Heels in the Huddle » Game Day

Week 10 (2010) – Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins

Nat — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:57:26 +0000

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PREVIEW

Week 10 of the season and we have a classic division game set for MNF. Donovan McNabb gets set to face his old team just hours after inking a MASSIVE contract extention with the Redskins. Enough storylines there? McNabb came out the winner in the first meeting between the two teams but has struggled as of late. Vick on the other hand missed games due to being injured. The injury came vs. these Redskins and he is looking to get back on track. This game has all the makings of a memorable MNF game… let’s just hope it lives up the the billing.

The Eagles are one of the surprise stories in the NFL this season. No one knew what to expect from this team yet Vick has the fans and the city believing in a deep post season run. LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson are just two of the bright spots on this team that for all intensive purposes is overachieving. Vick once written off by most is saying all the right things and has his coach believing that he is the right guy to take this team to the next level. On the defensive side of things, expect the Eagles to pressure McNabb early and often. That O-Line has holes and Philly will look to get through them.

McNabb has had quite the eventful week. He was benched for the overtime period last week and now inked a contract extension. The Redskins run game has suffered with Portis out. McNabb has to hope his O Line protects him tonight or he is going to be doing a lot of scrambling. Those legs are not what they used to be. He has some long threats on the field but has yet to show he can make the right passes consistently in the Shanahan offensive system.

Prediction: The Eagles are favored -3 on the road. I expect that line to move maybe closer to game time. I am an Eagles fan to the core so I am not going to roll out a prediction on the winner. But, if the Skins win it will be thanks to a great performance from McNabb who has several reasons to be fired up for this one. Oh and I like the Under (going with my gut)

Week 9 (2010) – Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

Nat — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:57:00 +0000

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PREVIEW

Both teams entered this season as major contenders and heavy favorites to reach the Super Bowl. Mid-way through the season, it’s not looking so good anymore. While the Packers still own the top spot in the NFC North, they have been dealing with a bevy of injuries. The Cowboys who will be hosting the big game, came apart early and never managed to right the ship. Sitting at the bottom of the NFC East at 1-6, the only thing Dallas fans are looking forward to is a new coach.

The Cowboys haven’t lost 5 in a row since 1997. They are going to avoid matching that record today with John Kitna at QB. After Romo went down last week, he played fairly well all things considered. Wade Phillips, who miraculously still has a job, went back to the basics in practice this week. Rather than focusing on a game plan, he put his team through rigorous drills. Offensively this team has a lot of weapons but lack a coach who can call the right plays. On the defensive side of the ball, which is supposed to be the head coach’s specialty, they have struggled — Giving up 33+ points over the 4 game losing streak. This week things don’t get easier, the Packers posted the first shut out of the NFL season last week and if Kitna can’t get the ball moving down field, it will be another long night at the office.

The Packers are still very much in the post season discussions. They have lost some key players but other guys have stepped up to keep them atop the division. They will miss Donald Driver this week but it is just another chance for someone else to step up to fill the holes. Rodgers was an early MVP candidate but now his 9 INT’s look pretty ugly. He will see the blitz early and often today and needs to avoid racking up the negative yardage. Packers have struggled offensively at times, but it’s their defense that gives them a chance to win each game. Posting a shut out last week, the Packers are 3rd best in the NFL when it comes to sacks and interceptions. That should get better tonight playing against a tentative John Kitna.

Prediction: Green Bay has a favorable line in this one seeing that Romo is out (-7). I got the Packers to win it and they should cover as well. As for the Over/Under, I am going with my gut feeling and the Under 46.

Week 8 (2010) – Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

Nat — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:08:01 +0000

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PREVIEW

The Texans had a lot going for themselves in week 1 as they stunned the Colts. Being picked by the Experts as the surprise team in the NFL and riding the tails of RB Arian Foster can only take you so far though. Things have balanced out since then. Both teams are coming off Bye weeks and share the same record of 4-2. With this being a divisional game, it comes with long term implications for the season. I expect tonight to be a shootout and the first team to show signs of defense comes out with the win.

A win tonight would be the first for Houston in Indianapolis. While they are a good team, a lot would have to go right for that to be the outcome. It should be noted though that they have yet to lose a game on the road. The Texans need to go with a heavy dose of the ground game. The Colts have yet to show they can stop it and Foster was an absolute beast in the first meeting. Defensively, the Texans bring nothing to the field. They rank at the bottom of the league and will have to step up to avoid getting shred to pieces by Manning and Co.

The Colts come into this one banged up. They lost TE Dallas Clark for the season and Austin Collie is going to miss time with an injured thumb. Joseph Addai (shoulder) is also hurting and will probably miss tonight’s game. What all this means for Indianapolis is they will need some of their young players to step up. Manning makes things easier for his receivers as long as they run the routes. Look for Reggie Wayne to put up big numbers to make up for the loss of some of the guys.

Prediction: The Colts have just gotten better since the last meeting and the home field will help. I got the Colts to win it in a high scoring affair. Take the Over (o/u 51)

Week 7 (2010) — New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

Nat — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:30:46 +0000

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PREVIEW

Monday Night Football. A classic division rivalry. One team is nowhere near where they want to be and the other sits where most didn’t expect them to be. Can you ask for more?

The Giants find themselves atop the NFC East standings. A win tonight will solidify that even further. Offensively the team has really found its stride over the last few weeks. Eli Manning has found his receivers when needed but the run game is still the weapon of choice. One obstacle tonight — DeMarcus Ware. The O-Line is going to need to bring their A game or Manning will find himself on his back early and often. The Giants D has been somewhat of a surprise to me. They have played well as a unit. Dallas has a lot of weapons, it is to be seen if New York D is up to the challenge.

The Cowboys came in with all the hype but that deflated in a hurry. Sitting at the bottom of the NFC East at 1-4, this is a do or die game for them. It baffles me that Wade Phillips still has a job in the NFL. Offense hasn’t been a problem for America’s Team. They rank 3rd in the NFL in the category even with the horrendous play calling at times. The D is not where it has been in past years and the special teams unit has really let them down over the first 5 games. Another issue — discipline. In order to get the win today, Dallas needs to minimize the penalties. If the Cowboys execute a game plan while limiting the mental mistakes, they should come out with the win tonight.

Prediction: Was off the mark with my picks last night but am going to stick with similar logistics. This game may determine the Cowboys’ season so I have them to win it (-3.5). Also, after seeing what the Giants did to Cutler a couple of weeks back… I am thinking take the under tonight.

Week 7 (2010) — Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Nat — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 23:20:38 +0000

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PREVIEW

A division rivalry with tons of storylines. Perfect for a Sunday Night face off in front of a national audience.

The Vikings stumbled out the gates to start the season. They sit at 2-3 and no one is talking about the product on the field. Favre has been in the news for all the wrong reasons and has yet to develop chemistry with his receivers. Randy Moss’ arrival has been underwhelming but there is still time to right the ship. In his first time back at Lambeau, Favre came out on top but I expect to hear louder boo’s tonight. The main thing is protect the ball. Hampered by a sore elbow, Favre has thrown 7 INT’s this season already matching last years total. When he isn’t throwing INT’s, Farve is always a prime candidate for the Sack. The Vikings need to use moss as a threat down field and balance it with the running game of Peterson.

The Packers have their own issues to worry about. Hit hard by the injury bug, this team has to make adjustments on the fly. Once Super bowl favorites, the Packers come into this one trying to avoid losing 3 in a row. Hoping to have some of their injured players return, the Packers will be led by QB Aaron Rodgers. Missing RB Grant and TE Finley has proven to be difficult for the Packers offense. With just 3 touchdowns over the last 2 games, Green Bay needs to find some other guys ready to produce. The defense has looked ok and should be able to pressure Favre all night. Expect atleast 1 INT and a score by the D will go a long way tonight.

Prediction: Favre returning to Green Bay is always emotional. I am going against the grain tonight. Got the Vikings +3 and taking the UNDER (o/u 44)

Week 6 (2010) — Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins

Nat — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:09:11 +0000

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PREVIEW

The Colts have one of the best offenses in the NFL and head to Washington to face the worst defense in the league. This should be interesting.

The Giants and Eagles both won today so the Redskins are going to have to bring their “A” game to keep up in the NFC East. They will go without Portis for the second week in a row but this team goes as their defense does. In both their losses they gave up 30+ points and will be in tough against the high powered Colts offense. The defense will be missing Haynesworth for the 2nd game, even though he has not been much of a factor all season, opponents usually account for him when he is active. McNabb and his athleticism will be needed to assist Torain with the ground game. Also, the Redskins haven’t had too many big plays this season so they should be due.

The Colts are still one of the teams to beat in the NFL. Even with Joseph Addai hobbling, they have Reggie Wayne playing like he is 25. Manning is tied for the league lead in TD passes and has already crossed 1500+ yards throwing on the season. On the defensive end, the Colts need to bring pressure on McNabb all night. With not much of a running game, McNabb will look to throw, even the short screens so early pressure should go a long way to throwing him off his game.

Prediction: Off the bat, I take the over in this one (44o/u). As for the winner, I got the Colts to win it by double digits.

Week 4 (2010) — Chicago Bears @ New York Giants

Nat — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 23:21:03 +0000

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PREVIEW

With all the parity going on in the NFL this season, the Bears are trying to prove they are contenders. They come into this one as the only unbeaten NFC team. Their 3-0 record is more surprising than the lackluster way the Giants have played to start the season. Who wants it more tonight?

Jay Cutler is still trying to settle down. Every pass feels like an interception waiting to happen yet as a unit the Bears are getting it done. Chicago is at this point thanks to its defense. They have been great on rush D, forced timely turnovers and kept the team in the game each week. The special teams unit has done its part as well, head by Hester who is always a threat to return for a TD. The defense has carried the load and the offense has done just enough to lock down the wins.

Eli Manning has a ways to go if he ever wants to be spoken of like his brother. He seems to have taken a page from Cutler and is tied for interceptions this season with Favre. The run game was supposed to be the main threat for the Giants but that has yet to be seen. The defense has been a bright spot but keep getting caught in tough spots with all the turnovers on offense. They have to clean that up along with all the penalties in order to make this a game.

For some strange reason the Giants are the favorites tonight but I am not buying what Vegas is selling.

My Prediction: Chicago Bears 24 – New York Giants 20

Week 3 (2010) — New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

Nat — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:44:43 +0000

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PREVIEW

The Miami Dolphins are 2-0 yet no one is talking about them. That should change if they get the win today and retain top spot in the AFC East. The Jets did make some strides last week but have a ways to go before matching the hype.

Sanchez was finally let loose last week and he had a career day against the Patriots. He seems to have built a good chemistry with Keller and will have to rely more on that today. Why? Because Braylon Edwards got busted for a DUI and will not be starting for the Jets. The bread and butter still has to be the power running game. The Dolphins have been exploited by the ground game and that needs to be the point of attack. Tomlinson is proving his doubters wrong and has re-established himself as a force, but the Jets need Shonn Greene to keep doing what he did last week. On the other side of the ball, the defense needs to be prepared for a Miami’s wildcat plays. They use Ronnie Brown effectively at that spot. Aside from the rush defense, missing Revis is going to hurt. Cromartie has some big shoes to fill in order to keep Marshall at bay.

It may be early in the season but the Dolphins need to be respected. Both their wins came on the road including last week against a good Vikings team. They upgraded their offensive core this summer, adding Brandon Marshall but that has yet to pay off. The team still relies heavily on the ground game and has found success going with the wildcat. While the offense is coming along slowly, it is their defense that has carried them through the first 2 weeks. Forcing turnovers and limiting opponents has been the story all without Jason Taylor who now plays for the Jets. Taylor faces his former team for the first time and hopes they don’t get the last laugh.

While the Dolphins are looking good and the Jets look a little scattered, this is a statement game. I am calling the Jets to pull it together and get one on the road.

My Prediction: New York Jets 20 – Miami Dolphins 17

Week 2 (2010) — New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Nat — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:14:58 +0000

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PREVIEW

NFL fans tuned in weekly to watch Hard Knocks but Tom Brady refused to be one of them. He was quoted in the off-season saying, “I hate the Jets, so I refuse to support that show.” Well, it’s week 2 and the Jets look undeserving of all the off-season hype. As the saying goes — Time to put up, or shut up!

Tom Brady had quite the week to start the season. A new contract, a TMZ worthy car accident and more importantly, a win. Brady settled in the pocket and amassed 258 yards and 3 TD’s in the win against the Bengals. A target for 2 TD’s, Wes Welker was back on the field earlier than expected. The Patriots offense was clicking like it was 2007 but the same can’t be said for the defense. They seemed to be a step slow against the Bengals but the young secondary has time to get better. Luckily they face the Jets this week and should be able to push Sanchez and his receivers around some.

If the Jets plan to become a dominant force in the AFC they first need to go through teams like the Patriots. For starters, they need to have a better plan on offense. Sanchez had an up ‘n down year last season and looked hesitant all game long in week 1. Rex Ryan needs to show some confidence in the kid and allow him to throw. The offense managed to get just six 1st down’s all game and never converted on 3rd down — absurd! Shonn Greene was pinned on the sidelines after two early fumbles but they are going to need him. LT needs a wingman. Defensively a sound team, the Jets were served a blow when they lost Kris Jenkins to an ACL tear last week. Revis should be blanketed all over Moss this week but the rest of the D needs to step up and help get the offense going.

I expect the Jets to bounce back from week 1 but not enough to topple the mighty Patriots. Expect Brady to spread the love and with one too many weapons, New England should walk out of the Meadowlands Stadium with a 2-0 record.

My Prediction: New England Patriots 28 – New York Jets 20

Week 1 (2010) — Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets

Nat — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:23:48 +0000

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PREVIEW

Moving the focus from Hard Knocks, the New York Jets take their act to a new home. The Baltimore Ravens come into the new Meadowlands Stadium for our first MNF game of the season. Both teams consider themselves favorites to reach the Super Bowl after each team surpassed expectations last year.

Rex Ryan has been doing a lot of talking and we saw some of his vibrant personality on display this off-season on Hard Knocks. Coming into the game he fully believes his team can win it all and did a bit of trash talking towards Ray Lewis. Ryan built his reputation as the defensive coordinator for said Baltimore Ravens and should have an edge when it comes to knowing what they are running. Coaching aside, LaDainian Tomlinson makes his Jets debut tonight and begins the road to redemption. He will split time at back with Shonn Greene. With wide receiver Santonio Holmes serving a four game suspension, the Jets will need other guys on offensive to pick up the slack. Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, Brad Smith and Dustin Keller should be up for the task. On the other end, the question is… Will the Ravens even throw at Revis?

While Rex Ryan may have an edge with knowing defensive plays it works both ways. The Ravens know his MO and it will be interesting to see who can make best use of the knowledge. Baltimore has the better offense, with 3rd year QB Joe Flacco in the pocket. He has a slew of new weapons to throw to including recently signed TJ Houshmanzadeh. Rex Ryan will be bringing the blitz early and often so expect to see a heavy dose of Ray Rice and screen passes. With the Ravens missing Ed Reed and Lardarius Webb, they have the weaker defense going in.

Low-scoring has been the theme of the weekend and I expect it to continue. This match up should serve up some old school, hard hitting football with a healthy side of trash talk.

My Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 13 – New York Jets 20