NFL Truths: Let's talk about Favre
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This week's NFL Truths column will address those mysteries.
9. I have no (expletive)ing idea which teams are legitimate. No clue.
I'm embarrassed. I'm paid to make sense of the NFL. This deep into the season, I should have a firm grasp on two or three favorites to win it all. I don't.
I'm not sold on the undefeated Tennessee Titans as long as Kerry Collins is the quarterback. I nicknamed him Clipboard Kerry Collins years ago, and I still believe it. He's not a starter. And he's certainly not a Super Bowl quarterback.
Can he be Trent Dilfer? Maybe. But the Titans don't have a Ray Lewis. Tennessee's defense isn't as good as the Baltimore defense that dragged Dilfer to a Super Bowl. The Titans sport a spotless record and Collins has yet to throw for 200 yards in a game.
I'm not sold on the New York Giants. Not as long as Plaxico Burress continues his descent to a level below Terrell Owens. Burress working in New York is a powder keg that will ignite and blow up the Giants. The G-men lost to the Browns. Eli Manning is starting to regress.
The Buffalo Bills? No way. Their leading rusher averages 3.6 yards per carry. Their quarterback has thrown five touchdowns. I don't know anyone on their defense. The Bills have a lovely schedule. They'll get exposed in the postseason.
What about the Pittsburgh Steelers? Schedule. The Steelers just lost to the Giants and still play the Redskins, Colts and Chargers in the next month. Big Ben won't survive this stretch. Pittsburgh's offensive line can't protect.
8. The two teams I sort of like are the Carolina Panthers and the Green Bay Packers.
It troubles me to admit that about the Packers. I'm in the tank for Brett Favre and hoping he embarrasses Ted Thompson. After losing three in a row, the Packers have regained their footing with wins over Seattle and Indy. I expect the Packers to announce they're for real on Nov. 2 when they face the Titans.
Aaron Rodgers has been better than I expected. Green Bay will score a lot of points the second half of the season.
NFL Week 17
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Week 17 action
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Vikings 20, Giants 19 -- Recap | Box
Panthers 33, Saints 31 -- Recap | Box
Packers 31, Lions 21 -- Recap | Box
Falcons 31, Rams 27 -- Recap | Box
Texans 31, Bears 24 -- Recap | Box
Patriots 13, Bills 0 -- Recap | Box
Colts 23, Titans 0 -- Recap | Box
Steelers 31, Browns 0 -- Recap | Box
Raiders 31, Bucs 24 -- Recap | Box
Bengals 16, Chiefs 6 -- Recap | Box
Eagles 44, Cowboys 6 -- Recap | Box
Dolphins 24, Jets 17 -- Recap | Box
49ers 27, Redskins 24 -- Recap | Box
Ravens 27, Jaguars 7 -- Recap | Box
Cardinals 34, 'Hawks 24 -- Recap | Box
Chargers 52, Broncos 21 -- Recap | Box
Analysis
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Carolina gets to fatten its record with games against the Raiders and Lions over the next two weeks. I love Carolina's defense. It's arguably the fastest unit in the league. Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad form a terrific tandem at receiver. And John Fox is as good a coach as there is.
7. Here's my sleeper team: Da Bears.
Kyle Orton has won me over. He's a pocket-passing version of Jake Delhomme although Orton is more accurate. I never envisioned Orton developing into a solid NFL starter. I thought his arm was too weak and he was too inaccurate under pressure.
I was wrong. The kid is completing 62 percent of his passes, which is a 10 percent improvement over his career numbers. Chicago posted 48 points against a Minnesota defense that can't be run on.
If the Bears make the playoffs, they can beat any team they face.
6. After watching Brett Favre's Wednesday press conference, there is even less reason to doubt the accuracy of Jay Glazer's reporting about Favre helping the Lions prepare for the Packers.
I just happen to disagree with people who think that it is somehow a stain on Favre's Green Bay legacy. It's not.
The Packers treated Favre poorly. He has every right to want to see the organization flop without him, and of course he's going to do everything he can to assure that it happens. What Favre did isn't unusual in the slightest.
You ever seen someone fired from a job and escorted out by security? You ever wondered why they ask for a player's playbook when they cut him? You think fired coaches don't share everything they know about the team that canned them?
Brett Favre is a human being. He wants to see the Packers fail. There's nothing wrong with that.
5. Speaking of rooting for failure, Vince Young didn't appear all that happy watching the Titans improve to 6-0 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
I'm not trying to pile on Vince. Don't make a big deal about this observation. But Young stood by himself away from the rest of the offensive players throughout much of the Tennessee-Kansas City contest.
If he's trying to learn on game days, he's learning from a distance. The backup quarterbacks usually stand around the offensive coaches and try to be around the communication process. Not Vince. He stood on an island last Sunday.
In fairness, he might need to stand back for a minute so he can see the big picture. And he did seem to show a little emotion when the Titans scored.
The Titans are now 7-0 after Monday's big win over the Colts, again with Kerry Collins taking the snaps.
4. The Rams should not overreact and give Jim Haslett the permanent head-coaching assignment because the Rams have won two of their last three.
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Haslett is benefitting from ownership putting pressure on the entire roster. When a head coach gets relieved this early in the season, the locker room gains some intensity and focus. It's too early in the season to quit and mail it in.
Guys are still playing for contract leverage and dreaming about individual achievements. Before anyone anoints Haslett, let's see what the Rams are doing in early December.
3. I'm disappointed Mike Singletary was given the 49ers job at midseason.
As an interim coach Singletary could screw up his resume by taking over the 49ers at this time. If the 49ers go in the tank and lose their remaining games, Singletary could take the blame and end up being positioned poorly for a genuine opportunity.
Singletary was on track to be an NFL head coach. I realize you have to take these opportunities whenever and however they're presented. But I wish Mike would've waited.
2. When was the last time Al Davis made a bold decision that worked? Selecting Sebastian Janikowski in the first round of the 2000 draft.
Janikowski hasn't been a Pro Bowl kicker. He's not headed for the Hall of Fame. But he has remained a consistent weapon for the Raiders throughout his career. In Week 7 he beat the Jets with a 57-yard field goal in overtime, bailing out coach Tom Cable who blew the game in regulation by calling one of those overused, last-second timeouts before a field-goal attempt.
There is no such thing as "icing" a kicker in warm weather. Leave the icing to hockey.
1. Is anything more enjoyable than watching the Cowboys bomb and T.O. implode on the sideline?
As I said last week, Jerry Jones knows talent and is willing to pursue it. He knows nothing about winning chemistry and how to build it or maintain it.
You can e-mail Jason Whitlock at Ballstate68@aol.com.
Member Comments
YO wavy boy- I know this deep for you, but have you ever heard of the Supreme Court? Well, the 2nd amendment vote there was 5-4. There may be as many as 3 positions on that court during the next administration. Obama hangs out with racist bigots (Rev Wright), and terrorists (Bill Ayers), and lowlifes (Rezko). Who do YOU think he's going to put on the most powerful court in America?
greyrider6610/29/2008 17:37:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Good post Island Guy. However Politics mixed with sports suck. Thats why Jason Whitlock might be losing half his fan base. Thats why kieth olberman lost half his fan base. Nothing personal to any of these guys. But Sports is an escape for me from the hustel and bustle of everyday life. Life sucks sometimes and sports is an escape for me.
ffook10/29/2008 2:18:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
greyrider-<br />Are you stupid or something? Who cares if a candidate is "pro gun control" - the Constitution overides the President and Congress (even if Bush the Younger thinks otherwise). Big Goverment? Have you seen what the Republican Congress did to our Debt? And government involvement in lives? Terry Schiavo? Wealth redistribution? That's what ALL tax code and corporate regulations do. Without any wealth redistribution, the US would have folded ship in the 1800's under the "robber barons" Ever been to high school history class?<br />Pull it out and think for yourself.
10/28/2008 17:10:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Did Whitlock watch the 49ers game and the Steelers game the Giants played? I agree about Plax, but how has Eli played poorly in those two games? I was at the Niners game and the receivers themselves dropped at least 5 catchable passes. As for the Steelers, they don't have the top defense for no reason. to go into Pittsburgh and fight out a victory on a tough field is impressive.
thedarkangel197510/28/2008 12:46:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Jason makes a lot of sense and I would like to take it a step further by adding that before Goodell tries to sell the NFL over seas, he should be concentrating on raising the quality of the the league. To start with, I suggest that he take the Bengals, Lions, Chiefs, and the Niners and put the names of all the players in a hat, mix it up, and let the respective owners pick a new team from the pool with the players retaining the posistions that they had and you will end up with, at least, a 50% increase in the win & loss record and the fans bssis will expand out of curiostity.
zuko10/28/2008 10:31:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Jeff1313....how do those words taste?<br />GO PANTHERS!
panthernation10/27/2008 12:30:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Are we not talking about Jason's article. Keep frikkin politics out of here. North America is so screwed up right now, the only difference the election will make is worse or more worse.<br />Someone mentioned something about who would have thought NE would be 5-2 without Brady? and Harrison? and Mahroney? etc.<br />NE has a solid team where everyone has a role to fill. I may not believe BB is the second coming but he is a smart coach and has a lot of talent to work his system.<br />So Maybe Brady isn't the godsend he is made out to be? Maybe he is a good qb lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time?
Hockeysux10/27/2008 11:02:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
IF OBAMA is so hot on change, why did he pick a running mate who's been sittin on his A** in the senate for THIRTY years?
greyrider6610/26/2008 22:14:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
I suppose if you disagree with Obama's position he might send Ayer's over to blow you up. Ayers made bombs- like Timothy McVea.
greyrider6610/26/2008 22:06:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
YO Ace Obama smokes like a chimney and bums his cigs from other people! <br /><br />Btw socialism is not a bad form of government if you have the right people running the gov't. <br />Yeah worked great in the Soviet Union- is that why so many Russians live HERE now?
greyrider6610/26/2008 21:28:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
grey If you are willing to chance the presidency into the hands of the biggest idiot of a VP in the nation's history then go ahead. McCain may be a viable candidate but his health is one of the worst of possible President. He flip flops on so many of his policies and frankly no one even really believes what he says. I'm an independent but I have to say McCain pretty much put himself in a position to force people to vote for Obama. Anyone but Palin would have easily got aggravated liberal voters from Obama's side who wanted Hilary up there. Now he's down in a gigantic way instead of a shoo in candidate. Btw socialism is not a bad form of government if you have the right people running the gov't. You can never have pure form of government within a society whether socialism or capitalism. Frankly I can't say that with the U.S.
ace60610/26/2008 20:57:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
jason, <br /> i understand that you are too involved with the headliners and attention-grabbers to even mention the belichick pats. heck, they haven't sinned this season. after today, could you imagine that a team without brady could be 5-2, almost midway through the season? did you reckon that after tom, there was nothing left? after maroney? harrison, jordan, a few tweaks on the offensive line? a decimated secondary? hobbs? how could this battered band of brothers carry on? maybe, because there's still some talent left there? would a tip of the cap be that painful?
dcrintaunton10/26/2008 19:27:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
OH YEAH....Jason....I forgot you are a KC guy. No wonder you're confused about this NFL season. Being exposed to the Chiefs every week would drive a wedge in anyone's opinion.
10/26/2008 5:35:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Jason Whitlock...<br />You are smarter than this! Not sold on the Titans? I guess you never heard the one about winning with Defense? Titans don't have a Ray Lewis? Nope...they only have Haynesworth, KVB, The Freak, Tony Brown, Mr. Monday Night, and on and on... Titans D is for real. They will prove it Monday night.<br /><br />AND my Grandma could get 100 yards rushing behind the Titans O-line. VY will be back eventually,but until then Kerry is doing just fine, thanks. The Titans don't need a flashy QB...just a competitor that doesn't make mistakes.<br /><br />I kinda feel sorry for the Colts. They are rebuilding and the coach with the most class in the NFL is in his last year. Dungy deserves to be remembered fondly for the great coach he is, a shame his last year will be a bust.
10/26/2008 5:26:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
greyrider66<br />10/24/2008<br />10:42 PM (report inappropriate content)<br /><br />Halloween joke on the web??..some trick or treaters go to a house and knock, then say trick or treat?a man appears at the door and says to the kids??.?How much candy do you have? I am going to take HALF of your candy and spread it around to the kids that are too lazy to go trick or treating???.the kids say?..?Oh crap, a democrat!?<br />--------------------<br />Hahaha I'll be repeating that one tomorrow...<br /><br />Hell if Green Bay pulled that sh17 on me I'd put there whole damn playbook on Photobucket lol. Favre is better off out of GreenBay anyways.
10/26/2008 0:25:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
?See, under a big government agenda, what you thought was yours, your income your property, your inventory, your investments, really would belong to somebody else, to everybody else. And it would be shared with everybody else. That philosophy of government taking more, which is a misuse of the power to tax. It leads to government moving into the role of taking care of you and government and politicians and kind of moving in as the other half of your family to make decisions for you. Now they do this in other countries where the people are not free. Government as part of the family, taking care of us, making decisions for us. I don?t know what to think of having in my family Uncle Barney Frank or others to make decisions for me. I and John McCain tend to want to trust the American people with their income, their businesses, their things. With a pro-tax, bigger government mentality, and that?s what you would get if we had unchecked powers there in congress and the white house, if liberal leaning, bigger government persons were in charge of the house, the senate and heaven forbid the white house too.?<br />And don't forget Biden and Obama are the two most pro gun control duo to ever run...
greyrider6610/25/2008 23:50:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Yo Halloween mask- Have your mom or dad drive you- no wait, it's too late to register to vote.
greyrider6610/25/2008 11:54:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Hey, greyrider66 and loismust die! I think you guys commented on the wrong article. There was no mention of politics in this article unless I'm blind. Stick to having your cat fights in the privacy of your own home.
10/25/2008 10:30:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Great breakdown of the NFL, Jason. I can't figure out this season either. I don't think anybody should count out the Patriots either.
10/25/2008 10:26:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Here's something for you to think about: The only difference between Bill Ayers and Timothy McVea was McVea was caught, convicted, and executed,
greyrider6610/25/2008 8:15:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)




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