The Doofus was in the Christmas Spirit but the results were just ho hum
What a wacky week in the NFL! From the Miracle in the Meadowlands - to a rumbling record setting return by a
lineman in the New England Green Bay game (that was hilarious to watch) - to the Lions getting the benefit on an
offensive pass interference call to get a shot at OT and the win - it sure was fun to watch the games this week.
Watch Dan Connolly and how he carries the ball, runs
past the Packers safety and lumbers for 71 yards - anyone want a sweaty squished loaf of bread?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufkHymQEuqc
They won't be kicking to him anymore" - Tom Brady after the game
lineman in the New England Green Bay game (that was hilarious to watch) - to the Lions getting the benefit on an
offensive pass interference call to get a shot at OT and the win - it sure was fun to watch the games this week.
Watch Dan Connolly and how he carries the ball, runs
past the Packers safety and lumbers for 71 yards - anyone want a sweaty squished loaf of bread?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufkHymQEuqc
They won't be kicking to him anymore" - Tom Brady after the game
And while I was having a good time watching the games the Big Book of Guesses went 4-0 straight up but had a middlin' 2-2 record ATS for the week.
Damn Newman
Week 16 Results:
Dallas -6 vs Washington - Early in the 3rd quarter Washington QB Rex Grossman (replacing a benched Donovan McNabb) was sacked and fumbled the ball away at the Redskin 15. 5 plays later former Yellow Jacket Tashard Choice scores and the 'Boys led 27-7. Once again, the Doofus thought the game and cover were in the bag but Noooooo! Grossman becomes the good Grossman again. On the next series he leads Washington on a 4 play 71 yd scoring drive and the comeback was on. The Redskins score TD's on the next 2 series as well (including two 2 point PATs) and
with 7:37 tie the game at 30 all. With 55 seconds left, Dallas gets what turns out to be the winning FGt. The Redskins last drive ended with an interception but Dallas DB Terence Newman (Newman - I knew it!) decides to drain the clock rather than get the needed pick six. Another blasted comeback loss bites the BBofG LOSS
Dallas -6 vs Washington - Early in the 3rd quarter Washington QB Rex Grossman (replacing a benched Donovan McNabb) was sacked and fumbled the ball away at the Redskin 15. 5 plays later former Yellow Jacket Tashard Choice scores and the 'Boys led 27-7. Once again, the Doofus thought the game and cover were in the bag but Noooooo! Grossman becomes the good Grossman again. On the next series he leads Washington on a 4 play 71 yd scoring drive and the comeback was on. The Redskins score TD's on the next 2 series as well (including two 2 point PATs) and
with 7:37 tie the game at 30 all. With 55 seconds left, Dallas gets what turns out to be the winning FGt. The Redskins last drive ended with an interception but Dallas DB Terence Newman (Newman - I knew it!) decides to drain the clock rather than get the needed pick six. Another blasted comeback loss bites the BBofG LOSS
Check out the thighs on Michael Turner He's a load!
Atlanta -6.5 @ Seattle - Methodical - that's the best way to describe the Falcons. They just grind out wins week after week. After spotting the Seahens a TD on their opening drive - the Falcons scored on five of their next seven drives on their way to a 34-10 lead. Atlanta's time of possession was over 35 minutes and they forced 3 Seattle turnovers (which led to 17 3rd quarter points). Mama Babineaux, in the stands proudly wearing a half Seahawk half Falcon jersey, was a happy camper as one son, Jordan, intercepted a Matt Ryan pass and the other son, Jonathon, recovered a Matt Hasselback fumble in the end zone. She must have cooked up one powerful good spread for her boys before the game.
HC Pete Carrol benched Hasselback for Charlie Whitehurst in the 4th quarter who promptly led them on a 88 yd TD drive. But that would be the end of the scoring for both teams as Atlanta won going away 34-18. WIN
New England -11 vs Green Bay - Easily the worst pick of the week. Apparently the Pats were too busy reading their own press clippings rather than preparing for the Packers. Matt Flynn - starting for the first time in three seasons - led the Pack to 3 scoring drives in their first five possessions and a 17-7 lead. But Dan Connolly's KO return provided the spark the Pats needed. Starting at the GB 4, NE punched it in to cut the lead to 17-14. A revived NE started off the second half by intercepting Flynn for a pick six and NE took a 21-17 lead. Flynn recovered from the miscue and led GB to a 13 play 69 yd TD drive to retake the lead 24-21. This was going to be a great back and forth game - too bad I was laying so many points.
Green Bay's next drive got to NE 2 with first and goal but the Pack was unable to get it in and settled for a FG to lead 27-21. NE got a FG and TD on their next 2 drives retaking the lead 31-27. The final drive was a real nail
biter. Starting at their own 43 GB drove and had 1st and ten at the NE 24. On first down, Flynn was sacked for an 8 yd loss. After a 7 yd and 10 yd pass it was 4th and 1 with seconds left. Flynn dropped back was sacked, fumbled and game over. Of course, NE didn't scoop the ball and run it back so I could get the push so it was a LOSS
Chicago -3 @ Minnesota - With the Vikings playing an outdoor home game for the first time in 29 years - the ever narcissistic Brett Farve decided he would start the game. It looked like it would be a good decision as he took the Vikes to a 7 play 60 yd opening TD drive. (3 of 4 BBofG opponents scored on their opening drives - causing a lot of heartburn for the Doofus). But the old Farve soon returned as he was picked off at the Minnesota 14 on his next drive and Chicago quickly cut the lead to 7-3. His next and final drive was the best of all as he was sacked (by Northwestern's Corey Wooten) fumbled and knocked out of the game and hopefully his career. Taking over at the Minny 47 - Chicago needed only 3 plays to take the lead for good 10-7. Da Bears continued to pile on the points - building the lead to 27-7 (including a record 14th kick return for TD by Devin Hester) while letting up only 1 first down for the Vikes.
Vikings Replacement QB Joe Webb finally got his first TD on a 13 yd scramble with 5 minutes left on the 3rd quarter to close out the scoring for the Vikings. The Bears added a TD and two more FGs to demolish the Vikings and getting the BBofG an easy cover 40-14. WIN
College Coaching Carousel Update
Vanderbilt...hired Maryland "coach in waiting" OC James Franklin. Vandy backers are reportedly a little miffed they went after an unproven OC. Vandy made the move after getting played by Auburn DC Gus Malzahn. Supposedly Malzahn expressed interest in the position in order to set the market price of $2-3 illion per year. When Vandy looked like they would come up with the money he turned it down only to screw himself when Arkansas signed an extension with Bobby Petrino - Malzahn's real first choice. Don't you just love the SEC?
Maryland...Freed from having to buy out Franklin's contract - Maryland then asked HC Ralph Friedgen to retire. When he refused - Maryland bought out the last year of his contract. Apparently this was done in order to bring in former Texas Tech HC Mike Leach. Leach is good friends with Under Armour founder and Maryland Board of Trustee Member Kevin Plank. Leach will need two porters and a midget to handle all the baggage he brings with him. Guess I'll be rooting against the Terps next year - All Ralph did was take Maryland to their 7th bowl in 10 years and win ACC Coach of the Year. Crappy move by Maryland. If I had any Under Armour wear I would be throwing it out.
Pitt...After coming in 2nd for OK State OC Dana Hologorsen ("coach in waiting" at WVU) and Temple HC Al Golden (HC Miami (FL)) - the Panther braintrust hired former Miami (OH) HC Mike Haywood. Lot of unhappy boosters in Three Rivers Land as many feel he is not an upgrade to the recently deposed "Stache" - pointing out Haywood was stripped of play calling duties while OC at Notre Dame under the Fat One. The Revenge of the 'Stache continues. Hey Pitt - make sure you have the replacment in hand before firing a good coach. Don't believe me - ask the people in Ann Arbor!
Michigan...Speaking of Ann Arbor - word in coaching circles is that DickRod will be fired after the Gatro Bowl - win or lose. AD Brandon is just waiting for the buyout clause in Rodriquez's contract to drop after New Year's. The usual suspects are being mentioned - Harbaugh (I don't see it - he's going pro) and Les "The Hat" Miles (again). If Miles wants to go to Michigan it is expected that LSU will let him go this time to get none other than Gus Malzahn! It truly is
a circle jerk in the HC merry go round.
Ball State hired...former Elon HC Pete Lembo. Good hire by Ball State. Lembo turned Elon around as was becoing a power in the Southern Conference. He was also took Lehigh to several Patriot league championships. He had shown an interest in Zac. Have to see if the interest continues.
Week 17 Picks:
Still tough sledding in picking Bowl Games so I will stay with the NFL again this week. That being said there are some interesting Bowl Games next week.
Baltimore -3 @ Cleveland - Baltimore will win its third straight playoff berth with a win over the struggling Browns.
Ray Rice, coming off his best performance of the year with 159 yards against NO last week, is licking his chops at a chance to go against the leagues 25th worst run defense. The Browns are dinged up with QB Colt McCoy is not practicing due to an illness, RB Peyton Hillis not practicing due to an unspecified injury and Browns CB Eric Wright will not play at all due to an injury. Meanwhile, Baltimore will get back TE Todd Heap after missing the last two weeks due to a hammy. The Browns are coming off 2 straight losses to miserable teams - Cincinnati and Buffalo. Expect the Old Browns to pummel the New Browns.
San Diego -7 @ Cincinnati - Playing a bad team regressing angle on this game. Cincinnati finally won a game last
week after 10 straight losses. I see them coming back to their mean this week. San Diego needs to win their division in order to make the playoffs so they will be focused in this one. Charger WR Vincent Jackson is coming off the best week of the year as he caught 5 passes for 112 yds and 3 TDs last week against the Niners. Phillip Rivers plays great in December on the road - throwing for 19 TDs against 5 INTs and going a perfect 10-0. With TO out for the Bengals and Chad nursing an injury (mainly to his oversized ego) Cedric Benson will need to shoulder more of the offense. San Diego has the number 2 rush defense and number 1 defense overall.
Atlanta -2 vs New Orleans - These two teams just hate each other. While the rivalry doesn't get the pub that other
rivalries like NYG vs Phill and Dallas vs Redskins - it is just as intense. Atlanta can wrap up home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win. The Falcons return home (where they are the only undefeated home team in the NFL) after three straight road wins. The last time Atlanta lost at home was to New Orleans last year making this game even more intense for Atlanta. The Falcons beat NO in their crib earlier this year - 27-24 and are playing at an
even higher level now. Michael Turner could have a great game as NO gave up 208 yds rushing last week to Baltimore and 202 yds to Turner in their first matchup. I'm staying on the Dirty Bird Bandwagon again this week
HC Pete Carrol benched Hasselback for Charlie Whitehurst in the 4th quarter who promptly led them on a 88 yd TD drive. But that would be the end of the scoring for both teams as Atlanta won going away 34-18. WIN
New England -11 vs Green Bay - Easily the worst pick of the week. Apparently the Pats were too busy reading their own press clippings rather than preparing for the Packers. Matt Flynn - starting for the first time in three seasons - led the Pack to 3 scoring drives in their first five possessions and a 17-7 lead. But Dan Connolly's KO return provided the spark the Pats needed. Starting at the GB 4, NE punched it in to cut the lead to 17-14. A revived NE started off the second half by intercepting Flynn for a pick six and NE took a 21-17 lead. Flynn recovered from the miscue and led GB to a 13 play 69 yd TD drive to retake the lead 24-21. This was going to be a great back and forth game - too bad I was laying so many points.
Green Bay's next drive got to NE 2 with first and goal but the Pack was unable to get it in and settled for a FG to lead 27-21. NE got a FG and TD on their next 2 drives retaking the lead 31-27. The final drive was a real nail
biter. Starting at their own 43 GB drove and had 1st and ten at the NE 24. On first down, Flynn was sacked for an 8 yd loss. After a 7 yd and 10 yd pass it was 4th and 1 with seconds left. Flynn dropped back was sacked, fumbled and game over. Of course, NE didn't scoop the ball and run it back so I could get the push so it was a LOSS
Chicago -3 @ Minnesota - With the Vikings playing an outdoor home game for the first time in 29 years - the ever narcissistic Brett Farve decided he would start the game. It looked like it would be a good decision as he took the Vikes to a 7 play 60 yd opening TD drive. (3 of 4 BBofG opponents scored on their opening drives - causing a lot of heartburn for the Doofus). But the old Farve soon returned as he was picked off at the Minnesota 14 on his next drive and Chicago quickly cut the lead to 7-3. His next and final drive was the best of all as he was sacked (by Northwestern's Corey Wooten) fumbled and knocked out of the game and hopefully his career. Taking over at the Minny 47 - Chicago needed only 3 plays to take the lead for good 10-7. Da Bears continued to pile on the points - building the lead to 27-7 (including a record 14th kick return for TD by Devin Hester) while letting up only 1 first down for the Vikes.
Vikings Replacement QB Joe Webb finally got his first TD on a 13 yd scramble with 5 minutes left on the 3rd quarter to close out the scoring for the Vikings. The Bears added a TD and two more FGs to demolish the Vikings and getting the BBofG an easy cover 40-14. WIN
College Coaching Carousel Update
Vanderbilt...hired Maryland "coach in waiting" OC James Franklin. Vandy backers are reportedly a little miffed they went after an unproven OC. Vandy made the move after getting played by Auburn DC Gus Malzahn. Supposedly Malzahn expressed interest in the position in order to set the market price of $2-3 illion per year. When Vandy looked like they would come up with the money he turned it down only to screw himself when Arkansas signed an extension with Bobby Petrino - Malzahn's real first choice. Don't you just love the SEC?
Maryland...Freed from having to buy out Franklin's contract - Maryland then asked HC Ralph Friedgen to retire. When he refused - Maryland bought out the last year of his contract. Apparently this was done in order to bring in former Texas Tech HC Mike Leach. Leach is good friends with Under Armour founder and Maryland Board of Trustee Member Kevin Plank. Leach will need two porters and a midget to handle all the baggage he brings with him. Guess I'll be rooting against the Terps next year - All Ralph did was take Maryland to their 7th bowl in 10 years and win ACC Coach of the Year. Crappy move by Maryland. If I had any Under Armour wear I would be throwing it out.
Pitt...After coming in 2nd for OK State OC Dana Hologorsen ("coach in waiting" at WVU) and Temple HC Al Golden (HC Miami (FL)) - the Panther braintrust hired former Miami (OH) HC Mike Haywood. Lot of unhappy boosters in Three Rivers Land as many feel he is not an upgrade to the recently deposed "Stache" - pointing out Haywood was stripped of play calling duties while OC at Notre Dame under the Fat One. The Revenge of the 'Stache continues. Hey Pitt - make sure you have the replacment in hand before firing a good coach. Don't believe me - ask the people in Ann Arbor!
Michigan...Speaking of Ann Arbor - word in coaching circles is that DickRod will be fired after the Gatro Bowl - win or lose. AD Brandon is just waiting for the buyout clause in Rodriquez's contract to drop after New Year's. The usual suspects are being mentioned - Harbaugh (I don't see it - he's going pro) and Les "The Hat" Miles (again). If Miles wants to go to Michigan it is expected that LSU will let him go this time to get none other than Gus Malzahn! It truly is
a circle jerk in the HC merry go round.
Ball State hired...former Elon HC Pete Lembo. Good hire by Ball State. Lembo turned Elon around as was becoing a power in the Southern Conference. He was also took Lehigh to several Patriot league championships. He had shown an interest in Zac. Have to see if the interest continues.
Week 17 Picks:
Still tough sledding in picking Bowl Games so I will stay with the NFL again this week. That being said there are some interesting Bowl Games next week.
Baltimore -3 @ Cleveland - Baltimore will win its third straight playoff berth with a win over the struggling Browns.
Ray Rice, coming off his best performance of the year with 159 yards against NO last week, is licking his chops at a chance to go against the leagues 25th worst run defense. The Browns are dinged up with QB Colt McCoy is not practicing due to an illness, RB Peyton Hillis not practicing due to an unspecified injury and Browns CB Eric Wright will not play at all due to an injury. Meanwhile, Baltimore will get back TE Todd Heap after missing the last two weeks due to a hammy. The Browns are coming off 2 straight losses to miserable teams - Cincinnati and Buffalo. Expect the Old Browns to pummel the New Browns.
San Diego -7 @ Cincinnati - Playing a bad team regressing angle on this game. Cincinnati finally won a game last
week after 10 straight losses. I see them coming back to their mean this week. San Diego needs to win their division in order to make the playoffs so they will be focused in this one. Charger WR Vincent Jackson is coming off the best week of the year as he caught 5 passes for 112 yds and 3 TDs last week against the Niners. Phillip Rivers plays great in December on the road - throwing for 19 TDs against 5 INTs and going a perfect 10-0. With TO out for the Bengals and Chad nursing an injury (mainly to his oversized ego) Cedric Benson will need to shoulder more of the offense. San Diego has the number 2 rush defense and number 1 defense overall.
Atlanta -2 vs New Orleans - These two teams just hate each other. While the rivalry doesn't get the pub that other
rivalries like NYG vs Phill and Dallas vs Redskins - it is just as intense. Atlanta can wrap up home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win. The Falcons return home (where they are the only undefeated home team in the NFL) after three straight road wins. The last time Atlanta lost at home was to New Orleans last year making this game even more intense for Atlanta. The Falcons beat NO in their crib earlier this year - 27-24 and are playing at an
even higher level now. Michael Turner could have a great game as NO gave up 208 yds rushing last week to Baltimore and 202 yds to Turner in their first matchup. I'm staying on the Dirty Bird Bandwagon again this week