The Broncos head to Chicago to take on the Bears and for a team that is 7-2 you would think the Broncos are a team that is on the brink of disaster. Yes, they have lost two in a row. Yes, Peyton Manning is hurt and out for an uncertain amount of time. Yes, this is Brock Osweiler's first start, but they are still 7-2 all is not totally lost. The one thing about this game that is going to be tough is the fact that Osweiler's first start has to come on the road, against his former coach and offensive coordinator, and it is going to be like 28 degrees at Soldier Field on Sunday. That is a very tough way to start your QB career. Look, Peyton Manning hasn't been great this year, but he still made enough big throws in big spots in some of these close games to help the Broncos win. That will be the challenge for Brock. Can he make the big third down or redzone throw to help the Broncos win? It is tough to see him doing that in this situation..
CHICAGO (-1) over Denver
Final Score: Bears-22 Broncos-10
Last Week's Record: 4-10
Overall Record: 65-75-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
CAROLINA (-7) over Washington: I can't see Washington going on the road and taking down the undefeated Panthers. I think this will be a close game, but look for Cam Newton and company to get to 10-0.
Oakland (-1) over DETROIT: The Raiders got thumped at home last week against the Vikings, and now they find themselves at 4-5 with a big road game in Detroit. I would expect the Raiders to bounce back and do a number on the Lions in Ford Field.
Dallas (PICK) over MIAMI: I have no idea how this game is going to play out, but for the Dolphins this game is huge. At 4-5, they can right the ship on their season again. The Cowboys are banking on Tony Romo's return as a way to get their season somehow back on track. I'll take the Cowboys just for fun.
ATLANTA (-5) over Indy: The Falcons have fallen to 6-3 after starting 5-0. Now, they get the Colts coming to town without Andrew Luck. The Falcons have to get a win here or their season could go down the tubes fast.
St. Louis (+3) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens are mess at 2-7, and they lost a brutal game at home to the Jaguars last week. The Rams come in at 4-5 and losers of their last two games. They have to somehow get a win this week, and they benched Nick Foles in favor of Case Keenum. We'll see how that works, but I think they will find a way this week on the road.
New York Jets (-2) over HOUSTON: This game matches the 5-4 Jets going up against the 4-5 Texans. The Jets get the opportunity to bring their defense on the road against a backup QB for the Texans with T.J. Yates filling in for the injured Brian Hoyer. I like the Jets a lot in this game.
Green Bay (+2) over MINNESOTA: Huge game in the NFC North as the division leading Vikings at 7-2 host the 6-3 Packers. I know Green Bay's offense is struggling and I know that the Vikings have looked really good, but I'll take the Packers to right the ship and get back to the top of the division.
Tampa Bay (+6) over PHILLY: I just can't figure out the Eagles. At 4-5, they host Tampa this week with Mark Sanchez starting over the injured Sam Bradford. I think the Eagles will find a way to win the game, but I think the 4-5 Bucs will keep it very close to the end. Call this 23-20 either way.
Cincy (+5) over ARIZONA: This game got flexed into the SNF game on NBC. This is very good matchup as the 8-1 Bengals head to Arizona to take on the 7-2 Cardinals. Could this be a Super Bowl preview? Perhaps, but the Bengals played very poorly in their loss to Houston on Monday night. The Cards looked great in their wild win in Seattle on Sunday night last week. I think the Cards have a little bit of a letdown this week, and the Bengals will make up for their terrible performance and get a huge road win.
SEATTLE (-10) over San Francisco: The Seahawks are struggling at 4-5, but there is no way they are losing at home this week to the 49ers. If they do, then all hell is going to break loose up there.
SAN DIEGO (+3) over Kansas City: Before we anoint the Chiefs as the AFC West champs, let's not forget that their win over the Broncos last week deserves an asterisk because that was an injured Peyton Manning that they beat up on. At 4-5, they are in range for the division, but they still have work to do. The Chargers play host to them this week, and the Chargers are in desperate need of a win at 2-7. I have a feeling the Chargers will pull the upset at home this week and put a dent into the Chiefs chances.
Buffalo (+7) over NEW ENGLAND: The Pats are 9-0 and they are definitely the team to beat in the AFC, but they have suffered two tough injuries the last two weeks. RB Dion Lewis and WR Julian Edelman were both lost for a significant time period, and they has to somehow affect their offense. Rex Ryan always plays the Pats tough, and I think he will have the Bills prepared and ready to go. I think the Pats win, but look for the Bills to keep it close.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Jags-Titans Week 11 TNF Pick
JACKSONVILLE (-3) over Tennessee: The annual "Awful Bowl" between Jacksonville and Tennessee has some new meaning on this Thursday night. The Jags are 3-6 and a win here would put them right in the thick of the AFC South race. I think they get it done at home, and put some pressure on the Colts in the division.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Broncos Lose to Chiefs as Manning Gets Benched
Sunday's game at home against the Kansas City Chiefs will be a very monumental game in the history of the Denver Broncos. It was the day that the Peyton Manning era ended in Denver. Manning came into the game battling some injuries, and he left the game in the third quarter with four interceptions and a QB ration of 0.0. By the way, he actually broke Brett Favre's record for all time passing yards in the first quarter, but that was the only highlight for Manning and the entire Broncos all day long. The Chiefs handed the Broncos a humiliating 29-13 loss that dropped the Broncos to 7-2. It was revealed Monday that Manning has a tear in his left foot and it seems like he will be out at least a few games. The Chiefs dominated the Broncos from the get-go and intercepted Manning on the third play of the game. Three more picks in the first half, and the Chiefs had built a 19-0 lead at the half, and at that point the game was long over. And it looks like the Peyton Manning era has come to a crashing halt in Denver as well. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....
1) There is no reason to go into a detailed account of the key plays in this game. It was that big of a debacle. Manning and the offense were awful in the first half and Manning's interceptions were just killer and lead to points each time. You could tell right away that Manning was injured or hurt because he had nothing left on his throws at all.
2) After his fourth interception, Gary Kubiak finally pulled Manning and put in Brock Osweiler. Oz fared a little better (14-24 for 146 yards 1 TD and 1 INT), but you really can't critique his performance because the game was out of reach from the beginning.
3) It was odd because the crowd seemed dead and there seemed to be no life to the Broncos. It was like they knew Manning was hurt and there was nothing they could do about it. It is hard to imagine this Broncos team in this shape just two weeks after they beat the Packers to get to 7-0.
4) The Broncos defense was without Aqib Talib and Demarcus Ware and they were not given a break in this game. Most of the Chiefs possessions were at midfield or were starting in Broncos territory. The fact that they forced so many field goals by the Chiefs should be commended. They need to get their horses back and they need to get their swagger back.
5) You never would imagine that Manning would go out like this, but there will be a time to analyze and discuss that. This is not the time. The Broncos are in this situation: Brock Osweiler will start for Manning on Sunday in Chicago. Manning will be out indefinitely, and when he feels better he will come back and start. Until then, it is Osweiler's show. They are 7-2 and still have a three game lead in the AFC West. If they can just get a few wins-even without Manning in the lineup-they will be able to win the West, but it will be very tough moving forward. That is the short-term outlook for this team. Hopefully, they can pull together as a team and deal with this adverse situation and get a win on the road this week in Chicago.
1) There is no reason to go into a detailed account of the key plays in this game. It was that big of a debacle. Manning and the offense were awful in the first half and Manning's interceptions were just killer and lead to points each time. You could tell right away that Manning was injured or hurt because he had nothing left on his throws at all.
2) After his fourth interception, Gary Kubiak finally pulled Manning and put in Brock Osweiler. Oz fared a little better (14-24 for 146 yards 1 TD and 1 INT), but you really can't critique his performance because the game was out of reach from the beginning.
3) It was odd because the crowd seemed dead and there seemed to be no life to the Broncos. It was like they knew Manning was hurt and there was nothing they could do about it. It is hard to imagine this Broncos team in this shape just two weeks after they beat the Packers to get to 7-0.
4) The Broncos defense was without Aqib Talib and Demarcus Ware and they were not given a break in this game. Most of the Chiefs possessions were at midfield or were starting in Broncos territory. The fact that they forced so many field goals by the Chiefs should be commended. They need to get their horses back and they need to get their swagger back.
5) You never would imagine that Manning would go out like this, but there will be a time to analyze and discuss that. This is not the time. The Broncos are in this situation: Brock Osweiler will start for Manning on Sunday in Chicago. Manning will be out indefinitely, and when he feels better he will come back and start. Until then, it is Osweiler's show. They are 7-2 and still have a three game lead in the AFC West. If they can just get a few wins-even without Manning in the lineup-they will be able to win the West, but it will be very tough moving forward. That is the short-term outlook for this team. Hopefully, they can pull together as a team and deal with this adverse situation and get a win on the road this week in Chicago.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Broncos-Chiefs Preview and Week 10 Picks!
The Broncos are 7-1 and they host their division rival Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday at home. The Broncos have not lost to the Chiefs in the Peyton Manning era in Denver. Manning is 7-0 against the Chiefs including Week 2 and the wild, crazy ending that saw the Broncos win the game on a Bradley Roby fumble return with only seconds left. Now, in Week 10, the Broncos are in control of the AFC West at 7-1, and the Chiefs have stumbled to a 3-5 mark. The things that worry me about this game is that fact that Denver's defense is going to be without Demarcus Ware and Aqib Talib. Also, the Broncos are very banged up and they are coming off a physical contest in Indy. Plus, are the Broncos due to lose a game to Chiefs with Manning at the helm? KC almost got them in Week 2, but somehow Denver escaped with the win. This game could be a lot closer than people anticipate. I smell an upset here. Before I get to my pick of the Broncos-Chiefs and my other Week 10 picks, I wanted just to look at some stats now that the Broncos are halfway through their 2015 season:
1) The Broncos are on pace to score 384 points on offense. The most points they have scored as an offense is 27 in the win over the Packers two weeks ago.
2) The Broncos are on pace to give up on 278 points on defense.
3) Peyton Manning is on pace for 18 touchdowns and 26 interceptions with 4,250 yards passing.
4) Denver's leading rusher Ronnie Hillman is on pace for only 768 yards rushing for the year.
5) Demaryius Thomas is on pace for 102 receptions for 1,490 yards and only 2 touchdowns.
6) Emmanuel Sanders is on pace for 92 catches for 1,278 yards and 8 touchdowns.
7) As a team, the Broncos are on pace for 60 sacks. Demarcus Ware is on pace for 13 sacks, and Von Miller is on pace for 8 sacks.
We'll see how those numbers change over the course of the second half of the season.
Now, onto the picks for Week 10...
Kansas City (+7) over DENVER
Final Score: Chiefs-24 Broncos-20
Last Week's Record: 6-5-2
Overall Record: 61-65-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
GREEN BAY (-10) over Detroit: The Packers will get things back on track after losing two straight games to the Broncos and the Panthers. Now, they get to come home and take out their frustrations on the Lions. The Lions have lost 24 straight games in Green Bay. That is pretty astonishing. I don't see a reason why they will end their streak there this week.
Dallas (+2) over TAMPA BAY: I don't have a lot of confidence in this pick, but I'm taking the Cowboys because I want them to be somewhat relevant when Tony Romo returns from his broken collarbone. If the Cowboys can somehow win this week, then they would be 3-6 with Romo coming back, and then maybe they could get on a little run and make the NFC East more interesting.
TENNESSEE (+7) over Carolina: The Titans somehow beat the Saints in New Orleans last week, and the Panthers come to town undefeated. The Panthers will win this game, but I see it closer than people will think. Two things to look at in this game: First, you have to admire what Cam Newton has done for the Panthers. He has my MVP vote so far this year. Secondly, you have to like the future in Tennessee with Marcus Mariota at QB. Last week's win over New Orleans proved to Mariota has a bright future in this league.
ST. LOUIS (-7) over Chicago: The Rams are 4-4, but I feel like they should have a better record. If they can any kind of consistent play from Nick Foles, then they will be a playoff team. The Bears are 3-5 after winning on the road in San Diego last Monday night. You have to give John Fox credit for the Bears and their ability to fight back after starting the season 0-3. They have won three of five, and Jay Cutler is actually playing solid and turnover free football. I think this will be a tall order for them in St. Louis this week though.
WASHINGTON (+2) over New Orleans: I don't know what to make of the Saints after they blew that game at home to the Titans. They were 4-4, and had the lowly Titans in their building on a week when the Titans fired their head coach. They blew multiple leads and lost in overtime to fall to 4-5. That could be the backbreaker of their season. Now, they have to go on the road and take on the Redskins, and I like how the Skins play at home this year. The Skins aren't very good at 3-5, but they have shown some signs at times this year. I'll take them at home as an underdog.
PHILLY (-5) over Miami: This game is the toughest to call in my opinion. The Dolphins looked like they were on the verge of turning around their season after winning the first two games under interim head coach Dan Campbell, but they got blown out two games in a row to the Pats and the Bills and are now at 3-5. The Eagles are 4-4 after winning an overtime thriller in Dallas last Sunday night. I can't get a read on the Eagles, but you would think that they will be able to handle the Fish at home. Miami has talent, so if they play up to their potential they can win this game, but I'll stick with my gut and the Eagles.
Cleveland (+6) over PITTSBURGH: I think the Steelers will win this game with Landry Jones at quarterback filling in for Big Ben, but I also think the Browns will make it a close game because Landry Jones is starting at quarterback in place of Big Ben. It sounds like Johnny Manziel will get the start, and although he hasn't been spectacular when he has played this year, I have this feeling that he will somehow win a game on his own for the Browns. Maybe this is the week?
Jacksonville (+6) overt BALTIMORE: Do you really have confidence in the Ravens this year? Now, Joe Flacco's only offensive weapon, Steve Smith, is out for the year with an Achilles injury. They just don't have the firepower on offense. The Jaguars aren't good but at least they have shown some flashes the last few weeks. They beat Buffalo in London, and gave the Jets all they could handle last week. I'll take them to be feisty in Baltimore this week.
OAKLAND (-3) over Minnesota: The Vikings come in at 6-2, and the Raiders come in at 4-4, but Oakland is definitely improved and they are a legitimate playoff contender. This is a good matchup, but I think the Raiders will be too much for the Vikings-especially with Teddy Bridgewater being a question mark due to a concussion.
New England (-7) over NY GIANTS: Here in New York this week, the talk is how the Giants are the one team that isn't afraid of the Patriots. They are a team that has beaten them on the biggest stage before, and they have their number. I don't buy it this year in this game. The Giants defense could very well get carved up by the Patriots and Tom Brady. I'm sure the Giants will be pumped up and ready to throw everything they have into this game, but I just don't think it will be enough to overtake the Pats.
SEATTLE (-3) over Arizona: This is a very intriguing Sunday night game. The Cardinals lead the NFC West at 6-2, and Seattle is currently 4-4. You would have to think that the Seahawks will play one of their best games of the year this week-especially at home in front of the 12th man, but give Arizona credit because they are a very good team, and I could see them pulling an upset. I'll take Seattle at home to get the win and setup a very interesting race down the stretch in the NFC West.
CINCY (-9) over Houston: What a crummy game for Monday Night Football. The Bengals remain undefeated at 8-0, and I don't see anyway that they screw this one up at home to the Texans. They will get to 9-0 in pretty easy fashion.
1) The Broncos are on pace to score 384 points on offense. The most points they have scored as an offense is 27 in the win over the Packers two weeks ago.
2) The Broncos are on pace to give up on 278 points on defense.
3) Peyton Manning is on pace for 18 touchdowns and 26 interceptions with 4,250 yards passing.
4) Denver's leading rusher Ronnie Hillman is on pace for only 768 yards rushing for the year.
5) Demaryius Thomas is on pace for 102 receptions for 1,490 yards and only 2 touchdowns.
6) Emmanuel Sanders is on pace for 92 catches for 1,278 yards and 8 touchdowns.
7) As a team, the Broncos are on pace for 60 sacks. Demarcus Ware is on pace for 13 sacks, and Von Miller is on pace for 8 sacks.
We'll see how those numbers change over the course of the second half of the season.
Now, onto the picks for Week 10...
Kansas City (+7) over DENVER
Final Score: Chiefs-24 Broncos-20
Last Week's Record: 6-5-2
Overall Record: 61-65-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
GREEN BAY (-10) over Detroit: The Packers will get things back on track after losing two straight games to the Broncos and the Panthers. Now, they get to come home and take out their frustrations on the Lions. The Lions have lost 24 straight games in Green Bay. That is pretty astonishing. I don't see a reason why they will end their streak there this week.
Dallas (+2) over TAMPA BAY: I don't have a lot of confidence in this pick, but I'm taking the Cowboys because I want them to be somewhat relevant when Tony Romo returns from his broken collarbone. If the Cowboys can somehow win this week, then they would be 3-6 with Romo coming back, and then maybe they could get on a little run and make the NFC East more interesting.
TENNESSEE (+7) over Carolina: The Titans somehow beat the Saints in New Orleans last week, and the Panthers come to town undefeated. The Panthers will win this game, but I see it closer than people will think. Two things to look at in this game: First, you have to admire what Cam Newton has done for the Panthers. He has my MVP vote so far this year. Secondly, you have to like the future in Tennessee with Marcus Mariota at QB. Last week's win over New Orleans proved to Mariota has a bright future in this league.
ST. LOUIS (-7) over Chicago: The Rams are 4-4, but I feel like they should have a better record. If they can any kind of consistent play from Nick Foles, then they will be a playoff team. The Bears are 3-5 after winning on the road in San Diego last Monday night. You have to give John Fox credit for the Bears and their ability to fight back after starting the season 0-3. They have won three of five, and Jay Cutler is actually playing solid and turnover free football. I think this will be a tall order for them in St. Louis this week though.
WASHINGTON (+2) over New Orleans: I don't know what to make of the Saints after they blew that game at home to the Titans. They were 4-4, and had the lowly Titans in their building on a week when the Titans fired their head coach. They blew multiple leads and lost in overtime to fall to 4-5. That could be the backbreaker of their season. Now, they have to go on the road and take on the Redskins, and I like how the Skins play at home this year. The Skins aren't very good at 3-5, but they have shown some signs at times this year. I'll take them at home as an underdog.
PHILLY (-5) over Miami: This game is the toughest to call in my opinion. The Dolphins looked like they were on the verge of turning around their season after winning the first two games under interim head coach Dan Campbell, but they got blown out two games in a row to the Pats and the Bills and are now at 3-5. The Eagles are 4-4 after winning an overtime thriller in Dallas last Sunday night. I can't get a read on the Eagles, but you would think that they will be able to handle the Fish at home. Miami has talent, so if they play up to their potential they can win this game, but I'll stick with my gut and the Eagles.
Cleveland (+6) over PITTSBURGH: I think the Steelers will win this game with Landry Jones at quarterback filling in for Big Ben, but I also think the Browns will make it a close game because Landry Jones is starting at quarterback in place of Big Ben. It sounds like Johnny Manziel will get the start, and although he hasn't been spectacular when he has played this year, I have this feeling that he will somehow win a game on his own for the Browns. Maybe this is the week?
Jacksonville (+6) overt BALTIMORE: Do you really have confidence in the Ravens this year? Now, Joe Flacco's only offensive weapon, Steve Smith, is out for the year with an Achilles injury. They just don't have the firepower on offense. The Jaguars aren't good but at least they have shown some flashes the last few weeks. They beat Buffalo in London, and gave the Jets all they could handle last week. I'll take them to be feisty in Baltimore this week.
OAKLAND (-3) over Minnesota: The Vikings come in at 6-2, and the Raiders come in at 4-4, but Oakland is definitely improved and they are a legitimate playoff contender. This is a good matchup, but I think the Raiders will be too much for the Vikings-especially with Teddy Bridgewater being a question mark due to a concussion.
New England (-7) over NY GIANTS: Here in New York this week, the talk is how the Giants are the one team that isn't afraid of the Patriots. They are a team that has beaten them on the biggest stage before, and they have their number. I don't buy it this year in this game. The Giants defense could very well get carved up by the Patriots and Tom Brady. I'm sure the Giants will be pumped up and ready to throw everything they have into this game, but I just don't think it will be enough to overtake the Pats.
SEATTLE (-3) over Arizona: This is a very intriguing Sunday night game. The Cardinals lead the NFC West at 6-2, and Seattle is currently 4-4. You would have to think that the Seahawks will play one of their best games of the year this week-especially at home in front of the 12th man, but give Arizona credit because they are a very good team, and I could see them pulling an upset. I'll take Seattle at home to get the win and setup a very interesting race down the stretch in the NFC West.
CINCY (-9) over Houston: What a crummy game for Monday Night Football. The Bengals remain undefeated at 8-0, and I don't see anyway that they screw this one up at home to the Texans. They will get to 9-0 in pretty easy fashion.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Week 10 TNF Pick!
Buffalo (+3) over NY JETS: Finally, a Thursday Night Football game to get excited about. This is a big game in the AFC Wild Card picture as the 4-4 Bills head to the Meadowlands to take on the 5-3 Jets. The game features the return of former Jets coach Rex Ryan as head now runs the sidelines for the Bills. Both teams will be a factor later in the year in the AFC playoff puzzle, so this game will be very key in deciding a possible playoff berth later in the year. I like that the Bills are healthy and they have Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins back in the lineup. The Jets are dealing with a lot of injuries and guys like Nick Mangold and Antonio Cromartie are banged up and might not play on the short week. I haven't liked what I have seen out of the Jets the last three weeks, and I think the Bills will be able to pull off the slight upset on a short week and Rex will be one happy coach after this week's game.
Broncos Suffer First Loss of Season in Indy 27-24
The Broncos lost their first game of the season in Indianapolis on Sunday 27-24. It was easily the most sloppy, disjointed, and frustrating game of the season for Denver. They fell behind early 17-0, but they rallied to tie it twice in second half. Once at 17-17 and then the second time at 24-24 in the fourth quarter. The comebacks came up short as the Colts won the game on the heels of an Adam Vinatieri 55 yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter and a Darius Butler pick of a Peyton Manning pass on the next series helped the Cotls put the game away. A slew of ugly plays and bonehead penalties from the Broncos defense helped the Colts run out the clock. Give the Broncos credit for fighting back from a 17 point deficit, but their overall play on offense and defense was not up to standards and cost them the game. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....
1) The Broncos defense played its worst game of the year-especially early. Chris Harris wanted to cover T.Y. Hilton and he got beat by Hilton consistently. Frank Gore found some running room early as the Colts controlled the tempo of the game. It wasn't the type of game that we were expecting from the Denver defense. After four drives in the first half, the Broncos were down 17-0. The Colts kept them off balance throughout the half.
2) The Broncos offense started off very slow, and it was aided by drops from Owen Daniels, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Throw in a bad pick by Manning on the third series, and the Broncos offense played a F game in the first half. The running game was a complete non-factor once again, and the Broncos pretty much abandoned it from the very first series of the game.
3) How many times this year is Sanders going to drop a deep ball from Manning? It happens like 2-3 times a game.
4) Give Andrew Luck credit because he took a beating and he was game enough to hang in there and make the key throws he needed. He killed Denver on third down and sometimes those third downs were a result of him scrambling. He ended up getting hurt on a big hit in this game and it will put him out for a few weeks, but he was sensational in this game-especially with a lot of defenders in his face.
5) Why the hell would Chuck Pagano punt the ball to Omar Bolden with 15 seconds left in the half? Why not kick it out of bounds? Denver was dead in the water at that point. Bolden returns the punt-untouched by the way- 83 yards with no time left in the half and it cuts the Colts lead to 17-7. You have to wonder if Pagano is the right guy to be the head coach of this team. Remember the fake punt debacle against the Patriots a few weeks ago? This was as bad of a decision as you can make as a head coach. It turned the game around.
6) Peyton Manning made a great play by stepping up in the pocket and hitting a sweet deep post to Sanders for a 64 yard touchdown on a 3rd and 14 on the Broncos opening drive of the second half. It cut the lead to 17-14, and really gave Denver momentum. Why can't we see more of that this year from Manning and this offense?
7) After Denver forced a fourth straight punt by the Colts, the Broncos offense put together a really solid drive. It was highlighted by a great play-action, bootleg from Manning. Peyton faked the handoff and booted to his left, completely fooled the defense, and then he threw back across his body to Owen Daniels who was running a deep post across the field. Daniels caught it and was pushed out at the Indy 18. Great play call by Kubiak and great execution by Manning. We need more of that with this offense!
8) After the drive stalled, the Broncos settled for a field goal and a tie at 17. The defense needed to come up with a stop and they couldn't get off the field on third down. Luck hit Hilton and Coby Fleener for big pickups, and even Griff "Freaking" Whalen had a big 3rd and 7 catch and run to the Broncos 10 to set up a Luck to Ahmad Bradshaw touchdown hookup to make it 24-17 Colts.. The Broncos defense has been great this year, but if you want to be compared to the '85 Bears or the 2000 Ravens, then you have to get a stop after your offense ties the game up at 17. You can't let the Colts go right back down the field and score a touchdown.
9) Give Manning credit for making some really sweet throws on the ensuing drive. One to Daniels and another to Virgil Green. A key screen to Demariyius Thomas on a 3rd and 14 set up a 1 yard touchdown pass from Manning to Daniels to tie it up at 24 with 8:54 left in the game. It was easily Daniels best game as a Bronco. Great response by the Broncos offense.
10) The Broncos defense again didn't shut the door completely, but it did enough to make Adam Vinatieri hit a 55 yard field goal to take the lead for the Colts at 27-24 with just over 6 minutes to go in the game.
11) Manning got picked off on the next play for the Broncos with 5:57 left in the game. He got hit as he threw, Darius Butler beat DT to the spot, and there was some question if Thomas got hit early before the ball arrived, but in any event Butler's pick of Manning essentially iced the game. The stuff that happened after this play was the just the most frustrating and inexcusable part of the entire season so far.
12) The Colts converted a 3rd and 1, a holding call in the secondary gave the Colts another first down, a 3rd and 10 to a wide open Whalen again, and then a ridiculous penalty on Aqib Talib to give the Colts another first down. With the Colts facing a third down play at the 2 minute warning, Talib was jawing back and forth with Indy TE Dwayne Allen and then he proceeded to poke Allen in the eye. That is correct: Aqib Talib pulled a Rowdy Roddy Piper and poked Allen in the eye and it gave the Colts an automatic first down. Instead of making the Colts run a third down play with 2 minutes left, the Colts got a first down, and Talib gets the award for the worst play of the year so far. What a disgraceful job by Talib.
13) To make matters worse, the Colts settled for a field goal with 28 seconds left and Vinatieri made it, but Danny Trevathan was called for defensive holding on the play and it gave the Colts a chance to simply take a knee and run out the clock.
14) It was not a good day for both sides of the ball but the Broncos defense had their worst performance of the season. Too many missed assignments, wide open receivers, lack of pressure, penalties and just bone-headed mistakes took this Broncos defense down a notch. Let's just hope that this game was an aberration and hopefully they will make up for it next week against the Chiefs.
15) The offense started off too slow to start the game. They punted on all of their first half possessions. I thought Manning played well, and outside of the two interceptions he made some really great throws. He was victimized by drops once again, and those drops are really becoming an issue for this team. Manning finished just three yards shy of Brett Favre's all-time record, and he can break that record next week at home as well.
16) You knew Denver wasn't going to go 16-0, but this loss bothers me because I really don't think the Colts are remotely better than Denver. It just seemed like the Broncos were off a bit, and it cost them the game. At 7-1, their season certainly is not over, but you would like to seem them put in a very solid performance at home this Sunday against the 3-5 Chiefs. Hopefully, they will get back on track and put this ugly loss to Indy behind them.
1) The Broncos defense played its worst game of the year-especially early. Chris Harris wanted to cover T.Y. Hilton and he got beat by Hilton consistently. Frank Gore found some running room early as the Colts controlled the tempo of the game. It wasn't the type of game that we were expecting from the Denver defense. After four drives in the first half, the Broncos were down 17-0. The Colts kept them off balance throughout the half.
2) The Broncos offense started off very slow, and it was aided by drops from Owen Daniels, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Throw in a bad pick by Manning on the third series, and the Broncos offense played a F game in the first half. The running game was a complete non-factor once again, and the Broncos pretty much abandoned it from the very first series of the game.
3) How many times this year is Sanders going to drop a deep ball from Manning? It happens like 2-3 times a game.
4) Give Andrew Luck credit because he took a beating and he was game enough to hang in there and make the key throws he needed. He killed Denver on third down and sometimes those third downs were a result of him scrambling. He ended up getting hurt on a big hit in this game and it will put him out for a few weeks, but he was sensational in this game-especially with a lot of defenders in his face.
5) Why the hell would Chuck Pagano punt the ball to Omar Bolden with 15 seconds left in the half? Why not kick it out of bounds? Denver was dead in the water at that point. Bolden returns the punt-untouched by the way- 83 yards with no time left in the half and it cuts the Colts lead to 17-7. You have to wonder if Pagano is the right guy to be the head coach of this team. Remember the fake punt debacle against the Patriots a few weeks ago? This was as bad of a decision as you can make as a head coach. It turned the game around.
6) Peyton Manning made a great play by stepping up in the pocket and hitting a sweet deep post to Sanders for a 64 yard touchdown on a 3rd and 14 on the Broncos opening drive of the second half. It cut the lead to 17-14, and really gave Denver momentum. Why can't we see more of that this year from Manning and this offense?
7) After Denver forced a fourth straight punt by the Colts, the Broncos offense put together a really solid drive. It was highlighted by a great play-action, bootleg from Manning. Peyton faked the handoff and booted to his left, completely fooled the defense, and then he threw back across his body to Owen Daniels who was running a deep post across the field. Daniels caught it and was pushed out at the Indy 18. Great play call by Kubiak and great execution by Manning. We need more of that with this offense!
8) After the drive stalled, the Broncos settled for a field goal and a tie at 17. The defense needed to come up with a stop and they couldn't get off the field on third down. Luck hit Hilton and Coby Fleener for big pickups, and even Griff "Freaking" Whalen had a big 3rd and 7 catch and run to the Broncos 10 to set up a Luck to Ahmad Bradshaw touchdown hookup to make it 24-17 Colts.. The Broncos defense has been great this year, but if you want to be compared to the '85 Bears or the 2000 Ravens, then you have to get a stop after your offense ties the game up at 17. You can't let the Colts go right back down the field and score a touchdown.
9) Give Manning credit for making some really sweet throws on the ensuing drive. One to Daniels and another to Virgil Green. A key screen to Demariyius Thomas on a 3rd and 14 set up a 1 yard touchdown pass from Manning to Daniels to tie it up at 24 with 8:54 left in the game. It was easily Daniels best game as a Bronco. Great response by the Broncos offense.
10) The Broncos defense again didn't shut the door completely, but it did enough to make Adam Vinatieri hit a 55 yard field goal to take the lead for the Colts at 27-24 with just over 6 minutes to go in the game.
11) Manning got picked off on the next play for the Broncos with 5:57 left in the game. He got hit as he threw, Darius Butler beat DT to the spot, and there was some question if Thomas got hit early before the ball arrived, but in any event Butler's pick of Manning essentially iced the game. The stuff that happened after this play was the just the most frustrating and inexcusable part of the entire season so far.
12) The Colts converted a 3rd and 1, a holding call in the secondary gave the Colts another first down, a 3rd and 10 to a wide open Whalen again, and then a ridiculous penalty on Aqib Talib to give the Colts another first down. With the Colts facing a third down play at the 2 minute warning, Talib was jawing back and forth with Indy TE Dwayne Allen and then he proceeded to poke Allen in the eye. That is correct: Aqib Talib pulled a Rowdy Roddy Piper and poked Allen in the eye and it gave the Colts an automatic first down. Instead of making the Colts run a third down play with 2 minutes left, the Colts got a first down, and Talib gets the award for the worst play of the year so far. What a disgraceful job by Talib.
13) To make matters worse, the Colts settled for a field goal with 28 seconds left and Vinatieri made it, but Danny Trevathan was called for defensive holding on the play and it gave the Colts a chance to simply take a knee and run out the clock.
14) It was not a good day for both sides of the ball but the Broncos defense had their worst performance of the season. Too many missed assignments, wide open receivers, lack of pressure, penalties and just bone-headed mistakes took this Broncos defense down a notch. Let's just hope that this game was an aberration and hopefully they will make up for it next week against the Chiefs.
15) The offense started off too slow to start the game. They punted on all of their first half possessions. I thought Manning played well, and outside of the two interceptions he made some really great throws. He was victimized by drops once again, and those drops are really becoming an issue for this team. Manning finished just three yards shy of Brett Favre's all-time record, and he can break that record next week at home as well.
16) You knew Denver wasn't going to go 16-0, but this loss bothers me because I really don't think the Colts are remotely better than Denver. It just seemed like the Broncos were off a bit, and it cost them the game. At 7-1, their season certainly is not over, but you would like to seem them put in a very solid performance at home this Sunday against the 3-5 Chiefs. Hopefully, they will get back on track and put this ugly loss to Indy behind them.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Broncos-Colts and Week 9 Picks
The Broncos played their best game of the season last year in a dominating victory over the previously undefeated Packers. Now, Denver takes it 7-0 record on the road to Indianapolis to take on the dysfunctional Colts. Indy comes in at 3-5, and they just fired offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. Andrew Luck is not playing well at this point in the season, and it is a combination of a shaky offensive line and the fact that Luck is clearly banged up and playing hurt. With all that being said, why does this game scare me as a Broncos fan? First, the Broncos played their "A" game last week, so you always have to watch out for a let down the following week. Secondly, the Colts are so desperate at this point in their season. They need a win badly and they have struggled at home this year. If they lose this week, there is a feeling that head coach Chuck Pagano is next to lose his job. In the Broncos favor is the fact that Peyton Manning would really like to put the Colts on the brink of disaster and win in Indy-especially since this looks like it will be Manning's last season. Could Denver absolutely bury the Colts and win this game in a blowout? Yes, they certainly can, but the NFL is not that easy. I expect a very close game, and I expect Luck and the Colts to throw everything they have at the Broncos. It might be just enough.
INDY (+5) over Denver
Final Score: Colts-26 Broncos-20
Last Week's Record: 5-7-2
Overall Record: 55-60-4
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
PITTSBURGH (-3) over Oakland: Are the Raiders for real? I would have to say they are after getting to a 4-3 start and hammering the Jets last week. The Steelers come in at 4-4, but Ben Roethlisberger is back. This is a great early game on CBS. It is definitely a "measuring stick" game for the Raiders, but I would expect the Steelers to get back on track at home.
NY JETS (-6) over Jacksonville: The Jets are reeling after losing their last two games and standing at 4-3. They get a gift in the sense that the Jaguars are coming to town this week, and it gives them a chance to stop the bleeding. It looks like Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at QB, so that should give the Jets a real boost. How is Gus Bradley have the most secure job status of all the AFC South coaches? He is 9-30 as Jaguars head coach. That is just awful. He is about to become 9-31.
St. Louis (+3) over MINNESOTA: My two sleeper teams in the NFC wild card chase battle in a very interesting matchup. The Vikings are 5-2 and the Rams come in at 4-3. This game could go a long way in deciding a wild card berth. I think the Vikings are due for a loss this week, and I just love that Rams defense-even in this spot on the road.
BUFFALO (-2) over Miami: Where do I go with this one? Both teams come in at 3-4, so this game is equally important. The Bills get Tyrod Taylor back, and they need him because they weren't the same team with E.J. Manuel at the helm. The Dolphins came back to Earth last week with a thrashing at the hands of the Patriots. I'm going to go with the Bills because they are at home, and they are getting Taylor back, but I'm not confident at all. This game could go either way.
NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Tennessee: The Titans fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt and now they turn to Mike Mularkey as their interim coach. I was surprised by Whisenhunt's firing only because I figured they would give him some time to work with rookie QB Marcus Mariota. I just can't see the Titans playing well enough to cover in New Orleans. The Saints have turned around their season and they stand at 4-4 after last week's wild 52-49 win over the Giants. I see the Saints getting to 5-4 with a resounding home win.
NEW ENGLAND (-13) over Washington: I'm not going against the Patriots at this point, so I'll take them although I hate the high spread. You would figure that the Pats won't mess around in this one and put the Skins out of their misery early. By the way, can we please stop with the idea that the Patriots are going to go undefeated like 2007? They will lose at least 2 games this year. It is just a matter of which ones they lose and at what point. They won't lose this one though.
Green Bay (-3) over CAROLINA: How about this monster game in the NFC? The 7-0 Panthers host the 6-1 Packers. All week I liked the Panthers, but I am still not convinced that they are an elite team in the NFC. I think Green Bay was embarrassed by their performance in Denver last week, and I think they will take out their frustration out this week and play their best game of the season.
Atlanta (-6) over SAN FRANCISCO: The Falcons are 6-2, but they haven't been impressive the last few weeks. They lost a game at home to the Bucs last week, but I think they will rebound nicely this week. Their gift to get them back on track? Blaine Gabbert gets the start for the 49ers as Colin Kaepernick heads to the bench. Dan Quinn has to be licking his chops.
TAMPA BAY (+3) over New York Giants: Tough game to call, but I think this will be a tricky one for the Giants in Tampa. I like what I see out of Jameis Winston, and I don't like the inconsistent play of the G-Men. Take the Bucs in an upset.
Philly (-3) over DALLAS: Ugh, what a crappy Sunday Night Football Game on NBC. Although the 3-4 Eagles and the 2-5 Cowboys (without Tony Romo) is not a great matchup in Week9, it will stay on SNF because of the big-market and big-name capabilities of these two NFC East rivals. It is annoying because I would love to see Green Bay-Carolina or even the Vikings-Rams flexed into this spot, but that won't happen with the appeal and attention of the Cowboys and Eagles . Until Tony Romo comes back, I just can't pick the Cowboys.
Chicago (+3) over SAN DIEGO: Another dud game on primetime this week as we get the 2-6 Chargers hosting the 2-5 Bears. As a Broncos fan, why the hell would want to watch this game? We get the long awaited duel between Jay Cutler and Phillip Rivers with bad blood stemming from a 2007 game when Cutler was a Bronco. Maybe Bears head coach John Fox and Chargers head coach Mike McCoy can meet during the pregame and discuss how awful they botched the end of the 2012 Divisional Playoff game that Denver lost to the Ravens? This game could go either way, and I need to pick more underdogs for this week's games, so I'll take the Bears in what should amount to a very one-sided Chicago crowd in San Diego on Monday night.
INDY (+5) over Denver
Final Score: Colts-26 Broncos-20
Last Week's Record: 5-7-2
Overall Record: 55-60-4
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
PITTSBURGH (-3) over Oakland: Are the Raiders for real? I would have to say they are after getting to a 4-3 start and hammering the Jets last week. The Steelers come in at 4-4, but Ben Roethlisberger is back. This is a great early game on CBS. It is definitely a "measuring stick" game for the Raiders, but I would expect the Steelers to get back on track at home.
NY JETS (-6) over Jacksonville: The Jets are reeling after losing their last two games and standing at 4-3. They get a gift in the sense that the Jaguars are coming to town this week, and it gives them a chance to stop the bleeding. It looks like Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at QB, so that should give the Jets a real boost. How is Gus Bradley have the most secure job status of all the AFC South coaches? He is 9-30 as Jaguars head coach. That is just awful. He is about to become 9-31.
St. Louis (+3) over MINNESOTA: My two sleeper teams in the NFC wild card chase battle in a very interesting matchup. The Vikings are 5-2 and the Rams come in at 4-3. This game could go a long way in deciding a wild card berth. I think the Vikings are due for a loss this week, and I just love that Rams defense-even in this spot on the road.
BUFFALO (-2) over Miami: Where do I go with this one? Both teams come in at 3-4, so this game is equally important. The Bills get Tyrod Taylor back, and they need him because they weren't the same team with E.J. Manuel at the helm. The Dolphins came back to Earth last week with a thrashing at the hands of the Patriots. I'm going to go with the Bills because they are at home, and they are getting Taylor back, but I'm not confident at all. This game could go either way.
NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Tennessee: The Titans fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt and now they turn to Mike Mularkey as their interim coach. I was surprised by Whisenhunt's firing only because I figured they would give him some time to work with rookie QB Marcus Mariota. I just can't see the Titans playing well enough to cover in New Orleans. The Saints have turned around their season and they stand at 4-4 after last week's wild 52-49 win over the Giants. I see the Saints getting to 5-4 with a resounding home win.
NEW ENGLAND (-13) over Washington: I'm not going against the Patriots at this point, so I'll take them although I hate the high spread. You would figure that the Pats won't mess around in this one and put the Skins out of their misery early. By the way, can we please stop with the idea that the Patriots are going to go undefeated like 2007? They will lose at least 2 games this year. It is just a matter of which ones they lose and at what point. They won't lose this one though.
Green Bay (-3) over CAROLINA: How about this monster game in the NFC? The 7-0 Panthers host the 6-1 Packers. All week I liked the Panthers, but I am still not convinced that they are an elite team in the NFC. I think Green Bay was embarrassed by their performance in Denver last week, and I think they will take out their frustration out this week and play their best game of the season.
Atlanta (-6) over SAN FRANCISCO: The Falcons are 6-2, but they haven't been impressive the last few weeks. They lost a game at home to the Bucs last week, but I think they will rebound nicely this week. Their gift to get them back on track? Blaine Gabbert gets the start for the 49ers as Colin Kaepernick heads to the bench. Dan Quinn has to be licking his chops.
TAMPA BAY (+3) over New York Giants: Tough game to call, but I think this will be a tricky one for the Giants in Tampa. I like what I see out of Jameis Winston, and I don't like the inconsistent play of the G-Men. Take the Bucs in an upset.
Philly (-3) over DALLAS: Ugh, what a crappy Sunday Night Football Game on NBC. Although the 3-4 Eagles and the 2-5 Cowboys (without Tony Romo) is not a great matchup in Week9, it will stay on SNF because of the big-market and big-name capabilities of these two NFC East rivals. It is annoying because I would love to see Green Bay-Carolina or even the Vikings-Rams flexed into this spot, but that won't happen with the appeal and attention of the Cowboys and Eagles . Until Tony Romo comes back, I just can't pick the Cowboys.
Chicago (+3) over SAN DIEGO: Another dud game on primetime this week as we get the 2-6 Chargers hosting the 2-5 Bears. As a Broncos fan, why the hell would want to watch this game? We get the long awaited duel between Jay Cutler and Phillip Rivers with bad blood stemming from a 2007 game when Cutler was a Bronco. Maybe Bears head coach John Fox and Chargers head coach Mike McCoy can meet during the pregame and discuss how awful they botched the end of the 2012 Divisional Playoff game that Denver lost to the Ravens? This game could go either way, and I need to pick more underdogs for this week's games, so I'll take the Bears in what should amount to a very one-sided Chicago crowd in San Diego on Monday night.
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