Yes, That Rotting Smell IS The NFL

November 13, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

NFL: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

There was a lot of stink radiating from the NFL this past Sunday.

The NFL is not what it used to be. We can blame rule changes, the most recent CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), etc. Whatever the main culprit is, the level of play has simply taken a nosedive over the last decade. Here at DaveTalksSports, we enjoy a good list:

Nice Sack, Nice Sack, Nice Sa….Hey, Does Anyone Here Know How To Block?!

8.) I said it the second Ezekiel Elliot was (finally) suspended, “The world is going to recognize Elliot’s worth (on a football field).” One player does not make a football team, but one player can greatly effect a football team. With Elliot’s suspension hanging over the Dallas Cowboys like a black cloud, the rain finally came. And the Cowboys were ill prepared to weather the storm. After taking a 7-0 lead, it was all Falcons the rest of the way. The Falcons would score 27 unanswered points, sacking Dak Prescott 8 times in the process.

So much for having the best offensive line in the NFL.

Does He Know What Color Jersey He’s Wearing????

7.) Tom Savage.

Need I say more?

The Los Angeles Rams continued their winning ways (4 in a row), stomping out the Houston Texans 33-7. Tom Savage showed us, yet again, why he’s not fit to play quarterback at the professional level. Because nothing says victory like a 50% completion percentage and 2 interceptions….

How Is It That You’re Employed?!

6.) Speaking of quarterbacks who don’t belong in the NFL, Brock Osweiler still has a job. To answer your question, I’m not sure. Last time I checked, 18 for 33 with an interception isn’t going to cut it against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. This one got so out of hand (41-16), Brian Hoyer took 9 snaps under center for the Patriots. The Broncos are now losers of 5 straight.

You Embarrass Yourself!!

5.) When the team you’re facing is 2-6, and is without their 2 best players, you should win. But you wouldn’t be the New York Jets. The Jets, looking to get to .500, travelled to Tampa, to take on the Buccaneers. And in predictable fashion, the Jets ‘pooped the bed’. Against a middling Buccaneers defense, the Jets mustered just 3 points. Yes, Josh McCown threw a garbage-time touchdown with 28 seconds left, but that doesn’t count.

My favorite part of the game was the back-to-back interceptions thrown by the 2 most journeymen quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.

The Jets are who we thought they were, only slightly better. While the #1 pick is out of reach, and Jets’ fans should enjoy the young players’ progress, they’re still the good ol’ Jets.

Beat Downs Like This Should Be Illegal

4.) Holy Water Buffalo!! The Buffalo Bills have now been blown out in consecutive weeks. Their week 9 loss to the Jets was bad, but they took LOSS to a whole new level in week 10. 47-10. No need to adjust your glasses, that’s the right score. The Buffalo Bills allowed the New Orleans Saints to come into their house, and rush for 298 yards and 6 touchdowns!!!!

If I can sprinkle some good into this article, the Saints are winners of their last 7. Watch out NFC….

It’s Hard Finding New Ways To Lose EVERY Week

3.) Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Los Angeles Chargers prove you wrong. Intercepting a Blake Bortles’ pass, with 2 minutes left and a 3-point lead, is usually a recipe for success. Not if you’re the Chargers. ONLY the Chargers can fumble the ball trying to run out the clock. ONLY the Chargers can intercept another Blake Bortles’ pass, seemingly icing the game, but then go 3 and out giving the ball back to the Jaguars. ONLY the Chargers can let the Jaguars gain 36-yards in 47 seconds, allowing their former kicker, Josh Lambo, to kick a game-tying field goal to send the game to overtime. ONLY the Chargers can throw an interception in overtime, leading to a game-winning field goal by the Jaguars. 20-17 F/OT. Yikes!!

The Giants Would Be the Worst Team In the NFL If The Browns Didn’t Exist

2.) The New York Giants season has been filled with turmoil, drama, and dissention. Injuries + a poorly constructed roster + anonymous players ripping their own coach = 1-8. Only a dumpster fire of epic proportions could get blown out by the winless San Francisco 49ers. 31-21 doesn’t do it justice. But hey, Giants’ fans, look at the bright side. The Giants will probably draft a franchise quarterback who will end up in the Hall of Fame. If only the Jets could figure that out….

Oh Cleveland, Poor, Sweet Cleveland….How Could You Be So Stupid?!

1.) Allow me to create imagery. There’s 15 seconds left in the 1st half. It’s 2nd down. And the Cleveland Browns have the ball on the Detroit Lions’ 2-yard line. THE BROWNS HAVE NO TIMEOUTS. The score is inconsequential, but it’s 17-17. If you’re the Browns, what do you do?? My 10-year old daughter knows the answer to this question by the way. You throw the ball twice, while avoiding a sack, in hopes of scoring a touchdown. If you don’t score a touchdown, you kick a field goal. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER DO YOU RUN THE BALL, BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T SCORE, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO RUN ANOTHER PLAY!!!!

So obviously the Browns ran the ball….

The score was still 17-17 at the half. And they lost 38-24.

Which disaster of a football game did you watch on Sunday?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

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Watson’s Spectacular Rookie Season Cut Short

November 3, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

watson

Everything, can be gone in seconds.

You can spend your entire life working toward, and sacrificing for your dream. And all that, in the blink of an eye, can be gone. There’s a fine line between the top of the world, and the worst day of your life.

Rookie quarterback sensation, Deshaun Watson, understands. Thursday afternoon, during a routine play in a routine practice, Watson took a tumble. A non-contact tumble. It has since been confirmed the Clemson product tore his right ACL. Watson tore his left ACL while at Clemson, so he probably just wanted to even everything out. In all seriousness, this is an enormous blow to Watson and his Houston Texans. The Texans (3-4) are in the hunt in the AFC South division. And Watson, oh man, was Watson having himself a season.

Deshaun Watson’s QB Rankings:

Touchdowns – 1st (19)

QBR – 1st (81.9)

Rushing Yards – 1st (289)

He was the runaway Offensive Rookie of the Year, as well as an MVP candidate. The Texans are currently the highest scoring team in the NFL at 30.7 points per game. That’s about to change. The Texans will turn the reigns back over to Tom Savage. Yes, the Tom Savage who was named the starting quarterback of this Texans team to start the season, but was pulled after 1 half of 1 game.

I can picture Texans head coach, Bill O’ Brien, now….

“No, seriously Tom, we believe in you! I know we pulled your life support plug even though you were still breathing, but we really, realllyyy believe in you this time!”

I wonder if it’s awkward.

The Texans are going to sign Matt McGloin as their new backup quarterback. Yikes!

I hope Deshaun Watson has a speedy, successful recovery. And I hope he’s able to return to MVP form in the not so distant future.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Speaking of MVP candidates, Josh McCown is playing above his means. He, alongside an underrated defense, shockingly has the New York Jets in playoff contention. This Jets team, underestimated by EVERYONE, is exceeding expectations to the nth degree. They currently stand at 4-5 on the season, after a convincing 34-21 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Considering they’ve blown 3 sizable leads this season, the Jets could easily be 7-2 or 6-3.

Crazy right?!

I was wrong. Let me start there. I thought the Jets would win between 2 and 4 games this season. While the organization hit the reboot button, aka tank mode, players don’t tank. They play to win. And usually, a professional athlete enjoys being overlooked.

Do me a favor. Go out into the world today, and tell someone they can’t do something. See what happens.

The only problem is, I’ve been a Jets’ fan my entire life. Yes, that’s a problem. The second I start praising them, they’ll disappoint me. So hopefully, they continue to wear that chip on their shoulder. Hopefully they continue to outwork the “favorite” across from them. And hopefully, they continue to embrace the underdog role.

The Jets will enjoy some time off, as they don’t play again until Sunday, November 12th. They will travel to Tampa to take on the struggling Buccaneers. Check back for a stellar prediction on that Week 10 showdown.

How many games will the Jets win this season?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Nothing Better Than Game 7!!

November 1, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

dodgers-force-decisive-game-7-with-narrow-win-over-astros-1

Okay. So, you all got what you wanted: Game 7. Well, all except the Houston Astros and their fans. But everyone else, everyone else got what they wanted. Another do-or-die situation. It’s the best term in sports; Game 7.

Wednesday night’s Game 7 will stand as the 38th in World Series history, and the 2nd in as many years. The question is, will we get a clunker like 1956 or an unforgettable masterpiece like 1960??

To understand where we are, we must look at how we get here….

“Oh, now he’s a philosophizer.”

I feel bad for those who fell into a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup induced coma in the 5th inning. You missed yet another comeback by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Justin Verlander, with a 1-0 lead, had a 1-hit gem going.

Then, the 6th inning happened: Single, Hit By Pitch, Double, Sacrifice Fly.

And just like that, a 1-0 lead became a 2-1 deficit.

Verlander got through the inning but would be the end of his evening. Joe Musgrove was brought in to cough up a solo home run to Joc Pederson. 3-1 is where it would stay. Following Dave Roberts’ quick hook of starter, Rich Hill, the Dodgers went to the familiar combination of Brandon Morrow, Tony Watson, Kenta Maeda, and Kenley Jansen to slam the door on the Astros. This 4-man wrecking crew would allow just 1 hit and 1 walk through 4 and 2/3 innings. Jansen, aka Super-Closer, will be available for Game 7 despite a 2-inning save. All I have to say is, 2 innings, 19 pitches, and 18 strikes. Boom!

Game 7 will be played tonight at 8:20 P.M. EST on FOX. Lance McCullers Jr. will face off against Yu Darvish for all the marbles. I look forward to having a fist fight with my eyelids.

Who wins tonight?? Post your prediction, with the score, in the comment section below.

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Halloween was a busy day in the sports world. 4 P.M. EST marked the trade deadline in the NFL. A handful of names were on the move. Some trades were good, some were bad, and some may effect your fantasy football team. However, we must take this moment in history to make fun of the Cleveland Browns. I know, I know. They’re an easy target. But some things can’t be ignored.

Did you ever do something….but not actually do it?? Yeah I know that doesn’t make sense, but the Cleveland Browns figured out how to accomplish whatever it is I’m saying. The Browns traded for Cincinnati Bengals’ backup quarterback, A.J. McCarron on Tuesday. The Bengals would receive a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and McCarron would receive a slow, painful death sentence otherwise known as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.

The Bengals sent all the necessary paperwork to the Browns as well as the NFL approximately 20 minutes prior to the deadline. The Browns sent paperwork to the Bengals, but left out the only part that matters….SENDING PAPERWORK TO THE NFL!!

No trade is official until it’s signed, sealed, and delivered to the NFL. Yeah, I went there. As dumb as my New York Jets are, I am confident that ONLY the Cleveland Browns can figure out how to make a trade without actually making a trade….

Notable Trades:

Carolina Panthers traded Kelvin Benjamin to the Buffalo Bills for a 3rd and 7th-round picks (2018)

Miami Dolphins traded Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 4th-round pick (2018)

Buffalo Bills traded Marcell Dareus to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 6th-round pick (2018)

Are the Cleveland Browns the most poorly run franchise in sports history?? If not, please tell me in the comment section below.

The NFL Should Erase The Tapes From Week 7

October 24, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

landry hurdle

It was all downhill from there.

After Thursday Night Football provided the game of the year (so far), we knew it couldn’t get any better. Week 7 was filled with lackluster performances, disappointing primetime showdowns, and head-scratching losses. Let’s start with my team:

Nice Throw Buddy!

The New York Jets lose games in ways only they can. After storming out to a 28-14 lead, and “starting” Dolphins’ quarterback, Jay Cutler, went down with an injury, most would’ve thought the Jets had this one in the bag. Most would not be Jets’ fans. At no point did I feel less confident in the Jets than when Matt Moore stepped onto the field. Yes, the Matt Moore I said should be the Dolphins’ quarterback the day Ryan Tannehill went down for the season. 2 Kenny Stills’ touchdowns later, the game was tied.

Door opens..the way the Jets do things enters….

The momentum is all on Miami’s side. You’re on the road. There’s 47 seconds left in regulation, and you’re on your own 15-yard line. You have a mediocre quarterback, with a mediocre arm, and a mediocre receiving core. What do you do????

According to 99.9% of the world, you take a knee, and head to overtime.

According to Todd Bowles, you throw an out-route that gets intercepted — easily.

This was arguably the worst throw of the year by Josh McCown. But it’s not his fault. Bowles SHOULD NOT have put his quarterback in that position. Not a fireable offense, but pretty close.

A Week To Forget

Of the 15 games played in Week 7, only 4 were decided by a touchdown or less. 13 teams scored 17 points or less, including 3 shutouts. Calling this week ugly would be putting it nicely. Cam Newton joined DeShone Kizer (who got pulled again), Drew Brees, and Andy Dalton with 2 interception games. And make room on the injured reserve Aaron Rodgers, because here comes Carson Palmer. Palmer broke his left arm in the Cardinals’ 33-0 blowout loss in London. Oh hey, Drew Stanton.

So Much For A Rematch

Here it was. The game we’d all been waiting for. Week 7’s Super Bowl rematch between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots had finally arrived. Me, my couch, Sunday Night Football, and some guacamole. What could be better?? Sleep. The answer is sleep. Or anything. Anything would have been better than this game. All those who thought the Falcons were ready to exact some type of revenge on the Patriots were sorely mistaken. 23-0 is not the way you want to start a game — ever. The Falcons would score a touchdown with 4:09 left to play.

There is something wrong with the Falcons.

After starting the season 3-0, they have now lost 3 consecutive games (to AFC East teams). Don’t worry Falcons’ fans. A date with the New York Jets is ALWAYS a recipe for reviving your season. Catch the Falcons in action as they blowout the Jets this coming Sunday, October 29th @ 1:00 P.M. EST.

What game(s) did you watch this past week?? Write about it in the comment section below.

Jets On Wrong End Of WORST CALL IN NFL HISTORY

October 16, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

terrible-calls

The NFL is stupid.

Instant Replay was originally implemented in 1986. It’s use was intended to correct mistakes made on the field by referees. Instant Replay was used for 6 seasons, before NFL owners voted to remove the system. They found too many calls were being wrongly overturned. Following technological advancements, Instant Replay was reinstituted in 1999. Instant Replay has improved and remains in use in the NFL today.

Fast forward to Sunday, October 15th, 2017. Despite the technology that exists today, including zoom lenses, slow-motion replays, and numerous camera angles, the NFL still gets plays wrong…..

With 14:10 left in the game, the New York Jets found themselves trailing the New England Patriots 24-14. The Jets methodically drove the field against the Patriots porous defense, getting to the Patriots’ 4-yard line. Josh McCown dropped back to pass and found his new favorite target, Austin Seferian-Jenkins. All 6’5″, 280 pounds of Seferian-Jenkins dove for the front left corner of the end zone, dragging 2 Patriots defenders with him (Malcolm Butler and Duron Harmon). The initial call on the field was a touchdown by down judge Patrick Turner. Every scoring play, however, is reviewed, so here comes the fun part.

After nearly 5 minutes of deliberation, referee Tony Corrente announced (to the dismay of the home crowd) that Seferian-Jenkins had fumbled the ball into the end zone, resulting in a touchback. WHAT THE WHAT?!?!

Click here to see the play.

We’ll call it the fumble that wasn’t.

Yes, Malcolm Butler jarred the ball loose from Seferian-Jenkins’ hands, but he clearly regained possession of the ball before he hit the ground, out of bounds, or the pylon. The ball never hit the ground. To say I’m confused by this call would be the understatement of the century.

THIS IS THE WORST CALL IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL!!!!

The Jets went on to lose 24-17. Of course they did. They’re the JETS!!

Allow this game to serve as an unfriendly reminder that this is the Jets’ way. Some call it ‘Murphy’s Law’. I call it, ‘Being a Jets fan’.

Al Riveron, NFL senior vice president of officiating, reviewed the play and passed the decision to Corrente. Riveron and Corrente both said Seferian-Jenkins CLEARLY lost possession of the ball, and didn’t regain possession until after he was out of bounds. I know I wear glasses, but my vision isn’t that screwed up. Maybe these officials need an eye exam, or maybe, we should check their pockets for Patriots’ money….

Is this the worst call you’ve ever seen in the NFL?? If not, please enlighten me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

The Jets Win — Again?

October 2, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

jets suck

This is the most conflicted season Jets’ fans have ever had. Should Jets’ fans be rooting for their team to lose?? Should they be happy when they win??

Being a fan sounds simple. Root for your team to win every game. Be happy when they win. Be sad when they lose. Well, being a Jets’ fan is never simple. Trust me.

The 2017, New York Jets’ roster was constructed in a way to lose games on purpose. This phenomenon is known as ‘Tanking’. The purpose of ‘Tanking’ is to sacrifice the present, to secure the best draft pick possible. This process, while painful, can produce a championship level roster in the future. Fans, players, coaches, and experts alike are torn on the subject (and whether it works).

Personally, I’m on board with ‘Tanking’. As a lifelong Jets’ fan, I’ve experienced more sorrow, despair, and misery than any human should. The Jets’ organization has a systematic defect that needs to be reset (or thrown in the bottom of ocean). Either way. Either way’s fine.

In today’s NFL, it is nearly impossible to succeed without a franchise quarterback. With a plethora of potential star quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, this is an ideal season to ‘Tank’. Only problem is, in typical Jets’ fashion, they can’t even lose right.

Jets’ Current Record: 2-2 (same as the Patriots)

With 2 wins, the Jets have already exceeded expectations. They’ve won 2 games in a row, against the Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars, and will head to Cleveland to take on the hapless Browns next week. Yes, the Jets could be 3-2, but that doesn’t mean a top-5 pick in the NFL Draft is out of reach. Prior to the start of the season, I saw 4 winnable games on their schedule (Dolphins, Jaguars, Browns, and Bills). I assumed they’d win half of those games and finish 2-14. So far no good, but it’s a long season.

Injuries haven’t piled up yet, most notably for Josh McCown (who has a propensity of getting hurt). And their tough schedule hasn’t set-in yet. Don’t worry Jets’ fans, the Jets have a lot of losing left to get out of their system this year.

Speaking of losing, how bad are the Miami Dolphins?!?! They just got out shutout by the worst defense in the history of mankind (the New Orleans Saints). And if not for a garbage-time touchdown against the Jets in Week 3, the Dolphins would have been shutout in consecutive weeks. How are you enjoying that $10 million Jay Cutler?? Is it treating you nicely?? Did you sew those $100’s together to make a blanket to help you sleep at night?? Man, I bet the Dolphins want a mulligan on that one.

As for the rest of the AFC East, the Patriots lost their 2nd game, at home, proving they have the worst defense in the NFL. On the brighter side of things, the Buffalo Bills have sole possession of 1st place for the 1st time since Week 2 of the 2014 season (although they haven’t won the AFC East since 1995). I’d say they’re due….but I still like the Patriots chances.

Expect this division to straighten itself out over the next 2 months. Until then, Jets and Bills’ fans can enjoy their winning streaks….

How do you feel about the Jets winning games?? Are you happy or sad?? Let your emotions out in the comment section below.

Any Given Sunday….Can Be The Craziest Sunday You’ve Ever Seen….Ever!!

September 25, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Jake-Elliott

This is why we will ALWAYS watch. Despite the “extracurricular” activites, and the controversy, and the injury risks, NFL fans will always be just that; fans. Week 3 has been a prime example of that.

The best word I can use to describe Week 3 in the NFL is — WOW!!!! Actually, the best way to sum up Sunday’s action would be, “HOLY CRAP!!”, but that wouldn’t maintain the level of sophistication you’ve grown accustomed to here at DaveTalksSports :).

While difficult, I’ve done you the favor of ranking Sunday’s insanity:

7.) Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Ravens and Jaguars took their talents across the pond on Sunday. No one, outside of die-hard, Jaguars’ fans, thought they would win. And NO ONE, could have predicted the way in which they won. This game can be summarized in one-line, Joe Flacco’s stat-line: 8 for 18 for 28 yards and 2 interceptions.

Hey Joe, I’ve never seen a QBR of 0.5 before, so thanks for that. Remember when the storyline was, ‘When will Blake Bortles get pulled from the game’?? That quickly turned into, ‘Joe Flacco actually got pulled from the game’. Final Score: Jaguars 44, – Ravens 7.

6.) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears

In one of the many shocking results on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Chicago Bears in overtime, 23-17. Antonio Brown and company had to come charging back to force overtime, as they found themselves down 17-7 at halftime. The halftime score SHOULD have been 21-7, if it weren’t for Marcus Cooper doing his best Leon Lett impersonation. With 6 seconds left in the 1st half, the Steelers had a 35-yard field goal attempt blocked. Cooper picked up the ball and streaked toward the endzone. Rather than sprint his way in for the score, he inexplicably slowed to a tortoise pace at the 2-yard line. Vance Mcdonald of the Steelers tracked him down and swatted the ball from his hands. The ball travelled out of the back of the endzone, and the Bears were afforded 1 untimed down from the 1-yard line. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Click here to see the madness.

5.) Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

With 10:20 left in the 2nd quarter, Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass. In atypical Aaron Rodgers’ fashion, he stared down his receiver, throwing a bad interception. This interception was returned 75-yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 21-7 lead (in Green Bay). But, as any Bengals fan will tell you, they never felt less confident in their team in that moment. In typical Benagals’ fashion, they scored a whopping 3 points in the 2nd half, allowing Rodgers and the Packers to creep back into the game.

Throughout the 4th quarter and overtime, Aaron Rodgers did what Aaron Rodgers does. You never thought you’d hear the name Geronimo Allison so many times did you?? Rodgers hit Allison 3 times on the game-tying drive, as well as the all important 72-yard connection in overtime. This set up a chip-shot field goal, leading the Packers to a wild 27-24 victory and keeping my hopes alive in my ‘suicide pool’.

4.) New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

SAY WHATTTTTT?!?!?! The New York Jets won a football game?? And it wasn’t against the Browns?? Ohhhh, it was against the Dolphins. That makes sense. As maligned as the Dolphins franchise is, this may be a new low….

The New York Jets are trying to lose on purpose, and they can’t even do that right. As a Jets’ fan, I’m on board with this strategy, so thanks a lot Jay Cutler!! Believe it or not, the 20-6 score doesn’t do it justice. The Dolphins were completely and utterly dominated, and if it not for an ULTIMATE ‘GARBARGE-TIME’ touchdown (as time expired) to DeVante Parker, they would have been shutout. Why 6?? Because the Dolphins missed the extra-point. “HA-ha!” (Nelson’s laugh in the Simpsons). That’s why.

3.) New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The New York Giants travelled to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in as close to a must-win as can be in Week 3. Their offensive line, and offense as a whole, has looked putrid through 2 weeks. And until the 4th quarter, the Giants were laying a golden goose egg again (they were down 14-0). Then, Odell Beckham Jr. showed his worth. Beckham Jr. scored 2 touchdowns in the span of 1 minute and 46 seconds. He also managed to receive a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his inane TD celebration, as well as lay down in the middle of the field, stopping play, when there was nothing wrong with him.

Hey everybody, LOOK AT ME!!

Despite a valiant effort by the Giants, they coughed up a lead in the 4th quarter — twice. With the game tied at 24, overtime looked like a certainty. But the Eagles took a final shot from their own 38-yard line (thanks to an awful punt by the Giants), and 13 seconds left in regulation. After a 19-yard completion to Alshon Jeffrey, the Eagles sent rookie kicker, Jake Elliot, onto the field to try a 61-yard, miracle field goal. ELLIOT MADE THE KICK!! He skimmed the inside of the right field goal post with about 2 yards to spare. And as time expired, the Eagles put the Giants away 27-24.

2.) New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson nearly did what no rookie quarterback has ever done before, win in Foxborough. But, yet again, if you’ve ever seen the Patriots play, you knew they weren’t losing this football game. When the Houson Texans failed to score a touchdown, settling for a field goal with 2:24 to play, you knew it was over. Tom Brady, down 5, from his own 25, is the surest bet in sports. They even spotted the Texans 10 yards, pushing their drive back to their own 15-yard line (thanks to a holding penalty). And not even when it was 3rd and 18, with 54 seconds left, from his own 48, should anyone have doubted the greatest QB of all-time. 2 plays, 52 yards and 31 seconds later, the game was over. I can’t actually stomach writing this, so while I vomit, watch the final drive by clicking here. The Patriots beat the Houston Texans 36-33 in dramatic fashion, but it’s only dramatic to the unaware. To the rest of us, it’s Tom Brady being Tom Brady.

1.) Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions

All I have to say is what in the hell was that?? Okay, maybe that’s not all I have to say, but I have never seen a game end like that. Matthew Stafford and the Lions had the ball, down 30-26 with 2:23 left to play. Starting at their own 26-yard line, they drove the ball all the way to the Falcons’ 1-yard line. So let’s set the table: 1st and Goal from the 1 with 19 seconds left. You have to score, don’t you?! Not if you’re the Detroit Lions. After 2 quick incompletions, Stafford found Golden Tate on 3rd down. He dove into the endzone with 8 seconds left, and the Lions had done it!! Until they didn’t. The play was reviewed and ultimately reversed. The official said Tate’s knee hit the ground prior to him crossing the goal line.

Lions huddle: “Alright guys, let’s re-group and score this touchdown on 4th down!!”

Referee: “Game over!”

According to the dumbest NFL rule in existence, there must be a 10-second run off due to the Lions having no timeouts left. Therefore, the game was over. That’s the most RIDICULOUS thing I’ve ever seen on an NFL field.

And that’s saying a lot….

What were you watching on Sunday?? Tell me the craziest thing you saw in the comment section below.

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There’s A First Time For Everything

September 22, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers

Thursday Night Football shocked the world!! Thursday Night Football did something for the first time since its inception. It gave us a GOOD game!!

I’m not going to lie. When Brian Hoyer, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback, threw an interception on the 1st play from scrimmage, I thought this game was going to get out of hand. Click here to see the interception. Especially since Todd Gurley ran in a touchdown on the very next play. Despite being down a score 12 seconds into the game, Hoyer and the 49ers showed great resolve.

**I need to take this moment to talk to Ezekiel Elliot. HEY BUDDY!!!! I want you to watch the replay of that interception until your eyes bleed. Do you see what #88 did?? That’s 49ers tight end Garrett Celek. Watch how he runs after the player who just intercepted the ball. Then watch him dive at his feet, making a spectacular tackle, saving a touchdown!! Take notes because THAT IS WHAT AN NFL PLAYER SHOULD LOOK LIKE!!

Anyway….

Until last night, the 49ers’ offense was being tagged as one of the worst the NFL has ever seen. They had certainly struggled, as their 1st TD of the season came at 8:17 of the 1st quarter of last night’s game. But with all due respect, the New York Jets couldn’t score 39 points in a game if the opposition was only playing 8 men on defense. Outside of the early interception, Brian Hoyer almost resembled an NFL quarterback, Pierre Garcon can still rack up receiving yards, and a healthy Carlos Hyde is solid at the running back position.

As for the Los Angeles Rams, they put on an offensive show. They won 41-39. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley have put last season in the very distant rear view mirror. Last night, Goff was 22 of 28 for 292 yards and 3 TD’s. He’s only thrown 1 INT on the season and is leading a Rams’ offense that’s averaging 35.6 points per game. Gurley has returned to his rookie form, when he racked up 1,106 yards and 10 TD’s (in 13 games). Last night, Gurley had 149 yards from scrimmage and 3 TD’s (2 by land, 1 by air).

Some of you have a confused look on your face….

Oh! You want to know how the 49ers scored 39 points!! Well, the Rams defense (which is supposed to be good), looked like swiss cheese, giving up 3 TD’s in the 4th quarter alone. That’s how. Pierre Garcon had 7 catches for 142 yards, including a 59-yard reception setting up a TD for the 49ers in the 4th quarter, and Carlos Hyde had 2 rushing TD’s. The 49ers actually had a 2-point conversion attempt to tie the game with 2:13 left in the game. They failed.

A 2-point attempt was only necessary because of a missed extra point by Robbie Gould.

The 49ers simply wouldn’t go away. They recovered the ensuing onside kick, but after an offensive pass interference penalty and a sack, the game was officially over. And the 1st exciting Thursday Night Football game, EVER, was in the books.

You can tune into NFL Network next Thursday to watch the Chicago Bears visit the Green Bay Packers. If you’re into blowouts, this is the game for you!!

Did you watch last night’s game?? Can you remember a better Thursday Night Football game?? If you can, please tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

And The Worst Team In New York Is……..

September 19, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

eli

The Giants are a really bad football team. Expectations were sky high leading into the season for the New York Giants. Some were calling it a “Super Bowl or Bust Season”. Experts and fans alike saw their 11-5 record from last year, combined with a ferocious defense, and expected improvement. Not so much.

The New York Giants took on the Detroit Lions in their home opener on Monday Night Football. How can I put this nicely?? The Giants looked TERRIBLE — again. Click here to see the box score. They have a multitude of problems, none of which can be fixed mid-season. Let’s go to the video tape! Okay, I don’t have video tape, but I did make a list:

They have the worst offensive line in the NFL
They have the worst rushing attack in the NFL
They have 13 total points through 2 games
Eli Manning is old

Offensive Line Is Offensive

This may be the worst offensive line ever. But it’s not their fault. To return the exact same starting offensive line from last year (when they were dreadful!) is criminal. Giants’ General Manager Jerry Reese should be arrested. This offensive line’s ineptitude was on full display last night, giving up 5 sacks. Psst….you do know the Lions have 1 of the worst defensive lines in the NFL right?? I’m just sayin’.

Ghosts Can’t Play Running Back

And that segues perfectly into the nonexistent rushing attack. A team’s rushing attack, when effective, is a combination of a stout offensive line and a talented running back. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. 1 doesn’t often go without the other. However, even if this offensive line was good, I doubt you’d be able to run the ball with the three-headed-kitten of Paul Perkins, Orleans Darkwa, and Shane Vereen. This ‘bad ass’ trio has combined for a lowly 97 total rushing yards through 2 games (worst in the NFL).

That’s Not Gonna Cut It

13. 13 points. How is it possible the New York Giants only have 13 points through 2 games?! It’s the franchise’s worst 2-game stretch since 1947, when the team only scored 7 points. The Giants’ 13 total points ranks 3rd worst in the NFL (only the 49ers and Bengals have less). I don’t care who you’re playing, you’re not going to win averaging single-digit points per game. Odell Beckham Jr. may have played last night (in limited action), but he’s only 1 guy. And last time I checked, he’s not the Lord and Savior.

Eli Manning Is Old And Slow

Eli Manning has always been slow. But now, he’s old AND slow. And he’s playing like he really, Really, REALLY doesn’t want to get hurt. I don’t blame him, but this is a bad combination for a team relying heavily on their passing attack. Even if Odell Beckham Jr. was at full strength, and Brandon Marshall wasn’t dropping more passes than Sprint drops phone calls, Eli Manning simply isn’t willing to stand in the pocket and take a whoopin’ like he used to.

The Giants’ schedule doesn’t get any easier either, as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in Week 3.

Strap in and get comfy. This is going to be a lonnngggg ride.

And I thought life as a Jets’ fan was rough….

Are the Giants the worst team in the NFL?? Convince me in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Get Used To Me Couch, The NFL Is Back!!!!

September 11, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

jets stink

That was fun!! We should do that every week. What do you say, we get together next Sunday, around 1 o’ clock?? Yeah, you can come over, and we’ll watch football for 11 straight hours while we eat guacamole and drink beer. It’ll be great!!

After being forced to wait 7 months for football, the NFL finally returned, and it did not disappoint. My team, however, is another story:

New York Jets

1 down, 15 to go. As a lifelong Jets’ fan, this is going to be the weirdest season I’ve ever experienced. Today, I am glad they lost. Their performance was encouraging. It showed me they are capable of losing to anyone. Although their defense is decent, they will be on the field too often to impact the game positively. They lost 21-12 to the 1st place Buffalo Bills (man that sounds weird).

New York Giants

Few teams looked worse than the Jets yesterday. The Giants were one of them. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys 19-3. 3. 3 points.

“7. 7 miles per hour. And usually when I pull someone over they pull over to the side of the road!”

Last time I checked it’s hard to win a football game when you only score 3 points. Did I mention the Giants only scored 3 points?? People can talk about Odell Beckham Jr. not playing all they want, but it all boils down to the Giants’ offensive line. They can’t protect Eli Manning. They can’t provide running lanes for their running backs. I’m surprised they don’t get penalized more often. Last night, they made the Cowboys defense look like the ‘Steel Curtain’.

The Giants have the worst offensive line in the NFL.

Stinky QB Play

Two quarterbacks were pulled from their respective games yesterday, Tom Savage and Scott Tolzien. I’m not sure who was worse….

Scott Tolzien: 9/18 for 128 yards, 2 INT’s, and 1 fumble

Tom Savage: 7/13 for 62 yards and 2 lost fumbles

Tolzien was pulled from the game for newly acquired Jacoby Brissett. Brissett has only been on the Indianapolis Colts for 8 days, so he will be given a longer leash than Tolzien. It’s safe to say the Colts can’t wait for Andrew Luck to return to the field. For my eyeballs’ sake, I can’t either.

Despite having the emotional Houston crowd behind him, Savage was only able to muster 62 yards passing against a mediocre Jacksonville Jaguars defense. Oh, and the Jaguars had 10 sacks. Savage was replaced with rookie Deshaun Watson. Watson looked good, scoring a touchdown on his opening drive, but it was too little, way too late. The damage had been done. Hopefully, the Texans are smart enough to start Watson next week.

Too Smart For Their Own Good

The Philadelphia Eagles looked good yesterday. Carson Wentz looked good yesterday. And most would say head coach, Doug Pederson, looked good yesterday. The Eagles beat the Washington Redskins 30-17. Pederson’s mathematical blunder went unnoticed because they were winning, but bonehead decisions like these will cost you games in the future. The Eagles returned a Kirk Cousins’ fumble for a touchdown, going up 28-17 with 1:29 left in the 4th quarter. Pederson and the Eagles proceeded to go for a 2-point conversion.

I’ll give you a second to let that sink in….

Now, if you know anything about football, or numbers, you’d know going for 2-points in this situation is the wrong decision. There is no difference in being up 12 (kicking the extra point) versus being up 13 (going for 2). The only risk is not converting the 2-point conversion, only being up 11, and allowing the Redskins to climb back into the game. If you didn’t notice this mistake, don’t feel bad. The professional commentators announcing the game didn’t notice either.

There are still 2 Monday Night Football games left to close out Week 1. The New Orleans Saints will visit the Minnesota Vikings @ 7:10 P.M. EST, and the Los Angeles Charges will visit the Denver Broncos @ 10:20 P.M. EST. Both games can be seen on ESPN. I will be sound asleep before the 2nd game starts.

What was your biggest take away from the 1st Sunday of the NFL season?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

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