You’d think that filing this column from the sunny shores of the
Outer Banks would be enough satisfaction for one week, but it’s
not.
Nope, I’m exacting ever-greater satisfaction from the recent
headlines concerning the NFL’s chosen ones – the New England
Patriots. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then you must
not have seen the video.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with New England head coach
Bill Belichick to discuss the Patriot games going on in their
season opener with the New York Jets last Sunday. The Pats
allegedly used video equipment to tape and filch the Jets’
defensive signs and make adjustments accordingly.
And did you see Belichick’s press conference responding to the
incident? What a joke. The coach issued an apology – effectively
admitting the deceit – yet refused to answer any questions about it
during the conference.
A reporter asked whether the coaches had put their players in a
difficult situation by cheating. Belichick’s non-answer was enough
of an affirmation of that fact (think Mark McGwire and the
Congressional steroid hearings).
“Coach Belichick, does getting caught cheating tarnish your
reputation?”
That one’s rhetorical, too, Bill.
Then again, Rodney Harrison got caught with human growth
hormone, so maybe the players aren’t above cheating, either.
What’s next? Tom Brady has an illegitimate child?! Oh, wait
…
So is it too late for me to revise my Super Bowl XLII picks?
Wow, did the Colts look sharp in their blowout of the Saints on
Kickoff Thursday. I wondered whether the Colts’ defense could pick
up where it left off and whether the Saints’ offense would be as
good as last year. I said the answer to both questions would be no,
and I was right.
The Colts’ defense looked even better and the Saints’ offense
was atrocious.
What’s worse, Drew Brees was my starting fantasy football
quarterback (I told Kyle I wanted him to start J.P. Losman for me
instead, but we didn’t do it in time) and he actually lost me
points. Losman wouldn’t have gained many, but he wouldn’t have lost
any, either. Thanks to the Saints who forgot to march, I lost Week
1 to my opponent Fred Cook and the Footloose team. Next time, Fred,
next time.
Last week I finished up 9-7 with just a few points between me
and a better record, but we all know close only counts in
horseshoes and hand grenades.
If I don’t compile a better record in Week 2, blame it on the
beaches and the Bud Light.
HOUSTON AT CAROLINA – Matt Schaub had a good game (225 yards,
one touchdown, one interception) as a starting quarterback and the
Houston defense was on top of its game, holding Kansas City to just
three points. HOUSTON 19-12
CINCINNATI AT CLEVELAND – Brady Quinn still will not start this
weekend. What is the point? He went to Notre Dame, he is a smart
kid – at least as smart as Matt Leinart. He could learn by doing.
CINCINNATI 28-17
INDIANAPOLIS AT TENNESSEE – The Colts will be very, very hard to
beat this year if they keep up the play they brought to Week 1.
Peyton Manning is untouchable and the Colts will roll on. It’s fun
to know we get to watch the greatest football player of all time
every Sunday. INDIANAPOLIS 34-18
NEW ORLEANS AT TAMPA BAY – Last week I would’ve picked the
Saints in a heartbeat, but now I’m not so sure. Brees is definitely
taking a seat on my fantasy team. Still, NEW ORLEANS 21-20
SAN FRANCISCO AT ST. LOUIS – The Rams dropped their opener
because Carolina contained Steven Jackson. San Fran rookie
linebacker Patrick Willis (nominated for Rookie of the Week for his
11 tackles – nine solo – and a forced fumble in Week 1) will be
ready for Jackson and SF head coach Mike Nolan is 3-1 against STL.
SAN FRANCISCO 19-16
BUFFALO AT PITTSBURGH – The Bills can respond to tight end Kevin
Everett’s spinal cord injury in one of two completely
understandable ways. They will either be flying high and trying to
win for Everett, or they will be out of synch. Everyone’s thoughts
are with Everett and his family, hoping for his recovery. Lee Evans
must produce more than the two catches for five yards he amassed in
Week 1 for the Bills to win. BUFFALO 24-19
GREEN BAY AT NEW YORK GIANTS – Eli Manning is injured and the
Packers are coming off an opening win. GREEN BAY 17-13
ATLANTA AT JACKSONVILLE – Should we write off Atlanta? OK, I
will. JACKSONVILLE 28-14
SEATTLE AT ARIZONA – Going with the gut instinct on this one.
ARIZONA 30-17
DALLAS AT MIAMI – Tony Romo led the league in passing yards with
345 last week. DALLAS 27-16
MINNESOTA AT DETROIT – These two teams put up a combined 60
points in Week 1. I’m uncomfortable picking either of these teams
to wind up 2-0 after two weeks. MINNESOTA 21-14
OAKLAND AT DENVER – This one seems easy. DENVER 26-17
KANSAS CITY AT CHICAGO – I don’t necessarily like the Bears or
Rex Grossman, but CHICAGO 22-10
NEW YORK JETS AT BALTIMORE – Chad Pennington suffered an ankle
injury in Week 1, but is supposed to play in Week 2. Why would the
Jets do that to Pennington against Baltimore’s defense? It’s like
throwing a wounded fish to the sharks. BALTIMORE 23-12
SAN DIEGO AT NEW ENGLAND – Game of the week. Think the Patriots
can win if they’re not allowed to cheat anymore? Cheating or not,
I’m still never picking them again. SAN DIEGO 31-23
WASHINGTON AT PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles will rebound from their
opening loss to the Pack. PHILADELPHIA 28-14
