All Roads Lead To The Super Bowl

January 22, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Many different paths often lead to the same place. For some, that place is familiar. For others, it’s folklore. That place is the Super Bowl. To understand how the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles’ paths led to Super Bowl LII, we must look to Championship Sunday: 1 part same old story, 1 part shock and awe….

What Else Is New?!

No Gronk, no problem.

The New England Patriots deserve praise. Hell, they deserve their own holiday on the calendar. What the Patriots continue to do, against the toughest of odds, is incredible. The Jets fan inside dies a little bit every time I compliment the Patriots.

Tom Brady received stitches on his throwing hand just days prior to the AFC Championship. It didn’t matter. The Patriots were down 14-3 in the 1st half. It didn’t matter. The Patriots lost Rob Gronkowski (concussion) for the game just before halftime. It didn’t matter. The Patriots were down 10 points, with 9 minutes to play. It didn’t matter. No matter the adversity, they persevere.

In any significant Patriots’ victory, there’s always a play that stands out. A play you can point to, and say, there it is, NOW they’re going to win. Most teams wouldn’t understand. 3rd & 18, down 10, with 10:49 to play, Brady connected with Danny Amendola for a 1st down (21 yards). It sounds simple, but it embodies the Patriots’ spirit. This is why scoring a game-winning touchdown, with 2:10 to play, is not as dramatic as it sounds. A Patriots’ victory was never in doubt.

The Jaguars, however, deserve credit (sort of). They played a near perfect 1st half, carrying a 14-10 lead into the locker room. The offensive play calling was perfect, easy throws for Blake Bortles and plenty of rushing attempts. Bortles impressed, completing 17 of 23 passes (73.9%) in the 1st half. But then, Bortles turned back into a pumpkin, going 6 for 13 (46.1%) in the 2nd half. And that, as they say, was all she wrote.

With their 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New England Patriots will play in their 8th Super Bowl in the last 17 years (10th appearance in their history). They’ll look to win back-to-back Super Bowls for the 1st time since 2004, when they defeated the Eagles (24-21). For New England, the cast of characters are practically the same. As for Philadelphia, it’s a lifetime ago.

I Did Not See That Coming!!

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the NFC Championship as underdogs. They left as champions. Despite being underdogs in consecutive games, the Eagles have overcome. Doubt. Injury. Public perception. They overcame it all and find themselves in their 3rd Super Bowl in franchise history.

If you tried to adjust your television set during yesterday’s game, you weren’t the only one. I thought there was a Tom Brady sighting in both games too. Yes, Nick Foles played that good of a game. Foles, who finished with 352 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, tore up a stringent, Vikings defense. This was a Vikings defense who ranked top-5 in nearly every statistical category during the regular season.

After a dramatic win over the Saints in the Divisional Round, it appeared the Vikings were simply happy to be here.

The Vikings marched down the field on the opening drive for a touchdown. Then continued to force a punt on the Eagles’ 1st possession. The city of Philadelphia was probably collectively hurling things at their TVs. But after an interception returned for a touchdown, it was all Eagles. With 14:10 left to play, the Eagles took a 38-7 lead, and I, turned off my TV.

Did you doubt the Patriots yesterday?? Did Nick Foles play the best game of his career?? Tell me the truth in the comment section below.

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Jets’ Wide Receiver Arrested For 2nd Time — In 8 Months

January 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Robby Anderson, New York Jets wide receiver, is having a rough year. This morning in South Florida, Anderson was arrested for the 2nd time in 8 months. This time he’s facing 9 charges, including fleeing police, resisting an officer (with the siren on), harming a public servant, and 6 other traffic related charges. Allegedly Anderson was driving 105 mph in a 45 mph zone. Anderson’s previous arrest occurred in May of 2017 when he resisted arrest at a Music Festival. His trial for the 1st arrest is scheduled to begin on March 19th.

Despite Anderson’s on-field improvement, catching 63 balls for 941 yards and 7 touchdowns, it seems he has a lot of maturing to do. As an undrafted, 2nd year receiver, Anderson has overachieved in his short time in the NFL. If Anderson can’t control his off-field behavior, his short time in the NFL may be permanent.

A New York Jets’ spokesman had little to say on the matter, “We are aware of the situation, but this is a pending legal matter and we will have no further comment.”

Check back for updates on this story.

Welcome To Tom Brady’s Playground (Aka Championship Sunday)

January 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

tom brady 2

And then there were 4.

Wellllll, there’s really only 1, but technically 4 teams can still win the Super Bowl. With just 2 days left until Championship Sunday, final preparations are being made by 3 guys still trying to figure out how they arrived at this moment — and Tom Brady. Blake Bortles, Nick Foles, and Case Keenum are living proof you can ride someone else’s coattails to the promised land.

(3) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (1) New England Patriots – 3:05 P.M. EST (CBS)

All those who were excited to watch the Steelers take on the Patriots, we have an excellent consolation prize for you….

Blake Bortles.

No, you can’t return your prize!

Blake Bortles is getting ready to play in the biggest game of his life. Hopefully he bought his coaching staff, defense, and running game something nice, for without them Bortles wouldn’t be in the NFL anymore, let alone in the AFC Championship. The question this Sunday is:

Can this Jaguars defense follow the “beat Tom Brady blueprint”??

Listen, the Patriots are not losing, at home, to the Jaguars. But, if, and that’s a big IF, they lose, it’ll be under very specific conditions.

Here are the conditions (all of the below must happen):

1.) The Jaguars must sack Tom Brady at least 5 times

2.) The Jaguars must intercept Tom Brady at least once

3.) The Jaguars’ defense must score at least 7 points

4.) Blake Bortles must throw 0 interceptions

If the world finds itself in an alternate universe on Sunday, and ALL of these things occur, Blake Bortles will play in a Super Bowl.

Until then, I’ll confidently pick Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the Patriots to play in their 8th Super Bowl in the past 17 years. And for all my gullible fans, Tom Brady IS NOT HURT!! His hand is fine. This is a typical, very simple, Belichick mind game. We’ve been watching this same channel for nearly 2 decades now.

Prediction: Patriots 30, Jaguars 20

(2) Minnesota Vikings @ (1) Philadelphia Eagles – 6:40 P.M. EST (FOX)

The Minnesota Vikings are still riding high after the most dramatic playoff victory in NFL history. The question is:

Will that help or hurt them come Sunday??

The Vikings are looking to become the 1st team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl. But first, they must escape from a hostile Philadelphia environment with a victory. This is a very even matchup. Both teams play very solid defense. Both teams have an above average rushing attack. And both teams are well coached.

While both quarterbacks aren’t being confused with MVP candidates anytime soon, it’s safe to say the Vikings have an advantage under center. The Vikings also have the edge on defense, as this is as good a defense as the NFL has seen since the Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Boom”. The Eagles’ home field advantage offsets all of the above, making this game a “pick ’em” in my mind. Sit back, relax, and enjoy another tight one.

Prediction: Vikings 20, Eagles 19

Final Thought: Why the hell do these games have to start so late?!?! What, because it’s Championship Weekend, the games need to be played at “special” times?!?! I don’t understand. It’s Sunday. I’ve been watching football games at 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. EST all year. Why must I stay awake until 11:00 P.M. to watch this game?!?!

On that note, enjoy the games!!

Who do you think will play in the Super Bowl?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Craziest. Game. EVER!!!!

January 15, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Last-second-Stefon-Diggs-touchdown-propels-Minnesota-Vikings-to-NFC-title-game

Wow.

Wait, I didn’t say that right.

WOW!!!!

That’s more like it.

I’ve graced planet Earth with my presence for 31 years, 8 months, and 21 hours, and that was easily the craziest thing I’ve ever seen on a football field — EVER!! I asked for better football, I received better football:

Minnesota Vikings 29, New Orleans Saints 24

Insane. Crazy. Wild. Complete stupidity. Total elation. There are countless ways to describe the improbable nature the Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints….

The Vikings completely dominated the 1st half, taking a 17-0 lead into the locker room. Here are the Saints’ 1st half possessions:

Punt, Punt, Punt, Interception, Interception, Missed field goal. That’s not a recipe for success.

The 2nd half went slightly better for the Saints. Their 1st possession ended in a Michael Thomas touchdown. And after a horrible interception by Case Keenum, their 2nd possession ended in a Michael Thomas touchdown. 17-0 quickly became 17-14.

Sean Payton has been the head coach of the Saints for 12 years. He has a winning record. And he’s won a Super Bowl. However, he is NOT a good coach. Just minutes into the 4th quarter, when timeouts are crucial, Payton used TWO challenges over a span of 4 plays. Both plays were obvious, so Payton decided his TWO red flags were better served as toilet paper.

After a Kai Forbath 49-yard field goal, the Vikings took a 20-14 lead. Just 4 minutes and 44 seconds later, the Saints blocked a punt, setting Drew Brees up with great field position (the Vikings’ 25-yard line). Just 2 minutes and 20 seconds later, the Saints would take their 1st lead, 21-20, on a beautiful ‘wheel route’ by Alvin Kamara.

With just 3:01 left to play, it was time for Keenum to do what he’s been doing all season; prove his worth. He did just that, setting his team up in field goal range. Kai Forbath’s 53-yarder was as true a kick as you’ll ever see. Now trailing 23-21, Drew Brees was left with 1:29 and 1 timeout (thanks to his genius head coach). After 2 first down completions, followed by 3 straight incompletions, the Saints’ season came down to a 4th & 10 from the Vikings’ 46-yard line. Drew Brees dropped back and threw the most confident, perfect pass of the season, a 13-yard completion to Willie Snead. And with just 25 seconds left to play, Will Lutz drilled a 43-yard field goal, putting the Saints up 24-23. Case Keenum’s back must be getting used to that wall….

With just 18 seconds remaining and no timeouts, the Vikings had 4 downs, from the Saints’ 39-yard line, to pull off a miracle. And with 10 seconds left, on 3rd & 10, Case Keenum made believers out of many of us. Stefon Diggs rose for the reception with 5 seconds left. When his feet hit the ground, at the Saints’ 34-yard line, he was surprised as anyone he wasn’t being brought to the ground, so he took off. Diggs crossed the goal line as time expired, doing the impossible.

Watch the play here, then we’ll continue our conversation.

There are no excuses for this play. Yes, we should all blame Marcus Williams for not tackling Diggs upon catching the ball. Seriously, Marcus, what were you thinking (or not thinking)?!?! However, this is ultimately on the head coach. If you’re the Saints, all you have to do is keep Diggs inbounds and the game’s over. Why weren’t the Saints in the most ridiculous prevent defense ever?? There should have been 3 Saints behind Diggs, not just Marcus Williams.

But I still need to talk to my man Marcus here….

Marcus, I don’t want to hear about how you were trying to avoid the defensive pass interference penalty. And I don’t want to hear ANYONE (ahem, Ryan Clark, ahem) justifying ducking under Diggs to avoid the penalty. All you had to do, Marcus, was wait 2 yards behind Diggs, and tackle him inbounds the second he touched the ball. Game over. Vikings finished. Saints move on to the NFC Championship.

Instead, the Vikings move 1 game closer to hosting the Super Bowl. They’ll travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles next Sunday. If the Vikings win, they’ll become the 1st team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl.

______________________________________________________________________________

Oh no, I didn’t forget about my gamblers. For those who bet the Vikings, I feel for you. The Vikings closed at 5.5 point favorites. With the Vikings up 17 points, this bet seemed like a lock. As the Saints mounted their comeback, Vikings bettors watched their winnings slip through their fingers. However, with the Vikings’ miracle, walk-off, touchdown, hope was sprung back into their lives. All the Vikings had to do was kick the extra point, and they’d win by 6 points, covering the 5.5 point spread. Unfortunately, after the dust settled from the Vikings’ on field celebration, they chose to kneel on the extra point. This was the moment when degenerates, who double as Vikings’ fans, experienced the most bittersweet moment — ever.

Was this the craziest football game you’ve ever watched?? If not, please tell me in the comment section below.

Alright NFL, Show Me What You’ve Got

January 11, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

drew-brees

I’m in a forgiving mood.

I’m going to give the NFL another chance. A chance to redeem itself after the least entertaining Wild Card Weekend I can remember. Despite the little voice inside my head screaming, “this is a bad idea!”, I’m going to prepare the couch for Divisional Weekend. Join me….

Atlanta Falcons (6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (1) – Saturday @ 4:35 P.M. EST (NBC)

The Philadelphia Eagles are about to do something that’s never been done before. No, not bring a Super Bowl to Philadelphia. Start the playoffs, as a #1 seed, as an UNDERDOG. The Eagles finished this season with a 13-3 record, in large part to a fantastic sophomore season from Carson Wentz. Thanks to Wentz’ Week 14, torn ACL, Nick Foles calls under center home. That’s why the peaking at the right moment, Atlanta Falcons are 3-point, road favorites.

This is the toughest game to call. Nick Foles is the ‘x-factor’. Will we see 2013 Nick Foles (64%, 27 TDs, 2 INTs), or 2015 Nick Foles (56%, 7 TDs, 10 INTs)?? Secret door #3 is probably the way Foles’ day will go. On the other hand, can the Falcons continue their strong play and get 1 step closer to returning to consecutive Super Bowls?? If they do, Falcons’ faithful will be thanking Matt Ryan’s right shoulder. However, I don’t think the Falcons are destined to follow in the footsteps of the 1990’s Buffalo Bills.

Prediction: Eagles 24, Falcons 21

Tennessee Titans (5) @ New England Patriots (1) – Saturday @ 8:15 P.M. EST (CBS)

There’s not much to talk about here. The Tennessee Titans didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs, and they certainly don’t deserve to be in the Divisional Round. With their annual, playoff bye week behind them, the New England Patriots are well rested and ready to put that scoreboard to work. Expect this game to get out of hand. Oh, and not that the Patriots needed any extra motivation, but Titans’ safety, Kevin Byard, thought it was a good idea to poke the beast. Byard said, “I want to make him (Tom Brady) look like Blake Bortles.”

That’s not the smartest thing I’ve heard this week.

Prediction: Patriots 45, Titans 17

Jacksonville Jaguars (3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2) – Sunday @ 1:05 P.M. EST (CBS)

Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars demolished the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 of the regular season, 30-9. Ben Roethlisberger threw NO touchdowns and 5 interceptions (2 were returned for TDs). But that was a dress rehearsal. This is show time. As good as the Jaguars’ defense is, returning 2 interceptions for TDs, in the same game, is an anomaly. Do you know what isn’t an anomaly?? Blake Bortles throwing for less than 200 yards and committing a turnover.

Bortles threw for less than 200 yards 7 times this season (including 87 yards last week). He also had 19 total turnovers in the 17 games he’s played. That’s not a recipe for success. A well rested Ben + a healthy Brown + Bell in the backfield = success.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Jaguars 19

New Orleans Saints (4) @ Minnesota Vikings (2) – Sunday @ 4:40 P.M. EST (FOX)

For consecutive weeks, the NFL has saved the best for last. Drew Brees, who turns 39 the day after this game, is looking to make 1 last Super Bowl push. He still has the arm. He has the offensive weapons. And for just the 2nd time in his life, he has a defense worth talking about (last time he had a good defense, he won the Super Bowl). But he must get past a tough, Minnesota Vikings defense, on the road, before he can set his sights on another Lombardi Trophy.

The Vikings’ defense, overshadowed by the Jaguars, may actually be the best defense in the league. They rank 1st in total yards and points allowed per game. And they rank 2nd in passing and rushing yards allowed per game. And just like the Eagles, they have an ‘x-factor’; Case Keenum. While Keenum has had a consistently good season, regression to his previous 4 seasons mean seems likely at any moment.

If the Falcons beat the Eagles, the Saints and Vikings will be playing for the right to host the NFC Championship.

If the Vikings reach the Super Bowl, they’ll become the 1st team in NFL history to play the ‘big game’ on their home field. They’ll have to get past Brees and the 2-headed monster in his backfield first.

Prediction: Saints 23, Vikings 21

Who do you think will win this weekend?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

Listen Man, That Right There Is A Good Contract Man

January 10, 2018January 10, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

jon gruden

A lot has changed since Jon Gruden last coached in the NFL. iPhones have ridiculous, nonsensical adapters. Apparently you just swipe left and another picture comes up. And the Patriots are no longer a dynas….oh wait, that one hasn’t changed. But 1 thing remains constant: Raiders’ owner, Mark Davis’ freaky hairdo. I mean seriously, what is that thing?!

mark davis

Anyway….

Tuesday, Jon Gruden was introduced as the new Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders. This will be his 2nd stint with ‘Raider Nation’, as he was the head coach from 1998-2001. He went 38-26, including 2 trips to the postseason in his first tenure with the team. Hey opposing coaches, all you have to do is say “Tuck Rule”, and Gruden will cower into a corner somewhere.

In 2002, Gruden was traded to the Tampa Buccaneers, where he infamously beat his former team in Super Bowl XXXVII. Let’s fast forward to Tuesday….

Did you catch Jon Gruden’s introductory press conference???? You didn’t?! Ohhhhh boy.

You can check it out here. Watch the 1st 4 minutes, then come back so we can talk….

Does Mark Davis not make your skin crawl???? He looks like he’s 63 going on 6. And not the cute kind of 6. The creepy, no one hangs out with me kind of 6. He looked nervous. He took way more deep breaths than I’m comfortable with. And apparently, every woman in the Gruden family, is his biggest cheerleader. And then, there was the video montage. Ohhh the video montage. Was this supposed to give Raiders’ fans goosebumps?? Listen, I get that the Raiders want to return to their winning ways. They’ve only had 1 winning season in the past 15 years, and Jon Gruden was successful with the Raiders. But Davis is acting like the best coach in the history of sports is walking through the door.

Davis even went as far as saying, and I quote, “Raider Nation, this is a big effin’ deal!” Wow Mark. Just wow. In terms of dollars and cents, this is an enormous deal. In fact, Gruden’s 10-year, $100 Million contract makes him the highest paid coach in American professional sports history. And now, ‘Raider Nation’, the NFL, and the sports world will see if Gruden can live up to such expectations. I’m interested to see if Gruden, now 54, can adjust to the numerous rule changes that have taken place in his 9 years away from the sidelines.

Is this a good hire by the Oakland Raiders?? Will Jon Gruden win a Super Bowl in Oakland?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself!!

January 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

sean-payton

It was all bad.

The quarterback play was bad. The coaching was bad. Even the referees were bad. Those who thought the level of play would rise because the word Playoffs was added to this machine were sorely mistaken. Oh no, I’m included in that. No need to throw stones at my glass house.

There are a handful of people that probably had a hard time sleeping this weekend. I figured I’d add fuel to the fire by constructing a list, in order, of those involved in Wild Card Weekend, who should be ashamed of themselves:

5.) Everyone Who Dropped A Pass

Have you ever seen so many dropped passes in your life?!?! I’m not talking about well-defended, tough catches. I’m talking about straight-up drops. What started with a drop by the Tennessee Titans, Eric Decker (possibly the worst drop of the weekend), ended with a dropped touchdown by the Carolina Panthers, Kaelin Clay. Last time I checked, wide receivers have 1 job; CATCH THE BALL!! It ceases to amaze me when professional athletes, making millions of dollars, drop wide open passes. It also makes me hurl things at my television because I can catch 100% of those passes — 8 deep in the parking lot after a game….

4.) The Jaguars And Bills’ Offenses

You know a game was hard to watch when the leading receiver had 48 yards (Dede Westbrook). Yup. That was the Jacksonville Jaguars Vs. Buffalo Bills game in a nutshell. Allow me to preface my next statement with concern for Tyrod Taylor’s health. Taylor has been placed in the concussion protocol after his head smashed into the ground, knocking him unconscious. With that said, the quarterback play in this game was as bad as it gets. Tyrod Taylor, (Nathan Peterman), and Blake Bortles’ combined stats were as follows:

30 for 63, 235 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.

Last time I checked, completing 47% of your passes is not good. Maybe that’s why Blake Bortles rushed for more yards (88) then he threw for (87). But hey, who doesn’t enjoy a 10-3 game??

3.) Tony Romo

Tony Romo is REALLY annoying. Despite his insight into the NFL, and the quarterback position, he doesn’t possess the ability to shut up. This was never more evident when Tyrod Taylor was injured with just under 2 minutes left in the game. Tyrod Taylor was driven to the ground, slamming his head into the ground, by Dante Fowler. Taylor, was sprawled out on his back, unconscious, in the middle of the field. For 99% of human beings, this naturally brings a moment of silence. Not for Tony Romo. Instead, Mr. Romo felt that was the appropriate time to carry on, and on, and on, and on about a 10-second run-off.

Yes Tony, in the NFL, when play is stopped in the final 2 minutes due to an injured player, the referees are required to take 10 seconds off the game clock (WHICH THEY DID). However, reminding millions of viewers of this inane rule at the most inopportune time isn’t what I’d call becoming of a man, Mr. Romo.

2.) Jeff Triplette

Jeff Triplette has been an NFL referee since 1999. However, Triplette hasn’t officiated a playoff game since 2013. The world can see why….

Known around the NFL as the worst referee in the league, Triplette officiated his final game Saturday. Well, I guess if you’re gonna go out, you might as well go out on bottom(?). Shame on the NFL for allowing Triplette’s final game to be of this magnitude.

The Kansas City Chiefs were potentially robbed of a playoff victory by Triplette. Of the 5 glaring mistakes made by Triplette and his crew, none was bigger than the final blunder. After taking a 22-21 lead, Marcus Mariota and the Titans attempted a 2-point conversion. Mariota was sacked, and fumbled at the Titans’ 42-yard line. Daniel Sorenson picked up the ball and ran 58 yards for what should have been a 2-point conversion for the Chiefs. However, Triplette inexplicably whistled the play dead, claiming Mariota’s forward progress had been stopped. Trust me, it hadn’t been.

If I’m the Chiefs, I’m playing this game under protest.

1.) Sean Payton

Sean Payton is 1 of the better coaches in the NFL. He’s been the head coach of the New Orleans Saints since 2006, winning Super Bowl XLIV (2009). Despite his success, and reputation, he did something REALLY IDIOTIC on Sunday. The Saints found themselves with possession, with a 31-26 advantage, with just 2 minutes left in the game. With 4th and 2 looming, from the Panther’s 47-yard line, all the Saints had to do was pin the Panthers within their own 20-yard line. This would have required Cam Newton and company to drive 80+ yards, in under 2 minutes, with no timeouts. That’s a tall order for any quarterback. Instead, Payton forewent conventional wisdom, and sanity, and went for it on 4th and 2.

This is the dumbest decision I’ve seen on a football field in a looooooong time.

Drew Brees’ pass attempt, fortunately, was intercepted. The Saints’ defense stood tall, and the Saints clung to victory. While the majority will remember a Saints’ victory, I will remember Payton’s brain fart.

Not that it can get any worse, but let’s hope next weekend’s games don’t make me want to gauge my eyes out….

Was this the worst weekend in NFL Playoff history?? If not, please enlighten me in the comment section below.

The NFL Playoffs Are Finally Here!!!!

January 5, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

kamara

After enduring 17 weeks of mediocrity, the real stuff is finally upon us. Saturday afternoon, the NFL Playoffs commence with Wild Card Weekend. Despite the large “spreads” in each of the 4 impending games, expect entertaining, competitive football. And if all 4 games turn into blowouts, it beats the hell out of shoveling snow….

Tennessee Titans (5) @ Kansas City Chiefs (4) – 4:20 P.M. EST on ESPN

The Kansas City Chiefs’ season started on as high of a note as possible. They beat up the defending Super Bowl Champion, New England Patriots (42-27), in Foxborough, sending a message to the rest of the league. They started the season 5-0, and climbed to the top of the NFL Power Rankings. And then, the wheels started to fall off. They lost 6 of their next 7, including a loss to my wretched New York Jets. And then, the Chiefs flipped another switch, winning their final 4 games. You figure it out….

All you need to know about the Tennessee Titans is Marcus Mariota threw more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (13) this season. Also, Demarco Murray has been ruled out for this game. While the Chiefs aren’t a blow-you-out kind of offense, this is the 1 game that may get out of hand this weekend.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Titans 20

Atlanta Falcons (6) @ Los Angeles Rams (3) – 8:15 P.M. EST on NBC

If going out in -2° is your thing, enjoy!! For the rest of the normal people out there, Saturday Night Football will keep you warm. Expect a high scoring affair between the ‘new look’ Rams and the defending NFC Champion, Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have had a weird season. Some call it a Super Bowl Hangover. I call it regression to the mean. At no point throughout this season did I think the Falcons were a good team. Matt Ryan certainly didn’t play anywhere near his 2016 MVP level, and their backfield was littered with injuries all season.

We all saw what the Rams are capable of when they walloped the Seahawks 42-7 (Week 15). I don’t anticipate a whooping of those proportions, however, I do think they win handily. Todd Gurley will prove why he SHOULD be this season’s MVP.

Prediction: Rams 34, Falcons 27

To Sunday we go….

Buffalo Bills (6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3) – 1:05 P.M. EST on CBS

The Buffalo Bills are hoping to continue their celebration from Week 17. After not having made the playoffs since 1999, advancing to the Divisional Round, aka the get routed by the Patriots round, would be the overachievement of the century. With Lesean McCoy’s health in question, I see little chance of that happening.

The only way the Bills win this game is if Blake Bortles throws 3 interceptions and Lesean McCoy hits 100 yards rushing. Yes, Bortles is a walking interception, but I think the combination of the Jaguars’ defense and Leonard Fournette will ultimately be too much for the Bills too handle.

Prediction: Jaguars 23, Bills 17

Carolina Panthers (5) @ New Orleans Saints (4) – 4:40 P.M. EST on FOX

3rd time’s the charm?? The Carolina Panthers certainly hope so. The New Orleans Saints swept the season series with the Panthers. Yes, Cam Newton’s ceiling is WAY higher than most, but this isn’t his year. His own team traded away his top receiver (Kelvin Benjamin). Greg Olsen hasn’t been right all year. And their usually strong secondary, isn’t what it used to be.

On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Saints aren’t what they used to be either — in a good way. The Saints actually have a defense worth writing home about. I guess firing Rob Ryan was a good idea. WHO KNEW?! They have the best rushing attack in the NFL. And Drew Brees is still, well, Drew Brees.

Prediction: Saints 30, Panthers 24

Who do you think will win this weekend?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

The Bengals Enjoy Losing

January 3, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Cincinnati Bengals v Houston Texans

Tanking; To deliberately lose games to ensure a higher draft pick. This is a highly controversial strategy that causes fans to root against their team in the short term in exchange for long term success. Some teams are good at it; the 2011 Indianapolis Colts (2-14). Others, not so much; the 2017 New York Jets (5-11). What if I told you there’s an NFL franchise PERMANENTLY tanking?? How do I become a fan of that team?!

The Cincinnati Bengals have no interest in winning. They don’t want to win playoff games. And they certainly don’t want to win a Super Bowl. Extending head coach, Marvin Lewis’ contract through the 2019 season, guarantees failure. It solidifies the Bengals’ position in ‘Tank-Mode’.

Marvin Lewis has been the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals for 15 years. Go back, and read that again. Take your time. I’ll wait….

The craziest part is Lewis is the 2nd longest tenured head coach in the NFL (only to Bill Belichick).

During Lewis’ decade-and-a-half in Cincinnati, they’ve won ZERO playoff games. Yes, he’s made the playoffs 7 times (hosting 4 of those games), however, they came home empty handed every time. If I’m a Bengals’ fan, I’m not sure how every television set in my house isn’t broken. It’s not like this extension came after 2015 (when the Bengals won 12 games). No, no, this extension comes after 2 consecutive losing seasons. And reportedly, Bengals’ owner, Mike Brown, had to convince Lewis to stay. SAY WHAT?!

Is there something I’m missing here?? Isn’t the point of professional sports to win championships?? And isn’t it evident Marvin Lewis is incapable of doing that?? So, how is it possible, in the day and age when coaches are typically given a 2-year leash, Marvin Lewis has survived 15 years of tanking????

Yes. Yes. Yes. I have absolutely no idea.

Which brings me to the ultimate question: When is it acceptable to give up on your team?? When, as a fan, can you hang up the jersey permanently??

Loyalty is said to be the #1 attribute of any REAL fan. However, if the franchise you root for continuously exhibits irresponsible behavior, is it acceptable to leave them high and dry??

Today, if you’re a Cincinnati Bengals’ fan, feel free to jump ship. No one will kill you for it.

What do you think of Marvin Lewis’ contract extension?? Is it ever okay to give up on your team??

The Jets Make My Soul Hurt

January 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

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Painful.

That’s probably the best word to describe being a Jets’ fan. With another season in the books, it’s time to watch other teams play football in January and February — again.

5, 5, 10, 4, 8, 6, 8. Those would be the Jets’ win totals over the past 7 seasons. 1 of these things is not like the other. You’ll notice just 1 winning season (they still missed the playoffs) over that time span.

The Jets are stuck in NFL purgatory. Never bad enough to possess the #1 overall pick in the draft. Never good enough to make the playoffs. Their 5 wins earned the #6 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. If they don’t draft a quarterback, I will literally rip the hair out of my head!!

The world will collectively sit at the edge of their seat, awaiting general manager, Mike Maccagnan’s, draft choice. Maccagnan, as well as head coach, Todd Bowles, fresh off contract extensions, will remain at the helm through the 2020 season. Which brings me to my next point….

Everyone and their grandmother kept telling me the ONLY reason Todd Bowles refused to play Christian Hackenberg was because Bowles didn’t have job security beyond this season. And without job security, Bowles HAD to continue running the players onto the field who gave the Jets the best chance to win. Well if that’s true, what does it say when Bowles received a 2-year contract extension, and continued to walk the plank with the same old, tired strategy????

With the season in the rearview mirror, and the Jets trailing the Patriots 21-3 at halftime (OF THE FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR), how is it possible Christian Hackenberg doesn’t play in the 2nd half?!?! There is no logical, reasonable, rational explanation Todd Bowles, Mike Maccagnan, or any other genius in the world can give me that will ease my mind. I don’t care if Hackenberg is the worst practice player in the history of the NFL, PUT HIM ON THE FIELD!!!!

Apparently, the Jets plan to move on from Hackenberg without ever playing him in an actual game. That’s the definition of head-scratching. And the biggest indictment against the Jets’ current regime.

**Which is worse: Drafting a kicker in the 2nd round (Mike Nugent, 2005) or drafting a quarterback in the 2nd round and NEVER playing him????

Yeah. We should extend these geniuses for 2 more years. Sounds smart.

The Jets continue to boggle the mind, toy with emotions, and ruin Sundays.

Why is it again that I’m a Jets’ fan????

What do you think of Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan’s contract extensions?? Am I insane for remaining a Jets’ fan?? Tell me how you feel in the comment section below.

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