost their third straight game two days prior to Tampa and were sitting at 5-6 including a 1-3 record against their rivals in the NFC East which was being dominated by the Dallas Cowboys at 10-1. Five days later, the Skins lost their fourth in a row to Buffalo at home with Sean still on everyone's mind. The next day, he was buried.

Vince Lombardi once said, "Success demands singleness of purpose."

Washington, now 5-7, had only three days to prepare for Chicago on Thursday night, and they couldn't ask for a better leader in the midst of this emotionally unstable crisis than Joe Gibbs. Their beloved head coach reeks of success and has the fortitude and character to pilot this team through such a storm. The crux of the moment was if the players would respond and rally behind the one who knows all about "singleness of purpose."

The Skins came out focused and full of fervor in front of their home fans, and Chicago had no chance losing 24-16. The price was high though as QB Jason Campbell was lost with a dislocated knee cap. Backup QB Todd Collins became the field general that led the team to victory.

The schedule called for Washington to travel to NY next to face the rival Giants, and the team came together and won convincingly 22-10. Up next was another road game in the thundering Metrodome to face the Minnesota Vikings last week, and the result was the same as Washington cold-cocked the host 32-21 and left them seeing stars and their playoff dreams fading.

These last three wins have shown one thing about this Washington Redskins team: They have singleness of purpose thanks to their head coach who gives the credit to the team and its on-field leaders, "I don't know of a team - I haven't been a part of one - that's overcome this much ... It's almost like they're going to overcome whatever's out there. It's also caused a certain camaraderie and chemistry."

Well, the Dallas Cowboys are what's "out there" next, and something tells me this Skins team will be ready and impregnated with electricity as they face their hallowed foe in a must-win situation.

Gibbs summed it up just right, "Everything that we've worked for, for 15 weeks, goes on the line this weekend."

And, don't you know that the spirit and memory of their fallen comrade will be on their hearts and minds as they clamor to take their successful journey to the next level --- the playoffs.

Win or lose, it's very clear that Joe Gibbs needs to be here for the very near future.

Getting Back On The Road

Personally, there's nothing more aggravating than not reacting quick enough or simply misjudging a dip in the road and expecting to see your muffler in the rear view mirror laying in the middle of the road. The fact is that most depressions in the road are supposed to be there. They are designed to be a speed deterrent, and each vehicle hits them at various rates of speed at different times with a variety of side effects.

The roads that NFL teams travel down are also full of dips, pot holes, and ruts including the streaking New England Patriots. They approached some potentially-dangerous cavities facing Indy, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and the NY Jets but they've been able to avoid the hazards and maintain their course flawlessly with some great vehicle maneuvering.

Dallas has found the road this season also full of stumbling blocks. There was the Patriots declivity that caused Dallas to blow a tire and pull over for a change. That had been the only loss, but you can't ignore the scary pot hole in Buffalo and the near collision with a barricade in Washington. Who can forget the stalled semi in their lane that caused Bid D to swerve and fly through a fence in Detroit "Griswold-style" only to land in the parking lot of one of their destinations, Playoff Park?

Things seemed rosy when they got back on the highway and approached Philadelphia.

I don't know if it was something (or someone) that distracted them or if something else was on their mind, but the steep slope in the road called Eagles Gulch left Dallas woozy and feeling whiplash. They're OK despite some scrapes, bent fenders and side panels, and a shredded tire, but this got their attention. For some reason, they typically have trouble along this stretch of road in December which in years past has led to them suffering enough colossal damage that they had to cancel the rest of their trip.

Tonight, they approach Carolina and something tells me that last week's wake-up call will have them focused like a hungry hawk spotting a mouse in a desert. The Panthers are starting Matt Moore, who was Dallas' 3rd-string QB this past pre-season, so that has to be in the Cowboys favor since they've had success this year against freshman QB's. A dilapidated offense ranked 29th in the league shouldn't find much room to move the ball efficiently if Dallas can keep constant pressure on Moore and stop the run.

I simply don't see the warning signs in Pantherland of Dallas bottoming out as they take one step closer in securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This will become reality if Green Bay is derailed in Chicago and Dallas takes care of business at this rest stop in Carolina.

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 16

What a majestic weekend that lays before us! The spirit of Christmas is in high gear as families are wrapping up their shopping, touring neighborhoods looking for that "Griswold" house, baking, and setting up their fantasy football teams....ok, maybe that's just me.

The spirit of the NFL playoffs is also boiling as several teams should find out this weekend (barring any ties) if they get to play next month or will be home taking down the lights and raking the yard.

Here's a breakdown of the playoff picture as it looks now and what needs to happen for those "clinging on":

AFC EAST: New England has the crown, first round bye, and home-field advantage.

AFC NORTH: Pittsburgh can clinch the division with a win and CLE loss or a playoff berth with a win OR a TEN loss OR a Pitt & TEN tie.

Cleveland can clinch a playoff berth with a win OR a TEN loss OR a CLE & TEN tie.

AFC SOUTH: Indianapolis has clinched the division and a first-round bye.

Jacksonville clinches a playoff berth with a win or tie OR a TEN loss or tie OR a CLE loss.

Tennessee can clinch by winning the next two games and prayer.

AFC WEST: San Diego has won the division.

NFC EAST: Dallas has won the division and a first-round bye. They can obtain home field advantage with a win AND Green Bay loss.

NY can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie OR a WAS loss or tie + a NO loss or tie.

NFC NORTH: Green Bay has won the division and a first-round bye.

Minnesota clinches a playoff berth with a win AND a NO loss.

NFC SOUTH: Tampa Bay has won the division.

New Orleans is still in the running but simply must win vs. Philly or else the season is over.

Carolina is mathematically in the running, but that's like saying Stephen Colbert is still in the running for the Presidency.

NFC WEST: Seattle has won the division.

Enjoy the weekend, football fans, and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

• Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) at St. Louis Rams (3-11): NFL Network, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - If this Steelers defense doesn't shore itself up, this Rams team has what it takes to pull of the upset and play spoiler. Plus, the Steelers have struggled on the road. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
  
• Dallas Cowboys (12-2) at Carolina Panthers (6-8): NFL Network, 8:15pm EST, Saturday Night - Forget the talk surrounding Jessica Simpson and Romo's thumb. I'm guessing she won't be there after the media crucifixion from last week. Dallas has not lost on the road this season, and they know what is at stake. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Cleveland Browns (9-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-9): CBS, 1pm EST - I can't believe I'm typing this...but...the NFL playoffs this season will include the Cleveland Browns. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Kansas City Chiefs (4-10) at Detroit Lions (6-8): CBS, 1pm EST - Make a gingerbread house. EDDIE'S PICK - DETROIT
• Houston Texans (7-7) at Indianapolis Colts (12-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Indy is 10-1 vs. Houston, and coach Dungy has said that he is not resting any starters. Do the math. EDDIE'S PICK - INDY
• Oakland Raiders (4-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Call 9-1-1. EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• Green Bay Packers (12-2) at Chicago Bears (5-9): FOX, 1pm EST - Green Bay is packing some serious heat while the Bears are playing like cubs. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• NY Giants (9-5) at Buffalo Bills (7-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Steve Everett, who suffered a severe neck injury paralyzing him and nearly taking his life, will be at Ralph Wilson Stadium following a miraculous journey that might include him walking onto the field. You don't need much more karma than that. EDDIE'S PICK - BUFFALO
• Philadelphia Eagles (6-8) at New Orleans Saints (7-7): FOX, 1pm EST - A victory keeps the Saints in the playoff picture, and Philly is already out. I expect the home crowd to be on fire. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
  
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) at San Francsico 49ers (4-10): FOX, 4:05pm EST - The Niners have won seven straight home games against the Bucs and are 14-3 overall in their series. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN FRANCISCO
• Atlanta Falcons (3-11) at Arizona Cardinals (6-8): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Atlanta's tumultuous season, including getting spurned by Bill Parcells to shape up the team, continues in the desert. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Miami Dolphins (1-13) at New England Patriots (14-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - I expect Miami's new VP of football operations, Bill Parcells, will be in attendance to see his former team steamroll closer to perfection. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Baltimore Ravens (4-10) at Seattle Seahawks (9-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Seattle has never beaten Baltimore in their two previous meetings. It's time to change that. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• NY Jets (3-11) at Tennessee Titans (8-6): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Forgive me, Titans fans, but this looks about as exciting as the Music City bowl. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Washington Redskins (7-7) at Minnesota Vikings (8-6): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Will the spirit of Sean Taylor be enough to keep the playoff hopes alive? Can the Vikings continue their amazing comeback after a dismal start on the shoulders of Adrian Peterson? This should be a great battle. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Denver Broncos (6-8) at San Diego Chargers (9-5): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - No one seems to be talking about them, but could San Diego be the dark horse team in this year's playoffs? EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
  

STANDINGS:

Cris Collinsworth: 9-7, 153-71

Bob Costas: 10-6, 150-74

Eddie Chinn: 8-8, 147-77

Dan Marino: 11-5, 147-77

Cris Carter: 10-6, 146-78

Chris Mortensen: 12-4, 141-83

Sean Salisbury: 9-7, 140-84

Week 15 Reflections

My Dad taught us kids growing up that a gift should represent yourself. When you give it to someone, you are offering them a piece of yourself that you think will resonate with their own enthusiasms and pursuits.

He loves reading, music, and movies so, for his 60th birthday, we asked his friends and family to bring a book, CD, or DVD that they like very much. This allowed him to read, view, or listen to something that gave him a window into their lives and enabled him to get to know them better.

Where's the excitement in opening a gift when it's something that was on your list or you've been begging for for the last nine months? You might as well just have someone drive you to the store and have them buy it for you. Why go through all the trouble in wrapping it when they won't be real surprised anyway when they open it since they've been expecting it?

The real thrill and charge in opening a gift is when you have no expectations.

Every Sunday during the NFL season, each of the games are like presents offered to us by the National Football League. Before kickoff, we have no expectations due to the unpredictable and eccentric nature of this institution. As time passes, the mystery of the game is unwrapped, and we find ourselves either dozing off much like after receiving another tie that lights up from Aunt Ruby or having chill bumps, tears, and heart failure when we get the keys to Grandpa's '57 Ford pickup he's been promising.

Regardless, being an NFL enthusiast requires you to not make lists each week because you are more than likely not going to get anything on there in the form that you think you're going to get it. You will find yourself witnessing or learning something that you would have never expected and that can only lead to appreciating the NFL more than ever.

Let's take a look at what was under the tree in Week 15:

• A blizzard in Cleveland produced the first 8-0 score in the NFL since 1929 when the Chicago Cardinals defeated the Minneapolis Red Jackets. Cleveland is now tied with Pittsburgh for the AFC North lead...Yes, that Cleveland.
  
• Matt Moore is a 23-year-old undrafted rookie who was signed by Dallas this past off-season. He entered training camp as the #3 QB. He was then cut and picked up by Carolina who gave him his first start last Sunday and watched him lead the Panthers to a rare home win vs. NFC West champion Seattle. Moore starts Saturday night vs. Dallas.
• Speaking of Dallas, their offense was throttled by Philly at Texas Stadium. For the first time since 2004, Dallas did not score a TD as things did not go the Cowboys' way. Makes you wonder if winning the home-field advantage is necessarily an advantage for Big D who is undefeated on the road this year.
• Miami won a game. They beat Baltimore in OT on a 64-yard TD pass from Cleo Lemon to Greg Camarillo. Players dog-piled each other. Fans fainted. Babies were thrown in the air. You would have thought Miami had just won the AFC title.
• Tom Brady threw 0 TD's and completed 14 passes vs. the hapless Jets through very blistery conditions at New England. I would have never thought that weather would be the one entity to slow down Brady and Co...oh, and they're still undefeated. Amazing!
• It took 32 years ---498 games to be exact--- for a Tampa Bay Buccaneer to return a kickoff for a TD. Michael Spurlock scorched Atlanta (not hard to do) for 90 yards and the score.
  
• The Steelers had not lost at home all season and had the league's 2nd best rush defense as they welcomed Jacksonville to Heinz Field. J-town exploded for 224 total rushing yards and beat Pitt 29-22.
  
• The predictable implosion of the Detroit Lions continued after a 51-14 thrashing at the hands of the San Diego Chargers giving them their sixth straight loss. Matt Millen should do himself a favor and watch the rest of the games from his living room.
• There is not another team out there right now with more heart than the Washington Redksins. Their 22-10 vs. the Giants in NY in bad weather led by a carrier back-up QB in Todd Collins speaks volumes of their passion and focus in the midst of tragedy. It also says a ton for their coach Joe Gibbs who has this team thinking playoffs.
  
• Brett Favre became the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards. Surprised?

HERE'S A LOOK AT THE KEY GAMES FOR WEEK 16:

GREEN BAY AT CHICAGO, HOUSTON AT INDIANAPOLIS, NY GIANTS AT BUFFALO, PHILADELPHIA AT NEW ORLEANS, CLEVELAND AT CINCINNATI, PITTSBURGH AT ST. LOUIS, WASHINGTON AT MINNESOTA, DENVER AT SAN DIEGO

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 15

Due to last week's very hectic schedule for me at work and at home in addressing my wife's health needs, this will be a short forecast and not as in-depth as I typically post.

I will say though that if you can't feel the adrenaline and heat from the swelling and heated NFL playoff races by now, then I would consult your physician.

• Denver Broncos (6-7) at Houston Texans (6-7): NFL Network, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - Very critical game for both teams if they want to make the playoffs. Texans coach Gary Kubiak faces his former mentor Mike Shanahan. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) at San Francisco 49ers (3-10): NFL Network, 8:15pm EST, Saturday Night - I'd rather hear Boy George sing Christmas carols. EDDIE'S PICK - CINCINNATI
• Tennessee Titans (7-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-9): CBS, 1pm EST - Is Vince Young overrated? KC in December can be haunting. EDDIE'S PICK - KANSAS CITY
• Baltimore Ravens (4-9) at Miami Dolphins (0-13): CBS, 1pm EST - Why stop now? EDDIE'S PICK - BALTIMORE
• NY Jets (3-10) at New England Patriots (13-0): CBS, 1pm EST - "...like a lamb that is led to the slaughter..." EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Buffalo Bills (7-6) at Cleveland Browns (8-5): CBS, 1pm EST - A meaningful game in December between Buffalo and Cleveland? Has time stopped? EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-4): CBS, 1pm EST - The Game of the Week. The Steelers are in the playoffs with a win and will get a division crown if Buffalo prevails in C-town. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Seattle Seahawks (9-4) at Carolina Panthers (5-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Matt Moore could be the fourth starting QB for Carolina this year if he gets the nod at game time. Seattle's hot and the Panthers at home are not. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• Arizona Cardinals (6-7) at New Orleans Saints (6-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Both teams are hanging from a cliff on Mt. Playoffs by their pinkie. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• Atlanta Falcons (3-10) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5): FOX, 1pm EST - Could things go worse in Atlanta? Vick's dog care, QB carousel, injuries, Vick in a zebra suit, and then their head coach walks out on them to take the Arkansas post without saying a word to the players except for an 86-word letter left in their locker. EDDIE'S PICK - TAMPA BAY
• Green Bay Packers (11-2) at St. Louis Rams (3-10): FOX, 1pm EST - Paramedics are standing by. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• Indianapolis Colts (11-2) at Oakland Raiders (4-9): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Put the kids in their room. This one is rated R. EDDIE'S PICK - INDY
• Detroit Lions (6-7) at San Diego Chargers (8-5): FOX, 4:15pm EST - We all saw what Marion Barber did to the Lions defense last week. Imagine what L.T. is going to do. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Philadelphia Eagles (5-8) at Dallas Cowboys (12-1): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is at stake, and Dallas just keeps finding ways to win. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Washington Redskins (6-7) at NY Giants (9-4): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Tom Coughlin appears to miraculously saved his job for at least another season as the Giants clinch a playoff berth with a win. It's going to be a raucous environment for Todd Collins and Co. EDDIE'S PICK - NY GIANTS
• Chicago Bears (5-8) at Minnesota Vikings (7-6): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - It doesn't look like Chicago is going to make the cut to the NFL Playoff Open and starting Kyle Orton in a eardrum-busting Metrodome is like hitting it in the lake on the final hole. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA

STANDINGS
Cris Collinsworth: 13-3, 144-64
Bob Costas: 12-4, 140-68
Eddie Chinn: 13-3, 139-69
Cris Carter: 13-3, 136-72
Dan Marino: 15-1, 136-72
Sean Salisbury: 14-2, 131-77
Chris Mortensen: 11-5, 129-79

Week 14 Reflections

As I was reading about last weekend’s high-octane games, a quote by LaDainian Tomlinson following the overtime victory over Tennessee exploded off the computer screen and circled back like a boomerang and hit me in the back of the head. He was asked by reporters if he thought LB Shawne Merriman’s injury was the result of a dirty play.

“I don’t know what you classify ‘dirty’ as. I don’t know. I think it was a competitive game. I think sometimes throughout a competitive game things happen. Guys go to extra distance to make a play, make things happen.

“But understand something — that’s the way the game was played a long time ago, when guys like Deacon Jones played,” Tomlinson said. “I think sometimes we forget it’s football and guys before us played the game harder than the way we play it now. There’s so many rules; you can’t do this, you can’t do that. And so when things like yesterday happen, people always say, ‘Well it was a dirty game, dirty play.’ I don’t know. It’s behind us now. This ain’t the only time we’re going to get played like that. We’re going to have to face it again.”

My respect and admiration for L.T. has officially skyrocketed to new heights.

I thought I was reading a quote from John Madden, Randy White, or Mike Ditka rather than a modern-day running back flourishing in an NFL that is comprised of several athletes magnetized towards entertainment and massaging their egos.

Then, I began wondering, “What would Vince Lombardi think of today’s game?”

Are today’s players soft compared to the those who played in the 50’s-80’s era? Is it the league who’s gotten too cozy? There are now rules on where and when you can hit, block, or touch another player? I’m sure some of these have raised Coach Lombardi’s blood pressure as he looks down from his silk-covered recliner. I can just see him, after hearing the ref call illegal contact by a defender within 5 yards, roll his eyes and say, “What the hell is going on down there?”

I can also imagine him cussing while watching today’s gridiron athletes parade themselves in front of cameras flaunting their ability and hoping that their million-dollar smile gets them endorsements. Don’t you know that, even in heaven, he gets so damn nauseous when these wealthy and talented men start gyrating and convulsing like kids when they make a simple tackle or knock down a pass. Every time I see a clip of Ravens LB Ray Lewis performing his seizure dance when he’s introduced before a home game, I picture Lombardi reaching a breaking point and looking down while chomping on his cigar and loading his rifle.

The truth is that Lombardi would not last in today’s game because it’s all about business and entertainment. The hardcore foundation of what the game of football is about is still there, but it’s covered in dollar bills, gold teeth, earrings, Hollywood smiles, business transactions, voluptuous cheerleaders, and tangible investments.

Therefore, there are now NFL by-laws protecting players like you’ve never seen before.

Lombardi once said, “You never win a game unless you beat the guy in front of you. The score on the board doesn’t mean a thing. That’s for the fans. You’ve got to win the war with the man in front of you. You’ve got to get your man.”

Today’s NFL has just about stripped that ability away from the players. Oh, there’s still brain-smashing hits and bodies slamming into each other at high rates of speed along with biting, stomping on heads, and poking out eyes.

But, I wonder how different the game would be if Lombardi’s wisdom of focusing with every fiber and molecule in your body on the task before you was in every player’s mind and got carried out in his actions?

I’m glad there are guys like L.T. in the league and am grateful for men like Lombardi who were instrumental in showing us what this game can do to men and today’s culture on and off the field.

Doltish Detroit

Football wisdom and excellent business rationality have gone M.I.A. from the city of Detroit for many years, but you can't avoid the seven-year abyss that has engulfed the city since President and CEO Matt Millen took over. Since then, these fundamental principles that are essential to surviving in today's NFL have been a steady drip giving the Lions a blown gasket every season.

Millen developed a very strong passion for wide receivers by drafting 4 out of the last 5 drafts while passing up unbelievable talent for other critical positions (like QB) where they lacked. They also did not have any consistency or drafted well at quarterback. During most of his tenure in the Motor City, Millen has had Joey Harrington and he was not developed well. Harrington is now with Atlanta on the bench after a pit stop in Miami. The Lions have also defied NFL logic by abandoning the running game since the retirement of Barry Sanders. The names that they've brought in have either struggled through injuries or were simply not gifted.

I could go on, but the bottom line is that Matt Millen went from a NFL linebacker to a radio/TV color guy in the broadcast booth and then straight to the top of the Detroit Lions right under owner William Clay Ford.

And, it's shown.

From 1991 to 2000, the Detroit Lions made the playoffs six times. Then Millen took over in 2001. Since then, they have not made the playoffs once and compiled a 30-78 record including 8-46 on the road.

Coincedence? Not so much.

The Lions also have a rich history during this horrible stretch of getting off to good start and then floundering in the end. This season, they began the year with a 6-2 record and had one of the most explosive passing games in the league. Eyes were beginning to turn and hearts were starting to believe. Then, the balloon popped, and they have no lost four straight while showcasing a dismal defense and extremely porous offensive line.

In addition, their superstar WR Roy Williams is out for the year, their running game is last in the league, and they lead the league in sacks allowed at 51. On top of that, QB Jon Kitna is eating his words after last season's win vs. Dallas when he proclaimed LB Bradie James and CB Terence Newman soft and ineffective. You just don't say things like that because they are seeds sown that will, one day, grow.

Now, Detroit finds themselves welcoming these same Dallas Cowboys who, along with QB Tony Romo, are simply smoking. They are 11-1 and have clinched a playoff berth. Their offense continues to scorch any playing turf, and the defense is proving to be quite ferocious.

This is what you would call "not a good combination." Plus, Dallas is one win away from clinching the NFC East.

It's like a shark being put in a tank with a bloody sailfish, or a Lamborghini racing a BMW...

With a blown gasket.

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 14

As an NFL fan, you've already felt your your blood stream through your veins at an abnormally fast pace when Sunday afternoons roll around. It's the fact that anything can happen in any game on any Sunday that injects the adrenaline into your system as the hour hand approaches 12:00 noon.

Beginning night, you just might find yourself in an unhealthy cardiac environment if you continue to submit yourself to these NFL battles as December commences which can only mean one thing.

It's getting down to the wire to decide who gets to play next month as we are down to the last four games of the season.

As the league enters the final quarter of the season, here's a breakdown of how the playoff-clinching scenarios look for this Sunday:

AFC East: New England has won this division (which to many fans took place in September.)

AFC North: Pittsburgh can win the crown with a win and a Cleveland loss. They can clinch a playoff berth with a win and a Tennessee loss.

AFC South: Indianapolis can take the crown with a win and a Jacksonville loss plus a Tennessee loss or tie. The Colts will clinch a playoff berth with 1) a win plus a Cleveland, Jacksonville, OR Tennessee loss or tie. 2) Tennessee loss plus a Buffalo or Cleveland loss or tie.

AFC West: San Diego wins the division with a win and Denver loss. It's not possible for them to clinch a berth only this week.

ELIMINATED - MIAMI AND NY JETS

NFC East: Dallas has clinched a playoff berth but can win the division with a win OR a Giants loss. A first round bye is also possible if the Cowboys win plus a Seattle and Tampa loss or tie.

NFC North: Green Bay takes the division if they win OR a Detroit loss. They clinch a playoff berth with an Arizona loss.

NFC South: Tampa Bay wins the division with a win OR a New Orleans and Carolina loss.

NFC West: Seattle clinches the division with a win.

ELIMINATED - No one (yes...Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Francisco are not mathematically eliminated). And, you wonder why they call the AFC the stronger conference.

Believe me, the above scenarios will look much different next week after the following wars have been fought.

• Chicago Bears (5-7) at Washington Redskins (5-7): NFL Network, 7:15pm EST, Thursday Night - It's been a tender week for the Redskins after a heart-crushing loss to Buffalo last Sunday and then laying Sean Taylor to rest the next day. Now, three days later, they face a Chicago team that is fighting for playoff survival as well. It is hard to predict how this tragedy is going to play out on the field for the Skins. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• St. Louis Rams (3-9) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Mathematically, both teams are in the wild-card hunt. Realistically, these squads are playing for pride and preparing for the 2008 draft. EDDIE'S PICK - CINCY
• Dallas Cowboys (11-1) at Detroit Lions (6-6): FOX, 1pm EST - The Dallas eruption and Detroit implosion continues. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-4) at Houston Texans (5-7): FOX, 1pm EST - This is only the second time these two teams have met, and I'm guessing that the Texans will hit a brick wall. EDDIE'S PICK - TAMPA BAY
• Carolina Panthers (5-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4): FOX, 1pm EST - These two 1995 expansion teams are looking for the playoffs, but the road is so much tougher for Carolina and it stops in J-town who leads the AFC wild-card race by three games with four left against losing squads. EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• NY Giants (8-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-7): FOX, 1pm EST - The G-men are leading the NFC wild-care race by two games and face an Eagles team that must win to have a chance of the playoffs. QB Donovan McNabb should be back behind center, but I'm not sure that's a good thing. EDDIE'S PICK - NY GIANTS
• Oakland Raiders (4-8) at Green Bay Packers (10-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Lambeau. 30% chance of snow and 26 degrees with wind. 250th straight start by Brett Favre. Let's move along. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• Miami Dolphins (0-12) at Buffalo Bills (6-6): CBS, 1pm EST - Still moving... EDDIE'S PICK - BUFFALO
• San Diego Chargers (7-5) at Tennessee Titans (7-5): CBS, 1pm EST - If the Chargers will follow the same game plan as last week---unleashing L.T.---then this will be a great matchup to watch vs. this Tennessee defense. QB Vince Young vs. the Chargers linebackers isn't anything to avoid either. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Arizona Cardinals (6-6) at Seattle Seahawks (8-4): FOX, 4:05pm EST - If the playoffs started today, Arizona would be in with the final wild card spot so this is a critical game for the Cards to stay in the hunt, and the 'Hawks are division champs with a win. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Minnesota Vikings (6-6) at San Francisco 49ers (3-9): FOX, 4:05pm EST - RB Adrian Peterson vs. the league's 26th-ranked rush defense could result in another historic day for A.P. as the Vikings can smell the playoff aroma and are starving. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Kansas City Chiefs (4-8) at Denver Broncos (5-7): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Denver is 9-3 vs. KC at home under Mike Shanahan, but that includes a 6-0 dominance at Invesco Field which opened in 2001. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Cleveland Browns (7-5) at NY Jets (3-9): CBS, 4:15pm EST - The Jets are eliminated so they have nothing to lose, and Cleveland has everything to lose as they badly need a win to stay in the wild-card hunt. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) at New England Patriots (12-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - The last two games for the Pats have revealed their apparent mortality, and Pittsburgh has what it takes to be New England's kryptonite. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Indianapolis Colts (10-2) at Baltimore Ravens (4-8): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Last week, the Ravens almost pulled off the stunner vs. New England, but completely disintegrated in the closing minutes. The sting of that loss is not going to feel any better with Manning coming to town. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• New Orleans Saints (5-7) at Atlanta Falcons (3-9): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - ...... crickets chirping.....EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
  
  STANDINGS
  Cris Collinsworth: 11-5, 131-61
  Bob Costas: 10-6, 128-64
  Eddie Chinn: 9-7, 126-66
  Cris Carter: 10-6, 123-69
  Dan Marino: 11-5, 121-71
  Chris Mortensen: 8-8, 118-74
  Sean Salisbury: 10-6, 117-75

Week 13 Reflections

Sean Taylor. Adrian Peterson's return. A JaMarcus Russell sighting in Oakland. San Diego remembering L.T. still played for them. Self-destruction demonstrations in New Orleans and Baltimore. Another soggy Pittsburgh win and an even more despondent state-of-affairs in Miami...again..

There was a lot happening in the NFL this weekend, but one can't overlook what transpired in The Stadium Where God Can Watch His Favorite Team --- and I'm not necessarily talking about the NFC clash that lived up to its hype when Dallas reached the playoffs by ransacking the Pack. I'm referring to the chief denizen of the broadcast team in the NFL Network booth. If you don't get the station and missed the game, I'm sorry for bringing up painful memories.

Bryant Gumbel deserves to be calling NFL games about as much as KISS is entitled to sing the National Anthem. Teaming him with Cris Collinsworth is like pairing Nick Nolte with Tiger Woods in a golf tournament.

I watched this game listening to a man who must have been thinking about whether he set his TiVo to record CSI or paid his water bill or should have bid on that pair of skiis on Ebay.

As the Cowboys were coming out of the tunnel right before kickoff, Gumbel proclaims, "And here come the Green Bay Packers...I mean Dallas Cowboys...onto the field." Hey bud! What is it about the BLUE and WHITE uniforms with a big BLUE star on the helmet that reminds you of the GREEN Bay Packers? I figured he might have been glancing down at a piece of paper and saw the Packers name just as he was introducing the Cowboys and just slipped. We've all done it.

Not long into the game, Collinsworth began heaping praise on Cowboys RB Marion Barber by talking about his elusiveness, power, etc. Bryant "Gumball" reinforced the point by proclaiming something along the lines of, "Coach Mike McCarthy called him the heart and soul of the Packers offense." I know I didn't just hear that. And, what's worse is that he didn't even correct himself! Hearing silence from Collinsworth spoke volumes.

Here's another one. They began talking about the Sean Taylor tragedy and Gumbel said something like, "Several players from some of the teams will be wearing the "21" patch on their helmets this Sunday." I stared so long into the TV set paralyzed with bewilderment that my head just about imploded. Hey, Gumby! It's really more like ALL the players on EVERY NFL team will be wearing the patch this Sunday --- and TONIGHT, too.

Why is Bryant Gumbel representing the NFL on Thursday Nights? I can't believe that the NFL Network interviewers looked at everyone who auditioned and thought, "Oh my God, this is our guy!" His voice carries no volume. His presence does not command respect and admiration. He strikes me as a substitute teacher who got called in at the last minute and is trying to go through the curriculum on the fly.

Then, I heard something that made me want to drive my fist through his teeth and not stop until I reached his stomach. When the game was over, he mentioned that after the break that their sideline reporter would get some comments about the game from Rick Romo. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I just waited for lightning to strike the television during my vocal tirade. You can't make this up and be taken serious! There is not one executive, coach, or player on the Dallas Cowboys team named Rick. I was speechless.

If there's a silver lining in all of this, it's the fact that there's hope on Thursday nights for all you TV addicts who are stressed over the writer's strike affecting your favorite shows. If you get NFL Network, grab a beer or four and sit down with the family and listen to the incomprehensible Bryant Gumbel call an NFL football game. The laughs will rival Seinfeld, Cheers, or any classic sitcom.

Oh, and as a side note (I'm not making this up): I passed a couple of guys in the break room at work talking about the game and mentioning the Gumbel-Collinsworth call of the game. One of the guys actually asked me, "Do you really think Gumbel is that bad? I mean what about Bob Costas?"

He should be out of ICU in two days.

Game 12 Reflections: Loving The View

In the winter of 2001, I went camping and hiking with my cousin in Colorado at Taylor Reservoir Park in San Isabel National Forest. We set up camp in one of most beautiful spots on the planet at 11,400 feet next to Mirror Lake at the base of the Sawatch mountain range including Fitzpatrick Peak which soared in front of us reaching 13,114 feet.

One morning, we came up with the idea to hike a snow covered road that took you to the top of Tin Cup Pass right at 12,000 feet. From the base camp, it was quite daunting to look up at our destination and picture myself up there wondering what I would have to do and encounter as "steps" to get to the top.

Sure enough, our trek included several road hazards and last-minute decisions that just had to happen in order for us to make it. There were snow drifts to walk through; some of which were deeper than they appeared and a nice icy cold surprise at the bottom that kept my boots soaked. Tall weeds and brush were unavoidable as was the thick mud that they hid. Steep inclines (at least steep to me) allowed me to feel burning, piercing pain in my thighs and calves that made me tear up like a 9-year-old boy falling off his bike and landing on a cactus. There was no way I was going to cry as my pride and manliness came to the rescue. I wasn't about to let all of this stop me as my goal was crystal clear.

And then, I turned around just short of the peak.

Becoming a father, nailing a very important interview, and buying your first home are well-deserved feelings of accomplishments, but I have to admit that this sensation is ranked way up there as I looked over what appeared to be half the state. Our tent looked like it belonged on a miniature scale of a Civil War battlefield. The lake that we were camped near was a pool of drool, and the trees seemed like a blanket of clover leaves.

The view was more than breathtaking. It just about knocked me backwards.

When the 2007 season began, the Dallas Cowboys had their sights set on the ultimate goal which was a trip to Glendale, AZ to compete for a world championship. In order to reach that pinnacle, they would have to go to war sixteen times while experiencing all kinds of weather, injuries, and intense pressure in the midst of executing plays and looking for opportunities to lasso a "W."

Along the way, they would obviously have to reach certain points just before the peak to give them a sense of accomplishment.

One of those heights was taken last Thursday when they mastered the Green Bay Packers and reached an unforeseen 11-1 record for the first time in team history.

To their benefit, the Pack came out with an odd gameplan as they went to the air looking for the big pass play over and over without trying to establish a running game. The result was an offense that couldn't get in sync and created turnovers for the Cowboys defense, the last of which proved very costly in more than one way to Green Bay. Brett Favre took a licking by Nate Jones that knocked him out of the game early and denied all who were in attendance and able to watch it on TV an all-out battle between two of the best field generals in the league this season.

Aaron Rodgers provided some fireworks, but it was Tony Romo's night to shine as he blasted the Cowboys single-season TD pass record by throwing 4 of them and reaching 33 for the year breaking Danny White's 29.

The Dallas defense also dominated and took advantage of Rodgers inexperience while showing the rest of the league and the Cowboys faithful that they are much better than they were the beginning of the season.

Combined with the Cowboys running game, which kept the clock running and made it difficult for the Green Bay offense to stay on the field consistently, Dallas notched another victory and clinched that playoff plateau that is one of the "stops" on the way to the peak.

From where they stand now, there's an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, but there's six or seven games to go including playoffs so in order for it to take their breath away they'll have to reach Glendale.

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 13

The murder of Sean Taylor earlier this week really took the breath out of me as well as the rest of the NFL. There is a long road ahead to find the suspects and bring them to justice. An even longer journey is ahead for Taylor's family to overcome the sting and loss of this fine young man.

My heart goes out to the Taylor family and the Washington Redskins.

Despite this tragedy, the NFL steam engine continues to roll with authority.

• Green Bay Packers (10-1) at Dallas Cowboys (10-1): NFL NETWORK, 8pm EST, Thursday Night - Well, here we are. Brett Favre is 0-8 at Texas Stadium and has been beating odds all year. Tony Romo is the key for Dallas who must stick with what they've been doing all year. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• San Francisco 49ers (3-8) at Carolina Panthers (4-7): FOX, 1pm EST - This is a home game for the stale Panthers and that can only mean one thing. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN FRANCISCO
• Atlanta Falcons (3-8) at St. Louis Rams (2-9): FOX, 1pm EST - Atlanta hasn't won in St. Louis since 1998. Marc Bulger is out, and there's no telling who will play QB for the Falcons. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
• Seattle Seahawks (7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Rumor has it that Shaun Alexander may play and that could prove to be fatal since the Seahawks are 3-0 since he was taken out of the lineup. A.J. Feeley showed last week vs. New England that McNabb could have a different address next season. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILLY
• Detroit Lions (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (5-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Rookie RB Adrian Peterson should be back in action today, and the Lions are in a downward spiral. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Buffalo Bills (5-6) at Washington Redskins (5-6): CBS, 1pm EST - I don't think there's any reason to explain what's at stake for the Redskins and where they will be receiving their motivation. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• Houston Texans (5-6) at Tennessee Titans (6-5): CBS, 1pm EST - One of the most thrilling games this season took place in Week 7 when Houston rallied at home only to lose 38-36 on K Rob Bironas' NFL-record eight field goal. Someone who hasn't been thrilling lately is QB Vince Young. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3) at Indianapolis Colts (9-2): CBS, 1pm EST - This is even a bigger game than New England since it has divisional implications. QB Peyton Manning must continue to rise from his recent slump, and this Jag defense just might be the cure. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• San Diego Chargers (6-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-7): CBS, 1pm EST - Arrowhead is losing it's mystique after KC has lost three straight. The Chargers have won only one road game this year. EDDIE'S PICK - KANSAS CITY
• NY Jets (2-9) at Miami Dolphins (0-11): CBS, 1pm EST - If you feel the need to watch this game, you may want to get an MRI. EDDIE'S PICK - NY JETS
• Denver Broncos (5-6) at Oakland Raiders (3-8): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Please. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Cleveland Browns (7-4) at Arizona Cardinals (5-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - I'm not sure which Cardinals team will show up to take on this very surprising Browns team, but I do know that this has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) at New Orleans Saints (5-6): FOX, 4:15pm EST - This is such a critical game for both teams as they battle for the NFC South. QB Jeff Garcia's back is not well and will probably be the deciding factor whether he can play or not. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• NY Giants (7-4) at Chicago Bears (5-6): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Chicago is beginning to look like they have the winning attitude. NY, not so much. EDDIE'S PICK - CHICAGO
• Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Pitt is undefeated at home this year, and while the Bengals are coming off an emotional win vs. Tennessee last week, this is not going to be a lot of fun for Carson Palmer and Co. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• New England Patriots (11-0) at Baltimore Ravens (4-7): ESPN, 8:30pm, MNF - Baltimore has never beaten New England....then again, no one has this year. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
  
  STANDINGS
  Cris Collinsworth: 12-4, 120-56
  Bob Costas: 9-7, 118-58
  Eddie Chinn: 11-5, 117-59
  Cris Carter: 11-5, 113-63
  Chris Mortensen: 9-7, 110-66
  Dan Marino: 11-5, 110-66
  Sean Salisbury: 10-6, 107-69

Favre From Average

Fred Mabson, a local restaurant owner, said that he was a kid who "had no advantage in any way, shape, or form. His parents were not wealthy." Which would explain the small vague house across from the old town cemetary.

Rick Koceja, a sixth grade P.E. teacher, called him a typical boy who was "a little hyper. Very active. Got into his share of trouble, but knew when to settle down."

Antonio played for the Minis team in the Frank Roth League of the Burlington Little League. In 1993, the Minis beat Pick N Save 18-13, and he had 4 hits. After that win, he played for the Frank Roth All-Stars and helped beat the Ginger Beaumont League All-Stars 15-14 for the championship.

He played soccer until his freshman year at Burlington High School in Burlington, WI but became a "gym rat" first and foremost excelling in basketball. He decided to join the Demons football team his junior and senior year and became their quarterback. His basketball coaches were stunned to learn that he wanted to concentrate on football to get in to college since they fully expected that he would could be recruited to pound the hardwood by a mid-Division I school, but he felt like he could go further by learning to dissect secondaries as a quarterback.

During these high school years, his idol, Brett Favre was busy leading the Green Bay Packers to a couple of Super Bowl appearances.

At 6-2, Antonio Ramiro Romo was a little small as a QB, and he honestly admitted that he didn't deserve to be recruited by bigger schools like the Universtiy of Wisconsin who eventually turned him down. "I pretty much sucked compared to some of the guys that had come out of there, I tell you what, I would not have recruited me. I was an average quarterback. I mean, I did some things, I ran around and made some plays, but I didn't throw the football very well, a little undersized, all those things. There was nothing that said, 'Go get this guy.'"

But, someone did.

He ended up receiving a scholarship from the Division I-AA school Eastern Illinois where he became a three-year starter and was Division I-AA Player of the Year when he was a senior.

At the 2003 NFL draft, Romo did not even get selected. He was contacted during the draft by another former Eastern Illinois quarterback who said that his team had strong interest, but for some reason Sean Payton and the Dallas Cowboys did not select him. After the draft, he was approached again by Payton and yet another former EIU Panther QB, Mike Shanahan.

Romo was offered a $20,000 signing bonus by Denver and $10,000 by Dallas. He chose Dallas and later told Shanahan, "Coach, I thought I had a better chance of making the team there than I did at your place."

In training camp of 2003, coach Bill Parcells put Romo as the #3 QB behind Quincy Carter and Chad Hutchinson. He would not see any action at all that season while Brett Favre finished the year 10-6 and so far in his career had compiled 45, 646 yards and 346 TD passes.

In 2004, Dallas cut Hutchinson and signed Vinnie Testaverde to mentor Carter while trading a third-round pick to the Houston Texans for the rights to Drew Henson. The future did not look good for Romo who would now be #4 and Parcells does not carry four QB's.

Then fate arrived.

Awhile back, Quincy Carter had made the conscious decision to inject himself with cocaine and the result was a sudden release from the team under allegations from the NFL over substance-abuse. When the drugs entered the body, Romo entered the NFL.

He stayed the #3 QB that season but was elevated to #2 in 2005 behind newly-signed Drew Bledsoe. On October 23, 2006, Bledsoe threw an interception vs. the Giants right before halftime. When the teams returned for the second half, the Romo era began.

And now you know the rest of the story.

This fascinating journey comes to a memorable turn in the road when Tony Romo faces his idol, the legendary #4, this Thursday. The similarities are eerie. They both have sterling vision of the field and have the God-given ability to improvise by getting out of the pocket and creating plays. Watching them will make your heart stop. After a TD pass, they both streak down the field pumping their fists and smiling like an 8-year-old spotting his father taking out a brand new bike from the back of the family station wagon.

Can you imagine what will be going through Romo's head when he looks across the field and sees the man that he imitated growing up when he played street football with this friends? He's been on the sideline before when Dallas played the Pack, but he didn't play much less start.

This NFC battle is a big one, but a loss is not cataclysmic to either team's season although it just might determine who will have home-field advantage in the NFC Championship game if both teams make it that far.

I'm sure the bigger measuring stick that day as these two former 1967 Ice Bowl participants slam helmets will be held up by Antonio Ramiro Romo as he looks to show Favre that his legacy will live on after he retires....wearing a star.

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 12

As the 2007 season enters Week 12, one can expect another cascade of unpredictable NFL football to come pouring into TV sets all over the country and bring with it a rush of adrenaline and anticipation.

Some division races are still lukewarm, some are simmering, and then there are others that are at a full boil. And, then there's one division race that is cooked and ready to serve in January.

The AFC West, at one time, was considered a high-voltage division but all four teams are struggling with inconsistency. The result is a deadlock at the top at 5-5 with Denver and San Diego duking it out. KC is a game back but Larry Johnson is out for an undetermined amount of time, and Priest Holmes retired today. With this coming on the heels of the beginning of the Bradie Croyle era, the Chiefs will have to pull out some tricks and need some luck to get into the wild-card race. Oakland is watching the college draft board.

The NFC West is about as exciting as hearing Ricky Williams is back in the league. Seattle leads at 6-4 while Arizona is hovering at 5-5. If the Cardinals can get healthier and stay that way, I can see this team overtaking the 'Hawks. San Francisco and St. Louis need to do some soul searching.

In the NFC South, this was supposed to be New Orleans' division to mop up, but they are facing a devastating 4-6 record along with Carolina two games behind the bewildering Buccaneers who are 6-4. Any of these three teams can make a run these last six games and win it, but Tampa is showing some fortitude and has a fairly easy schedule the rest of the way. Atlanta has gone AWOL.

Pittsburgh appeared early on to be on the fast track to dominate the AFC North, but a loss to the lowly Jest last week and Cleveland's wild win vs. the Ravens now puts the Browns just one game behind the Steelers. These two squads have already played each other twice with Pitt winning both so Cleveland will have to maintain its pace to win a wild card spot or hope the Black N Gold fold a couple of times down the stretch. I really don't think Baltimore has what it takes on offense to stay with the big boys this year, and Cincy has implosion written all over it.

Now, it's getting good. In the AFC South, all four teams have the talent to make a run for it and grab a wild card spot but I don't see Houston (5-5) quite making it, but I have been impressed with them this year especially on defense. Indy leads the pack at 8-2 while Jacksonville and Tennessee are one and two games back respectively. The Colts are approaching thin ice if they aren't careful but I expect they'll wake up from this slumber and win it. J-town's running game and the return of David Garrard just might propel them into January but don't forget about the Titans despite their performance vs. Denver.

The NFC North is pretty much over although the Thanksgiving game between the Pack and the Lions will determine if the fate has been sealed for Detroit. With Green Bay at 9-1 and Detroit at 6-4, a Packers win will put them four games up with five to play. I think the Lions could still snag a wild card spot but NY's win last week might have done more damage than originally thought since the Giants have an easier remaining schedule. Chicago and Minnesota could make some noise but their offensive woes will continue to plague them.

That leaves us with the NFC East. Dallas is a solid two games ahead of Big Blue (really three if you consider Dallas wins the tie-breaker). If the G-men can hold themselves together and get more consistent on offense, then a wild-card invite will be in the mail. Philly may be in big trouble if McNabb's injuries keep him off the field...then again, they may be in trouble anyway as this simply is not their year. The Skins appear to be out of it, and that's unfortunate for Joe Gibbs and Co. This season has turned into a growing year for Jason Campbell, but I know that Washington fans are happy to have finally found what appears to be their future.

Do I need to talk about the AFC East? Are we all in agreement that the Patriots will be seen in January and the rest of the teams will be seen in August?

It will be interesting to see if this week's contests will change the landscape of any of the division races. Considering how these past few weeks have gone, I'd have to say the chances of that happening are about the same as Bill Belichick wearing his "homeless" sweatshirt this week.

• Green Bay Packers (9-1) at Detroit Lions (6-4): FOX, 12:30am EST, Thanksgiving Day - It's been awhile since a Detroit Thanksgiving game had any meaning for the Lions. Both teams have a lot at stake with Detroit wanting a playoff berth and Dallas playing the Jets three hours later setting up a showdown at Texas Stadium next Thursday night. The Pack have won the last three vs. Detroit, and the Lions have lost their last three Thanksgiving games. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• NY Jets (2-8) at Dallas Cowboys (9-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST, Thanksgiving Day - Dallas has the league's 3rd-ranked passing attack. The Jets secondary is ranked 29th. Do the math. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Indianapolis Colts (8-2) at Atlanta Falcons (3-7): NFL Network, 8:15pm EST, Thanksgiving Day - Joey Harrington has been named the starter following Byron Leftwich's lame performance last week. This just in....Leftwich is now the starter....oh wait, no it's Harrington. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Buffalo Bills (5-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3): CBS, 1pm EST - The Jaguars are ranked 3rd in running the ball while Buffalo is 22nd in trying to stop it. QB David Garrard should be able to feast on the Bills' porous secondary as well. Maurice Jones-Drew could have a career day. EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• Oakland Raiders (2-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-6): CBS, 1pm EST - No Larry Johnson. No Priest Holmes. Rookie RB Kolby Smith gets the start. The Raiders have lost to KC nine straight times. This is the NFL. EDDIE'S PICK - OAKLAND
• Houston Texans (5-5) at Cleveland Browns (6-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Both teams possess strong passing attacks and defenses that should be hidden from children. Expect a high-scoring affair. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Tennessee Titans (6-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-7): CBS, 1pm EST - No, you don't need glasses. Those were really Vince Young's numbers vs. Denver's 8th-ranked secondary: 26 of 41 for 308 yards and a TD. The Bengals pass defense is 28th so if the Titans can avoid turnovers, this should be an easy win. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Seattle Seahawks (6-4) at St. Louis Rams (2-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Seattle has won five straight vs. the Rams. Make it 6. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• Minnesota Vikings (4-6) at NY Giants (7-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Figure this one out. The Vikings are ranked #1 in rushing offense AND rushing defense while being 4-6 with problems at QB and a horrendous secondary. NY has been feasting on QB's all year so I don't see them stopping now. EDDIE'S PICK - NY GIANTS
• New Orleans Saints (4-6) at Carolina Panthers (4-6): FOX, 1pm EST - The battle for second place in the NFC South pits a Saints team that has not beat Carolina in their last four meetings and a Panthers team that will turn to Vinnie Testaverde again to lead their pathetic offense. EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• Washington Redskins (5-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Both teams have a lot to lose if they drop this one. The Skins have lost three on the road while Tampa has lost at home only once this season. EDDIE'S PICK - TAMPA BAY
• San Francisco 49ers (2-8) at Arizona Cardinals (5-5): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Cardinals QB Kurt Warner has never lost to the Niners, and San Francisco has the league's worst defense. This could get ugly. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Baltimore Ravens (4-6) at San Diego Chargers (5-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - If the Chargers want to stay at the top of the AFC West division, they need to stop RB Willis McGahee. This will force QB Kyle Boller to go to the air which hasn't been working for the Ravens lately. San Diego has won three straight at home. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Denver Broncos (5-5) at Chicago Bears (4-6): CBS, 1pm EST - Big plays seemed to follow Denver last Monday night vs. Tennessee up and down the field so they're hoping that continues vs. the Bears whose defense has been suspect all year. The Broncos are struggling on defense as well, but they don't have much to worry about vs. a Bears offense that is still in flux. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Philadelphia Eagles (5-5) at New England Patriots (10-0): NBC, 8:15pm EST - The line in Vegas is the highest for any NFL regular season game in history as the Patriots are 23-point favorites. This will increase if Donovan McNabb can't go due to his injuries. You'd be fine if you wanted to go look at Christmas lights. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Miami Dolphins (0-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - There is an excellent chance that RB Ricky Williams will see his first action in almost two years, and that means absolutely nothing. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH

STANDINGS
Bob Costas: 14-2, 109-51
Cris Collinsworth: 14-2, 108-52
Eddie Chinn: 13-3, 106-54
Cris Carter: 9-7, 102-58
Chris Mortensen: 14-2, 101-59
Dan Marino: 11-5, 99-61
Sean Salisbury: 10-6, 97-63

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 11

As I've been following the news around the NFL this week, I keep finding myself being captivated by the teams that are announcing who their starting QB will be this week. Due to injuries and tempermental or lukewarm performances, there are many teams this season that simply don't have the luxury of having a steadfast QB.

I can understand injuries since that is one of the unfortunate side effects of playing professional football. But, the effectiveness factor can be puzzling because it can be linked to the talent evaluators on the team, and that's never a good thing if you're a diehard fan of that team. It's not right if you cringe everytime the NFL commissioner walks up to the podium to announce the selection.

All in all, it appears that there is a serious shortage of NFL quarterbacks that you can hang your hat on these days.

Miami, Minnesota, Carolina, and Arizona have (or will have) been through three after Sunday which is Week 11. Atlanta can't make up their mind who to go with week after week. The NY Jets and KC (along with Miami) have made QB switches that appear to be them ushering in a new era but doing it in mid-season sometimes can backfire on you.

To summerize, it's very safe and fair to say that San Francisco, Miami, Minnesota, Baltimore, KC, Chicago, Atlanta, and Carolina aren't quite sure if their franchise quarterback is on their roster right now.

Other teams such as Jacksonville, Houston, Arizona, St. Louis, and Buffalo just have not been able to find chemistry and consistency from the QB position due to injury.

Denver, Tennessee, San Diego, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and New Orleans have quarterbacks that are simply not playing to their potential for a variety of reasons.

Now, let's look at those teams that have "Sherman Tank" QB's. New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Green Bay are a combined 39-6 and leading their respective divisions.

Ironically, all AFC division leaders have quarterbacks that were drafted by that team and have grown up in that house since Draft Day and have come into their own over time. That's the key. These teams have GM's and owners who have learned patience and home-grown their leaders.

All NFC division leaders have QB's that were either not drafted period or came from another team. It's mind-boggling that Tony Romo was not drafted by the Cowboys, but rather he was signed as an undrafted rookie. Brett Favre was drafted by Atlanta in 1991 and played two games (this just about doesn't count.) Tampa Bay is led by Jeff Garcia who is playing for his fifth team, and Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck was drafted by Green Bay in 1999 and was traded to the Seahawks in 2001.

Isn't it also interesting that the AFC has won 8 of the past 10 Super Bowls?

I guess it goes to show that patience and not being trigger-happy pays off in the end and that's hard to do in today's NFL. It also helps to have a staff of men who know talent when they see it.

I wonder if we'll see someone step up this week and take over as field general for years to come.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4) at Atlanta Falcons (3-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Both teams struggle in stopping the run, but Tampa's overall defense is ranked 6th in the league and should have no trouble vs. this tepid Atlanta offense led this week by Byron Leftwich. EDDIE'S PICK - TAMPA BAY
• NY Giants (6-3) at Detroit Lions (6-3): FOX, 1pm EST - These are two very similar squads each needing a win to stay within striking range of their division leader. Detroit's dangerous passing attack and their passion for creating turnovers mixed with the home-field crowd will probably be too much for Eli and Co. EDDIE'S PICK - DETROIT
• Arizona Cardinals (4-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-6): FOX, 1pm EST - If Cincy has a prayer for making any noise in their division, it has to start with a huge victory over an Arizona team that is struggling on the road or the Bengals just might flat line. EDDIE'S PICK - CINCINNATI
• Carolina Panthers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (8-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Vinny Testaverde, 44, and Brett Favre, 38, combine this Sunday to become the oldest starting QB tandem in history at 82 years, 44 days. When Vinny made his NFL debut, the Cold War was still going on much like Carolina's icy passing attack these days. I expect the youngster to have another big day at home. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• New Orleans Saints (4-5) at Houston Texans (4-5): FOX, 1pm EST - In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans took DE Mario Williams for the #1 pick instead of Reggie Bush who next went to the Saints. This Sunday, they meet for the first time, and I expect Reggie wants to make a statement in front of the Houston crowd. However, the Texans get WR Andre Johnson back to face this porous Saints secondary. EDDIE'S PICK - HOUSTON
• Cleveland Browns (5-4) at Baltimore Ravens (4-5): CBS, 1pm EST - Much like Cincy, these two teams face a must-win situation if they want to have any hope of staying close to Pittsburgh and at least nab a wild-card slot. Kyle Boller is back as starting QB, and this will be Browns RB Jamal Lewis' first trip back to Baltimore since leaving via free agency last year. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Miami Dolphins (0-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-5): CBS, 1pm EST - As the Man in Black would say, "I fell in to a burning ring of fire. I went down, down, down and the flames went higher. And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire... EDDIE'S PICK - PHILADELPHIA
• Oakland Raiders (2-7) at Minnesota Vikings (3-6): CBS, 1pm EST - You could hear worms crawl in Minneapolis when Adrian Peterson went down with a knee injury in Green Bay last week. This will be Daunte Culpepper's first time to play in Minnesota vs. his old team wearing another team's jersey. Something tells me that the Vikings faithful will not have a "prodigal son" welcome for him. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• San Diego Chargers (5-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Both teams beat AFC South opponents last week, and those contests held the same amount of importance as this battle does. Thanks to the Chargers, J-town is nipping at Indy's heels along with Tennessee, and San Diego is now on top of the very weak AFC West. These two teams also each exhibit formidable defenses and strong running games while also having inconsistencies at QB. This will be a fun one to watch! EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) at Indianapolis Colts (7-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Watching Peyton Manning last Sunday night was like watching Old Yeller over and over. You can't help but love Manning and watch his football precocity as he directs his men in playing the game into which he pours his heart and love. Each interception, in his bids to stay in the game, was like a shotgun to the head of each drive. I feel a redemption game coming and this KC 21st-ranked secondary just might be the cure. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) at the NY Jets (1-8): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Jets QB Kellen Clemens said recently, "There's no questioning the heart or the desire or the work ethic of this team. We're just falling short." If the word "short" means scoring 159 points and giving up 228 this year, then I'd have to agree. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Chicago Bears (4-5) at Seattle Seahawks (5-4): FOX, 4:15pm EST - RB Maurice Morris gets the start for Seattle after coach Mike Holmgren told the gimpy and lame Shaun Alexander that he wasn't going to see any action on Sundays until he can practice for an entire week. This is probably good news for Seattle as they face a Bears defense that ranks 26th in stopping the run. Seattle was kicked out of the 2006 playoffs in the divisional round after Chicago's Robbie Gould kicked a 49-yarder to win it in OT. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• St. Louis Rams (1-8) at San Francisco 49ers (2-7): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Two living nightmares collide by The Bay....sounds like a storyline for a Freddy Krueger vs. Jason movie. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
• Washington Redskins (5-4) at Dallas Cowboys (8-1): FOX, 4:15pm EST - This is probably the most storied and heated rivalry in professional sports, but it's lost a little bit of its luster and meaning as both squads have struggled in recent years. A Washington win vs. a powerhouse Dallas squad in Texas Stadium would definitely bring guts and glory back into this encounter. Dallas has won 10 of the las 11 contests at home. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• New England Patriots (9-0) at Buffalo Bills (5-4): NBC, 8:15pm EST - No one is talking about Buffalo, but they've won four straight since that riduculous loss to Dallas six weeks ago at home. Tonight, reality picks them up and body-slams them to the turf. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Tennessee Titans (6-3) at Denver Broncos (4-5): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - The MVP for each team just might be their kickers as Rob Bironas and Jason Elam have been instrumental in bringing their respective teams to where they are right now. Tennessee has won their last two road MNF games, and Mike Shanahan is 10-4 at home on Monday nights. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
  
  STANDINGS
  Bob Costas: 8-6, 95-49
  Cris Collinsworth: 6-8, 94-50
  Eddie Chinn: 6-8, 93-51
  Cris Carter: 7-7, 91-51
  Dan Marino: 5-9, 88-56
  Sean Salisbury: 7-7, 87-57
  Chris Mortensen: 7-7, 87-57

Week 10 Reflections

Peyton Manning threw 6 interceptions.

Adam Vinatieri missed a 42 AND 29-yard field goal...in the same game!

And, I think I heard that the sand and salt trucks are out in full force along the roads of Hell.

I watched the game last night, and it looked like I was watching a rookie QB facing the #1 defense in the NFL. Manning appeared as though he'd been struck with a sudden case of color-blindness. I can't ever remember holding my breath and chanting the Lord's Prayer when Peyton dropped back to pass...even when he was a rookie.

Was there a full moon out last night?

Vinatieri looked like one of those run-of-the-mill kickers that might have had a stint in Dallas under Parcells and got sent packing after one game. He was not even close to being the clutch kicker that I watched time and again win games when it mattered especially in those Super Bowl wins. Mr. Automatic looked like Mr. Sporadic.

But, think about it. Manning throwing six INT's and Vinatieri missing two field goals in the same game (especially one to win it) made you think like you were in a Twilight Zone episode. It wouldn't have surprised me a bit if the scrolling sports ticker along the bottom of my screen had started posting, "NCAA football adopts playoff system...Free agent Alex Rodgriguez wants to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates...Mavericks owner Mark Cuban declares bankruptcy...Patriots coach Bill Belichick invests in Boston comedy club..."

And, that wasn't the only odd and startling occurrences that spewed all over the NFL landscape this past Sunday.

• The once-winless St. Louis Rams beat the surging Saints IN New Orleans 37-29 becoming the highest-scoring team in Week 10! I would imagine the divorce rate among gamblers went up a tad yesterday after the money lost on that game.
• Minnesota phenom rookie RB Adrian Peterson was held to 45 yards vs. Green Bay and left the game with a torn ligament in his leg as the Packers dominated 34-0! It's not known how long A.P. will be out.
• Denver beat KC in Arrowhead for the first time since 2002 by scoring two TD's in nine seconds.
• Despite taking the loss on a last second field goal, Cleveland showed me that they just might be for real after dominating Pittsburgh at home for most of the game only to succumb to Big Ben's comeback heroics.
• Carolina extended their home loss streak at 4. That is really hard to do.
• Packers undrafted rookie RB Ryan Grant surpassed the 100-yard mark for the second time in the third NFL game of his life.
• Philly has been through a ton of scrutiny with McNabb's poor play and coach Andy Reid's personal trouble. To go in to FedEx Field and manhandle the Redskins speaks volumes.
• Bears QB Rex Grossman came off the bench to lead Chicago past Oakland. Let me say that again --- Bears QB Rex Grossman came off the bench to lead Chicago to a win past Oakland.
• Detroit amassed -18 yards rushing vs. Arizona. Negative 18 yards rushing for the whole game! It's the worst rushing team performance since 1949.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 11
WASHINGTON AT DALLAS, NY GIANTS AT DETROIT, KANSAS CITY AT INDIANAPOLIS, SAN DIEGO AT JACKSONVILLE, NEW ENGLAND AT BUFFALO, TENNESSEE AT DENVER

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 10

Unless you've recently suffered a head injury which makes you spontaneously mutter like Rain Man whenever someone turns on an electronic device, you know that this has been one of the most exciting NFL seasons in recent history if not ever.

Who would have thought that in the first half of the season, Tom Brady would have 33 TD passes in leading this well-oiled machine called The 9-0 New England Patriots? And, now the watch is on to see if they can go 16-0!

How about the legendary Brett Favre? He's 38 and has contemplated retirement for the last few years. He decided to play this year with the league's youngest team and has created some magical moments while on pace to having the best year of his career with these 7-1 Packers!

When the season began, Browns QB Derek Anderson was Charlie Frye's backup and some even considered him #3 due to the drafting of Brady Quinn in April. After Game 1, Frye was traded to Seattle and Anderson was named the starter. Some are wondering if Quinn will ever get to play. Anderson is having a monster year and statistically is right up there with Manning and Brady as he leads a very surprising 5-3 Cleveland team.

Minnesota rookie RB Adrian Peterson is simply ridiculous. In his first eight games, A.P. has rushed for 1,036 yards on 158 carries for 6.6 yards/carry and 8 TD's. He's already rushed for over 200 yards twice and set the NFL single-game rushing record last week vs. San Diego. What's extremely scary as well is that Peterson has more to learn to become the complete back that he's gifted to be. If he stays healthy and can add reslience to his resume', this dynamic and explosive player will be up there among the all-time greats sooner than later.

After 9 games, Patriots WR Randy Moss is putting up extraordinary numbers. He has 56 receptions for 924 yards and 12 TD's....after 9 games! His best year ever was in 2003 when he recorded 111 catches for 1,632 yards and 17 TD's. And, it's not only the stats that are impressive, but the way he's playing. You could put together a highlight reel for the season's Top Ten catches this year and they could all be Moss. He's fast, has tremendous agility and vision, and can suck in a football like a vacuum.

And who can't help but root for, or at least watch with amazement, the kind of seasons that Green Bay, Cleveland, Tennessee, and Detroit are having? How about the Chargers and Saints? They started out being dead in the water and have risen from the grave and are already on the cusp of taking over their respective divisions.

I could go on and on.

This whirlpool of flurry, parity, and history is enough to make any NFL fan's head spin. I would expect that Week 10 has some more surprises in store for all of us.

• Atlanta Falcons (2-6) at Carolina Panthers (4-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Due to both squads having QB's suffering from "Heath Shuler Syndrome (HSS)" right now, this one very well might come down to the best running attack. That edge goes to Carolina who has yet to win at home. EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• Minnesota Vikings (3-5) at Green Bay Packers (7-1): FOX, 1pm EST - The Pack are on a roll and their 8th-ranked rush defense have the honor to welcome RB Adrian Peterson to Lambeau. QB Brett Favre and Co. will be facing the league's 31st-ranked pass defense. This classic NFC North battle could be a high-scoring and memorable game! EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• St. Louis Rams (0-8) at New Orleans Saints (4-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Hey, St. Louis...Wanna get away? EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) at Washington Redskins (5-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Coming back very strong after a deflating loss to Dallas at home last week and beating the Skins on their home turf is about as likely as Stephen Colbert winning the Presidency. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• Denver Broncos (3-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Coach Herm Edwards has never lost to an AFC West opponent at home, and the Chiefs have beaten the Broncos the last four times they've played at Arrowhead. QB Jay Cutler is out with a badly bruised leg so the infamous Patrick Ramsey will be at the helm. EDDIE'S PICK - KC
• Buffalo Bills (4-4) at Miami Dolphins (0-8): CBS, 1pm EST - A bye last week should have given Miami plenty of time to rest, relax, and get re-focused in time to get destroyed by Buffalo. EDDIE'S PICK - BUFFALO
• Cleveland Browns (5-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): CBS, 1pm EST - The last time that these two heated rivals met was Game 1 which ushered in the Derek Anderson era as Pitt rolled 34-7. The Steelers are coming off an electrifying annihilation of Baltimore to stay undefeated at home. Expect Cleveland to put up a much better fight than last time, but the Steelers are still a much better team. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) at Tennessee Titans (6-2): CBS, 1pm EST - I don't care what anyone else says. My vote for AFC Coach of the Year is Jeff Fisher. The Titans defense is ranked #1, and their running attack is #3. J-town might have David Garrard back but that won't matter against the Titans at home. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) at Baltimore Ravens (4-4): CBS, 4:05pm EST - These are two very weak teams right now, but the Ravens defense vs. this sluggish Bengals offense should be the difference. EDDIE'S PICK - BALTIMORE
• Detroit Lions (6-2) at Arizona Cardinals (3-5): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Everyone is talking about Detroit being for real, but if Arizona can utilitze RB Edgerrin James effectively to control the clock and keep the Lions' porous defense on the field, then the Cardinals can stay in the hunt for the NFC West. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Dallas Cowboys (7-1) at NY Giants (6-2): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Yes, it's true that these NY Giants aren't the same Big Blue squad that got slung around Texas Stadium in Week 1. This isn't the same Cowboys team either. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Chicago Bears (3-5) at Oakland Raiders (2-6): FOX, 4:15pm EST - I hear American Gangster is really good. EDDIE'S PICK - OAKLAND
• Indianapolis Colts (7-1) at San Diego Chargers (4-4): NBC, 8:15pm EST - This very well could be a more entertaining game than last week's Colts-Patriots battle. Indy is a very good road team, and the Chargers are still smarting after getting seared by Adrian Peterson last week. It doesn't get much better with Joseph Addai coming to town. Needless to say, both teams are hungry to get the bitter tastes out of their mouth from last week. You might want to hook up your catheter. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• San Francisco 49ers (2-6) at Seattle Seahawks (4-4): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Dancing With The Stars or CSI:Miami would be nice alternatives....or you can just turn off your TV. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE

BYE: NEW ENGLAND, HOUSTON, TAMPA BAY, NY JETS

STANDINGS
Cris Collinsworth: 10-4, 88-42
Eddie Chinn: 9-5, 87-43
Bob Costas: 10-4, 87-43
Cris Carter: 11-3, 84-46
Dan Marino: 11-3, 83-47
Sean Salisbury: 8-6, 80-50
Chris Mortensen: 5-9, 80-50

NFL Week 9 Reflections

Oh, how I love the NFL!

Every season, there is at least one week that so captures the embodiment of the National Football League that it's just breathtaking.

Week 9 was stuffed with huge plays, massive hits, unexpected blowouts, overtime drama, key injuries, and crystal pure aggression while being sprinkled with irony, old-style smashmouth football, and history. Then, it was garnished with a memorable battle that revealed a shocking revelation.

If you had a ticket to the San Diego-Minnesota game and weren't able to go, Ebay is waiting on you. As fans poured into the stadium, I wonder if any of them knew what they were about to witness. Rookie RB Adrian Peterson has played 8 games in his green NFL career and now holds the single-game rushing record of 296 yards...253 of which came in the second half! This performance of the ages overshadowed the longest play in NFL history that can only be tied. Antonio Cromartie caught a missed field goal about 3" from the back goal line and proceeded to run the table 109 yards for a TD. Where was L.T.?

It appears that Detroit is for real after they dismembered Denver 44-7. I'm still holding out to see if the real Millen Lions show up, but the catalyst of their team's success is their defense that leads the league with 24 takeaways while scoring three times. All that does is give the offense more shorter fields to operate on and find the end zone. They continued that dominance against the Broncos by scoring on an interception and fumble recovery while also taking out QB Jay Cutler whose leg got caught in the middle of a mangled collision of bodies.

Buffalo is starting to simmer after winning its last three games since that meltdown vs. Dallas much in part to another rookie RB lighting it up this year in Marshawn Lynch. The Bills took care of business by trouncing Cincy 33-21 thanks to Lynch's 56-yard explosion to the end zone and throwing a 8-yard TD pass. Do you realize that if Denver had not gotten off that field goal in the final seconds in Game 1 and Dallas hadn't pulled off that miracle in Game 4, that Buffalo would be 6-2? This will be an interesting team to watch in the second half of the season.

A third straight victory by the Titans after their 20-7 whipping of Carolina has them at 6-2 only one game behind Indy. Their defense is red-hot ranked 2nd in the league in total defense and takeaway behind Detroit. QB Vince Young is looking like a watered-down Michael Vick but is finding ways to win...again...much in part to the Tennessee defense giving him many opportunities with shorter fields.

Brett Favre accomplished yet another feat by leading the Pack over the Chiefs who became Favre's 31st victim in his illustrious NFL career. He became the third QB in NFL history to beat 31 teams. The other two are Peyton Manning and Tom Brady who did it the week before in Week 8. Chiefs RB Larry Johnson's surging season just might have been halted for awhile after a high ankle sprain occurred late in the game. Rumors are also out that it is broken.

Overtime wins by Washington and Cleveland kept their seasons on an upbeat note as they look for ways to stay in their respective wild-card chases. The Redskins are probably the worst 5-3 team in the league as their offense still makes you hold your breath when Campbell goes back to pass or hands off the ball to the NFL's most overrated RB. Cleveland has the league's worst defense but thier offense is clicking. This isn't going to take you very far so their defense has got to button up if they want to nail down a chance to play in January.

The Saints are not just marching in, but rather steam-rolling through their opponents as they won their fourth straight by manhandling the Jags 41-24 at home. New Orleans is looking like the team that led them to the NFC Championship last year and that is terrible news to Carolina and Tampa who were looking to volley the division lead when the season began. With the Panthers lackluster play and Tampa's inconsistency, this Saints team could streak past them and dominate this division. Maurice Jones-Drew released a linebacker-type hit on Jason Craft after Craft's game-ending interception that just made you hurt watching it.

A return trip to Philly for the second time since becoming a Dallas Cowboy was memorable for Terrell Owens after catching 10 passes for 174 yards and a 45-yard TD that put the game away. Dallas shredded Philly and destroyed all doubt that they can no longer win at The Linc. The highlight of the game was a league-fining hit on TE Jason Witten which removed his helmet but kept him upright. Witten continued to rumble 53 yards with no helmet and blood coming from his nose to set up a Dallas field goal. That play was priceless, will be on many highlight films to come, and turned over a new leaf for Dallas as their toughness reputation went up a few notches.

"Super Bowl 41.5" saw the Indianapolis Colts dominating the Patriots most of the game only to let it slip from their fingers in the last few minutes and allow New England to win their ninth straight. This Pats victory was jaw-dropping not only because it was their ninth straight victory but it revealed that New England is human. They set a franchise record in penalty yards with 146, and they only scored 24 points after scoring at least 34 in their first eight games.

The next time someone offers you a ticket to an NFL game, take it. You never know what's going to happen.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 10
MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY, JACKSONVILLE AT TENNESSEE, DENVER AT KC, CLEVELAND AT PITTSBURGH, DALLAS AT NY GIANTS, INDIANAPOLIS AT SAN DIEGO