Observations and Predictions... Week 3

Last week provided a few heartbreaking losses for teams at home courtesy of the Manning brothers. Eli looked calm and composed leading his young receivers up and down the field to spoil the debut of Jerry's big house. Peyton on the other hand made the most of his less than 15 minutes of possession to beat the Dolphins in Miami. The Packers were shocked by the Bengals, while the Jets served notice that a new regime is in town by overtaking the Pats. Houston kept Tennessee winless, while the Bears beat the Steelers in a well played game that urned on two Jeff Reed misses.

Last weeks picks 9-7.

Here were my top performers of the week.
QB-Matt Schaub: Huge day with 357 passing yards and 4 scores.
WR-Mario Manningham: Was a revelation against the Cowboys... Plaxico who?
RB-Chris Johnson: Could do no wrong against Houston. 284 yards of total offense and 3 scores.
TE-Dallas Clark: Set the tone of the night with an 80 yard catch and run on the first play of the game.
Def-Arizona: The Cardinals were all over the field. 4 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery, a blocked kick and a score.
Special Teams-New York Giants: Clutch kicks by Lawrence Tynes were a major part of the Giants win.

This week my Cowboys welcome the Panthers to Dallas. Romo should rebound nicely with the Cowboys beating the Panthers. Minny should beat SF in a close one. New England rebounds at home over Atlanta. The Jets keep the Titans winless. The Giants are my lock of the week over the Bucs. Indy in another shootout beats the Cardinals.

The rest of the week should look like this. Detroit in a shocker over the Redskins. Packers rebound over the Rams. Philly pulls one out over KC. Baltimore thrashes Cleveland. Houston beats Jacksonville. Saints in a tight one over Buffalo. Bears over the Hawks, Steelers in another surprisingly close one over the Bengals. Denver stays undefeated beating the Raiders. Chargers over the Phins, even without LT.

Fantasy Picks of the Week
QB-Eli Manning: Continues to build rapport with his budding WR's.
WR-Calvin Johnson: I'm picking the Lions in an upset, so obviously, a huge day for Megatron.
RB-Maurice Jones Drew: This game will be a shoot out. Expect MJD to score more than once.
TE-Jason Witten: I expect Romo to rebound from his disappointing game against the Giants. Witten is his favorite target. Easy math.
Def-Packers: Their blitzing schemes will be too much for St. Louis to handle.
Special Teams-Pats: Gostkowski kicks and Maroney returns should be a big part of this game.

Super Baby

How can you put into words something that makes you so incomprehensibly happy...

There's been a huge gap in my posts lately because my son was born. Each time I try and sit down and write how that makes me feel, I simply don't have the words. There are no words to describe how he makes me feel. Euphoric is the word that comes closest, but even that doesn't do my feelings justice.

With a severe lack of words to describe how I feel, I will simply say I'm ecstatic to have a son. As my daughter said "Our little family circle is getting so big now". Our family has grown... I simply can't wait to take him to his first Yankee game, or on a comic run, or to toss a baseball around, or to simply dance around the house crazily... I simply can't wait for any of it.

How can I love someone that small so much?

As you can see from the below picture he's already a fan of the CCG (he's not sleeping because he's bored with the content, he's sleeping because there was so much that he fell asleep reading it all).

Observations and Predictions... Week 2

Last weeks NFL Opening Weekend was as good as advertised. It provided a nice mix of close games, blowouts, and teams making statements. Steelers looked good in their opening defense of their title. Giants looked great (score was a misnomer). Eagles look like world beaters. Tom Brady looked like he didnt miss a beat (specifically in the second half). I had a strong week predicting games going 11-5.

Here are my picks as last weeks performers of the week before I go into this weeks games.

QB-Drew Brees: 6 TDs over the hapless Lions.
WR-Reggie Wayne: 160 yards and a long score.
RB-Adrian Peterson: Nuff said.
TE-Jeremy Shockey: On the receiving end of 2 Brees scores, as well as some nice blocking in opening holes for Mike Bell.
Def-Philadelphia: 5 sacks, 5 picks in the dismantling of the Panthers.
ST-Philadelphia: DeSean Jackson help set the tone with a long punt return for a score.

This weeks main event is the Cowboys, opening the house that Jerry built, against the Giants. I think the Cowboys, who play great in September, ride the emotional wave of the new digs to a close win. I like the big talking Jets in a close one over New England. Eagles in a shoot out over the Saints. Chicago putting a ton of pressure on Big Ben and scoring an upet at home. The Chargers behind a big Rivers game over the Ravens. The Colts over the Dolphins on Monday night.

The rest of the slate should look like this, Atlanta over Carolina (sorry Jake). Minny (my lock of the week) over Detroit. Packers win big over Cincy. Titans beat the Texans. Oakland spoils Cassel's KC debut. Washington beats the Rams. Jacksonville keeps the Cardinals from getting a win. Buffalo over the Bucs. The Seahawks in a close game over the 49ers. Broncos beat the Browns.

Here are my picks for the Fantasy Performers of the Week

QB-Aaron Rodgers: The Cincy defense should provide an easier go than the Bears did last week.
WR-Terrell Owens: The Bucs had some trouble with their new bump and run cover scheme last week, I think TO can exploit that this week.
RB-Thomas Jones: The Jets have been running their mouths, they need to keep pressure off of Sanchez, Jones should be very busy.
TE-Greg Olsen: Cutler will be rushed, I see Olsen getting a lot of dump-offs.
DEF-Tennessee: The Texans were a mess last week, the Titans defense i tougher than the Jets... long day for Houston.
ST-Green Bay: Big returns, big kicks... lots of scoring from the Packers.

Observations and Predictions... Week1

It's time. In less than 24 hours the NFL season will begin. Same as last year I will pick winners for every game on the schedule as well as my fantasy picks for the week.

The world champion Steelers start off the main event matchups on Thursday night. I think they edge out the Titans in a squeeker. Romo and the Cowboys beat the Bucs in Tampa. The Panthers edge the Eagles at home. The Bears go on the road and beat the Packers at Lambeau. On Monday night the Patriots sneak by the Bills. The Pats defense worries me a bit. Corners havent been playing well. Line hasnt been getting enough pressure. There is a lack of leadership on this defense that worries me. There could be a lot of pressure on a not 100% Brady... could be a recipe for disaster.

Here are the rest of the matchups. Palmer leading the Bengal over the Broncos. Baltimore (my lock of the week) over KC. Brees and the Saints in a close one over the Lions (I think this defense will be much improved). Atlanta in a squeeker over Miami. The Colts run up a big passing day against the Jags (big day from MJD). Texans at home over the Jets. Minny blows out the Browns. Cards play a tight one over the Niners. Seahawks over St. Louis. Giants over the Skins. In the other Monday night game San Diego over Oakland.

Fantasy Picks of the Week
QB: Peyton Manning- Manning looks to set the tone in the first game of the Caldwell era.
RB: LaDanian Tomlinson - wants to prove to the NFL that last year was an aberration.
WR: Randy Moss - Brady and Moss seemed to have that 2006 magic in the pre-season. Look for Brady to go to Moss early and often.
TE: Jeremy Shockey - Another player looking to make people forget last year. Brees to Shockey could be a huge tandem this season.
DEF: Baltimore - An already shaky offense with the uncertainty at QB = Ravens domination.
Special Teams: Bears - I have a feeling this game will be a tight shootout with late Robbie Gould fieldgoals deciding it.

Top 20 of 2008: General Hawk

When I think of G.I.Joe, I like to think of my wonderful childhood memories of the animated series and the underrated Marvel comic. I definitely try and forget Denis Quaid and his rendition of General Hawk in the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra movie. Joe holds a special place in my heart, so I only like to think of the best.

In thinking of the best I think of the Joes 25th Anniversary line. Hence this figure of General Hawk. This version is perfect. Removeable helmet, great articulation, accessories up the wazoo... great rendition of a great Joe character.

John Morrison

I haven't been a regular wrestling watcher in some time. Yet every time I watch I'm more and more impressed with John Morrison. I keep telling my wife that I think he's the next big thing. He's charismatic, has a great physique and has the right look. I also tell her that he reminds me of a younger, sharper Shawn Michaels,

Morrison has been around the WWE for a number of years now. He was the season 3 winner of the reality show Tough Enough. He has toiled around multiple tag teams while waiting for a singles push. He did have a short lived run as the ECW champ about a year and a half ago, but nothing on either of the big shows.

That all changed on this weeks edition of SmackDown, when Morrison defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. in one of the best SmackDown matches I've ever seen for the Intercontinental Championship. The sky is the limit for this incredibly athletic performer.

Cowboys 2009 Outlook

The Cowboys hope to put the bad taste of the disappointing 2008 behind them as they get ready to open their new stadium in 2009. There are plenty of holes still left (primarily on the offensive line and the secondary) as well as question marks (how will they make up for T.O.'s production) on this team as they try and get back to the playoffs.

As with most successful teams, you need strong quarterback play. The Cowboys seem to have a statistical darling in Tony Romo, but a player with still a lot to prove. Yes he has been a Pro-Bowl quarterback in 2 of his 3 seasons as a starter, but he has yet to win a playoff game. He is still arguably among the upper echelon of QB's, but with the departure of Owens, it's time to show that he is the true leader of this team. To do that, Romo needs to cut down on his mistakes (14 INT and 13 Fum). Yes his improvisational skills are great, but for every amazing play he rescues with a downfield throw there are just as many interceptions deep in the red zone. I would still pencil him in for 3,800-4,000 yards and 28 TD's. The Cowboys also addressed a glaring need by picking up the very able Jon Kitna as Romo's backup. The Cowboys season was seriously derailed when Romo was injured and Brad Johnson had to step in. Should Romo go down this season I feel much more confident with Kitna.

The Cowboys backfield is a 3 headed monster comprising of Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Last season they ran for 1,700 yards. Barber and Jones were injured which led to the revelation that was Choice. He ran for close to 500 yards late in the season. Barber will again start the season as the starter, but due to his bruising running style should split duty again. Look for Felix Jones to get about 12 touches a game and Tashard to spell them both should an injury occur. Barber should be good for 1,100 yards and 10 scores with another 300 yards and 2 scores receiving. Felix Jones and Tashard Choice should each split time and get around 400 yards apiece. Jones is the more effective weapon in the passing game, so look for him to get another 200 yards or so in the air game. Deon Anderson will get the start as the fullback, but rarely sees the ball on running or passing plays.

The Receiving corps suffered a dramatic departure in Terrell Owens. His pressence on the field will be missed, as 1,100 yards and 10+ TD's will have to now be accounted for. His pressence in the locker room will not be missed as often times he was a tremendous distraction. Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton gets the starts with Miles Austin in the slot and Sam Hurd backing them all up. There is no depth in the receiving corps, so I'm sure the Boys are actively scouring the waiver wire for hidden gems. Williams will be the #1 option and should get close to 1,200 yards and 8 TD's. Romo will love his jumpball ability in the endzone. The Cowboys would love in Crayton and Austin could get them close to 700 yards and 5 scores apiece.

The Cowboys tightends are quite possibly the biggest strength of the team. Jason Witten continues to play at an extremely high level. Another Pro-Bowl followed his 80 catches and 950 yards. Witten could be more of a redzone target this season. I think he has a chance to be the Cowboys MVP. 1,100 yards and 8 TDs with great blocking are all achievable. Martellus Bennett was a nice downfield compliment to Witten in the offense last season. I see him being the same this year. I think the Boys will employ a lot of two tightend formations. Bennett could 30 receps and 350 yards with 3 TDs are within reach for last years draft pick.

The offensive line for the Cowboys is quite the mirage. It placed 3 members as Pro-Bowlers, but allowed their quarterbacks to get hit a ton. What the line is is gigantic, slow, undisciplined and old. Their line was one of the most penalized units in the game. In my eyes they are very overrated. If the Cowboys are to be successful this year, they will need a huge rebound year from this unit. The whole line returns from last season. If they can cut down on their penalties and keep Romo up right they can again be effective.

The defensive line should be a strength this year. Chris Canty is replaced by Igor Olshansky who was coached by Wade Philips successfully in San Diego. Jay Ratliff was the best part of the d-line last year. Constantly providing pressure to the opposing qb's and often time blowing up runing plays in the backfield. He wazs a huge upgrade over Tank Johnson at nose tackle. Marcus Spears was steady if not spectacular. The Cowboys will need this unit to put more pressure on the offense as the linebackers lost the pressure of Greg Ellis.

The starting linebackers are also very good, but just as with every other part of this defense, their is little to no depth. Anthony Spencer takes over for Greg Ellis and should provide stronger play against the run. The Boys hope he can provide as much pressure as Ellis (I'm skeptical). Bradie James performed at an almost Pro-Bowl level, and he is now joined in the middle by Keith Brookings (another former Philips player). Brooking replaces Zach Thomas who never looked comfortable in the Cowboys scheme. Hopefully Brookings can hit the ground running. The right outside linebacker will once again be DeMarcus Ware the Cowboys best defensive player and one of the best in the league. Ware challenged Strahans all-time sack mark with 20 sacks on the season. I think this season he can wreck even more havok. Philips has talked about moving him around more to create mismatches. Offensive coordinators everywhere should be scared.

The weakest unit on defense is the Cowboys secondary. They don't cause turnovers and often give up the big play. They have a corner stud in Terrence Newman, but opposing teams avoid him and will throw against the unproven Mike Jenkins. At the safety spots they have Ken Hamlin and Gerald Sensabaugh who are both hard hitters but not great in coverage. Luckily this unit never has to defend for too long, as the Cowboys led the league in sacks last year and will be amongst the leaders again this year. The unit is a nice late round fantasy pick either as a second tier starting defense or a strong number two.

The kicking game should be solid with Folk handling PATs and FGs and draft pick David Buehler booming kickoffs. Matt McBriar is back from injury to handle punting duties. Crayton will return punts while the explosive Felix Jones will return kicks.

With the distraction of T.O. gone, as well as he circus that followed signings like Tank Johnson and Pacman Jones, it has been a much quieter camp for the Cowboys. I think Wade Philips can guide this team to a 10 win season. It may not be enough for the playoffs, or to save his job, but I find it hard to think the Cowboys can win more than 10 in a stacked NFC. Jerry Jones has invested a lot in this team and his new stadium. He will not put up with missing the playoffs (again), so Wade better hope that 10 wins can get them in.

In terms of Fantasy value, Romo is a top 5 quarterback. A nice 3rd round selection. As the Cowboys lead back Marion Barber is worth a 2nd round pick. He's a solid number 2 starting back. Witten is a great 5th round option as he will be amongst the top tightends selected. Roy Williams is the only Cowboys receiver worth grabbing in rounds 6-9. Crayton and Austin are worth late round gambles. Felix Jones is also worth a mid-round selection as he should get around 12 touches a game. Nick Folk should be snatched up the Boys should score plenty. And as I mentioned earlier the Cowboys defense is a nice reach.

10 wins and a prayer for the playoffs... if they make it, I would kill for a playoff victory. The Cowboys first since 96.

Feeling "Glee"ful

Back in May my wife and saw a promo for an upcoming Fox show titled Glee. As we are both musical fans, this seemed right up our alley. We decided we would DVR it and watch it when convenient. Of course its been a little busy the last few months. What with Scrappy finishing up the 3rd grade and getting ready for the 4th while we were all getting ready for baby, busy is an understatement.

We finally got around to watching Glee this week, and I must say I absolutely loved it. There is a relatable character for everyone. Writing and acting are spot on, but the real star of the show is the music. The cast assembled all seem extremely talented. Teacher and students can all sing. Glee has jumped in front of all other shows (except maybe The Office, 30 Rock and Lost) as the show I am most looking forward to watching this fall.

300

I was getting ready to jump on the old blogging machine (um... the laptop) and type a few lines about some of the shows I've been loving lately, or a great match I saw, or some more great toy shots by my wife. As I signed in and went to post I realized that this is my 300th post... not just any post will do. So I decided to write about the most exciting thing going on in my life right now, the impending arrival of my baby boy.

As readers of this site know, my wife is amazing. She is my best friend, my constant muse, my shoulder, simply put she is my everything. There is nothing she can't do (design, illustrate, paint, web design, cook, clean... um, she does it all). Never have I been more amazed by her as I have been during our pregnancy. She simply hasn't slowed down. She does everything she always did. With little to no slow down. Every time I think she's ready to slow down, she goes off and amazes me again. Simply astonishing.

Our son will be here any day now. Our due date is September 14th. On a recent doctors visit, the doctor told us the baby was 3.5 kilos. We didn't realize that meant almost 8 pounds. Did my wife panic, nope. She simply rolled with it. Never once in these 9 months has she freaked out or showed anything other than confidence.

I can't wait to meet this little guy and welcome him to our family.