“Pay Him, Pay That Man His Money” (DaveTalksSports Podcast – Ep. #27)

July 26, 2019 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

You can go to Training Camp. I’m not going. You can go if you want, but I’m not going.

No, seriously, you can go. I mean I’ll show up if you pay me. If not, I’ll be at home, with my feet up, chillin’.

Seriously….pay me, or I’m not showing u….

Okay, I’m going to start counting:

1….2….What do you mean you don’t care??

What do you mean you’ll just replace me??

Well this doesn’t seem fair….

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Sports + Politics = ad98fgaj#%^e8r09r^&*gjae09r

June 6, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

“I quit!!”

“You can’t quit….you’re fired!!”

Wait, what?! Last time I checked, you can’t fire someone who’s already quit.

Can You Disinvite Someone Who’s Already RSVP’d NO????

The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII. Traditionally, championship teams, in major sports, are invited to the White House to celebrate their victory. Reportedly, only ONE Eagles’ player (Nick Foles) had confirmed he would attend Tuesday’s celebration. When the White House caught wind of this, the Eagles’ invitation was revoked.

Sounds mature.

This issue stems from handfuls of NFL players choosing to kneel on the field during the National Anthem. A good portion of Eagles’ players were known to participate in this form of protest. The White House issued a statement Monday evening:

“The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their president because he insists that they proudly stand for the national anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country.”

The Mayor of Philadelphia, Jim Kenney, posted a scathing response:

“Disinviting the Eagles from the White House only proves that our president is not a true patriot, but a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size and afraid of the embarrassment of throwing a party to which no one wants to attend.”

“City Hall is always open for a celebration,” he added.

SPORTS and POLITICS have just taken part in a head-on collision.

The question is: Does anyone want that??

Yankee Power Play

The New York Yankees flexed their muscles this week.

This past Friday, ESPN announced they would move the Yankees-Blue Jays game on Sunday, July 8th from 1:00 P.M. EST to 8:00 P.M. EST (Sunday Night Baseball). This decision came just one day after the Yankees agreed to make-up a postponed game with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, July 9th (as part of a double-header). This meant ESPN would have been asking the Yankees to play three games, in two different cities (and countries), in approximately 24 hours. These three games are also games three, four, and five of an 11-game road trip for the Yankees. I’m just sayin’….

I know the Yankees move the needle no matter who, and where they play, but this seemed like overkill. So, after the Yankees’ organization threatened to boycott interviews with ESPN for the REST OF THE SEASON, MLB acquiesced, moving the Yankees’ July 8th game back to 1:00 P.M. EST. Instead, Sunday Night Baseball will broadcast the Los Angeles Angels vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“We’re thankful to Commissioner Manfred for coming up with a common sense solution,” Yankees President Randy Levine said.

Common sense. What’s that?!

How do you feel about the Eagles not being present at the White House?? Post your feelings in the comment section below.

You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you LOVE 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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!

You’re Not Smart Enough To Outsmart Yourself

April 24, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s a simple formula.

No quarterback, no Super Bowl.

In today’s NFL, it’s nearly impossible to win without a top-15 quarterback. Just look at the Super Bowl winning quarterbacks over the past decade:

Foles/Wentz, Brady, Manning (Peyton), Brady, Wilson, Flacco, Manning (Eli), Rodgers, Brees, Roethlisberger.

Throw Nick Foles out the window since he started just six games (three regular season and three playoff), and you’re left with seven future hall of famers — and Joe Flacco.

Door opens, seamless NFL Draft transition enters….

With just two days and counting until the 2018 NFL Draft, the world anxiously awaits the Cleveland Browns’ decision. IF the Cleveland Browns DON’T take Sam Darnold with the 1st overall pick, well they’d be….the Browns. The Browns are in an advantageous position, owning two of the first four picks. Barring a major catastrophe, the Browns should end up with the best quarterback in the draft, and the best overall player in the draft. Anything else will cause heads to explode.

As for the New York Giants, new general manager, Dave Gettleman, better be smarter than he sounds. Okay, Dave, let’s go through this again.

It’s car, not cah. Smart, not smaht. Harvard, not Hahvuhd.

Over the past few weeks, Gettleman has publicly expressed that taking a quarterback is not a REQUIREMENT with the #2 pick. This had better be the biggest smoke screen in the history of smoke screens. Taking a quarterback, in a draft full of good quarterbacks, IS a requirement, DAVE!! Especially when your current quarterback has one foot on the beach (aka retirement). Listen, I’m no Giants fan, but if they take Saquon Barkley or Bradley freakin’ Chubb with the #2 pick, I may lose my mind for common sense’s sake.

And then, there’s the New York Jets. The circus of all circuses. This story is pretty much the same as the Giants, minus the smoke screen. Mike Maccagnan and company have been pretty tight lipped, and intelligent Jets fans appreciate that. The Jets traded up (from #6 to #3), guaranteeing one of the top three quarterbacks will be in green and white next season. They like the top three (or four) guys equally, and they’ll have the fortune of ruining one of their careers Thursday night.

Check out the full draft order here.

As simple as you need a quarterback to win in the NFL sounds, teams continue to try and outsmart the system (and themselves). And that’s why we watch. Catch all the “action” on Thursday, April 26th on ESPN or NFL Network @ 8:00 P.M. EST. Coverage will continue on both networks on Saturday and Sunday.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com on Friday morning for a 1st round recap.

Will the Browns, Giants, and Jets ALL draft quarterbacks?? If not, who will they draft??

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. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

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: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Only Fools Rush In

February 9, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m a smart guy.

I like to think I have a pretty firm grip on the English language. I’m a fast learner. And I can reason through or understand pretty much everything that happens in the world.

But today, I’m stumped!!

For the life of me, I can’t understand the San Francisco 49ers’ latest decision.

Thursday afternoon, the 49ers signed quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension ($27.5 million per year). Garoppolo, who was traded to the 49ers (for a 2018 2nd-round pick) by the New England Patriots on October 31st, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. There are varying reports as it pertains to the guaranteed money in the contract. Some have reported $74 million guaranteed, while others have reported $90 million. Either way, that’s a fine pay day!!

Allow me to express my confusion. I happen to like Jimmy Garoppolo. I think he has the potential to be a good quarterback for a decade or more. BUT, I wouldn’t make him THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!!

7. Garoppolo has started just 7 games in his career. Granted, he’s won every start, injecting hope into the 49ers franchise, but no one’s confusing him with Joe Montana.

See, this is how the NFL works. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. Without a “franchise quarterback”, you can’t win a Super Bowl. Yes, I know Nick Foles just won a Super Bowl, but check the list of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. As each top-15 quarterback heads toward free agency, they become the highest paid player in NFL history. First, it was Aaron Rodgers. Then Andrew Luck. Then Derek Carr. Then Matthew Stafford. While each have flaws, one can understand paying them the big bucks. It’s called track record. It’s called having a sample size bigger than 7 games.

Just ask the Seattle Seahawks how Matt Flynn’s contract worked out….

Side Note: If Garoppolo is worth $27.5 million per year, what is Kirk Cousins worth????

Apparently, 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, doesn’t care for track record:

“We want Jimmy to be a Niner for a long, long time,” Lynch said on January 2nd. “That process is going to take place here. We’re eager to get that done, to have the opportunity. You have our assurances, and the fans do, that we’d like nothing more than to make him (Garoppolo) a Niner for a long, long time.”

Lynch and head coach/offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, are excited to work with their 137.5 million dollar man….

Kyle, John, he’s all yours.

Like, Love, or Hate this contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Who Needs Defense When You Have Nick Foles??

February 5, 2018February 5, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

That was the greatest football game I’ve ever seen.

Despite NO defense being played by either side, Super Bowl LII was highly competitive and wildly entertaining (and the Patriots lost!!). 74 total points. 1,156 total yards (most in any NFL game — ever). And 1 trick play you have to see to believe.

Did I mention the Patriots lost?!

1st Quarter

The Philadelphia Eagles set the tone with a 67-yard, field goal drive that lasted just over 7 minutes. The Patriots followed suit, also driving 67 yards to tie the game at 3. The rest of the quarter didn’t go as well for the kickers. After the most impressive drive of the game by the Eagles, rookie kicker, Jake Elliot missed the extra point. The Patriots, continuously trying to 1-up the Eagles, missed a kick of their own….

2nd Quarter

Just 42 seconds into the 2nd quarter, the usually sure-footed, Stephen Gostkowski, banged a chip-shot field goal attempt off the left upright. In his defense, this was the holders fault (Ryan Allen). But then, the craziest thing happened. A PUNT!! The Eagles would go 3-and-out and execute the only punt of the game. The next play would end Brandin Cooks’ evening.

Watch the play here.

I hope Cooks makes a full recovery, but next time, catch the ball, run forward, and go down!! There’s a reason why Marvin Harrison played 1,432 years.

The football world knows Eagles’ head coach, Doug Pederson, is super aggressive. So, I wasn’t surprised when he went for 2, midway through the 2nd quarter, as he tried to turn 15-3 into 17-3. Chasing points in the 1st half, however, is never a good idea. And it almost cost him a Super Bowl.

And then, the game turned into a video game. 7 of the next 9 possessions resulted in a touchdown, including the aforementioned trick play at the end of the half. If I had a camera, this is the part when I’d take my glasses off, and stare into the world’s eyes.

Decisions and results are not the same thing.

Asking your backup tight end to throw a touchdown, on 4th & goal, to your quarterback, is not a good decision. In hindsight, it was one of the greatest play calls in Super Bowl history. But that doesn’t make it smart!!

The Eagles took a 22-12 lead into the locker room.

3rd Quarter

Touchdown. Touchdown. Touchdown. Like I said, video game.

Tom Brady began to spread the ball around. Rob Gronkowski, Chris Hogan, and Danny Amendola all went over 100 yards receiving. Anyone who’s watched the NFL over the past 17 years has seen this movie before….

4th Quarter

After Brady and the Patriots scored 21 points in 14 minutes and 53 seconds, they took their 1st lead of the game. Down 33-32, with under 10 minutes to play, it was time for backup turned starter, Nick Foles, to bring his team to the promised land.

Foles remained poised throughout the entire game.

After a methodical, 7 minute and 1 second drive, Foles hit Zach Ertz for an 11-yard touchdown. Despite announcer, Cris Collinsworth’s, best attempt at talking the world into believing this obvious touchdown was a fumble, or incompletion, or something else, the touchdown stood. And the Eagles took a 38-33 lead.

Down 5, with 2 minutes and 21 seconds to play, is familiar territory for the great, Tom Brady. However, Brandon Graham, would force a fumble, effectively ending the game.

Tom Brady did not win another Super Bowl. The world can rejoice!!

Let the madness in the streets of Philadelphia commence!!

Final Thought: Bill Belichick coached a piss poor game. There were no in-game adjustments, and Malcolm Butler, one of the Patriots’ better defenders, was benched. No explanation. Just Belichick claiming he does what gives his team the best chance to win. Nice work Bill!! As for Matt Patricia, Patriots’ defensive coordinator, enjoy the bearded “genius” Detroit. His defense was repeatedly thrashed all season. The only reason the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl was because of Tom Brady’s greatness (Brady threw for 505 yards yesterday).

And now, the world should stay at least 30 miles from the city of Philadelphia for at least a week. Ya know, for the sake of the human race’s survival….

Was this the best NFL game you’ve ever seen?? If not, 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: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

The Best Day Of The Year Is ALMOST Here!!

February 1, 2018February 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I feel like a little kid.

You remember that feeling….

Something special would come up, like your birthday, making those last 3 days impossible to sleep — or sit still. With just 3 days until Super Bowl LII, that feeling is coursing through my veins. Just in case you live under a boulder, kick-off is set for 6:30 P.M. EST on Sunday, February 4th, on NBC.

The Philadelphia Eagles, in search of their 1st Super Bowl victory, will look to tackle the Tom Brady led, New England Patriots. Some “experts” are hoppin’ on the Eagles’ bandwagon, touting their knowledge of the Eagles’ defensive game plan. They believe the Eagles will follow the only game plan known to man to stop, or slow, Tom Brady. Pressure up the middle. Early, and often.

The Eagles front-4 may get pressure on Tom Brady. Hell, they may even sack him 3 times. But they won’t be the over the edge the Eagles are looking for. Brady will still complete his 12-yard crossing patterns all night. And, he will drive the field when it matters most. And if all else fails, he can always rely on his safety blanket, Rob Gronkowski.

“But Dave, Gronkowski is in the concussion protocol. What if he doesn’t play?!”

If you think there’s even a 1% chance Gronkowski isn’t playing in this game, I have a bag of garbage to sell you. Yes, the Eagles possess a top-10 defense, but that’s because they ranked 1st overall in rushing yards allowed per game (79.2). Through the air, not so much. They finished the regular season ranked 17th against the pass (227.3 yards per game). The ONLY WAY the Eagles win is if Nick Foles duplicates his performance from the NFC Championship (352 yards and 3 TDs). While the Patriots’ defense is nothing to bring home to mama, they’re not going to be systematically dismantled by Nick Foles.

Come Sunday night, if you’re still awake, you’ll have the displeasure of watching Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoist the Lombardi Trophy — for the 6th time. Gross!!

For all my degenerate gamblers out there, the spread, which opened at 5.5, is now 4.5. The line has moved due a handful of grandiose, 7-figure bets placed in favor of the Eagles. The Patriots will win. I have little doubt in that. However, I don’t know if they’ll cover. IF I was a gambler….I’d bet the Patriots on the Money Line (-198). In layman’s terms, bet 300 bananas to win 151 bananas.

Score Prediction: Patriots 27, Eagles 24

Who wins Super Bowl LII?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

I’m The Greatest — No, I’m The Greatest!!

January 29, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

I am the greatest athlete of this generation.

No, not me. There are 4 gentlemen who’d have a legitimate argument if they said that aloud, and 3 of them were in action Sunday. The 4th, is preparing to launch himself to an unprecedented level of greatness this coming Sunday….

1.) Roger Federer

2.) Tiger Woods

3.) Lebron James

4.) Tom Brady

Roger Federer

The accomplishments of Roger Federer, at 36 years, 173 days old, are like nothing we’ve seen before. After experiencing a Grand Slam title drought of 18, Federer has now won 3 of the past 5 (2 Australian Opens and 1 Wimbledon). That’s just flat out ridiculous.

Did I mention Federer is old?! 36, in men’s professional tennis, is ancient. In fact, upon winning the Australian Open, Federer became the 2nd oldest man to win a Grand Slam (Ken Rosewall – 1972 Australian Open). Still not impressed?! The only 2 sets Federer lost the entire tournament were against Marin Cilic on Sunday. Federer would drop the 2nd and 4th sets, forcing a sudden-death, 5th set for the Australian Open Title. Federer, steam rolled, winning 6-1. And with every Grand Slam victory, Federer continues to break his own record. He’s now won 20 Grand Slams.

The question isn’t if he’ll win #21, but when??

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is back!! For real this time. Playing in his 1st PGA Tour event in a year, and just his 5th in 2-and-a-half years, Tiger Woods impressed. He didn’t win the tournament, nor will he win a tournament anytime soon, but he made the cut and played through the weekend.

He finished 23rd (-3), playing 4 consecutive rounds without injury (which should be Tiger Wood’s main focus). So, while he won’t compete with Jason Day and Alex Noren in Monday’s playoff of the Farmers Insurance Open, Tiger Woods should have a smile on his face.

He should also spend his free time at the driving range, because he hit a career low 17 of 56 fairways (30%), including 3 of 14 on Saturday. No, I can’t shoot 3-under over 4 consecutive rounds, but I can hit more than 3 fairways.

Lebron James

Lebron James went about his business Sunday:

25 points, 8 rebounds, 14 assists, and 1 steal in 38 minutes.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 121-104 over the Detroit Pistons. As crazy as this sounds, the Cavaliers can use every win they can get. At 29-19 on the season, they are currently the 3-seed in the Eastern Conference, however, they’re closer to the 7-seed than the 2-seed. This also sounds crazy, but another NBA Championship would do Lebron James’ legacy wonders.

As talented and accomplished as he is, Lebron is chasing a ghost. And ghosts tend to be hard to catch. As with every all-time great, I will never doubt Lebron James. Not until the clock hits double-zero and his team is on the wrong side of history.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady doesn’t often land on the wrong side of history. I don’t foresee that changing this coming Sunday. As Nick Foles continues to figure out how he got here, Tom Brady sleeps soundly. Super Bowl Sunday has become as regular an occurrence for Tom Brady, as a trip to the food store is for you and I.

With his (12) stitches removed, Brady is set to capture his 6th Super Bowl Ring. And like Roger Federer, will look to break his own record. When 2nd place is so distant, I guess you become your only competition.

Who is the greatest athlete of this generation?? Tell me in the comment section below.

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.

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.

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.

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