2012 Week 6 Recap

Eagles v. Lions, Sunday, October 14, 2012

Stud of the week: Nnamdi Asomugha finally had the game we've all been waiting for. You know, the one where we all go "THAT's why the Eagles paid all that money for him!" He had a picka dn completely shut down Calvin Johnson, not an easy task. Well, that is until Juan Castillo inexplicably pulled Asmougha off Megatron. When did that happen? Remember how the team gave up a 10 point lead with 5 minutes to go? Yeah, about then.

Have you ever given yourself a rage headache? Because I was so pissed by the end of the game, after the Eagles won the toss, went three and out, and then were unable to even slow the Lions' waltz downfield for the field goal down a little, I had. I stomped into the kitchen and told Chef Spouse I was going for a walk. I returned about an hour later, able to watch both the Giants and Redskins win with some degree of equanimity.

What was Chef Spouse doing in the kitchen? Working on fish fumet and espagnole sauce, and avoiding my insane yelling at the TV.

There is SO MUCH blame to go around.

I blame the officials. There is no way that was a push-off worthy of calling back Brent Celek's TD near the end of the 3rd quarter. When it happened, I announced: "If the Eagles lose this game by fewer than 4 points, I'm blaming the officials." So there you have it.

I blame Michael Vick. He was great in the last few minutes before the half and during the third quarter. He made quick reads, ran through his progressions, made quick decisions, took what the Lions' D gave him, ran when he could, and got out of bounds without getting hit. Too bad he was getting the shit kicked out of him the rest of the game, which may have left him more than a little addled. Some of that was him - he CANNOT hold the ball so long - and some was the O-line. Regardless, someone should probably give him a concussion test, stat. And the turnovers! Oy vey iz mir!

I blame the lack of a run game. Shady had a terrible game. I don't know if that's because the O line couldn't make any holes for him (probably, since the Lions' defense spent pretty much the entire game in Mike Vick's lap), if it was because of bad playcalling so he got no touches, or if it was because of bad playcalling, insisting on running outside on the rare times the Birds actually ran the ball, when it was CLEARLY NOT working.

Maclin and Jackson had good games, but Jason Avant made a rare mental mistake and Brent Celek dropped a few balls he normally catches.

I blame the O-line. Did I mention that the Lions' D-line spent the entire game up in Mike Vick's grill? Because they did.

I blame the D-line. The names Jason Babin, Trent Cole and Cullen Jenkins should strike fear the in hearts of opposing QBs. Where were they yesterday? NO sacks? NONE?

I blame Juan Castillo. Aside from the Asomugha disaster mentioned above, here's the thing with blitzes. You must - and I cannot over-stress the importance of this - you MUST get there. If you don't, Matthew Stafford can feel free to pick any of the 4,873 Lions receivers running free in the secondary with no one to cover them.

In the past two games, the D has given up two fourth quarter leads. Now the Steelers game was one thing - the Eagles had gone up by 1 with well over 6 minutes left on the road. But losing a 10 point lead at home with just over 5 minutes? Of course, it would've helped if the offense could've burned a little time. You don't need to score - you just need to burn clock and change field position. Of course, that requires a run game. See above for the problems with that.

And this has me thinking: hello, it's 2011 all over again.

But there's one more group to blame: the fans at the Linc. The Eagles are up by 10 with just over 5 minutes to go. The team is on defense at home. The stadium should be going crazy. Matthew Stafford shouldn't be able to hear his own thoughts. And, unless there was something messed up with the sound on my TV - and I seriously doubt it - the stadium was nearly quiet. The defensive players were waving their arms on the field to try to hype the crowd and...nothing. Sure, the Lions aren't nearly as bad as their 1-3 record coming into the day made it seem. But if we're not with the team, how can we expect them to give their best?

I don't have it in me to recap the rest of the games this week. I'm still too bummed - and unless the Broncos pull off a miracle (always a possibility with Peyton Manning under center, but it's not looking good with the 4th quarter about to start), I'm 3-11 this week. Bleh.

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2011 Week 6 Recap

Eagles at Redskins, Sunday, October 16, 2011

In attendance: Shoegal, Chef Spouse - small group, thank goodness, since we didn't get home from a week in Seattle until after 10 pm Saturday night

Menu: 'cue from Inspire. Sadly, it was not. Inspired. Also sadly, the really good 'cue place in our neighborhood, Kenny's, isn't open on Sundays. And Steelers Transplant still lives in Tampa, which means we don't get his amazing 'cue either. No 'cue - what's a gal to do?

Stud of the week: Kurt Coleman, I'm looking at you! Kurt had a huge day, particularly given the fact that he wasn't even a starter until, I think, this week, replacing the truly awful Jarrad Page. Kurt hauled in three of Sexy Rexy's four picks, batted down some additional passes, and was in on about a million tackles. Way to ensure that starting position STAYS yours. Gotta give a shout-out to Brent Celek, too. Nice circus catch, buddy.

First, I have to get one thing off my chest:

WHY CAN'T THE EAGLES PLAY FOUR FREAKIN' QUARTERS OF COMPLETE FOOTBALL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL?

Sigh.

A win's a win, and the Eagles desperately needed this one, but the fact that the offense scored all their points before the half and almost let the Redskins and their backup (new starting?) QB John Beck back in does not make me happy.

You know how, for the past four weeks, it's felt like the Eagles couldn't catch a break no matter what? Every batted pass resulted in a pick, guys who normally protect the rock gave it up, if the first level of the D missed a tackle there was NO ONE to clean it up, even the kicker was missing short field goals?

I guess someone paid a curandera to come smudge the locker room with sage or something, because damn, did the team's luck turn.

Of course, it also helped that Rex Grossman remembered that he's, well, Rex Grossman. You aren't going to turn the ball over that much and still win. Trust me - after the last four weeks, I know. Oh God, do I know.

Other things that helped:

The defense showed up ready to ball. I called the Skins to win this game in part because I wasn't seeing much in the way of results from all the defensive tweaking. I figured the team needed the two weeks of the upcoming bye in order to, oh, I don't know, scrap the entire defensive coaching staff and scheme and start over. Silly me. I still don't think Juan Castillo is going to work out long term as the DC, but at least the players seem to have remembered how to tackle and get to the ball and stop drives in the red zone and get the hell off the field on 3rd down. Maybe they were all threatened with being traded to the Rams. Whatever it was, it worked.

Shady McCoy had another huge game. Mike Shanahan's right: he IS the best back in the NFL.

Brent Celek remembered how to play football (see above).

Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant remembered how to HOLD ON TO THE BALL.

To quote Bleeding Green Nation, Nnamdi Asomugha channeled Sheldon Brown, laid the wood we're used to seeing from a midnight green #24, and broke Chris Cooley's hand in the process. Not that I'm ever happy about injuries, but Cooley does run his mouth. A lot. A LOT.

The coaches actually planned the game relatively well. Yes, we all know Andy Reid is addicted to the big play. But this week, he must've been wearing some kind of patch or chewing some special gum, because he and Marty dialed up running plays and short drops with quick passes to keep Mike Vick from getting killed. And thank goodness, because Vince Young did not impress with his two plays from scrimmage.  (Oh, and by the way? Andy was right to challenge that spot at the end of the game, and the zebras were BLIND in calling Shady short. BLIND.) And they didn't get cute in the red zone, and look what happened: two TDs and two field goals.

Mike Vick didn't have a huge day, and you know what? That's fine by me. Last year's MNF show aside, if he throws for a jillion yards, it generally means that the Eagles are in BIG trouble.

A lot of the DC sports press today has been all about, "if only a few plays had gone the other way..." Yeah, tell me about it. In case you haven't noticed, the Eagles weren't blown out once in those four losses. So I feel you, Redskins fans, I do, but I'm glad YOU'RE the ones wailing about "if only!" this Monday.

In the end, the guys finally played like they cared. And, at least yesterday, that was enough.

Around the rest of the NFL...

Falcons over Panthers: Did you see Cam Newton bust out the Deion Sanders TD dance? Funny stuff. What's not funny is being 1-5 (so glad the Eagles are not in that camp today).

Bengals over Colts: How many ways are there to say, "The Colts suck without Peyton Manning"? Because I'd got 11 more weeks to go and I'm already running low on alternatives.

49ers over the Lions: OK, the Lions are for real, as I've been pointing out for the last five weeks. Apparently, the 49ers are, too. I've heard the 49ers are also really, really grateful for David Akers. You're welcome, and you can send the gifts of high-end small batch and single barrel bourbons to me. I'll be sure Howie Roseman gets them, I swear. Also, throw down between the coaches? LOVE!

Packers over Rams: Well, sure. Sam Bradford is hurt and AJ Feeley's their new starting QB. Spags, Feeley - it's like old home week.

Giants over Bills: Really, Bills? Really? After last week, you couldn't take care of the Giants for us? Thanks for nothing. My only hope is that none of the NFC East teams can play at all consistently this year, and the Giants ALWAYS fall apart in December.

Steelers over Jaguars: I'm pretty sure the Steelers should be really worried that they only beat the Jags by 4. They should also be really worried that Troy Polamalu might have a concussion.

Ravens over Texans: The Ravens are also for real. You know, just in case you weren't sure.

Raiders over Browns: Poor Jason Campbell just can't catch a break. He finally gets a little stability and starts winning some games, and the next thing you know: broken collarbone, Heal up quick, Jason. The West is wide open. Also, nice win on the day the team was honoring Al Davis. Who was a nut job, make no mistake, but also highly influential, both for the Raiders and the entire NFL.

Patriots over Cowboys: Pop quiz: you give the ball back to Tom Brady, Pats down by 3, with just over two minutes left. What do YOU think is going to happen, dumb ass? Sloppy game on both sides, but how does that game turn out any other way than it did? Seriously?

Buccaneers over Saints: The worst injury of the day was to Sean Payton, who took a major hit to the knee from one of his own players on the sidelines and couldn't even finish coaching the game (I think he had surgery today). Well, that and the injury to the Saints' pride in losing to the Bucs.

Bears over Vikings: First of all, say it with me, "Do NOT kick to Devin Hester. EVER." Jeez, people, get with the program! And McNabb got benched for Christian Ponder. Given the fact that his receivers dropped EVERYTHING, including passes that hit them between the numbers and on the hands, and the fact that the Vikings' O-line is TERRIBLE, I don't think that ass-whuppin' was Big 5's fault. I also think this might be the end of the line for him. NFL Network calling?

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2011 Week 6 Picks

This week, our beleaguered Eagles travel to DC to take on the NFC East leading Redskins. Back in August, who would've thought I'd be writing that sentence in mid-October? So far this season, it's been like Bizarro NFC East, with the Eagles front office behaving like Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato in days of yore, and the Redskins plugging away and winning games. LOLskins, indeed.

You know what the Skins are really good at this year? Running the ball. You know what the Eagles couldn't do if you paid them? Stop the run. No really - these guys are well-paid, and look what's happened in the first five games. You know what it takes to stop the run? Solid linebackers and defensive players who can tackle. So our boys in green are 0 for 2 there.

The Philly news media and my fellow bloggers have been all about "this is a MUST-WIN game!" this week.

Yeah, so was last week's game against the Bills. And so was the Eagles week three home opener against the 49ers. And the week two matchup against the Giants.

The team needs to make MAJOR adjustments. Maybe to coaching, maybe to personnel, either who they have or where they're playing them (or both), and certainly to their approach to practicing and preparing for games and to playcalling. So, you know, everything. I don't see that happening until the bye week which, mercifully, is next week. Hopefully the team won't have given up by then, because they're going to go into it 1-5.

Redskins (God help me).

In the rest of the matchups:

Panthers at Falcons: The Panthers are on the rise and the Falcons have lost their 14-2 magic, but they are still damn hard to beat at home, and I don't see them letting a divisional game slip away, particularly with one of the NFC wildcard spots virtually guaranteed to the North at this point. Falcons.

Colts at Bengals: Adam Schefter started a tweet storm with his bit on SportsCenter this morning about what he would recommend - if anyone was asking - in the way of hypothetical, proposed trades. The next thing you know, someone tweeted "Dawkins being traded to Philly" as fact, and we were off to the races. But Schefter did have one thing right - the Colts should just trade everyone they can to get as many draft picks next year as possible to go with their new QB, Andrew Luck, and their new head coach, Peyton Manning. Bengals.

49ers at Lions: If you're not an NFC East fan, this is the game to watch in the 1 pm time slot. Both teams are way outperforming expectations this year. With the Lions, it's been building. Looking at what's been going on with that team in the past few years, anyone with half a brain in her head could see they were on the cusp of something great. This is the year it all starts coming together for them. In the meantime, you may remember the 2005 draft, when Aaron Rodgers was taken in the first round, but not until pick 24. Remember who was drafted #1? Yep, Alex Smith. For the past six years, he's looked like a HUGE bust. Then a little thing happened I like to call "Competent Coaching." Jim Harbaugh is having a tremendous effect on that entire football team, not least their QB. I give the edge to the Lions because I feel like their climb from the cellar of the NFL is on a stronger footing, because they're at home, and because their division is much tougher. Also, Team of Destiny! Lions.

Rams at Packers: There's at least one game per season where I advise one of the teams to forfeit. This would be that game. Just forfeit, Rams, and save yourselves the shame of being the first team in NFL history to lose by three digits. Packers, with the gimme pick.

Bills at Giants: I was reading Big Blue View and the Giants fans seem, to me, to be irrationally optimistic about their ability to handle the hot Bills. Face it guys: the NFC East is just not very good this year, and these Bills are not your daddy's Bills. Bills.

Jaguars at Steelers: You know what other long-tenured head coach's days are looking numbered? Jack Del Rio. Steelers.

Texans at Ravens: This is a tough one to call. Both teams have posted BIG wins over the Steelers. I know the Texans are dealing with some injuries at this point, and I know the Ravens are playing at home, but I have to go with my recently graduated Team of Destiny. Texans.

Browns at Raiders: Look for the Raiders to extend their Al Davis Memorial Winning Streak to two this week.

Cowboys at Pats: Even if Tony Romo doesn't completely melt down at some point during the game - which is starting to look like a weekly occurrence - there is NO WAY the Cowboys win this game. Yeah, I know the Pats have, statistically, the worst defense in the entire league. I also know that the Cowboys will NOT be able to keep up on offense. No way. Pats. Yes, that means three NFC East teams will lose this week. Told you we aren't very good this year.

Saints at Buccaneers: The Bucs seem to be regressing, which is too bad, because they were showing some promise. Back to blacked out games, Tampa. Saints.

Vikings at Bears: The Bears o-line is putrid this year, which just might be enough to keep the Vikings in this game. But I still think Lovie's team will walk away with a W, as long as Jared Allen doesn't completely flatten Jay Cutler. And even that might not be enough.

Dolphins at Jets: Finally, the Jets are facing an opponent they can DEFINITELY beat in the 0-4 Dolphins. At least they better, or Rex's head might literally explode on the sidelines. Jets.

On bye: Broncos, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Seahawks, Titans

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Sunday Schedule: Sunday, October 16, 2011

Chef Spouse and I will finally be home to watch the games this weekend! However, we do need a solid headcount for Sunday because we will just be getting home from Seattle, so if you're planning to come, we need to know by text, email, or call NO LATER than Saturday, October 15.

On to the schedule:

1 pm: Eagles/Redskins (of course) - second game will be Bills/Giants

4 pm: Pats/Cowboys - second game either Texans/Ravens or Saints/Bucs (we'll take a vote)

SNF: Bears/Vikings (aka, "Everyone gets to go to bed early!")

MNF: Dolphins/Jets (aka, "Everyone gets to go to bed early again!")

Menu: since we'll have just gotten home, we're going to get some kind of takeout. Chef Spouse is thinking that we'll try Inspire BBQ, which recently opened in our neighborhood and is supposed to be quite good. And unlike all the OTHER BBQ joints in our 'hood, it's actually open on Sundays.

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2010 Week 6 Recap

Eagles v. Falcons, October 17, 2010

In attendance:  only me.  On business in Minneapolis.  Chef Spouse was at home with some of his friends.  But I was all alone with Supercast.  F'ing business trips.

Menu:  room service. Bleh.

Stud of the week: DeSean Jackson.  No contest.  He'd put up 14 points on the Falcons before the BS hit Dunta Robinson laid on him.  Which, by the way, looked totally intentional.  Fines? You bet. Suspension? Well, I wouldn't be opposed.   

So this will be quick due to the business trip, but a few game notes:

I have to start with the cheap hit on Brent Celek late in the second quarter.  I think it was the Falcons' safety, and it resulted in a pick and K2 drawing a 15 yard penalty for a horse-collar tackle, but what was up with that not being called in the first place?

I was loving that lights out D for entire first half and parts of the rest of the game. Where have these guys been for the past 6 weeks? Matty Ice is going to be having nightmares about Trent Cole.

I was freaking out about Akers missing those field goals. Uncharacteristically, he was visibly pissed, throwing his helmet twice. Just before he made the the 30 yarder in the 4th quarter, the problem became apparent:  his shoes (or actually, I should say "shoe" on his left/kicking foot).  David, I love that you want to show your support for breast cancer research, but not at the cost of missed field goals. Put the black shoe back on, hon.

Kolb looked good. He looked calm and confident, not least because of good play by the O-line. Maclin's clearly his go-to guy, but Jackson had a big day before that cheap hit, too.

The running game was clicking, too, more props to the O-line. LeSean McCoy continues to be a stud, and Eldra Buckley had a good day, too.

Finally, Jorrick Calvin, where have you been all my life?  Let's get that rookie some more playing time, yo!

Around the rest of the NFL...there were a lot of good games!

Dolphins over Packers. This game wouldn't have gone to OT if the Dolphins hadn't completely whiffed on the 4th and goal QB sneak that tied the game.  Good thing for them they pulled it out, because I don't think firing your special teams coach AND your defensive coordinator within a week DURING the season is a very good idea.

Rams over Chargers. Well that was unexpected. What's wrong with the Chargers this year? Seriously, real question - if you know, post in the comments.

Patriots over Ravens. Another OT win. How did this happen?  The Ravens were leading most of the game, Brady threw two picks. Being on a business trip during football season kills me - I missed the game AND all the commentary about why it went down the way it did!

Steelers over Browns.  Well, duh.

Texans over Chiefs.  Close game, though. I think the Chiefs just might win AFC West this year, at least if the Chargers keep stinking it up.

Giants over Lions. Again, not surprising. Again, close game. The Lions are missing, like, 1 thing, but whatever it is, it's key, because they lose ALL the time. They don't get blown out, of course, but they lose.

Seahawks over Bears. Also unexpected. What is wrong with the Bears O-line? Again, serious question. If they don't pull it together, Cutler's not going to last the season.

Saints over Buccaneers. Well, yes.

Jets over Broncos. Again, not that surprising, even thought Tebow got in and played well.

49ers over Raiders.  FINALLY! Mike Singletary was about to blow a gasket.

Vikings over Cowboys. The hotel I'm staying in for my conference is the same hotel the Vikings stayed in the night before the game. And I didn't kick Brett Favre in the crotch or throw a drink on him or anything. And I totally had my boss lined up to bail me out. I know - wasted opportunity. Also, Cowboys? HA!

Colts over Redskins. Not surprising, although the Skins made a real game of it. You know it's killing McNabb that he's never beat Peyton Manning.

I'm currently watching Titans/ Jags, and BOTH starting QBs are out.  I think Kerry Collins is preferable to Trent Edwards, but we'll see.

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2010 Week 6 Picks

Another weekend of business travel during football season!  ARGH!  What is wrong with these people?!?

Thank DirecTV for Supercast, because Eagles/Falcons isn't being broadcast nationally, and I'll be in Minneapolis.  Somehow I think the local 1 pm (well, technically, noon) games there are going to be NFC North games, because 3 of the 4 teams are playing in the early slot (Lions/Giants, Dolphins/Packers, and Seahawks/Bears). 

Anyway, we're in "will he or won't he?" territory this week.   You KNOW Mike Vick wants to face - and preferably kick the asses of - his old team.  But can he play?  Unknown.  If he can't go, can K2 put up enough points - and avoid enough mistakes - to win?

The Falcons are a tough matchup.  Not only are they looking solid this year, winning their last 4 games after a season-opening loss to the Steelers, but they're currently the #2 rushing team.  Know where the Eagles rank against the run?  Not #2 - try #24.  Ouch.  And that might be the story of the game right there.

The Eagles do have Brian Westbrook the Second, aka "Mr. Stud of the Week two weeks running" LeSean McCoy.  (In other news, Nate Allen really is looking like the next Brian Dawkins - and not a moment too soon.) On the other hand, this is mostly a passing offense, at least for the past 12 years under Andy Reid.  And there's better news there - the Falcons are #19 against the pass. Oddly enough, though, this year the team is ranked higher in rushing (#10) than in passing (#13) - at least so far, but I supsect some of that's due to K2's tendency to check down FIRST and some big runs from Mike Vick.

But enough stats - what does my gut say?  My gut says Falcons.  I know they're facing off at the Linc and homefield advantage and whatnot, but I truly believe the Falcons are the better team at this point.

In the rest of the matchups:

Dolphins at Packers:  The Packers are REELING from injury.  Big time.  Aaron Rodgers' concussion is just adding the proverbial insult.  Dolphins.  Also, the Pack better start looking for some more players, STAT.

Chargers at Rams:  The Chargers are struggling, but there is no way the Bad Luck Monster bites them this week the way he did last week.  Two blocked punts?  That's more in the territory of "Tom Cable sacrificed a goat to get a win."  And, since they aren't blacked out at home, I can call Chargers.

Lions at Giants:  I really think the Lions are a better team than their 1-4 record indicates.  Unfortunately, I don't think they're good enough to beat the Giants.

Ravens at Patriots:  Ravens all the way!  Also, I'm watching the NFL Network right now, and Sterling Sharpe literally just said, "The Baltimore Ravens win this one, 33-23." See, he knows.

Browns at Steelers:  Big Ben (who I now pretty much hate more than the Cowboys) is back this week - and the Steelers are going to end the Browns winning streak at 1.
Edited October 17 add:  as was pointed out to me in the comments, the Browns actually lost last week to the Falcons.  They had won the prior week, beating the Bengals 23-20. Not that any of that's really going to matter, since they're going to lose this week regardless.

Saints at Buccaneers:  The Saints are looking downright...ordinary lately. And the Bucs are technically ahead of them in division due to not having a divisional loss.  That'll end this week.  Saints.

Chiefs at Texans: The Texans are trying to break my heart this year.  But I still believe. Also, 3-2 in the AFC South is a better record than 3-1 in the West.  Texans.

Seahawks at Bears: If the Bears can turn the ball over 1,463,638 times and STILL win (thank you very much Matt Forte), they'll get past the surprisingly competent (talk about damning by faint praise) Seahawks.  Bears.

Raiders at 49ers:  OK, maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe the 49ers stink.  Raiders.

Jets at Broncos:  Talk about dominant - the Jets look awesome this year.  The Broncos?  Not so much.  The air's pretty thin in Denver, but I don't think that'll slow down the Jets or Rex Ryan's highly entertaining and R-rated patter.  Jets.

Cowboys at Vikings: I know I rail against Brett Favre a lot here, but (so far) I haven't touched the sexual harassment allegations, the whining about his elbow (but I notice it only seems to bother him when he's playing bad), and the whole "my streak is more important than the good of the team" BS. Yeah. He's a complete ass.  So are the Cowboys, but they're going to win this week.

Colts at Redskins: I SO want to call Redskins here, and they've been pulling off some improbable wins this season, but come on.  The Redskins were 4-12 last year, and they're up against the Colts.  DMac and Shanny haven't had enough time to make THAT much of a difference. I don't think. Also (and this is unverified), I don't think McNabb has EVER beat the Colts.  I'm calling Colts, but I'd love to be wrong.

Titans at Jaguars:  Titans.  You can't stop Chris Johnson, and I don't think the Jags can even contain him.


On bye:  Cardinals, Bills, Panthers, Bengals.

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Sunday Schedule: Sunday, October 17, 2010

I will be out of town this week, but Steelers Transplant will be back in town for a visit/boys' weekend, so make sure to stop by to see him Sunday.

1 pm - Falcons at Eagles - there will be no secondary game on in the 1 pm timeslot, as I'll be using the Supercast login to watch this from my business trip to Minneapolis, since the game is not scheduled to be broadcast nationally.

4 pm - It's up to you all of course, but if I were picking, I'd go with Cowboys at Vikings. I'll be back to work at that point, so you can watch a secondary game, and again, if I were choosing, I'd probably go with Jets at Broncos.

8 pm - Colts at Redskins. Think the Skins can steal another improbable win? Don't know, but I'm sure it will be fun to watch them try.

MNF - I'm actually going to be skipping a reception to watch the Titans take on the Jaguars.

(Why on earth do people schedule conferences over weekends during football season!?!?)

Menu - it won't be the same as Steelers Transplant's awesome home-smoke 'que, but Chef Spouse is planning to get takeout from the newly opened Chuck's Wagon BBQ on H Street.

One note for Sunday:  there will be possible parking issues on our block due to the Ludlow Taylor plant swap. Of course, you should feel free to come early and participate.

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2009 Week 6 Recap

Eagles at Raiders, Sunday, October 18, 2009

In attendance: Chef Spouse, Ex-Navy Cheesehead, Shoegal

Menu: Jambalaya. Geaux Saints! Plus lots of yummy treats.

Stud of the game: there were no Eagles studs. We stunk it up from A to Z. This week's stud? Chad Ocho Cinco, who put up his OWN money to buy (and give away) 1200 tickets so the Bengals/Texans game would sell out and be broadcast locally. That's for the love of the game.

Speaking of stinking it up (cover your eyes, Life-Long Eagles Fan Mom), what THE FUCK was that?

There are (at least) two voices in my head. Voice 1, Ms. Rational, says, "Hey, it's just one game. We always come out totally flat and blow a game we absolutely should have won at least once in the season, usually in the middle third (hello, week 6), and it usually doesn't hurt us. This is just that game. Don't panic. Things in the NFL are never as bad - or as good - as they seem on first view."

That's Ms. Rational.

Ms. Not-So-Rational is PISSED.

No one played well - receivers couldn't catch, McNabb threw some bad passes in the 4th quarter, Akers missed two field goals (margin of victory? 4 points), defenders couldn't get to JaMarcus Russell. Bad all around. But the worst? The real reason for our loss? Two factors:

1. The O-line
2. Jeremiah Trotter

Axeman, I love you, but the Raiders targeted you all day. And you weren't up to it. We're glad to have you back in Philly (for the third time), we love you, we think you're great, but you're not a great linebacker any more. I hear Hugh Douglas's old Bad Assador job is open. You might want to think about moving over to that. It didn't help that everyone else was blowing tackles, too, but dude, I could outrun you at this point.

The O-line. OH. MY. GOD. They were so full of holes they make swiss cheese look butch. Yeah, McNabb was off target in the fourth quarter. That's because Mr. Broken Ribs was running for his damn life for 45 minutes. And the play calling! Westy was getting big yards almost every time he touched the ball. Why in the hell did Big Red call so many pass plays with a QB who's still banged up and an O-line that couldn't stop my 86 year old grandmother who only has one good eye? Maybe we should've asked the pigeon to help out.

And I don't think it changed the outcome of the game, but let's talk about the bad officiating. JaMarcus Russell was clearly and obviously guilty of intentional grounding AT LEAST twice. Called? Nope. DeSean Jackson got hit out of bounds - taken to the ground on the OTHER SIDE of the paint - on a kick return. Called? Hells no. DAVID AKERS got taken to the GROUND and got up with GRASS all over his ass and back after a FG attempt. Roughing the kicker? NO. Seriously? Dude's on his back.

On a separate but related note, did you know that DMac has not drawn a SINGLE roughing the passer call in over TWO YEARS? How is that even possible? Oh yeah - all QBs (coughcoughBrady) are treated equally (coughcoughPeyton).

Oh well, it could be worse - I could be a Redskins fan.

Around the rest of the NFL...

Texans over Bengals. You know, after Ocho Cinco bought all those tickets, the least the team could've done was win, for chrissakes! Maybe what killed them was me finally getting behind them? Sorry, guys.

Packers over Lions. Well, yeah. Shut out. Ouch.

Jags over Rams. Took 'em to overtime, though. Gonna be a long season in Jacksonville. Gonna be longer in St. Louis.

Vikings over Ravens. Damn. It came down to a missed FG. Killer. And will the bad Brett hurry up and show up already?

Saints over Giants. I did call this. What I got wrong was the whole "close game" thing. Not so much. And the Giants even had their starting QB, unlike certain Philadelphia teams I could name. Is it too early to use the term "juggernaut" to describe the Saints?

Steelers over Browns. Well, again, yeah.

Panthers over Bucs. I really thought the Bucs had it in them to win this week. Apparently I was wrong. 0-6 hurts. Just ask the Titans. Or their fans. I really think they should stick with Josh Johnson at QB, but what the hell do I know? Oh! Actually I do know this: the Panthers need to find Jake Delhomme's successor ASAP.

Chiefs over Redskins. See, Eagles fans? It *could* be worse. We're homicidal, but Redskins fans are suicidal at this point. Looks like the Zornmeister is going to be fired, although I still think they'll wait until the bye. But as long as Snyder and Cerrato are running the team, they could have God coaching and it wouldn't make a difference. I absolutely think that the Zorn should shock the hell out of them and just quit. He's gonna get canned and take the blame anyway. Why not go out with a bang?

Cards over Seahawks. See, I should've let myself talk myself into calling the Cards!

Pats over Titans. Why does Bill Belichick's asshatness never bite him? The Pats were up about a million points, it's snowing, and TOM BRADY IS STILL IN THE GAME. Honestly, I was cheering for a career-ending injury at that point, just to punish Belichick for being a dick. Of course, it didn't happen. It never happens. I hate that guy. And what is up with the Titans this year? I'm sorry, but that's not just the loss of Albert Haynesworth. No way.

Bills over Jets. So it turns out that teams have figured out that Mark Sanchez only makes one read. Looks like the honeymoon's over, rookie. Things in the NFL are never as bad - or as good - as they appear at first. But 5 picks looks pretty damn bad. So do the Bills, who still almost lost the game.

Falcons over Bears. Speaking of picks! But still, that was a GOOD game. Very much enjoyed watching both teams, who played well for the most part. Talk about some serious goal-line D? The Falcons allowed one Chicago TD, then forced a fumble, got a pick, and got a turn over on downs. Falcons are looking good (again) this year!

MNF? Tied up. Game's been pretty exciting. Dawkins is out with a hamstring injury. That could hurt the Broncos.

So I'll close with a little something for Chef Spouse:



(because he's wearing his #20 jersey tonight)

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2009 Week 6 Picks

My prediction as we face the Raiders this week is that the Eagles will continue to make hay in the sunny part of their schedule. Which lasts precisely two more games. On the upside, Vick should see a lot of playing time, since we're likely to be so far ahead that McNabb won't take a snap after the half. My other prediction? This game turns into a Dullsville blow out, and we start watching one of the other games at some point. Eagles. Of course.

Texans/Bengals. I'm still not sure I buy the Bengals, but I'm at least renting this week. Bengals.

Lions/Packers. I so want to call Lions, but I just can't bring myself to. Packers.

Rams/Jaguars. If the Jags can't pull it together to beat the Rams (who might end up owned by Rush Limbaugh - as if they didn't already have enough problems), put a fork in them, because they are D-O-N-E. Jags.

Ravens/Vikings. A. Someone needs to take Brett Favre down a peg. B. Who better to do it than a team that's got to still be smarting after their surprise loss to the Bengals last week? Ravens.

Giants/Saints. I said it before, I'm sure I'll say it again - this is THE game of the week. I am so psyched! And I think the 2009 season NFC picture is going to come into very clear focus in the next few weeks. I can make an argument for this one going high scoring. I can make an argument for this one going low scoring. But either way, I'm positive it's going to be close and MEGA exciting. And I'm calling the Saints, and not just because I love New Orleans. Geaux Saints!

Browns/Steelers. Luckily for the Steelers, there's still ONE easy team in their division. (In case you were wondering, it's the Browns.) Steelers.

Panthers/Bucs. The Bucs gotta win some time, right? I think it will be this week. Bucs.

Chiefs/Redskins. The Chiefs also gotta win some time. And after almost taking down the Cowboys last week, I also think it will be this week. Chiefs.

Cardinals/Seahawks. Matt Hasselbeck had a hell of a game last week. OK, it was against the Jags, but still. On the other hand, the Seahawks are running out of O-linemen. But the Cards aren't exactly burning up the pass rush wires. I'm thinking Seahawks, but I could probably be convinced to change my mind, particularly since they don't exactly have a lock-down secondary, and the Cards still have Larry Fitz last time I checked.

Titans/Patriots. The Titans gotta win some time, right? Ain't gonna be this week. Pats.

Bills/Jets. Jets. The loss to Miami on MNF was pretty crushing, but it wasn't that bad. I don't think it's really going to matter than Mark Sanchez seems to only make one read. The TO cancer has already infected the locker room, and the only possible salvation is to remove the tumor. Barring that? Long season up in Buffalo.

Bears/Falcons. Since losing their season opener to Green Bay, the Bears have been on a 3 game 1 bye week winning streak. Of course, they've played the Lions, the Seahawks, and the Steelers (who are normally a lock, but no so much this year, at least so far). The Falcons WHIPPED UP on the 49ers last week, and, after their early bye week, are also 3-1, losing only to the Pats and beating the Dolphins and Cardinals. Hm. Reviewing that list leads me to call the Falcons to win this one, but I honestly could see it going either way.

Broncos/Chargers. I predict the winner of this game will win the AFC West this year. And I predict that, on both counts, that will be the Broncos. Kyle Orton, Ex-Navy Cheesehead always believed in you. Just wanted you to know. You know, in case famous NFL quarterbacks happen to be reading this blog. Stranger things have happened.

On bye: Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins, 49ers

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Sunday Schedule: October 18, 2009

What are we watching this Sunday?

1 pm - Giants/Saints. This is the game of the week.
4 pm - Eagles/Raiders. This is not the game of the week.
8 pm - Bears/Falcons. This is going to be pretty good, too.

MNF - Chargers/Broncos. Another solid match up.

Menu - TBA. I've been on the road this week and haven't had a chance to confer with Chef Spouse. Requests? Put 'em in the comments.

Edited to add: Chef Spouse informed me that, as it will be miserably cold & rainy in DC all weekend AND as we are rooting for the Saints to beat the G-men, this would be an excellent weekend for JAMBALYA, baby! Oh yeah - it's on!

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